MS 8S Xtra Raises the Bar for Fuel Efficiency
With the rapid rise of diesel prices since the start of the Iran conflict, farmers and growers are taking fuel consumption seriously as their bottom line is being eroded.
Their stable already included a MF Super 44 bulldozer, a MF 35 diesel and an older model dating back to 1952.
The collection has been recently added to with the purchase of a new 4708ST and 4708ES, which have quickly become the perfect workhorses on the couple's two Morrinsville dairy farms.
The choice of a simple tractor was helped by their being plenty of contractors in the area to carry out heavy tasks on the farms.
Interestingly, Warwick Brown chose two different specifications, with the 4708ST offering a footstep platform, dry clutch with a synchronised F/R shuttle and mechanical dry brakes. The higher specification 4708 ES has a semi-platform operator station, wet clutch power shuttle for clutchless forward/reverse shifts, and the tractor is fitted with hydraulic wet brakes.
Power comes from AGCO Power 4-cylinder engines producing 82hp and complemented by 342Nm of torque at 1500rpm. The tractors have a 6-speed transmission with high and low ranges that give a choice of 12 forward and 12 reverse speeds and a maximum speed of 33km/h.
At the rear of the tractor a healthy 6200kg lift capacity is very useful, as is the 62L per minute oil flow and the two speed independent PTO system.
Both tractors are fitted with MF self-leveling frontloaders that are in daily use for feeding out and loading tasks.
"The peppy motor is complemented by the synchro gearbox and a comfortable ride, no doubt helped by the radial tyres," Brown told Rural News. "In the time the two tractors have been here we have been pleased with the way they have performed; they are straightforward and simple to operate."
