Interview with Chris Bailey.

Chris is one of the third generation of the Bailey family to be playing a role in the business, and has worked across all departments over his seven-and-a-half years here. We caught up with Chris and asked him a few questions…

When did you start in the business?
I’ve been with the company for seven and a half years.

Which areas have you worked in?
I started in the fitting shop and then moved into the finishing shop, moving on to the parts department then into sales. I also help run the laser. I’ve worked in all departments so that I understand the product inside – out.

What elevates a trailer from good to great?
Attention to detail, it’s all in those finishings, getting the small details right.

What helps Bailey maintain UK number one status for Ag trailers?
The fact that we’re still a family business is a big reason. Also, we never stand still, we just keep pushing to make the products better and better.

What is your ultimate Bailey trailer?
I like carting corn; I frequently help local farmers and contractors in my spare time. It would have to be a 16-tonne grain trailer with wide tyres, high vis strips, a hydraulic rollover sheet and air brakes which are a must. Another must would be mudflaps with reversing lights, I like to see where I’m going.

Should trailer wheel / tyre size increase to produce better compaction in the field / stability on the road?
Where they can yes. However, it’s not always possible to go bigger sometimes you have to have narrow tyres, for instance when running down potato rows.

Should trailers get any bigger?
Where they can yes. However, it’s not always possible to go bigger sometimes you have I don’t think trailers should get any bigger, but I think the weight that trailers are allowed to carry on the road should be increased. We’re building trailers today that people don’t take on the road or if they do take them on the road they don’t fill them, so, we don’t need bigger trailers we just need to be allowed to fill them.

What are the most common safety errors that operators should be aware of?
Not checking wheel nuts is one of the most common errors we come across, which, if you’re lucky, only costs a bit of money, if you’re unlucky it can be quite serious. Lack of grease, for some reason people don’t like to grease anything up. People turning too tightly forces the tractor tyres to rub against the drawbar, the drawbar becomes bent, especially when reversing around tight corners, that’s when the tractor tries to climb on top of the drawbar.

What would you like to see happen within UK farming?
Without getting too political, I’d like to see a lot more British grown produce being eaten and British made products being used in the field. I’d like to see our government help to make this happen, fewer imported goods would be very nice to see and a fair price paid to our farmers.

Finally, you’re going on a road trip and can pick your vehicle and destination. What is the vehicle and where are you going?
I’m in a tractor with the dogs, it’s a Fendt 942 and we’re going farming in Yorkshire.

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