FUEL EFFICIENT ENGINES More important now than ever before by Service Dealer Ireland Editor, Alan Mahon
With climate change forever on the minds of most people, and highlighted by the recent climate change protests by schoolchildren from all over the world, improvements on engine efficiency remain very important.
Finance minister, Paschal Donohoe, presented the government’s 2020 budget last Tuesday.
One of the items included was the increase in carbon tax, which added an extra two cents onto a litre of petrol and diesel. This brings the total carbon tax to €30 per tonne of CO2, adding almost eight cents on a litre of petrol/diesel since it was first introduced. Indications are that this carbon tax will be increasing on an annual basis over the next decade at a rate of €6 per tonne each year.
With climate change forever on the minds of most people, and highlighted by the recent climate change protests by schoolchildren from all over the world, improvements on engine efficiency remain very important, more so than ever before.
Thankfully, engines in vehicles have become more efficient and are emitting less CO2 into the atmosphere than they did in the past. This also applies to tractors and groundcare mowers. These lower CO2 emissions should be a strong selling point for dealers around the country.
However, when a machine is sold, it is important for it to be well maintained, in order for it to remain efficient, particularly the engine. Dealers all over the country can play their part in an indirect, but meaningful way, to help slow down climate change. Here’s how.
Many dealers provide a service and repair facility on their premises, so it is good for them to inform their customers of the advantages of regularly getting their equipment serviced. Many farmers do this themselves but they should be disciplined to do it on a regular basis and not wait for something to break down before doing it. A regularly serviced engine can reduce fuel consumption by 5-15%. We are now heading into the winter season so, from now on, it is a good time for equipment to be sent for service, particularly the groundcare equipment, when grass growth is slowing down.
Another way of promoting a greener environment is to make a push to selling more electric/battery powered equipment, which have no CO2 emissions. For example, Toro have produced their Greesmaster eFlex pedestrian greens mower, which, they claim, can mow up to nine greens on a single charge. As well as that, many of the golf clubs around the country hire golf buggies, which are mostly battery powered and can easily last a round of golf (which can take up to 5 hours to complete).
Most of the tractor and ride on mower manufacturers are still making huge progress on improving engine efficiency. Having lower levels of exhaust emissions, which lower CO2 being released into the atmosphere can only be a good thing.
Finally, if you haven’t done so already, don’t forget to register for Saltex 2019. It takes place on the 30th & 31st of October in the NEC, Birmingham. Plenty of new and innovative machines will be launched at the show, so don’t miss out. Visit iogsaltex.com for more details.
Last week saw Kramp celebrate the near completion of their new building with an event which saw the final piece of metal, which had been signed by company representatives, lifted into place.
Last week Kramp UK and Ireland celebrated with a topping out ceremony at the location of their new building in Biggleswade.
The event saw the entire UK team travelling five minutes around the corner from their current base, to celebrate the final piece of metal framework being added to the new building, which is due to be ready in early 2020.
The final piece of metal which the team watched being lifted into place held ceremonial significance as it had been signed by a group of company representatives, specially chosen by Kramp.
Members of the Kramp team whose names feature on the final piece of metal to be lifted into place
Names featured on the piece included those of members of the UK and Ireland Management team, Des Boyd, UK Sales Director, along with Darren Parnell and Lydie Thacker. Also included were Kramp Groep COO, Tom Wolterinck and Jason Dyball, UK Assistant Logistics Operations Manager.
Alongside the management team were the names of some long-time serving employees, who were included in the ceremony as a thank you to their time in the business. These comprised Tim Imbrich – who, as the longest serving UK member of staff at 43 years, has seen four warehouse moves during his time with the company – plus Helen King, Mike Lindsey, William Grimshaw, and Claire Richardson.
Attendees at the event heard a series of speeches by key figures involved in the project, including one by James Atkinson of developers Gazeley. Kramp say Gazeley are a leading developer and investor of European logistics warehouses who, along with lead contractor VolkerFitzpatrick (one of the leading engineering and construction companies in the UK), are running the project at Gazely’s G-park Biggleswade site. They are currently working with sub-contractors to finish the building internally.
Also addressing the assembled guests on the day were Kramp’s Tom Wolterinck and Des Boyd.
