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Two Ventrac’s for Chelmsford GC maximise versatility

August 21, 2025/in Machinery, News, Press Release/by Admin

Two Ventrac’s for Chelmsford GC maximise versatility: Chelmsford Golf Course was founded in 1893. Head Greenkeeper, James Pickess, has been there for twenty-five years, starting as an assistant greenkeeper, then moving into a mechanical role and eventually becoming deputy, and then Head Greenkeeper nearly two years ago. His team consists of seven full-time staff. Chelmsford […]

Makita’s charging chase is electrifying

August 21, 2025/in News, Press Release/by Admin

Makita’s charging chase is electrifying: The new Makita BCC01 is a robust and efficient 8-port battery charging case intended to streamline the charging of power tools for busy professionals. Designed with a compatible shape suitable for Makpac carriers – Makita’s interlocking storage system, this product is a game-changer for productivity on site. With the advantage […]

Two Ventrac’s for Chelmsford GC maximise versatility

August 21, 2025/in Machinery, News, Press Release/by Admin

Makita’s charging chase is electrifying

August 21, 2025/in News, Press Release/by Admin

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Two Ventrac’s for Chelmsford GC maximise versatility

August 21, 2025/in Machinery, News, Press Release/by Admin

Two Ventrac’s for Chelmsford GC maximise versatility: Chelmsford Golf Course was founded in 1893. Head Greenkeeper, James Pickess, has been there for twenty-five years, starting as an assistant greenkeeper, then moving into a mechanical role and eventually becoming deputy, and then Head Greenkeeper nearly two years ago. His team consists of seven full-time staff.

Chelmsford is a parkland course of just under a hundred acres, featuring push-up greens and ancient woodland integrated into the design. The soil is primarily Essex clay, leading to some very wet spots. The topography includes hilly and sloped tee banks, with some challenging steep areas such as “The Snake Pit” and “The Valley” which are ancient clay digging sites for bricks. “Some slopes are as steep as 28 degrees, posing challenges for normal mowers”, said James.

Two Ventrac’s for Chelmsford GC maximise versatility

James initiated the purchase of two Ventrac 4520 traction units, an MR770 triplex reel mower, a rotary MJ840 Contour Mower, a Tough Cut mower and an ET202 Turbine Blower, when he became Head Greenkeeper, driven by the machine’s versatility. He noted that “specialized grass machinery is increasingly expensive. The appeal of Ventrac was its ability to perform two, four or even ten different jobs,” said James, “offering more value for money and making it a worthwhile club investment.” James specified optional rear 3-point-hitches with quick hitch 3 in1 adaptors to allow generic attachments to be used such as turf conditioners and a carrying box. This allows for simultaneous operations (e.g., one machine with reels, another with the contour deck) and easy swapping of attachments.

James explained that “previously, the first cut was done with a rotary mower, which struggled with damp, dewy mornings, leaving grass clippings behind.” The Ventrac’s reel mowers were purchased to transition to a cleaner cut, effectively managing wet conditions and improve contour following. The course has some very undulating terrain. Larger previous mowers struggled to follow contours, leading to scalping. Ventrac’s reel mowers and contour deck “hug and float” [the ground] better, adapting well to the terrain. The Ventrac’s allow for precise cutting heights, “25mm with the cylinder mowers and better definition from the green to the collar, using two bands with the cylinder mower and two further bands with the contour deck 51mm”. said James.

In addition, previously, tasks like clearing brush, bracken, and bramble in woodland areas between greens required hiring machinery. Now, the Ventrac Tough Cut Deck can be deployed on demand, saving time and costs associated with hiring. The Ventrac Turbine blower, utilizing the diesel-powered tractor’s engine, is more fuel-efficient and maneuverable than the previous petrol-powered, tow-behind blower, which also tied up a utility vehicle. Significant manpower savings are achieved by combining tasks, for example, using a GreenTech turf conditioner on the three-point hitch at the back while simultaneously using the blower on the front. James explained that “this allows one person to do the work that previously required two, saving about a day, to a day and a half over three days of work on the fairways”. The Ventrac’s stability on steep slopes (up to 30 degrees) makes it safer. Chelmsford has slopes of up to 28 degrees. James also highlighted “excellent support” from Price Turfcare and Invictor Ground Care, noting quick parts replacement and technical assistance.

While the Ventrac units were only acquired just after Christmas 2024, James anticipates long-term financial savings and has already seen significant time and manpower efficiencies. He is considering adding more attachments in the future, such as a power rake or rotary brush.

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Makita’s charging chase is electrifying

August 21, 2025/in News, Press Release/by Admin

Makita’s charging chase is electrifying: The new Makita BCC01 is a robust and efficient 8-port battery charging case intended to streamline the charging of power tools for busy professionals. Designed with a compatible shape suitable for Makpac carriers – Makita’s interlocking storage system, this product is a game-changer for productivity on site.

With the advantage of eight charging ports, the case enables the simultaneous charging of up to four Makita batteries at a time. The smart ‘Switch Change’ function automatically cycles to the four remaining batteries once the first four are fully charged to ensure batteries can be rotated when needed, creating minimal disruption to workflow.

Makita’s charging chase is electrifying

The BCC01 is compatible with XGT 40V batteries and with the optional ADP10 adapter (sold separately), the charging case supports LXT 18V batteries too. The charging case charges batteries quickly, charging four 2.0Ah XGT batteries simultaneously in as little as 75 minutes. To charge eight, it takes 150 minutes.

“The BCC01 has been built for high-demand environments where efficiency and productivity are critical,” said Kevin Brannigan, Marketing Manager at Makita. “With simultaneous multi-port charging, automated cycling, and full Makpac integration, it delivers a compact, convenient solution that supports both XGT and LXT platforms — making it ideal for having on site.”

To find out more about Makita’s full range of products, visit: www.makita.co.uk

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)

Two Ventrac’s for Chelmsford GC maximise versatility

Makita’s charging chase is electrifying

Two Ventrac’s for Chelmsford GC maximise versatility

Makita’s charging chase is electrifying

Full Sized Blog Element (Big Preview Pic)

Two Ventrac’s for Chelmsford GC maximise versatility

Makita’s charging chase is electrifying

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