At Service Dealer we're proud of the links we have made with our friends in the outdoor powered machinery industry and dealer trade across the Atlantic.

A new connection we made this past October at Equip in Louisville was with Jason Huber, owner of Central Equipment based in Lexington, Kentucky. You can watch Jason chat with our owner Duncan Murrary-Clarke and with UK dealers Pete and Emma McArthur from Strathbogie Forest & Garden here in our Digital Special report - but Duncan recently reached out and caught up with him again via video call, to take the temperature of the current situation for dealers over there.

Jason Huber

Speaking obviously from his own point of view, Jason began by stressing just how busy his dealership has been so far this year, but also just what an impact tariffs are having on how everyone operates. Just one example of how they are impacting his operation is the fact he needs to completely update his parts prices on weekly basis due to all the changes - a clearly incredibly time-consuming process.

Machines for service in Central Equipment's yard

At the heart of the discussion though, was a growing sense of disconnect between certain manufacturers and their dealers. Jason described a shift away by some from the close, relationship-driven approach that historically underpinned dealer networks, towards a more corporate, top-down model.

However, he did stress that sentiment wasn't universal and that other manufacturers have both active and strong communications and partnerships with their dealer base - and indeed those are the ones that are experiencing the most growth. These manufacturers who are doing it right he said, are placing great emphasis into dealer relations, creating Dealer Advisory Boards and growing partnerships with their brands.

Where there is a disconnect though, with manufacturers not being as proactive as they should, this is being felt most acutely when it comes to product issues and aftersales support. Where certain manufacturers were once quick to engage, investigate and resolve faults, there is now frustration at slow responses and a perceived lack of accountability. 

Alongside this, there is a broader structural shift underway. In the US, manufacturers are increasingly acquiring distributors and consolidating control, reducing the independence of the traditional supply chain. 

That theme of control extends into dealer agreements too. Jason highlighted growing pressure from some manufacturers for dealers to upgrade facilities, expand locations, or meet stricter corporate standards, often with limited flexibility. 

Another area of tension is the evolving route to market. Investment in logistics, data and direct-to-customer capabilities is accelerating. Automated distribution centres and sophisticated fulfillment systems point towards a future where manufacturers could, if they chose, bypass traditional dealer channels more easily. 

Yet, the US experience also offers some reassurance. Jason was clear that strong dealerships with deep customer relationships are still thriving. In fact, he described how his business has grown significantly after parting ways with a major brand, underlining that loyalty often lies with the dealer, not the badge above the door.

There are also clear opportunities emerging around digital marketing and data utilisation. US dealers, particularly larger operations, are investing heavily in tracking customer journeys, measuring campaign performance, and automating communication. The focus is shifting from simply generating enquiries to understanding conversion and lifetime customer value. 

Finally, a more universal concern we heard was the future shape of the dealer network itself. With an ageing dealer base and questions around succession, there is unease about how many independent businesses will remain in the years ahead. As numbers potentially decline, the balance of power could tilt further towards manufacturers.

I guess the key question today, is can our UK and Ireland dealer readers recognise any of what Jason is talking about in their own businesses? Are there direct parallels to be drawn or are circumstances markedly different over here.  If you have any comments or thoughts on any of the subjects raised, please leave your comments below or drop me a line.

It was fascinating conversation and we thank Jason for his time and hope to continue our dialogue on a regular basis - perhaps in the future with some UK dealers on the call.

International viewpoints

It's so valuable for us here at Service Dealer to have these transatlantic connections, as they allow us to offer a global perspective on the industry to our readers. 

As well as hearing from Jason, we have of course, established a great relationship with the folks at dealer training experts Bob Clements International - with Sara Hey contributing a column to our magazine each issue. Sara keeps us up to date with the advice they are imparting to their U.S dealer clients, covering universal topics that our readers can learn and benefit from.
 
On top of this, we truly value the strong connection with have made with the organisers at Equip, the world's largest trade show for outdoor powered equipment. The team at the OPEI who put together the awesome event each October, are so helpful and open with us when we visit, making sure we have full access to the show and its surrounding events - and instrumental in the compilation of our Digital Special Report.

And at the show last year, Service Dealer held for the first time an on-stage discussion in the huge main arena with NAEDA, the North American Equipment Dealers Association. These guys represent dealerships large and small across the USA and Canada, so they truly know what issues businesses are facing at the sharp end of the industry.

We believe that it's through these relationships that we’re able to bring real-world insights back to our pages - not as distant observations, but as practical, relatable experiences that UK dealers can both find fascinating, but importantly also learn from. While details may differ, the core challenges and opportunities are often remarkably similar on both sides of the Atlantic - and it’s in sharing that knowledge that we aim to benefit you, our valued dealer readers.

Service Dealer can confirm Cramer as a Gold sponsor of 2026's Conference & Awards.

