Braehead’s new mowers proves Toro is built to last

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Braehead’s new mowers proves Toro is built to last: With Reesink Turfcare’s Ree.Own scheme, Braehead Golf Club located in Alloa Scotland has taken ownership of two new – or rather used – Toro machines as a cost-effective solution to updating machinery.

Harvey Harrower, the club’s head greenkeeper who has been at the club for 38 years, says when it comes to Toro, going second-hand isn’t a worry: “One of the things we like about using Toro is that they’re built to last.

Braehead’s new mowers proves Toro is built to last

Braehead’s new mowers proves Toro is built to last

“Like most other clubs, we look at buying new machines every five years, but unlike the bigger clubs we tend to look in the second-hand market. The fact that the new ones could already be six or seven years old doesn’t concern us. The machines we’re replacing are 15 years old, and we have other Toro machines that have been going for over 20 years.”

The machines – a Groundsmaster 4300 and hybrid Greensmaster TriFlex 3420 – came to the club via Reesink’s Ree.Own scheme, a dealer network that provides access to all the best quality, Toro turfcare machinery in the UK and Ireland.

Machines rehomed with Ree.Own are guaranteed to have less than 3500 hours use on the clock, used for less than seven years and been through a rigorous multipoint check by Reesink’s expert turfcare technicians.

The scheme is one that works well for the club. “This isn’t the first time we’ve sourced second-hand machines and it certainly won’t be the last,” says Harvey. “Because of the club’s finances, it’s the option that works best for us, and the machines still perform at a really high level. They go through the workshop and are refurbished before they get to us – ours also came with a 12-month warranty.”

Both machines were replacements for mowers the club had used before, but the Greensmaster has one key difference.

“We decided to go with the hybrid model of the Greensmaster 3420. You can slow the speed down and it just gives a better finish,” says Harvey. Something that can be appreciated by the very youngest of the club’s members.

“We have a very active junior section that has taken off recently. The club has put a lot of effort into that, building new tees and reserving tee times every Sunday throughout the year allowing them to play. Being able to play on a course maintained by Toro machinery means they’re able to play and learn on the best quality surfaces from the outset.”

The club’s new-used machinery came through Reesink’s Scottish branch in Livingston, who according to Harvey, made the whole process easy. “Working with Reesink has been great, they were really good at keeping me informed throughout. I just told them what machines I was after and when the machines became available they emailed me pictures with their age and condition, etc.”

Discover more about how your course can benefit from the UK’s only used Toro professional turf machinery network by visiting reeown.co.uk or contact Reesink Scotland by calling 01480 226800 or by email at info@reesinkturfcare.co.uk.

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Neil Everett appointed as National Sales Manager

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Neil Everett appointed as National Sales Manager: Neil Everett has joined BOSS Off-Road Vehicles as National Sales Manager. Neil’s focus initially will be to develop the Corvus Off-Road Vehicles dealer network.

He brings a wealth of experience from over thirteen years in the off-road vehicle market. Originally a part-time contractor to his previous company, he moved into a full-time role in sales support, working across all sectors from on-road motorcycles, Parts, Garments and Accessories, defence, and off-road.

Neil Everett appointed as National Sales Manager

Neil Everett appointed as National Sales Manager

“We’re delighted to announce Neil’s appointment,” says BOSS MD Phil Everett. “A lot of his time in the industry has been spent managing dealer networks. He will be responsible for growing the Corvus dealer network and making changes where required. This will take it to the next level of growth, in readiness for more new model arrivals, and will also free up resources internally to focus on our other brands such as Paxster, Powerland, Faunamaster and Airops.” The Corvus range comprises the Terrain electric, diesel and petrol 4×4 utility vehicles, which are the first from a European manufacturer.

“I am thoroughly excited by this challenge,” says Neil, “and I am looking forward to developing the Corvus network, meeting the dealers, and working with new products within the BOSS ORV portfolio.”

Neil finished his time with his last company as District Sales Manager and network development manager and sees this as a natural next step in his career.

