Groundskeeping Journal - Issue 16 2023

GAUNT GOLF DESIGN

Handsworth Golf Club redesign

GRASPRO

Data a Crucial First Step for new Head Groundsman at Harlequins F.C

GKB

GKB SP100 improves accuracy and efficiency of topdressing for Longniddry Golf Club

REESINK

Unveiling the cost of Electric turfcare machinery

DEMAND QUALITY, WHY COMPROMISE.

“The reason we bought the TG tractor was because we have used ISEKI machines in the past and they have always been reliable. The lifting of the PTO has been a massive benefit, the IQ transmission and automatic clutch shut off is good for when we are turning on the sports fields with ground engaging implements, making it easier for the operator.

“The reason we bought the TG tractor was because we have used ISEKI machines in the past and they have always been reliable. The lifting of the PTO has been a massive benefit, the IQ transmission and automatic clutch shut off is good for when we are turning on the sports fields with ground engaging implements, making it easier for the operator.

“The weight and the size of it is much better on our fields for compaction. All-round visibility of the tractor is very much improved compared to our last tractor. It has performed exceptionally well in all weather conditions. We have been very impressed with the tractor - it does everything we ask of it.”

“The weight and the size of it is much better on our fields for compaction. All-round visibility of the tractor is very much improved compared to our last tractor. It has performed exceptionally well in all weather conditions. We have been very impressed with the tractor - it does everything we ask of it.”

Paul White, Head Groundsman, Bloxham School

Paul White, Head Groundsman, Bloxham School

Contact your Local Dealer to book a demonstration on your site today!

www.iseki.co.uk

Contact your Local Dealer to book a demonstration on your site today! www.iseki.co.uk

In this issue

Welcome to Groundskeeping Journal, the UK’s latest bi-monthly publication providing latest product innovations, industry news and opinions from key professionals within the industry. With focuses on Aeration, Irrigation & Drainage; Greenskeeping; Latest News; Machinery; Pitch & Line Marking; Specialist Mowers; Sports Ground Equipment; Sports Pitches; Top Dressing; Sprayers & Spraying and Turf Management.

10 Price Turfcare

Distributor award for Price Turfcare at BTME

14 Reesink Turfcare

Unveiling the cost of Electric turfcare machinery

18 GrasPro

Data a Crucial First Step for new Head Groundsman at Harlequins F.C

24 Jacksons Fencing

Improving gate security

28 HAVSPRO

HAVSPRO showcases unique proactive solution at The Health & Safety Event, in drive to ‘MakeHAVSHistory’

34 Makita

Enjoy a free gift from Makita

36 Gaunt Golf Design

Handsworth Golf Club redesign

42 Origin Amenity

Origin Amenity core to tailored programmes across The Club Company courses

55 Infinicut

New cutting unit promises to deliver ultimate INFINICUT® precision for golf courses

46 Redexim

New Rink DS1600 dresser from Redexim

50 Salamander Pumps

Boost water performance for improved turf management

Introducing the new Toro Workman GTX Lithium-ion. More power, longer runtime and low-cost maintenance.

The Workman GTX Lithium-ion is built to deliver hours of reliable performance. With its long-life rapid charging lithium-ion battery there’s no need for checks, less time waiting and more time to check tasks off your to-do list. Packing massive torque, seriously quiet power and all the utility, brute strength and 100s of configurations needed to simply get in and go.

reesinkturfcare.co.uk

Get MORE from your turfcare partner this year: More products . More advice . More training . More finance

Contact Us

Enhancing Quality Sports Services

Hello and welcome to Groundskeeping Journal. Our publication has been created to showcase the very latest industry news and product information from the Groundskeeping sector.

In each edition we carry in depth articles from some of the industry leaders, the articles cover many aspects of Groundskeeping with some offering tips and advice on Sports Pitches, Turf Management, Greens Keeping and much, much more. Whether you are looking for tips and advice on creating the perfect green or looking to source

the right product for your synthetic surface GKJ has it all.

Our vision is to connect our readers with professionals and suppliers working within their sector and we hope that we have created a platform that will become a must have tool for anyone working within the industry.

Many thanks for taking the time to read our publication, we hope you enjoy the read and if you would like to keep up to date with all things GKJ then make sure you check out our subscribe page.

Editor-In-Chief

Antony Holter editor@mhmagazine.co.uk 01304 806039

Editor

Emma Page emma@groundskeepingjournal.co.uk 01304 806039

Publishing Director

Martin Holmes martin@mhmagazine.co.uk 01304 806039

Sales Director Lee Martin lee@groundskeepingjournal.co.uk 01227 936974

Business Manager

Josh Holmes josh@mhmagazine.co.uk 01304 806039

Studio Designer

Richard Bland richard@mhmagazine.co.uk

Digital Manager

Jamie Bullock jamie@mhmagazine.co.uk 01227 936971

Accounts Department

Alison Holmes accounts@mhmediaglobal.com 01227 936971

Victorian Lodge, Czech Republic Highgrow (5 Pane), Devon, UK

Hartley 10 Planthouse (6 Pane), Louisiana, USA

Collier Turf Care and Olmix Plant Care

Partners to distribute Marathon® ALGAE organo-mineral fertiliser in the UK

Both companies announce their partnership to develop the sequential release organomineral fertiliser Marathon® ALGAE, on sport pitches in United Kingdom.

“Olmix is delighted with the partnership with Collier Turf Care!” enthuses Geert Bakker, Olmix Territory Manager for the Northern European Turf and Amenity markets. “Collier Turf Care is a fast-growing company with highly dedicated teams, strong in service to their clients, technical and market knowledge and has a very good presence on social media. We are more than happy to introduce the Marathon® ALGAE range together with them and set up a long-term relationship.”

The French company Olmix are a specialist in bio-solutions and nutritional solutions for plant care. They design, produce and market via a network of distributors a range of bio-sourced solutions for agriculture and the sports turf and green spaces market. The company’s UK position has been strengthened since the 2018 acquisition of Micromix Plant Health. Based in Langar, Nottinghamshire, they specialise in biostimulants and foliar nutrition.

Geert Bakker highlights the relevance of the Marathon® ALGAE range to the UK market: “Sports pitch managers in the UK are top professionals, looking for the best solutions to ensure the quality of their grounds. With the Marathon® ALGAE range and our partnership with Collier Turf Care, we can meet the growing demand from these

professionals for effective and more environmentally friendly solutions. Marathon® ALGAE has proven itself on many of Europe’s top sports pitches and there is a strong market demand for this range.”

Managing Director Andrew Harding and his team at Collier Turf Care Ltd are excited about the new Olmix

Marathon ALGAE SPORT

NPK 16-4-8 + 2% MgO + 0.3% Fe Quick granule dispersion. Lasts up to 12 weeks.

Strengthens the turf’s resistance to stress.

Contains 3% SEADRY which at an application rate of 30 g/sq.m puts down 9 kg of seaweed

partnership and particularly the opportunity to advise, promote and sell the Marathon brand throughout the UK: “The new improved granulation of Marathon with added algae offers many benefits to UK sports facilities, and our UK trials have highlighted many positives with great results. We are confident once used our customers will keep using.”

For all Marathon enquiries, contact: Collier Turf Care Ltd 01328 700600

sales@collier-turf-care.co.uk

Distributor award for Price Turfcare at BTME

rice Turfcare, the UK and Ireland distributor of the Ventrac multi-implement, allterrain compact tractor, returned from a successful BTME with an additional accolade after being named European Distributor of the Year and receiving Ventrac’s Platinum Award for Sales Achievement.

Commenting after presenting the award, Tyler Dickie, Ventrac’s International Sales Manager said,

“The effort that Rupert Price and his small team put into generating new business in the UK and Ireland is phenomenal. Since the formation of the business just 6 years ago, they have seen year-onyear increases in sales and they are our flagship European dealer. If I could clone their business model I would, but I also know that their success is down to the

incredible drive and determination from the top downwards. They thoroughly deserve this recognition.”

Also visiting from Ventrac’s headquarters in Ohio, USA was Isaac Roth, the company’s Marketing Director.

“The Price Turfcare team did a fantastic job of producing an eyecatching stand at BTME and an innovative way of presenting our unique products,” he said. “They also organised a product review seminar with leading landscape and golf course professionals to help us understand the different environmental conditions and the requirement for specialist equipment here in Europe.

“Price Turfcare is a case study in how to launch a brand. Just six years ago our products were unknown in the UK, but with a defined marketing strategy, dedication and hard work Ventrac is now a recognised, established and respected brand over here. It has been a fantastic visit and I have learned so much in a short timespan.”

www.priceturfcare.com

From left,Tyler Dickie, Ventrac’s International Sales Manager, Rupert Price with the award and Henrik Lund, Ventrac’s European Sales Manager

airter® the sports turf care of the future with active aerification

Unique in the world, the airter® loosens the turf layers homogeneously from 8 cm to a depth of more than 24 cmwith adjustable compressed air and in one continuous operation. 14 specially developed injection lances with different types of nozzles inject up to one million litres of air per working process into the ground of a football pitch. With regard to water infiltration, an improvement can be measured immediately on the treated surfaces. Even football pitches that tend to become waterlogged due to an unfavourable structural quality in terms of material selection and grain size distribution; soil properties as well as an unsuitable choice of substrate could be “defused” by working with the airter® with 2 to 9 bars of air pressure.

The airter as a maintenance machine can sustainably and extremely loosen

strongly compacted sports turf soils with compressed air. It reaches all rooted areas and loosens the turf base layer there horizontally and homogeneously. These are the facts:

• Proven soil loosening of the turf base layer of at least 30%, the soil loosening lasts up to 4 weeks

• At the same time a 23% increase in lawn clippings was measured

• As well as up to 48% better water

drainage in the soil

• Also the unwanted grubs (May and June beetles) and the Tipula larvae can be controlled effectively with the airter and biologically with compressed air to 100%.

• The oxygen from the aeration provides stronger roots and vital plant growth

• No more black layer!

www.airter.com

l Compressed air with oxygen, the best for sports, golf and hybrid lawns

l Effective and biological grubs and tipula larvae control

l No more Black Layer!

Empowering Sports Turf

The Going is Good at Plumpton Racecourse with AMS Contracting

successful drainage project in 2021 by AMS Contracting has helped keep the going good at Plumpton Racecourse, as they keep their track prepared for extreme conditions.

Racing between September and May often means contending with the worst of the Sussex weather. In November 2022, the course recorded rainfall of just over 400mm, proving the importance of drainage projects Plumpton has carried out over the last 20 years.

