Kubota Launch colouring challenge

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Kubota Launch colouring challenge: Leading mini-excavator manufacturer, Kubota, has launched a colouring challenge in time for the summer holidays. Artists across the country are being asked to colour in one of Kubota’s digger pictures to help celebrate being 25 years at number one market share in the mini excavator market for the UK & R.O.I.

As a reward, entrants who submit their efforts will receive an official Kubota branded colouring book and pencil set, to help them get even more creative over the summer holidays. The activity is running from July 27th until early September, giving plenty of time for Kubota fans and budding artists to get colourful!

Kubota Launch colouring challenge

Kubota Launch colouring challenge

The entry image is free to download via the Kubota website: kubota-eu.com and once completed, challengers are being asked to snap a picture of their masterpiece and send it to kuk_g.marketing@kubota.com alongside their name, age and a delivery address to claim their rewards.

“We’re looking to include everyone in our 25 year celebrations and that is why we have launched the colouring challenge for all the Kubota brand ambassadors out there, young and old, to have some fun over the summer holidays,” says Rob White, Divisional Manager, Construction, Kubota U.K. “Hopefully it can be a family activity or just something to help someone pass the time, who knows, we may even inspire the next Picasso!”

For more information or to download the colouring challenge image, visit: kubota-eu.com

* Submitted pictures of the finished colouring image must contain the image only and no entrants.
** All entries sent to kuk_g.marketing@kubota.com automatically agree for their first name, age and colouring image sent to be shared on Kubota U.K’s social media channels.
*** Delivery address information will NOT be shared elsewhere and ONLY used for the purpose of sending the Kubota colouring book and pencils to entrants.
**** Limited stocks of rewards apply and will be distributed on a first come first served basis.
***** Limited to 1 colouring book & pencil set per image entered, with a maximum of 4 entries per address.

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Vermorel knapsacks put grounds team in comfort zone

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Vermorel knapsacks put grounds team in comfort zone: Head groundsman Jason O’Keele and his six-strong Epsom College team are all dab hands with knapsack sprayers.

“Everyone has their PA6 certificate so they can use them whenever we need to weed and feed,” says Jason.

 

Vermorel knapsacks put grounds team in comfort zone

Vermorel knapsacks put grounds team in comfort zone

The team manage an 85-acre estate, 12 hectares devoted to sport, including five cricket squares, 12 turf pitches, two synthetics and plenty of planted-up borders lining college staff and pupil accommodation at the 1,200-head co-educational independent school, so there’s plenty of opportunity for them to hone their spray skills.

Part of Commercial Groundscare Services’ team of professionals who tend school sports facilities throughout Surrey, the Epsom College contingent are based permanently on site.

“Being here full time means we can really take pride in looking after what are fantastic facilities,” Jason says. And as pupil numbers rise under the  College’s expansion programme, so does the sporting calendar.

“We can have as many as 10 cricket fixtures here on a Saturday for example,” he adds, “while local and league football clubs also train here.”

That all means the pressure’s on to deliver perfectly manicured grounds that reflect the prestige and prowess of the College academically and across a sporting spectrum that includes, football, rugby, hockey, tennis and athletics.

“I like to give team members different jobs to tackle as that creates more interest for them, rather than doing the same thing all the time,” explains Jason, whose allegiance to Hozelock Exel knapsack brands dates back some years.

“Our Cooper Pegler professional sprayer has always run without any trouble but I wanted a couple more knapsacks so that we could speed up the efficiency of our spraying programme,” he says.

“I trialled the 16l capacity Pro Comfort 2000 sprayer in the Berthoud Vermorel range, liked it, and have just bought another one. What impressed me were the chest and back strap supports. Ergonomically designed, they make spraying comfortable, and that’s important if you are out there for a day non stop.

“Also helpful is the zip bag of spare nozzles and accessories and the extendable lance, which lets us reach into corners and the back of borders.”

Jason keeps the weed and feed programmes separate, using each Vermorel knapsack for discrete duties. “In spring and summer we’re out every fortnight for a couple of days, applying liquid iron across the ornamental lawns with one of the knapsacks while using a mix of systemic herbicide and liquid nitrogen with the other.

“Growth retardant applied to banks reduces the need for strimming, and we can use it in the same knapsack as that for feed.”

Winter sees the team applying moss and algae treatment liquid monthly to the two synthetic pitches. “They thrive over the colder weather so we need to tackle growth regularly as playing surfaces can become slippery.”

Jason knows the value of regular maintenance in keeping knapsacks primed. “We run pre-start checks before every outing and in the two years since I bought the first Vermorel knapsack, I haven’t replaced anything.

