When Charlie Milne decided it was time to update the mowing equipment on his own farm, he found himself facing the same decision many of his customers do.

As the owner of Thornlie Park in Edendale, Southland, Charlie sells and services agricultural machinery, including the growing range of SaMASZ mowers. Yet, until recently, the front mower on his own tractor wasn’t green and black.

“I’d been running a Krone front mower and a SaMASZ rear,” Charlie explains. “When you’re selling SaMASZ, people naturally ask what you’re running yourself, so I thought I’d better put my money where my mouth is.”

For Charlie, investing in the XT-F mower was about backing a product he genuinely believes in.

That decision saw him purchase a new SaMASZ XT-F front mower, pairing it with his existing SaMASZ KT341 rear mower on his 110-hectare property.

“It is well-priced compared to anything else on the market. I don’t think there’s anything that comes close to it.”

A practical choice

While Charlie is still waiting for the spring growth to put the XT-F through its paces, the decision to buy wasn’t based on guesswork.

As a SaMASZ dealer and service agent, he’s seen the mowers operating across a range of conditions and has built confidence in both the product and the support behind it.

“I’ve sold a few now and seen them in action, and everyone seems to be very happy with them, which is encouraging.”

For Charlie, the XT-F also suits the way he works. With a busy machinery workshop to run alongside the farm, simplicity is key. “We’re flat-out in the workshop all the time, so when I’ve got to go and mow a paddock, I don’t want to be mucking around. It’s just clip it on and go.”

Mounted on the front of the tractor, the XT-F offers excellent visibility and quick attachment, making it an efficient option for operators looking to maximise productivity during the busy season.

Value that’s hard to ignore

One of the biggest reasons Charlie chose the XT-F was its value.

With machinery prices continuing to climb, he believes the mower gives contractors and farmers an opportunity to buy new, rather than settling for an older machine with an unknown history.

Buying new also brings the reassurance of a two-year warranty (longer than many competing brands), straightforward maintenance and the confidence that comes with knowing exactly how the machine has been treated from day one.

For many buyers, that combination of price, warranty and long-term reliability makes the XT-F a compelling alternative to second-hand equipment.

Matching the machine to the job

Charlie’s approach to selling machinery is straightforward and practical. Rather than recommending one mower for every situation, he works with customers to find the right machine for their conditions.

The XT-F is well suited to flat and gently rolling country, where its front-mounted design delivers excellent visibility and efficient mowing.

For steeper country with pronounced humps and hollows, Charlie is more likely to recommend one of SaMASZ’s pull-type mower combinations. “I’ll always review the area before recommending which SaMASZ mower will suit best.”

That honest approach has helped build trust with customers, particularly as the SaMASZ brand continues gaining recognition throughout New Zealand.

Built for New Zealand conditions

Southland conditions are never easy on machinery, and Charlie’s customers expect plenty from their equipment, “at least 10-years, at this end of the country anyway.”

Some operate in particularly demanding environments, including coastal properties where sand, rough ground and deep ruts quickly expose any weaknesses.

Despite the challenging conditions, Charlie says the feedback from operators has been consistently positive.

Running his XT-F alongside a rear mower, Charlie is powering the combination with a 120-horsepower tractor, demonstrating that the mower doesn’t demand excessive horsepower to achieve an effective mowing setup.

Backing the product with FarmFix

For Charlie, selling machinery is only part of the job. Keeping customers working is just as important. Thornlie Park continues to expand its stock of SaMASZ spare parts while providing servicing and technical support for customers throughout the region. 

Adding another layer to that support is FarmFix, FarmShop’s AI-powered technical assistant for SaMASZ machinery. Developed inhouse by FarmShop to help farmers and contractors get answers when and where they need it, FarmFix provides instant, verified information from SaMASZ operator manuals, spare parts catalogues and FarmShop’s own technical knowledge.

Accessible from a smartphone, tablet or computer, means an operator dealing with an issue in the paddock can quickly troubleshoot a problem or find the information they need without having to search through manuals or wait for support.

As for Charlie’s own XT-F, the real test is still to come. “Ask me this time next year, I’m looking forward to putting it through its paces.” 

SaMASZ XT-F Front Disc Mower – At a Glance:

• Excellent value
  A competitively priced front mower that gives farmers and contractors the opportunity to invest in a new machine rather than compromise on used.
  
• PerfectCUT Cutterbar
  SaMASZ welded PerfectCUT Cutterbar has been proven worldwide for delivering a clean cut, quick knife changes and long-term durability.
  
• Lightweight and efficient
  The compact design and spring relief reduce ground pressure, helping protect pasture while minimising tractor load.
  
• Excellent ground following
  Designed to closely follow uneven terrain, helping maintain a consistent cut while protecting the turf.
  
• Adjustable cutting height
  Stepless adjustment from 45 mm to 70 mm, with optional topping plates available for taller residuals.
  
• Simple ownership
  Low operating costs and straightforward maintenance mean many servicing tasks can be carried out by the owner.
  
• Flexible operation
  Compatible with forage harvesting equipment such as balers and self-loading wagons, with reversible gearbox options to suit tractors with left or right PTO rotation.
  
• Two-year warranty
  Backed by a two-year factory warranty for added peace of mind.

Check out our range of SaMASZ mowers today!