COMPANIES GEARING UP
MF Global series lowers total cost of ownership for South African farmers
Total Cost of Ownership ( TCO ) is a comprehensive approach to evaluate the overall expenses associated with owning and operating a tractor over its entire lifecycle . This includes not just the initial purchase cost but also factors such as fuel efficiency , maintenance costs , repair expenses , and residual value .
The MF Global series ( MF 4700 , 5700 and 6700 ), ranging from 61 to 98 kW , is designed and equipped with advanced engine technology and fuel management systems to maximise fuel efficiency and assist farmers to reduce their operating costs over time . The tractors are engineered to be durable and reliable , with components designed for extended service intervals . Less maintenance improves efficiency with less downtime .
Massey Ferguson ’ s warranty options for the Global Series give farmers peace of mind that they will not incur unanticipated repair expenses . The Global series is known for retaining its value , which translates into a better return on investment when a farmer decides to upgrade or sell a tractor , explains Shane Snijders , Senior Manager : Aftersales , Africa and the Far East , AGCO .
Farm Maintenance Services ( FMS ), KwaZulu-Natal Catering for all farmers ’ needs from tractors to implements , Farm Maintenance Services ( FMS ) of Pietermaritzburg has become the mechanisation partner of choice in the KwaZulu- Natal agricultural industry and farming community . “ We are a Massey Ferguson dealership first and foremost ,” says Andrew Nicholson , who became involved with the business in 2016 .
FMS prides itself on supplying the full spectrum from the highest specification Massey Ferguson tractor to top end implements and everything in-between , so farmers have peace of mind in having complete solutions at hand .
Nicholson concurs that service excellence is a key differentiator . “ We sell tractors , but at the end of the day our main goal is to ensure that the tractors we sell perform optimally for their entire lifespans and making sure that machine is always in a good working condition . In the future that satisfied customer will then happily buy his next tractor from us .”
TCO considers the upfront cost of the tractor , its capabilities , capacity , and uptime over its working life on any farm . Andrew argues that farmers do not give due consideration to TCO , which should ultimately be the most important factor in their final purchasing decision .
“ At the end of the day , we need to look at how much it costs a farmer to effectively operate a particular tractor ,” says Andrew . He has done specific calculations for Massey Ferguson machines , and proudly points to a tractor that had clocked up over 7 000 hours , equating to service and maintenance costs of R30 an hour . “ Actually , the exact cost we worked out was R29.80 ,” Andrew says proudly .
He ascribes this incredible value for money to Massey Ferguson ’ s continual development and investment in and refinement of its tractor range , such as the MF Global Series . “ I joined FMS at about the same time as the first tractors were introduced into the local market .” And the dealership has never looked back .
Lybasol , Mpumalanga Holding the Massey Ferguson agency in the Lydenburg , Mpumalanga area for over 60 years , Lybasol is proudly one of the oldest MF dealerships in South Africa . It was established in Lydenburg in 1958 and has since transformed into a major distributor of tractors , and other agricultural equipment .
Lybasol acquired the Massey Ferguson franchise in 1961 and has been actively promoting and selling the brand ever since . In 2009 , it relocated to expansive new premises in the industrial area
10 | November - December 2023