Aspen Fuel makes for ‘plain sailing’ servicing

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Aspen Fuel makes for ‘plain sailing’ servicing: For marine engine specialist Peter White of Swordfish Marine, carburettor issues caused by extended periods of storage and inactivity are a thing of the past since the discovery of Aspen Alkylate fuel.

Having extensively tried and tested Aspen 4 in his workshop, at home and in his own 4-stroke outboard engine, the family-run firm became stockists three years ago to make the ethanol-free fuel more accessible for their customers.

Aspen Fuel makes for ‘plain sailing’ servicing

Aspen Fuel makes for ‘plain sailing’ servicing

Established by Peter in 2007, Swordfish Marine cover all areas of servicing and support for small leisure and commercial boats – based at the Holy Loch Marina in Dunoon, Scotland. With the vast majority of Peter’s customers being ‘seasonal boaters’, issues with expired fuel and component failures due to water ingress were a common occurrence until the team were introduced to Aspen Fuel.

“A friend recommended we look at Aspen Fuel maybe eight or nine years ago” he explains. “You often hear that once you try it, you’re hooked… and from just using it in our own petrol engines, we really were. The main difference is that the engine starts first time, every time, no matter how long it’s been in storage and knowing how much that would benefit the vast majority of our customers we knew we needed to offer it.” After their original stockist ceased trading during COVID, Peter became a stockist himself in late 2020.

As an alkylate petrol, Aspen 4 contains no ethanol and a vastly reduced harmful hydrocarbon content when compared to traditional petrol. Its greener, cleaner credentials make it an ideal option for those working in ecological and sensitive environments such as waterways, with Swordfish Marine selling Aspen 4 with all boats up to 6hp.

“There’s nothing more frustrating for people than pulling the boat out in April and finding the engine won’t start after a winter spent in the shed. The shelf-life of Aspen reduces the anxiety and risk of engine-related failures which ultimately gets people where they want to be, on the water.” Peter continues, “While the initial expenditure may be increased, this is negated by the vast savings in servicing and repair bills, and most find that one can will last them the whole season if not longer.”

“Ultimately when you think about it, we’re losing business! But morally Aspen has proven to be a fantastic decision and seeing everybody enjoy their boating, reliably and without horrible repair bills is what we’re all about.”

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Makita powers up the heat

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Makita powers up the heat: In addition to powering the expanding line-up of cordless tools and accessories, Makita has introduced two new heated base layers to its range of job site apparel.

Powered either with Makita’s 18V LXT battery or the 12Vmax CXT battery, professionals can stay warm when working in cold, harsh job site conditions with the new DCX200 and DCX201 heated base layer shirts.

Makita powers up the heat

Makita powers up the heat

With four dedicated heat zones (front waist, both forearms and back) for optimum heat distribution and three heat settings to adjust to changing weather conditions, these new garments can provide continuous heat for up to 33 hours (when used on the low setting with the BL1860B 6Ah LXT battery – sold separately).

Both base layers are made from elasticated fabric to allow unrestricted movement, are machine washable and have a simple switch on/off button that is easily accessible at the front. The key difference between the two products is the style – the DCX200 is a simple pullover style shirt with a round neck, while the slip on DCX201 features a half zip with a stand-up collar.

The new long-sleeved base layers can be powered by Makita’s 18V LXT or 12Vmax CXT batteries which can be placed in a battery holder attached to the waist belt.

Kevin Brannigan, Marketing Manager at Makita UK commented: “Our heated base layers are perfect for anyone who works in cold conditions – whether outdoors or indoors. The four heat zones cover the front waist, top centre of the back and both forearms, providing effective and welcome warmth that will enable users to more comfortably carry out their work, all year round.”

The unisex DCX200 and DCX201 heated base layer shirts are available in a range of sizes, from XS to 3XL and join a growing line up of heated jackets and vests from the manufacturer that are ideal for the colder months.

To find out more about Makita and its range of products visit: www.makitauk.com.

