Kubota launch new micro excavators

Kubota launch new micro excavators: Kubota, the market-leading manufacturer of high-performance mini excavators for the construction industry, has launched two new micro excavators that offer users a number of enhanced performance and operational benefits. 

Replacing the popular K008-3, U10-3 and U10-3SL models, the new Kubota K008-5 and U10-5 machines will allow users to bring increased power, provided by efficient Kubota-designed Stage V engines, to more places than ever before. With track widths adjustable to as little as 0.7m (K008-5) and 0.75m (zero tail swing U10-5), the new excavators bring their superb all-round vision and high power-to-weight ratio to the most difficult to reach environments with low ground impact.

Kubota launch new micro excavators

Kubota launch new micro excavators

The exterior on both models has been redesigned to offer unparalleled comfort and safety. The U10-5 now offers a convenient side lever joystick as standard, and both models have been upgraded with a more durable operators’ seat, unrivalled legroom and a new and even more ergonomic console, making working for longer periods more comfortable.

Convenience is bolstered by innovations for both worker and worksite safety, thanks to features such as engine safety start, an expanded control lock system, highly visible orange seat belt and alarm, alongside green beacon capability and LED boom lights. Crucially, both excavators come with these features as standard, offering excellent value for operators.

Glen Hampson, Construction Division Manager at Kubota, said: “The new K008-5 and U10-5 models are the culmination of years of ongoing product development and investment with the aim of improving the design and performance of some of the most popular micro excavators available on the market.

“The new machines bring innovations first seen in our largest excavators to this smaller form factor, so that Kubota can offer users unrivalled safety, reliability and performance, without having to compromise on weight and size.”

The K008-5 and U10-5 continue to offer best-in-class Kubota reliability and security. Operators can be assured of simple machinery maintenance, excellent warranty, and a first-class dealer support network, all working hand-in-hand to keep downtime to an absolute minimum and maximise both productivity and work volume. Meanwhile, anti-theft features included as standard are working hard to keep these excavators safe and secure.

Glen continued: “Kubota understands the importance the construction sector will have in the global economic recovery following the impact of Covid-19 and we are excited to be able to offer operators enhanced machines that will give them improved levels of performance and productivity.”

To learn more about the new micro excavators, download the product brochures or locate your nearest dealer, please visit: https://www.kubota-eu.com.

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Le Golf National signs Jacobsen deal

Le Golf National signs Jacobsen deal: Outstanding service and product quality have seen one of Europe’s most prestigious golf clubs, Le Golf National, renew their Jacobsen partnership for a further five years and include an E-Z-GO fleet. 

The club has had great success with Jacobsen mowers with the Albatros course for the Ryder Cup in 2018 widely recognised by participants and spectators as one of the best the tournament has seen. That quality isn’t reserved for the Ryder Cup and is regularly seen during the Open de France which the club has hosted 27 times between 1991 and 2019.

Le Golf National signs Jacobsen deal

Le Golf National signs Jacobsen deal

A wide range of mowers including the new lithium-ion powered Eclipse 360 ELiTE and AR530 articulated contour rotary mower are included in a 27 strong list that also features models from the HR, TR and SLF ranges as well as GP400s. Following an audit of the machines currently used on the course from the previous leasing agreement, 39 Jacobsen and Cushman mowers and utility vehicles have been purchased by the club for continued use.

Thirty-four RXV Elite E-Z-GO golf carts that use the industry-leading ELiTE lithium-ion battery technology now shared with the Eclipse 360 ELiTE are also included and will feature the Textron Fleet Management (TFM) 10EX system.

For Ransomes Jacobsen, France’s General Manager, Laurent Proupin, Le Golf National’s commitment to Jacobsen comes not just from the signature cut or industry-leading features, but from the service they receive during tournaments and throughout the year.

“I’m very, very excited to have one of France’s major courses continuing to use the Jacobsen brand,” Laurent begins. “It’s been a considerable effort by the entire team at Ransomes Jacobsen France, and one which is a result of always, whoever the customer is, giving the best service we can. I think the support we offer during a tournament and on a day-to-day basis is as important as the quality of cut and is very valued by superintendents.

“The importance of the deals with firstly Le Golf National and then the Ryder Cup was huge because it showed that the Jacobsen brand is very strong. We can point to Le Golf National and the 2018 Ryder Cup which was played on one of the best courses the tournament has had, and that feedback has come from the players.

