Tag Archive for: Jacobsen

Jacobsen GP400 transforms mowing routine

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Jacobsen GP400 transforms mowing routine: Fairways GM, the exclusive dealer of Jacobsen in Scotland, has supplied Aberfoyle Golf Club with a reconditioned Jacobsen GP400 greens mower, marking a new era of mowing for the club.

The long-serving two-person greenkeeping team will now be able to dramatically cut daily mowing time while maintaining the precise standard of cut they pride themselves on.

Jacobsen GP400 transforms mowing routine

Jacobsen GP400 transforms mowing routine

Greenkeepers Alan More and Dougie Steele, at the club for 30 and 28 years respectively, have long favoured Jacobsen mowers for their reliability and quality of finish.

Alan said:
“We’ve always used a Jacobsen greens mower because it gives a precise cut. We want the ‘Jake signature cut.’ We’ve mainly cut by hand in the past, but we know the GP400 can match that standard, so we feel confident going into next season. The machine is in the shed ready for spring when the grass starts to go again and the conditions are right.”

Until now, the pair hand-cut the greens four days a week — a routine that required six hours of combined effort each time. Under the new plan, three of those days will be taken over by the GP400, with only one day still hand-cut to maintain their preferred finish. This new approach gives the team back more than ten hours every week, a significant boost during the busiest months.

“That extra time makes a huge difference,” Alan said. “Summer days are so busy, so gaining those hours means we can stay ahead, tackle more jobs, and keep the course to the standard our members expect.”

Aberfoyle Golf Club sits at the foot of the Menteith Hills on the edge of Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park, with views stretching from Ben Lomond to Stirling Castle. The course is short but rewarding, known for its variety and character, and offers a scenic experience for its 200 members and many summer visitors.

Mike Lindsay, Area Sales Manager at Fairways GM, provided sales support and induction. Training.

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Tobermory Golf Club invests in new Jacobsen equipment

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Tobermory Golf Club invests in new Jacobsen equipment:  An island golf club with just 70 members has made a major investment to safeguard the condition of its much-loved nine-hole course. Tobermory Golf Club, a longstanding community hub on Mull, has purchased a new Jacobsen PGM 22 pedestrian greens mower and a caddy trailer to help its small volunteer-led team manage the steep hilltop layout.

The machines were sourced through Jacobsen’s Scottish dealer, Fairways GM at Inchinnan.

Tobermory Golf Club invests in new Jacobsen equipment

Tobermory Golf Club invests in new Jacobsen equipment

The investment comes as Greens Convener John Wilshire approaches a remarkable milestone — next May marks 50 years of working association with the club. Now semi-retired and working around 15 hours a week, he coordinates a small multi-skilled team who each contribute part-time hours to course upkeep.

“Our course sits on a hilltop and drains incredibly quickly, even after really heavy rain,” John Wilshire said. “Now we’re in mid-November, we’re cutting maybe twice a week at most, but in summer the workload is much higher.”

Multiple jobs are a way of life in Tobermory, and the greens team reflects that.

“Most of our greens mowing is done by one of our team who is also the local baker,” he added. “He’s in the bakery from 4.30am to 8.30am, then comes up to cut the greens. In summer that can be four or five times a week; at this time of year it’s about twice as the growth tails off.”

The PGM 22 will be used exclusively on the greens and supported by the club’s existing tees mower. The older greens mower remains as a backup, while a 20-year-old Jacobsen is still used after sanding to protect newer kit from abrasive conditions.

Fairways GM’s Area Sales Manager, Stuart Cameron demonstrated and delivered the new PGM 22 and caddy trailer, ensuring the team were confident with the setup ahead of next season.

The Jacobsen combination is expected to make day-to-day work on the slopes much easier when the 2026 cutting season begins.

“The new trailer makes it much simpler for anyone cutting the greens to load and unload the mower,” said John Wilshire. “Our previous trailer was higher and far less convenient — this one is like a little caddy.”

When the club later needed help, Service Manager Stewart Mulholland stepped in without delay.

“Service Manager Stewart Mulholland came over to the island to assist us,” John Wilshire said. “He cleared up a bit of confusion with the bottom blade and took us through the correct procedures.”

Still serving as Greens Convener, Club President and clubhouse caretaker, John has now stepped back from full-time duties. “I used to look after the whole course myself, but after reaching retirement age I now just do bits and pieces.”

Tobermory Golf Club continues to welcome members, visitors and golfers from around the world, drawn by its dramatic views over the Sound of Mull and its friendly welcome.

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Kirkcaldy GC’s Jacobsen duo

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Kirkcaldy GC’s  Jacobsen duo: Kirkcaldy Golf Club’s greenkeeping team have seen an instant lift in course presentation thanks to the arrival of two Jacobsen machines — an LF570 fairway mower and an AR522 rotary mower.

Head Greenkeeper Callum White, who joined the Fife club in April 2024 from nearby Charleton GC, says the pair have already changed daily routines for himself, deputy Mark Hood and trainee Finn Wallace.

