In my last blog I mentioned how the fine weather will bring many machines out and about to work the land carrying out spring cultivations. This will, no doubt, bring extra hidden dangers. With all these machines operating it will be important for all operators to keep safety to the forefront. Dealers should take responsibility in highlighting the safe operation of tractors and equipment to their customers. We are all familiar with the usual suspects – unguarded PTO shafts and drive belts.  

Figures published earlier this year from the Health and Safety Authority (HSA) showed that deaths relating to vehicles was the number one cause of work related fatalities in 2024. The figures showed that there was a total of 33 work related deaths with 10 of these arising from vehicles.

There were 12 accidental deaths on farms in 2024 which accounted for over a third of all workplace-related deaths that year, despite the agricultural sector accounting for only 4% of the working population. However, the good news is that work related deaths are on the decrease with eight fewer deaths on farms in 2024 compared with 2023.

Many of the operating manuals for farm and garden equipment are now available to view online as pdf files. This is viewed as a step in the right direction as it saves a lot of unnecessary paper printing, which, of course, is good for the environment. However, the downside of this is that many people, especially within the older generation category, may not bother to read these manuals, which also includes the safety procedures to operate these machines. 

Having said that the HSA has a very useful online guide called Guidance on the Safe Use of Tractors and Machinery on Farms. This 108 page guide was published in 2015 and is intended for all those who use tractors and farm equipment. The guide can be downloaded by visiting here. Go to publications and forms and then agriculture.

It’s not just our customers that should work with machines safely. The dealers’ workshops should also be safe environments to work in. They should be tidy and free of obstacles that would cause trips or falls. There should be a safety statement on site which must be updated every year, noting any accidents and near misses, no matter how small. All employers, including the self-employed, must have a safety statement relating to their workplace and work activities. Each member of staff should have easy access to the safety statement which should be written in a manner that is easily understood.

Teagasc have a useful guide called Safety in the Farm Workshop (2020). Even though it is aimed at farmers, the information inside applies just as much to the dealer workshop. This guide is also available online and can be downloaded by visiting here.

I ask that you make your customers aware of the dangers associated with the machines you sell them. If you don’t have a hard copy of the safety manuals to hand out, then you should encourage them to read them online. Let’s play our part in avoiding machinery related deaths.

Service Dealer is delighted to confirm the date and venue for this year's Conference & Awards.

The popular event dedicated to the dealer network will take place once again at the Crowne Plaza, Stratford-Upon-Avon, England on Thursday December 4th 2025.

Service Dealer owner, Duncan Murray-Clarke presenting at the 2024 Conference

Service Dealer owner Duncan Murray-Clarke said, "We are so excited about this year's event, following November's which many delegates told us was the best ever. We are hard at work lining up expert speakers and putting together a programme of workshop sessions that, again, will be of direct benefit to dealers.

"Keep an eye on this Weekly Update where we will soon announce the Conference's theme."

Also exciting today, we can confirm the first sponsors of this year's event - Toro UK. STHIL GB and Kubota UK

Toro U.K. Limited are once again joining us a Gold Sponsor.

Craig Hoare, sales and marketing manager at Toro U.K. Limited, said, “We are proud to continue our support for the Service Dealer Conference & Awards in 2025. Service Dealer remains a vital part of the industry, serving as the essential link between manufacturers and dealers.

"Our dealer network is fundamental to our success, and the Service Dealer Conference & Awards provides the perfect opportunity to come together and celebrate the dedication, hard work, and achievements of our dealers.”

STIHL GB are also joining us again as a Gold Sponsor.

Simon Hewitt, head of marketing at STIHL GB, said, “We are delighted to be sponsoring the Service Dealer Awards once again in 2025.  

"Last year's event provided an excellent opportunity to engage with so many of our valued customers and we are confident it will be equally rewarding this year.”

Kubota UK will also be again joining us a Gold Sponsor.

Simon Chadbone, business development manager parts for Kubota said, "We are delighted that Kubota is continuing as the Gold Sponsor for the 2025 Service Dealer Conference & Awards. 

"Service Dealer's on-going support underscores their commitment to the industry and we look forward to another fantastic event this year."

Commenting on the first confirmed sponsors, Duncan Murray-Clarke added, "It is great to see such early commitment from these key industry players. Thank you."

Interested in sponsorship or delegate tickets? Register your interest here.

FGM Claymore has announced it has recently become the exclusive UK distributor for the Sunseeker elite X Series robotic mower range. 

Michele Belladelli, sales manager for Sunseeker Europe, said, “We are delighted that FGM Claymore will now make this technology available across the UK and Ireland through their extensive dealer network.” 

Paul Butterly, MD of FGM Claymore added, “We already have experience with ECHO Robotics; mowing technology for larger commercial spaces (up to 75,000m2), so we are very excited to now offer this level of advanced technology to the home user. We are bringing a truly innovative smart product to the UK market and are looking forward to a busy year ahead.”

