News What’s new at Logic Today!
Logic Goes to the races!
Logic has signed a deal to sponsor the racing yard of Steve Gollings near Louth in Lincolnshire. Steve is a successful independent trainer who has around thirty horses in training at any one time He runs the yard in partnership with Jayne, his wife - two people more committed to their beautiful horses would be difficult to find.
Steve has been a Logic customer for over 10 years.
“It wouldn’t be too much to say that without my Logic equipment, the yard wouldn’t run as efficiently and I wouldn’t be able to keep the horses’ training regimes going as successfully” says Steve. “When my previous yard sponsor decided not to renew his involvement, I felt there was a natural synergy with Logic, so I approached Malcolm (Hughes) with the idea”.
“With our interest in the Equestrian sector, I thought it was a great idea,” says Malcolm. “Steve is a committed professional who races all around the country. His horses are always beautifully prepared and turned out for the races and that fits with our ethic here at Logic. And the fact that he’s been a valued customer of ours for years is also a great bonus!”
At the races, Steve’s grooms are now sporting neat, stylish-yet-functional jackets with prominent Logic livery and the horses’ paddock sheets and coolers also feature the famous lozenge logo in the company’s colours.
Steve is also keen to contribute to Logic’s web presence with a blog which will record the highs (and lows!) of life as a busy racehorse trainer. This will be a fascinating insight into a world that those outside the racing fraternity would never normally see. For anyone interested in horses, it’s sure to be a ‘must read’ so watch this space!
L – R: Simon Beniams (Logic Manufacturing MD) Malcolm Hughes (LogicMH MD)
and Steve Gollings celebrate the deal at the yard
A string of Steve’s horses (complete with Logic livery) heading down the All-weather gallop to begin a training session
Silver fern Rally Result!
Well done to Willie and Alistair - a final position of 13th overall achieved! Watch out for a summary of the event from Willie himself in the next couple of days.
Willie and the LogicToday 911 RS. 13th place - a fantastic result!
Silver fern Rally
More pictures of the rally so far:
Willie looks ahead to the next stage. Decide for yourself what Alistair is thinking!
Nice wide gates here!
Service halt for the car.
Silver Fern Rally 2010
Willie Rutherford (Logic's founder) is again campaigning his fabulous Porsche 911RS in the marathon classic rally in New Zealand. So far, it's all going well, with Willie and co-driver Alistair Gilmour lying 14th overall after day 2.
photo: Geoff Ridder
The car has just been completely rebuilt and was driven by Willie for the first time just last Thursday (11th Nov). His quote:
"Stunning"
With over 1000km of special stages on the rally, Willie will have plenty of opportunity to see just how fast the LogicToday car can be. The rally ends on 20th and we'll keep you posted with news as and when we get it.
If you can't wait though, follow this link to the rally's web site:
http://www.silverfernrally.co.nz/photos/index.php
Contact 2000 produces remarkable results in new trial
New pictures released today (see below|) show the dramatic results that can be achieved using Logic’s ‘Contact 2000’ weed wiper. The machine has been in production for over ten years and is well-established already. But this new focus has come about when the machine came to the attention of the company’s marketing manager, Stefan Gemski.