Kirkcaldy GC’s Jacobsen duo

Kirkcaldy GC’s Jacobsen duo

“We’ve had them since April, just as the warm weather arrived,” says Callum. “They’ve slotted into our programme perfectly, and the improvement to presentation was immediate.”

Securing reliable mowing equipment was one of Callum’s first priorities on taking up the post. Familiar with Jacobsen’s reputation for quality of cut, he turned to Fairways GM Area Sales Manager, Mike Lindsay, who was able to highlight two refurbished models about to land. The club committee quickly approved the deal.

One of Callum’s main aims was to raise the standard of the rough — both in quality and appearance.

“The Jake cut is very precise and much healthier for the grass than what we had been using. I also really wanted to show definition across the course and have the ability to stripe,” he explains.

Deputy Course Manager Mark Hood has taken ownership of the AR522, which has proven indispensable. “On our steeper holes — notably the 1st and 17th, which play straight up and down — that 4WD is essential. Without it, you simply wouldn’t get up there.”

It now takes Mark around three days to cut the rough each week at 39 mm. “It’s so much faster than what we used before, and it keeps the finish more uniform. Our golfers really appreciate the upgrade as it speeds up play.”

Callum manages the fairways himself with the LF570, delivering a healthier, more precise cut. Fairways are also cut weekly at 12 mm, taking around 1.5 days to complete.

“We haven’t had much rain in four weeks, so they’ve dried out, but once they get moisture they really bounce back — and the machine shows that improvement immediately.”

The reaction from members has been overwhelmingly positive.

“Everyone is really pleased with the progress we’re making. The close, crisp finish gives better playability and really enhances presentation.”

Kirkcaldy is a fine example of a classic parkland course — and it has a special place in golfing history as the final course designed by Old Tom Morris.

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Jacobsen AR 522 helps Taynuilt keep grounds match-ready

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Jacobsen AR 522 helps Taynuilt keep grounds match-ready: Taynuilt Sports Council in Argyll has bought a Jacobsen AR 522 rotary mower from Fairways GM to maintain the village’s large grass sports pitch.

As a charitable organisation, the Sports Council is committed to providing recreational facilities for the local community and the wider public through Taynuilt Sports Hub. The pitch is in use year-round for shinty, football, cricket, juvenile rugby, and hockey.

Jacobsen AR 522 helps Taynuilt keep grounds match-ready

Jacobsen AR 522 helps Taynuilt keep grounds match-ready

Ross Dunsmore, current Chair of Taynuilt Sports Council, said:

“Our previous machinery had reached the end of its life. We sought advice on the best replacement, then made successful funding applications to three sources: The Carraig Ghael Community Wind Farm Benefit Fund; The National Lottery Community Fund and Taynuilt Community Council. We’re incredibly grateful to all three for making this possible.

“We had heard good reports about Jacobsen equipment and Fairways GM.  At first, Stuart Cameron, Area Manager,  at Fairways didn’t have an AR 522 in stock. But two weeks later, he contacted us to say a unit was coming in from one of Scotland’s best known clubs, which could be refurbished and delivered with a three-month warranty.

“We took delivery in April, and it has definitely helped us produce a better pitch—we are delighted with the quality. In addition, the AR522 is better suited to the sometimes-wetter conditions we get here for cutting the pitch. The machine also deals with the excess grass on top well, leaving a good playing surface.

“On the service side, Fairways lead service engineer, Stuart Mulholland helped us resolve a small issue early on, and between the two Stuarts we’ve had exemplary support.”

The Jacobsen AR 522 is a five-gang wide-area rotary mower equipped with SureTrac™ four-wheel drive traction, weight transfer control, and TrimTek™ cutting decks, enabling it to manage uneven ground and slopes with ease as well as the flat.”

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Ransomes Jacobsen set to impress at SALTEX

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Ransomes Jacobsen set to impress at SALTEX: Ransomes Jacobsen is set to impress at the 2024 SALTEX show with their innovative mowers, the Eclipse 360 ELiTE and the MT503.

The Eclipse 360 ELiTE, designed for operational efficiency and industry-leading quality of cut, features zero battery maintenance and no hydraulic oil, reducing downtime and environmental impact. Its 250 Ah (12.2 kWh) battery pack allows for extended operation, while precision cutting height (1.6 to 11.1 mm) and 1.6-meter cutting width make it ideal for large areas. The Early Adopter’s Program boasts an industry-leading 5-year warranty when a mower is purchased and warranty registered before December 31, 2024, underscoring Ransomes Jacobsen’s confidence in the durability and reliability of the product.

Ransomes Jacobsen set to impress at SALTEX

Ransomes Jacobsen set to impress at SALTEX

The MT503 is built for robust performance with a Stage V 49.6 HP engine. This triple flail mower features a smart operator platform and on-board diagnostics to enhance productivity. It offers cut heights of 20-65 mm and cutting widths of 2.15 m, with three independent flail heads, making it a powerful tool for turf care. Stop by stand F140 for an exclusive show-special on the MT503.

Whether you seek efficiency with the Eclipse 360 ELiTE or power with the MT503, Ransomes Jacobsen has you covered. Visit their stand at SALTEX to learn more.

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