Firstly, thank you to everyone who contributed to our survey regarding robotic mowers last week - we had a fantastic response and canvassed a great selection of your thoughts on the subject.

It certainly appears to be a topic which people have strong opinions on, with many of you taking the time to let us know one way or another how you feel about the current state of the market.

We'll be publishing the results and a cross section of your views in the next issue of Service Dealer magazine, but I must say the spread of opinions is quite striking.

As a preview, we received comments ranging from the enthusiastic . .

• "Robotic mowers are a fantastic opportunity for the dealer network to supply a product that can be sold with an installation and thus bring some profitability back. I view a robot mower installation as similar to supplying a fitted kitchen in that each installation is bespoke and requires a specialist to plan and carry out the work properly. For that we can charge a premium."

. . . to the sceptical:

• "I feel it’s generally over-hyped in a similar way to battery products which are also being pushed hard by manufacturers currently. They suffer similar problems – i.e expensive battery replacements every few years and high levels of complexity to repair. We get some interest in them but mostly from the elderly who can prove challenging with their lack of tech savvy and over expectations of the product."

There's no doubt though, the subject has the industry talking this year - and this appears to be a worldwide trend. 

The American trade title, OPE magazine, has recently published a very interesting article entitled The Rise Of Robotic Mowers. It's well worth a read, if only to see just how similar the current thinking is over there. They quote Elisha Lipscomb, senior marketing strategist, lawn and garden, at Honda, manufacturer of Miimo robotic mowers, who says, "Automation in mowing is becoming the newest disruptor in the green industry . . . This can be the next life-changing technology."

The article goes on to discuss how for the technology to really take off though, the specialist dealer network needs to be fully on-board in the promotion of these products to their customers.

Also in the States, the OPEI, their equivalent of our AEA, has even Tweeted out links to my recent editorial on robotics and on our story of UK dealers attending Cub Cadet's robotic training days, for their members to consider.

It seems fair to say there is a real buzz around the automated products this year. Whether this translates into an increase in sales, that remains to be seen.

What we shouldn't lose sight of course, is that these machines are not the only game in town. Interestingly I attended a STIHL event this week, introducing new professional products to the specialist trade press, and whilst yes, there were a couple of iMows on display and discussion of battery products both current and coming soon, the company were very keen to stress the new developments in their petrol ranges.

Efforts are being made by the manufacturer to make their petrol machines ever more efficient as well as cleaner, in order to comply with the increasingly strict emissions regulations. They emphasised just how much research and development is being undertaken to make sure that 2-stroke engines are kept very much as an integral part of their overall portfolio. 

Tellingly, the representatives of magazines, blogs and forums which are aimed at professional end users, were clearly very keen to get their hands on these new petrol machines which were available to test. They seemed excited to report back to their readers just how these new developments might be able to make their working life easier.

So I suppose the message is, there is a place, and indeed a customer, for all these technologies in our industry.

To close off oneself entirely from one type of product or another, might be a decision a business could live to regret?

Agricultural machinery specialist Ripon Farm Services say they are set for significant expansion following the acquisition of neighbouring John Deere dealer RBM Agricultural Ltd.

The enlarged company will trade as Ripon Farm Services, with all existing Ripon Farm Services and RBM branches, as well as all branch staff, being retained.

L-R: Geoff Brown, managing director of Ripon Farm Services with Adrian Denner, managing director of RBM Agricultural

Based in North Yorkshire, Ripon Farm Services is a long-established agricultural machinery dealer, serving customers across Yorkshire and the Humber and Teesside. It also supplies parts, provides support and servicing and sells used equipment. The company employs 190 people at its nine depots and has a turnover of £70 million.

The acquisition of RBM Agricultural will enable Ripon Farm Services to expand its geographical presence into Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire. RBM is a £45m turnover business, employing 84 staff at its five branches in Market Weighton, Malton, Retford, Brigg and Louth.

Both companies celebrated 50 years as John Deere dealerships in 2017.

Geoff Brown, managing director of Ripon Farm Services, said, “This acquisition represents considerable investment in our business and our skilled workforce and fits perfectly with our growth ambitions. It provides us with a great opportunity to expand our reputation for delivering high quality products and services to a much wider customer base.”

Adrian Denner, managing director of RBM Agricultural, said, “Ripon Farm Services shares our values for providing premium brands backed by expertise and excellent standards of service, a combination which delivers best value to customers.”

STIHL GB used the Westonbirt, The National Arboretum as the location to introduce a selection of their new professional products to the trade press this week. The invited audience included representatives of titles read by professional arborists, tree care specialists, groundstaff and greenkeepers.

The company also took the opportunity to show off a couple of exciting previews of machines coming out later in the year which are under embargo for the time being. Suffice it to say these certainly raised the excitement levels of some of the specialist journalists in attendance.

Paul Hicks, STIHL GB marketing and product manager

Gathering the trade press together allowed the company to reinforce that all their products have now transitioned over from green to orange. Paul Hicks, STIHL GB's marketing and product manager, said, "STIHL now has a tool available for every professional and domestic challenge."

A selection of products was introduced, both petrol and battery powered, all of which were available to test around the grounds of the arboretum.

