We sat down with Bart Sherwood, owner of Sherwood Tractor, a 2-store Mahindra dealer and 2018 Rural Lifestyle Dealer Dealership of the Year, and got his thoughts on the most innovative equipment that’s hit the market in the last 10 years and what he sees as the next big innovations to come in the next decade. He also shares his outlook for the rural lifestyle equipment market in 2021.
Rural Lifestyle Dealer: What do you think has been the most innovative equipment advancement in the past 10 years?
Sherwood: Technology has improved in the past 10 years. Lift capacity on smaller, compact tractors has improved a lot. For example, there’s now a 25 horsepower tractor with a 2,200 pound loader capacity, which is unbelievable. It’s amazing what that tractor can do. Hydrostatic transmissions have improved and become more popular. Power shuttle transmissions have come a long way in the past 10 years.
RLD: What product innovation do you foresee in the next 10 years?
Sherwood: There’s a good chance that someone will come out with a continuous round baler in the hay and forage market.
RLD: What is your outlook on the outdoor power equipment market for this year and beyond?
Sherwood: The outdoor power equipment market outlook is going to be great for 2021. As more people are moving into the country, there will be more consistent demand. It may soften a bit perhaps next year and 2023, but it will be good, even if it’s not as strong as 2020 and 2021.
RLD: What is your dealership’s greatest strength?
Sherwood: Our greatest strength lies in our people — quality people that know the job, want to do better and be better. They want to take care of the customer and provide the level of customer service that customers expect today. Our other strength is marketing. Even though we’re a very rural dealership, we’re one of the top 5 Mahindra dealers in North America.
RLD: What problems do your customers have that your dealership helps solve?
Sherwood: Our customers have challenges like caring for their property and having the right equipment to do what they need and want to do. We help match their needs with the right equipment and size.
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