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Achieve a Perfect Pitch with Mansfield Sand at SALTEX

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Achieve a Perfect Pitch with Mansfield Sand at SALTEX: Visitors to the Mansfield Sand stand (E150) at SALTEX 2024, taking place on 30 and 31 October at the NEC, Birmingham, will have the opportunity to explore a comprehensive range of sand-based products designed to enhance the health and performance of sports pitches.

With over 170 years of expertise, Mansfield Sand has been at the forefront of developing premium silica sand-based products. The company offers a wide array of innovative solutions for sports, landscaping, and equestrian applications, including stadium and training ground facilities, championship golf courses, and world-class show jumping arenas.

Achieve a Perfect Pitch with Mansfield Sand at SALTEX

Achieve a Perfect Pitch with Mansfield Sand at SALTEX

At SALTEX, Mansfield Sand’s industry experts will be available to discuss how their products can transform your sports turf projects. Key products on display will include:

Reinforced Rootzone

Mansfield Sand’s Reinforced Rootzones are engineered to maximize the use of natural turf surfaces while meeting the high standards required by today’s sports industry. The reinforcement technology used in these products provides enhanced stability and durability, ensuring that sand-dominated rootzones remain free-draining and consistent across the entire surface.

The range includes:

Fibre Reinforced Rootzone – reinforced with polypropylene fibres for added strength.

Fibrelastic Rootzone – combines polypropylene fibres with flexible Elastane fibres to enhance surface resilience.

Fibresand – ideal for maintaining surface integrity when grass cover is reduced due to heavy usage or winter wear.

Sand Soil Rootzones

Mansfield Sand is dedicated to helping turf managers achieve the ideal surface condition week after week. Their Sand Soil Rootzones are crafted from high-quality materials, ensuring exceptional results whether used for renovation or construction. The Mansil 40 Silica Sand blended with screened topsoil creates an optimal rootzone foundation.

Sand Compost Rootzones

For projects requiring a rootzone rich in organic content, Mansfield Sand offers a range of premium sand compost blends. These products are designed to retain nutrients and enhance drought resistance, promoting healthier, more resilient turf.

Top Dressing

Tailored for the fine turf market, Mansfield Sand’s Soil Top Dressing combines their superior silica sands with top-quality soils. The mixture is sterilised and screened to create a smooth, stone-free dressing that is easy to apply. Custom dressing blends and soil amendments are also available to meet specific turf management needs.

Mansil Silica Sand Sports Range

Mansfield Sand’s Mansil range of silica sands, sourced from their Two Oaks Quarry in Mansfield, is essential for constructing and maintaining a variety of sports surfaces, from winter sports pitches and golf courses to bowling greens and other amenity turf areas.

For more information, visit www.mansfield-sand.co.uk , follow them on Twitter at @MansfieldSand, or connect on Facebook at Mansfield Sand Sport Surfaces.

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Christmas present was a Ventrac

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Christmas present was a Ventrac: Sittingbourne & Milton Regis Golf Club surprised their Head greenkeeper Paul Best in December last year, when he was called down to the maintenance facility on a fictious errand, only to find that he was the recipient of a brand new Ventrac all-terrain compact tractor and several attachments.

Although the Ventrac was on his wish-list, machinery procurement at the club normally takes place in the summer, so it was huge surprise when he saw the machine complete with Contour deck, Tough Cut deck and Turbine blower.

Christmas present was a Ventrac

Christmas present was a Ventrac

The surprise was organised by Steve Bootes, the club’s General Manager, who has a great relationship with Paul and the greenkeeping team.

“We’d already sat down together”, said Steve, “and drawn up the spec and rational for the purchase. We knew we wanted a machine that provided versatility and could work in wet weather. The Ventrac was the obvious choice. The board here were happy to provide the finance to pull the purchase forward from our usual summer machinery upgrading programme, so I went ahead with the order and ‘forgot’ to tell Paul or any of his team. The look on his face when he saw the machine was priceless, the expletives he uttered on video, not so!”

Steve and Paul have worked together in their current roles for almost seven years and have a close working relationship. Paul joined the club as a 17-year-old apprentice and has risen through the ranks over the intervening 25 years. He was assistant head greenkeeper in his early 20s and then shadowed former head greenkeeper David Horn for six months prior to his retirement. However, the step up to head greenkeeper was not a forgone conclusion and he beat 19 other applicants for the top job.

Commenting on the Ventrac, Paul said,

“To say I was gobsmacked when I saw the Ventrac is an understatement; it was a massive surprise; a brilliant Christmas present, not just for me, but the whole team!

“It was a really wet season, but we managed to persuade the board that this was the piece of kit we needed going into the winter to enhance the playing surfaces and visual appearance. Usually we’d leave the fairways, as they were too wet to cut, but we striped them up all through the winter. We just missed what we call the ‘leaf season’, but this year with the leaf blower it’s going to pay dividends. Our current blower is towed behind a utility vehicle, which means that we’re using double the amount of fuel; one to power the blower and the other in the tow vehicle. The Ventrac is a single unit, so we’re saving fuel and it can go out without marking the fairways.

“The Tough Cut is brilliant in the deep rough and woodland margins; it takes down brambles and saplings with ease, knocks them down and mulches them. During the main season we use the Contour deck on our tee banks, but during the winter it’s also used on tees, fairways and even approaches.”

General Manager Steve Bootes was previously a senior electrical technician, who spent over 25 years working in the local paper mill, with an added responsibility for training a large group of apprentices. When the paper mill closed, he spent 10 years with a local engineering company, providing electrical drives for the water industry.

A keen golfer, he was a committee member for 15 years and club captain in 2005-6. Following the departure of two General Managers in quick succession, he took on the role for an initial 6-month trial period, and has successfully been in the role since 2017.

He concluded by saying,

“There’s a very good atmosphere at this club, across all departments. There’s a lot of respect for Paul and his team and that’s because of the training they’ve had, the leadership they’ve got and the equipment that enables them to do their job.

“The Ventrac is an integral part of our course maintenance plan and I’m now being pressured by Paul for a second machine. It’s not a forgone conclusion that he’ll get one, but we’ll make a good business case going forward and see what the board says.

“From my perspective, it’s not just putting faith in a machine; we must have support to ensure that it performs to its maximum and that’s where Price Turfcare, the Ventrac distributor, have been exemplary. As long as Paul puts in a parts order before 12 noon, he gets the item the next day. That’s the type of partner we want at this club.”

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Green-tech’s James Webster a winner

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Green-tech’s James Webster a winner: Green-tech is delighted to announce that James Webster, one of their dedicated Account Managers, has been named a winner of Pro Landscaper’s prestigious ‘30 Under 30 – The Next Generation’ initiative.

25-year-old James Webster was chosen for his impressive contributions and rapid career progression within the landscape industry. The ’30 Under 30: The Next Generation’ initiative, celebrates 30 rising stars across the arboriculture, garden design, horticultural, and landscaping sectors; and aims to showcase the diverse career opportunities available to young professionals.

Green-tech’s James Webster a winner

Green-tech’s James Webster a winner

James began his journey with Green-tech in 2017 straight from education, and his progression is a testament to his hard work and passion for the industry. James started in the operations and warehouse departments; a role that provided him with a solid foundation in the company. His eagerness to advance and a keen interest in sales led him to a sales role in John Chambers Wildflower Seed, a brand under Green-tech. This experience broadened his sales acumen and his appreciation for the positive influence of landscaping and biodiversity on the environment. James then transitioned to a role within Green-tech’s wider sales team, where his dedication and growing expertise led to his promotion to Technical Sales Representative. In 2023, James was promoted to Account Manager. His commitment to fostering strong relationships and delivering exceptional is at the heart of his success.

Reflecting on his achievement, James said, “I am genuinely thrilled to be named a winner of Pro Landscaper’s 30 Under 30. Climbing the ranks at Green-tech to my current position has been a rewarding journey, and I’m proud that my efforts have been acknowledged outside of my organisation. The landscaping industry is an amazing field to be part of and I’m delighted that I have met the high standards that these awards strive for.”

