Tag Archive for: Kubota

Kubota reliability keeps contractors Djuke on course

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Kubota reliability keeps contractors Djuke on course: The milestone of the ‘1000th installation’ of Hydrowick greens drainage is on the horizon for specialist sports turf contractors Djuke, and ensuring they get there is a trio of tractors from Kubota.

Djuke Managing Director Cameron McMillan is no stranger to Kubota reliability having been loyal to the brand for over 30 years, with his latest purchase of an M5-112 and L2-522 from Lister Wilder providing the dependable power to tackle every task and every terrain with ease.

Kubota reliability keeps contractors Djuke on course

Kubota reliability keeps contractors Djuke on course

Starting at the world-renowned Sunningdale Golf Club, Cameron went on to continue his course management career at Queenwood Golf Club before establishing Djuke in 2013. The contractors have gone on to become the UK’s leading specialists in Hydrowick Drainage – a patented ‘wick’ system providing the fast and effective drainage of golf greens. With more intense and prolonged periods of rainfall, Cameron explains that demand is ever-increasing meaning that reliability is pivotal to keeping the whole contracting schedule on track.

“Together with new clubs, a lot of our work is repeat custom who find that the wettest green on the course becomes the driest with Hydrowick and want to replicate that site-wide” he explains. “Our schedule is tight so we have no margin for error, and certainly no time for machinery breakdowns!”

“Kubota, for me, has always been super reliable, comfortable and capable of everything you need from a tractor.” That confidence was reaffirmed with the recent addition of the M5-112 and L2-522 in December 2024. The two new machines joined their existing L2-501, which continues to deliver exceptional performance after more than 2,500 hours of service. “Every job and every green is different so we now have machines to suit all terrain and all ground types – lightweight tractors with good pulling power for the greens, together with our new M5-112 with greater lift capacity for operating bigger equipment on fairways and sports surfaces.”

“One feature the team really like is the creeper gearbox, giving complete control over the operation of some of our bespoke and precision-based implements” he adds. “In addition the heated and air-conditioned cabs are a popular choice, keeping us comfortable in all conditions.”

With routine maintenance simple enough to conduct in-house, further servicing and support is delivered by Lister Wilder, whom Cameron has also worked alongside for more than three decades. “Everything with Lister’s is reliable and professional. You know they understand the machines inside and out which provides added peace of mind with every purchase.”

“Kubota’s brilliant build quality combined with the regular maintenance means that in over 10 years of business, we’ve never missed a job and that’s something we’re incredibly proud of.”

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Kubota LX401 pairing pull their weight at AFCB

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Kubota LX401 pairing pull their weight at AFCB: Continued investment in the facilities at AFC Bournemouth has seen the purchase of two new LX401 compact tractors from Kubota.

With a Kubota ST401 already based at the club’s Vitality Stadium, the two new additions will be shared between the existing training ground and brand-new state-of-the-art training complex – where they’ll be key to executing the year-round maintenance on the four sand-based, desso pitch constructions.

Kubota LX401 pairing pull their weight at AFCB

Kubota LX401 pairing pull their weight at AFCB

The investment off the pitch appears to be paying dividends on it with the club, nicknamed ‘The Cherries’, at the end of one of the most successful seasons in Bournemouth’s history. In charge of facilities is Head of Grounds Ian Lucas who is, currently, maintaining four sites assisted by a team of 11. In equipping the new 24-hectare training ground with its own machinery fleet, Ian explored all the options when it came to compact tractors – with Kubota proving more ‘compact’ than others…

“No groundsman wants to be putting more weight on their pitches than they need to – it’s critical to find the balance of retaining a low footprint but having enough lift capacity for all the implements we use” Ian explains. “We compared a number of options in the mid-compact arena and found that not only was the Kubota specification better, it had a slightly higher lift capacity and was half a tonne lighter. When the competition indicated it was down to build quality, I told them I’d never had a Kubota break down on me!”

“Just like our ST401 at the stadium, the new LXs are incredibly comfortable to operate and have demonstrated their capability on a range of maintenance tasks at the two training grounds including aeration and regular drag-brushing.”

With time a precious commodity for the team, and the cost of materials ever-increasing, Ian made the decision to have all three tractors equipped with GPS systems. “Initially we thought this would be useful for seeding, where it can be difficult to monitor accuracy when passing on bare sand. However, we now utilise the technology to optimise our spraying and fertiliser programmes and improve efficiency on tasks that can otherwise be quite monotonous.”

