If you were asked which is the best-selling tractor to come out of Massey’s plant in Beauvais, you might think a livestock favourite like the 5S135, or the general all-rounder 7S180. But you’d be wrong. It is, in fact, the 5711 … or at least it was in 2024 when over 2,000 of these models rolled out of Beauvais. Today, the 5711 has a successor, the 5M.

KEEPING IT BRIEF

  • There are now two wheelbase sizes, with three models of each.
  • The 5M145 is a new power addition.
  • Turkey is one of the big markets for this simpler range.

If it ain’t broke, then why change? This is a mantra Massey Ferguson has largely stuck by for the 5700 replacement, the new 5M, where the five models are now replaced by six. Some extra horsepower is added, and then there is the introduction of the Dyna-4 transmission to more of the models.

Because of the larger Dyna-4 back-end, the higher hp 5M models have a lift capacity of 5.2t. On the short wheelbase its 4.3t.

Some may recall that this line-up originated as the ‘Global’ series, a full range of simple tractors that could be pumped out of various Massey Ferguson factories in China and South America as well as in France to appeal to markets that wanted a basic tractor. Over the years it has evolved with the 12×12 box being joined by Dyna-4, but only in certain power ratings. The 5711 was one, while the 5712 and 5713 models only had the basic stick shifter.

The 5M is the first Massey Ferguson to get LED indicators and side lights.

New(ish)

Fast forward to now, and these fresh-faced 5M tractors will feature the four-powershift Dyna-4 across the board. This transmission choice means the six models can be split right down the middle: the 2.43m wheelbase 5M95, 5M105, 5M115; and the longer 2.62m, 5M125, 5M135 and 5M145.

It is the three bigger models that we focus on here, as they are expected to be the more popular choice with British and Irish farmers. Nonetheless, all benefit from the new MF family look, with the shapely bonnet and the black framework of the cab frame now becoming silver.

While the spec of the 5M has been elevated, hop into an equal-powered 5S and there is a distinctive difference in the fit and finish plus the level of options on offer. Put simply, the 5M is still pitched at those with a leaner budget and happy to forego some of the niceties.

The front linkage can be operated from the mid-mount or rear spool, depending on which plumbing set-up the buyer goes with.

The big ticket items

Starting from the front, the 5M continues with a Dana-Spicer front axle, but suspension has not been added here as of yet on these 40km/hr tractors. Sitting above is a 4.4-litre, four-cylinder AgcoPower engine (that is built in Finland), with DPF and SCR to keep those key emissions in check. The more powerful 5M145 addition sees the diesel wick turned up to gain the extra power.

As said, these have the proven Dyna-4 with robotised changing of the four ranges and then the four powershifts for 16 speeds in both directions. Useful on a tractor that is more than likely going to be partnered with a loader is the brake-to-clutch feature, which is on the options list. 

Likewise, you can also increase the hydraulic performance from the standard and rather lowly 58l/min gear pump with a tandem unit to a more respectable 100l/min. This second unit can be switched off, via rocker switch, whenever you don’t need full flow, which, Massey adds, also assists with more precise loader control.

One thing that has changed on the hydraulics, is that the oil is returned to the tank when no function is being called on rather than continuing to dead-head the flow against an unused coupler or linkage. This should help to reduce oil heat.

The side console and armrest controls offer all the latest mod-cons for day-to-day work including the joystick controller. The screen is part of the auto-steer package.

On the subject of loaders, you can add a neat electro joystick for the two mid-mount valves. This stick can then be used to control a boom, a front linkage or one more rear remote in addition to the two or three manual spools. The blue roller switch on the joystick looks after the third service on the loader. Also sited on the armrest joystick are buttons for direction and speed changes.

Power Control lever for shuttle/powershift changes is familiar Massey furniture. Key information is well laid out on the dash.

In the seat

We got to try out the two most powerful 5M models, the 135 and 145, doing a spot of arable work. What really impressed us was the 5M135 pulling a Horsch Terrano 3.0m mounted tine cultivator on some steep-ish French slopes. With the transmission set to auto-shifting mode, the Dyna-4 transmission worked its way through the ratios. 

On the up hill slog, this is where the four-cylinder motor was able to dig in, hitting its max torque around 1,500rpm and hanging on in there. It was pretty impressive going for a relatively light tractor doing work that would probably not regularly appear on its job list but showed it can be capable.

When it came to lifting the cultivator at the headland you’re reminded of 5M’s positioning in the Massey Ferguson hierarchy, with the switches lacking that finesse that you find on the 5S. And it’s a similar feel with the rest of the cab furniture: it’s OK but not top shelf. In saying that, with Agco’s recent tie-up with Trimble, you can get fully integrated auto- steer, a useful addition when matching bouts for spreading fertiliser on grassland; this will add around £7,000 to the price tag. 

Switching over to a spot of light loader work, the shuttle controls on the joystick and the brake-to-neutral make it a nice loader outfit, although even when doing a spot of precision basketball placement I couldn’t see the need to switch off the second hydraulic pump to slow the flow for more control precision.

Cab suspension is a 5M option, but front axle is not. This may be a factor for some buyers.

Summary

There is a definite difference between the 5M and more premium 5S, though the more wallet-friendly range is maturing nicely. With a fresh-faced look, and Dyna-4 transmission getting more power, 5M could win hearts. It’s things like the switches and the rear linkage controls that are reminders that you are not sitting in the more premium 5S, but 5M still has plenty on offer, and the engine showed it was able to dig deep when needed.

Mervyn Bailey

For more up-to-date farming news click here and subscribe now to profi and save.