Five years on from the launch of the original 8S tractor series from Massey Ferguson, the AGCO-owned tractor maker has now unveiled a more refined series of 8S tractors.
Roll the clock back to 2020, the 8S series was the starting point of the brand’s current neo-retro styling. It was like nothing we had seen before and therefore created a lot of stir within the industry for its bold looks and fully redesigned cab.
On first impressions, it was very much Marmite-like in the sense that you loved it or loathed it.
However, as units hit the ground, its bold styling quickly became accepted. Like any new tractor generation, regardless of the years spent in development, the real test is when thousands of hours are clocked up across the world, in a wide range of environments and real-life scenarios, strengthened by an endless amount of customer feedback.
Credit to Massey, it has listened to feedback and made the necessary updates to the series. The result is the 8S Xtra. So really, what has changed?
A number of tweaks have been made inside the cab including the repositioning
of the ignition key.
Performance
Performance-wise, power outputs of the six models are unchanged from the nominal 205-305hp.
However, improvements have been made in efficiency terms, starting with new fan control software and the option of a reverse fan which has the potential to reduce fuel usage as a result of cleaner cooling pack and more consistent operating temperatures. The air vent at the back of the bonnet, between the engine and the cab, has been made larger to improve airflow.
One of the more notable updates lies within the Dyna-7 and Dyna-E transmission offerings, where the software has been improved. Particularly, with the Dyna-E dual clutch setup, updates are centred around more optimised gear selections in automatic mode. Meanwhile, Dyna-7 now allows more refinement, whereby operators can adjust acceleration and deceleration rates as well as select whether or not the transmission moves between ranges when working in a high-torque environment such as heavy draught applications.
These software updates are also available to all existing 8S Dyna-7 and Dyna-E models.
New fan control software and an optional reversible fan now improve cooling of the 8S tractors.
Cab
A number of subtle tweaks have been introduced both on the cab’s interior and exterior. Starting with the latter, a new LED lighting package adopted from the 9S range is now available on the new 8S.
This 360 degree LED lighting pack includes 20 newly designed individual lights, which together, offer up to 51,500 lumens, 17,400 more than its predecessor.
Inside the cab, most importantly, the key switch has been relocated to the side of the steering column. On the current generation, many users found fault in its location as it was easily hit with your knee. There is also now a Dual-Motion seat option, electrically adjusted external rear-view mirrors, a rear window demister and a revised microphone position.
MF Technology upgrades include MF AutoTurn, MF Section Control for automatic control of up to 96 sections and AEF Isobus certification.
A newly designed steering wheel has been added to distinguish the new 8S Xtra models.
A new exhaust pipe improves visibility.
Meanwhile, there is now the option of a new entertainment pack. The pack includes both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay and Focal speakers for improved audio quality.
The standalone 6.75in terminal is mounted on the right-hand cab rail and incorporates a DAB tuner and is compatible with other input sources such as USB, as well as Bluetooth for telephone services.
A Central Tyre Inflation System (CTIS) is also available ex-factory. Both the optional CTIS and entertainment pack can be optioned through MF By You, the brand’s customisation centre.
Decompression levers are a new option for base Efficient models, making it easier and quicker to attach and remove hydraulic hose couplings.
The levers are conveniently located on the valves themselves, giving users the ability to easily release the pressure while outside the cab at the rear of the tractor, even with the engine running.
The new 360 degree light pack option.
Black accents
To differentiate the new Xtra models, Massey has added new black side panels and a black top grille. A sleeker matte black exhaust pipe has been added and it is now more aligned with the cab corner post to improve visibility.
Production of the new 8S Xtra models has commenced at the home of Massey Ferguson in Beauvais, France.
Five years on from the launch of the original 8S tractor series from Massey Ferguson, the AGCO-owned tractor maker has now unveiled a more refined series of 8S tractors.
Roll the clock back to 2020, the 8S series was the starting point of the brand’s current neo-retro styling. It was like nothing we had seen before and therefore created a lot of stir within the industry for its bold looks and fully redesigned cab.
On first impressions, it was very much Marmite-like in the sense that you loved it or loathed it.
However, as units hit the ground, its bold styling quickly became accepted. Like any new tractor generation, regardless of the years spent in development, the real test is when thousands of hours are clocked up across the world, in a wide range of environments and real-life scenarios, strengthened by an endless amount of customer feedback.
Credit to Massey, it has listened to feedback and made the necessary updates to the series. The result is the 8S Xtra. So really, what has changed?
A number of tweaks have been made inside the cab including the repositioning
of the ignition key.
Performance
Performance-wise, power outputs of the six models are unchanged from the nominal 205-305hp.
However, improvements have been made in efficiency terms, starting with new fan control software and the option of a reverse fan which has the potential to reduce fuel usage as a result of cleaner cooling pack and more consistent operating temperatures. The air vent at the back of the bonnet, between the engine and the cab, has been made larger to improve airflow.
One of the more notable updates lies within the Dyna-7 and Dyna-E transmission offerings, where the software has been improved. Particularly, with the Dyna-E dual clutch setup, updates are centred around more optimised gear selections in automatic mode. Meanwhile, Dyna-7 now allows more refinement, whereby operators can adjust acceleration and deceleration rates as well as select whether or not the transmission moves between ranges when working in a high-torque environment such as heavy draught applications.
These software updates are also available to all existing 8S Dyna-7 and Dyna-E models.
New fan control software and an optional reversible fan now improve cooling of the 8S tractors.
Cab
A number of subtle tweaks have been introduced both on the cab’s interior and exterior. Starting with the latter, a new LED lighting package adopted from the 9S range is now available on the new 8S.
This 360 degree LED lighting pack includes 20 newly designed individual lights, which together, offer up to 51,500 lumens, 17,400 more than its predecessor.
Inside the cab, most importantly, the key switch has been relocated to the side of the steering column. On the current generation, many users found fault in its location as it was easily hit with your knee. There is also now a Dual-Motion seat option, electrically adjusted external rear-view mirrors, a rear window demister and a revised microphone position.
MF Technology upgrades include MF AutoTurn, MF Section Control for automatic control of up to 96 sections and AEF Isobus certification.
A newly designed steering wheel has been added to distinguish the new 8S Xtra models.
A new exhaust pipe improves visibility.
Meanwhile, there is now the option of a new entertainment pack. The pack includes both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay and Focal speakers for improved audio quality.
The standalone 6.75in terminal is mounted on the right-hand cab rail and incorporates a DAB tuner and is compatible with other input sources such as USB, as well as Bluetooth for telephone services.
A Central Tyre Inflation System (CTIS) is also available ex-factory. Both the optional CTIS and entertainment pack can be optioned through MF By You, the brand’s customisation centre.
Decompression levers are a new option for base Efficient models, making it easier and quicker to attach and remove hydraulic hose couplings.
The levers are conveniently located on the valves themselves, giving users the ability to easily release the pressure while outside the cab at the rear of the tractor, even with the engine running.
The new 360 degree light pack option.
Black accents
To differentiate the new Xtra models, Massey has added new black side panels and a black top grille. A sleeker matte black exhaust pipe has been added and it is now more aligned with the cab corner post to improve visibility.
Production of the new 8S Xtra models has commenced at the home of Massey Ferguson in Beauvais, France.
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