The adaptations on the tractor fleet, together with all sales, support and service, is delivered by local Kubota dealer E G Coles. “We’ve always had fantastic back up from the team at E G Coles, particularly Andy Frost who always goes out of his way to help us out when we need information or assistance.”

Ian adds, “It feels like an incredibly exciting period for AFC Bournemouth. With the three Kubota compact tractors at our disposal, we’re in a much better position to deliver surfaces not just fit for the first team, but for players of all ages and abilities across the club, putting us in great stead for the future.”

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Kubota M4073 praised for delivering power and productivity

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Kubota M4073 praised for delivering power and productivity: A Kubota M4073 has been praised by Meldrum House Golf Club, providing high capacity and productivity on turf tyres, ensuring a sensitive footprint.

Delivered alongside an L2452 with loader by HRN Tractors in August 2024, the addition of the higher horsepower model has given the team the ability to tackle larger and more specialist tasks in-house, to the benefit of both the golf course and wider estate.

Kubota M4073 praised for delivering power and productivity

Kubota M4073 praised for delivering power and productivity

Meldrum House was acquired by Apex Hotels in May 2024. As part of ongoing investment in the site, Golf Course and Grounds Manager Kenny Harper, was tasked with the replacement of the clubs tractor fleet – and he knew exactly where to turn, thanks to his longstanding relationship with local dealers HRN. “A major part of any equipment purchase for us is the back-up support we receive, and we know we have that in HRN” Kenny explains. “With that assured, we then needed to know that the machines themselves were up to task when HRN switched franchises to Kubota. They brought in demonstrator models and it wasn’t long before we decided that was spot on too.”

“Increasingly, we were finding implements were putting too much strain on the tractor, or the tractor itself didn’t have enough power or grip for some of the heavier tasks. The solution was to purchase two Kubota models – an L2452 which is a straight replacement for a similar size compact tractor we were using and the M4, which is a pretty sizeable step-up to give us greater scope and capacity.”

The M4 series from Kubota is a proven all-rounder, with an extremely spacious and comfortable cab and a reliable, efficient 4-cylinder Kubota diesel engine at its core. With 74hp, the M4073 model delivers maximum power and particularly strong rear hydraulics to provide full lifting power to suit all greenkeeping and estate management tasks.

“One feature the team and I particularly like on both tractors is the gear selection and constant speed controller which gives us pinpoint control over engine speed which is important for creeper tasks such as trenching or sandbanding.” He continues, “The pair have been pretty much non-stop since they arrived with winter aeration and renovation works and haven’t missed a beat.”

Another of the winter tasks the M4073 has taken in its stride is woodland management across the 18 parkland holes and hotel estate. Partnered with a new 8-tonne trailer, Kenny and the team now benefit from twice as much space and power than their previous set-up. “We had to hire-in equipment for large tree works and were dependent on what was available when we needed it. The Kubota and trailer now enable us to conduct the task in-house which, in itself, brings many benefits.” He concludes, “We’re yet to really find anything the M4 can’t do!”

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Kubota delivers five-star contribution

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Kubota delivers five-star contribution: Trevornick Holiday Park were recently awarded the title of ‘Holiday Park of the Year’ at the prestigious AA Caravan and Camping Awards – an accolade they attribute to a momentous ‘team effort’ across the site.

Part of that team, supporting both the maintenance and grounds operations, is a fleet of equipment from Kubota which the venue has praised for its versatility, productivity and robust reliability.

Kubota delivers five-star contribution

Kubota delivers five-star contribution

Located in Newquay and boasting picturesque views over Holywell Bay and the iconic Gull Rocks, it’s been an eventful few months for the site. Following the elation of recognition by The AA, the site fell victim to freak weather at the end of January 2025 with a mini-tornado causing extensive damage to a number of their static caravans. Thankfully, no-one was injured and the recovery is well underway, led by General Manager Adrian Tribe and Head Gardener Ross Bramhall.

