Kubota launches new V tracked dump truck

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Kubota launches new V tracked dump truck: Kubota has expanded its extensive range of track dumpers with the launch of two new Stage V emissions compliant models. The KC300HR-5 and KC300H-5, are compact and powerful and are ideal for transporting construction materials quickly and efficiently, especially in rough terrain. 

Both models have a maximum load capacity of 2,875 kg and are capable of transporting large quantities of material in a short time. In the H version, the machine is equipped with a hydraulic three-sided tiltable loading trough. The tipping angle of this model is max. 55°, the tipping angle of the HR version is max. 84°. In addition, the tipper is equipped with a stepless, hydraulic 180° rotation function (HR – hydraulic rotation 90° right / 90° left). With this version, the rotation function can be actuated at the same time as the tipping of the body. This gives the operator the great advantage of being able to unload the bulk material with pinpoint accuracy, which significantly increases the flexibility of the machine.

Kubota launches new V tracked dump truck

Kubota launches new V tracked dump truck

The heart of these two models is the liquid-cooled Kubota diesel engine V2403, which complies with the current European exhaust gas stage V. The four-cylinder diesel engine enables the machine to be operated with a high degree of flexibility. It provides the operator with a wide power spectrum in all working situations and, if required, a high driving speed of up to 11 km/h, even when loaded. Other design features include a robust crawler chassis that guarantees the operator efficient and comfortable working. Ground clearance is 330 mm, ensuring avoidance of obstacles and making machine use on uneven terrain much easier.

In addition to outstanding versatility and performance, special emphasis was also placed on driver comfort when developing these new track dumpers. The comfortable, reversible seat allows the driver to turn 180 degrees and face the opposite direction of travel. This allows the driver to quickly and easily adjust his seating position to the corresponding loading direction at all times, even in tight construction sites. Joystick operation and a digital display showing all important engine and machine data ensure simple and smooth operation and are always in the operator’s field of vision, even in reverse gear and with the seat direction adjusted.

Glen Hampson, Construction Division Manager at Kubota,  said, “These two KC300H-5 and HR-5 models are an exciting new addition to our track dumper range and the result of years of experience and continuous investment in new product development. The KC300-5 meets the latest European Stage V diesel emissions regulations and combines power and speed with unbeatable flexibility – all in a compact design.

For more information on the Kubota KC300H-5 and HR-5 models, visit: https://kuk.kubota-eu.com/constructionmachinery/products/track-dumpers/kc300h-hr-5/

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Jacobsen celebrates 20-years at Sage Valley

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Jacobsen celebrates 20-years at Sage Valley: Since the construction of Sage Valley Golf Club in 2001, Jacobsen mowers have covered every blade of grass on the 4000-acre site, and in those two decades, they have always impressed.

The private members club located just outside of Augusta, Georgia, sits within thousands of acres of preserved southern pine forest, and at its heart is the 18-hole, 7,344-yard course and three practice holes. Along with every blade of grass on the 4000 plus acre site, these courses are maintained by the Director of Agronomy, Dustin Purdue, and his team.

Jacobsen celebrates 20-years at Sage Valley

Jacobsen celebrates 20-years at Sage Valley

With roadsides, fields, common areas and the courses under his control, the importance of having mowers for specific areas can’t be underestimated. For Dustin, it is the Jacobsen machines’ versatility that has played a significant part in their success.

“We maintain 125 acres of turf, so it’s a large area,” Dustin begins. “Most golf courses are in the 80 to 90-acre range, so when we are growing, and in the growing season and full-on mowing, we need every day and every minute just to stay on top of the amount of grass we have to mow.

“We’re maintaining things from a tenth of an inch on the greens all the way to two inches in the rough and then fields per se or just native roadside grasses. So having the ability for one supplier to have all of those pieces of equipment is definitely helpful.

“On our greens, we use the Eclipse 2 walk mowers, 22-inch. We have floating head units that we use on the bent grass greens on the big course, and then we have the fixed head units that we use on our TifEagle Bermudagrass greens on the Par 3 course.

