Bateman Sprayers | News | Customer Testimonials | Still going strong after 38 years: John Shaw’s 1988 Bateman HiLo
Still going strong after 38 years: John Shaw’s 1988 Bateman HiLo
As Bateman celebrates 50 years of British self-propelled sprayer manufacturing, there can be few better examples of the company’s engineering longevity than this immaculate 1988 Bateman HiLo still at work on John Shaw’s farm in Lincolnshire.
Purchased by John in June 2002, the self-propelled sprayer is now approaching four decades of service and has accumulated an impressive 9,488 hours. Despite its age it remains a vital part of the business, covering the acres every year across a mixed arable operation.
From reliable day-to-day performance to continued parts support and factory assistance, John’s experience demonstrates why so many Bateman machines continue working long after most equipment would have been retired.
How John found the right self-propelled sprayer
When John was looking for a self-propelled sprayer in 2002 he considered several options before settling on the Bateman HiLo.
At the time, John admits he knew very little about Bateman as a manufacturer. Instead, his decision was based on the machine itself.
“It seemed the best on the market at the time. It was the right money and the right machine.”
The sprayer had previously worked for a farming business in Gloucestershire before making its way to Lincolnshire, where John purchased it through a local dealer.
One feature that particularly appealed was the HiLo’s demountable design, something that would become an important part of the farm’s operation
The benefits of a demountable Bateman HiLo
The versatility of the Bateman machine has been one of the key reasons it has remained on the farm for more than 20 years.
Alongside spraying duties, the machine is used as a fertiliser applicator by removing the sprayer pack and fitting a spreader body.
“We demount the sprayer unit and then put a spreader on it and spread fertiliser, allowing the machine to undertake two essential crop production roles throughout the season.”
That flexibility continues to deliver value today and highlights one of the defining characteristics of Bateman design.
Upgrading a legacy Bateman sprayer for modern farming
Although the machine dates back to 1988, it has evolved alongside the farm’s requirements.
When John bought the sprayer it was equipped with a 20-metre contour boom. Around six or seven years ago, Bateman supplied intermediate boom sections to increase the working width to 24 metres.
Combined with its 2,000-litre tank, the upgrade helped keep the machine aligned with modern farming practices while extending its working life.
The ability to enhance and adapt older Bateman sprayers remains an important advantage for owners looking to maximise the lifespan of their machines.
Spraying wheat, barley, oilseed rape and beans across 470 acres
The HiLo remains one of the busiest machines on the farm.
Working across approximately 470 acres of wheat, barley, oilseed rape, beans and grassland the machine is used repeatedly throughout the growing season.
“We probably go over it five times in a year and spread twice. When all applications are accounted for the machine covers more than 3,000 acres annually.”
For John, reliability is what stands out most.
“It just does it. It’s an amazing machine really. You think some days this isn’t going to fit the field and it does. For our size of farm, it seems to work very well.”
Maintaining a 1988 Bateman HiLo after nearly four decades
Part of the machine’s longevity comes down to careful ownership.
John carries out the annual servicing himself. Regular cleaning and preventative maintenance have helped preserve the machine’s condition over more than two decades of ownership.
“The machine is washed throughout the season, we also apply a traditional oil and paraffin treatment to protect exposed components, which leaves a coating and preserves things.”
The result is a 38-year-old sprayer that still looks remarkable and continues to earn its keep year after year.
Sourcing parts for older Bateman sprayers?
One of the most remarkable aspects of John’s experience is the continued availability of parts for a machine built in 1988.
Getting components remains straightforward.
“You ring Bateman up, one of the team knows exactly who I am and the history of my machine. The parts arrive here the very next day.”
For owners of older machinery, that ongoing support is invaluable and plays a significant role in keeping legacy Bateman machines productive for decades.
Bateman service support keeps older machines working
While reliability has been excellent, every machine occasionally needs assistance.
John recalls a hydraulic pipe failure while travelling between fields. Within minutes, the hydraulic oil tank had emptied, leaving the machine stranded. A call to Bateman quickly set events in motion.
A Bateman service engineer was not far away and able to attend with a replacement hose which was already in his van.
“I think it happened about three o’clock in the afternoon. By seven o’clock that night we were up and running again.”
For John, that level of support left a lasting impression.
“The engineer was brilliant. There was no messing about, he was here as soon as possible and was on it. You couldn’t ask for better.”
Stories like this help explain why so many legacy Bateman sprayers remain active on farms throughout the UK.
A Bateman HiLo built to last
With nearly 9,500 hours on the clock and approaching 40 years of service, John’s HiLo is a testament to both robust engineering and dedicated ownership.
As Bateman marks its 50th anniversary, machines like this demonstrate the durability, adaptability and support that have defined Bateman sprayers for five decades.
Asked if he had a message for Bateman on reaching this milestone, John’s response was simple:
“Carry on. I don’t know what the new ones are like, but if they’re as good as this you haven’t got a problem.”
For a manufacturer celebrating 50 years in business, there can be few better endorsements.
Legacy Bateman sprayers – our FAQ summary
Where can you purchase legacy Bateman sprayers?
Pre-owned Bateman sprayers can be sourced through the Bateman pre-owned machinery page, where available used machines are regularly listed for sale on behalf of customers.
For more information on machines listed contact:
Carl Goff (Technical Sales Manager South & Overseas): 07977 279809
David Main (Technical Sales Manager North): 07971 966734
Can you still get parts for all eras of Bateman sprayers?
Yes, Bateman continues to manufacture and supply parts for every era of Bateman sprayers, helping owners keep legacy machines operating efficiently for decades.
Can you still customise a legacy Bateman sprayer?
Yes, Bateman’s specialist team can advise on upgrades, modifications and refurbishment options for older machines. Available customisation work will depend on the condition and specification of the individual sprayer.
