EDITOR'S BLOG
IMPORTANT SAFETY ROLE
For machinery dealers in Ireland
by Service Dealer Ireland Editor, Liam de Paor
 
Liam de Paor

Dealers could carry out valuable and profitable safety training for their customers.

 

 


As we all know farm safety is a topical issue & farmers have the worst accident rate for any profession in the world. Farms are getting bigger, the average herd & flock size is increasing, tractor HP is rising, most farmers now work alone so the pressure to get work done is enormous.


All it takes is for some bad weather for farmers to get behind schedule and they have to work extra-long hours to catch up. Suffering from fatigue they are therefore more prone to serious accidents.


More than half of those killed in accidents on farms last year were aged 65 and over. 24 people died on Irish farms in 2017, an increase of three on the previous year. The Health and Safety Authority says machinery was involved in over half of the accidents last year.


Farm accidents have risen by 13% in the last 5 years and by 31% in the last ten years. This is the stark finding of a national survey of farm accidents by the Teagasc. In the period 2012-2017, 11% of farms had an accident and in total 2,814 accidents occurred.


The survey indicates that 25% of accidents involved farm vehicles or machinery. Chainsaws were involved in 7% of cases so dealer personnel can help reduced these statistics by giving good advice, offering training courses and selling protective head and body wear.


Accidents involving farm vehicles or machinery has more than doubled during this period. The majority of accidents (92%) involved a family member, 80% with the farmer. Twelve per cent involved a spouse or another family member. The remainder involved workers (5%) and others (3%).


Almost all farm accident victims (97%) required medical treatment with 73% attending hospital, a further 19% attended a doctor and 4% received first aid. 30% of accidents resulted in a work absence of more than a month, with 21% for more than two months.


The survey indicates that younger farmers are more likely to have non-fatal accidents. Thirteen per cent of farmers in the 40-50 and 50-60 age brackets suffered an accident, followed by 12% for those below 40 years of age. Nine per cent of farmers aged 60-70 and 7% over 70 years of age suffered a farm accident during the survey.


The average farmer is now 56 years of age so they are at a greater risk as their eyesight, hearing and mobility are impaired with advancing age. Visibility around the large modern tractor is greatly reduced compared to the older, smaller models used in the good old days.


Farmer’s sons and younger farmers act as if death only happens to older people and tend to drive tractors at a higher speed often pulling large slurry tankers or trailers loaded with silage so it’s not unusual to hear of road crashes and tankers turning over on hilly fields.


Quads are popular with both young & older farmers and have now begun to feature in these accident statistics. Unfortunately these tend to be driven too quickly over rough ground, turnover and you have another serious accident. Drivers often are not wearing a helmet and most quads have no roll over bars for protection.


Peter Gohery is a well-known Galway farmer & IFA activist who lost a leg in a PTO accident working with a diet mixer wagon. He was in hospital from October of that year, got home for Christmas and then went to the National Rehabilitation Hospital, where he spent 16 weeks learning to walk again.


Gohery, who is now a qualified Health & Safety consultant said farmers could also reduce the likelihood of farm accidents by taking a number of preventative measures. He said that farm families should complete their risk assessment documents together, identifying the risks and hazards.


“They should consider giving training vouchers for tractor drivers – say to 16-year-olds – before they develop bad driving habits. Training in the use of quad bikes could also be very valuable. All of this is valuable work dealers could do at a profit for their valued customers.


“Make sure PTO shafts are covered and that ‘O’ and ‘U’ guards are in place,” he said. “Too many children have fallen out of tractors, losing their lives as a result, or being left maimed for life. High-powered machinery and young children do not mix – children need to be away from machinery as there are a lot of blind spots around tractors.


He said at the end of the working day, machinery should be reverse parked at a safe stop. All implements should be lowered; the handbrake applied; the equipment turned off; and the keys removed.


“In the morning, check that mirrors and glass are clean to ensure a good view, and that lights are working properly. When it comes to PTO cover shafts, he regrets not getting a more expensive model. He pointed out that he may have saved €20 or €30 at the time, but he now needs a €40,000 prosthetic leg every five years.”

