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Walton Heath invests in Toro fleet deal

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Walton Heath invests in Toro fleet deal: Walton Heath Golf Club has had Toro machinery in its fleet of greenkeeping machinery for decades, but after seeing the benefits a Toro package deal would bring to the course and its members, the club signed its first five-year agreement with the brand.

With its Old Course having ranked in world top 100 lists every year since the inception of the rankings in 1938, Walton Heath Golf Club knows a little something about consistently providing excellence. This is part of the reason they opted for a Toro fleet deal, as club chairman Dr Alastair Wells explains:

Walton Heath invests in Toro fleet deal

Walton Heath invests in Toro fleet deal

“Having a fully modern fleet means we can maintain the courses to a very high standard,” he says. “For example, the uniformity of cut and reliability are always going to be better with new Toro machines, plus there are financial benefits. With a package deal we can retain cash as the cost is spread out over five years, which was one reason why we made the switch from buying machines on an annual basis.”

“With such a large investment to consider, the decision to go with Toro wasn’t made lightly as we wanted to provide our highly valued course manager Michael Mann and his team the best possible equipment. We had machinery demonstrations from a number of leading brands, however it became clear that Toro was the way to go. Toro and Reesink Turfcare are such reputable companies for one but added to that is the fact that Toro equipment is first class.”

The comprehensive fleet deal includes four Toro Greensmaster TriFlex Hybrid 3420s, two Groundsmaster 4700-Ds, four Reelmaster 6700-Ds and a further two Multi Pro 5800-Ds, three Workman HDXs and one Workman MDX.

“Toro really suits the terrain here,” continues Dr Wells. “We’ve been happy with the service from Reesink and Toro before, so it made sense to invest in a brand we know and trust.”

With the new deal spearheaded by course manager Michael Mann, this significant investment in Toro is only one part of the club’s efforts to improve and develop the course.

“The two courses here at Walton Heath are highly regarded across the country, in part due to the great tournament history they have, but also because of our continuous efforts to make improvements,” continues Dr Wells. “Since 2000, nine hectares of pure heath land have been restored and more recently we’ve brought in architects Mackenzie and Ebert to review both the Old and New course. This new agreement with Toro and Reesink is just the start of further development in the club, which we believe will see improved results.”

Reesink’s Jon Cole, branch manager – South East, adds: “We are delighted to have cemented our long-term relationship with Walton Heath Golf Club following the club’s due diligence process. Our local representative, Mike Taylor, supported by the Reesink South East team engaged in a busy evaluation process with Michael Mann and his team at Walton Heath. So after the hard work put into the selection process, we are immensely pleased to have the club reconfirm their confidence in us and the Toro brand.”

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Safety first for employees, dealers and customers

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Safety first for employees, dealers and customers: John Deere will not attend international trade shows in 2021.

In order to ensure the safety of customers and employees, John Deere has announced that it will not attend any international agricultural and turf trade shows in Europe and the CIS during the company’s 2021 fiscal year (1 November 2020 to 31 October 2021), as this would require extensive international travel. Instead, the company will use a new marketing mix of traditional and digital tools to deliver information to customers.

Safety first for employees, dealers and customers

Safety first for employees, dealers and customers

Events of the last few months have profoundly changed everyone’s working and social lives. The protection of people’s health and safety is now more critical than ever, while maintaining close contact with customers is still important to provide reliable services in these uncertain times.

“Farmers have done an excellent job in the emergency phase of COVID-19 to ensure food supplies. For that we wish to express our appreciation to all our customers,” said Denny Docherty, John Deere Vice President Sales & Marketing, Region 2. “The pandemic has changed the world and our industry is undergoing a period of great change too. This also applies to our marketing activities.”

The need for a new approach to communications with customers has therefore prompted John Deere to reduce its participation in trade fairs for the time being, and the company has decided not to exhibit at any international agricultural or turf show during the company’s next fiscal year, which ends on 31 October 2021.

