It's a privilege to be here in your inbox once again, for the second time in a working week! I hope you enjoyed our SALTEX video special that we sent out as a bonus edition on Monday - here it is again if you want to catch up with the interviews it featured.

I must say, whilst I found all of the videos interesting, it was the one entitled What's going to be big in '22? that I found to be particularly telling. As anyone who attended the show last week could attest to, the views of several of the pundits featured in the video who spoke about electrification dominating the landscape next year, are hard to disagree with.

As Etesia's Les Malin says, what he believes is going to be big in 2022 is, "..the increase in battery technology, 100%. We’ve seen it coming through and at this show, it’s basically dominating. Everywhere you look there’s battery product."

And he was quite right, the technology was absolutely everywhere at SALTEX. There were several manufactures who aren't known as being battery-only producers, who didn't have a single petrol-powered piece on their stand. It almost felt like a clandestine operation, if someone offered to show you a machine with a traditional power source. They weren't exactly whispering and asking you to creep round the back of the stand to take a look at it under a blanket - but almost!

The cordless technology was undeniably dominant. And perhaps most significant for future developments, were the products on display where a battery power source had been bolted on as a direct replacement for a petrol engine. I'm thinking here of Ego's power unit seen on the AS Motor mower and the newly revealed Sterling mower from Allett.

Allett's Austin Jarrett introducing the new Sterling at SALTEX last week

This development truly felt like a game-changer. The scope for these units - and others like them that will surely follow - to slot into outdoor powered equipment where before we'd only seen a petrol engine, is mind-boggling. There must be some properly nervous engine-manufacturers around the world, taking a long hard look at their portfolio.

A paradigm shift

With COP-26 in the news, it has brought into sharper focus the need for consumers and manufacturers alike to alter their longstanding habits. We all know that change is both necessary and inevitable. With this power source development on show at the NEC last week, perhaps the countdown clock is now well and truly ticking for the petrol engine in the groundcare sector.

We have been talking for years now about how the proliferation of battery machinery will affect specialist dealers' workshops. I think it's fair to say however, that the conversation has moved on from when phrases such as 'the death knell for the sector' were being used. It's understandable that there would be worries at how businesses would be affected by the technology shift, but progressive and adaptable dealers know that non-traditional options are the future. They will tell you there's profit to be made in sales of the equipment and there is servicing work to be gained.

Of course there are on-going debates regarding whether battery is the alternative power source for the long-term future. With all the research currently being undertaken by engineers and manufacturers, will hydrogen power for example turn out to be the fuel that is the real solution? Maybe.

But for the immediate future, it's battery kit that will be filling showrooms. The momentum has been growing. They are popular now - they will soon become ubiquitous. 

In early November Krone UK held their dealer conference in Stoneleigh, Warwickshire.

As part of the event the manufacturer staged an awards ceremony to recognise their dealers for their hard work and commitment to the brand throughout the year.

Arwel and Georgina Evans (centre) with their Dealer Of The Year award presented by Krone UK

Presented with the title of Krone UK Dealer Of The Year were Arwel Agri Services of Harford, Carmarthenshire, West Wales. Representing the dealership at the ceremony were directors Arwel and Georgina Evans - who were also named as one of the top three dealers in sales and aftersales.

Following the award Georgina said, "In the two years of being Krone representatives we have strived to drive their quality and value and supplied a varied and vast array of grassland machinery spanning the Cardiganshire, Carmarthenshire and Pembrokeshire areas - even reaching into South Wales as far afield as Cardiff."

Arwel added, "It was a dream come true to be awarded the franchise as we have always wanted to be a part of the Krone setup. It was a chance of a lifetime for my family and staff who also share passion for the brand."

Georgina continued, "We are extremely grateful and thankful to our loyal and dedicated staff for their work ethic to pull together as one team. It has ensured the company’s success and is helping us go from strength to strength.

"We also would like to show our appreciation and thank our most important people, our customers, as without their valued support we wouldn’t be enjoying this success."

CNH Industrial has announced that it has entered into an exclusive, multi-year licensing agreement for electrification technologies with Monarch Tractor, a US-based AgTech company specialising in fully electric autonomous tractors.

Monarch Tractor's MK-V

CNH say the agreement foresees the launch of a scalable, modular electrification platform focusing on low horsepower tractors. These will be developed across multiple product families in the coming years. The manufacturer adds that the process will continuously gather farmers’ input to ensure developments are aligned to customer needs.

This agreement also furthers CNH Industrial’s commitment to decarbonizing agriculture through alternative propulsion systems.

CNH say this mutually beneficial partnership will enable them to enhance their internal electrification capabilities and develop new electrified platforms faster. In turn they say, Monarch Tractor will be able to harness the benefits of CNH Industrial’s sector expertise in product, brand, distribution, and supply chain strength.

