Turf News is the perfect place for professionals working within the UK’s vibrant turf industry – keeping you up-to-date with topical news, latest market developments and much more across all areas of the industry.
NEWS ARTICLES

Trevor Chard secures lead role

Trevor Chard secures lead role: Reesink Turfcare’s new East Anglian branch in Burwell between Cambridge and Newmarket, which will open this autumn has appointed its branch manager. The successful applicant for the role is Trevor Chard, an industry – and Reesink – stalwart.

Trevor Chard is a name well-known by those in the golf and fine turf industry having been national accounts manager for Reesink Turfcare for 25 years. The move to branch manager is, he says, one that will give him a new experience and challenge, along with the opportunity to share his knowledge from years in one of the company’s key customer-relationship roles.

Trevor Chard secures lead role

Trevor Chard secures lead role

Trevor comments: “The opening of the East Anglian branch is widely-anticipated for customers in the area, and I am really excited to be heading up the branch. I’ve worked for Reesink for years and loved it, but it was time for a new challenge in a role with fewer miles travelling the country. The new branch will focus on dealing directly with customers, adding value and building relationships, and that takes the part of my role that I’ve loved so much up until now and continues it in a new and fresh way.

“The branch has an extensive catchment of Norfolk, Suffolk, Cambridgeshire, Essex, Leicestershire and Northamptonshire and includes some key Toro customers. Our role will be to provide those customers, and new ones, with dependable maintenance and genuine parts after-sales service. There will be a demo fleet to use for new business and a range of other services available such as NSTS testing and on-site servicing.”

Similarly to the other Reesink branches, the East Anglian one will be an independently-run business, about which Trevor says: “Removing the element of being centrally-controlled and being more local to our customers will allow us to react quickly. We will be focussed on fast, easily accessible, friendly help and support.”

The East Anglia branch will follow the same successful business model applied by Reesink Turfcare to the Sheffield Park branch in the South East and the Livingston branch in Scotland. David Cole, Reesink Turfcare’s managing director, says: “Each Reesink branch location is tasked with providing a focused, ‘full-service’ support to our customers. Delivering on our promises across the sales, service and parts support of all our brands, but under one roof with a locally-focused team.

“When investing in a new location, the leadership of that branch is of paramount importance to ensure that each individual shares and understands the Reesink passion for machinery and a down-to-earth approach to providing solutions. When filling that role for our new investment for the East Anglian region we quite rightly encouraged internal applicants to step forward, but they had to win the position based on skill set, experience and above all, attitude, against outside candidates. We are very pleased that Trevor won through in the process.

“We look forward to our Burwell location opening in the early autumn, and know that Trevor, Liam Pindred, the service manager and the rest of the team are excited and ambitious about making a difference to our customers across the region the branch will serve.”

The opening of the branch will be celebrated with an Open Day, to be announced in due course, providing the opportunity for customers to tour the new facility and talk to the team, which includes five service technicians, a service manager, parts supervisor and four Reesink sales representatives, about what best suits their needs.

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

Get all of the big headlines, pictures, opinions and videos on stories that matter to you.

Follow us on Twitter and Instagram for fun, fresh and engaging content.

You can also find us on Facebook for more of your must-see news, features, videos and pictures from Turf Matters.

Air-Rops designed to save lives

Air-Rops designed to save lives: BOSS ORV is delighted to announce they have been appointed as the sole UK and Ireland distributor for all Air-Rops products. Air-Rops offer a range of rollover solutions for the outdoor power equipment industry.

ROPs on ATVs has always been a contentious issue but BOSS believe that in certain applications, and after a thorough risk assessment, they do offer additional protection for the operator. Air-Rops have the advantage over traditional ROPs of not raising the centre of gravity of the machine as it sits lower than the operator when not deployed. The first Air-Rops product BOSS ORV has introduced is the AR Quad safety bar, for ATVs and agricultural machinery.

Air-Rops designed to save lives

Air-Rops designed to save lives

The AR Quad uses Air-Rops technology in a fully automatic Roll Over Protection System. They base the technology on state-of-the-art automotive components, including safety electronics and proven and reliable airbag gas inflators. The AR Quad electronic control unit continuously monitors the behaviour of the quad and warns the rider with acoustic and visual signals when the vehicle is about to reach a state where stability is compromised. The system automatically evaluates the rollover condition until a tilting state is reached and, only when the tilt takes place, activates the rollover bar. The electronic control unit operates the inflator, and the gas is fully released, extending the bar and the mechanism locks. The system only operates when the rider enters and cannot avoid the full tilt. The final position after deployment of the ROPS is limited to a maximum 90°, preventing full rollover which not only helps minimise personal injury it also reduces damage to the quad.

The universal AR Quad design fits most ATVs with independent suspension using bolts on the luggage carrier and towbar. Installation is easy as the system comes fully assembled and only requires the ATV dealer to perform simple electrical and mechanical actions. It requires no scheduled maintenance and is reusable after a rollover. It just needs inspection and approval by an ATV technician, and the gas generator can be replaced to return the bar to its original condition. Because it sits low behind the rider and is compact, you don’t notice the AR Quad when you are driving, only when it is needed. The system is SGS Certified and CE marked, adhering to the strictest environmental and regulatory standards. Anyone using a quad should seriously consider having an AR Quad fitted, it could one day save your life.