“We also use the fixed head units to mow all of our tees on the big course, and we use the GP400s to mow approaches on both courses. We use SLF530s to mow fairways, and I use the TR330s to cut the rough.

“For quality of cut, I couldn’t ask for anything more. I feel like they hold up very well; they don’t need adjustments that often, the quality of cut, the quality of the steel and the materials used is great. Once they’re set, we’re able to go out and not have to make adjustments that often.”

Over 20-years at Sage Valley, Jacobsen has become part of the team. As the expectations from golfers and the world at large have changed, so has the product offering and speed of customer service. For years Dustin’s Jacobsen team off the course has kept the greenkeeping team on it, and it is that combination that makes everything click into place at Sage Valley.

“For us Superintendents, I’d say at the end of the day, it’s just our plan, but our plan’s no good if we don’t have a team to help us implement it. So I definitely would like to deflect and give my team any praise if possible because, again, I can have the best plan and dream in the world, but if we can’t go out and get it done, then it’s no good.

“I think in this day and age, specifically in the golf industry, but I also believe abroad, customer service is a huge part of the success of larger companies.

“I believe society nowadays just moves at a faster pace, and you kind of need everything right then, and I believe we’ve just come to expect it, so having great service is huge.”

Find your nearest Jacobsen dealer on their new website: https://www.jacobsen.com/?utm_source=Turf%20Business&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Turf%20Business%20E-Newsletter%20April

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GGM Group a UK distributor of RoviMo

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GGM Group a UK distributor of RoviMo: The GGM Group is delighted to announce they have signed a new distribution agreement with Swiss manufacturer Ronovatec to promote an innovative new robotic mower for sports grounds maintenance throughout the UK.

GGM Group plan to arrange the first public demonstration of the all new RoviMo, as soon as government restrictions allow. RoiMo’s intelligent design allows for the autonomous mowing of professional Sports turf saving potentially thousands of man hours in the maintenance of sports fields and stadiums.

GGM Group a UK distributor of RoviMo

GGM Group a UK distributor of RoviMo

The RoviMo is the world’s first intelligent electric vehicle capable of mowing patterns autonomously according to the guidelines of national football associations, UEFA, or FIFA, precisely and over the shortest distance, horizontally, vertically and with chessboard pattern, at the touch of a button. Supervision of the mowing process by an employee is not necessary.

Operated simply and efficiently remotely via an app, RoviMo® can also be used for mowing other large green areas, such as company premises or parks, and will be developed to be utilised by golf courses. RoviMo® is a multifunctional equipment carrier, which will be able to carry out other work processes such as maintenance of artificial turf, line marking and various other labour-intensive tasks.

RoviMo is currently in it’s final stages of development and field testing with the first machine installations in July 2021.  GGM are planning to arrange several demonstration events over the coming months, current restrictions permitting.

The GGM Group, based in Colne, Lancashire, has a rich heritage and proactively seeks new solutions on an ongoing basis. The new deal with Ronovatec marries perfectly with its strong values of professionalism, innovation, and providing progressive solutions that support its commitment to work towards cardon neutrality.

GGM Group Managing Director Chris Gibson explains more:

“RoviMo is something completely different, and it’s extremely exciting to be working with Ronovatec on what we believe will be a game changer in professional turfcare. RoviMo adds state of art technology to our portfolio allowing us to offer customers the next generation of intelligent mowers.  We are thrilled to have been involved from the early stages of development of these new innovative machines; they are the perfect addition to our product range as we continue to grow in the sports ground sectors”.

Chris Gibson continued:

“Over recent years there has been a trend for turfcare professionals to increase their green credentials and RoviMo not only offers this but achieves reduced cost and increased efficiency simultaneously. A fully charged RoviMo will mow circa 16’000 m2 in 5-6 hours depending on pattern and terrain, all without employee supervision of the mowing process, saving many man hours and employment costs. In addition, RoviMo® is fully electric, CO2-free, and autonomous with low noise pollution and is therefore ecologically sustainable and economically unbeatable. It’s a win-win for the customer.”

