Based in Broadford in Co Limerick, Noel Duggan is a second-generation contractor, and runs Duggan Agri Contractors alongside his brother Willie.
Their father initially started off the hire business, cutting hay for local farmers. Noel’s three sons – Patrick, Richard and James – are all also involved in the business.
Offering services for over 50 years, baling, slurry and reseeding has been the family’s main line of work. However, last year, the Duggans got the opportunity to takeover Bertie Cahill’s contracting business, which was predominately focused on pit silage.
Bertie was based just outside the town of Ballingarry, Co Limerick, which is 18km from the Duggans. The two families have been very good friends for 40 years, helping each other year in, year out.
The Cahills and the Duggans went into partnership on their first umbilical system back in 2011, with Bertie supplying the machinery, and the Duggans supplying the labour.
Between the slurry, helping each other out mowing and drawing silage, both contractors knew all of the farms they worked on – and farmers they worked with – very well.
With the transition, the Duggans purchased Bertie’s John Deere 9600i forage harvester, his Komatsu WA320-8 wheel loader, his four Broughan silage trailers and several tractors.
The agri specification machine includes limited slip axles and the 800/65 R32 tyres.
The relationship was so good between the contractors, that three of Bertie’s drivers, alongside his part-time summer staff, also went to work with the Duggans. This included his harvester, loader and mower drivers, which Noel explained made the transition seamless.
Komatsu WA380-8
Bertie had a long history running Komatsu loaders, all of which have been WA320 machines, since he moved from a Volvo L90, 15 years ago. Noel saw this, and was happy that the Komatsu was a reliable loader, noting the excellent backup service Bertie always got from McHale Plant Sales in Birdhill, Co Tipperary – the Komatsu importers.
During the season last year, McHale brought the Duggans out a demonstration WA380-8, with a 16ft OCE fork on the longer 7ft tines. After two days, the Duggans were seriously impressed, and decided to bite the bullet and buy the machine. However, they opted to hold onto the 2021 Komatsu WA320-8 they bought from Bertie just a few months previous.
“We decided to keep the WA320-8 because with the output of modern harvesters, I feel that it has gone beyond what loaders can handle. I see it there when we are finished a job, when you allow the time necessary to roll the pit and you are ready to head onto the next job, you could have up to 20 acres picked up if you had a second loader and left once the last swath was lifted.
The WA380-8, it’s fitted with a four-speed automatic powershift transmission.
“That doesn’t sound like much to many, but with the weather we get in this country, and the volume of grass that needs to be gathered, you need to have the firepower to be able to cope with it. When we buy a new machine, we are always looking to the future. And the trailer sizes contractors are buying aren’t getting any smaller,” he added.
Engine
The WA380-8 is equipped with Komatsu’s own 6.69l engine. The agricultural specification WA380-8, designed for the more demanding clamp work in Irish conditions, offers an output of 250hp. This six-pot engine is complaint with the latest Stage V emission regulations. The after-treatment system uses a diesel particulate filter (DPF) and selective catalytic reduction (SCR). The SCR works by injecting AdBlue into the system to break down NOx into water and non-toxic nitrogen gas.
It’s fitted with a 300l fuel tank, which the Duggans explained will last for the majority of a busy day. Noel explained that he is happy with the available access to all service points, especially around the engine bay.
With a flow rate of 205l/min, the Duggans have been impressed with its flicking capacity on the pit.
The machine also features a wide-core radiator with an auto reverse fan. The fan can be set to automatically reverse at various time intervals. The dash eight model sees an extended engine oil service interval from 250 hours up to 500 hours.
Transmission
Up to the WA380-8, all Komatsu loaders for pit work Ireland has become accustomed to have been fitted with hydrostatic transmissions.
For example, the popular WA320-8 features an electronically controlled hydrostatic transmission comprising of one variable piston pump and two variable piston motors. At low speeds, both motors are engaged to provide high torque.
Meanwhile, at high speeds, a clutch cuts off the low-speed motor to eliminate drag. This fixed-ratio gearbox has a variable speed limiter. It has four speed ranges as follows: 1-13 km/h, 13 km/h, 19 km/h and 38 km/h.
However, with the WA380-8, it’s fitted with a four-speed automatic powershift transmission. This drive train is manufactured by Komatsu Hanomag at its factory in Hanover, Germany. First gear hits 6.6km/h, second gear hits 11.7km/h, third gear hits 20.9km/h and fourth gear hits 36.1km/h. Torque lock up is available in gears two to four only.
Cab, hydraulics and build quality
The cab on the WA380-8 is the same as the on in the WA320-8. This is a slightly bigger cab, with an upgraded layout, than the dash seven machines. One point Noel made was the loaders has a very impressive LED lighting package.
