THE MEMBERSHIP MAGAZINE OF THE BRITISH AGRICULTURAL AND GARDEN MACHINERY ASSOCIATION ISSUE 20 | JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2020
Hot Wheels Secrets of the world's fastest tractor: The modifications that propelled the Fastrac Two to over 150mph INDUSTRY NEWS | LAMMA REVIEW | FUEL FILTERS
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“The best thing about BAGMA is that the information, support, advice and services offered are invaluable to small and large businesses alike.”
s i r o n g In d u e ver 100 y
Brian Sangster BAGMA member, past president
Join thousands of like-minded businesses We’ve been supporting independent, agricultural and garden machinery businesses across the UK since 1917. In this time, we’ve consistently delivered genuine business savings and benefits for members, as well as networking opportunities and business support. Industry events We attend varied events & exhibitions, and host BAGMA meetings
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Support Through our membership team for phone support or via the BAGMA website
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Join today bagma.com/join
Make 2020 the year you get involved It’s important for your business, your employees’ development and BAGMA COMMENT
PETER ARRAND PRESIDENT BAGMA
Cover photographed by Ben Roberts
MAY I TAKE this opportunity to wish all our members a very happy and prosperous New Year. Hopefully you found time to have an enjoyable and well-deserved break over the festive season. After a very turbulent year – in terms of politics and the weather – we finished on a high, with our immediate past president, Brian Sangster, collecting the Outstanding Contribution Award at the Service Dealer Conference and Awards. However, Brian has not put his feet up and continues to be a STEM ambassador, a judge of the Innovation Awards at the Royal Highland Show, chair of the BAGMA Scottish Group, chairman of the LE-TEC Management Group, and the BAGMA representative on the BIRA board of management. On behalf of BAGMA, thank you Brian for all that you do and a special thank you to Sheila for supporting you. So, we turn to 2020, and my request is to ask all our members to get involved. What do I mean by this? BAGMA is only as strong as its members and as we work through all our priorities and challenges in 2020, think about what you or your employees are doing to contribute to the industry. Do you
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 Lisa Ebdy 07799886115 lisaebdymedia@outlook.com All advertising and media enquiries please email: editorial@bagma.com
encourage participation in industry groups, committees and meetings, allow staff a small amount of paid time off work to promote our industry, visit schools, attend BAGMA Connect meetings and get involved in various working groups? It may seem like time away from the business but by contributing in this way it will develop not only your business but your employees too.
Message from Andrew Goodacre, CEO Bira Happy New Year to BAGMA! It is fair to say that 2019 has been somewhat challenging for the world of retail, associations and businesses in general. However, I believe we can look forward to 2020 with some positivity and hope for greater economic certainty, now we have a majority government. I really value the relationship we have with BAGMA and I want to focus our energies on providing even better services to our BAGMA members. Your president, Peter, is right to ask you to become more involved. We also have a duty to better engage you with our activities and this will be a key focus for me in 2020.
BAGMA, 225 Bristol Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham B5 7UB 01295 713344 www.bagma.com BAGMA president Peter Arrand BAGMA director Keith Christian BAGMA business development manager Richard Jenkins 07432 290605
IN THIS ISSUE ISSUE 20 JANUARY – FEBRUARY 2020
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NEWS BAGMA’S former president, Brian Sangster, is honoured with the Outstanding Contribution Award; Thomas Sherriff buys the professional turf business of Greenlay; high demand for diesel fuel filters
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CLIMMAR REPORT Highlights of the speeches from the 66th Congress in Switzerland
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EXPERTS Training, safety and tachographs are covered this issue
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COVER STORY How the world’s fastest tractor was built
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EVENTS Not long now for BTME and BAGMA’s curling event
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LAMMA REVIEW Some of the best new products from the first ag machinery exhibition of 2020
Bira, 225 Bristol Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham B5 7UB Tel 0121 446 6688 Fax 0121 446 5215 www.Bira.co.uk Bira president 2019-20 Howard Pullen CEO Andrew Goodacre Finance director Beverley Long Commercial director Jeff Moody Marketing director John Halliday
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 Stephens & George.
BAGMA BULLETIN JANUARY– FEBRUARY 2020
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BAGMA NEWS
BULLETIN BOARD
SPEARHEAD RESTRUCTURE
British mower manufacturer Spearhead has restructured its European distribution network, establishing partnerships with new importers in 15 European countries. Antony Prince, director of sales and marketing, explained: “Our old distribution structure kept us too distant from end users. By developing a more direct approach, we can be more competitive and, importantly, more responsive to customer feedback.”
GLOBAL GROWTH
The global terminal tractor market is expected to post a CAGR of more than 4% during the period 2020-2024, according to the latest market research report by Technavio. Terminal tractors are increasingly found at airports, shipping port terminals, and oil and gas manufacturing facilities. The development of autonomous and all-electric terminal tractors and renting services are also expected to have a positive impact on the market and contribute to its growth significantly over the next five years.
SALES UP, INCOME DOWN
Agricultural equipment manufacturer CLAAS has reported a slight year-on-year rise in sales at €3.898bn – up on the previous year’s €3.889bn. But income before taxes fell to €136m from the previous year’s €226m. Thomas Böck, CEO, said: “CLAAS recorded stable development in an increasingly negative market environment. Despite the anticipated drop in income, we kept the company on course and systematically invested in the further digitalization and the expansion of our market positions.” Investment in research and development reached a new record high at €244m (prior year: €233m), and investment in property, plant and equipment increased to €125m (prior year: €113m).
COAT SPONSOR
BAGMA member Campey Turf Care Systems has helped keep Kidsgrove Athletic Blues U8s warm over winter as the team’s new coat sponsor. The team’s assistant manager, Matt Davies, said: “At this age, it’s all about the players having fun and developing and anything that can contribute to that, like keeping warm, is important.”
KUBOTA CHANGES
Long-time Kubota UK employees Adrian Langmead, business development manager, and Tom Dunlop, dealer manager, have retired while Tim Yates has been promoted from product and key account manager to business development manager.
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Thomas Sherriff continues northeast expansion JOHN DEERE AGRICULTURAL and turf dealer in 1986, Greenlay is awell-established, dealer Thomas Sherriff, whose headquarters successful family business,” said John Deere are based at Haddington in East Lothian, has division sales manager Chris Meacock. “We bought the professional turf business of Green- would like to thank the Lowes family and lay in Cramlington, south Northumberland. especially Geoff Lowes for their commitment This development extends the dealership’s to John Deere over the past 33 years – it’s great trading area and takes to seven the total num- to see this positive outcome for his team.” ber of Sherriff outlets serving customers from Sherriff managing director Colin Weaththe River Forth in Scoterhead added: “This is a land, down through the Thomas Sherriff managing director Colin key addition to our busiWeatherhead (far right) with Sherriff Cramlington Borders to Durham in outlet manager Eric Pattinson (far left) and some of the ness and great fit for our northeast England and team at the dealership’s Northumberland premises organisation. Followreaching out west to the ing the development of Cumbrian border. our head office at HadSherriff’s head office dington as part of our site at Backburn in Hadoverall expansion and dington, which replaced restructuring plans, this the previous facility in latest acquisition repreDunbar at the beginning sents another considerof 2017, brought both the able investment in our dealership’s agricultural business, allowing us to and turf divisions under expand our geographical the same roof for the first presence in the northeast time. The other Sherriff outlets are at Alnwick, of England and the Durham area. Coldstream, Hexham, Jedburgh and Stow. “Most importantly, this means that we will All 17 Greenlay employees have transferred now be serving our total John Deere area of to the renamed Sherriff Cramlington business, responsibility with both agricultural and turf with outlet manager Eric Pattinson continu- equipment, from the Forth to Teesside and ing to lead the dealership’s sales, service and out to the Cumbrian border. It ensures that we parts team. can maintain the highest level of support to our “Originally founded by David Lowes and customers in both the important business sechis wife Judith in 1972 before becoming John tors of agricultural and professional turf equipDeere Limited’s first professional groundscare ment sales and service.”
