You may have noticed we are running another story today about the development of hydrogen powered engines. This follows on from last week's piece about JCB who are preparing to display what they describe as their "super-efficient hydrogen combustion technology" at the upcoming Conexpo 2023 show in Las Vegas.

Today's news is regarding Hyundai Doosan Infracore (HDI), makers of the Bobcat kit, who will also be showing the latest developments in their hydrogen internal combustion engines at the same event. HDI say these new hydrogen engines will be installed on commercial vehicles such as trucks and construction equipment for testing by 2024, and they promise that full-scale mass production is planned for 2025.

HDI are clearly keen to get this technology up and running as quickly as possible, with their head of the engine department, Kim Joong-soo, quoted in the piece saying, "We will put in the utmost effort to realise carbon neutrality in response to the eco-friendly market by developing green hydrogen-related technologies in line with increasingly strict carbon emission regulations."

It is interesting because we will have all heard various manufacturers talk about these type of engines for a while now, as a possible solution for future sustainability. Perhaps it has seemed a tad sci-fi in the past, with the thought of mass use of hydrogen machines a possibility for the far-off future? With the announcements of these two companies though, and others like them, we now have a clear indication that machinery manufacturers are doing their utmost to bring them to market as soon as possible.

None will want to be left behind in the race to get this new technology in the showrooms of their dealers and all will want to be seen to be taking their environmental responsibilities seriously.

Battery recycling breakthrough

Until the time that hydrogen power is common across the sector though, battery-powered machinery will remain as the choice for those consumers looking to spend their money as greenly as possible. It's extraordinary really, just how massively the cordless market has taken off over the past few years. It's of course standard now for almost every manufacturer to have a line of battery products - with traditionally-fuelled tools becoming ever more sidelined.

However, we do occasionally hear the odd dissenting voice, casting doubt over the longevity of battery as a permanent, future eco-solution. One of the principal reasons that critics site for the technology being less than perfect, is the problem of what to do with used batteries at the end of their life? How can they be easily and safely disposed of has been a genuine issue that dealers have been faced with since the tools rose in popularity.

You may remember in fact, that the retiring, soon to be ex director of BAGMA, Keith Christian, penned an article in the May-June edition of our magazine last year, precisely about this, entitled, 'The challenges of recycling lithium batteries.'

Keith wrote about how the eventual disposal of Lithium-ion batteries presents problems to the environment and safety issues when being stored, transported or stockpiled. "These issues," said Keith, "seem to be causing some concern within the OPE industry amidst a lack of understanding of what the ‘rules’ are as to who is responsible for the eventual safe disposal or recycling of the Li-ion batteries, whatever the size."

Keith talked about how suppliers are looking into ways of re-cycling or re-purposing batteries and advised dealers that if they had old batteries on their premises to ensure they are " stored safely, well away from other products and in proper containers."

It's clearly an issue that many of our dealer readers will have experienced - so it was heartening to read this week that perhaps a breakthrough has been made.

Researchers at Linnaeus University in Sweden say they have discovered a new energy-efficient method for recycling lithium-ion batteries. You can read the whole article here but essentially they say they have developed a more environmentally friendly way of retrieving cobalt from the used batteries. The piece says that with a liquid solvent made of readily available substances, "derived from urine and acetic acid", over 97 percent of the cobalt can be recovered. The researchers claim they see good potential for large-scale application.

Not being a scientist I can't attest to the effectiveness of the method, but they say it involves dissolving the lithium cobalt oxide, a substance used in modern lithium-ion batteries, using a liquid solvent, that separates the cobalt, which can subsequently be used for fabricating new batteries.

"The solvent is a combination of two readily available substances: a simple derivate of urea, which is naturally occurring in urine, and acetamide, which can easily be retrieved from acetic acid”, says Subramanian Suriyanarayanan, one of the researchers behind the solvent that Linnaeus University say they have been researching since 2013.

They go on to explain how the main benefit of the new solvent, compared to widely used methods for recycling cobalt, is that the process can take place at much lower temperatures - meaning the whole process is lot more energy efficient.

