May I kick off this first Weekly Update of the year by wishing all our readers a happy new year. Although I realise with the week of news we've had, it's quite an effort at the moment to maintain the happy!

With the strict lockdown imposed on Tuesday, the country finds itself essentially back to where we were in March and April last year. This also means dealers are back to checking government guidelines and making decisions about what form the opening of their business can take.

Speaking to Keith Christian, director of BAGMA this week, the problem facing dealers, just like first time around, has been the lack of clarity around definitions of businesses required to close. Once again thankfully, at least agricultural machinery dealers know where they stand - they are unquestionably essential retailers. The vagueness in the definitions again, is unfortunately for dealers of grasscare machinery - both domestic and commercial.

Last time, as we all remember, it was the term "hardware store" on the government exempt from closure list which dealers in our sector felt they were entitled to class themselves under. Well most unhelpfully this time around, that phrase has been left off the official list.

For our readers, on the government's list of business which can open it says "garden centres" can open and "businesses providing repair services may also stay open, where they primarily offer repair services". There is nothing more specific to machinery dealers than that.

Keith Christian told Service Dealer, "BAGMA are taking the view that machinery dealers can be open as they offer a necessary service as has been the case previously. We advise that they should have restricted access to showrooms, operating safely under Covid restrictions for both their staff and customers. They should use an appointment system for customers and operate Covid-safe collection and drop-off points. The main need will be for service and repair which is covered. Operating a trade counter seems to be OK but restrictions may be the case on consumer business. It's very difficult to determine where the dividing line is.

"We also recommend that the business provide staff who have to travel for work, to and from and for deliveries and collections, a letter on company headed paper signed by the owner or a director explaining that they are allowed to do what they are doing."

In the meantime, BAGMA and the AEA are pursuing the government's Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy for increased clarity for dealers in our sectors.

Getting on with business

All the while, resilient and adaptable dealers are getting on running their businesses as best they can. I've seen many examples on social media this week of dealerships letting their customers know just how they are trading. It appears that many showrooms are essentially closed to the public, whilst workshops are busy servicing machinery - all the while supported by online offerings.

As dealers told us throughout the course of 2020, keeping these channels of communication and information open between themselves and their customers is vital to continue to nurture that relationship. And it's equally as vital that dealers keep themselves informed over the coming weeks and months. Keep checking the official government websites; BAGMA's Coronavirus Hub is regularly updated with helpful information; and we'll of course always keep you informed of all the relevant news and developments we hear.

Also please feel free to let us at Service Dealer know about anything that is going on in your business that you'd feel we should be informed about - and please always share your thoughts and opinions with our community of dealer readers in the comment sections below our stories.

It has been an interesting exercise for me this week in fact, to discover which of the stories we ran throughout last year interested our readers the most. I must admit, I had assumed there would be a few stories in the top ten, more directly related to the consequences of the pandemic.  However, the more common thread between the stories which you clicked on the most in 2020 was way more traditional than that. It was that perennial dealer / supplier relationship which generated the most attention.

No spoilers, but you can see here how there were a couple of ongoing news stories, and indeed a couple of companies, who piqued the interest of our readers the most during 2020. And one of those stories is still ongoing today!

Looking ahead

At the moment, I must admit I'm finding it difficult to envisage a time beyond this long, cold lockdown. I know we will get out of it, but it all just feels a long way off right now. And as Boris reminded us this week, it won't end with a bang, it'll be a gradual unwrapping.

How will that gradual unwrapping look for our sector? Do you think we will get back to trade shows and open days this year for example?

BIGGA today have announced plans for an outdoor Festival Of Turf to take place in June. The show is intended to appeal not just to their golf greenkeeper members but to the wider turfcare community as a whole.

An exciting prospect. An outdoor event in the summer, with colleagues from the across the industry coming together, sounds like quite the tonic and one that I wish BIGGA all the best for.

I do however, wish I felt more confident that it will be able to take place as planned. For it to happen one feels like there needs to be a profound sea-change take place in society between now and then.

If a trade-journo like me, who'll turn up to the opening of a envelope and who merely has to write the date in my dairy is conflicted that it will happen, what will be the feeling amongst trade exhibitors who will be required to commit significant sums of money and members of staff to the project? Will they be willing to take the gamble that by June we'll be allowed to mix relatively freely again? Also importantly, will they believe there will be an appetite amongst punters to turn up?

Like I say, I truly hope it can be successful and we'll get to meet up come June. Fingers crossed!

