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The 2015 Edwin Budding Award, named after the inventor of the lawnmower and presented by the Golf Course Superintendents’ Association of America (GCSAA)
in partnership with Ransomes Jacobsen, has been awarded to Stephen Tucker, Equipment Manager at Tranquillo Golf Club at Four Seasons in Golden Oak,
Florida.
Jacobsen President David Withers, Edwin Budding Award winner Stephen Tucker with GCSAA President John J. O’Keefe, CGCS
The Edwin Budding Award is given to equipment managers and related innovators, technicians, educators, or engineers from across the globe, who have made
a significant impact in the golf and turf business.
Tucker was presented with the award at the British and International Golf Greenkeepers’ Association’s (BIGGA) Turf Management Exhibition in Harrogate,
England.
“It’s very humbling to be chosen for the Budding Award,” Tucker said. “But I feel that I still have a lot more to do in the industry. I would also not
be where I am without all the leaders and volunteers I had with me. I want to accept the award on behalf of all of those guys.”
Stephen Tucker has spent more than 16 years in the industry and was instrumental in the formation of the International Golf Course Equipment Managers Association
(IGCEMA) in 2007. He began by contacting other equipment managers from across the world to form an association so that the career path for equipment
managers could be more than just going from job to job. IGCEMA would eventually become a partner in the annual Golf Industry Show and establish a certification
programme that recognised technicians for demonstrating proficiency in six key competencies. Tucker would serve as the first president of IGCEMA and
eventually become its executive director.
“Stephen truly personifies the ethos behind the Budding Award,” said Alan Prickett, Managing Director of the award sponsors, Ransomes Jacobsen. “His innovative
thinking helped establish a network of knowledge and camaraderie for equipment managers across the world. His efforts not only benefitted equipment
managers, but the facilities they serve and the industry as a whole.”
As IGCEMA flourished it became apparent that it would need to consider hiring paid officials to increase the scope of its offerings to equipment managers,
as its growth had outpaced its resources. Following a meeting with GCSAA Past President Patrick Finlen, certified golf course superintendent and general
manager at the Olympic Club in San Francisco, the answer was clear.
“It was going to be difficult to push ahead, so we had to ask the question: What was best for equipment managers moving forward?” Tucker said. “GCSAA was
the answer to that.”
So, on April 27, 2015, GCSAA and IGEMA approved a membership union between the two organisations. IGCEMA would dissolve, and GCSAA would offer an equipment
manager membership classification. While this meant the end of IGCEMA, it also meant greater professional development and networking opportunities
for equipment managers. As part of the agreement, GCSAA took over the Edwin Budding Award.
Leaves and debris have forever plagued us with their unwelcomed outdoor mess — we tiredly sweep them away to find them returning soon thereafter.
Thankfully, Rover has just released the Rover Jet, a blower designed to help you win the war against garden debris once and for all!
Rover’s Jet Blower is equipped to assist in quicker yard clean ups with minimal effort required. This high-airflow leaf blowerpushes an incredible volume
of 650 cubic feet of air through the end of the nozzle every minute at speeds of up to 208 km/h thanks to its durable 2-stroke 27cc engine.
The innovative mixed-flow fan works by pulling in and pressurising a high volume of air, and then releasing a powerful 650 CFM to deliver superior control
over leaves and debris. The tapered nozzle allows you to continue to focus on a particular area and increase airspeed, all the while maintaining volume.
The Jet Blower also incorporates a diffuser to increase air speed and perpetuate the pressure of high air volume.
The Rover Jet Blower is also Battery Starter compatible, giving you effortless starting to save you time and energy (Power Start Battery Starter sold separately).
Specifications
Find out more about the Rover Jet Blower at www.rover.com.au
Shaun Gerring, Assistant Superintendent at Green Acres Golf Club, situated on the banks of the Yarra River in the eastern suburbs of Melbourne, has been
nominated as the top performing student on Melbourne Polytechnic’s Diploma of Sports Turf Management.
