NEWS BAGMA members sweep the board at New Holland awards

BULLETIN BOARD

KÄRCHER BRANCHES OUT INTO LANDSCAPE GEAR

Kärcher has launched a range of battery-powered, professional landscape management (PLM) tools.

The new range features products including a lawnmower, chainsaw, hedgetrimmer, leaf blower, leaf blower backpack, line trimmer, brush cutter, multi-tool, pole hedge trimmer and a pole chainsaw.

MAKITA EXPANDS LEADING LXT RANGE

Makita UK is expanding its cordless offering with the launch of the LM001CX 36V LXT Brushless Lawnmover.

The LM001CZ is powered by Makita's leading LXT cordless technology so it offers maximum flexibility and increased safety as there is no need to trasport fuel and no emissions are released during operation.

LE-TEC TOP TECHNICIANS ANNOUNCED

Land-based Education and Training Committee (LE-TEC Ltd) is proud to announce the top three winners of their Technicians For 2021 competition.

The judges’ top three winners were Laura Bassnet in first place, Lauren Savage in second place and Chris Laidler in third place.

The awards were designed to celebrate and find the UK’s best Technicians in the Land-based Engineering sector and entrants had to submit a video as to why they enjoy their day-to-day job so much.

IAGRE HOLD AWARDS CEREMONY ONLINE

The Institution of Agricultural Engineers (IAgrE) held its awards in a virtual ceremony.

The IAgrE Annual AGM & Awards Presentation was due to take place on Thursday April 30, 2020, at Amazone Ltd near Doncaster. The coronavirus pandemic meant it was postponed then held online.

Winners included Chris Biddle and David Kirschner for their contribution to the landbased sector.

Rebuild starts at business devastated by fire

ANTHONY DEACON OF dealership MKM Agri, which was devasted by fire in April, said they are looking to the future as they begin the journey to rebuild the business.

Anthony said: “We have made steady progress, but these past weeks have been incredibly difficult.

“Fortunately, a couple of weeks ago our insurer accepted liability and so since then I’ve been working full-time dealing with the claim, working out exactly what’s been lost. It’s difficult but we’re getting there.”

In the fire – believed to be an accident – MKM lost its entire workshop and another lean-to building, which totalled around 4000 sq ft of space. Following the devastation, the firm has continued to operate out of a separate building which houses their office, showroom and parts storage.

“We’re using a small, old shed as our workshop currently, which is about an eighth of the size of what we lost – so far from ideal,” said Anthony

A specialist salvage team has been used to remove debris to get ready for the rebuild.

“The plan is to design an entirely new purpose-built premises. There is a lot to think about with an endeavour such as this and I would be very interested in hearing from other dealers who might have some thoughts about how we might best achieve our goals,” explained Anthony. He said that the level of support they had received from the industry since the fire had been ‘incredible’. “I can’t thank everyone enough for their kind words and offers of help.”

Keith Christian, BAGMA’s Director remembers the incredible fire at Godfrey’s of Sevenoaks many years ago, which destroyed the business. He said lessons needed to be learnt about backing up computer systems so that the business could be restarted quickly – which Godfrey’s were able to do. l Steve Gibbs and Duncan Murray of Service Dealer kindly allowed BAGMA to reproduce this article about the fire at MKM Agri. We all wish to raise awareness of the issues relating to fires on business premises and for people in the industry to offer whatever support they can to get MKM up-and- running again. With supply issues in the industry somethings will not be easy to replace at this time.

Fendt’s new partnership with tyre firm puts them right on track

All new Fendt 200 and 300 series tractors are to be made available with Continental TractorMaster tyres.

The partnership between the two German manufacturers is yet another boost to the investment Continental has made to produce tyres with new technology at their dedicated agricultural production facility in Portugal.

The TractorMaster tyres feature N.Flex Technology, a patent pending, heat-treated nylon that sits beneath the tyre rubber to help it return to its original shape after impact and heavy use. A further technological development is in the wire, or ‘bead’, that helps the tyre hold the rim of the wheel.

Agricultural tyre specialist Richard Hutchins said: “This partnership with Fendt further strengthens the Continental tyre range for agriculture. It also demonstrates that the research and development we have carried out at our production plant in Lousado has attracted the interest and support of one of agriculture’s most influential brands.”

Available tyre sizes for the Fendt 200 and 300 series from Continental include 600/65 R38 and 540/65 R24 as well as 540/65 R34.

