Tag Archive for: down

STIGA Robots Are Winning Hands Down

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STIGA Robots Are Winning Hands Down: STIGA’s robot mowers are proving so talented that the team is beginning to wonder if there’s anything they can’t groom to perfection. Their newest prodigy has now joined Great Yarmouth Racecourse, where it received a name worthy of a champion.

Meet SHADOW OF LIGHT (Shadow), named after the star racehorse who first tasted victory here before galloping off to become Europe’s top two-year-old in 2024. No pressure, little robot!

STIGA Robots Are Winning Hands Down

STIGA Robots Are Winning Hands Down

Richard Aldous​​​​, Clerk of the Course, Gt Yarmouth & Regional Clerk (East) shared: “We find Shadow so useful, he keeps the height of cut regulated in all weathers and at all times of the year.  This robot cuts our parade ring daily and five other lawns 3 days a week, but is out every day working somewhere. The saving of staff hours allows them to do other important jobs.  The presentation of our site is very important to us as a business, and especially being part of ARENA RACING COMPANY.”

With racing events dating back to 1715, Great Yarmouth boasts more than 300 years of proud horseracing history. The racecourse, which was moved from South Yarmouth to its current location in the 1920s, now stages a vibrant summer season of 24 flat race meetings, drawing top jockeys and spotlighting promising two-year-old horses, some of which progress to win major international races in places such as the USA and Brazil.

Richard continued, “We love the mower, it saves staff time, keeps our lawns in good order all year round and surprisingly, I find people standing watching it, saying they find it therapeutic!”

Now that’s what the STIGA team loves to hear: a mower that cuts grass and delivers a little slice of Zen! Hooray for Shadow of Light!”

You can read more about STIGA’s autonomous robot mowers and other STIGA products here: www.stiga.com/uk/

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Vietnam Golf Coast Doubles Down on Course Improvements

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Vietnam Golf Coast Doubles Down on Course Improvements: Golfers and iconic water buffalo bio mowers alike are about to reap the benefits as Vietnam Golf Coast clubs unveil a wave of upgrades aimed at keeping Central Vietnam at the top of Asia’s golfing leaderboard.

Long recognised for exceptional design and stunning scenery, Ba Na Hills Golf Club and Laguna Golf Lang Co are embracing a philosophy of continual improvement to elevate course conditioning, aesthetics, and the overall player experience. From revamping turf and native landscaping to enhancing visual appeal and drainage, both clubs are investing in upgrades that reflect a deep commitment to excellence.

Vietnam Golf Coast Doubles Down on Course Improvements

Vietnam Golf Coast Doubles Down on Course Improvements

At Laguna Golf Lang Co, where a Sir Nick Faldo Signature layout weaves between jungle-clad mountains and the East Sea, work is underway on several key improvements to help the course thrive through the year, particularly during Vietnam’s more stressful winter months.

A second shelter for the club’s beloved water buffalo, who act as “bio-mowers” tending to the rice paddies integrated into the course, is currently being constructed, providing protection from storms and reinforcing Laguna’s reputation for sustainability and innovation.

“Alongside the new shelter, we’re re-establishing putting surfaces and expanding our turf nurseries as we transition back to Zoysia matrella,” said Jason Blacka, newly appointed Chief Superintendent at Laguna Golf Lang Co. “We’re also adopting enhanced staff training and implementing customised agronomic practices to maintain optimal turf health and playability year-round.”

Other initiatives include revamping native landscape zones to expose more sand and promote resilient indigenous plants. These changes not only support the ecosystem but also add to the visual drama of the layout.

Meanwhile, over in the hills above Da Nang, Ba Na Hills Golf Club is refining both the course and the brand that defines it. In 2025, the club unveiled a sharpened brand philosophy — Crafted by Nature, Perfected by Passion — that reflects a deeper focus on both authenticity and precision.

“This is more than just a slogan, it’s a guiding ethos that informs how we present and care for our course,” said Simon Mees, General Manager at Ba Na Hills Golf Club. “We’ve implemented a more rigorous maintenance regime focused on turf quality and year-round playability, while enhancing facilities to ensure comfort without compromising the tranquillity we’re known for.”

Recent improvements include raising the water level between holes 9 and 18 for better aesthetics and reducing the height of the fairway on hole 11 to reveal water views and boost drainage. At the same time, annual renovation work is being carried out across all playing surfaces to encourage root health and promote long-term grass density.

