Agco News Across the Land | Summer 2009/10 Feel the Future: New

Acreage Agco news across the land | Summer 2009/10 Australia/New Zealand

Feel the Future: Contractors ahead No Bull from New MF8600 Series with Fendt Valtra workhorse Page 4 Page 8 Page 11 LEADER IN All Fields

fendT TRACTORS 70 – 330HP When you invest in Fendt, you’re investing in the leader that sets the benchmark in every field. No matter what size Fendt you invest in. No matter what size your operation. Fendt is the leader. Our innovations have been copied by others around the world, but you can never beat the original. Fendt tractors feature state-of-the-art engines, transmissions and unsurpassed levels of user comfort. When it comes to versatility, productivity and innovative design, Fendt stands alone. For more information contact your FENDT dealer.

FENDT stands alone

www.fendt.co.nz FENDT is a worldwide brand of AGCO Corporation welcome

elcome to another issue of Acreage. If there is one consistency in the tractors. In this issue, we provide a more This year has certainly panned agricultural industry it is that we are comprehensive overview of the range, Wout to be another interesting constantly faced with variables that we which encapsulates the progress and one. We started 2009 in complete contrast cannot control. AGCO’s mission is to development of the Massey Ferguson to 2008, with an unfavourable global ‘provide high-tech solutions for farmers brand today. economic forecast that materialised for feeding the world’, which is a core I wish you all a happy and safe many countries in both agricultural and value that we can control, regardless Christmas and look forward to penning non-agricultural sectors. of economic conditions. By investing in my next column in issue one of As one of the world’s major product development, support networks Acreage, 2010. manufactures of farm machinery, AGCO and our staff, we can continue to provide Corporation hasn’t been immune to the products and services that assist farmers conditions, with the impact being felt in becoming more efficient and profitable. in the major farming regions around An example of this is the introduction the globe. Fortunately, closer to home of AGCO’s Harvest Alliance initiative. With in Australia the impact hasn’t been felt this year’s harvest under way, we are to the same extent. Farmer confidence pleased to announce this exciting new has remained relatively positive, while concept, which ensures that a safety net government investment packages have is provided for our combine harvester provided further incentive to upgrade customers during the critical harvest Warwick McCormick capital. Late rains in southern Australia also period. You can read more about Harvest Vice President and Managing Director provided a positive outlook for the region. Alliance in this issue of Acreage. AGCO Corporation In New Zealand, economic conditions In the last issue, we reported on the East Asia Pacific haven’t been so favourable, largely due launch of the impressive new Massey to uncertain milk prices. Ferguson 8600 Series high horsepower

Acreage This magazine is distributed by AGCO Australia 615-645 Somerville Rd, Sunshine West, VIC 3020 www.agco.com.au Published by: Grant Day James

www.agco.com.au ACREAGE – Summer 2009/10 3 massey ferguson HeadingFeel thehere Future: New MF8600

Massey Ferguson is adding yet another world-first to its lengthy list of landmark achievements.

he new MF8600 Series is the first agricultural tractor to be OptiRide Plus cab suspension system, and contemporary styling powered by the very latest generation engines equipped make a very impressive package. The OptiRide Plus cab Twith Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) technology. The suspension system also scooped the gold medal for innovation cutting-edge SisuDiesel 8.4 litre, Citius SCR engine is the most at the 2009 Paris SIMA show. advanced design available in any agricultural tractor. “The four-valve, common-rail AGCO Sisu Power e3 engine “By being first on the market with SCR engine technology, in MF8600 tractors provides optimum power delivery, with Massey Ferguson is demonstrating unrivalled vision and the benefit of a turbocharged intercooler,” says Mark. “With reinforcing its commitment to putting innovation into action,” exceptional constant power and torque backup, the engine says Paul Darcy, Marketing Director for AGCO Australia. keeps all of its productivity and strength with the added benefits “While the engine far exceeds current overseas exhaust emission of lower emissions and better fuel efficiency,” he explains. requirements, it is predicted that only SCR technology will meet “All AGCO Sisu Power e3 engines feature new generation future necessary reductions,” continues Paul. “By introducing Electronic Engine Management (EEM). This enables continuous this advanced technology today, Massey Ferguson is helping adjustment of the amount and timing of fuel injected, in relation customers to benefit from the significant fuel savings now, rather to engine speed and load. The results are lower emissions, than having to compromise with other, less economical alternatives.” more power and superb fuel economy,” says Mark. The new flagship MF8600 Series sets a new ‘high-tech’ Fuel efficiency is further boosted by the latest generation, tractor benchmark, with the 370hp MF8690 leading the charge Dyna-VT continuously variable transmission. This increases as the most powerful front wheel assist tractor Massey Ferguson performance and output by allowing operators to select any has ever built. combination of engine and forward speed to suit the work. Massey Ferguson Product Manager Mark Francis says it’s The Dyna-VT eliminates the shifting of gears, jolts, and breaks no surprise the MF8690 won both Tractor of the Year 2009 and in traction or power. Golden Tractor Design Award at the EIMA show in Italy. The “The power control lever makes forward/reverse shuttling and SCR engine technology, continuously variable transmission, speed change convenient and hassle-free,” says Mark. “When

