The most significant innovation of the 500 series, introduced in the spring of 1976, was a factory-installed, nearly flat-floor cab. In Finland, these models were introduced only at the beginning of 1977 when a model equipped with a roof hatch and meeting other Finnish safety requirements went into production. These models were mostly imported to Finland from England, but some 590s were imported partly from France, due in part to the long strikes in England.

The basic technology was almost the same as in the 100 series. The fuel tank had been moved from above the engine to under the cab. The transmissions were still familiar, and the lifting capacities remained modest. However, the hydraulic output was large in models equipped with high-capacity pumps. The steering was hydrostatic. For power take-off (PTO), it was possible to reach 1000 rpm by changing the shaft, and the PTO clutch was hydraulic. The tractors' wheelbase was the same as in the older 148/168/188 models. In most countries, the cab was single-doored until 1979, but Finnish regulations required a second door.

The smallest models in the series were the 3-cylinder 550 and the 560, which was equipped with the old 3.3-liter engine from the 165 (56 hp). The models imported to Finland were the 565, 575, and 590. Additionally, the Finnish importer installed turbochargers with varying success, increasing the 590’s engine output to 90 hp. Turboversions equipped with chargers from various manufacturers were also marketed officially in many other countries, even though Massey Ferguson itself did not wish to produce such a version. During the startup phase of cooperation between MF and Ursus, 3-cylinder models 535 and 555 were also made for Poland, since the 235 and 255 models to be produced there were not yet ready.

At first, the standard models had rather low road speeds, but these were later increased in the rear-wheel-drive models. The four-wheel-drive model equipped with a Landini front axle was initially available only as a 590, but from summer 1978 also as a 575. In summer 1980, the models got a cosmetic update with the cab upper part also painted red. In summer 1981, the tractors began to be equipped with a 12+4 Synkropower transmission, which only came to Finland with the 600 series.

This is an automated translation. Please report any issues in the translation.