Des welcomed everyone to the ceremony to mark the highest part of the structure being fixed. He made mention of how they were honoured to have their COO from Kramp Group, Tom Wolterinck in attendance alongside representatives from Gazeley, the main contractor, VolkerFitzpatrick, also some key members of the professional team who had supported them in the project including architects, engineers, planners and cost consultants.
Des Boyd was given the blue spade by Gazeley’s representative James Atkinson
He spoke about the development of the new building and the relationship between the different companies involved. He also gave a special thanks to all those at Kramp who had been involved in the undertaking, for all their hard work to bring the project this far.
“It is significant that Kramp Groep has decided to invest in this new building and in the UK at this uncertain time,” said Des. “This shows we have confidence in the UK market and what we at Kramp UK and Ireland are doing and have achieved over the last few years.
“We have had consistent growth due to the hard work and commitment from our employees in Logistics, Sales, Finance Purchasing, IT, HR and Data and Product management - so amassive thank you to you all.”
Des continued, saying, “We are also committed to staying in Biggleswade. This is because we want to retain the knowledge and skills of our employees here.
“Kramp’s USP is that we have the widest range of agricultural parts and accessories in Europe - this sets us apart from our competitors. Our new building allows us to stock double the number of products than we previously could and ensures better delivery to our customers.”
Des went on to explain how their partnerships with manufacturers have a huge impact on their business and how they will continue to work with partners and suppliers to increase their offering.
Des concluded, “Our route to market and the dynamics of the agricultural industry are changing all the time. We need to be better, faster and more flexible to ensure our continued prosperity.”
Based just outside Castlecomer in Co Kilkenny, O’Shea Agri Sales is run by Richard O’Shea.
Distribution and after-sales support for Argo Tractors products in the midlands and south-east Ireland are being strengthened with the appointment of O’Shea Agri Sales as a dealer for both Landini and McCormick tractors.
Richard O’Shea of O’Shea Agri Sales, the newly-appointed dealer for Landini and McCormick tractors in the midlands and south-east Ireland
Based just outside Castlecomer in Co Kilkenny, O’Shea Agri Sales is run by Richard O’Shea from large, modern premises that provide generous workshop space for servicing and repairs, a parts store, showroom and outdoor display area on a two acre site.
Ben Agar, sales director for Argo Tractors in Ireland and the UK, said: “We’re very pleased that O’Shea Agri Sales has joined the Argo Tractors dealer network, supplying and supporting our tractors with a strong emphasis on good customer support.
“This is great news for both existing and new owners of Landini and McCormick tractors in the area.”
O’Shea Agri Sales is representing both Landini and McCormick in the midlands and south-east, which opens up access to these brands to a large number of farmers who traditionally may not have considered them.
Richard O’Shea, Managing Director, said: “We’ve been considering a number of tractor brands to take on and after a lot of research here and abroad we concluded that the Landini and McCormick products from Argo Tractors offer something special with great potential.
“That view was reinforced when we ran some tractors in our contracting fleet for the silage season this year; the McCormick X8 VT-Drive brought the performance of our Pöttinger triple mowers to a new level, while the X7.690 P6-Drive and Landini 7-160 Robo-Six were great on carting duties, with ride comfort and power probably the most impressive aspects of the machines.”
This practical knowledge and experience of running tractors and machinery commercially provides a sound basis for helping farmers and other contractors choose the best models and specifications for their needs.
“There’s two very comprehensive ranges of tractors here from 43hp compacts upwards, with powershift and CVT transmissions, and different levels of features and equipment,” Richard O’Shea points out.
“That means there’s a great choice for every application, whether for grass or tillage farming.”
All major components in the tractors up to 140hp are engineered and manufactured in-house by Argo, and for all tractors above 140hp they are sourced from well-known and respected suppliers such as Carraro and ZF.
The best engines – mainly Deutz and FPT (successor to the Iveco engines business) – are chosen for each power level and cabs for all models are designed, engineered and manufactured to a high standard by Argo Tractors.
“This gives me great confidence that the tractors we supply, and which we’ll be supporting with a good parts stock and our experienced service technicians, will perform well for our customers,” says Richard O’Shea.
“I also like that Argo Tractors is a family-owned business like ourselves; it’s something that sits well with me because it gives you more control of your own destiny and the ability to get answers at ground level rather than trying to get answers from higher up the ladder in a big corporation.”
Ben Agar of Argo Tractors added: “O’Shea Agri Sales will bring a new level of experience and excitement to the Landini and McCormick brands in Ireland, and with Richard’s background and knowledge, we’re looking forward to a bright future with them.”
