Machinery companies offer reduced service
Machinery dealerships will remain open for business to provide essential back-up services to farmers over the coming weeks, although normal trading conditions have been suspended to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
On enquiry, businesses that supply machinery parts said that they have taken a range of steps to safeguard staff members.
These include closing shop premises to walk-in customers. However, orders and payment are still being taken over the phone, or online.
Customers are then given a time when parts can be collected. Other businesses are still permitting customers to enter stores, but capping this to a maximum of two people.
Again, to cut waiting times at sales counters and the possible transmission risk, customers are being urged to phone and pre-order parts.
On arrival for collection, customers must follow handwashing guidelines and wear disposable gloves, which will be provided before entering stores.
Where dealers offer servicing of machinery, some have closed workshops. However, breakdown servicing is still being provided, but farmers are reminded of social distancing requirements.
Ag merchants remain open
On Monday evening, the UK government announced that all non-essential premises must close.
However, guidance published afterwards states that hardware stores are amongst stores exempt from the requirement to close.
This should be also applicable to most agricultural merchants in NI, provided certain measures are in place to reduce face-to-face contact. These include:
Ensuring a distance of 2m between customers and workers.Only small groups are allowed to enter the shop.Queue control is in place outside the premises.Fane Valley operates the largest chain of agricultural stores in NI and most of its outlets are open except those stores within marts.
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Machinery companies offer reduced service
Machinery dealerships will remain open for business to provide essential back-up services to farmers over the coming weeks, although normal trading conditions have been suspended to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
On enquiry, businesses that supply machinery parts said that they have taken a range of steps to safeguard staff members.
These include closing shop premises to walk-in customers. However, orders and payment are still being taken over the phone, or online.
Customers are then given a time when parts can be collected. Other businesses are still permitting customers to enter stores, but capping this to a maximum of two people.
Again, to cut waiting times at sales counters and the possible transmission risk, customers are being urged to phone and pre-order parts.
On arrival for collection, customers must follow handwashing guidelines and wear disposable gloves, which will be provided before entering stores.
Where dealers offer servicing of machinery, some have closed workshops. However, breakdown servicing is still being provided, but farmers are reminded of social distancing requirements.
Ag merchants remain open
On Monday evening, the UK government announced that all non-essential premises must close.
However, guidance published afterwards states that hardware stores are amongst stores exempt from the requirement to close.
This should be also applicable to most agricultural merchants in NI, provided certain measures are in place to reduce face-to-face contact. These include:
Ensuring a distance of 2m between customers and workers.Only small groups are allowed to enter the shop.Queue control is in place outside the premises.Fane Valley operates the largest chain of agricultural stores in NI and most of its outlets are open except those stores within marts.
Read more
Coronavirus: tips for machinery dealerships and contractors
Strong clearance rate at Cork contractor's auction
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