Focus Kramp Customer Magazine
Edition 1 | 2015
COVER STORY
16
PAGE
6
PAGE
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KRA FOCUS 0115 GB
DRIVERLESS TRACTORS IS THIS THE FUTURE?
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Farmcomp
Ask the Expert
Kramp Academy
Experts in moisture measurements
Claas parts
Ladies only courses
Advertisement
System UX
patent pending
240 l/min Nieuw · Neu · New · Nouveau Alternatief voor / Ersatz für Alternative for / Alternative à PARKER RSD 501 Serie FASTER 3CFPV Serie
Wij kunnen het beter: het 240-liter systeem
Wir können mehr: Das 240-Liter-System
We can do better: the 240-litre system
Encore plus performant: le système 240 litres
De koppelingsserie UX voldoet ruimschoots aan de eisen voor ISO 7241-1 Serie A en ISO 5675 voor de agrarische sector en in compromisloos ontwikkeld voor maximale efficiëntie.
Die Kupplungsserie UX übertrifft die Anforderungen der ISO 7241-1 Serie A und ISO 5675 für den landwirtschaftlichen Bereich und ist kompromisslos auf Höchstleistung ausgelegt.
The coupling series UX exceeds the requirements of ISO 7241-1 series A and ISO 5675 for the agricultural sector and is uncompromisingly designed for maximum efficiency.
De UX serie koppelingshulzen is verkrijgbaar in twee lengtematen en is daarom geschikt als alternatief voor de 3CFPV serie van Faster en de RSD 501 serie van Parker.
Die Kupplungsmuffe der Serie UX ist in zwei unterschiedlichen Baulängen erhältlich und ist kompatibel mit der Serie 3CFPV von FASTER und der Serie RSD 501 von PARKER.
The series UX coupling sleeve is available in two different overall lengths and is therefore compatible with the FASTER 3CFPV and PARKER RSD 501 series.
La série de coupleurs UX surpasse les exigences des normes ISO 7241-1 Série A et ISO 5675 pour les applications agricoles, avec une conception sans compromis pour les plus hautes performances. Les coupleurs de la série UX sont disponible en 2 longueurs pour être compatible et parfaitement interchangeable avec la série 3CFPV de FASTER et la série RSD 501 de PARKER.
240 l/min
ISO 7241 / ISO 5676
Push-Pull Funktion Push-pull function Fonction Push-Pull
High-Flow Ventileinheit High-flow valve unit Vanne High-Flow
Geringer Druckverlust Limited pressure loss Faible perte de pression
Rücklaufvolumenstrom Return volumetric flow Débit de retour
Mechanisches Rastsystem Mechanical locking system Système d’enclenchement mécanique
Voswinkel GmbH · Neugrünenthal · D-58540 Meinerzhagen · Germany · Phone: +49 (0) 23 54 / 705-0 · Fax: +49 (0) 23 54 / 705-150 · Internet: www.voswinkel.net
EDITORIAL
Looking to the future When you run a company, you don’t just think about what is happening today — you also need to look to the future. You must ensure that your company is ready for the future and that it can adjust promptly to changing circumstances. That is not always an easy task, and definitely not at a time when new technological developments are coming along at an ever increasing rate. In this issue of Focus, we take a look at what life might look like for a farmer from a long term perspective, based on articles that have appeared in a range of media in our sector. Entrepreneurship is high on our list of priorities at Kramp. In order to develop this entrepreneurship to its full potential, we have to create the right conditions. Employees must feel free to think and act innovatively, be able to identify opportunities and to convert these opportunities into specific actions. As well as initiating innovations ourselves, such as innight transport, the red Kramp container, our webshop and the fact that we are now actively investigating the opportunities created by 3D printing—we also think it is important that our suppliers, who we work with as partners, also demonstrate an innovative approach. We are always happy to help our suppliers translate these innovations into a product that is ready to take to the market. Of course, your eyes are also open to the future — you are also innovating. This is another area where we are keen to work together with you. If you have a good idea and/or if you need our help with innovations, we would be happy to hear from you. After all, working together makes us stronger and ensures we are better prepared for the future. And it’s a future that I think we can look forward to with confidence. Eddie Perdok Kramp Group CEO
CONTENTS 4 News Product news
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Kramp Group New Executive Board
6 Supplier portrait Farmcomp
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Merchandising New service
8 Cover story Glimpse into the future
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Customer Portrait Agrimec Agricultural Machinery
13 Know How Name your shopping cart
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Kramp Faces Alwyn Roach/Fraser Durno
14 Highlight Women in agriculture
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Kramp Academy Ladies only
16 Ask the expert Claas parts from a single source
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Mosaic An interview with Kate Beavan
18 Product test GYSMI 130 P
30
Pinboard Customer news
20 History Potato harvesters
1 | 2015 Focus
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NEWS
Betafence
NEW
Protection when you need it
More choice from Gopart
Gopart PTO
Betafence have been providing high quality fencing in Sheffield for over 130 years. As the leader in product, service and application innovation, Betafence sets standards of excellence for the entire fencing industry. Rylock® green is the Betafence premium range of fencing wires and staples. Suitable for a wide range of applications, Rylock is designed to give high quality and longevity. They can last up to 3 times longer than standard galvanised fencing wires. Rylock One and Sentinel brands offer alternative products with the same benefits as Rylock Green, but with some refinements for price conscious applications. Place orders for single rolls or pallet quantities, Kramp can help with excellent availability, fast service and Rylock® quality. For more information visit www.kramp.com
Gopart PTO from Kramp offers you a wide range of products for every need. As a recognised competitive brand, our Gopart range gives customers a better choice and exceptional service. Visit www.kramp.com for further details.
