I received an unusual phone call this week.

Out of the blue, a number I didn't know rang me. It was a rather animated, verbose chap who had come across Service Dealer and my number online. He was a retired end-user who, during the course of his career, apparently had cause to buy plenty of equipment from a variety of dealers.

And he had a very low opinion of the network.

He took a long while to get to the gist of his call, but essentially his reason for getting in touch with me was to inform that in his experience, outdoor powered machinery dealers are all terrible - but that he has been surprised just recently, by finding a good one!

He spoke of dealers not phoning him back when they said they would, of an 'old boys club' (whatever that means), of poor business practices and of dealers in general being a difficult breed to get along with. He really wasn't happy with a multitude of experiences which he said he'd had with many dealers, over many years.

He went on to explain though, how he's recently moved to a new area where he's found a dealer who he described as "a breath of fresh air."

He said this new dealership were approachable, honest, went the extra mile to help him, with the clincher for this chap being that the dealer principal gave him his mobile number, making himself contactable, seemingly at all times. The boss of this dealership, he said, was leading by example, setting a standard for the rest of his helpful staff.

When I eventually felt like I could interject, because thus far it had been a mostly one-sided conversation, I did attempt to stand up for the dealer network as a whole. I explained that the bad experiences he was describing were perhaps more of a symptom of days long gone?

Modern dealers, I proposed, know the value that exemplary customer service holds for their business. They want to exceed customer expectations, making sure that they and their staff are doing all that they can to guarantee customers have a good experience and thus return to their stores.

I explained to this chap that as the organisers of the annual Dealer Of The Year competition, Service Dealer hears directly from dealers' customers across the country every year - who in their droves are positively brimming with enthusiasm. We hear so many stories of why their local dealer deserves the recognition of their peers and the industry as a whole, for the great work they're doing serving their community.

Every year we receive praise for garden machinery dealers, ag dealers, professional turfcare machinery dealers and ATV dealers - large and small. Multi-branched and single, family-run concerns.

We know first hand, I said, that there's great work going on out there in the network and that it's really unfortunate that you have formed this negative view of dealers in general. I would argue, that things now, really aren't like how you perceive them.

With that, the chap said, "Well, I just wanted to let you know my thoughts," and rang off. Whether I convinced him that there are way more good dealers out there than the single one he had come across, I'm not sure.

I suppose the wider point to perhaps bear in mind, is that there could be droves of customers out there like that. Ones who have had, shall we say, less than perfect interactions with dealers in the past.

It's not your fault the baggage they might bring through your doors, but by maintaining your own high-standards of customer care and aftersales service with every single new person who walks into your showroom - or indeed interacts with you online or on the phone - you'll be doing all you can to convince these people, that bad dealers are those guys from the past.

They certainly aren't you.

Kverneland has strengthened its partnership with dealer C&O Tractors, by giving the firm an extended area for sales, service and support for the full range of their equipment.

L-R: Kverneland md Joe Bell and Dick Spencer, C&O’s group sales and depot manager

C&O Tractors has been selling and supporting Kverneland products through West Sussex since opening its Funtington depot in 2016. This new announcement means that the company's implements are now available from C&O’s Newport, Isle of Wight depot and its Wilton, Salisbury branch.

It is a move that means existing Kverneland customers across South Wilts, Hampshire, West Sussex and the Isle of Wight will now be supported by C&O Tractors, taking over an area that was previously served by R Hunt Agricultural Engineers.

“We are delighted to be able to offer the full Kverneland range to many more C&O customers,” says Dick Spencer, C&O’s group sales and depot manager. “With high quality, innovation and durability, the Kverneland range will be a great addition to our offering at C&O.”

With Kverneland-trained engineers and an extensive stock of parts and machines within the dealerships, aftersales and service for existing customers will continue without interruption.

Kverneland md Joe Bell, was equally upbeat about the expanded territory for C&O Tractors. “With R Hunt Agricultural Engineers’ decision to cut its ties with Kverneland, we were in a position to offer much more territory to C&O,” says he said. “In addition to giving existing Kverneland customers in South Wiltshire and Hampshire the service and support they have come to expect from a premium-brand machinery manufacturer, this development also creates an opportunity to find new business with many more C&O customers.

Out front zero turn distributor Walker Mowers UK, have announced the appointment of Steve Egerton as their new country manager.

Steve, who joined the the newly formed company on the eve of SALTEX in 2017 has been instrumental in developing and appointing the 60 strong supporting dealer network across the UK.

A spokesman for the company told Service Dealer, "Steve has an immense knowledge of the UK outdoor power equipment scene and has used this knowledge to meet with many dealers and develop our current dealer network. His experience at manufacturer, importer and distributor level is key to our expansion here in the UK."

Steve's appointment came at the end of a busy week for the UK team, as they hosted two senior members of Walker Manufacturing from Fort Collins in Colorado. They visited many appointed dealers across the country and the Channel Islands, discussing how together they could expand their sales of the Walker mower brand here in the UK.

Alamo Group Inc. has announced that Dr. Geoffrey Davies, OBE, executive vice president and managing director of Alamo Group’s European Division will be retiring from the Company at the end of June 2019.

