EDITOR'S BLOG
CHINESE SOURCING PROBLEMS?
Do you struggle to acquire the parts you need?
by Service Dealer Editor, Steve Gibbs
 
Steve Gibbs

A dealer contacted us this week with a issue regarding the sourcing of parts for Chinese-built machines sold online or via the sheds - and we'd like to hear your thoughts on the subject.

 


A dealer contacted me this week with an issue that they have been facing in their business recently.

 

I thought it was worth raising it here to see if other lawn and garden dealers have been coming up against a similar problem - and if so, I thought it could be useful for others to share their thoughts and opinions in the comments section below.

 

Ben from Midlands Grounds Machinery in Solihull told me they have been facing problems regarding the many varieties of Chinese-made machines purchased by customers either online or in the sheds, when they arrive at their workshop.


Ben said, "We occasionally get the odd Qualcast branded (now Spear & Jackson or similar) brought in by customers who want them fixed. However we have to sometimes deny them the option as there are no parts readily available - unless the customer is willing to buy them out of their own money.


"We can only help with the bare minimum on these machines with elements such as engines (if say a Briggs and Stratton is engine fitted), pull cords or the odd universal cable (if they fit).


"What frustrates me," continued Ben, "is that the main parts suppliers for these machines never offer a trade set-up for ordering parts - only a general public purchasing system. This can be expensive if we bought them, as we would have to buy them with VAT added on. We would then of course have to cover this price, passing on the cost to the customer.


"As you can imagine, this can sometimes upset potential customers who will have spent their money on a new machine that has only lasted a maximum of between 1 to 3 years. To be then told it is going to be expensive and they will need to buy a new mower already doesn't go down too well!


"I know some of these mowers are not usually the best in the world, but you wouldn't see a budget car manufacturer launch a product and not make parts accessible to trade customers who want to help other customers.


"If we as machinery dealers were aware of who the manufacturers were who made these machines and what the equivalent mower brands were that some dealerships sell, we could help the customers. Or if we could get these manufactures to talk to the big trade parts suppliers to facilitate parts to trade customers nationwide rather than denying trade customers, we'd be in a much healthier position."


So what do our readers think? Is this a scenario you recognise? What do you find yourselves doing when you are in a similar position?


And what do you think can be done to rectify the situation? What could make your lives easier regarding the parts availability for these Chinese-built machines?


Please leave a comment below this article. We'll collect together a selection to publish in the next edition of Service Dealer magazine.

NEWS
TNS GROUP TO DISTRIBUTE MAJOR IN EAST
Full range of equipment.
 
James Cox of Major Equipment with TNS staff at a product training day

Major Equipment Ltd has appointed Thurlow Nunn Standen Ltd as the new distributor for its Major ag and groundscare machines in Norfolk, Suffolk and Cambridge.

 


Major Equipment Ltd has appointed Thurlow Nunn Standen Ltd (TNS) as the new distributor for its Major agricultural and grounds maintenance machines in Norfolk, Suffolk and Cambridge.

 

James Cox of Major Equipment with TNS staff at a product training day

 

TNS will be responsible for the sales, spare parts and service of the full line of Major products including grass toppers, amenity roller mowers, slurry tankers and slurry application systems. This agreement, say Major, is part of their long term plan to consolidate its UK dealer network to provide a better service to its customers.


“TNS is a highly experienced and progressive machinery dealership,” said James Cox, Area Sales Manager with Major. “This is an important step in a key geographical area for Major and we are delighted that TNS is on board with us.”


Commenting on the announcement, TNS Sales Director Chris Tew said: “We are delighted to have been awarded the Major agency for the Eastern Counties. The Major product line-up has an excellent reputation and our team is looking forward to representing Major in our region.”

BIGWOODS AGRI TAKE ON VALTRA
New dealers for Somerset and parts of Devon
 
The new T254 Versu Smart Touch

Taunton dealership have served noticed with SDF UK, but will support customers with parts and service until another dealer can be found locally.

 


Agricultural and groundscare dealers Bigwoods Agri Ltd, based in Taunton, Somerset have become Valtra dealers for Somerset and parts of Devon.

 

The new T254 Versu Smart Touch

 

Tom Bigwood said, "We are very excited to join the Valtra family, with the T254 Versu Smart Touch winning both Tractor of the Year and Best Design at the recent Agritechnica show.

 

"Full training of Valtra products will begin and we will also be taking part in the Valtra roadshow which will be taking place at our premises on 20th March 2018. This will give our cutomers the opportunity to view the full line up.

 

"We have served notice with SDF UK, however we stated our interest in supporting our customers with parts and service until another dealer can be found - and this has now been agreed."

