Tag Archive for: For

Toro fleet expansion for CGM Group

/in , /by

Toro fleet expansion for CGM Group: One of the largest grounds maintenance and landscaping firms in the East of England, CGM Group based in Downham Market, Norfolk, has purchased four Toro LT3340 triple flail mowers to aid the 150-strong grounds team operating across East Anglia and the East Midlands for eight months of the year.

The company started its journey with Toro machines in January 2020. Marcus Glover, operations director at CGM Group, explains: “Our teams are working solidly for two thirds of the year cutting sports pitches and maintaining school sites and commercial grounds.

Toro fleet expansion for CGM Group

Toro fleet expansion for CGM Group

“We need machinery we can rely on, machinery that is flexible and adaptable. We are not only faced with a wide range of landscapes and environments, but the weather can apply added pressure to our work, particularly in 2021 when we’ve seen extraordinarily fast grass growth due to the wet and warm weather.

“The performance of the Toro mowers is excellent. We can expect fine finishes on cricket outfields to reliable, neat trimming for clients who require general monthly cuts throughout the season. The flexibility of the range of machines is superb.”

The four new mowers join five existing Toro machines, taking the overall fleet to nine. Famed for perfecting light trimming through to dealing with dense overgrowth, these mowers also come with kerb-climbing ability, making them particularly well suited to municipal sites.

Yet for Marcus, performance was just part of the equation. Marcus continues: “It’s also all about the support and back-up care. Although we’ve had no problems with use, the response time of the workshop is phenomenal. Replacement parts are sourced overnight so I know I’ll have machines back out on the ground the following day. It means that, from an operational perspective, we are working as efficiently as we can.”

Marcus’ experience with the team at Reesink Turfcare, the exclusive distributor in the UK and Ireland for Toro groundscare machinery, is testament to the importance of a good working relationship and he credits Danny Lake with being “excellent” to deal with.

Danny Lake, area sales rep at Reesink Turfcare, comments: “CGM is one of the biggest grounds contractors in the region so performance and reliability are key. We understand the seasonality of their business and work to support them as best we can with fast-response after-care.”

Marcus concludes by reflecting on the challenges presented by 2021’s unseasonably wet weather: “Now is the optimum time for us. Our busy teams are cutting more than normal due to faster-than-average grass growth and the Toro mowers have supported us brilliantly, performing well in all conditions. It’s that adaptability and reliability that means they are machines we can trust.”

Reesink Turfcare is the exclusive distributor in the UK and Ireland for Toro groundscare machinery. For further information on the range call 01480 226800, email info@reesinkturfcare.co.uk or visit reesinkturfcare.co.uk

For the latest industry news visit turfmatters.co.uk/news

Get all of the big headlines, pictures, opinions and videos on stories that matter to you.

Follow us on Twitter and Instagram for fun, fresh and engaging content.

You can also find us on Facebook for more of your must-see news, features, videos and pictures from Turf Matters.

Championship treble for dealer support

/in , /by

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.”

For the latest industry news visit turfmatters.co.uk/news

Get all of the big headlines, pictures, opinions and videos on stories that matter to you.

Follow us on Twitter and Instagram for fun, fresh and engaging content.

You can also find us on Facebook for more of your must-see news, features, videos and pictures from Turf Matters.

MHM machinery ready for HVO fuel

/in , /by

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.

For the latest industry news visit turfmatters.co.uk/news

Get all of the big headlines, pictures, opinions and videos on stories that matter to you.

Follow us on Twitter and Instagram for fun, fresh and engaging content.

You can also find us on Facebook for more of your must-see news, features, videos and pictures from Turf Matters.

EVO maximises efficiency for Powerline Services

/in , /by

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.”

For the latest industry news visit turfmatters.co.uk/news

Get all of the big headlines, pictures, opinions and videos on stories that matter to you.

Follow us on Twitter and Instagram for fun, fresh and engaging content.

You can also find us on Facebook for more of your must-see news, features, videos and pictures from Turf Matters.

Campey ready for two exhibitions

/in , /by

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.

For the latest industry news visit turfmatters.co.uk/news

Get all of the big headlines, pictures, opinions and videos on stories that matter to you.

Follow us on Twitter and Instagram for fun, fresh and engaging content.

You can also find us on Facebook for more of your must-see news, features, videos and pictures from Turf Matters.