For more information on BOSS ORV products, you can call 01785 561046 E-mail: sales@bossorv.co.uk Web: www.bossorv.co.uk

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FC2-221 becomes latest Kubota addition

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FC2-221 becomes latest Kubota addition: The newest addition to Kubota’s Front Collect mower series features a simplified design, complementing the professional-grade models currently available in the Front Collect range.

Operation and comfort

The primary objective with the FC2-221 was to create a machine that brings simplicity to the existing range. Significant design changes have led to a notable reduction in the number of wearing parts and maintenance needs, while the operating platform now features a more traditional and user-friendly layout.

FC2-221 becomes latest Kubota addition

FC2-221 becomes latest Kubota addition

With a 480-litre grass collector, you can easily cut and empty large quantities of grass into trailers or existing heaps – with the raising, lowering and tipping functions of the FC2-221’s high-lift feature easily operated with a single lever.The FC2-221 offers the option of a rotary deck (112cm/44”) or a flail deck (110cm/43”). The rotary deck features twin rotors with overlapping blades for precision cutting, while the flail deck offers various cutting blade options to suit different conditions and applications. The latter option also comes with the patented “Smart System” of blade removal, incorporating an innovative magnetic pin for swift and effortless blade changes.

Performance

The FC2-221 is powered by a Kubota D902 engine producing 22hp/16.2kw. The size and weight of the engine fits perfectly into the dimensional design criteria and has abundant power to perform all operations, even in more demanding environments.

Additionally, it incorporates the patented HST transmission to maintain consistent traction on all four wheels while turning, preventing damage to the turf caused by skidding or slipping.

Kubota’s reputation for dependability and reliability is upheld in the FC2-221, with the majority of its components manufactured in-house. This ensures internal quality control measures and reduces reliance on external suppliers.

Application

The FC2-221’s compact size and straightforward design makes it a versatile option for operators of any skill level, ideal for the effective upkeep of lawns, paddocks and other areas where larger machines would struggle. Its size also facilitates easy transportation in a van or on trailer, making it easier for professional users to move it from site to site. The lighter weight also substantially prolongs the operational season, while guaranteeing peak performance and optimal results.

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PSD Groundscare appoint new BDM

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PSD Groundscare appoint new BDM: PSD Groundscare has announced an exciting new appointment to strengthen the team and drive business growth.

Peter Mercer has joined the company as Business Development Manager for the South West of England. His appointment comes after the recent inclusion of SABO battery and petrol walk-behind mowers into the PSD range which also includes high-performing machines from Canycom, EcoTech, ELIET, GRIN, Koppl, and Stella. Peter’s appointment allows Stuart Mercer (Sales Director) to focus further on continuing to develop business in Scotland and Ireland.

PSD Groundscare appoint new BDM

PSD Groundscare appoint new BDM

A well-known face in the industry, Peter originally joined the GGM Group in 2008 and has extensive industry experience, including previously working within dealerships and has a true understanding of what is required. In his new role, he will be responsible for the market and dealership machinery sales growth throughout the Groundscare, Turfcare, Landscape and Arborist industries.

PSD Groundscare is the exclusive UK distributor of niche specialist landscaping equipment, with an extensive range of products from market-leading names and innovative European manufacturers.

As a specialist supplier of groundscare machinery, the business has a passion to provide innovative solutions to customers challenges, supported by a national network of independent specialist dealers and hire companies who promote the range of equipment across the whole of the United Kingdom.

Peter Mercer said:

“I am absolutely delighted to be back in this new role at PSD, driving the business forward as well as working with old faces, and meeting new ones. I can’t wait to get out to meet dealers and help them to develop their business with our range of quality solutions”.

Stuart Mercer, Sales Director said:

“Peter’s appointment shows PSD’s commitment to ensuring that we continue to exceed customers’ expectations. With his experience and industry knowledge, we know he is the right person for the job and he can’t wait to get going.”

Peter can be contacted by Tel: 07960 024410 or email: peter@psdgroundscare.com

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NemaTrident techniques to target chafer grub larvae

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NemaTrident techniques to target chafer grub larvae: Chafer season has been slow to start this spring, but is now taking off with adult beetles emerging. Moist soils now make ideal conditions for egg laying, with warmer temperatures for larval hatch and feeding activity.

