Few launches in recent years have split opinion like Massey Ferguson's unveiling of its 8S Series, however, for one Staffordshire contracting firm, the opinion on the new tractors is unanimous. Alex Heath reports.
Based near Penkridge, Staffordshire, A.W. and C.M. Barrow is owned by Andrew and Caroline Barrow, with sons Will and Stuart heavily involved in the farming and contracting business.
The farm is home to 150 dairy cows, producing milk for a local cheese processor while the contracting outfit takes on all manner of tasks, including forage harvesting, muck and slurry spreading, cultivations and drilling.
Arriving earlier this year, the business was one of the first to take delivery of Massey Ferguson's new 8S tractors.
Andrew says: "We have a strict replacement policy, changing tractors just before the warranty period expires, typically every three years. For us, reliability of machinery is key, so having minimal downtime is a priority. As chance would have it, when we started looking ahead to swap two tractors, Massey had just launched the 8S.
"We know the Massey products very well, having run the brand for several years, however, this new range was an unknown for us. Having seen plenty of material on the new tractors, we were confident they were an advancement of the previous generation of 7700S tractors, which we already have in the fleet. Our local dealer KO Machines know our requirements and replacement policy so got an order in, before we had even driven the tractors. It was a leap of faith for us, but so far, it is paying off and we are very happy with the tractors, despite a few niggles."
Both of the Barrow's tractors are 8S.205 with the new Dyna-7 transmission, which replaced a pair of New Hollands, a T7.210 and T6.155. They join the existing red fleet that comprises a 6718S, 7720S and 7722S.
Will says: "Initially, the tractors took some getting used to. Although the driving concept is similar to the other models we have, the internals of the cab are completely different and a lot more refined.
Looking at the tractors, they are considerably bigger than the long wheel base 7700Ss we have, more akin to a 300hp tractor in my mind, however, they do not sacrifice any manoeuvrability and the size and weight increase is not a bad thing for most of the work we carry out.
"The cab is a massive step forwards for visibility and quietness. With the space between the cab and the engine, very little noise comes through the windscreen. It really is a noticeable difference compared with the older models."
Andrew adds: "When you are on the phone, people do not realise you are driving, it is that quiet, but when you pull up alongside the chopper, they realise you are, the cab is that well sound proofed. Also, the cab seems cooler and the vibrations when idling are all but eliminated. The have done a really good job.
"Visibility is also enhanced as the rear of the bonnet tapers in, giving clear lines of sight down to the front wheels. You can actually see the front linkage when hooking up implements without having to crane your neck."
The trim quality has also been addressed. Will says compared to the other S series in the fleet the quality of materials has improved.
"The switch gear is all nicely finished and there is less hard plastic in areas you frequently touch. There is also more cast aluminium used, which is a nice finishing touch. It really feels like a premium cab and brings it inline with other high-end manufacturers.
"The joystick is new and has far greater functionality than before. I particularly like the amount of customisation available, especially with the integrated thumb joystick. This allows you to have greater control over the hydraulics, like on the separate joystick, but without taking your hand of the main drive lever. Another great feature is the F buttons which can be used for all manner of things such as answering the phone or switching on work lights. Until you programme and use the buttons, you do not realise how handy they can be.
"All of this is done through the screen, which is easy to navigate. We occasionally have ‘subbies' in who can easily work the screen, but I have most of our implements now saved in the screen. With a couple of taps, I can have a trailer assigned to the right buttons, which saves having too many embarrassing mistakes when on a job."
Will also comments the hitch is now simple to operate, without any unlocking procedure. He also commends the hitch release handle which includes buttons to lift and extended the pickup hitch, although the visibility to the hitch is not and neither is the resolution of the reversing camera.
So far, the two tractors have covered about 400 hours each, and are projected to cover up to 2,000 hours annually. A major reason for choosing the Dyna-7 powershift over the dual clutch Dyna-E or waiting for the CVT version to come out is servicing cost.
Andrew explains: "With the powershift models, the servicing is significantly cheaper. While we only need one major service per year with the Dyna-7s, with a CVT, it needs two or three services in the same time period, all of which adds up and affects our bottom line. Therefore, all of our tractors are now powershifts. Most of our work does not require the precise speed adjustment offered by a CVT."
Will adds: "While CVTs can be nicer to drive, the automatic mode on the new Dyna-7 is nearly as good. Yes, you can feel range changes, but these are subtle. With the Dyna-6 gearboxes most of the time you would drive in manual as it could be hunting for the right gear, but the new transmission is much improved and drives as well in auto as it would if you were controlling it."
Warranty is a big deal for the duo, with the tractors coming with three years or 5,400. Andrew reasons that the extra paid for extended warranty, pays for a major breakdown, and if they get a particularly troublesome model, as has happened in the past, it is invaluable.
While on the whole the tractors have been a hit with the business, there are a few small bug bears.
Will says: "The key is in the wrong place. It sits on the steering console, between you knees. It is fine most of the time, but as soon as the seat is swivelled, it knocks on your knee and the tractor can actually be turned off.
This becomes really inconvenient, especially on the road, when the start up procedure lasts about a minute.
"I also worry it could be broken off if someone is not aware of its location when entering the cab.
"Like wise on the road, the indicator bleep is to quiet to notice and they are not self-cancelling. So, without looking at the A pillar dash, you probably would not know they were on. This can be dangerous when going down the road as people thick you are turning off and try to come past. It is just small inconveniences you notice when living with the tractors, and should be easily fixable by the manufacturer."
The perennial issue of storage on tractors is still present on the 8S, with few places to stow a days worth of supplies plus tools. Will has solved this by mounting a frame to hold a tool box and larger tools on the right hand steps and as there is not a door on that side, it has not impinged access, but it is an area he wishes manufacturers would address.
However, these are issues that for the time being are being worked around and do not detract too much from the overall impression the tractors have so far left on the Barrows.
Will concludes: "The 8S has bought Massey into the modern era. The quality and performance of the tractor is on par with anything else out there at the moment and I am sure they will be as reliable and hardworking as our others. Massey has done a great job with the cab, it is a pleasure to work in all day and I can now appreciate why they have done the things they have done, like the gap between the cab and bonnet and the sloping windscreen."
