Milking 85 cows year-round, father and son team Derek and Gerry Mahon farm just outside the town of Ballymoe near the Galway/Roscommon border.
After spending a decade in Australia, Derek made the decision to come home and work on the family farm. Shortly afterwards, the sheds were extended and cow numbers were increased. The expansion put increased pressure on the existing farm machinery.
When looking to upgrade, Derek was keen to move to a telehandler to complement the existing tractor and front loader. However, his father wanted to upgrade the existing tractor and front loader.
Derek had to keep in mind that the existing farmyard design, with some older buildings, meant he was limited in the size of machine he could comfortably operate. To fit the bill while keeping the investment low, Derek considered a number of small used telehandlers manufactured in the mid-1990s.
However, he noted: “Many of the machines we looked at had high hours and had seen their fair share of work. Anything which seemed to be worth considering was costing at least €10,000 plus VAT. Even at that, I wasn’t overly happy with what we could get our hands on.
“One day, we heard of the keenly priced Everun loaders which are manufactured in China. They were being imported by a dairy farmer not too far away from us. My brother and I decided to go and have a look. We looked at a few different models in the yard and to be honest I was really impressed with the apparent value for money.
“I drove and oversaw the operation of road graders, diggers and big loaders in Australia and two big things stood out about the Everun loaders - firstly, the low cost, and, secondly, the simplicity. There was very little electrics.”
The Mahons opted to purchase an Everun ER16 centre pivot loader. Being just over 6ft wide (1,850mm), its size suited the farmyard.
Engine and transmission
Derek’s ER16 is powered by a 50hp (36.8kW) Xinchai 498 four-cylinder engine. It has a 250-hour service interval.
Everun Ireland says this engine is Stage III complaint and that from January 2021 all machines will be fitted with Stage V engines.
For those after a branded engine, Everun loaders can be specified with Kohler, Cummins or a Yanmar engine at an extra cost somewhere in the region of €4,500 plus VAT.
However, after clocking up just shy of 1,500 hours, Derek has noted that he is more than happy with the performance to date of the Xinchai four-cylinder engine.
He added: “For a 50hp engine, it really punches above its weight. One thing that took me by surprise was how cheap the service costs are. I service the engine myself, but I can buy the entire service kit for just €59 plus VAT.”
The ER16 featured is equipped with a two-speed transmission which is outsourced by Everun. First gear has a capacity from 0km/h to 8km/h, while second gear can travel up to a top speed of 20km/h.
Derek noted that if he was in the market for a machine again, he would have definitely opted for the faster four-speed option, especially if doing any road work travelling between farms. It is also fitted with air brakes as standard.
The ER16 featured is equipped with a two speed transmission with a top speed of 20km/h.
Hydraulics
The loader is fitted with a hydraulic pump which has a flow rate of 72l/min. Derek noted that he is happy with how responsive the hydraulics are.
From his time in Australia, Derek understands the importance of regular greasing. This was evident when I saw the condition of the pins and bushings. An auto-greaser can be specified on a new machine at a cost of €1,500 plus VAT.
Cab
The layout of the cab is straightforward. The major functions, including the linkage movement, the forward/reverse shuttle and the gear changes, are carried out through the joystick.
The hydraulic quick hitch and third service is operated using the handle located beside the joystick. Aside from these controls, the only other switches (five in total) are for lights and wipers.
The loader comes fitted with a reversing camera. It is fitted with a sprung seat, an adjustable steering wheel, a radio and a heater.
The loader featured has the basic lighting package. An optional LED package can be specified at an additional cost. The cab tips over to the side for access to hydraulic hoses and the transmission fluid reservoir.
It is a basic, no-fuss cab. Derek highlighted that it does what he wants it to do. If an issue arises, he claims he can fix it himself, whether it be a fuse or a hydraulic hose.
Derek is very happy with the visibility from the cab
Verdict
After clocking up 1,490 hours in the 18 months since he took delivery, Derek has been very happy with his decision to take the chance on the loader. He noted: “We were sceptical at first. However, the one year full warranty and initial low investment swung us over buying an aged high-hour machine with no warranty.
