Impression Issue November

C R A W F O R D S
ISSUE 04
PAGE 6-7
manitou:
superb handling
performance
PAGE 12-13
inside our
kent depot
TAKE A DEEP DIVE
INTO OUR KENT
DEPOT AND MEET
THE TEAM
PAGE 26-27
the all new
fendt 728
FENDT LAUNCHES THE
SEVENTH GENERATION OF
THE FENDT 700 VARIO
PAGE 16-17
are you eligible
for tax relief?
GUEST EDITOR NEIL SPICER, TAX
ASSOCIATE AT RICKARD LUCKIN
GIVES HIS EXPERT ADVICE
PAGE 12
+
ALSO INSIDE; DIRECT ENVIRO’S VALTRA FLEET,
DISCOVER THE MASSEY FERGUSON 8S AND THE
AMAZONE PRECEA 6000-2AFCC AND TAKE A LOOK
AT THE FENDT-LED FLEET AT PG RIX FARMS
IMPRESSION 1

4
Introduction
from Us
CONTENTs
Find out all of our latest news and the
happenings at all of our depots.
manitou: superb
handling
Superb handling performance
and dependable support from
the Crawfords team mean
Manitou remains the only option
for a large Surrey livestock farm.
b
6
HAVE A BREW WITH
ELLIOT bickmore
Get to know this issue’s chosen
member of staff, plus meet
Crawford’s next generation.
8
THE MASSEY
FERGUSON 8S
Meet the Massey Ferguson 8S:
impressive performance, higher
productivity.
9
10
DIRECT ENVIRO:
VALTRA FLEET
2
IMPRESSION

16
COULD YOU BE
ELIGIBLE FOR
TAX RELIEF?
Guest Editor, Neil Spicer, Tax
Associate at Rickard Luckin
weighs in.
MEET THE
TEAM AT
OUr KENT
DEPOT
PG RIX
BACKS FENDT
12
18
SELF-PROPELLED SPRAYER WINTER CHECK
INCLUDING A FREE NSTS TEST
EVERYTHING IN ONE PASS WITH THE
AMAZONE PRECEA 6000-2AFCC
THE WINTER GIFT GUIDE
THE ALL NEW FENDT 728
PAGE 21
PAGE 22
PAGE 24
PAGE 26
RW Crawford is a family-run business that
specialises in farm machinery, 4x4 vehicles, sales,
service and parts. The business territory extends
across Essex, Hertfordshire, Kent, Sussex, Surrey
and Hampshire.
WWW.RWCRAWFORD.CO.UK
YEARS
1980 - 2020
crawfordsmachinery
crawfordsmach
@crawfordsltd
IMPRESSION 3

crawfords leadership and development programme graduates
what’s been
happening
at our
depots
Some of Crawfords key personnel have
recently completed the business’s first
internal Leadership and Development
Programme. The 10-month ILM, City &
Guilds Development course was created
to kick-start the ‘Crawfords Academy’.
Crawfords are very passionate about
investing in their team, and the course
focused on developing team members
in their current roles and provide them
with the knowledge and skills to support
their future within the business.
Wes Crawford attended the original
‘Dealer Leadership Development
Programme’ in 2001 orchestrated by
AGCO. With several other team members
having also gone on to complete
the course. The AGCO initiative has
generated many leaders across the
dealer network, and this is our vison for
our business. The business takes great
pride in creating individuals capable
of managing their departments and
mentoring their teams.
“We selected current and potential
Managers from across the business as
part of our Crawfords Academy initiative,
giving our team the opportunity to
advance their personal development and
support our aspirations for continued
growth. Participants throughout the
10-month CLDP have developed even
closer relationships with their fellow
team members. The team now has a
thorough understanding of each area
and are aware of the opportunities and
strategies to improve our customer
experience. Throughout the course, it
has been a pleasure to see the team’s
skills grow, and I am impressed with what
they have accomplished. We will continue
developing our academy with new
course participants in 2023.” Comments
Managing Director, Wes Crawford.
crawfords come to tom kent’s rescue in
helping him complete his tractor test
Well done to the following participants:
Duncan Waitland, Ashley Baldry, Bradley
Humber, Steph Nuth, James Parrett, Tim
Osborne, Neal Barber, Helen Wasley,
Graeme Thow, Laura Crawford, Elliot
Bickmore and Hannah Kelsey.
The Team at
Crawfords.
4
IMPRESSION

Scan Me!
SMART CHECK.
A FREE, COMPREHENSIVE
MACHINE INSPECTION
FROM CRAWFORDS
We know your machine’s worked hard throughout the season. That’s why
we’re offering a comprehensive inspection of all Massey Ferguson, Fendt
and Valtra self-propelled machines aged five years and older, to make sure
they’re ready to take on brand new challenges in the months to come.
IMPRESSION 5

Manitou
Superb Handling
Performance
Superb handling
performance and
dependable support
from the Crawfords
team mean Manitou
remains the only option
for a large Surrey
livestock farm.
“Until we bought our first Manitou
telehandler second-hand from a
neighbouring farmer, I was convinced
that we only needed a tractor and loader,”
said livestock farmer, John Berryman
who trades as Flint Hall Farm. “Now
we couldn’t operate without our three
modern Manitous which each work 1,200
hours per year.”
Up to 1,400 cattle including 180–200
suckler cows make up the Berryman’s
herd which is split between three farms
– two in the same village near Godstone,
and another which was recently
purchased which is just over the border
in Kent. The cattle are mostly Continental
Limousin and Charolais and, as well
as calves bred on the farm, stores are
bought in for fattening.
Although beef cattle are the main
enterprise there are also arable crops
including maize, wheat, barley, fodder
beet and grass. Approximately 175ha of
cereals includes 50ha of barley which is
milled and fed as part of a TMR. Some
wheat is sold, the maize is for silage, and
fodder beet are grown for feed. All the
straw is baled for bedding and manure is
returned to the fields.
Over winter up to 200 cattle graze
outside on 10ha of light, sandy land which
drains quickly after rain. Straw and feed
supplement the limited supply of grass.
Three-handler fleet
Manitou handlers have been used by
the Berrymans since 2003. This autumn
the fleet increased from two machines
to three, so that one is always available
at each of the three sites. The current
fleet includes two Manitou NewAg MLT
737 130PS+ machines purchased this
autumn, and one which was bought in
2020. This model is considered ideal
for the role – with 3,700kg maximum
6
IMPRESSION