Again, not that I'm in any way an expert, but this all sounds positive to my layman's ears - and if it leads to a simpler, faster means for dealers to disperse of dead batteries from their premises, then it is genuinely exciting news.

Certainly it's the most innovative use of urine I've read this week!

EGO Power + held some press days this week at their UK testing centre, near Slough, where new machines were on-hand to try out.

The team on site to meet the press also spoke of the company's Challenge 2025 initiative - which they describe as their "call to arms to educate and empower change in both domestic and professional outdoor power equipment users to make battery the principal power source and leave petrol where it belongs, in the past."

As part of the initiative's package the company is carrying out several eco-activities including:

• Planting Trees - partnering with the Eden Reforestation Projects EGO have pledged to plant a tree for every one of their tools sold in Europe and in addition, each tool that is registered for extended warranty.
• Emissions Calculator - launched so users can discover their environmental impact based on the petrol gardening tools they use
• Education Pack - in the UK they are trialling an education pack. linked to the Key Stage 2 national curriculum, to help pupils engage with the "hidden dangers of petrol-powered tools". They say they created this pack to support lessons already planned to discuss air and noise pollution.
• Clean Air Zone Project 2023 - the company's campaign will be looking into why clean air zones throughout Europe are currently only applied to vehicles and not outdoor power equipment.

Amongst new product innovations seen at the events, the Line-IQ system was demonstrated which automatically extends grass trimmer line to the right length when it gets short. 

Also of note was the new E-Steer zero turning system (pictured above) that EGO says combines the mobility of a zero-turn mower with the control and intuition of a steering wheel, making zero-turn mowers more accessible.

We will have more detailed product information in the next issue of Service Dealer magazine.

The first Scottish event aimed at turf professionals for almost 15 years, The Scots Turf Show, opened its doors at Hamilton Park Racecourse on March 1st this week, with organisers saying visitors began to pour in an hour before official registration had even opened.

The trial show was devised by 17 industry companies, who said they wanted to give something back to the Scottish turf community by providing a local turf event, accessible to a vast swathe of groundsmen and greenkeepers from all areas of sport, that had never had the opportunity to attend a local industry event. 

 
One visitor was David Roxburgh, head groundsman at Rangers Football Club who said, “Something needed to happen here in Scotland, I think it's been great. The fantastic turnout here hasn't surprised me because I think Scotland has been desperate for something like this. It needs a big show, and I think this could possibly be the forerunner of something great.”

Organisers say the number of registered visitors had risen above the target of 200with 287 attending on the day.

Alan Thompson addresses the delegates

The day began with introduction to the idea behind the show by Alan Thomson of AllGrass and Richard Heywood of Campey Turf Care Systems. The guests were immediately engaged with two 20 minute speakers, Gary Smith senior agronomist from the STRI, quickly followed by Joe Shaw from SIS Pitches, before heading out into the spring sunshine for the outdoor exhibition area.

After a couple of hours of interaction with the exhibitors, the group enjoyed a lunch in the hospitality suite overlooking the magnificent race track at Hamilton Park. Then it was back to the marquee for two more short seminars, one from Kelly Marie Clarke agronomist from Origin and finally an introduction to Hamilton Park itself by Ashley Moon, managing director of Hamilton Racecourse.

The organisers said it is important to the companies behind this event to gauge the response of the visitors going forward, with a view to expanding the event significantly next year.

One of the main drivers of the day, Alan Thomson from AllGrass explained,“Don’t get me wrong we are not reinventing the wheel here, but simply putting it on a different path and a path that can continue to build excitement for the Scottish and beyond markets. ‘Connecting the Industry’ this is something that Richard and I believe we can do and hopefully with the many ideas for the future we can achieve this.”

Organisers have announced 6th March 2024 as the date for next year's event.

Service Dealer owners Duncan Murray-Clarke and Emma Craigie completed the Brighton Half Marathon last weekend, raising cash for The Addington Fund.

Describing the race Duncan said, "Just when I thought I was doing well, I was passed by a man with a fridge on his back!

"Seriously though, thanks to all our sponsors for helping us pass our £1,000 target and especially Kubota UK for sponsoring my head!. Congratulations also to Sam Hammond for his great work for SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity."

