Massey Ferguson picked up a string of prestigious awards on the opening day of the EIMA Show in Bologna, Italy, with the MF 8690 taking the two top accolades of 'Tractor of the Year 2009' and the 'Golden Tractor Design Award.' The MF 3655F tractor also received a finalist award for the best "specialist" tractor.

"Everybody at Massey Ferguson is tremendously proud and honored to receive these important awards," says Richard Markwell, vice president and managing director of Massey Ferguson, Europe, Africa and the Middle East. "The company has built its reputation on pioneering new technology and now as we celebrate Massey Ferguson's 50th anniversary, these awards recognize its continuing commitment to developing world-leading products."

At 370 HP, the MF 8690 is not only the world's most powerful conventional 4WD tractor, it is also the first ever to be equipped with the industry-leading e3 Selective Catalytic Reduction exhaust treatment, making it the cleanest emission tractor in its class along with delivering unparalleled fuel economy. This new technology is also available the four other models that make up the complete MF 8600 range, which made its debut at the EIMA Italian exposition of ag equipment.

The MF 8690 was named as the 'clear winner' of the Tractor of the Year by a jury of journalists from 20 leading farming magazines from across Europe. Manufacturers cannot enter and the tractors have to be nominated by the jury. The competition prides itself on its independence and unbiased assessments. The wide geographical spread of the jury reflects how manufacturers now need to produce equipment to suit a wide range of crops and working conditions, the award's organizers say.

The jury votes for each of the finalists, awarding between one to seven points for each of the following features: engine, transmission, standard electronics, hydraulics, cab comfort, innovative technical features, design and options. The jury considers price/hp ratio so important that this receives double points.

"We have always held this award in high esteem and have great respect for how the jury nominates and selects each tractor," says Declan Hayden vice president, sales and marketing for Europe Africa and the Middle East. "The combination of the Tractor of the Year 2009 Award with the Golden Design Award for the MF 8690 is an impressive achievement that demonstrates how Massey Ferguson continues to lead from the front and sets the technology benchmark for others to follow."