There are some interesting developments in the news this week that could indicate, despite over a year of the most extraordinary circumstances and without overlooking the incredibly challenging stocking situation that dealers find themselves in right now, that we might allow ourselves to believe that there may be positive times ahead?
 
Firstly it's encouraging to hear from the AEA again today that agricultural tractor registrations have remained above the previous year's levels for the sixth month in row. Let's hope that this is pattern that can continue in the face of the well-documented supply issues.

Also a couple of business stories in the commercial turfcare machinery sector of AriensCo acquiring European turf machinery manufacturer AS-Motor and Baroness UK taking on the distribution of AgriMetal rollers, can at least be read that these companies see potential for growth ahead.
 
It's arguable that the commercial turfcare sector was the hardest hit of the areas that our readership services during the pandemic. With sporting shutdowns and local authorities initially redeploying grounds management staff, along with the tightening of budgets, that market had it as tough any in our field.
 
Now with those professional customers perhaps starting to look to replace or repair equipment again, dealers are no doubt struggling currently to acquire parts and wholegoods to satisfy that demand. It's perhaps cold comfort right now for those on the front lines, but these corporations must be looking ahead to a time past these awful problems with supply and logistics, and envisioning future profits.
 
This faith in the future of the professional machinery sector is most keenly illustrated today with the news that Karcher, they of pressure washer fame, is choosing to enter into the professional landscape machinery market for the first time.
 
To be fair, it's not that often we get to report on a completely new player entering into one of the areas covered by Service Dealer, so this news does feel fairly significant. Especially considering that this manufacturer is so established in another field, in this case cleaning and outdoor maintenance equipment.
 
The company clearly sees potential and value in the marketplace - and the positive news for specialists is that when I spoke to them, they said they had as their first priority, the establishment of new dealer network.
 
It was heartening to hear their head of professional product marketing talk about how essential getting the right dealer network will be for them and good to hear that they understood the nature of the relationship between professional end-users and their local dealerships.

When asked what would constitute a successful first 12 months for them in the pro-sector, obviously selling lots of machines would be desirable, but again it was acknowledged that this would be very much allied to the establishment of the right network, which would in turn raise the profile of their range.

Dealers interested in perhaps stocking a new brand, might feel that one with an established household name might have some cachet with consumers? Getting customers back into retail premises by whatever means will be vitally important over the coming months. Although of course, having the stock available and the parts on hand to fix equipment, will be paramount.

Trying to look ahead with positivity
 
There is no doubt these past 14 months have been, and still are, tough for dealers.

Restrictions, rules, new ways of working, grappling with unfamiliar technologies, and now disruptions to the supply chain, have all provided their own challenges. It's testament to the resilience and entrepreneurial acumen of the dealer network, that this extraordinary turbulence has been negotiated as well as it has until now.

It feels though, that the rest of 2021 is going to be absolutely critical. We've already heard some dealers wishing the year away and wanting it to be 2022 already! Issues of supply and how manufacturers deal with those and, crucially, communicate what's happening to their dealers, will be vital.

Also dealers continuing to do all they can themselves to mitigate these external forces, will prove just as crucial. Don't forget the Dealer Digital Toolkit is always there to offer inspiration and advice to help you with your business.

However just perhaps, with news like we've seen today, of big companies showing faith in the future of the sector, and specifically in the intrinsic role specialist dealers will continue to play within it, just perhaps, we can afford ourselves a moment to look forward with a little optimism and positivity? 

It was announced on Monday this week (May 3rd) that U.S. based manufacturer, AriensCo, has expanded its presence in Europe with the acquisition of German turf care machinery manufacturer, AS-Motor.

AriensCo described the move as " . .the latest demonstration of our commitment to the development within the European market" and follows last year’s announcement of Europe’s first zero-turn production facility at their UK plant in Oxford.

AS-Motor equipment is distributed to dealers in the UK by PSD Groundscare. These two companies issued a joint statement to reassure their customers that following this acquisition, it is business as usual.

The joint statement said, "Ariens, AS Motor and PSD Groundscare are all excited to be part of this fantastic opportunity. Not only will this acquisition increase the footprint of the AS-Motor range in Europe, but it will also facilitate significant investment into the product range. All parties are completely committed to working together to grow both the AS Motor and Ariens brands in the UK with our respective focuses."

