Trelleborg Wheel Systems is bringing a totally new dealer experience online, aimed at serving customers more effectively wherever they are located. Starting March 13th, the new B2B online portal, “My TWS Hub,” will help dealers manage their tire stocks and streamline deliveries to customers worldwide in the Agriculture, Material Handling, and Construction industries.
Paolo Pompei, President of Trelleborg Wheel Systems remarked on the new My TWS Hub features, designed for customer efficiency before, during and after purchase: “At Trelleborg Wheel Systems, we are constantly looking for new ways to reach out to customers and help them run their operations more smoothly. We’ve been active in the e-commerce space for years and have learned a lot about our customers’ needs and how they make purchase decisions along the way. Our new, updated My TWS Hub is the latest company innovation that allows dealers to respond more quickly to a fast-changing world.”
My TWS Hub promises easy access to more intuitive search filters so dealers can select the ideal tire for their customers by brand, segment, or keyword. E-learning and news sections are intended to expand their knowledge base of products and services available in the company portfolio, so dealers are even more equipped to offer advanced technical support and personalized service to customers in their market.
The new portal helps dealers manage their inventory more effectively, seeing stock availability and delivery times and monitoring deliveries through the new order tracking feature. In addition, customers worldwide can access additional features from e-learning and online technical support in 13 different languages. Dealers will benefit from having a direct communication channel with local customer service representatives anytime, anywhere in the world with the portal expanded globally throughout the year.
For more details, Trelleborg Wheel Systems dealers can contact their local sales representative.
More than 2,600 collectors’ items, including classic tractors and motorbikes, are lined up for auction at the Cheffins Vintage Sale on Friday 21st and Saturday 22nd April, one of Europe’s largest auctions in the vintage calendar in 2023.
Highlights among the tractors include a Roadless Ploughmaster 6/4, which has an estimate of £35,000 – £40,000. This is followed by a 1919 International Junior and a 1920 International Titan, both of which have estimates of £14,000 – £16,000.
Also on offer is a 1975 Ford 7000, available in a clean and original condition with only 6,334 hours on the clock and an estimate of £25,000-30,000. It was previously used as a company demonstrator by Ernest Doe & Sons, to which the item was first registered to in Maldon in 1975.
Meanwhile, the motorcycle section offers nearly 70 vintage items for sale, including five Kawasaki two-stroke triples (250, 350, 400 and 500cc models) with estimates ranging from £4,000 – £10,000.
Another motorbike set to be of interest for collectors is a 1956 Matchless 500cc G50, estimated to sell for £25,000 – £28,000 and a 1968 250cc Aermacchi Ala d’Oro racer, £18,000 – £20,000.
Other brands featuring at the auction include Ducati, Moto-Guzzi, Raleigh, BSA, New Imperial, Cotton, AJS, Velocette, Norton, Triton, Greeves, Royal Enfield and Triumph, with a series of project machines and choppers also available.
Last but not least, the automobilia section boasts a number of collectable items, including a rare Kismet Autocol air and water tower pump, dating from the 1950s. Standing 181cm tall, it has an estimate of £3,500 – £4,500.
Also on offer is an Esso-branded Avery-Hardoll forecourt petrol pump from the 1960s, which is expected to sell for £1,000 – £1,500, and an Avery-Hardoll Century petrol pump from the post-war era, which at 190cm tall is set to make £2,000 – £2,500.
Oliver Godfrey, head of machinery division at Cheffins, commented: “The April Vintage Sale really kicks off the calendar for collectors UK-wide. We always have a really strong consignment, and this year is no different, with over 2,600 lots going under the hammer.
“Last year saw some incredibly strong prices paid across the whole of the vintage sector, with classic tractors from the 1970s onwards in particular seeing some real growth in values.
“We expect the 1975 Ford 7000 to be of significant interest to a number of our regular buyers, whilst the excellent range of motorbikes ought to bring the motorcycle enthusiasts to the sale,” he added.
