MF TRACTORS

BETTER PERFORMANCE & COMPETITIVELY PRICED

"We liked the spec of the Masseys"

NICK & CHRIS HOBSON

TH Hobson Ltd, Woodhouse Grange, Sutton upon Derwent, near YORK

The Hobsons have been farming at Sutton upon Derwent since the 1930’s and brothers Nick and Chris are continuing the family business. They currently farm 2000 acres, which ranges from clays through to wind-blown sand. This year’s cropping will consist of about 500 acres of wheat, 300 potatoes, 200 rape, 200 oats, 300 maize and other forage crops with 500 to grass for their 320 head Dairy herd. They have recently diversified into miscanthus on set aside land, which then goes to Drax Power Station where it helps to reduce carbon emissions.

Over the last 2 years they have upgraded their two biggest tractors with Massey Fergusons, replacing a NH TM165 with an MF 6495, and an MF 8270 with an MF 8480. The rest of their tractors are still New Hollands.

Nick explains their reasons for changing to MF, "We originally looked at the TM190 in comparison to the MF 6495, and the Massey Ferguson was very competitively priced and we liked the spec. We didn’t like the Ford engined TM range and believe there are some gearbox problems. Last year we wanted to go for an even bigger tractor for bed tilling for potatoes and were happy to stick with Massey and went for an MF 8480. Again Masseys were very competitive compared to New Holland, with very good running costs and an excellent fuel monitoring computer system. We liked the Sisu engine and the infinitely variable gearbox is very good for the job. The pickup hitch is superior to the NH and there was virtually no waiting time for the Massey. It has lived up to expectations and works really well with the 3 bed tiller and is also ideal with a 7 furrow mounted plough and 7 leg flatlift.

The MF 6495 is also used for ploughing as well as general cultivation and drilling.

Both have comfortable cabs, clean and light with all controls to hand and the drivers enjoy working the tractors. The MF 6495 is very versatile and can be easily driven by anyone, but the MF 8480 needs the driver to be properly trained to get the best out of it.

Overall we have been very pleased with the choice and P&B have been quick to come out to sort any minor problems," added Nick.

Nick Hobson with the larger of their two new MF Tractors