Swaine Agri has gone from strength to strength since it was appointed Valtra dealer for Co. Offaly, north Kildare and north Laois in 2020.
The Finnish brand has proven to be a resounding success for the Rhode, Co. Offaly dealership which has sold over 50 new units to date, despite supply issues caused by the Covid-19 pandemic and the war in Ukraine. The brand has complemented Swaine Agri’s expanding stable of product lines and enhanced its reputation as one of the leading farm machinery dealerships in the midlands.
“It was a big step for us at the time, but we’re delighted we did it,” proprietor Liam Swaine says of taking on the Valtra franchise.
“We’re very happy with the brand and the interest it has generated. It has really taken off. The franchise has also increased our business and raised our profile. We were appointed Valtra dealers in June 2020, but didn’t receive our first tractors until the following October because of the pandemic. In spite of this, we have already sold over 50 new Valtras and have a healthy order book for 2023.”
An open day on February 26th 2022 provided Swaine Agri with an opportunity to showcase their full range of machinery as the country emerged from the pandemic. Over 600 people attended the event where some fabulous prizes were on offer, including tractor hire for a month, Valtra service kits, workwear from Krone, Amazone and Abbey machinery as well as great fun and prizes for the kids. One lucky guest even won a trip to the Valtra factory in Finland!
“It was a great day out for all the family. It was nice to be able to offer people the chance to see the full range of machinery we have in stock and some live demos. They were also able to enter into a free draw for some great prizes,” Liam fondly recalls.
Valtra have been manufacturing tractors for over 60 years and Liam cannot speak highly enough of the popular brand.
“I know from having serviced them going back over the years that there is serious stuff in them. The new technology and various packages which are tailored to suit the buyer’s needs make them an even more attractive proposition,” he explains.
“There is something for everyone in the Valtra range. You can spec’ them up any way you like… even down to the colour. They’re also an extremely versatile tractor. One of their best features is the GPS system which is very user-friendly. Their build quality really stands out. We’re excited about what the future holds for all of our brands in our catchment area of Co. Offaly, north Kildare, north Laois, south Westmeath and south Meath.”
According to Liam, the most popular models are the 155 and 175 in the N Series, the 175, 195 and 235 in the T Series, and the 125 and 155 in the G Series. Ranging from 115-201hp, the Valtra N Series drives like a small tractor, but works like a big one. It features the most powerful engine in its class, yet the handling is agile enough for more delicate work. And with longer service intervals and lower fuel consumption, the total cost of ownership is kept to a minimum.
The N Series is compact in size, with the best power-size ratio in its class. An agile and lightweight machine with perfect ergonomics and comfort makes working easy and productive. And, with the robust and reliable construction, 600 hours’ service interval and low fuel consumption, value-for-money is guaranteed.
The 170-271hp T Series has been designed for the diverse requirements of farmers and the most demanding of conditions. Thanks to its engine features, robust and versatile transmissions, low maintenance costs and a range of unique tractor features, you get a low total cost of ownership.
To ensure unrivalled reliability, Valtra makes all four major components of the T Series inhouse. The chassis, transmission and cab are Valtra’s own design and engineering, and AGCO Power is the original Valtra engine that sets the reliability standard in the industry. The T Series is built for working in tough conditions – every day.
The G Series is a full-featured multi-purpose tractor for your everyday use on the farm. It has an advanced power life and effective working hydraulics: in HiTech open centre, while Active and Versu offer a closed centre load sensing system. High hydraulic pump capacities (100/110 l/min) guarantee speed, ease of use and full-featured implement control.
The G Series is the perfect tractor for front loader with great visibility in all directions. Its new 6-speed Powershift gives the driver better work speed possibilities. The Versu model is integrated with Valtra Smart Farming features that are the perfect gateway to the world of precision farming.
“The 125 and 155 in the G Series are very popular with stockmen and dairy farmers,” Liam continues.
“The 155 and 175 in the N Series have a four-cylinder engine which is suited to loader and more demanding work. The T Series are bigger tractors again which we sell mainly to agri contractors.”
Founded in 2008, Swaine Agri has been a main dealer for the Farmhand flagships Krone, Amazone and Quicke for the past four years. The family-run business is also a main dealer for Abbey Machinery and specialises in New Holland parts and service. Boasting over 30 years’ experience in the trade, Liam has and continues to source quality used tractors from reputable dealers in the UK.
“We have everything covered,” he says in reference to his wide range of grass, tillage and slurry equipment.
“We pride ourselves on the excellent quality of our machinery, both new and used, and the top level of service we provide to our customers. No job is too big or too small when it comes to servicing or repairs. We have a large selection of parts for all of our brands. In the unlikely event of us not having a part in stock, we will have it the next day. The customer comes first with us and we’re always available to deal with their queries.
“We stock everything from John Deere filters and hydraulic hoses to LED lights and Finol Oils. We also have a full stock of bearings and seals.”
Liam opened a new-purpose built workshop six years ago which is equipped with an electronic dynamo-metre, allowing him to closely monitor engine performance and PTO hp. He also provides full diagnostic and servicing facilities for air conditioning services, and offers onsite servicing and repairs from his fully-equipped service vehicles. In addition, he offers a tractor delivery and recovery service.
“We’re constantly adding to what we have already. We’re still a work in progress with the aim of becoming a one-stop shop for all your sales, service and parts needs.”
Conveniently located in the heart of Ireland and just a short drive from Junction 3 of the M6 Motorway, Swaine Agri is open from 8.30am to 5.30pm Monday to Friday and from 9am to 1pm on Saturdays. An after-hours breakdown service is also provided.
Married to Catherine and father to Clodagh and Tara, Liam is full of praise for his staff.
“We have three mechanics in the workshop, two people in parts, one in admin and myself in sales. They’re all great people who are a pleasure to work with.
“We have doubled the size of our yard in recent years and hope to grow further. There is a good bit of positivity around farming at the moment,” notes the affable dealer, who concludes by thanking his new and existing customers for their support.
Swaine Agri
The Grove,
Ballyheashill,
Rhode,
Co. Offaly,
R35 HC97.
Telephone: 046 9737000
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.swaineagri.ie
First published in Irish Tractor & Agri magazine Vol 11 No 2, March/April 2023
