Polaris Announce 2018 Model Highlights And Updates

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Polaris Announce 2018 Model Highlights And Updates: Polaris has announced its 2018 off-road vehicle line-up highlights, with the introduction of a brand-new model and a host of significant updates across the RANGER, RZR and Sportsman families, including an all-new chassis, improved performance and enhanced technology.

Polaris Announce 2018 Model Highlights And Updates

Following the introduction of several new models for MY2017, Polaris continues to lead the charge into 2018 with innovative new products and solutions to further enhance user experience.

RANGER – MY18

Headline news for RANGER is the introduction of a brand-new model for the EMEA region, as the RANGER XP 1000 makes its debut.

Following extensive development and testing at the Polaris R&D facility in Wyoming, the new RANGER boasts class leading power (82hp), torque (61lb-ft), ground clearance (330mm), suspension travel (280mm) and towing capacity (over 1100kg).

Featuring the proven ProStar 1000 Twin Cylinder engine, the RANGER XP 1000 features a new one-piece frame providing improved chassis stiffness and automotive levels of refinement with a re-designed interior to provide more storage and capability.

Featuring bold and aggressive new styling on the outside, developments continue on the inside of the cab too. Dual-Sweep analogue dials and a 4” LCD Rider Information Center provide comprehensive information to the driver, while thicker seat foam provides better comfort. Practicality is boosted with a flip-up passenger seat enabling true flat floor storage in the cab too. This is further enhanced with additional cubby space.

The RANGER XP 1000 is due to arrive towards the end of 2017.

Other updates for the RANGER line-up in 2018 include fully sealed suspension bushings on the RANGER XP 900, providing improved durability and maintenance free operation for less downtime when work needs to get done.

The MY18 RANGER line-up will consist of the following models:

RANGER 570 (in Sage Green)

RANGER 570 EPS (in Sage Green and painted Blue Fire)

RANGER 570 – Full Size (in Sage Green)

RANGER XP 900 EPS (in Sage Green)

RANGER XP 1000 EPS (in painted Matte Titanium Metallic)

RANGER XP CREW 1000 EPS (in painted Suede Metallic)

RANGER Diesel HD (in Sage Green)

RANGER CREW Diesel (in Sage Green)

RANGER EV (in Avalanche Gray)

RZR – MY18

Following the introduction of the RZR XP Turbo 168 last year and RZR dominance and victory in the SXS class at the 2017 Dakar Rally, RZR has been subjected to a series of evolutionary enhancements for MY18.

An update on the Turbo model is the adoption of a new digital display on the Turbo model; ideal for keeping an easy eye of speed and engine performance. The new display offers quick and easy to see information on speed, engine revs, temperature, fuel level and range.

As well as updates to instruments and new colour schemes across the range, RZR 900 comes factory homologated for MY18 as standard.

The MY18 RZR line-up will consist of the following models:

RZR 570 (in White Lightning)

RZR 900 EPS (in painted Matte Titanium Metallic)

RZR S 900 EPS (in White Lightning or painted Ghost Grey)

RZR XP 1000 EPS (in painted Black Pearl)

RZR XP Turbo EPS (in painted Ghost Grey or painted Velocity Blue)

RZR XP4 Turbo EPS (in painted Ghost Grey or painted Velocity Blue)

RZR XP4 1000 EPS (in painted Black Pearl)

Sportsman & Scrambler – MY18

The evolution theme continues for the Sportsman and Scrambler models in 2018, with a host of technical updates, improving rider experience and durability.

Echoing the development of some RANGER models, the 2018 Sportsman line-up now features sealed suspension bushings, improving durability while reducing service requirements dramatically in the process.

Key updates for MY18 Sportsman 570 models include new fully enclosed side panels and a new four-inch LCD Rider Information Center.

The new side panels improve rider comfort by reducing engine compartment heat venting towards the rider’s lower legs, while the Rider Information Center offers easy-to-read comprehensive information.

Along with providing easily accessed information on speed, engine revs, distance travelled, duration of use, time, battery voltage, coolant temperature and gear position, the new system also offers programmable service interval information and can be customized by the user to select blue or red backlighting and brightness.

Other individual model updates in the Sportsman range include the move to dual A-arm front suspension on the 570 SP and Touring 570 SP models, while the Touring 570 models also get the XP style passenger backrest.

