EDITOR'S BLOG
LISTENING TO CUSTOMERS
And not just to the compliments!
by Service Dealer Editor, Steve Gibbs
 
Steve Gibbs

Any opportunity to gain feedback from your customers should be regarded as highly beneficial.


Yesterday saw the Garden Media Guild Awards take place in central London.

 

There was some industry interest with awards sponsored by Briggs & Stratton, STIHL GB, Cobra and Honda Power. Being honoured at the ceremony were journalists, publications, photographers, websites and broadcasts all championing the diverse world of gardening and horticulture.

 

An interesting element to the event was that the guest speaker was writer and broadcaster Gyles Brandreth (bear with me here!). It was interesting because hearing an outsider's opinion, or feedback, on a subject which you are close to, can offer you some real insight into how you are performing.

 

Gyles was very complimentary about the gardening media, saying that people who's job it is to spread joyful news about gardens and gardening, in a world which can be too often grim and depressing, are doing society a service. He said, "I'm honoured to salute the people who are in the business of celebrating the colour, growth, beauty and magic of gardens."

 

Hearing such positive feedback is great as it offers an affirmation that your efforts are not going unnoticed and you are doing something right. Everybody appreciates a compliment now and again!

 

However, just as vital is feedback which offers constructive criticism. It prevents us from just carrying on in a bubble of our own self-belief. How you can you provide a great service for your customers when you are not listening to what your customers are telling you they actually want from you?

 

Measuring customer satisfaction helps you determine whether the service or products you are providing meet or surpasses customer expectations. Any opportunity to gain feedback from your customers should be regarded as highly beneficial.

 

Experts in these matters will tell you that by collecting this customer feedback you will gain information which will be actionable for you to adapt and change your offerings to create an improved customer experience. Being able to do this should lead to better customer retention.

 

Also of vital importance when collecting customer feedback is that you will acquire actual tangible data which can be used to create better business decisions. The best decisions are of course made when you've got actual facts to hand, not just going off hunches. Customer feedback is the holy grail of tangible data. You can gather real insight into how your customers really feel.

 

Feedback will also identify advocates for your company - and there is no greater promotional tool than positive word of mouth. We heard stories like this from dealers at the Service Dealer Conference last week. Social media is connecting dealers to their customers and potential customers ever more closely. When you get great feedback from people who you've helped, that news can spread fast and wide nowadays.

 

Business advisors will say you can never gather too much feedback. It’s one of the most important components of any successful business.

 

You will see today that Service Dealer is asking for delegates who attended the Conference & Awards last week to let us know what you thought. The organising team want to hear your opinions, so we can further shape the day in forthcoming years to provide the best experience possible for dealer delegates.

 

The dealer who won the prize draw from our recent reader survey is announced today as well. The next issue of Service Dealer magazine will report on these results, but I will say as a result of what we heard, you should notice a few tweaks and new features in the magazine in 2018 - in what will be the publication's 30th Anniversary year.

NEWS
DEERE BEAT Q4 ESTIMATES
Expects strong 2018 earnings
 
John Deere

Deere & Co forecast strong earnings for the coming fiscal year as its fourth-quarter results exceed analyst expectations amid improving demand for farm machinery.

 


Deere & Co forecast strong earnings this week for the coming fiscal year as it reported fourth-quarter results that exceeded analyst expectations amid improving demand for farm machinery.


Reuters reported that shares for the company rose 5 percent in premarket trading and were on track to open at a record high.

 

Deere forecast net sales for fiscal 2018 to jump 19 percent - translating to sales of $35.39 billion - and earnings to rise to about $2.6 billion.

 

Analysts on average expect 2018 net sales of $28.06 billion and earnings of $2.3 billion, according to Thomson Reuters I/B/E/S.

 

Deere said equipment net sales in the United States and Canada surged 23 percent in the fourth quarter ended October 29, while sales in other markets jumped 30 percent.

 

“We saw higher overall demand for our products with farm machinery sales in South America making especially strong gains and construction equipment sales rising sharply,” Deere Chief Executive Samuel Allen said in a statement.


Net income attributable to the company rose 79 percent to $510.3 million or $1.57 per share in the fourth quarter, while total net sales rose 25.5 percent to $7.09 billion.

 

Analysts had expected fourth-quarter earnings of $1.47 per share and sales of $6.99 billion.

 

This is the fifth straight quarter in which the company beat the Thomson Reuters I/B/E/S consensus analyst estimate.

