BAGMA Bulletin - January/ February 2018

bagma THE MEMBERSHIP MAGAZINE OF THE BRITISH AGRICULTURAL AND GARDEN MACHINERY ASSOCIATION ISSUE 08 | JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2018

Preparing for the future

Roger and Elliot Prior reveal they are ready to expand southwest dealer Masons Kings LAMMA PREVIEW | BATTERY POWER | AWARD WINNERS

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IN THIS ISSUE

Farewell to a busy 2017

ISSUE 08 JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2018

And things aren’t about to slow down in 2018 COMMENT

BRIAN SANGSTER PRESIDENT BAGMA

Cover Photo: Ben Roberts

WHAT A BUSY year 2017 has been.

We moved from Banbury into the refurbished bira complex in Birmingham with the obvious benefits of working closer to other departments as well as our service providers.

We would still love you to give us a visit so that we can show you around the new facilities.

Please feel free to give Keith or Kari a ring if you’re in Birmingham.

You can’t have failed to notice that this was also our centenary year and we’ve held a number of events to celebrate this fact. We started with a drinks reception at the Royal Highland Show in June where we were entertained by an award-winning Scottish piper playing Happy Birthday while I cut our BAGMA Centenary birthday cake in front of 50 guests.

We went on to hold the first of our Centenary Mini Conferences in York where we retained our proven format of BAGMA and service provider speakers in the morning followed by speakers from the NFU, AEA and LE-TEC in the afternoon.

We held a drinks reception at Agritechnica in Hanover with our European friends from CLIMMAR, along with a number of UK members who were also at the show (see p18).

Our second Centenary Mini Conference was held in Ledbury Rugby Club in the 4 Counties Region and was again well represented by our industry speakers. As this was our last Centenary event, and because it was only a few weeks before Christmas, it seemed appropriate to The membership magazine of the British Agricultural & Garden Machinery Association Published 6 times a year by bira publishing Editor Chris Boiling 07713 192344 chris.boiling@bira.co.uk Design Alan Bingle 07949 024737 alan@forty6design.com Multimedia sales Executive Simone Adams 0121 446 6688 simone.adams@bira.co.uk All advertising and media enquiries please email: editorial@bagma.com

include a Christmas lunch. What an excellent way to wind up our special year!

BAGMA were sponsors at the recent Service Dealers Conference where I was privileged to present the Apprentice of the Year Award to Grant Roberts of Cornwall Farm Machinery (see p3). Unfortunately, Grant couldn’t be at the Awards Dinner but the deserved award was received by Andrew Herring, account manager for Kramp on Grant’s behalf.

It was also a great pleasure to be with David Kirschner at the dinner when he was presented with the Outstanding Contribution Award for his work in shaping Landbased Engineering Trailblazer Apprenticeships. The award was presented by none other than Chris Biddle and his wife Trish. A well-deserved recipient and I would like to record my congratulations to David in knowing how much work and effort he has put into beating the political system to once again get our apprenticeships approved.

So what about going forward into 2018?

This year will be another busy year but in a slightly different way. Alasdair Straker retired at the end of the year and will definitely be missed by BAGMA, and in particular Keith Christian. However, Alasdair has agreed to assist with some shows and special events going forward, so you will still see him around.

We will be recruiting a new business development manager to assist Keith – allowing him to share his workload and allow him to concentrate on a few areas that we feel warrants a bit more time investment.

This year we need to spend more time on the Young Managers Group.If you know of a budding young manager, under 35 years old, why not give Keith or me a ring?

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NEWS BAGMA members honoured; Mini Conference success

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EXPERT ADVICE Training, safety and employment issues

COVER STORY Meet the father and son modernising a dealership in the southwest

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BATTERY POWER Is this the future?

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LAMMA PREVIEW The top 28 new products for 2018

BAGMA, 225 Bristol Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham B5 7UB Tel 0121 446 6688 Fax 0121 446 5215 www.bagma.com

bira, 225 Bristol Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham B5 7UB Tel 0121 446 6688 Fax 0121 446 5215 www.bira.co.uk

BAGMA president Brian Sangster

bira president 2016-18 Vin Vara

BAGMA director Keith Christian

CEO Alan Hawkins Finance director John Collins

Every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the material published in BAGMA Bulletin. bira Publishing Limited can accept no responsibility for claims made by manufacturers, advertisers or contributors. Views expressed by advertisers or contributors are not necessarily those of the publisher or of bira. Advertisers in BAGMA Bulletin are not agents of bira or any of their associated businesses, including bira bank and bira direct.

Also, bira and its associated businesses never act as agents for any advertisers. Printed in the UK by Buxton Press.

BAGMA BULLETIN JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2018

Commercial director Jeff Moody Marketing & membership director Bob Jarrett Regional sales managers Joanne Arthur 07572 790337 Lorna Lewis 07814 767925 Gary Mitchell 07814767910

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BAGMA NEWS

BULLETIN BOARD

GOING MAINSTREAM

Lincolnshire dealer The Tractor Shop of Louth has been appointed sales, service and parts dealer for McCormick tractors. “We weren’t actively looking for a new tractor franchise but when the opportunity to take on McCormick came up it was too good to miss,” said Sam Plowright, managing director at The Tractor Shop. “It’s the perfect time to take on a mainstream tractor range to further expand the business because we’re just preparing to move into new and much larger premises.”

The new building is across the road and three times as large.

WELDING KIT WINNER

The winner of the £349 welding kit that was displayed at BAGMA’s SALTEX stand and mini conferences is Nicholas Davis of Wyre Forest District Council. The prize – a lightweight, compact yet powerful inverter plus headshield – was supplied by SIP.

LOGIC-AL PURCHASE

Briggs & Stratton has bought Nebraska-based Ground Logic, a designer and manufacturer of stand-on commercial spreaders and spreader/sprayers for fertiliser and pesticideherbicide lawn applications. “This acquisition supports Briggs & Stratton’s strategy to ‘fill out the trailer’ of the commercial lawn and turf professional, with highly-regarded products that are built to stand up to the toughest working demands,” said Harold L Redman, senior vice president and group president - turf & consumer products, Briggs & Stratton.

MF boosts aftersales operation MASSEY FERGUSON IS upping its aftersales operations with a new 24/7 customer support helpline for servicerelated issues and a new dedicated parts and service website.

“We have developed these new initiatives to further enhance the customer experience with Massey Ferguson, strengthen our communications and contact with farmers and complement the services already provided by our extensive MF dealer network,” said Jason Day, Massey Ferguson technical assistance manager, UK and Ireland.

Massey Ferguson has also expanded its technical service team to increase coverage across the UK and Ireland and also implemented AGCO Tech Connect – a bespoke MF Dealer technical support

and case management system aimed at further reducing machine downtime.

The new customer support line enables end-users to speak to an MF service representative round-the-clock, 365 days a year. “If owners or users have a servicerelated query and are not able to contact their local MF dealer, they can call this number and we will make sure they get the assistance they require,” explained Jason. “All calls are tracked and followed up to ensure the enquiries have been dealt with to the customer’s satisfaction. The support line provides us with an additional channel to capture all service enquiries from end-users thereby helping to improve our analytics and leading to quicker diagnosis and resolution of service issues.”

Dealers visit French factory

FIRST BIRTHDAY

BAGMA member AL Agri celebrated its first birthday with an open evening at Strathmore Hall, Forfar. Business partners Andy Mitchell and Liam Wylie set up the business to maintain and repair agricultural machinery but they have since taken on McCormick tractors and various implements.

