I have just returned from the Service Dealer Conference and Awards 2019, which was held last Thursday (21st Nov.) at the Double Tree by Hilton Oxford Belfry Hotel.

Attending were the leading Groundcare and Agricultural machinery and equipment dealers throughout the UK. It was wonderful to see such a large gathering of people coming together and celebrating their industry. Many of the dealers catching up on old times as well as analysing the problems within the industry and reviewing the year just gone by.

The theme of the Conference was Turning a Profit. The Conference had four excellent speakers and gave many thought provoking ideas. I was particularly interested in Dr. Eliza Filby’s presentation. Dr. Filby is a writer, speaker and consultant specialising in helping companies and services understand generational shifts within politics, society and the workplace. She categorised people into four generational brackets:

1. Baby Boomers (born between 1942 – 1965)
2. Generation X (born between 1966 – 1980)
3. Millenials (born between 1981 – 1996)
4. Generation Z (born between 1997 – 2010)

It was interesting to hear Dr. Filby’s take on the spending attitudes of each of the four groups. Did you know that one in every five “Baby Boomers” are millionaires? How could this be? According to Dr. Filby, they grew up in an environment where their parents, who had experienced hardship during the two previous World Wars, encouraged their children to save, buy their own property, and start a pension. Those that took their parents advice are now reaping the benefits. Most of them are retired in a house they own with a good pension, plenty of money and lots of spare time. How do they pass this time? Many look after their garden – mowing the lawn and maintaining the flower beds. Something to take note of if you’re a garden machinery and equipment dealer.

The last group - Generation Z, are a completely different group (non of which were found amongst the delegates). None of them remember the 20th century (nor do they care) and they don’t know what life was like pre-broadband. They have a different attitude towards money. They prefer experience over owning a product. For example they would spend more money on holidays (experience) and have little money left for saving for a deposit on a house (product). They shop online and don’t read instruction manuals (they will find out how on YouTube).

Another topic discussed during the Service Dealer Conference was on recruiting and retaining staff, particularly mechanics and technicians. This is becoming a big problem in Ireland and the UK and I will talk about this in a future blog in Service Dealer Ireland. Bob Clements and his daughter Sara Hey of Bob Clements Inc. (USA) spoke so well on how to address these issues. Sara was later joined by Pete Harding of PFW Associates where they compared the UK with the USA on recruitment issues and best practice when it comes to hiring staff.

The Q & A panellists chaired by Duncan Murray-Clarke (far right)

There were breakout sessions after each speaker’s presentation where the delegates were split into two groups. These sessions got everyone’s juices flowing in debate and discussion. There was a lot to talk about. The two topics discussed were A. Turning your service department into a cash producing machine (given by Bob Clements and Sara Hey) and B. Recruitment, retention and client engagement (given by Dr. Eliza Filby).

The Service Dealer Awards took place that evening and it was wonderful to see those in the industry being acknowledged for their hard work and effort throughout the year.

The whole event was an enjoyable experience for me. I would love to see more Irish dealers attend next year’s Service Dealer Conference and Awards. I would strongly recommend you put it in your calendar for next year. You won’t regret it and it could be a game changer for your business.

In a prestigious ceremony at the Double Tree by Hilton Oxford Belfry last week, presided over by comedian and actor Charlie Baker, the Service Dealer Awards were were presented to our winning dealers from around the UK.

The categories and winners were:

GARDEN MACHINERY DEALER OF THE YEAR

Sponsored by Husqvarna. Presenting Award: Kevin Ashmore, Husqvarna Professional UK Manager

Winner - Winchester Garden Machinery, Liss, Sunningdale & Winchester

Jason Nettle with Kevin Ashmore plus Service Dealer owner Duncan Murray-Clarke (l) and comedian host, Charlie Baker (r)

The judges said, "In a very competitive category that had four finalists, this well established dealership had demonstrated a determination to keep focussing ahead whilst making some tough decisions on the way."