 

Deere expects higher demand for large equipment to push up sales at its agriculture and turf division in the U.S. and Canada by 5-10 percent in 2018.

 

The company generates 70 percent of sales from agricultural equipment and around 60 percent of sales from the North American farm equipment market.

 

But sales in North America have been held down, with U.S. farmers tightening belts in the face of four years of global oversupply that has pushed down grain prices and farm incomes.

 

With farmers buying equipment again to replenish aging fleet and large agriculture new equipment inventories at near multi-decade lows, some analysts expect any improvement in grain prices to further lift Deere’s sales.

 

Deere expects worldwide sales of construction and forestry equipment to surge 69 percent in 2018, aided by an improving global economy, higher housing starts in the U.S. and increased activity in the oil and gas sector.

SERVICE DEALER CONFERENCE EVALUATON
Let us know what you thought
 
Service Dealer Conference

The organiser's of last week's Service Dealer Conference & Awards are asking for delegates' feedback.

 


The organiser's of last week's Service Dealer Conference & Awards are asking for delegates' feedback.

 

 

Julie Gill who headed up the organising team for The Ad Plain said, "We hope that you found the conference both informative and worthwhile. We believe that our diverse and dynamic group of speakers provided in-depth insight, as well as, actionable and practical tools for your business. It was an inspiring day, full of fascinating and valuable debate, which was due to the contribution of everyone who attended.

 

"We want to build on the success of this year and the positive feedback we received at the event, to further develop the conference and awards for next year. We therefore, thank you in advance for your comments and suggestions and we assure you that each will be given consideration so that future conferences and events will be even more successful."

Service Dealer want the 2018 Conference and Awards event to exceed your expectations. So if you did not get a chance on the day, please click here to spend a few moments to complete the feedback form.

WALKER MOWERS EXPAND TEAM
New Area Sales Manager - South
 
Stephen Egerton

Stephen Egerton brings a wealth of UK dealer knowledge to the new company.

 


Walker Mowers UK have announced the appointment of Stephen Egerton as their new Area Sales Manager - South.

 

Stephen has been working in the outdoor power equipment industry at both manufacturing and distribution level for many years. He brings a wealth of UK dealer knowledge to the new company and says he is looking forward to promoting the Walker brand and range of machines to both existing and new customers.

 

Joining Walker Mowers UK on the eve of this SALTEX exhibition, Stephen had a rapid emersion into the new world of commercial machines and is now busy following up enquiries from both dealers and end users. A spokesman for the company commented that Stephen brings a high level of professionalism to the company and following a very busy two day exhibition at SALTEX he is busy meeting new customers across the south of the country.

 

Following his first exhibition for Walker Mowers UK, Stephen told Service Dealer, "The SALTEX exhibition saw a large number of enquiries from end users and dealers alike, with many requests for a demonstration of the Walker Advantage. My role is to get to meet these customers as soon as possible - a daunting challenge before the weather conditions change."

ETESIA APPOINT SHARROCKS
New dealer based in Arclid, Cheshire
 
Steve Hanlon, depot manager for Sharrocks

Sharrocks are a new dealer for the full range of Etesia grounds care equipment, covering the areas of Birmingham, Shropshire and Staffordshire.

 


Etesia UK has announced the appointment of Sharrocks, based in Arclid, Cheshire, as their new dealer for the full range of Etesia grounds care equipment, covering the areas of Birmingham, Shropshire and Staffordshire.

 

Steve Hanlon, depot manager for Sharrocks

 

Sharrocks is a specialist supplier of tractors, professional and domestic turf machinery and both agricultural and arboricultural equipment. For over 55 years the family owned business, which is now in its third generation, has delivered a trusted service throughout the throughout the Midlands, North of England & North Wales.


The company will now be supplying the complete range of Etesia pedestrian, ride-on mowers along with the Attila range of brushcutters.

 

“As soon as I knew there was a vacancy coming up in this area I got on the phone straight away to Etesia,” says Steve Hanlon, depot manager for Sharrocks. “It’s a brand we know incredibly well and we are delighted to be working with them. It’s a fantastic product range with so many strengths; they cut and collect in any condition, they are strong, easy to use and are very professional machines.”

 

The Etesia range from Sharrocks will also be available as part of the company’s ever-expanding hire division, which already includes an extensive range of professional suppliers. 

 

“Due to where grounds care equipment seems to be heading, Etesia are steaming ahead with their battery powered and green machines. We can see this being a major player in the forthcoming years, so we’re delighted to be able to offer this fantastic equipment.”

