I have received some interesting responses from the manufacturer and supplier side of the industry in regards to last week's blog that considered what to do with spent lithium-ion batteries and who the responsibility ultimately lies with for their safe disposal.

Also, I've had the discussion widened, hearing that the industry should be concerned not only about the disposal of batteries, but also their shipping.

Not all are made equal

Firstly, some manufacturers were keen to point out that their batteries are all serviceable, which they argue is a major plus over some competitors' batteries that they would consider to be inferior. One told me how they were yet to replace a cell in a one of their batteries after seven years, although they have experienced imbalances which they were able to rectify with the software they hold.  

I heard how certain batteries apparently use a less volatile and toxic lithium mixture than other sealed batteries, allowing safe servicing, a longer life cycle and provide the ability to be re-energized.

Whilst I'm sure everyone reading this today would agree that some batteries are indeed better than others, I suppose all will eventually come to their end-of-life and then we're back to the same issue of the correct means of safe disposal and who must take responsibility for this.

A complicated subject

Another manufacturer / supplier who asked to remain anonymous, wanted to highlight that the whole discussion around lithium is incredibly complicated. They were to keen in fact, to expand the debate beyond just disposal, saying that they believed that other companies were not supplying the batteries correctly in the first place.

They told me that their business had taken this issue extremely seriously and had spent thousands of pounds to put their staff through the correct training so that they are able to issue dangerous goods notes and therefore be compliant. On top of this, they said, they have paid the extra expense to have two DGSA’s (Dangerous Goods Safety Advisers) employed at their company to make sure they stay compliant. By doing this they told me, they are authorised by the likes of TNT to ship batteries.

Where this supplier believed there was a problem in the industry, was with what they described as companies "black wrapping product" - meaning to ship without declaring that they are in fact dangerous goods. They described this as a huge issue that they felt could cause some serious difficulties down the line.

They told me that to their understanding (and just to stress, I'm only passing on what I was told), the legal requirement at the moment if a dealer is delivering new products that are classed as dangerous goods to customers in a van, they should be in possession of a written DGN (Dangerous Goods Note) and the driver should be ADR compliant (The European Agreement concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road).

This, they said, would cost dealers a significant amount of money - and they did not know of any that were currently doing this.

Disposal

Returning to the issue of end of life battery disposal, this supplier said their company had spent a lot of time looking into the subject. They had come to the conclusion that the problem is that the product being disposed of is classed as "faulty"  - therefore as soon as a waste company is contacted to dispose of "faulty batteries", the prices quoted are extortionate.

Now this supplier was keen to point out that it is not the case that they are shirking their responsibilities in terms of disposal, they simply believed that at the moment there is not an affordable solution available.

They explained that the advice given to them, and what they pass on to their dealers for disposing of lithium batteries, is to give the battery back to the consumer and ask them to dispose of it themselves at their local waste or recycling centre. This is because most of these places will offer a service where they take faulty lithium products, but only from members of the public. As dealer Nigel Barnes correctly pointed out last week, for businesses it is classed as commercial waste and generally this cannot be disposed of at a local centre - a specialist disposal company would most likely need to be engaged, at some considerable cost.

The other problem that this supplier spoke of was space. I heard how their company held disposal bins at their premises, but they were expensive and large. They felt if they were to issue these bins to dealers, many would simply not have the space for the number required - because of course, dealers are trading in multiple battery-powered franchises.

This supplier (perhaps controversially some may feel?) also did not accept that the assumption that suppliers should be obliged to pick up the cost for battery disposal, was quite right. They drew parallels with the waste oil and fuel that dealers have always had to get rid of from petrol machinery. Should batteries be considered any different to these they asked?

They told me that they believed in the future dealers will own disposal bins and they will have to add a charge for disposal onto their service bills to cover the cost.

Certainly when we hear the situation described as "complicated", I don't think anyone could dispute that!

But what do you, our dealer readers think? Do you agree with this supplier's argument? Have you received different advice from elsewhere? Please let us know in the comments below - or feel free to drop me a line anonymously with your thoughts.

Service Dealer has revealed a new venue for the annual Conference and Awards.

This year's event will be taking place at the Crowne Plaza, Stratford-Upon-Avon.

Also a Save The Date has been issued. 30th November 2023 is the day to mark up in your diaries.

Service Dealer owner, Duncan Murray-Clarke said, "We strive to improve the event year on year and I am really happy with the way this year is shaping up. We'll be sharing further, exciting details of our 2023 event soon . . so watch this space!"

Last week we reported that the AEA had released figures that showed that UK agricultural tractor registrations were 10% higher in the first three months of 2023 than in the same period last year.

Now the Association has released further information looking at how those trends varied between machines of different powers and in different parts of the country.

