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NEWS ARTICLES

Kubota appoints FJS Plant

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Kubota appoints FJS Plant: Kubota (UK) Ltd is pleased to announce that FJS Plant Repairs Ltd is to become the first Kubota full-line dealer in the Republic of Ireland, with effect from today (01 November 2021).

As a natural expansion of its existing Kubota construction dealership heritage, FJS based at Timahoe, in Co Kildare, will now be responsible for Kubota tractors and ground care equipment. As part of its growth, FJS is forging ahead with plans to open a second depot at a one-acre site in Naas, to include a new showroom, extensive workshop facilities and additional staff.

Kubota appoints FJS Plant

Kubota appoints FJS Plant

“This appointment reinforces Kubota’s commitment to its customers and the market, while supporting FJS with the opportunity to continue to grow its business,” explains Henry Bredin, general manager of Kubota (UK)’s Tractor Business Unit. “This partnership will also help Kubota to further strengthen its position in these important market sectors, by serving a wider cross-section of customers from one business.”

A market leader in the sales, service and supply of mobile plant and demolition equipment in Ireland, FJS was established in 1993. With its highly skilled and manufacturer-trained staff providing the highest levels of customer care across its sales, service and repair divisions, the business is looking forward to expanding its operation with the addition of Kubota’s tractors and ground care product ranges.

“We’re absolutely delighted to have been appointed as a full-line dealer for Kubota,” explains Frank Smyth, managing director of FJS. “We believe that Kubota has tremendous potential for market growth in this area, and this move provides us with a range of tractors up to 170hp, ground care equipment and RTVs to sell to our growing customer base.”

“The integration of Kubota tractors and ground care products into our existing business is great news, both for new and existing FJS customers. And our long-term strategy, as a full-line Kubota dealer, also includes opening a third depot,” he adds.

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PSD Groundscare back at SALTEX

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PSD Groundscare back at SALTEX: PSD Groundscare are geared up for Saltex which will see a stand that is bigger than ever before, a first look at commercial E-Power Equipment and the unveiling of an all-new PSD rebrand.

Visitors will have the opportunity to view for the first time a fantastic range of innovative new machines from AS Motor, Koppl and Eliet, as well as the RoviMo robotic mower, designed specifically for the maintenance of sports fields and stadiums.

PSD Groundscare back at SALTEX

PSD Groundscare back at SALTEX

As the industry sees a substantial growth in the use of electric machines, professional users can now benefit from the developments which are the future of the landscaping industry, offering them a high performing e-power solution capable of cutting long grass without compromising on performance.

Highly innovative AS Motor manufacture specialist mowers for long grass, steep slopes and difficult terrain mowing along with mechanical weed removal solutions. The latest additions to their range and showcasing at Saltex includes a range of new commercial eco-friendly E-Power solutions including lawn mowers, long grass mowers, mulching mowers and weed removal.

Award winning implement carrier and attachment manufacturer Koppl are also continuing to develop their range of commercial e-power equipment by building on the already popular Compact Easy E-Drive power unit with the recent introduction of the larger Compact Comfort E-Drive. This new model offers a powerful power unit for operating a range of landscaping attachments suitable for the rigorous use in the professional market.

Belgium manufacturer Eliet specialise in manufacturing solutions for green waste and lawn and turf care and previewed at Saltex will be the new Vector Green Waste Shredder which will be available for purchase during Spring of 2022. This shredder fills a gap in the range and is capable of shredding material into Bio Chips up to a diameter of 8cm and promises performance to match the other machines in the range.

Also making its first appearance at Saltex following its successful trials at MCFC training ground is the Ronovatec RoviMo, the world’s first intelligent electric vehicle capable of mowing patterns autonomously according to the guidelines of national football associations, UEFA, or FIFA.  Operated simply and efficiently remotely via an app, RoviMo® can also be used for mowing other large green areas with further development planned for golf course use.

In addition to the large exciting range of new innovations, there will also be a selection of existing key products being showcased and visitors are invited to come and meet the manufacturers behind the products first hand and speak direct to the experts.

Visitors will also get a first look at PSD’s recent rebrand, designed to take the business into the next era. The sharp new logo has been created to demonstrate the businesses constant strive for innovation, while keeping elements of the original logo and its values.

