Surcharge to be added to New Machinery Prices

Turfmech Machinery has announced that it has been forced to introduce an unprecedented mid-season price rise across its entire product range. The increase, effective from 1 July, will take the form of a seven per cent surcharge on the current list price of all Turfmech and Allett machines.

The company says that exceptional cost inflation over the past five months on steel, electricity and fuel has left it with no alternative but to pass on some of the increases to customers.

"Normally, we would be looking to implement an inflation-linked price rise just once a year in January," points out Turfmech's managing director, Austin Jarrett. "However, since then we have seen the price of steel double and the cost of electricity and diesel rise by more than 30 per cent. Quite simply, we cannot afford to absorb these increases any longer and will be asking customers to pay a little more for their machinery from the beginning of next month."

Mr Jarrett said that Turfmech had been faced by a grim choice. "It was a case of either introducing this surcharge or moving towards restricted work schedules and reduced production before, ultimately, having to lay off staff from every department. We felt that a surcharge on the retail price was the best option as we did not want to tell customers that we could not deliver their machines on time or reduce our levels of after-sales service and parts support at the busiest time of the year."

Commenting on the surcharge, Mr Jarrett said that seven per cent was the absolute minimum needed to keep the factory and its engineering, sales, service and parts departments working normally.

"Hopefully, customers will understand our position and will accept that seven per cent is a reasonable amount," he said. "Introducing the increase as a surcharge means also that it can be removed if steel and energy prices fall at a later date."

By making the announcement well in advance, Turfmech hopes to give prospective customers time to finalise their purchase decisions before 1 July.

"Naturally, we will honour at the current price all orders delivered by the end of this month," stresses Mr Jarrett. "We will also be sympathetic to any customer who has placed a firm order but is unable to take delivery before 1 July for one reason or another. Anyone considering currently the purchase of a Turfmech or Allett machine should contact myself or our sales department at the earliest opportunity. Contact details can be found here."

Greens Sweeper Proves Ideal for Cleaning Synthetic Tees

Developed to remove cores and scarified material from natural grass, Turfmech’s SQRL has found an additional application cleaning and renovating winter tees made from synthetic material.

An important new application has been found for Turfmech’s SQRL walk-behind green sweeper.

Extending the SQRL’s primary function of collecting and removing hollow cores, scarified material and other debris from fine turf is the ability to pick up soil and vegetation from synthetic golf and practice tees to leave a clean and neatly groomed surface.

 The SQRL’s additional capabilities were uncovered by Graeme Clarkson, head greenkeeper at the Worcestershire Golf Club, an 18-hole parkland course laid out in the
lee of the Malvern Hills.

“We purchased the SQRL originally to mechanise greens’ clean-up after the Graden scarifier-aerator had done its work,” explained Graeme. “Used for the first time in autumn 2007, the SQRL did a first-class job, saving us a lot of time and effort in getting the greens quickly back into play. When the work was completed, the machine was put away with no thought that it would be back in action again within six weeks.”

The synthetic surfaces benefiting from SQRL treatments are Huxley winter tees installed in mid 2007 on the club’s three par-3 holes. Commissioned by the Worcestershire to help take the pressure off natural grass, the tees were constructed using a high quality all-weather turf with a high fibre density able to accept a tee peg without the need for a filler.

A synthetic winter tee at the Worcestershire Golf Club before SQRL treatment . . .	. . . and following treatment which, according to head greenkeeper, Graeme Clarkson, “restores the tee to an as-new condition.”

Brought into play in late October 2007, the tees were starting to suffer from a build-up of mud and grass clippings being walked onto the surface by golfers during periods of wet and frosty weather.

“The staff did their best to clean the surface with a hard brush and back-pack blower, but the appearance of the tees was starting to draw adverse comments from members,” commented Graeme. “The club was on the point of asking the supplier for advice when I suggested using the SQRL to clean-up and refurbish the pile. The results were superb, with each tee being restored to an as-new finish in less than 10 minutes.”

With the SQRL’s powered collection brush set to lightly touch the surface, the machine is steered across the tee picking up stray material cleanly and depositing it into the machine’s on-board hopper. The action of the brush not only removes virtually all mud and vegetation but it helps lift the fibres for the benefit of golfers striking the ball off the surface or from a tee peg pushed into the pile.

