Rather than concentrate on the weather and the lack of sales again this week, let's think on to the time when dealerships will be buzzing once more - with workshops packed out and high-ticket items flying out the doors like hot cakes!

The question then is, have you got enough staff to cope? If not, where is the new blood coming from?

It's a perennial issue which the industry is constantly wrestling with. How do you encourage young people to take up a career in outdoor powered machinery?

One route is of course, manufacturer's apprenticeship programmes. And you may have already seen there's some encouraging news about one of those in today's Update. John Deere have announced that their Ag Tech, Parts Tech and Turf Tech advanced apprenticeship programmes this year have seen a 60 per cent increase in participants compared to last year’s intake. That's a total of 54 young service technicians now being trained by the company. 

One would assume that number has the potential to increase in subsequent years. And with other manufacturers offering similar courses, there's a decent seam of new, young talent there who'll soon be entering the workplace, with some outstanding levels of knowledge and skills.

Other positive news is that we heard a couple of weeks ago of the LE-TEC organised workshop which was outlining the new Trailblazer Apprenticeship standards. Having suffered from some bureaucratic confusion for a number years, the industry is now clear about the two Land-based Engineering approved Trailblazer apprenticeships. These being Level 2 LBSE ‘Service Engineer’ Apprentice (18 – 24 months) and Level 3 LBSE ‘Technician’ Apprentice (36 – 48 months).

All dealers need to know about each Trailblazer is outlined in two documents, The Apprenticeship Standard and The Apprenticeship Assessment Plan. All the appropriate documents relating to them can be viewed on the IfA website.

Hopefully these standards will mean that more dealers will feel enabled to take on more apprentices. I know some dealers talk of being disappointed with apprentices they have employed in the past, who have moved on to pastures new (and more lucrative), following time and money being invested in their development. It would be great to think that with these new structures in place, departures such as that will become less common.

And of course another route which some dealers find success with is offering work experience placements to young people from schools and colleges. I remember when I was sent out on work experience from school in around 1991 I guess - it was dreadful. I was sat around feeling awkward, with little to no direction from the employer, occasionally given meaningless tasks to simply fill the time. 

Those days should be long gone. A wise employer should be well aware if they can engage their work experience student with an interesting and challenging placement in their dealership, from the young person's point of view they could be forging valuable links with a potential employer, developing their industry knowledge and enhancing their wider skills base.

Whilst from the dealer's perspective, if they've got the right candidate, they should benefit from additional resources, a fresh new viewpoint and energy and, hopefully, future talent.

But what are you finding in your dealership at the moment? Are you taking on apprentices? Have work experience youngsters proved successful? Or do you have another means of attracting fresh blood?

It would be great if you could let us know how bringing in new people to your business is working out for you. Please leave a comment below.

Husqvarna Group has announced it will further increase focus and efforts on its future premium product and service offerings under the core brands of Husqvarna and Gardena while decisive steps are taken to resolve the underperforming Consumer Brands Division.

The presence in certain consumer segments will be exited. As a consequence of the future direction, the Consumer Brands division will be dissolved into the Husqvarna and Gardena divisions.

However, responding to Service Dealer's enquiry as to how this may affect UK dealers, Glen Instone, Vice President Global Sales & Service, Husqvarna Division, said, "This restructuring will have very little impact on the UK operations. The Husqvarna division in the UK serving the servicing dealers with the Husqvarna Brand is unaffected.

"The Consumer Brands Division will be folded into the Gardena operations within our EMEA and APAC region. The UK Consumer brands offering remains strong - the Flymo Brand has a strong heritage in the UK and will see this as an attractive brand going forward."

The international statement issued by the Group continued saying Husqvarna Group will gradually exit from low price point product segments and brands, particularly in petrol powered walk-behind lawnmowers and garden tractors. The extent of the exits and associated adjustments to the manufacturing footprint and brand portfolio are being reviewed. The changes will be realised in two steps, as customer commitments for the 2019 season will be honoured. The second step for 2020 is being reviewed. The net sales impact for 2019 is close to SEK 2 billion but will have a favourable impact on the Group’s operating margin.

