Does this ring true?

“It is not always recognised that agricultural engineering is equal to other engineering disciplines. Too frequently, agricultural engineering is looked upon, not as a profession, but rather as a trade not far removed from old-time tinkering”

The words come from the Editor of Farm Implement and Machinery Review in the Royal Show issue of July 1966.

The magazine (published from offices in the Strand, London, phone CENtral 6565 and costing 2s 6d), runs to 147 pages and contains 121 adverts from farm machinery manufacturers and suppliers. Of those, less than a dozen are around today.

Our industry has changed out of all recognition over the past 50 years or so. We rightly point to all the sophisticated gadgetry that adorns todays machinery. Technology that simply did not exist in 1966.

But have perceptions changed? That’s the real question.

I was talking to the MD of a major dealer group the other day. The company has a motor franchise as well as ag and turfcare. Was it easier to recruit technicians for the service department of the car dealership? No question, he said, they know what they going into. Those who do not come from a farming background feel uncomfortable and unsure about committing their future to ag -they feel like outsiders in unknown territory.

So how do we ensure a sufficient flow of recruits into our industry in the future? That was the nub of the challenge outlined by David Kirschner addressing the audience at the opening of the highly impressive CLAAS Academy this week.

In a worrying reprise of that Editorial from 50 years ago, David said “Our industry can make and market products with the ultimate professionalism, but fails to sell careers that have more USPs and benefits than competitive engineering sectors”.

Nonetheless, it has much to be proud of and progress is being made.

In recent months, LE-TEC (Landbased Engineering Training and Education Group) group comprising AEA, BAGMA and IAgrE has agreed detailed standards for new industry Apprenticeships. So well worked out were they, that the Plant and Construction sector have ‘piggybacked’ onto the final scheme providing a beneficial link between two different but complementary industry sectors.

“At this point, we are ahead of the game when it comes to apprenticeships and training. We are world class” said David “Now all we have to do is achieve the same recognition from potential recruits”

And that means inevitably, punching above our weight. One sobering statistic is that the landbased engineering sector employs around 27,500 people, half of whom work in customer support.  Jaguar Land-Rover alone employs 37,000 people in the UK
.

Having done much of the spade work, LE-TEC supported by manufacturers, dealers, colleges and others needs to push its head above the parapet in order to be heard alongside all the other competing engineering sectors such as automotive, marine, aerospace, mining, railways, the armed forces et al.

The real danger is that without a concentrated push, without promotional initiatives, we will be left behind and in danger of only being able to choose from the under-achievers in the educational system.

Our industry is slowly starting to be heard more regularly in the corridors of power. Through LE-TEC it is developing teeth as witnessed by a recent Government reversal of a previous decision on apprenticeships.  A new recruitment brochure featuring achievers from within our industry is scheduled for publication in the New Year.

In the meantime, it behoves everyone in the ag, turfcare and related industries to grab every opportunity to promote their industry, their business, their people, the opportunities – and the ‘can-do’ spirit that has always been part of our DNA.

Last word to David Kirschner “We must never lose sight of the wonder and diversity of our industry, manifestly demonstrated through its people, but it is time to think outside the box”


Service Dealer editor Steve Gibbs is away at a press conference today

DEALER OF THE YEAR AWARDS - 

ENTER NOW! Nominations must close this coming Tuesday, October 10th.

Have you got your entry in yet for our Dealer of the Year Awards?

If not, don’t worry you still have time - but entries must end this coming Tuesday, October 10th. Don’t forget that like last year dealerships are able to nominate themselves.

Our core awards will recognise Dealers of the Year across the Garden, Professional Turfcare, Farm Machinery, Forestry Equipment, and ATV/Quad sectors.



Once again the finalists for the Dealer of the Year awards will be assessed via feedback from the most important people to your business - your customers. 

Once you are entered into the competition we will send you a link which you could email to your customers which will take them to a page on our website where they can submit comments in favour of your dealership. We will also provide you with a logo you can add to your own website and a Word document you can print off and hand out at your premises.

So don’t delay, click here to get your dealership in the running.

SERVICE DEALER CONFERENCE

'The Challenge of Change: Embracing & Adapting To A Changing Market'

Make sure you don't miss out on what is set to be the dealer event of the year by booking your place now.

The outline of this year’s Conference has been announced – and it promises to be a fascinating and educational day with more expert speakers that ever before.

You can find out all about our lineup of speakers here.

