Tag Archive for: Gains

Efficiency and safety gains with switch to Aspen Fuel

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Efficiency and safety gains with switch to Aspen Fuel: Having read about the positive experiences of other clubs making the switch, the team at Gloucestershire’s Minchinhampton Golf Club are themselves now discovering the efficiency and safety benefits of Aspen alkylate petrol.

Used across a suite of 2-stroke equipment, club Mechanic Tom Dorey notes the significant reduction in costly faults and breakdowns, while its delivery by the barrel has reduced the time and risks associated with transporting fuel from the forecourt.

Efficiency and safety gains with switch to Aspen Fuel

Efficiency and safety gains with switch to Aspen Fuel

Minchinhampton comprises of 36-holes at the New Course site along with a further 18-holes at the historic Old Course – established in 1889 and situated 4 miles away on SSSI common land, managed in partnership with the National Trust. The third, the parkland Avening Course, has been used on multiple occasions as an Open Qualifying venue. Looking after the maintenance is a team of 17 greenkeepers who, alongside Mechanic Tom, keep the large machinery fleet and busy courses in tip-top condition.

“I was familiar with Aspen Fuel from personal experience but was seeing more articles in the press about facilities switching over and felt it was worth exploring” explains Tom. “We spoke with some other golf clubs and then met with Aspen’s Roy Narbey at BTME in 2025 who arranged a trial of Aspen-2 for us. The rest, as they say, is history and we’ve recently just taken delivery of our second barrel.”

Being virtually free from ethanol, aromatics and benzene Aspen alkylate petrol presents a 99% cleaner fuel when compared with traditional pump fuel. The significantly reduced emissions not only benefit the health and safety of the operator but also contributes to increased sustainability standards, helping the team to meet the courses environmental responsibilities.

Like other Aspen users, Minchinhampton quickly discovered the immediate benefits but were pleasantly surprised by the further ‘wins’ that came from the switch. “The difference was notable almost immediately. The team all commented on the better working environment when using tools such as backpack blowers and hedgecutters and reported the reduction in fumes and headaches as soon as we switched.” Tom adds, “In the workshop, servicing of the equipment is now much simpler. I haven’t had to spend time repairing or replacing gummed up carburettors, saving us money and enhancing the overall lifespan of the engines and the equipment.”

Aspen-2’s pre-mixed formula has also eliminated issues with incorrect mixture ratios. “Convenience has been another big plus point, with the fuel readily available on site, pre-mixed so there’s no risk of issues associated with incorrect fuel and oil ratios.”

“The support from Roy throughout the trial and in getting us up and running has also been brilliant. He gave us lots of hints and tips for correct pump operation and getting the most from our equipment.” He concludes, “The experience has been incredibly positive and eventually we hope to extend our use to Aspen-4 for the cleaner running of some of our larger equipment.”

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GroundsFest gains momentum

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GroundsFest gains momentum: Following the successful launch of GroundsFest just over five weeks ago, an influx of exhibitors have already committed to the event.

Taking place at Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire on 20 – 21 September, and dubbed as the event the industry has been waiting for, GroundsFest will bring together all grounds management sectors to build communities, nurture collaboration, and facilitate relationships that last.

GroundsFest gains momentum

GroundsFest gains momentum

The legacy of GroundsFest is also taking shape with profits going towards encouraging new people into the industry through funding apprenticeship programmes and also mental health first aid training specifically for grounds staff, greenkeepers and landscapers.

The trade’s top brands, suppliers, manufacturers, service providers and distributors will showcase and demonstrate their latest products at the event, which also features live working stations and a free education programme with an accredited training provider.

Commenting on Campey Turf Care Systems’ decision to exhibit at GroundsFest, Chairman Richard Campey said:

“The idea of a groundscare event in the UK which combines indoor and outdoor stand space, is particularly appealing to Campey Turf Care. There is no better way to prove how good your products are than to show them in action. This is what our customers ask for and we are delighted to be able to fill that request.”

