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Championship treble for dealer support

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Championship treble for dealer support: Scottish John Deere dealers Thomas Sherriff & Co and Double A will complete a unique treble this summer as they provide vital tournament support for the abrdn Scottish Open at The Renaissance Club in July, the Trust Golf Women’s Scottish Open at Dumbarnie Links and the AIG Women’s Open at Carnoustie Golf Links, both in August.

This is The Renaissance Club’s third consecutive Scottish Open, with the course running an extensive John Deere equipment fleet including the new satellite guided GPS PrecisionSprayer and 2550E PrecisionCut hybrid electric greens mowers.

Championship treble for dealer support

Championship treble for dealer support

Sherriff Haddington turf sales manager Dougie Archibald arranged for the supply of additional 8000AE PrecisionCut hybrid electric fairway mowers, Gator utility vehicles and other support equipment to deputy head superintendent Jamie Aitken, who headed up the course maintenance team for the abrdn Scottish Open.

The dealership’s senior technician John Blair also spent two days before the tournament setting up the mower fleet to ensure all the machines achieved a consistently high quality finish.

Head superintendent Paul Seago says: “We are indebted to John Deere, local dealer Thomas Sherriff & Co and their respective staff for once again providing the tournament support fleet for the 2021 abrdn Scottish Open, without which we could not produce our course to the exacting standards required for hosting such a prestigious event.

“As an end user, particularly during these globally challenging times, it is reassuring to know that customer support remains a high priority at John Deere. As The Renaissance Club motto says, ‘Rare Indeed’.”

Dumbarnie Links is a new venue for the Women’s Scottish Open, and this will be the first major golf tournament hosted by Scotland’s newest golf course, which only opened for play officially at the end of May last year. The course also operates a number of E-Cut hybrid electric mowers as part of its equally extensive John Deere fleet, supplied by Double A from its main Cupar outlet in Fife.

The dealership was involved with the Dumbarnie Links project from the very beginning, and since the initial supply of John Deere equipment on loan Double A group sales manager Ross Kelly and golf key accounts manager John Bateson have been phasing in a full range of course maintenance equipment over the past three years.

“It’s simply not possible to achieve what we want to achieve without the extra machines and technical support we get from Double A and John Deere,” says Dumbarnie Links course manager Grahame Taylor. This will include additional hybrid greens, fairways and surrounds mowers plus HPX Gator utility vehicles, with John Bateson also cutting aprons throughout the tournament using a new 2750E PrecisionCut machine.

“Our team of 20 greenkeepers expands to 30 for the Open, and we need to carry out all the necessary tasks as quickly and efficiently as possible. The expanded fleet enables us to increase the mowing frequency, particularly during the tournament when there’s only a short time-frame to get the work done before the start of play. We’ll therefore have lights fitted to all the mowers, as we’ll be starting in the dark at 4.15am each day.”

Carnoustie Golf Links, known as ‘Golf’s Greatest Test’ and a flagship for innovation and sustainable golf course management, entered into a new partnership agreement with John Deere and Rain Bird in 2020. It is also taking advantage of the latest developments in precision technology, with a comprehensive equipment fleet that includes three of the first new GPS PrecisionSprayers to be sold in Europe.

The AIG Women’s Open returns after 10 years to Carnoustie for the 45th playing of the championship in 2021, with the famous Angus course becoming the fifth links venue in history to host the event multiple times.

Carnoustie Golf Links courses manager Kevin Stott says: “Reliable manufacturer and dealer support such as that provided by John Deere and Double A is very important. Hosting a major tournament such as the AIG Women’s Open requires the extra kit and manpower to help our team put that extra polish on the fairways and greens, and make maximum use of the available daylight hours.

“It comes down to the frequency and quality of cut that we need to apply across all three courses. Our primary focus is on giving golfers the very best conditions possible for them to play their best golf.

“This year, as we welcome some of the very best golfers in the world for the AIG Women’s Open, we are ensuring that Carnoustie will provide the great test that is expected from this iconic golf course and that we produce world class surfaces that will challenge every part of their game, resulting in the best all round golfer winning.”

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MHM machinery ready for HVO fuel

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MHM machinery ready for HVO fuel: The MHM Group have confirmed that all their diesel powered machinery, principally generators and lighting towers are now fully compatible with HVO fuel.

For rental firms and contractors which are not familiar with HVO fuel, it is a renewable diesel alternative based on vegetable oils, grease and similar residue. Using HVO fuel can reduce CO₂ emissions by up to 90% when likened with fossil-fuel diesel. For every 1,000 litres of diesel burned produces 3.6 tonnes of greenhouse gas CO2, compared to just 195kg GHG CO2 for every 1,000 litres of HVO burned. In addition, HVO is FAME (Fatty Acid Methyl Ester) free fuel and is wholly compatible, and approved to use, as an alternative replacement fuel to traditional fossil-fuel diesel.  Using HVO fuel can significantly reduce a user’s carbon footprint.

