The sugarcane industry in South Africa plays a key role in the country’s agricultural economy, with extensive farming operations serving both local and international markets. Gansen Moodley is a sugarcane and macadamia farmer near Kearsney, just outside Durban, Kwazulu-Natal and has been farming in the area for thirty years under the name Sentara Investments.

Gansen says: “One of the biggest challenges we face is the unpredictable weather conditions – too much rain at one time and then extreme droughts shortly after.”

He adds: “A major challenge for us in this district is the availability of labour and the high input costs in the sugarcane industry.” The sugarcane industry is not only dependent on good farming practices but also on the right equipment to ensure productivity and efficiency.

The sweet success of Massey’s 5710 tractor

“I purchased a new Massey 5710 tractor in April this year; I previously had a Massey 440 tractor, which I used on the farm for about six years. With the high input costs, I had to look for something more sustainable, and the reason I chose the 5710 was its fuel efficiency. Moreover, it is a much more advanced tractor than the previous model,” says Gansen.

“The 5710’s fuel efficiency is excellent, which really helps me reduce costs,” he says. “The tractor’s power and versatility are invaluable when it comes to difficult tasks like land preparation and transporting heavy loads. This tractor has exceeded my expectations!” Gansen further explains that the Massey Ferguson 5710 is very reliable, even in the challenging terrain of sugarcane fields. “It’s powerful enough to handle tough conditions with ease, but at the same time, it’s very easy for the operator to drive,” he adds. This has led to a noticeable increase in his productivity and the quality of his crops.

He continues: “One of the features that really stands out for me is the tractor’s braking ability. Due to the steep slopes and wet conditions in which we farm, especially when the trailer is heavily loaded with about 13 tons of sugarcane, the braking system is of utmost importance for the safety of our operators and our crops.”

Gansen also points out that other tractors require servicing every 250 hours, but the Massey’s interval is 500 hours. “The tractor’s display panel alerts us in advance when the tractor needs servicing. The longer service intervals are a big advantage for us,” Gansen explains.

When it comes to hard work the Massey 5710 doesn’t stand back.

Sugar Coast Motors’ dedication to sugarcane farmers

Sugar Coast Motors in Darnall is the local Massey Ferguson dealer. Gansen speaks highly of their service and support: “The Sugar Coast Motors team is very helpful, not only with general inquiries and after-sales service, but also when the tractor needs servicing, they are prompt and well-prepared.” Mishen Moodley is responsible for the tractor department at Sugar Coast Motors, and he has a great love for the Massey brand. Mishen shares that his father grew up with Massey, and so the love for the red brand was passed down to him. Sugar Coast Motors is dedicated to fully supporting their customers and farmers with maintenance, repairs, and parts supply, making farmers’ lives much easier.

He says: “Sugar Coast Motors is the supplier of one of the best tractor brands in the industry, as well as used equipment, tractors, high-quality implements, and we also offer aftersales service to farmers in the area by providing parts, services, and repairs to tractors and equipment.”

Mishen Moodley, with farmer Gansen Moodley and Sameer Sheik.

The perfect fit for the sugarcane industry

Mishen believes that the MF5710 is the perfect intermediate tractor for most of the sugarcane farmers in the area. “This tractor is strong and versatile to handle the daily tasks on the farm efficiently, whether it’s land preparation or transporting sugarcane during harvest time,” he says.

“This tractor is a workhorse for African conditions, while at the same time offering farmers great value for money. I would recommend this tractor to farmers in similar farming conditions because, with its many strengths, this tractor gives you peace of mind with your purchase.

“We receive a lot of positive feedback about the 5710 from our customers. We’ve found that sugarcane farmers prefer this model because of its robustness and the way it is designed to meet the specific needs of their farms,” he explains.

“The profit margin in farming is tough and small. We are aware of this, and our product offering, and solutions must benefit all farming communities. We encourage any farmer who wants to experience similar success without hassle to consider the MF5710 tractor,” concludes Mishen.

AGCO puts the farmer first

According to AGCO’s regional representative for Kwazulu-Natal, Sameer Sheik, the Massey Ferguson 5710 is an example of how technology and innovation work together to support farmers. “We are very proud of the technological improvements included in this model,” he says. From fuel efficiency to a stronger and more environmentally friendly design, the 5710 is a step towards sustainable farming. “It’s wonderful to hear testimonials from our farmers, like Mr. Gansen’s story, where he switched from two tractors in his fleet to just one to farm more efficiently.”

AGCO’s commitment to supporting farmers and their dealers is evident in how they adapt their products to meet the farming needs of Africa. The Massey Ferguson 5710 is not just a powerful tractor, but also a reliable partner in the field.

Sameer says: “We are very impressed with how the MF 5710 performs and thrives in the conditions on Gansen’s farm. AGCO’s vision and mission are strongly driven to put the farmer first, and Massey Ferguson’s drive aligns with what we at AGCO aim to achieve in the agricultural industry by offering outstanding sales and after-sales service to our dealers and farmers.”

The Massey Ferguson 5710 tractor offers several benefits and features that make it well-suited for the sugarcane industry.

Mishen Moodley, with farmer Gansen Moodley and Sameer Sheik.

Sameer highlights a few advantages of the Massey Ferguson 5710:

• Powerful engine: The tractor is equipped with an AGCO Power 4,4-liter, 4-cylinder diesel engine that delivers 76 kW (105 Hp), providing ample power for heavy agricultural work.
• Excellent torque: With a maximum torque of 410 Nm at 1,600 rpm, the tractor easily moves through the heavy soil of sugarcane plantations.
• Fuel efficiency: The large 170-liter fuel tank ensures longer working sessions without frequent refuelling.

• Versatile transmission: The 12 x 12 Synchronised transmission with power shuttle that offers smooth and efficient gear changes, essential for the varying terrain and slopes of sugarcane fields.
• Robust build: The tractor’s sturdy design and four-wheel drive make it suitable for the challenging conditions of sugarcane farming.
• Hydraulic system: The opencenter hydraulic system with a combined pump flow of up to 98 liters per minute ensures efficient operation with any agricultural implement.

Other benefits include the four-wheel drive braking and take-off capabilities, as well as minimising clutch use. These features make the Massey Ferguson 5710 a reliable and efficient choice for farmers in the sugarcane industry.

Forge ahead with Massey’s 5710

Massey Ferguson’s 5710 has proven to be the right tractor for sugarcane farmers who seek high performance and reliability. Whether it’s improving yield or ease of use, this tractor certainly doesn’t disappoint. Sugar Coast Motors and AGCO’s support make it even easier for farmers to get the best out of their equipment. “This tractor is the right tractor for our sugarcane farming. I’m going to purchase another model soon for my macadamia farm,” Gansen concludes.

For any enquiries, visit Massey Ferguson’s website. If you are in the KwaZulu-Natal area, reach out to Sugar Coast Motors on (+27)32-551-3041.

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