Dealer of the year award for 2005
Dealer of the year award for 2004
Dealer of the year award 2002
Latest TM5 has many improvements
Dealer of the year award 2001
V800 debris clearance response unit
Q' cab for Brouwer SH1565
Sales Director appointed by Turfmech
Trailed top dressers
Latest Brouwer turf harvester
Swivel Spout boosts versatility
Progressive Pro-Flex 120 rotary mower
Two new turf harvesters for Sussex grower

Dealer of the year
Cheshire firm is Turfmech’s Dealer of the Year for 2005



Turner Groundscare's retail branch at Lansdowne Road , Stamford Bridge, Tarvin, near Chester , is Turfmech Machinery's dealer of the year for the second year running . . . and for the fourth time in five years. Runner-up, also for the second year running, was Scottish professional grounds care equipment dealer, Nairn Brown ( Glasgow ) Ltd, of Busby, Glasgow . Initiated in 1999, Turfmech's dealer of the year award was presented to Turner Groundscare's Tarvin branch in recognition of the outstanding sales results achieved by the firm during 2005 together with the consistently high level of service provided to owners and users of Turfmech machines. An engraved plaque marking these achievements was presented to staff from Turner Groundscare's Tarvin branch at the annual BIGGA (British & International Greenkeepers' Association) Turf Management Exhibition, held in Harrogate last month. Presenting the award, Turfmech's managing director, Austin Jarrett, commented that Turner Groundscare's continuing success was due reward for the company's exceptional efforts in promoting and supporting Turfmech products over the six years ago since it first became a Turfmech dealer. “Thanks to Turner Groundscare, we have machines at work with local authorities, contractors, golf clubs, hire firms and private customers throughout Cheshire, Flintshire, Greater Manchester and Merseyside,” he said. “The feedback we receive tells us that Turner Groundscare delivers consistently high levels of after-sales support to its professional customers, support which has resulted in new and repeat sales of Turfmech machines over the years.

In response, Brian Spruce of Turner Groundscare pointed out the company enjoyed a first-class business relationship with Turfmech and its staff. “From product demonstrations and technical assistance to responding to parts and service requests, we know that Turfmech will never be found wanting. Turfmech sets a high standard for others in the industry to follow.”

Dealer of the year
Cheshire firm is Turfmech’s Dealer of the Year for 2004

Turner Groundscare’s retail branch at Lansdowne Road, Stamford Bridge, Tarvin, near Chester, is Turfmech Machinery’s dealer of the year for the third time in four years. The company narrowly pipped into second place Scottish professional grounds care equipment dealer, Nairn Brown (Glasgow) Ltd, of Busby, Glasgow.Now in its sixth year, the Turfmech dealer of the year award was given to Turner Groundscare’s Tarvin branch in recognition of the company’s outstanding sales achievements during 2004 and the consistently high level of service it has delivered to owners and operators of Turfmech’s professional sports turf and grounds maintenance equipment. An engraved plaque marking these achievements was presented to staff from Turner Groundscare’s Tarvin branch by Turfmech’s regional sales manager, Clive Carter, accompanied by sales director, Ian Pogson.
In making the award, Clive Carter pointed out that Turner Groundscare had produced consistently strong results since being appointed a Turfmech dealer some five years ago. “Over that time, the Tarvin branch has built a very strong following for Turfmech products among local authorities, contractors, golf clubs, hire firms and private customers throughout Cheshire, Flintshire, Greater Manchester and Merseyside,” he said. “During 2004, the branch secured a high level of new sales in particular for our range of precision top dressers and vacuum debris collectors, while continuing to provide outstanding parts and service support for Turfmech owners and users.”In addition to its award-winning retail branch at Tarvin, the Turner Groundscare group has sales and service branches at Bledlow in Buckinghamshire, Dunstable in Bedfordshire and at Erdington, a north-eastern suburb of Birmingham. All hold the Turfmech franchise as well as being main John Deere groundscare dealers.

