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“It’s been superb!” Compact sprayer gets top praise

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“It’s been superb!” Compact sprayer gets top praise: The demands from spraying contractors extend far beyond just reliability when it comes to their sprayers. Strength, durability, and flexibility are all factors that need to be considered for the operator to tackle a wide range of spraying situations.

UK compact sprayer manufacturer Martin Lishman Ltd has embraced industry changes and stringent customer requirements to drive the development of their sprayer range to the point where they now offer a whole plethora of options and sizes to cater for almost any situation.

“It’s been superb!” Compact sprayer gets top praise

“It’s been superb!” Compact sprayer gets top praise

Sam Vickers of SMV Contract Services LTD, Stamford, Lincolnshire covers all aspects of ground care maintenance. The spraying sector of the business covers agriculture, sports turf, and amenity sites across the UK. A continually growing list of clients meant it was time for him to expand his sprayer fleet.

For Sam the choice was easy – another Martin Lishman sprayer: “We bought our first Martin Lishman sprayer 4 years ago, a 400-litre model with a 6-metre boom, and it’s been superb! So much so, that we haven’t replaced but added to the fleet with a new 600 litre, 8m metre boom pro-specification version. The tractor mounted option suits our needs for transport and utilises the compact tractors we have. The new sprayer also joins a new Martin Lishman compact 70 litre quad bike sprayer with a 3 metre boom for smaller jobs.”

Combining amenity specification and flexibility with agricultural strength and durability has been the key design element of Martin Lishman compact sprayers since production began in the 1980’s. Designed and manufactured in England at their site in Bourne, Lincolnshire, specialist or bespoke requests can often be catered for. Their design allows considerable variation of models to meet the specialist needs of customers, with many looking to diversify into a wide range of spraying jobs.

“The need for a solid design for amenity work became clear very quickly” explains Gavin Lishman, Managing Director of Martin Lishman Ltd. “In the early days we designed our sprayers for use in agriculture; we had the experience and a strong foothold in the industry, so we knew what we were up against. The sprayers needed to be able to withstand the rigors of farm use and always work when needed. As the demand for small sprayers grew in the amenity market, we were ready to bring our tried and tested designs into the industry. We are starting to see more contractors like Sam cover both the agriculture and amenity sectors, and we believe that our sprayers are almost unique on the market in offering the range and versatility needed for this kind of work”.

The Martin Lishman compact sprayer range includes trailed, ATV mounted, demountable and self-propelled models with tank sizes ranging from 70 to 600 litres and boom widths from 1 metre to 8 metres. Sam’s new pro-spec tractor mounted sprayer consists of a 600-litre tank, PTO-driven pump, 8m pro-spec folding boom, 9m hose reel with hand lance, full electric controls, chemical induction hopper and bout marker.

“The sprayer is mainly used for liquid fertiliser and herbicide applications, our compact tractors run on auto steer GPS guidance to ensure total accuracy”, explains Sam. “The new sprayer has been very reliable, and full credit goes to your workshop team should I need any replacement nozzles, pipes or wearing parts. The service from Martin Lishman has been exemplary, and I look forward to many more years of business together as we expand.”

For spraying and other groundcare enquires, Sam of SMV Contract Services LTD can be contacted on info@smvcontractservices.co.uk or 01780 693 017. Follow Sam on Facebook (@smvcontractservices) to keep up with the latest jobs and developments.

For more information on Martin Lishman compact sprayers, visit their website at www.martinlishman.com. Sales enquires can be made directly to sales@martinlishman.com

Stay up to date, follow Martin Lishman on:

Twitter: @Martin_Lishman

Facebook: facebook.com/martinlishmanltd

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LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/martin-lishman-ltd

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When 3 cylinders are better than 4

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When 3 cylinders are better than 4: Specialist turf growers, County Turf, farm in Yorkshire and Lincolnshire with a fleet of 24 tractors. A strong relationship with local dealer Peacock & Binnington saw the company introduce a Fendt 211 to the fleet in 2020. The Fendt has since done over 3000 hours and has helped director Chris Medley reduce fuel costs and improve the efficiency of loading work.

“We run four-cylinder tractors for most of our general production work. I was advised that the three-cylinder Fendt would manage the work well whilst offering a significant fuel saving. It has been an eye-opener because we have reduced our fuel consumption by at least 25 percent and yet the tractor has performed admirably,” he explains.

When 3 cylinders are better than 4

When 3 cylinders are better than 4

There are five models in the 200 range: the 207, 208, 209, 210 and top of the range 211. Power outputs start at 79 horsepower and extend to 124 horsepower. All models are available as Power, Profi and Profi+ with AGCO’s three-cylinder 3.3 litre engine.

The latest model 211 benefits from a power boost called ‘Dynamic Performance’ which releases an additional ten horsepower on demand. The system detects when components such as the PTO, hydraulics, engine fan and air-con need more power, and then provides that added power through smart control. “If I had one criticism of our 211 it is that it is a little short of power for some applications. The new model may be an option for us in the future if the boost function provides the extra power that we need,” says Mr Medley.

