Kubota launch LX compact tractor range

/in , /by

Kubota launch LX compact tractor range: Kubota introduces its new LX Series, a range of multi-purpose compact tractors that allow users to handle a wide variety of tasks ranging from mowing and snow clearance to materials handling and cultivations.

The new LX tractor features a Stage V engine and will be available in four different models: the 35hp LX-351 Rear ROPS and LX-351 Cab, and the 40hp LX-401 Rear ROPS and LX-401 Cab, all with three-range HST transmission.

Kubota launch LX compact tractor range

Kubota launch LX compact tractor range

Powerful four-cylinder Kubota engines are equipped with an injection system, exhaust gas recirculation and diesel particulate filter, not only meeting the latest EU Stage V emissions standard, but also offering low fuel consumption. The large engine displacement of 1,498 cmÑ delivers high levels of torque to ensure ample power reserves.

The modern engine cowling of the new LX Series tractors has a distinctive, dynamic design giving the operator an excellent view of the front working area. It can be opened wide to allow easy access to all maintenance points in the engine compartment.

Kubota has developed a new three-range hydrostatic transmission especially for the LX Series which is extremely quiet and guarantees precise and efficient power transmission. An auto-throttle function allows the operator to synchronise driving speed and engine speed with just one pedal. This simplifies operation, reduces noise emissions and further helps to cut fuel consumption. LX Series tractors are also equipped with smooth and responsive hydraulic power steering,  making it easy to use heavy implements or perform front loader work.

The new LA545 front loader is also available for the LX Series, featuring an optional self levelling system, and further expanding the range of tasks that can be carried out with these tractors.

Two double acting valves at the front and two double acting valves at the rear to handle the most demanding equipment are standard. A new multi-function lever is used to independently control the valves. Lifting capacity at the rear is up to 1,150kg, and a front hitch with front PTO is available as an option, a first for Kubota compacts in the UK, and offering even greater versatility.

An external switch at the rear that allows the PTO to be switched on and off from outside the cabin, a useful addition when operating PTO-driven implements such as log splitters, saws, cement mixers, etc. while stationary.

The Bi-Speed system significantly improves the steering performance of the LXSeries tractors and bevel gear drive further enhances its outstanding manoeuvrability; the  large steering angle giving a minimum turning radius of 2.2m.

Kubota offers a completely new cabin design for the LX Series which is easier to access and noticeably quieter when working. As standard, it comes equipped with air conditioning, a heated rear window and windscreen wipers front and rear. All frequently used levers and switches are now located to the right of the operator, while less commonly used controls are located on the left, for the most user-friendly layout yet. Security is a top priority on the LX Series and the tractors are protected by a three-digit access code.

Cabin models have a width of 1.25m and the ROPS models just 1.22m, a compact design making the LX series the machine of choice for an extensive range of applications. A wide range of tyre types, including agricultural, turf and intermediate tyres is available.

The LX series will be available from Kubota dealers in September.

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

Real life scenarios to develop the Ranger Diesel

/in , /by

Real life scenarios to develop the Ranger Diesel: Since its founding in 1954, Polaris has been inviting people to Think Outside and discover the joy of being outdoors.

The innovation, performance and growth that has allowed Polaris to become a global leader in off-road vehicles have been driven by the diversity and passion of its customers, staff, dealers and stakeholders across the world. To celebrate the people behind the brand, Polaris has launched a new initiative, called Polaris People, to showcase how, for many people, Polaris isn’t just a brand but a life choice.

Real life scenarios to develop the Ranger Diesel

Real life scenarios to develop the Ranger Diesel

Polaris People is a video series documenting the stories of individuals across Europe, Middle East and Africa, where Polaris plays an essential role in their lives, all united by a thirst for the outdoors.

EPISODE 2: Rhys Thomas, Hill Farmer in Wales

For more than 20 years, Polaris has been building off-road vehicles that represent years of research and development, allowing them to perform better, work harder and ride smoother. The launch of the new Ranger Diesel in 2019 was no exception: Inspired by its users, Polaris saw the opportunity to develop the Ranger Diesel into something specifically adapted to its European market. To do this, Polaris enlisted the help of existing customers to drive improvements in line with real-life requirements.