Demo proves Toro ‘best for the job’ at holiday park A DEMONSTRATION OF the Toro ProLine H800 was all it took for the owners of the Haven Seashore Holiday Park to purchase one for the grounds of the 57-acre site in Great Yarmouth, Norfolk. “We normally go with another brand for our maintenance equipment, but then we had a demonstration and saw the ProLine in action. It was eye-opening to see,” said site manager John Zoet. He added: “The company has invested more in Seashore after seeing how well the park has been doing. We have a new swimming pool and restaurant among other additions, and now there’s pressure to raise the bar of the park’s grounds in line with the improvements to the
The ProLine H800 in action at Haven Seashore Holiday Park
park’s facilities. With Toro on board that has been easy to do – the ProLine has definitely improved the grounds here; in fact, they’ve never been better.” As a direct collect rotary mower, the ProLine H800 combines the precision cutting expected of a Toro rotary mower with an added high volume 810-litre hopper, allowing customers to cut more and stop less. BAGMA BULLETIN JANUARY– FEBRUARY 2020
BAGMA NEWS
Members scoop dealer awards
Brian Sangster receives his award from Chris and Trish Biddle, with Service Dealer owner Duncan Murray-Clarke (left) and comedian Charlie Baker (right)
Top award for BAGMA’s former president Sangster BAGMA’S FORMER PRESIDENT, Brian Sangster, was honoured with the Outstanding Contribution Award at the Service Dealer Conference and Awards. Before presenting the award, Service Dealer founder Chris Biddle said: “This industry depends on those who embrace the whole fabric of our sector, those who go the ‘extra mile’ for the benefit of the whole industry – and that is certainly the case with tonight’s winner.” After studying at Elmwood Agricultural College in Cupar, Fife, Scotland, Brian started his working career in 1972 as a lecturer. In 1978 he joined dealer Reekie at Stirling, becoming group service and warranty manager. He was with Reekie for 37 years, retiring in 2015. An active member of BAGMA, he was
appointed national president in May 2015, a post which he held for four years instead of the usual two-year term, handing over to Peter Arrand at last year’s Royal Highland Show. Brian is still very active in the industry, as a STEM ambassador, a judge of the Innovation Awards at the Royal Highland, chair of the BAGMA Scottish group, chairman of the LE-TEC Management Group, and as a BAGMA representative on the Bira board of management. BAGMA’s director, Keith Christian, paid this tribute: “Brian has been the busiest and most involved president I have known during my time at BAGMA. He is modest, hardworking and a wonderful ambassador for dealers in particular and the industry as a whole. A real unsung hero.”
Sharmans shocked by John Deere’s ‘brutal’ notice John Deere dealership Sharmans has said it was shocked to have been given a “brutal” notice to quit by October 31, 2020. Sharmans, which has a head office at Gonerby Moor, Grantham, and four other branches in Melton Mowbray, Stamford, Lowdham and Pytchley, said it was “number one in the area and never missed a target”.
According to a report in Farmers Guardian, the firm first learned of the strategy at Agritechnica in November, when all 350 European dealer groups were told there would be a reduction of about a third to current dealer groups. The report also suggested this was the first time they were made aware all dealerships would have to double their current
BAGMA BULLETIN JANUARY– FEBRUARY 2020
tractor area (which varies by dealer), meet a €100m (£84.8m) turnover target and sell 30 combines and 15 foragers every year. John Deere said its Dealer of Tomorrow strategy, which set out a plan to create a “network of world class dealerships”, was publicly announced at a product launch in Lisbon in June 2011.
BAGMA MEMBER WINCHESTER Garden Machinery, which has sites across Hampshire and Surrey, collected two trophies at the Service Dealer Awards. The business was named Garden Machinery Dealer of the Year and Overall Dealer of the Year. The awards were collected by director Jason Nettle during the 2019 Service Dealer Conference and Awards. A key part of the judging process included customer feedback. One customer praised Winchester Garden Machinery for its “exceptionally friendly staff with excellent product knowledge. I cannot fault the service, advice and the knowledgeable staff encountered. I have recommended other people to this store, all of whom have received the same treatment. Undoubtedly a store that has got it right.” In winning the Garden Machinery Dealer award, the judges said: “This well-established dealership had demonstrated a determination to keep focussing ahead whilst making some tough decisions on the way.” On awarding the Overall Dealer of the Year Award, the panel said: “The next generation are managing the company forward and have recently made some big decisions in regard to direction and strategy as well as utilising the traditional ways alongside modern routes to market.” Winchester Garden Machinery was also a finalist in the Forestry Dealer category with its ForestAndArb division. This category was won by Buxton’s of Stafford. The judges praised Buxton’s “digital approach, putting customers’ feedback and members of staff foremost.” Several other BAGMA members received awards too, winning the following categories: l Farm Machinery Dealer of the Year – Lister Wilder; l Professional Turfcare Dealer of the Year – Gibson’s Garden Machinery, Colne, Lancashire; l ATV/Quad Dealer of the Year – MKM Agriculture, Bedford and Suffolk. Ifan Davies of BAGMA member Arwel’s Agri Services in Llanwrda, Carmarthenshire, was named Apprentice of the Year. The judges commented: “This year’s Apprentice of the Year has progressed extremely quickly over the last 12 months and is already being let loose on bigger ag equipment like forage harvesters. He works at an evolving dealership who believe in progressing several apprentices at once despite being located remotely.” The ceremony took place at the Double Tree by Hilton Oxford Belfry, and was presided over by comedian and actor Charlie Baker.
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BAGMA NEWS
High demand for diesel fuel filters THE BUZZ AROUND the machinery displays and farmers at the Agriscot show in Edinburgh concerned an unusually high demand for diesel fuel filters. This was being put down to the increased percentage of recycled biological oils being added to standard diesel, which may be the cause of the recent epidemic of blocked filters on tractors. Fatty Acid Methyl Ester (FAME) extracted from biological sources like cooking oil and tallow has been allowed in non-road diesel (socalled red diesel) since 2006, under the Renewable Fuel Transport Obligation, but was rarely used as such, due to its relatively high price. However, changes to the RTFO in 2018 brought more binding biofuel targets into force, compelling all suppliers of fuel into the UK market to be using at least 12.4% biofuel by
2032 – and the progression towards that target saw the red diesel minimum percentage lifted to 9.75% from January 1, 2019. As such, this autumn was the first when most tractors headed out to harvest with at least a tenth of their tanks filled with FAME. After fuel filters started blocking up with gunk, users and suppliers made the connection. Unlike diesel cracked from crude oil, FAME is a ‘hygroscopic’ substance, which means that it attracts and retains water, and can therefore have issues with algal growth in storage. Grangemouth oil refinery has said it is reducing the amount of biodiesel added to its conventional fuel while the investigation into problems with farm machinery continues. The National Farmers Union Scotland says 380 of its members have reported fuel issues. Its president, Andrew McCornick, said: “We
need government to work with producers and users to find a workable, long-term solution to these issues. We need to see an expert working group established and NFU Scotland needs to be involved to represent our members, whose businesses have been heavily affected by these biofuel issues.” BAGMA has asked several members to provide comparisons month on month comparing 2018 usage with 2019 usage. Dealer figures in Scotland show as much as a four-fold increase in fuel filter demand in October and November compared to the same period in 2018. Figures for the North Midlands show a slight increase but vary between tractor brands. BAGMA director Keith Christian said: “It appears to be related to the bio content being used by different refineries and related to low temperatures.”
New roles for Waugh and Payne AS HE TOURS machinery dealers on his new patch – Ireland, Scotland and the north of England – Adam Waugh says he is pleased to be back on the agricultural scene after a few years working with construction equipment. “Agriculture is a great industry and although I now live in Glasgow, my family is still in Stranraer, southwest Scotland, which is ideal for taking the ferry to visit our dealers in Ireland,” he says. Adam (pictured top right) has joined Argo Tractors and is working alongside Tony Burgess, the national parts sales manager who’s based at Harworth, near Doncaster, and looks after Argo Tractors’ dealers in Wales and the rest of England. They support Landini and McCormick dealers with parts procurement and sales. Adam
says: “Having worked on parts and sales in the family machinery dealership, I’ve seen from the other side of the counter the importance of good parts management to ensure customers can get the items they need when they need them. “I’m already enjoying my new role, visiting and introducing myself to dealers and setting out the new digital technologies that Argo Tractors has developed for parts management.” Martin Payne (pictured bottom right) has been appointed as the new Argo Tractors area sales manager supporting Landini and McCormick tractor dealers across southern England – from Cornwall to Kent. He previously worked in a farm machinery dealership in the southwest. His interest in agriculture was sparked when all three of his older sisters married farmers!
