Tag Archive for: A

EVO 165D a great investment

/in , /by

EVO 165D a great investment: Almost a year on from taking delivery, Peter Greathead of PWG Tree Surgery is still being surprised by the seemingly ‘unstoppable’ performance of his GreenMech EVO 165D woodchipper.

From the very first demonstration, Peter was impressed by the design and build quality of the EVO 165D – which has proven to be a solid investment for the family-run business.

EVO 165D a great investment

EVO 165D a great investment

Peter along with his two brothers mainly undertake domestic tree works, along with assisting in larger-scale, commercial sub-contracting projects. “Over the years we hired various makes and models of chipper, before we decided to purchase our first machine – a second hand GreenMech Arborist 15-23. When the time came to replace our 15-23, we’d been so impressed with the support we had received from the GreenMech dealer network, particularly from Ashley Stevens at GA Groundcare Ltd, that we went straight to them to compare the options available.”

“We had a demonstration of the petrol EVO 165 initially, and as soon as it turned up, my brothers and I were dumbfounded by the build quality of it! Everything from the steel bonnet to the paintwork was much heavier-duty than we’d seen on competitor machines, which gave us the peace of mind we needed to invest.” The option for a foldable discharge chute meant that Peter ended up going for the EVO 165 diesel model – combining a 165mm chipping capacity with a 25hp Kubota diesel engine.

Having been used on projects both large and small over the last 12 months, one of the features that has really impressed Peter is the adjustable roller speed. “If we’re dealing with bigger timber, we slow the rollers down and the machine works with us to process the timber without stressing the engine. Conversely, if we’re dealing with bramble or ivy, we can up the roller speed and it’ll almost ‘suck’ the material in. This powerful pull through also means we’re not having to sned material prior to processing, dramatically reducing our chainsaw usage and improving our efficiency.”

Peter concludes, “The thought that GreenMech have put into the EVO series is clear to see, pulling together some of the features and benefits of their other machines all into one design. Our EVO 165D is constantly surprising us with the types and volumes of material it can process. As yet, we’ve yet to find anything that it can’t handle!”

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.

A lighter utility vehicle

/in , /by

A lighter utility vehicle: Hardest working. Smoothest riding. The Polaris Ranger is one of the bestselling utility side-by-sides across the globe, and has earned its reputation as the ultimate utility vehicle with over one million vehicles built and counting.

To showcase the versatility of the Ranger, Polaris has embarked on a journey across Europe, Middle East and Africa to discover and film how customers are using the Polaris Ranger in their day-to-day lives. The initiative, called Ranger Stories, is set to demonstrate the many ways in which the RANGER line-up is servicing customer lives worldwide.

A lighter utility vehicle

A lighter utility vehicle

Episode 8 – MW Agri Ltd., Hertfordshire, UK

Heavy machinery and specialist equipment are a must for agricultural and grounds maintenance work, but what happens when a utility vehicle is needed for lighter duties? Longstanding agricultural business, MW Agri Ltd., found a solution in the Polaris Ranger.

Working across a large part of Hertfordshire in the UK, MW Agri Ltd. covers a wide range of agricultural duties, public and private grass management and maintenance tasks. Beautiful landscapes surround this South East region, a number of which are maintained by the team at MW Agri Ltd.

Originally purchasing a Polaris Ranger 900 five years ago, MW Agri has since owned a Polaris Ranger XP 1000 and more recently, bought a 2021 Ranger 1000 from local Polaris dealer Taylors Tools to help out across their many duties.

For the eighth episode of RANGER Stories, Polaris joins MW Agri Owner and Managing Director, Malcolm Weaver, to see exactly what aspects of the Polaris Ranger make it so versatile for ground management. Homologated for road use in the UK, and with the addition of the larger alloy wheels for increased road speed, the Ranger 1000 is perfect for transporting the team across different locations; especially as time management plays such an important role in this line of work. The Ranger 1000 boasts class-leading 1,134kg towing capacity and smooth low-speed drivability, which allows the team to tow all kinds of heavy fencing equipment and implements, and paired with its 30.5cm of ground clearance, the team can access all areas for every client.

Reliability also played a large part when choosing the Polaris Ranger; it’s essential that the company’s equipment doesn’t fail on a job for its clients. The Polaris Ranger 1000 is built to last with a heavy-duty steel front bumper, full body skid plate, longer-lasting sealed suspension bushings and the new Pro-PVTi clutching system which has been engineered with large internal wear components to deliver enhanced drivability, reliability and control.

