Orsett Golf Club call up Ventrac

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Orsett Golf Club call up Ventrac: Orsett Golf Club in south Essex has joined the ranks of Ventrac owners, with the recent purchase of a 4520 tractor unit and a selection of attachments. The 18-hole heathland course was designed by James Braid and the club, which has over 700 members and a waiting list, recently celebrated its 125th anniversary.

Perry Lowe is the head greenkeeper and leads a team of seven full-time greenkeeping staff and a dedicated mechanic. He’s been in his current position for almost ten years and previously spent 14 years at Chigwell Golf Club in north east London, initially as deputy course manager and then course manager.

Orsett Golf Club call up Ventrac

Orsett Golf Club call up Ventrac

“We’ve got a huge amount of history in the club and there’s a lot of design history as well, which we try to look after,” he said. “We’re not just about revamping everything; we’re trying to keep the history of the club. Trying to keep the Braid look as best we can for modern golf.

“We do a lot of our work in-house so the versatility of the Ventrac is an added bonus. We had a rotary triple mower and it did a great job, but it was coming to the end of its lease. We’d seen and heard a lot about Ventrac in magazines and on social media, so we thought we’d give it a try. A couple of the guys I work with had spoken to people saying how impressive this machine was, so we decided to take a look at it. And the good thing about the Ventrac is, with all the attachments, it becomes an all-year-round machine.

“While the rotary triple we had did a great job, it actually sat in a corner collecting dust during the winter, whereas the Ventrac can go out in all weather; it’s got a wide footprint so it doesn’t make a mess, it doesn’t get stuck. So, you can get all the cutting done without causing any damage. We removed the Contour deck and put on the Trencher attachment and did a huge amount of irrigation, trenching on one of our tees. And it didn’t miss a beat. Absolutely flew through the job and didn’t make any mess at all.

“We’ve also got the Power Rake attachment. We have a lot of shale paths here, which get quite compacted and rutted, but we can go out at this time of year and grade the paths to remove the potholes. We’ll also be using it to prepare another tee we’re renovating. So, instead of being a machine that just sits in a corner, it’s an all-round machine.

“We bought the three attachments in the initial package with the idea that in the future we can add further implements and the one I have in mind is the stump grinder. The attachments we’ve got so far work really well. Once you get used to how to take them off and the little tricks, it’s a ten second job.

“Servicing is easy; it’s a compact unit, so everything is easily accessible.  We’ve changed all the filters and things like that a few times, but that’s not a complaint, it’s just part of our maintenance regime. It’s smartly laid out. Everything’s been thought through and ticked off.

“There’s been no issue with it at all. I don’t think it’s missed a beat. The operator loves it. We can’t get him off it. It’s his baby. He looks after it, he maintains it. I think the only thing we’ve had to look at replacing is a bearing on a roller. And that’s probably because we’re so dry and they take a battering.

“There’s nowhere on the course it doesn’t go, in fact, we’re pushing it into a lot more areas than we ever thought because of its wide footprint and four-wheel drive. We’ve got a few greens that are set in little gullies and valleys with quite steep banks. The other machine would get around them at certain times of year, but you’d have big wheelspin marks when trying to get around, so that’s why we’ve got the Ventrac; it just chugged around. It’s an absolutely brilliant piece of kit.”

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Avant and Leguan: Key to APB Treecare’s Operations

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Avant and Leguan: Key to APB Treecare’s Operations: APB Treecare, a family-run tree care business based in Enniscorthy, Co. Wexford, has been steadily growing since its establishment in 2014 by Tony Boland.

Specialising in tree surgery, tree removals, and surveys, the company serves both commercial and domestic clients throughout the South East of Ireland, as far as Dublin. As part of its ongoing expansion, APB Treecare has recently invested in a range of Avant machines and a Leguan 225 Spider Lift, significantly improving their speed, safety, and overall efficiency.

