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POWERlines

A Hatton-Brown Publication www.poweret.com

DAN SHELL

Summer Mower News

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hile dealers may begin to see the crowds of spring and summer service orders, and maybe the “days out” count in the service department start to shorten a bit, nothing brightens up those late summer doldrums like a 150 MPH lawnmower.

What? 150? And we thought the Dixie Chopper jet engine mower was the fastest…

After Honda lost the title of “world’s fastest” mower to a Norwegian company in 2014, the Mean Mower V2 aims to be the world’s fastest lawnmower reaching speeds up to 150 MPH. The Mean Mower V2 features a 999cc engine that is capable of pumping out 189 HP and sending the machine from 0 to 60 MPH in less than three seconds—making the Mean Mower V2 more powerful than the base model Audi A3 (which only has 103 brake HP) and faster than a Ferrari 488 (which goes 0 to 60 MPH in exactly 3.0 seconds).

Top speeds aren’t the only thing burning up the news cycle about mowers recently.

Dealers know it; they see it every year: Those late summer days when the heat and humidity begin to take a toll, and power equipment users—mostly homeowners—begin losing their cool. This year is no different, as the following lawnmower news of the weird illustrates—for starters three lawnmower house fires: ● July 2, Atherton, Calif.: The cause of a Friday fire that destroyed a shed and damaged the garage of a home may have been a lawnmower being used nearby, the town’s fire chief said.

The fire caused an estimated $50,000 to $100,000 in damages to the two structures. A lawnmower used a short time before the fire was reported is suspected. Several small explosions occurred prior to firefighters’ arrival, likely caused by propane cylinders, aerosol cans and gasoline stored in the shed. A downed power line near the garage also complicated firefighting efforts, he said. ● July 25, Nashville, Tenn.: A home was destroyed in a fire that began with a lawnmower.

Officials said someone was refueling a lawnmower when it caught on fire and spread to the house. Everyone inside the home, including children, made it out safely. No injuries were reported. How much you want to bet the homeowner doesn’t use a fuel additive either? ● July 30, Morristown, Vt.: State Police say a lawnmower appears to have caused a shed fire that spread to a propane tank and house. Apparently a passerby saw the house fire on Saturday night and alerted the couple inside to get out. The homeowner had just finished cutting the lawn and parked the mower inside the shed, which caught fire. The fire spread to a propane tank and then to the house. The home sustained serious damage to the backside.

During this, the height of mowing season, we also found a few instances of using a mower to exact some revenge: ● July 31, Memphis, Tenn.: A local landscaper offered a woman a year of free lawn maintenance after losing his temper and damaging her yard, over $35 she alleged owed him. To get back at her, the contractor dropped the lawnmower to its lowest setting and buzzed an “X” across the front yard. ● July 12, Lancaster, Penn.: A man is charged with lighting a lawnmower on fire in the trunk of his ex-girlfriend’s car with another man inside. William Hassel, 31, faces charges of arson, simple assault domestic violence, simple assault physical menace, terroristic threats and criminal mischief, according to police. Hassel confronted his ex-girlfriend and a man inside a Subaru Legacy station wagon.

After multiple attempts to damage the car, including using a pocketknife to puncture at least three tires, Hassel used a lighter to ignite the fuel tank of a mower in the Subaru’s trunk. The woman managed to pull the mower away from the vehicle. The bumper was melted and damaged by flames, police said.

Have any good mower stories from the trenches? Send them to the brilliant minds behind PET because if anything, we love to enjoy a laugh or two.

PET Contact Dan Shell, ph: 334-834-1170; fax 334-834-4525; e-mail: dan@hattonbrown.com

Co-Publisher/Adv. Sales Manager David H. Ramsey Co-Publisher/Executive Editor David (DK) Knight Chief Operating Officer Dianne C. Sullivan Publishing Office Street Address: 225 Hanrick Street Montgomery, AL 36104-3317 Mailing Address P.O. Box 2268 Montgomery, AL 36102-2268 Tel: (334) 834-1170 Fax: (334) 834-4525 Editor-in-Chief n Rich Donnell Managing Editor n Jessica Johnson Editorial Adviser n Dan Shell Senior Assoc. Editor n David Abbott Associate Editor n Jay Donnell Contributing Writers Greg German, Sam Stearns, Dale Stotts Art Director n Cindy Segrest Ad Prod. Coordinator n Patti Campbell Circulation Director n Rhonda Thomas Marketing/Media n Jordan Anderson Advertising Sales Southern U.S. Randy Reagor Tel: (904) 393-7968 Fax: (334) 834-4525 E-mail: randy@hattonbrown.com Midwest U.S., Eastern Canada John Simmons Tel: (905) 666-0258 Fax: (905) 666-0778 E-mail: jsimmons@idirect.com Western U.S. & Canada Susan Windham Tel: (334) 834-1170 Fax: (334) 834-4525 Email: windham.susan4@gmail.com Europe & Scandinavia Murray Brett Tel: +34 96 640 4165 +34 96 640 4048 Email: murray.brett@abasol.net Distributor Library Kathy Sternenberg Tel: (251) 928-4962 ksternenberg@bellsouth.net Classified Advertising Bridget DeVane Tel: (334) 699-7837 (800) 669-5613 bdevane7@hotmail.com Reprint Sales Patti Campbell Tel: (800) 669-5613 patti@hattonbrown.com

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Volume 67

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Our 727th Consecutive Issue

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Founded in 1952

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FEATUREstories

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SOUTH DAKOTA DEALER Move Pays Off Big

2019 LAWN MOWER ANNUAL New Products, Service Aids

FIVE MINUTES WITH...

OPEI’s Kris Kiser

GREENWORKS TOOLS

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Shows Off New Stuff

VALUEadded Power Suppliers ______________________________ 5 Dealer Voices________________________________30 Showroom __________________________________31 Distributor Library ___________________________32 PowerWorks ________________________________36 PEtcetera/Ad Index __________________________ 37 Dealer To Dealer _____________________________38

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COVERphoto Operating a successful family business, South Dakota dealer Bill Koser moves to a central location and starts smashing sales records, beginning on Page 8. (Cover photo by Jay Donnell, design by Shelley Smith)

Member Verified Audit Circulation Power Equipment Trade (ISSN 1063-0414) is published 6 times annually (February, April, June, August, October and December) by Hatton-Brown Publishers, Inc., 225 Hanrick St., Montgomery, AL 36104. Subscription Information—PET is sent free to qualifying industry professionals in the U.S. All non-qualified U.S. subscriptions are $55 annually; $65 in Canada; $95 (Airmail) in all other countries (U.S. funds). Single copies, $5 each; special issues, $20 (U.S. funds).

Subscription Inquiries—TOLL-FREE 800-669-5613; Fax 888-611-4525. Go to www.poweret.com and click on the subscribe button to subscribe/renew via the web. All advertisements for Power Equipment Trade magazine are accepted and published by Hatton-Brown Publishers, Inc. with the understanding that the advertiser and/or advertising agency are authorized to publish the entire contents and subject matter thereof. The advertiser and/or advertising agency will defend, indemnify and hold Hatton-Brown Publishers, Inc. harmless from and against any loss, expenses, or other liability resulting from any claims or lawsuits for libel violations or right of privacy or publicity, plagiarism, copyright or trademark infringement and any other claims or lawsuits that may arise out of publication of such advertisement.