The MY18 Sportsman and Scrambler line-up will consist of the following models:

Sportsman 570 (in Sage Green or Indy Red)

Sportsman 570 EPS (in Sage Green, Indy Red, or Velocity Blue)

Sportsman 570 SP (in painted Sunset Red)

Sportsman Touring 570 EPS (in Sage Green or Velocity Blue)

Sportsman Touring 570 SP (in painted Silver Pearl)

Sportsman X2 570 EPS (in Sage Green)

Sportsman X2 570 EPS Nordic Pro Special Edition (in White Lightning)

Sportsman 6×6 BIG BOSS 570 EPS (in Sage Green)

Sportsman XP 1000 (in painted Havasu Red Pearl or painted Matte Copper LE)

Sportsman Touring XP 1000 (in painted Silver Pearl)

Scrambler XP 1000 (in painted Havasu Red Pearl)

GENERAL – MY18

Following on from the homologation treatment of other models, the MY18 GENERAL will too be available as a T1b factory homologated model. Other technical enhancements include a revised CV Propshaft for reduced driveline noise, passenger door enhancements and new colour options.

The MY18 GENERAL line-up will consist of the following models:

GENERAL 1000 EPS Premium (in painted Radar Blue)

GENERAL 1000 EPS Deluxe (in painted Titanium Metallic)

GENERAL 4 1000 EPS (in painted Black Pearl)

Full 2018 model details will follow soon with pricing and availability.

For further information, visit: www.polaris.com

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Saving Line Marking Costs Through Innovation

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Saving Line Marking Costs Through Innovation: On 29th June 2017, technology giant, Apple, marked 10 years since the iPhone was first released. A fact almost difficult to believe as we consider just how much this smart device has transformed our lives; improving organization, efficiency and communication to say the least.

Saving Line Marking Costs Through Innovation

In the Grounds Maintenance Sector, we have marked a similar technological anniversary for Fleet Line Markers, the Apple of the industry, who pushed boundaries in productivity, accuracy and quality through the development of its own innovative iPhone equivalent, BeamRider, also in 2007.

Still positioned as the only laser guided, automated line marking machine Worldwide, BeamRider puts aside 3/4/5 triangles and string lines, through the creation of laser-guided perfect right angles and straight lines in a matter of seconds.

2017, however, brings new innovation, as from the advanced mechanics of BeamRider, the MAQA has been born – creating a new era of marking, with no strings or measuring tapes, just pure GPS guided line marking from start to finish.

For Iain McGuffie, Managing Director and master-mind behind Fleet’s innovations, a need to continuously develop innovative products for the industry is fueled by his desire to provide a solution for problems surrounding productivity, costs and quality.

He explained: “Using traditional methods, a football pitch takes at least two Grounds Staff 2.5 hours to initial mark, using 3/4/5 triangles, measuring tapes and strings – often retouched just a week or two later. An essential but costly process.” 

“In understanding the extent of this often-arduous task, Fleet has always focused on different ways in which we could make a Groundsmans’ job easier, reviewing problems surrounding accuracy, quality, cost, speed and productivity – key issues that still resonate for many turf professionals today, despite advances in the sector.”

“Ultimately, when we develop innovative products, we take the time to listen to and work closely with our customers. Using BeamRider as an example, many customers had expressed the need for a system that would make initial marking quicker and easier, and as such the idea of a laser guided system was created.”

This theme of innovation has resonated throughout the Grounds Maintenance Sector throughout the past decade, with developments in Line Marking Paint and Machines bringing about significant change for Grounds Staff:

Line Marking Paint

Since 2007 Manufacturers have focused on a number key developments in line marking paint, including the longevity of paint, ease of application and use, and extreme concentrates vs ready to use products.

This time period has also witnessed the demise of dry marking powder, such as Easiflo due to improved paint science. The main battle, however, has lied quality versus cost: A somewhat challenging battle, as lower cost paint has often resulted in lower quality – harboring productivity by increasing the likelihood of re-application.

Pushing for innovation, Fleet Line Markers has worked hard to maintain paint quality, utilising the best raw materials to create paint that is brighter and whiter than ever before, with the added benefits of no re-wetting, instant dispersion of concentrated paint and soft settlement technology.