“The club is delighted with the results for two reasons,” pointed out Graeme. “First, we are now able to keep our three winter tees looking and playing at their best with minimal effort and, second, we are extracting additional use and value from a machine that was bought initially with just one purpose in mind. This should make the SQRL an even more attractive and valuable proposition for any golf course with artificial tees and practice areas to maintain.”

Ride-On Core Collector Clears Turf Debris Fast

New from Turfmech is the CAT 800 ride-on greens sweeper designed to bring tremendous savings in cost, time and labour to greenkeepers and groundstaff clearing-up after hollow coring and scarifying operations.

Fast, effective and highly manoeuvrable, the CAT ( C ore A nd T hatch) 800 is a three-wheeled, ride-on machine with a high-dump 0.4 cu m (14 cu ft) collection hopper able to unload up to 1.4m (54in) above ground level into a trailer, work vehicle or pick-up.

The combination of super-fast collection speeds and high-efficiency emptying means that the CAT 800 can clear cores, scarified material and other surface debris as fast as it is created, ensuring that playing surfaces are put back into play without delay, minimising aggravation to players while maximising revenue for the club.

Developed by Turfmech at its engineering centre in Hixon, Staffordshire, the CAT 800 gathers debris using an 800mm (32in) fully-floating rotary brush/paddle collection head. The head is supported by a full-width roller which follows turf contours closely for successful one-pass clean-up operations in virtually all surface conditions, wet or dry.

Both the height of the brush and the level of brush aggression can be adjusted to suit the type, depth and density of the material being collected.

High efficiency hydraulic motors driving the two rear wheels provide infinitely-variable forward and reverse speeds up to a maximum of 9mph. Optimum safety in operation is assured by dynamic braking via the traction drive system and a manual hand brake acting on the two wheel drive motors.

Full power steering and wide turf tyres deliver excellent manoeuvrability without scuffing

of delicate turf surfaces while ease and speed of turning at the end of a clear-up run is enhanced by a spinner knob mounted on the steering wheel.

Powered by a low noise Honda 20hp V-twin petrol engine with electric start, the CAT 800 has a comfortable driving position with simple, intuitive operator controls enabling safe, secure use by all staff with minimal training or supervision. Standard safety features include an operator presence switch and retractable seat belt. A roll-over protection structure (ROPS) is offered as an option.

For a lo-res PDF brochure ( 172kb) please click here.
For a hi-res PDF brochure ( 4.28mb) please click here.

For more information or to arrange a no-obligation demonstration of the CAT 800 on your turf, please click here to send us an email with your contact details.

Allett Mowers Joins Turfmech Stable

The Allett Shaver 20 mower in action on a cricket wicket

A secure and vibrant future underpinned by sustained product development and sales growth are promised for Allett Mowers following the purchase by Turfmech Machinery Ltd of Allett Mower's assets, trademarks and main product range.

The move brings one of Britain’s best-known makes of professional walk-behind cylinder mower and turf-care equipment into the Turfmech stable to be based at Turfmech’s product development and manufacturing centre in Hixon, Staffordshire.

Allett Mowers’ move south from its previous location in Arbroath, Scotland, will ensure that the business benefits fully from the technical know-how, engineering expertise and financial backing of one of Britain’s leading manufacturers and suppliers of professional grounds maintenance equipment. The business will continue to trade as Allett Mowers with all products carrying the respected Allett name.

Speaking following the completion of the purchase, Turfmech’s managing director, Austin Jarrett, pointed out that the Allett product line forms a perfect fit with the Turfmech range.

“Turfmech has been closely involved with the professional turf and grounds maintenance industry for the past 17 years, supplying products such as precision top dressers, mowers and debris collection equipment to golf and sports clubs, stadiums and parks departments,” he said. “Adding Allett walk-behind cylinder mowers and associated turf-care equipment to our portfolio will enable us to expand our involvement with and support for turf professionals looking after a wider range of sports surfaces, including those used for rugby, soccer, cricket, tennis and bowls. We will be aiming also to build Allett’s existing business among those caring for large formal lawns and similar areas of ornamental grass within public and private parks and gardens.”

Allett Mowers’ move to its new base in Staffordshire is expected to be completed by the end of August with a purpose-designed pedestrian mower production line now being established within Turfmech’s existing manufacturing facility at Hixon.

