The quietest ride-on greensmower

The quietest ride-on greensmower yet: Hybrid, it’s the buzzword of the times with customers demanding cleaner, greener mowing options and Toro has responded to that demand by creating the Greensmaster eTriFlex 3360, the quietest ride-on greensmower yet.

Another fine example of innovative Toro technology, the Greensmaster eTriFlex 3360 is the new greensmower, developed specifically with customer needs in mind. Reducing noise, minimising impact on the environment and with no hydraulics, it says goodbye to leaks while never compromising on quality of cut.

The quietest ride-on greensmower yet

This clever ride-on utilises all-electric components for traction, steering, lifting and cutting, alongside a proven Kawasaki twin cylinder 14hp air-cooled engine with battery assist technology and a reduced speed of 2400rpm, shrouded in venting. It’s this design that ensures perceived bystander noise level is significantly reduced, making it the perfect greensmower for courses with nearby residents. As Toro’s quietest ride-on greensmower yet, work can start earlier while complying with noise regulations, meaning greens can be ready earlier which could enhance revenue by allowing for earlier tee times.

As you’d expect from Toro, cutting capabilities are only ever improved upon. In the eTriFlex 3360 the suspension system maintains a full flotation range to prevent gouging or scalping when going over undulations and Toro’s proven Flex technology allows the cutting units to pivot around the centre of the front roller to prevent side-to-side scrubbing. Add to this DPA cutting units, the most advanced cutting units in the industry, and you have a mower which floats freely over any terrain with superior contour-following and substantially improves both the aesthetics and playability of the greens.

Jeff Anguige, national sales manager at Reesink Turfcare, the sole Toro distributor in the UK for golf equipment, says: “It’s easy to see why Toro is calling the Greensmaster eTriFlex the most advanced riding greensmower ever, bringing a new standard in mowing greens. The technology presented in this machine, particularly the hybrid technology, is a prime example of Toro’s ability to deliver products that meet customer needs perfectly. The reduced noise brings with it a host of benefits while still maintaining what makes Toro machines so unique – a superior quality of cut. It’s truly a must-have machine.”

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Jacobsen at The Lensbury

Jacobsen the complete package for The Lensbury: Multipurpose venues need quality, versatile and reliable mowers. And that’s why The Lensbury opted for the Jacobsen TR320 and GP400.

The four-star club, hotel and conference centre sits on the banks of the River Thames in Teddington, London, and hosts international rugby teams as well as professional club sides. There are also six grass tennis courts and ornamental gardens in the grounds of the hotel, all of which are kept to an impeccable standard by head of grounds and gardens, Peter Craig, and his team.

Jacobsen the complete package for The Lensbury

The rugby pitches are an essential part of The Lensbury. They attract the world’s best and need to look and play to their standards, so when the decision was made to get a new mower, Peter decided to trial every machine at his disposal before going for the TR320.

“I took a long time choosing the rugby mower because those pitches are the priority here from a turf management point of view, and that’s why we tried virtually everything before we made a choice,” Peter explained. “The quality of cut on the TR320 is good as is the adjustment of cut, and I’m glad that I made the choice I did.

“Price is obviously important, and the TR320 was competitive in that area. I looked at the Jacobsen and all the main mower brands. We were looking at all of the usual criteria, the quality of cut, the range of cut, the comfort, the noise and the width of the machine. The size of the boxes was another aspect I looked at because I wanted the biggest boxes possible to reduce the amount of time spent emptying them.

“Those were the main things along with the ease of use because we wanted it to be operator friendly. The back-up service is obviously a big part of it as well, and I’d never bought a Jacobsen before, so I didn’t know what it was like. When we’ve needed them, parts have arrived very quickly, and the service from Ernest Doe has been excellent.”

The TR320 is the perfect choice for The Lensbury because of its quality of cut, operator comfort and vertically folding units. The 1.83m cutting width can be reduced to a 1.63m transport width, with the reels lifting to a vertical position to make driving around tight areas, such as ornamental gardens, simple.