MD of PSD, Chris Gibson, told Service Dealer this week, "We’re extremely excited about this new development and see it as a fantastic opportunity for the AS-Motor brand. We’ve worked with AriensCo for a number of years with our sister dealership business and look forward to building on this already long-established relationship.

"We’d like to reassure our dealers and customers that day-to-day business will continue as normal as we continue to develop both sales and service support for AS Motor machinery throughout the UK."

Torsten Schick, head of sales at AS Motor added, “At AS-Motor we wish to assure you that our long-term partnership with PSD Groundscare will continue and benefit from the same high standards with regards to products, service, parts and excellent sales and marketing support. “

Expanding European footprint

Dan Ariens, chairman & CEO of AriensCo said of his company's acquisition, "We’re happy to welcome AS-Motor into the AriensCo family of brands.

"The values of AS-Motor align closely with the AriensCo core values to be honest, be fair, keep our commitments, respect the individual and encourage intellectual curiosity. This acquisition allows for the expansion of both companies’ reach across Europe."

This latest acquisition expands the company’s European footprint, which also has locations in the United Kingdom and Scandinavia with a 112,000 sq ft manufacturing and distribution facility, over 150 employees, over 750 dealers across the U.K., Norway, Denmark and Sweden. 

AS-Motor is a third-generation family-run enterprise and has been a manufacturer of professional mowing solutions for high grass and slopes since 1959. The company employs 140 people. 90% of these employees work in Germany. Approx. 55% of sales are generated in the German market and approx. 45% in the rest of the world. Headquartered in Bühlertann, Southern Germany, AS-Motor products are sold through 400 dealers in Germany, over 100 dealers in France and distributors throughout the rest of Europe and the world.

According to figures just released by the AEA, UK tractor registrations were comfortably above their level a year before in April.

At 1009 machines, the monthly total was 11% higher than in April 2020.

However, Stephen Howarth, agricultural economist at the AEA, explained, "Registrations in April 2020 were affected by Covid-19 disruptions and, after a bumper figure in March, the number of machines registered in April was below the medium-term average for the time of year.

"The total for the year to date [4,268 units] was still 12% up on January to April 2020 and 6% above the 5-year average for the opening four months of the year."

Baroness UK have announced they are the new sole importer and distributor for AgriMetal rollers for the UK.

Adam Butler, sales director for Baroness UK, said, “We are extremely pleased and excited to be working with such a well-made and respected brand.

"We already produce market leading cutting technology for a wide range of mowing equipment but now we have added to our portfolio, in my option, one of the most affordable and well-made rollers on the market.

"To add the icing on the cake they will be rolling off the production line sprayed in the fantastic Baroness Red."

The range available will consist of the GR-400 and GR-660.

"The GR-400 model is the most affordable, high specification roller on the market, added Adam, "with the GR-660 model providing an industry leading 66” width roll.”

Suffolk-based machinery dealership, P Tuckwell Ltd have this week launched a new corporate brand identity, name and tagline.

The organisation will now be known as Tuckwells, a name already used by many of their customers. With the tagline, 'Machinery for every landscape'. 

The company says that as a long established, third generation family business it became clear that the equity and reputation built under its previous identity was a hugely valuable asset. This, they say, led to the decision to evolve the brand rather than completely change it. 

“Over the past 67 years, we’ve built a strong reputation for customer service,” said James Tuckwell, managing director of Tuckwells. “It was important that we continue to build on the legacy that my grandfather created, and although we have seen huge changes within the business, we will always remember how it began.” 

Len Tuckwell started the business in 1954, selling Ferguson tractors, and by 1964 became one of the first John Deere dealers in the UK. The latest evolution of the business has seen the acquisition of Burden Bros  Agri, the John Deere dealership covering Kent, Surrey and East Sussex. Tuckwells now employs nearly 300 people across the South East. 

“We can’t wait for our customers to see the newest version of the Tuckwells brand," James continued. "We are really excited about the visual changes across all 10 outlets, but more importantly are very proud of what it stands for. Our family’s heritage is very important, as is the very first tractor that my grandfather sold - which is why it remains an integral part of the logo.

