Cub Cadet XZ5 Ultima wins award

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Cub Cadet XZ5 Ultima wins award: The Chicago Athenaeum Museum presented Cub Cadet with a GOOD DESIGN™ award for its new XZ5 Ultima Series zero-turns – for innovative and cutting-edge industrial product design in the tools category.

The awards emphasise quality design, awarding products with “design of the highest form, function and aesthetics… a standard beyond ordinary,” as stated by the GOOD DESIGN™ Award Program.

Cub Cadet XZ5 Ultima wins award

Cub Cadet XZ5 Ultima wins award

“We knew we had something very special [on] our hands based on how the project came together – from the unique tubular frame design to the best-in-class performance and comfort” said Dennis Fowler, industrial design lead for MTD Products Inc. “We’ve already expanded the line up to reach new audiences for 2020, and we look forward to continuing our quest for innovation within this product line.”

For the last 70 years, the Chicago Athenaeum Museum of Architecture and Design and Metropolitan Arts Press Ltd. have presented GOOD DESIGN™ awards to those who produce the most innovative and cutting-edge industrial, product, and graphic designs produced around the world. GOOD DESIGN™ is an international symbol of a company’s commitment to innovation and superior design.

The full journey of the XZ5 Ultima took six months, including input from 1,300 customers and more than 63,000 hours of engineering and testing. It was clear that customers wanted strength, durability and a sleek style.

“These new XZ5 Ultima machines have been on sale in America which leads the market on

zero-turns and have smashed all sales records! The sales have been so successful that they have not only increased the line-up of Ultima machines but have also had to increase the production lines to keep up with demand” said Phil Noble, Divisional Manager, Lawn and Garden E.P. Barrus “Cub Cadet has been at the forefront of the zero-turn market in the UK because our tractors have enabled customers to have zero-turn performance but with traditional steering wheel controls. However, in the UK, lap bar tractors are becoming more and more popular, so we are excited to add these machines to our range. We showcased these machines at the end of last year and our dealers have really got behind them, our sales have already increased dramatically!”

The latest steering lever lap bar technology combined with the extremely robust construction of heavy-duty components and high-performance engine makes the XZ5 Ultima series the ideal tractor for any gardener or professional user looking for a machine for large lawn maintenance.

At Cub Cadet we continuously endeavour to improve our product ranges, from lawnmowers, to zero-turns, lawn tractors to robotic mowers, by incorporating new and proven technologies, implementing innovative engineering solutions and offering a dealership service that delivers true advantages to you and your business.

The XZ5 Ultima series™ from Cub Cadet. Professional grade power for your business and your lawns.

For more information go to www.cubcadet.co.uk or contact Cub Cadet on 01869 363677.

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Robertson fencing expands with Doosan

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Robertson fencing expands with Doosan: Robertson Fencing Ltd is an agricultural/forestry contracting company, based in Pitlochry in Highland Perthshire in Scotland. The company works with forestry companies, land managers and highland estates combining its diverse range of services to deliver projects safely and to a high standard.

Woodland creation and establishment works are Robertson Fencing’s speciality, applying a collaborative approach to fencing and forestry ground preparation operations, increasing efficiency and collaboration, whilst reducing supervision and on site management.

Robertson fencing expands with Doosan

Robertson fencing expands with Doosan

In the last three years, Robertson Fencing has taken delivery of eight new Doosan excavators from Balgownie, the local Authorised Doosan Dealer, based at Inverurie in Aberdeenshire. The new Doosan excavators include two DX160LC-5 HT 16 tonne high track crawler excavators, five DX140LC-5 14 tonne crawler excavators and a DX63-3 6 tonne mini-excavator. The arrival of the new Doosan excavators, doubling the fleet of crawler excavators, has helped Robertson Fencing to continue to expand to meet the demands of the buoyant forestry sector and ambitious woodland creation targets in Scotland.

Excellence All Round

Managing Director, Rab Robertson, said: “The first Doosan machine we purchased was a DX140LC-5 recommended by David Moir at Balgownie and the excellent performance of this machine convinced us to purchase the rest of the Doosan machines. In doing so, we have not only switched our favoured brand to Doosan, we have changed from a dealer that was 25 minutes away to one that is two hours away, but Balgownie more than makes up for it in terms of support for our business – I have never seen quality service and back-up like that offered by Balgownie – it is amazing!”

The high performance of the DX140LC-5 crawler excavator includes a 5% increase in engine power and 4% greater torque over the previous version of this machine. In addition, traction has been boosted with an increase in drawbar pull of about 18% and front lifting capacity has been increased on average by 10% and side capacities are 12.5% higher. Complementing these figures, the fuel consumption in the DX140LC-5 has been lowered by 3% compared to the previous generation excavator.

