Commitment To Toro With Five-Year Contract

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Pivotal Point In Club’s History Sees Commitment To Toro With Five-Year Contract. We often hear about how a new course manager or head greenkeeper introduces Toro to a club. Giving credence to the phrase quality is not an act it is a habit, when Dave King moved to Cricket St Thomas Golf Club two years ago from Sherborne Golf Club, now in the middle of its second five-year Toro exclusivity agreement, he set about turning the shed all-red. 

Pivotal Point In Club's History Sees Commitment To Toro With Five-Year Contract

Dave, who is head greenkeeper at the club, says: “You only have to use Toro for a short time to appreciate its quality. At Sherborne I very quickly came to know and trust Toro so when I moved to Cricket St Thomas which was at a pivotal point in its history, I knew I needed Toro to help the team make it a premier golfing destination.”

Up until two years ago, when Cricket St Thomas came under new ownership by a member, it was known as Windwhistle Golf Club. Along with the purchase by Steve Hill and his wife Jacqui came Dave’s appointment, a re-brand and a major investment in the future of the club. Dave says: “The club has already undergone quite the transformation since it was bought, but there’s plenty more to come. There’s an ongoing plan to redevelop and reconstruct areas of the course and new machinery was required for this. I believe in Toro and was happy to commit to the brand in a five-year rolling plan.”

Involved in stage one of the plan are a Toro Groundsmaster 4500-D bringing says Dave a “wider cut to the roughs”, a Reelmaster 3100-D “for bank work” and for a precise, fine finish on the greens courtesy of the time-tested Greensmaster 3250-D.

The agreement was negotiated by Elliot Wellman from Devon Garden Machinery who has more of an understanding of the club’s requirements than usual for a dealer, having worked at the club for 16 years as a greenkeeper! Elliot says that these machinery choices are ideal for the club and its ambitions: “Knowing the club as I do and with an understanding from Dave of its ambitions for the future, these choices are wise ones. It’s incredibly exciting watching the changes the club is making; it’s now one of the most successful clubs in the area, which is a great achievement for all involved. It was also a real thrill for me to be involved in making the deal.”

It’s not often you come across a club which has the support and backing of a member as its owner and an ex-employee as its dealer. The understanding that this combination brings to the running of the club alongside a talented head greenkeeper such as Dave will undoubtedly bring it even greater success in the next two years.

New DX17Z Mini-Excavator Launched By Doosan

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New DX17Z Mini-Excavator Launched By Doosan. The new DX17Z mini-excavator from Doosan is ideal for rental and urban construction sites with limited space.  It is designed for all types of applications that require frequent mobility, compact size, powerful performance and a comfortable working environment for continuous work on confined space sites.  

New DX17Z Mini-Excavator Launched By Doosan

The 1.7 tonne DX17Z is a Zero House Swing (ZHS) mini-excavator offering easy transportability and more functionality than a Zero Tail Swing (ZTS) mini-excavator, in that ZHS fully protects the front upper structure corners within the swing circle.  As a result, ZHS functionality provides 320° of free rotation while working close to any object.

Best-in-Class Stability

The stability of the Doosan DX17Z is best-in-class compared to all other ZTS machines on the market as it is based on the following features:

• A retractable undercarriage – when fully retracted, the undercarriage allows the excavator to go through narrow spaces; and when fully expanded, it provides optimum stability for the excavator − especially when working over the side.  Expansion and retraction are simple and easy via an electric switch on the control panel.

• Long dozer blade (optional) – as well as helping to perform dustpan operations, the optional long dozer blade also significantly improves front stability, enabling the operator to make full use of the breakout forces the DX17Z can deliver.

• Easy-to-operate durable blade extensions.

The extra stability is essential for making maximum use of the exceptional digging forces and lifting capacities available in the DX17Z.  Optimum stability is achieved by fully expanding the retractable undercarriage and using the long dozer blade.  With the firm foundation of optimised stability and lifting capacity, the DX17Z offers the highest versatility in operating a wide range of attachments.

With best-in-class stability, the DX17Z is ideally suited to picking up and placing heavy items with safety.  In addition, the DX17Z can be supplied with an optional certified ‘object handling device’, which consists of:a boom load holding valve, arm load holding valve, hooking device and overload warning device.

The superior dumping height of the DX17Z makes loading trucks an easy process, while the reach at ground level means the operator does not have to reposition the excavator as often as other machines when digging.

