Although a relatively new kid on the block in Mbombela, having been established just a year or so ago, AgriTrac has the full weight of the Malelane Garage Group behind it. It distributes the Massey Ferguson brand in both Malelane and Mbombela in Mpumalanga.
“We have come a few years with Massey Ferguson already, so decided to establish a branch here in Mbombela to be closer to our farmers,” explains Martin Odendaal, Executive Equipment Adviser at AgriTrac. He adds that AgriTrac Director Johan Horn Snr. has always been passionate about farming, with his brothers farmers themselves.
The main farming segments in the region are macadamia nuts and citrus, with avocados, granadillas and even sugar cane thrown into the mix. Here the MF 3300 series of compact tractors, equipped with the three-cylinder AGCO Power engine, is one of AgriTrac’s most popular sellers. The series is aimed specifically at the orchard market, encompassing fruit, nut and seed production. It is also ideal for horticultural applications.
The MF 3300 series is based on the heritage of the popular, robust and reliable MF 400 Xtra Narrow tractor models from Brazil. While the front axle, transmission and rear linkage are almost identical to the old MF 435 Xtra and MF 440 Xtra narrow-width tractors, the MF 3300 series features a brand-new AGCO Power 3.3 litre three-cylinder engine.
What makes the MF 3300 series unique in the South African market as an orchard tractor is that it is Stage 3 emission compliant and features a common rail with an electronic control unit (ECU) to monitor all fuel and air parameters. An engine memory function means that, at the press of a button, a preset engine revolution can be engaged, which translates into a more consistent application and less wear-and-tear on the driveline, linkage and implements.
The ECU is coupled with a mini dashboard computer providing a real-time readout of hourly fuel consumption. In terms of price point, the technology incorporated in the MF 3300 series not only makes it highly affordable, but extremely competitive in terms of specification and scope for the South African market.
The MF 3300 series is available in an open station and cab model, ideal for farming operations looking to comply with export regulations. The cab is designed for maximum visibility and safety, with easy access controls that are simple to operate. Comfort is ensured with air-conditioning as standard, with incoming air passing through a cab air filter.
Front track widths can be adjusted from 1.19 m to 1.31 m and rear track widths can be adjusted between 0.96 m and 1.3 m, providing overall widths of 1.27 m to 1.40 m. Overall height is measured at 1.6m on platform versions, and 2.35 m on the cab version. The MF 3300 series also features an extra-long wheelbase, heavy-duty chassis and strengthened drawbar.
In orchard operations, its main function is crop care with sprayer applicators and harvest trailer haulage. Attachments are powered by an independent power take-off (IPTO), a hydraulic linkage system that can lift 2 100 kg, and two hydraulic remote valves offering 59 litres per minute oil flow or 210 bar pressure, making it ideal for grounds care and other farm maintenance work.
Martin says feedback to date from customers about the MF 3300 series is that it is a rugged and reliable tractor that can comfortably tow a 4 000 litre sprayer, for example. In addition to offering same-day repair response, AgriTrac has field service technicians who can go out to the farmers themselves. A fully fledged workshop back in in Mbombela takes care of any major repair work. AgriTrac also has an extensive spares stockholding, including for tractors such as the MF 200 Xtra series, and offers a range of ancillary items and equipment to meet MF customers’ farming needs.
“Some people were hesitant to do business with us because we are relatively new, but we can assure everyone that we are not a fly-by-night operation,” says Martin. Indeed, having the weight of the Malelane Garage Group behind the dealership gives it a 60-year heritage in the area. “We are committed to proudly flying the Massey Ferguson name for a long time to come.”
Would you like to partner with a world leading agricultural company like Massey Ferguson and grow your offering to farmers around South Africa? Get in touch with us at africasales@agcocorp.com.
Last year Massey Ferguson, a worldwide brand of AGCO (NYSE:AGCO), was excited to announce a fresh look for its iconic Triple Triangle logo and its new ‘Born to Farm’ brand identity in celebration of its 175th anniversary. MF has offered farmers around the world straightforward and dependable machines since its inception. Few global brands can claim such a lasting impact in the agricultural industry.
In support of the farming community, Massey Ferguson has an extensive network of over 35 dealers covering the whole of South Africa, catering for parts, service, aftersales and new sales. Potential customers interested in the MF range can obtain all information from www.masseyferguson.co.za. Upon completing the contact form, potential customers will have the video, brochure and dealer contact details sent to their WhatsApp and email within 30 seconds.
About Massey Ferguson
Massey Ferguson has built up 175 years of global experience in manufacturing for the agricultural industry. It produces a full line of both high and low horsepower tractors, and has factories in China, Brazil, India, Europe, and North America. Massey Ferguson also has a wide range of implements and combine harvesters. It has an extensive and established dealer network in South Africa and an extensive distributor network in Africa.
About AGCO
AGCO (NYSE:AGCO) is a global leader in the design, manufacture and distribution of agricultural machinery and precision ag technology. AGCO delivers customer value through its differentiated brand portfolio including core brands like Fendt®, GSI®, Massey Ferguson®, Precision Planting® and Valtra®. Powered by Fuse® smart farming solutions, AGCO’s full line of equipment and services help farmers sustainably feed our world. Founded in 1990 and headquartered in Duluth, Georgia, USA, AGCO had net sales of approximately $12.7 billion in 2022. For more information, visit www.AGCOcorp.com. For company news, information, and events, please follow us on Twitter: @AGCOCorp. For financial news on Twitter, please follow the hashtag #AGCOIR.
AGCO Africa Contact
Robert Keir
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082 349 7441
Robert.Keir@agcocorp.com
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