Kubota upgrades G-Series line-up

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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.

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Henderson Grass Machinery helps Charleton rise from the ashes

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Henderson Grass Machinery helps Charleton rise from the ashes: When fire destroyed the clubhouse of Charleton Golf Club, near Leven, in January, the club must have thought they’d used up all their bad luck for the year in one fell swoop …. then came Covid 19, and the work, and plans, to get back on their feet were stopped in their tracks

Now, however, in a scene straight from the Phoenix from the Ashes play book, the club is fighting back. A new clubhouse is rising from the foundations of the original and, thanks to local machinery dealer, Henderson Grass Machinery, Head Greenkeeper Brian Heggie has the tools to get on with the job of maintaining the course.

Henderson Grass Machinery helps Charleton rise from the ashes

Henderson Grass Machinery helps Charleton rise from the ashes

“After the fire, and when lockdown made it possible I sat down with Scott McNeil, of Hendersons, we looked at the older machinery in our sheds and established how much of money it would raise for a deposit on some good quality second hand machinery,” explained Brian, as he sat aboard a Toro 45100, one of the results of the negotiations.

“We had a limited budget, so if what we have bought takes us through the next three years we might then be in the market to buy slightly newer machines. Had we committed ourselves to a fleet of brand new machines the lockdown and pandemic would have meant that we would have struggled to pay for it,” explained Brian, who having maintained the course singled-handed during lockdown, has recently appointed a Deputy and taken on two apprentices.

In the end, the club purchased a new 60hp Kubota tractor with a Vertidrain; the Toro 4500 rough mower; a Toro 3100 tees mower; a Toro 3400 greens mower; a SISIS scarifier, with more pieces of kit due to arrive over the next few months.

“We tried to take the used machinery from some of the bigger golf clubs and resorts because they had the full maintenance packages so the machines were well maintained and within their hours – and with it being Toro kit, you knew it was going to last.”

Henderson Grass Machinery has had a longstanding relationship with the Charleton Estate and Brian is delighted to have the company on his side.

“I can’t fault them. If I ever need a machine, like a seeder for example, they will lend it to me while Scott (McNeil) being an ex Head Greenkeeper himself knows what it is like to run a golf course on a limited budget and tries to help as much as he can,” said Brian.

Charleton Golf Club is just the type of golf club that Hendersons are keen to support and their pre-owned machines are perfect for a golf club with tight budgets.

“The clubhouse fire was a huge blow to the golf club and we immediately felt that we should help as much as we could to get them back on their feet,” explained Scott, who was Head Greenkeeper at Brechin Golf Club in Angus, and another Fife club in St Michaels Golf Club, near St Andrews, before joining the sales team at Hendersons.

“My aim is always to try and find exactly the right machinery to fit the needs of the golf club, rather than try to give them something that is perhaps close to what is required but not exactly right,” he explained.

“Brian and I both knew what was needed to bring the course on to the next level and we worked closely together initially  to generate the funds for the deposit and then secure the machines that were needed.

“We want to continue to work with Charleton to help them overcome both the fire and the consequences of Covid 19 and then kick on to the next level,” said Scott.

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Strong summer sales for Engcon

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Strong summer sales for Engcon: The effects of Covid-19 are not over yet, but this summer’s sales figures have provided Engcon with a positive outlook. The unexpected increase in sales during the months of June and July mean that Engcon is now overseeing extra efforts to produce and fulfil the delivery of additional orders.

Engcon like many companies was affected when Covid-19 struck with full force in the spring. As well as impacting sales, Engcon was forced to cancel and return early from this year’s largest construction trade show CONEXPO, in Las Vegas. Engcon is known for its good financial management and immediately acted with a package of measures, that included cost savings, budget adjustments and prioritising efforts to streamline processes and working practices. However, this summer’s sales figures were better than expected, which meant ramping up production to meet the increase in customer orders.