Husqvarna, together with the original investors, Semcon and Øveraasen, now hold equal parts in Yeti. The collaboration in Yeti is aimed at further exploring autonomous solutions for airports, including robotic grass cutting.
For Husqvarna Group, the collaboration means entering a brand-new market but evolving on solutions the company has been involved with for many years.
In an official statement Husqvarna said, "Grass cutting at airports is a key safety issue. Tall grass attracts birds that potentially are drawn into the aircraft engines causing security hazards. The routine of manual grass cutting is not only time consuming and costly, but also a subject of continuous scale-up and down of task force depending on season and weather conditions. Autonomous robotic grass cutters provide a cost efficient and flexible way of always keeping the green spaces surrounding run- and taxiways in great shape minimizing the risk of bird strikes. In addition, autonomous operations provides a number of additional advantages. The machines operates 24/7 enabling high operational efficiency and digital control enhances the safety by minimizing the risk of human errors including work safety issues, a top priority for airports."
Yeti is the first in the world to operate autonomous snow clearance systems and trucks in a live airport environment. Currently, Yeti has tested autonomous systems in Norway. Together with solutions from Husqvarna Group, the aim is to provide operators with a more comprehensive autonomous solution for all seasons of the year.
Sascha Menges, President Husqvarna Division said, “Autonomous technology has been a focus for quite some time at Husqvarna Group. By combining our know-how with the knowledge and experience of our new partners, we aim at improving the airport management enhancing safety, lowering costs and providing a better passenger experience."
Club recently took delivery of a Major TDR20000 mower with a folding, 6.1m wide, cutting deck.
Nestled in the Cluide Woods amongst the Tara Hills in County Meath, is arguably one of the most beautiful and relaxing golf courses in Ireland.
It’s only a stone’s throw from Dublin city, and boasts tree-lined fairways like you may never have seen the likes of before. The Royal Tara Golf Club was founded in 1906. Today it is a glorious 27 hole golf complex that sits alluringly amongst a luscious, rolling parkland, just waiting to be played.
There’s more than a touch of pride in everyone who either works or plays here, as talking with the Head Green-Keeper Jim McElroy reveals. “We’ve got a very mature, year-round course here,” said Jim, “with long, undulating drives, mostly lined by beautiful trees and, with my team of six green-keeper colleagues, we maintain the course to the highest and utmost standards. We kind of live the course and I believe it shows.”
Jim McElroy has been with the Royal Tara for some 25 years. When you visit the Golf Club, you will see long, well-manicured drives with beautiful, synchronised striping, adding a touch of excellence to the beauty of nature. “That doesn’t come naturally,” added Jim, “myself and my team of green-keepers work very hard, every day to prepare the entire course for our discerning visitors. We’ve invested in high quality equipment to make our job simple, and the club management team allow us to buy what we need to produce the best of the best. Recently, we took delivery of a new wide area mower, which has enabled us to prepare the rough with such excellence.”
They recently took delivery of a Major, TDR20000 mower with a folding, 6.1m wide, cutting deck. It probably has the lowest maintenance cost of any of the wide area mowers on the market, plus it leaves an amazing finish. What’s even better is that it’s designed and manufactured by Major in Ireland, so brings even greater pride to the green-keepers using it!
It has ten rotors, with 40 blades and is the simplest of mowers to set the cutting height. It has rollers front and rear and a unique three-point pivot system, the design of which avoids scalping, but always leaves the perfect striped finish. The rotors contra rotate and blades overlap by 75mm and therefore avoid any missed grass and indeed avoiding any windowing, because the grass is chopped very small and disappears into the stubble - so improving soil composition.
Commented Jim, “We used to use a ‘ride-on batwing mower’ but that was very slow, not so good at avoiding scalping and was quite expensive to maintain, both in terms of replacement parts and downtime. So we needed to find a high performance mower, which was easy to operate and simple to maintain, with low running costs. That’s exactly what the Major TDR is providing - low running costs. We also needed a higher capacity performance so we could cover the course quicker and be a lot more efficient. Again, that’s exactly what the Major TDR gives us!”
Jim and his team operate the Major TDR using a 75hp tractor. Because of the manoeuvrability, they can get around trees very easily and need to spend less time trimming misses. With a 6.1 meter cut, they can cover up to 16 acres per hour and have reduced their operating time from what was a full week, down now to just over three days.
