EDITOR'S BLOG
NEW TECHNOLOGY IN AN OLD INDUSTRY
"The biggest garden machinery development in a generation"
by Service Dealer Editor, Steve Gibbs
 
Steve Gibbs
That's how Stiga Ltd md Duncan Martin described the opportunities which cordless products afford specialist dealers at the company's conference this week.


It's that month when there's dealer days aplenty up and down the country!

This week I went along to one of the largest of the season, held by the newly renamed Stiga Ltd. The former GGP-ers were expecting to see around 600 visitors to the National Motorcycle Museum in Birmingham across Tuesday to Thursday. This apparently represented 86% of the company's UK turnover, so it really was a truly impressive turnout.

And keeping with impressive numbers, md Duncan Martin confirmed that despite this past year offering some challenging conditions, they had maintained their position as a £50million company - in fact slightly growing that to £51.7m.

But Stiga are obviously keen to push on from that. Their ambition is to become a £1billion Euro business. And it was very interesting to hear where Duncan Martin believes that future growth for the company and its dealers is going to come from - cordless.

Duncan described battery products as "the biggest garden machinery development in a generation."

Duncan stated that battery power is the future. "This is a new technology in an old industry," he said. "We’ve been wishing for a development like this to come along so we can sell more products and this is our opportunity.”

He encouraged specialist dealers to embrace the technology and to become the experts in the marketplace.

It opens machinery up to young and old,” he said. “Cordless includes everybody who wants to enjoy their garden.”

There really can be no doubt that cordless products will become a mainstream purchase very quickly.

Just look at last week's news about STIHL partnering with Dobbies Garden Centres in Scotland to sell its Compact Cordless products. Yes it generated a few grumbles amongst dealers but it's an inevitable development for that level of product - and just something else for the specialist trade to adapt to.

Of course a degree of disappointment has been expressed by some dealers. It's like an old friend has started hanging out with some other people who they always promised they wouldn't. But it'll just be another moment in the industry's history which specialists will move on from.

STIHL will have weighed up the consequences of these changes very carefully and indeed this week reasserted their commitment to the servicing dealers at their press meeting in Germany.

Dealers can simply carry on doing what they do best - offering a real alternative to the mass channels.


The cordless era offers an exciting opportunity for dealers. A new means to attract new customers. In addition of course to the traditional customer base - because petrol is by no means disappearing anytime soon.

As ever we shall watch all developments with great interest.

DON'T MISS OPPORTUNITY TO TELL US WHAT YOU THINK
Service Dealer reader feedback closes today
 
Service Dealer reader feedback
Today is the last chance to let us know what you think of Service Dealer magazine - and be in with a chance to win a £100 Amazon gift voucher.

Click here to complete feedback form 

LAST CHANCE FOR EARLY BIRD TICKETS!
For the Service Dealer Conference & Awards
 
Early Bird tickets for the Service Dealer Conference & Awards close next week
There is only one week left to buy your Early Bird tickets for the Service Dealer Conference and Awards.

But the deadline to enter your dealership for a Dealer Of The Year Award has been extended until October 10th.


The countdown is now on to the Service Dealer Conference & Awards which takes place on Thursday November 16th at the Oxford Belfrey Hotel.




SERVICE DEALER CONFERENCE


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

EARLY BIRD ticket prices must end September 29th!


Be quick to take advantage of the discounted ticket prices to the Service Dealer Conference and Awards. There is only 1 Early Bird Week left!

Make sure you don't miss out on what is set to be the dealer event of the year, for a reduced price, 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 at the special EARLY BIRD prices which are available until September 29th.



DEALER OF THE YEAR AWARDS -

DEADLINE EXTENDED! Nominations close October 10th.


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

If not, don’t worry we have now extended the entry period until October 10th – and don’t forget that like last year dealerships are able to nominate themselves.

Our core awards will recognise Dealers of the Year across the GardenProfessional TurfcareFarm MachineryForestry 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.

We are now gathering this feedback until 10th October 2017. So don’t delay, click here to get your dealership in the running.

NEWS
STIHL UNDERLINES DEALER COMMITMENT
And unveils new products
by Martin Rickatson
 
Still sold under the Viking brand for now, STIHL has developed a ‘team’ concept for its iMow robot mower, allowing multiple units to work together
Stihl has clarified its commitment to dealers at the annual press meeting held at its German HQ this week, alongside the unveiling of a series of new products.