Stuart Mercer Sales Director of PSD Groundscare said:

“We are exceptionally excited about our attendance at Saltex this year, and it feels great being back exhibiting and we are very much looking forward to unveiling many innovative new products on our bigger than ever stand as we have more than doubled the size of our stand to reflect the extensive range we are showcasing.

The expansion of the range of e-power battery powered equipment with extended run times will provide our customers and dealers with high performance, professional low noise machines that produce zero emissions and lower hand arm vibration. Meaning they’re a win-win for customers, operators and the environment and we can’t wait to get demonstrating to our customers. We believe that the new additions to our range will ensure we continue to be able to offer machinery that revolutionise groundscare and maintenance”.

PSD Groundscare will be exhibiting on stand E081

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Yamaha and Service Dealer agreement

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Yamaha and Service Dealer agreement: Yamaha Motor Europe N.V., Branch UK is pleased to announce a Service Dealer agreement with Lister Wilder, the Reading-based distributor of Agricultural, Arboriculture, Construction, Golf and Groundcare equipment.

In 2019 Lister Wilder was appointed a Yamaha sales dealer for golf cars and light electric vehicles. Now, following the signing of this Service Dealer agreement, they will also offer service and aftersales support to ensure exemplary levels of customer care to golf courses across the south and southwest of England.

Yamaha and Service Dealer agreement

Yamaha and Service Dealer agreement

Commenting on the signing Yamaha’s Dan Palmer, Manager, Golf Cars said,

“After reviewing a number of key service areas to support the growth of our direct hire business, we introduced this new initiative, appointing Service Dealers to significantly upgrade our aftersales support to customers. Our previous business model was to provide in-house service support using mobile technicians from our service centre on the south coast.

“Now, we have a respected premium family-owned and family-run business with a reputation for impeccable service and customer care supporting our customers from their branches in Bristol, Reading, Cirencester, Guildford and Ashford.  This will enable a more efficient, effective and flexible service provision in which we aim to exceed customer expectations.

“Lister Wilder are the first of our distribution partners to sign a Service Dealer agreement and are a perfect fit, with a business philosophy reflecting the ethos here at Yamaha.”

Neil Davis, Group Service Director at Lister Wilder added,

“We partnered with Yamaha in 2019, marketing and selling golf cars and light electric vehicles. The success of our sales role for these products resulted in our appointment as ATV dealers, as well. Now, we can celebrate the award of Service Dealer status, providing a bespoke, all-encompassing service for golf course operators.

“We are delighted that Yamaha have put their trust in us to support this new strategy, enabling golf courses access to Yamaha’s product offering through their direct hire programme, which removes third party finance agreements and offers true fixed costs, together with all round support.”

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Bernhard to showcase expertise at shows

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Bernhard to showcase expertise at shows: Industry-leader in turf sharpening equipment and management solutions, Bernhard and Company has announced its attendance at an exciting run of turf trade shows throughout the autumn and winter in both the UK and USA.

The company will be showcasing a brand-new, bespoke booth, designed to enhance the experience of those visiting the shows. In addition, Bernhard and Company will present all-new informational product and service videos while also demonstrating the benefits of its market-leading grinding equipment, superb aftersales service, and educational expertise.

Bernhard to showcase expertise at shows

Bernhard to showcase expertise at shows

Bernhard and Company has a rich history of relationships and attendance at trade shows and conferences around the globe, having first exhibited at GIS as early as 1995. “Exhibiting at trade shows around the world in various markets has enabled us to remain at the forefront of the industry for decades,” said Steven Nixon, Global Director of Sales for Bernhard and Company.

“It not only allows us to increase our brand awareness, but also provides us with a fantastic opportunity to engage with clients, present new technology, and develop new and exciting relationships,” he added.

During the first week of November, the Bernhard and Company team will be heading to the NEC Arena in Birmingham for the 2021 SALTEX show. The Sports Amenities Landscaping Trade Exhibition will take place on the 3rd and 4th November 2021 and is a must-visit for those maintaining or managing pitches, estates, grounds, landscaping, play areas or parks. The Bernhard and Company stand can be found at F030.

As proud members of BIGGA, the British and International Golf Greenkeepers Association, the Bernhard and Company team will be heading to Halifax, Yorkshire, in January for the BTME (BIGGA Turf Management Exhibition) show. While presenting its latest product range, the industry-leader will also be introducing the members of the 2022 BIGGA Delegation. Each year, the company takes ten selected delegates to the GIS Show for a week of first-class education and experience. This year will mark the visit of the 200th delegation member – a landmark occasion.