The prestigious event will take place on Thursday 3rd December at the Stratford-Upon-Avon Crowne Plaze - with this year's theme announced as Culture - Nature and nurture in business.

John McGrady, national sales manager, Cramer, said, “At Cramer, we are proud to be supporting the Service Dealer Awards 2026. This event is one of the standout occasions in our industry calendar, bringing together dealer partners, manufacturers and suppliers to celebrate excellence, share best practice and drive continuous improvement across the sector. We believe in the power of collaboration and innovation to elevate standards and help our dealer network thrive, and the awards are a fantastic way to recognise the hard work and achievements that make this industry great."

Service Dealer owner, Duncan Murray-Clarke, added, "We thank our friends at Cramer for their valued, continued support of our event dedicated to the dealer network. We have so much fantastic content lined-up for December, we are excited to share the details with everyone very soon."

Cramer and John also feature in our continuing Service Dealer video series, where all our sponsors from last year's Conference & Awards tell us why they choose to support the industry event of the year - and what's on the agenda for them.

Keep an eye on this Weekly Update, the magazine and our social channels for further updates regarding speakers, seminars and content - plus further announcements of all our valued sponsors.

You can head to our website now to register your interest for delegate tickets or sponsorship opportunities.

According to figures released by the AEA, having been below the seasonal average throughout 2025 and in the opening two months of this year, agricultural tractor registrations performed "much better" in March.

A total of 2,134 machines were logged during the month, up by nearly half, compared with March 2025, and slightly above the average for the time of year over the previous five years.

Agricultural economist at the AEA, Stephen Howarth, explained, "March is usually the peak month for registrations, as the start of the fieldwork season coincides with the end of the tax year and the introduction of a new registration mark. This year seems to be no exception and the monthly total was the highest for three years, as was the number of machines registered in the first quarter, which reached nearly 3,000."

Merlo UK has announced the appointment of two new Service Partners in East Anglia.

As part of this new aftersales initiative, Cranworth Farm Services of Norfolk and MARST Agri of Suffolk, both formally authorised Merlo dealers, will remain with the network transitioning to the status of authorised Merlo Service Partner effective from 20th March 2026.

The company says this development complements the appointment of Ernest Doe & Sons as the official Merlo dealer for East Anglia at the beginning of February.

As authorised Service Partners, Cranworth Farm Services and MARST Agri will have full access to the manufacturer's genuine parts, technical information and technical training.
 
Robin Cooch, national aftersales manager for Merlo UK, said of the appointments, "Both have been excellent dealers within the Merlo network, and we are pleased that customers will continue to benefit from their experience, expertise, and commitment to high-quality service.”

Winchester-based Wildwood Machinery has partnered with Dutch company Stogger Turf Care to install and maintain a state-of-the-art grow-light system for Premier League football club Brighton & Hove Albion.

Managing director of Wildwood Machinery, James Bastian, said, “We’re delighted to be working with two major names in elite sport to install and maintain one of the biggest LED grow-light projects in the UK. A lot of Premiership and Championship football clubs, and other elite sports clubs will be watching this development with interest, especially with HPS lights likely to be outlawed from 2027 due to their inefficiency.”

James continued, “Wildwood Machinery worked closely with Stogger Turf Care on a lengthy pre-installation trial and due diligence. We’ll now provide a complete aftercare, backup and support service for the groundcare equipment, as per our exclusive UK partnership with Stogger Turf Care.”

The installation at Brighton & Hove Albion FC includes: 9 × Booster Carbon 460 units; 2 × Booster 60 units; 4 × Booster Carbon Compact units and 4 x turf fans covering 4,300 square metres of surface area, which makes this one of the three largest LED grow light projects in the UK.

Phil Fifield, head of sports turf stadia at Brighton FC, said, “We are committed to excellence in all of our operations, and of course the playing surface is a key part of that. We’re looking forward to seeing what we can achieve with Stogger Turf Care and Wildwood Machinery on our side.”

After three successful years as managing director of Suzuki GB PLC and Republic of Ireland, Takanori Suzuki will be retiring from the company and returning to Japan towards the end of May. 

This has been Takanori’s second term as managing director having first headed up the company headquarters in Milton Keynes from 2005-2010 before moving back to Japan to lead Suzuki Europe, Suzuki Oceania and Suzuki Latin America. Takanori Suzuki’s career with Suzuki Motor Corporation has spanned over four decades. 

Takanori’s successor is Kazuyuki Yamashita who joins in April from Suzuki Deutschland where he held the position of managing director for the last five years.

Joining Suzuki Motor Corporation in 1987, Mr. Kazuyuki Yamashita worked in different capacities with its Hamamatsu head office as well as Japanese domestic and overseas subsidiaries. 

