News

Southam Depot Open Evening - Prize Draw Winners 7th Jun 2013
Moisture meter clinic & crop assurance days 2nd Mar 2013
Thwaites Franchise for Berkshire & Oxfordshire 8th Nov 2012
New Groundcare Hire Facility Launch 11th Jun 2012
Success at Bristol Branch Open Evening 23rd May 2012
Supporting our local Fire Service 7th Dec 2011
Honda launches new ATV 14th Nov 2011
Simon Bowler raises £12300 for Cancer Research 30th Aug 2011
Lister Wilder appointed as Horsch distributor 27th Jul 2011
Standing out from the crowd at the Cotswold Show 6th Jul 2011
Massey Ferguson celebrates 75th Anniversary of the Ferguson Brown 5th Jul 2011
New Wallingford Depot Is Ready For Business 22nd Mar 2011
Simon Gets Walking for Cancer Research UK 12th Mar 2011
Commercial Groundcare Business Grows with Toro & Hayter 24th Nov 2010
New Fendt 828 - Tractor of the Year 2011 22nd Nov 2010
Honda ATV's get electric power steering 16th Nov 2010
New Head Office Takes Shape 5th Nov 2010
New Kubota Product Guide Now Available 27th Aug 2010
New Joskin Dealers Appointed - Spread the Word! 27th Aug 2010
Top Marks for Topcon 27th Aug 2010

Southam Depot Open Evening - Prize Draw Winners
7th June 2013

We are pleased to announce the winners of our prize draw:

Adrian Taylor - Tractor Hire

David Heath - Case of Wine

James Sinclair - Agco Jacket

Joe Ross - Wellie Holders

To claim your prize, please call Andrew Formosa (Operations Manager) 01926 612 442

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Moisture meter clinic & crop assurance days
2nd March 2013

Don't miss our moisture meter clinic & crop assurance days, call now to book your place:
- Tuesday 19th March 2013, 9am - 4pm, Cirencester, call 01285 652272
- Wednesday 20th March 2013, 9am - 4pm, Devizes, call 01380 730003
- Thursday 21st March 2013, 9am - 4pm, Wallingford, call 01491 838388
Special offers and assistance available on the day. Please download our event flyer.

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Thwaites Franchise for Berkshire & Oxfordshire
8th November 2012

There have been some changes to the Thwaites dealer network, brought about by Leach Lewis Ltd entering administration. As an existing Kubota construction dealer for Berkshire, we have been in talks with Thwaites about representing the product range throughout Berkshire and Oxfordshire.

We are delighted to announce that Thwaites have supported the proposal and we are now the authorised Thwaites dealer for this area.

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New Groundcare Hire Facility Launch
11th June 2012

As part of our Groundcare sales and marketing strategy a new Hire facility has been launched on specialist Groundcare Renovation equipment. We have introduced a new brochure and price list featuring over 40 machines from Turf Scarifiers to Flail mowers, tine aerators, top dressers, blowers and fine turf mowers. In addition to this we have introduced a new section for Hire in the Groundcare section of our website.

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Success at Bristol Branch Open Evening
23rd May 2012

Four years since the opening of the branch at Elberton near Thornbury, an Open Evening event was held on 18^th April to mark the launch of the new Parts Centre.

Over 400 visitors attended the event, which was represented by all the key suppliers including Massey Ferguson, Fendt, Merlo, Joskin, Welger, Kubota and inparticular Kverneland, who had 8 new machines on show. Also highlighted at the event were the new MF 7600 and MF 5450, new 700 series Fendt and Welger Baler Wrapper combination.

A free prize draw for a weeks’ free hire of a new MF7600 or Fendt 415 also took place, which was won by David Spratt of Cole Farm, Aust, near Elberton.

The evening was enjoyed by many satisfied customers and was reinforced by the breadth of brand leading franchises and showcasing the new, enlarged Parts facility. It also gave us the opportunity to welcome new customers to new products and the service and parts support. Overall the event was a huge success in terms of consolidating our position at Elberton and making everyone aware of their stronger commitment to the new Parts Centre.

Thank you to everyone who attended the event and made it such a success.

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Supporting our local Fire Service
7th December 2011

LISTER WILDER SUPPORTS ROYAL BERKSHIRE FIRE AND RESCUE SERVICE TRAINING

Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service is always looking to create a variety of rescue training situations and Lister Wilder stepped in to help.