NEWS
STORM-TEC APPOINTED EXCLUSIVE POLARIS ORV DEALER FOR REPUBLIC
Based in Carlow
 
L:R Paddy Conroy of Polaris sub dealers All Terrain Ireland with Polaris’ exclusive dealer for Ireland Storm-tec’s Dealer Principal Conor Gribbon

The dealership will be working with and managing a small sub dealer network that looks after all Polaris requirements in the Republic.

 


Carlow based dealer Storm-tec has been appointed exclusive Polaris ORV dealer for the Republic of Ireland.

 

L:R Paddy Conroy of Polaris sub dealers All Terrain Ireland with Polaris’ exclusive dealer for Ireland Storm-tec’s Dealer Principal Conor Gribbon

 

The dealership will be working with and managing a small sub dealer network that looks after all Polaris requirements in the Republic.

 

Since becoming a Polaris dealer in 2016 Storm-tec has greatly expanded their farming and countryside business and dealer principal Conor Gribbon reports high sales of the Polaris Ranger Diesel to the Irish Coast Guard, while the Polaris Sportsman is very much the popular machine with the agricultural community.

 

“We’re very pleased to become the exclusive Polaris ORV dealer for the Republic of Ireland,” says Conor, “and we’re confident in growing our Polaris business in the communities we serve. The Polaris range is extensive and ideally suited to the demands of our customers, our weather and the varying terrains that are a daily challenge, especially for the Irish Coast Guard and the Community Rescue Service. There is high praise for the ruggedness and dependability of the Polaris ORV vehicles.”

 

 

Conor continued, “We were exceptionally pleased to be at this year’s Farm, Tractor and Machniery Trade Association (FTMTA) show last month with our newest sub dealer, Paddy Conroy. Together, we’re confident we’ve got the best competitive offering, solutions and after care services to match all needs throughout the island of Ireland.”

 

Polaris National Sales Manager, Ben Murray, says, “We have seen exceptional growth of our ORV business through Storm-tec in the Republic and equally have every confidence in their continued success as our exclusive dealer.”

DATES FOR 2019 FTMTA FARM MACHINERY SHOW
Set for February next year
 
FTMTA 2018 show dates have been set

At a recent meeting, the FTMTA Executive Council agreed the dates for what will be the flagship farm machinery event of 2019.

 


At a recent meeting, the FTMTA Executive Council agreed the dates for what will be the flagship farm machinery event of 2019.

 

 

The FTMTA Farm Machinery Show 2019 will be held at Punchestown Event Centre near Naas over three days from, Thursday, February 7th to Saturday, February 9th.

 

A statement on the  FTMTA website says the previous show which took place in 2017 proved to be the most successful such event ever with a total of nearly 21,000 visitors to the Show over three days as well as the highest number of exhibitors and largest area of exhibition space to date. Organisers say it is hoped that is will be possible to expand the exhibition area further and to deliver a larger even event in 2019.

 

The FTMTA say exhibitor application packs for the Show will be issued during August and will be sent to all exhibitors at last year's FTMTA Farm Machinery Show and at this year's FTMTA Grass & Muck.

 

Any other firms interested in exhibiting at next year's Show should register their interest in advance by calling 045 409309 or emailing to admin@ftmta.ie .

DEALERS OF MCCORMICK & LANDINI ATTEND AGRI ARGO MEETING
First time that dealers in the two separate networks attended the same event
 
Dealers gathered at the AgriArgo meeting

New digital technology initiatives and a detailed review of the 2018 product range were highlights of a recent dealer meeting held by Landini and McCormick distributor AgriArgo UK and Ireland.

 


New digital technology initiatives and a detailed review of the 2018 product range were highlights of the dealer meeting held by Landini and McCormick distributor AgriArgo UK and Ireland.

 

It was the first time that dealers in the two separate networks attended the same event.

 

Dealers gathered at the AgriArgo meeting

 

“It was just a matter of convenience," says Ray Spinks, AgriArgo managing director. “We had a lot of information to get through that wasn’t brand specific, so it made sense to bring everyone together.

 

“Our general policy of individual dealer networks for the two brands still holds good to exploit differences in brand character, perception and customer base.”

 

While acknowledging a disappointing headline market share figure in 2016, Ray Spinks emphasised the positive market share trends and strong shares of up to 13% achieved by the combined Argo Tractors brands in several power categories.

 

“It shows we have products farmers like - we just have to be more effective at telling them about the merits of the range as a whole,” he says.

 

Poor dealer coverage in some areas is another factor having a major impact on sales figures.

