York Racecourse looks to the future with GroundTech

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York Racecourse looks to the future with GroundTech: The award-winning grounds team at York Racecourse have gained two new recruits, in the form of an Echo TM-1050 and Echo TM-2050 robotic mower from GroundTech.

In the few shorts weeks since their delivery, the pair have been well received by Head Groundsman Adrian Kay as well as visitors to site who have commented that the enclosures and other perimeter areas have never presented better at this time of year.

York Racecourse looks to the future with GroundTech

York Racecourse looks to the future with GroundTech

With a busy race season from May to October, and a calendar compromising of weddings and corporate functions, the maintenance is a year-round operation for Adrian and his team of seven. Like many in the sector, York Racecourse have found recruitment to be a challenge, particularly since the pandemic. They’ve decided to turn to technology to provide a helping hand. “We recognise that people don’t want to be working 60-70 hours per week, or at unsociable hours, much of which was attributable to the time it takes to mow our expanses of lawn. By investing in this pair of robotic mowers, I can redeploy my skilled team to other maintenance tasks, ensuring we can maintain presentation levels” Adrian explains.

Following advice from Echo’s Sam Daybell, they opted for the Echo TM-1050 and TM-2050. “We worked really well together, assessing the size and specification of the prospective areas to find the right fit. The TM-1050 is primarily used on our premium grass car parking areas, and the TM-2050 on the enclosures, parade rings and a number of medium and high spec lawns.”

“We’re already benefiting from all the well-documented advantages that robotics brings – mowing through the night and at weekends, in all manner of weather conditions.” Adrian continues, “It’s also meant that we’ve been able to retain presentation over a difficult, wet winter with the light footprint of the robots. This has not gone unnoticed by visitors to the course.”

“Considering the wider benefits, it means less need to turn to our petrol or diesel mowers which is a big plus from an environmental sustainability standpoint. In 2023 we launched ‘Green Knavesmire 300’ demonstrating our commitment to reaching Net Zero by 2040, with these new editions from GroundTech playing their part in this wider goal.”

Together with the expert support from the team at GroundTech and Echo, Adrian is enjoying exploring the full functionality of the software, allowing him to monitor the robots 24/7. “I’m not sure I should admit this in print, but I find I’m on the app at four in the morning, making sure everything is going according to plan!” he laughs. “But it is very useful, being able to see things like the battery life etc. Every day we’re taking the opportunity to learn more about them and really bed them into our routine before the season kicks off in May.”

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Golf course switches brands in huge machinery overhaul

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Golf course switches brands in huge machinery overhaul: One of the UK’s most revered golfing destinations, Woodhall Spa Golf Club, has completely overhauled its machinery fleet by switching brands to John Deere.

Technology, reliability and dealer service drove the decision for the home of England Golf to remove its existing machines and invest in new cutting units, Gator utility vehicles, GPS sprayers and a compact tractor.

Golf course switches brands in huge machinery overhaul

Golf course switches brands in huge machinery overhaul

Embracing cloud-based software, the greenkeeping team responsible for maintaining the iconic Hotchkin and Bracken courses will now use John Deere’s new Operations Centre PRO-Golf platform to allocate daily tasks, track input costs, schedule servicing and generate reports.

John Deere dealer Ripon Ground Care delivered the 26 pieces of machinery on 19 February and will now lead a programme of staff training and optimisation to ensure maximum efficiency and performance from the fleet.

Peter Moore, Course Director at Woodhall Spa Golf Club, said: “We were impressed with the build quality and the GPS technology during the intensive demonstration period. All the team were involved in the decision giving feedback on each item of equipment.”

The purchase has been structured by John Deere Financial, allowing the club to spread payments while it also invests a new clubhouse and facilities.

“The flexible finance option presented to us allowed us to maximise our budget and deliver a payment schedule that suited our business,” Peter added.

Woodhall Spa Golf Club is close to Lincoln and boasts two 18-hole championship courses, one of which – Hotchkin – ranks 58th best in the world.

Greens and tees will now be cut with 2750E riding mowers and 260SL walk-behinds, while fairways will be maintained by four 6700A E-cuts.

A total of 10 electric and diesel gators will be used for transporting staff and materials around the course, and two satellite-steered HD200 precision sprayers will take care of weeds and diseases with unrivalled accuracy.

A 4066R compact tractor is on hand for heavy work and towing.

Chris Meacock, John Deere Division Sales Manager for Golf and Turf, said: “With a fully connected fleet the team at Woodhall Spa will not only see the benefit of the latest technology on our cutting units and sprayer, but will also be able to account for every second of machinery use.

“This brings a whole new dimension to course management resulting in greater efficiency and accuracy for the whole operation.”

Scott Trestrail, Area Sales Manager at Ripon Ground Care, said: “It’s great that Woodhall Spa Golf Club recognises the whole package available, from seamless equipment integration, cutting-edge technology plus the reliability and back-up. We look forward to working with and supporting the club going forwards.”

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New year, new higher horsepower petrol woodchippers

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New year, new higher horsepower petrol woodchippers: GreenMech’s ongoing commitment to product enhancement has seen an exciting upgrade on two popular petrol models.

From 20th January 2025, production of the EVO 165P Sub-750 and Arborist 150P will feature a new Briggs and Stratton Vanguard EFI 40HP engine, delivering even greater power, productivity and efficiency.