STIHL has clarified its commitment to dealers at the annual press meeting held at its German HQ this week, alongside the unveiling of a series of new products, including the industry’s first chainsaw with electronic fuel injection and a ‘team’ operating concept for multiple units of its iMow robotic mower.


Still sold under the Viking brand for now, STIHL has developed a ‘team’ concept for its iMow robot mower, allowing multiple units to work together

Dr Bertram Kandziora, executive board chairman, and Norbert Pick, executive board member for marketing and sales, took the opportunity offered by a gathering of European trade and consumer press from both domestic and professional titles to stress that any retailer of STIHL petrol products must have full workshop facilities, service training and parts support.

“This is why we make a distinction between garden centre or store retailers, which have the potential to be stockists of our cordless products, and dealers, who have the specialist knowledge and resources to sell, support and service our petrol products as well,” said Mr Pick.

“As we grow our range we anticipate that the majority of our cordless product sales will be at the lower end of our price range – entry-level machines in the £100-350 bracket. But while the battery market is growing at a rapid rate, our belief is that this type of power will not replace petrol in professional products any time soon, for reasons such as battery size required for longer working periods.”

The plan to gradually merge the Viking product line into the STIHL range, which will be completed by the end of 2018, is ongoing, and STIHL unveiled a selection of consumer products under the new branding, including the first Stihl cordless rotary mowers. The RMA 339 C and RMA 448 TC are four-wheel machines with respective cutting widths of 37cm and 46cm and mono handles for easy grass box access from the left-hand side. Also new is the RMA 2 RT, a 46cm mulching mower. All feature 36V lithium ion batteries. STIHL also showed off its new cordless KMA 130 R KombiMotor battery-powered multi-tool, which can be fitted with 11 different STIHL KombiAttachments.

On top of these domestic and semi-professional products were two other developments aimed at professional users. On the chainsaw front, STIHL revealed it has the world’s first chainsaw with electronically-controlled fuel injection in the final stages of testing. Fuel mixing is sensor-controlled, and the engine has no carburettor.

Meanwhile, the firm also unveiled the ‘iMow TeaM’ concept for its robot mower, which allows up to ten units to work together.

There will be a full report in the next issue of Service Dealer.

TRILO APPOINT LISTER WILDER
Lastest UK dealer
 
Trilo S4
Trilo equipment have made another UK dealer appointment at the same time as the company invests 1m Euros in its Dutch manufacturing facility.


Lister Wilder are the latest UK dealer appointment for Dutch company Vanmac bv, manufacturer of the Trilo range of Blowers and Vacs.


Trilo S4

The dealership group who recently opened a new depot in Ashford, Kent will represent Trilo across Gloucestershire, Berkshire, Wiltshire, Dorset & Hampshire.

It is an exciting time of development for Trilo as their headquarters in Amersfoort, Holland is just commencing a 1m Euro overhaul. Members of the UK trade press were invitied to their facility this week to see the developments get underway.

No section of the factory has been overlooked in the refurbishment.  A comprehensive re-layout of the production flow will be the result with automatic picking of minor parts coming in as well as new painting booths and offices - all to be completed by first quarter 2018.  


The Amersfoot production facility is beginning a comprehensive refurbishment

When finished, joint company owner Leo van Loen (grandson of the founder) who runs the business with Peter van Mispelaar, said he expects to see efficiency improved by 25% and lead times down to 2 to 3 weeks.

Sales of Trilo equipment in the UK initially took place through an importer, but a decision was made in November 2015 to bring the UK in line with the rest of Europe by employing their own direct sales team. With 24 years of combined experience of the range, Jon Proffitt and Jeremy Vincent now represent the company in the UK. They split coverage of the country north and south between them and, with the aid of a growing list of dealers, have overseen a revival of the brand with what they descibe as an 'impressive increase in sales'.


Trilo UK's Jeremy Vincent and Jon Profitt

When asked if they are looking for further dealers in the UK Jermey Vincent said, "We are always open to speak to dealers. But of course it’s finding the right people." Whilst Jon Profitt confirmed, "We have some areas around the country which we would be looking to fill."

Jon explained the dealer model for Trilo in the UK saying, "Our aim as a company is that our dealers are not just dealers - they are importers in their own right. Equipment is shipped straight to the dealer as we do not have a base for stock in the UK."

