The Trilo S3 Is A ‘Revelation’ To Robert Cleisham Of Northenden GC

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The Trilo S3 Is A ‘Revelation’ To Robert Cleisham Of Northenden GC –  The Trilo S3 vacuum sweeper is a versatile and adaptable machine to easily collect grass clippings, leaves and litter and finds a natural home on the golf course.

The Trilo S3 Is A ‘Revelation’ To Robert Cleisham Of Northenden GC

Suitable for year-round use, the S3 was designed in direct response to industry demands for a light-weight unit working at a respectable 1.5m width.  At only 1200kg it only needs a mid-range 30HP compact tractor, however, the full floating brush head, and low ground pressure, allows the machine to work under the heaviest of conditions where others may struggle.

The modular design of the Trilo S3 means users can tailor elements of the machine, including brakes and tyre options, to their specific requirements. It comes with the options of a scarifier, flail shaft and gulley brush rotor giving the operator the ability to conduct multiple turf maintenance tasks all with one unit. These heads are interchangeable and can be swapped in and out in under one hour resulting in less time spent in the workshop and more out in the field. The vacuums power is provided by a 700mm, 4-bladed fan which lifts and holds the grass vertically to deliver a higher quality of cut and finish.

The material is then removed and collected into a 3m3 hopper which can be emptied via the S3’s 1.6m high tip facility. Utilising a single ram lifting and tipping system is just one way that the Trilo machines are built with low maintenance in mind. The S3 also features a 5m long, 200mm diameter wander hose to allow for easy cleaning of confined or restricted areas such as bunkers, shrubberies or refuse bins.

Over at Northenden Golf Club, Course Manager Robert Cleisham calls their Trilo S3 a ‘revelation’, making the job of debris collection a task which his team now enjoy. “Seeing the improved course presentation once the leaves are collected is quite rewarding” says Robert. “The wander hose is particularly useful for getting down into the ditches, taking even wet leaves easily in its stride. Thanks to the S3, the job of clearing long stretches of ditch, which used to take the best part of a day now takes just an hour or two.”

Understanding The Role Of Bedknives

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Understanding The Role Of Bedknives. True or false – the fine finish from a cylinder mower is down to luck?

Understanding The Role Of Bedknives

It’s the time of year when advice on checking bedknives is regularly dispensed, and rightly so with high season fast approaching. However, it’s good to stop for a moment and understand how and why operating, adjustment and maintenance procedures are so important, especially when it comes to the critical end of the grass cutting process.

Michael Hampton at Reesink Turfcare, the UK distributor of all genuine Toro parts, explains here the important role bedknives play in the fine finish expected from a cylinder mower: “Along with the cylinder and the frame, the bedknife is one of the three main structural members in a cylinder cutting unit. The bedknife is attached to the bedbar and the assembly is mounted to the main frame in a manner that allows for paralleling and adjustment to the cylinder.

“A cylinder mower cuts grass with a scissor-like shearing action as the moving helix shaped blades pass over the stationary bedknife. The cutting action requires the bedknife and cylinder blades to be sharp, matched and in close relationship with each other and the bedknife sharpened to be flat and square so the sharp edge touches the cylinder blades across their entire length.

“If the bedknife is not perfectly flat it is impossible to get the bedknife to touch the entire length of the cylinder. This is an essential part of the construction, making cylinder mowers precision cutting tools. Adjust any part of the construction process with, for example, ‘will-fit’ parts and the fit, form and function are affected leaving a less attractive and less consistent after-cut appearance.

“To understand the cylinder cutting theory fully though, you need to understand the concept of the clip and shear point. A shear point is any single point of contact made between the cylinder blade and bedknife. The clip is the forward distance travelled between successive blade contacts at one shear point. As the cylinder moves forward it pushes the grass in front of it, while the cylinder blade gathers the grass as it moves toward the bedknife. The bedknife then pushes the grass toward the shear point, while the cylinder blade gathers it in front, creating a triangle.”

Michael concludes: “The fine finish expected from a cylinder mower is not down to luck, far from it. Understanding and appreciating that cylinder mowers are precision machines, requiring precision-engineered parts in order to achieve the best possible finish should help make the decision that ‘will-fit’ parts aren’t worth the negative impact on the turf.”

