The benefits of Mulching

/in , , /by

The benefits of Mulching: Rotary flail manufacturer Muthing say their integral Mulching System MMS and new Vario System offers both time and financial benefits when compared to cutting and collecting on all areas of grass maintenance. The MU-H 1.6 to 2.2m and MU-L 1.8 to 2.8m front and rear mounted are ideal for tractors from 40hp to 130 hp.

Simon Richard the UK agent for the Muthing range says, “The purposely designed hood, in conjunction with a large easier driven spiral rotor gives better economy.  The high rotor speed, along with the ‘Shark fin’ shredding bar gives uniform mulching of all grass types, with the long material fed back through the rotor for a second cut. The material that is already shredded passes through to be distributed evenly behind the mower. The new addition of the adjustable Vario bar allows Infinitely variable mulching for rapid decomposition. Compacted thatch can also be mulched due to the strong suction by moving the Vario bar towards the rotor.

The benefits of Mulching

The benefits of Mulching

Higher forward speeds and larger area outputs with consistent quality are possible with no  wasted time or expense on collection and disposal of cut grass.  Hydraulic Side Shift allows for up to 56cm movement to get into awkward areas.

For the latest industry news visit turfmatters.co.uk/news

Get all of the big headlines, pictures, opinions and videos on stories that matter to you.

Follow us on Twitter and Instagram for fun, fresh and engaging content.

You can also find us on Facebook for more of your must-see news, features, videos and pictures from Turf Matters. 

Terra Spike gives Bentham peace of mind

/in , , /by

Terra Spike gives Bentham peace of mind: Lancashire’s Bentham Golf Club has chosen a Wiedenmann Terra Spike GXi8 HD to help its team make the most of weather windows.

This summer, the family run club with its backdrop of the Yorkshire Three Peaks, proximity to the Dales and Forest of Bowland has attracted golf tourists from across the country. Its ‘on course’ cottages and high-end vacation pods have offered something different and proved hugely popular.

Terra Spike gives Bentham peace of mind

Terra Spike gives Bentham peace of mind

The course, too, has seen additional member traffic, prompting the purchase of a deep aerator.  For head greenkeeper, Shaun Conway it marks another positive step for the northern club.

“I joined Bentham in April during lockdown, which was a little strange to say the least.  Initially, my family and I lived in one of the lovely holiday cottages,” said Shaun, “so it really was an unusual, but memorable, beginning.

“But it’s all gone well. Lots of good things are happening; a new practice putting green is almost built; the course is looking sharper and the arrival of the new machine means a huge boost to our aeration programme.

“This is my first Wiedenmann. I’ve known Terra Spikes by reputation but it’s the incredible smoothness you notice… when you leave the cab you don’t feel shaken up.  I actually tried the ‘Wiedenmann tea cup test’ where you place a full cup of tea on top and set off across a green. I tried mine with a flask cup.    Not a drop lost!  An unexpected stone halfway through your trial isn’t good though, then it definitely spills …

“Immediately after installation we got all tees spiked with 20 mm tines to 10 cm with 5 degrees of heave. Next day, one of the lads started tackling the fairways to 15 cm.  You don’t need extra spanners; it’s a tool free and runs quietly and quickly. The speed is just great… it buys peace of mind that the job will get done.

“We’re a small team, mostly three, but sometimes four. This Autumn when conditions allow, we’ll be all over if we can, targeting known wet spots. A network of paths around the course means we can pretty much access all areas. For now, we’re operating with 8mm and 20 mm tines but next year 12 mm tines will come in handy. After the initial phase, the aeration programme going forward is to be out little and often. The speed and easy operation mean every three to four weeks. Even across the summer, we can get some discreet work done without golfers knowing.”

Bentham Golf Club is supplied by local dealer Balmer’s Garden Machinery,  at Burnley.  Balmer’s golf and turf machinery sales specialist, Ben Cook, and Wiedenmann UK’s demonstrator, Andy Kerr, together did the installation and operator training.

Ben Cook said: “The GXi8 gives Shaun flexibility to take advantage of weather windows.  Aeration is one of those vital tasks dependent on prevailing conditions.  Once the decision to ‘go’ is made you can get nine greens done in an afternoon. “

For the latest industry news visit turfmatters.co.uk/news

Get all of the big headlines, pictures, opinions and videos on stories that matter to you.

Follow us on Twitter and Instagram for fun, fresh and engaging content.

You can also find us on Facebook for more of your must-see news, features, videos and pictures from Turf Matters.

ECHO launches largest professional chainsaw

/in , /by

ECHO launches largest professional chainsaw: ECHO has introduced a new professional chainsaw, the CS-7310SX, which is the largest in the current range and features a low emission, premium-grade 73.5cc engine with an output of 4.1kW.