The narrow six-hectare track is built on clay soil, which adds to the challenge, but with the 945 sqm of new primary and secondary drainage over three areas, the track is performing well for Head Groundsman and Clerk of the Course Marcus Waters.

“The areas are performing really well now,” Marcus said. “Previously some of the areas were getting very wet after little rainfall whereas now we don’t have to worry about them.

“They got tested this year when we had just over 400mm of rain in November, the most in our 25 years of recording rainfall. I think AMS did a brilliant job and were very thorough. Nothing was left to chance, everything was thoroughly checked to make sure the outfalls were working, and it made for a very successful project.

“Because we race through the winter and have quite a few fixtures throughout December, January and February, we are very weather focused. We’ve done quite a lot of drainage through the last 20 years, and that’s been finding the wet areas and draining them the best we can to keep us racing.

“If we’re waterlogged, we can’t race. As drainage goes, it’s to keep the show on the road through the winter. We

could take a little bit of water, but you want to be able to take larger amounts. The climate has changed somewhat, and we’re getting more extremes of weather now. So, being able to handle large amounts of water in a short space of time is getting increasingly important.

“If we lose a meeting, then it’s cancelled. We are unable to reschedule any meetings we lose. Racing is our main event, and because we only race 17 times a year, every fixture we have is really important.”

Keeping the track in good condition during the winter months is the main aim for Marcus. During that time, he and his team of four monitor the track for any problem areas and earmark them for drainage in the summer.

The climate has changed somewhat, and we’re getting more extremes of weather now. So, being able to handle large amounts of water in a short space of time is getting increasingly important.

Being able to lean on his predecessor of 40 years for advice has helped him understand the track and provide insight to contractors, like AMS when developing solutions.

On this project that included one area that fell four different ways. Working with AMS, the decision was made to utilise existing primary drainage under the track using sand banding and secondary drains.

Using the knowledge and skills available from both sides has been part of ensuring a successful outcome. For Marcus, this extends past simply getting fixtures on, with onus on the quality and reliability of the track.

“The quality of the track affects everything,” Marcus explained. “The ground will affect the sort of horses you get and how many you get through

the year. The trainers are looking for the best quality ground they can get.

“There are quite a few racecourses around the country that are all competing against each other for runners. All the tracks are unique, so horses can be drawn to certain tracks, so we’re really trying to get horses from all around the country.

“We’re supported well by our local trainers, but potentially we can have some come down from the Midlands and North to run their horses here. Obviously, when they get here, they want the ground to be as described.

“A part of my job is describing the ground and giving the description of how it rides. That’s done by Good to Firm, Good, Good to Soft, Soft or Heavy. Of course, they want to know it’s going to be like that, and obviously, the weather can affect it through the days leading up to the event.

“You’re trying to produce the best ground possible throughout the year. Sometimes it’s a bit trickier when you’re getting into mid-winter. People are understanding, but it needs to be safe so they can run, and if you abandon, they will end up running somewhere else eventually, so there is a risk of losing runners as well as a meeting.”

www.amscontracting.co.uk

Unveiling the cost of Electric turfcare machinery

There will always be a role for both petrol and diesel machinery, that goes without saying, but what we’re seeing is a spearheading in the journey of electricpowered machinery. Here Reesink UK, sole Toro distributor in the UK for golf and sports fields equipment and irrigation products, considers the comparisons and crunches the figures about the true cost of ownership of electric turfcare machinery.

There are two sides to consider: the ownership cost and the operating cost, i.e. the cost of buying and keeping a machine in the fleet versus the costs of fuel, maintenance, repairs, tyres and parts.

The purchase price is much less of a consideration as a lower purchasing cost may suffer from higher maintenance costs and vice-versa. The cost of ownership allows you to work out not just the costs, but the profits from the machine – something easily achieved by working out production, cost-per-hour and cost-per-unit.

Ownership costs decrease the more hours the machine works while operating costs work the other way around. At one point, these two values combined produce the lowest total cost per hour, making up the ‘economic life’ of the machine (this is different from its ‘physical life’).

Calculating the figures

Electric turfcare equipment is powered by rechargeable lithium-ion batteries and the electricity required to charge them is less than most people think –between 35 and 120 volts. It’s easy to track how much energy is consumed from the batteries via the info centre and knowing the cost of a unit of kWh will enable the calculation to work out how much it costs to charge.

If we look at an electric-powered greens mower with a fully charged battery pack (10.77kWh) that uses 70 percent of its energy to cut all 18 greens, then around 7.5kWh is taken from the batteries. Most chargers are

The all-electric Greensmaster eTriFlex 3370 is ideal for cutting sports surfaces. Here it is in action at Southampton Football Club where two machines are being used as the main cutting units for the nine pitches at the Staplewood training ground.

90 percent efficient, so to charge the battery back to full capacity means it will take around 8.29kWh from a mains supply – 8.29kWh times £0.28 per kWh equals £2.32 per charge.

If we take this amount and divide it by the hours taken to cut the greens (let’s say, three hours), we get an hourly running cost of £0.77 per hour. Thus, a diesel engine cutting 18 greens using approximately 5.25 litres of red diesel at £1.09 per litre would cost around £1.91 per hour.

Efficiency

A petrol engine is approximately 40 percent efficient and a diesel 60 percent efficient at converting fuel into mechanical energy. Whereas an electric motor can be over 85 percent efficient at converting electrical energy into mechanical energy.

Maintenance

Electric machines don’t have motor oil, spark plugs or filters to change – all they require is cutting units

Electric turfcare equipment is powered by rechargeable lithium-ion batteries and the electricity required to charge them is less than most people think – between 35 and 120 volts.

maintenance to keep the machine in optimal condition. Diesel mowers, on the other hand, have a lot more moving parts and therefore require more maintenance, servicing and repairs.

Of course, in time the battery in the electric mower will need replacing but with a lifetime of approximately seven years (depending on operating conditions), this is little bother.

Conclusion

Taking all of this into account, the upshot is that electric machinery, although usually more expensive to

Southampton Saints is the first club in the Premiership to invest in Toro’s all-electric Greensmaster eTriFlex 3370 riding mower. Like more and more clubs in the Premiership, it has an allencompassing sustainability strategy, one crucial aspect of which is clean energy and this mower certainly ticks that box.

buy upfront, boasts lower running and maintenance costs that will even out some of the cost of ownership in the end.

To find out more about the Otterbine range of aerators and fountains, contact Reesink on 01480 226800, email info@reesinkturfcare. co.uk or visit reesinkturfcare.co.uk.

The Workman GTX Lithium-Ion utility vehicle from Toro is the largest lithium-ion model in its class and can handle big jobs with ease

Wiedenmann Mega Twister helps Cornwall contractor maintain tourist trails

Wiedenmann UK’s premier leaf and debris blower, the Mega Twister, is helping keep the tidy appearance of tourist trails across Cornwall.

Family-owned contractor, Sandoe & Sons, which comprises a three-way partnership of brothers Glyn and John, with father, Roger, are involved with hedge trimming and path clearance on each of The Camel Trail at Wadebridge, The Clay Trails of St Austell and Tolgus Mining Trails at Redruth. Projects include work with Cormac Solutions and Cornwall Council, as well as some for the Wildlife Trust. They have established a really reliable, loyal team of staff which allows them to maintain a high standard across the board.

Glyn Sandoe, who has been leading these operations, says their recently

purchased super strength, front-mounted Wiedenmann Mega Twister has made an incredible difference to productivity and enjoyment.

“We’d only been using a road brush which does a good job but when you have a lot of light leaf litter or dusty situations, the brush is slow. However, now, with the blower you can fly through.

“Its very user friendly and with the joystick in the tractor its lovely to operate. For us it’s a front mounted machine with no looking over your shoulder and no need to back up. Fewer movements help save fuel, all marginal savings we will take.”

The Sandoe family, whose business began in Nanstallon, Bodmin in 2004, initially with an emphasis on agricultural matters, has enjoyed a long standing relationship with Cornwall dealer Mason Kings at St Columb Major, happy with their recommendations and service provision.

www.wiedenmann.co.uk

DESIGN : CONSTRUCTION : RENOVATION

Progressive Pro-Flex 120

The Pro-Flex 120 is the most widely used pull-behind contour finishing mower. It has become the ‘go-to’ contour and rough mower due to its reliability, a 304 cm (10’) wide cut, and its versatility. With 5 independent floating decks, the Pro-Flex 120 will easily follow contour changes that are found on golf courses, producing a uniform quality cut.

GPS Guided Piped Drainage Systems : Pitch Construction

Bulk Earthworks : Mara 5mtr GPS Grader/Leveler

Sand Slitting: GKB Top-Drain : Koro Surfacing

Vertidraining Topdressing : Overseeding : Koro Scarify

Fertilising : Weed Control : Landscaping

The first ever stand on topdresser!

Earth & Turf Products is happy to introduce the first ever stand on topdresser! Though there are a variety of uses, this unit targets compost and sand spreading to manage soil health.

Over recent years, our customers have asked for a stand-on version, one that can cover ground faster than walking, that doesn’t require a towing vehicle, and spreads evenly. For 2 years, our engineering team sought out the ideal spreader system and came up with the 415-SP.

This unit is self-propelled, with a standon plate on the back. It has a 4-wheel hydrostatic drive system which means you have a motor on each wheel, allowing for 4

wheels to drive if need be. The spreader boasts a 15-cu. ft. hopper that can be heaped to 1 yard of light material and spreads 48” wide at a top speed of 7MPH. The expeller brush spins fast enough to propel material into the grass canopy

ahead of you, while stiff bristles regulate the spread.

www.earthandturf.com

Data a Crucial First Step for new Head Groundsman at Harlequins F.C

Using data and the GrasPro system, Harlequins F.C Head Groundsman Adam Witchell has made a quick start to his first job in rugby.

With decades worth of experience in football, Adam brings extensive turf knowledge to the role, but knew there would be a learning curve with changing sports.

Working on behalf of Nurture Landscapes at The Stoop, Adam started in July 2022. With the grow-in complete and no performance data to reference, he started collating information.

“The first thing I wanted was a data

recording platform, and GrasPro is always the one I will go straight to,” he said.

“I’ve always been quite data-driven. If I don’t have the numbers, I can’t just look at the pitch and work it out. Without the numbers, it’s just an opinion.

“I think it’s beneficial straight away. For example, when recording the moisture levels and water, I could look back and think it seemed to get a bit more growth at these times. Using the weather reports, you can see the difference in temperature between the highs and lows and find out the evening temperatures were slightly colder at that time. So, it’s nothing to do with the products you’ve used.

You just didn’t have the residual temperature in the evening that will help the grass continue.

