increase font size
Waikauri View Farm manager Tony Marshall with the MF4708.
Brian Mason and his staff milk 1000 cows at Waikauri View Farms, Wellsford, Northland, running Massey Fergusons for the last 10 years because they are “common-sense tractors” ideal for a dairy farming operation.
Their latest addition is a MF 4708, delivered in October, and a second identical machine will arrive in August.
Wanting an upgrade from his previous MF 4245 tractor, Mason looked at several models before buying the first MF 4708, picking the tractor for its up-to-date technology and its fitness for general dairy farm jobs -- hay and silage feeding, spraying and loader work.
One of Massey Ferguson’s Global Series, the MF 4708 is said to offer high performance and strength; it is one of a straightforward range offering efficiency and being a ROPS tractor it suits operators getting in and out throughout the day.
Built for reliability, ruggedness and fuel economy, it is powered by a 4.4L AGCO Power four-cylinder engine that delivers 85hp, matched to a new synchronised transmission with 12 forward and 12 reverse speeds in two ranges.
The MF 4708 has a 65L/min, open-centre hydraulic system with two gear pumps providing rear lift of 3000kg.
Mason says the MF 4708 is safe and suitable for all his staff to use.
“It has a low centre of gravity and is very stable on hill country. The wheels are set wide so it’s safe and well balanced.
“It’s very user friendly, which is important as various staff members drive the tractor; they all comment favourably about the loader and powerful hydraulics.”
Massey Ferguson has announced the introduction of the MF 5M Series, offered over six horsepower steps from 95 maximum hp, to a new 145hp model, with 14 unique variants depending on the cab and transmission type.
The drawn out separation of global giant AGCO and its Indian partner TAFE seems to be ending.
It seems that tractor manufacturers will go to great efforts to promote the versatility and durability of their offerings, a recent example being a Massey Ferguson with an 8S tractor entered into the Morocco Desert Challenge.
AGCO has released details of the new SB.1436DB small square, or conventional baler, that rather unconventionally, produces two rows of bales per field pass, so doubling the output over a traditional single baler producing 14-by-18-inch bales.
Recently launched to complement the existing DM 8612 TL and DM 9614 TL machines, Massey Ferguson has added the heavy-duty 9614 TL and 10114 TL butterfly mowers to its DM range, with working widths of 9.6m and 10.1m respectively.
Acclaimed fruit grower Dean Astill never imagined he would have achieved so much in the years since being named the first Young Horticulturist of the Year, 20 years ago.
The Ashburton-based Carrfields Group continues to show commitment to future growth and in the agricultural sector with its latest investment, the recently acquired 'Spring Farm' adjacent to State Highway 1, Winslow, just south of Ashburton.
New Zealand First leader and Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters has blasted Fonterra farmers shareholders for approving the sale of iconic brands to a French company.
A major feature of the Ashburton A&P Show, to be held on October 31 and November 1, will be the annual trans-Tasman Sheep Dog Trial test match, with the best heading dogs from both sides of the Tasman going head-to-head in two teams of four.
Fewer bobby calves are heading to the works this season, as more dairy farmers recognise the value of rearing calves for beef.
The key to a dairy system that generates high profit with a low emissions intensity is using low footprint feed, says Fonterra program manager on-farm excellence, Louise Cook.
OPINION: Microplastics are turning up just about everywhere in the global food supply, including in fish, cups of tea, and…
OPINION: At a time when dairy prices are at record highs, no one was expecting the world's second largest dairy…
