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The Best Golf Course in the World

The Best Golf Course in the World: Scott MacCallum chats with Andy Johnston, the man who has steered Sentosa Golf Club to the top of the golfing tree.

It’s just after Christmas so I’m guessing that your quizzing skills are still fairly sharp. So here’s one for you.

The Best Golf Course in the World

The Best Golf Course in the World

Which of these golf courses is the odd one out? The Old Course, St Andrews; Augusta National, the Serapong Course at Sentosa Golf Club, Singapore; Shinnecock Hills, New York, or Carnoustie?

The Answer?

None of them! They have all been voted The Best Golf Course in the World by the World Golf Awards.

Of course, Serapong is also the only course among that elite group not to have hosted a Major, and the only one in Asia, but it’s my quiz and I decide the answers!

Seriously though with The Old Course having won the category each of the first five years following the Awards’ inception in 2014, Carnoustie was the next winner, then Augusta National who retaining the title the next year, before its American cousin, Shinnecock.

The triumph of Sentosa Golf Club, the first Asian winner, late last year, did raise a few eyebrows. Not least from the Club’s own General Manager and Director of Agronomy, Andy Johnston.

“Best golf course in the world. I mean, Holy Smoke – really? I was pinching myself,” recalled Andy.

The Best Golf Course in the World

The Best Golf Course in the World

“I was floating of Cloud Nine, and still am,” added the American, who, as a golf course architect, first became associated with the club when he was brought in to do some remodelling work in 2014, and never really left.

He was also blown away by the reception he received from the Sentosa team when he arrive back from the airport having collected the Award.

“It takes a world class team to make a world class club and when you talk about the best in the world the greeting I got from 80 plus of them was pretty special.”

Being the first Asian golf club to win the award, and following in such illustrious company is significant.

“It shows that the growth of Asian golf is gathering pace and how much more progress we are making. It also shows that we are getting to the point where we are becoming competitive within that ‘Big Boy’ fraternity.”

So what it is about Sentosa Golf Club, and the Serapong course in particular, that has enabled this huge geographic breakthrough? Who better to tell us, than Andrew himself.

The Best Golf Course in the World

The Best Golf Course in the World

“It’s one of those tracks that touches your soul. As soon as you head off to the 1st tee you are thinking that this is something special – you know immediately that it is special. Then when you get to the 2nd you get a peek at what’s coming. Hit the 3rd and you have the entire world in front of you. You’re looking down on the town three kilometres away and you are on an elevated spot which sits over the entire bay. You see the ship yards down below you and, downtown, all the sky scrapers. The next five or six holes are all different, and each one memorable. The whole course has a unique playing strategy and you can’t wait to play it again and again.

“You just can’t get enough of it,” enthused Andy.

But that wasn’t always the case for the Serapong, and Sentosa Golf Club, founded by the then Prime Minister of Singapore and which celebrates its 50th birthday this year.

“Back in 2005 the Serapong wasn’t even the best course in town, never mind the world, but at the time I was working on a project in Beijing when I got a call from a friend of mine saying that Sentosa was looking for an architect. They weren’t looking at a huge project just some fairly small tweaks so I jumped on a plane and made a pitch to the Green Committee.

“I must have made a really compelling case because we signed an agreement, almost on a napkin and I got to work the next day.”

With the project completed, six months later the club called Andy to say that he was still the club’s architect and that they wanted to renovate the Serapong fully and was he interested. Was he ever!

“I literally got on a plane that night and came over. The club had a new business plan and wanted to get into hosting tournaments,” said Andy.

The course had been designed originally by Ron Fream and was built on 80% reclaimed land.

“Ron did an unbelievable job because he tracked the course when it was basically still in the ocean. I’ve seen pictures of him in a boat pointing out a green. How he was measuring, in the  life of me, I have not a clue.”

But while the course was excellent, it had really small greens which couldn’t take the traffic and while the bunkers were ok they didn’t support modern day golf strategy.

“So we made some significant changes to the course’s personality. That’s when the course started to get going to where it is today. We introduced massive greens with subtle undulations, we increased the bunkering and made these huge tees so we could take the traffic and have surfaces fit for championship golf. That’s when the engine really got running,” said Andy, who added that they now cut the tees to the same height as the greens.

