Large Kubota fleet exceeds even larger expectations

/in , , /by

Large Kubota fleet exceeds even larger expectations: Looking after one football pitch can be tough! Managing a multi-sport site poses a few additional challenges… now imagine a remit consisting of 38 winter sports pitches, 11 grass cricket squares, a nine-hole golf course and various artificial and athletics surfaces to boot!

It’s therefore no surprise that the grounds operation at the world-renowned Eton College is a sizeable one and, at its heart, is an equally sizeable fleet of equipment from Kubota.

Large Kubota fleet exceeds even larger expectations

Large Kubota fleet exceeds even larger expectations

Eton College is a leading educational provider for boys, with a number of notable public figures proudly within Eton’s long and illustrious catalogue of alumni. A platform for success, even the staff are receiving accolades, with the school’s grounds department securing the title of ‘Best Independent School Grounds Team of the Year’ at the 2023 Grounds Management Association (GMA) Awards. In addition, Grounds Manager Lee Marshallsay also scooped the top individual honour of the night.

Sport is a central pillar of the Eton curriculum, with almost 1500 acres of sport surfaces and landscaped areas around the campus – all of which have been under Lee’s expert guidance for the last four and a half years. “I’ve personally been a longstanding Kubota user, having run a fleet at both Charterhouse School and during my time at Harrow School before that. I was therefore pretty pleased to see Kubota equipment in use at Eton when I joined, and it’s only grown from there” he explains.

“We have 10 Kubota RTV’s which are the main method of transport for the team, as well as getting smaller equipment and materials around the site. We then have tractors ranging from 23hp up to 99hp for complete versatility and capability when powering our implements of all shapes and sizes.”

Their most recent delivery, a Kubota M4-073 75hp tractor, was made by Lister Wilder and Lee emphasises the importance of a strong dealer relationship in their procurement process. “We need good, reliable product that is supported by fantastic back-up service if it’s needed. We’ve always had that from the team at Lister’s.”

The M4-073 joins other tractors from Kubota’s M Series, together with three L-Series compact tractors, which Lee says are the most frequently used. “These are the power houses for our operation, incredibly reliable and versatile.” He continues, “We conduct a lot of renovation work at various times of the year and it’s our tractors, particularly those with higher horsepower and those equipped with the loaders or other attachments that really help to get the projects complete on specification and on time.”

“Interestingly, most of the other powered equipment we run here at Eton is also equipped with Kubota engines, which gives us the peace of mind and quality we’re looking to achieve across the board.”

For the latest industry news visit turfmatters.co.uk/news

Get all of the big headlines, pictures, opinions and videos on stories that matter to you.

Follow us on Twitter and Instagram for fun, fresh and engaging content.

You can also find us on Facebook for more of your must-see news, features, videos and pictures from Turf Matters.

Perfect Playing Surfaces Start with Mansfield Sand

/in , , /by

Perfect Playing Surfaces Start with Mansfield Sand: Visitors to Mansfield Sand’s stand (242) at BTME 2025, taking place from 23 to 25 January at the Harrogate Convention Centre, will have the chance to explore an exceptional range of sand-based products designed to elevate the performance and health of sports pitches.

With over 170 years of industry expertise, Mansfield Sand leads the way in premium silica sand solutions. Their products cater to diverse applications in sports, landscaping, and equestrian industries, including professional stadiums, championship golf courses, and world-class equestrian arenas.

Perfect Playing Surfaces Start with Mansfield Sand

Perfect Playing Surfaces Start with Mansfield Sand

At BTME, Mansfield Sand’s knowledgeable team will be on hand to discuss how their innovative range can transform your turf projects. Featured products will include:

Reinforced Rootzone

Mansfield Sand’s Reinforced Rootzones are crafted to enhance natural turf surfaces while meeting the high demands of today’s sports industry. These products offer superior stability, drainage, and durability, ensuring consistency across surfaces.

The range includes:

Fibre Reinforced Rootzone – reinforced with polypropylene fibres for added strength.

Fibrelastic Rootzone – combines polypropylene and flexible Elastane fibres for enhanced surface resilience.

Fibresand – perfect for maintaining surface integrity during periods of heavy use or winter wear.