Finalists – Cutting Edge Machinery Ltd, Bromsgrove; F.G Adamson & Son.East Riding of Yorkshire; Revill Mowers, Coleford, Gloucestershire

FARM MACHINERY DEALER OF THE YEAR

Sponsored by Kramp. Presenting Award: Neil Benbow, Field Sales Manager

Winner - Lister Wilder, Eight branches across Southern England

Colin Puffett, Ian Nutt and Alan Haines with Neil Benbow plus Duncan Murray-Clarke (l) and Charlie Baker (r)

The judges said, "A highly thought of business established in 1947. Over the last few years they have been growing the dealership demonstrating a commitment to invest in training and innovation. The judges felt that they had also shown consistency in tough trading conditions by improving internal efficiencies and are now looking ahead more than ever."

Finalists – Arwel's Agri Services Ltd, Llanwrda, Carmarthenshire; Ripon Farm Services, Ripon; Turney Fieldforce, Bicester & Princes Risborough

FORESTRY EQUIPMENT DEALER OF THE YEAR

Sponsored by Ibcos Ltd. Presenting Award: Adam Giles, Account Manager

Winner - Buxtons Limited, Stafford

Neale Hopley with Adam Giles plus Duncan Murray-Clarke (l) and Charlie Baker (r)

The judges said, "This dealer shows diversity as well as a specialism in Arboraculture as they were a finalist in the garden machinery category last year. The judges liked the digital approach, putting customers’ feedback and members of staff foremost. Customer feedback submitted was outstanding."

Finalists - Gayways Ltd, Harrow, North London; Winchester Garden Machinery (Forest & Arb), Liss, Sunningdale & Winchester

PROFESSIONAL TURFCARE DEALER OF THE YEAR

Sponsored by Etesia. Presenting Award: Les Malin, managing director

Winner - Gibson's Garden Machinery, Colne, Lancashire

Andrew Melville, Scott Grieve and Mark Lewin with Les Malin, plus Duncan Murray-Clarke (l) and Charlie Baker (r)

The judges said, "This excellent dealership has a real focus on customer satisfaction with a genuine customer-first approach. Their commercial clients are quick to praise their extensive product knowledge, their desire to make sure customers have the right kit for the right job and importantly, their speedy responses to make sure downtimes are minimised."

Finalists - Double A Trading Company Ltd, Cupar; Sharrocks Ltd, Wrightington, Lancashire

ATV / QUAD DEALER OF THE YEAR

Sponsored by Honda Power Equipment. Presenting award Andrew Parr, Sales Operations Department Manager

Winner - MKM Agriculture Ltd, Bedford & Suffolk

Anthony Deacon with Andrew Parr plus Duncan Murray-Clarke (l) and Charlie Baker (r)

The judges said, "This ATV dealer really stood out through their amazing customer feedback submitted and multiple nominations from manufacturers and logistics suppliers. They are expanding and have come a long way since three friends started the business in 1987."

Finalists - Hayes Machinery, South Molton; Turney Group, Bicester & Princes Risborough

STAR OF THE DEALERSHIP

Sponsored by Catalyst Computer Systems. Presenting Award: Mike Cameron, Sales Manager

Winner - John Rowland, Engineer, Turney Groundforce, Bicester & Princes Risborough

John Rowland with Mike Cameron plus Duncan Murray-Clarke (l) and Charlie Baker (r)

The judges said, "After 40 years, this year’s winner is still dedicated to the dealership and service department. He picked up a Master Technician award in May this year and continues to show dedication through his work and work ethic. Despite this he is always ready to help others as he is the 'go to' person in the dealership."

APPRENTICE OF THE YEAR

Sponsored by Kubota UK. Presenting Award: Martin Tyler, Business Development Manager

Winner - Ifan Davies, Arwel's Agri Services, Llanwrda, Carmarthenshire

Ifan Davies and Martin Tyler plus Duncan Murray-Clarke (l) and Charlie Baker (r)

The judges said, "This year’s Apprentice of the Year has progressed extremely quickly over the last 12 months and is already being let loose on bigger ag equipment like forage harvesters. He works at an evolving dealership who believe in progressing several apprentices at once despite being located remotely."

