What is a Machinery Ring?


A Machinery Ring matches surplus machinery and labour capacity on some farms with a shortage on other farms. For a Supplier, this form of "Contracting" reduces the major costs of machinery ownership - interest and depreciation - on a per acre or per hour basis. Conversely, the Demander does not need to own the entire range of machinery required on his farm, thereby reducing his fixed costs. Most members are Suppliers of some operations and Demanders of others, allowing them to more fully utilise the machinery they own.

Farmers, contractors, self employed labour and any other business are all eligible to join the Ring.

There are ten Machinery Rings in Scotland with over 3,500 members between them.

How does the Machinery Ring operate?

The Ring is the members contact for all requests. Our job is to match requirements with services available. With such a large number of members and machines, requirements are almost always met, especially when booked in advance.

The Demander telephones his local Manager and tells him the service he requires, when he requires it, and if he has a preference for who undertakes the work. The Manager has all necessary information on computer, and will quickly be able to know all the members having this service available and how far away they are from the Demander. If no preference has been expressed as to who will do the work, the nearest will be tried and so on until a supplier can be found to do the job.