On Wednesday this week I attended a small show at the Business Design Centre in Islingston, called The Garden Press Event.

As its title suggests, it's an exhibition for gardening companies to showcase their latest products and services to a very specific audience of journalists who work in one area or another of the gardening media. Representatives of magazines, newspapers, websites, blogs and broadcast media all attend.

The majority of these attendees don't tend to work for trade journals like myself, most will be writing for information sources which are being read by domestic consumers - which is to whom the exhibitors at this show are wanting to get their message directly across to.

Mostly taking stands this week were companies whose products you'd see in garden centres - seeds, gloves, bird-feeders, plants, that kind of thing. However, there were several machinery brands in attendance, which made the visit worthwhile from a Service Dealer point of view.

Wandering between these machinery companies it was very quickly apparent which lawnmowing trend is gaining some serious traction this year - and it probably wont surprise many of you when I say it's robotics.

There was a robot invasion in Islington this week, with autonomous devices to be found front and centre on the stands of Cobra, Cub Cadet, Honda, Ambrogio, STIHL, Gardena and John Deere. 

What feels significant about these companies choosing to heavily promote these machines at this show, is precisely the mainstream nature of the event. The idea being that these robotic developments will be reported on in the mainstream press or in popular blogs and videos, shows the level of acceptance which the products are finding in UK. That gimmicky tag they were burdened with for years, seems to have been well and truly cast aside.

One of the reasons that several exhibitors who I spoke to, gave for this increased interest and associated sales levels, is because the concept is becoming ever more widely accepted by the dealer network themselves. Increasing numbers of dealers are seeing there is good money to be made from sales, plus installations and servicing work off these units and are becoming ever more enthusiastic in their promotion to their customers.

I was speaking to Ian Seagar on the Cub Cadet stand for example, who was telling me how they had recently held some robotic training days to introduce their dealers to the new XR models. You can read more about those events here but Ian reported real positivity amongst the network for the new machines. He said that Cub Cadet really believe that it's a growing market with huge potential.

Similar sentiments from Steve Morris of Honda who felt that awareness of the products in the UK was a problem previously, but now that's starting to change. Once dealers get on board with the technology and once the buying public start to see units at work in their neighbours' gardens, momentum can very quickly start to build. Steve said an important target audience for these machines, similar to cordless products, is the older gardener. Yes, some techy people who like gadgets will be interested, but the older generation of gardeners for whom pushing a mower around might be starting to become an issue, they can be very keen on the products.

Paul Chandler of Ambrogio believes that the technological advancements which the machines have been experiencing is pushing the market forward in the UK. The fact that some machines can now cover large areas, feature enhanced GPS navigation algorithms and because new software can be added into their databanks at any point, therefore making them future proofed, adds to their appeal. On their stand they were even promoting a smart tag to fit to a pet's collar, which means if a robot was approaching a furry friend, the blade is instantly switched off, allowing the robot to trundle on its way, posing no risk!

Also playing into this concept that a robot pottering around your garden is a benign, friendly presence, was Cobra's promotion of personalisation for the Mowbot's design. On the stand they had a machine in a camouflage wrap and one in a flowery design - whilst publicising the ability for customers to get online and, wiithin reason, design their own coverings. Peter Chaloner said, "We feel that people will really enjoy the concept and enjoy making the Mowbot theirs." It certainly plays into what you hear often that owners like to name their robots, ascribing them a personality.

Of course robots are not the only game in town. Speaking to Christopher Cooper on the Hyater stand, he said there are customers for whom stripes will always be of paramount importance. He felt that robots could potentially be taking from the ride-on market rather than the walk-behinds which Hayter and Toro specialise in.

But there seemed little doubt at the Garden Press Event this week, robotic mowing is crossing over into the mainstream. We'll have details about some of the new products featured, in an upcoming issue of Service Dealer magazine.

In the meantime though, what do you think? Are you seeing good business from robots? Do you think we're on the cusp of something massive? Or is it something you've heard before?

