Goodwood Returns To Toro

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Goodwood Returns To Toro: Goodwood has returned to Toro as it continues in its ambition to develop a ‘super fleet’ for its 12,000-acre estate based in Sussex.

The last time we caught up with Phil Helmn, general manager of sports turf and grounds at the all-encompassing Goodwood, he had taken delivery of a fleet of Toro fine turf machinery for The Downs and The Park golf courses in 2015 and said it signalled the start of a more structured approach to machinery operation.

Goodwood Returns To Toro

True to his word, we’re back in touch with Phil as he receives his six latest Toro purchases, all grounds machines to take care of the estate gardens, grassed lawn areas, the motor circuit, airfield and horse race course.

Phil says: “Since I joined Goodwood four years ago, it has been my intention to make the estate 100 percent Toro. It made good business sense to follow up from our fine turf machinery deal and develop the relationship with the brand. It’s far easier to deal with one supplier and share resources.”

Such a large enterprise as Goodwood comes with a wide set of challenges and having a Toro ‘super fleet’ enables three mechanics to become Toro-trained to a high standard to limit sub-contracting and out-sourcing. The estate will also now carry a range of parts for the equipment it operates to “drive efficiency”, says Phil, and allow for an instant response to any issues.

It makes sense then that included in the order of three Groundsmaster 3500-D mowers, a Groundsmaster 4300-D, two Groundsmaster 5910 mowers, and two UTVs – the GTX and MDX-D, is the new MyTurf servicing system.

The Pro fleet management program, myTurf, operates by automatically recording how long the machines have been in operation and how many hours they have accrued when they re-enter the maintenance facility and pass a sensor at the door. This allows the mechanics to calculate preventative maintenance and replacement parts needed, and machine history can be accessed by simply logging in to the system on a computer.

Phil says: “Fleet maintenance is crucial to the performance of the machines, and this is a much slicker way of keeping on top of that.”

Phil says the demonstrations required to make sure the machines he chose were relevant for the different areas, complementing wide ranging criteria, wasn’t actually as complicated a process as one may expect. “We performed due diligence with demos, but the process of deciding which grounds machines to get was actually pretty straightforward. When you know and trust a brand the decision-making becomes easy. For this recent order we opted for rotary mowers. The floating decks eliminate scalping and the rear rollers provides a really good striping effect. The finish is excellent.”

This latest Toro order is the culmination of a few years work for Phil, assessing how best to manage such a large estate and team. He says: “Having one big fleet has brought our four teams of 35 gardeners, groundsmen and greenkeepers together, to share techniques and skills according to the different environments they are using the machines on.

“Back in 2015, when the fine turf fleet arrived, my priority was to ensure the entire Goodwood enterprise was maintained to the same exacting standards. I have used Toro for most of my career and personal experience tells me it’s a quality product and will not let me down. The fact that I can now extend the same standards to the grounds here at Goodwood means we can deliver the best results possible across the entire 12,000 acres.”

For more information, visit: reesinkturfcare.co.uk

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STIHL’s Chainsaw Of The Future

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STIHL’s Chainsaw Of The Future: The new STIHL MS 500i is the first chainsaw in the world with electronic fuel injection and a never-before achieved power-to-weight ratio.

With the MS 500i, STIHL presents the world’s first standard chainsaw with electronically controlled fuel injection, consolidating its position as a technology leader.

STIHL's Chainsaw Of The Future

The STIHL injection technology (i) not only provides the chainsaw of the future with incredible torque, but also ensures rapid acceleration of the saw chain from 0 to 100 km/h in just 0.25 seconds.

Thanks to the intelligent lightweight design, the MS 500i is also outstanding with the best ever power-to-weight ratio – 1.24 kilograms per kilowatt, an exemplarily low value never achieved before by series-manufactured chainsaws.

Together with the many additional design optimisations, there is a substantial increase in operator comfort. The reduction of gyroscopic forces provides the 80 cm³-class high-performance professional saw with dynamic manoeuvrability, which is a particular advantage during limbing. This makes the professional big timber harvester easy to handle in all disciplines – from felling to cutting to length.

The MS 500i has exceptional starting behavior and provides optimum engine power right from startup. The engine does not need a carburetor, since the fuel metering is done using a sensor, and automatically adapts to the different operating conditions, no matter what the altitude and ambient temperature.

