The start of 2021 has seen a considerable level of discussion within the industry regarding how our trade show landscape might look this year.

Understandably trade show organisers are the most keen to get the calendar up and running again. Exhibitors, you'd imagine, will want to meet their customers and dealers in a face-to-face setting when they can - but certainly not until everyone feels comfortable in doing so. Whilst at the same time, there's a school of thought that perhaps the show scene had become a tad overcrowded recently, and this enforced break might act as a resetting of the dial.

I think many of us last year probably saw 2021 as the year when things got back to some sort of normal. The way the year has kicked off however, those thoughts may be proving to be a tad ambitious.

So as happened throughout 2020, events are getting called off with a degree of regularity, with some organisers choosing to find alternate methods to stage their gatherings.

We've heard conflicting reports about how successful virtual shows have proven during this pandemic. Getting punters to sit at their laptop screens, attending presentations or visiting virtual stands doesn't really seem to have ever caught fire. Perhaps if the sales reps giving the talks all had the faces of confused cats it might help?!

However, this week I've spoken to a show organiser who has tangible evidence in cold, hard sales, that if you put on something attractive that customers are genuinely interested in and is of benefit to them, they will log on in their droves.

A show with a difference

Graham Parker, sales director at Ernest Doe, has run the Doe Show at their base in Ulting, Essex, for the past 20 years. He told me yesterday when it got to October last year it became clear that there would be no way they'd be able to run a physical event in February. "So we started from the beginning of November planning for the show with a difference and it all came about from there," he said.

As you might have read today, the 61st Doe Show, is already the third most successful show in their history sales-wise - and when they finally count up all the auction results, it could well prove to be their best of all time. An incredible achievement by anybody's reckoning.

To make sure that what they put on was an attractive proposition to their customer base, Ernest Doe populated their micro-site with videos all starring their own staff. I asked Graham what was the thinking behind this and whether staff were keen to be in front of camera?

"I wanted the video aspects of the show to be our own people, rather than just taking generic bits from the internet," he said. "I wanted them to be the stars.

"Some weren’t too happy to start with, but we got into a routine. The crucial aspect was that customers could watch and recognise staff members that they knew – which is exactly what I wanted. It was important to make it a really personal thing."

An example of the Doe Show's micro-site, populated by videos starring their own staff

To make sure that their efforts were then seen by enough customers it was important that the show was promoted in the right way. Graham told me they doubled their marketing budget to aid this - a hefty cost. He also singled out their marketing manager, Hayley Hill, as being a marvel with getting the organisation spot on.

So whilst there were clearly significant costs involved, they were much less than running a normal show - which was reflected in the show's profitability. "The end result, we’re over the moon with," said Graham.

Due to the success with the online edition, the question presents itself, would Doe consider repeating the format - or is the intention to get people back on site?

"We want people back, pressing the flesh," Graham told me. "I’m still really keen to have a physical Doe Show next year, where people can come along and meet the manufacturers and meet us. It’s our shop window for the year. It allows people to see what we can do and all the brands we represent. So without a doubt we intend to go back to a physical show. However, I think there might be an element of auction to it - but we still have to make a final decision on that."

Doe appear to have struck on a format that was just what their customers were looking for right now. It certainly sounds like the auction element was especially well received. On top of this they made good new machinery sales too - and where they picked up enquiries for equipment purchases from customers outside their trading area, they passed these leads back to the manufacturers, who in turn could pass on to their local dealers.

"I’m very pleased to be the first dealers who have done something like this," Graham said to me yesterday, "because I do think others may follow and do something similar."

I asked him whether he thought something similar, but on a smaller scale, might perhaps work for other dealers who may not be able to exhibit at their local county show this summer?

"I'm not so sure that would have enough attraction," was his honest answer. "We had 1300 lots in our auction and it did attract an awful lot of people from all over. If you’re doing something on much smaller scale, I don’t think that brings the appeal really."

