Toro irrigation talk of the town

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Toro irrigation talk of the town: With an irrigation system in desperate need of replacing, Pennard Golf Club opted for a combination of Toro Lynx Central Control and Toro sprinklers, based on multiple recommendations from within the industry. 

Club manager Rhys Morgan explains: “Our previous irrigation system was nearly 40 years old and was suffering everything from leaks to electrical failures, so we needed a new system fast. Instead of spending time seeing different systems demonstrated, we opted for Toro based on multiple recommendations, and in particular from Royal Cinque Ports, who’d seen great results from Toro irrigation. In fact, Toro comes recommended throughout the industry, so we knew it would be a success.”

Toro irrigation talk of the town

Toro irrigation talk of the town

But what the club didn’t bet on was how quickly they would start to see those great results for which Toro irrigation is renowned. “We knew that we would see an improvement to the course, but we didn’t think it would happen so fast. We’ve had the irrigation operational since March and the change to the course has been drastic, particularly to areas such as the approaches which weren’t irrigated previously. It’s almost unbelievable how quickly the course has changed, so it’s obviously very exciting for us to think what the long term results will be.”

And the improvement has been noticed by the club’s members too. With the course having to close in March due to the lockdown, members have come back to quite the surprise.

“Our members hadn’t seen the course for a good couple of months,” says Rhys. “And when they came back, they saw the full effect that Toro irrigation had made. The feedback from them has been fantastic. They are all amazed by the difference!”

The club is now benefitting from a winning combination of Toro Lynx Central Control system and FLEX 34, 35, 55 and FLEX B sprinkler heads installed across the tees, greens and approaches. And it’s not just the products that have won over the club, but the customer service from Reesink Turfcare as well.

“The installation began in November last year,” explains Rhys. “We appointed Roger Davey, a well-known independent irrigation consultant, as our project manager because we wanted to make sure we had the best expert advice.

“Lakes and Greens was the successful installing contractor supported by Reesink Turfcare. Both have been fantastic the whole way through, and in particular Rob Jackson from Reesink. He’s always been on hand for any questions, and we know that even now after the installation has been completed, if we need any help from Reesink and Lakes and Greens they will be there.”

As a club that has made significant strides in the last few years and is now consistently making the cut for a number of Top 100 golf course lists, the new Toro irrigation system is set to help boost the club even more.

“We’ve been making steady improvements to the course in recent years, and this new irrigation system is the cherry on top of the cake,” concludes Rhys. “And with our 125th anniversary next year, Toro has come at just the right time to help make the course the best it’s ever been.”

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A fleet perfect for artificial turf maintenance

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A fleet perfect for artificial turf maintenance: GKB Machines, the company behind sustainable, reliable and robust maintenance machinery for natural, synthetic and hybrid turf provide groundsmen with a trustworthy range of machinery to rejuvenate, decompact and assist in the deep cleaning of artificial sports turf.

Consisting of the GKB Rotobrush, Quick-Brush and Quick-Clean, this combination of machines leaves grounds in prime condition.

A fleet perfect for artificial turf maintenance

A fleet perfect for artificial turf maintenance

Built with a straightforward and simple operational principle, the GKB Quick-Clean is a synthetic turf cleaner made for powerful in-depth cleaning of all types of synthetic turf pitches. Hitched within two minutes and thanks to the high max operating speed of 5 km/h, this machine can work quickly and effectively. Cleverly engineered the GKB Quick-Clean features a synthetic turf brush, this works to brush the infill material to remove contamination that is within the layers and throws it onto a vibrating screen. Also featured on this innovative machine is a collection container which helps to remove coarse dirt and for dust and other lightweight dirt, the GKB Quick-Clean houses a suction unit with a dust bag.

Enabling to brush deeper and more effectively is the GKB Rotobrush. This machine uses the rotating brush disc to provide rigid bristles which are pressed into the synthetic turf. Where the functioning of normal brushing and cleaning stops, the GKB Rotorbrush will continue.

No matter the requirements, the GKB Quick-Brush allows the carry out of correct synthetic turf maintenance. Included are a spring tine rake bar, two brushes and rubber finishing mat, this machine gives you the ability to adjust the height of the modular brush to suit each specific task. The cleverly engineered ‘flip-over tool,’ means the GKB Quick-Brush is also able to add infill material easily to new fields and always orientates itself in the operating direction.

For more on GKB Machines and their reliable and robust range of machinery for natural, hybrid and synthetic turf, please visit www.gkbmachines.com or contact Tom Shinkins on 07495 883617 for a demonstration.

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JCB expands E-Tech line

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JCB expands E-Tech line: JCB has introduced an electric version of the popular HTD-5 Dumpster tracked carrier, adding to its growing range of innovative fully electric E-Tech models.

