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Take on the ‘Aspen Challenge’ at GroundsFest

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Take on the ‘Aspen Challenge’ at GroundsFest: Improving the working environment of landscapers and ground professionals for over 40 years, Aspen Fuel will be returning to GroundsFest 2024 to showcase the many benefits of their 2 and 4-stroke Alkylate petrol.

Stand OSA490 is the place to find out more and also the place where brave participants can partake in the ‘Aspen Challenge’ for the chance to win some awesome Aspen prizes!

Take on the ‘Aspen Challenge’ at GroundsFest

Take on the ‘Aspen Challenge’ at GroundsFest

Aspen alkylate petrol is virtually free from sulphur, benzene and solvents making it much less harmful than regular petrol. The reduction in hazardous and toxic hydrocarbons contributes to a cleaner burn, improving not just the reliability of the engine but the immediate operator environment – freeing users from headaches and other health concerns associated with working in close proximity to petrol-powered equipment.

Standard E10 pump fuel now contains around 10% ethanol, the moisture-attracting properties of which can often be the cause of starting difficulties or engine failures in smaller equipment such as strimmers and leaf blowers. Ethanol-free Aspen 2 with its cleaner combustion leaves very little residue or carbon deposits, extending engine lifespan and retaining its original performance for longer.

The benefits for the equipment and the operator, together with a reduction in environmental impact, make Aspen a versatile and economically-viable choice for operators in all sectors looking to move towards more sustainable working practice. Those wanting to discover how Aspen can change their own working environments can also enquire about the risk-free, money-back trial which enables business owners to try Aspen without incurring any increase in their fuel cost, and the option to return the unused fuel if they don’t ‘experience the difference’.

Visitors will also have the opportunity to test their strength in the ‘Aspen Challenge’ which returns for another year – with the chance to win some fantastic prizes over the course of the two days!

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E J Churchill takes on the Polaris Ranger XP Kinetic

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E J Churchill takes on the Polaris Ranger XP Kinetic: The prestigious shooting grounds, E J Churchill, situated on the West Wycombe Estate of the Dashwood family, has recently added the Polaris Ranger XP Kinetic to its fleet of vehicles.

Built upon a century of heritage and excellence, E.J. Churchill is one of the finest gunmakers in the world. Today, they are the largest British-owned gunmaker, celebrated for crafting bespoke guns that seamlessly blend cutting-edge innovation with the timeless attributes of traditional craftsmanship, ensuring unrivalled reliability, quality, and elegance.

E J Churchill takes on the Polaris Ranger XP Kinetic

E J Churchill takes on the Polaris Ranger XP Kinetic

The 125-year-old British-owned company took on Polaris Rangers over a decade ago to help manage the most prestigious clay pigeon shooting ground in England. Spanning over 35 acres, E J Churchill needed a fleet of versatile vehicles that could be used to facilitate the general day-to-day management of all client sporting needs. Now in 2024, they have expanded this fleet to include the all-electric RANGER XP Kinetic.

Just like its combustion engine counterparts, the RANGER XP Kinetic is responsible for ensuring the shooting grounds are in tip-top condition and ready for various shoots E J Churchill hosts throughout the year. This includes restocking, servicing, and moving circa 300 promatic traps, all made easier by the Kinetic’s industry-leading instantaneous torque and impressive towing capacity.

The Ranger XP offers silent operation while at work, preserving the serenity of the shooting grounds while ensuring the groundskeepers can tend to the estate.

Rob Fenwick, Managing Director of E.J. Churchill Group Ltd, said: “For E.J. Churchill, it comes down to reliability, as our groundskeepers need a vehicle that can serve them day in and day out to keep things running smoothly. Polaris vehicles have continued to provide this to us for over 10 years.”

In addition to its role on the E J Churchills shooting grounds, the Ranger XP Kinetic has been lending a helping hand to the wider West Wycombe Estate, checking on the estate and clearing the grounds to ensure they are ready for shooting. With varying terrain across the whole estate, the Ranger XP Kinetic has proved more than capable.

James Norfolk, Head Gamekeeper, said: “It is the first electric vehicle that I have been impressed by. It’s a very agile, quiet machine that is ideal for looking after the estate. The strength of the machine with its instant acceleration is great for those more challenging tasks.

“The areas of the wider estate are open to the public, so it’s been great to be able to go about the day without disturbing the serene beauty of the grounds.”

Pushing the industry forward, the Ranger XP Kinetic is available in UK dealerships in both Premium and Ultimate trims. The Premium trim has a 14.9kWh battery offering up to a 45-mile range, whereas the Ultimate has a battery capacity of 29.8 kWh with a higher estimated range of 80 miles. Both models deliver unparalleled power and quick acceleration thanks to the 110-horsepower all-electric powertrain and 140lb-ft. of instantaneous torque. With an industry-leading towing capacity of 1,134kg and a payload capacity of 680kg, the Ranger XP Kinetic sets a new standard for off-road vehicles.

For more information on the Polaris RANGER XP Kinetic visit www.polarisbritain.com.

For further information, please contact us or call the Polaris UK Press Office on +44 (0) 1525 270 100.

