You may remember a couple of weeks ago we were in the unfortunate position of having to report on another dealership break-in.

F G Adamson of East Riding were the victims on this occasion, with £10,000 worth of equipment taken plus a considerable level of damage inflicted to the premises.

It goes without saying that incidences such as this are always appalling, but somehow coming in the midst of all the hardships which the independent retail sector has encountered this year, it's like rubbing salt in the wound. It's also sad but true to say that Adamsons are not exceptional in this. Dealers in our sector regularly suffer crimes of this type - some, tragically, more often than others.

It brings us back to a conversation we've had many times in the past, of what can be done to mitigate such occurrences?

I remember asking our readers for their thoughts on this subject a year or two ago, following a spate of incidences. I recall suggestions such as smoke machines or sophisticated CCTV systems cropping up in the discussion.

Again I'd ask dealers if there's any security measures that you'd strongly advocate or have found to be particularly effective for your business. If so, please share with our community in the comments below.

I did hear from one reader this week, who had some thoughts on the subject that they were interested in running past the network. Nigel Barnes of Moggs of Wells (Engineering) Ltd told me how he'd been saddened to read that yet another dealer had suffered the heartache of a break-in and theft.

"Once again it is the hand-held products that have been targeted," said Nigel, "easy to carry out through small apertures when doors cannot oblige."

Nigel had some interesting suggestions that the industry could perhaps take on board to help diminish the potential for stolen machines to change hands - even if the subsequent 'owner' is unaware of the origin of the machine.

"Firstly," Nigel said, "could we not create a register of stolen machines by make, model and serial number so we can readily check the bona fides of any suspicious machine? After all, the automotive industry does this via HPI."

Nigel continued, "Secondly, if the serial number is missing do not service or repair the machine unless the presenter of the same can provide legitimate proof of origin and ownership.

"I know this doesn’t stop the break-ins, but it might reduce the ease with which stolen machines can be passed on."

So what do our readers think? Could these kind of steps help?

As Nigel implies, one feels at the moment if a criminal is determined, they can find methods to enforce a break-in. Perhaps what could be useful though, is taking these longer-term steps towards making stolen equipment much less valuable to thieves?

It's awful to even be in this position of trying to figure out methods to make items stolen from you less appealing, but that does appear to be the unfortunate reality we find ourselves in. If as Nigel suggests, all dealers refused to work on machines that didn't come with proof of ownership, could this be a help?

In terms of a register of stolen models, this would clearly need a trade body or individual to organise - but one feels with modern communication and data recording methods it wouldn't be insurmountable?

But what do you, our readers, think? Could these proposals help? Or do you have any other thoughts which might prove effective in the fight against dealership crime? Please let us know in the comments below.

It would be wonderful to have far fewer of these stories to report on.

Mr Kazunari Shimokawa, CEO & president of Kubota Holdings Europe B.V. and Kverneland Group, has been given a new assignment as managing executive officer and general manager of the Agricultural Implement Division at the Kubota Group headquarters in Osaka, Japan, and will be leaving his current position as from January 1st 2021.

On the same date Mr Shingo Hanada will replace Mr Shimokawa as president of Kubota Holdings Europe B.V. and of Kverneland AS.

Mr Shingo Hanada

Mr Hanada entered Kubota Corporation in 1989, and has been working for Kubota for more than 30 years in various management positions in Japan and the United States. In his last position he was executive officer and general manager of the Outdoor Power Equipment Division.

The CEO of the British Independent Retailers Association (bira), Andrew Goodacre, admitted that when he took up his post in 2018, he couldn’t understand why BAGMA (British Agricultural and Garden Machinery Association) had independent status within the bira group.

“Tractors and mowers didn’t seems to fit into the core of the rest of the bira membership,” he said, “but I soon came to appreciate it’s strength. There’s a real affinity amongst its members for BAGMA’s heritage and history. They wear and display the brand with pride - and it would have been totally wrong to have disturbed that close affinity.”

Andrew Goodacre was speaking in a wide-ranging interview with Chris Biddle in the latest episode of his Inside Agri-Turf podcast on the day that England went into Lockdown Mark2.

He praised the ingenuity of many independent retailers in finding new ways of connecting with customers. “They realised that if the customer couldn’t come to them, they had to find ways of going directly to the customer, and many of them have really stepped up to the mark in very challenging trading conditions”.

