188

The story

The 188 arrived in 1972 as part of the Super Spec update to Massey Ferguson's 100 series, a year after the 185. It shared the 185's 4.1 litre Perkins diesel but had a longer wheelbase, stretched by about six inches with a spacer behind the gearbox, and a stronger linkage able to lift more than two tonnes.

Most were sold with the Multi-Power gearbox, which gave 12 forward speeds and clutchless high and low shifts. Power steering, oil-immersed disc brakes, cast rear rims and front weights were all standard.

A four-wheel drive version with a Landini front axle was offered in some markets. Pitched against the Ford 5000, the 188 bowed out when the 100 series ended in 1976.