A long-held policy of having modern, relevant equipment available for the training of students has seen Writtle College in Essex add a pair of MF 1540 compact tractors to its machinery fleet.
Supplied by local Massey Ferguson dealer, R W Crawford Agricultural Machinery Ltd, the two 38hp tractors are shared between the college’s mechanisation and grounds maintenance departments.
The latter is responsible for looking after 50ha of college grounds and sports fields and is managed by groundsman, Peter Grey, assisted by students attending full- and part-time horticulture, landscaping and sports turf courses at Writtle.
The college’s mechanisation department provides all of the machinery and associated facilities needed by students being trained in subjects ranging from general agriculture, amenity horticulture and sports turf surfaces to horse management, pesticide application and service engineering.
Allocation of the two compact tractors is decided by means of an advance booking system which works extremely well, as college machinery manager, Charlie Reilly, explained: “The mechanisation department generally knows from the curriculum and
from past experience when a particular item of equipment will be needed to assist with training,” he said.
“However, there are occasions when a tractor is required for a specific class or teaching session, so we use a booking form to ensure that the grounds maintenance and mechanisation departments are aware when the other is using one or both tractors. The minimum advance booking period is a week with the maximum period being as far ahead as possible.”
Mr Reilly pointed out that compact tractors were preferred for the teaching of basic tractor operation, driving and maintenance procedures to students, many of whom have never previously sat on a tractor but may need to use one within their chosen future career.
“Having had demonstrations of various contenders in the required power band, we selected the MF 1540 for its ease and safety of operation, excellent driver ergonomics and all-round visibility” he commented. “Both departments were involved in the final decision to ensure that all of the attachments that might be used with the tractors fitted without modification. I am pleased to say that the tractors are proving ideal for the job and are very popular with students who appreciate being taught using up-to-date kit.”
Groundsman, Peter Grey, added that the MF tractors’ low noise levels made working close to college buildings much more acceptable than in the past. “This is an important factor and means that we do not have to stay away from certain parts of the college grounds during teaching hours,” he said. “All in all, I cannot fault the two tractors. They do all that is asked of them, and more, without fuss or bother.”
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About AGCO
Founded in 1990, AGCO Corporation (NYSE: AG) (www.agcocorp.com) is a global manufacturer of agricultural equipment and related replacement parts. AGCO offers a full product line including tractors, combines, hay tools, sprayers, forage, tillage equipment and implements, which are distributed through more than 3,200 independent dealers and distributors in more than 140 countries worldwide. AGCO products include the following well-known brands: AGCO®, Challenger®, Fendt®, Gleaner®, Hesston®, Massey Ferguson®, New Idea®, RoGator®, Spra-Coupe®, Sunflower®, Terra-Gator®, Valtra®, and White™ Planters. AGCO provides retail financing through AGCO Finance. The company is headquartered in Duluth, Georgia, and in 2006 had net sales of $5.4 billion.
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