He said that there was still much to be done by the independent sector. “Our research tells us that 80% of independents have a website but only 25% have transactional software to complete an online sale.”

Mr Goodacre also queried the haphazard and woolly definition of ‘non-essential’ retailers that had to shut for another month, particularly in the run-up to Christmas. “I think they allowed garden centres to open too late in the Spring, but it is wrong they should have exemption this time of year, because hardly anyone goes to buy plants and the centres are almost totally given over to Christmas items in competition with many bira members who have had to shut.”

Listen to the podcast.

The Agricultural Engineers Association (AEA) have today (13th Nov) published an updated edition of the Look Behind You guide to tractor-trailer braking.

The Association says the guide is aimed at farmers, tractor drivers, mechanics and technicians - indeed anyone using, purchasing or maintaining tractors and trailers. It seeks to raise user awareness of what is needed from tractor-trailer braking systems, in order to obtain good performance and also to comply with the minimum legal requirements. It will also help users to make informed purchasing decisions and to recognise shortfalls in the braking systems of their current vehicles.

The first edition of Look Behind You was initially published by the AEA ten years ago, prompted by a spate of premature tractor brake failures linked to inadequate trailer brakes.

Since then, say the AEA, much has changed. Tractors, trailers and trailed implements are bigger, more tractors can now reach 50 km/h (30 mph) and pneumatic (air) trailer braking systems are more common. Certain UK Legislation has changed and new EU Braking Regulations for agricultural vehicles have arrived.

Stephen Howarth, agricultural economist at the AEA said, "Although tractor-trailer braking in the UK has improved, more still needs to be done - so the AEA Service Managers’ Group has revised and updated the Look Behind You guide. A comprehensive technical overview, the revised guide still provides the basic information but, importantly, it now also covers the increasingly complex braking systems found on modern tractors and trailers.

"The guide provides the right level of information to raise awareness and highlight important features which, if addressed, will improve vehicle operation and enhance overall safety. Readers are also advised what maintenance activities may be performed On-Farm, following appropriate training, and where it is important to seek specialist help."

As well as bringing the content up to date, the advance of media technology since the first edition was published has allowed the AEA to build new features into the guide. The online version includes a number of videos introducing the key topics and animations to help users to get an advanced understanding of some of the most important concepts. This version can be downloaded, so all the features can still be used without an internet connection.

Look Behind You can be downloaded here.

Former Sisis sales director Arthur Harrison sadly passed away earlier this month, aged 88.

Arthur Harrison

His career at Sisis spanned over 30 years, beginning in 1960 initially as assistant sales office manager when the company was based at Cheadle, Stockport, before being appointed sales director in 1979 until his retirement in 1996.

Arthur was renowned as being one of the turfcare industry’s true gentlemen and largely responsible for building a strong dealer network throughout Western Europe in the 1970’s and expanding export into Asia, Canada, South Africa and Australia.

Arthur had since enjoyed the 24 years since his retirement caravanning, cruising and spending time with family and friends before passing away peacefully on 2nd November 2020.

Sisis extend their condolences to his family at this sad time.

Reesink Turfcare has created an online nationwide network providing access to used Toro machinery.

Ree.Own, the newly launched service accessible online at reeown.co.uk gives customers the chance to browse, compare prices and match budgets on a range of machines that are guaranteed to have less than 3000 hours use on the clock, have been used for less than seven years and been through a multipoint check by trained technicians.

Alastair Rowell, UK sales manager, turfcare equipment at Reesink, says the team has been working towards a single point of call for all the best used machinery for some time and this is the culmination of that work: “For some time we’ve wanted to be able to provide customers with a single source for all used machinery within our dealer network and now we can.

“Now more than ever, there are so many reasons to buy used machinery and this type of machinery access in this sector has been all but unobtainable. We have hundreds of used machines a year that qualify, to sell, coming in, through dealers and off lease programmes. We have a team dedicated to the servicing and preparation of these machines to ensure they are customer-ready and the distribution network to do that now.”

Reesink say every machine receives a rigorous multipoint inspection by a team of trained technicians.

Alastair continues, “By the time we have finished, the machines are mechanically sound and ready to perform. Our branch locations and authorised dealers have years of training and experience working specifically with Toro machines and this gives customers peace of mind, especially when they know back-up is there should it be required.”

All machines are provided with a minimum 90 day warranty and replacement parts are easily sourced.