Avant and Leguan: Key to APB Treecare’s Operations

Avant and Leguan: Key to APB Treecare’s Operations

Tony Boland first encountered Avant machinery on social media and YouTube, where he saw how other tree care companies were benefiting from these versatile machines. “I saw how efficient they were and how much work could be done in less time,” says Tony. After four years of using the Avant 530, APB Treecare upgraded to the Avant 640 to further boost productivity. “The Avant 530 was compact and incredibly powerful for its size, but with the 640, we can lift more, utilise more attachments, and complete jobs faster. It’s a natural progression for our business.”

The Avant 530 and 640 loaders are designed for a variety of tasks, with exceptional manoeuvrability and lifting capabilities in tight spaces. Tony notes, “The lifting power is incredible for the size of the machine. The 530 handles most of our needs, but the 640’s bigger size and additional lifting capacity allow us to take on even more diverse tasks. Plus, the quick coupling system makes switching attachments easy, saving us valuable time on-site.”

The range of attachments available for Avant machines has also been a game-changer for APB Treecare. “We use the Timber Grab around 90% of the time, but we’ve steadily built up a range of attachments, including a bucket, rake, and flail mower, which make our work far more efficient. The time saved means we can finish jobs quicker and move on to the next one.”

In addition to enhancing productivity, Avant machines have proved invaluable during storm damage recovery. “The storms this year were a real test,” says Tony. “Without the Avant, we would have spent half a day or more clearing debris. With this machine, we can clear it in just an hour or two, making a huge difference.”

In June, APB Treecare expanded its fleet with the purchase of a Leguan 225 Spider Lift, available through Avant UK and Ireland. Tony had previously hired the lift during the summer months and was immediately impressed. “After just one day of using the Leguan, I knew it was the right machine for us,” he explains. “For the challenging terrains we often work on, the Leguan excels where other lifts fall short. It’s perfect for steep, uneven ground, which is a common feature of many of our job sites.”

The Leguan 225 offers an impressive range of features that enhance safety and efficiency.

Its automatic levelling system ensures that the lift is perfectly balanced within minutes, allowing the team to quickly get to work. “We press the auto-level button, and the machine does all the work. Without the Leguan, it would take us at least 30 minutes to climb and set up for a job. With it, we’re up and working in no time,” says Tony.

Using the lift also means less physical strain on the team. “Climbing trees all day takes its toll, especially as we’re not getting any younger,” Tony says. “The Leguan has taken a lot of the climbing out of the equation, reducing fatigue and the risk of injury. It’s safer, quicker, and more efficient, and it allows us to get jobs done with minimal physical stress.”

Avant and Leguan: Key to APB Treecare’s Operations

Avant and Leguan: Key to APB Treecare’s Operations

The Leguan 225 also offers the flexibility of operating from the basket or the ground, which has helped improve team efficiency. “When we’re working in pairs, one person can focus on cutting while the other clears debris. It’s a big advantage, especially on busy days.”

APB Treecare’s trust in Avant machinery is further reinforced by the excellent service and support they receive from their dealer, Ferrybridge. “Andrew Shore at Ferrybridge has been fantastic,” says Tony. “The backup service is great, and if we ever have an issue, Andrew is always just a phone call away. Having a reliable dealer is essential for keeping the business running smoothly.”

As APB Treecare celebrates its tenth year in business, the investment in Avant machines and the Leguan Spider Lift is already paying off in terms of speed, safety, and efficiency.

“These machines have transformed the way we work,” says Tony. “They’re built to last, and they help us get more done in less time, without compromising on safety or quality. Avant is head and shoulders above anything else on the market, and we wouldn’t look anywhere else.”

With a growing fleet of advanced machinery and a solid reputation for high-quality tree care services, APB Treecare is ready to continue expanding its business, providing fast, efficient, and safe tree services across Ireland. Meanwhile, Avant and Leguan will continue to improve operations for other businesses like APB Treecare, helping them streamline their workflows and enhance productivity.

