OPE gives GIE+EXPO attendees chance to touch base with exhibitors, win iPad
By Steve Noe
With GIE+EXPO taking place at the same time as the World Series, we at Green Media — publisher of Outdoor Power Equipment — decided to launch a “Touching Base” raffle promotion to get everyone in the spirit of both fall classics.
To participate, look between pages 4 and 5 in this edition of OPE for the pullout game card, which lists the Touching Base participating exhibitors. Bring the game card to each featured exhibitor’s indoor booth on Thursday, Oct. 28, or Friday, Oct. 29, to receive a unique stamp. Once you have collected all of the exhibitor stamps, bring your completed card to the Green Media booth (#5022) by no later than 3 p.m. on Oct. 29 to be entered into a drawing for a free iPad.
While making your way from booth to booth to get your card stamped, please be sure to spend some quality time with the 12 participating exhibitors to learn about their exciting plans. After all, they decided to participate in the “Touching Base” promotion because they have plenty to show and tell.
Following is a sneak preview, arranged in alphabetical order by company name, of what the “Touching Base” exhibitors have planned for the show, as well as their industry insights:
AHLBORN EQUIPMENT, INC.
Inside booth #2026
Phone: (800) 472-7600
OPE: What inside information can you share with us about what new and exciting things your company plans to show and tell booth visitors?
Ahlborn: Ahlborn Equipment will be showcasing new arborist tools, including very competitively priced high-performance pruning blades. In addition, the company’s new three-season jackets feature removable liners and sleeves to take workers from chilly mornings to warm afternoons in complete comfort.
OPE: What trends do you expect to emerge at the show, and heading into 2011?
Ahlborn: Ahlborn Equipment expects the emphasis on worker and public safety to grow, with more attention being paid to protective apparel and best safety practices and products. In addition, concerns about the economy and a continuing need to stretch budget dollars will make the need to source competitively priced high-quality products even greater.
BILLY GOAT INDUSTRIES
Indoor booth #10170
Phone: (800) 776-7690
Billy Goat’s DL Series Debris Loader
Billy Goat’s next generation of Force II blowers with self-propelled option
Billy Goat’s 48-inch towable aerator
Billy Goat’s merchandiser program features this three-bay, steel-frame professional display, which can be used as one unit or split into three separate units.OPE: What inside information can you share with us about what new and exciting things your company plans to show and tell booth visitors?
Billy Goat: For end users, Billy Goat will be exhibiting a full range of products with new productivity-enhancing technology that saves both time and money. And for dealers, Billy Goat will display and demonstrate how its merchandiser system helps dealers improve sales and profitability.
Recently introduced, DL Series Debris Loaders; the Next Generation of Force II blowers with self-propelled option; the 48-inch towable aerator, along with two exciting new products for 2011 — a new 34-inch homeowner-focused finish mower and a contractor-focused hydrostatic overseeder — will be on display. Come take a sneak peak at Booth #10170!
The new DL Series of loaders features CustomFit options for customizing the unit to your truck and trailer, as well as a dual shredding system with Piranha blade to maximize debris reduction and minimize dumping time and costs.
For the ultimate in productivity, the Force II self-propelled is the only full line-up of self-propelled composite blowers on the market. The self -propelled units eliminate the fatigue factor of pushing, and all the units feature best-in-class 16-blade fan technology so you can finish faster.
Dealers will also have a chance to see Billy Goat’s new merchandiser program. The unit is a three-bay, steel-frame professional display that helps dealers improve both same-store sales growth and make better use of floor space by displaying six Billy Goat products in a 27-square-foot area, which takes up less space than one 60-inch Z-mower, but sells in three seasons. The display allows dealers to consolidate their brand purchases and replenish with their distributor to improve inventory, margin and cash flow. The display has a full graphics package, literature racks and can easily be split into three separate sections.
OPE: What trends do you expect to emerge at the show, and heading into 2011?
Billy Goat: For contractors, we continue to see a trend in productivity. Items like dual-action shredding impellers on our truck loaders, self-propelled blowers, and new hydraulic-drive overseeders all focus on that trend, and help contractors to finish faster and make more money with the same amount or less people.