What Doe presented this year was the right format, at the right time, for the right audience.

Could other shows replicate its success? Perhaps ones with a strong sales component might be able. Online events where visitors are just browsing virtual displays don't really appear to be cutting it for audiences, as they simply cannot replicate that live, in-person atmosphere. 

Will we get back to in-person events this year is the million dollar question? Do visitors and exhibitors even want to get back to those any time soon is also a key question? Please feel free to leave a comment below with your thoughts.

According to figures released by the AEA, UK agricultural tractor registrations remained well above their level a year before in January.

The monthly total of 586 machines was 17% higher than in January 2020.

Stephen Howarth, agricultural economist at the AEA, said, "This was the fourth time in the last five months that we have seen year-on-year rises of this rate or faster.

"That meant that the number of machines registered was close to the average of recent years, for the third month in a row, suggesting the tractor market is close to being back to normal after the challenges of the last year."

The Toro Company has announced that it acquired Turflynx, a privately held developer of autonomous mowing equipment for golf courses based in Portugal.

Turflynx

In a statement Toro said their new employees will continue to be based in Portugal. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Turflynx introduced the industry’s first fully autonomous, all-electric fairway mower in 2016. 

“As the golf industry continues to focus on improving play, better managing resources and expanding its commitment to environmental sustainability, the application and advancement of technologies will play a critical role,” said Grant Young, general manager for Toro’s Commercial Business.

“We are very excited to integrate the Turflynx team into The Toro Company as we collectively build upon our expertise in autonomous technology, alternate energy, smart-connected products. This acquisition is expected to help expand our GeoLink Solutions portfolio displayed at last year’s Golf Industry Show.”

Family dealership Robert H Crawford & Son of Frithville, Boston have sadly announced that Robert Edward Crawford has passed away.

In a statement, the company said Robert passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by his family on 1st February 2021.

The statement continued, "Robert was a loving husband to Angela, father to Mary and Robert, father-in-law to Robin and Bridget and ‘Pop Pop’ to his six grandchildren.

"2021 marks the centenary of Robert H Crawford & Son as a business and is the year we will celebrate the life of Robert; a true gentleman who dedicated his life to all things agricultural and carried on the Crawford name for future generations.

"Robert had an unsurpassed depth and wealth of knowledge of all things agricultural and vintage, especially that of Marshall and Fowler. 'The Marshall Man'.  A true patriot and forever a champion of all things made in Britain, especially Lincolnshire.

"He pioneered the vintage preservation scene and inspired and supported countless enthusiasts along the way. He was widely known for his generosity of time and advice which he willingly shared with everyone.

"He will be remembered for being an irreplaceable preserver of agricultural history. A stalwart of the auction scene all his life and his presence will be sorely missed.

"He had an unforgettable smile and above all else he was a devoted family man and nothing gave him more pleasure than to be with them."

The statement concluded by confirming that Robert's funeral will be a private family occasion, being laid to rest on Monday 22nd February at St Peters Church, Frithville.

The company plan to hold a Memorial Day to celebrate his wonderful life later in the year when current restrictions allow.

Following John Deere’s recent business reorganisation in Europe, Brian D’Arcy has been appointed agricultural division sales manager for John Deere Limited with overall responsibility for Ireland, Scotland, Wales and northern England.

Brian D'Arcy

He replaces Chris Meacock, who takes over as turf division sales manager for the UK & Ireland, the Benelux countries and Scandinavia.

Based at Langar, Brian will work alongside Joedy Ibbotson, who continues in his current role as agricultural division sales manager for central and southern England. Both report directly to the sales director for Western Europe Richard Johnson and are responsible for all agricultural product sales and marketing throughout the UK & Irish dealer network.

Brian D’Arcy is a graduate of Tralee Institute of Technology in Ireland, where he gained a degree in Agricultural Engineering Management. He joined John Deere Limited at Langar, Nottingham in July 2007 as a tractor sales demonstration instructor, before being promoted to the role of crop systems specialist in 2009 and then later that same year to agricultural territory manager for Wales and the West Midlands, a position he held until July 2014.

