Service Dealer caught up with a panel of senior representatives of manufacturers, suppliers and trade associations yesterday via a video conferencing call.

Having not held one of these for a couple of months or so, it was a fantastic opportunity for the magazine to take the temperature and see what's currently top of the agenda for this side of the industry.

Omicron

Unsurprisingly, coming just a few hours after Plan B was announced by government, Omicron and the ongoing effects of the pandemic were at forefront of the conversation.

Having not had much time to process the guidance issued only the night before, it seemed everyone was getting a grasp of what obligations their companies were required to meet once again. Clearly working from home would be applied where it could. Some said following the last time this was mandated, they had begun to bring back office-based staff for a few days per-week perhaps. But obviously this would have to change again.

Christmas parties (with or without wine and cheese) were also discussed. It sounded like some had already taken decisions to scale these back or postpone to the spring anyway. 

Effect on supply

The larger concern with Omicron however, was what it would do to an already difficult and challenging supply situation. 'Adding fuel to the fire' was how one manufacturer put it!

As everyone reading this today will know, the situation with supply is still incredibly hard and frustrating. The phrase 'just when we thought it couldn't get any worse, it did', was repeated by a couple of suppliers yesterday. 

What the main problem still appears to be is with carriage and logistics. The consensus was that actual manufacturing of products around the world isn't terrible - there are issues with certain components obviously - but on the whole it's not too bad. It's very much the shipping and delivery of these machines that's the real issue.

At the moment for example we heard there's a problem with the reluctance of European drivers to bring trucks into the UK for fear of being stuck here like many were last Christmas. 'Danger money' is almost having to be paid to these workers apparently. Also container ships don't want to dock in the UK, so stock is off-loaded in Zeebrugge or Rotterdam - and then put on smaller ships or trucks to make its way to us. All at escalating costs and delays.

Rising prices

These price rises faced by suppliers, as everyone will know, are having to be passed on to dealers and ultimately customers. There was a discussion around at what point will the customer refuse to tolerate any further price increases? A difficult one to judge, but it was felt that purchases in our sector are at least necessary rather than aspirational. Higher prices will just need to be accepted by consumers it was said.

Of course higher prices are somewhat arbitrary, if the goods aren't there for the dealer to physically sell to the customer. Concern was expressed for the dealer network, with an acknowledgement that some dealers will be suffering from cash-flow problems as a result of lack of supply. Working closely with their industry partners was a sentiment shared by many.

A further concern we heard yesterday, was more long-term. This was the worry that the huge numbers of orders currently in the system for new machinery, could be somewhat illusory. The notion of 'sandbagging', which has been mentioned previously on our calls, seems to be in the minds of several manufacturers. At the moment whilst stock is scarce, huge orders are being put in, just in the hope of obtaining anything. When supply catches up with demand, the fear is it will utterly outstrip it, leading to a surplus of machinery that no one wants. We are of course a long way off this. Certainly it was felt this won't happen in 2022, but maybe by 2023 it was felt?

Trade shows under threat?

Returning to the immediate effects of Omicron, there were worries voiced over the viability of January's UK trade shows - specifically LAMMA and BTME. There were real doubts amongst the potential exhibitors we spoke to, that these events will be able to go ahead as planned. Similar fears were raised over the huge Agritechnica show, scheduled for Hannover in February - for which it appears that an official announcement is imminent. 

Again, as was said before when the threat of the virus was hanging over industry events, a show full of restrictions, distancing and genuine health risks to staff and visitors isn't appealing. Many felt they would rather a show didn't take place at all, than run under those conditions. It seemed people now had their eyes and ears open for any potential cancellation announcements.

SALTEX though, which had of course managed to take place in November, was praised by those who had attended. It sounded like the decent attendance that show had gained, had taken a few by pleasant surprise. Also commented upon was the level of battery machinery showcased at the NEC.

An interesting discussion was generated around whether this really could be an indication of the end of the petrol engine in the outdoor powered equipment sector. The feeling seemed to be that whilst battery would clearly become ever more ubiquitous for smaller kit, for larger machines and especially ag equipment, different alternative fuels would need to be found. Hydrogen was mentioned several times in this regard.

Once again, calls such as this, and the ones we hold regularly with a dealer panel, are incredibly important for a journal such as ours. As such, we once again thank those who took part for their generous donation of time and for their candour in sharing their thoughts with us.

Owner of Service Dealer, Duncan Murray-Clarke has revealed that the title will undergo a redesign for 2022.

