SISIS puts Pitmedden back on track

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SISIS puts Pitmedden back on track: Two SISIS machines have helped Ian Fraser, Head Greenkeeper at Pitmedden Bowls Club in Ellon, Aberdeenshire, turn around the fortunes of the green and transform it into one of the best in Scotland.

Ian and his family have a long affinity with Pitmedden Bowls Club. In the 1930’s his grandfather became the Head Greenkeeper for three decades before passing the baton to Ian’s father who then maintained the green for many years after.

SISIS puts Pitmedden back on track

SISIS puts Pitmedden back on track

Although it was inevitable that Ian himself would eventually follow in their footsteps, this didn’t happen for a number of years. When he did accept the position of head greenkeeper, he quickly found that he had his work cut out, as he explains.

“Upon my return to the club it is safe to say that the green needed a lot of attention,” he said.

“I was determined to get the green back in good shape and I started doing my research and learning the biology of turf and soil. What became apparent was that we desperately needed some new equipment.”

While on the hunt for some new turf maintenance equipment, Ian attended a Dennis and SISIS bowling green maintenance seminar in Aberdeen. It was here that he became acquainted with a range of SISIS machinery, and as a result, he purchased two pieces of equipment with the help of a grant from his local Windmill Community Trust.

Finding a machine that would help with aeration was his main priority as he explains.

“We identified that aeration was going to be one the most important tasks in getting the green back to being functional again,” said Ian. “At that time, we were hiring a lot of machinery and because we were using them so much, we decided that we needed our own.

We found what we were looking for in the SISIS Dart.”

The SISIS Dart is an independently powered vertical action aerator and has a working depth of up to 100mm (4 inches) which can be easily adjusted from the operator’s position using the balanced depth control lever. Powered by a 6.5hp engine, the unit can also be fitted with a wide range of interchangeable tines to meet the operator’s requirements making it ideal as a bowling green aerator.

SISIS puts Pitmedden back on track

SISIS puts Pitmedden back on track

“I use the Dart once a month and it gives us great results every time,” continued Ian. “We have a nice variety of the interchangeable tines which help for a number of different tasks. It was the first step to improving the health of the green and it has worked wonders.”

Ian’s second purchase with the grant was the SISIS Auto Rotorake MK 5 – a self-propelled heavy-duty pedestrian scarifier. It is designed for the removal and control of thatch on fine turf and features a contra-rotating reel with specially designed tipped blades for a clean, consistent cut and maximum thatch removal. A variety of maintenance tasks can also be carried out due to a selection of seven different interchangeable reels.

Ian purchased the verticutting reel, the scarifying reel, and the brush to accompany the machine and believes that it covers all bases.

“The Auto Rotorake MK 5 has been a heaven-send and I would say it has been our best ever purchase. It just does everything you need to keep a green in the best possible playing condition.

“I will scarify with it at the start and at the end of the season; I’ll verticut once a month and then run the Rolaspike Reel over the green maybe 2 or 3 times a month. The brush also prepares the turf nicely after verticutting or scarifying. I would recommend it to any greenkeeper.

“These two pieces of SISIS equipment play an integral role in the maintenance programme here and have been instrumental in improving the green.”

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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QuadChip 160 means access is no issue

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QuadChip 160 means access is no issue: Offering the ultimate flexibility for kerbside working, a QuadChip 160 from GreenMech is the chipper of choice for Andrew Steel of AS Treecare – assisting him in delivering domestic tree works in and around Surrey and South West London.

With parking and space at a premium in tight urban and suburban locations, the 360-degree turntable of the QuadChip improves the speed and efficiency with which both timber and brash can be processed.

QuadChip 160 means access is no issue

QuadChip 160 means access is no issue

After purchasing his first QuadChip eight years ago, Owner/Operator Andrew has recently upgraded to his third unit – a MK II model supplied in April 2020 by GA Groundcare. “The turntable gives us convenience that shouldn’t be underestimated” explains Andrew, who established AS Treecare 17 years ago. “With 90% of our workload comprising of domestic garden projects, it’s common to have to contend with restricted parking space and in many situations, you can’t secure enough space behind a conventional chipper to process brash. With the QuadChip, we can angle it so that brash can be piled up on a driveway or path and loaded straight into the infeed chute.”

