Bad Boy Mowers moving into Australia market

Batesville-based Bad Boy Mowers is moving into the Australian market, the company announced during a news conference at the Capitol.

The zero-turn mower manufacturer, which sells products in 34 states, has come to an agreement with Wideland Ag Industries to distribute products at 31 dealerships, including a major one in Sydney. Invoking the company’s slogan, Scott Lancaster, general counsel, said, “Just as we mow with an attitude and we grow with an attitude, we’re excited today to announce that it’s time to export with an attitude.”

Lancaster said Wideland Ag, the company exclusive distributor in Australia, has already imported more than $1 million in inventory and parts, and the country’s growing season has not started. He said the company’s biggest competitor will be Hustler, which sells 10,000 units there.

“We see no reason that in the next three to five years, we can’t be selling 8,000-10,000 units there and perhaps more, with that just being the starting point, so we’re excited about the opportunities there,” he said.

Lancaster said McDonald emailed the company about eight months ago asking about the possibility of exporting lawnmowers to Australia. Bad Boy Mowers had tried to export to Australia several years ago, but the relationship with the importer wasn’t successful.

McDonald said the company was attracted to the products’ integrity and quality of build. Also, the company’s marketing is a good match for Australia.

“It’s that real tough, rough, heavy duty sexy sort of brand, yeah, and that fits our market perfectly,” he said.

Lancaster said Bad Boy Mowers is looking to export to New Zealand and has a meeting scheduled with potential European partners in about three weeks.