We feature an interesting story today, that I think clearly illustrates what is becoming an increasingly important sector for many of our dealer readers.

Barrus recently held a series of training sessions for members of their network who represent the Segway brand of robotic mowers. Nothing too unusual about that - all suppliers regularly hold such events. It was however, a couple of statistics within the story that struck me as noteworthy.

Firstly, the company reported that over 170 dealer colleagues attended the training - and secondly the demand was such that the sessions had to run across eight consecutive days. Now, I'm not saying we should be informing the Guinness Book Of World Records, but those numbers do feel kind of significant. Would any robotic mower supplier have seen that demand even say, five years ago?

I'd wager that Barrus themselves are pleased with how the uptake for the Segway brand specifically is progressing, but more widely this feels like a decent indicator for the rise in popularity that robotic mowers are finding amongst specialist dealers and their customers.

A couple of weeks ago when Duncan and I made our road-trip around some of our dealer readers' premises, we were told by several that robotic solutions are an area viewed as offering a distinct opportunity for growth this year. In a year where there are a myriad of obstacles being thrown in dealers' paths for a smooth-sailing season, robots were repeatedly cited as a potential bright spot.

Perhaps one reason for this up-tick is something that a couple of dealers who we met remarked upon - and that's the prevalence in the last year or so of robots that do not require a boundary wire. This seems to have really struck a chord with domestic customers, especially so with the high-end purchaser who might have previously favoured a lawn tractor. So much so, that a couple of dealers told us that these satellite controlled ones have pretty much made the older, wired models obsolete. 

So today, we're running a short survey to gauge dealers' views on the technology this season. Is your dealership seeing the machines take off like never before? Or is still not quite happening in your local areas?

We're hearing that dealers who are finding success with robotics aren't just seeing positive movement in the homeowner sphere either. Professional users are increasingly utilising the units to fill a recruitment gap. Dealers are selling the larger models into golf courses or estates for example, with ever increasing frequency. What was until quite recently an unusual sight of robots trundling around fairways, is becoming a new normal.

Last year when we asked you, our dealer readers, for your thoughts on the market, the needle had clearly shifted positively from where it had been when we had last asked five years before. But now one year on, has that positivity further increased - and rapidly so?

Or, as some told us last year, are robots just not for you and your customers? For example one respondent 12 months ago said, "It remains a confusing market for us with not many sales each year, with the occasional sale disrupting the natural flow of the dealership." Does this still ring true for any of you?

We have a few brief questions we'd appreciate your feedback on today and space for you to leave your thoughts on the current market. As ever, we'll bring you the results and as many of your comments as we can in the next issue of Service Dealer magazine.

Thanks in advance for your help.

TAKE THE SURVEY

JCB has appointed Thorncliffs as a new agricultural machinery dealership with a well-established JCB pedigree to provide sales, parts and service support in south Lincolnshire, effective from May 1st.

Thorncliffs directors Edward Roach and James Wetton 

The appointment follows long-standing JCB dealer G & J Peck’s decision to focus on its Cambridgeshire, Suffolk and Norfolk territories.

Based at modern premises in Sleaford, Lincolnshire, Thorncliffs was set up in 2018 by Edward Roach and James Wetton - who between them have many years’ technical and sales experience of JCB agricultural products - to prepare used Loadalls, wheeled loaders and Fastrac tractors for re-sale.

JCB say Thorncliffs has proved a great success, setting high standards of preparation of used equipment, and is now well-placed with a comprehensively-equipped workshop and parts storage to provide customers with routine servicing and repairs of JCB machines, and to supply new machines from the manufacturer's Fastrac and materials handling ranges.

Edward Roach said, “This is an exciting opportunity to create a new retail dealership exclusively for JCB agricultural equipment, which we have grabbed with both hands to build on the success of our used equipment and hire operations.

“Over the past seven years, we have invested heavily in new premises, facilities and staff, which will act as a real spring board to supporting new customers to the business, starting a new chapter that will allow us to grow Thorncliffs by recruiting for additional roles as our new JCB machine and parts sales develop."

