Unusually, the sun shone for all of the three days at this year’s National Ploughing Championships, which was held at Ballintrane, Fenagh, Co. Carlow.

The total attendance figure for the 88th Championships came to a record breaking 297,000 visitors over the three days, with exhibitors and visitors alike thoroughly enjoying themselves, making this the most successful National Ploughing Championships to date.

It was a strange feeling not to be walking around in wellington boots at an event, which is usually dogged by wet weather. The fine weather was a relief to the many exhibitors who, in previous years, had to contend with moving machinery through mud and erecting tents, stands and marquis during heavy gusts and high winds.

A vast array of new machines was launched (some of which I have included in this edition of Service Dealer Ireland) which included new tractor models and innovative designs in implements such as seeders and aerators. Dealers made an extra effort to make the most of their time at their stands. I do hope that new business and sales were created. It is a tough task trying to sell equipment in an environment of uncertainty, especially with the ‘B’ word – Brexit, looming ever closer and when machinery sales world-wide are on the decrease. Three days of meeting, greeting and dealing does take its toll on exhibitors, so a well earned rest was certainly due to them after the conclusion of the event.

The National Ploughing Championships has proven a popular event with the public as well as the farming community. Conversations over light refreshments would inevitably lead to Brexit and how it would affect people’s lives. One could not avoid speaking about the topic. There was a genuine concern among people.

I know I have mentioned it in an earlier blog, but I think it is very important to highlight the need for businesses in Ireland to prepare for Brexit as much as possible, particularly those who trade in and around the border counties. It doesn’t cost anything to prepare for Brexit but it could lose you a lot of money if you don’t do anything about it. The October the 31st deadline is now only one month away.

The Irish government has, once again, stepped up its campaign to advise Irish businesses to be prepared for the UK leaving the European Union. There are two publications in particular which I think are worth mentioning. The first is called Getting Your Business Brexit Ready. This is to help businesses navigate the challenges posed by Brexit. It includes topics such as tariffs & duties, currency, imports, certification, working capital and financing.

The second publication worth mentioning is Brexit Preparedness Checklist. This lists the steps businesses can take now to help prepare for Brexit. For example have you got your EORI number from Revenue? If not you need to register with Revenue as soon as possible.

Farm, garden and sportsturf machinery dealers around Ireland should acquaint themselves with these publications. It is in your interest to do so. As I have said earlier, it doesn’t cost you to be ready. For more information on Brexit you can visit www.gov.ie/brexit

A highly successful record as a sales, service and parts dealer for Landini tractors in the west of Ireland has been rewarded with an expansion of the territory covered by Pat Brogan Tractors.

Pat Brogan (left) and his son Cathal at Pat Brogan Tractors, Strokestown are now supplying new Landini tractors and genuine Argo Parts across a larger territory that extends from their core sales area of Roscommon, Longford and Leitrim into Mayo, Sligo and Cavan

The dealership based in Strokestown already supplies new Landini tractors to farmers in counties Roscommon, Longford and Leitrim but now the territory has been extended westwards into Mayo and Sligo, previously covered by O’Brien Tractors, and eastwards into Co Cavan.

Adrian Winnett, UK & Ireland managing director at Landini manufacturer Argo Tractors, said: “Having performed consistently well in their area over the years with sales of Landini tractors and strong customer support, it’s a logical progression for Pat Brogan Tractors to work across a larger territory as our official supplier of tractors and parts.”

Managing director Pat Brogan welcomes the move: “At Strokestown here we’re right at the centre of the enlarged area and no more than an hour away in either direction,” he points out. “We’re already supplying and supporting second-hand tractors in these areas, so we know we can deliver a good service to farmers who buy new Landini tractors from us.”

Pat Brogan has a long association with Landini, being appointed a main dealer for the Argo Tractors marque in 1995.

He says the relative simplicity of the 90-130hp tractors he mostly supplies still have stong appeal amongst the beef and sheep and dairy farmers in the region, with the current range providing plenty of specification and feature choices to meet different requirements and preferences.

“The Landini range has been developed in a very positive way, with a comfortable cab and great visibility making the machines a good drive on top of being well known for reliability and performance,” says Pat Brogan.

“There are more electrics, of course, but that goes for all tractors today and younger farmers especially are comfortable with that. All the same, we know people really want to try out a new tractor before considering a purchase, so we’re currently running two demonstration units – a Landini 6-H and a 5 Series – for people to experience.”

The Landini 6-H and loader run by Pat Brogan Tractors is a new design that features the same 36x12, three-speed powershift transmission as the larger 6-C but in a more compact package with power outputs of 110hp, 119hp and 126hp.

“This tractor has a nice combination of size and power, making it a great loader machine that can also turn its hand to proper field work,” says Pat Brogan. “We’ve had very positive feedback from farmers who’ve tried it.”

