Tag Archive for: Light

John Deere to unveil light utility Gator GS models at BTME

/in , , /by

John Deere to unveil light utility Gator GS models at BTME: Greenkeepers visiting John Deere’s BTME stand in Harrogate in January will be among the first in Europe to see the new Gator GS utility vehicles. 

Built to meet the growing need for a work vehicle which sits between a golf cart and a go-anywhere, all-terrain machine, the Gator GS allows British and Irish greenkeepers to get carry out lighter duties around the course quickly and efficiently without sacrificing on durability and reliability.

John Deere to unveil light utility Gator GS models at BTME

John Deere to unveil light utility Gator GS models at BTME

“Whether it’s course setup, hand watering, hauling mower trailers, or just moving from hole to hole, the Gator GS allows greenkeepers to get those jobs done on time and efficiently,” says Chris Meacock, Golf and Turf Division Sales Manager at John Deere.

The new GS is available now in petrol or electric derivatives, both of which are designed to complete jobs without disruption to the neighbours or early morning golf groups.

The powerful, yet quiet,  14hp petrol electronic fuel injected engine incorporates a unique engine and body design that incorporates baffling and sound deadening materials for quiet operation.

Customers choosing the 48V GS Electric Gator will have an AC drive motor and controller system that helps maintain torque during even the toughest of situations, with eight Trojan T-105 batteries providing the power needed to complete the day’s work.

Both machines have a top speed of 17.5mph to enable greenkeepers to get more done in less time.

Operation is simple with a pedal start and infinite speed selection that doesn’t require shifting thanks to a continuously variable transmission drivetrain.

Measuring just 49.3 inches across, the body design allows for transport through tight areas while avoiding turf damage on the edges of cart paths.

Cargo space has been optimised for tools and materials, with 371 litres of space and a 363kg cargo box weight capacity. The Gator GS has an easy-to-access and effortless cargo box latch to make it easy to unlock, tilt, and quickly unload materials.

The Gator GS is ready to tow with a standard factory installed 50.8 mm rear receiver hitch and a 544.3 kg towing capacity.

Built with operator comfort in mind there are high-back bucket seats, two standard USB ports, low-effort steering system design, and multiple storage compartments for gloves, small hand tools and mobile devices.

“The John Deere Gator is one the most versatile vehicles that a golf course manager and their team can use, and the GS and GS Electric adds to that versatility with its size and manoeuvrability,” says Chris.

The Gator GS and GS Electronic will be on show at BTME from 20 to 22 January at Harrogate Convention Centre, and can be ordered through dealers now.

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

Vintage machinery memories to light up Newark Showground

/in , /by

Vintage machinery memories to light up Newark Showground: Rare exhibits and landmark anniversaries will take centre stage at this weekend’s Newark Vintage Tractor & Heritage Show. 

Event organisers the Newark & Notts Agricultural Society (NNAS) is calling on enthusiasts and families to book their last-minute tickets ahead of what promises to be one of the standout heritage events of the year.

Vintage machinery memories to light up Newark Showground

Vintage machinery memories to light up Newark Showground

Over 1,000 pieces of machinery are being shown by enthusiasts to a crowd exceeding 10,000 people.

Alongside the diverse array of tractors, commercial vehicles, and stationary engines will be a whole host of trade stands and food stalls.

Vehicles, implements, and parts will be sold off as part of Saturday’s auction, and a Sunday Sortout will give owners the opportunity to buy and sell parts which are too good to scrap.

Remembrance Day will also be marked with a traditional service on Sunday morning.

A show full of celebrations

This year’s show is packed with milestone celebrations, from Caterpillar’s 100th anniversary to 80 years of the Fordson Major E27N and the Field Marshall Series One.

It’s also 60 years of Cummins engines and six decades since the first imports of Zetor equipment into the UK.

The show will reflect on one of the most defining moments in tractor industry history: the 40th anniversary of Case’s takeover of International Harvester.

Philip Ponton, who worked for International Harvester at the time and later continued his career with Case IH, says the significance of the change cannot be overstated.

“The main feeling at the time of the takeover was shock. It was a buyout with worldwide consequences,” he said. “Our immediate thoughts were about what was going to happen to the Doncaster factory where the International Harvesters were made. It was eventually divested as part of the takeover to Landini, which went on to produce McCormick tractors there.”

He expects many former IH and Case staff and supporters to gather at Newark. “There are lots of people involved in the Case IH Club who will be coming down to Newark this weekend and I expect there will be some good stories about the history of the company. There will be no shortage of machines for people to see on the stand too.”

