With rural crime on the rise, making sure your farm security is up to scratch has never been more important. Yorkshire-based 24 Networks and Security, which works with farmers nationwide to protect their property, installs CCTV and alarms that can be managed remotely from a single app on a smartphone, tablet or PC.
Hikvision cameras can be programmed to detect motion at particular times of day and even automatically swivel to track movement. Alerts are sent to the farmer’s smartphone if the motion sensor is triggered.
Wireless cameras can be installed to avoid the need for cables and even if cameras are placed miles away – in a barn for example – 24 Networks can install an internet bridge, making the camera systems ideal for rural use.
As well as offering security benefits, CCTV doubles up as a useful tool for calving and lambing sheds, allowing farmers to watch footage from their living room TV rather than physically checking on the livestock.
24 Networks can advise on the design, installation and maintenance of security systems, offering a wide range of security equipment to suit various requirements and budgets.
Many farming clients seek help with improving security after a theft has taken place, but with rural crime at its highest level in nearly a decade, the company says it is worth taking preventative action
Keith Rennie Machinery (KRM) offers a comprehensive range of fertiliser spreaders, from Danish manufacturers Bogballe and Bredal. The range extends from the 700-litre (1 x 600kg bag) L15 through to the 15,600 litre (26 x 600kg bag) K165.
The Bogballe range is split into L-Line and M-Line. Within the Ls are L15s with spread widths from 6-18m and capacities up to 1,600 litres (two bags) and L20s which will spread to 24m and carry up to 2,000 litres (three bags). The M-Line machines are all capable of 42m spread and break down into M35s (up to 3,750 litres), M45s (up to 4,500 litres) and the world’s biggest mounted spreader, the M60, with a maximum capacity of 5,550 litres.
Electronic controls are available across the range, with weigh-cells being available and an increasingly popular option across L20s and the whole M-line range. KRM’s section control system ‘Dynamic Section Control’ works by dividing the spread width into 40 sections: eight main sections with five sub-sections each. Actuators alter the drop-on point independently to each disc whilst also regulating the application rate. Dynamic Section Control is available across the M-Line range.
The proportion of ‘top spec’ machines being sold with weigh cells, Dynamic Section Control and GPS increases year on year, as does the proportion being supplied Isobus, KRM says. As you would expect from a supplier specialising in a single product line, a wide variety of options are available to tailor the machine to your specific requirements – whether that’s a two- row orchard kit, hydraulic drive or a big bag lifter.
The Bredal offering is split into the K-Series (for lime and fertiliser) and the F-series (fertiliser only). The F-series includes two mounted models and two trailed models. The mounted F2 has an all-mechanical set up, whilst the F4 has weigh cells and Isobus control as standard. Most of the F4s sold are also supplied with section control and hydraulic drive, and both the F2 and the F4 have a maximum capacity of 4,000 litres.
An option for anyone wanting more, the trailed options include the F8 (5,700 litres) and F10 (7,600 litres). Like their mounted stable mate, these models are most commonly supplied with section control.
For those requiring more capacity still, the K-Series extends right through to 15,600 litres. K-Series machines can be supplied with the standard spread unit or with the XE widespread system. Here the discs are mounted 6m apart and fed by short transfer belts from the main floor belt. Two versions are available; one for lime up to 30m and one for fertiliser, which can be specified with section control.
PFC Agri Solutions is offering direct sales of the Elkaer hedging equipment for agriculture, forestry, railway and lawn maintenance.
Looking specifically at the HKL Fox frame and HS2300 saw unit, it provides massive output in dense hedges and forestry conditions when mounted to tractor front loaders or a telehandler, PFC says.
They are particularly suitable for maintaining all kinds of hedges, paths and railway lines with a branch thickness up to 25cm. The heavy-duty HKL Fox frame offsets hydraulically by up to 1.5m. The fallen debris can be collected for disposal or chipping with a front grab when the tractor is fitted with front linkage.