The 5 Series is another three-model range at 99hp, 107hp and 113hp with a new 24x24 transmission featuring two-speed powershift and synchro or power shuttle likely to be favoured for loader work.

A good number of new tractors – as well as a big selection of used units – is kept in stock at the Strokestown premises for buyers who want quick delivery of a new tractor, which is then backed by “a serious stock of parts”, as Pat Brogan puts it, for models going back over the years.

“We also have four technicians on the road or repairing in the workshops, plus an experienced storesman supporting our customers,” he points out. “My son Cathal and I look after sales, so we’re very well placed to help farmers choose to operate a new Landini tractor.

“On top of that we’ve developed a very good relationship with the Argo Tractors team now looking after Ireland,” he adds. “The UK lads have been very, very helpful with good technical and other support that’s encouraged us to put financial investment into operating across our expanded territory.

“All in all, it’s been a very positive change.”

Husqvarna has launched EPOS technology, a satellite-based system for a new series of professional Automower robotic mowers, which they say enables mowing with virtual boundaries.

Earlier this year the manufacturer introduced its first all-wheel drive robotic mowers, allowing residential and professional users to cover areas with an incline of up to 70%.

As the next step, the company has now launched the Husqvarna EPOS technology, described by themselves as a high-precision satellite navigation system that delivers an accuracy of 2-3 centimetres. It is used to create virtual boundaries for professional robotic mowers. 

The company said in a statement that they believe the new system will significantly increase the flexibility and use of professional robotic mowers in green spaces, as virtual boundaries can be adapted to meet the ever-changing needs of sports fields and public spaces. This new system, they say, further opens up opportunities for areas which historically were challenging for robotic lawnmowers, such as areas passing hard surfaces or those which are often remodeled as well as making aerating and scarifying easier.

Sascha Menges, President Husqvarna Division, said, “Robotics and autonomous solutions will play a major role in the future of green space management. We are committed to continuously improving professional green space management and Husqvarna EPOS is a technological breakthrough in Husqvarna’s robotic mowing that will further accelerate the adaptation of robotics in professional lawn care."

Husqvarna pro robotic mowers with Husqvarna EPOS integrate with the company's Fleet Services digital fleet management control system.

The new technology will be launched with selected professional customers in US, France, Germany and Sweden in 2020. Service Dealer has been told the UK release is scheduled for 2021.

Malone - the Mayo-based farm machinery manufacturer - launched one of its newly designed centre-pivot mowers at the recent National Ploughing Championships held in Co. Carlow.

This new mower line-up complements the company’s existing ranges (of trailed and mounted models).

The Malone Procut 3000 MP in action

The machine that was on display - a Malone Procut 3000 MP - is what the manufacturer describes as a “mid-mounted plain mower” and will be available for the 2020 season.

The Procut 3000 MP – as its model designation suggests – has a cutting width of 3m. Other versions (2.6m and 3.4m) are apparently “in the pipeline”.

A spokesperson explained: “It has an innovative hydraulic floating (suspension) system – resulting in an exceptionally clean cut.”

The mower features swath wheels, which leave the cut material in a tidy swath for the following machine.

The hubs in the bed are protected by a shear system. This means that any shocks that may occur at ground level don’t travel through the Waltersheid driveline to the central gearbox.

Each of the seven cutting discs is fitted with 4mm cranked blades. The bed itself can be accessed via a folding cover – to reset the shear mechanism or replace a blade.
The machine is also home to a friction-clutch and over-run protection.

To make the mower easier to attach to a tractor (often, says Malone, a challenge with mounted mowers), the company provides a tripod stand. It’s used when parking up the machine.

John Deere is launching its first commercial electric battery powered walk-behind rotary mower at Saltex 2019 at the NEC in October (stand no. E080).

John Deere PRO 43B commercial battery mower

The new PRO 43B not only produces zero emissions, but also offers intuitive handling, fast charging and a high level of operator comfort. It is designed to enable professional users to easily cut smaller grass areas and clean up edges in public spaces, without the disturbance and nuisance caused by noise and fumes.

Built around an aluminium mower deck with steel reinforcement and alloy wheels for extra durability and reliability, the PRO 43B has shown impressive cutting and bagging performance in pre-production field tests, says John Deere, with no compromise in performance compared with petrol engine driven mowers.

The 36V mower’s new Powerhead carries two rechargeable lithium-ion batteries and switches automatically to the second battery when the first one is empty. Charging capacity is 6Ah as standard, with a full electric charge taking 2 hours 20 minutes and providing up to 500m2 mowing capacity. A spring-loaded battery release system adds to the ease of operation.

Cutting width of the PRO 43B is 43cm and there is a choice of seven cutting heights from 22 to 80mm, easily set by a central lever. The mower comes with a 45-litre capacity grass bagger that features a simple TurboStar ‘bag full’ indicator flag, and a height adjustable handlebar that can be folded for storage. Overall weight with an empty bagger is 32kg.

