When it comes to business, Irish people like to deal with a familiar face and this is certainly the case when it’s spending large sums of money.
Trust is a big issue for the customer and if they are not made feel welcome than they are inclined to shop elsewhere.
Familiarity is another aspect that people seek, so in that respect, the farmers of Kerry can feel reassured that they will receive the best possible service when they are buying the Massey Ferguson tractors and other machinery.
The reason for this is that Tralee based Kerry Tractors has developed a reputation for providing a reliable and loyal service which has seen their customer base grow considerably over the years.
This family run business was established by Don Holland in 2000 and if you want to know anything about the Massey Ferguson brand then Don is your man to ask.
The West Cork native left school and done his apprenticeship with Massey and he has been involved with the leading tractor manufacturer ever since.
Farming and agriculture has always played a huge part in Don’s family, his father Sean Holland was a member of the IFA (then known as NFA) and was very involved in the launch of the NFA Farmers’ Rights Campaign in 1966. He was one of the members who marched from Bantry in West Cork up to the Department of Agriculture in Dublin with the aim of meeting with the then minister for Agriculture. It took them about 2 weeks to reach Dublin but the minister refused to meet with them, which resulted in Don’s father along with 8 other members staging a sit-in on the steps outside the Government Buildings, which lasted 21 days, before the Government backtracked and agreed to meet with them to discuss the concerns of the Farming community.
Don had a dealership in Limerick before deciding to move to his current location in Carigeendaniel, Tralee.
Soon customers could see that Don was a man to be trusted and the service that he provided was second to none.
He is joined in the family business by his daughter Tina who spoke to us about the services that they have to offer.
“We are the main Massey Ferguson dealer selling new and second-hand tractors. We are also dealers for Krone, Amazone, Quicke and Rossmore machinery, Arctic Cat quad bikes, Trioliet diet feeding systems and Prodig Attachments. We carry a comprehensive range of spare parts for all Massey Ferguson tractors and other machinery we sell, with overnight supply links from warehouses in the UK and Europe,” said Tina.
“We provide full service back up for all of our tractors and machinery, carried out by our fully qualified technicians. Also we are also stockists for SIP power tools and accessories, DRAPER tools and CASTROL agricultural oils.”
The Massey Ferguson name has been synonymous with tractors since the Canadian headquartered firm first opened its doors over 160 years ago.
“Massey Ferguson is still amongst the top selling tractors in the world. We find that if someone tries a Massey they will then stick with them.
“My father’s knowledge of Massey helps the customer find the exact tractor that they want and we’re not done as soon as the tractor leaves the forecourt as we provide an after sales service also.”
The newest range of Massey Ferguson tractors that are proving to be very popular include the MF3600 Series which consists of: The MF3600 Series consists of rugged power and quick, agile manoeuvrability. There are four models ranging from 76 to 102HP; The MF5600 Series provides a choice of three or four cylinder models so you can select exactly the right power, wheelbase, dimensions and weight to precisely match what you need for your farming business. In this ranger there are six models available from 85 to 130HP; The MF6600 Series has a short wheelbase and a curved chassis and bonnet, to ensure one of the best turning-circles on the market. Five models are available, ranging from 120 to 160 HP; The MF7600 Series- performance without compromise. The range is now extended across nine models, from 140 to 280 HP (@ 1950 rpm), allowing greater choice for more tasks; The new MF7700 Series has been specifically designed to meet the needs of your farming professionals, whatever your business environment and operations, from mixed farming to arable and contracting businesses.
“Another major selling point of Massey tractors is that there is zero percent finance available, which means a great deal to our customers.”
Tina revealed that Kerry Tractors are not just solely a tractor dealership as they also an agent for Krone and Amazone Machinery. They stock a wide range of machinery to complement their range of tractors.
“The machinery end of the business is going well and the customer knows that we are selling quality products in Krone and Amazone. We stock a comprehensive range of parts as well as offering a maintenance service, so we are really a one-stop shop for all your tractor needs.”
Tina revealed that the second hand trade on tractors was steady as many customers were upgrading on a regular basis.
“We would always have a good few second hand tractors on the premise as farmers would be trading in their old ones.”
As in most dealerships, whether it be can, van truck or tractor, the early part of the year is the time when Kerry Tractors are most busiest.
“We would actually be taking orders now for new tractors that farmers would want after Christmas. The first three months of the year are always busiest as farmers and contractors want to have everything in place before the busy period during the summer months.”
Kerry Tractors
Carigeendaniel,
Tralee,
Co Kerry
Phone: 066-7127463
Mobile/Sales: 087-2547723
Fax: 066-7127495
Email: [email protected]
Taken from Irish Tractor & Agri magazine Vol 3 No 10, November 2015