Let us know by leaving a comment below.

Last week JCB was granted a preliminary injunction by a French court against Manitou which orders the company to stop producing telehandlers featuring a patented JCB productivity device.

Following JCB issuing a statement on the ruling, Manitou quickly released their own statement saying they believed JCB "risked misleading the public" and they "felt a duty to set the record straight."

JCB's official statement said, "The ruling by the Judge at Court of the First Instance in Paris means that the company, based near Nantes, cannot manufacture, sell or lease telescopic handlers equipped with the patented feature."

JCB CEO Graeme Macdonald was quoted, saying: ‘‘We invest many millions of pounds in developing and patenting innovative and sophisticated engineering solutions which benefit our customers all over the world. We will not tolerate any copying or infringement of our intellectual property rights wherever in the world they occur.’’

The official JCB statement continued, "During operation of Loadall telescopic handlers fitted with JCB’s patented Longitudinal Load Moment Control (LLMC) system, sensors monitor the weight being retained on the rear axle. If the sensors detect the rear axle weight is reducing past a pre-set threshold, then the system gradually locks out the hydraulics to prevent further weight being transferred from the rear axle to the front, therefore avoiding the machine tipping forward.

"To allow operators to drive continuously without any loss of productivity, JCB has a patented feature on its LLMC system that automatically disengages the device while the machine is moving (EP 2 263 965). This feature prevents JCB’s telehandlers unnecessarily locking out the hydraulics and giving false indications of instability when the machine is simply re-handling or travelling over rough ground. It is the use of this feature the French court has ordered Manitou to cease by March 13th. The court also ordered Manitou to pay costs in the case."

However following the publication of JCB's statement, Manitou issued their own, wanting they said, to make some "corrections and clarifications".

Manitou's statement read, "Firstly, the judge dismissed JCB's application for interim injunctive relief on the first patent.

"The decision of the court relating to the second patent, to which JCB’s press release refers has no impact on the business of Manitou BF, its dealers or equipment users.

"Indeed, this preliminary decision applies to control systems (LLMC) incorporated in certain models produced and sold before August 2017. These models were discontinued in August 2017 and are no longer produced by Manitou BF, a fact that was acknowledged by the decision, which does not constitute a definitive first instance judgment and is wholly preliminary in nature. It therefore does not in any way prejudge the final outcome of the proceedings on the merits.

"Manitou BF has appealed the preliminary injunction order to which JCB’s press release refers."

Returning to the Oxford Belfrey Hotel this November, the Service Dealer Conference & Awards will once again benefit from Husqvarna as Gold Sponsor.

The date of this year's event has been confirmed as Thursday November 21st 2019.

Ken Brewster, Husqvarna UK Sales & Marketing Director presenting the Garden Machinery Dealer of the Year award to Amar and Rajiv Parmar of Gayways with Service Dealer owner Duncan Murray-Clarke (l) and comedian Charlie Baker (r) at 2018's ceremony

Service Dealer owner Duncan Murray-Clarke said, "We are delighted to announce Husqvarna as Gold Sponsor once again for Service Dealer's Conference & Awards.

"Having Husqvarna on board again, for what is shaping up to be a very special day, is great news."

Kevin Ashmore, UK Professional Groundcare Manager for Husqvarna explained why the company were pleased to be sponsoring an event designed specifically for the independent dealer trade once again. He said, "As a business, the dealers are our lifeblood. They are at the forefront of everything we do as a company."

More details about this year's Service Dealer Conference & Awards will be announced in due course.

You can watch an interview with Kevin Ashmore from last year's Service Dealer Conference below:

During February, more than 100 dealers attended two Cub Cadet robotic lawnmower sales training days held by E.P. Barrus at Warwick Racecourse.

Phil Noble, sales and technical manager, and his team launched the new range of robotic mowers to dealers. During the day, dealers were given a formal introduction to each of the new ranges; the XR1, XR2 and XR3. Phil and his team then went through the features and benefits of each robotic mower - aided by step-by-step videos.

