This week I had the pleasure of visiting the UK headquarters of Kubota UK in Thame, Oxfordshire, alongside fellow members of the trade press. The aim was to get an overall picture of where the business sees itself in 2026, hear about the expansion of its machinery range and, perhaps discuss some of the wider market trends currently shaping the sector.

We were welcomed by Henry Bredin, division manager, UK & Ireland, agriculture and groundcare, who spoke about the importance of the dealer network and the role the UK operation plays in supporting it. It was a point that came up repeatedly through the visit that, regardless of how advanced machinery becomes, customers still want reliable local back-up when something goes wrong. Clearly for a manufacturer such as Kubota, they want that relationship between dealer and end user to remain absolutely central.

The theme of range expansion was picked up by groundcare product manager Matt Wilson, who explained that the company’s approach is less about simply adding more models and more about responding to very specific customer demand. The emphasis here was very much on identifying gaps in the market and evolving accordingly.

One area currently seeing significant attention is the zero-turn mower sector. Of course, these machines have long been hugely popular in the United States. I saw that first-hand during Service Dealer’s visit to Equip Exposition in Louisville last October, where zero-turns seemed to dominate every other stand. What was interesting to hear this week, is that professional demand in the UK is also steadily increasing. It’s still nowhere near American levels, naturally, but there does appear to be growing acceptance of the format here, particularly as commercial users are always looking to up their productivity levels. Electric models are also beginning to attract increasing interest.

Matt Wilson

Another notable talking point was the growth of the entry-level compact tractor market. Customer priorities are clearly changing. Rising fuel prices and wider economic pressures are making buyers far more conscious of value and operating costs, which in turn is influencing purchasing behaviour. The sub-£10,000 tractor sector, we were told, has grown rapidly in recent years, with particular interest coming from grassroots sports clubs and organisations working within tighter budgets.

That ties into a wider trend that many in the industry are seeing of customers increasingly wanting flexibility, both in machinery choice and ownership options. The old “one size fits all” approach no longer really applies, we heard.

The response, according to Matt, has been for Kubota to develop a broader and smarter range across compact tractors and zero-turns, while maintaining multiple power sources. Petrol, diesel and electric all have their place depending on the application, while future hydrogen possibilities are also being explored. The message was clear: electric is growing, but it won’t necessarily suit every professional user.

From a customer perspective, the thinking behind the expanded range is straightforward, we were told. It means greater choice, easier progression between models and more familiarity across product lines. From a dealer standpoint, the company intends that a wider offering helps appeal to a broader range of customer types while also improving retention and creating clearer upgrade paths over time.

Once the presentations were though, our hosts were brave enough to let the decidedly amateur journalist operators have a go driving some really expensive machinery! At Chinnor Rugby Club, the local team who the company sponsor, we had the opportunity to try several zero-turn models, including a zero-turn collector that was described as a “unicorn” machine, alongside a number of out-front centre-collect machines.

Steve Gibbs

Overall, it was an informative and worthwhile event for myself and the trade press in attendance. From Service Dealer’s perspective, it was encouraging to hear just how integral the dealer network remains to decision-making. That partnership between manufacturer, dealer and customer is fundamental and underpins all that the company is about.

And, stepping away from thinking about any one manufacturer specifically, it was equally interesting to hear some of the broader trends being discussed. I suspect many of our valued dealer readers, regardless of which groundcare brands they represent, will recognise similar patterns: the growth of entry-level compact tractors among smaller sports clubs, the increasing acceptance of zero-turns in the UK market and the continuing debate around future power sources. All of which underlines what an ever-evolving, never dull and consistently fascinating sector this remains.

Service Dealer can confirm Ibcos 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.

Ernie Theobald, managing director said, "Ibcos is proud to sponsor the Service Dealer Conference which brings the dealer community together to share ideas and best practice. Events like this help us stay closely connected to our customers and the real challenges facing modern dealership operations."

Service Dealer owner, Duncan Murray-Clarke, added, "It's great news that Ibcos have chosen to support our event dedicated to the dealer network once again. We thank our friends there and look forward to welcoming them on the day - which is stacking up with so much great content that we can't wait to share with everybody really soon."

EGO and Paul Bown 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.

Ernest Doe & Sons Ltd has announced a new partnership with Case Construction Equipment, further strengthening its construction machinery offering across its trading area. 

