Jacobsen GP400 transforms mowing routine

/in , /by

Jacobsen GP400 transforms mowing routine: Fairways GM, the exclusive dealer of Jacobsen in Scotland, has supplied Aberfoyle Golf Club with a reconditioned Jacobsen GP400 greens mower, marking a new era of mowing for the club.

The long-serving two-person greenkeeping team will now be able to dramatically cut daily mowing time while maintaining the precise standard of cut they pride themselves on.

Jacobsen GP400 transforms mowing routine

Jacobsen GP400 transforms mowing routine

Greenkeepers Alan More and Dougie Steele, at the club for 30 and 28 years respectively, have long favoured Jacobsen mowers for their reliability and quality of finish.

Alan said:
“We’ve always used a Jacobsen greens mower because it gives a precise cut. We want the ‘Jake signature cut.’ We’ve mainly cut by hand in the past, but we know the GP400 can match that standard, so we feel confident going into next season. The machine is in the shed ready for spring when the grass starts to go again and the conditions are right.”

Until now, the pair hand-cut the greens four days a week — a routine that required six hours of combined effort each time. Under the new plan, three of those days will be taken over by the GP400, with only one day still hand-cut to maintain their preferred finish. This new approach gives the team back more than ten hours every week, a significant boost during the busiest months.

“That extra time makes a huge difference,” Alan said. “Summer days are so busy, so gaining those hours means we can stay ahead, tackle more jobs, and keep the course to the standard our members expect.”

Aberfoyle Golf Club sits at the foot of the Menteith Hills on the edge of Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park, with views stretching from Ben Lomond to Stirling Castle. The course is short but rewarding, known for its variety and character, and offers a scenic experience for its 200 members and many summer visitors.

Mike Lindsay, Area Sales Manager at Fairways GM, provided sales support and induction. Training.

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 appoints Aimee Davey as Marketing Communications Manager

/in , , /by

ICL appoints Aimee Davey as Marketing Communications Manager: Aimee Davey joins ICL at a key point as the business moves into a busy period of campaign and product activity across its Turf and Landscape portfolio, taking on the role of Marketing Communications Manager for the UK and Ireland.

Aimee brings strong experience from the professional turf sector, having led marketing activity at GreenBest across product launches, brand development and customer communication. Her background working alongside technical and sales teams gives her a clear understanding of what turf managers and distributors need from reliable, well-structured marketing.

ICL appoints Aimee Davey as Marketing Communications Manager

ICL appoints Aimee Davey as Marketing Communications Manager

In this role, Aimee will lead all UK and Ireland marketing activity across the Turf and Landscape portfolio. Her responsibilities include campaign planning, product launches, events, PR, digital content and coordination with external agencies. She will work closely with the sales and technical teams as the business prepares for a full calendar of activity.

Ed Carter, Business Manager for the UK business, said that Aimee’s sector knowledge and practical approach make her a strong addition to the team and will support the continued development of marketing activity across the business.

Aimee said she is looking forward to joining the team and building on the strong marketing work already in place. “ICL has a clear technical foundation, and a strong programme of activity planned. I’m pleased to be joining at this point and look forward to supporting the team, our customers and our distributors.”

Aimee’s appointment follows Kevin Whitby’s move into the newly created position of International Marketing Communications Manager for Turf and Landscape, where he will focus on global communication strategy and supporting local teams.

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

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.

Transitioning from tanks to tractors with John Deere

/in , /by

Transitioning from tanks to tractors with John Deere: From frontline tank repairs to supporting farmers at harvest, Chris Giles has carved out a career in the civilian world by transferring his military engineering skills to John Deere’s dealership network.

After serving in the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (REME), Chris was unsure of his next step until he attended an open day about the John Deere Military Hiring Programme.

Transitioning from tanks to tractors with John Deere

Transitioning from tanks to tractors with John Deere

Today he is a Technical Communicator and Certified Dealer Instructor at the Tallis Amos Group Leominster depot, and his journey is about to come full circle as he prepares to explain military personnel have the ideal skillset to resettle,

Chris will be one of the speakers at a John Deere Military Hiring Programme webinar taking place on 3 December at 7pm.

“In terms of the kit, going from tanks to tractors is a completely different world,” says Chris. “The hydraulics, for example are completely different.

“But there wasn’t much of a transition when coming to the John Deere brand, as the level of high readiness is the same. The kit needs to be fixed and out the door as soon as possible, much like in the army.

“While the machinery is different, the basics of the work are the same. You’re looking to apply that pre-existing training and knowledge to a different kind of machine.”

Chris joined REME as a vehicle mechanic in 2012, working extensively on tank engines and transmissions before moving into several front-line units from 2015. Stationed in Hereford, he was deployed around the world repairing everything from quads to heavy armour.

He attended the John Deere open event for military technicians at Langar shortly before the pandemic and met a John Deere employee who had also served as part of REME. After putting him in contact with the right people, Chris made the decision to pursue a career at John Deere.

After completing his training and work experience at the Tallis Amos Group Leominster depot, Chris began employment as a technician but has since progressed to a Technical Communicator and Certified Dealer Instructor role. He explains that at first he worked in the workshop diagnosing issues, servicing and repairing crucial kit like combines and tractors, but now he helps technicians from the office and across different depots in the dealership network and trains the new staff who are coming through.

