Masters Spreading Purchase UK’s First Yanmar Wheel Loader

Agricultural contractor, Masters Spreading Ltd, has purchased the UK’s first Yanmar V80 wheel loader. Masters Spreading covers Yorkshire and Lincolnshire as an expert in start-to-finish fertiliser solutions and will use Yanmar’s new-to-market model to mix bespoke fertiliser blends for its clients.

Masters Spreading works with farmers across the region to develop bespoke fertiliser mixes to maximise crop yields. While analysis and planning activities are highly delicate, blending and loading the fertiliser, mix requires the use of a wheel loader to mix and load each bespoke batch. A role essential to maintaining smooth day-to-day business operations.

Following the retirement of its Terex Wheel Loader, Masters Spreading required a more robust machine due to the harsh nature of working with chemical-based fertilisers. Co-owner Rob Falkingham trialled several possibilities and had previous experience with Liebherr, JCB and Kubota equipment but in the end chose the Yanmar V80 Wheel Loader.

Rob approached MTS Plant as local Yanmar dealers and flowing site visits and seeing the machine up close at the Plantworx exhibition in 2019 Rob chose to invest in the Yanmar Wheel Loader in November 2019.

Following delivery, Rob and the Masters Spreading team have been highly impressed with the machine.

Rob commented: “My initial impressions of the V80 were really positive – I was impressed with how smart and tidy the machine was. The ergonomic controls and clever design considerations made me realise immediately that every element had been designed with the operator firmly in mind. For example, the switch gear is located high up in the cab, out of the way of dust and muck – an important consideration that most manufacturers overlook.

“Having used the V80 for a few months now, it’s fair to say that its impact was almost immediate. The model’s extensive operator features and impressive performance have helped us to save huge amounts of time. It puts its feet down well, the joystick gearchange is great, it doesn’t require AdBlue and we no longer need to exit the cab to change the buckets!”

With seasonal demand meaning the V80 could sit unused for months on end, however, identifying the most reliable and dependable model was imperative for Rob. He continued: “Yanmar has an excellent reputation for equipment quality, durability and reliability. We needed the best possible solution and we absolutely got it. I really can’t fault the machine and know it won’t let us down.”

 Matthew Watson, Operations Director at MTS Plant, added: “When Rob at Masters Spreading got in touch to find out more about Yanmar’s latest wheel loader models, we worked in close partnership to provide the perfect solution.

“The V80 has compact dimensions in all aspects; height (<2.7 m), width (<1.8m), length (<5.1m) and turning radius (track circle <2m) which contribute to high manoeuvrability. Numerous controls have been redesigned and rearranged for fast operation and improved machine monitoring. The 3.5″ display shows machinery and engine data while the modern menu guide is similar to a smartphone display.

“We are thrilled to hear that Rob and the team at Masters Spreading have been able to improve their efficiencies with the V80. It’s low-emissions, feature-packed and I would encourage everyone in the market for a wheel loader to try one out!”

With a top speed of 36km/h and a tipping load of 3770kg, the V80 is a versatile machine. With compact dimensions and excellent manoeuvrability, including a turning radius of less than two metres. Parallel kinematics allow the operator to quickly and precisely lift loads and the hydrostatic transmission delivers high power and smooth adjustment, with high rim pull and good travel performance – even on steep inclines.

David Cockayne, UK & Ireland Sales Manager at Yanmar Compact Equipment Europe, commented: “We are thrilled to be getting the new V80 into the hands of businesses across the UK and Ireland. Rob and the team at Masters Spreading now have an excellent wheel loader to deliver a core role in the business. The V80 is low-emission and feature-packed, I would encourage everyone in the market for a wheel loader to try one.”

Click here for  more information about the Yanmar V80 wheel loader or contact the MTS Plant team to request a wheel loader demo or quotation.