A new Kubota L1-452 HST tractor has joined the armoury at the Wiltshire Air Ambulance.
A charity that relies on generous donations from the public, Wiltshire Air Ambulance has been supported by local Kubota dealer Howard & Sons, who have gifted the brand-new Kubota tractor for the next two years.
The 45hp tractor, which is powered by the latest Kubota Stage V emissions legislation-compliant engine, will be used to transport the fuel bowser around the base for refuelling the helicopter.
It will also aid the upkeep of the charity’s land, with a 1.5m cut Kubota FA 1500 finishing mower used to cut the large final approach and take-off (FATO) area and the option for a snow plough in wintry conditions. The tractor’s hydrostatic transmission makes for ease of operation, while its 1750kg rear linkage lift capacity can be matched to a wide range of implements.
Devizes-based Howard & Sons is a family company which has been involved in the agricultural industry for three generations.
The business sells farm machinery and tractors across the UK and exports worldwide. Howard & Sons have been preferred Kubota suppliers for the past three years.
Sales Manager Jason Howard said: “Wiltshire is an extremely rural area and we know the air ambulance is regularly called out to incidents on remote farm land and involving machinery.
“We wanted to play our small part and, having spoken to the staff at the airbase, it was felt this new Kubota tractor will be important for their work.”
Wiltshire Air Ambulance ground base manager Richard Miller said: “We can’t thank Howard & Sons enough for their support with the gifting of this tractor, as well as taking care of its servicing and insurance.
“It will be a huge help to our team as we look to carry out our lifesaving service up to 19 hours a day, 365 days a year.”
Each year it costs £4 million a year to keep the air ambulance flying and the charity receives no regular direct funding from the Government or National Lottery grants.