Agricultural economist at the AEA, Stephen Howarth, said, "Most of the growth in registrations was for machines of over 160hp and particularly those in the 161-200hp range, where 80% more tractors were recorded than in January to March 2022. Registrations of machines over 200hp were also up by more than 20% on a year before but there were fewer sales of tractors under 160hp in the opening three months of 2023."

Stephen continued, "The trends in higher power bands may partly reflect improved availability, as supply chain disruptions ease. However, it probably also reflects strong demand from arable farmers who have had a good couple of years, due to strong prices."

This is also reflected at regional level, as registrations increased across most of England, with the exception of the North West. The biggest increases were in the South of England and East Anglia, as well as the North East, although the latter region accounts for only a small proportion of tractor sales.

Stephen concluded, "In contrast, registrations were lower than last year in Wales and Northern Ireland and only slightly higher in Scotland, all parts of the UK dominated by grazing livestock farming, which fared less well financially in 2022."

Horsch has partnered with Chandlers Farm Equipment Ltd to supply its full range of cultivation, drilling and spraying equipment through four of their depots covering the west of the M5 at Bridgnorth in Shropshire, Ross on Wye in Herefordshire, Martley in Worcestershire and Raglan in Monmouthshire, trading as Chandlers RFM.

James Sinclair, Horsch UK and Russ Brett, Chandlers
 
Russ Brett of Chandlers Farm Equipment Ltd said, “Working with Horsch follows our strategy to sell quality, high-tech equipment, and these innovative products complement our existing valued franchises.”
 
James Sinclair, regional sales manager for Horsch UK Ltd added, “Modern farmers are discerning businessmen who want high quality equipment supported by first-class customer service to ensure that they can be a productive as possible. Partnering with Chandlers allows us to work together to meet the need of customers in this area.”
 
Chandlers Farm Equipment Ltd acquired fellow Agco dealer, Ross Farm Machinery (RFM) earlier this year.
 
Russ Brett explained, “Some years ago, RFM sold Horsch products via the Simba franchise, which then became unavailable. When Fendt withdrew from the trailed sprayer market in 2022, this left a large hole in our product offering. Trailed sprayers, direct drills and min-till seeding equipment are a vital sector of the machinery market for Chandlers west of the M5."
 

Craig Hoare, Toro UK's sales and marketing manager, will be taking part in the London Marathon this Sunday.

Craig Hoare

Craig said, "After 20 years of trying to get a place, I finally secured one to the London Marathon. I picked up my number on Wednesday night and I am as prepared as I can be for Sunday!

"It will be great to fulfil a dream on Sunday," Craig continued, "and even better that I will be able to raise money for something close to my heart, LGBTQ+ Inclusive rugby."

You can support Craig in his amazing efforts by visiting his Just Giving page.

Spaldings has secured an exclusive distribution agreement for Dutch Openers tine drill coulters in the UK and Ireland.

The new management team at Spaldings (from left) Nigel Whelan, Paul Bray and David Fox with examples of the Dutch Openers drill coulters.

The Lincoln, UK based company has previously shared distribution rights for the Canadian manufacturer’s products but they say the new exclusivity agreement will enable the two operations to work closely on product enhancements and new designs.

The Dutch ‘Universal’ coulter range offers a choice of low-draft points for single- and double-row seeding, band sowing and liquid or solid fertiliser placement.

Securing the exclusivity agreement was one of the first initiatives of a new management team at Spaldings following the acquisition of a majority shareholding by British private equity firm Inspirit Capital.

Spaldings chairman David Fox, chief executive Paul Bray, and chief operations officer Nigel Whelan say they know the business inside out having previously held senior management positions in the company.

“We’ve all returned to our old desks with a lot of experience and knowledge about what makes Spaldings a successful business,” says Paul Bray. “This boils down to providing customers with an attractive product range and first-rate service, whether they order by telephone, online or through our field sales team.

“One of our first actions upon returning to Spaldings was to recruit additional field sales personnel to create geographically smaller and more manageable sales areas, because we know customers appreciate the personal interaction and service they get from our specialists on the ground.

“At the same time, we’re enhancing our digital presence for those who prefer to place orders online, with a new app for mobile devices and an updated website to come.”

As a result of the exclusive distribution agreement with Dutch Openers, supplies of genuine Dutch coulters from other outlets will be run down.

“There are non-genuine look-alikes in circulation but you have to question whether they meet Dutch Industries’ high standards for design, the quality of materials and manufacturing techniques,” says Paul Bray. “If it doesn’t say ‘Dutch’ on the part, it’s not a Dutch opener.”

Drill manufacturers Horsch and Sumo will continue to be supplied direct by Dutch Openers, with Spaldings handling replacement and conversion kit sales for drills already in service.

An important consequence of the new agreement is that the engineering development departments of Spaldings and Dutch Openers will work together with a view to enhancing existing products and developing new ones suited to European soils and establishment techniques.

John Deere will hold an open day at its Apprentice Training Centre this May in a bid to recruit the next generation of technicians to work across its agriculture, turf and parts business.

