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Toro involved in many key milestones

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Toro involved in many key milestones: Toro dealer Cheshire Turf Machinery, based in Stockport near Manchester, is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year.

Toro, and its UK distributor, have been involved with Cheshire Turf Machinery for at least the last quarter of a century and some time before that, as managing director, Steve Halley explains: “Initially set up as Cheshire Light Tractors in 1956 selling garden machinery and turf equipment, the company was bought by Flymo in 1980, before we took the business back into private ownership in 1996. At that point, Toro was already a staple part of the business and Lely supported us, particularly with demo equipment when we took over. We changed the name to better suit the ethos of the business in the supply and servicing of professional turf equipment and set our focus on a mainly sports based portfolio of customers.

Toro involved in many key milestones

Toro involved in many key milestones

“The company has been through many changes, but one thing that has remained the same is our relationship with Toro and its UK distributor Lely, then Reesink.”

Toro excels at creating enduring relationships, built on reliability, productivity and quality; many of its relationships with customers are 25 years and counting – and the same relationship longevity applies to its dealers too.

Steve says: “Toro has been involved in so many milestones over the last quarter of a century. Toro was our first machine sold and our 1,000th, and when we decided to branch out into the market sector of councils and landscape contractors in 2013, becoming agents for the Toro Groundscare range enabled us to do that.”

In addition, Toro has also helped in the company’s expansion and as a result of continued sales growth Toro awarded Cheshire Turf Machinery with extra sales and service territory for its commercial golf mowers and equipment, primarily to cover South Yorkshire, culminating in the formation its sales division, Yorkshire Turf Machinery.

Steve says: “We’re very lucky to have had and to continue to have Toro and Reesink on board, having their names associated to ours has benefitted us greatly in building up the business. There’s a very good reason why 70 percent of our product portfolio consists of Toro machinery and that’s because of its quality. I believe that if we do our job properly when we sell that first Toro, we’ll have a customer for life.”

And that leads nicely on to the other major contributing factor to the company’s success and that is the experienced team, says Steve. “Our staff are good at thinking on their feet, thinking laterally to solve our customer’s problems. It was really highlighted in 2020 just how much they care, and I can’t thank them enough for that as well as all their hard work over the years.”

Excellent staff retention means the company can call on over 200 years of industry experience. Special mention goes to company secretary, Bob Smithson. Steve says his wisdom and business acumen has helped guide the company from inception to present and his influence cannot be overstated: “Bob has been instrumental in the success of the business.”

Also key, has been the company’s ability to tailor flexible finance packages to specifically meet customer requirements.

While golf provides the company’s largest customer base, other company highlights include the successful relationships forged with football clubs such as Manchester City, Manchester United and Liverpool, as well as Preston, Blackburn, Blackpool, and Oldham.

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Reduce the effects of exhaust emissions

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Reduce the effects of exhaust emissions: You may think that if you’re operating petrol-powered equipment, particularly in poorly ventilated spaces, that exposure to harmful hydrocarbons is largely unavoidable.

Benzene is just one of the many hydrocarbons found in conventional pump fuel and exhaust emissions, often considered the substance most dangerous to human health. However, there is an alternative in the form of Aspen Alkylate petrol – switching to which can reduce benzene emissions by up to 108 times!

Reduce the effects of exhaust emissions

Reduce the effects of exhaust emissions

The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (COSHH) regulations advise against benzene exposure completely, but where this cannot be reasonably achieved, there are steps that can be taken to adequately control exposure as far as is reasonably practicable – and certainly below the workplace exposure limit (WEL) assigned for benzene of part per million (ppm) of air averaged over an 8-hour period. One way of doing this could be switching from traditional pump fuel to Aspen.

An Alkylate petrol, Aspen is made using only the cleanest Alkylate components that occur when oil is refined. This process involves combining excess gases from the distillation of crude oil and from the cracking plant, resulting in a liquid alkylate. Once some additional components are mixed in, the result is a finished fuel which is significantly purer than traditional petrol, with content of harmful aromatic hydrocarbons such as benzene and polyaromatics (PAH) close to zero.

Being virtually free from benzene, as well as sulphur and many other harmful substances, using Aspen Alkylate petrol improves the health and performance of your equipment, the working conditions for the operator and significantly reduces the harmful impact your machinery makes on the environment. Aspen is also ethanol-free, which improves reliability, maintains engine performance and preserves the life of component parts which can be susceptible to failure when running on conventional pump fuel, especially if it has been left for any extended period of time in storage.

Aspen is available in a range of unit sizes (5L, 25L, 60L and 200L) and in both pre-mixed 2-stroke and 4-stroke varieties.

