East Grinstead RFC Purchases First Iseki TLE4490 in Europe

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East Grinstead RFC Purchases First Iseki TLE4490 in Europe: East Grinstead Rugby Football Club located in West Sussex has taken delivery of the first Iseki TLE4490 tractor sold in Europe. The tractor was delivered by local Iseki dealer, Yeowart Agricultural Ltd.

East Grinstead RFC Purchases First Iseki TLE4490 in Europe

The new tractor will be used to manage and maintain three full-size pitches covering a total of 14 acres. The pitches at EGRFC are home to a total of 17 teams; three senior teams, one veteran team, six intermediate teams (U13-U18), and seven junior teams (U6-U12).

Chairman of EGRFC Bob Marsh is responsible for the operational management of the club as a business. He commented on the recent investment,

“The TLE4490 provides us with the capability to manage all of our own land. We are now able to mow, verti-drain and aerate our pitches without the need for dedicated machines for each job. The tractor provides us with the flexibility to hire in other equipment or attachments using our own power source.

The Iseki TLE4490 is part of the wider TLE series of compact tractors from Iseki. It features a 46hp water-cooled diesel engine and utilises an 8Fx8R mechanical drive transmission system. Three-point linkage with 1200kg lift capacity and one double-acting hydraulic service are equipped as standard, and the option of turf or agricultural tyres is provided.

“It’s what I like to call “a proper tractor.” It’s powerful, intuitive and easy-to-use, and most of all, it’s a simple tractor that is effective at doing the job that is required of it. The selectable 4WD and independent rear PTO is particularly useful; it provides us with the manoeuvrability that we need, and the power to complete heavy tasks with ease. We are delighted to be the first recipients in Europe of this fantastic machine, but I have no doubt that rugby clubs around the country will be opting for an Iseki tractor when they try one for themselves.”

East Grinstead Rugby Football Club was founded in 1929 by Brian Desmond, and the current clubhouse located at Saint Hill was built in 1997. Since the 1950s, the club has hosted an annual rugby sevens tournament “Sunshine Sevens” which has raised in the region of £250,000 for several children’s charities.

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What’s New On Makita’s Outdoor Maintenance Equipment Agenda

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What’s New On Makita’s Outdoor Maintenance Equipment Agenda

What's New On Makita's Outdoor Maintenance Equipment Agenda

  • 4-stroke MM4 back-pack blower, lighter with great performance
  • 4-stroke MM4 line trimmer with spring-assisted recoil starter
  • 4-stroke mulching lawn mower cuts close to walls with offset blade
  • 18v grass shear with hedge trimmer attachment

Four new machines have been introduced to Makita’s outstanding range of outdoor maintenance and grounds care equipment with the latest 4-stroke MM4 engine technology at the heart of two of them.  The power and performance of the Makita MM4 engine, which delivers more horsepower, torque and reliability is coupled with ultra-low running costs, low noise and low vibrations while reduced fuel consumption, together make a valuable contribution to Makita’s sustainability and environmental policies.

The new Makita EB5300TH Back-Pack Blower is a refined version of the 75cc machine designed for maintenance contractors, major property owners and tool hire operations.  Powered by a 52.5 cc version of the advanced MM4 engine this blower is lighter at 8.9 kg when dry, and delivers 15m³/minute maximum air flow volume with a maximum velocity of 82metres/second. This performance is ample for all leaf management operations but reduces the “arm strength” required to control the direction of the nozzle during a full days work. Lighter weight, better air control, longer run time – all positive attributes.

The engine is separated from the frame by four isolating damper springs ensuring vibration is greatly reduced allowing longer run time and greater operator protection. The fully padded back-pack harness adds to operator comfort. The telescopic pipe and nozzle is adjustable to the operator’s height and protection from static electric shock is achieved with ample insulation distance between the grip and nozzle.

This high-spec model has an anti-icing valve which prevents icing up in cold conditions and is compliant with EPA Phase 2 and EU Stage 2 exhaust regulations. The Makita EB3300TH Back-Pack blower has a convenient carry handle for easy transport.

The new 25.4cc EM2654LH 4-stroke (MM4) 1.1hp Linetrimmer effectively replaces its predecessor, the popular EM2651LH model.  This compact and lightweight machine features a new spring-assisted recoil starter, with mechanical decompression, and a multi-position lubrication system that enables the engine to be inclined to any angle, even during continuous operation.  A rigid aluminium clutch case reduces vibration while an ergonomically designed loop handle ensures improved operator comfort.  The guard is suitable for both metal blade and nylon line head.  The well positioned oil filling port and drain plug are easily accessible with an oil level window for easy checking and replacing of oil.

