The National Ploughing Championships has grown to be the largest outdoor agricultural event in Europe, spanning across over 700 acres. Within this, the site now requires 180 acres for ploughing, 80 acres for trade stands and exhibition space, 400 acres of car parking and a demonstration area of approximately 25 acres.
Figures from last year have shown that visitors spent just under €36.5m during the three days of the event. This goes to show that the event is no longer just about ploughing, but is the prime place to grab yourself a bargain at the wide range of trade stands.
Everyone needs tools, whether you’re a farmer or a DIY master, you will find the right tool for you at this year’s Ploughing.
My top tips are to take your time and price around the numerous different trade stands to get the best deal possible, as everyone there will be competing for your hard-earned cash.
If you are looking to buy a large or heavy piece of equipment or tools, the best advice is to buy it on your way out, as this means you don’t have to lug it around all day with you.
If you find yourself there on the last day of the show, it is often the best time to grab a bargain, as the trade stands will be willing to do a deal rather than pack up and bring their tools home again.
So what are my top tools at the Ploughing this year? Below is a top 10 of what I think are essential tools for anyone to have in their workshop or at home.
1 Air compressor
One of the most important tools in any workshop is an air compressor. This machine takes in air and compresses it within its cylinder body via a pump driven by a motor or engine. The stored air is released under pressure in order to power air tools such as impact guns and also to inflate wheels. They come with various capacities and pump sizes, but also with various prices. A budget air compressor can start at €80 and go all the way to the professional price tags of easily in excess of €2,000. My advice is not to skimp on your air compressor as a good quality one may be more expensive on day one, but, if properly maintained, can last you a lifetime. It is important to note that a large-capacity air compressor is essential in order to power larger impact guns when, for example, removing tractor wheels, whereas a smaller capacity one would suit fine at home for jobs such as inflating car tyres.
2 Cordless drill
Definitely an essential tool in any workshop or home. Cordless drills come in hundreds of brands, so it is important to spend your money wisely, as the cheaper drill may not necessarily be the better one in the long-run. A cordless drill can be used for drilling around the farm as it has no cords, making it ideal for use in areas where there is no power socket available. Around the home, the drill is ideal for any DIY enthusiast as it makes jobs much faster and easier. Cordless drill prices start from €30, but you should shop around at the Ploughing, as some come in sets with extra batteries or tools.
3 Welder
Easily one of the most useful tools is the humble welder. Found on virtually every farm in the country, the welder can really save the day and fix everything from a broken gate to a plough. There are three types of welder – ARC, MIG and TIG. ARC and MIG are the most popular found in workshops around the country. The simplest welder is the ARC type, which uses an electrode and an earth cable in order to work. The earth cable is attached to the piece to be welded and when the electrode comes close enough, it causes a spark which melts the electrode and filler, along with the edges of the material to be welded, thus fixing it as one piece. These welders can be found for sale for as little as €100. The more modern welder is the MIG, which uses a copper-coated steel wire which is electrically charged once the trigger on the hand lance is pressed. Again, an earth cable is attached to the material being welded, but this time the spark won’t happen until the operator pulls the trigger, allowing more precise and cleaner welding. MIG welders are more expensive, with prices starting at €450 upwards. It is important to remember to wear good-quality safety gear when welding, including a face shield and gloves. My advice is to buy this on the way out of the event, as they are heavy and awkward to carry. If you shop around you will get the best deal on the day and maybe get some personal protective equipment thrown in for free.
4 Angle grinder
An angle grinder is essentially a motorised abrasive disc which comes in two popular sizes, a 4.5in and 9in. Both sizes are very useful in the workshop. The smaller 4.5in grinder can be used for prep work before welding, sharpening tools and various other jobs, while the larger 9in machine can be use for the heavier work such as cutting steel and shaping work pieces. The key to the grinders’ usefulness is that the abrasive disc is interchangeable with various different types, allowing them to be used for numerous jobs such as polishing and cleaning as well as cutting and grinding. Prices start from €25 upwards for the smaller version and €80 upwards for the larger grinder. Again, price around to get the best value, but be aware that cheap brands tend not to last as long as the better-known names. Cordless angle grinders are more expensive, but are definitely far more versatile.
5 Vice grip
The famous vice grip is truly the farmer’s friend – every farmer in the world has a vice grip of some description in their workshop. They are small enough to throw into a toolbox, pocket or glove box and powerful enough for some of the toughest jobs you will come up against. The vice grip can be the one-size-fits-all spanner, the clamp when welding or the “get me out of trouble” tool for emergencies. The famous saying around the farming community is: “Everything can be fixed with just a hammer and a vice grip.” They come is various sizes and prices, but take my advice and buy the good-quality brand name ones, which start around €15.
6 Sledge hammer
An essential addition to all workshops is the sledge hammer. They come in various weights and types of handles, but the job they do is the same – hit things hard. Whether it’s changing a tractor tyre or straightening a tailboard, the sledge is an essential tool to have at hand. Prices start at €10 upwards depending on the size.
7 Toolbox
Filling your workshop with tools is one thing, but keeping them together where you want them is another. On farms, tools have a nasty habit of wandering off and getting lost. To prevent this, a toolbox is a great investment. They come in numerous different sizes and styles to suit the individual. Some are portable and some are large stationary units. Nevertheless, they all keep your tools where you want them and more importantly where you know they are when you need them. Prices can start around €40 upwards for a small portable one. If you buy one at the Ploughing, it can be a handy place to store your brochures and merchandise you collect throughout the day.
8 Bench vice
A solid vice is the workshop’s best friend. Don’t let price dictate your choice, as a good-quality vice will outlast all other tools. A minimum jaw size should be 4in (100mm). A vice with built-in anvil is useful for using as a solid surface to hit or straighten things. The vice needs to be securely attached to the bench, preferably located on the bench, with space where long steel pieces can be gripped in and on either side of the vice in order to be more versatile. A good vice is money well spent and can set you back anything from €200 upwards. Even a small bench vice can be heavy, so it is a good idea to buy one on the way out to the car park instead of carrying it around with you all day.
9 Bottle jack
A bottle jack is an essential tool in regards to safety. They can be in different sizes and strengths and must be used in conjunction with axle stands when rising up any machine or vehicle. Some bottle jacks can be air operated, as well as manually, which can be useful as you don’t need to pump up the jack in awkward spaces. They are available in various sizes or strengths, but the most useful one would be a 20t version, which will cover just about all jobs on a typical farm. Prices start at €80 upwards, but remember, safety first, and don’t always go for the cheaper option which may not be certified. Always remember to never rely on any jack alone – always use appropriate axle stands to support the load being jacked.
10 Tool sets
These are easily the most readily available items on any of the tool stands at the Ploughing. Tool sets can consist of solely one type of tool – sockets, screwdrivers or wrenches – or they can be a collection of various tools, making them far more versatile. A good starting point for anyone is a good tool set, as it allows you to buy numerous tools in one go and often saves you money. Tool sets can set you back anything from €40 upwards, but shop around to find the set to ideally suit your needs, as there are literally thousands of combinations available.