Incorporating the architecture of a 2 tonne class hydraulic system, with a combination of variable piston pumps and a gear pump, the DX17Z’s unique hydraulic system makes the best possible use of the engine’s power.  Fast cycle times, combined with smooth control of class-leading breakout forces, provide maximum productivity.  Boom and arm cylinder cushioning – also unique in this machine class – enhance the overall smoothness of the workgroup.

Superior Operator Comfort

Comparing favourably with larger excavators, the DX17Z provides superior operator comfort for working hours at a time with protection, cover and excellent visibility provided by a large and spacious canopy; easy entry and exit; convenient space for the operator’s feet with ergonomic fold-away pedals; a flat floor for easy cleaning; smooth joysticks; access to all controls and cup holders.

The premium control panel makes it easy for the operator to access all vital information: auto engine shut-down, auto glow plugs countdown, auto cab lights switch-off, audible alarm (in case of malfunction) and the RPM meter.  A battery kill switch helps prevent battery drain when storing, and is an effective way to prevent theft.  An automatic slew brake ensures safe parking and transportation.

The DX17Z has a standard operating weight of 1749 kg and a maximum digging depth of 2249 mm.  In accordance with European transport regulations, the maximum towable weight for a BE license is 3500 kg.  With a transport weight of less than 1.65 tonne, the DX17Z is towable on trailers for 2200 kg of total weight.  Transportability is made even easier with the integrated upper-structure tie-down points.  An automatic slew brake helps facilitate safe parking and transportation.

Highly Robust and Easy to Repair

The use of highly durable materials ensures the DX17Z is highly robust and easy to repair. The design features are tested under extreme conditions – the heavy steel gauge covers and tailgate provide class-leading durability and peace of mind while working.  Features include two-piece blade cylinder hoses to simplify replacement in case of damage; wrenchless hydraulic hose technology to help prevent leakage; proven boom and dipper-stick design; protected top-mounted boom cylinder; oversized cylinders for long lifetime performance; a new paint and surface treatment process for durability and extra residual value and a reinforced expandable undercarriage to maximise rigidity.

Thanks to the large steel tailgate and openable side cover, all components for daily maintenance are easy to access, keeping downtime to a minimum.  Daily maintenance and service points are conveniently located for easy and immediate access.  The side-by-side coolers are easy to clean.  Simple diagnostics are used on the DX17Z, with error codes displayed on the control panel and service tool connection.  The floor panels can also be removed rapidly for service purposes.

Etesia Launch Bahia Joyride

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Etesia launch Bahia Joyride. Etesia UK has announced the launch of the Bahia Joyride – a unique ride-on mower controlled by a joystick or via GPS for autonomous operation.

Etesia Launch Bahia Joyride

Working in partnership with FeBroLift GmbH, the Bahia Joyride is operated exclusively by a joystick: some of its features, such as automatic emptying of the grass box (optional) or start/stop of the machine and cutting deck controls are all controlled from the central joystick control unit.

The joystick control can be installed on the right or left hand side of the machine ensuring that the ride-on mower can be used by people with reduced mobility and also by experienced professionals.

Les Malin, operations director of Etesia UK explains: “We started from a standard Bahia with a Briggs & Stratton, Kawasaki or Honda engine on which we installed a joystick control as well as a servo motor for the steering and another servomotor for the forward drive, which enables users to control the machine with a simple joystick with all the controls within easy reach: blade clutch, initialisation to start and authorisation of mowing in reverse.”

The functions are simple:

  • A steering control to go left or right;
  • A steering control to go forward or backward;
  • Starting the blades is located at the front of the joystick with a short press to turn on or off;
  • An initialization button to calibrate the joystick when the machine is started;
  • Mowing permission in reverse, to force the blades into operation when moving backwards with the machine.

The Etesia Joyride retains all of the features of a standard Bahia model. The compact design is ideal for multi-tasking and easily adapts to every terrain, every grass cutting situation and every task. The pocket-size cut and collect mower, at just 0.82m wide and 1.98 m long, features an incredibly tight turning circle and is able to nip into every nook and cranny as well as being able to be easily transported in the back of a van or on the back of a trailer.

All engine variants of the Etesia Bahia are available for the modular specification.

For further information, please contact Etesia UK on 01295 680120 or visit www.etesia.co.uk

Cub Cadet’s Infinicut™ for Essex County Cricket Ground

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 Cub Cadet’s Infinicut™ for Essex County Cricket Ground. After 20 years of service the Essex County Ground in Chelmsford decided it was time to replace their existing mower fleet. 

