THE MEMBERSHIP MAGAZINE OF THE BRITISH AGRICULTURAL AND GARDEN MACHINERY ASSOCIATION ISSUE 31 | JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2022
Why customer service should be five-star
Battlefield Machinery’s Richard Evans reveals the importance of customer service, building a tight-knit team… and Doughnut Friday! INDUSTRY NEWS | RECYCLING LI-ION BATTERIES | EXPERT ADVICE
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IN THIS ISSUE
New year, new challenges
ISSUE 31 JANUARYFEBRUARY 2022
Although there are many uncertainties about this year, this was also true of 2021. But BAGMA President Peter Arrand reminds us that one of the key events of last year turned out okay and companies are continuing to invest… COMMENT
PETER ARRAND PRESIDENT BAGMA EVERY NEW YEAR brings new challenges and this year looks set to be just as challenging as the last, with Covid restrictions, supply issues and Brexit trade relationships. Last year, BAGMA moved to a new home provided by the AEA with a seamless transition and has been able to retain the benefits for its members, along with the BAGMA Bulletin, which is well established and well regarded by our members, the industry, and further afield. Its future as a magazine bringing interesting articles and relevant information will continue. If there is anyone in your organisation, or outside your organisation but within the industry who you feel would benefit from receiving the magazine, then please tell them to get in touch. I hope that you enjoyed reading about all the Council members in the last magazine and I would like to thank them again as they do give up a huge amount of their free time. With regards to meeting in person, at events and shows, this will still prove difficult and I am sure we will have to continue to
The membership magazine of the British Agricultural & Garden Machinery Association Acting Editor Chris Boiling 07713 192344 chrisboiling@live.com Design Alan Bingle 07949 024737 alan@forty6design.com All advertising and media enquiries please email: keith.christian@bagma.com
exploit the various technologies that are available to us to continue to work. We have already seen some key events in the calendar being postponed or cancelled altogether (see page 3). Whilst the pressures of the pandemic have affected many individuals and organisations, it is pleasing to see that companies continue to invest in the future. CLAAS is a prime example. As you will see on page 2, the company has made the decision to take its apprentice training ‘in house’ – an industry first. I am very pleased to see that BAGMA has now started offering training on the new Tractor-Trailer Inspection & Brake Testing Course. This two-day course covers all aspects of this complicated subject and will provide technicians with a better understanding of legislation, inspection procedures and brake testing processes. This comprehensive training will fill the gaps left by other schemes and ensure a more focused approach to inspections and brake testing and dispel some of the myths that are being created in the marketplace by a lack of understanding relating to the upkeep and operation of tractors and trailers. On behalf of BAGMA and myself, I wish you all the best for the New Year, hope you are able to stick to those resolutions should you wish to make them and I hope you are able to keep safe.
BAGMA, Samuelson House, 62 Forder Way, Hampton, Peterborough PE7 8JB. 01295 713344 bagma.com BAGMA president Peter Arrand BAGMA director Keith Christian 07823 416849 BAGMA business development manager Richard Jenkins 07432 290605
BAGMA BULLETIN JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2022
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NEWS CLAAS UK takes apprentice training ‘in-house’; tractors bucking the depreciation trend; Haynes expands west
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EXPERTS Expert advice on legal, marketing, and safety matters
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COVER STORY Battlefield Machinery’s managing director reveals the importance of customer service, building a tightknit team, axethrowing and Doughnut Friday
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SPECIAL FEATURE What to do with used Li-ion batteries
PRODUCT NEWS Some of the latest releases
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WHAT’S MAKING PHIL’S LIFE EASIER? Ripon Farm Services’ Phil Gregg explains how the North Yorkshire firm is meeting the challenge of disruptive change
Every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the material published in BAGMA Bulletin. BAGMA can accept no responsibility for claims made by manufacturers, advertisers or contributors. Views expressed by advertisers or contributors are not necessarily those of the publisher or of BAGMA. Advertisers in BAGMA Bulletin are not agents of BAGMA or any of their associated businesses. Also, BAGMA and its associated businesses never act as agents for any advertisers. Printed in the UK by Stephens & George.
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BAGMA NEWS
BULLETIN BOARD
2021 TRACTOR SALES
883 agricultural tractors were registered in the UK in December – the highest figure for the time of year since 2017. The December figure brings the total number of machines registered last year to 12,017. That is 15.8% higher than in 2020 but very close to the size of the market in each of the three years before that. Stephen Howarth, the AEA’s agricultural economist, comments: “It is likely that registrations would have been higher still were it not for disruptions to global supply chains, which led to an increase in delivery lead times for a wide range of manufactured products, including tractors. That will have meant that some machines which would ordinarily have been delivered (and registered) in 2021 will have been delayed into 2022.”
HOSPITAL VISIT
A convoy of more than 40 tractors, lorries and diggers visited the James Paget Hospital in Gorleston, Norfolk, to spread a ‘get well soon’ message to a tyre-fitter recovering from a stroke. The farmers and contractors wanted to show their appreciation to Dave ‘Diddy’ Chapman, who is known for going out of his way to help farmers at all hours during harvest time.
STRATEGIC ACQUISITIONS
Kubota Corporation, through Kubota Canada Ltd, has acquired AgJunction Inc, a specialist in advanced guidance and auto-steering with numerous patents related to automatic operation control systems. Kubota says it will combine AgJunction’s technologies with its own products to speed up the development of automated technologies. Stanley Black & Decker has splashed a total of $1.9bn on the remaining 80% ownership stake in MTD Holdings, which owns Cub Cadet, and Excel Industries, which owns turf equipment brands such as Hustler and BigDog Mower. The move, which should give the company a $4bn share of the $25bn-plus outdoor power equipment industry, also adds more than 2,500 independent equipment dealer outlets to its worldwide network.
MONARCH RAISES $61M
California-based electric tractor manufacturer Monarch has raised another $61 million in capital, with part of the money coming from CNH Industrial, and another part coming from the venture arm of Trimble Inc, a local technology giant specialising in GPS and location-based software. Monarch is currently producing two of its $58,000 electric tractors a day, but aims to produce 6,000 tractors a year by autumn 2023.
