New ranges of tractors and machinery and excellent food attracted a large number of customers to the open day at the Kennett, Newmarket depot of Massey Ferguson dealer Thurlow Nunn Standen (TNS).

The Fendt tractor range, already available from other depots within the group but new to the Newmarket depot last month was the main attraction. The new 280hp (206kW) 828 Vario model seen for the first time in the UK at Cereals 2010, is currently the only one in the UK. A Caterpillar Challenger MT845C was the largest machine on show along with a range of 12 different models of Kubota domestic lawn tractors and compacts.

Massey Ferguson – the brand with which the dealership has been associated for almost 100 years – was also represented by a 185hp (138kW) 6490 and a smaller 100hp (75kW) 5445. A large 5,000 litre Chafer trailed sprayer was also attracting interest – TNS is offering the range as Chafer spray booms and control units are fitted to the new Challenger RoGator 600 self-propelled sprayer range that is also being offered by TNS as part of its Challenger franchise.

The Caterpillar Challenger franchise has been extremely successful for TNS and the company now has two Challenger product specialists – Dave Lovell who covers the area north of the A14 and Rob Thurkettle who looks after the area to the south.  Steve Sampson, Challenger area sales manager for the south of England and Wales was present to offer extra support and to help deal with the many enquiries

Sumo cultivation equipment was attracting a lot of attention with the trend toward high-horsepower tractors with high-output equipment making the range – taken on by TNS in November 2009 – of interest to many local farmers. According to TNS managing director James Thurlow the equipment is ideal for use with Challengers as well as the most powerful wheeled tractors.

James was delighted with the interest and feedback on the Fendt range. “Fendt allows us to increase our overall area coverage and it fits well with the other products we sell. The range is renowned for its high residual value that reduces ownership costs and allows us to offer a high performance solution for the progressive farmer.”

Having recently placed an order for a new Fendt tractor local contractor Ollie Neil, owner of OJ Neil Contracting Ltd, based at Bury St Edmunds came along to admire the machines. “We have ordered a 240hp (179kW) 924 model for delivery this autumn,” he said. “Our business is quite varied but we specialise in agricultural and equestrian contract work as well as road reclamation. We undertake work such as verge mowing, silaging, lime spreading and road stabilisation and we need the Fendt to power the stone crusher used in the road reclamation as well as for mowing tasks, and have specified the optional reverse drive facility that should make many jobs easier.”

It is the company’s first Fendt and Mr Neil is looking forward to adding it to his fleet. “Some of my employees have previous experience of Fendt tractors and love them,” he said. “We are hoping for long-term low running costs and have taken out an extended warranty package that means our service costs are fixed, allowing us to budget accurately.  We had a demonstration of a Fendt late last year that was arranged from one of TNS’s other branches and got on well with the machine. At the time we didn’t know that the tractors would be available from our local branch so it is really good news to know that we have service back-up on the doorstep if we need it.”

Fendt offers various colour options on its tractors and although the model and specification is all agreed the colour of Mr Neil’s machine is still to be confirmed. “We are keen that all our machinery looks smart and compliments our professional image and the service we offer,” he said “and being able to choose the colour is quite an advantage.”

A prize draw for an HD TV was won by Ian Frost, farm manager at Exning Estates,  and a charity raffle for two limited edition Fendt model tractors raised £175.57 for each tractor to benefit the East Anglia Children’s Hospices Tree House Appeal, chosen as the TNS group charity for 2010.

TNS has many loyal customers and the rapport between staff and customers is obvious – staff were busy late into the evening discussing the equipment on show. Harvest had started just a few miles up the road and there was much discussion about potential yields and the likelihood of the fine weather continuing for the next few months – or not. James Thurlow was busy all evening talking with customers and was clearly delighted with the turn-out. “We currently have four depots across East Anglia and have invested heavily in our agricultural division,” he said. “We employ 109 staff just within our agricultural business and want our customers to know the importance we place on their industry, and that we are continuing to invest to offer the best service we can.”

Farming 324 hectares in Stowmarket, John, Malcolm and David Precious of JD Precious were
enjoying the evening – and the excellent food.  “We do a lot of business with TNS and it is useful
to be able to meet all the salesmen and to see the new products on offer.”

 
Ollie Neil (centre), owner of OJ Neil Contracting Ltd has just ordered his first Fendt tractor from TNS and is pictured with Challenger product specialist and Fendt area sales manager Rob Thurkettle (left) and TNS sales director Chris Tew. Mr Neil believes the Fendt will provide long-term low running costs and is delighted that after-sales back-up will be provided from his local branch where he knows the staff well.

Customers had journeyed from across East Anglia to support the open day and see the new equipment. Peter Butler (centre) is an agricultural contractor based some 60 miles away at Yoxford near the Suffolk coast and is pictured with his wife and business partner Sylvia, discussing business with TNS agricultural and equestrian product specialist Richard King who is based at the Newmarket depot.

Stars of the show were the Fendt tractors that are now available from TNS Newmarket depot – having previously been available from other depots in the TNS group. TNS managing director James Thurlow said, “The brand offers a high performance solution for the progressive farmer.”

 
TNS Newmarket branch manager Laurie Brown (right) presents Ian Frost of Exning  Estates
with his prize – a 32” Samsung HD TV.

Caterpillar Challenger rubber-tracked crawlers have proved an extremely successful franchise for TNS. Pictured (l-r) TNS managing director James Thurlow , TNS Challenger product specialists Dave Lovell and Rob Thurkettle, and Challenger area sales manager for the south of England and Wales Steve Sampson.

 
Making excellent use of the Sumo combined front weight and toolbox, staff from Strutt and Parker (Farms) Ltd, based at Great Livermere in Suffolk  were enjoying the evening after a day spent lifting new potatoes. Pictured (l-r) Robert Last, Michael Last and Michael Marriott.

 
Derek Ward and Richard Thompson work for SJ Parr and Sons at Sedge Fen and were intrigued with the Amazone drill. Mr Ward, who is responsible for the drilling on the farm, said it was good to get the opportunity to compare the features on machines available with what he is currently using.