Tag Archive for: Renfrewshire

ISEKI Tried and Tested on Major Projects at East Renfrewshire

ISEKI Tried and Tested on Major Projects at East Renfrewshire: When it came to picking a new tractor, it was a “no-brainer” for East Renfrewshire Golf Club to opt for another ISEKI in the form of the TG6507 with a C4+ loader.

The moorland course is based on the outskirts of Glasgow, with stunning views of Ben Lomond and the Trossachs. The course demands a lot from a tractor, with a heavy workload and hilly terrain providing daily challenges.

ISEKI Tried and Tested on Major Projects at East Renfrewshire

ISEKI Tried and Tested on Major Projects at East Renfrewshire

Upgrading their previous machine was brought on by a desire to handle larger winter projects in-house, and after speaking with local ISEKI dealer Fairways GM, Club Manager Iain Russell and Course Manager Barry Nichol were set on the TG6507.

“In the past, we’ve not been able to do a particular project because we didn’t have the right machinery, but that’s been added to our list now,” Iain explains. “Barry and the team here all work collaboratively, and they work together in producing the winter programme.

“It’s quite extensive. They put a lot of work into it, and they almost look forward to that more than the summer. They love tackling these major projects, and having the right equipment is vital so they can do that. The members also look forward to the winter programme coming out to see what will be in hand through the winter going into the new season.”

The Iseki TG6507 is a high-performance compact tractor that is well-suited for golf course maintenance. Featuring hydrostatic or IQ transmission options, it provides smooth and precise control, while the high-capacity lift arms and compatibility with a wide range of implements make it a versatile and durable choice for demanding workloads.

Course Manager Barry is taking full advantage of the versatility, with the TG6507 put to work tining, completing other aerating works, loading, clearing car parks and moving pallets with the front forks. With his previous experience using ISEKI tractors at the club, there was no question what his next pick would be.

“It was a no-brainer to get another ISEKI, to be honest with you,” Barry explains. “It is tried and tested on this course, and it’s very much suited to ourselves up here and right across the golfing industry as well.

“Versatility is important and we get that from the tractor, but it is very reliable as well. We’ve had no issues on the mechanical side of it and it really does a great job. It’s got plenty of power to get around our hilly terrain, and we’ll have it in full swing throughout autumn, winter and spring with no issues.”

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East Renfrewshire chooses Wiedenmann

East Renfrewshire chooses Wiedenmann: Course Manager, Barry Nichol, at East Renfrewshire GC in Glasgow’s southside has been twenty years at the club; ten years as deputy course manager, and the last six months in the top job.

One of his key tasks moving into his new post was to identify an aerator to target historic deep-lying compaction on greens. The club, a notable moorland course, designed by James Braid, celebrates its centenary this year and has traditional clay push up greens, many plateau style.

East Renfrewshire chooses Wiedenmann

East Renfrewshire chooses Wiedenmann

“Most have an ash layer about ten inches (24 cm) down, so we needed something to hit and go through that to break compaction,” said Barry Nichol. “We’ve been redraining two or three every year, and you can see progress, but regular deep aeration is essential.”

After discussion with Rob Hogarth Regional Sales Manager, and Stuart Cameron, Area Demonstrator, from local dealer, Fairways GM, exclusive Wiedenmann UK dealer for Scotland, Barry Nichol opted for a new Terra Spike XP6, the deepest machine in the Wiedenmann UK fleet.

“You always get good advice from the GM team as many are former course managers and greenkeepers themselves. The ability to go to 14 -16 inches (35-40 cm) with wider tines was required.”

The XP6 arrived at the beginning of December, enough for several outings before Christmas, all using 20 mm diameter tines and around 5° of heave,

“Deep compaction layers need a bigger tine to break them up. It is great to shard through the compacted layers of the soil’s profile to allow air, water, and nutrients through, and while it would have suited us well to get more done before the year end, we made a good start.

“The XP reaches so far down, leaves a clean hole and does exactly the job we need. The 1.6 m width suits us as we have a few tight spots to turn.”

East Renfrewshire GC is set 500 feet above sea level and its distinctive moorland credentials ensure it is always busy.

“When you are talking greens, even in winter, we have to be mindful of disruption to the surface” continued Barry, “Tining up to three times in the off season will probably be enough. In the playing season, aeration must be discrete. We still need to break up compaction layers just below the surface to keep it loose for drainage, so we will only ever pencil tines to a depth of 120-150 mm, but you could have a particularly wet or dry summer, so the knack is to choose when to go if the conditions are right.”

Barry is supported by a team of six greenkeepers. Wiedenmann UK’s lead demonstrator, Andy Kerr, was on hand for installation and user training.

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