RELIABILITY BREEDS SUCCESS
Tom Ward of Tom Ward Fencing started out working on his family farm before spending 7 years at Case Paxtons in Durham as an engineer.
Like most farming folk, he could turn his hand to multiple tasks with fencing being one of them and it became increasingly obvious that there was a business opportunity out there. Tom took the plunge and has never looked back.
Machinery and Materials
Tractors were not a problem and Tom used a Case MX110 from the farm. He put a Quickfencer on the
front which gets used most days and a swing round post driver up behind. “However, within 18 month the post driver was knackered,” said Tom. “A new hydraulic clamp Quickfencer has just been ordered.” “A lot of contractors around here have Bryce post drivers,” added Tom.
Tom Emmerson had one and told Tom to go for the big one, the Magnum XL.
“I’ve had it 2 years now,” said Tom “and it is absolutely faultless. It is still as tight as the first day I used it, a true testament to the build quality, finish and attention to detail. Apart from grease, the only item I have required in these two years is one hammer rope.”
“Most of my fencing is stock fence and post and rail. I always try to incorporate quality timber and wire products but of course this is dependent on what the customer is willing to pay. Creosoted timber would be my first choice however, if customers are on a budget, I try to reinforce the point that if posts decay and rot within a few years of being installed, then it would cost them more money again to get them replaced.
“As a contractor, there is nothing worse than having to replace failed timber in a fence that is only a few years old. When you are on a busy schedule erecting new fences it’s not particularly cost-effective but has to be done. As the old saying goes whether it be man, materials or machine, reliability breeds success.”
Labour & Big Decision
“Although I had two part-timers to call on, they were not always available due to my increasing workload. These two guys could not be expected to down tools and run to me every time I called them at short notice.”
Tom explained how he felt he was in danger of letting customers down but that how sometimes in life, opportunity and solutions appear out of the blue. That solution was the opportunity to purchase a Bryce Fencemaster.
Tom went on “This was a gamechanger. It saved a man and I could easily transport materials and go anywhere
“When word got out regarding my new purchase,” added Tom, “the bush telegraph got to work resulting in calls from new customers for fencing within a 40 mile radius covering County Durham, Newcastle and Northumberland.
“Since purchasing the Fencemaster my orders have nearly doubled simply because I have an outfit that can answer the call on any terrain.
“The Fencemaster with the Bryce Magnum XL is like a giant advertising billboard for me. Some other guys haven’t got the tackle to cover and deal with what gets thrown at me. How many times have I heard customers say “You’ll never get there” or “You’ll never get that in”, only for me to confound them all when they see the outfit in action.”
Going forward, Tom has his eyes set on a Bryce 180 Pro as another weapon in the toolbox and, although he would not be able to drive both machines at once, he would be able to keep two customers happy at the same time.
“A few days here, a few days there kind of thing!” said Tom.
Tom concluded “Bryce equipment does more than it says on the tin. Their machines are all well honed outfits, beautifully designed and expertly built. The auto tele mast, side- shift, backshift and quad-shift combination is a real beauty and the rock spike system is extremely powerful.
“When I was employed by Case Paxtons I saw an awful lot of what could be classed as quality brands but in all honesty, the Bryce build and weld quality is above every single one of them. I guess that is why they are members of the Guild of Mastercraftsmen.
“With my experience of other equipment and post knockers, and what other Bryce owners say locally and on social media, I can only conclude “ the Bryce is the very best of the best”
T. Ward Agri Services
Tel : 07595 062783
