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Massey Ferguson 398 Specs ( 1987-1991 )

Name: Massey Ferguson 398
Brand: Massey Ferguson

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Nebraska Test #OECD 1109 & 1110

MASSEY FERGUSON 398 DIESEL (2WD & FWA)

Max Drawbar HP 66.8 hp

Max Pull 7,575 lbs

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Overview

The Massey Ferguson 398 is a utility farm tractor manufactured in Coventry, England, between 1987 and 1991, powered by a 3.9L Perkins four-cylinder turbocharged diesel engine. It was produced in both 2WD and 4WD configurations and equipped with a 12-speed synchromesh Multi-Power transmission. Verified testing recorded a maximum PTO output of 80.3 hp and a peak drawbar pull of 7,575 lbs for the 4WD model.

Ideal Applications

Engine and Power Output: The turbocharged Perkins diesel engine is rated at 89 hp and produces 258 lb-ft of torque at 1400 RPM, with a tested PTO power of 80.3 hp at 2200 rated RPM.

Transmission and Hydraulic Configuration: The tractor features a 12-speed synchromesh transmission with 12 forward and 4 reverse gears, supported by an open center hydraulic system with a total flow of 16.8 gpm at 3000 psi.

Tested Pull and Lift Capacity: OECD testing measured a maximum drawbar pull of 7,575 lbs for the 4WD variant, while the Category II rear hitch provides a lift capacity of 4,340 lbs through the full lift range.

Production

Description	Utility tractor / Built in Coventry, England
Manufacturer	Massey Ferguson
Original price	$27,400 (1988 2WD )

Engine

Engine type	Perkins 3.9L 4-cyl diesel
Fuel tank	28.5 gal (107.9 L)
Air cleaner	dual dry element
Bore/Stroke	3.875x5.00 inches (98 x 127 mm)
Compression	15.5:1
Coolant capacity	16.4 qts (15.5 L)
Description	Perkins AT4.236 / turbocharged diesel / 4-cylinder / liquid-cooled
Displacement	236 ci (3.9 L)
Firing order	1-3-4-2
Fuel system	direct injection
Idle RPM	750-2420
Oil capacity	8.1 qts (7.7 L)
Power	89 hp (66.4 kW)
Rated RPM	2200
Starter	electric
Starter volts	12
Torque	258 lb-ft (349.8 Nm)
Torque RPM	1400
Drawbar (tested)	66.8 hp (49.8 kW)
PTO (claimed)	82 hp (61.1 kW)
PTO (tested)	80.3 hp (59.9 kW)

Transmission

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

Mechanical

Description	Power steering / Wet disc brakes / Two-post ROPS. Canopy optional.
Drive type	Two- or four-wheel drive

Hydraulics

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

Hitch

Control	position and draft control
Rear lift	4340 lbs*Capacity through full lift range (1968 kg)
Rear lift (at ends)	5507 lbs (telescopic ends)*Capacity with links horizontal (2497 kg)
Rear Type	II

PTO

Rear PTO	independent
Rear PTO Type	540/1000 (1.375)

Electrical

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

Dimensions & Tires

2WD Clearance (front axle)	22.8 inches (57 cm)
2WD Length	146.1 inches (371 cm)
2WD Weight	7047 lbs (3196 kg)
2WD Wheelbase	84.1 inches (213 cm)
4WD Clearance (front axle)	16.9 inches (42 cm)
4WD Length	157.6 inches (400 cm)
4WD Weight	7648 lbs (3469 kg)
4WD Wheelbase	92.5 inches (234 cm)
Clearance (drawbar)	12 inches (30 cm)
Width	77.7 inches (197 cm)
2WD Wheelbase	84.1 inches (213 cm)
4WD Wheelbase	92.5 inches (234 cm)
Front tire	7.50-18
Rear tire	18.4-34 (2WD)
Weight	7047 to 7648 pounds
Standard tires (ag)	Front: 7.50-18. Rear: 18.4-34 (2WD)

398 Serial Number Location

Description	Serial number plate on the right side of the tractor, near the brake pedals.

