Tag Archive for: Machines

Hampden Park chooses Toro lithium machines

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Hampden Park chooses Toro lithium machines: Electric mowing has arrived at Hampden Park, Scotland’s national stadium, bringing everything Stephen Bache, Head Groundsman, could want from the next generation of turfcare technology.

It was a case of when not if this new way of mowing would arrive at Scotland’s national stadium in Glasgow, and as a long-term Toro machinery and irrigation customer, it’s no surprise the brand trusted to deliver the cutting-edge technology is Toro.

Reducing emissions is a key part of almost all sustainability strategies and with the industry being encouraged to unite in a bid to reduce environmental impact, choosing battery-powered or hybrid machines is one small but significant step now that can result in a huge impact later.

The Toro Greensmaster eTriFlex 3370 lithium-ion battery powered ride-on greensmower is the quietest mower there is and there are no emissions, pollution, or hydraulic leaks. Stephen says: “We want to provide the best possible surface for our players in the most sustainable way, but also, we are keen to play our part in the collective effort to make a credible contribution to the sustainable future for the next generations of football players and fans.

“This latest machinery order sees us continue doing that as we welcome battery powered mowers to our stadium for the first time and that is quite a milestone, but to us it was simply the next logical step and I hope we pave the way for others by demonstrating the capabilities and benefits electric mowing brings to responsible pitch management.”

Despite its new status at the stadium, the benefits are already being widely noticed says Stephen: “Toro quality is second to none. I’ve relied on it for 20 years. I know with Toro we’re going to get everything done right, meet the UEFA standards and conform to the rules reliably, first time around. So, I expected the quality of the cut from the eTriFlex to be outstanding and it is, but what’s stands out is just how convenient this method of mowing is.

“We’re an urban site southside of Glasgow with flats and houses neighbouring the stadium. Residents have been known to complain about mowing noise. The quietness of the eTriFlex almost takes you by surprise, a bit like an electric car when you don’t hear it coming up behind you, you genuinely can’t believe how quiet it is.”

Continuing with the benefits of noiseless mowing, Stephen can confirm how much easier it makes time management on match days: “There’s no rush with filming, interviews and broadcaster set up now, they can take as long as they need, and we work around them if needs be.”

Next up, Stephen can alleviate infrastructure concerns: “It wasn’t a problem for us and unless you’re buying a fleet of them, I can’t imagine it would be for anyone else. They use a standard socket and charge overnight, it’s very straightforward.”

The eTriFlex 3370 is part of a wider order from Toro distributor Reesink Scotland that includes electric utility vehicles, pedestrian mowers, a sprayer and the ProStripe known for its famous sports pitch striping effect.

With Stephen’s term in post at Hampden Park stretching back to 2002, he’s overseen many changes to the famous turf and now he’s presiding over a new era of new technology and mowing practises, and one that will undoubtedly leave a lasting legacy.

To make a start on the journey towards reduced emissions, visit Reesink Turfcare at reesinkturfcare.co.uk.

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Toro’s most popular machines now available

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Toro’s most popular machines now available: Reesink Turfcare, UK distributor of Toro fine turf machinery, is letting customers know that the vast majority – 95 percent – of its popular Toro models are now in stock and available for immediate delivery, with that figure set to reach 100 percent very soon.

Jon Cole, Divisional Business Manager, Reesink Turfcare, says: “We want to thank our customers for their patience and understanding through this post-pandemic period of lingering supply issues and the extended lead times the industry has endured. We appreciate and very much share the frustration this may have caused and value their loyalty to the brand which saw them prepared to wait.

Toro’s most popular machines now available

Toro’s most popular machines now available

“The good news is the wait is over and lead times on machines are tumbling. While extended lead times remain on a very small number of products, through careful planning we are in a position where we can mitigate the effect of these lead times on our customers. We have been working tirelessly through our extensive back orders and are now in a position where we have very nearly caught up. This has left us in the fortunate position of having 95 percent of our most popular machines back in stock and ready for dispatch.”

Examples of some of the most popular machines now available include but are not limited to the Toro Greensmaster TriFlex 3420 hybrid and all-electric eTriflex 3370 greensmowers, the lightweight Reelmaster 3575-D fairway mower and the ever-popular Reelmaster 3100-D Sidewinder. There are also entire ranges of equipment now in stock including all pedestrian greensmowers, all Groundsmaster models – from the 3500 all the way up to the Groundsmaster 4700, and the full Toro Workman range.

Jon concludes: “We are just waiting on a few remaining lines to have a complete line up meaning the wait is well and truly over. With the extended lead times there has been a huge amount of business booked for 2025, which again we are extremely thankful for. With this in mind and to continue with the good news, we are able to offer a range of finance options to suit the customers budget and buying cycle, giving customers the tools to either bring their deliveries forward or take advantage of the available stock to get the machines and fleet deals they want quickly.”

More machines mean that demo fleets across the country are expanding and there is now a wide range of machines available for customers to access and test onsite prior to purchase. Customers can contact their local Reesink representative or dealer to find out more, arrange an onsite demonstrations and place orders.

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STIHL to showcase new machines at SALTEX

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STIHL to showcase new machines at SALTEX: STIHL will present a range of new products at this year’s SALTEX, Europe’s premier grounds management show, between 30th – 31st October 2024. 

Taking place at the NEC, Birmingham, they will be showcasing brand new battery-powered tools in the AP System range, including the BGA 250, STIHL’s most powerful handheld leaf blower, the KMA 200 R, STIHL’s most powerful KombiMotor, the TSA 300, STIHL’s first battery-powered 12” cut-off machine and the SHA 140, STIHL’s first battery-powered vacuum shredder designed for professionals.

