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NEWS ARTICLES

GreenMech Launch Evo 165

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GreenMech Launch Evo 165: The ARB Show provided the launch platform for GreenMech to introduce their much-anticipated revolutionary new woodchipper series, the EVO 165. Capitalising on GreenMech’s engineering prowess, this new range has been designed in direct response to industry demands to deliver more aggressive torque, more powerful bite and more throughput.   

The EVO 165 combines a wealth of new features, together with some of GreenMech’s proven innovations which have seen their chippers become the preferred choice with many industry professionals. Its wide infeed chute, together with twin horizontal rollers and GreenMech’s ‘No-Stress’ control system mean the Evo 165 efficiently grips timber and brash and controls its lateral movement to provide maximum bite and unparalleled processing power via its new, heavy-duty flywheel and re-flowed exit chute.

GreenMech Launch Evo 165

Optimised outputs from a diesel or petrol engine option provide usable power that matches budget with operational needs, alongside maximum fuel efficiency and compliance with Stage V Emission requirements. The EVO is the quietest machine GreenMech have produced to date, beneficial for both operators and neighbours alike.

Together with improved performance, the aspects of safety, durability and ease of maintenance have also come under the spotlight. GreenMech have fitted the Evo with a new safety bar system to minimise nuisance tripping while offering a better inflow of material. The Evo’s durability has been increased with the adoption of a one-piece fabricated chassis that provides greater strength in even the most demanding of operational conditions. Meanwhile, GreenMech’s patented Disc Blade system continues to provide in excess of 900 chipping hours before replacement.

When maintenance is required, the vertical and horizontal shear bars have been re-engineered to be more accessible and a centralised greasing point has been introduced to make regular servicing easier to carry out.

Commenting on its introduction, Sales Director Martin Lucas said, “As the requirements of today’s arborists continue to evolve, it’s vital that we as manufacturers are listening to them and providing them with the tools to meet their growing demands. The Evo 165 is designed to do just that, with years of developments and trials going on behind the scenes to create our most efficient chipper to date. This launch marks just the beginning of our EVO development programme and we’re expecting this to make a big impression at this year’s Arb Show and beyond.”

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New Machines For Merlin GC

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New Machines For Merlin GC: One of the latest golf clubs in the west country to realise the versatility of Ventrac equipment is Merlin Golf Course on the north Cornish coast. Situated on high ground close to Mawgan Porth and only a short drive from Newquay, this heathland course enjoys stunning views towards the Atlantic Ocean.

This latest package, delivered by local dealer Devon Garden Machinery, included a Ventrac 4500 compact tractor unit with Contour mowing deck and a Sisis Multitiner 1200.

New Machines For Merlin GC

Martyn Bennett is the Course Manager and is assisted by two long-serving greenkeepers, Rob Hall and Carl Quible. He joined Merlin just 8 months ago after four years as deputy course manager at Caversham Heath Golf Club in Berkshire and before that spent 12 years at Basingstoke Golf Club in Hampshire

“We were in the market for a new rough mower and my predecessor had a demonstration back in July 2018,” he said. “We had a further demonstration when I arrived, so I could confirm that it would be suitable for the course and I wasn’t disappointed. It’s remarkably powerful for a sub-25 hp tractor, quiet and produces an excellent stripped finish with no mess. We used gang mowers previously so this has been a revelation. It’s so manoeuvrable and has reduced our fuel bills for maintaining the rough by 50%; that’s a significant saving.

“It’s a versatile machine with a unique front mount system and standard 3-point linkage on the back. The Sisis Multitiner fits easily on the back, so it’s not just Ventrac attachments that can be used, increasing the versatility of what it can do.”

Carl Quible is the principal operator of the machine and says,

“We have some extreme slopes around the course and I feel 100% safe when I’m mowing. It enables us to maintain the banks on a regular basis and can go where other mowers cannot go. It’s a powerful compact machine and has certainly enhanced the presentation of the course.

New Machines For Merlin GC

Built in 1991, the course has been owned by Jim Barlow since 2004 and is now benefitting from investment at all levels. Redesigned to cut out long walks from green to tee and with new bunkers and tees, it’s a challenge off the white tees, especially when the wind blows! The club house was opened in 2005 and has recently been extended and refurbished including a new patio overlooking the 18th green.

The club has its own wind turbine and small solar farm which also provides power for the contemporary holiday apartments on the course.

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Track Turf Pests This Summer

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Track Turf Pests This Summer: The new Turf Pest Tracker will follow the timing and movement of the adult life cycle stages of key turf pests this summer, to get a better picture of when and where the pests are flying.

The GreenCast website enables all turf managers and agronomists to report activity of the main chafer species and crane fly, using their phone, tablet or computer. Sightings are instantly recorded on maps, giving the chance to visually check out the level of pest presence reported in any local area.

Track Turf Pests This Summer

Turf Pest Tracker is supported by an on-line pest identification and lifecycle guide, along with information to tailor an effective Integrated Pest Management programme.

Chafer grubs and leatherjacket soil pests can result in severe damage to turf roots and surface quality, along with extensive damage from their predators uprooting turf.

Highlighting the value of Turf Pest Tracker for the industry, Syngenta Technical Manager, Glenn Kirby, said: “Accurate identification and knowing your target soil pest life-cycle is essential for an effective integrated control programme and optimum timing of controls.”

He believes live tracking of adult pest activity will give a valuable early warning of potential soil pest activity and where problems may strike.

“Changing climatic trends have blurred the historic east/west split, which typically saw chafers more prevalent the east and leatherjackets more common in the west.

Track Turf Pests This Summer

“Also, changes in weather patterns – along with the adapting life-cycle of the insects – have further complicated predicting pest activity.”

