When I worked in the Parks Department with Dublin County Council, I was responsible for several crews that were maintaining outdoor open spaces.

Each crew would operate different machines, ranging from tractor driven rotary or cylinder mowers to strimmers, hover mowers and pedestrian mowers. From time to time these mowers would break down, which meant that they would have to be brought to or collected by our local dealers for repairs. 

These dealers were great at repairing our machines. There was one business, in particular, that I brought the smaller equipment to for repairs. It was a small shop that sold gardening tools, seeds and some mowers for the domestic trade. What made this shop special was that there were two employees who did nothing else only repair  mowers or anything else that had an engine. They were two completely opposite characters but they worked very well as a team. There was nothing they didn’t know about when it came to engines.

When I brought equipment to them for repairs, they would have them fixed in no time and to a high standard. It was not until I moved on with my career and relocated to another part of the country, working as a head greenkeeper, that I appreciated how good these two characters were at their job. Finding good workshop technicians are hard to find and hold onto. 

The equipment used on golf courses is very specialised and requires specific mechanical skills to carry out repairs and services to them. Simple operations such as grinding (and backlapping) cylinders for mowers, correctly setting reel to bedknife, mower diagnostics and so on.

Many golf courses in Ireland do not have the luxury of having their own mechanic. Some experienced greenkeepers “dabble” with fixing their machines. The vast majority of greenkeepers and groundspersons rely on the services of their local dealers to carry out major repairs. 

However, from the dealer point of view, it can be difficult to hire a suitably trained and experienced mechanic. Finding a mechanic that knows all about repairing and maintaining groundcare equipment is even harder.

Getting experienced and qualified people to work in the workshop facility has been an ongoing challenge. Finding ways to attract suitable people into this sector is hard to do. In my March 6 editorial I mentioned about the government’s Generation Apprenticeship having an Agricultural Mechanics Level 6 programme that is available and attractive to both novice and employer. As good as it may be, it is aimed specifically at farm machinery.

Last week I read an article on the topic of labour shortages in the turf industry. The article, written in America, showed how the New York State Turfgrass Association (NYSTA) recently got approval for its Registered Apprenticeship Programme by the New York State Department of Labour. 

This programme will offer an opportunity for golf courses, sports turf and turf businesses to develop their workforce while providing individuals a pathway to careers in the turf industry. There are two programmes, one for grounds staff and the other for equipment technicians. The equipment technician program will provide fundamental training in diagnostic, troubleshooting to equipment safety, repair, engine service, metalwork, and fabrication. 

It would be great if a similar scheme, tailor made for the sportsturf industry, could be developed here in Ireland. Ideally this would need to be initiated by a national trade association. It would take a lot of time and research to develop and get it approved by the government. Perhaps some businesses in our sector could pool together and help with this by making funds available for the creation of a programme that is designed specifically to the sportsturf industry. 

If this were to happen it would not only be beneficial to the turf manager but also for dealers. They would have specially trained staff to get those specific repairs done. A win-win situation for all.

Grange Machinery has appointed its first dealer in the Republic of Ireland, Kellys of Borris, which is based in Borris, Co Carlow and its sister branch Kelly’s of Laois, Abbeyleix, Co Laois.

A family-run company based in Holderness, East Yorkshire, Grange Machinery manufactures agricultural machines and wearing parts that they say offer affordable solutions to farmers across the UK, Europe and as far afield as New Zealand.

The manufacturer says their product range helps lower the cost of crop establishment whilst improving soil structure and efficiency in the field.

The range specialises in adaptable low disturbance toolbars and standalone looseners which offer solutions to many cultivation and seeding challenges; Grange Machinery has also recently launched the Strip-Till Preparator, now in full production following successful on-farm trials. 

Also family-run, Kellys was established in 1957 and has been serving the Irish market for 66 years. 