A preview of the new MS 500i will be given at the Arb Show, Westonbirt Arboretum from 11 to 12 May 2018. It will be available to forestry professionals worldwide from the beginning of 2019.

Due to the exceptional level of interest, the machine will already be available in selected markets, including Germany, in limited quantities in time for the 2018/19 season.

 The details at a glance:

  • First chainsaw with STIHL Injection
    Huge advancement in engine development. The MS 500i is the first ever series-manufactured chainsaw with an electronically controlled fuel injection system. The high-torque machine provides optimum engine power right from startup. It provides powerful performance and the saw chain accelerates extremely rapidly – from 0 to 100 km/h in just 0.25 seconds.
  • Best power-to-weight ratio of all classes
    The STIHL MS 500i is a lightweight within the ranks of professional saws. Thanks to intelligent lightweight design, as well as an extremely high engine power, it excels with an exemplarily low power-to-weight ratio at 1.24 kg/kW. This value is unique within all displacement categories.
  • Easy starting and sensor-controlled fuel mixing
    The MS 500i is very easy to start in all operating conditions, and automatically adapts to different locations of use. The sensor-controlled fuel mixing ensures that the mixture is adjusted optimally for the oxygen content in the air right from the first ignition.
  • Improved ergonomics and practical details make work easier
    The innovative flywheel with a reduced installation height and lower weight reduces the gyroscopic forces that arise during operation. Together with the low overall weight, the resulting dynamic swiveling behavior of the machine, which is a particular advantage for limbing, makes the ideal guidance of the tool along the trunk easy.
    This is also supported by the new bumper spike geometry. The raised plunge bar on the fan housing – parallel to the axis of symmetry of the guide bar – makes directional control and tool guidance easier when plunge cutting. Captive nuts on the chain sprocket cover make changing the chain straightforward. Professional big timber harvesting – from felling through cutting to length to limbing – is a simple task with the new professional saw.

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

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Rain Bird’s New Water Jets

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Rain Bird’s New Water Jets: There are many large area installations where the ability to water as quickly as possible in the most efficient way is critical, whether for irrigation, dust control or other purposes. With Rain Bird’s new XLR Series of water jets, users can now choose from a wide range of solutions that the company claims will outperform and outlast competing long-range impact rotors. They will save water, time and money in many applications such as large sports field and arena irrigation, dust control in quarries and mines, feed yards, stables, reclamation yards or industrial premises as well as for pest control in lumber yards where termites can be controlled by keeping wood wet.

Water pressure, site topography and size are taken into account in Rain Bird product designs and the new XLR Series offers easy customisation and adaptability. This is achieved not just through the breadth of the range, but also through inherent design features. XLR Series water jets do not only have a powerful throw, but ensure effective irrigation and highly efficient, even water distribution over large areas. The risk of flooding, pooling, overwatering or run off which can be experienced with alternative rotors is eliminated.

Rain Bird's New Water Jets

The intelligent design of the deflector, barrel and nozzles requires less water pressure to operate. A self-adjusting automatic brake system maintains a constant rotation speed and is made from treated stainless steel that increases wear resistance. A dynamic jet-breaker corrects the uneven distribution that can be encountered in low water pressure areas.The durable, lightweight marine grade aluminium used in the barrel construction is designed for the toughest irrigation tasks but requires less force to initiate or change motion.

Taken together, these features allow the waterjet to throw water long distances even when running at low pressures. For example, the 24° unit has a radius of 45 metres at 4.5 bar with a 22mm nozzle. Even at 2 bar, a 30 metre radius can be achieved with the same nozzle.

Users can select from three XLR ranges with different trajectory angles – fixed 24° or 44° units and a 15-45°adjustable unit. The XLR 24° unit is designed for standard applications such as sports field irrigation, whether synthetic or natural turf. It is also suitable for horse arenas and some dust control applications and has a throw range up to 54 metres.

The XLR 44° units, with a throw range up to 53 metres, are adapted for dust control and applications where height and elevation of the stream is critical to overcome obstacles or piles of stored products. The easily adjustable XLR  ADJ 15-45° units offer maximum flexbility as the stream angle and trajectory range can be changed to avoid obstacles or power lines and kept at a low level during windy conditions.

Separate XLR 12mm-28mm nozzles are available in nine different sizes for varying throw ranges. They are manufactured from technical polymers, with a design that minimises pressure loss and maximises throw.

