SHOW BUSINESS Let us know your thoughts by Service Dealer Editor, Steve Gibbs
With a plethora of exhibitions and dealer days coming up, how do you decide what to attend and what to skip? Please give us your feedback.
As touched upon last week, being on the cusp of September we're about to enter the season of trade shows and dealer days.
In terms of major exhibitions coming up in the next few weeks, we have both Glee and APF.
Glee, which once upon a time was an incredibly significant date in a dealer's calendar, is having somewhat of a refresh this year. Taking place in a new hall configuration at the NEC, it kicks off from the 10th to the 12th of September.
APF meanwhile, which occurs bi-annually, once again will be displaying everything and anything related to forestry at the Ragley Estate, Alcester from the 20th to the 22nd of September.
These will be followed at the end of the October by the IOG's SALTEX, which is now well established at the NEC.
Add into this mix a plethora of manufacturer and distributor roadshows and conferences and you end up with some not insignificant demands placed on the time of busy dealers. Were you to attend every possible event you were invited to, plus every show which covered an area you're involved with, that time away from your place of business would very quickly add up.
So what do you do? How do you choose what to attend and what to skip? It would be great if you could offer us a bit of feedback at the foot of this article today please.
I personally feel, in simple terms, shows and dealer days are A Good Thing. The positive benefits which attending can afford in terms of expanding knowledge, networking, gaining expertise, sourcing new products etc etc is hard to deny.
However, being realistic, attending everything, or at least sending a dealership representative to everything, is going to be nigh-on impossible with the demands of running a small business.
So how do you decide what to devote your valuable time to?
The editor of our sister title, Turf Pro, Laurence Gale, addressed this question from the point of view of groundsmen and greenkeepers recently - specifically in relation to SALTEX and BTME. He stated, "I firmly believe all of us who earn a living working in this great industry should support these shows and make the effort to attend."
His thesis was that as the manufacturers and suppliers are effectively paying for these shows via the costs of exhibiting, the turf professionals should pay that support back by at least finding the time to come along.
Is that something you would agree with from the point of view of a dealer?
I read a quote recently which, while very enthusiastically American in its delivery, certainly summed up the benefits of attending a trade shows. Camille Candella, Vice President of Marketing for Emerald Expositions said, "A trade show environment allows retailers to see product in person, establish what's trending in their marketplace and get comprehensive product information in one contained location. It is also a unique opportunity for them to build relationships with their vendors, with their peers and within one's store team. By providing a focused climate, attendees are able to take advantage of educational and networking programs where they can increase their expertise and share their experiences with one another to the benefit of their entire industry."
So what do you think? What makes you commit to spending time away from your business - and accepting the monetary costs which that will inevitably entail?
If you are somewhat on the fence about attending events, is there anything further which organisers could be doing to tempt you to come along? Are there simply too many to commit to? For years the industry has discussed the combining of the IOG and BIGGA events for example. Is that something which would appeal to you?
Should the emphasis be placed on smaller, more localised events? Is getting to national shows in Birmingham simply not worth the effort?
It would be great if you'd let us know your thoughts on attending exhibitions and events in the comments section below please. We'll look to publish a selection of your opinions in the next issue of Service Dealer.
Glen Instone, currently Vice President Global Sales & Services, Husqvarna Division, has been appointed Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Husqvarna Group.
Glen Instone, has been appointed Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Husqvarna Group.
Glen Instone
Currently Vice President (VP) Global Sales & Services, Husqvarna Division, Glen has been working at Husqvarna Group since 2006. He has held various positions within the Group including VP Finance of the Husqvarna Division, VP Finance Europe, Middle East and Africa as well as VP Finance of Manufacturing, Logistics & Purchasing.
Before joining Husqvarna Group, Glen Instone was the financial controller of Electrolux Outdoor Products UK, BE and NL.
Glen holds an Accounting & Finance degree (BA Hons) of University of Teesside, UK.
Kai Wärn, President and CEO of Husqvarna Group said, “I am very happy to welcome Glen Instone as our new Chief Financial Officer and I’m especially pleased that we were able to find the best candidate internally. Glen has a broad and extensive experience within the company and the right personal and leadership skills to support Husqvarna Group’s future journey towards market leadership. I would also like to take the opportunity to thank Jan Ytterberg for his contribution to the Group."
Glen will assume his position on November 1, 2018.
The Toro Co has announced that earnings for its third quarter have advanced from their position last year, with strong demand seen for walk power and zero-turn mowers.
The Toro Co has announced that earnings for its third quarter have advanced from their position last year.
The company's earnings came in at $79.01 million, or $0.73 per share. This compares with $68.40 million, or $0.61 per share, in last year's third quarter.
Analysts had expected the company to earn $0.66 per share, according to figures compiled by Thomson Reuters.
The company's revenue for the quarter rose 4.4% to $655.82 million from $627.94 million last year.
Richard M. Olson, Toro’s chairman and chief executive officer said in a statement, "As anticipated, we saw strong demand for our walk power and zero-turn mowers as our residential business rebounded nicely after the slow start to spring."
