These are exciting times for Swaine Agri in Rhode, Co. Offaly which was recently appointed as a Valtra dealer for Co. Offaly, north Kildare and part of Co. Laois.
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. Starting as a tractor and spare parts supplier, proprietor Liam Swaine has over 30 years’ experience in the industry and is both proud and delighted to fly the flag for such a prestigious brand.
“Our business, for many years, has been based on supplying good quality second-hand tractors with a strong focus on service and repairs,” he says.
“With the recent addition of the Farmhand franchises – to supply new Krone, Amazone and Quicke machinery – our customer-base has further expanded. We are seeing more and more demand each year for new equipment.
“The next logical step was to look for a reputable tractor franchise to add to our expanding machinery portfolio – one that we can stand behind. Signing up with Valtra – a well-established brand in Ireland with a great reputation for durability in our tough working conditions – is a great addition to our business.”
Valtra’s Andy Miller has also welcomed the partnership, saying: “We are very pleased that Swaine Agri has joined the Valtra team. The business has an established background in supplying and maintaining second-hand tractors, so adding a new tractor franchise is the next step for Liam. We look forward to working closely with Swaine Agri to grow the Valtra brand in central Ireland.”
Valtra have been manufacturing tractors for over 60 years and Liam cannot speak highly enough of the Finnish 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 continues.
“There is something for everyone in the Valtra range. You can spec’ them up any way you like… even down to the colour. One of their best features is the GPS system which is very user-friendly. Their quality also stands out. They’re not the cheapest tractor, but they’re not the dearest either. We’ve done a few deals already and are excited about what the future holds for the brand 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 154 and 174 in the N Series, and the 194 and 234 in the T 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. 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 75-130hp A Series shares many of the features of its big brothers, the N and T Series, but in a very compact form. It is fun to drive, light and agile, but it puts power on the ground and offers plenty of power for your modern implements.
Founded in 2008, Swaine Agri is coming up on two years as a main dealer for the Farmhand flagships Krone, Amazone and Quicke. The family-run business is also a main dealer for Abbey Machinery and specialises in New Holland parts and service. Liam has and continues to source quality used tractors from reputable dealers in the UK.
“We have everything covered,” Liam says in reference to his wide range of grass, tillage and slurry 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 three years 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.
“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 six staff.
“We have three in the workshop – including two qualified mechanics – two in stores and one in admin, and I have to say they’re great people to work with. It’s a real team effort,” says Liam, who concludes by thanking his many customers for their continued support.
Swaine Agri
The Grove,
Ballyheashill,
Rhode,
Co. Offaly.
Telephone: 046 9737000 / 086 3481100
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.swainagri.ie
First published in Irish Tractor & Agri magazine Vol 8 No 4, December 2020