Brian Spruce, general manager of Turner Groundscare, pointed out the company’s relationship with Turfmech is based on far more than simply the supply and support of quality turf machinery. “Turfmech delivers an all-round package which is among the best in the business,” he said. “From demonstrations and technical know-how to prompt delivery of parts and help with service problems, we know that we can rely 100 per cent on Turfmech and its staff. It’s a real pleasure doing business with them.”

Dealer of the year
Cheshire firm retains dealer of the year award for 2002

Turner Groundscare's branch at Stamford Bridge, Tarvin, near Chester, is Turfmech's dealer of the year for the second year in succession.

The award, which is now in its sixth year, was presented to Turner Groundscare in recognition of its outstanding sales successes during 2002 and the consistently high level of service it has provided to owners and operators of Turfmech machines. A framed citation marking these achievements was presented to staff from Turner Groundscare's Tarvin branch at the annual BIGGA Turf Management Exhibition, held in Harrogate in late January.

Presenting the award, Turfmech's northern area sales manager, Clive Carter, said that Turner Groundscare had produced consistently strong results since being appointed a Turfmech dealer three years ago.

"The firm has built a loyal following for Turfmech products among local authorities, contractors, golf clubs, hire firms and private customers throughout Cheshire, Flintshire, Greater Manchester and Merseyside," he said. "During 2002, Turner Groundscare secured important new and repeat business in particular for our fine-cut and contour rotary mowers, top dressers, vacuum collectors and debris blowers, while continuing to provide first-class parts and service support for all Turfmech owners and users."

Established in 1994, the Turner Groundscare group has dealer branches at Tarvin in Cheshire, Bledlow in Bucks and Hemel Hempstead in Hertfordshire, the latter relocating in early February 2003 to new premises at Dunstable. All three branches hold the Turfmech franchise as well as being main John Deere groundscare dealers.

Brian Spruce, general manager of Turner Groundscare, pointed out the relationship with Turfmech is based on far more than simply the supply and support of quality turf machinery. "Turfmech delivers an all-round package which is among the very best in the business," he said. "From demonstrations and technical advice to prompt parts deliveries and assistance with service matters, we know that we can rely 100 per cent on Turfmech and its staff. It's a pleasure doing business with them."

Latest TM5 vacuum collecter has many improvements

An uprated version of the TM5 high-tip vacuum collector has been launched by Turfmech.

Suitable for use behind tractors of 35hp-plus, the latest TM5 incorporates more than 150 design changes over its predecessor. These include a 20 per cent boost in airflow, resulting in superior collection efficiency both at the suction head and the optional side wander hose, when fitted.

Improved workrates are further assured by an increase in suction head width from 1.5m (5ft) to 1.7m (5ft 7in) and the use of a larger debris intake throat, minimising the risk of blockages when gathering twigs and damp, bulky material.

The new wider suction head retains Turfmech's proven full-width powered debris agitation brush as well as vertical and sideways float to maintain maximum suction over undulating and uneven surfaces.

Improvements to the vacuum impeller see the adoption of new alloy steels for the fan blades and impeller scroll housing, giving up to six times greater wear resistance when working with tough debris and in abrasive conditions. The fitting of a new manual switch valve makes change-over from suction head to optional side hose collection a fast, simple and reliable operation. Other improvements highlighted by Turfmech on the new TM5 are a steeper hopper tip angle (127deg) for guaranteed discharge of collected debris, uprated hydraulic components for faster hopper lift/lower cycles and tidier, "easy remove and replace" stowage for the optional side wander hose. Greater stability on slopes is assured by the wider wheelbase (up from 1.5m to 1.7m) while a removable mesh filter minimises the discharge of fine debris from the top of the hopper.

Available with an optional 6m (20ft) long by 200mm (8in) or 250mm (10in) diameter wander hose and a powered gully sweeping brush, the new, uprated TM5 high-tip vacuum collector is available now for demonstrations nation-wide.