Trimmerline
Professional multi-line Kramp offer a wide range of professional multiline trimmer line suitable for the occasional and professional user. Available in a variety of thicknesses, trimmer line from Kramp is 100% virgin raw material with no compromises on quality. Kramp line is extruded from a blend of the best raw materials and additives and are selected to meet our stringent specifications. Thorough tests are performed at the manufacturing plant on each and every batch. Kramp have everything you need to get you up and running again. For a full range contact us on 01767 602600.
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Timken®
Metric tapered bearings added to assortment Kramp and Timken® can offer you high quality tapered bearings appropriate for a broad range of agricultural, automotive and industrial applications. In 2013, the existing inch-sized cup and cone series expanded to over 3,600 parts available via www.kramp.com. Kramp have now added the ISO-series (Metric sized) to the assortment as well. By adding this series, Kramp is able to offer you tapered bearings of the highest quality, whether you opt for INA-FAG or Timken... It’s that easy.
Gopart Seating
Low cost with exceptional quality Kramp offer a range of Gopart seats, which include Air, Mechanical and Cantilever suspension options. With specifications you would recognise on more expensive products, Gopart seats are a budget seat alternative. Contact us on 01767 602600 for further details, or visit the website www.kramp.com
Ultrasonic cleaners from James
Cleaning made simple These industrial specification ‘Ultra-Sonic’ cleaners are designed for the toughest of applications. The range has been improved and is more efficient than ever. Featuring, high power and high quality models, available in tank sizes from 3 litres to 6 litres. Models 3D, 4D and 6D come with a built in heater, smart LCD screen display, stainless steel basket and lid, quick start memory and 2 years warranty, all as standard. SeaClean2 is the powerful concentrate that should be used with these units, it is formulated especially for easy cleaning of the technical and intricate components often seen in agricultural and garden machinery. Contact Kramp on 01767 602600 for further details.
Peak performance at a competitive price
Gopart Oil
Comprehensive range of solutions
Plasson plastic pipe fittings Plasson’s comprehensive range of solutions for connecting PPE can be found in over 80 countries worldwide. The combination of Plasson’s high quality products and first class customer service make it a world leader in the production of plastic pipe fittings. Contact one of our sale specialists to discuss your requirements on 01767 602600.
GYS NEW
Lubrication provides reliable protection for metal parts in machines against corrosion and wear. It is at the heart of every service and extends the life of moving parts. Kramp has a range of oils and greases for the budget conscious buyer, offering a high level of quality and performance and providing you with the assurance that your customer’s machines are optimally lubricated. For a full range of Gopart oils and greases, contact Kramp on 01767 602600 or visit the website www.kramp.com
New partnership
GYS established in the 1960s as a manufacturer for transformers for French electricity company EDF. During the 1970s they began to manufacture traditional electric welding machines and battery chargers in order to support the maintenance of agricultural equipment. They now are one of the world’s leading manufacturers and brands of welding equipment and battery chargers for just about every application from home and domestic use to high end industrial applications. Kramp is now the agricultural partner for the GYS brand in the UK market, carrying a wide range of welders, welding accessories and battery chargers.
1 | 2015 Focus
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A strong partner
Farmcomp: experts in moisture measurement Based in the Finnish town of Tuusula, Farmcomp has a long history. The company was founded in 1938 and invented the portable moisture meter for grain during the 1960s.
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SUPPLIER PORTRAIT
B
ecause the company has always specialised in the development and production of accurate and reliable moisture meters, its own brand WILE has evolved into one of the most commonly used moisture meters in the world. The moisture meters are used for various kinds of grain and seed, such as wheat, rye and coffee. It is also used to measure products such as tobacco, cotton and wood (biomass). In addition, WILE provides meters for measuring hay or silage in compressed bales. These can be operated manually or mounted as a set on round or square balers. Reliable measurements allow the user to make a quick and sound decision on the suitability of these products for harvesting and storage. Farmcomp continues to invest in the quality, reliability and accuracy of WILE meters. The WILE 200 was recently developed following extensive research and feedback from users. Compatible with up to 40 selectable kinds of grain and all their local properties and with the ability to measure hectolitre weights, this meter really is the ultimate flagship of the WILE range.
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Close involvement Farmcomp specifically chose Kramp to be its partner. For a number of years, Kramp and Farmcomp have worked in partnership to supply WILE to the agricultural market. In addition to Kramp's expert knowledge of these products, Farmcomp has trained a number of Kramp's specialists to provide services and carry out calibrations or updates when necessary. What's more, Kramp is always closely involved in new developments, focussing in particular on specific types of local grain which Farmcomp preprogrammes for Kramp as the equipment's default settings. This is a strong partnership that ultimately benefits the user. n
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The WILE meters are produced in Finland. 2
Farmcomp are visable at all exhibitions in Europe to promote their products. 3
Farmcomp continues to invest in the quality, reliability and accuracy of WILE meters.
The moisture meters are used for various types of grain and seed, such as wheat, rye and coffee.
1 | 2015 Focus
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COVER STORY
Glimpse into the future
Steering wheel gives way to screen
Is this what our work environment is going to look like?
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T
he driverless tractors have been working in the field for some hours now and are nearly ready to return to the barn. Meanwhile a number of drones are taking to the sky to
measure the initial results of the seeding. They just take an hour to complete their task and automatically know their way back to the loading dock where the data they have gathered is analysed by the computer.