New year, new higher horsepower petrol woodchippers

New year, new higher horsepower petrol woodchippers

Originally launched to meet the requirements of modern arborists and landscapers looking for powerful bite, torque and throughput in a sub-750kg package, the EVO165P Sub-750 has gone on to cement its position as one of the most capable woodchippers in the 6” category. The key features of the series including wide infeed chute, twin horizontal rollers, all steel bonnet and heavy-duty flywheel are now combined with a higher horsepower engine, taking proven performance to new heights.

The Arborist 150P is already the top selling chipper in Europe in its class, but by installing a high-output 40hp petrol engine, GreenMech can now offer close to similar performance to the diesel-engined Arborist 150D, but at a lower cost.

Together with delivering close to 8% more processing power for brash and woody waste, the newly upgraded models also feature a yellow idle/run button to quickly and easily increase or decrease throttle power to operating speed. The simplicity of button operation and electronic throttle now aligns with GreenMech’s diesel offerings, facilitating the chippers to go from idle to full power with one touch. They also feature a second hour meter, mounted directly to the engine, and an upgraded ignition barrel.

As standard, all models in the EVO and Arborist ranges feature GreenMech’s unique disc blade chipping system. In operation, only 30% of the blade’s circumference comes into contact with the waste material, reducing the blades vulnerability to contaminant damage and enabling the blade to be turned to a new sharp section when edges get worn. This equates to 600% more blade life and significantly more hours of chipping before the need to re-sharpen.

The new EVO 165P Sub-750 and Arborist 150P are also backed-up by GreenMech’s no-quibble, three-year parts and labour warranty. For more information visit www.greenmech.co.uk

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Makita launches new spring redemption offer

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Makita launches new spring redemption offer: Leading power tool manufacturer Makita UK is offering end users the chance to get their hands on a FREE LXT battery with the purchase of selected cordless garden machines, with its latest redemption offer.

Makita’s latest spring garden machinery redemption offer gives end users the chance to claim a 5.0Ah 18V BL1850B Lithium-ion Battery with every purchase and registration of selected LXT outdoor products – including blowers, pole saws, hedge trimmers, linetrimmers, brush cutters, split shafts, lawnmowers, grass shears and chainsaws.

Makita launches new spring redemption offer

Makita launches new spring redemption offer

Makita’s 18V batteries fit all 18V LXT and Twin 18V LXT cordless products – which means that they can be used interchangeably across over 300 products. The free 5.0Ah LXT battery that is available on qualifying purchases can be charged in just 45 minutes, minimising downtime and maximising user productivity, making this an attractive offer for professionals looking to start or expand their existing Makita cordless range.

The spring redemption promotion launches on 1st February and will run until 30th June 2025. End users looking to take advantage of this exciting offer can purchase any of the qualifying models in this period from an authorised dealer and must register their new product online with proof purchase within 28 days. Once the application is confirmed, their free gift will arrive 30 days after claims have been validated.

For more information on the promotion, a full list of qualifying products and terms and conditions, visit www.makitauk.com/redemption

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Experience the Future of Lawn Care with Harrier Pro® Tour

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Experience the Future of Lawn Care with Harrier Pro® Tour: We are thrilled to announce the Harrier Pro® Tour, an exclusive event designed for landscape professionals to experience the next generation of lawn care. This tour is a unique opportunity to see how your valuable feedback has shaped the Harrier Pro® series, and to witness the innovative advancements we’ve made.

Discover the Latest in Harrier Pro® Innovation

Join us to explore the groundbreaking new rear roller design that brings a whole new dimension to lawn striping. This innovation sets a new industry standard and promises to make a significant impact on your landscaping projects.

Experience the Future of Lawn Care with Harrier Pro® Tour

Experience the Future of Lawn Care with Harrier Pro® Tour

Craig Hoare, Sales and Marketing Manager, shares his excitement: “We are incredibly excited to bring the Harrier Pro® Tour to landscape professionals across the country. Your feedback has been instrumental in shaping the new Harrier Pro® series, and we can’t wait to show you how these innovations can make a real difference in your work. This tour is a fantastic opportunity to connect, learn, and grow together.”

Join Us on the Harrier Pro® Tour

The tour will take place across 8 venues from March 3rd to March 14th, 2025. Each event will be informal and relaxed, with light refreshments provided. You will have the chance to meet our engineering and design team, who are eager to discuss how these advancements can help your business thrive.

Make It a Day to Remember

This event is not just about showcasing a product; it’s about giving you the opportunity to get hands-on, ask questions, and connect with the team behind the innovation. We are excited to hear your thoughts and are confident that you will leave with a fresh perspective on how the Harrier Pro® can elevate your work.

Event Details:

Time: 10 am – 3 pm

Venues:

  • March 3rd: Toro UK Limited, Bishops Stortford
  • March 4th: Dale Hill Hotel & Golf Club, Ticehurst
  • March 5th: The Hamworthy Club, Bournemouth
  • March 6th: Fulford Heath Golf Club, Birmingham
  • March 11th: Heyrose Golf Club, Knutsford
  • March 12th: Pavilions of Harrogate, Harrogate
  • March 13th: Newark Showground, Newark

Secure Your Spot Today

We would love to see you there. Visit our website to reserve your place and for full details on each venue. Spaces are limited, so be sure to sign up soon to avoid disappointment.

For more information, please visit www.hayter.co.uk

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