Tag Archive for: Two

Two Toro powerhouses for Pangbourne

Two Toro powerhouses for Pangbourne: Pangbourne College is one of the first customers to snap up the latest powerhouse from Toro to tackle all terrains: the new Toro Workman UTX 4×4 utility vehicle. Joining it is Toro Groundsmaster 4300 rotary mower to lead the venue’s growing fleet of machines.

Head groundsman Ian Osbon says the Toro machines are an ongoing investment he’s proud to make in the grounds maintenance of the 234 acre independent school which includes hockey, rugby and cricket pitches as well as woodlands and gardens in Berkshire.

Two Toro powerhouses for Pangbourne

Two Toro powerhouses for Pangbourne

From the moment Ian arrived in 2010, he was faced with projects requiring machinery muscle including levelling out the grounds and incorporating new drainage systems: “It’s been so important to get the right machinery,” he says. “I had a few machines that weren’t strong enough for our needs.”

Determined not to face similar issues going forward, Ian opted for Toro’s robust four-wheel drive, full-sized utility vehicle which has 25 percent more cargo capacity than that of others in its class and a towing capacity of up to 2000lbs.

Ian comments: “I was instantly impressed with the machine’s strength and stamina. The electric tipper is noticeably stronger than the piston system we had in our previous utility vehicle which wasn’t strong enough for grounds maintenance. It has great manoeuvrability for working in our woodlands and getting around tree stumps and logs, but with the option of higher RPMs it’s powerful enough to haul heavier loads up hills and inclines and get over wet areas and hillsides easily.”

First up on the Workman UTX’s to-do list is helping out with a wildflower meadows project, landscaping and lots of planting, explains Ian: “We have big plans for our wildflower meadows and there are beds, borders, rewilding and planting work to do too, as well as transporting tools and lugging soil. The UTX ticks all the boxes for getting this work done.”

Plus, it’s road-ready, which Ian says has been convenient for the multi-site venue: “It’s been so handy being able to tow and transport to the school a little way away.”

Also involved in the order with distributor Reesink Turfcare is Toro’s Grandmaster 4300 rotary mower, which after proving itself to Ian and his team of three over five years of leasing it, Ian has decided to buy.

“Originally, I wanted a cylinder mower, but I knew the grounds here wouldn’t suit it, we’d risk ruining the blades, so we went down the rotary route,” he explains. “It was the right thing to do for both productivity and cost savings for maintenance and servicing.”

But it’s not just Ian and his team who approve of the Toro machines, the students’ parents do too! “Sport is a major aspect of life at college and there are students on high performance pathways,” explains Ian. “We’ve got the cricket square up to the same level of any professional cricket club and it’s good for the parents to see where investment into the college goes. When we have sporting events or open days and line up all the machines so they can see, the dads are always asking if they can have a go!”

To see how Toro grounds machinery can benefit your venue, call Reesink Turfcare on 01480 226800 or visit reesinkturfcare.co.uk.

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GMA appoints two new board members

GMA appoints two new board members: Following the Annual General Meeting for GMA members, the GMA appointed two new members to its Board of Directors – Jim Buttar, Grounds and Technical Operations Lead at the Rugby Football Union, and Phil Fifield, Head Grounds Person at Brighton & Hove Albion Football Club.

The Annual General Meeting took place on 22 November, where GMA members were invited to vote on several resolutions including two nominations for new appointments to the GMA’s Board, as well as one nomination for re-appointment.

GMA appoints two new board members

GMA appoints two new board members

The first Board position up for nomination was for Sector Director for Professional Sport, currently held by David Roberts of Training Unlimited, previously Senior Manager of Grounds at Liverpool Football Club. With David having reached the end of his 9-year tenure in the role, his position was open for new nominations where Jim Buttar was voted-in to fill the vacant position.

Jim has over 26 years’ extensive experience of hands-on management in the sports turf industry, which began as an apprentice at a private school in Cambridgeshire.

Through his journey in elite football, combining his passionate approach, leading by example and with his management ability, Jim has successfully delivered surfaces for several leagues and competitions across the world. Including the English Premier League, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, UEFA European Championship qualifiers and World Cup qualifiers, and recently the African Nations Cup.

