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EDITOR'S BLOG

A MOST VALUED INDUSTRY ASSET
Our independent dealer network
by TurfPro Editor, Laurence Gale MSC, MBPR

We are lucky in this country that we have a robust machinery dealer network who go out of their way to look after their professional customers.

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.

NEWS

HIGH PROFILE TURF PROFESSIONALS APPOINTED
To GMA's board

In our first WEB ONLY story the positions allocated were sector director for professional sport and another independent director,

CHAMPION GROUNDSTAFF TEAM OF THE YEAR NAMED
At the 2023 Racecourse Groundstaff Awards

In our next WEB ONLY story the judges commented on the team's proactive and forward-thinking attitude and their exceptional work on the track.

PGA CENTENARY COURSE TO BENEFIT FROM UPGRADE
Will undergo irrigation transformation

Gleneagles says the significant five-month project will enhance playing conditions across the 18-hole championship golf course.

Gleneagles has commenced a state-of-the-art irrigation project on its Jack Nicklaus-designed PGA Centenary Course, former host to both the Ryder Cup and Solheim Cup.

Hole 18 at Gleneagles

The club says the significant five-month project will further enhance playing conditions across the 18-hole championship golf course and will see the installation of a new Rain Bird irrigation management system that will help reduce both water usage and power consumption.

Beneath the golf course, 24.5 miles of new pipework will be laid along with 33.5 miles of cabling, and 1,414 individual sprinkler heads will be strategically positioned so water can be applied more accurately over an eight-hour cycle, without the need to close the golf course.

Director of golf at Gleneagles, Andrew Jowett, commented, "As we’ve come to experience prolonged dry spells in recent years, our significant investment in the latest irrigation technology will ensure we're fully prepared to maintain the golf course to the very highest standard in the years to come.

"From a practical perspective, the new system will allow us to irrigate every mown area of the course, including greens and surrounds, tee complexes, approaches and fairways, under the control of individual sprinkler heads, from a handheld device, at any time."

The PGA Centenary Course will re-open for play in April 2024.

POWERLAND FINDS UK DISTRIBUTION
For Tachyon fully electric ATV

ATVs are manufactured in a factory in Goa, where the complete vehicle is made in-house.

Boss ORV have been appointed sole UK distributors for Powerland Agro Tractor Vehicles Pvt. Limited.

Powerland is the company behind the development and manufacturer of the Tachyon fully electric ATV in Goa, India.

Boss ORV Managing Director, Phil Everett, said, “I have known Tej Naik and his family for many years and we have been in constant communication over this time. We have watched with great excitement how the business and products have developed. The factory in Goa has become a fully independent facility, manufacturing the complete vehicles in-house, including their own chassis.

“We took the opportunity to visit their stand at the EICMA event in Milan and seal the deal with a long-term distribution contract. The Tachyon is now the complete fully electric (Li-ion) ATV, which is road legal with tractor homologation and the time is right to launch it into our market.”

The Naik family say they had, for a long time, harboured the ambition to produce their own automotive vehicles and decided to manufacture ATVs locally to cut down on costs and make the product affordable for Indian customers. Today, the company is rapidly growing with the production of the Tachyon, which is now being exported to South America and the USA.

Tej Naik says, “We’re excited to have Phil Everett and Boss ORV as our exclusive partner for the UK. Phil, with his expertise in the ATV/UTV business for more than 25 years, will definitely help us in scaling up the business and making better products to satisfy the requirements of customers in the off-road market.”

Powerland say they expect to increase its team size to five hundred employees in the next three years. The Tachyon will be exhibited for the first time in the UK at the Lamma Show 2024 on stand number 6.924.

25 YEARS OF DEALER PARTNERSHIPS CELEBRATED
Trimax thank four dealerships

Johnson Gilpin's Ricky Neil with Trimax CEO, Michael Sievwright

Manufacturer extends "deepest gratitude" for dealers' commitment and passion.

Trimax Mowing Systems recently celebrated 25 years of collaboration with four UK dealers.

Long service awards were presented to Tuckwells, Johnston Gilpin and Co., Thomas Sherriff & Co., and Campey Turf Care Systems at this month's SALTEX.

L-R: Trimax CEO Michael Sievwright with Tuckwells' James Gibbon

On receipt of their award, James Gibbon, group sales manager at Tuckwells, said, "The relationship we have with Trimax has always been strong and the brand aligns well to our own values."

Johnson Gilpin's Ricky Neil with Michael Sievwright

Ricky Neill, group sales manager at Johnston Gilpin and Co., agreed, saying, "The last 25 years have been an absolute pleasure. Trimax have an excellent range of products which are backed up by a very knowledgeable team."

Harry Pattinson, outlet manager at Thomas Sherriff & Co., said, "Our 25-year collaboration has not only weathered the changing landscapes of business but has also thrived, evolving into a robust and enduring alliance. This award is a testament to the trust, shared vision and collective efforts that have defined our relationship."

Richard Campey and Michael Sievwright

Whilst for Julia Campey, managing director at Campey Turf Care Systems, the 25-year award was ". . a humbling acknowledgement of the partnership we've built over 25 years and our shared commitment to providing exceptional machinery to the turf industry."

Caroline Shaw, global brand manager at Trimax told the four dealers, "We would like to extend the deepest gratitude for your commitment and passion for the Trimax brand."

PELLENC CLAIM CERTIFICATION FIRST
For 'made to last' tools

Pellenc have announced a certification first for four of its professional tools.

Pellenc has announced that they have obtained Longtime certification for four of its professional tools.

Created by Ethikis ad civis, Longtime is the first European and independent label that identifies and promotes products that are designed to last.
The certification includes the Helion 3 electric hedge trimmer, the Airion 3 electric blower and ULIB 1200 & 1500 batteries. They say they are the first manufacturer of professional tools, motors and batteries to benefit from this label.

Pellenc say one of the most effective strategies to reduce the environmental impact of a product is to extend its lifespan. The company say they have been mobilising its R&D teams for many years in order to offer equipment that is more durable, robust and repairable over time.

The Helion 3, the Airion 3, and the ULIB 1200 & 1500 batteries have been awarded the European Longtime label after a strict and impartial control carried out by APAVE Certification.

This demanding process made it possible to assess the compliance of these products with the 41 criteria of the label, which focus on robustness, repairability and the monitoring and maintenance of the tools.

The Helion 3 hedge trimmer has a reliable brushless electric motor, a robust cutterbar, and the materials of which it is composed, insensitive to corrosion, have been selected for their compatibility with intensive use and for their resistance to impacts.
The Airion 3 blower features replaceable and repairable magnesium parts.
The ULIB 1200 & 1500 batteries are composed of very high-capacity lithium-ion cells and offer a lifespan of more than 1,300 charge cycles.

By voluntarily committing to this sustainability approach, Pellenc say they go “.. beyond the regulation of the repairability index and is fully committed to the fight against planned obsolescence and respect for the environment.”

Elsa Lomont co-founder of Ethikis, said, "We are proud that manufacturers are using the label to objectively inform consumers about the sustainability of the products they sell to consumers. Committing to the Longtime approach means demonstrating transparency and we are delighted that Pellenc has joined this approach."

Pellenc is distributed exclusively in the UK by Etesia UK.

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