increase font size
Many dairy farmers may once have favoured a ROPS tractor for its easy access and dismounting to open gates or take down hot wires.
But demand for ROPS machines has recently waned, probably because the customary 75-85hp ROPS tractor may no longer be up to handling the larger feeder wagons now commonly used.
Massey Ferguson’s 5700ES and 6700ES Global series tractors can deal with that problem. They come in a range 92-132hp in a straightforward, heavy-duty package with five models.
The MF 5700 series tractors have a 2430mm wheelbase, 3700kg tare weight and 4.3 tonne linkage capacity. The 5709 and 5710 deliver 92 and 102hp, respectively.
The slightly larger MF 6700 series has three models -- the 6711, 6712 and 6713 delivering 112, 122 and 132hp, respectively. The wheelbase is longer at 2500mm, the tare weight 3900kg and lift capacity 5200kg.
These specs make them ideal loader tractors, capable of handling heavy loads in livestock and mixed farming enterprises, or as second or third main tractors on arable farms.
Power comes from AGCO Power 4.4L, 4-cylinder mechanical injection engines said to have excellent power and torque ratings of up to 540Nm at 1500rpm (MF 6713), with low maintenance and running costs.
All models are equipped with a 12 x 12 synchro mechanical transmission with six synchronised speeds in two synchronised ranges. Top speed is 40km/h. Forward/reverse changes are by a standard power shuttle which allows fingertip shifts without using the clutch, or with the de-clutch button on the gear lever.
A high pressure gear pump supplies 57L/min hydraulic flow for the rear linkage. A second 41L/min pump is dedicated to the auxiliary spool valves. A separate pump delivers 27L/min for auxiliary circuits including the steering, 4WD, diff-lock engagement and PTO control.
When extra flow is required, perhaps when using a frontloader, the primary and secondary pumps can combine their outputs to provide 98L/min to the auxiliary system. Two double acting spool valves with float are fitted as standard and a third spool valve with flow divider is optional.
Massey Ferguson’s electronic hitch control (ELC) system provides accurate position and draft control. PTO choice on the 5700 series is 540 or 540E, and 540/540E at 1000 rpm on the 6700 units.
Both tractor series, dubbed the Essential Variant, have a semi-platform with side mounted gearshift levers, and pendant pedals controlling the oil-immersed disc brakes.
A tilt steering column offers good operator ergonomics, and ease of use is helped with external linkage controls on the rear nearside fender.
All models have 4WD, with a semi-automatic, electro-hydraulic diff lock on the front and rear axles helping to tackle difficult conditions.
A 55-degree steering angle helps with tight turns or yard duties, reinforcing the models’ suitability for frontloader work.
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.
Beef + Lamb New Zealand (B+LNZ) chair Kate Acland says there are clear governance processes in place to ensure fairness and transparency.
This International Women's Day, there are calls to address a reported gender disparity gap between men women New Zealand's horticulture industry leadership.
WorkSafe New Zealand is calling on farmers to consider how vehicles move inside their barns and sheds, following a sentencing for a death at one of South Canterbury’s biggest agribusinesses.
Now is not the time to stop incorporating plantain into dairy pasture systems to reduce nitrogen (N) loss, says Agricom Australasia brand manager Mark Brown.
Building on the success of last year's events, the opportunity to attend People Expos is back for 2025, offering farmers the chance to be inspired and gain more tips and insights for their toolkits to support their people on farm.
Ballance Agri-Nutrients fertiliser SustaiN – which contains a urease inhibitor that reduces the amount of ammonia released to the air – has now been registered by the Ministry of Primary Industries (MPI). It is the first fertiliser in New Zealand to achieve this status.
OPINION: Donald Trump's focus on Canada is causing concern for the country’s dairy farmers.
OPINION: The fact that plant-based dairy is struggling to gain a market foothold isn’t deterring new entrants.
