TractorAdvisor.com Educates the Do-It-Yourself Property Owner

Today’s rural property owners are much like yesterday’s pioneers – fiercely independent and connected to their land. In a recent Market Directions survey, more than 80% of rural property owners said they do outdoor tasks on their acreage themselves most of the time. But, they often need a tractor to help complete these tasks. For the first-time tractor buyer, the process of choosing the right tractor is often daunting.

To that end, Massey Ferguson has created TractorAdvisor.com for the “do-it-yourself” rural lifestyler. This easy-to-use website is a one-stop source for consumers to learn about tractors, and based on their specific jobs and property type, find their perfect sub-compact, compact or economical utility tractor under 65 horsepower. TractorAdvisor.com features ‘Find Your Tractor Match,’ an exciting tool that guides visitors through a series of simple questions about the jobs they want to tackle on their property. The answers are matched to the specific Massey Ferguson tractors and attachments needed to get those jobs done best. The website helps prepare the soon-to-be tractor owner to visit a local dealer. The results of your research on TractorAdvisor.com can be printed or emailed to use as a base for discussion.

“In these uncertain times, many consumers are empowering themselves to take on the many challenges related to their property,” said Doug Griffin, VP North America Marketing for AGCO. “We know that farmers and rural property owners feel great pride being connected to the land, and we share that passion. The anticipation and exhilaration of driving a tractor, and the economic benefit of doing tasks themselves is a strong incentive to owning one. It is our responsibility to ensure that customers get the right product that provides exceptional value over time. TractorAdvisor.com is the one-stop-shop that enables Massey Ferguson perspective and actual customers to conduct that important research.”

TractorAdvisor.com puts users directly into a rural landscape and is full of valuable information that’s key to gaining familiarity with tractors. In the Tractors101 section, consumers can learn tractor terminology and get to know the tractor platform and controls. Handy checklists are available with the top 10 questions to ask when buying a tractor. A printable tractor testdrive checklist is a resource that tractor buyers can use to set their priorities and rank the models they test-drive for easy comparison. The site also features a dealer locator, as well as links to tractor-owner community forums and product reviews, and the relationship with TractorAdvisor.com doesn’t end with a tractor purchase as the site also provides maintenance tips and how-to guides for common jobs around the acreage and small farm. Whether one’s roots are from the farm or the city, tractoradvisor.com is an effective learning tool for those looking for their first tractor, and it is a solid resource to help existing tractor owners to get the most out of their tractor purchase.

For the rural property owner, a tractor is an investment that delivers real value, useful for mowing and mulching, tilling, hauling, driveway maintenance, stump removal, snow clearing and more. A tractor is vital for those with animals, livestock and larger acreages as well. Selecting the proper tractor for both immediate and long-term needs is essential to not only getting the most value out of the tractor, but critical to ensuring you have the right tractor to give you the most enjoyment in doing the work.

For more information about finding and getting the most from your compact tractor contact your local Massey Ferguson dealer, Abele Tractor & Equipment Co., at 518-438-4444 and 72 Everett Road in Albany, NY. And don't forgot the year-end prices and 0% for 72 months financing on all Massey Ferguson compact and sub-compact tractors.

www.abeletractor.com

0% Financing and Summer Clearance Pricing Ending Soon

Product Spotlight: Massey Ferguson 1600 Series Tractors

After five years of research into the needs and wants of compact tractor owners, and millions of dollars in development, Massey Ferguson® is introducing the 1600 Series compact tractor. With bold new styling and the most comprehensive offering of power, comfort and operator conveniences on the market, these robust new models bring consumers everything they've been waiting for in a compact tractor. Operator-inspired ergonomics, easy access for service, all-steel construction and high-capacity performance top the list.

The MF1600 Series offers six models from 35 to 60 gross engine horsepower, all featuring steel and cast iron construction, 4-wheel drive, a choice of four transmissions, plus rear and mid PTOs. With sleek new styling and 22 different configurations, all with a factory-installed cab option, the 1600 Series will meet the most discriminating personal taste and has the ability to handle any job.