Hatton-Brown Publishers, Inc. neither endorses nor makes any representation or guarantee as to the quality of goods and services advertised in Power Equipment Trade. Hatton-Brown Publishers, Inc. reserves the right to reject any advertisement which it deems inappropriate. Copyright ® 2018. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited. Periodicals postage paid at Montgomery, Ala. and additional mailing offices.

Printed in USA. Postmaster: Please send address changes to Power Equipment Trade, P.O. Box 2419, Montgomery, Alabama 36102-2419.

Other Hatton-Brown Publications: Timber Harvesting n Southern Loggin’ Times n Timber Processing n Panel World n Wood Bioenergy

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POWERsuppliers

Makita Travels America On Tour Makita is hitting the road with the new Driving Innovation Tour, a fleet of fully customized vehicles with product specialists delivering an interactive and hands-on experience for tool users and dealers.

The vehicles will each carry a full range of Makita LXT, which gives users one system using the same batteries and chargers on all LXT tools. The Tour delivers a 360° experience with the very latest in cordless innovation as

well as sweepstakes, giveaways and promotions.

Brent Withey, Sr. Director of Brand Marketing, Makita U.S.A., comments, “The number of Tour events will reach well into the four figures each year as we bring this mobile experience to our user and dealer audiences where they work and where they learn, and even where they play, as the Tour will make stops at Makita sponsored events off the job site.”

Each Driving Innovation Tour vehicle packs a full range of Makita LXT tools, power equipment and lifestyle solutions, offering users and dealers an opportunity to experience Makita’s vision of a cordless job site.

For more on the Makita Driving Innovation Tour, visit makitatools.com/ drivinginnovation.

Rotary Grows Sales Division Rotary Corp. has appointed Jason Courtney territory manager for eastern Virginia, Maryland and the District of Columbia. With a broad range of experience in the lawn and garden industry including sales, parts and service, Courtney will be responsible for dealer sales and support as well as business development in Rotary’s eastern region. As a former manager with STI Turf Care, Rotary believes Courtney will be a valuable asset to the sales team and help grow the mid-Atlantic area for Rotary.

OPEI Hosts 66th Annual Meeting

The Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI) held its 66th Annual Meeting in mid-June in Florida, focusing on messages of innovation and industry advancement. Chief among industry updates heard at the meeting, the trade association introduced its new statistics vendor, Vault Consulting, which showcased updates to the members-only program’s capabilities and categories.

OPEI staff also shared the latest forecast update for key categories of equipment.

OPEI also rolled out a preview of a new television program sponsored by TurfMutt and produced in partnership with Hearst Television and Litton Entertainment. The show, which highlights the importance of lawns and outdoor space to families and pets, will debut this fall on the CW. The OPEI Board of Directors met in conjunction with the Annual Meeting, installing its 2019-2019 leadership. The board bid outgoing chairman Dan Ariens, Chairman & CEO, Ariens Co., a fond farewell and welcomed incoming Chairman Tom Cromwell, Group President, Kohler Power, Kohler Co. The Board also has appointed Earl Bennett, President, Husqvarna Professional Products, to the Board.

The 2018-2019 OPEI Board of Directors comprises Chair Tom Cromwell, Group President, Kohler Power, Kohler Co.; Vice Chair Bjoern Fischer, President, Stihl; Secretary/Treasurer Rick Olson, Chairman, President and CEO, The Toro Co.; Immediate Past Chair Dan Ariens, Chairman and CEO, Ariens Co. Additional directors include Earl

Bennett, President, Professional Products, Husqvarna; Edward B. Cohen, Vice President, Government & Industry Relations, American Honda Motor Co., Inc.; Tim Dorsey, President, Echo Inc.; Tom Duncan, President and CEO, Positec USA, Inc.; Peter Hampton, President and CEO, Active Exhaust Corp.; Jean Hlay, President and COO, MTD Products, Inc.; Tim Merrett, Vice President, Global Platform Turf & Utility, Deere and Co.; Lee Sowell, President, Outdoor Products, Techtronic Industries; Todd Teske, Chairman, President and CEO, Briggs and Stratton Corp.; Mark Wagner, President and CEO, Club Car, LLC; and Joe Wright, President and CEO, Excel Industries.

Stens Announces Scholarship Recipients

Stens has awarded $2500 in Stens Give Back Scholarships for the 20182019 school year. Benjamin Zinner, Wilmington, Del., was awarded $1,000; with Clint Littleton, Salisbury, Mo.; Jonathan Barber, Greenfield, Ind.; and Nicole Gentry, Buffalo, Minn., each receiving $500 scholarships.

Zinner attends University of Delaware, where he will be a junior in the fall majoring in business management.

The Stens dealership that submitted Zinner’s application is Tri-State Landscape Equipment & Supply, located in Philadelphia, Penn., where he is employed part-time during the school year and works full-time during the summer months.

Littleton has worked for Fehling Small Engine in Salisbury, Mo. for the past three years. Littleton is enrolled in the diesel services technology program at Grand River Technical School in Chillicothe, Mo. for the fall 2018 semester. While attending school, he will also be working part-time for another dealership: Woody’s Outdoor Power Equipment in Chillicothe, Mo. Randy’s Lawn Mower Repair in Greenfield, Ind. submitted Barber who will attend Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in the fall, where he will study mechanical engineering. Barber is interested in high-performance engines and has been racing lawnmowers from an early age.

Gentry was submitted for scholarship consideration by All Seasons Parts in Buffalo, Minn. While working at All Seasons over the past five years, Gentry has held various roles including manag-

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POWERsuppliers er and trainer. She will attend Minnesota State University-Mankato this fall majoring in business management.

Stens Give Back Scholarships are awarded to a Stens dealership employee or dealership employee’s children pursuing post-high school education/training.

Altoz Hires New NE Sales Manager

Altoz has added industry veteran Barry Swanger to its sales force, joining the company as district sales manager for the Northeastern U.S. Swanger will provide support for existing dealers and continue to grow the Altoz dealer network in the Northeast region. He joins Altoz with an impressive resume in the power equipment and agricultural industry, with emphasis on the commercial and consumer turf industry. Swanger has worked as a territory sales manager in the distribution of multiple different brands within the turf equipment industry over the course of his career.

Husqvarna Restructures Division Husqvarna Group will gradually exit from low price point product segments and brands, particularly in gas-powered walk-behind lawnmowers and garden tractors. The extent of the exits and associated adjustments to the manufacturing footprint and brand portfolio are being reviewed. The changes will be realized in two steps, and all customer commitments for the 2019 season will be honored. The second step for 2020 is being reviewed.

“We will focus our remaining consumer forest and garden operations in North America to areas where we have proven to bring customer value, such as in handheld products, premium garden tractors, zero-turn lawnmowers and particularly robotic lawnmowers. The reorganization will facilitate reallocation of resources towards these offerings that have greatest potential for growth and profitability,” says Kai Wärn, President and CEO of Husqvarna Group.

“Exiting non-core segments and brands is a decisive step to reduce complexity in the Group which will enable us to put even stronger focus on our high margin business in Husqvarna and Gardena. As a consequence, we will dissolve our Consumer Brands Division into the Husqvarna and Gardena divisions,” Kai continues.

The North American operations of the Consumer Brands Division will be folded into the Husqvarna Division and the European and Asian operations will fold into the Gardena Division. Such changes will start immediately and will be fully implemented by year-end.

Like what you see and want a subscription? Subscribe online at www.poweret.com

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Location Change Boosts Brown’s Sales Bill Koser leads Brown’s Small Engine Repair into a new location in South Dakota.

