Tag Archive for: Winning

ISEKI and Ipswich Town FC: A Winning Combination

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ISEKI and Ipswich Town FC: A Winning Combination: For over 20 years, Ipswich Town Football Club has trusted Iseki to help maintain pristine playing surfaces, ensuring every team at the club trains and plays on world class pitches.

This long-standing relationship has been built on quality, customer service, and a collaborative approach to finding the best solutions to evolving ground care demands. As Grounds Manager Ben Connell explains, Iseki’s proximity to the club has strengthened the bond, but the machines’ performance and reliability keep Ipswich Town coming back.

ISEKI and Ipswich Town FC: A Winning Combination

ISEKI and Ipswich Town FC: A Winning Combination

“The relationship with Iseki began before my time here, but it’s a strong working relationship that’s been going on for over 20 years,” Ben explains. “We’re not just using Iseki because they’re local, but because we’re very happy with all of the machinery and the versatility and quality it provides.”

From routine pitch maintenance to major renovations, ISEKI’s versatile range of tractors and mowers ensures Ipswich Town can maintain the highest standards across Playford Road training ground and at Portman Road.

SXG327: Elevating Presentation and Efficiency

One of the latest additions to Ipswich Town’s fleet is the Iseki SXG327, chosen specifically to enhance the presentation of areas surrounding the pitches at the training ground.

Ben explains: “We wanted a slightly different approach to tidying up the off-pitch areas. We’ve been using the TXG for many years with the under-slung mower, which doesn’t collect, and we really wanted to improve the presentation.

“So, we’ve gone for the SXG327 with the collector on the back, and the suction is fantastic. It keeps everything very tidy when we’re cutting, and it can get into every area we need it to. The team was thrilled when we got one, and they were all really happy to work with it.”

Beyond aesthetics, the SXG delivers significant time savings, especially during peak growth seasons.

“It’s not just about presentation; it’s also about efficiency,” Ben continues. “Instead of raking up excess grass, the SXG collects as it cuts. It’s a game-changer, particularly in the spring when the growth really takes off, and you’re cutting the off-pitch areas for the first time.”

TG Series: The Workhorse of the Grounds Team

While the SXG keeps off-pitch areas immaculate, the TG series takes care of the heavier lifting across all Ipswich Town’s grounds. They offer the versatility needed for a wide range of tasks, and the ability to quickly switch implements is an indispensable asset.

“The TGs are the workhorses of the grounds team,” Ben begins. “They’re incredibly versatile. We don’t need a specialist tractor for every job because we can just switch the implement and keep going.

“We use them for aeration, pitch maintenance, renovations, and seeding. Whether we’re stripping pitches with a Koro, sand spreading, or seeding, the TG handles it all. The tractor has good space, and the team really appreciates the air conditioning in the summer.”

TH Series: Power and Precision for Heavy Lifting

The TH series brings essential lifting and loading capabilities to the Ipswich Town grounds team. Designed for versatility and efficiency, this tractor plays a vital role in handling bulk materials, moving essential equipment, and assisting with pitch renovations. Its powerful front loader allows grounds staff to quickly and efficiently scoop and transport grass, sand, and other materials.

Durability is crucial for Ben and his team, and the TH series is built to withstand the rigours of daily use in a demanding environment. Its compact size makes it ideal for navigating the club’s grounds without causing unnecessary damage to the pitches. Whether preparing the stadium surface or maintaining the training ground, the TH’s reliable performance ensures the team can focus on delivering top-tier playing conditions for the players.

Stadium Tractors: A Tailored Approach

With Premier League football at Portman Road in the 2024/25 season, every match is watched by millions, making pitch perfection a top priority. Working with local Iseki dealer Ernest Doe, Ben wanted to address the weight of the machines and decided to use a cabless tractor on the stadium pitch with galaxy flotation turf tyres to eliminate any wheel marks.

“We’ve got two Isekis at the stadium—a TXG for smaller jobs like pulling trailers and a slightly larger 35-horsepower TH for more demanding tasks,” Ben explains. “The TH is fitted with galaxy turf tyres to minimise the impact on the pitch because we sometimes put a small seeder on the back of it. So, having those tyres allows us to maintain the playing surface with confidence that we won’t cause any damage.”

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KAR UK & Hunley Golf Course: A Winning Irrigation Partnership

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KAR UK & Hunley Golf Course: A Winning Irrigation Partnership: Greg Fitzmaurice, dual-role Course Manager and General Manager at Hunley Golf Club in North Yorkshire, has dedicated 28 years to the greenkeeping industry.

Since joining Hunley 12 years ago, Greg has overseen significant changes at the course, including a major irrigation system upgrade that has dramatically improved efficiency, turf health, and overall course management.

KAR UK & Hunley Golf Course: A Winning Irrigation Partnership

KAR UK & Hunley Golf Course: A Winning Irrigation Partnership

Hunley Golf Club, built during the early 90s golf boom, has seen its fair share of challenges. Initially developed by an ambitious local landowner, the club later faced financial difficulties, leading to a change in ownership. The current owners have focused on revitalising the club, and under Greg’s leadership, the course has gained a strong reputation and an increasingly loyal membership base. With a stunning coastal location and 27 holes, Hunley has transformed into a hidden gem on the UK golfing map.

