Tag Archive for: In

Play your part in cutting carbon

/in , , /by

Play your part in cutting carbon: Here Anthony Nadalin, director of marketing at The Toro Company, explores how Paris is leading the way in the decarbonisation of a major European city and the role outdoor power equipment can have in helping local municipalities achieve this.

France is one of the nation’s leading the effort to decarbonise and improve city air quality for residents, commuters and tourists.

Play your part in cutting carbon

Play your part in cutting carbon

Currently, 12 urban areas in France – including in and around Paris – have implemented a low-emission zone, known as an m-EPZ. These initial zones are just the beginning, as an additional 31 towns and cities are set to implement similar schemes by 2025. Along with cutting carbon, low-emission zones have been implemented to improve urban air quality for those who reside or work within them.

As France’s capital city, you would expect Paris to be at the forefront of these measures. In fact, the French capital adopted its first climate action plan in 2007 and is currently implementing the third, covering 2020 – 2030. By 2050, the city aims to have achieved a 100% reduction in local emissions and an 80% reduction in its total carbon footprint, compared to 2004 levels.

At present, the focus of all of its low-emission zones is motor vehicles powered by fossil fuels. In practice, this means that only vehicles powered by modern, efficient petrol and diesel engines are permitted to enter a zone. By 2030, Paris will only allow battery and hydrogen-powered vehicles to enter the city and the surrounding areas.

However, for Paris to successfully reach its goal of reducing local carbon emissions by 100%, it will require outdoor power equipment – used by local municipalities and businesses – to transition from petrol to more sustainable alternatives such as battery.

Challenge and opportunity

This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for organisations using such equipment. The opportunity to get ahead of the curve by adopting all-electric machinery now. For commercial businesses, it demonstrates their commitment to sustainability, while also giving them first mover advantage. However, the challenge for municipal authorities and landscaping or groundskeeping professionals is whether they can transition to all-electric machinery without sacrificing productivity and increasing their costs.

Therefore, it is no surprise that many companies are turning to battery-powered outdoor power equipment manufacturers, such as Toro to find the right solution for them.

Leading the charge

Toro is leading the charge to help the people of Paris and beyond make the switch to cordless outdoor power equipment. Toro’s approach is based on three pillars: performance, ease of use and affordability.

A fundamental principle is that the all-electric versions must meet or exceed the performance of the petrol and diesel equivalents. This is why Toro’s Revolution Series products are commercial-grade equipment designed for professional use. For example, Toro’s proprietary HyperCell® battery system was developed to deliver all-day run times, helping meet the demands of various industries without hindering power or performance.

Ease of use means that all-electric machinery must be easy to operate with stress-free maintenance. It helps that Toro’s Revolution Series is built on the proven Grandstand® and Z Master® chassis and TURBO FORCE® platforms, meaning they’re familiar to contractors and service engineers.

Furthermore, Toro Total Care offers groundskeeping professionals 24/7 support while features such as integrated charging systems and software offer a more user-friendly experience.

There remains a lively debate around the cost of cordless equipment, but we believe we are winning the argument. For a long time, equipment rental companies have focused on the total cost of ownership rather than the ticket price. Calculating the lifetime costs of a piece of equipment – capital cost, fuel, service and maintenance, and end-of-life disposal – provides a much more accurate picture than how much it costs to buy.

For some time now we have seen increasing numbers of grounds care and gardening professionals start to view equipment in the same way – and in this light, cordless machinery represents greater value for money. Easy to maintain and cost-effective to run, it can also cut the total cost of ownership and contribute to greater business profitability.

To help companies understand the financial benefits of battery power, Toro has created a TCO calculator, enabling contractors and municipal authorities to calculate their operational return on investment.

Play your part

Paris is driving urban decarbonisation in France, with many other towns and cities following suit. By 2030, municipalities and landscaping or grounds care contractors will be driving into the Paris low-emission zone in electric or hydrogen vehicles. Surely it would look deeply incongruous and send the wrong message if these vehicles were carrying diesel or petrol-powered equipment?

Furthermore, as residents get used to cleaner and quieter vehicles, they will expect the same from the outdoor power equipment used to maintain their parks and open spaces.

Joining the transition to battery-powered OPE will play a huge role in achieving decarbonisation targets for businesses looking to join cities like Paris in transitioning to a cleaner, quieter and electrified future.

