First up today, I'd like to thank Justin Jones, ex F.R. Jones md, for getting in touch and providing us with a statement that we are able to share with our readers.

He felt he wasn't able to put his side of things across last week when we published the administration news, so we appreciate him offering his perspective now. I encourage all to read what Justin has to say as he speaks with some candour about the culture within the company these past few years, that led to its eventual downfall.

However, I must say it's unfortunate and disappointing to hear that he has been targeted with threats and abuse since the news broke about the company ceasing trading. Even if people fundamentally disagree with the manner in which the business appears to have been run - an entirely legitimate point of view - it's simply not right for that to then escalate into nasty, personal attacks. This internet pile-on culture is completely unacceptable behaviour.

As I say, now that we've seen what has ultimately happened to the company, arguing that the business practice of racing to the bottom is wrong can be justified  - abuse and threats cannot.

As mentioned last week, we shouldn't lose sight of the fact that some blameless colleagues have lost their jobs. I've heard from some more industry members this week who've echoed these sentiments. All have remarked how as a sector we can ill afford to be losing skilled and experienced people as a result of an event such as this. Dealers know how hard it is to attract new staff, so it is hoped that the individuals affected won't have their heads turned by another industry.

Justin mentions today actually, how he has spent time helping some ex-employees find placements at other dealerships. Hopefully this will work out for them and we wish all well in any new endeavours.

Wake up call

The other principal sentiment I've had mentioned to me this week is that what has happened to F.R. Jones needs to act as a 'wake-up call' for the industry.

Firstly and most obviously a wake-up call on pricing policies. Looking at what happened to a company as large as F.R. Jones, it seems clear that this super-discounting model is unsustainable. Volume over profit makes no long-term business sense. On top of this, as many have pointed out, it also succeeds in devaluing what should be viewed as prestige, quality machinery purchases - which doesn't not help other dealers who are trying to run a profitable company.

It has already been pointed out to me that of course F.R. Jones didn't hold a monopoly over this kind of wild online discounting. Others are continuing to do it as we speak. So whether what has happened will have an impact, we shall see.

The other wake-up call that dealers have mentioned to me, should be for the manufacturers they say. The stock loading, or piling of kit on dealers, who then feel pressured to shift it through the doors as quickly as possible, for little to no margin, needs to end. Dealers themselves want to have greater autonomy over how much inventory they carry at a given time.

We're actually running a brief survey on this today, asking if this practice is making you reconsider the number of brands you represent in store? We would be grateful to hear your opinions and we will run a selection in the next issue of the magazine.

Ultimately, as many have now said, there must be lessoned learned from what has happened to F.R. Jones. But will the industry take heed?

Ernest Doe have sadly reported the death of their finance director, Greg Forrest.

In a statement posted on their website this week, the dealership says, "It is with profound sadness that we share the news of the passing of our friend and colleague, Greg Forrest. Greg had a heart attack in early May and was admitted to hospital. He had been making steady progress but sadly suffered a second heart attack approximately one week ago.

"He made a huge impact on our business and was loyal, hardworking and astute with a kind and understanding nature. His journey with our company spanned an impressive 10 years, culminating in his well deserved promotion to the role of Finance Director in February of this year.

"Greg passed away peacefully at the weekend, surrounded by his wife and close family. His absence leaves a void that will be deeply felt by us all. We extend our heartfelt condolences to Greg’s family during this sad and challenging time. As we mourn the loss of our colleague and friend, we also celebrate the positive impact he had on our team and the huge contribution he made to our company.

"Greg will be sadly missed but very fondly remembered."

The AEA has released data that reveals how tractor sales so far this year break down by power and region.

Last week we reported on the Association's analysis of UK agricultural tractor registrations for June, which completed the picture for the first half of 2023. The number of agricultural tractors registered during the first six months of the year totaled 6,777, 6% more than in the same period last year. 

In terms of power, the AEA says most of the growth was for machines of over 160hp. Stephen Howarth, agricultural economist at the AEA, said, "Registrations of these high-power tractors were up by more than a quarter, compared with a year earlier. In contrast, the number of machines below that level was 11% lower than in January to June 2022.

"Given the supply chain disruptions which the industry has experienced recently, these trends may be driven mainly by the availability of tractors of different powers, so might not accurately reflect current demand."

At regional level, the Association says growth in registrations was mainly found in the South and East of England. 

Stephen Howarth explained, "In percentage terms, the fastest increase was in the Home Counties (+20%) but that region accounts for only a small share of the national total. The biggest rise in the number of tractors registered was in the South West region (+12%).