Concept art of the new design

Duncan said, "We are continually monitoring feedback as well as researching our readership. Although there is a continued shift to digital, it is very clear that the Service Dealer magazine is valued and readers still very much see a future in a printed edition. 

"Print is by no means dead, so for this reason we have invested in a redesign and brand evolution to keep what we do current. It is so important to keep looking forwards whilst keeping one eye on the heritage and 33 year history of Service Dealer.  In addition we have also been working towards lowering the environmental impact of the magazine with FSC approved paper, compostable wrapper and water based inks".

Duncan continued, "Our approach is one of constant self-improvement. We hope that by producing such a well-respected journal, we are assisting in raising the profile of the industry. This year we are proud to have been recognised by outside industry bodies. We were shortlisted for Best Business Magazine by the PPA and gained recognition as national winner at the Rural Business Awards.

"Our new style is crisp and modern, benefiting our readers with a pleasing-to-the-eye style. What however won't be changing, is our promise to the industry to keep our content relevant, on-point and proudly independent."

The first issue sporting the new look will be the January / February 2022 edition, arriving with readers at the start of the new year.

Kubota has announced that they have reached an agreement with Escorts Limited under which they will increase their shareholding in the Indian tractor manufacturer. 

The Kubota EK1 tractor, the first product from the collaboration with Escorts Limited will be launched in Europe toward the end of 2022

Escorts Limited is described by Kubota as a major tractor manufacturer in the Indian market, reportedly the world’s largest tractor market in terms of unit sales. The company also manufactures and distributes construction machinery as well as other products.

Kubota say the practice in India of utilising tractors year-round for carrying loads, in addition to usual agricultural work, means that the machines are designed to be highly durable with a basic specification and at reasonable prices.

With the aim of addressing market needs in India, Kubota say they strengthened its partnership with Escorts Limited, specialised in developing and manufacturing such tractors - referred to as ‘basic tractors’ - by establishing a joint venture manufacturing company in 2019 and through a direct equity investment in 2020. 

Kubota has decided to increase its shareholding in Escorts Limited, based on expectations for the basic tractor market to expand in emerging countries including India. They also say the move will utilise combined resources and further strengthen the partnership between the two companies. 

As a result of this, the collaboration will produce quality and affordable basic tractors utilising Escorts Limited’s knowhow in the sector and Kubota’s accumulated product development knowledge and capabilities. Kubota will also utilise both companies’ distribution networks by offering a wide range of product offerings, ranging from high-performance to basic tractors. 

In a statement the manufacturer said, "By positioning Escorts Limited as an important foundation for basic tractors in the future, Kubota will consider developing and manufacturing of basic combine harvesters and construction machineries, targeting India and other emerging markets."

The first tractors from the collaboration to be marketed in Europe will be available at the end of 2022.

Timberwolf have announced the expansion of area for its dealer Lister Wilder.

The machinery dealer recently announced the opening of its Bristol/Bath branch at Keynsham. Following this announcement Timberwolf have awarded them official dealer status for the surrounding area of their new depot.

Phill Hughes, sales & hire director, said “This is a very exciting announcement for us as we look to increase our coverage in the arboriculture market. We are already Timberwolf dealers from three of our other branches and have a great relationship with them. Our arb customer base spans groundcare contractors, councils and tree surgeons, all of which know and use Timberwolf chippers as their go-to brand.

"With the opening of the new Bristol/Bath branch we will be able to offer #SaleswithService across the two cities, and provide the service levels that our arb customers expect.”

Guy Marshlain, sales and marketing director at Timberwolf said, “Having worked with Lister Wilder for 20-years, the Timberwolf team would like to congratulate them on their ongoing developments and the planned opening of their new dealer branch at Keynsham."

Merlo UK have welcomed JB Barrett Tractors of Omagh, County Tyrone to their dealer network.

L-R: Joseph Barrett Snr and Joseph Barrett Jnr

JB Barrett Tractors are a well-established agricultural machinery dealer who been trading for almost 50 years. Founded by Joseph Barrett Senior, this Merlo say this family run business has maintained a position as one of Same Deutz Fahr’s top performing dealers in the UK. 

“I am delighted to have JB Barrett Tractors join the Merlo dealer network, further strengthening Merlo distribution and aftersales care in Northern Ireland,”
said Owen Buttle, national sales manager of Merlo UK. "JB Barrett Tractors are well known in the Omagh and surrounding area for their outstanding customer support. Both Merlo & JB Barrett Tractors share a number of core values as a family run businesses”.