Brian then became UK and Ireland strategic account manager for turf and other non-agricultural products, before moving to Deere’s European HQ in Mannheim, Germany in October 2018 as Region 2 product manager for compact and utility tractors. He was subsequently appointed to the European turf division sales manager role in November 2019, before returning to Langar to take up this new position

Drymen-based groundcare and garden equipment supplier Fraser C Robb has been awarded exclusive sales rights in Scotland to sell Foamsteam, herbicide-free weed killing equipment. 

Pictured front, Lorna Robb (director); back left Gary Cowan (commerical sales manager); and back right Struan Robb (director) 

The system has been developed by Weedingtech, who have successfully launched this product in markets around the world. This deal will for the first time provides customers in Scotland with access to an environmentally friendly solution for clearing weeds. 

The Foamstream herbicide-free system combines heat and water, with a foam solution that is described by the company as both safe and highly effective. As well as removing weeds, it can with special lances remove gum, graffiti and clean street furniture. 

The company also envision that Foamstream could help reduce the transmission of Covid 19 virus, due to the high temperatures used in application. 

Fraser C Robb director Lorna Robb said, “Our business is within a National Park and we know from our customers throughout Scotland the sensitivity to our land, waterways and public areas, Foamstream will allow them to kill weeds in a way completely safe to the environment. This system will also be more effective in keeping our towns and cities clean, saving organisations time and money.

"We are delighted to be bringing this product to market in Scotland and working with the innovative team at Weedingtech. We have seen the impact of it being introduced in other markets and know that this product will be revolutionary to the operation of councils, land estates, sporting facilities etc. throughout Scotland. This is an excellent addition to our growing range of environmentally friendly garden and ground care equipment”. 

Aaron Matthews, UK & ROI sales manager at Weedingtech said, “After many conversations with prospects in Scotland, Fraser C. Robb were the natural choice to be our distribution partner due to their fantastic reputation among their customer base and the instant enthusiasm they had for the product."

John Deere commercial turfcare dealers in Region 4 can now sell and support Wiedenmann aeration products following an agreement that covers the U.S, Canada, Australia and New Zealand.

Manny Gan, director, global golf sales & marketing, John Deere said through the agreement, which does not apply to the UK and Europe, the company was ".providing customers with streamlined access to the industry’s top solutions through their John Deere dealer.”

Uwe Wiedenmann, managing partner, Wiedenmann Corporation, added, “John Deere has a reputation for delivering quality products and providing outstanding service, aligning with the Wiedenmann values and making this relationship a natural fit. Through this agreement, we’re offering our aeration solutions to a wider range of customers, in addition to our existing distribution and dealer network, making it easier for them to acquire the products they need."

The organisers of Agritechnica 2021, which is scheduled to take place in November this year, say there are signs of very good participation by agricultural machinery manufacturers from both Germany and abroad.

This announcement follows the confirmation last week from John Deere that they wont attend the Hanover show in 2021 because they do not currently believe the safety of all attendees can be fulfilled.

The organiser of Agritechnica, DLG (German Agricultural Society), say they expect more than 2,000 exhibitors to attend.

"The number of exhibitor registrations to date underscores the importance of Agritechnica as a global platform for agricultural machinery manufacturers and their suppliers," said Freya von Czettritz, project manager for Agritechnica. "Numerous leading agricultural machinery companies have already signed up or are currently in the planning stages of their trade show appearance at the show in Hanover in November. 

“Together with our 'Safe Business' concept for the physical trade fair in Hanover in November, we are working closely with our exhibitors to create the best possible planning conditions for safe and successful participation in the world's leading trade fair for agricultural machinery," added Freya von Czettritz.