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Apprentice training moves ‘in-house’ for CLAAS UK CLAAS UK HAS made the decision to raise knowledge required by the customers and their dealer network to provide a first CLAAS its apprentice programme to “a new level”. From February 2022, CLAAS UK will be service”. Initially CLAAS UK will be delivering the taking its apprentice training ‘in-house’ in a new dedicated Apprentice Academy directly Land-Based Service Engineer Technician adjacent to its CLAAS Academy, on the site Level 3 Apprenticeship Standard, but as the of the CLAAS UK headquarters at Saxham, Academy develops it is planned to expand apprentice numbers and courses available. Suffolk. Andrew Dunne, Academy manager, said: The new purpose-built Apprentice Academy – with five workshops, six classrooms, and “Our new generation of apprentices will dedicated digital studios – makes CLAAS the receive specific product training throughout their apprenticeship only UK agricultural machinery manufacturer to provide an 'THIS IS A SIGNIFICANT programme and will be fully integrated and accustomed in-house apprenticeship pro- STRATEGIC STEP FOR to CLAAS, leading to further gramme that is ‘all under one THE DEVELOPMENT qualification and progression roof’. It’s also a worldwide first AND SUSTAINABILITY within the dealerships once for the CLAAS Group and with OF OUR BUSINESS' qualified.” a significant investment of €3 Brian Wain, chief operating officer for million, the programme will provide a blueprint for the development of similar schemes CLAAS UK, added: “This is a significant strategic step for the development and suswithin the company’s global operation. Over the 20 years since CL A AS UK tainability of our business. In an industry launched its apprenticeship programme, it which combines advanced technology with has seen more than 200 apprentices gradu- practical applications, we have to invest in the people who will be our future engineers, for ate and grow within its dealer network. In a statement announcing the move, the our dealer partners, and our final customer, company paid tribute to “the commitment if we are all to succeed in the field.” CLAAS says it will continue its close workand support” of its dealer network and existing training providers. But the company says ing relationships with the current partner colit needs to take the training in-house “to stay leges to ensure all their existing apprentices ahead” and ensure that “dealership staff of the complete their programmes successfully and future have the technical skills and product continue their careers at CLAAS. BAGMA BULLETIN JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2022
BAGMA NEWS
Tractors bucking the depreciation trend FARMERS WEEKLY HAS named its top ten tractors of the noughties. These popular tractors have reversed the typical trend of steady depreciation. Their values have risen by up to £8,000, with some tidy examples on low hour counts changing hands for near their new price. The list was put together with the help
of Somerset-based used tractor specialist Richard Parris of Parris Tractors and a host of other industry experts, including Richard Pykett (GR Pykett), Duncan Brassington (Brassington Agri), and independent mechanics Steve Hodges, Lee Morley and Matthew Morgan.
The top 10 (“in no particular order”)
Here is Farmers Weekly’s list of the 10 most popular noughties tractor models, noting how their values have changed over the past five years.
Fendt 820 Vario
Valtra 6550 HiTech
(Sub 5,000-hour examples are hard to find, so this figure is for tractors that have done slightly more work)
JCB Fastrac 2170
Value 2017: £45,000 Value now: £55,000*
Massey Ferguson 6480
(with 6.6-litre six-cylinder Sisu engine) Value 2017: £33,000 Value now: £38,000
Value 2017: £22,000 Value now: £28,000
Value 2017: £47,000 Value now: £52,000
Deutz-Fahr Agrotron 165.7 Value 2017: £25,000 Value now: £32,000
John Deere 6930 Premium
John Deere 7820
Case IH MX135
New Holland TS135A
Value 2017: £45,000 Value now: £53,000
Value 2017: £18,000 Value now: £24,000
Value 2017: £40,000 Value now: £45,000
Value 2017: £19,000 Value now: £25,000
New Holland TM155 Value 2017: £25,000 Value now: £30,000
A note on prices: The prices are estimates for tidy, high-spec tractors with about 4,000 hours on the clock. Models with less desirable spec levels, higher hour counts, and rougher overall condition can still be found for considerably less money than quoted here. Equally, exceptional examples that have done very little work could be priced higher.
Covid hits exhibition plans JANUARY’S BTME AND LAMMA events have been moved to later dates, due to the latest coronavirus wave, but the German show Agritechnica has been cancelled. BIGGA has postponed the BIGGA Turf Management Exhibition (BTME) in Harrogate until March 22-24, 2022. BIGGA CEO Jim Croxton commented: “It is heartening to see the success of the booster vaccination programme, but we are committed to running a safe show for all attendees and with all the information available to us, we do not believe this would be possible in January 2022.” LAMMA has moved its 2022 event at the NEC Birmingham to May 4-5. But Hanover show Agritechnica 2022 will not take place at all this year. The next AgritechBAGMA BULLETIN JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2022
nica is due to be held from November 12-18, 2023. And AgriScot – moved from its usual mid-November calendar date to February 9 – has also been cancelled. Robert Neill, chairman of the AgriScot Board of Directors, stated: “Current restrictions for indoor gatherings in Scotland mean that we would not be able to proceed… We will immediately begin the planning process to bring AgriScot back into its regular date on 16th November 2022.”
R C Setchfield rejoins BAGMA Grantham-based R C Setchfield Ltd has rejoined BAGMA and has a LOLER training course booked for early 2022. The family-owned agricultural engineering business, which celebrates its 40th anniversary this year, has three key areas: sales, service and parts. Hannah Setchfield, who joined the team in November 2021, says customers are at the heart of everything they do – a philosophy emphasised by the company slogan, ‘Growth Through Service’. The sales department focuses on quality used telehandlers and tractors. This is complemented by a range of franchises to cover the demands of today’s professional farm businesses. The most recent addition is the Kioti franchise last year, offering a range of compact tractors, mowers and UTVs.
FGM Claymore ‘strengthens’ its position with Yamabiko brands FGM CLAYMORE HAS become the main UK distributor for the Echo and Shindaiwa brands. Paul Butterly, managing director at Claymore, says the appointment by Japanese manufacturer Yamabiko “will further strengthen our position in the UK market,” adding: “We have a long history of importing and distributing 2-stroke hand-held product and our aim is to build the Echo and Shindaiwa brands to significant levels through a network of independent servicing dealers.” The company will be launching a new 40V range of consumer products, including lawnmowers and hand-held products, for spring 2022. The c ompa ny has also announced that Neil Turner (pictured) will join the team as its new sales director to focus on their existing dealer network and new appointments in the coming months.
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BAGMA NEWS
CUSTOMS CHANGES
HMRC has reminded businesses about the customs changes that came into effect on January 1. These mean that full customs controls are now in place for goods moving between the EU and Great Britain, except from Ireland. If your goods are entering Great Britain from EU countries (other than Ireland), you will no longer be able to delay making import customs declarations under the Staged Customs Controls rules that applied during 2021. Most importers will have to make declarations and pay relevant tariffs at the point of import. Another change is that you must use the correct country code for the country of origin and the country of dispatch when you complete your customs declaration. For EU countries, the individual country code should be used as the EU country code has been removed.
Fentons of Bourne shifts strategy FAMILY-OWNED FENTONS OF Bourne has joined the Etesia dealer network – a move in line with its new business strategy. “We have stopped domestic business and have instead decided to go down the professional and commercial route,” said Glen Bellamy, managing director. “In addition, we have also focussed on increasing the hire side of the business, and we feel the Etesia brand will fit nicely into both of these areas.” Fentons of Bourne, located between Bourne and Market Deeping, will be offering the full range of Etesia products in the areas of South Lincolnshire, North Cambridgeshire, and some parts within the Norfolk border. Etesia’s products include a variety of walkbehind, ride-on mowers, green technology, the popular Attila range of brushcutters, and the all-new ET Lander electric utility vehicle. “I’ve been familiar with the Etesia brand for many years, and I have been speaking to the company for about 15 years,” continued Glen. “It now felt like the ideal time to become an Etesia dealer because it fits in perfectly with everything we do. “They are great commercial products, no one can say otherwise. The machines are well built and rightly so, they command a better price. We are looking at targeting schools and colleges, where there is a big need for products such as those from Etesia. Furthermore, many of our customers have older Etesia pedestrian mowers which could do with upgrading. We feel it is time for them to see just how far the brand has developed because they will see the benefits.”