Shaun Gerring, Melbourne Polytechnic’s top performing turfgrass student, is heading for the USA to take part in Jacobsen’s Future Managers’ programme
As a result of this achievement, he has been awarded a place on Jacobsen’s Future Turf Managers’ program, to be held in May 2016 in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Shaun began his career at Albert Park Golf Club as an apprentice greenkeeper in 2004. Albert Park Golf Club is situated just 2km from Melbourne’s busy
commercial business district, adjacent to the Australian Formula 1 Grand Prix circuit. He joined the Green Acres greenkeeping team in 2008.
Jacobsen, the manufacturer of golf course maintenance equipment with plants in the USA and UK, has a three-year agreement with Melbourne Polytechnic —
formerly Northern Melbourne Institute of TAFE’s (NMIT) — to provide new equipment for use on the five golf courses managed by the Institute.
Included in the agreement is an annual scholarship for the college’s top performing student to travel to America and take part in Jacobsen’s Future Turf
Managers’ Programme (FTM). This programme sees similar top performing students from major US colleges being invited to Jacobsen’s headquarters in Charlotte,
North Carolina for a week-long training, mentoring and networking event.
Mike Foskett, Regional Sales Manager at Jacobsen praised Shaun as very conscientious with an excellent work ethic.
“He is determined to excel in his chosen career and is committed to continued professional development to ensure that he has all the skills ready for the
day he becomes a Superintendent. He’s a worthy candidate for the Future Turf Managers’ programme and will do Melbourne Polytechnic, his club and the
region proud.”
Jacobsen, a Textron Inc. company and manufacturer of high quality mowers and turf maintenance equipment, has appointed Turf Equipment SA Pty Ltd as a distributor for South Australia.
Turf Equipment SA’s Jordan Ormsby (centre), flanked by Ray Grech (left) and Mike Foskett (right) of Jacobsen
Turf Equipment SA is a new distribution company owned and operated by Jordan Ormsby, of Golf Car Solutions, the distributor of E-Z-GO and Club Car golf
cars, based at Marleston in South Australia.
Golf Car Solutions was established in 2002 and over the past 13 years has become South Australia’s largest golf car supplier. Managing Director Jordan
Ormsby is passionate about the Golf industry as his family history testifies. He is the son of the successful professional golfer and retailer Peter
Ormsby, and older brother of Wade Ormsby, who is currently playing on the European Tour.
“I would like to thank Jacobsen for the trust that they have put in me and Turf Equipment SA for the opportunity to represent their brands,” said Jordan,
commenting on his appointment.
“I am really excited about the future here in South Australia and believe that the 20 years I have had in the golf industry will assist in growing these
brands – Jacobsen, Ransomes and Dixie Chopper. I have been the EZGO and Club Car dealer for South Australia for many years so it’s a natural progression
to expand the business into the turf machinery sector.
“Over the years we have built great relationships with many of South Australia’s golf courses and councils, so moving into the turf machinery industry
will be a great challenge and one we are looking forward to. Fortunately I have a great team around me, which has allowed me to expand the business
into this new field. We recently moved into our new 6,000 square metre site, which is located within 3km of the center of Adelaide, so accessibility
to all parts of the state can be done with ease.”
Chuck Greif, Managing Director of Jacobsen’s Asia Pacific region added that they are delighted to have partnered with Turf Equipment SA and Jordan
Ormsby.
“The South Australia golf and municipal markets are key growth areas for our business and we see this partnership as a strategic move for all parties.
Jordan Ormsby and his business has a very high reputation for customer service and quality products. Jordan’s excellent reputation for service and
support extends well beyond the South Australian market and in this regard we feel that the team he has put together over the past several years will
reflect the quality and assurance in our brands.”
With 90 years of experience in the turf maintenance industry, Jacobsen has built a legacy of precision craftsmanship, legendary quality of cut and unmatched
expertise. Dedicated solely to delivering perfectly groomed turf, Jacobsen equipment is used on some of the finest golf courses, sports fields and
other formal turf areas across the United States and the world, through an extensive distribution network and the international Ransomes brand. For
more information visit the website at www.jacobsen.com
Tailor made to show Australia’s unforgiving conditions who is boss, the LawnBoss Ride-On mower has attracted overwhelming attention, selling so fast that
until recently supply couldn’t meet demand. It has been the most popular piece of machinery to roll out of the Cox manufacturing plant in Brisbane
this season.
