Massey Ferguson, a worldwide brand of AGCO (NYSE:AGCO), is launching a tractor for the Kenya market which will provide emerging farmers and new-start agricultural contractors with the important first step in farm mechanisation.

“Straightforward, dependable and affordable, the 36hp MF 35 is truly the ‘People's Tractor',” says Richard Markwell, Vice President and Managing Director Massey Ferguson Europe/Africa/Middle East. “This well-proven model offers exactly the right specification and technical features for Kenya's emerging farm enterprises. It brings mechanisation to a new generation of farmers, farm workers and entrepreneurs. It is the ideal, multi-purpose machine particularly for first-time tractor owners and operators who are ambitious to develop their businesses and transform their families' livelihoods. Our message is clear – for those who thought that a tractor straight from the showroom was out of reach, then think again because the MF 35 could be the perfect solution.”

Sales, parts, training and service support are being handled by Massey Ferguson's highly-experienced National Distributor, FMD which has a nationwide network of outlets and mobile service teams. A special package of implements to complement the MF 35 tractor is also under development to include a choice of cultivation, planting and transport equipment.

With strong Massey Ferguson heritage, this latest MF 35 is based on the renowned machine, with the same model number, which cemented its reputation in Africa and around the world over many years. Key features include a rugged 36hp engine,

6-forward/2-reverse speed mechanical gearbox and hard-wearing robust construction. Easy-to-use and maintain, the MF 35 is highly flexible. It is equally at home in cultivation, planting, transport or yard duties, working across a wide range of farm sectors including arable, livestock and horticulture, flower, tea and coffee production – making Kenya the ideal market. The tractor's compact size means it is exceptionally manoeuvrable on smaller plots of land, while its rear three-point hitch boasts maximum lift capacity of 1100 kg enabling use of a wide variety of implements – ranging from transport boxes and mowers to ploughs and cultivators.

“Massey Ferguson is committed to providing high-quality machinery to suit all types of farm operations,” adds Richard Markwell. “Our tractors and equipment are an integral part of the agricultural landscape in Kenya and our famous Triple Triangle brand is trusted and well-respected amongst the farming community. We are very excited about the introduction of the latest MF 35 here. Mechanisation brings more efficient and timely in-field operation, leading to productive, sustainable and profitable farming. The MF 35 goes right to the heart of grassroots agriculture. It is a very versatile and cost-effective tool which has the potential to inspire and motivate more people to turn to the land as a springboard to greater prosperity.”

The availability of the MF 35 is a significant new opportunity for the sector of the market where draught animal power or hand cultivation is the most widely used system of work on the land. The tractor also provides a solution for individuals who want to set up their own contracting business or for farmer organisations where communities may wish to join together to invest in a machine.  In addition, the model can be a valuable addition to the existing machinery fleet on larger farms or estates looking for a cost-effective workhorse.

The launch of the MF 35 is part of Massey Ferguson's parent company AGCO's commitment under the Grow Africa initiatives of the World Economic Forum. AGCO is a business champion for Grow Africa which is focused on accelerating private sector investment for sustainable growth in African agriculture.