I had a perfectly fine little blog written for today.

I was planning to get a discussion going about this run up to the crucial Easter period. Hoping the weather would improve and asking if dealers had noticed the increase of garden machinery being sold in the budget supermarket chains?

I was going to pose the question if this was a new threat worth bothering about or whether it's just the same as it ever was, with simply the sign above the door changed from Homebase to Lidl?

Please feel free to still leave a comment below about that, if you feel so inclined - however I believe there'll be another subject on many dealers minds now this afternoon.

The news which came in during the course of this morning that STIHL, to use their words, have made "significant commercial changes" - feels like a sea-change moment.

This has potential to go down as one of those memorable moments in the story of this industry. A change to be talked about in years to come, similar to the way which that £99 petrol mower in B&Q is remembered all these years on.

As ever, one would imagine there will be more than one reaction to this news. The manufacturer would argue that there is great opportunity here, now that almost all of their products are eligible to be shipped direct to the end customer. They would say that some dealers will be pleased, looking forward to all the potential extra sales they'll now be able to make via their websites.

Are you one of those businesses? Do you see benefit for your dealership from today's news? Please let us know in the comments below if this is a move you welcome.

At the other end of the scale however, one suspects there'll be dealers who could very possibly consider the decision outrageous.

It doesn't seem incomprehensible that there will be businesses who have received the news morning, who right now will be feeling somewhat aggrieved. In their eyes, STIHL has traditionally been a specialist's brand and will be disappointed to see them going down this route.

I know many dealers have very strongly held views about the proliferation of online selling in general and what that can do to customers' expectations of pricing. Are you one of those? What is your reaction to today's news?

Of course, there will also be those whose opinion lies on a sliding scale somewhere in between the two extremes. Perhaps these dealers are actually the silent majority?

Will most simply shrug their shoulders today and say the change is not perhaps what they would've chosen, but it's simply the way of the world and was probably always coming?

Like that £99 petrol lawnmower, is it just something else for the resilient dealer to process, before returning to running their business the way that works for them?

It will be fascinating to hear what our readers have to say about STIHL's decision today. Please leave your comments below, whatever your feelings may be.

This morning, Friday 5th April 2019, STIHL has informed its dealers of a number of significant changes and announced plans for a new STIHL Approved Dealer contract.

In an official statement released to dealers, the company say these changes have been brought about by "a huge surge in customers’ appetites for online shopping and more recently, STIHL’s merger of its VIKING and STIHL businesses" - this they say, "now requires the introduction of a new dealer contract."

The headline change in the contract, as defined in the official statement is, that with immediate effect, all STIHL products - with the exception of chainsaws and spare parts - can be shipped direct to the end customer.

The statement said, "Customers must continue to be offered the option of advice and instruction however online methods, such as videos or web chats, can now be used for this purpose as well as face-to-face instruction.

"All products - except those prohibited for shipping - may now be dispatched in their original packaging and unassembled.

"All chainsaws and spares parts must continue to be personally handed to the customer."

The official statement also laid out the company's revised policy for battery and electric powered products. This read, "Battery and electric-powered products can be sold in store, in their original packaging. However dealers must still provide the option of product assembly.

"Petrol products must still be assembled and tested before being handed over to the customer in a ready-to-use condition.

"Chainsaws, irrespective of power source, still need to be assembled and tested before sale.

"These changes apply with immediate effect and can be implemented by STIHL Approved Dealers before signing a new dealer contract.

"A third-party platform ban continues to apply which means that products cannot be sold on sites such as Amazon, eBay or any other third party marketplace website."

The statement also addressed the recent transfer of the Viking product lines to the STIHL brand, saying dealers will be asked to discontinue using the Viking brand. The company say they are "actively supporting its dealers to remove Viking branding from their stores."

The statement also said the company would be "working with its Approved Dealers to achieve a higher standard of service across the sub-dealer network."

Speaking about these changes, STIHL Great Britain’s managing director Robin Lennie said, “STIHL has had a hugely successful partnership with our dealers for over 90 years. Although more items are being sold online, the vast majority of STIHL products are still sold in store and this will continue to be the case for years to come.

“STIHL remains absolutely committed to the STIHL Approved Dealer Network and we will continue our programme of dealership development to improve the physical shopping experience. We will also be enhancing our training programme with webinars and marketing courses to help STIHL Approved Dealers to increase their ability to sell online.”

The British lawnmowing season is getting shorter according to lawnmower manufacturer, Cub Cadet.

This is the headline change with the first year-on-year comparison of data - 2017 and 2018 - which was published this week.

The information collected by the company is part of a five-year survey to monitor changes in the lawnmowing season as alterations in weather patterns take hold.

Figures provided by almost 100 gardeners across the UK show that on average their mowing season shortened to 227 days in 2018 compared to 233 in the previous year.

