Tag Archive for: toro

Toro involved in many key milestones

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Toro involved in many key milestones: Toro dealer Cheshire Turf Machinery, based in Stockport near Manchester, is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year.

Toro, and its UK distributor, have been involved with Cheshire Turf Machinery for at least the last quarter of a century and some time before that, as managing director, Steve Halley explains: “Initially set up as Cheshire Light Tractors in 1956 selling garden machinery and turf equipment, the company was bought by Flymo in 1980, before we took the business back into private ownership in 1996. At that point, Toro was already a staple part of the business and Lely supported us, particularly with demo equipment when we took over. We changed the name to better suit the ethos of the business in the supply and servicing of professional turf equipment and set our focus on a mainly sports based portfolio of customers.

Toro involved in many key milestones

Toro involved in many key milestones

“The company has been through many changes, but one thing that has remained the same is our relationship with Toro and its UK distributor Lely, then Reesink.”

Toro excels at creating enduring relationships, built on reliability, productivity and quality; many of its relationships with customers are 25 years and counting – and the same relationship longevity applies to its dealers too.

Steve says: “Toro has been involved in so many milestones over the last quarter of a century. Toro was our first machine sold and our 1,000th, and when we decided to branch out into the market sector of councils and landscape contractors in 2013, becoming agents for the Toro Groundscare range enabled us to do that.”

In addition, Toro has also helped in the company’s expansion and as a result of continued sales growth Toro awarded Cheshire Turf Machinery with extra sales and service territory for its commercial golf mowers and equipment, primarily to cover South Yorkshire, culminating in the formation its sales division, Yorkshire Turf Machinery.

Steve says: “We’re very lucky to have had and to continue to have Toro and Reesink on board, having their names associated to ours has benefitted us greatly in building up the business. There’s a very good reason why 70 percent of our product portfolio consists of Toro machinery and that’s because of its quality. I believe that if we do our job properly when we sell that first Toro, we’ll have a customer for life.”

And that leads nicely on to the other major contributing factor to the company’s success and that is the experienced team, says Steve. “Our staff are good at thinking on their feet, thinking laterally to solve our customer’s problems. It was really highlighted in 2020 just how much they care, and I can’t thank them enough for that as well as all their hard work over the years.”

Excellent staff retention means the company can call on over 200 years of industry experience. Special mention goes to company secretary, Bob Smithson. Steve says his wisdom and business acumen has helped guide the company from inception to present and his influence cannot be overstated: “Bob has been instrumental in the success of the business.”

Also key, has been the company’s ability to tailor flexible finance packages to specifically meet customer requirements.

While golf provides the company’s largest customer base, other company highlights include the successful relationships forged with football clubs such as Manchester City, Manchester United and Liverpool, as well as Preston, Blackburn, Blackpool, and Oldham.

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Demonstrating product excellence with Toro

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Demonstrating product excellence with Toro: Toro, a global leader in turf and landscape maintenance, is going the extra mile when it comes to product demonstrations, with the launch of the new Toro® Demonstration and Support Trailer.

The support trailer is an exciting step forward and sees Toro bringing the product closer to the customer for a real-life demonstration of capability and quality.

Demonstrating product excellence with Toro

Demonstrating product excellence with Toro

When it comes to products seeing a demonstration is essential in deciding whether it is the right one for your business. The Toro Trailer aims to bridge this gap by bringing the solution direct to the customer for demonstration. And not only that, customers will get to see a whole range of Toro products on board. The support trailer offers a new, professional and completely secure way to transport and showcase Toro products.

With a secure, sleek design, the Toro Demonstration and Support Trailer is able to securely transport multiple machines and product ranges ensuring stock arrives in perfect condition. Whether products are requested for a demonstration or are being dropped off for a trial period, the Trailer can carry everything from the smallest handheld tools to the largest lawncare and construction machines.

Stamped with the distinctive red Toro branding, the Trailer is a real standout presence on site and when travelling. For trade show demonstrations, the Trailer will be invaluable at not only showcasing the full range of Toro products, but supporting the brand with this unique asset. With more people realising the joy and value of outdoor spaces in the past year, the Toro Trailer will
play an invaluable role in supporting customers to care for these spaces, while helping make the Toro brand even more present in the market.

Discussing the new Trailer and its potential, Sales Manager Matthew Coleman said: “Having the Toro Trailer means we can bring products right to customers and demonstrate what they can do on site. Customers get to see the products doing what they do best, in the environment where they would be used. I am excited to get the Trailer and Toro products out on the road in 2021, delivering demonstrations and trials to customers new and existing. It’s great to be able to visit customers again and see how Toro can support their landscaping and turf care needs face-to-face.”

For more information, visit toro.com

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Toro stands the test of time

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Toro stands the test of time: Toro is well known in the industry for its durability and reliability, and nowhere has Toro’s longevity been put to the test quite like the machines at Westridge Golf Centre in the Isle of Wight. Several machines have been in use for over 20 years – and are still going strong – which is why the club has recently purchased another two Toro machines. 