A heavy-duty, rear handle chainsaw the CS-7310SX is part of the ECHO X Series which designates it as a best-in-class product and as such it’s packed with features designed to increase the productivity of the professional user. ECHO says they have built this for the many arborists and landscapers using these types of saws regularly to fell large trees. They add that the professional-grade ECHO 2-stroke engine is designed and manufactured in Japan to the highest possible standards, delivering powerful cutting with low emissions and noise levels. There is no question it generates massive torque and provides exceptional cutting performance for heavy-duty felling. And yet it is a lightweight and well-balanced saw, weighing in at only 6.8kg (dry weight) and featuring an ergonomic and robust construction to meet the challenges of professional felling and forestry work.

ECHO launches largest professional chainsaw

ECHO launches largest professional chainsaw

ECHO X Series products are often industry-leading in terms of power and performance and the CS-7310SX lives up to this reputation with a tradition of testing in the most extreme conditions to ensure flawless operation. For the professional who relies on their tools day in and day out the saw is packed with beneficial features. A magnesium starter housing more efficiently disperses heat generated by the engine and the G-Force air pre-cleaner reduces its exposure to dirt and debris. Together with the centrifugal separation dust-free system that means less maintenance and longer life. Starting is easy with the decompression valve and the heavy-duty aluminium handle has a secure rubber grip offering reduced vibration in the hand. Drop prevention nuts to the side casing mean the nuts can’t be lost during maintenance. Dual bumper spikes give you better control when sawing through stumps and thicker branches, while a rotating plastic chain catcher protects the user from potential injury and prevents chain damage. Fuel level is easily monitored with the translucent fuel tank.

Weighing up the CS-7310SX you can say it is a true professionals’ saw backed by the ECHO reputation for durability built-up over 70-years of manufacturing. The saw comes with a 2-year professional or 5-year domestic warranty. Find out more from your local authorised ECHO dealer.

You can also visit www.echo-tools.co.uk or call 01844 278800 for more information

For the latest industry news visit turfmatters.co.uk/news

Get all of the big headlines, pictures, opinions and videos on stories that matter to you.

Follow us on Twitter and Instagram for fun, fresh and engaging content.

You can also find us on Facebook for more of your must-see news, features, videos and pictures from Turf Matters.

JCB updates 55KW 3CX Backhoe Loader

/in , /by

JCB updates 55KW 3CX Backhoe Loader: JCB, the world’s number one backhoe loader manufacturer, has launched a new 55kW 3CX backhoe loader with EU Stage V compliant engine. The machine delivers improved operator comfort and ease of use, increased productivity and performance, combined with reduced total cost of ownership.

Features include:

·        Revised Command Plus Cab
·        Enhanced safety including integrated LED beacons and step lighting
·        Efficiency boost – a 3.0-litre Stage V engine delivers 10% torque increase and 7% fuel saving
·        Increased productivity with auto-levelling, auto seat select and auto-2WD

JCB updates 55KW 3CX Backhoe Loader

JCB updates 55KW 3CX Backhoe Loader

This latest JCB 3CX takes the backhoe loader into a new decade, with a smart new look that features a revised Command Plus cab. There are four LED beacons integrated into the cab roof as standard, removing the need for magnetic beacons or drilling of the machine. The beacons can be clearly seen from all angles, improving site safety, while there is no requirement for the operator to have to climb up in the cold and wet to install beacons at the start of the day.

The Command Plus cab features yellow grab handles, for a clear touch point and there are larger mirrors for an improved view behind the machine when manoeuvring around site or when roading. Revised square work lights offer increased adjustment and the LED option now includes up to 10 lights, providing maximum illumination of the working area.

The cab interior provides a new level of comfort and usability. It features a split colour line, with darker grey used for the lower half and a lighter grey in the upper half of the cabin. This adds to the airy, spacious feel, providing the operator with a calm, comfortable working environment. There is a new seat, with a dark fabric and yellow stitching and a headrest is available on the Advanced Easy Control (AEC) model.

A revised three-spoke steering wheel provides an improved view of the new front display screen, which comes as standard on the latest 3CX. The screen shows the speedometer, all warning lights and the selected gear on Powershift models. For the first time JCB will also supply a factory-fit radio with Bluetooth telephone compatibility and USB, AUX and SD card capabilities. The radio is integrated into the headliner, but can be controlled by a rotary switch in the side console. Audio and telephone functions are also displayed in the new 7” side display screen.

This side screen provides the operator with increased functionality and increased information. The display is controlled by an automotive-style rotary switch, that provides quick access to the various operating menus.

