Deal - Turf Matters

Reesink gold maintenance package adds to deal

Reesink gold maintenance package adds to deal: Sittingbourne and Milton Regis Golf Club in Kent is starting afresh to cut grass well, says General Manager Steve Bootes, as it welcomes a full fleet of Toro mowers, all supported by Reesink’s ReeAssure Gold machinery maintenance package to safeguard and secure its investment.

Steve says he and Head Greenkeeper Paul Best, had been considering Toro for several years: “Previously, we’ve leased our machinery but since the COVID price increases we knew we need to change our strategy and purchase our next fleet, but this brings in a new set of factors to consider such as machinery longevity. For that, we knew it had to be Toro.”

Reesink gold maintenance package adds to deal

Paul picks up the story: “We needed to make the premium choice and speaking with colleagues at other clubs they reassured me from first-hand experience that Toro could be relied on; I had people telling me they have machines 16+ years old and still going strong.”

The machinery choices the club made cover all aspects that mowing the course requires and were made with the simple premise of “cutting well” says Steve: “We’re starting afresh here and the main thing we needed to get right was getting a good, consistent cut across the course – and we knew we could trust Toro to deliver.”

Paul says: “We have seven push up greens, nine old USGA greens with a much older root zone and drainage issues, and then three new free draining bench walled USGA greens; so mowers that can cope with individual challenges on a hole by hole basis and provide a consistency of cut are vital. The Greensmaster 3250 mowers excel in delivering a true cut every time. There are no marks or indentations, and the groomers don’t dig in. Even with growth regulators used and favourable weather for grass growth, the quality is always there.”

Joining two Greensmaster 3250 mowers are two Reelmaster 3575 mowers, two Reelmaster 3100 mowers and a Groundsmaster 4000.

The club expanded its deal to include Reesink’s ReeAssure Gold machinery maintenance package, about which Paul says: “We wanted the back up and support of experts in the field and that’s what Reesink’s technicians are. We’ve spread the cost and planned the monthly fee into our budget to ensure our machinery is always optimised. After five years we will come out of the plan and our fully-owned machines will be in the best possible shape for the future.”

Paul adds: “I’m 42 and have been at the club for 25 years. I know this course like the back of my hand and have built a team that best serves it and brings a positive attitude to getting the job done. The only thing missing was a quality fleet of machinery. I truly believe these machines from Toro will outsee me for retirement!”

Reesink’s Richard Wood says: “I’m delighted to welcome Sittingbourne and Milton Regis Golf Club to Toro and the Reesink support network. When it comes to machinery longevity, you’d be hard pushed to find better than Toro, and similarly when it comes to machinery maintenance there’s nothing to rival the full service, but economical option Reesink provides.”

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One Kubota Tractor extends to full partnership deal

in News, Press Release/by Elena Cossar

One Kubota Tractor extends to full partnership deal: What began as one Kubota tractor at one football complex in Eastleigh is blossoming into a prolific partnership between dealers Rod Gaskin Ltd and Hampshire FA (HFA).

In his day job as HFA Facility Operations Manager, Pete Hussey puts their Kubota L2501 to task maintaining the five natural pitches at the Stoneham Lane Complex. This positive first-hand experience puts Pete in good stead when in his other guise – conducting Pitch Power surveys to provide valuable advice and machinery recommendations to benefit hundreds of grassroots facilities in the county.

One Kubota Tractor extends to full partnership deal

“Hampshire FA acquired the Stoneham Lane facility in 2020, and while I already had two other venues under my remit, this was the first with natural turf pitches to look after” explains Pete. “I started from square one, understanding what equipment we needed and working with local dealers to find the best fit for our site and our requirements. The first priority was finding the right tractor that would give us versatility, reliability and become the heart of our maintenance programme. For this, we opted for Kubota.”