The second episode of Polaris People introduces Rhys Thomas – a hill farmer in Wales, UK, and a longstanding Polaris customer. Living in Wales – a country known for its rugged coastline, contrasting valleys and mountains and temperamental weather conditions – Pen Isa Dre Farm boasts endless rolling hills in a secluded area of Abergele, making it the perfect destination for testing the capabilities of the pre-production Ranger Diesel.

Rhys was one of four UK farmers selected to test the Ranger Diesel before it was launched. Being a hill farmer, he relies on his Polaris machines to reach all areas of his land, as well as making his daily tasks more efficient, like fencing, rounding up and moving around the animals with a trailer, towing the animal feeders, and even as a means of transport in snowy and adverse weather conditions when other vehicles are not able to access the farm.

“We were big fans of the previous diesel model, so we were a little cautious trying the new one,” said Rhys. “But we soon realised that it was indeed a much better, improved machine. My son summed the model up by calling it ‘The Beast’.”

Improved reliability, durability, performance and refinement were all key objectives for the project, and Polaris was keen to ensure the product had delivered on these before it made the final call to release the product into production.

With its new, powerful and durable diesel engine and lower cost of ownership thanks to an increased engine service interval to over 200 hours, plus a host of other design, capability and ergonomic enhancements, the satisfaction from the customer trials was overwhelming, leading to the launch of the Ranger Diesel as we now know it in April 2019.

“The Ranger Diesel is a godsend for us, and we were happy to be a part of its initial trial in the UK. Tried, tested and approved by us.”

Check out the second episode of Polaris People to join Rhys and his son on their family farm in Wales, as they give you an inside look at the beautiful Welsh countryside and how the Ranger Diesel helps their everyday life. Available to watch on the Polaris Off-Road International YouTube channel here.

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

BIGGA to host Women & Girls Golf Week

/in , /by

BIGGA to host Women & Girls Golf Week: Women & Girls’ Golf Week returns this month and Monday 16th will see attention turn to those ladies who have built a successful career in the golf industry.

To mark the occasion the British & International Golf Greenkeepers Association (BIGGA) will welcome Emma Ballard, editor of Women & Golf, as she hosts an online chat with four talented female greenkeepers and finds out more about what they enjoy about their chosen careers.

BIGGA to host Women & Girls Golf Week

BIGGA to host Women & Girls Golf Week

The online chat will take place on 16 August at 4pm and joining Emma will be:

  • Lucy Sellick, course manager at Wenvoe Castle Golf Club
  • Sophie Bulpitt, deputy course manager at The Berkshire Golf Club
  • Amanda Dorans, sustainability coordinator at The Gleneagles Hotel
  • Anna Nilsson, irrigation technician at The Belfry

The chat will be an opportunity to find out what attracted these four ladies to the industry and showcase the incredible opportunities for career development it presents.

Anyone interested in a potential career in greenkeeping – male or female – is invited to register and listen in to the conversation.

Emma Ballard, who recently graduated from The R&A’s Women in Golf Leadership Programme, said: “As someone who has been lucky enough to forge a career in golf, I know what a wonderful industry it is to work in. Whether playing, as part of the media – like myself – or as one of the rising number of brilliant female greenkeepers in the industry, there’s no better place to spend your working life than out on the golf course. I’m really excited to sit and chat to these four incredibly talented female greenkeepers, who all come from a wide variety of backgrounds but are united in their shared passion for their profession. I hope you’re able to join us!”

You can register for the event online at: https://www.bigga.org.uk/event/women-and-girls-golf-week-greenkeeping-its-a-great-career.html

Women & Girls’ Golf Week is an online campaign hosted by England Golf that promotes female participation in golf at all levels and seeks to challenge negative perceptions about the game. You can keep up to date with related activities throughout the week by following the hashtag #WhyIGolf on social media.

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

SMARTCut™ and SpringRake™ at St Catharine’s College

/in , /by

SMARTCut™ and SpringRake™ at St Catharine’s College: A 34” INFINICUT® FX, complete with SMARTCut™ cutting reel and SpringRake™ cassette from the TMSystem™ collection has become the newest addition to the machinery fleet at St Catharine’s College, Cambridge.

