ES-34R is the one for Bromsgrove School

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ES-34R is the one for Bromsgrove School: The grounds team at Bromsgrove School has chosen the Dennis ES-34R as its first ever battery-powered mower. 

Richard Hare has been the Head Groundsperson at the prestigious Bromsgrove School in Worcestershire for nearly a decade. In his time at the school Richard has overseen many changes and has produced some truly wonderful sports pitches.

ES-34R is the one for Bromsgrove School

ES-34R is the one for Bromsgrove School

Richard is embarking on another exciting chapter at Bromsgrove School as he starts to explore the world of battery-powered equipment.

“The school is committed to change and is pushing for sustainability in a massive way. As the grounds team, we are on a mission to do exactly the same,” he said. “Approximately, 99% of the gardening team’s equipment is already battery-powered and our aim as the grounds department is the same. It is slightly more difficult because the equipment is bigger, but the technology is advancing all the time.”

Richard has already taken the first steps towards replacing all his petrol mowers with electric ones, and it all started with a Dennis ES-34R rotary mower.

“I looked at a few other battery-powered mowers, but I think it was always going to be Dennis,” he said. “I’ve always been a big fan of the equipment from Dennis and SISIS. Personally, I think the two brands have the best machines on the market.

“We started by replacing our Dennis PRO 34R rotary mower for its electric equivalent – the ES-34R. I will say that I love the petrol PRO 34R’s – they are brilliant, but the ES-34R is on another level. It is by far the best mower I have ever used.”

The ES-34R is a 34″ (860mm) battery powered twin blade rotary mower using the latest lithium-ion battery technology. It is ideal for fine turf mowing and cleaning up operations in stadia and training facilities. Utilising the contra rotating hardened steel blades and low chute ensures maximum collection performance.

While allowing ground staff to achieve an aesthetically pleasing appearance and desired playing surface, the E-Series range will also help meet sustainability and environmental initiatives, minimise carbon footprint, emissions, running costs, HAV’s and noise without any range anxiety.

“For a 34-inch mower it is just incredible how easy you can manoeuvre it,” continued Richard. “With it being electric there are less things that can go wrong. We’ve never once had a maintenance issue with it, and we have used it virtually every day since we bought it. It has saved us money on maintenance costs as well.”

ES-34R is the one for Bromsgrove School

ES-34R is the one for Bromsgrove School

Richard also revealed that the ES-34R is just the start of the Dennis electric evolution as he intends on switching his other PRO 34R, and his two G860 and two FT510 cylinder mowers to their electric equivalents.

Oliver Baldi-Turner, a member of the grounds team at Bromsgrove School, provided further insight into how the Dennis ES-34R fits into the maintenance schedule.

“Predominantly, we use it on the cricket square during the summer and on the rugby pitches during the winter months. It is such a quick machine – we can cut a cricket square in both directions in 42 minutes and a rugby pitch in less than 4 hours.

“We can use the ES-34R for about 7 hours before it needs charging. It is such a quick charge too – we put it on charge while we are having lunch and by the time we are finished, it is pretty much fully charged.

“The ES-34R always provides an equally as good cut, if not a better cut, than most cylinder mowers. Also, it works like a vacuum, so it is picking all the debris up as well. It is a highly efficient mower, leaves a brilliant finish.”

For further information or a no obligation demonstration, please contact Dennis 01332 824 777 or visit www.dennisuk.com

For more news, reviews and insightful views, you can follow Dennis on Twitter and Instagram @DennisMowers and like the company’s Facebook page – www.facebook.com/DennisMowersUK.You can also view the latest Dennis videos by visiting www.youtube.com/DennisMowers

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GroundsFest registration prizes announced

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GroundsFest registration prizes announced: Organisers of GroundsFest have announced that a range of battery-powered equipment from Etesia and Pellenc worth over £6,000 will be presented to some lucky visitors at the event. To be in with a chance of winning, all you have to do is register for your free ticket at groundsfest.com

Taking place at Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire on 20 and 21 September, GroundsFest will be celebrating the launch of an exciting new era in style. With features such as hands-on machinery demos, indoor halls, Lantra approved training on a range of topics, CPD accredited seminars, and a live music festival – GroundsFest has it all.