In the meantime the tractors have parked in their designated spaces in the barn. These electrically powered vehicles are automatically charged up and will soon be able to run on full power again. While this is happening, the data from the drones, having been analysed by the computer, is loaded into the tractors’ onboard computers. This will tell them exactly how much fertiliser and spray needs to be used in which areas next time out. A little way away, robots are busy in the greenhouses gathering in the first harvest of the year. A job that once occupied five people can now be tackled by farmer Williams on his own; all he needs to do is keep checking the screens.
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Rapid developments
Does all this seem rather far-fetched? For now this scenario is just a futuristic vision, but what will things be like in ten or twenty, not to mention fifty, years’ time? The depicted scenario might well be a reality then. In a world in which the demand for food continues to grow but space remains limited, new developments and opportunities are of the essence. GPS is an instrument that has become a standard and is now being used more and more. Drones were unheard of ten years ago but are now operated by an increasing number of agrarian businesses all over the world. Research conducted by the UK’s Farmers Weekly magazine has revealed that milking robots and smartphones are among the most popular technological tools used by farmers. “Work in the agrarian sector is becoming increasingly technical and hightech machines ensure that agrarians are able to work with greater precision, waste less and significantly increase productivity. This in turn increases profit margins, which is very important given the heavy downward pressure on profits”, were the words of James Andrews from Farmers Weekly.
25 April | 7am
The alarm clock goes off at 7am. Before making his cup of coffee, farmer Williams uses his tablet to check the state of play on his farm. The cows have now been milked by the milking robot and are happily grazing in the meadow. 1 | 2015 Focus
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Plants with WiFi
On the AGWEB website the futurist Jim Carroll envisages even more than the situation portrayed above. He believes that we’re getting to the stage now where plants will be able to analyse themselves and give signals whenever they need water or nutrients. “It is not too far-fetched to picture the concept of ‘smart plants’, which are connected to a computer. What’s more, connectivity in the broadest sense of the word is a topic that is paving the agrarian sector’s way into the future.” Self-thinking plants are perhaps a distant notion, but you shouldn’t be surprised if you soon start to see driverless tractors being driven over the fields. Indeed, that’s already happening on a small scale. Manufacturers such as Fendt have already spent nearly 10 years working on this development. The technology is already there; so much is possible thanks to GPS. The challenge that remains to be addressed is the task of getting tractors to think for themselves. To ride up and down a field is one thing, but what can you do to stop it running over the farmer’s dog?
Driverless tractors
Fendt is one of the first manufacturers to develop driverless tractors. The brand’s first model was showcased at Agritechnica in 2011. The concept that Fendt adopted was (and still is) called the “following method”. By this principle, the tractor in front is driven by a person while being connected to the driverless tractor behind. The tractor behind follows the first tractor at a fixed distance so that its speed is automatically kept in check. 10
Work in the agrarian sector is becoming increasingly technical and high-tech machines ensure that agrarians are able to work with greater precision, waste less and significantly increase productivity.
COVER STORY
World population will grow from 2 billion to According to the UN, there will be a need for Plants connected via the WiFi network and tractors that drive themselves. Still a futuristic vision for now, but where will we be in ten or twenty, not to mention fifty years time?
70% more food
9 billion Biggest challenge: shortage of fresh water for growing food demand
1 billion tons
There will be a need for
of wheat, rice and cereals Livestock must grow by
200 million tons
Grain harvest will need to double compared to today
A further step forward has now been made in the development of fully automated tractors that use laser technology. Instead of being driven by a person, the tractor is operated by means of controllers that can keep track of several tractors at a distance. Another technological development is the use of GPS. Maps are preloaded into the tractor’s onboard computer and a GPS system allows the tractor to navigate itself independently along a pre-set route. We are currently still waiting for the development of a tractor or other kind of self-propelled machine that can operate completely automatically. While it remains to be seen how such a development can be achieved, this futuristic vision might well be a reality in ten years’ time.
Alternative fuel
Even though diesel is still the most commonly used fuel, developments in this area are ongoing. Back in 2009 New Holland presented its prototype of a hydrogenpowered tractor. Various manufacturers are working hard to develop electric and hybrid vehicles. Brands including John Deere and Fendt have been working on the development of electric models. The operating range of these tractors remains a stumbling block but some big steps forward are expected to be made in this area over the next few years.
Automatic fuel generation
Another interesting alternative can be seen in gas-powered tractors, particularly those fitted with biogas engines. Biogas generated on site could be used for this purpose, thus making agricultural contractors and farms self-sufficient as far as their fuel needs are concerned. Valtra has fitted various Hitech and Hitech 5 models in its N series with dual fuel engines. These models can run on natural gas, biogas and diesel. The standard engines have been adapted so that they can run on two different kinds of fuel. Most of the horsepower is generated from gas (83%) when diesel is injected. It is obvious that major developments are going to be made in this area over the coming years. Against this backdrop, the developments that are currently in progress are particularly interesting for the agrarian and mechanical sectors. The way in which people work today is incomparable with the situation fifty years ago and in fifty years’ time people will probably be looking back at us now in the same light. n Sources: Farmers Weekly, www.agweb.com
1 | 2015 Focus
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Pipe, tube and hose clamps Test couplings and hoses Filters and filter elements Measuring and testing devices Hydraulic accessories Flow control and ball valves Flanges and fittings
Walter Stauffenberg GmbH & Co. KG Im Ehrenfeld 4 ยง 58791 Werdohl ยง Germany ยง Tel.: +49 23 92 / 9 16 - 0 ยง sales@stauff.com
www.stauff.com
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Kramp Focus 01-2015 EN.indd 1
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20.03.2015 10:21:53
KNOW-HOW
Product information always up to date
Changing your shopping cart’s name to suit your preferences In the webshop it is really easy to change or share the name of your shopping cart. This helps the ordering process and makes things clearer for accounting purposes.