The tees are Platinum Paspalum, because it recovers quickly from divot damage, with the rest of the course Zoysia.

The Best Golf Course in the World

The Best Golf Course in the World

It wasn’t an overnight success, however, and from 2006 to 2010 it was a difficult time for the club. Then, with 60 days to go until a Singapore Open, and having just lost their Superintendent, Andy took another phone call from the club asking for help.

“The previous General Manager called me and asked that, as nobody knew the property as well as me, would I help them out.

“I have an agronomy background – of all the skills I have, design, operation, agronomy, agronomy is the thing I really excel at, and ultimately we were able to pull a rabbit out of a hat On the Monday pro-am we were running at 13 on the stimp. Singapore had never seen speeds faster than that.

“We’d exceeded everybody’s expectations when it came to conditioning and I just never went home after that, and I hadn’t meant to stay!” he revealed.

And not only that, in addition to his role of Director of Agronomy he found himself General Manager when his predecessor left.

“I didn’t mean to become GM. I was just told that I was going to be GM, even when I told them I didn’t want to be GM. Even today I hate being GM… kind of!” he added with a smile.

But it is still the golf courses, there is also the 18 hole Tanjong course, rather than the food and beverage side of things, which rocks his boat.

“I’m the first person here every morning at 5.30 and that has never changed in the 14 years I’ve been here. I get every morning started with the crew and work closely with our Superintendent, Irishman Rodney McEwan.

“I couldn’t have a better sidekick, if I could call him that. He takes it personally and it means something to him. No matter what I dish out to him it gets done and it’s quite incredible how he does it.”

And it’s not an easy gig maintaining a golf course on the equator.

The Best Golf Course in the World

The Best Golf Course in the World

“I’ve worked in every corner of the world and I think this is the most challenging. We have every disease known to man sitting in the soil 365 days a year, just waiting for the right conditions to flourish.

“Everything is full on. Most of the world goes through the seasons and there are times when you have to work hard and there are heavy growth periods but there are also off periods and simpler windows. It never stops here for us. Every day is full on.

“To put it in a UK context. August is probably the most difficult time of the year for you, because it is the hottest and the most humid. Guys are chasing hot spots and there are disease pressures coming out of their ears. Every day is August for us and our aim is to be thinking ahead of Mother Nature. That’s the goal. If you can be ahead of Mother Nature you will win.”

With two golf courses and the surrounding grounds to maintain Andy has an agronomy team of 75.

“It sounds a lot but if you break it down it’s probably comparable with a South Florida course. We have 25 guys on each course, there are eight mechanics, four in the admin office, then there is a small landscaping team of six or seven. So it’s not as big as it sounds.”

So how does he keep everyone motivated to achieve the standards that takes a course to Best in the World status?

“We have something called the 10 Five Star Touch points. In at number eight is ‘Earn Your Five Stars Every Day’. I say this to the team on such a routine basis that they are sick of me.

“No-one gives a rat’s ass about the awards we’ve won – and they have won a plethora of huge awards including World’s Best Eco-Friendly Golf Facility three years in a row – after that day. They measure us by the experience they have had on that day. So every morning I tell them to wake up and earn their five stars.”

Having reach the pinnacle what now for Sentosa Golf Club?

“The Chairman asked me the same thing not long ago and I said that the runway was still very long and we still had a lot to that we could do. We may not win awards like this every year but we are attempting to build a brand and it is extremely important that we can continue to expand upon that and deliver the best service possible and produce the best conditions possible.

“The ceiling is unlimited on what we are going to achieve.”

Key to that is Sentosa’s position on the planet.

“When you look at Asia, albeit Singapore is a small city state, we are in the best spot. We have the best airport, which is a hub where everything comes in and out. It is the safest city in Asia. You don’t have to worry about that when you get here whole at the club we are surrounded by 17 high end hotels. We have everything at our fingertips to continue to grow.

“We are no longer just a great golf course. We are a brand, and that is what I want to continue to develop.”