While technological innovations like SmartScore are helping modernise operations, the emphasis remains firmly on elevating the pure golf experience and letting the landscape take centre stage.

“We’re proud of what we’ve achieved so far, but the real key is never standing still,” said Simon Mees. “At Ba Na Hills and across the Vietnam Golf Coast, we’re committed to refining every detail so that every visit feels better than the last.”

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EGO drills down on earth and ice

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EGO drills down on earth and ice: EGO Power+, a leading specialist of battery-powered outdoor power equipment, is turning heads with the release of its first Auger Power Head.

A crucial piece of equipment for landscaping, earthmoving, groundworks, agriculture, fencing and utilities installation, the new PHA7400E Auger Power Head is joining EGO’s range of battery-powered outdoor tools, expanding the options for existing EGO customers looking for new ways to use their batteries.

EGO drills down on earth and ice

EGO drills down on earth and ice

The Auger Power Head is compatible with EGO’s ETA0800E 20cm Earth Auger Bit and the ITA0800E 20cm Ice Auger Bit. These enable the Auger to be used for drilling fence posts, planting trees or bushes and drilling large holes into the ground or ice with ease.

While petrol-powered Augers have dominated in the past, the PHA7400E is one of the first battery-powered Augers to join the market. It has already proven popular with new build developers, as EGO’s industry-leading 56V ARC LithiumTM batteries are a cleaner, more convenient option to petrol. The tool is also lighter in weight and more durable than petrol alternatives, which can be heavy and require more maintenance.

EGO’s Auger provides effortless drilling as users can enjoy tailored control with two-speed settings, a variable speed trigger and a reverse function, all of which make for simple operating. It is also very easy to switch between bits.

For enhanced comfort and user safety, the tool’s handles have been designed ergonomically while the anti-kickback system reduces the risk of injury. The tool also offers great balance, high strength, and reliability while the powerful 74Nm of torque makes light work of drilling through both soil and ice.

Both available bits are 20cm in length and feature a 22mm connection for quick, easy, and secure fitting, as well as an anti-corrosion powder coat finish.

The PHA7400E Auger Power Head retails at £309 and the Earth and Ice Bits retail separately at £99 and £119 respectively.

To learn more visit: https://egopowerplus.eu/node/3364

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Toro guarding the resource at Royal County Down

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Toro guarding the resource at Royal County Down: Delivery met expectations, when Toro, Reesink Hydro-Scapes, Adrian Mortram Associates and MJ Abbott Limited united to provide Royal County Down Golf Club with a new system to redefine the areas of irrigation and act as a guardian of the resource in a project about as big as it gets in the UK.

The preservation of the traditional links conditions of Royal County Down in Northern Ireland is of paramount importance to Links Manager Eamonn Crawford and his team, who adhere to a strict links maintenance programme.

Toro guarding the resource at Royal County Down

Toro guarding the resource at Royal County Down

The club needed an efficient state-of-the-art irrigation system for its fairways, greens, tees, and pathways to be used as a management tool and in times of drought. More control over application and better management of the resource was needed, and it was important to use water conservatively, only irrigating the surfaces required.

David Morgan, Secretary at Royal County Down, says: “We have a social responsibility to manage our water usage, as well as an obligation to the course and our members to present it as a traditional links course. This requires a certain level of irrigation control and precision to keep it alive but not green.”

Eamonn and David had done their due diligence in terms of brand comparisons before specialist irrigation designer and consultant, Adrian Mortram from Adrian Mortram Associates, tendered for the project and Adrian was instructed to gear the irrigation system specification plans entirely towards Toro.

“Having the best technology and resources available is essential to ensure we deliver our links maintenance programme effectively and efficiently and to the best of our capabilities,” says Eamonn. “There was never any doubt that Toro and Reesink were the partners for us in that respect.”

Toro Lynx Central Control system and Smart Hub were specified and Robert Jackson, Divisional Manager, Reesink Hydro-Scapes, explains this provided Eamonn “with all the data needed to make decisions in real-time and run the system with precision from the first sprinkler to the last, controlling the application of water on different areas with different conditions and requirements.”