We provided a 360 horse power Fendt 936 Tractor with 2 tonne ballast and 500KG wheel weights and a cherry low load plant trailer, from our depot in Spencers Wood, Reading, for firefighters at nearby Whitley Wood fire station to train with.

Firefighter Ian Angell and Watch Manager Andy Balfour were responsible for setting up this unusual training event, together with Andy Bolan, Group Sales Manager at Lister Wilder.

Andy Balfour explained “Such training scenarios are vital for building the skill levels that are needed as we can face any situation. We now save more lives by rescuing people from road traffic collisions than we do from fires and the offer of training with this vehicle was a great opportunity for the crews to practice their techniques.”

A true to life, head-on collision scenario was created by driving the tractor into the car and mounting the bonnet, with the car under the ballast. A fire service training dummy was used in the driver’s seat, to simulate the result of a car being driven down a narrow country lane at speed and coming face to face with a large tractor.”

Andy explained the approach to dealing with road traffic collisions: “When crews arrive at the scene, the first thing the officer in charge has to do is a risk assessment, including the level of entrapment and the severity of any injuries.”

“The vehicles are stabilised and rescue equipment used to remove the casualties. In this particular scenario, we used electric cutters and saws to remove the car’s roof. The casualty can then be lifted free of the wreckage and handed over to the ambulance team.”

“The whole exercise took no time at all and was handled in a very professional manner” said Andy Bolan of Lister Wilder. “We were more than happy to help out our local Fire Station as one local business helping out another.”

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Honda launches new ATV
14th November 2011

Honda has announced the launch of two new heavy duty ‘Foreman’ ATV’s.

The TRX500FM (manual shift) and TRX500FE (electric shift) have undergone a total redesign and are now available with a raft of significant new features including:
- Fuel Injected Engine, Liquid Cooled
- 10% More Power
- 6% More Torque
- Best in class for fuel economy
- Increased Seat Comfort
- Greater Ground Clearance
- Improved Mud and Splash Protection
- Fully Adjustable Suspension for greater load characteristics
- New Larger Hydraulic Front Disc Brakes for greater safety
Honda (UK) National Dealer Council representatives, Tom Taylor and Tim Rochfort offer the following opinions of the new Foreman:

Tom Taylor: “In my opinion, the machine is very good indeed and it carries a lot more ‘punch’ than its predecessor. The most outstanding area of improvement is the increased power and torque. The steering is more positive and the ride is far improved because the suspension is better.”

Tim Rochfort said “Significant improvements have been made to body work, rider position and comfort. The seat is softer, the steering lighter and it is a much cleaner and drier ride.

The single rear shock absorber offers a new level of comfort, control and stability that operators will really appreciate … without any of the “roll” that is more common to IRS. It’s much better for towing, too. In my view, it’s much easier to ride for a longer period of time - something customers have been asking for.”

Honda have also updated the TRX500FA now with optional power steering.

All Honda ATV’s come with a 2 year warranty. For further information or to book a free demo contact your nearest Lister Wilder branch or Martin Macqueen, Group ATV Specialist on 07768 857947. Machines are now in stock for immediate delivery.

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Simon Bowler raises £12300 for Cancer Research
30th August 2011

Lister Wilders own Simon Bowler not only completed an amazing feat of walking 630 miles along the South West Coast path but has also achieved and surpassed his target of £10000 by raising an incredible £12,300 for Cancer Research UK.

Simon, Agricultural Engineer, based at the Wallingford branch, commented “I have walked the South West Coast Path. 630 miles in six weeks. It has been a great adventure, I have had some great experiences and met some wonderful people along the way. Thank you to all my friends and family who helped and supported me along the way.”

Simons 630 mile adventure started on 3^rd April in Minehead and followed the South West Coast path via Hartland Quay, Perranporth, Helford, Cremyll, Sidmouth and ended in Poole on 14^th May 2011. A group of Simons colleagues from Lister Wilder were at the finish point to greet him and to celebrate his incredible achievement and also to hand over a cheque for £1000 from the company towards his total funds raised. Well done Simon – you are an inspiration to us all!

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Lister Wilder appointed as Horsch distributor
27th July 2011

We are delighted to announce that Lister Wilder have been appointed as main agents in Gloucestershire and Wiltshire with German based manufacturer Horsch.

Horsch, who recently celebrated their 25^th anniversary, manufacture a wide range of soil cultivators and seed drills, including the Sprinter Drill, Pronto Drill, Tiger Cultivator and Joker Cultivator.

