BAGMA’s first trailer inspection course

HAYNES AGRICULTURAL LTD is the first member to take up BAGMA’s new Agricultural Tractor Trailer Scheme.

The two-day training course comes as the demands on vehicle braking systems have increased and tractor and trailer braking systems have become more complex.

Testing a tractor or trailer’s braking performance is the only way to guarantee the system is operating properly and meeting the braking performance legislation.

BAGMA’s new Agricultural Tractor Trailer Scheme (ATTS) covers inspections and assessments on a vehicle’s physical conditions, verifying the correct functioning of the vehicle’s braking system and assessing the vehicle’s brake performance.

We dropped into the first course, at Haynes’ premises in Kent, on the second day. It started with a catch up from day one, refreshing the key topics that were learnt and demonstrated as well as looking at the practical checks that were completed. The morning of the second day is more theory and classroom based, covering the difference between static and dynamic testing, how to calculate the maximum trailer axle weight and the load sensing valve and pressures.

Before heading outside for the practical element of the training, the technicians look at the breakdown of the braking efficiency mass calculation, max force and legal requirements. The trainer, Andy Scarlett, prepares the equip ment whilst the tractor and trailer are prepared and loaded ready for brake testing. Andy works with the group of trainees to demonstrate how the equipment works when testing the brakes and works with each person individually to ensure the training is thorough and coherent.

Each person receiving the training undertakes to perform a number of practical tests to ensure they understand how the theory is applied, how the equipment is operated and how the tests are carried out. BAGMA has a tractor inspection form that has a 53-point checklist and a trailer inspection form that has a 35-point checklist within the scheme. To ensure the training is comprehensive, each technician receives a reference guide which covers all aspects of the course and also acts as a go-to reference for the future.

To find out more about ATTS, contact Kari Hearn on info@bagma.com.

A record-breaking Royal Welsh winter fair

A FANTASTIC AND record-breaking few days were enjoyed by thousands at the Royal Welsh Winter Fair, held at the showground in Builth Wells.

First staged in 1990 and originally just a modest one-day event, the Royal Welsh Winter Fair has become one of the most popular attractions in the British agricultural calendar. The annual event continues to maintain its position as one of the finest primestock shows in the UK, this year attracting more than 700 exhibitors from Wales, England, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Holland.

BAGMA’s business development manager, Richard Jenkins, a regular to the Royal Welsh Show, attended the Winter Fair on day one and caught up with a number of BAGMA members, including Arwel Evens from Arwel’s Agricultural Services Ltd. Like many, their stand saw a constant flow of old and new customers.

BAGMA member Frank Sutton took the title for Best Overall Tradestand Award. Based in the South Glamorgan Hall, they had a busy few days displaying products from John Deere, Cat and Yamaha and offering their expertise in agricultural machinery.

This year saw more than 300 tradestands, and 60 more stands in the Food Hall where guests were able to sample the superb produce from across Wales and the border counties. The late-night shopping evening again saw thousands of visitors indulging in some Christmas shopping and enjoying the festive atmosphere and spectacular firework display.

Meeting Elise at the Four Counties Group

BAGMA’S FOUR COUNTIES regional group met just before Christmas for its AGM and Christmas meeting. Made up from the counties of Gloucestershire, Warwickshire, Hereford and Worcestershire, the Four Counties group is one of the oldest BAGMA Regional groups that hold regular meetings.

Chaired by Peter Heming of Heming Engineering and currently BAGMA’s vice-president, the meeting combined with the region’s AGM, a Christmas lunch, some BAGMA business and a very thoughtful address about the industry by

David Withers from Iseki UK and president of the AEA.

Finlay Basset from First Green Industries (info@firstgreenindustries.com) talked about the future of electric in agriculture and showed a remote controlled skid steer loader, the Elise 900, the world’s first electric skid steer loader. This new product is sold locally by Heming Engineering. A remote-controlled demonstration took place in the freezing cold in a very icy car park.

Ian Coleman, secretary for the group, con- ducted the AGM but also covered the current changes in training and educa tion with the new T Levels coming in September and further changes to apprenticeships. A general discussion about the provision of training and the training needs for dealers took place. The difficulties of recruitment were highlighted along with concerns for future recruitment.