A popular addition to the format last year, which shall return in Novemeber, are the Breakout Sessions offered to delegates. These allow you to become more deeply involved in subjects that are close to you and your business - getting invloved in the debate in a smaller group.

Click here to book your tickets.

CLASS UK officially opened its new training Academy on Wednesday 4 October when the Mayor of St Edmundsbury, Councillor Terry Clements, cut the ceremonial ribbon accompanied by the Speaker of the Board of CLASS, Lothar Kriszun, CLAAS UK CEO Trevor Tyrell and a host of staff, dealers, suppliers and specially invited guests.

The new £1.2 million Academy had first opened its doors in July and is the first phase of a complete redevelopment by CLAAS UK of the site at Saxham Business Park near Bury St Edmunds. Scheduled for completion by 2020, the new facilities will include new admin ofices, state-of-the-art showroom, and parts and service facility for the Manns of Saxham retail branch.

Mr Kriszun said there was a constant need for ongoing development within the industry. “Independent of Brexit there will always be a constant demand for agricultural products. Although the number of farmers is decreasing in the UK and elsewhere, the land is there and it will be farmed,” he said. "These farmers require professional equipment, and training is crucial to the firm’s future success. The investment in the Academy shows the commitment of CLAAS to the Suffolk site"

Trevor Tyrrell said that the Academy will employ 11 trainers, and is also the focal point for remote online training which takes place with trainees throughout the country and would have “a positive impact on our growth strategy”

Industry consultant, David Kirschner provided an overview of the training requirements for the land-based engineering sector as a whole. "it is predicted that over the next 7 years, this country will need to recruit 1.3 million engineering recruits, and as a relatively small sector we will have to work hard to ensure we can attract the cream of that crop" he said.

View images of Academy opening below

Husqvarna is currently auctioning its first ever Pink Automower in support of breast cancer charity, Breast Cancer Care.



The campaign is running as part of Breast Cancer Awareness Week, with bids being taken until next Thursday, October 12th.

Once the auction closes and the total sum is determined, Husqvarna will then double the figure up to £2,000 and donate this to Breast Cancer Care.

The Pink Automower is the only one of its kind in the UK and to accompany the start of the auction, staff in Newton Aycliffe took part in an internal fundraising day, dressing up in pink and raising money.

Ken Brewster, UK Sales and Marketing Director for Husqvarna said: “We’re proud of our robotic mowers and hope that the Pink Automower generates interest from bidders looking to transform their garden whilst raising money for a great cause. We want to generate awareness and raise as much money as possible for such a brilliant charity. I have no doubt the Husqvarna staff will help us to do this.”

Alec Raven, Head of Community Fundraising at Breast Cancer Care, added: “We’re so grateful to Husqvarna for supporting Breast Cancer Care once again. The money raised will help Breast Cancer Care to continue to provide free services including; support over the phone with a nurse or someone who’s been there, welcoming online forums, reliable information and local group support.

“691,000 people are living with a breast cancer diagnosis in the UK today, and that figure is only set to grow. With support from businesses like Husqvarna we can be here for more people, whenever they need us.”

Breast Cancer Care is the only specialist UK-wide charity providing support to people with breast cancer.

To bid on the Pink Automower visit: http://fundraising.bid/pink-automower/product/husqvarna-pink-automower-450x/

We ourselves are a small family run business that started in 2012 and has been growing well ever since.  After winning your Garden machinery Dealer of the Year accolade last year, we felt it a great time to expand and by purchasing Bedwell, incorporating it into our business and us re-locating to their larger rural site, we are very excited for the years ahead and the progress we can make within the industry.

Owner Duncan Murray-Clarke said, "We are delighted to be supporting such a worthy cause at our event on November 16th at the Oxford Belfry Hotel. Maggie’s is a national charity with cancer support centres across the country. At its heart, Maggie’s is simply there for anyone and everyone affected by cancer, offering a programme of support that has been shown to strengthen physical and emotional wellbeing – including sessions with a psychologist, yoga and exercise courses, nutrition workshops, tai chi and much more"  

All Maggie’s Centres are based in the grounds of NHS cancer hospitals, providing free practical, emotional and social support to people with cancer and their family and friends. This support is delivered by professional teams, in homely, calming environments, following the original suggestions of the charity’s founder, Maggie Keswick Jencks.

The first Maggie’s Centre opened in Edinburgh in 1996 and since then Maggie’s has continued to grow, with 20 Centres at major NHS cancer hospitals in the UK and others abroad. Maggie's also has an Online Centre which supports people regardless of their location. Many more Centres are in the planning with the aim being to have 30 Centres in the near future.

