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Proper planning prevents poor performance

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Proper planning prevents poor performance: Proper planning and preparation now by restocking Toro genuine parts will see machines putting in their best performance throughout the busy season and avoiding costly downtime.

Machinery maintenance is an expense clubs won’t want to take risks with, especially when so many find themselves navigating price increases across the board says Michael Hampton, purchasing and sales process manager at Reesink Turfcare: “The cost of living crisis will be putting a pinch on many golf clubs’ budgets and planning ahead will be essential to help manage costs, keep machines’ performance on point and unnecessary downtime to a minimum.”

Proper planning prevents poor performance

Proper planning prevents poor performance

With the spring mowing season around the corner machines need to be ready to roll and able to perform throughout some of the busiest months of the year and now is the perfect time to stock up on common parts such as belts, blades, bedknives, bearings and filters.

Michael continues: “Having parts available is the difference between working time and downtime and by preparing ahead machines can spend less time in the workshop and more time on the greens.”

Investing in genuine parts ensures the optimum performance and longevity from the machine. Toro parts are designed with exact engineering specifications for the equipment, meaning machines are not only not guaranteed to perform, but there’s no risk of damaging the part or the machine, which can occur with non-genuine parts.

Michael says: “Using genuine Toro parts is the failsafe way to get a better performance for longer and a higher residual value when the time comes to sell. Toro parts fit perfectly in a Toro machine. They are identical to those used in the original machine, giving like-for-like off the product line fit.”

Bringing extra value to the decision to go genuine with Toro is the second-to-none backup and direct access to factory-trained technicians from distributor Reesink. Genuine Toro Parts are easily sourced via local dealers and Reesink branches’ comprehensive stocks.

Each dealer is computer-linked with the parts department making checking availability and placing an order both quick and efficient. Delivery is within 24 hours and even in the case of parts needing to be shipped overseas, that’s done within 48 hours from the USA.

Stocking up on MVP kits can save additional time and money. These handy packs are named for what they deliver: maintenance, value and performance. From hose kits and cutting unit overhaul kits to deck kits and more, uptime can be maximised to keep up with the demands of the turf. Not to mention the fact that an MVP kit can cost up to 5 percent less than buying each part separately.

To stock up on Toro parts customers can get in touch with their local Toro Genuine Parts dealer or service centre or contact Reesink via reesinkturfcare.co.uk.

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CS100 proves perfect

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CS100 proves perfect: Satisfying the increasing demand from domestic customers for retaining wood chip, a CS100 from GreenMech has been non-stop since its delivery, according to Max Bishop, Owner of MJB Group.

Installed by local dealers GA Groundcare in December 2022, the CS100 sits alongside a GreenMech Arborist 150P which now gives the landscape, arb and grounds team the versatility to tackle projects of all shapes and sizes.

CS100 proves perfect

CS100 proves perfect

Into their sixth year of trading, MJB Group undertake all areas of garden maintenance and tree surgery, and in addition to a large residential client base, have recently begun working on a number of commercial jobs in and around their trading area of Wiltshire and Somerset. “We’ve had a GreenMech Arborist 150P on our fleet for the last five years and it’s a fantastic piece of kit” Max says. “This is in use every day. Increasingly, on the domestic jobs, customers were asking to keep chippings to use in their flowers beds so we spoke to Ashley at GA Groundcare about a smaller, more portable unit that we could manoeuvre into back gardens, chip on the spot, and then spread the chippings where they’d like them.”

At just 760mm wide, the GreenMech CS100 is ideal for jobs in confined spaces, fitting through standard gates and doorways making it the perfect partner for work in domestic environments. The 18hp electric-start petrol engine and twin, reversible chipping blades make light work of timber, wood waste and vegetation while the adjustable discharge chute makes chip disposable convenient and simple.

“Within half an hour of the CS100 demonstration we’d decided to buy it! The build quality of it is extraordinary and, after having a look at other machines, this only confirmed that we weren’t going to get anything more robust or better suited to our needs.” He continues, “It’s been working on all-manner of jobs, from garden clearances through to large ash tree removals where we hooked it up on the back of the quadbike and towed it into position.”

“It will take material up to 4” extremely easily and produces lovely chips. Having this second machine has also saved us a considerable amount of money that we were spending on disposing chippable material when the Arborist 150P was busy.” Delighted with the performance of his CS100, Max has also been impressed with the back up support and service from GreenMech and his regional dealer GA Groundcare. “They’re a fantastic brand to work with, really easy to talk to and no question is too much to ask. With our pair of machines working so well, as we continue to grow it’s great to have a brand supporting us that can continue to support our requirements moving forwards.”

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John Deere dealer acquisition

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John Deere dealer acquisition: John Deere’s agricultural and sports turf machinery will be available through a single, larger dealer in the counties of Antrim, Derry/Londonderry, Armagh and Down after Stephen W Moore LTD announced that it is acquiring its neighbouring franchise, Johnston Gilpin & Co LTD.

Both Coleraine and Lisburn branches will continue trading from the current locations, and customers will experience a simplification of all aspects of parts and service in the region as a result of the move, which is in line with Deere’s Dealer of Tomorrow strategy.

John Deere dealer acquisition

John Deere dealer acquisition

All Johnston Gilpin & Co employees will be transferred to Stephen W Moore, and the company’s branch in Lisburn will continue to trade under the name Johnston Gilpin.

The expanded dealership will offer the full range of John Deere agricultural machinery as well as domestic and professional turf care products, supplying farms, homes, sports venues and golf courses with the same quality equipment and aftersales service they have received under the previous structure.

Dealer Principal Stephen Moore said: “This is an exciting time as we prepare to nearly double the size of our business with the next stage of our evolution.