The shortest mowing period entered in the survey was 161 days in West Yorkshire and the longest recorded was 301 days from Shropshire. The earliest starting date was 3rd January from Carmarthenshire and the latest 20 December, again from the same Shropshire participant.

Phil Noble, field sales and technical manager for Cub Cadet, said, “It is interesting to see how these results have changed since last season. By accurately plotting when gardeners are performing their first and last cut we can help them with planning their lawnmowing and scarifying.”

In order for Cub Cadet to generate year-on-year comparisons and to analyse the ongoing impact of weather conditions, it is inviting gardeners to submit their lawnmowing dates again this year. The 2019 survey is now live.

To participate, lawn owners complete an online form with the date of their first mow. Cub Cadet is offering one lucky participant £50 worth of National Garden gift vouchers, redeemable at garden centres across the UK.

Terms and conditions are available here.

Kubota UK has announced it is set to introduce the supply of agriculture tractors and equipment to Peldon, near Colchester-based machinery supplier Hosplant Sales.

Hosplant Sales, an exclusive Kubota dealership, was founded 15 years ago by Gary Mold and Adrian Mays who have more than 40 years’ combined experience selling construction and agricultural equipment throughout Essex, Suffolk and Norfolk. The dealership stocks the Kubota KX and the Kubota U Series of tracked excavators, and has now expanded its range to include the Kubota RTV range of utility vehicles and the L and M series of tractors up to 170hp.

Aaron Graves, sales director at Hosplant Sales

As part of this expansion Aaron Graves has joined Hosplant Sales as a partner to improve on the dealer’s agricultural offerings and provide enhanced product support to its customers. Aaron brings over eight years’ experience in selling agricultural machinery from his previous roles.

Adrian Mays, managing director, Hosplant, explained, “Over the years Kubota has always delivered for Hosplant Sales and supplied the range of construction machinery our customers demand for their day to day needs. The company looks after us, and its range of machinery equipment is large enough for us to know that we have the right solutions for our customers. We look forward to expanding our range to include agricultural machinery and will showcase our latest range of Kubota equipment as a sponsor at the Essex Young Farmers Show at Boyton Hall on the 19th May.”

Rob Edwards, business development manager, Agriculture, Kubota UK, added, “The team at Hosplant Sales are committed to providing high-quality machinery and brilliant customer service to farmers and the construction industry in this key area, so the company is a perfect fit for our expanding dealer network.

"It is a business with a natural drive for success, and we are proud to be able to support them with our latest range of agricultural and construction machinery.”

Returning to the DoubleTree by Hilton Oxford Belfry this November, the Service Dealer Conference & Awards will benefit from Ibcos as Gold Sponsor.

The date of this year's event has been confirmed as Thursday November 21st 2019.

Ibcos's stand at the Service Dealer Conference in 2018

Service Dealer owner Duncan Murray-Clarke said, "We are delighted to announce Ibcos as Gold Sponsor for Service Dealer's Conference & Awards.

"Ibcos were with us last year as a Networking Sponsor and we couldn't be more pleased that for 2019 they have chosen to become a Gold Sponsor. We certainly have an excellent day in store for all our dealer delegates this year."

Ibcos are pleased to be involved in the conference again this year as it's an opportunity for them to meet their customers and other dealers in person and learn about their challenges and victories first-hand.

More details about this year's Service Dealer Conference & Awards will be announced in due course. 

Farmers have been urged to take extra care when using GPS systems with their tractors, following a surge of electricity-related agricultural accidents.

The Grantham Journal reported that Western Power Distribution (WPD) is warning that accidents involving electricity are endangering life and costing farmers thousands of pounds a year.

A recent GPS related crash between a tractor and pylon happened in Nottinghamshire - as pictured in the Grantham Journal

The paper said that every year, WPD responds to hundreds of incidents in which farm workers and / or vehicles have come into contact with electricity, usually overhead lines. One of these incidents took place at Flawborough near Grantham recently, when 1,300 homes were left without power after a tractor crashed into a pylon while using autosteer.

The pylon and lines were brought down. Nobody was injured in the accident.

According to the report the latest figures show that at least one agricultural accident involving overhead lines is reported every day - up by more than 100 a year, from 263 in 2013 to 378 in 2018.

In the last five years, there have been more than 1,140 near misses involving electricity on farmland.

Most accidents involve farm vehicles fitted with Sat Nav or other automated steering systems, which do not take into account poles, pylons and overhead lines nearby.

Ian Brooks, WPD Distribution Manager for South Lincolnshire, is quoted by the Grantham Journal as saying, “Thanks to data analytics, GPS and remote sensing, most tractors can now map a field, drive themselves and precisely calibrate their movements to minimise wasted fuel, fertiliser or seed. But, although automation works well in many ways, drivers still need to be diligent in the cab and not switch off.