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Chandlers takes on 4x4 and Grasshopper lines TO CONFIRM ITS appointment as INEOS Grenadier agents for Lincolnshire, BAGMA member Chandlers staged events at its Horncastle and Belton sites. Throughout the day, a steady flow of customers showed great interest in this new 4x4 vehicle, which is aimed at the farming community, commenting on features such as the strong build quality and simple no-nonsense design. C h a nd ler s (Fa r m Equipment) Ltd has also taken over the import of the Grasshopper range of zero-turn mowers following the retirement and closing of Scamblers just before Christmas. Gavin Pell, managing director of Chandlers, said: “We recently attended and exhibited with Grasshopper at SALTEX which was a great event where we met with many of the existing dealer network and were
delighted by the positive response we had about our appointment. We were also pleased with the dealers’ and end-users’ satisfaction with the popularity, quality and durability of the Grasshopper range.” Chandlers’ groundcare dealer principal, Les Butters, will be heading up the management of this franchise.
Haynes expands west MAIDSTONE-BASED HAYNES BROS has acquired the trade and assets of Oakes Bros Ltd, the neighbouring New Holland and JCB agricultural dealer group in West Sussex, Hampshire and Berkshire. The purchase of three of Oakes Bros’ agricultural branches doubles the size of BAGMA member Haynes’ agricultural business. These branches, which cover parts of Berkshire, Hampshire, Oxfordshire, Surrey, West Sussex, and Wiltshire, will be re-branded by Haynes Agricultural shortly. The acquisition brings together two longestablished businesses with similar cultures and franchises. It also makes Haynes, one of New Holland’s longest established dealers in the UK, one of the largest New Holland deal-
ers in the country, with six depots covering parts of Kent, Sussex, Hampshire, Wiltshire, Berkshire and Surrey. Andrew Haynes, chairman and CEO of the Hay nes Group, sa id: “Hay nes and Oakes share similar values and we believe this acquisition is a natural fit for our business as it significantly widens our depot footprint and coverage for New Holland. Over time this should provide us w ith increased economies of scale with more shared resources, which should, in turn, enable us to provide an even better ser vice to our farming customers.” Haynes says the new economies of scale will also enable it to invest in areas such as precision farming. BAGMA BULLETIN JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2022
BAGMA NEWS
We are proud to still be fighting for dealers BAGMA director Keith Christian reflects on the new norm… both our members and the industry as whole. Much of what we do KEITH is hidden from sight because, in CHRISTIAN many cases, we are not allowed We have had a lot going on DIRECTOR BAGMA to publicly report on the many at BAGMA over the last six conversations and negotiations months with various changes and an office move. We are also WELCOME TO 2022 and our we are involved in on behalf of our gradually moving some of our first edition of the year. As I write members with various government departments that can result processes and service provider this piece, the new Covid variant is in benefits to our membership and arrangements to new BAGMA rampaging through the country, the industry. platforms from the previous lateral flow tests are hard to get, One of our more obvious BIRA platforms. This process there have been long queues for achievements during the current was agreed to be spread over walk-in booster jabs and hospital pandemic was getting formal a year from the date of our sale admissions are rising dramatically. clarification from government to the AEA and is starting to It all sounds very depressing for a come together. We will inform New Year start but it is very much that dealers could stay open during previous retail lockdowns as an members in more detail as these becoming the norm. essential service to both domestic become available. We hear that most dealers have and commercial users. Working had another good year in 2021 but difficulties in getting stock with the AEA we were able to New literature are hampering what appears to clear up some of the rather vague We have a completely new information that was be very high demand BAGMA Guide to Membership and causing concern 'DIFFICULTIES IN being issued and proand Services in hard copy and for 2022. Maybe it’s GETTING STOCK vide clear guidance digitally, available on request as something else that ARE HAMPERING on what dealers could well as a downloadable version do. We were also able businesses need to get WHAT APPEARS on our website. to help some dealers used to and certainly TO BE VERY We have updated our BAGMA avoid some ridiculous our resilient industry HIGH DEMAND Training Course Guide and threats of prosecuprovided a new Tractor-Trailer will deal with in their AND CAUSING tion when accused of Inspection and Brake Testing stride. Margin reten- CONCERN FOR breaking the rules. Flyer. All are available on our tion may be the all- 2022' BAGMA also has website. important factor for the oldest printed continuous 2022 if supply remains an issue, publication in the industry, havas well as making the most of what Legal Advice ing been providing a newsletter you have to sell and the unique serBAGMA now has a direct or magazine to members for more vice support you provide. account with our legal partners, than 100 years, except for a couple BAGMA’s history as a dealer Ellis Whittam, who also now trade association goes back more of years during WWII when there have a new owner and a new was a paper shortage. Most of than 100 years under its variname. Members ous names and has seen many these publications access has not are still held in issues affect our trade, including changed but members two world wars, rationing, paper BAGMA’s archives can contact BAGMA a nd m a k e v e r y shortages, depressions, banking if required on 01295 Guide BAGMA rship interesting reading. crashes, droughts and shortages. 713344. Or you can be to Mem ces vi We are a members Yet, our oldest member company contact the BAGMA and Ser is over 200 years old and is still a orga nisation a nd Employment privately owned and family-run have much to offer our Advisory Service members and we also business. There are many more on 01244 provide a lot of support members with up to and over 100 667249. for the industry across years in business. Still they thrive The email a broad spectrum of address for and adapt and will continue to do BAGMA Tra ining Courses issues. As with all trade HR advice is so through the current pandemic. associations, our strength is bagmahr@ As the only dealer trade assoin our numbers and we are worknest. ciation for our industry, we are always happy to welcome com proud that we are still fighting for the dealers and representing new members. COMMENT
Update on BAGMA benefits
Training cour ses for the agricultural, construction and garden machinery industries.
BAGMA BULLETIN JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2022
CRM and database In February, we are expecting to be able to move our membership CRM and database onto its own BAGMA platform and close the current BIRA/BAGMA system. We will be using the same Oomi system so our members will not really see any differences, but we will be moving all direct debit arrangements onto a new system and will inform those who pay by direct debit accordingly.
BAGMA Insurance This is provided through BAGMA’s long-term insurance partner, Towergate, and became a direct BAGMA account in July 2021.
BAGMA Bank This is now established as a trading name of Birmingham Bank and all members can benefit from what BAGMA Bank has to offer, including vehicle affinity deals and finance.
BAGMA Direct BAGMA has an ongoing agreement for members who use BAGMA/Bira Direct.
Safety Aide BAGMA has a very long history working with Safety Aide and are pleased that this relationship will continue for the benefit of all our members who wish to take up this service.