4 ACREAGE – Summer 2009/10 www.agco.com.au baling, for example, you can choose to SCR engines use a urea solution referred control the machine by the foot pedal or, to as AdBlue. The MF8600 Series tractors depending on conditions and specific have a separate AdBlue tank and injection applications, you have a choice of preset system with a low pressure pump that injects operating modes,” he explains. the solution into the exhaust. The MF8600 Series also includes the new One of the most striking features on the efficiency-boosting Dynamic Tractor MF8600 Series is its entirely new, Massey Management (DTM) system. DTM is an Ferguson-designed cab. The Panorama cab electronic management system that works in on MF8600 tractors has superb Dyna-VT Transmission conjunction with Dyna-VT to automatically instrumentation and intuitive Dyna-VT with Dynamic Tractor control engine speed according to the load controls. Levers and switches are Management on the tractor. DTM maintains the required thoughtfully grouped on the new armrest to Dyna-VT continuously variable forward speed whilst minimising engine revs the right of the operator. Panorama cabs transmission with new in order to keep fuel consumption to a have four pillars rather than six so visibility Dynamic Tractor Management minimum. Dyna-VT and DTM work at is unrestricted. The cab is 28 percent more system links the engine and maximum efficiency and economy whilst spacious, compared to that of MF8400 transmission for optimum maintaining a smoother drive and a Series machines. performance and economical noticeable reduction in fuel consumption. As well as an extremely comfortable operation – all in the palm of This technology is combined with SCR to driver’s seat, the MF8600 cab is fitted as your hand. create a totally new concept tractor. SCR standard with a brand new four-point works by injecting a urea solution into the suspension system – OptiRide Plus. This exhaust gas. Urea is a compound of allows the operator to completely control the ammonia and CO2. It reacts with nitrous level of damping through a dial in the cab. oxide (NOx) to create two harmless products Using data from sensors collected through – water and nitrogen gas. the tractor’s Can-Bus, OptiRide Plus will “Until now, engine manufacturers have automatically adjust the damping of the cab reduced emissions mainly by recirculating suspension. Information on rolling and exhaust gas into the engine. But this also pitching is fed to the central cab suspension lowers the efficiency of combustion,” control box, which maintains damping and explains Mark. “Because SCR acts after can provide up to 25 percent more comfort. Panoramic Cab and Opti-Ride combustion, the engineers could focus on The MF8600 Series tractors are as robust Plus cab suspension achieving the most efficient engine settings, as they are sophisticated. They feature a Completely new, supremely regardless of emissions.” superb new rear linkage with extreme quiet four-pillar cab. Developed “Due to SCR engines achieving peak 12,000kg lift capacity, and the Integrated by Massey Ferguson, this combustion efficiency, they also deliver more Front Linkage System (IFLS) with a massive spacious cab offers unrivalled torque at lower speeds. The benefit of this 5,000kg lift capacity. space, visibility and comfort is reduced fuel consumption by 5 percent,” with class-leading ergonomic explains Mark. layout. Unique new cab “Combustion in SCR engines is also suspension system for up more efficient, so they produce less soot, to 30 percent increased which reduces the frequency that oil must comfort without roll or pitching. be changed.”

Autoguide and SpeedSteer The tractors are Autoguide ready and feature SpeedSteer function as standard. This allows operators to adjust the ratio of steering wheel turns to front wheel movement, so that lock-to-lock can take either SCR engines just one small movement or Exclusive SisuDiesel, 8.4 litre, a few complete turns of the Citius engines with Selective steering wheel. Catalytic Reduction (SCR) technology produces the lowest emissions with the highest fuel efficiency.

www.agco.com.au ACREAGE – Summer 2009/10 5 focus on fendt fendt from

Hannah, Alex, Nick and Amy McIntyre and Rachel and the start Emma Gunning (and Sally the fox terrier) on their 820.