And with the attraction of playing the best course in the world, golfers will be swarming around Sentosa like bees to the honeypot and spreading the name of Sentosa to all their golfing buddies.

Winner of Best Kept Green in Shropshire Announced

Winner of Best Kept Green in Shropshire Announced: Trench Bowling Club has been announced as the winner of the 2023 Best Kept Green in Shropshire, sponsored by Dennis and SISIS.

It’s been a good year for Telford based Trench Bowling Club. Not only has 2023 seen the club celebrate its centenary year but they have also been awarded the Best Kept Green in Shropshire. Trench finished top to pip Whixall, Edgmond and Tilstock by just two points.

Winner of Best Kept Green in Shropshire Announced

Winner of Best Kept Green in Shropshire Announced

As well as being the secretary and the bar coordinator, David Evans is the man largely responsible for maintaining the green. He’s been part of the club for nearly 60 years and after retiring in 2013, he decided to take full-time responsibility of the green.

“I’ve learnt greenkeeping as I’ve gone along,” said David. “It must be in the genes because my father was a keen gardener and always took a great deal of pride in his lawns. Also, over the years I have been involved in bowls, cricket, and golf. I always took an interest in what the greenkeepers or groundsmen, were working on. The Dennis and SISIS bowls education days we have recently attended have also been very informative. These are a big help to people in my position to not only show what equipment is on the market but also to gather advice on maintenance tips.”

Trench Bowling Club came second in the competition in 2022 and David revealed why he believes they landed the trophy this year.

“I’ve managed to significantly reduce the thatch since we bought a new Dennis FT510 mower at the start of the year. I think this was the missing link because it has really helped me to improve the surface of the green. The verticutting cassette has thinned the grass out and eliminated the thatch and we’ve had lots of compliments from members and visiting teams about the playability of the green. Over the last couple of years, we have installed new gutters, which has vastly improved the overall presentation of the green and the green surrounds. I’d like to think that this also went some way towards winning this award, as the construction of the new ‘boxes’ and the installation was all carried out ‘in house’ by our members.”

With David spending most of his time at Trench Bowling Club, and his wife and daughter sharing the responsibility of the treasurer role, it is very much a family affair. However, the modest David was quick to acknowledge the hard work and dedication from everyone else who works at the club.

“As a family we put a lot of time in, but we’ve got a great committee that runs the club and there are so many other brilliant people that help out. I certainly can’t take all the credit. This award is for everyone at Trench.”

Further information about the range of bowls maintenance products available from both manufacturers can be found by visiting www.dennisuk.com / www.sisis.com.

For more news, reviews, and insightful views, you can follow Dennis on Twitter @DennisMowers and SISIS @SISISMachinery. You can like the Facebook page – www.facebook.com/DennisMowersUK and www.facebook.com/SISISMachinery. You can also view the latest Dennis and SISIS videos by visiting www.youtube.com/DennisMowers and www.youtube.com/SISISMachinery.

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Turfgrass prices expected to rise in 2024

Turfgrass prices expected to rise in 2024: The Turfgrass Growers Association (TGA) has noted a concerning trend following a year of unpredictable and extreme weather conditions across the UK in 2023. Members of the association have reported that the changeable weather, combined with other factors, is likely to lead to an increase in turfgrass prices in 2024.

The past year saw a spectrum of climatic challenges, from prolonged summer droughts to heavy rainfall in autumn and winter. These conditions, exacerbated by stringent chemical legislation have
led to increased disease vulnerability and impacted turfgrass harvest yields.

Turfgrass prices expected to rise in 2024

Turfgrass prices expected to rise in 2024

The Met Office has highlighted the visible effects of climate change globally, including risks to water supplies, localised flooding, altered seasonality, heat stress, and the expanding habitat range of pests – all of which are concerns for the turfgrass industry. Predictions of warmer, wetter winters, hotter, drier summers, and more frequent intense weather events add further pressure to turfgrass cultivation.

Richard Owens, Chair of the TGA, stated, “Our members are finding 2023 to be a particularly challenging year for turfgrass production. This trend is expected to continue, necessitating an industry-wide adjustment in turfgrass pricing to offset the increasing costs of production.”

