I was having a discussion with a major supplier this week, the conversation briefly turning to what to do when you get something wrong.

I was told that companies such as theirs are judged on every decision they make. Sometimes things go wrong and when they do the best thing to do, the only thing to do, is front up to it. Admit something's gone awry, apologise, and commit to righting the mistake. 

This company believed that whilst on the whole the industry is a conservative one, dealers in the main are a forgiving bunch. They understand that everything can't be perfect all the time. As long as they see you accepting the error and making steps towards righting the wrong, they will be empathetic.

Where potential bad feeling arises is when problems aren't admitted, or worse go on unaddressed for any length of time.

I'm sure dealers can relate to this, both in terms of their relationship with the manufacturers and suppliers they deal with and indeed with issues faced with your own customers who come in through your doors.

In terms of manufacturers and suppliers not admitting errors, I have actually heard a few grumblings just lately from several different dealers regarding recurring problems they've been facing with design and production quality on what should be high-end machines.

Is this something other readers can relate to or have concerns about?

Various dealers have mentioned just recently that they've seen a noticeable downturn in production quality of certain equipment, a cutting of corners, resulting in some very unhappy consumers. I've had people say to me it's something they've been noticing over time, but has really come into focus this year.

"The manufacturers are obviously looking to maximise profitability but this is a false economy when you’re having to re-tool, re-work or replace products that have failed in the marketplace - not to mention a dent to reputation and cheapening of the brand name" - is how one dealer eloquently put it.

If this is something which dealers are seeing with increasing regularity, it really doesn't make sense? Reputation for brands are hard won. They are something which are built over years and to tarnish them for a short-term monetary gain seems pretty foolish.

Also the reputation of the dealers on the front line selling these machines suffers as well. You don't want to be known for selling unreliable machinery - that's for the sheds and the internet!

The supplier I was chatting to this week, spoke of how aware they are of what an important concept reputation is to dealers. They believe that dealers will often think reputationally before thinking commercially. In many situations the value of their reputation locally will take precedence over profits.

So if what's being said about a downturn in certain equipment's production quality is indeed a real issue, that's both their own brands' reputations which are being degraded, plus that of the dealer who's putting these machines into the hands of consumers.

Manufacturers need to take notice of the feedback coming from their consumer-facing dealers and make efforts to correct any problems. If not, franchises are surely likely to be dropped?

And then who will fix their faulty machines?

Husqvarna has this week launched EPOS technology, a satellite-based system for a new series of professional Automower robotic mowers, which they say enables mowing with virtual boundaries.

Earlier this year the manufacturer introduced its first all-wheel drive robotic mowers, allowing residential and professional users to cover areas with an incline of up to 70%.

As the next step, the company has now launched the Husqvarna EPOS technology, described by themselves as a high-precision satellite navigation system that delivers an accuracy of 2-3 centimetres. It is used to create virtual boundaries for professional robotic mowers. 

The company said in a statement that they believe the new system will significantly increase the flexibility and use of professional robotic mowers in green spaces, as virtual boundaries can be adapted to meet the ever-changing needs of sports fields and public spaces. This new system, they say, further opens up opportunities for areas which historically were challenging for robotic lawnmowers, such as areas passing hard surfaces or those which are often remodeled as well as making aerating and scarifying easier.

Sascha Menges, President Husqvarna Division, said, “Robotics and autonomous solutions will play a major role in the future of green space management. We are committed to continuously improving professional green space management and Husqvarna EPOS is a technological breakthrough in Husqvarna’s robotic mowing that will further accelerate the adaptation of robotics in professional lawn care."

Husqvarna pro robotic mowers with Husqvarna EPOS integrate with the company's Fleet Services digital fleet management control system.

The new technology will be launched with selected professional customers in US, France, Germany and Sweden in 2020. Service Dealer has been told the UK release is scheduled for 2021.

It has been reported in the U.S that Deere & Co filed suit this week in the U.S. District Court against two former employees for allegedly stealing trade secrets.

