Winter 2006
Seasons Greetings!
Once again we are enjoying the brisk, short days of winter, reminiscing about last year and planning for the coming year. We had another great year in 2005 thanks to you our friends and customers. Because of you, our customers, we became one of the top ten Kubota dealers in the country and we were awarded the Kubota Presidents Cup in 2004. In 2005, we will, once again, sell over 300 Kubotas. We have also consistently been a Land Pride Golden Dealer and are among the top 100 Woods dealers. These awards all recognize the simple fact that Union Farm Equipment, Inc. puts Customer Service as our top priority. We would not have grown this large in the small town of Union, Maine had we not put our customers first.
In order to better serve you, we made several additions to our staff this year. Dave Gould came on this year to help Wendell manage the Service Department. Dave has managed other service organizations and will be a large asset to us. Sonny Reynolds has also joined the Service Department as a small engine technician. Sonny came from the marine industry and is quickly learning about outdoor power equipment. Cheryl Tibbets has joined the parts department to handle shipping and receiving. Chris Dreher has joined us as a road salesman. Chris and Richard Lash are making the rounds this winter.
Many of our customers have told us that they do not have time to come here during the busy season. First we started doing onsite maintenance and repairs with our mobile service van. This has been very helpful to many of our customers who cannot afford down time. Now we hired Chris as an outside salesman. Whether you need parts, service, information or a demonstration, we are now able to come to you at your convenience.
SALES
Now is the time to look for deals on leftovers. We have specials in store and on the website. Our Rental Fleet of excavators and tractor loader backhoes is now listed for sale in the "Used Equipment" on our website. Kubota has had their first major price increase in over ten years. They are making a number of changes to the line up next year and we are making deals on any in stock inventory. Through December 31, 2005 Kubota is offering rebates (up to $500.00) for using their revolving credit accounts.
http://www.unionfarmequip.com/equipused/index.html
SERVICE
Is your equipment ready for winter? If you are planning to use your tractor this winter, be sure the battery is charged, the fuel is conditioned, the glow plugs and block heater work. If you are storing small power equipment be sure to stabilize the fuel and run the carburetor dry. If you prefer, our trained service technicians are ready to help service your equipment.
Now more than ever it is important to service your equipment before it fails. We have the "We Care Winter Care" program every spring and every fall as a preseason tune up on your power equipment. For a flat rate we will pick up your lawn mower or lawn tractor, service it and return it to your home. Please call Dave to schedule an appointment for your lawn care equipment. In addition, if you have been putting off major repairs until spring, we can save you money NOW. The "Winterfix" program will save 10% on all repairs over $500.00. Please call Wendell or Dave to schedule an appointment.
PARTS
Old man winter is beginning to settle back into Maine. Is your equipment ready? We have everything you need to keep up with winter: shear bolts, batteries, fuel conditioner, snow cabs, gloves, ice scrapers, and even windshield wiper blades. Tire chains are becoming scarce. If you are in need of a particular size please call soon to reserve your chains.
If you have yet to visit the Parts section of our website, please do. We have increased the offerings in our online store during the year and we are preparing to add restoration parts to the website.
http://www.unionfarmequip.com/store/index.html
2006 EVENTS
Cutters Day
Our annual "Cutter's Day" will be on Wednesday, March 22, 2006.The focus of this day is commercial mowing and landscaping equipment. We will have manufacturers representatives, demos, and some of the best deals of the year. Of course, we will serve breakfast and lunch.
Chip, Split and Drive Day
Last year's "Chip, Split and Drive" was a resounding success, therefore we will host a second annual "Chip, Split and Drive Day" on April 22, 2006. We will feature Chippers, Splitters, Chain Saws, Tractors and Utility Vehicles; all the things that make working in the woods more enjoyable and safer. We will have manufacturers representatives on hand to demonstrate their equipment and we are planning an obstacle course for the utility vehicles to put them through their paces. We will have hot dogs and chips for lunch.
Chainsaw Safety Clinic
The high price of oil is causing more people to burn wood in an effort to save money. Many of these people are not experienced operators and are using one of the most dangerous tools (the chainsaw) with out any training. We are planning a chainsaw safety clinic because we do not want our friends and customers to be hurt needlessly. We will have representatives from Echo and Oregon on hand to talk about safety and maintenance.