It is also easy to export a list of favourites into a shopping cart. This comes in handy when placing orders on a regular basis or when various parts need to be ordered from a single list on a project-by-project basis.
There is no limit to the number of shopping carts and favourites lists that can be created.
How do you change the name of a shopping cart? Click on the shopping cart in the top right corner (your order reference) to change the name.
Favourites list
It is also possible to keep your shopping cart private or share it with others. You might, for example, want to create one shopping cart for warehouse staff and another one for stock in your store. Changing the shopping cart’s name can also help your invoicing and accounts because the revised name is printed on the invoices issued by Kramp. To make things even clearer it is also possible to change the name of a product.
Your favourites are shown next to the shopping cart in the top right corner. Click on the star to open your active favourites list. Click on the arrow to open the menu. It is quick and simple to create, change or remove a favourites list in the menu. It is also possible to add an item to the favourites list by clicking on the item itself (two options: “in the shopping cart” or “add to favourites”). A favourites list is useful for frequently ordered products and enables customers to create a complete list of products as a single favourite. This comes in handy when the same products need to be ordered regularly in order to build machines. n
The benefits of giving a shopping cart a name are mainly administrative whereas the benefits of creating favourites are mainly to be seen in the ordering process.
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HIGHLIGHT
Women in agriculture
Backbone of the family When I was elected in February as Deputy President of the NFU, all the talk seemed to be about the fact that I was a woman. The first woman to take on a national office holder post in the union’s 106 year history. That might have been the case, but the fact of the matter is, women have always been involved in agriculture. My own mother was like many other women, the backbone of our family farming business. Not only did she cook, clean, and do all the farm paperwork, she was always on hand as ‘free’ farm labour. Calving cows, rounding up escapee cattle in the middle of the night, picking up spare machinery parts, trips to the vet for vital life saving medicines. You name it, she did it.
F
arms in the UK are predominantly family farms. This is also the case across much of the European Union. Family farming businesses can be large scale businesses with often just a husband and wife at the top, juggling enormous amounts of regulatory paperwork alongside running a business and bringing up a family. Businesses based from home don’t usually have the tiers of modern human resources teams that other businesses have access to. So, this all adds to the very changing role of women in agriculture and to make the role even more challenging, for women on smaller farms we see many cases where the wife or husband has taken on secondary work in order to keep the farming income supplemented. I speak to many women in agriculture who are juggling farming commitments and family whilst coping with what is often a full time job. Prior to taking up my role in the NFU I founded Ladies in Beef with Devon farmer, Jilly Greed. We were both frustrated by the drab unimaginative image surrounding the British beef industry. So the two of us got together and decided that we would gather like minded professional women beef farmers from across the country to tell the story of British beef. In four years we have gone from a
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Women always have been and always will be at the forefront of these changes Minette Batters, NFU Deputy President
small group of six, to over 100 women across the country. Our flagship event is the Great British Beef Week, which takes place every year around St George’s Day - April 23rd. It’s a wonderful opportunity for us to encourage shoppers to buy British Red Tractor beef and celebrate the English national day. We link up with RABI and hold dinners and fundraising events across the country, inviting the local press, radio and hopefully television along to champion not only the eating quality of British beef, but the vital role it plays as part of a balanced diet. Particularly important in the diet of children, ensuring that they get the right amount of iron and other vital nutrients and minerals. Of course British Red Tractor beef is not just about a great eating experience. The role of our grazing herds plays a hugely significant part in shaping our landscape and ensuring that we maintain the large proportion of land mass that can’t be cropped and needs to be grazed in order for our environment to flourish. Food production across the world has changed and continues to change to meet the growing demands from an ever increasing world population. Women always have been, and always will be at the forefront of those changes in the years to come. n
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All Claas parts from a With 300,000 new product links you are guaranteed to find the right part
Kramp is the right place to go if you urgently need parts for a Claas machine. Virtually any wearable part for a Claas machine can be ordered from the webshop. This edition of “Ask the expert” features interviews with 3 Product Group Managers.
Setting new standards with the Claas spare parts (l to r): Product Managers Dominic Franssens, Thomas Dupont und Klaas Peter van de Pol.
Why should I choose Claas parts from Kramp?
What is the quality like?
Thomas Dupont:There are many reasons why you should choose Kramp. One of the biggest benefits if you’re looking for tractor parts is the structure we have integrated into the webshop. It is really easy to find the right part. That’s a particularly big help during the seasons when you need to order things quickly.
Klaas Peter van de Pol: The quality is simply outstanding. The parts are really good value for money. That’s what makes the product range so strong. We carry out practical tests to ensure that the user receives a top quality product. No matter which Claas machine needs which parts, you know the quality will be good.
Dominic Franssen: An important point is speed of delivery. During the harvest season it is particularly important to quickly get machines up and running again and to minimise down time. We have virtually every part in stock. This means that ordered parts can be delivered and fitted within a short space of time – often arriving the day after the order was placed.
For which Claas machines can parts be ordered?
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Dominic: Practically any machine. From tractors to harvesting machines and machines for use with grass and animal feed. Wearable parts in each and every sector can be ordered from the webshop.