Once a dealer is on board with Trilo, Jeremy and Jon talked through an ingenious piece of software which was designed by Leo van Loen, called The Configurator, which dealers have access to in order to talk through with the customer all the different options available to them on any given machine. This gives the customer the ability to 'build' a machine online to their exact requirements.


The S10 demonstrating its wander hose

Being able to custom design an order has led to standard machines being a thing of the past with ‘bespoke’ becoming the order of the day. To be able to manufacture mainly ‘bespoke’ items the whole business model at Trilo has been turned over to ‘just in time’ principles for the procurement of raw materials - helping those cost reductions needed by almost eliminating a costly inventory of stock materials.

Controlling all of this has been aided considerably by The Configurator as all potential or real orders are logged and graded in the system (i.e 'just quote' – 'likely to order' – 'firm order') so surprises don’t occur. Every Configurator listing is revisited and re-graded as necessary and, once becoming firm, can be slotted into the available production schedule and tracked – all available for the sales staff and dealer to see and the customer to be advised of.

So exciting times for Trilo both in their home country and here in the UK.
ROCHFORDS COMPLETE DEALER ROADSHOWS
Great attendance and plenty of new products
 
Mark Rochford & Bonnie Rallison presenting the simplified AL-KO lawnmower range
Last week saw the Rochford Garden Machinery team set out on a week of Dealer Roadshows, starting in Surrey, followed by Nottinghamshire, and ending in Somerset.


Read more & watch video

Last week saw the Rochford Garden Machinery team set out on a week of Dealer Roadshows, starting in Betchworth in Surrey, followed by Newark in Nottinghamshire, and ending at Sparkford in Somerset.


Stewart Anderson presenting at Haynes Motor Museum

The first show in Betchworth attracted a strong attendance for the first RGM show in the South East for a number of years, and Nottinghamshire again brought a large crowd. The final event in Sparkford always proves exceptionally popular, with the total number of dealers visiting throughout the week in excess of 300.

“The turnout was very good, we decided to take our show to our dealers, rather than asking them to come to a single location event, and it was definitely worth it. I would say this was one of the best dealer events I have ever been a part of and the response from our new products has been fantastic,” said Stewart Anderson, Managing Director of Rochford Garden Machinery.


Luke Stephens presents the AL-KO Robotic Garden

The format for the day started with Stewart presenting a brief overview of the company’s performance, with exceptional growth for AL-KO, Mitox, and Weibang. Overall The company has had a strong result in 2017, despite what many have called a challenging year. Stewart then presented the new brand identity and range for Weibang which is now fully available.

“The new range is perfect, not only is it now proven in terms of exceptional reliability and performance, but it’s also now appealing to the consumer. The only apology we have to make in 2017 is for not having enough stock, as orders far exceeded even our expectations especially with our shaft drive product.”


Bonnie Rallison talks dealers through the new AL-KO tractor

The new range sees a new identity, with the domestic range changing to a rich high gloss red, with metallic silver features, and the pro range staying in hammerite black, but with the same silver features. “We first previewed the concept 12 months ago, response was phenomenal and we are pleased to say that the transition is now complete, as well as the concept now being used as the official identity for Weibang worldwide,” said Stewart.

As well as the complete range now being available in the new identity, other new products for 2018 include a new line of wheeled leaf and litter vacuums for estate and professional use. “We gained feedback from dealers after showing a prototype and these changes have all been put into production with the result being an exceptional wheeled vac” said Stewart.


Mark Rochford presenting at Haynes Motor Museum


Following Stewart came Mark Rochford who introduced the new AL-KO Comfort tractor range. “The best just got better,” said Mark as he explained the role dealer feedback had played in the new range's development. The range has been completely redesigned and replaces the very popular Edition tractors with new levels of quality and performance.


Lewis Anderson showing the strength of a Weibang

Other new products from the AL-KO brand include a new range of robotic lawnmowers. “The market has exploded across Europe and be under no illusion the time is right in the UK,” said Mark. The range now caters for all gardens up to 2000sq/m and all products are designed in Germany and built in Austria."

Weibang Commercial Shaft Drive Wet Demonstration



A new range of premium cordless products was launched called PowerFlex, utilising a 42V Max 7.5Ah battery and offering premium petrol performance. Finally from AL-KO was a new range of opening pricepoint petrol lawnmowers called the EASY range.

