Jacobsen And E-Z-GO At Forefront Of Battery Power

/in , , /by

Jacobsen And E-Z-GO At Forefront Of Battery Power: Jacobsen and E-Z-GO have been at the forefront of battery powered equipment in the turf maintenance and golf sector for many years, from the E-Z-GO RXV golf cars to the Jacobsen Eclipse 322. Now, E-Z-GO has introduced a range of ELiTE vehicles, activated by Samsung SDI lithium technology, offering zero-maintenance batteries with a five-year unlimited amp-hour warranty and increased energy efficiency.

The E-Z-GO ELiTE vehicles are a case in point to illustrate how battery power has evolved and the benefits it can bring. Launched into the UK market at the beginning of 2017 it has represented a major step forward in golf car technology delivering exceptional value to golf course operators.

New ELiTE Series vehicles are powered by hundreds of Samsung SDI lithium cells that are loaded into a single battery pack. The battery pack is controlled by an advanced Battery Management System that monitors efficiency, temperature, state of charge and the health of the batteries. These batteries are used to safely and reliably power electric cars, e-scooters, power tools and many other electrically powered vehicles, equipment and appliances.

The vehicles are powered by zero-maintenance lithium batteries that don’t require watering, terminal post checkups and cleaning like traditional lead acid batteries do. This is good news for businesses and individuals operating golf cars, as there is less downtime and maintenance to be carried out on the vehicles.

Charging time is significantly reduced, and ELiTE vehicles allow courses to “opportunity charge,” plugging vehicles in for quick charging sessions between rounds that can rapidly restore significant levels of energy to the battery system, as opposed to the lengthy recharge cycles required by lead-acid batteries.

The batteries in ELiTE vehicles have also been developed to be lighter than traditional lead acid batteries. ELiTE Series vehicles batteries are half the size and a fraction of the weight of lead-acid batteries, with the aim of reducing turf damage and soil compaction due to vehicle weight.

Jacobsen and E-Z-GO are brands under the umbrella of Textron Specialized Vehicles, so when Jacobsen began development of its latest diesel-electric hybrid and all-electric greens mower, the Eclipse 322, it was a sensible move to consult the design engineers at E-Z-GO. Much of the technology in the battery-powered Eclipse 322 is taken from the E-Z-GO RXV, another stalwart machine in the evolution of battery powered equipment. The automatic braking system and the main drive axle of the Jacobsen Eclipse 322 are shared with the RXV in particular.

All the systems and functions on the Eclipse are powered by electricity, the only difference is whether the electricity is produced ‘on the go’ as with the diesel-electric hybrid machine or stored in a battery pack as on the all-electric version.

Once you use electricity to power the machine, you can then use reasonably sophisticated electronics to control the functions on the machine. On the Eclipse the transport speed between greens can be set, as can the cutting speed when on the green; this can be locked in by the course manager using a PIN passcode, which cannot be overridden by the operator. 

Again, using electronic control, the steering in transport mode reacts much the same as a car, but when cutting mode is engaged, the ratio changes and becomes more responsive allowing the operator precise control.

However, the major benefit is the machine’s ability to control the number of cuts per metre when mowing. This ability to precisely control the frequency of cut (FOC) is unique to this mower and, like the transport and mowing speed control, it can be locked in by the course manager ensuring that every green is cut to exactly the same specification.

This is achieved because it is now possible, for the first time on a ride-on mower to control the relationship between reel speed and the forward movement of the mower. On a standard hydraulic-powered greens mower, the reels rotate at approximately 2000 rpm. The faster you move across the green, the cuts per metre reduce; conversely the slower you move, the number of cuts per metre increase, because the reels are spinning at a constant rate.

Now, with the reel motors and traction motors electrically driven, it is possible using electronic control, to slow the reels as the machine’s speed decreases and then increase reel speed as the speed across the green increases, therefore maintaining the number of cuts per metre.

Why is this important? It means that for the first time the course manager can guarantee his members that each and every green will be cut to exactly the same specification, ensuring consistency across all 18 putting surfaces.

The Eclipse also features individual reel lift and lower; the electric lift arms can be actuated individually, particularly useful when alternating the width of the clean up pass. As battery technology develops in the car industry, it will eventually cascade down into the turfcare sector and perhaps we’ll see some significant new developments in the way we maintain our outdoor environment.

To find out your local Ransomes Jacobsen dealer, visit: www.ransomesjacobsen.com

For the latest industry news visit turfmatters.co.uk/news

Get all of the big headlines, pictures, opinions and videos on stories that matter to you.

Follow us on Twitter for fun, fresh and engaging content.

You can also find us on Facebook for more of your must-see news, features, videos and pictures from Turf Matters.

