Demand for ‘high-performance pickups’ within agri-sector expected to grow

Pickups are no longer a “fashion statement”, they are now a very real necessity on many farms throughout Ireland, according to Noel Gormley from Dungannon-based Gormley Motors.

He made the comments at the 2026 Spring Farm Machinery Show held at the Royal Ulster Agricultural Society’s Balmoral complex, adding that the towing capacity of pickups is a case in point.

Gormley said: “Moving livestock from one location to another is now an integral part of modern farming.

“And attaching a trailer to a pick-up is the most effective way of doing this.”

Agricultural pickups

Recent years have seen pickup manufacturers recognise the need for these vehicles within production agriculture, and have tweaked the specifications available to farmers accordingly.

These include the suspension upgrades for higher ground clearance, off-road tyres, and special towing equipment.

In addition, the need to transporting fuel cans, machinery parts, tools, and livestock are fully recognised.

Almost all standard agricultural pickups in the UK are designed to tow the legal maximum of 3.5t.

High torque is crucial for towing and rough terrain, often ranging from 400-600 Newton-metres (Nm).

Meanwhile, the suspension in many agricultural pickups has been tweaked to take account of travel over rough terrain.

As a result, leaf springs are often included at the rear for greater durability.

High ground clearance is standard to avoid damaging the under body while 16-18-inch wheels, suitable for all-terrain tyres, can also be included within the specification agreed for an agricultural pickup.

Popular models

Gormley Motors stock the Isuzu range of pickups.

“The V-Cross Commercial is an extremely popular model with farmers,” Gormley confirmed.

“It has a 3.5t capacity. We offer the vehicle with a 125,000 mile five-year warranty.

“The fact that the pickup is so strongly underpinned by Japanese technology is another key selling point.”

According to Gormley, the V-Cross has a 1.9L turbo diesel engine with 164 and 204 break horsepower specifications.

“Farmers will always seek to buy the pickup that gives them the most tax-efficient opportunities,” he continued.

“Significantly, all the VAT included in the cost of the V-Cross 164-break horsepower option can be reclaimed within the year of purchase.”

He added that finance options are available for up to five years.

“Demand for high-performance pickups within the agricultural sector is set to grow,” Gormley said.

“Farmers continue to purchase vehicles with high levels of efficiency and reliability.

“Quite rightly, they see this as an important investment opportunity in their businesses.”

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