The continuing expansion into the forestry ground preparation sector at Robertson Fencing provides a perfect fit to complement the company’s established fencing operations, to provide customers with a truly turnkey choice when appointing contractors for forestry establishment projects.

Rab Robertson added: “Our operators have been impressed by the comfort and reliability of all of the Doosan excavators. The new Doosan High Track excavators offer a specialised design for the forestry industry with a high ground clearance and a bigger, stronger undercarriage. They have been outstanding in our work in restock mounding for clients like Forestry and Land Scotland, RTS Forestry, Tilhill and Scottish Woodlands.”

The DX160LC-5 HT excavator combines the upper structure from the DX140LC-5 with a heavier-duty 18 tonne class high track undercarriage, increasing the ground clearance from 410 mm in the DX140LC-5 to an impressive 615 mm. In its standard configuration, the digging depth of the DX160LC-5 HT is 5355 mm, the digging height is 8940 mm and the digging reach is 8080 mm.

Doosan also offers the larger DX180LC-5 HT High Track model, which is an enhanced version of the company’s DX180LC-5 excavator, incorporating a reinforced structure and a carefully re-engineered, high performance braking system, offering the same ground clearance of 615 mm as the DX160LC-5 HT, compared to 460 mm in the standard DX180LC-5.

The Doosan High Track models are designed to meet the needs of customers requiring a combination of higher ground clearance, a reinforced track frame and a strong traction system with reinforced upper rollers for work in harsh environments and on projects where larger travelling distances are involved. The High Track models are particularly suited for constructing roadways, mounding, earthmoving and other duties in the forestry industry, where the higher ground clearance, durable travelling system and the traction force allow them to move with ease over rough terrain, negotiate obstacles such as fallen tree trunks and to pull trailers loaded with wood.

The DX160LC-5 HT and DX180LC-5 HT are powered by the Perkins 1204F engine, which combines reduced fuel consumption with the power and torque of larger engines with a smaller displacement. The Perkins 1204F engine provides an output of 81.6 kW (109 HP) and 94.9 kW (127 HP) at 2000 rpm, respectively, in the DX160LC-5 HT and DX180LC-5 HT.

Doosan Dealer for the North of Scotland

Balgownie is responsible for sales and servicing of the Doosan crawler, wheeled and mini/midi excavator, wheel loader and articulated dump truck ranges in Perthshire and Kinross-shire, Aberdeenshire, Morayshire, Angus, Fife, the Highlands and the Scottish islands.

Customers like Robertson Fencing benefit from a superb on-site service network, covering everything from emergency repairs to routine maintenance. Balgownie‘s factory-trained engineers have many years of hands-on experience of repairs and servicing of plant and machinery.

As well as covering existing contracts, Balgownie provides flexible service agreements, depending on the requirements of the customer. The company offers service and warranty work on all existing Doosan machines in its area, backed by a full selection of genuine accessories and parts. Balgownie also holds a stock of new and used Doosan branded machines, to respond quickly to customers’ needs.

For more on Doosan construction equipment, visit the website: www.doosanequipment.eu

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Club Car’s revolutionary Bluetooth technology

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Club Car’s revolutionary Bluetooth technology: With the goal of creating a fun, modern entertainment experience, The Track, Meydan Golf in Dubai has implemented Club Car’s latest Visage touchscreen system with integrated Bluetooth speakers to its new fleet of Precedent golf cars.

The Troon-managed venue is the first outside of America to adopt the new technology, which allows golfers to listen to their personal music playlists, podcasts or even the radio while out on the course, without disturbing other golfers.

Club Car’s revolutionary Bluetooth technology

Club Car’s revolutionary Bluetooth technology

Club Car tailored the ground-breaking system specifically to the golf industry’s needs, using directional speakers to keep the sound within the car. The result is that other players on the course hear nothing unless they are within a few feet of the vehicle.

“The Track, Meydan Golf isn’t your ordinary golf club,” commented Thomas Rourke, General Manager of the Peter Harradine designed, fully floodlit nine-hole championship course. “Our aim is to get more people into golf, and we look to push the boundaries on how we can promote the game as a fun, modern entertainment experience. The new Visage system and its Bluetooth technology plays a big role in that.

“Golfers used to bring their own Bluetooth speakers to The Track to play music during their rounds,” he continued. “They love the new overhead sound system, giving resounding positive feedback. The pairing of devices is so effortless and it’s very intuitive to use.”

In addition to the audio capabilities, The Track, Meydan Golf is using the latest Visage system to provide golfers with traditional on-course information, such as yardages, pace-of-play and scores, along with video flyovers and pre-recorded ‘How to Play the Hole’ tips. The Connectivity solution also allows the venue to promote clubhouse, restaurant and pro shop deals, as well as relaying important messages to guests.