“Regardless if there was performance quality data or not, I’d still be doing the same because this was all new to me. Even if there was data, I’d still want to see mine, because what I’m doing in rugby might not have the same outcome as it previously has on a football pitch.

“So, I’ll know the products that have and haven’t worked during the growin. Next year, I can look at what I’ve done on the GrasPro system and alter and change. Even if it’s just the amount of product I put down or the regularity of applying it.”

Building Trust

For Adam, an early part of the job is gaining the trust of his new employers, Nurture Landscapes and Harlequins, and a large part of that is his monthly reports, which he sees as vital.

“I write a report to Nurture and Harlequins every month, and it details all the information on what I’ve done, when I’ve done it and the products and maintenance.

“I take that directly from GrasPro because you can download graphs, works and charts and put them in the report. It makes my monthly report writing much easier and much more in-depth.

“I could write a load down and bore them with war and peace and detail. But if you can see graphs and see what’s been done, it makes it easier and quicker for them. I find they are more receptive to visual reports.

“What I have found with rugby is the budgets aren’t quite as big as I’ve had with football. So, I have to get the most out of what I use because there isn’t the option of an unlimited budget.

“There’s always pressure to get it right the first time because I’ve got Nurture Landscapes who have employed me and Harlequins who have taken me on. Their previous groundsman was here for 12 years, and now, this new guy is coming who might do things a bit differently, which people will keep an eye on.

“I’ve always been quite datadriven. If I don’t have the numbers, I can’t just look at the pitch and work it out. Without the numbers, it’s just an opinion.”

“You’ve got to get results or explain what you’re doing just to get that trust with Nurture and Harlequins.”

Setting Rugby Specific KPIs

Even though he is only six months into the role, Adam is in the early stages of collaboration with the playing and medical staff.

Moisture was one of the most significant learning curves early on, with Adam aiming for the standard 20%-24% used in football. He quickly discovered this caused digging up during scrums and mauls, and by referring back to his data, he was able to see a higher moisture level was required.

Sharing the data to prepare the pitch can also benefit the coaching staff, and eventually, Adam is hoping to benchmark the pitch to reduce injuries.

He explains: “I can look back on what was a good and bad game, then I can start speaking to the coaches about how I’m preparing the pitch.

“I’ll test it before just to let the coaches know the moisture, this is what it was

like at this game, and this is how it held together better.

“Then they will find out going forward the more I take the data that they can set their players up slightly differently, maybe. So they are starting to engage

a little bit more on the playing side with the data that I’m recording to help them set up for a game.

“Hopefully, moving forward, it will help with player recovery and development. If we find that players are cramping up at a certain time during games, we can start looking at hardness, traction and moisture as well. And when we start putting them together, I think we’ll start seeing data and values. And then working with the medical department and making it a bit safer, and then hopefully working to have a surface which they can use that does cause less injuries.

“That’s far off, and I haven’t got there with them, but I am hoping using GrasPro and all the data I record, I can push that forward and work with the sports scientists a little bit more in how we can set the pitch, so there are fewer injuries.”

https://gras.pro/

Prevent slipping on wooden surfaces

Old railway sleeper have been used on golf courses from the 1930’s and provide an ideal material for many situations whilst maintaining a natural feel in the landscape. Many golf course today use them either in bunkers or grassy hollows or more often than not to provide stepped access to elevated or steep sided tees. The advance of soft spikes and moulded sole golf shoes away from traditional steel spikes has led to an increase of slips on wooden steps and in the early 2000’s this was becoming an increasing problem.

PROVEN EXPERTS IN

Having searched for many years and looked at various ideas at other golf clubs, including carpet, astro, chicken wire, tar and chips and chainsaw cut grooves, all in their various ways trying to eliminate the slip issue and presenting you with a trip issue or a higher than expected replacement schedule on wooden sleeper steps, a chance advertisement in a trade magazine highlighted a new product called GripClad. That was back in 2006? And it

mentioned above. In addition if a sleeper had to be replaced it was simply a case of

purchased GripClad every year to complete course, which includes 10 sets of very large sleeper step installations, 4 sets of sleeper

years that the initial batch has been down, it still looks as good now as it did 10 years ago.

course as it provide the most cost effective

www.gripclad.co.uk

MATERIAL HANDLING SOLUTIONS WITH MULTI MOVER UK

ulti Mover UK, part of the well-established P&D Marine Group, has successfully been delivering its turf spec models to Football Clubs across the UK for almost 2 years. The turf spec electric tugs can move up to 5,000 kg and are used to move the lighting rigs around the pitch, a task that would have previously taken much more time and manpower.

James Dixon, Sales Director for Multi Mover UK has worked hard to develop the machines specifically for the football market and is now planning to deliver more to football clubs worldwide.

Multi-Mover UK sell and supply a range of material handling solutions across various industries and sectors. From tow tugs and tow dollies, through to rail shunters and rail stock movers, Multi-Mover UK can build a custom moving solution to suit your personal requirements.

The Multi-Mover electric power tugs are available in several models and can move anything on wheels from 1200 kg up to 100,000 kg, making the workplace safer and more efficient with less requirement for manual handling. Emission free, each model boasts a strong and powerful motor, can be deployed on both hard and soft surfaces, used indoors and outdoors and has a wide range of tyres, couplings and hitches to choose from. Multi-Movers make an excellent addition to any workspace or industrial setting and with no licence or permit required they can be easily and safely operated by anyone.

Multi-Mover UK also supply and sell a range of other material handling products including:

The Robik range of electric movers are compact and efficient allowing users to move loads both indoors and outdoors with ease. This range is widely used in the manufacturing, aerospace, engineering, industrial and rail industries and are proving to be very popular pieces of kit.

Multi-Mover UK also provide shunting solutions with the BEAZ range of electrical, rail and compact shunters. Ideal for applications such as train depots, cargo loading and unloading, and rolling stock that is on rails, BEAZ shunters provide an environmentally friendly shunting equipment solution.

Powered by the latest state of the art Lithium battery technologies, the Move-It is an emission free mover that can significantly reduce your carbon footprint compared to traditional rolling stock movers.

www.multimover.co.uk

sales@multimover.co.uk

+44 (0)1952 771264

Improving gate security

Gates are by definition the most vulnerable part of a perimeter. Public sites will often have multiple gates for different purposes. To achieve the highest possible security, the number of perimeter entrances in active use should be kept to a minimum, but for some sites this isn’t realistic and, in these cases, the same security advice should be applied to every gate.

Pairing gates with access control devices means that site managers will have full control of who enters the premises throughout the day, if they need it. The type of site will determine if this level of security is needed or not. Public sites, for example, generally give free access to visitors during the daytime, while restricting some sensitive or dangerous areas. It is recommended that the whole premises is fully secured and illuminated in hours of darkness and either patrolled or monitored by CCTV.

GATE POSITIONING

It’s important to consider where your gates are located. Positioning – of both the gates themselves - as well as your

premises in relation to its surroundings. This will affect the level of security and type of monitoring required.

Are the gates along a busy road? Is there a lot of activity in the area? Or is it relatively removed from residential areas and therefore mostly abandoned at night?

For low-level security areas, a simple improvement is to add security toppings to a standard gate. When higher security is needed, an LPS 1175 certification will assure you that your premises are as impenetrable as required.

Introduced in the mid-1990s, the LPS 1175 certification classifies products in terms of their resistance to attempts at forced entry. It focuses on the physical security of intruder resistant building components, and was established through close collaboration with UK government security agencies, police services, risk consultants, and architects.

GATE DESIGN AND HEIGHT

While providing excellent privacy, solid gates are not always best for security. This may sound counter-intuitive, but

they limit visibility through the gate from both sides, impacting clear-view surveillance.

Although this doesn’t mean a solid gate is necessarily a bad choice, as privacy and security need not be mutually exclusive, but it is important to ensure that any CCTV cameras are positioned to combat blind spots. I would recommend considering semi-solid gates, such as vertical bar and mesh, as these gate styles allow for sightlines through. Ensuring the height of the gate matches the height of the fencing means it cannot be used as a climbing aid, this is an essential consideration during the specification stage.

MANUAL OR AUTOMATED?

The choice between a manual or automatic gate usually hinges on convenience but can also play a part in the security level. A manual gate requires someone physically present to open it, which usually adds waiting time. Whether this is practical, depends on the volume of traffic passing through. However, it can also add the temptation to leave it open, increasing the likelihood of unwanted visitors gaining access.

With traditional locks, there is always the risk of them being broken or picked. Once this happens, it removes any barrier to stop intruders from entering. Traditional manual gates will be less expensive and easier to maintain than automatic ones.

Generally speaking, automatic gates offer better security and enhanced convenience; they can be unmanned, and minimise the risk of trespassers.

ACCESS CONTROL

When considering automatic gates, there are many options on the market. These gates range in style type, suitability for purpose and size, material, operation method, and locking function. The cost can also vary a great deal, so each factor should be considered carefully. To achieve the best access control solution for your site, speak to an expert to ensure it is well fitting and doesn’t compromise security or safety.

While providing excellent privacy, solid gates are not always best for security. This may sound counter-intuitive, but they limit visibility through the gate from both sides, impacting clear-view surveillance.

The most commonly used access control devices are keypads, card readers, or a slide latch with padlock. With keypads, it’s good to regularly change the access code in case it is leaked to an outsider. Contactless or swipe cards, on the other hand, can get lost or stolen, so you need to be prepared to have replacements and possibly take measures against cards being cloned.

In areas where more robust security is needed, installing additional measures

such as road blockers, traffic arm barriers or retractable bollards will create an airlock to help delay entry.

TYPES OF GATES

Space available and budget often affects the type of gate, in addition to the security level required. Swing, sliding, or bi-folding gates are all popular, and all have different space requirements due to the way they open. Bi-folding gates tend to be the fastest to operate and therefore the most secure.

Finally, don’t forget to include pedestrian gates, and keep them carefully secured when not in use. You will need these alongside doubleleaf vehicular gates for pedestrian access and emergency exits. Not only is it safer for them, but also prevents opening unnecessarily large gaps in the perimeter every time someone wants to enter or exit.

Just just turn on LED; Turn on CLS - Better yield, cheaper to operate

Mobile Rhenac Sports LED grass grow units are a costeffective way to achieve strong grass by supplementing light. It is the only technology that replicates the different light the sun produces during the various stages of the day. Rhenac Sports LED technology can produce the Complete Light Spectrum (CLS). On average, it delivers a factor 3 more light per sqm compared to conventional HPS-technology. As a result, Rhenac Sports LED grass grow technology produces a much more vital grass plant with a larger rootzone, which requires less maintenance. Its operational costs are a third of that of HPS technology.

info@rhenacsportsled.com

above and other items in this range, along with general greenkeeping tools & equipment.

