In the middle of the 1970's a demand for better cab's for new tractors than the ones on the MF100-1000 series tractors become more and more important. In September 1977 there was a legal requirement for all new tractors to have a cab with noise levels inside not over 90db. 

Massey Ferguson created a totally new tractors series to fulfil this requirement. The MF-500 range introduced on the marked in 1976.

The new MF-500 range utilized remote linkage so all controls were mounted in the cab and not on the tractor body like before. The cab's floor was flat for the first time on a Massey Ferguson tractor. The heating and ventilations system was improved. Other improvements was new hydraulics and PTO drive. The basic drive line was based on the previous MF100 line. The design of the tractor was similar to the older MF1185 - MF1135 tractors. The new "Supercab" are light years ahead of the earlier 100 series.

The new rang was: MF550 replacing the MF148, MF565 replacing the MF165, MF575 replacing the MF168, the MF590 replacing the MF185/188 and the MF595 replacing the MF1080* from 1978 the MF575, MF590 and MF595 become available with 4wd. The rang was in production until 1982.

The Massey Ferguson 595-2, the 595-4 and the 590-4 all 1980 models

The MF-550

The smallest of the new range.  47 hp from a Perkins A3.152S engine. Replacing the MF-148 tractors. Two  versions vas available standard and "premium". Premium had Multi Power, and better equipped cab with windscreen washer, a heater and better seat. A great small and light tractor,. A very good cab,  bullet proof engine low running costs, but only adequate brakes and modest lift capacity.

Dateline:

May 1976: Launched. February 1977: Premium spec cab becomes standard. July 1979: Facelift, two-door cabs, new seat, tinted glass and radial rear tyres. July 1980: Cab red up to the roof. March 1981: New front grille, new lights. February 1982: end of production.

MF550

Some specifications.

On all models in the MF500 range till mid 1979, there was only one door to the cab, on the left side. This was not always popular. And in the middle of 1979 the second door was introduced. In the middle of 1980 all cabs were painted red up to the roof. And then in 1981 a new grille with integral headlamps was introduced.  (not on all models) Another problem was the complex cab/control layout. It was very expensive to service the tractor. Much of the cab had to be removed for more complex service than before.

The single door system

  The MF560

The "missing" model pictured at least... Eric Nieuwenhuis from Nederland sent me this picture of the MF560. Must be an rather uncommon model, haven't found information about the MF560 on internet at all. Thanks to Eric for the info and the picture.

The MF560, produced from 1976-82. It had a Perkins AD.4.203 engine producing 56 hp.

The MF-565

The second model in the range. It has a Perkins AD4.236 engine developing 60hp.  Replacing the MF-165  tractor Compared to the MF165 it had a new engine. Actually the MF565 have a derated MF575 engine instead of the MF165's AD4.212 engine.

More information and pictures of the MF565 needed.

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MF565

Some specifications.

The MF-575

Then next in the range, the Massey Ferguson 575. The MF-575 had a Perkins AD4. 236 engine, similar to the one in the MF-565. But with a slightly bigger power output of 66 hp. It replaced the MF-168 tractor.

The MF575 was the "smallest" of the 500 range you could get with 4x4.

More information and pictures of the MF575 needed.

From 1978 the MF575, MF590 and MF595 become available with 4wd

MF575

Some specifications.

*)4WD a letter with the serial number

* with Multi Power

 The MF-590

Then biggest in the ordinary new MF-500 range was the MF-590 (the MF-595 was slightly different)  The MF-590 had a Perkins AD4. 248 engine. It replaced the MF-185/188 tractor. From 1978 it become available with 4WD

MF590

Some specifications.

*)4WD a letter with the serial number

* with Multi Power

There was a special version of the MF-590 equipped with a turbo charger. the engine was the same as in the ordinary 590. But the power output was 90Hp. It's easy reckoned bye the exhaust system. there was also a little sign telling what was extra-TURBO.

The MF-595 

The biggest of the rang and the one most unlike the others. It was powered by a Perkins AD4.318* engine. Same as the MF-1080. And replaced the older MF-1085 . All here are MK-II  (Thanks to Johan Storgårds for the information)

Have found little information about the MF595, there was at least two versions the MK-I and later the MK-II.

Jesper from Denmark emailed me about the Turbo version: " I don't think that the MF 595 ever was delivered with turbo, but a company in Denmark has developed a exhaust manifold with SCAN turbo charger on. The companies name is Daubjerg and lays in Copenhagen." Thanks for the information Jesper.

More information from Finland: The 595 were delivert with a Turbo charger from general agent  Hankkija in Finland. It had 110 hp and was sold as MK-II version. Thanks to Johan Storgårds for the information.

If anyone can provide more information about the MF 595, I would be very happy.

* )Thanks to Pudding for the correction.

MF595

Some specifications.

*)4WD a letter with the serial number

* with Multi Power

The MF-592

Another "missing" model, the MF592. One picture found at Farmphoto.com the two others sales advertisings in Nederland.

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