In the short period of time since its delivery in June, the set-up is making a massive difference to some of the site’s fine turf areas – albeit in quiet fashion, with the evident reduction in noise pollution another benefit thanks to the switch to battery power.

SMARTCut™ and SpringRake™ at St Catharine’s College

SMARTCut™ and SpringRake™ at St Catharine’s College

Under Head Groundsman Chris Tovey’s remit are hockey surfaces, tennis courts and pitches for rugby and football, which convert to host cricket throughout the summer months. “I’d first seen the INFINICUT® at a demonstration a couple of years ago and could tell that the quality of cut it delivered, together with the versatility of the cassette options available, would suit our site down to the ground” explains Chris, who has been at the college for 35 years. “Through the summer months, it will become our go-to mower on our cricket outfield and throughout the winter, it will deliver that next level of finesse to our main football pitch.”

“The quiet operation that comes with the battery-powered INFINICUT® has been a real breath of fresh air for us, having a number of aging and rather noisy pieces of equipment in the shed! This is so important not just for us as operators, but also the benefits that noise reduction brings to the more general educational environment.”

Alongside his 34” cutting cassette, Chris also purchased the new SpringRake™ cassette from the TMSystem™ range. Designed for a less aggressive approach to removing organic matter, lateral growth and/or debris, the SpringRake™ features both tines and nylon brushes to gently ‘scratch’ the base of the plant and move the collected material to the surface for dispersal or collection.

“We’ve been passing the SpringRake™ cassette over our grass tennis courts and cricket square on a weekly basis and it’s done a fantastic job at removing unwanted grasses on these fine turf areas.” Chris concludes, “The set-up is so simple to use and is going to be key to helping us take our facilities to the next level, to the benefit of both the college and the students.”

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

Toro deal for Downfield GC

/in , /by

Toro deal for Downfield GC: Having worked at Gleneagles and St. Andrews, John Watson, course manager at Downfield Golf Club in Dundee, knows a thing or two about immaculate greenkeeping. As well as expertise and timing it’s about having the right equipment, which is where the club’s exclusive relationship with Toro comes into play.

John explains: “I’m a firm believer that when it comes to maintaining greens, it’s best not to overcomplicate it. Simply, if you want to produce the best finish you need the best machines.

Toro deal for Downfield GC

Toro deal for Downfield GC

“That’s why we work exclusively with Toro – the quality of the machines and the standard of the cut is better than anything.

“We’ve been using Toro for years and you get what you pay for. The machines are simple to operate, have very few technical problems and the build quality is the best in the market. We like the ease of servicing and that a lot of the bearings are sealed meaning they require less maintenance.”

Downfield Golf Club has a full mowing fleet on site, which includes greens, tees, fairway and rough mowers, utility vehicles, sprayers and aerators.

“In having an all-Toro fleet we are able to streamline our consumables,” continues John. “For example, we use one type of engine oil and one type of hydraulic oil which, from a servicing point of view, makes our job more straightforward.”

John heads up a six-strong greenkeeping team who are responsible for maintaining the course, which has previously hosted prestigious tournaments such as S.P.G.A Masters, P.G.A Scottish Open and been a former British Open Qualifying Course. The course is famed for its location within lush Scottish parkland, as well as its diversity of tree species and native wildlife.

The Toro fleet is operational all year-round with the Greensmasters out daily, the apron mowers out three times a week and the fairway mowers cutting twice a week.

Having such a rigorous schedule it’s imperative that the machines are in excellent working order and John credits Rab Wilson from exclusive Toro distributor, Reesink Turfcare, with quickly trouble-shooting any issues to minimise down-time.

John continues: “Rab is fantastic. We get on very well and he will always come to our assistance immediately if we have any problems, although they are few and far between.

“It’s all about getting the job done at the right time and if you haven’t got the right kit you can’t do it. We are experiencing more extremities in the weather – colder, drier springs, milder winters, prolonged periods of snow and ice – so in having the Toro fleet we know we have the very best machinery for the job!”

To find out more about the Toro range or the finance options available, call Reesink Turfcare on 01480 226800, email info@reesinkturfcare.co.uk or visit reesinkturfcare.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