New company sees the return of a familiar brand

TRACTORS Pratt brothers launch Cavan Autotrac business

Cavan Farm Machinery Show will announce the arrival of the county’s newest agri-machinery business - Cavan Autotrac.

Although Cavan Autotrac is only a matter of weeks old, the young men behind it, Richard and James Pratt, have a surprising wealth of experience. The pair have been reared in the trade, working for their father Clive at Pratts Garage in Derrycramph.

Richard has been with Pratts Garage for 12 years while James has four years under his belt.

“We thought, if we are going to start a business, we may as well start now,” explained James of their decision.

To mark the launch of Cavan Autotrac, the Pratts have revived the family partnership with the respected Zetor brand. James recalls his father stocked the Czech Republic made tractors at the turn of the century when they proved very popular. The crash in 2008 saw the brand leave the Irish market, however Zetors continued to produce tractors and machinery for the global market. Their return to the Irish market in recent years has seen them quickly re-established a foothold. The company's proud heritage extends back some 75 years.

“It’s the same factory, same people making them,” James assured.

The Pratt brothers are delighted to sign up with a respected company which they fondly recall from their youths.

“It’s a brand that would still be familiar with a lot of farmers throughout the country. We took a look at the product and were very happy, and decided to go with them,” said James, adding that they are the sole Zetor suppliers for Counties Cavan and Monaghan.

“Zetors have expanded their portfolio over the past few years - they cover everything now from 25hp to 170hp.”

He believes the latest iteration of the Zetor Crystal tractor will pique the interest of those at the Cavan Equestrian Centre next week.

“It would have been a very popular name in the late ‘80s, and ‘90s,” he says of the Crystal. “It would have been the first really big four-wheel tractor at the time.

“Everyone still remembers the original Zetor Crystal, and now they have added it back to the portfolio it will be something recognised and remembered fondly.”

While the Zetor range extends up to the 170hp, which may appeal to the large dairy farmer or contractor, James says the brand's target market chimes neatly with the typical farmers of this area.

“Much of their product range would cater for 80–140hp, which would suit most midlands farmers. Their most popular model in this region would be the Proxima 110 or 120hp.”

Within that there is a massive choice of spec available, from mechanical transmissions, to electric shuttle transmissions.

“There’s something to cater for everyone in the market,” enthused James.

He emphasises they continue to stock a wide range of other products beyond Zetor - such as the Isuzu commercial vehicle range, the Haihong and Schaffer loaders.

DNA

“Something for everyone” could also be the motto for the Cavan Farm Machinery Show and James is delighted to return.

“This is our first event as Cavan Autotrac,” he says, but notes his father has been attending from the show's commencement.

“Richard and myself would have been involved in it from when we were young lads. I remember leaving school to go out to it, put on a shirt and stand with a booklet and chat to people. That’s how I got the love for the sales side of it definitely - we were both brought up in that environment.

“When you are growing up in a family business, you learn about it, it is part of your DNA, it’s second nature to you.”

Head along to the Cavan Autotrac stand to catch a look at the impressive Zetor range.