Then, the dealers were given the opportunity to get hands-on with each mower learning to install the robots and gain a real in-depth understanding of how to help the customer with set-up and installation.

James Scott, owner of AutoLawn - robotic lawnmower specialist based in Maidenhead - said, “It’s great to see that robotics are being embraced by Cub Cadet. Personally, I enjoy coming to days like this as it gives me the chance to understand the set-ups of each robot in detail. It also lets me see what machine can work for each of my customers. Once we, as dealers, get more comfortable with a product we’re then happy to push it out.”

Describing the new robots Cub Cadet say the XR1 is the only robot on the market with a patented mulch cleaner that automatically cleans the clippings out of the mowing deck, improving performance and reducing maintenance. They say the XR2’s edge mode means that the blades cut beyond the wheelbase, reducing the need to use a lawn edge cutter or strimmer, whilst the XR3 has all the features of the XR2 but it also has high-performance brushless motors which operate at 2x200 watt and can mow up to 5000m².

All the robots can also be used at a second location without the need of an additional charging station due to the RoboZone signal transmitter.

Discussing the success of the events, Phil said, “We are thrilled with how much our dealers have supported our two training days. It is clear that robotic product sales are growing year-on-year and customers are beginning to see them as a serious alternative. We have seen that robotic mowers are now being sold to replace traditional Cub Cadet tractor sales! Our mowers are cutting-edge with features including voice-control Alexa."

Etesia UK, the exclusive distributor of Pellenc battery-powered equipment in the UK and Ireland, has announced Sharrocks as a new Pellenc dealer.

Current Etesia dealer Sharrocks, a family owned business who specialise in the supply of machinery for agriculture, grass care and other land management requirements, will now be distributing Pellenc battery powered equipment to the areas of Birmingham, Shropshire, Staffordshire, South Lancashire, Merseyside, Greater Manchester and Cheshire.

Sharrocks managing director James Sharrock says he is delighted with the new dealer agreement and believes that Pellenc equipment could well be the future.

“We are taking Pellenc on-board for the first ever time and I’m really excited about it,” he said. “We have been trialling the Pellenc products and have evaluated them over three months and for us it is the future of electric powered commercial equipment. They are astounding products and they complement the Etesia products so well.”

The complete range of Pellenc equipment is now available for both hire and purchase from Sharrocks, who will also take on responsibility for all parts, servicing and warranty for current users.

Kubota UK has partnered with J.A Bloor AgriServices Ltd as its latest agricultural dealer to sell its range of tractors and agricultural equipment to customers in Staffordshire, Derbyshire and surrounding areas.

Located in Hollington, Staffordshire, J.A Bloor AgriServices Ltd sells and hires a range of tractors and farm machinery. Founded by managing director Jason Bloor in 2004, his team of experienced farm machinery professionals provide a reputable, hands-on approach to understanding and responding to the buying and hiring needs of their customers. J.A Bloor AgriServices Ltd will be stocking the L1/L2 Series of sub 50hp tractors, a full range of M Series tractors, including models from the M4, M5, MGX and M7 series, along with the RTV range of utility vehicles.

To showcase the new product range and to celebrate becoming a Kubota dealership, J.A Bloor AgriServices Ltd will host an open day on 23rd March which will offer workshops and practical demos to those that attend, as well as complimentary refreshments including a hog roast and raffle prizes. 

Kubota UK say they are committed to investing in and growing its dealer network in order to support more businesses like J.A. Bloor.

Jason Bloor, managing director, J.A Bloor AgriServices Ltd, said, “We are delighted to take on Kubota. Our onsite management team is armed with years of relevant experience, recently equipped with Kubota-specific training and fully prepared to sell and support our growing current and new customer base. We have an excellent reputation and are continually investing in our people and business infrastructure to ensure the very best service at all times for all of our customers.”

