Are you looking for new or used tractors, farm machinery or parts? If so then visit Rabbitt Tractors in Athenry where you will find a wide range of stock to suit every pocket.
A family-run business operated by Pat Rabbitt, his wife Phyllis and their sons Shane and Padraig, Rabbitt Tractors was established in 1974 to service the needs of farmers in Galway and surrounding counties. The business initially imported tractors and machinery from the UK before holding two well-known agencies until the mid-1990s. It was then that Patrick again decided to concentrate on the second-hand market, which he continued to so do until two years ago when he took on the Case IH franchise for Galway and Roscommon.
Following on from this, Rabbitt Tractors was appointed a dealer for Kuhn grass and tillage machinery. And, in recent weeks, it has acquired the agency for Abbey Machinery, which is one of Ireland’s largest and most respected manufacturers of agricultural equipment. Founded by the Cavanagh family in Nenagh in 1947, Abbey manufactures a wide range of agricultural machines which include slurry and manure handling equipment, grassland management equipment and a range of animal feeding equipment. The Abbey range of slurry tankers are a firm favourite with Irish farmers.
“These are exciting times for us,” enthuses sales manager Shane Rabbitt.
“The new dealerships have really added to our business and given us the scope to generate new customers. For years and years, we specialised in tractor sales but now we’ve branched into other types of farm equipment.
“There are a lot of suckler and dairy farmers in this area who we are eager to cater for. Silage cutting and slurry spreading are big parts of what they do and that is why we’re now stocking a much wider range of grass machinery and slurry equipment than we used ot. Abbey is one of the biggest names in Ireland for slurry tankers.”
With a large forecourt, together with on-site workshop facilities and a dedicated parts department, Rabbitt Tractors – which is also an agent for Rossmore loaders – is well equipped to cater for all your tractor and farm machinery needs. The decision to take on the Case IH dealership in 2013 was a no-brainer as the brand has a very loyal following in the Connacht region, while second-hand values are excellent.
“Case IH is among the top-four selling tractor brands in Ireland,” continues Shane.
“They have a great range of tractors from 55hp to almost 700hp to suit all sizes and types of farm. Having seen for ourselves how satisfied farmers were with Case IH products and because of our experience with the range, taking the agency was a natural progression.”
The best-selling models are the Farmall A and Farmall U which offer farmers in the West of Ireland everything they need at an affordable price. The Maxxum 110, which starts at 110hp, is also a good seller. The Puma range goes from 140hp up to 230hp and is another option for farmers or agricultural contractors. In addition, Rabbitt Tractors sells Case IH GPS navigation systems.
All Case IH equipment benefits from a parts and service back-up which is second to none. Rabbitt Tractors can order a part up to 6pm and have it at their door the next morning. The same applies for every other part they stock.
The Co. Galway-based concern stocks all genuine parts for Case IH, International, Steyr and David Brown. A large selection of New Holland and Ford tractor parts are also available. A next-day delivery service is provided, with all credit cards accepted. Customers can also avail of great finance rates on new machinery. Case IH and Kuhn offer their own finance packages which are tailored to the customer’s needs.
Rabbitt Tractors source most of their parts from Quality Tractor Parts in Mullingar, Sparex (Tractor Accessories) in Waterford and Vapormatic in the UK. As a strong believer in servicing what he sells, Pat insists on having a well-stocked parts department to support his customers.
The family-run business, which employs five staff along with Pat, Phyllis, Shane and Padraig, carries an extensive range of new and used tractors and machinery at all times. If the machine you are looking for isn’t in stock, Pat and his team will gladly order it in, or source it for you.
Rabbitt Tractors is a member of FTMTA (the Farm Tractor and Machinery Trade Association). It was formed over 100 years ago when a group of dealers created the Agricultural Implement Trade Association Ireland Ltd. The Association currently has over 200 members and is managed by a group of 17 voluntary executive council members, all of whom work in the industry either as owner/managers or senior officers in their respective companies.
In conclusion, Shane says: “We are delighted to be able to offer a comprehensive range of tractors, machinery and parts to the public. We have a growing customer-base – some of our customers have been with us for over 40 years – and look forward to offering them top-quality products and the best service at the most competitive price for many more years to come.”
Rabbitt Tractors
Monivea Road,
Athenry,
Co. Galway.
Telephone: 091 844300
Mobile: 087 8149027 (Pat)
or 087 2361831 (Shane)
Taken from Irish Tractor & Agri magazine Vol 3 No 5, June 2015
