One of the first Massey Ferguson 3AL.75 tractors in the UK is proving a wise investment for its new owner by offering several features and additional flexibility beyond his previous model.
With 1,000 hours a year of large-scale mowing works, Steven Waring needs confidence in his tractor, with operator comfort and manoeuvrability key reasons for his recent upgrade to a Massey Ferguson 3AL.75 tractor.
The tractor was purchased through MF dealer, Agwood, with Steven only seeing videos of the machine before buying it. He needed something that was as nimble in tight spaces as his previous MF 4707 tractor, but also had additional features such as four-wheel drive (4WD) to eliminate scrubbing when turning at the ends.
Steven’s extensive mowing workload of up to 1,000 hours/year includes large houses, football pitches, hotels, and other open areas, with a five-gang Toro cylinder mower. His agricultural and landscape contracting business, started by his father Paul Waring, works in a 15-mile radius of Maidstone, Kent. Due to a strong relationship and reliable backup from local dealer Agwood, he has stayed with Massey Ferguson tractors.
Steven comments: “Reliability and backup is important to me, and I believe, if I’m loyal to the dealer, then the same service will be reciprocated. When I came to replace my old machine, there were a couple factors I wanted to change, such as reducing the overall weight of the tractor and including 4WD, so the front axle would pull the tractor around rather than the rear axle push it.”
Improved ease of use
The MF 3AL.75 has a 24×12 Power Shuttle transmission, whilst being a much lighter tractor than the older model. He admits to being very impressed with the turning circle and says it matches the two-wheel drive MF 4707 for negotiating trees and obstacles.
“This was essential for us and has been a real bonus. In the large houses we mow there are flower beds and obstacles that we must negotiate while still doing a good job. The MF 3AL has surprised us with how tight it can turn despite being a 4WD tractor.”
The Power Shuttle transmission has improved ease of use and limited the amount of declutching required. Steven says this wasn’t on his old tractor and it has made life a lot easier during daily tasks.
“The splitter in each gear allows me to slow down for turning without using the clutch, which also helps when entering a longer patch of grass that requires a slower speed. I wouldn’t be without it now, the additional flexibility it offers to general tasks makes the work easier.”
High cab comforts
An air suspended seat, Bluetooth radio and air conditioning are all features on the MF 3AL.75 and provide a comfortable place for long days in the seat.
“It is nice to drive on the road and is comfortable when mowing. It is small and powerful, which is just what we require. Navigating low-hanging branches and obstacles is a big part of our work, so having a machine that we know can access these spots is essential.
The two cruise control settings also make life easier as it is easy to switch between the two when required.
Quality of the finish has always been at the top of Steven’s agenda, and the new tractor, along with backup from dealer Agwood, is paramount to keep customers happy.