TOP MACHINE

The New Holland T6.175 Dynamic Command tractor was crowned Machine of the Year 2018 in the Mid Class Tractor category at the Agritechnica trade show in Hanover, Germany.

ON THE CASE

John Cornthwaite (Farm Machinery) of Nateby, in Lancashire, and Nicholsons of Stalham, in Norfolk, have become new dealers for Case IH.

JANUARY 17-18 LAMMA, Peterborough 23-25 BTME, Harrogate FEBRUARY 14 BAGMA Curling, Stirling

DIARY DATES

MAY 10 bira Conference & Awards, Hinckley JUNE 21-24 Royal Highland Show, Edinburgh

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MORE THAN 15 Etesia UK dealers have visited the company’s HQ and factory in Wissembourg, France. During the three-day visit they saw the newlyrefurbished visitor centre, automated fabrication and production line, and got a sneak preview of the products coming in 2018.

Les Malin, operations director of Etesia UK, kick-started the trip by outlining the benefits of Etesia machines, while Patrick Vives, president of Etesia SAS, explained how it all began with the Hydro 100 machine more than 30 years ago.

The dealers also had the chance to visit the luxurious Royal Palace in Kirrwiller and concrete fortifications that

comprised the Maginot Line, as well as meet Wissembourg’s mayor. l Family-owned Sharrocks (pictured below), based in Arclid, Cheshire, is the latest dealer to take on the full range of Etesia groundscare equipment.

BAGMA BULLETIN JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2018

BAGMA NEWS

Boost for ISEKI

RVW Pugh’s Emma Leah and Mary Evans receive their award from James Buchanan, of category sponsor Kramp

BAGMA pays tribute to award-winning dealers BAGMA HAS PAID tribute to members honoured with awards at the Service Dealer of the Year Awards event. Brian Sangster, BAGMA President, said: “It was very encouraging for me to hear so many BAGMA members being mentioned as either nominees or winners, or indeed employers of nominees or winners at the awards dinner. It’s not just the bigger multi-depot dealers like RVW Pugh and Ripon Farm Services that attract the accolades, it’s so encouraging to see the smaller, younger independent dealers like Garlick Garden Machinery, Stratton ATV and Strathbogie all receiving awards.”

During the ceremony at the Oxford Belfry Hotel in Thame, Oxfordshire, BAGMA member RVW Pugh of Powys won the Farm Machinery Dealer of the Year title. The judges said: “This family business, established in 1978, has grown across its three branches. It is well documented that the large machinery sales are still suffering, and Pugh’s has been very much bucking the tractor sales trends this year. Pugh’s is a strong business that attracts sales.”

After the event, Emma Leah, daughter of owner Robert Pugh and the dealer’s business manager, commented: “We have always prided ourselves on being sales focussed but we know that in order to be successful in the long-term in such a difficult industry good aftersales is paramount.”

Fellow BAGMA member Stratton ATV of Perth triumphed in the ATV/Quad dealer category, while Ripon Farm Services discovered it has a star in its midst. Tony Ralph, service manager at the Ottringham branch, was named Star of the Dealership.

Brian Sangster, president of BAGMA, presented BAGMA BULLETIN JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2018

the award to the Apprentice of the Year, Grant Roberts of Cornwall Farm Machinery.

And BAGMA Bulletin columnist David Kirschner was given the Outstanding Contribution Award for his work in training and advising on the Government’s new Trailblazer Apprenticeship Scheme.

Chris Biddle, who presented the award, said: “David himself is the embodiment of an engineering miracle, his heart is controlled by sophisticated remote monitoring, but that has not held him back from being one of the most effective ambassadors this industry has ever seen.”

It was also a great night for Strathbogie Forest & Garden of Aberdeenshire. After winning the Forestry Equipment Dealer of the Year title, Strathbogie was named Overall Dealer Of The Year. The judges said: “Pete McArthur and his team are held in high regard by their principal suppliers. Their product knowledge is second-to-none and they support a top-notch website.”

The winner of the Professional Turfcare category was George Browns of Leighton Buzzard. The judges complimented George Browns for its ability to “stock a great variety of products” and “message well through social media”.

It was a relatively new business, Garlick Garden Machinery of Preston, that took the Garden Machinery Dealer of the Year title.

The judges said: “Garlick Garden Machinery was established in 2013 by Chris Garlick, then just 21 years old. The dealership is progressive and embraces new technologies like robotic mowers and cordless products. Garlick has good use of social media channels.

WITH ISEKI MOVING away from Ransomes Jacobsen and having its own Ipswich-based company, the European managing director of ISEKI, Kazuya Tani, says: “We will be investing more in marketing and promotions of the ISEKI brand and want to see a wider acceptance of our products through expanding our markets served and getting more share from existing customers. The commitment of ISEKI to the UK market will be significant and we trust that the market will react positively to this approach.”

Former president of Jacobsen, David Withers, has joined as managing director of ISEKI UK. He commented: “I started working with ISEKI when the product line came to Jacobsen in 1996 and have always enjoyed being involved with such an exciting and reliable product line.”

£10m

The record total figure for loans by BAGMA Bank’s parent, bira bank, in 2017. “We’ve had a great year helping over 900 members make their visions become reality,” said John Collins, the bank’s managing director. The money helped with shop refurbs, in-house coffee shops and large expansions.

€20m The maximum fine that can be issued for a breach of data protection regulations when the new General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) comes into force on May 28.

£18k

The amount raised by workers at Lister Wilder who grew facial hair for the Movember campaign.

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BAGMA NEWS

‘2017 was an evolving year for BAGMA’

One of Nottingham Trent University’s two new Toro CT2240 mowers

COMMENT

KEITH CHRISTIAN DIRECTOR BAGMA I’LL START BY wishing everyone a prosperous and exciting 2018 and hope that you all had a great Christmas break – then l’ll do a quick review of BAGMA’s 2017.

On December 13 we had our final 100th year anniversary event at Ledbury Rugby Club. Snow, freezing cold and some very dangerous road conditions nearly caused this to be cancelled but we soldiered on (see below right).

In 2017 we were also able to complete a long-term programme of bringing our website up to date and are really pleased with the result with all our new magazines now featured as page-turners in the Resource Section and our BAGMA Briefing e-shot also available in our News section.

We have also created an Events calendar which is easy to access and can be checked monthly to see what BAGMA is involved in. The website will continue to evolve but it is now easy to access and navigate and members can jump in and out of our bira site from the BAGMA site.

2017 seems to have been an evolving year for BAGMA with changes to our BAGMA Council and the addition of BAGMA Connect, our roving members’ committee or group as we prefer to call it. We were also able to squeeze in the start of a Young Managers Group, for want of a better name, in the closing stages of 2017 and look forward to progressing this group as an independent and youthful face of BAGMA. Who knows we may even crank up our social media activities!

The harder side of 2017 has been getting to grips with Brexit and all it has to offer good or bad, but the fall in the value of the pound did help to clear out a load of used agricultural equipment and take some pressure off the dealer network. A plethora of new legislation and promises of implementation in 2018 of RMI (Repair and Maintenance Information) and the now dreaded GDPR (General Data Protection Regulations) as well as, maybe, MOTs on fast tractors used commercially all still have to be dealt with.

Lastly, for now at least, we have had a very busy 2017 with our colleagues at CLIMMAR, the European dealers trade organisation of which BAGMA has been a member since 1956. We are looking at dealer contracts within Europe once again, we are looking at where dealerships may be in 2030 and the threats and opportunities for the future. We are looking at dealer standards and will be gathering more business information in 2018 that will hopefully help dealers.

