Tag Archive for: exceeds

Large Kubota fleet exceeds even larger expectations

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Large Kubota fleet exceeds even larger expectations: Looking after one football pitch can be tough! Managing a multi-sport site poses a few additional challenges… now imagine a remit consisting of 38 winter sports pitches, 11 grass cricket squares, a nine-hole golf course and various artificial and athletics surfaces to boot!

It’s therefore no surprise that the grounds operation at the world-renowned Eton College is a sizeable one and, at its heart, is an equally sizeable fleet of equipment from Kubota.

Large Kubota fleet exceeds even larger expectations

Large Kubota fleet exceeds even larger expectations

Eton College is a leading educational provider for boys, with a number of notable public figures proudly within Eton’s long and illustrious catalogue of alumni. A platform for success, even the staff are receiving accolades, with the school’s grounds department securing the title of ‘Best Independent School Grounds Team of the Year’ at the 2023 Grounds Management Association (GMA) Awards. In addition, Grounds Manager Lee Marshallsay also scooped the top individual honour of the night.

Sport is a central pillar of the Eton curriculum, with almost 1500 acres of sport surfaces and landscaped areas around the campus – all of which have been under Lee’s expert guidance for the last four and a half years. “I’ve personally been a longstanding Kubota user, having run a fleet at both Charterhouse School and during my time at Harrow School before that. I was therefore pretty pleased to see Kubota equipment in use at Eton when I joined, and it’s only grown from there” he explains.

“We have 10 Kubota RTV’s which are the main method of transport for the team, as well as getting smaller equipment and materials around the site. We then have tractors ranging from 23hp up to 99hp for complete versatility and capability when powering our implements of all shapes and sizes.”

Their most recent delivery, a Kubota M4-073 75hp tractor, was made by Lister Wilder and Lee emphasises the importance of a strong dealer relationship in their procurement process. “We need good, reliable product that is supported by fantastic back-up service if it’s needed. We’ve always had that from the team at Lister’s.”

The M4-073 joins other tractors from Kubota’s M Series, together with three L-Series compact tractors, which Lee says are the most frequently used. “These are the power houses for our operation, incredibly reliable and versatile.” He continues, “We conduct a lot of renovation work at various times of the year and it’s our tractors, particularly those with higher horsepower and those equipped with the loaders or other attachments that really help to get the projects complete on specification and on time.”

“Interestingly, most of the other powered equipment we run here at Eton is also equipped with Kubota engines, which gives us the peace of mind and quality we’re looking to achieve across the board.”

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Green-tech Exceeds £30,000 Charity Target

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Green-tech Exceeds £30,000 Charity Target: To celebrate three decades in business, Green-tech, a leading supplier in the landscaping industry, launched its ambitious ‘£30k for 30 Years’ charity campaign at the start of 2024.

The company has proudly exceeded its goal, raising a total of £31,000. The Green-tech team was delighted to present cheques for £6,200 each to five deserving charities at a ceremony on Friday, 8th November, at its North Yorkshire headquarters.

Green-tech Exceeds £30,000 Charity Target

Green-tech Exceeds £30,000 Charity Target

Green-tech’s milestone campaign supports five charities making a real difference in communities across the UK: the BALI Chalk Fund, Candlelighters Trust, Perennial Gardeners’ Royal Benevolent Society, Macmillan Cancer Support, and Shelter. These charities address issues ranging from educational support and training to critical cancer care and housing assistance.

Over the course of 2024, the Green-tech team completed six major challenges to raise funds. The year of activities kicked off with a ‘Big Sleep Out’ at Green-tech’s site in March, despite the cold and rain, and concluded with a trek across the Yorkshire Three Peaks in August. Other events included the Roundhay Half Marathon, the physically demanding Total Warrior event, the Knaresborough Bed Race, and a virtual John O’Groats to Land’s End bike ride, where more than 60 team members cycled over 2,000 miles in just five days, far surpassing their initial goal of 874 miles.

Kris Nellist, Managing Director of Green-tech, expressed his pride and gratitude: “Our team’s dedication to supporting these charities has been incredible. This year, we wanted to mark our 30th anniversary not only by celebrating our achievements but also by giving back to the communities we care about. I couldn’t be prouder that we exceeded our target. The funds raised will go a long way in supporting these fantastic charities and their vital work.”