Specifically, the facility purchased a 50hp Kubota L2501 with full cab and a range of additional features including cruise control and air conditioning for optimal operator comfort. “Most of the jobs we do will take a number of hours to complete so it was very important for us not just to find a tractor powerful and durable enough to use with a wide range of implements, but that would also make for a positive all-round experience for the driver.”

“In addition, we have enjoyed outstanding reliability with this tractor which is testament to the Kubota build quality and the regular servicing and maintenance conducted by the team at Rod Gaskin.”

With the successes of this partnership bearing fruit for both parties, the tie-up became official in September 2023 with Rod Gaskin Ltd announced as Hampshire FA’s official supplier of grounds machinery. Pete explains, “This gives hundreds of grassroots football clubs and now schools and local councils as well, access to a fantastic range of quality machinery from brands like Kubota with an abundance of grants and funding available via the Football Foundation. The possibilities of this scheme are very exciting and can be the difference between bringing core, basic pitches up to a good or advanced level to benefit clubs and communities alike.”

Tom Merritt-Smith, Groundcare Sales Specialist at Rod Gaskin Ltd adds, “We have a great relationship with Pete and the team at Hampshire FA and are delighted to be working in partnership with them to support the growth of grassroots football. Being sports orientated, I know the importance of maintaining football pitches to the highest possible standards. We look forward to supporting Pete, Hampshire FA and clubs in the area with quality groundcare equipment and our aftersales facility for many years to come.”

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Service from George Browns seals the deal

in News, Press Release/by Elena Cossar

Service from George Browns seals the deal: The installation of a fleet package by George Browns Limited at Links Golf Club in Cambridgeshire is proof positive that it’s sometimes about who you know, not always what you know!

Taking delivery of a fairway mower and brace of Baroness greens mowers, together with a L-1452 and G-261 from Kubota marks a first for the Newmarket-based course, with Head Greenkeeper Simon Corrigan citing that it was the outstanding service and support received from the George Browns Area Sales Manager that helped to seal the deal.

Service from George Browns seals the deal

Simon has overseen the maintenance of the 18-hole heathland course for the last five years and is currently supported by a team of five and a vast array of equipment and implements. “Historically we’ve been quite loyal to certain brands and, like most clubs, we’ll hold onto them for a good number of years” he explains. “We had a visit from Will Montgomerie of George Browns approximately 18 months ago and it was at a time where I was looking at new machines and open to trying different makes and models.”

“Right from the start of the process, George Browns were proactive in working with me to find solutions that would work on our site. They brought lots of equipment in for us to try meaning that, by the time we made our decision, we could be confident that we’d thoroughly explored all of the options.” Simon continues, “The package was competitively priced and delivery times were good which was another big plus.”

Delivered in August 2023 was an LM551 fairway mower and two LM315 triple greens mowers from Baroness, a Kubota L-1452 compact tractor and a G-261LD ride-on mower for quick and effective cut and collect on some of the courses more delicate areas. “I hadn’t used a Baroness mower for about 20 years but as soon as we demonstrated them, we agreed that we liked the cut quality and the user-friendly controls and set-up. In terms of tractors, we have other brands, but felt the Kubota gave us comparable quality at a better price and, at 45hp, will be an incredibly versatile addition to the fleet.”

Simon explains that the service received over the last two years from Will and colleagues at George Browns has been second to none. “From bringing in all the various demonstrator units, through to answering our many questions before and after delivery, nothing has been too much trouble. We received service and spare parts packages from Baroness to keep the mowers in top-flight condition, while George Browns will continue to support us and work with us on regular servicing on the Kubota products through the ‘Kubota Care’ five-year warranty scheme. It’s been slick and simple, and we couldn’t be happier.”

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Toro lease deal is cost-effective solution

in News, Press Release/by Olivia Dixon

Toro lease deal is cost-effective solution: Phoenix Sports and Leisure Club has secured a huge £200,000 worth of new Toro equipment in the club’s first ever lease deal with local dealer Cheshire Turf Machinery.

