New dealers join Merlo network

MERLO UK’S COMMITMENT to providing a strong nationwide dealer network has taken another step forward with two new appointments. Lincolnshire-based RC Setchfield Ltd and Brompton by Sawdon-based Hardwick Agricultural Engineers are the newest members.

Regarding the recruitment of RC Setchfield, which was founded in 1982 by Richard and Heather Setchfield and is now in the hands of their daughter, Hannah Setchfield, Merlo UK’s national sales manager Owen Buttle said: “This appointment symbolises Merlo UK’s commitment to providing our customers with strong and full coverage across South Lincolnshire.”

Hannah said Merlo was “a perfect addition to our current service offerings and existing franchises, solidifying our position as a material handler expert in the local area”.

Hardwick Agricultural Engineers has replaced Murton-based Yorkshire Handlers, which relinquished the franchise to retire.

Shaun Groom, general manager of Merlo UK, explained: “Yorkshire is a key agricultural county, where Merlo handlers have found favour across a wide range of farming operations. As such, we wanted to be sure to appoint a new dealer that could support those existing Merlo customers effectively, whilst further developing the sales of new Merlo products.”

Joining the Hardwick team from Yorkshire Handlers is experienced technician Dane Robson.

Q1 sales: bigger machines perform better

WITH UK AGRICULTURAL tractor registrations 10% higher in the first three months of 2023 than in the same period last year, the AEA has now released details of the best-performing power categories and regions.

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-March 2022. Registrations of machines over 200hp were also up by more than 20% on the year before but there were fewer sales of tractors under 160hp in the opening three months of 2023.

The AEA’s agricultural economist, Stephen Howarth, says 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, except for 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. 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.