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Kubota M7132 treads lightly for ODS Parks

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Kubota M7132 treads lightly for ODS Parks: Seeking a tractor with ample power and weight to operate its equipment, yet still tread lightly enough to protect turf and playing surfaces, Oxford-based ODS Parks opted for a Kubota M7132 supplied by George Browns.

That was almost three years ago, and with over 2,000 hours under its belt, the tractor has more than lived up to expectations.

Kubota M7132 treads lightly for ODS Parks

Kubota M7132 treads lightly for ODS Parks

“We looked for a tractor that offered enough stability to handle our hedge cutter at its 6m full reach,” explains Jo Huntley, parks operational supervisor with ODS. “Though it also has to work on fine turf and other delicate sportsground surfaces without leaving a mark.”

As the contracting division of Oxfordshire City Council, ODS carries out a wide variety of grounds maintenance works, and contracting, in and around the city of Oxford. Within the team’s remit is the responsibility for 90 parks, and a further 1,000-acres of countryside sites, plus cemeteries and urban grass verges, so the team needed reliability, comfort and practicality.

“We looked at several makes, specifications and warranty packages,” explains Graham Dix, operator with ODS. “And the M7132 stood out with its 500-hour service intervals, and five-year/5,000-hour warranty. With a set of BKT turf tyres, we found the Kubota provided an ideal combination of stability and low ground pressure for our requirements.”

Equipped with an LM2605 loader, Mr Dix says the tractor has to perform as an all-rounder, though ODS has no requirement for Premium spec or the stepless KVT transmission.

“I could be towing trailers, lifting and loading materials or using grounds maintenance kit such as a 5m-wide flail mower, turf slitter, reseeding equipment, fertiliser spreader, sprayer or hedge cutter,” he says. “With 130hp boosting to 150hp, there’s more than enough power to pull our 12-tonne trailers, and I have the flexibility to use economy PTO with powered equipment, which saves fuel.”

Equally advantageous is a 50km/h road speed.

“With contract services taking us beyond Oxford City, having a 50km/h transmission is really useful – it reduces non-productive time when we’re travelling between jobs,” says Graham. “And the powershift gearbox’s auto-shifting function reduces fatigue when crossing the City.”

He adds that front axle suspension and cab suspension also makes long days more enjoyable, and the ability to quickly reposition the steering column using a foot-activated lever makes getting in and out of the cab more convenient.

“Plenty of air vents provide a decent flow of cool air around the cab, the visibility is good, and there’s no shortage of room in the cab,” he says.

“The tractor also has some really neat features, including a pto guard that unclips to provide better access when hitching up powered equipment; the rear lift capacity is superb; and the external linkage controls on the rear wing are smooth and progressive,” he says.

However, he says that the loader’s cycle times, plus the top link design and location of the spool couplings could be improved.

“The US-built loader has large rams, so it is very powerful, but lacks speed,” he comments. “I’d also like to see spool couplings that are angled outwards, so it’s easier to connect hydraulic hoses, and a more secure mounting for the top link would help when I’m not using the rear linkage.”

“That said, I’m extremely pleased with the Kubota M7 tractor,” he adds. “It does all that we need, and clocking up around 1,000 hours/year, its reliability and fuel efficiency has been very good.”

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SAGE coming this summer

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SAGE coming this summer: With summer fast approaching, the first ever SAGE is drawing ever closer, and excitement is building for the newest event in the industry.

From 27 – 29 July 2021, the UK’s largest outdoor Sports and Grounds Expo will open its doors for the first time, welcoming a huge range of visitors from across the industry including grounds maintenance, landscaping, colleges, universities, local authorities, premiership grounds, green keeping and many more.

SAGE coming this summer

SAGE coming this summer

Set in the stunning surroundings of the Three Counties Showground at the foot of the Malvern Hills, trades from the sector will be able to demonstrate leading products and showcase new releases, without any limitations on space.

SAGE visitors will hear the latest ideas from within the industry and be given advice on how to improve efficiency and cost effectiveness.

“We’re really looking forward to our inaugural event. It will provide a fantastic opportunity to get outdoors and see what is on offer across the industry. Our motivation is to give visitors a hands-on experience, without compromising on safety, and at The Three Counties Show Ground this is easily achieved,” says Event Manager Vicky Panniers.

“Our aim is to provide an environment that will benefit everyone from grass roots to senior management; we are very excited about what is on offer and think it’s the perfect way to kick start what is a hopefully a great time for the industry after such a tough 18 months,” Vicky continues.

