This month AGCO added a 290 PTO horsepower model to its 2011 Massey Ferguson 8600 Series and Challenger MT600D Series high-horsepower row crop tractors. The new MF8690 and Challenger 685D are now the largest of both series, which now range from 205 to 275 PTO.

Like the other models, these tractors are equipped with AGCO Power 8.4 L engines that meet the EPA’s Tier 4i emissions standards, which went into effect this year. We gave you a preview of the Tier4i-compliant engine in January at the Ag Connect show, a farm show held in Atlanta, GA (see http://bit.ly/fAngRs). A month later, in February, AGCO showed the first of these tractor models, the 275-PTO-hp Massey Ferguson 8680, at the National Farm Machinery Show in Louisville, KY (see http://bit.ly/e43fZu). The new, larger MF8690 and Challenger 685D models are designed to meet farmers’ need for increased horsepower.

AGCO says the engine and emissions technology enhancements will deliver up to 15% better fuel economy than the Tier 3 tractors they replace. Price is still pending. For more information, visit www.masseyferguson.com or www.challenger-ag.com.