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Zero turn mowers from Murray

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Zero turn mowers from Murray: Ride on lawn mowers provide a quick and comfortable solution for cutting large areas of grass, allowing people to focus on enjoying their garden instead of working on it.

This ethos has been at the heart of Murray for nearly 100 years with its “Get it done. Go have fun” strap line.

Zero turn mowers from Murray

Zero turn mowers from Murray

The company specialises in stylish and powerful lawn tractors for those with larger gardens. However, ride on lawn mowers often encounter problems with trees, plants and other obstacles getting in the way and being difficult to manoeuvre around.

To overcome this, the Murray product range features three zero-turn ride on mowers that can easily get around anything that comes in their path as they can turn a full 360 degrees effortlessly within a tiny turning radius.

The entry level machine is the ZTX110 which has a hydrostatic drive and is powered by a Briggs & Stratton 7200 OHV V-Twin engine. It is the smallest in the range but still offers an impressive 107cm cutting width, and twelve different cutting heights.

The mid-range model is the ZTX150, which features a Briggs & Stratton Intek™ Series 7220 V-Twin OHV petrol engine. This machine, with three blades, offers a 117cm cutting width and 13 different cutting heights.

The premium model in the Murray range is best suited for professional users or those with larger areas of grass to cut. The ZTX250 utilises a Briggs & Stratton Professional Series™ 8270 V-Twin OHV engine and has a wide 122cm deck to reduce the total amount of cutting passes required, and subsequently saves the user time, freeing them up to enjoy their garden.

The zero turn mowers are operated by two handles, one on each side of the machine; each with a push/pull function for forwards and reverse movement. Each handle is linked with two individual rear wheels, each with its own independent motor, which allows the tractor to turn within its own footprint. This allows for excellent manoeuvrability when cutting around trees, flower beds and other obstacles, with the added bonus of removing the need for backing up at the end of each mowing pass – simply spin 180° and go back!

All Murray zero turn machines have a fuel capacity of 11 litres, as well as electric starting and mulching capabilities. They are designed with the user in mind, even down to the adjustable seat which gives the operator ultimate comfort even on the roughest terrains. They include commercially inspired features such as a fully welded steel frame, a thick-walled front axle, easy access maintenance points and durable steel mower deck to make sure they give a great cut, time after time.

There is also the additional option of an integrated rear cargo bed to provide on-the-go versatility and convenience, providing somewhere to store cleared debris or carry additional tools.

Murray lawn and garden products are available in the UK exclusively through Henton and Chattell dealers.

For more information please visit www.murray-tractors.co.uk.

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R&A and CMAE partner to help club’s fightback

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R&A and CMAE partner to help club’s fightback: The CMAE is delighted to announce a brand-new online event, designed to help club managers lead their clubs out of the post Covid-19 recession which is being supported by The R&A.

“How to Manage & Lead your Club out of the post Covid-19 Recession” is the exciting, brand new virtual workshop that will use the latest technology to deliver a power packed, highly engaging, stimulating, thought provoking and interactive resource designed to meet the challenges facing every manager right here right now.

R&A and CMAE partner to help club’s fightback

R&A and CMAE partner to help club’s fightback

Taking place over two days on the 11th and 12th of August, the workshop is built around 5 core modules each of which will deliver 5 key elements. This will ensure the workshop is relevant to Clubs of every type, every size and in every location.

The presenting team are experts in their field of knowledge and have been specifically selected. Director of Education Torbjorn “Toby” Johansson will facilitate the two days while the presenting will be on Leadership by John Bull, Strategy and Communication by Bill Sanderson, Finance by Debra Adams and People skills by Darshan Singh.

Designed for a maximum practical and relevant response to the demands created on you and your Club by Covid-19, this means only the first 15 people to enrol can benefit. Be there and take control to get your Club to the best possible state to identify and take control of the post Covid opportunities.

“We are glad and proud to have the support of The R&A in delivering an online event that will make a difference with the aim of really providing tools to strengthen the person and the club after we all have been through a really difficult time” CMAE Director of Education Toby Johansson commented.

