Purchasing their first Deutz-Fahr tractor back in 2014, the fleet has gradually expanded and now includes five of the German powerhouses from 100 to 250hp, alongside a fleet of implements with familiar names such as Kverneland, McHale, Maschio and Gaspardo, all supplied by local dealer Power Farming Manawatu.

The new 8280 TTV, made in the DEUTZ-FAHR Land in Lauingen, Germany, represents the most advanced technology “Made in Germany”. Designed and developed for the most demanding farming applications, the new machine completes the high power range of the German manufacturer, concentrating on the new technologies at the farmer’s service: dynamic power, connectivity, comfort and reliability.

The 6.1-litre twin-turbo Deutz six-cylinder Stage V (SCR/DPF) engine in the 8280 TTV delivers a maximum power and torque of 287hp and 1226Nm respectively.

Featuring a four cylinder, 100hp Deutz engine, that in turn, is mated to a wet clutch/powershift transmission with 45 forward and 45 reverse speeds, the nimble tractor is narrower than the Japanese tractor it replaced and features a 60 degree turning angle, making it more manoeuvrable and earning its keep powering a sprayer, fertiliser spreader and a heavy-duty three metre mulcher that deals with prunings.

It wasn't many years ago that farmers would ask, 'Why do I need a GPS system?' Today the question is much more likely to be, 'Why would you bother buying a tractor that is not fitted with GPS?'

The Leek Division, based in Hastings, now covers 14ha and produces 1.2 million leeks annually, for export to the Japanese market. A key part of the operation falls to a Deutz-Fahr 5105.G tractor that arrived on the farm nine months ago and quickly become a firm favourite with the team.