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Retirement for Robert Bayliss

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Retirement for Robert Bayliss: Robert Bayliss has said goodbye to Weymouth Golf Club in Dorset after 42 years serving the James Braid-designed parkland course.

Now 65 years old, Robert originally came from a sports-ground maintenance and horticulture background, landing a post as head greenkeeper at the club in 1978 when he was only 22. Initially thinking of the position as he says, “another rung in the ladder”, he ended up enjoying his work so much he stayed until his retirement, over four decades later!

Retirement for Robert Bayliss

Retirement for Robert Bayliss

One of Robert’s biggest achievements while at Weymouth Golf Club has been his involvement in training and education, club accreditation and charity work, he says: “Training and education are paramount when it comes to staff improvement. In the early days, one of my priorities was to obtain funding for training and education from committees. Although challenging, once it became apparent that increased technical skills, as well as greater motivation and morale, resulted in an overall improvement on the work carried out on the course, getting support for these areas became a lot easier.

In Robert’s long-run career he’s experienced many advances to the greenkeeping profession, some of which he calls “remarkable”. He says: “The evolution of mechanisation and machinery is remarkable and has made the lives of greenkeepers everywhere a lot easier and safer, not to mention more productive. There’s now an open world of possibilities when it comes to the maintenance and design of turf, which simply wasn’t there when I started out.

“I sometimes relay to younger greenkeepers how many of the machines they take for granted today didn’t exist when I started, and when they did, it was only a few prestigious clubs that could afford them. The rise of technology means now we all have the machinery we need to do the job properly.”

Toro is the one brand Robert has worked with from the very beginning. “Bringing new equipment from the United States, it completely revolutionised the greenkeeping world,” he says. “One machine that, without a doubt, made my daily routine so much better was the Toro Greensmaster 3 riding greensmower; it did so much to cut maintenance time on the course.”

Robert’s personal favourite, however, was the Toro Sidewinder with its mowing units able to shift sideways, allowing the mower to cut close to obstacles while keeping both operator and machine away from hazards. “If ever there was a mower that can lay claim to being in a class of its own, then surely this is it,” says Robert.

With the club a Toro customer and considering Robert’s long-term relationship with local Toro dealer Devon Garden Machinery and his long-standing contribution to the greenkeeping profession, the news of Robert’s retirement was certainly a milestone to be marked.

John Pike, previous regional manager at Reesink Turfcare, who has also recently retired after 48 years in the turfcare industry, was happy to be involved, he says: “I was delighted to come out of my retirement for the special occasion of marking Rob’s retirement. I worked with Rob for many years as did Dennis Lumley, who worked at Devon Garden Machinery before his retirement, so we arranged a surprise lunch meeting for Rob. There, Elliot Wellman, who is Weymouth’s current contact at Devon Garden Machinery, and I presented Rob with a Reesink/Toro decanter, plus a nice bottle of malt to fill it!”

Robert calls himself “extremely fortunate” to have been surrounded with individuals who would end up becoming long-time friends, one of which is deputy Rob Mabb, a most-trusted work companion of 35 years and recently promoted to the course manager position at Weymouth upon Robert’s retirement, is one of them. A choice that Robert couldn’t be “more pleased with”.

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Pellenc converts sceptical petrol user

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Pellenc converts sceptical petrol user: Stuart Robertson of Readyhedge admits that a range of battery powered Pellenc equipment has dramatically changed his mindset.

“Before I started working at Readyhedge, I only ever used petrol machinery,” said Stuart. “When I picked up the Pellenc tools for the first time, I honestly thought that they were not going to be up to the job. In my opinion, nothing could compare to petrol.

Pellenc converts sceptical petrol user

Pellenc converts sceptical petrol user

“How wrong I was! This Pellenc equipment has turned my whole view around – they are just fantastic, and I am well and truly converted.”

Situated on an 18-acre site in Pershore, Readyhedge grows a vast range of hedging in its Readyhedge Troughs and Readybags. It also produces aerial screening and stocks a selection of root-balled hedging units during the winter months. Within the Readybag and Readyhedge trough ranges customers will find a number of plants all growing well together and carefully clipped into a Readyhedge.

This is where the Pellenc equipment comes in and Readyhedge’s Nursery Manager Liam Ireland explained why the company first decided to invest in the impressive range of equipment.

“We started using the Pellenc range due to being able put the battery on your back,” he said.

“The weight on your back means operators can work for longer periods of time without suffering from fatigue on their arms, as they are only holding the head and blade, not the power source as-well.