Guy Overton, Director of Overton UK, is also upbeat about the event format.

“GroundsFest is a refreshing and exciting concept which will enable us to demonstrate our wide product portfolio in an outdoor setting. It is a great venue, at the right time of year, and we are really looking forward to it.”

Simon Christensen, Head of Marketing for Turf Tank, is looking forward to demonstrating the company’s innovative technology.

“We are excited to join GroundsFest 2023! As an outdoor show, we believe this to be the perfect environment for grounds managers to interact with machinery and see it live. We’re looking forward to meeting everyone in September and showing the Turf Tank robot in action!”

Charles Neale, GroundsFest’s Sales Director, is delighted with how the event is progressing.

“The support we have received for the event has been overwhelming – particularly so early in the show cycle. We are receiving new exhibitor enquiries daily and a large percentage of the floorplan has already been allocated.

“We have researched the market, talking to both exhibitors and visitors, listening, and learning, and feel confident that GroundsFest will deliver the best possible experience across its two days.”

For more information, visit www.groundsfest.com

You can also follow GroundsFest on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram @GroundsFest for much more news, reviews and insightful views.

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Jack Baxter gains FACTS qualification

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Jack Baxter gains FACTS qualification: Somerset-based fertiliser company GreenBest have long been renowned not just for their technical expertise, but also the care and consideration they invest in upskilling their staff. All of the Sales and Product Managers at GreenBest come from a scientific background, and now another member of the team, Jack Baxter, has joined the ranks of FACTS Qualified Advisors at GreenBest.

Jack has been working at GreenBest (which also owns the Velvit and SmartLawn brands) for three years, having worked in various labs following his Biological Sciences degree. Working predominantly with the domestic and European markets, Jack has helped a variety of businesses find the perfect fertiliser for their needs, and in turn has seen many customers’ businesses grow in size under his care.

Jack Baxter gains FACTS qualification

Jack Baxter gains FACTS qualification

James Whittick, Sales & Marketing Director at GreenBest explained “At GreenBest we have always prided ourselves on the technical knowledge of our staff – our business is built on being able to match the needs of our customers to the right fertiliser. We believe that having the right staff and giving them the training they need to progress is what makes us so special.”

Jack Baxter added “One of the standout benefits of working at GreenBest is the investment they make in your training. I enjoy a good rapport with my customers, and like to think they trust me anyway, but having gone through the rigorous training provided by the STRI this FACTS qualification will add greater weight to my recommendations.”

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Charterhouse Gains BLEC Experience

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Charterhouse Gains BLEC Experience: Newly appointed BLEC dealer, Acorn Tractors from Derbyshire, recently joined forces with staff from Charterhouse Turf Machinery (CTM) for an in-depth training session on the BLEC range of specialist landscaping and turfcare equipment.

BLEC was purchased by Redexim almost two years ago and is now a division within CTM.  In that time the range of specialised landscaping and turfcare equipment has been streamlined and re-engineered by the Redexim team to feature a wealth of features.

Chaterhouse Gains BLEC Experience

The day was the Brainchild of Division Manager Curtis Allen to allow the combined staff to trial and test the range in the field to better assist and advise current and future customers. The day featured a broad spectrum of BLEC machinery including the BLEC Cultipack Seeder, the BLECavator 145 compact stoneburier, Power Box Rake and Laser Grader 1500TPP.

The Charterhouse team gained valuable time and field experience with machines for a variety of applications under the guidance of Acorn Tractors staff who have been involved with BLEC products for many years.

Of the event Curtis Allen said, “This was a great opportunity for the whole Charterhouse team to gain a thorough understanding of the products and this market sector. It was a day that all involved found very helpful and we’d like to pass our thanks onto Acorn Tractors Owner Julian Simpson and his team for not only hosting, but also supporting the day.”

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