Sales of robotic machines are steadily growing each year. They are now an important part of the dealership revenue stream. I am very impressed with the technology that is used to make these machines work, particularly when used on sprayers to target weeds in crops. This considerably reduces the amount of chemicals used, which is good for the environment while, at the same time, saving money for the farmer/grower.
Robotic mowers, busily going about their business, cutting grass, are becoming a familiar sight in gardens. Comments from passers-by suggest that they resemble small animals grazing. When they are finished they scuttle back to their kennels to recharge their batteries before doing it all over again the following day.
Despite the affection that robotic mowers get and the efficiency of robotic machinery in farming, the safe use of these machines has now been added to the new Machinery Regulation (Regulation (EU) 2023/1230), which was published on 29th June last.
For autonomous mobile machinery, which includes robotic equipment, a set of new requirements was introduced to the Machinery Regulation. The main additions require that, for safety reasons, a person needs to be present to supervise the operation of the machine. If something goes wrong, there will be somebody around to stop or re-start the machine or to bring it to a safe position.
The Machinery Regulation also requires that robotic equipment must travel safely in a defined working area (which includes the area for battery charging). Another addition to the regulation is that any data sent from the robotic machine relating to safety functions will need to be recorded and stored for future access.
It is important that we get familiar with the new regulations, particularly for automatic and robotic equipment. We will need to inform our customers how they can be compliant with the new regulations.
In stark contrast to the sale of new machinery technology, the popularity of vintage tractors is also steadily growing. This is evident from the amount of tractor runs that are being held all over the country throughout the summer. Most of them are organised to raise money for worthy charitable causes. Even new clubs of vintage and classic tractors are being established each year.
Vintage tractor runs and demonstrations are becoming more popular
Last week I visited a friend of mine who was repairing a Nuffield tractor, bought new by his father in 1967 and still working today, despite its sorry state. I asked my friend could he still get parts for it? He named a dealer north of the county that would supply parts but, as my friend said ”you would need to do a bit of searching before you can find a dealer that would supply the parts”.
This made me wonder would it be financially worthwhile for more dealers to get involved in supplying parts for vintage and classic tractors? Most of the enjoyment of being part of the tractor run movement is that the owner gets involved with repairing and doing up the machines themselves. The dealer would only need to supply the parts and not necessarily get involved with the actual repairs and renovations of these machines.
With the development of new technology in farm and garden equipment and the popularity of vintage tractors, these two contrasting areas may provide an added revenue stream to your dealership.