John Smith, JCB agriculture managing director, said, “As a young company with an energetic and knowledgeable team familiar with JCB products, we are confident Thorncliffs will maintain the high standards they have set as they expand into retail sales and aftersales service."

Jason Nettle, director of Winchester Garden Machinery, is this year undertaking the challenge of 12 marathons in 12 months for good causes. Here he describes how he got on last weekend, his latest repetitive and painful challenge!

Jason Nettle with Sam Lewis of AriensCo

Hi everyone,

Another marathon in the books! Last weekend, I tackled the Spring Marathon held by Phoenix Running at Walton on Thames, which, as it turned out, was eight laps up and down a canal-side path. Let's just say it was . . . repetitive. And painful. Very painful.

But. As always, I'm determined to get this crazy (possibly stupid!) challenge done. I completed the run, and I'm incredibly grateful to AriensCo UK for their kind sponsorship and donation to the charities. Having Sam Lewis from AriensCo join me was fantastic, even if he did get a front-row seat to my suffering.

I likened my pain at the end to the stock situation Sam faced last year when the phone wouldn't stop ringing for spare parts. He just smiled, and said, “It will improve, it's about putting in the hard work”. Thankfully, the stock situation has improved, and I'm trusting that my running will too! Either way, the sentiment rang true.

This marathon was definitely one for the die-hard running enthusiast (which, let's be clear, I am not). Just doing a marathon wasn't enough; we had to do it as eight loops. Sam asked me why, and honestly, the only analogy that came to mind was cancer treatment. I've seen firsthand the cycles of treatment, the discomfort, and the pain that people endure. You know what you have to do, and you just get it done. At least my pain was self-inflicted and temporary.

Despite the discomfort, the canal-side scenery was lovely, and the support from AriensCo UK and everyone cheering me on kept me going.

Remember, I'm running for Cancer Research UK, Prostate Cancer UK, Naomi House Children’s Hospice, and St. Michael's Hospice. Every step and every donation makes a difference.  A quarter of the way through the year and donations have exceeded £5000.  It truly makes a massive difference knowing that people and our industry are supporting me.

So, how can you help?

• Sponsor me: Every penny counts. You can donate directly to my fundraising page.
• Cheer me on: Whether it's at the side of a course or from the comfort of your armchair, your support will be invaluable.
• Get inspired: Use my challenge as a motivator to get more active yourself. Maybe start with a brisk walk around the block, ditch the lift and take the stairs or join me!

I'd like to be taking some well-deserved rest before I start preparing for the next marathon when actually, it’s only two weeks until the next one! Stay tuned for more updates on this crazy journey.

Barrus recently hosted a series of Segway robotic mower service training sessions for its network of dealers - that proved so popular they were held on eight consecutive days.

The training, which took place at Bicester, aimed to equip dealers with the knowledge and skills required to effectively service and maintain the brand's robotic mowers, including the new X3 Series. The sessions brought together over 170 dealer colleagues from across the region, providing them with hands-on experience and in-depth technical insights into the robotic mowers' features, common troubleshooting issues, and maintenance protocols.

Expert trainers from Barrus led the sessions, covering everything from basic setup to more advanced diagnostic techniques.

“We’re excited to offer this essential training to our dealers,” said Phil Noble, divisional sales manager, Barrus. “Segway robotic mowers are revolutionising the landscaping industry, and it’s crucial that our dealers are fully prepared to support our customers with the highest level of service. This training ensures they have the tools and knowledge they need to maintain and repair the products efficiently, providing exceptional service to end-users.”

Throughout the training, Barrus say dealers participated in hands-on workshops and demonstrations, where they had the opportunity to troubleshoot and repair robotic mowers in real-time. The sessions also included discussions on product updates, maintenance best practices, and customer service techniques to ensure an optimal ownership experience.

Phil continued, “Our dealers are the backbone of our success, and we are committed to providing them with the resources and training to deliver excellent service. We look forward to seeing the positive impact this training will have on the customer experience.”

Cramer have announced that Luke Winwood has joined their team as their new aftersales coordinator.