ASK THE EXPERT
single source
Are these parts only for recent machine models? Thomas: Not at all. I am responsible for the tractors and we have parts for tractors that go as far back as the Renault era. And I’m not just talking about Claas models. We have a broad range of wearable parts for all tractor brands.
We have the right spare parts for your machine, whether it’s a tractor or combine harvester. With 300,000 products in our webshop, the right Claas part is easy to find and delivered quickly.
Klaas Peter: Just to clarify: our range is not limited to tractor parts. We also have an extensive range of parts for Claas’ many types of hay making machines, including large surface mowers, hay tedders, rakes and, of course, balers and loader wagons. In addition, Kramp also boasts a wide range of parts for self-propelled machines such as choppers and combine harvesters. In the webshop we have a wide range of parts for all Claas machines; the parts are easy to find and can be delivered quickly.
Why might some companies not opt for original Claas parts? Dominic: Not everyone has access to these parts. We give Claas dealers as well as non-Claas dealers access to a wide range of parts that are suitable for Claas machines, parts that we know offer outstanding value for money. We make things easy for our customers: all parts are easy to find and order and delivered quickly. This avoids unnecessary down time. n
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PRODUCT TEST
Welding machine
GYSMI 130 P Easy to use, compact and sturdy. The GYS welder has unbeatable qualities that cannot be matched.
GYS welding unit
What do our customers think? We put the welding machine to the test and here are the results.
Product number: 014732GYS Special features: Lightweight (2.9kg) and compact Benefits: Portable Range of applications: For all types of electrodes: rutile, standard, stainless steel, cast iron and direct current (DC) Max. primary current (A): 13 Welding current range 230V (-A): 10-130 Max. electrode Ø (-mm): 3.2 Frequency (Hz): 50 / 60 Duty cycle at 40°C - 60%: 45 Dimensions L x W x H (mm): 410 x 320 x 150
1. First impression
2. Do the electrodes start up properly?
3. Welding quality
4. Would you recommend it?
It is a conveniently small machine and it looks good
It starts up well
The device welds well at both low and high current
We use it in the service van and it’s just the right size. We would definitely recommend it
It has made a good first impression. The information is well presented
It worked amazingly well
The machine welds really well
Yes, but only for small welding jobs
The packaging is a little too colourful for my taste. The quality is excellent. Unfortunately not all the instructions were available in German
Excellent, we haven’t had any problems
The quality is perfect for small welding jobs. Our mechanic was really happy
Absolutely! It’s an excellent device for domestic as well as professional use
Themmen Ferwert (NL)
Vincent Dupin PCE, Veretz (FA)
Sebastian Kreppel Peiffer GmbH & CO.KG (D)
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The Nord-Lock Group is a world leader in bolt securing systems. We offer a unique combination of bolting expertise and a wide product range, including wedge-locking solutions and Superbolt tensioners.
Rea Valley Tractors, UK
Ask your customer specialist at Kramp for free product samples and get them with your next shipment.
1. What is your first impression? Good packaging, looks good quality. It could do with a description on the packaging.
2. Do the electrodes start up properly? Had no problems with it. They all worked well.
3. What do you think of the welding quality? Excellent quality. The welding joint is a good size.
4. Would you recommend this device? Absolutely. I would recommend it to anyone.
n
Nord-Lock Benelux B.V. info@nord-lock.nl www.nord-lock.nl
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HISTORY
Potato harvesters: a relatively recent development
Many hands give way to a single machine Anyone who now sees large potato harvesters at work could barely imagine that there was once a time when all this work had to be done by hand. The job now performed by large four-row harvesters, either trailed or self-propelled, once had to be carried out by scores of people.
In the early years potato harvesting was a tough job that needed to be done collectively on the principle of "many hands make light work". It was a task that required none of the special skills needed for extracting flax fibre, but it certainly was extremely laborious. The grubbing was therefore mostly done by men. Depending on the type of soil, various tools were used to bring the potatoes up to the surface. The potato grubbing hook, a hook with broad teeth on a long handle, was mostly used in loose sandy soil. A flat pitchfork, grubbing fork or shovel would be used if the potatoes had not been earthed up. These tools were also useful for digging in heavier types of soil. While grubbing was mainly a man's job, the gathering and sorting was a suitable job for anyone. Women, children and the elderly would be seen gathering potatoes in the fields during the harvest season. All in all, this was an extremely timeconsuming job.
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Before too long a number of tools were invented to make life easier for potato growers. The first trailed potato harvesters appeared on the market in around 1900. However, since the harvesting process involved not just grubbing but also gathering and sorting, it took a long time for a machine to be developed that could master all these tasks together. This machine only appeared on the market ten years after the end of the Second World War. Initially it was manufactured mainly in the UK and Germany but, as time went by, a number of Dutch and, most notably, Belgian brands quickly started to gain a foothold and the harvesters got larger and larger. The two-row harvesters soon evolved into four-row harvesters and the development did not stop there: nowadays harvesters, both trailed and self-propelled models, continue to harvest potatoes at ever-increasing speed and in increasingly large volumes. The bunkers used to store potatoes are also getting larger and larger. No definitive decision has yet been made as to whether or not self-propelled machines should take the place of trailed ones. However, given that various manufacturers are producing both
HISTORY
versions, it is clear that the demand for self-propelled machines is on the up. Grimme, Dewulf, AVR, Ploeger and Ropa are currently the manufacturers with the largest market shares. In recent years these producers have launched various new models and more can be expected in years to come as technology continues to progress. n
The mechanisation of potato harvesters is a development that started relatively late, but major steps forward have been made in recent years.
