Tag Archive for: New

Kubota announces new aftersales dealer managers

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Kubota announces new aftersales dealer managers: Kubota (UK) Ltd is pleased to announce that Krissi Holt and Neil Scott have been appointed as aftersales dealer managers for Kubota agricultural, groundcare and construction equipment.

These new roles follow internal promotion and expansion at Kubota, and represent additional investment in aftersales, creating further dealer support for parts supply, service knowledge and warranty within Kubota’s ongoing dealer development programme. The aftersales dealer manager role is one that adds value to the customer service experience by improving the relationship between dealer and customer.

Kubota announces new aftersales dealer managers

Kubota announces new aftersales dealer managers

Supporting the dealer network across the East and South East of England, Krissi Holt joins the business with 10 years of industry experience. Krissi’s last six years were with Lister Wilder as a service manager before progressing to a pre-delivery inspection centre as a key account manager.

“Having worked in a dealership I have a thorough understanding of the challenges that dealers face,” said Krissi. “And that past experience certainly helps in my role as an aftersales dealer manager, to support their businesses.”

“Being able to work directly for a manufacturer is the career progression I sought, and with Kubota, my new role opens up many more possibilities beyond working solely within the groundcare sector,” said Krissi.

The second new appointment is Neil Scott, who is Kubota’s aftersales dealer manager for agricultural, groundcare and construction equipment covering the Midlands, North West of England and Wales.

Neil brings with him 11 years of industry experience, having worked for two Cheshire-based dealerships – the latter as parts manager for Cheshire Farm Machinery.

“I was always interested in tractors and machinery, even at school,” recalled Neil. “And after I completed higher education at Reaseheath College, I saw opportunities to progress through the trade working with high-profile dealerships. When my Kubota aftersales dealer manager was promoted, I saw an opening to further develop my career by joining a manufacturer.”

Commenting on the new aftersales dealer manager roles, Kubota’s agricultural and groundcare sales manager Tim Yates said: “This is a great opportunity to further develop the support available for our dealers, as we continue to reach many more customers across the industries in which we operate.”

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GMA appoints two new board members

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GMA appoints two new board members: Following the Annual General Meeting for GMA members, the GMA appointed two new members to its Board of Directors – Jim Buttar, Grounds and Technical Operations Lead at the Rugby Football Union, and Phil Fifield, Head Grounds Person at Brighton & Hove Albion Football Club.

The Annual General Meeting took place on 22 November, where GMA members were invited to vote on several resolutions including two nominations for new appointments to the GMA’s Board, as well as one nomination for re-appointment.

GMA appoints two new board members

GMA appoints two new board members

The first Board position up for nomination was for Sector Director for Professional Sport, currently held by David Roberts of Training Unlimited, previously Senior Manager of Grounds at Liverpool Football Club. With David having reached the end of his 9-year tenure in the role, his position was open for new nominations where Jim Buttar was voted-in to fill the vacant position.

Jim has over 26 years’ extensive experience of hands-on management in the sports turf industry, which began as an apprentice at a private school in Cambridgeshire.

Through his journey in elite football, combining his passionate approach, leading by example and with his management ability, Jim has successfully delivered surfaces for several leagues and competitions across the world. Including the English Premier League, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, UEFA European Championship qualifiers and World Cup qualifiers, and recently the African Nations Cup.

His latest role is leading the grounds team at the RFU managing the Twickenham stadium pitch, producing high quality surfaces for international and domestic competitions. Alongside this he has the responsibility of advising on strategy for the Rugby Grounds Connected programme for volunteer grounds people.

The GMA’s Board also approved the addition of another Independent Director, Phil Fifield. Phil has worked in the grounds management sector since his first day as an apprentice at Portsmouth FC in 2005 to his present role as Head Groundsperson at Brighton and Hove Albion FC.

Throughout his time in the industry, Phil has worked in all four professional leagues as a Head Groundsman and has also worked in consultancy and advisory roles. His time in the industry has seen him visit 30 countries across 5 continents as a turf-care professional.

His passion and drive to push himself and grow in his professional role has taken Phil to positions where he has been able to provide services, offer staff training, support tournament delivery and pitch development programs for a number of iconic sporting institutions, including FIFA, UEFA, CAF and AFC for men’s, women’s and youth events.

With a belief that the key fundamentals for growth and development in the sports turf sector are education, sustainability and staff welfare, Phil hopes to lend his expertise and experience to the GMA in helping build on these three foundational pillars, helping to develop the grounds care industry, and those within it, for a better future.

