The leaders in their fields
http://www.heavymachineryinfo.com/articles/2051/1/The-leaders-in-their-fields/The-leaders-in-their-fields.html
By super admin
Published on 03/29/2008
Claas and John Deere dominate the self-propelled forage harvester market in the Republic of Ireland. New Holland trails behind in third place, with decidedly smaller numbers. However, it should be noted that New Holland's position is stronger north of the border. Krone has also entered the fray, but has yet to make its presence felt in the south.
Figures released by the FTMTA (Farm Tractor & Machinery Trade Association) indicate that 38 new self-propelled forage harvesters were registered in the Republic of Ireland during 2007. That's slightly down on the figure recorded for 2006, which topped the 40-unit threshold.
Market shares (brand-by-brand analysis) cannot yet be printed for 2007, due to continuing EU restrictions. However, data for the previous year shows that John Deere narrowly edged past Claas to take pole position. Both were neck and neck, notching up sales of 20 and 19 new units respectively.
Not surprisingly, the 2007 figures reveal that Cork wielded the biggest buying power when it came to self-propelled foragers -- reflecting a similar trend in tractor sales. Eleven new machines were sold there last year. The next highest county sales tally was just four -- a modest accolade shared by both Kerry and Waterford. It's worth noting that in as many as 12 counties, no new machines were sold at all.
2008 prospects
So how is the market shaping up for 2008? Farming Independent spoke to Frank Ward of Harvest Machinery, the Claas importer, to find out more. He said: "Contrary to what official figures might say about the state of the overall market, Claas sold more machines here in Ireland last year than it did in 2006. However, this year's figures are back -- but only slightly.
"We have no more new forager deals going on now, certainly not for this year's silage campaign. There's no point, as supplies are tight and we wouldn't be able to guarantee availability. We can still supply new machines in time for the maize harvest, however."
According to Frank, the existing 453hp Jaguar 870 is Claas's most popular forager this year. It should be noted that Claas has also sold six new-generation 900 series machines, including a 623hp 960.
The 960 is the biggest of the new single-engined models; it has the same horsepower at its disposal as the existing top-of-the-range 900 model. Thus far, however, none of the new twin-engined machines (970 and 980) have been sold here yet.
Frank reports that the trade in second-hand foragers is buoyant -- much more so, in fact, than in previous years. He explained: "We're seeing larger farmers, who've never had a machine of their own, buying second-hand, self-propelled harvesters to do their own work. We're also seeing small-to-medium sized contractors upgrading to fresher models.
"Some contractors are switching back to self-propelled harvesters, having tried wagons. That's not surprising, given the tough conditions encountered last season."
Flagship model
Of course, Claas isn't the only manufacturer to be phasing in new models for the coming season. John Deere has recently revamped its line-up with the arrival of the 7050 and 7050i series. The new machines retain the IVLOC (Infinitely Variable Length of Chop) feature, but add a range of 'precision farming' options. New Tier 3 engines generate more power -- up to 11pc in the case of some models. However, the flagship model continues to use a Tier 2 15-litre Cummins engine.
According to Chris Meacock, John Deere's UK and Ireland marketing manager, the Irish market for new self-propelled foragers (of all makes) typically runs to 40 or more new machines per annum -- of which Deere grabs a sizeable chunk. He claimed that John Deere increased its share sizably during 2006. He says that orders for the coming season suggest another strong performance in 2008. Time will tell.
He commented: "The global prospects for self-propelled forage harvesters received a much-needed boost in recent years, partly due to increased interest in biogas in countries such as Germany. That pushed up sales in Central Europe, but it remains to be seen just how sustainable that market is.
"The UK market remains steady at about 110 new machines (of all makes) per annum."
New Holland's FR9000 series is also new for 2008, following several years of evaluation both here and abroad. These machines differ substantially from outgoing FX models and are essentially new from the ground up. Whereas the older machines had radial blowers, FR9000 models use in-line accelerators.
Key features include more power (up to 824hp), a drum that's reportedly up to 15pc wider than the competition and a bigger, redesigned cab. Like later FX models, FR9000 series harvesters boast hydrostatically-driven feed rollers.
New entrant
Krone is a relatively new entrant to the self-propelled forager business, at least compared to the likes of Claas, John Deere and New Holland. Just two Krone Big X foragers have so far been sold on the island of Ireland, both of which are north of the border. Importer Farmhand hopes to sell a further unit this year, namely a Big X 500.
According to John Scrivener, Farmhand's managing director, dealers who are capable of selling and servicing self-propelled forage harvesters are already signed with existing suppliers. He said: "The difficulty in finding suitable dealers who aren't already tied into either Claas or John Deere is limiting Big X sales".
However, the Big M self-propelled mower is faring considerably better. John estimates that the population of Big M mowers now runs to more than 80 machines. Three quarters of these are Mk II models, which boast a cutting width of 9.7 metres. Twelve new Big M II's were sold in 2007; so far, six have been ordered for 2008. He expects to sell a further three before the onset of the silage campaign.
