Leading global manufacturer of tractors Massey Ferguson is set to introduce the MF 300 50-85 horsepower tractors for selected African and Middle East markets next year.
According to the manufacturers, a new line of Massey Ferguson-branded implements is also being unveiled for the region in order to offer a broader choice to mostly small holder farmers or local community groups looking for a rugged and reliable multi-purpose machine.
“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,” Thierry Lhotte, Massey Ferguson Vice-President Marketing, Europe/Africa/Middle East, said. He added: “More than 1.5 million units based on this renowned design are already at work in the world.”
The MF 300 Series are being produced in Pakistan by Millat Tractors, long-term partners of Massey Ferguson with 50 years’ experience building MF tractors as a licensee manufacturer.
Also, Massey Ferguson engineers from the Beauvais tractor manufacturing facility in France are heavily involved in developing the MF 300 Series for the Africa and Middle East regions.
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.
“The new MF 300 Series fits perfectly with our existing product offer in Africa and Middle East markets. The range represents a key element in our ‘three-segment tractor strategy’ in the region to provide farmers at varying stages of development with the right choice of machines across a spectrum of power and specification requirements,” Mr Lhotte noted.
He added: “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.”
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.