Increased Productivity

The 55kW Stage V 3CX introduces a range of advanced automation features, designed to reduce operator fatigue and to boost productivity. This includes Auto Stop, which automatically detects when the machine is no longer in use and shuts down the engine. Auto Stop eliminates engine idling, reducing fuel consumption and cutting emissions. The shut-down delay can be pre-set or adjusted by the operator through the side screen in the cab.
Auto Seat Select is available on machines equipped with servo lever control and automatically recognises which direction the seat is facing, eliminating the need to select functions as the operator changes from front to rear facing positions. Also available on servo models, automatic stabilisers now offer not just an auto-raise function, but also an automatic extend setting, stopping as the feet make contact with the ground. Automatic levelling lets the machine rapidly find a horizontal operating position on uneven ground.
Auto Drive has been improved, allowing the operator to automatically select a chosen engine speed when travelling on the road. Operation has been made easier with a new lever mounted beneath the direction selection control.
To reduce unnecessary tyre wear and fuel consumption, the 3CX now comes with Auto 2WD. This switches the transmission from 4WD to 2WD when the additional traction is no longer required. It allows the operator to select 4WD to dig into a pile or a face, where maximum tractive effort is required. Then, when the machine backs away and starts to travel at speed, the transmission automatically changes to 2WD. The speed at which this change occurs can be set by the operator through the side screen menus.
Additional lighting has been added to illuminate the cab on both sides of the machine around the step area, making it easier for the operator to access and leave the machine in the dark. A timer can be set to automatically dim the lighting when the machine is switched off, or once the door has been closed. The 3CX also benefits from a host of standard features, including rear light guards, a return-to-dig system, front shovel clam cylinder guards, loader pipework and the loader Smooth Ride System.

Stage V Power

The 55kW 3CX is powered by JCB’s latest EU Stage V compliant 3.0-litre diesel engine, replacing the previous generation 4.4-litre. The compact engine delivers 55kW of power and 440Nm of torque, an increase of 10% over the previous model. Its smaller capacity and increased efficiency result in up to a 7% fuel saving over the Stage IV 55kW engine in general use. The 3.0-litre JCB engine achieves EU Stage V emissions standards without the need for a Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) or any form of exhaust additive.
The engine is equipped with a combined Diesel Oxidation Catalyst (DOC) and Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF), with an 8,000-hour operating life. Regeneration is automatically controlled and can be monitored through JCB’s standard LiveLink telematics system. The engine benefits from a sealed for life crankcase ventilation module and hydraulic tappets, removing the need for manual adjustment. This contributes to lower service and maintenance costs and a cut in total cost of ownership for the customer.

For the latest industry news visit turfmatters.co.uk/news

Get all of the big headlines, pictures, opinions and videos on stories that matter to you.

Follow us on Twitter and Instagram for fun, fresh and engaging content.

You can also find us on Facebook for more of your must-see news, features, videos and pictures from Turf Matters.

Kubota upgrades G-Series line-up

/in , , /by

Kubota upgrades G-Series line-up: Building on its reputation for developing innovative solutions for customers in the Groundcare market, Kubota is pleased to announce the launch of its newly updated and popular G-Series range of mowers.

These mowers have been specially developed to meet the professional groundcare needs of key customer segments such as councils, contractors and large property owners.

Kubota upgrades G-Series line-up

Kubota upgrades G-Series line-up

There are two models in the new G-Series line-up, G231 and G261, both available with low and high dump grass collectors. These models have eye-catching developments such as a new hydrostatic transmission (HST) designed to increase traction and grip. The mowers are also equipped with powerful Kubota engines offering 23hp and 26hp, as well as an electromagnetic PTO clutch which replaces the hydraulic PTO, offering a more positive drive for consistent cutting performance.

Additionally, users of these new cutting-edge models will benefit from improved output, increased speed and greater comfort. G-Series mowers have been engineered to run faster and deliver improved mowing performance; saving time, money and effort for customers. The enhanced performance and adaptability of Kubota’s new G-Series also enables operators to work more efficiently across various types of terrain which can pose a multitude of challenges.

With a top speed of 19.0km/h, the highest in the industry, G-Series mowers enable users to cut grass at higher speeds and ultimately finish the job quicker. Enhanced driver comfort is also offered by the new tilting steering wheel.

An improved collecting system features a wider and taller chute with a shorter travel distance between the deck and the grass collector enabling impeccable grass flow and reduced clumping. More grass can be handled with ease and efficiency.

The new G-Series will be on display and available for sale at Kubota dealerships this autumn.

For the latest industry news visit turfmatters.co.uk/news

Get all of the big headlines, pictures, opinions and videos on stories that matter to you.

Follow us on Twitter and Instagram for fun, fresh and engaging content.

You can also find us on Facebook for more of your must-see news, features, videos and pictures from Turf Matters.