The 69 plate 211 at County Turf has been used mostly for loading. With a Fendt loader on the front and pallet tines on the three-point linkage it has become a popular choice for loading work and Mr Medley suggests it is more useful than a telehandler. “It has very sensitive controls for loading work and the joystick is ergonomic to use, so operators prefer it to a telehandler. It also has the advantage of carrying at the front and rear so it can move more in a day.”

Being a light tractor, it is also easier to transport. The Fendt is regularly deployed to sports grounds where it loads fresh turf and moves sand. “When we install pitches, we need lighter machines to reduce any potential damage to the turf. The Fendt is perfect for this because it has sufficient power without the greater weight that four-cylinder tractors carry.”

The cab is typically Fendt. Quiet, comfortable, and ergonomic. It is spacious and more akin to the larger models in the range. The high seating position offers the operator better vision over the loader and gives an overall feeling of space. “The view from the Fendt is great for our operators when they are moving turf. Operators also enjoy the comfort, especially when they are using it for long shifts.”

The land used to grow turf is dry and coarse which makes establishment tricky at times, especially with the high winds experienced in the area. The 211 is regularly used for mowing and irrigation work but is also versatile enough to work with a harvester, loading lorries. “We can move the Fendt from one job to another really easily. It has enough power to pull mowers and transport irrigation equipment whilst also having the loading capability to move turf.”

Comfort has always been a distinguishing part of the Fendt brand and the 200 series is no exception. Despite being a compact machine with a turning circle of just 4.2 metres, the cabin feels every bit like that of one of the larger models. The seat offers excellent cushioning and support which will help those intending to do long stints behind the wheel. “Our operators really appreciate the Fendt for its comfort and prefer to use the 211 if they can.”

County Turf has a constant churn of tractors, choosing to replace each tractor in the fleet within three years to keep within the warranty period. With excellent support from Peacock & Binnington, Mr Medley is never left without a machine and servicing has been completed quickly and efficiently. “It is vital that we avoid downtime. The Fendt has not let us down in over 3000 hours, so we are really pleased with the reliability and the service we have had from P&B.”

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North and south for Corvus 4×4

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North and south for Corvus 4×4: The dealer network for Corvus Terrain 4×4 utility vehicles has expanded further with the appointment of B&B Tractors and Kirkland UK. BOSS off-road vehicles, the sole UK distributor for Corvus, made the announcement saying the two dealerships are a natural fit in their drive to establish a seamless network of specialist dealers throughout the UK.

B& B Tractors is a family owned and managed business with four depots covering Yorkshire, Derbyshire, Staffordshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire and Warwickshire. The business has rapidly expanded since being established in 1991 when Massey Ferguson approached Bowring Transport owners Chris and David Boring about taking on the franchise, originally to cover the Nottingham area and parts of North Derbyshire. Since then, they have grown to represent a wide range of industry leading names, with rapid expansion into the territories they cover today. The Head Office at the Warsop site alone has grown to 30 acres with 150 employees.

North and south for Corvus 4x4

North and south for Corvus 4×4

“We wanted to work with B&B Tractors because of their delivery of the highest levels of customer care to their agricultural, municipal and industrial customers,” says Phil Everett, BOSS ORV’s Managing Director. “Not only can they represent the Corvus Terrain range to those sectors, they can also provide the highest levels of service and support that go hand in hand with being Corvus dealers, as they have shown with the other brands offered by the business.”

The story for Kirkland UK began in the late 1800s when partner Scott Worsley’s great, great, great grandfather set up Worsley Carriage Builders in Kent, building carriages for farming, fruit growing and vineyards. The Kirkland brand began in 2005 as a range of specialist machinery, becoming a company in its own right and growing to become one of the country’s leading suppliers of specialist equipment for vineyard and fruit orchard management. With the appointment as Corvus dealers, Scott is excited to bring the brand to the South-East.

“We found CORVUS UTV’s to be the perfect addition to our range of machinery solutions for our customers. These popular UTV’s are ideal 4×4 vehicles thanks to their powerful, robust design with generous storage and load capacity making them high performers in any weather condition, which is exactly what the South-East needs!”

Phil Everett says, “we had been looking for a partner for Corvus in the South East of England and after talking to Scott for five minutes, it was obvious that Kirkland UK would be a natural fit with us. We share the same passion for success and rapid growth and an impatience to achieve. They are an extremely customer focused organisation and hungry to grow the business and explore diverse opportunities to achieve this. Together with their already very well established customer base in the region it was a very easy decision to partner with them for this area.”