Rob Edwards, business development manager, Agriculture, Kubota UK, added, “Jason is a born and bred farmer as well as a highly ambitious businessman. His trusted team at J.A Bloor AgriServices Ltd are committed to providing high-quality machinery and brilliant customer service to farmers and so the company is a perfect fit for our growing agricultural dealer network. We are excited that the company is adding Kubota tractors to its offering, and look forward to working with them in the years to come.”

Joining a major tractor manufacturer as it prepared to stage its most ambitious presence at the LAMMA show this year proved a challenging “baptism of fire” for Argo Tractors new recruit Rachael Groves.

Rachael Groves

Her appointment in the new role of marketing coordinator meant organising every aspect of the show stand from working on the build schedule and ensuring the social media technology was up and running to staging two dealer meetings during the event.

“It was absolutely non-stop in the weeks leading up to the show and no two days were the same,” says Rachael. “But it was also very exciting to be part of a team putting on such an ambitious, modern and stylish exhibit of Landini and McCormick tractors at the show.”

Having been an active and very much involved member of her local Young Farmers Club in Yorkshire, Rachael cut her teeth in marketing at Sumo, the cultivations and drilling equipment manufacturer.

As for joining Argo Tractors, whose UK and Ireland operation is based at Harworth near Doncaster, it has been a real eye-opener, Rachel says. “I’d heard of the Landini and McCormick tractor brands, of course, but wasn’t aware of the business behind them; it’s huge – the group operates five factories making components such as axles, transmissions and complete cabs, and assembling the finished products before they are shipped around the World.

“There are ambitious plans to grow the business, especially in the UK and Ireland but also internationally, and it’s very exciting to be part of the team working to achieve that goal.”

Adrian Winnett, UK and Ireland managing director for Argo Tractors, said: “Rachael brought her energy and enthusiasm to our business just at the right time to help make our presence at the LAMMA show a great success. It involved an enormous effort and she was in the thick of it!

“I’m now looking forward to working with Rachael on all aspects of our marketing effort, including the other shows, technical events and open days that we’ll be participating in to promote the Landini and McCormick products in support our network of sales, service and parts dealers in the UK and Ireland.”

Ahead of the 12th annual National Apprenticeship Week, between 4-8 March 2019, three young budding agricultural engineers explain why they have chosen to follow a path that promises to lead to a successful career for the rest of their working lives.

The AGCO Academy Apprenticeship is now in its 20th year, and in partnership with WCG (formerly Warwickshire College Group), has been the starting point for some of the most highly-respected and sought-after agricultural engineers in the sector.

Selection of year 1 Co-Hort. L-R: Rory Hooper C&O tractors, Alex Nutthall of B&B Tractors, Harry Lennard of TNS, Luke Lovell of Brockhills of Yorkshire, Jack Baty of Chandlers, George Fenner of RW Crawford, Luke Diver of TNS, Tom Dodds of P&B

It combines classroom and workshop training with practical, work-based development to lay the foundations of a successful career, working with such brands as Massey Ferguson, Fendt and Valtra.

Supported by AGCO’s nationwide network of service dealerships, the AGCO apprenticeship scheme offers aspiring engineers the opportunity to build a rewarding vocation, often in a sector they had not considered. It is important to remind school-leavers, engineering goes beyond the automotive industry!

But why choose a career in agricultural engineering, and what are the prospects?

Luke Lovell, 17, a former pupil at Thirsk School and Sixth Form College, applied for his apprenticeship role with Brockhills of Yorkshire Ltd via a Facebook advert.

“Brockhills have employed new staff directly and put them straight onto the apprenticeship scheme, and there currently is one other in the third year at the moment, so I was confident this was a good opportunity,” explains Luke.

Similarly, 17-year-old Tom Voase of P&B’s Halsham depot in Hull, noted the track-record of his employer in developing staff through the AGCO apprenticeship, “I was fortunate enough to get the position at the Halsham depot, and soon realised that several of the technicians had either completed or were undertaking the AGCO apprenticeship scheme,” explains Tom.

