Ex-demo Toro mower for Shotts GC

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Ex-demo Toro mower for Shotts GC: Machines are in high demand and Shotts Golf Club has bagged itself a rare gem – an ex-demo hybrid mower from Toro dealer Reesink Scotland.

Located half-way between Edinburgh and Glasgow, Shotts Golf Club was in the market for a hybrid mower with longevity. Course manager Andrew Kirk, who has been managing operations for a little over two years, explains: “This is not the first time the club has had an electric or hybrid mower, but it is the first time we’ve had a Toro one. Reliability was an issue with our old electric machine, which didn’t last very long compared to the price we had paid – – not even five years, so this time I went for Toro whose reputation for longevity and reliability is widely known.”

Ex-demo Toro mower for Shotts GC

Ex-demo Toro mower for Shotts GC

 

In terms of going with an ex-demo machine, Andrew says: “Being more sustainable also means reutilising as much as possible and skipping a brand-new machine for one that had had some light usage is something that fits with our overall ethos and approach to sustainability. The fact that it was available immediately and delivered very quickly was a major plus.”

When it launched in 2019, Toro’s Greensmaster eTriFlex 3360 hybrid greensmower was the perfect example of hybrid technology in a riding greensmower. The combination of a Kawasaki engine with battery assist technology offered the best of both worlds. Saving up to 20 percent in fuel and a constant 2,400 rpm with shrouded engine for amazingly quiet operation, but with a known diesel engine, it was a reliable, more sustainable energy source.

Andrew continues: “Being hybrid limits the hydraulic bursts on the greens and not having to deal with that was a big thing for me. The team much prefers this model to the previous one. They like the ease of setting it up, including the height setting, and the way it’s so straight-forward, it’s a surprisingly simple machine to use when you consider the technology involved. That saves us so much time and energy that we can spend elsewhere.”

The club has made many eco-friendly changes including roughs management that allows certain areas to remain uncut to provide habitats for different forms of wildlife. The next step for Andrew and the team is to look at water management options for rainwater capture, coupled with filtration and aeration, but for now, being able to tend to the greens with a lot more peace of mind is already a much-welcomed improvement.

Andrew concludes: “We are certainly looking into replacing more machines in the future with hybrid and electric alternatives but for now, this one is doing very well and we’re very happy with the purchase.”

Gareth Rogers, area sales specialist at Reesink Scotland, who facilitated the transaction, adds: “It was a pleasure providing Andrew with a reliable solution, which has helped make his job a little bit easier and makes this job worthwhile. Ex-demo machines through Reesink are stripped down and any warn down parts are replaced with new ones. We make sure the machines are restored so that they are as close to new condition as possible before they are sold.”

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

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Hunter helps to futureproof the Tigers

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Hunter helps to futureproof the Tigers: A newly installed Hunter irrigation system, supplied by KAR UK, is part of a long-term plan to help futureproof Leicester Tigers’ Mattioli Woods Welford Road Stadium, according to Head Groundsman Ed Mowe.

With a CV boasting positions at Leicester City Football Club, England FA’s St George’s Park and now Leicester City Tigers, it is safe to say that Ed knows how to produce a high-quality sports pitch. He has been with the Tigers for six years and he now believes that the time has come to look to the future.

Hunter helps to futureproof the Tigers

Hunter helps to futureproof the Tigers

“The old surface was coming towards the end of its life span, and we are going to be hosting more games soon because we’ve got a Leicester Tigers Women’s team, who will be playing their home games here. So, this year, we had a new pitch constructed and we also saw an opportunity to replace all our irrigation sprinkler heads. The previous heads were old, and we were trying to replace them as they were breaking, so it just made sense to start fresh.

“Ultimately, we want to futureproof the stadium and the pitch, so it can be in the best possible shape moving forwards.”

The pitch construction was carried out by Premier Turf who worked with Prime Irrigation. It was decided that the pitch would benefit from a mixture of Hunter TTS-885 and I-80 rotors, which were supplied by KAR UK – the leading wholesaler of irrigation equipment in the UK.

The 885 rotor belongs to the Hunter TTS-800 portfolio and provides maximum uniformity and longevity. The high-torque gear drives are the strongest in the industry, so the challenges of reclaimed water use, or poor water quality are mitigated.

The TTS-885 also benefits from Hunter’s patented TTS (Total-Top-Service) technology which allows for every serviceable element of the rotor to be accessed through the top.

Mechanical and electrical, big and small, you can get to every component without disturbing the playing surface. That means there’s no more digging, no more unsightly scars, and more importantly, one less item on a busy turf manager’s schedule. Other notable features of the TTS-885 include true full-circle and adjustable part-circle (60° to 360°), exclusive PressurePort™ nozzle technology, and a radius of 11.3 to 28.7 m.

Meanwhile the I-80 is built with a robust, dirt-tolerant gear drive that offers the highest torque output of any rotor in the commercial sphere, and extends a radius range from 11.3 to 29.6 m. The I-80 features a wide range of highly efficient, dual-trajectory, wind-fighting nozzles for highly efficient performance in a range of applications. It also provides TTS via its integrated, surface-mounted snap-ring.

To accompany the rotors Ed opted for the mobile-friendly Centralus irrigation management platform and the Roam remote – which eliminates the need to go back and forth to the sprinkler controller. This connectivity allows you to view a controller’s status, change settings, view forecasts, save water, and receive instant notifications of important system alarms — all without costly and time-consuming travel and site visits.

Hunter helps to futureproof the Tigers

Hunter helps to futureproof the Tigers

“This year really has proved just how important a good irrigation system is,” said Ed. “The rotors provide us with excellent coverage, and they are not as prone to drift. Previously we were getting a lot of drift off the old heads. They are incredibly easy to use and maintain – you can simply pull them out and there is no digging involved. You don’t have to take them apart to alter the arcs. I’ve not had any issues with them at all and they perform excellently.

“The Centralus and the Roam remote have also been of huge benefit,” continued Ed. “It is all connected to the internet so I can easily sort out the various irrigation programmes. Having this flexibility has saved us thousands of pounds too because, if for example, I have set a programme and we get a big downpour of rain then I can simply switch it off. Also, in this respect we can target specific areas on the pitch. We just keep the remote in our pockets and if we see a dry patch or the manager wants a certain area watered, we can switch it on with the press of a button.

“Overall, I’m really impressed – and the irrigation system is absolutely helping to futureproof the pitch. It has helped to keep the moisture levels up for the grass to grow and the whole package just works for us.”

For more information, please visit www.karuk.com

You can also follow KAR UK on Twitter @KARUK_LTD for much more news, reviews and insightful views.

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Barenbrug changes the game

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Barenbrug changes the game: Varieties Barzico and Barbasten, already first and second on the 2022 BSPB/STRI Sports Ryegrass list, is available commercially in Barenbrug’s 2022 Elite Sport blend. These varieties are the result of many years of breeding and trials in the UK and abroad.

Calling the winter sports range a ‘Game Changer’ for top football and rugby stadiums, Luke Hunt, Barenbrug’s Product Manager says “We have broken the mould for 2022 with the very top performing grasses bred by us for premium sport stadiums, pitches and courses, and produced in the UK. Grounds managers now have a brand-new choice in a field where many different products have contained the same varieties”.

Barenbrug changes the game

Barenbrug changes the game

The Elite Sport blend is complemented in Barenbrug’s winter sport range with RPR Sport, a highly researched blend of four hard-wearing perennial ryegrasses, including Barlibro Regenerating Perennial Ryegrass (RPR). The range also contains Multi Sport, with a focus on through-the-year performance and sustainability, and SOS for emergency mid-season turf repair in cool temperatures.

Barenbrug’s premium sports range is in wide use at Premier League stadiums, top-ranked golf courses and tennis courts, as well as local clubs and schools. Ipswich Town FC is one of many football clubs who has had the game changed by the winter sport varieties. Ben Connell (ITFC) began trials five years ago with Barenbrug bred grass varieties on the training grounds and academy pitches. Since then, he has overseen their introduction into the stadium pitch. “One advantage of working with a seed breeder,” Ben says, “is to be able to follow the development of new grass varieties and work with the breeder to see how products can work best for our pitches. So for us, Barenbrugs winter sport varieties are top of the table”.

Specialising entirely on developing innovative UK grass seed solutions, Barenbrug UK is now recognised as the leading grass seed breeder and grower in the UK. As part of the wider Barenbrug Group, grass experts since 1904, their worldwide research and plant genetics network includes dedicated UK trials of amenity varieties and mixtures, providing a solid testing ground while drawing on knowledge and expertise from across the globe.

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Lantra set to attend SALTEX

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Lantra set to attend SALTEX: Lantra, one of the leading awarding organisation’s for the land-based sector and a one-stop shop for nationally recognised industry training and qualification in the UK, is to attend Europe’s largest turf management show which is set to hit the Birmingham NEC in November.

Representatives from Lantra will be descending on the Saltex exhibition to meet grounds’ care volunteers, professionals, suppliers, and manufacturers and to provide information and advice on training courses, qualifications and opportunities that could lead to becoming a Lantra Instructor or Assessor.

Lantra set to attend SALTEX

Lantra set to attend SALTEX

Saltex, which takes place at the Birmingham NEC from November 2 to 3, is now in its 76th year and this year, 400 brands are expected to showcase their products and services across three halls at the venue.

The Lantra team will be using the event to reinforce how training can help address the skills gap in the landscape sector.

They’ll provide information on their work, and demonstrate how, through training initiatives, courses and qualifications, this major industry issue can be tackled.

David Fisher, Lantra’s Head of Industry Partnerships, said he is very much looking forward to attending the event and fly the flag for training, lifelong learning, and the need to address the skills shortage issue in the land-based sector as a whole.

He said: “Saltex provides us with another excellent platform to showcase our quality training courses and nationally recognised qualifications that are delivered through a national network of training Provider Partners.

“During this major event we look forward to meeting all those involved, or who have an interest, in grounds’ care and turf management.

“We want, to look at the challenges faced by the sector and demonstrate how we are here to help, listen and provide people with the tools and training they need to hone their skills and development.

“Saltex will provide us with a great opportunity to meet up with industry contacts and get to hear first-hand about the latest developments and requirements in the industry.

“We always gain useful intel on what knowledge and skills operators are prioritising to inform our training and qualifications. Lantra will be exhibiting at Stand K124 so please come along and see us.

“Who knows it may result in becoming a Lantra Instructor or Assessor of the future,” David added.

To register to attend the free event please visit https://eventdata.uk/Forms/Form.aspx?FormRef=SALB2Visitor&TrackingCode=SALTEXWEB

For further information about Lantra please log on to https://www.lantra.co.uk/

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Electric greens at Sheringham GC

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Electric greens at Sheringham GC: All-electric ride-on power arrives in East Anglia for the first time as Sheringham Golf Course becomes the first club in the area to purchase Toro’s all-electric eTriFlex 3370 riding greensmower.

When ranked 75th in the 2022 National Club Golfer Top 100 Courses in England, the work undertaken each year isn’t just about maintaining the status quo, it’s about working hard to enhance the club in meaningful ways, according to course manager Ricky Goodman, and in 2022 sustainability is top of the agenda.

Electric greens at Sheringham GC

Electric greens at Sheringham GC

Currently in his fourth year at the Norfolk club, known for its unique ocean and stream train views, Ricky made his bid for new Toro machinery when he arrived, and the board supported the move once they understood all the benefits this change would bring to the club.

Ricky says: “I shared my plans and ideas for the course and how bringing Toro in, the quality of the machines and innovation of the brand would benefit the course and with finance through distributor Reesink available, I got their backing. Clubs in Norfolk, including this one, are known for using a specific brand of turfcare machinery and our club was ready to move on and set itself apart, all it needed was a little push.

“We’re focusing on many sustainable initiatives this year and using lithium-ion battery-power for cutting our greens spearheads them all. The all-electric eTriFlex 3370 ticks so many boxes and solves many issues. There’s no noise pollution which means we can start mowing earlier without disturbing the residents we have bordering the back of the club and we no longer need to worry about oil spills on the greens, which causes incredible damage.”

In addition to this, Ricky explains how the club is using solar panels to create its own energy and is replacing plastic tees with biodegradable wooden ones instead. Irrigation is a top priority, both supply and storage given the recent draught and Ricky is “looking into water storage and capture for irrigation for the paths and fairways”, alongside construction works, including levelling tees that are 100 years old. Ricky is also cutting back on the nutrients in the greens to help preserve more sustainable species.

The Greensmaster eTriFlex 3370 is not the only Toro machine the club is investing in, also on order are a ProCore 648 aerator and Reelmaster 3575-D. The reason for further expanding the fleet is for the brand’s longevity and resale value as Ricky explains: “Toro machines can run for five to six years no trouble; they have a market leading resale value and whereas other brands would go off-cut very quickly with Toro it’s just a quick click and you’re back on it. Plus, I can take all units off quick release and back on in five minutes, other brands would take 30 minutes just to take them out so productivity with Toro is much improved.”

It’s certainly a decision that’s proved itself with Ricky’s seven-strong team, the members and board, says Ricky: “The Greensmaster eTriFlex 3370 mower is the benchmark, the next level in turfcare machinery, and we couldn’t be happier with the difference we can see on the course. All-electric mowers are the talk of the industry, and discussion on their benefits has influenced other clubs to go green as well. We’ve had a lot of interest in ours – the local contractor mechanics have asked to borrow it for training, getting to know the machine and preparing for how the market will be progressing. It won’t be long before every golf course will want one.”

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

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