Everything is controlled using just one
hand and there is one button per finger,
so the driver isn’t constantly selecting
alternative functions. I also like the joystick
shape and position as your hand just
naturally rests on it. When you are in the
seat all day, it’s much more comfortable
than other machines we have tried where
the driver has to constantly grip the
controls.”
The Manitou’s lift performance is highly
rated and the cycle times are fast. John
commented that the handlers are
exceptionally stable, and the overload
protection system works well and seldom
hinders normal operation.
lift capacity, 6.9m maximum lift height,
3.9m maximum reach, and a powerful
127hp engine.
“They cost a little more than tractor
loaders to run but are a ‘necessary
evil’ on our type of farm,” commented
John. “We usually trade them in at
just under three years old when they
have worked 3,500 hours, and that is
also when the tyres tend to be due for
changing. However, this time we kept
one machine, traded the other in and
bought an additional handler for the
new farm.
“These were the first supplied by the
Crawfords Billingshurst depot which is
now the official dealer for our area, and
we are very happy with the experience
so far. The Territory Sales Manager
James Strivens is excellent and very easy
to deal with. Manitou handlers have
always been reliable and our current
machines have had no major issues, but
even minor faults have been promptly
rectified by the Crawfords team.”
Busy role
The handlers’ main tasks include feeding,
loading the mixer wagon, handling bales
and loading them into the chopper,
mucking out and loading the spreader,
and occasional building maintenance.
They also load bale trailers in the field,
then stack the bales in the yard.
“Occasionally we buy straw from other
farms, and then having two handlers is a
significant advantage,” explained John’s
son Jack. “They handle well on the road,
and the boom suspension contributes
to a comfortable ride. There is plenty of
power and they maintain a good speed
climbing hills, so travelling long distances
to load bales isn’t a problem.”
Preferred brand
“We have tried other brands, but nothing
is as good as the Manitou,” stressed John.
“For their lift capacity and reach they are
compact and manoeuvrable which makes
them ideal for use in the yard. We prefer
Manitou’s one-piece door with an electric
window to other machines with split
doors, as split doors are never closed by
operators and the cabs get filthy inside.
We also like the cut-in step which is a big
advantage. We get in and out of the cab
frequently when we’re feeding, and the
step is safer and more comfortable than
other handlers we have tried where it’s
easy to lose grip and slip.”
User-friendly controls
Jack said the Manitou’s controls are well
designed. “The joystick is unbeatable.
Plenty of grunt
Apart from shunting trailers in the yard
the handlers don’t do much towing.
However, they are used through the
winter for feeding cattle in the fields.
Bales are carried on the front forks, and
feed trailers with space to feed 13 cattle
each side are towed full to the fields and
swapped with empty feed trailers which
are returned to the yard for refilling.
“The trailed feeders aren’t particularly
heavy but the soft, sandy soils create
a lot of resistance,” explained John.
“With their torque converter powershift
transmissions our handlers have plenty of
grunt, and they have no problems pulling
the trailers.”
Complete package
John said that for their build quality
and performance, the Manitou NewAg
handlers represent good value. “We
would be lost without them. When we
compare other brands, the Manitou
handlers are never the cheapest, but they
are competitively priced against similar
premium brands, and we prefer them.
“The back-up provided by Crawfords is
excellent too, so it’s very unlikely we will
move away from Manitou or our local
dealer.”
IMPRESSION 7

a brew with...
elliot bickmore
What do you enjoy about
working at Crawfords?
Let’s get to know the Crawfords
team. Pop the kettle on and let’s
have a brew with Elliot Bickmore,
who has worked from the Essex
Depot for nearly 11 years!
How do you take your brew?
Milky Tea, 1 Sugar.
What is your role at Crawfords?
Parts Department Supervisor
There are numerous things that
I enjoy. Working in a team with a
family feel. We have a helpful team
that enjoys seeing other people’s
personal development as well
as seeing the business grow and
succeed.
What do you enjoy about
working in this industry?
In the agricultural industry, there
are many unique people, it’s always
changing and moving forwards. As
the business grows, we now work
with different industry sectors.
What is your favourite part
about your role?
There is always something new
to do, a new challenge. When you
are asked to source unique parts,
I enjoy the problem-solving aspect,
knowing you have helped the team
and customers. I also enjoy the fastpaced
environment during harvest.
How do you unwind?
Watching F1, watching football,
Playing football and going to the
Gym.
Who’s your favourite F1 Team?
Maclaren!
Who’s your favourite driver?
Lando Norris
WANT TO JOIN THE TEAM?
gET IN TOUCH
Head on over to www.rwcrawford.co.uk/careers to find
out more.
Scan QR Code
to visit our
careers page
8
IMPRESSION