For homeowners, the trend toward the do-it-yourself “Prosumer,” especially on the 1/2- to 3/4-acre lots, continues. Our budget-minded HomePro 34-inch mower helps these users cut like a pro, and it saves time and money compared to the standard 21-inch mower or outsourced contractor.
For dealers, increased inventory turns and professional merchandisings are best practice trends. In particular, merchandising helps dealers manage their inventory through replenishment versus committing to large stock orders. Merchandising also improves cash flow, increases same-store sales, leverages purchasing and brand power (margin improvement and greater co-op dollars), and doubles floor space by going vertical instead of horizontal.
BRIGGS & STRATTON YARD POWER PRODUCTS GROUP (4 BRANDS)
Residential brands: Snapper and Simplicity.
Commercial brands: Ferris and Snapper Pro.
Indoor booth #5054
Snapper: www.snapper.com
Simplicity: www.simplicitymfg.com
Ferris: www.ferrisindustries.com
Snapper Pro: www.snapperpro.com
Phone: (800) 933-6175
Ferris Evolution compact zero-turn mower
Snapper NXT lawn tractorOPE: What inside information can you share with us about what new and exciting things your company plans to show and tell booth visitors? What trends do you expect to emerge at the show, and heading into 2011?
Snapper/Simplicity: Come and see the Snapper NXT lawn tractor (and walk-behind mower) with innovative features like push-button start. Also, see the newest residential zero-turn products offered by Snapper and Simplicity. Emerging trends include push-button start and the new Snapper REACT drive system for walk mowers.
Ferris/Snapper Pro: All Snapper Pro zero turns are now powered by Hydro-Gear integrated powertrain systems. See the Ferris IS2500Z diesel models and the Snapper Pro S800 diesel. Emerging trends include compact zero-turn units and new cutting systems.
HONDA ENGINES
Indoor booth #3116
Phone: (678) 339-2600
Honda iGX440 engineOPE: What inside information can you share with us about what new and exciting things your company plans to show and tell booth visitors?
Honda: We’ll be showing our full line of Honda four-stroke general-purpose engines. Honda Engines experts will be on hand to answer any questions.
OPE: What trends do you expect to emerge at the show, and heading into 2011?
Honda: We (Honda) anticipate seeing new modifications to existing general-purpose engine product to further enhance practical utility, fuel efficiency and low-emissions performance as we enter 2011 and beyond.
HUSQVARNA PROFESSIONAL PRODUCTS, INC.
Indoor booth #9094
Phone: (800) 487-5951
OPE: What inside information can you share with us about what new and exciting things your company plans to show and tell booth visitors?
Husqvarna: Let’s just say that attendees should plan on spending a lot of time at Husqvarna’s indoor and outdoor exhibits. We will be introducing a number of new and exciting products this year.
OPE: What trends do you expect to emerge at the show, and heading into 2011?
Husqvarna: There will be an increased emphasis on service tools/equipment. The economy has played a major factor in equipment purchasing decisions for end users. They are looking to stretch another year on those big-ticket items. Also, as ethanol-added fuels are being introduced to older equipment, there will be an uptick in repairs.
One area that has seen an increased interest in is the zero-turn market. Professionally, trimmers, brushcutters and chain saws will continue to be leading sellers.
Value is going to be a theme. Pros are looking for products that deliver. Whether that is reducing maintenance cycles, increasing output, cutting time, there will be a lot of people looking for the value proposition of the new offerings.
J. THOMAS
Indoor booth #196
Phone: (800) 828-7980
OPE: What inside information can you share with us about what new and exciting things your company plans to show and tell booth visitors?
J. Thomas: We are currently giving our Web site a new look and making it more customer friendly. We will be adding a fast order section and also a section that will showcase our monthly specials. We are also working on a section that will allow the customer to store their make/model# and all of the part numbers associated with it. This will allow the customer to build a database and also allow for fast orders.
KAWASAKI MOTORS CORP., U.S.A.