Fined for selling unsafe machinery Landscape service company Mayfair Developments Group has been fined for selling modified machinery which was involved in the fatal injury of a worker. Portsmouth Magistrates’ Court heard that, in May 2017, worker James Criddle was attempting to clear a blockage in the machine when he became entangled in the rotating shaft. The shafts on either side of the modified Ecogreen Compact Screener 1800 machine were unguarded; the guards
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installed at the time of manufacture were missing at the time of the sale. There were other defects with the machine: four additional holes had been cut in the machine, and there were a series of uncovered holes on either side of it, all giving access to dangerous moving parts. The overall condition was described as “poor”. An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found that the machine had changed hands several times before it
was purchased by Mayfair Developments Group, and while in their possession, the machine was worked on and repaired, including the cutting of two additional holes. The machine was sold to Baldwin Skip Hire in May 2017 without any manual or instructions, and without any type of written declaration or disclaimer regarding the condition. A few days later Mr Criddle, an employee of Baldwin Skip Hire, was fatally injured by the machine. Mayfair Developments Group of
BAGMA BULLETIN JANUARY– FEBRUARY 2020
BAGMA NEWS
New apprentices commence their training
John Deere’s new ag, parts and turf tech trainee apprentices, pictured during their induction day at the Albert Hall Conference Centre in Nottingham
John Deere training sets another record A RECORD-BREAKING TOTAL of 66 young parts and service technicians are being trained in this year’s John Deere ag tech, parts tech and turf tech advanced apprenticeship programmes, the highest total intake since the first ag tech induction in 1992. The group includes, for the first time, apprentices from Ireland, the John Deere Forestry division and the Wirtgen road construction business, which Deere acquired at the end of 2017, as well as more female apprentices than ever before (five altogether). These annual programmes are run in partnership with the dealer network and national train-
Eastleigh, Hampshire, pleaded guilty to breaching Sections 6(1)(a) and 6 (1)(c) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and was fined £4,000, ordered to pay costs of £3,000 and a surcharge of £170. Speaking after the hearing, HSE inspector Ivan Brooke said: “This tragic incident led to the avoidable death of a young man. This death could easily have been prevented if the risks had been identified and rectified. “Sellers need to be aware of the legal
BAGMA BULLETIN JANUARY– FEBRUARY 2020
ing provider ProVQ at the purpose-built John Deere Apprentice Training Centre in Radcliffeon-Trent, Nottinghamshire. Training centre manager Allan Cochran commented: “The increasing levels of automation used throughout our products, including artificial intelligence, advanced electronics, satellite guidance systems and telematics, give us the ability to diagnose and repair machines without even laying a hand on them. All this technology, as well as cutting-edge engine and transmission design, means the need for skilled people within our dealerships is ever present.”
duties placed on them when supplying machinery and articles for use at work, and that these duties extend to secondhand items. “Buyers should also make sure that they properly assess and apply effective control measures to minimise the risk from dangerous parts of machinery.” In May 2019, Robert Baldwin was found guilty of neglect in failing to discharge a duty under the Health and Safety Act, in a prosecution brought by the Crown
Twenty-one students have taken their first step towards a career in agricultural machinery service and support. The new intake at Reaseheath College in Cheshire and SRUC Barony near Dumfries come from CLAAS dealerships throughout the UK and Ireland. Of the new students, 20 will be training to be machinery service technicians, with one joining the CLAAS Parts Apprenticeship. For more than 10 years CLAAS has offered apprenticeship courses in both England and Scotland. Of the new intake, six students from dealerships in Scotland and Ireland will study at SRUC Barony with the remainder training at Reaseheath College near Nantwich. For the 20 students joining the Landbased Service Engineering Apprenticeship courses at Reaseheath and Barony, their time will be split between blocks at college, where they will receive comprehensive technical training, and working for their sponsoring dealership. Apprentices will also attend additional CLAAS product training which will be delivered across the whole four years at the CLAAS Academy in Saxham (pictured).
‘SELLERS NEED TO BE AWARE OF THE LEGAL DUTIES PLACED ON THEM WHEN SUPPLYING MACHINERY AND ARTICLES FOR USE AT WORK, AND THAT THESE DUTIES EXTEND TO SECONDHAND ITEMS’ Prosecution Service. He was sentenced to 12 months imprisonment. In the same case, Baldwin Skip Hire pleaded guilty to a charge under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and was fined £75,000.
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CLIMMAR REPORT
‘Farmers and dealers face a lot of challenges’ Highlights from the 66th CLIMMAR Congress in Switzerland AT THE 66TH annual CLIMMAR Congress, is a good thing, according to Mr Parmelin, but held in Thun, Switzerland, BAGMA and nine he feels the discussions on data exchange and other national dealer associations discussed the ownership are difficult and form a challenge for future of agricultural and garden machinery politicians. dealer organisations. Per Hedetoft explained that after being an This is a heavyweight meeting as CLIMoutcast at first, CLIMMAR is becoming recMAR member nations sell 130,000 new tracognised on a European level and respected for tors annually, of which 99,000 units have over its voice by means of the Working Group Agri50hp. It’s interesting to see that Germany is the cultural Tractors (WGAT) as well as in the ISO biggest market by far (about 40,000 new tracWorking Group on Repair and Maintenance tors) whereas France is the biggest market for Information (RMI). tractors >50hp (about 24,000 units). When In the RMI discussions, CLIMMAR made looking to the number of tractor sales per dealer Independent Operator (IO) equal to Indecompany, then Swedish and Hungarian dealers pendent Repairer (IR) and Redistributor. This on average sell the most tractors (about 13 units), means that apart from IO, also the IR and followed by Slovakia. Redistributor should have access to repair and The congress was organised by Swiss CLIMmaintenance information by the manufacturMAR member Agrotec Suisse and opened by ers. Another achievement was parallel between its president Werner Berger Vehicle Manufacturer (VM) and and CLIMMAR president Erik Manufacturer and that the VM Hogervorst, whose second term is required to provide for the in office ends this year at the The average turnover purposes of repair and mainOctober CLIMMAR Congress per European dealer tenance the same information in Budapest, Hungary. that it provides to its authorised in 2018 repairers in a non-discriminatoSales of new equipment accounted for 56% of Highlights of the speeches ry manner. Guy Parmelin, head of the this turnover, 13% is As most of the documents Federal Department of Eco- secondhand machinery, have their origin in the car/truck nomic Affairs, Education and 9% workshop, 17% spare industry, Per proposed and parts and 5% other. Research and a master winemanaged to enforce changes to grower by trade, stressed to the the original descriptions such delegates that farmers and dealers face a lot of as the accessibility to wiring and hydraulic challenges including fast technological changes. diagrams and workshop procedures for body, Switzerland itself is investing CHF 24bn in its engine, transmission and hydraulic repair. centre of excellence for agricultural research Part two of the RMI standardisation focusscalled Agroscope (www.agroscope.admin.ch). es on vehicle on-board diagnostics (OBD). The Mr Parmelin also feels that digitisation offers question was raised about smaller manufacways to increase profitability, become more susturers that do not need to have OBD. What to tainable and to help dealers (with data) to do a do with these? Another topic that was raised is better job and to improve/extend better usage of the application of RMI for existing and older tractors and equipment by the farmers. machines. Meanwhile, 15% of Swiss farmers have Jérôme Roche, secretary-general of CEETturned to organic farming. CLIMMAR co-signTAR, the organisation representing agriculing the Code of Conduct (CoC) on data sharing tural, rural and forestry contractors, said its
€2.366m
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members – like CLIMMAR’s members – are struggling to find skilled labour, especially in Finland, France, Germany, and Portugal. CEETTAR also recognises an image problem with contractors: consumers do not know what contractors do. They just see big machines causing possible security issues on public roads because of their size and leaving the roads dirty with mud. CEETTAR has issued a position paper on road use and the affiliated EU type approvals. According to Roche, contractors and dealers can work together on: product safety; alerting contractors to recalls so that repairs are made on time and with less costly downtime; parts; exchanging knowledge; and the adoption of precision farming technologies and new business model development around data management and data sharing. Jerome Bandry, secretary-general of CEMA, said although the first half of 2019 showed a positive trend in tractor sales in the EU, the CEMA barometer showed that the business climate index went down for the third time in a row. As far as long-term global structural challenges are concerned – more and more people to feed and less and less farmers to do so – CEMA feels that smart technology is part of any solution and that precision agriculture could be used as a promoter of sustainable productivity growth in agriculture. BAGMA BULLETIN JANUARY– FEBRUARY 2020