The X Series can cater for homeowner lawn sizes from 800m2 to 6,000m2. The robots feature AONavi positioning and navigation system - a fusion of RTK-GNSS technology and Smart Visual Navigation.

FGM Claymore say they are now seeking to appoint dealers to sell the range.

The organisers of GroundsFest 2025 say the show set to be even bigger this year, with significant growth in exhibitor numbers, stand space, and industry influence. 

The following statistics about September’s edition have been released:

• 19,365sqm of sold exhibitor space already - with seven months still to go
• 6,300sqm of extra stand space added to accommodate exhibitor demand
• 91% of 2024 exhibitors have rebooked,
• 52 brand-new exhibitors already confirmed for 2025, with more expected

The 2025 exhibitor list sees some new first-time exhibitors including Dewalt, Bosch Outdoor Garden, Amazone Ltd, Martin Lishman, Block Blitz, Först, Wessex International and Trilo.

Sales director, Charles Neale, said, "The speed at which GroundsFest is growing is simply phenomenal. The fact that 91% of last year’s exhibitors have already rebooked speaks volumes about the success of the event and the business opportunities it provides. The increasing demand for space, the addition of 52 new exhibitors, and the support from the industry show that GroundsFest is exactly what the sector needed - an engaging, interactive, and accessible event that truly delivers for exhibitors and visitors alike."

GroundsFest 2025 takes place on 9 and 10 September at Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire.

Trimax recently hosted a dealer training event near its headquarters in Northampton.

The company described the two-day event as an immersive training experience, equipping sales representatives with product knowledge, marketing support, and key industry insights. The event saw 78 sales reps from 20 dealerships across Ireland, the UK, France, Denmark, Scotland and Wales come together.

The event also saw the manufacturer's Dealer Awards Presentation, celebrating top-performing dealerships. The winners were:

• Outstanding Sales Achievement: Lister Wilder
• Outstanding Aftersales Achievement: Tallis Amos Group
• Dealer of the Year: Thomas Sherriff & Co Ltd

Michael Sievwright CEO of Trimax with Cameron Smith of Thomas Sherriff & Co Ltd

Cameron Smith of Thomas Sherriff & Co Ltd said, “This amazing event expanded my knowledge of Trimax machines and taught me that the end product is nothing but top quality. We were also honoured to have Michael Sievwright CEO of Trimax present us with the Trimax Dealer of the Year Award 2024.”

The training at the event featured outdoor stations, each showcasing different Trimax product categories. Each session allowed attendees to engage with the machinery, examine features up close, and participate in discussions led by the company's team members.

In addition to product training, a marketing session provided insights into Trimax’s dealer resources. Sales reps received an overview of essential tools, including the Dealer Resource Centre, Dealer App, and the upcoming Dealer Academy platform.

Day two of the event featured a factory tour of Trimax’s UK facility. 

In a statement following the event, the company said, "Trimax remains committed to supporting its dealer network with top-tier training and resources, ensuring they can provide customers with expert guidance, seamless buying experiences, and exceptional after-sales support. This year’s event reaffirmed that dedication, equipping dealers with the knowledge and tools they need to succeed in an evolving market.

"A huge congratulations to all award winners and a heartfelt thank you to every attendee for making the 2024 European Dealer Extravaganza an unforgettable success."

Case IH has declared the winners of its UK and ROI Dealer of the Year Awards, celebrating excellence across their dealer network.

Andy Pryce of Overall UK Dealer of the year, James Pryce Tractors (centre) with David Rapkins (CNH business director UK & ROI, left) and Sean Lennon (CNH head of sales Europe, right)

The awards were announced at the brand’s annual UK Dealer Meeting, which was held on Thursday 13th February at the Basildon Tractor Plant. The event celebrated accomplishments from 2024 and looked forward to the upcoming year. The awards were presented by Sean Lennon, head of sales Europe and David Rapkins, business director UK & ROI.

Category winners:

• Irish Dealer of the Year - Walmsley Tractors Ltd
• Overall UK Dealer of the Year - James Pryce Tractors Ltd
• Over 260 TIV Best Market Share Growth - J.G. Paxton & Sons Ltd
• Under 260 TIV Best Market Share Growth - Ramsay & Jackson Ltd
• Harvesting Dealer of the Year - AL Agri Ltd
• Telehandler Dealer of the Year - Ernest Doe Power
• Precision Farming Dealer of the Year - Startin Tractors Ltd
• Parts Dealer of the Year - R.C. Dalgliesh Ltd
• Customer Experience Dealer of the Year - Cotswold Farm Machinery Ltd
• Data Quality & Sales App Dealer of the Year - Pontesbury Tractors Ltd

David Rapkins, said, “I would like to extend my congratulations to all the winners of the 2024 Case IH Dealer of Year Awards. These awards are true testament to the dedication, hard work, and commitment to Case IH across our dealer network. Thank you to all our UK and ROI dealers who contributed to making 2024 a great year”.