“This campaign is all about working together. We want to give farmers the information and advice they need to be aware of the dangers and do their jobs safely so that we, in turn, can operate the network safely.”

The Telegraph this week also ran a story on the subject, quoting Stuart Roberts, vice president at National Farmers’ Union, as saying, “Knowing the heights and locations of power lines is essential, as is communicating this information to all staff and visitors to farms.”

Husqvarna has expanded its UK marketing team with the appointment of Samantha Collins as marketing specialist.

Based at the company’s UK headquarters in Newton Aycliffe, Country Durham, Samantha will be working alongside the marketing team, to they say, "drive the strategy for Husqvarna UK and support its business goals". Her areas of responsibility will include social, digital, email, PR, POS and retail, print and event management.

She joins with seven years full marketing mix experience having worked both in-house and in agency, delivering campaigns ranging across channels such as PPC, SEO, content, social and email as well as development and design. Her experience covers a range of industries including retail, technology, industrial, hospitality and education.

On joining the team, Samantha commented, “I’m thrilled to join the marketing team at such an innovative and forward-thinking organisation. With a strong heritage and exciting solution-driven goals for sustainability, it’s a great time to join the team and assist in driving communications.”

UK commercial director, Ken Brewster added, “We are happy to add to our marketing team and Samantha’s experience will help us to achieve our targets for this year and beyond. Investing in the right personnel is crucial to us as we continue to push forward with our business goals and provide innovative solutions to our customers.”

The Toro Company announced this week it has successfully completed its acquisition of privately held The Charles Machine Works, an Oklahoma corporation and the parent company of Ditch Witch and other brands in the underground construction market.

Ditch Witch

Known as 'The Underground Authority', Charles Machine Works designs, manufactures and sells a range of products to cover the full life-cycle of underground pipe and cable, including horizontal directional drills, walk and ride trenchers, utility loaders, vacuum excavators, asset locators, pipe rehabilitation solutions and after-market tools.

The acquisition, originally announced in February, brings together Toro’s portfolio of brands with Charles Machine Works’ understanding of the structures and systems that move resources across the globe, and the needs of underground construction professionals.

“We’re excited to welcome the men and women of Charles Machine Works to our team,” said Richard M. Olson, Toro’s chairman and chief executive officer. “As an organisation, our strategic priorities of profitable growth, operational excellence and empowering people are well aligned. We are confident that together, we will further strengthen our portfolio of market-leading brands, with a focus on our customers, a commitment to innovation and leveraging our best-in-class channel networks.

"I am very optimistic about the momentum our combined strengths, talents and resources will generate in the future, as we continue our focus on long-term value creation for all of our stakeholders.”

The purchase price was approximately $700 million, which was financed with new debt and borrowing under Toro’s existing credit facility.

At the 2019 Bauma trade fair which takes place next week in Munich, Germany (8-14 April 2019), Honda will be introducing its first GX commercial grade DC Power Pack.

Honda say they believe in sustainability and with this in mind, their engineers have been working on a battery-powered electric power source for professional applications such as construction equipment.

The main and most difficult condition, say the manufacturer, was that the product had to meet GX standards in terms of reliability and durability. 

The result is the eGX, which  is the first Honda 2kW electric power class model focused on specific professional applications where zero emissions is the main requirement.

Some of the benefits which the company claim for the engine are:

• Zero-emissions 2kW class ‘’GX-style’’ power unit
• Highly efficient electric motor with compact battery pack
• Easily interchangeable with GX gasoline engines (same mounting flange) for easy replacement (existing GX customers)
• GX commercial grade durability – shock-, dust-, and rain proof
• Low vibrations
• No maintenance

The 'integrated' type eGX

Depending on market demand and developments in battery technology, Honda say they plan to extend and strengthen the eGX line-up with larger models.

Two types will be launched:

• An ‘integrated’ type where the battery is positioned on top of the motor
• A ‘separate’ type where the layout is more flexible and modular, allowing adjustment to the OEM’s specific frame design

On Monday 25th February, Husqvarna announced the release of Husqvarna Automower® 435X AWD, an AI-enabled, robotic mower with all-wheel drive and smart home connectivity. This iconic, fully autonomous robotic lawn mower is designed to manage rough terrain and slopes with an incline of up to 70%, and works with Amazon Alexa, Google Home, IFTTT, and provides an open API for smart home integration. The product was launched at the Mobile World Congress (MWC) in Barcelona. MWC is the largest mobile event in the world, bringing together the latest innovations and leading-edge technology from more than 2,400 leading companies and attracts over 100,000 decision makers.

Husqvarna, the world leader in robotic mowers, has launched a game changing robotic mower for homeowners with challenging lawns and connected homes - Husqvarna Automower® 435X AWD. With an all-wheel drive system and a new unique body design with two connected bodies, Husqvarna Automower® 435X AWD robotic mower can climb steep slopes with an incline of up to 70%. To put the number in perspective, a black downhill slope has an incline of approximately 40-60 %, and the incline of a ski jump hill measures about 70 %. The new robotic mower from Husqvarna can manage areas of up to 3500 m2 and operates at very low noise level of 62 db.