Other services We will continue to review member services and benefits and add to these or improve the offering as and when we can. Please contact Richard Jenkins on 07432 290605 or Keith Christian on 07823 416849 for further information.
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EXPERT VIEWS
Show you care, not just because it’s your ‘duty’ IF YOU COULD go out and buy a product Visible management: Managers need to be seen that would reduce costs for the business as well to lead by example when it comes to health and as increasing staff morale and productivity, I safety. Good managers appear regularly on am sure we would all want to be at the front the ‘shop floor’, talk about health and safety of the queue. and visibly demonstrate their commitment Overwhelming evidence suggests that this by their actions. It is important that manageproduct is available to all – in the ment is perceived as sincerely comform of a positive safety culture SAFETY mitted to safety. If not, employees and a proactive approach to health will feel that commercial interests PAUL MARSH and safety. come first, and safety initiatives or Office manager SafetyAide programmes will be undermined by What actually is a safety cynicism. culture? Good communications between There are hundreds of slightly difall levels of employee: In a positive fering definitions of a ‘safety culculture, questions about health and ture’. The Health and Safety Execsafety should be part of everyday utive defines it this way, in HSG65 work conversations. Management - Managing for health and safety: should listen actively to what they “The product of individual and are being told by employees and take group values, attitudes, perceptions, competen- what they hear seriously. Employees should feel cies and patterns of behaviour that determine confident to report accidents and near misses to commitment to, and the style and proficiency of enable the company to learn lessons from these. an organisation’s health and safety management.” There are many cultures within an organisa- Benefit of a positive health and safety tion such as religious, racial and corporate. The culture safety culture is the way in which your organ- Lower absenteeism – if people are fit and isation takes ownership of their responsibilities healthy, they’ll remain at work. to employees, customers and stakeholders. The Lower wage bills – no doubled-up costs of sick way in which this is done determines either a pay and overtime cover to fill the gaps. positive or negative safety culture. Reduced repairs & re-working – when things are done right there is less injury, damage or out Key aspects of creating an effective of spec product, meaning less costs for repairs, culture: re-working and waste disposal. Management commitment: If employees can Happier workforce – if employees feel safe and see that management are committed to health secure at work, they’ll be happier. and safety, this produces higher levels of Lower staff turnover – if employees don’t think motivation and concern for health and safety the grass is greener elsewhere, companies throughout the organisation. will be paying a lot less to replace workers
who’ve left. And a lot less on recruitment and training too. Reduced risk of fines – if the HSE are unhappy with health and safety practices, companies can be subject to hefty fines. Reduced insurance claims – injury and illness claims, property damage and business interruption all cost money. Investing money to reduce claims will save money in the long term. Reduced insurance premiums – the better the health and safety performance, the lower the premium. Improved productivity, quality and profitability
– the presence of positive workplace perceptions and feelings are associated with higher customer loyalty, higher profitability, higher productivity and lower rates of staff turnover. More satisfied clients – if quality, efficiency and staff relations are all exemplary, a business will have a reputation to reflect that. Room for Improvement It is impossible to improve your safety culture overnight, or even in a week or a month. Your organisation needs to make a firm decision, which can be seen by stakeholders, including staff and customers, that this is going to be a long-term strategy. Once all levels of management have made this commitment and decided to take ownership of your staff’s health and safety, targets must be set which are realistic as well as measurable. Complete Safety Aide’s ‘Safety Culture checklist’ to see how you are doing and to see if there are any areas that need improvement. To request this checklist, please contact Safety Aide at info@safetyaide.com or visit our website to download it.
Do your employment contracts contain these five clauses? YOUR EMPLOYMENT CONTRACTS can provided you pay them for the period of notice either protect your interests or put you in a dif- they would have been required to work. This is ficult spot. Here are five clauses we always rec- desirable when you would prefer them to leave right away. ommend employers include. EMPLOYMENT
ALEXANDER 3. Garden leave clause 1. Lay-off clause FARMER This allows you to insist that the Employers cannot lay off employees BAGMA employee stays away from the work(send them home unpaid) during Employment place during their notice period. periods where there is a temporary Advisory Service Unlike PILON clauses, the employee shortage of work, unless the contract permits this. Without a lay-off clause, you may is still employed by you, meaning they cannot go be required to pay employees despite having no to work for another employer during this time and you can ask them to do other tasks at home. work for them to do. 2. Payment in lieu of notice (PILON) clause A PILON clause gives you the option to terminate the employee’s employment immediately,
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4. Employer notice period clause It is usually in the employer’s best interests to state in the contract that if you need to terminate the
employment, legal minimum notice periods will apply. After all, you’re most likely to dismiss an employee due to poor performance or misconduct and, in these circumstances, you won’t want them on your premises any longer than necessary. 5. Mobility clause This states that you can change the employee’s normal place of work on reasonable notice, giving you the flexibility to move the employee to anywhere within a reasonable area. It must be exercised in a reasonable manner, but it can help to avoid a redundancy payout.
For expert advice on producing watertight contracts or amending employees’ terms and conditions, call the free BAGMA Employment Advisory Service on 01244 667249.
BAGMA BULLETIN JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2022
EXPERT VIEWS
Fuel maintenance tips – a common occurrence during the winter months. Tanks above ground that aren’t insulated and exposed to the elements are particularly vulnerable. They are unprotected from the extreme cold weather as well as the signature UK downpours. Above-ground tanks are typical in the agriculture industry. CLIVE If left, the problem can clog fuel CARTER Sales Executive at filters and solidify to the point where IPU Group the fuel no longer flows, starving the engine of fuel and rendering the engine useless. However, damaged heav y machinery, costly repair bills and disastrous downtime can be easily avoided.
IN THE DEPTHS of winter, stores of diesel need more protection than you and your customers may think. Gone are the days when diesel could be left untouched for years. As detailed in our last article, diesel is now a bio blend and modern engines are far more sensitive to fuel. FUEL The threats to fuel reliability All modern diesel contains wax. It’s considered an important component because of its high cetane value. Under normal conditions, the paraffin wax added to diesel improves viscosity and lubrication. However, when temperatures begin to fall, this paraffin wax can crystalise and thicken, turning into a white or yellow cloudy mixture. This phenomenon is known as diesel waxing, or gelling. The process can begin to take place when the temperature drops below 0°C
Fight the threat There are various steps that can be introduced to protect fuel from waxing and the other problems it's prone to.
Five ways to generate content for your social media of the Farming Investment Fund; this would I HAVE SAID it before and I will say it again, certainly provide a talking point. generating content can take all the fun out ● Important dates and times of year. of social media work. Ensuring MARKETING This one can be fun! It might simply you are showing up on your social be a Christmas message or maybe it media consistently can mean that MARY EVANS Owner is national gardening week? Purpose you spend a lot of time finding ME Marketing and your content around these important content to post. So, here are five Events dates with some fun and informaways to generate content for your tive posts. social media. Let’s start with… ● User generated content. By having your audience contribute to a post you in turn will generate usable comments. Why not ask your customers why they deal with you as a company. Their comments can then be used in a follow-up post to promote your service and credibility. ● Company and staff information. Create transparency for your customers by talking about your company. How long have you been around? What are the areas in which you deal in and then shine a light on your staff too, this can really make your content relatable for potential customers. ● Position yourself as a specialist. Make sure you’re keeping up to date with the news in your industry and share relevant information for your audience. We recently saw the launch BAGMA BULLETIN JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2022
And finally… Offer added value by showcasing some unique features – what solution does your product provide? Is there a particular feature that sets it apart from the competitors? Simply promoting a model of a machine is just not enough, really get into the nitty-gritty of what the product offers. For example, it could be a video of you talking through the driving functionality or even showcasing how easy it is to change a certain part. Most of all, remember that you do not want your social media to turn into a chore.
