A Finance First for Irrigation from Reesink

Understanding the benefits of financing for irrigation systems

While financing plans are common with turfcare machinery, there’s a distinct lack of options available for irrigation systems – thanks to Reesink Hydro-Scapes, that’s all changed

Finance options are widely available on everyday items. In fact, golf clubs have been taking advantage of finance offers on turfcare machinery for many years.

So, while finance is not necessarily a new concept, it’s one that has passed by the irrigation needs of golf clubs and sports venues. 

However, with our new fixed-term finance options, courses and clubs will now be able to take advantage of the latest Toro kit to irrigate their grounds, marking a huge win for the industry.

Improving accessibility to irrigation products with affordable finance plans

As the first distributor in the UK to offer its customers fixed-term finance plans on a wide range of irrigation products, we’re showing that we intend to improve accessibility to best-in-class equipment.

It’s never failed to surprise us at Reesink Hydro-Scapes that finance hasn’t applied to this vital category of equipment with this level of investment.

Although finance is not a simple subject, those already leasing turfcare machinery and making the most of finance’s accessibility will be familiar with the ease with which it works, the flexibility it affords, and the options it provides.

How finance options could benefit your golf club or sports course

The level and sophistication of financial planning at many clubs today means that accurate budgeting and financial information now form a significant part of most machinery operating and replacement programmes. 

The regular replacement of machinery offers clubs a number of advantages, such as increased reliability and, hence, less incidences of breakdowns, downtime, and subsequent repair costs.

New machines, moreover, incorporate the latest design features and technology, and should therefore produce a better job. That being said, these benefits don’t necessarily apply to an irrigation system, which, once installed, will last for many years.

Irrigation products are built to last

Indeed, a good irrigation system can have a life expectancy of 40-plus years, and while it’s likely there will be some hardware updates required from time to time, you shouldn’t require full replacement for multiple decades.

Finance saves you time and upfront capital

Another benefit that comes with buying irrigation is the fact it eliminates two of the biggest headaches that could arise during your irrigation installation journey.

By choosing one of our finance plans, customers can get their irrigation products fully installed much sooner and there is a smaller upfront capital outlay. Anyone who has gone through the process will know choosing and installing an irrigation system can be a lengthy one, particularly when installations are phased in over years. 

Removing this headache through financing means the decision-making process becomes quicker and simpler since there is no need to phase-in installation.

What payment plans does Reesink Hydro-Scapes offer?

Understanding the basics of how irrigation finance works is important since it plays an important role in planning and budgeting to ensure a golf club or sports club has the equipment it needs to deliver the quality of course that stakeholders and users demand.

Payment plans through Reesink can be monthly, quarterly, or annually; and clubs can finance through hire purchase (HP) or lease models.

Paul McLauchlan, strategic manufacturer manager at Hitachi, Reesink’s finance company, explains more about the options available and benefits: “There are two ways for a business to purchase an irrigation system with Reesink on finance: it’s either leased or hired (hire purchase or HP). 

“The difference between the two is who owns it after the transaction,” he goes on. “A benefit to each is the fact that both are fixed-cost contracts and will not change during the life of the agreement, which makes accurate budgeting far easier. 

“Generally, loans, HP, and other fixed-cost financing plans are over medium-term periods – between two and five years.

“One of Reesink’s unique selling points is that it offers an extended-term of up to ten years, which is longer than the usual asset lending period. 

“We have a 50:50 split when it comes to customers choosing to pay back monthly or annually. Both options have their benefits: some prefer to factor the costs into their monthly outgoings, while others prefer to pay when the annual membership subscriptions come in.”

Indeed, while the repayment calendar is down to the customer’s preference, none of our plans require a minimum deposit – simply pay the first instalment when you sign.

How to purchase Toro irrigation products with Reesink’s finance options

Based upon business needs there are a number of different ways for a golf club or course to acquire an irrigation system with Reesink. 

As Richard Thompson, account manager at Hitachi, explains: “Businesses might opt for a loan or overdraft to pay for equipment, without realising that there is a hassle-free option available: asset finance.

“Unlike an outright purchase, asset finance lets you pay for your irrigation system in monthly, quarterly, or semiannual payments,” he says.

“Hitachi Capital Business Finance works directly with you to create a tailored and affordable asset finance solution for your business. Finance provides you with the security of knowing that repayments will give your club the ability to budget and plan ahead without disrupting cash flow.

“Features of the Reesink and Hitachi Capital Business Finance include funding up to 100 per cent of your project costs, transparency, and support from our friendly team, who always take time to understand your needs. You’ll also benefit from a dedicated business manager with industry sector experience”

How a fixed-term finance plan became a hole-in-one for one UK golf club

One of the first sports businesses to benefit from Reesink Turfcare’s fixed-term finance for irrigation products was Coventry Hearsall Golf Club.

Brett Mander, Coventry Hearsall’s course chairman, explains how and why the club decided on the winning combination of Toro and Reesink.

“Reesink won us over with its presentation,” he says, “which gave us confidence that its package and aftercare support would best suit the needs of the club.

“They also offered the most flexible solution over a period of time that matches our investment and growth strategy.” 

Course manager Jonathan Oldknow similarly describes how he is “delighted” with the new Toro Lynx system, including sprinklers for the tees, greens, and approaches, which replaced a 40-year-old irrigation system struggling with constant leaks and breakages. 

Jonathan goes as far as to attribute the club’s ever-increasing reputation to the success of the “total solutions” package it now boasts with its Toro irrigation system and fleet of machinery.

“Gone are the days of fixing leaks,” he says, “Now we have peace of mind that the club has water on demand. Choosing the Toro Lynx system was a big statement from us saying, ‘This is where we want to be heading.’

“The main beauty of the system is the accuracy it affords. We take moisture metre readings to identify where water is needed and adjust individual sprinkler heads accordingly, targeting areas with reassuring success.

“We’re one step ahead with our new Toro system – rather than on the back-foot with our previous one. 

“Rather than fighting fires just to keep the grass alive, we are now able to focus our efforts on keeping the plant in optimum health; and will be able to do so for as long as I’m a greenkeeper, and then some!”

Finance – a way to stay at the top of the league

A new irrigation system is no light investment, but in the competitive sports and venue industry, there’s a strong need for modern technology if you want to stay at the top of your game. 

For further information on irrigation financing, call Robert Jackson or Peter Newton on 01480 226800 or visit https://www.reesinkturfcare.co.uk/irrigation-finance.