Tag Archive for: all-rounder

ISEKI an academy all-rounder

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ISEKI an academy all-rounder: Mark Pinfold, Head Groundsman at the Thomas Deacon Academy, was looking for a multi-tasking compact tractor – and after a lengthy search he found what he was looking for in the ISEKI TXGS24.

The Thomas Deacon Academy is an independent state school located in Peterborough, Cambridgeshire, and comprises the Thomas Deacon Academy Secondary School and sixth form and The Junior Academy.

ISEKI an academy all-rounder

ISEKI an academy all-rounder

Mark and his team are responsible for maintaining the sports facilities and the grounds across all three of the Academy’s sites. It is safe to say that they have their work cut out with such a vast area, so anything that makes life easier is a must-have according to Mark. When it came to choosing a new multi-tasking tractor, it wasn’t a decision to be taken lightly.

“We were looking for a tractor that had more than one use,” said Mark. “It needed to be mobile and compact enough to be put on a trailer to be moved from site to site; and we also needed to be able to use various attachments with it.

“Obviously we had a budget to work with and so we went round many different dealers and looked at lots of options but the one we decided on was the ISEKI TXGS24.”

The TXGS24 is an easy to use, versatile tractor with all the features and benefits of a much larger tractor. With a flat easy-access platform it is simple to operate and easy to master. Clear automotive style dashboard and controls, fully auto style hydrostatic transmission with switchable 4WD traction drive make the ISEKI TXGS24 very user-friendly. Individual forward and reverse pedals give the operator precise control.

Its compact dimensions and powerful 23 hp diesel engine make the ISEKI TXGS24 an excellent multi-purpose ground care tractor. Robust enough to take a front loader or backhoe and countless other implements via a Cat 1 3-point hitch including collectors and centre mounted mowing deck, rear mowers, rotavators, levellers and harrows; this is a very versatile machine for any application.

Mark purchased the tractor through ISEKI dealer Fentons of Bourne and he hasn’t looked back since.

“It really is a great piece of kit,” said Mark. “The wide width of the cutting deck makes our life easier, and it has lots of other nice little perks such as a cup holder, a comfortable seat, and a little storage compartment where I can put my phone or other items.

“We Also purchased the front loader, and we use this for moving soil and bark around, sand and cement, salt bags in winter and for carrying various hand tools. On the back we have the option of putting a roller on, which is ideal for our cricket and football pitches. I also like the fact it is road legal.

“I would absolutely recommend this tractor because it is such a great all-rounder.”

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Foamstream proves a real all-rounder

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Foamstream proves a real all-rounder: Switching to the non-herbicidal Foamstream system for total weed control hasn’t only brought benefit for the team at Tim Brooks Garden Services in terms of time and efficiency, the fact it is glyphosate-free has been very well received by their customers too!

Owner Tim Brooks purchased an L12 from Weedingtech two years ago and comments that the machine has already paid itself back multiple times over – both in terms of the additional work it has generated and the convenience and fewer treatment cycles that Foamstream demands per year.

Foamstream proves a real all-rounder

Foamstream proves a real all-rounder

Tim and his team of three undertake all gardening and landscaping tasks, mainly in domestic settings, which was the reason for the switch to a weed control solution that would be kinder to both people and the environment. “Customers are far more conscious of the negative impact of chemicals now on health and their surroundings, so we decided to trial various different alternatives to Glyphosate. We tried burning and hot water treatments, but found Foamstream to be by far the most effective” Tim explains.

Foamstream is an organically approved process, utilising a plant-based foam comprised of naturally-occurring oils and sugars which acts as an insultation blanket to the active ingredient – hot water – maintaining ‘kill zone’ temperatures of 57oc+ to penetrate and kill a full range of broadleaf weed species. In independent trials, the efficiency of Foamstream was found to be comparable to that of Glyphosate, out-performing other non-chemical methods.

“One of the big benefits we have found is that we can use the same method for multiple purposes – treating weeds, moss and algae but also for surface cleaning and pressure washing which is fantastic. Not only that, but because Foamstream sterilises the spores and seeds before weeds appear, we have found that we are only having to treat surfaces once or twice a year which is significantly less than the multiple applications of Glyphosate that were previously required.”

Safe to use around children, animals and environmentally sensitive areas such as watercourses, Foamstream has also opened up new opportunities for Tim when it comes to working on commercial jobs in conjunction with local authorities. “We’ve demonstrated our Foamstream service to a number of town councils who are all looking for more sustainable, chemical-free alternatives. Their positive response mirrors that of everyone we speak to, and we can only see that Foamstream and its benefits will continue to open more doors for us in the future.”