"We are also a growing business, with an extended family made up of every single one of our employees. It’s important that their efforts as a team are recognised - hence we are now known as Tuckwells."

Husqvarna Group have released a statement in response to the recent news story that Dr. Sophie Lund Rasmussen, known as 'Dr Hedgehog', has published the findings of a major research project on the impact of robotic mowers on hedgehogs.

The study from the University of Oxford on the danger of robotic lawn mowers to hedgehogs, highlighted the differences in safety levels between different makes of robotic mowers. Husqvarna Group say their machines performed well in the test, as they, amongst other safety features, are all equipped with lightweight pivoting blades.

The manufacturer says it welcomes research on the topic and is looking forward to the next study from Dr Rasmussen. 

"We welcome the new research from Dr Rasmussen, and are eager to learn the outcome of her future research," said Margaretha Finnstedt, director Innovation Lab at Husqvarna.

"We hope to be able to work closely together to continue to learn and thereby, further improve our products, Safety has been our top priority since we launched the first commercial robotic mower in 1995. This is fundamental to what we are as a company."

The world's largest garden lifestyle trade fair, spoga-gafa, that takes place annually in Cologne, has announced that it won't be staged this year due to the ongoing Covid situation and the related restrictions.

The next trade fair will take place at the Cologne fair grounds from 19 to 21 June 2022.

Photo: Koelnmesse / spoga+gafa 

Organisers have released a statement saying that all parties involved have agreed that it will not be possible to conduct a trade fair that would do justice to the spoga+gafa brand at the beginning of August. They believe the new date in June 2022 fits in perfectly with all participating industries and they say it went down well with the exhibitors.

Together with its partners, spoga+gafa say they are now looking optimistically ahead and are looking forward to being able to offer a hybrid event in June of next year - taking place both at the Cologne fair grounds as well as online in the form of spoga+gafa @home.

AgriArgo UK, the UK and Ireland branch of McCormick and Landini tractors, has appointed Josh Clayton as its new area manager for eastern England.

In his new role, Josh will be responsible for driving the sales of both brands of tractors as well as working to support the dealer network.

Based from his home on the Cambs/Beds border, Josh most recently worked with one of his locality’s dealerships. His career also includes a spell with a supplier of precision farming technology.

“I’m really pleased to be joining AgriArgo at a time when dealer recruitment, retail sales, and the McCormick and Landini product lines are all developing rapidly,” says Josh.

“From previous experience, I’m confident we have tractor products that can match any other brand. Coupled with the fact we have an excellent dealer support package with the Argo 4.0 programme the company has developed, we have what we need to help existing dealers grow their market share - and judging by the conversations I am already having, attract new dealers to our network.

“There is a lot of franchise change happening in the tractor dealer sector at the moment, and many dealers are having to make some big decisions about which way their future lies. I’m certain we have the products and support package that will make our brands attractive to them and their customers."

Josh’s dealer coverage region spans an area from Essex up to North Yorkshire, across to the M1.

“Josh’s retail sales experience and his product knowledge from two key competitive tractor brands are excellent assets,” says Adrian Winnett, managing  director at AgriAgro UK and Ireland.

“He has a great understanding of all the elements needed to make a dealership successful - brand, image, active customer prospecting and lead nurturing. We’re really pleased to have him on board.”

Students and staff at Harper Adams University are celebrating after being named prize-winners in this year’s Institution of Agricultural Engineers (IAgrE) Awards.

Senior lecturer, Kit Franklin, was the winner of the President’s Award - which recognises a mid-career engineer who has made outstanding progress in the agricultural engineering industry.

Kit Franklin

Kit, who progressed from his initial MEng (Hons) Agricultural Engineering degree at Harper Adams to become first a Research Assistant, and then a senior lecturer, received the award for the work he has been doing to drive forward the Hands Free Hectare and subsequent Hands Free Farm projects at the university, along with wider outreach and publicity for the Agricultural Engineering profession.

His work - alongside the project team - was highlighted by IAgrE during the prizegiving ceremony, held virtually on the evening of April 27. The success of the project - which is now being upscaled to become the Hands-Free Farm - and its impact in the press, on television, and on social media were all covered as part of the IAgrE citation.

