Bateman’s latest self-propelled sprayers were front and centre at last week’s FTMTA Farm Machinery Show in Co. Kildare.
These English-built machines have been finding their way onto Irish tillage farms since the late 1980s. Since the appointment of F Jenkinson Ltd, based in Co. Carlow, as a dealer sales of these distinctive, red-liveried machines have grown here.
Frank Jenkinson explained that the company has built up a good business, especially dealing in combine harvesters – selling to customers all over the country.
“As combine harvesters have increased in size over the years, the number of units being sold reduced.
That prompted us to look at additional business opportunities. Because we were already known to many tillage farmers up and down the country, self-propelled sprayers seemed like a good fit for us – and our customers.
“We had come across Bateman sprayers over the years and were impressed with the product. That’s why we started talking to the company. From there, we became the official agent for Bateman in Ireland.”
According to Jenkinson, more than 40 new or ‘fresh’ self-propelled Bateman sprayers have been sold to Irish tillage farmers over the years. He reckons the overall number imported might exceed 50, when older, used machines and earlier ‘grey’ imports are included. That’s a significant number, given that the overall market for self-propelled sprayers here is relatively limited.
New cabs across the range
On the stand at last week’s show, Bateman exhibited an RB17 and an RB35. The most noteworthy feature was the stylish new cab, which replaces the outgoing ‘boxy’ version.
Bateman unveiled its new operator’s cabin at last week’s FTMTA show
The RB17 is the entry-level machine. The unit at the show was equipped with 24m ‘gullwing’ booms and a 2,500L tank; a 3,000L tank is optional on this model. Like its bigger siblings, the RB17 can be specified with a GPS system, which can control individual boom sections. It’s powered by a 125hp 4-cylinder John Deere engine. The hydrostatic transmission can propel the machine to a maximum travel speed of 40kph.
The larger RB35, also on display at last week’s show outside Naas, is fitted with a more muscular 225hp, 6-cylinder motor; its hydrostatic transmission can muster a top road speed of 45kph. Other models in the current Bateman line-up, though not at the show, are the RB26 and RB55. The RB26 replaced the popular RB25.
According to Bateman, all machines use well-known components, including Linde hydraulic pumps and Poclain wheel motors.
Prices typically start at about £105,000 (Sterling) excluding VAT for the RB17; larger tanks and other optional extras will add significantly to that figure.