Demand for mid-range telescopic handlers that can operate effectively on family farms continues to strengthen.
Flexibility, in tandem with good weight-lifting capacity, are the two boxes that must be ticked in this regard on most dairy, beef, sheep and poultry farms.
These were points emphasised by Ross Milne, from Newry-based Alan Milne Tractors, at the recent Spring Farm Machinery Show.
The event was held at the Royal Ulster Agricultural Society’s Balmoral complex.
Milne explained: “Farmers can use telescopic handlers for a wide range of different purposes: from cleaning out sheds to lifting and feeding silage bales, through to the handling of animal feeds, grains, fertilisers, and the entire range of aggregates used on farms.
“I am aware that milk prices have come under pressure over recent months. But the fact is that telescopic handlers can be used an all farms.
“And the current demand for the machine from across all sectors of agriculture strongly reflects this point.”
Alan Milne Tractors stocks the Dieci range of telescopic handlers.
The company specialises in the sale of materials’ handling machinery.
“Farmers want a telescopic handler that is robust and straightforward to operate,” Ross Milne said.
“A case in point is the 75hp Dieci Mini Agri.
“It has a 2.6 lift capacity and a 6m height reach. All-in-all, it is very much a farmers’ machine.”
Other benefits of the Mini Agri include its manoeuvring ability in tight spaces.
It also offers tremendous power in tandem with precision movements.
Significantly, the machine’s compact dimensions enhance the vehicle’s suitability for working in extremely narrow spaces, without sacrificing cab space and driver comfort.
The Mini Agri also offers a concentrated mix of strength and innovation: the engine and transmission guarantee performance and cost savings, while numerous patented solutions drastically simplify maintenance.
Northern Ireland agriculture
This year’s Spring Farm Machinery Show at the RUAS coincides with confirmations from the banks that the finances of agriculture in Northern Ireland are in a very strong state at the present time.
The latest bank borrowing figures for farming total £922 million, significantly below the litmus £1 billon figure, with farmer deposits sitting at £731 million.
Meanwhile, asset finance commitments made by farmers in Northern Ireland currently comes in at some £300 million. The equivalent figure for merchant credit is £100 million.
The high level of performance achieved within the dairy sector has been reflected in these figures.
Milk output in Northern Ireland had increased by 9% during 2025. The corresponding figures for the UK and the Republic of Ireland were 6% and 7%.
Driving this trend was a combination of strong farm gate milk returns and competitive compound feed costs.
