Built to Last: Why NZ dealers are backing SaMASZ
With a growing footprint across New Zealand, the Polish manufacturer (together with agricultural machinery specialist, FarmShop) are looking set to reach a bold goal of hay mower market leadership by 2027. What’s driving the success? Thanks is due in large part to the service agents dotted throughout NZ who are putting their reputation behind the brand.
FarmShop recently hosted around 11 of these trusted partners at a dealer visit day, giving them the opportunity to connect, swap stories and get hands-on with the latest machines.
What is making the company stand out in paddocks from Southland to Northland? A few of the service agents were asked why they came on board and what they’re hearing from farmers on the ground.
For most, it came down to two things: build quality and value.
“I’d heard stories about the strength, durability and price,” said James from Ag & Auto Direct in Balclutha. James had a really good season last year selling around 10 mowers from the range. Others were drawn in by customer feedback.
“It was a new product in our area and it looked the goods,” according to Jason from Valley Agri in Reporoa. For Charlie from Thornlie Park in Edendale, it all started with a conversation with FarmShop at Southern Field Days, while another agent joined after a customer recommended the brand. Pat from Ratpick Engineering (Sheffield, CHCH) summed it up simply: “I was impressed with the overall construction and assembly.”
When farmers and contractors see one of these mowers up close or in action, the feedback is strikingly consistent.
“They’re impressed with how solid the mowers look,” said James. “You can tell they’re built tough.” Jason added, “They like the build quality and simplicity.” One thing that surprises contractors is “how quiet they run,” according to Charlie. Paul, a service Agent from Ag & Auto Direct in Balclutha, shared a standout moment when a crop had been flattened by strong winds, yet despite the crop being fully bent-over it was no match for the mower. “They worked so well in those conditions,” he said.
When it came to common questions from farmers and contractors, “Most just ask where they’re made, or how to pronounce the name,” joked Charlie. The answer? “Sah-MAHSH,” built in Poland.
The brand has been manufacturing hay mowers for 41 years and recently opened a brand new 4,000sqm warehouse and laser-cutting hall to provide state-of-the-art steel processing. Some of the service agents are noticing a shift in demand. “Farmers are moving to larger gear,” said Jason, while Paul added that growers are actively “asking about this gear” now, indicating a growing trust in the company.
When asked to pick a favourite hay mower from the line-up, the XT390 came up more than once. “It’s a well-built kit,” said Charlie. Jason also gave a nod to the front mowers and groupers for efficiency.
And how would they sum up the brand in three words?
“Tough, reliable, solid,” said James. “Simple, affordable, reliable,” added Jason, and “Very well made,” said Paul.
For farmers and contractors looking for gear that delivers in the field, that’s probably all they need to hear.