Brian Spruce (third from left), general manager of Turner Groundscare's Tarvin branch in Cheshire , receives Turfmech's Dealer of the Year 2001 award from Clive Carter, Turfmech's sales manager for the north of England and Scotland.

Dealer of the year award goes to Turner GroundscareProfessional grass and turf machinery supplier, Turner Groundscare of Stamford Bridge, Tarvin, near Chester, is Turfmech Machinery's dealer of the year for 2001.

Awarded in recognition of outstanding sales and service achievements during the past year, the framed citation was presented to staff from Turner Groundscare's Tarvin branch at BTME 2002 by Turfmech's regional sales manager, Clive Carter.

"Turner Groundscare's Tarvin branch took on the Turfmech franchise for Cheshire, Flintshire, Greater Manchester and Merseyside in early 2000," commented Clive Carter. "Since then, the firm's sales, service and parts teams have provided first class support for the full range of Turfmech equipment among local authorities, contractors, golf clubs and the hire industry throughout the area. As a result, Turner Groundscare's Tarvin branch is the deserved winner of our dealer of the year award for 2001." Established in 1994, the Turner Groundscare group today comprises branches at Tarvin in Cheshire, Hemel Hempstead in Hertfordshire and Bledlow in Bucks. All three hold the Turfmech franchise as well as being appointed main John Deere groundscare dealers.

Brian Spruce, general manager of the company's Cheshire operation, pointed out that the entire Turfmech product range is well built and well supported. "We have an excellent relationship with Clive Carter and receive first-class support from the back room staff at Turfmech's Hixon headquarters," he said. "We shall be trying very hard during 2002 to maintain Turner Groundscare's position as Turfmech's top dealer."

Truck-loading V800 clears debris fast

Turfmech Machinery has made a number of important improvements to its V800 debris clearance response unit. The changes are designed to extend the truck-loader's working life and produce greater economy, flexibility and working efficiency in the hands of public authority, contractor and fleet hire users.

Completely self-contained, the new V800 is mounted on a sprung trailer chassis enabling it to be towed to site behind the same vehicle which is used to collect and remove the debris picked up by the V800's flexible suction hose.

Measuring 4m (13ft) long by 200mm (8in) diameter, the suction hose is supported on a harness worn by the operator who guides the hose over the ground to pick up leaves, litter and other light, loose debris. The ability to wander freely with the hose means that the machine can be used successfully on open spaces and in confined areas close to trees, walls and buildings.

The principal improvements made to the V800 are as follows:

• An 18hp Kohler petrol engine has replaced the previously-used 25hp power unit. The 18hp engine provides more than enough power to drive the vacuum impeller while being quieter and more fuel-efficient. Electric start is standard as is a removable 25 litre (5.5gal) fuel tank with level gauge. A centrifugal clutch is now fitted between the engine and the vacuum impeller. The clutch eliminates loading on the engine when starting, simultaneously reducing strain on the starter motor. Drive to the impeller feeds in gradually as engine speed increases, engaging fully at around 1,400rpm.Improvements to the vacuum impeller have seen the adoption of uprated alloy steels for the fan blades and the impeller scroll housing, giving up to six times greater wear resistance when working with tough debris and in abrasive conditions. Also fitted is a 6mm (¼in) wear plate inside the discharge spout to extend its working life. The debris discharge spout has been equipped with a tiller-like handle, enabling it to be swivelled easily to alter the direction of discharge.
• Other detail changes to the V800 include the fitting of uprated suspension to the trailer unit and the adoption of more rigid and robust guarding made from steel instead of fibreglass..

Available now for demonstrations nation-wide, the revised V800 is expected to appeal particularly to the equipment hire market and to local authorities needing a fast, flexible and cost-effective answer to litter, leaves and other debris dropped in or close to parks, precincts, schools, shopping centres, stadiums and arenas. Export enquiries welcomed.