To download the brochure, click here (http://www.cmaeurope.org/upload/public/documents/events/online-workshops/Post%20Covid%2019%20workshop%20brochure.pdf)

To register for the workshop click here (http://www.cmaeurope.org/registration-post-covid-webinar)

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Ryde GC’s long serving greenkeeper

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Ryde GC’s long serving greenkeeper: Binstead-born Doug Rigby has helped develop Ryde Golf Club’s popular course into one of the best and challenging on the Isle of Wight over his 40-year career.

Doug, 56, who joined the club straight from school, is believed to be one of the longest serving greenkeepers in the industry.

After a trial working under John West initially, then Paul Knight, who went on to become Shanklin and Sandown Golf Club’s greenkeeper, Doug has made Ryde the envy of many clubs in the South.

With the advancements in technology, more televised golf events and a shift in the seasonal patterns, Doug, of Jellicoe Road, Binstead, has seen many changes during his career.

Doug said: “I always thought of Ryde Golf Club as like my back garden.

“I enjoy getting up early in the morning and being on the course — seeing the sun rise, squirrels running around — you can’t beat it this time of year. I couldn’t work in a factory!

“It’s a seven day a week job and it does take over your life a bit, but it gives me great pride and satisfaction what I’ve achieved in 40 years. It’s gone in the blink of an eye.”

From what was once a very open course, Ryde looks resplendent following Doug’s introduction of almost every variety of native tree imaginable to it.

“I’ve noticed how much the weather and seasons have changed over the years,” said Doug.

“When I first came to Ryde, the ground was frozen in October and I used to have to use a lighter to get the key in the shed door. Even the kettle was frozen.

“The fairways were like aeroplane runways, but I’ve always planted trees — getting cuttings from wherever I can and growing them.

“The second fairway used to be so open, but now it’s one of the hardest holes because of all the trees and out of bounds areas.”

Doug, also a keen fisherman and metal detectorist, was put on lockdown for five weeks, which he said had “done his nut in” after breaking his busy routine.

He has, since, had to put in an 80-hour week to get the course back to how it was before lockdown.

Club president, Mick Timms, celebrated Doug’s landmark by presenting him with a bottle of his top tipple, gift vouchers and an engraved hip flask — at a club’s length!

He said: “Doug is a super guy, who is tireless, adaptable and resourceful. Nothing is too much trouble for him.

“To achieve 40 years of loyal service at Ryde is incredible.

“His work is a greenkeeping masterclass, making Ryde one of the Isle of Wight’s most prestigious courses.

“Doug’s ingenuity has saved Ryde thousands of pounds over the years too. He is an absolute godsend and we’re very lucky to have him.”

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Etesia Buffalo is the greener solution

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Etesia Buffalo is the greener solution: Etesia UK has reported a huge uptake in its Buffalo ride-on mowers – a powerful range that offers an eco-friendly alternative to its diesel-powered counterparts.

It is common knowledge that grounds maintenance professionals are increasingly exploring more environmentally friendly methods of working. This particularly rings true in city centres or in highly populated areas where diesel powered products are beginning to be outlawed.

Etesia Buffalo is the greener solution

Etesia Buffalo is the greener solution

The obvious solution is to switch to zero-emission battery-powered equipment. Battery technology has significantly evolved with advancements constantly being made in the sector and is now widely recognised as the smarter way to power through most landscaping tasks, such as mowing, hedge-cutting or leaf-blowing. However, where it currently falls short is when it comes to larger machines such as ride-on mowers.

“Who knows what the future holds, but, quite simply, the fact is that there is not currently a battery-powered machine on the market which is capable of equalling the performance of a professional petrol-powered ride-on mower,” says Etesia UK managing director Les Malin.

“When you take into consideration the wide-spread demonising of diesel and the lack of professional battery powered ride-on mowers then there are unfortunately few solutions.”

