Etesia Buffalo is the greener solution

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Etesia Buffalo is the greener solution: Etesia UK has reported a huge uptake in its Buffalo ride-on mowers – a powerful range that offers an eco-friendly alternative to its diesel-powered counterparts.

It is common knowledge that grounds maintenance professionals are increasingly exploring more environmentally friendly methods of working. This particularly rings true in city centres or in highly populated areas where diesel powered products are beginning to be outlawed.

Etesia Buffalo is the greener solution

Etesia Buffalo is the greener solution

The obvious solution is to switch to zero-emission battery-powered equipment. Battery technology has significantly evolved with advancements constantly being made in the sector and is now widely recognised as the smarter way to power through most landscaping tasks, such as mowing, hedge-cutting or leaf-blowing. However, where it currently falls short is when it comes to larger machines such as ride-on mowers.

“Who knows what the future holds, but, quite simply, the fact is that there is not currently a battery-powered machine on the market which is capable of equalling the performance of a professional petrol-powered ride-on mower,” says Etesia UK managing director Les Malin.

“When you take into consideration the wide-spread demonising of diesel and the lack of professional battery powered ride-on mowers then there are unfortunately few solutions.”

It is for these reasons that Etesia UK has reported a record-breaking growth in sales for its range of Buffalo ride-on mowers – which are the only commercial, petrol powered ride-on machines available in both two-wheel and four-wheel drive.

The Buffalo range, first launched six years ago, took the European markets by storm as countries such as France and Germany replaced huge fleets of diesel-powered ride-on mowers with Buffalo ride-on petrol mowers. Only recently has the UK started to follow suit and when you delve deeper into the specifications – it is no surprise.

The Etesia range of Buffalo ride-on mowers are available in two-wheel drive and four-wheel drive and with 100cm and 124cm cutting decks with ROPS as standard. They feature powerful 23-hp Briggs and Stratton Vanguard engines and can cut and collect areas up to 12,000 m² per hour. The engines carry a three-year warranty and a two-year warranty on the rest of the machine.

The Etesia models are fitted with catalytic converters as standard offering a cleaner fuel and are renowned for their low levels of noise and smooth operation. A vast range of accessories are available providing the operator with the ability to mulch, plough snow and much more.

Furthermore, they cut and collect in all weathers – something in which Etesia is, without question, the forerunner. When it comes to cut and collect systems, Etesia is the innovator of every other machine you see on the market today. The French based company created a patented system in the early 1990’s and quite simply, the system is unrivalled.

“The most notable benefit is the fact that Etesia machines do not require any additional accessories to unblock them when emptying the machines. Everything is automatic so no accessories or rattling of levers are required – you can simply cut, collect and empty the grass box all while sitting on the machine,” said Les.

So, while the industry eagerly awaits a capable battery-powered ride-on mower – there is only one solution. The Etesia range of Buffalo ride-on mowers will help to reduce your environmental impact and get the job done to the standard you expect without compromise.

For further information, please contact Etesia UK on 01295 680120 or visit www.etesia.co.uk.

You can also follow Etesia on Twitter @EtesiaUK for much more news, reviews and insightful views. 

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Mansfield Sand’s Silica Shines

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Mansfield Sand’s Silica Shines: Groundwork contractor Trefor Jones, has praised the quality of Mansfield Sand’s Equestrian Silica product after he recently completed the construction of an impressive Manege.

Trefor, based in Rutland, East Midlands, specialises in the construction of horse-riding arenas, and says that for the two last decades he has relied on one company.

Mansfield Sand’s Silica Shines

Mansfield Sand’s Silica Shines

“For the past 20 years we’ve used nobody but Mansfield Sand because they produce a product that is designed for the job,” he said. “They give the customer what they want, and it gives us the assurance and confidence that we know we are providing our customers with a quality product.”

Mansfield Sand Company has pioneered the development and production of premium quality silica sand-based products for over 170 years. It provides a wide range of innovative products for sports, landscaping, and equestrian uses. These include stadium and training ground facilities; championship golf courses and world class show jumping arenas.