Strong summer sales for Engcon

Strong summer sales for Engcon

”For us, it is of the utmost importance to run the company in a serious and long-term way. In uncertain times, we do what we can to minimise the effects if it should be a worst case scenario,” says Krister Blomgren, CEO of Engcon Holding, and continues:

“But it turned out pretty soon that despite the pandemic, many excavator operators around the world continued their work with maintenance of railways, highways, forestry and building structures. We know that our products contribute to socially beneficial activities and these priorities around the world have therefore of course been favourable for us as a company. This is a strong contributing factor to our positive sales figures”.

In total, Engcon Group sales dropped by approximately 14 percent from January to July 2020, compared with the same period last year, while sales increased by 18 percent in the non-Nordic markets.

“What you have to remember is that it is the other markets that are growing at a higher rate right now, meanwhile sales remain sluggish in our normally stronger markets here in the Nordic region”.

However, Engcon has seen greater caution around larger investments, but at the same time can see that many excavator operators barely have time available for all their assignments right now. Those who can afford it are thus making the smart move to invest in an economic downturn in order to prepare for the upturn.

”Investing in a tiltrotator makes digging considerably more efficient, which means extra capacity to catch up with more jobs in hectic times. It is wise to equip the business, regardless of whether you are a local excavation company or a large global corporation,” says Krister Blomgren.

Engcon has a number of activities prioritised to further develop the business and come out stronger on the other side of the pandemic.

“For example, we have just chosen a supplier for a new business system, as part of a decision we made over a year ago. Our strategy is to streamline our processes and make smart investments to become even better. This summer’s sales have been good, and we are cautiously optimistic, even though we have not heard the latest about Covid-19 yet,” Krister Blomgren concludes.

The markets where sales rose significantly during the year were North America (USA and Canada), Denmark, the United Kingdom and Australia.

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Polaris introduces new full-size Ranger line-up

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Polaris introduces new full-size Ranger line-up: Polaris today announced new models for its 2021 Ranger line-up – the industry’s No.1-selling utility side-by-side vehicle – including the all-new Ranger 1000 purpose-built for farmers, hunters, and smallholding owners, offering the ultimate combination of price and performance. 

“When there is a big job to do, the new RANGER 1000 is the perfect machine to help get it done and continue to build upon our hardest-working, smoothest-riding promise,” said Frederic Mardon, Product Manager of Polaris Off Road Europe, Middle East and Africa. “Our new RANGER 1000 model has been engineered for work, designed for comfort and built to last, and we are pleased to be introducing this to our markets for 2021. We’ve also introduced huge new upgrades to our top-of-the-line Ranger XP 1000, making it bolder than ever before.”

Polaris introduces new full-size Ranger line-up

Polaris introduces new full-size Ranger line-up

2021 RANGER 1000

Experience the ultimate combination of price and performance with the new Ranger 1000, featuring smoother low-speed drivability and increased agility to create a perfect balance of big-work capability and all-day comfort.

Engineered for Work

With consumer-inspired improvements all round, the Ranger 1000 is designed to be the ultimate workhorse capable of getting the toughest jobs done. The all-new ProStar 1000 single overhead cam engine is optimised to provide more torque at lower RPMs, and there is an all-new Pro-PVTi clutch system to deliver smooth drivability at low speeds and allow users to get the most out of the class-leading 1,134kg towing capacity. The Ranger 1000 offers 30.5cm of ground clearance and 25.4cm of suspension travel on the front and rear to rise above any obstacle, plus a payload capacity of 454kg and a tight turning radius to stay agile in tight spaces. It is equipped with multiple Lock & Ride mounting locations to add key accessories needed for the job at hand.