All your line marking needs, along with general greenkeeping tools & groundsman equipment in one shop.

Turf Tank Announces Live Demo Events in Ireland

For the first time, Turf Tank has announced a series of three field demonstration dates in Ireland, open to any turf professional involved in sports pitch maintenance.

This is an opportunity not to be missed, with Turf Tank bringing the line marking robot live to three major venues, where visitors can learn how it can save them time and money.

The dates are:

14th March Dr Morris Park, Tipperary | 10am – 1pm

15th March Coill Dubh, A.F.C pitch, Kildare | 2:30pm – 4:30pm

16th March GAA-National Games Development Centre, Dublin | 10am – 2pm

Live demonstrations will take place, covering the Turf Tank One’s set-up, programming and operation. The three chosen sites will demonstrate the versatility of the Turf Tank, both in its ability to customise pitch size for any sport and the limitless number of sports it can be used to line.

Any questions can be answered during every stage of marking, while lunch and refreshments will be provided during the demonstration, with free goodie bags also on offer.

For more information on dates and times please visit http://www.turftank.com/en

HAVSPRO showcases unique proactive solution at The Health & Safety Event, in drive to ‘MakeHAVSHistory’

SIXIS Technology are showcasing their unique HAVS risk management solution, HAVSPRO, on stand 3/J50, with on-tool demonstrations of its capabilities at The Health & Safety Event at the NEC, 25th –27th April.

The ground-breaking solution for the accurate, real-time measurement and proactive monitoring of workplace vibration, promises to revolutionise the way businesses manage the risk posed by vibration exposure.

Visitors to the HAVSPRO stand will see the innovative system in operation and learn

how its accurate, on-the-tool measuring capabilities work. They will also see how the continuous monitoring and proactive exposure alerts are triggered as the system protects individuals and businesses from over-exposure, before it occurs.

The stand will also show visitors how the system reports exposure in HSE points, making the management of vibration risk easy and convenient.

Developed with the aim of Making HAVS history, the HAVSPRO system protects operators and employers alike. Businesses get real time, measurable and recordable data that enables them

to avoid the risks of over exposure to vibration, rather than merely collecting data of their occurrences.

With an estimated two million UK workers potentially exposed to the risk of debilitating injuries, HAVSPRO is a vital risk management solution in delivering healthier, safer workplaces. It provides consistent accuracy whatever the tool, whatever the job, by measuring the vibration on the tool itself. Employees get real-time, proactive alerts of their Exposure Action Value (EAV) and Exposure Limit Value (ELV) to keep them protected.

Russ Langthorne, Managing Director of HAVSPRO, and a personal sufferer of HAVS and Dupuytren’s Contracture, is delighted that their system is proving to be such an effective solution; “Clearly, given the huge number of employees in the UK who are at risk, there is a very real requirement for businesses to take vibration exposure monitoring extremely seriously, both to protect their workers, and to avoid costly fines.

“With the number of new cases being reported at a five-year high, there is plainly a growing problem, but one that could be entirely irradicated with education, technology-lead solutions and focused action. There is no longer an excuse for these numbers to be rising, now that a real solution is available to help employers and operatives take a proactive approach to managing vibration exposure.”

Current HSE regulations stipulate that “An employer who carries out work which is liable to expose any of his employees to

risk from vibration shall make a suitable and sufficient assessment of the risk created by that work to the health and safety of those employees and the risk assessment shall identify the measures that need to be taken to meet the requirements of these Regulations.”

HAVSPRO’s continuous measuring and proactive monitoring system is the key to its effectiveness, as it informs users and employers of potential risk before over exposure, rather than simply collating data.

Russ Langthorne adds: “The game changing HAVSPRO system is underpinned by expert vibration exposure knowledge and guidance, which comes as part of the system, ensuring employers across a range of industries have the technology and understanding to fully protect their workers from HAVS. We are looking forward to welcoming many of them to our stand. Together, we can #MakeHAVSHistory.”

Tickets for the event can be obtained here. For more information, visit the HAVSPRO website.

Berthoud knapsacks deliver consistency in professional and domestic turfcare

The standards and precision of professional groundscare are being applied increasingly in the domestic setting.

Will Dunger, owner of Will’s Norfolk Lawns, has a foot in both camps, delivering high-end services to gardens and sports clubs across much of the county.

“I’ve played cricket and football all my life,” says Will, 27, “and worked in lawncare and grounds maintenance for several years.

“Garden lawncare can be seen as the bottom of the food chain and I aimed to change that when I set up the business in 2018 by bringing the methods and machinery of the professional sector into the domestic setting.”

That includes the type of scarifiers, aerators and sprayers his dad employs at Fakenham Cricket Club, where he and fellow local residents help maintain the square and outfield.

“The group of volunteers has been shrinking for some time,” Will explains, “so I help out preparing the ground for the new season, renovating the square in autumn and providing winter maintenance.”

The same is true at Horning Bowls Club. “I lived there and helped maintain the green for them when they were short of volunteers. They liked what I did and they’ve grown into one of my sportsground customers.”

Common to both his domestic and professional service delivery are the Berthoud Vermorel 2000 knapsack

sprayers Will and assistant Alex rely on to apply turf treatment liquids, whatever the surface.

“The whole industry is moving to an environmentally more sensitive stance,” states Will, “and I fully support the change. We strive to avoid spraying chemicals such as herbicides and fungicides and now use more organic nutrients.

“I’ve used the 16l Vermorel 2000s since I started the business and cannot remember having any issues with them at all. Straightforward to maintain, they are sturdy, convenient to calibrate and use, easy to fill and clean, and deliver a high level of consistency of spray.

“When you can spend much of your time with a knapsack on your back, it’s important the kit is comfortable. The Vermorels’ comfy, cushioned straps help minimise body stresses

and strains so that you can spray in optimum safety.”

Newly qualified witn a distinction in the Grounds Management Association’s Level 2 Technical Certificate in Turf Surface Maintenance, Will is climbing the ladder of achievement in both professional and domestic turfcare. “I’m keen to further develop my turfcare knowledge and plan to complete more courses to fulfil that aim,” he states. One to watch.

Follow Will on:

Twitter: @willsnrfklawns

Facebook: @willsnorfolklawns

Instagram: @willsnorfolklawns

www.berthoud.fr/en/

Eco Clipper FM4 Sport for sporting grounds

Eco Clipper FM4 for sporting grounds

Eco Clipper FM4 Sport for sporting grounds

Eco Clipper offers large area mowers that help field managers minimize mowing costs while producing a professional cut.

The Eco Clipper mowing system was originally developed to replace the cylinder mower in turfgrass production. The aim was to retain the cutting performance

Eco Clipper offers large area mowers that help field managers minimize mowing costs while producing a professional cut. The Eco Clipper mowing system was originally developed to replace the cylinder mower in turfgrass production. The aim was to retain the cutting performance of a welltuned cylinder mower, but not the high maintenance requirements and sensitivity to mowing conditions, such as wet grass and weeds.

Eco Clipper offers large area mowers that help field managers minimize mowing costs while producing a professional cut. The Eco Clipper mowing system was originally developed to replace the cylinder mower in turfgrass production. The aim was to retain the cutting performance of a well -tuned cylinder mower, but not the high maintenance requirements and sensitivity to mowing conditions, such as wet grass and weeds.

The system

The system

The smooth cutting decks with fast spinning small blades ensure a high quality of cut and a good distribution

The smooth cutting decks with fast spinning small blades ensure a high quality of cut and a good distribution of clip-

pendently of the weather.

Municipalities and sports field and park managers have also discovered the advantages of the Eco Clipper mowing system. For them, Eco Clipper offers the FM4 Sport. This 4.11 m wide mower has four independent mowing decks. Its position in front of the tractor provides excellent visibility and comfort for the tractor driver.

Municipalities and sports field and park managers have also discovered the advantages of the Eco Clipper mowing system. For them, Eco Clipper offers the EC-FM4 Sport. This 4.11 m wide mower has four independent mowing decks. Its position in front of the tractor provides excellent visibility and comfort for the tractor driver.

Municipalities and sports field and park managers have also discovered the advantages of the Eco Clipper mowing system. For them, Eco Clipper offers the FM4 Sport. This 4.11 m wide mower has four independent mowing decks. Its position in front of the tractor provides excellent visibility and comfort for the tractor driver.

The Benefits

The Benefits

The Benefits

Users report high productivity gains, a

Users report high productivity gains,

appreciate the low maintenance need and the ability to schedule the mowing even in

Thanks to the electrically driven blades, the mower is very economical and quiet. The large wheels and smart mower deck linking system ensure good contour following and enable high mowing speeds.

Get started saving today

With highly efficient electric-powered mowers that can be used at high cutting speeds and in almost all weather conditions, the Eco Clipper FM4 Sport is a safe solution to significantly reduce mowing costs on sports fields.

With highly efficient electric-powered mowers that can be used at high cutting speeds and in almost all weather conditions, the Eco Clipper FM4 Sport is a safe solution

Users report high productivity gains, a factor two compared to 5 -gang selfpropelled cylinder mowers, and appreciate the low maintenance need and the ability to schedule the mowing even in less favourable mowing conditions, such as early morning dew and wet autumn. For more information, contact: info@vanmac.co.uk.

www.ecoclipper.com

sports fields with Eco Clipper

Get started saving today by mowing your sports fields with Eco Clipper

SCAG have introduced their first Electric ride-on – the EVZ

• Power is provided by the Vanguard 48V 5kWh Lithium-Ion commercial battery pack. 48V 5kWh*

• Estimated productivity of up to 5 acres per charge, though this depends entirely on cut height, terrain and conditions.

• The required Vanguard 1050W battery charger is included with each mower

• Estimated charging time: 5 hours = full charge / 3 hours = 80% charge

Elsewhere, leaf and debris clearance is still high on the agenda this time of year, and the STM / SCAG range of equipment has proved as popular as ever – with impressive sales in 2022 for the SCAG Windstorm,. And impressive is the right word to describe the specification of the machine as well: this is a stand-on unit, placing the operator on a stand at the back with a knee-pad in front, giving an excellent all-round view for the user. The format is based on the SCAG V-Ride mower but, as opposed to a cutting deck, it has a massive cyclone blower on the front, capable of 6000 cfm output. The power unit is a 37HP Briggs Vanguard engine and the operator drives the machine with twin hand levers to twin rear drive wheels to give zero-turn

manoeuverability. Adjustable nozzle direction for the output completes the picture of a well-designed and highly effective leaf and debris clearance machine.

