Tractor traders hoping for better sales in 2025
With annual tractor sales being a barometer for the state of the industry, New Zealand’s machinery importers and distributors, along with their dealerships, will be glad to see the back of 2024.
Massey Ferguson's MF 5S Series has scooped a Farm Machine 2023 Award for tractors less than 120hp at the recently held SIMA Show in Paris.
Said to offer best in class visibility and an industry-leading 4m turning radius, the narrow steep-nosed bonnet lends itself to front end loader operations. The range also combines options such as front axle suspension, a high payload and greater linkage capacity to be a serious performer in the paddock and on the road.
The MF 5S Series offers five models from 105hp to 145hp. Models come with the choice of Essential or Efficient specifications, which provide a range of performance enhancing features to suit all types of farms and applications.
All models are powered by the AGCO Power 4.4-litre, four-cylinder engines with straightforward 'All in One' SCR technology. Transmission choice is the well-proven Dyna-4 or Dyna-6 configurations. The tractors are also equipped with the Brake-to-Neutral feature, which disengages drive when the brakes are applied.
Ideally suited for loader operations, a closed-centre high-flow hydraulics offers up to 110 litres/min. This is controlled via a multi-function joystick, while the optional Visio Roof format provides a clear view of the attachment through the whole lifting range.
With Efficient models, a new armrest, as used in the recently launched MF 8S range, houses the Multipad joystick that controls several functions – including forward/ reverse shuttle, linkage and spool valves.
At the rear, a robust three-point linkage, offers lift capacity up to 6,000kg – 14% more than the previous models. Meanwhile, up front and developed for mounting with the new suspended axle, the latest front linkage is designed to integrate with the optional suspended axle to deliver 3,000kg capacity.
Thanks to its impressive 9.5t Gross Vehicle Weight, a 12% increase over previous models, the MF 5S can also safely carry and handle larger loads.
All MF 5S Series tractors can be fully connected with MF Connect telemetry option. This includes options such as a Geofencing function to improve logistics management and security, using alerts smart devices if – and when – machines leave or enter pre-defined areas.
Datatronic 5 also offers a Smart Farming Suite, with functions that include MF Guide automatic steering, MF Section Control and Rate Control. This can handle and manage up to 96 sections, three booms and five products.
The Neogen World Angus Forum, a major event in global Angus beef industry, is set to return in 2025.
Whatever an animal is raised for, it deserves a good life — and just as importantly, a “good death”.
North Canterbury dairy farmer and recently-elected deputy chair of DairyNZ, Cameron Henderson, is enjoying a huge reduction in irrigation water use after converting a pivot irrigator to drag perforated drip tubes across the ground instead of elevated sprinkler heads.
OPINION: Without doubt, a priority of the Government this year will be to gain traction on the elusive free trade deal with India.
Rugby league legend Tawera Nikau is set to inspire, celebrate and entertain at the East Coast Farming Expo's very popular Property Broker's Evening Muster.
Fonterra has announced $15 million in investments in electrification projects across the North Island over the next 18 months.
OPINION: Back in the 1960s and '70s, and even into the '80s, successive National government Agriculture Ministers and Trade Ministers…
OPINION: The new Public Service Commissioner Sir Brian Roche has just had the hallelujah moment of the 21st century in…