Wick GC Brings Toro On Board

/in , , /by

Wick GC Brings Toro On Board: After receiving two grants alongside fundraising efforts from its members, Wick Golf Club in Scotland has purchased a new Toro Greensmaster TriFlex Hybrid 3420 to help improve its course and the environment.

And not only did the GR3420 impress head greenkeeper Dougie Thorburn, but its sustainability credentials were key in securing grants to make the purchase of the machine possible. The club received grants from the Caithness and North Sunderland Fund and Beatrice Caithness Windfarm Fund, both of which support projects that develop or maintain community assets and achieve environmental improvements.

Wick GC Brings Toro On Board

Dougie explains: “Wick Golf Club is a traditional links course and the oldest in the highlands with our 150th anniversary next year. It’s a beautiful course, but the machines we’d been using weren’t keeping the course up to the standard we wanted.

“Our last greensmower was suffering from hydraulic leaks. Not only was this causing damage to the turf, but we have a lot of ditches on the course that lead to the ocean, so it’s possible for oil leaked on the course to run off into the sea. We needed something that would be more reliable and stop the damage to the course and runoff into the ocean.”

And it was the Toro Greensmaster TriFlex Hybrid 3420, with its advanced technology meaning hydraulic leaks are almost eliminated, that was able to provide high-quality turf maintenance and peace of mind for Dougie.

“It’s just a brilliant machine, simply put,” he says. “It’s reliable and provides us with an excellent quality of cut. I’ve got nothing but good things to say about it.”

And it’s not just Dougie who’s been singing Toro’s praises. In fact, Dougie didn’t opt for a demonstration of the GR3420 because its reputation preceded it so well.

“I asked around at other courses that had been using the machine and was told they’d had zero problems with it, and then I saw it in action at another course and that was it for me, I was sold,” says Dougie. “Although this is the first Toro machine at Wick, I’ve been around Toro since I started my career, and it’s always been number one for me. I knew that as soon as I got the chance to get some new machines, they were going to be Toro.”

And credit where credit is due, says club secretary Catherine McLeod to the grants and fundraising from the members for their support to the club: “Both of these funds should receive credit for the wonderful help they provide the area. And, of course, thanks must go to the tireless fundraising efforts of our members. As a small club with only 200 members, we wouldn’t have been able to make this kind of investment to improve the course without their help.”

With the GR3420 and the service from Toro UK distributor Reesink Turfcare impressing Dougie, another Toro machine is now on the cards. “We have some big plans for the next five years, particularly with our 150th anniversary coming up, and getting the right machinery in place is a big priority,” says Dougie.

As the most northerly course on the east coast of Scotland, Wick Golf Club is surrounded by natural beauty and captivating historical sights. With views over Sinclair Bay to Noss Head and its lighthouse and castles, maintaining the course to be in keeping with its stunning surroundings is a challenge, but Dougie sees this as a process made a lot easier with Toro on board.

He concludes: “The team love Toro and our members have all seen the difference it’s made to the course, so everyone is behind the move to get another. We’re looking at a Toro mower for the fairways and I’m confident that with more Toro, Wick Golf Club will only continue to improve in its environmental sustainability.”

For the latest industry news visit turfmatters.co.uk/news

Get all of the big headlines, pictures, opinions and videos on stories that matter to you.

Follow us on Twitter and Instagram for fun, fresh and engaging content.

You can also find us on Facebook for more of your must-see news, features, videos and pictures from Turf Matters.

Razorback Launch New Flail Mowers

/in , , , /by

Razorback Launch New Flail Mowers: British manufacturer, Razorback Ltd, headed by Martin Lole, a well-known industry figure with a proven track record in engineering innovative solutions, exhibits their range of vegetation management equipment at Saltex 2019.

Alongside the manufacturers Auto-Level 550 reach mower and RT 500 wing mower the company will be launching their new range of flail mowers on stand G193.

