Fleet of Kubota RTV’s prove pivotal to operations

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Fleet of Kubota RTV’s prove pivotal to operations: A fleet of nine Kubota RTV’s have been described as ‘pivotal’ to the maintenance operations at Berkshire’s Bearwood Lakes Golf Club. Supplied in 2023 by local dealer Lister Wilder, the fleet are delivering the versatility and scope to cover all course tasks – from the transportation of people, equipment and materials, to being utilised as a ball picker on the driving range!

Regularly ranked in the Top 100 Golf Courses, the venue has undergone major redevelopment over the last eight years under the guidance of course manager Andrew Whittaker. Testament to the improvements made, Bearwood Lakes has been the host to a number of high-profile events over the past few years including the Justin Rose Ladies series, Senior Open Qualifiers and the Regional Open Qualifiers.

Fleet of Kubota RTV’s prove pivotal to operations

Fleet of Kubota RTV’s prove pivotal to operations

“We demonstrated various makes and models when we were looking to upgrade our utility vehicles, and the liking for the Kubota RTV’s was pretty unanimous among the team” Andrew explains. “For the rigours of the golf course both during summer and winter time, along with the additional demands of winter projects which we mostly undertake in-house, the RTV’s give us the versatility and power needed, as well as outstanding off-road capabilities.”

The fleet of nine is comprised of four RTV-X1110’s and five RTV-520’s, in a mixture of ROPS and cabbed specification. “The ability to have a closed cab is something the team really liked and will be popular when the weather turns! The 4-wheel drive and hydraulic tip are other notable features which helps us to maximise operator safety and productivity.”

Together with user-friendly operation, comfort and efficiency, Andrew also notes the back up from the local Kubota dealer, to ensure maintenance operations are kept on track. “We are fortunate to have an excellent workshop manager in Bruce, who cares for all our equipment and maintains this to high standards each day. But we also have Lister Wilder within a 15-minute drive of the club and had the fantastic support of David Gray guiding us through the installation of our Kubota fleet, who made the process seamless for the team.”

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Campey™ launches essential golf course maintenance tools

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Campey™ launches essential golf course maintenance tools: Once again Campey Turf Care™ brings essential equipment to the Turf professional with the introduction of several new maintenance products for golf courses. The new products will be in addition to the excellent range of machinery that is already synonymous with the Campey name and manufacturers such as Dakota, Vredo, Imants, Foley Air 2G2, Koro and Imants!

First in the new line-up is the Fairway Falcon; an articulating, pull-type fairway brush, that uses a unique brushing system that contours to undulations. It covers a 4.5m span providing efficient, consistent performance. The unit can be towed by a wide range of equipment compatible with an electric 12-volt system and is ideal for pre-cut preparation, dew removal, de-thatching, disease control, worm cast and aeration core removal and brushing in topdressings. This new brush from Campey is so versatile it will quickly become an invaluable addition to your regular maintenance schedule, improving turf health and playing conditions.

Campey™ launches essential golf course maintenance tools

Campey™ launches essential golf course maintenance tools

Next up is the BM45 Scarifier with Hi-Tip Collection is a professional scarifier with fixed blade collection. Due to the blade fixing system, their replacement does not require the complete disassembly of the transmission and rotor, but only of the worn blades. The high-performance rotor guarantees excellent work in all conditions, even when the cutting edge of the blade is not in optimal condition. In addition, the collector with hydraulic discharge on the ground allows the material removed from the ground to be collected in a single pass. The high ventilation created by the rotor allows it to be used also as a leaf vacuum.

And last but not least is the latest Campey Seed Shot. This simple but very effective device is the perfect re-seeding tool for tackling very specific areas. The latest model is a smaller version to carry smaller seeds such as Bent grass particularly for use on fairways and golf greens. It is perfectly designed with 19 holes to accommodate smaller sized seed, injecting up to 4-5mm deep, in precise quantities and delivering optimal germination rates.

The team of Campey Turf Care Systems is looking forward to seeing you all at BTME 2025 in Harrogate!

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Developing skills and knowledge at BTME

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Developing skills and knowledge at BTME: Lantra is excited to announce that we will be exhibiting at the leading premier turf management exhibition, hosted in Harrogate from 21st to 23rd January 2025.

The industry-leading event brings together professionals from across the industry, including those working in turf management and groundskeeping, which will provide Lantra with a valuable opportunity to engage with experts, employers, and prospective learners.

Developing skills and knowledge at BTME

Developing skills and knowledge at BTME

Lantra will be showcasing its wide variety of qualifications, which are designed with input from industry, to enhance the skills and careers of those working in the land-based and environment sector. With a focus on developing a skilled workforce, the team from Lantra will be on hand to discuss career development, training opportunities, and qualifications, for personal and professional development.

Our presence at this year’s BTME event highlights our ongoing commitment to meeting the skills needs and challenges of the industry. Attendees at the event will have the opportunity to explore various qualifications and training pathways in areas such as turf management and machinery operation, all aimed at supporting career growth and the enhancement of industry standards.

