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NEWS ARTICLES

No stone left unturned

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No stone left unturned: The Kongskilde Stonebear is the perfect choice for ground care professionals who need a hard-working machine to remove stones and rubbish from construction sites, sports grounds, golf courses and other outdoor venues. Designed to collect stones from approx. 2.8 cm to 30cm diameter, the Stonebear can be deployed effectively before drilling and planting operations.

Available in two specifications the SB4000 with a 4m working width and SB5200 with a 5.2m working width, both models are perfect for one-man operator use. The Stonebear is also fitted with wide low-pressure tyres which reduce compaction and rakes that are specially designed to follow the contours of uneven land and rotate in the opposite direction to forward travel. The heavy-duty rake spikes draw the stones on to a sieve in the centre of the machine, where the stones are sieved by the tines in the rotor and thrown on to the hopper.  Any extra soil is distributed through the sieve and back into the ground. When the hopper is full, a unique hydraulic dumping system, with a tipping height up to 2.3m allows easy discharge into a trailer. Unlike many conventional stone-picking machines, the Stonebear operates with a low tractor power requirement, SB4000 – 72 hp and the SB5200 – 80 hp.

No stone left unturned

No stone left unturned

Delivered with a 12-month warranty and supported by an established Kongskilde network, the Stonebear range is your perfect partner in any field of operation.

Neil Bodymore, Kongskilde product specialist says, “The Kongskilde Stonebear is an excellent machine for clearing stones from cultivated soil. We have supplied machines into several applications. We have machines out preparing ground for producing turf, and with companies preparing ground for sports fields. Also, the Stonebear is used for reclaiming land that has been cleared of buildings, I have even heard of a machine being used to collect flint stones for building”

Discover more about the Kongskilde Stonebear range at Kongskilde – Search

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Only Mansfield Sand for Motherwell FC

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Only Mansfield Sand for Motherwell FC: Paul Matthew, Head Groundsman at Motherwell FC, believes that Mansfield Sand is the only company to work with if you have a Fibresand pitch.

It is well documented how the experienced and highly skilled Paul Matthew has transformed the previously infamous pitch at Fir Park into one of the best playing surfaces in the country. Hard work, dedication, and an eye for selecting the correct products have been key in Paul’s six-year journey at Motherwell.

Only Mansfield Sand for Motherwell FC

Only Mansfield Sand for Motherwell FC

After entering the grounds management industry as a greenkeeper, he moved into football and Motherwell is the third club he has worked for. In that time, he has always been familiar with Mansfield Sand.

“I’ve used products from Mansfield Sand between the three football clubs I’ve worked at – Rangers FC, Wolves FC and now here at Motherwell FC so that’s a period of about 19 years,” he said.

“If you have a Fibresand pitch – then you have to go to Mansfield – it’s as simple as that. They deliver a very solid product and service, and they are a good British company.”

As Paul says, Mansfield Sand is a company with history and pedigree – in fact, its origins can be traced as far back to 1840. It has been a long-standing pioneer in the development and production of premium sand-based products and boasts the most up-to-date and advanced equipment currently in the industry.

From winter sports pitches, golf courses, bowling greens and all amenity turf areas – Mansfield Sand has a solution for all. In Paul’s case, he sees Mansfield Sand as a key component in his end of season renovations.

“I am predominately a Fibresand user and I will apply this at the end of the season at the renovation stage,” he said. “So, after we have taken the top off the pitch, we will then incorporate approximately 120 tonnes of Fibresand into the surface – but it all depends on how much organic matter the pitch has produced. Throughout the year, soil samples will be taken by Mansfield Sand to determine exactly how much Fibresand is required.”

Paul uses a pure sand and polypropylene fibre reinforcement product that is particularly advantageous when grass cover has been reduced due to heavy usage and wear during the winter period. It is incorporated into an upper sand soil rootzone and consolidated to provide a stable divot-free environment.

“What I would say, is that the quality and the consistency of the material, and the clean nature of the product is why we purchase it,” continued Paul. “Then there is the service you get from them as well. I predominately deal with Gary Cunningham (Football & Golf Sales Representative for Mansfield Sand) and if he tells me the order will be there on a certain day then it absolutely will be. They are never late, and I never find myself sitting there with the contractor waiting for the sand to be delivered – that just does not happen with Mansfield Sand.