Razorback Launch New Flail Mowers

The new additions to the current range will expand the manufacturers offering with the entire Razorback range synonymous with high quality design and build thanks to the decades of combined industry knowledge of their experienced R&D, sales and service teams.

High Quality Guaranteed as Flail Mower Range Expands

For the first time the manufacturer will be launching their new range of flail mowers, including lightweight solutions for the compact tractor through to heavy duty options for the agricultural and amenity user. The new range is a result of Razorback’s partnership with a well-established Italian manufacturer who like the British brand, specialise in innovative machinery.

With quality construction and clever design features as standard the new lines merge well with the manufacturers existing ranges.

Models include the RK DS Series, built with the demanding operation in mind, is fitted with a front and rear mountable headstock, double skin chassis and an anti-shock rotor. Available in widths up to 3.2m the RK DS Series is a heavy duty, high output machine for dense overgrown vegetation and grassland.

The RK DS Series will be on display on their stand G193 alongside other models from the new range.

New Razorback RT 500 Rotary Mower Boasts High Standard of British Engineering

With a cutting width of five metres, the Razorback RT 500 mower boasts solid construction and efficient rotary blade action which makes light work of most demanding agricultural and amenity operations.

As you would expect from a British-engineered product built on decades of heritage, the Razorback RT 500 has been developed with strength and durability in mind. Specifically, it features an easy-clean double skin deck and full-length removable skid shoes to extend the longevity of the machine.

Additionally, the RT 500 is fitted with the highest specification Bondioli & Pavesi gearboxes and drivelines with the latest easy lubrication system. Housed by top of the range guards, the 250HP driveline assembly provides ample power to the wing mower’s three triple-blade rotors, with a wing free float to help protect the hydraulic rams from excessive wear.

The combination of the deck’s unique shape and the triple blade configuration produces unapparelled updraft to award users a superior cut, even for a longer swath finish. The free-swinging blades have been produced out of Swedish Boron steel and a generous overlap to deliver an exceptionally clean cut and an even distribution of chopped residue across the entire working width of the machine. Debris is contained by the front and rear chain guards.

The RT 500 features four individually pressurised wheel arms fitted with heavy duty wheels on twin axles which award superior stability thanks to better cutting height control, contributing towards a smoother finish. Additionally, the RT 500’s wings offer a wide range of movement enabling the machine to closely follow the contours of the ground.

As well as the fine quality of the cut, the attention to detail on RT 500 extends to other useful features such as a MOD approved hydraulic hoses, a PTO driveline rest, full width LED lighting bar, tight turning circle  and a compact transportation width of just 2.4m.

The high-end specification as standard, exceptional performance and flexibility make Razorback RT 500 make it an appealing choice for farms, airports, racecourses, council authorities and amenity contractors alike.

Auto-Level 550 Reach Mower

Alongside the grass and stubble range, Razorback will be presenting their Auto-Level 550 reach mower. Featuring self-levelling Co-Pilot technology, the Razorback Auto-Level 550 reach mower has been designed to reduce operator fatigue, increase productivity and reduce cost. The 1.5-metre-wide rotary safety head option incorporates a SoftStart triple rotor and additional mulching blades which are in continuous contact with vegetation during the entire 360° cycle, resulting in a much cleaner and faster cut.

Razorback’s Auto-Level Co-Pilot technology ensures that the main frame of the machine remains level at all times, irrespective of the tractor angle in relation to the undulating ground. Subsequently, the requirement to make manual adjustments to account for the unevenness of the terrain is significantly reduced, making for a much easier, trouble-free operation.

The high-end specification comes as standard with the Auto-Level Co-Pilot device, electronic proportional controls and a fully independent hydraulic system with an oil cooler.   The 5.5m reach machine is available with a 1.5m rotary safety head with hydraulically controlled front hood and rear roller or a 1.2m belt driven flail head giving the operator greater flexibility to configure their own machine.

