When metalwork twists, shafts snap and bearings give up the ghost, most farmers and contractors have the tools and know-how to get machinery up and running.

But if modern electrical systems start throwing a wobbly, even the most accomplished tinkerer can be driven to distraction.

Often, the only solution is to seek professional help, which for years meant sending the offending item to Warwickshire firm David King Electronics.

See also: A guide to fixing pothole-ridden farm tracks

When that business wound down some 18 months ago due to the owners’ retirement, it left many customers wondering where to turn.

Thankfully, a band of electronic engineers has now stepped in to fill the void, several of whom have set up on their own having earned their stripes with David King.

Some of these are generalists, others specialise in certain brands, but collectively they’ve got most farm electrical equipment covered.

Dantronics

Warwickshire

Dan Bromilow has been trading as Dantronics for just over a year, having spent a quarter of a century working for David King Electronics.

For now, the Stratford-upon-Avon-based business consists of just him and his wife, though he is hoping to expand operations over the next 12 months.

Specialities include Stanadyne ECUs used by John Deere and Claas and a wide range of tractor/machine terminals and monitors.

On top of that, he works with implement clusters, transmission controllers and machine interfaces from the likes of Ford, New Holland, Case IH, John Deere, Claas and McCormick.

He repairs a range of implement control boxes too, and has a list of common repair items on his website.

That said, this isn’t exhaustive, so he says it’s always worth getting in touch to see if he can help.

All repairs are carried out at his workshop, so customers will need to securely package their equipment before posting it to him.

AB Techtronics

Worcestershire

Another of the David King alumni is Alan Brock, who set up AB Techtronics last May after 40 years in the electronics repair game.

His vast back catalogue of work includes automated gate and entry systems, CCTV and alarms, number-plate recognition systems and automotive electrics.

However, agricultural equipment has been his main focus for the past two decades, with his speciality being implement control boxes.

Most makes and models of machine are catered for, though McHale units account for the largest chunk of his workload.

He’ll also tackle some ECUs, manufacture new cables and can recondition control units for gritting machines, particularly those produced by SnowEx.

Repairs are carried out at his workshop in Redditch, Worcestershire, and he offers a free phone consultation to help customers diagnose problems before they send items to him.

In addition, Alan builds replacement circuit boards for Kverneland/Accord FGS control boxes, which can be purchased from stock.

This allows farmers to get up and running quickly rather than having to send their unit in and wait for it to be repaired.

Combine Rescue Electric

Northamptonshire

As his business name suggests, Marek Lagodowski is a specialist in combine electrical systems, particularly New Holland TX and TF machines.

However, he’ll turn his hand to virtually any type of agricultural and construction machinery, from tractor dash repairs to implement control boxes.

McHale is a particular favourite, so much so that he’s been appointed by the brand to carry out repairs on its behalf.

Marek runs the business with his wife and they’ve been operating from their Daventry base for six years. Prior to this, he worked at David King Electronics.

Customers can send their equipment to him for testing and repair, and he does some on-site work, too.

Linton Electronics and Engineering

Herefordshire

After 17 years working for Pallisers of Hereford, Stuart Linton founded Linton Electronics and Engineering, which he now runs with his wife, Laura.

 From their Herefordshire base, they carry out repairs to a wide array of agricultural electrical systems, from control boxes and isobus terminals to transmission controllers and dashboards.

They’re particularly au fait with equipment from Massey Ferguson, Krone, Amazone, Merlo and Teagle, as well as Bosch electric spool valves, but can tackle equipment from almost all brands.

Most work is completed in the workshop, requiring customers to send parts by post, though some on-site repairs are carried out locally.

Agri Electronics

Shropshire

For those with any weighing equipment that’s gone on the blink, Shropshire outfit Agri Electronics, run by Matt Jones, should be able to help.

As the official agent for PTM and LC – previously supplied by David King Electronics – it provides a vast range of new control systems and components to suit different agricultural kit.

Examples include biogas plants, weighbridges and tankers, as well as feed bins, tankers and feeder wagons.

For the latter, the firm keeps load cells in stock for Shelbourne Reynolds, Hi-Spec, JF Stoll, Trioliet, BvL and Kuhn.

It’s also able to carry out repairs to PTM and LC equipment, in addition to some other well-known brands, such as Digi-Star and Dinamica Generale.

If a control box is too far gone to be repaired economically, it can usually provide a replacement system, which may well be easier on the pocket than the original.

J Horsley Electronics

Hampshire

James Horsley is the go-to man for Claas electrics, having spent the past two decades specialising in the German brand’s control systems.

He carries out work for most main dealers, but customers can approach him directly, whether they’ve got a dodgy baler control box or an electronic disaster on a tractor or self-propelled machine.

Even if printed circuit boards have become obsolete, he can often bring them back from the brink.

That said, there is the odd occasion when they can’t be saved and a new one will be required.

Though Claas equipment is his priority, James does take on some work for other brands of agricultural and industrial machinery.

All work is carried out at his base in Milford on Sea, Hampshire.

Peter Woodhouse

Cumbria

For anyone with a Dinamica Generale weigher that’s gone wrong, Cumbrian outfit Peter Woodhouse will come to the rescue.

Since David King retired, the firm has become the official UK service agent for the Italian brand’s weighing systems.

It can carry out a wide range of repairs, from dodgy seals and corroded terminals to replacement screens, as well as providing new boxes when the originals are uneconomical to revive.

As an authorised Keenan service and repair agent, most of the units it fixes are from these machines.

However, it will work on any DG systems, which can be found on a range of other marques including Shelbourne Reynolds, Abbey and Kuhn.

Much of Peter Woodhouse’s business comes from dealers that send boxes for repair on behalf of their customers, but it is happy to work with farmers directly.

The most common faults encountered are reduced screen brightness, which makes the box difficult to read in daylight, and the inability stabilise on a weight reading.

Average repair costs are usually less than £250 and can be as low as £80.

The firm always calls customers after bench testing the box to talk them through the options.

Turnaround is usually a couple of days, provided it has the parts in stock.