Trade journal, Rural Lifestyle Dealer reports that the lawsuit claims the husband and wife downloaded, transferred and removed confidential information while planning their exits in violation of their contracts.

The defendants are named as Seth Crawford and Adrian Crawford of Duluth, Georgia.

The suit claims one defendant had started employment with a "direct competitor" of Deere's. The lawsuit states Deere brought the suit to stop the defendant’s possession, disclosure and use of Deere’s confidential information.

The lawsuit says Deere’s attempts for an informal resolution were stalled by the defendants and a competitor employing one of them.

According to the suit, Seth Crawford has been employed at Deere since 1997, with his last position being director, global customer and product support. Adrian Crawford had been employed by Deere since 2008. At the conclusion of her career she held the position of manager, enterprise and analytics accelerator.

The suit alleges her position also allowed her access to trade secrets.

Deere spokesman Ken Golden is quoted in the article saying, “This legal action is in line with Deere & Co.’s commitment to our employees, shareholders, dealers and customers to always protect the company’s trade secrets and confidential information.

“Because this matter is in litigation, we will not comment on the specifics of the case. However, we believe the details described in the U.S. District Court complaint accurately support our reason for bringing legal action in this matter.”

Alamo Group Inc. has announced that it has entered into an agreement to acquire 100% of the outstanding capital shares of Morbark LLC, a manufacturer of equipment and aftermarket parts for forestry, tree maintenance, biomass, land management and recycling markets.

These products are marketed under the Morbark, Rayco, Denis Cimaf and Boxer Equipment brand names.

The company’s annual sales were $225.5 million in 2018 and the company had trailing 12 month sales of $233 million as of the end of July, 2019. Total consideration for the purchase is approximately $352 million subject to certain adjustments. The acquisition, which is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2019, is subject to a number of conditions, including the receipt of regulatory approvals and other pre-closing requirements.

Morbark was founded in 1957 and is based in Winn, Michigan with subsidiary operations in Wooster, Ohio and Roxton Falls, Quebec. The company has approximately 720 employees. Their products include a broad range of tree chippers, grinders, flails and debarkers along with stump grinders, mulchers and brush cutters plus related aftermarket spare and wear parts.

The company is privately held and primarily owned by Stellex Capital Partners. The president of Morbark is Dave Herr and he will continue in this role upon completion of the transaction when the company will become a part of Alamo’s Industrial Division led by Jeff Leonard.

Ron Robinson, Alamo Group’s President and Chief Executive Officer said, “We are very pleased with the prospect of having Morbark join the Alamo Group. Morbark is a well- run, profitable, and growing company in a sector that has been steadily improving. Their products expand and complement our range of vegetation maintenance equipment in an adjacent market. We are excited about the opportunities this acquisition will provide Alamo and we look to continue their existing strategic growth plan focused on product development and market expansion, supplemented with synergistic acquisitions.

"We also believe this acquisition will allow us to accelerate Morbark’s international growth plans with Alamo’s existing presence in areas such as Europe as well as select markets such as Brazil and Australia. We believe the two companies will jointly benefit from various operational synergies as well. This combination will provide both a strategic fit and scale of operations that should benefit Alamo for the long term.”

In preparation for this closing, Alamo is working with its banking group to amend and expand its current credit facilities to accommodate this acquisition and meet the ongoing needs of the combined entities.

IAgrE (Institution of Agricultural Engineers) held a party on Tuesday 17 September for Alastair Taylor to mark his retirement as Chief Executive on 1 September.

Alastair Taylor with IAgrE President Professor Jane Rickson

The event held at Mitchell Hall, Cranfield University, was attended by over 50 staff, IAgrE members and industry guests. These included Alastair Taylor’s predecessor at IAgrE Chris Whetnall and the new IAgrE CEO, Ed Hansom. Amongst the guests were Keith Hawken from Agricultural Engineers Association (AEA), former AEA CEO Roger Lane-Nott and Keith Christian, Director of British Agricultural and Garden Machinery Association (BAGMA).