For more information, please visit www.avanttecno.com/uk

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Kubota expands dealership areas

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Kubota expands dealership areas: Kubota (UK) Ltd has implemented a series of changes to three of its dealer sales areas following recent appointments that have taken place within the dealer network covering Warwickshire, Gloucestershire, Herefordshire and Worcestershire.

The first involves south Wales-based Hopkins Machinery, which gains access to Kubota groundcare and M-series tractor ranges through its Kilcot depot located near Newent, Gloucestershire, creating opportunities for the family-run dealership around Ross-on-Wye, Gloucester and the western side of Cheltenham.

Kubota expands dealership areas

Kubota expands dealership areas

“We’re extremely pleased to be able to provide sales, service and support for all the existing Kubota products we handle, but now through our Kilcot depot in addition to our St Brides Wentloog, South Wales headquarters, and our Brecon, Powys locations,” said Evan Hopkins, a director of the company.

The second change sees Pallisers of Hereford gain area to the east of its former territory, taking in Upton-upon-Severn and the western side of Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire, while also extending north and east toward Pershore, Hanbury and Bromsgrove, in Worcestershire.

“We’re pleased to be expanding our Kubota tractor business within these additional areas,” said Camilla Palliser, dealer principal at Pallisers of Hereford. “We’re looking forward to supporting new Pallisers customers throughout these areas.”

The third dealer to benefit is Lister Wilder, which gains additional area in the north of its territory, extending eastwards from Cheltenham to encompass Northleach and Hazleton, and stretching north into the Cotswolds towards Bourton-on-the-Water, Gloucestershire, adjoining the area recently taken over by Hunts Engineering at Halford, Warwickshire.

“Any extension to our sales area is always going to be a positive step forward for Lister Wilder and the Kubota brand,” says Lister Wilder sales director Phill Hughes. “It’s an opportunity to work with and support many new customers.”

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Hibernian FC Goes Greener with Dennis ES-860’s

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Hibernian FC Goes Greener with Dennis ES-860’s: Hibernian Football Club, celebrated as Scotland’s greenest football club, has made significant strides in sustainable grounds management with the purchase of the Dennis ES-860 battery-powered mower.

Head Groundsman Steven Thomas has found the ES-860 invaluable for its maintenance efficiency, environmental benefits, and ability to meet early game day demands, reinforcing the club’s commitment to top-tier pitch quality and sustainability.

Hibernian FC Goes Greener with Dennis ES-860’s

Hibernian FC Goes Greener with Dennis ES-860’s

The Dennis ES-860 is a 34-inch battery-powered turf management system, renowned for its versatility, with 13 interchangeable cassette options that handle a wide array of essential tasks like cutting, scarifying, brushing, and verticutting. For Steven, this level of flexibility has been transformative in his approach to maintaining the stadium pitch at Hibernian.

“We’ve had the ES-860 for almost twelve months, and it’s exceeded all of my expectations,” Steven explains. “When I joined the club, we had limited machinery, and upgrading it was a priority. After testing a few brands, the difference with the ES-860 was night and day. As soon as I tried it on the pitch, I knew it was the one for us. The ease of use was far superior to anything we tried.”

Switching to battery power was also a strategic choice, aligning with the club’s environmental goals. As the first Scottish football club to join the UN Sports for Climate Action Framework, Hibernian is deeply committed to sustainability. “When I first started, Hibs had recently won an award for being the greenest football club in Scotland, and so getting the ES-860 was a no-brainer—it aligned perfectly with that recognition.”

The ES-860 has made a considerable difference in daily routines for Steven and his team. With its low noise level, the ES-860 enables the grounds team to start work earlier without disturbing nearby residents. “Where we store the equipment, there are adjacent houses,” says Steven. “Starting petrol mowers at 7 a.m. is challenging due to noise regulations, so having the ES-860 lets us get an early start without disturbing anyone.”

This quiet operation is invaluable for early kick-off days, especially when games are scheduled at 12 p.m. on Sundays. “For Sky Sports games, we often need the pitch ready by 8 a.m., which means cutting at 4 a.m. The ES-860 lets us meet this demand. It’s been a game-changer for those high-pressure mornings.”