The LawnBoss is built and engineered in Australia using Australian made steel. Supported by PR, advertising and word-of-mouth LawnBoss has risen to unforseen
levels of demand, which led to many Cox Dealers around the country churning through their stock in next to no time.
Now, as a result of the ordering onslaught, Cox has upped production to meet the demand, and is now rolling out the next wave of LawnBoss Ride-On mowers
for the current season now in full swing.
“We knew the LawnBoss was a fantastic product, but we never anticipated them to sell out this fast,” said Cox Managing Director, Ken McColl.
“It really speaks to the value that Australians place on an Australian made, home grown brand. For all those who had previously missed out, we are happy
to announce that we now have stock available, and customers should feel free to head into their nearest Cox Dealer to snatch one up.”
As veterans of the mower industry, Cox’s design team built the LawnBoss to be, above all else, durable and reliable. The mower can be equipped with either
a 32” or 38” cutting deck, depending on the operator’s requirements. Formed and welded from heavy gauge steel cutting decks, a laser cut & keyed
unitary chassis designed by the Cox Engineering team, the LawnBoss is an Aussie mower in every sense of the term.
Ideal for small acreage blocks and the Australian climate, the LawnBoss is the superior Ride-On mower at its price point.
Every Cox ride-on mower is engineered to the same, exacting standards of quality and after-sales service established by Cox over 60 years in the business.
When it comes to quality and integrity of workmanship, Cox is the living legend of ride-on mowers.
Cox is backed by Quality Service, Parts and Accessories.
A new LawnBoss is backed by a 2 year conditional warranty, and a network of over 300 dedicated dealers throughout Australia, New Zealand and Asia-Pacific.
For further information on the LawnBoss visit www.coxmowers.com.au or call 1800 330 444.
When efficient portable power generation is a ‘must-have’, not to mention the reliability and expertise that comes from more than 100 years in the engine
industry, then the choice is simple – the Briggs & Stratton Elite Series generator range.
Briggs & Stratton Elite Series 3500/3000 Generator
Available in 3500/3000, 6250/5300 and 9500/7000 watt options, Briggs & Stratton’s highly versatile group of generators is designed to provide a safe,
reliable and sturdy solution to the challenge of remote location power access.
“The Briggs & Stratton Elite Series of generators are perfectly suited for farmers, light trade and domestic applications,” says Briggs & Stratton
Business Development Manager, Grant Buck. “Basically, they are indispensable for any situation where a high performance, portable power source is required.”
Powered by a Briggs & Stratton® OHV engine, Elite Series generators enable the operation of different pieces of equipment, such as air compressors,
angle grinders, sanders, circular saw, drills, concrete mixers, planers, concrete vibrators, air conditioners, submersible pumps and orbital sanders.
The generators are easy to start and offer great fuel efficiency. Capable of operating in all terrains and weather environments, the range also incorporates
frame insulating anti-vibration engine mounts, while portability is assured via solid-tyre wheels and a fold-away handle.
Whether dealing with large projects or small, the Elite Series offers something for everybody.
The 3500/3000 watt Elite Series™ generator is ideal for powering do-it-yourself projects around the house. It features a Briggs & Stratton® 1150
Series™ OHV engine, Super Lo-Tone muffler, pull start and up to eight-hours run time (at 50% load).
The 6250/5300 watt Elite Series™ option is the next step up, and features a Briggs & Stratton 2100 Series™ OHV engine, pull start, Super
Lo-Tone muffler, and up to 13-hours run time (at 50% load). This model also includes the StatStation™ Digital Display, which provides everything
the user needs to know at the touch of a button. These include power usage, total unit lifetime hours and maintenance reminders.
Briggs & Stratton Elite Series 9500/7000 Generator
Finally, the 9500/7000 watt Elite Series™, the most powerful portable generator in the Elite line-up, features a Briggs & Stratton 2100 Series™
OHV engine, both key and pull start options, Super Lo-Tone Muffler, StatStation™ and up to nine-hours run time (at 50% load).