The new Makita 163cc Mulching Lawn Mower, the PLM5121N2, is a walk-behind model that has a 51cm cutting width and a single-lever cutting height adjustment with up to five positions, between 25–70mm, to achieve a spectacular, manicured lawn.  It is powered by the new 4-stroke Briggs & Stratton 675 Exi ReadyStart engine system that requires no priming or choking.  The single speed drive to the large rear wheels, designed for easy movement on uneven terrain, is controlled by the flat lift up operator control adjacent to the ergonomically designed handle and engine run control lever for easy manoeuvring.  Wheels have built-in ball bearings for additional durability.

In addition to the 2-in-1 mulching feature for side-discharge and healthier lawns, this lightweight, 31.0kg mower is able to cut close to walls, and around obstacles, by an offset blade position while a plastic front cover protects the steel deck.  The 4-stroke engine requires no fuel mix, has low noise, emissions and running costs, and is designed for lawns up to 1,800m².

The new 18v UM603D Grass Shear G-Series will be everyone’s favourite – fast, powerful and handy – and is now available with a hedge trimmer attachment that has a tool-less blade change.  The shear has a double blade action; a cutting width of 160mm, and 3-stage cutting height adjustment from 15–25mm for really fine trimming such as topiary.  With an ergonomically designed soft grip handle and light in weight at just 1.5kg, user comfort is guaranteed while low noise emissions for ‘Sunday morning quiet time’ will keep neighbours happy.  This model is compatible only with a Makita G-Series battery, and is available as a body only option with hedge trimmer attachment.

The Makita range of outdoor maintenance and grounds care tools continues to expand with tools and innovative systems that are designed for professional users and keen gardeners everywhere.

For more news and product information about Makita UK please visit www.makitauk.com.

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Redexim Synthetic Maintenance Machinery

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Redexim synthetic maintenance machinery completes Ipswich BC’s capabilities: Ipswich Borough Council – via 3 teams at Chantry Park, Holywells Park and Christchurch Park – maintain all natural surfaces of sports grounds, open spaces, schools and play areas in the Borough.  When the decision was taken to pull the synthetic surface maintenance in-house, the council decided that a Verti-Top and Verti-Comb from Charterhouse Turf Machinery were the right tools for the tasks at hand.

Redexim Synthetic Maintenance Machinery

“In addition our grounds teams also offer an external contracting services through Borough Landscapes,” explained Chantry Park Manager Ian Clarke. “Within our remit is specialist turf care, landscape design, wildlife and habitat management plus much more. To do all this work we’re lucky to have a large machinery fleet of over 250 units so it was logical to add some synthetic kit to our range, enabling us to deal with all types of surface we come across in the Borough”.

At the town’s two main sports centres, 3G pitches have been installed, along with an ever-increasing number of schools that are now playing sports on artificial surfaces. Ian again, “We’d looked at the maintenance specifications as outlined by the pitch installers and then looked for machinery which fulfilled the grade. It was really the knowledge and support offered by Curtis Allen of Charterhouse and Adrian Brown from our local dealer Tomlinsons that sealed the deal – that and the quality of the kit of course! Curtis and Adrian trained up 12 operators on the new machines and have provided excellent back-up support when we’ve needed it. With the Charterhouse kit now established in our fleet, we’re in a position to increase our working capacity and take all synthetic maintenance work in our stride. In fact, we won an additional contract after a local school came to us with concerns over an imminent FA pitch inspection. Together with advice from Charterhouse and a deep clean from our Verti-Top, they passed the test with flying colours!”

The Redexim Verti-Comb is the Councils most used piece of kit, utilised at least one school site a week. Whereas, depending on the specification of the client, the Redexim Verti-Top can offer anywhere between 3 and 16 cleans at a site each year.

Last word from Ian, “From the very first demo of the Redexim Verti-Comb, the impact was evident immediately. The team at the sports centre could see and feel the difference after just one pass by the machine – everyone commented that it was by far the best the pitch had ever looked!”

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Support For Notts Golf Club At Qualifier For Major Tournament

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Support For Notts Golf Club At Qualifier For Major Tournament: Kyoeisha UK, the distributor of Baroness professional mowing equipment, supported Notts Golf Club when they hosted the final qualifier for a major tournament, held at Hollinwell on 4th July 2017.

Support For Notts Golf Club At Qualifier For Major Tournament

Notts Golf Club is a heathland course, measuring 7,250 yards and set in 400 acres of free draining sandstone in a natural valley within Kirkby Forest. It is maintained to championship standard year-round and has been used for major professional and amateur events throughout the years.

