Massey Ferguson’s MF 8S Becomes the First Tractor to Complete Grueling Morocco Desert Challenge

An Agricultural Workhorse Tackles One of the World’s Toughest Rally-Raids

Massey Ferguson’s 8S Dyna E-Power just made motorsports history. In April 2025, the heavily modified tractor became the first of its kind to complete the grueling Morocco Desert Challenge (MDC) — finishing 75th overall out of 144 competitors and 4th in the truck category. This unique entry showcased the MF 8S’s durability, adaptability and advanced engineering under extreme conditions usually reserved for 4x4s, buggies and rally trucks. From the press release:

“The team involved did a fantastic job preparing the tractor for this adventure and it demonstrates that the MF 8S can handle any obstacle and operate efficiently in every environment. We are thrilled to be the first tractor to complete this demanding race.” says Jérôme Aubrion, Director Marketing Massey Ferguson, Europe & Middle East. “The synergy between customer, dealer, and brand has been reflected throughout this achievement: it is a great example of how a customer idea shared with a dealer can became a successful story supported by the Massey Ferguson brand,” he concludes.

What Is the Morocco Desert Challenge?

The Morocco Desert Challenge is one of Africa’s biggest off-road rally-raids. First run in 2008, it has grown into a massive event with more than 1,000 participants and a route that stretches “coast to coast” across Morocco. The race is known for:

• No liaison stages (“0 KM liaison” concept)
• Extreme terrain: dunes, dry lakebeds, rocky pistes
• 8 consecutive days of racing
• Minimal support between stages

It’s not part of the FIA/FIM circuit, allowing non-traditional vehicles like the MF 8S to participate — provided they meet minimum safety standards. Normally, the MDC features motorbikes, SSVs, buggies, 4x4s and race-prepped trucks.

Inside the MF 8S Rally Build

Turning a 7.4-liter agricultural tractor into a rally-ready racer required serious upgrades. From the press release:

“This project highlights the skill of agricultural mechanics and everything these professionals can achieve,” says Gilles. “It’s an incredible human adventure, bringing together resources and skills around a shared goal. It wasn’t just the drivers who were involved; there was a complete team that enabled the tractor to set off again each day. The attention and enthusiasm from the public has also been a real pleasure.”

Key Modifications Included:

• Tires: Michelin Evobib VF 600/70 R30 front, VF 710/70 R42 rear
• Inflation system: PTG central tire inflation system with 1,800 l/min compressor
• Cab protection: Full roll cage, polycarbonate side windows
• Cooling: MF’s unique Protect-U design with rear-mounted air intake
• Speed: Top speed increased to 75 kph
• Fuel capacity: Added second tank for long stages
• Visibility: Camera mirrors for dust and tight turns
• Driver setup: Dual racing seats with harnesses, offset controls
• Lifting systems: Independent hydraulic front and rear lifts

Even with all the mods, the 8S retained its original Dyna E-Power dual-clutch transmission, fine-tuned for the rally.

The Dyna E-Power in Action

The dual-clutch Dyna E-Power transmission was built to deliver smooth, continuous power without torque interruption. That’s crucial in rally-raid environments where wheel spin, gear delays and power loss can cost time — or worse, strand vehicles in dunes. Massey Ferguson’s engineers fine-tuned the transmission to handle sand, rocks and relentless vibration over 2,000 km of racing. According to the team, it endured 13+ hours of continuous shifting without issue.

The team adds, “The gearbox performed exceptionally well, demonstrating impressive responsiveness. After more than 2000 km of rigorous testing and over 13 hours of continuous gear changes, it proved itself worthy of a true competition-grade sequential gearbox.”

Why This Race Matters for Massey Ferguson

The Morocco Desert Challenge allowed Massey Ferguson to:

• Prove durability: The 8S ran daily without mechanical failure
• Showcase innovation: The Protect-U and Dyna E-Power systems thrived in brutal terrain
• Reach new audiences: The tractor shared the stage with elite off-road machines
• Reinforce its image: The brand showed it can operate far beyond the field

Unlike glossy marketing campaigns, this effort planted a real tractor in real danger, and it made it through.

A Tractor Among Trucks

Finishing fourth among eight truck-class entries, the MF 8S ran alongside purpose-built race rigs. That’s a strong showing for a machine not designed for motorsport. We’re also sure it stood out in the bivouac — sparking conversations among racers, engineers and fans. With this finish, Massey Ferguson has opened the door for more experimental builds in off-road competition. The MF 8S Dyna E-Power proved that with enough planning, precision and resilience — even a tractor can conquer the desert. Next time, it might even podium.

Keith Gribbins is the publisher of Compact Equipment.