"The MF1600 Series compact tractor was designed to raise the bar across the entire product class," says Steve Barcuch, Product Marketing Manager for compact tractors. "The MF1600 Series has been five years in the making, with that time dedicated to research and development efforts that incorporate the features and conveniences our small property and contractor customers are asking for. Our owners are increasingly spending more and more time on their tractors, so operator comfort and ergonomics are more important than ever before. We've focused our engineering and design efforts specifically to address these needs, and the result is something that consumers recognize the moment they sit on the tractor."

Power under the hood of the MF1600 Series is delivered by an efficient Iseki 3- or 4-cylinder liquid-cooled diesel engine with clean-air technology that meets Tier IV interim emission standards. Four easy-as-driving-your-car transmission choices include the 8 x 8 SynchroShuttle, the 12 x 12 SynchroShuttle, 12 x 12 DynaQPS™ and a three-range hydrostatic transmission to match the customer’s needs for economy, durability, power and agility. Heavy-duty cast-iron housings and oil-encased bevel gears mean smoother operation and longer life.

Not only does the MF1600 Series have great ability to do more work, the tractors have been carefully designed with innovative and almost luxurious features that make them easier to operate. "The attention to the details was primary in this series", says Barcuch.

Making the tractor the most comfortable in its class are a noticeably larger operator's area; form-hugging, standard deluxe spring-suspension seat; standard large armrests; and a platform which rests on rubber isolation mounts to minimize vibration at the operator's level. The molded rubber floor mat is even thicker than before and covers the entire platform, even under the seat, which provides additional cushioning. Redesigned, right-hand fender-mounted implement controls reduce operator back and arm fatigue by having the controls right where operators need them. Owners will enjoy the uncluttered layout, color-coded controls and easy-to-read gauges. And the wide-open platform makes getting on and off the tractor a breeze.

"The MF1600 Series is a total redesign of our most popular compact series, the MF1500," says Barcuch. "Every nut, every bolt, every nuance of this new generation compact is the result of one pivotal factor — our relentless dedication to understanding what our customers want. That's consistent with Massey Ferguson's 160-year tradition of delivering unprecedented innovations."

Sleek new styling includes four powerful headlights, a contoured hood, generous operator platform, scooped rear fenders and a streamlined profile for the perfect blend of style and function. Standard cab features include front and rear work lights and wipers, dual mirrors and rear auxiliary remote – items that competitive brands frequently offer as optional.

The MF1600 Series also delivers the ultimate in versatility to meet the needs of any job with its convenient joystick control and quick, easy attachment and removal of Massey Ferguson's full line of loaders, backhoes, landscape tools, mowers, tillers, brooms, snow blowers and box blades.

Designed to be the easiest to operate among compacts, these tractors also feature left-side turning brake pedals and right side forward/reverse pedals on the hydrostatic models – allowing smooth tight turns. Independent, push-button PTO also means the rear and mid PTO may be engaged with no clutching or reaching for levers.

Rather than cutting corners, the tractors are built with all-steel hood and fenders instead of plastic, increasing strength, durability and long-term value. Quick access to key service points combined with a gas-lift-assist cylinder to raise the one-piece EZlift hood inevitably leads to more consistent maintenance and longer tractor life.

"In creating this new tractor, we've listened to our customers to create a compact tractor that is the ultimate combination of function and fun – a tractor that puts 'joy' in the work," Barcuch adds. "The MF1600 Series truly delivers an experience like no other."

Come see the new Massey Ferguson MF1600 Series tractors at the Saratoga County Fair July 14-19. We’ll be easy to spot; just look for the Abele Tractor & Equipment Co. display.

For more information about the new Massey Ferguson MF1600 Series contact your local full-service dealer, Abele Tractor & Equipment Co., at 72 Everett Road, Albany, NY 12205, 518-438-4444, or sales@abeletractor.com.

Ending June 30: 0% for 72 Months on Massey Ferguson

Don’t forget, Massey Ferguson’s industry-leading promotions and our greatly reduced prices are only available through June 30, 2009: 0% APR for up to 72 months on select MF-1500 Series compact tractors and GC Series sub-compact tractors.

