In the Service Dealer newsletter, we often try and bring you the more off-beat stories that touch our industry.

Drunken lawnmower drivers, rude crop-circle messages, whacky inventions, dogs trained to drive a tractor, you know the sort of thing.

This week, we feature a story about car hire giant, SIXT offering a CLAAS tractor in its fleet. At first glance, it’s a stunt. Some off-the-wall marketing.

But hang on. Couldn’t there be a rather more serious message here?

If the pundits are to be believed, we are moving from an ownership society to a renting society. Even recent data indicates that more is being spent on ‘experiences’ (holidays, theatre, days-out etc) than on buying stuff.

There are many factors driving this. Fast moving technology, lack of available space to store items, high cost, depreciation etc. And I’m not necessarily talking about housing, more day-to-day usage of products.

A number of peer-to-peer car-sharing apps have been recently introduced, such as Hiyacar, Drivy and Turo, where owners with under-utilised cars can rent them out to other drivers with similar limited transport requirements. The success obviously depends on having a fool-proof app, sophisticated technology and the necessary insurance cover in place. But it looks like a trend that could take off, in one variation or another.

So, might that kind of service be applicable to homeowners with under-used garden machinery? Even to farmers to take the current machinery sharing arrangements to a new technology-driven level?

Nor could it stop at machinery.

Might dealers running around the country in vans offer to take other items for local businesses (not presumably other dealers!)

Dealers might even have spare workshop space, or even create one with a range of specialist tools, for outsiders to use on a daily, weekly basis?

Yeah, yeah, I can hear you say. We’re in the business of selling and service. What about insurance, what about this or that?

All I’m saying is that, just as the High Street it is changing – so retailers in every sector are having to reassess the way they do business. You can bet that the Canadian guy who has just bought a number of HMV shops wont run them as they were run ten, twenty years ago.

We will not see a revolution in retailing  - that already happened with the advent of on-line. But we will need to see the acknowledgment by retailers that mind-sets and requirements are changing within the buying public.  That will mean a willingness to adopt, adapt, try new ideas – and never have a closed mind.

The success of Uber and AirBnB has set the scene. Other sectors are bound to follow.  In fact I’ve already coined an appropriate name for a mower sharing app, Air'Cut.

Royalties in a brown paper envelope please!

Quick final note, you 'have to be in it, to win it' (where it = business).  Midnight tonight is the deadline to register for inclusion in the unique Garden Trader website.  Most dealers have already renewed, but those few who haven't responded will be removed from the site. Details in this newsletter

The reason my mug-shot is here today is that Steve has been touring Scotland this week, picking up trophies for his curling skills (interviews only through his agent!).   

It has been widely reported that a new tractor brand, MANCEL, is due to be unveiled at next month’s SIMA show in Paris, France.

MANCEL is apparently owned by Chinese manufacturer YTO and the tractors will apparently be built in France. According to a French magazine, the brand-name was first spotted publicly upon the release of the show’s official list of exhibitors.

YTO has recently announced that it will be ceasing production of existing transmissions and gearboxes at its facility in Saint-Dizier, France. The suggestion is that the factory is being prepared to build whole tractors, a “four-model tractor line-up from 110 to 145hp” according to sources.

The Saint-Dizier factory established by International Harvester (IH) in the 1950s when its entire tractor range were built there with a +5000 work-force The facility came under the Case IH banner in the 1980s, following the fusion of Case and IH, and was later to become part of the CNH group. In 2001, ownership of the factory passed to Argo Tractors (and specifically the McCormick tractor brand).

The Institution of Agricultural Engineers (IAgrE) is seeking a new chief executive, after the current CEO Chief Executive, Alastair Taylor, announced that he is to retire in September in order to spend more time with his wife at home in Shropshire.

