B.C. Wilson is a specialist lime spreading contractor offering both blanket and variable rate spreading., a business. Operating in a 150-mile radius of their north Yorkshire base, Bruce Wilson has been offering application services and lime sales since 2001 after purchasing the business from an existing contractor. 

Operating predominately as an owner-operator service, Bruce applies lime and mineral products using a Gustrower 36m spreader mounted on a MAN TGM 13.290 4X4 chassis. Other services include ATV-based spraying, grass harrowing, weed wiping and Avadex application. During the winter months, the business provides snow clearance and gritting services for commercial clients. 

In addition to field applications, Bruce also offers soil sampling services using a Magictec sampling system mounted on a Honda Pioneer UTV, which he imported from America. This service allows the business to accurately assess and record nutrient levels in soils and generate field-specific application maps for nutrient application alongside work for agronomy businesses.  

Annually, he provides services for an average of 50 different customers, with typical daily work rates of lime application of between 200-250 tonnes.  

When asked what he believes have been key to his success, Bruce explains regular communication is appreciated by his customers as he can plan his workload around their cropping 

“I endeavour to keep my prices as competitive as possible and I do this by having good relations with my suppliers/agents/quarries,” he says. “I also look for other products that may be more cost effective.”  

Equipment efficiencies also figure throughout his daily work and include the installation of a weigher to the telehander to help calibration of products that are loaded onto the spreader and a Centralised Tyre Inflation System to help reduce compaction, reduce tyre wear, increase comfort and also reduce fuel consumption.