"Registrations rose more slowly in Scotland (+4%) and were lower than a year before in Northern Ireland, Wales and the North West of England."

Service Dealer are delighted to announce that Societe Generale Equipment Finance will be returning to our Conference & Awards, as a Gold Sponsor.

This year's theme has been announced as Taking Care Of Business and a new venue, the Crowne Plaza at Stratford-Upon-Avon will take on hosting duties - with the date to mark up in your diaries being 30th November 2023. 

Service Dealer owner Duncan Murray-Clarke  said, "Having Societe Generale Equipment Finance join us again this year is great news. Our day dedicated to the independent dealer network has so much to offer this year - we can't wait to reveal all the exciting details."

Steven Davies, head of agriculture, Societe Generale Equipment Finance added, "Societe Generale Equipment Finance UK (SGEF) is delighted to be a sponsor of the Service Dealer Awards for the second year.

"Service Dealer’s focus on sustainability aligns closely with SGEF’s commitment to build together with our clients and partners a sustainable future through innovative and meaningful finance solutions."

Look out for further announcements, including this year's keynote address and confirmation of seminar and breakout sessions, soon.

The SAGE show took place at The Three Counties Showground, Malvern on Wednesday and Thursday this week, with what felt like disappointing numbers through the gates on day one.

Service Dealer attended on Wednesday and felt it was well laid out with lots of good exhibitors who had made an excellent effort. However, speaking to stand holders, a dissatisfaction was expressed with the volume of visitors they had seen come through. 

Several did comment though that amongst the few punters they had seen, some had appeared to be decent leads who they would be following up post-show.

From conversations held around the showground Service Dealer got the impression that the good turn out of exhibitors wanted to support the show and appreciated the opportunity it afforded to demonstrate their equipment. However, it was felt that to make it a truly viable event in the future, a greater footfall is required.

Exhibitors included well-known industry names such as Overton, Milwaukee, Kersten, PSD, T H White, EGO, Campey, Amazone, Weibang, Toro and Trimax amongst others. 

At the Royal Highland Show this year Water Fuel Engineering won a Silver Award for Technical Innovation for their HydroGen system.

With the recent attention on global warming and exceptionally high temperatures it was felt appropriate for the landbased engineering sector to look at all types of fuel and emission saving concepts as well as alternative fuels. Any saving in the amount of fuel being used and the consequent saving in emissions is worthy of attention. 

• The units can be retrofitted onto diesel and petrol vehicles - oxy-hydrogen functions as an additive to conventional fuel and enhances engine performance.
• Emissions reduction of 70-80% - meaning particulates and smoke. It is recommended to measure emissions before installation to be able to make  comparisons.
• Fuel savings are claimed to be between 10-25%. Variations are due to differences in driving style, work performed etc.
• Cleaner engines also result from the continuous decarbonisation which has the potential to reduce maintenance costs.
• The only consumable for the system is distilled water and users typically refill once a week.

The technology directly addresses the need to decarbonise and is seen as a solution for those who wish to continue using their existing vehicles without harming the environment, whilst saving on fuel. Prices will vary depending on what vehicle the system is being fitted to but range from passenger vehicles at £2,185 per unit to agricultural and utility vehicles at just under £3000 per unit with an installation fee of around £500.

Whilst work goes on with various manufacturers it is understood that not all will accept the fitting of the HydroGen system to equipment that is covered by manufacturers warranty or extended warranties. The company stresses that installation does not require any engine modifications and will provide hydrogen without the need for any pressure storage.

Projects have been funded in Scotland as part of Farming for a Better Climate Initiative by the Scottish government in 2017 and a project report from Hyderabad in India that was funded by the UK Department for International Development.

Water Fuel Engineering are a research and development company specialising in oxy-hydrogen electrolysers. So far, they have won 5 awards for innovation and have sales in 11 countries across 3 continents and have an office in the UK. They have been working in Scotland, with some UK local authorities and with some manufacturers of agricultural equipment to establish trials and statistics for their product.

The latest figures from the Health and Safety Executive report that in the last five years, ATVs were involved in 14 deaths in agriculture, which makes it the largest cause of death amongst moving vehicles in the agricultural sector.

To ensure ATV users are riding safer and smarter, Can-Am say they are introducing their top tips for safer riding, underpinned by its Responsible Rider Charter to mark Farm Safety Week (17-21 July).