“And that is the importance of tournament service. We are very close to the customer, and I try to have a spirit that when there is a tournament it isn’t just a tournament for Le Golf National, it’s a tournament for Le Golf National and the Ransomes Jacobsen France team. That worked brilliantly for the Ryder Cup and many Open de France competitions, and we are already looking forward to carrying that into the Golf Amateur World Championships in 2022 as well.

“During each tournament, there are two technical staff from my team on the course, ready to step in if there is any problem. For us, that is assuring them that they will have no problem. And I think it is the main argument for using one company because you can get your mowers and golf cars serviced by the same people.

“For the other brands, several providers are necessary, but for us, all of our technical staff can work on E-Z-GO, the Textron Fleet Management GPS system, Jacobsen or Ransomes and it makes it much easier to manage for our customers.”

Commenting on the renewal of this partnership, Pascal Grizot, President of the French Golf Federation, said: “Golf National must remain the venue for major international golfing events and offer optimal maintenance conditions throughout the year for all types of public. The new high-performance training area also requires technical equipment that matches our sporting ambitions. The continuation of our partnership with Jacobsen EZGO, both in terms of equipment and human resources, allows us to remain confident in preparing for the future French Open and the World Team Championships in 2022. We share together the will to prepare excellent quality courses with the necessary support for our field teams.”

The Director of Le Golf National, Mr Philippe Pilato, detailed the main reasons for this choice: “The teams of Golf National and Ransomes-Jacobsen have built a relationship of trust over many years. Beyond the quality of the service and the machines, we were very sensitive to the knowledge and know-how that guided our collaboration.

Ransomes-Jacobsen has accompanied us through various incredible experiences. The renewal of this partnership highlights our common ambitions to offer excellence in the quality of maintenance and to ensure the durability of this excellence. ”

Ransomes Jacobsen France services many of the country’s leading golf clubs from branches in Paris, Rennes and Toulouse. The quality of the products on offer along with the customer service, has been a pivotal selling point for clubs such as the Evian Resort, the Terre Blanche Golf and Spa Resort, the Roquebrune Resort, Golf du Touquet, Blue Green Golf Course of Pléneuf-Val-André, Golf du Prieuré and many others.

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AriensCo Expands EMEAA Footprint

AriensCo Expands EMEAA Footprint: U.S. based manufacturer, AriensCo, has expanded its presence in Europe with the acquisition of AS-Motor, on 3 May, 2021. The move is the latest demonstration of AriensCo’s commitment to its development within the European market and follows last year’s announcement of Europe’s first zero-turn production facility at their U.K. plant in Oxford.

“We’re happy to welcome AS-Motor into the AriensCo family of brands,” said Dan Ariens, Chairman & CEO of AriensCo. “The values of AS-Motor align closely with the AriensCo core values to be honest, be fair, keep our commitments, respect the individual and encourage intellectual curiosity. This acquisition allows for the expansion of both companies’ reach across Europe.”

AriensCo Expands EMEAA Footprint

AriensCo Expands EMEAA Footprint

This latest acquisition expands the company’s European footprint, which also has locations in the United Kingdom and Scandinavia with a 112,000 sq ft manufacturing and distribution facility, over 150 employees, over 750 dealers across the U.K., Norway, Denmark and Sweden.

AS-Motor is a third-generation family-run enterprise and has been a quality manufacturer of professional mowing solutions for high grass and slopes since 1959. The company employs 140 people. 90% of these employees work in Germany. Approx. 55% of sales are generated in the German market and approx. 45% in the rest of the world. Headquartered in Bühlertann, Southern Germany, AS-Motor products are sold through 400 dealers in Germany, over 100 dealers in France and distributors throughout the rest of Europe and the world.

Both AS-Motors and AriensCo are experiencing continued high demand, and the broadened product portfolio complements both companies’ long-range goals. AriensCo and AS-Motor will leverage the combined European sales and marketing infrastructure to expand the reach of both brands.

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Portable power whenever you need it

Portable power whenever you need it: The new Nexus Escape PAD1500E from EGO provides access to power whenever and wherever it is needed. With a 240V AC power outlet and two USB ports, the new unit can be used to power a range of equipment, from laptops and mobile phones to TVs, outdoor lighting and other equipment that requires access to a flexible, portable power source.

With a long history of creating cordless power tools and gardening equipment, EGO have harnessed the power of their industry-leading 56V Arc Lithium batteries to create a multi-purpose power source, which offers low-noise and zero emissions. The Nexus Escape can be paired with any of EGO’s 56V Arc Lithium hand-held batteries, which range from 2.5Ah to 10Ah.

