AS far as Victorian stonefruit grower Colin Gammon, Woorinen, is convinced nothing beats a tried and trusted name like Massey Ferguson, returning to the iconic brand after a number of years.
He remains confident he made the right decision when buying his model 2615 tractor from Hepburn Ag, Swan Hill, early in 2011.
Its power plant pumps out a handy 49 engine horsepower, plus delivers a useful 31kW at the pto, essential for carrying out a range of duties on his 70 acre property.
When I caught him with him he was just setting out for another day of operating a linkage-mounted and pto-driven weed sprayer.
As the season intensifies, this could see Colin behind the wheel of his 2615 for up to five hours at a time.
“But I also use it rotary hoeing, discing, cultivating – so it’s proving to be a good general purpose tractor which is just the ticket,” Colin said.
Interestingly, the newcomer is now coming into its own since it really earns its keep during the more hectic summer season.
“I think I am up to about 150 hours and already it is starting to take the load off two other smaller tractors which I have had for some time,” Colin said.
“Swapping implements three times a day is no fun, plus I now have a bit of insurance if either of the two other tractors break-down,” he added.
After a disappointing season last year, Colin says this year it's “shaping up pretty well,” adding the 2615 newcomer is just getting into its stride.
Interestingly, it is equipped with a ROPs protection device, rather than an enclosed cab, making it easier for jumping on and off the tractor, as and when needed.
“With a narrow cab tractor I find your vision is restricted and you can’t hear what is going on,” Colin said.
“So, on both counts, I find the ‘open cab’ a lot better on both counts.”
Turning to the all-important controls, Colin says “this is one of the reasons I bought it (the 2615)” because it has gone back “to the old style.”
“Other than the switch that operates the pto, there’s no complicated electronics to worry about, plus the eight forward/two reverse speed transmission is equally simple,” he said.
“There is nothing to go wrong,” Colin added.
Apart from asking for two remotes, the only other decision was to opt for a front wheel assist version.
“When you’re discing, for instance, it’s really handy, plus I just like the extra stability,” Colin said.
“As well, they are a lot easier to steer - even when not in 4WD,” he said.
All this prompted him to say he might buy another 2615 if “there was a need,” should either of his other tractors throw in the towel.
Familiar with earlier 135 MF tractors, Colin said the attraction of the newcomer is that it “looks as reliable as the old ones,” planning to keep the 2615 for as long as it lasts.
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