CLIMMAR REPORT
After a frustrating 2019, what’s in store for us in 2020? Millennials, baby boomers, ageing technicians, training, succession and mergers… BAGMA director Keith Christian reflects on the big issues facing dealers this year these ‘T Level’ qualifications for the land-based engineering sector is KEITH already under way but again it is a CHRISTIAN contest between other industries DIRECTOR and the high standards required BAGMA by the LBE sector verses lower At last, we have a government that tech industries. It also requires is now able to govern regardless funding to support our industry of who voted for who. Hopefully representatives who are battling this will bring some stability to the for us in the various Route Panels country and, dare I say, ‘Get Brexit that deal with T-Quals who are done’. supported by LE-TEC. January 31 is looming what We are still seeing dealer we end up with after this is and mergers and acquisitions in the how the country will benefit (or LBE sector and whilst outlet otherwise) remains to be seen. numbers and staff numbers One thing is certain, we are all remain the same, the number fed up with the whole prolonged of companies in the sector is and confusing process. Hopefully decreasing. Succession seems to we can enjoy a more play a big role in some of HOPEFULLY productive 2020 with the decisions regarding WE CAN less uncertainty. mergers and, with an At the Service Dealer ENJOY A MORE ageing population in our PRODUCTIVE Conference, we learnt sector, we need to be 2020 WITH LESS very mindful of bringing about millennials and UNCERTAINTY baby boomers and on the next generation reverse mentoring of technicians and with the ‘young ones’ teaching managers and ensuring the future the older generation how to is a bright one. work in a modern digital age. We When we talk about succession learnt about how to make service it tends to be a focus on company pay from a baby boomer not a owners with family businesses and millennial. I suppose the point who will take over, but succession really is, young or old, we can all needs to be dealt with at the teach each other something and technician level as well. With an we should all listen to each other average technician age of 55 in the regardless of age. LBE sector it is so vitally important 2019 was a frustrating year to have apprentice programmes, for training and in particular clear career pathways and apprenticeship programmes. recruitment policies that deal with Having just settled down with the recruitment of younger people the new Trailblazer apprentice who can fill the places of those who programmes and at the last fence will eventually retire. We need to having our level three funding cut step up to the plate and everyone by £7,000, we are now having to needs to play a part in recruitment, work on a further change with the training and career progression to Technical Level Qualifications for protect the future. 16 year olds, like an A Level but I wish all our members, readers more technically based, proposed and industry partners a very happy for 2023. Shaping and modelling and settled new year. COMMENT
Dealers declare Fendt to be best brand Dealers have named Fendt as the best brand in terms of machines and image. They did so in the ‘European dealer satisfaction survey’ for 2019, which is organised by the international organisation of machinery dealers, CLIMMAR, and its national members, including BAGMA. Quizzed about their views on their own tractor brands, the dealers gave the highest scores to Fendt. Regarding image, Fendt had an index rating of 17.4, while John Deere took second place with a
score of 16.7. Kubota, Case IH and Valtra scored around 15. In the overall picture, Fendt also grabbed first place with a score of 14.4 followed by Kubota with 14.1, John Deere at 13.5 and Same at 13.4. At the bottom, New Holland scored 11.9 and Massey Ferguson 12.5. Same and DeutzFahr showed the biggest improvements in their scores. Kubota top-scored in the ‘aftersales service and warranty’ category. The survey was based on more than 1,000 dealers from 10 countries.
BAGMA BULLETIN JANUARY– FEBRUARY 2020
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EXPERTS
New year, new challenges 2020 IS CERTAINLY going to be a year of customers and staff) that come together to make change. A government with a majority and a your business successful. clear intention to leave the EU and a leap into For example, can your suppliers continue just the unknown. But, on a positive note, at least in-time parts delivery? Will you need to carry there will be certainty that it’s actuhigher stock levels? Can you schedule TRAINING ally happening, allowing businesses more preventative maintence into to plan. We are a very resourceful DAVID your customer service offering? What KIRSCHNER industry and there will always be a Independent options do you have for specialisation need for the services of land-based consultant and LTA or diversification to meet customer scheme co-ordinator engineers. needs? How will the changes affect The need to change is different your customers and staff? Will staff to change for change’s sake. The leave if they can no longer bolster need for change is proactive and their wages with overtime? How will positive because it takes us out of the a stronger pound affect the business? comfortable zone which encourages These and many other topics give us complacency and throws us headlong into a lots to think about but that’s what provides the different approach to what has become the buzz from keeping the bottom line in the black. norm, it’s an opportunity not a threat. It will also be a period when the benefits of Fortunately, all this change is coming at a having trained staff will pay dividends. time in the year that will allow some time to Our industry has always faced continual take stock and plan. The proactive amongst you change, such as dealership amalgamations, will have already done so but it’s not too late to changes in distribution networks, the evolution start now if you haven’t. Nobody is immune to of technology, new crops and production change and this should be a period of review to methods and so what’s coming is just another understand the impact on all parties (suppliers, challenge.
However, I would ask that consideration is given to lessons previously learned. No kneejerk reactions such as reductions in training commitments or ignoring the succession of staff by not recruiting apprentices, the industry is just starting to repair the damage caused by this in previous decades and it is a slow process that needs continuity. One further change in 2020 will be that I will no longer continue to write this column, giving me the opportunity to concentrate on my other commitments to the industry. May 2020 be a year of laying the foundations to enable the achievement of both your own and the industry’s aspirations. EDITOR’s note: BAGMA and the Editor of the BAGMA Bulletin would like to thank David for his contributions to the magazine and wish David well for the future. Readers can rest assured that the magazine will continue to feature relevant information on training and education in the land-based engineering sector as this evolves and changes.
An irritating problem that is common and costly WORKERS AT A company premises in Brisand cleaners. How quickly dermatitis develops tol were exposed to hazardous substances over a depends on the strength of the substance and four-year period, leading to the onset of a disease how long/frequently it comes into contact called ‘contact dermatitis’. One employee suffered with the skin. The Health & Safety Executive four years of skin blistering, cracking, splitting estimates that two-thirds of the 66,000 cases and weeping because of this rash. of skin diseases each year have SAFETY The company was fined a total led to dermatitis, making ‘contact of £100,000 and ordered to pay PAUL MARSH dermatitis’ the most common type of Office manager £30,000 costs. They were fined SafetyAide occupational skin disease. £30,000 for breaching the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, and £10,000 Control measures for six separate breaches of the Control To reduce the chances of occurrence, of Substances Hazardous to Health work t hrough t he follow ing (COSHH) Regulations for not making precautions in descending order: adequate risk assessments, not l Eliminate – prevent handling the preventing or controlling exposure product directly; of employees to chemicals, and for not providing l Substitute – look to substitute the product, eg. any ‘health surveillance’ of employees at risk. introduce nitrile gloves instead of latex ones; They were also fined £10,000 for not reporting l Good hygiene – provide and insist on the use a case of allergic ‘contact dermatitis’. of afterwork creams to ensure moisture is put back in the skin; What’s dermatitis? l PPE – issue personal protective equipment, Dermatitis may be caused by the skin coming such as eye protection and gloves and ensure into contact with a substance that irritates it (an they are worn. irritant). This is known as ‘contact dermatitis’ and is characterised by skin that’s red, inflamed and Manage the problem cracked. Many irritants that cause it are found at Carry out monthly health surveillance on all work and include oils, greases, latex/rubber, soaps employees deemed to be at risk from ‘contact
8
dermatitis’. Please request a copy of our health surveillance check sheet by email to info@ safetyaide.com. Investigate If a case of ‘contact dermatitis’ does occur, investigate. The investigation will reveal the exact cause of the skin problem. If so, the employee should cease use of the substance until satisfactory control measures are introduced. Unless the rash is minor, they should also see their GP or an occupational health advisor for treatment.
TIPS
1. Don’t assume that the skin rash is work related – neither should you let the employee insist that it is. It may be triggered by a new product they are using at home, so do ask about these. 2. Provide information and training to staff on skin management. This should include the importance of washing clean after use, how to look after skin and how to spot any problems.
