Tag Archive for: As

Less thatch at Linlithgow GC

/in , /by

Less thatch at Linlithgow GC: Linlithgow Golf Club has taken delivery of a 2.3 m width Wiedenmann Terra Rake, from Wiedenmann UK’s Scottish dealer, Fairways GM at Kinross.

Course Manager, Phil Montgomery said “I’d been eyeing one up for a while. The rake pulls up a terrific amount of thatch. Take the day it arrived; the difference it made to the practice ground in one session was amazing: just so much. Over the next few years, it will enhance the entire site.”

Less thatch as Linlithgow GC

Less thatch as Linlithgow GC

The West Lothian club is located on a hill side, high above the Royal Burgh of Linlithgow. Its elevation and undulations give Phil some additional challenges.

“A handful of fairways can be affected by moss,” he said. “A few are rocky, and sitting slope-side, they can really dry out in summer, and turn brown.

“If growth doesn’t come back, and rain returns, moss starts to creep in…. all compounded by the same fairways sitting ‘wet’ through the winter…

“We plan to attack the moss there head-on with the Terra Rake on a regular basis. Even though we rota-knife and spike them, until now the surface tension is just too much. The rake will help alleviate that problem and sort them out.”

Beyond the fairways, Phil has an ever-growing list of duties lined up for his new kit addition which means it will be in use all year-round.

“I like the versatility of the rake; it’s great value. I’ve seen it take on many different jobs on YouTube and Twitter. It will be good for standing the grass up prior to cutting, we will use it for presentation and once our new tractor- mounted blower arrives, we will use it for rough management, thinning out and tidying up.

“However, leaf management will be a big part of its work. We are surrounded by trees. With the rake, the blower, and the collector, together the way we clear the leaves this autumn will be far more successful. If you don’t get a chance to clear the leaves they can get trampled into the rough. Again, the rake will help us if that occurs, too.”

This is Phil’s second spell at Linlithgow. His first spell began as a 16-year-old apprentice, staying until he was 22. He returned in 2016 and was promoted quickly through the ranks to Course Manager. Working alongside him are greenkeepers, Colin and Connor, and all three are joined by a small group of volunteers who help for two hours on a Tuesday and Thursday morning.

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.

Ex-service personnel offered careers as machinery technicians

/in , /by

Ex-service personnel offered careers as machinery technicians: John Deere has launched a ground-breaking resettlement programme for military service personnel, offering new career opportunities working on some of the world’s most advanced agricultural and professional groundscare machinery.  

Members of the armed forces have been identified as ideal candidates to bring their unique skill sets and experience to technician roles within UK and Ireland dealerships.

Ex-service personnel offered careers as machinery technicians

Ex-service personnel offered careers as machinery technicians

Responding to a global shortage of qualified technicians in the machinery sector, John Deere’s Military Hiring Programme will follow in the footsteps of a hugely-successful scheme launched in the United States which attracts more than 1,000 potential new recruits a year.

“We are passionate about finding a way to give back to those who have served our country,” says Allan Cochran, John Deere Branch Training Manager.

“The armed forces produces people who are highly skilled, motivated and extremely competent, and many already have the engineering skills needed to become qualified technicians.

“It’s the perfect fit for John Deere – we are able to play our part in supporting those resettling following careers in the armed forces while also attracting a different pool of people into the business.”

Signalling its commitment, John Deere has this week signed the Armed Forces Covenant; a pledge to ensure that those who serve, or have served, in the armed forces, and their families, are treated fairly.

Military personnel have been identified as a key source of talent for the machinery sector as many have already worked with some of the systems and products John Deere uses, making the transition straightforward.

Qualified technicians working across John Deere’s dealer network are required to service and maintain the vast range of machinery the company manufactures for customers in the UK and Ireland.

While the company is best known for its tractors, sprayers, combines, and other agricultural machinery, John Deere is also a leading provider of mowers, sprayers and utility vehicles used by groundscare professionals to maintain golf courses, sports pitches and amenity land.

Recruits will use the latest automation, artificial intelligence and guidance technologies to ensure customers always get the best performance and utilisation from their machines.