Kris Nellist, Managing Director of Green-tech, expressed his pride, stating, “James is the ninth person from Green-tech to be recognised in the ’30 Under 30: The Next Generation’ since its inception in 2014. I am incredibly proud of our company’s culture that supports and nurtures young talent, helping them reach their full potential. James exemplifies this with his hard work, respect from peers and customers. He has a very bright future ahead and I wish him all the best.”

The official awards ceremony will take place at FutureScape 2024 on Wednesday 16th October where Green-tech looks forward to celebrating James’s achievements.

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Finance a new Polaris vehicle

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Finance a new Polaris vehicle: Polaris Off Road is pleased to share that its bestselling RANGER and ATV line-up is now available on operating lease finance. From as little as £215.20 a month* those looking to upgrade or lease a new Polaris vehicle can do so easily by spreading the cost over 1+35 months.

Available until 31.12.2024 and running in conjunction with finance partners, DLL, a global leasing company with more than 50 years of experience, Polaris vehicles become more accessible through the finance options to those when it is needed most.

Finance a new Polaris vehicle

Finance a new Polaris vehicle

Richard Coleby, National Sales Manager said: “We understand the challenges our customers face, so these operating lease finance options ease the burden of upfront costs. Whether our customers are looking to upgrade essential equipment for the upcoming harvest, preparing for the hunting season or simply for the everyday, our customers can finance the cost of a vehicle to suit them.”

Models available on Polaris’ operating lease finance include the Sportsman 570 ATV and RANGER UTV models: RANGER 570; RANGER 1000 with EPS; RANGER Diesel Deluxe and the all-electric RANGER XP Kinetic Premium.

Sportsman 570

Prices for the Sportsman 570 EU start from £8,499, but can be financed for as little as £215.20pcm**.

The Sportsman 570 is the bestselling and most trusted ATV globally. Featuring a bold design with a handlebar-mounted pod light, an integrated LED work light and built-in battery charging the Sportsman 570 will take you from day to night. It has a towing capacity of 680kg and sealed MacPherson Strut suspension on the front with 20.8cm of travel, alongside Dual A-Arm independent rear suspension with 24.1cm of travel allowing you to get the job done.

RANGER 570

The RANGER 570 EU is available from £11,999, but customers can split the cost of this over 36 months for just £274.70**.

The small but mighty mid-size RANGER 570 UTV punches well above its weight, with a Prostar 570cc double-overhead-cam engine – which packs class-leading power. The RANGER offers incredible suspension providing 25.8cm of ground clearance, a tighter turning radius and has a compact width of just 144.5 cm, giving the 570 a best-in-class combination of manoeuvrability and capability.

RANGER 1000

For those looking to split the cost of the RANGER 1000 EU over 36 months, they can do so for just £370.85**.

Polaris’ answer to top-level full-size performance at a great price point. There’s not much the RANGER 1000 can’t do with a ProStar 1000 Engine, 30.5cm of ground clearance and 25.4cm of suspension travel (front and rear), an impressive payload capacity of 454kg and a tight turning radius to stay agile in tight spaces, the RANGER 1000 is one of the most capable machines on the market.

RANGER Diesel Deluxe

The RANGER Diesel Deluxe EU can be purchased for £17,899, but those looking to finance can do so from £388.04 per month**.

As the ultimate utility workhorse, the RANGER Diesel Deluxe is durable, dependable and capable thanks to its impressive 1,134kg towing capacity, 730kg payload capacity and features – including but not limited – to Polaris’ On-Demand all-wheel drive, electric power steering and Active Descent Control. For 2025, the RANGER Diesel Deluxe sees upgrades in the way of a new redesigned front end and a Gen 2 transmission for smooth and consistent shifting.

RANGER XP Kinetic

The RANGER XP Kinetic Premium starts at £29,199 or can be purchased with 36-month finance at £597.59**.

Pushing the industry forward, the RANGER XP Kinetic provides unrivalled durability and capability thanks to its all-electric powertrain. Delivering class-leading 110-horsepower and 140Ib-ft of torque, the RANGER XP Kinetic provides maximum power, quick acceleration and precise control. Offering an impressive towing capacity of 1,134kg and boasting an industry-best 680kg payload capacity, it is the vehicle that keeps on giving. Available in a Premium and Ultimate trim, the Premium trim offers a single 14.9 kWh lithium-ion battery with a range of up to 45 miles whilst the Ultimate trim has a battery capacity of 29.8 kWh with a higher estimated range of 80 miles***.