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KRAMP GROUP
Kramp and Grene integrate and take a step forward
New composition of Kramp Group’s Executive Board In January this year, Kramp Group announced a number of changes to the composition of its Exectuive Board. Carsten Thygesen, the former CEO of Grene, has joined the Executive Board. Simultaneously, Steffen Schutze and Sybrand Brouwer, although remaining within the Kramp business, are no longer members of the Executive Board. In 2013, Kramp Group and Grene Group amalgamated to form a strong business. 2014 saw the first steps of this amalgamation, through identifying and capitalising on synergies in purchasing and product ranges. Now Kramp is taking the next step with its realistic growth ambition in Europe: the integration of both companies and the optimisation of these synergies.
From left to right: Tom Wolterinck (Operations), Mario Babic (Sales), Eddie Perdok (CEO), Hans Scholten (CFO), Carsten Thygesen (Product Management)
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teffen Schütze and Sybrand Brouwer have been members of the executive board since 2009. Using his sales experience and knowledge of the market, Steffen Schütze was instrumental in the development of new markets in Eastern and Southern Europe and supervising their growth. He has always acted from the principles of staying close to the customer and customer first. Steffen will use his experience and expertise in his new position as Sales Director of the Nordic region. Sybrand Brouwer is an entrepreneur with an eye for detail and a great affinity for the reach and strength of trading online. His appointment as Director of INDI.nl will give him the opportunity to further develop the online business model.
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Robust and ambitious The appointment of Carsten Thygesen, as a member of Kramp’s Executive Board confirms the joint European ambition. Carsten became CEO of the Grene Group in 2003. He was directly involved in the merger negotiations with the Kramp Group and led the synergy team following the merger. As a member of the Kramp Group’s Executive Board, Thygesen will be leading the Product Management structure. Eddie Perdok (CEO): “2014 was a good year for us, with a positive result. A year in which we saw that Kramp and Grene reinforce each other. We are a healthy and robust company with a clear ambition to grow towards a turnover of €725 million in 2015. I am convinced that Carsten’s experience will strengthen the team to realise this ambition and honour the promise we made to our customers: ‘It’s that easy’.” n
MERCHANDISING
New service
Merchandise shop offers new opportunities Kramp has added a new service to its range: merchandise webshops. Kramp single-handedly takes care of the webshop's design, management and product range in line with the customer's wishes.
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he first of these webshops went live at the start of the year. Kramp single-handedly takes care of merchandising activities for the tractor brands DeutzFahr and SAME. Other brands will soon follow. Rick Pak, OE Partnerships Specialist, explained the benefits: “We take all the work off our customers' shoulders. We take care of the webshop, keep the stock up to date, adjust the product range when necessary and ensure that the payment system is in good working order. Ordered products are of course sent to the customer as quickly as possible."
We take the strain off our partner." Rick Pak
A merchandise webshop may interest a number of different target groups. Pak: "For the manufacturer it is a nice way of promoting their brand, for dealers it can generate additional revenue and for the brand's fans it is an easy way of buying merchandise." This merchandising concept is not confined to a webshop. "Depending on the customer's preferences, it is possible to expand the webshop by means of 'shop modules'. These are installed inside the store so that consumers visit dealers in person." Consumers who order items via the webshop can pay quickly and simply by credit card. In addition to the webshop and shop modules, this service also offers marketing support. "For instance, we can provide flyers, brochures or promotional materials that can be placed inside the shop. In short, we offer a complete package." n
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CUSTOMER PORTRAIT
Agrimec Agricultural Machinery
Excellence in machinery
Agrimec Agricultural Machinery was established in 1971 by Basil and Mary Clarke as suppliers of Panto (Hardi) sprayers. In 1997, Guy Hickman, current owner took over the business and in 1998, John Lancent joined as storeman. Guy is a qualified NSTS MOT tester and has PDI and PA2C sprayer qualifications, was trained at
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grimec has grown into a successful business with a bright future. They are able to support, supply and maintain specialist agricultural machinery for the arable, livestock and fruit farmer. Based in Ledbury, Herefordshire, they are able to supply quality products that they believe are designed specifically for growing high yielding, top quality crops. Products include mowers, sprayers, fruit machinery, pruning equipment and orchard & vine machinery. Staff are fully trained and experienced in their specific field, and are able to answer all their customers’ queries. In addition they also supply quad bikes for navigating around the land and off-road needs.
the Shropshire Farm Institute and has an extensive knowledge of sprayers and end user requirements.