The sale will take place on Friday 21st April (live and online auction for literature, models, bygones etc) and live on Saturday 22nd April (tractors, motorcycles, automobilia, vehicles, implements etc) at the Cheffins Machinery Saleground, Sutton, near Ely, CB6 2QT.
For more information, please visit www.cheffins.co.uk, or call Cheffins auctioneers on 01353 777767.
As lambing season hits full swing, farmers are likely to encounter problems such as mismothering, ewes rejecting lambs, or triplet and quadruplet births that can leave lambs without an udder to feed on.
While orphaned lambs can be bottle-fed and nurtured by humans, having a foster ewe take care of the lamb can save farmers time and make use of an animal that has temporarily become unproductive.
In lack of a suitable ewe on the farm, farmers have the option of buying in foster ewes that orphaned lambs can be mothered onto. However, bringing in new stock at a time when the majority of the flock is housed indoors runs various health risks that require careful management.
Therefore, incoming foster ewes and orphaned lambs must be separated from the rest of the flock until it is ascertained the new arrivals pose no threat to livestock already on the farm. Best practice is to keep the ewes in a separate shed or a safe distance away from resident sheep.
To avoid introducing unwanted health risks to the farm, it’s imperative that bought-in ewes are clear of infectious diseases such as mastitis or metritis that can be passed onto healthy animals and must also be dewormed if necessary before joining the flock.
The same precautions apply when buying in pet lambs, which have either lost their mother at birth or had to be taken away for some reason. Farmers may look to bring in pet lambs to foster onto a ewe that has lost its lambs.
Pet lambs may present signs of scour, scabby mouth, excess salivation, watery eye or an infected navel and should be kept away from newly born lambs to prevent the spread of infectious diseases.
Whether farmers are in need of a foster ewe or a pet lamb, the animals should be bought in from a known or reputable source to minimise the chances of any health issues in the first place.
Tips for forming successful foster ewe-lamb attachments
Achieving a strong bond between foster ewes and lambs will be vital when the time comes for the pair to join the flock on pasture. There are several reasons why a lamb might need a foster mother, such as:
- When ewes die during or after lambing
- When lambs have to compete with larger siblings to feed
- When lambs are mismothered by ewes (common with maiden ewes)
Before starting the fostering process, it’s important to ensure the foster ewe is up for the job. Key aspects to consider are the ewe’s milk production and the number of working teats, as well as the physical condition of the animal.
There are a number of tried and tested methods for facilitating the fostering process and trick the ewe into accepting the lamb as one of its own. If the lamb is introduced immediately after birth, the most common method is to smother it with the foster mother’s foetal fluid to replace the lamb’s natural scent with that of the foster ewe.
If the lamb is a few days old and can walk, it’s worth tying three of its legs together before covering it with afterbirth and presenting it to the ewe. This will help convince the ewe the lamb has just been born and is one of her own, making for a smoother transition.
A less elegant method for mothering an orphan lamb is skinning the foster ewe’s dead lamb and securing it as a ‘jumper’ onto the lamb to be adopted. This technique can be very effective, provided the tail is left on the skin and it covers the anus of the orphan lamb.
A few days of wearing the skin is usually enough to convince the ewe to accept the lamb. The smell of the skin will also help mask the smell of the foster lamb’s biological mother, further aiding the process.
If the ewe continues to attack the foster lamb despite all efforts, there are tools for restricting the ewe’s head so she cannot inflict further damage.
An example is using stocks to prevent the ewe from turning around and kicking or butting the lamb when it tries to feed. Another solution is tying the head up with a halter with just enough slack to allow the ewe to feed, drink and lie down normally.
Ultimately, knowing how to effectively mother lambs is an important part of stock management and can help optimize flock performance. Ensuring orphan lambs can access an adequate and regular milk supply from foster ewes will result in greater finishing weight and better prices when slaughtered.
