Following years of research and development and identifying key markets, Blaney Motor Company has launched two new wheel loader concepts.
In the current climate, many manufacturing companies are leaving the Ballymena area, but Sean Blaney who heads up Blaney Motor Company and other divisions within the Blaney Group, including Quad-X and Blaney Agri, has great confidence in the local labour force and is positive the range of loaders will be exactly what the end users require.
It's a bold move for the young business based just outside Ballymena, at Ahoghill, as it has not only launched new products but also a new brand and manufacturing division. The company is striving ahead with a full range of these loaders designed for both the agricultural and construction industries ahead of a full product launch later this year.
The theme running throughout the new range of Blaney telescopic loaders and wheel loaders is that they are designed to be compact, weighing under 3.5 tonnes and small enough to transport from site to site on a small trailer. They are ideal for many uses in the agricultural industry, equestrian, amenities, landscaping, construction, self-build and road works sector.
Launched on the stand was the TH1 15-48, a compact telehandler with a lifting capacity of 1.5 tonnes and a reach of 4.8m. It is powered by a 50 horsepower engine and uses a hydrostatic transmission with a four wheel drive lockable differential if required.
The second concept to be launched at the show was the L1 10-27 which is a compact wheel loader with a lifting capacity of one tonne and a reach of 2.7m. This time the engine is rated 40hp and the unit has a hydrostatic transmission with four wheel drive limited slip differential.
The team at Blaney Motor Company will now sit down to fine tune their creations in time for the product launch. The inspiration for the range has come from years of researching the specific target markets by Sean and his design team.
Mr Blaney said: "It's very clear today that many of the big agricultural companies out there just keep on buying smaller businesses over and this is harmful as it closes doors and sees many people lose their jobs. We are progressing forwards with our own strong brands and are committed to making our business work in Northern Ireland. Our goal is to offer machines that will appeal to a wide range of end users."
Alison Duncan, Dealer Development Manager is excited by the opportunities these new machines offer the industry. She tells us, "We have identified a number of requirements from operators in the construction, agricultural, landscaping, and plant hire industries. These requirements centre around a range of smaller wheel loaders that are compact yet powerful, efficient and reliable. The machines we wish to develop will have specific focus on the under two tonnes lift capacity."
With Blaney's experience in the attachment sector they will offer a range of off-highway vehicles that are multipurpose and versatile, by offering a wide range of attachments. With a focus on more niche attachments such as mowers and side discharge cement mixers these machines will suit a wide range of applications, offering complete solutions to various customers.
Given their track record there is a lot more to come from this innovative company in the near future. Further specific information on the range will be available ahead of the product launch later this year.
Over the next few months the Blaney Motor team are keen to discuss the concepts with end users to further tailor the machines. Blaney Motor Company will also be looking to develop a network of dealers to represent the brand and a growing range of vehicles in the near future.
