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SALTEX announces retirement of Derek Walder

September 19, 2024/in News, Press Release/by Admin

SALTEX announces retirement of Derek Walder: SALTEX, the UK’s premier event for the grounds management professionals and volunteers, announces the retirement of ‘Mr SALTEX’, Derek Walder – its long-standing Operations Manager. He will step down following SALTEX 2024 on the 30th and 31st of October at the NEC Birmingham, marking his 42nd and final exhibition. […]

John Deere introduces Z370R Electric ZTrakTM

September 19, 2024/in News, Press Release/by Admin

John Deere introduces Z370R Electric ZTrakTM: John Deere has introduced the Z370R Electric ZTrak mower to European markets. This fully-electric, zero-turn mower is a forward-thinking addition to the company’s line up of innovative lawn care solutions. Designed with a focus on sustainability and efficiency, it offers a powerful and eco-conscious alternative to petrol- or diesel-powered […]

SALTEX announces retirement of Derek Walder

September 19, 2024/in News, Press Release/by Admin

John Deere introduces Z370R Electric ZTrakTM

September 19, 2024/in News, Press Release/by Admin

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SALTEX announces retirement of Derek Walder

September 19, 2024/in News, Press Release/by Admin

SALTEX announces retirement of Derek Walder: SALTEX, the UK’s premier event for the grounds management professionals and volunteers, announces the retirement of ‘Mr SALTEX’, Derek Walder – its long-standing Operations Manager.

He will step down following SALTEX 2024 on the 30th and 31st of October at the NEC Birmingham, marking his 42nd and final exhibition.

SALTEX announces retirement of Derek Walder

Derek’s career spans more than six decades, beginning in the early 1960s in horticulture as a gardener on a private estate in Sussex. His love for working on lawns then led him to become Assistant Head Greenkeeper at a golf course in Hertfordshire. In 1970, he became the Grounds Manager at a major sports field complex in Southwest London, famously used as the training ground for Wimbledon FC during the “Crazy Gang” era.

His involvement with the Grounds Management Association (GMA) dates back to 1969 when he joined the then-National Association of Groundsmen. His first engagement with SALTEX came as a volunteer when the show was held at Motspur Park, Southwest London. After eight years of volunteering, Derek took on the role of Operations Manager when the exhibition moved to Windsor Racecourse in 1979. Over the decades, he has watched SALTEX evolve first-hand, overseeing its tenancies at Windsor, Peterborough, and the NEC, Birmingham.

During his time with the GMA, Derek has held positions of General Secretary and Chairman and his dedication to the industry has been widely recognised, earning him a British Empire Medal (BEM) in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List in 1988 for services to groundsmanship. In 2014, he received the Lifetime Achievement Award at the GMA Industry Awards and, in the same year, he was awarded up the ‘Unsung Hero’ award by the Association of Event Organisers. Derek was subsequently inducted into the GMA Hall of Fame in 2021 as an acknowledgement of an illustrious career in the industry spanning more than half a century.

Speaking on his upcoming retirement, Derek said: “Looking back at SALTEX, I never imagined that on a cold autumn day in 1979, when we arrived at Windsor Racecourse for the ‘Windsor Exhibition’, I’d still be involved 42 years later. Over those years, we have seen so many changes in the industry of which the exhibition has adapted to, and for 56 of those years I was in the profession so I could appreciate what needed from a visitor perspective. Even now, I still get the same buzz when the doors open as I did in 1979.”

Geoff Webb, CEO of the GMA, said: “Derek’s dedication to SALTEX and the grounds management industry has been remarkable. His expertise and leadership have played a vital role in shaping the exhibition into the premier platform it is today. His legacy extends far beyond the various roles he has held within the GMA – he is embedded in the culture of grounds management, having served most notably with the ‘Crazy Gang’. Over the years, what has stood out to me is Derek’s passion for SALTEX, which he has developed as a personal commitment. His work has provided the GMA with a strong foundation for the future. What many people may not know is the incredible amount of voluntary work Derek has done for both the association and SALTEX, of which we are grateful for and wish him all the best in his retirement.”

SALTEX 2024 will be an opportunity for the industry to celebrate Derek’s contributions and to honour his dedication not only to the exhibition but to the industry as a whole. Register for your free ticket now: https://www.saltex.org.uk/.

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John Deere introduces Z370R Electric ZTrakTM

September 19, 2024/in News, Press Release/by Admin

John Deere introduces Z370R Electric ZTrakTM: John Deere has introduced the Z370R Electric ZTrak mower to European markets.

This fully-electric, zero-turn mower is a forward-thinking addition to the company’s line up of innovative lawn care solutions.

John Deere introduces Z370R Electric ZTrakTM

Designed with a focus on sustainability and efficiency, it offers a powerful and eco-conscious alternative to petrol- or diesel-powered mowers.

The Z370R is powered by reusable energy, boasting zero operating emissions for a cleaner mowing experience.

With the ability to cover up to 8,000 square metres per charge, this mower provides reliable performance while reducing environmental impact. An onboard charger provides easy and convenient charging.

Built with durability in mind, the Z370R features a sealed 3.56 kWh (max. capacity) battery that is fully protected against elements such as water, dust, and debris (IP66 rating), ensuring reliable operation in various conditions. The mower’s design prioritises user comfort, offering a quiet and comfortable ride with reduced noise and vibration levels.

Plus, the Z370R Electric ZTrakTM model simplifies maintenance requirements by eliminating the need for oil changes, air filter replacements, and greasing.

With a large LCD screen and ergonomic controls, the mower provides intuitive operation and enhanced usability for an easy and effortless mowing experience.

Equipped with a either a 107cm or 122cm AccelTM Deep Mower deck, the Z370R delivers premium cut quality and performance, while durable front and side rails enhance the machine’s endurance for long-term reliability.

It has a mowing speed of up to 11km/h allows users to complete their lawn care tasks efficiently. For added versatility, optional attachments and accessories such as a material collection system, mulch kit, utility carts, and a magnetic hitch pin are available to customise the mower according to specific needs and preferences.

Backed by a five-year warranty on battery life or 200 hours of machine usage, the Z370R Electric ZTrak mower offers a reliable and efficient solution for users seeking a sustainable and user-friendly lawn care option.

Key figures

3.56 (max. capacity) battery fully sealed
107 or 122 cm AccelTM mowing deck
8,000 m2 per full charge
5 years or 200 machine hours warranty on battery life

• Mowing speed up to 11 km/h

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)

SALTEX announces retirement of Derek Walder

John Deere introduces Z370R Electric ZTrakTM

SALTEX announces retirement of Derek Walder

John Deere introduces Z370R Electric ZTrakTM

Full Sized Blog Element (Big Preview Pic)

SALTEX announces retirement of Derek Walder

SALTEX announces retirement of Derek Walder: SALTEX, the UK’s premier event for the grounds management professionals and volunteers, announces the retirement of ‘Mr SALTEX’, Derek Walder – its long-standing Operations Manager.

John Deere introduces Z370R Electric ZTrakTM

John Deere introduces Z370R Electric ZTrakTM: John Deere has introduced the Z370R Electric ZTrak mower to European markets.

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