“We will focus our remaining consumer forest and garden operations in North America to areas where we have proven to bring customer value, such as in handheld products, premium garden tractors, zero-turn lawnmowers and particularly robotic lawnmowers. The reorganisation will facilitate reallocation of resources towards these offerings that have greatest potential for growth and profitability”, said Kai Wärn, President and CEO of Husqvarna Group.

“Exiting non-core segments and brands is a decisive step to reduce complexity in the Group which will enable us to put even stronger focus on our high margin business in Husqvarna and Gardena. As a consequence, we will dissolve our Consumer Brands Division into the Husqvarna and Gardena divisions”, Kai continued.

The North American operations of the Consumer Brands Division will be folded into the Husqvarna Division and the European and Asian operations will fold into the Gardena Division. Such changes will start immediately and will be fully implemented by year-end. Accordingly, the external financial segment reporting will be changed as of January 1, 2019. The goodwill is not expected to be affected.

Additional information and details on the outcome of the review, including onetime items that will impact both income statement and cash flow for 2018, are expected to be communicated latest at the Group’s interim report for the third quarter 2018 on October 20.

The Construction division is not affected by the changes.

SDF has appointed Graham Barnwell as its new UK and Ireland country manager.

Graham Barnwell

Graham has spent most of his career working with the after sales side of the SLH Group and subsequently with the SDF Group since its inception in 1997. Until 2003 he held the position of service manager with the company.

Various product and marketing roles followed within the organisation until he was promoted to Group UK marketing manager in 2010, which was a position he held until sales management responsibilities were added in January 2018.

The company says with more than 15 years experience gained in sales and marketing within the SDF Group means Graham Barnwell has the appropriate credentials to take them forward in the UK and to face the numerous opportunities and challenges that exist within the combine and small, medium and large horsepower tractor market sectors.

A total of 54 young service technicians are being trained in this year’s John Deere Ag Tech, Parts Tech and Turf Tech advanced apprenticeship programmes, run in partnership with national training provider ProVQ – a increase of just over 60 per cent on the previous year’s intake.

John Deere has also been listed for the second consecutive time in 2018 as one of the best 100 employers for school leavers in the UK, the only agricultural and turf machinery company to be so recognised. The AllAboutSchoolLeavers.co.uk’s Top 100 Employers for School & College Leavers rankings are based entirely on the opinions of apprentices and school leaver trainees from hundreds of UK organisations.

Groups of the latest Ag, Parts and Turf Tech trainees on John Deere’s apprenticeship programmes

John Deere’s and ProVQ’s successive annual awards were made in recognition of their programmes’ quality and the opportunities they present to young people working productively in the agricultural and turf sectors.

“We have beaten some very strong competition from other household names, coming first for an engineering and manufacturing company and third overall in the Best Intermediate Apprenticeship Programme category in 2017,” said ProVQ managing director Julian Lloyd.

“We’ve also been recognised in the Advanced Apprenticeships and Engineering categories this year. To be recognised as one of the country’s top 100 employers for school leavers, as judged by the apprentices themselves, makes us all very proud of our achievements.”

John Deere’s three-year Ag Tech and Turf Tech and two-year Parts Tech apprenticeships lead to IMI Level 2 & 3 Diplomas in Landbased Engineering and Vehicle Parts Competence, and registration at LTA Intermediate level in the industry’s Landbased Training Accreditation scheme. In subsequent years qualified technicians undergo further education and adult training within the John Deere University programme, on a career path that can ultimately lead to the highest possible LTA Master Technician accreditation.

