EDITOR'S BLOG
ARE YOU COVERED?
Don't let renewal slip through your fingers
by Service Dealer Ireland Editor, Alan Mahon
 
Alan Mahon

With premiums getting bigger and bigger each year it’s easy to skimp on the details of the policy or cut corners on what you decide to insure against.

 


New Year celebrations (and resolutions) are well over, now that we are into our second month of the year. It is amazing how time is flying by!

 

Last Friday (Jan. 31st) Britain formally left the EU. Now comes the tough trade negotiations. British Prime Minister, Boris Johnson hopes to have them sorted by December 31st 2020 but many think this will be a tall order, so we will have to wait and see how these negotiations play out and the risks/benefits associated with them.

 

Speaking of risks, one thing that you must not let slip through your fingers is renewing your insurance policy - that dreadful annual ‘must do’ item on our list. With premiums getting bigger and bigger each year it’s easy to skimp on the details of the policy or cut corners on what you decide to insure against. However, it is no harm to look at the policy in detail before paying the premium. Simple things like the correct name and address of your business need to be checked, along with what exactly you need to insure. It’s not cheap being insured but it is not a good idea to under insure either just to save a little on the premium.

 

Insurance cover, particularly with employer liability and public liability, premiums are on the rise, due to the lack of predictability and the inconsistency in court awards. In some industries, such as the child care sector, many insurance companies will not offer cover, or will force excessive premiums because of the potential high risk, causing many crèches to shut down.

With vandalism and theft always lurking around the corner you need to make sure your stock/contents are insured and the proper value is given. The figure you insured your stock for ten years ago may not be the same value today, especially if you expanded your business and/or increased your stock. The cost of replacing your premises needs to be updated as well should the worst happen.

 

You will need to decide on the excess you are willing to pay if a claim is to be made. Make sure that what you decide is what you could live with, if a claim had to be made on your policy at the worst possible time for your cash flow. You should also look at your public liability insurance details.

 

You can break down your insurance cover for three different types of eventuality:

  • Property insurance
  • Public liability (including customers and staff)
  • Financial risks – for example staff theft/fraud, or against major customers unexpectedly going into liquidation

Most insurers will offer policies specifically designed to meet the requirements of your type of business, be it a taxi, farm, distributor, building firm etc.

 

It is better to overestimate the level of cover you need rather than underestimate. By doing that you will have peace of mind knowing that whatever happens, your dealership and your employees will be able to continue on in business.

 

I hope you have a trouble and claim free year.

NEWS
WIN A TRIP TO LOUISVILLE!
Your chance for you and a guest to attend GIE+EXPO in the USA this October
 
GIE+EXPO

The Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI) and Service Dealer magazine is giving one lucky dealer plus their guest, the chance to visit GIE+EXPO, the international landscape, outdoor living, and equipment show in Lousiville, USA, in October 2020.

 


AUSTRIAN AMBASSADOR UNVEILS NEW POTTINGER PREMISES
In Co. Tipperary
 
Staff at the new Pottinger premises in Tipperary

Pottinger Ireland marked the official opening of its new premises in Co. Tipperary with a visit from both the Austrian ambassador to Ireland and top brass from the Austrian-headquartered firm.

 


Pottinger Ireland marked the official opening of its new premises in Co. Tipperary with a visit from both the Austrian ambassador to Ireland and top brass from the Austrian-headquartered firm.

 

Staff at the new Pottinger premises in Tipperary

 

At a ceremony on January 14, the company’s new premises in Clonmel, in the south of the ‘Premier County’, was officially opened by the Austrian ambassador to Ireland, Dr. Helmut Freudenschuss.

 

The main speaker for the executive board of Pottinger – Gregor Dietachmayr – was also on hand to open proceedings.

 

In a statement from Pottinger Ireland, the event was described as a “celebration but also a statement of future plans, to provide the best working results”.

 

“Our new premises is an open and welcoming building where you can access information on our top-quality products, speak to the expert team members and access an array of spare parts,” the company’s statement said.

 

The Austrian ambassador to Ireland – Dr. Helmut Freudenschuss

 

Diarmuid Claridge, general manager of Pottinger Ireland, said: “It’s a huge stepping stone because it allows us a lot more opportunities to stock more parts and a wider range of parts. It allows us to be more responsive in peak season – when there are parts required. We’re not waiting for overnight shipments; we’ll now have them in stock.


“Obviously, our dealers still stock the parts, but as a back-up facility we can be more responsive.”

 

The general manager added that the new facility will also enable more product training to be done in-house, rather than sending dealers across to Austria.

 

“A big advantage is we’re planning to start training the customers – the farmers; the end-users – to ensure that they’re getting the maximum benefit out of machines.

 

If a farmer buys the top-of-the-range drill, in many cases, he’ll probably use that drill to 80% of its total capacity. There will be things he might never use or might be afraid to use – particularly with technology coming on-stream.

 

Claridge said operators and customers can be brought into the new facility and properly trained in the full use of the equipment.