“This is my third year with Logic and coming into the industry from a totally unrelated field meant that it has taken a couple of ‘annual cycles’ for me to see what an outstanding product we have here. In 2009, we decided to re-visit the Contact 2000 story and arranged to carry out some tests where we could easily photograph and evaluate the machine’s performance”
The site was chosen to demonstrate a number of challenges to the equipment and the test plot was treated on 13th August 2009. The weed chosen was bracken: a tenacious and invasive species with an interesting plant biology and life-cycle. The location, near Hawick in the Scottish Borders, was chosen as it presented difficult terrain: the particular hillside was used as a live bombing range in WW2, so not only is the ground steep but hidden beneath the covering blanket of bracken every so often are bomb craters about a metre deep. Beneath the bracken is a good covering of grass and the ground is typically grazed by sheep. Also significant was that the test site included a number of readily-recognisable landmarks which would assist in comparing ‘before and after’ photos. The equipment used was a standard 2.5m wide Contact 2000 weed wiper, towed by a suitable 4x4 quad supplied by Suzuki. The herbicide used was glyphosate. Chemical usage rate was approx. 2.5 litres/hectare of undiluted chemical (mixed in the tank to a ratio of 20 parts water to 1 part glyphosate as recommended by Logic) to tackle the dense infestation. Willie Kay, the Logic Scotland and NI Area representative, operated the machine and carried out four x 2.5m passes up and down the hillside resulting in a test strip of approximately 10m wide and 100m long. The time taken to complete the test plot was about 10 minutes (evidence taken from the time-stamp on the original photographs). This equates to a work rate over difficult terrain of approximately 0.6ha/hour and a chemical cost of £12.50/ha (@ £5/litre for glyphosate).
When he returned to the site on 23rd August 2010 to take the ‘after’ photographs, Gemski was extremely gratified to find a dramatic result. “I could immediately see that the machine had done a fantastic job at just one pass and without any further intervention by the landowner. All that remained was to find the exact spot we’d taken the original photographs from and let the pictures speak for themselves. Having said that, I did also walk over to the other side of the valley to take a few shots from there to show the striking appearance of the test plot from a distance. Given the terrain, it is difficult to imagine a more cost-effective method of treating the bracken problem here.”
Test in progress on site August 2009 Test site in August 2010
Close examination of the ground revealed that the kill of the primary growth had been all but total. Some growth from the bracken’s secondary rhizomes (which detach themselves from the ‘mother’ plant once they have established) was apparent, but at a rate of approximately 1% only. The underlying grass had not been adversely affected in any way. A further application to mop up the secondary growth would be required to prevent the secondary rhizomes re-establishing the infestation although this would usually be carried out in another year’s time (i.e. 2011). In subsequent years, maintaining the site would require ‘back-up’ treatment as and when necessary, as bracken also propagates via the spread of the plant’s wind-borne spores, so there will always be the possibility of a colony re-appearing. However, as the Contact 2000 only transfers chemical when it comes into contact with the weed plant, the cost of chemicals to maintain a bracken-free environment would be minimal, with operator time being the only significant component to the exercise. The RRP of a 2.5m Contact 2000 (not including the ATV) is currently £2385 + VAT and orders are now being taken for delivery in Spring 2011. Note that Contact 2000 units can be ‘ganged’ up to three units wide, increasing the working width to 7.5m.
Test plot from across the valley, showing remarkable results!
New Product
Reports in Scottish Farmer recently outlined how almost two thirds of Scottish farms surveyed by HSE are failing to operate ATVs safely. Contributing to this figure is the number of ATV operators who are not wearing appropriate safety headgear. Although this particular HSE study was restricted to Scotland, there is likely to be a similar picture throughout the UK and Ireland.
The Logic ATV032/3 is a brand new design and is the only dedicated ATV helmet which is currently compliant with HSE Agricultural Information Sheet No. 33 (AIS33).
ATV033 
ATV032
The helmet offers an open field of vision and an open ear design, allowing the wearer to use a mobile phone (where it is safe and within the law to do so) without having to remove it. Unlike most helmets wearing spectacles or sunglasses is very easy – even with the visor down. The new helmet is light, comfortable, convenient and stylish – thus dealing with the main reasons people cite for not wearing a helmet on an ATV.
Users report that the helmet is much better than using motorbike helmets, which are too heavy, restrict vision to the side and are much more enclosed.
The new helmets are significantly lighter in weight than the ATV helmet from Logic it replaces, taking advantage of advances in helmet technology since the previous design was produced 8 years ago.
Two shell sizes are available: small/medium (ATV032) and large/ex.large (ATV033). All come with a set of pad inserts to suit all usual head sizes.