“I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at IAgrE as CEO and look forward to continuing my association with the Institution as a volunteer after my retirement. I always planned to be with IAgrE for five years and by the time I finish it will be nearer six”, he said. “Meanwhile, I am fully committed to IAgrE for the next 6 months and look forward to continuing in post until a suitable replacement may be found”.

Prior to joining IAgrE in October 2013, Alastair was a Commissioner with CAVTL (Commission on Adult Vocational Teaching and Learning) and Vice-Principal of Hartpury College. Additionally, he has run his own company, Greendale Learning and Development (GLAD Ltd) which deals with quality improvement services for the UK Education, Learning and Skills sector

The search for Alastair’s replacement is currently underway, and the IAgrE Executive are planning to commence interviews at the end of March. Click here for further details.

BAGMA's annual curling event took place on Wednesday this week at The Peak in Stirling, with an excellent turnout of dealers and industry representatives.

An enthusiastic mixture of experienced and novice curlers took to the ice following on from a well attended BAGMA members meeting which took place at Stirling Albion Football Club, which also forms part of the Sports Village in Stirling.

Following two hours of good humoured and competitive play, which also crucially saw no accidents, the curlers gathered in the bar afterwards to reflect on an enjoyable afternoon.

Dealer Fraser Robb, of Fraser C Robb, said a few words, explaining that this was his and BAGMA's 31st year of holding the curling in Stirling event. "And I have every intention to be here next year for the 32nd," said Fraser.

Fraser went on to thank BAGMA's Alasdair Straker for working so hard to organise the event, filling four sheets of ice with curlers.

A brief presentation ceremony followed with first the runner's up team, skipped by Kevin Russell of dealership Russell Gas & Mower Centre, stepping up to collect their prize.

The winning team, skipped by Fraser Robb and comprising Marc Nolan and Sally Cameron of Catalyst Computer Systems plus Service Dealer editor, Steve Gibbs, then accepted their prizes which were sponsored by Safety Aide.

The winning team. L-R: Fraser Robb, Marc Nolan, Steve Gibbs and Sally Cameron

Also presented was the Miriam Byrne Award for the furthest traveled first time novice - which was presented to Kelly Porter of South Coast Web Design Ltd from Southampton.

Kelly Porter and Miriam Byrne

And finally Service Dealer founder, Chris Biddle sponsored an award for the best performing first time novice which went to Annabel Baker of LANTRA (Scotland).

Annabel Baker was presented with her prize by Alasdair Straker at the LANTRA HQ Perth following the curling event

AGCO reported net sales of approximately $2.6 billion for the fourth quarter of 2018, an increase of about 2.6% compared to net sales of approximately $2.5 billion for the fourth quarter of 2017.

Excluding unfavourable currency translation impacts of approximately 4.7%, net sales in the fourth quarter of 2018 increased approximately 7.3% compared to the fourth quarter of 2017.

Net sales for the full year of 2018 were $9.4 billion, an increase of 12.6% compared to 2017. Excluding the favourable impact of currency translation of approximately 0.1%, net sales for the full year of 2018 increased approximately 12.5% compared to 2017

The VADERSTAD Group generated 27% more turnover in its 2018 financial year.

The manufacturer of tillage equipment, precision planters and seed drills in Sweden, and Seed Hawk air seeders in Canada, recorded €300 million ($339 million) for the first time, with net profit amounting to €11.8 million ($13 million). 

“The drought in 2018, especially in northern Europe, resulted in lower yields in many of our normally strong markets,” said Mats Båverud, president and CEO. “However, cereal prices rose in the autumn, so despite weather-related challenges, we see an increased interest in investing in soil cultivation machines and planters, which increases the crop for farmers in the aftermath of drought.”

During the 2018 financial year, Väderstad Group’s recent years of growth accelerated, with revenues increasing by 27% compared with 7% in 2017 vs. 2016 and 5.5% in 2016 compared with 2015.The business has continued to take charge of distribution in several of the 40 countries where it is represented, with new sales subsidiaries set up in Russia and Ukraine maintaining their positions

The organisers of SALTEX have released results from their 2018 post-show survey which has revealed that an overwhelming amount of exhibitors reported successful business results - with many claiming that it was the most valuable event to date.