His latest role is leading the grounds team at the RFU managing the Twickenham stadium pitch, producing high quality surfaces for international and domestic competitions. Alongside this he has the responsibility of advising on strategy for the Rugby Grounds Connected programme for volunteer grounds people.

The GMA’s Board also approved the addition of another Independent Director, Phil Fifield. Phil has worked in the grounds management sector since his first day as an apprentice at Portsmouth FC in 2005 to his present role as Head Groundsperson at Brighton and Hove Albion FC.

Throughout his time in the industry, Phil has worked in all four professional leagues as a Head Groundsman and has also worked in consultancy and advisory roles. His time in the industry has seen him visit 30 countries across 5 continents as a turf-care professional.

His passion and drive to push himself and grow in his professional role has taken Phil to positions where he has been able to provide services, offer staff training, support tournament delivery and pitch development programs for a number of iconic sporting institutions, including FIFA, UEFA, CAF and AFC for men’s, women’s and youth events.

With a belief that the key fundamentals for growth and development in the sports turf sector are education, sustainability and staff welfare, Phil hopes to lend his expertise and experience to the GMA in helping build on these three foundational pillars, helping to develop the grounds care industry, and those within it, for a better future.

Along with Jim and Phil’s additions to the Board, existing Board member, Kimyo Rickett was successfully re-elected in her position as Sector Director for Local Authorities.

Commenting on the changes to the Board, GMA CEO, Geoff Webb says:

“Our Board is essential in steering the direction of the GMA and ensuring activity aligns to our strategy, so it is vital that we have experienced and knowledgeable Directors on the Board.

“Jim and Phil fit that description perfectly – both will bring insights and perspectives to the Board that will ensure the GMA delivers what it is that our members, and the wider industry, want from us. I’m also delighted that Kimyo will be staying on as Sector Director for Local Authorities. Her experience gained from over 30 years spent working for various Local Authorities and sporting bodies will ensure that this important sector within the wider grounds management community remains central to future GMA activity.

“Finally, I want to say a huge thank you to David Roberts who leaves the Board having come to the end of this 9-year tenure as a Board member. David has supported the GMA in making significant progress during this time and we are all extremely grateful for his contribution.”

You can find out more about the GMA Board, and its members, at: https://www.thegma.org.uk/who-we-are/whos-who/meet-board

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Turf Tank Two launches at GroundsFest

Turf Tank Two launches at GroundsFest: Turf Tank, the global leader in robotic line marking, is set to unveil the industry defining Turf Tank Two at the inaugural GroundsFest at Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire.

From 21st to 22nd September on stand OSA191, visitors can experience the next step in GPS line marking as the company that built the world’s first robotic line marker continues to innovate.

Turf Tank Two launches at GroundsFest

Turf Tank Two launches at GroundsFest

Performance and accuracy are the hallmarks of Turf Tank, and a combination of refinements, including two motor drives for better momentum and new wheels for improved grip and traction, have led to faster marking times with the Turf Tank Two.

Enhanced Sprayer Module

While the speed and accuracy of marking are paramount to efficiency, so is the usability of the Turf Tank Two. Several sprayer module upgrades have made fine-tuning simple with the twist of a knob, including disc height, width and a disc ruler for a better overview.

Tighter tolerances ensure sharper and crisp lines between 5-15cm, with the rack-and-pinion system letting you go from minimum to maximum in a single turn. The height of the sprayer discs can be easily adjusted in increments of 5mm, allowing you to approximate the correct sprayer height. Fine-grained adjustments can be made via a turning knob to get the height precisely as you want and get consistent results every mark.

To make maintenance more manageable, the module is now an independent part. It can be removed by loosening two screws, allowing easy access to specific parts, while one-hand solenoid removal has also been made possible for quicker working.

Quick Control

A new front panel provides quick pause/resume options, LED indicators to show the robot status and a start/stop sprayer button. A LED indicator on the battery has been fitted for a quick status check – if it’s plugged in or not – and batteries can now be hot-swapped without needing to shut down the robot.

Ergonomic Improvements

Numerous ergonomic improvements have been made to make working with the Turf Tank Two quicker and easier.