BY JAY DONNELL RAPID CITY, SD ocation, location, location. It’s a phrase that has been used throughout history by business owners. It’s a simple phrase, but it’s one that applies to most brick and mortar stores throughout the U.S. In a nutshell, it means that the amount of business a company is doing can increase or de-

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crease due to location and it’s certainly a phrase that pertains to power equipment dealers in today’s ever changing economic climate. With the popularity of online sales increasing daily, dealers need to have stores that are easily accessible for customers.

Two years ago South Dakota’s Brown’s Small Engine Repair (BSER) moved into a more central location in Rapid City and the move has clearly paid off for current owner Bill Koser who has seen his business break company sales records this summer.

More than 20 years ago Tom Brown needed something to do when he retired from the National Guard—so he decided to start up a dealership in Rapid City called Brown’s Small Engine Repair. Back then the company

was operating out of a back corner garage, but a couple of different location changes landed it about two blocks from the current setup.

It was more than 10 years ago when Brown’s son-in-law, Bill Koser, took over the business while Tom stayed on as a full-time employee. Koser, who has his own background in the military with active duty assignments including working on ground support equipment for the B-1 bomber, was anxious to get back into turning wrenches and his father-in-law was looking to slow down a little. It was the perfect fit. Brown stayed with Koser full-time until five years ago, when he decided to only work part-time during the summer.

For 13 years, the business operated out of a 3,500 sq. ft. facility as primarily

Brown’s Small Engine Repair went from 3,500 sq. ft. to 8,700 sq. ft. in February 2016.

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an Ariens and Gravely dealer. In February of 2016, Koser and the company built and moved into an 8,700 sq. ft. building.

Koser, 53, has seen the company continue to grow over the past decade due to number of reasons, but none more significant than the move to a new building in 2016. “We were kind of off the beaten path prior to the move,” Koser says. “We’re on the main drag now so location was a huge deal for us.” The new location complements the company’s philosophy that’s never changed— do it right the first time.

Not only did the change in locations offer more exposure for the store, but with square footage nearly tripling they were able to expand the showroom and double their parts space.

They were also able to expand the product line and now carry a number of brands including Ariens, Echo, Husqvarna and Gravely. The new showroom is roughly 3,000 sq. ft. while the old showroom was so small that most of the equipment had to be displayed outside. The new shop is 2,500 sq. ft. and the warehouse is just over 3,000 sq. ft.

BSER employs five including Tom Brown. Brown is Briggs & Stratton master certified. Koser’s son, Eric, who came onboard part-time five years ago, started working full-time after he graduated from college and now works behind the counter with his father, handling sales and many other duties. Koser enjoys working with his son on a daily basis and notes the significance of having three generations working at the company.

The business employs two full-time service techs that can service and repair almost every brand and do warranty work for numerous manufacturers: Dave Rigert, who has been with the company for nearly 20 years; and Leo Heindel, who has been at Brown for two years after working at another dealership for many years.

The labor rate was raised to $75 two years ago in order to stay competitive with other dealers in Rapid City.

Promotion BSER has tried doing some advertising on radio and television in the past, but after seeing spotty results they de-

The shop stays consistently busy, with an estimated 3,500 repair jobs per year.

Eric Koser, left, joined his father behind the counter at BSER full-time upon graduating from college.

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For BSER, moving to a more central location in Rapid City has paid off big—the dealer has shattered sales records this summer.

Three generations work BSER, from left, founder Tom Brown, Bill Koser and Eric Koser

cided it wasn’t worth the high costs.

The dealership has both a website and a Facebook page. While the company doesn’t do any sales on the website, the site offers some good information for customers. Users are able to see what pricing is like for service on various pieces of equipment and the site also shows customers what new equipment is available for purchase. While the website is definitely a plus, word of mouth still rules the day.

The business started becoming more computerized several years ago when they started using c-Systems. “It’s been great for all of our billing and inventory control,” Koser says.

BSER held an open house the first spring at the new location, with the main purpose to show people where their new location was. In the springs that followed, BSER has elected not to hold any open houses.

The showroom is refreshed during the winter months when the majority of lawn tractors are pulled to give space to snow blowers. Koser likes to keep some zero-turns out on the floor at all times, so customers can see them when they’re in the store no matter the time of year.

Operations BSER draws mostly residential customers, but they’ve seen an increase in commercial clients over the past couple years. Koser says they simplified the product mix a little bit after realizing they were falling into a path of trying to have everything for everybody.

“We realized that you just can’t do that,” he says. “It’s working better for us because we can keep more product in stock.”

Koser notes they still sell a lot of lawn tractors. “This is kind of a tractor

BSER sticks with Echo handheld.

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market to some extent,” he says. Between walk-behinds, tractors and zero-turns, it all moves pretty equally for BSER. Repair turnaround is one of the main challenges for the business these days. Normally the business is backed up about four weeks in the shop, but lately that number has increased to five weeks. Koser estimates his business does around 3,500 shop jobs per year.

In addition to their new equipment lines the parts department has plenty of parts in stock to service a variety of equipment.

One of BSER’s business philosophies is: “We repair with care.”

The company sees very few “comebacks” once they’ve serviced a piece of equipment. “It’s a credit to the guys in the shop for seeing things and making sure it’s right before it goes out the door,” Koser explains. “When you can eliminate comebacks and get it right the first time that’s a big deal.”

He adds, “If it takes a few extra minutes to get something done because you’re verifying a few things then it’s definitely worth it.”

Koser and his team make it a point to tell customers to service their equipment regularly. He sees many units that are several years old that have never had the oil changed or the air filters replaced. “The education part of it is big,” Koser says. “We try to explain to people that changing the oil on your mower annually is no different than changing the oil on your car.”

Koser likes the way his product mix is performing currently and doesn’t see any reason to take on any new lines at this point. “We’re busier than we’ve ever been,” Koser says.

With three generations now working at the company plus a great new location, the future looks brighter than ever for PET Brown’s Small Engine Repair.

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2019mowerpreview (Material supplied by Honda Power Equipment)

Honda Lawn Mowers Offer Walk-Behind, Robotic Options The Traditional Cut Honda Power Equipment markets a complete line of 21-in. walk-behind lawnmowers for commercial, premium residential and consumer applications. The product line consists of 14 models in four different series, including HRX, HRR, HRS and HRC. Each product series incorporates a number of features and accessories for versatility and convenience: A height adjustment system; a large capacity standard rear easy on/easy off grass bag; the exclusive, Honda Twin Blade MicroCut system for precise cutting and finer mulching; leaf shredder options; and a choice of two mowing decks depending on model (heavy-duty steel with up to six height adjustments or resilient, easyto-clean NeXite that comes equipped with a lifetime consumer warranty).

Honda lawnmowers are the only mowers of their kind to offer advanced and durable maintenance-free cruise control hydrostatic transmissions, variable speed transmissions with an adjustable smart drive or select drive system (depending on the model) that allow for ease of speed variation.

In keeping with the Honda tradition of technological and environmental leadership, all Honda walk-behind lawnmower models feature Honda easy-starting engines that deliver smooth, reliable 4-stroke power. The compact, lightweight overhead cam (OHC)/ overhead valve (OHV) GC series offers maximum power and high-efficiency combustion for home use; the GS series provides power for premium residential and lightduty commercial markets; and the OHV GX series delivers rugged, commercial grade performance.

