| 39 “Sometimes you don’t need all that power. Kawasaki do a 400 quad; for us that’s a good seller, it chugs away at 30 kilometres an hour and can climb as well. We sell them and hardly see them back for repairs.” RURAL PEOPLE » Rob Titter Key sales and service hub in the region The business has grown from a one-man-band to now employing three mechanics and three office staff. Russell Fredric Operating from its well-stocked outlet in Kaikohe, Rob Titter Farm Services is the key sales and service hub in the region for farm vehicles and outdoor power equipment. “I started the business from scratch 12 years ago now. I’m from a mechanic’s background, and farming for 25 years,” Rob says. With this background it has always been easy for Rob to relate to his clients and to understand their needs, and the business has grown from a one-man-band to now employing three mechanics and three office staff, in addition to Rob’s role. “Our trained and trainee technicians will make sure your UTV/ATV is kept in good condition. We are equipped with the latest tools and facilities. We have a wide range of parts and accessories for all brands of bikes and we’re able to source genuine and after-market parts.” Rob Titter Farm Services is the only business in Kaikohe selling light farm vehicles and these include Kawasaki, Kymco and Thumpstar side-by-sides, CF-Moto quads, Kawasaki, Suzuki, and Thumpstar two-wheeler bikes. The business stocks four brands of ride-on mowers, while outdoor power needs are covered with its extensive range of Oleo-Mac equipment such as chainsaws, trimmers, blowers and vacuums, mowers, post hole borers, water pumps and sprayers, with the option of battery power for some. “We pretty much cover the range. The CF-Moto products, with the side-by-side and the quads for us are big sellers.” CF-Moto sell at a very competitive price point, especially when compared to the more dominant brands. “We have been selling them for 10 years and the quality has continually improved; what they are producing now is right up there with the big name brands.” Regardless of the brand, farm vehicles in New Zealand can be pushed to the limit and have to perform in all conditions, so regular maintenance is a key part of owning them. “We can do servicing, repairs, insurance claims, tyre repairs/changes, and also supply parts for things such as farm machinery and tractor parts.” During challenging economic conditions farmers tend to hold on to their farm vehicles for longer, so although sales of new equipment tends to fall, this is offset to a degree by an increase in demand for maintenance. Rob and his staff can provide sound advice on the best option for each customer’s needs across the full range of equipment, and the most powerful is not always best, he says. “Sometimes you don’t need all that power. Kawasaki do a 400 quad; for us that’s a good seller, it chugs away at 30 kilometres an hour and can climb as well. We sell them and hardly see them back for repairs.” For others who may be carrying or towing heavier weights, a more powerful machine with a higher tow rating not only makes sense, but is a prudent decision from a health and safety perspective, he says. While it is satisfying for Rob to reflect on how the business has grown since he started it, he l sees opportunities to improve and grow further, including through more internet and social media engagement, but traditional rural values remain the cornerstone, he says. “We provide the best service we can and to be honest about everything we do, and that’s pretty much what it comes down to; good word-of-mouth recommendations.” • Chainsaws • Trimmers • Blowers • Post Hole Borers Chainsaws from $349 Ride on Mowers from $4399 • Ride on Mowers • Side Discharge • Rear Catching • Robotic Mowers Proud suppliers to Rob Titter Farm Services Ltd, 34 Station Rd, Kaikohe Rob Titter Farm Services Ltd Repairs on all makes & models admin@rtfarmservices.co.nz Ph: 09 401 1774 | Mobile: 027 522 6248 34 Station Road, Kaikohe. Farm vehicles in New Zealand can be pushed to the limit and have to perform in all conditions.
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