40 Years of Logic
Hexham-based machinery manufacturers, Logic, are celebrating the 40th anniversary of the brand this year. Today the company is chiefly noted for its ATV equipment, which began production with the Logic General Purpose Trailer in the early 1980s. Although this legendary product made the company’s name, throughout the 1970s Logic was busy making a range of tractor-sized equipment, such as bale handlers and yard scrapers. These products were originally designed and built down on the family farm by Logic founder, Willie Rutherford, in Northumberland. What many people don’t realise now, however, is that Logic first burst upon the scene with a revolutionary new tractor design, which was featured on BBC’s ‘Tomorrow’s World’ in 1972. The Logic Tractor caused a stir in the tractor world by offering, amongst other features, 4-wheel drive and an independently-sprung cab – things which are now mainstream. Although never a commercial success, the principles embodied in the tractor became the hallmark which has been stamped on the company’s designs ever since.
To quote the Tomorrow’s World feature:
“Once the first logical step has been taken, the rest also follow logically, if not inevitably!”
The Logic Tractor and Willie Rutherford (left)
Willie Rutherford applied this approach when the very first ATVs arrived in the UK. These were 3-wheelers at the time (quads would be some time away yet!) designed for the leisure market in America. Willie and a few other visionaries realised that this funny little machine with the balloon tyres could revolutionise the working methods of hill farmers in particular. The first trailer model, the GPT, was born. This trailer had to be versatile, light weight (the early trikes weren’t very powerful) and extremely strong (hill farmers are seldom noted for their mechanical sympathy). The GPT ‘nailed it’ allowing farmers to get about the farm very quickly and easily and with the ability to carry ewes and lambs around as well. The advantages at lambing time proved to be justification in itself for the purchase of an ATV and trailer, but the combo’s continued excellent performance throughout the year, together with unrivalled low ground pressure characteristics, ensured its status as a necessity rather than a luxury on most farms.
The Logic GPT trailer and Kawasaki Trike
Thus a whole new industry was launched, with Logic and the major ATV manufacturers forging the way. The company has never looked back, bringing out a wide range of products which exploited the basic strengths of the ATV. When quads appeared, Logic was able to introduce products which required more power than the 3-wheelers could provide thus allowing the firm to consolidate and extend its position as the leader in after-market ATV equipment.
Logic has always enjoyed an excellent reputation for the quality of its products, with the designs governed by fitness-for-purpose and practicality, rather than fashion. And there are lots of 25 year-old Logic trailers out there which bear testament to that. Not only that, but the trailers are also one of the stars of Channel 4’s ‘Scrapheap Challenge’ where they cope uncomplainingly as the teams transport unfeasibly large chunks of scavenged metal back to their workshops.
The Logic STT Trailer - legendary 'Scrapheap' star!
Logic equipment reaches markets all over the UK from its manufacturing and North sales base in Hexham and its distribution centre and South sales base near Cheltenham. These two offices operate an extensive network of dealers right around the UK and Ireland, which gives the company an important geographical presence. The company is steadily increasing its exporting capability into European countries, where the products are finding some profitable niches.
Most of the company’s product range has been designed for ATV use, but the company (and owners!) quickly realised that this lightweight yet very strong equipment could just as easily be towed using a 4x4 or a pick-up – in fact anything with a standard 50mm tow ball. This enabled the company to branch out from its base market (agriculture) into equestrian, forestry, gamekeeping, municipal, horticulture, estate management and winter maintenance. The equipment’s virtue of low ground pressure gave customers the ability to still carry out work when conditions are not suitable for tractors – or even in those markets such as equestrian, where tractors are not the vehicle of first choice for many.
Today, the company’s product portfolio is impressive: everything from trailers, through aerators and mowers to sweeper-collectors and salt spreaders. This diversity has stood the company in good stead, such as when the agricultural market was floored by foot & mouth in 2002. The company was quickly able to switch its focus to other areas and profit levels did not suffer.
Logic is currently enjoying a significant spell of growth, with new facilities planned and new products on the drawing board in the dedicated R&D department. The company’s success has also been boosted by recent contracts from the MoD to supply trailers for military use.