When Greg first arrived at Hunley, it was evident that the existing irrigation system was outdated and struggling to keep up with the club’s needs. The old uPVC pipework, some of which had already been second-hand when originally installed, had long surpassed its 25-year lifespan. The system was failing, with frequent leaks causing disruptions and significant water waste. “By 2021, it felt like every few days we were fixing another leak,” Greg recalls.

Recognising that a full-scale upgrade was necessary, Greg and his team explored options from several leading irrigation providers. Hunter Irrigation products, distributed by KAR UK, emerged as the best choice. “Hunter offered the best value, but more importantly, we felt their products were the best on the market,” Greg explains. “It was a no-brainer for us, and we had full confidence in KAR UK.”

To keep costs manageable, Greg and his team made the bold decision to install the system in-house – a move that reduced the project’s cost to roughly a third of what it would have been with external contractors. Over three years, during quieter winter months, the five-person greenkeeping team gradually replaced the main pipework, installed new sprinklers, and upgraded the system’s control capabilities.

“We started with the worst areas, tackling the greens and approaches where leaks were most common,” Greg says. The team installed Hunter TTS-800 series rotors combined with G-85 internal risers, which provided enhanced reliability and precision. A temporary control hub was set up, with plans to fully integrate the Hunter Pilot system once the project is complete.

The impact of the new irrigation system has been significant. “It’s like having an extra member of staff,” Greg says. The time previously spent repairing leaks and manually operating sprinklers has been redirected to course maintenance and improvement. Turf health has improved dramatically, playability has increased, and water efficiency has significantly enhanced.

The system has also allowed Greg and his team to make real-time adjustments with ease. “Being able to run the sprinklers at night without worrying about coming into a flooded green the next day is a huge benefit, both practically and psychologically. It’s less work, it’s easier, and it means I can focus on other tasks without needing someone to follow me around to water in wetting agents. Once the Pilot system is up and running, and I can control everything from my phone, well, that’ll be Dreamland.”

KAR UK provided essential support throughout the project, from initial product selection to installation guidance. “The service has been excellent,” Greg notes. “Wesley Henshaw (KAR UK Golf Sales Manager) has been with us every step of the way, ensuring we had the right products and advice to complete the job ourselves. He’s got that technical and practical knowledge, which is better than the competitors, and that has been a huge benefit.”

While the full system is still a couple of years from completion, Hunley Golf Club is already reaping the benefits of its investment. For Greg, a good irrigation system isn’t just a luxury—it’s a necessity. “An irrigation system is an insurance for the golf course,” he explains. “You can go long periods without needing it, but when you do, if you don’t have it, you’re in real trouble.”

The impact of upgrading the system has been huge for Hunley Golf Club, not just in terms of efficiency and resource savings, but also in the quality of the course itself. “If we didn’t go through with this new irrigation system, it would have really held us back,” he says. “Now, we’re seeing the benefits everywhere—from saving resources to improving the final product. And personally, the stress of dealing with an unreliable system is something you can’t underestimate. Having that peace of mind is massive.”

For more information, please visit www.karuk.com

You can also follow KAR UK on X and Instagram @KARUK_LTD for much more news, reviews and insightful views.

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Green-tech celebrates after winning Employer of the Year

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Green-tech celebrates after winning Employer of the Year: Green-tech, the UK’s leading supplier of landscaping and forestry products, is thrilled to announce that it has been awarded the prestigious title of ‘Employer of the Year’ at the ProLandscaper Business Awards 2024.

The category award, sponsored by Fresh Horticultural Careers, celebrates excellence in leadership, workforce development, and employee satisfaction within the landscaping industry.

Green-tech celebrates after winning Employer of the Year

Green-tech celebrates after winning Employer of the Year

The ProLandscaper Business Awards, held annually, recognise outstanding achievements and innovation across various sectors of the landscaping industry. Green-tech was among six distinguished finalists for the esteemed Employer of the Year award. However, the company emerged victorious after successfully showing where staff ideas and comments have resulted in change to create a positive work environment, and how Green-tech demonstrated a desire to support the physical and mental health of its employees.

The awards ceremony was held at Old Billingsgate, London on Friday 19th April, and brought together companies from across all sectors of the industry to celebrate the accomplishments within the landscaping community.

Green-tech’s Managing Director Kris Nellist attended the event with some of the Green-tech team, who were thrilled to accept the award on behalf of the entire company.

Commenting on the win, Kris said: “We are incredibly honoured to be named Employer of the Year at the ProLandscaper Business Awards 2024. Green-tech strives to create a supportive and inclusive work environment where our employees can thrive and reach their full potential. Winning this award not only validates our efforts but is a testament to the dedication and hard work of every member of the Green-tech team for working to get Green-tech where it is today.”

