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The story of the MF 600 series starts in March 1980, when senior executives at Massey Ferguson initiated a groundbreaking tractor development programme, known as the range three project. This would result in the design of the revolutionary Massey Ferguson 3000 series, launched in 1986.
Unfortunately, MF executives were aware it would take several years to develop the range three tractors. The problem was that Massey Ferguson desperately needed a range of new models to replace the ageing MF 500 series in order to maintain its market share.
What was needed was something which was both cost-effective and new; a tractor range which could be brought to market quickly. The answer to this problem came from MF’s Italian subsidiary Landini.
Landini had developed a tractor range with a new two-door cab design. By using this as a guideline, MF engineers adapted the Italian engineers’ design to fit MF requirements, incorporating several improvements, some of which had been introduced in the later stages of 500 series production.
Launched in 1982, the MF 600 series included the MF 675, MF 690 and MF 698. Changes to the new range included the all-new two-door cab, a new Synchro-12 transmission option, improved hydraulic performance, new steering systems and a new colour scheme.
The new Synchro-12 transmission featured a three gear-lever system, offering the same features as MF’s Multi-Power gearbox, albeit with a manual splitter, which required the operator to de-clutch when changing ratios. Like the MF500 series, the new tractors were made at both the Beauvais and Banner Lane (Coventry) factories.
The MF 698T first appeared in 1984, when Massey Ferguson announced that it would serve as a replacement for the MF 698. Unlike the MF 698, which used the Perkins A4.3182 engine previously found in MF 595 mark II tractors, the MF 698T used a redesigned version of the Perkins A4.236 engine found in the MF 675.
The new 3.8L AT4.236 engine featured a Tuftrided crankshaft with stronger connecting rods and new oil-cooled pistons. It had modified valve seats, an improved cooling system, a stronger cylinder block and was equipped with an engine oil cooler.
High boost pressures
The turbo fitted to the engine featured a new waste gate design, providing high boost pressures at low engine speed. The new engine churned out 90hp and 244lb/ft of torque at 1,400 RPM. It was smooth-running, reliable, economical and produced 2hp more than the MF 698.
The MF 699 was also introduced in 1984. It was developed by MF to compete directly with the International 956XL and the John Deere 3140. It was powered by a 5.8-litre Perkins A6.354 engine, rated at 95hp.
The new MF 699 offered Massey Ferguson customers a mid-sized tractor with effortless six-cylinder torque, while the slightly smaller yet equally potent MF 698T offered similar horsepower in a lighter package, both providing a level of specification previously unavailable in an MF tractor of this size.
In the field, the MF 699 was a relaxed performer, producing plenty of usable torque for heavy PTO and draft work. However, the pocket-rocket MF 698T was no slouch.
Not only was it more agile and economical than its six-pot counterpart, it could easily keep pace with the 699 on light cultivation duties or pulling loaded trailers. The turbocharged four-cylinder engine has remained an integral part of MF tractor design ever since.
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