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When red leads the green revolution

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When red leads the green revolution: How green are the UK’s golf clubs? If the number of those approaching Reesink Turfcare about its all-electric and hybrid mowing and utility vehicle range from Toro is anything to go by, then the answer is they’re making the green machinery choice wherever possible.

The latest case in point is Fulwell Golf Club in Middlesex who has set itself the goal to be the most sustainable club in the county and, through its machinery choices, boost its relationship with the community.

When red leads the green revolution

When red leads the green revolution

Director of golf, Peter Hall, explains: “The reasons for making the green choice were two-fold. We wanted to reduce our carbon footprint as well as bringing the club closer to the community and lessening the impact on our neighbours. We’re surrounded by residential houses and have certain restrictions for when we can work. Having all-electric and hybrid machines means we can mow early in the morning and cut the greens without disturbing anyone, increasing efficiency and productivity.

“We’re dedicated to improving our place in the community whilst producing great results and promoting sustainability at the club. Toro was the only partner to help us achieve that. It was fundamental to get the right equipment – you can only be as good as the machinery you have, and that’s the reason why we invested in Toro. They’re proven to have the best cut, quality and reliability on the market for their diesel mowers and lead the way with electric and hybrid technology.”

Fulwell’s team selected two Greensmaster eTriFlex 3370 riding greensmowers, two Workman GTX Lithium-Ion utility vehicles, a Greensmaster e1021 pedestrian greensmower and the hybrid Reelmaster 5010-H fairway mower from the Toro range available from distributor Reesink Turfcare.

Course manager Ryan Bezzant, who has been at the club for just over four years and manages a team of eight full-time staff, explains why the time was right to bring in a Toro fleet, the club’s first: “Toro are market leaders and very good at what they do, so we felt confident that buying fully electric machines from them wouldn’t make us lose performance. And it’s proved to be true: they’re very efficient and cut just as well and as quickly as the diesel ones.”

Ryan says these choices have significantly improved operations, he continues: “We don’t have to worry about hydraulic fluids leaking and damaging the greens; there’s a lot less maintenance and it’s a lot cleaner too and charging is so easy – we just plug them in at the end of the day and they’re ready to go the next morning. The guys are over the moon with them.”

The club plans to continue to invest over the next two or three years in Toro with Reesink, as Ryan concludes: “We’re at full capacity at the moment with 100 golfers a day every day, seven days a week, and golf seems to be turning into an all-year round activity. Having the option of all-electric means we can mow whenever needed especially with the handmowers.

“We need to make sure the course is always kept at a high standard, and with Toro, we know it is. And we can’t fault Reesink, they’ve been very good with communication, making us aware of delivery times so it was easy to plan. We’re also hoping Toro will offer even more electric options in the future, as we’d like more now!”

To talk to someone about Toro technology and how the Toro range could suit your course, call 01480 226800.

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The search for UK’s favourite parks

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The search for UK’s favourite parks: Fields in Trust – the independent charity that has been protecting parks and green spaces for almost 100 years – has announced that its search for the UK’s Favourite Parks is back this summer and is calling upon the nation to get nominating now!

The hugely popular campaign has returned for the first time since 2019 and will shine a light on the green spaces that hold a special place in our hearts.

The search for UK's favourite parks

The search for UK’s favourite parks

Having acted as sanctuary to so many over the past few years, Fields in Trust is bringing back the campaign to find the UK’s Favourite Parks to ensure that they continue to be celebrated in a post-pandemic world.

The charity recently commissioned a study which found that almost half of us have visited local parks more often than we used to as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic. Coupled with research that has shown that access to nature was one of the main ways people have supported their mental health during lockdowns, Fields in Trust is determined that this year’s campaign celebrates the spaces that we relied on.

This year’s UK’s Favourite Parks campaign is made all-the-more important in light of the Fields in Trust’s recently released annual Green Space Index report. The study – which analyses the provision and distribution of parks and green spaces in the UK – found that 2.8 million people live more than ten minutes’ walk away from a green space. With only 6% of green space legally protected in Great Britain, the charity is concerned  that this will only worsen in coming years if we do not appreciate and advocate for our local parks.

Chief Executive of Fields in Trust, Helen Griffiths, commented on the campaign’s return, saying:

“There is no doubt that the importance of green spaces has been acutely felt recently, with people increasingly turning to their local parks to find a sense of tranquillity, space, and belonging since the pandemic began. When restrictions were at their highest, many sought sanctuary in their daily walk around the park; and when restrictions lifted to allow outdoor gatherings, the same parks became the backdrop for reunions with loved ones and new memories made.

