The fourth edition of the Service Dealer Conference to take place at the Oxford Belfry Hotel, proved to be a tremendous success yesterday. 

Dealers from all across the UK, from garden machinery, commercial turfcare and agricultural equipment businesses, all gathered to listen to the line-up of expert speakers - and to enter into dialogue with each other. Sharing knowledge and experiences was the order of the day as the conference looked forward to what the next 30 years could hold for the independent network.

Service Dealer owner, Duncan Murray-Clarke, hosted the day and began by acknowledging the fact that this past season had been quite a trying one for many dealers. However, said Duncan, "We have a room full of talented dealers here and we're here to look ahead to what the next 30 years might throw at us and how we are going to not just cope, but thrive in the world of groundcare and agriculture."

However, before the day set about addressing the conference's title of 'Insights for our industry. Helping you prosper over the next 30 years', we paused for a brief moment to contextualize where the industry finds itself today. Service Dealer founder, Chris Biddle, joined Duncan on stage to rattle though some key moments which have shaped our sector during the 30 years of the magazine's existence.

Chris spoke of a series of 'disrupters' that have affected the industry to varying degrees over the past three decades. These included factors such as the weather, 'the sheds', the internet and the economy. He also spoke about what he thought made for a successful dealer, citing qualities such as pragmatism, the need for a retail antenna, adaptability, customer friendliness and a sense of humour!

Attention then turned to what may lie ahead for the specialist dealer network, with a fascinating presentation from futurist Ed Gillespie. As well as being a futurist, Ed is also a writer, serial entrepreneur plus a board director in a farm, located underground in disused London tube station.

Ed spoke of how the future won't simply be an extension of today - but rather to consider the future we should be stretching the idea of what we may consider impossible. Ed said that that changes in the future will see some jobs destroyed, but many new ones created. The farming industry for example, said Ed, will focus on small, autonomous robots rather than large tractors. He also believed that our transactional system of purchasing equipment outright, would move more into a system of sharing services.

Ed wasn't just presenting in the main room yesterday though, he was also hosting one of the popular breakout sessions which, due to their smaller group size, always allow for increased interaction from the delegates. Ed's session tackled the subject urbanisation and what it could mean for our industry.

In this breakout, Ed talked of how the concept of increased urbanisation in the future shouldn't necessarily be thought of as a bad thing. With innovations like vertical farming, green roofs and 'hairy buildings', cities could well feature more green spaces than ever before. He also encouraged the delegates to think about willful blindness' - to consider those matters which you know are an issue but refuse to acknowledge. In the session I attended ideas such as laziness, lack of solar power and not recycling sufficiently were brought up. 

The conference was also incredibly lucky to have our second breakout session of the day hosted by Sara Hey. Sara, who is from the specialist dealer training company Bob Clements Inc, had flown in from the US especially to address the conference and offered some amazing insight from one of the largest groundcare and ag markets in the world. Her breakout was specifically regarding that hot topic, which many in our sector often voice concern over, succession.

Sara talked about how we can continue our family businesses into the future. "If we do succession planning right," said Sara, "it can bring us together as a family. However so many can do it wrong, and move them apart." She then talked the delegates through a series of processes which could aid them through this potentially hazardous time - beginning with simply engaging in open and honest conversations with your children, early and often. Ideas such as leadership, boundaries, your business's legacy and values and the importance of having a plan were all discussed, with suggestions from both the owner's and the next generation's viewpoints considered. Sara finished by talking us through some of fatal flaws which she's seen dealerships fall into in the States, when attempting succession. 

Following lunch which allowed delegates time to chat to the event's sponsors on their stands in the showcase area, plus have their picture taken with the (hopefully) record breaking Mean Mower V2 and its driver Jess Hawkins, two talks were allocated to what professional customers will expect from their servicing dealers over the coming years.

Firstly, the conference heard from farmer James Price. James is an arable farmer from the edge of the Cotswolds who is pursuing his passion to increase the profitability of his business through implementing precision technology and improving soil health. Since taking full control of the business in 2005 James has completely changed both the machinery line up and also the cultivation strategy and it continues to evolve year by year. He was one of the first UK adopters of GPS technology in agriculture.

