Greater Horsepower Requirement Satisfied

PR Eaton, Whitehouse farm, Tolleshumt DíArcy, Maldon, Essex

The first Puma 195 delivered by Ernest Doe Power in October 2007 replaced an existing Case IH MX135. "We needed more horsepower to pull a Knights press," commented Mr Eaton. He added ìThe tractor has jumped 10 years in advancements ad technology with an extremely quiet efficient engine, and a cab that is second to none for comfort and reliability."

Need for versatility

Bob & Sue Amoss, Lawford, Colchester.

In October 2006 Bob Amoss, who farms on a tenancy basis with his wife Sue at Lawford Hall, Lawford, Colchester, took delivery of a new Case IH Maxxum 100 XLine tractor fitted with an LRX1120 front end loader, purchased through Tony Upton at Ernest Doe Power Sudbury.

The farm is located to the north east of Colchester in the picturesque 'Constable' countryside. In conjunction with his landlord, Bob owns and manages a flock of 760 breeding ewes and their lambs on 520 acres of permanent pasture, all of which qualifies under the ESA scheme.

Bob has been a Case IH user for a number of years, and looks where possible to change his tractor every three years, based on an annual usage of approximately 650 hours per annum. Having only the one tractor, it must be extremely versatile to cope with all the jobs associated with grass conservation; from mowing to baling, plus the handling of the end product in both round and small square conventional bales.

Whilst to date the tractor has had limited use, Bob is keen to point out some of the benefits he has already found with the unit. "The loader is excellent and really feels part and parcel of the tractor, rather than an add-on. I particularly like the way the joystick control is mounted in the seat armrest, which, from an operator's point of view is very good," he said, adding "The visibility from the tractor seat is particularly good and benefits from the roof mounted visibility window when operating at full lift height."

Unlike his previous loader, the LRX1120 has been supplied with a mechanical self-levelling system, plus loader arm suspension. "Not only does this improve both the comfort and stability of the loader, it must reduce the wear and tear on the bushes and pins," commented Bob.

Equine Success!

Colin Bailey, High Town Green, Suffolk

Anyone who is involved in the equine world knows that is all about dedication. Colin Bailey, is one such dedicated man, he has devoted his retirement to his grand-daughter, Claireís, success. Having already competed for the England Pony Team twice winning gold medals and with her trusty steeds Midwest Star and Bob, aged just fifteen Claire Bailey canít be called a star of the future, because she already is, and appears destined for even greater things.

Colin lives with his wife Yvonne in a small village called High Town Green, Suffolk. "I am busier now in my retirement than I ever was in my working life," explained Colin. "It's like Piccadilly Circus round here sometimes; farriers, stable hands, trainers, etc, and that's before we mobilise the army for an event!"

Colin took delivery of a new JX60 tractor with an LRX1095 front end loader in June this year, replacing an old David Brown "Thereís a lot to be said for being able to turn a key and go," said Colin, with a smile on his face, "except that is, if you're in my industry!" Colin set up his own recovery business at the age of 15. Now Torch Towing has more than 20 vehicles on call attending breakdowns and accidents all over the East of England.

With show jumping horses to look after, costing many thousands of pounds, the tractor was specified with turf tyres to avoid damaging the grass when using, maybe the most useful new acquisition of them all, a Wessex STX180 paddock sweeper.

"With more than fourteen acres of paddocks to look after I was not using a wheel barrow and shovel! I can maintain the paddocks and do all I need to do in a morning freeing me up to do other things," Colin explained.

The next step up is to horses from ponies, so maybe in a few years time with the right sponsorship and a lot more hard work we could see a future sports personality of the year, I know where my money is, watch this space…