Wiedenmann For Machrie Links

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Wiedenmann For Machrie Links: Islay’s Machrie Links, one of the UK’s most westerly and spectacular golfing venues boasts outstanding coastline vistas in a natural setting.

A change of ownership in 2011 and significant investment has hastened a remarkable transition.  European Ryder Cup Vice Captain, D J Russell was commissioned to modernise major areas while not detracting from the original 1891 design by Willie Campbell.

Wiedenmann For Machrie Links

Course Manager, Dean Muir, joined from Muirfield three years ago and he and his team of seven are seamlessly blending the old with the new. A six hole par three course has been added, along with a 300 m driving range and 4 500 m² practice putting surface. The Championship course re-opened in summer 2017 and in a few months’ time a new 50 bedroom hotel and club facilities complete on this Hebridean island.

As the project evolves three separate Wiedenmann UK purchases have contributed to re-establishment works across the course. First to arrive was a Super 600 to launch their rough management programme.

“I’d had one at Muirfield so it was my first purchase. For purpose, nothing comes close to it.  Reconstruction meant we were going into huge areas of fearsome rough never previously renovated, only by sheep and cattle. In 2016 we started to cut and collect those roughs and they grew rapidly again. Rain held us back at the end of last year but we will be principally flail mowing and collecting. In time we will scarify it but for now the priority is to keep cutting it down to a manageable height.

With its 4500 litre tank the Super 600 collects and packs arisings tightly, increasing productivity,  the high dump facility able to tip into tall sided trailers.

“Our dunes and situation make it a bit of an issue getting from A to B. There aren’t that many travel routes round the course so its capacity really helps.”

Next on Dean’s list was a new Wiedenmann Terra Spike GXi8 HD arriving in October 2016.

The GXi8 runs through all fairways annually once during the winter months. Greens are spiked every other year as being built essentially on sand dunes gives rise to few compaction issues. With its low centre of gravity and close coupling to the tractor, the aerator is fully equipped for the challenge. The Advance Tine Control feature makes sure the tines’ incision into the ground is always precise leaving a neat finish. Dean’s team takes advantage of the best weather windows.

“Our undulations look spectacular but are straightforward for the GXi8. We don’t do anything special just follow the contours.  The shape of the undulations help … they are formed in big long rolls so we just follow the line.

“We do vary depth.  In 2016 we went for 250 mm, this season we’ve opted for 200 mm running 15° of heave.  The course is relatively new in parts and because of some changes there are more stones about.  Heave helps us glance stones rather than hitting them full on.

“For me the biggest benefit of the Wiedenmann is its smoothness.  Just no vibration.  With other machines sitting in the cab up to eight hours in the day, you’d really know about it. But the Wiedenmann is smooth. It’s got several absorption systems that dampen any vibration. You get no shock transfer to the driver or the tractor.”

Finally Machrie Links purchased a 1.7m Terra Rake in October to work in tandem with the Super 600 and other kit for the course.

“We’ve yet to get the full benefit of the Terra Rake, the wet summer held us back.  It will work hard in the season ahead especially as we work to get areas of rough to manageable height and more golfer friendly.  The 1.7m width is the right size to deal with our dunes and undulations.  The Super 600 will cut the rough down gradually with the Terra Rake going through it. Down the line we’ll use it to scarify.”

Wiedenmann UK’s Scottish dealer, Fairways GM have supplied Machrie Links with their Wiedenmann equipment.

For more information, visit: www.wiedenmann.co.uk

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New Makita Launch

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New Makita Launch: Makita has launched a 36v cordless multi-tool system for landscape maintenance operations together with a selection of quick-fit attachments which includes the recently introduced Brush Cutter and Linetrimmer in addition to the Cultivator, Pole Saw, Hedge Trimmer and lawn Edging Tool.  The pole extension allows additional reach for the Pole Saw and Hedge Trimmer.

With the move to battery powered grounds maintenance machines becoming ever more popular, particularly at the demand of municipal authorities and public bodies, Makita offers a range of 18v tools and, more recently, an expanding inventory of twin 18v machines to give 36v power.  The power and run-time performance of the 36v Brushless motor makes the latest tools fully comparable on power and performance to petrol engine machines, while being highly sustainable with low noise and emissions.  The new DUX60Z is powered by two Makita 18v Lithium-Ion batteries in series to supply energy to the 36v DC motor drive system.