The 300 SALTEX exhibitors travelled from 18 countries to SALTEX 2018 with the majority being based in the UK. European exhibitors included those from the Netherlands, Finland, Turkey, Sweden, Israel, Belgium, Switzerland, Denmark, Italy and France. Further afield, exhibitors travelled from North America, Korea, Canada and China to showcase their products and services.

The core area at SALTEX was the machinery, power and hand tools segment with over half (56 per cent) of all exhibitors showcasing equipment in this category. A further 28 per cent specialised in sports surfaces and facilities; 27 per cent represented landscaping products and services; 24 per cent were from the turf, seeds, aggregates and treatments sector; 15 per cent represented arboriculture and horticulture; 13 per cent showcased commercial vehicles; 9 per cent specialised in synthetic surfaces and 7 per cent were manufacturers of play equipment.

The post show exhibitor survey revealed that more than 82 per cent of these exhibitors feel that exhibiting at SALTEX is integral to their overall business strategy.

Survey results reflected that 100 per cent of exhibitors thought that by attending the show they were able to maintain and promote their company profile. Ninety-six per cent said that they generated new leads, 87 per cent used SALTEX as a platform to launch new products and 82 per cent took orders as a direct result of the event.

Further results from the post-show survey revealed that 84 per cent of exhibitors rated the quality of visitors as excellent with many exhibitors appreciating the fact that visitors from 44 different countries were in attendance.

SALTEX 2019 takes place at the NEC, Birmingham on October 30 and 31.

Etesia UK has announced a new partnership with Camsaw Ltd, which will see the County Laois based business exclusively distribute Pellenc battery powered equipment throughout the Republic of Ireland.

Established in 1987 by Philip Carney, Camsaw Ltd is one of Ireland’s leading providers and distributors of garden machinery and equipment and is the official Irish agent of Olec-mac and Weibang garden and forestry machines. Camsaw also manufacture its own Legacy brand of steel deck push lawnmowers.

L-R: Paul Carney from Camsaw shakes hands with Stephen Muir of Etesia UK after becoming Pellenc distributor in Ireland

Phillip’s son, Paul Carney, took over the business in 2005 and explained that this new partnership outlines the future vision of the company.

“We are delighted to partner with a company like Pellenc. They have shown that their pathway to growth is through new product developments and innovations. It is an exciting opportunity for Camsaw to partner with a company so far ahead of its competitors in the market.

“The market is more open to battery powered products than ever before and at Camsaw we wanted to take our first step into this sector by providing the highest quality product in the marketplace. In our opinion - that is Pellenc.”

The extensive product range features a portfolio from chainsaws, pole saws and hedge cutters to grass strimmers, brushcutters and mowers.

“We would like to establish ourselves with dealerships in Ireland and really become the go-to company for professional battery powered products," said Paul, "particularly with the likes of local councils, contractors and professional landscaping and maintenance companies.”

Stephen Muir, Etesia UK’s business development manager, commented, “We are delighted with this new partnership. Camsaw is an established business with a large dealer network within the country and is a well-known and respected business. We want to be associated with a company that can successfully promote and enhance the sales of Pellenc equipment in Ireland and we very much believe we have that in Camsaw.”

OPICO Ltd has announced the appointment of Agriplus Limited to their Strautmann dealer network.

L-R: Rob Stevenson, machine sales director, Agriplus Limited, with Colin Grigor, territory manager, OPICO

Established in 2005 by Rob Stevenson and his uncle Richard Winter, and based in the Stokesley Business Park in North Yorkshire, Agriplus has grown from a small agricultural engineering business into a major dealership.

