TOMORROW'S WORLD TODAY Future innovations for dealerships by Service Dealer Editor, Steve Gibbs
Continuing to preview a major feature from the upcoming edition of Service Dealer magazine, could the cutting edge innovations we're seeing today be an indication of what to expect in dealerships of the future?
As we mentioned last week, the July/August 2017 issue of Service Dealer will land on your desks during the first few days of July - and it includes a major feature we're really proud of, on the notion of The Future for independent dealers.
We wanted to give you a preview of what to expect again this week. So today I'm including an edited extract of an article looking at how the cutting edge innovations we're seeing today, could be an indication of directions which dealerships could see themselves heading in years to come.
You can read the piece in full in the July/August edition - if however, you don't receive a regular copy of the magazine please sign up for free here.
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TOMORROW'S WORLD TODAY
Editor Steve Gibbs takes a look at current cutting edge concepts which may give an indication of what the dealership of tomorrow could look like.
Whenever one gets into a discussion, speculating where future trends might lead us, you do run the risk of looking like an episode of Tomorrow’s World circa 1983 – which foresaw us all walking round with fax machines strapped to our backs, eating our dinner in pill form. On the moon.
However, to perhaps get a sense of what sort of future innovations may become increasingly common for outdoor powered machinery dealerships, we can look at some of the cutting-edge ideas which are starting to be developed by the major manufacturers right now.
Be sure that if concepts like these take off for any company pioneering them, everyone will want in with their own versions.
Apps
The future for all retail will no doubt see the increasing utilisation of the powerful computer which all consumers carry around with them in their pockets nowadays. It doesn’t seem too much of a stretch to speculate that smartphones and their apps are likely to play an increasingly significant role in the business lives of dealers of the future. We’ve seen in the ages of Service Dealer in recent months how robotic mowers are already beginning to harness the available technology for remote app control – Etesia’s SKD ExxDrive and Viking’s MI 632 PC iMow both spring to mind.
Spreading the use from just robots though, Cub Cadet have now launched an app for consumers to have more control over their ride-on mowers. The Cub Connect app consists of an automated maintenance dashboard and log, which the company hopes will make it as easy as possible for users to keep their machine running at peak performance. It helps with this by keeping track of a wide variety of maintenance records over the lifetime of the equipment.
Will this increased usage of smartphone technology mean that in the future dealers will have to be specialists in telecommunications as well? Will we see floorspace in the showroom given over to mobile providers? To handset manufactures?
Who knows? That could be way down the line. What could very well start to happen in the immediate future though, is that the sending out of servicing reminders from the workshop via ‘snail mail’ could begin to be phased out.
If customers are receiving reminder pings straight to their phones, and presumably directly into their To Do lists and Calendars, this could prove an efficient and effective method of making sure workshops are full year round.
Battery power What else could be next? If we think in terms of today’s machinery trends then a good bet must be the ever-growing use of non-fossil fuel powered machinery. Grass machinery manufacturers are certainly heading that way. The challenge currently and in the future for manufacturers must be to power every larger equipment via rechargeable batteries.
An indication of this came at the SIMA show in France this year where John Deere received a Special Mention from the organisers for its SESAM electric tractor.
John Deere's SESAM tractor
The SESAM (Sustainable Energy Supply for Agricultural Machinery) is the industry’s first fully battery-powered tractor. This prototype machine produces 130kW of continuous power and is based on the 6R Series tractor chassis, using an adapted DirectDrive stepless transmission, with a speed range from 3 to 50kph at full power. The tractor is emission-free and develops high torque at low speeds and a maximum output of around 400hp, with no energy losses when idling.
John Deere say the SESAM tractor is a central component of their vision of the energy autonomous farm of the future. Potential benefits include the use of farm-produced renewable energy and new farm business models that would allow farms to provide electric power grid services in rural areas, for example.
Currently, one battery charge lasts for up to four operating hours in typical mixed mode operations or for around 34 miles of road transport work, while charging time is about three hours. The battery is designed to last for 3100 charging cycles.
As we have said time and time again in Service Dealer, the beauty of independent dealers is their ability to adapt and change to developing market conditions. With whatever technology prevails in the future, consumers and professionals alike will always desire advice, help and service from dedicated experts.
It could be the case though that dealers in the future of all machinery persuasions, will need to be open to the belief that their go-to tool is likely to be the tablet rather than the spanner.
Read the article in full in the July/August edition of Service Dealer
Together with their Belgian distributor, Walker Mowers have announced the launch of Walker Mowers UK to handle all sales and service business for the UK market.