MITOX® was next up with a completely new range of brushcutters. Stewart introduced the new range which feature Xforce engine technology as he explained, “nearly all 2-stroke engines from the far east produce the same power output, we’ve been working over the last couple of years to produce the same power output as the premium brands from Japan and Europe and our new range produces as much as 60% more power than the previous generation.”

The new Mitox brushcutter range proved popular

 

Other new products from MITOX® included a new handheld blower and blower/vacs at price points from £99 and all genuine EUROII, full crank engines.

Other updates included a new marketing plan for 2018, with all new showroom stands for AL-KO and Mitox, and a range of bespoke Point of Sale designed to offer customers better information, and act as a valuable sales tool for showroom staff.

 

DR Field & Brush Mowers were in action

Also in attendance at the roadshows were Excalibur, showing their dealer business system, specially designed for service dealers which saw a great response.

Following the morning presentations, the afternoon was all about demonstrations, allowing all in attendance the opportunity to use the new range and put it through its paces. “Everyone was keen to get out and use the products in rain or shine. From my point of view the best demonstrations were in the rain, as dealers could not believe the performance of the lawnmowers, and an awful lot of grass was cut over the course of the week, with fantastic positive feedback and new stockists signing up all over the country,” said Stewart.


The full DR range was popular as ever

The whole team would like to thank all those dealers who attended, and made this the best roadshow Rochford’s have ever had.

Rochford’s 2018 Pre-season and Trade Terms are now available, speak to your Rochford’s ASM for details or call the trade sales office on 01963 828006.

 

ARIENS HOLD DEALER MEETINGS
'Growth in Partnership'
 
Product demonstrations at Ariens dealer meetings
Ariens Company invited Countax, Westwood, Ariens and ECHO dealers to their meetings, led by John Horn, Senior Vice President for International Sales and Marketing. 


Ariens Company invited Countax, Westwood, Ariens and ECHO dealers to their ‘Growth in Partnership’ dealer meetings held in September.

Following the successful format of previous years, the events took place in two locations, the Oxford Belfry and Ripley Castle in North Yorkshire on the 6th and 12th September respectively. Both days were led by John Horn, Senior Vice President for International Sales and Marketing.


John Horn

“This year’s dealer meetings have been a great success, with strong attendance on both days,” says John Horn. “Our dealer network is the cornerstone of our business, so it is imperative that we provide them with a new generation of products, sales tools and services to better serve the end user.”

At the venues, the company officially launched the new E36 lawn tractor and dealers were also able to see the new Ariens APEX, a new commercial zero turn.



Along with information on new products, both days were structured to provide dealers with useful tools to help grow their businesses. After the main presentations they were able to attend various breakout sessions which focused on apprentice recruitment advice and marketing tools available to dealers.

During the afternoon session, there was an opportunity to test drive the new E36 and the anticipated Ariens APEX zero-turn on the demo ground.

Ariens Company is the UK distributor for ECHO tools. On the demo ground dealers were encouraged to try out a wide range of products including chainsaws, brushcutters, power blowers, hedgetrimmers and the new 50V lithium ion battery series (hedgetrimmer, power blower & trimmer).

Dealers who attended the Oxford Belfry meeting were given a factory tour of the Great Haseley facility by Operations Director, Phil Edwards. At the end of the day, the Ariens Dealer Advisory Council (DAC) led a closed discussion with dealers exploring industry issues and ideas to support the dealer network.



The company says the meetings were exceptionally well received by the attending dealers who voiced their praise of the events with comments including, “Overall the day was excellent and very informative." “Extremely well organised and very professionally delivered with all members of the Ariens team keen to help
and "Felt there was a more positive outlook and more energy not only from Ariens but also from other dealers that we spent time with.”

NO ROADWORTHINESS TEST FOR AG TRACTORS
Remain exempt
 
Agricultural tractors will not be required to undertake roadworthiness testing
The Department for Transport has announced that agricultural tractors will not be required to undertake roadworthiness testing.


The National Association of Agricultural Contractors (NAAC) has welcomed an announcement from the Department for Transport (DfT) that agricultural tractors will not be required to undertake roadworthiness testing.