In related news, John is hopeful that Farmhand will procure a new Big M 500 for the Irish market this summer. He explained: "The Big M 500 was first seen at last year's Agritechnica show in Germany. It has a total working width of 13.20 metres. The front mower spans 5.3 metres and is split in two halves. Each folds upwards and sideways for transport. The two units at the rear are each 4.40 metres wide.
"The Big M 500 is powered by a 510hp engine. Like its smaller sibling, the Big M II, this machine features four hydrostatic wheel drives."
AGCO forager
AGCO, which owns Massey Ferguson, Fendt and Valtra, is reportedly developing a new self-propelled forager of its own. Research and development work is ongoing at the Fendt factory in Marktoberdorf, Germany. However, it is not yet known which brand(s) the machine will be sold under.
Pundits are guessing that prototype machines will be working at various locations around Europe later this year or, perhaps, during 2009. In any case, the availability of production-spec models is still some way off.
Of course, the forager market is not just comprised of acre-hungry, self-propelled goliaths. There is still significant demand for new trailed machines. However, the only remaining active player of note in the market is JF.
Farming Independent spoke to Gerald Dagg of Louth-based JF Farm Machines to find out more. He explained: "Come the start of the season, we expect to be slightly up on last year's figures. And in the UK, sales of JF forage harvesters are significantly up on 2007 levels.
"In particular, there has been quite a bit of interest in the new top-of-the-range FCT1355, which replaces the existing FCT1350. It lists at just over €48,000 (excl VAT)."
According to Gerald, JF (now known as JF-Stoll) is the only trailed silage harvester that still sells in appreciable numbers here in Ireland. He said: "Most competing units were flywheel-type machines, which were originally designed for maize, not grass silage.
"Because JF fits a wider feed opening and has a drum that is supported by bearings at both ends, our machines perform consistently better in grass than flywheel-type designs. Moreover, thanks to our unique 'up-cut' system, damage caused by foreign objects is minimised."
Turning his thoughts back to this year's market, he mused: "We're fielding queries from wagon users who are thinking about returning to precision-chop harvesters. Last year proved to be a tough season for wagon operators, with many struggling to achieve reasonable levels of output."
http://www.independent.ie/farming/the-leaders-in-their-fields-
Claas and John Deere dominate the self-propelled forage harvester market in the Republic of Ireland. New Holland trails behind in third place, with decidedly smaller numbers. However, it should be noted that New Holland's position is stronger north of the border. Krone has also entered the fray, but has yet to make its presence felt in the south.
The leaders in their fields
Claas and John Deere dominate the self-propelled forage harvester market in the Republic of Ireland. New Holland trails behind in third place, with decidedly smaller numbers. However, it should be noted that New Holland's position is stronger north of the border. Krone has also entered the fray, but has yet to make its presence felt in the south.
Figures released by the FTMTA (Farm Tractor & Machinery Trade Association) indicate that 38 new self-propelled forage harvesters were registered in the Republic of Ireland during 2007. That's slightly down on the figure recorded for 2006, which topped the 40-unit threshold.
Market shares (brand-by-brand analysis) cannot yet be printed for 2007, due to continuing EU restrictions. However, data for the previous year shows that John Deere narrowly edged past Claas to take pole position. Both were neck and neck, notching up sales of 20 and 19 new units respectively.
Not surprisingly, the 2007 figures reveal that Cork wielded the biggest buying power when it came to self-propelled foragers -- reflecting a similar trend in tractor sales. Eleven new machines were sold there last year. The next highest county sales tally was just four -- a modest accolade shared by both Kerry and Waterford. It's worth noting that in as many as 12 counties, no new machines were sold at all.
2008 prospects
So how is the market shaping up for 2008? Farming Independent spoke to Frank Ward of Harvest Machinery, the Claas importer, to find out more. He said: "Contrary to what official figures might say about the state of the overall market, Claas sold more machines here in Ireland last year than it did in 2006. However, this year's figures are back -- but only slightly.
"We have no more new forager deals going on now, certainly not for this year's silage campaign. There's no point, as supplies are tight and we wouldn't be able to guarantee availability. We can still supply new machines in time for the maize harvest, however."
According to Frank, the existing 453hp Jaguar 870 is Claas's most popular forager this year. It should be noted that Claas has also sold six new-generation 900 series machines, including a 623hp 960.
The 960 is the biggest of the new single-engined models; it has the same horsepower at its disposal as the existing top-of-the-range 900 model. Thus far, however, none of the new twin-engined machines (970 and 980) have been sold here yet.
Frank reports that the trade in second-hand foragers is buoyant -- much more so, in fact, than in previous years. He explained: "We're seeing larger farmers, who've never had a machine of their own, buying second-hand, self-propelled harvesters to do their own work. We're also seeing small-to-medium sized contractors upgrading to fresher models.