Together with their Belgian distributor, Walker Mowers have announced the launch of Walker Mowers UK to handle all sales and service business for the UK market.
Walker Mowers have manufacturing roots going back over six decades with their first prototype zero turn mower developed in 1977. The company say they are proud of their 40 years of knowledge, development and satisfied customers throughout the US and in 28 countries around the world.
The company said in a statement that in recent comparative tests of major zero turn machines, the Walker Mower demonstrated "huge time savings, representing a significant reduction in operating costs". The company invite dealers and operators to explore what they describe as 'The Walker Advantage' on their website (www.walker.com) for the results.
Staffing for this new UK venture will commence with the appointment of two Area Sales Managers, (see advertisement in this week's Service Dealer Update), and in addition the appointment of a Country Manager will be made, to manage and expand the sales activity and take the business forward.
The new organisation will focus on the demonstration, sales and service support for the full range of Walker Mowers and the mower options that today include, collection, mulching and flail unit.
The range of mowers and dealer commercial package will be launched at SALTEX 2017, Stand E010 (November 1-2 at NEC Birmingham).
Service Dealer understands that following their appointment, the two Area Sales Managers will attend a full product and sales training programme at the manufacturers headquarters in Fort Collins, Colorado.
Dealers looking to register their interest in a Walker Mower dealership, can contact sales@walkermowers.co.uk
Based in Dorset and Somerset, dealers Highwood have now taken on the Kubota agriculutral range in addition to the groundcare franchise they already held.
Based in Dorset and Somerset, dealers Highwood have taken on the Kubota agriculutral range.
Kubota Business Development Manager, Rob Edwards shaking hands with Highwood Operations Director, Nick Green confirming their appointment as a Kubota tractor dealer for Dorset and Somerset
Ben Manning, Group Technical & Marketing Manager at Highwood said, "This exciting new venture between Highwood and Kubota is in addition to the strong partnership we already enjoy with the Kubota Groundcare range of equipment.
"Kubota offer a powerful range of high performance tractors for all requirements. Very shortly we will have the full range of tractors on display and available for demonstration and are looking forward to a bright future with a company that is committed to investing in the future.”
Journalist and agricultural supply consultant, Cedric Porter, will address delegates at November's event at the Oxford Belfry Hotel.
Journalist and agricultural supply consultant Cedric Porter has been announced as the next speaker for the Service Dealer Conference which takes place at the Oxford Belfry Hotel on November 16th.
Cedric will be discussing the myriad of issues surrounding the UK's exit from the European Union - specifically considering how this might impact on specialist dealers.
Cedric provides international market advice to a range of clients, including machinery manufacturers. He is the co-editor of World Potato Markets and in 2016 launched Brexit Food and Farming, a monthly analysis of Brexit developments.
He is a regular speaker at conferences in the UK and abroad and in the last year has spoken in the US, Canada, Panama and a to a number of European audiences. Cedric is a trustee of LEAF (Linking Environment And Farming) and a Governor at Hadlow College in Kent.
The Conference this year, entitled The Challenge of Change: Embracing & Adapting To A Changing Market, will see a series of highly-qualified individuals address the delegates on topics relevant to all dealers of all sizes. All will be linked by this theme of change.
For full details of the Service Dealer Conference including ticket booking please visit the Service Dealer website.
Recently appointed Central Area Territory Manager for Charterhouse Turf Machinery, Richard Lucas, has made his first new dealer appointment.
Six months on from his appointment as Central Area Territory Manager for Charterhouse Turf Machinery, Richard Lucas has made his first new dealer appointment in the form of Charlies Groundcare.
Responsible for the Shropshire region, Charlies Groundcare will be distributing the Redexim range of products for both natural and synthetic surfaces.
Richard Lucas (left) with Ian Trevor from Charlies Groundcare
Based in the Midlands, Richard joined Charterhouse in November from a regional dealership where he gained experience with the Redexim range of products and developed a good insight into the products and marketplace in the area. His new role sees him take over responsibility for the dealers and sales in Central UK, as well as working together with some key customers.
On his first dealer appointment Richard said, “Now I’ve found my feet in this new role it’s good to be adding valuable dealer support within my area. The Charlies Groundcare team deliver fantastic sales, service and technical support and I look forward to working with them in the coming months to further enhance the offering to new and existing customers in this area.”
Charlies Groundcare, a division of Charlies Stores Ltd, has grown from strength to strength since gaining a John Deere Dealership ten years ago. They now represent a range of brands catering for residential, landscaping, groundcare, golf and sports markets.