Kellys is one of Ireland’s largest stockists of new and used agricultural machinery, farm machinery and plant equipment, and has recently taken delivery of its first Grange machines, a 4m Close Coupled Toolbar and 3m Grassland Loosener. 

“Grange Machinery is delighted to have appointed Kellys as its first dealer in the Republic of Ireland,” commented managing director Rhun Jones. “There is an excellent fit between our products and the range offered by Kelly’s and the company has a strong presence and long-standing reputation in an important Irish farming area.” 

Wayne Barry, branch manager at Kellys of Laois commented: “We were looking for a range of products to complement the Horsch and Dalbo cultivation equipment that we offer and were very impressed with Grange Machinery, as a company and in terms of what it can offer. With customers moving towards min-till, the Grange Close Coupled and Low Disturbance Toolbars are ideal, while the Grassland Loosener will be of great interest to our livestock farmers.

“We look forward to showcasing the product range to our customers in the coming months.”

Service Dealer are delighted to announce that STIHL and Ibcos will be returning to the Conference & Awards this year, as Gold Sponsors.

A new venue has been announced for this year, with the Crowne Plaza at Stratford-Upon-Avon taking on hosting duties - with the date to mark up in your diaries being 30th November 2023.

Service Dealer owner Duncan Murray-Clarke  said, "It is great news that our friends at STIHL are returning this year to support our event dedicated to the UK dealer network.

"We look forward to welcoming them and their guests to what is going to be truly special occasion, packed with learning and networking opportunities."

Simon Hewitt, head of marketing at STIHL GB said, “STIHL has had a leading presence in Great Britain for 45 years and it remains one of the most important markets for us.

"We are really excited to be back sponsoring the Service Dealer Awards this year and look forward to the 2023 event in its new venue."

Duncan also said, "It's fantastic that Ibcos are also returning to sponsor our event again this year. We thank them for their support for our day dedicated to the independent dealer network."

James Buchanan, sales director at Ibcos, said, “We’re excited to announce that we will be a Gold Sponsor at this years’ Service Dealer Conference & Awards.

"We thoroughly enjoy sponsoring this event as it’s a great opportunity to meet with industry experts and share best practices with our customers."

Further details about this year's Conference & Awards, including the theme of the event, will be announced soon.

Fendt say they have chosen to debut its new Cargo T740 telehandler with its elevating cab design at this years’ FTMTA event.

The telehandler will be part of a stand the company describes as packed, that will also include the new 728 Gen 7 tractor and Tigo forage wagon.

“FTMTA is an important event in the agricultural calendar and we wanted to bring a cross section of Fendt machinery that reflects the needs of farmers in Ireland. We therefore have a focus on tractors in the 100-200 horsepower sector that can be specified with loaders, whilst also showing the future with the new 728 Gen 7 tractor,” says Fendt’s Richard Miller.

The 211, 312 and 516 Vario tractors chosen for the stand have all been fitted with the manufacturer's Cargo loader to illustrate the benefits of the tractors for grassland system work. The Tigo forage wagon further demonstrates the progress the company has made in this sector.

“The Tigo is a popular product in Ireland because the range offers capacities of 22 to 45 cubic metres in a compact design that is up to 20% shorter than rivals,” he adds.

The Cargo loader, fitted to the tractors at the event, is also an increasingly attractive option for operators buying lower horsepower Fendt tractors, says the company. It makes even the smallest 200 Vario a capable loading machine which can reduce fuel costs and help access to small spaces.

“There will be three tractor and loader combinations on display to demonstrate the versatility of the Fendt range for loading work. The panoramic view from the cab, intuitive joystick controls and weighing functionality all help to make a 200, 300 or 500 tractor a capable and comfortable loading machine,” says Mr Miller.

The current Fendt 724 Gen 6 tractor will feature on the stand with the incoming 728 Gen 7 as a way to illustrate the progress the brand has made in both engine technology and efficiency.

