Quality TYM tractors win golf club loyalty

Silvermere Golf and Leisure near Cobham, Surrey, has recently invested in its fourth TYM tractor, the versatile compact T273HST.

Course Manager Mark Logan knows the requirements of Silvermere's par 71 Pay and Play course inside out, having worked at the club for 18 years, after moving from Tilgate Park Golf Club in Crawley.

The scenic, tree-lined course features Silvermere Lake - famously used by Barnes Wallace during the Second World War to test his bouncing bomb - in its last two holes, keeping players on their toes at the conclusion of an enjoyable round.

Mark and his team, which numbers eight greenkeepers during the height of the season, look after the course using a fleet of TYMs.

"The tractors are used for a wide range of jobs with different requirements, so we need a variety of sizes," explains Mark. "The T290 is a compact that can be used for transport as well as with an implement such as a sprayer, it is very versatile.

"Then there's the 70hp T700, the biggest TYM machine I have, which I use for Verti-Draining the fairways. We also have a T431 and I use this for spiking, scarifying and leaf collection because the cab offers protection for the operator - it is a real all-year round tractor."

Mark has recently added the 27hp T273HST, and he comments: "We have a good relationship with TYM, the team here are all happy and say the tractors are easy to use, so I thought we should keep within the TYM family.

"I chose the T273HST because I wanted something a bit smaller to use on the greens. Also, it has a two-range hydrostatic transmission as opposed to gear drive, which is good for spraying duties. "In addition we have a small Verti-Drain which can be pulled by this tractor, making a good combination for greens. We have been able to reduce weight on the greens which minimises compaction."

The T273HST's 700kg lift capacity Cat I linkage and independent pto mean that it can handle a wide range of implements for jobs all round a golf course. An optional mid-pto, front end loader and backhoe extend the possibilities still further.

Its overall length of 2.74m and 2.5m turning radius make the T273HST ideal for work on the golf course, offering manoeuvrability on the tightest of greens and tees. And weighing in at 865kg, it has a light tread on delicate turf.

Comfort is another strong point of the TYM models, with Mark commenting, "I think it is good, especially the T700 - I don't get issues with people not wanting to use it for long jobs. The boys are very happy with the comfort on the bigger tasks."

He is clear about what features keep him coming back to TYM: "Value for money first and foremost. A lot of items like air conditioning come as standard on a TYM, while many of the bigger companies charge extra for that!"

Mark also comments on the overall quality of the tractors, pointing out that they compare well with the big names. "We have never had any real problems and build quality is as good as anything on the market. I'm very happy with them."

Having used other makes before discovering TYM, and having experienced various difficulties, Mark shopped around before purchasing his first TYM tractor, comparing the various brands at shows such as Saltex. He explains: "I first saw TYM tractors at my local dealer of 18 years, Surrey Power, and Chris Harris brought one down for me to try in 2006."

The dealer's after sales service also comes in for praise: "I have used Surrey Power a lot and they have always been helpful. They have done all of my servicing, and are quick with getting spares but we haven't had many problems in all honesty, so we haven't needed many parts," says Mark.

"I was introduced to Surrey Power when I first started at the Club. Chris Harris has always done everything to help things keep running. We work at a busy pace and I really can't afford to stop, so the prompt service they provide really is a massive bonus - I can't ask for more than that can I!"

He reserves his final words for the tractors themselves, which just keep him coming back to TYM: "I think if you are happy with the kit you should stick with it!"

TYM Tractors UK, 9b Weydown Road Ind. Est., Haslemere, Surrey GU27 1DW UK
Tel: +44 (0)845 838 883 - Fax: +44 (0)845 838 8847 - www.tymtractors.co.uk