Introduction
Massey Ferguson 398 Utility Tractor
The Massey Ferguson 398 is a utility tractor manufactured in Coventry, England, between 1987 and 1991. Designed for general agricultural tasks, it was available in both two-wheel drive and four-wheel drive configurations.
Engine and Performance
The tractor is powered by the Perkins AT4.236 engine, a 3.9-liter, 4-cylinder turbocharged diesel unit. It features direct fuel injection and liquid cooling. The engine produces 89 horsepower (66.4 kW) at a rated speed of 2200 RPM and generates 258 lb-ft (349.8 Nm) of torque at 1400 RPM.
Transmission and Drivetrain
Operators have access to two transmission configurations: a 12-speed synchromesh gearbox or a 12-speed transmission equipped with a two-speed 'Multi-Power' powershift. Both options provide 12 forward and 4 reverse gears to accommodate various field speeds.
Hydraulics and PTO
The hydraulic system utilizes an open-center design with a total flow capacity of 16.8 gpm (63.6 lpm) at a system pressure of 3000 psi (206.8 bar). The independent rear PTO offers dual operating speeds of 540 and 1000 RPM, allowing for the use of diverse implements.
Hitch and Dimensions
The 398 is equipped with a Category II rear three-point hitch featuring both position and draft control. Lift capacity varies depending on the link configuration, reaching up to 8109 lbs (3678 kg) when using fixed ends with dual assist rams. The 4WD model has an operating weight of 7648 lbs (3469 kg) and a wheelbase of 92.5 inches (234 cm).
Conclusion
The Massey Ferguson 398 is a robust utility tractor suited for medium-scale farming operations. Its combination of a high-torque Perkins engine, flexible transmission options, and substantial hydraulic capacity makes it a reliable choice for heavy-duty traction and implement operation.
Massey Ferguson 398 Manuals & Documentation
Download the manuals and documentation available for the Massey Ferguson 398: repair and workshop manuals, operator's handbooks, spare-parts catalogs and technical leaflets — free PDF files.
Archive documentation provided for reference, hosted by Tractor-Info.
Production Information of Massey Ferguson, 398
- Utility tractor
- Built in Coventry, England
| Manufacturer | Massey Ferguson |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer(optional) | $32,800 (1988 4WD ) |
| Original price | $27,400 (1988 2WD ) |
Dimension and Tires Information of Massey Ferguson, 398
| 4WD Weight | 7648 lbs [3469 kg] |
|---|---|
| 2WD Wheelbase | 84.1 inches [213 cm] |
| Width | 77.7 inches [197 cm] |
| 4WD Length | 157.6 inches [400 cm] |
| 4WD Wheelbase | 92.5 inches [234 cm] |
| 2WD Clearance (front axle) | 22.8 inches [57 cm] |
| 2WD Weight | 7047 lbs [3196 kg] |
| 2WD Length | 146.1 inches [371 cm] |
| Clearance (drawbar) | 12 inches [30 cm] |
| 4WD Clearance (front axle) | 16.9 inches [42 cm] |
| Standard tires (ag) | Front: 7.50-18. Rear: 18.4-34 (2WD) |
|---|---|
| Standard tires (ag)(optional) | Front: 14.9-24. Rear: 18.4-34 (4WD) |
Engine Specifications of Massey Ferguson, 398
- Perkins AT4.236
- Liquid-cooled
- Turbocharged diesel
- 4-cylinder
| Starter | Electric |
|---|---|
| Firing order | 1-3-4-2 |
| Fuel system | Direct injection |
| Starter volts | 12 |
| Compression | 15.5:1 |
| Rated RPM | 2200 |
| Air cleaner | Dual dry element |
| Displacement | 236 ci [3.9 L] |
| Power | 89 hp [66.4 kW] |
| Bore/Stroke | 3.875x5.00 inches [98 x 127 mm] |
| Torque RPM | 1400 |
| Oil capacity | 8.1 qts [7.7 L] |
| Coolant capacity | 16.4 qts [15.5 L] |
| Torque | 258 lb-ft [349.8 Nm] |
| Idle RPM | 750-2420 |
Transmission Information of Massey Ferguson, 398
Transmission variants 1
| Type | Synchromesh |
|---|---|
| Gears | 12 forward and 4 reverse |
Transmission variants 2
| Transmission | Multi-Power |
|---|---|
| Type | Two-speed power shift |
| Gears | 12 forward and 4 reverse |
- 12-speed synchromesh
- 12-speed two-speed power shift
Mechanical Specs of Massey Ferguson, 398
- Two- or four-wheel drive
- Two-post ROPS. Canopy optional.
- Power steering
- Wet disc brakes
Power Information of Massey Ferguson, 398
| Rear PTO | Independent |
|---|---|
| Rear PTO Type | 540/1000 (1.375) |
Hydraulics Specifications of Massey Ferguson, 398
| Type | Open center |
|---|---|
| Total flow | 16.8 gpm [63.6 lpm] |
| Total flow(optional) | 9.5 gpm (aux. pump) [36.0 lpm] |
| Pressure | 3000 psi [206.8 bar] |
| Pump flow | 7.2 gpm (linkage pump) [27.3 lpm] |
Three-Point Hitch of Massey Ferguson, 398
| Rear Type | II |
|---|---|
| Rear Type(optional) | 6744 lbs (fixed ends) [3059 kg] |
| Rear lift (at ends) | 5507 lbs (telescopic ends) [2497 kg] |
| Control | Position and draft control |
| Control(optional) | 8109 lbs (fixed ends with two assist rams) [3678 kg] |
| Rear lift | 4340 lbs [1968 kg] |
Capacity with links horizontal
Capacity with links horizontal
Capacity with links horizontal
Capacity through full lift range
Electrical System of Massey Ferguson, 398
| Ground | Negative |
|---|---|
| Ground(optional) | 540 (1x) |
| Battery CCA | 420 (2x) |
| Charging system | Alternator |
| Battery volts | 12 |
| Charging amps | 45 |
Where it sits
With 89 HP, the Massey Ferguson 398 sits between 298 (86 HP) and 399 (101 HP) in Massey Ferguson's range. Its power puts it in the 66th percentile of 1980s models in our database (2052 machines).
Frequently asked questions
How much horsepower does the Massey Ferguson 398 have?
The Massey Ferguson 398 delivers 89 HP.
What years was the Massey Ferguson 398 produced?
The Massey Ferguson 398 was produced in 1987-1991.
What engine does the Massey Ferguson 398 have?
The Massey Ferguson 398 is powered by a Turbocharged diesel, 4-cylinder engine.
What transmission does the Massey Ferguson 398 use?
The Massey Ferguson 398 uses a Synchromesh transmission.
How much does the Massey Ferguson 398 weigh?
The Massey Ferguson 398 weighs 7648 lbs [3469 kg].
Is the Massey Ferguson 398 4WD?
The Massey Ferguson 398 is available in 2WD/4WD.