Justin Roberts

Justin Roberts Profile Picture

Technical Machinery Specialist

Justin studied at Welsh Agricultural College, Aberystwyth having first worked in both the feed and seed sectors of the industry. He has two decades of experience in writing about farm machinery, both vintage and contemporary across several publications. As an author he has written two books, including the history of the Nordic tractor and now resides in Co. Tipperary.

Trade focus: The tractor ‘trapped’ in Kerry that trades parts to the world

Machinery

Trade focus: The tractor ‘trapped’ in Kerry that trades parts to the world

“It’s only a mannequin really,” noted Colm Clifford – describing the Massey Ferguson 240 tractor (pictured above) that sits proudly...
Trade focus: Building a machinery manufacturing business in Co. Limerick

Machinery

Trade focus: Building a machinery manufacturing business in Co. Limerick

Stepping out of the comfort and routine of secure employment to concentrate on creating a new business is something that...
Classic corner: Restored Muir-Hill back from retirement in Co. Kerry

Machinery

Classic corner: Restored Muir-Hill back from retirement in Co. Kerry

Ford and Fordson tractors were very often the basis for conversions by engineering firms that felt they could add something...
Classic corner: 1990s Lamborghini back to its former glory in Co. Fermanagh

Machinery

Classic corner: 1990s Lamborghini back to its former glory in Co. Fermanagh

The difference between Lamborghini and Same is often considered to be no more than the colour scheme. That’s an understandable...
Trade focus: Charting an ‘independent’ path with a tightly-run ship

Machinery

Trade focus: Charting an ‘independent’ path with a tightly-run ship

Few people have ever accused the machinery trade across the entirety of the 32 counties as being a bland, homogenous...
Classic corner: Surviving example back to its former glory

Machinery

Classic corner: Surviving example back to its former glory

Massey Ferguson had scored a dramatic success with the 100 series that was introduced in 1964. More powerful models were...
Trade focus: Producing exacting farm machinery…on a ‘smaller’ scale

Machinery

Trade focus: Producing exacting farm machinery…on a ‘smaller’ scale

“Most of the people on the course didn’t even know what a tractor was,” explained Ciaran Dunne, as he reflects...
Classic corner: Betting on a ‘Winner’ in Co. Limerick

Machinery

Classic corner: Betting on a ‘Winner’ in Co. Limerick

Fiat has always gone about the business of growing its agricultural division in a rather quiet but very determined way....
Trade focus: How a Westmeath man can get an ‘edge’ on your machinery

Machinery

Trade focus: How a Westmeath man can get an ‘edge’ on your machinery

It was an invoice amounting to nearly €4,000 which set James Geoghegan on the path to building his own knife...
Trade focus: What doesn’t a Wexford ‘breaker’ know about these tractors?

Machinery

Trade focus: What doesn’t a Wexford ‘breaker’ know about these tractors?

The image of vehicle breakers has not always been the most glamorous or environmentally friendly. Visions of grease-covered and indifferent...
Classic corner: Kilkenny ‘true blue’ is ready for work or play

Machinery

Classic corner: Kilkenny ‘true blue’ is ready for work or play

There are many classic tractors out there in various states of refurbishment, but few carry the visual impact of this...
Trade focus: What trends does this midlands auctioneer see day-to-day?

Machinery

Trade focus: What trends does this midlands auctioneer see day-to-day?

Auctions are the lubricant of the machinery business; they help to keep the trade running smoothly – by matching machines...
Classic corner: Chart recent Ford history with this feisty ’40’

Machinery

Classic corner: Chart recent Ford history with this feisty ’40’

“Fords and New Hollands are popular around here,” remarked Martin Kirrane of Co. Sligo, as he explained the origin of...
Trade focus: New stock arrives; but who or what is Pronar?

Machinery

Trade focus: New stock arrives; but who or what is Pronar?

It was Poland that led the fall of European communism in the 1980s and, in doing so, opened up the...
Classic corner: As good as it gets? No-nonsense workhorse can still earn a crust

Machinery

Classic corner: As good as it gets? No-nonsense workhorse can still earn a crust

During the 1970s and 1980s the race to sell tractors moved from one of getting as many standard models out...
‘Irish Machinery Auctions’ gears up for its first sale – tomorrow

Machinery

‘Irish Machinery Auctions’ gears up for its first sale – tomorrow

This Saturday (March 10) sees the first ‘sale’ to be held by Irish Machinery Auctions – a new business based...
Trade focus: Is a quad the best ‘tractor’ a stock farmer could have?

Machinery

Trade focus: Is a quad the best ‘tractor’ a stock farmer could have?

Each year there is always a small buzz of excitement as the tractor registration figures are released; the farming world...
Classic corner: Is this the ultimate ‘value-for-money’ Volvo?

Machinery

Classic corner: Is this the ultimate ‘value-for-money’ Volvo?

It was in the 1970s that Volvo decided to get out of the agricultural tractor business and concentrate on trucks...