The machines are available through the STM dealership network. To find your nearest dealer ring 01789 488450, email info@st-mach.com or look at our website www.st-mach.com

Professional groundcare equipment - for professionals

Pedestrian Stand-on Electric Ride-on

Enjoy a free gift from Makita

Leading power tool manufacturer Makita UK has launched a new cordless garden redemption promotion. From 1st February 2023, end users can claim FREE LXT and XGT Makita products with the purchase of selected outdoor equipment.

Makita’s latest garden machinery promotion gives end users the chance to claim ether a free MR002GZ01 Radio, or a DMP180Z LXT Inflator, or up to two 5Ah BL1850B Batteries with the purchase and registration of a wide selection of its leading LXT outdoor garden products – including cordless lawn mowers, blowers, hedge trimmers, split shafts, chainsaws and more.

Makita has also extended the promotion to offer a free MR002GZ01 Radio, or a MP001GZ XGT Inflator, or a 2.5Ah (BL4025) 40V XGT Battery to those who purchase selected products from Makita’s XGT 40VMax outdoor equipment range, which includes chainsaws, hedge trimmers, and the manufacturer’s latest 80VMax XGT lawn mowers.

Kevin Brannigan, Marketing Manager at Makita UK said: “With our cordless garden machinery and equipment, users benefit from industry-leading run times, reduced charge times and improved on-site efficiency with the ability to easily change batteries between tools depending on the task. With our latest, exciting promotion, consumers can purchase from a range of over 100 selected products to receive a free gift and expand their collection of cordless garden machinery for a safer and effective job site.”

Makita’s latest redemption offer will run until 30th June 2023. Customers who have purchased any of the qualifying models from an authorised dealer between 01.02.23 and 30.06.23 should register their purchase online via the redemption promotion website within 28 days of making their purchase to claim their free product. On successful application, customers will receive their free gift after 30 days.

For more information on the promotion and its terms and conditions, visit: www.makitauk.com/redemption.

SMART TECHNOLOGY. longer lasting. BATTERY POWERED.

The upgraded AP 300 S battery features the latest STIHL Connected technology, so you can get the most out of your STIHL machine. The technology in the battery allows users to keep track of key data including the total discharge time and the total number of charge cycles of the battery. This data is then made available in the STIHL Connected App, a fleet management tool capable of giving an insightful overview of all tools in your fleet.

The AP 300 S battery delivers the long working times that you’ve come to expect from STIHL battery technology, as well as the power; up to 2.1kW from our MSA 220 chainsaw. That’s real cordless power with petrol performance.

PROFESSIONAL PERFORMANCE: THE AP 300 S LITHIUM-ION BATTERY.

AVAILABLE AT YOUR LOCAL

FLEET MANAGEMENT MADE SIMPLE: STIHL CONNECTED.

Handsworth Golf Club redesign

In 2020, the Environment Agency built a new flood embankment/barrier on 2 holes of the existing golf course at Handsworth GC on the northern edge of Birmingham. These holes were liable to flooding following heavy rain, so the infrastructure works would, long-term, be a direct benefit to the Club.

In order to make the project happen, the Club purchased 13 acres of adjacent

farmland and then they had to designs drawn up, get planning consent for the new design, and get built 3 new holes to accommodate the new EA infrastructure.

In 2016, Gaunt Golf Design were appointed as sub-consultants to Cornerstone Golf, working with Halcrow Engineers to undertake the design work on behalf of Handsworth GC. Halcrow were later replaced by CH2M, then by Jacobs Engineers (all as sub-consultants to EA). Cornerstone Golf remained as specialist

golf advisors throughout the entire project.

GGD provided all golf course design details, including liaison with Club representatives and presenting the concept scheme to Members for approval. On approval at a members meeting in March 2017, GGD were instructed to submit a planning application to Birmingham City Council. Following permission in September 2017, GGD prepared detailed designs and tender documents for Jacksons Civils, the Main Contractor. Following a successful competitive tender, John Greasley Golf Course Contractors were appointed to undertake the construction work, which started in January 2018.

GGD’s responsibilities continued throughout the construction and growingin phases including approving and signing off all construction works, certificates for valuations and final/practical completion. We also worked direct for EA (on behalf of

Handsworth GC) and oversaw the growing in/establishment of the new holes through to the end of the defects correction period.

Working as part of a large team was a challenge, as so many decision making levels need to be navigated through in order to keep the project moving smoothly, on schedule and to budget. Greasley’s undertook the work efficiently and swiftly, although site conditions were extremely challenging at times.

The new holes came into play in 2019, and the finished result has been welcomed by Handsworth Golf Club members and visitors alike. To have been given the opportunity to design new holes on a course originally designed by Harry Colt was a real honour, and achieving a seamless transition between old and new was daunting, but thoroughly satisfying.

https://handsworthgc.co.uk

Encourage growth and a smooth, free draining playing surface with East Riding Turfcare’s range of Top Quality Top Dressings

he purpose of top dressing is to create a level surface, improve drainage, improve drought resistance, encourage the breakdown of thatch and encourage a healthy dense sward. Whether top dressing lawns or quality sports surfaces the following principles apply – Top Dressing should be applied when grass is actively growing.

East Riding Turfcare supply quality sterilised 70/30 Top Dressing from trusted manufacturers from UK quarries. Ideal for use on fine turf areas and high quality lawns, containing 70% specially selected sports sand and 30% graded top soil. Top dressing can be used in a variety of areas but is particularly suited to sports pitches throughout the year. It can be applied following seeding or overseeding to protect the development of plants, encourage the germination of grass seeds and aiding healthy seed establishment. Very popular with golf clubs and bowls clubs due to the high sand content that promotes free draining and a smooth surface.

Top dressing can also be applied after renovation processes such as aeration, so that it will filter into the holes made and will improve the rate at which grass and turf recovers. It can also be used to help against winter desiccation.

Applications include Bowling Greens, Golf Greens and Cricket Wickets. East Riding offer tailored nutrition plans which we would recommend using your top dressing in conjunction with.

Obtaining the correct top dressing is important. For further information regarding the various types of top

dressings and soils we offer, call our technical sales team on 01904 608157 or email info@eastridingturfcare.co.uk

Say goodbye to the guesswork with a Free Soil Analysis from East Riding Turfcare

East Riding Turfcare can offer a free technical soil analysis to help

Whether top dressing lawns or quality sports surfaces the following principles apply –Top Dressing should be applied when grass is actively growing.

support your sports turf management programmes, helping to prevent potential problems. Independently analysed, with results accurately assessed through an entire suite of analytical testing, providing an easy-tounderstand report and tailored nutrition programme.

For further information or to book a site visit please contact us on 01904 608157 or email info@eastridingturfcare.co.uk

GKB SP100 improves accuracy and efficiency of topdressing for Longniddry Golf Club

The Course Manager at Longniddry Golf Club in East Lothian has praised the versatility delivered by their new GKB SP100 topdresser, following its delivery in September 2022. Replacing an older, heavier unit that was difficult to manoeuvre around the 18-hole links/parkland hybrid course, the SP100 mounts onto their existing ProGator for fast, accurate and efficient dressing of the greens, tees and approaches.

David Drummond joined as Longniddry Course Manager in May 2022, and after a quick assessment of the machinery in the shed, the GKB Sandspreader was one of the first investments to support him and his team of five. “Our previous topdresser was showing signs of age and as a bigger unit that needed a heavy tractor, it wasn’t really suited to our current requirements. With this is mind, I spoke to local dealer Thomas Sherriff & Co about a vehicle-mounted unit” explains David. “Because we only have one utility vehicle, whatever we went for needed to be easily demountable and while I’d not had first-hand experience of the GKB machine before, we looked at it and were instantly impressed.”

“It’s a great set-up, very robust and the controls are all nice and simple. One particular feature we really like is the ability to adjust the distance of the spinning discs on the SP100 which gives us more control over the amount of dressing we apply.”

Offering a range of adjustable parameters, the SP100 is the smallest

unit in the GKB Sandspreader range but doesn’t compromise when it comes to capacity – offering a 1m3 hopper which David says has significantly improved the efficiency of the operation. “The hopper is really easy to load using our compact tractor and can hold a good amount of material which results in fewer re-loads, saving all-important labour time.”

David continues, “The SP100 was out on the very first day it was

delivered and has so far carried out operations on the greens, tees and approaches and moving forwards it’ll be critical to our ongoing maintenance programme.” He explains that the SP100 will be in use for spring renovations in February and following this it’ll be out at least once a month until October – possibly even conducting some work on the fairways.

“We’ve been really pleased with both the machine and the service and support we’ve received from Sherriff’s throughout and after the purchase process. The team and I now look forward to putting it through its paces in the very busy season ahead.” www.gkbmachines.com

It’s a great set-up, very robust and the controls are all nice and simple.

Royal St. Georges manager named winner of DLF BTME competition

Rhys Butler, Links Manager at Royal St. Davids Golf Club in Wales has been announced as the winner of the DLF Sustainability Seed competition held at BTME 2023. Regional Technical Manager Stuart Yarwood MG recently visited Rhys to present the prize of a Greenstester – the perfect tool for monitoring speed, trueness and greens performance.

The winner was randomly selected from those that entered across the three-day event, with Rhys the recipient of a Greenstester - a simple monitoring tool supported by the R&A. When used on a regular basis, the Greenstester can provide a bank of meaningful data relating to putting performance, yielding information on firmness and speed that can be tracked and monitored over time.

On receipt of his prize Rhys commented, “BTME this year was a really informative and enjoyable experience and to win this competition is just the icing on the cake. On top of the Greenstester which will be used by my team to track greens performance, it was great to catch up with Stuart and talk all things links turf on his visit.”

Together with testing visitors on some of the new cultivars and

changes to mixture formulations across the Johnsons Sports Seed and MM Seed ranges, the questionnaire was also designed to find out the most pressing topics currently experienced in the industry, which will be used to shape future research and education programmes available from DLF.

www.dlf.co.uk

Redress your worn out surfaces!

Origin Amenity core to tailored programmes across The Club Company courses

Having this data at our disposal means we can ensure we are using the right tools and techniques, that we know will work, and using them in the right places at the right time to deliver the surfaces the members want.

When players are asked to describe their ideal putting conditions, the top two words likely to be mentioned on most occasions will be ‘firm and fast’. For greenkeeping teams, trying to achieve firm, fast surfaces alongside consistency over all 18 holes is tough – but for Chris Brook, Group Course Manager at The Club Company this challenge is multiplied across 15 individual courses! Assisting Chris is the technical team from Origin Amenity Solutions who, from conducting in-depth soil-sampling, have helped in the tailoring of the renovation and nutritional requirements of the groups 270 greens.

