Celebrating 35 years in business, Tom Shaw Farm Machinery Ltd is a leading tractor and machinery dealership based outside Birr in Co. Offaly. The family-run business holds a number of well-known franchises, including Krone, McHale, Amazone, HiSpec, Quicke, APV and SAME / Deutz-Fahr, and also stocks a large range of second-hand machinery.
From humble beginnings in 1988 when Tom Shaw started out repairing Hesston harvesters and Fiat tractorsfor local farmers, the company has grown to employ 13 people, and has earned an enviable reputation for both sales and service across the midlands and beyond. A mechanic by trade, Tom now concentrates on sales and is joined in the business by his sons Austin and Scott, who are service manager and marketing and advertising manager respectively. Eoghan O’Reilly is also in sales, while there are five mechanics in the workshop. Parts is managed by Peter Dolan with the help of Gerry Dervan, along with Siobhan Doyle and Grainne Hogan in accounts and admin.
The first dealerships Tom took on were Tanco loaders and HiSpec slurry equipment. The garage then partnered with Farmhand Ltd, who are the exclusive distributors in Ireland for Krone, Amazone and Quicke machinery, before becoming a limited company in 1995. Tom was appointed an agent for McHale in the late 1990s when the Co. Mayo manufacturer specialised in shear grabs, slurry agitators and bale wrappers. Tom Shaw Farm Machinery sold its first McHale baler in 2003 and its first McHale Fusion balers in 2004 and ’05.
It sold its first SAME tractor in 1996 and first Krone BiG M mower in 2000, and has continued to go from strength to strength ever since.
“We’ve 35 years’ experience in the agri industry and are dedicated to the supply of quality farm machinery. We pride ourselves on the excellent quality of our machinery, both new and used, and the exceptional service we offer customers. Our product knowledge is second to none,” Scott Shaw proudly states.
Along with Krone and McHale forage and grass equipment, Amazone fertiliser and tillage equipment, HiSpec slurry equipment, Quicke front attachments, APV seeders and SAME / Deutz-Fahr tractors, the other brands Tom Shaw Machinery currently represents are Jeantil dung spreaders, Rossmore and Prodig front attachments, Fransgard rakes, Guttler seeders, and Zuideberg front linkage. The garage is sole importer for Jeantil and is also a member of the Farm Tractor & Machinery Trade Association.
According to Scott, all brands are performing well, especially McHale, Krone and Deutz-Fahr, who have been part of the stable since 2011.
“There is huge interest in the new McHale Fusion 4 which was launched at the Ploughing Championships last September,” he says.
“The Fusion 4 range of integrated baler wrappers includes the Fusion 4, the Fusion 4 Pro and Fusion 4 Plus with film bind technology. While the concept is the same as the Fusion 3, the technology is different. The Fusion 4 delivers an increase in throughput, higher bale destiny and faster wrapping speeds. Needless to say, it has attracted a lot of interest from Fusion 3 owners who are looking to upgrade.
“There is also a keen interest in the Krone BiG X range of forage harvesters. They offer a range of different features, including the renowned 6-feed rollers which handle lumpy swaths at ease in comparison to the competition’s 4-feed rollers. Krone always listens to their customers and takes what they have to say on board when they’re designing new products. The Krone BiG M 450 has been on the market since 2019 and that’s also selling very well for us.”
Scott continues: “In terms of new tractors, Deutz-Fahr is our number one seller. They are part of the SDF Group along with SAME, Lamborghini and Hurlimann. Deutz-Fahr is the flagship brand within the group. They make a very good tractor with the best specification on the market. They have something for everyone.
“The 100-120hp 5 Series is a real stockman’s tractor. The 6 & 7 Series, which ranges from 135-250hp, are popular with bigger farmers and contractors. The 9 Series goes up as far as 340hp, while at the other end of the scale, you have the 3 Series which is 50hp.
“Deutz have launched an RV shift transmission on the 6C which is getting positive feedback. The all-new and innovative transmission consists of robotic powershift gear change with various driving modes available for a wide range of tasks that farmers require with their tractor.”
The family-run business is committed to providing a professional and value-for-money service to meet the growing requirements of its customers along with knowledge and understanding of the industry that will ultimately benefit them. A comprehensive range of quality used machinery is stocked at all times, with Tom Shaw Farm Machinery having an excellent reputation for selling high-quality used grass equipment.
“We have a broad range of new used machinery available, especially a wide range of grass machinery.”
The stores at Tom Shaw Farm Machinery carry a comprehensive range of parts for a wide range of machinery and applications. Parts stocked include bearings, hydraulic fittings, filters, oil, slurry fittings, hoses, PTO parts, batteries, electrical equipment, power washers, paint chain and everything in between. The garage is also a stockist of many aftermarket wholesalers, allowing them to source the best quality parts at affordable prices.
In addition, there is a large range of tools, lighting, beacons and various farm-related equipment along with a wide range of merchandise, including overalls, jackets and coats. Delivery of parts can be arranged throughout Ireland and can be purchased on the online shop.
Based in Dromoyle, which is five miles from Birr and seven miles from Roscrea, Tom Shaw Farm Machinery is conveniently located in the heart of Ireland to cater for its growing customer-base. The dealership would like to take this opportunity to thank its clients and suppliers for their continued support as well as its staff for their hard work, dedication and expertise.
Here’s to the next 35 years!
Tom Shaw Farm Machinery Ltd
Dromoyle,
Birr,
Co. Offaly.
R42YW90
Tel: 00353 (0)57 9131147
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCx5p0zR
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Tom-Shaw-Farm-Machinery-LTD-135876169921401/
First published in Irish Tractor & Agri magazine Vol 11 No 2, March/April 2023
