Comerfords raise the game

Comerford's Garage in Ballycallan is a main dealer for John Deere. Like every other agricultural machinery dealer in the country the past 12 months has been a tough trading period. Pat Comerford, however, tends to look on the brighter side. “While sales of new tractors have cooled considerably there is still a reasonable market out there. Second-hand tractors are still selling well, especially for the right model and age. The tractors most sought after are those in the 90-130hp range. A four cylinder model with a loader attached sells well.”
Pat reckons that a number of farmers have had their fingers burnt buying in some unreliable second hand models from the UK and are reluctant to go down that road again. Bigger tractors in the 160hp+ range need to be priced right to get sales but the addition of a six month parts and labour warranty is a good encouragement as it takes the risk out of the purchase. The chances are that if anything major is going to go wrong with such a second-hand model it will happen in that critical period.
Comerfords has taken the logical step of diversifying and enlarging their machinery offering to boost business. Last autumn the firm took on a dealership for Hi-Spec slurry tankers. With 11 tankers sold since then the move has obviously been successful. Most in demand are the 2,000 gallon models with large flotation tyres. “Many farmers find they have a tractor to handle that size tanker and it gives them more options to spread in the few weather and time opportunities available.” Another diversification option has been to offer security fittings for machines. With agricultural machinery theft at an all time high the fitting of immobiliser units has proved popular. Tracking devices can also be fitted by Comerfords to allow the machine to be traced wherever it is.
In terms of new tractors Pat Comerford has seen a lot of interest in the new 5090N low-spec models. It is a sign of the times that, while farmers want a tractor capable of doing the work, they are more willing to settle for a model with fewer of the options attached than they might plump for when commodity prices are better.