Cub Cadet’s Infinicut™ for Essex County Cricket Ground

Head Groundsman at the club, Stuart Kerrison, wanted something ‘technologically advanced’ and, after some research and some recommendations from trusted industry colleagues, decided the Infinicut™ mowers from Cub Cadet were the smart choice.

As the ground is surrounded by houses, the environmental benefits offered by the Infinicut™ was one of the first things that drew Stuart’s attention.  “In the main mower design hasn’t changed in forty years,” explained Stuart.  “Petrol driven types prevail along with their noxious fumes as they’re not fitted with catalytic convertors.  Every mow means you’re chucking out carcinogenic fumes along with high levels of noise and vibration.  With the all-electric Infinicut™ they charge on a trickle feed overnight, with no petrol expenses and no nasty fumes emitted into the air.  Running these mowers purely on the battery would all but eliminate the noise we produce when mowing.”

What also drew Stuart towards the Infinicut™ was the range of cassettes available to carry out a host of maintenance procedures as well as the superior cut that the unit produced.  They’d made their minds up but were then lucky enough to receive some additional funding from the ECB to enable them to purchase a fleet.  In early 2017, they took delivery of one 34” Infinicut™ mower for use on the outfields and two 22” models for the squares along with some ATT SMARTUltraGroomer cassettes.

Stuart again, “With the Infinicut 22”, apart from cutting, we’ve been using the SMARTUltraGroomer and rotating brush set-up on the squares.  When you run over it it doesn’t look like you’ve done anything but the box is full of debris – it’s a fantastic piece of kit, leaving a tidy finish without being too aggressive.  We’ve already received positive feedback from players and umpires alike on the ground condition so intend to use the SMARTUltraGroomer cassette once a week to keep the square performing at its best.”

Meanwhile the benefits of using the 34” Infinicut™ on the outfield are also becoming apparent. “Though slightly smaller than our previous mower,” says Stuart, “the speed of this unit means the time it’s taking to mow hasn’t changed much at all. It’s much easier to control and takes the undulations we have easily in its stride. It’s also about half the weight so this has really helped to alleviate compaction.”

Final word from Stuart, “Getting this kit has really helped to bring our mowing and maintenance practices into the 21st century. With the Infinicut™ there’s very little to service – the batteries take care of themselves – and this, together with the environmental benefits and of course the quality results, means they just tick all the boxes. They’re the first mowers we’ve purchased for 20 years and expect it to be another 20 before we’ll buy again!”

STM-SCAG V-Ride Earns Its Stripes

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STM-SCAG V-Ride earns its stripes. The “V-Ride” stand-on mower is in the range of SCAG mowers supplied by STM Co Ltd in the UK and parts of Europe. It finds a lot of popularity for its being a small and nimble machine, ideal for intricate work.

STM-SCAG V-Ride Earns Its Stripes

Now Jamie Jones of Jamie’s Garden Services, working on domestic and commercial contracts in Llandrindod Wells, Powys, has added to its virtuosity by having a striper unit added. This was specially developed for him by STM, using a standard SCAG Turf Tiger striper unit converted to fit the machine.

He came to choose a V-Ride after much research, a lot of which was with American Lawn Care professionals, and SCAG was among the names that soon came up for serious consideration.

He likes the stand-on principle and has since found it has been a wise choice for the work he does.

Jamie Jones:    If I have a nice open piece of lawned area then I use the striping kit. I feel that it is important to stand out from other grass cutting providers and the finished product is what matters to customers. If they are paying for a service then it is important that you stand out from the rest and quality stripes on the lawn is what customers like.

Although he could have gone as wide as 61” with his deck choice, he opted for 48” for ease of access. He has found this, and the compact size of the V-Ride, has an additional benefit in fitting compactly on his trailer.

A further point is the facility for using the machine as a walk-behind as opposed to riding on it.

Again – Jamie Jones: The Scag V-Ride was also more flexible in that you have all the benefits of a Sit-On machine,  but the ability to use it as a Walk-Behind  has been beneficial on banks, and where there are low tree branches. It makes it easy to jump off and duck below them while still operating the machine.

He continued: In my opinion the Scag machine was the best unit from out of the three short listed as well as being a personal preference.  

As for choosing STM, he was complimentary about each of the three possible suppliers he finally selected, but the outcome was: In my opinion the SCAG machine from STM was the best of the three – and STM went the extra mile by fabricating the bespoke roller system for me.

The machine has earned its stripes – as, indeed, have SCAG and the team at STM.