Alastair Taylor took up his post in 2013, become the 15th CEO or Secretary of the Institution since its formation in 1938. Welcoming the guests, IAgrE President Professor Jane Rickson, paid tribute to Alastair’s total commitment during his 6-year term. “He has effectively promoted the Institution at every opportunity,” she said, “and ensured that the voice of this relatively small professional body is regularly heard at the ‘top-table’ of our profession such as the policy committee of the Royal Academy of Engineering”.

In his reply, Alastair Taylor paid tribute to the support of the IAgrE Presidents who had supported him during his term, to the committees (“We often had a healthy level of straight-talking but always constructive debate on the way forward”), to the IAgrE head office staff (“I could not have had a more committed and professional support team, and owe them a huge amount of thanks and gratitude”) and to his wife Linda (“living in Shropshire, working in Cranfield and with copious travel living much of the time out of suitcase, I look forward to a more normal married life”).

Keith Hawken, on behalf of AEA CEO Ruth Bailey, presented Alastair with a glass engraved plaque before being presented with a collection fund from members to buy an electric bike and a specially made cake depicting a signal box on the Severn Valley Railway where Alastair is a volunteer signalman.

Alastair Taylor with IAgrE's Sarah McLeod

RVW Pugh has announced Väderstad as their newest cultivation franchise.

This new partnership will distribute the line of farm machinery which includes tillage, drilling and planting equipment for Mid Wales and Shropshire farmers. 

RVW Pugh will also be able to offer their customers the Väderstad parts from their Churchstoke and Market Drayton branches and also online in the near future.

The official launch of the new franchise will take place on the 26th September during a Fendt and Väderstad launch event to be held at H Timmis Farms Ltd, Home Farm, Lilleshall, Newport, TF10 7BX.

RVW Pugh say this is a perfect opportunity for their customers to see the new generation Fendt 900 Series working alongside Väderstad equipment. The event will be running between 2pm and 6pm.

Robert Pugh, md said, “After speaking to existing Väderstad customers in our area, who are passionate about their Vaderstad kit, we are even more excited about this new franchise. We look forward to providing great sales and aftersales support to both existing and new Vaderstad and RVW Pugh customers in the Shropshire, Mid Wales and North Herefordshire area.”

Chainsaw artist Ian Murray is attempting to set a new world record by climbing the three highest peaks in the UK and creating wood sculptures at the top of each one by using a Pellenc Selion M12 chainsaw – all within 24 hours.

The purpose of the challenge is to raise money for the three charities that are close to Ian’s heart. As an ex-military man he has decided to raise funds for the Royal British Legion (RBL), the Soldiers Charity (ABF) and the Blind Veterans.

Chainsaw artist Ian Murray (right) with dealer Jonathan Morris from Morris Garden Machinery

Furthermore, Ian could not have a better team behind him as he attempts to conquer the Three Peaks Challenge as he will be joined by army veterans, soldiers who are still serving and junior soldiers from AFC Harrogate.

“It was always on my bucket list,” he said. “When you are in business and find yourself sitting up at 2am in the morning doing paperwork, all kinds of crazy ideas come into your head. So I thought let’s do this challenge with a twist!”

Upon leaving the army in 2002, Ian started a new career as a tree surgeon. However after an accident, which saw him fall from a 60ft tree, he decided to use the skills he had gained with a chainsaw to pursue a new venture in wood carving. 

After serving with the army in Bosnia, Kosovo and Northern Ireland, Ian says he is no stranger to a challenge, however the Three Peaks Challenge could well be his biggest trial yet.

In just 24 hours he will not only be climbing the UK’s three highest peaks but at the top of each he will be sculpting the Scottish Thistle on top of Ben Nevis, the English Rose on Scafell Pike and the Welsh Dragon at the top of Snowden. His tool of choice to create these sculptures is the Pellenc Selion M12 chainsaw.