The WA320-8 features Komatsu’s own closed centre load sensing hydraulic system. With a flow rate of 205l/min, the Duggans have been impressed with its flicking capacity on the pit. Meanwhile, the steering system utilises a piston pump which has 137l/min at its disposal. The agri specification machine includes limited slip axles and the 800/65 R32 tyres.
It also includes extra weights, hydraulic upgrades, a high comfort seat, high-definition reversing camera, large bore hydraulic rams and a large oil cooler.
Noel was impressed with the loader’s strong build, especially around the main pivot point and Z-linkage. With this, he added that all components (especially on the underbelly) are well protected, which is vital when working on silage pits.
He also complimented the paintwork on his 2021 WA320-8 and the new loader, noting that both are very well finished. The WA380-8 has a lift capacity of over 12,550kg. The loader is also fitted with an auto greaser, a must-have according to Noel.
“We are delighted with the WA380-8. The power and capacity the machine offers to move big volumes of grass quickly is phenomenal,” Noel said.
“Even with the 16ft OCE silage fork on the longer 7ft tines fully loaded, the machine is very well-balanced and steady on the silage pit. It did take our loader driver a few hours to get a feel for the powershift transmission over the hydrostatic.
“It takes a bit of time to get your head around constantly using the brake, rather than the hydrostatic transmission where the accelerator acts more like an inching pedal. The cab is pretty much the same as what’s in the WA320. The only stand-out optional extra it has is the joystick steering.
“In a similar fashion to the change in transmission, it takes getting used to. Once you get the feel for it, you would find it hard to go back to the standard steering wheel,” he added.
“Based on Bertie’s previous history with Komatsu and McHale Plant Sales, we didn’t look beyond Komatsu when upgrading. The Komatsu loaders never let him down, and likewise, McHales were always on the end of a phone.
“We purchased the new WA380-8 with a two-year warranty, and a five-year service package.
“The machine has a telematics system, so when it gets close to requiring a service, McHales actually contact us, to see when the loader will be free to service.
“With this, for instance, if an error code flags up on the screen, McHales are able to remotely diagnose the issue and get us moving quickly again. They offer an excellent service, so we simply didn’t look anywhere else when buying a new machine,” Noel said.
Ability to clear big loads of grass quick.Comfort.Machine's weight and pit compaction capacity.Engine: 250hp, 6.69l six-cylinder KomatsuTransmission: Powershift transmission Hydraulics: Closed centre load sensing system (205l/min)Lift capacity: 12,550kgTyres: 800/65 R32Fuel tank capacity: 300lOperating weight: 19,915kg
Based in Broadford in Co Limerick, Noel Duggan is a second-generation contractor, and runs Duggan Agri Contractors alongside his brother Willie.
Their father initially started off the hire business, cutting hay for local farmers. Noel’s three sons – Patrick, Richard and James – are all also involved in the business.
Offering services for over 50 years, baling, slurry and reseeding has been the family’s main line of work. However, last year, the Duggans got the opportunity to takeover Bertie Cahill’s contracting business, which was predominately focused on pit silage.
Bertie was based just outside the town of Ballingarry, Co Limerick, which is 18km from the Duggans. The two families have been very good friends for 40 years, helping each other year in, year out.
The Cahills and the Duggans went into partnership on their first umbilical system back in 2011, with Bertie supplying the machinery, and the Duggans supplying the labour.
Between the slurry, helping each other out mowing and drawing silage, both contractors knew all of the farms they worked on – and farmers they worked with – very well.
With the transition, the Duggans purchased Bertie’s John Deere 9600i forage harvester, his Komatsu WA320-8 wheel loader, his four Broughan silage trailers and several tractors.
The agri specification machine includes limited slip axles and the 800/65 R32 tyres.
The relationship was so good between the contractors, that three of Bertie’s drivers, alongside his part-time summer staff, also went to work with the Duggans. This included his harvester, loader and mower drivers, which Noel explained made the transition seamless.
Komatsu WA380-8
Bertie had a long history running Komatsu loaders, all of which have been WA320 machines, since he moved from a Volvo L90, 15 years ago. Noel saw this, and was happy that the Komatsu was a reliable loader, noting the excellent backup service Bertie always got from McHale Plant Sales in Birdhill, Co Tipperary – the Komatsu importers.
During the season last year, McHale brought the Duggans out a demonstration WA380-8, with a 16ft OCE fork on the longer 7ft tines. After two days, the Duggans were seriously impressed, and decided to bite the bullet and buy the machine. However, they opted to hold onto the 2021 Komatsu WA320-8 they bought from Bertie just a few months previous.
“We decided to keep the WA320-8 because with the output of modern harvesters, I feel that it has gone beyond what loaders can handle. I see it there when we are finished a job, when you allow the time necessary to roll the pit and you are ready to head onto the next job, you could have up to 20 acres picked up if you had a second loader and left once the last swath was lifted.
The WA380-8, it’s fitted with a four-speed automatic powershift transmission.