The company says Luke brings with him a wealth of experience and a strong technical background. With over 15 years of mechanical experience, Luke has worked across a variety of technical industries, honing his skills in aftersales support and product service. Most recently, he served as the warranty manager at Tandem Group, and prior to that, he was a product service engineer at Infinicut. Cramer say his extensive experience in warranty management, coupled with his in-depth knowledge of lithium battery technologies, will play a key role in supporting their growing dealer network.
 
Luke said “My background in technical services and aftersales, as well as my expertise with lithium batteries, will allow me to provide the best support to our dealers. I'm eager to build lasting relationships with our dealer network and contribute to the growth of the business. The team here in the UK is extremely knowledgeable and welcoming, and I’m proud to be part of such a dynamic group. I’m looking forward to a long and successful career with Cramer.”
 
John McGrady, Cramer's national sales manager, added, "Luke’s passion for technical service and his commitment to customer satisfaction align perfectly with our values at Cramer. We are confident that his expertise will significantly contribute to enhancing the aftersales experience for our customers and dealers alike."

Kverneland Group UK has announced that Netherton Tractors has joined their dealer network to sell, service and support the full product range throughout the east coast of Scotland.

Dan Crowe, Kverneland Group UK managing director with Garry Smith, general manager of Netherton Tractors

Headquartered at Tollmuir, Forfar, Netherton Tractors operates with four additional depots located at Glenrothes, Perth, Turriff and Nairn, giving the company extensive coverage in Scotland.

“We are delighted to be given this opportunity to further develop our business with what is perhaps the most sought-after plough brand in the world,” said Netherton Tractors general manager Garry Smith, who takes care of the day-to-day running of the business alongside managing director Harry Barclay. “The broad Kverneland portfolio provides our business with a much more focussed approach for new and existing customers looking for the very best in arable and grassland machinery.”

The dealership operates with 43 service technicians across its business, providing mobile and workshop-based support. With Kverneland-trained engineers plus an extensive stock of original parts and machines across Netherton’s five depots, after-sales and service for existing Kverneland customers in the area is promised to continue without interruption. 

This year the Cereals Event is returning to a popular Lincolnshire location after a 17-year hiatus.

Andrew Ward speaking at the 2024 Service Dealer Conference

Andrew Ward MBE, who spoke at November's Service Dealer Conference, will welcome visitors to Heath Farm on 11-12 June, with the 52-ha site showcasing the latest developments in arable agronomy, machinery, technology, and business advice.

Andrew said, “There have been huge changes in farming, some of the biggest since the Second World War. There’s tremendous pressure on producing food and being able to do it profitably. And while some of this can only be resolved at Government and policy level, which farmers have been campaigning for, there are also opportunities at farm level.

“No event is a silver bullet, but I would say that Cereals offers a lot to a range of arable and diversified businesses and their ambitions. Visitors can find the knowledge, technology and, importantly, the conversations that can help safeguard their future.”

New features for 2025

Organisers of the show have promised new elements for this year, plus the return and expansion of its most popular and impactful features.

New to 2025, and leading the regenerative agriculture conversation, the BASE-UK Regen Conference area - themed ‘Robust farming in a changing climate' - will feed farmers’ growing appetite for more knowledge, demonstration, and experience. A series of seminars and open-floor Q&A sessions will be shaped by the expertise and experiences of some of the leading regen farming and advisory voices - exploring how regen ag can fit and affect farm businesses of today and tomorrow.

The new Young Farmers Spotlight will welcome the next generation to a multi-session day.

Fresh talent will also be found in the agronomy zone where budding agronomists will be put through their paces in the new Ceres Rural Crop Challenge. 

The long-standing and popular Syngenta Sprays and Sprayers Arena will benefit from a new format for 2025.

Returning favourites include:

• The Cereals’ agronomy zone
• Ceres Rural winter wheat and barley feature.
• NIAB Soil Hole
• Drill Demos
• KWS Seed to Shelf Stage

Organisers say early visitor numbers are up 25%.

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