Companies that have already registered as exhibitors for this year's show include Claas, AGCO, SDF, Kubota, Amazone, Kuhn, Kverneland, Krone, Horsch, Lemken, Pöttinger, Grimme and Väderstad.

Also from the show organisers this May will be the “Agritechnica digital' platform. Six months ahead of the actual trade show, exhibitors will be able to host their own events on the service and deliver information about their products and services.

Bristol-based lawnmower and groundscare machinery specialists, AJ Mowers, recently partnered with Toro to give their new showroom a restyle.

Having moved into the new premises in 2019, AJ Mowers say they wanted to take the opportunity this year to make the new showroom a more attractive and stylish place for customers. The space was reworked to primarily showcase the Hayter and Toro range of products, in order to represent that AJ Mowers is a partner of the two brands. Toro worked with BDH Tullford to help with the installation and construction of the new showroom.
 
Ashley Reid, owner and director at AJ Mowers said, “We have only recently formed our partnership with Hayter and Toro, but it has been going from strength to strength, and as such we wanted to clearly showcase ourselves as dealers of Hayter and Toro machines.
 
“We were extremely happy with the work that was done in our new showroom. We started with an onsite planning meeting with the team at Toro to discuss what we all wanted to achieve from the project. The team at Toro then came back with a presentation of concepts and ideas on what we could do in the showroom.
 
“The ideas that were presented back to us were brilliant and we wanted to get started on the project straight away. In no time the team was in the showroom installing Hayter and Toro-branded POS, signage, wall imagery displaying the products, as well as a clever solution to integrating our parts storage within the overall design.”

 
Ashleigh Bradshaw, marketing associate from Hayter and Toro, who worked alongside Ashley on the showroom project, said, “It was a real pleasure to work with the team at AJ Mowers to help show off their new showroom. The project went extremely smoothly and was completed in just two days - a testament to the hard work from everyone involved.
 
“We look forward to continuing to work with AJ Mowers in the future.”

Position: Area Sales Manager  Location: Northern England UK

Reports To: National Sales Manager (Specialist Dealer Sales)

Brands: AL-KO, Weibang, DR Power Equipment and Mitox

Job Summary

The role requires a strong communicator with the drive and selling ability to create a strong dealer network that meets and exceeds the requirements of the retail customer. A pro-active sales attitude is essential with a good knowledge and understanding of the Specialist Garden Machinery Industry.

Strong presentation, whilst delivering a professional appearance and developing a relationship with customers and peers that has integrity, a strong work ethic and TEAM at the core. A satisfied retail customer is important; therefore, the standard of the dealer network needs to be developed to a level that ensures every dealer is a destination for the end user. An attention towards developing our current dealers, seeking out new dealership opportunities and new user markets for our products by using good analytic skills is a required strength. 

AL-KO Gardentech UK offers the correct candidate the opportunity to join a business that has enjoyed a strong 2020 where an enthusiastic team, supported by solid business infrastructure, results in an enjoyable working environment.

About AL-KO

AL-KO was founded in Kötz, near Augsburg in 1931. Today, and 90 years later, the still family-owned company with more than 2,400 employees is active at 30 locations all over the world. In 2020 the AL-KO GROUP reported revenue of around 500 Mio. Euros. The AL-KO KOBER GROUP is part of the PRIMEPULSE network. PRIMEPULSE is a dynamic investment holding based in Munich.

Essential Responsibilities and Duties

• Host regular business meetings with dealers to ensure retail success that drives a strong wholesale performance.
• Coordinate/deliver sell-in presentations for new and existing products, programs and events.
• Assist dealers in establishing wholesale and retail goals, creating an understanding for market demands within their local area, selling in correct stocking of products that fit the dealer’s customers demographic.
• Encourages dealers to participate in all product training, programs, seminars, demo events and technical training programmes.
• Advise and coordinate showroom set-up, branding and shop fitting.
• Monitor and manage branding standards.
• Encourage dealers towards participation in marketing, promotions, local shows, dealer open days, product demonstration, positive social media PR and events.
• Identifies and targets territory Specialist Dealer open points.
• Interacts proactively with Customer Relationship Management (CRM) tools.
• Feedback market, industry and competitor information.
• 360-degree business focus to enhance the customer journey (Service, Parts, Accessories, Warranty etc.).
• Timely and reliable delivery of all administration requests.
• Connect pro-actively with the internal HQ team to provide excellent dealer and customer support.
• Prepare for and attend regular sales meetings along with annual dealer business seminars/events.

