Category: Press Releases

Subject: Information being released to the Press at Saltex 2003

Date: Thursday, 21 August 2003

 


 

Dear Sirs,

 

Please find below copies of the information that will be issued to the press at the Saltex Show. 

 

I am issuing this pack to our distribution network prior to the show because it gives details of new products to be seen on the stand, with the exception of the Magknife.  You will receive a separate information pack about the Magknife before Saltex.

 

We will also be showing two prototype machines that are not in the press pack.  The new diesel Groom Master II & the new Greensaire 24.  As these are only test models, they will not to be officially launched.  They are simply present for you to look at and to give us any feedback that you may have.  Preliminary technical information should also be available at the show for these products.

 

Three new range brochures will also be available at Saltex:  The Golf Product Guide, the Municipal Product Guide & the Vehicle Product Guide.  These will be available for order after Saltex & for the first time, we will also be offering these brochures electronically.  A new Marketing & Media area will be launched on our website to allow you access to electronic brochures, photographs, press stories and much more.  Additional information about this new resource will follow during September.

 

I will also issue a new order form for hard copies of literature in the next few weeks. 

 

Please do not hesitate to call me if you have any questions.

 

Yours sincerely,

 

 

Selina Flynn

Marketing Communications & Promotions Manager

 

 


IOG SALTEX 2003

PRESS INFORMATION

 

WELCOME

 

The theme evident, once again, on the Ransomes Jacobsen stand is that of Alternative Power. Last year we launched the Ransomes Highway LPG, the first factory-designed and manufactured ride-on triple mower to be powered by LPG, which has received excellent reviews in the last 12 months and some notable sales.

 

This year we are introducing a revolutionary new product that will literally change the face of greens and fairway mowing and maintenance forever!  If you missed the launch on 2nd September, visit Stand V15 and we’ll provide you with a demonstration and the special information pack.

 

Within this Press Pack you will find information on golf and turf maintenance products that we hope will be of interest to your readers.  If you require any further information at the exhibition please call at the stand and we’ll be delighted to help you.

 

Information on new products and other corporate matters includes:

 

Product

·        NEW – E-Z-GO MPT utility vehicles

·        NEW – Iseki SF303/SF333 compact rotary mowers

·        NEW – Jacobsen Tournament Cut walk-behind greens mower

·        NEW – Ransomes HR-6010 rotary mower

·        NEW – Ransomes ZT220 zero turn rotary mower

 

Other

·        Hotwired heated clothing

·        No Pay til May 2004 finance package

·        ISO 14001 accreditation

 

 


NEW - Ransomes ZT220D Zero turn

Rotary mower

 

 

Yet another new product on the Ransomes Jacobsen stand at Saltex – the Ransomes ZT220D, a highly manoeuvrable, zero turn, out front rotary mower, ideal for landscaping and grounds care contractors.

 

Powered by a 20hp Yanmar diesel engine, the ZT220D is capable of cutting up to 1.4 hectares an hour and with hydrostatic drive it has the ability to manoeuvre around trees, shrubs and other hard or soft landscaping features.

 

A wide wheelbase and large turf tyres deliver stability, traction and a light footprint, even on hills and sloping terrain, while a step-off operator platform features a suspension seat with armrests for additional operator comfort.

 

The 1.55m (61”) rear discharge cutting deck has six anti-scalp rollers that help provide a quality of cut not often found in other zero turn machines and when cutting is complete the hinged footplate can be lifted to provide easy access to cutting deck drive belts. Simply tilt the seat forward for access to the linkage mechanism or to check the battery and fluid levels.

 

Mounting kerbs presents no problem to the ZT220D, unlike some other machines. There’s no need to alter the cutting height, simply raise the deck, climb the curb and lower the deck to return to the original height of cut. It’s these small details that can improve efficiency, and are especially helpful when loading and unloading onto trucks and trailers.

 

The compact nature of the ZT220D has a further advantage in that two machines will fit a standard 4.3m (14’) trailer, an added bonus for the busy contractor.

 

 

 


NEW – ransomes HR-6010 rotary mower

 

 

The new Ransomes HR-6010 is the remodelled version of the Frontline 960, the powerful three deck rotary mower introduced earlier this year.

 

Power is provided by a new 2.2 litre, 60hp Perkins 404C turbo-charged diesel engine with increased torque and power coupled with reduced noise and vibration. More heat efficient than it’s 51hp predecessor, this new engine has a larger radiator, higher capacity air cleaner and offers improved access for cleaning between the radiator and oil cooler. The engine drive coupling is now guaranteed for a minimum 3000 hours, complete with a failsafe, get-you-home feature.

 

The HR-6010 features parallel series drive, similar to that used on the current Highway, Parkway and Commander reel mowers, improving transmission efficiency by up to 10%. Also, fail-safe oil immersed disc brakes eliminate the need for maintenance and adjustment as they are completely unaffected by their working environment. The new All Wheel Drive feature, which locks the front and rear wheels is available in forward mode with the front axle diff lock in reverse resulting in excellent traction whatever the direction of travel.