Commenting Charles Bedforth, OPICO sales manager said, “With a strong engineering background, Rob and his team are ideally placed to grow the Strautmann franchise in North Yorkshire and the North East. OPICO has known Agriplus, as Maschio Gaspardo dealers, for the last few years and we have been impressed with the company’s enthusiasm, experience and the portfolio of farmers they deal with. We couldn’t be more excited to have them on board.”

Rob Stevenson added, “As a proactive and forward-thinking company, we are always looking to improve our range of product offerings and strive to ensure our customers get excellent service every time. The Strautmann range of forage and feeding wagons is a perfect product fit for our customers and the support we have had from OPICO over recent years has been excellent, giving us huge confidence we can continue to provide our customers with a first-class service.”

Makita say they have responded to the market demand with the launch of the DUC355Z and DUC405Z twin 18V brushless LXT chainsaws.

These rear-handled chainsaws, with bar lengths of 35cm and 40cm respectively, can utilise twin Makita 18V Lithium-Ion batteries that generate a 1100 watt output to run the 3/8th inch chain over the 35cm and 40cm bars at up to 20 metres per second. This exceeds the performance of Makita’s mains powered machines. 

These new models feature the main power switch with the Auto power-off function making them safe in use. This function automatically turns the machine off, to protect the operator from unintentional start up should the switch trigger not be pulled for a period of a few seconds after the main power switch has been turned off.

Weighing 4.8kg, without batteries, these cordless machines feature a variable speed control trigger, electric chain brake, kick-back chain brake and battery protection circuit. Sold as body only machines these LXT chainsaws have a constant speed control; adjustable automatic chain lubrication and oil capacity display.

Both models feature captive nuts designed, Makita say, to satisfy industry demand. This facility prevents loss of nuts when removing the sprocket cover to replace the guide bar, or saw chain.

We are more than a month from 1 April, but car rental company Sixt (you know the one, 'Drive Smug') is offering to rent a CLAAS Axion tractor for a day, weekend or longer.

While helping to raise awareness of the Claas rental programme with the farming community, the Claas/Sixt arrangement is not directly aimed at farmers, but people who have wanted to drive a tractor, even if just for fun.

It is part of a six-week national marketing campaign to promote the First Claas Rental programme, which was launched as a pilot project in Germany last year.

Some Sixt outlets already have orange and green tractors on the forecourt. These are purely for display, and rental customers will receive a standard coloured Axion. Sixt will direct potential customers to Claas for further details and rental costs.

Claas says it too early to talk about whether a similar marketing exercise could be repeated in other countries.

Salary Commensurate with Experience

Hours: 8am-4.30pm

HAMILTON BROTHERS, Part of the Hamilton Ross Group of Companies, are leading suppliers of Agricultural, Groundcare, Construction and Garden Power machinery in West Central Scotland. An exciting opportunity exists in our Bishopton Depot for a Parts Sales Assistant who enjoys multi-tasking and working as part of our team.

The Parts Department plays a pivotal role within a dealership by sourcing items for the workshop team and customers.

Requirements:

• Enthusiastic attitude
• Strong Communication and Telephone skills
• IT literacy
• A good eye for detail
• A good mechanical mind that allows for you to correctly identify parts would be advantageous
• Sound working knowledge of Agricultural, Construction or Groundcare machinery is preferential but not essential

Responsibilities:

• Ordering parts
• Controlling the transport of goods in and out of the business
• Managing stock availability in retail areas
• Liaising with customers at our busy Parts Counter and on the telephone

Benefits:

• 22 days holiday plus 8 public/bank holidays per annum.
• Pension.
• Long established, local and trusted employer.

The Parts Sales Assistant is expected to work outside of standard office hours when required, therefore flexibility around overtime would be expected.

If you feel you could be an asset to Hamilton Brothers, please e-mail your CV together to hr@hamiltonrossgroup.co.uk. Closing date for applications is 18/2/19.