FIRST BAGMA MINI-CONFERENCE A SUCCESS
Took place at Askham Bryan College
 
BAGMA President, Brian Sangster

Last month BAGMA ran the first of its 100th Anniversary conferences which proved a successful day for the 50 guests that took advantage of this free event.

 


Last month, BAGMA ran the first of its 100th Anniversary conferences at Askham Bryan College near York.

 

The Association said the excellent facilities offered by the college Conference Centre helped make for a successful and comfortable day for the 50 guests that took advantage of the free event.

 

Brian Sangster


BAGMA President, Brian Sangster, opened the day with a welcome to those attending and with a potted of history of BAGMA. Ian Snowden form Askham Bryan also welcomed guests to the college and provided an overview of college activities.


The main morning session included a presentation from Keith Christian, BAGMA Director, on the Business of Trade Associations and an overview of BAGMA activities highlighting BAGMA’s engagement with its membership.

 

Keith was followed by presentations from BAGMA’s insurance partner Towergate covering Cyber Security and the need to be aware of the General Data Protection Regulations as well as presentations from BAGMA Bank, bira Direct and Safety Aide, BAGMA’s health and safety partner. An impromptu question and answer session followed Safety Aides presentation leading up to lunch.

 


Guests attending included dealer principals and staff from a variety of companies both agricultural and garden machinery businesses, college lecturers and a group of students from the college.


The afternoon covered industry topics with presentations on the new Trailblazer Apprenticeship schemes and the many changes the government were making to this process and where the future of apprenticeships will lie. On a more technical and legislative note, Tom Price from the NFU covered various aspects of transport law and changing legislation in this area.

 

Closing the afternoon session was a very comprehensive presentation on the effects of Brexit and how it is affecting the industry.


The next BAGMA Mini Conference will be held in BAGMA’s Four Counties Region at Ledbury Rugby Club on the 13th December. A similar line up of speakers and topics will be covered.

 

As a finale to BAGMA’s 100 years this event will also include a Christmas lunch and is free to attend.

WINNER OF SERVICE DEALER FEEDBACK DRAW
£100 Amazon voucher on way
 
Service Dealer

The winning dealer who responded to Service Dealer's request for feedback on the magazine and Weekly Update has been revealed.

 


The winning dealer who responded to Service Dealer's request for feedback on the magazine and Weekly Update has been revealed.

 

Fred Werring of South West Garden Machinery, based in Launceston, Cornwall is the lucky recipient of the £100 Amazon voucher.

 

Service Dealer was very pleased with the results of the feedback. A good amount of readers responded with their thoughts on the content of the magazine and this Weekly Update.

 

We'll be publishing the results in the next edition of the magazine which will be cover dated January / February 2018 - as well airing a selection of your comments which we received.

NEW HOLLAND WINS FIVE AE50 AWARDS
For recent technological advancements
 
Dynamic Command transmission for T6 series tractors

The American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers honours four of New Holland Agriculture’s most innovative designs.

 


The American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers (ASABE) has named four of New Holland Agriculture’s most recent technological advancements as recipients of 2018 AE50 awards.

 

The AE50 awards honor the year’s most innovative designs in engineering products or systems for the food and agriculture industries.

 

Dynamic Command transmission for T6 series tractors

 

The winning innovations were:

  • Dynamic Command transmission for T6 series tractors
  • CustomSteer feature for select T6 and T7 tractors
  • IntelliTurn end of row turning automation feature
  • Optispread Plus residue management system for CR combines 

“The New Holland brand strives to provide practical innovations to help our customers operate at the highest levels of productivity and efficiency, and these four AE50 award-winning products truly embody that concept,” said Carlo Lambro, Brand President New Holland Agriculture.

 

“I am proud of the New Holland Agriculture team around the world for their ability to continue to deliver products and technologies that are honored with the AE50 distinction from ASABE, and we look forward to continue to perform at this level in the future.”

 

Companies from around the world submit entries to ASABE’s annual AE50 competition and up to 50 of the best products are chosen by a panel of international engineering experts. The judges select innovative products that will best advance engineering for the food and agriculture industries.

