Without doubt, the job of a turf professional would be made much more difficult and demanding without the aid of today’s efficient machinery, equipment, and the multitude of hand tools we now have available to help us deliver the expectations of the end users.
When I started my working career back in the early 1970s, the selection was quite limited compared to what you can find in a turf pro’s shed today.
During my early days as a parks apprentice working in a number of Birmingham Parks, notably Cannon Hill and Kings Heath, the only machinery we had in those days were a few pedestrian cylinder mowers. These included some ATCO, Zephyr, Ransoms, Dennis, a fly mower and a Victa rotary mower - along with a tractor and trailer. I fondly remember using a Wrigley three-wheeled truck to transport ourselves and materials around. I also remember using a Patterson spiker and Ryan Turf Cutter at Cocks Moors Woods GC.
During the late 70s to mid 80s, we started to see a larger choice of machinery come to market in the form of more rotary type mowers, ride on triple cylinder mowers and a range of transport vehicles that were developed.
It goes without saying that we now have a wealth and diverse range of machinery at our disposal. Just on grass-cutting tools alone, we now have a vast choice of products, from a wealth of manufacturers.
These range from strimmers to pedestrian and ride-on machines that offer a wide range of cutting options, including cylinder, rotary and flail cutting equipment.
Predominantly most of this equipment is still being powered by petrol / diesel engines. However, in recent years, we are now seeing more and more manufacturers producing battery powered mowers and handheld products.
We are also seeing increasing numbers of robotic mowers coming to market, with several golf courses now starting to use them to mow their fairways - the aim being to free up some labour to help improve productivity.
You just need to look at the cost of machinery investment that golf courses now have to commit to, in order to deliver a viable playing experience. We are looking at budgets well over 500K that will hopefully see them productive for several years.
The importance of our dealer network
However, we must remember that all this equipment comes at a cost and needs to be looked after. We are lucky that we have in this country, a robust machinery dealer network operating the length and breadth of the UK. These guys go out of their way to look after their customers.
Buying machinery from an approved machinery dealer can offer several benefits for individuals and businesses.
Approved machinery dealers often have a reputation to uphold. They are more likely to offer high-quality products to maintain their standing in the market. This can give you confidence in the reliability and durability of the machinery you purchase.
Authorised dealers typically provide warranties on the products they sell. This means that if there are any issues with the machinery within a specified period, you can often get repairs or replacements at no extra cost. Additionally, authorised dealers are more likely to provide comprehensive customer support and assistance.
Dealers usually supply genuine parts and accessories for the machinery they sell. This ensures that you can easily find and obtain the right components for maintenance or repairs, contributing to the longevity and optimal performance of your equipment.
Machinery dealers will have knowledgeable staff who can provide expert advice on the machinery they sell. They can help you choose the right equipment for your specific needs, ensuring that you make an informed decision based on your requirements and budget.
Dealers can also offer training programs and educational resources to help customers understand how to use and maintain the machinery properly. This can be particularly valuable, especially when you are using specialised or complex equipment.
Dealers are more likely to inform you about any upgrades, improvements, or new models that become available. This can be beneficial for staying up-to-date with the latest technology and features in your industry.
Knowing that you are buying from a reputable and approved source can provide peace of mind. You can trust that the machinery meets certain standards, and you have a reliable point of contact if any issues arise.
It's important to note that while buying from an approved dealer has these advantages, it's still essential to thoroughly research and understand your specific needs before making any purchase. Additionally, comparing prices and services among different dealers can help you make the best decision for your situation.
A valuable industry asset
During my time as editor of TurfPro and as a contributor to our sister title Service Dealer, I have had the opportunity to visit plenty of machinery dealers up and down the country, and have found them to be a most valuable asset to our industry.
Many of the dealers I have met are long established family business that have grown their companies over many years and, more importantly, have built a reputation for looking after their customers, thus ensuring the machinery they sell is fit for purpose and able to do the job you expect it to.
The cost of machinery and equipment is now a serious investment and it is important you make the right choice. Many dealers are happy to demonstrate machinery, enabling you to try it before you buy.
I personally think that you should find a dealer that suits your needs and over time build up a long-lasting relationship that helps you ensure your equipment and machinery that you have invested in, is well maintained and looked after. This will give you peace of mind and the ability to do your job more efficiently.