James began by lightheartedly saying, "My machinery policy is flexible - meaning I don't have one!". He went on to explain the key qualities he looked for in a dealer were support in terms of service, parts and advice; the ability to fulfil his business requirements; and the offering of finance options. He also said it was important to him that dealers he dealt with were honest, that they explained their figures and that they followed up on leads - "Although don't pester us," said James, "like you we're busy people."

Following the thoughts of a buyer from the world of agriculture, delegates heard what a commercial turfcare customer might expect from their local dealer. Angus Lindsay is an experienced agricultural engineer and a well-known voice in the industry, having spent over 24 years working for national contractors and a short period in the supply side as an account manager for the IPU Group. His current role encompasses the whole life management of assets and fleet for idverde in the UK.

Angus stressed that the most important quality he looks for with the dealers he encounters is the building of a solid relationship. "Good communication on both sides is vital," said Angus, "alongside an openness to discuss all matters." Angus went on to explain how he felt the selling of a machine was the easy part, "The key is service," he said. "What happens when it goes wrong is the most important element to me. Keeping the equipment going is vital." He urged dealers to always be mindful to say thank you for any orders placed with them, to consider not collecting too many franchises and to make sure that if you have a flashy showroom that the aftersales live up to the front of house.

After a short break for coffee, the conference reconvened for a thoroughly engaging session offering two perspectives on training, service, sales and parts management. Hosted by Pete Harding of UK training company PFW Associates and once again Sara Hey of the USA’s Bob Clements Inc, the session was jointly presented to give the best insight from both sides of the pond.

The session proved very popular amongst our delegates. Pete and Sara went into great detail about how dealers might look closely at their various departments, to make sure they are always gaining the most profitability they could from them. It was fascinating to hear just how similar dealerships on either side of the Atlantic can be, but also the marked differences. So much information was offered to the delegates over the space of the hour, with tips on specific areas where dealers might consider scrutinising within their business that Sara said if dealers could take away just one idea from their talk, to implement change within their company, it would be a valuable start - which could lead to a domino effect of improvements.

The day concluded with a panel debate which saw Ed Gillespie, Sara Hey, James Price and Angus Lindsay return to the stage - to be joined by dealer, Pete McArthur from Strathbogie, who won Service Dealer's overall dealer of the year in 2017.

The session was split into two parts with the panelists first offering their thoughts on the day, with particular reference to the conference's theme of surviving the next 30 years.

From a dealer's perspective, Pete said how succession was a real issue for them and that Sara's presentation earlier in the day had really hit the nail on the head. He also explained how he felt the dealer trade, "is not a lawnmower business anymore, it's a technology business."

Questions from the delegates were then put the panel. Subjects covered included how can we embrace outsiders coming into a family business, what is the key element in the dealer-customer relationship and how might we attract more young people into the industry?

Duncan Murray-Clarke wrapped up the conference by thanking the day's contributors and sponsors. He also hoped the attendant dealers had enjoyed the content, but more importantly had come away with knowledge that will help them progress their own dealerships.

From my personal point of view I'd like to congratulate the whole team at TAP for organising another fantastic event, which ran smoothly as ever and was packed with great content from beginning to end. Chatting to both delegates and sponsors after the event, it seemed as though everybody there had very much enjoyed the day and had found something to take away with them to consider further.

And speaking of sponsors, a big thank you to them, as the event would not be possible without their support.

PRINCIPLE SPONSOR
Kramp

PLATINUM SPONSOR
STIHL

GOLD SPONSORS
Husqvarna

Etesia/Pellenc
Honda
Kubota
Catalyst Compuyer Systems

NETWORKING SPONSORS
BAGMA
Ibcos

Garden Trader

In a prestigious ceremony at the Oxford Belfry Hotel last night, presided over by comedian and actor Charlie Baker, the Service Dealer Awards were were presented to our winning dealers from around the UK.

The categories and winners were:

GARDEN MACHINERY DEALER OF THE YEAR

Sponsored by Husqvarna. Presenting Award: Ken Brewster, UK Sales & Marketing Director

Winner - Gayways, Harrow, North London

Amar and Rajiv Parmar with Ken Brewster plus Duncan Murray-Clarke (l) and Charlie Baker (r)

The judges said, "In a very competitive category, Gayways took over a struggling business 10 years ago and have completely turned around the fortunes of this dealership by engaging with the local community, utilising technology like WhatsApp, video and imagery."

