Irish Tractor & Farm Machinery popped into the Galway Road premises of Brogan Tractor Sales in Tuam, County Galway to discuss the past, present and future of this long-running family business – main dealer for Tumosan and Zetor – with founder / proprietor Chris Brogan.
Through hard work and dedication, Chris Brogan has developed Brogan Tractor Sales from humble beginnings into one of the most renowned tractor and agricultural machinery specialists in the west.
Hailing from an agricultural background, he established the business in Tuam in 1988. Twenty-five years on, he is still operating from the same premises on the Galway Road, having forged a stellar reputation for himself in his chosen area of expertise: sales, servicing and repairs of new and second-hand tractors and farm machinery.
Chris has always prided himself on providing high quality products and service. By looking after his customers, he has been able to grow the business gradually over the years, today providing full-time employment to a team of four. No stone is left unturned in ensuring that customers are looked after at all times and this has resulted in a steady flow of repeat business – the lifeblood of any company!
The key to a successful dealership is good brands and, to this end, Brogan Tractor Sales is certainly not found wanting as it holds franchises for both Zetor and Tumosan tractors. Chris first became main dealer for Galway for the Czech marque Zetor about 15 years ago and has been main dealer for Tumosan, covering counties Galway and Mayo, since the Turkish brand was re-launched on Irish shores in January, 2012.
One thing that Zetor and Tumosan both have in common is that they both offer exceptional economy and value for money.
There are 19 different Tumosan tractor models in the range now being imported into Ireland, spread across five different ranges. These ranges include models from the original Tumosan Classic 8000 series (similar in design to the Fiat tractors of the 1990s) as well as new models not previously seen in Ireland – such as the 8100, 7100, 6100 and 4100 series tractors, which boast fresh new cab designs (while retaining the Fiat designed three- and four-cylinder engines throughout the entire range).
The Tumosan power ranges from 95hp at the top end to 50hp for the entry level 4150 model, which comes with a roll bar and has a keen entry price of approximately €17,000, including VAT.
Zetor, meanwhile, is one of the largest tractor manufacturers in Europe, producing quality-built, top-value tractors for the global agricultural market since 1946. Zetor is renowned for building tough, reliable and affordable tractors which offer years of trouble-free service and maintain an excellent re-sale value. All Zetor tractors come with a two-year warranty.
Brogan Tractor Sales also imports second-hand vehicles and provides a strong back-up service on all its products, including a full range of spare parts for tractors and agricultural machinery. Commenting on the current status of the business, Chris – who has welcomed his son Conor into the family operation – notes that, contrary to common perception, even the agricultural sector has been affected by the economic downturn:
“Demand for new tractors has been down in the last few years but we’re lucky in that we have a lot of customers who have been with us since day one, while we are also constantly attracting new customers as well. The back-up service is very important. We have our own workshop here and we look after all our customers as a matter of priority.”
All the ingredients are in place to ensure that the business continues to thrive – great products, years of experience and expertise, a commitment to excellence and an unrivalled back-up. Solutions are provided on a same-day basis and Chris is on call around the clock to make sure that none of his customers are every stranded.
Regarding the recently-relaunched Tumosan, he adds: “I find them to be great. They are extremely competitively-priced and they are also very reliable, as well as offering great fuel efficiency. Zetor and Tumosan both offer good value for money without sacrificing quality and that’s what farmers are looking for.”
All in all, in spite of the dip in the economy, Chris is pleased to report that Brogan Tractor Sales is keeping its head above water: “Business is going well,” he confirms. “Between the workshop and spare parts etc., we are kept going so we can’t complain. We stock a comprehensive range of parts, covering most popular makes of tractor and agricultural machinery, and we provide a same-day delivery service. Customers expect a prompt response and we’re always appreciated this.”
Brogan Tractor Sales has been providing an exceptional service for a quarter of a century already and there is no sign of any let-up. Looking to the future, Chris is confident that he – alongside son, Conor – can keep the family business going for many more years to come.
And customers will be relieved to hear that there are no plans to alter the winning formula:
“We’ll continue as we are,” the proprietor concludes. “We’ll keep providing good products and a good service at a price people can afford. We’re in a very good location here, too, so we’ll keep it going.”
Brogan Tractor Sales
Galway Road, Tuam,
Co. Galway
Tel: 093 26763
Taken from Irish Tractor & Agri magazine Vol 1 No 1, September 2013