BAGMA BULLETIN JANUARY– FEBRUARY 2020
EXPERTS
When to use tachographs I ATTENDED A tachograph course run by the l tow a trailer over 750kg MAM as long as the AEA at their headquarters in Peterborough. For combined MAM of the trailer and towing dealers and manufacturers, the course provided vehicle is no more than 3,500kgs and the an understanding of operating vehicles while permissible maximum weight of the trailer transporting machinery. does not exceed the unladen weight SAFETY Where the use of tachographs of the towing vehicle. RICHARD is straightforward for those driving MAM is the limit on how much JENKINS HGVs, for many BAGMA members BAGMA’S business the vehicle can weigh when it’s loaded. using pickups to tow or trailer development You have to pass the car and manager machinery the rules are harder to trailer driving test if you want to tow understand. A number of questions anything heavier. were raised during the course, not all of which could be answered without LICENCES ISSUED BEFORE contacting the DVSA, but the course JANUARY 1, 1997 did help those there to understand If you passed your car test before the necessary steps to take to work January 1, 1997, you’re usually allowed within the law. to drive a vehicle and trailer combination up Richard found that if in any doubt, put the to 8,250kgs MAM. View your driving licence tachograph in – you can’t get fined for using a information to check. tachograph when you didn’t need to! We have You’re also allowed to drive a minibus with a put together points below to help members trailer over 750kgs MAM. understand some of the issues with tachographs. When do I need to use a tachograph? What can I tow? When the operator is using a vehicle/trailer The rules on what you can tow are different combination and the combined gross depending on when you passed your driving test. permissible weight exceeds 3,500kgs, the driver LICENCES ISSUED FROM JANUARY 1, 1997 must use a tachograph if the use is for hire or If you passed your car driving test on or after reward. January 1, 1997 you can: l drive a car or van up to 3,500kgs maximum EXCEPTIONS authorised mass (MAM) towing a trailer of There is good news, in that there are a lot of up to 750kg MAM; exceptions: BAGMA BULLETIN JANUARY– FEBRUARY 2020
l If it’s for recreation or leisure (towing a horse box, Jet Ski, car for banger racing), you’re unlikely to face prosecution although, even in these circumstances, there could be an issue if there’s a cash prize involved. l Vehicles or combinations of vehicles with a maximum permissible weight of 7,500kgs or less that are used for carrying work equipment for the driver where the distance is less than 100km from where the vehicle is normally based. This covers vehicles and vehicle/trailer combinations carrying tools, machinery or equipment that the driver is going to use in the course of his employment, and he is not employed as a driver. For example, a salesman taking a ride-on mower to site for demonstration purposes within the 100km radius is exempt BUT delivering the same equipment when sold, even if the journey is only 1km, the driver would need to use a tachograph. l Private use of vehicles up to 7,500kgs is exempt from tachograph rules. Be warned By law you are required to download driver tachograph smartcards at least every 28 days and vehicle unit data every 90 days. The DVSA has the power to prohibit vehicles from further use if a tachograph has not been installed when it should be.
9
SPECIAL REPORT
Secrets behind the world’s fastest tractor
For many visitors to this month’s LAMMA show, the highlight was seeing JCB’s very special Fastrac Two, the highly modified tractor that holds the world speed record 10
BAGMA BULLETIN JANUARY– FEBRUARY 2020
SPECIAL REPORT
2019 WAS AN exciting year for tractor and heavy equipment maker JCB, which set two new world records. The first came in June when the company’s modified Fastrac tractor reached 103.6mph with motorbike racer and lorry mechanic Guy Martin in the driver’s seat. JCB then embarked on an ambitious plan to break its own record and developed Fastrac Two – 10% lighter, more powerful and even more aerodynamic than its smaller brother. This beast is powered by a 7.2-litre JCB Dieselmax six-cylinder diesel engine tuned for no less than 1,016hp and more than 2,500Nm of torque! With Guy Martin at the wheel again, the Fastrac Two hit an astonishing peak speed of 153.771mph at Elvington Airfield in Yorkshire on its way to recording another word record – this time of 135.191mph (the average of two runs through a speed trap). Guy Martin said: “This has been a massive undertaking, and I was a very small cog in the machine. It was a proper privilege to be involved, so thank you very much to JCB and its engineering team, who got this tractor absolutely spot-on. Just look at it, they get stuff done, it’s brilliant, and it is still a working tractor, so could have gone straight into the nearest field to put in a shift.” It was JCB chairman Lord Bamford’s idea to develop a tractor which had a high road speed capable of field work, and the world speed record now achieved came 28 years since the first production model rolled off the line. JCB also has form when it comes to land speed records. In 2006, its Dieselmax streamliner set a new diesel land speed record when it reached 350.092mph on Bonneville Salt Flats in the USA, using two JCB Dieselmax engines. It’s a record that still stands to this day. Lord Bamford commented: “When we reached 103.6mph with the Fastrac in the summer, I was convinced we could go even faster, and the JCB team has risen to the challenge by setting this new record. It’s an amazing achievement delivered by a young and enthusiastic engineering team. Everyone involved should be very proud of the part they have played in showing off British engineering at its very best.” The record-breaking attempt was overseen by Guinness World Records, who confirmed that the JCB Fastrac completed two runs, in either direction through a speed trap set 1km apart, within the allotted time, to set the 135.191mph record. Getting Fastrac Two on to the Elvington aerodrome in just a matter of months was a tall order, but one that the team of young engineers grabbed with both hands. JCB chief innovation and growth officer Tim Burnhope said: “Fastrac One really proved to us that there are no limits to what a young and BAGMA BULLETIN JANUARY– FEBRUARY 2020
TECHNICAL HIGHLIGHTS lA n electric supercharger, like those used on some production cars, helped get the tractor off the line. lA n air pulse system gave the turbocharger an extra ‘kick’ of energy to spool it up quickly as the vehicle accelerated through the gears – crucial in achieving high speeds over the comparatively short distance available on the runway. lT he tractor’s diesel engine has a displacement of 7.2-litres and has been extensively modified to deliver approximately 1,000 horsepower (746 kilowatts) and
dynamic engineering team can achieve. So we pushed boundaries and ideas, and looked at all aspects of the project to find solutions and make improvements. The biggest challenges have included aerodynamics, reducing weight and improving performance – getting a five-tonne tractor to safely reach 150mph, and stop again, is not an easy task, but we’re all so proud to have not only reached these goals, but to have exceeded them.” Not content with merely nudging up the previous 103.6mph record, the team drew upon all its knowledge and set about developing a more extreme machine that could put a clear line in
‘Getting a five-
tonne tractor to safely reach 150mph, and stop again, is not an easy task’
1,843 pound-feet (2,500 Newton-metres) of torque. One of the most interesting technical solutions is the pair of pods in front of the vehicle where 25kg of ice are loaded before each record run to neutralise some of the heat generated by the engine. lA nother interesting fact is the lack of a battery onboard, which means the engine is started using an external battery or a generator. There’s also no air compressor and the air required by the braking system is supplied by three air tanks located behind the cabin.
the sand, when it came to tractor speed records. Tim Burnhope said: “We used Fastrac One as a test-bed, which enabled us to move forward quite quickly and create a lighter, more streamlined tractor that could set an undisputed world record.” Fa s t r a c Tw o maintained the same design principles and packaging, but was 10% lighter than its predecessor, reducing its weight to less than five tonnes. The tractor’s bonnet was changed from steel to aluminium; non-structural material was removed from the chassis, while the cab and roll cage mounts were incorporated into the chassis design. Streamlined bodywork also had a role to play, with aerodynamic analysis and development conducted by Rob Smedley, ex-Williams head of vehicle performance, and
11
SPECIAL REPORT
A logo representing the Union flag on the rear threequarter panels of the Fastrac’s Command Plus cab helps identify the JCB Fastrac Special Edition tractors
computational fluid dynamics (CFD) used by Williams Advanced Engineering, to give Fastrac Two a 10% reduction in drag over Fastrac One. This saw the development of new cab air deflectors, a new rear cover, re-designed radiator covers, new side panels, front bumper and cab roof. The 7.2 litre, 6-cylinder JCB Dieselmax engine produced at JCB Power Systems in Derbyshire also received some extra attention. Working with engine specialists Ricardo, a new, larger turbocharger was accompanied by water injection and charge-air cooling through ice tanks, which reduced intake temperatures by 50˚C. An electrically driven supercharger system was again used, while a revised exhaust manifold contributed to improved flow. The adoption of a sophisticated anti-lag system kept the larger turbocharger delivering its maximum boost pressure while gear changes took place. The result of the powertain improvements was a peak output of 1,016hp at 3,150rpm, and over 2,500Nm of torque. Despite the tractor developing 1,016hp, it achieved over 5mpg and needed only a tiny 20-litre fuel tank to make its high-speed runs. And while it has the capability to run on vegetable oil, a special formulation of high-performance racing diesel was used. Fastrac Two’s driveline was also updated. A multi-plate wet clutch was developed to improve torque management and create smoother gear changes for the six-speed manual transmission. An air-shifter reduces effort for the short-throw
12
JCB WFT Special Edition Fastrac 4220 and 8330 tractors lined up with Fastrac technical and production staff and the record-breaking Fastrac Two
gear-lever, encouraging speedy shifts between ratios to encourage the Fastrac up to those record-breaking speeds. The tractor’s final drive capabilities were also improved. Tim Burnhope said: “We still managed to use over 50% of standard Fastrac parts in the record-beating tractor, though tyres were an altogether different challenge. At 1.3m tall and weighing 80kg, and usually rated for 40mph, there was a lot of work to do to prevent them growing and heating up, from high-speed use.” Modifications to BKT’s tyre design ensured high-speed capability, and repeated rig-testing validated the Ridemax tyres’ capability at the much higher target speeds required for the world record attempt. The tyres were also equipped with sensors that monitored heat and vibration in real-time. But the record-breaking Fastrac also needed to be stopped too, and given the 3,094m (10,151ft) Elvington runway, and the requirement to pass through a 1km speed trap to determine an average speed, the demands of braking also had to be met. Tim Burnhope said: “The Fastrac’s advanced split-type air/hydraulic braking system was uprated with different brake pads and discs, but still using the tractor’s standard callipers. “We also added a parachute on this version, as an extra level of safety. Fortunately, we didn’t need to deploy it as all our engineering calculations meant that Guy Martin could comfortably stop the tractor from speed, after each run,” he said.
