The (Dodgy) Italian Job
Classic Massey & Ferguson Enthusiast|September - October 2017

Dan Harris guides us through buying a tractor which is rare enough to turn heads but shares something unwanted with an 1980s Alfa Romeo

 

The (Dodgy) Italian Job

With the introduction of the first Q cabs in the 1970s, tractor developers would never again be allowed to rest on their laurels where operator comfort was concerned. Massey Ferguson had successfully retained a substantial share of the medium horsepower market in the UK with the introduction of the 500 series, but soon realised that these models would be relatively short-lived and a greater development was afoot.

That development was released to the market as the 600 series, produced from 1981-1986, and represented another logical progression of operator comfort while retaining the tried and proven transaxle arrangement born in the MF 185. Gearbox upgrades were made, together with the standard fitment of assister rams to improved lift capacity.

At launch, the MF 698 replaced the MF 595 with the Perkins A4.318 engine (which had gained a reputation for eating cylinder head gaskets) being retained. However, the engine was designated a MkII version, supposedly cured of such problems. Massey Ferguson saw fit to replace the engine with the newly developed turbocharged Perkins AT4.236 halfway through production, gaining two more horsepower and better torque characteristics in the process.

Finally the Massey stable had produced its first four-cylinder turbocharged thoroughbred and, understandably proud of the achievement, saw fit to advertise it by designating the new model the MF 698T. Massey thus had a better product to take on the Ford 7610 - even if still playing catch-up on power. We take a look at the features and what to look out for if you believe this classic model could be for you.

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Denne historien er fra September - October 2017-utgaven av Classic Massey & Ferguson Enthusiast.

Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.

Denne historien er fra September - October 2017-utgaven av Classic Massey & Ferguson Enthusiast.

Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.

FLERE HISTORIER FRA CLASSIC MASSEY & FERGUSON ENTHUSIASTSe alt
The (Dodgy) Italian Job
Classic Massey & Ferguson Enthusiast

The (Dodgy) Italian Job

Dan Harris guides us through buying a tractor which is rare enough to turn heads but shares something unwanted with an 1980s Alfa Romeo 

time-read
7 mins  |
September - October 2017
Straight To The Point
Classic Massey & Ferguson Enthusiast

Straight To The Point

With hard ground and difficulty in getting his plough to penetrate, Andrew Hall sets about fitting some new points

time-read
3 mins  |
September - October 2017
MF Ploughman Comes Out On Top
Classic Massey & Ferguson Enthusiast

MF Ploughman Comes Out On Top

The 2017 British National Ploughing Championships returned to a previous site as good weather, good ploughing and a good crowd were enjoyed.

time-read
2 mins  |
January - February 2018
Diamonds Are For Ever?
Classic Massey & Ferguson Enthusiast

Diamonds Are For Ever?

Here’s some good news from the editor for those wanting to give their restorations that special final touch

time-read
3 mins  |
January - February 2018
Original Is Best!
Classic Massey & Ferguson Enthusiast

Original Is Best!

Peter Love travelled to Shropshire to take in a very original Massey Ferguson 65 Mk2 that its owner purchased some 15 years ago. Yet it is only now that he has got it out of the shed and taken it to a couple of events. At Tractor World Autumn at Newbury Showground in October, it took 'Best Exhibit in Show' and quite rightly so, writes Peter. We find out the best way to clean up a tractor like this and get the best out of it, at the same time keeping the original look

time-read
8 mins  |
January - February 2018
Back to Life After 30 Years
Classic Massey & Ferguson Enthusiast

Back to Life After 30 Years

It is thought the MF 35 was used as a shunter in Belfast International Airport.Chris McCullough finds an industrial tractor that once towed aircraft round an international airport and then ended up in a shed

time-read
2 mins  |
March - April 2017
Putting Right Neglect
Classic Massey & Ferguson Enthusiast

Putting Right Neglect

The tractor as Russell bought it, with industrial tyres.Russell McNab reports on how he restored an MF 135 and kept his wife happy in the process – until she discovered his other plan

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3 mins  |
March - April 2017
French Classics Are Continental
Classic Massey & Ferguson Enthusiast

French Classics Are Continental

Mention Massey Ferguson to enthusiast Tom French and a smile immediately lights up his face. Bob Weir went to Cumnock in East Ayrshire, to see the recent additions to his superb collection

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6 mins  |
March - April 2017
Excellence In Power And Performance
Classic Massey & Ferguson Enthusiast

Excellence In Power And Performance

A classic view of a farm at work prompted Alan Barnes to look into the story of the MF 65

time-read
5 mins  |
September - October 2017
George Likes His Chips
Classic Massey & Ferguson Enthusiast

George Likes His Chips

Massey Ferguson’s 3000 Series is an array of cult classic models and one of the first ranges to use microchip technology. George Cook from Kelso owns a superb example of a 3070 – Bob Weir went along to take a look.

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5 mins  |
September - October 2017