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Club continues to invest in technology from Toro

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Club continues to invest in technology from Toro: Royal Norwich continues to invest in the latest innovation from Toro. The club in Norfolk has taken advantage of the electric power revolution Toro spearheads with the delivery of an electric Workman GTX-e utility vehicle, alongside the latest pedestrian mower, Toro’s Greensmaster 1026 and is the first club in the country to order Toro’s new NozzAlert Flow Monitoring System with MultiPro 5800 sprayer.

It would have been hard to miss Toro’s meteoric rise in bringing electric and hybrid power to the turfcare market. Off the back of last years’ launch of the first all-electric riding greens mower, the Greensmaster eTriFlex 3370, it’s good to revisit the machine that in a way started it all; the Workman GTX-e utility vehicle, one of the brand’s first triumphs in the electric power arena.

Club continues to invest in technology from Toro

Club continues to invest in technology from Toro

The Workman GTX electric features a 48-volt brushless AC induction drive along with an easily accessible on-board charger, about which estate manager and director at Royal Norwich Peter Todd says: “Toro led the way with the inception of electric power and continues to do so; it’s hard to believe they are still the only brand with a lithium battery electric utility vehicle! By simply removing the lead acid diesel battery in the GTX-e Workman, Toro made this machine much lighter, it’s the equivalent I’d guess of removing a passenger! When running it over fine turf, that’s an important consideration. The battery is sealed for life, there’s less maintenance and performance is better.”

Royal Norwich is the first club in the country to benefit from even more precise spraying. The efficient flow of spray the new NozzAlert provides when installed on Toro’s Multi Pro sprayers is essential for reducing waste and ensuring application efficacy and ideal spraying conditions.

Peter says: “Royal Norwich has been a Toro customer for many years and the reason being is that it has constantly and consistently delivered the quality we need and the innovation we’re after to continually improve the course.”

“I saw the NozzAlert when it launched at the GIS show last year and talked through the new technology with the design engineers on stand. They explained how operators no longer have to judge spray flow based on visibility when using this new bit of kit; instead, NozzAlert delivers continuous monitoring of the entire spray boom and provides both visual and audible alerts if there are any flow disparities. To be told immediately when there’s a blocked nozzle rather than having to wait until your return trip down the fairway appealed then and there!

“Since using the NozzAlerts we’ve become aware of so many advantages that make the vital job of spraying that much easier. It eliminates the chance of spray misses for example and improves the quality of the application.”

The Greensmaster 1026 pedestrian mower is part of Toro’s redesigned classic Greensmaster 1000 series and is new from the tip of its handle to its driveline and chassis. All that remains the same are the patented DPA cutting units, but even that has a modular build to allow the driveline and chassis to be removable for eased servicing.

The reason for this choice was, says Peter for more efficient cutting of the rectangular tee boxes: “Previously we were using a ride-on for cutting the corners and it was a faff and taking too much time,” he says. “We already use the Flex 2120 on the greens and everyone finds it really easy to use and love the telescoping loop handle. The telescoping handle on both makes light work of adjusting for operator heights and handling more user friendly with the loop shape. It’s easy to see more engineering has been brought in with the redesign.”

This approach to having the latest and most innovative turfcare machinery technology is an attitude that spreads across the whole ethos at Royal Norwich as Pete explains: “We’ve always sought to use the most innovative methods. From our greenkeeping facilities which are mostly green – we used recycled materials to build it and PV solar panels to power it. The golf buggies have the latest GPS mapping so we can zone out areas and measure distance to the pin, which means we don’t need markers on the course, and we have Trackman in the practice range providing accuracy stats for players. We’re always on the look-out for the next big thing to make our jobs more efficient and effective and the game more enjoyable for our members.”

And it’s certainly an approach that’s working with membership up by 1,000 since relocating to the new site in 2019.

To talk to someone about Toro technology and how the Toro range would suit your course, call 01480 226800.

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Electric performance from Ariens Zenith E

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Electric performance from Ariens Zenith E: Ariens have introduced their first commercial, all-electric zero-turn mower for the UK market. The Zenith E is powered by a FusionCore lithium-ion battery system, an exclusive technology developed by Ariens. It is designed to provide the operator with a continuous cutting time of up to 5.5 hours on a full charge, and coverage of up to 62,726 sq/m (15.5 acres).

The Zenith E is built upon the fully commercial Ariens ‘Zenith’ platform, well known for its strength, durability and cutting performance. Combined with next-generation battery technology, the Zenith E is a formidable competitor to conventional commercial petrol and diesel zero-turns. It is one of the first battery-powered commercial zero-turn mowers developed by an outdoor power equipment company.