Alastair concluded, “We wanted to create a place where customers could buy used Toro machines with the utmost confidence, and there’s no better place for that than with Ree.Own, through UK and Ireland’s exclusive Toro distribution network.”

It has been announced that John Deere, Rain Bird and Carnoustie Golf Links have joined forces in a major strategic partnership for the golf industry.

Carnoustie Golf Links, John Deere, dealer Double A and Rain Bird staff with some of the new machinery fleet on the 14th fairway of The Championship Course

The three organisations say they all share long histories built on innovation and are combining their strengths in this landmark partnership which will see a major investment in irrigation, greenkeeping and development of the game of golf at Carnoustie.

As part of the new golf course maintenance fleet supplied as part of the arrangement, local dealer Double A will be supplying 12 of the new John Deere 2750E ride-on triplex hybrid greens and fairway mowers.

In addition, A Series mowers are included that feature the password-protected TechControl system, which allows the course manager to set equipment up to achieve the desired course finish regardless of who operates the machines.

Also Deere's GPS automatic guidance technology and vehicle telematics are now becoming available for golf and turf customers, through the new GPS PrecisionSprayer. Carnoustie has three of the first machines to be sold in Europe as part of the deal.

In terms of Rain Bird, following a topographical system analysis and other investigations conducted by specialist consultants, Carnoustie, supported by Rain Bird UK’s golf distributor Rigby Taylor, will embark on a full renovation of each of its courses to upgrade them with advanced irrigation technologies.

They will benefit from Rain Bird’s Cirrus Central Control System combined with Integrated Control, which enables real-time, two-way communications between the control system and other components. The system will be fine tuned to continually monitor conditions across the Links and apply the precise amount of irrigation each area needs.

Daniel Tomberry is relocating to the Midlands from South West Scotland to take on the role of sales manager for the area.

Daniel Tomberry

Daniel has almost fifteen years’ experience in sports turf management in various roles including head groundsman at East Dorset Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, and three years sales experience working with all Reesink brands in Glasgow and West Scotland. 

Daniel said, “My time in various greenkeeping positions and as a head groundsman has certainly enabled me to relate to customers in my sales role with Reesink over the last few years. It’s given me a practical understanding of what they want to achieve, and which products will best suit their needs.

“I’ve thoroughly enjoyed working with Reesink in Scotland and I feel fortunate that my experience and sales record affords me this new opportunity to work with Reesink customers in the Midlands. I’m excited about making a new home in the area and look forward to carrying on the good relationships the company has with existing customers and creating new ones.”

Daniel’s role covers both fine turf and grounds customers and turfcare equipment sales manager Alastair says Daniel is ideal to cover both markets: “The Midlands is a key area for us, so it was imperative we get the right person in the role. The remit includes all turfcare customers from golf clubs and sports venues, to local authorities and contractors, which matches with Daniel’s experience to date. He not only understands sales, but also the pressures and requirements of all those working in the turfcare sector. I believe he is a strong replacement for our open sales area.”

Daniel can be contacted via Reesink HQ on 01480 226800.

Are you looking to drive your business to the next level? Find out how to become a non-exclusive Pellenc Alpha dealer and join the team.

Pellenc are committed to their dedicated network of dealers. From hands-on product training with your Area Sales Manager, marketing support and dealership development, they will give you and your business all of the tools for future success.

So, if you’ve got what it takes to become a Pellenc Alpha Dealer, you can expect:

Marketing support

Access to marketing tools, such as, press, social media and digital campaigns, in-store POS, product promotions and advertising templates to ensure businesses are seen and heard.

Technical support

A team of Pellenc experts on hand to provide support and advice on servicing tools and replacing parts.

Les Malin, Managing Director of Etesia UK, Pellenc’s exclusive distributor in the UK and Ireland, commented: “Our dealers play a pivotal role in not only delivering the highest levels of customer service and aftersales support, but also sustaining our position as the leading battery-powered garden maintenance manufacturer.

“We are looking for dealers that share our passion and commitment to providing customers with a great buying experience while promoting the benefits of environmentally-friendly garden maintenance equipment.”

Pellenc is the world’s leading expert in battery-powered tools for maintaining landscapes. The Pellenc Alpha range features all of the usual Pellenc environmental and professional benefits to end users, but at a lower starting price point.

IP54 plug-in, fully waterproof batteries capable of running for up to 6 hours on a single charge and bags of power, the Pellenc Alpha range has what it takes to convert the last of the professionals who are hesitant to abandon petrol powered tools.

