Friday, 30 June 2017 08:54

Safe, user-friendly farm machine

Written by  Mark Daniel
Waikauri View Farm manager Tony Marshall with the MF4708. Waikauri View Farm manager Tony Marshall with the MF4708.

Brian Mason and his staff milk 1000 cows at Waikauri View Farms, Wellsford, Northland, running Massey Fergusons for the last 10 years because they are “common-sense tractors” ideal for a dairy farming operation.

Their latest addition is a MF 4708, delivered in October, and a second identical machine will arrive in August.

Wanting an upgrade from his previous MF 4245 tractor, Mason looked at several models before buying the first MF 4708, picking the tractor for its up-to-date technology and its fitness for general dairy farm jobs -- hay and silage feeding, spraying and loader work.

One of Massey Ferguson’s Global Series, the MF 4708 is said to offer high performance and strength; it is one of a straightforward range offering efficiency and being a ROPS tractor it suits operators getting in and out throughout the day.

Built for reliability, ruggedness and fuel economy, it is powered by a 4.4L AGCO Power four-cylinder engine that delivers 85hp, matched to a new synchronised transmission with 12 forward and 12 reverse speeds in two ranges.

The MF 4708 has a 65L/min, open-centre hydraulic system with two gear pumps providing rear lift of 3000kg.

Mason says the MF 4708 is safe and suitable for all his staff to use.

“It has a low centre of gravity and is very stable on hill country. The wheels are set wide so it’s safe and well balanced.

“It’s very user friendly, which is important as various staff members drive the tractor; they all comment favourably about the loader and powerful hydraulics.”

More like this

Massey Ferguson launches new MF 5M Series tractors

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.

Massey Ferguson launches double small square baler

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.

Featured

Govt Commits $4m to Rural Wellbeing Initiatives

While the District Field Days brought with it a welcome dose of sunshine, it also attracted a significant cohort of sitting members from the Beehive – as one might expect in an election year.

Shane Jordan Beats Brother to Win NZ Timbersports Title

While not all sibling rivalries come to blows, one headline event at the recent New Zealand Rural Games held in Palmerston North certainly did, when reigning World Champion Jack Jordan was denied the opportunity of defending his world title in Europe later this year, after being beaten by his big brother’s superior axle blows, at the Stihl Timbersports Nationals.

National

Machinery & Products

» Latest Print Issues Online

Milking It

Next CEO

OPINION: Who will replace Miles Hurrell as Fonterra's next CEO?

Fuel Crisis

OPINION: Governments all over the world are dealing with the fuel crisis.

» Connect with Dairy News

» eNewsletter

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter