Rain Bird Golf’s new rotors

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Rain Bird Golf’s new rotors: Rain Bird is making the challenge of managing golf course irrigation easier with the introduction of its new 702/752 Series Rotors.

With the game of golf enjoying a popularity boom, greenkeeping teams are working round the clock carrying out the necessary maintenance to optimise playability and presentation. These new rotors replace Rain Bird’s current 700/751 Series electric and IC Valve-In-Head (VIH) rotors and are designed to offer faster, easier adjustments with fewer parts, reducing maintenance and inventory.

Rain Bird Golf's new rotors

Rain Bird Golf’s new rotors

“We always try to keep the challenges that golf courses are facing in mind,” said John Kivi, senior product manager for Rain Bird Golf. “These new rotors are one more example of how we’re continuously innovating to drive efficiency.”

The 702/752 Series Rotors offer flexibility and numerous time-saving benefits, including 75 percent faster nozzle changes using a simple screwdriver. The new self-adjusting stator eliminates the need to change stator configurations when changing nozzles, delivering consistent rotation speeds that optimise performance for all 702 and 752 Series nozzles. Like all Rain Bird rotors, the 702/752 offer top-serviceable arc adjustment, pressure regulation and easy access to serviceable components.

The Rain Bird 702 is a full-circle rotor with a radius of 59 to 77 feet (18.0 to 23.5 metres) available in two models: electric and IC (integrated control). Also available in electric and IC models, the Rain Bird 752 full and part-circle rotor has a remarkable radius of 19 to 84 feet (5.8 to 25.6 metres) – the largest range of throw available in a golf class rotor, making it a truly all-in-one rotor. It features Rain Bird’s Rapid-Adjust Technology for easy arc adjustments with the turn of a screw, as well as MemoryArcÒ, which retains two part-circle arc settings so that rotors can be shifted from full to part-circle operation in mere seconds.

“We developed these new rotors to provide the kind of flexibility, uniformity, dependable coverage and efficiency that golf course professionals need, perhaps now more than ever before,” Kivi said.

For more information, visit rainbird.com/golfrotors. Rain Bird Golf products are available to purchase in the UK from Rigby Taylor – irrigationsales@rigbytaylor.com or call 0800 424 919.

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‘Virtual’ ICL Scholars look forward to online education

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‘Virtual’ ICL Scholars look forward to online education: The British & International Golf Greenkeepers Association and Partner ICL have revealed the five recipients of the fifth ICL Scholarship, with a greenkeeper from the Scottish island of Jura able take advantage of a new online format.

Restrictions relating to COVID-19 and concerns for the health of potential attendees have led to BIGGA’s annual education conference being hosted as an entirely online event, meaning this year’s scholars will enjoy a new learning experience from the comfort of their own homes.

‘Virtual’ ICL Scholars look forward to online education

‘Virtual’ ICL Scholars look forward to online education

The new platform will allow Laura Sayer-Hall from Ardfin Golf Club to access BIGGA’s renowned education programme online, saving her a 700-mile, 18-hour round trip from her home in the Inner Hebrides of Scotland.

The successful BIGGA members chosen for the scholarship are:

  • Laura Sayer-Hall, assistant greenkeeper, Ardfin (Scotland)
  • Neil Gilham, course manager, Reigate Hill (Surrey)
  • Jamie Wright, greenkeeper, Sunningdale (Surrey)
  • James Matthewman, deputy head greenkeeper, Maesteg (Wales)
  • Chris Low, deputy course manager, Olton (Warwickshire)

The ICL Continue to Learn 2021 Scholars will receive a package including:

  • An all-access pass to Continue to Learn Virtual education conference in January 2021
  • Six online workshops, which is the equivalent of two one-day workshops
  • An invite to BTME 2022 including two nights’ accommodation
  • A ticket to BIGGA’s National Regional Conference, taking place online on 10 November 2020.

Ed Carter, ICL’s UK Sales and Development Manager, said: “ICL is delighted to sponsor such a worthwhile scheme, enabling BIGGA members to undertake Continuing Professional Development, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. We were once again impressed by the calibre of the applicants and had a tough time shortlisting to select the final five. We’re delighted to welcome the five members to our growing community of ICL Scholars.”

Sami Strutt, BIGGA’s Head of Learning and Development, said: “The ICL Continue to Learn Scholarship enables five BIGGA members to continue their quest for professional development and we feel this is even more vital in these unprecedented times. Education is the cornerstone of BIGGA and the ICL Scholarship provides a fabulous opportunity to gain new knowledge and learn new skills.”

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Bernhard’s new Director of Finance and Operations

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Bernhard’s new Director of Finance and Operations: Bernhard Company has appointed Patrick Collins as its new director of finance and operations.

Patrick Collins, who joined Bernhard in September, will oversee finance and operations at Bernhard Company’s manufacturing plant, based in Haverhill.

Bernhard's new Director of Finance and Operations

Bernhard’s new Director of Finance and Operations

He has worked in a variety of industries, and his financial experience in manufacturing companies such as Telefonica UK Ltd, BWI UK Limited and   Honda UK will bring valuable experience to the team. Patrick is a keen golfer, and he also coaches Rugby and Cricket; his interest in sports will be a great asset to Bernhard Company in him understanding our industry.

Bernhard and Company Chairman, Stephen Bernhard, said: “Patrick joins us at a challenging time, we are all very excited to welcome him into the business, his skills and experience will reinforce our ambitious strategy.”

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Etesia dealer network continues to grow

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Etesia dealer network continues to grow: The Etesia UK dealer network continues to grow and the company is delighted to strengthen its relationship with current dealer Sharrocks and welcome Powercut to the family.

