DUST & RUST

LOOKING BACK: April 2000

Maybe it’s just us, but as the world adjusts to an (albeit) temporary new normal, but we wanted to look back to right after Y2K when things also felt slightly chaotic.

Set-up very similarly in terms of content, PET’s April 2000 edition published a complete technical breakdown of the Solo 470 backpack blower by industry legend Ken Morrison; as well as the cover story on how emissions standards were beginning to challenge the industry.

The Cover of Power Equipment Trade April 2000: “Emissions: Clearing The Air” oh what Managing Editor Jessica Johnson wouldn’t give to clear the air in April 2020!

Dealer Profile: U.P. Outdoor Power Center opened first as a manufacturer and dealer of antique tractor parts, but at the time of PET’s visit was mostly a lawn and garden dealer with some business ties to its tractor past. The dealership evolved greatly over the years through acquisitions and mergers.

R.I.P. Dixon Industries, those who knew you loved you.

Greenworks Commercial GT 161 String Trimmer

Touted for its versatility, the GT 161 string trimmer from Greenworks Commercial allows landscape professionals to have one tool that can take on a plethora of jobs with its universal attachment capable base. Transforming the tool with commercial grade attachments—whether it is used as a string trimmer, hedge trimmer, pole saw, edger or even a cultivator—allows professionals to save time and energy in the way they work. Plus, with an aggressive 16 in. cutting path, the GT 161 cuts through even the toughest of brush.

Designed to tackle a wide array of jobs, the GT161 provides the ability to take-on multiple tasks with the simple switch of a base attachment, and is powered by Greenworks’ 82V lithium-ion battery. Ignited by the simple touch of a button and equipped with brushless motor technology, the GT 161 is truly built for ease of use.

The Greenworks Commercial GT 161 attachment capable string trimmer and its assortment of commercial grade attachments are available now through distributors Carswell, Carswell OEI, PACE and Steven Willand in the U.S. In Canada, the GT 161 is available through distributors Celtic, GC Duke and EFS. Visit greenworkscommercial.com.

Husqvarna 550iBTX Blower A powerful, well-balanced and ergonomic battery-powered backpack blower, the Husqvarna 550iBTX, with an MSRP of $449.99, delivers an impressive blow force (21N) within the battery-powered commercial space. With an integrated system, a high capacity backpack battery and class leading power, plus low vibrations, the blower allows you to work in public settings, even in noise restricted areas. The blower is IPX4 weatherproof and features continuous boost mode and cruise control, as well as an intuitive keypad with battery status and running modes directly on the handle.

Visit husqvarna.com.

Stihl MSA 160 C-BQ Chain Saw The Stihl MSA 160 C-BQ lithium-ion chain saw is designed for midrange users, who also environmentally conscious. Charged with a 36V battery, this chain saw eliminates the need for power cords. The MSA 160 C-BQ chain saw delivers the power expected from Stihl without the worry of harmful emissions and the hassle of mixing fuel. Lithium-Ion batteries run at full speed until the battery is depleted with no gradual drop in power.

With a combination of new technology and Stihl reliability, firewood cutting, storm clean-up and other occasional cutting tasks around the home can be completed without the need for power source once the battery is charged. With no engine and filter care required, users will appreciate low operating cost, as well as minimal maintenance. Run time on a single battery charge can vary and depends on the battery type, charge level, tool model, operating conditions and the user’s operating style. The MSA 160 chain saw, battery and charger are all sold separately.

Visit stihlusa.com

In addition to the proven durability and corrosion-resistant benefits of stainless steel, the newly introduced SnowEx Helixx stainless steel hopper spreaders feature the revolutionary Helixx material delivery system, an innovative design that helps optimize material flow. Furthermore, by adding a pre-wet and direct liquid application kit, the Helixx becomes a triple threat— with the ability to spread, pre-wet and spray with one machine. The corkscrew, or “helix,” design of the Helixx material delivery system is optimized for efficient and cost-effective use of salt, and it was designed to operate in the target range for salt spreading best practices. The Helixx runs the entire length of the hopper with variable flights, promoting even unloading of material.

With the addition of a pre-wet and direct liquid application kit, which includes pre-wet tanks, a pump and a spray kit, the spreaders have the ability to pre-wet materials or spray brine directly onto the driving surface for anti-icing applications. All functions are easily controlled from the in-cab control.

Compatible with full-size pickups, flatbed trucks or dumpbed trucks, the Helixx stainless steel hopper lineup includes five different models, including capacities of 1.5, 2.0, 3.0, 4.5 and 6.0 cu. yd.