Having initially worked in the hospitality side of the park, Ross made the switch to the grounds team and adopted the head role 12 years ago. “One of the first things I did was get a demonstration of some new cut and collect mowers, including the G-Series from Kubota. The superior cutting deck, build quality and ease of use of the G261 won me over straight away” he explains. “Mowing is the primary maintenance task we undertake so we quickly added a second Kubota G261 to the fleet and these two now cut every blade of grass on our site.”

“These mowers do such a good job on grass of all lengths and wet grass as well, when we are forced to cut in less-than-ideal conditions on changeover days. They’re an ideal size and have a great turning circle which we need for manoeuvring and mowing between the vans.” Ross continues, “Both of our G261’s are the low dump configuration, lifting and collecting the clippings without clogging for quick and easy disposal which helps to limit grass being walked into tents or toilet blocks and creating that picture-postcard finish.”

Alongside the two Kubota G261’s, is a B1241 compact tractor complete with tipping trailer. “This is an absolute workhorse and punches well above its weight! This tractor is used for everything – moving machinery, transporting soil and materials and collecting rubbish, hedge trimmings, branches… the list goes on. It is incredibly reliable, and the tipping trailer speeds up every job which is incredibly valuable when there’s only two of us on the grounds team” he adds.

“The most recent purchase was two new Kubota RTV 520’s, joining two larger RTV 900’s we were already using. These are the go-to for us and the maintenance team anytime we need to get people or materials around the site and, in my mind, can’t be beaten for the power and performance they give us.”

Another important part of the ‘team’ effort has been the parks relationship with local dealer Vincents, in particular, Jon Day. “Jon and his colleagues have always given us top support and advice, finding the right equipment to meet our needs and providing help with servicing and parts on the very rare occasion we’ve needed something.”

Ross concludes, “Trevornick, the company and its owners have always understood the importance of investing to support its staff and give our customers the best possible experience. To do that, we need the right machinery to achieve the five-star standards we’re looking for and with Kubota, we have the right equipment to deliver that.”

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Kubota or nothing for Watford Football Club

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Kubota or nothing for Watford Football Club: When it comes to tractors, it’s Kubota or nothing for Scott Tingley, Grounds Manager at Watford Football Club.

The club’s Kubota STW40 is proof that compact doesn’t have to mean compromise when it comes to providing the reliable power for maintenance operations at Vicarage Road, while a Kubota L2-622 delivers impressive versatility at the training ground.

Kubota or nothing for Watford Football Club

Kubota or nothing for Watford Football Club

Performance

The dependable performance of the pair is matched by a fleet of four Kubota RTV’s used across both sites.

Scott is into his 9th season at the club and oversees the home of The Hornets with a team of three, and the 27 pitches at Watford’s training ground. “On the Vicarage Road stadium pitch, it’s all about weight – we need something small and compact, with enough horsepower to lift all the various implements we use” he explains. The solution, for the last seven years, has been a Kubota STW40.

“We look after the tractor well and, in return, it looks after us. It’s small, lightweight and at 40hp can operate our seeder or aerator for example without leaving much of a footprint.” Scott continues, “All of our Kubota equipment is incredibly reliable, we’ve had no issues with this tractor at all.”

At the training ground, the delivery of an L2-622 from dealers George Browns Ltd in October 2022 is delivering even more versatility “We’re yet to find anything we can’t do with this tractor! Together with powering implements, the forks and bucket are invaluable for moving pallets around, managing deliveries or loading topdressing into our spreader. It makes every task quicker and easier.”

“The cruise control feature on the Kubota L2-622 is especially important when we’re aerating at the training ground as, by setting the speed, we get consistency across all the surfaces” he adds. “It’s also incredibly user-friendly to operate which is important to aid the training and efficiency of some of our newer and younger team members.”

RTV’s

Complementing the pair of compact tractors across the two sites are four RTV’s, including two RTV520’s installed by George Browns at the training ground in July 2023. “Here, especially, the RTV’s are the workhorses of our maintenance operation.

Whether its moving equipment from pitch to pitch or transporting clippings, they’re our go-to. At the stadium we have a Kubota RTV500 which, again, is a people and machinery mover. We also use this to tow our lighting rigs into place after a match which shaves an hour off the job.”

Scott concludes by praising the after-sales support from the Kubota dealer, “On the odd occasion we’ve needed help with our Kubota equipment, George Browns have always been brilliant. With high levels of usage and even higher expectations it’s reassuring to know we can always rely on Kubota to get the job done.”

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