Although the pitches are the priority, the ornamental gardens and grass tennis courts are also paid close attention. While Peter’s mower criteria for this area was similar in terms of quality of cut and productivity, the need for a machine that could handle attachments was paramount for other maintenance.

For this, the GP400 was his mower of choice. It gets used to cut the ornamental lawns during the cutting season and for verti-cutting the tennis courts during the season, at the end of the season and during winter. Peter has high praise for the swing-out centre reel for making a “massive difference” when it comes to maintenance, and the ‘great’ quality of cut.

That great quality of cut comes from the TrueSet cutting units that allow operators to easily adjust the mower to ensure it has the optimum reel to bedknife setting, giving the perfect cut every time.

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Allett’s eco contribution at SALTEX

Allett’s eco contribution at SALTEX: Allett Mowers report another excellent Saltex this year with a plentiful supply of good quality leads. On show for the first time was the new Uplift 86E 82V li-ion battery-powered stadium rotary mower, designed for debris collection after matches and built on the experience gained with previous models.

The company was particularly pleased with the Eco-Village concept, where Managing Director Austin Jarrett gave an informed talk on battery power and the need for the sensibility to be reducing our carbon footprint on a global scale. Allett won the Queen’s Award for International Trade in 2019 and with the UK and international markets in mind, the business is working towards being carbon neutral by 2022.

Allett’s eco contribution at SALTEX

“Battery power brings a large amount of environmental benefits to our industry and end-users,” said Austin, “there are the Hand-Arm Vibration benefits over petrol-powered machinery, which is of great importance for workers within the industry. You have better machine control using battery power electric motors and sensors, while noise is also significantly reduced. Battery power contributes greatly to environmental sustainability and we have an important responsibility for us and people around the world. Battery power may be a more expensive investment, but you get that back over time.”

The Allett Uplift 86E was on display in the Eco Village together with the Allett C34E large area walk-behind cylinder mower. The latter also uses the latest Lithium-ion battery technology and is designed for quiet, pollution-free operation in sports stadiums, training pitches and prestige lawns around the world. It was launched at Saltex 2018 and has built a large following since. Both electric machines were also on display on the main Allett stand alongside their petrol counterparts.

Austin Jarrett rounded off by saying: “we predict we will probably not have any petrol engines within our range by 2025.” A bold ecological statement but one which is clearly supported with the lead Allett is taking in the development of their battery-powered mowers.

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New level of battery performance from Husqvarna

New level of battery performance from Husqvarna: Husqvarna today announced the launch of two new powerful battery-powered brushcutters which will raise the bar for performance.

Increased levels of productivity are available for professionals when using the Husqvarna 535iRX or 535iRXT, thanks to the Husqvarna-developed high torque motor, large cutting diameter and effective anti-vibration system. A host of new key features make the products a great addition to the collection of any industry professional.

New level of battery performance from Husqvarna

After significant demand from municipalities and professional landscapers for more robust battery solutions with less environmental impact Husqvarna — one of the world’s leading producers of forest, park and garden products — has inspired the launch of Husqvarna 535iRX and 535iRXT- two new brushcutters with increased levels of professional performance. Designed and developed with commercial tasks in mind, these two innovative brushcutters are built to be robust, powerful and equivalent to petrol products in the 35cc range.

The new Husqvarna 535iRX and 535iRXT brushcutters are part of the 500-series product range and offer Husqvarna’s first anti-vibration system on a battery brushcutter. This feature further reduces strain on the user allowing for smoother operation during extended hours of use. These products are also equipped with a new user interface, allowing the user a constant view of the battery status to more easily plan their work.

Johan Svennung, product specialist, commented: “We’re excited to launch these new products as there’s a strong demand from our commercial customers for high-quality, innovative battery solutions. The performance of the Husqvarna 535iRX and 535iRXT is comparable to petrol machines, but with key benefits such as no direct emissions, lower vibrations and lower noise. Our high torque motor, extended cutting diameter and robust design mean that we will be able to meet the needs of our professional customers who rely on these products day-to-day.”