 

He also noted that special guest Gregor Dietachmayr, main speaker of Pottinger’s executive board, highlighted the firm’s drive to prioritise close engagement with the end-user.

 

“The parent company wants to be able to service or support the market correctly; it’s also about being close to the customer.

 

“Rather than trying to service that from 2,000km away in Austria, by having a team with a premises in Ireland they can support it on-site and be closer to the customer.

 

“Because we don’t hide away behind computer screens or walls, we’re there to meet the end-users and customers,” Claridge said.

 

Source: Agriland.ie

TORO TO BUY MAKER OF VENTRAC EQUIPMENT
Agreement to acquire Venture Products
 
Ventrac

It was announced this week that The Toro Company has entered into an agreement to acquire the manufacturer of the Ventrac branded products - distributed in Ireland and the UK by Price Turfcare.


It was announced recently that The Toro Company has entered into an agreement to acquire the privately-held Venture Products, Inc., the manufacturer of Ventrac branded products.

 

In an official statement released by Toro they said the transaction is subject to regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions, and is currently anticipated to close before the end of The Toro Company’s fiscal 2020 second quarter.

 

 

In Ireland and the UK the Ventrac machines are distributed by Price Turfcare. The company was exhibiting at the BTME exhibition in Harrogatewhen the news broke. Owner of Price Turfcare, Rupert Price told Service Dealer that it is "business as usual" - with the company continuing with their successful policy of building a dealer network for the machines.

 

Following the BTME show the picture became clearer for the future of the Ventrac products. 

 

"Many people assumed that Toro would acquire the company, rebrand and paint the machines red, as they have done with previous acquisitions," Rupert Price explained. "However, if you look at what they did with Exmark, Boss and Ditch Witch, this is not always the case and Ventrac will be operated on a similar basis.

 

“Rick Olson, CEO of Toro stated publicly via a YouTube video that there is no intention of moving production out of Orrville in Ohio and that they would continue to build the Ventrac brand. At the Golf Industries Show in Orlando recently, I had the opportunity to speak with representatives from both Ventrac and Toro and they confirmed this. So, I see this as an excellent opportunity for Price Turfcare."

 

Based in Orrville, Ohio, Ventrac produces articulating turf, landscape, and snow and ice management equipment for the grounds, landscape contractor, golf, municipal and rural acreage markets.

 

Richard M. Olson, The Toro Company’s chairman and chief executive officer, said, "This acquisition supports our growth strategy in the professional market with the addition of a strong brand and expanded product offering to customers in the turf, landscape, and snow and ice maintenance categories. We have long respected and admired the Ventrac team, and we look forward to helping them grow on the successful foundation they have built in Orrville, Ohio."

 

Dallas Steiner, chief executive officer of Venture Products, Inc said, "We are excited to become a part of The Toro Company and its family of leading brands. The Toro Company is committed to a culture that aligns with our employee values, has a rich history of success in the marketplace, and a proven track record of growing their brands. By joining with The Toro Company, it allows us to continue to serve our customers with authentic experiences and trusted products.”


The official statement said Toro will purchase Venture Products for $167.5 million in cash, subject to certain adjustments. The Toro Company say they expect to finance the transaction by borrowing under its existing revolving credit facility.

SPALDINGS TO DISTRIBUTE GENUINE GRIMME PARTS
In parallel with dealers throughout Ireland & the UK
 
Steve Constable, Spaldings managing director (left) with Patrick Graf Grote, Grimme UK managing director

Spaldings say they are offering a service to "compliment" that provided by Grimme’s established dealer networks.

 


Spaldings has announced that they are to distribute original replacement parts for Grimme potato and root crop machinery throughout Ireland & the UK, saying they are to "complement the service provided by Grimme’s established dealer networks".

 

Described as a "strategic collaboration" Spaldings say the move marks a new approach for both companies as machinery manufacturers face increasing competition for their parts business from makers of non-genuine alternatives.

 

Steve Constable, Spaldings managing director (left) with Patrick Graf Grote, Grimme UK managing director

 

Announcing details at the company’s dealer conference, Patrick Graf Grote, Grimme UK managing director, said, “Over the years, Grimme dealers have done a great job of supporting our customers in all areas, in particular with after-sales support and especially in meeting peak seasonal demand for fast-moving items like wearing parts.

 

“This great service will continue to grow throughout our dealer network - and will be enhanced through our agreement with Spaldings because it will extend our parts distribution reach to areas of the UK and Ireland beyond our existing network.”

 

For Spaldings, having supplied all makes of after-market alternatives over many years, this first parts distribution deal with a machine manufacturer marks a change of approach.

 

“Our experience has shown that for Grimme machines, the only realistic option to maintain reliability and efficient operation is to use genuine parts,” said Spaldings managing director Steve Constable.

 

“We’re not going up against Grimme dealers but complementing their service, supplying original products to customers who would normally choose the grey import route so they benefit from the best quality parts backed by first class technical knowledge and service.”

 

The new agreement covers all types of replacement parts for Grimme seedbed preparation equipment, such as ridgers and stone/clod separators, planters, harvesters and handling equipment.

