One farm milks 440 cows and 15km down the road is a new conversion with 250 cows. Each farm has a 100hp MF 5445 with a Stoll loader for general farm work and feeding out; Coombe uses an MF 6465 to do the groundwork on both properties.
The two MF 5445s have roll-over protection but no cabs. “I didn’t want cabs with the farm staff driving them. When there is no cab, there’s no clutter and it’s easy to hose down and keep clean.”
Coombe says the farms have some steep land and the MF 5445s have good power on the hills; low centre of gravity keeps them stable.
They have Massey Ferguson’s Dyna4 transmission which provides four ranges each with four powershifts. The driver changes gears with a flick of a lever, and the MF left hand ‘power controller’ gives them the flexibility to change gear and direction using just the left hand.
On the Coombes’ bigger farm, the tractor feeds out 300-400 bales and 200 tonnes of maize silage over winter. It has a one-tonne maize bucket on the front and lifts it easily. A double pump system on the hydraulic oil flow gives more power to cope with the loaded bucket or when tipping a heavy tip trailer.
The MF 5445 is heavy enough to stay balanced even with the weight out on the loader. On-board weight scales ensure the cows receive the correct amount of feed.
The tractor on the newly converted farm was used during the conversion and still has the post rammer on the back.
The MF 5445 is a simple tractor, just what Coombe wants, he says. “I wanted a good basic farm tractor that’s reliable.
I show new staff what’s what and they grasp it pretty quickly.”
The tractors were both bought new last Christmas from Waikato Tractors. “Their service is really good. The salesman Neil Lawrence knows his stuff and if he doesn’t, he finds out. He calls in from time to time to see how they’re going.”
Two years ago Andrew and Anita bought a new MF 6465.
“I’d had a 5465 and wanted something more ‘specced up’. It has cab suspension, front axle suspension and auto-drive.”
Coombe uses auto-drive all the time to pre-set the engine speed for gear changes – like driving an automatic, he says.
The MF 6465 is 130hp from a 6.6L 6-cyl. engine. Coombe uses it to put in 20ha crop every year, mainly maize and chicory. He also uses it for undersowing.
It tows the seed drill, spreads the fertiliser and does contract raking, baling and wrapping. It has a GPS unit used for spraying with a 12m boom.
The MF 6465 travels between the two farms and has a 50km/h road speed, increasing efficiency.
Coombe says he is sticking with Massey Ferguson. “I like them. I like the gearbox and they’re as fuel efficient as any other tractor I’ve driven. The control layout is good and they’re comfortable.”