Brouwer turf harvester offered with
factory-fitted 'Q' cab

Turfmech Machinery has unveiled the most powerful-ever Brouwer turf harvester to be offered with a factory-fitted 'Q' cab and the choice of two- or four-wheel drive

Built around a New Holland TN75 tractor developing 75hp, this latest variant of the high-performance Brouwer SH1565 turf harvester is one of the most important turf machines to be marketed in the UK and Ireland by Turfmech.

"For the first time, turf growers can specify a power unit for their Brouwer turf harvester built to the same specification as the conventional tractors they use for seedbed cultivation, mowing, vacuuming and trailer work," explains Turfmech's managing director, Austin Jarrett. "As well as a luxury 'Q' cab, customers are able to choose from a range of factory-fitted options when placing their order. These include two or four-wheel drive, filtered air conditioning and a choice of transmission system to meet individual requirements."

Until now, the power units used for Brouwer turf harvesters, and most other harvesters sold in Europe, have been confined to tractor models built for the higher volume North American market. By sourcing the New Holland TN75 power unit in Europe, Turfmech is now able to provide turf growers in the UK and Ireland with a state-of-the-art harvester powered by a tractor delivering low noise levels and up-to-the-minute standards of comfort, convenience and control layout.

The turf harvesting section of the Brouwer SH1565 machine is identical to that launched by Turfmech at the 2000 IoG Saltex Show. A key feature is its low-weight floating cutting head with 10 degrees of lateral pivot which gives highly accurate turf-following under all field conditions, resulting in harvested turf of a very consistent thickness. The cutting head's see-through frame allows the driver a clear view of the cutting area while also making for fast, simple servicing and maintenance. The harvester can be specified in either 16in (406mm) or 24in (610mm) cutting widths. The 16in width is used to produce conventional turf rolls, commonly in lengths of 96in (2.44m) to give a ground coverage of one sq metre. Specified with the 24in cut, the harvester is able to produce either small rolls or, with a modification to the roll-up section, big rolls in lengths of up to 45m (148ft), ideal for large area turf installations.

Supplied as standard with hydraulic depth control, the Brouwer SH1565 turf harvester with New Holland TN75 power unit can be ordered with fully-hydraulic auto steer with precision micro-adjustment, variable-speed hydraulic roll-up conveyor drive, a push button electro-hydraulic turf length chop-off mechanism, a turf-sweeping brush attachment, a cross conveyor and a harvester roof frame with canopy and lights.

A range of special finance and planned maintenance options is offered by Turfmech to meet the needs of professional turf growers and their individual businesses.

Sales Directer appointed by Turfmech

Ian Pogson has been appointed to the position of sales director at Turfmech.

Previously the company's sales manager for southern England, south Wales and Ireland, Ian - or 'Poggy', as he is known to friends and colleagues - is now managing the company's entire sales operation within the UK and Ireland. He is also seeking to extend Turfmech's dealer network across the UK, Ireland and continental Europe.

Ian will continue to look after customers in a reduced regional sales area covering the south-west of England and south Wales, with recent recruit Jon Proffitt taking over central southern and south-east England in addition to his existing area of mid Wales, the Midlands and East Anglia. Clive Carter, who celebrated 10 years with Turfmech in September 2001, continues as the company's sales manager for Scotland and the north of England. Joining Turfmech in 1996, Ian Pogson has more than 25 years' experience within the agricultural and horticultural machinery industries. A qualified sports coach, Ian is known throughout the industry for his sense of humour and dedication to customer service. His new appointment will give Turfmech's managing director, Austin Jarrett, more time to concentrate on company strategy, customer liaison and new product developments.

Trailed Top Dressers combine high output with precission.

Newly-introduced by Turfmech Machinery are the Ty-Crop QuickPass 450 and QuickPass 300 trailed top dressers, designed for precision work on golf greens and fairways, sports grounds, playing fields and other regularly-maintained turf areas.

Four-wheel independent walking beam suspension reduces turf-loading while maintaining full ground contact on level or undulating turf.