Geoffrey Davies has been with Alamo Group and its predecessor companies for 34 years. In addition to his duties as an executive officer, the company says he has been a recognised industry leader in the UK among manufacturers of agricultural equipment. He was appointed a member of the Order of the British Empire by the Queen in 2004 for his service to British industry.

Following his retirement, it has been announced that Geoffrey will act as a consultant to the company on an interim basis.

Ron Robinson, Alamo Group’s president and chief executive officer, commented, “Geoff has been a tremendous asset for our company for many years and will be greatly missed. He has also been a good and valued friend whose counsel I will continue to seek even after his formal retirement. All of us at Alamo Group wish Geoff the best as he moves into this next phase of his life which I am sure will be a very active one.”

Geoffrey Davies said, “I have had a long and enjoyable career with Alamo Group and am proud of the organisation we have built which I know will continue to prosper in the years ahead.”

The company says it is currently evaluating replacement options for Geoffrey Davies's position and will be finalising a succession plan over the coming months.

Farm machinery dealers in the sales, service and parts network for Landini and McCormick tractors in Wales and the west of England are being supported by a newly-appointed area sales manager.

Chris Hughes has joined the Argo Tractors operation with several years of technical and sales experience gained at leading dealerships and says he relishes the fresh challenges that come with representing a manufacturer.

Chris Hughes

“I’ve been a workshop technician and service manager, and worked as a dealer salesman, so I’ve a good understanding of the trade from a dealer’s point of view,” he says. “That will help me in my new role, representing Argo Tractors in support of the management and sales staff at our franchised dealers.”

Having been brought up on a mixed livestock farm, Chris also has practical experience of day-to-day farming and a clear understanding of tractors and machinery, and the key features and benefits that best suit different farms and other rural enterprises.

That will be invaluable, he says, in his role helping dealers identify the best products in the Argo Tractors range for individual customers, in terms of size, power, features and specification, and liaising with the Argo Finance team in structuring the best financing options for buyers.

His home in Knighton, Powys on the Herefordshire/Shropshire border places Chris at the heart of a territory that extends throughout Wales, across to the M6 motorway, and as far north as Carlisle in Cumbria.

Adrian Winnett, managing director for Argo Tractors in the UK and Ireland said: “We’re delighted to welcome Chris as our Wales and west of England area sales manager. He joins our expanding team with valuable experience of practical farming, as well as technical issues and sales, as we make significant investment in resources to help develop our share of the tractor market.”

Returning to the DoubleTree by Hilton Oxford Belfry this November, the Service Dealer Conference & Awards will once again benefit from Honda as Gold Sponsor.

The date of this year's event has been confirmed as Thursday November 21st 2019.

Steve Morris, sales manager of Honda Power Equipment presenting the ATV / Quad Dealer of the Year Award to Huw Owen of Llyn ATVs And Garden Machinery, with Service Dealer owner Duncan Murray-Clarke (l) and comedian Charlie Baker (r) at 2018's ceremony

Service Dealer owner Duncan Murray-Clarke said, "We are very pleased to announce Honda as Gold Sponsor for Service Dealer's Conference & Awards.

"We are delighted that Honda have chosen to join us once again, following their sponsorship last year which also saw them bringing along the Mean Mower for us all to enjoy. This year is shaping up to be another very special day."

Honda believe the Conference and Awards is a key date in the industry's diary and are pleased to be supporting again in 2019.

More details about this year's Service Dealer Conference & Awards will be announced in due course. 

John Deere is now offering a new PIN code locking system to help deter the theft of valuable GreenStar in-cab displays and StarFire satellite receivers.

The company says this has been designed to make it impossible to use the components if they are stolen.

Because of their popular ‘plug and play’ design, John Deere displays and GPS receivers have also become more susceptible to theft compared to some other systems on the market. Until now, they could only be locked and protected mechanically. To increase the level of protection, the manufacturer has therefore introduced the built-in PIN code lock, similar to that used on smartphones, for both components.

The PIN code for the display and the receiver can be entered via the display. If the user forgets the code, they can continue working for a limited period, up to a maximum of 72 hours. After this a Master Unlock Code is required, which can be generated in the StellarSupport online portal. The customer’s MyJohnDeere login grants access to any John Deere component previously registered in their StellarSupport account.

The new PIN code locking system is now available for the 4240 and 4640 Universal Displays and the StarFire 6000 receiver. It is bundled with the recent 19-1 software update, which permits the upgrade of these specific displays and receivers.

This latest security feature complements the range of precautions already introduced by the company this decade to deter thieves. Their agricultural tractors sold in the UK and Ireland, including the 6M, 6R, 7R, 8R and 9R Series models that are made in the company’s main factories at Waterloo in the US and Mannheim in Germany, are fitted as standard with the CESAR Datatag security system, as well as an immobiliser system whereby the key has a transponder unique to each individual tractor.

This means that while any other John Deere tractor key will still fit the door and ignition, the tractor won’t start without the proper key. John Deere was the first company to introduce the unique key system as standard on a full range of tractors in the UK and Ireland, in 2011. Other security related items are also available from dealers, such as lockable fuel tank caps and separate door lock keys, as well as immobiliser systems from the John Deere owned Vapormatic all-makes parts business.