The company says their apprenticeship programme has been running for more than 30 years, helping more than 1,200 apprentices qualify through on-the-job practical learning alongside classroom studies.

The Training Centre at Upper Saxondale, near Nottingham, opened last year, providing state-of-the-art facilities where apprentices complete their two or three-year course while simultaneously working within the John Deere dealership network. 

“It’s a really exciting time to be part of the agricultural and turfcare industries,” says Allan Cochran, John Deere branch training manager.

“It’s a highly technical and innovative sector, which means our apprentices get to work with some of the most advanced pieces of kit in the world.

“It’s not just servicing and fixing tractors. If you want to earn while you learn and be part of a huge, global brand with a reputation for ground-breaking innovations, then a John Deere apprenticeship could be the perfect start to your career.”   

John Deere and the scheme’s training provider, ProVQ, will provide a tour of the training centre on Wednesday 3 May and Thursday 4 May, offering those interested in becoming apprentices the chance to meet the instructors, see the facilities, learn about the John Deere brand, and hear how their careers can grow with the company.

Sessions will last up to two hours and will outline what the manufacturer can offer a prospective apprentice, the journey through the Ag Tech, Turf Tech or Parts Tech programmes, plus the John Deere career path once certified.

“This is a unique opportunity to view the learning facilities on offer and talk to those who know all about the programmes,” says Allan.

The three John Deere apprenticeship programmes include Ag Tech - focusing on agricultural machinery, Turf Tech - focusing on professional turf equipment, and Parts Tech - focusing on parts service and support.

The events are free to attend but you must pre-book a session as places are limited. 

On 14 April 2023, Pöttinger officially opened the second hall at the new rake and baler plant in St. Georgen near Grieskirchen, Austria.

Following almost 1.5 years of construction, the agricultural machinery manufacturer has started up a modern cathodic dip priming (CDP) and powder coating line in this second expansion phase. 

With an investment of EUR 25 million, the first expansion phase of the St. Georgen plant was completed and production began in June 2021. The company says the good order situation, combined with a large number of new products and the resulting need for increased capacity made the next step necessary: an additional hall for a sustainable priming and coating line.

The additional building with an area of 7,900 m2 including the new paint shop represents an investment volume of approximately EUR 33 million. The total production area has therefore been more than doubled. 

The new priming and coating line now gives the parts for rakes and round balers their colourful coat of paint. These parts were previously delivered from the painting line at the headquarters in Grieskirchen. In addition, state-of-the-art methods attract contract orders from external firms requiring high-quality coatings. Industrial customers in particular, who have the same high corrosion protection specifications as Pöttinger, for example. Due to the advanced layout of the paint line, orders can be carried out in black CDP with high wall thicknesses and heavy unit weights. The maximum suspended load is 1,200 kg.

The manufacturer says the automotive quality paint finish using cathodic dip priming (CDP) and powder coating is an environmentally friendly process. No solvent is used in the mixing and application of the coatings. The painting process achieves excellent hardness and therefore a longer service life.

Hayter®, makers of the finest mowers, continue to expand on its range of 60V products to offer homeowners and professional gardeners the highest quality battery-operated mowers that offer no engine exhaust emissions, reduced operational noise and an on-board power meter for the easy recognition of remaining battery power.  

New to the range for 2023 is the long awaited Harrier 41 Pro 60V. This professional mower is specifically designed for landscape contractors is designed for high quality and performance with the die-cast aluminium deck, steel split rear-roller and Vari-Pitch™ cutting technology.

All of our 60V battery models feature a unique Power-Boost feature, allowing the mowers power to adjust to grass length and cutting conditions for a seamless and enjoyable mowing experience for the user. 

Promoting the ultimate flexibility, the battery is interchangeable with garden tools from Toro® as they share the same technology and 60V MAX* lithium-ion battery. Simply remove the 60V battery and transfer to one of the other compatible machines – so there’s no need to purchase any additional batteries if you already own a product from either Hayter or Toro.

Within Hayter’s 60V range, there is a product to suit most gardens. The full line-up consists of

• Hawk 36 (Push)
• Hawk 43 (Push & Variable Speed)
• Harrier 41 (Push & Auto Drive)
• Harrier 48 (Autodrive)
• Harrier 41 PRO 60V (2-speed)
• Osprey 46

The 60V Harrier range continues to be designed and engineered by the team at Toro U.K. Limited and is also produced at Toro U.K.’s Spellbrook factory in Hertfordshire alongside the petrol versions, so users can be rest assured that the premium quality of Hayter Harriers is also present in the electric range.

For more information on Hayter, please visit www.hayter.co.uk

or to become a dealer of Toro U.K. Limited, please email our sales team: sales-uk@toro.com today.

*Battery manufacturer rating = 60V maximum and 54V typical usage. Actual voltage varies with load.

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