Friday, 30 June 2017 08:54

Safe, user-friendly farm machine

Written by  Mark Daniel
Waikauri View Farm manager Tony Marshall with the MF4708. 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.”

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