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NEWS ARTICLES

MAJOR To Launch Upgraded TDR at SALTEX

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MAJOR To Launch Upgraded TDR at SALTEX: Major Equipment Ltd, a leader in tractor-powered groundcare mowers, is delighted to introduce its upgraded TDR Rotary Mower at SALTEX 2024. Designed for maintaining parklands, sports pitches, and golf courses, the new TDR model boasts several enhancements for improved durability, precision, and efficiency.

Key upgrades include a fully galvanised body for enhanced rust resistance, 5mm blades for a cleaner cut and hydraulic brakes for better operator safety. The heavy-duty driveline ensures consistent performance even in tough conditions, while the simple height adjustment feature allows for versatile cutting from 10-140mm. Additionally, the rear deck can be detached and used independently, adding operational flexibility.

MAJOR To Launch Upgraded TDR at SALTEX

MAJOR To Launch Upgraded TDR at SALTEX

Available in 4.90m and 6.1m widths, the TDR is ideal for local authorities and contractors managing large green spaces. Major Equipment will showcase the TDR at SALTEX 2024 at stand J112, where visitors can see the mower, speak with product specialists and arrange demonstrations.

For more information or to schedule a demo, contact Major Equipment Ltd at 01524 850501 or visit www.major-equipment.com.

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Kubota return to SALTEX

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Kubota return to SALTEX: A stop by the Kubota stand is always a must for visitors to SALTEX, and this year should be no different, with a vast array of industry-leading compact tractors, RTV’s and mowing solutions taking centre stage on stand C070. A particular highlight promises to be the expanded Kubota zero-turn range, with the new Z4-541 on show in the UK for the very first time.

The Z4-541 features a robust 54” steel fabricated deck, 24hp petrol engine and 360-degree turning capability to effortlessly navigate obstacles and deliver exceptional balance and stability for mowing tasks on uneven terrain. It is equipped with side discharge, with an optional Operator Controlled Discharge Chute (OCDC) enabling operators to temporarily shut the chute to prevent clippings from ejecting onto pathways. A mulching kit for the Z4-541 is also available.

Kubota return to SALTEX

Kubota return to SALTEX

Launched in July, the Z4-541 is the latest addition to Kubota’s zero-turn line-up, which combines unbeatable manoeuvrability with a range of chassis sizes, power sources and discharge options to suit all domestic, pro-consumer and professional applications. The Z4-541 will be on display at the NEC alongside the ZD rear discharge and Ze – Kubota’s electric zero-turn range – launched at SALTEX 2023 and making a return this October.

Visitors can also expect to see the FC3-221E from Kubota’s broadened FC mower range. Small, agile and adaptable, the mower deck on the new 22hp FC3-221E features two pairs of blades per rotor for a finer cut, while the expansive 600-litre grass collector means operators can cover significant areas before it requires emptying. This makes the versatile centre-collect machine ideal for various applications including residential gardens, schools, recreational areas and large-scale sports facilities, or adapted to feature a front mounted brush to suit the maintenance of artificial sports surfaces.

Kubota will be joined once again on stand C070 by Baroness and their range of mowers and implements. Together, the two brands showcase the very best of Japanese excellence and provide sports turf and green space managers with a complete maintenance solution.

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Mansfield Sand’s Impact at Kibworth GC

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Mansfield Sand’s Impact at Kibworth GC: Since becoming Course Manager at Kibworth Golf Club in 2019 Martin Anderson has propelled the course to new heights. A crucial component in Martin’s arsenal? The superior quality sand products from Mansfield Sand Company, renowned for their performance and reliability.

For over 170 years, Mansfield Sand Company has led the industry in the development and production of premium silica sand-based products. With a commitment to innovation and quality, Mansfield Sand’s range of offerings has become synonymous with excellence across sports, landscaping, and equestrian sectors. From championship golf courses to world-class show jumping arenas, Mansfield Sand’s products have impressed at some of the most prestigious venues in the UK and Europe.

Mansfield Sand’s Impact at Kibworth GC

Mansfield Sand’s Impact at Kibworth GC

Reflecting on the transition to Mansfield Sand’s products, Martin speaks of the noticeable difference it has made at Kibworth Golf Club in Leicestershire. “We have changed our sand provider recently,” he explains. “The Mansfield Sand product is a cleaner mixture, which is evident in the soil testing results. It has the potential to significantly improve our playing surfaces.”

