Kubota launch R070 and R090

/in , /by

Kubota launch R070 and R090: Kubota, a leading manufacturer of construction and agricultural machinery, today announces the launch of its next-generation wheel loaders, the R070 and R090.

The new machines are suitable for use in agricultural, construction and groundcare environments.

Kubota launch R070 and R090

Kubota launch R070 and R090

Redesigned inside and out, the new machines are built to get the job done quickly, easily and efficiently. Both the R070 and R090 wheel loaders boast a fully enclosed glass cabin for improved visibility, as well as a more ergonomic control layout. New features include:

  • High visibility cabin                                            –   Enlarged glass surface
  • Full opening right window                                   –   Air conditioning (optional)
  • New loader boom design                                   –   Adjustable right wrist rest
  • Digital display                                                    –   Large foot space
  • Full suspension seat                                          –   Tiltable steering wheel

Long reach and excellent lifting power ensures superior performance for a wide range of loader tasks. Both machines have a high lifting capacity (R070: 1880 kgf, R090: 2160 kgf), enabling operators to smoothly manoeuvre materials. All major loader functions are on a single RH lever that is easy to operate with just one hand, both on the R070 and R090. The 2-step speed control switch enables the operator to quickly change speeds for optimum efficiency.

Kubota’s V2607 direct-injection engine is now fully Stage-V compliant and fuel efficient. Additionally, the new and improved DPF reduces maintenance by increasing the service intervals.

“We know our customers want versatile, reliable, low maintenance machines, which is why the R070 and R090 are designed to meet Kubota’s exacting standards of quality and performance. The wheel loaders are designed to be easy to maintain, with areas that require routine maintenance easily accessible for fast and straight forward servicing.”, said Rob Edwards, Business Development Manager for Agriculture at Kubota UK.

Glen Hampson, Business Development Manager for Construction at Kubota UK, said “We’re really proud to introduce our new and improved wheel loading machines. Both the R070 and R090 are built for enhanced performance, with productivity features and power to spare. They’re also built for safe and simple operation, even by operators with no loader experience.”

For the latest industry news visit turfmatters.co.uk/news

Get all of the big headlines, pictures, opinions and videos on stories that matter to you.

Follow us on Twitter and Instagram for fun, fresh and engaging content.

You can also find us on Facebook for more of your must-see news, features, videos and pictures from Turf Matters.

The World has changed but Turf still Matters

/in , /by

The World has changed but Turf still Matters: Sadly, I’m no longer a young guy, but in my late 50s, as I am, I can never recall a time like these. We’ve had the bank crash; we’re in the middle of BREXIT and now we have the Coronavirus. Things do happen in threes.

The first two had, and are continuing to have, devastating impacts on our lives, but the third has the potential to change everything.

As I write, we are in the equivalent of the dentist waiting room – the anticipation, the dread, and let’s face it, the fear of what is to come.

I’d like to say that this is the worst bit, it usually is, and that once we are in the midst of it all we will find a new normality. But I don’t know. The talk of the impact on our collective health and the devastation that will occur when we are not in a position to earn a living, through self-isolation or the loss of job is truly frightening and no-one, not even Donald Trump, is in a position to predict what the world will look like when the dust finally settles.

The natural inclination is to feel that there is nothing little old me can do to make a difference; such is the enormity of it all. But some people have thought, and acted, beyond that and are doing whatever they can to help others – setting up community delivery programmes, making sure the elderly and self-isolating are not lonely and do have provisions if they cannot get out, or if they do not have the money to provide.

It warms the heart and counters those other news reports of those who are in denial – the “It’s only a bit of flu” merchants – who not only become prime spreaders of the virus, but take up the valuable time of police and medical services, who have many better things to do than cautioning the brainless to act appropriately.

Our industry is relatively small, and in many ways particularly vulnerable both health-wise and commercially – not even our most ardent supporters could describe us as an essential service.  I’d like to think, however, that the nature of our business and the quality of people who inhabit it is our strength. We can, and do, help each other.

Businesses are slashing budgets – they have no option – but while not wishing to compare ourselves to those essential medical staff, safe, outdoor spaces will increasingly become sanctuaries for many and will need to be maintained. Sport of the participation variety if not the spectator, will be important for the health and well-being of the nation, whether it be the Sunday league or the Saturday fourball.

