Tag Archive for: Expectations

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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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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Foley exceed 2019 expectations

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Foley exceed 2019 expectations: Foley Company has exceeded UK market expectations heading into BTME 2020 after impressing greenkeepers with the speed and versatility of the Foley range of spin and relief grinders.

Through ProSport UK Ltd, a number of turf professionals have invested in the benefits that Foley grinders offer. The most popular model in 2019 has been the 633 Accu-Pro with Accu-Touch 3 Control, which has been installed at Hankley Common Golf Club, The Wisley Golf Club, The Richmond Golf Club, Garstang Golf Club, Farol, Chris Gibson Garden Machinery and RD Mechanical Services to name just a few.

Foley exceed 2019 expectations

A common factor behind investing in this machine was the desire for a quick high-quality automatic grind.

  1. The 633 Accu-Pro is an industry leader in versatility and can complete quick touch-up spin grinds or return the reel to manufacturers specifications through relief grinding.
  2. The operation is fast and straightforward with the Accu-Reel Selector, and cylinder height stop automatically locating the reel for spin and relief grinding in one set-up.
  3. Pre-set relief angles are easily identified on the relief angle adjuster, which makes it effortless to grind the correct angles and achieve proper clearances for each reel type.

Using the optional Accu-Touch 3 Control makes this even easier. You tell the machine what you’re working on and it does the rest using pre-programmed spin speeds, relief torque and in-feeds. With or without the Accu-Touch 3, once the grinder has started, operators are free to continue with other tasks while grinding is completed.

Les Howkins, course manager at The Richmond Golf Club, has benefitted from the speed of the 633 Accu-Pro and has also experienced the machines quiet operation and units that stay on cut for longer.

Les explained: “For us, one of the main advantages of choosing the Foley Accu-Pro 633 is that it delivers relief and spin grinding in the one machine and the changeover is very quick – approximately 20 seconds.

“Another reason is that the Foley grinder removes what is known as coning. This is where the reel wears more at one end than the other. This occurs through general use or on some occasions over adjustment. With the built-in electronic gauging system, we can set the units up true and grind them back to parallel.

“Our mechanic, Ian Clarke, is delighted with the quality of cut delivered by the Foley. Now that we can relief grind quickly and efficiently and the cutting units stay on cut longer, he will be able to manage our grinding programme much more effectively. As the machines are also very easy to use, we are also planning to improve this further with more of our staff using the grinders.”

The growth of Foley in the UK has also included sales of the 673 Automatic Bedknife Grinder, the 672 Semi-Automatic Bedknife Grinder the new Accu-Pro 661 AT/MT Bedknife Grinder and the top of the range 653 Reel grinder.

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