A rear flail topper can mulch the debris in one pass up to 100mm. The HKL Fox will pivot the saw head 210 degrees, allowing hedges to be shaped as required. The complete system requires two double acting valves and a free-flow return to operate the saw blades. This can be linked directly to the tractor spool valves or utilise the optional electrohydraulic valve
The HS2300 saw head has 2.3m cutting width using 3 x 80cm blades. The bales are offset to promote an even feed of material and significantly reduce the risk of blade stalling. The blades only require 65-litres/min oil flow for full output with operating speeds up to 8kph. The saw is protected by a depth wheel when operating close to the ground level.
The smooth finish of hedges that are overgrown compared to the flair trimmers means that the habitat for wildlife recovers faster and helps maintain the natural barrier a hedge is supposed to provide.
PFC also offers a full line of contractor equipment for highway, forestry, railway and lawn maintenance.
Focusing on the highest capacity saw heads available, PFC offers the HS2300 and HS3800 with cutting widths of 2.3m and 3.8m respectively. The company says the saws share some impressive statistics to provide massive output in dense hedges and forestry applications, whether mounted to tractor front loader, 360-degree excavator or the HK-Max multi-function tool frame.
Both machines are fitted with belt- driven 800mm blades, powered by either a standard orbital motor or optional piston motor requiring only 60-litres/min oil flow and a maximum working pressure of 250-bar. The large blade size can cut through a maximum branch diameter of 250mm.
The HK-Max multifunction tool frame with stability wheel offers a maximum working height of 8.5m with 7.2m of horizontal movement. To increase output and reduce operator fatigue, an electronic adjustment device allows for even cutting over rough terrain in addition to the electronic joystick control.
Finally, to create a true one pass machine, the PTO driven SK2500 mulcher can pulverise branches and heavy scrub up to a diameter of 100mm.
For those operators who increasingly have to deal with two- or three-year growth, a saw head is the best answer over a flail head, PFC reckons. Using a saw head will leave an even clean cut providing a faster habitat recovery and better secure boundary.
Operating cost is also a factor. Flails are expensive to run on heavy material while also requiring multiple passes. The HS saw head will finish both sides of the hedge in as little as three passes with the HS2300 or HS3800.
For your hedging equipment needs, the Elkaer range has the quality and product specification you require, PFC says. With many options available, there is something for everyone, from the smaller operation to large-scale hedge management.
Award-winning British manufacturer Razorback is encouraging farmers and contractors to get set for the new season by re-evaluating their hedge cutting equipment to ensure they are getting the best output and cut.
“Before the new season comes into full swing now is the perfect time to have a look at other options on the market,” says territory sales manager Josh Allen.
“We have a lot of customers come to us who are looking for a hardworking, reliable machine who are impressed with the level of innovation and technical specification offered by our range.”
Razorback currently offers two models in its hedge cutting range, including the Auto-Level 550 and the Auto-Level 680 telescopic. Both feature patented self-levelling technology that offers drivers smoother operation and improved controls.
“Our Auto-Level Series comes with advanced electronic proportional controls as standard, incorporating a 3-axis joystick for simple and precise operation,” says Mr Allen.
“Both the 550 and 680 models come with a choice of heads including the 1.2 and 1.5m Razorback Flail Head which has been designed for better trash flow through the hood and an efficient cutting action.
“Featuring a SoftStart rotor fitted with heavy-duty forged hammer flails, the Razorback Flail Head is suited
to high output, dense vegetation management and is a popular choice amongst our customers.”
Contact Razorback directly to book a demonstration.
BKT’s Ridemax tyre range is expanding with a new size for the Ridemax FL 699 – 525/65 R 20.5, which joins the existing 24 R 20.5.
BKT is always looking for innovation through an increasing focus on environmental sustainability, which gave rise to Ridemax – a tyre range designed for transport operations with tractors and trailers, in agricultural and industrial applications. It has been developed for stability at high speeds, to support heavy loads in order to reduce transport cycles, and to reduce rolling resistance – thus consuming less fuel.
Ridemax FL 699’s new 525/65 R 20.5 size further enriches the BKT catalogue which already features over 2,700 products.
The company’s goal is to find solutions that can meet every need and application, developing the right tyre for every circumstance, thus enabling users to save time, resources and reduce consumption.
The Ridemax range includes the following products for trailers: FL 699, FL 693 M, FL 690 and FL 690 IND. And the following tyres for tractors: IT 696 and IT 697 (M+S).
