The question of warranty - and whether dealers are getting a fair deal - is subject of continued interest and emotion.
It's that time of year when there is plenty going on for our dealer readers - and indeed for ourselves here at Service Dealer.
Following on from last week's SALTEX (who have announced their official attendance figures this week), the team at your favourite magazine dedicated to the dealer network has been full-steam ahead, preparing for our Conference & Awards in a couple of weeks. It's looking like another absolutely cracking event for our dealer delegates! You can check out the agenda for the day's activities here - and can be safe in the knowledge that following on in the evening, we shall be celebrating our wonderful network in quite some style!
Beyond that, we have been putting the finishing touches to a comprehensive Digital Special Report, covering this year's Equip show in Louisville, Kentucky. This will be published very soon and is packed with video content to give UK dealers a flavour of what to expect from the OPEI's mammoth show should they choose to attend in the coming years. The report is brimming with chats with U.S dealers, manufacturers, trade associations and business trainers. You can view a trailer ahead of its release, below
And on top of that, we are hard at work on your first magazine for 2026. This will contain reports from trade shows around the world (SALTEX, Equip and Agritechnica); full coverage of our Conference & Awards; further analysis of the Plant Hire & Construction sector; a profile of a dealership fully immersed in getting the robotic mowing message out to their commercial customers - plus all our regular features.
Warranty woes?
Also included in the Jan-Feb '26 edition will be a fascinating and timely article written by industry expert Keith Christian, examining whether dealers are currently receiving a fair deal with warranty? Keith has been researching his piece by speaking to many dealers based around the country, as well as drawing upon his years of industry experience and knowledge - so you can expect a balanced and well-reasoned story.
I won't spoil or preempt Keith's findings, but it seems accurate to say that warranty can be one of the most emotive subjects for dealers. Judging by the conversations we hear at events and in our day-to-day discussions with dealers, warranty processes remain a sore point that can pretty much guarantee a strong reaction from anyone within the industry.
Therefore we are always fascinated to gauge our readers thoughts around this topic, which is why we are running a brief survey to gather your feedback today. We last asked you to share your opinions at this time last year, so we’re keen to understand whether anything has shifted over the past 12 months?
When we asked for your views previously, the majority of respondents shared clear frustrations. A handful of representative quotes we received included:
"Some companies are making warranty claims procedures very difficult. I suspect it is to make it more unlikely for dealers to lodge a claim."
"Agricultural machinery manufacturers significantly impact their dealers when they fail to provide adequate warranty reimbursement and process payments promptly."
"Warranty is a huge cost to the business, not only are the rates greatly reduced compared to our standard charge out rate, it reduces available hours to charge out at the higher rate for routine service work and repairs."
"Manufacturers’ allowed times are unrealistic. They seem to be based on a 'perfect world' scenario."
Some strong words there. And I'm not just cherry-picking the most extreme. I don't think we had a single response in praise of manufacturers - but please, if you do have great experiences with your suppliers, let us know.
All your responses to our survey are entirely anonymous, so do speak freely. As ever we shall publish the results and as many of your comments as we can in the next issue of the magazine.
In our WEB ONLY story dealer says the new centre, which will offer sales support in 2026, will give them a faster turnaround time for their professional customers.
Dealer says purchase expands its RTK network and ensures Rea Valley customers continue to receive reliable signals.
Tallis Amos Group has announced the acquisition of the Rea Valley Tractors RTK base station network, which they say strengthens its precision agriculture offering across the Midlands and beyond.
RTK correction signals enhance the accuracy of GPS-equipped agricultural machinery, enabling repeatable pass-to-pass precision for farmers and contractors.
Matthew Thompson, tech ops & aftermarket director of Tallis Amos Group, said, "This acquisition allows Tallis Amos to expand its RTK network, ensuring Rea Valley customers who have invested in RTK hardware continue to receive reliable, high-precision correction signals. It underscores our commitment to supporting modern, technology-driven agriculture."