Chris has been in charge of the group for 25 years, working with the individual green’s teams at the championship golf courses which are dotted up and down the country. “As a group” Chris explains, “we’re always looking for new ways to further course condition but to move things forward, you need an accurate understanding of exactly where you’re starting from. I got in touch with Laurence McCrory, who joined the Headland brand within OAS last year but who I knew from his time as Course Manager at Castle Royle and asked if he could help with some in-depth soil analysis.”

Laurence and his OAS colleagues nationwide visited the 15 venues, sampling all greens to take away and analyse multiple variables including moisture content, minerals and organic matter (OM) levels, and assess the loss on ignition (LOI). LOI analysis will reveal the percentage of OM in a green and the depth – be it the top inch, or two inches - to which OM is present. “With this data, we can then plan down to each individual green what we need to do, or not do, in terms of mechanical maintenance and nutritional inputs to get the best results from every operation and bring each green up to a certain standard. It’s a worthwhile expenditure,

which will then give every team all the information they need to tailor the severity of renovations and put a programme into place which they can map out and action around the unique requirements and demands of their course.”

“All sites have different feeding programmes, worked out between the independent greens teams and myself, with Headland Amenity’s 20-20-30 enhanced plant health tank-mix a key part of many clubs plans at this time of year. We’ll then be looking at feeds such as C-Complex® in various formulations for a response at lower temperatures and post-renovation recovery.”

Chris adds, “Having this data at our disposal means we can ensure we are using the right tools and techniques, that we know will work, and using them in the right places at the right time to deliver the surfaces the members want. We can then re-conduct the sampling and review the results on an annual basis to help us monitor progress and ultimately reach the goal of presenting our courses in the very best condition we can.”

www.originamenity.com

4turf® from Johnsons Sports Seed delivers a sustainable droughttolerant sward at Stoneham Lane

pened in late 2019, Stoneham Lane Football Complex comprises 64sq.Km of artificial and natural sports pitches – supporting grass roots football for players of all ages and abilities. Part of the FA’s Parklife Project, the maintenance of the Complex falls under the remit of Hampshire FA Facility Operations Manager Pete Hussey who, in conjunction with seed from DLF, keeps the five grass pitches fit for more than 425 matches per season.

Alongside the Stoneham Lane facility in Eastleigh, Pete also manages operations at the Winklebury Football Complex in Basingstoke and the Front Lawn Community Hub in Havant – all designed to support and fund grass roots sport within the local area. “I’ve been in this role for three and a half years, but have worked with DLF for 17 years, having used various seed formulations at my previous venue” explains Pete.

“When Stoneham was constructed, one of the major focuses was on drainage – giving us incredible infiltration rates in the region of 52mm per hour. However, the flip side of that is that we have no irrigation meaning that in the dry months, pitches struggle to retain moisture and thin out quickly.” Foreseeing the challenges that lay ahead, Pete spoke to his DLF Regional Technical Manager Ian Barnett to explore more droughttolerant varieties – and just in time, before one of the most prolonged

droughts experienced in the UK, in the summer of 2022!

“We opted to switch from the 100% diploid perennial ryegrass mix to Johnsons J 4Turf 50, sown in May 2022, and we couldn’t have been more impressed with the results.” J 4Turf 50 incorporates 4turf® tetraploid perennial ryegrass, a larger seed with higher energy reserves to deliver deeper rooting, better establishing plants – including in cooler temperatures – with enhanced colour, disease resistance and drought tolerance. The 2023 formulation

contains 50% 4turf® tetraploid rye and 50% diploid perennial ryegrass.

“The J 4Turf 50 established well before the hot conditions arrived. We were limited on how much water we could get onto the pitches and were thinking we would need to do a lot of recovery work ahead of the new season, however after the rain returned, the pitches recovered amazingly! We didn’t need to do any additional overseeding or fertilising, we relied on mother nature and the seed to do what it promised it would, and it did exactly that.”

Pete continues, “As the season progressed, the J 4Turf 50 coped with the high wear, recovered fast and remained strong enough that we saw no disease activity at all last year. In fact the pitches looked so good, we were able to wait until after Christmas to put a feed down.” He adds, “This switch has given us everything we want in terms of performance, but more than that, has moved us towards a lower input sward which is more sustainable to manage.”

This switch has given us everything we want in terms of performance, but more than that, has moved us towards a lower input sward which is more sustainable to manage.

New Rink DS1600 dresser from Redexim

Promising to deliver enhanced adaptability to topdressing operations is the new Rink DS1600 from Redexim, featuring improved functionality with all-new electronic controls.

The Rink DS1600 disc spreader is ideal for those following the ‘little and often’ approach to topdressing. Accommodating spreading widths of between 2m and 14m, the DS1600 features a large 1.6m3 hopper which means fewer trips back to the shed to refill and enhanced overall efficiency.

A range of parameters including throw, belt speed and spreading thickness can all now be quickly and easily adjusted via new electronic controls accessible from the operator’s seat.

An optional digital control unit can be specified as an optional extra which allows the operator to pre-set

spreading rates ensuring quick and consistent set-up every time. Completing the specification is four large tyres, keeping ground pressure

to a minimum and making the DS1600 the versatile dresser for tasks throughout the maintenance calendar. www.redexim.com

Dublin-based Origin Enterprises has appetite for Lincolnshire Company

Origin Enterprises PLC has acquired specialist online ground-care company Agrigem Limited (Agrigem).

Agrigem, based in Saxilby near Lincoln, are specialist advisors and distributors of ground care products operating in over 20-sectors across the UK. Their range of products consists of fertilisers, grass seeds, plant protection products and associated landscape equipment. Their customers include ground care professionals, Airports, Sports Venues, Forestry Plantations, Local Authorities, Turf Growers, National Private Companies, as well as their vast ecommerce offering with over 170,000 customers across several ecommerce platforms. Agrigem, a multi-award-winning company who are only into their 9th year of

trade employ 27 people from their headquarters ‘Gem House’ and despatch thousands of parcels a year from their state-of-the-art warehousing facilities. Kieran Would, Managing Director of Agrigem comments ‘I am thrilled to be joining the industry leader, Origin. There are various challenges currently facing our industry, and to have a strategic partner like Origin, will allow us to navigate these and continue to find niche opportunities. We have always had an appetite for growth, and to have a parent company who understands this and can also facilitate this is a key driver for Agrigem going forwards’. ‘We have dealt with Origin as a supplier for many years and have enjoyed a good relationship along the way. Origin’s

core values align with my own, their commitment to the amenity sector and their people is evident. This cemented in my mind that they were the only Company suitable for the Agrigem business for the future’.

Commenting on the announcement, Origin Amenity Managing Director, Chris Clark, said: ‘Agrigem is an excellent fit for Origin to broaden our product range for our existing customers as well as entry into new markets that Agrigem currently serve.

Investment in this sector is a key priority for the Group, as we broaden our offering in sustainable green spaces. We are delighted to welcome the Agrigem team to the Origin Group and look forward to working together’.

www.agrigem.co.uk

Sustainability and technology unite. With wireless irrigation control from Toro.

Sustainability and technology unite. With wireless irrigation control from Toro.

Toro’s Tempus Air. A new unique irrigation control system utilising the power of the sun and cloud for remote-managed, uninterrupted wireless irrigation. No need for wires, just an intuitive app to talk to your base stations using WiFi and 3G. Controlling your full irrigation system, hydraulic valves, water pumps, pressure valve sensors and filters, it also links moisture levels, temperature and wind speed, providing all essential real-time data. It’s no wires, no effort, cost-effective irrigation control.

Toro’s Tempus Air. A new unique irrigation control system utilising the power of the sun and cloud for remote-managed, uninterrupted wireless irrigation. No need for wires, just an intuitive app to talk to your base stations using WiFi and 3G. Controlling your full irrigation system, hydraulic valves, water pumps, pressure valve sensors and filters, it also links moisture levels, temperature and wind speed, providing all essential real-time data. It’s no wires, no effort, cost-effective irrigation control.

reesinkturfcare.co.uk

reesinkturfcare.co.uk

Effective water solutions for all landscapes Irrigation . Pumps . Water Aeration . Lightning Detection and More

Effective water solutions for all landscapes Irrigation . Pumps . Water Aeration . Lightning Detection and More

NEW COST EFFECTIVE CONTROL

NEW COST EFFECTIVE CONTROL

Innovative pump solutions

rrigation systems are adapting towards more sustainable practices to suit our increasing global population, climate change and increased water scarcity.

For 63 years T-T Pumps Ltd has been innovating reliable solutions for industrial, agricultural and domestic needs – including Hidro Boost clean water pressurisation sets. Ideal for modern irrigation, they have been supplied to equestrian centres, football clubs, golf clubs and other applications.

Used for crop growth, livestock welfare and sports pitch maintenance, the set you use depends on the site’s parameters. The Hidro Boost comes in a variety of sizes – with single, twin, triple, quadruple, and bespoke sets available for domestic to industrial applications.

When choosing a water booster for irrigation you must consider the water demand and total head.

The total head is a combination of elements such as pressure loss from fluid friction in the system; vertical and ‘static’ lift across the pumped line; and pressure requirements at discharge points such as water features.

These factors combine with the water demanded of the application to reveal the site-specific duty point which must be achieved for optimal performance. Consideration around the best sprinklers, valves and other elements is advised to reduce system inefficiencies to benefit the environment and your energy expenditure.

Variable speed control drives can improve efficiency, such as the Vasco range available with T-T’s Hidro Boost. They adjust a booster’s flow rate in response to fluctuating demands, reliably keeping the system’s pressure levels within a pre-set range. This uses less energy than a fixed

speed set, which aims to retain a desired flow rate through switching pumps on and off.

Manufactured with stainless steel, Hidro Boosts are resistant to high pressure flow and chemical corrosion. These features lend themselves to a low level of maintenance and long operational life, reducing the need for regular repairs and replacements, therefore cutting maintenance costs and the impact that upkeep could have on the environment.

When choosing a water boosting set for irrigation applications, take care to consider the lifetime of the system and

if it will require regular maintenance or replacements; the components inside of the booster and if it has been correctly sized to suit the site’s specific criteria; and how the system will regulate flow pressure for both energy efficient and reliable irrigation.

Website - www.ttpumps.com

Phone number - +44 (0)1630 647200

Email - response@ttpumps.com

Address - T-T Pumps, Woore, Cheshire,CW3 9RU, United Kingdom

Boost water performance for improved turf management

For groundskeepers maintaining large green spaces, turf and sports pitches, water demand is high.

