Dromore milk producer opts for a Schäffer telescopic handler

Very versatile and reliable is the way Co Down milk producer Gordon Wilson describes the 900 T telescopic loader from Schäffer. And that’s based on a full twelve months’ experience of using the machine.

Gordon farms with his father Cecil near Dromore in Co Down. The farm business comprises 110 dairy cows and 22,000 broilers.

“This is the first time that we have had a telescopic loader on the farm,” added Gordon. “And it really is doing a tremendous job every day of the week. We use it to feed the cattle, clean out houses and lots of other bits of work around the yard“, he added.

“We have been particularly impressed with the hydraulics. When the shear grab is connected, it leaves a very clean silo face. The fact that all controls are one joystick makes the machine very easy and straightforward to use.”

Gordon and Cecil bought the 900 T from Cyril Johnston Ltd, who have secured the Irish franchise for the Schäffer handler range. Stephen Lewis from the company was a recent visitor on the farm.
“The loaders are characterized by the expected German commitment to the highest engineering standards,” he explained.

“All models have pivot steer, making them extremely versatile in the tightest of spots,” added Colin Gilbert.
“The most popular models in Ireland will be the 900 T and 930 T. Both have a lifting height of 5.25 metres. The 900 T has a 4 cylinder, water cooled Deutz Turbo Diesel engine, delivering up to 102 horse power while the 930 T is rated at 130 horse power. Both will prove attractive on commercial livestock and arable farms. Also in the range of about 40 models are smaller machines, down to the 2026 which features a 3 cylinder water cooled Kubota Diesel engine and a lifting height of 2.8 metres. This will prove attractive to owners of equestrian establishments and smaller farm business.”

Stephen concluded: “We have already received orders for a number of 900 T’s and 930 T’s with dairy farmers leading the demand for what is a very high quality range of handlers. Schäffer is a proven product range and farmers know that they are getting real value for money.”