Global tyre manufacturer Ceat Specialty showcased its latest range of agricultural tyres –Yieldmax, Floatmax RT and Farmax R70 – at Spring Farm Machinery Show 2023. Taking place at the Eikon Exhibition Centre, Balmoral Park, Lisburn from January 25th to 27th, the event is Northern Ireland’s premier farm machinery, equipment, and agricultural services display.
The new range of Ceat agricultural tyres are designed to cater to the changing needs of farmers and help them maximise their yields and productivity by providing maximum traction, stability, and durability.
Established in 1924 in Turin, Italy, Ceat is one of India’s largest tyre manufacturers, with tyres sold in more than 115 countries worldwide. In the specialty segment, the company manufactures farm, mining and earthmover, industrial, and construction equipment tyres, as well as special application off road tyres.
Ceat Specialty partnered with JB Tyres (Northern Ireland dealer) to display its range of agricultural tyres at Spring Farm Machinery Show 2023. Amit Tolani, chief executive of CEAT Specialty, said:
“(…) We are proud to have exhibited our range of innovative and high-performing tyres at this year’s Spring Farm Machinery Show. Our commitment to quality is evident in every tyre we produce, and we are excited to have showcased high-performing tyres which ensure increased productivity and efficiency at accessible prices.”
Commenting on the partnership, JB Tyres MD James Barfoot said: “We are delighted to have partnered with CEAT Specialty at the Spring Farm Machinery Show 2023. We believe that CEAT’s range of advanced tyres are a game-changer for farmers across Ireland.”
Bruce Hopkins Ltd is the latest dealer to join the Polaris UK network, covering Oxfordshire, Warwickshire, Buckinghamshire areas.
Starting back in 1974, Bruce Hopkins Ltd focused on service and repairs of agricultural machinery for local farmers and has been successfully growing his customer network ever since.
“The main reason we approached Polaris is because we know that they offer quality products and provide a wide range of options to suit all customers.” William Hopkins said said, “We knew it was something that was missing from our range and thanks to Polaris we are now able to offer a full range of products in the ATV and UTV market. We are also getting asked more and more about what electric products we can offer so with the launch of the Ranger XP Kinetic it will be a great draw for a lot of our customers.”
The new Polaris dealer will be offering the full utility line-up – including Sportsman ATVs and RANGER UTV models – as well as Youth vehicles like the Outlaw 70 EFI ATV and the Ranger 150. Bruce Hopkins also offers full servicing and a range of genuine Polaris parts and accessories. They currently have the Ranger Diesel and Sportsman 570 as part of their demo fleet to introduce new customers to the Polaris brand so they can see what makes them so versatile.
For more information on Bruce Hopkins Ltd visit https://www.brucehopkins.co.uk/
Addressing the industry trend towards large machines, Continental has launched the VF TractorMaster VF900/60R42, featuring a diameter of 2,147 mm, a load index of 189 (10,300 kg) and an impressive weight of 450 kg.
The new tyre size is specifically designed to improve the efficiency of larger agricultural machines by managing weight, improving grip, and reducing the impact of tractors with over 300 hp.
Rising costs and the pressure to transport increasingly larger loads in a shorter time mean that the demand for powerful agricultural machinery is growing.
Benjamin Hübner, product line manager for agricultural tyres at Continental, said: “This development not only demands top performance from machines, but also from their tyres. That is why we develop and test our agricultural tyres in close consultation with our customers.”
Thanks to VF technology, TractorMaster tyres can be driven with 40 percent more load at the same tyre pressure as a standard tyre or 40 percent less tyre pressure at the same load. In addition, tyres with VF technology operate more fuel-efficiently than conventional tractor tyres.
Mr Hübner commented: “The VF TractorMaster combines efficiency and soil preservation. The VF technology allows for a smooth transition from field to road without having to adjust the tyre pressure. At the same time, the impact of heavy machinery on the soil is minimised by a wider tread surface when working in the field.”