OVERALL DEALER OF THE YEAR

Sponsored by Kramp. Presenting Award: Des Boyd, sales director

Winner - Winchester Garden Machinery

Jason Nettle with Des Boyd and Duncan Murray-Clarke (l) and Charlie Baker (r) celebrating their Overall Dealer of the Year win

The judges said, "This year’s overall winner is an established name in our dealer community. The next generation are managing the company forward and have recently made some big decisions in regards to direction and strategy as well as utilising the traditional ways alongside modern routes to market."

OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTION AWARD

Presented by Service Dealer founders, Chris and Trish Biddle

Winner – Brian Sangster, recently retired from BAGMA

Chris and Trish Biddle with Brian Sangster (centre) plus Duncan Murray-Clarke (l) and Charlie Baker (r)

Chris Biddle said, "This industry depends on those who embrace the whole fabric of our sector, those who go the ‘extra mile’ for the benefit of the whole industry - and that is certainly the case with the recipient of tonight’s winner.

"Brian Sangster went from High School in Cupar to Elmwood Agricultural College. He started his working career in 1972 as a Lecturer in Agricultural Machinery at Galashiels College of Further Education. In 1978 he joined dealer Reekie at Stirling, becoming Group Service and Warranty Manager. He was with Reekie for 37 years, retiring (with a small R) in 2015.

"An active member of BAGMA, he was appointed National President in May 2015, a post which he held for 4 years instead of the usual 2-year term. Handing over to Peter Arrand at this year’s Royal Highland Show.

"But that has not meant he put his feet up. Brian now is:

• A STEM Ambassodor
• A judge of the Innovation Awards at the Royal Highland
• Chairs the BAGMA Scottish group
• Is Chairman of the LE-TEC Management Group
• Is BAGMA representative on the BIRA Board of Management."

Chris also quoted BAGMA MD Keith Christian, who said, “Brian has been the busiest and most involved President I have known during my time at BAGMA. He is modest, hardworking and a wonderful ambassador for dealers in particular and the industry as a whole. A real Unsung Hero."

For over 15 years Reel-tech has been selling, servicing and hiring golf course machinery in Ireland and has enjoyed great success even in the tough recession years. They were a Toro sales / service center over this period, and were servicing over 100 golf clubs, stadiums etc., mainly in Leinster.

Standing on left are the Reel-tech Machinery Services team of Steven Mackey and Lukasz Korta. Next to them is the Golfhire.ie team consisting of Barry Drennan, Carolina Roman, Jonathan Mooney, Adam McHugh

As most machinery business owners will know, you are always at the mercy of your distributor, especially if they decide to reduce margins, change spare parts prices or their supply becomes unreliable. When changes began happening with their distributers Reel-tech decided it was time to reduce their reliance on any distributer and to work on building a sustainable business for the future.

They decided to focus on second-hand machinery sales and specialist sports-turf machinery hire. They have always had a good reputation selling used machinery and they source most of their stock in the USA where they can get a good constant supply of quality used machinery.

Their hire business has grown under the brand “Golfhire.ie” by around 20% year on year and with no need to rely on any one distributer this has been a no-brainer for them.

Barry Drennan, company director of Golfhire.ie said “This change meant reducing staff and it was tough to have to offer redundancy, but the service work was still there to be done and I was delighted that two of my staff decided to take the service business over which would give Reel-tech’s customers a continuation in service.”

The new service business is now called “Reel-tech Machinery Services” and they are now a Toro Authorized Repairer offering mobile grinding and reliable customer service.

Golfhire.ie are optimistic that they can now build a sustainable business, and are now expanding their Hire Fleet and expanding their offerings Nationwide.

Check out www.golfhire.ie for what’s currently available to hire and their used machinery stock can be seen at www.reeltech.ie

Contact Barry Drennan on 087 6388955 / barry@reeltech.ie

This Wednesday (27th November), from 3pm until 8pm Cooney Furlong will be holding a TAMS Information evening at their premises on the Old Dublin Road, Enniscorthy, Co. Wexford.

The full range of Amazone and Vaderstad tillage machinery will be on display, along with demonstrations by both the Cooney Furlong team and brand specialists. Also available for viewing on the night will be ex demo and quality used machinery.