Key features of the 535iRX and 535iRXT include:

True cordless – Full flexibility to choose between internal or backpack battery and these products are also compatible with all Husqvarna BLi batteries. The BLi300 is the recommended choice of battery for best balance and productivity.

Anti-vibration system – Superior anti-vibration. First on a Husqvarna  battery brushcutter.

Built-in Connectivity (535iRXT)  The integrated Bluetooth® module makes 535iRXT compatible with Husqvarna Connect and Husqvarna Fleet Services, where Husqvarna Fleet Services is specifically designed for commercial users to keep track of the entire machine fleet.

New user interface – Offers an improved, tactile feel with battery status always visible on the product handle.

ErgoFeed trimmer head (535iRXT) – Saving time and money, the ErgoFeed trimmer head feeds line with a button and is both easy and robust. Eliminating unintentional line feed when hitting stones and debris.

Weatherproof design – IPX4 rain resistance classified.

Availability and price

The Husqvarna 535iRX/535iRXT bruschcutters are available from February 2020 at Husqvarna dealers and are priced: 535iRX (£519.00) and 535iRXT (£599.00).

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Quadraplay signals improvements at Wolverhampton

Quadraplay signals improvements at Wolverhampton: Andrew Brough, head groundsman at Wolverhampton Rugby Union Football Club, claims that the SISIS Quadraplay single pass maintenance system, has helped him in his personal quest to improve the standard of pitches.

It is safe to say that Andrew is Wolverhampton Rugby Union Football Club through and through. He has played for the club since he was a child and his own children have followed in his footsteps and currently represent the junior teams. He also runs the bar in the club house and when he is not pulling pints or ordering more stock he is tending to the pitches.

Quadraplay signals improvements at Wolverhampton

Andrew admits that his role of head groundsman is his greatest responsibility and it is certainly not a role he has taken lightly since his appointment two years ago.

“Quite simply, my aim here is to improve the standard of the pitches and make sure they are as playable as possible,” he said. “In the past we have had to cancel a lot of games because the pitches haven’t been draining very well and we just never used to have the equipment – but now we have.”

One of Andrew’s first tasks as head groundsmen was to sign-up to the RFU’s Groundsmen Connected initiative which is an easy access, two-way communication network between the RFU and rugby union groundsmen. It is the main communication channel for the RFU to provide information and advice to groundsmen and also has special offers and exclusive benefits for members.

Members have a direct communication channel on pitch maintenance issues with Twickenham’s head groundsman Keith Kent, and it was Keith’s advice which prompted Andrew to purchase the SISIS Quadraplay.

“I went to a seminar through the Groundsmen Connected scheme and I saw Keith who stressed the importance of aeration. Keith told me a lot about his thoughts on basic pitch requirements, what he felt was the best approach and also the best equipment to use. He told me that in his opinion he thought that the SISIS Quadraplay was the best way forward 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.

“It’s a brilliant piece of kit – we’ve got a cutting deck on our tractor which came with the deal that allows us to basically cut the pitch and then we use the Quadraplay to finish off the pitch. It has made a huge difference to our aeration.

“I also really like the roller which is great for presentation. It does everything I need it to do and I’m really pleased with it. I actually think that most rugby clubs could do with a Quadraplay because it would make their pitches a lot better. We haven’t had to cancel any games since we’ve been using it.”

As part of the package, Andrew also purchased the SISIS Multitiner – a tractor mounted aerator. Based on his experience of using the two new machines he later purchased a SISIS Variseeder – a tractor mounted overseeder; and he revealed his plans for using them.

“I’ll be using the Multitiner to spike the pitches and obviously by doing that we will be able to go into the holes with sand. We will then go along the pitches and sweep all that nice sand into the ground and give it a bit more drainage and help to get rid of some of those holes and ditches.”

“The pitches are a bit patchy at the moment and I want to reseed the pitches so I’ll use the Variseeder to make sure we get more seed into the ground. Hopefully with more grass in the ground the pitches will repair a bit quicker and they will be nice and lush in time for the new season.”

“Ultimately, with the SISIS machinery I feel confident that I’ve got some really great equipment in place now which will absolutely improve the pitches.”

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 @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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