Finalists – Briants Of Risborough, Princes Risborough ; C&C Machinery, Preston

FARM MACHINERY DEALER OF THE YEAR

Sponsored by Kramp. Presenting Award: Andrew Herring, account manager

Winner - RBM Agricultural, Yorkshire, Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire-based

Peter Arrand Bob Tindall and Steve Plewes receive their Award from Andrew Herring plus Duncan Murray-Clarke (l) and Charlie Baker (r)

The judges said, "This year’s winning farm machinery dealer supplied a strong category entry with comprehensive customer feedback. They support training and education in the industry and have recently celebrated their 80th birthday."

Finalists – RVW Pugh, Montgomery, Powys; Vincent Tractors, Fraddon, Cornwall

FORESTRY EQUIPMENT DEALER OF THE YEAR

Sponsored by STIHL GB. Presenting Award: Robin Lennie, managing director

Winner - Gustharts, Blagdon, Newcastle Upon Tyne

Rob Gusthart with Robin Lennie plus Duncan Murray-Clarke (l) and Charlie Baker (r)

The judges said, "This business started off, like so many, as a father and son team. Supported by excellent customer feedback, the founder of the dealership, Rob Gusthart, is a well-known character in the industry. His product knowledge is superb, and the showroom and website are a shining example to all."

Finalists - Buxtons Ltd, Stafford, Penkridge; Winchester Garden Machinery, Winchester

PROFESSIONAL TURFCARE DEALER OF THE YEAR

Sponsored by Etesia. Presenting Award: Les Malin, managing director

Winner - RT Machinery, Nether Winchendon

Richard Taylor, Tom Bailey and Scott Reynolds with Les Malin plus Duncan Murray-Clarke (l) and Charlie Baker (r)

The judges said, "This family business clearly specialises in machinery targeted at professional users with extensive groundcare knowledge and a strong website. In case we needed confirmation of the quality they offer, they have just been awarded the royal warrant."

Finalists - Ernest Doe & Sons Ltd, Essex; Thomas Sherriff & Co Ltd, Borders

ATV / QUAD DEALER OF THE YEAR

Sponsored by Honda Power Equipment. Presenting award Steve Morris, sales manager.

Winner - Llyn ATVs And Garden Machinery, Pwllheli, Gwynedd

Huw Owen with Steve Morris plus Duncan Murray-Clarke (l) and Charlie Baker (r)

The judges said, "Llyn ATVs And Garden Machinery have been selling ATVs in North Wales for over 25 years and now the family business is expanding with a second branch in Derby. The dealership received many, many great customer feedback comments."

Finalists - Stratton ATVs, Perth; Ark ATVs, Minehead

STAR OF THE DEALERSHIP

Sponsored by Catalyst Computer Systems. Presenting Award: Mike Cameron, system sales manager

Winner - Jess Parks, 'all-rounder' at AF Wiltshire, Dunsfold, Surrey

Jess Parks with Mike Cameron plus Duncan Murray-Clarke (l) and Charlie Baker (r)

The judges said, "Our winner this year has shown rapid progression in her relatively short time at a highly respected dealership. She has quickly learnt the complex world of parts ordering and has become an integral part of the business."

APPRENTICE OF THE YEAR

Sponsored by Kubota UK. Presenting Award: Martin Tyler, field service manager

Winner - William Dart, Hayes Garden Machinery & ATVs

William Dart and Martin Tyler plus Duncan Murray-Clarke (l) and Charlie Baker (r)

The judges said, "William possesses qualities that are crucial for our industry. A very strong and honest application to all his roles, including his participation in the Honda Apprenticeship Programme, have demonstrated some real determination and initiative."

OVERALL DEALER OF THE YEAR

Sponsored by Kramp. Presenting Award: Des Boyd, sales director

Winner - Gayways

Amar and Rajiv Parmar with Des Boyd and Duncan Murray-Clarke (l) and Charlie Baker (r) celebrating their Overall Dealer of the Year win

The judges said, "Gayways received a huge amount of positive customer feedback forms in support of their business. In addition to this their online reviews are very strong with a 4.7 Google rating from 262 reviews."

OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTION AWARD

Presented by Chris and Trish Biddle

Winner – Patrick Vives, recently retired md of Etesia UK

Chris and Trish Biddle with Partick Vives

Chris Biddle said, "Patrick Vives has a strong connection with the timeline of Service Dealer having launched the UK side to the Etesia business at around the time I started the magazine. Since then he has been instrumental in building a successful UK franchise in parallel with the history of our magazine.

"In 1988, the Wolf company developed a machine for tough conditions and decided on a separate brand, Etesia, entrusting its launch and development to Patrick. Although strong in France and Germany, Wolf had a lower profile in the UK where Patrick saw great potential.

"Initially, the Wolf family thought they could handle everything from France, but Patrick along with Tania Wolf saw it differently. They knew that UK grass conditions and operator requirements were unique to this country – and they needed to have a base here in order to succeed.

"When he first came to the UK in 1990, Patrick only had a rudimentary grasp of English. In the years following, he was an integral part of the UK operation, conversing easily with dealers and customers at shows and demo days. 

"I am sure Partick is proud of all that the Etesia UK dealers have achieved and the impact they have made on the turfcare market in the UK - and I know that they recognise the commitment, the quiet authority and the sense of direction that he has provided over the past near 30 years."

AriensCo say the success of previous Sales Skills events will see them repeating the events this November and December 2018 with training for all garden machinery dealers, not just those who carry AriensCo brands.  What’s more, say AriensCo, all the courses are kept free of charge for the dealer.

There will be five training events, three Level 1 sessions on 27th and 28th November at Countax House, Oxfordshire and 11th December at Ripley Castle, North Yorkshire and two Level 2 sessions on 29th November at Countax House and 12th December at Ripley Castle.

Sales Skills will be presented by Matt Wilson, UK sales manager, John Horn, who has run previous Sales Skills events and Jef O’Riley, marketing manager EMEA & Asia.

The company says the free training courses provide dealer principals, sales managers and those new to the industry with practical advice for promoting their business and attracting customers into their showrooms.

Sales Skills Level 1 focuses on developing product knowledge and creating the right conditions for selling and selling techniques. The aim is to help dealers in forging long-lasting relationships with customers. With the emphasis on highlighting the added value they provide, dealers can learn how to engage with customers and address their needs effectively, without relying on the ‘hard sell.’ This helps to differentiate them and the dealership from the competition. The events offer the opportunity for dealers to share ideas on how to improve the customer experience in the showroom, addressing areas such as access to the dealership, customer facilities and product displays. They will also learn how to deliver an effective product demonstration to customers, both pre and post purchase, through presenting the benefits of products according to customer needs.

Sales Skills Level 2 provides dealers with the tools required to promote their business and engage with potential customers in their local area. The focus is on sales and marketing practices, providing dealers with practical advice for attracting customers into their showrooms. The sessions will cover marketing communication theory and practices, such as targeting, segmentation and positioning, together with developing an effective marketing strategy and campaigns. Here the dealers can find out how to have a bigger impact when talking to customers and discover practical ideas for building their own brand. Here too they will learn how digital marketing can bring in new customers.

AriensCo say spaces are filling fast. Dealers wanting to attend can join in by clicking on the relevant Sales Skills registration page to attend:

Sales Skill 1

or

Sales Skills 2

This year marks the 10th anniversary of CLAAS UK working with SRUC Barony to offer apprenticeship courses for students from dealerships in the north of England, Scotland and Ireland.

SRUC 2018 CLAAS Apprentice intake

CLAAS UK say they are still the only major machinery manufacturer to offer the option of studying either at SRUC Barony or at Reaseheath College in Cheshire. The demand for a course based in Scotland is more than evident, they say, in the fact that of the 25 new Landbased Service Engineering and Parts Sales & Marketing apprentices starting their training this autumn, 16 of them are enrolled at SRUC Barony, the second largest intake there since the course started in 2008.

Over the first three years of their four-year apprenticeship, the students will receive comprehensive training, in addition to CLAAS product and general technical training while working with their dealership, where they will be mentored and supported. During their final fourth year they undertake additional advanced technical and industry training.

Reaseheath College 2018 CLAAS Apprentice intake

Those studying for the 3-year CLAAS Parts Sales & Marketing apprenticeship, which is based at Reaseheath College, similarly split their time between formal training and practical time back at their supporting dealership. Upon competition of the course, they will be awarded a Level 3 Diploma in Vehicle Parts Operations, which is the equivalent of three ‘A’ Levels.