Thomas added: “I think this new system will be a definite game-changer where ‘resort golf’ is concerned. We believe it will encourage people’s uptake of the sport, help change current perceptions about golf being an old-fashioned and boring game, and ultimately make it a more enjoyable and fun experience.”

The Track, Meydan Golf, managed by Troon Golf, has been a Club Car client since April 2012, working closely with Hydroturf, the Ingersoll Rand brand’s leading Middle East supplier, which coordinated the implementation of the new Visage technology with very minimal downtime.

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22” INFINICUT® ticks every box

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22” INFINICUT® ticks every box: As the only golf course on the island, Head Greenkeeper John Cunningham works hard to keep the surfaces at the Isle of Skye Golf Club in first-class condition.

After joining in April 2019, John was quick to identify the need for a new pedestrian mower to maintain the small, but perfectly formed, 9 greens. After an impressive demonstration, for John it was a 22” INFINICUT® floating head mower or nothing!

22” INFINICUT® ticks every box

22” INFINICUT® ticks every box

The club’s coastal location, in the shadow of the Red Cuillin mountains, provides a picture-postcard backdrop for players of all abilities. “The greens are small and can be cut in under two hours, but I was keen to introduce some new machinery to make the process cleaner and improve the finish” explains John. After speaking with the committee and a friend at another course, John organised a demonstration of the 22” INFINICUT®.

“The technology on this machine is next level and its controls and design are clearly well thought through. Oliver Hall from MTD Specialty Turf Products came in at the end of October and a few passes of the floating head machine over our practice putting green was enough to seal the deal. The cut quality was like nothing I’d ever seen and the range of TMSystem™ cassettes to go with it made this the obvious choice for us. I had other demonstrations lined up, but I told the Captain to cancel them – I was sold!”

John also purchased the SarelRoller™, UltraGroomer™ and SMARTVibe™ cassettes from the renowned TMSystem™. “On demonstration we cut the green to 5mm, UltraGroomed, re-cut and then followed up with a pass of the vibrating cassette. The lady secretary then came out to putt and was gobsmacked when her ball rolled straight off the green!” John collected his TMSystem™ cassettes and 22” INFINICUT® FL in person following a tour of the MTD factory in Sheffield.

“Together with an overall improvement in cut quality and finish we’ve already achieved a fantastic improvement in our greens speed. Over the winter period, where the ground became softer, the INFINICUT® floating head coped impeccably with the subtle humps and hollows of our greens leaving not a mark on the surface.” John concludes, “I was keen to not go for another petrol or diesel machine, but the INFINICUT® is so much more than just an electric mower – it really is the full package.”

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Quadraplay solves worm cast issues

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Quadraplay solves worm cast issues: The removal of Carbendazim from the groundcare market meant that St Albans School needed an alternative solution to combating worm casts and they found exactly what they were looking for in the SISIS Quadraplay.

Ian Smith, turf consultant for St Albans School, Woollam Trust Playing Fields, has long been tending to the outstanding facilities which includes 23 winter pitches for rugby and football, an all-weather hockey pitch and 8 cricket squares. The Woollam Groundstaff team have established a glowing reputation for producing the quality playing surfaces that play host to the school’s exceptional sporting teams.

Quadraplay solves worm cast issues

Quadraplay solves worm cast issues

Ever the perfectionist, Ian was concerned when they were unable to continue spraying the field with Carbendazim – a fungicide which deters worms from entering treated soil.

“Worm casting was starting to become a problem again after the loss of Carbendazim, so I started asking various groundstaff in the area their thoughts on finding a solution,” he said.

“Mark Rolph, who is now part of our team at Woollam’s, informed me how effective the SISIS Quadraplay had been for him at his previous job and in addition to this, Keith Kent former Head Groundsman at Twickenham Stadium also recommended it.

“We thought we’d give it a try and it has been absolutely brilliant for 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.

Regular use of the SISIS Quadraplay combined with a top layer of sand dressing has worked wonders according to Ian.

Quadraplay solves worm cast issues

Quadraplay solves worm cast issues

“We had been encouraged to keep sand dressing our pitches, so every year 60 tons per pitch is applied and we have been doing this for past 20 years. This on top of sand amelioration during construction has led to a root zone that is a 70/30 sand soil mix. If it was just clay then it would seal in wet weather and would become unplayable for long periods.

“The sand dressing has stopped the surface from capping off and means that the worm casts now contain a lot of sand. This means that they are broken up and spread evenly by the slitter, spring tines and brush when the Quadraplay is used.

“I have been surprised at just how effective the Quadraplay has been – the surface levels are better than I was expecting, and the presentation is good. Considering the amount of rain we have had this year the pitches are not laid with water either and this is probably down to the Quadraplay keeping the surface nice and open.”

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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