The newly reconfigured BTME took place at the Harrogate International Centre from Tuesday to Thursday this week - and whilst the aisles were buzzy, with tons of great stands featuring plenty of new kit to check out, many conversations were dominated by the slightly confusing new hall layout.

Whether it was simply the shock of the new that was giving visitors and exhibitors alike something to chunter about, it's hard to say. Certainly I think it's fair comment that initially finding one's way around the labyrinthine configuration was a bit of an issue. What it certainly meant was that it was taking a while for visitors to filter through to the halls furthest away from the entrance. The Red and Blue Zones suffered the most from this.

My initial thoughts were that the show wasn't feeling particularly cohesive. The individual halls, or Zones as they were called, kind of felt like their own separate exhibitions. Moving between them meant going up stairs, round corners, down escalators, through doorways - which to be fair to BIGGA they had signposted extensively, but it did have the feeling of splitting the show up. And certain areas of a couple of halls did appear to suffer from reduced footfall.

Jim Croxton, CEO of BIGGA, whilst expressing delight at the exhibitor numbers and initial estimates of visitors, did acknowledge everything wasn't quite perfect when he spoke to the press on the morning of the second day.

Discussing the figures first Jim said, "It seems to have gone very well in terms of pre-registration numbers and feet on the ground. It also went very well for us in terms of exhibition stand numbers. We’re really pleased that we filled all the space and a bit more than we anticipated.

"I’m pleased the way many of the exhibitors have embraced the opportunity to do different things on their stands. Those exhibitors who chose to return this year have on average taken 14% more space.

"I’m going to refrain from making any big declarations of how much bigger and better the show might have been until we get some proper feedback. We need to audit attendance figures, but the day one numbers certainly appear pretty similar to last year."

Moving on to address the navigation issues, Jim said, "Everyone I see at the show says they’re lost and confused – and that’s kind of what we wanted. That was actually part of the plan because people used to visit BTME and just do it on auto-pilot. They’d walk past stands just to see the one they wanted to go to. We wanted to make sure that visitors walked around and engaged with everybody.

"I’m really proud of what we’ve achieved and how it’s worked this week - but I don’t think that it’s perfect though. I think there’s a couple of areas which haven’t worked quite as we’d have liked in terms of footfall. Going forward we’ll be working on ways to drive people into those spaces."

Jim admitted there had been "some challenges" at the far end of the Red Zone and talked of how it isn’t just about people walking through doors that counts, it’s how they engage with stands. He said their priority over the next few weeks, when they speak with their exhibitors, will be to discover what worked and what didn’t.

The issue of the show being a three day event was also brought up. Currently BTME is open until 2.30pm on Thursday, it's third and final day - with some feeling this is perhaps a tad unnecessary and that two full days would do. Jim explained that for the time being at least they are sticking with this format. He said, "We have a strong belief that every show has a ‘last day’ which sort of peters out. The third exhibition day allows attendees to have two evenings to engage with clients and colleagues on a social basis. So we’re holding firm for another year at least with three days. It will be on the agenda to look at in the future though."

Around the stands

Speaking with exhibitors around the halls, the reactions to the new set-up were indeed somewhat mixed - although one positive comment which I did keep hearing was that lots of dealers were coming through their stands. It seems many specialists made the trip to Harrogate to chat with their suppliers or potential suppliers. Also what came out these conversations is that plenty of manufacturers are currently actively looking to expand their networks.

On the Yamaha stand for example, Dan Palmer, manager of golf cars, said to me they are looking to recruit. They are keen on finding the right dealerships for sales and service in various parts of the country. Similarly, Patrick Desmond, general manager of Kioti, told me they are always interested in talking to new dealers, so long as they are in the right areas.

Price Turfcare are also looking for the right dealers in the right places for their Ventrac machines. They themselves were certainly in the right place at Harrogate with their stand in the corner of one of the walkways between halls. Rupert Price told me that many visitors had asked him if they were late to book with their unusual position - but far from it. It was a deliberate decision which paid off handsomely for them. Their stand was constantly one of the busiest I saw all show.

David Hart on the Kubota stand told me they had seen many dealers come to talk to them. He also said that with their expansion into the agricultural sector they are looking to expand their network in that regard.