Announced as part of a Government response introducing roadworthiness testing for fast tractors used for commercial haulage, it is made clear that, despite some opposition, mandatory vehicle testing will not be introduced for agricultural tractors as it is considered that road use is limited compared to other vehicles.

Commenting Jill Hewitt, NAAC Technical Consultant said, "Agricultural tractors spend the majority of their time off road and the NAAC supports the decision not to introduce mandatory roadworthiness testing. However, it is important that contractors and farmers use the vehicles ‘solely’ for agricultural use and do not step into commercial haulage, without abiding by necessary transport regulations.

"It is also vital, to protect the safety of road users, that all tractors are safe on the roads and the industry must continue to be rigorous in daily maintenance checks and regular servicing."

New legislation will be brought forward to introduce:

  • Roadworthiness testing for tractors used for commercial haulage and capable of capable of more than 40km/h (approximately 25mph). It will apply only to vehicles used further than 15miles from their base of operation. These tractors should be tested after four years, and every two years thereafter.
  • Tractors classified as ‘agricultural machines’ for tax purposes will be exempt from testing.

Click here for full details.

GROUNDCARE APPOINTMENT FOR KUBOTA
Hunts Engineering Ltd
 
Hunts Engineering Ltd
New Kubota tractor and groundcare machinery dealer for Shipston On Stour, also covering Coventry, Evesham and Stratford.


Kubota has further strengthened its UK dealer network with the appointment of Hunts Engineering Ltd as a Kubota tractor and groundcare machinery dealer for Shipston On Stour, as well as covering Coventry, Evesham and Stratford.


Hunts Engineering Ltd

Hunts Engineering Ltd will initially stock Kubota’s GR1600 II and GR1600ID range of ride-on mowers, as well as an RTV X900 utility vehicle and compact tractors. Although the working relationship is still very much in its infancy, Kubota say there is a great confidence that this new dealer partnership will grow the Kubota market share of all groundcare products across the region.

Peter Hunt, Managing Director at Hunts Engineering Ltd, started out as an agricultural engineer before establishing the business with Julie Hunt in 2007. Having been an agricultural engineer for so long, Hunts Engineering Ltd boasts a purpose built workshop with a team of engineers to ensure that servicing and parts are at the heart of the company.

Peter commented: “We are very excited to be working in partnership with such a prestigious company as Kubota. In addition to the great machines they manufacture, it was their commitment to aftersales care that we were really impressed with.

“Service and aftersales care is a big focal point for us and has been the driving force behind the success of our business. It’s great to be working with a company that shares these same values and I’m looking forward to what the future has in store.”

Adrian Langmead, Groundcare Business Development Manager, added: “Our dealer network is the lifeblood of our business and we are thrilled to be working alongside Hunts Engineering Ltd who share the same passion for excellent customer service as we do. I’m sure this is the beginning of what will become a very fruitful working relationship.”

CLAAS UK STRENGTHEN SALES & MARKETING TEAM
Three new appointments
 
Steffan Kurtz – Tractor Product Specialist
New appointments further strengthen company's customer and product support, especially for tractor and materials handling product ranges.

CLAAS has announced three new appointments to its UK & Ireland Sales and Marketing team. These new appointments further strengthen its customer and product support, especially for the expanding tractor and materials handling product ranges.


Steffan Kurtz – Tractor Product Specialist
Steffan Kurtz has been appointed to the role of Tractor Product Specialist, based at the CLAAS UK headquarters at Saxham, Suffolk. Steffan comes from a farming background in west Wales, where he previously ran his own contracting business prior to joining a local large agricultural machinery dealership as a salesman. This combination of practical and retail sales experience will be invaluable to his new role supporting the continued growth of the CLAAS Tractor product range within the UK and Ireland.


Alastair Bourne – Telehandler Product Specialist and Territory Manager
Also joining CLAAS UK in a dual customer and product support role is Alastair Bourne. A graduate of Harper Adams University College, Alastair takes on the role of field-based Telehandler Product Specialist to which he brings considerable experience having worked in Telehandler and Tractor product marketing. Alastair also takes on the position of Territory Manager responsible for the CLAAS Eastern dealership, which has six branches covering the area from Nottinghamshire up to North Yorkshire.