Sand Soil Rootzones

Ideal for renovation or new construction, Mansfield Sand’s Sand Soil Rootzones blend high-quality Mansil 40 Silica Sand with screened topsoil to create an optimal foundation for healthy turf growth.

Sand Compost Rootzones

For surfaces requiring organic-rich foundations, Mansfield Sand’s Sand Compost Rootzones provide a premium blend that retains nutrients and enhances drought resistance, ensuring robust and healthy turf.

Top Dressing

Mansfield Sand’s Soil Top Dressing, tailored for fine turf surfaces, combines superior silica sands with sterilised and screened top-quality soils for a smooth, stone-free finish. Custom blends are available to meet specific turf management requirements.

Mansil Silica Sand Sports Range

Sourced from Mansfield Sand’s renowned Two Oaks Quarry, the Mansil range of silica sands is essential for constructing and maintaining sports surfaces, including golf courses, bowling greens, and winter sports pitches.

Visit Mansfield Sand at Stand 242 to see how their expertise and product range can help you achieve a perfect playing surface.

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/

For the latest industry news visit turfmatters.co.uk/news

Get all of the big headlines, pictures, opinions and videos on stories that matter to you.

Follow us on Twitter and Instagram for fun, fresh and engaging content.

You can also find us on Facebook for more of your must-see news, features, videos and pictures from Turf Matters.

ISEKI Covers the Course at BTME

/in , , /by

ISEKI Covers the Course at BTME: Iseki UK and Ireland will be exhibiting tractors, a remote-control tool carrier and mowers for every area of the golf course in Hall 6, Stand 645, at BTME 2025.

Recognised as one of the leading exhibitions for greenkeepers, BTME provides the perfect platform for Iseki to showcase its innovative range of machinery tailored to the needs of golf courses and turf management.

ISEKI Covers the Course at BTME

ISEKI Covers the Course at BTME

This year, Iseki will exhibit a lineup of equipment designed for precision, efficiency, and sustainability, including the Raymo remote-controlled Torpedo with Electric Power Pack and R42/R48 Deck. This eco-friendly mower provides quiet operation and zero-emission performance across all terrain and is especially effective on side slopes, around water hazards and other areas that traditional mowers can’t reach.

The powerful yet compact theme is continued with the TH5 ROPS tractor. This tractor is perfect for a variety of course maintenance needs, with its hydrostatic transmission and high lift capacity giving the operator complete control. Comfort, lift capacity and manoeuvrability combine to make a tractor that can access and operate in almost any area of the course on essentials tasks.

For jobs that need more power over more expansive areas, Iseki has the TG6507 IQ Tractor with Loader – a robust and powerful tractor equipped with the IQ transmission system. The IQ dual-clutch gearbox works on the principle of a direct-shift gearbox, which consists of two gearboxes working in unison, offering the control of a manual with the convenience of an automatic. There are eight main gears and three ranges. Gears are changed by simply moving the gear lever through the straight shift gate with no need to use the main clutch. If D is selected, then gears 4 – 8 are operated automatically – ideal for aeration, spraying, topdressing or cutting.

For cutting in more compact areas, Iseki offers the SXG327 with 54” High-Tip Collector. Known for its precision and high-performance collection capabilities of up to 650 litres, this mower is perfect for fine turf maintenance using the high-tip function for effortless unloading, saving time and effort during busy course maintenance schedules.

Joining the SXG327 on the stand will be the SF551 Mower with 60” Rotary Deck. Built for high-capacity mowing, the SF551 offers exceptional cut quality, reliability, and speed using a turbine-driven collection system and a 1300-litre high-tipping collector, which can be emptied at any height up to 2.2m directly into skips, truck beds or trailers. As well as mowing, the SF551 is also an exceptional option for leaf collection during the autumn and winter.

Iseki’s machinery is meticulously engineered to address the unique challenges of golf course maintenance, including manoeuvrability in tight spaces, minimal ground disturbance, and superior cut quality.

For the latest industry news visit turfmatters.co.uk/news

Get all of the big headlines, pictures, opinions and videos on stories that matter to you.

Follow us on Twitter and Instagram for fun, fresh and engaging content.

You can also find us on Facebook for more of your must-see news, features, videos and pictures from Turf Matters.