Mcintyre silage hooked for 25 years hen all is going well, Geoff relies heavily on his core machinery not to load their tractors on to trucks Warrnambool district contractors, to turn in reliable performances and avoid when moving from farm to farm, relying WMcIntyre Silage Contracting, can costly and untimely repairs. His main on the comfortable cab, suspension ensile about 900 tonnes of material daily. machines are the Fendt 614V (165hp) system, and the continuously variable This massive task is possible courtesy and 716V (165hp) tractors, and his higher Vario transmission of the Fendt tractors of a highly organised team of Fendt horsepower Fendt 820V (205hp). to speed the silage-making team around tractors and fine chop loader wagons “It’s about being efficient; having the countryside. that earn their keep in Victoria’s Western good machinery to hand,” says Geoff. “The older model does 40 kilometres District. The high volume of work McIntyre “It mustn’t break down,” he adds. per hour and the newer one does 50 on receives from regular customers – around “Downtime costs money and forage the road,” says Geoff, “so it doesn’t take 80 percent – is testament to both the quality – we want to be working those too long to get between jobs.” reputation of the thriving business and machines every daylight hour.” Geoff says all of his Fendt tractors its high-tech approach to supplying local The McIntyre family have long relied on are “nicely matched” with his three producers with quality silage. Fendt since they acquired their first Fendt silage wagons. Geoff and his wife Karen have a track tractor some 25 years ago. This places “On the machinery side of things, record established through 20 years of them amongst the earliest pioneers with I think it is important to get it right,” making silage for their Lake Bolac sheep the brand in Australia. he explains. “It’s no use matching a big and cropping property and for local That first unit, an 80hp tractor, turned tractor to a smaller machine – so we buy dairy, lamb and beef farmers within a in some 8000 hours – which it achieved our tractors to suit the equipment they will 100km radius. with hardly a technical mishap, according be pulling,” Geoff explains. “We looked Anything from 500 to 4,000 tonnes to Geoff. at other brands, but nothing compares to of bulk silage can be made per farm, “We were hooked from then on,” the Fendt tractors.” with clients often requesting produce Geoff says. “We’ve now had five Fendt With the Fendt name lifting its profile be earmarked for clamps, above ground tractors between the family farm and the in the district, many of the McIntyre’s stacks or pits. These requests are in contracting business.” customers also take time out to ask the preference to the higher costs associated The McIntyre’s family farming operation odd question about the premium brand. with bales wrapped in plastic. centres on 420 hectares of crop – “They like to jump up and have a bit of At the height of the season, up to five principally wheat, barley and canola – a ride,” says Geoff. “When they cruise up casual staff are employed to keep pace with the property also running 3,500 the road in the new one, they come back with the onerous workload. Much of the Merino sheep. Having learned early on the pretty impressed,” he adds. day-to-day logistics of such a busy work art of making quality silage to feed their Geoff was initially attracted to Fendt by schedule are supervised by Karen. sheep enterprise, it proved to be only a their excellent fuel consumption and their Due to the truncated silage making matter of time for the family to build up a next-to-nothing maintenance needs. season, which extends from late silage-oriented business. “Generally, they just don’t need many September through to early December, Today, the contract operation prefers parts,” says Geoff, “and very rarely do you need to put anything in to them.” Also at the forefront of Geoff’s mind when purchasing Fendt was the service and back-up facilities that his local dealer, Phillips Farm Machinery, could provide. “For anyone buying a tractor today, these are key factors,” says Geoff. “It’s the number one thing to look at. Phillips Farm Machinery has provided us with great service and support; we couldn’t be happier,” he enthuses. Apart from operating reliable machinery and tractors, the McIntyre’s say the secret to their business success also rests with going that extra yard for their customers. Following a reasonably good autumn break with good rains through the winter, Geoff is confident they will be able to rise to the challenge of the hectic silage-making season ahead. For more details on McIntyre Silage Contracting, please visit: www.silagecontractor.com.au