Helmut Claas, the long-time managing director, chairman of the Supervisory Board and chairman of the Shareholders' Committee of the Claas group and one of agricultural engineering’s most significant businessmen, died on January 5 at the age of 94.

In an official statement, the Claas Group said, "His death has come as a great shock. Along with the family and all of the relatives, not only are well over 11,000 employees around the world mourning, but so too is an entire industry which, in Helmut Claas, has lost a significant European business personality."

Helmut Claas was born in 1926 in Harsewinkel. His parents, August and Paula Claas, managed a small agricultural machinery firm with a workforce of around 100. He completed an apprenticeship as a machine fitter after graduating from school. Practical experience followed in metalworking firms, and further practical training in casting. After a complementary study of agriculture in Paris, he took over the planning and establishment of a Claas distributor in France, which now operates as Claas France SAS. He joined his parents' family firm in Harsewinkel in 1958. Here he applied himself initially to his particular area of expertise, which was engineering.

In 1962 he was made managing director and in 1996, as part of the restructuring of the firm into a joint-stock company, he changed from the role to the position of chairman of both the Supervisory Board and the Shareholders’ Committee.

The company say his special focus was always on developing pioneering products and mass-producing them economically. During his era, following the success of the combine harvester model Dominator, came the completely new combine harvester construction the Lexion. Also, the Jaguar forage harvester and the large tractor Xerion were developed under Helmut Claas.

In 2003 he succeeded in taking an important step towards the company’s future: Claas took over the complete tractor business from Renault Agriculture in France. In other respects, too, internationalisation continued to progress with the establishment and expansion of production sites in Russia, the USA and China.

Helmut Claas had long since taken care of the ongoing development of the family business, as the next generation has already taken over the running of the Claas Group. Today his daughter, Cathrina Claas-Mühlhäuser, manages the decision-making and development of the group of companies.

The official statement concluded, "The death of Helmut Claas leaves behind a space in the world of agricultural technology that cannot be filled. His family, all the shareholders, the Group Executive Board, and the staff are mourning the passing of a great personality and will continue to develop the Claas Group as he would have wished."

The British & International Golf Greenkeepers Association has unveiled a brand new outdoor festival and exhibition, scheduled to take place in June 2021.

 
BIGGA says the event, called the Festival of Turf, is intended to bring together the greenkeeping and turf management industry for two days of innovation, exhibition and entertainment.
 
Taking place at the Warwickshire Event Centre on 8 & 9 June 2021, the Festival of Turf will feature two full exhibition days with a wide range of trade stalls. BIGGA says this will be the first opportunity to interact with vendors and meet face-to-face with industry peers since before the coronavirus pandemic took hold. 
 
The Warwickshire Event Centre is located on the outskirts of Leamington Spa, close to Coventry. Centrally-located, the Association believes the venue enjoys good access to all transport networks, along with 2,000 free parking spaces.
 
The Warwickshire Event Centre can accommodate up to 200 exhibitors and is capable of welcoming 3,000 visitors a day through its doors. It is set in a 30-acre site with both indoor and outdoor exhibition areas.
 
Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic BIGGA say they have been in regular conversation with regulators, golf’s governing bodies and central government and they are confident that a successful event can take place in June 2021. BIGGA also believe there is a keen desire among commercial partners and industry professionals to provide an event that enables the industry to move forward and begin the process of rebuilding so many key relationships that have been eroded through the distance imposed by the coronavirus pandemic.
 
BTME, BIGGA’s annual trade exhibition that was due to be held this month, has been cancelled, however their education programme, Continue to Learn, has moved to an entirely-online format and will be held across two weeks in January.
 
BIGGA CEO Jim Croxton said, “I’m excited that BIGGA is finally able to launch the Festival of Turf to the industry and bring some much-needed hope for a brighter future. The Festival of Turf is a hugely welcome opportunity to reunite our industry, which will have been forcibly separated by the global pandemic for nearly 18 months by the time this event takes place.
 
“The industry has survived brilliantly despite all the challenges it has faced, due in no small part to the resilience and adaptability of BIGGA members and the network of commercial partners and who have supported us all throughout the pandemic. There has been a clear groundswell of opinion that members, other turf professionals and commercial supporters want the opportunity to celebrate our achievements and put this whole terrible ordeal behind us - and that’s where the Festival of Turf comes in. The event will be an opportunity to reconnect at a time when personal connections have never been more vital.”

