Jacobsen - Turf Matters

Jacobsen™ electric fleet to prepare Le Golf National

Jacobsen™ electric fleet to prepare Le Golf National: Ransomes Jacobsen Ltd., a Textron Inc. company and the renowned manufacturer of Jacobsen™ high-quality turf maintenance equipment, is proud to announce its support of Le Golf National in Paris, the flagship facility of the French Golf Federation, as they work together to prepare this summer’s world’s stage for the biggest names in golf. This will be the first all-electric fleet of mowers to maintain an entire course in the world.

Jacobsen equipment has more than 100 years of experience producing the highest quality cut for golf, sports turf, and commercial use. To drive a more sustainable future for turf management initiatives, Jacobsen offers the same precision cut with powerful, long lithium battery life using its ELiTE series of equipment, activated by Samsung SDI technology. These fully electric units enable one to keep up with the needs of the course, and maintain a cleaner, fresher environment without hydraulics, to minimize the risk of spills or tailpipe emissions. This results in a quieter course for golfers, without the addition of harmful chemicals to the land, air and water surrounding them.

Jacobsen™ electric fleet to prepare Le Golf National

“We could not be more excited to bring this groundbreaking technology to the world,” said Simon Rainger, Vice President, Turf for Textron Specialized Vehicles. “This relationship aligns perfectly with our mission to provide superintendents and golfers with exceptional experiences, and we look forward to showcasing our commitment to creating low maintenance and greener solutions for participants and fans on the world stage.”

Jacobsen, with the addition of Pace Technology, is the answer that the world has been waiting for when it comes to golf course maintenance. The Pace Technology systems in place allow Le Golf National to know when, where and exactly what needs to be tended to on the courses at a given moment through a centralized process. Pace Technology can be accessed from any device and features real-time tracking and task management to maximize the effectiveness of your operation. Users can track and measure the power output per hole of the machines to maximize their performance and develop a bespoke picture of how they work on the course. While this is the first facility to go all electric, Ransomes Jacobsen is committed to fully electrifying golf and sports turf facilities across the globe in the years to come.

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Jacobsen® unveils fully electric mowing solution

in News, Press Release/by Juliet Liddell

Jacobsen® unveils fully electric mowing solution: In 2024, Jacobsen will become one of the first manufacturers to offer a fully electric golf course mowing service solution. With the Eclipse 2 ELiTE™ walking greens mower, ELiTE lithium outfront and AR1 ELiTE articulated rotary mower joining the already successful Eclipse 360 ELiTE and SLF1 ELiTE models.

Jacobsen has scaled up the power requirements for fairway and rough machines using tried and tested Samsung® Lithium SDI technology. By partnering this technology with Jacobsen mowers, turf professionals can cut all day on greens, tees, fairways, or roughs, while always maintaining Jacobsen’s famous quality of cut.

Jacobsen® unveils fully electric mowing solution

Extending the benefits of lithium to the entire course enables golf organizations to reduce their carbon emissions further, but there are also significant user benefits. With noise and vibration greatly decreased, a day of cutting fairways or rough will have less stress on the operator, bringing increased comfort and productivity.

To enhance the efficiency and productivity of these machines, Jacobsen has added PACE Technology™, an equipment management and geofencing system that is a screenless web-based solution. PACE can be accessed from any device and features real-time tracking and task management to maximize the effectiveness of your operation. Users can track and measure the power output per hole of the machines to maximize their performance and develop a bespoke picture of how they work on the course.

Testing these innovations and their capabilities has been a big consideration. Jacobsen, Cushman®, and PACE have collaborated with 26 courses across three continents in 2023, including Sage Valley Golf Club, South Carolina, Loch Lomond Golf Club, Scotland, and Peninsula Kingswood in Australia.

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Bathgate Golf Club invests in Jacobsen

in News, Press Release/by Val Graham

Bathgate Golf Club invests in Jacobsen: New recipients of a Jacobsen Eclipse 360 Hybrid 3WD greens mower are greenkeepers at Bathgate Golf Club.

The West Lothian club is famous for its close links to the Ryder Cup, having produced Ryder Cup captains, Eric Brown and Bernard Gallacher, and a third Ryder Cup player in Stephen Gallacher.

Bathgate Golf Club invests in Jacobsen

Head greenkeeper, Rab Burns, took delivery of the hydraulic-free ride on mower from Robert Marshall, Area Sales Manager at Scottish dealers, Fairways GM at Inchinnan.

Rab, who has been at the James Braid-designed course since 1995, said that the new arrival would bring extra precision and quality to the tees and greens.