He continued, "The success of new products also helped bolster sales in our landscape contractor businesses, which drove professional segment revenue growth for the quarter. New products like the Exmark Radius, the Toro TITAN HD and the new diesel-powered zero-turn mowers in our landscape contractor businesses, have been well received by customers.
"Looking ahead, both our BOSS Snowplow and residential snow businesses have strong orders in hand and are well positioned for the coming season."
This week's WEB ONLY story is Glee has confirmed that the 2019 edition will move one day later in the week, opening from Tuesday 10th - Thursday 12th September.
John Deere’s CommandPRO joystick is now available for all small and mid-range 6R Series tractors.
John Deere’s CommandPRO joystick is now available for all small and mid-range 6R Series tractors.
John Deere 6R Series tractor range with CommandPRO option
These models also feature the new CommandCentre 4200 display, which provides all six AEF* certified ISObus functions (*Agricultural Industry Electronics Foundation). In addition, all 6R Series models above 130hp now meet Stage V emission standards.
Launched at the end of 2016, Mannheim’s flagship 6230R and 6250R with CommandPRO set new standards for John Deere tractors, with the joystick introducing a new dimension in ergonomics and versatility. Top speed can be reached with just one push, and 11 programmable buttons are available for the hitch, PTO, SCVs, AutoTrac controls etc.
The functionality of CommandPRO allows the tractor to be controlled from top speed to zero with a simple push or pull of the joystick, and lower speeds from 0 to 2kph can be achieved with the creeper control function. Both the joystick and pedals can be operated at the same time, and there is no need for an external ISObus joystick as the driver can also operate the tractor and ISObus functions simultaneously.
CommandPRO will be available on the wider 6R Series range in combination with John Deere’s AutoPowr transmission, and both features are standard on the 6R Ultimate Edition models. CommandPRO can be ordered in combination with either the 4600 or the new 4200 CommandCentre display.
The 4200 replaces the 7in 4100 unit and features a larger 8.4in screen. This terminal controls AutoTrac, Section Control, data documentation and other applications. It is also ready for all AEF certified ISObus functions such as joystick control and data transfer between tractor and implements.
Furthermore, all 6R Series tractors can be equipped with variable ratio steering (VRS). This requires less arm movement and significantly less steering effort, allowing quick and smooth headland turns. The system can be activated and deactivated from the tractor’s CommandCentre control console. Additional operator comfort is provided by the leather steering wheel as well as a self-cancelling turn signal.
Equipped with a larger hydraulic pump, the 6145R and 6155R models now deliver a powerful maximum flow of 155 litres/min. This is an increase of 23 per cent compared to the previous pump.
With the larger 6R Series models above 130hp featuring Stage V compliant engines, John Deere is already achieving the stringent emission values that will apply from 1 January 2019 for tractors above 170hp.
John Deere say the latest PowerMix test in Germany show that there is no conflict between low emission values and engine efficiency. The 6250R has set a new fluid efficiency benchmark at the DLG test centre in Groß-Umstadt, achieving the best result in this horsepower segment with a total fluid consumption of only 364g/kWh in transport mode.
Company says development is designed to help dealers make their workshop more efficient and profitable.
Ibcos Computers Ltd has launched its new Gold Service mobile & web application, which they say is designed to help dealers make their workshop more efficient and profitable.
The new product is both a mobile app and a web browser interface. The mobile application, which can be installed on a tablet or a smartphone, allows engineers to log their tasks and hours from any location, at any time, removing the need for a paper job card. This, say Ibcos, helps them streamline the administrative side of their job and focus on what they are paid for.
The web-based portion of Gold Service is aimed more toward those working at the depot. Instead of waiting for an engineer to return with a completed paper job card, the team at the depot can access that data immediately through a web browser. This helps them save time on manual re-keying, allowing them to devote it to proactively engaging their customers.
“The whole point of Gold Service is to drive efficiencies in the workshop and help workshop employees become more effective at their jobs,” said Collette Convery, the managing director at Ibcos. “Allowing them to share and view data over long distances immediately is one of the key ways toward achieving that goal. It’s just another barrier that dealers no longer have to worry about.”
Organisers say exhibit space sales are running ahead of this time last year and the Outdoor Demonstration Area is expected to meet or exceed last year’s record-breaking 20 acres.
Organisers of this year's GIE-EXPO which takes place at the Kentucky Exposition Center in Louisville, Kentucky from October 17-19 2018, is on course to be bigger than ever.
The team behind the show say exhibit space sales are running ahead of this time last year and the Outdoor Demonstration Area is expected to meet or exceed last year’s record-breaking 20 acres.
Kris Kiser, president and CEO of the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute said, "This year’s show is a must-attend event for industry members who are looking to move their businesses to the next level.
"With the addition of trade show hours for contractors on Wednesday and an incredible keynote on the lineup, GIE+EXPO continues to be an extremely valuable business investment for exhibitors and attendees alike.”
This year, a new format will be implemented, allowing contractors an extra day on the show floor. Following an earlier dealer preview on Wednesday, the indoor exhibits will open for the entire industry from 3 to 7 p.m., including a welcome reception on the show floor beginning at 5 p.m. The indoor exhibits and Outdoor Demonstration Area will be open Thursday and Friday for all industry members.
