Kubota loader range for M-series tractors

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Kubota loader range for M-series tractors: A full range of MX-built Kubota loaders is now available for M-series tractors including the M4, M5, M6 and M7 models which span the 66-170hp sector.

Designated the LK range, the orange-liveried loader models provide an integrated, high-precision materials handling solution for M-series tractors, enabling customers to choose a tractor and high-performance loader package that closely suits their needs.

Kubota loader range for M-series tractors

Kubota loader range for M-series tractors

There are three series of loader available, badged LK U (utility-mechanical), LK M (mechanical) and LK H (hydraulic). And all three series differ in specification, lift capacity and tractor suitability. LK U and LK M versions offer a mechanical parallel lift and a headstock that uses automatic mechanical attachment locking, while LK H loaders benefit from a hydraulic parallel lift system. All models can be equipped with the optional Mach 2 coupling for loader and attachment hydraulic services, which delivers simultaneous coupling of hydraulic and electrical connections in a single action.

Loader numbers closely reflect lift capacities, which extend from 1,180kg to 2,410kg depending on model, while maximum lift height at the pivot pint is from 3.5m to 4.15m.

Buyers can choose from three control systems to suit their model of LK loader. These include the cable-operated ProPilot joystick; a low-pressure servo-based FlexPilot joystick; or the electronic e-Pilot S control system. Push-button control options are available for auxiliary services, and depending on the model, these can also include a fourth hydraulic service and an automatic return to dig function.

Fitting and removing the loader from the tractor is a straightforward process, thanks to Fitlock – the mechanical latching mechanism that secures the loader onto the tractor’s brackets. The operator only needs to leave the cab once to unlock the loader, as the drive-in format relocks automatically when engaged. Fitlock uses a coloured mechanical indicator – visible from the inside and outside the cab – to provide an easy visual reference of the loader’s status; locked or unlocked.

In addition, LK H models can be equipped with the optional Fastlock attachment connection and Speedlink 3rd and 4th service connections, enabling attachment swaps without needing to leave the cab.

Integral parking stands and pivot pins with protected grease nipples add to the operator convenience, as does the Shock Eliminator hydraulic boom suspension system, while pipework protection comes from passing hydraulic hoses through the inside of the loader boom.

LK loaders are priced from £7,278 for the LK1500U model in loader-ready configuration including a third service, tractor brackets and Pro Pilot joystick controls.

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Building for growth

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Building for growth: The  Blackburn based dealership Stuart Taylor Internationl have completed the construction of a new purpose built premises, two miles from their existing site.

For the company Sarah Taylor said, “since launch in two thousand and three the business has outgrown the existing building, resulting in the requrement for more space and all staff will be based on the new site”.

Building for growth

Building for growth

Tommy Taylor added, “we have enjoyed an excellent last two years trading accros our broad groundcare and agricultural equipment product range and we are confident the new build will now support further growth and expansion into new markets”

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A decade of MM seed for Rugby School

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A decade of MM seed for Rugby School: James Mead, Grounds Manager at the world-famous Rugby School in Warwickshire, has revealed why he has used MM50 grass seed for the last ten years.

Rugby School, founded in 1567, is one of the oldest public schools in England, and is renowned worldwide for being the place where the game of rugby was born and developed. In fact, visitors travel from far and wide to visit the school’s small museum and to see where the legendary student William Webb Ellis, took a football in his arms and ran with it.

A decade of MM seed for Rugby School

A decade of MM seed for Rugby School

It is fitting that a school of such status also boasts a fabulous sporting reputation and James Mead and his experienced team work hard to keep the facilities in pristine condition.

James believes that a grass seed is one of the most integral components in producing a high-quality sports pitch and it is for this reason that he chooses to use MM50.

“I initially heard of MM50 through seminars and various events, and I’ve now been using it for just over ten years,” he said. “The quality of the grass and the cleanliness of the mix is very important – we don’t want any rogue grasses or agricultural left in the mix. MM50 is a very clean mixture.”

MM is one of the most respected brands in the UK amenity industry, with over 40 years of experience and knowledge. The extensive product portfolio is second to none with performance proven mixtures that are used at many leading venues in the UK and Europe.

MM50, in particular, is one of the UK’s biggest selling grass mixtures. The hard-wearing ryegrass mix is very fine leaved, has high shoot density, is tolerant to close mowing down to 4-5mm and produces a great colour all year round. It also has quick recovery from damage and play.