Chris Lee – Regional Finance Manager and Regional Sales Manager
Having successfully trialled the concept of having one person responsible for both regional finance and sales support, so providing a more efficient service for both customers and dealers, CLAAS has expanded this concept to East Anglia. Chris Lee has initially joined CLAAS as its new Regional Finance Manager for the Anglia region, working with the MANNS and KIRBY dealerships. However, as of October 1st he will also take on the role of Regional Sales Manager for this area, so providing a better end-to-end service for the dealerships and their customers. Chris has considerable dealership experience, most recently as Finance Manager for a large East Anglian dealership.

M&S MACHINERY APPOINTED BY NEW HOLLAND
As Harvester dealer in Ireland
 
M&S Machinery
Dealership will specialise in the sales and service of combine harvesters, forager harvesters and baler products.

New Holland has announced the appointment of M&S Machinery of Cashel, County Tipperary, as a Harvester dealer for New Holland in Ireland, specialising in the sales and service of combine harvesters, forager harvesters and baler products.



Established in 1980, M&S originally started out as a Fiat Agri dealer. They have since evolved into a New Holland dealership offering the current range of both New Holland’s agriculture and construction ranges. In 2015, they expanded their operating area to the county of Limerick, bringing their experience further afield.

Being a family business, M&S Machinery is always striving to improve itself, offering professional after sales service and extensive parts stock.

Pat Slattery, M&S Machinery’s Dealer Principal, says about the expansion: “We are confident that we have the right people in place to be able to deliver a professional service and are looking forward to promoting the New Holland brand of Harvester in the new territory. Myself and the rest of the team at M&S are relishing the challenge this new opportunity presents and look forward to the challenges ahead.”

Andrew Watson, New Holland Business Director UK and Ireland said, “We are pleased to announce that M&S Machinery have agreed to become a New Holland Harvester dealer. Our product range of Combines, Foragers and Balers is already well-established throughout Ireland and the rest of Europe and together with the team at M&S Machinery, who themselves are a long established and respected dealership in Ireland, there will surely be great opportunities and a new level of service to all customers in the area.’

JOE GETS FACTS RIGHT FOR OPICO
Sky drill product specialist qualifies as advisor
 
Joe Redman
Joe Redman's status as FACTS advisor ensures that customers can get up-to-date, expert advice on nutrient management if considering purchasing a Sky drill.


OPICO’s Sky drill Product Specialist, Joe Redman has recently qualified as a FACTS advisor, ensuring that customers can get up-to-date, expert advice on nutrient management if considering purchasing a Sky drill.

"The Sky EasyDrill and MaxiDrill both have the option to add fertiliser to the hopper," commented Joe, "and getting FACTS qualified has given me a broader, in-depth knowledge of fertilisers on-farm, ensuring that I can advise farmers about how best these drills could fit into their nutrient management regime.

"Minimum-till and no-till cultivation systems require a great deal more planning than just purchasing a new piece of shiny machinery and at OPICO we pride ourselves in being able to offer much more than just the drill."

All Sky drills can be specified with a second distribution mechanism for fertiliser at the time of order, allowing fertiliser to be added separately to the seed but in the same pass. The drills also undergo a fertiliser proof painting process, to avoid corrosion and ensure longevity of use.

FACTS is an independent non-statutory certification Scheme for advisers in plant nutrient management. It was established in 1993 and is run by BASIS Registration Ltd.

DENNIS MAKES IT TO THIRD SUCCESSIVE WORLD CUP
Selected as official mower
 
Dennis Mowers selected as World Cup mower for third successive tournament
Dennis Mowers will be the mower of choice for the 2018 World Cup tournament in Russia.


After being selected as the official mower at the two most recent FIFA World Cup’s in South Africa and Brazil, Dennis Mowers will be the mower of choice for the 2018 tournament in Russia.

The Dennis G860 cylinder mower will have the task of preparing pitches when the 2018 FIFA World Cup kicks-off in June 2018. Almost all of the stadiums used throughout the tournament will have their pitches maintained by the G860 and that includes the venues selected for the latter stages of the tournament.



The stadiums hosting the quarter finals, the semi-finals and the final itself have been confirmed as the Luzhniki Stadium, Saint Petersburg Stadium, Kazan Arena, Nizhny Novgorod Stadium, Samara Arena and the Fist Stadium Sochi - and all of these pitches will be prepared by a Dennis G860, while some will also utilise the Dennis Premier in conjunction with the G860 for matchday preparation.