New Holland plans first UK display of new T5 Dual Command

/in , , /by

New Holland plans first UK display of new T5 Dual Command: New Holland is returning to LAMMA 2025, showcasing a lineup of innovative machinery, including the first UK appearance of the new T5 Dual Command Tractor. The New Holland stand will be located in Hall 17 on Stand 400.

At LAMMA 2025, New Holland will display for the first time in the UK the new T5 Dual Command. Part of the new T5 series, which comprises five models from 80-117hp all powered by FPT F36 3.6-litre four-cylinder engines, the tractor has been given a new look and a series of updates designed to improve productivity and operator comfort. Alongside fresh styling, the T5 Dual Command tractors benefit from mechanical Comfort Ride cab suspension, wet disc front PTO and a rear lift capacity boost of 7% to 4,700kg. The range can now also be equipped with telematics previously only available on higher power models including autoguidance, the IntelliView™ 12 touchscreen terminal and ISOBUS Class 2 implement connection.

New Holland plans first UK display of new T5 Dual Command

New Holland plans first UK display of new T5 Dual Command

Also on display will be New Holland’s CR9.90 combine harvester, one of the brand’s flagship CR Revelation models. The range boasts a number of innovative features including its award-winning IntelliSense™ combine automation system, Dynamic Flow Control™ remotely adjustable rotor vanes, and the patented Opti-Spread™ Plus super wide spreading residue management system.

The T7 Long Wheelbase series will be exhibited on the stand, a premium tractor offering from New Holland, showcases the Horizon™ Ultra Cab, designed to maximise operator comfort with advanced sound insulation and ergonomic controls. With its PLM Intelligence™, the T7 Long Wheelbase provides an integrated digital farming experience, bringing precision agriculture to the forefront.

Visitors can also view a Boomer Stage V Compact Tractor – a manoeuvrable and versatile tractor series offering a wide range of solutions for agriculture, horticulture, equestrian and groundcare applications.

Finally, in a special highlight, the brand will display the 2-millionth tractor built in its award-winning Basildon plant, a feat managed by only a handful of such facilities across the world and a testament to the brand’s legacy.

For the latest industry news visit turfmatters.co.uk/news

Get all of the big headlines, pictures, opinions and videos on stories that matter to you.

Follow us on Twitter and Instagram for fun, fresh and engaging content.

You can also find us on Facebook for more of your must-see news, features, videos and pictures from Turf Matters.

ICL at BTME 2025

/in , , /by

ICL at BTME 2025: ICL is back at BTME in January 2025 with exciting new tools, expert advice, and opportunities for turf managers to enhance their skills. From hands-on learning to the launch of an advanced spreader, ICL is bringing innovation and practical solutions to stand 224.

Educational Sessions with Industry Leaders

ICL is proud to contribute to BTME’s Continue to Learn programme with insightful sessions led by experts Dr. Andy Owen and Henry Bechelet.

ICL at BTME 2025

ICL at BTME 2025

Turf Nutrition Masterclass: Understand how proper nutrient management promotes healthier, high-performing turf.

What’s in a Soil Analysis?: Learn how to interpret soil data for better turf management decisions.

Nitrogen Fertilisers – Current and Emerging Technologies: Explore the latest advances in nitrogen fertilisers and their applications. Featuring special guest – Professor Elizabeth Guertal.

Myths and Misconceptions in Turf Care: Separate fact from fiction to make informed decisions for your turf.

These sessions offer practical knowledge and tools to help turf professionals stay ahead in their field.

Launch of the AccuPro 360ST Rotary Spreader

ICL will also unveil the AccuPro 360ST Rotary Spreader, featuring SmartSpread technology for precise and even application. Designed for consistency and reliability, it’s a game-changer for turf care.

Visit ICL at stand 224 to connect with their team and discover how ICL’s vast product portfolio could make a difference to the way you manage turf.

Please contact ICL on 01473 237100 or visit www.icl-sf.co.uk or www.icl-sf.ie if you are in Ireland.

For more news and insightful views, you can follow ICL on Twitter @ICL_Turf

For the latest industry news visit turfmatters.co.uk/news

Get all of the big headlines, pictures, opinions and videos on stories that matter to you.

Follow us on Twitter and Instagram for fun, fresh and engaging content.

You can also find us on Facebook for more of your must-see news, features, videos and pictures from Turf Matters.