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Over the past few years, expansion has included new buildings and refurbishments, allowing the business to increase the number of products available. And now with a brand new Kramp Retail Shop, business is expanding with the help of Guy’s daughter, Sophie as Shop Manager. Sophie has
CUSTOMER PORTRAIT
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Sophie is excited about this new challenge and using her retail experience 2
The shop will ofer a wide range of products
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The business has benefitted from expansion over the previous few years 4
Well stocked shop, with everything their customers need 5
Shop Manager, Sophie Hickman, is looking forward to the future
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I can’t wait to get involved" Sophie Hickman
a history of retail experience, as well as sales and hospitality and joined Agrimec back in October. She is very excited about this challenge in her life and says “I can’t wait to get involved in the family business and use my previous experience in this new venture. I am eager to get started and modernise the business, with the introduction of marketing, social media and increase the visibility of the business in the local area”. In time they will look at updating the website to offer a wide range of products through the internet, as well as increasing the foot flow through the shop and encouraging younger farmers to embrace new technologies and concepts. Sophie is pleased with the way in which the relationship with Kramp is developing, she is in constant contact and they
have successfully implemented the retail Shop concept for Agrimec, with help from Mike Lindsay, Business Solutions Specialist. Sophie told us that Mike was involved in the process from start to finish and his help was invaluable. He was on hand for all of her questions every step of the way. As the business grows further she will be looking to introduce new service concepts, which will make her more efficient in her day to day business. The shop officially opened on the 6th January 2015 and their Open Day was a huge success. We were pleased to have been part of this special day and wish them well for the future. n
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KRAMP FACES
Alwyn Roach
Account Manager
Alwyn joined Kramp in September 2014, as Account Manager for Wales. His previous experience includes working for a New Holland dealer as an engineer and sales person, an asset finance area manager, business banking manager and business manager for an agricultural supplies country store. He has experience of Kramp as a customer and says “the excellent level of customer service first attracted me to Kramp”. Personal Alwyn lives in Haverfordwest with his wife, Judith and 14 year old daughter, Elen whom he adores. However, he spends most of his time being the taxi service for her regular commitments to choir singing and folk dancing, but says he doesn’t mind, “she’s just a great kid, I wouldn’t change it for the world.” To complete the family they have a very playful Cavalier King Charles Spaniel called “Twm”, who truly believes he is a human. Achievements Alwyn was the youngest person to be employed as an Agricultural Banking Manager for Barclays Bank in 2000, he speaks fluent Welsh and is treasurer of 2 local charities. n
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Fraser Durno Account Manager
Fraser has been at Kramp for 6 months and is our Account Manager for Scotland. He has worked in the stores department and sales office for AM Phillips and more recently the sales department for HRN tractors. It was here he became familiar with Kramp and when an opportunity arose, he was keen to take on a new challenge. Personal He has been married to Donna for 3 years and they have a little girl, Neive who was 2 in January. They also have a dog called Tilly who is a nightmare, but his troubles are only just beginning, as their second child is due in March. He has an HND in Agriculture from SAC in Aberdeen and he once won the lottery, a whole £86! He has been president of the “Foggie Flower Show” for 2 years and is an avid supporter of the mighty “Dons” – Aberdeen FC. Aspirations Just the simple things……To live a long, healthy and prosperous life and grow old gracefully, so long as his kids never need or want for anything.
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ACADEMY
Why run ladies only courses? Marketing Manager Richard Kendrick explains why Kramp now offer ladies only courses
Kramp is proud of being an equal opportunities employer – and our attitude towards our customers should be no different. We always appreciate feedback on our training courses, whether it is positive or negative. Over the last three years we have been made aware that some ladies attending our courses felt a little outnumbered by men. This has been particularly true of technical courses such as hydraulics or PTO. The impact of this male dominated environment is that, although the atmosphere is always friendly and open, ladies attending the course don’t always ask the questions they would like to and consequently don’t receive the same standard of training that their male counterparts do. This is unfortunately inevitable in an industry where women only comprise 24.9% of the workforce. We look forward to a time in the future when this isn’t the case, however the Kramp Academy is designed to
deliver industry leading training. Our solution therefore was to create courses only open to women in the industry. Our first course “hydraulics: hoses, swaging and fittings” was held at the Royal Agricultural University, Cirencester in 2014. Staff from Pallisers of Hereford, E Bowden & Sons and Tallis Amos Group participated in topics covering safe swaging, hose and fitting identification and health and safety with hydraulics. Sophie Crowther, from DEUTZ-FAHR dealer Pallisers, later posted on our Facebook page: “It can be scary for women to walk into a classroom full of men and ask questions as it may seem to be stupid to others.” She continued “The course was brilliant and we could ask anything we wanted… I would recommend this course 100%”. Following this successful start, we will expand the academy next season to include other ladies only courses. We would like hear your suggestions on which ones you or your staff would like to attend. n
Hydraulics: the first ladies only course was a huge success
Post your suggestions on our Facebook page (KrampUK) or email Kendrick.richard@kramp.com.
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MOSAIC
An interview with Kate Beavan R.V.N., Cert Ed., BSc (hons), MSc
Great way to promote British farming
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Kate Beavan… qualified lecturer, Registered Veterinary Nurse (RVN) with an honours degree in Natural Sciences & Biology and a Masters in Environmental Conservation Management, Kate
children, take care of the livestock and farm in general and most of us have second jobs. You have to have the ability to drop everything and deal with the latest emergency, be a mind reader and always be able to anticipate the next drama.
has 20 years’ experience lecturing in Animal
How has this changed in the last 20 years?
Management.
K: I think women have always been the backbone of many farms and played an active part. There are however more training opportunities for young women these days and many are choosing agriculture as a career. We have more of a voice now, and the ability to be heard in what is sometimes considered to be a male dominated industry.
For Kate, there is no such thing as a typical day. The only continuity is the 2 days lecturing at the local college and the period between February and April when she is involved in the lambing season. Each day is different and that’s what makes it so exhilarating. Kate wasn’t a farmer’s daughter, but always knew she wanted to work with animals so trained as a veterinary nurse and moved to pursue her dream. She joined the Young Farmers and met husband, Jim and they have been together for 25 years. The Beavan family run two farms in a family partnership. Jim and Kate live at Great Tre-rhew with their children, Sam and Celyn and were hosts to the first BBC Lambing Live programme. I had the privilege of speaking to Kate to find out about life running the family farm with husband, Jim and how she felt about the role of women in agriculture.
