Craigmillar Park praise Trilo M3

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Craigmillar Park praise Trilo M3: An M3 Multipurpose from Trilo has been praised by the team at Craigmillar Park Golf Club in Edinburgh for the labour savings it has brought to the effective management of their eco rough and quick clearance of leaves and debris.

The unit, delivered by Sherriff Golf & Turf, arrived just in time for a busy autumn and winter season but Golf Course Manager Stephen Sinclair is delighted to discover the versatility of the M3 will make it a machine for all seasons.

Craigmillar Park praise Trilo M3

Craigmillar Park praise Trilo M3

Established in 1895, Craigmillar Park Golf Club is located just two miles from Edinburgh Castle, providing the picture postcard backdrop for the popular parkland course. Like most parkland courses, Stephen and the team of three face the yearly challenge of managing leaf fall, with their previous method of cutting and mulching the material no longer providing a viable solution. After exploring the various options to find a machine fit for task, a demonstration by Jack Lyall of Sherriff’s saw the M3 become the firm favourite – with the realisation that the Trilo Wanderhose, in particular, would offer improved course appearance in double quick time!

“From the first day, it has really impressed” explains Stephen. “We took delivery of the M3 in early November and it worked virtually non-stop for a month, removing leaves from all areas around the course – including bunkers where we can simply suck them up with the Wanderhose rather than having to manually blow them out and then go along and collect them. The members noticed straight away the difference in both presentation and playability.”

He continues, “We then saw the potential for using the M3 for cutting down our eco roughs and the results we’ve had here are outstanding! We have some areas of pretty heavy growth, but the flail shaft took these in its stride and the cleanliness of collection is head and shoulders above anything we’ve used before.”

With the new season fast approaching, thoughts are now turning to how else the Trilo M3 can be utilised. “We have had some pretty wet and wild weather over the last couple of months, so it’ll certainly be used to clean up debris and storm damage when conditions allow. We’re also toying with the idea of using it during renovations, to lift hollow cores. Dougie and Jack Lyall from Sherriff’s have been brilliant at explaining the various options to us, alongside Jeremy Vincent of Trilo who provided excellent training to get us up and running.”

The M3 Multipurpose from the Trilo range of vacuum collectors is a versatile one-pass machine for effective sweeping, scarification or cut and collection. Featuring the handheld Wanderhose, a high working speed and working width of 1.5m, the M3 is a popular compact unit finding year-round applications on sports turf and tasks around the golf course.

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Ventracs replace ageing fleet at Ladbrook Park Golf Club

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Ventracs replace ageing fleet at Ladbrook Park Golf Club: Ladbrook Park Golf Club, situated in the Warwickshire countryside near Tanworth-in-Arden, has put its trust in Ventrac and taken delivery of FOUR Ventrac 4520 all-terrain compact tractors and 13 attachments to maintain their prestigious 1908 Colt-designed course.

Kevin Fellows has been the course manager for 38 years, having joined the club in 1985 from nearby Shirley Golf Club. He was appointed to his current position in 1994.

Ventracs replace ageing fleet at Ladbrook Park Golf Club

Ventracs replace ageing fleet at Ladbrook Park Golf Club

Commenting on the club’s decision to take this route, he said,

“With the exception of our fine turf areas, the majority of the course is now maintained with Ventrac equipment. It fits in with our agronomic requirements and does everything apart from fine turf and aeration. For all other areas – approaches, fairways, semi, rough, our ecology areas, transport, ditching, haulage – the Ventrac system fits perfectly. At the moment we have everything we need. It fits our current maintenance plan; tomorrows objectives and our longer-term direction.

“Selling it to the board of directors was not an issue. The initial thinking was to identify machines for replacement on a like-for-like basis and then progressively, over the next few years, replace and update as necessary. The alternative was to take the Ventrac route. Fortunately, the Finance director and board were keen to fund our replacement programme, with the support of the Greens committee, whichever direction we chose.

“When the cost options were put on the table it became a bit of a no-brainer. It is difficult to justify spending close to £100,000, or thereabouts, on a dedicated mower to cut rough, which does nothing else apart from macerate leaves and then put in the shed at the end of October and let it sat there, doing nothing for 3-4 months.

“I spoke with the club’s Finance and Greens directors in conjunction with the greens committee and we arranged a demo with a couple of Ventracs and a selection of implements. After some training and machine familiarisation, Jon Lewis, Price Turfcare’s regional sales manager, who I’ve known for years, left it with us so we could thoroughly evaluate it on our course. When you’re looking at new equipment you need to bring your team with you. You sit back and listen to what they say and sitting there one lunchtime, there was a comment which really sticks in my mind; one of the guys said ‘it’s becoming increasingly difficult to say no to.’ And he was right, because it suited our course. You’ve got invest in machinery that suits your course.”

“It was a big commitment to swap out our existing fleet and go, almost exclusively, with Ventrac. Once we started to look, we became increasingly discontent with some of the market forces; supply lines and cost were major considerations. As a course manager you have to think laterally, so I asked myself is there a better way of doing this? Covid caused a reset in thinking; prior to the pandemic a lot of clubs were committed to one manufacturer or another. We were principally a one manufacturer machinery operation.

“I was looking for something that gave us more versatility and began by looking at compact tractors from various manufacturers. Then, by pure chance Jon Lewis dropped by one afternoon with a trailer of Ventrac equipment. Naturally enough I had a look and next morning Jon gave me a brochure. And the rest is history!