Massey Ferguson
8S: Impressive
Performance,
Higher
Productivity!
Massey Ferguson began the MF 8S
project with a blank page. At the
heart of it was the global ‘Voice of the
Customer’ study; an in-depth, oneto-one
interview with customers and
operators in several countries across
the globe. We then welcomed the
impressive MF 8S to the UK!
Performance
Efficient drive-lines bring higher
productivity and efficiency.
Engine Power Management
20 Hp Boost - These tractors have the
considerable benefit of Engine Power
Management (EPM), which gives the
capability of up to a 20 hp-plus power
boost, plus extra torque, whenever that
bit extra is needed.
MF 8S Engines
Latest Stage V AGCO Power 6-cylinder
/ 7.4 litre engines deliver more power,
torque, and performance at low rpm
reducing operating costs.
Dyna E-Power
The Dyna E-Power, is the ultimate dual
clutch technology, stepless shifting
raising comfort, maximum power to
the ground due to the mechanical
conception and the best fuel efficiency
in its class.
Dyna-7
Dyna-7 offers efficient operation of a
total of 28 forward and reverse speeds
in four ranges and seven seamless
gears. This cost-effective transmission
delivers smooth and intuitive operation
in manual mode or can even be
operated fully automatically.
Dyna-VT
Stepless transmission brings complete
operator comfort and optimum fuel
efficiency at all times. New Automatic
mode enables operators to adjust
forward speed, while automatically
regulating engine speed according to
load and speed.
All-In-One Stage V Engines
These comply with the strict Stage V
emission regulations using Massey
Ferguson’s award-winning ‘All-in-
One’ system, which now includes a
straightforward ‘soot catalyst’.
Protect-U Design
The encapsulated engine contributes
to ultimate engine performance
improving cooling capacities by always
getting fresh air. It also insulates the
cab from noise, heat and vibrations.
Power Lever Control
Exclusive, simple, the unique Massey
Ferguson Power Control lever provides
straightforward three-in-one operation.
Leaving your right hand free to operate
a loader or any implement hydraulics.
Multipad Control
The Multipad lever operates the
transmission as well as controlling
cruise control, the rear linkage, PTO,
headland management, spool valves
through the integrated micro-joystick.
All operations are easily to hand for
greater comfort.
We have a range of Massey Ferguson
8S tractors in stock and available for
demonstration this Autumn.
Contact us today.
IMPRESSION 9

Direct Enviro: Valtra Fleet
A Kent-based
contractor who
specialises in hedge
and verge cutting on
the county’s major
routes says his Valtra
tractors supported by
Crawfords are ideal for
the task.
A Kent-based contractor who specialises
in hedge and verge cutting on the
county’s major routes says his Valtra
tractors supported by Crawfords are ideal
for the task.
Trading as Direct Enviro Services Ltd and
based at Tenterden, Will Clarke and his
father Paul started the family business
nine years ago after Will had gained
experience working for another highways
contractor. Their first Valtra was one of
the earliest supplied by Crawfords. Now
Will runs the business, assisted by his
sister Grace and his wife Leanda, and
employs a team of 10 people.
Bombproof tractor
“Our first Valtra was a T153 Direct,” Will
explained. “The business consisted of just
me with a single tractor and although I
specialised in hedge and verge cutting, I
also offered an agricultural contracting
service. Relying on just one tractor
meant that I needed something reliable
and efficient, and the Valtra seemed
bombproof.”
Two years later, Will traded in the T153
for another Valtra. “I looked at other
brands, but I preferred the Valtra and the
aftersales service from Crawfords had
been amazing. In 2016 I replaced the
T153 with an N174 Direct.” he said.
Rapid business growth including winning
a contract to maintain the verges beside
the county’s high-speed roads meant
that a second tractor was needed only a
year later. A nearly new T174 Direct and
a second Spearhead hedgecutter from
Crawfords were purchased, and a fulltime
operator was employed.
10
IMPRESSION

Powerful and manoeuvrable
Now the company’s fleet consists of an
N174 Direct and an N135 Direct, both
with Spearhead Twiga Orbital S67 6.7m
side-arm hedge and verge cutters, and
Votex front mowers. “When we stopped
offering the agricultural contracting
service to focus on local authorities and
highways contracts, this meant we no
longer needed a tractor as big as the
T-series.
“For verge cutting, the extra
manoeuvrability of the N-series is an
advantage, and it uses less fuel. We
opted for a slightly smaller side-arm with
0.5m less reach, but when our McConnel
barrier mower is fitted it’s still a very
heavy combination. The N-series handles
it easily though. The tractors are very
powerful and capable for their size.”
Operator comfort
Will said that operator comfort is a
priority. “As far as possible, we have
one operator to each machine, so they
are looked after well. We have always
specified Valtra’s Direct CVT transmission
for its ease of use. It’s extremely smooth
and the ideal speed can be selected
for any situation. It’s great for shuttling
too. Roadside hedge and verge cutting
requires frequent changes of direction,
and with Direct transmission there is no
clutch or gear lever to worry about. The
operator just touches a joystick-mounted
button.”
Can’t fault Spearhead
The Spearhead hedgecutters are
also supplied by Crawfords and are
systematically updated. The conventional
flail heads have a 1.2m cutting width and
larger 1.5m rotary heads are fitted for
working on overgrown hedges where
they cut through thick branches with
ease. “We have always used Spearhead
and can’t fault the reliability or build
quality, and it’s very convenient that they
are backed up by the Crawfords team
too,” Will continued.
Fixed cost servicing
Looking after most of Kent’s major
roads and motorways keeps Will’s team
busy throughout the year. The two
Valtras each work approximately 1,400
hours annually and are maintained
by Crawfords. Will said that arranging
servicing through Service Advisor Steph
Nuth is always straightforward, and most
servicing is carried out on site. A service
package negotiated when the tractors
were purchased means the costs are
fixed allowing accurate budgeting.
Loyal to brand
Two new N175 Direct tractors are
currently on order to replace the current
machines. “We didn’t look elsewhere as
the Valtra package is hard to beat,” said
Will. “The latest models feature significant
cab improvements including new
controls and I think that they will be even
more popular with the operators.
“Since we started dealing with Crawfords
both our businesses have grown, but
we still receive great back-up from
the service team and know that if a
breakdown occurs there will be someone
available to get us out of trouble.”
IMPRESSION 11