Sharrocks Become Pellenc Dealer

/in , , /by

Sharrocks Become Pellenc Dealer: Pellenc’s exclusive distributor for the UK and Ireland, Etesia UK, has announced Sharrocks as a new dealer for Pellenc’s battery-powered equipment.

Current Etesia dealer Sharrocks, a family owned business who specialise in the supply of machinery for agriculture, grass care and other land management requirements, will now be distributing Pellenc battery powered equipment to the areas of Birmingham, Shropshire, Staffordshire, South Lancashire, Merseyside, Greater Manchester and Cheshire.

Sharrocks Become Pellenc Dealer

Pellenc was the world’s first manufacturer to introduce lithium-ion technology in portable power tools. This innovative technology, which combines an electric motor and a revolutionary battery, has quickly become a viable solution for those seeking the benefits of green technology without comprising on power.

Light, odourless, noise-free, with no starting problems and enough power to enable professional users to work for a full day on a single charge, it’s no wonder more and more professional users are turning to Pellenc. It is an attractive alternative to those who have, for a number of years, been relying on fuel based machinery – and machinery dealerships, such as Sharrocks, have started to see a rising demand for battery powered equipment.

Pellenc has developed the most comprehensive range on the market leading the way in terms of performance, lightness and durability. The extensive product range features an impressive portfolio – from chainsaws, pole saws and hedge cutters to grass strimmers, brushcutters and mowers.

Not only will users be able to comfortably achieve a full day’s work without having to re-charge the battery but they will see a huge amount of savings by eliminating the necessity of purchasing fuel. Furthermore, users will be contributing to protecting the environment by reducing the consumption of fossil fuels and noise pollution.

Sharrocks managing director James Sharrock is delighted with the new dealer agreement and believes that Pellenc equipment could well be the future.

“We are taking Pellenc on-board for the first ever time and I’m really excited about it,” he said. “We have been trialling the Pellenc products and have evaluated them over three months and for us it is the future of electric powered commercial equipment. They are astounding products and they complement the Etesia products so well.”

The complete range of Pellenc equipment is now available for both hire and purchase from Sharrocks, who will also take on responsibility for all parts, servicing and warranty for current users.

For further information, please contact Etesia UK on 01295 680120 or visit www.pellencuk.com

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

For the latest industry news visit turfmatters.co.uk/news

Get all of the big headlines, pictures, opinions and videos on stories that matter to you.

Follow us on Twitter for fun, fresh and engaging content.

You can also find us on Facebook for more of your must-see news, features, videos and pictures from Turf Matters.

Polaris Ranger Diesel Available

/in , , /by

Polaris Ranger Diesel Available: There has never been a better time to purchase the Ranger Diesel.

Polaris announced earlier this year that all Polaris Ranger Diesel models (excluding Crew) will be supplied with a poly roof and rear panel as standard.

Polaris Ranger Diesel Available

Also, the Ranger Diesel HD EPS EU is now available for just £11,999 excluding VAT when purchased between 25 February and 30 April 2019. This offer provides customers with a saving of £400 excluding VAT.

Customers can also take advantage of the Polaris 0% finance scheme, available over two years with 2 + 22 monthly payments up to a maximum of 80% of the Recommended Retail Price. The 0% finance can include genuine Polaris UTV accessories up to the value of £1,000 excluding VAT.

Full details of the Polaris Ranger Diesel and 0% finance schemes, including terms and conditions, are available at your nearest Polaris dealer.

Also, by popular demand, Polaris is again offering a free Half Cab package to customers who purchase a new Ranger Diesel HD EPS EU or Tractor between 25 February and 31 March 2019. The package includes a fixed glass windshield for extra protection against the elements and a washer/wiper kit with battery connection cables.

This offer provides a further saving of £780 excluding VAT, offering customers a combined saving of up to £1,180 excluding VAT against the original RRP.

For the latest industry news visit turfmatters.co.uk/news

Get all of the big headlines, pictures, opinions and videos on stories that matter to you.

Follow us on Twitter for fun, fresh and engaging content.

You can also find us on Facebook for more of your must-see news, features, videos and pictures from Turf Matters.

Toro Lead The Way At Celtic Manor

/in , , /by

Toro Lead The Way At Celtic Manor: The latest Toro fleet, which includes greens, tees, fairways and rough mowers as well as utility vehicles, for Celtic Manor marks a relationship spanning a quarter of a century.

And the reason why is because Toro is “head and shoulders above the competition”, says director of golf courses and estates management, Jim McKenzie MBE.

Toro Lead The Way At Celtic Manor

“We originally chose Toro in 1993 because it was the only machinery manufacturer that could deliver us a full fleet of machines, or the closest to it anyway. That sums Toro up, it has always led the way and been market innovators, and that’s why the relationship has lasted.”