Attendees were told: “Kit’s ability to drive this project and then present the work to listeners at all levels, demonstrating understanding not only of the technologies involved, but of the challenges that application of these technologies face in the agricultural field situation, make him an exceptional ambassador for the Agricultural Engineering profession.

“To have achieved this during the early stages of his career make him a worthy recipient of this year’s President’s Award.”

Kit said, “I was surprised and honoured to be recognised and receive the President’s Award, which has previously been awarded to some very prominent members of the Institution and the Agricultural Engineering sector.

“After the challenges of lockdowns over the past year, the consortium has made great technical developments on the Hands Free Farm, which has enabled us to establish 30ha of crops for harvest 2021.

“Harvest will be challenging for both the technology and logistics - after which winter crop establishment drilling will use two tractors and drills working together to increase work rates.”

Three Harper Adams students were also honoured at the awards.

The Student Safety award was won by Huw Gilchrist, from Gloucestershire, for a project examining the design and development of a safe load indicator for a tractor and fore-end loader.

Finally, both the undergraduate and postgraduate winners of the CNH Industrial Award were from the university.

Andrew Hardy’s thesis, looking into the development of a compact excavator attachment for lifting trees out of the ground with a root ball, secured the undergraduate prize and William Hook’s thesis – examining the design and evaluation of seed dispersal units to increase seed placement accuracy on a Stanhay Pro Air Multiline precision seed drill using EDEM software – secured the postgraduate prize.

CEO of IAgrE, Charlie Nicklin, said: "A huge congratulations to the IAgrE award winners at Harper Adams University. You should be proud of your achievements and we wish you well in your future careers.”

Cub Cadet say they are celebrating their 60th birthday this year.

In 1961 their first garden tractor hit the market and now they stand at over a million lawn tractors coming off the US production line in Martin, Tennessee and more than 10 million Cub Cadet engines in use worldwide. 

Celebrating this milestone, the company have launched a promotion for UK customers across selected lawn tractors and zero-turn machines. Until the 30th June the company say customers can save from £100 up to £2,760 on the RRP when they buy a selected lawn tractor or zero-turn machine from a Cub Cadet dealer.

“We are delighted to be able to offer our customers some great savings on selected machines during our 60th birthday,” said Phil Noble, divisional sales manager, Lawn and Garden at E.P.Barrus.

We are pleased to launch yet another new product from the Webb brand for 2021 with a lightweight electric chainsaw to tame the pile of firewood or smaller overgrown trees and shrubs around the garden.

The WEECS40 is a lightweight and easy to use chainsaw. Equipped with a 40cm Oregon cutting bar & chain and with a 13.5 metre per second chain speed, it is suitable for cutting down smaller trees, pruning branches and cutting down firewood with a smooth and clean cut.

The power comes from a 2200 watt electric motor which means it will quickly tackle any task in front of it and for safety the tool comes equipped with a chain brake, stopping the chainsaw chain moving around the bar, giving you peace of mind in case any kickbacks occur.

The chainsaw comes equipped with a chain adjustment that can be done without tools, making chain adjustments quick and easy. The machine also features a comprehensive 2 year warranty for peace of mind.

As with all Webb products the WEECS40 electric chainsaw offers exceptional value for money, with an SSP of just £79.99 including VAT.

As well as the 40cm electric chainsaw, other new products for 2021 from Webb include an electric silent shredder, 56cm petrol wheeled line trimmer, 20V cordless tiller, 20V cordless lawnmower kit, 36cm electric scarifier/lawn rake, 40cm petrol scarfier/lawn rake, and 19 and 21” aluminium deck lawnmowers. The full range of 2021 products are available in our Trade Terms catalogue which can be viewed online at handyonline.co.uk or you can request a printed copy using the details below.

For 2021 we have also invested heavily in our brand content, with new product videos, photography and online information. Visit our YouTube channel to see the latest product videos.

For more information on any of the new Webb products contact Handy Distribution on 01793 333220 or speak to your local sales representative. Alternatively, all products can be easily ordered online at www.handyonline.co.uk

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