To find out more about how Toro is leading the charge, or to access its TCO calculator and begin investing in battery-powered equipment, visit: https://sites.toro.com/leadthecharge/index.html.

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.

Kubota Celebrates 50 Years in Europe

/in , /by

Kubota Celebrates 50 Years in Europe: Kubota marked a significant milestone of 50 years in Europe, by hosting an exclusive event themed “It’s All About People.” at PortAventura in Spain.

The event welcomed over 900 attendees, including dealers, distributors, partners, international media and employees, showcasing Kubota’s status as a leading manufacturer in Agriculture, Groundcare, and Construction equipment.

Kubota Celebrates 50 Years in Europe

Kubota Celebrates 50 Years in Europe

The event offered a chance for celebration, networking and insights into Kubota’s future. Attendees were introduced to exciting new additions to Kubota’s expanding portfolio, including the launch of the M7004 tractor and a limited-edition anniversary model, of which only 50 units will be produced. A unique “1 of 1” edition was also unveiled signed by Jean Alesi, the special guest of the evening, who drew fascinating parallels between Formula 1 and Kubota’s success, highlighting the contributions of the people behind it.

From a Groundcare perspective, Kubota unveiled an upcoming 44hp Front Centre Collect machine, contributing to the rapid growth in this sector. Additionally, building on the success of the EK1 series across Europe, a hydrostatic version is set to increase the entry-level compact tractor range.

The event also highlighted Kubota’s commitment to future technologies, such as automation and connectivity. Attendees witnessed live demonstrations of the KFAST, a self-propelled sprayer developed for autonomous spraying solutions in orchards and vineyards alongside a M7 and a L1 Series tractor, equipped with an autonomous kit from AGC (Agreenculture), designed to address industry challenges such as labour shortages.

The evening concluded with dynamic entertainment at the PortAventura Park, featuring light shows, live music, and a variety of activities, making it a fitting celebration of Kubota’s legacy and future in Europe.

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.

The first dedicated vacuum in STIHL’s AP System

/in , /by

The first dedicated vacuum in STIHL’s AP System: Designed for professional landscapers and grounds maintenance teams, the SHA 140 vacuum shredder is the most powerful in the STIHL lineup, offering 15% improved suction power compared to the petrol SH 86. Ideal for the autumn and winter months, the SHA 140 makes light work of collecting and shredding leaves and green material. 

The variable speed trigger provides the operator full control to match the power output to the task at hand, whether that’s working around delicate flower beds, or utilising the boost mode to collect damp leaves. The reinforced suction tube can be used to loosen stubborn leaves, ensuring nothing is left behind.

The first dedicated vacuum in STIHL’s AP System

The first dedicated vacuum in STIHL’s AP System

The wide positioning of the rubberised handles ensures comfortable handling and excellent maneuovrability, allowing the user to work quickly with minimal fatigue or arm strain. Perfect balance has also been acheived thanks to the central location of the battery between the handles. Like many battery-powered tools, the SHA 140 is lightweight and quiet in operation, eliminating the requirement for hearing protection.

Featuring an adjustable shoulder strap, the 55l collection bag sits comfortably at the operators side without impairing movement. The robust metal buckle openings are able to withstand the toughest working conditions, while the large opening leads to quick and complete emptying with minimal effort.  Ventilation openings can be used to deliver constant suction power, regardless of the fill level or the degree of dust and dirt in the bag.

Easy transport and storage have also been factored into the design, with fast and tool free removal of the catcher bag and suction tube to make dismantling the tool effortless.

With the recommended AP 300 S battery, the SHA 140 has a long working time of up to 60 minutes. For more information on STIHL’s range of AP System tools, please visit www.stihl.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.

Fleet from Toro brings boost in productivity

/in , /by

Fleet from Toro brings boost in productivity: Forres Golf Club in Moray, Scotland has gone all-in on Toro with a small fleet to optimise operations and do more with its experienced team of four. 

Before committing to a five-year hire purchase deal with Reesink Turfcare which allows the club to upgrade its machines regularly, Forres was using mowers from two different brands with mixed results across its 18-hole course.

Fleet from Toro brings boost in productivity

Fleet from Toro brings boost in productivity

Now, with the Toro Reelmaster 5010-H, two Greensmaster TriFlex 3400 and Workman MDX, Head Greenkeeper Ross Macleod is seeing improvements in productivity and operations and receiving compliments from members noticing the difference.

