The months roll by, and in mixed weather in early February crowds of interested and knowledgeable visitors flocked to Ulting, near Maldon in Essex, for the largest agricultural, construction, viticulture and groundcare machinery dealer show in the UK.
Highlights of the display were the world’s highest capacity combine, the New Holland CR11, plus the highest horsepower tractor in mainstream production today, the Case IH Quadtrac 715. Managing Director Angus Doe said: “We’re proud that it was the first ever dealer showing of the CR11.”
Building on the small viticulture display at last year’s show, the much larger viticulture machinery display featured a wide range of specialised equipment for vineyards and fruit growers. Morgan Williams, Doe’s technology and product support technician based at Ringmer, explained that this was a growing part of Doe’s business as the whole UK viticulture business expands.
In the groundcare section, the new Ransomes Aurora Lithium Electric Outfront mower caught the eye. There was a live demonstration of Husqvarna robotic lawnmowers, with the largest model having great appeal to golf courses as they can do the work normally carried out by ride-on equipment, thus obviating the need for an operator.
Husqvarna explained that this was a steadily increasing market for their products. From Germany, Wiedenmann was showing, for the first time anywhere, the new small, tracked, electrically powered groundcare tool carrier which is operated remotely.
Always popular at the Doe Show were the machinery demonstration areas. In the fields at the rear of the show area, Case IH and New Holland tractors were pulling a range of cultivation equipment, while on the digging plot in the construction zone there were Hyundai excavators moving vast quantities of Essex clay accompanied by Thwaites dumpers, Bomag compacting equipment and Engcon attachments.
The ever-popular vintage ploughing display, again organised by Paul Wylie, attracted considerable attention. Naturally at the Doe Show, the 1961 Doe Triple D and the 1965 Doe 130 starred, but were ably supported by Max Cherry’s 1922 Fordson Model F, Paul Wylie’s 1943 Fordson Model M, Martin Shelley’s 1951 Fordson E27N and Terry Stinson’s 1960 Fordson Dexta.
The displays of new farming machinery and equipment were, as always, impressive. Of course, as is the case nowadays, much of it comes with a large price increase. To counteract this, Doe had a large quantity of lightly used demonstration or ex-hire tractors and combines available, all appearing in remarkably good condition.
Exhibitors reported a high level of interest from the large crowds, most of whom were there with a serious purpose rather than just having a day’s outing away from the farm. There was most definitely something for everyone; every kind of machine plus the supporting services and equipment such as tools, lubricants, washers, diagnostic equipment, tyres and wheels and spare parts (both new and used). In addition, the large country store was open and featured a display of every type of country clothing and footwear.
There was a large range of new, used and ex-hire machinery on display and Ernest Doe was keen to point out that with the tax year end getting near they had some impressive 0% finance deals on offer. The dealership also offered extensive back-up service and warranty packages. For example, on new tractors over 150 bhp they had a deal for three years’ service, three years or 3,000 hours warranty and three years finance at 0%.
This impressive show is always worth a visit and will return from 4 to 6 February 2025.