Powerful twin vertical feed rollers offer exceptional pull and crushing capacity for timber and brash of up to 6”, with consistent processing quality provided by GreenMech’s patented Disc-Blade chipping technology. “Our last two QuadChip machines have been fitted with the Disc-Blade system which undoubtably offers an extended lifespan compared to traditional straight blades. They also give you the option of turning the blade to a new sharp edge if damage occurs, which is great when you’re out on site.”

Andrew also has a GreenMech CS 100 pedestrian chipper, which he calls upon when access is even more restricted. “This is a great little machine for garden tidy-ups and those projects where you can chip, and leave that chip, on site. We’ve been known (on more than one occasion!) to take the CS 100 through a house to access the garden which, by doing so, has reduced two-day jobs down to one.” He concludes, “The combination of our two chippers mean we’re well equipped to tackle projects of all sizes, no matter how restricted we are on access, with the added benefit of fantastic back-up support and service from Ashley at GA Groundcare, as and when we need it.”

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Cobra continues to expand its lawnmower range

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Cobra continues to expand its lawnmower range: Cobra has once again expanded its range of lawnmowers with the introduction of the new MX534SPCE mower.

It is a 21” petrol powered mower that combines many top-of-range features. It is self-propelled, has four speeds and also has the option for both mulching and side discharge to dispose of cuttings.

This multi-feature mower is the ultimate in power, style and reliability in the garden.

With four speeds, a generous 21” cutting width and a grassbag with a 65-litre capacity, it is designed for medium to large gardens, up to approximately 600 m2.

It features a quiet yet powerful 4-stroke Cobra petrol engine that utilises the latest technology to ensure optimal torque and efficiency. It also features an electric starting system to ease starting the petrol engine. The electric button replaces the need to pull the recoil and makes starting even easier.

Cobra products are available to buy online at www.cobragarden.co.uk or via a network of expert dealers across the UK.

RRP: £400.00

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Etesia Hydro 124 DL is part of the family

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Etesia Hydro 124 DL is part of the family: After using their previous Etesia Hydro 124 D for eighteen years, the Malpas family felt it was time for an upgrade. When it came to choosing a new ride-on mower, there was only one choice – a new Hydro 124 DL.

The Malpas family, based in Hertfordshire, have three sites to attend to which includes a vast orchard, paddocks and three beautiful gardens. Up until very recently, there has only ever been allowed one person to cut the grass – as Clare Malpas explains.

Etesia Hydro 124 DL is part of the family

Etesia Hydro 124 DL is part of the family

“We had the Etesia Hydro 124 D for such a long time and my father was the only driver – none of us were ever allowed near it because it was his pride and joy. The mower had served him so well over the years, but it was about time for an upgrade.

“He absolutely loved that mower and refused to even look at any other brands. Quite simply, he was adamant that he wanted the new Hydro 124 DL.”

Unfortunately, Clare’s father has recently been hospitalised and has not been able to try his brand-new Hydro 124 DL yet. In the meantime, Clare has been cutting the grass with the new machine and is confident that her father will be delighted when he returns to action.

“He fully intends on continuing to cut the grass when he gets out of hospital and he will have a nice, shiny new mower waiting for him,” continued Clare. “He is going to be over the moon because this mower really is something special.”

The Etesia Hydro 124 DL is the first mower that combines direct rear-ejection, integrated collection and high-lift emptying (patented). All features that make it one of the most highly efficient machines on the market, designed to mow up to 19,000 square metres per hour.

Clare’s father may well have adored his old Hydro 124 D but he is sure to notice an improved finish: Equipped with two counter-rotating 65 cm blades that are mounted at right-angles, the Hydro 124 ensures perfect mowing thanks to its powerful inhalation raising the grass before cutting. It also features a cutting deck with rear ejection and 2 counter-rotating blades, offering excellent mowing and collection even in long and wet grass. The grass box is also filled to capacity every time, enabling a huge load of 600L / 100kg.

“I was nervous at first because I had never used a mower like this, but it is incredibly easy to use,” said Clare. “It was supplied to us by local Etesia dealer Scamblers, and Ian Collington (Area Sales Manager for Etesia UK) came along as well. They were both extremely helpful and they didn’t leave until I knew exactly what I was doing and knew where everything was.