Admission to Hardscape North America exhibits, which takes place alongside GIE-EXPO - both indoors and out - is included with GIE+EXPO registration. This co-location gives landscape professionals the opportunity to see a range of related new products and explore ways to tap into the growing hardscape market.
Back by popular demand, the GIE+EXPO workshops will feature 10 sessions to help landscape pros grow their businesses. This year’s lineup will include two hardscape sessions with insights and tips for contractors interested in tapping into that market. Other workshops, which are sponsored by the National Association of Landscape Professionals, include topics such as marketing strategies, safety programs, developing a new generation of professionals and more.
Agricultural insurance specialist Lycetts has invested in what they describe as an "advanced forensic coding system" to help their farming clients protect farm equipment and premises.
Agricultural insurance specialist Lycetts has invested in what they describe as an "advanced forensic coding system" to help their farming clients protect farm equipment and premises.
Lycetts DNA+ combines an adhesive solution with uniquely coded micro particles registered exclusively to each client. In a statement Lycetts say this system provides "irrefutable, traceable evidence of ownership and has been proven by the police to be a powerful deterrent to thieves."
The security system is being offered free to all customers taking out an agricultural motor policy with the broker.
“We understand the distress, inconvenience and financial impact that theft can cause for our clients and the importance of protecting valuable farm equipment like quads, tractors and power tools,” said Lycetts Director, William Barne.
“Lycetts DNA+ is a quick, easy but highly effective security solution which gives potential thieves a clear deterrent and our farming customers welcome peace of mind in the face of rising rural crime levels.
“The greatest fear to a criminal is being caught. DNA forensic coding provides irrefutable evidence, which is why they prefer softer targets.”
A tiny dab of the water-based Lycetts DNA liquid goes on white, but dries clear and is extremely difficult to remove once dry. It glows under ultraviolet light, making it easy for the police to detect.
The pack also includes warning signage for buildings and labels for machinery and other valuable, smaller items to alert and deter potential thieves.
Cupar based dealership supplies new model to continue maintaining large areas of sloping terrain.
Through Cupar based Double A Trading, Dundee City Council have taken delivery of a Reform hydrostatic, 4 wheel drive, 70hp H7X bank tractor.
FraserCrichton from the city council said, "We have had a Reform for fifteen years and it has proved to be a real workhorse across our grassed areas, including large areas of sloping terrain. Based on that performance we had no hesitation in adding the Metrac H7X model to our fleet."
Simon Richard, UK agent for the Reform range, adds, “The 4 cylinder H7X covers all eventualities for the amenity, utility, contractor and golf sectors. A range of optional implements, combined with Metrac’s light footprint and ‘crab-steer’ mode for working on sloping terrain at up to 45 degrees, give a multitude of work options from the one machine, while also addressing operator health and safety issues.”
Nationwide leisure company has been working closely with Kubota and local dealer Dennis Barnfield over the last 15 years.
Partingtons Holiday Parks, the nationwide leisure company, owns over 2,000 pitches for touring, holiday and residential mobile homes spread across seven different sites throughout the UK.
Celebrating its 75th anniversary next year, the successful business is overseen by the 4th generation of the Partington family. Robert Partington Kearsley and his sister Andrea Challis run the business and employ over 250 individuals as part of their ‘family first’ approach.
With six Visit England accredited holiday sites and one residential site in the Partingtons portfolio, the owners say it’s imperative that each park is kept in the best condition possible to ensure visitors continue to return year after year. This is a challenge Robert and Andrea’s grounds maintenance teams face on a daily basis and say they achieve through their longstanding relationship with high quality suppliers, working closely with Kubota and local dealer Dennis Barnfield over the last 15 years.
Currently boasting a 25 strong Kubota fleet, maintenance of the various sites is headed up by each individual park manager and their dedicated grounds maintenance teams.
Speaking of the partnership, Robert said: “With seven different parks to contend with, it’s vital that our grounds maintenance is consistent across the board to ensure we achieve the highest standard at every park. The service we receive from Dennis Barnfield and the varying models of quality Kubota machinery they provide, ensures each of the sites are kept in premium condition.”
From transporting seven tonne caravans across the park to mowing and mulching of the lawns, Kubota machinery plays an essential role in the running of the sites. The parks have been home to a multitude of machines over the years, with its current fleet including a number of G Series high dump mowers and F Series ride on mowers for regular grass cutting.
For the more heavy duty site work, two L Series compact utility tractors, four larger scale M6040 tractors and two L3200 tractors are used to help the maintenance teams move the holiday homes and complete essential upkeep.
The sites are also home to five recently acquired RTV-X1140’s. Robert continued: “We recently purchased the new RTVs because the option to have an additional two seats in the back or a larger cargo bed is useful for the team when transporting equipment around the vast sites.
“Our confidence in the performance of the machines means that Andrea and I have one less thing to worry about as we know the maintenance of the sites will continue to run like clockwork.”
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