STIHL to showcase new machines at SALTEX

STIHL to showcase new machines at SALTEX

The BGA 250 is the latest battery-powered leaf blower from STIHL. Weighing only 2.7kg, this leaf blower is lighter than the BGA 86 and boasts a significantly higher blowing force of 26 Newtons. This makes it the most powerful handheld leaf blower from STIHL, with the same blowing force on the maximum setting as the BR 430 petrol backpack blower. Due to the location of the battery on the BGA 250, it has great balance and the variable speed trigger makes it perfect for leaf clearing jobs that require high power. Thanks to constant power output technology, the blowing performance remains consistent throughout use and does not decrease as the battery discharges. Whether you use it at 100% charge or 20%, you’ll get full power until the battery has completely run out of energy.

Also on show at SALTEX is the KMA 200 R, the latest KombiMotor offering from STIHL which has a higher power output than the KM 131 petrol KombiEngine. This new addition to the AP System offers professional landscapers unrivalled performance and versatility. What’s more, the KMA 200 R can be used with a wide-range of KombiTools for taking on landscaping tasks, including brushcutter, pole pruner, sweeper brush, leaf blower, lawn edging and hedge trimmer attachments.

After many years of development, STIHL is excited to present its latest professional tool for hardscaping, construction and pipework, the TSA 300 12” cut-off machine. This model has been developed with precision in mind and features a variable speed control for achieving a significantly narrower cutting kerf in comparison to its petrol equivalent, the TS 410. This results in greater efficiency and a more accurate cut. The TSA 300 rivals the TS 410 for power and has other benefits such as being lighter, more compact and having less vibrations.

Finally, STIHL will be presenting the SHA 140, its first battery-powered vacuum shredder in the AP System. Designed for professionals, this vacuum shredder is the most powerful in its lineup and has a robust build, as well as 15% more suction power than the petrol SH 86, making it ideal for the leaf clearing season ahead.

Visitors to the STIHL stand will get the chance to see these new tools up close, observe live demonstrations, and speak with STIHL experts for advice and guidance on all STIHL machines.

For more information, please visit www.stihl.co.uk.

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SPIN Turf Machinery distributor for Graden® turf machines

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SPIN Turf Machinery distributor for Graden® turf machines: The Dutch company SPIN Turf Machinery is the new importer of the Australian made Graden® turf machines for the UK, Ireland, and continental Europe.

The company also produces the Spin-Rake, a range of rake-machines, ideal for removing thatch and weeds.

SPIN Turf Machinery distributor for Graden® turf machines

SPIN Turf Machinery distributor for Graden® turf machines

The advantage of the Spin-Rake is that its tines rotate, sothat they evenly disperse and mulch the debris, leaving a pristine turf surface without stripes.

As the removed thatch and weeds are easily processed by mower blades, there is no extra clean-up work.

The Spin-Rake ranges from small models behind bunkermachines for golf, till the 6m wide foldable models, ideal for large areas.

This summer, prestigious turffarmers supplied the turf for several UEFA footballfields in Germany, using the Spin-Rake for the grass blades to stand up before cutting.

The Spin-Rake can also be connected to the front of the tractor, with a mower or a sweeper at the rear, for realizing the perfect cut or collection.  All in one single pass.

Now the Spin-Rake is being introduced in the British Isles.

Distributors are welcome to apply for all areas except Northern Ireland.

Contact: SPIN Turf Machinery  info@spinturfmachinery.com           +31-610752307            www.spinturfmachinery.com

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It’s ‘Sandfiller Season’ says GKB Machines

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It’s ‘Sandfiller Season’ says GKB Machines: Careful management of organic matter levels is critical to optimising both the health and play characteristics of golf greens.

When it comes to managing these thatch layers, there is no universal tool or technique that will suit every course, however methods and machines are now at our disposal that are far less disruptive and can incorporate additional operations such as simultaneous sand injection which helps to bring surfaces back into play even quicker. One such machine is the Sandfiller from GKB.

It’s ‘Sandfiller Season’ says GKB Machines

It’s ‘Sandfiller Season’ says GKB Machines

The GKB Sandfiller scarifies the surface down to depths of up to 40mm, removing organic matter and creating channels which are simultaneously filled with sand or a combination of sand and seed – maximising efficiency and improving drainage and ground firmness in one pass. The unit features a 400L hopper to collect the removed material, leaving a clean and tidy finish and allowing the surface to be back in play almost instantly.

One venue who employed the services of a contractor last September to conduct the Sandfiller operation is Wenvoe Castle Golf Club. Head Greenkeeper Lucy Sellick explains, “The wetter winters, combined with a smaller than normal greenkeeping team, meant we were looking for a fast and effective solution to removing organic matter and firming up the greens. The contractor began on a Thursday morning, and by Friday lunchtime all 19 greens were back in play – with organic matter removed, backfilled with 22 tons of kiln-dried sand and just one team member brushing in the remaining surface sand. Any concerns we had about how the Sandfiller would handle our Mackenzie style slopes and undulations were also unfounded.”

“Now in February, our organic matter readings have reduced, and the greens are definitely firmer. Despite all the rainfall, we’ve managed to get a triple on the greens which just wouldn’t have been possible before.” She concludes, “We had the Sandfiller in during spring renovations back in 2023 to carry out scarification work only, and have it booked in again this September where it’ll play an important role in our pre-winter renovations and organic matter management once again.”

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