Electric performance from Ariens Zenith E

Electric performance from Ariens Zenith E

The Zenith E has all the power and performance of its petrol counterparts without the noise, vibration and exhaust. Coupled with the increased productivity of a zero-turn, it is perfect for commercial operators looking to capitalise on the growing number of ‘green’ contracts. Fully electric, the Zenith E’s FusionCore lithium-ion 56v DC battery system has four interchangeable, easily removable, sealed for life batteries, each with a 4kWh capacity. Operators can work with minimum interruption by swapping depleted batteries with fully charged ones in seconds.

Where a mix of charge levels is detected in the four batteries, the patent-pending management system prioritises how the Zenith E balances power. It will only draw from the full batteries until they reach the same level as those with less charge. Once all four are at the same charge level, the machine will draw power from them equally, thus ensuring consistent power and cutting performance throughout. The system is IP65 rated, sealed from moisture, dust and debris and is safe to use in wet conditions. Batteries can be charged in 12 hours with a standard charger or in just 5.3 hours using an optional quick charger.

The Zenith E features patent-pending spindle technology. This system is designed to protect the spindle motors from damage in the event the blade strikes a hard object, such as a manhole cover or large rock. The two proprietary hub and wheel electric motors work with a dual reduction planetary gearbox to produce an exceptional level of torque, providing the operator with the same feel and driving experience of a petrol zero-turn.

There are two configurations for the 152cm (60”) deck: side discharge and rear discharge. Both are fabricated from highly durable, 10-gauge steel. The Zenith E boasts 15 cutting positions, easily selected with a vertical pin drop and foot-operated deck lift system. The high-back, full suspension seat with padded armrests offers all-day operator comfort. The frame is an industry-leading design with large formed tubular steel chassis for durability.

The Rollover Protection System (ROPS) is fitted as standard. A range of optional accessories is available including LED lights, beacon light, mulch kit, rapid charger and an off-board charger. The Zenith E comes with a 5-year/1500 hour warranty with no hour limit on the first two years and a 3-year warranty for the batteries. For further information, please e-mail zenithe@ariensco.com , call 01844 277035 or visit the website ariens-uk.com 

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GGM offer NEW eco-friendly Mower from Ariens

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GGM offer NEW eco-friendly Mower from Ariens: GGM Groundscare is delighted to announce the addition of the industry’s first removable lithium-ion battery powered zero-turn mower (ZTR) from leading US manufacturer Ariens to its range.

Ariens commercial zero-turn mowers have an excellent reputation for thriving in the toughest environments and the Zenith E is no exception. Fusing next generation battery technology with the rugged frame of a commercial grade Ariens mower, the Zenith E offers Groundscare professionals a powerful new way to lower costs and increase profitability.

GGM offer NEW eco-friendly Mower from Ariens

GGM offer NEW eco-friendly Mower from Ariens

The Zenith E ZTR mower is packed with commercial features and a large 152cm (60”) cutter deck has been designed from the ground up to ensure it delivers industry leading performance and durability without compromising operator comfort and safety.

Available with either a 60” side-discharge or rear-discharge mower deck, the new Zenith E battery model is the first Ariens machine to feature FusionCore lithium-ion battery technology. It has a number of key benefits including zero emissions and quiet operation, making the Zenith E an ideal mowing solution for commercial users in public areas without disturbance such as Hospitals and Care Homes, Schools, Universities, Organic gardens, Hotels, Holiday Parks, Public Parks and Urban Areas.

The addition of the battery powered mower demonstrates further that GGM Groundscare is continuing to deliver on its promise to become an eco-friendly organisation and its determination to offer its commercial customers environmentally sustainable mowing solutions. GGM has been selected as one of only a handful of dealers to supply the Ariens Zenith E and have invested in service training and diagnostic test equipment to enhance customer support.

The organisation, which covers the North West and Yorkshire and has depots in Colne and Haydock, already boasts an impressive record for environmental awareness. Over the lockdown period the business has taken stock and investigated ways to enhance this. This includes undertaking several new measures including investing in renewable energy, reducing energy consumption and CO2 emissions and helping improve air quality locally and is continuing to expand its fleet of electric vehicles.

Managing Director Chris Gibson said:

“Following a successful demonstration to our sales team we are really excited to bring the new, battery operated mower into our range. Not only is it environmentally friendly and in keeping with our business values, but it also offers the excellent performance that is synonymous with all our commercial products. It provides our customers with another environmentally friendly Groundscare solution; low noise and emission free mowing while still retaining its high efficiency. We’re confident this will prove hugely popular with our customers across the North West and Yorkshire”.

GGM Groundscare are now booking demonstrations of the Zenith E zero-turn mower in line with government restrictions.  To register your interest and find out how the Zenith E zero-turn mower can benefit your operations, please register your interest at https://promo.ggmgroundscare.com/ZenithE or contact Tel 01282 860444 or Email: sales@ggmgroundscare.co.uk

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100% fescue delivers 100% satisfaction

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100% fescue from Johnsons delivers 100% satisfaction: Doing a fantastic job at retaining the natural links characteristics, Perranporth Golf Club Course Manager Rob Cook has been delighted with his switch to Johnsons J Fescue mix.

