Royal Jersey GC recovers after devastating fire

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Royal Jersey GC recovers after devastating fire: Royal Jersey Golf Club has overcome a catastrophic fire, which destroyed much of the club’s greenkeeping buildings and equipment, with vital support from Reesink Turfcare, Toro, and local supplier JFTU. Now, with a fresh fleet of Toro machinery and new and improved facilities, the club’s future looks brighter than ever.

The fire, which broke out in the early hours of May 20th 2023, wiped out the club’s welfare building, workshop, and 15 Toro machines. As Course Manager, Allan Black, remembers: “I arrived at four in the morning to a disaster. It looked like a scene from a war film. Equipment wise, we’d lost everything required for cutting greens and approaches, plus six electric trucks and most of our tools.”

Royal Jersey GC recovers after devastating fire

Royal Jersey GC recovers after devastating fire

Fortunately, some equipment was spared, which allowed Allan and his greenkeeping team to continue hand cutting greens and tees on foot while adjusting the height of the cut as needed, while they worked on a recovery plan. But being the start of the season, they had to act fast.

“I contacted Andy Brown at Toro, who put me in touch with Jon Cole, Reesink’s Divisional Business Manager,” Allan explains. “With the help of John Renouf, General Manager at JFTU, they put together a plan for renewing the fleet. 

“Jon reassured me Reesink could quickly source two Workman utility vehicles and a Toro Greensmaster 3400. It was a huge relief because now we could get around the course and maintain our greens.”

By August 2023, the club had received six Toro Workman GTX vehicles. Over the next 12 months, Reesink delivered a Greensmaster 3250, five Greensmaster Flex 1021 walk-behind greens mowers, and three Toro Greensmaster TriFlex 3420 hybrid greensmowers, enabling the club to rebuild its course maintenance capabilities.

“Reesink did all this while supporting Royal Liverpool in the build up to The Open and against a machinery backlog and long lead times,” Allan continues. “Without their support, the club would have struggled and we might have had to shut the course. We couldn’t be more grateful for Reesink, Toro, and JFTU.”

Allan is feeling optimistic about the future. “We’re now back to a full fleet,” he says. “Three mowers are still at JFTU, awaiting transfer to our new mower sheds, which will be ready by the end of March. Once complete, we’ll see staff morale soar and our 1000-plus members will see that reflected in the course.

“It goes to show that even the most dire circumstances can turn around and bring people together. Ultimately, our club, members, and partners like Reesink and JFTU are closer now than ever,” Allan concludes. 

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STIHL’s most powerful battery-powered hedge trimmers

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STIHL’s most powerful battery-powered hedge trimmers: Designed for professional landscapers, the HSA 140 R and HSA 140 T are the most powerful battery-powered hedge trimmers in the STIHL AP System, comparable in performance to the popular petrol HS 82.

Alongside its impressive performance, the HSA 140 also offers high levels of operator comfort. The new hedge trimmer weighs just 4.3 – 4.6 kg (without battery) and is comfortable to hold, balanced in operation, and features a rotating rear handle that locks into three positions across a 180-degree range, reducing wrist strain when working for extended periods of time on the same side of a hedge.

STIHL's most powerful battery-powered hedge trimmers

STIHL’s most powerful battery-powered hedge trimmers

The HSA 140 is quiet in operation, and thanks to the highly effective anti-vibration system, is suitable for long periods of use too. When cutting hedges with a petrol machine, the fumes can often collect within the hedge, resulting in a poor working environment for the user. Battery-powered machines such as the HSA 140 can eliminate this problem entirely.

Featuring 38mm tooth spacing, the HSA 140 R is best suited to annual pruning or hedge reduction work. Its lower maximum RPM of 3,200 also allows thicker branch material to enter the cutters efficiently. Alternatively, the HSA 140 T has a higher maximum RPM and smaller 30mm tooth spacing, making it better suited to ornamental or fine leaf hedges such as taxus, buxus or privet, where a fine finish is required.

The HSA 140 benefits from a new gearbox design, consisting of a two-step planetary gear. This results in exceptionally high cutting performance and fast cold start-up, as well as improved protection of the internal components thanks to the integrated slip clutch.

To help prevent the blades from jamming, the HSA 140 features an innovative anti-blocking system that reverses the motors rotational direction to unblock the blades, minimising product downtime and enhancing the efficiency of the tool.

The HSA 140 utilises the same friction optimised, double edged blades that feature on the HS 82 professional petrol models, resulting in long lasting sharpness, a consistently clean cut, and ample durability for long cutting seasons.

When used with the recommended AP 200 S battery, the HSA 140 R has a maximum working time of 150 minutes, while the HSA 140 T’s maximum working time is up to 140 minutes.