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John Deere military event shines light on machinery careers

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John Deere military event shines light on machinery careers: John Deere has seen an influx of applications to its Military Hiring Programme after hosting a bespoke event for service leavers involving dealers from across the UK.

Held at the company’s UK headquarters in Langar, Nottinghamshire, the event gave armed forces personnel the chance to have detailed discussions about what the next stage of their career could look like working with one the world’s biggest machinery manufacturers.

John Deere military event shines light on machinery careers

John Deere military event shines light on machinery careers

The ground-breaking resettlement programme for military service personnel offers new career opportunities working on some of the world’s most advanced agricultural and professional groundscare products.

Members of the armed forces have been identified as ideal candidates to bring their unique skill sets and experience to technician roles within UK and Ireland dealerships as many have already worked with systems and products similar to those used by John Deere.

Those who enrol onto the programme are put into contact with an individual from the John Deere network who have resettled themselves, who will guide them through the next steps which includes free training courses before finding employment with a John Deere dealer.

“What was really successful about the day was the amount of conversation between military personnel and dealers,” says Allan Cochran, Branch Training Manager for John Deere.

“Everybody wanted to talk, everybody wanted to engage with the event, and I think everyone that was there, both military and dealers, got something out of it.”

The event drew a positive number of applications to the Military Hiring Programme, with 23 ex-servicemen now waiting for the next step to start their new career with John Deere.

The Military Hiring Programme has drawn interest from across the country, with attendees travelling from not just the surrounding Midlands, but also from as far as Cornwall and Scotland.

“To have people coming from all the country is really great to see,” says Allan. “We have dealers in all corners of the nation, and with the largest proportion of people wanting to resettle wherever they are based now, we can make that happen.”

As well as dealers and staff, attendees also had the opportunity to listen to those who had been through the Military Hiring Programme themselves and were now a part of the dealership network. Ex-servicemen Martin Frodsham, Will Foster and Mike Rogers spoke about their journey and what their career has been like since leaving the armed forces and becoming technicians.

Attendees also heard from John Deere instructors who showed them the machines that they would be working on should they apply to join John Deere, with a focus on precision agriculture and what the future looks like for agricultural technology.

The event was supported by ten John Deere dealers, including Thomas Sheriff, Cornthwaite Group, Ripon Farm Services, Ben Burgess, Tuckwells, Farol, Tallis Amos Group, Hunt Forest Group, Smallridge Bros, and Masons Kings.

Interested service members and ex-service members can apply to the Military Hiring Programme at any time online by visiting www.deere.com/JDMHP, or contact John Deere for more information.

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Navigating Unpredictable Weather and Its Impact on Lawns

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Navigating Unpredictable Weather and Its Impact on Lawns: If there’s a saying about the UK’s weather, it should be: “The only thing predictable about the weather is how unpredictable it is.” Right now, we’re experiencing a bewildering mix of sunshine, rain, and everything in between. This unpredictability makes planning outdoor activities, including gardening, quite challenging.

Despite the billions spent on weather forecasting, the reality often feels like a joke: “Rain, with showers at times, drying up to become wet later.” This sentiment resonates with millions of gardeners across the UK, who are left wondering, “Where are the droughts we were warned about?”

Navigating Unpredictable Weather and Its Impact on Lawns

Navigating Unpredictable Weather and Its Impact on Lawns

For lawn enthusiasts, especially those with native bent and fescue grasses, the current weather is less of a hassle. These grasses don’t require annual overseeding. However, for those using ryegrasses, the constant rainfall can be a real nuisance. Seeds can become too wet, get washed away, and by the time the lawn looks decent, autumn is already here. Ryegrass might be popular for sales, but it brings its own set of challenges.

So, what can lawn owners do right now to manage their lawns amidst such unpredictable weather? Surprisingly, the answer is: not much. The ever-changing weather means that a heatwave could be just around the corner, and soon enough, you might have to start watering.

At this time of year, the focus should be on protecting your lawn. The sun can cause significant damage, so maintaining healthy grass is crucial. Here are some simple yet effective tips:

1. Mow Regularly: Frequent mowing with sharp blades reduces stress on your lawn. Consider using a robotic mower that can handle daily mowing, allowing you to relax and enjoy your garden.
2. Use Organic Fertilisers: Opt for organic options like True Grass to avoid scorching and promote healthy growth.
3. Water Wisely: If watering is necessary, do it at night so the plants can absorb the moisture more effectively.
4. Enjoy Your Lawn: If you’re not enjoying your lawn by now, it might be time to rethink your approach for next year.

Remember, during extreme weather, simplicity is key. Overworking your lawn can lead to more harm than good. Keep these tips in mind, and you’ll be better prepared to handle whatever the weather throws your way. For further advice and products to keep your lawn in top shape, visit our website or contact our lawn care experts.

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Game on this summer with Polaris

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Game on this summer with Polaris: With the summer holidays fast approaching, Polaris UK is pleased to announce a limited-time promotion on its Youth line-up, offering up to almost £1,200 off on select models when purchasing from an authorised Polaris dealer. Allowing for a summer full of adventures, the new summer offer fuels family fun without breaking the bank. The limited-time offer is available until 31st August 2024.