One new product on show was the BR 800 C-E blower. Described by Paul as the most powerful blower on the market, offering 17% more power than their previous top rated blower, the new unit is designed with a starting system which is featured on the side of the machine, allowing users to start the blower while wearing it. The simplified starting system also features an automatic choke reset and a switch position on the control handle that is always ‘on’, ensuring that the professional user can start the blower easily.

Coming in May, but available to test this week at Westonbirt, was the MS 500i, which Paul said was the world’s first chainsaw with electronically controlled fuel injection and offered "the best power to weight ratio of any production chainsaw on the market."  He went on to explain that the injection technology employed in the saw not only provides it with incredible torque, but also ensures rapid acceleration of the saw chain from 0 to 100 km/h in just 0.25 seconds.

A selection of new mowers were also introduced and put through their paces. The RM 655 RS rear roller mower, suitable for professional landscapers for example, includes a single speed, split, driven rear metal roller for that British-desired striping effect, as well as making manoeuvring around borders easier. The rear roller, the press was told, features high quality bearings and stainless steel build for longevity. The machine also benefits from a mono-comfort handlebar, with super soft grip which is adjustable to three different heights allowing users to find a suitable setting and to access the grass catcher box more easily.

A new mulching mower was also seen. The RM 4 RTP features a 53cm deck which can cover areas of up to 2,500m2. A self-propelled model, it has single speed drive for simplicity ensuring the mower sets itself in motion with the pull of a lever.

The company has also launched a new range of RM 756 series petrol powered lawn mowers - all of which utilise a Kawasaki engine, as well as a three litre fuel tank to offer professional users longer running times. There are three levels of specification for the 7 series: the RM 756 GS with 3 speed drive and a dual handlebar, RM 756 GC with 3 speed drive and mono handlebar or the RM 756 YC with hydrostatic drive and mono handlebar.

Previewed ahead of its launch this August was also the STIHL Connected system for professional users. The system comprises of three central components; a Smart Connector, an app, and the pro portal. When used in conjunction, the system enables professional users to analyse key machinery performance data. 

With this event, STIHL was able to convey the message to the trade press that whilst battery product developments are very important to them as a company, they are still very much in the petrol engine game - albeit with constant development of cleaner, more efficient machines.

Husqvarna has expanded its UK team this month with the appointment of Graeme Simpson as area business manager – North East and East.

The company says Graeme’s support and experience will prove key to achieving the business’ 2019 growth aims.

Graeme joins Husqvarna with 20 years of field based account management knowledge, working with both multi-site and standalone dealers in the UK and Europe. His prior experience comes in the motorcycling industry where he held roles with Michelin (5 years area sales manager) and EVS Sports (2 years as European brand manager).

On his new appointment, Graeme commented, “I am delighted to be joining Husqvarna and looking forward to working with the dealer network at such an exciting time in the development of the Automower and battery categories within the company.”

UK commercial director, Ken Brewster added, “We are very pleased that Graeme has joined the UK team this month and his experience will benefit our distributor and dealer networks alike. We have experienced tremendous growth over a number of years now and by investing in the right people we are committed to continuing that trend.”

Cub Cadet has launched a two-month sponsorship campaign with the most prestigious football league in Spain, La Liga.

The company made the investment to tie in with its Infinicut lawn mower range, suitable for cutting sports turf and pitches.

During matches, running from March 17th to May 19th, a series of animated stadium ads will be on display around the pitch with the slogan ‘Cub Cadet – Mow Like a Pro’. These commercials will be broadcast across European TV channels, as well as exclusively on ITV4, which means that they will be seen by millions of viewers.

Football and gardening fans can follow the campaign on social media with the hashtag #CubCadetFootball.

Returning to the DoubleTree by Hilton Oxford Belfry this November, the Service Dealer Conference & Awards will once again benefit from Kubota as Gold Sponsor.

The date of this year's event has been confirmed as Thursday November 21st 2019.

Martin Tyler, field service manager of Kubota UK, presenting the Apprentice of the Year award to William Dart of Hayes Garden Machinery & ATVs, with Service Dealer owner Duncan Murray-Clarke (l) and comedian Charlie Baker (r) at 2018's ceremony

Service Dealer owner Duncan Murray-Clarke said, "We are very pleased to announce Kubota as Gold Sponsor once again for Service Dealer's Conference & Awards.

"Kubota have supported our event several times in the past and it's fantastic that they will be joining us once again in 2019 for what is shaping up to be a very special day.

Kubota feel it is very important to be a part of the conference which gives dealers crucial insights into improving their businesses from industry experts.

More details about this year's Service Dealer Conference & Awards will be announced in due course. 

Ollie ATV were appointed Polaris agents at the Royal Northern Spring Agricultural Show at Thainstone Mart, Inverurie, Aberdeenshire recently.

Ollie White of Ollie ATV and Richard Coleby (district sales manager) Polaris Britain Ltd - picture courtesy of BAGMA's Alasdair Straker

Also at the show which was described as well attended with a large agricultural machinery presence, Ollie ATV also signed up to become a new BAGMA member.

