H Fulton Tractors will become the exclusive importer of Schaffer loaders and telehandlers for all of Ireland from 1 January 2021.

The firm confirmed to the Irish Farmers Journal that it had just formed a subsidiary company, namely Schaffer Ireland Limited, to support the distribution of the German-manufactured telehandlers.

H Fulton Tractors has been selling Schaffer handlers across the whole of Northern Ireland and Co Donegal officially since 2017, scooping the dealer of the year accolade for the UK and Ireland for the past two years.

When asked about the potential fallout from Brexit, proprietor Howard Fulton said the Derry-based firm also has a premises and company ready to go in the Republic, if needs be.

Derry-based H Fulton Tractors is set to become the official importer of Schaffer telehandlers for all of Ireland from 1 January 2021.

Schaffer handlers have been present in Ireland now for over 20 years. The brand currently has five dealers in the Republic– The Cooney Furlong Machinery Company in Wexford, Jim Power Agri Sales in Waterford, Alan Douglas Farm Machinery in Kildare, Breen’s Farm Machinery (Clare and Tipperary) and Kerry Tractors LTD in Co Kerry. Fulton said he will be actively looking for new dealers in certain areas.

By carrying a stock of machines, H Fulton Tractors is hoping to reduce lead times for both new machines and genuine spare parts by carrying an increased stock at its depot.

The appointment comes almost six years since H Fulton Tractors took on the importer role for the Spearhead product offering for all of Ireland.