Have you ever had a thought or said something and later regretted it? I’m living it now, because two years ago, I thought, “man, I’d really like some more time to work on prototypes.” I suppose the monkey’s paw heard me and chuckled because, well, I certainly have ample time to work on product prototypes. So, to all of you out there who are having rough years, I apologize. I didn’t realize most of the folks in ag would be wrapped into this with me.

I don’t mean to make light of the situation. I know there are plenty of people who are looking at dollars and cents and realizing it makes no sense. We at Pickett are doing fine, but we’re certainly feeling the effects, just like you. I have a dry sense of humor and use that to cope. I’m envious of the people that go for a run or lift weights when they’re stressed. I’d be fit enough to be cast in bronze if that were the case.

It’s been several months since I last made a blog post. Part of that is due to convention travel, sales trips, etc. Another part of it is, well, I’ve been trying to find a fine line between sunshine and rainbows vs the cloudy reality a lot of us are facing. I’m still optimistic with a healthy dash of realistic. If you’re going through hell, keep going.

What I’ve noticed in these slow times is what people are buying vs putting off. We’re still selling pumps, hoses, valves, and Handlers, but the bulk of sales are Velcon and Facet fuel filters, dry breaks, and repair parts. You may put off buying a pump this year, but you really can’t put off a seal job when your load pump is slinging gramoxone all over the place.

I’ve spoken with plenty of people who are cutting back this year. I’ve heard you loud and clear, so I wanted to highlight some items Pickett has reduced the price on or started stocking that will help ease the pinch somewhat.

The first item is Velcon fuel filters, namely price and availability. I’ve had this conversation enough that it merits some discussion here. We’ll touch on the pricing first. I found a few ways to make us more competitive on pricing, so I lowered the selling price on the Velcon elements. Business 101 says “don’t lower your prices if you’re still selling the item,” but I also realize folks need to save money where they can. You can find the elements here:

• ACO-51201
• ACO-21001

Years back, Velcon began working on a replacement for the ever-popular ACO-51201. Well, the replacement is on the way, and once the ACO-51201 is out of stock, it’s gone for good. There is a Velcon replacement: the ACOX-512A. These aren’t yet on our website, mainly because we’re still well-stocked on the ACO-51201 and the ACOX is pricey: $375 vs $263 for the ACO. They’re also phasing out the ACO-21001 and replacing it with the ACOX-210A. As expected, the ACOX-210A is more expensive: $234 vs $200 for the ACO-21001. My point is this: if you need fuel filter elements, now is the time to get them.

Facet also offers elements for the VF61. They offer the same high-quality filtration and tend to be more economical. You can find them here:

• FG-0-512-2 (alternative to the ACO-51201)
  
• CC-512M (alternative to the OS-51288)

Another area where we’re helping customers save pennies is a new engine line: CRX. CRX engines have been used for several years as part of complete pressure washer and generator assemblies. They’re now selling just the engines, and we’ve partnered with them to bring you high- quality engines at an affordable price. The professional line has a 3-year warranty, and the commercial line has a 5-year warranty. To be clear: we are still stocking and promoting Honda. The CRX line is a supplement, not a replacement. You can find the CRX engine and pump units here:

• CRX-165 engine
  
• CRX-165 engine with 2” cast iron pump with stainless impeller & wear plate
• CRX-165 engine with 2” Banjo poly pump

We’ll be adding more CRX engines and pump options over the coming months. We’ve been selling the CRX engine and units since January, and the feedback has been positive. Even customers who were skeptical about switching from Honda are happy with the performance and price. We’re still selling Hondas by the dozens, and we wanted to give customers the option for another engine line that’s more affordable than a Honda and more reliable than the ones you find at discount stores. We’re proud to stock and sell Honda; we’re here to provide you with options.

I have a few more items in the pipeline, but we haven’t gotten the photos edited and placed online yet. To tide you over until the next newsletter (which you’ll receive more frequently!), here’s a quick note on our new production capability: We are now fabricating our own tanks from polypropylene sheets. What this means is we can custom-build a tank to fit your exact dimensions and requirements. More to come on that, so stay tuned.

I know 2026 hasn’t been great for many of you. It may be small consolation, but we’re here with you, and there are plenty of people in the same storm. I hope you take some time for yourself. Whether it’s talking it over with friends or family, taking a break and admiring the beauty around you, or taking an hour out of your day to wet a line and hook for some crappie, take care of yourself.

Thank you for your continued support. From all of us at Pickett, we wish you the very best.

- Bailey