Tag Archive for: Into

‘Mr SALTEX’ inducted into GMA Hall of Fame

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‘Mr SALTEX’ inducted into GMA Hall of Fame: The Grounds Management Association (GMA) today announces that SALTEX Operations Director, Derek Walder, also known as ‘Mr SALTEX’, will be the third inductee into its industry Hall of Fame.

This latest honour, the most significant gesture of appreciation the GMA can award, follows Derek’s Institute of Groundsmanship (IOG) Lifetime Achievement Award in 2014 and is being awarded to Derek as an acknowledgement of an illustrious career in the industry spanning more than half a century.

‘Mr SALTEX’ inducted into GMA Hall of Fame

‘Mr SALTEX’ inducted into GMA Hall of Fame

Derek’s career has seen him involved in many corners of the groundscare sector, including 26 years as the grounds manager at Wimbledon Football Club’s training site during a legendary period in the club’s history which involved working alongside the notorious group of Wimbledon players known as the ‘Crazy Gang’.

Derek first got involved in SALTEX operations in 1970 as one of many members dedicating their own time in order to ensure SALTEX was a success. His time involved in SALTEX has seen him deal with many important moments in the show’s history, like when the show moved from outdoor venues to an indoor one and, most recently, the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic and ensuring the safety of visitors at this year’s show. This year, marks his 40th delivery of the annual trade exhibition.

His induction into the GMA’s Hall of Fame means that Derek is just the third inductee, joining legendary grounds managers, the late Eddie Seaward MBE, former Head Groundsman at the All-England Lawn Tennis Club and Steve Braddock, Head of Grounds Management at the Arsenal Football Club training centre. His award represents the many crucial roles being played behind the scenes that keep the sector, and its events, running.

GMA CEO, Geoff Webb, commenting on Derek’s latest honour, says:

“Our Hall of Fame recognises outstanding contributions to the industry and Derek’s achievements go far beyond turf management by bringing together the groundscare sector successfully under one roof year on year. Derek has shown unswerving dedication to the success of SALTEX, and this award is richly deserved.”

On receiving his honour, Hall of Fame inductee, Derek Walder, says:

“There’s no ‘i’ in ‘team’; I am surrounded by a great bunch of people who consistently commit 100 per cent to the show. I’ve been delivering SALTEX for a long time, but at the end of the day we’ve got a good team and that’s what makes it a success.”

An in-depth feature on Derek, and his journey in grounds management which led to his induction into the Grounds Management Association Hall of Fame, was published in the Winter 2021 edition of the GMA’s member magazine, Grounds Management, a preview of which you can read by clicking here.

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Can-Am off-road revolution drives into LAMMA

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Can-Am off-road revolution drives into LAMMA: Focusing on power, performance and versatility, BRP is showcasing the new Can-Am Traxter HD7 and Can-Am Traxter HD9 at LAMMA 2022 in hall six stand 6.850. These SSVs highlight that Can-Am’s off-road line-up continues to prioritise the user, as they have been designed to handle the job demands of utility riders as well as the challenging conditions they face on a daily basis.

The Can-Am Traxter HD7 is a work ready vehicle that provides the user with consistent performance, no matter the terrain. With the help of the new HD7 Rotax engine, the vehicle has been optimised for off-road use and produces 37 per cent more power than the HD5 engine it has replaced.

Can-Am off-road revolution drives into LAMMA

Can-Am off-road revolution drives into LAMMA

The Can-Am Traxter HD9 offers class-leading power and low-end torque through the new Rotax HD9 engine, so travelling up the side of hills or towing and carrying cargo on the flat is now easier and more efficient.

The other vehicles on show are made up of Can-Am’s most popular models. The price competitive Can-Am Outlander 450 is built with class-leading performance, no matter the rigours of any situation put in front of it. The Can-Am Outlander 570 XU combines controlled handling, power and performance, enabling the user to travel across multiple terrains with ease and efficiently tow and carry cargo.

A selection of Can-Am Traxter SSVs, built to take on the toughest jobs quickly, easily, efficiently and safely, will also be present on the stand.