Another tractor supplier who are taking on dealers at the moment is Iseki UK. David Withers said they are interested in talking to dealers who want to increase their diesel offering. He said that smaller garden machinery dealers are seeing the value in stocking their machines, giving them the opportunity to offer their customers a larger, diesel tractor, whereas before they would have had to turn away those customers looking for something more powerful.

An obvious trend amongst the machinery manufacturers this week, was once again battery and robotic technology. On the Ransomes stand for example, Richard Comely told me their new lithium powered utility vehicle, the Hauler 800, was generating a lot of interest amongst visitors.

Husqvarna's stand was geared to get greenkeepers to start thinking about the use of robotic mowers on their courses - with the new, articulated Automower taking pride of place. Ken Brewster said a good show for them would see them generate some quality contacts amongst the sector.

And making their debut at BTME were STIHL. Steven Greenup said they felt they needed to be there to promote their range to the professional golf guys who they know use their tools. He said they'd had some great conversations and it was a superb opportunity to promote their battery range and robotic offerings - which are now fully orange.

Surprisingly though, for a show aimed at the professional golf trade, several exhibitors did say to me they had been disappointed with the number of new end-user contacts they had seen coming onto their stands. I suppose this could be to do with the number of distractions for the visiting greenkeepers which Harrogate affords. The Continue To Learn educational offering for those guys goes from strength to strength with more hours available each year. And with a plethora of great pubs and restaurants mere steps outside the International Centre's doors, getting everyone back in after lunch, or away from an early finish, is always going to be a battle.

But hopefully over the duration of the show, everybody got around to everyone they wanted to see. Because for all these quibbles, BTME is an undeniably, a great show. A show held in real regard and affection by those that visit - and I think exhibit. Next year I'm sure the layout won't seem so much of an issue now we're all used to it.

So whilst not a flawless relaunch, BIGGA should nevertheless be applauded for putting on a show which increasing numbers of exhibitors want to be a part of. Of course to accommodate this, and to attempt to make the visitor experience more rewarding, they had to take a calculated risk changing up the format - which pretty much paid off.

Here's to next year!

Returning to the Oxford Belfrey Hotel this November, the Service Dealer Conference & Awards will once again benefit from Kramp UK as Principal Sponsor.

The date of this year's event has been confirmed as Thursday November 21st 2019.

Des Boyd, Sales Director of Kramp UK present Gayways with their Overall Dealer of the Year Award at 2018's Service Dealer Awards - with Service Dealer owner Duncan Murray-Clarke (left) and comedian Charlie Baker (right)

Service Dealer owner Duncan Murray-Clarke said, "We are delighted to announce Kramp UK as Principal Sponsors once again for Service Dealer's Conference & Awards.

"Kramp have worked alongside us for several editions of the Conference and Awards now and we couldn't be more pleased that they are returning this year - for what will be a very special day."

Des Boyd, sales director at Kramp UK said the company was once again very pleased to be sponsoring an event designed specifically for the independent dealer trade. He said, "We believe in relationship building and our customers attend the Service Dealer Conference - so it's the best place for us to be. We can celebrate their successes, talk about the issues and innovations of the day and discuss what's happening in our industry."

More details about this year's Service Dealer Conference & Awards will be announced in due course.

You can watch an interview with Des Boyd from last year's Service Dealer Conference below:

Tillage-Live is heading to Northamptonshire in 2019 with the event being held at Deenethorpe Airfield by permission of Brudenell Estates.

The event, which is being held on Wednesday 4th September 2019, will include working demonstrations, a static machinery display, and a knowledge trail which offers in-depth information on areas such as cultivation and soil structure.

Kayleigh Holden, event organiser, explained, "The AEA are extremely pleased that Tillage-Live will be taking place in Northamptonshire in 2019. The site near Corby offers excellent facilities for manufacturers to showcase their machinery to potential customers and visitors. We would like to thank Brudenell Estates for hosting the 2019 event."

Tillage-Live is organised by the AEA on behalf of industry exhibitors and has been held since 1992

Husqvarna used their base in an extremely cold Huskvarna, Sweden last week to launch two new 50cc chainsaws - the 550 XP Mark II and the 545 Mark II.

