Page 21 - OPE September 2019

MARKETPLACE
Ride-on Mowers
typically buy the high-end Walkers and Hustlers but he reckons the new R21 residential mower looks to be the best- priced Walker in more than 10 years.
“It will be a real bonus for us to get people into that Walker experience at a better price point,” he says in anticipation.
Dealer perspective – Get them hands on!
Walker and Hustler are new brands for Bisset Honda/STIHL SHOP Pahiatua, where owner Ingrid de Graaf and her sales team offer a broad variety of ride-ons, from entry-level, side-throw models up to the top-end Walkers favoured by farmers within a one-hour radius of the lower North Island store.
“Whether they go for something small or big really just depends on the size of
a farmer’s lawn,” says Ingrid, adding that it was “a major decision” to introduce Walker alongside half a dozen other brands.
Still that big call is already being justified now that the strong base of local Walker owners have started bringing them in for servicing!
What about ZTRs in this market? Says
Ingrid: “Prior to doing Walker and Hustler, we didn’t do much in terms of zero-turn but now we’re about 50-50 with those brands, and we also sell Honda and Cub Cadet models.”
What drives this even split in STIHL SHOP Pahiatua’s ride-on sales?
“Some lawns are particularly well suited to zero-turns as they have a lot of trees but there are still people who wouldn’t have a bar of it.
“You can buy a zero-turn with a wheel, though, which takes away that ‘fear’ of not having a steering wheel.”
Ingrid de Graaf insists that demonstration is the way to sell a ride-on: “You really have to get out there with your demos so people can see what works on their lawn and that they’re comfortable with the way a mower drives. We take out several different options and work out what’s going to suit them and their budget.”
Plus, she says, clearly without fear of overstatement: “We’re well stocked, we’re going to have a massive push on ride-ons this year, and if you walk in our door, there’s no excuse to leave without one.”
That’s a great parting shot and not a bad outlook on which to leave the subject... n
Masport launches “agile” rider
The Masport R7-65.8HD rear
catching ride-on mower, powered by a Briggs & Stratton 950E engine, is an extremely agile rider. Small enough to fit through most gates, this rider’s compact size makes it ideal for lawns in small, medium or winding gardens.
The foot controlled hydrostatic variable transmission allows the operator to keep both hands on the wheel for optimal control while the rack and pinion
steering system makes the ride-on light and easy to manoeuvre. Ergonomically arranged controls keep everything within arm’s reach and the catcher full indicator sounds an audible alarm signalling when it is time to empty the catcher.
Thanks to its sophisticated and patented operating mechanism, reverse mowing is now possible, even at full speed, with the simple push of a button
www.masport.co.nz
YEAR WARRANTY
*special conditions apply
FOR THE WORLD’S
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