"Some contractors are switching back to self-propelled harvesters, having tried wagons. That's not surprising, given the tough conditions encountered last season."
Flagship model
Of course, Claas isn't the only manufacturer to be phasing in new models for the coming season. John Deere has recently revamped its line-up with the arrival of the 7050 and 7050i series. The new machines retain the IVLOC (Infinitely Variable Length of Chop) feature, but add a range of 'precision farming' options. New Tier 3 engines generate more power -- up to 11pc in the case of some models. However, the flagship model continues to use a Tier 2 15-litre Cummins engine.
According to Chris Meacock, John Deere's UK and Ireland marketing manager, the Irish market for new self-propelled foragers (of all makes) typically runs to 40 or more new machines per annum -- of which Deere grabs a sizeable chunk. He claimed that John Deere increased its share sizably during 2006. He says that orders for the coming season suggest another strong performance in 2008. Time will tell.
He commented: "The global prospects for self-propelled forage harvesters received a much-needed boost in recent years, partly due to increased interest in biogas in countries such as Germany. That pushed up sales in Central Europe, but it remains to be seen just how sustainable that market is.
"The UK market remains steady at about 110 new machines (of all makes) per annum."
New Holland's FR9000 series is also new for 2008, following several years of evaluation both here and abroad. These machines differ substantially from outgoing FX models and are essentially new from the ground up. Whereas the older machines had radial blowers, FR9000 models use in-line accelerators.
Key features include more power (up to 824hp), a drum that's reportedly up to 15pc wider than the competition and a bigger, redesigned cab. Like later FX models, FR9000 series harvesters boast hydrostatically-driven feed rollers.
New entrant
Krone is a relatively new entrant to the self-propelled forager business, at least compared to the likes of Claas, John Deere and New Holland. Just two Krone Big X foragers have so far been sold on the island of Ireland, both of which are north of the border. Importer Farmhand hopes to sell a further unit this year, namely a Big X 500.
According to John Scrivener, Farmhand's managing director, dealers who are capable of selling and servicing self-propelled forage harvesters are already signed with existing suppliers. He said: "The difficulty in finding suitable dealers who aren't already tied into either Claas or John Deere is limiting Big X sales".
However, the Big M self-propelled mower is faring considerably better. John estimates that the population of Big M mowers now runs to more than 80 machines. Three quarters of these are Mk II models, which boast a cutting width of 9.7 metres. Twelve new Big M II's were sold in 2007; so far, six have been ordered for 2008. He expects to sell a further three before the onset of the silage campaign.
In related news, John is hopeful that Farmhand will procure a new Big M 500 for the Irish market this summer. He explained: "The Big M 500 was first seen at last year's Agritechnica show in Germany. It has a total working width of 13.20 metres. The front mower spans 5.3 metres and is split in two halves. Each folds upwards and sideways for transport. The two units at the rear are each 4.40 metres wide.
"The Big M 500 is powered by a 510hp engine. Like its smaller sibling, the Big M II, this machine features four hydrostatic wheel drives."
AGCO forager
AGCO, which owns Massey Ferguson, Fendt and Valtra, is reportedly developing a new self-propelled forager of its own. Research and development work is ongoing at the Fendt factory in Marktoberdorf, Germany. However, it is not yet known which brand(s) the machine will be sold under.
Pundits are guessing that prototype machines will be working at various locations around Europe later this year or, perhaps, during 2009. In any case, the availability of production-spec models is still some way off.
Of course, the forager market is not just comprised of acre-hungry, self-propelled goliaths. There is still significant demand for new trailed machines. However, the only remaining active player of note in the market is JF.
Farming Independent spoke to Gerald Dagg of Louth-based JF Farm Machines to find out more. He explained: "Come the start of the season, we expect to be slightly up on last year's figures. And in the UK, sales of JF forage harvesters are significantly up on 2007 levels.
"In particular, there has been quite a bit of interest in the new top-of-the-range FCT1355, which replaces the existing FCT1350. It lists at just over €48,000 (excl VAT)."
According to Gerald, JF (now known as JF-Stoll) is the only trailed silage harvester that still sells in appreciable numbers here in Ireland. He said: "Most competing units were flywheel-type machines, which were originally designed for maize, not grass silage.
"Because JF fits a wider feed opening and has a drum that is supported by bearings at both ends, our machines perform consistently better in grass than flywheel-type designs. Moreover, thanks to our unique 'up-cut' system, damage caused by foreign objects is minimised."
Turning his thoughts back to this year's market, he mused: "We're fielding queries from wagon users who are thinking about returning to precision-chop harvesters. Last year proved to be a tough season for wagon operators, with many struggling to achieve reasonable levels of output."
http://www.independent.ie/farming/the-leaders-in-their-fields-