GroundsFest registration prizes announced

GroundsFest registration prizes announced

In addition to the limitless opportunities available at the event, event organisers have announced some fantastic registration prizes. The prizes consist of Etesia and Pellenc pedestrian mowers and Pellenc telescopic and fixed-poled pole saws – all of which are battery-powered and will allow you to work for a full day in an environmentally-friendly way.

There are multiple prizes on offer so there will be more than one winner.

Don’t worry if you have already registered – you will automatically get entered into the free draw, which will be made on day two of the event.

If you are groundsperson at a school, or a football, rugby, cricket, or bowls club; a greenkeeper or course manager at a golf club; a landscaper, gardener, contractor, estate manager, lawn care technician or from a local authority or a parish council, then GroundsFest is the event for you.

Register for free at groundsfest.com

You can also follow GroundsFest on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram @GroundsFest for much more news, reviews and insightful views.

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Reesink supporting sustainability at SAGE

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Reesink supporting sustainability at SAGE: SAGE 2023 is hosting the first Sustainability Solutions for Grounds Specialists Summit live, in partnership with Bio-Circle and supported by Reesink Turfcare.

The event, at Three Counties Showground in Malvern on 19-20 July, will focus on demonstrating how businesses in the sports and outdoor maintenance industries can lower their impact on the environment and take vital steps towards being sustainable. This will include a live panel for sharing sustainable practices among many things.

Reesink supporting sustainability at SAGE

Reesink supporting sustainability at SAGE

Bio-Circle, the sustainable surface technology system manufacturer, and machinery distributor Reesink Turfcare have joined forces to form an initiative called GreenGrounds to promote environmental awareness within the turf and groundscare industries, bring the industries together, raise the importance of effective sustainable activities, make an overall positive impact towards decarbonisation and environmentally friendly maintenance for groundscare.

Gillian Haverson, marketing manager at Reesink Turfcare, a Bio-Circle distributor, says: “Reesink and Bio-Circle have come together to accept our environmental and sustainable responsibilities to help the future of the industry. Reesink is happy to support this initiative and bring awareness of more sustainable solutions to groundscare professionals.

“It’s important we focus on providing sustainable, environmentally friendly technology that reduce our customer’s carbon footprint and do not compromise on the quality of the work. Our current offering includes products powered by biodiesel and advanced batteries made more efficient by incorporating electronic fuel injection, hybrid and electric technologies.”

And some of this technology will be at SAGE. The all-electric Toro Greensmaster eFlex 1021 pedestrian mower, for example, which has been seen cutting the greens at Royal Liverpool Golf Club for The Open 2023, will be on the Bio-Circle stand with a Reesink rep available to discuss all electric and hybrid machinery options available from Toro, who has led the technology in this field.

Find out more about Reesink, Bio-Circle and GreenGrounds by calling 01480 226800 or going online at reesinkturfcare.co.uk

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New 40VMAX linetrimmers and brushcutter

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New 40VMAX linetrimmers and brushcutter: Leading power tool manufacturer Makita has added two new Brushless Linetrimmers (UR014G and UR017G) and the UR013G Brushless Brush Cutter to its range of high performance 40VMax XGT products.

Each delivers power and performance comparable to equivalent petrol-powered machines without the noise, environmental or safety considerations in storing and transporting fuel.

New 40VMAX linetrimmers and brushcutter

New 40VMAX linetrimmers and brushcutter

The UR013G 40VMax XGT Brushless Brush Cutter is ideal for heavy-duty tasks. It has a 1500-watt maximum output, delivering power equivalent to that of a 35cc petrol machine, and features a high torque mode. The UR013G has a variable speed control with a maximum speed of 6700 rpm, a lock-off function and a temporary reverse rotation ‘grass tangle removal’ function. To ensure ease of use, the machine is operated using the intuitive control unit on the right-hand side of the adjustable offset U-shaped handle.

The UR017G 40VMax XGT Brushless Linetrimmer offers a simple, lightweight and easy to use machine with a 600w power equivalent to a 23cc petrol engine. It has three speeds with a maximum of 6500 rpm plus an ADT (Automatic Torque Drive Technology) mode, which adjusts the speed and torque automatically for optimal performance. Like the UR013G, the UR017G also includes the useful grass tangle removal function.