Our aim for 2018 is to provide our members with more information and better value for money than ever before and for us all to benefit from our strength in numbers. I hope you have a great 2018.

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Keeping the Green Flag flying HELPING TO KEEP the Green Flag status flying over Nottingham Trent University’s Clifton and Brackenhurst campuses are two new Toro CT2240 mowers. The 20-year-old Green Flag Award Scheme recognises and rewards well-managed, publicly accessible green spaces, setting an international benchmark for their management.

Landscape services coordinator

Alan Horgan commented: “We worked hard to achieve Green Flag status so we have to ensure we always equip our team with the best machines possible to continually meet this standard.”

The CT2240 compact cylinder mowers, which combine all the benefits of Toro’s CT2120 and 2140 in one machine, were bought through PS Marsden.

Ending the year on a high DESPITE NEARLY 24 hours of heavy snow followed by a deep freeze, the final BAGMA 100th Anniversary Mini Conference was a great success. Delegates braved the severe weather and icy conditions to attend the conference at Ledbury Rugby Club, which proved to be a fantastic venue.

Ten speakers from different areas of industr y covered topics such as cybercrime, Brexit and agriculture, training and education, health and safety, as well as a range of subjects from BAGMA and its parent group, bira.

Delegates were treated to an enormous Christmas lunch with dessert and mince pies as a reward for their attention through the long morning session.

Departing remarks from many of those present indicated that the day was interesting and very informative and the presentation from NFU economist Rohit Kaushish – on Brexit and agriculture – stimulated a lot of discussion, as did the presentation on standards and the effect of Brexit by Dr Keith Hawken from the AEA. The event was sponsored by Spal, Ibcos and SIP. l In 2018 BAGMA will be focusing on its new Connect Group with meetings around the country supporting BAGMA’s Regions.

BAGMA will contact local members and will invite different speakers to these meetings to cover topical issues.

All BAGMA members are welcome at these meetings throughout the year.

BAGMA BULLETIN JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2018

BAGMA NEWS

Straker puts his feet up ALASDAIR STRAKER, BAGMA’S business development manager and bira’s rep in Scotland, has gone into semi-retirement. He has retired from the day job but will still support the trade association’s events and shows in Scotland this year, including the curling and golf events, and The Royal Highland Show. He is also expected to be at LAMMA. “I am delighted to be staying on for another year on a part-time basis,” he told BAGMA Bulletin.

“It will be a good way to wind down to retirement as I’ve worked continuously since I enrolled as an apprentice engineer on August 9, 1968.”

There’s a little uncertainty about whether he will make it to Peterborough for LAMMA as, prior to his official retirement at the end of 2017, Alasdair had an accident and broke his leg while

ALASDAIR’S TOP 10 BAGMA HIGHLIGHTS

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The people I worked with in the industry and at BAGMA who became friends. They know who they are!

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The satisfaction of signing up new members to BAGMA.

The success of our mini conferences in recent years at Perth, Baxter’s (Fochabers), Sleaford, York and Ledbury.

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Contributing to the BAGMA centenary year events which turned out to be so successful.

out walking. He told us: “I have spent my life working around marine engines, diesel train engines, trials riding and playing golf and I go out for a little bit of a walk one day and break my leg just before I retire!” When he’s fully fit again he hopes to “play lots of golf, do some off-road motorcycling and spend time at our family cottage in the beautiful Isle of Tiree in the Hebrides.”

Big buying benefits.

On average members save £1,518 per year* Want to know more about your BAGMA buying group? Call Steve Akers on 0121 446 6688

Our suppliers include:

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The BAGMA centenary reception at RHS 2017, which was a fitting venue to celebrate such an important milestone. I was particularly proud to have my friend and world-class piper Alex MacAllister play for our guests and members.

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The 2011 CLIMMAR Congress in Edinburgh which was greatly enjoyed by our international guests and in particular the gala

dinner in the castle – a truly magnificent occasion!

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Our Austrian guests at the 2011 CLIMMAR Congress turning up for the gala dinner at Edinburgh Castle with their hired kilts on back to front and sporrans being worn like handbags! Brian Sangster saved the day by rearranging their regalia on the hotel pavement, much to the amusement of the good people of Edinburgh.

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Resurrecting the BAGMA curling and running the popular event since 2007.

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Visiting the Old Bushmills distillery in Co Antrim, Northern Ireland, with our local members prior to a meeting at the Causeway Hotel. Very relaxing!

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Exhibiting at the Royal Highland Show – an excellent show and always good for BAGMA.

We’re hiring!

Business Development Manager We’re searching for an ambitious individual to support in the running of BAGMA, to source and manage the development of new business opportunities, developing our business portfolio and increase income streams.

If you think you have what it takes and would like to find out more please get in touch.

Keith Christian, BAGMA Director 07823 416 849 keithchristian@bagma.com

bira direct - BD May JuneBULLETIN 2017 - Quarter Page Advert.indd 1 BAGMA JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2018

31/03/2017 10:36:36 BAGMA Bulletin - Job advert - JanFeb 18.indd 1

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03/01/2018 12:48:56

EXPERT OPINION

Issuing PPE is more than supplying a hi-vis vest

YOU’VE DECIDED THAT staff need personal protective equipment (PPE) and have spent time selecting suitable items. But before you hand them out, it’s worthwhile considering the next steps.

items which will be held centrally. The third column describes facilities to be provided, signage to display and visitors to manage.

Staff management Not so easy Column one begins with an instruction to comUsing personal protective equipment (PPE) as pile lists of non-disposable items for each job role. a means of controlling risks to health and safety This is followed by the step-by-step procedure for is not as simple as it first appears. Even if you’ve issuing and managing these items. It covers: managed to choose something which suits the l r ecord keeping task and fits the individual, there are still hurdles l c hecking for good fit to overcome, such as getting staff to lp roviding instruction to staff SAFETY wear it, ensuring it’s stored properly, lm anaging the expiry and replacekeeping it clean and maintained and PAUL MARSH ment process Office manager replacing it when needed. These diffi- SafetyAide l c leaning and maintenance culties are summed up in the Personal lm anagement inspections; and Protective Equipment at Work Regul e nforcing the correct wearing of lations 1992 and the official guidance PPE. which supports them.

Stores How’s the document organised?

The stores column begins by asking Our process begins at the point where you to write a list of items which will suitable PPE has been selected. Getting to this be issued on an “as required” basis. These may point can be tricky and may require specialist include specialist equipment, such as safety advice from suppliers and/or your health and harnesses, ropes and lifejackets and disposable safety advisor. From here our flowchart branches items such as gloves, ear plugs and masks. into three streams headed: Staff management, Our flowchart guides you through the process Stores, and Premises. The first refers to standard of identifying what to stock, pre-issue inspection, PPE which applies to a job role and will be issued return procedures, formal inspection and record personally to staff, and the second to supplies of keeping.

Premises The final part of our document runs through the changes you might need to make to your premises to promote the use of PPE and to accommodate it. It covers: signage for mandatory PPE, eg hearing protection zones, visitor needs, storage, and drying and laundering. The flowchart finishes by suggesting a periodic review of your arrangements by the health and safety committee.

Use our document to implement a systematic process of PPE management. By following it, your staff will be properly instructed so it’s used correctly, cleaned, maintained, issued to the right employees and replaced when needed.

You will need to display signs, provide storage and enforce the rules.