Do you feel the coverage of the popular TV show Lambing Live has had an impact on you positively or negatively? K: Very positively. When we were first approached, we were not sure what to expect, with no set agenda and working live, we had no idea how big it would become. But it’s had the desired effect and people seem to have acknowledged and understood our way of life slightly better. Even local farmers watched. It made compelling viewing with over 3m viewers. For the first time people could see a working farm with the intensity, struggles and concerns that surround lambing 24 hours a day. We have received thousands of letters and emails from across the UK full of positive feedback and a new understanding of the importance of “Buying British”. People still recognise us at shows and come over to say “hi” – it’s really quite humbling. It’s been an experience and a great way to promote British farming.
What would you see as your major triumph or achievement? K: Without question, my children. They mean everything to me.
What are the everyday challenges women face in agriculture? K: Being able to multi-task. We run the home, look after the
What part does social media play in agriculture? K: Social media, especially Twitter, is an amazing tool. For us, it’s become an invaluable asset and a quicker way to engage with our consumers. We have a wide range of followers from all over the countryside to within the cities, who are generally interested in what we have to say and what life is like for us on the farm. The real trials and tribulations. It’s been a way to involve and educate people in the link from farm to food.
Women in business – does education play a part? K: Definitely. I get involved with the local schools, as well as lecturing at the college and running courses from the farm. We can reach out to young people and teach them basic farming skills, how to produce your own products and turn them into saleable goods and meals for the family using real ingredients. So yes, education plays a very important part.
The theme of this edition of FOCUS is based on Agriculture in 2050 – how do you see the role of women developing in agriculture by this time? K: More and more women are getting involved in agriculture. Technology is moving fast, so there is a real need to embrace what we have learned from previous generations and move it into the 21st century. Men may be physically stronger, but workloads are shifting more towards 50/50 meaning more equality for women in the sector and a wider range of agricultural careers. The main problem lies in the cost of land which proves to be a major challenge unless you are in the fortunate position of inheriting the business or winning the lottery. Women play a prominent role in farming today and are being recognised as such. Thank you to Kate for her time in speaking to me and sharing her thoughts and enthusiasm. n Laura Ponder Marketing Coordinator
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PINBOARD
for SDF New relationship manager E DEU TZ-FAHR has Our par tnership with SAM we are now supplying and expanded into Irel and of Irel and and Nor thern 20 dealers in the Republic taken on this Irel and. Chr is Cashman has E DEU TZ-FAHR SAM e additional role to manag externally. This is a and lly customers both interna for Chr is and we wish new and exciting challenge him the best of luck!
Farmstar Show 2014 The Farmstar show is
always a popular event and Kramp were presen t to highlight products such as the camera kits. There was plenty of interest in the Clulite torches for the dark evenings. The Kramp stand was busy. Visito rs were keen to pop by and say a final farew ell to Janine Evans, who left us to return home to New Zealand. Bon Voyag e Janine!
r for New Internal Sales Manage Kramp UK ce that Debbi OakleyWe are pleased to announ rnal Sales Manager. Willmor has joined us as Inte bi. Look out for her in the Welcome to the team Deb n we will introduce her. nex t edition of FOCUS, whe
RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2015 The annual RHS Chelsea Flower Show takes place between the 19th and 23rd May in the grounds of the Chelsea Hospital, London.
Key facts 2014 • It takes 25 days to put the entire show up • Number of exhibitors at first Chelsea: 244 • Current exhibitors’ total: 550 • Hillier Nurseries holds the record for the greatest number of Chelsea Golds: 66 and
Agrimec of Ledbur y Agrimec launched a new Kramp retail shop on the 6th of January with their Open Day. Kramp were present to be a part of the day and it was a huge success. We want to wish Sophie and the team at Agrimec every success for the future.
counting…
Ripon Show 2015 Kr amp UK were deligh ted to attend the Ripon Far m Services show at the Great Yor kshire Show ground. The event saw the Joh n Deere group display a huge range of machiner y and was attended by many of their suppliers. This ma de for an excellent day out for the many thousand s of customers attend ing the one day event.
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QUIZ
SUDOKU The objective is to fill the 9 x 9 grid with digits so that each column, row and each 3 x 3 sub grid contains all of the digits from 1 to 9.
6 8 4
3 7
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9
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Take this opportunity to enter the Sudoku puzzle and you could win a 14.4V / 18V Hitachi Radio courtesy of Kramp UK. All you need to do is complete the puzzle and fax it back to us on 01767 602620.
9 4
6
1
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6
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7
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9 2
7
6 1
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8
9 4
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Closing date for entries is the 8th of May 2015. No purchase is necessary. The winner will be drawn from the correct entries at random. The editor’s choice is final – no correspondence will be entered into or phone call taken. No cash alternative is offered. Kramp reserves the right to substitute the prize for an alternative prize if necessary. The winner’s company name will be published in the next edition of FOCUS. The competition is open to Kramp customers only. n
COLOPHON Editorial Address: Stratton Business Park London Road Biggleswade Bedfordshire SG18 8QB
Photo’s: Aboutpixel.de (15), Agrimec Agricutural Machinery (5), AVR (6), M. Batters priv. (1), K. Beaven priv. (2), Betafence (3), facebook (1), fzm (10), google (1), gopart (4), Gys (4), Hitachi (1), James (1), Kramp (20), Plasson (2), Shutterstock. com (29), Timken (2), Trimmerline (1), twitter (1), youtube (1)
Editing and Graphics: Marketing Kramp E-mail: focus.uk@kramp.com www.kramp.com
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