In addition to weather challenges, other factors contributing to the anticipated price increase include the rising cost of fertilisers and fuel, supply chain disruptions, and the need for more sustainable growing practices. The TGA is committed to supporting its members through these challenges, advocating for industry needs, and promoting best practices in sustainable turfgrass production.

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FSI embark on new chapter in the UK

FSI embark on new chapter in the UK: FSI Stump Cutters, leading manufacturer of high-quality stump grinders, are pleased to announce a strategic expansion in the UK market with the establishment of FSI Stump Cutters UK Ltd – a wholly owned subsidiary of the Danish manufacturing company.

The move signifies FSI’s commitment to strengthening their market position and providing a more streamlined, localised service to meet the requirements of end users.

FSI embark on new chapter in the UK

FSI embark on new chapter in the UK

A prominent name in the UK arb industry for over a decade, FSI are widely recognised for their high-quality, reliable range of stump grinders – especially the popular collection of handlebar stump grinders which set the industry standard for processing efficiency and have therefore been market leading in their category for many years.  The strategic decision taken to work directly with carefully selected distribution partners facilitates new growth opportunities, streamlined communication between the UK and head office and enhanced support, training and development for those providing sales and support to operators old and new.

A key component of the new distribution strategy is the introduction of Lee Hatton, who brings a wealth of arboriculture, groundcare and agricultural knowledge and experience to his new role of Sales Director for FSI Stump Cutters UK. Lee is a passionate and dedicated sales professional having spent the last six years with leading machinery dealers Lister Wilder and is committed to building and supporting the new network of FSI partners around the country.

On his new role, Lee commented “My passion for the industry, coupled with my extensive experience in machinery sales will drive our efforts to provide top-notch service. I look forward to working closely with our valued partners, providing them with technical and practical support where required, to ensure that FSI remains the preferred choice for stump cutting solutions.”

FSI Stump Cutters Managing Director Kim Schmidt adds, “We are thrilled to deepen our roots in the UK with this new subsidiary and are delighted to welcome Lee on board to help us achieve that. Our commitment has always been to provide exceptional quality and service. By establishing a closer connection with local partners, we aim to elevate the level of support and expertise available to owners and operators throughout the UK and reinforce our position as a leader in the arboriculture industry.”

Further details on the new nationwide network of distribution partners will be announced over the coming weeks.

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Hybrid pitches to be used in County Championship

Hybrid pitches to be used in County Championship: Hybrid pitches will be used for the first time in the 2024 County Championship season.

Read the full article from The Guardian here

Hybrid pitches to be used in County Championship

Hybrid pitches to be used in County Championship

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Polaris RANGER XP Kinetic arrives in dealerships

Polaris RANGER XP Kinetic arrives in dealerships: Polaris has announced that dealerships across Europe have started to receive the first shipments of the all-new fully-electric RANGER XP Kinetic vehicles, ready to be collected by customers.

Homologated models specifically for European markets are manufactured at Polaris’ more than 33,000-square-metre manufacturing facility in Opole, Poland—the first Polaris factory built for the production of off-road vehicles outside of North America—with production of the fully electric model starting in August this year.

Polaris RANGER XP Kinetic arrives in dealerships

Polaris RANGER XP Kinetic arrives in dealerships

Rodrigo Lourenco, Vice President of Polaris Off-Road Vehicles EMEA, said: “Our customers are now going to be able to experience the extraordinary performance advantages that the electric powertrain in the RANGER XP Kinetic can provide. We know this vehicle is highly anticipated across our international dealer network, so we’re pleased to see the first shipments arriving in showrooms and looking forward to seeing them in action across our utility customer base.”

RANGER XP Kinetic is available as a 3-seat model in Premium trim and top-of-the-range Ultimate trim, which will be arriving in Europe shortly after. The Premium trim contains a single 14.9 kWh lithium-ion battery that offers an estimated range of 45 miles (70 kilometres), while the Ultimate trim delivers 29.8 kWh of battery capacity and offers an estimated range of 80 miles (130 kilometres)*.

