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It was the long-awaited Massey Ferguson 6600 series that replaced the larger four-cylinder 5400 and 6400 series. Previously, the series were distinguished by their transmission: the Dyna-4 was reserved for the 5400 series, the Dyna-6 for the 6400. As a result, both series contained four- and six-cylinder engines. And the 6400 series counted up to five wheelbase variants. The only similarities between the 73 kW (100 hp) strong 6445 and the 180 kW (245 hp) strong 6499 were the cab and the Dyna-6 gearbox. In addition, the type designation did not reveal anything about the tractor's power.

Transmissions

The five-speed series ran from the 6612 to the 6616. The Dyna-4 transmission was only available in simple Essential trim on the 6612, 6613 and 6615. No controls in the armrest, in other words. The Dyna-6 transmission was available on all models except the 6612 in all cab versions (Essential, Efficient and Exclusive). The stepless Dyna-VT was reserved for the three largest models and was available in Efficient and Exclusive versions. And if things weren't confusing enough, tractors with stepless Dyna-VT also did not have boost, where tractors with the powershift transmission did. Confusing.

That changed with the 6 Series. Buyers could now choose a chassis size, three luxury levels (Essential, Efficient and the luxury Exclusive) and, depending on the type, from three transmissions. Finally, the last two digits in the type designation became an indication of power output in horsepower (if you put a zero after it). Although the four-cylinders look substantial, at 267 cm the wheelbase is the same as, say, a 6470, also the largest four-cylinder at the time.

Armrest

The Efficient version does not have a multi-lever as standard. Standard are two flippers for hydraulics and an optional cross lever. For electronic ingenuity, there is the optional Datatronic 4.

Lighter lift

The Dyna-6 models have a lighter hitch than tractors with CVT. Optionally, there was the choice of a heavier hitch with 8,100 kg of lifting power.

With the introduction of the 6600 series, Massey Ferguson had the strongest four-cylinder in the house: the 4.9-liter Siso engine (later Agco Power) in the 6616 Dyna-6 (including boost) delivered 153 kW (185 hp). An ideal arable tractor, then, with lots of power in a four-cylinder package. The tractor we featured in the tractor test ten years ago was a Massey Ferguson 6615 Dyna-6 in the Efficient version. The Dyna-VT was also first available on a four-cylinder, but at that time the six-speed Dyna-6 found more eager acceptance than its stepless counterpart. The six-step power shift offers 24 forward and reverse gears, six load-shiftable stages - which you can control up to three spots - and shift automation that the manufacturer calls Autodrive. The same bucket is also in the Claas Arion 500 series, which passed this column earlier. A popular bucket with arable farmers, according to a tour of various users. In 2014, Massey Ferguson's new design was well liked and even anno 2024, the tractor still looks modern.

Thick exhaust

Because of the emissions technology, the exhaust looks hefty. Due to its location and shape, it hardly obscures visibility.

Shifting

You control the transmission both with the T-handle on the armrest and with the Powercontrol lever on the left under the steering wheel.

Handbrake

The handbrake is mechanical. When operating it, the passenger seat is in the way. Folded up, this problem does not occur.

Hood lock

The hood locks are sensitive to dirt and sometimes falter or fail completely. Keep them clean.

Low beam headlights

The supports of the dipped-beam headlights are somewhat fragile and sometimes break. The support is easy to repair.

Loose toolbox

Due to dirt, the toolbox does not always latch properly and has slid out of place with several users.

The 6615 in the test scored with a PTO output of 108.3 kW (147 hp), approaching the factory specification without boost of 110 kW (150 hp). In the process, the red scion of the Agco family showed favorable consumption figures: 246 g/kWh at maximum power is still quite economical. Massey Ferguson committed early on to exhaust gas aftertreatment with Adblue, and it shows in the substantial exhaust along the right A-pillar. Although its oval shape doesn't even take away that much visibility, Massey Ferguson fitted a slim exhaust on later types - the emissions technology was hidden under the cab. The standard lift is ordinary at 7 tons (option 8,100 kg). Hydraulically we measured at one double-acting valve 70 l/min where a 110 l/min pump is mounted. The standard four-speed PTO is nice and complete. Tractors with stepless transmissions lack a 1,000E.

Massey Ferguson 6615 Dyna-6 with 4,500 hours

The Mandemaker family's 120-acre mixed dairy farm in Giethoorn, Ov., grows wheat and beets in addition to grass and corn. A 6615 Dyna-6 runs on the farm to complete satisfaction. The company later bought a young used 6614. In the first 4,500 hours, there were only a few repairs besides the normal maintenance costs. These included a new resistor in the heater motor, a new air conditioning pump and a new NOx sensor. Maarten Mandemaker is a fan of the Dyna-6 gearbox: all recent tractors have that transmission. He also likes the all-round visibility and the tough four-cylinder engine.

Massey Ferguson 6615 Dyna-6, Slootsmid Laren

This Massey Ferguson 6615 Dyna-6 Efficient is for sale at Slootsmid in Laren (Gld.). The tractor features both a suspended front axle and cab suspension. There are four double-acting valves, two of which are operated with the optional multi-function cross lever. The tractor is on Michelin Multibib in size 600/65R38 at the rear, and GRI Green XLR in size 480/65R28 at the front. The tractor has no front hitch, but looking at the rest of the offerings in Europe, there is still money left for a new front hitch and PTO and this tractor is a lot more complete again. The tractor is for sale for 49,950 euros, excluding VAT.

A tour of users and mechanization companies tells us that the basis of the tractor is good, but that some strange choices were made in the controls. Massey Ferguson solved these in later series. For example, the ease of adjusting transmission and hydraulics functions via the dashboard on tractors without Datatronic 4 (standard on Exclusive models, optional on Efficient tractors) is tricky. The somewhat stiff touch buttons for operating the quick hitch and activating the hitch (press N twice) users find room for improvement. Users praise the performance of the 4.9-liter Agco Power engine and characterize it as economical and reliable. Even chipped tractors to above 200 hp generally hold up well. At higher hours, the injectors do sometimes need replacing. And the boost sensor still sometimes breaks down. Tractors with stepless Dyna-VT transmissions have their own areas of concern but are quite different from their Dyna-6 counterparts. The front axle, rear axle and swingarm are completely different. The Dyna-6 transmission is fairly hufterproof although there are some known problems with broken and or bad accumulators - their pressures are tested at a major service - resulting in poor shifting. This sometimes resulted in a broken saucer spring of the forward-reverse clutch. You can test this by putting the tractor in neutral in 1A. If the tractor goes soft then it may be wrong. For repair, the tractor has to be put in two.

All in all, the 6600 series seems a relatively safe choice. There is used plenty on offer, but for greater choice you have to cross the border. The version with Dyna-VT is also among the list of occasions. This one performs better especially hydraulically and in terms of lifting force. Mechanics tell us that the vario is always a slight risk, but because it is fairly oversized in the 6600 series (the same as in Fendt's larger 700 series) it gives fewer problems than in other makes or types. Needless to say, one with stepless transmission is more desirable and you can see that in the second-hand prices.

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