Test regime for 50k tractors

FTMTA and other stakeholder groups recently met with officials of the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport in relation to progress on the introduction of a test regime for some T5 tractors (those tractors designed to travel at speeds in excess of 40km/h and otherwise known as fast or ‘‘50k tractors’’). This meeting was further to a number of meetings on this subject held with the Department and the Road Safety Authority during 2017.

While FTMTA welcomes the confirmation given at the meeting that the previously proposed criteria of tractors working in excess of 25k from its home base has been removed, there is still a need for further clarification of the term “commercial road haulage” as it affects the use of such tractors by farmers and agricultural contractors.

It is clear that a road worthiness testing regime in respect of certain T5 tractors will come into effect from 20 May 2018. This date is non-negotiable as it is contained within an EU directive in relation to the overall subject of roadworthiness testing for various classes of commercial haulage vehicles. The new directive specifically includes T5 tractors whereas previous regulations on this subject did not. It seems clear that the intention of the relevant EU directive was not to bring tractors used for genuine agricultural activity into the scope of a testing programme and it is to be hoped that this will be reflected in the Irish legislation to give effect to this directive when it is introduced.

Last remaining FTMTA Grass & Muck stands

As advised recently, all the working grass machinery demonstration plots for this year’s FTMTA Grass & Muck event to be held at Gurteen College near Birr on Thursday, 17 May, are now fully booked. Demand for static stand exhibition space in the trade village area has also been very strong and there are only a very limited number of stands remaining.

The FTMTA is encouraging all those interested in exhibiting at the event to submit their completed application forms as soon as possible. The exhibitor application pack for non-members of the FTMTA can be downloaded from www.ftmta.ie. Application packs for FTMTA member firms and further details can be obtained by contacting the FTMTA office on 045-409309 or emailing admin@ftmta.ie.

FTMTA auction

Preparations continue for the second FTMTA Farm Machinery Trade Auction to be held at Punchestown on Saturday 24 February, with more lots being entered by FTMTA member firms on a daily basis. Details and photographs of lots representing a wide variety of categories of farm machinery can be viewed through the plant and machinery section on www.wilsonsauctions.com with many more to be added in the coming days.

Viewing will be open at Punchestown on the day before the auction, Friday 23 February, from 10am to 4pm and from 9am on the morning of the auction with the sale commencing at 11am. Bidding will be possible, by registered bidders only, in person, online or through a pre-bid service.

Finance Ireland Leasing is interested in working with potential purchasers to provide finance for qualifying machines which they may be considering purchasing at the auction. Finance Ireland Leasing personnel will be present on the preview and auction days to speak with interested parties in advance of the sale. For further information in relation to the Finance Ireland Leasing option, contact Sean O’Meara on 086-382 0762 or email seanomeara@financeireland.ie .

The FTMTA auction concept has been introduced to provide another channel for member firms to utilise in marketing their surplus stock. It also provides a valuable role as an indicator of market values for certain items of machinery.

Further information on the FTMTA farm machinery trade auction is available from the FTMTA office on 045-409309 or at info@ftmta.ie .