The 6400 Series is one of Massey Ferguson’s longest-standing tractor ranges and the most popular one of the bunch is the 6480.

The 6480 the biggest of the small-chassis 6400 tractors and most come with a six-cylinder Perkins 1106 engine that pumps out 155hp with power boost. Newer models – 2011 onwards – have a 147hp (157hp Max) SisuDiesel motor.

The standard transmission choice on all MF 6480 tractors was the Dyna-6, semi-powershift transmission. This clever six-speed, four-range gearbox allows clutchless shifts throughout its entire operating range and it also has automatic speed matching when shifting between ranges.

A left hand shuttle lever came as standard and the 6480 could be specced with a with 40kph or 50kph ECO box. MF’s Autodrive shift control system was also available as an option.

The MF 6480 tractor could be purchased with an extensive list of options, some of which were included in option packs.

The £1,400 comfort package, for example, included a pneumatically adjusted drivers seat, electric mirrors, climate control, ATC (Automatic Transport Control) and automated four-wheel drive, diff lock and PTO settings.

Other available options included MF’s Datatronic field and headland management system, integrated front linkage, cab suspension and, front axle suspension.

According to Andrew Sherriff from MF dealer Chandlers of Barnack, Stamford, prices for a tidy five-year-old MF 6480 can vary from £30K to £37K plus, depending on specification, condition and the hours. “The MF 6480 has been a bread-and-butter tractor for us,” he says. “Over the years we’ve sold dozens and dozens of them to farmers and contractors alike. They have proved to be excellent tractors and have a bullet proof reputation.”

The nine-year production life of the 6400-series meant Massey Ferguson had plenty of time to make tweaks and improvements. Consequently, the newer Dyna-6 (Tier III) tractors – introduced in 2007 -are the most desirable.

Jonathan Papworth farms 485 Ha near Peterborough in Cambridgeshire splitting his land between cereals, root crops and grassland for hay.

He relies on the services of several of tractors, including three MF 6400-series models. Of these, two are MF 6475s (one with a comfort package and front linkage) and one an MF 6480 (also with a comfort package and front linkage). All three were purchased from Chandlers in 2009 and his 6480 has clocked-up about 2,700 hours.

“Our 6480 is used for everything, from ploughing and drilling to hauling trailers,” says Mr Papworth. “It’s a quiet tractor, very comfortable and the climate control system is excellent. You never get steamed-up windows in this tractor.”

He also rates the Datatronic 3 management system. “It’s simple to program and offers comprehensive information at a glance.”

Mr Papworth’s 6480 is fitted with front linkage, enabling it to carry a front mounted topper when potato harvesting.

Operated by a single joystick, which can alternate between the front and rear linkage at the press of a button, Mr Papworth claims the controllability of linkage mounted implements with this system is excellent.

Also praised is the tractor’s engine speed control system, which using two pre-set switches, allows for PTO or working engine speeds to be obtained at the flick of switch, rendering the standard hand throttle virtually obsolete.

Jonathan Papworth rates his all three of his MF 6400 Series machines as excellent tractors.

Neither one has experienced any problems with the engine nor transmission and he and his staff universally acknowledge they are extremely well built, capable machines.

“The only mechanical failure we’ve had on these tractors has involved failure of the compensator’s on the front axle suspension,” says Mr Papworth. “These have failed on both the 6480 and 6475, but were replaced under warranty.”

He also had a problem with leaking air conditioning pipes in the cab roof. These were allegedly the result of a factory oversight and were also quickly fixed under warranty.

Although he generally praises the tractor’s performance, Mr Papworth reckons the MF6480 could do with a bit more power, particularly when hauling heavily trailers.

“Pulling away from a junction with a heavy load can be laborious. The transmission is a little sluggish when changing up ranges and, although the engine is working hard, it takes quite sometime to accelerate to travelling speed. But that’s my only gripe.”

Mr Papworth says he’d happily recommend a 6480. “They are excellent machines and its easy to see why they are so popular. We are very lucky in that we have the support of an excellent local dealer, which has made owning these tractors very easy.

Agree with Jonathan’s verdict? Upload your own review of the 6480

Likes

• Excellent Datatronic 3 Management System
  
• Superb in-cab climate control system
  
• Accurate, easy-to-use on-demand hydraulic system
  
• Engine speed control system

Gripes

• Transmission sluggish when pulling heavy loads
  
• Hydraulics need to be activated after engine re-start
  
• Difficult to relieve line pressure on front linkage hydraulic spool valves
  
• Compensator failure on front axle suspension