Portable power whenever you need it

Portable power whenever you need it

EGO offer the industry’s highest energy capacity in a portable handheld battery. The innovative arc design and ‘keep cool’ technology ensure that battery temperature is kept low and prevents overheating. Recharge times vary depending on capacity, but average around 80 minutes with a standard charger, or 30 minutes with a rapid charger. Once charged, the batteries simply click into the Nexus Escape to provide a reliable, quiet and portable power source.

Weighing in at 0.5KG, with an integrated carrying handle, the Nexus Escape is easy to transport and small enough to fit into a backpack. Its compact size and low weight mean the Nexus can be used as a temporary power source for anything from business trips to beach visits, festivals and camping trips. With enough power to charge 5 laptops for ten hours (when paired with a 7.5Ah battery), the Nexus is also a great solution for home offices or small businesses looking for reliable back-up power.

The Nexus Escape PAD1500E retails at £84.99. It is also available as a kit, complete with battery and charger, at only £219. Visit www.egopowerplus.co.uk for more information.

EGO Power+ products come with extended domestic warranties up to five years when registered within 30 days of purchase.

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Toro stands the test of time

Toro stands the test of time: Toro is well known in the industry for its durability and reliability, and nowhere has Toro’s longevity been put to the test quite like the machines at Westridge Golf Centre in the Isle of Wight. Several machines have been in use for over 20 years – and are still going strong – which is why the club has recently purchased another two Toro machines. 

Course manager Paul Jenkins explains: “Toro machines are so well made and are by far the most durable brand. In our experience with Toro, if you look after it, it will last. That’s why we have our own mechanic and service each machine after every 50 hours of use. In fact, our oldest machine is a Toro Groundsmaster 3000-D which we’ve had for 30 years and is still being used!”

Toro stands the test of time

Toro stands the test of time

But it’s not just the machines themselves that have lasted so long. With 44 years in the industry, Paul’s faith in the brand has also stood the test of time, and continues, as he invests in another two Toro machines.

“The first club I worked at bought one of the first Toro GM3 machines in 1975, and from then I’ve been hooked,” explains Paul. “At every club I’ve worked at, I have always strived to ensure there is at least 70 percent Toro machinery in the fleet to ensure the best possible course maintenance, and Westridge is no different.

“When I joined around 17 years ago there was a limited amount of turfcare equipment,” he continues. “Over the years we’ve invested so that we have a majority of Toro machinery, and that continues with our latest purchase of a Toro Reelmaster 3100-D Sidewinder and Reelmaster 5610-D.”

Having worked at 19 major tournaments around the world including The Open, US Open, US PGA and the Ryder Cup, all of which were Toro venues, Paul knows a thing or two about excellent presentation. And with Westridge Golf Centre in the process of expanding from a 9 hole to an 18 hole course, there was no better time to invest in more Toro to keep standards at the course high. Something which the club’s owner, Mark Wright, fully supports says Paul: “We’re fortunate to have someone like Mark who recognises the value in investing in quality equipment. He’s a pro by trade and he understands that to play on the best surfaces you need the best equipment.”

“We really pride ourselves on our presentation here, so both the new machines will be put to good use on the course, and even more so once it has been extended,” says Paul. “The new Reelmaster 5610-D is great as it’s slightly smaller and provides a finer cut than the Reelmaster 6500-D we had been using for the fairways. Despite the 6500-D being 16 years old, it’s still a good solid machine so we will keep using it on the driving range.

“The Reelmaster 3100-D Sidewinder is also brilliant,” he continues. “Every few years there always comes along an innovation that really stands out, and for me, the Sidewinder technology is one of those innovations. It’s so unique to have a machine that can slide the cutting units from side to side and cut hard to reach areas safely. As a dual purpose machine, it’s also reducing manual labour which is a great bonus.”

As the only pay-as-you-play course available on the island, with a growing membership and an expansion underway, Westridge Golf Centre certainly has an exciting future ahead, with the course set to be enjoyed by the whole community for years to come.

“It’s a very exciting time for Westridge and it’s great to have Toro on board to help with the course maintenance now and in the future,” says Paul. “Put simply, Toro machines are just designed well with durability in mind. I’ve visited the Toro factory in Minneapolis before, and I’ve seen for myself that what Toro is doing is head and shoulders above everyone else.”

To find out more about the Toro range or the finance options available, call Reesink Turfcare on 01480 226800, email info@reesinkturfcare.co.uk or visit reesinkturfcare.co.uk

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