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Obituary: Bill Hawthorn

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Obituary: Bill Hawthorn: It is with great sadness and a heavy heart that we announce the death of William Douglas Hawthorn, otherwise known as Bill Hawthorn, who died peacefully at home on Friday 3rd November 2023 at the age of 89, surrounded by his loving family.

Bill will be remembered for many achievements in his life. His ‘can do’ approach and eternal optimism, together with his ongoing desire to help and support those around him, made him an unstoppable character. He was a generous, kind, loving and forgiving man who possessed an unyielding faith. In his profession, he was a brilliant pump engineer who dedicated most of his professional life to the water industry as it expanded over more than six decades.

Obituary: Bill Hawthorn

Obituary: Bill Hawthorn

In a professional capacity, Bill will be widely recognised for his contribution and support to the golf industry, to which he dedicated 53 years of his life. He is considered one of the early pioneers of the golf irrigation industry by starting up, along with his co-founder Robin Sitwell, one of the most successful irrigation contracting and manufacturing companies in Europe, if not the world. Watermation, registered in 1970, continued for over 30 years and installed irrigation systems across Europe and as far away as Asia, the USA, Barbados and New Zealand. Watermation is famous for manufacturing its own impact rotors and ‘ahead of its time’ two-wire technology in the form of TW2 and decoders, some of which continue to operate today, 30 years after they were installed. Bill leaves a legacy of innovation and forward thinking, and many in our industry today are indebted to Bill for setting them on a path to success during the period of the 1970s, 80s, and 90s when golf and the development of the game expanded rapidly around the world. Bill may never have fully appreciated the impact he had on the industry and the individuals who have worked, and continue to work, in it.

Bill leaves behind his wife Eileen, two daughters, a daughter-in-law, eight grandchildren and three great-grandchildren, plus two sons-in-law who still work in the industry he inspired to become the success it is today.

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Kubota announces new aftersales dealer managers

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Kubota announces new aftersales dealer managers: Kubota (UK) Ltd is pleased to announce that Krissi Holt and Neil Scott have been appointed as aftersales dealer managers for Kubota agricultural, groundcare and construction equipment.

These new roles follow internal promotion and expansion at Kubota, and represent additional investment in aftersales, creating further dealer support for parts supply, service knowledge and warranty within Kubota’s ongoing dealer development programme. The aftersales dealer manager role is one that adds value to the customer service experience by improving the relationship between dealer and customer.

Kubota announces new aftersales dealer managers

Kubota announces new aftersales dealer managers

Supporting the dealer network across the East and South East of England, Krissi Holt joins the business with 10 years of industry experience. Krissi’s last six years were with Lister Wilder as a service manager before progressing to a pre-delivery inspection centre as a key account manager.

“Having worked in a dealership I have a thorough understanding of the challenges that dealers face,” said Krissi. “And that past experience certainly helps in my role as an aftersales dealer manager, to support their businesses.”

“Being able to work directly for a manufacturer is the career progression I sought, and with Kubota, my new role opens up many more possibilities beyond working solely within the groundcare sector,” said Krissi.

The second new appointment is Neil Scott, who is Kubota’s aftersales dealer manager for agricultural, groundcare and construction equipment covering the Midlands, North West of England and Wales.

Neil brings with him 11 years of industry experience, having worked for two Cheshire-based dealerships – the latter as parts manager for Cheshire Farm Machinery.

“I was always interested in tractors and machinery, even at school,” recalled Neil. “And after I completed higher education at Reaseheath College, I saw opportunities to progress through the trade working with high-profile dealerships. When my Kubota aftersales dealer manager was promoted, I saw an opening to further develop my career by joining a manufacturer.”

Commenting on the new aftersales dealer manager roles, Kubota’s agricultural and groundcare sales manager Tim Yates said: “This is a great opportunity to further develop the support available for our dealers, as we continue to reach many more customers across the industries in which we operate.”

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Bernhard and Company embarks on global trade show tour

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Bernhard and Company embarks on global trade show tour: Industry-leader in turf sharpening equipment and management solutions, Bernhard and Company, has embarked on an exciting run of global turf trade shows throughout the autumn and winter in the UK, USA, Asia, and Australia.