To find out more about the STIHL HSA 140, visit www.stihl.co.uk.

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ISEKI and Ipswich Town FC: A Winning Combination

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ISEKI and Ipswich Town FC: A Winning Combination: For over 20 years, Ipswich Town Football Club has trusted Iseki to help maintain pristine playing surfaces, ensuring every team at the club trains and plays on world class pitches.

This long-standing relationship has been built on quality, customer service, and a collaborative approach to finding the best solutions to evolving ground care demands. As Grounds Manager Ben Connell explains, Iseki’s proximity to the club has strengthened the bond, but the machines’ performance and reliability keep Ipswich Town coming back.

ISEKI and Ipswich Town FC: A Winning Combination

ISEKI and Ipswich Town FC: A Winning Combination

“The relationship with Iseki began before my time here, but it’s a strong working relationship that’s been going on for over 20 years,” Ben explains. “We’re not just using Iseki because they’re local, but because we’re very happy with all of the machinery and the versatility and quality it provides.”

From routine pitch maintenance to major renovations, ISEKI’s versatile range of tractors and mowers ensures Ipswich Town can maintain the highest standards across Playford Road training ground and at Portman Road.

SXG327: Elevating Presentation and Efficiency

One of the latest additions to Ipswich Town’s fleet is the Iseki SXG327, chosen specifically to enhance the presentation of areas surrounding the pitches at the training ground.

Ben explains: “We wanted a slightly different approach to tidying up the off-pitch areas. We’ve been using the TXG for many years with the under-slung mower, which doesn’t collect, and we really wanted to improve the presentation.

“So, we’ve gone for the SXG327 with the collector on the back, and the suction is fantastic. It keeps everything very tidy when we’re cutting, and it can get into every area we need it to. The team was thrilled when we got one, and they were all really happy to work with it.”

Beyond aesthetics, the SXG delivers significant time savings, especially during peak growth seasons.

“It’s not just about presentation; it’s also about efficiency,” Ben continues. “Instead of raking up excess grass, the SXG collects as it cuts. It’s a game-changer, particularly in the spring when the growth really takes off, and you’re cutting the off-pitch areas for the first time.”

TG Series: The Workhorse of the Grounds Team

While the SXG keeps off-pitch areas immaculate, the TG series takes care of the heavier lifting across all Ipswich Town’s grounds. They offer the versatility needed for a wide range of tasks, and the ability to quickly switch implements is an indispensable asset.

“The TGs are the workhorses of the grounds team,” Ben begins. “They’re incredibly versatile. We don’t need a specialist tractor for every job because we can just switch the implement and keep going.

“We use them for aeration, pitch maintenance, renovations, and seeding. Whether we’re stripping pitches with a Koro, sand spreading, or seeding, the TG handles it all. The tractor has good space, and the team really appreciates the air conditioning in the summer.”

TH Series: Power and Precision for Heavy Lifting

The TH series brings essential lifting and loading capabilities to the Ipswich Town grounds team. Designed for versatility and efficiency, this tractor plays a vital role in handling bulk materials, moving essential equipment, and assisting with pitch renovations. Its powerful front loader allows grounds staff to quickly and efficiently scoop and transport grass, sand, and other materials.

Durability is crucial for Ben and his team, and the TH series is built to withstand the rigours of daily use in a demanding environment. Its compact size makes it ideal for navigating the club’s grounds without causing unnecessary damage to the pitches. Whether preparing the stadium surface or maintaining the training ground, the TH’s reliable performance ensures the team can focus on delivering top-tier playing conditions for the players.

Stadium Tractors: A Tailored Approach

With Premier League football at Portman Road in the 2024/25 season, every match is watched by millions, making pitch perfection a top priority. Working with local Iseki dealer Ernest Doe, Ben wanted to address the weight of the machines and decided to use a cabless tractor on the stadium pitch with galaxy flotation turf tyres to eliminate any wheel marks.

“We’ve got two Isekis at the stadium—a TXG for smaller jobs like pulling trailers and a slightly larger 35-horsepower TH for more demanding tasks,” Ben explains. “The TH is fitted with galaxy turf tyres to minimise the impact on the pitch because we sometimes put a small seeder on the back of it. So, having those tyres allows us to maintain the playing surface with confidence that we won’t cause any damage.”

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Makita doubles battery warranty

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Makita doubles battery warranty: Leading power tool manufacturer Makita UK is enhancing its standard factory warranty policy on batteries from one to two years. Since the 1st April 2025, any genuine Makita battery purchased will automatically qualify for a two-year standard warranty without requiring any product registration, and this applies to XGT, LXT and CXT battery platforms.