Simon Beniams, the company’s MD says: “It’s a proud year for us. 40 years is quite an achievement, but we believe that customers value a company which has a long track record of quality and good service, so it also gives us a distinct competitive advantage too. We have a fantastic team of people, all dedicated to producing equipment which lives up to the standards of innovation, quality and integrity for which Logic first became renowned. We’re more enthusiastic than ever – it’s a challenging and exciting time in the industry and we’re looking forward to the next 40 years with relish.”
Logic LTA 'Terr-ator' aerator/slitter
Logic MFP Flail Mower
Logic MSP120T Horse Muck Collector (new in 2010)
New Product announcement!
The new Logic MSP120 ‘Pro-Sweep’ has been developed from our hugely successful MSC sweeper-collector. As part of planned paddock maintenance schedule, the MSP120 Pro-Sweep is used to quickly and effectively remove droppings and other debris, resulting in a healthier, more productive paddock. New features mean the Pro-Sweep is easier and lighter to use and more reliable than ever.
It is well-known that paddocks are kept free of droppings to reduce the worm burden and to promote better grazing: the British Horse Society recommends that removal of droppings should be done about three times a week. All horse owners will be aware just how back-breaking (and some would say, soul-destroying) this task can be. It can easily take up six hours a week – even in a small paddock. That time could be engaged in the more enjoyable aspects of horse ownership, such as spending more time with your horse. Logic experts reckon that using a Pro-Sweep can be up to ten times faster than tackling the task by hand. That six-hours-a-week task can be accomplished in less than an hour a week – and with all of the hard work removed. Even people who aren’t fit and strong can continue to care for their horse properly by collecting the muck – and many now find this previously laborious task a real pleasure, especially since the appearance of a clean paddock looks so much smarter when you’ve finished.
Features and benefits:
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1.2 metre working width
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Swivel tow hitch for safety
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Floating drawbar for light, easy hitching and more compact storage
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Remote throttle cable which is clipped onto the towing vehicle during use
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Throttle cable ‘park’ to prevent tangles when machine is not in use
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Easy to start Honda 5.5hp engine
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Mesh topped hopper visually indicates when hopper is full
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Mesh top easily removed for cleaning purposes
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Strong manual winch for easy hopper emptying
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Improved emptying height for easier midden production
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Easy-action height setting adjuster with locking stay
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Optional tine bar to assist with removal of stubborn dung piles
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Useful capacity hopper (equivalent to approx. 6 wheelbarrows)
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Large rear castor wheels for low ground pressure, stability and manoeuvrability
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Open-wheel design prevents mud build-up in wet conditions allowing all-year-round use
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Low ground pressure minimises damage to ground in wet conditions
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New low-maintenance main shaft bearings
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Useful for removing other debris such as twigs, leaves, acorns, grass clippings etc
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Improved mechanicals to drive system extends maintenance periods
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Lower maintenance suspension components
For full details and to see it working on video, click here to go to the product page.
Congratulations!
Congratulations go to Heather Sutcliffe from Yorkshire, who won a pair of heated handlebar grips in the 'New Year Giveaway' competition run by Farm 'n' Equine magazine. Heather wrote to say thanks - her husband has fitted them to the quad and she now "has no excuse not to go out and feed the sheep". So it looks like Mr Sutcliffe was equally pleased that Heather was a winner!
Well done Heather!
Welshman's Winning Ways!
…or should that be ‘Welsh Woman’s Winning Ways’? For it was Mrs Val Roberts who actually bought the winning ticket! But her husband Emyr will certainly be happy to put the new Logic Multi-feeder to work during the coming lambing season. The Logic Multifeeder was chosen by the National Sheep Association as the prize in a raffle for which tickets were sold at events and shows throughout 2008. The Roberts family were watching the video of the Multifeeder on the NSA stand when Bob Bladen urged them to buy a ticket “as they stood a lot better chance of winning than if they bought a lottery ticket!” So, Val took the plunge which ended in smiles as their winning ticket was later drawn from the hat at the Welsh Winter Fair by Sam Griffin, Logic’s Area Representative.