Maggie’s receives no government funding, and therefore relies on voluntary income such as our support to continue being there for people affected by cancer.

A joint venture for the production of Landini agricultural tractors in Turkey has been agreed by Argo Tractors of Italy and Anadolu Motor, the country’s Landini distributor.

The agreement will establish a joint venture for the production of tractors at Sekerpinar near Istanbul with optimal features for the Turkish market and for non-emissions regulated markets outside Europe.


The joint venture production facility will build tractors for Turkey and for markets with low emissions control requirements outside Europe

This strategic cooperation results from the commercial relationship that Argo Tractors started four years ago with Anadolu, which Mr Valerio Morra, President of Argo Tractors SpA, says is recognised as one of the most important and well-known industrial groups in Turkey.

He adds that the joint venture will build the position of Landini tractors in Turkey through a facility devoted to the production of models focused on non-emissionised markets, where agricultural mechanisation is developing rapidly and requires up-to-date products.

The Landini tractor production plant, which involves investments exceeding €10 million, will start operating in Spring 2018 and will be organised according to Lean Production principles as successfully used in other Argo tractor plants.

It will aim to build more than 6,000 tractors a year, with a product range initially involving tractors from 50hp to 75hp but extending up to 110hp during the first 24 months of activity.

The company says the regional conferences provided the opportunity to discuss new trading terms, marketing and training as well as to show the latest products which will be officially unveiled at SALTEX 2017 in November.

The events were held at Leicester, Gloucestershire, Scotland and Manchester. Etesia UK Operations Director Les Malin outlined the programme before delegates were invited outside for a working demonstration of the new products. This was followed up with an overview of the brand sectors and details of the latest product special offers.

After a refreshment break, details of the new online warranty and parts ordering platforms were discussed along with an overview of the training options available for dealer staff.

The final section included a presentation from Fusion Media’s Managing Director Christopher Bassett (the company’s marketing agency) on the marketing activities for the Etesia, Pellenc and Oeliatec brands over the past twelve months. This also included a Q&A session on what marketing collateral dealers would like to receive.

The evening was brought to a close with an evening meal and drinks with a thank you from the Etesia UK team for attending.

“This was probably the best UK dealer conference I can remember for some time,” commented Les Malin.

“By inviting a small collection of dealers to each regional event was very rewarding. The enthusiasm of the dealers for our new initiatives will hopefully take the Etesia, Pellenc and Oeliatec brands to the new level.”

Spaldings has added Honda Industrial pumps and generators to its product range having been appointed as a Honda Industrial dealer with national reach.


Honda WB20 water pump

Spaldings will display selected products from the range upon its return to the Saltex exhibition next month.

As with other products handled by Spaldings, Honda petrol engine powered pumps and generators can be purchased online, via a telesales team or through a local representative for next day delivery from the £11 million-worth of stock held at the company’s warehouse in Lincoln.

“We have 60 years’ experience of efficiently picking, packing and dispatching, so we’re well practiced at it,” says Stephen Constable, commercial director. “But in addition to the convenience of ordering online, buyers can consult our nationwide team of 50 agricultural and 14 groundscare representatives for advice, and for expert hand-over of equipment and fault-finding if needed.”

Steve Jeffcock of Honda Industrial said, “One thing that attracted us to Spaldings is their pro-active approach, which gets the sales team on to farms, local authorities and others to make them aware of the products available, They also have a good after-sales reputation and it’s very positive that they’re willing to service or repair products, regardless of whether they’ve supplied them.”

Based at Stanton under Bardon in Leicestershire, the new dealership is ideally located to support existing Strautmann customers in the Midlands.

Commenting, James Woolway, OPICO’s Managing Director said, “Cooks Midland have a compelling history of selling and servicing forage wagons. They cover a good mixed farming area, with a strong dairy tradition, and we are delighted to have them on board.”

Bill Cook, Managing Director at Cooks Midlands added, “The range of diet feeders and forage wagons will be a valuable addition to our machinery portfolio. We pride ourselves on supplying our customers with an efficient sales and aftercare package and our sales, service and parts teams are already fully up-to-speed with the Strautmann product range, ready to get the machines out for demonstration.”

Simon Richard, UK Agents for the Woods Rotary Cutter range, says, “Woods are committed to providing the best product range, quality and level of service they can, for the UK groundcare market. This investment signals their intentions to expand market share and after sales support levels throughout Europe."

