Producers in the Pembina Valley and throughout southern Manitoba might already be familiar with the agricultural equipment available through Friesen Sales & Rentals (FSR). With heavy-duty items such as Versatile tractors, 58’ harrows, Norwood Kwik-tills and Salford Disks for rent, FSR has been a trusted supplier for farmers since 2006.
But, as FSR owner Ike Friesen points out, there’s a lot more to his business than field implements – even if they’re what he’s built his brand around.
“We rent out a lot of farm equipment, but not only farm equipment,” he says. “We rent lifts and other items for property owners such as sweepers, aerators, stump grinders and smaller tools. And we rent to a large area of Manitoba, far and wide.”
Having initially rented out a few pieces of equipment from his farmyard south of Morden, by 2012 the business had grown sufficiently for Friesen to complete a move to its present location on Highway 3. He also acquired a franchise, and in 2016 he added home and outdoor equipment to his selection.
Now, in addition to farm equipment, renters can go home with air hoses, 2-ton jacks, angle grinders, hammer drills, pipe wrenches, reciprocating saws, carpet fans, lawn rollers, fertilizer spreaders, walk-behind lawn trimmers, appliance dollies and much, much more.
It’s a big operation for Friesen and his four employees, who not only oversee rentals but also sales, delivery and maintenance.
“We do most of the equipment repair work ourselves,” Friesen explains. “Oftentimes it’s a breakdown on the field, so we’ll go out there and repair it or bring the customer another piece of equipment to use in the meantime.”
A commitment to customer service, he adds, has been crucial to his business’s growth.
“Customer service is the most important thing – making sure the customer is happy with the equipment they’ve rented,” he says. “It can be a tool or a larger piece of equipment, but whatever it is they expect it to work. It’s important for it to work how they want. So we often deliver the equipment, help them get going with it and ensure everything’s working how they want it before we leave.”
Another lesser-known component to FSR’s operation is its equipment sales. They sell and distribute Norwood Kwik-tills, for example, as well as Sovema, Wallenstein, BaumaLight and Rite Way Mfg Co products. Homeowners, meanwhile, can purchase Ariens zero-turn lawn mowers and snow blowers.
The range of equipment for rent and sale speaks to Friesen’s customer-first philosophy.
“People have a job to do, and we’re there to help with that,” he says. “I enjoy working with people and like it when I can get them what they need, when they want it.”
He’s also thankful for the support he’s received from the community over the years.
“I really appreciate the business our customers have given us over the years,” says Friesen. “And if there’s something someone needs that we don’t have in stock, we’ll get it in and have it available for the next time they call.”
Friesen Sales & Rentals is located just east of Morden on Highway 3. They can be reached by calling (204) 331-6014, and information about all their equipment can be found on their website.