BURDEN BROS AGRI APPOINTS
New Branch Manager for Framfield
 
Cara Jeffrey

John Deere dealers for Kent, Sussex and Surrey, have announced the appointment of Cara Jeffery to the position of Branch Manager for the company’s Framfield location.

 


Burden Bros Agri, John Deere dealers for Kent, Sussex and Surrey, have announced the appointment of Cara Jeffery to the position of Branch Manager for the company’s Framfield location.

 

Cara Jeffrey

 

The company says Cara brings with her a wealth of experience having built a successful career in the retail sector. Her previous roles have included Commercial Manager for Marks & Spencer and Store Manager for both Matalan and Homebase.

 

Her career at Homebase included roles in HR and Change Management. These involved time at the company headquarters in Milton Keynes and regionally across southern England. Prior to joining Burden Bros Agri Cara managed ten Homebase stores in the south east.

 

Cara holds a PRINCE2 Foundation Certificate in Project Management and is a qualified member of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development.

 

Commenting on her new role, Cara said, “I’m delighted to be joining a company that has family at the centre of its values, whilst being at the cutting edge of innovation and development within the Agricultural and Turf machinery sectors. I look forward to greeting my customers as friends and working in partnership with them to maximise their business and profitability.”

OAKES BROS OPEN NEW DEPOT
Based in Coombe Bissett, Wiltshire
 
The staff from the new Coombe Bissett branch pictured on Oakes Bros Facebook page

Monday and Tuesday this week saw New Holland and Kuhn Farm Machinery dealers, Oakes Bros Ltd, officially open their new Coombe Bissett branch.

 


Monday and Tuesday this week (January 8th and 9th 2018) saw New Holland and Kuhn Farm Machinery dealers Oakes Bros Ltd officially open their new Coombe Bissett branch.

 

The staff from the new Coombe Bissett branch pictured on Oakes Bros Facebook page

 

Intended to serve the Salisbury and South Wiltshire territories, the company says the new facility will provide excellent customer service and first-rate product knowledge. It will also offer workshop facilities with expert technicians ready to carry out work at the depot or on-site.

 

Oakes Bros Ltd operates from three other depots in Berkshire, West Sussex and Micheldever, Hampshire and is well established in the area.

 

The open days this week saw Oakes showing off the latest New Holland and Kuhn equipment to customers who also got to enjoy a hog roast on the first day and a buffet the next. 

 

In a statement on their Facebook page Oakes thanked everyone who came along to the opening and made special thanks to their staff. A post on their page said, "Thank you to our fantastic staff who have worked so hard over the last couple of days to make the opening such a success. Justin, Luke, Jake, Ben and Joe, outstanding working out in the bitter cold to get customers parked and safely into the event. Mike, Gemma and Pam signing customers in and selling raffle tickets. Great job one and all."

 

 

LAMMA SHOW TAKES PLACE NEXT WEEK
Farm safety seminars announced
 
LAMMA

A new series of seminars on farm safety will take place at LAMMA ’18, which has its final edition at the East of England Showground, Peterborough next week.

 


A new series of seminars on farm safety will take place at LAMMA ’18, which has its final edition at the East of England Showground, Peterborough next week on Wednesday 17th and Thursday 18th.

 

 

The seminars will take place in the Farm Safety Zone, a new area dedicated to help reduce the high number of deaths and injuries on UK farms.

 

Specialists from leading health and safety consultancy Safety Revolution, which is sponsoring the zone, and contributors from other areas of the agricultural sector will deliver the seminars.

 

The talks are designed to stimulate detailed discussion, enabling visitors to access the most current health and safety information and specialist advice available in the UK agricultural industry.

 

Safety Revolution’s health and safety experts will also be on hand throughout the show to welcome visitors to the Farm Safety Zone, to help assess the health and safety provision for individual businesses, including information on CoSHH, advice on training or improving the attitude of staff towards health and safety.

 

Safety Revolution speakers


Wednesday 17 January

  • 10am Ben Underwood, director, CLA East - Estate or farm: Health and safety matters
  • 11am Sir Jim Paice, Camgrain/former farm minister - Co-operative working: Communities, business and government
  • 1pm Sue Draper, Nestle - Our safety culture: From farm to fork
  • 2pm Client board launch

Thursday 18 January

  • 10am Alan Plom, IoSH Rural Business vice-chair/ former HSE - Advice from the board: Safety within rural workforces
  • 11am Oliver Dale, Safety Revolution - In conversation with advisory board specialists
  • 1pm Olivia Midgley, head of news, Farmers Guardian - Agricultural health and safety is good news!
  • 2pm James Chapman, Nuffield scholar - My research: Changing the culture in rural industries
VISITORS ENCOURAGED TO PRE-REGISTER FOR BTME
Skip the queues
 
Pre-register for BTME

BIGGA are urging visitors to register ahead of time for BTME 2018 to benefit from quicker access to the Harrogate Convention Centre on 23-25 January.