“FTMTA will be a unique opportunity to see both and ask our team questions about all the products on show,” he concludes.

The team at Malone Golf Club, located at Dunmurry, near Belfast, say a Redexim Overseeder 1575 3D proved a timely purchase for themselves as, like many venues across the country, overseeding work was high on the autumn agenda to recover the damage from the summer-time drought.

L to R: Chris Walsh, Ian Ellis of Cyril Johnston, Bobby Crooks and Perry Orr from Malone GC

Delivered in August 2022, the new disc-seeder was out and in use immediately across the 27-hole complex and according to workshop manager Chris Walsh, the results of the operation have been very impressive.  

A championship parkland course situated on 330 acres of undulating ground close to Belfast city centre, Malone proves a challenge for players and greens staff alike. “Our profile is sandy meaning that in the summer we burn up fast. With the long dry spell of weather we had last year we really struggled with coverage in areas such as fairways and tee boxes which aren’t covered by the irrigation system” explains Chris, who forms part of a ten-strong maintenance team. 

“Previously we would call in contractors to carry out overseeding, but you find yourself limited by their availability so we decided to purchase our own machine so that we can overseed precisely when and where we need to.” Redexim regional partners Cyril Johnston demonstrated the 1.5m wide disc seeder which, suited to a range of ground conditions and featuring easily adjustable delivery rates, ticked all of the boxes. 

“This Overseeder 3D is really well built and super simple to set-up and operate,” Chris explains. “One thing in particular we noticed was the accuracy of seed delivery which is ever more critical as the cost of seed continues to go up. The strike rate we got from the work we conducted across the site was fantastic and, while we were concerned about the slits opening up in the continued hot conditions, we didn’t get any of that. The rear roller helps to ensure that the seed remains exactly where it needs to be and seals the groove up to bring the course back into play almost immediately.”

The service, from both Cyril Johnston and Redexim’s Ian Lauder also impressed the team. “Everything from the demonstration and advice, through to the delivery and training we received was first-class.” He continues, “Now that we’re not waiting on contractors, we can really push ahead with overseeding, fitting it in and around our packed golf programme to build on course improvements and cope with the challenges that mother nature throws at us. This machine will pay for itself in no time.” 

In January 2023, the Board of Husqvarna Group announced that it would start a recruitment process to identify a new CEO, with Pavel Hajman continuing as interim CEO.

Pavel Hajman

That recruitment process is now completed, with the Board appointing Pavel Hajman to continue as Group CEO. 

Pavel has been acting CEO since December 2022, following a career of more than 30 years in leading positions within and outside Husqvarna Group.

Tom Johnstone, chairman of the Husqvarna AB board explained, "It has been an extensive recruitment process and we strongly believe that Pavel has all the right qualities to continue to deliver on the strategy to build a stronger Husqvarna Group and to deliver our financial targets. His long experience and his knowledge of the Group combined with his leadership skills will continue the transformation journey which the company has already started."

Pavel Hajman has been a part of the Group Management team since 2014 and has a history within Husqvarna Group as President for Husqvarna Forest & Garden, SVP Operations Development and SVP IT. Prior to joining Husqvarna Group, Pavel held various leading positions within Seco Tools and Assa Abloy in Europe and Asia.

Pavel Hajman said, "I am excited to continue to build on our strong strategy. Our Group truly consists of passionate people that together push the boundaries and keep transforming our industry trough innovation. I am looking forward to continuing on this journey, creating sustainable value for our customers, shareholders and society."

EGO say they partnered with the Eden Reforestation Projects last year with the aim of planting as many trees as possible.

Fast forward to now, and customers of the battery-powered equipment specialist can say that they have helped contribute to the thousands of trees that the global environmental initiative has planted in the manufacturer's name.

The Eden Reforestation Projects plant millions of trees each month across its global restoration network spanning regions such as Latin America and South-East Asia. The scheme says that not only are they helping the environment, but they are also providing local communities living in extreme poverty with the opportunities to become economically self-sufficient and earn fair wages.