Along with Jim and Phil’s additions to the Board, existing Board member, Kimyo Rickett was successfully re-elected in her position as Sector Director for Local Authorities.

Commenting on the changes to the Board, GMA CEO, Geoff Webb says:

“Our Board is essential in steering the direction of the GMA and ensuring activity aligns to our strategy, so it is vital that we have experienced and knowledgeable Directors on the Board.

“Jim and Phil fit that description perfectly – both will bring insights and perspectives to the Board that will ensure the GMA delivers what it is that our members, and the wider industry, want from us. I’m also delighted that Kimyo will be staying on as Sector Director for Local Authorities. Her experience gained from over 30 years spent working for various Local Authorities and sporting bodies will ensure that this important sector within the wider grounds management community remains central to future GMA activity.

“Finally, I want to say a huge thank you to David Roberts who leaves the Board having come to the end of this 9-year tenure as a Board member. David has supported the GMA in making significant progress during this time and we are all extremely grateful for his contribution.”

You can find out more about the GMA Board, and its members, at: https://www.thegma.org.uk/who-we-are/whos-who/meet-board

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Rain Bird’s new 11000 series rotors

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Rain Bird’s new 11000 series rotors: Rain Bird is committed to ensuring that natural and synthetic pitches as well as other sports and leisure surfaces remain healthy, playable and can be easily managed with the emphasis on water conservation.

This has resulted in a range of sports turf irrigation packages and now the new 11000 Series Rotor range brings new levels of irrigation efficiency. It is complemented by 952 Series rotors, advanced controllers and a proven management system.

Rain Bird's new 11000 series rotors

Rain Bird’s new 11000 series rotors

Building on the experience and performance of the company’s renowned tough golf course rotors, the 11000 Series addresses issues such as wind drift, water saving and the need for distribution uniformity  – all without the higher operating pressures of many other irrigation rotors. Able to cover longer distances with their full 32 metre radius, these rotors facilitate irrigation over larger areas and as such they are ideal not only for use on large pitches but can also be considered for larger commercial landscape irrigation projects.

Specifying 11000 Series Rotors can reduce the number of heads needed to irrigate a typical pitch by up to 40% compared with traditional rotor solutions. That means lower investment costs with fewer components and less piping as well as faster installation times and lower maintenance costs. The rotors cover throw radii from 21.3 to 32 metres and operating pressures typically of 5.0 bar, within the 4.1 to 6.9 bar range. 30-345º, reversing, part-circle modes are included as well as a non-reversing, 360º full-circle mode – all in a single body. With a minimally exposed surface, they protect players when competing on a pitch. There is an optional opposing nozzle for enhanced close-in watering.

To address wind drift and prevent water wastage, the rotor produces larger water droplets. This also helps to ensure maximum efficiency and uniform coverage. The Seal-A-Matic™ (SAM) check valve prevents wasteful low-head drainage. Nozzles are pre-installed and can be adjusted with a standard screwdriver.

A 1.5” ACME threaded inlet simplifies installation, with optional swing joints available for superior flow and performance. Rather than having to laboriously unscrew the top of the rotor for maintenance and adjustments, the new Snap Ring action is faster and easier. Optional features include a sod cup or rubber covers in green for synthetic turf or purple for non-potable water use.

Meanwhile, Rain Bird’s latest 952 Series Rotors complement for the 11000 Series. Suitable for pitch side installations, full 360º as well as part circle irrigation versions, adjustable from 30º, are available. These have a similar throw radius to ensure head to head coverage across a complete pitch alongside the 11000 Series.

A new self-adjusting automatic stator modifies water flow to control rotation speed and ensure consistency. Rapid Adjust technology provides easy arc adjustments with the turn of a screw. The MemoryArc® feature retains two part-circle arc settings, so users can move between full and part-circle operation in seconds. Different nozzles can be accommodated and changed quickly.

For the complete top of the range sports turf irrigation package, Rain Bird offers the ESP-LXIVM controller for flexible programming and featuring a smart Solenoid module for real time diagnostics with simplified troubleshooting. Wireless communication through a network cartridge means that the controller can be used with the IQ4 central control platform.

Users, including groundsmen and contractors, can remotely control installations from a smartphone. Irrigation programs can be managed and quickly adjusted in accordance with any training requirements whilst intelligent scheduling based on local weather forecasts will save water. Alerts and alarms covering flow monitoring and other operating conditions enable any emerging problems to be detected and addressed quickly.