 

“We have significant areas - in Britain particularly - with no representation or service support for either of our brands, and others where dealers are not very active on sales,” Mr Spinks explains.

 

“We intend making greater efforts to establish better coverage, beginning by offering opportunities to existing dealers wanting to expand their territories and then by seeking out new dealers for our network.”

 

Janet Schooling of Newman Enterprises, Royal Wootton Bassett

 

One of the key members of the family that owns the tractor-making group had an up-beat message on the potential for independent dealers handling Landini or McCormick.

 

“We want to be your tractor specialist; building tractors for use on farms around the world is what we do best,” said Simeone Morra, corporate business director for Argo distribution branches and affiliates.

 

“Unlike other manufacturers who tie you down to their full product lines - so dealers become increasingly dependent on their major supplier - we champion the independent dealer, free to make their own decisions on what else to sell to complement the Landini or McCormick products.”

 

Mr Morra reported that group turnover in 2017 increased by 15% to around €500 million as the group benefited from significant market share gains in all major geographical markets except North America. Sales world-wide increased 16.7% compared with 3.6% for the industry as a whole.

 

Argo’s international market involvement expanded with a new manufacturing and assembly partnership for 50-110hp tractors in Turkey.

 

Anthony Wilkes of P&D Engeering, Bredon, Glos gets the low-down on the McCormick X7 Series tractor from AgriArgo UK & Ireland service technician Chris Hall

 

Closer to home, dealers also heard details of new projects covering digital sales and marketing resources, which were revealed by Franco Artoni, director of business development, and a new global agreement with Topcon Agriculture.

 

In Britain, the agreement gives AgriArgo dealers access to LH Agro sales, installation and after-sales support for the supply of Topcon guidance products and GPS correction signal packages for the higher horsepower tractors now coming from the factory fully GPS-ready. A similar arrangement is being sought in Ireland.

MAJOR INTERVIEW IN THE IRISH TIMES
EY Entrepreneur of the Year finalists Áine Lecky and Éibhlin Murphy featured
 
Major Equipment Ltd

The directors of Ballyhaunis, Co Mayo, grass mowers, slurry handling and industrial equipment manufacturing company Major Equipment Ltd are profiled in a new article.

 


The directors of Ballyhaunis, Co Mayo, grass mowers, slurry handling and industrial equipment manufacturing company Major Equipment Ltd, sisters Áine Lecky and Éibhlin Murphy, are profiled in a new article in the Irish Times.

 

 

As finalists in the EY Entrepreneur of the Year competition, Áine and Éibhlin talk to the Irish Times about Major Equipment's successful ascendence onto the international stage. The piece says that whilst the company’s manufacturing facility remains in Ballyhaunis, it is a global business with distribution depots in Britain and the Netherlands.

 

The article states that the company employs 100 people and has a turnover of €15 million, with export sales accounting for 60 per cent of that. Major Equipment’s products can be found in Germany, Belgium, Italy, South Africa, Chile and the United Arab Emirates among other locations. The company continues to expand having just signed with a dealer in Canada.

 

Read the full interview at the Irish Times website.

JOHN DEERE PARTNER PESSI
Dealers will have access to complete range
 
Pessl Instruments

John Deere has signed an agreement to cooperate with Pessl Instruments GmbH, a supplier of agricultural weather stations, telemetry and other equipment for precision farming.

 


John Deere has signed an agreement to cooperate with Pessl Instruments GmbH, a supplier of agricultural weather stations, telemetry and other equipment for precision farming.

 

Pessl Instruments

 

Under this partnership John Deere’s agricultural dealers will have access to the complete Pessl product range and be supported by the Pessl sales and service team. The agreement will also enable dealers to integrate Pessl components into John Deere’s online Operations Centre and strengthen their market position in precision farming.

 

Pessl Instruments is based in Weiz, Austria and will continue to offer its equipment under the Pessl trademark. All John Deere dealers in the EU28+ countries will be able to benefit from this new partnership.

MAKITA LAUNCHES TWO 18V BL LXT LINETRIMMERS
And dual purpose grass shears
 
DUR188LZ linetrimmer

Makita say they continue to expand the inventory of cordless tools designed for the professional grounds maintenance industry, adding new technical features and improving performance.

 


Makita say they continue to expand the inventory of cordless tools designed for the professional grounds maintenance industry, adding new technical features and improving performance.