For all the students however, the completion of their apprenticeship will be just the start of their training with the company. Having qualified, working with their dealership and CLAAS UK they will have access to ongoing training and development and ultimately the opportunity to move into more senior management roles within their dealerships or with CLAAS should they so wish.

Reaseheath College 2018 CLAAS Apprentice intake

• Jack Reynolds, EASTERN, Markham Moor
• James Howe, WESTERN Cirencester
• Jordan Seeley, MANNS, Saxham
• Ruben Antunes, MANNS, Thursford
• Will Clayton, MANNS, Thursford
• Henry Benbow, Morris Corfield, Docklow
• Samuel Oliver, Morris Corfield, Craven Arms
• Matthew Savill, Olivers, Luton
• Joseph Richardson, Rickerby, Bowburn (Parts)

SRUC 2018 CLAAS Apprentice intake

• Ronald MacDonald-Jarvie, Gordons, Berryhill
• Gregor Bell, Gordons, Dumfries
• Ryan Widdowson, Gordons, Castle Douglas
• Drew Ritchie, Gordons, Strathaven
• Joshua Winder, Rickerby, Carnforth
• Owen Blackburn, Rickerby, Carlisle
• Matthew Whitehead, Rickerby, Alnwick
• Peter Scott, Rickerby, Cornhill
• Danny Wilkinson, Rickerby, Hexham
• Robbie Aitchison, Rickerby, Dunbar
• Alasdair McGavin, Sellars, Forres
• Lloyd Cathro, Sellars, Letham
• Calum Czaja, Sellars, Forres
• Gregor Innes, Sellars, Huntly
• Finlay Pass, Sellars, Perth
• Richard Meaney, Kellys

OPICO has appointed Dominic Burt as Territory Manager to cover Wales, west and south west England.

Adding further strength to the sales team, Dominic will also take responsibility for the Maschio Gaspardo brands in this area.

Commenting, Robin Immink, Maschio Gaspardo UK Sales Manager said, "I am delighted to have taken on such a knowledgeable and respected individual. Dominic joins OPICO with a wealth of experience garnered in the trade over the last 20 years. Most recently he has specialised in precision technology, but is also well versed in the Maschio Gaspardo range."

On his new appointment Dominic said, "This is an exciting move for me. Having spent many years within a well-respected agricultural dealership the challenge to move to the manufacturer side of things is an opportunity I’m really looking forward to."

Dominic will be based from home in Dawlish, Devon and his contact details are: email: dominic.burt@maschio.co.uk mobile: 07971 484414

OPICO Ltd has announced the appointment of L Evans & Son to their Maschio Gaspardo dealer network in the UK.

Established in 1924, and located just outside Hereford, L Evans & Son supplies new and used farm machinery, fruit harvesting equipment and ground care machinery to farmers and contractors across Herefordshire, Worcestershire, Gloucestershire and the West Midlands.

L-R: Dominic Burt, Maschio territory manager; Keith Lamont, director; Trevor Jones, managing director; James Griffiths, area salesman; Andrew Williams, director

The dealership will sell the full Maschio Gaspardo tillage line-up of ploughs, cultivators, drills, combination drills and rotovators, as well as the range of Maschio flail mowers.

Commenting Rob Immink, Maschio Gaspardo’s sales manager said, “We couldn’t be more excited to be represented in the area by such a well-respected agricultural dealer. OPICO have been dealing with L Evans & Son for many years and they know their farmers better than anyone. We are delighted to have them on board.”

Trevor Jones, managing director at L Evans & Son added, “We have been selling a range of OPICO, HE-VA and Strautmann products under the OPICO umbrella for some time and are delighted to add the Maschio Gaspardo brand to our portfolio. We have a plough, flail mower and a power harrow in stock, and are already taking requests to demonstrate the Maschio plough. Our sales, service and parts teams are fully up-to-speed with the Maschio product range and they can’t wait to get started.”

Since the start of the year, Tadmarton Heath Golf Club near Banbury in Oxfordshire has seen investment in a new management team, strategic changes to the course under the eye of course architect Ken Moodie and its first ever course maintenance equipment fleet deal with John Deere and local dealer Farol Ltd.