For more information about the Corvus Terrain range, you can call 01597 810188, E-mail: sales@bossorv.co.uk or visit www.bossorv.co.uk

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Homburg draincleaners launches in golf sector

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Homburg draincleaners launches in golf sector: Fentons of Bourne Ltd, the family-owned estate and turf maintenance equipment supplier, has been distributors of Homburg drain-cleaning equipment to the agricultural and horticultural sectors for past 28 years. Now, with the introduction of two new dedicated machines, Homburg are entering the Golf sector to help course managers resolve drainage issues.

Waterlogged areas on golf courses, often the result of blocked or damaged drainage systems, can close specific holes or even the whole course, with the resultant loss of income and, more importantly, disgruntled golfers.

Homburg draincleaners launches in golf sector

Homburg draincleaners launches in golf sector

To alleviate this problem, Homburg has introduced two models, the Blizz and Delta, both tractor mounted and pto-driven pipe cleaning systems to ensure playability on your course. Using an available water source, be it nearby pond, ditch or attached water bowser, the system is easily transportable using a 40 hp (or larger) tractor

The Blizz is the entry-level model, which is compact and manoeuvrable with excellent performance characteristics. It can be used on clay or plastic pipes and is equipped with two pressure gauges; one to monitor water pressure, the other to monitor hydraulic pressure. An

increase in hydraulic pressure makes it easy to tell when the drainage pipes are dirty.

The Delta offers more ease of use and is the ideal machine for maintaining drainage systems over a large area or on a frequent basis. It offers hydraulically-operated height adjustment, extension, retraction and folding of the drainage arm and length adjustment of the guide arm.

The pump capacity of both machines is 135 l/min at 540 rpm. When in use, they require a maximum water volume of 80 l/min and as the pump works more efficiently at a lower speed, it’s more economical.

The use of a low pump pressure of 35 bar (500 psi), results in 10 to 12 bar (145 to 175 psi) at the cleaning nozzle, which ensures safe operation. Previously, drainage systems were cleaned around 100 bar (1450 psi) and this can cause a lot of damage to the soil structure or the drainage pipe. Because Homburg use low pressure, these problems are prevented, and there is less chance that drainage system will be damaged.

A special HPE cleaning hose is pushed into the drain making it possible for the nozzle to flush the pipe and ensures that the dirt is removed quickly.  Up to 500 metres of hose can be specified.

Glen Bellamy of Fentons said,

“For over 28 years we have represented Homburg Draincleaners in the agricultural and horticultural sectors. This latest venture into the golf sector is another opportunity for us and with significant expertise in this field, we look forward to helping golf courses alleviate any drainage issues they may have.”

www.fentonsofbourne.co.uk

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Sale secured at Trevalgan Touring Park

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Sale secured at Trevalgan Touring Park: When Neil Osborne, a partner of the family-owned caravan touring park in St Ives, Cornwall completed his research into the Ventrac package he was considering, it didn’t take long for the local dealer, Devon Garden Machinery (DGM) and the UK distributor, Price Turfcare, to spring into action.

Rob Read of DGM takes up the story,

“It all started with a call from Neil: he had already completed some in-depth research on-line and was looking for prices for a Ventrac tractor unit and a range of attachments. We had a short timescale in which to organise a demo as the end of the financial year was fast approaching.

Sale secured at Trevalgan Touring Park

Sale secured at Trevalgan Touring Park

“I put in an urgent call to Rupert Price, the UK distributor, and a demo was scheduled for the following Thursday. Rupert, his sales demonstrator Tony Doe and myself arrived at Trevalgan with Ventrac’s 4500 tractor unit, an Aera-vator with overseeder, a Finishing mowing deck, Power Broom and Front Loader and put each attachment through its paces. This enabled Neil to see the versatility, safety and efficiency of the machine.

“Within a couple of days, we had refined the package and secured the deal, with all the equipment delivered within 10 days of the demonstration.”

Neil Osborne added,

“The main reason I was interested in the Ventrac package was because of the ease of changing the implements safely and quickly on my own. The compact size and manoeuvrability of the machine is ideal for our busy campsite and enables me to get in to all the tight spaces.

“The overall quality of the machine and implements are excellent. I have been very impressed by the Area-vator as this helps to relieve the compaction of the pitches caused by a five-month season of continual use by tents, caravans and motorhomes. At the end of the season, this versatile implement can also re-seed the pitch at the same time, which makes the Ventrac very time efficient and I have been more than pleased with the end result.

“It also works really well to fluff the bark around the play equipment. The mower and broom attachments are regularly used and perform their tasks well. I would not hesitate in recommending Rob from DGM and Price Turfcare and look forward to dealing with them again in the future.”

About Trevalgan Touring Park

Trevalgan is an award-winning, luxury, five-star, family camping and touring park with stunning coastal and countryside views, just two miles from St Ives. The Park, which is owned and run by Neil and Annette Osborne, is surrounded by open farmland, with gorse and heather covered hills behind, and is within walking distance of the rugged and beautiful South West Coast Path.

The latest recognition for the stunning facility was made at the Cornwall Tourism Awards 2021/22, when the park was awarded Camping and Caravanning Park of the Year – Gold.

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