MHM machinery ready for HVO fuel

MHM machinery ready for HVO fuel

HVO fuel can be safely stored for up to ten years, whereas regular diesel, even under ideal conditions, can only be stored between six and twelve months. Therefore, using HVO can reduce the possibility of fuel contamination, breakdowns and fuel testing. Tests have indicated that HVO fuel provides better starting, cleaner combustion and consequently less chance of waxing and water retention in extreme temperatures.

MHM have placed just one stipulation on the use of HVO fuel. All HVO fuel used in MHM equipment must adhere to BS EN 15940:2016. If a re-hirer or purchaser of an MHM generator or lighting tower uses a lower grade fuel this could have a negative impact on the engine’s warranty. MHM recommend HVO from the fuel specialist, Crown Oil. Crown Oil HVO fuel is available for delivery across the UK usually within 48 hours of order.

Commenting on this latest approach to reducing the carbon footprint within the rental markets, the MHM Group managing director, Mat Llewellyn said, “We are moving forward with plans to ensure that our rehire fleet becomes entirely emission-free. Using HVO is significant a part of this process, however we are continuing to invest heavily in other renewables such as solar and battery hybrid machines.”

“Many of the major UK infrastructure projects are promoting the use of HVO and several fleet operators working on these projects have already switched to HVO,” added Mat.

The MHM ReHire service is only available to UK and Ireland hire organisations.

The MHM Group was incorporated in 2010 and supplies their range of equipment throughout the UK and Ireland via its’ nationwide three depot network. The company has three distinct divisions; MHM New Equipment Sales, MHM Used Equipment Sales and MHM Rehire. Each division supplies power generation, solar-hybrid-generators, fluid storage, lighting towers, and product related accessories to the UK and Irish rental markets. The MHM Group head office is based in Port Talbot, South Wales.

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EVO maximises efficiency for Powerline Services

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EVO maximises efficiency for Powerline Services: Exclusively running GreenMech woodchippers for more than 20 years, Powerline Services (MLJ) Ltd have recently added their latest machine into the fleet – the first from the revolutionary EVO series.

Their new EVO 165DT 45LE model is already delivering powerful performance for Director Ben Jones and his team since its delivery in May, offering bigger, faster throughput for the effective removal of vegetation from the utility networks in and around Herefordshire.

EVO maximises efficiency for Powerline Services

EVO maximises efficiency for Powerline Services

For Ben and his cutting teams “efficiency is key”, and it was the desire for a bigger output chipper that saw him turn to GreenMech for his latest solution. “I wanted something capable of processing brash a bit quicker, as well as larger timber without necessarily going up to an 8” machine” he explains. “GreenMech showed us the EVO 165 with a 25hp engine, which was a seriously impressive piece of kit, but the limited-edition model featuring a 45hp Kubota diesel engine was a real added bonus.”

“I like the fact the EVO runs on horizontal rollers, and the feed rollers being ‘variable speed’ is a great feature to have for dealing with different types of material. It also has a variable track for optimum stability on uneven ground. The guys have also commented on how the wider infeed chute has made a noticeable difference to our productivity – we have saved a whole day’s work on some jobs by not having to spend time snedding brash down prior to processing.”

The new EVO 165DT 45LE sits proudly on the fleet, alongside a GreenMech ArbTrak 150 which has been delivering reliable performance on a number of large power network contracts since 2018. “The ArbTrak is still out with one of our cutting teams on a daily basis – its size and 150mm chipping capacity remain fit for purpose to handle the brashy material that make up a large percentage of our projects.”

“We’ve had tracked units since GreenMech launched their first model in 2003 as, for us, it’s the most efficient way to get the chipper exactly where it needs to be.” Ben concludes, “As well as coming up with great products, GreenMech are just a very good company to deal with – first class service and excellent back-up support from their dealer network. We would never use anything else.”

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Campey ready for two exhibitions

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Campey ready for two exhibitions: After over a year away from industry shows, Campey Turf Care Systems is excited to showcase their leading line of turf care machinery at the BIGGA Festival of Turf and SAGE Sports & Grounds Expo in July 2021.

The two exhibitions will be the first the turf industry has had since the COVID-19 pandemic began, with the Festival of Turf taking place at the Warwickshire Event Centre on the 21st and 22nd July with the SAGE Expo five days later at the Three Counties Showground, Malvern.

Campey ready for two exhibitions

Campey ready for two exhibitions

Campey has earned a reputation for supplying market-leading, innovative turf care machinery. This is demonstrated in the line-up of machines from Vredo, Air2G2, Imants, Dakota, Campey and AllTrec, which will all be on the stand along with Campey’s product specialists.

Campey Director, Lee Morgado, has worked continuously throughout the pandemic with his colleagues and views the return of in-person events as another step towards normality for the industry.

“By the time those two events open at the end of July, it will have been 18 months since the pandemic began, so it will be a great opportunity to meet customers and other suppliers again in a COVID safe environment,” Lee begins.