The Woods rotary mower range is based on the Batwing and Bull Brush Single Spindle as well as the Multi-Spindle and RC Series models. 

The company says the Charlerois centre will deliver continuity of supply to maximise time savings and minimise downtimes across the Woods European client base.

Hogs Head Golf Club, a brand-new course located in County Kerry, Ireland, has chosen equipment from Textron Golf to maintain its surfaces.


Left to right: Brady Sherwood, Golf Operations Manager, Kevin Broderick, Managing Director of Broderick Grass Machinery, David Daly, Golf Course Superintendent at Hogs Head Golf Club

The course replaces Skellig Bay Golf Club and has been built in the picturesque town of Waterville, with golfer’s able to enjoy spectacular views of the Irish coast and Atlantic Ocean. Local dealer Broderick Grass Machinery demonstrated and delivered the new machinery.

The machinery purchased by the Club includes three LF577 fairway mowers, one AR522 rough mower, one AR-3 rotary mower, two GP400 greens mowers, two Eclipse 322 greens mowers, 10 Greens King mowers for tees and greens, a Jacobsen Truckster, two ISEKI tractors, 20 E-Z-GO RXV ELiTE Freedom golf cars and a Cushman Hauler PRO.


A selection of the new machinery, with Hogs Head peninsula in the background

David Daly is the golf course superintendent at Hogs Head Golf Club. Commenting on the opening of the new course, and the equipment purchased, he said, “This is a very exciting time for everyone involved in this project. We started construction in March 2016 where we used 150,000 tonnes of sand to cap all playing areas with eight inches of sand. The course will play firm, fast and dry all year round. It has been an eye-opening experience, but the results speak for themselves.

“We chose equipment from Textron Golf because Jacobsen was recommended by Michael Murphy at Waterville Golf Links, and I have used the machines in the past and they have always been very good. 

“A crucial part of the decision-making process was the relationship with the dealer and the back-up support we would receive. This is where Brodericks, and our local dealer Pat Geaney, really made our minds up for us. The companies both provide the best service around, and I know I can have parts delivered the same day if needed. I’m very happy with the equipment from Textron Golf, and the support from our dealers.”

The course is the first in Ireland designed by the RTJ II firm, and has been planted with three varieties of fescue grasses - all of which are native to the Irish coast. The 18-hole golf course will be complemented by a 48-room lodge and spa opening in May 2018, and five four-bedroom golf cottages. The lodge and cottages are being built on the site of the old hotel, which has since been demolished. A new state-of-the-art clubhouse has also been built on-site and is welcoming visitors to experience the impressive facilities.

With autumn upon us and fallen leaves, branches and other debris an increasing challenge for professional and amateur gardeners alike, Husqvarna, the world leading producer of forest, park and garden equipment has a strong line-up of handheld leaf blowers to help Authorised Husqvarna dealers offer customer the best possible solution.

Both petrol and battery products for professionals and domestic users there are several options in the Husqvarna range to choose from, each with unique benefits for the size and scale of job. There are a range of handheld options that allow the Authorised Husqvarna dealer network the ability to offer extremely competitive products with the benefit of added value tailored to the customer needs.

Husqvarna 536LiB



The Husqvarna 536LiB is a well-balanced, comfortable and efficient battery powered leaf blower for professional use. The exceptionally low noise level allows the user to work with this high-performance model in the most public of settings. The battery powered machine means there are no direct emissions, ensuring a cleaner and more pleasant working environment, whilst enabling the user to work in confined spaces. The 536LiB features an intuitive keypad and the added luxury of cruise control allows the user to focus their full attention of removing debris. The battery leaf blower also has a boost power mode that provides a little extra power when needed the most. An excellent choice for professionals who want a powerful, high-performance model which is environmentally friendly.



Until November 30th, this model comes with a special offer promotional bundle which saves the customer £120. The bundle includes a QC330 charger and BLi200 battery with a RRP of £500. Authorised dealers can offer customers the opportunity to make the leap in battery power.

Husqvarna 525BX



The Husqvarna 525BX is a powerful and well-balanced handheld blower designed for professional use. The patented X-torq® engine technology in combination with the special fan and housing design means high blowing capacity. The in-line outlet also eliminates the gyroscopic forces. The class leading anti-vibration system, Low Vib®, makes work less strenuous – even during long shifts. Intuitive controls, including Cruise Control, contribute to efficient, comfortable and convenient operation at all times. These benefits ensure a product that guarantees improved productivity, class leading low vibration levels and high performance.