Exclusive features of the WFT Special Edition tractors include yellow edged and stitched leather upholstery with ‘JCB Fastrac – World’s Fastest Tractor’ embossing, which is repeated in the grey floor carpet
Commercial version of record-breaker lJ CB celebrated its double world record feat by launching a limited run of special edition Fastrac 4000 and 8000 tractors that have additional features and visual enhancements. l E xternal enhancements comprise a distinctive chromed exhaust stack, special ‘Union Flag’ decals on the cab rear three-quarter panels, and embossed ‘JCBWFT’ lettering on the toolbox. l A s operators climb aboard the spacious Command Plus cab, they are greeted with the script ‘JCB Fastrac – Word’s Fastest Tractor’ etched into the doorway kick plate and woven into the grey door-to-door carpet. l T his script is also embossed into the leather upholstery of the two full-size seats, which have distinctive yellow edge panels and stitching to match. l O perators also have the luxury of a JCB yellow-stitched leather-bound steering wheel with a ‘Fastrac at speed’ logo at its centre. l I n addition, every Special Edition Fastrac 4220 and 8330 has a commemorative plaque identifying the tractor as one of just 25 examples of each model celebrating the record, along with a certificate of authenticity for the owner.
BAGMA BULLETIN JANUARY– FEBRUARY 2020
lA n electric supercharger, like those used on some production cars, helped get the tr
BAGMA BULLETIN JANUARY– FEBRUARY 2020
13
EVENTS
Turf world heads for Harrogate THE LARGEST INDOOR turf management and groundscare exhibition in Europe is getting ready to open its doors once more. BTME 2020 will take place as usual in the historic North Yorkshire town of Harrogate from January 21 to 23. More than 150 exhibiting companies will be spread across four zones, showcasing the latest innovations and technology in the golf and sports surface maintenance industry.
l Charterhouse Turf Machinery has expanded its Redexim Verti-Drain range with a new 1.9m working width. Visitors to stand 432 in the Purple Zone will also be able to find out about the new 6m wide Top-Brush for course presentation, removal of organic matter and dispersal of worm casts. l BLEC will bring back an improved Multivator, which returns good quality material from depths of up to 30cm back into the upper REESINK TURFCARE HAS added 12 practiHere are a few of the new prodlayers of the soil profile, “by popu- cal refresher courses to its machinery and equipucts on show: lar demand”, while also introduc- ment training offering for 2020. BTME l ISEKI will be showing a new coming a new pedestrian version of the These one-day operational and service coursJanuary 21-23 pact tractor as well as a “gameRotorake. es are for those who need the latest knowledge or Harrogate changing” mower. Joining the As well as seeing the latest have previously completed the relevant two-day Convention established TH range of compact equipment in the market, course, but need to refresh their skills to Centre tractors is the new TH5420, which BTME is a great event ensure they remain fully up to date, comes with a Stage V compliant for discovering as well as learning about any engine, low emissions and a new range of acces- the latest trends in turf new developments that are SALTEX RETURNS sories. For keeping the rough pristine no mat- maintenance, meeting related to the job they do. IN NOVEMBER ter what the weather, ISEKI has introduced the suppliers and making Six of the 12 refresher It’s time to book your hotel for SF450, a powerful, large capacity centre col- valuable contacts. courses are provided by SALTEX. SALTEX, the groundscare lect mower which is now also available with a LANTRA, the leading industry’s flagship event, will be Muthing Flail deck. Its large outfront deck and body for land-based and celebrating its 75th anniversary in 1300-litre high tip collector allows greenkeepenvironmental training, November. This year’s event will take ers to tackle the thickest of grass whilst collectand relate to operational place at the NEC, Birmingham on November 4 and 5. ing and leaving a pristine finish every time. aspects of turfcare machinwww.iogsaltex.com l John Deere will be showing two additions to ery maintenance, such as the economical 6000A Series fairway mower equipment installation trainline-up. Sharing technologies with the awarding, the safe use of ride-on mowers, winning A Model mower range, the 6080A compact tractor driving, the safe use of and 6500A E-Cut hybrid electric fairway pesticides and the sprayers and handheld applimowers feature high-performance electric cators used in administering these chemicals. reel drive, which greatly reduces the number The other six are manufacturer-backed trainof potential hydraulic leak points. In addition ing days from Reesink and Toro in relation to to their economical price, these new mowers Toro diagnostics and info centre training, plus can be operated at lower engine speeds, which training on the customer’s choice of any greens, further reduces operating costs by decreasing fairway, rotary, cylinder or flail mower or utility fuel consumption. vehicle. Neil Adams, head of turfcare training at Reesink, says: “We’ve introduced these refresher courses based on what our customers are telling us they want – a reminder of the key points and skillBAGMA MEMBERS AND friends are commencing at 3pm. The entry fee of £30 per set update. They are incredibly good value, being invited to the 32nd Annual BAGMA player covers the curling and post- done on either a one-to-one basis or as a group Curling Match on Wednesday, match meal in the Clive Ramsay if there’s more than one operative requiring the BAGMA’s Annual Curling February 5 at The Peak at Stirling café-bar overlooking the rink at 17:30. course. All the courses are delivered by nationally Match Sports Village in Scotland. As If you wish to participate in what quality assured trainers and assessors and include Feb 5, 2020 usual, all standards of curlers are is a relaxing and enjoyable event, a mixture of practical and theory work.” The Peak, welcome to attend and play, from please email Alasdair at alasdair. These new refresher courses join the 11 Stirling Sports Village, Stirling, experienced players to complete straker@bira.co.uk or fill in the already offered by Reesink and bring the full Scotland novices. form on the BAGMA website. range to a total of 23. Organiser Alasdair Straker says BAGMA will hold its regional Further information such as dates and details he’s hoping for “a good turnout”. meeting in the nearby Forthbank Stadium in on how to book can be found at reesinkturfcare. Registration starts at 2pm with the match the morning, starting at 10am. co.uk.
Reesink adds refresher training
BAGMA’s big curling event
14
BAGMA BULLETIN JANUARY– FEBRUARY 2020
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PROMOTIONAL FEATURE
SPAL Targets Growth in 2020 2020 is set to be another bumper year for SPAL Automotive UK with greater inroads into the burgeoning agricultural sector. To drive this forward, SPAL has strengthened its top team with the appointment of Adam Betteridge as Business Development Manager for the agricultural and off highway aftermarkets. An outdoorsman with broad experience in the sector, Adam describes his induction: “Every day is a ‘school day’ as I get to grips with SPAL and its huge product range,” he says. “However, I am really eager to build immediate customer relationships. I am the guy who will put on his wellies to attend a breakdown in the middle of a field so I can relate to the customer on a personal level before I clinch the sale.”