You can visit Lantra’s stand at BTME – Hall 1, stand 146, to discover how investing in skills, training, and qualifications can help shape your career in the industry.

For more information, visit Lantra’s website: www.lantra.co.uk

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Royal St George’s, John Deere & Tuckwells strike major partnership

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Royal St George’s, John Deere & Tuckwells strike major partnership: The Royal St George’s Golf Club has confirmed a groundbreaking long-term partnership with John Deere and Tuckwells designed to take the course and its greenkeepers to new highs. 

The agreement will see 70 new pieces of machinery installed at the prestigious Kent venue by dealer Tuckwells, including a full cutting fleet, tractors and utility vehicles from John Deere alongside other essential groundscare equipment.

Royal St George’s, John Deere & Tuckwells strike major partnership

Royal St George’s, John Deere & Tuckwells strike major partnership

Greenkeepers will be given support from John Deere to complete a wide range of professional training and offered opportunities to travel to other world-renowned courses to grow their expertise.

The latest technology will be deployed across Royal St George’s with machinery connected by satellite and John Deere Operations Center PRO Golf course management software to assign and track the progress of every daily task.

Tuckwells will provide The Open venue with all equipment and deliver a full package of operator training as well as rapid parts back-up for essential maintenance for the duration of the initial five-year agreement.

John Deere Division Sales Manager for Golf and Turf, Chris Meacock, said: “The Royal St George’s Club has earned an incredible reputation worldwide and needs the best equipment and service to maintain that hard-earned recognition.

“We wanted to form a partnership that showed belief in our machinery and technology while also demonstrating a strong commitment to the operators who will use it daily.”

Colin Sinclair, Secretary at The Royal St George’s Club, said: “We have enormous pride in our course, not just the fairways and greens but our people and the facilities on offer.

“This is a partnership that will benefit the people who work here as well as golfers.

“We were extremely impressed with the whole package on offer from John Deere which will keep us at the cutting edge of greenkeeping technology, give our team the best tools for the job, and ensure that anyone who maintains our grounds has the opportunity to progress their career.”

As part of the agreement Tuckwells will provide extra machines and labour to support tournaments held at Royal St George’s.

The Club’s greenkeepers will also be offered the chance to travel to TPC Deere Run to help prepare the course for the John Deere Classic, or see first-hand how the TPC Sawgrass is set up for The Players Championship.

James Tuckwell, Dealer Principal at Tuckwells, said: “We are extremely proud and excited to be partnering with Royal St George’s and thank Colin, Head Greenkeeper Greig Easton, and the whole team for putting its trust in us and John Deere. It is an honour to be working with not only one of the region’s best clubs but one of The Open’s most iconic venues.

“We are looking forward to helping unlock the potential of the machinery and its technology to the benefit of the course and its members.”

Delivery of the new equipment will begin in 2025 for completion in Spring 2026. It includes the latest in John Deere’s innovation turf machinery including the recently released battery powered 225E walk-behind and 2775E riding greens mowers.

The course has also ordered two 2030A GPS sprayers which use satellite guidance for precision application of chemicals and fertilisers, reducing overlap and input costs.

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JCB’s hydrogen engine approved for use

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JCB’s hydrogen engine approved for use: JCB has cleared significant hurdles in its development of the world’s first hydrogen combustion engine after securing landmark rulings from licensing authorities allowing it to be used commercially in machines, the company announced today.

JCB is the first construction equipment company to develop a fully working combustion engine fuelled by hydrogen and a team of 150 engineers has been working on the exciting £100 million development for over three years.

JCB's hydrogen engine approved for use

JCB’s hydrogen engine approved for use

Today JCB confirmed that 11 licensing authorities across Europe have now given permission for JCB’s hydrogen engine to be sold across Europe – with authorities in other countries set to follow suit with certification in 2025.

JCB Chairman Anthony Bamford, who has led the company’s hydrogen engine project, said: “This is a very significant moment for JCB. To start the New Year with certification in place in so many European countries bodes very well for the future of hydrogen combustion technology. JCB has proved in recent years that it is a proper zero emissions solution for construction and agricultural equipment.

“This formal type approval/certification paves the way for the sale and use of hydrogen engines right across the UK and Europe. I couldn’t have hoped for a better start to the year. Most of all, I am delighted for our team of British engineers who have worked tirelessly to reach this stage.”

JCB confirmed that the Netherlands’ Vehicle Authority RDW was the first licensing authority to issue official certification, giving permission for the engine to sold in The Netherlands. Other licensing bodies across Europe have followed RDW’s lead by issuing the necessary certification, including Great Britain, Northern Ireland, Germany, France, Spain, Belgium, Poland, Finland, Switzerland and Lichtenstein. Licensing authorities in other countries are set to follow with certification during 2025.

JCB has already produced more than 130 evaluation engines which are powering backhoe loaders, Loadall telescopic handlers and generator sets. Real-world testing of JCB’s hydrogen equipment on customers’ sites is now at an advanced stage and progressing well.

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