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Emyr (pictured with Val and daughter Laura) runs 400 Mule and Texel Cross ewes plus ewe lambs on his 180 acre farm at Llanfyllin, Powys.
The Logic Multifeeder represents the very best in feeding equipment, allowing farmers to feed exactly the right amount to the flock to bring them into the right condition for the lambing season. Another big plus for the equipment is that it stops feeding time becoming a scrum down as the sheep quickly realise they can all get a fair go at the feed drops, thus eliminating fighting. But perhaps the best thing in this day and age is that it makes the feeding process that much more efficient, and efficiency is the key to profitable sheep farming!
So, congratulations to the Roberts family, and thanks to the NSA for running the competition and the pictures!
Superb Indoor Equestrian Arena opens in Tyne Valley
Park End Equestrian Centre at Simonburn (netween Hexham and
Logic wishes Park End Equestrian every success with their brilliant new acquisition.
LogicToday gets up to speed in NZ!
Logic’s founder, Willie Rutherford, is now living in New Zealand. As well as still taking an active interest in the development of the company, Willie has recently returned to a former love - rallying! The purchase earlier this year of a classic 1973 Porsche Carrera 911RS has given Willie a creditable return to competitive motorsport in New Zealand’s Silver Fern Rally with an overall position of 10th in the rally and 2nd in class.
The Silver Fern is a marathon event of 8 days, with an average of six competitive stages each day - altogether nearly 1300 kms of competitive stage driving! Undaunted, despite not having rallied competitively since the 1980s, Willie and his co-driver, Chris Cunningham, brought the car up to competitive speed quickly. Back in the UK, the event has been avidly followed at the company’s HQ in Hexham, via the Internet. The rally has its own web site: silverfernrally.co.nz with daily results and blogs from the crews, so it has been easy to keep track of how the team have been getting along.
Some of Willie’s comments have been illuminating: “Taking a bit of getting used to this car, engine at the wrong end, steering wheel on the wrong side!” (this following the pre-event shakedown) ...and after SS47: “Can I do that again please. Mud brings out the farmer in me!”.
All Willie’s blog comments can be read at http://silverfernrally.co.nz/blog/2008/10/willie-rutherfordchris-cunningham. a resource which has helped Logic Team UK to follow the ups and downs (and round and rounds!) of the car and crew over the last eight days.
Pictured is the LogicToday car in full flight - a sight to stir the blood! It also proves that even after 35 years, something that is designed and built for the job and which is looked after well, is still a force to be reckoned with. Hey... that sounds like a good slogan for all Logic equipment!
Successful show season for Logic
The 2008 show season has been a great success for Logic. Between the Hexham and Cheltenham offices, over fifteen shows including the Royal Show, the Royal Highland Show, the Royal Welsh Show, and the CLA Game Fair are on the Logic calendar.
Despite all the hard work involved and the thousands of (cumulative) miles travelled it’s something that the firm feels is well worth while. Simon Beniams (Managing Director) was extremely enthusiastic after the Royal Highland Show in particular:
“It’s absolutely great to just be on the stand and talk to our customers about our products and how well they are received. Not only does it give us great feedback, which informs our on-going efforts to improve our products, we also get to know what our customers are looking for from us. The fact that we also manage to welcome new customers at the shows certainly helps as well!” he smiles.
The main Logic stand at RHS, 2008
Logic is looking to maintain and, if possible, improve its presence at shows. There are so many events that it’s simply impossible to get to them all. For many events, the firm supports a Logic dealer from the area by supplying equipment and personnel to augment the dealer’s own resources and it’s a model that works really well: the dealer benefits from the orders and Logic benefits from the aforesaid improvement in product exposure to a wide and varied audience. It goes without saying that the firm is looking forward already to a busy and profitable show season in 2009!
Seasonal Products
Here are quick links to products that are in use at this time of the year.
Product Downloads
Each product from Logic has or will have a brochure, manual and handbook available for download.