When he couldn’t source an up-to-date NSTS testing kit for a customer, Mark Donsworth of Suffolk-based MDT (pictured) put one together himself – and they’ve been selling like hot cakes.
The new kit is an unusual departure for MDT, which is best known as a national supplier of wearing and mechanical parts and accessories. Inspired by this success, Mr Donsworth has added a wide range of sprayer parts to his inventory.
“There is definitely a demand for fast overnight supplies of spray nozzles, hoses, filters, couplings and protection kit,” he said, adding that the firm has also just become an agent for BFS’ innovative range.
“We always bust a gut to find kit quickly for our customers, no matter how rare or unusual,” Mr Donsworth said. “So when we were told that no current test kit existed, we just had to make our own.
“Although two other suppliers now offer them, they’re still flying out of the door. We’ve even added an orchard version.”
The National Sprayer Testing Scheme (NSTS) updated the specification of its testing kits, which all 600 qualified sprayer examiners need to have, in February 2014, and one of the main changes was the switch from horizontal to vertically mounted gauges.
Duncan Russell, who manages the NSTS at the Agricultural Engineers Association, said the Sustainable Use Directive was pushing rising standards for all vehicle-mounted sprayers – even those on ATVs.
“And, for the first time, amenity machines will have to be tested too, which is driving demand for testing services,” he added.
For more information visit: www.mdt-agri.co.uk.