“At a time when things were so hard for so many, these places provided respite; now, through our UK’s Favourite Parks campaign, we want to give people the chance to show their appreciation for the green spaces that were there for them.”

The search for the UK’s Favourite Parks starts today, meaning you can nominate your local green space now. Nominations are open until Tuesday 5 July, before the chosen parks go head-to-head in a public vote.

The UK’s Favourite Parks was first awarded in 2015 and has already handed out the title to three parks from across the UK: inaugural winner, Telford Town Park; Rouken Glen Park in 2016; and Blackpool’s Stanley Park in both 2017 and 2019.

Helen Griffiths continues:

“We are thrilled to be on the search once again for the UK’s Favourite Parks and we have no doubt that we’ll find some absolute gems along the way. We can’t wait to see the places that get put forward. Whether it’s the park you head for when the sun is shining; your favourite place to walk the dog; the place you go to stretch your legs; or your family’s favourite spot to spend quality time together: we want you to nominate your favourite today!”

To nominate your local park, visit www.fieldsintrust.org/favourite-parks.

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Masterline Mixtures make the grade

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Masterline Mixtures make the grade: Matt Parry, Head Groundsman at Kingston Grammar School has praised mixtures from DLF for delivering great results at a great price, all backed up with great support from his local Technical Manager Craig Spooner.

With the whole 22-acre site sown with seed from across the DLF portfolio, this season the focus has been on the outfields and four cricket squares, where a combination of ProMaster 79, ProMaster 80 and ProMaster 36 from the Masterline range has delivered a first-class finish.

Masterline Mixtures make the grade

Masterline Mixtures make the grade

DLF seed has been Matt’s choice for the last five years, creating the perfect playing surfaces for winter sports, tennis and cricket – used by pupils alongside teams from the local community. “Over time, we’ve sown mixtures from both the Johnsons Sports Seed and Masterline ranges, with an unwavering confidence that whatever we use is going to perform” explains Matt, who heads up a team of three.

“We conduct a full renovation on the football surfaces in spring to prepare for the cricket season, with overseeding roughly every six weeks throughout the season where it’s needed. For this we selected ProMaster 80 Renovator, purchased from Core Amenity, which gives us strong, equal establishment and a resistant and hard-wearing sward to cope with the pressures of a high wear season.” As the name suggests, PM80 Renovator is ideal for the renovation of worn playing surfaces – featuring 25% Tetragame 4turf tetraploid and 75% diploid perennial ryegrass for a disease resistant, drought tolerant and nitrogen efficient mix.

As the temperatures cool, Matt then switches to ProMaster 79 as a 50% tetraploid mixture for more effective autumn/winter overseeding. “PM79 has proven to deliver great colour and great recovery on our outfields through the colder months. Completing the programme is ProMaster 36 Wicket which establishes quickly and gives us a dense, resistant sward on our squares.”

“The service we get is as equally important as the quality of the product for me” Matt adds. “I speak regularly to our DLF Regional Technical Manager Craig Spooner, who will update me on what research is taking place and what’s new and upcoming in regard to mixtures. This means I am always able to make an informed choice and gives us the confidence and trust to trial new formulations.”

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The latest 36V equipment from Makita

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The latest 36V equipment from Makita: Makita UK has expanded its leading LXT outdoor power equipment range with the launch of the LM001CX3 LXT 36V 53cm Lawnmower, UB001CX2 LXT 36V Blower, UR101CX1 LXT 36V Brush Cutter, and UR101CX1 and UR201CX1 LXT 36V Linetrimmers.

Now supplied complete with Makita’s PDC1200A02 back-pack battery pack, these newly listed CX1, CX2 and CX3 models enable users to work for longer in comfort, without having to recharge or change batteries frequently. This makes them ideal for contractors who need to carry out a variety of demanding applications, all from a single charge.#

The latest 36V equipment from Makita

The latest 36V equipment from Makita

LM001CX3 LXT 36V 53cm Lawnmower

To ensure a clean and efficient cut every time, the LM001CX3 includes a self-propelled motor, with variable speed control, 10-stage height adjustment (from 20-100mm) and three operation modes. It also includes a 70L cloth catcher that allows for efficient grass collection – with a useful grass level indicator to let the user know when it needs emptying.

To ensure optimal operation, the LM001CX3 has four swing back blades that work to keep the machine working efficiently, even if it encounters a solid object in the lawn.

UB001CX2 LXT 36V Blower

This high-power blower delivers high air volume and speed, making light work of any clearing task – in fact, it delivers up to 20N maximum blowing force (when in boost mode), 70m/sec maximum air velocity and 17.6m3/min maximum air volume.