 

Each of the five New Holland winners will be featured in the January/February 2018 special issue of ASABE’s magazine Resource: Engineering & Technology for a Sustainable World, a magazine geared to agricultural, biological and food system engineers worldwide, produced by ASABE

'TRACTOR OF THE YEAR' TITLE FOR MCCORMICK
In 4-cylinder, multi-purpose, over 70hp category
 
McCormick X6.440 VT-Drive

The practical application of new technology in the form of a continuously variable transmission has been recognised by a prestigious Tractor of the Year the award.

 


The practical application of new technology in the form of a continuously variable transmission has been recognised by a prestigious Tractor of the Year the award.

 

Presented at the Agritechnica international machinery show in Germany last week, the finalists for this much sought-after accolade are judged on paper and in the field by 24 agricultural machinery specialists from across western and central Europe.

 

McCormick X6.440 VT-Drive

 

Out of five short-listed finalists for the award, the 130hp McCormick X6.440 VT-Drive was judged the best entry in the category covering four-cylinder multi-purpose tractors of 70hp or more.

 

Other categories in the awards, which are supported by farm tyre manufacturer Trelleborg, cater for larger and specialist vineyard/orchard machines.

 

Apart from the compactness, manoeuvrability and overall build integrity of the McCormick X6.4, the judges highlighted its VT-Drive system as providing the advantages and benefits of a continuously variable transmission in a size of tractor commonly used on mixed enterprise farms, by dairy and other livestock farmers, and in horticulture.

 

Normally, such technology is confined to more powerful arable cropping tractors; and the award is especially satisfying for McCormick engineers because the new transmission is their first attempt at such a design.

 

Ray Spinks, sales director and general manager at AgriArgo, the UK and Ireland distributor for McCormick tractors, explains that with a conventional gearbox, speed control is regulated by the number of gears available.

 

“Even with the most generous manual or powershift gearbox, operators can find themselves being unable to drive at the optimum speed for a particular task,” he notes.

 

“But VT-Drive combines mechanical and hydraulic drive in a way that delivers infinitely variable speed control and ultra-fine speed adjustment, so the optimum speed is always available.”

 

 

The Tractor of the Year judges also noted the McCormick tractor’s suitability for loader work involving repeated forwards and backwards shuttling, which can be a strain on a conventional tractor’s clutch, and the touch screen interface that can be used to set-up and select various features.

NEW GATOR TO MAKE DEBUT
At BTME in January
 
John Deere HPX 815E Gator utility vehicle

John Deere’s new HPX 815E Gator utility vehicle will be making its public show debut at BTME 2018 in Harrogate next January.

 


John Deere’s new HPX 815E Gator utility vehicle will be making its public show debut at BTME 2018 in Harrogate next January.

 

This latest diesel powered Gator shares its new styling with the XUV 855M model, which replaces the 855D.

 

John Deere HPX 815E Gator utility vehicle

 

The company says the HPX 815E is designed for a range of transporting and general materials handling duties in any outdoor environment. Powered by an 18hp 854cc engine working through a two-speed high-low continuously variable transmission, this two-seater vehicle is available with true on-demand four wheel drive and is capable of travelling at speeds of up to 25mph.

 

A dash-mounted electronic rocker switch controls an auto-locking front differential for extra traction when needed in challenging conditions, or to maintain two-wheel drive for lighter turf operations, for example. Additional standard features include a 12V DC outlet, all-wheel suspension and steering, front and rear hydraulic disc brakes, a rear diff lock and an integrated four post ROPS canopy with door nets.

 

Based on a heavy duty hydroformed steel frame for increased durability, the HPX 815E provides an increased payload of 635kg and a towing capacity of 590kg, while the updated cargo box has a load capacity of 454kg. Both the sides and the tailgate, which has a pick-up style one-handed latch, can be removed to provide a flatbed-style load bay if required. According to Deere the durable composite construction of this cargo box makes it dent, rattle and rust-resistant.

 

Additional changes to this model for 2018 include a new digital dashboard, LED headlights and a restyled front bumper, to improve handling and operation particularly in challenging terrain. Optional attachments for the new vehicle include a road homologation kit, rear hitch, front and rear blades, a winch and a heavy-duty front suspension kit.

AND FINALLY . . .
Man turns old mower into a giant blender!
 
The mower blender

A video is gaining lots of views of a man turning his old mower into a giant blender and then filming in super slo-mo dropping in items such as drink cans and ping-pong balls.

 


In a strangely mesmerising video which is gaining lots of views, a man who's moved to a new house and no longer needs his lawnmower, has filmed himself converting it into a giant blender and dropping things into it - in super slow motion!