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Explosive Start for GroundsFest 2024

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Explosive Start for GroundsFest 2024: Following its groundbreaking debut, GroundsFest is returning with a bang, promising an even bigger and better experience for the groundscare and landscaping industries. With a wave of new exhibitors, expanded space, and mounting excitement, GroundsFest 2024 is set to exceed expectations, offering extraordinary opportunities for industry professionals.

Expansion and Overwhelming Rebookings

The excitement surrounding GroundsFest 2024 is evident, with the event witnessing a significant expansion. An astounding 90% rebook rate speaks volumes about the confidence exhibitors have in this groundbreaking event. Many 2023 exhibitors including Overton UK, Toro UK, Ariens Co, Kress UK, Turfix, Husqvarna, PSD Groundcare, and Cramer, plus many more, have opted for significantly larger stands, a testament to the growing influence of GroundsFest in the industry landscape.

Explosive Start for GroundsFest 2024

Explosive Start for GroundsFest 2024

Influx of New Business

GroundsFest continues to attract industry giants and emerging players alike, with over 40 new companies already committed to the event. Brands such as STIGA, Redexim, Milwaukee, Ventrac, Trimax Mowing Systems, Amazone, GKB, Wessex, Ferris, Spider, Jensen Woodchippers, Ransomes, Jacobsen, Kawasaki, EZGO, Wiedenmann, Avant Tecno, Hustler Turf Equipment, Ambrogio UK, Rat Barrow UK, BARBIERI SRL, Aebi Schmidt UK, and Bowcom, plus many more, have taken large areas dedicated to equipment demonstration, which underlines the event’s significance as a premier platform for companies to showcase their innovations and solutions.

Expanding Landscape Zone

The Landscape Zone, catering to professionals involved in outdoor planning and design, promises to be even more expansive in 2024 with a blend of returning exhibitors and new additions like Crowders Nurseries, Wildflower Turf UK, Lubbe & Sons (Bulbs), Warrington & Rose, Stabilia UK, and Soluform. The Landscape Zone will offer a comprehensive showcase of the latest trends and technologies in landscaping.

An Un-Rivalled Variety of Exhibitors

One of GroundsFest’s distinguishing features is its innovative integration of outdoor machinery demonstrations with indoor exhibits, attracting diverse audiences from various sectors. This unique approach ensures an unparalleled experience for visitors, who can explore a wide array of exhibitors ranging from groundscare and landscaping to commercial vehicles and play equipment. GroundsFest is the only UK event of its kind which offers such a variety of exhibitors.

Reinvigorating Industry Trade Shows

GroundsFest goes beyond traditional trade shows, offering attendees a truly comprehensive experience. From a live music festival to exclusive retail discounts and free LANTRA approved training, plus its cost-effective pricing structure for exhibitors and camping facilities – GroundsFest has reinvigorated the trade show landscape.

The New Go-To Event

GroundsFest 2024 is poised to build upon its successful first edition, offering industry professionals a revolutionary and indispensable platform to connect, learn, and thrive. As it defies industry norms and sets new benchmarks, GroundsFest has emerged as the largest one-stop shop for groundscare and landscaping professionals in the UK.

GroundsFest 2024 will take place at Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire, on 10 and 11 September 2024.

For more information, please visit www.groundsfest.com

You can also follow GroundsFest on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram @GroundsFest for much more news, reviews and insightful views. 

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Gianni Ferrari parts availability via Kubota dealer network

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Gianni Ferrari parts availability via Kubota dealer network: Gianni Ferrari are pleased to announce that replacement parts are now available via the Kubota (U.K) Limited dealer network, with immediate effect.

The move is designed to streamline the supply of parts for existing Gianni Ferrari customers and brings the parts business in-line with the current distribution strategy for Kubota’s groundcare portfolio, following the formation of the Kubota Gianni Ferrari S.R.L. subsidiary in the summer of 2022.

Gianni Ferrari parts availability via Kubota dealer network

Gianni Ferrari parts availability via Kubota dealer network

With a well-established network of approved groundcare dealers throughout the UK and the Republic of Ireland (RoI), existing Gianni Ferrari customers can now benefit from improved access to a vast catalogue of replacement parts, with fast delivery and the expertise of Kubota trained technicians. Systems are in place to provide a comprehensive range of spare parts for existing ranges including – but not limited to – the GT, SR, PG and Turbo series of machinery, together with the new FC3 and FC4 out-front centre-collect mower series, introduced under the Kubota banner over the last twelve months.

Commenting on the announcement Tim Yates, Kubota (U.K) Sales Manager, said “This is great news for existing Gianni Ferrari customers, who now have a clear and accessible nationwide route to obtain service support and replacement parts. We would encourage anyone requiring support or further information to get in touch with their local approved Kubota dealer, the details for which can be found on the ‘dealer finder’ section of the Kubota website.”

Kubota’s acquisition of Italian manufacturer Officine BIEFFEBI (BFB) and its subsidiary Gianni Ferrari (GF) in July 2022 has seen the expansion of Kubota’s groundcare portfolio, with the introduction of the FC3 and FC4 out-front centre-collect mower series. Now in the recognisable orange and black Kubota livery, they join an extensive range of machinery solutions from Gianni Ferrari that have found homes within the professional turfcare and amenity arena across the UK and RoI.

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