New John Deere ride-on mowers

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New John Deere ride-on mowers: Among a host of new additions to the company’s lawn tractor and zero-turn mower ranges for 2021, John Deere has expanded its commercial ZTrak ZTR range to include two new petrol models and two rear-discharge decks to meet customer demand.

Offering a high-output yet compact solution for groundscare professionals, particularly when working in restricted spaces, John Deere zero-turn mowers are based on a robust, heavy-duty frame including a ROPS. The high-gauge PRO steel rotary cutting decks feature a deep mowing chamber designed to handle more grass for increased capacity. This increases airflow so that a quality cut can be achieved even when mowing at maximum speed.

New John Deere ride-on mowers

New John Deere ride-on mowers

The new Z740R semi-commercial mower is powered by a Kawasaki 23.5hp commercial grade petrol engine, while the Z950R commercial machine has a larger Kawasaki 27hp petrol engine and is equipped with Michelin Tweel X Turf airless radial tyres as standard (these are optional on the smaller model). Both mowers feature an adjustable operator platform and ComfortGlide suspension seat with armrests, with easy access to a quick-change height-of-cut dial and on-the-go tracking adjustments to maximise mowing performance.

The Z740R offers a choice of high-capacity 122 or 137cm (48 or 54in) side-discharge decks, while the larger Z950R is available with 137 or 152cm (54 or 60in) side-discharge and new 152cm (60in) rear-discharge decks. John Deere’s existing Stage V diesel engine zero-turn mowers, the Z994R 24.7hp and Z997R 37.4hp models, can now be fitted with a choice of 152cm (60in) side-discharge and new 152 or 183cm (60 or 72in) rear-discharge decks in addition to the previously available side-discharge options, depending on model.

The new heavy-duty rear-discharge decks employ a single-belt deck design for easy maintenance, and are mulching enabled for a cleaner finish. These have been introduced to the John Deere zero-turn mower range for the first time, specifically for those customers who require this particular configuration to meet contract requirements.

New John Deere ride-on mowers

New John Deere ride-on mowers

All these new zero-turn mowers also provide easy access for servicing and on-board diagnostics, while available attachments include a tool carrier, striping brush and storage tray.

Available in Europe since 2019, when they were introduced on John Deere’s ZTrak 900 Series commercial ZTR mowers, the Michelin X Tweel Turf airless radial tyre virtually eliminates tyre downtime from punctures when compared to traditional pneumatic tyres, and is almost maintenance free.

It has the same dimensions and bolt pattern as a standard tyre, but features automotive rubber technology that allows the tread to last up to three times longer. The Tweel also reduces ground compaction and increases ride quality, which is enhanced by the mowers’ ComfortGlide seat.

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Comic Relief: demonstration of support

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Comic Relief: demonstration of support: Fleet Line Markers Ltd is well known across the industry as the market leader in the manufacture of sports line marking paint and machines.

However, over the past 12 months Fleet have launched several projects using their expertise in the field to show a spectacular display of support for the NHS, Key Workers, VE Day and last November the giant Poppy to mark Remembrance Day. Staff voluntarily gave their time to show their support for the community and wider causes.

Comic Relief: demonstration of support

Comic Relief: demonstration of support

This month, a new challenge was set. Red Nose Day, in support of Comic Relief benefits so many and Fleet decided to go BIG! The project would take up the whole of the 1st XV Pitch at Malvern Rugby Club. Businesses sponsored a red nose and in return they had their company name displayed underneath a large red painted nose (scale shown below). If you look closely, you can see the goal posts at each end of the pitch. The results and feedback have been remarkable, you really do have to see it to believe it.

Fleet have been overwhelmed by the support for last year’s projects, which received a large amount of Media coverage with the VE Day Rainbow reaching National News and internationally as far as New Zealand and Japan. The Comic Relief challenge was no different, the response has been huge. A massive thank you should go out to all those involved.

Watch this space the challenges only get bigger! Here at Fleet we are all looking forward to what this summer will bring, with competitive sports now returning at all levels it looks to be a busy time. Headlining as official sponsor at The Sports & Grounds Expo (SAGE) is a key event in our calendar, the all new totally outdoor trade show for the grounds maintenance industry. With many key exhibitors signed already, SAGE looks to fall at an ideal time this summer.

There might be a few projects of our own to be released over the three-day event at The Three Counties Showground! Don’t miss it 27 – 29 July 2021, we’ll see you there! To find out more visit; www.sportsandgrounds.co.uk.

To find out more about what we can do for you at Fleet call 01684 573535 today or go online to find out more; www.fleetlinemarkers.co.uk

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KAR wins distributor award

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KAR wins distributor award: KAR UK is delighted to have recently been awarded Kasco’s European Distributor of the Year 2020.

For over 50 years, Kasco – a family-owned company, has offered world-leading water quality solutions. Today, the company manufactures high quality products such as fountains, surface aerators, diffused aerators, de-icers, circulators and beneficial bacteria to aquatic industries – all of which are designed to improve water quality.