“That doesn’t sound like much to many, but with the weather we get in this country, and the volume of grass that needs to be gathered, you need to have the firepower to be able to cope with it. When we buy a new machine, we are always looking to the future. And the trailer sizes contractors are buying aren’t getting any smaller,” he added.
Engine
The WA380-8 is equipped with Komatsu’s own 6.69l engine. The agricultural specification WA380-8, designed for the more demanding clamp work in Irish conditions, offers an output of 250hp. This six-pot engine is complaint with the latest Stage V emission regulations. The after-treatment system uses a diesel particulate filter (DPF) and selective catalytic reduction (SCR). The SCR works by injecting AdBlue into the system to break down NOx into water and non-toxic nitrogen gas.
It’s fitted with a 300l fuel tank, which the Duggans explained will last for the majority of a busy day. Noel explained that he is happy with the available access to all service points, especially around the engine bay.
With a flow rate of 205l/min, the Duggans have been impressed with its flicking capacity on the pit.
The machine also features a wide-core radiator with an auto reverse fan. The fan can be set to automatically reverse at various time intervals. The dash eight model sees an extended engine oil service interval from 250 hours up to 500 hours.
Transmission
Up to the WA380-8, all Komatsu loaders for pit work Ireland has become accustomed to have been fitted with hydrostatic transmissions.
For example, the popular WA320-8 features an electronically controlled hydrostatic transmission comprising of one variable piston pump and two variable piston motors. At low speeds, both motors are engaged to provide high torque.
Meanwhile, at high speeds, a clutch cuts off the low-speed motor to eliminate drag. This fixed-ratio gearbox has a variable speed limiter. It has four speed ranges as follows: 1-13 km/h, 13 km/h, 19 km/h and 38 km/h.
However, with the WA380-8, it’s fitted with a four-speed automatic powershift transmission. This drive train is manufactured by Komatsu Hanomag at its factory in Hanover, Germany. First gear hits 6.6km/h, second gear hits 11.7km/h, third gear hits 20.9km/h and fourth gear hits 36.1km/h. Torque lock up is available in gears two to four only.
Cab, hydraulics and build quality
The cab on the WA380-8 is the same as the on in the WA320-8. This is a slightly bigger cab, with an upgraded layout, than the dash seven machines. One point Noel made was the loaders has a very impressive LED lighting package.
The WA320-8 features Komatsu’s own closed centre load sensing hydraulic system. With a flow rate of 205l/min, the Duggans have been impressed with its flicking capacity on the pit. Meanwhile, the steering system utilises a piston pump which has 137l/min at its disposal. The agri specification machine includes limited slip axles and the 800/65 R32 tyres.
It also includes extra weights, hydraulic upgrades, a high comfort seat, high-definition reversing camera, large bore hydraulic rams and a large oil cooler.
Noel was impressed with the loader’s strong build, especially around the main pivot point and Z-linkage. With this, he added that all components (especially on the underbelly) are well protected, which is vital when working on silage pits.
He also complimented the paintwork on his 2021 WA320-8 and the new loader, noting that both are very well finished. The WA380-8 has a lift capacity of over 12,550kg. The loader is also fitted with an auto greaser, a must-have according to Noel.
“We are delighted with the WA380-8. The power and capacity the machine offers to move big volumes of grass quickly is phenomenal,” Noel said.
“Even with the 16ft OCE silage fork on the longer 7ft tines fully loaded, the machine is very well-balanced and steady on the silage pit. It did take our loader driver a few hours to get a feel for the powershift transmission over the hydrostatic.
“It takes a bit of time to get your head around constantly using the brake, rather than the hydrostatic transmission where the accelerator acts more like an inching pedal. The cab is pretty much the same as what’s in the WA320. The only stand-out optional extra it has is the joystick steering.
“In a similar fashion to the change in transmission, it takes getting used to. Once you get the feel for it, you would find it hard to go back to the standard steering wheel,” he added.
“Based on Bertie’s previous history with Komatsu and McHale Plant Sales, we didn’t look beyond Komatsu when upgrading. The Komatsu loaders never let him down, and likewise, McHales were always on the end of a phone.
“We purchased the new WA380-8 with a two-year warranty, and a five-year service package.
“The machine has a telematics system, so when it gets close to requiring a service, McHales actually contact us, to see when the loader will be free to service.
“With this, for instance, if an error code flags up on the screen, McHales are able to remotely diagnose the issue and get us moving quickly again. They offer an excellent service, so we simply didn’t look anywhere else when buying a new machine,” Noel said.
Ability to clear big loads of grass quick.Comfort.Machine's weight and pit compaction capacity.Engine: 250hp, 6.69l six-cylinder KomatsuTransmission: Powershift transmission Hydraulics: Closed centre load sensing system (205l/min)Lift capacity: 12,550kgTyres: 800/65 R32Fuel tank capacity: 300lOperating weight: 19,915kg
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