You can get your new Massey Ferguson 1500 Series compact tractor or GC Series subcompact tractor with 0% financing for 72 months. That's six years no interest! Just think of how much you’ll save. Call 518-438-4444 or stop by 72 Everett Road in Albany, New York today.

www.abeletractor.com

Massey Ferguson: Putting the Joy in Yard Work

Americans truly have a love affair with their land. Today, homeowners are taking pride in caring for their lawn and landscaping; and with affordable tools, more people are doing it themselves. A 2007 National Gardening Association survey showed that 55 million American households do their own lawn care, and 31 million households install their own landscaping. And, buying trends show consumers spent more than $35 billion on lawn and garden products last year.

“I think we are going to see even more growth in these two segments in the next few years,” says Bruce Butterfield, Research Director for the National Gardening Association. “The tightening economy will cause a shift from homeowners hiring lawn and landscaping services to doing the work themselves.”

For the do-it-yourself outdoor enthusiast, yard and landscaping improvements and general maintenance can be daunting tasks. Using the right tools makes a difference in how enjoyable and easy the work will be. In fact, a subcompact tractor is one of the most versatile and agile tools a landowner should purchase. Whether it’s general lawn care, moving mulch, brick or rocks, clearing debris or brush, or building a retaining wall, Massey Ferguson ’s new line of subcompact tractors brings working outdoors to a whole new level in all-around function, comfort, style, convenience and versatility. Massey Ferguson is here to help put “joy” into the work by making it easier.

With over 160 years of experience in tractor innovation from professional farmers to weekend warriors, Massey Ferguson has created a line of subcompact tractors that look, respond and work like traditional full size tractors while still offering the consumer the agility and affordability of a subcompact tractor. Using the range of versatile attachments – mower, rotary broom, loader, backhoe, or snow blower – you can accomplish numerous outdoor with the new subcompact 22.5 hp GC2400 and GC2410 and the 25 hp GC2600 and GC2610 models.

“We know our customers are serious about the work they are doing, including digging ponds, heavy lifting, blowing and sweeping snow, or getting into tight spaces on a job site,” says Chris Box, marketing specialist, Compact & Commercial Equipment for Massey Ferguson . “It’s why we’ve made them even better with new styling and a more user friendly design. The right features make the work easier and more enjoyable.”

The new styling includes an even wider operator platform for added leg room and logically placed controls in addition to its current luxury seat. The brake pedal placement on the left side frees up space for the side-by-side hydrostatic pedals. And, the dash has been reconfigured to offer more and easier to read, illuminated analog functions for tachometer, fuel and engine coolant gauge.

“While other subcompacts look and perform like bigger versions of garden tractors, the GC Series tractors are simply smaller versions of a big tractor. There is a difference, and with these new models, we have made the difference even greater,” Box says.

Life is stressful enough, but time spent working on the land shouldn’t be. As you consider the work you want to do, remember Massey Ferguson and Abele Tractor & Equipment Co. are here to help find the perfect tractor for you.

And remember until June 30, 2009, you can get your new sub-compact tractor with 0% financing for 72 months. That's six years no interest! Call 518-438-4444 or stop by 72 Everett Road in Albany, New York today.

www.abeletractor.com

Product Spotlight: Massey Ferguson 1533 & 1540 Compacts

Full-size tractor styling, quieter and more durable engines and operator convenience from radiator to three point hitch sets the 1500 Series from Massey Ferguson ahead of the competition. The 3-cylinder MF 1533 (33 hp) and turbocharged 3-cylinder MF 1540 (40 hp) are two popular models in this legendary series.

Landscapers, specialty farmers, contractors and hobby farmers will appreciate enhanced operator comfort and the quick removal and replacement of mounted attachments, including the loader and backhoe. First time tractor operators will quickly learn to appreciate the simple and easy operation of the tractor, and the easy to read automotive style dash.

“We understand what a vital role our compact tractors play in a wide variety of situations and the varying levels of experience operators bring to the job,” says Stephen Barcuch, Massey Ferguson compact tractor general marketing manager. “The MF 1533 and MF 1540 are designed to exceed customer expectations whether mowing a golf course, landscaping a construction site, moving dirt, digging trenches or tilling your garden. These tractors have the power and features to do the job, hour after hour and day after day. They also have the convenience and comfort to make jobs easier, less fatiguing and more enjoyable.”