A tilted pump cover allows up to 20 litres of paint to be slid into the robot rather than being lifted in and out of the top. The newly designed compartment increases efficiency by ensuring the suction rod can use all the paint, and battery access has also been simplified, with only one movement needed to slide it in place.

Additionally, handles are now on the front and back to make lifting in and out of vans and buggies easier.

New Powers in the Palm of Your Hand

New in-app guides are introduced to walk you through most features, and the new Wizard guides you through the cleaning and priming process of the paint system. To quickly troubleshoot any calibration errors, a new augmented reality guided calibration routine lets you take a picture of lines and automatically fix any calibration errors.

All of these features also work in Offline Mode, which means you have the full functionality of the Turf Tank Two in cases where an internet connection can’t be established.

Remote Support

The new software also builds on Turf Tank’s leading customer service through remote access. Turf Tank staff can assist in setting up fields, diagnose problems and provide support instantly wherever you are. A new built-in help centre is also available to answer frequently asked questions and get you marking within minutes of encountering an issue.

Turf Tank’s product specialists will be on stand to answer any questions and demonstrate the advancements made with the Turf Tank Two.

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Turf Tank Two Launches at GroundsFest

Turf Tank Two Launches at GroundsFest: Turf Tank, the global leader in robotic line marking, is set to unveil the industry defining Turf Tank Two at the inaugural GroundsFest at Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire.

From 21st to 22nd September on stand OSA191, visitors can experience the next step in GPS line marking as the company that built the world’s first robotic line marker continues to innovate.

Turf Tank Two Launches at GroundsFest

Turf Tank Two Launches at GroundsFest

Performance and accuracy are the hallmarks of Turf Tank, and a combination of refinements, including two motor drives for better momentum and new wheels for improved grip and traction, have led to faster marking times with the Turf Tank Two.

Enhanced Sprayer Module

While the speed and accuracy of marking are paramount to efficiency, so is the usability of the Turf Tank Two. Several sprayer module upgrades have made fine-tuning simple with the twist of a knob, including disc height, width and a disc ruler for a better overview.

Tighter tolerances ensure sharper and crisp lines between 5-15cm, with the rack-and-pinion system letting you go from minimum to maximum in a single turn. The height of the sprayer discs can be easily adjusted in increments of 5mm, allowing you to approximate the correct sprayer height. Fine-grained adjustments can be made via a turning knob to get the height precisely as you want and get consistent results every mark.

To make maintenance more manageable, the module is now an independent part. It can be removed by loosening two screws, allowing easy access to specific parts, while one-hand solenoid removal has also been made possible for quicker working.

Quick Control

A new front panel provides quick pause/resume options, LED indicators to show the robot status and a start/stop sprayer button. A LED indicator on the battery has been fitted for a quick status check – if it’s plugged in or not – and batteries can now be hot-swapped without needing to shut down the robot.

Ergonomic Improvements

Numerous ergonomic improvements have been made to make working with the Turf Tank Two quicker and easier.

A tilted pump cover allows up to 20 litres of paint to be slid into the robot rather than being lifted in and out of the top. The newly designed compartment increases efficiency by ensuring the suction rod can use all the paint, and battery access has also been simplified, with only one movement needed to slide it in place.

Additionally, handles are now on the front and back to make lifting in and out of vans and buggies easier.

New Powers in the Palm of Your Hand

New in-app guides are introduced to walk you through most features, and the new Wizard guides you through the cleaning and priming process of the paint system. To quickly troubleshoot any calibration errors, a new augmented reality guided calibration routine lets you take a picture of lines and automatically fix any calibration errors.

All of these features also work in Offline Mode, which means you have the full functionality of the Turf Tank Two in cases where an internet connection can’t be established.

Remote Support

The new software also builds on Turf Tank’s leading customer service through remote access. Turf Tank staff can assist in setting up fields, diagnose problems and provide support instantly wherever you are. A new built-in help centre is also available to answer frequently asked questions and get you marking within minutes of encountering an issue.

Turf Tank’s product specialists will be on stand to answer any questions and demonstrate the advancements made with the Turf Tank Two.