Skills and Qualifications

• Field Sales and/or Retail Sales experience with a proven track record.
• Satisfactory School and College/University qualifications.
• A respectable/clean Driving License.
• An understanding of the Grass Machinery Industry with a knowledge of markets such as Horticulture, Agriculture, Forestry and other markets related to our products.
• Sales, Distribution, Retail, Branding and Customer Services experience required.
• Must be comfortable using computer and IT - experience with MS Office, Excel, Word and Powerpoint.
• Able to understand profit and loss calculations, basic business finance and be a competent writer of business letters, quotations and proposals.
• Self-driven, results-orientated and reliable with a positive outlook, and a clear focus on high quality and business profit. A natural forward planner who critically assesses own performance. Able to get on with others and be a team-player.
• Understand and work towards the values and ethos at AL-KO.

Working Conditions

Extensive travel within territory with regular hotel stays including occasional foreign travel. Some travel to remote locations and corporate functions. Home office environment with support from UK Headquarter location. Occasional weekend and/or evening work to support dealer/business events. Workshop, technical and product demonstration activity.

We offer a competitive Package, industry leading working conditions, full support and career development

For more information regarding this position please contact Lee Frankish on 07720 537 443 for a confidential discussion or please forward your CV and covering letter to: lee.frankish@al-ko.co.uk

Kawasaki Motors Europe N.V. 
Engine Division
Position; Business Development Executive

Kawasaki Engine Division is a market leading supplier to top-of-the-line professional and residential Turfcare Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) around the globe. Due to a retirement, we are offering a rare and exciting opportunity to represent Kawasaki to our international customers across Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA).

To aid further expansion, we are looking for Applicants who should ideally have good experience within business to business technical sales. While Turfcare or Garden machinery industry experience would be beneficial, a proactive individual with a positive attitude looking to expand their career into international markets would be ideal.

Full induction and product training will be given on arrival.

A high/strong level of computer literacy (MO365) is also essential
 
Based at our office in Bourne End, Buckinghamshire, the position offers an attractive salary (Details on request), private medical insurance, company pension scheme, company mobile phone, annual performance bonus scheme.

Interviews are expected to be arranged online from 10th February onwards.

Applications; Interested applicants should send their CV and a covering letter to; 

Lee Skinner, Head of Sales

LSkinner@Kawasaki.eu

MST is a long established, Agricultural, Groundcare and Horticultural machinery dealership, operating from three sites in Tiverton (Mid Devon), Lee Mill (South Devon), and South Petherton (Somerset).

Today we are the leading supplier and service provider of specialist land machinery across the South West, showcasing top quality brand names including Massey Ferguson, Honda, Iseki, Giant and Stihl.

We’re hiring and we currently have a number of opportunities across the business for experienced Sales Representatives and Service Technicians for both Agricultural and Turf machinery. 

We’re looking for candidates who have a passion for Land Based Machinery and an interest in building on their career within the industry. So, to find out more, why not visit our careers page at http://www.mstgroup.co.uk/92/careers 

We look forward to hearing from you soon!

Are you interested in working for a national distributor of specialist groundscare and woodland equipment?

Covering the South East & East Midlands areas, we are looking for an enthusiastic, focused and self-motivated individual. You’ll work as part of our UK sales team developing product ranges from innovative partners:

- AS Motor have over 60 years’ experience in manufacturing professional mowers suitable for high grass and mowing on steep slopes, together with a range of professional lawnmowers and high-performance mulch mowers.  In addition, the innovative German manufacturer also offer a range of chemical free weed brushes and are trusted by landscaping professionals the world over.