 


BIGGA are urging visitors to register ahead of time for BTME 2018 to benefit from quicker access to the Harrogate Convention Centre on 23-25 January.

 

 

The event will combine Continue to Learn, the Turf Managers’ Conference, GolfBIC and partner events, coupled with the exhibition covering four halls.

 

Over 140 exhibitors will be putting on a diverse show, featuring everything from irrigation systems, golf buggies and machinery, through to artificial turf, workwear and wildflowers.

 

And then on Tuesday evening, TV presenter and #ThisGirlGolfs ambassador Naga Munchetty will host the BIGGA Welcome Celebration, featuring the BIGGA Awards ceremony, with the free-to-attend event offering a night of entertainment, including a performance by comedian Ian Moore.

 

Kicking things off on Wednesday morning will be The BTME Breakfast Club: Cutting Edge Turf Management. Joining Naga on stage will be Kenny Mackay of The Wentworth Club, Darren Baldwin of Tottenham Hotspur FC, Keith Kent of the RFU and Twickenham and Stuart Kerrison of Essex County Cricket Club.

 

Jim Croxton, BIGGA CEO, said: "Thousands of delegates will head to Harrogate for BTME 2018, and we want to make sure no one misses out. With hundreds of exhibitors all vying for the attention of BIGGA members, BTME is the premier place to get up-to-date with all the latest developments in the turf management industry.

 

“You won’t want to miss a moment of the action, and so not only does pre-registering ensure your place at the event, but it also allows you to skip to the front of the line and increase your BTME 2018 experience to the limit.”

 

Pre-register for visitor badges here

 

TORO COMPANY REPORT RECORD 2017 RESULTS
Net earnings per share for fiscal 2017 up 17% to a record $2.41
 
Toro has seen success with their zero-turn commercial mowers

The Toro Company has reported that growth across several professional categories drove solid performance for the year.

 


The Toro Company recently reported net earnings of $267.7 million, or $2.41 per share, on a net sales increase of 4.7 percent to $2.505 billion for its fiscal year ended October 31, 2017.

 

In fiscal 2016, the company delivered net earnings of $231.0 million, or $2.06 per share for the year, on net sales of $2.392 billion.

 

For the fourth quarter, Toro reported net earnings of $33.8 million or $0.31 per share, on a net sales increase of 4.3 percent to $488.6 million. In the comparable 2016 period, the company posted net earnings of $30.2 million on net sales of $468.4 million.

 

The company also announced that its board of directors has declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.20 per share, a 14.3 percent increase from its previous quarterly dividend rate of $0.175 per share. For the fiscal year, the company returned nearly $236.0 million to shareholders through the payment of approximately $75.8 million in dividends and the repurchase of approximately 2.7 million shares of common stock.

 

“Fiscal 2017 was another record year for The Toro Company. We experienced solid sales growth fueled by new and innovative product offerings across our businesses,” said Richard M. Olson, Toro’s chairman and chief executive officer.

 

“Strong performance in our golf, landscape contractor and rental businesses continued with the success of new products such as the Exmark Radius zero-turn riding mowers, the Greensmaster series of greens mowers and the Dingo TX 1000 compact utility loader. We continue to gain momentum in those markets and we are encouraged by retail trends. Our BOSS snow and ice management business also had a strong year driven by the continued success of the EXT extendable plows and the V-Box spreaders, which elevate performance and enhance productivity.

 

“Sales in our international business were up 5.6 percent for the year driven by our Australia-based Pope residential product offerings and by the newly acquired Perrot line of professional irrigation products. We are pleased with the integration of Perrot and we are optimistic about the growth opportunity for that business as we expand distribution more broadly. Balanced performance across our professional turf product categories also bolstered international sales.

 

“For the fourth quarter, our residential business generated solid growth with sales up 3.2 percent driven in part by the success of our Pope line and increased shipments of zero-turn riding mowers. Turning to our snow business, field inventory levels are in good shape and we are well prepared to address customers’ needs in the winter months ahead.

 

“Fiscal 2017 marks the end of our three-year Destination PRIME initiative. I am proud of our team’s accomplishments. We achieved record revenue, exceeded profitability goals and made significant progress on improving working capital. With the launch of our new initiative, Vision 2020, we will once again focus on driving profitable growth with an emphasis on innovation and serving our customers, which will generate further momentum for the organization. It is the collective efforts of our employees that make these initiatives a success. I look forward to working together as we kickoff the next chapter.”

