That’s Farming editor, Catherina Cunnane, in conversation with Adrian Malanaphy, director at M-Tec Engineering. We discuss the firm’s newest release, its livestock trailer.
“I am from Swanlinbar, Co. Cavan, and we are a third-generation farming family. Farming has always been a part of our family traditions.
We currently farm beef cattle on a small scale with around 35 head, whilst running M-Tec Engineering, which designs, engineers, and manufactures a wide range of trailers for both domestic and commercial use.
The company was founded in 2020 by myself, Danny and Therese Malanaphy.
We currently have 13 employees, and we hope to continue to grow the company. As we come from an agricultural background, we felt there was a demand for high-quality, affordable trailers on the Irish market.
Our aim is to build a sustainable company that manufactures the highest quality trailers in Ireland.
For the purpose of this article, we will tell That’s readers about our most recent product release, the M-Tec Livestock Trailer.
Livestock trailer
The livestock trailer is 12ft long by 6ft wide with twin axles. After completing significant market research, we determined that this trailer layout was one of the most in-demand and versatile sizes on the market.
Our trailer comes standard with a dividing gate, spare wheel, heavy-duty aluminium loading gates and full LED lighting.
It has a gross towing capacity of 3.5 tonnes, with the trailer itself weighing in at 1.2 tonnes.
Extras on this trailer include a slurry collection tank, closed bottom vents, side flaps, aluminium mudguards and an interior light.
The chassis of the trailer is made from steel which has been fully galvanised.
The side panels and other componentry are made from aluminium to keep the weight down. The aluminium used is a high-grade 5754 H22 alloy, giving it additional strength.
We have constructed the trailer with strength and durability at the forefront of the design. We have utilised a parabolic suspension to ensure smooth transport for livestock, and 3mm thick sidewalls throughout, which enhances the overall strength of the trailer.
Manufactured in Ireland, the trailer has 3mm thick sidewalls, LED taillights and a well-designed parabolic suspension to allow ease of towing.
Standard features include front flaps for easier towing, a slurry tank built into the floor and an adjustable dividing gate.
Based in rural Ireland, we pride ourselves on manufacturing high-quality trailers in Ireland for Irish farmers. Our business prides itself on being a sustainable and innovative company.
We manufacture our trailers in-house. The only part of the process we outsource is the galvanising.
Weight, target market and price
With the additional strength of the trailer, we have had to compromise the weight very slightly.
This trailer comes in at approximately 1,200kgs which is more than others available on the market.
It would suit any farmer – cattle or sheep – who requires a trailer that will endure all the rigorous demands of farming.
We have designed this trailer to help farmers with their everyday tasks. We also are aware that it is a costly investment in a new cattle trailer, hence why we have ensured it is built to last.
As I come from a farming background, I have thought of all the constraints in the current livestock trailers on the market.
I am proud to be able to produce this Irish-made livestock trailer for the Irish farmer.
Standard pricing starts from €8,000 + VAT, which includes a dividing gate, spare wheel and bracket, run on a parabolic suspension.
Depending on where the farmers are located, they can purchase directly from us or from our 15 dealers located across the country. It will be available from late October/to early November.
Plans
Our immediate plans are to concentrate on building our standard product range.
This includes the sheep decks for our 12ft trailer, but also a 14ft triple axle livestock trailer. We will continue to ensure quality is at the forefront of our core values and deliver new products to Irish farmers.
Moreover, we hope to design and release sheep decks for the trailer so we can enter new markets and appeal to the sheep farmers of Ireland also.”
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