SALTEX took place at the Birmingham NEC this week, with perhaps something to prove.

As mentioned last week, this year's show followed on quickly from a successful GroundsFest - so comparisons will inevitably be drawn. Especially when there is such a crossover of brands exhibiting, and frankly, visitors attending.

The aisles filled for the peak hours

I think what the GMA pride themselves on, certainly in the years since their show moved inside the halls of the NEC, is that they attract quality punters. Unlike in the old days when huge teams of turf professionals could be found roaming Windsor racecourse, kicking tyres and collecting free gifts, SALTEX nowadays say they attract the top-level, decision-makers. Those in charge of the purse-strings is whom they boast can be found perusing the stands.

Kress said they'd seen a tipping point this year, with golf courses truly embracing their robotic mowing solutions

Geoff Webb, CEO of the GMA, confirmed as much to me when I spoke to him on day one. He said he trusts the quality of their database and their attendees. Also he was pleased with the attendance on day one, which after a slow-ish start definitely felt busy by 10am through to 3pm-ish. Geoff said he thought they were actually up on last year's first day. Day two was undeniably quieter, however there were certainly enough visitors having serious conversations on stands to make the day worthwhile.

Geoff also told me how proud he is that their event is dedicated to promoting the turfcare industry in its best light possible and, crucially, in taking the show's revenue and reinvesting it back into the sector. I don't think anyone can deny this is an important and worthy endeavour, and one which I suspect, plays a large part in the thinking of all exhibitors.

Kubota's David Hart said the key industry trend is not so much about power sources, but rather automation

I got the impression from speaking to these stand holders this week, that they also agreed with Geoff that this notion of quality visitors remains the case. And it needed to - because there is of course, increased competition these days on the turf care machinery show scene.

It was always going to be an interesting couple of days for the long-historied show this year. Before I went, I must admit I'd heard some cynicism about  the event - from both dealers and manufacturers. Dealers seemed to like the recent GroundsFest - and certainly there were plenty there, what with Stiga choosing to hold their dealer event at Stoneleigh.

Husqvarna's Jonathan Snowball (right), told Service Dealer editor Steve Gibbs they'd had a pleasing mix of top-level sporting establishments and landscapers on their stand to check out their robotic solutions and hand-held battery tools

Were many dealers at the NEC this week? I heard mixed reports from stand holders as to how many they'd spoken to. Fewer than last month's show felt to be the consensus. I bumped into some I know, all of whom were doing the show in a single day.

Milwaukee's distinctive stand featured plenty of kit to interest the professional end-users

Pre-show I'd also heard from past-exhibitors who had chosen not to return this year. I'd heard talk of not being able justify the costs for the comparatively small stands on offer and that it might not be a dealer friendly show, with the parking fee cited as a particular bugbear.

On the Hayter branded stand, Toro UK's Craig Hoare said they'd experienced massive interest in their battery-powered, rear roller Harriers

But that said, for those that did choose to exhibit, and those that did choose to pay it a visit, I got that the impression that a valuable time had been experienced. There was a real sense of the unknown I think, before Wednesday kicked off, but from what I gather, exhibitors were on the whole pleasantly surprised with what they experienced.

Cramer's John McGrady said they are continuing with their dealer appointments and are excited about the forthcoming launch of their commercial robotic mower

I don't know the official numbers yet, but a figure of 4000 was mentioned for day one. Certainly before the inevitable post-lunch migration home (or to Wetherspoons) there was a genuine buzz about the place that business was being discussed and leads being gathered. The footprint of the whole show felt smaller perhaps than in years gone by, but with the excellent displays put on by all, it had the vibe of a prestigious, high-end business event.

On the Cobra stand Peter Chaloner said as well as the top level visitors, they enjoyed meeting all of a facility's grounds team, as all have an influence over machinery purchasing decisions

We'll have more about specific products seen in the next issue of Service Dealer magazine, but once again battery-power and robotics were very much to the fore. One could pretty much play 'hunt the petrol product' around the aisles. Which, as Service Dealer owner Duncan Murray-Clarke can attest to, is not the same at trade shows in the U.S this year.

STIHL were allowing visitors to try out some of their battery-powered range in the Demo Zone

I spoke to many of the exhibiting suppliers whose products our dealer readers will stock in their stores - and I'd say they seemed happy with the show. A refrain I heard repeated was that perhaps GroundsFest is more of a landscapers' show and SALTEX is geared for the turf professionals (of multiple disciplines). So they were making some different leads.