“Throughout the pandemic, we’ve still been able to supply customers with machines and witness some of the excellent work greenkeeping teams have been doing during that time. The popularity of the Vredo over seeders has continued to grow along with the Dakota top dressers, and we’ve had some innovative use of the Koro FIELDTOPMAKER with the Universe rotor at some clubs. All of those machines and more, including the Air2G2, will be on our stand, and we’re all looking forward to the event.”

The popularity of the Campey range in golf comes down to the three main factors of precision, build quality and consistency. Every machine supplied by Campey is the leader in its field, with no greater case than the Vredo double-disc over seeders.

Vredo’s place seed in a V-shaped slit, at a pre-set depth of between 5mm & 25mm deep. Once the seed is placed in direct contact with the soil, the slits are closed by a compaction roller and a level surface re-established. All Vredo Compact over seeders provide users with 90% to 95% germination by completing this process.

Dakota Turf Tenders offer an equally impressive level of consistency with electric control boxes allowing users to set their width of spread an infinitely variable amount while ensuring that it can be changed and returned to that width at any time. The easy to use spreaders also feature four Ultra-Trac turf tyres on independent floating beam axels for maximum weight distribution, making them perfect for use on golf greens.

The AllTrec Tool Carrier follows the Koro FTM with Universe Rotor and Air2G2 as one of Campey’s most innovative products. The 100% electric machine provides zero CO2 emissions can also be used with a number of other attachments, including the Air E-Variator, weed brush, and hedge cutter. The electrically driven hedge cutter can be fully operated using a joystick, making it easy to use for a day of work, while the E-Variator Weed Burner can be used alongside the weed brush to control weeds in a variety of locations. The weed brush can be hydraulically adjusted to any angle and used for a full day without worrying about batteries running out.

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Ventrac package for Leicester training centre

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Ventrac package for Leicester training centre: Leicester City Football Club, last season’s FA Cup winners, is the latest organisation to appreciate the multiple benefits of Ventrac.

Delivered by local dealer, Farols, the package included a Ventrac 4500 all-terrain compact tractor in dual-wheel configuration, a Contour mowing deck, Trencher and Power Broom and will be used to maintain their new world-class training centre of at Seagrave in Leicestershire.

Ventrac package for Leicester training centre

Ventrac package for Leicester training centre

Following a demonstration earlier this year and with input from his team, John Ledwidge, Head of Sports Turf and Grounds at the Premier League club, specified the purchase.  He is an integral part of the team that has developed the world-class training facility, where he oversees the management and development of the 180-acre site. This includes the equivalent of 14 turf pitches, synthetic pitches, a 9-hole golf course and the world’s first dedicated Sports Turf Academy.

Commenting on the latest addition to the machinery fleet, he said,

“Our owner is passionate about this football club and the community we share. He wants the very best and this facility demonstrates that commitment. We all share his vision and our aim is to make this the premier training centre in Europe.

“To be fair, we took a lot of our inspiration from the exceptional job Darren Baldwin has done at Tottenham’s facility, where we first saw the Ventrac in action during the research phase of the plan. I’d also seen it at various trade fairs and in the media. We needed a machine that was highly versatile, that can help us here improve a site that’s going to be constantly evolving over the next five years.

“The Contour deck helps us maintain the numerous banks and sloped areas around the complex, including ‘Mount Vardy’, the nickname we’ve given to a landscaped area of unused spoil from the original build. It is also used on the golf course where its articulated design prevents scalping. We’ve used the Trencher to insert drainage bands in some particularly wet areas of the golf course and the Power Broom does a great job on the pathways and carparks. It’s all about quality presentation and the versatility of the Ventrac helps us achieve the high standards demanded here.”

Chris Minton is the club’s Head Mechanic, supervising a team of three in the state-of-the-art Maintenance Facility located within the Sports Turf Academy building. Commenting on the Ventrac he said, “It’s a very good and impressive piece of kit; robustly constructed and powerful, considering it has a sub-25 hp engine. It’s simple to work on, all the belts are easily accessible as are the greasing points and the flip-up decks make our job easier when we need to access the blades or blade spindles. Definitely a very good addition to our fleet.”

John Ledwidge’s career

John began his career in 2002 as an apprentice groundsman at Coventry City where, at the tender age of 19, he was promoted to Deputy Head Groundsman. In 2008 he was appointed Assistant Grounds Manager at Aston Villa and 18 months later returned to Coventry to take up the Head Groundsman role, where he was responsible for directing pitch preparations for the London 2012 Olympics at the City of Coventry Stadium (now the Ricoh Arena).

Following the much-publicised issues at Coventry during this time, he then joined Ricoh Arena in the role of Grounds Manager and in 2014 was successful when he applied for Head Groundsman’s position at Leicester City. In 2016 he was promoted to Grounds Manager and then in July 2019 he took up his current role as Head of Sports Turf and Grounds, where he leads a team of 52 staff working across multiple sites and is actively involved in the ongoing development and investment in the class-leading sports turf surfaces at the club.

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