The new saw in action at the launch event in Sweden last week

These saws are released in a year which sees the manufacturer celebrating three significant anniversaries. Firstly 2019 sees 330 years since the company was first established; it's been 100 years since they produced their first lawnmower, and significantly for these new launches, it's been 60 years since the company made its first chainsaw.

Before the assembled European trade press got a chance to view the new saws, Sasha Menges, President, Husqvarna Division said a few words. He explained why the company consider the 50cc segment as a particularly important, core segment for themselves and to their customers worldwide.

He said of 50cc, "It's an application which is relevant in multiple areas. Whether working on the ground, or in the forests or in urban tree-care, it’s a saw which, largely, every professional has in their equipment. For aboritsts and loggers alike, it’s a go to piece of kit - and that’s globally."

As an indication of how the company places worldwide importance on these releases, they are taking the quite unusual step of simultaneously launching the products around the world on the same day - March 15th.

Gent Simmons, Director of product management, Forestry, also spoke at the launch event, explaining how the new saws are core products for Husqvarna. He said, "[The saws] will support our customers and allow them to get to the job done in a efficient way. We are redefining the 50cc segment by setting a new standard for performance, durability and manoeuvrability."

It was explained that the 550XP Mark II and the 545 Mark II have been redesigned from scratch. Gert Simmons said, "It’s not just a new chainsaw, it’s a new generation of chainsaws in which all vital parts are new. The 550 XP Mark II has superior cutting capacity and has been proven through the most extreme testing to assure it meets expectations of our most demanding forestry and tree care professionals."

Husqvarna's Andreas Rangert and Gent Simmons unveil the two new saws

This notion of cutting capacity is what Husqvarna describe as the true measure of the performance of the saw. It is the speed at which the entire system of the bar, chain and powerhead works together to cut wood at optimal RPM. Through a series of internal tests, Husqvarna claim they have shown that the 550 XP Mark II provides best-in-class cutting capacity when compared to the closest competitor in the 50cc segment.

The three guiding principals for the ground up redesign of these two saws, which was emphasised at the launch event, was that they should offer the user durability, manoeuvrability, and performance.

For the purpose of endurance in tough conditions, we were told that the cooling capacity of the two saws has been improved by 13%, compared to the previous generation of 50cc chainsaws which they produced. This is made possible by three key improvements: 1) an optimised airflow, 2) the addition of more cooling fins in critical areas that contribute to more effective cylinder heat dissipation, 3) an insulating heat shield, specifically developed for the new chainsaws, which provide sealing against the cylinder area and minimises heat leakage. This helps keep the carburetor compartment cool to improve startability in hot conditions. In addition, a completely new muffler keeps temperatures down.

A member of the H Team puts on an aerial display

For further endurance, the 50cc chainsaws have a new air filter design. The new design comes from the combination of a redesigned air filter with higher capacity and improved sealing and an upgrade of the Air Injection. This, in turn means the saws are equipped with a new optimised version of AutoTune, Husqvarna’s ignition module software and carburetor calibration.

Also explained was how the design of the products was intended to make use of machines as comfortable as possible for users. The company said the well-balanced saw body with low gyroscopic forces aids maneuverability and handling, enabling users to work longer without tiring. The ergonomically designed handles provide a safe, comfortable grip. In addition, both saws are equipped with heated handles.

Comparing the cutting capacity of the new saws verses the previous models

Following the theory, attendees at the launch event were bussed out to a nearby woods to watch demonstrations of the new saws and get hands-on to try them out. Impressive displays of forestry skills were on show from members of the company's H-Team squad of professional ambassadors. Felling, limbing and aerial work were all exhibited with much aplomb.

I personally cannot claim to be anything other than an utterly inexperienced novice when it comes to chainsaw use. However, even when I tried one of the Mark II models in comparison to the preceding version, I couldn't help but notice the difference. It felt faster and smoother.