The Ultimate trim also offers a bright 18-centimetre infotainment screen powered by RIDE COMMAND technology, offering configurable gauges to monitor ride activity, as well as camera integration, Bluetooth connectivity to wirelessly stream music and stay connected with call/text alerts, and plow mode to make snow removal even easier by automatically lowering and raising the plow when shifting between low gear and reverse.

CAPABILITY, DURABILITY AND PERFORMANCE

The RANGER XP Kinetic delivers uncompromised capability, unrivalled durability, and refined performance. With its all-electric powertrain, engineered for off-road use through Polaris’ exclusive 10-year partnership with Zero Motorcycles, the RANGER XP Kinetic offers the most horsepower and torque ever found in a utility side-by-side, with a class-leading 110 horsepower and 140 lb-ft of instantaneous torque that delivers maximum power and quick acceleration when it’s needed, including the ability to effortlessly tow up to 1,134kg and boasts an industry-best 680kg payload capacity. Thanks to being fully electric, the RANGER XP Kinetic also delivers smooth, precise control when operating at low speeds, especially useful in scenarios like towing or backing up to a trailer.

RANGER XP Kinetic also features a class-leading 35.5 centimetres of ground clearance and 25.4 centimetres of suspension travel to confidently rise over obstacles and smooth out the bumps, and is equipped with 74-centimetre, 8-ply Pro Armor X-Terrain tyres for maximum traction and durability to crawl over rocks and ruts. With regenerative braking, electric power steering, on-demand all-wheel drive and VersaTrac Turf mode as standard, as well as three driving modes—ECO, Standard and Sport—riders are in complete control of their ride, depending on the terrain and task at hand.

In addition to its unmatched performance, customers will appreciate the quiet electric powertrain for easy conversations with passengers and minimal disturbance to others, allowing customers to work in the early morning or late evenings without waking the neighbours, and avoiding startling horses and livestock when working around the farm. An electric powertrain also means fewer moving parts for lower maintenance costs, and is backed by a one-year factory warranty, three-year electric powertrain coverage, and five-year battery coverage**.

CUSTOMISATION

With even more tools to get the job done, RANGER XP Kinetic is compatible with 95% of RANGER XP 1000 accessories, including windshields, roofs, winches, plows, and Lock&Ride storage options to keep important cargo organised and secure. Polaris also engineers accessories specifically for RANGER XP Kinetic, including a fast-acting electric heater kit, and upgraded charging systems.

AVAILABILITY

The following models are now available in dealers across EMEA – please confirm with your local market for specific regional homologations available:

RANGER XP Kinetic Premium in Icy White Pearl (MD homologation)
RANGER XP Kinetic Premium in Icy White Pearl (Tractor T1a homologation)
RANGER XP Kinetic Premium in Icy White Pearl (Tractor T1b homologation)
RANGER XP Kinetic Premium in Icy White Pearl (ZUG/LOF homologation)

Shipments of the following models will start soon and be available in the coming months:

RANGER XP Kinetic Ultimate in Icy White Pearl (MD homologation)
RANGER XP Kinetic Ultimate in Icy White Pearl (Tractor T1a homologation)
RANGER XP Kinetic Ultimate in Icy White Pearl (Tractor T1b homologation)
RANGER XP Kinetic Ultimate in Icy White Pearl (ZUG/LOF homologation)

For availability and pricing in your market, please speak to your regional Media Contact or contact the Polaris EMEA Press Office at press@polaris-orv.media.

If you would like to register your interest, please visit your local market Polaris website.

* Range estimates based on manufacturer data on typical customer driving usage and conditions. Actual range varies based on conditions such as external environment, weather, speed, cargo loads, rates of acceleration, vehicle maintenance, and vehicle usage.

** Warranty coverage period, terms and conditions may vary by market.

For images of all European homologations, please visit the RANGER XP Kinetic product page.

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GroundsFest arrives in style

GroundsFest arrives in style: After months of anticipation, GroundsFest 2023 lived up to the hype and celebrated a very memorable debut event with the groundscare community.

The atmosphere was electric as GroundsFest united every corner of the industry and brought together 6,511 unique visitors (excluding exhibitors) across the two days.

GroundsFest arrives in style

GroundsFest arrives in style

It was apparent among exhibitors and visitors that this new event was exactly what the industry needed.

