Greetings from Union. 2004 is off to a great start. Sales have been very strong and the shop has been busy.

Even though summer has just begun we are planning ahead. The fair season is just ahead and then it will be a mad rush to get ready for winter. We have already received our first snow blowers and snow plows. Generators are in good supply.

Most manufacturers have implemented steel surcharges or price increases. We have seen 6% to 12% added to many of the products we sell. There are some deals on items we purchased before the price increases, but these items are not going to last long.

Fuel has also seen a dramatic increase this summer. Gasoline is nearly $2.00 per gallon and home heating oil will follow suit. To help keep your heating costs down we are well stocked with wood splitters, logging winches, log arches, and chain saws. We also have a great selection of accessories; chokers, sliders, helmets, gloves, chaps, wedges and saw chain. And what better excuse to purchase a new tractor and loader.

FAIRS

We will be attending the Union Fair, Windsor Fair, Blue Hill Fair, and Fryeburg Fairs this year. There is a schedule attached below. Our parts department is busy stocking up on toys and accessories to sell at the fairs. If you need us to bring anything special to the fairs please call ahead and we will make sure to bring it with us.

Union Fair - August 22nd - August 28th
Windsor Fair - August 29th - September 6th
Blue Hill Fair - September 2nd - September 6th
Fryeburg Fair - October 3rd - October 10th

LAWN MOWERS

The cold wet spring slowed the spring growth, but the summer rains have kept the lawns growing. We have Toro and Kubota lawn tractors in stock and Toro and Honda walk behind mowers in stock. If your current lawn care equipment is not keeping up with the summer growth, please stop by and talk with "The Friendly Folks" about the latest options in lawn care equipment. Our prices are competitive with the big box stores, and our mowers are set up, full of fuel, tested and backed by Union Farm Equipment's legendary service.

SNOW BLOWERS

While we are enjoying summer in Maine, it is time to get ready for winter. Last year we were completely sold out of snow blowers after the first storm. There were no additional units to be had. If your snow blower has seen too many winters now is the time to find a replacement. If it fails next winter we may not have any snow blowers when you need them.

Toro is starting to ship the Power Max snow blowers. If you did not see this revolutionary design last year be sure to stop by. The Power Max auger is designed to almost eliminate clogging. The Power Max auger is combined with the quick stick to make chute adjustments in a flash. . These two stage self-propelled snow blowers start under $1,000.00.

Honda continues to offer a complete line of hydrostatic snow blowers. Track drive or wheel drive; electric or recoil start; 24", 28", or 32" cutting widths Honda has a machine for most driveways.

GENERATORS

Union Farm Equipment, Inc. is proud to be a Winco Industrial Generator Dealer. Winco has been producing quality generators since 1927. We stock their portable and home standby generators. The portable generators are available in 5000 and 6000 watt versions. Both of these units are powered by Honda Engines. These generators are an affordable option for portable power.

Winco also has a complete line of propane powered standby generators. These units are installed permanently and will automatically start when the power goes off and supply power to the house. In addition these generators will start themselves each month and make sure everything is operating correctly. These standby generators are the perfect answer to whatever Mother Nature throws out this winter.

Whether you plan to use a generator for summer camping or for emergency power, Honda has a model for almost every need. The summer camping season is upon us. If you need power for your remote campsite check out the EU series of portable generators. Starting at less than 30 pounds these generators are lightweight, powerful and quiet. The EU3000i even features electric start.

If you are preparing for hurricane season, rolling blackouts and winter storms. Honda has announced even larger versions of generators with their inverter technology. We will soon have the EM5000iS and EM7000iS electric start inverter generators. These units are less than 70 dB (A), and have run times up to 15 hours. For our customers who are seeking more value Honda still offers a traditional 5000 and 6500-watt generator with wheels and electric start.

"The Friendly Folks" have the largest selections of generators in midcoast Maine. Our staff is well versed on helping match the generator to your needs and if repairs are needed we have factory-trained technicians on site. Of course, all of our generators are set up, full of fuel, and load tested. We do not like surprises and we want you to be ready for any power outage.

SERVICE

If you have not started your snow blower and generator this summer, please take it out and run it for a while. One of the biggest problems we have with outdoor power equipment is improper storage and lack of use. Running your equipment in the off-season will help minimize storage issues. It will also identify problems before you must clear snow or generate your own power. If you are not mechanically inclined we recommend setting up an appointment with our service department to fully service your equipment this fall. It is always easier to have your equipment serviced before it becomes an emergency.

As with your tractor, our service van is available to come to your home or business for generator service. We will stop by test and service the generator for a reasonable cost. Please give Wendell a call to set up an appointment.

In keeping with our philosophy of preventative maintenance we are offering two programs this fall. Firstly, we will offer our "We Care Fall Care" special again this year. "We Care Fall Care" covers generators and snow blowers - pickup, delivery and full maintenance for a flat rate. What better way to ensure you are ready for Old Man Winter?

Secondly we are in the process of developing maintenance agreements for many of the products we sell. We plan to implement a compact tractor maintenance agreement first. This plan will cover all scheduled maintenance for a flat rate. We believe this program will make it easier for you, our customers, to ensure a long reliable life for your equipment.

NEW HOLLAND

Right now New Holland is offering 0.00% financing for up to 48 months on selected models. In addition we have several models marked down for the season. Hurry and take advantage of these savings.

New Holland has a great deal on the perennial favorite, the TC30. This is a 30 hp diesel powered tractor. Of course, four wheel drive, block heater, bucket hook, and rear work light are included. This tractor is reasonably priced and when compared to the competition. Not only affordable, but the New Holland TC30 is loaded with features; powerful three point hitch, 9x3 transmission, under-hood muffler, and a semi-flat operators platform.

KUBOTA

The best news is financing; Kubota has extended 0.00% for 36 months through August 31, 2004. If you have procrastinated, now is the time to take advantage of these savings. It does not get better than 0.00% financing.

Kubota sales have been brisk this spring. As a result, inventories are getting low. Kubota is trying to get as much product as possible to their dealers as quickly as possible, but certain models are difficult to find right now. Please shop early for the best selection. As always, we are happy to find whatever model you are looking for.

The RTV900 utility vehicle has been a great success. They are selling almost as fast as we can get them. We have several in stock. If you have yet to drive an RTV, we have a demo, stop by for a test drive.

PARTS

The parts department is busy keeping our haying customers cutting and baling. We are stocking up on toys and accessories for the fair season. If you are wondering what to get your tractor aficionado, young or old, for Christmas, be sure to check out our large selection of scale models this fall.

As you are aware by now, steel prices have risen dramatically in the past year. We do have some tire chains we bought last year. While they last we are offering these chains at last year's prices. Some of these chains have increased by more than 30%. If you are tired of spinning your wheels hurry for the best deals of the year.

"The Friendly Folks"