In addition, the leaders in grinding technology will be travelling to the USA in February to attend the much-anticipated Golf Industry Show (GIS) in San Diego. The Trade Show at the GCSAA Conference and Trade Show, will take place between the 8th and 10th February 2022, and is golf’s premier learning and networking marketplace. The show attracts huge numbers of key decision-makers from every aspect of the golf course and facility management industry.

“We are very excited to be able to get back out on the road with our sales and client relations teams to attend some of the industry’s most highly regarded trade shows,” said Steven Nixon.

“The UK and the USA are hugely important regions for our business, so it is very important for us to be able to remain at the front and centre of the turf management industry in those areas.

“The tradeshow season is always an intense period. It is important to be able to show our customers and distributors alike what we have to offer, while also assuring them that we are available at all times to support their every need.”

KNOW BERNHARD AND COMPANY?

A specialist in sports turf technology, Bernhard and Company is committed to providing leading turf care solutions to golf course and pitch care specialists worldwide. The Company offers innovative and market leading blade sharpening systems as well as sports surface air movement and moisture control solutions.

With over 150 years of being at the sharp end of the industry the Bernhard and Company product portfolio is focused on providing its global customer base with championship turf, world-class playability and unbeatable quality of cut. Bernhard and Company’s turf health solutions are used at top 100 courses and famous sporting venues around the world – there has to be a reason why. For more information, visit www.bernhard.co.uk.

Find Bernhard and Company on their official social media channels:

  • Twitter – @BernhardCompany
  • Facebook – Bernhard Company
  • Instagram – @BernhardCompany
  • Linkedin – Bernhard Company

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Consolidate Turf appoint Nick Hyndman

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Consolidate Turf appoint Nick Hyndman: Consolidate Turf (a Growing Solutions Ltd Company) is pleased to announce the expansion of the product specialist team with the appointment of Nick Hyndman as Technical Manager.

Nick brings an outstanding depth of industry knowledge to the role. He began his education at Myerscough College, gaining a Foundation Degree in Sports Turf Science and Management, a National Diploma in Sports Turf (level 3) and an NVQ 2 in landscaping and horticulture.

Consolidate Turf appoint Nick Hyndman

Consolidate Turf appoint Nick Hyndman

After six years working in landscaping, Nick transitioned into sports turf in 2008 before joining Fleetwood Town FC in 2010. He was part of the team that won Grounds Team of the Year on two occasions and were once rated as highly commended. In 2017 he became Head Groundsman at Fleetwood, overseeing the stadium pitch and 12 pitches at the club’s new ten million pound Poolfoot Training facility with his team of five.

Nick has recently worked at Leyland Golf Course, where he has rounded off his turf knowledge with valuable greenkeeping experience, giving him a fantastic grounding to work with Consolidate users across numerous sports.

Speaking on the appointment, Managing Director of Growing Solutions Ltd, Paul Benson, said: “Nick is exactly the kind of person we wanted to expand our team with because of the experience he has. Obviously, his time in football with Fleetwood stands out because of the work he and his team did there, and it is exciting for us to be able to offer that knowledge and experience to our customers.”

Nick will be working alongside Consolidate Turf’s current technical team Rob Welford and Anthony Asquith covering the UK and Ireland and is available at nick@consolidateturf.com or on 07714 015991.

For more information on the Consolidate Turf range, visit www.consolidateturf.com

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Ariens launches new website

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Ariens launches new website: Ariens is excited to announce the launch of its brand-new website which will provide its UK and European customers with a wealth of information, support and customised regional resources.

The website, which has been designed with Ariens’ commercial heritage at its core, will feature   product details, specifications, testimonials, reviews, case studies and much more on its industry leading zero-turn mowers and snow blowers.

Ariens launches new website

Ariens launches new website

Soon to be translated into French, German and Italian, the website will also deliver professional landscapers, local authorities and gardeners from across the continent with tailored, local-language materials to help them get the most from their Ariens products.

The website’s launch underpins Ariens’ continued investment in Europe and builds on its decision to manufacture its petrol powered zero-turn mowers for the European market in its Oxfordshire factory – all proudly adorning the Made in Britain mark.