Richard Coleby, National Sales Manager at Polaris UK said: “Getting outside and finding new adventures is always great fun, so to be able to bring the kids along on these trips over the summer holidays with their own vehicle is a fantastic way to bring up the next generation of riders. This limited-time offer is perfect for those looking to get the kids outside and away from their game consoles at an affordable price.”

Game on this summer with Polaris

Game on this summer with Polaris

Polaris Youth vehicles combine off-road fun with important safety, technology, and performance features for parents’ peace of mind.

Ranger 150 EFI

The Ranger 150 EFI is the perfect machine for those aged 10 and up to get involved with tasks this summer and beyond. Designed to grow with them, the Ranger 150 EFI offers industry-leading safety features, including Polaris’ Helmet Aware Technology, which stops the machine when the helmet beacon is out of range. Safety is enhanced further with the Ranger 150’s geofencing technology, which allows parents to set parameters and speed limiting inside and outside of those areas all from the Ride Command App.

Available in Avalanche Grey, with a 150cc electric fuel injection engine, 8” of ground clearance, and 22.7kg of storage capacity, the Ranger 150 EFI is ready for a full day of safe riding. The automatic PVT transmission, along with hydraulic brakes and adjustable seating, ensures an easy ride and ultimate safety. Additionally, it comes with two youth helmets, a safety flag, and a training DVD, all as standard.

Until 31st August, customers can save £979.80 on the purchase of a new RANGER 150 EFI, including VAT.

RZR 200 EFI

Introduced to the Polaris line-up in 2022, the RZR 200 EFI is the perfect first step into recreational UTV riding. With its vibrant design and compact build, the RZR 200 EFI offers a reliable 170cc engine, delivering just the right amount of power while ensuring a safe and controlled riding experience.

Equipped with thoughtful safety features, including a parent-adjustable speed limiter, pin-code start, Polaris’ Helmet Aware Technology, Geofencing, and industry-leading safety kit, parents can have peace of mind while young riders explore the trails.

Its sturdy construction of durable suspension and all-terrain tyres ensures confidence when travelling over various terrain types. Whether tackling trails or navigating through open fields, the RZR 200 EFI is the perfect vehicle to instil a lifelong love for adventure in the next generation of riders.

Until 31st August, customers can save £1,059.80 on the purchase of a new RANGER 150 EFI, including VAT.

OUTLAW 70 EFI / OUTLAW 110 EFI

The Outlaw platform provides reliability you can trust for the next generation thanks to its industry-leading safety features and benefits that are designed to grow with young riders. Delivering convenient and reliable single-lever disc brakes, an enclosed engine, a parent-adjustable speed limiter to fit the rider’s age and skill level, and an industry-exclusive safety kit with a Polaris youth helmet, safety tether, training DVD, and whip flag, the Outlaw gives parents that added peace of mind.

Suitable for ages six and up, the Outlaw 70 EFI features a 70cc engine with an ergonomic design that enables young riders to enjoy the machine for longer. The Outlaw 70 also comes with LED lighting for improved visibility as the evenings start to draw in later in the year.

The Outlaw is also available in a larger engine size – the Outlaw 110 EFI – to provide the next step up for the next generation. Featuring a reliable 112cc 4-stroke engine with electronic fuel injection, the Outlaw 110 EFI is aimed at riders aged 10 and up.

Until 31st August, customers can save £1,159.80 on the purchase of a new Outlaw 70 EFI, including VAT, as well as saving £1,199.80 on the purchase of a new Outlaw 110 EFI, including VAT.

Sportsman 110 EFI

The Sportsman 110 EFI is the Youth version of Polaris’ bestselling Sportsman ATV. Featuring a reliable 112cc 4-stroke engine – ideal for riders aged 10 and up – and boasting the same legendary handling as its adult equivalent. Youth-centred safety features come as standard, including a speed limiting adjuster, safety flag, daytime running lights, a safety tether, a Polaris youth helmet as well as a training DVD led by Polaris-certified trainers. The Sportsman 110 EFI is the ideal machine for kids looking for a big adventure-fuelled summer.

Until 31st August, customers can save £1,199.80 on the purchase of a new Sportsman 110 EFI, including VAT.

Phoenix 200

The Phoenix 200 is a robust 196cc engine, delivering reliable power for traversing rugged terrains with ease. Built for safety, the Phoenix is equipped with key safety features, including an adjustable speed limiter, hydraulic disc front brakes, rear drum brake, industry-exclusive safety kit, and LED lights for added visibility.

The Phoenix 200 features a spacious and ergonomic design, ensuring riders stay comfortable while riding. Additionally, convenient features such as electric start and automatic transmission make operation effortless for riders of all skill levels. Suitable for ages 14 and up, the Phoenix 200 opens up a world of possibilities for young adventurers. With its combination of performance, safety, and reliability, this ATV is ready to redefine the way young riders experience off-road fun.

Until 31st August, customers can save £1,099.80 on the purchase of a new Phoenix 200, including VAT.

Find your local Polaris dealers on the Polaris Britain website here.

For more information on this offer, please contact your local dealer. Read the full terms and conditions here.

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