Terms and conditions apply. More information can be found at www.polarisbritain.com/promotions.

*Model depending. Terms and conditions apply.

**Pricing information is a representative example only and is based on a 36-month fixed-term lease with 36 monthly instalments plus VAT and is subject to availability. Documentation fees also apply. Monthly rentals are all based on 500-1000 hours usage per annum.

*** Range estimates based on manufacturer data on typical customer driving usage and conditions. Actual range varies based on conditions such as external environment, weather, speed, cargo loads, rates of acceleration, vehicle maintenance, and vehicle usage.

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Toro U.K. Limited makes a strong debut at GroundsFest

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Toro U.K. Limited makes a strong debut at GroundsFest: Toro U.K. Limited marked a significant milestone at GroundsFest 2024, held from September 10th to 11th, by hosting its own independent stand (OSA640) for the first time. The event was an outstanding success, offering Toro the opportunity to connect with new and existing customers and dealers from the groundscare industry.

Positive Engagement at Our First Independent Stand

GroundsFest 2024 proved to be a landmark event for Toro U.K. Limited, drawing substantial interest from industry professionals eager to see the latest in grounds maintenance technology. Matthew Coleman, Sales Manager Professional Landscape Contractor & Site Works Equipment for the UK Direct Market, shared his thoughts on the show: “GroundsFest 2024 was an incredible opportunity for Toro to present our latest innovations directly to our audience. The response was overwhelmingly positive, and it was fantastic to engage with so many professionals who are passionate about enhancing their work with the latest technology. We’re thrilled with the connections we made and the conversations that took place, reaffirming Toro’s position as a leader in the groundcare industry.”

Toro U.K. Limited makes a strong debut at GroundsFest

Toro U.K. Limited makes a strong debut at GroundsFest

Successful Partnership with Machinery Nation

A standout feature of Toro’s presence at the event was our successful partnership with Machinery Nation, who showcased the Toro Dingo® compact utility loaders, including the TX1000 Turbo and TX1300. Machinery Nation put these versatile machines to the test with their own obstacle course, demonstrating the Dingo’s powerful performance, agility, and versatility in real-world conditions. Attendees were impressed by the machines’ ability to handle challenging tasks with ease, further highlighting Toro’s commitment to providing innovative solutions for the industry.

Showcasing Innovation and Sustainability

Visitors to the Toro stand were introduced to a range of cutting-edge products, including the Toro ProLine H600 and the Toro eProStripe. The ProLine H600 is known for its compact width and small turning circle, high capacity cutting deck, and huge 700L hopper, making it ideal for professional groundskeepers who need reliable, high-quality results on a range of turf conditions. The Toro eProStripe, with its precision striping capability and quiet, battery-powered operation, is perfect for maintaining sport pitches and training grounds, offering a combination of performance and precise cut and finish.

Revolutionary Machines and Hand Tools

Toro also highlighted its Revolution™ Series range, featuring industry-leading products like the Toro Z Master Revolution zero-turn mower and the Toro GroundStand Revolution stand-on mower. These mowers are built with powerful HyperCell™ battery technology that matches the performance of traditional petrol engines, offering 7+ hours of operation time and no engine exhaust emissions, which cater to environmentally conscious grounds maintenance professionals.

The Revolution Handhelds professional range was also on display, including a battery-powered Leaf Blower, String Trimmer, and Hedge Cutter that provide excellent power, reduced vibration, and low noise levels, ideal for grounds maintenance tasks in noise-sensitive environments.

Connecting with Industry Professionals

GroundsFest 2024 served as a valuable platform for Toro U.K. Limited to engage directly with industry professionals, receive feedback, and build relationships with new dealers and customers. The show reinforced our commitment to supporting the groundcare industry with state-of-the-art solutions that enrich the beauty, productivity, and sustainability of the land.

Stay Connected with Toro

For those who missed GroundsFest, it’s not too late to learn about Toro’s innovative products. Visit our website or reach out to our team to discover how Toro can help elevate your ground maintenance projects.

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