You can still back Duncan and Emma in their quest to raise cash for The Addington Fund, the charity supporting farming and rural communities, by visiting their Gofundme page.

From 1st March, T H White has gained new DeLaval territory that stretches from Wales to the Norfolk coast and is opening a new depot in Norfolk.

TH White Attleborough team

The dealership says they have extensive knowledge of dairy operations offering installation, parts, servicing, and support for conventional and robotic parlours across the southwest and is now expanding eastwards as a substantial DeLaval dealer in southern England.

When the Norfolk dairy business Taylor IMS decided to close activities, a pledge was made by T H White to invest in the Attleborough based operation and develop it to further support dairy farmers on the eastern side of the UK.

Adrian Lovegrove, divisional director for T H White said, “We are very excited about this project, and we’ll strive to establish, maintain, and grow relationships with Taylor IMS customers”.

DeLaval’s country commercial manager, Scott Patrick added “T H White’s proven record as a professional, customer focused and trusted partner will allow us to get closer to our customers and provide the best possible service to help dairy farmers with their daily challenges”.

T H White’s current dairy depots in Frome, Somerset and Huntley, Gloucestershire will be supplemented with the additional facility in Attleborough, Norfolk. The dealership has employed members of Taylor IMS staff to continue to support the business.

The new branch is located at Baconsthorpe Farm, Ellingham Road, Attleborough Norfolk, NR17 1YQ

Steve Taylor of Taylor IMS said of the move “We are delighted to become part of T H White and can re-assure our customers they will continue to see the same friendly faces offering the very best customer service with our new dealer brand”.

This territory expansion will take immediate effect, with Taylor IMS winding up activities thereafter.

Merlo UK have announced a new dealer, and an expansion of territory & responsibility for an existing dealer to strengthen their dealer network in Scotland. This follows a decision by Merlo UK to end its relationship with HRN.

L-R: Gavin Smith (regional sales manager, Merlo UK); Karen & Jimmy Low (J Low Agri Services); Stuart Henry (area service manager, Merlo UK)

New to the network are Fife based J Low Agri Services Ltd. Established by Jimmy & Karen Low in 2002 as a tractor hire business, J Low Agri Services quickly expanded into an agricultural engineering service business in the Fife area following Jimmy’s decision to become self-employed. Now based off Junction 4 of the M90 at Kelty, the dealership looks to continue their trend of consistent growth as a Merlo dealer.

Owen Buttle, National Sales Manager of Merlo UK, commented, “Fife is a key agricultural area of Scotland and we are extremely happy to have J Low Agri joining the Merlo network."

Jimmy Low, founder and owner of J Low Agri Services, said, “This is a great opportunity for us to grow our product offering to new and existing customers, we look forward working with Merlo and further developing our business.”

Expanding to become a combined Merlo dealer with the upcoming launch of RAS Plant Sales, Ross Agri Services Ltd will grow the Merlo offering they have provided to their customers since 2020.

L-R: Owen Buttle (national sales manager, Merlo UK); Shaun Groom (general manager, Merlo UK); Martin Ross, (md, RAS); Sarah Shorrock (company accountant, RAS); Craig Walker (sales anager, RAS)

The newly formed division of RAS Plant Sales will operate alongside Ross Agri Services from their existing St Cyrus, Turriff depots plus the newly acquired Muir of Ord location, enabling RAS to carry Merlo construction products.

Shaun Groom, general manager of Merlo UK, said, "I am confident that the Merlo brand will only continue to grow further with the high level of customer support that RAS are renowned for”.

Martin Ross, managing director of Ross Agri Services Ltd, stated, “We are delighted to be expanding our Merlo trading area, not only representing the Merlo agricultural range, but now the Merlo construction product offering too."

Hyundai Doosan Infracore (HDI), producers of the Bobcat range of equipment, have announced an acceleration in their engine development after finishing the design of its hydrogen internal combustion engines (hydrogen engines) and rolling out the prototype. 

