Friday, 22 April 2022 07:55

Top marks for reliability

Written by  Staff Reporters
Matthew Sanford says the M7152 is extremely versatile and can complete any job that his larger tractor does like carrying medium square baler. Matthew Sanford says the M7152 is extremely versatile and can complete any job that his larger tractor does like carrying medium square baler.

Based at Waipu Northland, Coastal Contracting offers a broad range of services including cultivation and hedge trimming over a 40km radius, encompassing Mangawhai to the south and Whangarei to the north.

Initially only operating a few months of the year with a single tractor and machine, the business now operates year-round, employing full-time and seasonal part-time staff.

The nature of the business means that owner Matthew Sandford requires well made, reliable and productive tractors and machinery he can rely on.

Having purchased a Kubota M7152 Premium KVT with front linkage and PTO two and half years ago, brought on board to replace an older tractor, he has been delighted with the purchase.

“The one thing I would say about the Kubota M7152 is that it is a very surprising machine and while it doesn’t look like a lot, it has really blown me away,” says Sandford.

“As the business has grown, the Kubota tractor has become a machine that we can always rely on, has never broken down or seen us forced to wait for parts or service support.”

Equipped with Kubota’s own 6.1-litre, four-cylinder engine, delivering 148hp with up to 20hp extra boost, is mated to a stepless, variable transmission delivering precise control between 0-50km/h. The cab and front axle suspension offers adaptation over all types of terrain.  “We really enjoy driving the Kubota, as it’s quiet and comfortable, while the excellent visibility makes it easier to drive, but is a great safety feature too,” says Matthew.

At the business end of the tractor, a closed centre, load sensing hydraulic system offer up to 110l/min hydraulic flow, lift capacity is over 5.3 tonnes, while the four-speed PTO system delivers 120hp at the shaft.

Despite being initially purchased to replace one of the businesses smaller tractors, Matthew says the M7 certainly pulls its weight amongst the larger tractors, indeed taking on jobs that other tractors can’t do and completing them in record time.

“The M7152 is extremely versatile and can complete any job that my larger tractor does, whether that be driving double mowers, towing the round combi-baler, medium square baler, seed drill or roadside mowing,” Sandford says. 

“Kubota has done an excellent job in making their tractors economical without compromising their performance. I honestly can’t fault it – they’ve done it right and I haven’t had to go back to them about anything at all, so we’re now looking to buy another,” he says.

www.kubota.co.nz

More like this

Kubota tests diesel engines

Kubota last month used the UK LAMMA Show to test the water with its new 200hp, four-cylinder 09-series diesel engines.

Kubota NZ to take on Krone distribution

Following 54 years of representation by the same importer and distributor, Kubota New Zealand and Tulloch Farm Machines have announced the transfer of Krone Agricultural Machinery distribution rights to Kubota.

Tough times for mixer wagon maker

Up to 50 jobs look likely to be axed at Irish mixer wagon manufacturer Keenan, who have weathered the post-Covid storm with some difficulties that saw production and profitability compromised.

New bale machines cut feeding times

Brett McIntosh of the Palmerston North-based family agricultural engineering firm McIntosh, says their Multi-4 and 5 bale feeders offer a major leap in productivity if you need to lift and feed 10 or more bales daily.

Catch crops lifts DM production

The purpose of a catch crop is to increase annual dry matter production, to take up soil mineral and urine nitrogen and to reduce the risk of leaching or runoff.

Featured

Dairy sheep and goat turmoil

Dairy sheep and goat farmers are being told to reduce milk supply as processors face a slump in global demand for their products.

Hurry up and slow down!

OPINION: We have good friends from way back who had lived in one of our major cities for many years.

Editorial: Passage to India

OPINION: Even before the National-led coalition came into power, India was very much at the fore of its trade agenda.

National

Govt urged to reduce ETS units

The Climate Change Commission wants the new Government to reduce NZ Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) auction volumes as son as…

Dairy sheep, goat woes mount

Dairy sheep and goat farmers are being told to reduce milk supply as processors face a slump in global demand…

Machinery & Products

All-terrain fert spreading mode

Effluent specialists the Samson Group have developed a new double unloading system to help optimise uphill and downhill organic fertiliser…

Can-Am showcases range

Based on industry data collected by the Motor Industry Association, Can-Am is the number one side-by-side manufacturer in New Zealand.

» Latest Print Issues Online

Milking It

Papal visit

OPINION: European farmers are going to extreme lengths to have their message heard.

Thai egg tarts

OPINION: The hustle and bustle of one of Bangkok's most popular fast food outlets may feel a world away from…

» Connect with Dairy News

» eNewsletter

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter