Here at Service Dealer Towers this week, we have been hard at work putting together the next issue of your favourite magazine.

It's not for me to say of course, but I'm sure all independent assessors would agree that's it's another absolutely superb edition of the world's best journal dedicated to the dealer network (their words).

As a sneak preview with no spoilers, we catch up with a dealer who we profiled a couple of years ago to see how their business has evolved in the fast-changing world of the network - hearing how robotics have really taken off amongst their customers. 

Elsewhere we learn about the regulations that all dealers who tow trailers behind their commercial vehicles should know. We speak to a major manufacturer about changes in their business. We learn about a new electric tractor aimed at both ag and turf applications. Find out what was new at a recent industry trade show. Preview our upcoming conference. And hear from an ex-dealer about the toll that working in the industry took on their mental health.

On top of these features we have all our regular sections - including of course the results of our survey that we ran last week asking you, our dealer readers, what factors prompt you to either drop or add a franchise in your business.

Thank you to everyone who responded to this. We received some interesting data and some fascinating comments that we can share with you in the mag. I must say, one comment in particular did stand out to me, as it appeared to be written by a dealer who'd had some especially unfortunate experiences with their manufacturer suppliers. Ones that had left a distinctly bad taste in their mouth.

This particular dealer had a problem of trust with their supplier (or suppliers?) - which, I'm sure everyone reading this today would agree is pretty fundamental to any business relationship.

They spoke of " . .diminished professionalism and respect as manufacturers abuse trust in the relationships with dealers." They went on to say that in their experience suppliers can " .  . . selfishly use the trust and openness of working events, customer demonstrations and shows with dealer staff, to court clients, market direct and, more disturbingly, court dealership staff too."

Quite the accusation and one that prompts the question, is this something you can relate to with your supplier relationships?

I'm no expert, but it would seem to me that trust between a dealer and their supplier is not just nice to have, but rather the foundation upon which long-term, mutually beneficial relationships are built. And of course most dealer-supplier relationships we hear of, are solid. However, if the trust does fail, surely an on-going relationship is simply unsustainable? 

Trust must work both ways, though. Suppliers will want to know that they can rely on their dealers to represent their brand professionally and consistently. Dealers are the front line between the manufacturers and their end user customers. The network is trusted to promote and look after products to the standards demanded by their contracts.

But the key here is that it's a two-way street. A relationship needs to be built on mutual respect. And what the dealer who wrote the above comments has experienced, certainly doesn't sound respectful. In fact it sounds like they are being taken advantage of!

Trust must surely lead to better business? A dealer who believes in their supplier is more likely to push the brand, invest in stock, and go the extra mile for mutual success. A supplier who trusts their dealer should be more likely to offer flexibility, support innovation, and back them during tough times.

But have you also experienced a breakdown in trust? If so, did you immediately the drop the brand or solider on to try to find a way through? Please let us know your thoughts in the comments below. Or as ever, if you'd prefer to have your say anonymously, please feel free to drop me a line in confidence.

Thanks for your input.

FGM Claymore say that since acquiring UK distribution rights for the Echo brand three years ago - and more recently introducing the Echo Robotics range of commercial robots, they have ". . . experienced significant growth in the autonomous turf care sector."

In support of this, the company have announced the appointment of James Tatters, who they say brings over 10 years of experience with the Echo Robotics commercial product line. “James’s expertise will further strengthen our support and service offering as we continue to lead in autonomous turf care,” said Paul Butterly, managing director of FGM Claymore.

James will work closely with Sam Daybell, head of robotics for the UK and Ireland, as the robotics division continues to grow. FGM say this growth is further marked by the launch of Sunseeker Elite, a new domestic robotic line.

Kubota (UK) Ltd has introduced a digital marketplace for customers that they say will streamline ordering of genuine parts using mobile or desktop devices.

It is called Terrako and enables Kubota parts to be ordered through an online portal  that also provides instant access to dealer stock levels. 

“As an all-new digital marketplace, the development of Terrako has made it very easy and convenient for customers to order genuine parts for their Kubota equipment, even if they’re unsure of who their local Kubota dealer is,” explained Simon Chadbone, Kubota UK’s division manager for parts. “This is particularly useful for those who are working away from base, for example contractors, as it can save the customer a lot of time while also contributing to a reduction in downtime.”

Access to Terrako requires customers to create a free online account, which also highlights the location of their closest Kubota dealers. Doing so gives the customer direct access to view dealer stock levels and recommended retail pricing, when searching for parts. Terrako also provides access to schematic drawings and parts numbers, simplifying parts identification and ensuring customers order the correct parts for their equipment.

Payment is made at the point of ordering, using secure online payment processes, with customers receiving an email confirmation of their order. Customers can choose to collect parts from their nearest Kubota dealer, or request dealer delivery to site, or seek direct delivery from Kubota.

“It may be that the nearest dealer might be out of stock, but another Kubota dealer within easy reach may have those parts sat on the shelf,” says Simon. “Searching with Terrako will speed up the process of finding and buying the correct genuine parts. And it’s operational 24 hours/day, seven days/week.”

Terrako can also be used to buy service kits, oils and filters, and will enable Kubota dealers to highlight promotional offers and create bespoke promotions for their customers.

“The introduction of our Terrako digital marketplace has now made it much easier for Kubota customers to buy the correct genuine parts without having to take the required items to a dealership for identification,” said Simon.

GGM Group say they are continuing to move-forward with their new Service Centre in Yorkshire, marking progress with a vibrant customer open house event held in June.

Customers at the Open House event

The dealership says the day brought together an enthusiastic mix of long-standing and new customers, industry partners, and team members, all contributing to what they describe as "a fantastic day that exceeded expectations."

Following the open house event, GGM is now finalising the set-up of the new facility to ensure its fully equipped to support local customers. The team say they focused on expanding aftersales care, technical support, and specialist services to meet the evolving needs of customers and is currently on a recruitment drive throughout its after sales team

The recent event offered customers the opportunity to meet the team, explore the facilities, and engage directly with  machinery manufacturers including Kubota, Amazone, Baroness, Echo, Ferris, FSI, Major, Kress, and TP Chippers. 

The GGM team and supporting manufacturers at the Open House event

GGM Group also recently enjoyed a successful Great Yorkshire Show, where the team hosted its largest-ever stand and welcomed footfall from both new and existing customers.

Chris Gibson, managing director of GGM Group, said, “We were thrilled with the turnout at our open house event and equally delighted by the buzz at the Great Yorkshire Show. Seeing so many loyal customers and new faces engaging with our team and partners has been fantastic. Our new Knottingley Service Centre represents a significant step forward in our ability to support customers across Yorkshire. We can’t wait to keep developing our service and support offering to help customers succeed.”

Jason Nettle, director of Winchester Garden Machinery, is this year undertaking the challenge of 12 marathons in 12 months for good causes. Here he tells us how he has completed another brutal run - but makes a rookie footwear error!

Hi everyone,

I'm thrilled (and slightly soggy) to report that I've successfully completed the BigHeat Trails (FIRE) Marathon. It seems my desperate pleas for rain actually worked, because the heavens opened up this weekend, giving us a much-needed break from the scorching weather. Perhaps I do know a rain dance after all!

This marathon was another brutal one, taking me 6 hours and 30 minutes to complete with 961m of elevation gain. It truly lived up to its initial description of "scorching" in terms of toughness, even if the weather decided to be more "damp."

I also made a classic rookie error this time around. Despite knowing full well the description involved "dusty tracks" and "sandy plains," I somehow convinced myself that my road running shoes would be fine. Big mistake. Huge. My feet definitely paid the price for not selecting my trusty trail running shoes. Lesson learned (again!).

A massive thank you to EGO Power Plus for their kind sponsorship of this latest run. Their support, alongside all of yours, it is what truly pulls me through these increasingly challenging events.

Each marathon throws up new obstacles, but the 'why' remains constant. The good causes – Cancer Research UK, Prostate Cancer UK, Naomi House Children’s Hospice and St. Michael's Hospice – are the unwavering motivation that keeps me putting one foot in front of the other, even when every fibre of my being wants to stop.

I constantly remind myself that my pain is temporary, a self-inflicted ordeal with a clear end in sight. This stands in stark contrast to the daily struggles faced by so many who are battling serious illnesses or profound mental health challenges. They don't get to choose their suffering, nor do they often see a clear finish line. My ability to break down each marathon into achievable segments - one foot in front of the other, just get to that next tree, that next bend - is a lesson I find myself sharing, particularly when advising others who are facing overwhelming situations. It's all about taking one step at a time, just getting through this moment, this hour, this day.

Your Support Fuels Every Painful Step:

Every single run is a physical and mental battle, but knowing that your generosity is making a real difference to these four incredible charities is what truly keeps me going. We're fighting against cancer, supporting children with life-limiting conditions, and providing comfort in the hardest of times.

Don't just read about the pain - make it count! If you've been following along, sharing a laugh at my expense, or simply appreciating the effort, now's the time to show your support. Every donation, no matter the size, pushed us closer to and now BEYOND the £10,000 target!

• Please click here and sponsor me today: Let's turn my suffering into tangible help for those who truly need it.
• Cheer me on: Your messages and encouragement are a massive boost, especially when I'm feeling the strain.
• Get inspired: Perhaps my journey can motivate you to take on your own challenges or to simply prioritise your health and well-being

Stay tuned for the next update – hopefully, with smarter shoe choices!

The Agricultural Engineers Association (AEA) has announced that ScotGrass, the grassland demonstration event, will return to a new location at Slacks Farm, Lochmaben, Dumfriesshire on Wednesday 13th May 2026.

The event provides visitors with a large collection of working machinery demonstrations, showcasing grassland technologies across expansive field-scale plots on a commercial dairy farm. ScotGrass 2026 will feature a central static exhibitors’ hub, surrounded by individual company demo areas and a working clamp demonstration arena. 

Kayleigh Holden, event organiser from the AEA said, “ScotGrass is a key event for our industry, offering both exhibitors and visitors a rare opportunity to see the latest equipment in action, in a real-world setting along with giving visitors the chance to speak with industry experts on technical subjects affecting the livestock industry and those supplying products and services to the sector.

 “We’re thrilled to return in 2026 with a new location that allows us to grow and enhance the event for everyone involved.”

Cobra is powering into the future with its most comprehensive cordless range yet – the Cobra 40VX system. 

Combining high-performance lawn mowers with a full suite of handheld garden tools, the 40VX platform offers a complete, low-maintenance alternative to petrol, all powered by a single interchangeable battery.

As the shift to battery-powered garden machinery accelerates, the 40VX range gives dealers a timely opportunity to meet demand with a premium, professional-grade system designed specifically for UK gardens.

Building on Cobra’s Legacy of Excellence

The 40VX range is the latest evolution of Cobra's commitment to delivering robust, high-performance garden machinery. With a solid reputation in both petrol and battery-powered garden machinery,  the 40VX range not only builds on Cobra's established expertise in the battery-powered sector but takes it to the next level with even more powerful and efficient solutions for a broader range of garden sizes and needs.

The result is a series of high-performance, low-maintenance, and environmentally-friendly tools that offer all the power of traditional petrol machines, but with quieter operation, fewer emissions, and minimal upkeep. Each mower in the 40VX series is designed to provide the same quality, durability, and user-friendly features Cobra’s petrol models are known for, but with the added convenience of cordless power. 

The range’s advanced lithium-ion batteries ensure extended runtimes and faster charging times, meaning users can complete their garden tasks without compromising on performance. With features like robust steel decks, high-lift blades for better grass collection, and mulching capabilities for a cleaner, more sustainable finish, the 40VX range represents Cobra's continued innovation in the garden machinery market.

Complete Cordless Coverage: Mowers and More

At the heart of the 40VX system is the new MX series of battery-powered lawn mowers. Designed to cover a broad range of garden sizes and user needs, the range includes:

• MX3440VX – A compact 13.5" (34cm) mower for tight spaces and smaller gardens
• MX3840VX – A 15" (38cm) model offering lightweight manoeuvrability with added coverage
• MX4140VX – A 16" (41cm) mower ideal for small to medium lawns
• MX4340VX – A 17" (43cm) option offering greater reach and cutting capacity
• MX460S40VX – A self-propelled 18" (46cm) mower for effortless mowing over larger areas
• MX51S40VX – The flagship model, a self-propelled 20" (51cm) mower for maximum efficiency on expansive lawns

Coming later in 2025: Three new rear roller models, ranging from 16" to 20", will be added to the 40VX range. With both push and self-propelled options, they’re perfect for achieving a traditional striped lawn finish.

The mowers feature robust steel decks, high-lift blades for improved grass collection, and mulching capabilities for a cleaner, more sustainable finish.

In addition to mowers, Cobra has also introduced a range of handheld tools, including:

• GT35040VX Grass Trimmer – Lightweight and precise, perfect for edging and tight corners.
• LB55040VX Leaf Blower – High-speed airflow for efficient garden clean-up
• HT55040VX Hedge Trimmer – Dual-action blades for clean, sharp cuts on hedges and shrubs.
• CS35040VX Chainsaw – Compact but powerful, designed for pruning and log cutting with reduced vibration and noise.
• MT40VX Multi Tool Kit – Versatile multi-tool kit including Power-Head, Pruner and Articulating Hedgetrimmer.
• A range Multi-Tool Attachments – Hedgetrimmer, Pruner, Lawn Edger, Brushcutter, Grass Trimmer.

Interchangeable Power. Endless Possibilities.

One of the key advantages of the 40VX battery system is its interchangeability across the entire range of Cobra mowers and handheld tools. This allows users to seamlessly switch between their lawnmower, trimmer, blower, hedge cutter, and chainsaw using the same reliable power source — maximising efficiency and reducing downtime.

Cobra is continuing to build on the 40VX platform with even more tools set to launch soon. These additions reinforce Cobra’s position at the forefront of cordless garden innovation, providing customers with a comprehensive range that meets all their maintenance needs.

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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