“Those who have served are experts at working under pressure and logically solving problems in order to keep a machine operational,” Allan says. “These are the skills John Deere dealerships need to keep the wheels turning.”

Those signing up to the programme will be offered free technical training to help them apply their current skills to John Deere products and services. There are more than 70 courses on offer.

“Everyone who signs up will be assigned to an employee from the John Deere network who has served in the armed forces who will be there to support each individual during the resettlement process,” Allan says.

Interested service members and ex-service members can learn more and fill out a contact card by visiting www.Deere.com/JDMHP.

After making contact, they will be put in touch with an individual from the John Deere network who has resettled following a career in the armed forces to discuss all potential options.

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.

AS 1000 Ovis RC – Simply Steep Mowing

/in , /by

AS 1000 Ovis RC – Simply Steep Mowing: At the beginning of March, AS-Motor started series production of the new remote-controlled tracked flail mower AS 1000 Ovis RC. True to the motto ‘Simply steep mowing’, the mower convinces with its slope-compatibility, high mowing performance and easy handling and maintenance.

By professionals, for professionals

Noise protection and railway embankments, rainwater retention basins, solar parks and wind power plants often pose great challenges for landscape managers and service providers. The AS 1000 Ovis RC is up to the task of regular maintenance of these difficult-to-access, impassable and steep surfaces.

AS 1000 Ovis RC – Simply Steep Mowing

AS 1000 Ovis RC – Simply Steep Mowing

The power of the Vanguard Professional 2-cylinder engine with 23hp maximum output is transmitted directly and with low loss of efficiency to the blade shaft via a belt drive. The 4-stroke OHV engine with cyclone filter is equipped with a particularly strong crankshaft and has a displacement of 627cm3 at a speed of 3,600rpm. The AS 1000 Ovis RC enables a mowing speed of up to 5km/h and thus an area output of up to 5,000m2/h, with an excellent cutting pattern and even grass placement across the entire working width.

The 100cm wide flail mower, in combination with the somewhat narrower tracked undercarriage, makes it easy to mow close to the edge and comfortably to within a few centimetres of crash barriers and other obstacles.

Flexibility and suitability for slopes

Thanks to the flexibly adjustable mowing deck, the new flail mower with tracked undercarriage can be optimally adapted to all terrain conditions. Guided by a wide caster roller, the mower deck adapts perfectly to any contour. The adjustable sliding frame means that the specified minimum cutting height can be maintained throughout. Maximum traction on difficult terrain is ensured by the carried insert without ground contact. The mower’s surfing suspension, with its large pendulum travel, also adapts well to uneven ground in difficult, hilly terrain.

The AS 1000 Ovis RC with its compact design (183cm long, 114cm wide and 69cm high) mows difficult terrain and hard-to-reach areas without any problems thanks to remote control from a safe distance. The automatic, mechanical parking brake provides additional safety when working on slopes. The large track units with steel inserts ensure low ground pressure, ideal power transmission and best grip on steep slopes. The deep-seated, horizontally-mounted Vanguard Professional engine with optimised oil lubrication and the mower’s low overall height give the AS 1000 Ovis RC a low centre of gravity and makes it extremely suitable for use on slopes, allowing for mowing under deep obstacles, for example in solar parks.

The AS 1000 Ovis RC’s low weight of only 419kg not only protects the ground, but the balanced weight distribution and the robust crawler chassis also enable safe mowing of steep slopes up to 55 degrees.

Reliability and ease

In their work to develop a completely new product, AS-Motor’s development engineers have used and reimagined tried and tested components. The new AS 1000 Ovis RC uses reliable components from the YAK series, such as the robust flail mower and the belt pressure spring tensioning system. Robust hydraulic motors from large-scale production, with their enormous torque, also ensure a precise, powerful travel drive. Clear operating elements and precise controls ensure comfortable, intuitive handling and also precise manoeuvring.

Once the first service has taken place, after 100 hours of operation, long maintenance intervals of 400 hours follow. For daily cleaning, the AS 1000 Ovis RC offers excellent accessibility. Air ducts, filters and oil control are accessible without tools and the mower can be easily placed in the service position to provide optimum access to the flail mower. The defined adjustment dimension also guarantees precise track tensioning.