The company was founded in 1984 with the development of the Terra-Trac. With this three-wheel tractor, first designed as a self-propelled seeding machine, Horsch began to build their brand name. Then the German reunification took place and the situation changed – opening up the market with many large farms looking for new technology. Product development continued particularly for large farms of 1.000 hectares plus and in 1998, the Horsch FIT Center was built to directly pass on experience and know-how.

From the year 2000, Horsch grew rapidly and an assembly hall was built in Gut Sitzenhof (2002), a further office building (2005) as well as a factory in Ronneburg (2007). With a growth in sales of 46 percent in 2007 and 74 percent in 2008 Horsch has become one of the most important manufacturers of seed drills and soil cultivators in Europe. With more than 500 employees in Germany, internationally more than 1000 employees in partner companies, Horsch has achieved a turnover of more than 200 Million Euro in 2008.

We look forward to a successful working partnership with Horsch now and in the future and the distribution of their seed drills and soil cultivators across the South of England. To find out more about the range of Horsch products please call Oliver Down on 01285 652272 or visit the website at www.horsch.com

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Standing out from the crowd at the Cotswold Show
6th July 2011

With the show season now in full swing, Lister Wilder was a prominent exhibitor at the two day Cotswold Show in Cirencester Park on 2^nd & 3^rd July 2011. With a full compliment of franchises and machinery on display including the Challenger 865, MF 7280 and Fendt 936, there were a total of 30 units in the main display ring totalling nearly 4000-horsepower!

The main arena event painted a picture of a season of an arable crop, with ancient and modern machinery plus there was heavy emphasis on the investment required by diary farmers who are selling up at the rate of 10 per week.

The show probably has the best representation of this theme which is copied right across the country, as the pioneer of the exhibit 23 years ago and utilising the experience of its’ presenters the host Lord Apsley, David Wilkinson who provided the ancient machinery and our own Oliver Down, who managed to acquire relevant pieces of kit, told the story of how our food is produced and some hard hitting facts about the real farming issues of today – in 1960 the MF35 cost £650 at retail, today the MF6480, our most common model, retails at just under £90000.

Well done to Oliver and the LW team for putting on such a great show!

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Massey Ferguson celebrates 75th Anniversary of the Ferguson Brown
5th July 2011

Massey Ferguson is celebrating the 75th Anniversary of the introduction of the legendary Type A - Ferguson Brown - tractor, the first ever series production tractor which featured the Ferguson three-point linkage system and the tractor that began the power farming revolution.

Although its official name is the Ferguson Type A, it is now more affectionately known as the Ferguson Brown. Harry Ferguson is purported to have always referred to it as the 'Irish Tractor', maybe because the first Type A tractor made its public debut in April 1936 at Ballyclare, County Antrim in Harry Ferguson's home country of Northern Ireland.

To commemorate the anniversary a display area has been created in the Massey Ferguson Technology Centre at AGCO's Beauvais manufacturing facility in France.

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New Wallingford Depot Is Ready For Business
22nd March 2011

The time has finally come when we have to say goodbye to the site that has been home to Walter Wilders for over 100 years...but its not a time for sadness! In a move that signals our long term commitment to agricuture, we are are delighted to announce that the new depot will be open for business on Monday 28th March 2011.

Whilst we havent moved far in terms of distance, the buildings and facilities are a massive leap forward and will ensure we are able to keep providing first class support well into the 21st century.

The phone numbers remain the same, but our new address is:

Lister Wilder Ltd, The Park, Port Way, Crowmarsh, Wallingford, Oxon. OX10 8FG

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Simon Gets Walking for Cancer Research UK
12th March 2011

Wallingford based Agricultural engineer, Simon Bowler, is pulling on his boots to walk 630 miles for Cancer Research UK.

Simon, 35, who grew up near Minehead, Somerset will set out from the town on the epic South West Coast path on April 3 2011 and arrive in Poole, Dorset on May 15 2011.

The South West Coast path is the UK’s longest national trail in the UK, covering four counties and some of Britain’s most dramatic coastline. In completing the walk within his six week timeframe Simon will have to walk between 15 to 20 miles a day and in total will need to cross 17 major rivers, all while carrying around 20kg of camping equipment and food with him.

Simon’s 630 mile adventure is the culmination of13 months of planning, preparation and training. "I am looking forward now to getting out there and facing the challenge of the UK’s longest National Trail.” Said Simon. “Several members of my family have suffered from cancer, some of whom have lost their battle. Simon’s 630 mile adventure is my way to draw something positive from my experiences with this devastating disease.”