6 ACREAGE – Summer 2009/10 www.agco.com.au focus on fendt

Sydney MILK RUN backed With a commitment to supplying Sydney with a remarkable 27 million litres of milk a year, by fendt there’s no room for expensive downtime on fleet the Moxey family’s thriving dairy operation. ituated mid-way between ‘To date, we have been pretty impressed Currently in the middle of their Forbes and Cowra in NSW, this with their reliability,’ says Quentin. silage-making operation, the Moxey’s S7-day-a-week, 52-week-a-year, Essentially, the vehicles earn their keep are fine-tuning their MF2170 large square 9000-acre enterprise relies heavily on its on a range of tasks, including operation of baler for the upcoming hay season. five Fendt tractors and 54 staff. the mixer wagons. In summer, they are kept A bale stacker is used to position With the milking schedule requiring busy with hay operations (especially baling) each bale in a pre-designated spot, three 8-hour shifts, Moxey Farm Pty and are teamed up with mowers and rakes ahead of being hauled to where they are Ltd’s general manager, Quentin Moxey, during the spring silage-making season. wanted for supplementing the farm’s is a man with a lot on his mind if the Quentin Moxey says the farm’s dairy rationing programme. day’s work commitments are to be philosophy is to ‘run fairly new gear,’ “It works well for us,” says Quentin. realised by sundown. trading the tractors every three years “In fact it’s a nice bit of kit – probably one “Each milking takes seven-and-a-half when they’ve done between 5,000 to of the best in the market.” hours, leaving half-an-hour to clean up 6,000 hours. It’s a good thing the vehicles As to the future, the Moxey’s believe before we start all over again,” he says. are so reliable. grain prices will probably work in their Of key importance is the smooth “They just don’t seem to be in the favour and are sanguine about how this functioning of the farm’s machinery to workshops,” says Quentin, “other than for year’s forage season will turn out. ensure consistent, quality milk output. a service!” “We are irrigation farmers facing zero Since the property relies on growing Ruing the fact he drives the Fendt allocation again – so we’re looking for a 100 percent of its forage each year tractors “only a little bit” himself, Quention decent break,” Quentin says. (principally lucerne and cereal for silage) is quick to point out their impressive With milk prices relatively firm in New tractors are pivotal to amassing the attributes, such as the comfortable cab South Wales, the Moxey family, and necessary feed for the ever-hungry 2000 and the value of their Vario transmissions. head of Holstein cattle. “We do a lot of roadwork, so speed is their dairy enterprise, would prefer to be These are serious numbers we’re a factor,” Quentin says. looking at better seasonal prospects. talking – between 20,000 tonnes to 30,000 “Those 50-kilometre-per-hour In healthier times, they would be able tonnes of silage a year. On top of that, a gearboxes are pretty impressive,” he adds. to further crank up their extensive forage sizeable amount of grains and protein meal Quentin also understands the worth operation to sell surplus product on the are purchased to make up the preferred of a good dealer, in this instance open market. rations. Forbes Machinery. Either way, the Moxey’s can rest Hence, there is naturally a keen interest “With them, there are no worries as far easy knowing their team of trusty Fendt in the performance of the Moxey family’s as back-up is concerned,” Quentin says. tractors, can rise to the extra workload. tractor line-up: two Fendt 714Vs (130hp), At the end of the day, the Moxey “Truly, they are very reliable and all a 716V (150hp), a 718V (165hp), and a family say their Fendt tractors are “quality the guys like driving them,” says Quentin. 926V (260hp). products” and very fuel efficient. “We’ve no complaints with them at all.”

www.agco.com.au ACREAGE – Summer 2009/10 7 focus on fendt

Fendt Vario 200 Series The First SPECIALTY TRACToRS with CVT Transmission

Fendt are once again leading the market The top speed is achieved at a fuel-saving 1750 rpm. As there with the new, technologically advanced is no power gap and the driving speed can be adjusted to any kind of work independent of the engine speed, area coverage can be Vario 200 Series. The first and only speciality increased by up to 10 percent with fuel consumption minimised. tractor to offer a continuously variable The Tractor Management System (TMS), which has been transmission (CVT), Vario 200 produces used successfully for many years in Fendt’s larger tractor ranges, maximum efficiency and minimal fuel usage enables even more economical driving by harmoniously controlling to really take productivity to new levels. the engine and transmission together. The driving speed is selected then the engine speed and transmission setting is automatically adjusted so that the tractor is always operating at an deally suited to viticulture, orchards and other specialty optimum level. This reduces stress on the driver and also reduces applications, the new Vario 200 offers enormous advantages fuel consumption by up to 10 percent during operation. Iwith exceptional manoeuvrability, narrow design and an ergonomically perfected control centre. The comfort cab Five models make up the range, from 70 to 110 horsepower In another industry-first from Fendt, the new Vario 200 Series in both cab and ROPS options, and feature a newly developed, is the first specialty tractor to offer a cab with a flat floor. There water-cooled 3-cylinder common-rail engine from AGCO Sisu is no transmission tunnel and, thanks to the central operating Power. The short design of the 3-cylinder engine now allows unit on the right-hand side, there are no operating elements to room for a new cooling unit without compromising the compact get in the way in the foot area. Access in and out of the cab is design of the specialty tractor. The newly designed cooling made easier and there is plenty of legroom. system has large intake areas which allow less dirt into The height- and tilt-adjustable steering wheel, combined the radiator and create optimised cooling performance – with the comfort seat with air suspension, ensure the operator even under extreme operating conditions. The engine features is always in the right position for those long working days. a speed-independent common-rail high-pressure injection Noise levels have been reduced significantly, thanks to system as well as fully electronic engine control. conical bearings and the isolation of the cab from the tractor body. The extremely well insulated cab and the smooth-running water-cooled engine also ensure optimum noise reduction. As a result, the noise level in the cab has been reduced by up to 4 dBA to an industry-leading 71 dBA for specialty tractors. Easy and convenient control of the tractor is via a main central operating unit with an integrated armrest on the right-hand side. Acceleration and deceleration of the tractor, as well as reverse, cruise control and engine speed memories, are all joystick controlled. Powerful Hydraulics Even the most demanding of implements can be easily and comfortably controlled with the new Vario 200 Series. Equipped with a load-sensing hydraulic system, axial piston pumps deliver precisely the amount of hydraulic oil that is required – up to 106 Vario Continuously Variable Transmission litres per minute. Fast and high oil delivery rates are easily met, The industry-first CVT Vario transmission for specialty ensuring economical and precise operation of the implement. applications ensures the tractor can work at optimum speed The new Vario 200 Series sees Fendt introduce the same during all operations. For simplicity, the transmission has only ground-breaking technology and cost-saving features found one driving range but allows for working speeds between 20 in its larger tractor ranges into the specialty tractor offering. metres per hour to 40 kilometres per hour – including stepless, For more information on the new Fendt Vario 200 Series, wear-free shuttling. contact your local dealer or visit: www.fendt.com.au