“They are just a very professional company and absolutely reliable with solid advice at all times – that is how most would describe them.”

For more information visit www.mansfield-sand.co.uk

You can also follow the company on Twitter – @MansfieldSand and Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/MansfieldSandSportSurfaces/

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Engcon signs agreement with John Deere

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Engcon signs agreement with John Deere: Engcon, the world’s leading tiltrotator manufacturer, and John Deere have entered into a major agreement focusing on the US and Canada markets.

Through this preferred supplier agreement, Engcon’s products will be available to end users through the John Deere and Hitachi excavator dealer network throughout the US and Canada. This collaboration will ensure that customers are able to purchase their John Deere and Hitachi excavators equipped with Engcon’s productivity enhancing products.

Engcon signs agreement with John Deere

Engcon signs agreement with John Deere

Engcon’s mission is to change the world of digging. With Engcon the excavator is turned into a tool carrier changing the way operators dig and enabling new ways to use an excavator. Engcon’s tiltrotator together with an Engcon quick hitch gives operators the ability to change tools without leaving the cabin and use them in new ways that increase the flexibility and efficiency of their excavators. All this ultimately leads to increased productivity and profitability for customers. Engcon is now a preferred supplier of John Deere, which means end users can access Engcon’s smart products from the John Deere and Hitachi excavator dealer network throughout the United States and Canada.

“This journey started in the Nordic countries 30 years ago based on the idea that it was possible to dig and utilise excavators in a better way. At Engcon we are thrilled to increase the pace of this journey together with John Deere, we believe that we will both benefit by making Engcon’s proven solutions available in the US and Canada together with John Deere and Hitachi excavators. However, the real winners in this are the operators and end customers that will be able to work in new ways and be more productive and profitable”, says Krister Blomgren, CEO Engcon.

Thanks to the new collaboration, customers will be able to choose Engcon’s tiltrotators and automatic quick mounting system with EC-Oil, where the driver can connect hydraulic tools without leaving the cab, through authorised John Deere and Hitachi dealers in the USA and Canada.

“At John Deere, we have always been focused on providing products and technology that enable our customers to optimise efficiency and uptime on the job site. Through this agreement with Engcon, customers are further equipped to benefit from enhanced jobsite performance and ultimately profitability”, says David Thorne, senior vice president, sales & marketing, John Deere Construction & Forestry.

This agreement makes it possible for customers to benefit from easier and quicker access to Engcon’s products through their local John Deere and Hitachi excavator dealers. This marks a milestone in making the tiltrotator concept more accepted and known globally, particularly in the US and Canada where Engcon is expecting an increased rate of growth in the coming years.

Facts:

  • Through authorised John Deere and Hitachi excavator dealers in the US and Canada customers will be able to select Engcon’s tiltrotators for the John Deere excavator range from 26G to 345G and the Hitachi excavator range from ZX26 through ZX345.
  • Engcon’s EC-Oil automatic quick hitches will also be available through authorised John Deere and Hitachi excavator dealers for the John Deere 75G to the 380G excavators and Hitachi ZX75 to the ZX380 excavators where the operator can connect hydraulic tools without leaving the cab, Engcon’s standard locking control QSC and the proportional DC2 control system.

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SAGE is on for summer 2021

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SAGE is on for summer 2021: With the government’s announcement outlining the road map for this summer, SAGE is officially ON!

Join us from 27 – 29 July 2021, for the UK’s largest outdoor Sports and Grounds Expo .

SAGE is on for summer 2021

SAGE is on for summer 2021

Set in the stunning surroundings of the Three Counties Showground at the foot of the Malvern Hills, the show will feature hands-on demonstrations and experiences, offering visitors the chance to see and test out the latest products.

Visitors can also observe leading exhibitors showcasing their products, without any limitations on space, while also hearing the latest ideas from within the industry.

SAGE brings together grounds personnel from a broad range of sectors, providing an engaging and well-resourced environment. The expo will advise companies on how to improve efficiency and cost effectiveness, exploring and showcasing the products that can help.

