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NEWS ARTICLES

Smithco XL 70 Roller Debuts at BTME

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Jacobsen, the European distributor of Smithco rollers, showcased the all-new Smithco XL 70 roller at this year’s BTME in Harrogate.

The new Smithco XL 70 ride-on greens roller features the widest available rolling width of 70”, providing unrivalled productivity on all fronts. The XL 70 green roller is powered by a 16 hp Briggs Vanguard gasoline engine, and the productive roller is able to work at a ground speed of 10 mph.

The hydraulically driven greens roller features a triple roller drive system for superior traction and safety in all turf and terrain conditions. Additionally, the direct drive hydraulic motors to each roller cylinder eliminates the maintenance required on mechanical drive systems featuring no chains or sprockets.

Richard Tyrrell, Product Manager at Jacobsen said:
“We are delighted to be distributors of the Smithco greens roller range. They are fantastic products with a great track record of being reliable and easy-to-use. This particular model is Smithco’s most productive roller to date with an impressive 70” rolling width, which will undoubtedly mean that the XL 70 is going to be a staple machine in any greenkeeping facility.”

The Smithco XL 70 has been engineered with operator safety and comfort in mind. The roller features an easy-to-use keyed ignition switch, engine throttle and choke which are all easily accessible from the operator’s seat. Dual drive pedals control left and right operation and rolling speed, and pedals are connected to a hydraulic pump by a fully steel linkage system for a high level of durability. The operator’s seat is high-backed and cushioned, providing ultimate comfort for the operator.

The independent articulating roller heads produce a wider and more stable ride. Other benefits, including a 3-roller independent driving system, direct drive and power steering ensures that the bar has been raised with the introduction of the new Smithco XL 70 greens roller.

For more information visit www.jacobsen.com

Council maintain coast with Ransomes

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The Borough Council of King’s Lynn & West Norfolk has purchased five Ransomes Parkway Meteor flail mowers to maintain King’s Lynn, Downham Market, Hunstanton and surrounding coastal areas. Local Ransomes dealer, Bartram Mowers, made the delivery.

The council has implemented a new grass cutting regime, which now sees the borough’s green spaces being cut six to 12 times per season. With a total of 650 acres to maintain, the council chose to purchase the Ransomes Parkway Meteor flail mowers to increase productivity whilst maintaining a high-quality finish.

Chris Durham, operations manager for the Borough of King’s Lynn & West Norfolk, commented on the decision to purchase the Ransomes machines:
“The council has used Ransomes mowers for many years now, and they are by far the most reliable and durable that we have used. As our requirements have changed over the years, Ransomes has been able to provide us with the right equipment for the job without compromising on quality. For us, there isn’t another machine that could replace the meteor; the build quality is in a league of its own.

“One meteor machine will maintain an area of 82 acres, which is quite a considerable distance. The council is trying to be more efficient and economical, which has been achieved by decreasing the number of machines, but increasing their productivity. We now spend less time cutting grass, and the savings we make are able to be invested into other projects to benefit the community.”

Steve Appleton is the operations assistant and mechanic at the borough of King’s Lynn & West Norfolk. Commenting on the new machines, Steve said:
“The flail mowers are doing a great job for the council. They’re able to plough through anything in front of them in a way which I personally haven’t seen with any other machine.

“The overall feedback from the operators has been very positive. They have all commented on the ease-of-use of the Parkway Meteors and how comfortable they are to operate, which is also very important.”

For more information visit www.jacobsen.com

ClearWater – a winner at BTME 2017!

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Highspeed Group’s ClearWater system was the focus of much attention at BTME this year and was a winner in more ways than one!

MD, David Mears said: “BTME is always an excellent show for us and this year proved no exception. We were most impressed by the large number of enquiries taken for our ClearWater washpad water recycling system from home and abroad. Our all-inclusive prices and show discount proved popular and our prize draw certainly was the big attraction for those serious about upgrading their wash facility to a full water recycling system! Many thanks to Jim Croxton, BIGGA’s CEO for drawing the prize.”

The prize of a ClearWater system was won by Steve Lloyd, course manager of The Worcestershire golf club. Steve, fortunately still in Harrogate after the draw, was pleased to accept the prize and commented: “Thanks to everyone at Highspeed for this great prize. Can’t wait to get it installed at the club. This self-contained wash system meets all the latest regulations to wash all our machines!”

