Among the changes to the Ultimate Guide to tractors for 2021, the addition of Massey Ferguson’s new 8S is arguably the most significant as it sets a new style and design direction for the MF range as a whole, while also replacing a long-serving cab and introducing new transmissions.

With power outputs from Agco engines from 205-285hp, the 8S line-up replaces the top end of the current MF 7700 S-series and doubtless will expand further with its Dyna-7 transmission adding another powershift step for extra speed control flexibility.

The new full powershift Dyna E-Power gearbox brings dual clutch technology for rapid shifting between ratios, with 26% lower friction-related power losses compared with a Dyna-6, reckoned to worth a 10% fuel saving.

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Stepless transmission models are due to follow later this year; meanwhile, the hydraulics department steps up from a 110- or 190-litre/min piston pump system to outputs of 150 and 205 litre/min, with an “eco” pump configuration delivering 205 litres/min at 1,650rpm engine speed or 230 litres/min at 2,000rpm rated speed.

Elsewhere in the MF range, the 5700 S line-up has morphed in the 5S range with a step up in power to 145hp (versus 130hp previously) for the top model.

The 95-135hp 5700 M has replaced tractors badged 5700 and 6700, and the 4700 M from 82-100hp has replaced the 4700 Global series – these changes being mostly related to Stage 5 engine upgrades.

And, finally, the squat Alpine-orientated MF 3700 AL models have joined the listing.

Case IH

Case IH has also been busy switching some of its Farmall models to Stage 5 specification while slipping in the 396/435hp Magnum 400 AFS Connect in Powerdrive powershift wheeled and CVXDrive stepless Rowtrac versions.

Case IH Quadtrac © Case IH

John Deere

John Deere 9R 540 © John Deere

A step up in data handling and remote connectivity is the key feature of latest Steiger and Quadtrac tractors and that is also true of equivalent John Deere 9R and related models, including one-touch uploading of digital task instructions prepared in the farm office.

New engines power the 465-691hp 4wd, twin track and four-track machines; all but the most powerful Cummins X15 engine models have a slimmer, lighter and quieter 13.6-litre Deere Powertech, said to be good for 3% lower fuel consumption.

At the other end of the power scale, the 90-135hp 5R tractors are no longer available.

Claas

In the Claas listing, the Hexashift 24×24, six-speed powershift transmission makes a return to the Arion 400 line-up in addition to the Quadrishift 16×16/4 set-up in a range that now extends to the 145/155hp Arion 470.

Deutz-Fahr

Deutz-Fahr has the new 51hp and 60hp 3 Series tractors in its range – as does sister marque Same with the Delfino – along with a 312hp addition to the big 9 Series TTV.

Fendt

Fendt 1167 Vario MT © Fendt

At Fendt, the focus is on the new 1100 Vario MT twin-tracked tractors, which, as their title suggests, have switched from powershift to stepless drive using a form of the twin motor system developed for the 1000 Vario wheeled tractors, as well as revised track assemblies and cab upgrades.

Kioti

Revamped versions of the Kioti DK6010 – now DK6020 Series – 58hp tractors have common rail injection and a DPF for emissions control, a Grammer suspension seat upgrade and stationary pto-drive capability.

Kubota

Kubota has swept through its European line-up with Stage V engine and other upgrades for pretty much all models from 66hp upwards including stop/start using the brake pedal only on powershift M7003 tractors, variable ratio steering and LED lighting with powershift and CVT transmissions, and DPF regeneration interval doubled to 6,000 hours on M7003, M4003 and M5003 tractors.

Kubota M7173 © Kubota

Landini

Landini 7 240 V-Shift ©Landini

Landini has taken to more dramatic styling and an optional blue bodywork, black wheel rims optional colour scheme to raise the profile of its latest 7 Series V-Shift stepless transmission tractors, which also outgun the current models in terms of power outputs, which span 200-240hp.

Valtra

Valtra G series © Valtra

Valtra has gone into overdrive updating its range with Stage 5 engines and spec upgrades, in addition to introducing the G-series 105-145hp machines between new A-series and revamped N-series tractors.

Farmtrac

Finally, Indian manufacturer Farmtrac makes a return to the Ultimate Guide with its 75-113hp Polish-built models being distributed by Reesink Agriculture.