Chris Gibson concluded:

“It’s fantastic to be involved with this innovation at its development stage. While final machinery specifications are yet to be confirmed, we are very much looking forward to arranging the first public showing just as soon as we are allowed. Signing this deal is just the start, forging the path for things to come – the future of sports turf maintenance looks exciting”.

To register your interest and find out how the RoviMo can benefit your operations please register your interest at https://promo.ggmgroundscare.com/RoviMo or contact the project lead at GGM; Andy Melville; Tel: 07973 454001; Email: andy@ggmgroundscare.co.uk

Key benefits of the RoviMo include:

  • Fully Autonomous Intelligent Mowing
  • Fully Electric
  • Zero Co2
  • Reduced labour costs
  • Low noise
  • fuel cost savings
  • No hydraulics
  • Lower weight
  • Lower maintenance costs
  • Optional: Autonomous grass collector/dumper

About GGM

The GGM Group consists of two businesses across two depots. PSD Groundscare is the national distributor of specialist landscaping equipment, including AS Motor, Eliet, Koppl and TS Industries. GGM Groundscare is a specialist supplier of tractors and high-quality professional land-based equipment for commercial and domestic use. Servicing the North West and Yorkshire, it supplies a range of products from leading franchises including Kubota, Baroness and Dennis / Sisis and Amazone.

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‘Fantastic’ Ventrac for Essendon

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‘Fantastic’ Ventrac for Essendon: Essendon Country Club, located deep in the heart of the Hertfordshire countryside, has purchased a Ventrac 4500 compact tractor and a trencher attachment to help maintain its two 18-hole parkland courses.

Course Manager Craig Gibson, an industry veteran of 31 years, is delighted with the new addition to his fleet and says,

'Fantastic' Ventrac for Essendon

‘Fantastic’ Ventrac for Essendon

“It’s fantastic; I’m hugely impressed. It’s not often a piece of kit excites us, but this is very different as we can use it all year round. The lads love it, it’s easy to use as you can just jump on and go. It’s really popular with the team.

“I first saw it at another club and was impressed with its tidy finish, then by chance Rupert Price cold-called me to see if we wanted a demo, so I invited him along. We have a clay-based courses and can be very wet in winter, but this machine is brilliant in the wet. Following the demo, it was like a ‘light bulb’ moment, so I made the made the business case to the club management and we agreed the purchase.

“At the moment we have the Trencher attachment as we’re putting in additional drainage, but Rupert kindly loaned me a Tough Cut deck as well, which is an awesome attachment and makes light work of brush and scrub in the woodland margins.

“My next purchase will definitely be the Contour deck attachment. This is an articulating deck which we will use for our bunkers and green surrounds. That’s the unique selling point of Ventrac; it’s so versatile and it can get to areas on the course that other machines simply can’t access.”

After leaving school in 1990, Craig Gibson completed a Level 2 NVQ in Sports Turf Management before taking up his first job at Welwyn Garden City Golf Club. From here he moved to the Forest of Dean, then onto Forest Hills as deputy course manager, where he spent 10 years. He then returned to Hertfordshire as head groundsman at St Christopher’s School in Letchworth before joining Essendon as course manager in 2007.

Essendon Country Club (formerly Hatfield London Country Club) consists of two 18-hole parkland courses, known as The Old course and The New course. The Old course is an undulating 6,800-yard mature parkland course designed by Fred Hawtree and opened in 1976. The New course, opened in 1992, is somewhat flatter but at 7,100 yard offers a challenge to any golfer. The club has a modern approach to golf welcoming all levels of golfer and the clubhouse, built around a 16th century barn, offers excellent facilities.

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Makita’s new XGT tools

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Makita’s new XGT tools: Makita has expanded its high-performance 40VMax XGT range with the launch of nine new tools, including the company’s first twin 40VMax (80VMax) machines. The new additions include both construction tools and garden maintenance machinery, and all feature Makita’s high efficiency brushless motors.