Makita offers an extensive collection of power tools, cleaning machines, landscaping equipment, and more. Developed using market leading battery technology, the Makita range provides professionals with the ability to work flexibly, and for long periods of time. The increase in the standard factory warranty offers further confidence to users in the quality and reliability of Makita batteries.

Makita doubles battery warranty

Makita doubles battery warranty

“Makita batteries are developed using the latest technology to ensure products are powerful and built for tough, long-term professional use,” commented Tony Coleman, Technical Services Manager at Makita UK. “The new warranty applies to all genuine Makita batteries purchased in the UK from 1st April 2025 onwards and these batteries will automatically qualify without the need to register them. This is a clear indication of our confidence in the technology that underpins all of our products, as well as our commitment to supporting tradespeople across the UK.”

For more information about the warranty terms and conditions, or to explore Makita’s extensive range of products, visit: www.makitauk.com or speak to your local Makita merchant.

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Introducing the EcoTech Lynx, Panther and Hornet

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Introducing the EcoTech Lynx, Panther and Hornet: PSD Groundscare is proud to announce the UK launch of three, high-performance, tracked remote-controlled machines from EcoTech: the Lynx & Panther Rotary Mowers, and the Hornet Flail Mower.

Designed to tackle the most challenging terrains with power, precision, and safety, these advanced mowers are redefining steep slope management for professionals across forestry, municipal maintenance, and environmental conservation.

Introducing the EcoTech Lynx, Panther and Hornet

Introducing the EcoTech Lynx, Panther and Hornet

Unrivalled & Versatile Performance

Built with cutting-edge technology and a commitment to sustainability, the EcoTech Lynx, Panther, and Hornet offer unmatched manoeuvrability, power, and control. Whether clearing dense undergrowth, high grass or maintaining steep inclines, these machines provide a fast and cost-effective solution.

Key Features & Benefits:

✅ Remote-Control Operation – Enhances operator safety by allowing users to operate from a distance, reducing exposure to hazards such as steep slopes, rocky terrain, dense vegetation or exposure to Hand Arm or Whole Body Vibration.

✅ Steep Slope Maintenance – Each machine is designed for working on slopes up to 55 degrees.

✅ High-Torque Tracked System – Ensures maximum traction and stability, making the Lynx, Panther, and Hornet ideal for steep slopes and undulating areas.

✅ No Track Loss – Features a patented system preventing the loss of tracks.

✅ High Output – The Lynx & Panther cut in reverse direction as well as forwards, making mowing incredibly quick & efficient.

✅ Superb Versatility – The Lynx & Panther, with different cutting widths and the Hornet with adjustable tracks, offer suitable cutting widths for various applications enhancing their versatility.

✅ Powerful Cutting Performance – Engineered with robust cutting decks and high-performance blades to efficiently clear thick brush, self-seeded trees, and overgrown areas.

✅ Eco-Friendly Efficiency – Equipped with low-emission engines and fuel-efficient technology to reduce its environmental impact whilst delivering maximum power.

✅ Specialized Designs for Every Need:

  • Lynx: 85cm cutting width – Ideal for compact, confined areas requiring precision cutting and transporting in vehicles.
  • Panther: 100cm cutting width – Built for larger area, heavy-duty operations.
  • Hornet: 100cm wide front flail mower, with a hydraulic opening front flap and adjustable tracks, designed for tackling extreme slopes with ease.

The EcoTech Hornet: Innovation at Its Finest

The EcoTech Hornet, a state-of-the-art remote-controlled tracked flail mower built for the toughest mowing conditions, featuring a patented hydraulic track adjustment, ensures maximum grip and stability on steep and uneven terrain. Powered by a Honda iGXV 800 twin-cylinder electronic fuel-injected Stage V engine, it delivers 26 HP of reliable performance, making it the ultimate solution for professionals who demand durability and power.

These remote-controlled machines are now available in the UK exclusively through PSD Groundscare and their dealer network, a trusted distributor of premium professional landscaping and groundscare equipment.

Stuart Mercer, PSD Sales Director, comments:
“EcoTech has developed these cutting-edge machines with the needs of contractors, forestry professionals, municipalities, and landowners in mind. By combining power, safety, and sustainability, the Lynx, Panther, and Hornet are transforming the way we manage overgrown landscapes. Only by seeing these machines in action can you fully appreciate the results they offer”.

We’re proud to offer a growing network of dealers across the UK, making it even easier to access our range of high-performance equipment. Should you require more information, wish to make an enquiry, or would like to request a demonstration, please visit www.psdgroundscare.co.uk or contact PSD Groundscare at:

✉ Email: enquiries@psdgroundscare.com
☎ Tel: 01282 856819

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