Designed for Comfort

For the comfort to work and go all day, the Ranger engineering team has designed the Ranger 1000 with rider experience in mind, featuring 12.7cm of entry and exit clearance and padded bench seats. The all-new, one-piece chassis provides a rigid frame for a more comfortable ride. Inside, the cab features a large glovebox plus a lower dash bin, driver and passenger under-seat storage and up to eight cup holders. With seamless accessory integration across Ranger Pro Shield cab system components and a pre-wired three-position Polaris Pulse electrical system under the hood, the Ranger 1000 enables consumers to ride in comfort all day long, no matter the conditions.

Built to Last

Ranger is renowned for the longevity of its vehicles, and the Ranger 1000 is no exception. A completely redesigned front end features a heavy-duty steel front bumper and a full-body skid plate, provides more protection from unforgiving terrain. A quick-release grille panel adds to the distinct style and is integrated into the front of the Ranger 1000 for easy access to the radiator for service and cleaning, and a new high-capacity, round air filter has been conveniently located for easy access, inspection and maintenance. Longer-lasting, quieter and maintenance-free sealed suspension bushings come standard, and CV guards have been carried forward for additional A-arm protection. The new Pro-PVTi clutching system has been engineered from the ground up with large internal wear components to deliver enhanced drivability, reliability and control.

Enhanced durability, protection and ease of maintenance make the Ranger 1000 stronger and tougher, no matter the task.

Available in Sage Green as standard, the Ranger 1000 is also available in a Nordic Pro special edition, featuring a glossy black pearl paint finish complemented by bright Velocity Blue springs, an in-cab heater and cab seal kit fitted as standard along with 12-inch black aluminium wheels and a Polaris PRO Heavy-Duty 2041kg winch for a helping hand in tricky situations. 

2021 RANGER XP 1000

Top of the range and built to be the most capable and comfortable Ranger ever, the Ranger XP 1000 also receives notable upgrades for 2021; now featuring a brand-new look with the addition of striking LED headlights to the three-seater model, and new colour options.

Not only do the updated LED lights give the Ranger a more aggressive and premium look, but they also deliver 90-percent more output than the traditional halogen lights for improved visibility in low-light conditions, allowing riders to stay outside for longer to get the job done.

The Ranger XP 1000 EPS is available in Matte Navy with 12-inch aluminium wheels – for both three-seater and Crew models – and Polaris Pursuit Camo – for the three-seater only – as well as the new special edition finish – Nordic Pro. Similar to the Ranger 1000, the Nordic Pro sees an in-cab heater fitted as standard, in addition to the sparkling black pearl paint finish with bright blue springs, 12-inch black aluminium wheels and a Polaris PRO Heavy-Duty 2041kg winch. The ABS version of the Ranger XP 1000 EPS is available in Burgundy Metallic. 

With its ProStar 1000 double-cam overhead engine, 1134kg towing capacity, 454kg cargo bed capacity, 33cm ground clearance and 27.9cm suspension travel on the front and rear, the Ranger XP 1000 is the top-of-the-range in quality and features. Available on certain models, the three-position engine switch on the dash allows users to switch between work, standard and performance settings to suit their ride, whilst the premium paint finish, 12-inch alloy wheels and huge 27-inch Maxxis tyres make it look bolder and more stylish than ever before.

The 2021 RANGER full-size line-up is available as below:

2021 Ranger 1000 – Sage Green

2021 Ranger 1000 – Nordic Pro Special Edition in Black Pearl

2021 Ranger XP 1000 EPS – Matte Navy (available in three-seater and crew models)

2021 Ranger XP 1000 EPS – Polaris Pursuit Camo

2021 Ranger XP 1000 EPS – Nordic Pro Special Edition in Black Pearl

2021 Ranger XP 1000 EPS ABS – Burgundy Metallic

2021 Ranger Diesel – Sage Green

For further media information on Polaris ORV products, please contact the Polaris ORV Media Office on +44 (0) 1525 270100 or email us at press@polaris-orv.media.