In the transport position, the new flail mower with tracked undercarriage is even more compact (only 159cm long), so transport to the place of use is no problem.

Ovis – the namesake

Ovis are large, strong wild sheep that live on rough mountain slopes at altitudes of up to 5,000m. They feel at home on steep terrain, are sure footed, and adapt perfectly to their environment. The new AS 1000 Ovis RC remote-controlled flail mower lives up to its name.

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.

Pols appointed as new INFINICUT® distributor

/in , /by

Pols appointed as new INFINICUT® distributor: Pols, leading distributors for a number of green technology manufacturers in The Netherlands, have been announced as a new dealer partner for INFINICUT® as they continue to expand their global network.

Based in Zuidland, Pols have worked with a number of leading franchises over their 70-year history, with INFINICUT® the latest on an illustrious list to benefit from their outstanding sales and service to customers across the Benelux.

Pols appointed as new INFINICUT® distributor

Pols appointed as new INFINICUT® distributor

Appointed in November, Pols represent brands including Kioti, Ransomes and Cushman and have a team of more than 70 employees working closely with customers from a cross-range of industries from golf courses, parks and public space managers. The INFINICUT® range, with its precise cut quality and lithium power technology, is a great fit for Pols who pride themselves on being leaders in supplying environmentally-friendly solutions for turf management.

Commenting on their appointment, Pols Turfcare Sales Manager Cees Wolters said, “As specialists in sports turf, the INFINICUT® is a great addition to our portfolio. In the first few months of our partnership, we have already started supplying SMARTCut™ cassettes on our Jacobsen Eclipse lithium green mowers – which can now be found in the Johan Cruijff ArenA, ADO Den Haag’s Bingoal Stadium and on the new natural grass of ‘Het Kasteel’, home of Sparta. The quality of these cutting units has taken performance to the next level, so we can’t wait to be able to supply these and the complete INFINICUT® and TMSystem™ ranges to customers across our area.”

“Pols are a long-established, well-respected family business with a fantastic reputation for service and supplying leading green technologies across all areas of their business” adds Vinny Tarbox, INFINICUT® Sales Manager. “They have an enviable sales record in The Netherlands and have recently expanded into Belgium with new office and service facilities, making it an easy decision for us to partner with them to work in both of these vital markets.”

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.

Redexim appoint HRN Tractors as new regional partner

/in , /by

Redexim appoint HRN Tractors as new regional partner: A re-shuffle of their regional partners in North and East Scotland has seen Redexim UK appoint HRN Tractors – leading suppliers of groundcare, agriculture and plant equipment.

Effective from 1st January 2023, HRN will be responsible for the full Redexim portfolio of products, offering sales and support to new and existing customers across Tayside, Angus, Grampian and the Highlands and Islands.

Redexim appoint HRN Tractors as new regional partner

Redexim appoint HRN Tractors as new regional partner

HRN was founded by the Barclay family in 1980 and has gone on to become one of the largest dealerships in Scotland, operating out of eight depots across the country. Representing leading franchises including Kubota and Kverneland, the team have a long and illustrious record for providing a friendly and knowledgeable sales team, together with trained technicians for expert after sales service.

Commenting on the appointment, Groundcare Manager for HRN Wilson Morrison said, “This is a really exciting partnership for HRN, with Redexim being a global leader in the manufacture of specialist equipment for both natural and synthetic surfaces. A great fit alongside our other franchises, we can now provide customers a one-stop shop for turf maintenance machinery and look forward to growing our market share and reaching new customers across our regional area.”

Ian Lauder, Northern Regional Territory Manager for Redexim UK added, “HRN have built a fantastic reputation on providing established products with excellent customer service. With so many years of experience and know-how under their belts, we look forward to working together with them to offer a more localised service across this area.”

Any existing warranties relating to Redexim equipment sold by previous regional partners Gammies Groundcare and MacGregor Forest and Groundcare will continue to be supported.

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.