8 ACREAGE – Summer 2009/10 www.agco.com.au fendt new website for Fendt We’re proud to announce the launch of the brand new Australian and New Zealand Fendt website. Profiled on the site is the impressive line-up of Fendt product, including the latest addition, Fendt 200 Vario. You will also find regularly updated Fendt news stories, so you can keep informed of the latest from around the globe. Plus, a comprehensive listing of Australian and New Zealand dealers provide contact details for quick and easy accessibility. Finally, for a bit of fun, visitors to the website can also try out their creative skills by making their own Fendt email cards or playing our puzzle and memory games. Please check out the new website at: www.fendt.co.nz

New toy range for Christmas All I want for Christmas is...

Fill those stockings with a scale model or ride on tractor from AGCO. We have stock available for delivery before Christmas. Contact your local AGCO dealer to order. www.agco.com.au

www.agco.com.au ACREAGE – Summer 2009/10 9 at work with challenger Challenger 6-pack

engines, which pump out some 345kW points spaced across all 18 metres (60ft) Logistics are pivotal to the (460hp) with an available power boost to of each planting bar. Joyce family’s sizeable 372kW (497hp). Asked if he ever gets behind the wheel winter plant programme. “They appealed because they are more of any of the property’s Challenger fleet powerful,” says Trystan, “plus the tracks himself, Trystan says “only occasionally” Their six Challenger track deliver less slippage, which translates to as the drivers “just love them.” When he tractors and matching air better fuel economy.” has jumped in the driver’s seat, Trystan seeders are up to the task. The expanded tractor fleet earned its has noticed how comfortable and easy keep on the family’s plant programme to drive the Challengers are. ased at Varley, on the eastern which roars into life around ANZAC Day “Every machine is a little bit different,” edge of Western Australia’s Lakes each year. says Trystan, “but they are all pretty BDistrict, the Joyce family achieved “We started seeding canola in early consistent, so we’re happy with them.” 39,000ha for their 2009 crop with April when we received some rain on Everyone at the Joyce family property minimum down-time. our south coast property,” says Trystan. has been impressed by the “good fuel The managerial skills needed to “Once we finished there, we moved back economy” of the Challenger fleet. orchestrate such a big broadacre winter to the home farm to dry-seed canola, too.” Kevin Newman, Sales Consultant for crop programme are quickly realised when This year’s crop is 19,200ha up on local dealer McIntosh & Son, highlights Trystan Joyce reveals the average daily fuel last year, following the recent purchase the pressures facing large broadacre consumption: the property’s Challenger of another property, so it’s even more farming operations: They need to know tractors, trucks, utes and sprayers use around important that the Joyce family’s that they have the equipment “to keep 10,000L (2,200 gallons) of fuel per day. equipment earns it’s keep. Each tractor/ going” whenever a window of opportunity On top of that, a steady flow of liquid planting rig combination, which also opens in the cropping cycle. fertiliser, seed and chemicals, must be includes matching DBS bars and “The Challenger’s basic components on hand to ensure each driver and his Bourgault air seeders, is an investment of are very strong and they probably are planting rig spend no more than an hour approximately $1million. ‘over-specced’ for what they do – but that undertaking the necessary “top-ups” at It’s easy to see why the sometimes just makes them more reliable,” he says. the end of their 12-hour shifts. hectic plant programme needs to perform According to Kevin, the Joyce family “There’s a real sense of urgency in the without a hitch. were attracted to the Challenger brand air during seeding,” says Trystan. “With all Trystan concedes it’s a “big job” to for its strength in construction and its six machines working round the clock, we manage the property’s work load at such reliability. are averaging about 1200 hectares per day. a busy time of year. “They like the fact that they get all that “Once we start, we try not to stop Close liaison with his farm managers power to the ground,” says Kevin. because the teams like to stick to their about the weather and soil conditions Back at the Joyce property, Trystan shift routines,” he says. onsite is key in determining whether to reveals he probably won’t be trading in For the record, the Joyce family operate all six tractors and seeders in pairs his Challengers for around 10 years – invested in three, tracked-style A or reposition them on an adjacent property. thanks to their straightforward design and series MT855 tractors a few years ago, “You need to be flexible with your their needing fewer parts to oversee. augmenting them with three more of the planning,” says Trystan, “also your “At the end of the day, we haven’t had company’s B series machines for the communications.” any problems and have been getting a 2009 cropping program. The family opted for big air seeder bins pretty good run out of them, so we’ll stick The latest additions to their burgeoning to help limit down-time when re-filling. with them,” says Trystan. ‘all-yellow’ line-up are fitted with They operate a min-till approach to their Caterpillar’s latest ACERT Tier 3 diesel cropping programmes, using knife-style