'SIMPLY PROMOTING A MODEL OF A MACHINE IS JUST NOT ENOUGH, REALLY GET INTO THE NITTYGRITTY OF WHAT THE PRODUCT OFFERS'
To learn more about IPU’s fuel management programme, visit: https://www.ipu.co.uk/ bagma/ or call IPU on 0121 5110400.
The easiest and most accessible option is to add additives directly into the diesel to prevent waxing. IPU’s Diesel Defender fuel additive boosts the fuel’s resistance to waxing and inhibits the formation of wax crystals, allowing operation at colder temperatures. Filters are kept unblocked, aiding the engine to start even in minus temperatures. But beyond waxing, diesel is susceptible to other forms of contamination. Ultimately, diesel has a shelf life. Stored diesel can begin to deteriorate after just 6-12 months, and is susceptible to microbial growth, water contamination and solid particulates. Diesel is hygroscopic, which means it attracts water. That, along with the addition of biological matter (aka FAME) to reduce emissions, makes it the perfect environment for microbial growth. The good news is that fuel degradation is entirely preventable.
Working at height safely Working at height is one of the biggest causes of fatalities in UK agriculture. The Farm Safety Partnership, which consists of organisations representing a broad spectrum of agricultural interests, including farming membership organisations, training providers and machinery dealers, would like to remind the industry of these four key messages regarding working at height: ● Avoid roof work or working at height to maintain buildings. Do as much as you can from the ground. For example, use extending equipment to clear gutters. ● Avoid doing the work yourself. Use a professional contractor with the knowledge, skills, equipment and experience to safely work at height on buildings and structures. ● On the rare occasions where roof work or building maintenance at height cannot be avoided, make sure the work is planned and carried out by people with the right training and equipment – for example, trained and experienced people using a mobile elevating work platform or scaffold. ● Don’t be tempted to use the wrong equipment. Being lifted on the forks or bucket of a telehandler is illegal.
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MEMBER PROFILE
Why customer service should be five-star Richard Evans, managing director of Battlefield Machinery, reveals the importance of customer service, building a tight-knit team, axe-throwing and Doughnut Friday, and discusses the impact of Covid and Brexit on the Shrewsbury-based business. Report by Mary Evans.
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BATTLEFIELD MACHINERY, A Kubota agriculture and groundcare dealer with one depot at Shrewsbury, is now in its fifth year of trading. Over this period, it has built an admirable reputation with customers and suppliers, and recently earned gold dealer status with both Kubota and Kverneland. At the helm is 38-year-old Richard Evans, the managing director. Richard grew up on a family farm with two brothers and a sister. With a passion for agriculture and specifically mechanics, he decided this was the career path he wanted to take. To gain some additional experience, he began a Saturday job with some independent fitters working on Massey Ferguson and JCB products. After finishing school, Richard went on to complete an apprenticeship with dealership Ben Burgess. Fast forward a few years of mechanics and demonstrating with Burgess, Richard moved on to Ravenhill, a New Holland dealership with a depot in Shrewsbury,
the very depot that is now home to Battlefield Machinery. Starting with mechanics and quickly moving into an area sales role, Richard felt that sales was where he thrived. With a good knowledge of the area from his upbringing and being an active member of his Young Farmers’ Club, Richard had already built good relationships with the local farming community, providing a great foundation for sales success. Ravenhill specialised in New Holland agriculture as well as Kverneland machinery, which developed into a brand Richard particularly liked. When the opportunity arose to join the Kverneland UK team a few years later, he went for it. Now with a title of key account manager and looking after eight dealerships, the job required plenty of hard work, nothing that fazed Richard. “I enjoyed the role very much,” he tells BAGMA Bulletin. “They were such a great company to work for, very fair with their manageBAGMA BULLETIN JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2022
MEMBER PROFILE
How has 2021 been for Battlefield Machinery? “This year has seen a few changes. We have had a change in ownership with Meyrick selling his share of the business, but we are lucky he has still decided to carry on working as a parts advisor. He has many years of knowledge in this department, so it is great to still have him on board. We are also delighted to have added the Kubota Groundcare franchise to our portfolio in March which will open up a lot of business for us within our area. With that change we have also employed a fulltime groundcare salesman who comes with great experience of the Kubota and Baroness product, so we are very excited about that.”
ment but also expected us to work hard. I got to travel abroad and meet lots of different people and it really was a high point for my career.” In 2016, news began to travel of Ravenhill’s decision to sell two of its depots, one being the Shrewsbury location where he once worked. With an exciting opportunity presenting itself, Richard embarked on a plan to buy the premises and start a new dealership along with his father-in-law, Phil Poole, and Ravenhill’s branch manager Meyrick Pope. Battlefield Machinery was then born, specialising in Kubota Agriculture, Kverneland, Browns and Marshall. Richard recalls: “Meyrick and I knew the importance of keeping as many of the talented staff as possible. We were lucky that nine of the 19 staff members stayed on to work with us as Battlefield Machinery. That was across various departments – service, parts and administration.” But how are things now? I went to Shrewsbury to discuss a variety of subjects with Richard. BAGMA BULLETIN JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2022
with different roles and so it is an important part of this business, because ultimately customer service should be five-star! We want to provide our customers with good service in all departments: sales, back-up, parts, warranty!” What is your least favourite part? “Definitely paperwork and general admin, it really isn’t my thing!”