L-R: Mark Crosby, divisional head of Construction Sales, Ernest Doe; Egidio Galano, head of CNH Construction Product Management EMEA; Graham Parker, development director, Ernest Doe; Chris Bunn, Construction Equipment sales manager, Ernest Doe; Ciro Casapulla, head of CNH Construction - EMEA; Valentina Versino, UK & ROI business director, CASE Construction Equipment; Angus Doe, managing director, Ernest Doe; Francesca Asteggiano, head of CNH Construction Sales – Europe

Following a strategic review, the company has agreed to supply and support the full range of Case Construction equipment, marking what they describe as an important step in the continued development of their construction division. 

The agreement also extends Ernest Doe’s coverage, including expansion into Lincolnshire, enabling the business to support customers across a wider area. The company will now operate across 16 counties, covering London, the South East, East Anglia and parts of the Midlands.

 
Ernest Doe say they will offer the complete Case Construction line-up, including excavators from 1 tonne micro models through to 75 tonne machines, with real strength in large excavators, loading shovels and mini excavators. The range is complemented by skid steer loaders and compact track loaders.

The dealership also says customers will benefit from a competitive commercial package, including 0% finance options and extended warranties on selected machines. Aftersales support will be enhanced through parts supply via the UK distribution centre in Daventry, supported by Case’s European network.

 
Commenting on the agreement, managing director Angus Doe said, “We are pleased to be working with Case Construction Equipment. The strength of the product range, the quality of the machines and the support behind the brand make this a good fit for our business and our customers. This partnership puts us in a strong position as we continue to develop and grow our construction offering.” 

With an expanded sales footprint and dedicated construction leadership in place, including the recent promotion of Chris Bunn to construction sales manager for the Group and Mark Crosby as divisional head of construction sales, Ernest Doe say they are well positioned to grow their construction business and continue supporting customers across the sector.

MCL Machinery who are based in Eversholt, Near Woburn, Bedfordshirewe have announced that they have been appointed by Yamaha Motor UK as a main ATV dealer for the Bedfordshire & Buckinghamshire region.

The team at MCL Machinery

Richard Adderson, a partner in the business told Service Dealer, "I'm extremely proud to become a Yamaha dealership."

Richard continued, "In just a few months we have seen amazing growth in our business and I am excited to work with Yamaha and see what our first year in business (and many years to come!) brings us here at MCL."

GKB Machines have announced the appointment of Turney Group as the latest authorised dealer to join their nationwide network.

L to R: Anthony Shepherd and Phil Bush from Turney Group pictured with GKB’s Jan-Willem Kraaijeveld and Tom Shinkins

This partnership will bring the full GKB natural and synthetic surface maintenance portfolio to customers throughout the south-west of England. 

Turney Group is split into three dedicated divisions, with ground care supported from two depots in Bredon and Weston-on-the-Green. With immediate effect they will have access to the full portfolio of GKB equipment, providing customers including golf courses, sports facilities, contractors and more with access to topdressers, aerators, seeders, scarifiers and solutions for artificial surface maintenance. 

“We are delighted to expand our portfolio through the addition of GKB Machines across the entire Ransomes Jacobsen territory,” said Turney Group managing director Phil Bush. “This new and long-term partnership with the team at GKB reinforces our commitment to providing high-quality, innovative solutions to meet the evolving needs of our customers and brings a great opportunity to grow our mutual business. We look forward to strengthening our market presence and delivering exceptional value through this enhanced offering.”

 
Tom Shinkins, UK operations manager for GKB Machines added, “We are proud to be working alongside Phil and the team at Turney’s. Their strong market presence, technical expertise and customer-focused approach perfectly aligns with our values and will ensure that customers receive improved product availability backed up with the highest levels of support.” 

Overton (UK) have announced that after 34-years in business with his brother Guy, Richard Overton retired on April 30th just after his 71st birthday.

Richard started his career in the family grounds maintenance business at fifteen repairing mowers at nights and weekends, eventually becoming the Foreman looking after RAF grounds maintenance and landscaping contracts and operating one of the first Ransome Motor Triples. In the late 1980s after a chance meeting with Bill Fisher, Richard joined Lawnmower Specialists in Lancashire selling professional grass cutting machinery and the Multicore throughout the North West, Manchester, Cheshire and Merseyside areas.

After 3-years at LMS Richard joined Beaver mowers as southern ASM and when they were acquired by Hayter he continued as the ASM. Richard returned to the family business Gannon (UK) a year later to sell and demonstrate the Gannon and Barber equipment with Pete Lovett throughout the UK and Ireland. Changes in circumstances led to Richard and Guy forming their own business Overton (UK) in 1992 selling grass cutting machinery and the Barber Beach cleaners. Years later Overton started to specialise in importing, manufacturing and distributing niche horticutural and cleansing equipment through the UK and Ireland.

