The Massey Ferguson 6718 S is a versatile modern agricultural tractor designed to balance **power**, **efficiency**, and operator comfort for mid-to-large scale farming and contracting tasks. Combining proven drivetrain technology with a focus on usability and modularity, the 6718 S belongs to Massey Ferguson’s 6700 S range which targets customers needing reliable performance for tasks ranging from heavy tillage to precision loader work. This article explores its technical characteristics, practical applications, operating economy, and the technologies that make it an attractive choice for a wide range of agricultural operations.
Design and technical overview
The 6718 S is engineered around a robust engine and drivetrain package meant to deliver consistent performance in varied field conditions. Core design priorities include durable mechanical components, serviceability, and integration of modern electronics to support precision farming.
Engine and powertrain
At the heart of the 6718 S is a turbocharged diesel engine tuned to provide continuous, usable power across a broad RPM range. The engine delivers a balance of rated and maximum power suitable for implements such as large ploughs, cultivators, seed drills, and heavy balers. The cooling and air-intake systems are designed to ensure reliable operation in dusty or hot climates. While exact engine displacement and peak horsepower can vary with market and model year, typical figures for the 6700 S series place the 6718 S in the **mid-to-high horsepower** band commonly used for medium-heavy farm work.
The tractor is offered with multiple transmission options to match operator preference and application needs. Commonly available are powershift-style transmissions (such as Dyna-4/Dyna-6 or equivalents) and continuously variable transmissions (CVT), which provide smooth speed control for loader work, transport, and field operations. Transmission choices affect fuel efficiency, ease of use, and the tractor’s ability to maintain ground speed under load.
PTO, hydraulics and linkage
Power take-off (PTO) options on the 6718 S typically include standard 540/540E and 1000 rpm settings to accommodate a wide range of implements. A modulated rear PTO clutch and optional front PTO enable safe engagement under load, beneficial for mowing, forage harvesting, and front-mounted tools.
Hydraulic systems on the 6718 S are built to support modern implements that require significant oil flow. Open-centre or closed-centre systems with high-flow options can be specified to supply external tractors implements and front loaders. Rear linkage lift capacity is designed for heavy tools, with typical maximum lift capacities in the thousands of kilograms range—suitable for large seeders, sprayers, and multi-furrow ploughs. Flow rates, number of remote valves, and auxiliary circuits are configurable to match the implement set.
Chassis, brakes and weights
The chassis and front axle are built to withstand agricultural loads and highway transport. Braking systems are designed for safe towing and road transport, with options for air brakes or hydraulic systems depending on regional regulations and the intended use. Operating weight varies by specification, with ballast and implement fitment affecting traction and ground pressure. Ballasting strategies allow operators to optimize traction while minimizing soil compaction.
Applications and field performance
The 6718 S is a true multi-role tractor, intended to address a wide spectrum of farm tasks. Its strengths lie in the combination of sufficient horsepower, hydraulic capacity, and modular options that let it move from one task to another with minimal downtime.
Arable farming
For arable farmers, the 6718 S offers the power and lift capacity necessary to pull heavy cultivators, multi-furrow ploughs, and large seed drills. The torque curve and transmission options help maintain consistent ground speed in draft-intensive operations, improving implement performance and reducing fuel consumption per hectare. Ability to fit precision-seeding systems and ISOBUS-capable implements ensures compatibility with modern precision agriculture workflows.
Grassland and forage
Haymakers and livestock farmers value the 6718 S for mowing, tedding, raking and large baling operations. A high-capacity hydraulic system and robust PTO options enable efficient operation of large round and square balers, forage harvesters, and bale wrappers. Loader options and strong front linkage make it effective for feed handling and bedding tasks on livestock units.
Loader and contractor work
Paired with a heavy-duty front loader, the 6718 S becomes a productive material-handling machine for contractors and mixed farms. Loader control systems, joystick options, and front visibility from the cab enhance precision in stacking, loading trailers, and handling bulk materials. Contractors benefit from the tractor’s ability to travel between sites at road speeds while carrying implements, and options for high-flow hydraulics and heavier axles increase durability under continuous use.
Municipal and specialty tasks
With appropriate attachments, the 6718 S serves in municipal roles—snow clearing with a front blade, roadside maintenance with flail mowers, or drainage work with compactors. Its adaptability makes it useful for vineyards and orchards when configured with narrower implements and protected lighting packages, though primary design intent remains for open-field use.
Comfort, controls and modern technology
Massey Ferguson has placed notable emphasis on operator comfort and intuitive controls in the 6718 S, which is critical for long working days during planting and harvest seasons.
Cab design and ergonomics
The cab provides panoramic visibility, climate control, and suspension options to reduce operator fatigue. Seats with mechanical or pneumatic suspension, armrests with integrated controls, and a compact instrument panel keep most frequently used functions within easy reach. Sound insulation and vibration damping create a more comfortable environment, improving concentration and reducing strain.