EGO's eye-catching stand drew the crowds

So I think overall, a well done is due to the GMA for putting on a show that delivered once again. The pressure will have definitely been on behind the scenes, but I think the Association can be applauded for rising to the occasion. 

Service Dealer and TurfPro's Nikki Harrison, Lizzie Wall and Duncan Murray-Clarke met many readers and colleagues on our stand

Whether the industry's calendar can continue on forever, with two shows aimed at similar audiences, featuring a wide crossover of the same exhibitors, in consecutive months, we shall see. Whilst the current set up remains though, Service Dealer will enjoy meeting up with friends and colleagues and reporting back to you, our valued dealer readers on what we find.

And please do let us know your thoughts on this week's event, or the industry show scene in general, in the comments below.

Next year's show is taking place slightly later in the year

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CORRECTION

In the November / December 2024 edition of Service Dealer magazine, on page 54, the final line in the Five New Scorpions story has been transposed, in error, from the story above. Claas say that whist their machines do come with warranty, it is not the five year warranty on battery life or 200 hours of machine usage. A corrected version now appears in the magazine on our website. We sincerely apologise for this mistake to Claas and to our readers for any confusion caused.

A teaser video is now available of Service Dealer, plus Jo Balmer of Balmers GM, at the world's largest outdoor power machinery exhibition in Louisville, Kentucky, Equip.

The full Digital Special Report, packed with interviews, insight and more, will be published soon. Keep an eye on the Weekly Update and our socials for details.

Watch below or via Service Dealer's YouTube channel.

Kramp has announced that its Cultivate a Generation grant scheme supporting agricultural engineers, farmers, and students will continue into 2025. 

Apprentice engineer, Bayley Anderson, secured an agri-engineer grant in April

There are seven grant categories: engineers, arable farmers, livestock farmers, young farmers, small and large contractors, and family support. Winners will be drawn monthly throughout the year. 

Kramp will add £10,000 to last year’s amount, meaning £40,000 is available in 2025. This will be topped up further using the proceeds from Kramp’s LAMMA stand. 

“The Kramp shop at LAMMA is there to show farmers the range available to them when they visit a dealer supported by Kramp’s retail offer,” says Des Boyd, sales director at Kramp UK.

“We’re pleased to make our LAMMA shop not-for-profit by donating the proceeds to our Cultivate a Generation grant fund.”

In total, 44 grants will be awarded in 2024 from 400 applications. Reflecting on the success of Cultivate a Generation in its inaugural year, Des says he has been delighted by its impact on the successful applicants. 

Bayley Anderson, an apprentice engineer from Cambridgeshire, secured an agri-engineer grant in April. “I was really thrilled when I heard I'd won and excited too,” says Bayley. “I’m fairly new to the industry and am currently saving for a decent air compressor for my van. These winnings will go towards that. But more importantly, Kramp has contributed to my future, and I can’t thank them enough.”

Isabel Verey

Another grant winner in 2024 is Isabel Verey, who won the young farmer category in February. She is 20 years old and is currently in the process of taking over the family farm from her father. The farm comprises 40 suckler cows and their calves, plus a few followers and a livery yard. 

Isabel is working hard to diversify their income streams following the decline of BPS and applied for the ‘Young Farmer’ category, hoping some winnings would allow her to implement some of her ideas. 

“Initially, I was really surprised when I heard I’d won, but it soon sank in and felt great,” says Isabel. “As water is one of our biggest issues on the farm, I’d been thinking of ways to alternate the grazing areas of our livestock whilst fixing drainage. The money went towards fencing and water management and helped me show my parents that my ideas work!” 

Boss ORV has announced the appointment of J & R Agricultural Engineering Ltd. as Powerland dealers.

J&R’s Jonathan Philp and Richard Trengove

Based in the Looe area of south east Cornwall, J & R were appointed in April 2024 as dealers for the Boss distributed Corvus Off-Road Vehicles. The dealer has over thirty years in the industry as a tractor and machinery sales and repair business, latterly incorporating ATV and UTV sales and service. They will now add the Powerland Tachyon all-electric ATV to their line-up. 

“It is a natural extension for Jonathan Philp and the J&R team to sell Powerland,” says Neil Everett, BOSS ORV’s national sales manager. “They will provide coverage across Cornwall and South Devon for this exciting new electric ATV.” 

