Page 12 - OPE September 2019

MARKETPLACE
Trimmers & Brushcutters
THE BIG CHANGE taking place in the trimmer and brushcutter market continues to be around
drive type.
Increased uptake of cordless products is
partly being driven both by those converting from petrol models and by a new breed
of lifestyle customer attracted by the convenience and ease-of-use of battery- powered equipment.
Happily, both domestic and commercial operators can now choose from a broad range of cordless options from entry-level to mid-grade commercial, leaving petrol to dominate the heavy-duty commercial scene – for the time being...
MD Jochen Speer says STIHL NZ is enjoying increased sales volumes in 2019 and says the brand is well positioned for further category growth with more cordless products set to come on stream in the next 6-12 months.
“The increase in consumer demand
and commercial demand for battery- operated line trimmers and brushcutters has continued through the winter months,” he says.
“We’ve seen a faster increase in this category compared with previous years and we expect the momentum to continue. It’s very positive because [battery] grows the market, as petrol sales remain steady.
“There’s a really high uptake across
the board,” Jochen continues, “and much stronger momentum in the commercial sector than we used to have. More and more products are being used in a commercial
application, whereas two or three years ago we really only had domestic product.”
Of course, a useful upgrade option is to add more powerful batteries and STIHL, for example, brings out a new battery generation each year, on average.
“Technology has come a long way in
that respect,” agrees Jochen Speer, “with improvement in the longevity of the battery, but also in the construction of the tools.”
All of which means commercial
of their cordless equipment, it’s very price competitive.”
Petrol still powers on
Across at Husqvarna, Regional Sales Manager, Steve Middleton, reports “really good year-on-year growth across the category”.
He also acknowledges that the big trend in the market is battery product and reports battery continuing to track significantly
customer is very battery-orientated, Steve Middleton says there are still plenty of “tried and true traditionalists who like their petrol units and are yet to be converted but are giving cordless product another look – especially when commercial area sales managers put the gear into their hands.”
What’s Steve Middleton’s outlook? “In 2020 I think we’re going to see a good continuation of the growth we’ve experienced in our straight-shaft and curved-shaft loop handle trimmers.
“The split-shaft machine was quite an advancement for us as well and contractors appreciate the split-shaft versatility. We see a lot of contractors who grab their pole saw, high-reach hedgetrimmer and we’ve got sweeper attachments available as well as a blower attachment for multi-tool or split- shaft equipment.”
Also strong on the commercial front is Honda, with its exclusively petrol-powered range.
Against the backdrop of increasing cordless sales, the benefits of Honda’s four- stroke products are still very much apparent, says Leon Warner, Marketing Manager at Honda Power & Marine.
“Their viability for commercial users is undiminished as they deliver more grunt for heavy-duty tasks,” he says, pointing to Honda highlights such as ease of four-stroke starting, low emissions, strong efficiency and four-stroke reliability.
Which is why, believes Leon, that contractors are continuing to upgrade to later, more powerful petrol models including Honda’s latest offerings which satisfy that demand.
Dealers spoken to suggest contractors are increasingly looking for machines that are easier to handle, are less taxing on the body and offer greater efficiency, easier starting and convenience features like a quick release for air filter covers, or access to spark plugs.
Honda however does offer battery or cordless options in Europe and Leon Warner says the company is evaluating their suitability for Australasia according to customer requirements.
Meanwhile, a drive towards better brand delivery in our market has seen Power & Marine put more emphasis on customer support and order fulfilment.
With its 400+ strong New Zealand dealer network and for the benefit of consumers, Honda has initiated a range- based agreement with the majority of those dealers to ensure on-the-shelf product availability.
It’s no small undertaking, Leon Warner insists, given the size of the network
and the necessary investment in IT and inventory systems, and it speaks volumes about the rude health of this equipment category.
Husqvarna 545RXT brushcutter
Contracting professionals cutting or
trimming long stretches of heavy grass or other vegetation will be well served by the heavy-duty Husqvarna 545RXT-AT, whose combination of power, performance and comfort promises high productivity and low user strain.
With its simplified starting procedure, users simply purge, push the start
button and pull the cord to ignite the powerful 46cc engine. Husqvarna’s X-Torq technology ensures high fuel efficiency and reduced exhaust emission levels, while AutoTune automatic engine adjustment
ensures peak performance regardless of fuel quality, climate or altitude.
Meanwhile the Balance XT harness, adjustable handles and efficient vibration dampening help maximise productivity and comfort during even longer, tougher jobs.
www.husqvarna.co.nz
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While a new breed of customer
is very battery-orientated, there are still plenty of tried and true traditionalists who like their petrol units and are yet to
be converted but are giving cordless product another look
operators are “now looking for that [cordless] product knowing it’s up to
the task. The initial purchase is more expensive because you have to invest in a battery and charger but most commercial operators have got more than just a line trimmer or brushcutter.
“So long as they are extending the use
upwards, especially as customers experience the benefits, ease of use and extra productivity of interchangeability of battery packs.
“With a trimmer, for example, you’ve bought the kit, you have the charger and the battery, and they can be applied to other equipment,” he underlines.
But, while a new breed of Husqvarna