October 2011

October signals a wind-down of lawn and garden activity in many parts of the U.S., but in Louisville, Ky. the lawn and garden power equipment action heats up as North America’s lawn and garden industry makes plans to visit its biggest event, GIE+EXPO, where almost 20,000 visitors gather to see the latest in new products for both show and demo, and also learn more about issues facing their businesses and ways to improve customer service, overall management and boost the bottom line.

Includes: B3C Fuel Solutions, Billy Goat, Briggs & Stratton, Coast DIstribution/Powerhouse, c-Systems Software, efco, Gold Eagle, Honda Power Equipment, Husqvarna, Ideal Computer Systems, Kawasaki, Kipor Power Co., Masport, Oregon, SEF Small Engine Fuels, Star Tron, Stens, Stihl, Walker

Timing is everything, or at least it’s a lot of things. That’s what Dick Beard, owner of Beards Outdoor Power Equipment, Inc., must have had in mind when he moved into his new location a few years ago after nearly two decades in the previous store. Business had been booming, and it seemed like a good time to expand.

The winners in the dealer-based equipment business will be those companies that out-perform their competition. Manufacturers won’t like this, but for the most part their products have become commodities, look-a-likes, function-a-likes only different in their paint jobs, decals and logos. All equipment has the “high tech” bells and whistles. The differentiating pro and most homeowner customers are not confused. Their biggest concern is summed up in the questions: “How well will the dealership take care of me after the sale? Will I be able to keep unscheduled downtime to a minimum?”

Wright Manufacturing has named EDM Distributors 2011′s Distributor of the Year. This is the second year in a row that Wright has honored the Suffield, Connecticut firm with its Distributor of the Year Award. EDM distributes Wright commercial lawnmowers, as well as Wright’s line of Velke sulkies and Grass Gobbler heavy-duty grass catchers, in New England.

The Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI), along with automakers and marine manufacturers, recently announced a formal legal challenge to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) “Regulation to Mitigate Misfueling” rule that was meant to address concerns about 15% ethanol blends (E15) and non-road gas-powered products and older model-year vehicles.

Blount’s Oregon PowerNow 40V Max cordless chainsaw is battery-powered with a lithium iron battery pack and offers instant starting without a pull cord, powerful cutting with no-fade power, and long runtime, enabling users to work free from the hassles of gasoline or cords. When not in use, the battery pack holds a charge for months at a time.

PFERD Smooth-cut round file with double spiral cut puts smoother, sharper edges on saw chain without clogging. Removes less metal per stroke than more aggressive PFERD standard chain saw file to give finer finish and extended chain life. Both Smooth-cut and standard file outperform all major brands and save labor time. Files come in own counter display boxes to promote more sales. Selection of lengths and diameters available to sharpen all chain saw tooth sizes.

Responding to the growing demand for fuel tanks that meet increasingly stringent clean air standards, Walbro Engine Management is expanding its multilayer fuel tank production capabilities with new facilities and equipment around the world.

If you are like a majority of dealers you are ready for a break. Many of us have weathered a strange year—from drought in several areas, floods in others, tornadoes, hurricanes to even an odd earthquake on the East Coast. Mother Nature has dipped into her bag of weather tricks and seemingly not left any out. So here it is Fall, with Winter not far into the future, and who knows what Mother Nature will deliver for dealers and consumers alike. However, when the clouds are dark one real bright spot is the upcoming GIE+EXPO held in Louisville, Ky October 27-29.