“As a Technical Communicator, if the technicians go out to a job and struggle to diagnose it or need extra information, then they’ll get in touch with me as I have access to the information or people that are needed, and then I’ll pass that information back to the technicians,” he says.

“As a Certified Dealer Instructor, I deal with the new technicians that are coming through and doing their training, including the level one and two training that the Military Hiring Programme applicants will receive, which is all online. I mainly teach electrics, hydraulics, and the service advisor side.”

Open to servicemen and women who are looking for new careers after they leave the armed forces, attendees of the online event on 3 December will have the opportunity to listen to Chris and others who have been through the John Deere Military Hiring Programme.

John Deere’s ground-breaking resettlement programme for military service personnel offers new career opportunities working on some of the world’s most advanced agricultural and professional groundscare machinery.

Members of the armed forces have been identified as ideal candidates for their unique skill sets and the experience they bring to technician roles within UK and Ireland dealerships. Many have already worked with some of the systems and products John Deere use on their agricultural and turf machinery, making the transition straightforward.

Those who enrol onto the programme are put into contact with an individual from the John Deere network who has resettled previously. They guide them through the next steps which includes free training courses before finding employment with a John Deere dealer.

Interested service members and ex-service members can find out more and apply to the John Deere Military Hiring Programme by visiting www.deere.com/JDMHP.

The online event is free but pre-registration is required at https://jdmhp.eventbrite.co.uk/

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.

Makita releases its new cordless chainsaw

/in , /by

Makita releases its new cordless chainsaw: Makita has released its new professional cordless UC030G 40VMax 500mm Brushless XGT® Chainsaw, designed for demanding cutting tasks where reliability, durability and high performance are essential.

Built to deliver petrol-like power, equal to or greater than that of a 50cc-class chainsaw, it features fast chain speeds and practical safety enhancements, making it suitable for professional forestry work.

Makita releases its new cordless chainsaw

Makita releases its new cordless chainsaw

With efficient brushless motor technology, three chain speed modes and a maximum cutting speed of 29.0 m/s, the new UC030G offers outstanding control and the power needed to take on tough hardwoods such as oak and ash. The chainsaw is available as part of the UC030GE101 kit which features the BL4080H 8.0Ah XGT® tabless battery and the DC40RA XGT® battery charger, or as the body only (UC030GZ).

Since the tool runs without petrol, it minimises professionals’ contact with petrol fumes and significantly cuts noise and vibration levels. Additionally, thanks to its brushless motor, the tool provides more power and longer runtime compared to a brushed motor. With fewer components inside the motor, there is also a reduced risk of wear, which could otherwise result in costly repairs.

Additionally, the UC030G is designed to work safer. For example, when the tool locks as a result of excessive load, removing the load will allow the motor to restart immediately if the trigger is held down, enabling the user to continue to make the same cut without the need to retrigger and lift the saw.

Kevin Brannigan, Marketing Manager at Makita UK commented: “The new UC030G offers an ideal solution for landscaping professionals. To maximise the tool’s power, it is recommended that the tool is used alongside the BL4080H 8.0Ah XGT® – the largest capacity tabless battery offered by Makita. As a result of its increased capacity and high output, the battery enables more efficient energy transfer to improve the tool’s performance.”

To find out more information about the UC030G 40VMax 500mm Brushless XGT® Chainsaw, visit: www.makita.com.

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 Regional Specialists Join Turf Tank

/in , /by

New Regional Specialists Join Turf Tank: Svenstrup, Denmark, October 31st: Turf Tank – the leading provider of autonomous robots for pitch marking – has expanded its UK team with two key regional appointments to support its growing customer base across the country.

The company has welcomed Cameron Brooke as Field Service & Support Specialist for the North, and Atwa Somobwana as Regional Sales Manager for Central England – two roles designed to bring fast and localised support to customers.

New Regional Specialists Join Turf Tank

New Regional Specialists Join Turf Tank

“Having people on the ground across the regions means our customers get help from someone who understands their conditions, their challenges, and their pitches,” said Mike Thomsen, Operations Manager at Turf Tank.

Cameron Brooke joins Turf Tank with over a decade of engineering experience, including international roles in Vietnam, Australia, and across Europe. Based in the North, Cameron will focus on customer onboarding, training, and service.

“I’ve always loved the outdoors and staying active, so being part of a company connected to sport feels like a natural fit,” said Brooke.
Atwa Somobwana, based in Central England, brings more than ten years of experience in sales and business development, previously working with BMI Group and MSX International. His focus will be demonstrations, new partnerships, and regional growth.

“What drew me to Turf Tank is its blend of sports and technology. I’m passionate about how automation and AI can improve efficiency in real world settings, and Turf Tank is a perfect example of that.” said Somobwana.

Atwa attended SALTEX on 12-13 November in Birmingham, Europe’s premier grounds management show, where Turf Tank showcased their line marking robots to an ever increasing number of groundscare professionals.

Turf Tank’s line marking robots are used across the UK, from Premier League stadiums to grassroots clubs and local schools. The robots eliminate the physical effort traditionally involved in pitch marking, allowing one person to paint e.g. a full-sized football or rugby pitch in around 25 minutes, freeing up staff for other tasks.

The expansion of Turf Tank’s UK team ensures customers benefit from dedicated regional expertise and rapid response times for support and service needs.

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.