The introduction of ready to use products such as DROO, has also enabled Grounds Staff to mark a full sized football pitch with as little as 1.1 litres of paint, significantly saving both time and costs.

Line Marking Machines

Grounds Staff would agree that the initial mark of a pitch is one of the most time-consuming jobs, where pin point accuracy weighs heavy. However, recent advances in laser guided and GPS line marking has improved productivity by up to 75%, whilst placing any concerns over line accuracy as a thing of the past.

Advances in technology have also removed the manual task element of initial marking – meaning multiple pitches can be initial marked and painted in a fraction of the time, compared to the traditional methods of lines string, measuring tape and 3/4/5 triangles. The result? Accurate, straight lines with little input from Grounds Staff at a percentage of the cost.

The statistics included in the table below demonstrate this point effectively:

Marking Method

No. of Pitches

Time

Resource

Cost
Traditional String 20 2.5 hours per pitch 2 Men 100 hrs. x £20 p/h = £2,000
Laser Guided 20 0.58 hours per pitch 2 Men 23.2 hrs. x £20 p/h = £464
GPS Guided 20 0.5 hours per pitch 1 Man 10 hrs. x £20 p/h = £200

Resilience to change

The main issue surrounding innovation in line marking? Resilience to change. A resilience to trust new machinery and allow robotics to undertake a previously manual task – a point supported by the fact a vast number of sports clubs still utilize original pedestrian line markers, particularly if the recent ‘Finishing Touches’ footage of Wimbledon is anything to go by.

Iain finished: “Despite innovation saving costs, time and efficiency – with increased accuracy and quality output –  our next hurdle does not lie in providing an effective solution to overcome the problems experienced by Grounds Staff, as with MAQA we already have it. It, in fact, lies in helping conventional grounds staff see and perceive the benefits of line marking through GPS. As, we believe, much like the iPhone, it will be life changing… if you just let it!”

www.flmuk.com

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Reesink Turfcare Launches Range Of Tractor Attachments

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Reesink Turfcare Launches Range Of Tractor Attachments In Time For The Game Fair 2017: Reesink Turfcare is bringing to market a range of rear mounted tractor attachments for use with its TYM tractors. 

Reesink Turfcare Launches Range Of Tractor Attachments

Debuting at the Game Fair in Hertfordshire on 28 to 30 July 2017, the attachments available are finishing mowers, flail mowers, wide area mowers and rotary tillers to increase the range of products Reesink Turfcare can offer its customers.

TYM sales manager Steven Haynes says the attachments, which are manufactured by Italian-based manufacturer SICMA, were chosen to give customers even more value from their tractor investment.

“Reesink is careful in selecting items to pair up with existing products, but with over half a century of experience producing mechanical solutions for the agricultural industry we are happy to partner with SICMA to bring a reliable range of quality attachments to our customers. These attachments offer something for everyone whether they have a 25 or 60hp tractor, increasing the versatility and productivity of the machine.”

Tractors are of course designed as implement carriers. Making use of this capability rather than bringing in additional machines for mowing, tilling and shredding saves space in the shed and is much more economical.

Available in the range are two types of rotary tillers, the BH to suit a 15-30hp tractor and the RC to suit a 30-55hp tractor. Both are great for typical soil conditions thanks to the six curved blades per flange which are mounted in a spiral line.

Similarly to the tillers, there are two types of flail mowers available to suit both 15-30hp (TA) and 30-55hp (TE) tractors so whether you’re dealing with estate gardens or highway verges, there is a flail to help you cut through the debris.

When it comes to mowing there are two options depending on the needs of the customer. The FA series finishing mower is available with cutting widths from 1.2m to 1.8m and for those looking for something more productive we have the highly versatile three deck WGM wide area mower which has an overall cutting width of 3.6m.

Steve continues: “Just like the TYM sub 50hp range of tractors, these attachments are perfectly suited for rural countryside applications, which makes their launch at The Game Fair relevant and very timely.

“We knew it was the perfect opportunity to launch the attachments at the Fair, in fact so keen were we to make sure show visitors could see these items, they’re not yet branded in TYM red, they’re still in the manufacturer’s orange! We very much look forward to welcoming visitors on stand this weekend to showcase this brand new range.”