Last tournament, these final games attracted worldwide audiences of up to 3.2 billion people, and it is for this reason, among others, that the G860 has been selected, according to Steven Rienks, managing director of Queens Grass, who are the official Dennis dealer in Russia.

“Quite simply, the main stadiums chose the G860 because of the quality and the presentation it offers. They all want that perfect stripe which the G860 provides because they know it will be watched by a worldwide audience,” says Steven.

“For the past ten years Russian clubs have been using turf maintenance equipment from Dennis and 70% of the Russian Premier League teams have either a G860 or Dennis Premier mower. Many groundsmen over here know of their quality and their robustness - they know that they can use them for a diverse range of maintenance tasks without ever having any issues.

“In Russia, the weather is not ideal - for instance, in one area we only have around 60 days of sunlight over the course of a year, and the interchangeable cassette system really helps with maintenance procedures in a difficult climate.

 

“In my opinion I’m always delighted to supply Dennis equipment to our clients because it guarantees the quality our clients expect from us,” said Steven.

 

Sponsored Product Announcements
WINTER IS COMING . . .
Get Grizzly!
 
#GetGrizzly
Grizzly have a range of purpose-made products perfect for keeping the leaves at bay and snow out of the way.


Winter is coming so #GetGrizzly and be prepared!



Grizzly have a range of purpose-made products perfect for keeping the leaves at bay and snow out of the way. Whilst the trees are not yet changing colour and the warmth of summer has barely receded, autumn will be here in its blustery glory any day now. Grizzly urge you to stock up on the products that will help to keep gardens in check for the next six months.

Grizzly’s winter-proof offering is designed to suit the largest of jobs and smallest of needs. The kit includes their lightweight 2400W electric chainsaw and versatile long reach petrol chainsaw, robust 2800W shredder and efficient 2400W shredder, alongside their formidable 3000W leaf blower and superbly handy 18v battery powered leaf blower. Grizzly aims to cover both ends of the spectrum with this campaign, from heavy duty debris and leaf blow/suck/shredding to lopping at great heights; stay ahead of the gardening game and maintain throughout autumn and winter to minimise the work for when the sunshine (and garden growth!) returns.

Sample these tools and other products from Grizzly’s brilliant range for yourself, enjoy their exceptional quality and effective marketing by becoming a Grizzly dealer today: get Grizzly and see the difference!

Grizzly Tools manufacture quality power tools for every gardener; sold across Europe for over 15 years, the brand is well established and trusted by tradesmen and humble home gardeners alike.

If you’d like to speak to Grizzly Tools about their range of products, please give Shnayde a call on 0845 683 2670.

SALTEX 2017 ‘YOUR INDUSTRY YOUR SHOW’
Visitor registration now open
 
IOG SALTEX
The countdown to Europe’s largest annual turf management event has officially begun, marked by the opening of online visitor registration.


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

Events
LATEST SHOWS & EXHIBITIONS
Sponsored by STIHL GB

SUPPORTING THE 2017 SERVICE DEALER CONFERENCE & AWARDS
Thanks to our sponsors
 
Service Dealer Conference & Awards

The following companies are kindly sponsoring the 2017 Service Dealer Conference & Awards which takes place at the Oxford Belfry Hotel on Thursday November 16th

PRINCIPAL SPONSOR:
Kramp

PLANTINUM SPONSOR:
STIHL GB

GOLD SPONSOR
Husqvarna

SPONSORS
:
Gardencare
Grizzly Tools
Kubota
The Ad Plain
Garden Trader
BAGMA


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

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SIDE ADVERT

PARTNERS
STIHL GB
 
STIHL GB
Bagma
 
BAGMA
Evopos
 
Evopos
GardenCare
 
GardenCare
Garden Trader
 
Garden Trader
Grizzly Tools
 
Grizzly Tools
Handy Distribution
 
Handy Distribution
Henton & Chattell
 
Henton & Chattell
Husqvarna
 
Husqvarna
Oregon
 
Oregon
Robomow
 
Robomow
Rochford Garden Machinery
 
Rochford Garden Machinery
Saltex
 
IOG SALTEX 2017
uni-power
 
uni-power
TurfPro
 
TurfPro
CURRENT ISSUE
September / October 2017
 
Service Dealer September / October 2017
PRODUCED BY THE AD PLAIN