Tag Archive for: Performance

ICL central to performance at Hogs Head

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ICL central to performance at Hogs Head: David Daly, Golf Course Superintendent at Hogs Head Golf Club in Ireland, has long relied on a wide range of ICL products, from the initial grow-in to now helping him maintain the award-winning 18-hole course to a consistently high level.

David started in the role when it was formerly known as Skellig Bay Golf Club. That was before the club was bought by current owners Bryan Marsal and Tony Alvarez II. What came next was an incredible transformation which has since seen the course voted “Ireland’s Best Course” and “Best New International Course” by Golf.com.

ICL central to performance at Hogs Head

ICL central to performance at Hogs Head

Designed by the highly regarded Robert Trent Jones Jr., David was heavily involved in the plans and the grow-in period which took place from 2016 to mid-2017. Utilising the experience he gained in his previous roles at Waterville Golf Links and Killeen Castle, and by working closely with Keith Boland from Goldcrop, David thoroughly researched the best products to use for the grow-in.

The products he selected were predominantly from ICL, and they have continued to be central to his yearly turf management plan ever since.

It is safe to say that Vitalnova Stressbuster, which he uses to pre-condition the turf against stress, is one of his most favoured products.

“I like the instant impact the product provides,” he said. “Especially the immediate natural green colour response. The simplicity of use, the ‘fully-loaded’ liquid formulation (the product contains a wetting agent, biostimulants, amino acids, macro nutrients, micro nutrients and iron) and that it is so tank-mixable.”

David mixes Stressbuster with H2Pro TriSmart, PGRs and seaweeds before he applies it monthly from March through to September for best results.

At the start of each year David works with his team to create a yearly turf management plan, and although the weather on the south west coast of Ireland means the plan often has to adapt, ICL products are a common feature regardless.

In 2020 there was 2,000mm of rainfall, but David also has to contend with long periods of drought. It is for these reasons that David needs a proven water management product, and he chooses to use H2Pro TriSmart which he says, “ticks all the boxes.”

TriSmart’s unique triple-active formulation provides great control over moisture management. Containing three water management technologies, it provides effective water penetration, even water spread through the rootzone and improves the water holding capacity of sandy rootzones. David applies TriSmart monthly to his tees and greens at 10L/ha.

When it comes to feeding, he relies on Sierrablen 28-5-5 – a granular fertilizer which provides sufficient nutrition for the entire main growing season in just a single application.

“It is the Rolls Royce of granular controlled release fertilisers,” he said. “The controlled release formulation of this product is key, especially with so much rainfall throughout the year.”

David uses Sierrablen on his fairways and green surrounds, and because he has a short season, starting in May, Sierrablen’s longevity of 5-6 months gives him a certain peace of mind.

Aside from the spectacular golf course, Hogs Head Golf Club also boasts a stunning clubhouse and accommodations consisting of a luxurious lodge and multiple golf cottages. Around the clubhouse and accommodations, David uses Gronamic, an organo-mineral fertiliser which he says has “transformed the areas.”

Please contact ICL on 01473 237100 or visit www.icl-sf.co.uk or www.icl-sf.ie if you are in Ireland.

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Electric performance from Ariens Zenith E

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Electric performance from Ariens Zenith E: Ariens have introduced their first commercial, all-electric zero-turn mower for the UK market. The Zenith E is powered by a FusionCore lithium-ion battery system, an exclusive technology developed by Ariens. It is designed to provide the operator with a continuous cutting time of up to 5.5 hours on a full charge, and coverage of up to 62,726 sq/m (15.5 acres).

The Zenith E is built upon the fully commercial Ariens ‘Zenith’ platform, well known for its strength, durability and cutting performance. Combined with next-generation battery technology, the Zenith E is a formidable competitor to conventional commercial petrol and diesel zero-turns. It is one of the first battery-powered commercial zero-turn mowers developed by an outdoor power equipment company.