10 ACREAGE – Summer 2009/10 www.agco.com.au profile

mf Rake matches quality of MF Tractors

The Moratti family have been in the harvesting industry for over 45 years. From their Inglewood base in the north Taranaki region of New Zealand, Ken G Moratti Contracting works across a 45 kilometre radius.

ver the years, Ken and his son, For the past 12 years, Billy has been The versatile MF rake is cut out for a Billy, have built up a range of running Moratti Consulting, with Ken range of heavy-duty work. Oservices, including cultivation, officially retiring 10 years ago. The pair “We use it for rowing silage and hay,” spraying, hedge mulching, cleaning out still consult on many business decisions, says Billy. “It does about 100 acres a effluent ponds, grass and maize silage, with both opting for the MF rake. After day and should do 3,000-4,000 hectares and hay. It goes without saying that, when looking at other options, Ken and Billy a season.” it comes to the best tools for the job, Ken settled on the Massey Ferguson model in The ability to adjust the width of the and Billy know their stuff. October because it looked stronger and row from 3ft to 5ft is a key feature for It makes sense, then, that their boasted design improvements. Billy. Generally speaking, the Moratti’s most recent purchase is a new Massey “We used it quite extensively last operate their rake between 4 and 4.5ft. Ferguson rake. season and it doesn’t stop unless it Ultimately, Ken and Billy are both “Massey Ferguson makes good, rains,” says Billy. “I haven’t had any thrilled with the performance of their reliable gear,” says Billy. “The new rake problems with it.” new MF rake. goes well and rows a nice row,” he adds. The region the Morattis service is “It seems to be built strong and it Throughout the business’ history, mostly flat to rolling dairy country with makes a good tidy row – it’s not lumpy,” Massey Ferguson has been the brand of some rough, steep land in places. About says Billy. “It picks up the crop well, choice for Ken and Billy. According to two thirds of the company’s clients are it doesn’t break any tynes and it is Billy, the MF tractors are solid machines, dairy farmers. The rest are dry stock, a well balanced.” which are economical on fuel. few sheep farmers and maize growers.

www.agco.com.au ACREAGE – Summer 2009/10 11 Warwick Bishell

no bull from valtra workhorse

Bull beef and cropping farmer, Warwick Bishell, says his two Valtra tractors have not only offered considerable fuel and time savings but have improved the overall efficiency and versatility of his vaoperationltr on Newa Zealand’s pro Southv Island.ide bull farmer maarwickssi and hisv wifee Sheryl p ownower, a “Our ground has he a high clayap contents and ofor buyingf theo Salfordptio was to incorporatens 377ha property near Ashburton, you have to roll it quite soon after ploughing the straw stubble to get away from having Wwhere they fatten over 1200 bulls or it goes into blocks once it starts to dry,” to burn.” a year and grow 120ha of crop, including says Warwick, “so this set-up saves us a Warwick also finds the Valtra T170 to barley, wheat and radishes. lot of time.” be very fuel efficient. “We only burned Warwick and Sheryl purchased a Valtra Warwick uses the T151 for a wide 75 percent of the fuel we burned the year 185hp T170 in 2007 and followed this up variety of jobs, including mowing. before,” says Warwick, “and we did with the purchase of a 170hp T151 in 2008. “We mow all our own silage,” says 20 percent more cropping … it was quite “I had hired one before I bought them – Warwick. “I’m hoping to set it up with a a big saving.” a T170 that I used to plant spring crops,” push-off stacker on the front for stacking “The extra horsepower pulling the gear says Warwick. “I was then offered a good the chopped silage in the pit, so we don’t meant the tractor was not working so hard. deal on one.” have to get contractors to do it,” he adds. That’s much better than our previous The T170 quickly exceeded Warwick’s “The bulls are the biggest part of our tractor, which was only 125 horsepower expectations. business and the most time consuming. and was working flat out all the time.” “It’s been really good and it’s certainly We use the T151 for a bit of feeding as we Overall, Warwick is thrilled with his new got some power,” he says. “It’s got plenty fatten over 1200 bulls a year.” Valtra tractors, which were purchased from of technology, which I enjoy, but it’s The T170 does most of the heavier work, Paul Wilkins Tractors in Timaru. very simple to operate. My father and with a Salford cultivator used for ripping “All we’ve done is service them – our employees find it’s easy to get the through the ground prior to ploughing. we haven’t had to pull anything apart,” hang of.” “We do the primary work with that,” says Warwick. Warwick has set up his T151 with front says Warwick. “We’re hoping to tow that “We don’t like down-time. We only get linkage so he can run a furrow press out plus the roller behind the T170 after short windows of opportunity to do things, front and do pressing and ploughing at the we’ve ploughed. so timing is everything.” same time. “We got the press on the front “We only got the Salford a month ago and it swings from side to side,” says but that’s our plan for this season – to have Warwick. “We have a reversible plough everything operating in tandem so we don’t and it’s a good set-up. It packs the have to do it in passes. The main reason ground well,” he reveals.