For more information about Rain Bird 11000 Series Rotors, visit rainbird.com/products/11000-series. For information on sports turf packages, contact Peter Longman, Rain Bird Europe, plongman@rainbird.eu  www.rainbird.eu

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The new KIOTI K9 2410 UTV

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The new KIOTI K9 2410 UTV: KIOTI have launched the K9 2410 utility vehicle (UTV), keeping up their philosophy of continual product development. Based on the popular K9 2400, the 2410 increases operator comfort and safety. An upgraded CVT transmission produces a homologated 50 kph road speed. Whilst speed proportional electric power-steering (EPS) and an engine-brake improve handling and performance.

Customers can customise the 2410 by selecting the cabin option and colour to suit their needs. The 2410 is available with either a climate controlled factory fit cabin, a ROPS frame with door, windscreen and canopy options, or a retro fit field cabin. As standard the K9 is available in KIOTI red, with the option of green for customers requiring a more subtle colour.

The new KIOTI K9 2410 UTV

The new KIOTI K9 2410 UTV

A rubber floor mat, seat headrests and electric assisted bed tipping complete the upgrade, improving driver and passenger comfort.

The generously sized rear load area, ability to carry three people, 4WD and high ground clearance make the K9 2410 well suited to multiple jobs around estates, golf course and sports facilities.  With a 500kg capacity, the urethane lined tipping bed can carry anything from tools, to supplies and materials.

Whether opting for ROPS or cabin, the K9 2410 is equipped with a drivers seat and two passenger seats, safely carrying maintenance and keepers as they go about their work.

Off-road terrain is no problem for the K9 2410, independent wishbone suspension provides outstanding ground clearance and ride comfort. Selectable 4WD and a choice off-road tyres, general purpose or turf tyres ensure the power from the 25hp KIOTI diesel engine is transferred to the ground, without damaging delicate turf.

The  K9 2410 UTV is available from early 2024 with prices starting from £20,800 rrp. For more information visit www.kioti-uk.com or contact KIOTI UK on 01480 401512, or email sales@kioti-uk.com

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New community sport zone at SALTEX

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New community sport zone at SALTEX: New to SALTEX 2023 is the Community Sport Zone which presents a range of grass pitch maintenance machinery curated to be of specific interest to grassroots and community football, rugby union and rugby league clubs – all of which can be purchased through funding schemes.

Spokespeople from the brands will be present alongside the GMA’s Regional Pitch Advisors to guide visitors through the features and benefits of the machinery, answer questions and explain how this machinery is available to purchase thanks to the millions of pounds of funding that has been awarded via the Premier League, The FA and Government’s Football Foundation to support grassroots football, as well as for Rugby League and Rugby Union in England.

New community sport zone at SALTEX

New community sport zone at SALTEX

In the zone, located alongside the GMA Hub, will be compact tractors from Campey Turf Care and Iseki, combination grooming tools such as Quadraplay, tractor mounted slitters from Greentek Solutions, tractor mounted fertiliser spreaders, cricket mowers, and line markers from Fleet Ltd.

The GMA’s Pitch Advisory Service is made up of grass pitch experts and understands volunteer and community sport grounds staff better than anyone else. The Pitch Advisory Service works throughout the year to support sport’s National Governing Bodies in improving the quality of grass pitches across the country and at all levels of sport, with particular focus on community sport.

The machinery on display in the Community Sport Zone has been curated from Pitch Advisory Service recommendations in their grass pitch reports facilitated through the Football Foundation’s PitchPower web-based app.

Jason Booth, chief operating office at the GMA, says: “We’re always looking at new ways to bring value and valuable experiences to visitors at SALTEX, hence the introduction of the Community Sport Zone at this year’s event.

“It will showcase key machinery that will directly benefit grounds people at a recreational level and is an opportunity not to be missed for grassroots clubs needing an introduction to the machinery and the funding opportunities available.

“We are extremely proud of the work our Pitch Advisory Service does year-round to support community sport across the country in collaboration with our partners at the National Governing Bodies – the machinery on show wouldn’t be possible for community clubs to acquire if it wasn’t often funded through the Football Foundation’s Grass Pitch Maintenance Fund.

“We appreciate the National Governing Bodies’ support and look forward to introducing a new audience to the world of benefits that SALTEX can offer grounds care professionals at all levels of sport.”

There will also be a guided tour with the GMA’s Regional Pitch Advisors taking visitors around the show floor to see the exhibitors displaying more specialised equipment.

To take advantage of this unique opportunity, register now for Europe’s largest and leading sports turf, amenities, and landscaping trade exhibition at Birmingham NEC on 1-2 November 2023 at: https://bit.ly/456l0dA

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