The multi-sport complex located in Rotherham houses golf courses, football pitches, bowling greens and more and when the time came to replace its existing fleet to be used across all its playing surfaces, a lease package was the most cost-effective solution.

Toro lease deal is cost-effective solution

Mark Smith, head greenkeeper, who manages a team of six, says: “Leasing is something that is new to us as a club. Until now we’ve bought outright, when we’ve needed things. This was the first time we’ve decided to just clear the cutting fleet and start again, which we’ve been able to do with the lease package. Working with Reesink ensured everything went smoothly.”

The club’s new Toro fleet consists of a Toro Reelmaster 3100, Toro Reelmaster 5010-H, Toro Greensmaster 3250, Toro Groundsmaster 4300, Toro Groundsmaster 1200 towed and a Toro ProCore 648 aerator.

Entering into a lease package was a cost-effective solution for the club, says Mark: “Normally we wouldn’t be able to replace all of the machines in one go, so you end up having equipment that is 10 years old and when you start having problems with it you have to argue your case for a new machine. With a lease package, that’s not really the case. When the lease is up, it’s accepted you replace it.”

Lease packages give clubs all the benefits of ownership without the initial capital outlay. Payments made up of capital and interest can be made quarterly, half-yearly or annually and are fixed for the full period of the agreement. Reesink makes it possible for clubs to design a tailored repayment pattern that matches its business income and expenditure cycles.

Even though this is the first time the club has gone down the route of leasing, it’s certainly not its first time using Toro. Having been at the club for over 23 years, Mark is plenty familiar with these machines.

He says: “When it came time to choose a new fleet, it was between the two big brands. The price point of the lease deal was a huge reason behind why we chose Toro, but so was the fact that we’re so familiar with the brand and everyone on the team knows how to use them so not as much training was needed, we could get them straight on the turf.

“Plus, we know the quality of the machines and that if anything does go wrong, we have the backup of Reesink,” Mark concludes. “Everyone is really happy.”

The deal was brought about through Tony Dodson from Cheshire Turf Machinery who is also a member of Phoenix Sports and Leisure Club. He says: “It’s great seeing Toro out on the course, and knowing the quality of the machines it’s a pleasure ensuring my club is in good hands.”

To discover more about Reesink’s finance packages and how Toro machinery can benefit your club and playing surfaces call 01480 226800, email info@reesinkturfcare.co.uk or visit reesinkturfcare.co.uk

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Superior service seals the deal

in News, Press Release/by Louise Challiss

Superior service seals the deal: The combination of an Arborist 130 and SAFE-Trak 19-28 from GreenMech are proving the perfect pair for Heartwood Tree Care, providing Owner Gavin Coles the versatility he needs on his fleet to undertake both small domestic work and larger-scale commercial projects.

Gavin made the switch to GreenMech earlier this year following reliability and support issues with another manufacturer, both of which are now a thing of the past with his GreenMech pair delivering quality performance, backed-up with first class dealer support.

Superior service seals the deal

Gavin and his team of two undertake tree-works for customers and a number of large estates across Kent and the South East. “Each job poses different challenges, but the main one is normally access – whether we’ve got to work on small, tight driveways or get equipment across uneven or soft ground” explains Gavin, who established Heartwood Tree Care 17 years ago. “Because of this, we like having road-tow and tracked chipper options available to us, but after reliability problems and some lacklustre customer support I lost all confidence in our previous brand.”

“I hadn’t used GreenMech chippers before but got in touch with our local dealer GA Groundcare Ltd who invited me along to their depot, where I was instantly impressed by the quality and design of the machines. You can tell they’ve really thought about how we operate, and this was also clear in the demonstration I had so I went ahead and purchased the two units to run side-by-side.”

