Malone Shake N Rake: ​

• Entrusted with responsibility to lead a research and design project combining a hay tender and rake in the same product. I produced one prototype, and oversaw it being tested by agricultural contractors and private farmers during the summer of 2014. In the testing phase, I was responsible for ensuring full adherence to the budget and examining any potential faults found. from which modifications would be carried out and re-testing would occur soon after. I developed a second prototype that was used for comprehensive testing during the 2015 summer silage season.

• Apart from researching and developing the innovative combination machine I was also responsible for the design and testing of a whole new range of grassland products that were total new to the company. These include standard tedders and rakes that utilise imported driveline components coupled with a chassis designed by myself and manufactured in-house.

• Carried out extensive research into tedders and rakes worldwide, and focused on ways I could bring about design improvements for these products on their own as well as how they might be combined together into one effective product.

• Liaise with colleagues throughout the company and select testers as I produced each new iteration.

• This role required me to analyse and minimise risk and to test all design elements thoroughly before putting them to use. I refered to European safety standards and protocols at all times.

• Apart from the research and design project, I was also responsible for developing and managing relationships with an array of suppliers, including Frandent and Betuzzo in Italy. Constantly seeking out new suppliers who may offer cost-saving benefits or enhanced supplies to the company.

• The development of a custom gearbox drive was completed with Star Gearboxes. I designed the gearbox layout and ratios. They supplied us with working prototypes. It was really satisfying to get to design a custom gearbox.