Ridemax FL 699 opens the Flotation range for agricultural trailers and tank trucks and has an all-steel structure to withstand a high load capacity, decreasing the number of transport cycles. It also features a reinforced bead which guarantees stability even at high speeds and ensures a comfortable ride, offering safety and control.
Agri Market Insight & Access (AMIA) has announced the appointment of Chris Lunn to the role of vegetable machinery specialist. Chris has been involved with worldwide vegetable, salad and vinicultural industries providing mechanical weed control solutions for years. This appointment brings extensive knowledge that will allow AMIA to develop its specialist vegetable machinery division.
AMIA already imports and sells precision planters, transplanters, plastic layer machines, and both mechanical and camera operated inter-row weeders from SFOGGIA. Also, Valentini stone buriers, bed formers, power harrows and rotavators, as well as Nardi ploughs and combined cultivators to meet demand.
AMIA exclusively distributes Caffini sprayers, from orchard models to 36m self-propelled versions. Sator manufactures a range of vegetable harvesting equipment, including onion harvesters and toppers – also, a range of vegetable cleaning and packing equipment.
All the above products have a place with any grower from the small market garden enterprises through to large multinational companies.
Chris Lunn says: “We supply most of these products direct to customers to ensure they get the best deal, the correct information and product support. As we move to spring and planting, anyone who requires a new precision planter, a new transplanter or a mechanical weeder to control weeds that no longer have a chemical control, can contact me so I can find the solution that best suits their requirements.”
Nene Transport owner and founder, Gareth Franklin, wanted to automate his potato bagging system to provide a reliable supply chain of chipping potatoes to an ever-increasing customer base.
After visiting other local farmers, he contacted Nick Cesare, owner and founder of Pace Mechanical Handling Ltd in Spalding. Pace has been a family-run business for 25 years and was able to provide a top-quality product to suit Gareth’s budget.
Following a visit to the Pace factory and a site visit from Mr Cesare, they decided on a combination of new and reconditioned equipment. A fully automatic system was supplied consisting of paper sack presenter, in bag weigher, stitcher line, and a twin cell Fanuc robot palletiser.
Gareth says: “I went to Nick as I knew I would get a proper job done from start to installation, without cutting corners and a fair price. I would recommend Nick and Pace to anyone who is looking for bagging and weighing and palletising equipment.”
Pace Mechanical, which is celebrating its 25th anniversary, manufactures all equipment in- house. A newly-purchased 200t press brake bends the laser cut parts, and there is a choice of Fanuc (pictured), Motoman and Kawasaki robots. Nick says the company is “flat out” with orders and a new building was erected last year to help get the jobs done.
The launch of the Construction Equipment Association (CEA) owned Official CESAR Scheme back in 2007, has had a major impact on criminality across both sectors, driving down theft significantly for machinery brands that have adopted the Scheme. Now, with the launch of a new specialist police unit, CESAR will have an ally in its fight against this type of crime.
The newly established dedicated Agricultural and Construction Equipment (ACE) specialist police unit will be managed and operated within Opal, which is the national intelligence unit focused on serious organised acquisitive crime (SOAC) across the UK.
The ‘foundation’ launch of ACE took place in April 2021, where the new unit was introduced to police forces nationwide, key partners and collaborating trade associations. The key message was that cross-industry cooperation is crucial for the success of the new unit. The ACE team is here to support the wider problem-solving approach through partnership – ‘prevention is better than the cure’.
Opal was established in April 2019 under the governance of DCC Amanda Blakeman, the national police lead for acquisitive crime. The unit has ten intelligence staff, including intelligence analysts and researchers, alongside police officers, under the day-to-day lead of detective superintendent Neil Austin.
The unit will focus on the offences committed by organised crime groups which are part of a series and involve cross border offending. By developing proactive working relationships with law enforcement, partner and business agencies the ACE Unit will work to reduce the theft of stolen plant and agricultural equipment and maximise the recovery of stolen equipment, both nationally and internationally.
Officers from ACE will work to develop, collate, and coordinate intelligence from various sources to identify and disrupt organised criminality and target those involved in these thefts and identify any current and emerging crime trends and threats. ACE was established on the back of Opal because the unit already has a foothold nationally and intelligence can be shared between the forces.