Eden has different partnership levels, depending on the number of trees that have been planted. EGO began its partnership with Eden at the Sapling level, and with the support of its customers and regular donations, has moved up to the Grove level in just over 12 months.

Steve Roskell, director of marketing (EMEA) for EGO, said, “Our commitment to fighting climate change and leaving this world in a healthy state for future generations is important to us, and so partnering with such an incredible charity who shares the same values is crucial. We are thrilled to announce that we are officially a Grove level partner with Eden Reforestation Projects, and we would like to extend thanks to our loyal customers, who helped us make our biggest donation to the charity so far.”

EGO launched their Challenge 2025 campaign in 2020 that aims to "educate and empower people to make batteries the principal power source for outdoor power equipment."

Steve added, “We are very proud of our work with Eden as not only does it build on the success of Challenge 2025, but the two projects are very much working towards a similar goal, which is to create a greener and safer world for years to come. Having seen what we can achieve in only one year of partnership, we are very excited to see what more work can be done.”

Climate change and environmental concerns are accelerating the shift away from fossil fuels and towards more sustainable business practice. In grounds maintenance, Toro® is leading the way with the launch of a powerful new range of battery powered equipment, contributing towards a more sustainable business efficiency for professionals.

Calling on 100 years of expertise and engineering excellence, Toro’s new range combines our proven mowing equipment with pioneering battery technology to deliver like-for-like performance with our petrol or diesel equivalent. Easy to maintain and cost-effective to run, they can also lower the total cost of ownership and contribute to greater business efficiency.

POWERING POSITIVE CHANGE

Sustainability has never been a buzzword or box-ticking exercise at Toro – it’s embedded in our thinking. Fully aligned with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, we have a dual focus: on improving the beauty, productivity and sustainability of the land, and on helping our customers work more efficiently and effectively. Our acceleration towards a battery-powered future is central to this long-term commitment. Reducing carbon emissions in our operations, while powering professionals to work smarter means a positive change for everyone.

WHY GO ELECTRIC?

For some of your customers, making the switch from fuel to battery-powered can seem daunting and expensive initially. This is why Toro has created it’s TCO calculator, contractors can calculate their operational ROI (return on investment) and see over time the positive impact this investment has made not only financially but also to the environment around them with up to 3x reduction in noise and no engine exhaust emissions while being welcomed virtually everywhere and at any time of the day, giving them the freedom to work extended hours – or at times that suit your customer.  

THE POWER BEHIND THE CHARGE 

For years, our cordless range of residential equipment has been powered by Toro’s pioneering battery technology. We’ve built up insight, expertise and experience – and now we’ve applied it all to the professional market, adding extra power and features to give your customer the performance they need to get the job done. 

Designed to run quieter and cooler than ever, Toro’s Flex-Force and HyperCell® batteries offer more power, comfort and superior service life. Plus they’ve been rigorously put through their paces where it matters most – in the hands of professionals in the field. So wherever your customer is working, whatever the project, they can be confident that our products can give them the run-time and torque they need to supercharge the day.

MEET THE NEW BATTERY-POWERED RANGE

Naturally we’ve taken inspiration from our industry-leading petrol models, so you can expect the same high standards of innovation, efficiency and engineering expertise. You can also expect the same features, including MyRide and Horizon Technology as well as the Recycling and TURBO FORCE® decks. And whether you choose a ride-on, stand-on or walk-behind model, you can be confident it’ll provide electrifying performance and superior control all day, every day. Because at Toro, we believe embracing change shouldn’t mean leaving anything behind – and that’s fitting for a range of mowers with zero engine exhaust emissions.

Our full range can be found here. So join us today in leading the charge towards a more sustainable future.

For more information on Toro, please visit www.toro.com/en-gb or to become a dealer of Toro U.K. Limited, please email our sales team today.