John Deere’s key focus in 2021 will be the change in its operating model, to become a ‘smart industrial company’. As previously announced, Deere is moving towards being a production system-based organisation, in order to build a more customer driven and streamlined business. This is one of the biggest organisational restructurings in the company’s 183-year history, which requires a change of marketing approach and an extended focus on Precision Ag technologies.

“We are also expecting a major change in the exhibition landscape, driven by COVID-19 and digitalisation,” said Andreas Jess, John Deere Director Marketing, Region 2. “In the medium term, our company would welcome a new timetable to be implemented by the international trade fair organisations, to free up the show cycle across Europe. However, we will continue to support our John Deere dealers if they decide to participate in their local agricultural and turf shows, always based on the fact that the health and safety of both customers and dealers can be ensured.”

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Polaris introduces new full-size Ranger line-up

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Polaris introduces new full-size Ranger line-up: Polaris today announced new models for its 2021 Ranger line-up – the industry’s No.1-selling utility side-by-side vehicle – including the all-new Ranger 1000 purpose-built for farmers, hunters, and smallholding owners, offering the ultimate combination of price and performance. 

“When there is a big job to do, the new RANGER 1000 is the perfect machine to help get it done and continue to build upon our hardest-working, smoothest-riding promise,” said Frederic Mardon, Product Manager of Polaris Off Road Europe, Middle East and Africa. “Our new RANGER 1000 model has been engineered for work, designed for comfort and built to last, and we are pleased to be introducing this to our markets for 2021. We’ve also introduced huge new upgrades to our top-of-the-line Ranger XP 1000, making it bolder than ever before.”

Polaris introduces new full-size Ranger line-up

Polaris introduces new full-size Ranger line-up

2021 RANGER 1000

Experience the ultimate combination of price and performance with the new Ranger 1000, featuring smoother low-speed drivability and increased agility to create a perfect balance of big-work capability and all-day comfort.

Engineered for Work

With consumer-inspired improvements all round, the Ranger 1000 is designed to be the ultimate workhorse capable of getting the toughest jobs done. The all-new ProStar 1000 single overhead cam engine is optimised to provide more torque at lower RPMs, and there is an all-new Pro-PVTi clutch system to deliver smooth drivability at low speeds and allow users to get the most out of the class-leading 1,134kg towing capacity. The Ranger 1000 offers 30.5cm of ground clearance and 25.4cm of suspension travel on the front and rear to rise above any obstacle, plus a payload capacity of 454kg and a tight turning radius to stay agile in tight spaces. It is equipped with multiple Lock & Ride mounting locations to add key accessories needed for the job at hand.

Designed for Comfort

For the comfort to work and go all day, the Ranger engineering team has designed the Ranger 1000 with rider experience in mind, featuring 12.7cm of entry and exit clearance and padded bench seats. The all-new, one-piece chassis provides a rigid frame for a more comfortable ride. Inside, the cab features a large glovebox plus a lower dash bin, driver and passenger under-seat storage and up to eight cup holders. With seamless accessory integration across Ranger Pro Shield cab system components and a pre-wired three-position Polaris Pulse electrical system under the hood, the Ranger 1000 enables consumers to ride in comfort all day long, no matter the conditions.

Built to Last

Ranger is renowned for the longevity of its vehicles, and the Ranger 1000 is no exception. A completely redesigned front end features a heavy-duty steel front bumper and a full-body skid plate, provides more protection from unforgiving terrain. A quick-release grille panel adds to the distinct style and is integrated into the front of the Ranger 1000 for easy access to the radiator for service and cleaning, and a new high-capacity, round air filter has been conveniently located for easy access, inspection and maintenance. Longer-lasting, quieter and maintenance-free sealed suspension bushings come standard, and CV guards have been carried forward for additional A-arm protection. The new Pro-PVTi clutching system has been engineered from the ground up with large internal wear components to deliver enhanced drivability, reliability and control.

Enhanced durability, protection and ease of maintenance make the Ranger 1000 stronger and tougher, no matter the task.