Air-Rops will only be available through specialist approved dealers and regional distributors and unlike other ROPs will not be available by mail order or directly online. This is to ensure that every unit is correctly installed and able to be monitored by the supplying dealer. For all enquiries, you can contact sales@bossorv.co.uk and visit www.bossorv.co.uk

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

Get all of the big headlines, pictures, opinions and videos on stories that matter to you.

Follow us on Twitter and Instagram for fun, fresh and engaging content.

You can also find us on Facebook for more of your must-see news, features, videos and pictures from Turf Matters.

The Dennis E-Series is here

The Dennis E-Series is here: A number of industry press recently visited the Dennis & SISIS headquarters in Derbyshire to receive an exclusive look at the company’s new and exciting range of environmentally friendly mowers called the E-Series.

For many years, turf professionals have been choosing Dennis Mowers for their superb cut quality and reliability, and anticipation quickly started building when the company announced its new battery-powered range.

The Dennis E-Series is here

The Dennis E-Series is here

Leaving no stone unturned, Dennis Mowers spent over three years working with carefully selected partners to develop a range of quality battery-powered equipment.

In addressing the press, Managing Director Ian Howard said: “Reliable and long-lasting solutions are a must have for our customers and in this rapidly developing technology field we have chosen our partners very carefully. For us it was important to create no compromise alternatives to our petrol mowers, which would not need constantly re-charging or swapping batteries – it was imperative that they last the distance.

“The hard work has paid off and now we can unveil our first market ready equipment befitting of the Dennis badge.”

The Dennis E-Series range currently consists of three products:

ES-860

Users of the Dennis G860 cylinder mower will no doubt see familiarities in the new ES-860. This 34” battery powered turf management system delivers maximum versatility and the range of 13 interchangeable cassette options provide a solution to many day-to-day maintenance tasks such as cutting, scarifying and brushing. The power of the battery system ensures the machine is capable of cutting at least 2 pitches on a single charge or verticutting a full pitch without anxiety. Furthermore, current G860 cassettes will also fit the ES-860, meaning that customers will not have to purchase additional cassettes, reducing initial costs and allowing for a simple and easy change from petrol to battery machines.

ES-34R

The ES-34R rotary mower has twin contra rotating blades with the height of cut controlled by an easy to use ‘click’ system. Suction and blade speed can be adapted to meet the most challenging collection conditions.The mower is also available with optional front wheels, smooth or wiele roller, has excellent sight lines and cuts approximately 2 pitches on a single charge.

ES-36

Based on the Dennis Premier, the ES-36 provides a perfect finish every time. The envied Dennis stripes are easy to achieve which is also helped by a 3-section rear roller. The powerful battery system allows the addition of a trailer seat to be attached and still achieve a minimum of 20km of cutting. A uniquely developed micro adjuster makes it very easy to set the bottom blade to cylinder.

The machines feature a robust LCD keypad screen which provides the operator with a multitude of information options including speed, clip rate, service checks, lifetime running reports and battery information. The E-Series range of mowers take just 2 hours for an ultra-fast full battery recharge utilising a British 110A battery and will help turf professionals meet sustainability and carbon neutral goals. The ultra-low HAV’s and noise allows operators to use the machines for a full day in any environment and along with the low maintenance, very low lifetime costs and significant cost savings on fuel are all benefits of the Dennis E-Series range.

The press had the opportunity to see all three machines in action and even received an exclusive glimpse of the new ES-510 ahead of its forthcoming launch. This new mower is based on the Dennis FT510 – which is, historically, the company’s most popular machine.

Furthermore, Ian Howard revealed that by the end of October every existing Dennis product will have a battery-powered alternative and that work had already begun on the SISIS range too.

In an enlightening presentation, Sales and Marketing Manager Roger Moore offered an insight into how the company has fared since the last press event in 2016. Roger revealed how both Dennis and SISIS have seen year-on-year sales growth and despite the pandemic, are on track to witness a record-breaking year.

This, according to Roger, has all been possible due to the company’s commitment to continual investment – investment in facilities, marketing, exhibitions, seminars, staff, export and of course products.

A factory tour, where all the Dennis and SISIS products are manufactured, gave the press members the chance to see first-hand just some of these investments. The group were also given rare access to the All British Precision factory where components for the machines are meticulously produced.

“It was a pleasure to open our doors to the press and introduce them to the E-Series,” said Ian. “The launch of the E-Series marks a monumental period in the history of Dennis Mowers, and soon to be SISIS. It is the start of an exciting new era.”

For further information or a no obligation demonstration, please contact Dennis 01332 824 777 or visit www.dennisuk.com

For more news, reviews and insightful views, you can follow Dennis on Twitter and Instagram @DennisMowers and like the company’s Facebook page – www.facebook.com/DennisMowersUK You can also view the latest Dennis videos by visiting www.youtube.com/DennisMowers

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

Get all of the big headlines, pictures, opinions and videos on stories that matter to you.