 

In a quest to provide end users with an easy transfer across the different machines in the Ransomes product range, a common operator platform with similar control layout has been introduced. A new transmission pedal, incorporating cutting speed and reverse lock-out in transport mode has also been introduced.

 

With a 35% increase in cutting power to the wing decks and increased blade tip speed for an even better finish, the HR-6010 has an altogether improved feel about it. New wing deck idler pulley bearings ensure increased deck reliability and strengthening to the wing deck lifting arms has resulted in improved break-back travel distance. Puncture proof foam filled deck wheels used throughout the HR-6010 complete the enhancements providing a reliable and trouble-free machine.

 

Finally, the engine hood has been restyled providing a smoother, rounder and more aesthetically pleasing profile, bringing the styling into line with the larger HR-9016 wide area rotary.

 


No Pay Til May Finance Package

 

 

Ransomes Jacobsen unveiled their ‘No Pay ‘til May 2004’ finance scheme on their complete range of turf care equipment at Saltex 2003. Products available under the scheme include the Jacobsen golf range of precision mowers, fine turf mowers for sports ground and landscaping applications from Ransomes together with the larger, ride-on mowers for municipal and contracting applications, also from the Ransomes brand.

 

The ‘No Pay ‘til May’ 0% finance offer, means that with immediate effect all relevant equipment purchased in the UK for a limited period only will have payment deferred until May 2004, interest free.

 

Dave Withers, Sales and Marketing Director comments,

“In addition to the No Pay Til May Interest Free offer, Ransomes Jacobsen Finance can also provide end-users with a wide range of alternative low cost deferred payment options, including hire purchase, finance lease and operating lease together with other specially tailored packages to suit their, very often, individual requirements.”

 

 

NEW – Jacobsen Tournament Cut

 

The Jacobsen Tournament Cut is the most flexible floating head pedestrian mower in the world, offering greenkeepers a lightweight unit with superb ground following properties.

 

The cutting reel is fully free floating, front to back, side-to-side and up and down, which allows it to follow undulations like no other machine. The bottom blade and reels are extended life products, lasting up to four times longer than normal and with no tools required to detach the cutting unit, downtime is kept to a minimum.

 

The electronically balanced machine allows easy operation with positive control from a comfortable OPC and is ideal for cutting undulating greens without scalping.

 

A 56cm (22”) 9-blade reel, together with a choice of five bottom blades, provide a range of cutting heights, the lowest being 1.9mm when using the optional 1.5mm bottom blade, while the standard 2.5mm version produces cutting heights from 3.2mm to 10mm – all providing a top quality finish for smooth, tournament quality greens.

 

The optional Turf Groomer helps develop a deeper root zone by lifting and cutting horizontal growth thereby producing healthier turf and faster greens. It can be set to a pre-determined height, raised up and off the turf and turned off. It can then simply be returned to its preset height and turned back on.

 

Direct gears provide a smooth, quiet and positive drive eliminating the use of chains, belts hydraulic fluids and oil and the automotive style split traction drums and differential provide easy straight line tracking and turning.

 

 

ISO14001 ENVIROMENTAL MANAGEMENT STANDARD - AN INDUSTRY FIRST FOR RANSOMES JACOBSEN

 

 

Ransomes Jacobsen Ltd, the Ipswich based turf maintenance equipment manufacturer, has become the first company within the turf care industry to be awarded ISO 14001, the international standard for environmental management.

 

Commenting on the award, Managing Director Steve Chicken said,

“The award of this international standard represents the ongoing commitment of the company to environmental best practice and responsible management. Visitors to our stand at Saltex last year witnessed this commitment with the launch of the first LPG powered triple mower for the municipal sector together with our range of LPG and electric golf cars and golf utility vehicles and also our larger electric burden carrier, the Cushman Diabline.

 

“This theme is continued at Saltex with the introduction of the E-Z-GO MPT range of utility vehicles with a choice of electric, petrol or LPG fuel options. The petrol driven Jacobsen Tournament Cut walk behind greens mower will also be available with a battery power pack and electric motor in the near future”.

 

“Now, we have extended our ‘Green’ policy to our manufacturing facilities here in the UK with the introduction of ISO 14001. It’s a voluntary standard that defines the elements of an environmental management system necessary for an organisation to effectively manage its impact on the environment. Employee participation and commitment has been crucial and our team at Ipswich has been magnificent with their support for the project.”

 

ISO 14001 involves a continuous cycle of planning, implementing, reviewing and improving the actions that an organisation takes to meet their environmental obligations. Ransomes Jacobsen plan to use the new standard as a tool to further integrate the environment into core business operations and promote continual improvement.

 


NEW - Iseki sf303 and SF333 out front

rotary mowerS

 

 

Two new, compact out front rotary mowers were unveiled on the Ransomes Jacobsen stand at Saltex, with the UK launch of the Iseki SF303 and SF333.

 

Reliability, versatility and more than adequate comfort are prerequisites for professional mowers and these new Iseki machines are no exception. Power is supplied by Iseki 30hp and 34hp diesel engines, both delivering plenty of torque and ensuring that there’s enough capacity in reserve, even in heavy conditions. Low fuel consumption coupled with large, 40-litre fuel tanks enables these mowers to be worked for long periods without interruption.

