Despite its name, Tractor Supply Co. (TSCO) doesn’t sell much in the way of agricultural equipment. Unless a rural lifestyle equipment dealer is into selling products for livestock and pets, truck hardware and seasonal products like lawn and garden items, gifts and toys, TSCO isn’t directly competing for customers who want to purchase farm machinery.
What comes to mind when you read this sentence: “Sometimes the idea for a small business comes from a bad experience, such as paying too much for something and thinking there must be a better way to get the product or service.”
Rural lifestyle equipment manufacturers selling in big box stores is becoming more common. However, that doesn't lessen the blow when it's one of your manufacturers entering the large retailer arena for the first time or expanding on what they already sell. No more is it just lesser quality equipment available at large retailers, but the same machines you sell.
It's probably been 20 years or so, but I still remember it vividly. I had just bought my first car and a few days later in the mail I received a note from the dealership along with a small tin of chocolate covered peanuts thanking me for the purchase.
Unlike the professional farmer, who often walks into the dealership knowing exactly what he needs and what he wants to pay, the rural lifestyler may know only that he or she needs "some equipment to finish a job this weekend." Upon entering an equipment showroom, it's likely that these consumers will have no idea what type of machinery is available to help them get the job done.
Lessiter Media editors visited RhinoAG in Gibson City, IL to get a behind-the-scenes glimpse at the production processes and attention to detail that have contributed to their longevity as they celebrate their 90th anniversary in 2024.
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.
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.