A new design for the MF 1500 Series 3-cylinder engine contributes to clean power, longer engine life and operator comfort. The 3-cylinder diesel engines meet Tier II EPA emissions standards and are stronger and quieter, thanks to the new cast iron block rib-support design. Graphite coated pistons in the naturally aspirated MF 1533 and turbocharged MF 1540 engines help reduce friction, engine noise, fuel consumption and will extend engine life.

The tractors are equipped with an 8F by 8R Synchronized Shuttle transmission to make loader work, grounds keeping and other jobs requiring repetitive direction changes easier and less tiring. With two ranges and four non-synchronized gears within each range, it is easy to find the right speed for a given job and shuttle from forward to reverse without stopping. Range and gearshift controls are conveniently located on the left-hand console.

“Convenience and comfort for the operator were top priorities in designing these new tractors,” says Jeffrey Ratliff, sales engineer, Massey Ferguson. “Tilt steering and a wide platform make entry and exit easy. Simple to understand and operate controls are within handy reach, and the automotive style dash makes it easy to monitor tractor operations. Every effort has been made to reduce vibration from the smoother operating engine to the molded rubber floor mat and even set screws to tighten down the foldable ROPS.”

The tilt-up hood and removable side panels simplify access to the engine and radiator components for regular tractor service and maintenance. Once exposed, a removable radiator screen and air filter can be checked and cleaned with ease.

Convenience has also been engineered into a pedestal mounted loader and a sub-frame mounted backhoe, both designed specifically for the MF 1500 Series compact tractors. The design makes removal and remounting fast and easy. Category I 3-point hitch is standard on the1500 Series and makes a wide range of mounted implements available for use. Telescopic stabilizers allow the operator to adjust the 3-point hitch for side-to-side travel, and a turnbuckle leveler allows hitch leveling horizontally.

The MF 1533 and MF 1540 feature independent rear PTO with optional mid PTO as well. A dash mounted electric switch engages and disengages the PTO, while a selector lever on the left console allows the operator to select between the rear PTO, mid PTO, or the option to use both simultaneously (on tractors with the mid PTO option). When the lever is positioned in neutral, the PTO shaft can rotate freely to easily connect or disconnect implements.

“PTO control is enhanced with the modulation button next to the PTO electric switch on the MF 1533 and MF 1540 tractors,” says Ratliff. “It allows the operator to choose a slower or more aggressive PTO engagement, depending on application startup needs.”

Every customer buying the MF 1500 Series has the option to get the right tire for the job with up to four tire options. With options such as the R4-Industrial tire, R1 Agricultural tire, R3-Turf tire and the LSW-Turf tire, every customer should have the opportunity to find the tire best suited for their needs.

“These tractors are loaded with standard features that are often only available as options on other compacts,” says Barcuch. “When combined with selected options, they introduce a superior level of versatility and ‘full-size’ tractor functions without sacrificing the ability to get into tight, low clearance situations.”

And remember until June 30, 2009, you can get your new Massey Ferguson 1500 Series compact tractor with 0% financing for 72 months. That's six years no interest! Call 518-438-4444 or stop by 72 Everett Road in Albany, New York today.

www.abeletractor.com

No Interest for 6 Years On Massey Ferguson Compact Tractors

What could be more fun than that? The Massey Ferguson 1500 Series offers ten models from 23 to 59 hp, five transmission choices, independent PTO, a huge lift capacity, and an engine so quiet you won’t believe your ears. Be sure to check out our 1529 and 1532 models. They offer more luxury, more comfort and more tractor for far less than what you’d pay on comparable machines in their class. From advanced ergonomics and a larger iso-mounted, operator platform to more leg room, standard arm rests and a factory-installed joystick, we’re talking bushels of features and pecks of fun.

Interested in a 1523, 1528, 1529, 1531, 1532, 1533, 1540, 1547 and 1552 model compact tractor? When it comes to the 1500 Series, we have nine models available to ride today!

With a March 31^st expiration date, you just can’t afford to pass by this huge money saving offer and Abele Tractor & Equipment Co. is New York’s one-stop source for Massey Ferguson. As a full-service Massey Ferguson dealer, we offer knowledgeable sales associates, factory-certified technicians, an extensive in-stock parts inventory and a large selection of new tractors.

So, come on in, call 518-438-4444, or email us today before the Massey Ferguson 0% for 72 months offer ends March 31, 2009.