Lough Erne Golf Resort near Enniskillen, Northern Ireland, has purchased an extensive range of new John Deere machinery to help maintain its golf courses.

Home to two 18-hole courses – the Faldo Championship course and the Castle Hume course – Lough Erne covers around 600 acres of land, meaning a reliable range of machinery that suits the local conditions is required.

The resort’s management team drew up a list of specific machinery required, before selecting six machines from the John Deere range. These were delivered by Johnston Gilpin & Co, a Lisburn-based John Deere dealership.

The resort has purchased a John Deere 5100M 100hp utility tractor, two 8800A TerrainCut five-gang rotary rough mowers, a 2030A ProGator utility vehicle equipped with a low-profile HD200 turf sprayer, a 1200A self-propelled bunker rake and a 2653B PrecisionCut triplex tees and surrounds mower.

“We have been using John Deere rough mowers for a number of years and found them to be well suited to our terrain,” said Sean Reilly, greenkeeper superintendent at Lough Erne Resort. “The new 8800A models are very efficient and leave a good finish, as does the 2653B tees mower which is nice and compact yet extremely maneuverable. “The tractor will be used with a top dresser most of the time, while the ProGator and sprayer will form a super partnership in applying liquid fertiliser and spraying for weed control.”

Mark Ward, one of the resort’s owners, commented: “The efficiencies gained will also allow us to significantly improve the Castle Hume course, enhancing the playing experience for its members and other players, as well as providing a great additional golf option for the resort’s guests.”