In fact, P&B even run their own Apprentice of the Year Award, demonstrating the importance the business places on the need to develop highly-skilled agricultural technicians. There are currently eight apprentices from P&B in AGCO’s Year 1 Cohort alone.

George Fenner, also 17 and a fellow AGCO Year 1 apprentice, started working one day a week for RW Crawford’s Essex depot on leaving school, before being offered the opportunity to join the apprenticeship scheme.

“At this stage of my career, a lot of my time is spent shadowing colleagues, and learning from their experiences. My apprenticeship helps me to develop these skills, and having access to the relevant equipment really does help,” explains George.

Tim Hutchinson, course leader of the scheme at WCG explains, “So far with the Year 1 Cohort, we have had two blocks at college, the first an induction period when we introduced the group to the basics such as tractor driving, hitching and getting to grips with the controls. We also look at basic servicing, such as oil changes and air filtration, but it is much more about getting to know each other.”

He continues, “In the second block, we start introducing more of the practical elements. We have been looking at cooling systems, and other kit such as drills, sprayers and spreaders. It is at this stage that the group can really begin putting their Academy training into practical use when they return to their dealership.

“It will be interesting to see how they have applied this training when they return to the classroom in April and May. We will then be looking at braking systems and transmission clutches.”

Mr Hutchinson continues, “We are very proud of our track-record and are really keen to allow others to follow the progress of our latest group of apprentices as they start to develop their careers.

“Many of these guys will be working alongside and in the footsteps of colleagues who have successfully completed their apprenticeship with AGCO and WCG, and are now enjoying a successful career in a highly sought-after sector.”

Anthony Linfield, AGCO’s training development manager, adds, “Time-served land-based engineers that progress and demonstrate high levels of expertise are a tremendous asset to all of us in the industry. Moreover, they are much in demand, and if Luke, Tom and George successfully complete their qualification, they can look forward to a rewarding career.”

You can follow the progress of Luke, Tom and George as they progress through the AGCO Academy Apprenticeship Scheme. Look out for regular updates on WCG and AGCO social media platforms.

The Toro Co. have reported net earnings of $59.5 million, or $0.55 per share, on a net sales increase of 10 percent to $603 million for its first quarter ended February 1, 2019.

In the comparable fiscal 2018 period, the company delivered net earnings of $22.6 million, or $0.21 per share, on net sales of $548.2 million.

Adjusted 2019 first quarter net earnings were $55.2 million, or $0.51 per share, compared to adjusted net earnings of $52.1 million, or $0.48 per share in the comparable 2018 period, an increase of 6.3 percent, including $0.03 of acquisition related expenses in the quarter.

"Our professional businesses delivered another good quarter, led by strength in landscape contractor sales, increased golf and grounds channel demand, and positive momentum in our BOSS business,” said Richard M. Olson, Toro’s chairman and chief executive officer.

“New products were again the key to success, as customers responded favorably to the latest lineup of our Exmark, Lazer, and Radius zero-turn riding mowers, and the BOSS Stainless Steel XT V-Plow, which offers enhanced productivity and maneuverability for operators. Recent snow events in key regions also helped bolster sales of both professional and residential snow and ice management products in the quarter."

Claas has built its 40,000th Jaguar model at the Harsewinkel, Germany plant.

Since the start of production of its first Jaguar model series in 1973, the company say they have developed into the world market leader in self-propelled forage harvesters. Their latest success came at the recent SIMA show in Paris with the win of a Gold Innovation Award for the Jaguar Terra Trac.

This latest model, which joined the range in 2018, is the 960 Terra Trac. This is described by the company as the first forage harvester to feature a factory-integrated crawler track system. They say the new concept offers optimal soil protection under all conditions while remaining narrow enough for on-road travel. An intelligent headland protection system prevents damage to the grass cover and enables year-round operation. 

With twelve models in two model series, Claas say they now offer a comprehensive line-up of self-propelled forage harvesters for every area of application. 