Leave it to Miimo The Honda Miimo robotic lawnmower uses a microcomputer, timer and sensors to provide automated, unattended grass

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cutting within a defined lawn area. Honda’s lithium-ion, battery-powered robotic mower delivers quiet operation, recharges quickly and offers three different programmable cutting patterns with a programmable timer setting for easy, beautiful lawn care.

Honda Miimo models maintain lawns with a continuous cutting system. Miimo operates within a boundary wire, installed by Honda Power Equipment dealers underground or on top of the ground around the perimeter of the area to be mowed, and a combination of controls, timers and realtime sensory feedback.

Depending on lawn size and complexity, the two available Miimo models make easy work of grass cutting: the HRM310, cutting up to 0.37 acres and HRM520, cutting up to 0.75 acres. In addition, Honda Miimo’s quick turn mechanism allows the unit to change direction in a sweeping forward motion rather than having to reverse itself—a feature that reduces overall cut time.

Visit powerequipment.honda.com.

POWER EQUIPMENT TRADE

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2019mowerpreview (Material supplied by Husqvarna)

Husqvarna Z500 Series Focused On Productivity, Durability T

he Husqvarna Z500 zeroturn series represents the latest design focused on productivity, durability and cut quality. Built and designed to ensure a long and productive product life, the Z500 provides extreme comfort, high ground speeds and superior traction for exceptional mowing efficiency.

Industrial strength throughout the mower provides a longer service life while easy serviceability is a key in the design considerations. The new series consists of eleven products, four Z500 models and seven Z500X models, and stands out with its weld-reinforced 2 in. by 3 in. tubular steel frame, 7- or 10-ga. cutting decks and 10 in. diameter spindles, all protected by Husqvarna’s industry-leading five-year limited commercial warranty.

Operator improvements include an automatic parking brake for fast and easy transitions, an easy-to-fold ROPS and easy-to-view deck height adjustment, allowing for improved operation and operator comfort. Smart design features such as tool-less fasteners, sealed and labelled fuse boxes and easy access to all major components will provide for faster and more convenient serviceability.

The Z500 series also features a colored fuel gauge that lets the operator get a quick overview of fuel levels in the 12-gal. dual fuel tanks.

Visit husqvarna.com.

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2019mowerpreview (Material supplied by Heftee)

Heftee 4000 Mower Lift

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or 20 years, the Heftee 4000 has been the lift of choice for technicians working on the largest riding mowers and commercial turf equipment. The 4000 safely accommodates equipment up to 87-in. wide and lifts up to 4,000 lbs., to 6 ft., in less than a minute. It’s ideal for shops short on floor space.

There is no special installation required and the Heftee 4000 operates on 110 power.

Technicians stand comfortably with unrestricted access to service areas, no longer laying on cold concrete floors in awkward positions to perform under-equipment jobs—and it’s freestanding for easy relocation within the shop.

The Heftee 4000 standard equipment package comes complete with jacks, boom and extension arms for completing virtually any repair job.

Heftee’s revolutionary single-mast design gives unrestricted access to the equipment. There are no crossbars or twisting cables, and the jacks, booms, support arms and easily adjustable work platforms all integrate with the lift.

Making hard-to-service equipment easy to service is Heftee’s business. Any lift can lift; with Heftee the technician can focus on repairing hard-to-service turf equipment and utility vehicles better, faster, safer.

Visit heftee.com.

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2019mowerpreview (Material supplied by Masport)

Masport’s Walk-Behind Mowers: A Dealer Brand M

asport is a household name in New Zealand, winning the “Most Trusted” lawnmower brand products category of the New Zealand Reader’s Digest consumer judged awards for the past seven seasons.

Masport is a leading manufacturer of lawn and garden power equipment in both New Zealand and Australia and has a proud engineering history dating back 108 years. It has an extensive range of rotary and cylinder gasoline walk-behind mowers, as well as gas shredders, edgers and cultivators. Masport products are sold in 45 countries around the world, including the U.S. and Canada, where a range of walk-behind mowers and other power equipment was first introduced in 2012. Power Distributors in the U.S. and Power Source Canada in Canada, distribute Masport’s range of consumer and professional power equipment to servicing dealers across North America. Masport is a dealer only brand in North America and is ideally suited to this form of distribution as its products are feature

rich and of high quality.

Masport Mowers are available in various cutting widths and are mainly powered by Briggs & Stratton, but are also available with Honda engines. Masport mowers mulch, catch and side discharge, feature aluminium and steel decks, ball bearing wheels, single lever height adjustment and a unique handle lift system for ease of emptying the collected grass.

For the 2019 season, in addition to existing 11 model consumer and professional mulching/rear bagger and side delivery only model line-up, Masport adds to the Contractor professional range, a BBC offering powered by both Briggs & Stratton and Honda engines.

Masport offers competitively priced, quality, unique products which are not available in the big box stores. Contact your regional Power Distributor’s territory manager for more details on the Masport 2019 dealer brand program.

Visit www.masport.com.

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2019mowerpreview (Material supplied by Rotary Corp.)

Rotary Offers Huge Selection Of Mower Parts F

rom minor mower repairs to complete engine overhauls, Rotary has the replacement parts it takes to get the job done.

Guaranteed to be high-quality Copperhead mower blades, air filters, oil filters, belts, tires, starters, spark plugs and internal engine parts are available for a wide variety of commercial and consumer mowers; plus piston assemblies, carburetors, electric starters, throttle controls, brake and clutch cables, idler pulleys and tune-up kits.

Backed by an exclusive parts warranty that ensures quality and performance, Rotary offers a wide range of power equipment parts for lawnmowers, trimmers, chain saws, brush cutters, pressure washers, snow blowers, garden tillers and more.

Vast Selection Of Copperhead Blades Hundreds of new items are available for 2018 including a variety of Copperhead mower blades for all the popular brands. Rotary blades are engineered and tested to exceed all OEM standards for operation and are ISO certified for quality, durability and superior craftsmanship.

Rotary manufactures nearly 9 million mower and edger blades annually at its state-of-the-art facility in Glennville, Ga., including commercial strength and heavy-duty blades, commercial mulching blades, flat blades, high and low-lift blades plus edger and de-thatcher blades. The company’s complete line of blades is featured in a special 150-page section of its 2018 parts catalog, which is free for servicing dealers.

Rotary carries a complete line of premium quality filters for small engines, trimmers, chain saws, ATVs and golf carts. A 60-page special section of the company’s new 2018 catalog features the industry’s widest selection of air filters and prefilters plus fuel, oil and transmission filters.

Backed by an exclusive warranty, all Rotary filters are guaranteed to meet or exceed all OEM standards for operation. In 2017, the company opened a new manufacturing facility in Georgia, which produces a full line of pleated paper filters and foam air filters.

Visit rotarycorp.com.

Engineered For Performance Rotary offers all types of air, fuel and oil filters for mowers, professionally designed to protect engines under extreme operating conditions while ensuring maximum efficiency and peak performance.

Commercial strength filters from Rotary improve airflow, horsepower and overall engine performance. Oil filters feature a special blend of fibers and resin that create a filter media with exceptional dirt-trapping capacity for maximum protection.

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2019mowerpreview (Material supplied by Sunbelt Outdoor Products)

Spotlight on Quality, Spotlight on Sunbelt

XHT, Predator: Tough Mower Blades

Earthway Spreaders: The Professional’s Choice

Sunbelt Outdoor Products Predator and XHT blades are the strongest blades on the market. The secret to their strength and durability is in a patented austempering process called marbain, taking it a step further than competitors. Ideal for professionals, these blades require less sharpening, last longer and are lighter weight than other competing blades.