12 ACREAGE – Summer 2009/10 www.agco.com.au Warwick AGCO HARVEST ALLIANCE Bishell New support network

Harvest Alliance is the new customer support initiative benefitting Massey Ferguson and Gleaner combine customers. AGCO Australia has formed the Harvest Alliance in conjunction with its specialised and dedicated combine dealer network, to link dealers from Queensland through the harvest corridor into Victoria and South Australia.

he concept of Harvest Alliance is to ensure a safety harvest alliance Dealers net is provided for our combine customers during Springsure Springsure Tractor & Header Service “T the critical harvest period,” says Will de Fegely, Toowoomba B & B Machinery Product Manager for Massey Ferguson and Gleaner combines. Goondiwindi Specialised Farm Machinery “Purchasing a combine is a big investment, so it’s imperative Tamworth Equipment & Service Co P/L that we keep them running and performing at maximum capacity Warren Western Farm Machinery while minimising their downtime during harvest,” he says. Condobolin Equipment & Service Co P/L The specialist dealers that will form part of the new Harvest Wagga Wagga Bomen Agricultural Machinery Alliance have been selected according to a strict set of criteria. Walla Walla CJ & LH Wiesners These dealers must be able to provide the high level of care Mildura Agg-Tech Machinery required by combine owners. This includes having on-hand Swan Hill Hepburn Agri Centre highly trained and experienced sales and service staff, being fully Cobram Cobram Farm Equipment equipped with the latest diagnostic and servicing equipment, Speed Poole & Jackson P/L maintaining a comprehensive parts inventory, and offering 24/7 Walpeup Poole & Jackson P/L customer support during harvest time. Horsham Irwin Motors “The advantage of the Alliance is it allows for dealers to Colac Rhys Evans P/L support each other during harvest,” explains Will. “Contractors Naracoorte Topmark Machinery moving north and south have the reassurance that they can get Karoonda GJ Clarke & Co. the same level of service and support in the harvest corridor as Clare WSB Distributors they would from their own dealer.” Kadina G & J East For further support during the busy period, AGCO will also be providing a Harvest Support Vehicle that will follow the harvest as it makes its way from north to south. The Harvest Support Vehicle will be manned by two trained technicians and its key purpose is to provide additional parts support, primarily stocking high investment items such as final drives, augers and so on. “We’re very excited about the new Harvest Alliance initiative,” says Will. “We believe it will provide our combine customers the high level of care that they require and, importantly, when they require it. It will also provide peace of mind and confidence when purchasing a combine, knowing that the Harvest Alliance network will be there for them,” he adds. L–R: Allan Hill (National Service Manager), Simon Hole (Director of Parts and Supply), Will de Fegely (Harvest Product Manager) and Warwick McCormick (Managing Director).

www.agco.com.au ACREAGE – Summer 2009/10 13 AGCO News Two AGCO Service Teams Unite for new experience

Combined AGCO Service Team: L–R Kevin Ren (AGCO China), Cai Zhongying (Dealer Service Manager), Leo (Dealer Salesman), Dominic Douglas-Garden (AGCO Australia), Jin Shi (AGCO China), Brad Troe (AGCO Australia), Allan Hill (AGCO Australia), Zhou Jun (AGCO China), Wong Hongwei (AGCO China).

Three AGCO Australia service representatives were recently sent to China to train local operators and service teams.