Simon’s employer ListerWilder LTD has supported him every step of the way. ListerWilder personnel director Jason Scott said “We are delighted to support Simon on this epic trip. It’s an exciting adventure and for such a great cause too.” To help him on his way ListerWilder have pledged £1000 towards Simon’s target of £10,000

Simon is hoping to raise £10,000 through sponsorship and donations. Donations can be made at www.justgiving.com/Simons630mileadventure

Once achieved, the money raised will be donated to Cancer Research UK, to help fund the charity’s research into potential cures and treatment for cancer.

One-in-three people in the UK will be diagnosed with cancer at some stage in their lives, but the good news is that more people are beating the disease than ever before. Cancer Research UK’s work is at the heart of that progress.

Cancer Research UK supports the work of scientists, doctors and nurses who are dedicated to beating cancer by understanding its causes and finding new ways to diagnose, treat and prevent the disease.

To find out more about Cancer Research UK visit www.cancerresearchuk.org.uk or call 08701 60 20 40.

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Commercial Groundcare Business Grows with Toro & Hayter
24th November 2010

It has long been our intention to develop the commercial side of the Groundcare business at Cirencester, and we are delighted to announce that we have just been awarded the Hayter franchise for Gloucestershire, Wiltshire (above the A303), Bristol and the surrounding area - great news for our branches in Devizes, Cirencester and Bristol.

"Hayter customers will immediately benefit from the convenience of three depots covering the area...we see this as a positive move and it fits in well with our company values of developing long term customer support" explained David Sturges, Sales and Marketing Director, Hayter Ltd.

Hayter are in the process of re-branding their products with the name of their new owners, Toro. We will therefore be dealing with Hayter Ltd, but machines are now coming off the production line in red and branded as Toro, with 'manufactured by Hayter' in small writing underneath.

"We know the products, and already deal with a lot of customers in the new area and so we can hit the ground running. That has got to be good news for customers and Hayter," said Andy Bolan, Group Sales Manager for Grounds care machinery, "Things are happening at Hayter and we are pleased to be part of these changes."

We officially take over from Wednesday 1st December 2010 and look forward to being of service to you.

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New Fendt 828 - Tractor of the Year 2011
22nd November 2010

On the first day of the EIMA trade exhibition in Bologna (10 – 14 November 2010), the distinguished, internationally renowned “Tractor of the Year 2011” award was handed over by the Italian agricultural minister Giancarlo Galan at an official ceremony. Winner of the “Tractor of the Year 2011” is the new 280hp Fendt 828 Vario. The jury was comprised of 20 independent technology journalists from agricultural trade magazines from 20 different European countries. The competition prides itself on its independence and unbiased assessments.

“The 828 Vario is the first series production tractor in the world with the fuel-saving SCR technology for compliance with emissions stage 3b (TIER IV interim), effective 1 January 2011. With a top speed of 60 km/h and with the new X5 cab, it is the fastest and also the most comfortable tractor in its class. Further, it is equipped with a new large screen control concept, the innovative Vario-Guide automatic steering system and data processing with Vario-Doc.”

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Honda ATV's get electric power steering
16th November 2010

Power to the people - Honda enhances ATV range with addition of electric power steering.

Honda (UK) has further enhanced its best-selling ATV range with the introduction of a new TRX420 model featuring its exclusive Electric Power Steering (EPS) system.

The new TRX420FPM takes the usability, durability and performance, for which Honda ATVs are famed, to another level. Its launch comes in response to customer and dealer feedback highlighting a need for a mid-sized power steering ATV for utility users carrying out low-speed jobs over a long period.

The TRX420FPM offers exceptional pulling power, all-weather easy starts and quick acceleration delivered by a fuel-injected liquid-cooled longitudinally-mounted 420cc engine. Its powerful five-speed gearbox, with an ultra-low first gear and reverse, means superior performance across a range of tasks and terrains. Additionally, Honda's exclusive TraxLok™ system provides simple and fast switching between 2wd and 4wd even when in transit.

Braking power is impressive, with dual hydraulic front disc and single rear drum brakes fitted as standard, featuring disc covers incorporating patented built-in scrapers that remove debris from inside the front wheel, to minimise the build-up between the caliper and the rim. Superior engine braking slows the bike down automatically while travelling downhill, allowing greater stability and control on slopes.

Class-leading handling comes from large ground clearance and terrain-hugging grip, and contributes to a responsive yet comfortable ride which is perfect for users needing to spend hours at a time in the saddle.

