Johnsons J Tee proves the solution to shade issues at

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Johnsons J Tee proves the solution to shade issues at: A trial of J Tee from the Johnsons Sports Seed range has now been rolled out course-wide at Knutsford Golf Club in Cheshire, after solving a number of issues on their heavily shaded tees.

The combination of high footfall and a lack of sunlight caused by trees have previously posed a number of problems when it comes to the maintenance of the small tees, which Course Manager David Jones now claims to be a thing of the past thanks to the ‘second to none’ results from the J Tee mix.

Johnsons J Tee proves the solution to shade issues at

Johnsons J Tee proves the solution to shade issues at

Knutsford Golf Club, once part of National Trust site Tatton Park, is somewhat unique with a 10-green layout. While this enables golfers to play a different 9 and 18th hole, for David and his team of four, this means double the traffic on the tees which he admits used to let the overall course condition down. “We knew that removing trees to allow for better light and airflow was not going to be an option accepted by the members so we had to find another way” he explains. “I put an SOS call out to Stuart Yarwood, our Regional DLF Technical Manager, to see what we could do and the support and advice we’ve had has been brilliant.”

Stuart recommended Johnsons J Tee – combining 4Turf® tetraploid ryegrass along with traditional ryegrass and strong creeping red fescue. The additional inclusion of 5% Sabrena rough stalked meadow grass makes J Tee truly unique, creating a mixture that delivers exceptional disease resistance, rapid establishment and a hard-wearing sward even under heavy shade, making it ideal for golf tees and pathways. The fineness of leaf and shoot density of Sabrena is comparable to a high-quality bent cultivar, while its speed of establishment is akin to that of perennial ryegrass – enhanced further by DLF’s Growmax seed coating which enhances overseeding results in difficult conditions. In shade trials, Sabena is amongst the hardest wearing varieties on the market.

“We began a programme with J Tee in the spring, which has really come to fruition over the summer. The biggest difference has been the wear tolerance, the team and I have seen a noticeable improvement in sward density which is withstanding and the wear and tear.” David continues, “The 4th tee is the most shaded and even here, we’ve achieved outstanding coverage.”

The successes of J Tee come alongside three years of fantastic results with Johnsons J All Bent on the greens. “Our greens are over 100 years old and where other varieties have struggled with the drainage and poor soil profile, the strike we had from the J All Bent made this a no-brainer to continue.” He adds, “We’ve also noticed that we require less water and chemical inputs to maintain the greens, even in the difficult weather conditions we’ve all had these last couple of years, while still retaining good plant health and little to no disease.”

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ES-510 delivers at Cheltenham Ladies’ College

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ES-510 delivers at Cheltenham Ladies’ College: Ross Spry, Head of Grounds and Gardens at Cheltenham Ladies’ College, claims that his new Dennis ES-510 cylinder mower is supporting the college’s sustainability requirements.

Ross, who has been working at Cheltenham Ladies’ College for 15 months, explained the reasons behind choosing a battery-powered cylinder mower.

ES-510 delivers at Cheltenham Ladies’ College

ES-510 delivers at Cheltenham Ladies’ College

“It is College policy to be sustainable. Whenever we are thinking of purchasing a new product, we must always look for an environmentally friendly option first.

“We needed a new cylinder mower and there was only one battery-powered machine we looked at. That was from Dennis because I don’t think anything else can match their mowers.”

The mower Ross was keen to look at was the Dennis ES-510. The ES-510 is based on the popular Dennis FT510. With a choice of 12 interchangeable cassettes, the ES-510 is capable of scarifying down to -10mm. Ideal for fine turf it has the power to cut 10km on a single charge.

The ES-510 features a robust LCD keypad screen on the handlebar console providing the operator with a multitude of information options including speed, clip rate, service checks, lifetime running reports and battery information. Furthermore, traditional FT510 cassettes will also fit their battery-powered alternatives, meaning that customers will not have to purchase additional cassettes.

The aim with the Dennis E-Series is to help professionals meet sustainability and environmental initiatives, reduce carbon footprint emissions, running costs and noise without any range anxiety. Ross believes the ES-510 certainly delivers on all fronts.

“We knew we instantly wanted it following the demonstration,” he said. “It is very easy to use, and it provides an excellent cut every time. Every member of the team enjoys using the machine. Personally, I like being able to change the clip speed while I’m mowing, and the fact you can set the speed of the machine to suit your walking style is a great feature.”

The mowers take just 2 hours for an ultra-fast full battery recharge utilising a 1.5KWh battery and will help turf professionals meet sustainability and carbon neutral goals. The ultra-low HAV’s and noise allows operators to use the machines for a full day in any environment and along with the low maintenance, very low lifetime costs and significant cost savings on fuel are all benefits of the Dennis E-Series range.

