Grasshopper receives dealer recognition award from NAEDA
With exceptional ratings in product and parts quality, The Grasshopper Company was recently awarded a 2015 Dealer’s Choice Award by the North American Equipment Dealers Association (NAEDA).
“Our continuous improvement in manufacturing processes and parts deliverability has resulted in a level of product and support unmatched in the industry,” said Grasshopper President Stan Guyer. “The dealers who we trust to represent our products have rewarded us through these high ratings, and in turn, our commitment to the independent dealer is unwavering.”
“The Dealer’s Choice Award recognizes manufacturers that are doing an exceptional job of providing top-quality products, parts, service and support to the industry,” said NAEDA Chair Blaine Bingham. “These companies are to be complimented on their efforts to assist dealers in key areas of our business operations.”
Grasshopper ratings exceeded industry averages in all 12 areas surveyed. In addition to the top ratings in quality and parts availability, Grasshopper ranked high in product availability, technical support, marketing and advertising support, and warranty procedures and payments. Grasshopper ranked well above average in response to dealer needs and overall satisfaction. “This year’s survey experienced a significant increase in dealer input as we received more than 6,000 manufacturer ratings,” noted Bingham.
“Our employees are essential in this accomplishment,” said Guyer. “Their skill, experience, and dedication to quality processes are second to none, and their passion is driven by a desire to fully satisfy dealer needs, as well as the expectations of the customers who buy our products.
“Our early history in the industry with experience in metallurgy, fuels and airflow, lays a foundation for our success. There were never any off-the-shelf components as we developed zero-turn mowers, and we maintain the ‘test and prove’ attitude today. The fold-up mower deck and swing-out steering levers are two examples of industry-changing Grasshopper innovations. Our dealers have come to depend on Grasshopper quality, and we accept this challenge with humility and respect for the customer experience dealers provide to product end users.”
Grasshopper chooses to invest in the independent dealer network through such principles as fresh inventory turns and providing product support through a team of knowledgeable territory managers. “We have the flexibility as a family-owned company to place quality and relationships ahead of numbers,” added Guyer. “Our dealers stake their reputation on our product quality and support, and the Dealer’s Choice Award is validation that we’re getting it right.”
Grasshopper products are sold in all 50 states and in 40 international markets through more than 1,000 independent dealers. A complete range of Grasshopper snow removal and grounds maintenance products are available, as well as commercial-grade, zero-turn-radius, front- and mid-mount mowers. The company began full-scale production in 1969 and introduced the industry-adopted, swing-out levers shortly thereafter. Other firsts include the first diesel-powered, zero-turn-radius mower in 1983 and the T-Drive commercial-grade hydrostatic transmission system co-patented with Parker Hannifin in 2008. The company’s world-famous logo first appeared in 1965 during the product’s early development.
