Small tractors for small farmers
LUSAKA, Zambia, Massey Ferguson announced last week it is introducing a new range of 50hp-85hp tractors for selected African markets.
Massey Ferguson tractors rank in Africa amongst the top three, sharing the popularity ratings with John Deere and Ford.
To complement the new MF 300 Series tractors, a new line of Massey Ferguson-branded implements has also been unveiled in Zambia recently.
“Simple, yet powerful, the MF 300 Series tractors are tried and tested, with a strong reputation for straightforward operation and robust dependability – they are ideally-equipped to meet the tough challenges of African and Middle East agriculture,” said Thierry Lhotte, Massey Ferguson Vice-President Marketing, Europe/Africa/Middle East. “More than 1.5 million units based on this renowned design are already at work in the world.”
Affordable and economical to run, these entry-level ‘do anything’ tractors will have strong appeal as the main power source for smallholder farmers or local community groups looking to mechanise or upgrade their agricultural operations. The models can also be a valuable addition to a machinery fleet on larger farms or estates requiring a cost-effective workhorse.
Initially, a choice of six Massey Ferguson matched implements, covering cultivation, planting and transport, will be available for the MF 300 Series. These include a 1.6m-width disc harrow, 0.5m-width fixed-disc plough, 2-tine subsoiler, 2-row planter, 3-tonne trailer and transport box. Plans are in place to develop and expand the implement range according to market demand.
“As true multi-taskers, the MF 300 Series are equally adept at cultivation, planting, transport or yard duties, working across a wide range of farm sectors including arable, livestock and horticulture,” explains Mr Lhotte. “Low cost of ownership, easy servicing and maintenance plus expert support from the Massey Ferguson local Distributor ensure a fully-sustainable and inclusive farm mechanisation package.”
Consisting of six models in total, three MF 300 Series models are set for release in early 2016 – the 50hp MF 345 two-wheel-drive (2WD), 75hp MF 375 (2WD) and 85hp MF 385 (2WD and 4WD). The longer wheelbase 50hp MF 350 (2WD), 60hp MF 355 (2WD) and 60hp MF 360 (2WD) will follow later in the year.
Fuel-efficient power comes from Perkins 3-cylinder AD 3.152 and 4-cylinder AD 4.41 diesel engines. The well-proven mechanical transmission offers four gears in two ranges to provide eight forward and two reverse speeds. Powerful hydraulics are based on the renowned Ferguson hydraulic ‘Scotch Yoke’ pump delivering full draft, position and response control. Fingertip hydraulic operation of implements above or below ground is by means of the familiar quadrant control. Lift capacity at the rear linkage range from 1415 to 2145 kg.
