More machinery companies join Irish trade association's ranks

The November meeting of the Farm Tractor and Machinery Association (FTMTA) Executive Council admitted a number of additional firms to the membership of the association.

First up was Ballyward Plant Services; it is based near Castlewellan, Co. Down. It is the Irish distributor for Giant compact loaders.

Also Read: From the farm to the factory…making 3,000 loaders each year

The firm is also a retail dealer for Hyrema dumpers and Hanix equipment, along with other brands. The business is headed up by Robert McAlerney; the company was one of the exhibitors at this year’s FTMTA Farm Machinery Show – back in February.

The compact Giant Tendo 4548 can lift to a height of 4.8m

Also joining the FTMTA is Redrock Machinery – a well-known machinery manufacturer based in Collone, Co. Armagh. This company is led by managing director Frank Flynn.

The firm manufactures a wide range of machinery, including: slurry handling solutions; silage and grain trailers; block-cutters; feeders; and specialist trailers.

Next FTMTA auction

In other FTMTA news, the association recently confirmed that it will run its second used tractor and machinery auction in February (2018).

The exact day and date has been set as Saturday, February 24. The venue will be the same as the last such event – namely Punchestown Event Centre.

According to the association, the first such auction (which was held on Saturday, September 30) notched up a turnover of almost €1.2 million. The association says that up to 2,500 people attended that event.

Again, like the last installment, prospective buyers will be able to view the various lots in advance on the day immediately before the sale – namely Friday, February 23.

At the event itself, punters will be able to bid in person (on-site) or remotely (online) or through a ‘pre-bid’ service (where bids can be logged in advance).