For more information or to apply to become a Pellenc Alpha dealer, please visit www.pellencuk.com/become-a-pellenc-dealer

St Michaels Caravan Park is a small holiday caravan park set in open countryside in West Worcestershire near Tenbury Wells. Park owner Brian Griffiths, credits his three Husqvarna Automower® robotic lawnmowers for maintaining the park’s impressive grounds.

The Griffiths family has operated the park, which is set in an old apple orchard on the border of Worcestershire and Herefordshire, since 2008. An idyllic getaway for those seeking golf, fishing and country walks, the 33 static caravan park covers three acres and prides itself on its well-maintained grounds.

When the time came to retire their old ride-on mower Brian made the decision to investigate a new form of mowing. He explains: “Once our previous ride-on mower began to tire, we decided to speak to our good contact at Teme Valley Tractors who recommended investigating Husqvarna Automower® as an alternative. I was aware of the existence of robotic lawn mowers, but I never imagined they could maintain a caravan park’s grounds. They certainly proved me wrong.”

Following an initial chat with Brian, Husqvarna’s Automower® specialist, Niklas, visited the site to provide a demonstration. After seeing first-hand the performance of Automower® over a one month trial period, Brian placed an order for three robotic lawnmowers, an Automower® 450X and two Automower® 430X.

Top of the range models in the X-line series, both mowers are at the forefront of robotic mowing, smart enough to negotiate the challenges of large and complex lawns, and navigate narrow passages, obstacles, tough terrain and slopes up to 45%. Both Automower® models feature GPS theft tracking as well as a high-pitch alarm which starts when moved and can only be deactivated with the mower’s unique pin code, ensuring additional product security.

Brian commented on his move to Automower®: “When we considered the cost of replacing our ride-on mower with a like-for-like replacement, we had to factor in the price of using diesel for seven hours a week and the annual service on top of that. After seeing the results of the Automower® demonstration, we were completely satisfied that it could do the job and help us in our aim to become ‘greener’ by moving away from diesel. In December 2019 we made the switch to Automower® and purchased three mowers, and still saved half the amount we would have spent on one ride-on mower.

“The installation was really impressive, using approximately three miles of guide wires, which were fitted in just half a day. We originally wondered whether any ground repairs would be needed following the instillation, but that wasn’t the case.”

With a significant 8m distance between each caravan, Husqvarna was able to install three Automower® robotics and four guide wires, to ensure full mowing coverage of the caravan park’s three sections. With its automatic charging features, each Automower® finds its way back to its individual charging station, without the need for human intervention.

Brian discussed the benefits of Automower®: “The results we’ve seen from Husqvarna Automower® have been truly significant. Thanks to their low-noise operation, they can run at any point in time, day or night, without causing disruption to the park’s guests. The same goes for its ability to work in all weathers, come rain or shine our three Automower® will be out mowing the lawns.

“One of the biggest benefits we’ve seen is the mower’s cutting system, which trims such small clippings of grass that drop back into the lawn and act as fertiliser. This not only eliminates the need to pick up trimmings, it also helps to improve the quality of our lawns. They’ve never looked better.”

It’s not only Brian who has become a fan of Automower®, his guests and holidaymakers have also taken a shine to the robotics. Brian explains: “Our visitors are spellbound by them! We constantly receive positive comments about our mowers and people are always intrigued and interested to learn more about them. We did worry how pets would react to them, but we’ve only ever had one disgruntled dog, but after a few quick barks he soon got used to them. The mowers have become a part of the St Michaels Caravan Park family, and they’ve even been named after my American grandchildren, Henry, Annabel and Megan. We’re more than happy to welcome visitors to come and see how the mowers operate, as it really is fascinating.”

With the added benefit of Automower® Connect, Brian is able to control his three Automower® from his smart phone. He discussed the technology: “With the Automower® Connect app I can control the mowers from the comfort of my chair. I can keep track of their movement in the map view, check their battery status and change the times they work, all without having to lift a finger. They’ve completely transformed our ground maintenance and we cannot imagine going back to regular mowing.”

For further information on Husqvarna Automower® and the Husqvarna Commercial Automower® range, please contact your local Husqvarna Area Business Manager.

www.husqvarna.com/uk/products/robotic-lawn-mowers

Our Summer research indicates 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 each customer.  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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