JB Barrett Tractors will join the manufacturer's retail network in Northern Ireland alongside DA Forgie Ltd.

JB Barrett Tractors manager Joseph Barrett Junior, commented “Merlo is a respected quality brand offering the performance and reliability our customers demand.

"There is great excitement throughout our dealership having been awarded the Merlo franchise."

Not surprisingly, leading the discussion during the latest Agri-Turf Talks episode for the Inside Agri-Turf podcast hosted by Chris Biddle was the current supply difficulties.

The panel featured a manufacturer, Shaun Groom of Merlo UK current AEA President, dealer Jason Nettle of Winchester Garden Machinery and end-user Angus Lindsay, Group Head of Assets and Fleet Management at landscape contractor idVerde.

Ultimately, the supply difficulties most severely impact the customer. Angus Lindsay, who is responsible for over 17,000 machines and more than 2000 vehicles, said, “We are winning more business, but I have no idea how I am going obtain the machinery and vehicles to service new contracts, let alone replace machines that are no longer reliable.”

Shaun Groom said in 30-odd years in the industry, “This is the most difficult period that I have ever known,” whilst Jason Nettle said that dealers are naturally over-ordering in order to be ‘in with a shout’ of getting the stock they require. This means that manufacturers do not know the true extent of the current demand (see Steve Gibbs' editorial in this issue).

The panel also discussed the limited visibility of the industry and its impact on recruitment; the industry’s environmental challenges following COP26, and how to deal with adverse comments received online, often by ‘keyboard warriors”. 

“We are a people business , so just pick up the b. . . .  phone in response,” was the consensus.

LISTEN TO  Agri-Turf Talks episode

Over the last two weeks, aftersales staff from Kubota (UK)’s agricultural, ground care and construction dealer networks have been attending the Japanese maker’s aftersales solutions conferences, which have been held both in Ireland and at the company’s UK headquarters in Thame, Oxfordshire.

A spokesperson for the manufacturer said, "With the emphasis on providing continued support to our dealers, the conferences focussed on further improving performance and satisfaction for customers.

"In addition, the programme highlighted opportunities for dealers to make the most of up-to-date training, extended warranty packages and maintenance agreements, so dealership businesses can deliver the highest levels of back-up and support for their most valuable assets – their customers."

New Holland Agriculture has announced to its partnership with “Il Raccolto” farm in Bologna, Italy, to demonstrate sustainable farming practices through a circular economy model and a connected fleet environment.

The manufacturer says Il Raccolto shares the brand’s vision of environmentally and economically sustainable agriculture " . . based on innovation, agriculture 4.0 technologies, and energy independence.

With this agreement, Il Raccolto becomes the first 'New Holland Smart Farm', partnering the brand to show its developments driven by its Clean Energy Leader strategy and demonstrate the resulting advanced solutions. It will also support New Holland’s research by providing agronomic data collected through the telematics systems on the machines at work in the farm.

Carlo Lambro, New Holland Brand President, said, “Il Raccolto farm is the perfect partner for this initiative: they are a loyal New Holland customer with a large fleet of our equipment and, like us, they view sustainability as a business approach. Our partnership will enable us to offer our customers and stakeholders the full experience of successful sustainable farming with energy independence and a circular economy model. The visitors will be able to see first-hand how this can be achieved with New Holland’s equipment, where our advanced PLM and telematics solutions create an ecosystem of interconnected machines.

"The New Holland Smart Farm will be a knowledge centre where we will demonstrate our equipment, deliver training, and share our technological and agronomic know-how, with the aim of spreading sustainable farming practices.”

The manufacturer says the Il Raccolto farm will have a multi-faceted role. It will be the brand’s official demonstration farm in Italy and the base for its European Training Team. It will host events for its dealers and customers to enjoy the full experience of sustainable farming. It will also be a centre for knowledge exchange with New Holland employees, aimed at improving the customer experience through an in-depth understanding of agriculture 4.0 technologies, the circular economy model and biomethane on the farm.

The R&A has named The Toro Company as a founding partner and official golf course maintenance partner for its planned community golf facility at Lethamhill in Glasgow, Scotland.

Artist's impression of the planned community golf facility

The development aims to make golf more accessible, appealing and inclusive for people of all ages and backgrounds by creating an open and affordable pathway into golf that helps drive the future of the sport.

At the heart of facility, The R&A say they are committed to showcasing the gold standard in golf course maintenance, turf care, equipment innovation and development. To that end, they have selected Toro to join them in the development and fulfillment of their mission.