 

Large turf tyres and four-wheel drive guarantees stability on the most difficult terrain. The four-wheel drive system engages automatically whenever the conditions demand and automatic weight transfer to the front wheels and switchable differential lock provides maximum traction, whatever the conditions. A larger hydrostatic unit, increased from 16cc to 23cc, is now fitted as standard.

 

A step-through driving platform with flat floor provides maximum freedom of movement for the operator with all hand controls and foot pedals conveniently positioned according to their function. The steering wheel is 40mm higher than on previous models, the angle can be altered and the driver’s seat position and suspension are fully adjustable for maximum comfort and minimum operator fatigue. There’s a remodelled and stronger steering column, a new robust front axle and hydrostatically assisted steering ensures a light touch and superior manoeuvrability.

 

Routine service and maintenance is easy with wide opening engine covers exposing the complete power unit and allowing easy access to all components. There’s a choice of decks including 1.52m (60”) and 1.83m (72”) side discharge, a 1.52m (60”) rear discharge deck, a 1.83m (72”) flail and an optional 1000-litre hi-tip collector. The mowing deck can be titled upright without the need for any tools, so maintenance, cleaning and blade changing are simple tasks that can be more readily undertaken to ensure an efficient mowing regime.

 


HotWired Heated clothing

 

HotWired is a new range of comfortable heated clothing for the grounds care professional. The range comprises socks, mittens, over trousers and working jacket using heating pads sewn into the lining of each garment to provide a soothing warmth just moments after plugging in.

 

Instead of a single wire running through the garment, there are over 250cm of heated wire in each heating pad, which are strategically placed throughout each garment. Instead of hot spots or cold spots, warmth is evenly distributed throughout. The result is a warm, comfortable ride in even cold, windy, and damp weather. Just plug into a 12-volt power source.

 

The jacket and trousers are made from 100% nylon with a urethane coating on the inside together with sealed seams. The result is a virtually windproof and highly water resistant garment that keeps the cold and wet out and the heat in.

 

The mittens are exceptionally light and strong and made from the same nylon material with a waterproof and breathable insert providing exceptional protection from water and wind. The mitten heats the entire length of each finger as well as the back of the hand. They plug into the sleeve plug of the jacket or can be worn by themselves with a purpose-designed harness.

 

The socks heat from the top of the foot all the way down to the bottom of the toes, surrounding the entire foot with warmth. Similar to the gloves they plug into a socket in the trouser leg or can be worn by themselves with a special harness harness.

 

The golf courses and estate maintenance team at Gleneagles tested the clothing last winter and their comments were extremely positive, specifically with regard to the ability of the suit to keep them working in conditions which might previously have reduced their efficiency or caused them to stop work entirely.

 

 


NEW – E-Z-GO MPT TURF UTILITY VEHICLE

 

 

The E-Z-GO MPT (Multi-Purpose Truck) range is a new line of turf utility vehicles specifically designed for golf courses, parks, stadia and numerous grounds maintenance applications.

 

The four models launched at Saltex are the MPT 1200G, MPT 1000E, MPT 800G and the MPT 800E. These new trucks replace the existing WorkHorse models and include a host of improvements and upgrades.

 

A rugged truck-like front cowl is the most obvious styling feature, but the main enhancements are the redesigned and strengthened frame, a wider front axle for improved ride and handling and E-Z-GO’s new corrosion protection system, E-Shield.

 

Richard Tyrrell, Ransomes Jacobsen’s International Sales Manager responsible for vehicles said, “The MPT frame has excellent strength and now has the added protection of E-Shield. This new process protects the frame from the inside, out: we use sealed steel frame tubing coated first with an epoxy primer and then covered with a special resin, Triglycidyl Isocyanurate (TGIC), to ensure ultimate corrosion protection.”

 

Further enhancements include a new rotomoulded crosslink polyethylene cargo bed with removable tailgate, more durable than steel, which enables the bed to be divided into sections when carrying different materials and available on both the MPT 1200G and 1000E.

 

Featuring an 11hp, twin cylinder, 4-stroke, 350cc petrol engine, the MPT 1200G has a top speed of 21.7km/h (13.5mph), CVT transmission and a carrying capacity of 363kg.

 

The MPT 1000E has a 48-volt electric motor with eight 6-volt batteries for applications that require a quiet operation, but with the capacity to haul over 450kg. It also features E-Z-GO’s Precision Drive System with regenerative braking, anti-rollaway protection and computer-controlled diagnostics.

 

The MPT 800G has a 9hp, twin cylinder, 295cc petrol engine while the
MPT 800E has a 36-volt electric motor; both have a 363kg carrying capacity, the     E-Shield process and a steel cargo bed with heavy duty bed liner.

 

Standard features on UK models are headlights, tail lights, tow hitch receiver and cowl guard/bumper, with options that include hydraulic front brakes, locking glove boxes, canopy, windshield and powered dumping kit.