Scott Wine, chief executive officer, CNH Industrial said, “We are confident that the new pathways provided by Monarch will rapidly strengthen our competitive position in sustainable precision farming. Their talented team, exceptional engineering acumen and Silicon Valley R&D ecosystem will greatly enhance our digital capabilities."

According to figures released by the AEA, UK agricultural tractor registrations returned to year-on-year growth in October, with a total of 804 machines registered this year, 17% more than in October 2020.

However the Association said that the widespread disruptions being experienced throughout global supply chains means that delivery lead times remain longer than usual. "Without that," explained Stephen Howarth, their agricultural economist, "the monthly figure might have been even higher and indeed it is 7% below the average for the time of year during the five years prior to 2020.

"Nevertheless, the number of tractors registered this year has already exceeded the total for the whole of last year, with two months of the year left. At 10,656 machines, the figure for January to October 2021 was 19% higher than in the same period of 2020."

Kubota (UK) Ltd has announced that FJS Plant Repairs Ltd has become the first Kubota full-line dealer in the Republic of Ireland, with effect from 01 November 2021.

L-R - Sam Thompson, Kubota agricultural and ground care dealer manager for Ireland; Frank Smyth of FJS; Tim Yates, Kubota agricultural and ground care sales manager

As a natural expansion of its existing Kubota construction dealership heritage, FJS based at Timahoe, in Co Kildare, will now be responsible for Kubota tractors and ground care equipment. As part of its growth, FJS is forging ahead with plans to open a second depot at a one-acre site in Naas, to include a new showroom, extensive workshop facilities and additional staff.

“This appointment reinforces Kubota’s commitment to its customers and the market, while supporting FJS with the opportunity to continue to grow its business,” explains Henry Bredin, general manager of Kubota (UK)’s Tractor Business Unit. “This partnership will also help Kubota to further strengthen its position in these important market sectors, by serving a wider cross-section of customers from one business.”

FJS was established in 1993 and the business says it is looking forward to expanding its operation with the addition of Kubota’s tractors and ground care product ranges.

“We’re absolutely delighted to have been appointed as a full-line dealer for Kubota,” explains Frank Smyth, managing director of FJS. “We believe that Kubota has tremendous potential for market growth in this area, and this move provides us with a range of tractors up to 170hp, ground care equipment and RTVs to sell to our growing customer base.

“The integration of Kubota tractors and ground care products into our existing business is great news, both for new and existing FJS customers. And our long-term strategy, as a full-line Kubota dealer, also includes opening a third depot,” he adds.

A TV series about a dysfunctional family dynasty at war over succession is mirrored (but not as dramatically) in many small family businesses up and down the land.

With virtually every dealership or supplier in the agri-turf sector being a private family business, the challenges associated with deciding who is best equipped to take the business forward in a changing world are very real.

In the latest episode of the Inside Agri-Turf podcast, Chris Biddle talks to Stephen Shortt, a leading small business strategist about the tensions, the planning, the dynamics, and the personal ambitions that come into to play when deciding on succession issues.

Each family set up is different. Sometimes succession is a straightforward matter. At other times when several family members are involved, damaging conflicts can arise that can spread from the boardroom, to dining room and even the bedroom.

Speaking from personal experience, Stephen outlines how potentially serious family disagreements, often as a result of dogmatic attitudes, can be diffused to the benefit of all concerned when deciding on succession planning.

Listen to episode.

David Creasy, first response technician for Reesink Turfcare’s Sheffield Park branch, has been awarded Master Service Technician status for completing what the company describe as one of the most stringent and comprehensive training courses in the industry.

Reesink UK’s first Master Service Technician is David Creasy, centre, with Reesink’s Lee Rowbotham, right, and Peter Clarke

Reesink UK say their Master Service Technician programme is specifically designed to provide thorough training for technicians, ensuring their skillset is updated and meets the demands of the industry’s continuous evolution. Advanced modules ranging from First Aid Safety Training to Advanced Sprayer Service are covered.

David explained his reasons for taking the course, saying, “A huge proportion of our customers work for golf clubs that are in the top 100 courses in the UK and 89 of our contacts are Master Greenkeepers. Since 99 percent of my role is customer-facing, it was only ever going to be advantageous for me to have the highest level of training there is to give the best possible advice and service.”

David says when it comes to education and training in the industry, it has for many years favoured turf, with very little available to help support the use of machines and getting the best possible results from them.  

He says: “I’ve been working in the industry since leaving college in 1998 and it’s always been important to me to be able to get additional qualifications, but I’ve found education and training for technicians and workshop mechanics and those in the maintenance and servicing side of the industry to be lagging behind the rest. When Reesink launched the Master Service Technician programme I just thought: “thank goodness for that” and applied! It’s really needed to help progression in the sector. 

“So often these incredibly advanced and high technological machines just aren’t being used to their full capabilities. It’s given me great job satisfaction to know I can help make sure customers take full advantage of what the machines can do, keeping them in the best possible condition and making their job that much easier.”