You have a very close-knit team here, how have you achieved this? “This is something that has always been important, right from the beginning. Meyrick and myself knew how important it was to have a strong team. We stand by the phrase, ‘treat What area does Battlefield Machinery cover? people how you would like to be treated yourself’. “Our base is here in Shrewsbury and we cover “I understand that everyone needs their the surrounding area. It is a little difficult to downtime and with Covid and lockdowns, it explain because our area for Kubota and Kvernehas become more apparent the importance of land differs. Shropshire is certainly a densely a work-life balance. It is a balance populated area when it comes to to achieve good back-up whilst machinery dealers. The last time 'OUR CLOSEST ensuring everyone gets enough time I counted there were 16 dealers, KUBOTA DEALER away. If there is a breakdown on a 20 depots and 45 sales reps out on IS JUST 15 MILES weekend and it is easier for me to go, the road, it is certainly competitive UP THE ROAD then I will. It is all about teamwork but there is also enough business AND WE HAVE A in the area for all of us. Our closest GOOD WORKING and I am proud we have a great team here. Kubota dealer is just 15 miles up the RELATIONSHIP, “I do little things like Doughnut road and we have a good working YOU HAVE TO!' Friday and teambuilding outside of relationship, you have to! Shrop- Richard Evans, MD work, which has been hard because shire is so varied when it comes to of Covid. We recently went axe-throwing in agricultural customers – arable, dairy, vegetable Shrewsbury which was fantastic, it has been growers, even herb growers – so that opens up great to get back out doing these things with the a lot of doors to the product we can go out and team.” sell. There is certainly plenty of scope for us to grow our groundcare division as well, with lots How is Brexit affecting machinery and of golf courses, estates and private schools, we parts supply? are looking forward to dealing with a different “I don’t think Brexit has had any huge effects type of customer with this range of products.” for us when it comes to supply. Some things may have taken a bit longer because of additional What is your favourite part of the business? paperwork at borders but, for us, it’s more about “At the moment I am acting service manager due transport issues. We have found machines and to some personnel changes, so that has certainly parts coming from Europe aren’t too bad but been busy, but I do enjoy it. I find I get a real buzz machines that are coming from Japan and the from satisfying the customers’ needs but also USA are taking a lot longer. We are lucky that exceeding their expectations when it comes to Kubota and Kverneland have parts stock in the service. From the beginning we have prided ourUK and if they don’t have what we require then selves on providing good, old-fashioned back-up. they would usually come from France, so the We have found over the years people buy from us longest we wait would be a few days.” purely based on our service, so it is a very important part of our business and needs to be right. Did supply issues affect your sales? “I wouldn’t say I am the most accomplished “Being a small dealer, we struggle to stock everymechanic – maybe that’s why sales was more for thing that we would like to, financially we cannot me – but we have really enjoyed making bespoke stock the volume of machines like other dealers. products for customers to combat problems they There is just the two of us on the agriculture side find on their farm. Things like our Battle Brushof sales – myself and Grant Williams – and we es and scraper frames for tractors, it’s great to both like to get the product in front of the cuscome up with a solution for their needs. tomer. We are very tactile, I suppose, being able “The passion to deliver five-star service defito show them how it works and really sell it on nitely comes from working for companies who its features. Covid meant that we couldn’t do have always been renowned for good service. It this like we used to so that was tough for us and has been part of my work ethic my whole career
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MEMBER PROFILE
Battlefield Machinery is passionate about holding customer events and evenings at the depot
meant we really had to adapt our sales technique. One thing we have always been passionate about doing is holding customer events and evenings at the depot and we are enjoying being able to do these again. We are very lucky that our customers engage and support with these events as well as our manufacturer representatives, it is something that enables us to offer in-depth introductions to the products and it works really well for us.” Have you been affected dramatically by Covid? “In the beginning it was very frustrating because we couldn’t get any information on whether we were key workers. After speaking with our Member of Parliament, they confirmed we were and that we were able to continue to operate. Before the restrictions we had started putting safety precautions in place and we made these even stricter as time went on. We had a gate across our stores’ entrance and a bell so that people could collect parts. We also offered a parts delivery service for people which was very popular. We had some of the best few months with wearing metal because people were worried about supply issues, so they stocked up. “All our staff had PPE to go out with and we were strict with distancing within the depot. Anyone that could work from home did and we just tried to be as sensible as possible. “Some local dealers completely shut and
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that actually provided us with additional business. We picked up customers, especially in our groundcare division.”
pandemic as well. For us, it wasn’t a question – if we could continue to operate, we would! We like to think we are partners of our customers’ businesses, so we want to be on hand to support them, whatever the circumstances.”
How do you rate the level of support available to small businesses during the What are your thoughts on recruitment coronavirus crisis? in the industry and the drive to get young “We weren’t eligible for any government support, but I did apply for a retail grant. Half of our busi- people into it? “We need to drive young people into the ness comes through the front door, so we were industry and it is something we losing out on sales in our stores. I are proactive about. We have one was told that agricultural supply 'WE LIKE TO apprentice who is in his third year shops were omitted from the list THINK WE ARE on the Kubota apprentice scheme. which was frustrating, especially PARTNERS OF when I had heard other dealers had OUR CUSTOMERS’ We have welcomed work experience over the years to help younger received the grant. We did furlough BUSINESSES, SO people gain skills. We have had our apprentices purely because it WE WANT TO some great people join us, but we wasn’t fair to expect them and our BE ON HAND TO have also had some bad experiengineers to work so closely when SUPPORT THEM, ences with bad attitudes which can they didn’t know where each other WHATEVER THE had been. They were furloughed CIRCUMSTANCES' put me off. I sometimes struggle to understand why young people for five weeks and then we needed them back because work got so busy and I sup- don’t have the same attitude I had when I was 16, which is to work hard and earn money.” pose we had got even more confident in our “The Kubota apprentice scheme has been a safety measures by that point.” great programme and the facilities that the students have access to is great. The college always Is there anything you learned about busireports back to us which I like very much. Howness from the onset of the pandemic? ever, I do find the success rate on apprentices is “We definitely showed commitment to our cusaverage. tomers to stay open and that went a long way. “Driving young people into our industry We found that our commitment to them was needs to start at school. I have had poor experireciprocated in them supporting us during the BAGMA BULLETIN JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2022
MEMBER PROFILE
ences with careers advisors who have told pupils that agriculture isn’t a progressive industry and its nothing more than banging a hammer about. If we do not have the support of rural schools for our industry, then we are going to struggle. More understanding about the scope of careers available in our industry is definitely needed.” You have been awarded gold status by both Kubota and Kverneland – how have you achieved this and what does it mean to you? “We are delighted to have been awarded both of these gold dealer statuses and it is a great recognition of the team’s hard work. There are cer-
tain criteria that you have to meet in order to be able to be a gold dealer and they are different for Kubota and Kverneland, but ultimately it is all about giving good service. Some of the processes that we have implemented in order to classify have helped our business, especially with admin. “We are proud that we specialise in certain franchises. For us, it is about having our key brands, focussing on them fully and being specialists when it comes to those machines.” What plans do you have? “We want to cement what we have been doing and keep providing a good service. One of the
main plans for the future is to get the groundcare franchise off the ground. With our new salesman joining us and having a focus on these products will be key. I would also like to build a showroom for the groundcare product in the near future.” You are a very busy man with the business, so what do you like to do in your spare time? “My two young boys definitely keep me very busy! Any time with the family is always nice when I am not in work. I also have a Peugeot 205 GTI sitting in my garage and I am desperate to get that back on the road. So, when I get some time, I would love to get started with that.”
