GOLF COURSES topsoil , improved the drainage and kept everything on a smaller scale to ensure habitats were protected – the greens are narrow , and we have fewer bunkers than usual . We don ’ t use fungicides or herbicides and try to have as little impact on the environment as we can : everything is recycled , and all the grass cuttings are used for composting . Getting more sustainable machinery was the logical next step .”
The club chose a Greensmaster TriFlex hybrid 3420 riding greensmower and a Reelmaster 5010-H fairway mower as starters from Toro distributor , Reesink Scotland . Both are hybrid machines and a perfect fit for what Simon and his ninestrong team are looking to achieve at Ardfin .
“ We are trying to slowly but surely move away from using hydraulics and diesel engines ,” he explains . “ These ones we bought don ’ t have hydraulics thus there ’ s less of a chance of damage on the greens , tees , approaches and fairways . It gives us peace of mind .
“ The difference in quality is also quite noticeable compared to other brands and the staff enjoys working with them . Overall , Toro machines are more robust , easier to set up and look after and we find the cutting units stay sharper for longer , too .
Not to mention their brilliant finish . The service we get from Reesink is fantastic . It ’ s an easy company to deal with , with good aftersales and good contacts . Plus , when we ordered from them it only took a couple of months for the machines to arrive .”
So , what ’ s next for the club ? Simon explains : “ We ’ re expanding the site by adding a new nine-hole course and when we do , we ’ ll be looking after 36 holes in total . So , we need to buy a lot more machinery to ensure we stay efficient and productive and , of course , provide the best experience to our visitors . It also needs to be reliable and have good longevity , which Toro delivers 100 percent .
“ We ’ re planning on going down the all-electric route next and have our eyes on a couple of the Greensmaster eTriFlex 3370 greensmowers . They will solidify our sustainability plan and help us carry on the work we do for generations . The technology is there , and it ’ ll only get better so we ’ re very excited to bring it into the club ,” he concludes .
To talk to someone about Toro technology and how the Toro range could suit your course , call 01480 226800 .
GroundskeepingJournal . co . uk | September / October 2022 27