Massey Ferguson Reveals Ethanol-Powered Tractor Engine Concept at Agrishow 2026
Given that current diesel pricing is a bit like a ride on a fairground roller coaster, it should be no surprise to hear that manufacturers are looking for alternatives.
With the rapid rise of diesel prices since the start of the Iran conflict, farmers and growers are taking fuel consumption seriously as their bottom line is being eroded.
Recent trials, using the well-known independent and standardised DLG PowerMix tests, said to be the benchmark for tractor fuel efficiency, compared the MF 8S Xtra Dyna E-Power and Dyna-VT models with their main market segment competitors, highlighted the performance of the Massey Ferguson engines and powertrains.
Comparing performance in a series of working environments designed to replicate farm operations, PowerMix includes 14 transport and field applications at varying speeds and operational loads, alongside looking at tasks using PTO and hydraulically-driven implements.
The Massey Ferguson 8S.265 Xtra Dyna E-Power “achieved exceptional results for fieldwork”, beating its six competitors in the 209kW +/-20kW (330 maximum horsepower) category, taking first place overall with fuel savings of 4-22g/kWh. The MF 8S.265 Xtra Dyna-VT also scored highly, achieving second place in the CVT transmission category ahead of several key competitors.
Massey Ferguson’s marketing team notes that by using less energy (g/kWh) than other brands and models in the same market segment, across varied applications. the MF 8S Xtra series tractors could help users achieve fuel savings up to 3.74 l/hr, or 18,727L over 5000 operating hours. Alternatively, this translates into working more hectares while using the same amount of fuel, reducing owners’ costs of operation.
With a continuously variable transmission designed for optimum precision and flexibility, the MF 8S Xtra Dyna-VT also impressed averaged 247g/kWh specific fuel consumption across the range of field tasks. The latest MF 8S Xtra series offers six models from 205hp to 305hp and is powered by AGCO Power 6 cylinder, 7.4L engines, delivering strong power, torque and performance at low engine speeds, helping to reduce operating costs. The alternative choice of transmissions allows customers to select the most suitable drivetrain for their situation.
Safer Farms Regional Champions are putting Crush Protection Devices (CPDs) through their paces and sharing their first-hand experiences with other farmers.
New Zealand rural apparel brand Back Country is inviting Kiwis to part ways with tired, holey socks at Fieldays with a giant 'Sock Swap Fence' inspired by one of New Zealand's iconic rural roadside landmarks.
Federated Farmers says the Government's announcement of $79 million in funding for wilding pine control marks a major breakthrough.
A recent Beef + Lamb New Zealand quad safety field day, held along the rugged Whanganui river valley at Kakatahi, focused on identifying risks and taking appropriate actions to minimise unplanned accidents.
Healthy snacking company Rockit has announced Wang Yibo, one of China's most influential celebrities, as its new brand ambassador.
Rabobank has celebrated the tenth anniversary of its AgPathways Programme, with 23 farmers from Otago and Southland gathering for two-and-a-half days to learn new business management and planning skills.