Machinery Ideal baler for contractors
...More on previous page The McHale team had a large display area including models from across the company’s range. “A new option for the V660 baler was a single belt, shown for the first time at Cereals last year,” explained McHale sales representative Kieran Hughes. “It also features hydraulic motor net tension adjustment, making it ideal for contractors working in a range of conditions, including variable weather. Auto-greasing is another popular option reducing down-time. “Farmstar has been a dealer for us for at least 10 years and supplies our range through all its depots. Most sales are of balers and wrappers and the dealer’s success is down to its excellent back-up and service.” Worksop, Notts-based contractor Dan Gregory of CDG Farm services is pictured (centre) with Kieran (right) and England and Wales service manager Shane Mc Kenna. “We specialise in baling but also offer a hedge cutting service to estates and farms in Nottinghamshire, Yorkshire and Derbyshire,” he explained. “Farmstar gives us a very good service which other dealers just can’t beat, so we also run Manitou handlers and use Bomford Kestrel hedge-cutters.”
Wide range of products from local firm Locally based manufacturer KRM supplies cultivation products, spreaders and drills through Farmstar. “Our drills have exclusive features which appeal to farmers and contractors in the trading area,” explained KRM technical sales representative for central England Michael Britton (pictured). “Our Bredal spreaders are also popular, including larger trailed versions which appeal to contractors and larger farms, and mounted spreaders of all sizes for grassland and arable users. “Farmstar’s sales team is brilliant – keen to do business and with an excellent service division to back it up.”
Workshop accessories popular with visitors Draper workshop accessories and tools have been available through Farmstar for more than 20 years and area manger Howard Hall (pictured) described the dealer’s sales team as brilliant. In highest demand at the open day were socket sets, toolboxes, compressors and space heaters, he said.
Open Day Excellent customer service Contractor Graham Thompson (left) trades as Specfarm Solutions, and is pictured with Craig Bradshaw. The Crowle, north Lincs-based contracting business specialises in baling, making Hesston and conventional bales and also offers a grass and pasture management service. General farm cultivations are carried out for farms in the area. Products supplied by Farmstar include a Manitou – used mainly for bale handling and stacking as well as loading manure, a Case IH round baler and other general implements. “I deal mainly with Craig,” pointed out Graham. “I knew him when he was employed previously with another dealer and when he moved to Farmstar it suited us well to continue the relationship. I have dealt with Farmstar for many years but since Craig joined I have been keen to try more of the brands and products available. “I’m considering hiring a Case IH tractor for our big baler this harvest, and looking at Kubota products too. Both are on our list of potential purchases. I deal mainly with the Brigg depot which is closest to us, and the service is always good. Without doubt the parts department is excellent. Comparing Farmstar’s service to other dealers I’m always impressed with the speed and efficiency with which enquiries are acted upon. The team is never pushy, but other dealers could learn a lot from their attitude.” Graham said the Manitou handler is superb. “I rate it very highly,” he said. “It’s an old model but remains reliable.”
Reassuringly well built products Hatfield, Doncaster-based farmer Tom Brooke of DE & M Brooke told Farmers Guide that he wouldn’t consider changing his cultivator brand from Philip Watkins as no other product offers similar ability to cope with the difficult working conditions on his heavy clay and peat. Livestock on the mixed farm include sheep and cattle and crops are winter wheat, barley, oilseed rape and sugar beet. Products supplied by the dealer include Case IH Puma 130 and 160 CVX tractors as well as the cultivator. “We bought a Philip Watkins subsoiler approximately seven years ago and it performs well and is reassuringly well built,” he said. “Our land is quite demanding and when conditions are especially tough there is a high risk of breakages. We just don’t need to worry when using the Philip Watkins products.” Farmstar Marr depot managing director Andrew Waddington agrees. “It’s a great product range and the manufacturer builds it to suit each customer’s individual needs,” he explained. “As long as it will work Philip is happy to create a bespoke piece of machinery and customers appreciate that. He isn’t seen so much as a manufacturer but more as an advisor who will discuss their needs and suggest a solution. It’s not just the cultivators which appeal. It’s also the range of trailers and in particular larger flat and livestock trailers which are in demand in this area. “All the sales staff here enjoy selling Philip Watkins products as there is always something suitable for any farm size and type. Heavy duty tillage products which are built to last and perform well with minimal attention appeal to farmers and contractors, especially when they are putting a 650hp Quadtrac on the front,” he added. Pictured (l-r) Philip Watkins sales administrator Stephanie Ward, Philip, Andrew and farmer Tom Brooke.
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