The quote: the bitterness of poor quality remains long after the sweetness of low price is forgotten, rings true here. So our recommendation is: don’t fall foul to the temptation. Toro bedknifes are precision-engineered for a superior quality of cut. Every bedknife Toro manufactures is designed to meet strict Toro engineering specifications to ensure the best quality of cut and after-cut appearance, and to last as long as possible until replacement.

A true flatness of the knife extends their life and maximises the quality of cut. They’re made of high carbon steel for ultimate durability and longevity and retain their edge for longer meaning greenkeepers and groundsmen can mow longer without the need to adjust or replace frequently.

To avoid downtime and ensure a premium after-cut appearance for longer, contact distributor Reesink Turfcare’s Toro parts department on 01480 226800, email info@reesinkturfcare.co.uk or visit reesinkturfcare.co.uk.

Bolton Old Links GC Chooses Four Wiedenmann UK Machines

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Bolton Old Links GC Chooses Four Wiedenmann UK Machines. Bolton Old Links GC’s championship course is poised for some significant grooming after taking delivery of four Wiedenmann UK machines.  Delivered in March were a Whisper Twister blower, a Terra Spike GXi8 HD aerator, a 1.7m Terra Rake and a Super 500 three-in-one sweeper collector.Bolton Old Links GC Chooses Four Wiedenmann UK Machines

“The board is very supportive of our work,” said Head Greenkeeper, Steve Hemsley. “Since 2013, a particular focus has been regular aeration. Four years down the line all our fine turf is considerably firmer and consistent so we’ve achieved what we planned. Now, as a few key kit pieces have become tired, the board has opted not just to replace them but found scope to invest with additional machines. Aeration to tees and greens is still crucial but there’s a wider programme of rough management and improving our fairways to pursue.”

With the help of dealers, Balmers GM and groundscare specialist, Andrew Meeks in particular, Steve Hemsley and his team of four thoroughly reviewed all options before deciding upon the right machines for task.

“Easily the Super 500 will make the biggest impact,” continued Steve Hemsley. “Already you can see an instant difference to several vast areas of unplayable rough. Rough can be good for definition but at the moment ours is just too thick and harsh. We need it thinner – and in time wispier – to bring it back into play. It doesn’t matter that we have undulations, the Super 500 follows the ground so we’ll cut and collect at every opportunity, dragging the Terra Rake through to clean it, removing hidden debris.”

The Terra Rake, known industry-wide as an ace scarifier, is also earmarked to target thatchy areas on the fairways and roughs.

“The fairways need to be far more free-draining. Extra scarification will help but that’s also where the new aerator comes in… The GXi8 is not just for the tees and greens, it’s pretty much able to access all areas. In the few short weeks we’ve had it, we’ve found it unbelievably quick, so it’s just the matter of picking the right time and getting out there.”

Bolton Old Links’ final machine, the Whisper Twister blower is another purchase with lots to do.

“Our course is on quite an exposed site,” continued Steve Hemsley. “We’re not troubled so much by leaves as we have mostly pines, but collecting windfall is constant.  The blower will be able to round up debris and blow into the path of either the Terra Rake or the Super 500. What a difference that will make. Then it will be back on rough management duties or tidying up after we’ve scarified the fairways.”

“All our new Wiedenmanns are versatile and particularly efficient when working together. That’s in keeping with the spirit of our greenkeepers here. Job variety and rotation is important to us all. Everyone is being trained on all machines giving total flexibility for the work ahead.”

Andrew Meeks, Groundcare specialist at Balmers’ Burnley depot, Wiedenmann UK dealer for the area, who has a long standing relationship with the club said:

“We work with Steve and his team to maximise the productivity and lifespan of their machines. These new deliveries have come at the right time and their particular choices mean the course will instantly reap the benefit. Not only did they select Wiedenmann kit they signed preferred supplier agreement committing to a long term relationship between Balmers GM and Bolton Old Links GC. The addition of a new ProGator and HD200Select sprayer, John Deere 7700A Fairway Mower, John Deere 4049R Compact tractor and Lastec rough mower are testament to the club’s commitment to invest in the course both in the short and long term.”

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.