take a look inside
our kent depot
charley goodhew
depot administrator
The Crawfords team celebrated the
opening of the Charing, Kent depot in 2013,
having already impressed owners of Fendt
tractors in the county since 2010 despite
having to provide back-up from a long
distance with most technicians working
from the dealer’s Essex base.
Tom Skinner, Michael Elford,
and Steven Aldridge
apprentice technician,
tom wood
Crawfords had been trading since the
1980s, and in 2000 were appointed to
represent Massey Ferguson in Essex. The
move proved successful and, in 2002, the
AGCO Fendt and Challenger brands were
taken on for Essex and Kent, followed by
Fendt in 2010. Operating from a single
depot at South Woodham Ferrers in
Essex, the dealer’s sales and service teams
looked after customers in both counties.
Despite the engineers often travelling long
distances to reach Kent customers the
dealer’s reputation for excellent customer
care grew. Sales of Fendt and Challenger
tractors increased as a result, and within
just a few years the hunt had started for
premises at a suitable location from which
to look after customers in the county.
The Charing depot was purpose-built on
a greenfield site in 2013. Within a year
of it opening, the dealer was representing
Isuzu too, and in 2015 the AGCO Valtra
franchise had joined Fendt and Challenger.
The original building included a two-bay
workshop, parts stores, sales offices and
a showroom, but in 2016 the opening of
a second phase was celebrated – which
included an additional five-bay workshop
with adjacent offices to accommodate the
agricultural service team.
Now, more than 30 people are based at
the Charing depot, representing premium
brands including Fendt, Valtra, Isuzu,
Manitou, Amazone, Can-Am and Ktwo.
“I genuinely care about finding solutions and I think our customers appreciate that.
We have a fantastic team here who are really good at what they do, when anyone is
under pressure, other team members are always willing to help too.”
- steph nuth, workshop manager
12
IMPRESSION

Meet the
team
Scott Clark
Service Manager Scott Clark joined
Crawfords three years ago, after
previously working as an agricultural
engineer and then as a lecturer in
agricultural engineering at Writtle
College in Essex and then as Head
of Faculty at Hadlow College. Scott
oversees agricultural servicing and
manages the workshop and service
office teams, and every day is different.
“Our office team includes Steph Nuth,
Derek Johnson and Dayna Lloyd, and
we all get on well. Each day brings
different challenges and I obtain huge
satisfaction from problem solving while
working with agricultural machinery and
communicating with our diverse range
of customers. It’s a great industry to
work in and I enjoy keeping my finger on
the pulse of what’s happening.”
Nick Axford
Isuzu Salesman and Can-Am Brand
Specialist Nick Axford has worked at
the depot for four years, but he has
30 years of experience in the motor
industry. Isuzu is a great brand to
offer. The D-Max is excellent value
for money – a top quality pick-up at
a reasonable price, so we enjoy great
customer loyalty with lots of repeat
business. “I share an office with Isuzu
Service Manager, Michael Maynard. It
works well, it’s a brilliant atmosphere
and between us we provide a seamless
customer experience.”
Nick said that looking after the Can-
Am range was his first experience of
ATVs. “I had to learn quickly, but it
was immediately obvious that these
machines had what was needed to
compete with competitor brands.
Michael Maynard
workshop manager,
steph nuth and
derek johnson
ben marsh
product demonstrator
Michael Maynard is the Isuzu and Can-
Am Service Manager
“I run the service department, manage
the workload and spend a lot of time
communicating with customers,” he
explained. “I’ve been here for almost
a year and the big difference between
working here and at dealers I was at
previously, is the close relationship
with so many customers which I enjoy.
I do my best to be helpful, and I’m
always happy to discuss issues or
work carried out with the owners. I
enjoy it here. Wes Crawford chats with
everyone so members of the team
feel valued. Things are kept simple,
and when I need new special tools for
the workshop then the investment is
usually approved very quickly.”
Tom Wood
Workshop Apprentice Tom Wood
joined Crawfords just over a year
ago. Most of the time he works on
Fendt products, and his speciality is
sprayers. “I’m from an agricultural
background and I went to Hadlow
College when I was 16 as I have
always had a passion for tractors,”
he said. “The Crawfords apprentice
programme was recommended
to me by Sam Pollard who is now
a qualified technician, but I knew
him when he was an apprentice. I
quickly became part of a friendly
team, the workshop is modern and
well-equipped and my mentor, Sean
Burgess encourages me to stretch
myself – I’ve learned so much from
him. I attend AGCO training in
four-week blocks every two to three
months too.”
Tom said that when he discusses his
training experience with apprentices
based at other dealers, it is evident
that the size of Crawfords’ operation
is an advantage. “I have so many
more opportunities to learn on a
wider range of products, and as
well as the Fendt Rogator models,
I’m gaining experience on Amazone
sprayers and spreaders too.”
IMPRESSION 13