The mix of indoor halls and outdoor areas certainly seemed to strike a chord with visitors. Inside, the vibrant show floor provided attendees with a great mix of exhibitors showcasing a wide range of products and services, while five seminar theatres offered a feast of free education. The Landscape Zone, an entire hall dedicated to those involved in the planning, design, and construction of outdoor environments in the landscaping sector, also proved to be a welcome addition.

The practical demonstrations from Grounds Training were a big hit with attendees. During the two days large groups gathered round experienced instructors to learn more about pedestrian mowers, ride-on mowers, handheld machinery, and the calibration and use of knapsack sprayers and boom sprayers. Furthermore, the instructors were on hand in a large outdoor area to show visitors how to mark out a running track and speak about the essential elements of line marking sport pitches.

In the outdoor areas hundreds of exhibitors were proudly showing off their products with many new innovations being unveiled for the first ever time ahead of the 2024 season. Not only was there plenty to see on the stands but the outdoor areas provided visitors with the perfect opportunity to see a wide range of machinery and to participate in live demonstrations.

On the evening of the first day, exhibitors and visitors came together to enjoy the festival aspect of the event. With a range of food stalls, and live entertainment headlined by a very popular Queen tribute band, it was the perfect way to conclude a very special first day at GroundsFest.

Commenting on the first ever GroundsFest, Event Director Christopher Bassett, said: “On behalf of all of us at GroundsFest we really want to extend our gratitude to all our exhibitors, partners and visitors that have showed their support for the first event. From the very start we wanted GroundsFest to be an event for everyone and to be able to establish a real sense of community. Over the two days we’ve had sunshine, we’ve had rain showers, but more importantly we’ve had collaboration, built relationships, witnessed innovation at its finest and ultimately come together to celebrate the industry and have a great time with one another.

“The positive feedback has been overwhelming but we’re certainly not resting on our laurels.

We’re already planning how we can improve the event for 2024 by listening to every single piece of feedback and by analysing both the exhibitor and visitor surveys. We’ll certainly be back with GroundsFest chapter two in September 2024 and we cannot wait to welcome you all again.”

To watch the show highlights please click here

For more information, please 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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Electricity in the air at SALTEX

Electricity in the air at SALTEX: With a power source for the future, the Groundsmaster e3200 is Toro’s first all-electric outfront rotary mower – and it debuts at SALTEX 2023 on the Reesink UK stand. It will be joined by the new Toro Workman MDX lithium utility vehicle.

Toro has led the pack when it comes to developing hybrid and electric machinery for the golf turf industry, a trend that continues in the groundscare sector with these two new and exciting all-electric launches.

Electricity in the air at SALTEX

Electricity in the air at SALTEX

With the Groundsmaster e3200, Toro has taken the rugged chassis, commercial-grade mowing deck and intuitive operator controls of the diesel-powered machine that has been popular for 50 years and made it environmentally friendly with zero-operating emissions.

Toro’s proprietary, patent-pending lithium-ion technology incorporates a smart battery management system for consistent performance and optimised lifecycle and can be configured with up to 17 HyperCell batteries for all-day runtime in all conditions.

Smart controls optimise power consumption by continuously and efficiently providing ample cutting power without slowing down and the reserve power mode allows parameters to be set to ensure enough battery power to return to the recharging station. The on-board 3.3kW charger allows for recharging overnight, ready to tackle another day.

With little engine noise work can start near residential and urban areas early without disturbance.

The battery powered version of the customer favourite Workman MDX diesel mid-sized utility vehicle, means, for the first time, there’s a utility vehicle with enough power for tougher groundscare jobs. The Workman MDX Lithium delivers the same payload, trailer towing capacity and comfort the original Workman MDX is known for – but in a new and sustainable package.

Jon Cole, turfcare divisional business manager at Reesink, says: “We’re delighted to introduce this exciting new electric technology to the groundscare market at SALTEX. Battery power is an integral part of the industry’s future, and these are two crucial launches for mowing and utility work from Toro.”

Visitors to SALTEX will also be able to see the latest offering from all four of Reesink’s divisions across two stands hosting an array of customer favourites.