WALKER
Last summer the Distributor for Walker mowers in Maine sold his business to Precision Works. Precision Works is the largest Walker distributor in the U.S. They now cover the entire Northeast. Precision does not offer the volume discounts we were able to take advantage of last year so prices will be a little higher this spring. Walker is offering some great financing packages right now. We do have a few leftover Walkers at last year's pricing. If you are looking for a great deal hurry in and take advantage of these leftovers.
http://www.unionfarmequip.com/equipnew/walker/index.html
TORO
Toro is one of the best snowblowers on the market today. The Quick Stick TM Chute Rotator and the Power Max TM Auger have revolutionized snow removal. Toro snowblowers are selling rapidly. If you have been putting off a purchase, now is the time to hurry in before we are sold out.
The Toro commercial mower lineup has been revamped for 2006. The popular 400 series will remain essentially unchanged. The 500 series will have an estate model and a Kubota diesel powered unit. The estate models will feature a 25 hp engine and a special 7-gauge deck at a reduced price. Toro will offer fleet discounts (23% off MSRP); please ask us for more details.
http://www.unionfarmequip.com/equipnew/toro/index.html
HONDA
Generator sales have been brisk. The hurricanes and the news of rolling blackouts have fueled sales. At the same time, inventories have been low. If you have put off a generator purchase do not wait until the lights go out. If you have not heard the new inverter generators stop by and see how quiet and efficient a generator can be at substantially reduced prices.
Honda is adding a new model to the Harmony II lineup. The HRR216K3VXA has two features never before seen on a steel deck Honda mower. This unit has a variable speed transmission so it will mow lawn at your speed and not drag you along behind. It also features Roto-Stop that stops the blade without stopping the engine when you let go of the handle. Now you can start the mower once and mow the whole lawn. All this plus Honda quality and the MSRP is only $539. Be sure to stop by this spring and see how easy lawn mowing can be.
http://www.unionfarmequip.com/equipnew/honda/index.html
KUBOTA
Kubota will introduce several new models for 2006. Most significant are the BX series, U series and the M series. Now Kubota is introducing the BX-50 series. These tractors take the subcompact tractor to the next level. Features such as a hidden loader valve, more spacious operators station, and quarter-inching valve have all been added to the BX-50.
In 2000 Kubota created a new category of tractors, the subcompact tractor, with the introduction of the BX series. In 2002 Kubota introduced the first subcompact Tractor Loader Backhoe, the BX22. Other companies have tried to copy the BX series, but no one has outdone Kubota. While they last, we have some great deals on the BX-30 series. These have been great tractors and they have never been priced better than now. Please call or stop in to see what we have left.
Kubota is now the only company with a complete line of zero tail swing and limited tail swing compact excavators from 1.5 to 6 tons. This year Kubota is introducing a U15, U25 and U45 to complement their existing models. Regardless of your needs Kubota now has a quiet, smooth and powerful compact excavator just for you.
Kubotas M series Utility Tractors have been redone for 2006. We now have a M105 open station, which is ideal for working in areas where the cab is a liability. The M40 series, from 50 to 94 hp, is available with synchronized or hydraulic shuttle transmissions. In addition the M40 series features a flat deck, sloped hood, redesigned seat and available Grand Cab. The M40 series loaders are now skid steer quick attach compatible.
http://www.unionfarmequip.com/equipnew/kubota/index.html
NEW HOLLAND
We are pleased to announce the New Holland Track loaders are coming soon. These units combine the lift, power and versatility of a skid steer with the traction of an excavator. We will have both the LT185.B and the LT190.B available in the near future. If your skid steer won't go where you wish, stop by for a demonstration of these exciting new machines.
New Holland has also introduced the TN85 and TN95 utility tractors. These tractors are based on the very successful TN chassis. Now it is possible to have up to 77 PTO horsepower and a smaller frame tractor. Of course, New Holland has a complete line of compact and subcompact tractors featuring "Best in Class" ergonomics and visibility. Stop by for a test drive and see how easy it is to operate the New Holland "Boomers".
http://www.unionfarmequip.com/equipnew/newholland/index.html
"The Friendly Folks"