Commenting on their appointment, Ian Trevor Charlies Groundcare Sales Manager said, “We’re delighted to be working together with Charterhouse and adding their vast selection of machinery to our portfolio. The Redexim range is continually being updated and refined and is renowned for being versatile and efficient, meeting the demands of today’s ground professionals.”
During July and August, STIHL GB say they are offering their Approved Dealers the opportunity to boost sales of the recently expanded cordless tool systems.
During July and August, STIHL GB say they are offering their Approved Dealers the opportunity to boost sales of the recently expanded cordless tool systems.
Customers can register their details using a simple app on iPad kiosks around the STIHL stand and will emailed with a unique voucher giving them 10% off any Compact Cordless or Pro Cordless tools and accessories they purchase from their nearest participating STIHL Dealer.
Simon Hewitt, Head of Marketing at STIHL GB said, "With a combined attendance of around 350,000 visitors at these key summer shows, this is a great opportunity to help STIHL Approved Dealers reach more domestic customers this summer.
"We're excited that so many dealers have signed up to this promotion and we are sure it will help boost sales of the STIHL cordless ranges."
PSD Groundscare, the distributor of AS Motor, Eliet, Koppl and TS Industrie, have announced the appointment of Dave Gray as Business Development Manager.
PSD Groundscare, the distributor of AS Motor, Eliet, Koppl and TS Industrie professional groundscare machinery, have announced the appointment of Dave Gray as Business Development Manager, covering the East Midlands and South East.
The company says the appointment supports recent growth and ensures that customer’s expectations continue to be exceeded.
Stuart Mercer, Sales Director of PSD Groundscare said: “Dave brings with him over 18 years experience within the groundscare sector coupled with a wealth of knowledge and a great amount of enthusiasm. He is a fantastic addition to our team and he joins us with substantial selling and account management experience within similar markets and I’m sure he will thrive in his new role.”
Dave says of his new role, “I’m excited and very much looking forward to getting out and meeting customers and demonstrating the fantastic capabilities and benefits of our range of machinery”.
Dave can be contacted on: Mob: 07973 454002 Tel: 01282 856821 Email: dave@psdgroundscare.com
Set for October 18-20 at the Kentucky Exposition Center, USA, the Green Industry & Equipment Expo is offering multiple learning opportunities for dealers.
Dealers looking for ways to improve efficiency and profitability will find new, customisable learning opportunities at the 2017 GIE+EXPO (Green Industry & Equipment Expo), which takes place October 18-20 at the Kentucky Exposition Center, Louisville, USA.
Many of the sessions are free to dealers with the $15 tradeshow admission.
Wednesday is Dealer Day.
The 2017 Dealer Day education will include:
The first-ever People, Process, Profit: Dealer Boot Camp led by Bob Clements and his team
UTV University with proven powersports dealer training specialists
Technician training on advanced and basic tracks
A kick-off keynote featuring noted economist Alan Beaulieu
Two sessions in a new series of 30-minute dealer workshops led by industry experts. These sessions will continue Thursday and Friday.
LatinoLink Dealer Day Breakfast
The programs will run concurrently throughout the day, and dealers will be able to customise their learning by choosing sessions from each track. Or, dealers who bring their team can split up and take in all sessions. The Dealer Resource Center will be open 9:00 am to 7:00 pm Wednesday and 9:00 am to 5:00 pm Thursday and Friday.
Following the Dealer Day educational programming, dealer, retailers, distributors and media will have an exclusive preview of the indoor exhibits from 3:00 to 7:00 pm. During a welcome reception on the show floor, 5:00 to 7:00 pm, many of the exhibitors will host games, food, festivities and prizes in their booths.
Thursday and Friday's dealer education schedule will include:
Eight additional 30-minute dealer workshops
A Power-Up Morning session with Bob Clements each day before the show floor opens
On Thursday and Friday, the tradeshow and the adjacent 20+ acre Outdoor Demonstration Area will be open to all in the industry.
People, Process, Profit: Dealer Boot Camp
Bob Clements has developed a reputation as the dealership guru. He has given countless dealers the tools they needed to achieve personal and financial freedom.
For a full breakdown of all the sessions available click here.
GIE+EXPO's 2017 dates are Wednesday, October 18, Dealer Day and October 19-20 for all industry participants. The annual event is sponsored by the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute, Inc. (OPEI), Professional Grounds Management Society (PGMS) and National Association of Landscape Professionals (NALP).
