The CLAAS Harvest Centre network is growing with the appointment of three new dealerships in Toowoomba, Tamworth and Gunnedah, taking its Australian footprint to 35 dealerships.
The three dealerships will be operated by the Wideland Group, an Australian-owned company with extensive interests in the farm machinery, construction equipment, truck, motor vehicle and vehicle rental sectors.
All three centres will represent the entire CLAAS Harvest Centre line-up, including the well-known CLAAS, AMAZONE and Väderstad brands, along with the Wideland Groups’ existing franchises.
The changes will take place effective immediately at Wideland’s existing dealerships at 55–57 Carrington Road, Toowoomba and 137 Gunnedah Road, Tamworth, while a new dealership will be established at Gunnedah early in the new year.
Landpower General Manager Product Tim Needham says the appointment fills the gaps in the company’s footprint in Queensland and NSW.
“These new dealerships will enable us to better service the grain, forage and livestock producers in the Darling Downs, New England, Liverpool Plains and the NSW Central West regions,” he says.
“They compliment our existing CLAAS Harvest Centres at Dalby, Moree and Narrabri and independent dealerships in Scone, Coonabarabran and Parkes.
“Producers and contractors will have greater access to cutting-edge technology, service, parts and support to gear their farming business up for success.
“Rather than the usual ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach, CLAAS Harvest Centres represent a range of manufacturers that are acknowledged as leaders in their fields.
“Combined with our reputation for service and support, you can be confident that you’re getting the very best solution for your requirements.
Needham welcomed the Wideland Group to the Landpower family.
“Wideland Group is a well-established, professional and respected dealer group with a solid track record in farm machinery, particularly broadacre farming,” he says.
“Wideland’s decision to join the CLAAS Harvest Centre network is obviously answering a market need, as they are already fielding genuine sales inquiries for immediate delivery.”
Wideland Group Managing Director Mick McDonald says his organisation is delighted to represent the CLAAS, AMAZONE and Väderstad portfolios.
“This move adds to our established strategy of delivering the most we can for our customers,” he says.
“CLAAS is a reputable brand and is acknowledged as one of the world’s leading manufacturers of agricultural engineering equipment.
“In a highly competitive market, our partnership with CLAAS will allow us to deliver even greater benefits to our customers, more services, more technical support and more solutions.
“Obviously there are going to be some changes as we get our new dealerships up and running but please be assured that you’ll still receive the great service you’ve come to expect from Wideland.”
The CLAAS range includes the LEXION combine and JAGUAR forage harvesters; XERION, AXION and ARION advanced technology tractors, SCORPION telehandlers; and the integrated GREENLINE range of forage harvesting equipment.
AMAZONE is a world leader in spreading, spraying, drilling and cultivation technology, while Väderstad is well-known for its cultivation and seeding equipment, including the TEMPO precision planter.
Needham says the CLAAS Harvest Centre network has thrived in the challenging conditions of 2020.
“The past 12 months has been one of the most difficult but exciting times we’ve experienced,” he says.
“Our suppliers, dealers and staff have worked really hard to make sure we got machines into the country, off the docks, pre-checked and delivered to our customers well ahead of the season.
“We have invested an additional $2 million in extra spare parts for this season, distributed across our network in anticipation of a long and difficult harvest.
“We have also arranged for seven German expert service technicians to supplement our field teams during harvest.”
“In the middle of all this, we are demonstrating the new CLAAS LEXION 8000/7000 series combine harvesters throughout the eastern states and Western Australia.”
CLAAS claims the new series delivers 10 per cent more capacity than its previous 700 range, which the company says is acknowledged as the world’s most productive and efficient combine harvester.