One of the reasons for the increase in productivity is how fast and convenient it is to change the cutting units in the Greensmaster TriFlex says Ross: “With the TriFlex, we can easily swap the cutting units without tools, quickly switching from greens to tees units to mow the different areas of the course. Previously, we were experiencing cutting inconsistencies due to using different machines and having to fine-tune the height of cut every time which led to excessive time wasting.

“Since using Toro, we’ve been far more productive. We can consistently mow multiple times without having to adjust the units. The set-up efficiency means we have finally freed up time because the team is spending less time in the sheds setting up the machines and has more time to be outside improving the course. We’re now getting round to doing all those small jobs that always seemed to be delayed, such as tidying up the bunkers and pathways.”

Ross has been at Forres for 29 years and as he and the team undertake a new rough management programme, he’s been particularly happy with the fuel efficiency provided by the Toro Reelmaster 5010-H.

He says: “Before we purchased the Reelmaster 5010-H, we used to cut the grass wall to wall, mowing all the roughs and fairways every week. Now, we are simply thinning out the roughs, allowing for the growth of wildflowers which enables us to cut less often and save manpower, man hours and fuel, which is just better in every way. The fact that the machine is a hybrid brings even more fuel-savings and its quality of cut really is outstanding.”

“All in all, we’re very happy with our new Toro machines,” Ross concludes. “They are elevating the quality of mowing, are incredibly comfortable to use, don’t require much maintenance and are helping us do much more with the same small team. What’s even better is it’s not just us noticing, the members have noticed the difference Toro has brought across the course, too.”

Discover how Toro’s technology could benefit your course by calling distributor Reesink Turfcare at 01480 226800, emailing info@reesinkturfcare.co.uk or visiting 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.

Good GKB deliveries come in three’s

/in , /by

Good GKB deliveries come in three’s: A trio of GKB Machines have been installed at SCHLOSS Roxburghe Championship Golf Course, as part of major ongoing investment into the club and wider estate.

After being delivered by dealer Thomas Sherriff & Co in the summer of 2024, the SP100, SPM300 and GKB Combiseeder were put straight to task by Golf Course Manager Ross Ovens, as he and his team of 13 completed autumn renovations on greens, tees and approaches.

Good GKB deliveries come in three’s

Good GKB deliveries come in three’s

The Roxburghe is nestled in the heart of the Scottish Borders and is consistently ranked within the Top 10 Inland Courses in Scotland. Designed by the internationally renowned golf course architect Dave Thomas, the Par-72 parkland course and wider complex was sold in 2018 – with the new owners investing heavily in the on-site hotel, spa, lodges and golf course. “The property has changed massively, meaning we needed to invest in our greenkeeping equipment to produce the quality needed” comments Ross.

“In speaking with Dougie Archibald at Thomas Sherriff’s and GKB’s Tom Shinkins we really liked the fact that GKB is a family-owned business, and this feeds down into the level of care and detail put into their robust range of equipment.” Part of the fleet package, and replacing existing topdressers, was an SP100 and SPM300 from the GKB Sandspreader range. “These two machines work hand in hand brilliantly, giving us the versatility to dress greens as well as using the larger machine on the fairways. The SPM300 with material handler we’ve found particularly useful for topping up bunkers or loading material into the SP100 quickly and easily.”

He continues, “Our SP100 is mounted onto our John Deere Gator, and we have retrofitted this with a GPS system which has dramatically improved the accuracy and efficiency of topdressing operations. It gives us both the spread and quality we are looking for.”

Also delivered was a CS160. “With fewer chemicals available, and a desire to improve our sustainability credentials, it is more important than ever that we have a good overseeding programme in place. We didn’t have a seeder previously, so we demonstrated various models and opted for the GKB Combiseeder because – as a dimple seeder – we found it gave us better germination. This will be pivotal in our programme moving forwards as we try to introduce better cultivars into our surfaces, making us more resistant to disease and thereby lowering our reliance on chemicals.”

“The trio have recently played a big part in our autumn renovation works. We put down a good application and even distribution of sand, followed by overseeding as we pursue the ongoing improvement of our sward on the high wear areas of the course.” Ross concludes, “We’ve been delighted with the results we’ve achieved and the support we’ve had from Tom and from Thomas Sherriff’s before, during and after the purchase process.”

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.