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Hybrid Technology: Here to StayAcross most every business, value and efficiency improvements continue to be on the perpetual to-do list. Golf courses aren’t excluded from this need – owners, managers and superintendents increasingly express a demand for maintenance equipment with efficient operating standards and superior performance that produce healthy, exceptional turf results. Hearing the industry’s need, manufacturers are answering – most recently (and notably) with hybrid technology. First to the golf market was John Deere Golf with its hybrid riding greens mower in 2005, which it followed with a full line of greens and fairway mowers. Now, with other manufacturers offering this technology, it is clear hybrid is going to be a constant in the golf industry. When considering adding hybrid equipment to a maintenance fleet, it’s essential to have an educated point of view on the technology. Here’s a look at what John Deere hybrid really means, and how end users benefit from its advantages.
Defining Hybrid Equipment… As with any other industry, there is often much debate around what terms like “hybrid” actually mean. As a standard, for equipment to qualify as a hybrid, the machinery must include a combination of electric and gas-powered components. John Deere’s hybrids, for example, feature electric reel systems while gas motors power the machine itself.
Why Hybrid Equipment? The benefits of hybrid mowers are demonstrated in both daily operation and turf results. Electric-powered reels ease frustrations for superintendents and their crews, as they significantly reduce potential hydraulic leaks from the reel circuit. “Our hybrid technology eliminates more than 100 potential leak points on the machine,” says Tracy Lanier, John Deere Golf product manager. That means less chance of hydraulic burns on the greens or fairways – saving courses time and energy over the course of a season. According to manufacturers, and superintendents who’ve used the new technology, electric reels give operators the flexibility to change reel speeds to suit the job at hand. And when they need to mow quickly, drawing from the electric source allows for a more consistent reel speed, providing the best possible end result. “When it comes to maintaining fairways, having the ability to attain a quality cut at the highest speed possible is very important,” says Steve Johnson, certified golf course superintendent, Green Meadow Country Club, Helena, Mont. “Using equipment with sharp, consistent reels helps build healthier turf, less susceptible to injury and stress.” Hybrid equipment also offers significant fuel savings, otherwise spent on powering the reels. In fact, John Deere Golf’s hybrid line is proven to offer up to 30 percent fuel savings. Johnson continues, “Since acquiring the E-Cut Hybrid mowers we have reduced fuel consumption for our 7500E and for our 2500E. This is due to our ability to operate the equipment with lower RPMs, which I’m convinced will extend the life of the motor, creating even greater cost efficiency over the long run.” In addition, the electrical power component of the hybrid allows for noise reduction during operation, which means improved comfort for the operator and less hassles from neighbors. While there are many ways for golf courses to become more efficient, taking a good look at hybrid equipment and its many benefits is a perfect way to start. Now that the technology has been in the market for some time, club personnel can rest assured they’ll see measureable results on their golf course. For more information on John Deere Golf’s hybrid line, and the benefits of this proven technology, or to find your local distributor, visit www.johndeere.com/golf. |
Alsco- Delivering the BestBring the best quality to your customers. White or off-white? Absorbent or nonabsorbent? Consistent dimensions or a different size every time? How would you describe your restaurant’s napkins? Alsco customers who use Milliken Signature Plus™ linens consistently get the best quality napkins and table linens, compared to competitor products.