The GreenMech Arborist 130 is powered by a 23hp petrol engine and features a generous in-feed hopper and no-stress feed system to process bushy brash or timber of up to 6” with ease. Gavin adds, “The large infeed is brilliant at pulling in awkward shapes and as a road-tow unit, is super portable for jobs in residential areas or those further away where you don’t want to take a trailer.” Complementing his Arborist 130 is a GA Groundcare refurbished 19-28 SAFE-Trak, featuring a 7.5” chipping capacity and GreenMech’s patented SAFE-Trak system which, with impressive ground clearance of 550mm, allows for safe traversing of uneven ground of embankments of up to 35^o.

“This SAFE-Trak is proving to be a ‘go anywhere’ machine, which saves us so much time and labour by being able to take the chipper exactly where we want to use it. The flywheel drive belt tensioning system and engine bay layout is also better and more accessible on these two GreenMech chippers compared to previous models I’ve used.”

Together with the impressive performance, Gavin has also been delighted with the service received throughout the purchasing process from GreenMech and Ashley Stevens at GA Groundcare. “From the first phone call it was evident Ashley really knew his stuff, there were no questions he couldn’t answer!” He concludes, “In this profession, issues are always bound to crop up but ultimately it’s about how quickly these can be resolved and with GreenMech I know I’m in safe hands.”

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Burford’s Toro lease deal

in News, Press Release/by Olivia Dixon

Burford’s Toro lease deal: Burford Golf Club gets its hands on 16 new Toro machines in its first ever Toro lease deal. This renewal deal with distributor Reesink Turfcare proves to be a cost-effective solution to replacing old machines while carefully managing expenses in the current climate.

Coming up on his 19th year next month with the parkland course at the heart of the Cotswolds, known for its treelined fairways, head greenkeeper Richard explains how when it came time to update equipment, a Toro lease deal was a great option for the club. He says: “We had six bits of equipment that were part of an aging fleet, some machines were up to 25 years old, and needed repairs. Eventually it ended up that we started thinking how can we buy new ones? When we went to Reesink Turfcare we were able to look at a lease deal. Instead of just replacing the six machines, with the lease we could get 16 new bits of kit.”

Burford’s Toro lease deal

Richard has followed in his predecessors’ footsteps in continuing to use Toro machines at the club with the addition of this new Toro fleet. He says: “We’ve always gone with Toro as a club. The person before me used Toro, and the person before him used Toro too. We were actually the first club in the country to use the GM3 back in the 1980s. We’ve just always kept using them. Every machine is designed for a job, and it does that job superbly. Toro machines are specialised in what they do, which is why they’re so good.”

As part of the renewal deal, Burford Golf Club has picked up two Greensmaster 3150-Q, two Greensmaster 3250-D, two Reelmaster 5610 fairway mowers with cabs, two Reelmaster 3100 cylinder mowers, two Greensmaster 3300 rotary mowers, two Sand Pro 2040Z rakes, two workman HDXD utility vehicles, a Pro Core 1298 Aerator and a Pro Pass 200 top dresser.

The ability to have so many new machines as part of the lease deal means a greater level of flexibility for the club. Richard says: “Having two of everything gives us a bit more flexibility. We can be working in different areas and not have to hinder the golfers and that’s always the most important thing.”

As part of the renewal, the club has also gained access to machines they have never used before. Richard claims that the Pro Core 1298 is his favourite, he says: “it is superb. We’ve been able to aerate all the fairways in three days. We use it on the tees, but you could also put it on the greens if you wanted to. We’ve never had that before.” The machine has articulating coring heads that ‘flex’ three degrees in each direction to maximise ground-following capability on undulations and ensure a consistent coring depth.

The deal was facilitated by The Big Mower Company and with so many new machines to get up and running, having the company’s support has been a huge help. Richard says: “The help from the Big Mower company and in particular Peter Bullock, Henry and Simon have been excellent. When we call them up, the person on the phone is great at helping us get the best out of the machines.”