Malcolm Weaver said, “…the Ranger, with its light footprint and maneuverability, comes into its own taking equipment and materials to remote locations even when the conditions are boggy. With its two-wheel drive and all-wheel-drive options the Ranger gets us through the toughest of conditions. The Ranger also has Turf Mode, which is absolutely essential and one of the main reasons why we bought it which is ideal when working on delicate areas.”

There are no days off when it comes to the upkeep of land, so MW Agri have made full use of the Polaris Engineered accessories for the Ranger 1000, including a full cab kit with a windscreen, full doors, roof and rear panel, as well as an in-cab heater to stay warm on colder winter days. Not only that, they have also added a Polaris fitted winch which comes with a number of benefits when working in woodland – such as retrieving fallen limbs or for some extra pulling power when removing dead branches – as well as tensioning fencing wire.

With its versatility to suit a vast array of jobs, Malcolm and the team at MW Agri rely on the Polaris Ranger as an essential part of their workforce, day-in, day-out.

Catch the eighth episode of RANGER Stories in the UK on the Polaris Off-Road International YouTube channel here.

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.

BLEC delivery a ‘Good Friday’

/in , /by

BLEC delivery a ‘Good Friday’: Covering hundreds of acres every year, life for machinery on Congleton Lawn Turf Farm is tough! For the last ten years, equipment from BLEC has been fundamental in their operation so, after a bumper busy year in 2020, the time was right for Owner Matthew Worth to upgrade to a duo of new units.

Delivered on Good Friday, a Blecavator 300HD and Turf Seeder 3000 from Redexim were swiftly put to work and were quick to make a strong first impression.

BLEC delivery a ‘Good Friday’

BLEC delivery a ‘Good Friday’

Matthew, along with his brother Roger, have been looking after the 140-acre family turf farm in Cheshire since 2003. “We’re taking a turf crop off roughly every 12-15 months, and then a lot of work goes into preparing the bed ready for new seed to go in” he explains. “Once we’ve broken up compaction, ploughed the area and cultivated it a couple of times, we’ll then go on with the Blecavator to bury all the stones deep enough to be safely clear of the blades when it comes to harvesting the turf. It also levels the ground and provides a nice tilth for the seed to go in.”

“Having used a few different BLEC stone buriers over the years, we’ve seen a couple of major improvements in our new BV300HD model. Firstly, it deals with larger stones better – the bigger spaces between the rotors and the cover, and the new blade configuration reduces issues with clogging and jamming up. It also has a three-speed gearbox which is ideal for us as we’ve got three different soil types on our site – peat, sand and clay. With the Blecavator in top gear, it loosens the soil on even our firmest and driest clay areas, leaving a nicely conditioned bed.”

With the ground prepared, the Turf-Seeder 3000 is then utilised to deliver the seed in two different directions. The Turf-Seeder features front notched ring rollers that create small pockets, ready to accept the seeds evenly into the top 12mm of the soil, before the rear roller splits the shallow ridges formed by the front roller and safely covers the seed. “Again, we’ve noticed the improvements in this machine compared to the previous model – particularly in the ease of adjustment and seed calibration system which gives us the required accuracy in delivery.”

Following the delivery of the brace of BLEC units in April 2021, the new Blecavator was in use for the first time less than an hour later! “Demand for turf is so high currently that our investment in new equipment was made at just the right time. We’ve already used the Blecavator and Turf-Seeder on over 65 acres and have been seriously impressed with the results.”

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.

Baroness a new AgriMetal distributor

/in , /by

Baroness a new AgriMetal distributor: Baroness U.K. are pleased to announce they are the new sole importer and distributor for AgriMetal rollers for the U.K.

Adam Butler Sales Director for Baroness U.K adds: “We are extremely pleased and excited to be working with such a well-made and respected brand. We already produce market leading cutting technology for a wide range of mowing equipment but now we have added to our portfolio, in my option, one of the most affordable and well-made rollers on the market. To add the icing on the cake they will be rolling off the production line sprayed in the fantastic Baroness Red.

Baroness a new AgriMetal distributor

Baroness a new AgriMetal distributor

The range available will consist of the GR-400 & GR-660. The GR-400 model is the most affordable, high specification roller on the market with the GR-660 model providing an industry leading 66” width roll.”

Some of the exciting key features are as follows:

Hydro-Gear hydrostatic pump

The Hydro-Gear hydrostatic pump has been mated with Honda’s reliable 13hp engine ensuring maximum torque and efficiency. Each head is power by its own hydraulic motor in series to distribute flow and torque evenly.