“Portable generators can be vital when it comes to helping protect your family and possessions during a power outage,” says Grant. “They’re also extremely
useful in situations where you need power to run a wide selection of appliances and equipment. The best time to buy a generator is before you need
one. Briggs & Stratton portable generators are designed to provide power for home, work or play.”
For further information about Briggs & Stratton generators visit www.briggsandstratton.com/au
As one of the world’s leading small engine innovators, Briggs & Stratton has developed a reputation for constantly pushing the boundaries of possibility.
This pioneering spirit is once again evident in its latest selection of exciting new products, being launched in Australia from this spring.
“Innovation has played a key role in Briggs & Stratton’s small engine design for over a century. That focus doesn’t waver, and the innovations have
only gotten better,” says Thomas Rugg, Managing Director. “Evolving our small engine expertise in new ways and embracing technology are the driving
forces behind our engines that are engineered to be quieter, lighter and smaller.”
InStart™
Briggs & Stratton’s InStart engines are the first in the world to combine the power of petrol with the instant starting reliability of lithium-ion
battery technology. They’re Briggs & Stratton’s easiest starting engines.
Unlike traditional lead-acid batteries, the InStart battery can deliver up to 10 starts with just a 10-minute rapid recharge. With a full one hour charge,
InStart can provide up to 75 starts, providing enough power to meet the needs of most homeowners for an entire mowing season.
“This is the next generation starting system. InStart offers consumers the most advanced starting method on the market today,” says Tom. “The most outstanding
feature is the ease of the actual starting procedure, which completely negates the need for prime and choke functions. It also means that the pulling
of a starter cord is replaced by an easier starting option. More than 50% of recent mower buyers rated easy starting as being extremely important,
so this breakthrough will be welcome.”
Key InStart features include:
QPT™
An incredible 40% quieter than a traditional lawn mower*, QPT (Quieter Power Technology) enables users to mow their lawns without disturbing their neighbours.
The QPT innovation has been designed to reduce sound and vibration, resulting in significantly quieter, yet still powerful, equipment.
“One of the common things mower buyers have told us following their purchase is that they wish their mower was quieter,” says Tom. “QPT meets this need.
The reduced noise levels not only create amazing flexibility around the time of day you actually mow your lawn, but also enable you to have a conversation
while the engine is running.”
*Noise tested comparatively with previous equivalent Quantum Powered Victa models, measured at 7.5m according to NSW Noise Regulation 2008
The low levels of sound emission are made possible by key fuel system changes that allow for stronger and steadier fuel delivery. These factors combined
with additional modifications have resulted in quieter operation and better engine control speed.
It also includes ReadyStart®, Briggs & Stratton’s no prime, no choke starting system for worry-free starts.
EXi Series™
Representing industry-first technology, Briggs & Stratton’s powerful and highly durable EXi power plant is the first mower engine that never requires
an oil change.
“The development of the EXi comes in direct response to industry research that shows that consumers want ease when it comes to all aspects of mower use,”
says Tom.
Also featuring the convenience of QPT™ technology (see more above), EXi engines eliminate the need for oil changes through a series of important
design features, including.
For more information on the QPT, EXi and InStart technologies go to www.briggsandstratton.com
100% Aussie made and built for our harsh landscape, Cox Mowers are the perfect answer for any backyard job you need taken care of. With their latest
offering, the Cox Cruiser Zero Turn, giving the user the ultimate in effortless mowing.
Sure, if you’d like to put in more effort taming the lawn beasts, go right ahead. But the Cox Mowers’ Zero Turn has proven to be this Australian company’s
bestseller for its effortlessness. Proven to get the job done in half the time, freeing you up for more important things …like that extended lunch
break.
Let’s also clear up this “Zero Turn” jargon. Swinging this machine around trees and garden beds with a single pass doesn’t sound easy, but that is exactly
what the zero turn is designed for. Twin Hydro-Gear transmissions mean the ride-on mower will turn around in its own length.