“It is very comfortable to use, and you don’t get the vibrations which you get when using a petrol mower,” continued Ross.

“We predominately use it on our cricket square, but recently we used them on the College lawns during lesson time to see if we got any complaints. Normally, we would have to cut these lawns early before classes start because of the noise of the petrol mowers. Not one person said a single word after using the ES-510 because they are so quite in operation. The noise level alone is worth getting them for and these will be great for when exams are on.

“We never have any problems with the ES-510, and it is a joy to use.”

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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VMS keep operations ‘on track’

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VMS keep operations ‘on track’: One of the country’s leading de-vegetation contractors have explained why woodchippers from GreenMech are their go-to choice for safety and versatility in rail, waterway and commercial clearances.

Currently running a mixture of EVO 205D SURE-Trak and 19-28 SAFE-Trak models, the team at VMS have not only been impressed with performance but the technical guidance and back-up support too, claiming their experience to date has been second to none.

VMS keep operations ‘on track’

VMS keep operations ‘on track’

From humble beginnings in November 2017 where VMS began operations with two vans and a single woodchipper, their unique ability to undertake even the most complex of arboriculture projects has seen significant growth and expansion into three depots across the Midlands, North and Northwest. “From the start, the GreenMech’s with their industry-leading SAFE-Trak platform set us up on the right track for embankment working and tasks in remote locations where other brands and towed models simply weren’t up to task” explains Business Support Manager for VMS, James Harris.

“Together with accessibility and brilliant build quality, the GreenMech technology which enables each leg of the SAFE-Trak to be independently operated resulted in optimum slope safety for the operators and outstanding performance of the chipper itself.” As their reputation and customer book continued to grow, VMS have not only expanded their depots and ground team, but also their fleet of GreenMech’s – now utilising four SAFE-Trak 19-28’s and more recently adding three new EVO 205D SURE-Trak’s to their day to day operations.

The EVO 205D SURE-Trak extends the legacy of the iconic 19-28, combining an aggressive 8” chipping capacity with unrivalled climbing ability thanks to a pivoting track base which allows each track to be raised or lowered independently on the move. Powered by a 50hp Kubota diesel engine, the model includes horizontal rollers and a 6-blade heavy-duty flywheel promising to make light work of bulky brash and timber.

James adds, “The pivoting SURE-Trak system has come into its own on some of our key contract work with the river and rail networks, with its extra power not going unnoticed. Particularly in the rail sector, we’re working to tight timeframes to get the work complete – the EVO 205D’s can handle the huge amount of material we need to process.”

The tight timeframes also mean that the equipment needs to deliver reliable service and be backed up with professional support when required. “The availability and supply of parts are notoriously challenging at the moment, yet with GreenMech we’ve never had an issue in six years! If we need something, it’s often on site in a day or two which makes such a difference operationally. We also now hold an impressive number of parts in stock so sometimes issues can be rectified on the spot.”

He adds, “On the odd occasion where mechanics have been unable to resolve a problem, GreenMech have even gone as far as loaning us a machine to ensure we’re able to get contracts complete. Everything with the chippers and the service are a fantastic fit for what we need.”

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Yamaha Motor’s 2024 vehicle line-up

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Yamaha Motor’s 2024 vehicle line-up: Yamaha Motor Europe N.V., Branch UK has revealed its 2024 line-up of lightweight vehicles, which includes golf cars, light utility vehicles and personal transport vehicles. Lithium-Ion battery power dominates the 2024 offering providing high-performance, maintenance-free and cobalt-free units from the renowned manufacturer, Roypow.

Aimed at both B2B and B2C sectors, providing a diverse range of choices, addressing the needs across the Commercial, Personal, and Golf Fleet markets. With their precise handling, functionality, efficiency, and low maintenance requirements, they are the functional choice for golf courses, resorts, estates, farms and business enterprises.

Yamaha Motor's 2024 vehicle line-up

Yamaha Motor’s 2024 vehicle line-up

Serving as the foundation for a first-class professional golf fleet or delivering high-performance for commercial purposes, Yamaha’s Drive², UMX and Drive² PTV PowerTech Li vehicles present a sustainable choice, with minimal emissions and a reduced environmental footprint. With highly efficient power units, cost-effective and easily replaceable, durable components, coupled with low-maintenance designs, every facet of their golf and commercial line-up is designed to ensure seamless and effortless operations for golf courses.