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Two new Corvus UTV dealers announced

Two new Corvus UTV dealers announced: BOSS ORV continues to grow their UK dealer network with the announcement of two new Corvus Off-Road Vehicle dealers. The latest dealer in the South-West is I J Jones Engineering Ltd. Based near the south-west coastline between the towns of Totness, Kingsbridge and Dartmouth.

“Ian Jones will provide Corvus Off-Road-Vehicles’ coverage for BOSS ORV across South Devon,” says BOSS ORV MD Phil Everett. “It’s a big welcome to the Corvus family for Ian, Lexi and the team in Blackawton.”

Two new Corvus UTV dealers announced

Two new Corvus UTV dealers announced

I J Jones specialises in servicing, repairs, and spares for tractors, ATV and UTV vehicles, machinery and air conditioning. The company has more than thirty years’ experience having come under new ownership when Ian Jones took over on the retirement of the previous owners. Ian’s experience extends across the agricultural engineering and machinery sector in the UK, USA and Australia. When he took over the company, it became I J Jones Engineering and continues its legacy as a trusted maintenance and service provider as well as adding equipment hire and sales.

BOSS ORV is excited to announce another new dealer with top ground care dealers, Stuart Taylor’s based in the heart of Lancashire. “We are looking forward to working with Tom Taylor (pictured), Sarah, Martin and all the team in developing the Corvus brand throughout the region,” says Phil.

Established in 2003, Stuart Taylor International has a wealth of knowledge and experience in all types of grass care and ground care machinery, from tractors and diggers to pedestrian mowers. The company prides itself on its extensive coverage of the industry with a full range of pre and post-sales services. They are agents for many high-profile premium brands supplying new products and an extensive range of second-hand stock.

For more information about the Corvus Terrain range, you can call 01785 561046 E-mail: sales@bossorv.co.uk  Web: www.bossorv.co.uk

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Two new starters for Agrovista Amenity

Two new starters for Agrovista Amenity: Agrovista Amenity has announced the appointment of Stewart Carbray and Sam Sweetzer who will join the company’s renowned team of Amenity Specialists.

Stewart joins Agrovista Amenity from Bothwell Castle Golf Club where he worked for twenty-three years after initially joining as an apprentice. During this time, he worked his way up to the position of Head Greenkeeper, and after six years in this position he felt the time was right to embark on a new opportunity.

Two new starters for Agrovista Amenity

Two new starters for Agrovista Amenity

“I achieved what I set out to do at Bothwell Castle and I saw so many improvements at the course. I wanted to stay within the industry and always had an interest in the other side of the business, so the Agrovista opportunity was just too big to ignore.”

Stewart, who will be covering the areas of west and central Scotland and further down into Dumfries and Galloway borders, believes he has the perfect mentor at Agrovista Amenity.

“Ramsay MacGregor, my line manager, is the guy everyone goes to for technical advice and problem solving. I want to learn from him and pick up the reigns and become trusted and recognised just like him.

“Ultimately, I’m looking forward to working in a great team and I can’t wait to be a part of it.”

Sam Sweetzer also comes from a greenkeeping background, and his last role was at The Buckinghamshire Golf Club as the Deputy Course Manager. Throughout his career he has relied on several products from Agrovista Amenity and is looking forward to learning more about the science behind them.

“There is a huge amount of pressure and demand on greenkeepers at the moment and I’m looking forward to finding solutions for them,” he said. “In the past we have always worked with Agrovista Amenity because they have such an extensive portfolio from various manufacturers. There are also specialist products that only Agrovista Amenity can sell such as Compo Expert and BASF products.

Two new starters for Agrovista Amenity

Two new starters for Agrovista Amenity

“In the last few weeks, I have already learnt a lot about all these products. The technology that goes into these products is fascinating and I think it is important to always keep moving forward with the times.”

Sam will be focusing on the areas of Buckinghamshire, Berkshire and Oxfordshire and is relishing the opportunity of building relationships with a wide variety of customers.

“I’m really looking forward to getting out on the road and meeting lots of different people, from many different sites and furthering my knowledge on various sports turf surfaces. My background might be in golf, but a lot of my clients will be working in colleges, schools, cricket, rugby and football.

“It’s an exciting prospect that people will be coming to me for advice. Having been in their shoes is important because it will help me build good long-term relationships with them, and that is what it is all about.”

