The Rural Voice, 1988-04, Page 71MACHINERY SPECIAL
looking more carefully at each pur-
chase. Specifically, they want pro-
ducts to improve production efficiency
versus the old notion of simply mak-
ing it bigger to get more done at any
cost.
With respect to our business, we
are generally carrying larger inven-
tories to take advantage of production
efficiency with longer runs.
TRENDS AND INNOVATIONS: There
is a strong movement towards im-
proving efficiency in the livestock
sector — better haying equipment,
round bale equipment, and better feed-
ing and livestock -handling equipment,
eg. cattle scales so people can monitor
cattle gain.
BUYING PATTERNS: Farmers are
generally buying earlier in the season
or even a season ahead. I believe this
reflects a greater confidence in their
industry.
ADVICE ON EQUIPMENT CARE: Buy
good equipment, make yourself thor-
oughly familiar with it, and take good
care of it.
PROGNOSIS: We are looking to a
secure future. I don't expect to get
rich, but I believe there is a secure
place for small companies who keep
close to their market and pay attention
to customers' needs.
Even the small -ticket items are be-
coming more sophisticated. We will
need to keep up with new technology,
perhaps through an industry associa-
tion or govemment-sponsored body.
BOB BECKER
BECKER FARM EQUIPMENT LTD.
Exeter, Ontario
Becker Farm Equipment carries
Case !H, Nardi, Vicon, Kongskilde,
Overum, Market, Unverferth, Farm
Fleet, and other shorelines.
OUTLOOK FOR 1988: The outlook is
optimistic. Inventories of new and
good used equipment may be hard to
find if demand continues.
BUSINESS CHANGES: The change to
computerized systems, including
accounting and communications, is
going to have a significant impact on
all dealers. Manufacturers are going
to demand more information and
orders will require more lead time.
TRENDS AND INNOVATIONS: The
most notable is the introduction of the
all-new Case IH Magnum series of
130 -plus horsepower tractors, i.e.,
new engine, new transmission, etc.
BUYING PATTERNS: Buyers spend
more time on shopping. They are very
conscious of price; quality is secon-
dary to price. Service will be a larger
factor in the future.
ADVICE ON EQUIPMENT CARE:
Schedule service check-ups before the
season, i.e., during slow times, and
take advantage of discounts on parts
and service.
PROGNOSIS: There must be fewer
farm equipment dealers and there will
be. Farms are getting bigger (i.e.,
there are fewer farmers) and equip-
ment sizing is changing significantly.
DUMP TRAILERS
SRR z New Models
Flatdeck
12" low sides
60" high sides
grain door
• 10 T capacity
• double axle
• 11 L.x15tires
CaII for complete
information about other
models and our line of
manufactured or custom
built equipment.
George Smyth
Welding and
Machine Shop Ltd
"We build the best
and repair the rest."
R.R. 2, AUBURN, ONT., NOM 1E0
519.529-7212
APRIL 1988 69