Note: If you issue PPE, display mandatory sign to wear the PPE for certain tasks and instruct employees to wear the PPE BUT then do not enforce the wearing of PPE, you can be found liable in the event of an accident. You MUST enforce your own policies and procedures!

FOR MORE INFORMATION

To lead you through the process, use our flowchart – PPE issuing and management.

It summarises the actions which need to be taken when you issue PPE and afterwards.

This can be downloaded free from our website at www.safetyaide.com.

5 myths about flexible working LAST YEAR, A video that showed Professor Robert Kelly’s interview with the BBC being interrupted by his children bursting into his home office highlighted one of the funny sides of flexible working arrangements.

But there are some myths about flexible working arrangements that mean some employers are reticent about their use. LEGAL

to ask, but they do not have an automatic right to demand flexible working when they return to work.

Employers must, however, consider the request in a reasonable manner and can only refuse a request for a clear business reason.

If you agree to the change, you should confirm the start date of the change and you will need to amend LAURA Myth 1: It is only available to the employee’s contract to cover this CHALKLEY Head of Team, parents. change.

Ellis Whittam Since June 2014, flexible working is If you want to reject the applicaavailable to anyone who meets the tion, you should make sure it is for eligibility requirements. one or more of the following business The person must: reasons: lb e an employee l t he burden of additional costs lh ave a minimum of 26 weeks of l a n inability to reorganise work continuous service with their employer amongst existing staff lh ave not made an application for flexible work- l a n inability to recruit additional staff ing during the last 12 months. ld etrimental impact on quality Myth 2: I cannot refuse a request for flexible ld amaging impact on performance working for a new mother. ln egative effect on ability to meet customer Employees have a statutory right to request flexdemand ible working, but there is no right to flexible work- l i nsufficient work for the periods the employee ing. This means that new mothers have the right proposes to work

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l a planned structural change.

Myth 3: Flexible working is basically working from home or working part-time.

In fact, it is broader than that. Eligible employees can request to: l c hange the hours they work (eg they want to work fewer hours) l t he times they are required to work (eg they wish to start at 10am rather than 9am) lw here they work (eg an employee wants to work from another site on Fridays).

Myth 4: The employee can make the request orally.

The employee should submit a request in writing and it should be signed and dated.

Myth 5: Employees can make as many requests as they want.

They can only make one request in a 12-month period.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

To obtain further advice on different flexible working arrangements, BAGMA members should contact bira legal on 0345 4500937 or email bira@elliswhittam.com.

BAGMA BULLETIN JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2018

TRAINING

Plenty of reasons to be cheerful…

But we still need to change perceptions SINCE WRITING MY last article for the BAGMA Bulletin I can honestly say I have witnessed a really positive time within our industry.

I was asked to speak at the opening of the new Claas Academy at Saxham where it was plain to see a huge investment had been made in the provision of training and development of present and future staff in the distribution network. This was so encouraging in my eyes because it demonstrates a commitment to the future of our industry. It also contributes to enhancing the overall image of the industry for those looking in to see what we actually do and the career opportunities that are available.

The BAGMA Conference held at Askam Byran college campus followed on later in the month. There was real optimism shown by those attending and it was good to see that so many members could find the time to attend.

More good news was celebrated in November at The Service Dealer Conference and Awards held at the Oxford Belfry. It’s easy to get sucked into the doom and gloom that the uncertainty surrounding Brexit breeds but at these awards the success of companies and people alike was recognised and in each category there was no shortage of candidates to choose from.

And finally I was invited to speak at the AGCO apprentices’ awards day. All the apprentices completing both parts and workshop apprenticeships received an award. It was good to see that AGCO put so much emphasis on making the day so memorable for these newly qualified apprentices and their parents. It’s so important to demonstrate that fresh young blood entering the industry has the opportunity to progress and be appreciated for their contribution.

It demonstrates that in all the adversity there are pockets of success and opportunities which we as an industry need to capitalise on.

There is an old adage that says ‘when you are up to your a@@e in crocodiles you don’t think to drain the swamp’. It sums up so many of the problems we have! We are all too busy with the day to day commercial challenges and dealing with the result of problems rather than making time to solve the cause of the problems.

For example, it’s difficult to attract the right calibre of recruit into our industry and we have a shortage of skilled staff. It’s a problem! The answer is not to poach someone else’s staff because it does not solve the industry problem.

We need to raise our industry profile and the career opportunities available within it. A key to this is to make our industry more visible. How many young people know we exist as an industry?

I think I would be hard pushed to find a teacher BAGMA BULLETIN JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2018

who would advise a 14-16 year old to investigate land-based engineering! If they don’t know we are here, they won’t apply. How can we rectify this?

We have talked about the Land Rover garage and their disproportionate charges to our same customers for service and repair work for years.

I’ve never seen a Land Rover service vehicle on a farm or one of their technicians working outside in a field in all weathers. They don’t have this extra layer of cost or discomfort but they still charge more.

How do we address that? Trust me, it’s not just a case of putting up the labour rates.

I would like to start a study on the investment required to train and deliver a master technician onto the customer’s premises. (This cost is much higher than a Land Rover technician.) For a start, our apprenticeship is more diverse and has a 36-week off-the-job training requirement as opposed to the light automotive vehicle apprenticeship which requires 23 weeks off-the-job training.

The study would include the cost of providing an apprenticeship, the workplace mentoring, the product training costs, the cost of a comprehensive personal tool kit, the specialist tools, the diagnostic equipment required and the provision of a fully equipped service vehicle and its running costs. Together with this the cost of employing a master technician – including salary, NI, pensions, bonuses, workwear, holiday, sick pay, and maternity leave.

The cost will be staggering but needs to be transparent if we as an industry are to apply and justify a realistic charge-out rate.

If there are any service managers who would like to contribute data to support this study or can assist in any way, please e-mail me on mrdkirschner@btinternet.com or through the BAGMA office.

As individual companies it’s not always possible to address these challenges but as an industry we might be able to change perceptions.

TRAINING

DAVID KIRSCHNER

Independent consultant and LTA scheme co-ordinator

IT’S SO IMPORTANT TO DEMONSTRATE THAT FRESH YOUNG BLOOD ENTERING THE INDUSTRY HAS THE OPPORTUNITY TO PROGRESS

HAVE YOUR SAY

If you would like to comment or share experiences please mail me on mrdkirschner@ btinternet.com

New service for all BAGMA members.

Mortgages to ISAs, equipment loans to new vehicles.

BAGMA bank could help.

BAGMA bank is a trading style of bira bank limited is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority (Financial Services register No. 204478) Registered office: 225 Bristol Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham B5 7UB. Registered in England. Company No. 0555071

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MEMBER PROFILE

Preparing for the future

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BAGMA BULLETIN JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2018

MEMBER PROFILE

BAGMA Bulletin meets the father and son who are relative newcomers to the industry but are building a strong business in the West Country SOUTHWEST DEALERSHIP MASONS Kings is investing in its future, and preparing for a world of integrated products and services.

The company, which began in 1974, has recently: lL aunched a new website (www.masonskings. co.uk); lE xpanded its product range by adding the latest 5 and 6 series tractors from John Deere and a new line, Kramer’s telehandlers, telescopic wheel-loaders and compact wheel-loaders; l I nstalled new cylinder sharpening machinery from Bernhard Grinders; lM ade it easier for customers to order parts 24/7 through its online connection, JD Parts; lR elaunched its Gator Centre so it offers “everything you could possibly imagine for John Deere UTVs”; and l I nvested in a specialist team to provide precision farming and connected farm management services – “using real time data to bring higher performance, increased up-time and reduced operating costs” via John Deere’s Agricultural Management Solutions.

