Finance package paying off for Seaton Carew

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Finance package paying off for Seaton Carew: Seaton Carew Golf Club near Hartlepool will be celebrating its 150th anniversary in 2024 and the club, which is the 10th oldest in England, is determined to make sure its course is in the best condition possible for those celebrations.

Since being established with 14 holes in 1874, not only has the golf course undergone numerous changes – today it offers an unusual total of 22 holes with five different layouts – so has the way in which it is maintained. In the early years even the club’s professional would have been expected to assist with cutting fairways, probably using a horse-drawn mower, and rolling greens.

Finance package paying off for Seaton Carew

Today a team of six well-trained greens staff led by acting head greenkeeper Ian Stewart work tirelessly to ensure these championship links are kept in the best condition, and the club has recently invested more than £200,000 in the latest advanced technology from John Deere to ensure they can achieve those goals.

A new John Deere Financial lease package arranged by local dealer Greenlay of Cramlington in Northumberland includes a ProGator utility vehicle with HD200 low-profile amenity sprayer, an HPX Gator utility vehicle, a 4049R compact tractor, three 220SL walk-behind greens mowers, a 2653B utility tees & surrounds mower and a 2500B triplex greens mower, plus ancillary equipment.

“With our previous lease arrangement coming to an end, we decided that a one-stop shop approach, with all the new kit, advice and back-up coming from one business, would potentially make a better deal for the club,” says greens chairman Jonathan Beaumont. “The equipment and finance package from Greenlay, who helped us to work out the deal based on a mix of new and ex-demonstration machines, proved to be just what we were looking for.

“Dealing with Alastair Briggs and Paul Hodgson of Greenlay was the best decision the club made. Their all-round service and communication throughout the process was first class, and we’ve established a very good relationship. Having worked in horticulture before, I knew John Deere’s reputation for quality equipment. When Ian and I made the recommendation to the golf club, they liked what they saw as well and the finance committee agreed the budget, so there was a proper consensus all round.”

Ian Stewart initially attended a BIGGA Section open day at Greenlay, which was the first time he had visited the dealership, and was very impressed by the facilities and the people he met. “I wanted to see the sprayer and Greenlay had one brought in,” he says.

“The sprayer has a much bigger capacity at 750 litres compared to our previous 300-litre mounted machine, and the controls are really good. The automatic rate controller is very accurate, so you can be confident everything’s being applied correctly. We certainly use a little less chemical now and there’s also been a massive saving on man hours doing the spraying job.

“We had the mowers on long-term demonstration and found them to be easy to operate, with a very good quality of cut. The latest cutting units on the walk-behind and ride-on greens mowers are equipped with brushes that lift the grass and provide a much better finish – it’s little details like this that mean a lot.

“A great deal of thought and effort went into this purchase over a long period of time, and we received lots of good advice from Greenlay – they were always available to answer our questions at any time. Some of their recommendations I didn’t think were right at the time, but they have been proved right since and it’s been a great deal all round.”

Alongside the work on the course, Seaton Carew Golf Club is building a new indoor coaching facility alongside a large practice area, and considering the development of a short-game area. The club also has a six-hole academy course which is used by its current PGA professional Clifford Jackson to encourage youngsters and adult beginners to take up the game.

Seaton Carew has already played host to a number of major amateur championships, including two Brabazon Trophies, a Carris Trophy and various other national and international events. It is now hoping, with the help of its new machinery fleet and the dedication of its greenkeeping team, that the course will be considered for yet another major championship to help mark its 150-year anniversary.

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Bobcat expand in the Czech Republic

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Bobcat expand in the Czech Republic: Doosan Bobcat EMEA today announced the opening of its headquarters for the EMEA region (Europe, Middle East and Africa), marking a further expansion in the Czech Republic.

As part of its Dobříš campus, the newly erected building houses the company’s management and other employees and complements the production plant and the training and innovation center, where Bobcat machines are created for Europe and the rest of the world.

Bobcat expand in the Czech Republic

Record investment, turnover and increase in production

This year alone, the company’s investments in Dobříš will reach EUR 20 million. In 2018, Doosan Bobcat’s revenue for the EMEA region amounted to EUR 765 million, with the Dobříš factory producing a record 17,206 machines. This year, the company plans to increase production by 20% and break through the barrier of 20,000 machines for the first time.

Bobcat’s history dates back 60 years and has become synonymous with skid steer loaders in most of the world. It has been operating in the Czech Republic since 2001. A major development came in 2007 with the construction of a new production plant for loaders and mini-excavators and the takeover by the global Doosan Group. In addition to the new production capacities, Doosan Bobcat has also built an extensive training center, and, above all, an innovation center. The development of the entire campus is symbolically crowned by the opening of the company’s EMEA headquarters, which moved from Waterloo, Belgium, to Dobříš, Czech Republic.

