What would you, our valued dealer readers, say was the biggest shift in mowing habits in the past few years - both for your domestic and professional customers?

My guess is that it must be toss-up between either the growth of battery-powered products or the rise of robotics? From my observer's position it would seem that battery took off first and quickest. This seems to be backed up by the statistics too if we go by the results of EGO's Challenge 2025 campaign that we reported on last week.

As part of their recently published whitepaper, the manufacturer of cordless tools said that the percentage of petrol-powered equipment in use across Europe fell from 36% to 24% during the five years of their campaign. At the same time, they claim use of electric cordless equipment almost doubled, rising from 28% to 48%. 

So it doesn't seem too controversial a position to adopt, to say that battery powered outdoor machinery is now normalised, both in the minds of end-users, but crucially with dealers themselves.

If we're thinking about what is truly having its moment of ascendency right now though, that must be robotics. We discuss the topic regularly in Service Dealer. Just the other week we reported on Husqvarna being in the running for a couple of industry technology awards for their pioneering use autonomous mowing at the AIG Women’s Open at Royal Porthcaw last year. Whilst today we hear from Mower Magic who have been recognised by their international supplier, Mammotion, with a Regional Growth Award, presented for outstanding growth and market development here in the UK.

So today, we're running one of our brief dealer surveys, to gauge your thoughts on the how the technology is faring for your dealership.

In the domestic market, robotic mowers appear to have moved beyond a novelty for the latest tech obsessed customer. Improved reliability, quieter operation and the appeal of a 'hands off' form of lawn care have all contributed to growing consumer interest.

Crucially, the technology itself has changed. App connectivity, weather response, and obstacle detection are now expected rather than premium features, helping position robotic mowing as a lifestyle product rather than a technical novelty.

That said, do barriers remain? Are you finding for your local customers that upfront costs, perceived complexity, and garden suitability are still shaping buying decisions? Is the challenge perhaps, not explaining what a robotic mower is, but rather helping customers decide whether it is right for them?

We’re keen to understand whether you’ve seen a genuine uplift in domestic demand this season, and whether that demand is converting into repeat customers and after-sales.

On the professional side, the conversation is arguably more nuanced.

Editor of our sister title TurfPro, Laurence Gale, is constantly hearing that landscapers, local authorities and sports turf managers are actively exploring robotic solutions, driven in part by labour shortages and the need for consistent, repeatable results. In fact he wrote a blog on the subject entitled From Curiosity To Core Tools this very week.

However, adoption is far from universal. Questions around productivity, site suitability, fleet management and return on investment still influence decision-making.

For dealers, this raises important questions. Are professional customers enthusiastically investing, cautiously trailing, or simply watching from the sidelines? And how does after-sales support differ compared to traditional machinery?

A clear driver for the growth of robotics, in both the domestic and professional segments, are the advances in RTK GPS, vision systems and AI navigation. Now that the boundary-wire isn't really part of the buying decision making process, we've heard anecdotally that more customers are converting - especially those that were previously in the market for a lawn tractor (or a ride-on fairway mower).

So today we would love to hear of your recent experiences with the tech in your dealership? Has there been an obvious uptick, or is your community of buyers still showing caution? This time next week it is, of course, the start of the long Easter weekend - traditionally the start of domestic machinery dealers' season (and, just to say, a week off for your favourite industry Update). Are you expecting a rush on robots out of your doors?

Please take a few moments to answer our quick questions today. As ever there is also space to leave your thoughts on the subject and we will endeavour to publish as many as we have space for in the upcoming issue of the magazine.

Thanks in advance for your help - and all the best for a cracking Easter!

TAKE THE SURVEY

Service Dealer can confirm EGO 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.