Tractor loaned to force by Kioti UK Ltd and dealers MJ Fry Agricultural Engineers had its name revealed live on BBC Radio 1 this week.
Dorset Police has a new weapon in their battle against rural crime - a Kioti tractor, decked out in the force's livery.
Pictured in the Dorset Echo with the specially liveried tractor were, L-R: Assistant Chief Constable Mark Cooper, Dorset Police; Tim Pinney, Kioti UK Ltd; Rupert Rees, NFU Mutual; Ben Fry, MJ Fry Agricultural Engineers; PC Claire Dinsdale, Dorset Police Rural Crime Team; Chief Inspector Ian Roe, Dorset Police; PCSO Tom Balchin, Dorset
A competition had been run over recent weeks for the public to think up a name for the tractor, with ideas being sent in via the Dorset Police's Facebook page or by email. The winning suggestion was 'RoboCrop'.
The competiton was picked up by DJ Greg James on BBC Radio 1 who revealed the winning name live on his national show on Monday evening this week. You can hear the announcement in a short clip on the BBC website here.
The Daily Echo reported that the tractor has been loaned to Dorset Police by Kioti UK Ltd and dealers MJ Fry Agricultural Engineers, in order to help police encourage members of the public to report crime and engage with rural communities.
The vehicle will be on the move at major rural events in the region this summer, including the Dorset County Show, the Gillingham and Shaftesbury Show, the Melplash Show, Broadstone Family Fun Day and the Emergency Services Family Fun Day.
NFU Mutual has also agreed to insure the vehicle to enable it to support crime prevention activities in other areas of the country.
Etesia UK has announced that their Donky electric wheelbarrow is now available with a 10% price discount.
Etesia UK has announced that their Donky electric wheelbarrow is now available with a 10% price discount.
With a 1700 W engine, electronic advance management and two driving wheels with an agricultural profile, Etesia say the Donky has an impressive capacity to move in difficult terrain. Unlike non-electric motorised wheelbarrows, users can enjoy up to two days of work without any harmful pollutants.
Working and moving in complete silence the electric wheelbarrow can move up to 250kg or 180L (400L with the boards) in one trip. With a tank integrated in the tray and a 1" valve, it can carry 85L of water or liquid and a spray hose can be connected to it.
The company says the hourly cost of use of a Donky wheelbarrow is approximately £0.03 which they say means that the operator will notice significant savings when compared to a fuel based wheelbarrow.
Now with a 10% price reduction, the Donky is priced at £3231 +VAT.
To launch a social media campaign, manufacturer of the Spider remote-controlled slope mowers, Dvorak, has created a giant Mona Lisa, mown into a Czech hillside.
To launch a social media campaign, manufacturer of the Spider remote-controlled slope mowers, Dvorak, has created a giant Mona Lisa, mown on a hillside at Dolní Kalná in the Czech Republic.
The portrait, on a grass canvas measuring 200 metres x 250 metres with a gradient of 45 degrees, was created over a period of three days: two days of detailed surveying and one day mowing, using the company’s Spider 1 and Spider 2 mowers. It was filmed by the creative motion picture and digital agency, Mustard, based in Prague.
Using their professional film crew equipped with the latest drone technology, the video shows how this remarkable feat was created. A scale drawing of the famous portrait was used to transfer reference points to the hillside using laser surveying technology and then the skilled Spider operators, including the company’s Managing Director, Lubomir Dvorak, mowed the 50,000 square metre image taking direction from the video producer.
Pavlina Novakova, International Marketing Manager explained how the project was developed, “We wanted to make a video to raise the profile of our product range and our company on a global stage. The germ of an idea was put forward at one of our regular marketing meetings and was gradually developed over a timescale of six months. We looked for an iconic image that would be recognized around the globe and decided on Leonardo da Vinci’s most famous work. Not only was da Vinci a great artist, but he was also an exceptional engineer. That connection dovetailed perfectly with the innovative technology in our Spider mowers.
"We realised that it would require professional help, so we contacted Cream, a creative communications agency, also based in Prague who, along with Mustard, took the project forward.
“First, we had to find a suitable location, obtain permission from the landowner and then wait for the perfect weather conditions. We did consider doing it close to a motorway, but this would have removed the element of surprise for the campaign, as we were convinced many people would take photographs of the completed image and post it on social media before the official launch.
“We are delighted with the finished video and are hoping it will go viral. So many people were involved in the production and it was a great experience for all of us at Spider to be part of it.”