This mower has become central to Hibernian’s daily maintenance, used up to twice a day in the summer and at least once a day during the winter. “The quality of cut and the quality of finish is first-class,” Steven adds.

The battery life of the ES-860 is another highlight. “After a year of use, the battery performance remains exceptional. Our rule of thumb is that it should be able to handle a full pitch cut once or twice, and it consistently does that without any issues. The battery life hasn’t dipped, which is key for me.”

Working with Dennis has also proved valuable beyond the machine itself. “The support from Dennis has been fantastic. In the past, I’ve had new machinery where, once sold, you never hear from them again. Dennis is different—the team is always on hand, ready to help, and go out of their way if I need them.”

With features that support both environmental initiatives and practical day-to-day demands, the Dennis ES-860 has become indispensable at Hibernian FC.

For further information or a no obligation demonstration, please contact Dennis 01332 824 777 or visit www.dennisuk.com

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

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Avant Tecno UK Unveils New Leguan 265

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Avant Tecno UK Unveils New Leguan 265: Avant Tecno UK has announced the launch of the highly anticipated Leguan 265, the latest and most advanced spider lift in the Leguan Lifts range.

Avant Tecno UK is excited to introduce this groundbreaking machine, which sets a new benchmark for efficiency, performance, and versatility.

Avant Tecno UK Unveils New Leguan 265

Avant Tecno UK Unveils New Leguan 265

A New Era of Efficiency and Performance

The Leguan 265 is designed to meet the evolving demands of professionals who require superior height access solutions without compromising on mobility and stability. With an impressive maximum working height of 26.5 metres, a 13.6-metre side reach, and a 250 kg lift capacity, the Leguan 265 delivers exceptional performance in various work environments, from construction sites to tree care and maintenance operations.

As the fastest 27-metre spider lift in the world, the Leguan 265 can fully extend its booms to maximum working height in just 1 minute and 35 seconds. This remarkable speed, combined with its rugged track system, unrivalled ground clearance, and market-leading low centre of gravity, ensures that operators can work more efficiently and confidently, even on the most challenging terrains.

Intelligent Design for Maximum Usability

The Leguan 265 is the flagship model of the Leguan all-terrain series, complementing the highly regarded 195 and 225 models. With a harmonised design, unified user interface, and standardised components across the range, the Leguan 265 is an ideal addition to rental fleets and professional operations requiring multiple lifts of varying heights.

Ease of use has been a primary focus in the development of the Leguan 265. Operators will benefit from an intuitive joystick control system, an electric rotation platform, and an automatic levelling system for quick and easy setup. The Leguan EDX operating system provides intelligent outreach monitoring, ensuring safe and smooth operation in any environment.

Unrivalled All-Terrain Capabilities

Built to conquer the toughest job sites, the Leguan 265 boasts an unmatched 45% gradeability and Elevated Driving Position (EDP) function, which allows for enhanced visibility and control when manoeuvring across difficult terrain. Whether working on soft ground, sloped surfaces, or confined spaces, the Leguan 265 delivers the stability and reliability professionals need to get the job done efficiently.

Standard and Optional Features for Every Application

Leguan Lifts are known for their well-equipped standard features, ensuring operators have everything they need for optimal performance. The Leguan 265 includes:

  • Leguan EDX Operating System
  • 21 hp Kubota diesel engine + 230V electric motor
  • Automatic engine RPM control and start-stop function
  • Proportional outreach monitoring system
  • JIB-boom with 120-degree operating range
  • Battery-powered emergency lowering system
  • Home/back-to-work function
  • Intuitive joystick control for seamless operation

For those looking to customise their machine, a range of optional features is available, including remote control for driving and outriggers, LED platform spotlights, tool trays, non-marking tracks, outrigger beacons, and engine heaters for colder climates.

This latest addition to the Leguan range reinforces Avant Tecno UK’s commitment to providing high-quality, innovative, and reliable machinery to its customers.

For more information, please visit www.avanttecno.com/uk

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