ISUZU SERVICE MANAGER, MICHAEL MAYNARD
AND ISUZU TECHNICIAN MATTHEW CLUCAS
agRICULTURAL tECHNICIAN,
jAKE STARLING
Jake Starling
Service Technician Jake Starling
completed a Land-based Technology
course at Hadlow College before joining
the Crawfords team five years ago.
His introduction to engineering was
through a commercial fishing trawler
owned by his family, but when he made
friends who were involved in farming
through shooting in his spare time, he
started working on local farms which led
to his studies at Hadlow.
“I attended a Crawfords open day
and met Wes and Bob Crawford,” he
explained. “They were enthusiastic and
welcoming and explained what they
could offer. The job and the prospects
appealed, so I joined the team.”
Jake specialises in crawler tractors;
working initially on Challengers, then on
Fendt when the Challenger brand was
replaced. “I get on well with customers
and enjoy working on Fendt tractors.
Market-leading innovations such as the
VarioDrive transmission are extremely
clever and offer significant efficiency
and performance advantages for users.
Steph Nuth
Workshop Manager Steph Nuth joined
Crawfords 18 months ago when she
returned to the UK after running a
mixed farm in France with her husband.
“Before moving abroad, I was a member
of the Kent Young Farmers Club, and I
remained passionate about farming and
was keen to get back into it,” she said.
“My husband’s family have their own
business and the fact that Crawfords
is also a family business appealed.
After joining the company I quickly
realised that there is even more family
involvement than I’d expected. It’s
always easy to talk with Wes or Bob, and
customers find the same.”
Steph said that her agricultural
experience means she understands
why customers need machines
working again quickly when they
call with problems. “I genuinely care
about finding solutions and I think our
customers appreciate that. We have a
fantastic team here who are really good
at what they do, when anyone is under
pressure, other team members are
always willing to help too.”
Michael Elford
Parts supervisor Michael Elford moved
to the Charing depot six years ago from
another dealer. “It was a new challenge
and Crawfords was new in the area
at that time, but someone who was
already employed there suggested that
I should make the move and I haven’t
looked back.
“I already had experience of Fendt, and
the biggest difference I found after
moving to Crawfords was the closer
relationship with customers. Wes and
Bob encourage us to find out about and
understand our customers’ businesses,
and I think that helps us provide a much
better service. Dealing with parts means
that most of my customer contact is by
phone, so when we meet face-to-face
at open days or shows, it’s always an
enjoyable experience.”
Ashley Baldry
Kent Territory Sales Manager, Ashley
Baldry, joined Crawfords two and a half
years ago after working previously for
a Land Rover main dealer. The team in
Kent includes two other Territory Sales
Managers, Warren Payne and Nigel
Morris. Ashley’s trading area includes a
range of farm types and sizes including
dairy, grassland, arable, mixed and
traditional estates, so there is plenty of
demand for the full range of machinery
the dealer offers.
“We represent industry-leading brands
including Fendt, Valtra and Manitou,
and new products due early next year
are already creating excitement. In
particular, the Fendt 700 Vario (7th Gen)
and the Valtra Q-series tractors will
have wide appeal, and we are already
busy with enquiries and taking requests
for demonstrations.”
Ashley said that Fendt grassland
products have been well received
by users - especially round balers
14
IMPRESSION

and tedders which are based on the
previous Lely-branded designs, and
that Fendt Ideal combines and Rogator
sprayers are also popular. Manitou
handlers are in strong demand with
exclusive features for the agricultural
industry, and the Amazone line-up –
especially drills and spreaders is chosen
by professional users who want accurate,
reliable performance.
“We offer our customers a wide selection
of machinery from the most respected
brands – all of which can compete with
anything else available in this competitive
market,” he confirmed.
Charley Goodhew
Depot Administrator Charley Goodhew
worked in a full-time office role before
joining Crawfords. “I grew up on a fruit
farm, and when someone who worked at
Crawfords suggested I apply for this role I
jumped at the chance.
“The Crawford family make everyone feel
appreciated, the buildings are modern
and comfortable, and we are always busy
so it’s a very positive atmosphere.”
Charley’s role involves preparation of
paperwork for machine handovers and
calling customers after delivery to check
that they are completely happy with their
new products. “I note all feedback and
pass this on to our teams for follow-up
when needed,” she explained. “I love
meeting different people and always
enjoy coming to work.”
Ben Marsh
Product Support Specialist and
Demonstrator Ben Marsh has been
based at the Charing depot since it
opened, and previously worked for a local
fruit grower. “I love farm machinery and
always wanted to be a demonstrator,” he
explained. “Working with leading brands
like Fendt, Valtra, Manitou and Amazone
will always be rewarding, and I love
being so involved with new innovations
around GPS guidance and other precision
farming technology.
“AgcoConnect telematics offers real
advantages for customers and machine
users, but many don’t realise the many
ways it can help until we explain.
“2023 will be busy, with significant new
products to demonstrate to customers.
It’s going to be a good year.”
Graeme Thow
Graeme Thow joined Crawfords as the
Charing Depot Manager nearly three
years ago, having previously been
employed by a local agricultural dealer.
“My father and grandfather farmed, so
I’m from a family farming background,”
he explained. “The dealer I worked
for previously had been taken over,
and when I saw this job advertised
it immediately appealed. I met Wes
and we got on well, and we continue
to enjoy a great relationship. I think
that the accessibility of Bob and Wes
Crawford to our customers and staff is
one of our biggest strengths as a dealer,
depot manager,
graeme thow
and they are both hands-on and aware
of everything that is happening.”
Graeme said that the company ethos
centres around delivering the right
results for customers. “We listen to
them, act on what they tell us, and
make sure we communicate,” he
stressed. “When we get it right, then
they tell everyone else.”
As well as looking after the agricultural
machinery brands, Graeme also works
with the Isuzu team.
“We offer premium brands that people
aspire to own and our job is to help
customers choose the right products
and then provide the best possible
support once they own them. We have
30 staff here looking after more than
1,000 regular customers – many of
who we know by their first names.
“There is a shortage of people
wanting to work in agriculture, but the
Crawfords are successfully attracting
the right people to ensure the business
continues to thrive. We have a longterm
succession plan through our
agricultural apprentices, and we have
our first vehicle apprentice joining
the Isuzu team shortly. He will be
supported and supervised by our
experienced engineers.”
IMPRESSION 15

