Michael’s Group was announced as JCB’s global Fastrac dealer of the year, thanks in large part to its excellent aftersales support
It’s been a standout year for Michael’s Group, with Australia’s largest JCB dealer not only a significant name around the country, but now also on the international stage.
The dealer group was recently recognised as JCB’s global Fastrac dealer of the year at JCB agriculture’s 80th anniversary conference in London.
Outstanding sales figures and an ongoing commitment to providing the very-best aftersales support helped Michael’s Group take the honours over JCB dealerships from the United Kingdom and United States of America.
“It’s a big achievement and the owner Brad Michael was able to receive the award in-person,” Michael’s Group technical sales representative Dan Brown says.
“I think everyone was chuffed, because it’s been a huge team effort with a lot of hard work and support that has paid off.
“It’s not just down to the salesmen, it’s a complete award that also recognises the aftersales support, parts availability, and service from the technicians, so it takes a lot of people to come together to provide a good service for our customers.”
Customer experience
Michael’s Group covers a vast area through its four branches across Victoria and southern New South Wales – Michaels of Donald, Michaels Moama, JCB Gippsland and JCB Ballarat – which all are dedicated to going ‘above and beyond’ for its customers.
Whether it’s through offering on-farm machinery demonstrations or helping customers choose the right JCB machine for their application, Brown says this philosophy is of the utmost importance to the business.
“Customers can’t really make their judgment on an expensive piece of machinery without being in the seat and having a go for themselves to see if it works for their farm or their application,” he says.
The same philosophy extends to aftersales support, with Michael’s Group aiming to keep its customers’ machines running at peak performance and with minimal downtime.
Service technicians get real satisfaction out of maintaining and fixing the JCB equipment, which is why Brown says they’re not shy to work late hours.
“It’s all about keeping these machines up and running, because if they’re not operating then they’re not making money for the customer,” he says.
Minimising machine downtime further, Michael’s Group aims to provide replacement machines – where possible – for Fastrac units which are being fixed or serviced.
“If we can, we’ll send another Fastrac to the customer so they can keep working,” Brown says.
By offering customers the best purchasing experience and aftersales support, he says it also helps Michael’s Group generate more repeat business.
“That’s what sells the second tractor – you can get a lucky first sale, but if you don’t back it up and provide the best aftersales support, you won’t get another sale to that customer,” Brown says.
“If you give them a positive experience with their first purchase, you’re more than likely to benefit a couple years down the track when the customer is looking to upgrade their current machine.”
New models
In addition to announcing Michael’s Group as the global Fastrac dealer of the year, JCB agriculture’s 80th anniversary event also saw the announcement of the new Fastrac 6000 series.
Currently, JCB’s Fastrac offering is limited to the iCON 4220 model – featuring a 235hp (175kW) engine – and the top-of-the-range iCON 8330, which boasts a 348hp (260kW) engine.
However, Brown says many JCB customers have wanted a model that offers middle ground between these two models, with the new Fastrac 6000 series serving as JCB’s answer.
“People all around the world have been asking for this and this series will consist of two models – the 6260 and 6300,” he says.
“In terms of horsepower, size and weight, these models will be in the middle of the 4220 and 8330 options.”
While it is still approximately 9-12 months away before hitting the Australian market, the JCB Fastrac 6000 series is set to be a hit with customers of Michael’s Group.
The dealer group has seen its current Fastrac models used in varying applications, and pulling a wide range of implements, including trail sprayers, linkage and muck spreaders, mowers, and seeders.
JCB machinery is distributed in Australia by JCB CEA’s extensive dealer network, which includes Michael’s Group. To find your nearest outlet, visit www.jcbcea.com.au or call 1300 522 232. For more information on Michael’s Group, visit michaelsgroup.net.au