The professionals choice for spreaders, Earthway products save time, produce professional results and are tough enough to hold up to daily use. Earthway’s Ev-n-Spred technology ensures an even spread pattern, with higher accuracy than competing brands.

Accelerator Industries Premium Grass Catchers Ideal for professionals working in wet climates or any conditions where it is necessary to bag grass or leaves, the Accelerator Industries line of premium aluminum grass catchers are best in class. The drilled aluminum body provides high airflow that will prevent clogging that commonly happens with other bagging systems.

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Sunbelt Outdoor Products is a wholesaler of professional grade turf products and is celebrating 60 years in business this year. With nine warehouses across the U.S., Sunbelt can help you get the parts you need when you need them.

Visit sunbeltparts.com.

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2019mowerpreview (Material supplied by Bush Hog)

New From Bush Hog: ZT, HDE, HDC and HDZ Lines I

n the mowing industry, Bush Hog has a name like no other.

A leading manufacturer of rotary cutters, finishing mowers, landscape tools and tractor-mounted implements for over 67 years, Bush Hog has a full line of lawn and brush cutters to match your needs—from mowing your home lawn to cutting brush to maintaining pastures and highway right of ways.

The Bush Hog culture of improvement has inspired many advancements in lawn mowing, which includes our first riding lawn mower in 1968 to one of the first Bush Hog hydrostat zero-turns introduced to the market in 1989. Bush Hog continues that spirit of innovation today with the introduction of the new ZT lines, the HDE homeowner series, HDC commercial series and HDZ professional series zero-turn mowers.

Bush Hog is excited to introduce these three new model upgrades to the HD series of zero-turn lawnmowers. The HDE series offers the 20, 22 HP Kawasaki engines in 49-in. & 55in. deck sizes with 20 to 25 HP Kohler and Briggs & Stratton engine options. Finally, the HDC and HDZ lines offer Kawasaki and Kohler engines on the 55-in., 61-in. and 73-in. deck sizes, with a 33 HP Kohler EFI Command Pro option for the HDZ series.

Other design improvements and feature upgrades for the new HD mowers answer a range of customer needs from cutting speeds and widths to convenience and machine versatility: l Keyless start electronic module l Soft start PTO engagement protects drive train components l Cutting widths up to 73-in. l Running speeds up to 14 MPH (on the HDZ professional series) l Deluxe high back suspension seat standard on HDZ models and an option on HDE and HDC mowers l Patented rotary height of cut adjuster on HDC and HDZ models with transport lock l Robot-welded, 7 ga. steel deck construction, the same 7 ga. steel used in Bush Hog’s heavy duty rotary cutters

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l Full range of engine choices, including Kawasaki, Kohler and Briggs & Stratton versions with HP ratings up to 33 HP Bush Hog has long been known as a leading supporter of our dealership network. The 2018 EDA Dealer-Manufacturer Survey report listed Bush Hog as one the best OEM suppliers in their class based on product quality, parts availability, customer support and manufacturer response to dealer concerns.

Visit bushhog.com.

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2019mowerpreview (Material supplied by Altoz)

TRX Line Extension Means More Of A Very Good Thing A

ltoz extended the excitement of the TRX tracked zero-turn mower by announcing the early introduction of two new 2019 TRX models for this fall: TRX 561 and TRX 354.

Both provide patent-pending technology for use on sloped, wet and untamed terrain and will power through the harshest conditions.

With an MSRP starting at $12,999, the initial reaction has been overwhelmingly positive.

With a 54-in. cutting deck, the TRX 354 is targeted to multi-acre homeowners such as recreational property owners or farmers with rough or sloped terrain, ditches and wet areas.

The new TRX 561 is built on Altoz’s highly successful and durable HD chassis. With its 61-in. cutting deck, it’s an ideal solution for municipalities, golf courses, schools and lawn care professionals. These two models will allow landowners and professionals to maintain their properties safely and efficiently where traditional zero-turn mowers struggled or places that previously

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had to be maintained with string trimmers— saving time, labor and money.

The key to the TRX’s appeal is Altoz’s patent-pending track system with rear torsional axle suspension that provides a smooth ride, maximum traction and stability along with minimal ground disturbance and minimal earth compaction. Both new models feature a finish-cut aero deck with adjustable baffles; multiple blade options; 12way adjustable suspension seat with lumbar support and adjustable arm rests; and redesigned track drive sprocket.

Accessories for these models include a collection system, chute shutoff, lawn striping kit, receiver and standard hitch, mulch kit, discharge cover and a lighting kit. Independent front suspension is an accessory for the TRX 354 and a power deck lift kit is available for the TRX 561. Production of the new TRX models is scheduled for August 2018.

Visit Altoz.com/trx.

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2019mowerpreview (Material supplied by Seat Warehouse)

(Material supplied by B3C Fuel Solutions)

Milsco V5400 Seat

Mechanic In A Bottle Pro

S

eat Warehouse recently introduced the Milsco V5400 air ride suspension seat designed to fit commercial zero-turn mowers. This premium, high back air ride suspension seat has durable heavy-duty waterproof vacuumed formed vinyl covering, an adjustable angle back rest with lumbar and flip up arm rests. The operator weight control is easily adjusted with a single knob.

This seat is designed to fit most brands of commercial zero-turn mowers with the standard bolt mounting pattern of 11¼ in. x 11 in. front to back. The V5400 offers over two inches of suspension travel to give the operator the smoothest ride possible.

Visit seat-warehouse.com.

B

3C’s Mechanic In A Bottle (MIB) Pro line of products is engineered for pros to determine if an equipment problem is related to fuel and therefore not warrantable.

The MIB Pro test swabs immediately identify bad fuel and water in a pass/fail format. This eliminates judgment calls and is the only system of its kind in the industry.

The MIB fix products have a unique molecular architecture that was chemically engineered in a laboratory based on 10 years of research. Fix products include: Engine quick fix additive as well as an ultra-concentrated, ultra-sonic cleaner engineered to clean the toughest contaminants in small engines.

Call B3C Fuel Solutions, (843) 347-0482.

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Five Minutes With...

OPEI’s Kris Kiser Kris Kiser serves as President and CEO of the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI), a role he’s had since 2011 after serving four years as OPEI’s Executive Vice President and COO. Here, Kiser gives dealers a look behind the curtain of the industry’s biggest voice in Washington, DC. Even though OPEI is comprised mainly of suppliers they also promote the overall industry, the big picture where a successful industry benefits all. Including advocating for sensible policies that benefit not only OEMs and suppliers but also those down in the trenches, selling and servicing power equipment.

PET: OPEI is heavily involved in manufacturer relations and mapping equipment trends. Have you noticed any trends during your tenure with the association that dealers need to make sure they pay attention to?

Kris Kiser: We’ve seen the expansion of battery offerings in the market really take hold. Customers can now “pick their power,” and choose from a wide range of equipment that fits the job they’re doing. Equipment can be powered by gasoline or diesel engines, batteries, propane, solar, liquefied natural gas—all depending on the users’ need.

Dealers will be well served to continue to position themselves as an equipment adviser, helping their customers choose the right product and the right power source for the job their doing.

