SportsTurf

February 2015

SportsTurf provides current, practical and technical content on issues relevant to sports turf managers, including facilities managers. Most readers are athletic field managers from the professional level through parks and recreation, universities.

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40 SportsTurf | February 2015 www.sportsturfonline.com Tools & EquipmEnT i n today's uncertain economic climate, owners, operators and managers of sports fields and facilities are intensely focused on retaining and attracting new users while cutting costs. This balancing act has led to a paradigm shift whereby public and private entities alike are scrutinizing each and every expense. In this environment, the purchase of new turf maintenance equipment frequently poses an uphill budgetary battle. When funds are in such short supply, what do you do if you need to replace damaged or out-of-date mowers, top-dressers or utility vehicles? As turf professionals know all too well, buying new equipment is often prohibitively expensive. Another negative to being the first purchaser is taking the hit on the largest chunk of depreciation. To tackle these financial impediments, many have found the answer is buying or leasing high-quality, pre-owned machines. Owners and operators achieve the same high-standard of turf conditioning, while realizing exceptional savings. The net gains from opting for pre-owned equipment can then be reinvested in capital improvement projects. In an increasingly competitive environment, these then serve as attractive lures to snatch greater market share. Facilities and municipalities across the country are benefit- ting from employing alternatives to brand-new equipment. For example my company offers savings of up to 50% off prices for brand-new equipment; our 750-piece inventory includes mowers, topdressers and spreaders; turf aerators, sprayers, vacuums and blowers; utility vehicles and more. Housed in a 40,000-square-foot warehouse outside Tampa, FL products from brand leaders Club Car, Jacobsen, John Deere, Toro and more are offered. In partnership with major financial lending firms, Global Turf Equipment purchases late-model equipment coming off short- term leases. This preference for models that are frequently only several years old means the company is intimately familiar with the ownership history of every item in stock. This peace of mind is a major reason why customers come back time and time again. Moreover, all machines purchased from Global Turf Equipment have received a thorough inspection to ensure they are fully func- tional. Areas examined include the engine, drive train, electrical system, hydraulic system and cutting units. They also come with a minimum of 50% of reel and tire life remaining, as well as new oil and oil filters, fuel and fuel filters, spark plugs, hydraulic fluid and hydraulic filters, rotary blades, bedknives, and more. The company also offers a "refurbishing" option that involves rebuilding the equipment from the ground up. A team of tech- nicians will completely disassemble the machine (all wheels, seats, body panels and covers are removed, leaving just the frame and engine). Reels and cutting units are also broken down. The machine is then thoroughly inspected for faulty and worn parts which are replaced or repaired as needed. A refurbished machine will also be rebuilt with all major and minor wear parts replaced where appropriate (for example, bushings, bearings, hoses, belts and seals) and receive a cosmetic overhaul to include, as needed, new paint, decals and grip tape. Not to be overlooked, there are also companies that offer short- term rentals for those who have a special "emergency" need for equipment. For example, Turf Equipment Rental of Florida gives the option of 2-day, weekly and monthly rentals. This option is ideal for situations when budget monies have not been allocated or if machines are needed temporarily for a specific job. Unprecedented times often call for a change in business practices. Creative approaches to lowering bottom-line costs without sacrific- ing operational quality are available. In many ways, these programs Save on equipment without Sacrificing turf conditionS ■ By Jim Sartain Editor's note: Jim Sartain is President of Global Turf Equipment.

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