The business’s owner, Roger Prior, says it is all part of the plan to keep the business moving forward. “To move forward and give a good service to customers, to give a good career to staff and a return on the business that allows you to reinvest, you’ve got to be professional in all areas,” he told BAGMA Bulletin when we visited the main depot in Devon and toured the thriving John Deere dealership.

“A professional approach to all areas of the business, I think, is hugely important – from relationships with customers to planning to cash management.”

Roger is also investing in the future by giving his son, Elliot, a larger role to play in the business.

Elliot, 26, has been working for Masons Kings for five years – since he left Aberystwyth University, where he studied agriculture. He started in Gator sales but has since fulfilled a number of roles to get first-hand experience across all of Masons Kings’ departments and three depots.

One of three children, Elliot is the only one involved in the family business on a daily basis.

Helen, who’s following in her father’s footsteps as an accountant, and Toby, who’s in marketing, lend their expertise when asked and they all bounce ideas off each other at family gatherings.

“Toby’s always punching out ideas that are completely outside our industry, but it’s good,” Elliot said. “No other dealership has those aspects.”

The Chudleigh branch, where we met, is the original site for James Mason Ltd, which Roger

BAGMA BULLETIN JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2018

acquired in July 2005. He bought Kings Farm Machinery in 2009 (when the owner retired) and a turf business in Cornwall in 2011.

As a result, Masons Kings has three depots – in Exebridge, Somerset; Chudleigh, Devon; and St Columb, Cornwall. The Exebridge branch is also a country store and Gator Centre, while the Cornwall branch focuses on garden machinery, and Chudleigh has been selling John Deere tractors since 1985.

Adding another branch is always a consideration. “We’re happy to expand if the right opportunities come along,” Roger elaborated. “Working within the John Deere network is great for knowledge sharing and building on success. We are also keen to develop our sub-dealer network further, and are looking for new partners who share similar passions and values.”

After a career in retail, which included 15 years as the finance director of C&A, Roger bought a farm in Devon in 2002 and started looking for business opportunities in the area. “I was looking for a business to buy and this one came up,” he said.

As soon as they bought the farm, Elliot began immersing himself in the way of life and went out with the tenant sheep farmer to learn the basics.

“I was very enthusiastic,” Elliot said. “A couple of years later I was popping up to our neighbouring dairy farmer every other week and getting my feet stuck in the mud and getting more of an insight. So I’ve always been attracted to agriculture, it’s always been good fun in my eyes, and the passion has just kept on building. And when Dad was investing in the business, it was just a natural progression for me.”

Did Elliot ever think about following another career path, we wondered?

“There was no other decision – it was always going to be this direction for me. Machinery and technology really excites me,” Elliot replied.

Roger has no regrets about entering the ag engineering world either. “It’s a fun industry,” he stated.

But, he believes, “We’ve got to get away from agricultural engineering being about tractors, grease and mud. The mud will always be there, but it’s not just about spanners and oil, it’s about technology and everything that goes with that.”

They genuinely seem excited about the possibilities that new technology can provide in maximising the performance of machines and businesses.

Elliot follows the trends in the technology and farming industries and continues to gather as much experience and knowledge as he can to support the growth and development of the business.

He also continues to work closely with his dad.

They often attend BAGMA branch meetings together. For Roger this networking opportunity is one of the best things about BAGMA. “As I was coming into the industry from the outside, it was an obvious involvement,” he explained. “My father was on the British Hardware Federation committees (he was a builders’ merchant in London), so I was aware of bira, BAGMA and all that went with it, so it was an obvious thing to do. Fairly soon after I came down here I went to the local BAGMA meeting really as an opportunity to meet up with dealers in the southwest.

“We know all the area’s dealers now so if there is a common issue, we can pick up the phone and discuss it.”

Roger went on to become chairman of the local branch and Jackie Russell, the service administrator at the St Columb depot, is the secretary of the BAGMA South West Region.

‘WE’VE GOT TO GET AWAY FROM AGRICULTURAL ENGINEERING BEING ABOUT TRACTORS, GREASE AND MUD’ Since Roger bought the business in 2005, Masons Kings has grown from £6m turnover to £26m in 2016 and about £27m last year. It now employs more than 90 “passionate” staff.

Walking around the offices and showroom, we spotted a lot of youngsters in the team. Many of these were undergoing three-year apprenticeships as agricultural, turf or parts technicians.

Elliot says the youngsters add “enthusiasm, energy and ideas”, but pointed out there is a good mix of experience in the team too. One technician has worked there for 40 years.

“The policy has been to employ the best,” Roger said.

As we continue the tour, the team at Chudleigh is preparing to greet hundreds of customers during the company’s annual open day.

“It’s nice to know we sell roughly a third of tractors in the area,” Roger commented. “We will continue to push but you can only do that with a passionate, enthusiastic and dedicated staff.”

Finally, we ask: Is it an exciting time or tough time to be in this industry?

“Both,” Roger replied. “That’s the beauty of it. It’s a challenge but it’s also very exciting.”

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BATTERY POWER

Is battery power the A NEW BATTERY-POWERED walk-behind mower at Masons Kings’ Chudleigh depot received a lot of attention during the company’s open day. “It’s one of those things that takes a bit of time for consumers to get confident with, but once they have, they love them,” sales consultant Elliot Prior said.

One customer who bought a battery-powered chainsaw and strimmer said he liked it because he was able to start earlier and go on longer due to the fact that it was quieter, lighter and vibrated less.

“We’ve seen the battery sales rocket over the last two years. But it’s that confidence level that’s crucial,” Elliot added.

So have we reached some kind of tipping point yet?

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Battery-powered products are certainly at the leading edge of innovation.

At SALTEX, we saw: lF rom EGO Power+, the new BAX1500, which removes the weight of the battery for cordless handheld equipment from the arms and moves it to the core; lP ellenc’s new ULB1500 battery, which powers a host of grounds maintenance tools and gives users 50% more stored energy, allowing for a full day’s work without having to recharge; and lM TD Specialty’s updated 2017 Infinicut mower, which is powered by lithium battery technology.

We also heard that Spider, the Czech manufacturer of remote-controlled slope mowers

(imported by TH White), is developing a batterypowered model.

At this month’s BIGGA Turf Management Exhibition in Harrogate, Husqvarna will be showing Bluetooth batteries that allow users to view charge status and lock the machines, as well as new commercial robotic mowers (the Automower 520 and 550).

Other brands with interesting battery-powered products to look out for over the coming months are: Makita, Stihl, Bosch, Toro, Etesia, Honda, Hyundai, Hitachi, Cobra, DeWalt, Greenworks, Roybi, Mean Green Mowers, and Echo (see above).

And don’t forget, it won’t be long before we see a battery-powered tractor at one of the trade shows. John Deere has a prototype based on the

BAGMA BULLETIN JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2018

TRAINING

There is a big appeal in the idea of a quiet start to the day and being able to just flick a switch and begin blowing leaves into a neat pile for collection.

No starter rope to pull, no two-stroke fuel to fill and store and no emissions.

They are the selling points for the ECHO DPB-600 power blower, part of ECHO’s 50V lithium-ion battery series.

The DPB-600 is powerful, tough, small, lightweight, easy to use and store. “This is petrol performance from a battery product,” says the company.

And because it has fewer working parts, it’s low maintenance. The lithium-ion 4Ah battery can also be used with other ECHO 50V battery products, so customers can switch them around depending on what job they are doing.

