MS 8S Xtra Raises the Bar for Fuel Efficiency
With the rapid rise of diesel prices since the start of the Iran conflict, farmers and growers are taking fuel consumption seriously as their bottom line is being eroded.
MF’s newly announced GC1700 Series sub-compact range will feature similar styling to the larger tractors under the Massey Ferguson banner.
Massey Ferguson has launched new models in its MF GC1700 series sub-compact range.
This sees the previous MFGC 1705, 1715 and 1720 models replaced by the MF GC 1723E and 1725M models, with similar styling to the larger tractors under the Massey Ferguson banner.
“Redesigned styling, functionality and control placement will make the new MF GC series easy to own and a pleasure to operate,” says Simon Van Kruining, product manager for MF compact tractors.
“There are specification options to suit most users, which will make them ideal for grounds-care and farm work, whether the job is commercial or residential.”
The GC1700 series sub-compact tractors are powered by fuel-efficient, 3-cylinder, liquid-cooled diesel engines of 23 or 25hp and high torque. A functional, solid metal hood tilts up for easy engine access.
Both models run at lower revs to help reduce vibration and noise while improving engine life and reducing fuel consumption.
The radiator and radiator fan are located behind the engine, pulling hot air away from the operator and keeping both the operator and engine cooler.
The tractors’ two-range hydrostatic transmission allow speeds variable in each range.
Hydrostatic foot pedals are located on the right side of the platform, with the brake pedal on the left side. The foot pedals are spring -loaded, returning to a neutral position when released; cruise control is located on the front dash panel and engaged by a single push once the desired speed is reached.
A wide -open, clutter-free platform with an all new flat floor design allows the operator to move on and off the tractor with ease and offers plenty of space for natural leg movement.
A new ergonomically designed seat has armrests with adjustment for improved driving comfort.
The adjustable tilt steering column allows for ideal positioning of the wheel to match the height and preference of the operator.
To the right side of the front console, the hydraulic joystick puts the control lever within easy reach of the operator and uses a refined linkage to provide smoother operation and less arm movement for the user. A safety lockout lever prevents the operator from bumping the joystick or operating the hydraulics when in the locked position.
A loader quick-attach design allows the operator to easily remove each attachment as necessary.
An optional frontloader is tailored for high performance, and an optional 54” mowing deck cuts finely.
The MF GC 1725M model can also be fitted with a quick-attach, self-standing backhoe whose boom float feature makes it easy to position the bucket to, say, create an even floor bed in a cut or grade smoothly when backfilling.
Farmers will get an opportunity to hear about the latest developments in sheep genetics at the Sheep Breeder Forum this May.
Specialist horticulture and viticulture weather forecasters Metris says the incoming Cyclone Vaianu is likely to impact growers across the country.
A group of old Otago uni mates with a love of South Island back-country have gone the lengths of Waiau Toa Clarence from source to sea. Tim Fulton, who joined the group in the final fun to the river mouth, tells their story.
Operating with a completely different format from conventional tractors and combine harvesters, the NEXAT prime mover combines all steps of crop production in one modular carrier vehicle, from tillage, through seeding to harvesting.
Reports of severe weather forecast to move over the vast majority of New Zealand’s kiwifruit orchards this weekend will be very concerning for a significant number of growers.
Seeka chief executive Michael Franks says while it's still early days in terms of the kiwifruit harvest, things are looking pretty good.

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