Business Rural Autumn 2021

84 | RURAL SERVICES » Pankhurst Contracting Contractors that stand the test of time Kelly Deeks P ankhurst Contracting has been in business for more than 30 years in North Canterbury, and has become known as an experienced operator which keeps itself one step ahead of the changing requirements of its clients. From Greta Valley, just north of Amberley, Pankhurst Contracting offers square balage and wrapping, direct drilling and cultivation, and post driving services to a majority long-term client base. “We always work as though we were working on our own farm,” says Ben Pankhurst. “We’re quite fussy, we like to see a good job done, and everyone looked after. As a result, we complete about 80% of our work for a steady client base.” He says Pankhurst Contracting takes great pride and pleasure in building and maintaining success- ful working relationships with its clients. Pankhurst Contracting’s fleet of modern plant and machinery has been developed to handle the ground conditions in the North Canterbury area, which include every type of soil from super heavy tarry country to river run shingle, and everything in between. About 60% of Pankhurst Contracting’s work is on flat to rolling country, the remainder is getting in to steeper country and hill country work, which included a lot of rock. Last year, Pankhurst Contracting added to its services and its fleet with a McHale Fusion Vario round baler. “That’s a completely new thing for us,” Ben says. “It means we’re baling and wrapping with one less tractor and one less labour unit, keeping costs down and providing service in a timely manner.” The round baler joins a range of modern equip- ment including three tractors, a custom drill, a roller drill, plough and disc equipment, and an individual bale wrapper. When ongoing drought conditions about five years ago saw many North Canterbury farmers turn to fodder beet as a cost-effective on-farm crop that can thrive in the dry, Pankhurst Contracting hit the ground running with a tractor running full auto steer. “We also run that auto steer on direct drilling and roller drilling, for more accuracy and less overlap,” Ben says. Regularly updating its machinery allows Pankhurst Contracting to save costs on time and fuel, as well as preserve soil structure with fewer passes required by more efficient gear. Cultivating about 1000ha per year, the company has run a set of 4500 Express Plus Speed discs for four seasons in harsh conditions, including heavily pugged winter green feed paddocks. “Their versatility has changed the way we work the ground,” Ben says.“They provide a much lower running cost for us and our customers.” Direct drilling is also a large part of Pankhurst Contracting’s work. With the knowledge and expe- rience to get it right, Pankhurst Contracting runs the modern machinery which has been developed to handle direct drilling in most conditions. Pankhurst Contracting has recently acquired an additional, larger Allen Custom Drill which is set to help the company to maintain its provision of timely service as demand continues to increase. Pankhurst Contracting specified a 4.5m machine with a 1200 litre fertiliser hopper that can handle one tonne of bulk fertiliser. “We have stepped things up with this new drill, ensuring we can continue to help local farmers to get their work done.” The old and the new: Pankhurst Contracting’s recently acquired Allen Custom Drill. Inset: Ford 8210 tractor and Vicon baler, their first setup 30 years ago. Amberley 03 314 9055 Ashburton 03 307 8027 Leeston 03 324 3791 Timaru 03 688 2179 A family owned and operated agricultural machinery business, Cochranes have been providing excellent customer service and support to South Island farmers and contractors for over 65 years. Like us on Facebook • Precision Machining • Fire Fighting Equipment • Aviation Accessories • Fabrication of new Equipment • General Engineering: Repairs - Modifications Welding of most metals Sheet Metal work Eagle Engineering Specialists in Machining & Welding eagle.eng@xtra.co.nz 03 314 6843 www.eagleengineering.co.nz ALL YOUR TYRE NEEDS | WHATEVER YOUR NEEDS 24 HOUR MOBILE FLEET SERVICES North Canterbury Tyre Services Ltd Phone Greg 027 491 1190 Office 0800 473 478 • Farmers • Contractors • Buses • Cars • Trucks • Loaders • 4X4 • Lawnmowers • Quads Local Business Serving the Local Area. • Daily Freight Run to Ch-Ch & Return. Ph: 0274 517 063 We look after your needs like we look after our own! 0274 321 581 (Bus) 03 314 4565 (H) • All agricultural and cultivation work • Direct drilling - Giant discing - Ploughing - Power harrow - Air seeding • All heading and windrowing requirements • Hay - Baleage - Straw Medium square, round, conventional. Double mower conditioners, wrapping. Individual wrapping, squares and rounds.