“As regards performance to date, I don’t spare the loader and it has done everything I’ve asked of it. When we initially made the decision to buy the loader, my father didn’t agree. However, he has since grown very fond of it and now wouldn’t be without it. The big thing I like is the simplicity. Because there are few electronics, I can carry out any necessary maintenance work myself. For field work such as gathering bales, I would like to fit wider agricultural tyres. I would also opt for the faster four-speed transmission.
“As regards build quality, I’m happy with it. No cracks or issues have arisen to date. In my eyes, without a doubt it’s been good value for money,” explained Derek.
? Likes
Cheap to buy.Simplicity.Cheap service.? Dislikes
Would like wider tyres for soft ground.Drive shaft underneath is a little exposed.Specs
Engine: 50hp (36.8kW) Xinchai 498 four-cylinder.Transmission: Two-speed (four-speed optional).Travel speed: 20km/h (30km/h optional).Hydraulics: 72l/min. Weight: 3,800kg.Lift capacity: 1,600kg.Tyres: 23.5/70-16.Fuel tank capacity: 70 litres.Overall height: 2.55m.Overall width: 1.85m.Ground clearance: 275mm.Starting price: €16,942 plus VAT.ABOUT Everun Ireland
Everun Ireland was set up by James and Mary O’Donovan in Co Galway. Established in 2018, the Irish Farmers Journal understands the dairy farming couple have sold in the region of 50 Everun machines in Ireland to date. The couple explained that they set about looking for a product at a more affordable price than the big name brands, with Everun being the solution.
The Chinese firm first entered Europe in 2012, before setting up a subsidiary, Everun Europe GMBH, in 2014 with its headquarters in Germany. James O’Donovan claims Everun have now retailed over 3,000 machines in the region.
With dealers in both Kerry and Fermanagh, they have plans to further increase sales with the goal of making Everun a recognised brand on the Irish market.
They have begun widening the portfolio, importing mini diggers, larger loaders and electric loaders. They are currently focusing on building a good stock of spare parts, with brand compatibility top of the list.
Milking 85 cows year-round, father and son team Derek and Gerry Mahon farm just outside the town of Ballymoe near the Galway/Roscommon border.
After spending a decade in Australia, Derek made the decision to come home and work on the family farm. Shortly afterwards, the sheds were extended and cow numbers were increased. The expansion put increased pressure on the existing farm machinery.
When looking to upgrade, Derek was keen to move to a telehandler to complement the existing tractor and front loader. However, his father wanted to upgrade the existing tractor and front loader.
Derek had to keep in mind that the existing farmyard design, with some older buildings, meant he was limited in the size of machine he could comfortably operate. To fit the bill while keeping the investment low, Derek considered a number of small used telehandlers manufactured in the mid-1990s.
However, he noted: “Many of the machines we looked at had high hours and had seen their fair share of work. Anything which seemed to be worth considering was costing at least €10,000 plus VAT. Even at that, I wasn’t overly happy with what we could get our hands on.
“One day, we heard of the keenly priced Everun loaders which are manufactured in China. They were being imported by a dairy farmer not too far away from us. My brother and I decided to go and have a look. We looked at a few different models in the yard and to be honest I was really impressed with the apparent value for money.
“I drove and oversaw the operation of road graders, diggers and big loaders in Australia and two big things stood out about the Everun loaders - firstly, the low cost, and, secondly, the simplicity. There was very little electrics.”
The Mahons opted to purchase an Everun ER16 centre pivot loader. Being just over 6ft wide (1,850mm), its size suited the farmyard.
Engine and transmission
Derek’s ER16 is powered by a 50hp (36.8kW) Xinchai 498 four-cylinder engine. It has a 250-hour service interval.
Everun Ireland says this engine is Stage III complaint and that from January 2021 all machines will be fitted with Stage V engines.
For those after a branded engine, Everun loaders can be specified with Kohler, Cummins or a Yanmar engine at an extra cost somewhere in the region of €4,500 plus VAT.
However, after clocking up just shy of 1,500 hours, Derek has noted that he is more than happy with the performance to date of the Xinchai four-cylinder engine.