Controls, displays and connectivity
Control layouts are available in multiple configurations, from basic mechanical levers to advanced multi-function consoles with electronic shuttle and on-the-go transmission control. Display units support implement monitoring, engine and transmission diagnostics, and sometimes ISOBUS compatibility for plug-and-play implement control. Many models and years include telematics packages (often branded systems) that allow remote monitoring of fuel use, location, hours, and basic diagnostics—valuable for fleet management and preventative maintenance.
Precision farming compatibility
The 6718 S can be equipped with guidance systems, section control, and data-logging capabilities to integrate into a precision farming workflow. This reduces overlap during spraying and seeding, optimizes input usage, and increases overall field productivity. ISOBUS-ready terminals reduce the need for separate control boxes for each implement, simplifying operations for operators running diverse implements.
Operating economy and maintenance
Operating costs and ease of maintenance are critical for the total cost of ownership. The 6718 S is designed with accessibility and service intervals in mind to minimize downtime.
Fuel efficiency and emissions
Engine management systems and selective fuel/air tuning aim to deliver competitive fuel consumption across typical farm duties. Depending on the year and regional emissions regulations, exhaust after-treatment systems such as DOC/DPF and SCR are used to meet standards while maintaining fuel economy. Operators combining steady PTO/fieldwork and variable transport tasks will see differing real-world fuel burn, but the tractor is optimized to keep consumption reasonable for its class.
Serviceability
Routine maintenance items—filters, oil checks, greasing points—are located for practical access. Long service intervals for major components reduce planned downtime, and widely available spare parts networks ensure repairs are manageable. For fleets, the availability of diagnostics (via in-cab displays or dealer tools) supports predictive maintenance and faster troubleshooting.
Resale and lifecycle value
Massey Ferguson tractors generally retain good resale value in markets where the brand is established. Features such as telematics, well-documented service history, and careful specification choices can positively affect second-hand prices. Properly maintained machines with documented service records and common options (front linkage, loader, front PTO) typically attract more buyers.
Options, accessories and customization
The 6718 S is offered with many factory and dealer-fitted options allowing users to tailor the machine to their needs.
- Front linkage and PTO for front-mounted implements and snow/forage equipment.
- High-flow hydraulics and multiple remotes for hydraulic-intensive implements.
- Transmission variants from powershift to CVT-like systems for different operating profiles.
- Loader packages with joystick control, return-to-dig and gear options.
- Advanced lighting packages (LED options) for night operations.
- Telematics and guidance systems for fleet oversight and precision farming.
These options allow the 6718 S to be configured cost-effectively for single-operator farms or scaled up for contractor workloads.
Market reception and notable statistics
The 6700 S range, including the 6718 S, has been positioned by Massey Ferguson as a workhorse series offering modern features without the complexity or cost of top-tier flagship tractors. User feedback commonly praises its straightforward serviceability, comfortable cab, and flexible specification. Contractors and farmers often note that the machine provides a good balance of power and economy for its class.
Specific production numbers and global sales figures for a single model like the 6718 S vary by year and market region and are typically reported at the series or brand level. What is consistent across markets is the 6700 S family’s role as a reliable mid-to-high horsepower solution in Massey Ferguson’s lineup, covering a segment where many farms transition from utility tractors to more specialized machinery. Resale data and auction trends in major agricultural markets indicate steady demand for well-maintained examples from this range.
Strengths, limitations and buying considerations
When evaluating a 6718 S for purchase, consider the following strengths and limitations to ensure it matches your operational needs.
Strengths
- Balanced combination of power and efficiency suitable for a wide range of tasks.
- Flexible configuration options—hydraulics, transmission, PTO and cabs allow effective customization.
- Good operator comfort and intuitive controls reduce fatigue during long shifts.
- Strong dealer networks in many regions facilitate parts availability and service.
Limitations
- Higher-specification options (telemetry, advanced transmissions) add cost; evaluate ROI based on tasks.
- Soil compaction considerations—ballasting and tyre selection must match tasks and field conditions.
- For extremely specialized tasks (e.g., narrow vineyard work), a narrower, purpose-built tractor could be more effective.
Prospective buyers should review manufacturer brochures for exact specifications by model year and region, test drive the tractor with representative implements, and consider lifecycle costs including fuel, maintenance, and resale value.
Summary
The Massey Ferguson 6718 S is a versatile, well-rounded agricultural tractor suitable for medium to large farms and contracting operations. It combines reliable mechanical architecture with modern amenities and options that support a variety of farm tasks—from heavy tillage and planting to loader work and large-scale forage operations. While exact numerical specifications can vary by year and market, the model is widely recognized for offering a strong balance of **power**, **efficiency**, **comfort**, and **serviceability**. When correctly specified and maintained, the 6718 S can be a productive asset that contributes to lower operating costs and higher field performance across the farming season.