Richard plans on using Toro to get the best finish on the course, but first the club is undergoing an exciting round of construction, says Richard: “We’re in the middle of installing PC drainage. We’ve done seven greens so far and are hoping to do about two more every year until they’re all done. We’re also levelling a lot of the tees, making some bigger while making others shorter as needed, and all that’s adapting to the handicap system. We’re also hoping to redo the bunkers. When we’re presenting the course, we’ll use the Toro machines– they produce the best finish.”

To talk to someone about how the Toro range could suit your course, call 01480 226800.

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Toro deal for Downfield GC

in News, Press Release/by Rosie Duckworth

Toro deal for Downfield GC: Having worked at Gleneagles and St. Andrews, John Watson, course manager at Downfield Golf Club in Dundee, knows a thing or two about immaculate greenkeeping. As well as expertise and timing it’s about having the right equipment, which is where the club’s exclusive relationship with Toro comes into play.

John explains: “I’m a firm believer that when it comes to maintaining greens, it’s best not to overcomplicate it. Simply, if you want to produce the best finish you need the best machines.

Toro deal for Downfield GC

“That’s why we work exclusively with Toro – the quality of the machines and the standard of the cut is better than anything.

“We’ve been using Toro for years and you get what you pay for. The machines are simple to operate, have very few technical problems and the build quality is the best in the market. We like the ease of servicing and that a lot of the bearings are sealed meaning they require less maintenance.”

Downfield Golf Club has a full mowing fleet on site, which includes greens, tees, fairway and rough mowers, utility vehicles, sprayers and aerators.

“In having an all-Toro fleet we are able to streamline our consumables,” continues John. “For example, we use one type of engine oil and one type of hydraulic oil which, from a servicing point of view, makes our job more straightforward.”

John heads up a six-strong greenkeeping team who are responsible for maintaining the course, which has previously hosted prestigious tournaments such as S.P.G.A Masters, P.G.A Scottish Open and been a former British Open Qualifying Course. The course is famed for its location within lush Scottish parkland, as well as its diversity of tree species and native wildlife.

The Toro fleet is operational all year-round with the Greensmasters out daily, the apron mowers out three times a week and the fairway mowers cutting twice a week.

Having such a rigorous schedule it’s imperative that the machines are in excellent working order and John credits Rab Wilson from exclusive Toro distributor, Reesink Turfcare, with quickly trouble-shooting any issues to minimise down-time.

John continues: “Rab is fantastic. We get on very well and he will always come to our assistance immediately if we have any problems, although they are few and far between.

“It’s all about getting the job done at the right time and if you haven’t got the right kit you can’t do it. We are experiencing more extremities in the weather – colder, drier springs, milder winters, prolonged periods of snow and ice – so in having the Toro fleet we know we have the very best machinery for the job!”

To find out more about the Toro range or the finance options available, call Reesink Turfcare on 01480 226800, email info@reesinkturfcare.co.uk or visit reesinkturfcare.co.uk

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Le Golf National signs Jacobsen deal

in News, Press Release/by Juliet Liddell

Le Golf National signs Jacobsen deal: Outstanding service and product quality have seen one of Europe’s most prestigious golf clubs, Le Golf National, renew their Jacobsen partnership for a further five years and include an E-Z-GO fleet.

Le Golf National signs Jacobsen deal

The club has had great success with Jacobsen mowers with the Albatros course for the Ryder Cup in 2018 widely recognised by participants and spectators as one of the best the tournament has seen. That quality isn’t reserved for the Ryder Cup and is regularly seen during the Open de France which the club has hosted 27 times between 1991 and 2019.

A wide range of mowers including the new lithium-ion powered Eclipse 360 ELiTE and AR530 articulated contour rotary mower are included in a 27 strong list that also features models from the HR, TR and SLF ranges as well as GP400s. Following an audit of the machines currently used on the course from the previous leasing agreement, 39 Jacobsen and Cushman mowers and utility vehicles have been purchased by the club for continued use.

