Trusty workhorses

Derek Casey looks at the latest options for farmers looking to buy a reliable and versatile tractor

IRISH farmers buy more tractors in the 90-125hp power bracket than any other power segment. The trend of engine size in new tractors bought in Ireland is generally slowly upward. As farm size increases and the number of farmers in the country decrease, experts predict that the average tractor bought here in 20 years’ time may be around 140-150hp in size.

For the most part, buyers simply want a plucky reliable tractor capable of doing the basics well — good hydraulic output for loader work, gutsy power output at the PTO end for slurry spreading/feeding/mowing, and a smooth transmission for road transport. Here I look at seven such tractors, with prices ranging from a €35,000 entry level right up to the top end in terms of spec and asking prices of €150,000.

1. MASSEY FERGUSON’S POPULAR 5700 TRACTORS

Massey Ferguson this year expanded the appeal of its popular MF 5700 Global tractor series with its well trusted Dyna-4 transmission, now available for the four-cylinder MF 5710 and MF 5711 models. These 100hp and 110hp Dyna-4 models are also available with the option of cab suspension. Given their power ratings, the new additions are proving popular with Irish dairy and drystock farmers and join the MF 5708 and MF 5709 Dyna-4 three-cylinder models introduced last year.

Built in MF’s tractor factory in Beauvais, France, the Dyna-4 option complements the existing MF 5710 and MF 5711 tractors which are equipped with 12x12 manual transmission. Constructed on the strong MF 5700 chassis, providing a 4.3t lift capacity, MF claims these cost-effective tractors are ideally suited to a wide range of field work and transport. They come equipped with a host of modern features which makes them ideally suited to loader operations.

Dyna-4 is a transmission that provides simple and convenient control of 16 forward and 16 reverse speeds with four power shift speeds in four ranges. A ‘creep’ speed is also an option.

With four change-on-the move speeds in each gear, it offers ease of operation with the left-hand Power Control lever and console-mounted T-lever. On top of straightforward, clutch-less range changes, it also offers sophistication with an automatic setting. In this setting the transmission changes gears automatically according to the engine load and speed. Priced from €60,000 plus VAT.

2. McCORMICK X6 SERIES AN ATTRACTIVE OPTION

Turning to McCormick, and the firm’s X6 Series is proving attractive to farmers looking for a reliable tractor in the 110- 125hp bracket. The 110hp McCormick X6.35, 119hp X6.45 and the range-topping 126hp X6.55 tractors slot into the range between the slightly smaller 85-113hp McCormick X5 Series and the larger 111-140hp X6.4 Series tractors.

“These new models provide an attractive option for operators wanting extra power and performance over our X5 Series tractors — or similar models from other manufacturers — but who are not ready for the jump to the X6.4 range,” explains Ray Spinks, sales director and general manager at McCormick distributor AgriArgo UK & Ireland.

“With up to 126hp, a choice of transmission and PTO packages, and a spacious but relatively