David Mortimer the company's regional sales manager UK & Ireland, said, "As a brand built around innovation and sustainability, the theme of ‘Nature and Nurture in Business’ really resonates with us. Success in our industry comes from creating the right environment, supporting dealers, investing in people and building strong, long-term relationships. That’s why we’re proud to return as a Gold Sponsor and continue supporting Service Dealer and the wider Dealer community

Service Dealer owner, Duncan Murray-Clarke, added, "We are delighted to once again enjoy the support of our friends at EGO. They also recognise the importance of an independent dealer network and we can't wait to unveil further details of the specially curated content we shall experience together on the day."

EGO and David 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.

Case IH has announced the winners of its UK and Ireland Dealer of the Year Awards for 2025, celebrating dealer performance, customer service and commitment across its dealer network.

Farmstar Ltd, covering Yorkshire and North Lincolnshire, was named Overall UK Dealer of the Year, whilst All Ireland Dealer of the Year was Tobin & Cantwell Ltd, based in Co. Tipperary. Additional category winners were recognised across sales, service, parts and precision farming.

Case IH Dealer of the Year 2025 Category winners:

• Overall UK Dealer of the Year - Farmstar Ltd
• All Ireland Dealer of the Year - Tobin & Cantwell Ltd
• Farmlift Dealer of the Year - Cotswold Farm Machinery Ltd
• Precision Farming Dealer of the Year - Pontesbury Tractors Ltd
• Parts Dealer of the Year - GCS Agricentre
• Customer Experience Dealer of the Year - Pontesbury Tractors Ltd
• Over 260 TIV best market share growth - T H White ProAgri
• Under 260 TIV best market share growth - R.C. Dalgliesh Ltd
• Data Quality & Sales App Dealer of the Year - Stalham Engineering Co Ltd

David Rapkins, CNH Commercial Business Unit director UK & ROI said, “These awards reflect the exceptional work carried out across our dealer network throughout the year. Our dealers play a vital role in supporting customers, providing expertise, and representing the Case IH brand with professionalism and passion. We are proud to recognise their achievements and ongoing commitment to delivering outstanding service across the UK and Ireland.”

Buckhurst Plant Hire have recently added more than 110 new Takeuchi machines to its ever-growing rental fleet.

John Walsh chairman, Buckhurst Plant Hire and Jason Periam head of sales, Takeuchi UK

With depots from Rossendale, Leeds and Northants to West Lothian and Aberdeen in Scotland Buckhurst are one of the largest independent national plant hirers. An expanded fleet meets increased demand the company says they are experiencing nationwide in sectors including renewable energy, overhead power and utilities predominantly the water industry’s AMP8 cycle which includes several key projects across the UK.

The new additions include 100 excavators weighing in from 1 to 15-tonne including 10xTB210R, 20xTB325R, 15xTB230, 30xTB260, 20xTB290-2 and 15xTB2150R models. In addition, ten of the latest TCR50-3 tracked dumpers will be ready for lifting platform conversions and cranes

The new machines will have additional Andy’s Man Club branding to full effect. Buckhurst have championed AMC for many years and fully supports their campaign focussing on key issues for Men’s Mental Health and getting men talking.

John Walsh, chairman of Buckhurst Plant Hire commented, “Our machines are seen on roads and sites across the UK, and it just might be a prompt to help someone make a change. In the male-dominated construction and plant hire sector this campaign is needed more than ever, and we are happy to promote Andy's Man Club across our fleet.”

Mower Magic directors John and Jez Hall, along with national sales manager, Samuel Mant, recently flew out to Shenzhen, China for the Mammotion distributor conference - where they were awarded the Regional Growth Award, presented for outstanding growth and market development in the UK.  

 
Jez said, “I’m genuinely delighted to receive this award. Mammotion has been a fantastic partner from day one - their products are exceptional, and working with them has been nothing but positive. I’d like to thank the entire Mammotion team for their continued support. And a special thanks to our own Mower Magic team; they really are like family, and their hard work and dedication make achievements like this possible. We’re incredibly excited for the 2026 season and everything it promises.” 
 
John Hall, added, "To be recognised on a global stage by such a fast-growing and innovative brand is incredibly rewarding for both myself and the Mower Magic team."
 
