Harrowden Turf opens new Collection Depot

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Harrowden Turf opens new Collection Depot: Harrowden Turf has co-located a new Collection Depot at its Head Office site in Islip near Kettering in response to customer feedback and to improve accessibility to its product range and convenience for Midlands based customers.

The new Kettering Depot joins existing collection locations in Southport, Warrington, Norfolk, and Edinburgh in offering customers a more convenient local collection point in Northamptonshire.  This supplements our existing nationwide delivery service.

Harrowden Turf opens new Collection Depot

Harrowden Turf opens new Collection Depot

The new site will effectively operate as a “call and collect” facility allowing customers to access our full range of products by pre-ordering on the existing phone number of 01832 777100.

Stuart Ridd-Jones – Harrowden Turf Managing Director:

“We are continually looking at ways to enhance our service offering and having a dedicated collection depot co-located at our Head Office site near Kettering gives us a great base to increase accessibility to our products and provide local convenience for customers across the Midlands.

The depot is aimed at both trade and retail customers looking for a local outlet for turf, wildflower turf, sedum green roof products, topsoil and other items from our landscape range.

Please call to pre-order and arrange your collection from our new depot in Islip near Kettering”

Our full product range can be found at our retail website: www.turfonline.co.uk

Trade pricing is available on application.

Kettering Collection Depot details are:

Harrowden Turf Kettering Depot
Colpmans Farm
Islip
Kettering
Northamptonshire
NN14 3LT

Tel:       01832 777100 (Option 1)

Email:   kettering@harrowdenturf.co.uk

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There’s nothing to beat the APEX zero-turn

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There’s nothing to beat the APEX zero-turn: The latest Ariens APEX zero-turn mower spells increased productivity and greater profitability for the commercial operator, says Ariens.

It’s a claim that can be wholly backed up when you consider the features and benefits of this high-quality machine. Now refreshed for the 2020/21 season, the model’s redefined features rightly take it to a leading place in the UK’s fast-growing zero-turn market.  Take a good look at what’s under the bold exterior.

There’s nothing to beat the APEX zero-turn

There’s nothing to beat the APEX zero-turn

The sheer speed at which you can cut grass compared to other types of ride-on mower would be enough in its favour but there is a lot more worth considering when you’re choosing a zero-turn. As a family-owned brand, Ariens has built on a reputation for engineering excellence and it is evident in the way the APEX is constructed with well-crafted components, Hydro-Gear® transaxles and a hardy deck. Its speed and ability to turn on its axis mean users can expect to cut mowing time in half. Perfect when you need to get to your next job.

The APEX features an industry-leading frame design, with large formed tubular frame rails serving as the backbone to support the loads of the machine. Most important in the list of commercial-grade features is the 10-gauge welded cutting deck design. You get a highly durable 14cm (51/2”) deep deck with a reinforced leading-edge providing the airflow you need to tackle tough mowing conditions. The APEX boasts 15 cutting positions in 0.6cm (1/4”) increments, effortlessly chosen with the vertical dial selector. Models available: APEX 48 with a 122cm (48”) cutter deck or the APEX 52 with a 132cm (52”) cutter deck.

The constant belt tension system ensures correct belt tension, minimising wear and heat while providing enhanced belt life with minimal adjustments. There is also little effort required in lifting the cutting deck since the APEX has a foot-operated deck lift system, which is ideal for travelling over paths and gravel areas. When you are covering the ground at speed, and the APEX travels forwards at 8mph, you need large tyres for superior traction while moving gently across lawns and grassed areas without scuffing. Even in reverse, it will do 4mph. Not that you need to reverse often since the beauty of zero-turn is just that, At the end of each pass the APEX can turn 180° in its footprint and begin the next pass. Manoeuvring around difficult obstacles has never been easier so you’re saving a substantial amount of time, and money.

Ariens puts operator comfort high on the pre-requisite list with a high back seat, and padded armrests. For operator protection, a Rollover Protection System can be added to the frame. Power comes from a reliable, premium-grade Kawasaki V-Twin 726cc engine. The APEX demonstrates Ariens’ confidence in its product with a 4-year or 500 hours commercial warranty and the machines are built in the UK for the growing domestic and European markets in zero-turn mowers. So, you can have full confidence in the after-sales and support through the network of Ariens dealers.

The combination of zero-turn mowing with high durability puts the APEX at the forefront for increased productivity and profitability for the commercial operator. It’s well worth looking into. For more information visit your local dealer or go to ariens-uk.com

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SALTEX moves to November 2021

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SALTEX moves to November 2021: Due to mounting pressure from the global Coronavirus pandemic, the Grounds Management Association (GMA) regrettably announces that it has taken the decision to move SALTEX to 3-4 November 2021, from its planned Spring dates (3-4 March 2021).

The GMA has been strategically planning for every eventuality to ensure the exhibition is a bio-secure event, in partnership with the National Exhibition Centre (NEC) and internationally recognised professional events bodies, however ongoing Government restrictions and local and national lockdowns, as well as rising cases of Coronavirus have highlighted the immediate challenges to stage a successful event in March.

SALTEX moves to November 2021

SALTEX moves to November 2021

This decision has factored in recent analysis from both exhibitor and visitor surveys, as well as discussions with relevant parties. Organisers have been closely re-negotiating with the National Exhibition Centre (NEC), returning the exhibition to its original Autumn dateline.

When visitors were asked on date preferences to attend a trade event, November was the first option – followed by October and September. Exhibitors also echoed this, with 64% stating a preference to attend SALTEX in November 2021 due to latest news and restrictions. In addition, latest visitor research showed that an overwhelming majority (80%) stated that attending an indoor trade show was their number one preference.