Eye-catching commercial vehicles on show will include a rare Ford D Series Chinese Six, marking 60 years since its launch.

Believed to be the only original surviving example of its type in the UK, the 1980 twin-steer lorry belongs to Hertfordshire enthusiast Brian Gardner.

Originally used by Tetley Brewery in Hull, the lorry had passed through several owners and was in poor condition when Brian acquired it in 2017. Rather than settle for patch repairs, he and his family stripped it down to the chassis and rebuilt it piece by piece.

“It had been partly done, but I wanted a full restoration,” says Brian. “I stripped it right back to the chassis, rebuilt the engine, replaced the body, brakes and tyres, and fitted a new cab that I sourced from Dorset. My boys, my wife and my father-in-law all helped. It’s really been a family restoration.”

The result is a striking and authentic survivor that will appear on the Fordson Club stand and is expected to be one of the talking points of the weekend.

The NNAS says the show’s appeal lies not only in the machines but in the community and stories behind them.

CEO Simon Eccleston said: “If you want to experience mechanical history up close and hear first-hand stories from those who lived it, Newark is the place to be this weekend.”

Gates open both days at Newark Showground. Children aged 16 and under enter free. Tickets sales are online at www.newarkvintagetractorshow.com

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.

GroundsFest Academy Shines a Light on Irrigation

/in , /by

GroundsFest Academy Shines a Light on Irrigation: The latest free GroundsFest Academy event once again proved a huge success, this time focusing on Irrigation Maintenance in partnership with Origin Amenity Solutions (OAS).

Held at the impressive Throws Farm Research and Technology Centre in Great Dunmow, Essex – the heart of OAS’s research and development activity – attendees were treated to a day packed with hands-on learning, expert demonstrations, and practical advice. The facility, which boasts trial areas, greenhouses, and advanced turf analysis equipment, provided the perfect backdrop for a day dedicated to improving irrigation knowledge and techniques across the turf and amenity sectors.

GroundsFest Academy Shines a Light on Irrigation

GroundsFest Academy Shines a Light on Irrigation

The CPD-accredited event guided participants through the fundamentals of irrigation systems, installation best practices, troubleshooting, and the latest innovations in irrigation technology. Sessions were designed to be practical and interactive, allowing attendees to get hands-on experience and take away knowledge that could be directly applied at their own sites.

Peter Robin from Origin Amenity Solutions, who led several sessions, said: “My purpose today was to help people understand how to make their irrigation systems better. A lot of sites have old systems that aren’t performing as they should, leading to issues like dry patch and poor turf uniformity. With a better understanding of hydraulics, people can make small tweaks that make a big difference.”

The event attracted a wide range of attendees from across the UK — from schools and sports clubs to golf courses and local authorities — all eager to build their knowledge and share experiences.

Christian Bath, Grounds and Gardens Supervisor at Haileybury School, attended to build confidence in maintaining both new and ageing irrigation systems: “We’ve recently had a new system put in alongside an old one that’s not working so well. Today really helped me understand the troubleshooting side — how to identify problems at the source and resolve them without unnecessary disruption. These events are so valuable because they encourage networking and show that others are facing the same challenges.”

For Joshua Weir, Greenkeeper at Llantrisant & Pontyclun Golf Club, the accessibility of the

GroundsFest Academy stood out: “Being free opens it up to a much wider audience because not every club or individual can afford to travel or pay for events. I’ve got a book full of notes and once I explain how well the day went, I’m sure my boss will send me to more Academy events.”

The sentiment was echoed by Esteve Sanchez, Groundsperson at Fulham Football Club:

“Right now, at Fulham FC we have are having a massive extension of irrigation, and so it is good to enhance our irrigation knowledge. I think this is a brilliant initiative from GroundsFest – these Academy events help bring the industry together and build knowledge on several different topics.”

John Hall from Hertfordshire Bowls agreed: “Today was a fantastic learning curve. We’ve gained a much better understanding of the systems we use and how to eliminate problems. Networking with others has been educational in itself – it can even help you save money by understanding how to do things better.”

Reflecting on another successful event, Bradley Tennant, Director of Education at the GroundsFest Academy, said: “We’ve had a really good mix of people attend today, from football and golf clubs to bowls clubs and landscaping companies. It’s fantastic to see the diversity in the industry and the enthusiasm to keep learning. It’s been another brilliant day for the GroundsFest Academy – and we’ve got an exciting 12 months ahead, so watch this space!”