For more information about Agrovista UK, visit www.agrovista.co.uk/amenity

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Two services in the spotlight for Agrovista Amenity

Two services in the spotlight for Agrovista Amenity: At BTME Agrovista Amenity will showcase two unique services – the online Agrovista Amenity Academy and the all-new AgronomyReports, which takes place at Harrogate Convention Centre from 24 to 26 January 2023.

Located in Hall one stands 120 and 125, there will be a particular spotlight on two of the company’s informative services.

Two services in the spotlight for Agrovista Amenity

Two services in the spotlight for Agrovista Amenity

The Agrovista Amenity Academy, which is free to sign-up to, provides in-depth knowledge on Agrovista Amenity’s market leading products (Product courses), as well as a wide range of areas in turf management such as turf disease, chemical, product application, seed and turf pests (Knowledge courses).

The Product courses have been designed so that the individual can fully understand and get maximum benefits from the products they purchase. With product and knowledge courses being added on a regular basis, Academy students are guaranteed to have a wide variety to choose from.

The Academy has already shown significant growth with over 12,000 CPD points awarded so far. Furthermore, many greenkeepers and course managers are benefitting from a CPD partnership with BIGGA, which enables BIGGA’s members to embark on any course they choose without having to go through an employer.

Alongside the Academy, the company will also be demonstrating its unique new soil analysis service called AgronomyReports, which features adaptable nutrition programmes supported by real time weather reports. This incredible new service will ensure that customers have all the information they need to make valuable decisions and help them to use the right products at the right time.

The Agrovista Amenity team will be out in force and will be on hand to discuss and advise on any individual requirements.

For more information about Agrovista UK, visit www.agrovista.co.uk/amenity

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Two new Ventrac attachments launched

Two new Ventrac attachments launched: Ventrac has launched two new attachments for their 4520 all-terrain compact tractor to help turf managers with the important task of seedbed preparation.

The first is the DC520 Soil Cultivator which prepares bare soil by cultivating a soft and uniform seedbed for the best possible direct-seeding results. This attachment reconditions hard, compacted soil into a fine surface for more successful and consistent germination rates.

Two new Ventrac attachments launched

Two new Ventrac attachments launched

The Soil Cultivator consists of four main components that work simultaneously to process high volumes of soil and provide the ultimate seedbed. Cultivator Tines pulverize the soil and separate the debris, then Separator Tines sift and bury rock and other large debris below the prep surface. The Distribution Blade carries the sifted soil and distributes it evenly across the working surface before the Perforated Roller creates a pocketed surface for seed and presses small debris below the graded soil.

Complementing the Soil Cultivator is the EG520 Primary Seeder, which plants grass seed directly into bare soil with a consistent and accurate drop rate for perfect seed placement. With precise application adjustment and a removable calibration tray, easy adjustment for different grass seed types is possible.

The Primary Seeder features five main components for improved direct-seeding capability. The Calibration Tray is a built-in tray that catches material during the calibration process. The Front Packer Roller crushes the material to provide a smooth surface for the seed to drop. The Rear Packer Roller is an offset roller that places a fine layer of dirt over the seed.

The Seed Box has a 142-litre capacity to accommodate a significant amount of seed and the Precision Seed Funnels allow an accurate flow for a variety of turf seeds. This ground-driven application is consistent at variable speeds, and the offset cultipacker discs are designed to create optimal seed-to-soil contact. Finally, the 142-litre hopper capacity provides the efficiency expected from Ventrac attachments.

Rupert Price, managing director of Price Turfcare, the UK and Ireland distributor for Ventrac said,

“We know that Ventrac is the most versatile groundscare maintenance system available to turf professionals in the UK. These latest attachments add to the extensive range of front-mounted implements, providing yet more versatility for the owners of a Ventrac compact tractor.“

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Two more Corvus dealers appointed

Two more Corvus dealers appointed: In the continuing expansion of their dealer network, Boss ORV has appointed two new Corvus dealers. David Taylor Garages and Campey Turf Care are the latest dealers who will be selling the European manufactured Corvus range of 4×4 utility vehicles.