Moving with the company to Staffordshire are Roy Allett, who takes up the position of Product Director, and Chris York, who will continue to focus on sales. “This is an important and positive move for Allett, providing the business with fresh impetus and a sound future,” commented Roy Allett. “Turfmech is a highly-respected name in the grounds maintenance industry, renowned for the quality of its products and after-sales support. I am confident that the Allett brand will go from strength to strength as part of the Turfmech stable, benefiting our dealers and end-users in the UK, Ireland and other parts of the world.”

All of Allett Mowers’ dealers in the UK and overseas are being written to by Turfmech to assure them of Turfmech’s total commitment to the business and the uninterrupted provision of sales, technical, parts and service support for them and their customers.

Initially, Turfmech plans to offer the Allett range of machines as listed below. End-user research and product evaluation will be carried out by Turfmech over the coming months to assist with the updating and improvement of existing models and the development and introduction of new products to meet customers’ future needs and demands from both the high-end consumer and professional markets.

The current Allett range comprises:

• Regal (36in and 42in) – this top-of-the-range sports field mower is used at six Test Match cricket grounds in the UK as well as at major sports stadia world-wide.
• Buffalo 34 (34in) – a compact, super-lightweight sports field mower recommended for soccer pitches and formal lawns.
• Buffalo (20in, 24in & 27in) – a general-purpose professional mower able to cut a wide range of grass lengths. Ideal for the contractor market.
• Tournament (20in & 24in) – a 10-bladed fine-cut mower with groomer designed to produce a first-class finish on golf & bowling greens and cricket wickets.
• Shaver (20in & 24in) – a 10-bladed fine-cut mower with dual-position front roller allowing a brush to be fitted or the distance between front and rear rollers to be reduced for enhanced contour following.
• C20, C24 and C34 grass maintenance systems (20in, 24in & 34in) – these pedestrian machines are available with the following interchangeable cassette attachments: a 10-bladed cutting cylinder with or without groomer; a six-bladed cutting cylinder; slitter; verticutter; scarifier; sorrel roller; brush.

BJB42 deep scarifier with collection (42in) – suitable for aerating and scarifying sports and amenity turf. PTO powered, the BJB42 can be mounted on a compact tractor or a suitable work vehicle.

To visit the Allett website, please click here.

New Sales Director appointed by Turfmech

A Leigh Bowers has been appointed Sales Director of Turfmech Machinery Ltd, one of the UK’s leading manufacturers and suppliers of professional turf and grounds maintenance equipment.

Formerly Turfmech’s Customer Services Manager, Leigh brings to his new position a wealth of experience gained in advising and supporting new and existing users of the company’s mowers, debris blowers and vacuums, greens sweepers, precision top dressers, materials handler and the Viba-Timer vibration-activated hour meter.

Leigh will continue to be based at Turfmech’s offices and engineering centre in Hixon, Staffordshire, in his new role for the company. Responsibility for Turfmech’s marketing and promotional activities remains with Managing Director, Austin Jarrett.

Among Leigh’s new responsibilities as Sales Director are the planning and directing of all aspects of Turfmech's sales operations including liaising with and directing the field sales team, providing product advice and assistance to customers and dealers, scheduling product demonstrations and arranging Turfmech’s presence at open days, shows and exhibitions. He will be responsible also for advising the production department of future build requirements to satisfy customers’ demand for new machines delivered throughout the year. "Taking on the position of Sales Director presents new challenges

and new responsibilities,” commented Leigh. “My aim is to provide Turfmech’s customers and dealers with the best possible advice and support to help them with their buying decisions," he commented. "Delivering first-class customer service has been my watchword since I joined Turfmech in 1999 and it will continue in my new role for the company as we strive to increase sales and build even better customer relationships over the coming years.” Above: Former Customer Services Manager, Leigh Bowers, has been appointed Sales Director of Turfmech Machinery Ltd.

New Customer Services Manager for Turfmech Machinery

Graham Probyn has been appointed Customer Services Manager of Turfmech Machinery Ltd, the Staffordshire-based manufacturer and supplier of turf and grounds maintenance equipment.

Previously employed as a service technician with the company, Graham takes over the position of Customers Services Manager from Leigh Bowers who is now Turfmech’s Sales Director. Graham, who joined Turfmech in 2003, has been given responsibility for managing and developing Turfmech’s acclaimed after-sales parts and service operations, working with the existing dedicated and experienced staff within the company’s parts and service departments. “My aim is to achieve and maintain the very highest levels of customer satisfaction with all

aspects of Turfmech’s after-sales service,” commented Graham. “This begins with thorough preparation and proper installation of new machines through to the timely provision of future servicing and parts requirements so that end-users derive maximum benefit from their Turfmech investment throughout its working life.” Above: Graham Probyn is the new Customer Services Manager at Turfmech.