Sharrocks continues to go from strength to strength as an Etesia and Pellenc dealer. The company is a specialist machinery supplier of tractors, professional and domestic turf machinery and both agricultural and arboricultural kit. For over fifty-five years the family owned business, which is now in its 4th generation, has delivered a well trusted and respected service.

Etesia dealer network continues to grow

Etesia dealer network continues to grow

The company was first appointed as an Etesia dealer back in 2017 and saw instant success – so much so, that just last year the company expanded its areas.

This second expansion now sees Sharrocks supplying the full range of Etesia and Pellenc equipment to the areas of Birmingham, Shropshire, Staffordshire, Merseyside, Greater Manchester, Cheshire, Lancashire, and West, East and North Yorkshire.

Commenting on the company’s second expansion in three years, managing director James Sharrock said: “It has been a very busy year and the Etesia and Pellenc sales have increased substantially – as such, our areas have also increased. Both brands have been an exceptionally good fit for us.

“Local authorities and contractors have been the largest growth areas and certainly the Etesia brand is once again being recognised as the market leader in those sectors. In addition, there has been more of a demand for Etesia in the domestic market with many choosing Etesia models to help maintain their gardens.

“We’ve also seen strong growth in Pellenc as groundscare companies look to move away from petrol. Both Etesia and Pellenc are investing heavily in battery-powered equipment and they have some exciting new releases on the horizon. The battery-powered market is growing all the time and it certainly will be a huge market in the future as fossil fuels continue to become less accepted.

“This expansion is part of our continued growth and we are glad to be associated with companies like Etesia and Pellenc, who have the same shared vision of the future as us.”

In further good news, the Etesia dealer network continues to grow after Powercut, based in Cwmffrwd, Carmarthen, was announced as a new dealer for the full range of Etesia pedestrian mowers.

Powercut started trading in 1984 and as well as new and used equipment sales, covering everything from strimmers to lawnmowers and tractors, the company offers a huge array of parts on site and a comprehensive service facility offering diagnostics, scheduled maintenance and repairs for all types of horticultural machinery.

Renowned for first-class customer service, Powercut insists on working only with the highest quality brands, and when a void in their pedestrian mower portfolio arose, there was only one option – according to Sean Brown, commercial equipment specialist.

“A manufacturer we were working with pulled out of the pedestrian mower market and we were looking for something to fill the void,” he said. “We know that the Etesia pedestrian models are very good.

“Etesia was always our main competitor in the commercial mower market so we knew the brand very well indeed. From a business point of view, it made complete sense and we are pleased to be working with Etesia.”

Etesia pedestrian mowers provide absolute efficiency, excellent ergonomics and top-quality standards. The mowers are designed to offer unique cutting capabilities in all weathers – even the wet, comfort and safety at work and unrivalled reliability and productivity.

The full range of Etesia pedestrian mowers are now available from Powercut with immediate effect.

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

You can also follow Etesia on Twitter and Instagram @EtesiaUK for much more news, reviews and insightful views.

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Crews Hill Golf Club invest in Jacobsen

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Crews Hill Golf Club invest in Jacobsen: Precise contour following, quality of cut and exceptional service from Ernest Doe led North London based golf club, Crews Hill, to invest in their first ever Jacobsen fleet.

The Harry Colt designed course features extensive areas of ridge and furrow, making it a challenging cut for Course Manager Nick Street and the greenkeeping team. Using a combination of the LF570 high-performance ride-on reel mower and AR522 contour rotary mower has made the job easier while features on the GP400 and the back-up service from Jacobsen dealer Ernest Doe sealed the deal for the Nick.

Crews Hill Golf Club invest in Jacobsen

Crews Hill Golf Club invest in Jacobsen

“It’s the first time we’ve had Jacobsen mowers, but we tried all of the machinery, and we thought they suited our course the best,” Nick explained. “We weren’t looking for specific features, but more at the units. With our ridge and furrow, Jacobsen were the best machines with the best quality of cut.

“I find the staff check the GP400 units a lot better because the back unit swings out, so you’ve got more access to it. We don’t have as many problems as we’ve had with previous brands now, and it gets us out cutting quicker.

“Also, the back-up service is second to none, and it’s one of the reasons why we went with Jacobsen and Ernest Doe. It’s very important knowing that you’ve got someone that can be there in 24-hours because things do wrong and you need someone there straight away to get you back on the course. We’ve had the machines for six months now, and they’ve been perfect, we haven’t had to use the back-up service once.”

The deal for the mowers was set to be completed just before the United Kingdom went into lockdown due to COVID-19, which put the financial viability of the package in question. However, Ernest Doe Field Sales Manager, Eddie Jack, along with his colleagues, put a package together that ensured financial security and set costs for the club.

Eddie explained: “The deal was agreed just as we were going into the lockdown period and we had various discussions with Club Manager, Paul Day, as to how we were going to continue the deal forward. We’ve tailored the finance plan accordingly to help the golf club and see them through the first few months of a difficult period, so obviously they’re open now, and they’re trading well, so it gave them the stability that they needed and the peace of mind to know that the finance deal was going to work for them.

“Along with the machinery, there is also a five-year service plan which is built into this on a monthly basis. David Walker at our head office put the plan together, which again suits Nick very well. He knows he’s got the back-up and support from us every day so he can call us out any time of day and we’ll be on site. We try and get there the same day, if not we’ll be there the following morning to rectify any issues that he’s got. He’s also built five-year warranties into the plan, so he’s got peace of mind that they’ve got set costs for the next five years, which again was another big selling point for the golf club.”

For more information on the Jacobsen range of golf course mowers, visit www.jacobsenbuilt.com.

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