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TM1000 the perfect all-rounder

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TM1000 the perfect all-rounder: The SISIS Rotorake TM1000 tractor mounted scarifier is the perfect ‘all-rounder’ according to Christian Brain, Grounds Manager at Cheltenham College. 

“In a school environment, I need to buy equipment that is versatile and can do different jobs on multiple surfaces,” said Christian. “The SISIS TM1000 ticks all the boxes.”

TM1000 the perfect all-rounder

TM1000 the perfect all-rounder

If anyone knows the secrets behind maintaining grounds and sports pitches in schools, it is Christian – he has been at Cheltenham College for just over eight years which followed positions at Cokethorpe School and Radley College.

It was during his previous positions that he first became acquainted with the SISIS Rotorake TM1000.

“The TM1000 is a machine I have used a lot in my previous roles, and I am delighted that Cheltenham College now has one,” he said.

“The purchase of the TM1000 by the school has been justifiable because it is incredibly versatile and able to undertake both scarification, aeration and grass collection in a variety of situations,” Christian added.

The SISIS Rotorake TM1000 is a tractor-mounted heavy-duty scarifier and linear aerator and is unrivalled when it comes to removing and controlling thatch. It includes a collector box and floating unit to follow ground contours and its contra-rotating reel throws debris forward ensuring a clean, consistent groove resulting in an excellent finish. The TM1000 also features interchangeable blades and a quick, simple depth setting without tools.

Christian currently relies on the 2mm scarifying removal reel and revealed just how much the Rotorake TM1000 will be used at the college.

“I have already scarified the front lawns of the school with it, which helped to clear out a lot of rubbish before seeding.

“Over half term I have scheduled in a light scarification with it on all of the rugby pitches. We will then see what kind of spring or winter we have, and whether we do a bit more in-depth scarification on some of the areas in preparation for the summer term. It will also be used on the football pitches and cricket outfields too.

“It is great to have it here now,” continued Christian. “I no longer have to worry about hiring or borrowing kit like I previously did. We can use it whenever we like and the whole team can operate it because it’s very simple to use.

“The TM1000 is the perfect all-rounder, and it does exactly what we need it to do. It was the best one on the market for me.”

For further information or a no obligation demonstration, please contact SISIS on 01332 824 777 or visit www.sisis.com

For more news, reviews and insightful views, you can follow SISIS on Twitter or Instagram @SISISMachinery and like the company’s Facebook page – www.facebook.com/SISISMachinery You can also view the latest SISIS videos by visiting www.youtube.com/SISISMachinery

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Multi-Seeder a great all-rounder

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Multi-Seeder a great all-rounder: Impressed with the versatility it offered, sports ground contractors Bothams Prestige purchased a BLEC Multi-Seeder 2100 almost two years ago, but this year it has been busier than ever!

Its ability to conduct both the initial seeding operation, together with more routine overseeding has paid dividends for co-owner Josh Botham who notes the particular role the dimple seeder has had for renovations on Desso and hybrid sports surfaces.

Multi-Seeder a great all-rounder

Multi-Seeder a great all-rounder

Complimenting an Overseeder and a number of other Redexim machines on their fleet, Josh explains how the size and weight of the BLEC Multi-Seeder was a perfect fit for the variety of work they undertake. “The 2.1m working width of this machine makes is suitable for use on golf fairways and greens, as well as football pitches and racecourses” explains Josh, “and the fact that we now have the flexibility to choose between a disc and dimple seeder means we are well equipped to choose the best delivery method depending on the venue and ground conditions on a given day.”

“We’re lucky enough to work with a number of football clubs at all levels from Premiership right through to those in the lower leagues, conducting both in-season and end of season renovations and repairs. The Multi-Seeder is excellent for this. With the Desso construction of the Sheffield Wednesday pitch for example, the dimple seeding system safely, effectively and accurately saturates the surface with seed – recently delivering germination which the groundsman was really impressed with.”

As well as winter sports, the Multi-Seeder has been busy this year with cricket renovations. “A lot of dimple seeders aren’t heavy enough to penetrate hard clay profiles when it’s hot and dry but the weight of the BLEC machine saw it take this rock-hard ground in its stride.” Should difficult ground conditions demand additional penetration, the Multi-Seeder has the added benefit of an integrated weight mounting frame, allowing suitcase weights to be added if required.

Josh concludes, “Having used a range of Redexim and BLEC machines in the past we knew we would be assured of robust build quality and user-friendly operation with the Multi-Seeder. What you get on top of this is fantastic support when needed direct from Andy O’Neill or via Julian Simpson at Acorn Tractors, who has a wealth of knowledge and friendly advice when it comes to the BLEC range.”

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