Tadmarton Heath Golf Club general manager Matt Draper, John Deere territory manager Nick Ashman, course manager Jim McMurdo, dealer Mike Wheeler of Farol and golf operations manager John Stubbs, with greenkeepers Jordan Cotterell, Daniel Welford, Marcus Hendy and Neil Markham in the back row.

The avowed ambition of golf operations manager John Stubbs, course manager Jim McMurdo and general manager Matt Draper is to achieve a place in the UK’s top 100 golf courses. Already ranked at #91 in National Club Golfer's Top 100 courses in England, Taddy - as the locals call it - is a classic heathland layout featuring gorse and broom, with an ‘inland links’ character. It has been described by NCG editor Dan Murphy as “absolutely delightful and quintessentially English, with a pretty stone clubhouse at its centre.”

The new machinery has been bought on a five-year John Deere Financial lease deal, including PowerGard maintenance and protection. The package features 12 John Deere machines, including 220SL walk-behind and 2500E electric hybrid greens mowers, A Model fairway mowers, a 1600T wide area mower and Gator utility vehicles in addition to a Tru-Turf greens roller, Fleming trailers and a Weidenmann Super 600 three-in-one flail mower, collector and verticutter for the rough.

“We wanted to rationalise the existing machinery fleet and deal, which was coming up for renewal,” says John Stubbs. “As part of the tender process we met the Farol team for the first time, including golf & grass director James Moore and area sales manager Mike Wheeler. We were looking for a completely open, honest and transparent deal at the best possible price, and we found that Farol and John Deere were very easy to work with all the way through the process.

“Their approach gave us confidence that they could deliver what we needed to help achieve our ambition of becoming the premier all year round course in this area. We had plenty of help and advice on which machines would provide the most efficient and affordable solution for the golf course and the club, and in the end the decision to partner with John Deere and Farol was a very straightforward one.”

As it boasts one of the last remaining areas of proper heathland left in the county, the course has undergone a five-year regeneration project as part of the club’s vision to put the traditional heath back into Tadmarton Heath. More recently all the bunkers have been redesigned or rebuilt, and Jim McMurdo has begun a process of improving the greens, reducing the more punitive rough areas and raising the overall standard of the course presentation.

John Stubbs adds, “The new investment created an amazing wave of interest in the improvements - people regularly come up to me to say how pleased they are with the way things are going, and new members are joining all the time. It was certainly a great confidence boost for us to get the Board’s approval to spend what is admittedly a large sum of money for a private golf club."

Ibcos Computers Ltd has announced its sponsorship of the Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution’s (R.A.B.I) annual quiz night and supper - to be hosted tonight, Friday, November 16.

The event will take place at Millennium Barn Parrish’s Lodge Farm, Chicksands, at 6:30 pm and will cost £10 per person, with up to six people allowed per team.

The R.A.B.I. is a charity organisation dedicated to the farming community and supported by several of Ibcos’ key dealers. It has been running for almost 160 years and gives out £2,000,000 per year in subsidies, grants, support and other financial aid.

“It’s very important for us, as a company, to support organisations like the R.A.B.I.,” said Collette Convery, the managing director at Ibcos, “After all, we’re all in this industry together. This means that, to an extent, everyone has an obligation to contribute something, when possible. Furthermore, a prosperous, healthy farming community isn’t just good for our business - it’s good for everyone.”

To book your team for the quiz night and supper, contact Richard Kendrick via email at Lucy.Bellefontaine@rabi.org.uk or by phone at 07739 297374.

Despite being loyal to another machinery brand for the past 18 years, Smytham Holiday Park in Devon, has made the switch to TYM and purchased a new T353 tractor.

Set in an idyllic valley and surrounded by 33 acres of parkland, the grounds require 10 acres of grass to be cut and collected up to twice a week in peak season. As a result, reliability, durability and power are essential traits for the machinery purchased for the park, says owner, Tony Harper.

L-R: Smytham Holiday Park owner, Tony Harper, with Rob Read from Devon Garden Machinery

“We needed something simple and straightforward that meets the demands of a holiday park. It’s important for us to have a reliable workhorse with a lot of power, but small enough to manoeuvre between the caravans with cutting units attached.”

