Explorer: OPE Across America – April 2023
The editors at OPE Business spotted the following news from outdoor power equipment dealerships and suppliers around the country in the past few weeks:
Greenworks Commercial and Community Landscape Services, a Sperber Company, hosted a “Let’s Go Green Together” event this spring in the Washington D.C. metro area to showcase how battery-operated products can help increase sustainability and reduce emissions. The event included several community leaders, developers, property managers and school board directors within the D.C. Metro area, allowing guests to experience Greenworks’ battery-powered equipment and learn about the importance of this equipment for local homeowner associations (HOAs).
In late March, Norwich Outdoor Power Equipment, Norwich, New York, hosted highway department heads, school groundskeepers and other work crews to compare battery- and gas-powered tools, according to a report in The Evening Sun. The dealership partnered with Stihl on the event. In business since 1959, Norwich OPE carries Mahindra, Ferris, Stihl, Toro, American Landmaster, Snowdog and Simplicity equipment.
Sydenstricker Nobbe Partners, which has 27 locations throughout Missouri and Illinois, has relocated its dealership in Marion, Illinois, to Carterville, Illinois, according to The Southern Illinoisian: “We moved to Carterville primarily for increased space and accessibility. Our newly renovated space features a brand new showroom and will be much easier for our customers to navigate. Plus, the location close to Route 13 makes it simple for people to find us,” said Jared Nobbe, division manager at SNP.
Nelson Tractor Company, which already had two Georgia locations (in Blairsville and Jasper) has opened a third – this in Dalton. The grand opening and ribbon cutting for the new location was held on April 11. “We could not be more excited to officially welcome all of Dalton and the surrounding areas to our new Dalton location. For decades, our dealership has been serving North Georgia and we’re excited for this new chapter here in Dalton,” states the dealership on its website. A Kubota Elite dealer, Nelson Tractor got its start in 1949.
Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park near Dawson Springs, Kentucky, recently received a new John Deere Gator, three Stihl backpack blowers, three Stihl trimmers, a battery-operated Stihl chainsaw and blower, Stihl shredder vacuum, blower and chainsaw, thanks to the Hearts of Stihl grant, according to The Dawson Springs Progress.
Blanchard Machinery, with locations throughout South Carolina, had the grand opening of its Aiken location in March. Event attendees had the chance to tour the new facility, see machine demonstrations, meet Blanchard equipment experts, win prizes and enjoy an afternoon lunch. The company offers compact Caterpillar equipment as well as Honda, Toro and other lines.
Stiga, the Italian manufacturer of garden machinery and equipment, has launched its Stiga A1500 Autonomous Robot Mower. The cable-free mower features Stiga’s Active Guidance System to predict GPS signal availability and mow efficiently, plus 4G connection and Stiga Cloud for constant communication. For all terrains up to 45% (24°) slopes.
Stewart Martin Kubota, which has four locations in Oklahoma, has announced via its Facebook page that it is now also selling Walker Mowers at its Broken Arrow location. Other lines at Stewart Martin dealerships include: Stihl, Land Pride, Vermeer, Paladin, Schulte and FAE.
JTN Outdoor Power Equipment, in Greencastle, Indiana, is now carrying the full line of Echo handheld equipment, according to the company’s Facebook page. JTN is an authorized Exmark, Honda Power and Mahindra dealership.
