Farm machinery dealers say that attracting and retaining good mechanics (or technicians, as we’re being encouraged to call them) is one of their biggest headaches.

In fact, across the sector, 20% of them leave the industry every year, mostly for more pay or better job opportunities.

And one of the main reasons why they can’t pay more, say dealers, is because they can’t charge any more to farmer customers.

Keith Christian from BAGMA, the body that represents UK dealers, points out that farmers expect to pay an £80 or £90/hour rate when they take their Defender or Discovery to the local Land Rover dealer, but will object to paying anything more than £45/hour for a service on their tractor.

And yet both car and tractor require similar skills and training levels from the technician. In fact the complexity of tractors (think hydraulics, pneumatics, headland management systems, GPS autosteer) is probably greater than all but top-end cars.

Have your say…

• If you’re a farmer or contractor, what do you reckon you pay per hour to your local tractor and car dealer?
  
• Do you think you’re getting good value for money?
  
• Would you be prepared to pay a higher rate if you knew the job would be done quicker?
  
• How satisfied generally are you with the service you get?

Take part in our forum Dealer mechanic labour charges