SQRL makes a clean sweep of hollow cores
and scarified material

Turfmech has launched a pedestrian greens sweeper designed for fast, effective collection and removal of hollow cores and scarified material from golf greens and other fine turf surfaces. Equipped with a hydraulically-tipped high-dump hopper, the machine is able to off-load collected material rapidly and cleanly into a trailer, pick-up or load box mounted on a turf maintenance vehicle.

Known as the SQRL, the greens sweeper was designed and developed at Turfmech's Hixon, Staffordshire manufacturing centre where it has now entering production with deliveries to customers due to commence this month.

The robust, walk-behind machine has a 600mm (24in) wide, fully-floating rotary brush collection head designed to follow turf contours closely for successful one-pass clean-up operations in virtually all conditions, wet or dry. Both the sweep height and the level of aggression can be adjusted to suit the type, depth and density of the material being collected.

Power to the SQRL's belt-driven collection brush and wheel drive transaxle comes from a 13hp Honda four stroke air-cooled petrol engine. The transaxle produces infinitely-variable forward and reverse speeds up to 4.5mph (7 km/h) and 2mph (3.5 km/h) respectively.

Key features of the SQRL are its compact dimensions (just 940mm wide), low weight (390kg) and exceptional manoeuvrability, enabling the machine to work and turn tightly without compacting or marking of fine turf surfaces. The machine and its collected load are supported by two wide-profile tyres on the front driven axle and by castoring dual wheels at the rear.

The SQRL's 0.35 cu m (12.4 cu ft) hopper can be hydraulically raised to give a maximum clearance of 1.2m (4ft) beneath the tipped hopper. For ease of use, the hopper's contents and level can be seen clearly from the operating position through a perspex window.

Ideal for greenkeepers, groundstaff and other turf professionals needing to clear-up hollow cores, scarified material and other light, loose surface debris quickly and cleanly with minimal effort or staff input, the SQRL is available for demonstrations now through Turfmech and its dealer network. All contact information can be found on the Contacts page of the website.

Warwickshire firm wins Dealer of the Year award for 2006

Turfmech's area sales manager, Jon Proffitt (centre), presents the Turfmech Dealer of the Year award for 2006 to David Tullett, co-director of Parks and Grounds Machinery. Also pictured are Jon Lewis, Will Davies and Andy Perkins of Parks and Grounds Machinery and Dave Rogers and Ian Pogson of Turfmech.

Warwickshire company, Parks and Grounds Machinery, has been named Turfmech's dealer of the year for 2006.

The award, which is now in its ninth year, was presented in recognition of the outstanding sales results achieved by the firm during 2006 and the consistently high level of service provided to owners and users of Turfmech equipment. An engraved plaque marking these achievements was presented to Parks and Grounds Machinery’s management and sales staff at a special ceremony arranged by Turfmech at the company’s premises in Waterloo Industrial Estate, Bidford on Avon.

Presenting the award, Turfmech’s area sales manager, Jon Proffitt, said that Parks and Grounds Machinery had achieved consistently good results since being appointed a Turfmech dealer in 2001. However, 2006 had proved an exceptional year for the business, culminating in the firm securing Turfmech’s coveted Dealer of the Year award.

“Parks and Grounds Machinery has established a high awareness of Turfmech products among local authorities, grounds care contractors, golf clubs, hire firms and private customers throughout Warwickshire and parts of neighbouring counties,” commented Mr Proffitt. “During 2006, the company secured major new business for the ProPass 180 low impact top dresser, the Pro-Flex 120 articulating rotary mower as well as our vacuum collectors and debris blowers. These sales were accompanied by the provision of first-class parts and service support for all Turfmech owners and users.”

Founded in 1989 by co-directors Andy Perkins and David Tullett, Parks and Grounds Machinery has established itself as a leading supplier of quality grounds maintenance machinery for home, estate and professional users. In addition to holding the Turfmech franchise, the firm is an appointed John Deere groundscare dealer.