Visit snowexproducts.com. SNOW & ICE MANAGMENT SnowEx Helixx Stainless Steel Hopper Spreader

Rotary’s Copperhead Mower Blades The industry’s most extensive line of commercial-strength mower and edger blades is featured in Rotary’s 2020 parts catalog including a variety of Copperhead flat, highlift, low-lift and mulching models. Over 40 new blades are now available.

Tested for uniform hardness and heavy-duty performance, Rotary’s Copperhead blades exceed OEM standards for operation and are ISO certified for quality, durability and superior craftsmanship. Made exclusively in the U.S. with premium grade American steel, Rotary blades are precision-formed, strengthened and sharpened to ensure long wear and a cleaner, finer cut.

A special 150-page section of the 2020 catalog includes blade photos, illustrations and descriptions plus a specifications chart with OEM number, length, center hole diameter, width and steel thickness. Also featured are adapters, bolts, washers and bushings. Rotary manufactures nearly 12 million Copperhead blades annually at its state-of-the-art facility in Glennville, Ga. Visit rotarycorp.com.

Nationwide

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Family and friends mourned the loss of Connecticut dealer Scot Stanton while maintaining social distance as part of the new normal. Instead of a traditional wake, hundreds attended drive-thru one. Tractor after tractor, one vehicle after another, people drove by East Windsor, Conn.’s Stanton Equipment March 27, paying respects to owner Scot Stanton who passed away after a long cancer battle.

Stanton’s daughter, Amanda stood in the driveway, blowing kisses as vehicles rolled past, maintaining social distance. The parking area was decorated with flowers and photos, as the business was used in lieu of a funeral home. While people rolled their windows down to express their condolences Amanda thanked them for coming. “Incredible. Just incredible,” she said to local NBC news affiliate NBCCT, who was clearly touched by the turnout.

Amanda conceived the idea. After 40 years in the agricultural community, she knew many people wanted to say goodbye to her father. So, in a time where group gatherings are restricted, she found another way. “Everybody really wanted to pay tribute to him so I just thought if everybody just kind of drove their tractors through,” she said.

Family, friends and customers, some from hundreds of miles away, came to this drive-thru wake and memorial.

“I think this is fantastic considering what we’re going through right now as a nation and social distancing and stuff like that, I think this is incredible,” said friend, Mike Dalessio of Stanton. Despite the realities the world is facing, people came together with the priority being love and respect. Hundreds attended calling hours from 12noon to 3 p.m.

“It was more than I expected,” said Eddie Graczewski, a longtime friend who worked with Stanton for decades, told NBCCT. “The outcry of all the friends, family. He was just an outstanding gentleman.” Although there was no hugging and physical consoling, those who came provided comfort to a family grieving.

“I think right now we all need a little positivity with everything we’re going through and that’s what Scot would’ve done too,” said Stanton.

It was an event that perhaps, symbolized the spirit of what can be done in these extremely difficult times.

Source: Drive-Thru Reception Provides Means of Mourning Somers Man, Mike Massaro, www.nbcconnecticut.com/news/local/ drive-thru-reception-provides-means-of-mourning-somersman/2246366/

SEPTEMBER 1-3—National Hardware Trade Show, Las Vegas Convention Center, Las Vegas, Nev. Call 203-840- 5622; visit nationalhardwareshow.com. PETevents

OCTOBER 21-23—GIE+EXPO, Kentucky Exposition Center, Louisville, Ky. Call 812-949-9200; visit gie-expo.com.

NOVEMBER 4-6—2020 Far West Equipment Dealers Assn. Experience, Westin Lake Las Vegas Resort & Spa, Henderson, Nev. Call 707-678-8859; visit fweda.com.

NOVEMBER 16-18—2020 North American Dealer Conference, TBD, Dallas, Tex. Visit nadealerconference.com.

Listings are submitted months in advance. Always verify dates and locations with contacts prior to making plans to attend.