Now in its 26th year, Ag Tech was the first such scheme to be introduced in the UK and won a National Training Award at the end of 1997, the only one ever made to an agricultural machinery apprenticeship programme. Since the first programme started in 1992, well over 700 apprentices have graduated through the three main schemes and are now working in the company’s nationwide dealer network.

STIHL GB has announced a number of new appointments which they say continues to further strengthen their sales team to support its growing dealer network across Great Britain.

Heading up the expanded sales team is Wayne Stone who was recently promoted to National Sales Manager. Wayne has a wealth of experience with STIHL having joined the brand in 1999. Since then, he has held numerous operational and sales positions within the company.

To support this growth programme, Murray Syme has recently joined the STIHL sales team as Area Sales Manager for North Scotland. In addition, STIHL has appointed two new merchandisers - Tom Waldron and Ryan Crawley.

Robin Lennie, Managing Director at STIHL GB, said, “At a time when many businesses are tightening their belts, we are excited to be expanding the support we offer to our dealer network. Wayne and his team of sales professionals - together with the wider team here at STIHL - will ensure that we continue to support the industry with first class sales, marketing and training initiatives.”

In the 96˚F (35.5 ˚C) heat of Colorado, Walker Mowers welcomed over 2,500 guests from across nine countries and the U.S, to a reunion at their 60 acre site, to celebrate 40 years of the creation of the Walker Mower and the production of their 150,000th commercial lawnmower.

During the three days visitors were able to take a factory tour, witness a parade of vintage Walker vehicles, drive machines around a permanent purpose built test ground that shows the Walker Advantage and participate in the Walker World Championship - an obstacle course designed to test the skills and ability of operators. In addition to this there were helicopter rides and hot air balloons for the guests to enjoy. As well as all this there was time to relax, discuss sales and conditions in various markets from around the world and enjoy good food and entertainment from local and international country music bands. It all made for a successful event.

Bob Walker, company president, thanked visitors for their dedication and support that helped the company reach this milestone in their manufacturing history. He shared with visitors where the company had come from, where they were today and where, with the third generation of this family business, they want to be in the future.

The special livery 150,000th mower has a limited production and is produced in special two tone grey livery. The limited production run is being sold on a first come first served basis.

A spokesman for the UK distributor of Walker Mowers, told Service Dealer, "In a difficult year for grass conditions, with snow in April and the hottest June on record for Northern Ireland and Wales and the 4th hottest for both England and Scotland, we are pleased to report that sales have increased in the first six months over the previous 12 months. Active demonstrations with dealers have identified new customer types, both commercial and private users and it is with this sales increase in mind that we have enlarged the stand at this year's SALTEX exhibition (Birminham NEC Oct31 / Nov1) and confirmed the attendance at the Holiday Park and Resort Exhibition (Birmingham NEC Nov 7/8).

Vincent Tractors and Plant has been awarded Gold for Kubota Dealer Service Excellence for Construction.

The Fraddon based Cornish machinery supplier was presented the award, which are assessed and presented every two years by Kubota. The awards are based on dealer equipment, facilities, commitment to training and, most importantly, customer service.

L-R: Steve Harrison (Kubota), Andrew Hoddinott, Alec Vincent, Matthew Hodge, Rob Wilkins (Kubota)

The Kubota customer satisfaction survey is submitted to customers after every product sold and is used to rate the service department of every Kubota dealer.

“We were delighted to receive this award,” said Alec Vincent, Vincent Tractors and Plant’s Finance Manager.

“This award helps to highlight the high standards of customer service and professionalism that we offer to our construction customers. We take our time to make sure that they get the right machine for the job, but we also have award-winning customer service to back them up. The whole team here are dedicated to making sure that our customers receive the best possible customer experience.”

“Earlier this year we changed our company name to Vincent Tractors and Plant to better reflect the nature of the business as the construction side accounts for a significant share of total sales. We also wanted to demonstrate our ongoing support to our construction customers.”