Users of the Rea Valley RTK network have been advised to contact the Tallis Amos Precision Technology helpline on 07893 933 804 to register their details and maintain access. Over the coming months, the TAG Tech team say they will also update SIM cards in customers’ machines as required.
Manufacturer says crowds are flocking to see a special 80th birthday installation at their HQ.
JCB say crowds are flocking to see a special 80th birthday installation at their lakeside HQ in Staffordshire - a full-sized digger presented as if it were a scale model.
Visitors have been marvelling at the ingenious display which has an eight-tonne JCB 3CX Sitemaster backhoe loader packaged in the style of the iconic 1:32 scale models.
The special ‘Backhoe in a Box’ has been unveiled as part of JCB’s 80th anniversary celebrations and will be on display beside the JCB lake at Rocester until January. Its stands nearly 15 feet high by nearly 25 feet wide. It is also lit at night.
The exhibit also marks a milestone in JCB’s history: more than one million replica models of its machines have been produced under TOMY’s Britains brand, celebrating nearly 60 years of partnership between the two companies.
JCB deputy chairman George Bamford said, “Scale models of our iconic machines have been a part of the JCB family for as long as I can remember. The ‘Backhoe in a Box’ at JCB’s World HQ is an amazing tribute to our market-leading backhoe and is a truly spectacular sight.”
TOMY Europe MD Mary Wood added, “The most successful Britains JCB replica model has been the backhoe loader, so TOMY is delighted to see this product in the form of this giant model displayed at the JCB World Headquarters in Staffordshire.”
The GMA have announced the official attendance figures for November's staging of their SALTEX show.
The GMA have announced the official attendance figures for 2025's SALTEX show as being 7,463 - which is a slight increase on the "7300+" cited for 2024.
Geoff Webb, Grounds Management Association CEO, said, "SALTEX is a cornerstone of our industry. Every year it brings together the right people and the latest innovations that drive grounds management forward. What makes SALTEX truly unique is that at its core is an exhibition built by the few to serve the many. It’s had challenges such as COVID, new entrants, and defied decades of change built by grounds staff, providing a high quality and professional shop window for our sector and those that supply into it, those that work in it and those that elevate others - be that through education or agronomic advice it is a show truly by the industry, for the industry.
"That means when someone chooses to exhibit or attend SALTEX, they’re directly contributing to the future of the profession. This year’s event was a powerful reminder of what we can achieve when we come together with purpose. The energy, the quality of conversations and the appetite for progress were clear across the show floor. Great business was done with numerous comments about the high quality of leads and connections. We changed it up and we have had a great response as a result. A great team effort all round."
The GMA have also confirmed that next year’s edition will be a landmark celebration, marking the 80th SALTEX. Taking place on 11-12 November 2026 at NEC Birmingham, they saty it will honour eight decades of progress within the grounds management industry.
Company says they will be selling the drills through specialist dealers and direct to farm.
Opico has announced that they have added the Simtech range of direct drills to its portfolio of products.
A mix of specialist grassland seedersand more mainstream arable machines, the line-up includes straightforward mechanical box-drills and wider, more sophisticated pneumatic units.
The Simtech brand was established by George Simon in 2005, its trademark feature being an opener disc in front of a distinctive, patented T-slot coulter. Opico say the drills are known for their ability to consistently place seed at a uniform depth in its own micro-environment.
Having taken over the reins, the company say they will maintain the established Simtech hybrid distribution model selling the drills through specialist dealers and direct to farm.
The Lincs-based distributor has set up a web shop where customers can purchase wearing metal and spare parts which can be delivered direct to the farm the next day.
Managing director James Woolway said, “OPICO has a proven track record with no-till crop establishment equipment and can see great potential with the Simtech range in helping farmers work towards cost-effective, financially sustainable arable and forage crop production."
Technical support will be provided through the Opico service team with over-the-phone advice as well as a team of field-based technicians.
Dealer describes their new product range as being a great fit with the existing brands they already sell.
Vicon has appointed Menai Tractors of Dinas, Caernarfon, to its dealer network, extending availability of their product portfolio throughout North Wales and Anglesey.
