Work never ends for dealers

Even though the combines and grain trucks have been parked for several weeks now, the work never ends for ag equipment dealerships.

Pontiac-based Stoller International just finished a December push for year-end purchases and service work.

“We have inspection programs for tractors, combines and corn planters to get these machines ready so when springtime comes, they’re in tip-top shape,” explained Clark Stoller.

Every machine with an engine seems to have some type of computer technology included nowadays. A laptop computer can diagnose engine problems and many times a fault code can be corrected simply by hitting a few buttons.

“We do have a guidance department devoted to working on combines and tractors to set them up for guidance so it’s hands-free steering as they go through the field,” Stoller adds.

Stoller was among those displaying farm equipment during the Greater Peoria Farm Show in late November. The Stollers can often be spotted near tillage equipment at the various farm shows, including the Farm Progress Show when it is held in Illinois every other year.

In addition to Case International, Stoller’s sells brands such as Kinze, Unverferth, Woods and Bush Hog. Stoller International has dealerships in Pontiac, Minonk, Streator, Ottawa and Herscher. The business has a “very fine heritage” according to Stoller.

“Our dad started out in 1934 and that was in Gridley. After World War II, he expanded to Pontiac and his brothers stayed in Gridley and Chenoa.”

Stoller International took on the Herscher store in 1993 and acquired the Streator and Minonk dealerships in later years. A new store in Ottawa was built in 2005. More information can be found online at www.stollerih.com or by calling 815-844-6197.