Thanks to our members, we are fighting fit, says RHASS

DIRECTORS FROM THE Royal Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland (RHASS) have thanked members for digging deep and helping them survive a turbulent year.

The tribute has been paid after the RHASS published its results for the 2020.

Amid one of the most turbulent times in RHASS history, the Society’s financial returns detail significant losses of income compared to 2019 due to the impact of Covid-19 on the charity’s operations. A ‘no Show’ year and the mass cancellation of events scheduled to take place at the Royal Highland Centre were the main contributors to the Society’s 44% drop in income compared to 2019.

However, thanks to robust financial management and proactive steps taken by RHASS Directors to secure the Society’s future, the results point to optimism for the future thanks to a committed membership, government grants, insurance compensation and new events business generated during this time.

Deep cuts to expenditure, including pay cuts for senior management, redundancies and the postponement of planned upgrading, contributed to drop in expenditure of 46% compared to 2019. While the pandemic devastated the Royal Highland Centre’s events business, there were clear wins with NHS vaccination centre and Royal Mail lettings taking place over the period, a government resilience grant, furlough payments and insurance compensation thereby holding the overall drop in income to £4m.

The success of RHASS’ Save Your Show appeal, which generated just over £250,000 with members and the wider agricultural community making generous donations, also helped to mitigate the loss.

Alan Laidlaw, RHASS Chief Executive, said: “The reality of Covid-19 came into sharp focus early on and we were transparent with our membership and the industry on the impact this could have on the Society’s future.

“Our membership showed their support through retaining and renewing their membership, taking out life membership for family members and, of course, donating to the Save Your Show campaign. I am so proud and humbled to be able to say that, thanks to their efforts, the actions of our trustees and the diversification of activity, the Show has been saved.”

RHASS Chairman Bill Gray added: “There has been a gigantic effort by our membership, volunteer RHASS Directors, staff and the wider agri community, which has ensured the Society has so far weathered this challenging time not onlyintact, but emerging stronger for the future.”

How to make sure your machinery is summer ready

SPRING SIGNALS THE start of the busiest period for outdoor your machinery and Kawasaki has some top tips for minimising downtime and maximising productivity.

Martin Cook, Parts and Technical Manager at Kawasaki Engines, highlights key maintenance tasks to make sure your engine and machines perform at their best this season.

Firstly, remove the spark plugs and check the gap. Oil on a spark plug could be a sign of low compression. Don’t be tempted to clean the carbon deposits off the spark plugs – buy a new one instead.

Engine oil level, loose or lost nuts and screws, fuel and oil leakage, battery electrolyte level and checking for a clear air intake screen are best done daily. Make sure you clean the air cleaner foam element every 25 hours and the spark plugs and air cleaner paper element every 100 hours.

While most of the checking and cleaning can be done by a workshop technician or competent groundsperson, there are some checks best performed by an authorised Kawasaki Engines Dealer such as changing engine oil and filter or adjusting the valve clearance.

If you didn’t drain the tank before storing the machine for winter, you are going to need to check the tank is clear of any water or debris. If in doubt, drain and refill.

One of the most important things you can do for the overall performance of your machine is to make sure the blades are sharp and balanced. All other aspects of the mower’s maintenance can be perfect, but if the blades are dull your engine has to work that much harder to deliver.

With machines heading into their busiest period, make sure you’re preparing them for peak performance. Time spent on routine preventative measures now, will mean any downtime is kept to a minimum and productivity at a maximum.

BAGMA to launch new training course

IN JUNE, BAGMA will be trialling its new two-day training course for Tractor-Trailer Inspection and Brake Testing.

It will be trialled by staff from two dealerships, which have been waiting for the launch of the new course. This will help perfect the delivery of the course and provide BAGMA with much-needed feedback on the course before it is rolled out formally. Importantly, the course will cover updates on legislation and the application of an inspection process for both tractors and trailers as well as the operation of a recognised brake performance testing procedure.

It will also cover the latest braking systems and load valve operations. Call BAGMA HQ on 01295 713344 for more details.

Stihl offers a brush with the best

STIHL HAS LAUNCHED two new highperformance brushcutters.

The new robust and powerful brushcutters build on the popularity of the FSA 130 with new compatibility with STIHL’s AP battery system, making it ideal for contractors and grounds management tackling large areas of grass and brush with a variety of cutting attachments.

The FSA 135 bike handle brushcutter comes with the GrassCut 260-2 blade as standard and has an expected working time of 100 minutes when used with the recommended AP 300 S battery. The FSA 135 R loop handle version comes with an AutoCut 26-2 line head and has an expected working time of 45 minutes when used with an AP 300 S battery.