The awards were presented to Vincent Tractors and Plant staff by Steve Harrison, Kubota Regional Service Representative for Construction and Rob Wilkins, Kubota Regional Service Representative for Agriculture and Groundcare.

Vincent Tractors and Plant were also awarded a Silver for Kubota Dealer Service Excellence for Agriculture and Groundcare.

Ariens Company has announced the appointment of Masport to represent the company and the Ariens and Gravely brands in New Zealand, Australia and Oceania countries.

Ariens is a family owned business manufacturing snow blowers, lawn tractors and zero-turn mowers for commercial and high end consumer markets. The US company, which has been manufacturing since 1933, acquired the Countax and Westwood garden tractor business in the UK in 2010 and formed a UK and European base.

“Ariens are delighted to secure this new partnership with Masport in the Australia and New Zealand territories,” says Darren Spencer, Ariens Company Vice President EMEA and Asia, “during our discussions it quickly became apparent that Ariens Company and Masport Ltd’s principles of doing business are well-aligned, both companies share a commitment to forming long-term partnerships and creating responsible and sustained business growth.”

The Masport business began in New Zealand in 1910 and became an iconic New Zealand brand that is renowned in both New Zealand and Australia for lawn mowers and barbecues. Masport also supplies under its Masport and Morrison brands’ other products such as ride-on mowers, various other outdoor power equipment and barbecues.

Masport managing director Steve Hughes in front of the Masport building in Auckland, New Zealand

“Masport is excited about this new relationship with Ariens to distribute and provide after sales service for their products in our home region.” says Steve Hughes, managing director of Masport Ltd. “We see the Ariens and Gravely brands to be a perfect match with our current portfolio of quality products and this will allow us to offer an extended and wider product line to our specialist dealer base.

“Masport are proud to be commencing a partnership with a company that is aligned with Masport’s values and we see tremendous future growth opportunities in Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific Island region for their quality line of Zero Turn machines”.

In 2017, Masport became part of the AL-KO Gardentech Group based in Germany, which enabled them to add to their product offering with items such as water pumps & robot mowers. The company has offices in New Zealand and Australia and distributes to over 45 countries worldwide.

“Masport is a highly respected distributor of high-quality power equipment with an outstanding reputation within the local dealer network for exceptional service and support,” adds Darren Spencer, “I have no doubt that Masport will provide exceptional representation of the Ariens and Gravely brands.”

Polaris announced the winners of their ‘Ultimate Ranger Experience’ competition recently.

The company launched the competition in May to celebrate the 20th anniversary of their Ranger utility vehicle. Entrants were given the chance to win an ‘Ultimate Ranger Experience’, by uploading a picture and caption showing their own personal Ranger experience.

Winning picture of a Ranger being used by NHS North West emergency response services

The competition received over 320 entries throughout May and June from 36 participating countries across Europe, Middle East and Africa, to be selected for one of the two European experiences. The top 3 finalists were selected from each country before being reviewed by a panel of judges, including a representative from Polaris Industrial Design in the USA, to select the winners. The judges were looking for authenticity, inspiration and enthusiasm for the brand.

Rodrigo Lourenco, Vice President and General Manager of Polaris Off-Road Vehicles EMEA, said: “I’m sure the judges had a very difficult decision when picking the winners, as many of the entries show a real passion for our brand, with amazing stories from every country and uses for the Tanger that we had never seen before."

The first winner was 'Peter' from the UK, who is part of the NHS North West emergency response services, with his entry showing a Ranger 6×6 being used to assist the team where conditions are treacherous and do not allow conventional ambulance access.

Judges said “It is truly inspiring to know the Ranger can, and is, being used to save lives by the North West Ambulance Service."

Peter will be sent to Greece, to explore the Greek island of Naxos in a Ranger. They will take a trip around the mountain villages, tour the ancient ruins and soak up on the sun on the long stretches of beach.