A spokesperson for Suzuki GB said, "We look forward to welcoming Kazuyuki Yamashita to the UK and from all of us at Suzuki, we wish Takanori a long, happy and healthy retirement."

Kuhn Farm Machinery has appointed Watson Machinery to strengthen its coverage and product accessibility for farmers in the North of England.

Emily and Mark Watson of Watson Machinery and Karl Ridsdale from KUHN

Based at Tow Law, west of Durham, Watson Machinery is run by father and daughter Mark and Emily Watson. The outlet will be a full product line Kuhn dealer, with a focus on retailing the brand's grass and forage machinery, along with the bedding and feeding ranges. To help with this, a Kuhn VB 3260 variable chamber round baler will be a demonstrator unit throughout the spring period to Watson Machinery customers.

The Watson Machinery area for the products will cover Durham and surrounding areas, to Sunderland on the coast, extending westwards to meet the Cumbrian border. 

Speaking on behalf of Watson Machinery, Emily Watson said, "Taking on KUHN opens a vast range of products that we haven’t been able to offer customers before. Our business has grown very organically since dad started it 35 years ago and this is the next step for us. The feeding and bedding machines are a new product offering and we’re excited to grow the baler and grass machinery coverage in the area. We’re a family firm and everyone helps to ensure customers are fully supported.”

Karl Ridsdale from Kuhn said of Watson Machinery, "Its strong local presence and focus on grassland and livestock machinery make the dealership a perfect partner to drive Kuhn forward in the region.”

WEIBANG is proud to announce the launch of its new EXTREME range of professional lawnmowers, powered by the next generation XCV225 commercial engine.

Stewart Anderson, Managing Director of AL-KO Gardentech UK commented -

“The new EXTREME range is driven by feedback from our customers. We wanted to produce an engine that could handle the most extreme jobs, allowing contractors to increase productivity. The new XCV225 engine has all the power you will ever need and longer runtimes. We also made the engine easier to maintain, with several new features to help end users and dealers during service work.”

Martin Tucker a successful South West contractor commented -

“I’ve only had the WEIBANG 53 SMPX LV for three days, but it’s already clear this machine is a serious upgrade from anything I’ve used before.

"The addition of the larger 4 litre fuel tank is a game changer. I can comfortably work all day without constantly stopping for fuel, which makes a big difference to productivity on busy days.

"The extra power combined with the low vibration really stands out. You can feel the difference, especially under load, as it maintains strong performance while still delivering a clean, even cut. It’s powerful without being tiring to use, which is exactly what you want from a professional mower.

"What’s really impressed me is how efficient the new engine is. This machine is going to make me more money. It gets jobs done quicker and uses fuel more effectively, saving money on each job.

"I’ve used several mulching mowers over the years, but this one is absolute perfection. On the very first cut of the year, it left a flawless finish, neat, even, and professional.

"Overall, I couldn’t be more impressed. If you’re serious about mulching and want reliability, performance, and efficiency, this machine absolutely delivers.”

The XCV225 engine offers 224cc with 4.1kW power output to handle even the toughest jobs and thanks to the 4 Litre fuel tank users can mow longer than ever. As a true commercial engine, it features a cast iron liner and fully balanced crank for reliable and low vibration operation. Further enhancements include the pressurised lubrication system for continued use on slopes up to 300 with spin off oil filter, as well as commercial grade air filters and oil draining pipe.

The XCV225 comes in belt or shaft drive and launches on the EXTREME series of 4 wheeled, mulching and high grass mowers.

WEIBANG VIRTUE 53 SSDX LV
Art. No. WGMP161
RRP £1,199.00

Type - 4 Wheeled Rotary
Cutting Width - 53cm / 21”
Deck - Steel
Engine - XCV225S
Drive - 3 Speed Shaft Drive
BBC - No
Cutting Height - 13 stage 25-80mm
Collector - 70 Litre
Functions - Rear Collect, Rear Discharge, Mulching, Side Discharge

WEIBANG VIRTUE 53 SSDX LV BBC
Art. No. WGMP163
RRP £1,299.00

Type - 4 Wheeled Rotary
Cutting Width - 53cm / 21”
Deck - Steel
Engine - XCV225S
Drive - 3 Speed Shaft Drive
BBC - WEIBANG PRO SD BBC
Cutting Height - 13 stage 25-80mm
Collector - 70 Litre
Functions - Rear Collect, Rear Discharge, Side Discharge

WEIBANG VIRTUE 53 ASDX LV
Art. No. WGMP165
RRP £1,549.00

Type - 4 Wheeled Rotary
Cutting Width - 53cm / 21”
Deck - Aluminium
Engine - XCV225S
Drive - 3 Speed Shaft Drive
BBC - No
Cutting Height - 11 stage 25-76mm
Collector - 70 Litre
Functions - Rear Collect, Rear Discharge, Optional Mulching

