Ipswich, Suffolk (November 02, 2016) Ransomes, the Ipswich-based distributor of Iseki tractors and mowers, has introduced a new series of TG tractors, ideal for municipal and grounds maintenance applications as well as light agricultural use.

The new TG6 series, which replaces the TG5, features a range of four compact tractors – the TG6370 IQ, TG6400 HST, TG6490 IQ, TG6490 HST, TG6620 HST and TG6670 HST.

The TG6370 IQ and TG6400 HST are powered by Iseki three-cylinder, liquid-cooled diesel engines operating at 2600rpm and developing 36 and 39 PS net respectively. Both TG6490 variants feature a four-cylinder Iseki engine developing 48 PS net, and, like all Iseki diesel engines, these power plants have been designed to provide high output with reduced emissions. The TG6620 HST and TG6670 HST are both powered by a turbo-charged four-cylinder water-cooled diesel engine producing 61 PS and 66 PS net at 2,600rpm respectively.

A new ergonomic design with a smoother profile hood provides better accessibility to the engine compartment, and a new cab design offers more space, more headroom, wider opening doors and air conditioning on all models. ROPS is also available on all models.

The TG6370 IQ, TG6400 HST and TG6490 IQ are all available with cabs and ROPS, while the TG6490 HST, TG6620 HST and TG6670 HST are only available with cabs, but come with a two-stage, six-speed hydrostatic transmission.

The TG6370 and TG6490 IQ transmission models have three ranges, each with eight forward/reverse gears and feature the new dual-clutch gearbox for fast and smooth gear changes, plus an automatic mode which utilises the top five gears, which change automatically, especially useful when towing, mowing or when on the public highway.

The contoured nose provides a clear view to the front of the machine; modern combination switches and controls have been employed and there’s a high-quality, soft feel steering wheel, hydrostatic power steering and smooth two-mode adjustable PTO engagement. The main controls are located in a console on the right-hand side of the operator platform and a “feather touch” shuttle lever controlling forward/backward travel is located on the steering column.

Lifting capacity starts with an impressive 1,270 Kg (at ball ends) for the TG6400, 1400 Kg on the TG6370 IQ and rising to a hefty 1,700 Kg on the TG6490 IQ. Optional mid-mounted side discharge rotary cutting decks are available with 1.83 metre (72”) cutting widths.

John Quinton, U.K. and Ireland Sales Manager at Ransomes, said:
“The ever-growing range of Iseki TG tractors is fantastic for end users who require a high-quality piece of machinery which is simple and effective to use. Iseki has been successfully manufacturing mowers and tractors in Japan for 90 years and this is evident when you experience the product. The TG6 series is already proving to be a very popular choice amongst grounds care professionals and we are very excited to be distributing these products.”

The TG6 series is very competitively priced for landscape and professional grounds care contractors as well as greenkeepers and groundsmen.

Ransomes Jacobsen is a Textron Inc (NYSE:TXT) company. More information on the product offering can be found at www.ransomesjacobsen.com.

About Textron Inc.
Textron Inc. is a multi-industry company that leverages its global network of aircraft, defense, industrial and finance businesses to provide customers with innovative solutions and services. Textron is known around the world for its powerful brands such as Bell Helicopter, Cessna, Beechcraft, Hawker, Jacobsen, Kautex, Lycoming, E-Z-GO, Greenlee, Bad Boy Off Road, Textron Systems, and TRU Simulation + Training.

For more information visit: www.textron.com.

Independent trials confirm that Wiedenmann’s Core Recycler can save 40% of top dressing inputs.  Results released by the Sports Turf Research Institute also state that turf treated with the Core Recycler had significantly lower disease incidence and that the recycling of cores helps maintain a significantly higher active bacterial and fungal population.

Wiedenmann UK said: “This is great news. The machine was developed in tandem with golf course managers and contractors specifically to help reduce costs and time spent after hollow coring. This proves that recycling indigenous root zone is the obvious natural choice and also points to huge savings in labour and time taken.”

The Core Recycler is a revolutionary machine which collects and recycles hollow cores. Fresh cores are lifted via a rotating brush and processed through a series of four adjustable steel mesh sieves which move in sequence.  The sieves can be set to accommodate different core lengths and diameters. As the hollow cores are propelled along the sieves, the soil and sand content is separated from the fibrous material.  The soil and sand mix falls back to the ground while the less desirable fibrous material is collected in a hopper. After separation the indigenous ‘good’ material can be returned to the surface.

Two test areas of a sand soil based green [80:20] were created at the STRI’s Bingley HQ in West Yorkshire. Hollow tining took place on both plots and afterwards one area had the cores lifted manually with medium grade sand brushed in to make good the surface levels, while the other plot had the Core Recycler lift cores and return indigenous sand soil mix to the surface before also being topped up with sand.

STRI’s Research Manager Dr Christian Spring, who over saw the trials during a 24 month period, said:  “The main effects of the Wiedenmann Core Recycler compared to conventionally collecting and removing cores were that it maintained soli organic matter to the same level but use of the Core Recycler reduced top dressing inputs by on average 40%.  Disease incidence was significantly lower on Core Recycled plots and recycling of cores helped to maintain a significantly higher active bacterial and fungal populations.

“The benefits of using the Wiedenmann Core Recycler are clear and when used as part of a sensible maintenance programme, would provide a very useful tool in a greenkeeper or groundsman’s armoury.

Another finding from the STRI research was that, when coupled with appropriate nutrient inputs, the core recycled area had a greener colouration.  The main reasons given for this were the release of nutrients from the recycled material, in addition to elevated microbial community facilitating nutrient release and uptake.

Wiedenmann UK said:  “Investing in a core recycler makes good financial sense.  Saving 40% on top dressing purchases is just one part of it though; if you deploy the core recycler you tie up considerably fewer staff for a far shorter period.  Interruptions to play are also reduced as time taken from lifting cores to returning the surface to play is dramatically shorter. Lastly, factor the benefits of greener less stressed turf and it seems the ultimate win:win machine.”