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Ventracs replace ageing fleet at Ladbrook Park Golf Club

February 13, 2024/in News, Press Release/by Peter Driver

Ventracs replace ageing fleet at Ladbrook Park Golf Club: Ladbrook Park Golf Club, situated in the Warwickshire countryside near Tanworth-in-Arden, has put its trust in Ventrac and taken delivery of FOUR Ventrac 4520 all-terrain compact tractors and 13 attachments to maintain their prestigious 1908 Colt-designed course. Kevin Fellows has been the course manager for 38 […]

Explosive Start for GroundsFest 2024

February 13, 2024/in Events, News, Press Release/by Lucy Nicholls

Explosive Start for GroundsFest 2024: Following its groundbreaking debut, GroundsFest is returning with a bang, promising an even bigger and better experience for the groundscare and landscaping industries. With a wave of new exhibitors, expanded space, and mounting excitement, GroundsFest 2024 is set to exceed expectations, offering extraordinary opportunities for industry professionals. Expansion and Overwhelming […]

Ventracs replace ageing fleet at Ladbrook Park Golf Club

February 13, 2024/in News, Press Release/by Peter Driver

Explosive Start for GroundsFest 2024

February 13, 2024/in Events, News, Press Release/by Lucy Nicholls

Full Sized Blog Element (Big Preview Pic)

Ventracs replace ageing fleet at Ladbrook Park Golf Club

February 13, 2024/in News, Press Release/by Peter Driver

Ventracs replace ageing fleet at Ladbrook Park Golf Club: Ladbrook Park Golf Club, situated in the Warwickshire countryside near Tanworth-in-Arden, has put its trust in Ventrac and taken delivery of FOUR Ventrac 4520 all-terrain compact tractors and 13 attachments to maintain their prestigious 1908 Colt-designed course.

Kevin Fellows has been the course manager for 38 years, having joined the club in 1985 from nearby Shirley Golf Club. He was appointed to his current position in 1994.

Ventracs replace ageing fleet at Ladbrook Park Golf Club

Commenting on the club’s decision to take this route, he said,

“With the exception of our fine turf areas, the majority of the course is now maintained with Ventrac equipment. It fits in with our agronomic requirements and does everything apart from fine turf and aeration. For all other areas – approaches, fairways, semi, rough, our ecology areas, transport, ditching, haulage – the Ventrac system fits perfectly. At the moment we have everything we need. It fits our current maintenance plan; tomorrows objectives and our longer-term direction.

“Selling it to the board of directors was not an issue. The initial thinking was to identify machines for replacement on a like-for-like basis and then progressively, over the next few years, replace and update as necessary. The alternative was to take the Ventrac route. Fortunately, the Finance director and board were keen to fund our replacement programme, with the support of the Greens committee, whichever direction we chose.

“When the cost options were put on the table it became a bit of a no-brainer. It is difficult to justify spending close to £100,000, or thereabouts, on a dedicated mower to cut rough, which does nothing else apart from macerate leaves and then put in the shed at the end of October and let it sat there, doing nothing for 3-4 months.

“I spoke with the club’s Finance and Greens directors in conjunction with the greens committee and we arranged a demo with a couple of Ventracs and a selection of implements. After some training and machine familiarisation, Jon Lewis, Price Turfcare’s regional sales manager, who I’ve known for years, left it with us so we could thoroughly evaluate it on our course. When you’re looking at new equipment you need to bring your team with you. You sit back and listen to what they say and sitting there one lunchtime, there was a comment which really sticks in my mind; one of the guys said ‘it’s becoming increasingly difficult to say no to.’ And he was right, because it suited our course. You’ve got invest in machinery that suits your course.”

“It was a big commitment to swap out our existing fleet and go, almost exclusively, with Ventrac. Once we started to look, we became increasingly discontent with some of the market forces; supply lines and cost were major considerations. As a course manager you have to think laterally, so I asked myself is there a better way of doing this? Covid caused a reset in thinking; prior to the pandemic a lot of clubs were committed to one manufacturer or another. We were principally a one manufacturer machinery operation.