“We use MM50 on our cricket squares, wickets, cricket outfields and we also use MM60 on the first team rugby pitch,” said James. “We overseed as much as we can depending on weather, and it gives us great coverage, great density, and a good fineness of leaf. Very rarely do we get disease and it gives us first-class colour. Playability wise it is excellent and it is ideal for the run of a ball. MM50 just ticks all the boxes that we are looking for.”

Both MM50 and MM60 (an ideal mixture for winter sports pitches) are treated with Headstart® GOLD – a revolutionary grass seed treatment that ensures rapid germination. It benefits from minerals such as Phosphorus, Sulphur, Copper and Molybdenum which all help to stimulate root formation, development and growth ensuring that the seedling grass plant develops a strong root system during the critical start-up phase.

“The speed of the germination certainly takes the pressure off the initial seeding,” said James. “We tend not to put fertiliser down with the MM50 straight away, instead we let the seed come through first. The initial protection to the plant from the mix is ideal.

“The quality of MM50 has never diminished and if anything, it keeps improving. It is a very trustworthy product. Seeding takes a lot of time and effort, and you want the best results for your hard work.”

James also praised the support he receives from both MM and Agrovista Amenity (distributor of MM).

“I have a very good relationship with Matt Gresty from MM seed and also with Mark Allen from Agrovista Amenity – who is able to provide various products of great benefit to us.”

For further information, please contact MM Sports Seed on 01386 791102 or visit the company’s website www.mm-seeds.co.uk. You can also follow the company on Twitter: @MM_Seed

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Toro’s sidewinder tech

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Toro’s sidewinder tech: Ratho Park Golf Club in Edinburgh, Scotland, has a long history with Toro and has recently acquired one of the brand’s bestsellers: the Reelmaster 3100-D cylinder mower featuring its innovative Sidewinder technology.

Craig McCrorie, head greenkeeper for over three years, and his team of five have been busy this year rebuilding 12 greens on the 18-hole tree-lined parkland course with plans to remodel the bunkers in the next few years, so the need for a machine to make the work easier, faster and with better results became a priority. The Reelmaster 3100-D was, thus, selected for the job.

Toro's sidewinder tech

Toro’s sidewinder tech

“The Sidewinder technology is brilliant,” Craig comments. “The fact that all three cutting units can move 12 inches right or left from the centre position for a full 24 inches of travel allows you to cut the grass exactly how you want it even when in tricky positions. Not having to put so much weight on the bunkers as we drive around them is perfect as we still get that close cut, but the tyres are kept back from the edges.”

The ride-on mower is also being used on the semi roughs, as Craig comments: “We’re cutting those to around 20mm in height and it hasn’t posed a problem for the Reelmaster. It goes through it like butter. It’s a huge step up – a night and day difference – between this and the mower we were using before. Toro really is unique in the technology it delivers.”

Toro’s renowned Dual Precision Adjustment (DPA) cutting units feature a one-click dial for quick adjustment of the bedknife in exact increments for a clean and consistent cut of each blade of grass, which helps keep the sward green and healthy. That, paired with a patented three-wheel drive system that provides an impressive traction in both hilly and wet conditions, with minimal wheel slip that’s gentle on the turf, makes the Reelmaster 3100-D a great addition to any golf club.

Not only can it get under and around trees and other hard-to-reach places while bringing precise control to delicate jobs such as trimming around bunkers, water features, tee boxes and greens edges on the golf course but it also means that more junior members of staff can perform expert edging, as well as trimming neatly and closely around sensitive areas while keeping the mower’s wheels a safe distance away.

“The quality of these machines is unbeatable: the finish, the usability, the longevity, it’s a whole package,” Craig continues. “Everyone agrees. Using them is saving us a huge amount of time as we don’t have to go through the hassle of setting them up. Plus, we’ve had far fewer breakdowns. The frequency of breakdowns of our previous machine is what put us off buying them again. But with Toro, we’ve had a break down this week for the first time since we bought them from distributor Reesink two years ago.

“They were minor issues and solved quickly by Reesink as they were still under warranty. The chances of Toro machines breaking down are very slim – it does happen, obviously, but it’s not common – that’s the difference. And that puts us at ease since downtime is not an option.

“Toro just seems to work on our golf course,” Craig concludes. “Especially the Sidewinder. Its performance has exceeded expectations and we hope to benefit from more of Toro’s technology in the future.”

To talk to someone about Toro technology and how the Toro range could suit your course, call 01480 226800.

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