The Raaymakers have two adjacent dairy farms at Glenbrook, just south of the Manukau Harbour. They grow some maize and also harvest grass silage for their herds and for other dairy farmers in the district.
The contracting operation chalks up about 1000 acres a year.
Raaymakers bought his first Fendt 714 three years ago and has used it for a variety of farm and contract jobs.
They include pulling silage loader wagons, feeding out, carting maize, mowing and some rotary hoe work.
He was so pleased with its performance, he bought his second 714 in August.
Having previously owned a variety of tractor brands, Raaymakers likes his Fendts for their size, quality, horsepower and low fuel consumption. He also says they retain their value well for resale or trade in.
"We chose the 714 for the size. It's not too big for farming and it's not too small for contracting," he says.
"Fendts are easy to handle and drive once you get the hang of them. I generally only drive them in manual but our drivers use them in automatic for contracting. There are a lot more options than many people realise and work with."
Raaymakers didn't even consider another tractor when he wanted to add to his fleet recently, and went straight for the 714.
"Our first one has only ever had a service over the years and we've had two loaders on it and had no trouble. They mostly do the loader wagon in the spring.
"One Fendt has a 40-cubic-metre wagon on it and the other has a 28-cubic-metre wagon. They handle them fine. To start off with we thought the tractor would be too small for the large wagon but it's not. We put good-sized tyres on front and back and it can handle it really well.
"The Fendt 714 is not a huge tractor so it's nice to drive. For the horsepower it's still a small-sized tractor. It's got a good turn and a good lock.
"You really only use one lever to go forward and backward. Everything is on it, so it's quite simple.
"The front suspension and cab suspension are good, so it delivers a comfortable ride on both road and farm. It's amazing how smooth it is."
Raaymakers is happy with his Fendt 714s' fuel consumption. He says they are stable on undulating ground and have great visibility. Overall, he is more than happy with them.
