Malone Farm Machinery, based in Ballyglass, Co. Mayo, was out in force at last week’s LAMMA show in England.
Sales Representative Michael Larkin took time out to speak to Agriland. He told us about the challenges that Brexit would bring – not just for Malone Farm Machinery but for the Irish machinery manufacturing sector as a whole.
He outlined emerging trends, including the promise of a growing export market for the company’s latest innovation – the Tedd-Air.
The Tedd-Air (tedder) is available as a 4-rotor, 5.7m or a 6-rotor, 8.4m machine. According to the company, it has been designed in Ireland for Irish conditions, particularly with regard to its contour-following ability. Hydraulic stabilisation reduces movement and swing when turning on headlands.
Asking price (here in Ireland) for a Tedd-Air 570 (4-rotor version) is about €7,500 excluding VAT.
Pride of place on Malone’s stand went to an MT-52 wagon, which lists at about €65,000 excluding VAT. To aid with such purchases Malone is launching a finance scheme here, which is new for 2017.
A Malone ProCut 960C trailed mower conditioner in action.
Also on show was Malone’s popular 2.4m (8′) disc mower which, says the company, sells in big volumes – here in Ireland and abroad.
Malone has a busy show schedule planned over the coming weeks. It is exhibiting at this week’s Fintona show in Co. Tyrone (Tuesday to Thursday), next week’s Cavan show (Wednesday and Thursday) and next month’s FTMTA Farm Machinery Show in Punchstown (Thursday February 9 to Saturday February 11).
12,000 machines built so far
Founded in 1999, the company initially made post drivers, log splitters and toppers but has since embarked on a much wider range of equipment, including self-loading silage wagons and disc mowers.
The factory stretches over 18,000 square feet; 18 full-time staff are divided into various sections, including laser cutting, welding, spraying, final assembly, sales, service, parts and administration.
To date, the company says that over 12,000 machines have left the factory in Co. Mayo.