“I’ve been using it for a while now and it is a brilliant mower. It is not completely flat here and there are a few slopes but the Hydro 124 DL copes with absolutely everything.

“The mower is very quick as well, so I can get the mowing finished nice and early and then concentrate on other jobs needed. Changing the cutting height is a very simple process and is certainly very beneficial because we adjust the height of cut in various places.

“It was sad to see the old machine go but after eighteen years, I think it was time for an upgrade. In eighteen years, we never had one single issue, so it goes to show just how reliable and well-built these machines are.

“With this new model I can tell just how much it has been improved and I’m looking forward to seeing my father’s face when he uses it for the first time.”

For further information, please contact Etesia UK on 01295 680120 or visit www.etesia.co.uk.

You can also follow Etesia on Twitter @EtesiaUK for much more news, reviews and insightful views.

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Reesink finance provides peace of mind

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Reesink finance provides peace of mind: Thanks to the flexibility of Toro’s UK distributor Reesink Turfcare’s finance options, Dean Wood Golf Club signed its second Toro fleet lease agreement despite being in the midst of the lockdown.

With golf clubs across the country temporarily closing their doors earlier this year, you’d be forgiven for thinking that investment in their courses would stop. But for Dean Wood Golf Club this wasn’t the case, as the club has invested in more Toro.

Reesink finance provides peace of mind

Reesink finance provides peace of mind

Chris Halkerd, who has been at the club for 24 years and course manager for 15, explains: “We’d come to the end of our first lease deal with Toro in March, just as the lockdown came into force. This threw the club into a state of uncertainty, but luckily with help from Reesink and Cheshire Turf Machinery, we were able to continue our investment in the club.”

With the range of flexible finance options that Reesink provides, the club was able to reduce costs while bringing in a fleet of brand new and upgraded machinery.

“The finance offering from Reesink couldn’t be matched by anyone else,” continues Chris. “And while we’d had other brands demonstrated, it was clear to us that Toro was the way to go. The course has steep gradients in places, and other brands just couldn’t get up there. It was this combination that sealed the deal.

“The board was in immediate agreement with the plan, but we put it to the members to vote as well. It was almost unanimous. Despite the uncertainty of the market, it was clear to everyone this deal presented the best opportunity to save money and greatly improve the course.”

The deal means the club now has the bulk of its payments scheduled for next year which Chris says has given the club “real peace of mind that the financial risk for this year has been reduced, without compromising on the service for our customers.”

And the excellence the club strives to provide has certainly been noticed. With the greenkeeping team posting on social media throughout lockdown showing them hard at work with their Toro machines, interest has boomed. The club has gained around 100 new members (and counting) in the last four weeks alone, with some even joining before the course had reopened.

But whether old or new members, they’ve all noticed the quality Toro has brought to the course, says Chris: “We’ve had so much feedback from members saying that the course looks exceptional. Thanks to the new and upgraded machines, I’ve even had someone say it’s never looked better in the 40 years they’d been coming to the club!”

“The new machines are fantastic,” continues Chris. “I’ve been particularly impressed by the Reelmaster 3575-D which has reduced our fairway cutting time by 45 minutes, and the Greensmaster TriFlex Hybrid 3420 is not only great for the environment, but it takes away any worries about hydraulic leaks as well as reducing noise. I actually had to check it was cutting when we first got it on the course – it was so quiet I didn’t believe it was turned on!

“The ProCore 648 aerator is another game changer, and we’ve got a new TYM 503 tractor which is a great workhorse. My thinking is that after five years we’ll purchase them both, as it’s clear they’ll provide huge benefits as permanent investments.”

So with the member count continuing to grow, and the course the best it’s ever been, it’s safe to say that Dean Wood Golf Club is a COVID-19 era success story.

“We are really lucky and grateful to be in the position we’re in now, but we wouldn’t have been able to do it without the forward thinking board and members we have here at the club. Not to mention the excellent support from both Cheshire Turf Machinery and Reesink who’ve been instrumental in navigating us through the best possible course of action during this time.”

To talk to someone about the finance options available and how the Toro range would suit your course, call 01480 226800.

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