To preserve a healthy surface, the entire area needs to be watered extensively and frequently, via sprinklers or irrigators. Not only does this ensure the ground remains in optimal condition, but it keeps the surface area even and soft to withstand the impact of sporting

events and other physical activities.

However, this task can be made difficult without adequate water flow. Poor water performance negatively impacts groundskeepers’ ability to maintain the condition of the turf to a high-quality and on a regular basis, often compromising its health and appearance.

For improved water flow and performance and ultimately a healthier

turf, consider an accumulator tank. Accumulator tanks store water at pressure. When an outlet, such as a sprinkler, is opened the water from the tank is released, providing additional flow to the mains supply. This ensures adequate water flow and improved sprinkler performance.

For maintaining huge areas of turf, more than one tank may be required to have the capacity to store the appropriate amount of water. Thankfully, the

Linking multiple tanks will enable groundskeepers to store large amounts of water at the right pressure for the sprinkler system, which provides an easy solution to boosting mains water flow in bigger areas such as sports stadiums and venues.

Salamander Pumps Accumulator Tank range is designed with capacity in mind. The product can easily store vast amounts of water by ‘daisy chaining’ the vessels together. Linking multiple tanks will enable groundskeepers to store large amounts of water at the right pressure for the sprinkler system, which provides an easy solution to boosting mains water flow in bigger areas such as sports stadiums and venues.

With an easy installation process, the Salamander Pumps team conduct a survey of the ground to determine the required flow rate and the number of Accumulator Tanks necessary. Once installed on the mains, the water pressure will be consistently maintained throughout, even in the absence of a power supply. This ensures that the sprinkler system will continue to function during the event of a power outage.

For estate managers, consider accumulator tanks when maintaining areas of turf and land but lacking suitable water flow and storage. The tanks are just another tool to ensure the best quality groundskeeping, especially over areas of land that require daily maintenance.

Find out more about the Salamander Pumps Accumulator Tank range here

Only the best Groundwork, Drainage and Pipework products

Rouden Pipetek Ltd supplies and distributes Drainage and Pipework products from the UK’s leading manufacturers. We predominantly distribute to groundwork, construction, civil engineering, and agricultural companies. We are committed to providing a first-class service and competitively priced products to all of our clients. Due to our longstanding presence within the industry (we commenced trading in May 2001), we have become reliable distributors to some of the smallest and largest businesses in the UK. Whether your requirement is for a length of pipe or a motorway drainage system, our sales team can provide a cost-effective solution to suit your needs.

To ensure our products reach you as quickly as possible, we have three Branches in the South of England. These are located in Horsham, West Sussex, Maidstone, Kent, and Petersfield, Hampshire. All of our large storage and distribution sites are fully stocked, and boast a vast and comprehensive range of pipework systems and associated products.

Rouden Pipetek offers a next day delivery service, with other delivery options available depending on customer requirements. Our fleet of specialist delivery vehicles and fully qualified drivers, get the products to our customers safely and efficiently.

Rouden Pipetek is a one-stop facility for civil engineering, building and construction companies, whilst also supplying, sports ground contractors, utility and telecommunications contractors. We are also proud to supply specialist water feature and building services companies, as well as agricultural contractors.

Our product range includes, but is certainly not limited to the following;

Foul Water Drainage Systems (plastic & clay), Surface Water Drainage Systems, Twinwall Service Ducting, Street light and Traffic Signal Ducting, Land Drainage Pipework and Geothermal Heating Systems.

We also offer a Specialist Fabrication service, Barrier Pipe Systems, Sewage Treatment Plants, and Manhole Covers and Frames. Other lines include Linear Channel Drainage Systems, Grass Reinforcement, Geotextile Membranes, Attenuation Crates and PVCu and ABS Chemical Pipework Systems. For a comprehensive list of our products and further information, simply visit our Products page.

mail@rouden.co.uk

www.rouden.co.uk

Whether your requirement is for a length of pipe or a motorway drainage system, our sales team can provide a costeffective solution to suit your needs.

Rouden Pipetek is a one-stop facility for civil engineering, building and construction companies, additionally supplying to sports ground contractors, utility and telecommunications contractors. We also supply to specialist water feature and building services companies, as well as agricultural contractors.

For a comprehensive list of our products and further information, simply visit our website.

The South West’s Pump and Water Service Specialists

• Used every training session to make the playing surface slick, for faster movement of the ball around the pitch and safer pitch for players.

• Turntable trolley mounted to aid movability on site

• Delivers up to 42,000 litres / hour

• Up to 40 meter throw radius, with fully adjustable 360° coverage

• Easily changeable nozzles to adjust coverage and flowrate

• 6 bar water pressure required – tank and pump systems available

• Standard football pitch irrigation times approximately 1 hour

• Significant cost savings vs. underground system

Mawdsleys Pump Services, Unit C2, Kingsland Trading Estate, Bristol, BS2 0JZ

Hunter TTS-800 series: the most advanced rotors in the golf industry

Over the last four decades, Hunter Industries has built a longstanding reputation for innovation in the golf industry. Some of the revolutionary inventions include the first Windowsbased central control system, the first Total-Top-Service (TTS) rotors, the first Decoder-in-Head (DIH) rotors with integrated Pilot Two-Way Modules, and the powerful and water-efficient G-85 Gear Drives. The newest products in this ground breaking line up are the TTS-800 Series Golf Rotors — the most innovative and technologically advanced rotors in the industry. Combining accuracy and power, they provide maximum uniformity and longevity in the field. They also reduce the challenges of reclaimed water use or poor water quality, thanks to their high-torque gear drives. The fast-access flange compartment is the golf sector’s largest, and it can accommodate full-sized DBRY-6 Splice Connectors. Even routine maintenance is a breeze with Total-TopServiceability, which allows solenoid and pressure regulator servicing without mainline depressurisation.

For more information contact - KAR UK Ltd www.karuk.com – 0161 793 9703 – sales@karuk.com

The LRI Premier

The LRI Premier offers many of the advantages of a large irrigation gun, but only requires a standard water supply, enabling broad areas to be watered from one place. It therefore gives many of the benefits of a permanent underground system, without the need for expensive installation. It can be left to run through the night and is designed to be left unattended.

TTS-800 SERIES ROTORS

The most innovative and technologically advanced rotor in the industry

New cutting unit promises to deliver ultimate INFINICUT® precision for golf courses

BTME 2023 provided the ideal launch platform for the brand new 22” dedicated cutting unit from INFINICUT® – designed to meet the exacting requirements needed for the modernday golf course. Incorporating many of the features synonymous with the renowned INFINICUT® range, the new machine features a reconfigured yoke assembly making the cutting unit the most balanced mower for achieving low heights of cut and optimal compatibility for use with brush and groomer attachments.

The INFINICUT® 22” cutting unit has been engineered to suit the specific set of requirements for golf course maintenance, promising even more refinement for fine turf management.

When married to the INFINICUT® traction unit, the new floating head model promises unbeatable cut performance and unparalleled contour following ability.

Known for the range of changeable parameters, the new INFINCUT® retains the colour coded attitude angle and BCD adjustment systems together with several new features such as quick and simple bedknife removal for easy servicing, grinding and maintenance.

With the focus firmly on the quality of finish, the cutting unit is equipped with INFINICUT’s SMARTCut™ reels, produced in-house from UK-sourced Boron and dynamically balanced for ultimate accuracy. The new model is also available with a choice of optional

groomers and is fully compatible with the INFINIApp for wireless set up and control.

Commenting on the launch, Sales Manager Vinny Tarbox said, “This is really exciting addition to the INFINICUT® range and is reflective of our progression in the golf market. We’ve had this cutting unit out on various trials over the last 12 months and the pinpoint precision and superior performance of this cutting unit have not gone unnoticed, resulting in orders already from a number of prestigious links, parkland and membership courses. Following much interest in it on the stand at BTME, we can’t wait to now showcase it to more customers in the field.”

Make bunker maintenance easier with a Mantis tiller and attachments

ne of the greatest challenges for greenkeepers is bunker maintenance. Although bunkers represent a small part of the playing area they are an integral part of the golf course. Keeping them in shape can be labour intensive particularly after intense heat or heavy rain so a machine that can make that process easier is worth the investment.

The Mantis 7265 deluxe tiller is lightweight at 11kg and compact making it easy to carry around the course or put in the back of a buggy; while being designed to work away from your operators for maximum control. It’s built to withstand wear and tear with a powerful engine over tine design that optimises the weight placement. A kickstand, engine guard and sure grip handle come as standard.

The variable throttle lets you decide the speed of the tines to give you more control and the ability to adapt to the differing banks within the bunkers.

The tiller is perfect for working in tight edges and banks, redistributing sand with ease and

• Lightweight and compact, easy to carry around the course or put in the back of a buggy

• Aerates the top 30mm of sand and never digs in

• Perfect for working in tight edges and on banks

• Redistributes the sand with ease

• Removes ingrained sand and thatch around the bunker banks 3 x faster than hand raking

NEW DEPOT FOR ABA GROUNDCARE

BA Groundcare based in the South West of England have expanded once again with another new depot opened recently on Woodward Road, Tiverton.

Following the closure of MST, former Devon Agricultural dealership, in 2022 due to cash flow issues, Jamie Hutchings, the owner of ABA Groundcare seized the opportunity to expand his business and opened up a branch in Tiverton.

Jamie Hutchings said: “We established the business in 2014 in Dorchester. We built up in that region and then looked to expand. I got to know Scott Struthers from MST and dealt and traded with him regularly. I offered him a job many times, but he always said no. Then we heard what was happening with MST and stepped in and offered five former members of the staff including Scott, a job at our new premises in Tiverton, totalling over 200 years experience.”

He said that employing skilled staff was an issue in every trade, and he was thankful that he could find five skilled new members willing to carry on working together.

“It was an easy decision to make,” he said. “They wanted to stay together working and very quickly decided they were happy to join my company.”

The Tiverton branch offers servicing and parts, supply garden machinery, agricultural vehicles, and quad bikes from the likes of Stihl, Yamaha, Husqvarna and Stiga to name a few, alongside the specialist ISEKI ground care unit.

“We are continuing to offer a service which customers of MST now miss here in Tiverton,” Jamie said. “It’s also a great central location as you can get anywhere reasonably quickly in Devon from here.

“It’s a service-led business, but we sell as well,” Jamie explained. “We are here to

look out for our customers; any sales are a bonus. Scott Struthers, previous sales rep for MST, has built up excellent relationships with customers in the area, it is great to have him on board to continue offering the same service.”

“I come from an engineer’s background, so every product we sell has been chosen because it’s a good quality product, easy to work on and reliable. It’s not just about selling product; it’s about selling decent products, and that’s why we partnered with ISEKI because there’s nothing better.”