Until November 30th, this model comes with a special offer promotional bundle including hearing protectors and glasses worth £47.

Husqvarna 125B



The Husqvarna 125B is an efficient petrol leaf blower combining high blowing power with user friendliness through intuitive controls, auto return stop switch and cruise control. The 125B is a well-balanced lightweight leaf blower featuring an in-lined air outlet that's easy to manoeuvre, making it the perfect model for the domestic user. The improved comfort levels, elimination of gyroscopic forces and high performance make this lightweight blower the perfect option for the homeowner. The Husqvarna 125B has a number of unique features that enables the Authorised dealer network the ability to offer customers easy to use and comfortable solutions.

Until November 30th, this model comes with a special offer promotional bundle including hearing protectors and glasses worth £47.

To help drive business to the Authorised dealer network Husqvarna are supporting the Autumn promotion online through campaign advertising.

For more information on the Husqvarna blowers follow these links;

http://www.husqvarna.com/uk/products/blowers/525bx/967284201/

http://www.husqvarna.com/uk/products/blowers/536lib/967252502/

http://www.husqvarna.com/uk/products/blowers/125b/952715643/

Visit www.comptondistribution.com for full details or

Telephone 07974 784 215

info@comptondistribution.com



The home of Handy workshop air lifts in the U.K.

Lawn-King Trenchex are pleased to announce their appointment as executive distributor for the ALPINA black and white ranges of ride-on’s, walk behind machines, lithium-ion battery cordless lawnmowers, electric garden products and all handhelds including chainsaws, brushcutters etc.



Trenchex have had a 30 + year association with Castel Garden, GGP and now Stiga Ltd and these ranges will complement their long-standing Castel Garden branded ride-ons and walk behinds which have been available over that period.

Contact the Sales Team at Trenchex with any questions or to discuss your requirements;

• Emma Bastock – Sales Director 01889 561509 or email sales@trenchex.com
• Mick Ufton – Technical Manager/Sales Advisor 01889 561508
• Helen Flynn – Sales Administrator 01889 565106
• Hilary Treasure-Jones – Sales Representative 07831 634749
• Soraya Monton – Sales Representative 07588 231112

Or visit our website – www.lawn-king.co.uk

 

The countdown to Europe’s largest annual turf management event has officially begun, marked by the opening of online visitor registration.



SALTEX 2017 takes place at the NEC, Birmingham, from 1-2 November, and has already attracted over 250 exhibitors - a number that’s set to grow further in the weeks leading up to the event. Confirmed to return are a number of leading brand names spanning the whole turf management industry including manufacturers and suppliers of world-class products and services for the maintenance of pitches, grounds, landscaping, parks and estates.

SALTEX will also once again boast unique show features such as:

• Learning LIVE - an all-encompassing free-to-attend education programme offering grounds and open space practitioners across all disciplines, volunteer as well as professional, the chance to increase their CPD points.
• Outdoor demonstrations - providing an opportunity to see a number of products in action directly outside the SALTEX halls 6, 7 and 8.
• The SALTEX College Cup - a national student-led sports-turf challenge sponsored by Ransomes.
• Pathology & Soil Science LIVE - allowing visitors to look in detail at the symptoms of some common turfgrass fungal disease problems.
• The Young Groundsmen’s Conference, sponsored by Rigby Taylor and Top Green - an ideal opportunity for young people looking to advance their career in the groundscare industry
• Ask the Expert – free pitchcare advice from the IOG’s team of regional pitch advisors based on the IOG Hub
• The IOG Industry Awards - the UK’s biggest celebration in groundsmanship held on the evening of the first day (1 November) at the National Motorcycle Museum.
• NEW for 2017! The Job Clinic – the chance to receive one-to-one advice from industry expert Frank Newberry on how to progress your career, write a compelling CV and perform well in an interview situation.

Located in the centre of the UK, whether you are travelling from overseas or within the UK, the NEC is incredibly easy to get to by car, rail or air.

SALTEX 2017 is free to attend. To register your attendance and beat the queues visit www.iogsaltex.com

Follow SALTEX on Twitter @IOG_SALTEX and Facebook - www.facebook.com/IOGSALTEX

The following organisations have confirmed their sponsorship of the 2017 Service Dealer Conference and Awards. We’d like to welcome them on board and thank them for their support and input. 

PRINCIPAL SPONSOR

PLATINUM SPONSOR




GOLD SPONSOR




SPONSORS

Want to become a sponsor? Email: julie@theadplain.com