Replacement wearing parts supplier Agricast enjoyed a record first half of this year with its press rings, disc blades and subsoiler wear parts.

Sales of the company’s 2019-launched press roll rings (direct replacement for many existing packers) doubled during the first six months of this year. The Low Disturbance Xtra (LDX) system for subsoilers is another product that has increased in popularity.

“We added tungsten protection and high chrome hard-facing in 2019 to ensure maximum wear life for the wings, which has made the system even more popular with farmers,” says Agricast managing director William Robinson.

The interchangeable tungsten wings on the LDX are available in 125mm and 175mm widths for OSR establishment or traditional subsoiling. The legs are available in 12mm or 20mm thick Hardox500, and can be supplied with an optional top cutter.

Mr Robinson believes the changeable weather, ever-increasing prices of OEM parts and a change in working practices brought on by the Coronavirus pandemic have contributed to the company’s success during the first half of this year.

“I think Coronavirus has meant many people are planning further ahead in the knowledge that delivery could take a little longer than usual. The unpredictable weather has also had an impact, with rapidly drying spring conditions causing more wear to some part. As well as getting lots of repeat business from existing customers, we’ve seen lots of new customers placing orders, which is obviously, very pleasing. Despite everything that is going on, we have had a very pleasing start to 2020.”

Established in 1987 and based on the family’s Lincolnshire farm, the majority of business is done in the UK, but overseas orders are also on the increase with parts heading off to Finland, the Czech Republic, South Africa and the USA.

Designing, manufacturing and selling a wide range of agricultural parts, Agricast has seen sales increase by over 50% year on year. The company also offers bespoke alterations and fabrication services.