This award was presented during the first Distributor Conference for the brand where they celebrated the growth and progression of the company and products. The purpose of the award ceremony was to recognise the regions that are contributing to the overall success of the brand. 

Powercut (Wales) Ltd is has announced its appointment as an authorised dealer for Honda Lawn & Garden machinery.

L-R: Dan Brown, Powercut managing director; Jamie Glover, Honda area sales manager; Sean Brown, dealer principal

The dealership says becoming an authorised dealer for the brand marks an important milestone for themselves. In a statement they said, "The addition of Honda’s lawn and garden range now complements Powercut’s existing portfolio of high-quality groundcare equipment. Customers across South West Wales will now benefit from access to Honda’s industry-leading products, through Powercut’s unique sales strategy."

The statement continued, "It was great for us to be approached by Honda, as we can now put our own input into showing our customers here in South Wales the quality and performance of this terrific brand."

Powercut concluded, "The appointment as an authorised Honda Lawn & Garden dealer reflects our continued investment in growth, staff training and infrastructure. By aligning with another globally respected brand, our well-established and renowned John Deere dealership is reinforcing its commitment to offering customers the absolute best in performance, reliability and aftersales care."

Redexim and Russells Groundcare have announced a significant expansion of their long-standing partnership, with Russells now taking on responsibility for Yorkshire and Lincolnshire in addition to their existing Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire territory.

Andy O’Neil, regional manager at Redexix said of Russells, “In the four years since they’ve become a Redexim partner, we’ve never had any issues. They’re professional and they’re well known and well thought of by their customers. There was nobody else we wanted to go to for covering the area.”

For Russells Groundcare, the expansion presents a major opportunity to strengthen their offering to professional turf customers across the region. Sales manager Mark Willerton says the chance to take on a larger territory aligned perfectly with their own ambitions.

“The opportunity came to expand our area - having the franchise for Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire already, this opportunity arose and we grabbed it with both hands,” Mark says. “Taking on the wider Redexim range gives us some unique products we’ve not had before, and it’s an exciting opportunity.”

Both companies agree that the extended partnership isn’t just about product reach - it’s about strengthening support for end users. 

“We really pride ourselves on our aftersales service,” Mark continued. “You sell the first machine, but you earn the chance to sell the second one based on your aftersales support. That’s something we’re absolutely focused on.”

Massey Ferguson has announced changes to its dealer network in South East Scotland, with Carr’s Billington extending its trading area to include the borders and Lothian regions. The move increases the Carr’s trading area for Massey products by around 10%.

Carr's Billington's Penrith depot

MF’s South East Scotland area was previously run by Scot Agri, who remains an MF dealer across Angus, Aberdeenshire and parts of Moray. Its Kelso depot will remain active on AGCO’s system until 30th June to facilitate a smooth transition for customers.

Tom Jobling, machinery director at Carr’s Billington, said, “We’ve been a Massey Ferguson dealer for over 30 years and already operate with the brand across eight depots in northern England and Scotland. Our existing team is well placed to support the new customers as we take on the bigger area, with further staff additions planned as the changes take effect.

“The business, under our feed and rural supplies division, already has four sites across the new area, so we’re already known and can support farmers and growers as required. The machinery sales and support will be handled from the Morpeth depot initially, and a formal announcement on a permanent location in the new area will follow soon.”

Tim Walters, brand manager for Massey Ferguson UK and Ireland, added, “Carr’s Billington is steeped in MF heritage and is purely focussed on selling the brand, so we’re delighted to increase its area and improve MF’s visibility in a key location.”

Tillage-Live returns on Thursday 17th September 2026, taking place at Chrishall Grange in Cambridgeshire, by permission of Law Farming.

After a two-year hiatus, introduced at the request of exhibitors, the cultivation-focused demonstration event's pause allowed organisers and industry partners to review the format and timing of the event.

