The seat switch on roughly 3,700 BigDog and Hustler riding mowers manufactured by Kansas-based Excel Industries can fail to detect that the rider has left the seat, allowing the mower to continue to operate, posing a risk of injury.

Tractor Supply Company (NASDAQ: TSCO), the largest rural lifestyle retail store chain in the United States, today announced the opening of its 1,300th store, as the Company continues to grow toward its stated opportunity of 2,100 domestic store locations. The 1,300th store, located in Bullhead City, AZ, will celebrate its grand opening on March 29, 2014.

Scott's Tractor & Equipment LLC of Smithville, Mo. has recently been purchased by Coleman Equipment Inc. in Bonner Springs, Kan. Located just east of the 169 & 92 Highway intersection, Scott's has been a progressive dealer for Kubota tractors, Scag and Exmark mowers and Stihl power products for more than 13 years.

The North American Equipment Dealers Assn. (NAEDA) has announced the election of its new officers for 2014-15. They assumed their new roles March 1, 2014 at NAEDA's annual meeting in Phoenix, AZ.

Hustler dealers are now facing the big box threat. Excel Industries, the manufacturer of Hustler mowers, recently told dealers they will now offer the Raptor and Raptor SD for online sales at participating Home Depot and Lowes stores, with the Raptor 60 SD in stores.

Mid-Michigan manufacturer Bandit Industries continues to expand its dealer network in North America, adding six new dealers to serve customers in the United States.

ECHO Incorporated and Kubota Tractor Corporation announced today a U.S. Dealer Alliance aimed at growing their combined sales within the commercial turf and consumer lawn and garden markets.

For the second straight year, ActionCOACH Business Coach Monte Wyatt of West Des Moines, Iowa, won the executive coach of the year award at the recent ActionCOACH Americas conference.

Three John Deere farm and turf equipment dealers are merging to form Greenmark Equipment, Inc., a dealership group with 16 locations in Southwest Michigan and Northern Indiana.