JOBS
WALKER MOWERS UK Two Area Sales Managers, North and South - & Country Manager
Walker Mowers UK - newly established organisation, are recruiting at an exciting time in their development in the UK.
Two Area Sales Managers - North and South
Walker Mowers UK - newly established organisation, are recruiting two experienced sales professionals to join this new company at an exciting time in the development of Walker Mowers in the UK.
You will ideally have an experienced background in sales and new business development within the outdoor power equipment industry.
The role will involve:
New business development to commercial users and dealers
Your ability to undertake effective machine demonstrations to individuals and groups
Building strong and profitable relationships with commercial end users and the dealer network
Customer account management
Participation at exhibitions for Walker Mowers UK and dealers
Your ability to be sales driven and proactive to close the sale
Regionally located to maximise effective sales and demonstration opportunities
Benefits for these roles:
Competitive salary and commission
Fully expensed company vehicle
Contributory pension
Full factory product training in Colorado, USA
Support and benefit of highly experienced and knowledgeable European management team
Country Manager
The company also seek a suitably qualified Country Manager to develop the UK sales opportunities for Walker Mowers.
Interested candidates with stock management, marketing, operational and people management skills and a solid sales background should apply sending their CV to the e mail address below for further details and full job description.
Due to the addition of a major new dealership, our Essex based company has an opening for a skilled technician within our Service Division.
Due to the addition of a major new dealership, our Essex based company has an opening for a skilled technician within our Service Division.
We are a distributor for industrial petrol & diesel engines, transmissions & parts to the trade & Original Equipment Manufacturers.
The successful candidate will be an extremely self-driven, physically fit & energetic individual with a proactive and positive attitude. Applicants should possess a high level of previous experience with petrol & diesel engines, although full training will be given on our exact range of engines & transmissions; a degree of computer literacy will also be beneficial.
As well as working out of our Great Dunmow base, the role will also include travelling in our company vehicles across the UK for service/warranty call-outs.
The position offers an attractive salary, private medical insurance & company pension scheme.
If you feel that this position is right for you, please email a CV and covering letter 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
Grizzly Tools returned to BBC Gardeners’ World Live at the NEC in Birmingham last week for a fun-filled extravaganza
Grizzly Tools returned to BBC Gardeners’ World Live at the NEC in Birmingham last week for a fun-filled extravaganza.
The internationally acclaimed event was extra special this year thanks to Gardeners’ World jubilee festivities, celebrating fifty years of gardening expertise and innovation.
Debuting Grizzly’s 40v range, their brilliant multi-tool battery system, they excited customers both old and new. With petrol remaining a firm favourite amongst ardent gardeners, Grizzly reported customers’ desire to move away from petrol powered tools that require maintenance and fuel storage towards reliable and powerful battery models such as their 40v offering.
Current trends suggest a definitive shift away from the hassle of electric cables to the ease and convenience of cordless products. Customers both domestic and commercial are increasingly environmentally conscious and make their purchasing decisions with lower carbon emissions in mind. Along with the promise of greater flexibility in gardening style, the idea of maintenance-free and lighter-weight models meant that Grizzly’s one-battery-fits-all approach went down a storm.
Sustaining interest in their entire catalogue of products, everything from lawn mowers to chainsaws and even leaf blowers and shredders - for those ahead of the seasonal curve, Grizzly were inundated with interest despite the glorious weather outside and kept up the pace providing insight and recommendations to keen domestic gardeners both seasoned and beginners, always on hand for in-depth technical specification knowledge for the traders and professional gardeners too.
Grizzly’s offer of a three-year warranty as standard (including batteries and chargers across the 40v range) in addition to their bright retail display and enthusiastic sales staff ensured success at this years’ BBC Gardeners’ World Live leaving no doubt that they’d be back next year, only bigger and grizzlier!
Sample their brilliant offering including unrivalled quality products and effective marketing by becoming a Grizzly dealer today: get Grizzly and see the difference!
Grizzly Tools manufacture quality power tools for every gardener; sold across Europe for over 20 years, the brand is well established and trusted by tradesmen and humble home gardeners alike.
If you’d like to speak to Grizzly Tools about their range of products, please give Shnayde a call on 0845 683 2670.
The following companies are kindly sponsoring the 2017 Service Dealer Conference & Awards which takes place at the Oxford Belfry Hotel on Thursday November 16th
PRINCIPAL SPONSOR: Kramp PLANTINUM SPONSOR: STIHL GB
The following organisations have confirmed their sponsorship of the 2017 Service Dealer Conference and Awards. We’d like to welcome them on board and thank them for their support and input.