To support the vehicles, the Can-Am off-road team will be on hand to highlight its exclusive partnership with the NFU; to communicate the importance of ATV and SSV security and the benefits of Can-Am’s Digitally Encoded Security System (D.E.S.S.) Key, which restricts access to the bike’s electronic ignition system; to highlight its responsible rider programme; and promote its road legal vehicle line-up, and the exclusive finance offer run by Société Générale.

James Dalke, BRP commercial manager UK and Ireland, says, “We are excited to physically be back at LAMMA to showcase the latest additions to our growing off-road line-up to an engaged and interested audience who use ATVs and SSVs on a daily basis. Over the last two years, the line-up has continued to evolve with the help of the BRP R&D team, who have been working tirelessly to meet the constantly changing demands of the UK utility market. This is highlighted by the new Can-Am Traxter HD7 and Can-Am Traxter HD9 models and we believe that they will provide utility users with class leading performance, power and versatility, so that jobs are completed quickly, easily, efficiently and safely. In addition, we also see this show as a great platform from which to promote and highlight the importance of rider safety to visitors and as part of this we will be hosting the Farm Safety Foundation on our stand.”

For more information visit https://uk.brp.com/off-road/ https://www.lammashow.com/

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Reform Metrac H75 launched into market

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Reform Metrac H75 launched into market: The Stuart Taylor International dealership has recently supplied the first two new model, compact, hydrostatic drive, Reform Metrac H75 multi-functional tool carriers into the UK, to Cheshire based contractor Ray Britland and Lancashire based contractor Ontrack AGM.

For Stuart Taylor International, Tom Taylor said, “the new Reform H75 model is proving to be a real hit with customers for a wide range of tasks” while for Ontrack AGM, Robert Carter added “the new H75 is a superb all round machine for our business”

Reform Metrac H75 launched into market

Reform Metrac H75 launched into market

Simon Richard, UK Agent for the Reform range added, “improving a tried and tested product is always a special challenge but the new H75 model meets all end user requirements, including versatillity, efficency and both user and environmental friendliness. Hydrostatic drive with electronic control offers two speed ranges, two terrain gear reductions and foot and hand drive modes. When four-wheel steering is active, the front and rear wheels run exactly in the same line, ensuring tension-free traction on more difficult terrain. Front, rear, four wheel and crab steering as well as offset four-wheel steering can easily be switched at the push of a button. The system is completed by the electro-hydraulic spring brake with an auto hold function which allows smooth and judder-free setting off on slopes.

The 75hp Perkins common rail diesel engine delivers 300Nm torque and the newly designed all-terrain chassis delivers four wheel drive, a four wheel steering system and five steering modes. The new H75 also offers powerful working front and rear hydraulics with 1500kg lifting force and standard weight compensation and the high efficiency of the electro-hydraulic power shift PTO provides power precisely when needed.

Operator comfort is catered for with a newly designed cab which has been completely decoupled from other vehicle components. This results in a major reduction in noise level and significantly lowered vibrations. The ergonomic armrest with it’s central controls forms the basis for easy operation of the new Metrac H75. It is attached to the driver’s seat, allowing fatigue-free working on any terrain, without interference from vibrations or slopes. The multi-function joystick combines all functions for driving and for controlling attachments The focus here was on logical and intuitive operation.” For more information visit www.slopemower.co.uk

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A glimpse into the future

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A glimpse into the future: PSD Groundscare, the UK distributor for AS Motor, is delighted to offer a glimpse of several innovative, new machines from the AS Motor range including an exciting range of eco-friendly battery mowers, being introduced during 2022.

AS Motor have built an unrivalled reputation and core competence in the market of long grass and steep slopes mowing since it was founded back in 1959. The last 60 years has seen continued development in technological advancements and these new machines are no exception.

A glimpse into the future

A glimpse into the future

AS Motor announce the introduction of 2 new product lines – the AS 1000 Ovis Remote Controlled tracked flail mower and a new range of Battery electric mowers capable for cutting long grass without compromising on performance. (For further details on the new machines please see the attached).

PSD Groundscare is the exclusive UK distributor of niche specialist landscaping equipment, with an extensive range of products from market-leading names and innovative European manufacturers AS Motor, Eliet, Koppl & TS Industrie.  The business has a strong commitment to being an eco-friendly organisation and has a commitment to improve its green credentials even further. The electrification of the AS machines is in perfect keeping with this philosophy.