Green-tech is celebrating its 30th anniversary so this year is particularly poignant for the company who have set itself an ambitious target to raise £30,000 for five very deserving charities – BALI Chalk Fund, Candlelighters, Macmillan Cancer Support, Perennial, and Shelter. The company is striving to raise £1000 for every year of trading and has six challenges planned over six months, bringing staff together to take part in events ranging from a ‘big sleep-out’ to marathons, cycling, and endurance challenges. The company has raised just over £14,300 so far. To contribute please visit https://bit.ly/49MSksI

For more information about Green-tech please visit www.green-tech.co.uk

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Rolawn supplies winning gardens

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Rolawn supplies winning gardens: The UK’s leading turf and topsoil supplier has supplied its Medallion® Turf to multiple award-winning gardens at this week’s RHS Chelsea Flower Show.  

Rolawn’s Medallion Turf is currently being used in multiple show gardens and stands at the prestigious Chelsea Flower Show – many of which have been awarded coveted RHS gold medals.

Rolawn supplies winning gardens

Rolawn supplies winning gardens

The company has seen its turf incorporated into schemes by some of the country’s leading garden designers at this year’s show, including the gold-winning design by leading Garden Designer and Plantsman, Chris Beardshaw, who also incorporated Rolawn’s topsoil and compost into his “A Life Worth Living Garden.”

Rolawn’s partner stockist, London Lawn Turf Company, were also involved in supplying product to exhibitors at the show.

Along with RHS Chelsea Flower Show, Rolawn is the chosen supplier for some of the country’s most prestigious events, gardens and garden designers, including to The Royal Parks and Palaces.

Jonathan Hill, Rolawn’s Sales Director commented “Our products are trusted by gardeners and garden designers because they know through experience that they can have confidence in them, that their gardens and planting schemes will meet gold medal standards – at the point of judging and for the duration of the five-day event.”

He added, “We understand the pressures of curating a show garden, so we always go the extra mile to be sure that the products designers request are delivered when promised and in prime condition.”

RHS Chelsea Flower Show is one of the highlights of Rolawn’s yearly event schedule, but the market-leading turf and topsoil supplier will be continuing to supply its products to show gardens and events throughout the 2023 season, including the full calendar of this year’s BBC Gardeners’ World Live events.

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Reesink’s winning combination

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Reesink’s winning combination: Reesink Turfcare has long recommended renovation for irrigation wherever possible. It solves a multitude of issues, keeps costs down, minimises disruption and brings the system bang up to date. And with Reesink’s training support on hand too, it’s been a winning combination for Breadsall Priory Golf Club.

Renovating its irrigation was an approach recommended to John Smith, course manager at Breadsall Priory, by Reesink when the system started experiencing communication errors and electrical breakdowns on both its systems on both its courses in 2018.

Reesink's winning combination

Reesink’s winning combination

At the time John said: “Completely replacing everything would have resulted in huge costs, but with the help of Reesink’s Toro irrigation team, including Peter Newton and Cevan Edwards, we discovered we only needed to upgrade the two control systems and we’ve saved a lot of money thanks to renovating rather than replacing.”

The existing wiring and pipework were found to be compatible with being updated to Toro’s Lynx central control system which would control the irrigation on both courses: “The biggest difference is that now we can water both courses at the same time,” says John. “Before we had to water the courses over alternating nights, so this is game-changing.”

Another benefit to having the system come into its own over the Pandemic: “The remote control aspect has always been really useful and convenient, but never more so than during the Pandemic,” says John. “It meant that irrigation was never disrupted even with a reduced team and restricted access to the club over certain periods. I could activate it throughout and even put ‘rain hold’ on when the weather changes and I wasn’t on site. It played dividends to the state of the turf over that period.”

Since 2018, John has been updating the sprinklers on the course to Toro Infinity for the Championship Priory course and T7s on the Moreland course: “It’s an ongoing project, we’re replacing 20 a year until they’re all done.”

When it comes to irrigation training Reesink is unique with its offering, from learning how the system works to get the most out of it, to dealing with any issues, John cites the service as “brilliant”: “Honestly the support Peter and Cevan provided myself and Neil Morgan, our irrigation technician with couldn’t have been better. It’s been vital actually and a real partnership has formed. When we’ve had a fault in the wiring, which is over 30 years old, for example, they showed us how to use the ground fault locator which detects through pulses where in the wiring the break is, meaning you can be specific about where you dig up the turf. That saved us so much disruption, time and effort. Whether it’s over the phone or in person on site, the level of service has been brilliant.”

Cevan comments: “Both John and Neil were keen to understand everything about the system so they could take autonomy for it. We’ve helped them along the way, topping up their knowledge, assisting with fault-finding and helping add elements to the four-year-old system.”

This has been in conjunction with also using Toro’s National Support Network, which as the first dedicated customer support network in the irrigation industry provides complete central control system operational assurance. And alongside Reesink’s support is, says John, “the perfect amount of support to keep you irrigating 24 hours a day, seven days a week, no matter what.”

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