With each event continuing to attract strong numbers and positive feedback, the GroundsFest Academy is firmly establishing itself as one of the most valuable free learning resources in the grounds care and landscaping sectors — giving professionals and volunteers at every level the chance to expand their skills, share knowledge, and strengthen the future of the industry.

For more information, please visit www.groundsfestacademy.com

You can also follow GroundsFest on X, Facebook and Instagram @GroundsFestAcademy for much more news, reviews and insightful views

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.

Arborist 130 makes light work of woodland maintenance

/in , /by

Arborist 130 makes light work of woodland maintenance: It’s well documented that time is a precious commodity for every greenkeeping team. At Bungay & Waveney Valley Golf Club it’s no different, with woodland maintenance one of the biggest pulls on Tony Moore and his team during the autumn and winter months.

That all changed however with the delivery of their GreenMech Arborist 130 woodchipper in November 2024, which has not only slashed the time it takes to thin-out and raise lower branches, it’s also significantly reduced the amount of traffic moving around the course.

Arborist 130 makes light work of woodland maintenance

Arborist 130 makes light work of woodland maintenance

Affectionately named the ‘Hidden Jewel of Suffolk’, the course is nestled in the picturesque Waveney Valley and is lined with a mixture of mature oak, birch and pine trees which need attention in the winter months to improve airflow and ensure good lines of sight. “Some years we’ll do more work than others, but either way, any tree work ties up multiple people who end up killing time while someone runs backwards and forwards with branches in a trailer” explains Head Greenkeeper Tony.

“I got in touch with GreenMech’s Neal Hussey who coordinated with our local dealer TNS to bring us a couple of chippers in on demonstration. We were really impressed with the capacity of the Arborist 130, the fact that it’s very easy to use and, importantly, the price.”

Delivered in November, the Arborist 130 was put straight to work. He continues, “Neal came back to get the team trained up on how to use the chipper, but it’s pretty foolproof so we were up and running with it really quickly. With the chipper, we now have less hands on the job and are having to make significantly fewer trips with the trailer which reduces our fuel consumption and is better for the course when the ground conditions are softer.”

The Arborist 130 is an ideal fit for golf courses, landscapers and contractors looking for a low-maintenance, high-output 6” machine. Equipped with a number of GreenMech’s unique features including a wide infeed chute, no-stress in-feed system and disc-blade chipping technology, the chipper is a robust, capable addition to any machinery fleet.

“We can get the machine exactly where we need it which means we can achieve more in less time, and free up labour for other tasks around the course. It’s been a gamechanger for us” he concludes.

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.

Birkdale’s new light grey urban slatted panel

/in , /by

Birkdale’s new light grey urban slatted panel: Birkdale, the UK’s leading fencing and gate accessories manufacturer, has added a new colour to its DuraPost® URBAN Slatted Composite Panel range. Developed in response to customer demand – the new Light Grey Panel offers a contemporary fencing solution that mimics the appearance of timber without any of the maintenance requirements.

Already available in Natural, Charcoal and Brown, the new Light Grey DuraPost® URBAN Slatted Panel consists of six composite boards and two horizontal u-shaped rails at the top and base of the panel. The boards are manufactured using 60 to 70% recycled materials including a combination of HDPE (high-density polyethylene) and rice husks – a natural bi-product from the rice industry. This stable material will not warp or degrade over time, unlike timber, and it does not need to be painted or treated.

Furthermore, the panels have been tested to EN 1794-1-2018 and, to maximise longevity, the rails are made from galvanised steel – a strong, light and highly durable material – which is then nano-coated and powder coated for ultimate weather protection. As a result, Birkdale can guarantee its DuraPost® URBAN Slatted Panels for up to 15 years.

What’s more, the versatile panels can be used either horizontally or vertically. When paired with DuraPost® steel fence posts, a striking and contemporary solution can be achieved that will continue to look good long after traditional timber and concrete fencing systems have degraded.

John Abernethie, CEO at Birkdale, commented: “We are delighted to expand our stylish DuraPost® URBAN Slatted Panel range to provide even greater design flexibility. We highly value customer feedback and are always looking to improve and evolve our fencing range to ensure that we offer everything required to build a long-lasting and aesthetically pleasing fencing solution.”

To learn more about the URBAN Slatted Panel and the wider DuraPost® range, please visit: www.birkdalesales.com.

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.