increase font size
MF 2600 series... nimble, no-nonsense workhorse.
Farmers worldwide have always loved Massey Ferguson tractors, particularly the venerable 135 and 165 models.
Produced in 100s of 1000s in the mid-1960s, using largely mechanical components, and easy to service and get parts for, they are a popular used buy; you find them in places as diverse as Sri Lanka, Kenya and Somalia.
Here in New Zealand the current 2600 series is building a similar reputation as a nimble, no-nonsense workhorse with power of 38-74hp.
Using 3- or 4-cylinder Simpson engines of 2500 or 3600cc, they are kept simple: a constant mesh gearbox offers 8 forward and two reverse speeds, there is a choice of 2 or 4WD front axles and they go 30km/h at maximum speed.
An independent PTO system offers 540rpm output speed, and the three point linkage lifts up to 2050kg on the larger 2635 model.
The hydraulic system delivers up to 62L/min to the rear remotes via dual open-centre pumps, and has up to two valves for powering external implements.
The Tractor Centre, Pukekohe, sales manager Grant Hudson, commented "these little pocket rockets are the MF 135 and 165 of the current era. They are popular with growers in our area for their light weight and perky engines; and simple layout makes training staff a breeze".
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.
As a sign of the times, a sharp downturn in the global demand for tractors and machinery has seen some of the global players announcing lacklustre half yearly results.
Massey Ferguson has announced the launch of the new MF 9S Series, which includes six models with powers from 285hp to 425hp.
A tractor dealership celebrating 65 years selling Massey Fergusons, and other AGCO farm machinery, is still expanding, opening a new branch in Cromwell.
New Zealand's largest celebration of rural sports athletes and enthusiasts – New Zealand Rural Games - is back for its 10th edition, kicking off in Palmerston North from Thursday, March 6th to Sunday, March 9th, 2025.
Southland breeder Tim Gow attributes the success of his Shire breed of hair sheep to the expert guidance of his uncle, the late Dr Scott Dolling, who was a prominent Australian animal geneticist.
Progeny testing at Pāmu’s Kepler farm in Southland as part of Beef + Lamb New Zealand’s Informing New Zealand Beef programme is showing that the benefits of hybrid vigour could have a massive impact on the future of beef breeding.
Vegetable grower NZ Hothouse Ltd has always been ahead of the game when it comes to sustainability, but new innovations are coming thick and fast.
OPINION: Submissions on the Government's contentious Gene Technology Bill have closed.
Alliance Group has secured greater access for chilled beef exports into China following approval of its Levin and Mataura plants to supply that market. With its first load of beef from Levin clearing Chinese customs in early January and a shipment from Mataura recently arriving in China, journalist Leo Argent talked to Alliance general manager safety and processing Wayne Shaw.
OPINION: Australian dairy is bracing for the retirement of an iconic dairy brand.
OPINION: Another sign that the plant-based dairy fallacy is unravelling and that nothing beats dairy-based products.
