Echo Tools from Countax

In Britain, Echo tools are distributed by Countax Ltd, manufacturers of Britain's best selling range of tractor mowers.

Countax is an independent British company which has grown dramatically since producing the first Countax garden tractor in 1991.

The origins of the company date back to 1984 when the business was founded to make accessories for a manufacturer emerging as a leader in the tractor mower market. It was a successful relationship and by 1985 Countax was producing upwards of 20,000 accessories every year.

There followed a natural branching out with a design and development capability, leading to the production of new Countax products. Our first development was a large, diesel powered commercial mower which found a steady market with Local Authorities and commercial markets.

Countax went on to obtain the rights to the Sabre rotary mower, develop a network of over 150 dealers and gain commissions to design and manufacture for other companies.

Although 1989 and 1990 were two ‘drought’ years Countax saw an opportunity to restructure, from being a sub contractor to becoming a manufacturer of our own range of garden tractors. With only 6 weeks to produce a machine ready for a major industry trade show, Countax staff worked round the clock to develop a prototype.

We made it with only hours to spare, delivering three models to our stand. The launch was successful and we soon had orders for over 1000 tractors.

This was the start of our innovative approach to an entirely new type of garden tractor, with emphasis on ease of use, strength and durability.

It proved to be a winning formula, rapidly establishing Countax as market leader in the United Kingdom, a position we maintain today, outselling our nearest rival two to one.

Landmarks in the company’s development include the following:

1984		Countax incorporated to build tractor mower attachments
1990		New 23,000 sq ft factory opened by Michael Heseltine in June Prototypes of new Countax tractors Sales & turnover leap from £2.7m to £6.7m
1991		First Countax garden tractor production commenced Won the BBC Survivor of the Year Award
1992		First appearance in the Price Waterhouse compiled ‘Independent 100’ list of fastest growing independent companies. Appeared for four successive years. Countax leads the UK garden tractor market
1993		Countax produces a new range
1994		New models including first hydrostatic tractors launched Further building to accommodate increased production
1995		New building completed.
1996		New 25,000 sq ft warehouse built
1997		A-Series tractors launched Three times winner of the BAGMA annual award for ‘Best new Ride-On Mower.
1998		Countax take over distribution of Echo products
1999		Launch of new Diesel model
2000		10th Countax Anniversary Investment of over £2 million in factory plant and IT
2001		Launch of noise reduction programme with K18/50 model
2002		Launch of the world’s first stainless steel garden tractor

We continue to lead the garden tractor market with investment in new technology and development. Most of the components of our products are manufactured in our Oxfordshire factory, making our spares economical and available on a 'next day' delivery.

Countax garden tractors are sold only through specialist Countax dealers throughout the UK and in 18 other countries.