The ACE national intelligence hub team will work closely with the industry, developing positive working relationships to support and promote schemes such as CESAR to prevent theft and maximise the recovery of stolen equipment.
Detective Inspector Ernie Locke, opal national intelligence unit, serious and organised acquisitive crime commented on the new ACE Unit: “ACE sits under the Opal umbrella and benefits from a dedicated intelligence team which includes Analyst Luke Rawlings, who is a massive asset, with support from Superintendent Andy Huddleston, PSCO Pete Johnson, who has a vast knowledge of rural crime and the latest recruit who will be joining the team in the near future, Intelligence Officer Scott Jeffreys.
Our role has many facets including problem-solving skills, delivering the four Ps strategy of prepare, prevent, protect and pursue, identifying emerging threats and intelligence on a regional, national and international level. By working collaboratively, sharing best practices and the timely sharing of information, the ACE unit will help reduce agricultural and construction equipment theft. It’s a very exciting time for the team and I would like to thank all the ‘donors’ that made establishing this new Unit possible.”
Deputy chief constable Amanda Blakeman, NPCC lead for serious organised acquisitive crime said: “This is a really positive move to improve the response of UK policing in tackling the organised theft of plant and agricultural equipment. The investment will help develop a detailed intelligence picture that will support reducing criminality in this area. We are really grateful for the strong support of partners such as the CEA, the AEA (Agricultural Engineers Association) and the insurance industry and welcome their commitment to developing a strong working relationship moving forward.”
Superintendent Andy Huddleston, NPCC lead for agricultural machinery theft commented: “The launch of the ACE team will massively help the fight against agricultural machinery theft – the sharing of intelligence and targeting of Organised Crime Groups in this specialist area of thefts is key. I very much look forward to working with the team and the operational benefits this will bring to UK policing.”
Deputy chief constable Debbie Ford, NPCC lead for wildlife crime and rural affairs, said: “I would like to thank the people who’ve been involved in setting up the new agriculture and construction equipment team otherwise known as ACE, particularly those who have helped fund this really vital project in tackling organised crime. As you all know the cost of agricultural machinery theft can exceed £30 million a year and that issue is growing all the time, therefore the importance of the ACE team cannot be underestimated. The effort that went into getting it up and running will hopefully pay dividends in tackling this serious issue.
It’s really important to our communities we know the issues that affect our rural areas and this is a real opportunity to be a defining moment in tackling organised rural criminality.”
The Unit is funded jointly with donations from the Construction Equipment Association (CEA) the Agricultural Engineers Association (AEA) and a group of insurance companies, including Allianz, Aviva, Axa, HSB Engineering Insurance, NFU Mutual and QBE, with a specific interest in the construction plant and agricultural sectors.
One of the donor insurers from Aviva, Gary Thom, is delighted that the new unit is now live; he said: “It is great news that the launch of the new ACE police unit is being announced. A team dedicated to reducing theft of plant and equipment, and the consequences that has for the victims of crime, is a very welcome development.
The launch of the new unit is also very timely, as the country recovers from the pandemic and returns to more normal levels of activity with the potential that brings increased criminality. I appreciate the efforts by all parties involved.”
Chief executive of the CEA, Rob Oliver is looking forward to a strong working relationship between ACE, the CEA and the wider construction industry: “Stakeholders through the industry have been keenly awaiting this initiative to come to fruition, so it is great that it is now in operation with the partnership with Opal. We will be engaging with companies and organisations, such as CITS (Combined Industry Theft Solutions), to support the work of ACE in what is an evolving criminal threat”.
Agricultural economist at the AEA, Stephen Howarth is also welcoming the new ACE specialist police unit: “As well as the financial cost, theft of agricultural vehicles can be incredibly disruptive to farm businesses, who often need to carry out activities in a limited time window, often at short notice. Therefore, we welcome the new ACE team and look forward to working with them to drive down this significant element of rural crime.”
The first ‘in person’ meeting of the ACE team, manufacturers, operators, hirers and insurers will take place on 22nd July. The meeting will aim to formally introduce the new ACE Unit and discuss issues surrounding machinery theft.