The charities have also voiced their appreciation for Green-tech’s donations:

  • Phil Swainston, Corporate Partnership Manager at Perennial, noted, “This donation from Green-tech will allow us to continue offering critical support to the horticultural community, from financial and wellbeing advice to career training. Their support means a lot to us.”
  • Iain Blackwood Hobbs, Partnerships Executive at Candlelighters, said, “We’ve enjoyed following Green-tech’s journey throughout this campaign. Their donation will make a big impact for families across Yorkshire dealing with childhood cancer, helping us provide the practical, emotional, and financial support they need.”
  • Richard Kay, Trustee of the BALI Chalk Fund, added, “Green-tech’s support helps us further our mission of providing training and certification for students entering the horticulture industry. On behalf of the trustees, a huge thanks to Green-tech for this generous contribution.”
  • Laura Holohan-Keith, Relationship Fundraising Manager at Macmillan Cancer Support, said, “Green-tech’s support will allow us to continue helping people affected by cancer in North Yorkshire. We’re so grateful for their efforts and commitment.”
  • Ellie Tomlin, Regional Community Fundraiser at Shelter, remarked, “We are delighted by the amazing fundraising efforts from Green-tech. There are currently 2,680 children in Yorkshire living in temporary accommodation who need our help. Thanks to this incredible donation, we can continue to support all those without a safe and stable home. Thank you so much to everyone that’s contributed!”

Supporting charitable initiatives and community projects is integral to Green-tech’s ethos. Their ‘£30k for 30 Years’ campaign represents this commitment, combining a major anniversary with meaningful contributions to organisations that touch lives across the UK.

As Green-tech prepares to enter its fourth decade of business, it remains focused on driving innovation and sustainability within the landscaping and environmental sectors. With a commitment to excellence and forward-thinking solutions, Green-tech aims to lead the industry in delivering high-quality products that meet the market’s evolving needs.

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GreenMech EVO 165P exceeds expectations

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GreenMech EVO 165P exceeds expectations: It would be fair to say that if the compact power delivered by a GreenMech CS100 impressed Wild Arborist’s Toby Lawler, then the new 165P from the revolutionary EVO series has absolutely blown him away!

Growth for the Cornwall firm demanded a higher-throughput machine and having looked at other brands, Toby could find nothing which compared to the performance and outright aggression of the EVO 165P.

GreenMech EVO 165P exceeds expectations

GreenMech EVO 165P exceeds expectations

On relocating to Truro five years ago, Toby purchased a second-hand GreenMech unit which served faithfully until he established Wild Arborist in 2020, when the time was right to purchase a new CS100 from local dealer Vincent Tractors. “This was a real pocket-rocket and ideal for getting the company off the ground but the variety of domestic and commercial work we picked up over the years meant I needed something bigger and more powerful. I considered the options available from all of the brands, which ceased as soon as Vincent’s showed me the EVO 165P. I’d seen good write ups about it and, honestly, nothing I have used before or since compares with this machine – it’s awesome!”

The EVO 165P is the smallest and lightest model from the GreenMech EVO range, offering robust build quality and a 6” chipping capacity in a sub-750kg package. “What struck me straight away is how clear it is that the requirements of us as arborists are at the heart of its design. It’s got the pull-through and power from the heavy-duty flywheel but features like the low-level feed tray and wider infeed chute are where you can tell they’ve considered what it is we really need from a machine.”

He continues, “The EVO 165P is out three to four times a week and will tackle brash and trees of all shapes and sizes, including Monterey Pine which is notoriously sappy and tricky to feed in – not with this chipper! The fact that it will rip through waste without too much snedding has definitely resulted in time, labour and cost savings, not having to run the machine for extended periods of time.”

Delighted with the performance, other aspects of the EVO 165P have also impressed Toby including the aesthetic. “It’s a cool looking machine, the colours are striking and it’s certainly left a lasting impression with other contractors who have used it.” He also cited the brilliant support he’d received from the service team at Vincent’s. “Anything I’ve needed assistance with has always been dealt with swiftly and under warranty without any hassle. This level of after-sales is just something you don’t get with other brands and, in my eyes, is what makes GreenMech the real deal.”

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Enclean exceeds expectations

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Enclean exceeds expectations: Enclean, a plant origin-based biocide from Belchim Crop Protection, picked up the innovation award in the consumables category at this year’s Saltex event.

“The successful launch of the product in 2020 has culminated in recent approval for use by Organic Farmers and Growers Limited (OF & G) across all organic systems and this prestigious award”, confirms Peter Corbett of Origin Amenity Solutions.

Enclean exceeds expectations

Enclean exceeds expectations

Having personally witnessed the development of Enclean from initial trials in 2017 Peter is well placed to discuss the merits of the new biocide, now widely seen as a “game-changer” in the professional biocide market.

Mr Corbett, who manages the commercial, technical and marketing of the chemical products portfolio for *Rigby Taylor (*now part of Origin Amenity Solutions) first saw the biocide in its development phase 4 years ago and was impressed with both its speed of action in eradicating algae and its positive effect on dealing with other green deposits that often build up on hard surfaces.

“From the outset when manufacturer Belchim Crop Protection first began trials on the active nonanoic acid, from which Enclean is derived, I saw the potential and, as a company, we recognised that there was a gap in the biocide market for it.