We do need to keep working and, if that means an even more increased spirit of co-operation and sharing of manpower or equipment, we should look to make it happen.

Turf Matters will act as a conduit to anyone looking for help, or anyone with help to offer, so please use our digital platforms for that purpose. We can’t guarantee to provide an answer but please see it as Turf Matters trying to do its little bit.

Yes, things will not be the same, perhaps they will never be, but what can remain is our spirit to help keep the wagons rolling.

“No one is useless in this world who lightens the burdens of others” Charles Dickens.

For the latest industry news visit turfmatters.co.uk/news

Get all of the big headlines, pictures, opinions and videos on stories that matter to you.

Follow us on Twitter and Instagram for fun, fresh and engaging content.

You can also find us on Facebook for more of your must-see news, features, videos and pictures from Turf Matters.

Royal Portrush signs Toro agreement

/in , , /by

Royal Portrush signs Toro agreement: Fresh off the success of the 2019 Open Championship it hosted, Royal Portrush Golf Club has signed another five-year agreement with Toro, bringing the relationship between the historic club and the brand to 30 years.

When we last spoke to course manager Graeme Beatt The Open had just concluded and recovery of the course was paramount. Now, Graeme can look back at the event and all that came with it.

Royal Portrush signs Toro agreement

Royal Portrush signs Toro agreement

He reflects: “In the four years running up to the competition we made some big changes. This included adding seven new holes, 34 tees and 22 bunkers across both our courses. And the Dunluce links course, which held The Open, had added five new greens, 19 tees and 18 bunkers, plus changes to every hole of some kind. Additionally, two miles of road and 18 miles of pipe and ducting were installed to accommodate new infrastructure for spectators of The Open. Toro machinery and irrigation were integral to our prep, the course maintenance throughout the event and the aftercare. And the whole time we saw excellent results which, with 25 years of experience with Toro at the club, was nothing less than expected!”

It’s this long history of Toro’s excellent performance and reliability that saw the club sign a further five-year agreement at the conclusion of last year, continues Graeme: “I’ve been using Toro for the majority of my career and during that time the machines have proved themselves to be reliable and robust. The finish they provide is second to none. Combined with the excellent service from Reesink Turfcare, there really was no question who we would turn to for our next renewal, especially after the huge success of The Open, which was a real team effort.

“Reesink loaned us 25 Toro machines, joining our 50-strong existing fleet, and we simply wouldn’t have been able to make such a success of hosting the event without that help. With many of the players staying late to get extra practice, we had to get the course – all 7,300 yards of it – ready within a very short time period each morning. And it wasn’t just the increased number of machines that allowed us to do this, but the efficiency and quality of those machines.”

And the quality of Toro machines was further proved after the conclusion of the competition. With so many spectators, a huge 237,750 making it the highest attended championship outside of St Andrews, Toro was needed to help with the recovery of the links course.

“The course was generally in great condition when the competition ended as the maintenance throughout was to such a high standard, from both the machinery and irrigation,” says Graeme. “However the spectator areas had seen a lot of stress, so it was important to have high-quality machinery to aid the turf’s recovery, which of course Toro provided.”

With the course back up to standard and a new agreement in place, Graeme’s thoughts turned to the next five years and he has big plans: “We’re looking at bringing in Infinity sprinklers across the whole course after seeing them in action on the new holes. They perform so well, particularly in windy conditions which we have a lot of here! We’re also considering introducing hybrid mowers to the fleet. Not only are they better for the environment and eliminate any possibility of an oil leak, but they are now tried and tested machines.”

But ultimately, what this latest deal does is “continue to provide golfers with a championship standard experience,” says Graeme.

For the latest industry news visit turfmatters.co.uk/news

Get all of the big headlines, pictures, opinions and videos on stories that matter to you.

Follow us on Twitter and Instagram for fun, fresh and engaging content.

You can also find us on Facebook for more of your must-see news, features, videos and pictures from Turf Matters.

Sandfiller fufills aspirations for Marc Kerr

/in , , /by

Sandfiller fufills aspirations for Marc Kerr: Established in 2007, Marc Kerr Limited are a sport surface specialist. Working from golf greens to bowling greens and finishes, including pre and end of season renovations, the GKB Sandfiller was the perfect partner for their company needs.