“It was imperative that the chainsaw I chose for this challenge was extremely lightweight. Originally I stripped down one of my old saws so it weighed just over 4.5 kg. I thought that was fairly light until I was talking to Jonathan Morris from Morris Garden Machinery who told me about the Pellenc Selion M12 chainsaw which weighed just 1.7 kg. Well I thought that it would make my job a lot easier by carrying it while climbing.”

The Selion M12 is a battery powered handheld chainsaw with a 1200-watt motor, a 6" cutting bar and weighs 1.7kg.

“I’ve used Pellenc equipment before and it was absolutely brilliant. The bonus of doing this challenge with the Selion M12 is that it also has the green factor. There are no emissions, it is solar charged and it ticks all of the boxes when it comes to being environmentally friendly," said Ian.

“I haven’t got to worry about carting petrol around with me while climbing and the battery will last long enough to get me through the challenge. It is a third of the weight of everything else I will have with me - so anything that makes my life easier is great.”

A John Deere 6250R tractor equipped with a Kuhn four-rotor Gyrorake GA 15131 with a working width of 14.7m has set a new windrowing world record, raking 188.9ha of grass on four different fields in only eight hours.

The world record was set on a typical dairy farm in the Central Jutland region of Denmark. The DLG Test Centre validated the record after carrying out several spot measurements during the attempt. Forage quality was confirmed, as well as an average output of 23.6ha per hour.

Due to the additional horsepower delivered with Intelligent Power Management, the 6R Series tractor provided up to 300hp (maximum power with IPM) in the hilly field conditions.

At 9.3 tonnes empty, the 6250R achieved a maximum operating speed of 22kph for a record high productivity level of 32ha per hour.

The tractor was driven by Mikael Skeldal, who runs the dairy farm with his family. He says he benefited from the CommandPRO joystick and appreciated both its ISOBUS compatibility to operate the rake as well as the ability to monitor operations via the Kuhn CCI 1200 terminal and WTK joystick. This allowed him to see the work in progress and optimise the rotor adjustment without any interruption to the record attempt.

Watch a video of the record breaking attempt below:

Following CNH Industrial’s announcement of its agreement to acquire AgDNA, Farm Management Information Systems (FMIS), New Holland Agriculture will be able to offer its customers AgDNA’s single point data integration, mapping and analytical tools.

Paired with New Holland’s fleet management telematics, the company says the combined solution will empower farmers and agribusinesses to consolidate a wide range of agronomic data streams, arising from a range of inputs such as machine, agronomic and third party data – including crop prices and weather information – into a single platform, to facilitate expedited decision making.

As this open platform works across data sources and brands, the company says it effectively standardises all data inputs, making it possible for mixed fleet owners to view all data in a uniform manner in one place.

The company says this FMIS will be commercialised from Q4 2019 onwards, initially in North America, through the New Holland Agriculture dealer network. 

The Lawn Care Legends networking event for landscapers and gardeners will be returning to SALTEX 2019 - which takes place at the NEC, Birmingham on 30 and 31 October.

The Legends say they will be even bigger this year with over £2500 worth of prizes to be won.

The Facebook group provides a daily opportunity for all landscapers and gardeners to showcase their work and knowledge and ultimately support one another. It consists of nearly 5,000 members featuring solo operators, small to medium size business owners, professionals and aspiring volunteers.

Founder of Lawn Care Legends, John Ryan, revealed that the group’s membership has significantly increased and that a number of landscapers and gardeners will be travelling from afar to attend the networking event at SALTEX 2019.

“Our membership base keeps rising and I’m expecting a huge turnout at SALTEX this year. Members will be travelling to the NEC from Greece, Ireland, Northern Ireland, Norway, France and Canada. You don’t have to be a member of the Facebook group to join us at SALTEX - in fact I would encourage anyone who is involved in landscaping or gardening to come along and participate because they could really benefit from the networking event.