The HTD-5e E-Dumpster is offered as a high-tip, walk-behind model, capable of carrying up to 500kg. The addition of electric drive makes the machine suitable for urban and indoor applications, that require low noise and zero exhaust emissions. Key features include:

JCB expands E-Tech line

JCB expands E-Tech line

·        9kW electric motor delivers travel speeds of up to 3km/h
·        Maximum two-hour charging time
·        Zero emissions at point of use
·        500kg capacity and 1,450mm skip ground clearance in tipping position

The E-Dumpster is powered by a 48V lithium-ion battery pack that can be recharged using a standard 240V or 110V electrical supply. Maximum recharge time is just two hours, making it possible to top up the battery when not in use during the working day or overnight.

Designed to meet the needs of contractors and rental companies, the E-Dumpster provides a zero-emissions carrying solution for indoor work, tunnelling applications and other urban sites requiring zero emissions equipment. With no internal combustion engine, service and maintenance requirements are also greatly reduced, boosting uptime and availability.

JCB has taken an industry-leading position in the development of innovative E-Tech fully electric construction and industrial machinery. The company has already introduced the increasingly popular 19C-1E fully electric mini excavator and the 30-19E Teletruk industrial telescopic forklift. In addition, JCB offers a wide range of electrically-powered access platforms, while JCB’s Power Products division has launched a line of electric powerpacks, to provide recharging facilities for electric machinery in off-grid applications.

The HTD-5e E-Dumpster adds to this rapidly-growing range of zero-emissions construction, agricultural and industrial machinery solutions, offering customers additional choice in the compact dumper market.

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Rain Bird Europe appoints Lukas Böttcher

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Rain Bird Europe appoints Lukas Böttcher: Lukas Böttcher has been appointed by Rain Bird Europe as Golf Sales Specialist for Germany and Switzerland.

Having spent all his career in greenkeeping and golf course management working at golf courses throughout Europe, Lukas joins the company to strengthen the team in Germany. In his previous role as Head Greenkeeper, he managed strict water restrictions and focused on water conservation during multiple drought-affected seasons.

Rain Bird Europe appoints Lukas Böttcher

Rain Bird Europe appoints Lukas Böttcher

Lukas comments on his appointment: “Working in golf course construction and turf management has given me a significant amount of hands-on experience building, maintaining and running irrigation systems. Having dealt with water restrictions, constant heat stress during the summer and tight irrigation windows, I understand the pressure a lot of golf courses are under to use every drop of water in the most efficient way. As Golf Sales Specialist I will be helping clubs with Rain Bird systems to optimise their efficiency. I am also looking forward to supporting those looking to upgrade or renovate their irrigation system with Rain Bird technology.”

Didier Genty, Europe Golf Sales Manager for Rain Bird added: “I am delighted to welcome Lukas to Rain Bird. He brings valuable, practical experience in the golf sector and considerable expertise in irrigation and water management.”

Lukas can be contacted via email at lbottcher@rainbird.eu.

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Whitecraigs GC updates Jacobsen fleet

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Whitecraigs GC updates Jacobsen fleet: Whitecraigs Golf Club on Glasgow’s south side has renewed its fleet of Jacobsen machines with dealer Fairways GM.  Six new machines will help maintain their main 18 hole and nine hole Par 3 courses.

Delivered to the club were two LF570 lightweight large area reel mowers, an Eclipse 322 greens mower, two GP 400 greens mowers and a TR 330 tight area mower.

Whitecraigs GC updates Jacobsen fleet

Whitecraigs GC updates Jacobsen fleet

Peter Hall, Course Manager, said: “We had a good look around elsewhere before we made what I think are some sound choices. It’s ’like for like’ with everything improved. Everyone was comfortable with what we had so we are just going that step further. We’ve also got a maintenance contract which is peace of mind and guarantees everything to be in top working order. It’s a good deal for my team and for the club.”

“The two GP400s for example are three wheel drive, as opposed to the two wheel drive machines they replaced. They climb steep bankings effortlessly, even in wet conditions. The TR 330 with cutting units that move side to side allows us to alter wheel tracks around bunkers each time we cut. This enables us to spread the wear and keeps the turf healthier.”

Fairways GM’s Regional Sales Manager, Rob Hogarth, said “The whole package was delivered shortly after lock down ended so it’s great to see Peter and his team enjoying their new machines as much.  We pride ourselves on good service so their contract means we absolutely go the extra mile to keep everything running smoothly. At demo the TR 330 impressed. Its technology allows operators to effortlessly shift all three cutting reels to either side of the machine, creating up to 45 cm of offset. Bunkers and other hazards can be trimmed while keeping the mower away from the edges.  You can see already the difference the TR 330 is starting to make.”

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