Here is a breakdown of the features and characteristics of Milliken Signature Plus™ products and those of competitors’ products. How do the linens at your restaurant compare to Milliken Signature Plus™ products? Milliken Signature Plus™ Products:
Competitor Products (Sanded and Non-Sanded Import Products):
We Won’t Settle for Less, Neither Should You At Alsco, we provide only high-quality products, such as Milliken Signature Plus™ linens, delivered to your door. Unlike other napkins and tablecloths, ours maintain a soft feel and color consistency and are designed with a patented soil release to keep linens clean and odor free. Elegant, non-linting and very absorbent, our napery makes the difference that you and your customers will feel. Let your customers know they matter – give them the best. Experience the Alsco difference with Milliken Signature Plus™ linens and you’ll never go anywhere else for your linen needs. To learn more about what Alsco has to offer, click here. Special benefits are offered to VGM Club members on Alsco’s array of products and services. Contact Lauri Wright for information: 800-363-5480 |
Green... Made Easy with Franklin Machine ProductsEnergy efficiency is a sound business practice that improves profitability, reduces greenhouse gas emissions, and conserves resources. This guide is designed to help your business save energy and water, protect our Earth, and boost your bottom line.Tips from Franklin Machine Products (FMP) to save some green while conserving energy: Refrigeration Door Closers Check door seals. Tight seals and properly closed doors prevent warm air from entering the unit, which reduces cooling energy and prevents frost build-up. Check with your local authorities because door closers qualify for REBATES from some states and utilities.  Standard-Duty Hydraulic Door Closer No. 124-1199 Gaskets Rule of Thumb: If you can easily slide a dollar bill into a seal, have the gasket adjusted or replaced. At FMP they stock a full line of gaskets for
Strip Curtains Adding strip curtains to a walk-in door can cut outside air infiltration by about 75% and can slash the cost of operating a walk-in up to 35%. FMP stocks strip curtains, Easimount strip curtains, and night curtains for open cases. Compact Fluorescent Light Fixtures Change your Kason incandescent light fixtures to the new vaporproof compact fluorescent light fixtures to save energy and cost, and comply with the new Federal energy reduction mandate of 2009. 26 watt fluorescent lamps fulfill the Energy Act requirement of 40 lumens per watt, using 75% less energy than an incandescent 100 watt bulb.   CFL Lamp/Bulb Motion Sensor No. 253-1303 No. 253-1306 Electronic Commutation (EC) Motors Installing electronically commutated motors on the evaporator and condenser fans reduce fan energy consumption by two-thirds. Electronically commutated motors save energy and generate less heat in the refrigerator, thus reducing the need for more compressor cycles. Based on their improved energy efficiency, some states have mandated their use in new equipment. Plumbing Fix water leaks immediately- especially hot water leaks; wasted water, sewer, and water heating costs can add up to hundred of dollars a year. FMP stocks a full line of faucet repair kits for T&S Brass, Fisher, Chicago, and CHG. Tip: Your club can save $1,000 annually by turning down dipperwells and making sure they are off when the kitchen is closed. FMP is a leading supplier of lead-free compliant plumbing accessories.  Dipperwell (lead-free) No. 117-1339 High Efficiency Pre-rinse Spray Values A low flow pre-rinse spray valve is one of the most cost-effective energy saving devices available to the foodservice operator. It's easy to install, too! Just unscrew your old spray valve and screw in your new FMP, water-efficient one.   Water Saving Spray Vale by T&S Pre-Rinse Spray Valve by T&S No. 111-1195 No. 111-1250 FMP carries a complete line of replacement parts for commercial equipment, as well as the most comprehensive inventory of accessory items in the food industry. FMP offers 25% off list price on all stock products $25.00 min. order/no restocking charge. Give them a call 800-257-7737 and tell them you are a VGM Club member (Agreement #3886) to receive your special pricing. Save energy and costs this summer by replacing simple products that FMP has to offer! |
Food Merchandising Produces Profitable ResultsDon’t underestimate the power of signage and graphics to help promote and sell food products. Take a menu board for example. There are many styles, shapes, sizes, designs, etc. Choose the best design for your needs and you will see an improvement in sales and speed of service. Some things to consider for menu board and signage design:
 Mainstreet Menu Systems has been specializing in menu boards and foodservice merchandising displays and signage for over 60 years. Their team of in house design experts understand what works and what doesn’t. Contact them for a free design consultation. Check them out at Mainstreetmenus.com or contact Lil Jacobson at 866-317-7702 |