Running throughout all of January, the Five Nations challenge is raising funds and awareness for rural mental health.

Taking part in the #Run1000 challenge are teams representing England, Scotland, Wales, Ireland and the Rest of the World, in a competition to run at least 1000 miles during the month.

The route of the first recorded run of the year for Team England

#Run1000, is calling on people to sign up to be part of one of the five teams. The competition will see each team run 1000 miles with the nation that reaches the milestone first, announced the winner. A team captain will lead each nation, and a private Strava group will record the collective running distance. It’s not about the speed or the distance, say the organisers, it’s about the taking part no matter how little the distance is.

To take part all you have to do is make a £20 donation on the page and then join the battle!

Duncan Murray-Clarke, owner of Service Dealer, is taking part in the challenge, alongside his wife Emma Craigie (see here) and says there's already quite a bit of rivalry in his household with both England and Scotland represented!

Duncan said, "It is a purely charitable endeavour with no commercial gains - even though some businesses are supporting online. There has been an amazing uptake amongst farming community, with about 600+ joining in so far."

Click here to join in.

Lister Wilder has announced that they will be the sole importer and supplier for Salsco greens rollers from this month (January 2021).

HP11-lll

The company have also said they will be supplying spare parts and after-sales services for existing machines in the UK.

Salsco was first established in 1979 supplying a portfolio of products including golf course and turf maintenance equipment. All machines are designed and manufactured at their facility in Cheshire, Connecticut, USA and the products are distributed worldwide, with over 200 dealers and sales representatives globally.

Lister Wilder say they have grown relationships with golf clients for over 25 years and believe this addition will strengthen their offering. 

The most popular models are currently said to be the HP11-lll, therefore Lister will firstly concentrate on stocking these to ensure efficient supply. Other models of the green’s rollers will be available for customers to specially order. 

Lister Wilder also say they will also be looking at sub-dealer opportunities for the right business, with interested parties asked to contact sales director Phill Hughes for more information on 07500 844259 or phill.hughes@listerwilder.co.uk.

As of January 4th 2021 Melanie Jane Gardner has become general manager of Pöttinger UK, with her long-term predecessor, Shaun Groom, leaving the company for personal reasons at the start of the year.

Melanie Jane Gardner

Sven Niels, Pöttinger's director sales Western Europe, Africa said the company are grateful to Shaun Groom, who is moving on to a new role, for many successful years. "We wish Shaun success in his future endeavours," said Sven.

In its search for a successor, Pöttinger say they looked for a manager who combines a willingness to change and a high level of commitment. "With Melanie Jane Gardner we were able to inspire a personality who will develop sales partners and employees with skill in order to achieve the ambitious growth targets in the UK," said Sven.

 
Melanie has been in contact with agriculture since early childhood. As a HR professional and business development manager, Pöttinger say she has acquired a lot of knowledge and skills in dealing with people. 

"I am very much looking forward to my new role," said Melanie. "I will focus with my team - as my predecessor did - on a good partnership with the dealers and my colleagues. I see great potential in our country."

Production of the first-ever HR800 has been completed at the Ransomes Jacobsen Centre of Excellence in Ipswich, England.

The completion of the first-ever fully built Jacobsen HR800 mower is a seminal moment for the brand. Production has been moved to the factory in Ipswich, UK so investments in skills and developments in mower production could be focused on a single facility.

Jacobsen factory team with Matt Pipe

Jacobsen key account manager Andre Andrade, who hails from Augusta, GA has observed the progress of the mower throughout the build.

“It has been great to start production of the HR800, and to see the first fully assembled machine is exciting,” Andre begins. “Bringing all Jacobsen production to England is an important step for us, and everyone at the factory has been eager to get it underway. The situation with Coronavirus has caused challenges all over the world, but for us, it has solidified our relationship with our colleagues in America who have assisted our production team leader, Matt Pipe, during construction.

“Matt has worked almost singlehandedly, producing this mower, and as a result, we now have someone who is an expert. When it comes to customer support, that will be a huge asset because in Matt we have someone who can offer in-depth advice because he has an insight into that machine that no one else has. Over time that knowledge will be shared with the engineers in the factory and the sales team, so we will all have a strong understanding of the product as we do with the others we produce here.”

Completing this project has taken over two months, from picking parts from pallets to the finished mower. It has been Matt’s biggest challenge in his eight years at Ransomes Jacobsen and one he has taken great pride in.

