Articles by Ben Thorpe

Remembering the Last Allis-Chalmers Tractor

By Ben Thorpe posted on April 23, 2024

In researching the West Allis factory, I learned the Allis-Chalmers brand had one last go at the market only a decade ago.

Baltimore Port Closure Could Impact Imports of Utility Tractors

By Ben Thorpe posted on April 5, 2024 | Posted in Data & Forecasts

The port closure could translate to a slowdown in the importation of utility tractors to the U.S., resulting in longer lead times for dealers and delayed deliveries.

Former Solectrac Dealer: ‘The Electrification Bubble has Popped’

By Ben Thorpe posted on April 3, 2024 | Posted in Manufacturer News

A former Solectrac dealer Rural Lifestyle Dealer spoke with said they’d been a dealer for several years but never sold any units.

Dealer Business Trends & Outlook

Dealers Beat 2023 Wholegoods Sales Forecasts, Look to Aftermarket Revenue in 2024

Dealers are most worried about the impact of interest rates in 2024

By Ben Thorpe posted on February 28, 2024 | Posted in Data & Forecasts

Even as inventories rise and interest rates remain high, rural lifestyle dealers are maintaining healthy optimism as they begin the year.

2024 Dealership of the Year

WCTractor Invests in Rental, Young Leadership & Remote Service for Success in 2024

With a 44 year old owner, 10 stores & aggressive growth plans, WCTractor aims to expand in several directions to advance its business

By Ben Thorpe posted on February 22, 2024 | Posted in Best Practices, Dealership Marketing, Rural Lifestyle Market

When WCTractor Owner Chris Wackman first bought the dealership in 2014, he had zero experience in selling equipment. In fact, he came from a family of oil barrel manufacturers and had been the fourth generation to run that family business.

6 Rural Lifestyle Takeaways From the 2024 National Farm Machinery Show

By Ben Thorpe posted on February 16, 2024 | Posted in Manufacturer News, Product Innovations

Our editors were on the ground at this year's National Farm Machinery Show in Louisville, Ky. These are our top takeaways from the show.

Why Any ‘High Volume’ Manufacturer Uses Dealerships

By Ben Thorpe posted on February 6, 2024 | Posted in Manufacturer News, Best Practices

An article last month from the Wall Street Journal covered how electric vehicle startup Fisker would be transitioning from a direct-to-consumer distribution model to signing up 50 dealers this year.

Dealers: Are You Utilizing Your ‘Face Value’?

By Ben Thorpe posted on February 2, 2024 | Posted in Best Practices

What do I, dealer principal Chris Wackman and a cartoon beaver have in common? We all have “face value.”

What NASCAR Driver Chase Briscoe Wants from His Dealer

By Ben Thorpe posted on January 22, 2024 | Posted in Best Practices

Biscoe is in his third year using the Mahindra 5145 and 1626 tractors on his 17 acres in Charlotte, N.C.

Amazon is Selling Cars … are Tractors Next?

By Ben Thorpe posted on January 11, 2024 | Posted in Manufacturer News, Rural Lifestyle Market

I recently read a Wall Street Journal article about how, starting this year, you’ll be able to buy Hyundai vehicles on Amazon.

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Mowhawk Mowers Enters the Zero-Turn Space

Mowhawk mowers using decades of manufacturing experience to enter the zero-turn space and grow its dealer network.

Top Directory Listings

Yanmar

Yanmar America is the North American headquarters of Yanmar Holdings. Ranked #1 in Product Quality for five years in a row by the Equipment Dealers Association, Yanmar provides innovative solutions for Rural Lifestyle and Industrial Equipment customers.

Yanmar was the world’s first manufacturer to develop a practical small diesel engine in 1933 and has continued to push the boundaries of innovation and technology ever since. As a manufacturer of diesel engines, compact tractors and utility task vehicles, construction machinery, and industrial equipment, Yanmar's products are sold in over 130 countries.

At Yanmar America, we are committed to providing our customers with the highest quality products and services, backed by a strong team of professionals who share our dedication to excellence. We look forward to the opportunity to work with you in achieving your goals.

Stihl Inc

Virginia Beach-based STIHL Inc., produces a full line of high-quality, handheld outdoor power equipment including blowers, trimmers, brushcutters, and multi-task tools, as well as the number one selling brand of chainsaws worldwide. STIHL Inc. manufactures over 260 model variations of handheld outdoor power equipment for sale in the U.S. and around the world.