We’re also seeing expanded product offerings from our members. Robotic lawnmowers and UTVs continue to gain ground as a stand-out product offering for dealers. When you’re at GIE+EXPO you’ll see dozens of manufacturers with them in their booths, and that’s only going to increase.

There’s a growing recognition of the importance of outdoor space and connecting to the outdoors to our health and 26

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well-being—and a need to get kids off their devices and joysticks and reconnect to the outdoors. A key takeaway is our industry’s role in creating and managing these spaces for children, families and pets.

PET: What might OPEI have helped with behind the scenes that dealers wouldn’t have known, but is a point of pride for you?

KK: Our defense of the managed landscape. Threats against the landscape are insidious and constant and come from many sources—including governments, NGOs and regulatory agencies. These threats take a narrow focus on the use of water, fertilizer and pesticides and demonize the managed landscape.

Through our education partnerships, first with Weekly Reader, then Discovery Education and now Scholastic, the world’s largest education provider, TurfMutt has reached more than 68 million students, teachers and families. Our success also manifested itself last year when the U.S. Green Building Council—the organization that brings green

buildings to the world—asked us include the TurfMutt education curricula in its Global Learning Lab. TurfMutt is also a listed educational resource on the web sites of the U.S. EPA, Department of Energy, Forest Service, Department of Education and Fish and Wildlife Service, and is an annual feature with the Wildlife Habitat Council.

TurfMutt and Save Living Landscapes promote grass, shrubs, trees, and other parts of the living landscape as vital parts of the ecosystem; they provide pollinator support, reduce the urban heat island effect, slow water runoff, and cool the environment. Our message is that nature starts at your back door. Everyone needs access to the living landscape, and that greenspace should make sense for their lifestyle.

PET: How did Turf Mutt come about? How do you think dealers could use Turf Mutt, and OPEI appearances on shows like Lucky Dog, to reach out to their communities?

KK: I rescued my dog, Lucky, in 2006 and he became a constant travel companion at work, at home—everywhere. By chance, he was discovered at a work meeting while lying under the conference room table. A simple question: will he wear a cape?, led him to becoming TurfMutt and the living face of the TurfMutt program at our education foundation.

TurfMutt has had three successful seasons as sponsor of “Lucky Dog” on CBS, which airs on Saturday mornings as part of the network’s education and information block. TurfMutt and I appeared in a number of episodes, showcasing the TurfMutt messages of the importance of the living landscape.

New this fall, the program on the CW will tell the stories of families looking to adopt a new pet. But before they can bring their furry friend home, TurfMutt

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is there to make sure the living landscape is family-friendly, pet-friendly, environmentally appropriate, and purposeful. The key here is to showcase the importance and environmental health benefits of the managed landscape.

PET: Ethanol, ethanol, ethanol… it’s the 300lb. gorilla in every dealer’s service department. On the regulatory side, how is OPEI feeling? Are you anticipating a new mandate or change on the blend requirements?

KK: Unfortunately, the fuels marketplace is becoming more confusing for folks out there, not less. Our Harris Poll research shows that more Americans are misfueling their power equipment, and as more mid-level blends are more available throughout the country, that misfueling will continue to happen.

One of the great challenges we face is that the ethanol question will have to be resolved by Congress—which is a big ask. This debate has devolved into a political fight between Big Ag and Big Oil, and we’ve lost sight of the needs of the American consumer.

OPEI is focused on educating the

American consumer. We know from our dealer friends that they’re seeing damage and destruction of power equipment. Without adequate education on the use of newly introduced mid-level ethanol bled fuels, the customer will have problems with their equipment and blame the manufacturer or dealer. The ethanol industry does itself a disservice by not educating consumers about its use in fuels.

And the government has failed to take the steps necessary to educate consumers. OPEI, although not budgeted to communicate with hundreds of millions of consumers, we’re doing our level best with Look Before You Pump.

Further, we don’t know what fuels are coming: Whether there’ll be an expansion of E15 or flex fuels. It’s uncertainty, and that’s not what industry wants. You can’t design products on uncertainty.

PET: Look Before You Pump gave dealers an immediate in to the discussion of what not to do at the fuel pump. Any new resources under that branding coming in time for the 2019 season?

KK: We anticipate partnering with others in the off-road and small-engine community, motorcycles, snowmobiles, boats, UTVs and specialty equipment, on a new rebranding effort of Look Before You Pump dedicated to educating consumers on the importance of using the right fuels.

Regrettably, we’re seeing the fuels marketplace bifurcate along on- and offroad lines. And the problem is historic: What went in the jerry can used to go in your bass boat, motorcycle, lawnmower and your car or truck. That may no longer be the safe choice.

PET: Any words of encouragement for dealers that are feeling like their business is going stale?

KK: Get to GIE+EXPO. If you want to see what’s exciting in the industry, you’ve got to be in Louisville this fall.

Manufacturers continue to roll out innovative new products, new technologies and new power sources—and they’ll all be at GIE+EXPO Oct. 17-19. Thousands of dealers and manufacturers will be on hand to learn, network and share best practices. And it never hurts to go PET to a concert on a weeknight…

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8/1/18 8:59 AM

Greenworks Hosts Open House Showcases Robust Lineup Greenworks Tools debuts two new mower options for the environmentally conscious consumer.

BY JESSICA JOHNSON

N

estled just outside of Charlotte, NC Greenworks Tools’ North American headquarters is impressive. Mooresville, NC provides the perfect backdrop for industry veterans that fill the converted historic cotton gin-turned battery-powered think tank.

The move to the new space, complete with a state-of-the-art video conferencing room, happened in 2016 when the Greenworks Group made the decision to condense the majority of its North American operations into one vertically integrated 44,000 sq. ft. space, including sales and marketing, product development, industrial design, quality con-

trol and engineering.

As emission standards get tougher, dealers find themselves trying to find ways to market to an ever-evolving market. Consumers are frustrated by the issues ethanol has on equipment, and pros in one of the 500+ cities across the U.S. with noise ordinances still need to work, while also battling pollution ordinances and time restrictions with gas powered products.

Greenworks believes its 40V product line for consumers and 82V line designed for pros, both of which are independent dealer exclusive, will help dealers stock solutions to those frustra-

tions. The lines include a pole saw, chain saw, blower, stick edger, hedge trimmer and string trimmer, with multiple models in each category.

Cost One of the biggest concerns dealers often express when considering pushing a landscaper toward battery is the up front cost. Yes, battery-powered equipment costs more, period. But is it worth extra cost if you can work earlier in the morning or in areas where gas tools are strictly forbidden?

Yes, battery powered tools also mean

As traditional wrench turning continues to evolve, and more and more regulations on noise, fuel blends and pollution continue to hit the cities and towns of North America; Greenworks believes it has the ability to propel dealerships forward.

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a dealer’s opportunity for service shrinks significantly compared to traditional gas engines. Consider this however; the $45,000 the average mow-and-blow landscaper spends on fuel at its local station has now been transferred to the dealer via battery and charger sales.

Greenworks Commercial 82V GZ 60R Ride-On Mower ● Blade speeds from 2800-3200 RPM ● 60-in. professional steel deck ● Electronic height adjustment from 1-in. to 6-in. ● Forward speeds from 0-10 MPH ● Reverse speeds from 0-5 MPH ● 13-in. front tires; 23-in. rear tires ● 4.5-5-hours of cutting time per 10hour charge ● Stepless cutting height positions ● 1,321.5 lbs. total weight

New Products Greenworks believes so heavily that battery power is here to stay in lawn and garden equipment it has launched two options for battery powered lawnmowers—with more riding options being teased for 2019 and beyond. The Greenworks Commercial Lithium Z family features the first and only lithium-ion battery powered commercial grade mowers to be independently UL-certified for safety. The same battery cells in Greenworks products are those that are powering Tesla cars.