Martin’s journey at Kibworth Golf Club is not merely that of a Course Manager, but of a dedicated individual whose roots run deep within the club’s history. “This club holds a special place in my heart,” Martin reflects. “It’s where I took my first ever steps, became an apprentice, learned the ropes of greenkeeping, and is the place where I met my wife.” This profound connection fuels Martin’s passion for excellence, driving him to continually enhance the club’s playing surfaces with the help of trusted partners like Mansfield Sand Company.

At Kibworth, the application of Mansfield Sand’s top dressing for greens, tees, and approaches has delivered remarkable results. Martin emphasises the role of top dressing in enhancing speed, trueness, and roll through the greens. “It’s not just about aesthetics,” Martin notes. “The top dressing has massively improved playability and drainage, particularly on our heavy clay soil.”

Martin’s praise extends to Mansfield Sand’s bunker sand, essential for maintaining Kibworth’s 52 bunkers. “Our bunkers are well-placed from a playing point of view,” he explains. “Regular top-ups throughout the year, coupled with meticulous maintenance during the preseason, ensure that our bunkers are always in pristine condition.”

Martin’s successful use of Mansfield Sand products at Kibworth Golf Club is a testament to the power of quality products in course maintenance. As Kibworth continues to thrive under his leadership, it’s clear that the right sand makes all the difference in achieving excellence.

For more information visit www.mansfield-sand.co.uk

You can also follow the company on Twitter – @MansfieldSand and Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/MansfieldSandSportSurfaces/

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Finance a new Polaris vehicle

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Finance a new Polaris vehicle: Polaris Off Road is pleased to share that its bestselling RANGER and ATV line-up is now available on operating lease finance. From as little as £215.20 a month* those looking to upgrade or lease a new Polaris vehicle can do so easily by spreading the cost over 1+35 months.

Available until 31.12.2024 and running in conjunction with finance partners, DLL, a global leasing company with more than 50 years of experience, Polaris vehicles become more accessible through the finance options to those when it is needed most.

Finance a new Polaris vehicle

Finance a new Polaris vehicle

Richard Coleby, National Sales Manager said: “We understand the challenges our customers face, so these operating lease finance options ease the burden of upfront costs. Whether our customers are looking to upgrade essential equipment for the upcoming harvest, preparing for the hunting season or simply for the everyday, our customers can finance the cost of a vehicle to suit them.”

Models available on Polaris’ operating lease finance include the Sportsman 570 ATV and RANGER UTV models: RANGER 570; RANGER 1000 with EPS; RANGER Diesel Deluxe and the all-electric RANGER XP Kinetic Premium.

Sportsman 570

Prices for the Sportsman 570 EU start from £8,499, but can be financed for as little as £215.20pcm**.

The Sportsman 570 is the bestselling and most trusted ATV globally. Featuring a bold design with a handlebar-mounted pod light, an integrated LED work light and built-in battery charging the Sportsman 570 will take you from day to night. It has a towing capacity of 680kg and sealed MacPherson Strut suspension on the front with 20.8cm of travel, alongside Dual A-Arm independent rear suspension with 24.1cm of travel allowing you to get the job done.

RANGER 570

The RANGER 570 EU is available from £11,999, but customers can split the cost of this over 36 months for just £274.70**.

The small but mighty mid-size RANGER 570 UTV punches well above its weight, with a Prostar 570cc double-overhead-cam engine – which packs class-leading power. The RANGER offers incredible suspension providing 25.8cm of ground clearance, a tighter turning radius and has a compact width of just 144.5 cm, giving the 570 a best-in-class combination of manoeuvrability and capability.

RANGER 1000

For those looking to split the cost of the RANGER 1000 EU over 36 months, they can do so for just £370.85**.

Polaris’ answer to top-level full-size performance at a great price point. There’s not much the RANGER 1000 can’t do with a ProStar 1000 Engine, 30.5cm of ground clearance and 25.4cm of suspension travel (front and rear), an impressive payload capacity of 454kg and a tight turning radius to stay agile in tight spaces, the RANGER 1000 is one of the most capable machines on the market.