Baroness, together with their recently appointed local dealer, Platts Harris, provided support machinery including two Baroness LM 2700 fairway machines, which were used exclusively for fairway mowing leading up to and during the event, and two Baroness LM 315 greens mowers assisted with final greens preparation. Platts Harris provided standby technical support, which although not utilised, provided the Hollinwell team with peace of mind.

Following the prestigious qualifying event, , Phil Stain said,

“The competition was a great success and our thanks go to Baroness and Platts Harris for their support. We really appreciated their efforts and hope to be adding more Baroness kit to our fleet in the not-too-distant future. Over the last two years, Baroness have proved to us that, without question, they are a serious contender in the turf industry. In fact, in some circumstances they clearly have the edge over the competition. Ease of maintenance, cut quality and longevity are major factors to consider when we’re choosing new kit and Baroness ticks all the boxes for us.”

Jim Whitton, Business Development Manager at Baroness UK added,

“I have known Phil Stain for many years and was delighted to be able to assist him with support equipment for this prestigious event. It’s good to know that Baroness mowers can easily provide the cutting quality, performance and reliability demanded by such a high-level event.”

Notts Golf Club was formed in 1887 and moved to its current location in 1900. Willie Park Jnr designed the 18-hole course and it was opened for play on 3rd November 1901. Today, it is a thriving club with over 500 members and has frequently been the venue for major amateur competitions including the English Amateur and the Brabazon Trophy.

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‘Phenomenal’ SISIS Osca Works Wonders For The Potters

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‘Phenomenal’ SISIS Osca works Wonders for the Potters: Andy Jackson, grounds manager at Stoke City FC, has reported ‘phenomenal’ results since incorporating the SISIS Osca tractor mounted oscillating brush into his synthetic surface maintenance programme.

‘Phenomenal’ SISIS Osca Works Wonders For The Potters

It is safe to say that Andy Jackson is a one-club-man. Having started as an apprentice at Stoke City FC in 1994, he has since worked his way up the ladder and now sits in the hot seat as grounds manager in which he oversees the maintenance of the pitch at the bet365 Stadium and all of the facilities at Clayton Wood training ground.

Clayton Wood boasts a multitude of state of the art facilities including two and a half Desso Grassmaster pitches, five soil based pitches and two full size synthetic surfaces.

“Getting the right equipment for all the different textured pitches we have here is big task, and it’s key to how we go about our business,” says Andy. “The use on our synthetic pitches has become incredibly high so I needed to look at something which would combat that. I wanted a machine that was going to be effective and quick but to get a machine to do those two things I felt would be a hard task.”

Fortunately, Andy came across the SISIS Osca while attending the STMA Conference and Exhibition in San Diego last year and arranged for a demonstration to be undertaken as soon as he returned to home soil. The demonstration quickly revealed that Andy had found the machine he had been looking for.

The SISIS Osca is a tractor mounted powered oscillating brush with a 1.9 meter working width and is equally effective when used on synthetic turf with sand or rubber infill. The two oscillating brushes stand the carpet fibres up and redistributes the infill evenly, minimising compaction on the surface and improving its performance – giving consistent playing characteristics while preventing pile damage caused by reduced infill levels.

A contributory factor to the reduction of compaction is that the Osca’s working width will use fewer passes than other more conventional drag brushes to complete a pitch. Its aggressive brushing action agitates the upper infill level of the surface from side to side as well as brushing forward, helping reduce surface compaction and encourage the fibres to stand up straight which reduces the risk of contamination, drainage problems and leaves a consistent playing surface across the whole pitch.

“The Ocsa had everything we were looking for and the beauty is that it is extremely versatile. You can go deep into the pile or just take it lightly over the top – everything is adjustable to enable the machine to do exactly what is required.”

“The Oscillating brushes are the best feature for me because they get rid of any compaction problems and they provide a fantastic finish. Players at all levels, from seven year olds up to the first team, play on these pitches, so for me it is just important to have the synthetic surfaces as well presented as the natural pitches.”

Andy sets an hour aside each day to use the Osca and designates a fortnightly three hour time slot to carry out a more intensive clean. Since using the Osca he has noticed a significant improvement and he is not the only one.

“The Osca has brought our synthetic pitch to a new level and the feedback we’ve had from the staff, the coaches and the players has been really positive.”

“The results have been phenomenal and personally I think the Osca ticks all the boxes in getting synthetic turf to a level where it needs to be.”

For further information or a no obligation demonstration, please contact SISIS on 01332 824 777 or visit www.sisis.com

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