Having used Johnsons Sports Seed at his previous club, Rob swapped with confidence two years ago, sowing the greens with a combination of Chewings and Slender fescues, with another 100% fescue blend, J Premier Fairway, employed across the fairways.

100% fescue from Johnsons delivers 100% satisfaction

100% fescue from Johnsons delivers 100% satisfaction

Picking up where the previous Course Manager had left off, maintaining the fescue species and low inputs was something Rob was keen to continue with when he took over three and a half years ago. “Once I used the stock of seed we had, I got in touch with my local Johnsons rep Ian Barnett who went through the mixtures available. J Fescue was the obvious choice for the greens, and for the fairways I was after a mixture of all the fescues – Hard, Sheeps, Strong, Chewings and Slender Creeping Red Fescue. J Premier Fairway ticked all of the boxes, straight off the shelf. The results have been absolutely fantastic!”

Rob usually overseeds the greens between one and three times a year, the last time was September 2020 – the germination from which is still visible. “J Fescue delivers high shoot density and strong colour which lasts. Ordinarily, I would be planning to overseed again in April but with the greens in such good condition and the upcoming return of golfers we believe we’ll be able to wait until our next maintenance week in September.”

“On the fairways we have a ‘members volunteer divot party’ who divot all 18 fairways with the J Premier Fairway mix over a two-week period – and through lockdown it’s been even more frequent.” The combination of more frequent seeding and the higher quality cultivars included in J Premier Fairway has meant that the artificial fairway mats that members were required to use over the winter period are a thing of the past! “We’ve made fantastic strides forward in terms of year-round plant health and strength.”

“With divot work ongoing and a bumper season of play expected, I’ve got no doubts at all that the surfaces will be fit and ready to cope with the sustained levels of play” Rob concludes.

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Jacobsen double from Fairways GM

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Jacobsen double from Fairways GM: Track Manager, Darren Bissett, says Hamilton Park’s turf will be more than ready for the start of their flat racing season scheduled to begin in May. 

“Course maintenance wise we are on schedule with the first cut of both the track and the lawns due within the next week, assuming conditions prevail,” said Darren.

Jacobsen double from Fairways GM

Jacobsen double from Fairways GM

Darren joined the team at Hamilton Park from Ayr Racecourse exactly 12 months ago, and his first year in the job could hardly have been more unexpected.

In June 2020, a delayed and shortened fixture list got underway with eleven race meetings successfully staged behind closed doors by the time the season concluded at the end of September.

One huge positive for 2020 was that local grounds care dealer, Fairways GM, delivered two new Jacobsen mowers – the HR500 Rotary Mower for the track and the TR320 for Hamilton Park’s extensive fine turf areas.

“The machines were ordered by my predecessor after several very positive recommendations. They’ve worked fantastically and I’m genuinely very impressed at how effective they are. The HR500 has great width at 3.5 metres which allows us to cut the whole track with just five circuits in around 2.5 hours. It makes quick work and leaves a very clean cut.  The room that you get in the cab is exceptional; really spacious, so it’s great for the operator. Also, once you are finished, it’s incredibly easy to maintain.

“In March, we will probably only cut the track once a week until it gets a bit warmer and soil temperatures rise, however come May we’ll have increased that to at least twice a week.  Over the summer months cutting increases to three or four times a week as the fertilisation programme takes effect.

During the racing season we like to cut the day before a fixture, and then again 48 hours afterwards. Height of the cut is set at 6cm for the next month or so and when racing starts, we’ll allow it to grow a bit longer before cutting it to around 9cm. Changing the height of cut on the decks takes around half an hour and it’s a case of moving just ten pins, so it’s very straightforward.”

“Away from the track, our lawns are a great backdrop for weddings and events as well as racedays, and hopefully this summer they will see a lot more visitors. Because it’s been a bit milder these past few weeks the lawns are starting to grow. The TR320 delivers an exceptionally fine, effective cut and it is so good at striping the lawns and leaving a professional finish – everything is really level. We cut the track and the lawns on the same day so there will be times when we are cutting lawns four times a week throughout the summer.

Last year, sadly, we were unable to welcome racegoers and event guests alike and so we’re working hard to ensure the grounds will be at their spectacular best for when we can open our gates to the public once more.

Rob Hogarth, Fairways GM’s Area Sales Manager, said: The HR500 can cut all day long.  Robust and smooth, it has built in consistency delivered via a feature called Automated Assist Drive, so no matter the conditions the finish remains clean and sharp. The big cab that Darren likes gives the operator a superior view of what’s going on out-front; controls are positioned exactly where they are required, so you can also be extremely precise. The TR320 is good in tight spaces and challenging terrain.  It’s a wizard at stripes so is great at keeping locations pristine and interesting, a nice touch for important wedding photography.”

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