The hydrogen engine under development by HDI is an 11-litre class engine that they say produces a power output of 300 kW (402 HP) and a torque of 1700 Nm at 2000 RPM. It satisfies Tier 5 / Stage 5 / Euro 7 regulations which require the emission to be 90% reduced to the current level to meet Zero CO2 (below 1g/kwh) and Zero Impact Emission (Zero Emission in EU).

Hydrogen engines are powered by low-purity hydrogen, making them durable, economical and energy-dense, which HDI believes makes them the most suitable engine system for mid-to-large-sized vehicles and vehicles for long distances. A single charge of 10 minutes enables a distance of up to 500 km, and HDI claim they are 25-30% more economical than fuel cells or battery packs when vehicle price and maintenance costs are considered. 

HDI say they plan plan to leverage its existing engine technology and facilities to reduce costs and accelerate commercialisation. The new hydrogen engines will be installed on commercial vehicles such as trucks and large buses, and construction equipment for validation by 2024, and full-scale mass production is planned for 2025. 

HDI will showcase various products including H2ICE, EV battery packs and plug-in full hybrid powertrains at the upcoming CONEXPO 2023 to be held in the U.S. in March.
 
HDI’s head of the engine department, Kim Joong-soo, said, “Hydrogen internal combustion engines will be used in mid-to-large-sized commercial vehicles such as trucks, buses and construction equipment and mid-to-large-sized power generators. We will put in the utmost effort to realize carbon neutrality in response to the eco-friendly market by developing green hydrogen-related technologies in line with increasingly strict carbon emission regulations."

Eat Farm Now, sister title to Service Dealer, has published the first part of a fascinating piece today, asking why are the supermarket shelves empty?

Ben Eagle, acting editor of Eat Farm Now, says, "Newspaper headlines have been increasingly panicked in recent days regarding food shortages and empty shelves in the fresh produce sections of supermarkets. Restrictions have been placed on various fruit, salad and vegetable products, including cucumbers, peppers and tomatoes and a number of factors have been blamed, from the weather in Morocco to Brexit.

"However, with soaring energy prices and growers receiving low returns for their produce, are we missing the real story? UK food producers are facing a critically uncertain future if they do not receive higher prices for their produce, but are the public and retailers willing to pay more?"

Read the full article here.

Shareholder and longstanding CEO of the Amazone Group, Prof. h.c. Dr. Dr. h.c. Heinz Dreyer, passed away on 17 February 2023 at the age of 90.

Dr. Heinz Dreyer

In a statement Amazone said they had lost "an unparalleled inventor from the agricultural machinery sector and a passionate family business owner".

Dr. Heinz Dreyer decisively shaped sustainable development in the Amazone Group for many decades. As soon as he joined the company management in 1958, he demonstrated a strong commitment to research and product development. The development of agricultural machinery was always for him a matter very close to his heart.

Numerous pioneering inventions and patents can be related back him. For example, he invented the first ZA three-point linkage mounted, twin disc fertiliser spreader, which later became the forerunner to almost every other fertiliser spreader used around the world. He set further milestones with the design of seed drills for larger working widths and invented the Amazone D4 tractor-mounted seed drill, which soon enabled the company to become market leader in this field as well.

Ahead of his time, he turned his attention to the progressive method of direct seeding as early as 1975 and invented a ground-breaking chisel opener for this purpose. His achievements were recognised in many ways. Over the years, he came up with a large number of inventions which received many awards and medals for these many advancements in agricultural machinery. Dr Heinz Dreyer himself received top-level scientific awards and important honorary degrees for his work. 

As the third generation of the Dreyer family, Dr Heinz Dreyer played a major role in building up the company and developed it into a global agricultural machinery manufacturer with his business acumen. The continued independence of the owner-managed family business was always at the centre of his considerations. He transferred his management responsibilities to his son, Dr. Justus Dreyer, in 2005. Nevertheless, he continued to be still responsible for Amazone seeding systems and their optimum fertilisation and maintained strong links with universities. 

Amazone concluded, "The death of Dr. Heinz Dreyer has left a huge hole in our company. The family, the entire management team and all employees will respectfully continue his life's work."

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