RANGER Diesel Deluxe

The RANGER Diesel Deluxe EU can be purchased for £17,899, but those looking to finance can do so from £388.04 per month**.

As the ultimate utility workhorse, the RANGER Diesel Deluxe is durable, dependable and capable thanks to its impressive 1,134kg towing capacity, 730kg payload capacity and features – including but not limited – to Polaris’ On-Demand all-wheel drive, electric power steering and Active Descent Control. For 2025, the RANGER Diesel Deluxe sees upgrades in the way of a new redesigned front end and a Gen 2 transmission for smooth and consistent shifting.

RANGER XP Kinetic

The RANGER XP Kinetic Premium starts at £29,199 or can be purchased with 36-month finance at £597.59**.

Pushing the industry forward, the RANGER XP Kinetic provides unrivalled durability and capability thanks to its all-electric powertrain. Delivering class-leading 110-horsepower and 140Ib-ft of torque, the RANGER XP Kinetic provides maximum power, quick acceleration and precise control. Offering an impressive towing capacity of 1,134kg and boasting an industry-best 680kg payload capacity, it is the vehicle that keeps on giving. Available in a Premium and Ultimate trim, the Premium trim offers a single 14.9 kWh lithium-ion battery with a range of up to 45 miles whilst the Ultimate trim has a battery capacity of 29.8 kWh with a higher estimated range of 80 miles***.

Terms and conditions apply. More information can be found at www.polarisbritain.com/promotions.

*Model depending. Terms and conditions apply.

**Pricing information is a representative example only and is based on a 36-month fixed-term lease with 36 monthly instalments plus VAT and is subject to availability. Documentation fees also apply. Monthly rentals are all based on 500-1000 hours usage per annum.

*** Range estimates based on manufacturer data on typical customer driving usage and conditions. Actual range varies based on conditions such as external environment, weather, speed, cargo loads, rates of acceleration, vehicle maintenance, and vehicle usage.

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BIGGA teams up with The R&A

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BIGGA teams up with The R&A: The British & International Golf Greenkeepers Association’s (BIGGA) Continue to Learn education programme, which takes place each January, has received the support of The R&A as part of its commitment to a sustainable future for golf and golf courses.

Held in Harrogate, North Yorkshire, Continue to Learn runs alongside the BIGGA Turf Management Exhibition (BTME), itself the leading trade show for golf course professionals in Europe. Continue to Learn provides more than 140 hours of learning opportunities for golf greenkeepers and groundspeople, making it among the most influential events in the golfing calendar.

BIGGA teams up with The R&A

BIGGA teams up with The R&A

The R&A is a long-time supporter of BIGGA and its members and in recent years has demonstrated its commitment to BTME and Continue to Learn by hosting presentations that offer guidance based on expert research and experience of staging major events. R&A representatives have been a mainstay on the Continue to Learn programme for many years, providing world-leading agronomic advice and hosting panel discussions in the context of historic championships held throughout the year. The Golf Course 2030 programme was launched at Continue to Learn in 2018 and research participants have returned each year to discuss their findings and proposals.

For the first time, in 2025 The R&A will be recognised as formally supporting the Continue to Learn Conference programme, which comprises of a major two-day learning event and a separate New Greenkeeper Conference. Additionally, R&A representatives will participate in various Classes and contribute towards cost-free learning opportunities such as the Seminars and the BTME Breakfast Session.

Next year (2025) will also mark the 20th anniversary of The R&A’s Greenkeeping Scholarship and events are anticipated to take place at BTME and Continue to Learn to mark the occasion. To date, over 500 greenkeepers from 30 countries have benefitted from this influential scholarship opportunity.

Jim Croxton, BIGGA CEO, said: “As a governing body for golf, representing over 61 million golfers in 145 countries, we’re proud The R&A has recognised the pivotal role greenkeepers play in the success of the sport through this commitment to supporting the Continue to Learn Conference programme and wider education opportunities provided by our annual gathering, BTME.

“Creating our annual programme of learning experiences and hosting it within the context of a massive trade show takes significant effort and we’re proud that for many years The R&A has recognised just how valuable BTME and Continue to Learn have become to the entire golfing industry. We thank everyone at The R&A for investing in our members and the wider turf management industry in this way as it will only enhance the BTME experience for everyone involved and help ensure the game is still thriving in 50 years’ time.”

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