Bateman Sprayers | News | In The Field | A very positive summer
In The Field: A very positive summer
June and July are always busy months in the calendar, with a run of shows and on-farm demonstrations. This summer for me started in Oxfordshire, before moving up to Lincolnshire, followed by Yorkshire and then across Scotland.
Three tank sizes in the Cereals demonstration ring
June began with the Cereals Show at Diddly Squat Farm. Perhaps it was due to the host, but this year’s Cereals felt a bit different, there was certainly a positive vibe across both days, although the rain made things a little tricky on day two.
We took an RB30, two RB50s and an RB60 to the show. We were also the only manufacturer to have machines covering all three tank-size classes in the demonstration ring, which gave us a good opportunity to show the breadth of the range.
Our new machines received plenty of interest, in particular the new joystick and control panel, there was also plenty of interest in the new plumbing system and new VG boom. Operators were keen to know how we’ve expanded tank capacities without adding extra weight and retained our near 50/50 weight distribution when unfolded.
From Cereals it was a quick turnaround before heading to the Lincolnshire Show, where we were supporting our approved partner Peacock and Binnington. Then it was north again, this time to the Royal Highland Show in Edinburgh, supporting our approved partner C T Scott.
From the showground into the field
July was more about demonstrations, although we were at the Driffield Show, again in support of Peacock and Binnington. My leg of our demonstration programme started in Lincolnshire, up into East Yorkshire, before moving to North Yorkshire and further north into Scotland.
One of the interesting things about a programme like this is seeing just how quickly field conditions can change. In Lincolnshire, we were demonstrating on stubble, with harvest taking place much earlier than usual because of the extremely dry weather. By the time we reached Scotland, we were back into what felt like a more typical Scottish summer, with demonstrations taking place on spring barley and potatoes.
Our Scottish demonstration programme filled a two-week block from July into August, including a short stop to attend the Turiff Show, again supporting C T Scott. The team from C T Scott were with us during the demonstrations, which was a great opportunity to work alongside our approved partner while getting the machines in front of more operators.
What did operators think of the new machines?
Feedback we’ve received during demonstrations has been very positive, particularly around the new technology and the way it works with the machine.
The new Bateman Boom Levelling (BBL) system with UC7 Plus really proved itself across a wide variety of challenging terrains. Operators also commented on the feedback transmitted through the joystick and how connected it felt to the new E-Drive transmission.
This was particularly noticeable when we were working across steep banks. Operators remarked on the greater feeling of control when traversing difficult ground, the word we kept hearing was that the machine felt “planted”.
From demonstration straight to order
After such a successful three months, it’s now time to follow up on the enquiries we’ve generated along the way. We’ve already seen positive results.
Following one demonstration, a customer ordered a new RB50 with a 36-metre boom there and then, making the move from a trailed sprayer to a self-propelled Bateman.
For me, that’s one of the most rewarding parts of spending time on farms. You can talk about specifications and technology, but ultimately the machine has to work for the operator.
Thank you to everyone who joined us on the show stands, or took the time to try our new machines on their farms, we’ve enjoyed meeting so many of you. It’s been a very positive summer.
David Main is Technical Sales Manager (North).
Tel: 01769 618650
Mob: 07971 966734
Email: david.main@batemansprayers.com
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