 

For fiscal 2018, the company expects revenue growth to exceed 4 percent, and net earnings to be about $2.57 to $2.63 per share. For the first quarter, the company expects net earnings to be about $0.42 to $0.44 per share.

REESINK TURFCARE LAUNCH TYM FINANCE SCHEMES
Two new deals
 
The new T393

TYM customers can choose between two interest-free options.

 


Reesink Turfcare has announced two new finance deals for TYM Tractors.

 

TYM customers can choose between two interest-free options. Option one is buy now pay in June 2018, with full payment due at that point. The second option spreads the cost over two years with 22 equal monthly payments.

 

The new T393

 

TYM sales manager Steven Haynes says, "These finance options are designed to help customers buy the tractors they need without compromising cash flow, allowing them to replenish or add to their fleet of turfcare equipment in a way that suits their financial situation.

 

“The TYM range in the UK underwent some healthy expansion in 2017 and its continued popularity saw Reesink Turfcare invest heavily in the brand, bringing more choice to customers: more product launches, more attachments and more investment in the sales team. 2018 follows suit as soon as we enter the year, with more options for customers to purchase TYM.”


These finance deals apply to the entire range of TYM tractors, from the smallest to the largest horsepower and includes the latest model to join the range - the T393. 

 

Both deals are available from 2 January until 2 March 2018 and apply to a maximum of 60 percent of the RRP. Finance is subject to acceptance and only available in the UK.

MASSEY FERGUSON TO LAUNCH 'DIAMOND' OFFERS
Added value promotions
 
Massey Ferguson are launching 'Diamond' offers for 2018

All of company's mid to high specification tractors will feature added value offers and promotions throughout 2018.

 


This month's LAMMA Show will see Massey Ferguson launch a series of Diamond offers that they say provide even more added value to the business-oriented customer.

 

Launched at Agritechnica for the German market, all of the company's mid to high specification tractors will feature these added value offers and promotions that will continue throughout 2018 – coinciding with the Diamond (60th) anniversary of the Massey Ferguson brand name.

 

 

William Judge, Manager, National Sales, Massey Ferguson UK & EIRE said, “At LAMMA 2018, we are excited to be kicking off our Diamond programme of events and campaigns with an entirely revitalised range of equipment addressing the needs of all farm operations. Our celebrations, which will last throughout the year, will include numerous new and exciting promotions, with a special focus on the younger generation.”

 

To further reinforce the customer experience, the company says the Diamond promotions will be complemented by the launch of a new range of Massey Ferguson Services for peace of mind through MF Dealer support and connected solutions.

 

Thierry Lhotte, Vice-President and Managing Director, Massey Ferguson EME said, “We continue to drive our ‘MF Growing Together 5’ transformation programme to provide fully-rounded farming business solutions to customers. With multi-million dollar investments in research, development and manufacturing, the MF product and service portfolio continues to expand and deliver quality, performance, reliability and good value for money.

 

“During the coming year, new Massey Ferguson products will be introduced at a really fast pace. Our Beauvais tractor plant in France will continue to lead in the implementation of Lean Manufacturing techniques and we will see the opening of our new Beauvais 3 logistics facility.”

 

“With our new global product offensive, our new Massey Ferguson Services offers and, in all facets of our operation, we are focused on ensuring farmers’ experience with our brand is productive, profitable and enjoyable,” Thierry Lhotte continued. “Here’s to the next 60 years of farming success and growth - growth for our customers, growth for our Dealers and growth for Massey Ferguson.”

AND FINALLY . . .
Bad news for snow plough attachment manufacturers!
 
Boxing clever

A video of a Pennsylvania man clearing heavy snow with just a cardboard box tied to his ride-on mower has been viewed more than 9 million times on Facebook.

 


A video of a Pennsylvania man clearing heavy snow with just a cardboard box tied to his ride-on mower has been viewed more than 9million times on Facebook.

 

A video posted by Kaitlynn Toporzycki, who lives in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania shows Jonathan Schill, her fiancé, plowing a driveway on December 30 with a John Deere ride-on and a cardboard box.

 

 

Man plows snow with lawnmower and cardboard box

 

According to the York Daily Record Schill was 15 minutes into his snow shoveling following the first big snow of the season, when he decided he needed a snow plow. Having just moved, he only had a shovel, a much larger driveway than before, and no access to a plow.


He looked in his garage and found a 50-inch TV's cardboard box which had a shiny coating and decided to see if he could fasten it to his lawnmower.