However, warm and moist soil conditions are also ideal for beneficial nematode action to target larvae in the early stages of the life cycle, advises Syngenta Technical Manager, Sean Loakes.

NemaTrident techniques to target chafer grub larvae

NemaTrident techniques to target chafer grub larvae

“Soil temperature consistently above 12⁰C for at least three hours a day are ideal for the NemaTrident B nematode species, Heterorhabditis bacteriophora, that has been specifically selected to effectively target chafer larvae.”

“NemaTrident B can provide highly effective control of chafer larvae. New trials have shown how we can now best harness the beneficial nematodes in effective Integrated Turf Management strategies.”

He points out that chafer control with nematodes is a numbers game, with the more nematodes applied in the optimum conditions, the greater the opportunity for sufficient parasitic worms to get into the active larvae.

“Chafer grubs are remarkably adept at avoiding nematode attacks, using their pseudo legs to wipe nematodes off their torso. However, if there are sufficient nematodes present they will overwhelm larvae, with potential for good results even on larger instar grubs.

“It’s important to select the most appropriate nematode for the target pest, and applying the maximum number in the best condition. Using a product with a mixed population of different nematodes species could result in too few of the required nematodes in the soil zone or inactive at lower soil temperatures,” he warns.

NemaTrident B nematodes are particularly active at seeking out chafer grubs in the soil. Once they penetrate into the larvae, they release a bacteria that kills it. Nematodes move through the soil in a film of moisture, so are best applied when soils are moist and ideally kept irrigated or moist for 14 days after application. Unirrigated sites pose a serious challenge for nematode use, where they should be applied in a period of rainfall.

“NemaTrident should be applied in conjunction with NemaSpreader, a bespoke blend of surfactants designed specifically to retain the conditions for optimum nematode movement in the soil.” Trials have shown up to 30% better soil pest control when NemaTrident is used in conjunction with NemaSpreader.

Sean advocates NemaTrident B application should be timed after the point of peak adult chafer activity and egg laying, to ensure the nematodes are in the soil profile as the larvae are emerging after three to four weeks; young larvae are the most effectively controlled.

Establishing which species of chafer beetle is the key target species will influence optimum application timing, as well as the population of larvae to be controlled, he highlights.

The most common garden chafer, for example, are typically most active egg laying through mid to late June and only have a one-year life cycle that can be especially well targeted for control; while the summer chafer is most active in July and August, as well as having two-year life cycle that is more difficult to control where older large grubs are present.

“That makes timing and application technique so important to get the optimum results. Nematodes are living organisms, and as such have to be treated carefully from delivery, through storage and to application that will ensure the maximum number are applied in the best condition.”

Seans Top Tips for success with nematodes include:

  • Store in the fridge at 4-7⁰C as soon as possible on delivery
  • Pre-mix in lukewarm water before adding to the spray tank
  • Remove filters from the sprayer and ensure it is clean
  • Apply in a water volume of 500 – 1000 litres/hectare
  • Use the Syngenta XC 08 Soil Nozzle
  • Always use NemaSpreader with NemaTrident applications
  • NemaTrident B should be applied at a rate of five billion nematodes per hectare

Syngenta trials have shown the most reliable and consistent chafer grub control with an integrated approach using NemaTrident B plus NemaSpreader, following an Acelepryn insecticide treatment.

Recent studies at Forest Pines Golf Course in Lincolnshire – using a well-timed application of Acelepryn at peak egg laying, followed by NemaTrident B – have confirmed that larger chafer larvae stressed or weakened by Acelepryn may prove more susceptible to nematode incursion, to deliver more effective and reliable overall control.

“Where chafer grubs are the primary target this two-pronged approach can give the optimum results,” reports Sean.

“However, turf mangers and agronomists must be aware that only one application of Acelepryn is permitted per season and with limited treatment area, so if leatherjackets are the greater issue the insecticide may be better utilised there, and NemaTrident B the key asset for chafer grub control.”

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