Electric performance from Ariens Zenith E

Electric performance from Ariens Zenith E

The Zenith E has all the power and performance of its petrol counterparts without the noise, vibration and exhaust. Coupled with the increased productivity of a zero-turn, it is perfect for commercial operators looking to capitalise on the growing number of ‘green’ contracts. Fully electric, the Zenith E’s FusionCore lithium-ion 56v DC battery system has four interchangeable, easily removable, sealed for life batteries, each with a 4kWh capacity. Operators can work with minimum interruption by swapping depleted batteries with fully charged ones in seconds.

Where a mix of charge levels is detected in the four batteries, the patent-pending management system prioritises how the Zenith E balances power. It will only draw from the full batteries until they reach the same level as those with less charge. Once all four are at the same charge level, the machine will draw power from them equally, thus ensuring consistent power and cutting performance throughout. The system is IP65 rated, sealed from moisture, dust and debris and is safe to use in wet conditions. Batteries can be charged in 12 hours with a standard charger or in just 5.3 hours using an optional quick charger.

The Zenith E features patent-pending spindle technology. This system is designed to protect the spindle motors from damage in the event the blade strikes a hard object, such as a manhole cover or large rock. The two proprietary hub and wheel electric motors work with a dual reduction planetary gearbox to produce an exceptional level of torque, providing the operator with the same feel and driving experience of a petrol zero-turn.

There are two configurations for the 152cm (60”) deck: side discharge and rear discharge. Both are fabricated from highly durable, 10-gauge steel. The Zenith E boasts 15 cutting positions, easily selected with a vertical pin drop and foot-operated deck lift system. The high-back, full suspension seat with padded armrests offers all-day operator comfort. The frame is an industry-leading design with large formed tubular steel chassis for durability.

The Rollover Protection System (ROPS) is fitted as standard. A range of optional accessories is available including LED lights, beacon light, mulch kit, rapid charger and an off-board charger. The Zenith E comes with a 5-year/1500 hour warranty with no hour limit on the first two years and a 3-year warranty for the batteries. For further information, please e-mail zenithe@ariensco.com , call 01844 277035 or visit the website ariens-uk.com 

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GreenMech’s EVO delivers big performance

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GreenMech’s EVO delivers big performance: Reflecting the growth in the company and scope of the projects undertaken, Maidstone-based Day Tree Fellers have just purchased their 4th GreenMech woodchipper – going from the pedestrian CS100 unit up to the mighty 45hp EVO 165D-45LE unit in the space of just six years!

Delivering powerful, yet surprisingly quiet, performance the EVO 165D-45LE hasn’t missed a beat since Owner Les Day took delivery of the unit in December 2020.

GreenMech’s EVO delivers big performance

GreenMech’s EVO delivers big performance

Les, along with one of his sons, started Day Tree Fellers in 2015 before another two sons came on board to complete the current line-up. “When we first started out, we looked at a couple of different chipper manufacturers and were instantly impressed by GreenMech’s willingness to help and their general service level” explains Les. “At the time we went for the 4” CS100 pedestrian unit, and quickly followed that up with two turntable QuadChip 160’s.”

As the nature of their work evolved to span both domestic and commercial projects, it became evident that they needed even more productivity and the ability to process even larger timber. “What the EVO 165D-45LE lacks by way of a turntable, it more than makes up for in other areas! It works so quickly offering fantastic throughput rates but I particularly like that you can manually slow the feed rollers down to process any particularly large diameter timbers. The higher horsepower Kubota diesel engine handles this with ease and will hopefully give us years of reliable service.”

“Along with the No-Stress control system, another thing that’s impressed me is how quiet this machine is which is excellent, particularly for work in domestic areas.” As standard, the entire EVO range features an all-steel bonnet and additional fan to help reduce overall sound power and sound pressure. This, combined with GreenMech’s disc-blade chipping system, means the EVO is one of the quietest chipper collections available.

“It’s also been great that the experience we’ve had with GreenMech and their dealer network throughout the latest purchase was just as good as we enjoyed all those years ago – the factory were even able to accommodate fitting my machine with a bespoke folding output chute to suit my available storage. Nothing is too much trouble and it’s that level of service, and the reliable performance, that keeps me coming back every time.”

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EVO 165D delivers powerful performance

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EVO 165D delivers powerful performance: An EVO 165D from GreenMech has become the dominant machine on the arb fleet of Swansea-based Rooted Tree & Landscapes.

