New McCormick tractor sales and service outlet in Ayrshire
An agricultural engineering firm based at Dundonald near Kilmarnock in Ayrshire has been appointed to represent AgriArgo UKs McCormick tractor range in the area after a two-year break from supplying new tractors.
Tom Murray and his son John launched the franchise with a working demonstration of tractors and equipment to more than a hundred local farmers.
Tom Murray started the business Thomas Murray Agricultural Engineers 35 years ago and built a reputation for reliable servicing and repairs of farm machinery on local farms. Agreeing to represent the McCormick tractor range should bring a significant boost to the business.
The range certainly suits our dairying, beef and sheep farming customers in this area very well, providing all the features theyd expect but none of the complicated stuff that a lot of farmers really dont want, he says.
The dealerships first McCormick customer, New Cumnock beef and sheep farmer Hugh Young, has taken delivery of a new 100hp CX110.
Its a nice tractor with enough features like power shuttle and a three-speed powershift to make it a pleasure to drive but without being too complicated, he declares. The cab suits me very well too; theres good visibility with no side pillars to get the way.
The tractors typical workload will include silage mowing and carting in summer and feeding stock through the winter months.
Id heard that Tom Murray was thinking of taking on the McCormick range and said Id have one as long as he went ahead, says Mr Young. Weve always had good service back-up so I didnt want to go anywhere else.
Having successfully built up business with two tractor makes in the past only to lose out in dealership restructuring decisions, Tom and John Murray were cautious when asked to consider handling McCormick in northern Ayrshire.
But the feedback we got from other dealers was very positive and users liked the tractors and found them reliable, says John Murray. Also, we were impressed by the people at the McCormick distributor, AgriArgo UK, so decided we should give it a go.
He expects the mid-range 80-100hp CX, available with deluxe and low profile cabs, and the 100-130hp four-cylinder MC to be most in demand, along with the new six-cylinder MTX.
They will feature in an exhibition of McCormick tractors at the Royal Highland Centre, Ingliston near Edinburgh on November 17 when Tom and John Murray team up with fellow McCormick dealers in Scotland Hamilton Tractors, Carnwath; John Drysdale & Sons, Kinneswood, Perth; and Fraser C Robb, Drymen for the Agriscot winter farming show.
Farming Monthly wish Thomas Murray Agricultural Engineers all the very best on their new Dealership appointment.