Available in Sage Green as standard, the Ranger 1000 is also available in a Nordic Pro special edition, featuring a glossy black pearl paint finish complemented by bright Velocity Blue springs, an in-cab heater and cab seal kit fitted as standard along with 12-inch black aluminium wheels and a Polaris PRO Heavy-Duty 2041kg winch for a helping hand in tricky situations. 

2021 RANGER XP 1000

Top of the range and built to be the most capable and comfortable Ranger ever, the Ranger XP 1000 also receives notable upgrades for 2021; now featuring a brand-new look with the addition of striking LED headlights to the three-seater model, and new colour options.

Not only do the updated LED lights give the Ranger a more aggressive and premium look, but they also deliver 90-percent more output than the traditional halogen lights for improved visibility in low-light conditions, allowing riders to stay outside for longer to get the job done.

The Ranger XP 1000 EPS is available in Matte Navy with 12-inch aluminium wheels – for both three-seater and Crew models – and Polaris Pursuit Camo – for the three-seater only – as well as the new special edition finish – Nordic Pro. Similar to the Ranger 1000, the Nordic Pro sees an in-cab heater fitted as standard, in addition to the sparkling black pearl paint finish with bright blue springs, 12-inch black aluminium wheels and a Polaris PRO Heavy-Duty 2041kg winch. The ABS version of the Ranger XP 1000 EPS is available in Burgundy Metallic. 

With its ProStar 1000 double-cam overhead engine, 1134kg towing capacity, 454kg cargo bed capacity, 33cm ground clearance and 27.9cm suspension travel on the front and rear, the Ranger XP 1000 is the top-of-the-range in quality and features. Available on certain models, the three-position engine switch on the dash allows users to switch between work, standard and performance settings to suit their ride, whilst the premium paint finish, 12-inch alloy wheels and huge 27-inch Maxxis tyres make it look bolder and more stylish than ever before.

The 2021 RANGER full-size line-up is available as below:

2021 Ranger 1000 – Sage Green

2021 Ranger 1000 – Nordic Pro Special Edition in Black Pearl

2021 Ranger XP 1000 EPS – Matte Navy (available in three-seater and crew models)

2021 Ranger XP 1000 EPS – Polaris Pursuit Camo

2021 Ranger XP 1000 EPS – Nordic Pro Special Edition in Black Pearl

2021 Ranger XP 1000 EPS ABS – Burgundy Metallic

2021 Ranger Diesel – Sage Green

For further media information on Polaris ORV products, please contact the Polaris ORV Media Office on +44 (0) 1525 270100 or email us at press@polaris-orv.media.

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Kubota appoints HRN Tractors

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Kubota appoints HRN Tractors: Kubota (UK) Ltd is pleased to announce that HRN Tractors Ltd is to become a Kubota full-line dealer in Scotland across its six depots, with effect from today (17 September 2020).

While HRN Tractors will represent Kubota construction equipment for all of Scotland, its agricultural products will be available for depots north of Perth, with groundcare and professional turf products for the region north of Dundee.

Kubota appoints HRN Tractors

Kubota appoints HRN Tractors

“This appointment reinforces Kubota’s commitment to its customers and the market,” explains David Hart, managing director of Kubota (UK). “As a full-line dealer, HRN Tractors will be in a strong position to make the future investments required in facilities, technology and staff, to actively support our customers across agricultural, groundcare and construction sectors.”

HRN Tractors was established by the Barclay family in 1980, and is a well-known and respected name throughout the farming community. In addition to its extensive dealership activities, the family also farms across 2,000 acres of combinable crops and is home to the pedigree Harestone herd. With its head office at Insch, HRN Tractors has depots at Turriff, Kinloss, Muir of Ord, Caithness and Balbeggie.

“HRN is delighted to have received the Kubota franchise,” says Hamish Bruce, dealer principal of HRN Tractors. “It supplies us with a wide range of agricultural, construction and groundcare products to sell to our growing customer base. We believe that Kubota has massive potential for market growth in Scotland, and that HRN and Kubota have a very bright future together.”