Owner Craig Mylan has been a loyal user of GreenMech woodchippers since he started the company in 2008 with the EVO becoming his fourth machine, and it’s the most powerful yet – transforming the way they carry out both commercial and domestic tree works.

EVO 165D delivers powerful performance

EVO 165D delivers powerful performance

“I first saw the EVO 165 at its launch at the 2019 Arb Show and the first thing that really hit me, or didn’t hit me more to the point, was the noise! We have a duty to our customers and our operators to look at things like reducing noise and this machine demonstrates real progress” explains Craig who heads up a team of six. “There are so many new developments on this machine – simple things like the foldable chute which makes storage of the unit that much easier.”

From a performance perspective, the re-designed flywheel and large infeed chute have resulted in labour and time savings when it comes to processing large volumes of woody waste. “The more powerful pull-through means we can feed in material without having to sned it down first. It then chips whatever we feed in quickly and efficiently before throwing it out again cleanly. It is without doubt the most powerful machine we’ve used in terms of torque and bite.” With its 165mm chipping capacity, the EVO isn’t the largest machine in Craig’s fleet, however it has been used on a range of projects both large and small.

Another factor that has kept Craig loyal is the superior back up support he’s received from those in the GreenMech dealer network. “I’ve worked closely alongside Julian Cullis of GreenMech since way back when, who has always kept me abreast of new and future developments. We’re also fortunate to have Chipper Hire South West not too far away who have a fantastic fleet of GreenMech machines to hire if we need them. With the EVO, the support we received from our local dealer Powercut in Carmarthen has again been first-class.”

“For us independent companies” Craig concludes, “our success depends on reliable and robust equipment that’s capable and working to its full capacity. The fact that the new EVO is a great machine is one thing, but the whole GreenMech ethos to support their users every step of the way is another to really be applauded.”

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Electric performance in a top handle chainsaw

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Electric performance in a top handle chainsaw: Feast your eyes on the new DCS-2500T the first battery-powered top handle chainsaw from ECHO.

Here is an electric saw to meet the needs of the arborist and tree care professionals who use top handle chainsaws daily for pruning and arboriculture. Don’t let the light weight (dry weight 1.6kg) deceive you, this machine packs professional power with exceptional acceleration. In fact, the 50V Lithium-ion battery generates power and cutting performance equivalent to ECHO’s best-selling CS-2511TES petrol chainsaw; and it does it with low vibration and without the noise and emissions, making it perfect for use in noise-sensitive areas. Well balanced and ergonomically designed for manoeuvrability and precision, the DCS-2500T is the latest addition to ECHO’s 50V battery series and is part of their X Series of ‘best in class’ products. The superior, dependable tools are specifically designed for professionals who rely on their tools day in and day out. Often leading in terms of power and performance, X Series products are tested in the most extreme conditions, says the manufacturer, to ensure flawless operation.

Electric performance in a top handle chainsaw

Electric performance in a top handle chainsaw

The DCS-2500T is certainly packed full of beneficial user-friendly features to complement its power and near noiseless operation. Users will find the patented Quick Draw harness ring a real boon for hooking and unhooking the chainsaw in one movement. There’s a drop prevention lanyard hook for off ground safety and this is a truly easy to operate machine with an anti-slip handle grip and patented thumb rest adding to operator comfort. There’s a side-access chain tensioner to allow quick chain adjustments. The driving force, the brushless motor, will ensure long-lasting maintenance-free operation, while the casing has an IPX4 rating for water resistance so the chainsaw is showerproof for protection against the elements. The all-important oil adjustment is situated on the top of the saw so it’s easily adjusted, while filling is equally simple with the flip lever cap opening. Last but not least is the internal air filter which prevents dust from entering the main board and motor.

Qualified top handle arborists and tree surgeons looking for ultimate power with quiet, low vibration and emissions-free professional-grade performance will find ECHO’s DCS-2500T just the ticket for everyday use. Available from about mid-2020.  You can find out more from your local authorised ECHO dealer.

You can also visit www.echo-tools.co.uk or call 01844 278800 for more information.

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