In more usual circumstances, SALTEX brings over 9,000 visitors across two days with circa 400 brands exhibiting, and visitor attendance at the NEC has significantly grown year-on-year. The next show will be its 75th anniversary marking the longstanding contribution to the grounds sector.

Geoff Webb, CEO at the GMA commented: “As hard as this decision was to make, we knew it was important to act quickly and responsibly so we can begin looking to the future and stage a successful event once restrictions ease again. We have recently seen confidence eroding despite early optimism.

“Our recent surveys have given us excellent insight from both exhibitors and visitors, giving us evidence that reflects current circumstances so we can continue planning an event that best reflects the turf care sector’s requirements.

“The majority of our respondents expressed high confidence levels in attending indoor trade shows and we can see that there is still a huge appetite going forward – we are already looking ahead to what is required for what will be a milestone edition of SALTEX in November 2021.”

Exhibitors have the option to carry over their March 2021 booking to the November show at a preferential rate and retaining their stand location. There is also the added option to secure a 2-year SALTEX loyalty deal for those transferring their booking (for November 2021 and 2022), with improved benefits for GMA Corporate Plus members.

Alternatively, exhibitors due to showcase in March 2021 can apply for a full refund in writing. The GMA’s events team has contacted all exhibitors personally to discuss preferences, as well as payment terms and plans.

Geoff continues: “Despite the circumstances, and a future where Covid will always be present, we are really touched by the number of exhibitors that have expressed that they are on this journey with us and wish to be part of SALTEX at the next possible opportunity. We are determined to help contribute to the growth – and celebrate the sector – albeit at a later date in 2021.”

Luke Perry, Director of SALTEX and Events for the GMA added: “We have worked hard to reflect changing situations. We intend to maintain this regular, frequent communication going forward whilst continuing to analyse how our sector feels about events in general.”

All exhibitors with a confirmed stand have been informed directly and are being urged to contact the sales team at SALTEX@thegma.org.uk for any further queries.

For more information visit www.gmasaltex.co.uk

Follow SALTEX on Twitter @GMA_SALTEX and Facebook – www.facebook.com/GMASALTEX

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Stay waterproof when gardening

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Stay waterproof when gardening: Now that we have come into the wetter and colder months we really need to be protecting ourselves and ensuring that we are comfortable when gardening.

Whether you are a seasoned gardener or just a beginner, it is important to wear the right, protective clothing and accessories for the job. Aquaproof’s quality waterproof accessories will provide warmth, comfort and durability for any gardening you require doing during autumn and winter.

Stay waterproof when gardening

Stay waterproof when gardening

Waterproof gloves: Waterproof gloves are an absolute necessity when it comes to gardening in autumn and winter. Stay comfortable and warm when winter gardening – they are also designed to offer excellent grip which is perfect for handling plants.

Waterproof socks: Socks aren’t something we necessarily think about, but once you have worn these waterproof socks you will know why they are so important when working in the garden. These waterproof socks are intended to be pushed to their limits as they are extremely durable and made to ensure not even a drop of water can get through!

Waterproof hats: If you get cold ears when working in your garden, it’s best to get a waterproof and thermal hat so you can work in your garden for longer. You will be well protected from the wind and rain in Aquaproof’s range of hats and they are extremely durable so you are able to wear them year after year.

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TYM tractor still making magic

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TYM tractor still making magic: Earlier this year Douglas and Alex Chalmers, Countryside’s TYM competition winners, compared the T194 tractor they won for the year to a fairytale: “It’s a bit like Goldilocks. Not too big, not too small, but just right.” And six months on, it’s still making magic.

Learning Fields, a not-for-profit centre of wellbeing based at Nag’s Head Farm in Cumbria, has not been operating this year, but that doesn’t mean the T194 tractor hasn’t been put to good use on the farm!

TYM tractor still making magic

TYM tractor still making magic

“We use the tractor around three times a week, and once it gets started up it doesn’t stay idle for long,” says Douglas, director of the business. “It’s been instrumental in getting jobs done around the farm and we would have really struggled without it.

“We’ve invested in pigs this year, and the T194 has made that possible,” he says. “Outdoor pigs need to be moved routinely so that they’re always on fresh ground, and we’ve been using the T194 to transport them and their hut around the farm. As you’d expect with pigs, it can get very muddy and at first I was unsure how the tractor would cope with that, but it’s had no issues with the tough conditions.

“It’s a massive improvement compared to the quad bikes we were previously using to transport equipment across the farm. All the tractor’s controls fall easily to either hand, and are light and easy to operate. Plus, it allows us to complete tasks that we just couldn’t do before. But the biggest bonus is definitely its size.”

Part of the TYM compact utility range, the T194 combines the practicality of a smaller tractor, weighing in at just 650kg, with enough power to pack a punch – thanks to its 19hp three cylinder Yanmar engine.

“As a smaller tractor, it gets jobs done without damaging or tearing the grass, which is a huge bonus” says Douglas. “But what is very impressive is its handling. We have smaller areas and narrow gates, and tight turning is important. The T194 can turn on half a sixpence, and can do so in wet conditions without damaging the soil. We cut a series of paths through our woodland to assist access for visitors, and I thought the tractor would manage some of these just leave a small area to strim – not at all, it zigged and zagged its way through all the narrow spaces between trees with no problems.”

With their 12 months with the tractor nearly over, it certainly has left an impression. “It saves time, labour and toil,” he says. “There were so many jobs we couldn’t do before, or that would need to be done by hand – but with the T194 I can get everything I want done, in a fraction of the time.”

He concludes: “When I next need to expand my equipment fleet, I wouldn’t hesitate to consider TYM. This past year, the T194 has had no issues and coped in a variety of conditions, which gave us complete confidence and peace of mind any time we started a job.”

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