For more information, visit: reesinkturfcare.co.uk

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Active Investment In Middlesbrough Golf

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Active investment in Middlesbrough golf: Middlesbrough Golf Centre has invested in a package of new golf course maintenance equipment supplied by Cramlington based John Deere dealer Greenlay, to further improve its pay & play and membership offering to golfers in the region.

Active Investment In Middlesbrough Golf

The John Deere Financial contract lease deal included a John Deere 2500E hybrid electric greens mower, 2653B tees & surrounds mower, HPX Gator utility vehicle and 220SL walk-behind greens mower, plus a Wiedenmann Super 500 multi-purpose sweeper/verticutter/flail mower and a Team Club tractor-mounted sprayer.

The centre has been run by Sports and Leisure Management (SLM) since 2016, through its national consumer brand Everyone Active. SLM is the longest established leisure management company in the UK, since 1987, and currently runs 150 leisure and cultural facilities in partnership with 45 local authorities.

“SLM has taken on the responsibility for managing a number of these sports and leisure facilities all over the country, as local councils find different ways of coping with increasingly limited budgets,” says general manager Andy Hill. He was appointed to run the centre in January 2017, having been involved in golf for 30 years.

“This is the one of the organisation’s few golf facilities, and coming in was a bit of a challenge,” he adds. “This is the first time I’ve had to fully manage my own centre, and Everyone Active is very leisure centre focused, so golf is quite a new departure for the business.”

The centre includes an 18-hole, 6330 yard parkland course set in 160 acres in south Middlesbrough, now featuring newly installed academy tees, plus a nine-hole pitch and putt course, a floodlit driving range and a retail shop with golf simulator. A new footgolf course was also opened in April this year.

“Since I arrived, Everyone Active has been very supportive and agreed a budget to bring about the further improvements that were needed,” says Andy Hill. “Really, managing a golf centre is no different to managing a leisure centre. We just needed the right management team and structure in place to justify the investment.

“Our experienced course manager John Grey had already done much of the necessary groundwork over the past seven years since he arrived at the centre, but we quickly agreed he needed an additional greenkeeper/mechanic and new machinery to bring the course to where we wanted it to be, which I’m pleased to say has resulted in this new fleet deal with John Deere and Greenlay.”

“We needed to focus on the finishing touches around the course, and the new machinery will go a long way to helping us achieve this,” says John Grey. “A major factor for me in choosing John Deere equipment is the level of service and aftercare from the dealership team at Greenlay, as well as the company’s reputation and product range.

“I’ve always had that consistently throughout my 35-year career in the industry, wherever I’ve worked – every John Deere dealer I’ve dealt with, including Double A Trading in Scotland, has always been superb in that respect.”

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Polaris UK & Ireland Star Prize At NGO Draw

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Polaris UK & Ireland star prize at NGO draw: Polaris UK & Ireland are proud to announce they are providing the star prize for the National Gamekeepers’ Organisation’ Summer Prize Draw.

Polaris UK & Ireland star prize at NGO draw

The draw will be launched at this year’s Game Fair being held at Hatfield House in Hertfordshire. The NGO will welcome both members and non-members to its stand in the Gamekeeper’s Pavillion where visitors can enjoy a free tea or coffee with friends.

The prize is a Polaris Outlaw 50 Junior quad bike which is designed for children aged 6 plus, so is ideal for budding gamekeepers. The Polaris Outlaw 50 will be displayed on the stand, with tickets on sale on the stand for just £1, great value given the recommended retail price of £1,999. Tickets will also be available from the NGO website and from the NGO stand at BBC Countryfile Live, which is on 3-6 August at Blenheim Palace in Oxfordshire.

The draw itself will be held on the NGO stand at Blenheim at 2pm Sunday, the 6th August and full terms are available on the NGO website.

Polaris’ Country Manager Jim Clarke praised the NGO for their good work in support of gamekeepers.

“We’re pleased as sponsors of the NGO,” he said “to be able to play a part in raising funds for the organization and look forward to presenting it to the lucky winner.”

Polaris welcomes visitors to their own stand M1531 at the Game Fair where the latest Polaris ATVs and off-road Side by Side vehicles will be on display.

Polaris Britain: 0800 915 6720 www.polaris-britain.com

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