The Rural Voice, 1990-04, Page 64MACHINERY
BILL BROWN
STRATFORD FARM
EQUIPMENT LIMITED
STRATFORD
EQUIPMENT CARRIED
Case IH, Hesston, Bob Cat, Cub Cadet
BUSINESS TRENDS
Case IH has introduced the new Maxxum line
of tractors with a five-year warranty (the same
as Magnum). Manufacturers are and will be
more responsible (along with dealers) for
knowing and servicing their customers better
in the 1990s. We are entering an era where the customer dictates his
needs and dealers and manufacturers are responsive to those needs.
SPECIAL 1990
INVENTORY AND SALES
Stratford Farm Equipment distributes parts for Hesston for Ontario
and this inventory combined with Case 11-1 and Bob Cat allows us to
carry one of the largest parts inventories at the dealer level in Ontario.
Our total inventory of parts alone is heading towards $1 million. We
have, of course, all standard company finance and leasing plans and
look forward to NAEDA (North American Equipment Dealers
Association) financial services as well. This is a joint venture of
dealers, dealer associations, and financial institutions to provide
financing at competitive pricing. Stratford Farm Equipment has
available the leasing of used equipment to approved credit.
THE FREE TRADE AGREEMENT
As a dealer we are not affected because the importing of equipment
is free. But for our customers and their marketing arrangements it is
causing us along with them a lot of concern. If we only knew the truth
I am sure we could all deal with it.
THE GOODS AND SERVICES TAX
The only person who likes
change is a wet baby. If the
administration of this tax
doesn't create a paper burden
it should actually benefit
farmers and small business.
Depending on how it is
administered, it could create
cash-flow problems.
Bill Brown
LAWN AND GARDEN EQUIPMENT
Cub Cadet
We only sell units in the higher quality area so
we can provide parts and service. We believe
chain -store products will not survive fannn
conditions and so do not offer for sale this line
of product. Cub Cadet offers the good
warranty and parts service that our customers
expect. We cannot offer these services
without the backup. Since the parts depot is in
Kitchener, we have a local advantage.
CHUCK BECKER
C. A. BECKER EQUIPMENT LTD.
LUCKNOW
EQUIPMENT CARRIED
CASE IH — a full line of farm equipment; Kubota — tractors and
equipment
BUSINESS TRENDS
Maxxum tractors are new for 1990, ranging from 77 to 95 hp.
Customers are practising minimum till for fall tillage. There is an
increased use of Conser-til on chisel plows on bean ground.
INVENTORY AND SALES
We stock about $1 million in new inventory and about $450,000 in
used. 1990 appears to be a year of very selective buyers. Used buyers
are only looking for super -clean, low -mileage equipment. New
buyers are seeking the latest technology to increase profitability for
their operation.
THE FREE TRADE AGREEMENT
Yes it is affecting business. Dairy farmers are very concerned about
a drop m the value of dairy quota. The feather industry people also
believe free trade will have an effect on their quota system. These
farmers are reluctant to borrow on new equipment.
THE GOODS AND
SERVICES TAX
Simply, it will create an
accounting nightmare for both
retailers and customers. It will
create more work and expense
for everyone who is in small
business.
Chuck Becker
60 THE RURAL VOICE