The manufacturer believes their user guidance will reinforce rider best practices while sparking discussions about responsible riding and will challenge users to rethink how they approach rider safety. 

Rachael Turner, BRP commercial manager UK and Ireland, said, “14 deaths involving ATVs is 14 too many. As a business, we are committed to educating users on the importance of responsible riding, whether that be through our top tips and charter or by directing users to undertake the training offered by ATVEA or EASI. We look forward to users benefiting from what we are doing when it comes to rider safety, so they can be safe when riding and can educate friends or colleagues to ensure they are safe as well.”

Can-Am off-road rider safety top tips: 

• Make sure that the loads carried on the racks are secure and evenly balanced and do not exceed the capacity of the ATV (check the manufacturer’s recommendations). 
• Always be aware of your surroundings and keep your eyes peeled for any pedestrians, livestock, obstructions or other vehicles. 
• Regularly Inspect the ATV before use to ensure that it is in good working order.
• Avoid sudden increases in speed as this is one of the common causes of an overturned vehicle.
• Always wear the correct personal protective equipment (PPE) such as a helmet, boots, long sleeve shirt and trousers when out riding.
• When riding across a slope, keep your weight forward. When going downhill, slide your weight backwards, select a low gear and use engine braking, which leads to the reduction in the need to use the brakes.
• When working a new area, make sure you walk the route before riding through it. This will give you a better perspective of the dangers or obstacles that you could come across. 
• You cannot predict the British weather, as one minute it could be bright sunshine and the next it could be pouring with rain, so be aware of changes in ground conditions as these could affect the loads you are carrying or the attachments you are pulling. 
• Always read the owner’s manual.

The new Fortis range of cylinder lawnmowers from Cobra delivers advanced lawn mower technology to bring a convenient lawncare solution with incredible cutting performance. Cobra Fortis lawnmowers are not only precision designed and reliable, but they effortlessly create a beautiful fine finish on every lawn or sports pitch they are used on.

There are four mowers in the Fortis range. Starting with a compact 14” model that is powered by a Loncin petrol engine, and then the 17”, 20” and 25” all featuring Briggs & Stratton engines for extra power for larger lawns. They are all self-propelled and have a three-way drive facility, allowing the blades to be disengaged without having to stop the engine.

Fortis mowers all feature a six-blade precision ground cutting cylinder to give the finest, most precise cut possible. The height of cut can easily be adjusted too with variants as low as 6mm and ranging up to 30mm. The finishing touch to the perfect cut comes from the steel front roller giving an enhanced definition to the iconic lawn stripes.

Convenience and comfort have also been considered as the mowers have foam cushioned handles that fold down for easy transportation and compact storage.

What makes the Fortis machines the ultimate in lawncare however, is their ability to transform into seven other machines to ensure that lawns are immaculate and healthy. The Fortis six-bladed cassette can simply be removed and replaced with another accessory cassette in the range to switch its use. Other cartridges include:

• Verticutter - lightly removes thatch build up with light, fine blades without penetrating the soil and by cutting vertically to increase turf density.
• Scarifier - more aggressive than the verticutter and can easy remove debris and dense thatch by penetrating the soil to encourages new growth.
• Dethatcher - will remove the densest layers of thatch and will collect twice as much material as the verticut cartridge. Its thick, wide spaced tines will penetrate the soil up to 6mm deep.
• Aerator - brakes up soil compaction as its blades slit the ground to allow extra air, moisture and nutrients to reach the grass roots. Ultimately, creating a healthier, thicker and more luscious lawn
• Turf rake - powerful blades both lift thatch and thinly slice soil surface to ensure maximum water, air and nutrients can flow to the roots.
• Lawn brush - features rotating brushes that easily collects light debris such as fallen leaves, twigs, grass clippings or litter and places it in the collection box. It can also be used to remove dew and light rain from the lawn to prevent fungal diseases.
• 10-blade cassette - gives an even closer finish worthy of croquet, tennis lawns and bowling greens!

It’s not just the convenience of the cartridges that makes the Fortis range so special, the cutting ability is superb and incredible precise.  

The cylinder mowers’ blades spiral around the cartridge, as such they cut with a scissor action, slicing instead of chopping like a rotary mower. This is better for the grass, as it has less impact and causes less trauma which in turn leads to healthier grass. The clean cut from a cylinder mower is less damaging for the plant and also helps prevent against diseases forming. 

Not only does this create healthy lawns, but it also gives crisply defined lines for a perfectly striped finish.

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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