He continues: “We’ve been brand-loyal since we started the business, but the TYM T353 was a similar size to our previous machine, with the added bonus of a higher lift capability. Plus, the way the hydraulics were put together was a lot tidier. I’ve operated it myself, it’s simple to use, good for switching from one task to another and handles all my attachments perfectly. I’m confident it will improve the quality of the park.”

A demo, organised by Devon Garden Machinery (DGM), saw Tony and his family try out the T353 for themselves.

“We were able to organise a free, onsite demonstration within a week of first discussing the T353, as TYM’s distributor Reesink Turfcare delivered really quickly,” comments DGM sales dealer, Robert Read. “Tony was impressed by the tractor as soon as he saw it, it’s a great size for the holiday park environment. After the demonstration, Tony decided there and then he would purchase it.”

Speaking of the demonstration, Tony added: “Robert was very knowledgeable, he showed us the safety measures and how it worked, but then stepped back and let us give it a try. The tractor spoke for itself really, I knew once I’d seen it in action it was the best product out there for the price. And it was a definite bonus that he could leave the tractor with us and we could trade in our old machine that day - it made buying an easy decision!”

The T353 is already being put to good use. Along with keeping the park in top order, the tractor has been used to move a 12-foot-wide caravan, weighing five tonnes, offsite.

“It’s a bit of a funny sight, seeing a little tractor pull a big caravan like that, but it just shows the power it has,” said Tony.

A recent joint A-Plant and Land & Water event to showcase products available to the Environment Agency was used by Simon Richard Ltd, along with Loxston Groundcare to demonstrate the value of the Reform bank tractor, Muthing flail and Woods Equipment ranges.

Simon Richard said, "The event was a great opportunity to demonstrate our products, particularly the recently launched Reform Metron P48 RC, the first radio controlled equipment carrier with real hybrid drive."

Simon contnued, "The Metron’s concept is based on a 48hp Kubota petrol engine powering a generator which supplies energy to the battery pack and the electric wheel motors. Metron can also have other power sources such as hydrogen cell, when available. The generator has a direct drive which drives the mechanical front PTO shaft, allowing it to operate all attachments mechanically. Control at up to 400 metres range is via a ergonomic radio hand-set with integrated colour display.

"The hybrid drive also allows Metron to operate purely electrically. If more power is required, the petrol engine can be switched on. Permanent all-wheel drive to four same size wheels, low centre of gravity and five different steering modes combine to give optimum slope capability. A range of attachments such as flail mowers, rotary mowers, snow blowers, ploughs, brooms and more can also be mounted."

Following the acquisition of Rochford Garden Machinery by AL-KO Gardentech we are pleased to announce an opportunity for a new Area Sales Manager to join the team.

Covering the South East / East Anglia territory the job holder will visit our dealers to advise and promote our family of brands: AL-KO®, WEIBANG®, MITOX® and DR®.

Working from home, you will use your territory management skills to plan regular and effective customer meetings. Your role is to deliver ambitious sales targets that drive the growth of the business - achieved by supporting your dealers, providing product training, resolving issues, building decision making and advising on best-selling ranges.

You will be supported by an experienced and committed head office team and fantastic IT that provides all of the data you will need via an iPad.

We are looking for an experienced sales professional with outstanding communication skills and the appetite to succeed as an Area Sales Manager. Located near to the M25, you will be highly organised and fantastic at building relationships with customers. IT literate and numerate you will be confident with sales analysis, forecasting and how to prioritise in order to achieve objectives.

We offer full training within a 4 week induction and a reward package that includes a company car, 25 days holiday plus 8 statutory holidays, company credit card, life assurance, contributory pension plan, product discounts and you will be provided with an iPhone, iPad and laptop.

For more information and to apply please contact Nick Hester at Cavendish Maine:

Contact:
Name: Nick Hester
Telephone: 01275 813030
Email: nick@cavendishmaine.com

uni-power have released details of their annual special offer with Extra Discount, Extended Payment and Free Carriage.

For details of the Pre-Season offer click here

For the Briggs & Stratton Excel order form click here

For the Fuel Fit offer click here

For the Briggs & Stratton brochure click here

The full offer can also be downloaded via www.uni-power.co.uk (Account login details required), or requested via info@uni-power.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 190+ subscribed Garden Trader dealers now by clicking on “Register Dealership”.

FIND OUT MORE