David Taylor Garages has been a constant presence in Crickhowell, Powys, Wales since the 1960’s where the business grew and expanded to include haulage, recovery and several petrol stations. All three of David Taylor’s children joined the business. In 1988 Gene and his brother Scott, with a travel journalist, drove from John O’Groats to Land’s End in an Isuzu, believed to be the first time a 4×4 did this trip, to raise money for charity.

Boss ORV Managing Director Phil Everett says, “we are delighted to welcome our second dealer in Wales and extremely excited to have someone join the Corvus network with such a reputation for customer service in this region. Really looking forward to working with Gene, Chris, Katherine and all the team at David Taylor’s.”

Corvus arrived in Cheshire to coincide with the opening of the Campey Turf Care retail premises in Bosley, Cheshire. Richard Campey originally detected an untapped market when he realised there was a role for a specialist supplier of high quality purpose built equipment that would enable turf managers to meet the increased demands placed on modern sports turf surfaces. The business has now grown to be one of the leading UK’s independent distributors, with machinery available throughout Europe, Asia, Africa and the USA.

“I’m excited to announce our latest Corvus dealer partner is Campey Turf Care,” says Phil Everett. “It’s great to have Richard, John and all the team join us at this exciting time in our development. Their expertise in the Groundcare market combined with our developing product line-up makes a dynamic combination.”

Both dealers will be stocking the Corvus Terrain range of side-by-side 4×4 utility vehicles, including the exciting new 100% electric Terrain EX4 UTV. Corvus is the first European manufacturer of off-road and homologated 4×4 UTVs vehicles. For more information about the Corvus Terrain range, you can call 01597 810188 E-mail: sales@bossorv.co.uk Web: www.bossorv.co.uk

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Two Ventracs at the True Fit

Two Ventracs at the True Fit: Over the past couple of years, the True Fit Golf Centre at Cuerdley near Warrington has purchased two Ventrac all-terrain compact tractors and a selection of attachments to maintain the 18-hole Fiddlers Ferry golf course and 22-bay driving range. All of the equipment was purchased through their local dealer, Cheshire Turf Machinery.

The True Fit Golf Centre was originally formed in 1985 as a golf club assembly business by engineer Mark Overton, before he added a 9-hole golf course, which quickly turned into 18-holes of golf when a local farmer sold him some adjoining land.

Two Ventracs at the True Fit

Two Ventracs at the True Fit

The small course maintenance team were using an eclectic mix of mowing equipment before the engineer in Mark Overton decided there must be a more cost-effect way to manage the 5,500-yard course.

“I followed Ventrac on YouTube long before I decided to have a demo, as it appealed to my engineering instincts”, he said. “I liked the fact that you have a single power unit and multiple attachments to do various jobs around the course. We purchased our first unit back in 2020 and it quickly became apparent that we needed another one. We were considering the purchase of a new fairway mower from a major brand, but for the £80,000 purchase price we can have a Ventrac with a selection of attachments that do more than just on task. It just made sound commercial sense.”

Ian Millington is the principal operator of the machine and said,

“We have the two tractor units and added more attachments over time, so we now have a Contour deck, which we set at 35mm for the semi-rough and the triple Reel mower, which is set at 14mm for the fairways. This unit cuts as well, if not better, than some of the major brands. The Tough Cut deck is used on overgrown areas, and the Trencher is used for creating drainage bands, as we are situated very close to the river Mersey and it can be wet at times. Our final attachment is the Power Rake which we use for reinstating gravel pathways or preparing new areas when we need to break up the soil. It really has added to the overall presentation and playability of the course; even the golfers have made favourable comments!”

Mark Overton added, “We are a Pay-and-Play course with many regulars using our seasonal pass, creating a membership feel. All greens and tees have been built to USGA specifications and it has been designed to suit all levels of golfer from the beginner right through to the regular enthusiast. We’re not a long course by any calculation, but the Ventrac is the ideal solution for cost-effective course maintenance.

“Covering over 120 acres, the course has many water features and can be quite wet due to our proximity to the river as Ian alluded to earlier. Now, with the Trencher, we have the flexibility to install drainage when we want to and are not reliant on contractors. And we can get the machine out when it’s wet due to its incredibly low ground pressure. It’s robust, very well built and, as we have proved, it’s not just a machine for high-end clubs. Yes, we definitely like it.”

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