David Tullett pointed out the relationship between Parks and Grounds Machinery and Turfmech is based on far more than the supply of quality turf machinery. “Turfmech delivers an all-round dealer and customer support package that is among the very best in the business,” he said. “From demonstrations, machinery installations and user training to prompt parts deliveries and assistance with technical queries, we know that we can rely 100 per cent on Turfmech and its staff. It’s a real pleasure doing business with them.”

Premier Pitches fits Viba-Timer Hour Meters to 10 machines

One of Britain's most progressive sports turf contractors has equipped 10 of its specialist turf renovation and soil working machines with a Turfmech Viba-Timer vibration-activated hour meter.

Sheffield-based Premier Pitches put its new Viba-Timer hour meters to work for the first time during the renovation in mid February of the pitch at Bolton Wanderer's Reebok Stadium. Within a week of completing this job, the company's staff, tractors and Viba-Timer equipped machines headed south to prepare the ground ready for the laying of a new pitch at Stamford Bridge, home of 2006 Barclays Premiership Champions, Chelsea.

Premier Pitches stripping the turf at Chelsea's Stamford Bridge stadium using machines equipped with Viba-Timer hour meters.	Carl Pass, managing director of Premier Pitches, highlights Turfmech's Viba-Timer hour meter, now fitted to 10 of his machines.

Launched last November, the Viba-Timer uses a highly-sensitive vibration detection system to capture every movement of the machine to which it is fitted. The movement is recorded and displayed in hours and tenths of an hour on a quartz crystal display, which has a guaranteed accuracy of + or – 0.01 per cent.

"The major plus point of being able to record accurately the working hours of each machine is that we will now be able to carry out routine servicing and maintenance in full accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations," he said. "Previously, we could only guess at the number of hours actually completed by individual machines and, to be on the safe side, we were probably servicing them far more frequently than the recommended intervals. This not only pushed up costs but meant we had to have additional machines as a back-up for those being serviced."

Now, with Viba-Timers fitted to 10 important front-line machines and more planned for the future, Premier Pitches is able to maintain an accurate daily record of working hours and machine performance which will help it keep the lid on running costs while ensuring that future servicing is carried out on time and on schedule.

Carl Pass commented that knowing how many working hours a machine had actually completed would be of great help to the business when the time came to replace the item. "Additionally, being able to compare the timing of component failures and the replacement frequency of wearing parts from different suppliers will be extremely useful when considering new equipment," he explained.

"There is not a huge choice of specialist pitch renovation and soil preparation machinery on the market. Knowing how a particular machine has performed in the past over a specific number of hours will tell us what we can reasonably expect from its replacement in the future. The Viba-Timer's ability to record the working hours of just about any machine not equipped with an in-built hour meter makes it both an extremely useful management tool and a great aid to machinery owners, operators and service personnel."

Uprated Blowers Deliver Greater Performance with Less Noise

Above: Top-of-the-range Tornado TM360XL debris blower features smart new styling, more airflow and a wider air distribution pattern.

Turfmech has redesigned its three-model range of tractor-mounted Tornado debris blowers to produce greater airflow, a wider air delivery pattern and quieter operation. The result is more effective loosening and movement of surface debris giving higher workrates and, thanks to their lower noise levels, machines that are more suitable for operating close to residential areas, hotels and golf resorts.

Retaining the same model designations as their predecessors, the Mark III versions of Turfmech's TM300, TM360 and TM360XL debris blowers can be recognised instantly by their new sleeker styling, redesigned rear air intake and distinctive red and grey livery. Tractor power requirement for the three blowers is from 18hp, 35hp and 40hp respectively with an upper limit of around 90hp in all cases.

Driven by vee-belts from the PTO input shaft, the blowers' centrifugal impellor has been given a more efficient air inlet, generating around 30 per cent greater airflow for improved sideward shifting of debris such as litter, fallen leaves, grass clippings, pine needles and scarified material.

Positioned on the nearside of the machine, the height-adjustable air outlet of the Tornado has a beefed-up blast intensifying flap that can be pivoted downwards to concentrate the air onto particularly difficult, sticky and stubborn material. A 180 degree diverter is available as an option for those who want to shift material to the right-hand side of the tractor.

Further changes on the uprated Tornado blowers include an improved rear anti-scalp roller, larger puncture-resistant turf tyres and an air delivery pattern that is 50 per cent wider at a distance of 4m from the machine on the redesigned top-of-the-range TM360XL, enabling faster forward speeds and higher workrates.