Charging the battery to 80% takes 48mins and 100% can be achieved in 88mins.

01844 278800

future? big 6R Series chassis, with a 130-150kWh battery delivering 174hp of continuous power for up to four hours.

All of this comes at a time when hardly a month goes by without some big news concerning electric vehicle production, battery technology or an attack on diesel engines.

Electric cars are still only a tiny part of the car market (0.2%, according to the International Energy Agency), but analysts at Bloomberg suggest demand for electric vehicles will outstrip that of conventional engines by 2038, with 530 million vehicles on the roads by 2040. The IEA suggests production commitments from carmakers mean there could be 40 million to 70 million vehicles on the road by 2025, which would certainly boost confidence in batteries as the power of the future.

BAGMA BULLETIN JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2018

Learning from others The manager of two country stores explains how the ‘takeaways’ from the Oxford Summer School have helped to modernise the business and bring in new customers THE OXFORD SUMMER School is passionate about developing retail professionals from all sectors, including the agricultural and garden machinery industry. The programmes provide a unique opportunity for both large and small retailers to work together and learn from one another, no matter what type of business, whether it be a high street multinational or an agricultural business. The skills needed to run these businesses are similar and that is where Oxford Summer School programmes can help. Don’t take our word for it – this is what one attendee, Steve Bellamy, retail manager and buyer at Tincknell Country Store, told the BAGMA Bulletin:

Steve Bellamy, retail manager and buyer at Tincknell Country Store, with bira CEO Alan Hawkins (left)

competitor national chain stores having ceased trading recently, engaging with the local community is paramount to both let people know we are here and then to build loyalty. We have just held our first ever Festive Late Night Shopping event, which was a tremendous success, with a fantastic footfall, the till ringing and non-stop queues at the counter. There was a lovely buzz and atmosphere As the senior retail manager of two indefrom both customers and staff and nothing but pendent family-owned country stores, positivity and cheer – you don’t get that when winning the scholarship in 2015 to attend the OSS shopping online! afforded me the rare opportunity to talk shop We have invested in improving the visual with peers, not only like ourselves but also those merchandising of our store as well as implementworking for large multinational ing stock replenishment systems ‘WE HAVE chain stores. The melting pot of to improve availability. We have PARTNERED WITH different types and sizes of retailer also taken action to further unify A KEY SUPPLIER TO the brand. Where our two stores provoked real debate of experience PILOT MARKETING have often felt quite different in and approach. I found it very reasINITIATIVES WHICH look and feel, we have introduced suring to learn that aside from the WILL FOCUS ON scale of the operations and the common signage as well as more ENGAGING WITH resource, our ways of working as standardizing on core ranges NEW CUSTOMERS’ across the stores. an independent and the daily challenges we face really aren’t that different.

In terms of digital retail, on advice given by One of the ‘takeaways’ was ‘recognising fellow delegates of the OSS working within ecomwhere our next customer is coming from’. Since merce, we have implemented a Click & Collect attending in 2015 we have invested in an annual facility which has proven very popular, surprising targeted postcode Royal Mail door delivery of us with the diversity of goods customers are choosan eight-page Christmas brochure, showcasing ing to use it for, from equestrian feed to footwear. the breadth of our product range and highlightParticipating in the programme has given me ing our ‘relevance’ to our local ‘general public’ practical points of focus to bring back to my busipotential customer base. Before the OSS the ness, but perhaps most of all has helped me see the agricultural heritage of our business meant a opportunities and potential to break free of the common misperception of our goods and services constraints of habit and routine. Chrissie Ruckonly being relevant to the farming community, er’s words, spoken as a key speaker at the OSS, however we have found that last year’s mailer still ring loud and clear: ‘enjoy being your own to over 55,000 homes has driven footfall of many boss and remind yourself of the passion you had welcome new faces. on your very first day .

We have consciously taken the decision, and the action, to build upon our point of differentiation with online and foster the personal nature on OSS programmes visit of our business and our team. We have partnered oxfordsumerschool.co.uk or contact with a key supplier to pilot marketing initiatives Neil Moss on 0121 4466688 or neil@ which again will focus on engaging with new oxfordsummerschool.co.uk. BAGMA customers, with plans in place to strengthen ties members receive a 25% discount as part of with local Young Farmer groups. With two local your membership.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

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SHOW NEWS

28 FOR 2018

When LAMMA returns to the East of England Showground for the last time, there will be more than 850 exhibitors – making it the UK’s largest machinery show. Many of the exhibitors, as usual, will be using the event to launch new kit into the UK market. Here’s our pick of the products making their debut…

Super-S2 boom from 15 to 30m and is equipped with a newly-developed 250 or 300L/min piston diaphragm pump and a new SmartCenter operator station.

Horsch will present its new generation Leeb GS trailed sprayer for the first time LAMMA ’18 in the UK. The Leeb GS builds on January 17-18 the proven formula of the previous East of England SPRAYERS AND models, with award-winning BoomShowground, SPRAYING KITS Control Pro boom system and stainPeterborough Amazone’s UF 2002 is a newly-develless tanks but adds a greater level of oped mounted sprayer featuring a 2,000L tank equipment and new configurations. The sprayer integrated into the main frame to give a favouris available with a 6,000, 7,000 or 8,000L stainless able centre of gravity. The PE tank allows quick, steel tank that allows for easy and quick cleaneffective tank cleaning and minimal residual ing. The new Leeb GS line is equipped with the volumes. The UF 2002 features a 350L fresh innovative Horsch software and easy-to-handle water tank. The machine can be fitted with any ISOBUS-compatible electronics.

FERTILISER KITS Amazone will be showing its WindControl system (right) for the ZA-TS mounted and ZG-TS trailed spreaders. This expands the ArgusTwin spread pattern monitoring system, which monitors and automatically adjusts the spread fan using 14 radar sensors. WindControl monitors and compensates for the influence of wind on the spread pattern using a high-frequency wind sensor.

Väderstad’s new fertiliser placement kit, designed as an attachment for TopDown and Opus, will be on show.

The fertiliser kit includes a distributor head that distributes the fertiliser, metered out from the front hopper Väderstad FH 2200.

CULTIVATION EQUIPMENT

A new wider 5.5m trailed Combi Disc from He-Va will be on the Opico stand. The nine tines subsoil to a 400mm depth, while 510mm-diameter scalloped Sabre discs follow the legs to cut and mix to a depth of 125mm. The depth of legs and discs are hydraulically adjustable from the tractor seat. The legs can be lifted out and folded, leaving the two rows of discs and the press roller in work, and vice-versa.

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Weaving Machinery’s new ultra-low disturbance LD Top Soiler will be on show. The mounted LD Top Soiler’s heaving action relieves compaction in the top 9in (228mm) and is designed to lift the soil while maintaining profile structure, to help preserve soil nutrients and retain moisture.

Väderstad’s new Carrier with the CrossCutter Disc is designed to improve mixing of trash and soil at 2-3cm on stubbles, cover crops and on ploughed land. The shallow disc cultivator can achieve speeds of up to 20kph with a low horsepower requirement. Widths of 3m to 12.25m are available. The 450mm-diameter discs are individually mounted to a rubber suspended disc arm.

Väderstad will also be showing its new universal light tined cultivator with levelling CrossBoard that can create a seedbed in a range of conditions.

Ferox 500-900 has 50mm points and is available in

BAGMA BULLETIN JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2018

SHOW NEWS

TRACTORS John Deere has extended the 5E range with the introduction of the new 49hp 5050E, John Deere’s smallest agricultural tractor. The company will also be showing improvements to its lower horsepower 5M and 5E Series tractors up to 115hp.