Coming Soon Saw Charts in June Trimmer Charts in December

This issue of Power Equipment Trade is brought to you in part by the following companies, which will gladly supply additional information about their products. ADlink

ADVERTISER PG NO. PHONE NUMBER American Honda Power Equipment 5 Heftee Industries 20 800.755.7540 Husqvarna Forest & Garden 2 800.487.5951 Masport 21 +64 9 571 5888 PMD International 14 +61 3 8390 3933 Prufrex Innovative Power Products 22 +49 9103 7953 0 Rotary 11,20,23,32 800.841.3989

Sunbelt Outdoor Products TD Retail Card Services Trilink Saw Chain 31 16-17 1 800.438.0660 800.538.3638 877.492.9829

ADLINK is a free service for advertisers and readers. The publisher assumes no liability for errors or omissions. VP Racing Fuels 15 877.515.1733

SAM STEARNS

Making Customers

(& Yourself) Feel Safe

This is unchartered territory for us all, but that doesn’t mean dealers don’t still need to be productive and, most importantly, positive.

hese are interesting times, aren’t they? I hope you fellow dealers are hanging in there. I hope this COVID-19 virus hasn’t dealt you a blow you can’t recover from. The way this has affected dealerships is on a broad spectrum, mainly depending on your state and local governing bodies and your local conditions. For some, it’s almost business as usual. And for those operating in harsher health and/or legal climates, business may have come screeching to a halt. As I write this at the end of March, I believe most of us are somewhere in between.

Some of the precautions we take at this time are legitimate health precautions, some are for legal reasons, and some of them are for people’s peace of mind. And which precautions fall under which category depends on where you are and what you think. However, we dealers need to do all of the above. Now, more than ever, is the time to make our customers feel safe doing business with us, however it’s legally allowed at the moment.

There’s no need for me to go into detail about many of these precautions. We’ve all been hearing about them already! But suffice it to say that washing/ sanitizing your hands, not touching your face, wearing gloves and perhaps even masks, and sanitizing all surfaces that people touch, including handles on their equipment, is absolutely necessary in the current climate. To illustrate the importance of these measures, my mother recently stopped at a gas station where an industrious employee was busily T

wiping down surfaces in the restrooms, counter and out at the gas pumps. This gave my mother the peace of mind to make the decision that she would be coming back to this place in the future. We want customers having that same kind of reaction to our businesses.

Handling Transactions

Here are just a couple of other helpful ideas that may help us do business with people: ● Arrange business in a way that you can keep a safe distance. I’ve been hearing about dealerships that are dropping off customers’ equipment in their driveways and arranging for remote payment methods. This will be a reassuring action for a lot of people who are uneasy about contacting anyone outside of their own family at home. ● Offer discounted, or even free, pickup and delivery. Take away an obstacle for those people who are afraid to visit your place of business. This may give you an edge over your local competition!

Process Improvements

If business is slow for you during this normally busy time, this may be a great time for you to work on improving your service department processes. For many of you, the shop is the only part of your business that is up and running. ● Maybe you could work on your equipment triage process, setting aside times for someone to inspect every piece of equipment that comes in, so that you can get estimates ready and parts ordered well before you’re actually able to work on it. ● In order to have an efficient triage process, you need to have a good checkin process for all incoming equipment. Are you or your service writers asking customers the right questions? Do you record all the relevant information your customer gives you so that you can pinpoint the problem with the equipment

n POWER EQUIPMENT TRADE quickly when it’s time to triage it? Is the equipment properly staged and prepared so that your triaging service tech doesn’t have to take unnecessary steps? ● Work on setting pre-approved amount suggestions for different types of equipment that come in for service. If you can get your customer to approve up to $300 (or whatever amount) ahead of time for their lawn tractor, that’s less time you have to spend contacting the customer and waiting for them to approve your estimate. Calling all those customers takes a lot of time out of someone’s day, and you can shave quite a bit off of that time by getting a significant percentage of your customers to agree to a certain amount. Plus, it gives you the freedom to fix something else you may find if the repair will fall under the pre-approved amount!

For more detailed information on improving your shop’s processes, I urge you to get in touch with the good folks at Bob Clements International (BCI). They’ve been a huge help to a huge number of dealerships over the years!

One final piece of encouragement for all of us dealers: Let’s try to stick together. Thankfully, there are places many of us can go to share and receive helpful ideas and best practices. Joining a Dealer Success Group with BCI is very helpful. There are also a couple of Facebook groups that I know of that we all may use to this end: Professional Power Equipment Congress and Small Engine Repair Business Growth Strategies. Being thoughtful, helpful and positive with our communication with each other at this time will be a force for good.

Please stick with it and hang in there! I want all of us to emerge from this and continue to be successful businesses providing a needed service to our communities.

Sam Stearns owns and operates Mr. Mowerman, Scottsburg, IN, 47170; e-mail: mr.mowerman@hotmail.com. The views of Sam Stearns do not necessarily represent the views of Hatton-Brown Publishers, Inc.