J&R’s Jonathan Philp, added, “We’re very pleased to be appointed as Powerland dealers. The Tachyon allows us to offer our customers a real environmentally friendly alternative to fuel-powered ATVs.”

Maha Elkharbotly has been appointed president of the Husqvarna Group Gardena Division and will also be a member of Husqvarna Group's executive management team. 

Maha Elkharbotly holds an MBA in marketing from the University of Illinois and is currently president at I-Health, a wholly owned subsidiary of DSM Firmenich. Maha has previously held multiple executive positions at DSM Firmenich, LIXIL, Grohe and Whirlpool. 

Pavel Hajman, CEO of Husqvarna Group, said, "I am very pleased to welcome Maha to Husqvarna Group. Her broad experience and strong knowledge in sales, marketing, channel management and leadership will be valuable assets in the continued journey of Gardena. Maha brings vast experience from building brands as well as driving international expansion, innovation and business transformation. This expertise will be central to continue building Gardena’s position as a global leader in watering, as well as advancing smart garden systems including robotic mowers for passionate gardeners."

Maha Elkharbotly will be based in Ulm, Germany and assume her new position within the Gardena Division on January 1st, 2025.

Campey Turf Care Systems' impact on the world stage, has been recognised by the Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce (GMCC) with the 2024 Global Star Award.

L-R: Campey's Richard Heywood, product specialist; Brian O'Shaughnessy product specialist; Mandy Caton administration, Julia Campey managing director; and Joe Brennan, managing director of award sponsor Bio Pharma Dynamics

The Macclesfield-based company received the accolade during the GMCC Excellence Awards at Manchester's Albert Hall, with its achievements in innovation and global business growth recognised.

Campey say as sport has grown globally, so has the demand for high-quality surfaces. They say they have developed an ethos of solving the challenges turf professionals face in the UK, and by applying that worldwide, have built their reputation. 

The GMCC Excellence Awards showcase and celebrate business achievements and resilience, highlighting businesses, leaders, and teams that have demonstrated success within their industries and communities in Greater Manchester.

Speaking about the recognition, managing director Julia Campey said, "Winning the Global Star Award is a testament to our entire team's hard work and dedication. We are proud to represent the turf industry on the global stage, and this award highlights our commitment to continually delivering exceptional service and driving innovation in the turf care industry."

This year the Newark Vintage Tractor and Heritage Show will celebrate 75 years of the John Deere two-cylinder diesel engine, marking a milestone in agricultural history.  

John Deere 830
 
Visitors at Newark Showground on 9-10 November will have the chance to see a range of engines from the series on display and learn more about their history.
 
Introduced in 1949 with the Model R, John Deere’s first diesel tractor, the show's organisers say the engine stood out from the predominantly petrol-powered models of its time. Known for its simple yet robust design, exceptional pulling power, durability, and fuel efficiency, it has since become an iconic piece of engineering cherished by tractor enthusiasts and collectors worldwide.
 
Mark James, product sales specialist at John Deere, says: "The John Deere two-cylinder diesel engine wasn’t just about horsepower; it was about delivering enormous torque, pulling power, and reliability.
 
"At the time, tractors with this kind of torque were unheard of. The two-cylinder engines would literally pull down to their last breath, continuing to work even under extreme loads."
 
Not only did the Model R tractor pave the way for the next generation of powerful diesel engines, but it also introduced innovative features like the live power take-off (PTO), which allowed it to run independently of the transmission and made tasks like baling hay much easier.
 
Visitors to the event will see restored tractors, including an original Model R and its successors, the 70, 720, 730, 80, 820, and 830. The tractors, many originally imported from North America, have been meticulously restored and maintained by private collectors.
 
A John Deere 830, used by Mr James for vintage working events and producing an estimated 100 horsepower from just two cylinders, will also be on display. Imported from Canada around 20 years ago, the tractor has received rebuilds to both the main and starter engines, though it’s has not been cosmetically restored.
 
It’s used regularly to work a 5-furrow John Deere hydraulic-lift plough at local events. “It’s a very impressive machine”, says Mark. “We also have a 1964 John Deere 4020 with a six-cylinder engine and powershift transmission and it too handles a five-furrow plough, but the two-cylinder 830 clearly outperforms it - and does so using a lot less fuel."
  
Mark concluded, “The two-cylinder engine represents more than just a piece of machinery. It is a symbol of agricultural progress. Vintage tractors are all about nostalgia and people love to see and own the tractors they grew up driving. These John Deere models hold a special place in farming history.”

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