guest editor
neil spicer
Investing in new plant and equipment? Your business may be
eligible for tax relief. Neil Spicer, Tax Associate at Rickard Luckin
As Charles Dickens’s famous opening
line from A Tale of Two Cities
goes: “It was the best of
times, it was the worst of
times.”
These days, not much
has changed. Times
are difficult for a
multitude of reasons.
However, companies
may rejoice in the fact
that there are also
significant incentives
available for investment
in new plant and
machinery.
The UK Budget held
in March 2021 saw
the announcement of a
‘super deduction’, which allows
companies to claim up to 130%
relief for expenditure on new
qualifying assets.
How does this work?
For every £100,000 invested in qualifying
assets, businesses will receive £130,000
deduction against taxable profits in the
year of acquisition.
As with most things in life, there are
conditions. First, the super deduction
is not available to sole traders or
partnerships. Second, the money must
be spent on new equipment, rather than
second-hand.
Third, the super deduction won’t apply to
expenditure on cars, or assets qualifying
for special rate allowances, such as
integral features including lifts, elevators,
or heating, water, and electrical systems.
A limited-time offer
Most importantly, if your company’s
expenditure meets the requirements for
super deduction, contracts to purchase
must be entered into after 31st March
2021, and before 31st March 2023 –
on which date the opportunity ends.
There is a clawback of relief if the assets
purchased are sold before 1st April 2023.
What happens if your company’s
accounting period straddles 31st March
2023? The super deduction percentage is
calculated as follows:
16
IMPRESSION

Number of days before 1st April 2023/
number of days in the accounting period
x 30 + 100. Example: for an accounting
period ending on 30th September 2023,
the calculation would be (182/365 x 30) +
100 = 114.95%
Annual Investment Allowance
(AIA): an update
There is welcome news relating to the AIA,
under which businesses can currently
claim up to £1m of qualifying expenditure.
This amount was due to drop to £200,000
from April 2023, but the £1m of qualifying
expenditure has been extended under
the government’s Growth Plan, published
in September 2022.
In summary, businesses can deduct the
full value of the first £1m of qualifying
expenditure from their taxable profits
in the year of expenditure. AIA can
be claimed on second-hand assets,
and assets qualifying for special rate
allowances – except cars.
Unlike the super deduction, sole traders
and most partnerships are able to claim
under the AIA (note that trustees and
mixed partnerships – those with at
least one company as a partner – are
ineligible).
The importance of professional
advice
The super deduction and the AIA certainly
offer valuable reliefs for companies
planning to make significant capital
expenditure.
However, as we have seen there are
differing eligibility criteria and conditions
relating to each. In cases where both can
be claimed, careful consideration will be
needed to ensure tax relief is effectively
maximised.
Further planning may be needed in
cases where trading losses arise as a
result of claiming the super deduction
or AIA, and around the best timing for
future expenditure – particularly when
transitioning from 2023 to 2024.
Neil Spicer
To find out more about the expert tax
advice available at Rickard Luckin, please
get in touch:
rickardluckin.co.uk
IMPRESSION 17

PG RIX farms
backs fendt
Essex-based farming business PG Rix
(Farms) Ltd bought its first Fendt tractor
in 2019, but now there are seven on the
fleet and three more are on the way.
The tractors are good,
but our main reason for
investing in Fendt is the
Crawfords service. The
Fendt 700 Vario-series
came out on top”
James Liddell, Farm Manager
The family-owned business operates
from Great Horkesley, near Colchester,
and includes almost 2,500ha of owned,
rented and contract-farmed land, most
of which is in the Stour Valley and
Colchester areas. Potatoes and springsown
bulb onions are specialities, and
other crops include sugar beet, a mix of
cereals, maize and nearly 50ha of lettuce.
20-tractor fleet
The 20-tractor mixed brand fleet
includes two Fendt 943 Vario MT
rubber-track crawlers, a 936 Vario
wheeled tractor and four 718 Varios.
There is also a Challenger 865 rubbertracked
crawler, and the other tractors
are all a single brand which dominated
the fleet from 2003 until 2019 when
the first Fendt arrived.
“After 16 years using just one brand
of wheeled tractor, we looked
at alternatives,” explained Farm
Manager James Liddell. “We’re
surrounded by good dealers and
the latest model from our existing
brand was trialled alongside two
carefully selected competitors for
the month-long destoning season.
All had CVT transmissions which we
favour for their flexibility and ease
of use, and our main considerations
were efficiency, driver comfort
and versatility. The Fendt 700
Vario series came out on top. We
measured the fuel used by each
tractor for the duration of the trial,
and the Fendt proved the most
economical, and the operators
preferred the Fendt cab.”
More Fendts followed
For the busy farming enterprise,
operating reliable tractors backedup
by an effective dealer is
essential. James said that Crawfords
had already proved themselves
looking after the Challenger crawler,
so there were no worries when
placing an order for the Fendt.
The first 718 Vario arrived in 2019
and performed even better than
expected, so two more joined the
fleet in 2020, and the fourth arrived
last year. Since then, two 943 Vario
MT rubber track crawlers have
also joined the fleet – one of which
replaced a Challenger crawler, along
with a 936 Vario with VarioGrip
central tyre inflation.
Tractors for tasks
Key roles for the 700 Vario-series
tractors include land preparation
for onions and potatoes working
with destoners, onion drills and potato
planters. They are also used for
harvesting and do the topping, lifting
and windrowing.
The 936 Vario is the main ploughing
tractor, and it pulls a seven- or eightfurrow
Lemken in-furrow/on-land
plough and furrow press. It is the first
tractor with on-board tyre pressure
control, and James said that the
benefits are significant.
The two Fendt 943 Vario MT crawlers
do most of the general cultivations.
The Fendt Crawlers have VarioDrive
CVT which uses a combination of
hydraulic and mechanical drive.
Advantages include infinite speed
adjustment and a much smoother
driving experience for the user, as well
as time savings when shunting into
corners and during headland turns.
Popular with users
The Fendts are popular with their
operators who spend up to 14 hours
per day in the cabs. “The 936 Vario is
quiet and comfortable – the visibility
all around is excellent and it has
plenty of power,” explained its main
user, Michael Bloomfield. “The new
MAN engine is brilliant. With an 8f
in-furrow/on-land plough and press
behind and creating 16-inch wide,
18
IMPRESSION