The training fits in well around work requirements, explains David, who was on track to have completed the course over a year ago but COVID meant his final training modules had to be put on hold: “It’s an absolutely fantastic course, really thorough and well-rounded, taking everything to that next level. It’s well-arranged, with a mix of practical and theory work and a test at the end of every module.”

Lee Rowbotham, service manager at Reesink, said, "It’s a huge achievement for David to become Reesink’s first Master Service Technician, he’s worked really hard and put in the extra work to achieve his goal.”

A lot of training and courses were put on hold in 2020 due to the pandemic, but Lee says there is renewed interest in uptake now with Reesink seeing training requests double each week. 

Master Service Technician training is available to all those working in Reesink’s dealer network. 

European agricultural machinery journalists have announced the Tractor of the Year for 2022, with John Deere winning two awards.

The 7R 350 AutoPowr model took first place in the overall Tractor of the Year category, while the 6120M AutoPowr received the Best Utility Tractor award.

In the main category, the John Deere 7R 350 AutoPowr tractor impressed the judges in all aspects of the very rigorous voting process:

• on-board technology and automation package;
• wide, spacious cab offering maximum quality and comfort;
• excellent field performance;
• high efficiency;
• ActiveCommand Steering (ACS);
• EZ Ballast weight system.

In the Best Utility Tractor category, the John Deere 6120M AutoPowr model scored highly with the following features:

• compact design and flexibility due to the short 2.4m wheelbase;
• high payload of 4.7 tonnes;
• latest precision farming technology;
• excellent suitability for front loader work.

Tractor of the Year is an international award programme that has been running since 1998. The jury consists of 26 leading agricultural technology journalists from 25 European countries. For the second year in a row, the awards were presented at the EIMA International agricultural technology trade fair in Bologna, Italy.

Agricultural equipment manufacturer Claydon has further expanded its UK distribution network with the appointment of dealer JJ Farm Services Limited in Gloucestershire. 

A Claydon Hybrid T4 drill working behind a Kubota tractor

Based at Far Stanley, Gretton near Cheltenham, the family-owned business will manage the sale and service of the manufacturer's Opti-Till equipment in an area bordered by the M5 to the west, north to the M42 in Warwickshire, south to Cirencester and across to the M40. The territory compliments those covered by existing Claydon dealers Ross Farm Machinery, which has depots in Herefordshire and Worcestershire, and Turney Group’s branches in Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire. 

A main dealer for Kubota Tractors, JJ Farm Services also represents a range of other agricultural companies, offering service for new and used machinery. 

Martin Jenkins, managing director, said, “Claydon is a very well-known and respected company, so we are delighted to represent them in this remarkably diverse farming area. As farmers and contractors, we understand what customers require from their dealer and go the extra mile to ensure that they are well looked after."

Rob Dunk, Claydon’s sales manager, UK and ROI, added, “We are delighted to have JJ Farm Services on board as the business has an excellent reputation thanks to the expertise and customer-focused service which it provides. Undoubtedly, they will attract new owners to the Claydon brand, as well as supporting existing farming businesses which already operate our machinery and will benefit from a local service and efficient parts support."

Filthy Gardens SOS is a brand new garden makeover series, airing across November and December. The 6 part series follows the journey of multiple homeowners and their shockingly overgrown gardens; all desperate for the garden of their dreams. Coming to their rescue are experienced garden designers Diarmuid Gavin, Danny Clarke & Penny Lamb. Watch as they teach and encourage the homeowners to put in the hard graft themselves, transforming their gardens into their perfect outdoor space!

Tune in to see some Husqvarna 100-series chainsaws, PPE and accessories in use throughout the episodes. The series will run on Thursday nights at 9pm on 5STAR:

• Thurs, Nov 11: Episode 1 - Ambers & Shona, Bangor
• Thurs, Nov 18: Episode 2 – Keith & Darren, Stockport
• Thurs, Nov 25: Episode 3 – Becky & Michael, County Durham
• Thurs, Dec 02: Episode 4 – Ryan & Olwyn, London
• Thurs, Dec 09: Episode 5 – Andy & Kirsten, Leeds
• Thurs, Dec 16: Episode 6 – Brian & Shane, Fareham

Our 2020 Summer research shows that on average, each Garden Trader dealer will be sent 114 new customers (or people with a buying intention walking through your door) per year.  This works out at 83p for each new customer. A subscription rate designed to be all inclusive delivering unrivalled online results.  

This site was purpose-built just for skilled servicing ground care dealers by the team that bring you Service Dealer Magazine. It is easy and quick to register and costs just £96 + VAT per year for a full listing.  As this dealer site is designed to promote the UK dealer network, all revenues in 2021 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 subscribed Garden Trader dealers now by clicking on “Register Dealership” and let's fight back against the zero value retailers.

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