MASSEY FERGUSON 3000 SERIES

Massey Ferguson revolutionised the tractor world in 1986, when it introduced the electronically laden 3000 Series, quickly followed by the larger 3600 models. These machines introduced farmers to the future of tractor technology, with advanced monitoring, control systems and electronically-governed features that made all other manufacturers’ products look severely outdated.

A process of evolution soon required further models to be added to the range, following the successful launch of the original two ranges, and this included the big 3680. This topped-off the range and was the largest tractor to be built so far at Massey Ferguson’s factory in Beauvais, France, home to all the 3000 and 3600 Series models.

A big shake-up

Then, in 1989, the biggest shake-up occurred – just three years after the initial launch – when two new 3100 models joined the range, replacing the smallest 3600 member, the 3610. But the change didn’t stop there, because the existing 3630 and 3650 also disappeared at the same time, to be replaced by two new models. But, as this article will show, that was actually only the beginning of the story of how MF planned to grab more of the higher horsepower sector of the tractor market in the following decade.