Engineered and built in Australia to handle tough local conditions Cox Cruiser is proving to be very popular with consumers and Cox Dealers are holding
good stock for the green season ahead.
Cox is backed by Quality Service, Parts and Accessories.
Every Cox ride-on mower is engineered to the same exacting standards of quality, and Cox after-sales service level is the envy of the industry. Cox is
the living legend of ride-on mowers.
Your new Cox is backed by a 2 year conditional warranty, and a network of over 300 dedicated dealers throughout Australia, New Zealand and Asia-Pacific.
For more information on the Cox Zero Turn Cruiser, go to www.coxmowers.com.au or Freecall 1800 330 444.
Augusta Golf Cars are proud to announce the E-Z-GO RXV Refresh as the newest vehicle to their line-up.
The E-Z-GO RXV Refresh is the next generation model which is equipped with a revolutionary combination of AC power and IntelliBrake technology for superior
performance and increased energy efficiency.
E-Z-GO’s AC Drive technology is up to 25 percent more efficient than the DC technology traditionally used in electric golf cars, and provides a powerful,
consistent and reliable ride on all types of course terrain. Introduced in 2008, this pioneering technology delivers superior energy efficiency, increased
power and longer run times between charges.
The electric RXV’s patented IntelliBrake system encompasses two technologies: a motor brake that automatically slows the vehicle when traveling up or down
steep grades, and a parking brake that automatically engages when the vehicle stops. This system also delivers full-time regenerative braking, redirecting
energy back into the vehicle’s batteries whenever the brakes are applied, recharging the batteries during use and further extending the vehicle’s energy
efficiency and range.
The RXV has been updated to give golfers an exceptional on-course experience, with a sleek, modern design, featuring fade-resistant automotive-quality
paint. An integrated front bumper is designed to withstand impacts up to 5mph, while side and rear bumpers provide all-around vehicle protection.
The redesigned rear body maximizes storage space and offers the industry’s largest bagwell to easily accommodate the broadest range of golf bags. The interior
has been designed to enhance the on-course experience, featuring contoured, ergonomic seating, larger dash storage, and an optional USB port to power
smartphones, tablets and other electronic devices.
Besides the electric model, the RXV is also available with a 13.5hp Kawasaki gas engine. The engine’s hemispheric combustion chamber generates high torque
and hill-climbing ability, while providing competitive fuel economy. Both the gas and electric models come equipped with a limited slip differential
to allow the vehicles to navigate loose, wet and slippery conditions and minimize damage to turf.
View a video on the new E-Z-GO RXV Refresh below:
For the last 12 years, thousands of chemical users have relied on ChemClear to dispose of their unwanted agricultural and veterinary chemicals.
Over this time, the program has grown to become the most successful stewardship – or closed loop – waste disposal program operating in Australia.ChemClear
collections help neutralise the threat of chemical waste from harming local communities, the environment and Australia’s trade opportunities.Collections
are made across the country on a needs basis or via two permanent collection facilities in Sydney and Melbourne. Waste holders register their agvet
chemical products to be collected, resulting in a regional or statewide pick-up being scheduled once a threshold has been reached.
To date, over 100 collections across six states have transpired, culminating in a milestone 500 tonnes of obsolete rural chemicals being retrieved for
appropriate disposal across the country.
500 tonnes diverted from landfill converts to about 15,000 times the weight of a standard brick, 30 times the weight of a car, 9 million times the weight
of a sheet of paper or 4 million times the weight of a AAA battery.
Lisa Nixon has been the National Program Manager since the inception of the program.
“When ChemClear was first established in 2003 as a pilot, we thought the take up from agvet users might be slow. Boy, were we wrong. The booking line grows
each day with more and more product being registered,” she said.
“The program has been a fantastic initiative that has succeeded year on year, and along the way we have gained excellent support from industry, grower
organisations and state governments.”
ChemClear has received government funding support over the years to help finance the disposal of products from agvet chemical users that are no longer
identifiable or are unregistered.
In 2015, the Queensland Department of Environment and Heritage subsidised the cost of collection of deregistered or unknown chemicals (Group 2) during
a run which collected 37 tonnes of product from farmers, businesses, golf courses, government departments and councils across the state.