It was interesting to learn at the show that many now do realise that compliance with legislation is of prime importance and that action is a must. Alongside many new enquirers were a number of visitors who had enquired in previous years!

ClearWater continues to offer exceptional value for money particularly as it is available for self-installation enabling costs to be reduced.

Southend FC Sack Groundsman

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The Shrimpers crunch League One clash against Bolton on Saturday was postponed four hours before the scheduled 3pm kick-off.

Loyal Ken Hare was deemed incapable of doing his job and chairman Ron Martin swung the axe once the game was officially called off.
A club spokesman said: “People generally lose their position as a result of not doing their job.

“The necessary decision surrounding Mr Hare was a disappointment and of course not taken lightly.

“People have been dismissed at this football club over the past 20 years and that even extends to managers.”

Some fans hit out at the questionable decision.

One Twitter user wrote: “Bit of a disgrace really the groundsman getting sack, been bloody freezing this weekend not surprised the pitch froze.

Peter Miles wrote: “So Southend sack their long serving groundsman for failing to get a game on in freezing temperatures. Why not invest in undersoil heating?

Another posted: “Only at Southend can you sack the groundsman following postponement of a game due to a frozen pitch.”

Saturday’s game was the first to be postponed at Roots Hall since January 2013.

Southend sit seventh in League One following the weekend’s action, with Bolton third.

ANB Groundcare invests in Kubota

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Over the last decade, ANB Groundcare has continued to go from strength to strength thanks to on-going support from market-leading supplier of groundcare machinery solutions, Kubota.

Back in 2006, Alastair Brooker founded ANB Groundcare with just £20,000 in the bank and an uncertainty of which direction to take the business. Today, the Berkshire-based company is well on its way to a £1 million-a-year turnover, a feat achieved with dedication, hard work and a diverse fleet of machinery.

The site team has now grown to seven, with Alastair’s wife Lucy in charge of the brand design and website and financial support, whilst fellow colleague Bronwen provides office management and admin to an ever-growing office. Originally aiming to pursue a career in farm management, having studies that for four years at University, Alastair soon came to realise that without a family background in agriculture, this ambition would be very difficult to accomplish.

After leaving his job with an agricultural contractor, he bought a mower, trailer, hedge cutter, strimmer and hand tools before placing an ad in the Maidenhead Advertiser. Soon after, Alastair started to obtain his first handful of clients.

The business, based at Waltham St Lawrence, has grown significantly over the last ten years, along with it’s large fleet of specialist machinery. This includes a number of machines from Kubota’s groundcare range including a 36-hp STV36 mid-range compact tractor with a lightweight chassis, front linkage and extra hydraulic services, an RTV-X900 utility vehicle and a G26 II high-dump rotary collection mower with a 54-inch cutting deck.

Expressing his thoughts on the Kubota equipment, Alastair said: “I am a firm believer that Kubota is the brand that stands out in groundcare equipment. It’s backed up by just how many contractors speak highly of the Kubota machines and in turn purchase the equipment for their fleet.

“I love the fact that the STV-36 is user-friendly, with everything in the right place and no overstretching or knees knocking. It travels well, turns well and has a great power to weight ratio. All of our groundcare equipment is matched to that tractor and it’s proved its worth time and time again and can be relied on no matter how tough the job within our industry.”

Another part of ANB Groundcare’s business is that of winter gritting and they initially used a quad bike to pull one of the salt spreaders for covering footpaths, before Alastair recognised the driver’s need for better protection in tough weather conditions. Replaced by a 21-hp RTV-X900 which now assists with log deliveries and grounds maintenance and estate duties, the latest vehicle has been an all round invaluable asset to the company’s operations.

Looking forward, Alastair expects the domestic grass cutting side of the business to slow down in order to make way for bigger jobs with commercial clients. With ANB enjoying particular success with clients needing sites cleared ahead of development followed by the laying and maintenance of turf on the same area. This season alone ANB has sown almost 80,000 square metres of seeding and laid almost 50,000 square metres of turf in big roll format.
Alastair believes the company will continue to go from strength to strength given the wide range of services offered by ANB Groundcare.

To find out more visit www.kubota.co.uk