Baroness a new AgriMetal distributor

Baroness a new AgriMetal distributor

Automatic chain tightener system

Thanks to the automatic chain tightener system, the chains are located inside a closed box, so grass clipping, sand or any other residue cannot get into the drive mechanism.

Easy maintenance

Each floating head has openings on the top front & back, making clean up simple. The easier it is the more likely it will get done.

Floating steering head

The roller’s floating head design effortlessly follows the contours of the most severe undulations, providing a higher roll factor and a better putting surface with minimal compaction.

Hydraulic assisted steering

The hydraulic assisted steering drive system make it easy for the operator to operate the roller, with the floating steering head providing the industries tightest turning radius.

This unique design has built in guides to ensure minimal overlap with maximum productivity.

Heavy duty trailer bed

AgriMetal’s heavy duty trailer beds are covered in a rubber mat for maximum traction, allowing easy climbing even in wet conditions.

Baroness a new AgriMetal distributor

Baroness a new AgriMetal distributor

Ramp self locking mechanism

The ramp self-locking mechanism provides safe transportation. Thanks to the ramp spring assisted hinge system. It’s easy for the operator to lift it back up before driving to the next green.

To book a demo please contact one of our fantastic dealers on the “find a dealer” section of our website.

https://www.baronessuk.com/find-a-dealer/

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.

A Winning Combination

/in , /by

A Winning Combination: Stuart Lambert, Head Groundsman at Gloucester Rugby, says that a combination of two seed mixtures from Limagrain UK ensures that the pitch at the Kingsholm Stadium stands up to the rigours of training sessions and matchdays.

Having been in the turf industry all his career Stuart has been the Head Groundsman at Gloucester Rugby for nearly three years now. Prior to moving to the Kingsholm Stadium, he was already accustomed to the Limagrain range of grass seed.

A Winning Combination

A Winning Combination

“I had first used Limagrain’s MM50 seed in my previous role at Bromsgrove School,” said Stuart. “We used it on the cricket squares, and I was instantly impressed. When I first arrived at Gloucester, the club were already using Limagrain and I knew what it could do so I decided to stick with it.”

Stuart, who competes with up to three training sessions a week on top of matchdays, always starts the season with MM60; which is renowned for producing an excellent playing surface in a stadium environment. With the added benefit of being treated with Headstart® GOLD, a biological germination accelerator, MM60 delivers stronger more resilient seedling grass, giving turf the best possible start.

“We always use the MM60 mixture for our summer renovation and we will go with a rate of 50g per square metre – which is absolutely perfect,” said Stuart. “One of the biggest benefits of the seed is just how quickly it germinates. Last year, the grass was growing within five days of applying the seed and I couldn’t believe it.”

After his summer renovation, Stuart ensures that he has enough bags of MM60 left over so that he can overseed some of the high usage areas throughout the season. He will continue to overseed these areas with MM60 until October and it is at this point that Stuart switches to Limagrain’s Tetra Sport mixture to see him through the winter period.

“As soon as October comes, we switch to the Tetra Sport seed, because we find that it grows in a lot colder temperatures,” he said.

A traditional repair mixture, especially useful for overseeding of high quality sportsfields to improve sward composition and aid recovery from disease scarring, Tetra Sport consists of Tetraploid Ryegrasses and is ideal for when the cooler weather arrives.

Stuart undertakes a rather unique pre-germination process before even applying the seed mixture – as he explains.

“We start by tipping the seed into buckets; we then fill the buckets with water and leave the seed to soak for 24 hours,” he said. “The seed then goes from a light brown colour to a dark brown colour because it has absorbed all the water; and then we will drain the water off, leave it in a heated shed with a heat lamp, and it will stay there for two further days. We then apply the seed to the pitch immediately.

“Ultimately, this pre-germination process gives us a great head-start. I would say that it speeds the process up by about three weeks. On the particularly bad areas we will put the grow lights over the top and that helps in anchoring the seed and helping the grass to stand up.

“It is a process that not a lot of people do,” continued Stuart. “But a lot of lower league clubs could and should be doing it because it buys time and makes a big difference – particularly in the winter.

“Limagrain’s seed is the strongest seed I have come across and our soil samples prove that we get decent root growth as well. Quite simply, both MM60 and Tetra Sport tick every box for us. These two seed mixtures, combined with our feeding programme, certainly helps the pitch stand up to such heavy usage.”

For further information, please contact Limagrain UK on 01472 371471 or visit the company’s website www.lgseeds.co.uk/amenity – you can also follow the company on Twitter: @MM_Seed

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.