In addition, all 7R, 8R & 9R Series tractors have JDLink telematics fitted as standard, which includes the ability to geofence machines, so that SMS or email messages would be sent if the machine moved outside a predefined area.

JDLink also allows a ‘curfew’ to be set, which would again warn the owner if the machine was turned on during a pre-defined period (say, between 10pm and 6am). While this system is standard on the large tractors listed above, it is also available as a factory-fitted option on 6R Series models, or it can be field fitted on any other vehicle with a 12V power supply.

Reesink Turfcare has invested in six new service vehicles for its mobile technicians.

Reesink's new service vehicles

With the up-to-date and extended fleet,  they are now more equipped than ever to provide customers with an effective and dependable service, says Reesink’s operations manager David Jackman.

“By investing in this new fleet of vans, we have more reliable and efficient equipment, which means we can provide an improved service to our customers,” says David. “We take maintenance of our products seriously and this fleet of vans is essential to deliver back up if and when it’s needed. We pride ourselves on providing excellence and that doesn’t just begin and end with the sale of the product.”

Three of the vans will be at Reesink’s Sheffield Park service branch in East Sussex, one at the branch in Livingston, Scotland and two at the East Anglian service branch based at the company’s headquarters in St Neots.

David continued, “We have a particular focus on customer service, ensuring it expands in line with the company’s growth and we want to build on our relationship with our customers within our direct areas. This investment is the next step in strengthening that relationship.”

The six vans all come fully racked which includes a work bench and shelving kit solution to transport all the tools and parts needed for on-site service visits and breakdowns.

David said, "We’re looking forward to seeing the new fleet in action and supporting our customers.”

The Royal Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland (RHASS) is inviting agriculture and rural innovators to apply for its Technical Innovation Awards.

The 2019 awards intend to "encourage and recognise innovation in the design and manufacture of machines, equipment and appliances which advance the effective and efficient practice of either agriculture, horticulture, equestrian, forestry, renewable energy or estate services."

RHASS chief steward of technical innovation, Christo Shepherd, said, “Technical innovation holds the key to unlocking the potential of Scotland’s agricultural and rural industries, whether in keeping with the industry, improving the environment, promoting best practice or ensuring operator safety and comfort.

“The RHASS Technical Innovation Awards provide a unique and highly regarded means to promote new ideas, whether conceived in the farm workshop or on the test benches of multinational manufacturers. I look forward to celebrating the innovations that have been developed over the last year at this year’s Royal Highland Show.”

Entries must be machine, appliances, technical components or important ancillary equipment and should be commercially available or prototypes in development. All entries are judged and benchmarked on individual merit.

The closing date for entries is 14th April, with judging taking place before May. Successful entrants will be notified and will be invited to attend a special presentation award ceremony on Saturday 22nd June 2019 at the Royal Highland Show.

Entries should be made on the official entry form, downloadable from the Royal Highland Show website

Somerset farmer, Nick Bragg, has set himself the pedal busting challenge of cycling 3,000 miles across Canada in 30 days to raise awareness and funds for the welfare charity, The Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution (R.A.B.I).

Nick Bragg

Tractor brand Fendt are offering support to Nick's challenge and will be running the story through their social media channels, leading up to the event and during the event itself.

The challenge starts in Montreal on 21st June 2019 and will see Nick and his trusty bicycle travel 3,000 miles across 6 states, through the mountainous terrain of The Rockies and finish by the iconic stone sculpture, Inukshuk, on the Vancouver waterfront.

Nick and his wife Claire own and run Frogmary Green Farm in South Petherton and have been supporting R.A.B.I for many years through events hosted on the farm, such as the Great British Beef Week Supper.

Nick says of the challenge, "You never can tell what’s around the corner, so to raise money for a farming charity that supports others less fortunate than myself gives me great pleasure.”

R.A.B.I has been supporting farming people in financial need for 158 years with over £2m in grants paid to 1,260 individuals and families in financial hardship in 2017 alone.

Paul Burrows, R.A.B.I CEO, commented, “Nick’s commitment and dedication to R.A.B.I is truly remarkable. It’s because of wonderful supporters like him that we are able to do so much for those in financial need in the farming sector. The Great British Beef Week supper that Nick and his wife Claire host each year at their Somerset farm takes great planning but is always a wonderful occasion. Cycling across Canada sounds daunting but it’s a challenge I know Nick will rise to.”

For more information on Nick’s Cycling Challenge and to donate, visit his Virgin Money Giving page

Swift cordless garden machines fill a massive gap in specialist showrooms for those customers who want to buy good quality products from reputable dealers at extra competitive retail prices.

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10. Excellent PROFIT opportunities

Full range of 40v interchangeable cordless products available at ultra competitive pricing.

Super powerful 120v mowers with battery and charger from £399.99 inc vat.

Latest technology Robot mowers c/w docking station and easy to install set up kit from £699.99 inc vat.

We are well on our way to achieving a national dealer network……want to learn more?

Call Ron Miller on 07853 005790 or e-mail ron.miller@ngpgroup.eu

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