Worth EUR 10 million, the three-storey headquarters building covers a surface area of 1,561 m2 and will offer more than 3,370 m2 of office space for 200 employees. Investments were also made to create more than 7,000 m2 of green areas around the building. The ample parking facilities include charging stations for electric vehicles.

Socio-economic importance for the whole region

Gustavo Otero, President of Doosan Bobcat EMEA, comments: “With the opening of the new headquarters in Dobříš, we are completing an investment which – thanks to the concentration of development, production and management of the company in one place – is of socio-economic importance for the whole region and exceptional within our industry. During Doosan Bobcat’s operations in the Czech Republic, we have invested approximately EUR 120 million, increased production five-fold, and more than tripled the number of employees. In the future, we expect a further recruitment of blue-collar professionals and expert positions in development.”

Doosan Bobcat in numbers:

  • A world leader in the manufacture of compact construction machines and a major manufacturer of agricultural machinery
  • 17,206 machines produced in the Dobříš factory in 2018 (20% increase in 2019)
  • EMEA revenue of EUR 765 million in 2018
  • A total investment of EUR 120 million for Doosan Bobcat Dobříš since 2007
  • 1,400 jobs on the Dobříš campus, 150 in development and 200 in management
  • Around 5,000 dealers and customers trained every year by the ‘Bobcat Institute’ training center

Major employer

With more than 1,400 employees from 30 different countries, Doosan Bobcat EMEA is one of the largest employers in the region. The company employs a number of blue-collar professionals: assembly workers, welders, and warehouse workers. With its innovation center and company management based in Dobříš, it also employs a number of highly specialized professionals, from development engineers to product managers and company management: 150 of them are located in the Innovation Center, and another 200 work in the new headquarters.

“Doosan Bobcat’s investment shows that the Czech Republic has a lot to offer to foreign companies – a skilled workforce, a stable business environment, and a location in the heart of Europe are ideal preconditions for high-value-added investments linked to research and development. The emphasis on innovation, product development and regional management is a great example of our competitiveness.” Karel Havlíček, Czech Minister of Industry and Trade.

World leader in track loaders

Doosan Bobcat EMEA produces about half of the global production of Bobcat machines. These include compact construction and agricultural machinery such as skid steer loaders and track loaders (of which Bobcat is a global leader), and mini-excavators such as the E10e, the world’s first 1-tonne electric excavator. The company also manufactures telescopic handlers and loaders, compressors and generators, and more than a hundred attachments.

Bobcat as part of the Doosan Group

The Doosan Group was founded in 1896 in Korea. Its activities range from manufacturing turbines for power plants to desalination plants to engines for giant ocean liners. Since 2007, the Bobcat brand has been part of the Doosan Group, specifically Doosan Bobcat EMEA. In addition to compact Bobcat machines, Doosan also offers heavy construction, mining and agricultural machinery under the Doosan Infracore brand.

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JCB win electric digger order

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JCB win electric digger order: JCB today announced it had secured its biggest fleet deal to date for its brand new electric mini excavator – just weeks after going into full production.

The 19C-1E models – JCB’s first-ever electric diggers – are coming off the assembly line at JCB Compact Products in Cheadle, Staffordshire, with orders rolling in from customers from across Europe and North America.

JCB win electric digger order

Today the company announced that A-Plant – one of the UK’s leading equipment rental companies – has invested a fleet of 10 of the electric machines in a deal worth more than £350,000.

A staggering five times quieter than its diesel counterpart, the model is expected to be a big hit with companies working inside buildings and in emissions and noise-sensitive inner-city areas. Fully charged, the 19C-1E can put in a typical full day’s shift for a mini excavator.

Yvette Henshall-Bell, JCB’s Group Managing Director for Global Major Accounts, said: “JCB’s electric mini excavator is taking the industry by storm and we are delighted that A-Plant is leading the way by placing the largest order to date for this innovative product.”

Dave Harris, Business Development Director for A-Plant, said the investment was indicative of the company’s commitment to purchase a growing range of low or zero carbon products from key suppliers.

He said: “A-Plant is at the forefront of equipment hire in the UK and we pride ourselves on offering the most comprehensive, innovative and sustainable equipment in the industry.

“Each year we invest millions of pounds in new innovative products to ensure that our customers hire the most reliable, safe and environmentally friendly equipment available and we are excited to be taking the lead on electrification with our new fleet of electric JCB excavators. Offering all of the performance of a conventional excavator, but with added eco-friendly credentials, we’re sure the new fleet will be extremely popular with customers.”