As part of this role, Toro will be the exclusive supplier of all course maintenance equipment to the new facility. Development is now underway for this new family-focused venue, which is to include a nine-hole course, putting greens, short game area, adventure golf and a driving range for visitors to enjoy a wide range of golf activities, including shorter forms of the sport.

In addition to providing an equipment fleet and irrigation products to the facility, Toro will have the first option to partner with The R&A on potential future developments. Toro also plans to provide a grant to be used toward the development of a greenkeeper apprenticeship, as well as for efforts that promote the global development of the game of golf.

“We are delighted to become a founding partner of this unique project,” said Peter Moeller, vice president of international at The Toro Company. “The R&A’s commitment to developing the game of golf and making it accessible to the broadest possible community is very much in line with Toro’s own mission and objectives. It is both humbling and exciting to see Toro’s equipment and irrigation solutions advance The R&A’s sustainability efforts, and we look forward to helping its team bring plans for the new facility to reality.”

Martin Slumbers, chief executive of The R&A, said, “Toro has a world-renowned reputation as a supplier of high-quality equipment and solutions for golf course maintenance and so was a natural choice for us in selecting a partner for the new facility. We look forward to working alongside them in the development of the new venue and providing golfers with excellent facilities so that they can fully enjoy playing the sport in a variety of formats with family and friends.” 

Here at Husqvarna, we are incredibly proud to hear that our outdoor power products will be used in an ongoing project at Kitley Estate based in Plymouth.

This work will be carried out by a not for profit explorative, creative and nature engrossed education program in Moor to Life Education & Wellbeing CIC, based in Devon, which aims to improve physical & mental health by offering fully inclusive, engaging and healthy outdoor programs that are tailored to suit the needs of all ages and abilities. The site is part of a 600 acre piece of land with stunning gardens and woodland with a lake, on the banks of the Yealm estuary.

Moor to Life are working with Andrew Symons Ltd based in the south west as their equipment specialists who will supply various woodland management tools, machinery and PPE over the coming weeks and months. This will include Husqvarna chainsaws and PPE, which will be used for a wide variety of woodland management activities while providing safe protection to all their users. The trees removed will also be re-used strategically for future projects including outdoor classroom development, built to teach woodworking and crafting skills. It’s amazing to see Husqvarna products being used as part of such an inspiring project, and it will be exciting to see how the project develops over the coming months.

Follow the project on Moor to Life socials @moortolifecic or website, and check out @husqvarnauk and @andrewsymonsltd for all the latest product news and updates.

At this time of year landscape tidying and garden clearance is a big job. Now available for the first time in the UK via Henton & Chattell, Hansa Chippers are the ideal tools for this job. 

Established in the 1980s, Hansa specialises in the design and manufacture of high-quality brush chipping and shredding equipment. The family run company, based in New Zealand, has a strong heritage combined with constant evolution and innovation, with a focus on sustainable growth.  

As trees and hedges are pruned back, they can create messy piles of debris that are often used to create smoky, polluting bonfires. Family run company, Hansa, is dedicated to changing this practice, by offering an alternative solution. Instead of building climate-damaging fires, Hansa sees chipping as a cleaner, greener way of getting rid of waste. By using a chipper, green waste can be transformed into valuable mulch that can be used in beds and around tree bases. This recycled material helps to retain moisture and supress weeds while it breaks down and provides nutrients to plants as it decomposes. 

Hansa prides itself on the ethos of “providing the best chipping experience”. Whether being used in a garden at home, by a landscaper, professional arborist or other commercial user, Hansa chippers are all designed to make tough work enjoyable. It’s about getting the job done in the most efficient way. 

The domestic gardener can choose between electric and petrol options with the C3E and the C4, both weighing up 70kg making them perfect for home usage and storage. The C7 is the most popular model and, with a 6.5hp petrol engine, is ideal for those with larger gardens. For landscapers the C13, with a 13hp engine, easy engagement system and efficient self-feeding action, makes light work of large jobs. 

For large-scale, commercial applications there is the C21 and the C27. Both are extremely robust and have heavy-duty cutting disks that meet the rigorous requirements of heavy branches and bushy foliage. The C27 has a 360-degree turntable that allows feeding from any direction.

For more information on Hansa chippers visit: www.hansaproducts.com/gb/

 Or to become a Hansa dealer,  please contact Andy Marvin on: 07771 581 296 or call our sales team: 0115 986 6646 today.

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