Increased power and performance and cab refinements are among features of the secondgeneration McCormick X7 Series tractors being launched at LAMMA ’18. The range includes a more powerful model with 205hp for draft work and up to 225hp for PTO and transport operations. Power Plus engine boost now features on all models, while the new P6-Drive transmission serves up two extra powershift steps and an additional range for added speed control versatility.

Hydraulics performance is also uprated.

Case IH’s three new Quadtrac CVX tractors are equipped with CVXDrive transmissions for the first time on an articulated tracked tractor. Producing up to 613hp, the Quadtrac 540 CVX is the world’s MEET THE BAGMA TEAM most powerful tractor with a BAGMA will be at stand CVT transmission, and is joined

643 in hall 6. Come and see all the services we offer or stop by for a chat about the latest industry issues.

LOADERS

The outstanding performance of JCB’s six-tonne capacity Loadall 560-80 telescopic handler (pictured) can now be exploited with the added finesse of hydrostatic drive while still packing a punch on bulk re-handling and loading.

The AGRI Pro version will make its UK debut at the LAMMA show. It features JCB’s awardwinning DualTech Variable Transmission, using hydrostatic and powershift elements that work automatically.

Blaney Motor Company’s new L1 10-27 pivot steer loader also makes its UK debut. These multipurpose wheeled loaders have been designed to be compact for manoeuvrability. It is equipped with a 40hp engine and hydrostatic transmission with four-wheel drive limited slip differential. With a high-capacity hydraulic system, it has a 1-tonne lifting capacity and a

5-9m widths. Its rigid vibrating tines can maintain a constant working depth and shatter cobbly soils.

Claydon is launching its new TerraBlade inter-row hoe – a low-cost, mechanical method of controlling weeds in all types of band-sown crops including wheat, barley, oats and beans.

Four models are available with working widths of 3-6m to match those of Claydon Hybrid drills, with typical hourly outputs of 1.5-3ha. Minimum power requirements are 30-60hp.

A new mid-range, mounted reversible plough from Pottinger, the Servo 45M, is available in four and five-furrow versions, and is aimed at tractors up to 240hp. A six-furrow variant will follow. An interbody clearance of 95cm and pointto-beam distance of 80cm ensures trash is buried with ease. Servomatic adjustment allows quick adjustment of the front furrow width and plough alignment.

BAGMA BULLETIN JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2018

SEED DRILLS Lemken’s new Azurit 9 single seed drill uses the company’s DeltaRow method to place seed in offset twin rows. The company says it provides 70% greater area for growth. The operator selects seed type via the operating terminal before starting work. The machine monitors seed flow and automatically corrects singling irregularities.

Kuhn Farm Machinery will be showcasing its new combination seed drill, the Venta 4030 + HR 4040. The power harrow element – HR 4040 – uses straight blades and a Duplex gearbox, enabling rotor speed to be adjusted according to soil conditions. The drill features an 1,800L seed hopper and uses a fluted metering unit. Rates of 1-430kg/ha can be set from the tractor cab and a speed sensing radar ensures precise seeding at up to 15kph.

JC Machinery will be joined by Vredo as they showcase the upgraded Vredo Agri Twin and

by the Quadtrac 500 CVX and Quadtrac 470 CVX models, which produce maximum power outputs of 558hp and 525hp respectively. Case IH Quadtrac CVX tractors are powered by electronically-controlled 12.9L Cursor 13 six-cylinder engines from sister company FPT Industrial.

The company will also present its new Maxxum ActiveDrive tractor, which has just been named Machine of the Year.

The star attraction on Fendt’s stand is likely to be the MT 943 tracked tractor, which will be making its first appearance in the UK. At 431hp, it’s the flagship of the three-model range. Particular attention has been devoted to the unique suspension systems. By combining the air-sprung operator’s seat, the two-point cab suspension, ConstantGrip track/ground contact and SmartRide mainbeam connection, the company claims new standards of ride, performance and control.

2.7m reach (3.3m for the telescopic model).

Hauer’s XB Bionic front loaders are being shown for the first time in the UK. These robust loaders have the mechanical parallel guidance and the tilting cylinders integrated into the loader arm. All valves and the optional front loader shock absorber system are located inside the double-walled, torsion-resistant crossbeam. The new front loader series is available for tractors from 50 to 280hp.

Agri Air overseeder range. Both drills are fitted with the new Crop Drill System that allows the machines to sow arable crops directly on corn stubbles at a 15cm row distance as well as retaining the grassland overseeding feature.

Stanhay is releasing the ProAir precision drill, the first new machine from the firm in seven years. It is 40% lighter and 30% shorter than its predecessor, the Star Plus. The compact and durable precision drill is claimed to offer more adjustability than any other unit on the market.

The Farmet Falcon drill is making its first UK public outing at LAMMA. The range includes models from 3m to 8m and features a 4,000L grainonly tank or 6,000L grain/fertiliser version. Users can select different swappable toolbar options.

Two metering units enable two seed types to be sown at different depths and rates.

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SHOW NEWS

GRASSLAND MACHINERY Pottinger’s new Novacat A9 on the company’s twin- and fourtriple mower combination has rotor grass rakes. an overall cutting width of either Canada’s Anderson Group is 8.92 or 9.18m, using Pottinger’s launching its RBM2000 PRO baleown cutterbar equipped with collecting trailer that can pick up quick-change blades and Triwrapped round bales from the Drive gear technology field on the move with no for maximum power risk of damaging the transmission, wrapping. A lifting delivering a clean, arm features a bale LAMMA ground-contoured detector that initiPREVIEW cut. The Novacat ates the loading (CONT.) A9 is available as sequence when it a plain disc mower, contacts the bale. with Extra Dry tine The trailer can carry conditioner or RCB 20 bales, typically at 20 rubber roller conditioner. seconds per bale.

Kuhn will be displaying its Tanco’s 1400-V high-speed new single rotor, mounted grass round-bale wrapper is another rake, the GA 4431 – one of three product making its debut. It new machines of 4.4-5m widths. retains the split table of the 1400They feature Kuhn’s Masterdrive EH, designed to allow simultaneGIII system, a patented, two-stage ous bale unloading and next bale gearbox using a bevel and spur reloading, but now features autogear reduction system as proved loading.

John Deere’s stand will feature the company’s latest 8000 Series self-propelled forage harvester, equipped with a new generation HarvestLab sensing system. Several new features have been introduced on the 8000 Series foragers for 2018. Chief among these is the HarvestLab 3000 crop constituent sensing system. HarvestLab 3000 requires less maintenance, can operate in a wider range of temperatures and features a much bigger data storage capacity of 2GB, compared to the previous 32MB. Other new John Deere products making their LAMMA debut include the S700 Series automated combine and V400 Series variable-chamber round baler, alongside the award-winning 6250R and 8400R tractors and the latest FarmSight precision farming technology.

INDOORS FROM 2019

Next year’s LAMMA 2019 will be held indoors at the NEC Birmingham. The dates are January 8 and 9.

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Book Reesink courses THE DATES FOR Reesink Turfcare’s 2018 courses have been announced. For the first time, the guide is accessible online only. The 16-page Reesink Training Guide can be found at www. reesinkturfcare.co.uk.

On the site, turfcare professionals and employers will find Reesink’s biggest range of vocational training for land-based disciplines – which are delivered with Lantra and include City & Guilds training and Toro and TYM manufacturer-backed turfcare machinery training. In total, there

are nine courses available.