Service Dealer editor Steve Gibbs tries out the new saw

Facts about 550 XP® Mark II/ 550 XP® G Mark II:

• Low Vib®
• Air Injection®
• X-Torq®
• AutoTune™
• Heated handles and carburetor (only 550 XP® G Mark II)
• Engine displacement 50,1 cm3
• Power output 3.0 kW
• Chain speed at 133% of peak power rpm26,1 m/s
• Recommended bar length 33-50 cm / 13”-20”
• Weight 5,3/5,5 kg (excluding cutting equipment)

Facts about 545 Mark II/ 545G Mark II:

• Low Vib®
• Smart Start
• Air Injection®
• X-Torq®
• AutoTune™
• Heated handles and carburetor (only 545 G Mark II)
• Engine displacement 50,1 cm3
• Power output 2.7 kW
• Max chain speed 25,4 m/s
• Recommended bar length 33-50 cm / 13”-20”
• Weight 5,3/5,5 kg (excluding cutting equipment)

As previously reported, overall 2018 registrations of agricultural tractors (over 50hp) were up by less than 1%, compared with 2017.

Stephen Howarth, agricultural economist at the AEA said, "Growth in registrations was primarily at the top end of the power range. Over 600 more tractors over 180hp were registered in 2018 than in the previous year, an increase of 18%. Below that level, the number of machines declined, with most of the drop in the 140-180hp and under 100hp ranges; between 100 and 140hp there was little change. The 140-180hp range performed well in 2017, which may explain some of the fall in 2018, although some changes in specification moving models from one side of the 180hp boundary to the other may also have contributed."

Stephen continued, "Continuing the historic trend, the average power of tractors over 50hp registered during 2018 rose to 166.6hp, up from 162.2hp in 2017. The total power sold was just over 2 million hp, the first time we have reached this level since 2012.

"At regional level, the market was stronger in the North of England than in the South, although the best performing region was the East Midlands, where nearly 200 extra machines were registered. There were declines in the Southern regions and East Anglia, as well as in Scotland. Wales and Northern Ireland saw increased registrations, though, as well as those in the Northern regions of England."

The high level of sales, service and support offered by Claas dealers in the UK and Ireland has been recognised by Claas UK in their annual Dealer Awards.

Announced at the recent Dealer Council meeting held at the Claas Tractor factory in Le Mans, France, the awards recognise overall dealer performance for both Claas products in general and also specifically for tractors. At Le Mans the dealers were able to see the substantial investment made by the company both in its Le Mans tractor factory and also nearby in the testing centre at Trangé.

One Platinum and two Gold Dealer Excellence Awards were announced at Le Mans. These Awards recognise the considerable investments made by the dealers in training, parts and service support, as well as sales, finance and management. They take into account all aspects of the dealer’s business, and the company’s commitment to its staff and to the Claas franchise.

Two further awards specifically relating to Claas Tractors were also announced, one for Tractor Sales Performance and one for Tractor Sales Growth.

Colin Blow of Claas Eastern (right) receives the Platinum Dealer Excellence Award from Christian Radons (President Western Europe, Claas Service & Sales)

The highest Platinum Dealer Excellence Award was presented to Claas Eastern, which has headquarters at Sleaford, and a total of seven branches, covering Lincolnshire, Nottinghamshire and Yorkshire. For a dealership with so many branches and over 100 employees, to win this highest level award is a considerable achievement. Each of the dealership branches would have been individually evaluated as part of the overall assessment, and would have been assessed as reaching the highest standards required to win this award.

Steve Barrett of Hamblys (right) receives the Gold Dealer Excellence Award from Christian Radons

Ken Conley of Rickerby (right) receives the Gold Dealer Excellence Award from Christian Radons

Two dealers, Hamblys and Rickerby, were presented with Gold Dealer Excellence Awards. With a total of six and eight branches respectively, again each of these dealerships and the sales, service and parts support that they offer through all of their branches, would have been appraised as part of the overall dealership assessment.

Nigel and Karon Wilson of Ashfield & Wilson of Dungannon, Co Tyrone receive the Tractor Sales Performance Award from UK CEO Trevor Tyrrell

The Tractor Sales Performance Award was won by a dealer from Ireland for the third year running. Ashfied & Wilson, a single branch family dealership based in Dungannon Co. Tyrone, were announced overall winner. This Award recognises the dealership that has achieved the highest level of tractor sales per branch in 12 months.