Course manager Paul Jenkins explains: “Toro machines are so well made and are by far the most durable brand. In our experience with Toro, if you look after it, it will last. That’s why we have our own mechanic and service each machine after every 50 hours of use. In fact, our oldest machine is a Toro Groundsmaster 3000-D which we’ve had for 30 years and is still being used!”

Toro stands the test of time

Toro stands the test of time

But it’s not just the machines themselves that have lasted so long. With 44 years in the industry, Paul’s faith in the brand has also stood the test of time, and continues, as he invests in another two Toro machines.

“The first club I worked at bought one of the first Toro GM3 machines in 1975, and from then I’ve been hooked,” explains Paul. “At every club I’ve worked at, I have always strived to ensure there is at least 70 percent Toro machinery in the fleet to ensure the best possible course maintenance, and Westridge is no different.

“When I joined around 17 years ago there was a limited amount of turfcare equipment,” he continues. “Over the years we’ve invested so that we have a majority of Toro machinery, and that continues with our latest purchase of a Toro Reelmaster 3100-D Sidewinder and Reelmaster 5610-D.”

Having worked at 19 major tournaments around the world including The Open, US Open, US PGA and the Ryder Cup, all of which were Toro venues, Paul knows a thing or two about excellent presentation. And with Westridge Golf Centre in the process of expanding from a 9 hole to an 18 hole course, there was no better time to invest in more Toro to keep standards at the course high. Something which the club’s owner, Mark Wright, fully supports says Paul: “We’re fortunate to have someone like Mark who recognises the value in investing in quality equipment. He’s a pro by trade and he understands that to play on the best surfaces you need the best equipment.”

“We really pride ourselves on our presentation here, so both the new machines will be put to good use on the course, and even more so once it has been extended,” says Paul. “The new Reelmaster 5610-D is great as it’s slightly smaller and provides a finer cut than the Reelmaster 6500-D we had been using for the fairways. Despite the 6500-D being 16 years old, it’s still a good solid machine so we will keep using it on the driving range.

“The Reelmaster 3100-D Sidewinder is also brilliant,” he continues. “Every few years there always comes along an innovation that really stands out, and for me, the Sidewinder technology is one of those innovations. It’s so unique to have a machine that can slide the cutting units from side to side and cut hard to reach areas safely. As a dual purpose machine, it’s also reducing manual labour which is a great bonus.”

As the only pay-as-you-play course available on the island, with a growing membership and an expansion underway, Westridge Golf Centre certainly has an exciting future ahead, with the course set to be enjoyed by the whole community for years to come.

“It’s a very exciting time for Westridge and it’s great to have Toro on board to help with the course maintenance now and in the future,” says Paul. “Put simply, Toro machines are just designed well with durability in mind. I’ve visited the Toro factory in Minneapolis before, and I’ve seen for myself that what Toro is doing is head and shoulders above everyone else.”

To find out more about the Toro range or the finance options available, call Reesink Turfcare on 01480 226800, email info@reesinkturfcare.co.uk or visit reesinkturfcare.co.uk

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Gullane and Toro partnership to hit 25 years

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Gullane and Toro partnership to hit 25 years: Gullane Golf Club in Scotland and Toro certainly have history. With the latest deal taking it to 25 years, it’s a partnership claimed to have produced putting surfaces as close to perfection as nature will allow. 

That accolade was made about the effect of the Greensmaster TriFlex Hybrid 3420 mowers on the course for the Scottish Open three years ago and with a new machine in the club’s last order, clearly the Toro effect continues.

Gullane and Toro partnership to hit 25 years

Gullane and Toro partnership to hit 25 years

“Toro gave us the attention to detail to create near-perfect conditions. It always has, and it’s why this latest deal takes our relationship to a quarter of a century,” says course manager Stewart Duff.

With three 18-hole courses, Gullane No. 1 carved into ancient links turf, Gullane No. 2 sweeping down to a nature reserve, and Gullane No. 3 with views across Aberlady Bay to the Firth of Forth and beyond, it’s no wonder the club is regarded as one of the most picturesque golf spots in the world. And with a state of the art short game practice area, driving range and children’s course as well, Toro certainly has a lot of area to cover when it comes to maintaining the course. Helping with that is the Groundsmaster 4700-D, which is a like-for-like replacement in the last order from Toro distributor Reesink Turfcare.

Stewart explains: “We split our Toro fleet between the courses as we have so much ground to cover, but there are a couple of machines we use across all three; the Groundsmaster 4700-D is one of those machines. With a cutting width of 12.5ft alongside a high-powered engine it’s incredibly productive.”

And it certainly gets put to good use at Gullane, says Stewart: “In the growing season we have the machine in use five days a week across all the courses, doing three times the amount of work compared to our machines that just work on the one course. So the 4700-D that we had in our last fleet for four years, actually did the equivalent of 12 years’ worth of work – but even then, it was still going strong when we signed the new agreement.”