Richard says he has thoroughly enjoyed his 56-years working in the industry, meeting interesting people and characters along the way and making many friends. He now looks forward to traveling with his caravan and classic car to see more of the UK, Ireland and overseas.

Guy Overton says he would like to thank his brother for all his hard work, long days and support over the 34-years working together and wishes him a happy retirement.

AL-KO Gardentech is proud to announce the launch of its new 18/36V battery range, complimenting the trusted high-performance 36V range to offer a tailored solution for every customer, at every price point.

Kieran Powell, Head of Marketing at AL-KO Gardentech UK commented -

““We’re proud to introduce our new 18/36V platform - a flexible system built around one battery that seamlessly adapts from 18V to 36V, delivering exactly what each task demands. This new range combines performance, runtime, and lightweight ergonomic design to make garden care easier, more efficient, and accessible for every season. It’s everything our customers need, in one powerful, versatile solution.”

The 18/36V range includes all the tools a homeowner needs, with plastic or steel deck lawnmowers, robotic mowers, grass trimmers, hedgetrimmers, chainsaws, tillers, Scarifiers, cylinder mowers and much more. All models are available as a kit or tool only with the highlighted models below available to order now (lawnmowers next week).

As with all AL-KO products, the 18/36V models feature a comprehensive 2 year warranty and full spare parts support with the majority of parts available for next day delivery.

AL-KO COMFORT 43.6 Li Kit
Art. No. AK114172
RRP £335.00

Type - Plastic Deck Lawnmower
Cutting Width - 43cm / 17”
Drive - Push
Kit Includes - 2 x 5Ah & C300 Charger 
Functions - 3 IN ONE
Cutting Height - 5 stage 25-75mm
Collector - 50 Litre
Mulching - Yes

AL-KO COMFORT 46.6 Li Kit
Art. No. AK114173
RRP £425.00

Type - Steel Deck Lawnmower
Cutting Width - 46cm / 18”
Drive - Self Propelled
Kit Includes - 2 x 5Ah & C300 Charger 
Functions - 4 IN ONE
Cutting Height - 6 stage 25-75mm
Collector - 60 Litre
Mulching - Yes
Side Discharge - Yes

AL-KO HTD 1865 Kit
Art. No. AK114138
RRP £145.00

Type - Handheld Hedgetrimmer
Cutting Length - 550mm / 21.5”
Blade - Double Sided / Diamond Ground
Tooth Gap - 20mm
Cutting Mechanism - Reciprocating Safety Blade
Kit Includes - 1 x 2Ah & Charger 
Weight - 2.7kg (Excluding Battery)

AL-KO HTAD 1845 Kit
Art. No. AK114150
RRP £145.00

Type - Long Reach Hedgetrimmer
Cutting Length - 450mm / 17.5”
Blade - Double Sided / Diamond Ground
Tooth Gap - 15mm
Cutting Mechanism - Reciprocating Safety Blade
Max Work Height - Up to 3.5 metres
Kit Includes - 1 x 2Ah & Charger 
Weight - 3.1kg (Excluding Battery)

AL-KO LBD 1880 Kit
Art. No. AK114142
RRP £125.00

Type - Blower
Airspeed - 130m/h
Air Volume - 520m3/h
Variable Speed - Yes
Cruise Control - Yes
Kit Includes - 1 x 2.5Ah & Charger 
Weight - 2.6kg (Excluding Battery)

AL-KO CSD 1825 Kit
Art. No. AK114136
RRP £145.00

Type - Chainsaw
Bar Length - 25cm / 10”
Chain Speed - 3.8m/s
Auto Lubrication - Yes
Chain Tensioner - Tool-Free
Kit Includes - 1 x 2.5Ah & Charger 
Weight - 3.0kg (Excluding Battery)

AL-KO CSAD 1820 Kit
Art. No. AK114152
RRP £155.00

Type - Pole Pruner
Bar Length - 20cm / 8”
Chain Speed - 3.7m/s
Auto Lubrication - Yes
Chain Tensioner - Tool-Free
Kit Includes - 1 x 2Ah & Charger 
Weight - 3.1kg (Excluding Battery)

For more information visit the AL-KO consumer site at www.alko-garden.uk, or the dealer portal at www.gardentech-dealer.co.uk. To become an AL-KO 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

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