Born from the merger of farm machinery companies Massey-Harris of Canada and Harry Ferguson Ltd of the UK, 2018 marks the 60th anniversary of the creation of the world-famous Massey Ferguson brand name.
Massey Ferguson equipment is so much part of the global
agricultural landscape. Wherever you are in the world, you are never far from
one of its machines badged with the iconic Triple Triangle emblem.
With vision from the very beginning, Massey Ferguson pioneered and
developed key advances in farm machinery. From the first tractor three-point
linkage system and first self-propelled combine harvester, the brand continues
to develop appropriate, dependable solutions that farmers need to run
successful and profitable businesses.
In the last 60 years alone, MF has been responsible for
introducing the MultiPower shift-on-the-move’ tractor gearbox (1962), automatic
table height control for combines (1967), the PowerFlow combine header (1977),
Electronic Linkage Control (1978), ‘Intelligent’ tractors with on-board
computers (1986), in-cab interactive information displays in combines (1988),
yield-mapping via GPS (1991) and the application of Selective Catalytic
Reduction technology to tractor engines (2008).
Massey Ferguson also has a long and strong association in New
Zealand as the brand also first hit its shores in the same year it was born.
“It’s a proud milestone to be able to celebrate not only 60 years of the brand
but also celebrate 60 Years of Massey Ferguson in New Zealand, says Peter
Scott, Manager for NZ. “The brand has been here since day dot and has been an
integral part of the New Zealand agricultural landscape having touched so many
including customers, dealers and Company employees,” adds Peter.
In 2014, an 110hp MF 5610 made history by becoming the first
tractor fitted with agricultural tyres to drive overland across Antarctica to
the South Pole – a gruelling 4638km journey lasting 27 days. The expedition was
in part to pay homage to the great Sir Edmund Hillary who has become synonymous
with the brand thanks to his herculean efforts to take three TE20 Ferguson
tractors to the South Pole.
Recent years have seen a complete rejuvenation of the full-line of
multi-award winning MF tractors, harvesting machinery, hay & forage tools,
materials handling equipment and support services. In 2014, the MF Global
Series was launched – the first conventional tractors to be completely
reengineered for the 21st century. Bringing things right up to date, 2018 and
2019 will see the unveiling of the all-new MF IDEAL combine, signalling a
radical new direction for harvester development.
Massey Ferguson is committed to the future of farming and the
development of new techniques and technologies. The brand continues to invest
in R&D, in people and in understanding the needs of the both the farmers of
today and into the future.
“There is a dramatic step-change taking place in farming,” says Peter.
“New ideas and new opportunities are transforming agriculture forever and we
are on the brink of another revolution on the land. Massey Ferguson is fully-
focused on the requirements and growth of the new generation of farmers. Our
key mission is to be a reliable partner and provide clear solutions to their
farming business needs.”