Coral Sanders, a user from Nanango who was a funding recipient said, “Registering online for the service was convenient and I was easily able to store
my chemicals, some of which were approximately 10-years-old, in a poisons shed prior to collection. By disposing of my chemicals, I’ve removed the
burden from others if something was to happen to me. ChemClear is a valuable service for all agvet chemical users.”
Agsafe General Manager Alison Carmichael said, “We can all relate to the image of the brown bottle on a shelf in the shed, enshrouded by cobwebs, or the
dinted and rusted drum in the corner, or the stack of plastic drums with illegible or missing labels.”
“There are many valid reasons why agvet chemicals become unwanted or unusable such as a change of farm use or ownership, changes in regulation or simply
availability of another product that is more appropriate for the job. The ChemClear program provides a fantastic service where these containers can
be taken from the property and the contents disposed of safely.”
500 tonnes is the equivalent of 25,000 twenty litre containers of product. These are chemicals that pose a safety risk by being left in sheds, discarded
in paddocks or eventually ending up in our waterways or in our soils.
“Removing so much unwanted product from the farm is a great result for the program, greatly reducing the risk of an incident resulting from a spill or
misuse,” said Ms Carmichael.
As well as safety, health and stock benefits of the program itself, ChemClear is also aimed at supporting users of agvet chemicals to comply with impacts
of environmental and farm management systems by providing a service to meet quality assurance standards and maintain good environmental practices.
“By participating in ChemClear, chemical users are provided with documentation that demonstrates they are meeting their responsibilities for on-farm waste
management of chemicals,” said Ms Nixon.
“We’ve found that users of the program are relieved to hand over their unwanted chemicals, which in some cases, have been lying around for up to 30 years.
The chemicals we are collecting can result from changes in farming direction, deceased estates, inherited chemicals from relatives and are often due
to the purchase or sale of a property. To see the relief on waste holders faces to finally drop off their chemicals to an appropriate disposal program
is very satisfying.”
ChemClear is leading the way in product stewardship and wishes to thank agvet chemical manufacturers, local government and program users for their commitment
to sharing in the responsibility for a sustainable future in Australian agriculture.
Ms Nixon said, “It has been an inspiring program to be involved in and I urge farmers and other users of agvet chemical to check out their storages and
register for the program as it forms a crucial role in protecting the future of the industry.”
Jarryd Graham from Kew Golf Club in Victoria was nominated by TAFE, Melbourne Polytechnic to attend Jacobsen’s Future Turf Managers’ Initiative (FTMI)
in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Jarryd receives his certificate from Jacobsen’s President, David Withers (right) and Steve Rand – Director, Chapter Outreach, Golf Course Superintendents of America Association
The FTMI event gives turfgrass students an opportunity to network with industry professionals, see some of the best managed sports fields in America and
also get an insider’s look at Jacobsen’s turf maintenance equipment.
This year international students were invited and Jarryd Graham was nominated to attend this invaluable three-day event. Commenting on his experience he
said he was shown around the Jacobsen manufacturing facilities and it was good to see the machinery being built.
“They build it all in one place now, they are based in one big manufacturing plant which was impressive.”
The visit also included trips to a couple of golf courses, the Peninsula Golf Club on Lake Norman, a few miles north of Charlotte and Sage Valley Golf
Club in South Carolina, just 15 miles from Augusta National. The magnificent Sage Valley was built by property developer, Weldon Wyatt, whose company
built most of the Walmart stores in the USA, after he had been turned down for membership at Augusta National!
Also included in the itinerary was a visit to the University of South Carolina and a tour of their sports facilities. Known as the ‘Gamecocks’ the university’s
Williams-Bryce football stadium seats 80,250 spectators and their US $35-plus million Carolina Stadium baseball stadium, which opened in 2009, has
a capacity of 8,242 fans. Assistant Athletics Director Clark Cox hosted the students and explained the turf management practices at both venues.
Jarryd gets to grips with Jacobsen’s Eclipse2
“In Australia when we do our apprenticeships we’re more practical based, whereas over in the USA, they go to university full time for three years and then
intern on their holidays. It was a bit of an eye opener,” Jarryd added.