“Our aim is to help and support anyone involved in the industry,” he said. “So, we are planning to include information on marketing your business, pricing a job and how social media is a growing part of the industry.

“We are also very passionate about mental health issues too. Since being in the industry I have seen just how much it impacts daily lives. Over the past year, we have been encouraging members to openly talk about their struggles and to help one another.”

After a complimentary lunch at the networking event on Wednesday 30 October, the Legends will be hosting their annual awards ceremony. The competition, which is open now, has been created to celebrate the outstanding work of landscapers and gardeners.

Lawn Care Legends LIVE will take place on 30 October at 2:00pm in concourse suites 22 and 23 by the SALTEX entrance.

Full-time: Mon-Fri, 8am-5pm (4:30pm on Friday), with the possibility of overtime as & when required

Basic job description: re-building/servicing/identifying faults on Industrial Petrol/Diesel Engines & Transmissions (Working from our Great Dunmow base & across the UK), general workshop & administration duties-including warranty claim submission

Due to ongoing expansion plans, our Essex based Company has an opening for a Service Engineer to join the Team in Great Dunmow.

We are a Distributor of Industrial Petrol & Diesel Engines, Transmissions & Spare Parts to the Trade & Original Equipment Manufacturers (Established 1986).

The successful candidate will be an extremely self-driven & energetic individual with a proactive & positive attitude, also possessing a meticulous approach to all aspects of the job description. Applicants should possess a high level of previous experience within our industry sector, although full training will be given on our exact range of products; a degree of computer literacy is also essential.

Our current Engine Dealerships are: Briggs & Stratton (Including Vanguard Commercial Power), Hatz, Honda, Kawasaki, Kohler (Including Lombardini), Kubota, Yanmar

Our current Transmission Dealerships are: Hydro-Gear, Peerless, Tuff Torq

The position offers an attractive salary (Details on request), private medical insurance, company pension scheme, use of our service vehicles, company mobile phone, PPE/tools/uniform will be provided; a Christmas bonus will also be paid (Depending on personal & company performance throughout the year), an annual Christmas party will be paid for by the company.

If you feel that this position is right for you, please email a full CV (Including at least 2 x references) to tricia@uni-power.co.uk ; or send via post to Uni-power Ltd (Attn: Tricia Paveley), Unit 8 Flitch Industrial Estate, Great Dunmow, Essex CM6 1XJ

Tel: 01371 875331
www.uni-power.co.uk

Full-time: Mon-Fri, 8am-5pm (4:30pm on Friday)

Basic job description: quoting parts/engines/transmissions via telephone & email, general administration duties

Due to ongoing expansion plans, our Essex based Company has an opening for a Parts & Sales Advisor to join the Team in Great Dunmow.

We are a Distributor of Industrial Petrol & Diesel Engines, Transmissions & Spare Parts to the Trade & Original Equipment Manufacturers (Established 1986).

The successful candidate will be an extremely self-driven & energetic individual with a proactive & positive attitude, also possessing a meticulous approach to all aspects of the job description. Applicants should possess a high level of previous experience within our industry sector, although full training will be given on our exact range of products; a high degree of computer literacy is also essential.

Our current Engine Dealerships are: Briggs & Stratton (Including Vanguard Commercial Power), Hatz, Honda, Kawasaki, Kohler (Including Lombardini), Kubota, Yanmar

Our current Transmission Dealerships are: Hydro-Gear, Peerless, Tuff Torq.

The position offers an attractive salary (Details on request), private medical insurance, company pension scheme, PPE/uniform will be provided; a Christmas bonus will also be paid (Depending on personal & company performance throughout the year), an annual Christmas party will be paid for by the company.

If you feel that this position is right for you, please email a full CV (Including at least 2 x references) to tricia@uni-power.co.uk ; or send via post to Uni-power Ltd (Attn: Tricia Paveley), Unit 8 Flitch Industrial Estate, Great Dunmow, Essex CM6 1XJ

Tel: 01371 875331
www.uni-power.co.uk

A number of key industry experts will be uniting to collaboratively tackle the biggest issues facing the groundscare environment at SALTEX 2019, which takes place at the NEC, Birmingham on October 30 and 31.

