PRO 34R’s ‘supreme’ at BT Murrayfield

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PRO 34R’s ‘supreme’ at BT Murrayfield:A trio of Dennis PRO 34R rotary mowers have impressed Jim Dawson, Scottish Rugby’s Head Groundsman at BT Murrayfield, with him labelling them “supreme machines”.

Having been a greenkeeper and a groundsman, the well-respected Jim Dawson has worked in the turf industry throughout his whole career picking up several prestigious awards and accolades along the way. After leaving his last position at Falkirk FC he has nurtured the pitch at Scotland’s largest stadium for just over a decade.

Throughout his career, Jim has always been familiar with the Dennis brand.

PRO 34R’s ‘supreme’ at BT Murrayfield

PRO 34R’s ‘supreme’ at BT Murrayfield

“When I first think of Dennis I think of very sound and robust machines,” he said. “They are very trustworthy, reliable and the construction of them is first class whether it be one of their cylinder or rotary mowers.”

Jim has been a long-term admirer of the Dennis G860 cylinder mower claiming it was a ‘game-changer’ when it was first launched. Therefore, he welcomed the news of Dennis manufacturing a 34-inch rotary mower.

“Dennis made sure they got the right machine in terms of quality, usability and for the overall customer experience. It was key for them, and it absolutely worked.

“We got a demo of the mower and we thought it was out of this world. I put it to the board to request three PRO 34R’s and they supported my decision.”

The Dennis PRO 34R is a 34-inch (860mm) rotary mower which has been designed to help groundsmen achieve an aesthetically pleasing appearance and desired playing surface. It is ideal for sports pitches and lawns producing the enviable ‘Dennis Stripes’ while a powerful vacuum flow collects debris quickly and efficiently.

Many operators of the PRO 34R have praised the size and speed of the machines, claiming that they save a huge amount of time and resources. Jim and his team at BT Murrayfield are no exception.

“We used to have four 24-inch rotary mowers and it took four members of staff approximately three hours to do the pitch, but now we can go over the whole pitch with three PRO 34R’s in about 1 hour and 20 mins.

“They are brilliant at cleaning up after any game or event we have on the pitch, and we use them on our back pitches to thin them out as well. The good thing about the PRO 34R is that you can go as slow as you want with maximum uplift, which is beneficial especially in winter or when the grass is damp. When the dry weather arrives, we’ll increase the speed to level 2 or 3. They are supreme machines.”

Jim was also quick to acknowledge the support he has received over the years from Ewen Wilson, Area Sales Manager for Dennis and SISIS.

“I’ve known Ewen ever since I was working at Falkirk,” he said. “He’s happy to help and is great for technical information. He always takes the time to talk you through how the machines work.

“Once you’ve used a Dennis machine, they are very hard to go away from.”

For further information or a no obligation demonstration, please contact Dennis 01332 824 777 or visit www.dennisuk.com

For more news, reviews and insightful views, you can follow Dennis on Twitter and Instagram @DennisMowers and like the company’s Facebook page – www.facebook.com/DennisMowersUK.You can also view the latest Dennis videos by visiting www.youtube.com/DennisMowers

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ISEKI is brilliant in Bradwell

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ISEKI is brilliant in Bradwell: A volunteer who is passionate about helping his local sports club has revealed how an ISEKI compact tractor is significantly improving the standard of pitches.  

The picturesque village of Bradwell in Milton Keynes boasts successful football and cricket teams and both sports are played at the Bradwell Sports & Social Club. Until recently, the Bradwell teams had no control over the condition of the pitches as David Keene – Old Bradwell United FC’s Manager, Groundsman AND Chairman explains:

ISEKI is brilliant in Bradwell

ISEKI is brilliant in Bradwell

“We were at the mercy of the parish council who carried out the groundwork on the football and cricket pitches, and they did it at their convenience, but it wasn’t always convenient for us.

“It got to the point where our pitch was deemed poor by the Football Association and as a result, we secured some funding through a Football Foundation grant. This finally enabled us to purchase our own machinery so that we could maintain the pitches ourselves.

“Our local dealer, RT Machinery, recommended some tractors and specifically the ISEKI TM3267. We found that during the demonstration, the ISEKI tractor was the best within our budget.”

The ISEKI TM3267 compact tractor is a versatile 25hp diesel compact tractor with a F8/R8 mechanical transmission. The ISO-mounted operator’s platform combined with ergonomically positioned controls ensures operator comfort during extended working periods. The 3-point linkage has a lift capacity of 600kg or 800kg when fitted with the high-capacity lift kit.

It also features, as standard, a rear-PTO, two double acting valves, mid-PTO, two double-acting auxiliary valves, weight frame and a choice of AG or Turf tyres. The TM3267 is available with an optional front loader. Should you ave any other questions please give me a call, included do

Further benefits include:

  • Excellent performance coupled with high efficiency
  • ISO mounted operator platform for reduced noise and vibration
  • Power: 18.9 kW (25.3 hp)
  • Drive System: Mechanical or HST

David was quick to stress the importance of the ISEKI TM3267 being user friendly and explained how it has helped to improve the pitches.

“I’m not a mechanically minded person – I work in an office,” he said. “I have absolutely no problems using the ISEKI tractor – which tells you how easy it is to use. Swapping the mower and other attachments is very straightforward. No preparation is needed – it is simply a case of getting onto it and then start using it.

“We use it specifically for the football pitch and the cricket outfield,” continued David. “We will attach the mower to it predominantly in the dry months, and we then we attach a SISIS Quadraplay (a mounted frame which allows for up to four implements) to it in the winter months to break up compaction and allow for drainage. Since we have been using it the quality of the pitches have improved no end.

“I would recommend the TM3267 to any sports club who are looking to take control of their own ground maintenance. Essentially, any club – from grass roots to semi-professional – would benefit from this.”

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TAG confirms new Shropshire depot

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TAG confirms new Shropshire depot: Tallis Amos Group (TAG) has confirmed plans for a new depot in Shropshire at Allscott between Shrewsbury and Telford. The announcement follows TAG’s confirmation in July that it had been appointed as the John Deere dealer to cover Shrewsbury and Newport in Shropshire. The new depot is due to open in October 2022. 

TAG was formed in 2012 when two long standing John Deere dealerships, Alexander & Duncan and Chris Tallis Farm Machinery joined forces. The company traces its roots back to 1912 and has been supporting farming businesses in the West Midlands for over 100 years, with 56 years as John Deere agents. Currently operating four depots in the West Midlands and Wales at Evesham, Kemble, Leominster and Narberth, TAG already has plans to open an additional site near Lampeter in October this year. Employing a team of 130, including skilled after-sales teams and experienced sales representatives, TAG has a comprehensive range of other machinery partners including Kramer, Pottinger, Sumo, Pichon, Shelbourne Reynolds, Sulky, AW & Bailey Trailers and many more.

TAG confirms new Shropshire depot

TAG confirms new Shropshire depot

To ensure that the company can deliver outstanding support to customers throughout the Shrewsbury and Newport area, TAG is now actively recruiting Sales, Parts, Service, Precision Ag and Administration staff. Rea Valley Tractors (RVT) continue to be authorised dealers until 31st October 2022.

Simon Amos, TAG Agricultural Sales Director, said: “The new depot in Allscott is perfectly positioned to support farming and contracting businesses throughout Shropshire. Although there will be some work required to get the site ready, we’re confident we can be up and running within a few months. We are also investing heavily in Parts and Service capacity at Leominster to further support customers from South and West Shropshire.”

Eve Tubb, TAG Group HR Manager, said: “At 40,000 sq. ft, the Allscott site will become the biggest in group. Anyone interested in a career at TAG can contact me directly in confidence at eve.tubb@tallisamos.co.uk.

“With a current team of over 130 we are looking to recruit an additional 30 people to help fully support Shropshire customers. The company offers attractive rewards and outstanding long term career opportunities.”

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EVO 205D SAFE-Trak delivers quality and quantity

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EVO 205D SAFE-Trak delivers quality and quantity: The Babraham Research Campus, one of the UK’s leading locations for academic and commercial bioscience, have taken delivery of an EVO 205D SAFE-Trak to keep pace with the site’s demand for wood chip and weed suppressant.

The 100-acre campus sits within an additional 360 acres of estate land, maintained by Estates and Waste Manager Matt Antrobus and two ground teams – all of whom have been mightily impressed with the power, performance and build quality of their new woodchipper from GreenMech’s EVO series.

EVO 205D SAFE-Trak delivers quality and quantity

EVO 205D SAFE-Trak delivers quality and quantity

“The site has grown and changed a lot over the last decade, both in terms of the variety and types of research conducted here and the push towards more environmentally-friendly methods of maintenance” explains Matt, who has been at the Campus for 15 years. “We use in the region of 300 tons of woodchip every year for suppressing weeds as well as decoration for borders, beds and miles and miles of public footpaths! Our previous chipper was struggling to cope and, after comparing a couple of options, the EVO 205D emerged head and shoulders above the competition.”

The backbone of the EVO 205D’s design is a deep beam, high tensile steel chassis, with a generous in-feed hopper measuring 1250mm x 700mm allowing the easy processing of bulky material. Maximum chipping efficiency is powered by a Kubota Stage V-Complaint 50hp diesel engine, while GreenMech’s SAFE-Trak system delivers ground clearance of up to 400mm, enabling access across uneven terrain and in difficult ground conditions.

“The EVO was installed in July by our local dealer Thurlow Nunn Standen and Julian Cullis of GreenMech, who delivered some outstanding training to the team that was on a par with – if not better than, some of the official woodchipper courses available. Although we’ve only had it a few weeks, the operators love it! The first major thing they commented on was the ease of manoeuvrability and access, meaning we can position the 205D exactly where we are working which saves a lot of time. Secondly, the feed rate is drastically quicker with this machine… the teams just can’t keep up with it!”

“There isn’t really much the team haven’t been impressed with. The build quality is fantastic and from a usability perspective, you can tell that GreenMech have really thought about what the operator wants and needs from a woodchipper.” Matt adds, “This EVO 205D will be fundamental to our new willow replanting and rotation programme which will help give us the quantity of wood and chip we need to continue our sustainable site management programme.”

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