OLD timers still have great memories of the Perkins engine.
The fondest memories come from owners of Massey Ferguson tractors after Massey Ferguson bought the company in 1959 and kept it as a separate division, also selling engines to Dodge and Ford, among others.
But the greatest accolade about the high-speed diesel engine that never said die, came from Caterpillar, which bought the company in 1998.
Roll on 21 years and Massey owners are talking about an engine they say is a "new Perkins" - the AGCOPOWER engine, which morphed from the Finnish-made Sisu diesel engine.
It's the power plant in the Massey Ferguson 7600 Series four-model range of tractors, which are regarded as an entry-level to six cylinder engines.
The engine is a long-stroke motor with a generous torque curve from low to high revs, ensuring there's always plenty of power to the ground.
For Cookernup hay and beef producer Paul Curulli the engine will carry on the Massey name.
"We've had Masseys since 1963 when I bought a MF35 from Charlie Iseppi in Waroona," Paul said.
"Since then we've had about 15 other models, including our latest MF7615, which we bought from Bunbury Machinery.
"It's our fifth model from them and it does a real good job."
Paul's son Phil is also aware of the reputation of the Perkins engine and gives the 'thumbs-up' to the 112 kilowatt (150 horsepower) AGCOPOWER engine.
"We got it with the optional Dyna-6 transmission because it gave us more gears to increase the versatility of the tractor," Phil said.
"At first I thought it might have been over the top but we use them (gears), especially when you're dealing with hay gear.
"It's also got speed-matching so it'll change ranges very smoothly to pick the gear to match the load."
The Curulli's MF7615 is "the main tractor for everything" from hay to discing, dragging, front-end loader work and drilling.
Another 67kW (90hp) Massey is kept in good order to use as a 'pinch hitter' during the year.
"I'm glad we went for the 150hp engine because we certainly need it when you want to go a bit deeper for dragging," Phil said.
But, performance aside, the real feature for Phil is the mechanical cab suspension comfort.
"That's number one," he said.
"When you're belting around doing work, it's a big plus to do it without the stress of knocking your body around."
Harvey dairy and beef producers John and Jason Parravicini, who bought a MF7614 model with MF966 loader, from Bunbury Machinery eight months ago, agree.
"The cab is so roomy and comfortable and easily accessible," Jason said.
"Everything is where you want it and it's just easy to operate."
"And I like the cab comfort when I'm baling," John said.
For Jason and John, the 104kW (140hp) Massey is the farm's main tractor for baling, loader work, seeding, mowing and dragging to level the ground.
They opted for the Dyna-4 transmission which gives them ample gears to suit all jobs.
"It works easily moving from forward to reverse on the shuttle and the turning circle is brilliant," Jason said.
"We went up 20hp (15kW) just to give us a bit up our sleeve and to avoid thrashing the engine and I'm very happy with the engine's performance.
"One big thing I've noticed it that it never runs hot because it has a large cooling pack with larger open fins to allow particles to pass through instead of blocking."
AGCO exports to Australia two current MF7600 Series tractors, Massey Ferguson 7614 with Dyna-4 transmission and the Massey Ferguson 7615 with Dyna-6 transmission.
Models can be specified with either the Dyna-4 and Dyna-6 Eco semi-powershift transmissions.
All are equipped with the latest AGCO POWER, Tier II, 6.6 litre engine.
According to AGCO, power management on Dyna-6 models boosts engine power by up to 19kW (25hp) for field and road operations.
Dyna-6 ECO offers completely clutch-less operation via the left-hand Power Control or right-hand Command Control Armrest levers.
This provides a total of 24 speeds with six Dynashift (powershift) steps in four ranges.
The ECO feature allows the top speed to be achieved at lower revs, which also reduces engine noise and fuel consumption.
AutoDrive is an output-boosting standard feature that provides greater levels of gear changing automation to increase work rates and cut fuel consumption.
All MF7600 Series tractors benefit from a new cab structure that features a new curved front windscreen, increased visibility plus a new roof with two new adjustable lights on each corner.
Comfort is enhanced by a choice of cab suspension.
Massey also offers a range of new Command Control Armrests, which are available with different multi-function joysticks.
The level of functions they offer matches the model specifications.
Also new on the loader ready models are the option of a multi-function joystick, which includes forward/reverse shuttle and gear shift buttons and also provides hydraulic controls.
The MF7600 Series comes with a high level of automation as standard, including the Integrated Tractor Control System (ITCS) which provides electronic spool valve management and wheelslip control, as well as many other automatic features.
The Datatronic Control Centre Display is standard on the Exclusive models and is an option on the Efficient range.
All MF7600 Series tractors come ready to be fitted with the AGCOMMAND telemetry-based machine management system.
In addition, AutoGuide offers integral full auto-steering capability and this can be supplied either as a factory-fit option or retro-fitted.
Bunbury Machinery branch manager Darren Pulford said Massey Ferguson tractors were a popular choice in the South West.
"They're a proven tractor that just does the job reliably and most owners see them as value for money," Mr Pulford said.
"I know there's a bit of a renaissance of Massey Ferguson tractors in the Wheatbelt but around here their popularity hasn't really waned over the decades.
"And with the new technology on offer, they are very attractive workhorses."
Mr Pulford said he had a new MF7614 with loader "ready to deliver" at the Bunbury premises.
More information: Darren Pulford on 0417 929 487.