The 40,000th Jaguar which recently rolled off the production line features a special design on the side panels. This milestone in production will also be marked by the deployment around the world of demonstration machines bearing the big cat design on the side.

We are currently recruiting a full time Area Development Manager to cover areas across North Wales. The Manager will be responsible for selling new and used groundcare and small agriculture machinery and accessories from brands including Kubota, Toro, Gianni Ferrari and Greentek.

We are dedicated main dealers, service agents and parts suppliers for over 29 manufacturers specialising in five key markets: Domestic Groundcare, Pro-Groundcare, Construction, Agriculture and Arboriculture. Remaining a family owned business for 40 years, we pride ourselves on providing for our customers, old and new. Our expertise allows us to be one of the most dynamic dealerships in North Wales and Cheshire.

Your role will involve developing and generating new customers as well as maintaining relationships with current customers who range from golf clubs, caravan and camping parks, council contractors and estate owners, to name a few.

Responsibilities and Duties

• Sales of new and used machinery and accessories
• Able to identify and promote a comprehensive range of products
• Provide realistic quotes
• Provide knowledge of and offer finance options
• Work with our team to provide an excellent customer service
• Build strong and loyal relationships with customers, old and new alike
• Attend industry events and shows
• Collection and Delivery of machinery for service/repair
• Delivery and installation of new and used sold machinery

Qualifications and Skills

• Previous sales experience
• Some knowledge of groundcare machinery and accessories
• Excellent communication and customer service skills
• Enthusiastic and willing to take on a challenge
• Keen aptitude for ground care and turf
• Confident with figures and knowledge of finance
• Competent IT skills
• Full UK Drivers Licence. Trailer licence would be advantageous

Benefits

• Competitive salary, negotiable on experience
• Use of a company vehicle
• Work mobile phone provided
• Ongoing training

Job type: Full Time

To apply please send your Cover Letter and CV to admin@majorowen.co.uk or Major Owen Ltd., Parc Road, Penrhyndeudraeth, Gwynedd, LL48 6LS.

Major Owen

We have a great opportunity to join our busy Sales Team selling John Deere Turf machinery and other quality equipment to golf clubs, councils, landscapers, estates and domestic users throughout the West of Scotland.

Find out more here

We are looking for an experienced Service Technician to service and repair John Deere Turf and other machinery for golf clubs, councils, landscapers, estates and domestic users.

Find out more here

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.

Garden Trader

Join the country’s only independent specialist website, created by the team that bring you Service Dealer. Join our subscribed Garden Trader dealers now by clicking on “Register Dealership” and let's fight back against the zero value retailers.

Map of dealerships registered with Garden Trader

FIND OUT MORE

On Monday 25th February, Husqvarna announced the release of Husqvarna Automower® 435X AWD, an AI-enabled, robotic mower with all-wheel drive and smart home connectivity. This iconic, fully autonomous robotic lawn mower is designed to manage rough terrain and slopes with an incline of up to 70%, and works with Amazon Alexa, Google Home, IFTTT, and provides an open API for smart home integration. The product was launched at the Mobile World Congress (MWC) in Barcelona. MWC is the largest mobile event in the world, bringing together the latest innovations and leading-edge technology from more than 2,400 leading companies and attracts over 100,000 decision makers.

Husqvarna, the world leader in robotic mowers, has launched a game changing robotic mower for homeowners with challenging lawns and connected homes - Husqvarna Automower® 435X AWD. With an all-wheel drive system and a new unique body design with two connected bodies, Husqvarna Automower® 435X AWD robotic mower can climb steep slopes with an incline of up to 70%. To put the number in perspective, a black downhill slope has an incline of approximately 40-60 %, and the incline of a ski jump hill measures about 70 %. The new robotic mower from Husqvarna can manage areas of up to 3500 m2 and operates at very low noise level of 62 db.

“Husqvarna Automower® 435X AWD sets a new standard for robotic mowers, combining a perfect cut in “impossible gardens” with multiple product interactions, including conversational AI for Amazon Alexa and Google Home integration,” says Olle Markusson, Director Product Management at Husqvarna.