Indoor booth #1064
Phone: (800) 433-5640
Kawasaki FR651V, a 22-hp. overhead v-valve, 90-dgree V-twin engineOPE: What inside information can you share with us about what new and exciting things your company plans to show and tell booth visitors?
Kawasaki: Kawasaki will display its complete line of engines and handheld power products oriented primarily toward the professional landscape and gardening community. The company has also recently offered handheld power products at the “prosumer” price point that puts its well-known quality and performance within reach of most homeowners.
OPE: What trends do you expect to emerge at the show, and heading into 2011?
Kawasaki: We anticipate a continued emphasis on alternate fuel sources and environment-friendly products and technologies.
OREGON
Indoor booth #11054
Phone: (800) 223-5168
OREGON PowerSharp OPE: What inside information can you share with us about what new and exciting things your company plans to show and tell booth visitors?
OREGON: We have many new products that will be shown at GIE+EXPO, but the highlight of the show will be our new PowerSharp product, which allows a chain saw user to sharpen their chain on the saw, on the job, in seconds. Our proprietary precision saw chain sharpening system is available for the most popular brands and applications, and the PowerSharp chain is as durable and hard-working as other OREGON 3/8-inch-pitch, low-profile chain. It’s certain to be one of this year’s most innovative products at GIE+EXPO.
OPE: What trends do you expect to emerge at the show, and heading into 2011?
OREGON: We’re certain to see additional trends toward environmentally conscious products and a focus on enhanced battery technology for outdoor equipment.
PAULSON COMPUTER SYSTEMS
Indoor booth #270
www.Inventrakk.com or www.Paulsonsoft.com
Phone: (800) 659-8547
OPE: What inside information can you share with us about what new and exciting things your company plans to show and tell booth visitors?
Paulson Computer: At the 2010 GIE+EXPO, Paulson Computer Systems will have both technical and sales staff available on hand to assist all booth visitors. The latest edition of the InvenTrakk dealership management system will be available for visitors to try out first hand, and our staff will be happy to assist with questions. In addition, Paulson will be making the very first industry preview of our latest dealership management system, code named “Phoenix.” Phoenix is designed in the absolute latest technology and is due to be released to the public in early 2011. Stop by for a sneak peak of this state-of-the-art system and some of the great new features soon to be available for your dealership.
OPE: What trends do you expect to emerge at the show, and heading into 2011?
Paulson Computer: Even though the economy is still in a weakened state, we expect to see dealers doing a lot of shopping and buying again. Contradictory to the global economy, last year ended up being a very strong revenue year for many power equipment dealers. Dealers were shopping for great products last year, and we expect this trend to continue this year. Dealers will be looking for great deals at great prices, and they will find that at GIE+EXPO this year as sales teams offer great deals for customers in an effort to increase sales to offset any damage the weakened economy is creating.
PECO, INC.
Indoor booth #8212
Phone: (800) 438-5823
OPE: What inside information can you share with us about what new and exciting things your company plans to show and tell booth visitors?
PECO: “New PECO” is very quickly becoming the de facto standard for bagging systems in our industry. In addition to our aftermarket baggers that fit most major brands, we are building great products for Bad Boy, Hustler, Walker, Bush Hog, Country Clipper and Dixie Chopper. We will be debuting some exciting new fit-ups and previewing our new Pro-3 bagger, which will be lighter with improved functionality and a sleeker look. We know that our ease of installation and consistent quality ensure that we are the most cost-effective solution for OPE dealers. We also plan to unveil our revamped Web site, which will be more user friendly. In addition, our Brush Blazer walk-behind brush cutter has huge momentum right now. We will be showcasing an updated model with several enhancements.
OPE: What trends do you expect to emerge at the show, and heading into 2011?
PECO: We had a great show in 2009 and expect 2010 to be even better. One of the trends that I look to emerge in the coming year is the continuing realization by more and more manufacturers that their expensive internal engineering resources are best utilized developing a competitive advantage in their mowers. Baggers and other attachments constitute too small a portion of their business to justify the expense of developing them internally. Turning to a company like “New PECO” to provide their collection systems allows OEMs to take advantage of our 35-plus years of designing and manufacturing the best collection systems in the industry while allowing them to focus on building a better mower. I have been repeating this idea every chance I get, and I believe that it’s gaining traction in the industry, and “New PECO” is well positioned to take advantage of the trend.