He added: “For a 50hp engine, it really punches above its weight. One thing that took me by surprise was how cheap the service costs are. I service the engine myself, but I can buy the entire service kit for just €59 plus VAT.”
The ER16 featured is equipped with a two-speed transmission which is outsourced by Everun. First gear has a capacity from 0km/h to 8km/h, while second gear can travel up to a top speed of 20km/h.
Derek noted that if he was in the market for a machine again, he would have definitely opted for the faster four-speed option, especially if doing any road work travelling between farms. It is also fitted with air brakes as standard.
The ER16 featured is equipped with a two speed transmission with a top speed of 20km/h.
Hydraulics
The loader is fitted with a hydraulic pump which has a flow rate of 72l/min. Derek noted that he is happy with how responsive the hydraulics are.
From his time in Australia, Derek understands the importance of regular greasing. This was evident when I saw the condition of the pins and bushings. An auto-greaser can be specified on a new machine at a cost of €1,500 plus VAT.
Cab
The layout of the cab is straightforward. The major functions, including the linkage movement, the forward/reverse shuttle and the gear changes, are carried out through the joystick.
The hydraulic quick hitch and third service is operated using the handle located beside the joystick. Aside from these controls, the only other switches (five in total) are for lights and wipers.
The loader comes fitted with a reversing camera. It is fitted with a sprung seat, an adjustable steering wheel, a radio and a heater.
The loader featured has the basic lighting package. An optional LED package can be specified at an additional cost. The cab tips over to the side for access to hydraulic hoses and the transmission fluid reservoir.
It is a basic, no-fuss cab. Derek highlighted that it does what he wants it to do. If an issue arises, he claims he can fix it himself, whether it be a fuse or a hydraulic hose.
Derek is very happy with the visibility from the cab
Verdict
After clocking up 1,490 hours in the 18 months since he took delivery, Derek has been very happy with his decision to take the chance on the loader. He noted: “We were sceptical at first. However, the one year full warranty and initial low investment swung us over buying an aged high-hour machine with no warranty.
“As regards performance to date, I don’t spare the loader and it has done everything I’ve asked of it. When we initially made the decision to buy the loader, my father didn’t agree. However, he has since grown very fond of it and now wouldn’t be without it. The big thing I like is the simplicity. Because there are few electronics, I can carry out any necessary maintenance work myself. For field work such as gathering bales, I would like to fit wider agricultural tyres. I would also opt for the faster four-speed transmission.
“As regards build quality, I’m happy with it. No cracks or issues have arisen to date. In my eyes, without a doubt it’s been good value for money,” explained Derek.
? Likes
Cheap to buy.Simplicity.Cheap service.? Dislikes
Would like wider tyres for soft ground.Drive shaft underneath is a little exposed.Specs
Engine: 50hp (36.8kW) Xinchai 498 four-cylinder.Transmission: Two-speed (four-speed optional).Travel speed: 20km/h (30km/h optional).Hydraulics: 72l/min. Weight: 3,800kg.Lift capacity: 1,600kg.Tyres: 23.5/70-16.Fuel tank capacity: 70 litres.Overall height: 2.55m.Overall width: 1.85m.Ground clearance: 275mm.Starting price: €16,942 plus VAT.ABOUT Everun Ireland
Everun Ireland was set up by James and Mary O’Donovan in Co Galway. Established in 2018, the Irish Farmers Journal understands the dairy farming couple have sold in the region of 50 Everun machines in Ireland to date. The couple explained that they set about looking for a product at a more affordable price than the big name brands, with Everun being the solution.
The Chinese firm first entered Europe in 2012, before setting up a subsidiary, Everun Europe GMBH, in 2014 with its headquarters in Germany. James O’Donovan claims Everun have now retailed over 3,000 machines in the region.
With dealers in both Kerry and Fermanagh, they have plans to further increase sales with the goal of making Everun a recognised brand on the Irish market.
They have begun widening the portfolio, importing mini diggers, larger loaders and electric loaders. They are currently focusing on building a good stock of spare parts, with brand compatibility top of the list.
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