Dyna-VT broadens the role of Massey Ferguson’s MF 5S
Massey Ferguson has added its Dyna-VT continuously variable transmission to the MF 5S range in Australia and New Zealand, giving buyers of the 105 hp to 145 hp tractors a third transmission choice and broadening the capability of a series already well established in loader work.
The new transmission is available across all five MF 5S models in Efficient and Exclusive specification, from the MF 5S.105 through to the 5S.145. It joins the existing Dyna-4 and Dyna-6 transmissions, which remain available, while Essential specification tractors continue with a choice of Dyna-4 or Dyna-6.
For Massey Ferguson, the addition reflects the changing role of tractors in this power class, particularly as machines that might once have been purchased primarily for loader duties are increasingly expected to handle mowing, baling, cultivation, transport and other field work.
“Our multi-award-winning MF 5S series models have a strong reputation as the best loader tractors, but their capability, flexibility and high specification mean they are increasingly selected for grassland and arable field tasks too,” says Chris Bain, product marketing manager, Massey Ferguson ANZ.
“The new Dyna-VT transmission option adds even greater appeal to this successful series, and the extra comfort, efficiency and ease of use has been welcomed by customers and dealers worldwide.”
At the centre of the new models is Massey Ferguson’s single-range continuously variable transmission, providing stepless travel from 0.1 to 40 km/h without the operator having to work through conventional gear ranges. Control can be through the accelerator pedal, hand throttle or Power Control lever, depending on the job and operator preference.
Importantly, maximum 40 km/h transport speed is achieved at an engine speed of just 1,550 rpm. That ability to maintain road speed at relatively low engine revs is one of the areas where a continuously variable transmission can contribute to lower fuel use, reduced noise and a more relaxed operating environment during transport.
The transmission also allows two virtual speed ranges to be programmed through the Transmission Control Lever. Rather than leaving the tractor’s entire speed range available for every task, the operator can establish minimum and maximum speeds suited to a particular operation.
For loader work, for example, a relatively narrow speed range can be established so small pedal or lever movements produce more precise changes in travel speed. The same principle can be applied to baling or other field operations, where maintaining the tractor within a defined working-speed window makes the job easier and more consistent.
Different forward and reverse start-off speeds can also be programmed, along with two cruise speeds for each operating mode. The transmission’s drive engagement rate is adjustable, allowing the operator to change how aggressively the tractor takes up drive following a direction change.
A softer engagement setting is designed for precise loader work, particularly on hard surfaces, where smoother direction changes can improve driver comfort, reduce tyre wear and help prevent material spilling from the bucket. A faster engagement setting can be used where rapid direction changes and shorter cycle times are the priority, with an intermediate setting suited to general field work.
Parklock is standard with Dyna-VT and automatically applies the parking brake through the Power Control shuttle lever. It is a relatively small feature, but one that becomes significant on a loader tractor carrying out repeated stop-start operations during a working day.
In fully automatic operation, the driver simply selects the required travel speed with the accelerator pedal. The tractor then manages engine speed and transmission ratio to deliver that speed as efficiently as possible, continuously adjusting the combination as load and operating conditions change.
The system becomes particularly useful when operating PTO or hydraulically driven equipment because engine speed and travel speed can be controlled independently. Required engine revs can be stored in the A and B engine-speed memories to maintain PTO or hydraulic performance, while Dyna-VT varies ground speed separately.
That gives the operator considerably more flexibility when conditions change across a paddock. Ground speed can be altered without compromising the engine speed required to keep a mower, baler or other implement operating at its optimum.
The transmission is only part of the changes made for the Dyna-VT models. Massey Ferguson has also introduced new front and rear axles, a new hydraulic system and a new rear linkage and hitch.
All five tractors retain the same 2,550 mm wheelbase, providing a relatively compact platform while maintaining stability for loader work and traction in field applications. Maximum gross vehicle weight is 9,000 kg, while Gross Combination Weight is rated at up to 41,000 kg, subject to local restrictions.
Power comes from a 4.4 L four-cylinder AGCO Power Stage V engine across the range. Maximum output starts at 105 hp, or 77 kW, in the MF 5S.105 and progresses through 115 hp, 125 hp and 135 hp to 145 hp, or 107 kW, in the MF 5S.145.
Maximum torque is produced at 1,500 rpm, ranging from 470 Nm in the 5S.105 to 510 Nm in the 5S.115 and 540 Nm in the 5S.125. The 5S.135 produces 545 Nm, while the 14 5hp flagship delivers 560 Nm.
Hydraulic performance is another important part of the specification, particularly given the MF 5S range’s loader credentials. Dyna-VT models use a 110 L/min load-sensing hydraulic system, providing flow on demand rather than continuously pumping at maximum capacity. This gives the tractors the hydraulic performance required for fast loader cycle times while providing capacity for more hydraulically demanding implements.
Up to 41 L of removable oil capacity is available for tipping large trailers and other high-demand hydraulic applications.
Rear linkage lift capacity is 6,000 kg across all five models, while the optional front linkage provides a further 3,000 kg of lift capacity. A wide range of factory-fitted loader options is also available, with the 110 L/min hydraulic system aimed at maintaining quick response and cycle times.
Hydraulic control varies according to specification. A micro joystick on the Multipad operates the first and second valves, while the third and fourth valves are mechanically controlled on Efficient models and use fingertip electronic controls on Exclusive versions.
A three-speed PTO is standard, providing 540, 540 Eco and 1,000 rpm outputs. The 540 Eco setting allows implements with lower power requirements to achieve the required PTO speed, with the tractor engine running at 1,560 rpm, reducing fuel consumption, noise and unnecessary engine wear where full engine output is not required.
Massey Ferguson has also retained the MF 5S range’s emphasis on visibility and manoeuvrability. The tractors offer a 4 m turning radius, while the low nose design provides forward visibility particularly suited to loader work. Datatronic 5 and Fieldstar 5 touchscreen terminals are available with Massey Ferguson’s Smart Farming technology, bringing machine control, guidance and precision farming functions into the same tractor platform.
The Dyna-VT models also retain the relatively long service intervals of the existing MF 5S range, with engine oil changes at 600 hours and transmission oil changes at 2,400 hours.
For operators, however, the main change is not simply the addition of another gearbox to the specification sheet. Dyna-VT changes how the MF 5S can be operated across different jobs. At one end of the spectrum it allows a less experienced driver to select a speed and leave the tractor to manage the engine and transmission automatically. At the other, an experienced operator can programme speed ranges, engine memories, cruise speeds and transmission response to suit a specific operation.
That flexibility is particularly relevant to mixed-use tractors, where the same machine might spend the morning loading feed, the afternoon mowing or baling and then head onto the road with a trailer.
The MF 5S was already designed around that type of versatility. Adding a continuously variable transmission gives operators another way of making use of it.