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Massey Ferguson has announced that its MF 8S Dyna E-Power has become the first tractor to complete the Morocco Desert Challenge.

The modified tractor completed the course in 75th place out of 144 competitors in all categories and registered fourth among eight entrants in the truck category. The MF entry's top speed was measured at just less than 46 miles per hour.

This Desert Challenge compliments MF's earlier participation in the Antarctica 1 and 2 missions, the World Ploughing Record and humanitarian initiatives like the Tractor'Dak and Africa Track.

Several modifications were necessary to the MF 8S to comply with race rules.

-- Equipped with Michelin Evobib VF 600/70 R30 tires on the front and VF 710/70 R42 at the rear, with a PTG central tire inflation system.

-- Full roll cage protects two operators.

-- Two racing seats with harnesses.

-- Spare wheel mounted on the rear with a 180-degree pivoting crane.

-- Second fuel tank.

-- Independent hydraulic rear lift and front hydraulic lifting system; modification of the front axle suspension.

-- Replacement of the side windows with polycarbonate and installation of camera mirrors.

-- Operators were cooled by 14 air conditioning outlets positioned throughout the cab.

-- Air is drawn from behind the engine, rather than from the front.

The MF 8S, first introduced in 2020, is powered by a 7.4-liter AGCO power engine, it specially programmed for the race achieving 400 hp.

The modified MF 8S was fitted with a standard Dyna E-Power dual-clutch transmission, which combined the operational benefits of a continuously variable transmission with the ability to transmit power as efficiently as a mechanical transmission.

AGCO/Massey Ferguson reports the 8S gearbox performed well over more than 1,243 miles of rigorous testing and over 13 hours of continuous gear changes.

TRELLEBORG EXPANDS TIRE OPTIONS

Trelleborg Tires is expanding its TM800 ProgressiveTraction range with new sizes.

The full TM800 ProgressiveTraction range now includes 540/65R28, 650/65R38, 480/65R28, 600/65R38, 600/65R28 and 710/70R38 for a wide variety of tractor models within the 150-250 hp segment of tractors.

Engineered with ProgressiveTraction technology, the tire's double-edge lug design delivers up to 17% more grip on soft soil and a 10% boost on hard soil compared to competitor tires, Trelleborg said in a release.

For more information about the TM800 ProgressiveTraction range: www.trelleborg-tires.com/tm800-progressivetraction.

AGCO PREVAILS IN PATENT DISPUTE OVER MOMENTUM PLANTER

The United States Patent and Trademark Office's (USPTO) Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB) has upheld one of AGCO's patents for Momentum planters. The ruling denied Brazilian manufacturer Stara's petition for an Inter Partes Review.

The USPTO's decision reinforces the strength of AGCO's patents throughout the world, AGCO says in a release.

MASSEY FERGUSON 5M SERIES TRACTOR WINS PRODUCT DESIGN AWARD

Massey Ferguson's 5M Series tractor has received the Red Dot Award for Product Design 2025.

MF 5M tractors feature the latest Massey Ferguson family design. The brand's styling characteristics features a diamond grey cab and the emblematic saber line with the new model logo design on the side of the engine cover, fronted by a black, ribbed grille.

The award is judged by an international jury of 43 professionals from across 21 countries.

Dan Miller can be reached at dan.miller@dtn.com

Follow him on social platform X @DMillerPF

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