Follow us on Twitter and Instagram for fun, fresh and engaging content.

You can also find us on Facebook for more of your must-see news, features, videos and pictures from Turf Matters.

RainBird promotion for Alastair Higgs

RainBird promotion for Alastair Higgs: Alastair Higgs has been promoted to the role of Europe Service Manager. In this new position, working from Rain Bird Europe’s office in France, Alastair’s responsibilities will include developing and driving forward service activities for Rain Bird across Europe.

Beginning his career as a greenkeeper at Calcot Park in 2000, Alastair joined American Golf UK in 2004, before becoming Head Greenkeeper at Donnington Valley Golf Club, and then Course Manager at Windlesham Golf Club. Joining Rain Bird in 2016 as a Golf Sales Specialist, he became Golf District Manager for the UK, Ireland and Iceland in 2018, managing and promoting the distribution of Rain Bird Golf products and services through trusted partners, providing support and guidance about best practice to end users.

RainBird promotion for Alastair Higgs

RainBird promotion for Alastair Higgs

Alastair comments:

“My new role widens my remit significantly and covers the full spectrum of Rain Bird products over a much larger geographical territory. Having been involved with golf throughout my career to date, it’s a welcome change to be dealing with a range of new sectors from agriculture to residential. It also allows me to manage and guide our team of talented service engineers and support the network of approved service providers to deliver after sale Global Service Plans, installation start-up, training, software and on-site services.

As our focus is increasingly software-centric, remote and on-site support is becoming much more important, not only for new installations but also throughout the lifetime of Rain Bird systems. An enhanced service offering puts customers in full control and gives them complete peace of mind, enabling them to maximise efficiency of central control and cloud-based technologies and gain all the benefits that these offer.”

“I am delighted to announce Alastair’s promotion” says Richard Nelson, Global Sales and Service Manager. “Alastair has in-depth knowledge of our irrigation technologies and with his vision and drive, will take us forward in this exciting new period for the Rain Bird European service team.”

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

Get all of the big headlines, pictures, opinions and videos on stories that matter to you.

Follow us on Twitter and Instagram for fun, fresh and engaging content.

You can also find us on Facebook for more of your must-see news, features, videos and pictures from Turf Matters.

Polaris support Sporting & Sportrap Championships

Polaris support Sporting & Sportrap Championships: Polaris Off Road Vehicles continues its partnership with the prestigious UK shooting ground, E.J. Churchills, by supporting the 2021 CPSA World English Sporting and Sportrap Championships that took place last week.

Running from Monday 5th July to Sunday 11th July, this was the sixth time that E.J. Churchill had hosted the World Championships, which attracts competitors from all over the world. Polaris UK supported E.J. Churchill by supplying a number of vehicles to help with event logistics, including the Ranger XP 1000 Crew, General 4-seater model, Ranger 1000, Ranger Diesel and the electric Ranger EV, in addition to the existing fleet in operation across the grounds.

Polaris support Sporting & Sportrap Championships

Polaris support Sporting & Sportrap Championships

Known as the most prestigious clay pigeon shooting ground in England, and the largest, spanning over 35-acres, the award-winning E.J. Churchills Shooting Ground is built upon a century of heritage and excellence. The grounds are located just outside of London on the wider West Wycombe Estate; a 5,000-acre estate that is home to the Dashwood family and has been since 1698. With the grand English estate of West Wycombe as a backdrop for the event, competitors enjoyed the traditional British experience surrounded by the beautiful English countryside.

Polaris off-road vehicles have been in operation across the estate for over ten years, with a number of Polaris Ranger models being used for ground management, maintenance and VIP guest logistics. For E.J. Churchill, it comes down to reliability, and for the World Championships specifically, E.J. Churchill needed to ensure their vehicles did not let them down across such an important event.

Rob Fenwick, Managing Director of E.J. Churchill Shooting Ground, said: “The World Championships are always a huge deal for us at E.J. Churchills, and it’s really important that we have complete confidence in our kit to ensure everything runs smoothly – it’s vital to a successful event. In our opinion, the Polaris vehicles do just about every job with complete ease; it’s a seriously hard-working tool that’s never let us down since we started using them ten years ago.”

The 2021 CPSA World English Sporting and Sportrap Championships alternate between the Clay Pigeon Shooting Association (CPSA) in England and the National Sporting Clays Association (NCSA) in the USA each year. The World English Sporting Championships consisted of 200 targets, shot over two days. There was a 25-target Super Final, where the top six shooters competed for the title. The World Sportrap Championships is a 100-target competition shot across the course of the week. In addition to the two world championships, a preliminary English Sporting course and a FITASC Sporting course also took place during the event.

Watch the ninth episode of RANGER Stories to see how E.J. Churchills Shooting Ground uses their Polaris Ranger vehicles on the Polaris Off-Road International YouTube channel here.

For more information on E.J. Churchills and the World Championships, please visit https://www.ejchurchill.com/

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

Get all of the big headlines, pictures, opinions and videos on stories that matter to you.

Follow us on Twitter and Instagram for fun, fresh and engaging content.

You can also find us on Facebook for more of your must-see news, features, videos and pictures from Turf Matters.