“Most de-greening chemicals require large volumes of product and water to break-down algae and green deposits. However, Enclean is fundamentally different in that it can be applied at low water volumes. One litre of Enclean mixed with water will treat well over 500m2. Being able to use a small knapsack sprayer fitted with a red 80-degree nozzle allows the operator much easier access to narrow pathways where algae can often build up.

“Enclean is plant derived, safe to use, and it has no environmental hazard classification. It’s fast acting and, once applied, it quickly degrades into natural elements leaving behind no harmful residue. Using a red 80-degree nozzle and maintaining the correct speed of application, 555m2 of coverage is readily achievable, and this is especially important for sprayer contractors who need to limit down-time spent on refilling” he confirms.

20 months on from its launch, 2 key pieces of customer feedback on Enclean that Peter has specifically noted have been its speed of activity, and the wider range of weather conditions that the biocide can be successfully applied in.

“Many traditional biocides cannot be applied in frosty conditions, or within 24 hours of rain. But with Enclean the application window is much wider, and very good results can be achieved even when temperature and weather conditions are far from perfect. Again, this is ideal for sprayer contractors who need to minimise down-time between jobs” he adds.

Peter’s positive feedback on the new biocide has now been reinforced by many recent customer testimonials, including both Royal Norwich Golf Club and Plymouth County Council.

Peter Todd, Director and Estates Manager at Royal Norwich Golf Club, first trialled Enclean last year.

“During the 2020 lockdown the club house patio became covered with algae. Due predominantly to lack of footfall, our high-quality stone slabs had become discoloured and slippery when wet. We sprayed with Enclean and over the next 2-3 days the algae had been controlled and the wet surface was no longer hazardous. The product removed the algae completely giving us lasting control. The treated area remained clean, and the surface regained its original colour despite the cold and wet conditions being less than ideal for biocide application.

“We also applied the product on the edge of the club’s parking area which had a mixture of algae and moss. Again, the control was rapid despite the wet and cold weather conditions. Using a shroud on the knapsack boom allowed us to spray neatly and obtain a sharp edge alongside the fine grass” he confirms.

David Houghton, Team Leader of Plymouth County Council, endorses Mr Todd’s feedback having trialled Enclean extensively during 2020 and 2021.

“Overall, and after a thorough test, we were very pleased with the results from the Enclean product. We were looking for a fast-acting biocide that is safe and easy to use. With Enclean we have found it” he says.

Summarising the products recent impact on the biocide market Peter concludes;

“Enclean looks to have a strong future in the amenity sector once customers understand that the cost of application per m2  is cost-competitive. One litre of Enclean treats 5-10 times the area of most competitor products and, due to lower water volumes, it can be applied much quicker and more efficiently. When customers recognise its greater sustainability and level of performance over market alternatives then I’m sure it will gain an even greater level of acceptance”.

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EVO 165D exceeds expectations

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EVO 165D exceeds expectations: Over his 18 years of working in the arb sector, Oliver Husar admits to having used more makes and models of chipper than he cares to remember!

He also admits that his previous experience of using a chipper from GreenMech had left him slightly underwhelmed… Nevertheless, his interest was sparked by GreenMech’s latest EVO series and after seeing the powerful performance and major improvements in build quality at a recent dealer open event, an EVO 165D now proudly sits as the sole chipper on his fleet.

EVO 165D exceeds expectations

EVO 165D exceeds expectations

Carrying out all aspects of hedge and tree work for both domestic and commercial customers in and around North Norfolk, Oliver set up Oliver Husar Tree Services seven years ago. “I’ve used all types and sizes of chipper, and when our previous machine began to struggle with costly age-related issues, it was once again time to look at what options were out there. I had read about the EVO series from GreenMech and was invited to a demonstration event with local dealer TNS which I attended with an open mind, but admittedly low expectations – I’m delighted to say I was proved wrong!”

“When you’re comparing 6” machines, arguably the most critical element is the feed rollers – if you haven’t got the power, the grip and pull, the machine is useless. This is noticeably where GreenMech have massively upped their game. Today, for example, we’ve been processing hawthorns which are notoriously tricky to feed in being fine and bulky, but it’s been absolutely no issue for the EVO 165D.”

GreenMech’s EVO series has been designed in direct response to industry demands to deliver more aggressive torque, more powerful bite and more throughput. The 165D features a 25hp Kubota diesel engine, twin horizontal rollers and unparalleled processing power via the new, heavy-duty flywheel. Together with improved performance, the aspects of safety, durability and ease of maintenance have also been front of mind in its design.

“We had a look at the petrol version of the EVO 165 which packed some serious punch for its size however, as I’m not restricted to sub 750kg for towing, I went for the diesel model. The unit’s strength and build quality really impressed me and the size of the infeed hopper was a big plus.” Oliver adds, “The back-up and support I’ve had from TNS since the delivery in July this year has been great too – the whole process from the machine itself, to the advice has been really positive.”

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