Neil Adams, head of turfcare training at Reesink, said the courses “are delivered by nationally recognised quality assured trainers and assessors to develop skills and competency in the use of mowers, spraying units and tractors”.

Paris calling A MERE 630,000 visitors are expected at the Paris International Agricultural Show.

Visitors come for a variety of reasons, say the organisers. For some the high point is the AGRI 4.0 area, which is aimed at professionals who want to discover new technologies.

Nearly 30,000 visitors are expected from the farming and agri-food sectors. Jean-Luc Poulain, a farmer and the chairman of the show, says they come to “meet and hold discussions to strengthen their commercial relationships”. It’s also an opportunity for them to dis-

PARIS INTERNATIONAL AGRICULTURAL SHOW 2018 February 24 to March 4 Porte de Versailles exhibition centre, Paris, France

cuss key issues among themselves, with the general public and with the media.

Many livestock farmers also travel to the Paris Expo for the show, as the Concours Général Agricole des Animaux (General Agriculture Contest for Livestock) takes place at the event.

Inspiring speakers BIRA’S CONFERENCE AND awards event aims to provide independent business owners with “new insights and tangible tips on how to lead, innovate and achieve success”, as well as opportunities to meet key contacts and celebrate members’ success.

Speakers include Levi Roots, who went from Rastafarian musician to highly successful businessman via Dragon’s Den, and Luay Alfaham, a communications specialist for the Home Office who

BIRA CONFERENCE AND AWARDS 2018 May 10 Jurys Inn Hinckley Island Hotel and Conference Venue, Burbage, Hinckley

wants to equip small businesses with the tools to protect themselves against the increasing threat of cybercrime.

For further details on all 10 speakers go to bira.co.uk.

BAGMA BULLETIN JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2018

SHOW NEWS

Jacobsen’s new mowers

6 PIECE ‘POUND THRU’ SCREWDRIVER SET STOCK No. 40882 T E X T RON G OL F, T H E Ipswich-based manufacturer of Jacobsen commercial mowing equipment, will be showcasing the new AR series and TR series at the BIGGA Turf Management Exhibition (BTME) in Harrogate.

The new Jacobsen AR and TR series replaces the existing AR-3, TR-3 and Tri-King machines.

Created with usability in mind, the new machines are built on a common platform, and are offered as standard or premium models.

The AR321 (standard model) and AR331 (premium model) are 3WD rotary triple mowers featuring 24.8hp Kubota diesel engines. The AR321 is fitted with relay control and analogue gauges as standard, for ease of use and serviceability. Brand new cutting decks offer a quick height-of-cut adjustment system and eliminate the need for castor wheels. The AR331 has additional features such as a digital

BTME 2018 Jan 23-25 Harrogate Convention Centre, Harrogate

information display, a joy stick control for lifting and lowering decks, and a superior comfort suspension seat. The AR331 also features AdaptiShift technology, allowing the decks to glide effortlessly side-to-side to mow those hard-to-reach areas.

The TR320 (standard model) and the TR330 (premium model) are triplex cylinder mowers. The TR320 has many great features including the ability to raise the cutting units to a vertical position, reducing the width of the mower to a minimum of 1.55m, making transportation, access and storage easier. The TR330 also features the additional benefit of AdaptiShift technology, a superior comfort suspension seat and intuitive digital controls.

NEW

www.textron.com

CURLING MATCH

People who love curling or networking with fellow BAGMA members should head for Stirling, Scotland, on Valentine’s Day. BAGMA’s annual curling match will take place on Wednesday, February 14 at The Peak, Stirling Sports Village. The afternoon match, featuring about 32 players, will be followed by a meal in the café bar. For further details, call Alasdair Straker on 07823 416862.​

BAGMA BULLETIN JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2018

SOFT GRIP SCREWDRIVERS WITH FULL TANG BLADES, MANUFACTURED TO ELIMINATE TURNING WITHIN THE HANDLE FIRMLY ROOTED STRIKING CAP ALLOWS HANDLE TO BE STRUCK WITHOUT DAMAGE CHROME VANADIUM STEEL HARDENED, TEMPERED AND SATIN CHROME PLATED WITH MAGNETIC TIP INDIVIDUAL SIZES AVAILABLE UP TO 450mm IN LENGTH

Strength in Quality

15

PRODUCT NEWS

IMPROVED FIELD TOPMAKER

CAMPEY TURF CARE Systems plans to introduce a golf-specific Koro Field Topmaker at BTME 2018. It’s a smaller 1.6m model but to make it even more user-friendly for golf, the weight and balance has been analysed, resulting in a lighter, steadier machine. Solid locking pins now offer greater consistency, and the overall performance is improved due to the re-designed Universe rotor and angled cross conveyor.

The FTM will be joined on stand B28 by the Vredo DZ Overseeder. This generation of overseeders provides a 96% germination rate by placing the seed in direct contact with the soil. Also on the stand will be the Air2G2 Air Inject aeration machine and the Dakota 310, offering the accuracy expected from any Dakota 400 series spreader, but in a compact version.

It spreads light to heavy and wet to dry, with easy calibration and no tractor or truckster required. campeyturfcare.com

BUILT TO LAST

A R IENS COMPA N Y H AS introduced the commercial grade APEX zero-turn mower to the UK. Its ‘built to last’ quality includes “well-crafted components, HydroGear transaxles, a robust 4-point cutting deck, and an industryleading frame design, with large formed tubular rails serving as the backbone to support the loads of the machine”.

The highly durable 10-gauge steel deck is 14cm (5½in) deep with a reinforced leading edge providing the airflow needed to tackle tough mowing conditions. It also boasts 15 cutting positions in 0.6cm (¼in) increments. These are easily

PRODUCT NEWS

selected using a foot-operated deck lift and vertical pin system.

The APEX is comfortable too, featuring an adjustable high-back seat with padded arm rests helping to reduce operator fatigue.

Powered by a Kawasaki

V-Twin (726cc) engine, the APEX zero-turn is available in two models: APEX 48 with a 122cm (48in) cutter deck and the APEX 52 with a 132cm (52in) cutter deck. www.ariens-uk.com / 0800 5977777

NEW CATALOGUE CONCEPT

TOOLBANK HAS LAUNCHED its new catalogue in both A4 and A5 sizes. The new smaller format is aimed at people on the move or those who don’t have a permanent place of work.

While all catalogues can be personalised with your store and contact details, the smaller

catalogue is also available with a choice of cover depending on whether you supply the general, specialist or construction market.

All catalogue orders must be received, completed and signed by February 21, 2018.

01322 321400 b2binfo@toolbank.com

BAGMA out in force for Agritechnica

A DE L E G AT ION F ROM BAGMA attended the 2017 Agritechnica exhibition in Hanover to celebrate the trade association’s 100th anniversary with European colleagues from CLIMMAR. About 30 guests turned up on the Dealer Training Stand in Hall 2 for some light refreshment and were welcomed by Brian Sangster, BAGMA President, who gave a brief history of BAGMA. Erik Hogervorst, President of CLIMMAR, congratulated BAGMA on achieving its OUT AND ABOUT WITH 100th birthday and being BAGMA one of the oldest CLIMMAR members, having joined CLIMMAR in 1956.

The following day, CLIMMAR held its annual press conference and presented the results of the European Dealer Satisfaction Survey for the previous year.

Climmar also presented its new board and outlined its activities for 2018. A CLIMMAR information page is soon to be included on the BAGMA website.

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BAGMA BULLETIN JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2018

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