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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.
Showcasing the huge range of new technologies and science that is now available was one of the highlights at last week's National Fieldays.
Coby Warmington, 29, a farm manager at Waima Topu Beef near Hokianga was named at the winner of the 2025 Ahuwhenua Young Maori Farmer Award for sheep and beef.
Northlanders scooped the pool at this year's prestigious Ahuwhenua Trophy Awards - winning both the main competition and the young Maori farmer award.
Red meat farmers are urging the Government to act on the growing number of whole sheep and beef farm sales for conversion to forestry, particularly carbon farming.
The days of rising on-farm inflation and subdued farmgate prices are coming to an end for farmers, helping lift confidence.
A blockbuster year and an exciting performance: that's how Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) Director General, Ray Smith is describing the massive upsurge in the fortunes of the primary sector exports for the year ended June 2025.