To enable farmers to work even more efficiently and cost-effectively, Continental launched five new tyre sizes of its VF TractorMaster in 2022: 650/60 R 34; 650/65 R 42; 710/75 R42; 650/65 R 34; and 710/60 R 34.
As part of its Vision 2030 strategy, the company is continuously looking to expand its agricultural tyre business. The expansion of the portfolio and the realignment of the Agricultural Tyres business field, headed by Ivonne Bierwirth, underscore Continental’s growth strategy.
Auctioneers at Cheffins recently hosted one of the most successful monthly auction sales of second-hand machinery in the world, selling over £5 million-worth of farming equipment at the Cambridge monthly Machinery Sale on 6th February 2023.
The company reported a 40% increase in sales compared to February 2022, where total sales came to £3.8 million. Moreover, for the second consecutive months, around 50% of lots were sold to overseas buyers, attending from Australia, Canada, South Africa, Ghana, Egypt, the Middle East and throughout the UK and Europe.
Top sales of the auction included a 2003 John Deere 9520 which sold for £90,500; a 2019 John Deere 6175R which made £80,000; a Case Puma 240 CVX which achieved £72,000 and a Cat MTC875E which made £72,000.
Commenting on the event, Joe Page, director at Cheffins, said: “This is the most successful February auction we have hosted in the last five years, as a combination of the return of the export market and a particularly good quality consignment of stock helped to push up prices.
“Since October 2022, we have seen a marked increase in the number of sales to overseas buyers, as many have looked to make the most of the weakening pound. This, combined with a shortage of stock and long lead times for new machinery, has ensured that UK buyers are competing with purchasers the world over for some of the best second-hand machinery on offer.”
The sales were also facilitated by overseas buyers becoming more confident in the ability to import machinery, Mr Page added, due to post-Brexit rules and regulations becoming easier to navigate.
“Our ability at Cheffins to provide the correct certification and also offer a wash-down service, allows buyers to purchase machinery at our sales with confidence,” he noted.
To view the calendar for the monthly, on site and vintage sales, visit: https://www.cheffins.co.uk/machinery-vintage-auctions.htm
For more information, please visit www.cheffins.co.uk, or call Cheffins auctioneers on 01353 777767.
Building on the company’s success in the North American market, Bobcat has recently launched a new line of compact tractors for the Europe region, comprising nine separate models.
The new releases form part of the ground maintenance equipment (GME) range announced by the company last October, which also includes mowers and turf equipment, as well as Bobcat’s existing mini track and small articulated loaders.
Daniele Paciotti, GME product line director, said: “Bobcat is offering three Compact Tractor platforms – the 1000, 2000 and 4000 series – which feature nine new models from 25 to 58 HP designed to meet the varying needs of customers in EMEA [Europe, the Middle East, and Africa].
“First deliveries of compact tractors to our dealers are planned for February with the initial focus on Italy, UK, Poland and Benelux, where our dealers have shown a great deal of interest.”
Bobcat compact tractors are designed to increase productivity, versatility and reliability. Regardless of the task, these machines help to get the job done efficiently due to their robust construction, smooth operation, flexible configuration and full compatibility with a wide range of Bobcat attachments.
Each of the nine models in the new compact tractor range varies in size and engine horsepower. Customers can also choose between manual and hydrostatic transmissions, 3-point hitch with telescopic or quick lower links and open canopies (ROPS) and cabs.
All models are set up for all-day comfort and offer generously appointed workspace. Features include air conditioning (cab models), a suspended seat, an adjustable steering wheel, linked pedal and intuitive ergonomic controls.
Built to the same high manufacturing standards expected of all Bobcat equipment, the performance and reliability of the new Compact Tractors has been ably demonstrated in the US market for several years. And when it comes to maintenance, Bobcat’s extensive service network gives customers the support their businesses need.