The new cordless tools feature a traditional brushcutter layout from the petrol models, with engine, drive-shaft and gearbox, meaning that the FSA 135 can fit metal cutting attachments designed for brush and wood.

Both models feature ergonomic control, as well as variable trigger speed control for energyefficient working and longer running times.

For more information on STIHL’s range visit www.stihl.co.uk

New appointments at Briggs & Stratton

BRIGGS & STRATTON has welcomed two new team members.

Deon Horn has joined the company as director technical service EMEA. He is based in the German office and is responsible for technical support, training and warranty in the EMEA region. Deon has held various international service positions within the automotive industry.

Deon is taking over from Barry Goodchild who, during his 22 years with the company has held various positions in the UK and Germany.

Jamie Hokenhull has been appointed the new service technician responsible for supporting UK and Ireland dealers and OEM customers. Like Deon, Jamie is based in the German office where the company has centralised some of their EMEA technical support resources. Jamie joins after more than nine years in the British Army, where he served as a mechanic.

Jürgen Rehg, responsible for the after sales and service business in EMEA, said: “We are confident that we will be able to continue offering the superior support our customers are used to. The centralisation of some of our technical resources in Germany should allow us to even better react to peaks in demand and use our technical expertise in a more efficient way.”

Award recognises Ag company is a CLAAS act

CLAAS UK IS the winner of the Institution of Agricultural Engineer’s (IAgrE) 2021 Team Achievement Award.

Trevor Tyrrell, Senior Vice President (Western Europe & Oceania) and CEO CLAAS UK, was presented with the prestigious IAgrE 2021 Team Achievement Award at a ceremony held virtually.

The award is given in recognition of successful teamwork and demonstrates what can be achieved with collaboration.

Presenting the award IAgrE President Paul Hemingway said: “The award was made to CLAAS for their contribution to the industry both in terms of products offered and engagement in agricultural engineering.”

Charlie Nicklin, CEO of IAgrE, added: “CLAAS UK has fully engaged with agricultural engineering education in the UK, both with colleges and other organisations for teaching and demonstration purposes. They have supported graduate training for students at Harper Adams University with student placements in the UK and at the CLAAS headquarters in Germany.”

On receiving the award Trevor said: “When Helmut Claas was asked about CLAAS’ secret of success, his answer was clear and unpretentious: ‘There is no secret, just good ideas and motivated people’.

“Those good ideas and motivated people have created a team in CLAAS UK who are striving to bring talented young people into our industry, and train them to the highest standards across a wide spectrum of disciplines. I am very proud to accept the IAgrE Team Award on behalf of the CLAAS UK team, who fully deserve it in recognition of the benefits that their work has brought to the agricultural engineering industry as a whole in the UK and Ireland. Paul added: “Their staff have also been committed to service technician education through contribution to LE-

TEC."

AEA elects new President

THE AGRICULTURAL ENGINEERS Association (AEA) has elected a new President.

Shaun Groom, General Manager of Merlo UK Ltd, has been appointed to the role following two years as Chairman of the AEA’s Farm Equipment Council.

Upon taking up his tenure as President, Shaun offered his thoughts as to why membership of the AEA has never been more beneficial than it is right now.

“It is in challenging times such as we face now that the industry can draw real value in coming together as members of the AEA. Whether it be dealing with new import or export regulations in a post-Brexit transition marketplace or understanding what implications Covid-19 restrictions mean for our industry, the AEA has the expert staff and knowledge in place to support a members business,” said Shaun.

“In the not so distant future new technical challenges await manufacturers as the pressure to replace fossil fuels with greener alternatives and stiff carbon net zero targets find their way to the sectors our members operate in. As equipment manufacturers harness alternative forms of power, the drafting of new regulations and standards will be required to ensure safety and compliance

“Working to ensure that future regulations are both workable and valid for the industry and the environment, is a critical role the AEA fulfils. As we all adapt to a digital world the AEA has invested in staff and resources to keep the association at the forefront of those changes”.

Having spent nearly three decades in the agricultural machinery business Shaun has held positions in both retail and wholesale agricultural machinery operations. He’s worked in the UK and Europe, and New Zealand. He’s been at Merlo UK since the start of the year.

Ruth Bailey, CEO of the AEA, added: “We are absolutely delighted Shaun has accepted the role of President of the association. Shaun’s experience and knowledge will bring a powerful voice to the sector at a time when we face some of our most serious issues.”

Agriculture

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