There will be more productive, durable and versatile groundsmowers from Toro on stand K080 including the Groundsmaster 4000-D rotary mower and LT-F3000 flail mower, as well as the Toro Workman UTX.

From Reesink Hydro-Scapes also on stand K080 will be a selection of irrigation and water aeration solutions from Toro Irrigation and Otterbine. See first-hand the Toro Lynx Central Control alongside other featured irrigation systems, controllers, sprinklers and soil sensors, as well as the Otterbine concept 3 fractional series.

On stand A040 will be the latest sustainable technology from Reesink e-Vehicles and Agriculture. Award-winning brand STAR EV will show the Capella Work Machine with a caged body, the newest addition in the STAR line-up – the AK48-2 Long and the electric, lightweight, optional self-balancing, wide-wheeled KAASPEED scooter with shopping tray, ready to provide a fun method of transport for any multi-surface adventure.

The line-up from Reesink wouldn’t be complete without the 2021 winner of the SALTEX Innovation Award in the Environmental and Sustainability category, the industry’s first all-electric tractor, the Farmtrac FT25G, which will be showing alongside the customer favourite FT26H ROPS tractor.

Whether you’re heading to the exhibition for the latest machinery or equipment for groundscare or fine turf, sustainable technology solutions or advice, Reesink has it all on stands K080 and A040.

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Tyre-Line – Experts In Groundscare

Tyre-Line – Experts In Groundscare: Tyre-Line will again be exhibiting at this year’s SALTEX show at the NEC Birmingham, stand D090, bringing their extensive knowledge and product portfolio to the UK’s Premier Turf Management exhibition.

Aftermarket Tyres, Wheels & Specialist Services

Tyre-Line’s Aftermarket sales and support division pride themselves on their vast knowledge and extensive experience supplying the aftermarket tyre and machinery markets with tyres, wheels and associated accessories. They are able to offer services such as tread pattern conversions (Agri to Turf and vice versa), bespoke wheel and tyre fitments along with specialist patterns and fitment advice for all Groundscare, ATV/UTV, High Speed Trailer, Compact Agricultural and Construction machinery.

Tyre-Line – Experts In Groundscare

Tyre-Line – Experts In Groundscare

Being Official UK Distributor of Carlstar (formerly known as Carlisle) & ITP Tyres and Wheels gives Tyre-Line un-restricted access to one of the world’s biggest, specialist tyre suppliers for Lawn & Garden, ATV/UTV and Agriculture & Construction tyres. With a heritage of supplying many prestigious names with O.E. fitments including John Deere, Countax, Polaris, Can-Am, Toro, Cub Cadet and more, Carlstar & ITP have been at the forefront of tyre development and technology for over 100 years and Tyre-Line are proud to be Official UK Distributor and will once again be exhibiting their extensive range of Carlstar Lawn, Garden & Golf Tyres at SALTEX.

Tyre-Line will also be showcasing the revolutionary Michelin Tweel Airless Radial Tyre for UTV’s, Golf Buggies and ZTR Mowers at SALTEX. The Michelin Tweel is a single unit, replacing the existing tyre and wheel assembly with a No Maintenance, No Compromise & No Downtime tyre and wheel assembly. Michelin Tweel’s require no complex mounting equipment and once fitted require no inflation pressure maintenance. On ZTR mowers they provide a consistent hub height ensuring an even cut, excellent lateral stability on hillsides and sloped terrain along with excellent operator comfort even when navigating curbs and other bumps with unique energy transfer within the Polyresin spokes help to reduce the “bounce” associated with pneumatic tyres while providing improved handling.
The Michelin Tweel is available to order now with fitments for an expanding range of makes and models of machines directly from Tyre-Line’s Aftermarket division.