Trefor’s most recent project saw him construct a 70m x 50m jumping Manege for his son Richard – an International 5* Event Rider. The project took 3 weeks from start to finish and he applied approximately 800 tonnes of Mansfield’s Equestrian Silica – a sub angular sand which is produced at the company’s state-of-the-art hydro classification plant at the Two Oaks Quarry.

Equestrian Silica Sand provides an excellent riding surface which is free draining with very sure footing. Ideally suited as a base sand, it is recommended that Equestrian Silica be incorporated into a fibre stabilising product to provide structure and further stability.

Trefor says he has seen excellent results after incorporating the silica sand with a stablishing fibre.To assist with the mixing process, he uses a BLECavator which is designed to cultivate and bury stones and debris, while levelling and raking in one pass.

Mansfield Sand’s Silica Shines

Mansfield Sand’s Silica Shines

Trefor’s recently built Manege follows another arena he built at the impressive Lowlands Farm site in which he used the company’s Fibresand Equestrian product.

“I’m a happy customer,” said Trefor. “The products are durable, provide sure-footing for the horses, drain well and are very cost-effective. I know exactly what I am getting, and I never have any problems.

“The people at Mansfield Sand are also great to deal with. Louise, (Mansfield Sand Technical Sales Representative) provides the best customer service.”

For more information visit www.mansfield-sand.co.uk

You can also follow Mansfield Sand on Twitter – @MansfieldSand

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Nick Brown Joins Campey

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Nick Brown Joins Campey: Campey Turf Care Systems has appointed well known industry figure, Nick Brown, as their new Export Sales Manager.

Nick has over 20-years of experience in golf, and sports turf and through his previous role at Ransomes Jacobsen has extensive knowledge of the international markets. His understanding of these areas doesn’t only come from work. Four generations of his family were born and worked in the Far East, and he has lived in Australia, Malaysia, Singapore and predominantly Indonesia across 25 years.

Nick Brown Joins Campey

Nick Brown Joins Campey

His experience in this part of the world, in particular his knowledge of local cultures, makes him exceptionally well suited to the role, and his decision to join the company is centred on Campey’s innovation and creativity as well as the core value of building and maintaining long lasting customer relationships.

Nick Explained: “Campey is a highly regarded company in the turf industry here in the United Kingdom and across the world. They have earned that reputation by providing innovative, reliable and robust machinery that meets the needs of customers through an excellent distribution base.

“In my new role, I want to build on the consistent and well-known message that Campey is always willing to go the extra mile to help. I have always worked on the basis of ‘making a customer, not a sale,’ and that matches perfectly with the common goals and message the Campey team has.

“By listening to customers and what they need, we can continue to make machines that solve common issues while thinking one step ahead and finding more creative solutions to improve turf quality. I think by putting these aspects together we can grow the Campey brand into new territories and I’m looking forward to working with everyone in the team.”

Nick joins Campey during a challenging time for global travel and distribution, but Campey chairman, Richard Campey, believes Nick’s knowledge and enthusiasm will bring a fresh approach to the situation.

“Nick is someone who comes with a lot of experience and will be a great asset to our company, and we’re delighted to welcome him to Campey,” Richard began. “He joins us at a time of constant change in terms of global travel, in particular the restrictions we have to work with while still providing the best service to our customers. With support from our Director Lee Morgado, who is already well-known to our dealer network and end users from the middle east to Australasia we hope to continue to grow in these established and new markets. That will require a different approach in terms of connecting with our export markets, and I’ve got no doubt that Nick will take that challenge on with enthusiasm.”

Campey currently has 53 distributors across Europe, Asia, North and South America and the Middle East. Their wide range of product lines has allowed them to assist turf professionals across the world in improving turf standards through innovations in fraise mowing, aeration, spreading and seeding.