Multi-purpose and customisable
Together, the nine compact tractor models offer a wide choice of application solutions including ground maintenance, landscaping, lifting and handling, agriculture and snow removal.
All machines can be equipped with front, mid and rear connections and power take-offs. In addition, they feature an independent PTO, auto-PTO; PTO Cruise, HST Cruise or Draft control ensuring optimum productivity and uptime.
The proven Bob-Tach system comes as standard on all machines with the front-end loader option, enabling users to easily switch between different Bobcat attachments, delivering greater value and versatility for customers’ businesses.
Fuel consumption is kept to a minimum thanks to the Eco PTO feature, while the linked pedal ensures optimum driving performance from the efficient 3-cylinder engine. The 4-wheel drive feature is standard on all Bobcat tractor models, offering customers superior power and traction in even the toughest working conditions.
Thanks to the one-piece engine cover, daily maintenance on Bobcat tractors has never been more simple. Customers can count on the company’s extensive dealer network for expert advice, timely service and parts availability for both machines and attachments.
In addition to the superior uptime and serviceability features, each tractor is backed by a 24-month, 2000-hour warranty.
For more information about Bobcat and its products, visit www.bobcat.com
T H White Dairy Attleborough team.
Following the opening of the new Attleborough depot on 1st March, DeLaval dealer T H White is now able to offer services to farmers from Wales to the Norfolk coast, enabling the company to better meet the needs of its growing customer base.
T H WHITE has extensive knowledge of Dairy operations offering installation, parts, servicing, and support for conventional and robotic parlours across the southwest.
The company’s eastwards expansion comes as Norfolk dairy business Taylor IMS decided to close activities, handing over operations to T H White to develop further and support dairy farmers on the eastern side of the UK.
Adrian Lovegrove, divisional director for T H WHITE said: “We are very excited about this project, and we’ll strive to establish, maintain, and grow relationships with Taylor IMS customers.”
DeLaval’s country commercial manager, Scott Patrick, added: “T H WHITE’s proven record as a professional, customer focused and trusted partner will allow us to get closer to our customers and provide the best possible service to help dairy farmers with their daily challenges.”
T H WHITE’s current dairy depots in Frome, Somerset and Huntley, Gloucestershire will be supplemented with the additional facility in Attleborough, Norfolk. The new branch is located at:
Baconsthorpe Farm
Ellingham Road
Attleborough
Norfolk, NR17 1YQ
Telephone 01953 550 260
Opening hours remain the same.
Other than the three existing Dairy branches, T H White also supports farmers’ agricultural needs from an additional eight depots in Marlborough, Knockdown (Tetbury), Warwick, Stourport, Devizes, Stockbridge, Hereford, Toddington.
The new addition to operations will be supporting the growth of the company’s Dairy network, alongside assisting dairy farmers in the region and providing T H White with the capacity to better meet customer needs.
As part of its pledge to support the business, the company has also employed members of Taylor IMS staff to become part of its growing team.
Commenting on the move, Steve Taylor of Taylor IMS said: “We are delighted to become part of T H WHITE and can re-assure our customers they will continue to see the same friendly faces offering the very best customer service with our new dealer brand.”
The territory expansion will take immediate effect, with Taylor IMS set to wrap up activities thereafter.
Can-Am ATVs have always helped riders get out and do more, from working on the farm to tackling the trails. As new consumer needs arise, Can-Am is once again pushing boundaries with the all-new mid-cc (medium engine displacement) Can-Am Outlander ATV recreational and utility models.
The new Outlander line-up is designed and built with the emphasis of improving the rider experience at every touchpoint for both work and play, offering more performance, comfort, storage and reliability for the category.
Elsa Vilarinho, director, global marketing, Can-Am off-road at BRP, said: “This launch is probably the biggest Can-Am ATV launch of the past 10 years! We are excited to offer consumers a best-in-class ATV designed with their needs in mind and how they use the product, from the riding experience, to real-world capabilities and our awesome accessories.”
