Romford GC maximises versatility with Terra Spike GXi8 HD

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Romford GC maximises versatility with Terra Spike GXi8 HD: Romford Golf Club in Essex has relied on its Wiedenmann Terra Spike GXi8 HD for deep aeration since 2018, and Course Manager Antony Kirwan says it’s now integral to the club’s maintenance programme.

“The GXi8 is exceptionally versatile,” says Antony Kirwan. “We use it across every surface — tees, greens, aprons, and fairways. Its quick forward motion and range of tine sizes mean we can adapt it precisely to what we need at different times of the year. We use it in conjunction with a pedestrian aerator, and its efficiency allows us to cover 13 or 14 greens in an eight-hour shift, finishing the remainder the next morning.”

Romford GC maximises versatility with Terra Spike GXi8 HD

Romford GC maximises versatility with Terra Spike GXi8 HD

Romford’s course is mostly flat, but Antony Kirwan says that even the uneven areas pose no problem. “We’ve a couple of areas that still have ridge and furrow from when it was farmland,” he explains, “but it breezes over them and doesn’t fluctuate or miss a beat.”

Antony Kirwan particularly values the speed of the GXi8 when aerating fairways. “We have to close holes during this work, so it’s essential the machine is both quick and efficient to minimise disruption and get golfers back out as soon as possible,” he adds. “It’s easily the fastest machine for the job.”

That efficiency carries through to how the tines are used. New sets start on the fairways, and once they’ve worn down, they’re still appropriate for use on the greens for the next set of renovations — helping the team get the most out of every set.

The team are also vigilant about maintenance. “We make sure to grease all the points before every use and maybe change the belt once a year,” says Antony Kirwan. “At this rate, I think it will still be here for many years to come.”

Romford’s aeration programme has evolved since the GXi8’s arrival: fairways are treated two or three times in winter, while in March the greens are aerated to a depth of around 175 mm. Greens also receive scheduled renovations and three summer passes with 10 mm tines, and tees, aprons, and surrounds are maintained during seasonal windows. The mid-season renovation includes a scarify, topdressing, a spike at around 150 mm depth, seeding with bent, and a light roll — a process that keeps the greens healthy, smooth, and consistent throughout the season. This approach improves soil health by letting air, water, and nutrients reach the root zone, keeping the course in championship condition.

Founded in 1894, Romford Golf Club has a proud history. Legendary golfer James Braid served as head professional from 1896 to 1904 and won the first of his five Open Championship titles while at the club in 1901. Today, the course honours that heritage with meticulously maintained playing conditions that continue to attract golfers from across the region.

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EGO introduces top-handled chainsaw

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EGO introduces top-handled chainsaw: EGO Power+, a leading battery-powered outdoor power equipment specialist, has expanded its range for arborists and forestry professionals with the addition of a top-handled, high-performance professional chainsaw.

Boasting a lightweight design, the 30cm CS1200E chainsaw is the ideal tool for tree-care specialists working off the ground. Equipped with a 20m/s chain speed, this top-handled chainsaw has a thin chain, which is ideal for the fine cutting of trees and crucially, reduces the risk of disease spreading through trees as the finer cut reduces the likelihood for fungus to grow in the grooves, left by the cut.

EGO introduces top-handled chainsaw

EGO introduces top-handled chainsaw

Joerg Bauerle, Product Manager at EGO, shares: “Arborists were front of mind when we were designing this chainsaw. Small, lightweight, and well-balanced, we have responded to requests from our tree surgeon customers, for a chainsaw that is specifically designed for working high up in the trees.”

The chainsaw easily cuts through branches and logs whilst providing stability, allowing professionals to be more controlled in a volatile environment. This saw is fitted with a chain brake system to protect from a potential kickback, providing extra safety for the tool operator.

Fitted with an oil level and translucent window to help users monitor the tool, the CS1200E automatically lubricates the chain and maintains the health and lifespan of the tool, preserving it from damage. The oil tank has a 150ml capacity, which will need topping up depending on the frequency of use.

Joerg continues: “Our latest top-handled chainsaw focuses on balance, ensuring that arborists can go about their work comfortably for longer periods. At EGO, our tools are innovatively designed to deliver power, performance, and competitive run times.”

Ideal for bar lengths of 30cm, the CS1200E has 64 chain drive links for fast and efficient cutting. This tool is suited for forestry work at height and is fitted with metal bumper spikes for fast and efficient cutting. The saw also features a variable speed control that allows for a tailored and controlled experience, instead of users having to switch between fixed settings.

The CS1200E 30cm Chainsaw retails at £259.

For more information visit: https://egopowerplus.co.uk/products/chainsaws/cs1200e-top-handle-chainsaw

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GreenMech takes Koala from start-up to success

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GreenMech takes Koala from start-up to success: As the operations of family-run arb firm Koala Tree Care have grown, as has their relationship with GreenMech – with two efficient and easy-to-maintain woodchippers working hard on jobs across North Somerset.

The most recent addition to their fleet is the turntable Eco 135TT which, running alongside a gravity-fed CS100, provides an economical and safe solution to domestic tree work.

GreenMech takes Koala from start-up to success

GreenMech takes Koala from start-up to success

Callum Emery founded Koala Tree Care in 2019 and, with the assistance of twin brother Aaron, provide a one-stop shop for all aspects of tree, hedge and general garden maintenance to customers in and around Bristol. With client demand increasing, the business quickly outgrew its small initial chipper and needed equipment that could keep pace with their growth.