Equipped with 1.27 cu m (1.66 cu yd) and 0.75 cu m (1 cu yd) capacity hoppers respectively, the QuickPass 450 and QuickPass 300 both have four-wheel independent walking beam suspension to maintain full ground contact across even and undulating turf. The result is exceptionally well-balanced distribution of the carried load on the ground, while the fitting as standard of wide flotation tyres on all four wheels further reduces the risk of turf marking and compaction.

Customers have a choice of three quick-attach spreading options, all fed by a seamless moving-belt floor via an adjustable rear metering gate. The standard power brush gives precision "drop-style" top dressing across a 1.5m (5ft) bout width. Alternatively, there is a vortex-type brush ideal for spreading light dressings across a 1.8m (6ft) width or a cyclone-action twin spinner attachment capable of spreading damp or dry materials up to 5.5m (18ft) wide. The delivery speed of all three mechanisms is adjustable to suit different materials and application rates.

Both top dressers can be specified with tractor hydraulic drive, a tractor PTO-driven hydraulic power pack, or a self-contained engine-powered hydraulic system enabling use behind vehicles which do not have a PTO shaft or external hydraulic system.

Latest Brouwer turf harvester sets new high standards for production of quality turf

A brand-new tractor-mounted turf harvester from Brouwer has been launched in the UK and Ireland by sole appointed distributor, Turfmech Machinery Ltd.

Known as the Brouwer SH1565, the harvester has a host of new features designed to meet the durability and performance requirements of professional turf growers, helping them produce turf of a consistently high quality to satisfy the steadily increasing demands of customers.

Available mounted on either a New Holland TN65 (52 PTO hp) or a John Deere 5210 (45 PTO hp) tractor, the SH1565 turf harvester has a new low-weight floating cutting head with a full 10 degrees of pivot, providing highly accurate turf-following under all field conditions, resulting in very consistent harvested turf thickness. The cutting head's uncluttered see-through frame allows the driver a clear view of the complete assembly while also making for fast and simple servicing and maintenance.

Hydraulically-controlled depth adjustment is standard, with controls positioned both beside the driver and at the stacker's station, enabling instantaneous on-the-move adjustment of turf thickness to be made, as necessary. All hydraulic controls and components have been uprated on the SH1565 turf harvester to ensure consistently high operating performance and reliability.

Significantly improved turf roll-up performance is assured by the fitting to the harvester of a new-style starter tray together with Brouwer's exclusive low-profile rubber conveyor mat. The result is virtually 100 per cent guaranteed roll-up of quality cultivated turf as it moves up the conveyor and into the roll-up starter tray. Users will also notice that the resulting rolls are tighter and neater, making for easier, faster stacking on the pallet with minimal downtime and wastage of space.

The harvester can be had in either 16in or 24in cutting widths. The 16in width is used for the production of conventional rolls, commonly in lengths of 81in (giving one square yard) or 96in (one sq metre), although other lengths can be produced to suit customers' requirements. Specified with the 24in cutting width enables the harvester to produce small turf rolls as standard or, with a modification, produce Big Rolls in lengths of up to 45m to suit large area turf installations.

Stronger, heavier steel fenders and standing platforms are fitted to the SH1565 as well as a new fold-down carrier able to hold up to 12 empty pallets. Optional equipment includes fully-hydraulic auto steer with precision micro-adjustment, a variable speed hydraulic roll-up conveyor drive, a push button dial-up electro-hydraulic turf length chop-off mechanism, a brush attachment, cross conveyor and a roof frame with cover and lights. Both tractor options can be specified with four-wheel drive and either a heated or air-conditioned weather cab.

Swivel Spout boosts versatility

The fitting of a simple swivel spout to the Turfmech V800 debris collection unit has extended greatly the machine's versatility, giving it the ability to carry out a range of landscaping tasks in addition to the collection and clearance of litter and debris from turf and hard surfaces.

To be shown for the first time on stand number W38 at the 2000 Saltex Show, Windsor, the swivelling discharge spout is being fitted as standard to the V800 self-contained trailed vacuum unit with wander hose collection. In normal debris collection mode, the spout faces to the front so that litter, leaves and other stray material collected by the wander hose is discharged directly into the back of the vehicle being used to tow the machine.