The AEA who organise the event on behalf of industry exhibitors, say it brings together farmers, machinery manufacturers and industry leading experts, offering the opportunity to see the latest equipment operating in real field conditions. The event showcases a comprehensive range of crop establishment technology all demonstrated side-by-side in the field.

Kayleigh Holden, AEA event organiser explained, “Following feedback from our exhibitors, we took the decision to pause the event to ensure it remains commercially viable and operationally effective for all involved. We’re delighted to confirm that Tillage-Live will return in 2026 at Chrishall Grange, continuing its role as the UK’s leading national event dedicated to live cultivation machinery demonstrations.”

The 2026 event will provide:

• Live, in-field machinery demonstrations
• Direct access to manufacturers and industry experts
• Practical insight into soil management, establishment systems and cultivation technologies

AL-KO Gardentech is proud to announce the launch of its new entry level EASY tractor range, complimenting the trusted high-performance COMFORT and PREMIUM ranges to offer a tailored solution for every customer, at every price point.

Stewart Anderson, Managing Director of AL-KO Gardentech UK commented -

“The new EASY tractor range is something we have been missing over recent years. As part of our growth strategy, we can now offer a quality garden tractor platform at every pricepoint. Since announcing the new range at Groundsfest we have been blown away by the response from dealers, first shipments were completely sold out and new stock arrives in 2 weeks so I would highly recommend ordering now to avoid disappointment.”

The EASY range includes four new models with rear collect and side discharge variants. The price opening AL-KO models feature manual and CVT transmissions while the Solo by AL-KO models feature hydrostatic transmissions with foot pedal drive. All models include LED headlights, high back seat, heavy duty bumper, tow hitch and mulch plug as standard, and all models are powered by premium AL-KO engines.

As with all AL-KO tractors, the EASY models feature a comprehensive 5 year warranty (subject to annual service) and full spare parts support with the majority of parts available for next day delivery.

AL-KO EASY T13-86.6 M-A
Art. No. AK114115
RRP £2,159.00

Type - Rear Collect
Cutting Width - 86cm / 34”
Engine - AL-KO PRO 400 (352cc)
Transmission - Manual (5F/1R)
Cutting Height - 7 stage 30-90mm
Collector - 250 Litre
Mulching - Yes

Solo by AL-KO EASY T14-86.6 HD-A
Art. No. AK127818
RRP £2,699.00

Type - Rear Collect
Cutting Width - 86cm / 34”
Engine - AL-KO PRO 450 (452cc)
Transmission - Hydrostatic (Foot Pedal)
Cutting Height - 7 stage 30-90mm
Collector - 250 Litre
Mulching - Yes

AL-KO EASY T13-92.6 CS-A
Art. No. AK114116
RRP £1,949.00

Type - Side Discharge
Cutting Width - 92cm / 36”
Engine - AL-KO PRO 400 (352cc)
Transmission - CVT
Cutting Height - 7 stage 30-90mm
Side Discharge - Yes
Mulching - Yes

Solo by AL-KO EASY T14-92.6 HDS-A
Art. No. AK127819
RRP £2,399.00

Type - Side Discharge
Cutting Width - 92cm / 36”
Engine - AL-KO PRO 450 (452cc)
Transmission - Hydrostatic (Foot Pedal)
Cutting Height - 7 stage 30-90mm
Side Discharge - Yes
Mulching - Yes

The introduction of the new EASY tractor platform, alongside additional new products in petrol lawnmower, robotic lawnmower and battery categories, highlights AL-KO’s strong commitment to innovation, dealer success, and customer satisfaction. These developments position the brand for sustained growth in 2026 and beyond.

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

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.  

This site was purpose-built just for skilled servicing ground care dealers by the team that bring you Service Dealer Magazine. It is easy and quick to register and costs just £96 + VAT per year for a full listing.

Since the site launched over 7 years ago, it has raised the profile of listed dealers to well over half a million potential customers and as the site is designed to promote the UK dealer network, all revenues have continued to be reinvested into promoting the site online and so supporting the dealer network.

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