Learning LIVE, SALTEX’s all-encompassing and free-to-attend education programme will take place in four dedicated seminar theatres with presentations and panel debates running from 10am through to 3.30pm each day of the show.

Learning LIVE 2019 to tackle industry issues at SALTEX 2019

Featuring over 50 CPD accredited seminars involving more than 100 expert speakers, the programme has been developed by leading industry partners and influencers to provide support, insight and real solutions to key industry issues.

Learning LIVE will kickstart with ‘Creating Champions’ telling the story of grounds staff’s contribution to this summer’s biggest weekend of sporting success. A spectacular line-up, including Neil Stubley (AELTC, Wimbledon) and Karl McDermott (Lord’s), will explain how to deliver exceptional surfaces for the world’s most prestigious sports events.

Findings from the IOG’s recent research document Groundsmanship – Sports’ Vital Profession will be presented by the IOG’s CEO Geoff Webb and consultant research lead, Carol Doran. Meanwhile, football grounds personnel can enjoy a rare opportunity to sit in on the ‘Tottenham Hotspur FC Experience’ seminar. Head groundsman Gary Lee reveals how the state-of-the art 62,000-capacity stadium pitches were built.

From Premiership to grassroots groundsmanship, there’s something for everyone at Learning LIVE. Pitch advisors from the IOG-led Grounds and Natural Turf Improvement Programme (GaNTIP) will be presenting case studies of successful pitch improvements, and also offering advice on how to secure funding.

In the ‘Class Acts’ seminar Ian Avery (Sutton Valence School) explores how independent schools can balance internal and external demands on their pitches. Ian will focus on costings, timings and benefits to the school, plus the problems, and solutions, of quick turnarounds on multi-sport pitches. Giles Roberts (St Peter’s School), Lee Marshallsay (Charterhouse) and Danny Beckley (Harrow School) will also be discussing best practices to help your pitches stand out in a competitive market.

Recent regulations relating to plant protection products (PPP) have had a significant impact on turf management, and Learning LIVE attendees can expect to find answers in a seminar entitled ‘Pesticide 2020 and Beyond’. With a number of widely used insecticides, fungicides and herbicides having been withdrawn in recent times, Dr Colin Mumford (Bayer) will be on hand to explain the current status of PPP, what PPP are being withdrawn or introduced, and how to get optimum results from them.

Cricket grounds personnel can find out about ongoing research carried out by First Class Counties and England’s Centre of Excellence, and an elite panel, featuring Andy McKay (Sussex CCC) Gary Barwell (Warwickshire CCC) and Will Relf (Loughborough University), will be explaining how hybrid pitches in cricket are learning lessons from football. Industry legend Chris Wood, the ECB’s international pitches consultant, is set to captivate the audience with his stories as he looks back through his career in ‘A Lifetime in Groundsmanship’.

Elsewhere, climatologist Jim Dale is presenting ‘Managing Climate Change’ to ensure turf professionals stay one step ahead; ICL’s Dr Andy Owen and PhD student at Royal Holloway University, Tamsin Williams, offer an insight into their four-year research project on the effects of seaweed products on turf grass plant parasitic nematodes; industry consultant Peter Corbett discusses ‘Life Without Propiconazole’; and Question Time with the Amenity Forum will no doubt spark a lively debate around the use of pesticides and their alternatives.

This is just a snapshot of sessions available at this year’s show. Go to www.iogsaltex.com where you will soon be able to check out the full programme, register your visit to SALTEX and book into your preferred sessions to avoid the queues.

Registration for Europe’s largest annual groundscare exhibition SALTEX 2019 is now open

Follow SALTEX on Twitter @IOG_SALTEX and Facebook – www.facebook.com/IOGSALTEX

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