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First impressions count with the Quadraplay

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First impressions count with the Quadraplay: Nigel Mortimore, Head Groundsman at Topsham Rugby Football Club, is a strong believer in first impressions – and his SISIS Quadraplay is helping him to create a pitch that opposition teams will long remember.   

A retired Physical Education teacher, Nigel has been maintaining the pitches at Topsham Rugby Football Club for the past seven years. The site, which includes two full size rugby pitches and two smaller pitches for the junior teams, can often see more than 600 people in attendance on a matchday.

First impressions count with the Quadraplay

First impressions count with the Quadraplay

When Nigel first started the role, he had little experience in groundsmanship, so he was therefore keen to get up to speed as soon as possible.

“I live local to here, I enjoyed playing rugby and I’ve always had an interest in fields and sports pitches but going from playing on one to looking after one was a steep learning curve,” he said.

“I joined the RFU’s Rugby Groundsmen Connected scheme, which along with Devon RFU, has been invaluable in gaining advice and support. I also got in contact with the groundsman at Exeter University and I worked alongside him and his team to see how they maintain their pitches. The previous groundsman at Topsham, John Evans, was also a great help.”

After learning the fundamental skills of groundsmanship, Nigel’s attention soon turned towards new maintenance machinery. The SISIS Quadraplay had previously caught his eye and an evening with Keith Kent helped him make the final decision.

“Keith Kent came here to Topsham to host a Groundsmen Connected seminar. He brought a range of SISIS equipment with him and that was when I first saw the Quadraplay in action – I immediately knew that this machine was what we needed.

“The club’s committee attended that evening and the final decision was made there and then. Those committee members bought into what benefits the Quadraplay could offer after seeing how it could be used and how much it could help us.”

The SISIS Quadraplay multiple-purpose, single-pass maintenance incorporates a mounted frame for up to four implements such as grooming rakes, spikers, slitters, rollers and brushes. The implements can be fitted to the mainframe in any order and can be independently adjusted to achieve the desired effect. Compact, robust, versatile and with the ability to carry out up to four operations simultaneously – the Quadraplay makes life a lot easier for many groundsmen.

“We purchased the Quadraplay to improve the conditions of the fields and it has done exactly that,” said Nigel.

“It is used pretty much every day depending on conditions. If the surface is nice and damp, we will go out and slit it and we will do that in different directions on various days. Slitting the pitches has really helped with the drainage here. Prior to having the Quadraplay we were forced to cancel games when we had torrential rain but now, we don’t have that problem.

First impressions count with the Quadraplay

First impressions count with the Quadraplay

“The brush puts a lovely stripe on the pitch which is important for matchday presentation. The tines are also brilliant, and we tend to tine it and brush it particularly at the end of the season. This helps to take off the peaks and put them into the troughs for a consistent playing surface.

“Having the ability to carry out four tasks with the Quadraplay is extremely beneficial,” continued Nigel. “The adjustment is very easy, and it is incredibly simple to connect it to the back of our tractor. I also like the fact that there is no PTO on it so there are no risks of oil spillages. It is easy to maintain, well-built and it is just a fantastic piece of kit.”

Nigel believes that the machine has signalled major improvements to the pitches. He also claims that it is not just the home team that these improvements have had an impact on.

“The quality of surface has improved no end. The players are getting a good footing on it and that in turn improves the game of rugby – the better the surface the better the play. A lot of the Topsham players have commented on how much they feel it has improved.

“I’ve got a real thing about first impressions especially when you go to play a game at an away ground. If you were to get off a coach on a matchday and you see a fantastic looking pitch which has been dressed, striped and ready for play then you know you will be facing a good team. I think our pitch, thanks to the SISIS Quadraplay, now puts opposition teams on the backfoot straight away.”

For further information or a no obligation demonstration, please contact SISIS on 01332 824 777 or visit www.sisis.com

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

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