On the wave of modernisation

Last year Tyumen farmers acquired around 1,200 units of agricultural equipment, thereby renovating 15% of their tractor and equipment inventory. A modernisation drive swept the oblast. The farmers are particularly interested in modern, highly productive machines. This is obvious from the large influx of guests at the fourth Farming Machines and Equipment exhibition held in early April in the technology park of Vinzili village.

More than 130 models of agricultural equipment were presented at the exhibition, 67 of which were products new to the Russian agricultural market. The AgroCentreZakharovo dealership demonstrated to guests around 30 models of agricultural equipment for different types of field work. Among the new products of the current year, were Massey Ferguson (AGCO) machines.

Vladimir Cheimetov, director of the Tyumen oblast agro-industrial complex department, pointed out, like other guests of AgroCentre, the expanded range of the equipment being supplied. He noted that the production of Massey Ferguson equipment in Russia (an agreement for establishing a joint venture between AGCO and the Russkiye Mashiny Company was signed in September 2013) will benefit Russian farmers since this will ensure their preferential treatment in getting subsidies.  

“If new products appear, that means that farmers need them,” Vladimir Cheimetov said with emphasis. “Today 88% of the oblast’s agricultural enterprises are running a profit. This is so largely because they took up modernisation. It’s good we have dealers in our oblast who respond to the growing demands by making excellent offers.” 

AgroCentreZakharovo presented on its demonstration site the MF 480 Xtra (130 hp), MF 8690 (370 hp) tractors, and MF 7347 Activa S (275 hp) straw walker combine. Famous for their reliability and productivity, these machines are also simple to use and control.

The MF 480 Xtra tractor can do a lot of jobs on the farm. It is finely suited to between-rows treatment of vegetable fields and optimally complements the pickup press, fertiliser distributor, sprinkler and cargo transporter. Its more powerful “colleague,” the MF 8690 tractor, is ideally suited to work with wide grip tools. 

“The 6 pin MF 7347 Activa S grain combine harvester can perform a variety of functions with different crops like grains, peas, sunflower and maize,” says Artyom Ozhogin, AgroCentreZakharovo equipment sales manager. “The entire machine structure, from the reaper to straw crusher, is designed for efficient work on different fields. The grain bins are large and the high discharge rate (105 l/s) minimises operational downtime. The discharge screw fitted with a revolver head ensures the sufficient height and an ejection capable of filling any vehicle.”    

On its demonstration site, AgroCentreZakharovo displayed Challenger fodder procuring, seeding and tilling equipment. The kings of the fields, Challenger MT 765 (350 hp) and MT 845 C (470 hp) caterpillar tractors were also present. Both machines were already sold and left for farms straight from the exhibition site. Incidentally, 50% of the equipment on display was sold.

The guests could test drive the Fendt 933 Vario (330 hp) wheeled tractor, another legendary brand of AGCO. After the test drive, all the farmers agreed that this machine is like Mercedes among cars. And cabin comfort is only one factor. The blend of reliability, economical efficiency, agility and productivity is above praise. Vladimir Semyonov, head of Nizhnetavdinsky district, Tyumen oblast, commented good-humouredly: “The tractor moves so smoothly and it can lull the operator into such tranquillity that he may forget he must plough, too.”