Troon International celebrates success

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Troon International celebrates success: Troon, the leader in upscale golf course management, development, and marketing, celebrated its first-year triumphs since partnering with Yas Links Abu Dhabi, ranked in the top 50 of Golf Digest’s World’s 100 Greatest Golf Courses 2020.

In August 2019, Troon announced its International Division’s latest partnership with Yas Links Abu Dhabi, sitting alongside Abu Dhabi Golf Club and Saadiyat Beach Golf Club to complete the trio of championship venues in the UAE capital.

Troon International celebrates success

Troon International celebrates success

Led by Cluster General Manager, Francisco de Lancastre David, and Cluster Director of Agronomy, Clinton Southorn, there was an ambitious vision for Yas Links Abu Dhabi from the outset. Striving to develop the overall operations, in disciplines such as agronomy and recruitment, and create extraordinary guest and member experiences through personalised service, consistency, and uncompromising attention to detail.

Through efficiently managing all departments and utilizing the Troon supplier programs and tools, Troon reduced departmental costs across all departments by approximately 10% in 2019 and 30% in 2020 (YTD). As well as reducing costs, Troon Programs delivered over $900,000 in revenues.

Agronomy and course condition were also a focus in year one and significant improvements were seen in turf health, golfer’s playability conditions and the implementation of programs to ensure long term sustainability of the owner’s assets. Highlights from the Agronomy team include the cleaning and restoration of fairway and bunker drainage system, decreasing water pores to 29.47% for enhanced soil health, and reducing irrigation water by 5.9%, a significant saving considering an additional 350 sprinklers were repaired or replaced within this time frame.

Other additional value added through Troon management included the building and hosting of a website through the Troon Partner Program and global media coverage.

Back in 2019, Troon were tasked with safeguarding Kyle Phillips’ masterpiece. A year on and the renowned golf course designer commented: “I am delighted to see the progress and accomplishments by the Troon team at Yas Links Abu Dhabi. Having worked with Troon over the years, I have confidence in their ability to manage one of my finest creations”.

Commenting on this year’s success, Francisco de Lancastre David, Cluster General Manager: “It is incredible to see how far we have come in a year with the help of our Troon International corporate office. The team at Yas Links Abu Dhabi have shown unparalleled hard work and commitment and have risen to every challenge presented. Without each individual member of the team, we would not be where we are today.”

Mark Chapleski, President of Troon International, comments: “It’s been an exciting and busy year since signing with Yas Links. Our associates have excelled in the improvements made, within the year, particularly with the challenging circumstances the last six months presented. We are exceptionally optimistic about the future of the three Abu Dhabi venues under one ownership group and continuing to promote Abu Dhabi as a must visit destination for any golf enthusiast.”

Yas Links Abu Dhabi, established in 2010, is ranked no. 48 in Golf Digest’s Top 100. The par 72 18-hole championship course, designed by Kyle Phillips, is one of the few links courses in the region and also boasts a nine-hole Par 3 academy course, floodlit practice facilities and luxurious clubhouse.

For more information on Yas Links Abu Dhabi, please visit: www.troonabudhabi.com/yas-links-abu-dhabi

To find out more about Troon International, please visit: www.Troon.com/troon-international

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JCB updates 55KW 3CX Backhoe Loader

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JCB updates 55KW 3CX Backhoe Loader: JCB, the world’s number one backhoe loader manufacturer, has launched a new 55kW 3CX backhoe loader with EU Stage V compliant engine. The machine delivers improved operator comfort and ease of use, increased productivity and performance, combined with reduced total cost of ownership.

Features include:

·        Revised Command Plus Cab
·        Enhanced safety including integrated LED beacons and step lighting
·        Efficiency boost – a 3.0-litre Stage V engine delivers 10% torque increase and 7% fuel saving
·        Increased productivity with auto-levelling, auto seat select and auto-2WD

JCB updates 55KW 3CX Backhoe Loader

JCB updates 55KW 3CX Backhoe Loader

This latest JCB 3CX takes the backhoe loader into a new decade, with a smart new look that features a revised Command Plus cab. There are four LED beacons integrated into the cab roof as standard, removing the need for magnetic beacons or drilling of the machine. The beacons can be clearly seen from all angles, improving site safety, while there is no requirement for the operator to have to climb up in the cold and wet to install beacons at the start of the day.

The Command Plus cab features yellow grab handles, for a clear touch point and there are larger mirrors for an improved view behind the machine when manoeuvring around site or when roading. Revised square work lights offer increased adjustment and the LED option now includes up to 10 lights, providing maximum illumination of the working area.

The cab interior provides a new level of comfort and usability. It features a split colour line, with darker grey used for the lower half and a lighter grey in the upper half of the cabin. This adds to the airy, spacious feel, providing the operator with a calm, comfortable working environment. There is a new seat, with a dark fabric and yellow stitching and a headrest is available on the Advanced Easy Control (AEC) model.

A revised three-spoke steering wheel provides an improved view of the new front display screen, which comes as standard on the latest 3CX. The screen shows the speedometer, all warning lights and the selected gear on Powershift models. For the first time JCB will also supply a factory-fit radio with Bluetooth telephone compatibility and USB, AUX and SD card capabilities. The radio is integrated into the headliner, but can be controlled by a rotary switch in the side console. Audio and telephone functions are also displayed in the new 7” side display screen.

This side screen provides the operator with increased functionality and increased information. The display is controlled by an automotive-style rotary switch, that provides quick access to the various operating menus.