Machinery was replaced as and when, but in the main every three years from 1993 to 2008 when Jim decided it was time to agree to a five-year partnership agreement: “Toro and Lely, as Reesink was then, were our preferred suppliers for many years. And the timing was right to formalize the deal in 2008 with us hosting the Ryder Cup in 2010, to have the back up and support that being in such an agreement brings as we took on one of the world’s biggest sporting events.

“Our Toro fleet is as complete as it’s possible to be. We have literally hundreds of bits of kit. And the reason for that is because Toro holds its value and ages well. Toro is part of our image. They look good for many years, and as a result we tend not to sell on the older machines as we replace them. They continue working on estate developments and with the gardening team.”

And at Celtic Manor there’s always something over and above the usual to be getting on with! Whether that’s the redevelopment of all the courses, preparation for The Open and the Ryder Cup, or coming up soon assisting in the planting of thousands of trees around the £4.5 million International Convention Centre Wales which is currently under construction. As Jim says: “We had pretty much every bit of machinery involved in the redevelopment of the courses and the events, and the Workman in particular will be stepping up to the plate when it comes to the woodland management for the ICC. They’re so dinky and can get to all the places a tractor can’t.”

With so many machines at his disposal and his experience of using them over the years, is it possible to pick a favourite? Jim, who was awarded his MBE for ensuring the conclusion – with a helping hand from Toro! – of the 2010 Ryder Cup despite half of the average monthly rainfall landing on the Twenty Ten Course in just two days, says yes.

Step forward the ProCore 648 aerator. Favoured by Jim for its versatility across the three world-class Championship courses, the golf academy and the 9-hole municipal course Caerleon Golf Club: “The ProCore is excellent for all fine turf aeration applications. The club is built on old farmland and is well drained, and hollow coring with the ProCore helps ensure the ultimate condition of the turf.”

But it’s not just the machinery that counts, Jim says the partnership with Reesink and local dealer Ted Hopkins, is just as important: “There’s always been a really good synergy between us, Ted Hopkins, Reesink/Lely. It just works and has done so for 25 years!”

For more information, visit: reesinkturfcare.co.uk

For the latest industry news visit turfmatters.co.uk/news

Get all of the big headlines, pictures, opinions and videos on stories that matter to you.

Follow us on Twitter for fun, fresh and engaging content.

You can also find us on Facebook for more of your must-see news, features, videos and pictures from Turf Matters.

Powerline Services Purchase GreenMech Chippers

/in , /by

Powerline Services Purchase GreenMech Chippers: Running GreenMech woodchippers since 1999, Powerline Services MLJ Ltd and Director Ben Jones have recently taken delivery of their latest additions, two ArbTrak 150’s. A loyal customer to the tracked units since GreenMech launched their first model in 2003, the new machines on their fleet effortlessly traverse all terrains reducing transport time and increasing productivity.

Herefordshire based Powerline Services offer safe, effective and efficient removal of trees and vegetation from powerlines – serving as a sub-contractor on the Scottish and Southern Energy, National Grid and Western Power contracts. “Our woodchippers are our core piece of machinery” explains Ben, “and for the majority of sites we’re operating on, the work calls for a tracked chipper. We’ve always had tracked units from GreenMech but as requirements and the type of materials we’re handling change, we’re constantly reviewing that our fleet is fit for purpose.” So impressed with the Arborist 150 road-tow chipper already on the fleet, the delivery of the two ArbTrak 150’s from Tallis Amos at the end of 2018 came without the need for a demonstration.

Powerline Services Purchase GreenMech Chippers

“The ArbTrak 150’s are a perfect size to handle the brashy material that makes up a large percentage of our projects. We can quickly and conveniently track them to the area of work meaning no time is spent transporting material to the chipper, therefore improving efficiency for my teams.” The highly manoeuvrable tracked chassis of the ArbTrak 150 provides high ground clearance of 274mm and a tracking speed of 3kph. Fitted with a 34hp diesel engine, it is a popular choice with contractors and those maintaining difficult terrain, requiring maximum traction and minimal ground pressure.

Not only are Ben and his teams on the road hugely impressed with the quality and performance of the woodchippers, they’re also reassured by the after-sales service. “We’ve had experiences with other manufacturers in the past where they offered us a good deal, but the support we received after we’d taken delivery was very poor. In my opinion the back-up support from GreenMech is unbeatable, and when you’ve got contracts to deliver on, that’s invaluable.”

For the latest industry news visit turfmatters.co.uk/news

Get all of the big headlines, pictures, opinions and videos on stories that matter to you.

Follow us on Twitter for fun, fresh and engaging content.

You can also find us on Facebook for more of your must-see news, features, videos and pictures from Turf Matters.