Massey Ferguson has come home to the streets of Coventry with the purchase of two Massey Ferguson 5610s by Coventry City Council.

The two recently launched tractors, which are to carry out verge mowing in and around the city of Coventry, were purchased from the brand new Ufton branch of dealership Lister Wilder, which opened in May this year.

“The Council was looking for a tractor with excellent visibility to the side and front. With its waisted design and drop-nosed bonnet, the MF 5610 delivers just that,” explains Stuart Wyles, Lister Wilder Ufton Area Sales Manager.

Not only does the drop-nose give excellent views to the front and side, it also enables operators to see to the side of each wheel and the to the front linkage itself, a must for verge and grass mowing, adds Mr Wyles.

The other important requirement was for a high lift capacity, and with its uprated rear linkage rated at 4300kg, the MF 5610 is more than capable of handling the heavy reach mower as well as other implements it may be required to lift.

The tractors are fitted with front linkage, complete with PTO, to allow for both front and rear mowers, as well as cab suspension, electronic linkage control and 100 litre/minute hydraulics.

Powered by an AGCO POWER 3-cylinder, 3.3-litre common-rail engine, the 105hp MF 5610 also delivers in terms of performance and economy, putting out 413 Nm torque at just 1600rpm. Drive is provided by a Dyna-4 powershift transmission controllable either via the multifunctional joystick or shuttle.

“To make sure the tractor fitted all the criteria, we attached the council’s Bomford flail mowers to test visibility, performance and comfort for the operator,” he adds.

And indeed, the new, spacious, high-visibility cab was also a selling point for the tractor, giving the operator the equivalent working conditions to those in a high-hp tractor – a necessity for long hours verge mowing.

“We looked at a number of different options in this power bracket, but it was the Massey Ferguson that fitted the criteria. Visibility is crucial for both safety and ease of operation, as is lift capacity. Operator comfort and usability was another high priority for us,” explains Brian Martin, Fleet Service Supervisor at Coventry City Council.

“We’re delighted to have supplied these two tractors to Coventry. Obviously location had a bearing, as the new dealership at Ufton is only a short drive, but it’s equally great to see Massey Ferguson visible on the streets of the city again,” says Mr Wyles.