 

Users can place orders by calling the Spaldings telesales line or by contacting one of the company’s regional sales specialists.

 

Spaldings staff will provide technical back-up regarding parts issues after what they describe as a series of intensive product training sessions at Grimme UK headquarters in Lincolnshire.

DEAN TO VOLUNTEER
Off to Players Championship in Florida
 
The GCSAI and BIGGA volunteers on the John Deere stand at BTME 2020 in January

Dean O’Connell, greenkeeper at Grange Golf Club in Co. Dublin is one of the seven volunteers who have been chosen to take part in the John Deere TPC Sawgrass Volunteer Programme at TPC Sawgrass.

 

 


Dean O’Connell, greenkeeper at Grange Golf Club in Co. Dublin is one of the seven volunteers who have been chosen to take part in the John Deere TPC Sawgrass Volunteer Programme at TPC Sawgrass. Dean was the Golf Course Superintendents Association’s (GCSAI) winning candidate.

 

Each year John Deere, in association with the British & International Golf Greenkeepers Association (BIGGA) and the GCSAI, sends seven association members to Ponte Vedra Beach in Florida to join the agronomy team on the Stadium Course at TPC Sawgrass for the duration of The Players Championship – the unofficial fifth men’s Major tournament.

 

The BIGGA and GCSAI volunteers on the John Deere stand at BTME 2020 in January (left to right): Eddie Irvine, Alex Brougham, Mark Tucker, Peter Lewis, Dean O’Connell and Ben Hunter. (Inset) Yannick Weber on his home course in New Zealand

 

An incredible experience, the volunteers get completely immersed in the hosting of the PGA Tour’s flagship event with flights, accommodation and other costs all thrown in. Representing the British and Irish associations, the successful seven selected to join the John Deere TPC Sawgrass Volunteer Programme in March 2020, working alongside the home greenkeeping team as part of the volunteer course maintenance force of over 90, are:

 

BIGGA

  • South East: Ben Hunter, deputy course manager, The Richmond
  • South West & South Wales: Mark Tucker, head greenkeeper, Neath
  • Central England: Alex Brougham, deputy head greenkeeper, Trentham Park
  • Northern: Peter Lewis, greenkeeper, Royal Liverpool
  • Scotland: Eddie Irvine, deputy head greenkeeper, Trump International Aberdeen
  • International: Yannick Weber, assistant superintendent, Cape Kidnappers, New Zealand

GCSAI

  • Ireland: Dean O’Connell, greenkeeper, Grange Golf Club

Previous successful applicants of the scheme have described the experience as life changing and overwhelming. One of BIGGA’s 2019 delegates, Welshpool Golf Club course manager Jon Gamble, said: “TPC Sawgrass is an amazing venue and is out of this world. The presentation of the whole site is fabulous, from the condition of the course to the flowers and grandstands that sit very high on 17.

 

“They really do gear the tournament up so that everyone who goes has an awesome time, from a spectator point of view. Going to Sawgrass has made me want to go back every year now, just to get that buzz from what you experience. I would encourage and push anybody that wants to go there, to do so.”

 

This year’s tournament dates are March 12-15, 2020; the John Deere sponsored group flies out to the US on Friday March 6 and returns on Tuesday March 17.

KUBOTA UNVEIL "DREAM TRACTOR"
Fully autonomous concept
 
Kubota's

Kubota has unveiled a concept tractor, equipped with artificial intelligence and electrification technology, at a product exhibition held in Japan, representing what the manufacturer sees as the future of farming.


Kubota has unveiled a concept tractor, equipped with artificial intelligence and electrification technology, at a product exhibition held in Japan, representing what the manufacturer sees as the future of farming.

 

 

Known as the "X tractor - cross tractor" the model was on show at an event in Kyoto City on January 15-16, held to commemorate the 130th anniversary of the company's founding.

 

The company said they intend to continue developing labour-saving technologies such as this "Dream Tractor" in order to address the challenges for Japanese agriculture, which include the aging of farmers and labour shortage.

 

Key features of the concept tractor includes completely unmaned operation driven by AI.

 

Based on various data such as weather data and growth rates, Kubota says AI chooses the appropriate operation and makes actions timely. The goal is to achieve a completely autonomous operation.


The environmental data obtained by tractors in operation can be automatically shared with other machines at site to realise centrally-managed efficient operation.

 

Full electrification by combination of lithium-ion batteries and solar batteries will achieve an environmentally friendly farm operation.

 

The company also said the four-wheeled crawler can achieve stable autonomous driving even on wet paddies and uneven terrains.


The four-wheeled crawler changes its shape to maintain the tractor height at the optimal level, thus being able to perform in various conditions. For conditions which demand high traction, the contact area with the ground would be increased by lowering the tractor height in order to lower its center of gravity. Alternatively, when operating above crops for their management, clearance from the ground could be adjusted by increasing the tractor height.


The in-wheel motor makes it possible to arbitrarily change the rotation speed of the four crawlers (front, rear, right, and left) to achieve a small turning radius for autonomous operation on various types of land.

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