“They are certainly robust and the piston and pump operation really works well, delivering a consistent, continuous spray.”

Variety is the spice of life they say and Jason puts theory into practice. “Everybody takes turns in spraying as they are all trained up to use knapsacks, complete with white suits, wellies and appropriate PPE kit.

“It helps keep everyone engaged, which means we have the best chance of delivering the finest results across the grounds.”

Each of the three premium grade knapsacks – Vermorel 1800, Pro Comfort 2000 and top-range 3000 Electric – come with ergonomically contoured, sturdy backframe as standard.

Safety harnesses provide rising levels of support progressing through the line – from padded shoulder straps on the `1800`, to padded shoulder, waist and chest strapping on the `2000` and fully specified `3000`.

All Vermorel knapsacks are easy to use and dismantle for servicing and repair.  They are also suitable for applying sanitisers and disinfectants and are available with a host of spares and accessories such as spray shields, seal and nozzle kits and multi-nozzle spray booms to give operators even greater flexibility.

www.cooper-pegler.com

www.berthoud.fr/en/

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Game-changing Pellenc suits Hard Graft

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Game-changing Pellenc suits Hard Graft: Hard Graft Garden Services has labelled the Pellenc brand as a “game-changer” after using the battery-powered products for over a year now.

Hard Graft Garden Services is a family-run business based in Longniddry, East Lothian. It was established by Neil Stuart over 30 years ago and is now being run by the next generation of Team Stuart – sons Fraser, Sam and Lewis.

Game-changing Pellenc suits Hard Graft

Game-changing Pellenc suits Hard Graft

Lewis, who is responsible for sourcing all the equipment for the company, revealed the reasons behind wanting to utilise battery-powered technology.

“We decided to invest in the future,” he said. “There were many reasons for switching to battery-powered equipment such as reduced costs and less maintenance; it is more user-friendly and quieter too. Since Covid, many of our customers are working from home so we don’t want to disturb them while we are working in their gardens.”

Lewis admits that he didn’t get off to the best of starts with battery-powered technology. That was until he discovered Pellenc.

“The Pellenc equipment is far superior to other manufacturers we have used – it is commercial grade equipment which has been built to last. It is all fully waterproof, and we use it in all conditions; even in winter we don’t have any issues with the Pellenc battery. In the past we’ve had so many problems with other manufacturers when the temperature starts to drop.

“Reliability was key for us. Based on my past experience I was expecting lots of little niggly things to go wrong but they just haven’t with the Pellenc equipment. It has resulted in a lot less headaches and it means we can just focus on the work ahead.”

Over recent years, Pellenc has gained market recognition by offering a unique range of ‘zero emission’ battery-powered tools, thanks to the development of Lithium-ion ultra-high-performance batteries.

The extensive Pellenc product range features an impressive portfolio – from chainsaws, pole saws and hedge cutters to grass strimmers, brushcutters, blowers and mowers; many of which have been helping the team at Hard Graft, as Lewis explained.

“Our first purchases were the Excelion bruschcutter and the 1500 battery – and we were blown away. The power delivery was incredible, and we were impressed with how slender it was. We have the comfort harness for the battery, and it is like wearing a rucksack.

“Then we got the Airion blower, and I knew straight away that it was going to be a godsend for us. It gives you the same power as petrol units, but you don’t get that screaming noise that you get from the engines. It is particularly useful in autumn time when we are shifting a lot of dead leaves. The switch for jumping between power settings is beneficial and so is the cruise control.

“The features I like best about the Rasion mower are the twin blade system and the way the chute is designed. The wide chute makes all the difference, and the grass just fires straight into the bag. We also like the way it folds for storage. Plus, it is really light and only takes one person to lift it into our van, whereas our petrol mowers are a two-man lift.

“The handbrake on the mower is brilliant especially when we are working on slopes or if the bag is full and we need to stop to empty it. We also love how you can cipher through the blade speed all the way up to 5,000 rpm. Ideally, we want the blade speed as high as possible especially when we are cutting wet grass. You can’t do this with a lot of other battery-powered mowers on the market – typically you’ll get one blade speed, and it is nowhere near the speed of the Pellenc. The boost function on the throttle really comes in handy too.

“On all of the equipment there are so many little features which you don’t think you need but once you have them you can’t imagine life without them. We’ve had the Pellenc equipment for over a year and it has exceeded our expectations.”

Lewis was also quick to praise Agrovista Amenity who he believes has been integral to his overall Pelllenc experience.

“Dealer support is very important, and Allan Wright from Agrovista Amenity has been first-class from the start,” he said. “Allan told me he had some equipment which was going to blow my mind, and he wasn’t wrong.”