New Makita Launch

The Makita DUX60Z LXT split-shaft motor unit has an effective output of 600 watts and a three speed drive system that will run up to 9,700 rpm in Hi; 8,200 rpm in Medium mode and 5,700 rpm in Lo speed.  A reverse gear is also featured.  The DUX60Z features the soft start system to protect the operator from initial power loading, variable speed control, an electric brake and overload protection, coupled with AFT, Makita’s Active Feedback Sensing Technology that shuts down the tool if the rotation speed suddenly reduces or if the blade or line head snags.  The On-Off button with Auto-Off turns the power off if the trigger is not activated for 60 seconds.

The versatile attachments are easily fitted with a tool-less slide joint coupling with a simple clip-lock fixing the attachment securely in place.  With any of the tool heads attached and the two 18v batteries clipped into the motor housing, the overall balance of the complete machine is excellent with the loop handle perfectly positioned for complete machine control and manoeuvrability.  Maximum weight with the largest batteries and tool head is just 8.7kg.

The DUX60Z is a body only machine and available with your choice of the new DUX60 seven-piece attachments package.

For more news and product information about Makita UK please visit www.makitauk.com.  Follow us on Twitter @MakitaUK, Facebook.com/makitauk and google.com/+makitauk

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Polaris 0% Finance Offer

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Polaris 0% Finance Offer: As part of a new range of special offers which promises great savings throughout 2018, Polaris is extending its 0% finance offer. Interest-free finance on new Polaris Sportsman ATVs, Ranger 4×4 Utility Vehicles, RZRs and Scramblers (excluding Youth) will now be available until 31st March 2018, making it a a great time to consider updating an existing model with one of the latest Polaris Ranger UTVs or Sportsman ATVs.

“Polaris 4 x 4 vehicles are used for work and leisure around the world,” says Ben Murray, Polaris’ National Sales Manager. “With a Polaris you can take on the challenge of the roughest terrain knowing you have one of the toughest, most durable vehicles available. Now is a very good time to take advantage of the interest-free finance offer, and there are additional offers such as a free roof and rear panel when you buy a new Polaris Ranger Diesel. Polaris also has one of the widest ranges of accessories available and the 0% finance can include up to £1,000 ex VAT on genuine Polaris ATV and UTV accessories.”

Polaris 0% Finance Offer

The 0% finance scheme, in conjunction with Rural Finance, is available over two years with 2 + 22 monthly payments up to a maximum of 80% of the Recommended Retail Price from January 2018 through to 31st March 2018. It’s available for new Polaris utility ATVs, UTVs, Sport and Leisure (excluding Youth). Each new Polaris comes with a two year-warranty and CESAR security as standard for peace of mind.

A visit to a Polaris dealer is recommended for full details, any special deals, and to see the extent of the Polaris range and accessories. The availability of the 0% finance through Rural Finance is subject to status; the offers and warranty are subject to terms and conditions.

Available in the UK, excluding the Republic of Ireland. The finance offer ends on 31st March 2018.  Polaris Britain 0800 915 6720 www.polaris-britain.com

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20/20 Vision At Golf Club

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20/20 Vision At Golf Club: Manor of Groves Golf Club in Hertfordshire has purchased its first fleet of Toro machinery and resolved to be exclusively Toro by 2020, having seen a number of benefits including time-saving, ease of maintenance and noticeable results.

The club invested in a Toro Reelmaster 5510-D, two TriFlex 3400 mowers, a Workman complete with a Multi Pro 200 sprayer, and a ProForce debris blower to update its front line cutting fleet (greens, fairways, tees and approaches).

20/20 Vision At Golf Club

Course manager Lee Brinkley explains why they opted for Toro: “Having worked at other clubs that used a mix of Toro and competitor brand machines, Toro has always stood out to me as the most reliable turfcare brand.

“So when [Toro UK distributor] Reesink Turfcare representative Richard Freeman came on course to demonstrate the machines, it made me and general manager James Barker certain that Toro’s machinery is the best quality and value for money.”