“I was looking for something that gave us more versatility and began by looking at compact tractors from various manufacturers. Then, by pure chance Jon Lewis dropped by one afternoon with a trailer of Ventrac equipment. Naturally enough I had a look and next morning Jon gave me a brochure. And the rest is history!

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Explosive Start for GroundsFest 2024

February 13, 2024/in Events, News, Press Release/by Lucy Nicholls

Explosive Start for GroundsFest 2024: Following its groundbreaking debut, GroundsFest is returning with a bang, promising an even bigger and better experience for the groundscare and landscaping industries. With a wave of new exhibitors, expanded space, and mounting excitement, GroundsFest 2024 is set to exceed expectations, offering extraordinary opportunities for industry professionals.

Expansion and Overwhelming Rebookings

The excitement surrounding GroundsFest 2024 is evident, with the event witnessing a significant expansion. An astounding 90% rebook rate speaks volumes about the confidence exhibitors have in this groundbreaking event. Many 2023 exhibitors including Overton UK, Toro UK, Ariens Co, Kress UK, Turfix, Husqvarna, PSD Groundcare, and Cramer, plus many more, have opted for significantly larger stands, a testament to the growing influence of GroundsFest in the industry landscape.

Explosive Start for GroundsFest 2024

Influx of New Business

GroundsFest continues to attract industry giants and emerging players alike, with over 40 new companies already committed to the event. Brands such as STIGA, Redexim, Milwaukee, Ventrac, Trimax Mowing Systems, Amazone, GKB, Wessex, Ferris, Spider, Jensen Woodchippers, Ransomes, Jacobsen, Kawasaki, EZGO, Wiedenmann, Avant Tecno, Hustler Turf Equipment, Ambrogio UK, Rat Barrow UK, BARBIERI SRL, Aebi Schmidt UK, and Bowcom, plus many more, have taken large areas dedicated to equipment demonstration, which underlines the event’s significance as a premier platform for companies to showcase their innovations and solutions.

Expanding Landscape Zone

The Landscape Zone, catering to professionals involved in outdoor planning and design, promises to be even more expansive in 2024 with a blend of returning exhibitors and new additions like Crowders Nurseries, Wildflower Turf UK, Lubbe & Sons (Bulbs), Warrington & Rose, Stabilia UK, and Soluform. The Landscape Zone will offer a comprehensive showcase of the latest trends and technologies in landscaping.

An Un-Rivalled Variety of Exhibitors

One of GroundsFest’s distinguishing features is its innovative integration of outdoor machinery demonstrations with indoor exhibits, attracting diverse audiences from various sectors. This unique approach ensures an unparalleled experience for visitors, who can explore a wide array of exhibitors ranging from groundscare and landscaping to commercial vehicles and play equipment. GroundsFest is the only UK event of its kind which offers such a variety of exhibitors.

Reinvigorating Industry Trade Shows

GroundsFest goes beyond traditional trade shows, offering attendees a truly comprehensive experience. From a live music festival to exclusive retail discounts and free LANTRA approved training, plus its cost-effective pricing structure for exhibitors and camping facilities – GroundsFest has reinvigorated the trade show landscape.

The New Go-To Event

GroundsFest 2024 is poised to build upon its successful first edition, offering industry professionals a revolutionary and indispensable platform to connect, learn, and thrive. As it defies industry norms and sets new benchmarks, GroundsFest has emerged as the largest one-stop shop for groundscare and landscaping professionals in the UK.

GroundsFest 2024 will take place at Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire, on 10 and 11 September 2024.

For more information, please visit www.groundsfest.com

You can also follow GroundsFest on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram @GroundsFest for much more news, reviews and insightful views.

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)

Ventracs replace ageing fleet at Ladbrook Park Golf Club

Explosive Start for GroundsFest 2024

Ventracs replace ageing fleet at Ladbrook Park Golf Club

Explosive Start for GroundsFest 2024

Full Sized Blog Element (Big Preview Pic)

Ventracs replace ageing fleet at Ladbrook Park Golf Club

Explosive Start for GroundsFest 2024

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