CFTS Ltd, a utility, forestry and clearance company based in the Midlands, has taken delivery of a custom-coloured Massey Ferguson 8735 from dealer KO Machines.
The tractor has been wrapped in a specially designed pink and blue wrap to match the recently purchased Mus-Max woodchipper, which was added to fleet from dealer Ben Price.
Martin Wiles, owner of CFTS Ltd, wanted to continue Ben’s work in raising awareness for Cancer Research and Young Lives vs. Cancer. “Cancer affects everyone, and my business wouldn’t be where it is now without my Nan, who passed away from cancer. We need the chipper for most of our clearance sites across the country, and I didn’t want to just put any tractor on the front of it. Getting the tractor wrapped, and changing the colour of the bonnet grills from red to black, will continue raising awareness and donations, and it is nice to see a Massey Ferguson in a forestry environment.”
While the tractor had the required power for the chipper, the cab controls had to undergo a redesign. “We installed a new 360º seat base so the user can turn to face the rear of the cab and operate the chipper. The multifunction armrest and screen turn with the seat and fold up as the seat turns. The major change in the cab has been replacing the small rear window that is used to view the pick-up hitch and install a solid box allowing space for the operator’s feet and foot controls,” explained Darren Winstanley, sales manager at KO Machines.
“When in the rear position, the armrest and screen are folded back into place and the chipper controls are lowered down towards the operator for comfortable use. It proves that although forestry operations aren’t a common choice for MF machines, with some modifications, these tractors can be equipped to offer users long-term reliability and a comfortable working environment.”
Martin said that he is delighted with the final outcome, and added that the project wouldn’t have been possible without several other companies. “OCS Group UK Ltd, Ben Price, KO Machines, and Allan James Financial Services have all supported the project from the moment I told them about it, and it proves what can be done when working together.”
The value of the woodchip from the first job is being donated to the charities, and Martin is encouraging customers to donate some or all of the value of the chip after costs. Further donations can be made by scanning the QR code on the chipper, or by going to the JustGiving page.