Manufacturers are reporting continually long lead times on new slurry tankers with LESS equipment.

Buyers can expect to wait anywhere from nine to 12 months for new orders to arrive, with delivery times for higher-specification custom-built machines running as far out as 14 months.

The price of steel, the availability of components and the shortage of skilled labour were the common issues from our catch-up with Irish slurry equipment manufacturers, with tanker prices having increased by up to 25% in the last year alone.

The availability of steel doesn’t seem to be an issue in the sector at present, but manufacturers say volatile prices are making it continually difficult to price ahead. Component pricing also continues to be unstable, but availability of certain components to finish batches of machines seems to be more of a worry.

Eoin Keane – HiSpec Engineering, Co Carlow

“The lead time on a standard-specification single-axle tanker is currently around 40 weeks. This increases to 13 months for tandem- and tri-axles or for any unique specification units. To put lead times into perspective, we are only fulfilling orders from this time last year now. That said, orders have eased slightly in the past couple of months.

“Across the board, the price of every tanker has increased 25% on this time last year, which to an extent has probably quenched demand. With the lag between orders and production, we won’t see this reduction in production until at least this time next year.

“While it’s good having full order books, 2021 was a tough year with relentless steel price increases. We’ve had to absorb the increased manufacturing cost as all prices were set upon order.”

Frank Flynn – Redrock Engineering, Co Armagh

“Tanker sales are extremely busy. We are currently selling in the region of 20 units each day, with machines being split 50-50 for the home and export markets. Demand is continuing to outweigh supply. Depending on the size and specification of a tanker a customer is looking for, the lead time is in the region of nine to 10 months. We build a select range of dribble bars ourselves, but also source such equipment from AgQuip, Mastek and Vogelsang, depending on customer requirements.

“Waiting times for dribble bars is considerably less, currently trending at around 12 weeks. Approximately 80% of new tankers are being fitted with LESS equipment (mostly dribble bars), while the rest are being plumbed so that such units can be fitted at a later stage. As things stand, we won’t be implementing any price rise for 2022.”

Eibhlin Murphy – Major Equipment, Co Mayo

“Sales of LESS equipment are remaining as busy as ever. At present we are building machines for the Irish and the UK markets, with lead times currently standing at around 12 months. TAMS II grant aid funding is continuing to be the driving force behind a lot of the investment in Ireland. The majority of new tankers are being fitted with dribble bars (60%), followed by trailing shoes, while some of the specialised operators are going down the shallow disc injection route.”