Massey Ferguson has been no stranger to the loader tractor market through the years with tractors such as its 300, 4200, 5400 series and its more recent 5700 series.

Under Massey Ferguson’s new protocol, ranges are denoted by one of two letters, S and M, with S models signifying high specification while M models signify medium specification. To align with this strategy, late last year Massey announced that the 5700 Global series and 6700 series was to be soon replaced with the updated and medium specification 5700 M series.

The popular higher-specification 5700 S series will soon be replaced by what is rumoured to be an all-new 5S model, leading us to believe it may be similar in terms of its livery to the new 8S tractors.

In addition to some subtle new styling updates, upgraded specification and slightly higher power outputs, all models in the 5700 M range are now fitted with the latest Stage V 4.4l four-cylinder AGCO Power engines.

The bonnet is where the most notable visual changes are, with a new grill, light and decal design.

The right-hand-side step and exhaust area has seen some changes in the move to Stage V, with the relocation of the AdBlue pump from the rear axle to the right-hand footstep, behind the AdBlue storage tank. Having sat inside the cab, it is clear that visibility has not been affected. The narrow right-hand pillar disguises the exhaust pipe well while seated.

The right hand pillar still disguises the exhaust pipe even considering the move to Stage V.

Engine and transmission options

Now that the 5700 M will replace the 5700 and 6700 series, there has been a shuffling of power outputs to encompass previous power outputs of both ranges.

The series now spans from 95hp to 135hp (5700 previously 85hp to 110hp and 6700 previously 120hp to 130hp). The previous entry level 85hp 5708 Global has been dropped with the 95hp 5709 M taking its place. It has now gained a fourth cylinder and has the same 4.4l block as the other four models. The 5712 M and 5713 M have been added to fill the 6700 Global gap. While the 5710 M and 5711 M see an extra 5hp, balancing out the 10hp intervals between each model.

Rear lift capacity on the 5711 M equals its weight at 4,300kg.

The good news is that both Dyna-4 and 12x12 stick shift transmissions are available. However, both options are only available on two models, the 5710 M and 5711 M. Dyna-4 is all that’s offered on the 5709 M, but is not offered on the larger 5712 M or 5713 M tractors. We thought these latter models would have been most popular among customers in Dyna-4 forms over the 12x12 stick shift, which to its credit now has a longer lever and redesigned declutch button.

Updated looks and features

The most obvious styling change is the new waved front grill and bonnet decal, similar to the S series machines. Less noticeable to the eye is the new DANA front axle which replaces the Carraro axles on the previous 5700 and 6700 Global tractors.

The optional Visio roof really improves visibility, especially for loader work.

The backend of the tractor now features dual-line hydraulics and two spool valves as standard, although a third can be specified. MF’s twin-flow hydraulic system, if specified, at the flick of a switch, engages the second gear pump, increasing oil flow from 58l/min to 100l/min (@200 bar) for loader operations.

Control layout model is simple and effective.

Inside the cab is a nice environment for the typical livestock farmer. The level of visibility was the first major selling point, considering its purpose as farmyard loader tractor. The 5711 M we drove was fitted with the optional extended Visio roof, which, in our opinion, is a must-have for any front loader model.

The Visio roof is a good option for models fitted with a front loader.

Typically, units for the Irish market will be equipped with the twin-flow pump and brake to neutral function. Dyna-4 models will be optioned in most cases as standard with the Autodrive feature and cab suspension.

Brake to Neutral and Twin Flow hydraulics are two nice available features.

The Autodrive switch has three positions: Auto Eco, which automatically changes power shifts at 1,500rpm; Off, which is simply off; and Auto Power, which changes power shifts at 2,100rpm.

The 5700 M series can be specified with either FL or heavier duty FL X series loaders. Dyna-4 models can be specified with front linkage.

Dana axles are now fitted instead of Carraro.

Our verdict

We experienced the 5711 M Dyna-4, which we feel is potentially the sweet spot in the line-up, as it is essentially the range’s flagship Dyna-4 offering. All models, especially the Dyna-4s, have all the credentials to be a top-performing loader tractor ticking all the boxes in terms of simplicity, usability and visibility. This, and a good degree of comfort and technology, are all that any average small loader tractor operator will require.

We feel that the larger, more-capable 5712 M and 5713 M models have been hard done by to a degree as result of not receiving the option of the Dyna-4 transmission when they are arguably more in need of it and the extras which it leaves the door open for.

The model we drove was fitted with cab suspension.

These extras include the option of front linkage, Autodrive and the advanced electronic linkage control (ELC) system, as well as cab suspension. This leaves us wondering has Massey Ferguson eliminated a particular segment of customers or is it gently persuading these higher-horsepower, higher-spec Dyna-4 loader tractor users to look beyond and towards the next series up?

It is believed models are to become readily available in Ireland in the coming months.