13-inch-deep furrows in preparation
for potatoes, it uses only 45 litres of
diesel per hour which is much less than
our previous tractors. With a 6m stone
burier it uses just 36 litres of fuel per
hour. Darren Bickmore drives one of
the 943 Vario MT crawlers. “Compared
to the Challenger, it’s easier to drive and
more comfortable,” he said. “The track
suspension provides a smoother ride”.
“It’s a rewarding tractor to drive too,
and there is plenty of scope to adjust
the engine and transmission settings to
obtain the best performance. The engine
has plenty of torque and using the
tractor’s ability to operate at lower revs
while still achieving the work rate needed
can save a lot of fuel.”
IMPRESSION 19

Pictured (l-r) Fendt 943 Vario MT
operator Darren Bickmore, 936 Vario
operator Michael Bloomfield and
Farm Manager James Liddell
Outstanding back-up
James said the back-up from
Crawfords is outstanding. “Whenever
we call with a problem a technician
arrives quickly, and if it isn’t the same
day then it will be first thing the next
morning. They are all well trained, and
there has never been a situation when
the problem hasn’t been identified
and rectified immediately, even if the
technician has had to return to the
dealer’s yard to collect a replacement
part.
“Everyone at Crawfords is friendly and
keen to help, and the team members
are always cheerful. We’ve recently
placed an order for three additional
Fendt 700 Vario-series tractors to
replace more of the previous brand.
PG Rix (Farms) Ltd uses a 20-tractor
mixed brand fleet. Crawfords supplied
the first Fendt in 2019 following a
successful demonstration. Six more
have been added since then and
another three are currently on order.
The Fendt 936 Vario does most of
the ploughing and is the farm’s first
tractor equipped with an on-board
tyre inflation system.
The farm has two Fendt 943 Vario
MT rubber track crawlers. One was
an additional machine and the other
replaced a Challenger crawler which
was also supplied by Crawfords.
20
IMPRESSION

Self-Propelled
Sprayer Winter
Check Including A
FREE NSTS Test*
What’s Included?
• Engine Check
• Hydraulic Check
• Electrics Check
• Guidance Health Check
Our sprayer experts will carry out a
comprehensive winter check which
includes engine, hydraulics, and electrics.
We will also inspect the machine to ensure
it meets the requirements of an NSTS
inspection and complete a FREE NSTS Test.
*Terms and Conditions apply. Offer ends
31/03/23. Mileage to be added.
£850
plus vat
GET READY FOR WINTER
fertiliser
spreader winter
check*
Our Winter Check ensures that your machine
will be ready for work when you are ready to,
reducing delays and down time.
*Terms and Conditions apply. Offer ends
31/03/23. Mileage to be added.
What’s Included?
• Full check of the machine to
check for any defects
• Tray test
• Prepare for storage ensuring
no product residue will cause
unwanted machine defect
£600
plus vat
IMPRESSION 21

Everything in one pass
with the Amazone Precea 6000-2AFCC
Amazone has extended
its unique 3-point linkage
precision air seeder range
with the new Precea
6000-2AFCC.
The optimum
combination of the
robust KG rotary
cultivator and
the precision air
seeder increases
performance.
Now available in a working width of
6m and 8 rows, this combination
offers an extremely flexible tool when
used in combination with the FTender
front mounted hopper.
on the soil conditions and the working
depth.
The change-over system allows fast
conversion from the Precea precision
air seeder to the Avant seed rail with
RoTeC or TwinTeC coulters. Extended
by the FTender for the supply of
fertiliser or seed, the solo machines
form a highly flexible and extremely
manoeuvrable drill combination.
The countless application scenarios,
and especially the combined steps
into one pass, make the Precea 6000-
2AFCC an economically-attractive
machine.
PreTeC mulch sowing coulter
The newly developed PreTeC mulch
sowing coulter can be loaded
mechanically with a coulter pressure
of up to 220 kg. The hydraulic option
enables the pressure to be adjusted
up to 350 kg directly from the tractor
seat whilst on the move. This ensures
Logically combined
The robust KG 6002-2 Super rotary
cultivator mixes the soil surface
leaving it extremely even with its
“on-grip” tines. The separation of the
coarse clods left on the soil surface
and fine soil in the area of the root
horizon creates the ideal growing
conditions. Forward speeds of up to
12 km/h can be achieved depending
22
IMPRESSION