He explains: “I’ve been here for eight years, and I was around for the BETA build of the MP, so to be able to do this is quite something for me. I’m really proud of what we produce here at the factory, and I’m proud to be able to say that I was the first to build the HR800 in the UK.

“It has been a unique opportunity to learn everything about this mower because we started with technical drawings and parts on pallets through to the finished product. Doing that means I’ve been able to use what I already know and work with the production engineers on certain areas, and Antans Lukisis on the hydraulic system so I’ve constantly been learning throughout the process. I think that’s what has made it so enjoyable.”

Yamaha says they have pledged to help improve farm safety by offering free ATV rider competency training from European All-Terrain Vehicle Safety Institute (EASI) to anyone purchasing a new Yamaha ATV.

“We have always advocated ATV operators being trained to use any machines, so to help improve driver competency we offer these courses free of charge,” says William Kay, Yamaha ATV manager.
 
According to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) the total cost of workplace injury to agriculture, forestry, and fishing was estimated at between £108 million and £274 million. To reduce risk, improve operator competence, and help safeguard workers, the HSE strongly advise that ATV operators complete a training course.

“ATVs when used properly can save time and money. Our training courses highlight general machine checks, upkeep, weight distribution and active riding, which is imperative when operating on uneven, rutted terrain which is so often found on farms,” says Amy Morris, EASI UK regional operations manager.
 
Taking a basic course to learn riding skills and use the correct equipment can help prevent the risk of accidents. “With the ever-increasing popularity of ATV’s many operators have little or no experience. An ATV handles very differently to cars and motorcycles so it is vitally important that all users should learn how to safely operate an ATV by taking an operator course,” says Mrs Morris.
 
The training can be completed in one day and there are 38 centres throughout the UK to do so. EASI advises that all riders, including those with years of experience, make the most of this offer.

“Even experienced riders can find themselves in potentially hazardous situations that can, without the correct training and knowledge, result in serious accidents. We welcome this move by Yamaha and hope that its customers will take advantage of this offer,” adds Mrs Morris.

Chris Carter has taken on the responsibility of technical support specialist for the Sky Agriculture brand, in addition to his current role as Opico’s technical support engineer for central England. 
 
Angus Steven, after sales director at Opico Ltd commented, “Chris has amassed considerable hands-on experience working with Sky products and will work closely with the factories, product development and our technical support team to highlight any issues and resolve any technical queries that our customers may have.  

"With ever increasing electronic functionality across the Sky range our customers will benefit from having a dedicated Sky technical support specialist.”

Kawasaki Motors Europe N.V. 
Engine Division
Position; Application Engineer

Kawasaki Engine Division is a market leading supplier of top-of-the-line commercial and residential lawn mower engines (from walk behinds to commercial out-front riders) and for other garden and general industrial equipment.
 
As engine and drivetrain technologies continue to advance, installations are becoming more complex and our OEM customers require expert technical support for OEM product development projects. 

To aid further expansion in Europe, we are offering a rare and exciting opportunity for an experienced engineer to work with OEMs on new products by providing technical support for engine installation in new product development projects and applications across the EMEA trading area.

Main purpose of Job:

• This positon seeks, creates and supports OEM/Distributor product development projects in all aspects of the correct installation of an appropriate Kawasaki engine for the OEM application.
• It further ensures the current and future compliance of Kawasaki engine ranges to required legislation in the trading area. 

Main Tasks:

• Communication with OEMs on initial and future product development project requirements
• Working closely with OEM R&D Engineers throughout the machine development process to ensure the correct fitment of Kawasaki engines to their products and to enable it to gain final OEM and Kawasaki approval
• Manage development and test schedules to OEM requirements
• Accurately maintain all New Specification Request files and manage and maintain specification development schedules to OEM requirement
• Liaison with Kawasaki factories for sample development

Experience required;

• Mechanical or Agricultural Engineering Degree (or similar) with several years practical experience in preferably horticultural or agricultural machinery industry
• Technical and market knowledge of diesel and petrol engine market and industry
• Experience and knowledge of Turfcare OEM standards and working practices

Other information;

• This position reports directly to the Head of Sales and is responsible for engine installation and pre-sales issues projects with OEMs
• Within the daily operation this position has the freedom to plan and organise the activities as seen fit to perform the duties involved in the job, keeping the Sales Manager informed of any significant developments.
• Candidates should live within commuting distance from the Bourne End (Bucks) office.

