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Kubota M7132 treads lightly for ODS Parks

June 15, 2021/in News, Press Release/by Jane Carley

Kubota M7132 treads lightly for ODS Parks: Seeking a tractor with ample power and weight to operate its equipment, yet still tread lightly enough to protect turf and playing surfaces, Oxford-based ODS Parks opted for a Kubota M7132 supplied by George Browns. That was almost three years ago, and with over 2,000 hours under its […]

SAGE coming this summer

June 15, 2021/in News, Press Release/by Vicky Panniers

SAGE coming this summer: With summer fast approaching, the first ever SAGE is drawing ever closer, and excitement is building for the newest event in the industry. From 27 – 29 July 2021, the UK’s largest outdoor Sports and Grounds Expo will open its doors for the first time, welcoming a huge range of visitors […]

Kubota M7132 treads lightly for ODS Parks

June 15, 2021/in News, Press Release/by Jane Carley

SAGE coming this summer

June 15, 2021/in News, Press Release/by Vicky Panniers

Full Sized Blog Element (Big Preview Pic)

Kubota M7132 treads lightly for ODS Parks

June 15, 2021/in News, Press Release/by Jane Carley

Kubota M7132 treads lightly for ODS Parks: Seeking a tractor with ample power and weight to operate its equipment, yet still tread lightly enough to protect turf and playing surfaces, Oxford-based ODS Parks opted for a Kubota M7132 supplied by George Browns.

That was almost three years ago, and with over 2,000 hours under its belt, the tractor has more than lived up to expectations.

Kubota M7132 treads lightly for ODS Parks

“We looked for a tractor that offered enough stability to handle our hedge cutter at its 6m full reach,” explains Jo Huntley, parks operational supervisor with ODS. “Though it also has to work on fine turf and other delicate sportsground surfaces without leaving a mark.”

As the contracting division of Oxfordshire City Council, ODS carries out a wide variety of grounds maintenance works, and contracting, in and around the city of Oxford. Within the team’s remit is the responsibility for 90 parks, and a further 1,000-acres of countryside sites, plus cemeteries and urban grass verges, so the team needed reliability, comfort and practicality.

“We looked at several makes, specifications and warranty packages,” explains Graham Dix, operator with ODS. “And the M7132 stood out with its 500-hour service intervals, and five-year/5,000-hour warranty. With a set of BKT turf tyres, we found the Kubota provided an ideal combination of stability and low ground pressure for our requirements.”

Equipped with an LM2605 loader, Mr Dix says the tractor has to perform as an all-rounder, though ODS has no requirement for Premium spec or the stepless KVT transmission.

“I could be towing trailers, lifting and loading materials or using grounds maintenance kit such as a 5m-wide flail mower, turf slitter, reseeding equipment, fertiliser spreader, sprayer or hedge cutter,” he says. “With 130hp boosting to 150hp, there’s more than enough power to pull our 12-tonne trailers, and I have the flexibility to use economy PTO with powered equipment, which saves fuel.”

Equally advantageous is a 50km/h road speed.

“With contract services taking us beyond Oxford City, having a 50km/h transmission is really useful – it reduces non-productive time when we’re travelling between jobs,” says Graham. “And the powershift gearbox’s auto-shifting function reduces fatigue when crossing the City.”

He adds that front axle suspension and cab suspension also makes long days more enjoyable, and the ability to quickly reposition the steering column using a foot-activated lever makes getting in and out of the cab more convenient.

“Plenty of air vents provide a decent flow of cool air around the cab, the visibility is good, and there’s no shortage of room in the cab,” he says.

“The tractor also has some really neat features, including a pto guard that unclips to provide better access when hitching up powered equipment; the rear lift capacity is superb; and the external linkage controls on the rear wing are smooth and progressive,” he says.

However, he says that the loader’s cycle times, plus the top link design and location of the spool couplings could be improved.

“The US-built loader has large rams, so it is very powerful, but lacks speed,” he comments. “I’d also like to see spool couplings that are angled outwards, so it’s easier to connect hydraulic hoses, and a more secure mounting for the top link would help when I’m not using the rear linkage.”

“That said, I’m extremely pleased with the Kubota M7 tractor,” he adds. “It does all that we need, and clocking up around 1,000 hours/year, its reliability and fuel efficiency has been very good.”

