Wayne Marshall of Marshall Agricultural Contracting in Maffra, in east Victoria, has been in the agricultural industry since he was 16 and has been running his own contracting business over the last 5 years. The business handles a full range of cultivation, share cropping, direct drilling and fodder harvesting with the help of his Massey Ferguson tractors, an MF8260 (180hp), an MF6465 (120hp) and an MF7485 (165hp). Wayne has also recently taken delivery of a brand new Tier III MF7495 (190hp).
Another one of Wayne’s recent Massey acquisitions is the first MF169 variable chamber round baler sold in Australia. So far the baler has done over 5,000 bales and is active in all fodder areas of the business including silage, hay and straw. “It does a nice bale and it’s basic and not too complicated,” Wayne says.
The MF169 has many features but Wayne sees the capacity of the baler as a big drawcard, while the triple-density system, which allows the operator to select three different densities in the one bale, also satisfies his clients. “It’s made a difference to the business in respect that people are very happy with what comes out the back of it. It gives a tight bale so the farmer sees value for money,” says Wayne.
To keep the MF169 baling Wayne often relies on his MF6465. The most versatile tractor is his fleet, the MF6465 has done over 4200 hours and handles most tasks including all the drilling and mowing. Wayne says its manoeuvrability is second to none and describes the tractor as utterly “bullet-proof.”
“It’s a great size tractor, very good on fuel and they’re reliable and that’s why Massey Ferguson’s a big market player, you have a look at the market place and you have a good look at the tractors on offer, they’re a pretty good package.
“The tractors look good, the cabins are nicely finished, set out well and are easy to clean, plus they’re quiet".
“As far as running the tractor, it’s been really good, I’d buy another one tomorrow,” Wayne added. Which is something Wayne’s local dealer, Donalda Motor Service in Maffra, would be all too happy to hear.
When asked about his dealer Wayne is more than happy to extol the virtues of having a good dealer and service provider on your side. “There’s a lot of risk these days with litigation due to quality, if the product loses its quality because you don’t get a job done on time, especially with the drought as people are under pressure financially, you could end up paying for it.”
Wayne can’t afford to be late on a job so he trusts his dealer Donalda Motor Service to back him up. “These guys are giving a great service, whether its 1am in the morning they are there to fix it, from our point of view when you’re baling or cultivating and the tractor breaks down, we don’t care about the fix, that’s irrelevant, its just the work were missing out on,” says Wayne.
When asked if there is anything unusual about his contracting business, Wayne remarks jokingly “I keep doing it, that’s pretty unusual.” But as long as Wayne is still contracting you can be sure he’s going to keep buying Masseys. Wayne’s first Massey was an MF8240, and if his fleet is anything to go by, it’s obvious Wayne isn’t changing his allegiance any time soon.
Wayne Marshall pictured with one of his many Massey tractors, a MF7485, and his new MF169 Baler, the first sold in Australia.