For the latest industry news visit turfmatters.co.uk/news

Get all of the big headlines, pictures, opinions and videos on stories that matter to you.

Follow us on Twitter and Instagram for fun, fresh and engaging content.

You can also find us on Facebook for more of your must-see news, features, videos and pictures from Turf Matters.

Toro Takes Northamptonshire GC Into The Future

/in , , /by

Toro Takes Northamptonshire GC Into The Future: Toro and Reesink Turfcare are delighted to welcome Northamptonshire County Golf Club as a Toro Total Solutions customer.

The Open Regional Qualifying club in the Midlands has committed to Toro as it brings back the feel of its past with Toro machinery and thinks to the future with a Toro irrigation renovation.

Toro Takes Northamptonshire GC Into The Future

Course manager, Rob Hay, who has been at the club for five years says the reason behind the commitment is twofold: “Over the years the course had been managed as a parkland course which it wasn’t designed to be. We’ve been working towards returning the course to its original heathland state as designed by Harry Colt, opening up each hole and giving it a flavour of the old days. Toro machinery is key to that.

“This is our first fleet lease deal, but we’ve been using Toro since before I started, and Toro is instrumental in this vision taking shape. Toro has made a big impact and brought about noticeable change in the direction of the course’s maintenance and members are seeing the difference. Many have commented on how the course now looks like they remember it from the early 1970s and plays with a true running heathland style from those days too, which we’re delighted to hear.”

When it comes to the irrigation, Rob says the club’s commitment to Toro is a nod to the future: “We’re not in a predicament with our current system, but we’re forward planning so we’re ready for a seamless transition when the time comes. What we noticed in the heatwave of last year was that there are areas that could be improved upon, more efficient and better managed. In the midlands we’re water scarce and as we irrigate from a local river the goal is to get ourselves into a position where we’re using our water better and utilising every drop. We believe Toro is the partner to make that happen.

“I’m conscious this is a big outlay – one of the biggest a course can make – and it’s important we get this right. We’re currently working with Reesink and Adrian Motram finalising the plans for what’s exactly needed and if the quality of the irrigation system is anything like that of the Toro machinery, I know we’ll be in for a great experience using Toro Irrigation.”

As one of only 13 Regional Qualifying courses in the UK, Northamptonshire County Golf Club has high standards to maintain, plus the challenge of an unusual 21-hole layout to contend with. “We appreciate we’re in the company of a select few being a Regional Qualifying course and take great pride in the fact that we resumed our status last year for the 147th Open,” says Rob.

Retaining that position comes with hard work and dedication, which Rob and his greenkeeping team of nine have in abundance. “Every year there are new projects to undertake and as a team we look forward to this as much as we do the usual high season maintenance work. It’s a good challenge for us all and having Toro on board has really made a difference.”

For the latest industry news visit turfmatters.co.uk/news

Get all of the big headlines, pictures, opinions and videos on stories that matter to you.

Follow us on Twitter and Instagram for fun, fresh and engaging content.

You can also find us on Facebook for more of your must-see news, features, videos and pictures from Turf Matters.

UK’s First TL43.80HF Telehandler

/in , /by

UK’s First TL43.80HF Telehandler: John Suggitt, who runs construction, storage and farm businesses in East Yorkshire in the UK, has purchased the country’s first Bobcat TL43.80HF telehandler to support the growth of his businesses.

The new TL43.80HF was supplied by local Bobcat dealer, Scunthorpe-based AMS Bobcat Limited.

UK’s First TL43.80HF Telehandler

Lifting More with a Compact Telehandler

With a maximum lift capacity of 4.3 tonne and a maximum lift height of almost 8 m, the TL43.80HF is a new, compact telehandler offering an impressive package, combining several innovative features to take lift capacity, lifting height and breakout force to unprecedented levels for this size of machine.