Full technical specifications are detailed on a low resolution brochure which can be viewed on your computer screen by clicking here. If you would prefer to download a printable version of the Tornado Mark III brochure (1.0mb), please click here.

For further information on the new Tornado Mark III blowers or a demonstration, please e-mail sales@turfmech.co.uk or phone 01889 271503 and ask for the sales department.

New Finance Service offers Funding Flexibility

A dedicated funding service has been launched by Turfmech to assist customers with the acquisition of new and pre-owned machinery.

Known as Finance from Turfmech, the service is managed and administered on behalf of Turfmech by specialist finance company, Tech5 Ltd. Offering a wide range of competitive funding options, the service is backed by a National Help Desk (tel: 08702 404559) which gives access to a team of finance professionals able to provide advice and on-the-ground support to customers throughout the UK and Ireland.

Available to help with the acquisition of Turfmech's full range of turf and grounds-care machinery, Finance from Turfmech offers a variety of funding options including hire purchase and lease, operating lease and contract hire with or without regular planned maintenance. All options can be structured to meet the specific needs of customers and the seasonal fluctuations in machinery demand and cash flows experienced by the turf and grounds maintenance industry.

Eddie Henderson, a director of Tech5, points out that the service is designed to offer optimum flexibility to customers looking to acquire new Turfmech equipment.

“Changes within the industry over the past 20 years have transformed the financing needs of end-users,” he commented. “Today, we are seeing increasing demand for products such as operating lease and contract hire. Finance from Turfmech provides the flexibility to enable such schemes – and the more traditional funding options - to be tailored precisely to meet the specific requirements of the market and Turfmech customers.”

Turfmech vacuum speeds stable clear-up

A Turfmech TM5 vacuum collector with hand-guided collection hose has been given the task of clearing soiled bedding from more than 300 stables following race meetings held at Cheltenham Racecourse.

Taking over from a 14-year old Turfmech TM11 vacuum collector, the new TM5 went to work in the stables for the first time in mid March following this year's Cheltenham Festival, which culminated with the totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup. The machine was supplied through local dealer, Parks and Grounds of Bidford on Avon , Warwickshire.

Speed and effectiveness of operation were the principal requirements for the new machine as the stables need to be cleaned out, disinfected, inspected and re-bedded in good time for subsequent events at Cheltenham Racecourse where equine accommodation is required.

Stable Manager, Dave Pockett, commented that the TM5 is proving well up to the task and, being smaller than its predecessor, is easier to manoeuvre along the narrow gangways between the stable blocks. “During Cheltenham Festival week, we provided accommodation for a total of 574 horses,” he pointed out. “Some horses from overseas stay for up to 14 days while others are with us for just one night. Whatever the length of the stay, there's a tremendous amount of soiled bedding to deal with both during and following race meetings. The longer the

stay, the more waste material there is to handle.”

Two types of bedding are offered for the stables at Cheltenham Racecourse to suit individual trainers' preferences. They can specify either wood shavings or shredded waste paper, both being supplied in tightly compressed bales which are cut open and spread by hand.

“Each stable consumes approximately three bales a day and the material works as a bed, a heat radiator and a tremendous absorber of dung and urine,” said Dave Pockett. “Before the arrival of our first Turfmech vacuum in the early 1990s, each stable was cleaned out with a fork and barrow. First the TM11 and now the TM5 have made the job far easier, completing a dirty and dusty task in less than half the time.”

Although the TM5 was purchased primarily for stable cleaning duties, Mr Pockett commented that its seasonal workload will be extended by the fitting in due course of an optional turf scarifying unit to the main vacuum collection head beneath the machine. This will enable the TM5 to be utilised by the groundstaff for racecourse maintenance and renovation when it is not being used by the stable management team.

Top pic: The TM5's wander hose eases removal of soiled bedding from 300+ stables at Cheltenham Racecourse.

Above: Stable manager, Dave Pockett, says the TM5 vacuum is proving well up to the task.

Swan adds six Turfmech debris clearance machines to its national hire fleet

Leading grounds-care equipment contract hire firm, Swan Plant Services, has added a further six high-capacity debris clearance machines from Turfmech to its national hire fleet.

Joining Swan’s existing Turfmech equipment are three new TM5 high-tip vacuum collectors and three new V800 truck loaders, now available to professional users nation-wide through Swan Plant’s UK network of hire depots.

Suitable for use behind tractors of 35hp-plus, the TM5 is designed for fast, effective clearance of leaves, litter, grass and other debris from a wide variety of sports, leisure and amenity surfaces.