Stens corporate headquartersSTENS
Indoor booth #7140
Phone: (800) 457-7444
Star Tron products from Stens help treat the most common problems caused by using ethanol fuel blends.
Stens carries K&N maintenance kits, which include a K&N air and oil filter, Lucas Oil engine oil and fuel treatment, and an NGK spark plug.OPE: What inside information can you share with us about what new and exciting things your company plans to show and tell booth visitors?
Stens: The month of October is always an exciting time for Stens and our dealers. Each year at GIE+EXPO, we roll out our newest product additions to the market. This year is no different. We proudly announce the Dinasaw Chain Sharpener, Kenda tires, 2- and 4-cycle recoil starter assemblies, spindle assemblies, an expanded OEM belt selection, voltage regulators for golf carts, cylinder assemblies for cut-off saws, and a gearbox for string trimmers. Come see us at Booth #7140 to see our new products on display.
OPE: What trends do you expect to emerge at the show, and heading into 2011?
Stens: Lately, we have seen many trends evolving in the OPE industry that will emerge at the show, many of which are going to have lasting effects into 2011. One of the most pressing topics is ethanol-blended fuels and the impact it has on the end user and their equipment. Some dealers may benefit from the increase in carburetor and other fuel-related repairs. Most dealers will see an impact on fuel-additive sales, such as Sta-Bil and Star Tron products.
Stricter environmental standards are also an important issue. We anticipate an eventual transition in demand from 2-cycle to 4-cycle handheld equipment as a result of increased regulations, which is already apparent in places such as Toronto, Canada. The demand for 4-cycle equipment and replacement parts will increase, whereas the demand for 2-cycle will decrease. There are also heavier environmental restrictions being posed in greener states such as California, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey and so on. This will impact equipment emissions, as well as the types of equipment used, which could further increase demand for electric- and battery-powered equipment. With an ever-increasing interest in going green among the public, dealers could see more demand for bio lubricants and oils as well.
Many dealers are also beginning to see the emergence of a new and growing market segment, known as “prosumers.” This customer group includes consumers and homeowners looking for professional-quality equipment. Rather than purchasing lower-grade equipment geared for the typical homeowner, “prosumers” want commercial-grade equipment and quality and are willing to make a larger dollar investment to get it. Dealers will begin to see this trend affecting commercial equipment sales positively, along with an increased demand for maintenance services and the corresponding replacement parts.
Lastly, we expect a sustained increase in demand for replacement parts. Maintenance and repair work remains high as the economy continues in an uncertain state and new equipment purchases remain modest. Imported products will continue to lend a hand in increasing profitability, while the parts quality continues to increase and exceed industry standards. Parts suppliers are doing their part to find an ideal balance between price and quality to deliver the utmost value to your dealership.
WALKER MANUFACTURING CO.
Indoor booth #11140
Phone: (800) 279-8537
OPE: What inside information can you share with us about what new and exciting things your company plans to show and tell booth visitors?
Walker: Although we experienced a slowdown last year, we have continued to innovate and improve on our products. We have taken significant steps in our B Series by way of component improvements, and we will also be adding a diesel model to this series in the future. We plan to tell booth visitors (especially dealers) that the Walker line is a great opportunity because we have a strong product offering (highly competitive and diverse in commercial mowing) with a superior design (outfront mowing) all backed by an independent, family-owned business that is highly focused and has passionately supported the product for over 30 years.
We are also hosting the Walker World Championship again this year. Contestants from around the world will be on hand (in the parking lot north of the outdoor demo area) to try compete for the title of Walker World Champion — it is an exciting time.
OPE: What trends do you expect to emerge at the show, and heading into 2011?
Walker: We sense that OEMs will continue to improve on product offerings, but it may be at a little bit more conservative pace, and it also appears that many will make an effort to address “green” products.