smooth running and uniform field
emergence when used for both
sowing after the plough and when
mulch sowing.
The coulter unit can be quickly
adapted to the specific field
requirements without the need for
tools. The placement depth can be
individually adjusted and the sowing
unit moved to the park position via a
notched quadrant when the machine
is set down. The contact pressure and
the opening angle of the V-pressure
rollers can also be adjusted very easily
without the use of tools. The complete
coulter unit is easily accessible and
the maintenance-free bearings and
bushings are optimally protected from
dust.
Precise over-pressure singling
system
The singling system in the Precea is
based on overpressure generated
by the blower fan. Both the seed
hopper and the complete metering
unit are subject to an overpressure.
The seed is fed from a seed hopper to
a singling disc hermetically sealed by
the metering unit and pressed onto
the holes in the disc. Precise singling
is then ensured via the following
three stripper fingers. The seed then
reaches the propulsion channel,
where the contact pressure is stopped
and the grain is shot precisely into the
seed furrow and caught by the catcher
roller. An optical sensor closely
monitors the singling process and
reports any misses and doubles
to the tractor terminal. Fully
automatic, electric stripper finger
adjustment via SmartControl is
another welcome development.
SCAN THE QR CODE
BELOW TO BOOK
A DEMO:
IMPRESSION 23

Winter
Gift Guide*
*all prices include vat
Fort Portman Shacket
Castle Clothing
Fort hyde shirt
Castle Clothing
Fort easton pullover
Castle Clothing
Fort downham gillet
Castle Clothing
£27.95
£16.95
£19.95
£29.95
14-in-1 pocket multitool
£18.99
15pc ratchet
screwdriver set and
bottle opener gift box
£11.99
23pc stubby ratchet
screwdriver & bit set -
craft brew
£12.49
beanie hat with
rechargable torch
£10.49
24
8pc screwdriver and
plier set
£29.99 IMPRESSION
32pc precision
screwdriver set
£7.25
Advent Calendar 2022
(43 Piece)
£34.99
42pc ratchet screwdriver
& bit set
£16.49

44pc screwdriver hex
key & bit set
£34.99
cob led rechargable
mini flood light and
power bank
wifi endoscope
inspection camera
£33.99
cob led worklight with
magnetic back and
hanging hook
£22.99
£5.99
twin led flexible
inspection light with
magnetic ends
£8.50
little beastie wallet
multi-tool
£4.49
cob led aluminium
pocket torch
£4.99
impact demolition gloves
£25.50
hybrid leather gloves
£22.66
impact cut level 5 gloves
£25.67
m18 fhiwf12-502x m18 fuel
impact wrench
£390.00
m18 gg-0 18v cordless
grease gun body
£174.00
m18 fpp2ai-502b 18v impact
wrench and grease gun
power pack kit
£525.00
IMPRESSION 25

The all
new
Fendt
728
Fendt launches the
seventh generation of
the Fendt 700 Vario.
With the launch of the seventh
generation of the Fendt 700 Vario,
Fendt brings a completely new
ground-up design and expands the
power spectrum to up to 300hp for
versatile applications.
The new engine, the optional 60″
track width, FendtONE onboard and
offboard and a new generation of the
Fendt Cargo front loader distinguish
the series as an all-rounder in the
world market. For the first time,
the 700 Vario is available with up
to 60km/h. technical innovations
from the large tractors, such as
VarioDrive and the innovative cooling
concept, lead to ground-breaking
manoeuvrability in this class. And
so, the Fendt 700 Vario sets new
standards once again.
In its seventh generation, the new
range with five models (Fendt 720
Vario, 722 Vario, 724 Vario, 726
Vario and Fendt 728 Vario) occupies
the power range from 203 to 283hp
(147 – 206 kW) (ECE R120). The Fendt
DynamicPerformance (DP) extra power
concept releases up to 20hp of extra
power in the Fendt 728 Vario DP via
a demand-dependent control system
precisely when it is needed. The top
model thus achieves a maximum
performance of up to 303hp. The extra
power concept is not tied to driving
speed or special application pick-ups and
functions purely dynamically, even when
PTO work is carried out at a standstill.
High tractive power with
economical fuel consumption
The 6-cylinder AGCO Power engine with
7.5ltr capacity has been completely
redesigned for the power spectrum. The
single-stage Fendt VarioDrive driveline is
made up of the engine and the matching
2626 | IMPRESSION

Vario transmission.
Intelligently controlled all-wheel drive
management is one of the advantages
of Fendt VarioDrive. The drive train
eliminates the need for manual
switching when changing between
field and road operations. It drives the
front and rear axles as needed and
distributes the power dynamically.
The Fendt 700 Vario achieves high
torque even at low engine speeds and
saves fuel. The new Fendt 726 and
728 Vario reach a top speed of up to
60km/h at just 1,450rpm. The maximum
torque of 1,450Nm on the top model
Fendt 728 Vario is achieved at just
1,300rpm and ensures high tractive
power and acceleration strength with
minimal specific fuel consumption.
Read the full article online!
Contact our team to be one of the first
to try out the all new 700 series Fendt.
With low fuel consumption
combined with high
performance of up to 300
hp, we are really looking
forward to getting the
Fent Vario 728 out on demo!
-
Alan Haines,
Sussex and Hants Operations Manager
IMPRESSION
27

Buy With Confidence.
New, Ex Demo and Quality Used
Pick-Up Trucks Available
To find your local territory sales manager and current depot opening hours visit our website or simply
call your nearest depot.
28 RWCRAWFORD.CO.UK
IMPRESSION
ESSEX (HQ)
Fox Burrows Lane,
Writtle, Essex,
CM1 3SS
01245 322733
KENT
Little Hook Farm,
Hook Lane, Charing,
Kent, TN27 0AN
01233 714123
WEST SUSSEX
New Bridge Road,
Billingshurst, West
Sussex, RH14 9HZ
01403 330030
HAMPSHIRE
Unit 1, Ropley Business Park
The Dene, Ropley, Aylesford
Hampshire, SO24 0BG
01962 674640