Thirty-four RXV Elite E-Z-GO golf carts that use the industry-leading ELiTE lithium-ion battery technology now shared with the Eclipse 360 ELiTE are also included and will feature the Textron Fleet Management (TFM) 10EX system.

For Ransomes Jacobsen, France’s General Manager, Laurent Proupin, Le Golf National’s commitment to Jacobsen comes not just from the signature cut or industry-leading features, but from the service they receive during tournaments and throughout the year.

“I’m very, very excited to have one of France’s major courses continuing to use the Jacobsen brand,” Laurent begins. “It’s been a considerable effort by the entire team at Ransomes Jacobsen France, and one which is a result of always, whoever the customer is, giving the best service we can. I think the support we offer during a tournament and on a day-to-day basis is as important as the quality of cut and is very valued by superintendents.

“The importance of the deals with firstly Le Golf National and then the Ryder Cup was huge because it showed that the Jacobsen brand is very strong. We can point to Le Golf National and the 2018 Ryder Cup which was played on one of the best courses the tournament has had, and that feedback has come from the players.

“And that is the importance of tournament service. We are very close to the customer, and I try to have a spirit that when there is a tournament it isn’t just a tournament for Le Golf National, it’s a tournament for Le Golf National and the Ransomes Jacobsen France team. That worked brilliantly for the Ryder Cup and many Open de France competitions, and we are already looking forward to carrying that into the Golf Amateur World Championships in 2022 as well.

“During each tournament, there are two technical staff from my team on the course, ready to step in if there is any problem. For us, that is assuring them that they will have no problem. And I think it is the main argument for using one company because you can get your mowers and golf cars serviced by the same people.

“For the other brands, several providers are necessary, but for us, all of our technical staff can work on E-Z-GO, the Textron Fleet Management GPS system, Jacobsen or Ransomes and it makes it much easier to manage for our customers.”

Commenting on the renewal of this partnership, Pascal Grizot, President of the French Golf Federation, said: “Golf National must remain the venue for major international golfing events and offer optimal maintenance conditions throughout the year for all types of public. The new high-performance training area also requires technical equipment that matches our sporting ambitions. The continuation of our partnership with Jacobsen EZGO, both in terms of equipment and human resources, allows us to remain confident in preparing for the future French Open and the World Team Championships in 2022. We share together the will to prepare excellent quality courses with the necessary support for our field teams.”

The Director of Le Golf National, Mr Philippe Pilato, detailed the main reasons for this choice: “The teams of Golf National and Ransomes-Jacobsen have built a relationship of trust over many years. Beyond the quality of the service and the machines, we were very sensitive to the knowledge and know-how that guided our collaboration.

Ransomes-Jacobsen has accompanied us through various incredible experiences. The renewal of this partnership highlights our common ambitions to offer excellence in the quality of maintenance and to ensure the durability of this excellence. ”

Ransomes Jacobsen France services many of the country’s leading golf clubs from branches in Paris, Rennes and Toulouse. The quality of the products on offer along with the customer service, has been a pivotal selling point for clubs such as the Evian Resort, the Terre Blanche Golf and Spa Resort, the Roquebrune Resort, Golf du Touquet, Blue Green Golf Course of Pléneuf-Val-André, Golf du Prieuré and many others

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Le Golf National signs Jacobsen deal

in News, Press Release/by Juliet Liddell

Le Golf National signs Jacobsen deal: Outstanding service and product quality have seen one of Europe’s most prestigious golf clubs, Le Golf National, renew their Jacobsen partnership for a further five years and include an E-Z-GO fleet.

The club has had great success with Jacobsen mowers with the Albatros course for the Ryder Cup in 2018 widely recognised by participants and spectators as one of the best the tournament has seen. That quality isn’t reserved for the Ryder Cup and is regularly seen during the Open de France which the club has hosted 27 times between 1991 and 2019.