Dealership developments: The latest movers and shakers in tractor, telehandler and implement sales

Moving to larger premises providing more space for new and used machinery storage, four times as much workshop space and a bigger parts store and shop, David and Liz Moore of Moore Farm Services, Harworth, south Yorkshire, have also moved tractor franchise from Deutz Fahr to McCormick.

Liz Moore says, “Our business has grown significantly since taking on Amazone in 2012 and then Krone in 2016, and the move to premises five times larger than our previous ones should future-proof our needs for the next 10 years or so.”

Set up in 2010, the business draws on the practical hands-on farming background and David’s experience working as a test and development engineer when McCormick tractors were built in Doncaster.

Of the appointment he says, “We are now back with a McCormick range that offers modern, capable and appealing tractors, especially at the top end. With advanced powershift and CVT transmissions, and all the technology options you would expect to find on any frontline tractor it is what many arable farmers in our area want.”

“When we changed our tractor franchise previously I think we underestimated the value of being able to draw on the manufacturer’s local parts supply for something we do not have in stock,” Liz says.

“Instead of having to wait for overseas shipments, we can get urgent parts from Argo Tractors in the UK and having their base here at Harworth just a few hundred metres from our own premises is obviously a great advantage.”

Ben Agar, Argo Tractors sales director for the UK and Ireland says, “We are very pleased to have a dealership of the calibre of Moore Farm Services as part of our national independent dealer network once again.”

New Holland dealers Lyons and Burton, based in Kilcock, Co.Kildare, has opened a new depot in Graiguecullen, Carlow town, Co. Carlow.

Located in the former territory of JR Perry and EMC Agri an excellent road network makes the new depot very accessible.

Opened in 1977 the first year of trading saw the franchise selling 23 combines, 4 self-propelled harvesters and 66 square balers. The new premises will supply a range of the manufacturer’s products including tractors, balers, telescopic handlers and implements.

Donald Lyons, director at Lyons and Burton says, “We want to establish New Holland as the number one brand in our territory as well as growing our business. We are confident in the mnaufacturer’s products and have invested significantly in developing our new Carlow Depot. We have a new parts department especially in order to service the large array of tractors, combines, balers and telehandlers that are in the area. It is our aim to have the right parts at the right price on the shelf.”

The manufacturer has also announced that Buckley Agri, based in Listowel, County Kerry, have been appointed to cover the territory comprising County Kerry and County Clare.

Owned and managed by Henry Buckley and based at Tanavalla Industrial Estate, Listowel, Buckley Agri will provide the brand with a Kerry based dealer outlet for the first time in many years, while providing local coverage in the previously open territory of Clare.

Kuhn Farm Machinery has appointed Johnston Tractors as a dealer for northern England and southern Scotland.

The company’s three depots at Carlisle, Dumfries and Appleby are to stock the manufacturer’s full range of agricultural machinery.

Founded in 1962, Johnston Tractors remains an entirely family-owned business, with Valtra as its tractor franchise. Commenting on the appointment, Howard Johnston, MD says, “In an ever-changing world, we see the addition of the Kuhn brand to our portfolio as an important strategic move for the future.

“The farm equipment industry is going through a period of consolidation brought about by merger and acquisition activities of major global brands. Our future partnership with Kuhn, alongside our other independent franchises, further strengthens the range of mechanisation solutions that we are able to provide to our customers.”

Sian Pritchard, MD of Kuhn UK says, “This long-established company has all the credentials necessary to provide expert sales and aftersales support to Kuhn’s customers in this region. We feel sure they will work effectively with us across our broad range of products and we look forward to a long and successful partnership.”

T C Agriculture, operating from premises on the Brackla Trading Estate in Coity near Bridgend, has been formed by Terry Coles, workshop technicians Will Lean and David Howells (who is also involved in sales), and parts/stores manager Steve Evans.

Terry Coles supplied many hundreds of tractors and implements to farmers and contractors in the local area through his dealership JG Plant, which he sold in 2014 before his retirement.

However, “the business was placed in administration at the end of 2018 and overnight my loyal and friendly customers in the Bridgend area and beyond found themselves with no local source of parts and service for their machines,” explains Mr Coles.

“It was partly in response to that situation, but also to realise an opportunity for some younger friends in the trade, that I agreed to help set up our new dealership.”

Initially the new business was to focus on service, parts and used tractor sales, but a McCormick franchise was offered to the group, which Mr Coles says was an irresistible proposition, with great potential in the south Wales area. He says the mechanically simple 90-130 hp range encompassed by the X5 and X6 ranges will be popular, but at the same time acknowledges farms are starting to want more sophistication, so the option of CVT drivetrains is appealing.