 

The new Makita DUR189Z 18v LXT linetrimmer, which replaces the DUR184L model, has a 240 watt output Brushless motor providing capacity to run the head at three selected speed settings. The company says having the motor at the drive head improves the balance of the machine and eliminates the loss of power through the traditional drive shaft where the motor is at the operator end of the machine. The DUR189Z linetrimmer has the benefit of the innovative Automatic Torque Drive Technology (ADT), where the revolutions per minute are automatically increased from between 4,000, 5,000 and 6,000rpm according to the density of the weeds and foliage being cut. This allows for greater and improved energy saving, lower noise levels, optimum operation and user comfort. A speed indicator is conveniently positioned on the control panel.

 

This model has an operating weight of 3.3kg, including the LXT battery, soft grip handle and forward loop handle for machine control. The bent pipe shaft is adjustable in length and the foldable wire guard helps to reduce risk or damage to foliage, fences and ornaments. The smaller protector allows a better view of the 300mm cutting circle. Soft start, electric brake, reverse rotation and overload protection add to the efficiency of this new linetrimmer, which is available as a body only model.

 

DUR188LZ linetrimmer

 

Makita’s new DUR188LZ linetrimmer has all the features of the DUR189Z model, including ADT, with the additional advantage of a 2-part shaft so this model can be split in two for easy transportation and storage; a trigger switch with lock-off lever and a multi-functional control panel with speed and power indicators. Again, this is a body only model.

 

Makita’s new DUM604Z 18v LXT grass shears replaces the DUM168 model. A compatible hedge trimmer attachment is also available that has a tool-less blade change. The shear has a double blade action, a cutting width of 160mm, and a 3-stage cutting height adjustment from 15 - 25mm for really fine work. With an ergonomically designed soft grip handle and light in weight at 1.8kg, including the battery, user comfort is guaranteed while low noise emissions will ensure peace and quiet. This model is available as a body only.

 

DUM604Z grass shears

ISEKI UK & IRELAND TO SPONSOR PROFESSIONAL GOLFER
Sam Forgan based at Stowmarket GC
 
David Withers, MD ISEKI UK & Ireland pictured with Sam Forgan (right) at ISEKI UK & Ireland, Ipswich

Golfer hopes the sponsorship will offer more opportunities and a better chance of getting on the Challenge Tour this coming year.

 


ISEKI UK & Ireland has announced that it has signed a one-year deal to sponsor local professional golfer Sam Forgan.


Sam, who is based at the well-respected Stowmarket Golf Club in Suffolk in the UK, is currently competing on the Euro-Pro tour having narrowly missed out on getting his card for the Challenge Tour last year.

 

David Withers, MD ISEKI UK & Ireland pictured with Sam Forgan (right) at ISEKI UK & Ireland, Ipswich


“Hopefully this sponsorship will give me more opportunities and a better chance of getting on the Challenge Tour this coming year,” said Sam, commenting on the recent announcement. “Working with ISEKI will also be a great learning experience for me and will give me an understanding of the supply side of the golf industry. I am really looking forward to the experience.”


David Withers, Managing Director of ISEKI UK & Ireland, pictured above with Sam was equally excited about the new relationship. “I had the pleasure of meeting Sam and hearing more about his ambitions for the future and we are delighted to be able to help in this way,” he said. “Whilst this is good for Sam it is also good for us, Sam travels all-round the country playing golf and will be promoting our wonderful products everywhere he goes - also I hope he might give me a few pointers to improve my swing!”

PHOTOGRAPHY AWARD FOR SERVICE DEALER'S MARTIN
Presented at Cereals event last week
 
Martin's winning entry

Service Dealer magazine's freelance features editor Martin Rickatson was awarded the British Guild of Agricultural Journalists’ Arable Photography Award at the BGAJ reception.

 

 


Service Dealer magazine's freelance features editor Martin Rickatson was awarded the British Guild of Agricultural Journalists’ Arable Photography Award at the BGAJ reception held after the first day of Cereals 2018, the arable farming event held near Cambridge last week.

 

 

Taken in an early evening sunset last summer after a day spent not far from the event site visiting a combine operator to discover how his machine was performing, the winning picture was published in the German magazine Profi.

 

All at Service Dealer offer our wholehearted congratulations to Martin!

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