“This is our third successive Eclipse. The others were owned for 5 years and 7 years, so this new one takes us into our 13^th year. It’s brilliant, just the best cut around and not something we would compromise. We’ve had it out already and it’s fantastic and what we expected.”

When specifying the latest Eclipse, the three-wheel drive option was vital to help the Bathgate team reach two greens that have machinery access only via a steep incline.

“With two-wheel drive, particularly in the damp or wintertime, it would be tough to get up that slope. In all it runs to about 130 metres, this just makes it effortless.”

Rab, who heads a team of four, moves to a new post at Kingsfield Golf Centre, Linlithgow next month.

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Jacobsen unveils industry first

in News, Press Release/by Juliet Liddell

Jacobsen unveils industry first: Jacobsen will unveil the SLF1 ELiTE at BTME 2023, marking a significant step forward in lithium with the industry’s first fully electric five reel mower.

One hundred per cent of the Jacobsen mowers, Cushman vehicles and E-Z-GO models will be ELiTE lithium in Hall 3, Stand 336 at the Harrogate Convention Centre, with the new SLF1 ELiTE showcasing the cutting edge of lithium power.

Jacobsen unveils industry first

Sixty million hours of ELiTE lithium use on fine turf facilities has helped create an industry defining five reel mower that makes no compromises on performance.

Users get up to seven hours of operation per charge with Jake’s leading 500 plus amp-hour Li-ion battery, which is powered by Samsung SDI lithium technology. This run time ensures no lithium mower can cover more of a golf course on a single charge.

The machine offers convenient on-board overnight charging that fits with existing universal electrical infrastructure, making it as simple as plugging it in at the end of the day ready for the next.

Practical convenience is at the forefront of the SLF1 ELiTE with virtually maintenance-free next-gen components, and the introduction of an advanced on-board and remote-ready monitoring system. With this in place, machine diagnostics can be analyzed to give you the solutions you need to keep cutting.

The control center, located on an adjustable swing out console arm, features lockable speed and Jacobsen’s trusted frequency of clip controls to guarantee a consistent and exceptional finish every time on fairways, large trim, and surround areas or terrain with undulations.

With the SLF1 ELiTE, Jake’s signature quality of cut comes with new operator benefits. Lithium power provides silent cutting with minimal vibration, which reduces operator fatigue and increases productivity.

Silence means cutting when you want to. Whether it’s early in the morning or late at night, you can mow the course whenever you need to regardless of your surroundings.

Ultimate productivity is cutting where you want. The SLF1 ELiTE was tested in wet conditions and challenging slopes to ensure the power goes where you need it. The specialized agile cutting units allow the SLF1 to cut in undulations where other machines can’t.

The hydraulic-free design rounds off a proven and powerful machine that is leading the way for lithium mowers in range and cut quality.

Jacobsen will also introduce its New ELiTE Club during the show. This exciting opportunity will enable consumers to demonstrate their environmental stewardship and join a unique community with valued added benefits for owning or purchasing ELiTE mowers.

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Jacobsen mowing double a class act

in News, Press Release/by Val Graham

Jacobsen mowing double a class act: Two new additions to the mowing fleet at Mearns Castle Golf Academy are helping head greenkeeper, Jack Glen, and his team deal with their ‘grass factory’.

Mearns Castle Golf Academy has both a nine-hole golf course and 50 covered driving range bays in Glasgow’s southside. The parkland course is both challenging and scenic, so attracts a strong membership and has very many visitors.

Jacobsen mowing double a class act

In their first delivery, Jack and his team received a super light Jacobsen SLF 530 ride on reels mower which made an immediate impact on the fairways.

“It gets all nine done in around 5 hours. It also never makes any mess because of its light footprint; so no tyre tracks or impressions, just always neat. We gave it a go on the tees and approaches using the grass boxes and it does those beautifully, too. I’m really pleased. It’s doing more than we bargained and to a higher level of presentation,” began Jack.

Next to arrive was a Jacobsen GP 400 ride on greens mower. Offering a precise cut, it has a swing our centre unit for easy maintenance and adjustment, and legendary Jake cutting units that are hugely regarded across the industry.

“I can’t fault it. It’s every bit as good as I’d hoped. It gives a super exact cut. Both machines are terrific, and I’m really pleased,” said Jack.

Jack (centre) began as a 17-year-old apprentice at the East Renfrewshire club and has worked his way through the ranks to head greenkeeper. He is joined by (l-r) Fraser Stewart, 1^st assistant, (right) Euan Mack, seasonal course and range assistant (2^nd right), Russell Aird asst greenkeeper, (2^nd left) and Peter Lafferty, asst greenkeeper (on machine).

