Bateman Sprayers | News | In The Field | New models, new momentum
In The Field: New models, new momentum
The year started in a big way for us with the launch of four new models at LAMMA, and looking back, this really set the tone for everything that has followed.
The response was fantastic. We received a huge amount of interest and, more importantly, it gave people a reason to start looking at changing machines again rather than simply replacing like-for-like.
The number of enquiries coming in and the demand for demonstrations has definitely increased, there’s a real energy around the range. But that’s not all, this year also means something extra for us because Bateman is celebrating fifty years in business. I feel privileged to be part of the story.
The RB50 and RB60 offer customers higher capacity without compromising on practicality
One of the biggest talking points has been the new RB50. The idea of having the larger tank capacity on what is effectively a smaller chassis platform has really captured people’s attention. For a lot of customers, the RB50 becomes a very natural step because it gives them more capacity without moving into a machine that feels significantly bigger.
There has been significant demand for the new RB60. The move from the previous 5,600-litre platform into a true 6,000-litre machine has helped streamline the range. It puts the models more clearly in line with the wider market and, from a quoting and specification point of view, it makes conversations with customers much simpler.
Our new joystick and control system introduces a more intuitive, operator-led design
Our new joystick control has certainly attracted attention. Bateman has always had a strong reputation for reliability and customer support, but as technology moves forward you have to keep progressing.
The new controls have sparked interest not only from existing Bateman customers, but also from operators running competitive machines. That’s probably one of the most encouraging things I’ve noticed this year, we’re talking to people who maybe weren’t previously looking our way.
It feels like there is more confidence coming back into the industry. I don’t think the market is back to where it once was, but it does feel like it has turned a corner. Launching our new model range during a period of uncertainty says a lot about where Bateman is, where we want to go and our confidence in the market.
Customer feedback highlights the value of Bateman’s reliability and long-term service support
More recently, we took the RB50 to the Essex Show. This is always a good event to attend, there’s a strong agricultural feel because of links to the young farmers movement, but it still attracts a really good mix of visitors.
The RB50 drew plenty of attention, several customers put their names down for demonstrations later this year. In amongst the number of existing Bateman owners visiting the stand were several still running legacy Hi-Lo machines.
Some of these machines date back to the 1990s, customers still enjoy coming for a chat about how Bateman has progressed and the reliability of the machines they run.
Time and again you hear the same thing, they value being able to ring the office, speak to somebody who knows their machine and still be able to order parts for a model some thirty odd years old.
Cereals and pre-harvest demos build momentum behind our new RB range
Looking ahead, the next major stop is Cereals. The location and scale of the event this year means we expect footfall to increase. We’re the only manufacturer offering machines across all three tank-size classes in the demonstration arena. I hope this will help to generate even more interest in our all new model line-up.
Then our attention turns back to pre-harvest demonstrations. The RB50 demonstrator will be moving between shows and customer visits, trying to get in front of as many people as possible. With so much interest we’ll keep going until only the weather stops us.
I look forward to catching up with many of you during the summer shows and on farm demos over the coming months.
Carl Goff is Technical Sales Manager (South).
Tel: 01769 618650
Mob: 07977 279809
Email: carl.goff@batemansprayers.com
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