The industry's show season is now in full swing, with LAMMA having taken place this Wednesday and Thursday at the NEC.

I'm sure many of our agricultural machinery dealer readers headed to Birmingham to see what was on display. If you were there, we'd love to hear your thoughts. Did anything catch your eye? Did you pick up on any trends or get a sense of how the industry is feeling as we kick off 2025? As ever, please let us know your thoughts in the comments below.

The Service Dealer team at LAMMA this week. L-R: Duncan Murray-Clarke, Nikki Harrison and Keith Christian

Service Dealer owner Duncan Murray-Clarke attended and said, "It was great to see LAMMA so very busy this year, which I think took some by surprise. And with CropTec merging with the show next year, things are going to get busier. I also heard pretty good exhibitor feedback which is always a big plus."

Duncan continued, "It was also good to bump into dealers like Readmans, Turneys, Doe and award winning ex-dealer (and now video creator), James Hayes."

Duncan with dealer Michael Readman of Readman Mowers

The LAMMA organisers themselves put out a statement yesterday morning saying that Day 1 " .. hosted a record breaking number of visitors, continuing the growth of the event." They continued, "The NEC was flooded with visitors from across the country eager to engage with over 600 exhibitors." Which all sounds rather positive. But again, if you were there, what did you think?

Service Dealer's agricultural machinery editor, Martin Rickatson, was also once again, patrolling the aisles, speaking to the great and the good. You can read his full thoughts and learn what new technological developments caught his eye in his report that will be included in the upcoming issue of the magazine. Until then, you can read his brief, initial summary here.

Martin also confirmed that the show floor did indeed feel busy, bucking the industry mood - but issued a word of caution that just because there was large turn-out of visitors, it doesn't necessarily mean that farming customers will be in more of a mood to spend this year.

BTME coming up

Next week it is the turn of the professional turfcare sector to host their first major trade show of the year, with BIGGA's BTME in Harrogate. Aimed primarily at the association's greenkeeper members, the show also attracts turf professionals from other commercial settings to check out what's new in the maintenance of fine turfed areas. I shall be attending, along with other members of the Service Dealer and TurfPro teams, hoping to gain a sense of how this area of the industry is feeling heading into the new season.

Also, it will be interesting to see how well attended BIGGA's show is compared to the busy LAMMA. It's been spoken about a lot, but there is of course increased competition now in the commercial turf care show scene. I do believe though, that BTME is fortunate in both when and where they choose to hold their show. The old industry joke that still holds true, is that even if there wasn't the trade show and education programme, 4,000 greenkeepers would still turn up in Harrogate at the end of January to enjoy a jolly! It's undeniably both a convenient time of year and a great, social town.

There is an argument however, that for example Laurence Gale our TurfPro editor is adamant about, that this figure of around 4000-ish is simply too low for a sector the size of the UK golfing industry. And this holds true for Loz, for all the other major turf care shows as well. He thinks with the number of practitioners across all sports, local authorities, private schools, contractors and the like, the big turf care exhibitions should be aiming at around the 10,000 visitor mark at least.

The belief that Laurence and others have, is that our turf care shows won't ever see these sorts of numbers unless the organisers come together to form one mega, all-encompassing show. And how likely is that? I mean it could happen further down the line, but I'm certainly not holding my breath. I'd be fairly confident in presuming that all the well worn arguments of organisers relying on their own trade shows to fund their own activities, still hold true.

The desire for a single turf care show is an entirely understandable one. The notion will have advocates in both the exhibitor and visitor camps. And I'm sure that dealers will want to see as many end-user customers as possible checking out what new kit is available for purchase. But I personally just can not see it ever happening. (Cue major announcement by this time next week!).

Until that day does arrive, Service Dealer will continue to bring you coverage of all the shows relevant to all our different specialist dealer readers - and please, if you do attend, always feel free to let us know your thoughts on what you've seen.

The attendance at this week’s LAMMA, the annual January farm machinery, agricultural supply and service exhibition held across two days at Birmingham’s NEC, suggested that despite agriculture’s economic and political challenges, there may be cause for cautious optimism among farm machinery dealers.

Well over 40,000 visitors were reckoned to have passed through the doors, sustaining the numbers of recent events, and while entry is free - in exchange for visitor data with valuable marketing potential - and the show is held at a time of year that’s generally the quietest on most farms, many standholders appear to feel that it still seems to draw those with serious investment intentions as well as others simply seeking a day out.