“As the nursery is near to housing our noise pollution is far less with the Pellenc equipment compared to petrol. They are also more efficient as no time is needed for refilling or mixing fuels. There are also no fumes and far less vibration levels for the operator.”

Light, odourless, noise-free, with no starting problems and enough power to enable professional users to work for a full day on a single charge, it’s no wonder more and more professional users are turning to Pellenc. It is an attractive alternative to those who have, for several years, been relying on fuel-based machinery.

A forerunner when it comes to lithium-ion technology, Pellenc has established itself as the number one choice in the ‘zero emission’ professional power tools market for the maintenance of urban and green-spaces.

With an extensive product list available from Pellenc, Readyhedge recently added the all-new Helion Alpha hedge-trimmer with an on-board 260 battery to its existing Helion hedge-trimmer and ULiB400 battery.

“Don’t get me wrong, the older Helion model is great,” said Stuart. “They would go for 7 hours a day and would cope with absolutely everything. The battery pack, which I wore on my back, was very comfortable too.

Pellenc converts sceptical petrol user

Pellenc converts sceptical petrol user

“However, the new Helion Alpha telescopic version gives me far more flexibility, because when I am trimming off the top, I can simply adjust the angle of the blade to help me reach. I would say the pivot on it is essential. I also like the fact that the long handle allows you to stand back from the hedge so you can clearly see what you are cutting.

“It seems to be quicker and easier than the older model too, and anything that is more time efficient for us is very welcome,” he continued. “The newer models are IP54 waterproof rated so that alone makes me feel safe. We must go out there and cut no matter what the weather and we can do that safely and efficiently with the Pellenc equipment.

“The finish with the Helion is very good and presentation is key because we are supplying the finished product to the customer.

“Then there is the reliability too,” added Stuart. “I was forever putting petrol machines in for servicing and repair so we would often be without equipment for weeks at a time – therefore costing money. The Pellenc equipment needs hardly any maintenance and we’ve not had any problems at all.

“For years and years, I used petrol trimmers and they unfortunately gave me white finger and constant trouble with my wrists. I am now using the Pellenc trimmers all day every day and I don’t have those problems.

“Overall, I am pleased that Pellenc has proved me wrong.”

Pellenc products are exclusively distributed in the UK by Etesia UK.

For further information, please contact Etesia UK on 01295 680120 or visit www.pellencuk.com

You can also follow Pellenc on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram @PellencUK for much more news, reviews and insightful views.

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Turf Machinery Spares announcement

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Turf Machinery Spares announcement: Brinly Hardy Co. announces today that the UK based company “Turf Machinery Spares Ltd” has been appointed as its distributor of the “Spyker Spreaders” brand for the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.  This allows Spyker Spreaders to strongly position itself within the UK’s Turfcare Market.

“We are excited that Turf Machinery Spares Ltd. is now leading the distribution in the UK and Northern Ireland. They have an excellent team and a very efficient operation that is centrally located with strong logistics partners nearby. Their ability to support our customers in short order, while also offering new products and spare parts online was something we wanted. We are confident they have the best stock of Spyker Spreaders and spare parts to support our new and existing customers.” said Spyker Spreaders Sales Director, Roger Beames.

Turf Machinery Spares announcement

Turf Machinery Spares announcement

Trevor Brooks – Sales Director  Turf Machinery Spares Ltd commented – I have always been impressed with the quality of Spyker spreaders and we felt this was an ideal product for us and we are all looking forward to working with the Brinley Hardy Group to grow the Spyker Spreader market here in the UK, it’s a great quality product , reliable and built to very high standards. In my view the best on the market and the certainly aimed at the professional .

Brinly-Hardy Company’s Spyker Spreaders brand is based in Indiana USA. Spyker Spreaders has been designing and manufacturing its products for over 150 years, which are used globally by Landscape Pro’s, Sports Turf Managers and Golf Course Superintendents. For more information about Spyker Spreaders please visit its website at www.spyker.com

Turf Machinery Spares Ltd. is based in Surrey UK. Its principals have over 60 years’ experience in the Turfcare industry. The company is recognized as the country’s leading supplier of high-quality Turfcare spare parts and golf course accessories.

For more information about Turf Machinery Spares, Ltd. please visit its website at www.turfmachinery.co.uk 01483 764467 sales@turfmachinery.co.uk

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Oakmont builds championship legacy

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Oakmont builds championship legacy: Oakmont Country Club regularly plays host to the best in golf, and to give them the greens they deserve, the famous Pennsylvania club uses the Jacobsen PGM 22” walking greens mower.