Ends

For more info contact Val Graham on 07504 704407 or val@fairwaysgroup.ltd.uk

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Jacobsen celebrates Dmytro Klipalo’s 50 years

in News, Press Release/by Juliet Liddell

Jacobsen celebrates Dmytro Klipalo’s 50 years: Ransomes Jacobsen has marked Dmytro ‘Mick’ Klipalo’s 50 years of service at the Ipswich Turf Centre of Excellence with an event to commemorate his time at the company.

Dmytro’s family and colleagues gathered at the Ransomes and Jacobsen factory for a surprise celebration, where his outstanding service and contribution was recognised.

Jacobsen celebrates Dmytro Klipalo’s 50 years

Dmytro’s father, Peter, moved to England after the Second World War having chosen England as his new adopted home, and it was in Ipswich where he met his wife, Patricia, and had two children, Dmytro and Marika.

In August 1971, when all mower production was moved to the current site in Ipswich, Dmytro joined Ransomes as an apprentice. After completing his apprenticeship, he worked his way through the ranks to become Quality Systems Engineer before taking on his current role as Quality Manager in October 2020.

His time with Ransomes and Jacobsen has coincided with significant company landmarks such as the London 2012 Olympics and the 2018 Ryder Cup at Le Golf National and numerous successful model launches – all of which Dmytro had a hand in preparing machines for.

Speaking about Dmytro’s time at the company, Vice President of Turf Simon Rainger said: “Dmytro is part of the fabric of Ransomes Jacobsen, and we are delighted to mark his 50th year here with this celebration.

“In this industry more than most, experience is vital, and we’re lucky to have a person working with us who knows so much about the factory, the products and the processes. Dmytro’s contribution really has been invaluable to us, and it will continue to be for as long as we have him here.

“I think it’s also important to mention his impact on our workplace socially. He’s always played in our inter-department five-a-side football tournaments and coached our staff team for the annual match against the Ipswich Town Football Club ground staff. He’s always willing to get involved and give up his time, and that’s part of what makes Dmytro so popular with everyone here.”

Dmytro has worked at Ransomes Jacobsen throughout a transformative time. When he began in the early 1970s, a Ford Cortina cost £968, the Ransomes Ajax just over £14, Intel released the world’s first microprocessor, and Texas Instruments released the first ever pocket calculator.

In that time, those different technologies have been amalgamated and have led to pedestrian and ride-on mower technology taking huge steps forward with the introduction of the fully electric Jacobsen Eclipse range and several advancements in engine technology that have led to cleaner running machines.

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Second Jacobsen Eclipse for Brora GC

in News, Press Release/by Val Graham

Second Jacobsen Eclipse for Brora GC: Brora GC in Sutherland has had twelve months like no other in its 130-year history.

In common with many golf clubs, last March, it experienced the lows of the pandemic and the harsh reality of a much-reduced income. “We were flying high with consistently good visitor numbers and then it all stopped dead,” said head greenkeeper, James MacBeath.

Second Jacobsen Eclipse for Brora GC

However, what happened next took everyone by surprise.

Resourceful enterprise from within the club, saw Brora launch a local membership campaign which ended up with global interest. Golfers from across the world rallied for the club that has Tom Watson, five times Open Champion, as an honorary member. Astonishingly, membership climbed from 500 to 700, which took in over £280,000 and the online sales in the shop reeling in over £40,000.

“It was just great that our plea was heard, and we were so grateful for such instant response,” continued James MacBeath.

But more good news was to follow. In March this year, after a four year initiative, the club became the landowner of its own links. For just the small sum of £70,000, including a £20,000 grant from the Trustees of local Kilbraur Windfarm, it was able to purchase the land on which it stands, from landowners Sutherland Estates.

“It’s all transformed so quickly. We continue to operate with two furloughed staff on rotation until September, so there are just three of us making sure the visitor experience is still as worthwhile. It’s hard going but we will come through. Once the club can move beyond all restrictions, we will be in good place,” said James MacBeath.

One of the upshots of a little more financial stability and an increased membership, was to bring in some additional equipment. While decisive about the machine required, the financial ups and downs meant it was essential to secure excellent terms. James MacBeath, in conversation with his opposite number, Muir Ross, at neighbouring Golspie GC, found out that both clubs wanted a Jacobsen Eclipse 322 greens mower in the same timescales, from dealer Fairways GM at Inverness.