It is for these reasons that Etesia UK has reported a record-breaking growth in sales for its range of Buffalo ride-on mowers – which are the only commercial, petrol powered ride-on machines available in both two-wheel and four-wheel drive.

The Buffalo range, first launched six years ago, took the European markets by storm as countries such as France and Germany replaced huge fleets of diesel-powered ride-on mowers with Buffalo ride-on petrol mowers. Only recently has the UK started to follow suit and when you delve deeper into the specifications – it is no surprise.

The Etesia range of Buffalo ride-on mowers are available in two-wheel drive and four-wheel drive and with 100cm and 124cm cutting decks with ROPS as standard. They feature powerful 23-hp Briggs and Stratton Vanguard engines and can cut and collect areas up to 12,000 m² per hour. The engines carry a three-year warranty and a two-year warranty on the rest of the machine.

The Etesia models are fitted with catalytic converters as standard offering a cleaner fuel and are renowned for their low levels of noise and smooth operation. A vast range of accessories are available providing the operator with the ability to mulch, plough snow and much more.

Furthermore, they cut and collect in all weathers – something in which Etesia is, without question, the forerunner. When it comes to cut and collect systems, Etesia is the innovator of every other machine you see on the market today. The French based company created a patented system in the early 1990’s and quite simply, the system is unrivalled.

“The most notable benefit is the fact that Etesia machines do not require any additional accessories to unblock them when emptying the machines. Everything is automatic so no accessories or rattling of levers are required – you can simply cut, collect and empty the grass box all while sitting on the machine,” said Les.

So, while the industry eagerly awaits a capable battery-powered ride-on mower – there is only one solution. The Etesia range of Buffalo ride-on mowers will help to reduce your environmental impact and get the job done to the standard you expect without compromise.

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

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

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Mansfield Sand’s Silica Shines

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Mansfield Sand’s Silica Shines: Groundwork contractor Trefor Jones, has praised the quality of Mansfield Sand’s Equestrian Silica product after he recently completed the construction of an impressive Manege.

Trefor, based in Rutland, East Midlands, specialises in the construction of horse-riding arenas, and says that for the two last decades he has relied on one company.

Mansfield Sand’s Silica Shines

Mansfield Sand’s Silica Shines

“For the past 20 years we’ve used nobody but Mansfield Sand because they produce a product that is designed for the job,” he said. “They give the customer what they want, and it gives us the assurance and confidence that we know we are providing our customers with a quality product.”

Mansfield Sand Company has pioneered the development and production of premium quality silica sand-based products for over 170 years. It provides a wide range of innovative products for sports, landscaping, and equestrian uses. These include stadium and training ground facilities; championship golf courses and world class show jumping arenas.

Trefor’s most recent project saw him construct a 70m x 50m jumping Manege for his son Richard – an International 5* Event Rider. The project took 3 weeks from start to finish and he applied approximately 800 tonnes of Mansfield’s Equestrian Silica – a sub angular sand which is produced at the company’s state-of-the-art hydro classification plant at the Two Oaks Quarry.

Equestrian Silica Sand provides an excellent riding surface which is free draining with very sure footing. Ideally suited as a base sand, it is recommended that Equestrian Silica be incorporated into a fibre stabilising product to provide structure and further stability.

Trefor says he has seen excellent results after incorporating the silica sand with a stablishing fibre.To assist with the mixing process, he uses a BLECavator which is designed to cultivate and bury stones and debris, while levelling and raking in one pass.

Mansfield Sand’s Silica Shines

Mansfield Sand’s Silica Shines

Trefor’s recently built Manege follows another arena he built at the impressive Lowlands Farm site in which he used the company’s Fibresand Equestrian product.

“I’m a happy customer,” said Trefor. “The products are durable, provide sure-footing for the horses, drain well and are very cost-effective. I know exactly what I am getting, and I never have any problems.

“The people at Mansfield Sand are also great to deal with. Louise, (Mansfield Sand Technical Sales Representative) provides the best customer service.”

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

You can also follow Mansfield Sand on Twitter – @MansfieldSand

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