The Sports & Grounds Expo will be the highlight of the industry calendar this summer, offering a safe and proactive environment for those operating across all sectors of the sports and grounds maintenance industry. SAGE is a free event open to all who are interested in the sports and grounds industry.

For more information, contact the team today by email: team@sportsandgrounds.co.uk, by phone: +44 (0)1684 580101 or visit the website: www.sportsandgrounds.co.uk.

Visitor registration is now open – Go to www.sportsandgrounds.co.uk to register and to be kept up to date with what’s to come! Follow SAGE news on Twitter & Facebook for updates.

The safety of visitors and exhibitors is a priority. The latest health & safety advice will be implemented, security measures including social distancing have already been put into action, hand sanitiser will be readily available and free pre-registered bookings for all visitors to reduce queues are heavily encouraged.

What can you expect from SAGE 2021

The Sports & Grounds Expo 2021 has been designed and implemented to create an environment that is proactive at every level of the industry from operative to managerial. Over the last 12 months sectors have had to adapt quickly to an unprecedented turn of events. SAGE 2021 has looked into how best to accommodate exhibitors and visitors alike. From market leaders showcasing their newest range to leading course providers giving the opportunity to attend a variety of on point courses and discussions, SAGE 2021 really does have everything. Join us from 27th – 29th July, you will not be disappointed!

Why should you attend?

  • The stunning OUTDOOR venue provides an abundance of space for exhibitors to demonstrate their products and solutions
  • New products to be launched this is the first time for over 16 months that many of our exhibitors will be able to showcase their latest innovations and products
  • Networking; after the last year the opportunity to meet up outdoors is vital in showing value to key clients and also gives new opportunities to form new vital relationships
  • Industry trends & education; see what you have missed over the last year, and get involved with the free courses that are being led by our partners Mow-Sure

Who is already registered?

  • Local authorities
  • Contractors
  • Landscape professionals
  • Garden & Lawn Services
  • Private estate management & operatives
  • Sports clubs
  • Groundsmen from across the industry from grass roots to premiership
  • Those who share a common interest in the industry or a particular sector
  • Industry media

How to Register?

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AS Motor Powered by EGO

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AS Motor Powered by EGO: When two outdoor power equipment specialists and technology leaders meet, great things can come of it. This is exactly what happened when the high grass specialist AS-Motor and the cordless specialist EGO worked together for AS-Motor’s next generation of battery powered high grass mowers.

AS-Motor is electrifying its successful professional mowers with the new ‘Electric’ product line, focusing on the future technology of batteries. AS-Motor and EGO thus offer their first cross-brand and cross-manufacturer battery platform range of mowers and weed removers for the professional sector.

AS Motor Powered by EGO

AS Motor Powered by EGO

AS-Motor and EGO have used their decades of experience and expertise to jointly develop a high-performance battery powered range of professional mowers and weed removers. The result is the AS-Motor ‘Electric’ line and with it a new power class of professional battery-powered machines.

The new ‘Electric’ line from AS-Motor is powered by the recently developed EGO Power Unit, which draws its energy from the highly successful EGO 56V ARC lithium battery range.

The cooperation between AS-Motor and EGO offers professional users a significantly increased range of applications of battery powered tools. From EGO’s own hedge trimmers, leaf blowers, chain saws, brush cutters, lawn mowers and more to the inclusion of new product families from AS-Motor to include professional lawn mowers, mulching lawn mowers, weed removers and high grass mowers.

Thanks to its high performance, the new EGO Power Unit offers the possibility of replacing conventional petrol units up to 200cc with a modern, emission free, high-torque, electric powertrain equivalent. For AS-Motor the EGO Power Unit offers a simple solution for the rapid electrification of its product range.

EGO’s exchangeable battery is available in 5 different capacities and is optimally equipped against overheating thanks to the unique, patented arc-shaped design, large surface area and cooling slots; unlike conventional “brick-shaped” batteries, in which cells are tightly bundled, quickly overheat and switch off.

Actively absorbing heat with Keep Cool™ Technology – Each and every cell is surrounded by EGO’s unique Keep Cool™ phase change material (PCM) that absorbs heat energy and keeps individual cells at their optimum temperature for longer, while increasing battery life.

The integrated software and microprocessors combine to create the intelligent power management system that constantly monitors each cell to ensure maximum energy and runtime is always available.

Durability is ensured by a robust, rubberised battery housing that absorbs shocks and vibrations, as well as resin-coated electronics that are protected against dust and moisture.

For more information write to EU.support@egopowerplus.eu

For the latest industry news visit turfmatters.co.uk/news

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