Nicola Jones of Riverlea (right) receives the Tractor Sales Growth Award from Alister Lamb (Claas Tractor, director sales & marketing)

The second tractor award, the Tractor Sales Growth Award, recognises the dealer that has achieved the highest growth in Claas tractor sales in the UK and Ireland. This year this has been awarded to Riverlea, again a family run dealership, operating from three branches across South Wales.

“This year’s Claas Dealer Awards again highlight the professionalism within our dealer network throughout the UK and Ireland,” stated Trevor Tyrrell, Claas UK CEO.

“That three of our largest multi-branch dealerships in the UK should achieve such high appraisal ratings across the whole of their businesses to win their Platinum and Gold Dealer Excellence Awards is evidence of the commitment these dealers have made in their businesses. It is also encouraging to see so many family run dealerships receiving awards, as it reflects the obvious loyalty that these businesses have within their local farming community, and the success that this has brought them.”

Makita UK has opened a third regional Factory Service Centre (FSC) in the busy London borough of Hounslow.

This new FSC joins Makita’s HQ facility in Milton Keynes, which serves the whole of the country, as well as Glasgow, which supports Scotland and northern England.

The London FSC will primarily service the essential London and South East region. In order to maintain service levels Makita is committed to offering improved national coverage for the benefit of end user customers, as well as the network of Makita distributors, by building these dedicated FSC’s.

Makita's new Factory Service Centre

While these facilities satisfy a vital role in providing technical repairs and maintenance services for all mains and cordless construction machines, and the rapidly expanding range of groundscare tools, including 2-stroke and 4-stroke petrol engine products, the company says training remains the cornerstone of their marketing success. It ensures that both authorised distributors and operators are fully conversant with the power tools they own, or may purchase in the future; how to obtain the best and safest performance from these machines, and how to maintain them for efficiency and productivity.

The first FSC to be opened is based at South Street, Glasgow, which offers Makita product training across the complete range of products; product servicing courses, as well as accredited courses such as the successful and certificated City & Guilds Correct & Safe Use of Handheld Power Tools. A user or instructor certificate is issued upon successful completion. Courses are available to meet individual needs and bespoke power tool training can be designed to meet specific requirements.

At each location the theory elements of courses are held in a lecture theatre, followed by essential hands-on practical work which is carried out in specially adapted and fully equipped training demonstration rooms. Courses are of 1 or 2 day duration or tailored to specific needs. The CITB certificated course, which can include a combination of in-house and on-site training, relates to abrasive wheel training, and both instructor or user courses are available. Gas nailer user training, chainsaw cross cutting and service courses are also available.

Tony Coleman, technical manager, Makita UK, said, “We are already receiving a very warm welcome from all sectors of the power tool industry in this heavily populated area of west London. If demand becomes similar to that we’ve established in Glasgow and Milton Keynes we will be looking for additional training personnel. Both employers and operators will benefit from this convenient location offering improved local services to all customers.”

Väderstad Group’s turnover exceeded 300 million Euro for the first time in the company’s history for the financial year 2018, increasing by 27 percent. Net profit amounted to 11.8 million Euro.

The company say they also hired more than 150 new employees to keep pace with demand and continued to invest in product development of new and existing products.

Despite some challenging weather conditions - mostly drought - in northern Europe, resulting in lower yields, investment in soil cultivation machines and drills remained high.

A generally positive global economy and low interest rates contributed to a positive volume trend for Väderstad’s products, says Mats Båverud, president and CEO of Väderstad Group.

Order intake for 2018 remained good, 27% better than the previous year for machines and 26% better for spare and wear parts. The market in the industry continues to grow and Väderstad say their sales development has been positive in several parts of the world. Canada, Sweden and Russia top the sales list with the United Kingdom, Germany and Ukraine close behind.

"Our innovative concepts are appreciated by our customers and we are looking positively at the future,” says Mats Båverud

Campey Turf Care Systems will be attending the Golf Industry Show (GIS) 2019 in San Diego from the 2nd-7th February, with Dakota and Air 2G2 GT Air Inject.

The GIS is one of golf’s premier learning and networking events and representatives from Campey, Richard Campey, Ben Taylor and Dave Harrison, will be joining colleagues from Air 2G2 and Dakota to provide expert insight into the machines and their use on Europe’s most prestigious golf courses.