“The practical side we do in Australia is really good because you’re always outside working and you’re learning on the job. But being full time students,
you could see that the American students’ theory was probably a bit ahead of where ours sort of sits.”
“Attending the Future Managers Turf Initiative is a good reference to have on your CV. The lecturers recognise that later down the track I’d be a good
candidate for a leadership position at another golf course.”
Jarryd didn’t realise that he would be using the skills he picked up from Jacobsen’s FTMI a lot quicker than he’d expected. Kew Golf Club recently changed
Superintendents and he was able to use the FTMI experience to good effect.
“I’ve been able to step up with the assistant and we’ve been running the course for the last month now. Having attended FTMI demonstrated to the committee
at Kew that I’m a person that’s capable of handling a wide variety of jobs. Attending Jacobsen’s event only confirmed that this is the career path
I want to take. I love the turf management industry and this experience just reaffirmed that,” Jarryd concluded.
Sam Huang, Superintendent at Pine Rock Golf Club in Qinhuangdao City, Hebei in China has successfully increased his green speed without raising the height
of cut using Jacobsen’s Eclipse mowing technology.
Pine Rock Golf Club, managed by IMG, is the first private members golf club to open in Qinhuangdao and is located on the coast, two hours drive from Beijing.
The location is a dramatic mix of bold rock outcrops, a rock quarry and gently rolling countryside with several stands of mature pine trees.
Back in April, Lewes Liu, Jacobsen’s Sales Manager for the region, gave a presentation to the Green Care Association on the benefits of the Eclipse technology
and after reading the subsequent article, Sam Huang, who runs a fleet of Jacobsen equipment, decided to test the principle.
Last July, maintaining his height of cut at 3 mm, he reduced the frequency of clip (FOC) from 0.16” to 0.14” and increased his green speed from 9.5 feet
to 10 feet. The Jacobsen Eclipse technology is the only mower control system on the market that allows the number of cuts per yard/metre to be controlled
so precisely.
Commenting on the results of this trial, Sam Huang said he was delighted that they were able to increase their green speed while maintaining the original
height of cut.
“This is a significant breakthrough and will ensure that we have a healthy grass plant and don’t have to chase increased speed by cutting lower.
“We have found Jacobsen’s mowers to be very reliable and their overall performance is the best in the industry. Also, their after-sales service is also
better as we can compare this having tractors and spraying equipment from their main competitors.”
One of the top five clubs in the Beijing area, Pine Rock purchased the majority of their Jacobsen fleet in 2012 and added three SLF1880 fairway mowers
a year later. Currently they run eight Eclipse2 battery powered walking greens mowers, 10 Greens King 522s for the tees, an AR3 for the light rough,
an AR522 for the semi-rough, two TR3s for greens surrounds and two Eclipse 322 ride-on mower for green mowing and verticutting.
If your backyard is looking a little worse for wear after the cool, winter months, there’s a good chance you’ll need to break out the line trimmer for
a complete tidy up.
Lawn care specialists Rover realise that safety should be of the utmost importance while operating backyard machinery and have provided these six simple
tips to guide you on your next backyard blitz.
For more information on these tips or to see Rover’s extensive range of line trimmers, head to www.rover.com.au
When it comes to backyard maintenance, having one tool that you can rely on to handle all your working needs is highly convenient.
Not only does this save you enormous amounts of time and effort, it’s also easier on the wallet. Realising this need for versatility, lawn care specialists
Rover have released the R2600 Curved Shaft Line Trimmer, delivering world-class performance when you are cultivating your lawn and garden.
Rover’s R2600 has been designed with a uniquely curved shaft, which offers balance and provides a clearer view of the trimming area, for added safety.
With a powerful 25cc, 2-stroke engine, Rover’s spring assist starting technology and attachment capabilities, you’ll find the R2600 easier to get going
than any line trimmer you’ve used before.
