Farming tackle firms turn to building trade
Farming tackle firms turn to building trade
By Andy Collings
IF you think some of agricultures machinery is big and powerful, a visit to the Site Equipment Demonstration held at Woburn last week would have put things in perspective.
Mobile cranes capable of lifting enormous loads as high as the eye can see, 360 degree diggers with buckets bigger than the average farm trailer and waste shredders capable of processing timber at a rate that make most on-farm chippers look little more than toys.
And thats not to mention concrete crushers, bulldozers and a host of other mega-powered kit – all of which have that give-us-a-go feel about them.
All impressive stuff and, for the big noise, big machinery enthusiast – OK, Im one – severely addictive entertainment. But within the roots of the event there is machinery to be found which manages to find a market in both the construction and agricultural markets.
For some, like Richard Larrington, the ability to diversify into a second market is considered crucial for the continued success of the company.
"With the agricultural market very slow we need to look at other markets," says Mr Larrington. "The construction industry appears to be in much better state and we ought to be able to take a slice of it."
So with its paint barely dry, a tracked 4t dump truck made its debut appearance on the Larrington stand.
"We only just finished it in time for the show," says Mr Larrington. "But its been worth making the effort considering all the interest it has attracted."
A hydrostatic vehicle, power is provided by a 4-cyl Kubota diesel engine rated at 33hp driving a hydraulic pump fitted out with load sensing. Access to the engine for maintenance purposes is enhanced through the ability to swing the whole block out from its bay – a novel design which also allows the engine to be slotted neatly into a front compartment.
The units tipping dump box on the rear platform can be removed and replaced with a multitude of alternative equipment including a lift, crane, forestry machinery or even just a flat bed for general transport duties.
"Its a versatile, light-footed vehicle which could have uses in so many different applications," says Mr Larrington. "Where conditions are tough going or access is difficult, I believe it could be an attractive option."
Operating the vehicle from the cab is via two armrest-mounted joy sticks. The right-hand one is for forward, reverse and steering, the other for load tipping. The seat – plus controls – can be swivelled through 180 degrees for reverse driving – an action which automatically reverses joystick actions to provide "true" control.
A duplicated set of controls is also to be found on the hydraulic valve box in the engine bay which, if required, allows remote operation.
Still considered to be a prototype – ROPs and HSE approval has yet to be granted – Mr Larrington is optimistic. "At £25,000 it is significantly cheaper than the opposition, which all comes from abroad and, in my opinion it is built much stronger. If everything goes well, we could build higher capacity models in the future – perhaps up to 20t."
Richard Larrington diversifies into the construction market with this 4t tracked dump truck. Note how the engine pivots out from its bay.
SED provided the first public viewing on UK mainland for Redrock Engineerings articulated telescopic loader. Not aimed specifically at the construction industry, the company still claims to have received considerable interest at the event. The Perkins powered TH300 has a lift capacity of 3t and a lift height of 5.2m.
If its a sweeper thats required for those long farm drives or large expanses of concrete yards, NC Agricultural Engineerings new hydraulically powered sweeper-collector could be the answer. Designed to be attached to a loader, the 2.25m or 2.5m wide units require an oil flow of at least 30 litres/min to operate – an engine-on version is available. Options include gutter brushes and prices start at £3600.