Massey Ferguson 398 Tractor

Manufacturer Massey Ferguson
Price 32,800(USD)
Model 398
Equipment Type Utility Tractors
Factory Coventry, England

OCED TRACTOR TEST 1109 2

Description Diesel 12-speed 2WD July 1987 - August 1987, Link: OCED Tractor Test 1109 file PTO performance Drawbar performance Gear 2HL used for power test. Gear 3LH used for pull test.
Power at rated engine speed 80.3hp / 59.9kW
Fuel use 4.9gal/hour / 18.5l/hour
Power at rated PTO speed 76.4hp / 57.0kW
Max power 66.8hp / 49.8kW
Max pull 5530lbs / 2508kg

OCED TRACTOR TEST 1110 2

Description Diesel 12-speed 4WD July 1987 - August 1987, Link: OCED Tractor Test 1110 file PTO performance Drawbar performance Gear 1HL used for power test. Gear 3LL used for pull test.
Power at rated engine speed 80.3hp / 59.9kW
Fuel use 5.0gal/hour / 18.9l/hour
Power at rated PTO speed 76.4hp / 57.0kW
Max power 64.9hp / 48.4kW
Max pull 7575lbs / 3436kg

MASSEY FERGUSON 398 POWER

Engine 89hp / 66.4kW
PTO (claimed) 82hp / 61.1kW
Drawbar (tested) 66.8hp / 49.8kW
PTO (tested) 80.3hp / 59.9kW

ENGINE DETAIL

The Massey Ferguson 398 features a Perkins AT4.236 turbocharged diesel engine, providing robust performance with 89 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque at 1400 RPM, suitable for demanding agricultural tasks. Its efficient direct injection fuel system and high compression ratio of 15.5:1 enhance fuel efficiency and power output, making it ideal for heavier loads. However, the compact coolant and oil capacities (16.4 qts and 8.1 qts respectively) require regular monitoring to prevent overheating and ensure optimal operation during extended use.

Description Perkins AT4.236 turbocharged diesel 4-cylinder liquid-cooled
Displacement 236ci / 3.9L
Bore/Stroke 3.875x5.00inches / 98x 127 mm
Power 89hp / 66.4kW
Fuel system direct injection
Air cleaner dual dry element
Compression 15.5:1
Rated RPM 2200
Idle RPM 750-2420
Torque 258 lb-ft /349.8 Nm
Torque RPM 1400
Firing order 1-3-4-2
Starter electric
Starter volts 12
Oil capacity 8.1qts / 7.7L
Coolant capacity 16.4qts / 15.5L

MASSEY FERGUSON 398 ENGINE

The Massey Ferguson 398 is powered by a Perkins 3.9L 4-cylinder diesel engine, known for its reliability and efficiency, making it suitable for heavy-duty tasks. With a fuel tank capacity of 28.5 gallons (107.9 liters), it offers prolonged operational time between refueling, ideal for large farming operations. However, the engine size may pose a challenge in terms of maneuverability in smaller areas or alongside tighter crops.

Description Perkins 3.9L 4-cyl diesel
Fuel tank 28.5gal / 107.9L

TRANSMISSIONS OVERVIEW

The Massey Ferguson 398 features a 12-speed synchromesh transmission combined with a two-speed power shift, providing versatile gear options for various field operations. This setup enhances productivity through smoother gear transitions and optimized power delivery under diverse load conditions, making it ideal for both agricultural and heavy-duty applications. However, potential challenges may include increased complexity in maintenance and the necessity for operator proficiency to maximize the benefits of the power shift functionality.

Description 12-speed synchromesh 12-speed two-speed power shift

TRANSMISSION 1

The Massey Ferguson 398 features a synchromesh transmission, providing smoother gear engagement and enabling easier shifting between its 12 forward and 4 reverse gears. This advantage allows for enhanced operational efficiency and improved control, especially in varied terrain and field applications. However, the complexity of the synchromesh system may lead to higher maintenance requirements and potential repair costs compared to simpler transmission types.

Type synchromesh
Gears 12 forward and 4 reverse

TRANSMISSION 2

The Massey Ferguson 398 features a Multi-Power transmission with a two-speed power shift, providing enhanced operational flexibility and load adaptability on varied terrains. With 12 forward and 4 reverse gears, it offers a versatile speed range, beneficial for both fieldwork and transport tasks, though it may require additional operator skill for effective gear selection under varying load conditions. Notably, the Multi-Power system enhances efficiency in power delivery, but potential maintenance costs and complexity could pose challenges over time.