“Talking it through with Muir, it made sense to buy these together to benefit from economies of scale and look for the best deal long term. John Morton, Area Manager at Fairways was happy to oblige especially as it was a second Eclipse for both clubs and he knew us both well.

“Now it’s here, it’s gone straight into use with the original one, bought in 2011, still going strong. Currently we’re out every morning at 5.30am five days a week and by mid June that will be up to seven days. Quality is always the determining factor for me when I choose a machine. The units on the Eclipse still beat all others in the market. It’s got to be to the required standard every time. A clean and professional finish is essential.

“However, it says a lot for both our clubs – that they have gone above and beyond to back their greenkeeping teams with machinery investments at the appropriate time. We’ve also been well served by the team at Fairways GM and they always make an effort to attend to us quickly.”

John Morton said: “Brora and Golspie’s arrangement to buy in tandem was a useful way to do business as they are just six miles apart. It’s testimony to the Eclipse’s quality of cut that they both decided to go for the same machine again. They are not alone choosing to upgrade their Eclipses but still retaining their older ones for the fleet.”

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Le Golf National signs Jacobsen deal

in News, Press Release/by Juliet Liddell

Le Golf National signs Jacobsen deal: Outstanding service and product quality have seen one of Europe’s most prestigious golf clubs, Le Golf National, renew their Jacobsen partnership for a further five years and include an E-Z-GO fleet.

Le Golf National signs Jacobsen deal

The club has had great success with Jacobsen mowers with the Albatros course for the Ryder Cup in 2018 widely recognised by participants and spectators as one of the best the tournament has seen. That quality isn’t reserved for the Ryder Cup and is regularly seen during the Open de France which the club has hosted 27 times between 1991 and 2019.

A wide range of mowers including the new lithium-ion powered Eclipse 360 ELiTE and AR530 articulated contour rotary mower are included in a 27 strong list that also features models from the HR, TR and SLF ranges as well as GP400s. Following an audit of the machines currently used on the course from the previous leasing agreement, 39 Jacobsen and Cushman mowers and utility vehicles have been purchased by the club for continued use.

Thirty-four RXV Elite E-Z-GO golf carts that use the industry-leading ELiTE lithium-ion battery technology now shared with the Eclipse 360 ELiTE are also included and will feature the Textron Fleet Management (TFM) 10EX system.

For Ransomes Jacobsen, France’s General Manager, Laurent Proupin, Le Golf National’s commitment to Jacobsen comes not just from the signature cut or industry-leading features, but from the service they receive during tournaments and throughout the year.

“I’m very, very excited to have one of France’s major courses continuing to use the Jacobsen brand,” Laurent begins. “It’s been a considerable effort by the entire team at Ransomes Jacobsen France, and one which is a result of always, whoever the customer is, giving the best service we can. I think the support we offer during a tournament and on a day-to-day basis is as important as the quality of cut and is very valued by superintendents.

“The importance of the deals with firstly Le Golf National and then the Ryder Cup was huge because it showed that the Jacobsen brand is very strong. We can point to Le Golf National and the 2018 Ryder Cup which was played on one of the best courses the tournament has had, and that feedback has come from the players.

“And that is the importance of tournament service. We are very close to the customer, and I try to have a spirit that when there is a tournament it isn’t just a tournament for Le Golf National, it’s a tournament for Le Golf National and the Ransomes Jacobsen France team. That worked brilliantly for the Ryder Cup and many Open de France competitions, and we are already looking forward to carrying that into the Golf Amateur World Championships in 2022 as well.

“During each tournament, there are two technical staff from my team on the course, ready to step in if there is any problem. For us, that is assuring them that they will have no problem. And I think it is the main argument for using one company because you can get your mowers and golf cars serviced by the same people.

“For the other brands, several providers are necessary, but for us, all of our technical staff can work on E-Z-GO, the Textron Fleet Management GPS system, Jacobsen or Ransomes and it makes it much easier to manage for our customers.”

Commenting on the renewal of this partnership, Pascal Grizot, President of the French Golf Federation, said: “Golf National must remain the venue for major international golfing events and offer optimal maintenance conditions throughout the year for all types of public. The new high-performance training area also requires technical equipment that matches our sporting ambitions. The continuation of our partnership with Jacobsen EZGO, both in terms of equipment and human resources, allows us to remain confident in preparing for the future French Open and the World Team Championships in 2022. We share together the will to prepare excellent quality courses with the necessary support for our field teams.”

