Page 17 - OPE September 2020

“The autumn weather and one of the warmest winters on record kept ride-on sales going strong when economic indicators were suggesting the opposite”
and it has established a reputation for great durability. It’s a well-constructed deck that handles the knocks.
“It features 12-gauge steel construction and its cutting performance, grass clearing and overall finish mean it’s been a real winner for us among consumers, predominantly lifestylers and the farm market.”
DEMAND SPRINGS FROM SPRING GROWTH
Masport Product Manager Simon Gaunt describes mower demand as “still seasonal, although there he also saw COVID- stimulated demand around lockdown
and this continued throughout the winter months, which is not true to normal seasonal demand.
“We have seen continued strong demand throughout the ride-on range with no particular outliers,” Simon Gaunt concludes.
“And we are excited to see growth in this category in both domestic and commercial.” And while heavy-duty mower sales have
exceeded forecasts, Husqvarna’s Steve Middleton adds that robotic mower sales also continue to grow month after month.
“Dealers are seeing a lot of people walking in asking for our Automower product and converting sales and installations,” he says.
In terms of the domestic end user, many flocked online to suss out their next home- or garden-enhancing project or purchase. Does this hold true for outdoor power?
“More consumers were at home, gardening, cleaning up around the home and taking on new DIY and maintenance tasks,” agrees Simon Gaunt.
Indeed Masport saw a lot more engagement than usual on its various websites which indicated that consumers were busy at home researching and comparing products. n
MARKETPLACE
Ride-on Mowers
Cutting-edge garden tractor
THE HUSQVARNA TS242TXD
garden tractor (photo above) is a high-spec model designed for landowners who need an efficient machine on large, grassed areas all year round. Driven by a powerful Kawasaki FR Series V-Twin engine with pedal- operated hydrostatic transmission and automatic rear differential lock for superior traction and control, the
ClearCut fabricated deck not only offers rock solid durability but also top class performance and cut quality. Additional features include cruise control, pivoting cast front axle, LED headlights, hour meter with service minder, and an adjustable sliding seat with arm rests. Collector and BioClip kits are available as optional accessories.
www.husqvarna.com
THE GRASS IS GREENER.
The new standard for lawn tractors has been set with our redesigned Honda riding mowers. Now with advanced new engines, they’re smooth, comfortable and easy to drive. Beautifully nished with a host of new features, these great looking machines are built to give you a great looking lawn. Check one out at hondapowerequipment.co.nz
HF2625
Products only available while stocks last. Product available at participating authorised Honda stockists.
OPE Ad_Sep 2020.indd
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SEPTEMBER 2020 NZ OUTDOOR POWER EQUIPMENT 017