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SAGE coming this summer

June 15, 2021/in News, Press Release/by Vicky Panniers

SAGE coming this summer: With summer fast approaching, the first ever SAGE is drawing ever closer, and excitement is building for the newest event in the industry.

From 27 – 29 July 2021, the UK’s largest outdoor Sports and Grounds Expo will open its doors for the first time, welcoming a huge range of visitors from across the industry including grounds maintenance, landscaping, colleges, universities, local authorities, premiership grounds, green keeping and many more.

SAGE coming this summer

Set in the stunning surroundings of the Three Counties Showground at the foot of the Malvern Hills, trades from the sector will be able to demonstrate leading products and showcase new releases, without any limitations on space.

SAGE visitors will hear the latest ideas from within the industry and be given advice on how to improve efficiency and cost effectiveness.

“We’re really looking forward to our inaugural event. It will provide a fantastic opportunity to get outdoors and see what is on offer across the industry. Our motivation is to give visitors a hands-on experience, without compromising on safety, and at The Three Counties Show Ground this is easily achieved,” says Event Manager Vicky Panniers.

“Our aim is to provide an environment that will benefit everyone from grass roots to senior management; we are very excited about what is on offer and think it’s the perfect way to kick start what is a hopefully a great time for the industry after such a tough 18 months,” Vicky continues.

The Sports & Grounds Expo will be the highlight of the industry calendar this summer, offering a safe and proactive environment for those operating across all sectors of the sports and grounds maintenance industry. SAGE is a free event open to all who are interested in the sports and grounds industry.

For more information, contact the team today by email: team@sportsandgrounds.co.uk, by phone: +44 (0)1684 580101 or visit the website: www.sportsandgrounds.co.uk.

Visitor registration is now open – Go to www.sportsandgrounds.co.uk to register and to be kept up to date with what’s to come! Follow SAGE news on Twitter & Facebook for updates.

The safety of visitors and exhibitors is a priority. The latest health & safety advice will be implemented, security measures including social distancing have already been put into action, hand sanitiser will be readily available and free pre-registered bookings for all visitors to reduce queues are heavily encouraged.

What can you expect from SAGE 2021

The Sports & Grounds Expo 2021 has been designed and implemented to create an environment that is proactive at every level of the industry from operative to managerial. Over the last 12 months sectors have had to adapt quickly to an unprecedented turn of events. SAGE 2021 has looked into how best to accommodate exhibitors and visitors alike. From market leaders showcasing their newest range to leading course providers giving the opportunity to attend a variety of on point courses and discussions, SAGE 2021 really does have everything. Join us from 27^th – 29^th July, you will not be disappointed!

Why should you attend?

The stunning OUTDOOR venue provides an abundance of space for exhibitors to demonstrate their products and solutions
New products to be launched this is the first time for over 16 months that many of our exhibitors will be able to showcase their latest innovations and products
Networking; after the last year the opportunity to meet up outdoors is vital in showing value to key clients and also gives new opportunities to form new vital relationships
Industry trends & education; see what you have missed over the last year, and get involved with the free courses that are being led by our partners Mow-Sure

Who is already registered?

Local authorities
Contractors
Landscape professionals
Garden & Lawn Services
Private estate management & operatives
Sports clubs
Groundsmen from across the industry from grass roots to premiership
Those who share a common interest in the industry or a particular sector
Industry media

How to Register?

Visit sportsandgrounds.events

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.

Half Sized Blog Element (Single Author Style)

Half Sized Blog Element (Multi Author Style)

Kubota M7132 treads lightly for ODS Parks

SAGE coming this summer

Kubota M7132 treads lightly for ODS Parks

SAGE coming this summer

Full Sized Blog Element (Big Preview Pic)

Kubota M7132 treads lightly for ODS Parks

Kubota M7132 treads lightly for ODS Parks: Seeking a tractor with ample power and weight to operate its equipment, yet still tread lightly enough to protect turf and playing surfaces, Oxford-based ODS Parks opted for a Kubota M7132 supplied by George Browns.

SAGE coming this summer

SAGE coming this summer: With summer fast approaching, the first ever SAGE is drawing ever closer, and excitement is building for the newest event in the industry.

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