Exhibitor numbers were also holding up well, with over 650 taking stands across more than 85,000 sq m of floor space. Multinational firms such as CNH and AGCO - John Deere and Claas remain absent - chose the event to give UK debuts to a number of machines launched internationally during 2024, while UK manufacturers including Knight, Richard Western, Claydon and others showed new products, and importers from Boss ORV to KRM displayed product range additions. Add in a strong attendance from dealers, and the show had a positive mood about it.

 A full round-up of the event will appear in the next issue of Service Dealer.

Lister Wilder have announced that they have reached an agreement with Novokraft AG to become the new exclusive UK importer for airter - described as the world's only continuous and homogenously operating pneumatic soil aerator.

The airter neo

The partnership say that two brand new machines are set to be unveiled to the UK market next week at BTME 2025, with the airter neo and airter trike on show on stand 642.

Commenting on their appointment, sales & hire director for Lister Wilder Phill Hughes said, “We’re delighted to be partnering with Novokraft to bring the airter to the UK. The benefits that the machines offer for aeration and water filtration are exceptional but add to that the reported reduction of chafer grubs and leather jackets through regular use, we believe these machines will play a vital part for the future of sports turf management.”

Eric Hardman, CEO of Novokraft AG added, “In Lister Wilder, Novokraft AG has a strong and trustworthy partner for the distribution and sale of our newly developed airter machines, which will redefine the market for active, deep compaction relief."

The airter trike

The manufacturer says that the two new machines which are designed for sports turf aeration, utilise high compressed air to break through surface compaction and provide 100% biological and effective control of pests, root-damaging grubs and tipula larvae (leather jackets). 

The new airter neo 12140 is equipped with 12 lances making it suitable for large golf greens and football pitches. The smaller airter trike 8140 meanwhile, is an electrically driven, self-propelled unit featuring 8 lances for aeration. Work is also underway which will see the this model become the first autonomous unit in the range. 

The working depth on both machines can also be quickly and easily adjusted, tool-free, directly on the unit to suit operations between 8cm and 20cm in the ground. 

JCB has announced that they have cleared significant hurdles in its development of the world’s first hydrogen combustion engine after securing landmark rulings from licensing authorities allowing it to be used commercially in machines.

Lord Bamford pictured with the hydrogen combustion engine

The manufacturer says they are the first construction equipment company to develop a fully working combustion engine fuelled by hydrogen and a team of 150 engineers has been working on the £100 million development for over three years.

JCB have confirmed that 11 licensing authorities across Europe have now given permission for their hydrogen engine to be sold across Europe - with authorities in other countries set to follow suit with certification in 2025.

Chairman Anthony Bamford, who has led the company’s hydrogen engine project, said, “This is a very significant moment for JCB. To start the New Year with certification in place in so many European countries bodes very well for the future of hydrogen combustion technology. JCB has proved in recent years that it is a proper zero emissions solution for construction and agricultural equipment.

“This formal type approval/certification paves the way for the sale and use of hydrogen engines right across the UK and Europe. I couldn’t have hoped for a better start to the year. Most of all, I am delighted for our team of British engineers who have worked tirelessly to reach this stage.”

The manufacturer confirmed that the Netherlands’ Vehicle Authority RDW was the first licensing authority to issue official certification, giving permission for the engine to sold in The Netherlands. Other licensing bodies across Europe have followed RDW’s lead by issuing the necessary certification, including Great Britain, Northern Ireland, Germany, France, Spain, Belgium, Poland, Finland, Switzerland and Lichtenstein. Licensing authorities in other countries are set to follow with certification during 2025.

JCB has already produced more than 130 evaluation engines which are powering backhoe loaders, Loadall telescopic handlers and generator sets. Real-world testing of JCB’s hydrogen equipment on customers’ sites is now at an advanced stage and described as "progressing well."

The Royal St George’s Golf Club has confirmed what they describe as a "groundbreaking long-term partnership" with John Deere and local dealer Tuckwells. 

 
The agreement will see 70 new pieces of machinery installed at the Kent venue by Tuckwells, including a full cutting fleet, tractors and utility vehicles from John Deere alongside other groundscare equipment. 
 
Greenkeepers will be given support from John Deere to complete a wide range of professional training and offered opportunities to travel to other world-renowned courses to grow their expertise.   
 
The latest technology will be deployed across Royal St George’s with machinery connected by satellite and John Deere Operations Center PRO Golf course management software to assign and track the progress of every daily task. 
 
Tuckwells say they will provide The Open venue with all equipment and deliver a full package of operator training as well as rapid parts back-up for essential maintenance for the duration of the initial five-year agreement.