The new recreational Outlander 700 and 500 models, and utility Outlander PRO HD7 and HD5 models are all equipped with class-leading power, ground clearance, suspension travel, towing capacity, rack capacity and longest maintenance intervals.
According to BRP, a global distributor of powersports products, The Outlander 700 and 500 are some of the most versatile ATVs on the market. For 2023, the new Outlander recreational line-up includes the standard models, the DPS 500, DPS 700, X mr 700, MAX DPS, and MAX XT 700.
Meanwhile, the Outlander PRO HD7 and HD5 are built for the ones who must get things done, they haul, they tow, and they can store more than any other ATV on the market, BRP says. For 2023, the new Outlander PRO utility line-up includes the standard PRO models and PRO XU models.
Engine designed for power and towing
The new Outlander platform’s rear facing 650cc single cylinder, liquid cooled, fuel injected Rotax Advanced Combustion Efficiency (ACE) four-stroke engine design and configuration are complemented by a new integrated transmission design and pDrive clutch, giving the ATVs class leading power and towing capabilities.
Thanks to ECU calibration and different camshaft designs, the 700 and PRO HD7 models have 50-horsepower and 41 ft-lb of torque, while the 500 and PRO HD5 models have 40-horsepower and 37 ft-lb of torque.
Moreover, all Outlander 500 and 700 machines are equipped with the new pDrive primary CVT transmission for smoother shifting, increased durability and feature L/H/N/R/P gearing. Whereas, the Outlander PRO HD5 and HD7 machines feature a new pDrive primary CVT transmission that also integrates work calibration along with Extra L/H/N/R/P gearing.
Last but not least, both the Outlander and Outlander PRO platforms share a selectable 2WD / 4WD with Visco-Lok†, Visco-Lok† QE or Visco-4Lok with auto-locking front differential drivetrain offered according to the packages.
New chassis offers superior stability and ground clearance
A new tubular steel chassis design derived from the Can-Am Maverick platform, alongside front and rear arched A-Arm suspension configuration have given the new Outlander and Outlander PRO platforms the class-leading suspension travel and ground clearance.
Both the recreational and utility models are equipped with 9.75” of double A-Arm front suspension travel with twin tube shocks upfront, and with 10.25” in the rear. The PRO models feature stiffer suspension tuning to allow for working conditions and heavier payloads.
The combination of the chassis and suspension design create the unrivaled ground clearance, handling, and stability of the new Outlander platform, with up to 13” of ground clearance on certain models, BRP confirmed.
What’s more, the new chassis of the Outlander platform allows for enhanced ergonomic comfort for riders and passengers. Riders will notice the increased knee room and more spacious floorboards that improve handling and increase stability.
In addition, a thick and durable seat takes comfort to the next level and reduces noise and chassis feedback. Complementing the new pDrive primary CVT transmission is a more ergonomically friendly shift lever with a smoother grip and refined shifting experience.
Storage & Accessories
The Outlander and Outlander PRO both come standard with large storage capabilities, starting upfront with the new 1-gallon integrated glove box compartment and select models also feature a magnetic phone mount and USB port to keep riders’ devices charged while they are on the go.
The new Outlander platform is also available with 125 different LinQ accessory options, offering something for everyone. The vehicle accessory options include the front cargo area, handlebar interface and ergo zone, and rear cargo area.
The choice of ergonomic accessories include heated grips and windshield options. Storage accessories are also available for the front and rear of the vehicle for things like gun racks, chainsaws, and just about any other necessary tool.
Utility accessory options include items like a winch, plow, and auxiliary gas can, while the performance accessory range includes skid plates, snow trax, and HID lightning options.
All in all, the numerous accessories available for the new Outlander line-up help riders make the most out of their day, whether using the vehicles for work or recreation.