Full details of the XLR range are available at www.rainbird.eu where a full installation guide and user manual are also available together with examples of potential irrigation and dust control applications.

For more information, contact Peter Longman, Rain Bird Europe, Northern Europe Landscape Area Manager, Tel: +44 7575 626600 email: plongman@rainbird.eu Website: www.rainbird.eu

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Low-Emission Power From Cobra

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Low-Emission Power From Cobra: Cobra prides itself on offering something for every gardener. With over 50 lawnmowers in its range, accompanied by blowers, hedgetrimmers, strimmers, chainsaws and multi-tools there is certainly plenty to back up this claim.

To offer its customers maximum options suited for all requirements, Cobra has a full range of power sources with its products being available as electric, lithium-ion battery for cordless options, and traditional petrol power. To further fulfil every need of every gardener Cobra has launched a new range of petrol engines for its machines.

Low-Emission Power From Cobra

Previously Cobra petrol products have been available with Cobra domestic engines, or alternatives from Briggs & Stratton or Honda, but now the company has launched the S-Series to offer exceptional, next-level petrol power with an affordable price tag. Cobra S-Series engines are environmentally friendly, with low emissions that meet the latest EU directive EU-V for emissions. They have a high power to weight ratio that makes the toughest gardening tasks easy and less tiring.

The first products to be available with the brand-new S-Series range of engines are the brushcutters and multitools. There are two new brushcutters available, the BCX230C and the BCX370CU. The robust BCX230C, with a D-Loop handle, has a 23cc S-Series engine that delivers up to 0.77kw of power. The premium BCX370CU provides relentless power of up to 1.2kw courtesy of its 37cc engine. With a bike handle and double shoulder harness it offers extended user comfort. Both models have a nylon head and metal blade.

Cobra has extended its multitool range to offer a new S-Series option too. The MTX230C has a 23cc displacement and is a 4-in-1 system that is equipped for any garden task. It has four attachments that include a grass trimmer, brushcutter, pole pruner and articulating long reach hedgetimmer that reaches up to 72cm. The tool also has an optional extension shaft. It retails at £389.99.

Managing director of Cobra, Peter Chaloner, commented: “We are constantly developing the Cobra range so are really excited to unveil the S-Series. These products deliver low emissions, without compromising on power or value so deliver everything that gardeners need.”

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Husqvarna Automower Best In Test

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Husqvarna Automower Best In Test: For the third year in a row, Husqvarna Automower® is unchallenged in robotic lawn mower performance after being awarded Best in Test and Best Premium Choice by testing site Price Runner UK.

Husqvarna Automower® 315 received the Best in Test accolade in this year’s assessment. It was praised by an independent panel of testers for its excellent terrain-handling abilities along with its ease of use, intelligent design, low noise level, reliability and its excellent app function.

Husqvarna Automower "Best In Test"

The feedback received stated Husqvarna Automower® 315 as ‘a very good purchase for anyone who wants a reliable and easy to manage robotic lawn mower.’

Husqvarna Automower® 430X, which was also awarded Best Premium Choice, was complimented on its many strengths – excellent terrain-handling abilities, a phenomenal problem-solving capacity and lots of intelligent functions.

Testers commended the robotic lawn mower, stating ‘it’s very easy to install as a result of clear markings and a straightforward connection method. It has no problems with cutting the stated maximum surface area. It doesn’t even need to go out cutting often to achieve an excellent result. And it always finds its way home.’

All robotic lawn mowers were tested over a period of several months on several types of lawns and in different weather to ensure test results were as reliable as possible. The assessment focused on the following characteristics – performance, effectiveness, reliability, ease of use, design, construction quality, functionality and safety.

On Husqvarna’s achievements, Husqvarna UK Sales and Marketing Director Ken Brewster said: “For Husqvarna Automower® to be recognised for its outstanding abilities three years running is fantastic. The feedback received from the test was great to hear. It highlights our commitment to the continued development of Husqvarna Automower® and robotic lawn mower technology to make it much more time efficient and easier for customers to maintain their lawns.”

For the full test results visit www.pricerunner.uk/reviews/robotic-lawn-mower

To learn more about the Husqvarna Automower® range, visit: www.husqvarna.com/uk/products/robotic-lawn-mowers/

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