L-R: Robert Jones of Menai Tractors with Vicon area sales manager Grant Williams
Robert Jones, managing director of the family-run dealership, said he was proud to have taken on the range, which gives the business access to a range of grassland machinery that compliments its New Holland tractor franchise.
“We’re delighted to add the Vicon portfolio to our business,” explained Robert Jones. “Vicon is a well-established premium brand with a strong reputation, and its extensive product range is going to be a great fit with the existing brands we already sell.”
With 14 staff and six technicians on the road, Menai Tractors say they are well-placed to provide a level of service and backup its customers have come to expect from such a hands-on dealership.
Dan Crowe, Vicon managing director, added, “We’re delighted to have added this well-known machinery dealer to handle sales, service and support for new and existing Vicon customers across North Wales and Anglesey.”
Manufacturer strengthens its partnership with vehicle security specialist Datatool.
Yamaha UK has strengthened its partnership with vehicle security specialist Datatool to help protect its customers’ ATVs from the rising threat of theft.
According to the NFU Mutual Rural Crime Report 2021, agricultural vehicle theft costs the sector £53.3 million annually, with ATVs alone accounting for £2.5 million.
Under the new initiative, every new Yamaha ATV will come with a Datatool GPS/GSM tracking unit included. The system offers real-time alerts and is monitored by a dedicated centre, helping to ensure rapid recovery of stolen machines. Datatool reports a 96% recovery rate on ATVs fitted with its system.
Dan Palmer, Yamaha UK RVGC manager, said, “ATV theft is a serious concern for our customers. Partnering with Datatool allows us to provide a tangible solution and genuine peace of mind.”
The Datatool unit is NFU-approved, which can also result in favourable insurance terms. While fitting costs and an annual subscription for monitoring apply, Yamaha UK emphasises that the protection far outweighs the financial and operational impact of theft.
The Gold Parts App is a powerful mobile application designed to help dealerships’ parts teams work smarter, faster, and more efficiently, whether on-site, in the warehouse, or on the move.
The Gold Parts App is a powerful mobile application designed to help dealerships’ parts teams work smarter, faster, and more efficiently, whether on-site, in the warehouse, or on the move.
With the Gold Parts App, your parts team can carry out a parts enquiry, receive parts and conduct stock checks instantly, reducing manual processes and saving valuable time.
Key Benefits:
Go Mobile and Paperless
Access real-time Gold data on smartphones, tablets, laptops, or desktops.
Eliminate handwritten records and trips back to the terminal for data entry.
Speed up processes with instant updates for pricing, stock levels, and availability.
Streamline Parts Management
Search by part name, number, or barcode (Bluetooth scanner compatible).
View detailed part information, including stock levels, depot locations, pricing, and more.
Receive stock, track inter-depot transfers, and update part quantities, all in one place.
Conduct and finalise stock checks directly in the app.
Empower Your Team
Track parts usage, serial numbers, and update bin locations digitally.
Reduce errors with on-screen prompts and a straightforward, intuitive interface.
Cut down on duplicated tasks, minimise errors and keep records consistent.
Improve Efficiency and Accuracy
Remove the need for unsupported PDAs or third-party solutions.
Stock updates and transfers are synchronised in real-time to Gold.
Increase the accuracy of your stocktaking process and eliminate manual rekeying.
With Gold Parts App your parts department can operate freely, reduce administrative time, and focus on what really matters: keeping stock accurate and available when it’s needed.
Run your parts department smarter, faster, and fully mobile.
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The latest independent research showed that on average, each Garden Trader dealer will be sent 114 new customers (or people with a buying intention walking through your door) per year. This works out at 83p for each new customer. A subscription rate designed to be all inclusive delivering unrivalled online results.
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To provide full technical and repair support to end user customers of the brands distributed by Reesink UK enhancing the service standards and product satisfaction of end users.
To cover the area from Birmingham to the South coast of the UK promoting/selling Toro Golf, Res Comm, & Perrot irrigation products and complete system sales.