At the outset, the Lithium Z family will feature both a 48-in. stand-on mower and a 60-in. ride-on mower, offering users the best of both worlds, zero-turn radius maneuverability with zero gas and zero emissions. Both models are powered by an 82-volt 13.8kW lithium-ion battery and feature three 1.5KW brushless blade motors and two 1.7KW brushless drive motors, delivering pro-level cutting speed and power, offering a true gas replacement.

Selling these mowers means putting an effort on wholegoods sales over service, which in itself creates a huge opportunity for dealers. By eliminating the gas cost, the higher upfront cost is funneled to the dealer—as batteries and chargers can only be purchased through the dealer channel.

These products also give dealers a chance to educate customers on the benefits of battery, and specifically the benefits of a Greenworks “smart” battery, which provides a robust amount of data that is shared between the user and the dealer. This game changing amount of data, delivered via Bluetooth is standard on all Greenworks smart batteries, gives a service department the ability to access and diagnose problems from the dealership’s computer, gather needed parts and put a mechanic on the road to the landscaper seamlessly.

As traditional wrench turning continues to evolve, and more and more regulations on noise, fuel blends and pollution continue to hit the cities and towns of North America; Greenworks believes it has the ability to propel PET dealerships forward.

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DEALERvoices

Opinions Are Like Anecdotes: Everyone Has At Least One The hardest part about opinions is listening to others.

BY DALE STOTTS

Y

ears ago John Ciardi wrote, “The reader deserves an honest opinion. If he doesn’t deserve it, give it to him anyhow.” I think Mr. Ciardi has the right “opinion” about opinions. Now follow along and see if you have or are going to form your own “opinion” on the following.

Blowers One “opinion” that keeps receiving press is the constant rationalization for using or not using leaf blowers. In certain areas of this nation, the opinion is the leaf blower should be banned from use.

Homeowners and professional lawn care services should return to using rakes and brooms instead of these—according to some opinions—obnoxious, loud, airand water-polluting products.

According to some opinions, these gas-powered leaf blower users are just lazy, and by continuing to operate these products, they continue to destroy the peace and tranquility with these “environmentally disastrous” products. These critics feel using such products infringes on Mother Nature’s “balance” on Mother Earth when used.

Of course, the opposite “opinion” compared to the anti-blower folks can be just as easily substantiated. And while these are opinions in some ways,

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there are also irrefutable benefits of using power blowers, like labor costs. Not to mention that many suppliers have stepped up with new low-decibel designs, and the new generation of rechargeable battery blowers take quiet blower operation to even lower levels.

Many suppliers have stepped up with new low-decibel designs, and the new generation of rechargeable battery blowers take quiet blower operation to even lower levels.

Additionally, with the current labor force crunch on finding seasonal workers, this would also create a large impact on the lawn and garden service industry. Along this same thought process, are the naysayers taking into consideration those who are either partially physically unable to use rakes and brooms? Are there many members of the fast-growing elderly population who enjoy taking care of their properties? Sure there are. Yet without these handy tools, elderly homeowners can add another hardship to their lives.

Dealerships There are also “opinions” on how a business owner should operate their particular establishment. Several experts have chastised dealers for not expanding their product mixes or parts

inventories. Others have criticized how an owner or manager deals with complaining customers.

Very simply, these “experts” quite often do not have a clue about what these individuals might be dealing with in their own communities. Take, for example, the issue of inventories. Of course everyone has an opinion, but are any of these opinions actually informed enough to truly know what a given dealer is confronting when it comes to competition in his area.

My next observation is when one expert has the “opinion” on how a complaining customer should be handled.

Of course I have opinions on industry issues, and that’s exactly what they are, my own slanted opinions. In many cases I’ve found I was not the only one with those views and in a few instances through the past years of my writing for Power Equipment Trade several readers have written to me to share their own personal observations and opinions on various subjects I’ve covered.

When you have an opinion are you willing to listen and digest what one is expressing, or are you too set in your ways to give the opposing viewer a chance with the possibility of even changing your position? It may be a hard pill to swallow but just because your opinion differs from others it does not mean it is automatically wrong or PET right. It is just your opinion!

Dale Stotts owns and operates Stotts Engine Service, Monett, MO 65708; fax: 417/235-1156; e-mail: djstotts@sbcglobal. net. The views of Dale Stotts do not reflect those of Hatton-Brown Publishers, Inc.

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SHOWroom FEATUREproduct

Billy Goat MV Leaf, Debris Vacuum The ever-versatile MV leaf and debris vac line-up from Billy Goat now includes an optional Briggs & Stratton engine. From residential and smaller commercial to large commercial leaf and debris cleanup, these outdoor vacuums can be operated on turf or hard surfaces and boast high suction power with a debris reducing serrated impeller.

The MV has a 29-in. gobbler door that adjusts from the operator’s position for convenient switching between hard surface, turf or hose applications. The top loading 40 gal. bag holds up to 50 lbs. of debris and its unique top fill design ensures optimum fill, helping keep dust out of the operators face. Composite housing components are abrasion resistant and won’t rust or dent. A micro adjustable crank-style height control makes for simple transitions between turf and hard surfaces. A commercial duty self-propelled model is available with three-speed transmission. Other options include a hose kit and disposable bag liners, which eliminate debris bagging.

Visit billygoat.com

Industrial Little Wonder Pro Crack Cleaner

The Little Wonder Pro Crack Cleaner gives contractors a fast and easy way to clean cracks and crevices in asphalt and concrete. The unit features a dual belt drive that delivers optimal power and grip. This enhances the unit’s speed and also minimizes slippage, increasing belt longevity and reducing maintenance.

Designed with four wheels to eliminate the need for a curb wheel while enchancing balance, stability and steering, the Pro Crack Cleaner’s heavy-duty 9-in. wire wheel brush features twisted spring steel for optimal durability and longevity.

Operators can conveniently adjust the depth as deep as 4 in. as well as modify the belt tension and brush engagement from the hand controls.

Visit littlewonder.com.

Coming in October: PET’s GIE+EXPO Preview POWER EQUIPMENT TRADE

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Southeastern U.S. 4331

OR, WA, ID, MT, NV, CA, AZ, AK, HI

TX, OK, AR, LA, NM, MS

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Western U.S.

Do you offer products in the power equipment industry?

Advertise your company to PET’s subscribers nationwide in our Distributor Library section.

Nationwide

Call Kathy Sternenberg 251-928-4962 * Verified Audit Circulation statement

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Nationwide

AR, LA, MS, NM, OK, TX

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DE,MD,NJ,NY,PA,VA,W.VA,NH,VT,CT,RI,ME

AR, LA, MS, OK, TX 4408

MD, DE, WV, VA, NC, SC, KY, DC, AL, GA, FL, TN

MN, ND, SD, IA, TX, WI

For more information about placing your ad in PET’s Distributor Library Section

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Shelby County Implement • Shelbina, MO 63468 Ph: 573-588-4731 • 573-588-2020 Email: sci63468@hotmail.com M/C, Visa and Discover Accepted 3524

WISCONSIN ENGINE PARTS NEW–OBSOLETE • BUY–SELL HARD TO FIND PARTS CLOSEOUT PRICES

H&M Industrial Supply (800) 346-4331 2236

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Obsolete McCulloch & Obsolete Green Machine Bob’s Lawnmower Service 7632 State Hwy. 7 Maryland, NY 12116-3201

607-638-9297 phone or fax

HOMELITE PARTS BUY & SELL NEW, USED & OBSOLETE

8100

Stihl * Homelite * Lawnboy * Briggs & Stratton New * Obsolete * Used Parts THOUSANDS OF PARTS!