Joining the Groundsmaster 4700-D and the Greensmaster TriFlex Hybrid 3420 mowers in the last fleet purchase was the Toro Workman utility vehicle and ProPass 200 topdresser.

Stewart continues: “We’re constantly looking at small tweaks we can make in order to get the best possible results and improve the courses for all, and Toro plays a big part in that. For example, we opted for the two Reelmaster 3550-D fairway mowers as the smaller sized cutting units allowed us to follow the contours better, which results in a better quality of cut. The slick tyres on the machines also prevent any turf damage when turning.”

Included as part of Gullane’s tournament support fleet in 2018 were Toro’s GTX electric utility vehicles and they certainly impressed Stewart with him saying at the time he’d be changing his utility vehicles to be Toro based on his positive experience. The arrival of three Workman utility vehicles in the last order sees Stewart true to his word and it sounds as though Toro will be around for many more years to come at Gullane.

Stewart concludes: “The team and I are delighted to have Toro here at the club for another five years; although realistically that’s more than likely going to be another 10 years. We really do feel as though we have the best possible machinery for the courses and with a club that wholeheartedly supports that relationship, I can only see us continuing to invest in Toro in the future.”

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Electric Power for Dore and Totley Golf Club:

Electric Power for Dore and Totley Golf Club

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Electric Power for Dore and Totley Golf Club: Dore and Totley Golf Club is the first club in South Yorkshire to take delivery of Toro’s all-electric Greensmaster eTriFlex 3370 greens mower. The machine was selected to join the all-Toro fleet and continue its drive on economy, productivity and efficiency which has resulted in a course members are proud to be associated with.

Peter Bowden has been course manager at Dore and Totley for four years, during a time of rapid improvement. He says: “It was all about streamlining the processes. The course had huge potential which we’re delighted has now been realised, this resulted in the club being voted the best club in South Yorkshire by Your Golfer magazine. We achieved that by ensuring the course is presented in the best condition at all times. This is helped by the use of Toro equipment and getting the most out of the machines, keeping them in the best possible condition and when new technology arises, taking advantage of that.”

Electric Power for Dore and Totley Golf Club:

Dore and Totley course manager, Peter Dowden, seated, with Tony Dodson, area sales manager for Yorkshire Turf Machinery.

Peter is of course referring to the technological advances that have brought electric power to the game, without compromising on productivity, quality of cut or the bottom line: “As soon as one of the frontline greensmowers needed replacing it was a done deal that it would be the Toro eTriFlex 3370 we brought in. I have been focussed on bringing about the best possible return on investment for the club and we run a very efficient operation.

“One of the first things I did was invest in Toro’s fairway machines and Sidewinders so we can go right over the edges of the bunkers, reducing the time spent strimming. These machines are incredibly efficient and have saved so much time. We outsource our bunker brushing now too, that’s done by two students nine hours a week over three days. It makes economic sense for the three-man greens team to be working on things that utilise their skills in other areas.

“In addition, the board decided to use my sports maintenance company to supply the machines (Toro of course) and the staff to do all the rough cutting, which means the club doesn’t have to cover the outlay for the machines or the additional maintenance costs associated with them.

“All these changes have added up to an increase in income for the club and reduced costs, giving the best return on investment,” says Peter. “It made complete sense to choose Toro’s eTriFlex 3370. With the full support of the directors, who are determined to keep moving the club forward, the environmental benefits are important. However, this machine will save us money in the long run, on fuel, running and maintenance costs. There is a slight increase in the monthly outlay, but that is off-set by the increase in quality and service the eTriFlex brings.

“The quietness of the electric motor allows the greens team to start cutting earlier in the morning without affecting our neighbours, allowing more playing time due to extra tee times being available at the start of the day. The benefits we can bring to our members by getting them out on the course earlier is worth it and the quality of cut is outstanding.”

The machine was delivered by Yorkshire Turf Machinery, a sales division of Toro dealer Cheshire Turf Machinery, and managing director Steve Halley says: “This is the fourth electric greensmower we’ve sold. Despite economic uncertainty and tightening of budgets, people see the value this kind of technology can bring.”

Peter says of the relationship between dealer and club: “We do all the servicing and maintenance of the machines and a significant contributing factor as to why we continue to choose Toro is the availability of parts. I know that if we need help or advice it’s on the end of the phone with Steve and the team at Yorkshire Turf Machinery. If we’ve taken apart a machine and need a part, we’ll have it in under 72 hours. It’s so convenient. Ordering is direct with Toro distributor Reesink online via a mobile phone.”

It really has been a mutual effort at Dore and Totley as Peter finishes by saying: “The whole greens team, all the club’s committees and Steve Roberts, the professional and his team, have been working hard to take the club forward both on and off the course. The improvements have brought in new members as well as increased numbers of visitors and societies.”

For a team of three plus Peter and a 22-hole course that never closes, it’s imperative Peter has a machinery brand and partners he can rely on to get the job done and the numbers prove that Peter has the dream team at Dore and Totley. Something he’s very proud to have achieved for his home club he’s been playing at since the age of 12!

 

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