The inaugural FGM Claymore Dealer Day took place on Wednesday this week at Norton Grounds Farm in Chipping Campden in the heart of the Cotwolds.
A very successful event, it attracted over 100 dealers from across the country to view and get hands-on with FGM's full range of brands.
MD Paul Butterly kicked off proceedings telling the assembled visitors that it was 25 years ago this week that FGM made their UK debut, first exhibiting at the IOG show at Kempton Park - then following them to Windsor. With the demise of the Windsor show, Paul told the dealers that he wanted an event where the company could allow the guys to turn the machines on and get a feel for them in a real, working environment.
Paul Butterly
In a series of 15 minute sessions per brand, led by FGM staff, the dealers moved around the site, learning what was in store for 2016.
Masport
Steve Hughes from Masport in New Zealand had flown in especially for the event, with FGM being the brand's longest standing European distributor. He had a range of mower sizes to introduce, both push and self-propelled, including a new 19" 3-in-1 alloy model and a mower with a small chipper attached to the deck.
Snapper
Laurence White explained how the Briggs & Stratton owned Snapper brand would only ever be available through the independent dealer channel. He had a comprehensive range of walk-behinds and ride-ons to show in a large breadth of sizes and specifications (the smallest 28" rider being affectionately known as 'Forest Gump'!). Emphasising the brand's exclusivity to dealers, he said, "It's all about selling the sizzle, gentleman. Why run with the crowd?"
Simplicity
Peter Little took everyone through this higher-end, premium range. He explained how there are two new additional rider models coming soon and how machines like the Conquest have features which they believe aren't found anywhere else.
Apache
Peter Little also explained their own brand Apache range. He said how FGM were able to source quality and good value machines from manufacturers around Europe, providing dealers with machines like scarifiers and sicklebar mowers which are good for both sales and hire departments.
Tanaka
Jon Beadman introduced the Tanaka machines which will include 11 brushcutters for 2016. He explained how all their brushcutter models featured solid direct drive to the head and with low vibration levels they are very suited to be sold into local authorities who can use them for longer working days. Other models included the Smart-Fit combi system, blowers, chainsaws an line-trimmers.
Walker
Clive Pentecost extolled the virtues of the Walker range of zero-turn mowers. He explained how they are very quick and nimble machines, which are different from other zero-turns with their sensitive finger-tip controls. He pointed out that for servicing all the components are very accessible.
Orec
Paul Baylis talked through the Japanese-made Orec machines which included several heavy-duty, walk-behind brushcutters. Paul said, "If you can push it over, these machines can cut it." Also in the range were two banking machines for slope work. Adjustable handles and easy-to-use controls made these machines particularly suitable for local authority work on verges etc.
After a fish and chips lunch the guests were then treated to a Stihl Timbersports demonstration by ex-British Champion, Spike Milton, with a couple of dealers joining in on a bush sawing competition. This was followed by possibly the most important part of the day, the opportunity for the dealers to get hands-on and try out any of the machines they had been introduced to during the morning session.
Paul Butterly told Service Dealer, "We are delighted with how today has gone. This is the future for us. We've had over 100 dealers here today and we fully expect this to grow in the years ahead. You cannot beat being able to actually turn on the machines and test them for yourself."