The combination of compactness and heavy lift capability of the TL43.80HF were key for John Suggitt – he commented: “I was looking for a telehandler that could lift 4 tonne and offer a reach of 7 m, but with the TL43.80HF, I can lift a massive 4.3 tonne with a lifting height approaching 8 m. Being 20 cm shorter than the equivalent 7 m machines on the market, the TL43.80HF also gives me the compactness and productivity I need to work in the tight spaces on site and in my storage facilities.”

A Machine to Grow Into, Not Out Of

John Suggitt continued: “With the TL43.80HF, I have bought a machine that I intend to grow into, not out of. The TL43.80HF has everything I would want in a telehandler and does everything I would expect a machine like this to do.”

Bobcat was able to minimize the dimensions of the TL43.80HF in large part due to the very high stability resulting from a box welded frame, a low load centre, the long wheel base and the new massive rear counterweight. Together with a short turning radius of just 3.71 m, this new Bobcat telehandler is therefore a very manoeuvrable machine, a particularly useful feature when working in confined areas such as those in John Suggitt’s businesses.

John Suggitt added: “The TL43.80HF has reduced overall dimensions, including a width of only 2.30 m and a length of less than 5 m from the rear to the fork face. It has been a fantastic investment for my businesses, combining excellent lifting capability with superb compactness.”

Complementing the compact nature of the TL43.80HF, the rough terrain capability has also been optimised with the incorporation of new heavy duty Dana Spicer axles with limited slip differential and the outstanding tractive force available of up to 90% of the machine weight.

As well as his other businesses, John Suggitt also runs a smallholding with a small show flock of Greyface Dartmoor sheep, which he will use the TL43.80HF to provide feed for in the winter months. The new telehandler will also be a key machine to help in the construction of new stabling and agricultural buildings on the property.

The TL43.80HF is road registered so that it can be driven between John’s different businesses, which include an industrial unit at Beeford, where the TL43.80HF is used to move heavy containers and caravans. The telescopic boom on the new TL43.80HF telehandler is ideal for this application, ensuring that moving and placing heavy items is a simple process.

John also has storage facilities at Frodingham, where he is looking to stockpile building materials delivered on lorries and other vehicles. These will be used in the first planned building development in nearby Kelk, where the TL43.80HF will be a highly versatile lifting machine for moving pallets of bricks, boards and other construction materials around the site.

John Suggitt continued: “Bobcat has a comprehensive range of telehandlers for construction, agriculture and waste handling applications. We purchased the AGRI*** version of the TL43.80HF telehandler, with a number of additional features providing high comfort and productivity.

“The new Bobcat telehandler is fully road certified and with a two-speed transmission and a maximum speed of 40 km/h, it can be driven quickly between locations to do different work. The boom suspension system is a really useful feature for travelling on the roads, keeping the boom stable and preventing it from bouncing over bumps.“ 

Like all Bobcat telehandlers, the new TL43.80HF Agri is covered by an industry-unique three year/3000 hour warranty as standard. In addition, Bobcat has been running an exceptional three-month promotion through its UK and Ireland dealers, ending on 31st August 2019, extending the warranty to five years/5000 hours free-of-charge on all Bobcat Ag telescopic loaders purchased in this period.

As an AGRI version, the new TL43.80HF telehandler also includes air conditioning; an automatic fan inverter; a Sears high comfort air suspension seat and premium cab finish (deluxe steering wheel, armrest, aluminium panels); a trailer brake valve and a drawbar coupler tow hitch.

More Than 25 Years as a Bobcat Dealer: Over 3500 Machines Sold

AMS Bobcat Limited, based in Scunthorpe, is the Authorised Bobcat Dealer for Lincolnshire and East and South Yorkshire. Established in 1992, the company is one of the longest standing Bobcat dealers in Europe with well over 25 years in partnership with Bobcat in the UK. Over the intervening years, AMS has sold well in excess of 3500 new Bobcat units into a wide range of industries, including construction, agriculture, shipping, plant hire, mining, landscaping and demolition.