The government’s announcement out of lockdown has really opened up the summer; SAGE now sits perfectly in the calendar, and provides a fantastic opportunity to get outdoors and to 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 we look forward to seeing you all.” She 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.

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Electric Power for Dore and Totley Golf Club:

Electric Power for Dore and Totley Golf Club

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Electric Power for Dore and Totley Golf Club: Dore and Totley Golf Club is the first club in South Yorkshire to take delivery of Toro’s all-electric Greensmaster eTriFlex 3370 greens mower. The machine was selected to join the all-Toro fleet and continue its drive on economy, productivity and efficiency which has resulted in a course members are proud to be associated with.

Peter Bowden has been course manager at Dore and Totley for four years, during a time of rapid improvement. He says: “It was all about streamlining the processes. The course had huge potential which we’re delighted has now been realised, this resulted in the club being voted the best club in South Yorkshire by Your Golfer magazine. We achieved that by ensuring the course is presented in the best condition at all times. This is helped by the use of Toro equipment and getting the most out of the machines, keeping them in the best possible condition and when new technology arises, taking advantage of that.”

Electric Power for Dore and Totley Golf Club:

Dore and Totley course manager, Peter Dowden, seated, with Tony Dodson, area sales manager for Yorkshire Turf Machinery.

Peter is of course referring to the technological advances that have brought electric power to the game, without compromising on productivity, quality of cut or the bottom line: “As soon as one of the frontline greensmowers needed replacing it was a done deal that it would be the Toro eTriFlex 3370 we brought in. I have been focussed on bringing about the best possible return on investment for the club and we run a very efficient operation.

“One of the first things I did was invest in Toro’s fairway machines and Sidewinders so we can go right over the edges of the bunkers, reducing the time spent strimming. These machines are incredibly efficient and have saved so much time. We outsource our bunker brushing now too, that’s done by two students nine hours a week over three days. It makes economic sense for the three-man greens team to be working on things that utilise their skills in other areas.

“In addition, the board decided to use my sports maintenance company to supply the machines (Toro of course) and the staff to do all the rough cutting, which means the club doesn’t have to cover the outlay for the machines or the additional maintenance costs associated with them.

“All these changes have added up to an increase in income for the club and reduced costs, giving the best return on investment,” says Peter. “It made complete sense to choose Toro’s eTriFlex 3370. With the full support of the directors, who are determined to keep moving the club forward, the environmental benefits are important. However, this machine will save us money in the long run, on fuel, running and maintenance costs. There is a slight increase in the monthly outlay, but that is off-set by the increase in quality and service the eTriFlex brings.

“The quietness of the electric motor allows the greens team to start cutting earlier in the morning without affecting our neighbours, allowing more playing time due to extra tee times being available at the start of the day. The benefits we can bring to our members by getting them out on the course earlier is worth it and the quality of cut is outstanding.”

The machine was delivered by Yorkshire Turf Machinery, a sales division of Toro dealer Cheshire Turf Machinery, and managing director Steve Halley says: “This is the fourth electric greensmower we’ve sold. Despite economic uncertainty and tightening of budgets, people see the value this kind of technology can bring.”

Peter says of the relationship between dealer and club: “We do all the servicing and maintenance of the machines and a significant contributing factor as to why we continue to choose Toro is the availability of parts. I know that if we need help or advice it’s on the end of the phone with Steve and the team at Yorkshire Turf Machinery. If we’ve taken apart a machine and need a part, we’ll have it in under 72 hours. It’s so convenient. Ordering is direct with Toro distributor Reesink online via a mobile phone.”

It really has been a mutual effort at Dore and Totley as Peter finishes by saying: “The whole greens team, all the club’s committees and Steve Roberts, the professional and his team, have been working hard to take the club forward both on and off the course. The improvements have brought in new members as well as increased numbers of visitors and societies.”

For a team of three plus Peter and a 22-hole course that never closes, it’s imperative Peter has a machinery brand and partners he can rely on to get the job done and the numbers prove that Peter has the dream team at Dore and Totley. Something he’s very proud to have achieved for his home club he’s been playing at since the age of 12!

 

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