Discussing the website’s launch, Brad Stiles, Sales and Marketing Director, EMEAA said, “Every one of our customers is incredibly important to us and that’s why we’re delighted to offer a website that gives them the very best information and advice, all designed specifically to their needs. It marks yet another successful milestone in our long-term European growth strategy.”

To tour the website visit: ariens.eu.

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Fentons becomes Becx distributor

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Fentons becomes Becx distributor: Fentons of Bourne Ltd, the family-owned estate and garden equipment supplier, has been appointed the sole UK distributor for Becx Machines, the Netherlands-based manufacturer of high-end mechanical weed control and hedge cutting equipment for tool carriers and excavators.

Established in 2008, Becx Machines is located in Moergestel, North Brabant, which provides excellent links across Europe and to the UK. Their first hedge trimmer was launched in 2009 using a patented cutting principle and the success of this machine launched a succession of commercial models.

Fentons becomes Becx distributor

Fentons becomes Becx distributor

13 years on, they now manufacture seven different hedge trimming attachments with a working width between 75 cm and 240 cm. They also manufacture weed brushes, weed brush/edge cutters and various attachments for mounting hedge trimmers onto excavators.

Glen Bellamy, a director at Fentons, commenting on the agreement said,

“We have a track record of being sole importers; for over 25 years we have represented Homburg Draincleaners, another Netherlands-based company that manufactures specialist field drainage maintenance equipment for the agricultural sector.

“It’s a cliché, but we are genuinely delighted with the signing of this latest sole importer agreement. The quality of the Becx equipment is exceptional and the growth in their business in just over a decade is testament to the machinery they produce.

“In keeping with the trend for electrification, they have recently introduced their first electric hedge trimmer. With a working width of 75 cm, it’s two hydromotors have been replaced by 48-volt electric motors and can be mounted on almost any electrically driven tool carrier.

“Already we have had interest from local authorities for their cut and collect equipment. With the trend for more environmental working practices, this ticks several boxes as the clippings can be collected in a single pass, saving labour, and then composted for internal use or for sale as an income generator.

“We’ll be exhibiting at LAMMA in January 2022, which will be the first opportunity for prospective customers to see the equipment.

“This agreement is an exciting development for all of us here at Fentons and we look forward to a long association with the Becx team.”

Erwin Hommen, owner and managing director of Becx Machines added,

“Glen and the team at Fentons are a great fit with us as we share the same values, putting customers uppermost in the running of our businesses. Today’s end-user demands high-quality equipment and it has been their input into the development of our products that has contributed to the growth of our business. We are really looking forward to working with Fentons and I’m confident that they will help us, increasing our penetration in the important UK market sector.”

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Prevention is better than cure

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Prevention is better than cure: At a recent meeting of the Amenity Forum, Chris Faulkner of Kersten (UK) Limited spoke about the need for all involved in weed management in the sector to further increase the focus on weed prevention.

He said ‘’A common theme of the conversations we have with customers centre around removing, killing or controlling a weed that already exists. Prevention requires us to think about the causes of weeds on a particular surface and how we can make the environment as inhospitable for weeds as possible’’

Prevention is better than cure

Prevention is better than cure

In a recent presentation at a conference in Wales, the Independent Forum Chairman John Moverley, said ‘’prevention certainly on hard surfaces begins with the design of our environment. For example, designing the corner of a kerb with a nice wide radius, rather than a sharp corner allows a sweeper to easily follow the edge of the kerb and collect any detritus trapped there’’

Also at the conference, a representative from Newport Council commented about their success with improved preventative maintenance work. He said ‘’we have been using mechanical weed removal to minimise the soil build-up over winter and the team has seen a big reduction in the amount of weeds coming up in the spring. This has resulted in the diminished use of plant protection products around Newport’’

The amenity sector has been at the fore front of the development of integrated weed management and produces comprehensive guidance notes for the sector. It is important to recognise that integrated means choosing the right approach and choice of methods for weed management including plant protection products. The increased emphasis on moving to carbon zero also will significant impact on future approaches.

A new guidance note on weed prevention will shortly be available on the Amenity Forum website www.amenityforum.co.uk  and it will be just one of the topics to be addressed in Updating events across the UK organised by the Forum in early 2022. For more information contact admin@amenityforum.net

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Campey launch sumo designed TDS2

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Campey launch sumo designed TDS2: Campey Turf Care Systems has combined with British manufacturer, Sumo, to produce the Campey TDS2 sub surface sports turf decompactor specifically for the turf care industry.