- For over 30 years world-renowned and innovative Belgium manufacturer Eliet have been manufacturing a range of simple yet highly efficient groundscare solutions built to the highest quality standard. The comprehensive range includes green waste shredders, lawn and turf care solutions and debris clearance machinery. 

- Award winning German manufacturer Koppl produce high quality, high performance compact tool carriers and two-wheel tractors with a comprehensive range of rapid change attachments. This unique system enables machines to be built to meet specific needs offering a reliable and efficient solution whatever the task including mowing, groundwork or debris clearance.

- TS Industrie is one of the largest manufactures of wood chippers and shredders and offer an extensive range of high performing solutions suitable for material up to 23cm width.

The primary focus of the position is the ongoing development and support of the extensive network of dealers, ensuring they have the tools they need to meet the needs of their customers. This includes regular communication and visits, supporting dealer local events and supporting machinery  demonstrations when restrictions allow. In addition, recruiting new specialist dealerships that meet our high standards and expectations to support customers and to work with them to grow their business and achieve agreed sales levels.

We are looking for a candidate with a well-rounded experience of selling, preferably from a capital equipment background, with a sound knowledge of the UK Groundscare and Hire Equipment markets being a distinct advantage.

Main Purpose of Job

• Sales development of PSD products across the South East and East Midlands
• Recruit and train new dealers
• Increase existing dealer sales
• Develop sales throughout the hire shop network

Main Duties and Responsibilities

• Develop annual business plans with dealers that meet sales goals and objectives
• Feedback relevant market data, including competitor activity, buyer behavior, market trends, and business opportunities to senior management / suppliers
• Achieve sales objectives for all categories within the product portfolio
• Assist in preparing annual and monthly sales forecasts
• Establish and maintain regular contact with dealers and work closely to provide them with the necessary support

Main Required Experience & Skills

• Proven sales skills in the groundscare / hire Industries a distinct advantage
• Must be a team player
• Possess a reasonable mechanical aptitude, with an ability to offer\find solutions
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills and able to establish effective business relationships with internal and external partners
• Ability to engage at all levels in the sales process.
• Strong organizational, planning, communication and negotiation skills
• Full clean driving license covering categories B+E

Other Information

• The position reports directly to the Sales Director and is responsible for business growth across the area
• Competitive salary and benefits package available dependent on experience

Applications

Please visit www.psdgroundscare.co.uk/business-development-manager for a full job specification.

Interested applicants should apply in writing by sending their CV and covering letter to:

Diane Cowell (HR Advisor) PSD Groundscare, Regent Yard, Whitewalls Ind Estate, Colne, Lancashire, BB8 8LJ or email: diane@psdgroundscare.com

Quote BDM0221

Deadline: 22nd February 2021

Job Title:

Territory Sales Manager – Wales & South West England
Territory Sales Manager – Northern England & Scotland

Toro Hayter is a UK manufacturer of Lawnmowers and Turf Equipment. Established in 1946 the company has been actively promoting and distributing Garden and Grounds Care machinery for over 75 years. We are looking to recruit for the position of Territory Sales Manager for two regions, Wales & South West England and Northern England & Scotland. We are looking to recruit individuals with a passion for the industry and who want to work as part of our successful sales team. Reporting to the UK Sales & Marketing Manager, the successful candidate/s will have the opportunity to work with market leading brands and products.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The Sales Territory Manager will be responsible for:

• Managing dealer performance to ensure maximum business potential is realised
• Developing annual sales budgets and monthly sales forecasts
• Protecting established business and proactively seeking new sales
• Building long term relationships with dealers and end line customers
• Maintaining the highest levels of customer satisfaction
• Carrying out high quality product demonstrations and presentations to customers
• Keeping up to date with competitor activities and ranges
• Working as part of the Sales Team to contribute to the planning of the business and ongoing dealer strategy development
• Will need to live in a convenient location inside the territory