Despite being a very wide machine, the Major TDR does fold into three, and therefore has a transport width of just 2.5 metres. It comes standard with LED lighting, all the bearings are sealed internal roller bearings so are protected against soil and water damage and there are also optional extras such as a remote control or a braked axle.
Enthused Jim, “this is one of the best pieces of equipment that we have at The Royal Tara. We set the cut-of height for the rough at about sixty millimetres (60mm) and if we wanted to we could set it as low as ten millimetres (10mm) - and without scalping. When you look at the finish it leaves, with the effects of the front and rear rollers, it’s just like we would get with a cylinder mower - if not better!. This has to be the best, most productive and cost-effective decision we have made at The Royal Tara. The Major TDR is so well built, that I can see this lasting for many years to come. The feedback we are getting from the members is very positive and we get a lot of remarks about how good the course looks and how well it plays. So we are all very proud of our golf course and we intend to keep it that way.” he concluded.
The IO is the leading robotic line marker in the industry for accuracy, labour saving and productivity. Intelligent Marking is the only company to provide a base station with their robot which ensures a line accuracy of +/-1cm. The IM robot will overmark lines with supreme precision and mark out new pitches with ease.
By utilising a high accuracy GPS system, the Intelligent One can be used anywhere with unprecedented reliability, while matching the marking speed of any robotic line marker available. It is not reliant on a cellular network as operated by other robots and so does not incur expensive annual contract charges.
The Intelligent One can mark an 11-a-side football pitch from scratch in just 20-25 minutes. The robot can also line for rugby, hockey, athletics and any other chosen sport in a similar time. It will mark out a 400m running track in under two hours with numerous templates for other track and field events available.
Bespoke templates are simple to load and can be easily changed in seconds to suit your site. Once saved, it is then available at the touch of a button to be overmarked time and time again. The robot is stable on every natural and artificial surface and can work continuously due to interchangeable batteries. The machine is economical to use and the amount of paint can be controlled depending on the preferred nozzle size.
IM recommend their own brand of paint; ProStripe to deliver professional standard lines, every time.
For further information or an on-site demonstration contact:
John Deere has launched its next generation of self-propelled sprayers, manufactured at the company’s Horst factory in The Netherlands.
John Deere has launched its next generation of self-propelled sprayers, manufactured at the company’s Horst factory in The Netherlands. With the new R4140i 4000-litre capacity and R4150i 5000-litre capacity machines, engineers have further increased performance, precision, safety and operator comfort.
The new John Deere R4140i self-propelled sprayer
The focus of these latest developments has been on improving sprayer output while ensuring that the highest possible application quality is maintained and also delivering an improved operator environment. The premium design cab offers a new generation operator interface with fully integrated technology, such as the John Deere universal 4640 display mounted on a new armrest.
JDLink telematics for wirelessly transferring data both to and from the sprayer is available as standard, including free activation for five years. An upgraded lighting package improves visibility at night, both when working in the field and filling the sprayer with chemicals, to ensure maximum productivity in all conditions. The new cab is available at two specification levels depending on customer requirements, as well as with optional Category 4 operator protection to meet the latest safety regulations.
Both models are available with steel booms from 24 to 36m wide, and continue to use John Deere’s leading PowrSpray solution system, with direct rate control for fast filling and highly accurate application rates. Combined with the innovative, automated AirRinse system, this reduces the solution system’s dead volume to as low as 5 litres for maximum cleaning performance.
To ensure that nozzles are no longer a limiting factor for efficient spraying, ExactApply is now available as an option on the new R4140i and R4150i. Already available for two years on US machines, ExactApply is an ‘intelligent’ solution that combines the ability to change spray nozzles manually from the cab or automatically depending on application rate and speed. It can also maintain droplet size while changing speed through the use of pulse width modulation (PWM) technology up to 30Hz.
With ExactApply, each nozzle is controlled individually via GPS based section control. Furthermore, with PWM enabled, turn compensation ensures that application rates remain consistent across the full boom width even when turning the sprayer. ExactApply technology enables savings in crop protection products of around £5/ha, while at the same time yield can be increased by up to three per cent by reducing under/overdosing to a minimum.
To reduce non-productive time on the road, the sprayers also feature a new 50kph transmission option. Production of the John Deere R4140i and R4150i self-propelled sprayers starts in October 2019, with availability from dealers planned for early 2020.
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