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First impressions count with the Quadraplay

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First impressions count with the Quadraplay: Nigel Mortimore, Head Groundsman at Topsham Rugby Football Club, is a strong believer in first impressions – and his SISIS Quadraplay is helping him to create a pitch that opposition teams will long remember.   

A retired Physical Education teacher, Nigel has been maintaining the pitches at Topsham Rugby Football Club for the past seven years. The site, which includes two full size rugby pitches and two smaller pitches for the junior teams, can often see more than 600 people in attendance on a matchday.

First impressions count with the Quadraplay

First impressions count with the Quadraplay

When Nigel first started the role, he had little experience in groundsmanship, so he was therefore keen to get up to speed as soon as possible.

“I live local to here, I enjoyed playing rugby and I’ve always had an interest in fields and sports pitches but going from playing on one to looking after one was a steep learning curve,” he said.

“I joined the RFU’s Rugby Groundsmen Connected scheme, which along with Devon RFU, has been invaluable in gaining advice and support. I also got in contact with the groundsman at Exeter University and I worked alongside him and his team to see how they maintain their pitches. The previous groundsman at Topsham, John Evans, was also a great help.”

After learning the fundamental skills of groundsmanship, Nigel’s attention soon turned towards new maintenance machinery. The SISIS Quadraplay had previously caught his eye and an evening with Keith Kent helped him make the final decision.

“Keith Kent came here to Topsham to host a Groundsmen Connected seminar. He brought a range of SISIS equipment with him and that was when I first saw the Quadraplay in action – I immediately knew that this machine was what we needed.

“The club’s committee attended that evening and the final decision was made there and then. Those committee members bought into what benefits the Quadraplay could offer after seeing how it could be used and how much it could help us.”

The SISIS Quadraplay multiple-purpose, single-pass maintenance incorporates a mounted frame for up to four implements such as grooming rakes, spikers, slitters, rollers and brushes. The implements can be fitted to the mainframe in any order and can be independently adjusted to achieve the desired effect. Compact, robust, versatile and with the ability to carry out up to four operations simultaneously – the Quadraplay makes life a lot easier for many groundsmen.

“We purchased the Quadraplay to improve the conditions of the fields and it has done exactly that,” said Nigel.

“It is used pretty much every day depending on conditions. If the surface is nice and damp, we will go out and slit it and we will do that in different directions on various days. Slitting the pitches has really helped with the drainage here. Prior to having the Quadraplay we were forced to cancel games when we had torrential rain but now, we don’t have that problem.

First impressions count with the Quadraplay

First impressions count with the Quadraplay

“The brush puts a lovely stripe on the pitch which is important for matchday presentation. The tines are also brilliant, and we tend to tine it and brush it particularly at the end of the season. This helps to take off the peaks and put them into the troughs for a consistent playing surface.

“Having the ability to carry out four tasks with the Quadraplay is extremely beneficial,” continued Nigel. “The adjustment is very easy, and it is incredibly simple to connect it to the back of our tractor. I also like the fact that there is no PTO on it so there are no risks of oil spillages. It is easy to maintain, well-built and it is just a fantastic piece of kit.”

Nigel believes that the machine has signalled major improvements to the pitches. He also claims that it is not just the home team that these improvements have had an impact on.

“The quality of surface has improved no end. The players are getting a good footing on it and that in turn improves the game of rugby – the better the surface the better the play. A lot of the Topsham players have commented on how much they feel it has improved.

“I’ve got a real thing about first impressions especially when you go to play a game at an away ground. If you were to get off a coach on a matchday and you see a fantastic looking pitch which has been dressed, striped and ready for play then you know you will be facing a good team. I think our pitch, thanks to the SISIS Quadraplay, now puts opposition teams on the backfoot straight away.”

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

For more news, reviews and insightful views, you can follow SISIS on Twitter and Instagram @SISISMachinery and like the company’s Facebook page – www.facebook.com/SISISMachinery. You can also view the latest SISIS videos by visiting www.youtube.com/SISISMachinery

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