Aside from the Augusta National, no other course has hosted more major championships than Oakmont. The course is widely regarded as being tournament ready all year round, and the exceptional quality provided by the club and their greenkeeping team, led by Superintendent David Delsandro, has been rewarded by the USGA.

Oakmont builds championship legacy

Oakmont builds championship legacy

Oakmont has been named as the second anchor site for future USGA championships, including the U.S. Open in 2025, 2034, 2042, and 2049, as well as the U.S. Women’s Open in 2028 and 2038, the Walker Cup in 2033, and the U.S. Women’s Amateur in 2046.

Preparing the course for these events is a 365 day a year task, and when tournament time rolls around, it is about more than just the machines on the ground. David knows the quality of cut he’ll get with the Jacobsen PGM greens mowers, but when the world’s greatest golfers take to the stage, reliability, and support are what he needs.

“Jacobsen plays a large role in our maintenance today, helping us maintain the history that is Oakmont Country Club,” David explains. “Being founded in 1903, Oakmont is known for holding major championships, U.S. Opens, U.S. Amateurs, National Championships: it’s the home of championship golf in the United States.

“We pride ourselves on producing premium playability, seven days a week throughout the golf season, with firm, fast greens. Therefore the greens mower, as fundamental as it is, is the backbone of the success and the playability that we try to put forth every day.

“Currently, we are mowing greens with the Jacobsen PGM greens mowers. We’ve tried other mowers over the years, demoed different technologies, different manufacturers, we always come back to Jacobsen. Proven cut quality, ease of operation, reliability, customer support. The bottom line is performance, results.

“The club is prepping to host the 2021 U.S. Amateur Championship. It’s a big undertaking for the grounds department and the country club to support the volunteers, the staff, meet the specifications of the USGA, and Jacobsen’s been a great partner with us, with the loan of equipment, their customer support, getting parts, training, working with our equipment technicians, they are always there to support us when we need them the most.

“Jacobsen have been a great partner with us, and the championship support they provided for us, not only for this U.S. Amateur but also championships in the past and future championships, plays an integral role in us being able to host these events and build upon the championship legacy of Oakmont Country Club.”

The 121st U.S. Amateur is the latest in a long line of tournaments hosted by the club. In the past, the seven-day tournament, which features stroke play and match play, has been the springboard for some of the greatest names in golf, including Jack Nicklaus, who won the championship twice, and Tiger Woods, who is the only person to have won three consecutive titles.

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Kubota puts power down gently

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Kubota puts power down gently: A big Kubota tractor with a light tread has hit the ground running for sportsfield renovations in the north west.

The Kubota M7152 is a new addition to the line up for national grounds maintenance contractor idverde’s St Helens depot this summer and has already made a big impression.

Kubota puts power down gently

Kubota puts power down gently

“It’s a bit bigger and more powerful than the tractor it replaced, but shod on Nokian turf tyres it doesn’t leave a mark,” says operator Ryan Stirling. “It’s proving very productive and will be capable of handling a wide range of sportsfield renovation implements including a sand spreader, vertidrain and overseeder.”

Powered by a 150hp Kubota four-cylinder engine, the M7152 benefits from Kubota’s KVT stepless transmission, and Ryan notes:

“It makes the tractor very easy to operate with renovation implements as I can use the A-B buttons to set maximum and minimum revs and then select the auto setting and cruise control. There’s a great touchscreen monitor which I’ve been able to get the hang of really quickly, and it also offers auto pto engagement which will be really useful with the vertidrain, as it automatically disengages and re-engages the pto when lifting and lowering the linkage at the end of a run.”

The impressive rear linkage lift capacity of 9,400kg makes working with larger implements such as the vertidrain a breeze and idverde has plans to get even more out of the tractor.

“We’ll use it for a lot of haulage too, and the cab’s very spacious, which along with the air suspension and KVT transmission makes it really good to drive on the road,” says Ryan.

“For the autumn and winter it will have a reach arm flail fitted, and the front linkage and pto means that we can pair it with a front flail which will make verge mowing much quicker. We’re also looking to have a front loader fitted.”

Ryan notes that the M7152’s Kubota engine is pleasingly frugal, the 330 litre fuel tank giving an extra day between fill ups compared to his previous tractor, and says that the tractor has clearly been designed with the operator in mind.

“Access for routine maintenance is really good – I particularly like the flip up radiator which makes it easy to blow debris out and there are plenty of worklights. It’s very straightforward to drive and I’m looking forward to seeing what we can achieve with it.”

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