By loosening four hand clamps, the complete spout can be swivelled manually to any required position before it is locked in place by simply re-tightening the hand clamps. For example, swivelled and locked so that it points to the rear, the spout can be used to unload collected debris from the towing vehicle, firing it into a waste skip or hopper for later removal.

The fitting of the swivelling spout enables the V800 also to rapidly off-load wood chippings, mulches or bark onto footpaths or borders, discharging material accurately to either side or at any required angle to the rear.

"Although it is possible to suggest various applications for the machine, I have no doubt that customers will find a multitude of other uses for the V800," commented Turfmech's managing director, Austin Jarrett. "This is one machine which really has to be seen in action to fully appreciate its capabilities." Standard specification of the V800 includes a 25hp key-start petrol engine, spring suspension trailer chassis and a 4m (13ft) long, 200mm (8in) diameter debris collection hose.

Progressive Pro-Flex 120 articulating
rotary mower

This 3.05m (10ft) wide trailed articulating mower has five independently-mounted cutter decks which hug ground contours closely, maintaining a precise, even cut across the full working width.

Suitable for tractors from 35hp upwards, the Pro-Flex 120 employs a heavy-duty wheeled frame coupled to the tractor by a swivelling, height-adjustable hitch.

Each one of the five cutter decks is supported by four flotation tyres and is attached to the towing frame by a double-yoke mounting which allows each deck to float freely in all planes. Because only the decks' front wheels swivel, the mower units are able to maintain excellent tracking on hillsides and flat ground for a consistently even cut across the complete working width.

Shock absorbers are fitted to permit a high forward speed while keeping the deck stable and pressed firmly to the ground for consistent cutting quality. Adjustable rear discharge chutes are fitted to each cutting unit and anti-scalp rollers help prevent damage to the turf

Blades - one per deck - are high-lift heat treated alloy steel able to cut equally well in reverse as when driving forward, allowing quick trimming into corners, among trees and in other awkward areas. For narrower working, the two wing units can be folded hydraulically to give a cutting width of 1.8m (6ft). Cutting height can be quickly and easily adjusted from 25mm to 82mm (1in - 31/4in) without tools.

Two new turf harvesters for Sussex grower

Two new Brouwer model SH1555 turf harvesters with a combined retail value of £80,000 have been supplied to East Sussex turf grower, C B Winter and Sons, by Brouwer's UK distributor, Staffordshire company, Turfmech Machinery. Replacing two existing Brouwer turf harvesters, the newcomers mark the first-ever sale by Turfmech of two harvesters at the same time to the same customer. Their recent arrival at C B Winter and Sons' base near Eastbourne, maintains the firm's fleet of self-propelled Brouwer turf harvesters at four machines.

Built around John Deere 45hp four-wheel drive tractors, the two new Brouwer SH1555 turf harvesters will be used principally over the wetter winter months, as proprietor, Ian Winter, explained: "A proportion of our 800 acres of cultivated turf is grown on sloping land," he said. "With turf being cut increasingly throughout the year, extra grip is needed to enable harvesting to continue smoothly and efficiently in slippery conditions. When four-wheel drive became available on Brouwer harvesters in 1999, this was seen as a most useful option which we subsequently specified for our two new machines." To minimise turf marking and possible sinkage in wetter, softer conditions, Mr Winter decided also to go for basic specification fixed-head harvesters without a driver's cab, auto-steer or turf cross conveyors. "It is essential that the weight of the machines be kept to a minimum for winter working," he pointed out. "Our two other Brouwer turf harvesters are fitted with heavier floating cutting head assemblies so we plan to use these mainly during the late spring and summer months, leaving the two new harvesters to concentrate on the more difficult period from November through to April. Of course, with turf to harvest throughout the year within a 15 mile radius of base, there will be times when all four machines could be at work."