From everyday farm work to heavy-duty tillage, the MF 5M.145 and the all-new MF 9S.425 demonstrated why Massey Ferguson remains a favourite among farmers.
During the recent ProTour, held on 15 July 2026 in Kroonstad, BHBW Kroonstad gave farmers the opportunity to see two of Massey Ferguson’s most impressive tractors in action. The relatively new BHBW branch, which opened its doors in the Free State town just over a year ago, provides farmers in the region with sales, parts, and after-sales support for brands including Massey Ferguson and Fendt.
The ProAgri team spoke to Hanco van Aswegen of BHBW Kroonstad during the event. Hanco shared valuable insights into the new MF 9S series, which has attracted worldwide attention since its launch. According to him, the 9S was designed with one clear objective: to offer farmers a tractor that not only delivers more power but also works smarter, saves fuel and makes long working days more comfortable for the operator.
Although the impressive MF 9S.425 attracted plenty of attention, the more compact MF 5M.145 proved that there is still tremendous value in a versatile tractor capable of handling everyday farm tasks. Both models were demonstrated under practical working conditions, allowing farmers to experience their real-world performance firsthand.
Massey Ferguson’s new flagship
According to Hanco, the MF 9S is far more than just a bigger tractor, it is an entirely new machine developed to meet the needs of modern farming operations. As implements become larger and planting and harvesting windows continue to shrink, farmers need tractors that combine outstanding performance with maximum efficiency.
The MF 9S.425, the largest model in the range, is powered by an 8.4-litre AGCO Power six-cylinder turbo diesel engine producing 425 hp (313 kW). With a maximum torque output of 1 750 Nm, the tractor has more than enough power to handle even the most demanding tillage operations, large planters and high-capacity implements with ease.
Hanco explains: “The tractor is about much more than horsepower. Farmers no longer look only at how much horsepower a tractor has. They want to know how much work it can do in a day, how much diesel it uses, and how comfortable the operator still feels after spending 10 or 12 hours in the cab.”
The New Protect-U Design
One of the biggest innovations on the MF 9S is its Protect-U design. Unlike conventional tractors, where the cab is mounted directly against the engine, Massey Ferguson has created an approximately 18 cm gap between the engine and the cab. This unique design significantly reduces the heat, noise and vibration transferred to the operator.
The additional space also improves airflow around the engine, contributing to better cooling.
For farmers, this translates into a quieter cab, reduced operator fatigue and a far more comfortable working environment during long days in the field. During the demonstration, it was easy to appreciate the spacious cab and the attention given to operator comfort. Large glass surfaces provide excellent all-round visibility, while the ergonomic layout ensures that all controls are within easy reach.
Smart technology for smarter farming
Another feature Hanco highlighted was the advanced technology available on the MF 9S. The tractor is equipped with Massey Ferguson’s Dyna-VT continuously variable transmission (CVT). Unlike a conventional gearbox, the transmission continuously adjusts the ideal relationship between engine speed and travel speed.
This allows the tractor to operate at the most efficient engine revolutions at all times, reducing fuel consumption without compromising performance. For farmers using large implements, this means smoother operation, fewer gear changes and greater control over working speed.
The MF 9S also features a closed-centre hydraulic system delivering up to 270 litres of oil per minute, with an optional twin-pump system increasing capacity to 400 litres per minute. The rear linkage has a lifting capacity of approximately 11,8 tonnes, making the tractor suitable for some of the largest implements available today.
According to Hanco, this combination of power and hydraulic capacity is precisely what makes the 9S ideal for large-scale grain farming operations where every working hour counts.
Hanco van Aswegen of BHBW Kroonstad shared more information about the new Massey Ferguson MF 9S range and the benefits it offers modern farming operations.
A versatile workhorse for everyday farming
While the MF 9S is designed for heavy-duty applications, the MF 5M.145 fulfils a very different role on the farm. This tractor is built for farmers who require a reliable, versatile machine capable of moving seamlessly between a variety of tasks.
Powered by a 4,4-litre AGCO Power four-cylinder turbo diesel engine producing 145 hp, the MF 5M delivers ample power for a wide range of operations, including planting, spraying, haymaking, feed production, transport work and general farm duties. Its compact design makes it exceptionally versatile while still providing enough power to operate larger implements when required.
Built for productivity
The MF 5M can be equipped with Massey Ferguson’s Dyna-4 semi-powershift transmission. This transmission allows operators to shift between powershift gears under load without using the clutch. For the operator, this means smoother operation, reduced fatigue and faster task completion.
The tractor also features a modern cab offering excellent visibility, low noise levels and ergonomic controls. Even during long working days, the operator remains comfortable, an increasingly important factor as farming operations grow larger and tractors spend more hours in the field.
Hanco believes it is this balance of simplicity, reliability and modern technology that makes the MF 5M so popular.
“Not every farmer needs 425 horsepower. For many farming operations, the 5M is the perfect tractor because it can handle almost anything on the farm. It’s a tractor you can rely on every single day.”
Two tractors, two roles
Although these two Massey Ferguson models appear very different at first glance, they share the same purpose: helping farmers accomplish more work in less time. The MF 9S.425 is designed for farmers using large implements who want to maximise productivity during every working hour. Its advanced technology, impressive hydraulics and exceptional horsepower make it the ideal choice for large commercial farming operations.
The MF 5M.145, on the other hand, focuses on versatility. It is the type of tractor that can pull a planter in the morning, operate a feed wagon in the afternoon and transport hay bales later the same day – all without missing a beat.
Both models reflect Massey Ferguson’s commitment to reliability, fuel efficiency, and operator comfort.
During ProTour, BHBW Kroonstad gave farmers the opportunity to experience the latest Massey Ferguson technology up close.
More than just tractors
The demonstrations during ProTour once again highlighted how rapidly agricultural mechanisation is evolving. Modern tractors are no longer measured solely by horsepower, but by how intelligently they work, how much fuel they save and how much comfort they provide to the operator. For farmers, this means improved productivity, lower operating costs and equipment they can rely on day after day.
With the new BHBW branch in Kroonstad, farmers in the region now also have access to local support, parts availability, and technical expertise, services that are just as important as the equipment itself.
With its distinctive Protect-U design, the MF 9S.425 offers a quieter, cooler and more comfortable cab for long working days.
For more information about the Massey Ferguson MF 9S.425, MF 5M.145 or other Massey Ferguson tractors and equipment, contact Hanco van Aswegen on 083-205-0571 or email CVAswegen@bhbw.co.za. Alternatively, contact BHBW Kroonstad on 010-023-8811 or visit www.bhbw.co.za.