Husqvarna Automower® 435X AWD, and all other Husqvarna robotic mowers with Husqvarna Automower® Connect, are able to use voice commands via Amazon Alexa and Google Home. Via these voice-controlled speakers, the user can manage the mower. Advanced users can design their own program for the robotic mower via IFTTT or the open API. In addition, Husqvarna Automower® Connect also works with GARDENA SmartSystem, adding irrigation to the smart garden.

In addition to the built-in safety feature that automatically stops the mower if it is lifted up or turned over, Husqvarna Automower® 435X AWD is also equipped with several new features to increase safety. With Ultrasonic, a remote object detection feature, Husqvarna Automower® 435X AWD reduces its speed as soon as it senses a nearby object. Together with a front rubber bumper, Ultrasonic ensures a soft impact when the robotic mower comes in contact with an object. Husqvarna Automower® 435X AWD also has automatic passage handling and LED-headlights.

There are several optional accessories for Husqvarna Automower® 435X AWD, including replaceable top covers in white and orange as well as a brush kit that keeps the wheels clean to improve traction even more.

Husqvarna Automower® is the world leading robotic lawnmower since 1995, mowing public and residential lawns around the world, and known for its quiet and reliable handling of complex lawns. Husqvarna Automower® can easily handle steep slopes, automatically return to its charging station, as well as be controlled from anywhere in the world with connectivity.

Due to the machine’s self-fertilising cutting technique and light weight pivoting blades, grass does not require as much fertilisation when compared with other cutting techniques. Husqvarna Automower® cuts a small bit at a time but often which - coupled with the self-fertilising technique - means a denser, greener lawn, and also prevents moss.

Husqvarna Automower® 435X AWD is manufactured in the UK and will be available from April 2019 and has an RRP of £4,400.00 inc. VAT.

INCREASED REVENUE OPPORTUNITIES:

To add value and revenue to the Husqvarna Authorised dealer, Husqvarna Automower® range including the NEW Automower® 435X AWD can be offered with a 3 year warranty. The product must be registered, installed and serviced annually by an Authorised Husqvarna dealer for the extended warranty to apply. Product installation and servicing are very profitable methods of adding revenue to the product sale.

For further information on the Husqvarna Automower® 435X AWD and the rest of the Husqvarna Automower® range, please visit: www.husqvarna.com/uk/roboticmowers or contact your local Husqvarna area business manager.

www.husqvarna.com/uk

Central Spares have launched two of their biggest pre-season campaigns to date, offering some of the best terms in the industry on pre-season orders for Briggs & Stratton parts and the very popular Gardencare machinery range.

Customers can benefit from some of the most competitive prices available as well as enjoying additional benefits, such as extended payment terms, free delivery and gifts, plus locked in pricing. Grant Aubrey, Central Spares General Manager says “This seasons’ terms are our best ever and have been received exceptionally well. We are urging any customers who have not yet done so to check out our terms and sign up for these deals before the window closes. Don’t be put off by large amounts of stock or big bills to pay as there are options for staggered delivery and delayed payment to help you. By qualifying for the Briggs locked pricing means you will guarantee yourself security and save money all year. This reliability in such an uncertain time for all businesses means one less supply issue to worry about.”

Gardencare machinery range, update - Grant continues, “We have been blown away with the level of interest by dealers in this well known and solid domestic machinery range. From speaking to customers, the things they like are the visual appeal, build quality and small detail such as GT transmissions on mowers and the brilliant butterfly heads supplied with brushcutters and multi-tools. An area we underestimated is the popularity of the Kawasaki options which are fantastically priced against its rivals, whilst retaining good margins for our customers. Our mission is to be a dealer only brand and keep out of the big retailers. Please support our dealer only strategy by considering our pre-season offer. The offer can be viewed in our current Winter Promotions or contact us for a copy – 01202 882000 or sales@centralspares.co.uk

Thank you for your business and continued support from the entire team @Central Spares