Hopper capacity is 5 cu metres (177 cu ft) and the machine features a 1.7m (5ft 7in) wide fully-floating vacuum head with powered debris agitation brush. The suction head has hydraulic lift and there are adjustable wheels either side enabling working height to be altered to suit the type and quantity of debris being collected.

Further information on the latest additions to Swan’s hire fleet, together with details on the full range of grounds-care equipment offered by the firm, can be obtained by contacting Swan Plant Services Ltd, Parkgate Industrial Estate, Knutsford, Cheshire. Tel: 01565 650567. The company’s website is at www.swan-services.co.uk

College wins Tornado blower

A Tornado tractor-powered debris blower valued at almost £3,000 has been presented to Writtle College in Essex by Turfmech, the machine's manufacturer.

The blower was won on behalf of the college by senior turfgrass agronomy lecturer, Stewart Brown, who entered a competition promoted over the summer by Turfmech in association with Turf Professional magazine.
Featured in the publication during June, July and August, the competition set out to raise the profile of Turfmech's four-strong range of Tornado debris blowers and bring their exceptional leaf, litter and debris-clearing abilities to the notice of more potential users in the amenity, groundscare and landscaping sectors.

Around 200 correct entries were received over the three months that the competition was held and Stewart's was the first drawn from "the hat" on Turfmech's stand at IoG SALTEX in September.

Under the rules of the competition, the winner was able to choose as his prize any one of the four different Tornado debris blower models manufactured by Turfmech. Following discussions with Ian Gandy, Writtle College's head gardener, Stewart selected the Tornado TM300, designed for use with compact tractors of between 20hp and 35hp. The blower was delivered to the college in mid October and installed by Turfmech's area manager, Jon Proffitt.

"With the leaves on the turn, it couldn't have arrived at a better time," commented Stewart as the machine was being hitched to the tractor. "Ian and his five-strong team will soon be starting their major annual clear-up operation which, in the past, has taken up to three months to complete using a combination of manual labour and mechanical leaf sweeper. The blower will make a tremendous difference to the gardeners' workload and the overall appearance of the college grounds. Everyone at Writtle is thrilled that we have won such a great prize."

Stewart Brown's words were echoed by college principal, Mike Alder, who pointed out that finance for investment in new machinery was not that easy to come by at Britain's educational establishments.

"I am really delighted at Stewart's success in the competition. Not only has it given us a machine which will be of great benefit to our gardeners but it will be of value also for the teaching and instruction of the many students attending amenity horticulture, sports turf and landscape management courses at Writtle College. Thank you, Turfmech, for holding a competition with such a worthwhile prize."

Pictured with Writtle College's new Tornado blower are prize-winner, Stewart Brown (right), head gardener, Ian Gandy (centre), and Jon Proffitt, Turfmech's area manager, who delivered and installed the blower at the college.

Wider suction head for TM5 vacuum collecter

A 2.5m (8ft 2in) wide suction pick-up head is now available for the TM5 high-tip vacuum collector.

Offered as an option in place of the standard 1.7m (5ft 7in) suction head, the wider head is designed for fast, effective collection of light, loose debris from larger open spaces with good access and ample room to manoeuvre. Materials which the TM5 is able to collect include leaves, litter, grass clippings, twigs, pine needles and hollow cores.

The enhanced collection ability and higher workrate provided by the 2.5m head will appeal to groundstaff, contractors and others needing to pick-up and remove debris quickly and cleanly from public and private parks, sports stadiums, race tracks and similar expansive areas such as newly-mown grass on turf farms.

Height-adjustable to suit the depth and the volume of material, the new 2.5m suction head is equipped with a full-width powered debris-loosening brush of similar design to its narrower stablemate. The combination of agitation brush and powerful suction gives the TM5 the ability to collect damp or dry debris with equal ability from turf or hard surfaces.

All material picked-up by the suction head passes through the TM5's impellor before being blown forcefully into the machine's 5 cu metre capacity hopper. High-tip emptying of the hopper is achieved hydraulically from the tractor driver's seat at a discharge height of 2.35m (7ft 9in), sufficient to clear most high-sided vehicles, skips and refuse containers.

For more information or a demonstration on your surfaces, please phone Turfmech Machinery's sales department on 01889 271503 or e-mail your contact details to sales@turfmech.co.uk