KAR wins distributor award

KAR wins distributor award

KAR UK – the leading wholesaler of irrigation equipment in the UK, distribute the innovative Kasco product portfolio, and over the past couple of years has seen an increasing demand for the products.

This latest award follows the Kasco Top Sales Growth Award which KAR UK was presented with in 2019.

“It came as a bit of a shock to me,” admitted KAR UK Regional Sales Manager Roger Lupton. “We were aware that we had an exceptionally good and buoyant year with Kasco products, but we didn’t know quite to what extent.

“To be awarded this, above all the other companies throughout Europe is a great achievement – especially during a pandemic. It is very pleasing to be recognised for all the work we are doing with Kasco.

“There is a reason why the Kasco brand is so popular,” continued Roger. “The products stand out for their reliability and for their features such as interchangeable nozzles and a large range of motor units. Quite simply, they are premium products.”

Roger was also quick to praise the suppliers, installers, operators, and specialist contractors that work closely with KAR UK.

“At the end of the day we bring the Kasco products into the country,” he said. “But we then distribute it to several other companies, who in turn help to get the products to the end user. It is because of them, their efforts and hard work, as to why we have received the award from Kasco – so I would like to say a big thank you to everyone we work with.”

Commenting on KAR UK’s award, Joe Holz, Kasco’s International Sales Manager, said: “KAR has been a terrific distributor partner with Kasco and we are proud to present them with the 2020 European Distributor of the Year Award.

“Their knowledge of and commitment to Kasco fountain and aeration equipment has propelled them to this top spot. KAR UK’s commitment to marketing, training, and customer service makes them a great partner with Kasco and an excellent resource for knowledge and service for the UK market. We have no doubt in their continued growth.”

For more information, please visit www.karuk.com

You can also follow KAR UK on Twitter @KARUK_LTD for much more news, reviews and insightful views.

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Leading lawncare expert refutes Monty’s claim

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Leading lawncare expert refutes Monty’s claim: One of the UK’s leading lawncare experts has totally refuted the claim by TV gardener Monty Don in a national newspaper that mowing the grass “is about the most injurious thing you can do to wildlife.”

Richard Salmon, managing director of ProLawnCare UK Limited, dismisses the claim as “utter nonsense” and asks what is Monty’s evidence for making such a claim?

Leading lawncare expert refutes Monty’s claim

Leading lawncare expert refutes Monty’s claim

“Visit any garden where lawns are regularly mown and you will see all manner of birds and insects.   Badgers are particularly fond of such areas as it makes searching for insects that much easier than in long, wild grass,” he says.

“All golf courses are enjoyed by an abundance of wildlife – and they don’t restrict their visits to the rough.  The other factor he forgets is that leaving grass to grow wild and reducing the mowing frequency, means that when you come to mow, it will be more difficult as the grass will be long.  It will take several passes with the mower to reduce to the required height, using more fuel and energy.  Plus it will put additional stress on the grass by reducing its height too much in one mowing operation.

Grass mowed little and often produces more leaf because additional tillers (side shoots) are stimulated to grow.  The more leaf you encourage, the greater the Co2 absorbing capability of the turf is achieved.” 

Richard agrees that all gardens, regardless of size, should leave an area uncultivated but, he points out, many wild flowers cannot compete with rampant long grass, so set aside areas for wildlife and manage them accordingly and leave the lawn as a lawn.

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Scarify and aerate with Cobra

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Scarify and aerate with Cobra: The Cobra SA40E electric scarifier is fully equipped for removing unwanted moss and thatch from lawns, and comes with a scarifying drum and a bladed aerator that can be easily swapped for ultimate flexibility.

The brand proudly boasts the title of having the UK’s largest range of powered lawnmowers and continues to develop its products to further its position as the expert in the lawncare market.  The SA40E lawn scarifier is the latest extension of this.

Scarify and aerate with Cobra

Scarify and aerate with Cobra

The machine is powered by a 1800 watt motor and has just under a 16 inch working width. Debris is collected in a sizable 40 litre collection bag, made from a fabric that allows free air flow, resulting in more compact collection and fewer stops to empty.

The 10 meter long cable ensures scarifying of domestic gardens without the need of an extention lead, and the height is adjustable between four settings from -12mm to 8mm.

The Cobra scarifying drum has a series of sharp spring tines that rotate at high speed and rake the turf, whilst the bladed aerator has 14 high quality steel blades to alleviate soil compaction by cutting into the turf vertically.

Peter Chaloner, managing director of Cobra, said: “Cobra scarifiers are packed with innovative, ground-breaking features to help you maintain your garden with minimum time and effort. The SA40E is ideal for fast removal of unwanted moss, thatch, weeds and other debris. Using it just once a month will result in more room for your grass to grow. This improves water, feed and oxygen penetration that results in better quality, stronger roots, meaning a more resilient lawn.”

For gardeners looking for a solution to end hours of raking, forking and scraping to create the perfect lawn, the SA40E is the ideal option.

Cobra products are available to buy online at www.cobragarden.co.uk or via a network of expert dealers across the UK.

RRP: £159.99

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