 

The video of what happened next has been viewed over 9 million times on Facebook.

JOBS
WALKER MOWERS UK
Area Sales Managers - Midlands and North
 
Walker Mowers UK

A vacancy has arisen for two experienced sales professionals to join Walker Mowers UK at an exciting time in the development of the Walker Mowers brand in the UK.

 


 

A vacancy has arisen for two experienced sales professionals to join Walker Mowers UK at an exciting time in the development of the Walker Mowers brand in the UK.

 

Experience in sales and new business development within the outdoor power equipment industry to both trade customers and commercial users is essential.

 

The roles will involve:

  • New business development to commercial users and dealers
  • Ability to undertake effective machine demonstrations to individuals and groups
  • Building strong and profitable relationships with commercial end users and the dealer network
  • Customer account management
  • Participation at exhibitions for Walker Mowers UK and dealers
  • Your ability to be sales driven and proactive to close the sale
  • Regionally located to maximise effective sales and demonstration opportunities

Benefits for these roles:

  • Competitive salary and commission
  • Fully expensed company vehicle
  • Contributory pension
  • Full product training in Europe
  • Support and benefit of highly experienced and knowledgeable European management team

Send CV to: careers@walkermowers.co.uk

 

www.walkermowers.co.uk

Sponsored Product Announcements
THE POWERBRAKE-RT: THE NEWEST INNOVATION IN TRAILER SAFETY
Distag QCS presents a new 2-in-1 handbrake and breakaway system
 
Powerbrake-RT Fitted

The Powerbrake-RT is a combined high powered handbrake and breakaway unit from Distag QCS.

 


The Powerbrake-RT is a combined high powered handbrake and breakaway unit from Distag QCS.

 

Powerbrake-RT Fitted

 

The device, which can be fitted to almost any trailer, uses no electronics or hydraulics, ensuring that the Powerbrake-RT is a low maintenance solution. The unit is designed to deliver 3.5 times the braking power of a conventional handbrake.

 

 

In the event of a breakaway, the connection between the unit and the trailer is engineered to separate under a fixed force, thus halting the trailer and preventing serious damage and injuries. The simple bolt-on design means the Powerbrake-RT can be mounted to the trailer chassis, drawbar, or elsewhere between tractor and trailer axle.

 

Originally designed for OEM-fitting, the Powerbrake-RT can also be retrofitted to any braked trailer.

 

 

Powerbrake RT - Most Powerful Brake on the market

 

For more information about the Powerbrake-RT, please visit our website: www.distag.com

TYRE-LINE & CARLISLE TO PRESENT RADIAL F.S.T.R. TRACTOR TYRE
At LAMMA '18
 
Farm Specialist Trac Radial

Specialist tyre wholesaler, Tyre-Line Ltd are pleased to announce that, in a joint venture with Carlstar (through their Carlisle brand) they will be presenting the newly announced Carlisle Farm Specialist Trac Radial range of Agricultural Radial Tractor Tyres at Lamma ’18.

 


Specialist tyre wholesaler, Tyre-Line Ltd are pleased to announce that, in a joint venture with Carlstar (through their Carlisle brand) they will be presenting the newly announced Carlisle Farm Specialist Trac Radial range of Agricultural Radial Tractor Tyres at Lamma ’18.

 

Farm Specialist Trac Radial

 

The Farm Specialist Trac Radial tyre range has been developed using the latest design and technology processes. Manufactured in the EU, the new range boasts features which include a Deep Tread with Superior Self Cleaning and Mud Repellent Design, Advanced Sidewall Structure with Increased Flex to aid On Road Comfort and a Wide Footprint for Low Soil Compaction.


Available in a comprehensive range of sizes from 16” to 52” that include 95, 85, 75, 70 and 65 series, the extensive range of F.S.T.R tyres will cover the majority of today’s fitments and applications, from the smaller Compact Tractor sizes, through Mid and High horsepower ranges to Row Crop.

 


The Farm Specialist Trac Radial range adds to the already extensive range of applications, patterns and sizes available from Carlisle which include fitments for Lawn, Garden & Golf, ATV/UTV, High Speed Trailer, Industrial and Construction. Information on all areas of Carlisle’s markets will be available at Lamma ’18, with Tyre-Line’s Aftermarket Division manager, Jacqui Jones, spearheading the company’s presence along with representatives from Carlstar / Carlisle.

 

 

Carlisle Farm Specialist Trac Radial Tractor Tyres

 


Lamma ’18 runs 17th & 18th January at East of England Showground, Peterborough so why not pay them a visit in Hall 5, Stand 561 or contact them on 01458 250350 or aftermarket@tyreline.com

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