Their first upgrade was to a compact, yet capable, CS100 from GreenMech. Ideal for working in tight spaces such as residential gardens, the CS100 offers the quick processing of branches and brash of up to 4”. But with workload still on the rise, the time was right to add an even bigger machine to their fleet in the form of the Eco 135TT.

“Our GreenMech machines have made a massive difference to our workflow” comments Callum. “While the CS100 is still used frequently because of its ability to be wheeled through a house where no external access is available, the investment in the Eco 135TT makes light work of larger jobs. The turntable is such a useful feature – this machine is used most days and is rarely ever used in the straight position! We can alter the chipper to any angle for safe and convenient feeding, and ensure the chippings cleanly make their way into the truck.”

Another thing Callum praises is the ease of maintenance. “Looking after both of these machines is incredibly simple. The Eco 135TT features their disc-blade chipping system which enables me to turn the blade three times before the need to resharpen – which I can also do myself with GreenMech’s disc blade sharpener. This means we can keep downtime to a minimum and keep our busy diary on schedule.”

Processing large and heavy branches with ease, it isn’t just the performance of the ECO 135TT that has impressed the brothers – the service from local GA Groundcare has also been ranked as first rate. “Everything with the purchase and the delivery of the machine in May was really simple.” He adds, “The team at GA, especially Matt Textor and Ashley Stevens, go above and beyond to make sure we’re getting the most out of our machines and are quick to answer any queries or questions we might have.”

For more information on the cost-effective Eco woodchipper series, visit www.greenmech.co.uk

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All applications covered with Kubota’s bigger zero-turn range

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All applications covered with Kubota’s bigger zero-turn range: The recent expansion of the Kubota zero-turn mower range has made the line-up one of the most comprehensive in the market – and one of many highlights in the Kubota groundcare portfolio. Responding to market demand, the range has increased from two to seven models offering a variety of working widths, discharge options and fuel types to suit all domestic and commercial applications.

Kubota’s zero-turn offering combines unbeatable manoeuvrability with accurate, quality cut performance making them a popular choice for local authorities and professional landscapers as well as residential users. With the addition of five new models in recent years, the range now offers more versatility than ever before.

All applications covered with Kubota’s bigger zero-turn range

All applications covered with Kubota’s bigger zero-turn range

Highlights of the established petrol models are the Z1-421 and Z2-481, which feature a 42” and 48” side discharge cutting deck respectively, with optional mulching kits available.

Launched in summer 2024 is the Z4-541 – a 54” petrol model which boasts a larger chassis to offer even greater productivity to the pro-consumer market. Hot on its heels was the rear discharge Z4-541RD model, introduced later in 2024, to meet customer requirements.

In the diesel range, the well established ZD-1211 provides comfort and fast working with excellent fuel efficiency, meeting all the needs of the professional operator.

Those looking to meet productivity requirements with a sustainable power source can find the answer in Kubota’s Ze electric zero-turn range. Offering new levels of user comfort through reduced noise and vibration during operation, the Ze-421 and larger Ze-481 are designed to exceed the expectations of environmentally conscious customers such as contractors and local authorities whilst still maintaining the performance expectations of conventional fuels.

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GKB Combitool delivers year round excellence

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GKB Combitool delivers year round excellence: A GKB Combitool has proven the solution to improving surface quality, and reducing reliance on hired equipment, at Norfolk’s Langley School.

Senior Groundsman Phil Cook leads a team of four in maintaining 19 hectares of school grounds – made that much easier with the versatility of the 4-in-1 implement which has taken presentation of the sports pitches to new heights.

GKB Combitool delivers year round excellence

GKB Combitool delivers year round excellence

When Phil joined the co-educational day and boarding school 18 months ago, most of the maintenance machinery was hired in. Notification followed shortly after that prices were due to increase so a change of tact was needed. “It made sense to look at what we were using most often, and as a versatile all-rounder, we knew something like the GKB Combitool would make a big difference across multiple areas of the site” Phil explains.

Working closely with Stuart Paterson at Ernest Doe & Sons, the school built a package of machines – including the GKB Combitool – for delivery in October 2024.

“I hadn’t had any previous experience of GKB, but when I saw the brochure and the build quality of the unit, it was an easy decision. In practice, it has more than lived up to expectations. It’s incredibly solid, reliable and easy to use enabling us to brush, rake, roll and spike our 10 winter sports pitches year-round and, in springtime, our cricket outfields on a weekly basis.” He adds, “Because of the size of the site, we sometimes used to struggle with moving clippings. Now, we can follow the mower with a single pass of the GKB Combitool, rake the clippings up and leave an immaculately presented surface in its wake.”

The delivery also couldn’t have been better planned for Phil and the team, with the Combitool landing just in time for Langley’s annual rugby festival which attracts teams from across the UK. “With so many spectators and matches in a condensed period, presentation really matters. Running the Combitool between games was a real eye-opener. It lifted the grass, left a brilliant finish and helped us retain superb surfaces for the duration of the event.”

The quality and value delivered by the GKB Combitool has certainly left a strong impression, leading Phil to look at other areas of their maintenance programme. “The Combitool has become our go-to implement, and is raising standards so much, we’d like to see about adding more GKB Machines to our armoury to bring other areas up to a similar level – ensuring the facilities continue to meet the high expectations of our students, visiting clubs and national tournaments alike.”

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