“We have known the McConnell family and the Johnston Gilpin group for many years and the whole team has done a fantastic job serving agricultural and turf care customers in the territory. It is clear we share the same core values around delivering unrivalled customer service so I am looking forward to integrating the two businesses under the Stephen W Moore banner.

“The transition will be smooth and steady, ensuring that it’s business as usual for our customers while we are learning from each other behind the scenes.”

Stephen W Moore has been a John Deere dealer since 2008 in Coleraine. It is known for its strength in supporting farmers and contractors in the region, offering the full range of forage harvesters, combines, small, medium and large-frame tractors, sprayers, mowers and balers.

“As well as covering a larger area and the benefits that scale brings to a business like ours, we will now be able to offer the full range of professional turf care machines, parts, service and technical knowledge,” Mr Moore added. “As one franchise with access to more machines, parts and know-how, the training and advice we can offer to customers and staff will continue to improve.”

John Deere’s Division Sales Manager, Brian D’Arcy, said: “The acquisition is a great fit for our dealer network and the new, larger business – backed up by the support from John Deere – is an extremely strong proposition for our customers in Northern Ireland.

“Both companies are well established with knowledgeable staff and connected support. Looking ahead, the business will go from strength to strength and be in a position to make the future investments required in facilities, logistics and advanced precision technologies.

“Our special thanks go to Donn, Randal, Neale and all the McConnell family for their valuable and longstanding contribution to the industry after serving as a dealer in the area for John Deere for the past 54 years.”

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Agrovista Amenity launches new nutrition brochure

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Agrovista Amenity launches new nutrition brochure: Agrovista Amenity, a leading supplier of professional products and specialist advice, has launched its new nutrition brochure for 2023/24.

The comprehensive brochure will feature the extensive list of Agrovista Amenity’s nutrition product offerings, including granular, liquid, soluble, and micronutrients.

Agrovista Amenity launches new nutrition brochure

Agrovista Amenity launches new nutrition brochure

Many turf professionals have benefitted from using the likes of the Evolution granular fertiliser range, the E2Pro liquid and soluble products, and the GoGreen micro-nutrient range. All of these products, and many more, feature in the new brochure complete with advice on how to get the best results, including recommended period of use, directions for use and application rates.

The aim of the brochure is not just to provide a list of products, but also to offer support and guidance to help individuals make clear informed choices. Agrovista Amenity’s independent and global reach allows the company to source and offer products from many different supply partners, blending the best the market has to offer in a complete range.

“Over the last few seasons, we have seen global instability leading to wild fluctuations in commodity pricing and the knock-on effect of huge price increases in what was staple fertiliser choices,” said John Marland, Agrovista Amenity’s Head of Amenity. “By sourcing directly, we can provide nutritional solutions that offer the best value without sacrificing agronomic performance.

“We offer market leading testing to allow the optimum decision support to our customers’ nutritional inputs. Every Agrovista Amenity representative is qualified to BASIS and FACTS as a minimum, and will be able to provide soil, water, and leaf tissue analysis. In addition, representatives can also offer a fully independent fertiliser programme complete with weekly weather data to support input choices.”

The brochure also contains information on the Agrovista Amenity Academy, which is a free online learning resource providing in-depth Knowledge courses on subjects such as turf disease, product application, turf pests, managing moss, frost, weeds, and thatch as well as courses for products sold by Agrovista Amenity.

For more information about Agrovista UK, visit www.agrovista.co.uk/amenity 

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Ranger for pitch renovations

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Ranger for pitch renovations: With the end of the season soon upon us and the all-important pitch renovations starting, Reesink Hydro-Scapes has just the ticket for uncomplicated, effective and responsible irrigation for the UK’s football pitches.

For those clubs who need a simple update and are looking for a cost-effective way to upgrade and improve their irrigation system over time without big hardware changes, a two-wire controller from SRC could be the answer.

Ranger for pitch renovations

Ranger for pitch renovations

Two-wire decoders are rising to become the industry standard. Robert Jackson, division manager for Reesink Hydro-Scapes, considers why: “Resources – water and staff – is limited; the weather’s never been hotter, there’s more to do, teams are smaller and the last thing these clubs need is a big hardware change.”

“Customers value the control and independence a quality two-wire system affords. Two-wire systems started out as a way to save money on wire, but now, through technological improvements, they are recognised and valued as an effective irrigation solution, and their stock is rising.

“Grounds staff know the areas they want irrigating back to front and are happy to key in the time manually around a pitch. They’re aware they may need to expand the system in the future and the capacity of the SRC Ranger Controller 4000 D will afford them what they need.”

So how easy is it to convert your favourite controller to a two-wire system? In most circumstances, the traditional outputs of any conventional controller can be wired into the two-wire converter.

This saves wire, labour and money. For example, the installation of a two-wire system is often up to a third less time than installing a multi-wire system.

This can allow you to connect up to 100 stations on a single converter, while also operating up to ten programmes simultaneously. Cable faults of such a system are easy to diagnose and there’s minimal fault-finding equipment needed. The diagnostics assist with fault-finding and reduce the time taken to pinpoint the problem.

Robert continues: “Some turfcare professionals just don’t want all the additional features and gizmos. They want simple irrigation that’s easy to use and highly effective. So, if your management style is that you’re prepared to monitor flow management manually by telling the system what to do with a precipitation calculation you’ve worked out yourself, the SRC Ranger controller is more than worth considering.”

So, when it comes to considering the options, the SRC Ranger Controller 4000 D from Reesink should be top of your list. It’s stocked for immediate dispatch, simply contact Reesink on 01480 226800, email info@reesinkturfcare.co.uk, or visit reesinkturfcare.co.uk.

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