Powered by a 36V high power drive system, this machine has been designed for usability and comfort, with a cruise control function that maintains the power output and a lightweight and compact design that makes single handed operation easy. The UB001CX2 is also compatible with a shoulder belt for added stability and comfort and thanks to its easy to grip frame, it can be effortlessly operated in a sweeping motion. The UB001CX2 has a three-stage telescopic long nozzle for added accuracy.

What’s more, the UB001CX2 delivers low noise emissions, which is better for both the user and those on site.

UR101CX1 LXT 36V Brush Cutter and UR201CX1 LXT 36V Linetrimmer

These 1kW high-power machines are a must in any landscaper’s toolkit. Powered by Makita’s 36V portable power pack, these tools feature three electronic speeds and a reverse switch to ensure easy removal of grass clippings. The UR101CX1 and UR201CX1 also feature Makita’s Automatic Torque Drive Technology (ADT) that automatically adjusts the cutting speed according to the load conditions.

To protect the machine during use and ensure optimal performance, these machines have a high cooling capacity that suppresses heat generation of the controller and motor. Further to this, Active Feedback Sensing Technology (AFT) adds additional protection by shutting down the tool if the rotation speed suddenly slows, preventing overload and kickback.

Kevin Brannigan, Marketing Manager at Makita said: “We’re delighted to launch the LM001CX3, UB001CX2, UR101CX1 and UR201CX1, which were only previously available as body-only models. These new cordless garden machines have been innovatively designed to be compatible with Makita’s portable back-pack power units, enabling users to tackle large areas without the constrains of powers leads or health and safety hazards associated with petrol”.

To find out more about Makita visit: www.makitauk.com.

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The “Why” of Trimax Genuine Parts

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The “Why” of Trimax Genuine Parts: When it comes to maintenance or repair, choosing genuine parts is the only way to guarantee the performance and life of your mower, explains Robert Todd, European Service Manager for Trimax Mowing Systems.

At a glance, genuine parts and pirate parts may appear to be similar; but scratch the surface and the issue becomes clear.

The “Why” of Trimax Genuine Parts

The “Why” of Trimax Genuine Parts

The Case for Genuine Parts

Genuine parts are exactly the same parts used to build the original machines. Years of research, development and testing have gone into them. They are made from high quality materials and in some instances individual parts perform more than one function.

Take the blades on a Trimax mower as an example. Primarily meant to cut grass in diverse types of terrain, they also direct airflow ensuring the cutting chamber remains unobstructed and clippings are well distributed.

Beyond this, Trimax quality control ensures the blades are flawless – they can encounter obstacles like small logs and rocks without shattering and exiting the mower as a deadly piece of shrapnel. Safety and quality are integral parts of the Trimax design, ensuring the whole machine meets or exceeds all regional safety standards.

Ongoing Improvement

Continuous improvement is the cornerstone of companies like Trimax. Ensuring the pedigree means always having the latest technology and where possible new advances are designed to fit older models. Customers choosing genuine parts will have the safest, most efficient machines, and access to expert advice from the people who designed and manufactured the parts.

The Pirate Way

Pirate part vendors profess to make parts that are “just as good” as the real thing but cost significantly less. Really?

It is impossible for pirate parts to out-perform the original items and cost less because pirate parts are produced as a separate, profit-making exercise.

To maintain profit margins, pirates cut corners, lower specs and alter or delete pesky design details (remember the blades and flails), which might complicate manufacture.

For manufacturers like Trimax, parts are integral to their primary business – producing high quality machines. Parts are not produced as a stand-alone enterprise.

Other Factors For Consideration

Aside from the physical design and cost, there are some other important elements to consider before deciding between genuine or pirate parts.

  • Safety – genuine parts have been tested to comply with safety regulations for maximum protection of machine and operator. Lower risk, greater peace of mind.
  • Warranty – using non-genuine parts often voids manufacturer warranties, particularly if they go on to cause issues with the rest of the machine.
  • Downtime – genuine parts are guaranteed to fit your machine first time, every time. Maximum uptime and performance.
  • Expertise – only with genuine parts will you get expert advice from the people who designed, tested and manufactured the machine.

Where do You Stand?

It’s worth noting that genuine parts often aren’t as expensive as you might expect. Most manufacturers will price their parts competitively, meaning you can still get a good price: and in some cases, genuine parts can even be cheaper than pirate elements! It’s definitely worth checking with the original manufacturer before even considering going for a non-genuine part, as you may be surprised by how little real replacements actually cost, explains Robert Todd.

For more information or to find out more about genuine parts, give us a call on 01933 652246 or parts@trimaxmowers.co.uk. Alternatively, please visit www.trimaxmowers.co.uk 

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