Harper Adams University Scholarship To engage with the agricultural engineers of the future SPAL has launched a new exclusive £2,500 scholarship scheme open to Years 2 & 4 students attending Harper Adams University. Although hidden away as part of the inner workings, SPAL’s range of high performance axial fans and centrifugal blowers feature on the kit of the world’s leading OEM makers of agricultural vehicles and machinery, keeping
hydraulics & engine bays cool and providing HVAC for cabs. The range includes traditional brushed motor and advanced brushless technology driven fans and blowers, the latter being specified for battery cooling in the new generation of electric vehicles. SPAL multi electric fan arrays are Come along and also helping to provide cleaner find out more about operation, low emission solutions brushless technology to facilitate compliance with Stage on stand 160 in the V and Euro 6 standards which making its debut at the BIGGA Blue Zone. SPAL invites the students applying Turf Management Exhibition, for the scholarship to examine. Harrogate Convention Centre, 21st Matthew Morris, MD SPAL Automotive -23rd January 2020. UK says: “The scholarship is a great SPAL fans feature on many of the wellopportunity to raise the profile of SPAL thermal known makes of flail mowers and specialist management systems within the agricultural ground care equipment, so BTME will be a sector and to connect with and inspire young good opportunity raise the profile of its full engineers to help solve the environmental range including advanced technology brushless challenges of the future.” motor fans which are finding favour within the agricultural, forestry and gardening sectors for SPAL debuts at BTME battery cooling in electric machines. The ground care market is another thriving Rated IP6K9K the fully sealed drive units sector for SPAL as its products are featured are smart controlled for precision thermal on the kit of leading makes of flail mowers and management, resulting in increased efficiency other specialist equipment and so SPAL will be and reduced emissions.
LAMMA REVIEW
Innovations at LAMMA 2020 The event was packed with exciting new products. Here are some of the best… McCormick
PRECISION FARMING APPLICATIONS, GPS guidance, ISOBUS and data telematics were among the digital technologies highlighted by McCormick manufacturer Argo Tractors at LAMMA. Not least on the new 230/240hp McCormick X7.624 VTDrive that launched a fourmodel range of more powerful stepless drive tractors for 2020. As a result of a global partnership with Topcon Agriculture, a factory-installed guidanceready option is now available for 141-310hp McCormick X8 VT-Drive, X7 VT-Drive and X7 P6-Drive tractors, as well as a suite of precision farming applications for different Topcon terminals. The Argo Tractors stand also featured the 264-310hp McCormick X8 VT-Drive flagship of the range (pictured), the 205/225hp X7.690 and 141/150hp X7.440 with P6-Drive powershift to illustrate the extremes of the popular X7 Series, and examples of the X6.4 series with both powershift and continuously variable transmissions.
KUHN SB 1290iD
KUHN FARM MACHINERY won three silver medals at LAMMA 2020. Success in the Future Innovation category came for the KUHN I-SPRAY, a development in spot spraying technology that will allow targeted application of herbicides. Kuhn’s Intellimix advanced mixer control system took silver in the Livestock Innovation category. A feature on the company’s triple vertical auger Euromix I 39.3 DL mixer wagon on show at LAMMA, the system works via a continuously variable transmission that is integrated into the tractor controls through ISOBUS. This allows a reduction in start-up torque by up to 50% and – through automated changes to auger speeds in response to loading – optimises the use of power throughout the mixing and feeding process. The silver award in the Arable Innovation category recognises KUHN’s development of its TWINPACT double plunger system, which allows up to 25%
16
Razorback
RAZORBACK LAUNCHED A new range of flail mowers at the event. The line-up includes lightweight machines for compact tractors through to heavy-duty options for the agricultural and amenity user. The RK DS Series, is fitted with a front -and rear-mountable headstock, double-skin chassis and an anti-shock rotor. Available in widths up to 3.2m, these are heavyduty, high-output machines for dense overgrown
higher square bale density without the need for greater tractor power. The plunger operates with split impact, in which the bottom half of the plunger hits the bale first followed by the top half, using the full force available on each impact. This eliminates the need for an oversized driveline, flywheel or mainframe. Available on KUHN’s new SB 1290iD (pictured), the system provides the potential for increased handling, transport and storage efficiencies in all situations, most notably in the growing market for energy crops.
vegetation and grassland. With a cutting width of five metres, the Razorback RT 500 mower features solid construction and efficient rotary blade action for the most demanding agricultural and amenity operations. It is fitted with the high-spec Bondioli & Pavesi gearboxes and drivelines. The 250HP driveline assembly provides ample power to the wing mower’s three triple-blade rotors.
Drone Ag
New easy to use drone technology that will help farmers to walk crops more efficiently was unveiled by Drone Ag. Skippy Scout is a crop monitoring app that uses drones to automatically capture images which are analysed by artificial intelligence to offer arable farmers vital broad acre crop insight. The phone-based app uses GPS and mapping software to fly a drone to points in a field selected by the farmer. The images taken by the drone are interpreted by the app to provide an accurate green area index and count emerging plants. The quality of image collected can also identify weeds and is accurate enough to capture insect damage on a single leaf.
BAGMA BULLETIN JANUARY– FEBRUARY 2020
LAMMA REVIEW
JCB new forks
Mzuri
Mzuri, the British manufacturer of strip tillage machinery, displayed its Pro-Til Select single pass drill, which can drill in a choice of narrower or wider row spacings. The narrow 33cm row spacing suits crops such as wheat, barley and oats whilst the wider 66cm rows make the Select models ideal for crops such as maize, oilseed rape and legumes.
OPICO
OPICO LAUNCHED AN ultra-low disturbance subsoiler in response to the widely acknowledged thinking that reducing the mixing of soil horizons will improve soil health. It is also well documented that reduced surface disturbance is essential in fighting grassweeds. Where a min-till or no-till regime is employed, either constantly or during the rotation, there is a growing demand for effective, low disturbance subsoiling to loosen and fracture the medium depth subsoil to relieve compaction thus assisting drainage, aeration, nitrogen uptake and encouraging crop rooting. OPICO has taken this customer feedback onboard and has worked with HE-VA to design a totally new ultra-low disturbance subsoiler specifically for the UK market. The HE-VA Stealth is a medium depth, ultra-low disturbance subsoiler. Its scalloped straight, front cutting discs cut t hrough tra sh, vegetation and top soil, reduce soil burst and in turn grassweed germination. Legs are staggered in 2 rows to allow residue f low through the machine and reduce the required tractor lift capacity whilst maintaining a lower HP requirement. Leg spacing is standard at 500mm but can be altered to 450mm, 500mm or 550mm, adding versatility for differing soil types and conditions. BAGMA BULLETIN JANUARY– FEBRUARY 2020
As well as launching the WFT Fastrac Two, JCB introduced an improved, higher volume attachment for handling grass and maize into silage clamps. Engineered to fully exploit the enhanced performance of JCB’s latest agricultural wheeled loaders, the JCB 419S and 435S, the new forks come in two sizes, folding out from a compact width for road travel. They have working widths of 3.62m and 4.40m, folding to 2.97m with the wings locked in place. An optional lighting kit and tine guard are available for added safety when on the move, and when the fork is not in use, an integral storage dock keeps hydraulic hose couplings out of the dirt.
Continental Continental launched Agriculture TyreTech, a new mobile app to help farmers use tyres more efficiently. The pressure and load calculator in the app checks the tyre pressure and the load of the vehicle and makes a recommendation to the operator based on the tyres fitted to the vehicle. Using a database of all available Continental tyres, the app is able to cross reference the properties of the tyre with the load of the vehicle and recommend the best tyre pressure. Sales manager Richard Hutchins explained: “The app will reduce soil compaction, reduce tyre wear, increase efficiency and lower fuel consumption.” In addition to the pressure and load calculator, the app also offers technical information on all Continental agricultural tyres and a useful conversion table.
Landini
THE DRIVING EASE and productivity benefits of CVT transmissions technology available in latest Landini tractors was the focus of the Landini section of the Argo Tractors stand. Argo manufactures V-Shift versions of the 166hp to 192hp six-cylinder 7 Series tractors, the 141hp to 176hp four-cylinder 7 Series, and also the 114hp to 140hp fourcylinder Landini 6C tractors. At LAMMA, Landini CVT technology was showcased by the series-topping 6-145C V-Shift, a high-specification midrange machine with 130hp for draft work and up to 140hp for transport and pto-implement applications. Landini product specialist Andy Starbuck noted that manufacturers first introduced CVT technology in the most powerful arable tractors. “But has since filtered down to smaller models,
giving livestock and smaller arable farms, and commercial horticulture, access to the features and benefits it offers,” he said. “Argo Tractors was among the first manufacturers to offer CVT in the 100-140hp power bracket and farmers operating tractors of that size are beginning to appreciate what it has to offer for field and loader work.”