WEIBANG VIRTUE 53 ASDX LV BBC
Art. No. WGMP167
RRP £1,649.00

Type - 4 Wheeled Rotary
Cutting Width - 53cm / 21”
Deck - Aluminium
Engine - XCV225S
Drive - 3 Speed Shaft Drive
BBC - WEIBANG PRO SD BBC
Cutting Height - 11 stage 25-76mm
Collector - 70 Litre
Functions - Rear Collect, Rear Discharge

WEIBANG VIRTUE 53 SMPX LV
Art. No. WGMP173
RRP £1,199.00

Type - 4 Wheeled Mulcher
Cutting Width - 53cm / 21”
Deck - Steel
Engine - XCV225
Drive - 3 Speed Belt Drive
BBC - No
Cutting Height - 11 stage 28-76mm
Collector - N/A
Functions - Dedicated Mulching

WEIBANG VELOCITY 53 HGMX SSD LV
Art. No. WGVT28
RRP £1,649.00

Type - High Grass Mower
Cutting Width - 53cm / 21”
Deck - Steel
Engine - XCV225S
Drive - 3 Speed Shaft Drive
Protection - Blade Clutch System
Cutting Height - 6 stage 15-90mm
Collector - N/A
Functions - Mulching

For more information visit the WEIBANG consumer site at www.weibang.uk.com, or the dealer portal at www.gardentech-dealer.co.uk. To become a WEIBANG stockist call us on 01963 828006 or speak to your local area sales manager.

South West - Bonnie Rallison - 07970 494982
West Midlands & Wales - Alexandra Winters - 07710 442751
South East - Ben Gold - 07725 816565
Northern England & Scotland - James Hill - 07970 174051

AL-KO Gardentech UK, Wincanton Business Park, Wincanton, Somerset, BA9 9RS

Cobra is proud to expand its 2026 tractor range, bringing together powerful performance, innovative features, and exceptional versatility to suit gardens and grounds of all sizes. Whether you’re maintaining a compact lawn or tackling expansive terrain, the Cobra line-up offers a solution designed for efficiency, comfort, and precision.

At the heart of the range is a strong focus on choice. Cobra’s lawn tractors and riders are available in multiple configurations, including compact lawn riders for tight access areas, rear-collection tractors for a clean, professional finish, and side-discharge models built for fast, efficient mowing on larger lawns. Each category is engineered to deliver dependable performance with intuitive controls and excellent manoeuvrability.

New for 2026, Cobra is expanding the range with the introduction of the LT74HRL 29" lawn rider, alongside an all-new Zero Turn (ZT) line-up, including both stand-on and zero-turn ride-on models. The LT74HRL offers an ideal balance of compact design and cutting capability, making it perfect for homeowners who need agility in tighter spaces without compromising on performance. Meanwhile, the new Zero Turn range is built for maximum productivity and precision, making it an excellent choice for larger properties, commercial environments, and users who demand speed and manoeuvrability.

Cobra’s 2026 range is built around powerful and reliable engines, including high-performance OHV units and advanced V-Twin options, delivering smooth, consistent power with excellent fuel efficiency and durability. Cutting performance is equally impressive, with a choice of deck sizes to suit everything from narrow spaces to large open lawns, along with adjustable heights and twin-blade systems for a clean, even finish.

Versatility is a core strength, with many models offering rear collection, side discharge, and mulching functions, plus added features like tow hitch points and mulch kits for increased practicality. Comfort and ease of use are also prioritised, with hydrostatic transmissions for effortless control, ergonomic seating, and intuitive layouts. Selected models include LED headlights and modern dashboards for enhanced visibility and operator convenience.
For larger or more demanding areas, Cobra’s V-Twin tractors provide higher torque, quieter operation, and greater efficiency, while compact riders remain ideal for navigating tighter spaces without sacrificing 

Peter Chaloner, Managing Director of Cobra Tractors, commented:

"We are incredibly excited to launch this expanded range for the 2026 season. Our team has worked hard to develop machines that not only deliver outstanding performance and cutting-edge features but also enhance the overall mowing experience. With the addition of new riders and our Zero Turn range, we are offering more choice than ever before. Whether you have a compact garden or a larger area to maintain, there is a Cobra machine perfectly suited to your needs. We’re confident this new line-up will make lawn care more efficient, enjoyable, and rewarding for our customers."

Overall, the 2026 Cobra tractor range combines new innovation with proven performance. With the addition of new rider and Zero Turn models, alongside an already comprehensive line-up, Cobra continues to offer high-quality machines designed to make lawn care more efficient, versatile, and enjoyable.

For more information on Cobra visit: www.cobragarden.co.uk or to become a Cobra dealer, please contact Andy Marvin on: 07771 581 296 or call our sales team: 0115 986 6646 today.

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