 

The chap is an undeniably talented engineer as he makes a very good job of his, utterly pointless, conversion. 

 

Giaco Whatever (possibly not his real name) says, "I could have sold it [the mower] for a couple hundred dollars but then I had the idea of making a mega blender. Of course, I made the mega blender!


"I had some problems with a security feature that this motor has. I'm planning to get rid of it and, since I love this project so much, I think I'm gonna go for a much bigger motor instead!"

 

Watch below

 

Make Mega Blender VS Coca Cola in Slow Motion - Cause I can

JOBS
PSD GROUNDSCARE
Business Development Manager - West Midlands & Wales
 
PSD Groundscare

PSD Groundscare, the UK distributor of groundscare equipment for AS Motor, Eliet, Koppl & TS Industrie are recruiting for the position of Business Development Manager covering the West Midlands and Wales area.

 


PSD Groundscare, the UK distributor of groundscare equipment for AS Motor, Eliet, Koppl & TS Industrie are recruiting for the position of Business Development Manager covering the West Midlands and Wales area. The Business Development Manager is responsible for providing on-going company representation and ensuring that dealer, key account and rental company sales objectives are achieved, as per the annual business plan .

Primary focus will be on building a network of dealers that will stock and promote the PSD product range for sale to both consumer and commercial users and the position includes carrying out product demonstrations and providing professional after-sales support.

 

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE BUSINESS VEVELOPMENT MANAGER INCLUDE:

  • Development of the market across the West Midlands and Wales areas for our portfolio of products via independent dealers, hire companies as well as appropriate key accounts.
  • Recruit, educate, and train new dealers.
  •  Develop annual business plans with dealers that meet sales goals and objectives
  • Achieve sales objectives for all categories within the product portfolio.
  • Utilize CRM tools to log trip reports, sales opportunities and key industry contacts.
  • Attend training meetings locally and internationally as required
  • Ensuring sales activities comply with legal and ethical standards
  • Other duties that may be required at the direction of the Sales Director.

Closing Date: 8th December 2017

 

To apply please send your CV (quoting BDM1117) to Diane Cowell, HR Advisor, PSD Groundscare, Regent Yard, Whitewalls Ind Estate, Colne, Lancashire, BB8 8LJ, Tel: 01282 860444 or email: diane@ggmgroundscare.co.uk

 

 

 

 

GHS LIMITED
Area Manager – South East Region
 
GHS LIMITED

As part of our continued growth, we are seeking to recruit an area manager to cover the South East Region.

 


 

Area Manager – South East Region
Competitive Salary
Company Car / Car Allowance, Laptop, Tablet, Phone and Pension.

As part of our continued growth, we are seeking to recruit an area manager to cover the South East Region.

Duties will include maintaining and developing the existing customers in this key region whilst expanding the customer base.

We are looking for an enthusiastic sales professional. The ideal candidate should have some experience within the garden machinery or small plant hire industries.
A clean driving licence and a good working knowledge of MS Office.

Please send your CV and covering letter to brian@gardenhirespares.com

Sponsored Product Announcements
#GETGRIZZLY
If not - why not?!
 
Grizzly Tools at the Service Dealer Conference

Grizzly Tools joined Service Dealer and a host of other exciting ground care and machinery brands at the Oxford Belfry last week for the industry’s highlight of the year: Service Dealer Conference and Awards 2017.

 


Grizzly Tools joined Service Dealer and a host of other exciting ground care and machinery brands at the Oxford Belfry last week for the industry’s highlight of the year: Service Dealer Conference and Awards 2017.

 

Grizzly Tools at the Service Dealer Conference


Fronting a campaign that asks if you’re not currently a Grizzly Tools dealer, then they’d like to understand why, Grizzly aimed to spend their time at the conference touching base with highly valued existing dealers whilst also starting a marketplace conversation and prospecting new dealer relationships.


Gemma Shaw represented Grizzly Tools throughout the event with support from Scott Kerr of Dean Mowers Ltd. Enjoying both the industry specific discussion and insights shared by experts such as Julio Romo on communications and Jim Wade on the development of the JCB Academy; as well the opportunity to celebrate the awards night successes and another brilliant year in the ground care and machinery market – the event proved to be unmissable for yet another year.


If you missed the opportunity to chat with Grizzly Tools at the conference, get in touch! They’d welcome the chance to further discuss their current range, new product launches and effective marketing offer for 2018: become a Grizzly dealer today. We urge you to #GetGrizzly 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.

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