Chris Scott, Sales Manager at AMS, said: “We are delighted to have sold the first Bobcat TL43.80HF telehandler to John Suggitt. The TL43.80HF offers an unbeatable package for many applications from farming to construction, quarrying and general industry so it is ideal for use in the businesses run by John. It brings together robustness, compact dimensions, rough terrain ability and ease of use for the operator in the same machine.“

AMS is responsible for sales and service of Bobcat skid-steer, compact tracked and all wheel steer loaders, compact excavators, telehandlers and attachments throughout Lincolnshire and East and South Yorkshire. AMS also offers a full selection of genuine Bobcat accessories and parts to support both new and existing Bobcat customers in its area. Customers benefit from AMS’s well-established on-site service network, covering everything from emergency repairs to routine maintenance.

With well over 25 years of experience in the plant hire industry, AMS has also built up a state-of-the-art rental fleet of over 100 Bobcat machines, comprising compact loaders, compact excavators and telehandlers, complemented by a fleet of Bobcat attachments.

For more information about Bobcat and Bobcat products, visit the website www.bobcat.com

For the latest industry news visit turfmatters.co.uk/news

Get all of the big headlines, pictures, opinions and videos on stories that matter to you.

Follow us on Twitter and Instagram for fun, fresh and engaging content.

You can also find us on Facebook for more of your must-see news, features, videos and pictures from Turf Matters.

Revised Highway 3 From Ransomes Jacobsen

/in , , , /by

Revised Highway 3 From Ransomes Jacobsen: Ransomes Jacobsen will be showcasing the revised model of the Highway 3 triple cylinder mower on stand H090 at SALTEX 2019. 

The lightweight mower is popular in the commercial market and is well known for its high work rate, slope stability and manoeuvrability. To increase the mower’s already impressive output, drive train improvements have been made to boost the overall efficiency and compliment the Euro Stage V compliance.

Revised Highway 3 From Ransomes Jacobsen

The new drivetrain is central to the increased work rate and Ransomes Jacobsen director of international product development, Richard Comely is looking forward to exhibiting the machine at the Birmingham NEC.

He said: “SALTEX is a fantastic opportunity for us to showcase new products, network with customers and keep our fingers on the pulse of the sectors we sell into. Triplex cylinder mowers are still one of the most flexible and productive vehicles to cut grass with, and we will be showing a revised, Euro Stage V, Ransomes Highway 3 with a more efficient drivetrain at the exhibition.

“The Highway 3 is typically used on large areas for extended periods of time, so productivity is an important aspect of the mower. It was a case of improving something that was already performing very well, but the new drivetrain has made a difference and we’re very pleased with the outcome.”

Other machines on stand H090 will include the TR320 triplex mower, HR300 out-front mower, Cushman utility vehicle and the HM600 wide-area mulching flail mower. The latter utilises flail units which have been developed in a close collaboration between Ransomes and Müthing, an industry leader in innovative and trusted flail technology.

Revised Highway 3 From Ransomes Jacobsen

Ransomes Product Manager Lee Kristensen commented: “The partnership developed a highly productive and reliable mower that is capable of working in a wide range of conditions. The result has been a flail that matches the power output of the HM600 tractor, allowing users to cut down dense grass leaving an evenly spread after-cut finish every time.”

The HM600’s cutting capabilities come from the ‘M’ type carbide flails and ‘shark fin’ shredding bar. The floating cutting heads follow the contours of the ground while the unique action of the units cuts the grass multiple times as it travels around the flail head and mulches the grass while it breaks down before evenly spreading the clippings. Heavy duty rollers complete the fine turf finish. A temperature controlled reversing fan ensures the air intake screen is clear for optimum engine cooling and continuous function.

For the latest industry news visit turfmatters.co.uk/news

Get all of the big headlines, pictures, opinions and videos on stories that matter to you.

Follow us on Twitter and Instagram for fun, fresh and engaging content.

You can also find us on Facebook for more of your must-see news, features, videos and pictures from Turf Matters.