Demolition Hammers

The new 40VMax x2 (80VMax) XGT Brushless Rotary Demolition Hammer (HR006GZ) features variable speed control and two operating modes – rotary hammer and hammer only. It has a rotary speed of 150 to 310 rpm and delivers 1,100 to 2,250 blows per minute (bpm). It is compatible with SDS-MAX chisels, drill bits up to 52mm and core bits up to 160mm. For user safety the HR006GZ includes a torque limiter and Makita’s Active Feedback sensing Technology (AFT), which shuts down the tool if the rotation speed suddenly slows.

Makita's new XGT tools

Makita’s new XGT tools

The 40VMax x2 (80VMax) XGT Brushless Demolition Hammer (HM002GZ03) features a compact design, variable speed control and a slide lever for trigger lock-on or lock-off. It provides 950 to 1,900 bpm and an impressive impact energy per stroke of 20.9 Joules (J). Also added to the range is the lighter class HM001G 40VMax Brushless Demolition Hammer XGT, which offers the same features with a 2,650 bpm and a 9.4 J impact energy per stroke.

All three feature a soft-no-load function and Anti-Vibration Technology (AVT), to reduce the levels of tool vibration and therefore extend safe trigger times, as well as Makita’s innovative Auto-Start Wireless System (AWS) functionality. The AWS allows the tool to connect to compatible dust extractors via Bluetooth when fitted with an AWS chip, so the extractor can run automatically while the tool is in use, meaning simple dust management for a cleaner and healthier environment.

Combi Drill, Brad Nailer and Circular Saws

Makita has also launched a Brushless Combi Drill, Brushless Brad Nailer and two Brushless Circular saws all of which utilise the powerful 40VMax XGT battery system.

The versatile HP002GZ 40VMax XGT Brushless Combi Drill has a mechanical 2-speed control (high and low), a variable speed trigger and 21 torque settings for full user control. The new 40VMax XGT Brushless Brad Nailer 18Ga (FN001G) has a slim nose for improved access when fixing in restricted areas, ergonomic design and will drive up to 5000 nails on a single 2.5Ah battery charge.

In addition, the new RS001GZ and RS002GZ are 40VMax Brushless Circular Saws with 185mm and 260mm blades respectively. Both offer a comparable performance to the equivalent corded tool and the rear handle design makes them ideal for ripping down sheet materials. The 185mm RS001GZ offers a maximum cutting depth of 65mm and a 53-degree max bevel, while the 260mm RS002GZ delivers an impressive 95mm cutting depth and 56-degree bevel.

Outdoor Power Equipment

As the first XGT products launched in the garden maintenance category, Makita has also introduced the UR003GZ 40VMax XGT Brushless Linetrimmer and UX01G 40VMax XGT Brushless Split-Shaft. The IPX4 weather resistant linetrimmer has three speed settings, High, Medium and Low, and features Automatic Torque Drive Technology, which changes the cutting speed according to the load condition. The similarly weather resistant, UX01G Split-Shaft Multi-tool offers flexibility and versatility with a range of compatible attachments available to cover a wide variety of grounds maintenance applications. Both machines feature Makita’s AFT technology to protect the tool from damage if the speed slows, as well as a reverse switch for easy removal of trapped grass or debris.

Each of the new additions to the XGT range offers leading performance and run-times due to advances in battery technology and Makita’s innovative brushless motors that minimise friction and wasted energy within the machine.

Kevin Brannigan, Marketing Manager at Makita UK said: “We are delighted to launch the new additions to the XGT range, including the first of our 80VMax XGT line up. These new high performance tools provide customers with even greater choice in utilising cordless power. With Makita’s expertise in battery technology, users are now offered the performance levels and productivity of specialist corded tools but with all the safety and flexibility that cordless offers.”

To find out more about Makita’s range of high performance XGT tools visit: www.makitauk.com.

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