“Husqvarna Automower® 435X AWD sets a new standard for robotic mowers, combining a perfect cut in “impossible gardens” with multiple product interactions, including conversational AI for Amazon Alexa and Google Home integration,” says Olle Markusson, Director Product Management at Husqvarna.

Husqvarna Automower® 435X AWD, and all other Husqvarna robotic mowers with Husqvarna Automower® Connect, are able to use voice commands via Amazon Alexa and Google Home. Via these voice-controlled speakers, the user can manage the mower. Advanced users can design their own program for the robotic mower via IFTTT or the open API. In addition, Husqvarna Automower® Connect also works with GARDENA SmartSystem, adding irrigation to the smart garden.

In addition to the built-in safety feature that automatically stops the mower if it is lifted up or turned over, Husqvarna Automower® 435X AWD is also equipped with several new features to increase safety. With Ultrasonic, a remote object detection feature, Husqvarna Automower® 435X AWD reduces its speed as soon as it senses a nearby object. Together with a front rubber bumper, Ultrasonic ensures a soft impact when the robotic mower comes in contact with an object. Husqvarna Automower® 435X AWD also has automatic passage handling and LED-headlights.

There are several optional accessories for Husqvarna Automower® 435X AWD, including replaceable top covers in white and orange as well as a brush kit that keeps the wheels clean to improve traction even more.

Husqvarna Automower® is the world leading robotic lawnmower since 1995, mowing public and residential lawns around the world, and known for its quiet and reliable handling of complex lawns. Husqvarna Automower® can easily handle steep slopes, automatically return to its charging station, as well as be controlled from anywhere in the world with connectivity.

Due to the machine’s self-fertilising cutting technique and light weight pivoting blades, grass does not require as much fertilisation when compared with other cutting techniques. Husqvarna Automower® cuts a small bit at a time but often which - coupled with the self-fertilising technique - means a denser, greener lawn, and also prevents moss.

Husqvarna Automower® 435X AWD is manufactured in the UK and will be available from April 2019 and has an RRP of £4,400.00 inc. VAT.

INCREASED REVENUE OPPORTUNITIES:

To add value and revenue to the Husqvarna Authorised dealer, Husqvarna Automower® range including the NEW Automower® 435X AWD can be offered with a 3 year warranty. The product must be registered, installed and serviced annually by an Authorised Husqvarna dealer for the extended warranty to apply. Product installation and servicing are very profitable methods of adding revenue to the product sale.

For further information on the Husqvarna Automower® 435X AWD and the rest of the Husqvarna Automower® range, please visit: www.husqvarna.com/uk/roboticmowers or contact your local Husqvarna area business manager.

www.husqvarna.com/uk

A ‘no outlay’ sales package is fast becoming popular with specialist dealers as the Swift ‘Dropshop’ on loan stand, that takes up only 2 foot square of floor space, manned with a full range of Swift 40v cordless products is creating new, extra profitable business with NGP Swift taking the financial strain whilst dealers sell the products, retain the profit and replace as and when sold.

At last, a manufacturer who is prepared to put their money where their mouth is, NGP is a well established manufacturer of garden machinery that recognises the need for manufacturers to take more responsibility for the promotion of their products.

Swift is the chosen brand for the UK and Europe and already the products are showing their worth in the market place with many dealers taking up the opportunity to benefit from the Swift ‘Dropshop’ system which also includes a ‘Dropship’ delivery service for all appointed dealers.

The 40v range includes 3 models of mowers, trimmer edger, blower, hedge trimmer, chainsaw, long reach pole saw and long reach hedge trimmer all interchangeable using one battery; all units, including the mowers can be bought bare or complete with battery and charger.

There are 3 models of 120v mowers 42cm 47cm and 48cm, plus 2 models of Robot mowers.

These are excellent quality products at extraordinarily competive prices.

Our aim is to work with 150 dealers strategically placed throughout the UK, to find out more call Ron Miller on 07853 005790 or e-mail ron.miller@ngpgroup.eu

Garden Trader is a product and dealer search website/directory only for specialist garden machinery dealers in the UK. It has been designed to support and promote our dealer industry to consumers who are specifically searching for garden machinery products and services.

It costs just £96 + VAT per year to be listed and all revenues in 2019 will be reinvested into promoting the site online.

Garden Trader

Join the country’s only independent specialist website, created by the team that bring you Service Dealer. Join our subscribed Garden Trader dealers now by clicking on “Register Dealership” and let's fight back against the zero value retailers.

Map of dealerships registered with Garden Trader

FIND OUT MORE