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NEWS ARTICLES

Rain Bird Golf’s new rotors

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Rain Bird Golf’s new rotors: Rain Bird is making the challenge of managing golf course irrigation easier with the introduction of its new 702/752 Series Rotors.

With the game of golf enjoying a popularity boom, greenkeeping teams are working round the clock carrying out the necessary maintenance to optimise playability and presentation. These new rotors replace Rain Bird’s current 700/751 Series electric and IC Valve-In-Head (VIH) rotors and are designed to offer faster, easier adjustments with fewer parts, reducing maintenance and inventory.

Rain Bird Golf's new rotors

Rain Bird Golf’s new rotors

“We always try to keep the challenges that golf courses are facing in mind,” said John Kivi, senior product manager for Rain Bird Golf. “These new rotors are one more example of how we’re continuously innovating to drive efficiency.”

The 702/752 Series Rotors offer flexibility and numerous time-saving benefits, including 75 percent faster nozzle changes using a simple screwdriver. The new self-adjusting stator eliminates the need to change stator configurations when changing nozzles, delivering consistent rotation speeds that optimise performance for all 702 and 752 Series nozzles. Like all Rain Bird rotors, the 702/752 offer top-serviceable arc adjustment, pressure regulation and easy access to serviceable components.

The Rain Bird 702 is a full-circle rotor with a radius of 59 to 77 feet (18.0 to 23.5 metres) available in two models: electric and IC (integrated control). Also available in electric and IC models, the Rain Bird 752 full and part-circle rotor has a remarkable radius of 19 to 84 feet (5.8 to 25.6 metres) – the largest range of throw available in a golf class rotor, making it a truly all-in-one rotor. It features Rain Bird’s Rapid-Adjust Technology for easy arc adjustments with the turn of a screw, as well as MemoryArcÒ, which retains two part-circle arc settings so that rotors can be shifted from full to part-circle operation in mere seconds.

“We developed these new rotors to provide the kind of flexibility, uniformity, dependable coverage and efficiency that golf course professionals need, perhaps now more than ever before,” Kivi said.

For more information, visit rainbird.com/golfrotors. Rain Bird Golf products are available to purchase in the UK from Rigby Taylor – irrigationsales@rigbytaylor.com or call 0800 424 919.

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Polaris confirms ATVTrac as standard

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Polaris confirms ATVTrac as standard: Polaris Britain is delighted to confirm an increased partnership with the leading security experts, ATVTrac, with the news that all new adult machines from Polaris will be equipped with the proven tracker as standard from today (October 1st).

With theft an ever-increasing threat for owners of off-road vehicles, Polaris was quick to embrace tracking technology in 2016, endorsing ATVTrac for fitment on its machines via its authorised dealer network. With such positive feedback from both dealers and customers, Polaris Britain was confident enough to make sure that the comprehensive and proven security system now comes standard on all its adult machines.

Polaris confirms ATVTrac as standard

Polaris confirms ATVTrac as standard

Polaris Britain’s Richard Coleby explained, “As we all know, theft is a big challenge for everyone connected with off-road vehicles. Everyone has either experienced it themselves or knows someone who has, and so we feel a responsibility as a manufacturer to help with the fight.

“We’ve worked with many systems and products over the years, but in our experience, tracking is really the only truly effective way of making sure that if you are a victim, you stand a good chance of getting your machine back. The ATVTrac system for us, is the best available, with well-developed dedicated technology as well as support and back-up, hence our initial endorsement and now this move to make it standard across the adult range.”

ATVTrac’s technology and rich feature-set comes from over a decade’s worth of experience, having protected two-wheel products for many years alongside its dedicated off-road vehicle offering too. In this period, the group has managed a 94% recovery rate and recovered over £10m worth of stolen machines in the process, with updates and new features added along the way.

Rupert Archer Smith of ATVTrac, added, “We’re delighted to extend our partnership with Polaris. We take security very seriously and have always focussed on providing a quality product with exceptional customer service, an approach that we believe dovetails with Polaris and their products perfectly. We hope customers see this as a significantly important feature when considering their options for a new ATV or side-by-side and look forward to working with the Polaris, their dealers and customers.”

ATVTrac’s small and discreet unit boasts GPS, GPRS, GSM and RF technology, enabling recovery of stolen machines in some of the most difficult locations. Owners have the benefit of logging into the dedicated app (or via web browser) to see the live location of their vehicle, as well as checking battery level and even checking journey history. On top of the security functions that will text, email and call should the vehicle be unlawfully moved, ATVTrac even notifies users when a service is due and can monitor lone workers for added peace of mind too.

As well as working with all major police forces and having a dedicated 24/7 team, ATVTrac is also partnered with global security services provider, Securitas, working to secure stolen machines in circumstances where police resources are stretched.

To find out more about Polaris working with  ATVTrac, please visit your local Polaris ORV dealer or visit www.polarisbasecamp.co.uk

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‘Virtual’ ICL Scholars look forward to online education

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‘Virtual’ ICL Scholars look forward to online education: The British & International Golf Greenkeepers Association and Partner ICL have revealed the five recipients of the fifth ICL Scholarship, with a greenkeeper from the Scottish island of Jura able take advantage of a new online format.

Restrictions relating to COVID-19 and concerns for the health of potential attendees have led to BIGGA’s annual education conference being hosted as an entirely online event, meaning this year’s scholars will enjoy a new learning experience from the comfort of their own homes.

‘Virtual’ ICL Scholars look forward to online education

‘Virtual’ ICL Scholars look forward to online education

The new platform will allow Laura Sayer-Hall from Ardfin Golf Club to access BIGGA’s renowned education programme online, saving her a 700-mile, 18-hour round trip from her home in the Inner Hebrides of Scotland.