Creating perfection from the Green until the Tee, the GKB Sandfiller combines scarifying, removal and sand-filling in just one simple operation. Using his machine for Golf Greens, Bowling Greens and sometimes Golf Tees, Marc Kerr, Director at Marc Kerr LTD said “I used to run two sand injection gardens and still do but switching to the Sandfiller has made a similar process more efficient and safer.

Sandfiller fufills aspirations for Marc Kerr

Sandfiller fufills aspirations for Marc Kerr

A great benefit to this machine is that unlike other working methods which require 6 or more people, the working method of the GKB Sandfiller can be executed by just one person. Marc adds “The GKB Sandfiller has also added to huge reductions in manpower, less weather dependents and better working depths.”

In order to lift the removed material, the machine features a slitting rotor with carbide scarifying blades as well as an attachment to the blades which creates wind. With blade thicknesses available ranging from 2-4mm and the centres fixed at 40mm, the GKB Sandfiller encompasses versatility.

The featured scarifying blades will remove the thatch until it reaches a 4cm depth. Following this, the scarified and removed material is immediately distributed to a sideways-tipping container.

With over 20 years of experience and industry specialists, it was perfect duo to combine Marc Kerr with the GKB Sandfiller. Praising GKB Machines for their fantastic customer service. Marc adds “GKB’s equipment is strong and trusted within the industry and as a contractor you don’t worry about breakdowns which you might do with other manufacturers equipment.

GKB Machines are always looking ahead of the game and striving to create products to keep at the forefront of innovation. Marc continues, “the product range is always moving forward with great ideas.”

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 the latest industry news visit turfmatters.co.uk/news

Get all of the big headlines, pictures, opinions and videos on stories that matter to you.

Follow us on Twitter and Instagram for fun, fresh and engaging content.

You can also find us on Facebook for more of your must-see news, features, videos and pictures from Turf Matters.

New battery kit contributes to eco aspirations

/in , /by

New battery kit contributes to eco aspirations: Step by step, Inverallan Landscapes in Stirling is changing the way it does business. By integrating battery-operated equipment and reducing its carbon footprint, it hopes to offer customers a completely ‘clean’ service.

Having recently purchased a series of new zero emission grass mowers and leaf blowers, Managing Director John Maxwell is striving to make the business fossil fuel free.

New battery kit contributes to eco aspirations

New battery kit contributes to eco aspirations

“We want to be the first landscape contractors that operate battery-only, so during the past three years have been upgrading our tools and equipment to the equivalent battery models, as well as installing solar panels at our business unit.

“This year will also be investing in an electric vehicle, which will reduce our carbon footprint even further,” he said.

“Our industry is conscious of its consumption of fossil fuels, so is moving towards greener energy. But not only is the battery kit more environmentally friendly, it’s also better for operator safety, as noise is reduced and there’s no emissions.”

Among Inverallan Landscapes’ customers is a local housing association with 1000 properties, which from April, will all be serviced using the new battery tools.

Other customers include private housing estates, business parks and green spaces, all benefitting from reduced noise and air pollution, and improved service efficiency due to the reduced downtime of the equipment.

John added: “Most recently, we purchased two Pellenc Raison Easy Mowers, which we were able to trial to ensure the team was happy with performance before we committed.

“Everyone gave really positive feedback, they cut long grass with no problem and are lightweight and easy to use, which is important when you are visiting multiple sites in a day. All our new Pellenc battery tools were purchased through Agrovista Amenity in Stirling.”

The Pellenc product range includes chainsaws, pole saws, hedge cutters, grass strimmers and mowers, all powered without the need for petrol.

Amenity Specialist for Agrovista, Allan Wright, said: “It’s great to see that Inverallan Landscapes is revolutionising its approach to service provision through the introduction of battery-operated equipment.

“With Pellenc tools, there’s no compromise on performance, and users benefit from long-term cost savings, reduced noise and operator vibration.

“All Pellenc tools come with a three-year commercial warranty and batteries benefit from the new improved four-year commercial warranty. I believe the future is in the use of battery equipment and the new technological developments from Pellenc are certainly leading the way.”

For the latest industry news visit turfmatters.co.uk/news

Get all of the big headlines, pictures, opinions and videos on stories that matter to you.

Follow us on Twitter and Instagram for fun, fresh and engaging content.

You can also find us on Facebook for more of your must-see news, features, videos and pictures from Turf Matters.