Rowe, who runs a Cross Slot direct drill, bought the MF 8680 in August, encouraged by a “good run with Massey Ferguson,” says supplier AGCO New Zealand. He traded in a MF 8480 to buy the new tractor. He had previously had a Massey Ferguson 7485.
The new machine is more powerful than he first wanted but the price was good and “I was happy with the Massey Ferguson brand… and their fuel economy, only one of the things that stood out. They are economic to run and the new one is even more so using SCR Adblue technology.
Initially I had reservations about buying a tractor with Adblue; however it has proved to be easy to use and it gives us excellent fuel economy.”
Rowe’s previous two tractors were 160-320hp; the new MF 8680 is 350hp.
“When they put the deal together and said it was 350hp, I wasn’t worried. There’s no substitute for power… it couldn’t be better for getting the power to the ground in my application, or for straight lugging. The economy is awesome.”
Rowe has done 700 hours in the MF 8680 since September. The tractor pulls his Cross Slot direct drill with ease.
“I’m taking on work that I never would’ve been able to do with the other tractors. We’re doing more work on the hills and the MF 8680 is easier and safer. It will drill up hills I couldn’t go before. This tractor just puts power to the ground and has allowed me to grow my business.”
Rowe says the MF 8680 is comfortable. “I’m not getting any younger and you need comfort when you’re doing big days. The cab is nice and quiet with easy to use controls that are well laid out.”
The Dyna-VT transmission gives the MF 8680 the highest possible power and productivity, while reducing physical strain on the operator and achieving optimum fuel efficiency at all times.
“I wouldn’t go back to another tractor without the Dyna-VT transmission on it now. The DTM system organises the engine and transmission and what it needs to make it economical to run. You get in, start it and you don’t touch the throttle.” Rowe says.
Rowe bought the Massey Ferguson 8680 from John Mehrtens at Tractor Repairs and Spares in Richmond. He says John has excellent knowledge of the tractor and operating system and his company provides top service.