The heavy-duty twin-leg machine is designed to operate behind a 40hp tractor on turf tyres and can be easily adjusted to relieve compaction and aid drainage at depths between 9.5cm and 37.5cm.

Campey launch sumo designed TDS2

Campey launch sumo designed TDS2

Weighing less than 700kg and fitted with Cat I and Cat II hitch, the Campey TDS2 is designed to deliver a sub-surface shattering effect quickly and effectively with minimum surface disturbance. This creates fissures for grass roots to grow into, allows excess water to drain and links up existing drainage, all without the need for external hydraulics or PTO.

It is suitable for use on all areas where subsurface compaction is a problem, including football pitches, rugby pitches and semi-rough on golf courses. This innovative new machine joins Campey’s already impressive line-up of aeration equipment and directly responds to customers needs and requests, as Campey Director, Lee Morgado, explains.

“We’re always listening to feedback from customers about the challenges they are facing, ways their maintenance practices are changing and what they need from machines, and that’s what led us to the Campey TDS2.

“We have been working on the concept for some time, so it is fantastic to finally have it out on show at Saltex for our customers to see. The response from those we’ve spoken to already has been very positive, and we’re looking forward to demoing the machine out on sites to show what it can do in the coming weeks and months.

“For us as a company, it’s been a fantastic experience to work with Sumo to bring this concept to life. They are a renowned British manufacturer with vast amounts of experience and skill, and they’ve used both of those things to produce this machine.”

Designed and manufactured in the UK by their highly skilled production team, Sumo has a worldwide reputation for the highest quality, durable cultivation equipment. This, combined with Campey’s renowned reputation for innovation in the turf care industry, has brought two market leaders together to deliver a simple but highly effective subsurface decompactor.

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Turf Tank One makes revolutionary change

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Turf Tank One makes revolutionary change: Bromsgrove School has taken a revolutionary step forward in line marking with their new Turf Tank One.

The co-educational day and boarding school was founded in 1553, with the vast one hundred acre site woven into the centre of Bromsgrove. Among it is the Sports Centre, where there are facilities for rugby, football, cricket, hockey, tennis and a vast array of others.

Turf Tank One makes revolutionary change

Turf Tank One makes revolutionary change

At the beginning of the school term in September, Head Groundsperson Richard Hare and his team have to prepare 15 rugby pitches across three different sites, with three groups of staff taking a week to initially mark out and prepare them.

Introducing the Turf Tank to this process is a game-changer for the Bromsgrove grounds team, and for Richard, they are now working with what he thinks is the future of line marking.

“When I first saw the Turf Tank One at the demo, I was absolutely amazed, and having used it, it’s revolutionary,” Richard begins.

“It just makes the job a hundred times easier, all the lines are dead straight, and there’s no mess, that’s the other big thing, it’s clean, and it is good to use, it’s easy, and for us, it’s been really, really good.

“We’ve marked in five pitches and the training grids which would have taken two members of staff at least three or four days, and we’ve done that in less than a day and to a high standard as well. Every pitch is a different size; there are no two pitches that are the same because of the different age groups playing sport and the way we have to fit the pitches in around the site.

“This makes it into a one-person job who can set it all up, keep an eye on it and do other things as well. And that’s not trying to make people redundant or anything like that, because as everybody will tell you, there’s always lots of things that people can be doing. And because staff can be working on other jobs, it will help us to raise our standards around the site.”

Bromsgrove’s transition into robotic line marking has been seamless with the help of Turf Tank’s Regional Manager for the North, Matt Murray. A comprehensive demo and installation have been key to all staff members being comfortable with the robot and ensuring they get the most from the customisable pitch, grid, logo and number options.

“Matt has been absolutely fantastic from day one,” Richard explains. “We set up a training day, and this is the second full day he’s been here, and he’s on the end of the phone all the time if we need any questions answered.

“When he first visited, he went through all the templates with us and set them up, and it’s superb. It’s the way that we can change as well because, like most schools, we’ll have to change from rugby after Christmas into football, so we have to go through all the pitches again, and change them all to football or training grids or whatever we need at the time. So, it’s unbelievable the changes it’s going to make for us.”

For more information on the Turf Tank One or to have a demonstration contact alex@turftank.co.uk (southern UK) or matt@turftank.co.uk (northern UK).

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