David Methven (left) with Sam Mercer (right)
Reliable and versatile tractors, along with strong backup from Hamilton Brothers, means David Methven hasn’t looked anywhere else for purchases over the past several decades.
A varied workload, including hauling trailers, wood chipping, spraying, destoning and cultivating for potatoes, and drilling, means the tractors must be versatile and familiar to a variety of operators. His agricultural, forestry and amenity business, based near Perth, Scotland, runs two frontline Massey Ferguson tractors – an MF 8S.305 and MF 7718 – with some older models helping when required, including an MF 3085, MF 230 and MF 135.
Methven’s MF 230!
Both frontline machines will handle over 1,000 hours a year, so reliability is key to ensure jobs are completed on time. Tractors are purchased through Hamilton Brothers, based in Perth, which is only 15 minutes away from his base, and David has bought five new tractors over the past 10 years. Dealing with Sam Mercer, Massey Ferguson Brand Manager for Hamilton Brothers, provides David with peace of mind for all purchases.
“I believe the dealer relationship is just as important as the brand you buy. Downtime is our enemy, and we must do all we can to keep running, so if the dealer can support us in that, then this will help us in the long run. The Hamilton Ross Group provide us with excellent service, from Sam in sales through to the guys in the workshop.”
Residual value key
David doesn’t run tractors out of warranty and will trade them in with some remaining to improve the resale value.
“The recent tractors we have traded in have both been purchased by the same farm, which shows there is good demand out there for well-maintained tractors with warranty remaining. MF has a good reputation in the area and the machines have fulfilled every need we have of a tractor.”
The 2018 MF 7718 was purchased second-hand and spends a lot of time on haulage work with trailers, including running a timber trailer and crane. David says the tractor is an excellent balance between power and manoeuvrability on various jobs.
David’s Massey Ferguson 7718
“It has the Dyna-6 transmission, and I knew it was the right one when I saw it sat in the Perth depot. It can handle most jobs and I think we’ll look to upgrade to an MF 7S in the next few years as the size and power if offers us is perfect for the workload.”
Of the three smaller tractors, the 31-year-old MF 3085 still clocks 200 hours a year on general mowing around the yard, along with haulage works.
David’s Massey Ferguson 3085
Latest purchase
The most recent addition to the fleet has been a 2023 MF 8S.305 Dyna-VT, which replaced an MF 8S.265 with a Dyna-7 transmission. David says keeping pace with the latest technology is key for the agricultural contracting side of the business as it can provide a more accurate service for his customers.
MF 8S.305 in action!
“A lot of the agricultural work is destoning on potato beds, along with drilling and cultivating, all of which now require a high level of accuracy with the wider kit we are using. I always like tractors to be working near their limit rather than at it as I believe this is better for longevity and fuel use.”
The latest 8S is the highest Exclusive spec with MF Guide RTK guidance, front linkage and Isobus. When the 8S isn’t on agricultural tasks, the high spec allows it to easily switch onto other jobs.
“We’ll stay with MF in the future, as we have no reasons to change. The tractors are great, and the dealer support is vital to our business,” concludes David.
Operator viewpoint
The sole operator of the MF 8S.305 is Arthur Wright, who uses the tractors for extensive potato preparation works for a local producer in the spring, along with haulage, drilling and cultivations at harvest. Having used the 8S.265 with the Dyna 7 gearbox before this latest model, Arthur says he has been impressed with the upgrade.
Arthur Wright pictured with the MF 8S
“Using the Dyna-VT gearbox has made potato work a lot easier. I can slow the speed to 1.9km/hr, which is ideal for destoning. I wasn’t worried about the change and, once you get used to the Dyna-VT box, it is more versatile and the power feels more useable. For instance, when I was cultivating, I might be between gears on the old tractor, now I can adjust the roller to suit without worrying about range changes.”
Arthur says the same 7.4-litre, six-cylinder Agco Power engine was in both models, which copes well with the workload and is a proven engine. A benefit on the new tractor has been the fuel consumption.
“I wanted to find out if the tractor was going to be thirstier given the different transmission and power increase. I spent a full 12hr day on a bed tiller and brimmed the tank before and after. The outcome was I used 35l/hr, which for a 300+hp tractor on intensive tillage works was impressive. The cooling package is also much better on this model and the engine stays set at the same temperature, regardless of how hot the day is.”
The cab also stands out to Arthur as being a considerable highlight. Key features such as the A-pillar mounted screen, which isn’t affected by the sun glare, and the generous amounts of space, are big positives.
MF 8S spacious cab
“The space, visibility, low noise levels and control layout are superb. Hooking a weight block or implement on the front linkage is so easy as the bonnet shape allows clear visibility down to the link arms. There is so much space in the cab and, even at 2,000rpm, the noise transfer from the engine is reduced. I’m no expert with GPS, but it is simple to set up and use. The seat also has a cooling function, which is lovely for long days in the cab,” concludes Arthur.
During the potato season, the MF 8S.305 is one of the only Massey Ferguson’s in amongst a sea of Fendt and John Deere green. However, Arthur wouldn’t change his tractor for any of them. “There is always some good banter between the drivers about tractor colour, but most of them are surprised when they look in my cab. I would argue there isn’t a better cab on the market,” concludes Arthur.
Thank you to David Methven and Arthur Wright for your business. We wish you both the very best for the future.