Based in a small Derbyshire village Alkmonton Tractors Ltd, run by John and Mandy Ayre, has gained a reputation throughout the UK not so much for the sale of brand new tractors but more for their ability to service repair and supply parts for virtually any age of tractor. In addition they sell and service a wide range of farm machinery, both new and old, and provide one of the most comprehensive range of farm equipment spare parts both new and second hand.
The company prides itself on the fact that regarding farm machinery 'no matter how young or old it is we can deal with it'. Not surprising therefore at the time of our visit sitting in the yard was a 1980's International Harvester tractor awaiting repair and refurbishment!
In fact it was in the 1980's when the company gained the franchise for Derbyshire to sell International Harvester tractors and in the first year sold some 35 units. But, over time with takeovers and mergers the emphasis of the company's work has moved steadily away from tractor franchising to the servicing and repairs of tractors and farm machinery and the sale of both new and second hand equipment.
Founded in 1985 Alkmonton Tractors was the brainchild of John Ayre's father Jim who purchased the present site in 1969. Having left the RAF in the 1960's Jim started selling tractors in Derbyshire. His engineering skills soon led to customers asking him to repair tractors and machinery on farm to the extent that by the late 1960's he had purchased 3 acres of land with a smithy as a base for his repair and servicing work. Jim carried on until 1985 when along with a partner they launched Alkmonton Tractors Ltd and gained a franchise to sell International Harvester tractors in Derbyshire.
In addition to sales and servicing of farm machinery the company offer a wide range of other services to farmers through the sale of both new and used machinery, lubricants, hydraulic fittings, valves and water pipe/hose fixings. In fact when it comes to dealing with farm liquids is it water, oil or slurry they reckon that ' if liquid runs through it they can either repair or replace from parts in stock'. Working wonders is almost an everyday occurrence but as John Ayre points out some miracles may take that little bit longer. In simple terms John says they try to provide a one stop shop with regard to the supply of engineering parts for farmers. If a part is unavailable then John's team can often fabricate an equivalent part on site.
The company act as main agents for Ruston's Engineering Co of Huntingdon, better known in agricultural circles as RECO supplying Mengele forage harvesters, Fella Drum and Disc mowers, Sulky spreaders. In addition they handle Bateson Trailers, Albutt buckets and forks, Moulton scrapers, Mailleux loaders together with a wide range of slurry handling equipment. More recently they moved into
Supplying AMA LBM UK chain saws, strimmers, hedge cutters, blowers and grass management machinery.
However, grassland management through the sales and servicing of Fella rotary and disc movers along with Mengele forage harvesters and Sulky spreaders is the mainstay of the business. As John Ayre pointed out if it is to do with grassland management we have the machinery and know how to deal with it.
But as with most agricultural related businesses John has recognised the need for continual development and diversification if the business is to continue to grow. To this end he has used the expertise gained in the servicing of tractors to offer servicing of farmer's 4x4 vehicles. Shortly he anticipates this area of work will be further enhanced by offering MOT testing.
Regarding the servicing and maintenance of equipment John is adamant that only the best quality oils are used and to this end uses and supplies top quality oils from Morris Lubricants, Britain's largest privately owned lubricants company, who have been in business since 1869. In he agricultural field they offer a range of engine and universal oils, transmission and gear oils and hydraulic and brake fluids. Their reputation is such that they are Quality Assured Suppliers to Varity Perkins Engines.
"Top quality lubricants are an essential tool for mechanics and engineers to ensure trouble free running of engines and equipment both at the time of servicing and for top up between servicing," explained John Ayre.
On site at Alkmonton John employs four people in addition to his wife Mandy and mother. Although a small team they are dedicated to meeting the needs of their customers. Latest recruit Ben has taken to agricultural engineering like a duck to water to such an extent that the company is supporting him on a three year engineering training course. He is being trained on site by Andrew Bristow who has been with the company for almost 25 years. Andrew is in charge of parts and ordering and as well as his mechanical skills acts as a second in command.
"He is a vital part of running the company and takes charge of things when I am away," explained John Ayres.
Yet another aspect to John's ingenuity is that he readily purchases old machinery and during winter months, when business tends to be quieter, strips them down and salvages key spare parts many of which are no longer readily available from main dealers. To this end via his web site he has supplied parts as far a field as New Zealand. This side of the business is growing largely through word of mouth and the fact that John offers next day delivery on spares means less time wasted for farmers. But almost as important allows farmers to continue operating machinery many would suggest is redundant.
Whilst for most of his time John is involved with his business he does find time for a game of golf playing off a respectable 6 handicap. His latest venture has been to gain his pilots licence to allow him to fly a Microlight aircraft used on occasions to deliver small parts to outlying farms.
