Tractor, drill impress on-farm

On-farm demonstrations of the New Holland T9.650 4WD tractor near Geraldton proved the robustness of the new machine.

About 30 farmers attended demonstrations over two days in Yuna in mid-June, hosted by Geraldton McIntosh and Son.

The demonstration days ended a five-week haul for the machine, which pulled a Morris Contour Drill 2 on at least 12 different farms.

Geraldton McIntosh and Son sales representative Johel Mitchell said farmers showed a lot of interest in the new release tractor and seeding bar.

"We did the demos to get it out there and to let people have a look, and I think when the farmers see the difference in germination they will be very interested," he said.

"I think it's going to generate sales."

New Holland's T9.650 4WD tractor is the first in its class to have an emissions reducing Ad Blue engine.

Mr Mitchell said growers were impressed with the fuel efficiency of the tractor.

He said the precision and trash flow capabilities of Morris' Contour Drill 2 also received grower approval.

"It has got a C-shaped shank, rather than one at a right angle, so that helps with trash flow," Mr Mitchell said.

"When you've got high yields like we did here last year, the bar goes through easily."

Yuna farmer Trevor Farrell tested the tractor and seeding bar on 20 hectares of his farm, 85km north-east of Geraldton.

Mr Farrell, who last year purchased the previous model to the T9.650, a New Holland T9060, showed particular interest in the seeding bar.

"The bar has a hydraulic tine and our seeder has spring tines, so it was completely different for us," he said.

"It towed really well and I think the trash flow was really good."

Geraldton McIntosh and Son will demonstrate more of its new equipment at harvest time.