James Tuckwell, dealer principal said, “We are extremely proud and excited to be partnering with Royal St George’s and thank (club secretary) Colin Sinclair, head greenkeeper Greig Easton, and the whole team for putting its trust in us and John Deere. It is an honour to be working with not only one of the region’s best clubs but one of The Open’s most iconic venues.
 
“We are looking forward to helping unlock the potential of the machinery and its technology to the benefit of the course and its members.”
 
John Deere division sales manager for Golf and Turf, Chris Meacock, added, “The Royal St George’s Club has earned an incredible reputation worldwide and needs the best equipment and service to maintain that hard-earned recognition.  
 
“We wanted to form a partnership that showed belief in our machinery and technology while also demonstrating a strong commitment to the operators who will use it daily.”
  
As part of the agreement Tuckwells will provide extra machines and labour to support tournaments held at Royal St George’s. 
 
The Club’s greenkeepers will also be offered the chance to travel to TPC Deere Run to help prepare the course for the John Deere Classic, or see first-hand how the TPC Sawgrass is set up for The Players Championship. 
  
Delivery of the new equipment will begin in 2025 for completion in Spring 2026.

Opico displayed a limited-edition, black and gold 6m Grass Harrow and Seeder at the LAMMA show this week, produced to mark their three-decade long partnership with Austrian manufacturer, Hatzenbichler. 

Commenting on the milestone, Opico managing director James Woolway said, “Hatzenbichler’s range of grassland and mechanical weeding equipment have been an integral part of the Opico range for 30 years - we’re proud of the successes and results these machines have provided farmers and contractors across the UK over this time. We continue to work closely with their R&D team to ensure that the offering continues to meets the requirements of current and future farming practises”.

Later this spring the company says they will be offering a chance to win the use of the 30th anniversary harrow and seeder for a year, and following this, it will be auctioned off for charity.

Cobra is excited to announce the launch of its exciting new range of four lawn tractors for the 2025 season. Designed for homeowners and garden enthusiasts, this new line-up combines powerful performance, user-friendly features, and sleek design to make lawn care easier, more efficient, and enjoyable.

The Cobra LT112HR2L is an exceptional lawn tractor powered by a 586cc V-Twin Loncin engine, delivering outstanding performance and reliability. Featuring a 112cm (44") cutting deck and an impressive 320ltr grass collector, it stands as the largest model in the Cobra lawn tractor range. The adjustable cutting heights, ranging from 25mm to 85mm, provide precise control for a perfectly tailored lawn finish. Additionally, the inclusion of a premium comfort seat ensures operator comfort, making even the longest mowing session a pleasure.

We are also introducing the all-new Cobra LTX92HR2L and LTX102HR2L premium lawn tractors for the 2025 season. These cutting-edge models combine stunning aesthetics with exceptional performance, making them a standout in the Cobra lawn tractor range. Both models feature powerful 586cc V-Twin Loncin engines, ensuring top-tier performance and smooth operation and are equipped with a 92cm (36") or 102cm (40”) cutting deck and a large capacity 240ltr grass collector.

One of the standout features of these models is the LCD dashboard, which provides the operator with all the vital information needed for seamless operation. The LED headlights, along with a striking strip light across the front, not only enhance visibility but also give the tractor a sleek, sporty look, and for added comfort, both tractors come with an adjustable superior comfort seat, ensuring you can enjoy a smooth and relaxing ride, even during the longest mowing sessions. 

To complete the range is the compact but powerful Cobra LTX66HRL. This versatile lawn rider is perfect for navigating around smaller gardens and tight spaces. With its 66cm cutting width and hydrostatic drive system, the LTX66HRL provides smooth, easy manoeuvrability, making it ideal for passing through narrow gateways or tackling more intricate areas of the lawn. Despite its smaller size, it doesn’t compromise on performance, delivering efficient cutting power and ensuring that every inch of your garden is well-maintained.

Peter Chaloner, Managing Director of Cobra Tractors, shared his thoughts on the new range:

"We are incredibly excited to launch this new range of domestic lawn tractors for the 2025 season. Our team has worked diligently to develop models that not only offer exceptional performance and cutting-edge technology but also enhance the overall lawn care experience. The new models are a direct result of our commitment to delivering high-quality, reliable products for homeowners. Whether you have a small or larger garden, there’s a Cobra tractor perfectly suited to your needs. We're confident that our new range will make gardening more enjoyable, efficient, and rewarding for all our customers."

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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