From humble beginnings, Swaine Agri has grown into one of the most successful Valtra dealers in Ireland and even has the award to prove it.
Named ‘Dealer of the Year 2022’ by Valtra UK and ROI, Swaine Agri has gone from strength to strength since it was appointed dealer for the Finnish tractor brand for Co. Offaly, north Kildare and north Laois in 2020. For many years prior to that, the Rhode, Co. Offaly-based dealer had specialised in the sale of second-hand tractors as well as service and repairs.
Swaine Agri has sold more than 100 new Valtra units to date, despite supply issues caused by the Covid-19 pandemic and the war in Ukraine a few years ago. The brand complements Swaine Agri’s expanding stable of product lines and enhances 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 the first two years were a virtual write-off due to the pandemic.
“But since 2022, we’ve sold over 100 new Valtras. One customer has brought seven and others have purchased three or four. We’re getting a lot of repeat business which speaks volumes about the quality of the product and service. There is a lot of technology packed into a Valtra which is simple to use.”
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 four-cylinder 135 and 175 in the N Series, the six-cylinder 195 and 235 in the T Series, and the 105, 115, 125 and 135 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 loaders 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 135 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 is also a main dealer for Kverneland and McConnel equipment, Quicke loaders as well as Abbey slurry tankers and diet feeders. In addition, the full range of Magni telescopic agri handlers will shortly be joining the Co. Offaly dealer’s stable. The Italian brand’s cutting-edge materials, latest generation components and rigorous testing ensure robust, high-performing and reliable machines in any environment or working condition.
“We wouldn’t put our name to them if we didn’t think they were a well-built machine. We hope to showcase the Magni range of construction teleporters at this year’s Ploughing Championships in Screggan and have agri versions in stock shortly after that. The popular Magni teleporters are 3 ½ and 4 ½ tonne.”
Boasting over 30 years’ experience in the trade, Liam continues to source quality used tractors, including New Holland, Case, John Deere and Massey Ferguson, from reputable dealers in the UK.
“We have everything covered,” he says in reference to his wide range of grass, tillage, slurry and hedge-cutting 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 nearly a decade 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’re growing the business every year and that’s a testament to our team, our loyal customers and our quality products,” the affable dealer concludes.
Swaine Agri
The Grove,
Ballyheashill,
Rhode,
Co. Offaly,
R35 HC97.
Telephone: 046 973 7000
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.swaineagri.ie
First published in Irish Tractor & Agri magazine Vol 14 No 2, Summer 2026