Lithium-Ion battery technology offers rapid, smooth acceleration, a higher top speed and charging times 1.8 quicker faster compared to lead acid batteries.  25% less weight contributes to increased range delivering  more than 3 rounds of golf on a single charge.

Golf Cars

The Drive² AC Li golf car offers an advanced 3.3 kW motor and an optimised independent front suspension, tailored to perfectly harmonise with Yamaha’s  lightweight Lithium-Ion battery, ensuring a silky-smooth ride. Furthermore, its redesigned longer-stroke rear suspension enhances comfort, enabling golf course proprietors to offer an elevated experience for their members.

Light Utility Vehicles

The UMX AC is designed to handle an array of tasks in commercial, industrial, agricultural and leisure environments. At its heart, the UMX AC features a punchy 5.0 kW motor, that’s not just quieter and better for the environment, but has a good range and is simple to plug in and charge. It delivers smooth, flexible power that takes the operator just about anywhere in a park, resort, golf course, farm, airport, factory … just simply point and go.

Personal Transport Vehicles

The Drive² PowerTech Li, designed for personal transport, offers a robust 5.0 kW electric motor, comprehensive independent suspension front and rear, a comfortable interior, and enhanced performance.  This agile vehicle charges rapidly and moves swiftly, enabling users to easily navigate through farms, estates, and resorts. Its extended battery lifespan ensures more time and reduced charging intervals.

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ET Lander the extra staff member at Olympic Park

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ET Lander the extra staff member at Olympic Park: The Etesia ET Lander electric utility vehicle is like having an extra member of staff according to the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park’s Head Gardener Gary Spreadbury.

Following a competitive procurement process, idverde was selected as a grounds maintenance partner for the Queen Elizabeth Park in in early 2012. Ever since then it has been responsible for park, plant and wildlife management and maintenance.

ET Lander the extra staff member at Olympic Park

ET Lander the extra staff member at Olympic Park

Gary Spreadbury has been the Head Gardener at the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park since May this year, and he claims his working life has been made a little easier by the Etesia ET Lander.

“What I really like about the ET Lander is that it fits and can manoeuvre in tight spaces around the Olympic Park,” he said. “We’ve got a lot of small paths which big vehicles can’t fit down, so it’s very efficient and time saving. It’s used mainly for the transporting of materials around the site, especially during the winter and autumn months when it comes to the leaf clearing and for the mulching of the gardens.”

100% electric, spacious, well-equipped and user-friendly, the ET Lander is built on a robust chassis and has an array of options including a three-way tipper bed with dual control from the fully fitted two-seater cab or by remote control when outside the vehicle. With a length of just 3.72 meters, the ET Lander is very compact. Thanks to the power steering, the short turning radius of 4.40 meters and 360 ° visibility, it goes anywhere. The autonomy of the vehicle lasts for a full working day – without noise pollution, can transport loads of up to 940kgs and can also tow up to 750kgs.

The latest models are fully N1 homologation compliant meaning that the ET Landers are fully road legal along with being able to be used off road. They also feature lithium-ion batteries which ensures that the range of the ET Lander extends to 100km and have a charger system compatible with a standard type 2EV car charger.

“I’ve used battery powered vehicles before but in my opinion the ET Lander is the best by far,” continued Gary. “It runs a lot smoother and feels like you’re driving a car; it is so light that you could take it onto the pitch without causing damage and it just makes working life a lot easier. The ET Lander is like having an extra member of staff – it’s definitely earning its living and is well worth the money.”

Gary isn’t the only one at the Olympic Park who has been impressed with the ET Lander. Chris James, Contract Manager for idverde, is also upbeat about the innovative electric utility vehicle.

“Aside from its ability to manoeuvre, the ET Lander has lots of other great features such as reversing cameras and the option of adding things to it like PTO’s, salt spreaders and water tanks. I like the fact that it’s got some storage units within the vehicle underneath the body too.

“The all-round visibility from the cab is another key feature that we like about the ET Lander. We have around 6 million visitors through the park each year so it’s essential to be mindful of the public.

“The ET Lander is an absolute must-have vehicle for any grounds maintenance contractor, but I believe that there are a lot of other industries out there that could make use of this vehicle as well.”

idverde purchased the Etesia ET Lander through RT Machinery, and Chris feels as though they are in good hands.

“The communication that I have had with the team at RT Machinery has always been positive and they are quick to respond to emails and questions. Some of our other contracts use RT machinery and they always speak highly of them. The availability and the quality of the products that they’re selling is 100%.”

To see the machine in action at the Olympic Park, please click here.

For further information, please contact Etesia UK on 01295 680120 or visit www.etlander.co.uk

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

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