Machinery upgrade at Hillsborough Golf Club

Machinery upgrade at Hillsborough Golf Club



The equipment, which includes a high percentage of machinery from the Ransomes Jacobsen stable, has been put to good use early in the season and already the benefits have become apparent to the members.

"I've had numerous comments from members," said course manager Ian Whitehead, "complementing me on the condition and appearance of the course. That's very satisfying and it helps justify the decision to award this latest contract to Palmers.

"We tested a selection of machines from several manufacturers, and it was apparent from the outset that Palmers, and in particular, Glen Sawyer were going to work hard to win the order. We had numerous demonstrations and loaned some of the kit to really put it through its paces.

There are two items of machinery that Ian is particularly pleased with; the Jacobsen AR250 articulating five deck rotary mower and the 46hp Iseki TK 546 tractor.

"We have adopted a cutting regime where we cut the rough twice a week on Tuesday and Thursdays to 65-75mm and on Mondays and Fridays the semi rough is cut to 45mm. The fairways are cut three times a week and the definition from the striping of the semi-rough really highlights the fairways.

"The AR250 saves us about a day a week when compared to our previous machine as we can get around the course and cut all the semi-rough in half a day and the rough in a day.

"The Iseki has been a revelation; it's got plenty of power, a good lifting capacity and the air conditioned cab, which is a standard feature, is excellent for the operator. All in all I'm delighted with the package"

Hillsborough Golf Club was founded in 1919 and the course opened for the founder members in 1920. Today, the 500 plus members enjoy a 6358 yard par 72 established parkland course, which is improving year on year with the support of a forward looking committee and a team of dedicated greens staff.

The full list of equipment is as follows:

3 x Jacobsen 522 pedestrian greens mowers
1 x Jacobsen AR250
1 x Greens King IV ride-on greens mower
1 x Iseki TK 546 tractor
1 x Ransomes ZT220D Zero Turn Rotary
1 x Cushman Turf Truckster
1 x Turfco SP1530 Top dresser
1 x Hardy Boss 600 sprayer
1 x Westex sweeper/collector
1 x Vortex blower
Various handheld equipment