Salary Commensurate with Experience

Hours: 8am-5pm

HAMILTON BROTHERS, Part of the Hamilton Ross Group of Companies, are leading suppliers of Agricultural, Groundcare, Construction and Garden Power machinery in West Central Scotland. An exciting opportunity exists in our Bishopton Depot for a Groundcare Service Adviser who can provide efficient admin and service support in a busy workshop office environment.

You will be our first point of contact with both internal and external clients, dealing with leading brands such as Honda, STIHL and Husqvarna.

Requirements:

• Positive attitude
• Time management skills
• Excellent planning skills to achieve goals and objectives set
• Strong IT literacy, experience of Microsoft Office Packages and good word processing skills

Responsibilities:

• Processing, checking and tracking of service orders and purchase invoices
• Dealing with suppliers and customers
• Preparation of client paperwork
• Assist with lifting lawnmowers into the workshop

Benefits:

• 22 days holiday plus 8 public/bank holidays per annum.
• Pension.
• Long established, local and trusted employer.

If you feel you could be an asset to Hamilton Brothers, please e-mail your CV together to hr@hamiltonrossgroup.co.uk. Closing date for applications is 18/2/19.

Garden Trader is a product and dealer search website/directory only for specialist garden machinery dealers in the UK. It has been designed to support and promote our dealer industry to consumers who are specifically searching for garden machinery products and services.

It costs just £96 + VAT per year to be listed and all revenues in 2019 will be reinvested into promoting the site online.

Join the country’s only independent specialist website, created by the team that bring you Service Dealer. Join our 190+ subscribed Garden Trader dealers now by clicking on “Register Dealership”.

FIND OUT MORE

For a free demonstration contact Evopos on Tel: 01202 795900

Evopos UK Ltd are the producer of the Dealer management software which service dealers are taking a serious look at. This all-in-one solution with friendly and effective telephone support may be worth checking out, if you are a new service dealer or are currently unsatisfied with your current system.

The latest version includes quick and easy point of sale software, comprehensive stock control, workshop organiser, hire contract module, accounting package and state of the art automated SMS and email marketing, all of these features are available in specifically designed dealer packages.

"What makes Evopos streets ahead of its competitors?" asks Denis Bullen (MD). "Evopos is perfect for the Service Industry; everything about the customer is tracked, sales of parts, whole goods and all vital contact information."


Denis Bullen, Evopos md

Denis continues, "The workshop module is of particular interest to most service dealers. Evopos will fulfil the main three requirements that make any busy workshop successful.

• 1. Easy to use; this minimises mistakes making sure correct time is billed for and all the information is correct.
• 2. Maximises sales and repeat custom using the excellent time management and service reminder tools built into Evopos.
• 3. Helps to provide the very best customer service; by providing engineers and salesman with all the necessary information to make the job or the sale as easy for the customer as it as easy for you.

"As far as I can see the workshop process is fairly straight forward

• Step one: Book the job in, providing the customer with details regarding the job.
• Step two: Book parts and labour to the job.(Evopos will automatically remind the customer to drop the machine off and when the job is finished, let the customer know when to pick it up via an SMS text or email alert.)
• Set three: Produce a professional looking invoice for when the customer picks up their machine.

"A comprehensive history is retained within the Evopos system. For example for each machine you can see who has previously owned it and what work it has had done to it.

"Evopos offers a very competitive pricing structure, where costs are kept to a minimum. A standard dealer package can cost as little as £75.00 per month, there are no hidden extras. If you are concerned about losing your old customer database, this shouldn't be a problem. The helpful support team can convert most databases into workable Evopos data at no extra charge.

"Evopos is a low cost way to help make your business more controllable and profitable. It's a total business management solution."

Whether you are a new start-up or run an existing business, why not contact Evopos and arrange a no obligation free demo and see what Evopos can do for your business.

Contact them direct on telephone: 01202 795900 or register online at Evopos.com and they will call you.

Software that does more and costs less.