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.
An open-centre, 100 litre/min hydraulic system is fitted as standard, complemented by varying lift capacities for each model.
Massey Ferguson has announced the introduction of the MF 5M Series, offered over six horsepower steps from 95 maximum hp, to a new 145hp model, with 14 unique variants depending on the cab and transmission type.
Building on the existing MF 5700, MF 5700 Dyna-4, and MF 6700 Series, the model range, offered as cabin or platform configurations, is powered by an AGCO Power four-cylinder, 4.4 litre engines. Complemented by a 24% larger fuel tank, holding 198 litres, said to be the largest in the sector, allowing for more work between refills.
Transmission choice is 12x12 on the entry 5M.95 model, with 12x12 or Dyna-4 configurations with the remainder of the range, excluding the flagship 5M.145 model, which is only available with the latter. Dyna-4 transmission, which provides clutch-free control of 16 forward and 16 reverse speeds with a 40km/h Eco top speed.
The optional AutoDrive system offers automatic shifting in Power or Eco modes, along with Brake-to-Neutral as standard, to automatically disengage drive when the pedal is pressed, ensuring precision, comfort combined and smoother operation.
At the business end of the tractor, an open-centre, 100 litre/min hydraulic system is fitted as standard, complemented by lift capacities of 4300kg up to the 5M.115 and 5200kg for the three larger models.
Said to offer high levels of comfort and excellent visibility, an upgraded, optional air conditioning system offers increased air flow and distribution around the operator.
1.3 metres wide, the cabin has a flat floor and car-style pedals and large glass areas. The Visio Roof option allows improved visibility and safer handling operations.
Those operators using front-end loaders have the choice of mechanical or electronic joysticks, while benefitting from a 4.65 turning radius.
Comfort can be improved further with a new cab suspension system option on all Dyna-4 models, while meanwhile LED work-light options, in addition to the halogen lights, provide increased illumination, especially at night, with a choice of either two LED front and rear work-lights, or two mid-mounted units. Externally, a new PTO switch, for remote engagement, is located on the rear of the nearside fender.
For control, precision and comfort all 5M tractors can be equipped with full MF Guide, including the Fieldstar 5 terminal or, as MF Guide ready. MF Guide provides fully automatic steering and is offered with a Trimble®, or a choice of other receivers that provide a range of positioning accuracies.
Fieldstar 5 provides access to several Massey Ferguson Smart Farming options, including ISOBUS, while also offering a range of features including Section Control to automatically switch up to 96 different sections, Rate Control to automatically vary application rates and MF Connect telemetry providing near real time data transfer.
Completing the package, a comprehensive range of MF services, includes MF Care extended warranty, personalisation options and MF Always Running courtesy fleet, for total peace of mind.
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.