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BAGMA BULLETIN JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2022
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SPECIAL FEATURE
The challenges of recycling Li-ion batteries If you sell them, you are responsible for them if they are returned to you. Keith Christian looks at an issue that is a growing concern for many within the OPE industry. WE ARE ALL used to batteries of various types. From torch batteries to lead acid car batteries, to the wonders of tiny but powerful mobile phone batteries and the amazing world of lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries. Indeed, the outdoor power industry has been using Li-ion batteries for many years but more recently there has been an incredible increase in the application of Li-ion batteries in OPE and commercial equipment. This all leads to an inevitable question: what to do with Li-ion batteries at the end of their life? They are different to lead acid and gel batteries and their eventual disposal presents problems to the environment and safety issues when being stored, transported or stockpiled. These issues seem to be causing growing 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 their size. Generally, batteries of all types are covered by the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Regulations (WEEE). Details can be found on Government websites. The rules and regulations as to who is responsible for the eventual disposal of batteries are many and varied. One government website (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/waste-batteriesproducer-responsibility) states: “You’re a battery producer if you have a UK business presence and you’re the first person in your selling chain (including importers) to make batteries available for supply or sale on the UK market.” In very simple terms: if you sell it, you are responsible for it if it is returned to you. But this is only the beginning of the story. If you are a dealer, you should be able to return it to your supplier and they in turn to their supplier. The problems that arise from this are the logistics involved in the storage and shipping as there are many restrictions on how these things can be done. The internet is a wonderful tool for research but it leads you down all sorts of alleyways. Below are a few extracts to help with a better aware-
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ness of what maybe the more obvious issues in dealing with Li-ion batteries. They are not in any particular order. ● Li-ion batteries, or those contained in electronic devices, should be recycled at certified battery electronics recyclers that accept batteries rather than being discarded in the trash or put in municipal recycling bins. ● Lithium-ion batteries can be recycled, but only at permitted treatment facilities. When discarded, they must be disposed of at a household e-waste collection point or batteryrecycling drop-off location. ● Recycling processes today recover approximately 25% to 96% of the materials of a lithium-ion battery cell. ● The approximate amount of lithium on earth is between 30 and 90 million tons. That means we will run out eventually, possibly by 2040 depending on demand. ● Traditional fire extinguishers, such as foam and water, don’t work on lithium battery fires. The only way to extinguish a lithium battery fire is to flood the battery with water. A Lithium Fire Blanket will safely isolate a lithium fire battery for hours, until it can be flooded and extinguished. ● Li-ion batteries are generally safe, but if they are mistreated or used incorrectly, they can catch fire or explode. Luckily, it’s easy to reduce the risk that these batteries pose to you and your property by taking a few simple steps. ● Scientists in Japan are working on new types of batteries that don’t need lithium like your smartphone battery. These new batteries will use sodium, one of the most common materials on the planet rather than rare lithium – and they’ll be up to seven times more efficient than conventional batteries. BAGMA has talked to some UK suppliers of outdoor power equipment to ask their views on Li-ion batteries. Those spoken to were very aware of their responsibilities and the issues that may be faced by dealers in terms of battery disposal. They had arrangements in place to return bat-
The first Li-ion battery rolls off Northvolt’s Swedish production line – a first for Europe. The manufacturer also recently announced that its recycling program, Revolt, had produced the first lithium-ion battery cell featuring a nickel-manganese-cobalt cathode produced with metals recovered through the recycling of battery waste. “The recycling process can recover up to 95% of the metals in a battery to a level of purity on par with fresh virgin material. What we need now is to scaleup recycling capacities in anticipation of future volumes of batteries requiring recycling,” said Emma Nehrenheim, Northvolt’s chief environmental officer and head of Revolt. Northvolt is now working on building Europe’s largest battery recycling plant adjacent to its battery manufacturing plant. It should be operational next year.
teries but were clear that transportation of both new and used batteries was an issue. The recycling or repurposing of Li-ion batteries is being looked into by at least one supplier. One interesting point that came up was the repurposing of batteries that may only have a minor fault and can be easily corrected and reused or repurposed rather than recycled. Rather than simply replace a product or a battery, troubleshooting and doing a diagnostic check may identify a problem that can be easily rectified and avoid the need to deal with the recycling problem. This may require dealer staff to be trained, but time and money could be saved in the long run. BAGMA will be looking into the issues of Liion batteries and following discussions that are taking place with various organisations regarding all the issues surrounding the use and disposal of Li-ion batteries. From all our discussions to date, our advice to dealers is to ensure batteries are stored safely, well away from other products and in proper containers. To make sure that you are aware of how to deal with a potential fire hazard from Liion batteries. We would also strongly advise that dealers check their insurance cover. You may not be covered for storage of large quantities of used batteries. BAGMA BULLETIN JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2022
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Groundscare
BAGMA BULLETIN JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2022
Contact Les Butters: 07885 327477 email: les.butters@chandlersfe.co.uk www.grasshoppermower.co.uk
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PRODUCT NEWS
Some great products were due to be unveiled at Agritechnica 2022. As this German show has been cancelled, we are showcasing four fascinating examples which show how new technology is being incorporated in modern agricultural machines.
Agritechnica showcase Müthing CoverSeeder The Müthing CoverSeeder combines familiar components to form a new intercrop sowing system that incorporates all steps in a single operation: a front-mounted harrow ensures fine soil and improves straw distribution; a trailing flail mulcher shreds the straw and the stubble and removes harvesting residues close to the ground from the seed bed thanks to the high suction power of the flail rotor; the result-
ing mixture is conveyed over the subsequent seed rail, which places the grains on the exposed bed. The seeds that are placed on the cleared surface of the soil are then covered by the processed organic material. Once the seeds have been sown and covered, a following prism roller ensures the soil contact required to achieve good germination. The roller also guides the height of the CoverSeeder. Forgoing
Claas Terranimo A new system from Claas shows the driver how high the risk of compaction is under the current operating conditions directly on the terminal in the cab. In order to calculate this, Claas links information supplied by the CEMOS driver assistance system on aspects such as the soil type/ condition, axle loads or tyre pressures with Terranimo, a tool used to simulate soil loading and load bearing capacity that is recognised throughout Europe.
Dynamic axle load shifts are also taken into consideration in this process. Redcoloured pressure bulbs, for instance, indicate a high risk of compaction. In this case, the driver can abort the planned operation or implement suitable countermeasures (e.g. changing ballast weights or tyre pressures) and immediately check the effects of these again. Thanks to this preventative driver support, the Claas Terran-
Krone ExactUnload
With Krone ExactUnload, unloading the new GX roller belt wagon with the front wall running to the rear is controlled so that the transported material can be distributed evenly over a previously defined distance. In this process, the speed at which the tractor and trailer are moving within the speed window (up to 3.5 kph) is irrelevant. This ensures that even inexperienced drivers can
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intensive tillage in combination with a full covering layer of biomass protects the soil from evaporation and erosion, and provides the water required for germination even in extremely dry conditions.
imo soil compaction risk display on the terminal enables the avoidance of harmful compaction and the related, negative effects on soil health and profitability.