Transmission Multi-Power
Type two-speed power shift
Gears 12 forward and 4 reverse

MECHANICAL

The Massey Ferguson 398 features a versatile 4x2 or 4x4 drivetrain, allowing for improved traction and adaptability across varying terrains, especially in agricultural applications. Its power steering coupled with wet disc brakes provides enhanced maneuverability and stopping power, ideal for heavy-duty tasks. The 12-speed synchromesh and two-speed power shift transmissions offer flexibility in speed modulation, catering to both transport and fieldwork efficiency, but may require operator proficiency to maximize performance.

Chassis 4x2 2WD/4x4 MFWD 4WD
Steering power
Brakes wet disc
Cab Two-post ROPS. Canopy optional.
Transmissions 12-speed synchromesh 12-speed two-speed power shift

HYDRAULICS

Type open center
Pressure 3000psi / 206.8bar
Pump flow 7.2gpm / 27.3lpm (linkage pump)/9.5gpm / 36.0lpm (aux. pump)
Total flow 16.8gpm / 63.6lpm

TRACTOR HITCH

Rear Type II
Control position and draft control
Rear lift 4340lbs / 1968kg *Capacity through full lift range
Rear lift (at ends) 5507lbs / 2497kg (telescopic ends) *Capacity with links horizontal/6744lbs / 3059kg (fixed ends) *Capacity with links horizontal/8109lbs / 3678kg (fixed ends with two assist rams) *Capacity with links horizontal

POWER TAKE-OFF (PTO)

Rear PTO independent
Rear RPM 540/1000 (1.375)

MASSEY FERGUSON 398 TIRES

The Massey Ferguson 398's standard tire configurations enhance traction and stability across various terrains, with a dual-option setup for two-wheel drive (2WD) and four-wheel drive (4WD) models. The 7.50-18 front tires in 2WD provide maneuverability, while the larger 14.9-24 fronts in 4WD significantly improve ground engagement for better performance in challenging conditions. Considerations include possible tire wear under heavy load in muddy environments and the need for appropriate tire pressure management for optimal fuel efficiency and traction.

Standard tires (ag) Front: 7.50-18. Rear: 18.4-34 (2WD)/Front: 14.9-24. Rear: 18.4-34 (4WD)

DIMENSIONS

2WD Wheelbase 84.1inches / 213cm
4WD Wheelbase 92.5inches / 234cm
2WD Length 146.1inches / 371cm
4WD Length 157.6inches / 400cm
Width 77.7inches / 197cm
2WD Weight 7047lbs / 3196kg
4WD Weight 7648lbs / 3469kg
2WD Clearance (front axle) 22.8inches / 57cm
4WD Clearance (front axle) 16.9inches / 42cm
Clearance (drawbar) 12inches / 30cm

MASSEY FERGUSON 398 HEIGHT

Steering wheel 70.7inches / 179cm
ROPS 100inches / 254cm
Cab 99.6inches / 252cm (LoLine)/104.3inches / 264cm (HiLine)
Exhaust 100.4inches / 255cm

DIMENSIONS & TIRES

The Massey Ferguson 398 tractor's 2WD configuration with an 84.1-inch wheelbase offers improved maneuverability, making it suitable for tight spaces and smaller fields. However, the 4WD variant with a 92.5-inch wheelbase weighs more (up to 7648 pounds), providing enhanced traction and stability on uneven terrain, which is ideal for heavy-duty applications. A key consideration is the rear tire size (18.4-34), which maximizes power transfer and soil penetration, beneficial for plowing and tilling activities.

2WD Wheelbase 84.1inches / 213cm
4WD Wheelbase 92.5inches / 234cm
Weight 7047 to 7648 pounds
Front tire 7.50-18
Rear tire 18.4-34 (2WD)

398 SERIAL NUMBERS

Location Serial number plate on the right side of the tractor, near the brake pedals.
1986 U01001
1987 V01001
1988 N01001
1989 P01001
1990 R01001
1991 S01001
1992 A01001
1993 B01001
1994 C01001
1995 D01001
1996 E01001
1997 F01001

ELECTRICAL

Ground negative
Charging system alternator
Charging amps 45
Battery CCA 420 (2x)/540 (1x)
Battery volts 12


Last Updated 2025-01-01
Stephen is a passionate tractor hobbyist with a deep-seated love for all things mechanized and agricultural. Growing up in a rural setting, he developed a fascination with these mighty machines that have played a crucial role in shaping the farming industry.

Comments

No comment yet