Farming Monthly National April 2016 | Page 23

| Root Crops Pack house refits on a budget While nobody believes 2016 is going to be a great year for potato growers, if your pack house is in need of a refit, David Harrison Handling Solutions have the answer. hilst full refits with new kit are viable when market prices are good, more straightened times demand a smarter approach” explains Gary Palmer. “We have seen many market ups and downs in the forty years since David Harrison started his potato machinery business near Ely and it’s when budgets are tight our phones get busy with customers who know that besides new machinery, we are active in buying and refurbishing good used kit. “Consequently we can save them up to 50% of their costs. W Besides building their own conveyors and elevators, Harrisons also enjoy good Gary Palmer and refurbished grader relations with major machinery manufacturers, often buying popular units at attractive prices in quieter production periods which can be passed on to the benefit of our customers. “Typically an existing grading / bagging line in need of extension or general updating will comprise www.farmingmonthly.co.uk a mix of conveyors or specialist weighing/ bagging kit plus newer items such as box tippers or screens. “In this case we can check and refurbish the latter and replace the older kit with either new or rebuilt kit from our stock. The result is a successful mix of new and rebuilt or refurbished machinery to meet future needs but with serious saving on your investment.” The Tong Caretaker Classic in the photo has been stripped and re-sprayed. The belts have been replaced and pollution control upgraded. It has been completely rewired and fitted with axle and wheels for mobility. Another current example is an O&P computerised palletiser. This has handled many thousands of bags over its 10 year life but is now undergoing complete refurbishment. Either of these units could save a customer around 40% on the price of a brand new machine. Besides building their own conveyors and elevators, Harrisons also enjoy good relations with major machinery manufacturers, often buying popular units at attractive prices in quieter production periods which can be passed on to the benefit of our customers. David Harrison Handling Systems offer a full planning service and costing service. They are UK agents for Symach Palletisers, O&P Palletisers, Propak bagger weighers and The Sack Filling Company’s stitching and bagging lines. Details of current used and rebuilt stock can be found on davidharrisons.com. Gary can be contacted on 07711 329 252 or 01353 740666 April 2016 | Farming Monthly | 23