Applications; Interested applicants should send their CV and a covering letter to; 

Lee Skinner, Head of Sales

LSkinner@Kawasaki.eu

Established in 1945, F G Adamson & Son is a major supplier of garden machinery / groundscare equipment in Yorkshire and Lincolnshire, supplying equipment and supporting maintenance and repair services to golf courses, local authorities, caravan parks, contractors, private estates and homeowners.  We are a franchise holder for many of the industry leading manufacturers including John Deere, Charterhouse, Trimax, Allett, Hayter, Honda, Husqvarna, Mountfield, Stihl and Westwood.  We have vacancies for Groundscare Service Technicians at both of our depots.
 
We have vacancies as follows:

• Mobile Groundscare Service Technician – Langworth (near Lincoln), Lincolnshire
• Groundscare Service Technician – Langworth (near Lincoln), Lincolnshire
• Groundscare Service Technician – Swanland (near Hull), East Yorkshire

The Mobile Groundscare Service Technician will predominantly work on customer sites, whilst the depot based Groundscare Service Technicians will be predominantly depot based.

Technicians will be required to perform diagnostics, service, repair and maintenance on customer and dealer owned horticultural equipment. This will include service and repair of commercial grass cutting / maintenance equipment, compact tractors and utility vehicles through to homeowner products, including lawnmowers, chainsaws, brushcutters and hedgetrimmers including cordless and robotic products. 

Product update training will be provided from leading manufacturers, including John Deere, enabling access to, and development through, the industry recognised Land-Based Technician Accredited Scheme (LTA).

A van will be provided for the performance of the duties of the Mobile Groundscare Service Technician.
 
Essential Duties:

• Perform diagnostics, service, repairs and maintenance on horticultural equipment
• Perform pre-delivery set-up on new or used equipment
• Undertake service and setup of cutting units
• Complete administration tasks for work assignments (including time sheets and job cards
• Participate in required training programmes for the development of skills and knowledge

Skills and Qualifications:

• 2+ years’ experience performing service, repairs and maintenance on horticultural equipment
• Proficient knowledge of mechanical, hydraulic and electrical systems to affect the repair of horticultural equipment
• Ability to use standard computer applications, including manufacturer diagnostic applications
• Good customer relationship skills
• Ability to work alone on own initiative, whilst also in a team environment
• Ability to work extended hours and weekends

To apply, in the first instance, please forward your CV to gillian.jenkins@fgadamsonandson.co.uk

Rickerby Ltd is the largest CLAAS dealership in the UK with eight outlets across the North of England, the Scottish Borders and East Lothian.

We are currently recruiting for our area covering Durham And Teeside.

The successful candidate may well have sales experience and or a background in the golf and turf industry or experience of horticultural machinery. You should enjoy dealing with people, be of tidy appearance, be willing to work as part of a busy team and have a clean driving licence.

Working out of our Bowburn branch you will be responsible for your own territory dealing with golf clubs, councils, caravan parks and other businesses.

Training will be provided both in house and externally.

As well as Ransomes Jacobsen we represent several other premium manufacturers such as CLAAS, Iseki, Kawasaki, Cushman, E Z Go, Charterhouse, Greentek, Shibaura, McConnel, Major and Gambetti.

Successful Rickerby Machinery salespeople enjoy an excellent earnings potential, a company vehicle and a company pension scheme.

If you would like to move forward with one of the largest independent agricultural machinery dealers in the UK and would like a confidential discussion please contact Alistair McRobert on 07836 259261 or alternatively please email your CV to keri.ellis@rickerby.net

All enquiries are treated in the strictest confidence.

Closing date for applications is 29th January 2021

Lawnmower Jones is a family business that started in 2014, working from home and has expanded over the last few years.

We now have two units in a business park and business is growing.

The business is based Funtington, West Sussex.

We do believe in good customer service and have a good customer base.

The work load has considerably increased and now looking for a person to help us expand and continue to offer good customer service.
 
The position

A full time experienced  mechanic.
 
Job description

• Servicing and repairing all types of garden machinery.
• Servicing and repairing some commercial machinery.
• Assembling and testing new machinery when needed.

Specifiacations

• Good communication skills.
• Happy to work on own.
• Help with serving customers.
• Having a good eye for detail.

We are looking for a friendly enthusiastic person to join our team and would offer a Competitive Salary.

Interested candidates please forward CV to Richard at lawnmower.jones@hotmail.co.uk

Our 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.

Map of dealerships registered with Garden Trader

FIND OUT MORE