Pellenc is distributed exclusively in the UK by Etesia UK.

For further information, please contact Etesia UK on 01295 680120 or visit www.pellencuk.com

You can watch a video of Lewis by clicking – https://youtu.be/RJ4LyErufnc

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

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Tallis Amos Group expands

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Tallis Amos Group expands: Tallis Amos Group (TAG) has confirmed it has been appointed as the John Deere dealer to cover Shrewsbury and Newport in Shropshire offering full sales, parts and service support within the surrounding area.

TAG was formed in 2012 when two long standing John Deere dealerships, Alexander & Duncan and Chris Tallis Farm Machinery joined forces. The company traces its roots back to 1912 and has been supporting farming businesses in the West Midlands for over 100 years, with 56 years as John Deere agents. Currently operating four depots in the West Midlands and Wales at Evesham, Kemble, Leominster and Narberth, TAG already has plans to open an additional site near Lampeter in October this year. Employing a team of 130, including skilled after-sales teams and experienced sales representatives, TAG has a comprehensive range of other machinery partners including Kramer, Pottinger, Sumo, Pichon, Shelbourne Reynolds, Sulky, AW & Bailey Trailers and many more.

Tallis Amos Group expands

Tallis Amos Group expands

To ensure that the company can deliver outstanding support to customers throughout the Shrewsbury and Newport area plans are being finalised to open two outlets, details will be shared as soon as possible with opening dates in the near future. Rea Valley Tractors (RVT) continue to be authorised dealers until 31st October 2022.

Simon Amos, TAG Agricultural Sales Director, said: “We are delighted to be extending our trading area and look forward to earning farmers and contractors business & trust in the months and years ahead.
Alexander & Duncan were the original John Deere dealer appointed for Shropshire in 1966, our whole team have a great sense of pride in returning to serve customers across the region again”

Ben Tallis, TAG Managing Director, said: “This is another important step in the continued growth of TAG, only with expansion can we provide the levels of stock, technology and specialisation necessary
to support the needs of modern farming and contracting businesses whilst providing the security and opportunities for everyone who works hard at TAG every day.

“We have always had a good working relationship with RVT and wish them well in the future. As we look to build on their success over the last 38 years we have agreed to work together and make the transition as smooth as possible for all customers.”

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Burhill strengthens Club Car relationship

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Burhill strengthens Club Car relationship: Major multi-course operator Burhill Group Ltd (BGL) has continued its long-standing relationship with Club Car, following the delivery of their latest fleet of golf vehicles.

The fleet of 171 Tempo vehicles – sporting a striking sapphire blue livery – has been distributed to BGL’s 10 UK golf courses, including the prestigious Burhill Golf Club, in Walton on Thames, Surrey.

Burhill strengthens Club Car relationship

Burhill strengthens Club Car relationship

 

Based on a commitment to excellence between the organisations, the latest delivery is the seventh fleet of vehicles provided to BGL over the last 15 years by Club Car’s UK dealer, Bradshaw.

Colin Mayes, CEO of BGL, said: “The continued innovation that Club Car displays in its most recent models falls directly in line with our progressive ethos as a major multi-course operator.

“We are always looking to improve the service we can offer to our members and visitors, and we believe this new fleet will significantly help to do that.”

Describing the vehicles as an “integral part of the experience at our golf venues”, Colin Mayes drew out some of the key product highlights: “The durability, performance, and efficiency of the cars allow us to deliver a reliable and enjoyable experience at all our golf clubs around the country, ensuring our customers have the same first-class service regardless of which BGL venue they are at.”

With 22 golf courses at 10 venues across the country, BGL is one of the largest owners and operators of golf courses and facilities in the UK. Each provides a different style and character while offering a high-quality, friendly, and professional service.

The organisation recently accounts that its entire portfolio of golf clubs has been successfully reaccredited as GEO Certified – a commitment to environmental progression and solidifies its place as the only major multi-course operator to have GEO Certified status across all sites.

Kevin Hart, Club Car’s Sales Director for EMEA, said: “BGL carefully reviews all elements of a product before committing to a deal, so for them to select Club Car time and again is an endorsement of the quality and reliability of our products, and the value of our close, long-standing working relationship.”

Club Car, the world’s largest manufacturer of small-wheel electric cars, supplies many of the world’s leading golf destinations with its wide range of vehicles, and is an official supplier to the DP World Tour, the 2023 Ryder Cup, the Professional Golfers’ Association (PGA) and St Andrews Links Trust.

For more information on Club Car visit: www.clubcar.com

For more information on BGL Golf, visit: www.bglcompany.co.uk/golf

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