Impressive new machine to make mark in field of farm drainage

CERES-BASED draining contractors DT Stewart & Sons have just taken delivery of what is believed to be the first large new trenching machine to come to Scotland for many years.

The 22-tonne Mastenbroek 30-20 represents a substantial £ 300,000 investment by David Stewart and his brother Bob.

They are the third generation of the family to have been involved in the business and see the commitment to the new machine as being justified by the amount of farm drainage now being undertaken in Fife and beyond.

Fred Clarke of Mastenbroek confirmed this was a trend across the country.

Five years ago the Lincolnshire based f irm was making as few as five self-propelled trenchers annually, but this year it expects to make 15.

“I put it partly down to climate change and the need for better drainage during prolonged wet spells.

“Also l and prices have increased substantially and farmers want to make the most of every acre.

“We are seeing

this

right

the

northern

hemisphere,” he across added.

The Mastenbroek business was founded in Boston by John Mastenbroek in 1956 as an importer for Dutch machines.

Before l ong, however, he was manufacturing his own machines and the business now employs 40 staff.

David Stewart admitted the decision to buy a new machine was not an easy one but he was convinced there would be plenty of work.