The UR014G 40VMax XGT Brushless Linetrimmer offers the same compact design and loop handle but delivers a high power output of 1500w and a maximum speed of 5700 rpm on a variable speed control. It has a 450mm cutting diameter and a high torque mode making it ideal for the most demanding tasks. The UR014G also features a reverse rotation mode to suit different user requirements as it allows control over the direction in which the grass clippings are scattered. The grass is scattered to the right and left with clockwise and anti-clockwise rotation respectively. This is useful, for example, when cutting verges or lawns next to a road or driveway.

All three machines include Makita’s high-efficiency brushless motors that minimise wasted energy to extend run-times per battery charge and improve productivity. The UR013G, UR014G and UR017G also all include safety features such as an anti-restart function, electric break and Active Feedback Sensing Technology (AFT), which shuts the tool down if it detects the rotation speed suddenly slowing.

Kevin Brannigan, Marketing Manager at Makita UK said: “The launch of the new 40VMax XGT linetrimmers and brush cutter provide customers with even greater choice when selecting a high performance tool to tackle the most demanding garden and grounds maintenance tasks. These machines deliver the power usually associated with petrol-engines but with all the benefits of cordless.”

The continually expanding XGT portfolio of garden machinery now includes more than 35 products including lawnmowers, chainsaws, hedge trimmers, blowers and earth augers.

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

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Foley Success at Open Championship Venues

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Foley Success at Open Championship Venues: There are few greater events in golf that match The Open. For many greenkeepers, it is the pinnacle of their careers, but to make it a success, tireless work goes on behind the scenes to have mowers ready for cutting each day. 

When the 151st Open begins in the third week of July, every Toro and John Deere mower used at Royal Liverpool will be ground by a Foley under the expert eye of ProSport UK’s Ian Robson. More than ever, speed and accuracy are crucial during a tournament, and it’s then the 633 ACCU-Pro with ACCU-Touch 3 comes into its own.

Foley Success at Open Championship Venues

Foley Success at Open Championship Venues

The machines come with an automated computer system that provides a step-by-step tutorial for new technicians and a quicker setup and spin grind feature for the more experienced operators. You input the details of the unit you’re working on, and it automatically spin or relief grinds to completion. Pre-programmed spin speeds, relief torque, and in-feeds are only a few of the features found in the ACCU-Touch 3 system that ensures efficiency and guarantees a quality grind with every use.

With Foley grinders at four Open Championship venues, Ian knows the importance of tournament support and the difference it makes. “An Open Championship is a unique event that calls for a team effort to make it a success,” Ian explains. “In my experience, it’s an intricately planned but high-pressure environment, and we’re there to make sure everything runs smoothly.

“We want to ensure every unit that goes on the course is at its best because the quality of cut is so important to turf health and the presentation. Using the ACCU-Pro 633 means we can turn around the units quickly and efficiently while always guaranteeing the best quality, and that is the key thing. Course conditions are the biggest variable during a tournament, and we can very easily adjust our grinding to suit what the course team needs.

“Royal Liverpool has had to wait because of the Open rota being put back a year and the redevelopment of the 17th hole, but the work they’ve put into hosting this Championship will be worth it, and we’re proud to be a part of it.”

Being England’s second oldest seaside links comes with a lot of history. Royal Liverpool was the second English course to host the Open Championship in 1897 and hosted the prestigious competition a further nine times before a 39-year gap between 1967 and 2006 when Tiger Woods won the tournament before Rory McIlroy won his first eight years later in 2014.

The club has far from stood still since then, with their new 17th hole aiming to make a name for itself among golfs standout par-3s. Using the Dee Estuary as a backdrop, the well-guarded elevated green could well be a decision maker on who lifts the Claret Jug along with the redesigned over 600-yard par-5 18th.

Open Quality

Royal Liverpool is the second successive Open host to use Foley, following St Andrews, who used the American-made machines during the 150th Open.

Customer support ranks highly at the home of golf, with the personal touch ranking as highly as the ability to provide solutions for Head of Maintenance Lani Togi.

“When it comes to buying machines, it’s not always about the cost of the item; it’s the personal side of things as well,” he said. “You buy from people, and we’ve worked with Ian for many years, and we know we can rely on his backup service.

“One of the biggest things that’s helped us get the results is the Borazon stone we have for the 673 bottom blade grinder. The new Toro E-Reels use a tungsten mixture that makes them very hard, and that stone really cuts it in well. That saves us a lot of problems because previously we would have had to sharpen them again, but now we get it done the first time around.”

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