Toro Infinity and Flex sprinklers were chosen to provide accurate and precise watering from the source and installation ran simultaneously on both 18-hole courses over winter 2023, the wettest season and hardest winter in 25 years. The effects of this on working conditions for the installation teams were not to be underestimated, especially when adding the terrain of a links course to the situation.

But that didn’t affect delivery as David says: “Overall delivery met expectations. All parties came together seamlessly to deliver Royal County Down with an irrigation solution to the budget and timescale set.”

This system, its design and installation are a classic example of how to redefine the areas of irrigation to act as a guardian of the resource. Through technology, the club has increased its area of irrigation but uses less water and wetting agents and now water can be retained in the low structure of the course.

“Now, we have full control in managing the system and water application,” says Eamonn. “There’s no wastage and we only use what is needed where it’s needed. Irrigation really is made easy with Toro and this is the best system at this time and the process has been well worth it.”

Jim Price from MJ Abbott Limited concludes: “This is now a fully connected course in real-time. To deliver a project of this magnitude in those conditions on time is a huge success story.”

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Tartan tractor scrums down for fundraising

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Tartan tractor scrums down for fundraising: A unique JCB tartan tractor has rolled off the production line at Staffordshire’s JCB Landpower factory honouring Scottish rugby legend and motor neuron disease (MND) campaigner Doddie Weir.

The Fastrac 4220 iCON wrapped in Doddie’s own design tartan livery was welcomed off the Cheadle production line by son Angus Weir, ready to report for fundraising duty with the ‘My Name’5 Doddie Foundation’.

Tartan tractor scrums down for fundraising

Tartan tractor scrums down for fundraising

Scottish and British and Irish Lions international, Doddie, who died of MND, aged 52, in 2022, founded the charity to fund research with the vision of ‘A world free of MND’. So far, more than £11 million has been committed to vital research in his name and the Foundation is dedicated to continuing the fight against the cruel disease.

The Doddie iCON Fastrac is the brainchild of Doddie’s schoolfriend and Director of Crop Services in the Scottish Borders, Douglas Stephen, who joined Angus for the unveiling. Douglas operates a number of Fastrac tractors, and approached his JCB Dealer, Kelso-based Scot Agri to build a special edition machine in support of the Foundation.

The blue and yellow tartan tractor will make starring appearances at major agricultural shows and rugby games north of the border over the coming months raising funds for the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation. The grand tour will begin at the Royal Northern Spring Show, Inverurie on February 28th before moving on to the Fife, Northumberland, Royal Highland, Border Union,  Perth Shows and many other agricultural events over the summer.

Angus Weir said: “It has been fantastic to be here to unveil the new Doddie tartan tractor.  Dad would have absolutely loved it and I’m sure it will turn a lot of heads, raise a lot of smiles, and help continue his fundraising legacy.”

For Douglas Stephen it was an emotional day. He added: “Our Doddie was born into a farming family, was part of the farming community and loved tractors. He was also always accustomed to wearing big, bright, garish tartan suits, so this is right up his street. What JCB has done is beyond all expectations and they have really pulled out all the stops. Doddie was a great friend who is sorely missed and this will help us to keep his memory and MND legacy alive.”

My Name’5 Doddie Foundation Director of Fundraising and Communications, Paul Thompson added: “We are incredibly excited about this collaboration with JCB and expect it to raise a great deal of awareness of both motor neuron disease and My Name’5 Doddie Foundation. The Fastrac looks brilliant, and we can’t wait to see the look on people’s faces when nine tonnes of tartan tractor arrive at one of our events.

“When the tractor was unveiled, it was a real lump in the throat moment. Doddie was a farmer and loved his tractors, so we know that this collaboration would have meant a lot to him.”

JCB Territory Manager Sam Taylor said: “For JCB it is an honour to support the incredible work of the ‘My Names’5 Doddie Foundation’. Doddie Weir was an icon, not only in the way that he played his rugby, but also in the way he handled his MND diagnosis, setting an example of bravery, and inspiring others to take up the fight.

“The JCB Doddie iCON Edition Fastrac is a great example of teamwork – bringing together an amazing charity, a valued JCB customer, our brilliant dealer network, designers, and production team. We hope it will raise greater awareness of the condition and fund more groundbreaking research to find a cure for MND.”

Anyone interested in supporting the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation can donate at https://justgiving.com/page/doddietheicon

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