398 Serial Numbers

1986	U01001
1987	V01001
1988	N01001
1989	P01001
1990	R01001
1991	S01001
1992	A01001
1993	B01001
1994	C01001
1995	D01001
1996	E01001
1997	F01001
Description	FAQ: How to read a serial number table.

Massey Ferguson 398 Height

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

OCED Tractor Test 1109

Description	Diesel 12-speed 2WDJuly 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.
Fuel use	4.9 gal/hour (18.5 l/hour) / 4.4 gal/hour (16.7 l/hour) / 4.9 gal/hour (18.5 l/hour)
Max power	66.8 hp (49.8 kW)
Max pull	5530 lbs (2508 kg)
Power at rated engine speed	80.3 hp (59.9 kW)
Power at rated PTO speed	76.4 hp (57.0 kW)

OCED Tractor Test 1110

Description	Diesel 12-speed 4WDJuly 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.
Fuel use	4.9 gal/hour (18.5 l/hour) / 4.4 gal/hour (16.7 l/hour) / 5.0 gal/hour (18.9 l/hour)
Max power	64.9 hp (48.4 kW)
Max pull	7575 lbs (3436 kg)
Power at rated engine speed	80.3 hp (59.9 kW)
Power at rated PTO speed	76.4 hp (57.0 kW)

References

Description	300 published in 1986, by Massey Ferguson / 300 published in 1986, by Massey Ferguson / 300 Series Tractors Data Book published in 1992, by Massey Ferguson / M-F 300 Series Tractor Workshop Manual (1449 244M1) published in 1991

Tractor Tests

Description	OECD 1109: diesel 12-speed 2WD / OECD 1110: diesel 12-speed 4WD

Nebraska Tractor Test Results

Test #OECD 1109 & 1110

Download PDF

Test Date: July to August, 1987

Location: AFRC Institute of Engineering Research, Wrest Park, Silsoe, Bedford, England MK45 4HS

This section is compiled from original Nebraska Tractor Test PDFs using AI-assisted extraction and human review. For full verification, download the source PDF above. Differences between reports, incomplete source data, and occasional extraction or data entry mistakes can occur.

PTO Drawbar Hydraulics Technical Sound Tires & Weight

Maximum Power & Fuel Consumption

Fuel Consumption Characteristics 2wd

Click column headers to sort

Power	kW	Pull (lbs)	Pull (kN)	Speed	km/h	Slip	Air °F	Barometer Inch Hg	Condition	Engine RPM	Fuel Hp Hr Gal	Fuel Kg Kwh	Fuel Kwh L	Fuel Lb Hp Hr	Temp Coolant F
66.80	49.80	3,485	15.50	7.19	11.57	6.10	75	29.90	Maximum Power - 9th (2HL) Gear	2200	13.50	0.31	2.66	0.52	180
51.90	38.70	2,610	11.60	7.46	12.01	4.60	75	29.90	75% of Pull at Maximum Power - 9th (2HL) Gear	2244	12.44	0.34	2.45	0.56	178
36.10	26.90	1,755	7.80	7.72	12.42	3.50	75	29.90	50% of Pull at Maximum Power - 9th (2HL) Gear	2285	10.41	0.41	2.05	0.67	176
51.90	38.70	2,610	11.60	7.46	12.01	4.60	73	29.90	75% of Pull at Reduced Engine Speed - 10th (2HH) Gear	1763	14.47	0.29	2.85	0.48	178
36.10	26.90	1,755	7.80	7.72	12.42	3.50	73	29.90	50% of Pull at Reduced Engine Speed - 10th (2HH) Gear	1772	13.10	0.32	2.58	0.53	176

Fuel Consumption Characteristics Fwa

Click column headers to sort

Power	kW	Pull (lbs)	Pull (kN)	Speed	Slip	Air °F	Barometer Inch Hg	Condition	Engine RPM	Fuel Hp Hr Gal	Fuel Lb Hp Hr	Temp Coolant F
64.90	48.40	5,030	22.40	4.84	5.80	81	29.80	Maximum Power - 7th (1HL) Gear	2200	13.05	0.53	185
51.10	38.10	3,775	16.80	5.07	4.40	77	29.80	75% of Pull at Maximum Power - 7th (1HL) Gear	2251	12.44	0.56	181
34.70	25.90	2,520	11.20	5.18	3.40	77	29.80	50% of Pull at Maximum Power - 7th (1HL) Gear	2271	10.20	0.68	180
51.10	38.10	3,775	16.80	5.07	4.40	77	29.80	75% of Pull at Reduced Engine Speed - 9th (2HL) Gear	1499	15.48	0.45	180
34.50	25.70	2,520	11.20	5.13	3.40	77	29.80	50% of Pull at Reduced Engine Speed - 9th (2HL) Gear	1519	13.96	0.50	178