Designed to meet a growing need for low carbon construction equipment, the new fleet will allow contactors to work inside buildings, in emissions and noise-sensitive inner city areas and in tunnels or underground, without having to install exhaust extraction equipment.

With many of the UK’s major contractors becoming increasingly environmentally conscious,      A-Plant has committed to helping its customers reduce their impact on the environment and move towards a zero carbon future.

Dave Harris added: “Over the past year, we have witnessed significant customer demand for sustainable construction equipment and have made this a key focus of the company’s investment strategy. This year we have invested over £4million low or zero carbon equipment and are proud to be able to deliver the latest, sustainable options to customers.”

Key features of the new 19E-1 electric mini excavators include: three or four lithium-ion battery packs providing a 15-20kWh storage capacity, load-sensing hydraulic system delivering powerful digging performance, a sophisticated battery management system ensuring full-shift availability, a convenient on-board charger with 110V input for 12-hour recharging capability, the option for 230V charging when required, with 8-hour recharging time and fast charge option allowing a full charge in under 2 hours.

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Turf Maintenance Live Registration Deadline

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Turf Maintenance Live Registration Deadline Approaching: Over 130 delegates have already registered for Turf Maintenance Live, the annual showcase of turf maintenance equipment from leading manufacturers and distributors, which is being held at the Woollam Playing Fields, Harpenden Rd in St. Albans on Wednesday 23 and Thursday 24 October.

Delegates who have already registered and are headed for St Albans represent an eclectic mix from across our industry including prestigious football clubs and stadia, tennis, horse racing, rugby and golf plus landscape contractors and local authorities.

Turf Maintenance Live Registration Deadline Approaching

Entrance to the event, now in its fifth year, is free but pre-registration is essential with BIGGA and IOG members able claim CPD points for their attendance. There’s still time to sign-up, but with registration closing on Monday 21st October, you need to hurry to secure your place.

If you’re interested in attending the event and seeing the latest innovations and equipment in action, register by completing a registration form online at: https://www.turfmaintenancelive.com/ or email register@turfmaintenancelive.com.

ISEKI have supported Turf Maintenance Live since its conception and commenting on the event David Withers said, “Turf Maintenance Live is an excellent opportunity for many groundscare manufacturers to showcase their machinery, allowing visitors the opportunity to see a wide range of products being demonstrated all in one place.  ISEKI will have large selection of machinery available for visitors to ride and drive.  From the top spec TG tractors suitable for all aeration and groundscare needs, to the compact TM range ideal for sports pitches where a lightweight footprint is required but lift capacity and power cannot be compromised.

Turf Maintenance Live Registration Deadline Approaching

“Alongside the tractors will be the highly renowned ISEKI mowers, designed to leave a professional finish whether cut and collected or mulched.  ISEKI machines cannot be beaten on quality and reliability.  So why not see for yourself at the Turf Maintenance Live event, we look forward to seeing you there.”

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STIHL’S new MS 400 C-M

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STIHL’S new MS 400 C-M: Adding to its range of high-performance tools for professionals, STIHL has launched the new MS 400 C-M, the world’s first chainsaw with a magnesium piston.

The MS 400 C-M chainsaw was been designed with professionals in mind, offering the highest maximum speed (14,000 rpm) in the 60cm3 -class. The new 66.8cc 2-MIX engine has more displacement, providing both more power and torque than the MS 362C-M, as well as rapid acceleration.

STIHL’S new MS 400 C-M

As a world first, the MS 400 C-M features a new magnesium piston. This lightweight and durable piston weighs just 70g, which is 14% lighter than the aluminium piston in the MS 362 C-M, helping contribute to the machine’s excellent power to weight ratio and highest maximum revs in its class.

Thanks to these new intelligent design features and materials used, the MS 400 C-M has an impressive power-to-weight ratio of 1.45 kilograms per kilowatt, making it ideal to use when working in the forest, especially over prolonged periods.

In addition to the new 66.8cc engine, the MS 400 C-M features STIHL’s unique M-Tronic 3.0 technology including the new calibration process and an improved HD2 filter, which help deliver optimum performance at all times. The chainsaw also features ElastoStart technology that enables effortless starting of the power tool.

Designed for forestry and arb professionals, the MS 400 C-M can be used for a range of applications, including felling, de-limbing and cutting to size. Starting from £900 ex VAT, the MS 400 C-M is available in 16”, 18” and 20” versions, the latter 20” version with an ES light guidebar.

For more information on STIHL’s range of chainsaws, please visit www.stihl.co.uk.

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