9009

POWERworks Ask For Ray 502-228-1462 • Fax: 502-228-7737

POULAN WEED EATER PARTS

YOU COULD BE READING YOUR AD HERE!!

Contact Bridget DeVane 800-669-5613 for more information

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PETcetera Troy-Bilt Launches Alexa Skill “Ask Troy-Bilt” from Troy-Bilt is the first Amazon Alexa skill from the power equipment market aimed at helping homeowners properly care for their lawn. The free voice recognition skill assists in identifying optimal times to mow the lawn, based on schedules and weather forecasts.

According to the National Association of Landscape Professionals, 31% of homeowners do not know how to grow and maintain a healthy lawn, let alone know when they should be mowing it. However, users of the new skill can now easily “Ask Troy-Bilt” to determine when it is best to mow their lawn, connecting to the user’s Google calendar and pulling in local weather data and personal mowing preferences to identify ideal cutting times.

To customize the “Ask Troy-Bilt” skill and ensure optimal conditions for mowing, users are prompted to sync the skill with their Google calendar and input other information, including their ZIP code to monitor weather, phone number to receive text message updates, a weekly time dedicated to mowing the lawn and the ideal time of day to mow.

Once the skill understands preferences, it helps users prioritize grass-cutting by automatically adding mowing to their calendar as “Time to mow with Troy-Bilt.” The skill also sends users a text message once the mow is scheduled, if it’s been deleted from the calendar, or if the weather changes and the mow needs to be rescheduled.

The “Ask Troy-Bilt” skill can be installed within Amazon Alexa (available on desktop or mobile). An Amazon Echo device is not required to use the skill. A Troy-Bilt mower is not required to use the skill either.

Bears Frolic In Freshly-Mowed Lawn Chris More, of Anchorage, Alas., captured incredible footage of a family of five black bears grazing on the lawn after he mowed the grass, he shared with his neighborhood Facebook page and then with Alaskan new station KTVA. The bears were happily chowing down on the clover and glass clippings, seemingly unconcerned that they were so close to humans. “Just lounging, ain’t no thing,” More said as he filmed the bears. “Enjoy the backyard.”

The bears playfully wrestled in the grass and searched for dandelions to have as a snack. They spent about 45 minutes the first time they came in More’s lawn, but came back multiple times throughout the day to continue enjoying the yard. It was the first time More had seen five bears at once in the area, and they were surprisingly unfazed by his presence. Their comfort around humans seems to indicate that they have “spent some time around the city” and are accustomed to people, Department of Fish and Game spokesman Ken Marsh told KTVA.

Image courtesy of Memedroid

PETevents OCTOBER 17-19—GIE+EXPO, Kentucky Exposition Center, Louisville, Ky. Call 812-949-9200; visit gie-expo.com.

NOVEMBER 14-16—Far West Equipment Dealers Assn. 2018 Convention, Hyatt Indian Wells, Indian Wells, Calif. Call 707678-8859; visit fweda.com.

DECEMBER 7-9—WEDA International Dealer Conference, Scottsdale Resort at McCormick Ranch, Scottsdale, Ariz. Call 816-561-5323; visit westerneda.com.

FEBRUARY 9-11, 2019—Outdoor Power Equip. Aftermarket Assn. annual meeting, The Driskill Hotel, Austin, Tex. Call 703-549-7608; visit opeaa.org.

MAY 7-9, 2019—National Hardware Trade Show, Las Vegas Convention Center, Las Vegas, Nev. Call 203-840-5622; visit nationalhardwareshow.com.

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

ADlink 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.

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DEALERtodealer

Make Time To Assess Your Needs GREG GERMAN

While your mind might be on vacation mode, don’t let an excellent opportunity to reflect on the three keys to success.

T

he spring and summer rush is now behind and I know what you are thinking, “I could use a vacation.” And I totally agree, you deserve one. If you are like me, it is really hard to shut down my work brain while I’m away and I usually need something to keep me engaged at some level. If you are not, then count yourself fortunate. Either way, don’t miss out on the opportunity of having just spent the past four to five months putting out fires, without starting to plan now about what areas of your business need to be improved.

It is time for a business self-assessment. Ask yourself: “What were the pinch points this past season that didn’t allow us to maximize opportunities?”

Take a look at the three Ps of your business: People, product and process.

or is it time to be looking for a new salesperson or two? Are your parts personnel giving your customers the type of customer service that they deserve? Remember, all of your customers can buy your products from another source on the internet and not have to deal with the negative attitude or indifference of poor quality staff.

Are your technicians needing additional training in certain areas that caused undue stress and loss of time during the recent busy season? Is your office and support staff providing the timely and accurate reporting that you need? Look at each of these areas as it really is best to not wait. When you identify an issue that needs to be rectified, make a plan as how you are going to solve it and then act. ● Product: Have you identified some products that customers were requesting this spring that your suppliers do not offer? If so, it may be time to be looking for additional channels of distribution to fulfill the need. Are there products that are losing their luster and any excess stock needs to be moved out now?

Don’t wait for winter to have a fire sale, do it now while there are still possible

Remember, all of your customers can buy your products from another source on the internet and not have to deal with the negative attitude or indifference of poor quality staff. ● People: Are there improvement areas needed in your sales, service or parts where you simply don’t have enough staff, or you have staff that just doesn’t fair very well under the pressures of the season? Did your sales staff respond well to the diversity of the customers you serve and fulfill the sales volume needed;

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buyers who are looking for a bargain.

Have some of your vendors missed your expectations in the way of product availability, quality or offerings that have caused you to lose business? Now is a great time to have the conversations so that they are on alert that things aren’t satisfactory. On the other hand, if

they did a great job in providing what you needed this season, let them know.

Partnership goes both ways—communicate well with them as to your expectations and results. ● Process: This is the one area that many of us really drop the ball. While fresh in your mind, you need to review your business processes that simply make doing business with you more difficult than it should be.

As example, anonymously call your dealership and see how the phone is answered and see how you feel when your people greet you on the phone.

Did you feel appreciated or were you a burden to them? Another great thing to do is contact a few of your good customers and ask them how your team did this spring. Ask them for honest feedback; ask what are some ways that your business could improve.

Lastly, and most importantly, ask your employees on an individual basis where their department or the dealership as a whole could improve. They already know the problem areas, but usually will just adapt and work within the structure that already exists. Take a look at changing the structure and ask for their input on how to make it better.

Enjoy your vacation, but the more time you spend managing the three Ps, the more time and money you will have PET to spend on your next vacation.

Greg German is President of German-Bliss Equipment, Inc. in Princeville, Ill., which operates three power equipment dealers that market products for the lawn and garden, industrial and agricultural sectors. He can be contacted at PO Box 440, Princeville, IL 61559; fax: 309385-2540; email: ggerman@germanbliss. com. The views of Greg German do not necessarily represent Hatton-Brown Publishers, Inc.

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