Tom O’Connor, Sales Executive for the Cooney Furlong Machinery Company explained, ''We really want to demonstrate the full line of both the Amazone and Vaderstand product range; and prove that there is the opportunity to really enhance productivity through both Amazone's unique product design and Vaderstad’s capability to understand customer demands during the development stages . Amazone and Vaderstad have always been well known for producing quality machinery and we really want to show our customers these qualities.''

Amazone machinery on display

• Combi Disc & Centaya,
• ZAV Super Profis Hydro
• ZAV Super Profis Hydro
• ZAV Super ProfisTronic
• ZAV super Profis Control
• ZAM 1001 c/w OM 10-16 & cover
• ZAM 1001 c/w OM 10-16, ext., l/h limiter & cover
• KX 3001 c/w levelling board, 500mm steel roller
• ZATS 3200 Hydro
• ADP 3001 / 850 DC c/w KG3001 with levelling board, 600mm steel roller Catros + 3003
• Demo Catros 4002
• Cayros five furrow plough
• ZGTS 8200

Vaderstad machinery on display

• 525 Carrier Disc
•  Spirit 300S drill
• Topdown 400 Grubber
• Cultus 300 Grubber c/w APV PS300.
• Rexius 650 Roller with paddles
• Rexius 1020 Cross Kill Roller
• Rollex 620 roller
• Rapid RD300S drill
• Spirit 400C Drill
• Spirit 600C Drill

Refreshments will be served on the evening. For further information contact Tom O’Connor: 087 383 4138

Reesink Turfcare has added 12 practical refresher courses to its machinery and equipment training offering for 2020.

These one day operational and service courses are described by the company as being for those who need the latest knowledge or have previously completed the relevant two-day course, but need to refresh their skills to ensure they remain fully up to date, as well as learning about any new developments that are related to the job they do.

There are 12 refresher courses in total. Six are provided by LANTRA, the body for land-based and environmental training, and relate to operational aspects of turfcare machinery maintenance, such as equipment installation training, the safe use of ride on mowers, compact tractor driving, the safe use of pesticides and the sprayers and handheld applicators used in administering these chemicals.

Then, there are another six manufacturer-backed training days from Reesink and Toro in relation to Toro diagnostics and info centre training, plus training on the customer’s choice of any greens, fairway, rotary, cylinder or flail mower or utility vehicle.

Neil Adams, head of turfcare training at Reesink, says, “We’ve introduced these refresher courses based on what our customers are telling us they want - a reminder of the key points and skill set update. They are incredibly good value, being done on either a one-to-one basis or as a group if there’s more than one operative requiring the course. All the courses are delivered by nationally quality assured trainers and assessors and include a mixture of practical and theory work.”

These new refresher courses join the 11 already offered by Reesink and bring the full range to a total of 23. 

“We are incredibly proud of the extensive range we offer our customers, it makes us stand out from the crowd by being able to offer so much more value..

“Our range of training courses demonstrates our belief in continuously improving standards in the industry. We aim to make training convenient with some courses delivered at the trainees’ working premises, too, using familiar equipment in a familiar environment. This set-up means it could not be easier for customers to develop and invest in their employees.”

Further information such as dates and details on how to book, plus all the other courses available which range from air-cooled engines and basic electrics and hydraulics, can be found at reesinkturfcare.co.uk.

John Deere’s latest generation 7R Series tractors include a new flagship model, the 7R 330, which delivers a maximum power rating of 363hp or 373hp with Intelligent Power Management. The five-model range available in the UK & Ireland features a brand new cab with a wealth of eye-catching and luxury features, first and foremost of these being the CommandPRO operating concept.

Farmers and particularly contractors looking to maintain low operating costs will benefit from these new tractors’ proven fuel efficiency. The John Deere 7R Series tractor has already established its economic efficiency in DLG tests and with many participants in the company’s ongoing fuel guarantee programme. Extending this concept to the new top of the range 7R 330 means the advantageous power to weight ratio of only 30kg/hp can have a further positive impact on performance, acceleration and fuel consumption.