The Colne -based organisation already boasts an impressive record for environmental awareness and over the past year has undertaken several new measures including investing in renewable energy, reducing energy consumption and CO2 emissions and helping improve air quality locally.

PSD Managing Director Chris Gibson said:

“We’re extremely excited by the introduction of the new AS 1000 Ovis RC as it emphasizes our commitment to remain at the forefront of safely cutting grass and brush on the steepest of Slopes. The machine will be showcased at Saltex 2021 and available for sale during 2022”.

“The expansion of the range of battery powered equipment with extended run times will provide our customers and dealers with high performance professional low noise machines that produce zero emissions and lower hand arm vibration. Meaning they’re a win-win for customers, operators and the environment that we can’t wait to get demonstrating to our customers”.

FOR FURTHER DETAILED PRODUCT INFORMATION PLEASE SEE ATTACHED PRESS RELEASES. FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT SCOTT GRIEVE AT PSD GROUNDSCARE

Tel: 01282 856813 Email: scott@psdgroundscare.com

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An insight into GKB’s Distributors

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An insight into GKB’s Distributors: GKB Machines, the company behind sustainable, reliable and robust maintenance machinery for natural, synthetic and hybrid turf recently caught up with one of their loyal UK distributors, Balmers GM Ltd.

UK Operations Director, Tom Shinkins has worked for GKB since GKB Machines Ltd was founded in 2015 and a key part of his role is to work with the UK distributors throughout the year. Andrew Meeks, Commercial Sales Manager at Balmers GM Ltd has been with the company for 20 years and has fallen in love with GKB machines.

An insight into GKB's Distributors

An insight into GKB’s Distributors

Offering some insight into what it’s like to be a GKB distributor, Tom discusses with Andrew why they decided to become a distributor, what their customer experience has been like and ultimately what their favourite machine is!

What do you like about GKB Machines?

To put it simply, their build. We like the fact that these machines are built by contractors for use by like-minded people. Built robustly and to last, simple and easy to operate. The machines that we use are so reliable, we trust that they will get the job done everytime. Our ethos here at Balmers is perfectly matched with GKB’s. We want to supply our customers the best machines for use and reliability, as well as getting the support from the manufacturer which GKB offer exactly that. The question should be what do I not like about GKB Machines because then I would struggle to answer!

What do your customers like?

Our customers’ minds work like ours so, what we like, they tend to like too. They like the fact we are providing them with the best machines that they can rely on time after time.

How long have you been a dealer for?

We’ve been a dealer for nearly three years but knew about the products way before that. The way GKB keep bringing out new innovations and technologies to make their machines even better really excites us. We look forward to working with GKB for many years to come.

What is your favourite GKB Machines and why?

Now this is a difficult question! It’s almost like asking who’s your favourite child.  I love the SP100 Topdresser, it’s the machine that started our relations and outperforms the competition hands down. The GKB Combiseeder is also high on the list again for its ease of use, its simplicity and ultimately its performance and result.

Why did you become a dealer?

We became a dealer because we were looking for a mounted topdresser to supply our customer base with that fitted the John Deere ProGatorTM. We had supplied other manufacturers previously and were not happy with various things. We wanted a product with a direct line to the manufacturer rather than via the importer, simply to reduce the supply chain and improve communication. As we deal directly with the manufacturer now we’re able to provide customer feedback right to the people who built the product. On a typical wet and windy English weather day, Tom brought a demonstrator for us to try and we were blown away by its performance. The product range suited our portfolio and the rest is history.

What’s your customer experience like from GKB?

If I had to use one word it would be fantastic. Tom has been invaluable, providing a vast wealth of knowledge and support. We also spent time with the guys over in the factory in Holland, which really helped to build relationships. Ultimately for us, it’s a company and a product range that’s growing which we thrive on. They are constantly innovating without creating solutions to problems that aren’t there. For that, we thank GKB.

For more on GKB Machines and their reliable and robust range of machinery for natural, hybrid and synthetic turf and to learn more about becoming a GKB distributor, please visit www.gkbmachines.com or contact Tom Shinkins on 07495 883617.

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