In the latest instalment of our long-running series that takes a peek inside the nation’s machinery sheds we head to Rutland contractors Robert and Roger Mills.

How did you get started?

When we left college we both came back to work our 200ha family farm and started doing some contracting work on the side.

We started off pretty small and had to spend a lot of time patching up our old kit to keep going.

See also: Best of our What’s In Your Shed series

Eventually, were got more work and people started coming to us rather than us having to chase around for work.

How loyal are you to different brands?

We were very loyal to John Deere for tractors, but last year we bought a Fendt for the first time. However, our two main tractor drivers prefer the Deeres so it’s unlikely we’ll have another.

We’re also on our fifth Claas combine and we’ll probably stick with them.

However, when it’s time to change we always take a look at what other manufacturers have to offer.

Who is your favourite dealer?

Sharmans is our closest John Deere dealer and it provides a good all-round service.

Chandlers also has a really good fitter who’s always in my yard by 7am if there’s something that needs sorting.

Our Claas dealer, Marsh at Sleaford does a great job too and they always turn up when required, even though they’re a 45min drive away.

Favourite piece of kit?

The Claas Lexion 770 when it’s cutting 80t/hr with no losses and the carters can’t keep up – it’s an awesome sight.

The Rogator sprayer comes a close second though – it’s so smooth to drive you could happily travel at 20kph, if you were able to spray that fast. Its only real downside is weight and you can make some big ruts if you’re not careful.

If conditions are poor we’ll just go out with 1,000-litres in the tank at a time.

Least favourite piece of kit?

Anything that breaks down outside its warranty.

What’s your latest purchase?

We’ve just bought a second-hand JCB Loadall 535-95 from a local contractor.

It’s a 2007 model, has only clocked up a genuine 600 hours and is in near perfect condition.

We already had a 7m machine and have been surprised how useful it’s been having the extra reach of a 9.5m boom.

Oldest machine still at work?

The oldest machine that’s still doing regular work is our 1988 Frazier Agribuggy 2D.

We bought it a few years ago and converted it to a self-propelled slug pellet applicator.

We kept the old sprayer frame and mounted two stocks pelleters on the back, which we can lift up and down for easier filling.

It’s much more comfortable than a quad bike or standard buggy and was a good bit cheaper, too.

We upgraded the original Ford 1.6-litre engine to a 1.8 – litre turbo and it goes really well now.

How long do you keep your machines?

All mainline machines stay for five years as that’s generally when the warranty runs out.

However, we often end up trading some kit in earlier if we take on more land and need something bigger. We’ll keep implements until they start showing signs of wear.

What’s next on your wishlist?

We’re expanding our area all the time so there’s always a shopping list.

At the moment we’re in the market for another 240hp tractor, a Lexion 780TT for next harvest and a new fertiliser spreader.

Most embarrassing machinery mistake?

We bought a Vaderstad Concorde tine drill a couple of years ago when we had a wet season and we couldn’t get the Rapid to work.  

However, the tines were too close together and it got completely bunged up with straw and soil.

We only managed to struggle through 3 acres before we had to abandon it.

Luckily we managed to sell it to an exporter for £7,500, which is what we paid for it.

Favourite job/least favourite job?

Combining and drilling are probably our favourites. Power washing is the worst so we try and avoid that.

What’s your everyday transport?

We’ve got an Isuzu Rodeo and a Ford Ranger.

Both have been pretty good, but the Ranger seems massive compared with the Isuzu.

Best tractor you’ve ever had?

Any of the 7000 and 8000 series Deeres we had in the 90s.

They were bomb-proof powerful, tractors that were definitely ahead of their time.

If we had to pick one it would be the 8200. It had bags of power, was really reliable and it flew along with our 3.6m Simba discs.

Worst tractor you’ve ever had?

Before we switched to John Deere we had a 1991 Massey Ferguson 3630 that was a complete nightmare.

We had it for three years and it had several problems including a £2,000 gearbox repair just after the warranty ran out.

Biggest machinery bargain?

We bought a low loader for £2,000 and were offered £4,000 for it a week later – it had to go.

Biggest myth about machinery?

Claimed fuel consumption figures.

As a contractor I need to know my cost per operation, so I’m always checking consumption figures for each job.

I’ve got a John Deere and Fendt, both with similar power, and there are considerable differences in the amount of fuel they use.

Surprisingly we find the Fendt uses more.

Any machinery toys/classics lurking in the shed?

Dad’s got an immaculately restored Fordson Super Dexter and a coupe of old ploughs.