The ultimate in versatility, Rover R2600’s curved, two piece shaft can fit a variety of added attachments, including the Rover Power Battery Starter, Garden
Cultivator, Lawn Edger, Articulated Hedge Trimmer, Blower, Pruning Saw and Brushcutter. The 43cm (17″) cutting path complements the bump head line
release technology, which instantly releases pre-measured line, allowing for continuous and effortless operation.
Backed by a 2-year engine and unit domestic warranty, Rover provides peace of mind for the user, while experiencing Rover’s unbeatable technology.
For more information on all Rover products head to www.rover.com.au
Twenty years ago Corowa-based Upton Engineering designed and built it’s first Irriturf racecourse irrigator on behalf of the Victoria Racing Club for Flemington
Racecourse.
The Flemington Racecourse has just taken delivery of two new Upton Irriturf Racecourse Irrigators
The Irriturf proved to be such an innovative concept that was successful in accurately irrigating grass racetrack surfaces that it became the preferred
option at many of Australia’s premier capital city racecourses. It was also successfully exported to a number of the world’s most famous racecourses
in the USA, the UK, South Africa and New Zealand.
Upton Engineering has just completed a major upgrade to their Irriturf Racecourse Irrigator design with one new machine recently commissioned at Caulfield
and two more just delivered to Flemington where they will be used in preparing the grass track surfaces for the coming Spring Carnival including the
2015 Melbourne Cup.
Paul Upton, managing director of the long established Upton Engineering Pty Ltd, says the new design takes into account all the advances in manufacturing
and irrigation technology which have emerged over the last twenty years.
“We are confident that our latest irrigator is highly efficient in operation and accurate in the volume of water that can be applied to the track.”
A key feature of the new Upton Irriturf Racecourse Irrigator is the design of the boom. The two new machines supplied to Flemington are 30 metres
in boom width to command the full grass track width and comprise four individual folding galvanized steel boom sections.
Each of the boom sections can be folded in and switched off so that the boom width can be varied to avoid any trackside obstructions or to change the spread
of watering. The boom can also be raised or lowered to suit particular circumstances or to avoid distortion which may occur due to prevailing
winds.
When the irrigator is not in use or stored the booms all fold in to give a maximum machine width of only three metres.
The Irriturf is fitted with a 200 metre length of premium Australian-made Crusader flexible hose of 95mm (three inches) in diameter which is carried on
a hydraulically-activated wind-up reel. The hose connects by a snap-on coupling to a hydrant inside the running rail at every 200 metres so that
the Irriturf can water a total track run of 400 metres a time.
The water, at a typical flow rate of 15 litres/second, is applied via a choice of specially designed sprinklers fitted along each section of the boom.
This helps to achieve the objective of applying more water to the track surface in the least amount of time as possible. At this rate a 400 metre
section of the track can be watered in two hours applying an equivalent of 9mm of rainfall.
Another feature is a portable pendant controller in the cabin of the small tractor that tows the irrigator along each 400 metre run.
Mr Upton says this gives the operator complete control over all the Irriturf‘s features including the volume of water being applied, the height of the
boom above the track surface and variations in the boom width.
“The pendant gives a digital readout of all the features so that the watering operator is always informed on all its operating features.”
The irrigator is also fitted with low compression turf tyres so that compaction along the surface contact — or ‘tramlining’ — is avoided.
Paul adds that they know the flexibility of the machine design, as operators have chosen at times to water each 400 metre inner or outer section of track
individually or on alternate days.
“This gives the choice to water … only the inside portion of half the track in one direction, then to turn the irrigator around and water the outside
section. So the flexibility of our new machine is a feature.
“We took advantage of the latest in CAD (computer aided design) in designing every part. All steel components are laser cut for precision and galvanized
for protection to ensure a long operating life under outdoor conditions,” Paul said.
“Australia’s major racecourses like Flemington are regarded as providing the best grass racing surfaces for racing anywhere and we know that international
racing clubs are keeping in touch with our advances in track irrigator design.
“So in addition to the enquiries and orders we already hold for irrigators from other local racecourses, they will probably be followed up with new export
orders for what is a uniquely Australian irrigation solution for grass racecourses,” Paul concluded.
For more information contact Upton Engineering on 02 6031 1844.