Glenn pointed out that last season, for example, the intense heat and dry conditions appeared to delay the emergence of crane fly – the adult stage of leatherjackets – for up to a month later than the July/August norm. Crane fly were even reported emerging and on the wing in October, making it difficult to target control of resulting larvae.

“The more people that get involved with Turf Pest Tracker, the clearer the picture the industry will have to tackle the issues,” he added.

Turf Pest Tracker is available to report and view insect activity on the Syngenta GreenCast website, www.greencast.co.uk Updates and information will be regularly shared on Twitter: @syngentaturfuk #PestTracker

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Fynn Valley Upgrade With Jacobsen

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Fynn Valley Upgrade With Jacobsen: Fynn Valley Golf Club has purchased a fleet of five new Jacobsen mowers, four E-Z-GO RXV golf buggies and a Cushman Truckster XD from Bartram Mowers as part of their continued improvement of the club.

The family owned & run Ipswich based golf club has undergone an ambitious and forward-thinking modernisation process, with their impressive, purpose-built Café Terrace and Club House opening in October 2018.

Fynn Valley Upgrade With Jacobsen

As part of the improvements, the club brought in Ian Lloyd, a graduate of the Future Turf Managers Initiative, as head greenkeeper. The experience he brings to the role will elevate the course quality with the new range of Jacobsen machines an important part of his plans going forward.

With his new fleet, he has already started seeing the benefits of the AdaptiShift technology on the AR331, the time saved with the unique swing out centre reel on the two GP400’s and the ease of movement with the HR500’s compact travel width.

“The big thing for us is we’ve got quite a few steep and sharp mounds, and there are a few ponds that aren’t very well positioned and can be difficult for staff to manoeuvre around and that’s where the AdaptiShift really helps us,” Ian explained.

“I’ve been using the AR331 for the last couple of days, and it just gives you more confidence that you’re going to cut everything because you don’t have to put the whole machine out there, you can send the unit out and keep the wheels on solid ground, so it really optimises safety.

“Being able to do that has saved us time, and the swing out centre reel on the two GP400’s is a game changer. No matter what machine you’re on the central unit is the most difficult to access in terms of cleaning and if you’re trying to adapt something or even just check the height of cut you almost have to be a contortionist to get in there. In the past, we’ve had people go out and you can see the central unit is off, and that’s either because they were put off from doing it properly because it’s so difficult or they’ve tried their best, and it just wasn’t the easiest to do.

Fynn Valley Upgrade With Jacobsen

“With the swing out centre unit there’s no excuse anymore, it’s just like the front units, and you can get it to an easy position, so it’s a lot easier to do the job.”

The time Ian and his team have gained from using the new fleet of Jacobsen equipment is invaluable as they aim to continue raising the standards of the course, and the elevated cut performance and machine efficiency will be a large part of that.

Another factor that has helped efficiency away from the machines is the customer service Ian received from Adrian Kersey at Bartram Mowers and William Carr and Robert Hayward at Jacobsen.

Ian explained: “Since being at the club I’ve built up a strong relationship with Adrian who was the first person I’d call when we needed something for our fleet . Due to our aged inventory customer service was key and he was always quick to help us when we needed it which was very important for us.

“We also had Jacobsen’s help getting out of a few binds last year when we only had one fairway mower. They stepped in which really helped us out and kept our maintenance programme going.

“We needed investment, and thankfully we have it now. We’re in a position where everything we’re going to be using day to day is brand-new, and it’s nice to have that confidence with this Jacobsen fleet.”

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Engcon Host Big Dig Day

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Engcon Host Big Dig Day: Engcon, the world’s leading supplier of tiltrotators, welcomed excavator operators from across the UK to its first Big Dig Day of 2019.

The event, which took place at Northamptonshire’s Wicksteed Park on the 26th and 27th of April and attracted nearly 100 visitors and their families, gave owner operators the chance to get hands-on experience with Engcon’s market-leading range of tiltrotators and hydraulic attachments.

Engcon Host Big Dig Day

The full-suite of Engcon’s products were available to test throughout the day, fitted to some of the world’s leading excavator brands, ranging in size from under 2 to over 20 tonnes. What’s more, Engcon’s team of technical experts were on hand across both days to answer any questions attendees may have had regarding the innovative product range.

One such attendee was Tom Law, operating contracts manager for Lynch Plant Hire. Speaking of the weekend, he said: “It was great to be able to attend this year’s Big Dig Day. Being able to use a machine and get a feel for the tiltrotators was really useful in seeing how versatile the products are.”

Robert Hunt, Engcon UK’s managing director, added: “It was fantastic to welcome so many excavator owners and operators, and their families, to Wicksteed Park over the weekend. While the British tiltrotator market may still be in its relative infancy, it’s clear there is a real appetite from across the UK sector to learn more about this innovative way of digging.

“We know from our experience that you need to drive a tiltrotator to fully understand the versatility and efficiency they bring to everyday digging. Watching one at a show or on YouTube is no substitute for sitting in the seat for half an hour and trying it for yourself. Being able to do this in an unpressurised environment where there is plenty of expertise on hand to answer questions – whether it’s Engcon sales or technical staff or one of our many users who were present with their machines is invaluable.”

Engcon’s full product range including tilties for diggers from 1 to 33 tonnes, hitches, hydraulic connectivity in the form of the company’s retrofittable EC-Oil system and a massive range of buckets, attachments and hydraulic tools will be on show at the forthcoming Plantworx exhibition in mid-June. There will be a significant number of new products and services on offer, with new cassette-mounted tools and show-stopping installations on active display throughout the show.

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