Increased Productivity

The 55kW Stage V 3CX introduces a range of advanced automation features, designed to reduce operator fatigue and to boost productivity. This includes Auto Stop, which automatically detects when the machine is no longer in use and shuts down the engine. Auto Stop eliminates engine idling, reducing fuel consumption and cutting emissions. The shut-down delay can be pre-set or adjusted by the operator through the side screen in the cab.
Auto Seat Select is available on machines equipped with servo lever control and automatically recognises which direction the seat is facing, eliminating the need to select functions as the operator changes from front to rear facing positions. Also available on servo models, automatic stabilisers now offer not just an auto-raise function, but also an automatic extend setting, stopping as the feet make contact with the ground. Automatic levelling lets the machine rapidly find a horizontal operating position on uneven ground.
Auto Drive has been improved, allowing the operator to automatically select a chosen engine speed when travelling on the road. Operation has been made easier with a new lever mounted beneath the direction selection control.
To reduce unnecessary tyre wear and fuel consumption, the 3CX now comes with Auto 2WD. This switches the transmission from 4WD to 2WD when the additional traction is no longer required. It allows the operator to select 4WD to dig into a pile or a face, where maximum tractive effort is required. Then, when the machine backs away and starts to travel at speed, the transmission automatically changes to 2WD. The speed at which this change occurs can be set by the operator through the side screen menus.
Additional lighting has been added to illuminate the cab on both sides of the machine around the step area, making it easier for the operator to access and leave the machine in the dark. A timer can be set to automatically dim the lighting when the machine is switched off, or once the door has been closed. The 3CX also benefits from a host of standard features, including rear light guards, a return-to-dig system, front shovel clam cylinder guards, loader pipework and the loader Smooth Ride System.

Stage V Power

The 55kW 3CX is powered by JCB’s latest EU Stage V compliant 3.0-litre diesel engine, replacing the previous generation 4.4-litre. The compact engine delivers 55kW of power and 440Nm of torque, an increase of 10% over the previous model. Its smaller capacity and increased efficiency result in up to a 7% fuel saving over the Stage IV 55kW engine in general use. The 3.0-litre JCB engine achieves EU Stage V emissions standards without the need for a Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) or any form of exhaust additive.
The engine is equipped with a combined Diesel Oxidation Catalyst (DOC) and Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF), with an 8,000-hour operating life. Regeneration is automatically controlled and can be monitored through JCB’s standard LiveLink telematics system. The engine benefits from a sealed for life crankcase ventilation module and hydraulic tappets, removing the need for manual adjustment. This contributes to lower service and maintenance costs and a cut in total cost of ownership for the customer.

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Kubota upgrades G-Series line-up

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Kubota upgrades G-Series line-up: Building on its reputation for developing innovative solutions for customers in the Groundcare market, Kubota is pleased to announce the launch of its newly updated and popular G-Series range of mowers.

These mowers have been specially developed to meet the professional groundcare needs of key customer segments such as councils, contractors and large property owners.

Kubota upgrades G-Series line-up

Kubota upgrades G-Series line-up

There are two models in the new G-Series line-up, G231 and G261, both available with low and high dump grass collectors. These models have eye-catching developments such as a new hydrostatic transmission (HST) designed to increase traction and grip. The mowers are also equipped with powerful Kubota engines offering 23hp and 26hp, as well as an electromagnetic PTO clutch which replaces the hydraulic PTO, offering a more positive drive for consistent cutting performance.

Additionally, users of these new cutting-edge models will benefit from improved output, increased speed and greater comfort. G-Series mowers have been engineered to run faster and deliver improved mowing performance; saving time, money and effort for customers. The enhanced performance and adaptability of Kubota’s new G-Series also enables operators to work more efficiently across various types of terrain which can pose a multitude of challenges.

With a top speed of 19.0km/h, the highest in the industry, G-Series mowers enable users to cut grass at higher speeds and ultimately finish the job quicker. Enhanced driver comfort is also offered by the new tilting steering wheel.

An improved collecting system features a wider and taller chute with a shorter travel distance between the deck and the grass collector enabling impeccable grass flow and reduced clumping. More grass can be handled with ease and efficiency.

The new G-Series will be on display and available for sale at Kubota dealerships this autumn.

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BIGGA launches work platform for members

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BIGGA launches work platform for members: Ahead of Thank a Greenkeeper Day on Wednesday 23 September, the British & International Golf Greenkeepers Association (BIGGA) has launched a new online platform to help its members who find themselves out of work due to the ongoing COVID-19 crisis.

It has been estimated that the coronavirus crisis saw British employers plan more than 300,000 redundancies during June and July as the economic impact of the pandemic hit hard.

BIGGA launches work platform for members

BIGGA launches work platform for members

Although golf has largely seen a surge in players this summer, as it was viewed as a healthy pastime that could be enjoyed in a safe and socially-distanced manner, sadly the economic uncertainty and revenue lost due to reduced capacity of clubhouses and other facilities mean that the golf industry has not been immune to the impact of job losses.

BIGGA has therefore launched an employment hub on the association’s website, where greenkeeper members can advertise that they are available for work. Golf clubs are encouraged to visit these pages if they have positions available, whether short term or permanent. The listings are completely anonymous and BIGGA will pass on the details of the golf club to the candidate if they show an interest.

Additionally, BIGGA has extended its ‘unattached’ member category whereby any member of the association who is now out of work can apply to receive discounted membership, enabling them to continue accessing the wide range of support and benefits that come with BIGGA membership, which will help in their search for new permanent employment.

BIGGA CEO Jim Croxton said: “There’s no doubt about it, 2020 has hit everyone hard. Losing your job is tough to deal with at any time, but when things are as uncertain as they are at the moment, it can be very worrying. But if you’re a BIGGA member and you now find yourself looking for work, the association is here to help. This service is completely anonymous and free to BIGGA members. It’s our way of helping you get back on the right track.”

Head to the Careers section of the BIGGA website and click on the Available for Work tab to find out more.

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