The Director of Le Golf National, Mr Philippe Pilato, detailed the main reasons for this choice: “The teams of Golf National and Ransomes-Jacobsen have built a relationship of trust over many years. Beyond the quality of the service and the machines, we were very sensitive to the knowledge and know-how that guided our collaboration.

Ransomes-Jacobsen has accompanied us through various incredible experiences. The renewal of this partnership highlights our common ambitions to offer excellence in the quality of maintenance and to ensure the durability of this excellence. ”

Ransomes Jacobsen France services many of the country’s leading golf clubs from branches in Paris, Rennes and Toulouse. The quality of the products on offer along with the customer service, has been a pivotal selling point for clubs such as the Evian Resort, the Terre Blanche Golf and Spa Resort, the Roquebrune Resort, Golf du Touquet, Blue Green Golf Course of Pléneuf-Val-André, Golf du Prieuré and many others

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Fairways GM brings Jacobsen GP400 to Pitlochry GC

in News, Press Release/by Val Graham

Fairways GM brings Jacobsen GP400 to Pitlochry GC: A busy course manager to two golf courses in the central Highlands has raised over £9,000 in his spare time for Scotland’s Charity Air Ambulance Service.

Almost a year ago, a helicopter rescued Stuart Griffiths after an on-course accident left him trapped for nearly two hours under a machine. Emergency surgery and thirteen nights in hospital followed, with Stuart happily making a full recovery and back to work in October.

Fairways GM brings Jacobsen GP400 to Pitlochry GC

Stuart’s day job is split across two glorious Perthshire courses, eight miles apart. Pitlochry GC has 18 dramatic and scenic holes plus a tricky six-hole Pitch & Putt course while near neighbour, Blair Atholl GC has nine holes, also with stunning backdrops of the Cairngorms’ National Park. Both courses are owned by Pitlochry contractors, RW Bell Electrical, which in the last five years has successfully harnessed positive community momentum and a resurgence of visitors from near and far, to win some prestigious tourism accolades.

“I joined Blair Atholl in 2010 as head greenkeeper. In 2015, when Stephen Carruthers, owner of Pitlochry, decided to merge the two, he asked me to manage them together, which frankly, took a lot of heat off me, as I was caring for a nine-hole course with a large expenditure,” explained Stuart.

“So, I became course manager of both; the first couple of seasons took a little bit of sorting, in respect of taking staff and machinery between two places, but soon we were in a better routine than before. We are very lucky. Blair Atholl had a decent set of machinery prior to Pitlochry taking over, so actually, there is very little machinery swapping, only say, when we are spraying or top dressing.

“Staff wise, we work it out, essentially, everyone’s at both. We’re a team of five – full timers Billy Hoggins, Douglas Black, Sean Menzies, and Rob Coughlan, plus our long standing volunteer mechanic, and cutter of rough, Frank Brennan. Traditionally, there’s a big weekly Wednesday competition for visitors at Pitlochry, so on Wednesdays after set up, we all come to Blair Atholl.

To boost their fleet, in April, Stuart purchased a Jacobsen GP400 ride on greens mower, exclusively for Pitlochry’s greens. Mike Lindsay, Area Sales Manager, from local dealer, Fairways GM at Kinross, was on hand to provide sales support and demonstration know how.

“It’s May, there’s snow on the hills and we’ve been out cutting with it twice,” laughed Stuart. “That sorts of says it all for the season so far, but we’re extremely positive and excited for warmer temperatures. Feedback from the team on the GP400 is very good. The overall cutting experience is great. Technology-wise, it is a big step up from what we’ve had; it’s got great design, is precise and clean and we’ll be able to cut the greens so much quicker.”

Fairways GM’s, Mike Lindsay, said: “It’s such an all-rounder when you’re against time and got greens to prepare. The swing-out centre cutting unit allows easy access for changing height of cut and routine inspection. For access, there’s a neat step behind the front wheel and for visibility, the angle of the curved steering arm gives the best view of the right-hand cutting unit. Also a steering arm clamp, lets your arm take up a really comfy position. It’s a machine that makes life easier.”

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Le Golf National signs Jacobsen deal

in News, Press Release/by Juliet Liddell

Le Golf National signs Jacobsen deal: Outstanding service and product quality have seen one of Europe’s most prestigious golf clubs, Le Golf National, renew their Jacobsen partnership for a further five years and include an E-Z-GO fleet.

The club has had great success with Jacobsen mowers with the Albatros course for the Ryder Cup in 2018 widely recognised by participants and spectators as one of the best the tournament has seen. That quality isn’t reserved for the Ryder Cup and is regularly seen during the Open de France which the club has hosted 27 times between 1991 and 2019.