While we tested the new Lely Welger RPC 245 Tornado combination baler and wrapper a few weeks ago, we also had an opportunity to test another newcomer to us, a Massey Ferguson 6616 tractor. The tractor is relatively new to the market and is the flagship model of the Massey Fergusons 6600 series.

The MF 6600 series tractor range features five models from 110 to 150 ISO-rated horsepower. They are all powered by the latest 4.9 litre, compact AGCO Power turbocharged four-cylinder engine, similar to the engine used in Valtra tractors.

The Massey Ferguson 6616 develops a maximum ISO horsepower of 160hp from its AGCO Power engine (ISO-rated power of 150hp). With engine power management (EPM), this is boosted to a maximum ISO horsepower of 185hp.

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Emissions are controlled by selective catalytic reduction (SCR) using AdBlue in conjunction with a diesel oxidation catalyser (DOC).

Our test version was the Massey Ferguson Efficient specification tractor. This comes with cab and front suspension, 50km/hr Eco Dyna-6 transmission, integrated front linkage and multi-function joystick controller.

Our tractor featured four double-acting spool valves, 110 litre/min closed centre hydraulic system and a Dromone pickup hitch. Lift capacity is quoted at 8.6t on the rear and 3.2t on the front linkage.

The Massey Ferguson Dyna-6 transmission incorporates six powershift speeds plus four ranges. This gives 24 forward and 24 reverse speeds. Powershift changes are made both by the forward and reverse shuttle lever and the T-lever incorporated into the seat-mounted arm rest.

When this tractor is fitted with a loader, the multi-function joystick is useful. It allows the operation of the loader in addition to the forward/reverse function within the joystick, giving much simpler loader driving and shuttling.

The immense power available from the four-cylinder AGCO Power engine, when combined with a short wheelbase of 2.67m and superb steering lock, makes the MF 6616 an ideal combination for the Lely Tornado combination baler and wrapper.

We also found that the powershift speeds were smooth throughout baling. Front-axle and cab suspension adds to overall comfort in the field, making this a pleasant tractor to drive.

The Massey Ferguson Quadlink front-axle suspension features what MF describes as a unique parallelogram linkage. This provides 90mm of suspension travel. An automatic control system ensures equal suspension movement in both compression and extension.

The cab was a nice size with large doors, but not too large. The internal layout was uncluttered and features easy-to-understand dash.

The right-hand arm rest incorporates all necessary controls within easy reach. The test tractor featured the optional mechanical multifunction joystick.

We gave the tractor a big thumbs-up for overall versatility and usability. From a driving and operating perspective, the MF 6616 would be equally at home on a large dairy unit or tillage farm.

The good hydraulic specification of the test tractor should also make it an extremely capable loader tractor. It is well suited to loader work, with forward/reverse function incorporated into its multi-function joystick.

But there is a high price to pay. The retail list price of the MF 6616 is hefty at €144,000, including VAT.