JOB DIMENSIONS

The Sales Territory Manager job dimensions include:

• Reporting to the UK Sales & Marketing Manager
• Managing a territory in the UK for all RLC products distributed by Hayter Limited

SPECIFICATIONS

The Sales Territory Manager must possess the following:

• Excellent communication skills
• Excellent organisational and time management skills
• Ability to work effectively across different business functions
• Ability to work well in a team based environment
• Ability to be flexible and work well under pressure
• Must be self motivated and able to work autonomously
• Have drive, commitment and enthusiasm
• Have an eye for detail
• Possess sound analytical and numerical skills
• Have a working knowledge of Microsoft Office software

Interested candidates please forward CV and cover letter to craig.hoare@toro.com. Closing date for applications is Friday 26th February 2021. 

Penicuik House, Scotland, turned to Husqvarna Automower® to help make the sustainable switch to robotic lawn mowers.

An 18th century estate looking to make the sustainable switch

Located ten miles south of Edinburgh lies one of Scotland’s most influential 18th-century designed landscapes, Penicuik House. Designed and built in the 1760s by Sir James Clerk, the vast estate features 750 acres of designed landscape, which operations director, Scott Hall, credits three Husqvarna Automower® robotic lawnmowers for maintaining its formal lawns.  

Standing within 500 hectares of designed gardens established in the early 1700s, Penicuik House prides itself on its impressive grounds and well-maintained lawns, which the public regularly enjoys exploring. 

After successfully using Husqvarna's handheld equipment, Penicuik House were ready to try Automower®

Looking to move towards a ‘greener’ way of working, Penicuik House turned to Husqvarna to help make the sustainable switch. Scott explains: “We had been using Husqvarna products for many years prior to adopting Husqvarna Automower®. We’re very familiar with the brand’s chainsaws, trimmers and protective gear, having used them to maintain the vast grounds and to keep our staff safe, and felt Husqvarna’s robotic lawnmowers would impress also.”

After an initial consultation with Husqvarna’s Automower® team, the Penicuik team purchased three models from the professional robotics range, two Automower® 550 and a Automower® 520, which were installed 18 months ago. “The installation process was incredibly smooth” said Scott. “The Husqvarna team spent a great deal of time ensuring the installation was set up perfectly, and the mowers have run seamlessly ever since.”

 
Ever since the first Automower® was introduced in 1995, Husqvarna has been known as the world leader in robotic mowing. With over 2 million sold worldwide, Automower® is renowned for its low energy consumption, zero emissions, low noise and high productivity. 

An asset to the gardening team, who can now focus on more complex tasks

Scott commented on his experience with Automower®: “To say Automower® has transformed our lawns wouldn’t be an understatement. The mowers trim such small clippings of grass which drop back into the lawn and act as fertiliser, which has improved the quality significantly.”

It’s not just the lawn that has benefitted from the introduction of Automower®. “Initially the team were slightly sceptical, and I couldn’t blame them as it’s a big switch” Scott discussed. “However, it didn’t take long for them to see the benefit. The robotic mowers have saved the gardening team many hours previously spent mowing the lawns, allowing them to focus on more complex jobs around the estate.

“Not only that, the mowers save us money each month, and help with our aim to become ‘greener’. Automower® do not require petrol or oil, and the longer they are out mowing, the healthier the lawn becomes.”

“Automower® has made such a huge difference to the way we work, and we currently have locations planned which will require an Automower® 520, an Automower® 535AWD and two Automower® 550, which is testament to the Automower® performance.” 

Our Summer research shows that on average, each Garden Trader dealer will be sent 114 new customers (or people with a buying intention walking through your door) per year.  This works out at 83p for each new customer. A subscription rate designed to be all inclusive delivering unrivalled online results.

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