CNH OptiSpread Automation System New Holland has developed the first chopped material distribution system with direct measurement technology, the OptiSpread Automation System. 2D radar sensors mounted on both sides of the combine harvester measure the speed and the throw of the chopped material. The sensors register the entire throw and therefore the distribution pattern. If the distribution pattern no longer corresponds to the nominal distribution pattern over the entire working width, the rotational speed of the hydraulically driven feed rotors on both sides is accordingly increased or reduced separately until the distribution pattern once again corresponds to the nominal pattern. The technology registers irregular chopped material distribution even with a tailwind or headwind, and additionally enables a distribution map to be produced.
always achieve good distribution and the compaction vehicles have less material to redistribute, thus contributing to more uniform compaction and therefore to a high silage quality. In addition, fuel and time savings are achieved, the material is loosened less due to the wheel slip of the distribution vehicle and additional capacity is obtained for quality-relevant compaction.
BAGMA BULLETIN JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2022
PRODUCT NEWS
Wiedenmann
With multi-purpose machines on trend, Wiedenmann put its most versatile kit – the Super 500 sweeper collector, scarifier and flail mower – centre stage at SALTEX. The machine can be used for leaf clearance, rough management, and multiple collecting tasks. With a 2,500-litre tank and a high dump capacity to 2.1m, it tips into trailers to save on time and resources.
Six of the best from SALTEX
Pellenc Two of Pellenc’s latest innovations – unveiled at SALTEX – were the Excelion V2 Brushcutter (pictured) and Airion Backpack Blower.
The new battery-powered brushcutter delivers the equivalent of 70cc of power, as much as some of the largest petrol machines on the market. Weighing 30% less than petrol-powered brushcutters, it also has a newly designed smart handle that enables agile manoeuvring and displays digital information in real-time including current speed, battery life (as a percentage and in minutes) and power indicator. Pellenc claims the Airion Backpack Blower is the most powerful battery-powered backpack blower on the market – with an airflow of 1,280m³/h and a thrust of 24N.
ISEKI
Dragon Dragon Equipment displayed its CR300 Crusher and LF1000 Lifter at SALTEX. The UK-built CR300 Crusher includes a new control panel and removable conveyor. The compact crusher’s highly abrasive, resistant jaws and patent-pending crushing mechanism can crush up to 6 tons of concrete an hour. The compact LF1000 Lifter is designed to make transporting materials around site quicker, easier and safer – whether moving logs, bags of sand or pallets of slabs, it is capable of lifting up to 1,000kg.
Fargo CirculOil CirculOil launched its new Fargo oil change system at the recent SALTEX show. The Fargo system is an oil management system that brings circularity and efficiency to engine lubrication. Providing a quick, green and smart oil and filter change in just 90 seconds, CirculOil’s closed loop supply chain also makes it possible for 100% of the collected used oil to be re-refined into new, high quality lubricant. Ready for it to be used again. The patented Fargo oil change system can be retro-fitted onto most off-highway machines. It is made up of a removable cartridge which contains the oil filter and oil. And it is sealed, so that it keeps the oil segregated from contaminants, ensuring all used oil is collected, and suitable for re-refining.
Over 70 suppliers tailored to you
ISEKI showcased a range of compact tractors at SALTEX, including the new TH5420 compact tractor (pictured). It comes with a stage V compliant engine, a new range of accessories and a factory fitted cab.
The buying group for Agricultural and Garden Machinery businesses CUB CADET Cub Cadet has launched its new top of the range Z9 183id zero-turn (pictured). With extremely wide double wheels, the Z9 has been developed to effortlessly tackle slopes up to 25°. Cub Cadet says the Z9 also reduces mowing time by up to 10% compared to lap bar mowers, as it has a top speed of 12mph.
BAGMA BULLETIN JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2022
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PROMOTIONAL FEATURE
What’s making Phil’s life easier? Phil Gregg, group operations manager, explains how Ripon Farm Services in North Yorkshire is meeting the challenge of disruptive change with the help of Ibcos Gold.
efficiency of shared support services, such as FARMING IS ONE of our civilisation’s oldest industries, but it is not immune to the dramatic HR and IT. I also play a significant role in longterm planning by making sure that we’re lookchanges that have taken place in the past 50 years. Trends like precision farming and sensors ing towards operational excellence in anything that we do.” to monitor crops have changed the landscape radically. Operating a farm services business has When did you implement Ibcos Gold? encountered an equal shift. Phil Gregg, group “It was initially put into our business in 1982 operations manager at Ripon Farm Services in because it focussed on agricultural businesses.” North Yorkshire, has a front-row seat for these changes. What are some must-haves in terms of With roots that date back to the 1930s, the technology like Ibcos? thriving company will soon have 12 outlets and “Firstly, it has to be the ‘whole package’. Seca turnover of around £140 million. Some outondly, vendors must make sure that software lets have a diverse offering on top of agriculture, integrates very well with key manufacturers. including accident repair, tyres and trailers. As today’s consumer habits evolve, Ripon As modern practices and technology changes come along, systems need to ‘talk Farm Services responds by to each other’. Otherwise, it is very understanding the value that “RATHER THAN difficult, because users are trying they present to customers and TRYING TO to use multiple platforms. I know delivering it consistently. For the REMEMBER WHAT that Ibcos has gone a long way to modern employee, Ripon offers THEY DID AT THE make integration happen.” voice-recording tools to replace END OF THE JOB, note-taking and flexible working TECHNICIANS CAN CONTINUALLY What is the best Ibcos Gold arrangements. feature for your business? We sat down with Phil to UPDATE THE “For us, the best Ibcos Gold fealearn more about their successful INFORMATION IN REAL TIME” ture is the Service App, which we operation. have been using for a year. We found it very useful to go basically paperless at our one site, and How is Ripon Farm Services keeping up we’re integrating that feature into the rest of our with the digital age? sites over this coming year. “We do our utmost best to promote the busi“It makes it seamless in the sense that Ibcos ness through the internet because it gives us a wide audience but, like anything, you can buy prompts you for the information that you require. Once a job is completed, it automatiso much online. “To compete with online retailers in terms cally gets sent to the service manager or finance of parts, we make sure that our products and team, so that the customer can be invoiced. As services meet or exceed customer needs. Our a result, cashflow improves. “It’s been very well-received by the technimarket-leading brands and integrated support cians. They like using the voice recorder to set us out as different from the rest.” replace the paperwork and they make notes throughout the repair. Rather than trying to How would you describe your role? “I’m here to improve the operational systems remember what they did at the end of the job, and processes in support of the organisation’s they can continually update the information in mission. I also manage the effectiveness and real time.”
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What functionality or module helps you the most? “The Document Store helps the most in my job. I use this feature on a consistent basis. The collation of documents and pictures is one of its best features. If you want to see an invoice that you paid, it’s right there, attached; there is no need to manually search for it. On a job, we can attach photos, customer comments and delivery notes so that everything is in one place. “This is really useful when it comes to audit purposes. For example, if you have a warranty job and you have all the relevant documentation attached to it, the whole process is easy. You’re not worrying about finding the file or determining who filed it. Since you can attach photographs, you don’t have to seek out photos that are pertinent to that repair, for example. It’s dead easy. We find it both time-saving and accurate.” How has Ibcos helped your business overall? “The fact that it’s aligned with our business needs. It makes Ibcos, as a company, a strategic partner for making sure that our business moves forward.” BAGMA BULLETIN JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2022
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BAGMA BULLETIN JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2022
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