Now in its 74th year, the organisers of SALTEX say the show is growing from strength to strength in its NEC home.

They report that already 70 per cent of the SALTEX 2019 floorplan has been allocated with more than 180 SALTEX 2018 exhibitors returning. Over 40 of these exhibitors have increased the size of their stand and a further influx of debut exhibitors are looking to engage with the show this year.

Campey Turf Care Systems for example say they will be building on their success at SALTEX 2018 by upgrading its stand and showcasing an even wider range of turf machinery.

"The SALTEX exhibition has proved it is still popular with the professional groundsperson attracting visitors from both here and abroad. Last year we trialled a smaller stand with an area for seating and refreshments for our visitors. This was very successful, so this year we are taking a larger stand to create an even more welcoming space for our customers while at the same time increasing the number of machines on display," said managing director Richard Campey.

Lister Wilder is a new exhibitor for 2019 and division sales director Phill Hughes has announced that the company will be using its first appearance at the NEC as an opportunity to promote its hire division.

“I’ve been monitoring show attendance and feedback prior to making a commitment. My view of last year was that it felt like there was a level of excitement around the manufacturers. The customers attending appear to be of good quality and in good spirit, something which I believe has been achieved by combining the IOG Awards with the show.

“Over the last few years we have seen a rise in the number of commercial fleet customers looking for both long and short-term hire as an alternative to purchasing assets and we look forward to promoting our commercial hire division to a wider audience in order to increase our current customer base.”

SALTEX 2019 takes place at the NEC, Birmingham on October 30 and 31.

EGO say they are pleased to once again be bestowed an independent ‘Best Buy’ award for its range of outdoor power tools.

BBC Gardeners’ World rated the EGO Power+ LM1903E-SP 47cm Self-Propelled Mower one of its best mid-price mowers, scoring it 19/20 and reporting on the ease of use.

The mower, which is new for the 2019 season and uses the brand’s 56V Arc Lithium battery, was trialled head-to-head with other established brands, coming out as one of the top on test.

With the write-up, in the March issue of the magazine, now on newsstands, the company believe it puts the newly launched model in a great position from the off.

Steve Roskell, marketing director (EMEA) at EGO, said, “Since our launch, we have been awarded numerous independent ‘Best Buys’ throughout Europe reflecting our position as the experts in the field of cordless technology in outdoor power equipment.”

West Country Kubota dealership, Vincent Tractors & Plant has announced that its popular Dig Day will return for a fourth year.

This year the event is being held on Wednesday 3rd April at the Ashbury Hotel, Fowley Cross, near Okehampton between 12noon and 6:30pm.

The annual event allows visitors to put a range of Kubota excavators through their paces as well as find out more about the construction range that Vincent Tractors & Plant supplies.

Nick Vincent, Vincent Tractors & Plant’s construction salesperson for Devon said, “It’s not often that people get the chance to try out so many excavators in one location.

“There will also be a number of other different manufacturers there which will allow visitors to see a range of different attachments for excavators in operation. We will have representatives from Kubota, Exac-One, Husqvarna, Engcon, Whites and Geith. This is the ideal opportunity for people to find out more about the range of construction machinery that we can supply.”

Staff from Vincent Tractors & Plant, together with representatives from various manufacturers will be on hand at the event to answer visitors’ questions.

We are recruiting for an experienced Service Technician who is dedicated, self-motivated and a highly skilled engineer with a passion for grass machinery equipment. You will have strong diagnostic skills, good all round technical knowledge and be able to provide excellent customer care and customer service.

A full UK driving license is essential as you will have the use of a support vehicle to enable on site repairs.

40hrs per week covering Monday to Friday 8.00am – 5.00 pm

Please send CV to lynn@godfreys.co.uk or call Lynn Cumins, H R Manager on 01732 441324 for any further information and a detailed job description.

A ‘no outlay’ sales package is fast becoming popular with specialist dealers as the Swift ‘Dropshop’ on loan stand, that takes up only 2 foot square of floor space, manned with a full range of Swift 40v cordless products is creating new, extra profitable business with NGP Swift taking the financial strain whilst dealers sell the products, retain the profit and replace as and when sold.

At last, a manufacturer who is prepared to put their money where their mouth is, NGP is a well established manufacturer of garden machinery that recognises the need for manufacturers to take more responsibility for the promotion of their products.

Swift is the chosen brand for the UK and Europe and already the products are showing their worth in the market place with many dealers taking up the opportunity to benefit from the Swift ‘Dropshop’ system which also includes a ‘Dropship’ delivery service for all appointed dealers.

The 40v range includes 3 models of mowers, trimmer edger, blower, hedge trimmer, chainsaw, long reach pole saw and long reach hedge trimmer all interchangeable using one battery; all units, including the mowers can be bought bare or complete with battery and charger.

There are 3 models of 120v mowers 42cm 47cm and 48cm, plus 2 models of Robot mowers.

These are excellent quality products at extraordinarily competive prices.

Our aim is to work with 150 dealers strategically placed throughout the UK, to find out more call Ron Miller on 07853 005790 or e-mail ron.miller@ngpgroup.eu

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