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PRODUCT NEWS
Snickers Workwear New ALLround Work Jackets and Gilets
Unbreakable garden products from recycled rubber PRIMEUR HAS PRODUCED a range of ‘virtually indestructible’ garden products that can endure punishing levels of wear and tear without suffering damage. Unlike traditional materials commonly sold for garden use, Primeur’s Eco Garden range of recycled rubber products will not crack, fade, stain or rot. Not only does this offer advantages for stockists – who benefit from products resistant to damage in the warehouse and on the shop floor – but the durability of the range of planters, pots, stepping stones and borders could also help to build brand loyalty among consumers who are increasingly seeking out sustainable products that will stand the test of time. Jenny Douthwaite, sales
director, said: “Stock wastage due to damage is an industry-wide issue, dragging down profit margins, while container and landscaping product display areas are particularly prone to mishaps. Primeur’s recycled rubber collections – from the award-winning Tierra Verde planters to recycled rubber stepping stones and border collections – are almost indestructible, significantly reducing the risk of product being damaged on the shop floor. The durability of recycled rubber is such that even if our products are dropped or impacted by consumers’ shopping trollies, they are unlikely to suffer any damage, helping retailers to ensure that 100% of an order goes through the tills without any stock ending up in the bin.”
THESE NEW ALLROUNDWORK Jackets and Gilets from Snickers are just what the name suggests – delivering a great all-round performance outdoors with a Ripstop water-resistant outer fabric and a coated inner fabric for extra durability. They’re wind-resistant too and all have the features and functionality that you’d expect in Snickers Workwear clothing. Designed for comfort and flexibility, they’re great-looking working clothes that will keep wearers feeling comfortable wherever they are and whatever they’re doing at work in cold and windy weather. There’s also a range of base- and mid-layer garments plus accessories like gloves, hats, face warmers and beanies to ensure that customers (or staff) stay dry and warm. www.snickersworkwear.co.uk
Etesia’s new ride-on mower ETESIA’S NEW HYDRO 80 MKHP5 ride-on mower can cut and collect in all conditions with the added benefit of a differential lock. The new model joins the popular Hydro 80 range and will give operators extra traction and stability on difficult, uneven and undulating terrain by reducing wheel spin, reducing damage to the grass and aid in cutting presentation. The versatile mower also benefits from a mulching insert included as standard. The 80cm cutting width, 240-litre collecting box and Kawasaki FS481H 11.7 kW engine are also impressive. www.etesia.co.uk
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FULL WEATHER PROTECTION STREET-SMART, STYLISH LOOKS and market-leading GORE-TEX and 37.5 fabric technology make these jackets and trousers from Snickers ideal for outdoors work and leisure activities in the winter. This layered clothing is robust, waterproof and windproof, while the design and fabric combinations keep the wearer’s body in the optimum comfort zone as the weather conditions change. BAGMA BULLETIN JANUARY– FEBRUARY 2020
THE DIRECTORY AXIAL FANS & HEATER BLOWERS
Whatever you harvest always pick SPAL • High performance axial fans and centrifugal blowers • Engine cooling, hydraulics cooling, cab cooling • Long life, reliable, robust. SPAL is a member of BAGMA and a Bira Direct preferred supplier. Contact SPAL direct for member only deals.
ATV SECURITY
POWER TOOLS
Revolutionising ATV & Asset Security A discreet ATV tracker that monitors the movements of your asset in real-time, allowing you to view status and usage history 24/7 with notification of unauthorised movements.
www.spalautomotive.co.uk
www.atvtrac.co.uk
Services built around your business With BAGMA you have access to 30+ services designed to save your businesses both time and money. Here are four services you can start using immediately to benefit your business: • Industry training tailored to your business with BAGMA Training • Preferential buying terms on brands through BAGMA Direct
To view the full range:
• Access to vehicle and equipment loans through BAGMA Bank • Unlimited legal advice and support included through Bira Legal
bagma.com/services
BAGMA Bulletin Jan-Feb 2020 - Services advert.indd 1
09/01/2020 12:24:11
Make big savings on your favourite new vehicles
Over 70 suppliers tailored to you The buying group for Agricultural and Garden Machinery businesses BAGMA.com/bagma-direct
Call us on 0121 227 6656 to discover your discounts.
direct
BAGMA bank is a trading style of Bira Bank limited which 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
BAGMA BULLETIN JANUARY– FEBRUARY 2020
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19/12/2019 13:20:44
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OUT AND ABOUT
Attendees were able to break out in the museum to network with each other
Connecting at the transport museum BAGMA CONNECT HELD its second meeting of the year at the Bury Transport Museum near Manchester. Members and guests from the area surrounding Manchester and into the north of England were invited to a morning meeting, lunch and an opportunity to tour the museum and network with other members. The Bury Transport Museum is a very old building in Bury with some great transport exhibits and a useful meeting room used normally as a classroom for school groups and other training groups. The Connect group had the museum to itself for the day and were able to make use of all the exhibits and facilities. There were 34 delegates representing 24 companies, including speakers and guests. The morning agenda was very varied with a welcome from Connect chairman Andrew Walker of B&B Tractors, a presentation from BAGMA director Keith Christian on the activities and services provided by the trade association. BAGMA president Peter Arrand from Rippon Farm Services provided a presentation on the current situation of apprentice training, proposed T Level Qualifications and the need for recruitment and retention in the landbased engineering sector. This was followed by an update and facts and figures on current Health and Safety prosecutions by Dean Lowe of SafetyAide – which provided a wakeup call on how prosecutions and fines are changing in this area.
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John Halliday, Bira’s marketing director, provided an insight into digital marketing and analysing information through Google Analytics and how to optimise this area of marketing. Paul Bennet from Towergate, BAGMA’s insurance partner, presented on the BAGMA Insurance offering and the issues with insurance surrounding cybercrime and what companies can do to protect themselves with insurance. After lunch, delegates were invited to stay and chat and tour the museum. BAGMA would like to thank all those who attended for taking part. BAGMA Connect is intended to connect
BAGMA director Keith Christian kicks off the meeting
members to each other, to the industry and to BAGMA by way of meetings, social media, the internet and the BAGMA Bulletin, as well as to European dealers through BAGMA’s membership of CLIMMAR, the European umbrella group for our industry’s trade associations.
At Agriscot Brian Sangster of BAGMA congratulates Shaun Groom, general manager of Pottinger UK, on their Product Innovation Award at Agriscot. The Pottinger Impress 125FC Baler Wrapper Combination is from a completely new range of round balers and baler wrappers.
BAGMA BULLETIN JANUARY– FEBRUARY 2020
NOW AVAILABLE FROM TOOLBANK NIGHT LIGHT DOOR CHIME • • • • • • • •
Plug into any 13A socket around your home Operating range up to 120 metres 8 different chimes Automatic soft white LED night light with dusk to dawn sensor Blue flashing chime indicator Sound output of 85db Water resistant bell push (IP55 rated) Includes 1 x CR2032 battery (Bell push)
PORTABLE DOOR CHIME WITH KINETIC BELL PUSH • • • • • • • • •
Use wall mounted or free standing around your home and garden Weather resistant kinetic bell push- no battery required Operating range up to 100 metres 26 different chimes with enhanced quality Three operating modes- Sound only, light only and both together White flashing chime alert Sound output of 85db with volume control Requires 3 x AA batteries (Chime unit) Can be alternatively powered direct from the mains using a 5V DC adaptor (not supplied)
RECHARGEABLE PORTABLE DOOR CHIME • • • • • • • • •
Chime unit recharges using USB cable (supplied) Fully charges in 8 hours and will last for over a week Operating range up to 150 metres 8 different chimes with enhanced sound quality Sound output of 88db with volume control Three operating modes- Sound only, light only and both together Red, green or blue chime alert with two settings- flashing or steady Water resistant bell push (IP55 rated) Includes 1 x CR2032 battery (Bell push)
PLUG IN DOOR CHIME WITH KINETIC BELL PUSH • • • • •
Plug into any 13A socket around your home Weather resistant kinetic bell push- no battery required Operating range up to 100 metres 26 different chimes with enhanced quality Three operating modes- Sound only, light only and both together • White flashing chime alert • Soft white LED light • Sound output of 85db with volume control
For more details on these and the rest of the range, please contact your local Toolbank representative or branch, email marketing@toolbank.com or phone 01322 321460 where someone will be happy to assist.