Towing and load performance is equally class-leading. An axle-mounted, heavy-duty trailer hitch with 385kg towing capacity provides complete versatility, while large cargo racks front and rear carry loads of 30kg and 60kg respectively. Additionally the rugged frame and suspension of the TRX420FPM provide an exceptional 231mm of ground clearance; and a super-heavy-duty automatic clutch with a low rpm engagement point delivers excellent driveability and towing capability.

Phil Webb, Head of Power Equipment for Honda (UK)

"With the growth in application of utility ATVs across an increasingly diverse variety of sectors and tasks, the addition of a power steering variant to our range is a natural next step. We're always keen to offer the widest variety of products possible, and customer and dealer feedback has highlighted a need for such a model. With usability, performance and durability absolutely key; the TRX420FPM sits perfectly in the range alongside the automatic transmission model which we successfully introduced 2 years ago."

The new TRX420FPM will be available across the Honda (UK) Authorised Dealer network from November 2010, with a recommended retail price of £5739 ex VAT. As with all Honda ATVs the new model will enjoy a cast-iron two year warranty.

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New Head Office Takes Shape
5th November 2010

We are delighted that the building work for the new Wallingford Depot is now well underway, and despite a battle with the recent spate of bad weather, the steel work is now erected and the cladding should be finished within the next 10 days. The windows will also be in over the next fortnight, making the building watertight and ready for the electricians to begin their work.

Perhaps the best news of all is that the slip road is complete and the traffic lights are no more - please accept our apologies for any delays over the past few weeks!

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New Kubota Product Guide Now Available
27th August 2010

We are delighted to announce that the new Kubota Product Guide is now available. Featuring every single model range in the Kubota line-up, it gives a great overview to the vast array of diesel ride on mowers, compact tractors, utility vehicles and implements.

New products for this edition include:

G23 & G26 Professional Ride-On Mowers

Powerful and productive commercial mowers designed for day long mowing operations

ZD326 Zero Turn Mower

The independent steering levers make this one of the most manoeuvrable machine on the market

B20 Series Compact Tractors

The new Kubota B20 series are remarkable value for money, particularly the new entry level B1220 12hp tractor

email your contact details to your closest branch and we will pop your free brochure in the post

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New Joskin Dealers Appointed - Spread the Word!
27th August 2010

We are pleased to announce that we have just been appointed dealers for the JOSKIN range of slurry speaders and injection equipment.

After 24 years of production, the factory is about to start on the 20,000th tanker, and with 8 ranges and over 100 models, their slurry range is the largest in the world - however, you’ll be pleased to hear that from a parts and service perspective, they pride themselves on the modular design and compatibility of components!

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Top Marks for Topcon
27th August 2010

Precision agriculture, combining high-accuracy GNSS technology, sophisticated software, machine guidance and metering systems, crop analysis systems, weather monitoring and telematics, is changing the face of agriculture around the world. It allows farmers at all levels, ranging from small family-run operations to large agri-businesses, to achieve significant improvements in farming efficiency. Benefits include increased yields, savings in time, higher productivity, reduced pollution, and more precise applications of both nutrients and seed.

Today, precision agriculture is about three key elements:
1. Saving time
2. Reducing cost
3. Environmental stewardship
These three elements are the building blocks for the rise in the precision agriculture market.

Saving Time

The latest precision agriculture technology delivers significant timesaving opportunities, whether it’s a family-owned farm or a large corporate agriculture business.

Typically on family farms, everyone is stretched for time – so saving time on larger-scale jobs frees farmers, their families and staff up for other “must-do” jobs, as well as more free time to give them a better quality of life.

On large agribusiness enterprises, timesavings translate into higher productivity and increased yields. And because of the scale of these operations, the return on investment can be very rapid indeed.

Reducing Cost

The latest precision agriculture technology offers significant opportunities for cost savings across a whole range of farming activities, including:
1. Reduced requirements for seed, nutrients, pesticides and other chemicalsTasks are done right, first time, every time, any time
2. Higher productivity
3. Reduced fuel usage.
Environmental Stewardship

Precision agriculture technology is playing a significant role in reducing the environmental impacts of farming by reducing pollution and runoff, through lower chemical use, minimal overspray, better targeting – because sprays, nutrients, etc., are only used where they are needed.

To see what Precision Farming can do for your business, book an appointment with Mark Horlick today. Mobile 07810 886 573

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