Aftersales service was also an important consideration in the investment, explains Lee: “We knew we were buying more than just machines. I now have peace of mind that if I call Reesink with a query, our local representative Richard will be at the other end of the phone to help within minutes.”

Lee’s favourite addition to the new fleet is the Workman complete with a Multi Pro 200 sprayer. He says: “The sprayer is so easy to use and I love that it is such a time saver. This is down to the huge 700 litre tank, which rarely has to be refilled during a cycle and cuts operation time by half.

“Before we did granulised fertiliser for fairways, tees and approaches that had to break down over time and was reliant on the right weather conditions. Now, with the Multi Pro, we can apply foliar based fertilisers which are absorbed through the leaves, making nutrients more readily available to the plants. Another great feature of the Multi Pro is consistent and accurate coverage thanks to the sprayer’s digital display and self calibrating system.”

Out of the new mowers, the TriFlex 3400 model stands out to Lee: “Maintenance is so easy! With our previous greens mower you had to forever pump grease into the bearings to keep everything lubricated, but the 3400 has sealed steel bearings which don’t need greasing – it makes maintenance far easier for us, and saves on time.”

The new machines have certainly won the approval of Lee’s colleagues. He says: “The six greenkeepers in my team think the Toros are a huge improvement from previous machines. Even the Head PGA Professional has noticed and commented on how much better the cut on the greens and approaches is looking.”

According to Lee, Toro has transformed the club: “This is the first time in years we have purchased more than one machine at a time. To have brought five in at the same time means the improvements are really noticeable. We’ve seen the difference Toro can bring to our course and as a result the club’s approach to machinery investment has changed – we now plan to buy new Toro machines every three years and hope to have an all-red fleet by 2020!”

For more information, visit: reesinkturfcare.co.uk

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Expanded Först Range

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Expanded Först Range: Först, a leading supplier of high performance and robust woodchippers, has recently expanded its petrol woodchipper range having launched the TR6P, the first and famous Först 6” tracked woodchipper, now with a fuel efficient 37hp petrol engine. 

Following the recent introduction of the hugely popular ST6P, the new TR6P utilises the same 37hp V twin petrol engine, meaning that not only is the woodchipper compliant with the new Stage V emissions regulations coming into play in 2019, but it also matches the strength and performance users have come to expect from Först’s diesel powered machines.

Expanded Först Range

An additional benefit of the TR6P that will be hugely appealing to contractors, arborists, landscapers and farmers alike is the use of a petrol engine ensures the machine is much quieter during operation and is a far more cost effective option when compared to diesel alternatives, without compromising on performance or quality.

With a lighter weight of only 1200kg, the TR6P woodchipper can track faster and utilises the same chipping chamber, flywheel, hopper, and feed roller system as users have come to expect on all Först models, building on its reputation of bringing fast, aggressive and robust woodchippers to market.

Doug Ghinn, Director at Först, said: “We are very excited to bring another petrol powered machine to market that provides operators with the power and robustness required to carry out their day-to-day jobs, with the added benefit of being far more cost effective and quieter during operation.

“The success of the ST6P is proof that, although diesel engines will continue to be popular in the arboriculture industry, more and more operators are becoming aware of the benefits petrol engines can provide, without having to compromise on performance. The introduction of the TR6P is yet another example of our continued investment in the future of the industry and how Först fully understands the needs of its customers.”

The TR6P woodchipper boasts the features and benefits contractors and tree surgeons have come to expect with Först, including the manufacturer’s unique feedroller system (FörstGrip), which ensures exceptional crushing power. The FörstGrip top feed roller climbs on an arc toward the timber, pulling material down toward the flywheel and naturally climbing butt ends to make the infeed grip exceptional to break the toughest of forks and limbs.

The machine also features an open top flywheel system ensuring chip is thrown, not blown, minimising blockages on wet material and helping to maintain increased velocity when chipping.

As with the whole range of Först woodchippers, the TR6P comes with a three-year warranty as standard for complete peace of mind and is backed up by Först first class service offering.

For more information on Först’s high performance range of woodchippers, or to book a demonstration, visit www.forst-woodchippers.com or call 01264 721790.

Alternatively, follow Först on Twitter (@ForstChippers) and Facebook (www.facebook.com/ForstChippers/).

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