The tractors are available with a choice of continuously variable AutoPowr or powershiftable e23 transmissions and are universally suitable for a range of transport applications or pto operations such as slurry spreading, drilling, baling or mowing. Using the EZ Ballast option, the tractor can also be perfectly ballasted from the cab within seconds for heavier cultivation work.

Contractors in particular will benefit from the new CommandPRO joystick, which is now optionally available on all 7R Series tractors with the AutoPowr transmission. This operating concept was first introduced on 6R Series tractors and has quickly proved itself in practice thanks to its excellent ergonomics and easy configurability.

Drivers will also appreciate the completely new cab design, which features a state of the art seat available with perforated leather trim, heating, active air circulation, a two-zone massage function and various electric and pneumatic adjustable seat components. In addition, the medal winning Active Seat II suspension has been improved to provide even better response and increased reduction of vertical shocks, compared to the first-generation system.

Long working days and nights will be made easier by the larger integrated fridge, which has doubled in capacity to 11 litres to carry ample refreshments, and the 60 per cent more efficient 360° LED lighting system. A top quality, concert hall style music experience is provided by the 6.1 surround sound system with subwoofer and speakers, while the 6.5in DAB+ touchscreen radio provides cutting edge infotainment functions and works with Apple CarPlay.

Further detailed cab improvements prompted by customer requests include a wider entry and lower placed door handles, as well as a self-cancelling indicator. In addition, the air conditioning system has been relocated under the cab. This has not only provided increased headroom but also reduced the noise level in the cab even further, even though cooling and heating capacity has nearly doubled.

The pioneering AutoTrac automatic steering system, including an optionally integrated StarFire 6000 satellite receiver, has been further optimised, with Wireless Data Transfer to the John Deere Operations Centre provided free of charge for five years. Field boundaries, guidance lines and set-up data as well as crop planning and documentation can all be managed swiftly and securely using this web-based platform.

A brand new feature is the AutoSetup System (see separate press release), which makes it possible to download all field, machine and implement data required for individual jobs directly to the tractor. This greatly simplifies the process and means the tractor is ready to use much more quickly in the field, while removing the possibility of an incorrect setup. AutoSetup will be available shortly after the first of these new 7R Series tractors arrive in Europe in 2020.

The tractors can also be remotely monitored by the JDLink telematics system at the customer’s request, to ensure maximum uptime. With customer consent additionally provided for Expert Alerts, potential machine damage can be predicted and the likelihood of expensive repairs can be reduced or completely avoided.

Toro has created the Greensmaster eTriFlex 3360, which they describe as the quietest ride-on greensmower yet.

The Greensmaster eTriFlex 3360 is the new greensmower, developed specifically with customer needs in mind. The company says it reduces noise, minimises impact on the environment and with no hydraulics, it says goodbye to leaks while never compromising on quality of cut.

This ride-on utilises all-electric components for traction, steering, lifting and cutting, alongside a Kawasaki twin cylinder 14hp air-cooled engine with battery assist technology and a reduced speed of 2400rpm, shrouded in venting. It’s this design that ensures perceived bystander noise level is significantly reduced.. As Toro’s quietest ride-on greensmower yet, work can start earlier while complying with noise regulations, meaning greens can be ready earlier which could enhance revenue by allowing for earlier tee times.

Cutting capabilities have been improved upon. In the eTriFlex 3360 the suspension system maintains a full flotation range to prevent gouging or scalping when going over undulations and Toro’s Flex technology allows the cutting units to pivot around the centre of the front roller to prevent side-to-side scrubbing. Add to this DPA cutting units and you have a mower which floats freely over any terrain with superior contour-following.

Jeff Anguige, national sales manager at Reesink Turfcare said, “It’s easy to see why Toro is calling the Greensmaster eTriFlex the most advanced riding greensmower ever, bringing a new standard in mowing greens. The technology presented in this machine, particularly the hybrid technology, is a prime example of Toro’s ability to deliver products that meet customer needs perfectly. The reduced noise brings with it a host of benefits while still maintaining what makes Toro machines so unique – a superior quality of cut.”