The second winner is 'Manya' from Belgium, who submitted a photo of their custom-built Ranger 570 in Northern Spain’s Picos de Europa National Park. Located in the mountains, the national park is known for rocky terrain, beautiful scenery, and its resident Cantabrian Brown Bears.

With the DISCO 1100 RC conditioner mower unit, CLAAS has set a new world record for the amount mowed in eight hours in Greely, Colorado.

During this time frame, the machine mowed a total of 141.1 hectares of alfalfa with a roller conditioner and an average yield of 5.24 tonnes of dry mass per hectare. The previous world record was thus surpassed by more than 40 hectares.

On 1 July 2018, just after midday, Tate Mesbergen from Mesbergen Farms set about creating a new world record with a combination of AXION 800 and DISCO 1100 RC machines. Exactly eight hours later, he climbed out of the cabin of his tractor as a new world record holder. A support team and impartial witnesses can confirm that Tate mowed a total of 141.1 hectares in four different fields, thus exceeding the previous world record by more than 40.5 hectares.

With a maximum speed of 30 km/h in the field and more than 50 km/h from field to field, Tate mowed an average of 17.6 ha/h during his world record attempt. “Not all fields were close to one another, so it was a real challenge to quickly fold up the mower units for transport and hurry along the roads,” explained Tate.

The day before the attempt, there was a thunderstorm with heavy showers of 12.7 millimetres of rain. This meant that the subsoil in particular in the first field was significantly wetter than usual. The start was delayed by a few hours, and during his record attempt, Tate also made two unplanned stops. His first was between the first and second field. “I hit a piece of concrete on the first field and had to check whether the mower unit was damaged,” said Tate. A quick examination showed that no harm was done. Not one blade had to be replaced. The second interruption took place to check that the DISCO mower unit was correctly folded before it was transported along the road to the last field.

The previous world record was set on grass, not alfalfa, and a mower without conditioner was used. That was clearly an easier task. The DISCO 1100 RC has a conditioner with two V-shaped interlocking polyurethane rollers, which compress the hard stems while simultaneously preserving the precious leaves. This reduces the wilting time required and guarantees maximum feed value, because the leaves are preserved. The conditioner increased the mower’s power consumption, but that did not thwart Tate. During his attempt, Tate mowed 5.24 tonnes of dry mass per hectare.

CLAAS will be sending the necessary documents to Guinness, so that the world record can be officially confirmed.

With the bird breeding season coming to an end and the young birds beginning to fledge the nest, very soon it will be the beginning of the hedge cutting season for 2018.

Despite our unusually warm and dry weather so far this summer, unlike the scorched grass spreading our landscapes, our hedges are in tremendous bloom and will be in great need of some care and attention when the time comes.

Why not get prepared and take the Grrr out of the task ahead by investing in a Grizzly Hedge Trimmer! Hedge trimmers are Grizzly’s bestselling category range owing to its extensive range of products that cover the smallest domestic hedges to largest hedge rows.

Grizzly offer a full suite of hedge trimmers covering both hand held and long reach trimmers including petrol, electric and two ranges of battery power; 18V, and 40V that include products suitable for both the light domestic market to the more heavy-duty equipment. To see the full range of Grizzly garden tools or for more information visit www.grizzlytools.co.uk

Grizzly has a three-year warranty as standard, products can be supplied with merchandise packages for demonstration in your showroom and payment options are available for dealers. #GetGrizzly and see the difference!

Celebrating 20 years of trading throughout Europe, Grizzly have an exceptional offering for 2018. Grizzly manufacture quality garden power tools, trusted by tradesmen and home gardeners alike.

If you’d like to speak to Grizzly about their range of products, please call on 0845 683 2670 or email sales@grizzlytools.co.uk

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 £95 + VAT per year to be listed and all revenues this year will be reinvested into promoting the site online.

Join the country’s only independent specialist website, created by the team that bring you Service Dealer. Join our 185+ subscribed Garden Trader dealers now by clicking on “Register Dealership”.

FIND OUT MORE