The successful BIGGA members chosen for the scholarship are:

  • Laura Sayer-Hall, assistant greenkeeper, Ardfin (Scotland)
  • Neil Gilham, course manager, Reigate Hill (Surrey)
  • Jamie Wright, greenkeeper, Sunningdale (Surrey)
  • James Matthewman, deputy head greenkeeper, Maesteg (Wales)
  • Chris Low, deputy course manager, Olton (Warwickshire)

The ICL Continue to Learn 2021 Scholars will receive a package including:

  • An all-access pass to Continue to Learn Virtual education conference in January 2021
  • Six online workshops, which is the equivalent of two one-day workshops
  • An invite to BTME 2022 including two nights’ accommodation
  • A ticket to BIGGA’s National Regional Conference, taking place online on 10 November 2020.

Ed Carter, ICL’s UK Sales and Development Manager, said: “ICL is delighted to sponsor such a worthwhile scheme, enabling BIGGA members to undertake Continuing Professional Development, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. We were once again impressed by the calibre of the applicants and had a tough time shortlisting to select the final five. We’re delighted to welcome the five members to our growing community of ICL Scholars.”

Sami Strutt, BIGGA’s Head of Learning and Development, said: “The ICL Continue to Learn Scholarship enables five BIGGA members to continue their quest for professional development and we feel this is even more vital in these unprecedented times. Education is the cornerstone of BIGGA and the ICL Scholarship provides a fabulous opportunity to gain new knowledge and learn new skills.”

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Bernhard’s new Director of Finance and Operations

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Bernhard’s new Director of Finance and Operations: Bernhard Company has appointed Patrick Collins as its new director of finance and operations.

Patrick Collins, who joined Bernhard in September, will oversee finance and operations at Bernhard Company’s manufacturing plant, based in Haverhill.

Bernhard's new Director of Finance and Operations

Bernhard’s new Director of Finance and Operations

He has worked in a variety of industries, and his financial experience in manufacturing companies such as Telefonica UK Ltd, BWI UK Limited and   Honda UK will bring valuable experience to the team. Patrick is a keen golfer, and he also coaches Rugby and Cricket; his interest in sports will be a great asset to Bernhard Company in him understanding our industry.

Bernhard and Company Chairman, Stephen Bernhard, said: “Patrick joins us at a challenging time, we are all very excited to welcome him into the business, his skills and experience will reinforce our ambitious strategy.”

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Etesia dealer network continues to grow

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Etesia dealer network continues to grow: The Etesia UK dealer network continues to grow and the company is delighted to strengthen its relationship with current dealer Sharrocks and welcome Powercut to the family.

Sharrocks continues to go from strength to strength as an Etesia and Pellenc dealer. The company is a specialist machinery supplier of tractors, professional and domestic turf machinery and both agricultural and arboricultural kit. For over fifty-five years the family owned business, which is now in its 4th generation, has delivered a well trusted and respected service.

Etesia dealer network continues to grow

Etesia dealer network continues to grow

The company was first appointed as an Etesia dealer back in 2017 and saw instant success – so much so, that just last year the company expanded its areas.

This second expansion now sees Sharrocks supplying the full range of Etesia and Pellenc equipment to the areas of Birmingham, Shropshire, Staffordshire, Merseyside, Greater Manchester, Cheshire, Lancashire, and West, East and North Yorkshire.

Commenting on the company’s second expansion in three years, managing director James Sharrock said: “It has been a very busy year and the Etesia and Pellenc sales have increased substantially – as such, our areas have also increased. Both brands have been an exceptionally good fit for us.

“Local authorities and contractors have been the largest growth areas and certainly the Etesia brand is once again being recognised as the market leader in those sectors. In addition, there has been more of a demand for Etesia in the domestic market with many choosing Etesia models to help maintain their gardens.

“We’ve also seen strong growth in Pellenc as groundscare companies look to move away from petrol. Both Etesia and Pellenc are investing heavily in battery-powered equipment and they have some exciting new releases on the horizon. The battery-powered market is growing all the time and it certainly will be a huge market in the future as fossil fuels continue to become less accepted.

“This expansion is part of our continued growth and we are glad to be associated with companies like Etesia and Pellenc, who have the same shared vision of the future as us.”

In further good news, the Etesia dealer network continues to grow after Powercut, based in Cwmffrwd, Carmarthen, was announced as a new dealer for the full range of Etesia pedestrian mowers.

Powercut started trading in 1984 and as well as new and used equipment sales, covering everything from strimmers to lawnmowers and tractors, the company offers a huge array of parts on site and a comprehensive service facility offering diagnostics, scheduled maintenance and repairs for all types of horticultural machinery.

Renowned for first-class customer service, Powercut insists on working only with the highest quality brands, and when a void in their pedestrian mower portfolio arose, there was only one option – according to Sean Brown, commercial equipment specialist.

“A manufacturer we were working with pulled out of the pedestrian mower market and we were looking for something to fill the void,” he said. “We know that the Etesia pedestrian models are very good.

“Etesia was always our main competitor in the commercial mower market so we knew the brand very well indeed. From a business point of view, it made complete sense and we are pleased to be working with Etesia.”

Etesia pedestrian mowers provide absolute efficiency, excellent ergonomics and top-quality standards. The mowers are designed to offer unique cutting capabilities in all weathers – even the wet, comfort and safety at work and unrivalled reliability and productivity.

The full range of Etesia pedestrian mowers are now available from Powercut with immediate effect.

For further information, please contact Etesia UK on 01295 680120 or visit www.etesia.co.uk

You can also follow Etesia on Twitter and Instagram @EtesiaUK for much more news, reviews and insightful views.

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