The new John Deere PRO 43B commercial battery mower will be sold with a two-year warranty (one year on the batteries), and will be available from UK and Irish dealers in 2020.

The BLEC Turf-Seeder will be a particular highlight on the BLEC stand at this year’s SALTEX. Alongside other machines from the specialised landscaping and turfcare range, visitors to stand M080 can also find out about the recently launched 4m BLECavator.

The BLEC Turf-Seeder, along with other BLEC machines, will be on stand M080 at SALTEX

The Turf-Seeder is renowned for utilising one of the most proven methods of seed incorporation. The front notched ring rollers crush lumps, level the soil and create small pockets in the ground ready to accept the grass seed. Offering accurate and adjustable rates of between 5-50gms/m2, the seeds are then distributed the full width of the worked area and are incorporated evenly into the top 12mm of the surface. The rear set of rollers then split the shallow ridges formed by the front rollers to maximise germination - while keeping surface disturbance to a minimum.

The Turf-Seeder is available in 3 different working widths – 1.8m, 2.1m and 2.4m – the largest of which is ideal for contractors and large-area seeding. Its 300 litre hopper capacity and ability to seed up to 7 acres per hour sees it a popular choice for use on turf farms.

Also suited to the demands of turf growers is the new BLECavator 400HD, the latest addition to the heavy-duty stoneburier range. The BLECavator features large diameter tines to screen and bury stones, debris and overgrowth. The adjustable spacing and optional vibrating screen makes it suitable for use in most weather conditions and on a variety of surfaces, including heavy and damp soil. As with the rest of the range, the new 400HD features an adjustable levelling blade for accurate grading, and a rear packer roller, ballastable with water, for firming up the surface. Engineered by Redexim, the new BLECavator delivers strength and durability.

The team will be on hand to discuss and answer any questions on the new BLECavator, along with the complete pedestrian and tractor mounted BLEC portfolio

New to Reesink Turfcare’s product lineup and launching at SALTEX 2019 are two outfront rotary mowers from Toro’s next-generation GM3000 series for 2020.

The new machines are being called the next generation of outfront rotary mowers and have all the benefits outfront rotaries are known for, but with significant performance enhancements.

There are two engine models – a 24.7hp and a 37.4hp, both Stage V emissions compliant, with options of 152cm (60ins) or 183cm (72ins) rear, side, recycling and flail cutting decks. Both benefit from a transport speed of 22km/h to move between sites efficiently and a large 45.4 litre fuel capacity to maximize mowing time between refueling. Also, Toro’s CrossTrax all-wheel drive system provides automatic traction control, shifting power to the wheels in slippery conditions.

Toro has focused particular attention on the durability of the deck in the design of this new series. With 4.5mm high strength steels decks, rugged spindles, a bullnose bumper and reinforced sideskids, the improvements made are aimed at longevity and reduced downtime. And with rotary and flail cutting deck options providing flexibility and value, it’s easy to see why Toro believes this to be the next generation of the outfront rotary.

Jeff Anguige, national sales manager for Reesink, says: “The outfront rotary has become part of the fleet for most councils, contractors and golf courses as an essential frontline machine and rightly so. The new launches from Toro GM3000 series are an exciting addition, taking the design of an outfront rotary mower to the next level.”

The new Toro GM3000 series will be revealed on stand H010.

In addition to this exciting launch, there will be a full line-up from Reesink and all its turfcare machinery and equipment brands. From the Toro grounds machinery range will be the LT-F3000 triple flail mower, the direct collect ProLine H800 rotary, the Groundsmaster 7210 zero-turn rotary and the Pro Stripe 560 pedestrian mower with 22-inch roller.

Representing Toro’s irrigation range will be the Lynx Central Control system and Infinity 55 sprinklers with Smart Access, TS90 and T7 sprinklers with TurfCup (a feature for hidden infield irrigation and seamless-looking turf), Flex 55 sprinklers and Turf Guard soil monitoring system.

For those managing ponds and lakes and needing to optimise oxygen levels to keep water healthy, there will be Otterbine’s Fractional five-in-one aerator. It will be joined on stand by the Concept 3, the aerating fountain that perfectly illustrates how industrial aerators can give the best of both worlds offering function and beauty.

Reesink will again have two stands with E010 being entirely dedicated to TYM’s range of compact tractors and 1st Products, the specialist range of tractor-mounted aeration equipment.

Reesink’s marketing manager Rochelle Bedford, says: “There’s lots to look forward to at this year’s SALTEX. It’s always exciting to launch new products at a show and I predict there will be a lot of interest on the stand when the latest from Toro is revealed. We welcome everyone to come and see the line-up, discuss their needs and share experiences and advice with our specialist groundscare machinery team.”