Maximum Power In Selected Gears 2wd

Click column headers to sort

Gear	Power	kW	Pull (lbs)	Pull (kN)	Speed	Slip	Barometer Inch Hg	Engine RPM	Fuel Hp Hr Gal	Fuel Lb Hp Hr	Temp Air F	Temp Coolant F
6th (3LH)	55.80	41.60	5,530	24.60	3.78	15.00	29.90	2224	12.18	0.57	75	180
7th (1HL)	63.30	47.20	5,240	23.30	4.53	12.30	29.90	2200	12.79	0.54	75	178
8th (1HH)	65.80	49.10	4,115	18.30	6.00	7.70	29.90	2200	13.25	0.53	77	180
9th (2HL)	66.80	49.80	3,485	15.50	7.19	6.10	29.90	2200	13.50	0.52	75	180
10th (2HH)	66.20	49.40	2,655	11.80	9.36	4.70	29.90	2200	13.35	0.52	73	180

Maximum Power In Selected Gears Fwa

Click column headers to sort

Gear	Power	kW	Pull (lbs)	Pull (kN)	Speed	Slip	Barometer Inch Hg	Engine RPM	Fuel Hp Hr Gal	Fuel Lb Hp Hr	Temp Air F	Temp Coolant F
5th (3LL)	60.50	45.10	7,575	33.70	3.00	15.00	29.80	2218	12.59	0.55	79	183
6th (3LH)	64.20	47.90	5,915	26.30	4.08	7.70	29.80	2200	13.05	0.53	79	181
7th (1HL)	64.90	48.40	5,030	22.40	4.84	5.80	29.80	2200	13.05	0.53	81	185
8th (1HH)	65.70	49.00	3,910	17.40	6.30	4.50	29.80	2200	13.30	0.52	81	187
9th (2HL)	65.30	48.70	3,260	14.50	7.51	3.90	29.80	2200	13.10	0.53	79	181

Engine

Make	Perkins Diesel
Type	four cylinder vertical with turbocharger
Displacement	236 cu in (3870 ml)
Compression Ratio	15.5 to 1
Rated Engine Speed	2200 rpm
Air Cleaner	oil bath and centrifugal precleaner
Exhaust	vertical
Crankshaft	lengthwise

Chassis

Type	2WD, FWA
Steering	hydrostatic
Transmission	selective gear fixed ratio
Speeds	12 forward (18.23 mph max)
Rear Tread Width	59.1 (1500 mm) to 83.1 (2112 mm) in
Brakes	multiple wet disc hydraulically operated by two foot pedals
Hydraulic Control	direct engine drive

Consumables

Fuel	No. 2 Diesel
DEF Fluid	N/A
Engine Oil	SAE 15W30

Massey Ferguson 398 Specs ( 1987-1991 )

Overview

Ideal Applications

Production

Engine

Transmission

Mechanical

Hydraulics

Hitch

PTO

Electrical

Dimensions & Tires

398 Serial Number Location

398 Serial Numbers

Massey Ferguson 398 Height

OCED Tractor Test 1109

OCED Tractor Test 1110

References

Tractor Tests

Nebraska Tractor Test Results

PTO Performance

Maximum Power & Fuel Consumption

Drawbar Performance

Fuel Consumption Characteristics 2wd

Fuel Consumption Characteristics Fwa

Maximum Power In Selected Gears 2wd

Maximum Power In Selected Gears Fwa

Hydraulic Performance

Technical Specifications

Engine

Chassis

Consumables

Sound Levels

Tires & Weight

Tires & Tracks

Test Remarks