Also on display will be examples of their range of High Speed Trailer tyres and wheels. Offering a range of Radial & Crossply tyres from brands including Compass, Ovation, Laufenn, Nankang & Wanda and rim sizes from 8” – 17.5” with both UK and European fixings for many trailer brands including Ifor Williams, Brian James, Indespension, Logic, Nugent etc. A complimentary range of accessories are also available from Tyre-Line including jockey wheels, clamps, couplings, hubs and stub axles

Original Equipment Tyres & Wheels

Over the past 30 years, Tyre-Line’s Original Equipment Division have partnered with many of the industry’s biggest names in Groundscare, Trailer and ATV/UTV markets including the likes of John Deere, Kubota, Logic, Nugent & Ariens. Supplying customer specific tyre and wheel fitments from their centrally located, 50,000 sq.ft purpose built facility in Daventry, Northamptonshire, Tyre-Line have a wealth of experience, coupled with a comprehensive product range from industry leading brands allowing them to offer application specific solutions

Visit Tyre-Line Aftermarket on Stand D090 at this year’s SALTEX show at the NEC, Birmingham on 1st & 2nd November or contact the team on 01458 250350 / aftermarket@tyreline.com / www.tyreline.com

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Electricity in the air at SALTEX

Electricity in the air at SALTEX: With a power source for the future, the Groundsmaster e3200 is Toro’s first all-electric outfront rotary mower – and it debuts at SALTEX 2023 on the Reesink UK stand. It will be joined by the new Toro Workman MDX lithium utility vehicle.

Toro has led the pack when it comes to developing hybrid and electric machinery for the golf turf industry, a trend that continues in the groundscare sector with these two new and exciting all-electric launches.

Electricity in the air at SALTEX

Electricity in the air at SALTEX

With the Groundsmaster e3200, Toro has taken the rugged chassis, commercial-grade mowing deck and intuitive operator controls of the diesel-powered machine that has been popular for 50 years and made it environmentally friendly with zero-operating emissions.

Toro’s proprietary, patent-pending lithium-ion technology incorporates a smart battery management system for consistent performance and optimised lifecycle and can be configured with up to 17 HyperCell batteries for all-day runtime in all conditions.

Smart controls optimise power consumption by continuously and efficiently providing ample cutting power without slowing down and the reserve power mode allows parameters to be set to ensure enough battery power to return to the recharging station. The on-board 3.3kW charger allows for recharging overnight, ready to tackle another day.

With little engine noise work can start near residential and urban areas early without disturbance.

The battery powered version of the customer favourite Workman MDX diesel mid-sized utility vehicle, means, for the first time, there’s a utility vehicle with enough power for tougher groundscare jobs. The Workman MDX Lithium delivers the same payload, trailer towing capacity and comfort the original Workman MDX is known for – but in a new and sustainable package.

Jon Cole, turfcare divisional business manager at Reesink, says: “We’re delighted to introduce this exciting new electric technology to the groundscare market at SALTEX. Battery power is an integral part of the industry’s future, and these are two crucial launches for mowing and utility work from Toro.”

Visitors to SALTEX will also be able to see the latest offering from all four of Reesink’s divisions across two stands hosting an array of customer favourites.

There will be more productive, durable and versatile groundsmowers from Toro on stand K080 including the Groundsmaster 4000-D rotary mower and LT-F3000 flail mower, as well as the Toro Workman UTX.

From Reesink Hydro-Scapes also on stand K080 will be a selection of irrigation and water aeration solutions from Toro Irrigation and Otterbine. See first-hand the Toro Lynx Central Control alongside other featured irrigation systems, controllers, sprinklers and soil sensors, as well as the Otterbine concept 3 fractional series.

On stand A040 will be the latest sustainable technology from Reesink e-Vehicles and Agriculture. Award-winning brand STAR EV will show the Capella Work Machine with a caged body, the newest addition in the STAR line-up – the AK48-2 Long and the electric, lightweight, optional self-balancing, wide-wheeled KAASPEED scooter with shopping tray, ready to provide a fun method of transport for any multi-surface adventure.

The line-up from Reesink wouldn’t be complete without the 2021 winner of the SALTEX Innovation Award in the Environmental and Sustainability category, the industry’s first all-electric tractor, the Farmtrac FT25G, which will be showing alongside the customer favourite FT26H ROPS tractor.

Whether you’re heading to the exhibition for the latest machinery or equipment for groundscare or fine turf, sustainable technology solutions or advice, Reesink has it all on stands K080 and A040.

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