rad Troe (Queensland Area State Farm, the team had a long wait Service Manager), Dominic before getting to pre-deliver and set BDouglas-Garden (Product up the second combine. AG Facts Support Specialist) and Allan Hill Finally getting the combine out (National Service Manager) travelled into the field, the Aussie team were Agriculture to China to assist the AGCO Beijing surprised by the greenness of office who had successfully won the straw. in China! tenders for two MF9790 Combines “The grain was ready to go but, • only 15% of China’s considerable landmass and a MF2170 Large Square Baler. unlike Australian crop, the straw was is arable, yet China has the world’s largest The service team were required to still very green,” said Allan. “After agricultural output. travel to three Chinese State Farms to some minor re-adjustments on the pre-deliver the machinery and carry out front, the combine handled the • china’s arable land, which represents 10% operator training, along with training the conditions remarkably.” of the total arable land in the world, supports local service team on maintenance and “Both the operator and farm over 20% of the world’s population. operational functions. Machinery Director felt it was the • china’s current population is estimated at On arrival at the first property, smoothest machine they had ever 1,338,612,968. Erlong Farm, the Aussie team operated,” said Allan. “[They] were • 43% of China’s labour force works in split into two groups, each with a very pleased with the whole machine Agriculture, primarily producing rice, wheat, translator. The three farm operators and efforts by AGCO Staff.” went into the cab for operational The final property visited was the potatoes, sorghum, peanuts, tea, millet, barley, training with Dominic, and the AGCO Youyi State Farm, where the MF2170 cotton, oilseed, pork, and fish. China service team, led by Kevin Ren, baler was to be used to supply straw • 75% of China’s cultivated area is used for went over all the service and set-up as fuel to a new power station being food crops, 25% of this is used for rice, while points with Brad and Allan. Going built. A large contingent of on-lookers wheat is the second most prevalent grain crop. a long way to making the process eagerly awaited the new baler as it • china is the #1 producer of Cotton. simple was a precise translation of the made a short trip to the field after operator’s manuals and the Chinese some last minute adjustments. • china has a large livestock population, with team’s obvious experience in the field. “Everyone watching was amazed at pigs and fowl being the most common. “We are pleased to know that the capacity of the baler,” said Allan. • Dairy has recently been encouraged by the the machines are in the hands of Although faced with severe government, even though studies show that experienced combine operators,” language barriers and entirely different approximately 92.3% of the adult population said Allan Hill. “It certainly made the landscape conditions, the Service is affected by some level of lactose intolerance. task easier.” team found the whole experience to • Agriculture makes up 11.3% of China’s Gross Hitting road blocks caused by a be a valuable one. All concurred it was Domestic Product (GDP), whereas Agriculture visiting Government Minister and his a move in the right direction for the delegation on the way to Seven Star global development of service training. only makes up 3.4% of Australia’s GDP.

AGCO n November, AGCO Australia will also staff will be training attendees on I be running Massey Ferguson service Massey Ferguson tractors sold in the Australia training for our distributors in Papua Asia Pacific markets. This will be a great training New Guinea, Solomon Islands and Fiji. opportunity for AGCO staff to build on the world Taking place in Brisbane, our service their knowledge of our overseas markets.

14 ACREAGE – Summer 2009/10 www.agco.com.au AGCO News

Orange is the new Red: MF6455 tractors turn orange for the NSW RTA

entan Machinery of Hexham NSW the RTA tractors need to be highly visible has recently delivered four new to reduce the chance of accidents along K112hp MF6455 tractors to the the roadside. NSW Road Traffic Authority (RTA) for Painted orange at the factory in roadside maintenance work. Beauvais, France, and built to suit the The special thing about these four RTA’s specifications, which includes MF6455s is that they are all a bright front linkage, the tractors went through shade of orange; not the normal rich red some extra changes when they reached that Massey Ferguson is famous for. The Australia. Anti-vandalism modifications reason for the colour change is safety; were made, including an immobiliser, mesh guarding and lockable fuel tanks. Not stopping there, Kentan Machinery also fitted each unit with front linkage flail mowers and rear reach mowers. “A lot of the guys have been driving Lance Hill of Kentan older tractors or haven’t driven a tractor Machinery pre-delivered all for quite some time. They were all the units and found the new really impressed with the ease of the operators were very happy with transmission,” says Lance. “Training them their MF6455s. to operate the tractors was simple.” Lance also notes that the comfort, “They were all quietness and visibility of the cab were high on each operator’s agenda. really impressed “In their line of work, it’s important with the ease of to have comfort. A lot of them were the transmission,” surprised by the quietness of the cab and says Lance. were really happy with the adjustable seat and the easy to operate layout.”

MF ride-on mower winner The winner of last issue’s Ride on Mower competition is Bill Pavlic. Bill lives on his property ‘Dunmore’ in Garah, NSW where he farms 6,000 acres. Bill grows both summer and winter crops as well as running a contract hay baling and harvesting business. He is a long standing Massey Ferguson owner who currently runs a MF6465, a MF8480 and a MF9790 combine harvester fitted with a 40ft draper front.

Mark Squire of the Specialised Farm Machinery sales team presents the MF 38-155D to winner Bill Pavlic.

www.agco.com.au ACREAGE – Summer 2009/10 15 feel THE FUTURE. NEW MF8600 series tractorS.

MF9895 HORSEPOWER RANGE:

425

MF8 600 HORSEPOWER RANGE: THINKRedThinkMF8600series 270–370hp – New SISU e3 engine with SCR (Selective Catalytic Reduction) for new levels of fuel efficiency – New heavy-duty Dyna-VT continuously variable transmission for ultimate reliability – New supremely comfortable cab with ‘Control Centre Display’ – New industry-first OptiRide cab suspension pro-actively assesses working conditions for the ultimate ride – New class leading lift capacity of 12 tonne – New Benchmark in return on your Investment. Contact your local Massey Ferguson dealer to see how the new MF8600 series tractors can revolutionise your farming operation.

16 ACREAGE – Summerwww.masseyferguson.co.nz 2009 www.agco.co.nz Massey Ferguson is a worldwide brand of AGCO Corporation