Bernhard and Company will be showcasing its full range of turf care solutions including reel grinders, bedknife grinders, and smaller machinery, in addition to its distribution products (in applicable regions), SubAir, Soil Scout, and TurfBreeze. Visitors will also be able to view product and service videos and learn more about Bernhard and Company’s revered aftersales service. Bernhard will be in a bespoke booth at each show to enhance the experience of its visitors to ensure they get the most out of their visit.

Bernhard and Company embarks on global trade show tour

Bernhard and Company embarks on global trade show tour

Bernhard and Company has a rich history of attendance at trade shows and conferences around the globe, having first exhibited at the GCSAA Conference and Trade Show as early as 1995.

“We have been able to gain a great deal of insight and expertise from the industry by exhibiting and being present at trade shows around the world,” said Steven Nixon, Managing Director for Bernhard and Company. “Each of these shows is a great opportunity for us to get in front of customers, prospective customers, and industry friends – it’s really valuable time for us.”

Bernhard and Company began its trade show swing last week in Japan, at the Japan Turf show at the Makuhari Messe International Exhibition Centre. Bernhard and Company exhibited on the Kyoeisha booth, with Express Dual, Anglemaster, and Dual Master machines on display. Both Kyoeisha and Bernhard and Company ran seminars on each day of the event.

As proud members and partners of BIGGA, the British and International Golf Greenkeepers Association, the Bernhard and Company team will be back in the UK for BTME, BIGGA’s turf exhibition hosted at the Harrogate Convention Centre between January 23-25, 2024. BTME features an unmissable mix of exhibition, education, conferences, and brilliant networking opportunities, and Bernhard will be located in Hall 5, stand number 534. As the distribution partner for the UK and Ireland, Bernhard and Company will also be exhibiting the latest Soil Scout technology at BTME.

Additionally, representatives of the Bernhard Academy will be positioned on stand 534 at BTME. The Bernhard Academy is the turf industry’s foremost education provider and has recently unveiled its all-new programme of educational courses that are now available for booking at its three Academy sites around the UK, via the new Bernhard Academy website. The Bernhard Academy team will be on hand to answer questions about the workshops and educational opportunities.

Prior to the start of BTME, the Bernhard Academy team will be delivering a three-day course as part of BTME’s Continue to Learn programme. The ‘Grinding Perfection and Cutting Unit Setup’ workshops were among the first courses to sell-out immediately after launch.

The GCSAA Conference and Trade Show in the USA will take place in Arizona at the Phoenix Convention Centre from January 29-February 1, 2024. It is the premier networking and learning environment for golf course and facility management professionals from North America and around the world. Bernhard and Company will be located at stand 5109.

Each year, Bernhard and Company selects 10 BIGGA members (announced at BTME) to accompany them to the GCSAA conference in the USA, to experience the show, take part in numerous educational experiences, and visit local golf facilities.

Slightly later in the year, Bernhard and Company will visit the Australian ASTMA (Australian Sports Turf Managers Association) show between June 17-20 in Brisbane. The Bernhard and Company booth will be located at stand number 47, and in addition to its market-leading products, Bernhard will also be exhibiting SubAir and TurfBreeze products, as the distribution partner in the region.

KNOW BERNHARD AND COMPANY?

A specialist in sports turf technology, Bernhard and Company is committed to providing leading turf care solutions to golf course and pitch care specialists worldwide. The Company offers innovative and market leading blade sharpening systems as well as sports surface air movement and moisture control solutions.

With over 150 years of being at the sharp end of the industry the Bernhard and Company product portfolio is focused on providing its global customer base with championship turf, world-class playability, and unbeatable quality of cut. Bernhard and Company’s turf health solutions are used at top 100 courses and famous sporting venues around the world – there must be a reason why. For more information, visit www.bernhard.co.uk.

Find Bernhard and Company on their official social media channels:

  • Twitter – @BernhardCompany
  • Facebook – Bernhard Company
  • Instagram – @BernhardCompany
  • LinkedIn – Bernhard Company

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