For any international enquiries, contact Nick at nick@campeyturfcare.com or phone +44 7974 318 584.

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Tributes paid to a first-class groundsman

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Tributes paid to a first-class groundsman: Tributes have been paid to Durham Cricket’s former head groundsman, Tom Flintoft, who died on Tuesday, aged 86.

Mr Flintoft, who lived in Whitby, spent seven years at Emirates Riverside becoming the club’s first head groundsman in 1991.

Tributes paid to a first-class groundsman

Tributes paid to a first-class groundsman

He was born and brought up in the Whitby area on the family farm, where he helped out until he was called up for National Service.

During his few years in the Army he spent most of his time as a driver in Hong Kong, and was on the last ship through the Suez Canal before it closed.

He returned to North Yorkshire and farming, and was asked to help out at the playing fields in Nunthorpe.

Wife Kath said: “He was always keen to earn a bit of extra money, so he helped out with the playing fields. He was then asked if he could help out at Middlesbrough Cricket Club. He didn’t think he was up to the job, but he gave it a go.”

Mr Flintoft’s reputation as a first-class groundsman spread and he took up the role of head groundsman at Hampshire Cricket Club, winning many awards throughout his career.

He returned to his native North-East and became head groundsman at Durham. Durham Cricket Board Chairman, Bob Jackson said, in a statement on the club’s website: “There is no doubt that Tom Flintoft was one of the most popular recruits that Durham made nearly 30 years ago. His knowledge of many of the cricket clubs from Whitby to Whitburn, the people and grounds around them, proved to be invaluable as Durham had to bring several grounds up to speed for first-class cricket in the initial years.

“This was a big enough job without the incredible responsibility of creating a future test ground at Chester-le-Street. Not only was Tom needed to provide the scientific input to the pitches but all of the groundsmen were desperate to improve their own knowledge and Tom was the source of this. Not only did he support those clubs involved with hosting first-class and second team matches, he found the time to advise numerous club groundsmen.

“Durham is indebted to Tom for his magnificent part in their short history.”

Philip McCormick, head groundsman at the Northern Cricket Union’s main ground Stormont, Northern Ireland, also paid tribute to Mr Flintoft. He said: “Tom used to come over and see our grounds as an advisor. He was never shy about getting his hands dirty and helping where he could. Although he was there to advise, he was always keen to get involved. He was a great man, he wanted to help everyone. He was a rare find.”

When Mr Flintoft retired he moved back to Whitby and lived with wife, Kath, next to the cricket club.

Whitby Cricket Club secretary Pauline Russell said: “Tom spent his life in cricket and when he retired to Whitby he generously gave his time to work on our ground alongside our groundsman. His knowledge and dedication were greatly appreciated.

“Tom was greatly respected across the cricket community and we were grateful he was part of Whitby Cricket Club. He was a lovely man, down to earth and was always happy to help out.”

Mr Flintoft loved to travel and with Kath he enjoyed more than 60 holidays. She said: “One of the highlights was a trip to Kenya, it was a wonderful holiday. We also went to the Canadian Rockies, France, Las Vegas and enjoyed a honeymoon on the Queen Elizabeth sailing from Southampton to New York ,through the Panama Canal and on to San Francisco.”

The couple, who got engaged on Valentine’s Day 2011, were married in September of that year. They had known each other since school.

Friend Barbara Booth said: “Tom was such a friendly person, a real gentleman. He was very caring and we are going to miss him a great deal. There were six of us who go on holiday together and Tom used to call us his harem.”

Friend Dougie Raine, chairman of Sport Mulgrave, said: “Tom was an amazing man. He was always there to lend a hand. We will miss him very much.”

Mr Flintoft, who was one of ten siblings, leaves four sons, Nigel, Mark, Neville, Craig, from his first wife Mary.

A private celebration of Mr Flintoft’s life will be held at Kirkleatham Crematorium on July 9. The hearse will leave from Whitby Cricket Club at 9.45am and donations are being made to St Catherine’s Hospice.

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