For nearly 40 years, McDonagh Engineering in Kesh, Co. Fermanagh has been selling tractors, machinery and spare parts to farmers on both sides of the border. Director Cahir McDonagh explains more.
Established by Harold McDonagh in 1975, the family-run business began trading as an agricultural workshop servicing tractors and machinery. In 1985, the company branched into dismantling and this has remained a key part of the business to this day, supplying used parts throughout Ireland, the UK and Europe.
In more recent times, McDonagh Engineering started selling new and used farm machinery and now holds some of the leading machinery franchises. The company has seven staff members working to meet their customers’ requirements with a quality back-up service and an extensive range of spare parts, lubricants and all needs for tractors and machinery of all makes.
“My father set up the business originally breaking tractors for spare parts,” explains Cahir McDonagh who is a director in the company along with his brother Chris and father Harold.
“Then, about eight years ago, we commenced selling new machinery. We stock many of the best-known makes of machinery, both new and used. In addition, we supply parts nationwide as well as to the UK, Sweden, Holland and other European countries. We have something for everyone.”
In October 2012, McDonagh Engineering became the main dealers for Tumosan tractors in Northern Ireland. Despite being new to this country and being a relatively small tractor (they range between 48hp and 105hp) compared to some of the better-known brands, sales of the Turkish-built range of range of tractors have been surprisingly brisk.
“There have been 20 new Tumosan sold in the first half of the year between all dealers, which surpassed our expectations. We were out in their factory in Turkey and were impressed with what we saw. We were happy to take on the dealership and are pleased with how sales have gone so far,” Cahir says.
There are 19 different Tumosan tractor models in the range being imported into Ireland, spread across five different ranges. The ranges include models from the original Tumosan Classic 8000 series, which are very similar in design to the Fiat tractors of the 1990s. They also include new models not seen in Ireland before, such as the 8100, 7100, 6100 and 4100 series tractors, with fresh new cab designs while retaining the Fiat designed three and four-cylinder engines throughout the entire range.
As already mentioned, the tractor power ranges from 105hp at the top end to 48hp for the entry level 4150 model, which comes with a roll bar. The Tumosan has a keen entry price, while there are some extras available, including a 12 x 12 mechanical shuttle gearbox and air conditioning.
McDonagh Engineering also stocks a large range of used tractors, including Massey Ferguson, New Holland and John Deere. They are agents for leading machinery brands such as Abbey, Krone, Amazone, Tanco, Fleming, Roco, Aitchison, Fella and Gamberini. Their range of machinery covers everything from slurry tankers, balers and land rollers to fertiliser spreaders, sowers and rakes. As with the tractors, a huge range of used machinery is also available to buy.
McDonagh Engineering also carries an extensive range of new and used spare parts for all tractor and farm machinery makes at the most competitive prices. The company carries new body panels, mudguards, cab fronts and door frames to suit Case and IH models along with a large range of filters, steering parts, axle parts, linkage parts, exhausts lights, cab glass and new rims for tractors. All types of tines, knives, blades, bushings for machinery are also stocked. A next-day delivery service throughout Ireland and the UK is provided.
For the past 28 years, the McDonaghs have been breaking all types of tractors and machines. They are also on the lookout for tractors which may have been damaged by fire, crashed or with mechanical problems. All tractors are brought in to the company’s state-of-the-art workshop in Kesh, stripped and the parts and shelf-ready for the customer.
After a poor start to the year, the good summer was a godsend for farmers and McDonagh Engineering alike.
“When farming is going well, we’re going well, and when it’s going bad, we’re going bad,” Cahir points out.
“For the first four or five months of the year, the weather was terrible and the farming sector was on its knees after such a long winter. Many farmers ran out of hay and silage, and couldn’t afford to buy in fodder. Thankfully, there was a dramatic improvement in the weather in May and June, and business picked up as a result. We’ve had a decent summer from a sales point of view.”
If you have any queries, contact Harold, Cahir, Chris or any of the McDonagh Engineering team by telephone or email and they will be only too happy to help.
McDonagh Engineering
Drumbane, Kesh, Co. Fermanagh, BT93 1SQ
Tel: (from Northern Ireland):
028 686 31635
Tel: (from the Republic of Ireland):
048 686 31635
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.mcdonaghengineering.com