Campey sells the Air2G2 Air Inject GT around the globe and since introducing it into the United Kingdom and Europe, it has become increasingly popular and is now in operation at many leading golf venues.

The three Campey representatives will also be at the Dakota booth, promoting the company's range of Turf Tenders, with Dakota routinely fine-tuning their spreaders to make them even more accurate.

The company say they have also listened to the needs of the golf industry and introduced the pedestrian 310 SP model alongside the 410 towed model.

Salary Commensurate with Experience

Hours: 8am-4.30pm

HAMILTON BROTHERS, Part of the Hamilton Ross Group of Companies, are leading suppliers of Agricultural, Groundcare, Construction and Garden Power machinery in West Central Scotland. An exciting opportunity exists in our Bishopton Depot for a Parts Sales Assistant who enjoys multi-tasking and working as part of our team.

The Parts Department plays a pivotal role within a dealership by sourcing items for the workshop team and customers.

Requirements:

• Enthusiastic attitude
• Strong Communication and Telephone skills
• IT literacy
• A good eye for detail
• A good mechanical mind that allows for you to correctly identify parts would be advantageous
• Sound working knowledge of Agricultural, Construction or Groundcare machinery is preferential but not essential

Responsibilities:

• Ordering parts
• Controlling the transport of goods in and out of the business
• Managing stock availability in retail areas
• Liaising with customers at our busy Parts Counter and on the telephone

Benefits:

• 22 days holiday plus 8 public/bank holidays per annum.
• Pension.
• Long established, local and trusted employer.

The Parts Sales Assistant is expected to work outside of standard office hours when required, therefore flexibility around overtime would be expected.

If you feel you could be an asset to Hamilton Brothers, please e-mail your CV together to hr@hamiltonrossgroup.co.uk. Closing date for applications is 18/2/19.

Salary Commensurate with Experience

Hours: 8am-5pm

HAMILTON BROTHERS, Part of the Hamilton Ross Group of Companies, are leading suppliers of Agricultural, Groundcare, Construction and Garden Power machinery in West Central Scotland. An exciting opportunity exists in our Bishopton Depot for a Groundcare Service Adviser who can provide efficient admin and service support in a busy workshop office environment.

You will be our first point of contact with both internal and external clients, dealing with leading brands such as Honda, STIHL and Husqvarna.

Requirements:

• Positive attitude
• Time management skills
• Excellent planning skills to achieve goals and objectives set
• Strong IT literacy, experience of Microsoft Office Packages and good word processing skills

Responsibilities:

• Processing, checking and tracking of service orders and purchase invoices
• Dealing with suppliers and customers
• Preparation of client paperwork
• Assist with lifting lawnmowers into the workshop

Benefits:

• 22 days holiday plus 8 public/bank holidays per annum.
• Pension.
• Long established, local and trusted employer.

If you feel you could be an asset to Hamilton Brothers, please e-mail your CV together to hr@hamiltonrossgroup.co.uk. Closing date for applications is 18/2/19.

P S Marsden (Lawnmower Services) Ltd are a family owned business based in Nottingham and are looking to appoint an experienced service technician.

Your duties will include:

• Service and repairs to all makes and models of grass cutting machinery and associated equipment
• Carrying out Pre-Delivery Inspections (PDI)
• Examination and fault finding
• Determining repair method and identification and fitting of replacement parts
• Advising customer of repairs required
• Using the computerised systems to identify parts and service info
• Describing in written format the work carried out
• Undertaking work both in a workshop and on site

Experience:

• Proven knowledge and experience using methods, materials, tools and techniques in the repair and maintenance of grass cutting machinery and associated equipment including 2 stroke engines
• Good level of literacy
• Ability to work on own initiative
• Competent in the use of computerised systems
• Ability to diagnose problems and find solutions
• LTA level 3 would be an advantage (and reflected within salary)
• Ability to diagnose and repair both electrical and hydraulic faults

We offer:

• Competitive salary based on experience and knowledge
• Excellent working conditions
• Full support and development
• Contributory pension scheme

Interested applicants should send their CV and covering letter to:

Martin Edis
P S Marsden (Lawnmower Services) Ltd
Private Road No 8, Colwick Industrial Estate, Nottingham NG4 2JX
martin@psmmowers.co.uk

Tel: 0115 9615431

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