On running the business during the pandemic and cost of living crisis, he added: “The ground care business hasn’t been too badly affected, other than the supply of goods.

“People still need the machinery; they still want to be in their gardens, so other than the cost of everything going up, we’re in a fairly strong place.

“I saw a lot of changes over the years, and now it’s just lovely to continue providing a service in Tiverton with our customers, working with five former MST staff, and being around familiar faces.

“If customers are not buying from you, they’re going to want what they’ve got repaired and serviced. I don’t think we will see too much problem, but we will try and keep the costs down and try and weather the storm.”

Commenting on the change Scott Struthers said: “it’s the best outcome for me and my customers, I have built up such good relationships with so many in the Devon area and to be able to continue to build on this with such good support and service from ABA Groundcare is the ideal outcome for me.”

David Withers, managing director of ISEKI, added: “It’s exciting for us. We’ve been trading with Jamie, ABA Groundcare for many years and have a great relationship, which makes it easier. We know Jamie; we know he is really customer focused and dedicated to the service side of the business, which is what customers really want.

“As well as that, you’ve got a group of people who we would’ve lost all of that industry knowledge if Jamie hadn’t stepped in to do what he’s done. It’s great for the customers in the area who will get great backup support, and we’ll get more exposure going forward. It’s excellent for

Jamie to be able to expand his business.

“It’s a win for Jamie, a win for us as a manufacturer and great for the staff there who could have ended up without roles or having to do something that they’re not experienced in, it would have been a shame to have lost that.”

Andrew Parr, a former MST staff member, now working at ABA Groundcare, said: “I worked for MST from the year dot, with almost 40 years of employment. It was such a shock when MST announced it was closing. It was a great shock to everybody because MST has been a part of Tiverton for many years. The old depot was built in 1962 and started as Twose in Halberton.

“I saw a lot of changes over the years, and now it’s just lovely to continue providing a service in Tiverton with our customers, working with five former MST staff, and being around familiar faces.

“Jamie is a good boss, he is driven, and we have the backing of ISEKI, which is a great product.”

Another former MST staff member, Sue Westlake, is now ABA Groundcare’s officer administrator. She said: “Having been made redundant at MST, we were lucky enough to know Jamie, who was looking for new staff, so it fitted in nicely with us.

“The end of MST happened very quickly, although it didn’t surprise me. In a way, it was a relief that it happened, but sad. I worked for MST for over 40 years, so seeing what was happening was a shock.

“It’s lovely to be able to come and work here now. We have a great camaraderie, and we look forward to doing well here and the company succeeding.”

www.abagroundcare.co.uk/

ProGreen – Your supplier for all hard surface cleaning essentials

At ProGreen we offer a large range of products to cover all your landscaping needs, from weed control and fertilisers to equipment and PPE. As well as this, we offer an extensive range of softwashing and hard surface cleaning supplies.

After recent BPR guideline changes, many products lost their classification as a biocide. Thankfully our products have remained registered with the HSE. We pride ourselves on our range of hard surface cleaning and softwashing solutions, including the industry leader AlgoClear and our technical support. We also offer a full range of softwashing application equipment. These products are perfect for cleaning mould, algae and other biofilms from surfaces such as paving, decking and render and cladding.

https://www.progreen.co.uk/ softwashing-cleaning-liquids-application-equipment/

Foamstream helping to drive the rise in UK Councils going chemical-free

As tighter controls come into force on the use of Glyphosate-based products around Europe, it is perhaps unsurprising that a recent study has found increasing numbers of councils in the UK have voluntarily turned to chemical-free weed control solutions. One of the driving factors for this could be the improvement in the effectiveness of non-herbicidal methods available, with Foamstream from Weedingtech proven to deliver vegetation control comparable to that of Glyphosate in independent trials.

Effective from 1st July, rules regarding the application of Glyphosate have been extended in France – banning its use not just in municipality settings, but now in all public and private areas including residential properties. However, despite its known toxicity and negative impact on both the operator and environment, its use is still permitted in all situations in the UK.

The good news is that recent reports published in The Guardian demonstrate that the number of councils, from parish to county level, turning to natural alternatives is on the rise – with an estimated 80 councils around the UK now proudly chemical-free. “This rise is brilliant news and indicates the increasing concern that councils and the wider public now have about Glyphosate” comments Thomas Hamilton, Co-Founder of Weedingtech. “But for this positive growth to continue, Councils needs to be assured that the non-chemical alternatives available are effective and viable –from both a commercial and financial perspective.”

Since its launch in 2011, Foamstream has proved a successful solution to users from all corners of grounds and green space management. The active ingredient is hot water, insulated

by a biodegradable, organic foam derived from natural plant oils and sugars which keeps the water in the ‘kill zone’ of 57oC and above for longer. As well as killing the plant, Foamstream also sterilises surrounding seeds and spores, preventing future weed growth and resulting in half the number of treatment cycles required when compared to other non-chemical options.

In four separate trials conducted by the University of Athens, the overall efficacy of hot foam used to treat a wide range of broadleaf weeds - including species that can be difficult to control by conventional methods - was found to be comparable to that of glyphosate. It was concluded that Foamstream provided an environmentally friendly and effective alternative, outperforming other non-chemical methods which only provided a moderate level of weed control.

One of the many councils now using Foamstream is Glastonbury Town Council, having previously used traditional herbicides to treat spaces in the town centre, residential areas and school perimeters. “A lot of our residents, myself included, are concerned at the use of chemical herbicides around the places where our children play” explains Councillor Emma George. “One of the greatest things about Foamstream is its complete non-toxicity, backed up by its Soil Association stamp of approval, and its viability on all types of weeds and all types of surfaces.”

As well as killing the plant, Foamstream also sterilises surrounding seeds and spores, preventing future weed growth and resulting in half the number of treatment cycles required when compared to other non-chemical options.

Propel equips leading Groundskeeping business to drive growth

In 2022, Propel financed a range of assets for a leading Groundskeeping business including tractors, utility vehicles and compact loaders; enabling the company to fulfil a substantial contract win.

Julie Warren, Marketing Director at Propel, said: “We created a bespoke asset finance solution, taking care to structure the payments in line with the seasonal requirements of the business. The customer appreciated the speed and efficiency of being able to finance the assets they needed within just 7 days from referral to payout. Crucially, this meant that there were no delays in commencing work on the game-changing new contracts they had won, securing their competitive advantage.”

To discuss how you could benefit from an asset finance solution designed around your business, call Propel’s specialist team on 01633 982922 or email contact@propelfinance.co.uk.

Honest, reliable & Genuine groundskeeper recruitment

At Chappell Enterprises UK we are a specialist recruiter for the Grounds Maintenance and Sportsturf industries. Whether it be temporary, seasonal, or permanent placements our expert team with backgrounds in greenkeeping, grounds management, arboriculture and recruitment can support with a wide variety of roles.

We understand our client’s businesses, the roles they need to fulfil, and the challenges faced industry wide in attracting, training and retaining staff. We can discuss the roles and what day to would consist of, whether experienced people or those entering the industry, which makes a successful placement more likely.

Our team are 100% honest about our ability to fulfil roles, provide market insight and advice, to make finding your perfect candidate easier and allow you to focus on what you do best!

https://chappellenterprises.co.uk

Cutting Edge Machinery and Vehicle Finance for

Groundskeeping & Landscaping

Businesses

• Access the latest machinery and vehicles immediately

• No large upfront payment, preserving capital

• Boost your cash flow by spreading the costs over time

• Flexible finance solutions tailored to your seasonal cash flow requirements

• Fixed payments protect your business against inflation

• Fast decisions, so no delays to important new contracts

Propel is the fastest-growing asset finance company in the UK; and has a track record of over 25 years in supporting Groundskeeping businesses in achieving their growth ambitions.

Talk to Propel’s asset finance experts today for fast and flexible equipment and vehicle finance solutions designed to power your growth.

Finance is subject to status. Terms and Conditions Apply. Propel acts as a lender or a credit broker for business customers only.

contact@propelfinance.co.uk 01633 982 922

www.propelfinance.co.uk

Snickers Workwear’s NEW Stretch Trousers Work as Hard as You Do

Made from the long-lasting, innovative Sorona® performance fabric and CORDURA® for long-lasting comfort, functionality and sustainability.

It’s the innovative design and sustainable fabric technology in the newest Work Trousers for men and women from Snickers Workwear that really set them apart from other brands.

Delivering comfort and safety features when they’re needed most, these slim-fit Trousers are Class 1 and Class 2 certified and made from innovative Sorona® sustainable performance fibre.

They also come with the patented KneeGuard® system and CORDURA® reinforcement in the knees and pockets.

For more information follow us on twitter at @SnickersWw_UK or check out our website: www.snickersworkwear.co.uk or email sales@hultaforsgroup.co.uk

Corvus arrives in Bucks

OSS ORV has announced the appointment of JF Agricultural Engineering Ltd as Corvus Off-Road Vehicle dealers for Buckinghamshire. The company is based in Stoke Hammond, Milton Keynes. A dealer highly respected in the area, JF Agricultural was started by Richard Flanagan in 1986 after his many years working in John Deere dealerships. His aim was to bring high-quality service and repair work to local farmers and, as he built a loyal customer base, the business went from strength to strength. He soon found there was a demand for good second-hand tractors and farm equipment, and this led to the development of the sales side of the

business. In 2000, Richard’s son James joined the company full-time after working many summer holidays and weekends for the business. Following five years in the workshop doing servicing and tractor rebuilds, James decided to grow the second-hand sales of the business. The success of this led in 2018 to the start of selling new tractors, attachments, and other farm equipment.

“We’re delighted we now have Corvus UTV coverage in the county of Buckinghamshire,” says Phil Everett, MD of BOSS ORV, the sole UK distributors of Corvus. Europe’s first manufacturer of 4x4 utility vehicles, Corvus has quickly carved a reputation in the UK as a

well-designed and tough professional UTV. The Corvus Terrain DX4 diesel models have now been joined by an electric version, the EX4 and the soon to be arriving GX4s compact petrol UTVs.

“A big welcome to James Flanagan,” says Phil. “It’s great to have his energy and passion focused on developing the Corvus business in this region. It’s also good to know we have all the excellent service and support JF Agricultural Engineering has brought to the area.”

For more information about the Corvus Terrain range, you can call 01597 810188

E-mail: sales@bossorv.co.uk Web: www.bossorv.co.uk

Synergy for Soils

When Consolidate Turf and Aqua Aid BV joined forces back in 2021 with both parties distributing each others product ranges (Consolidate Turf becoming a UK distributor for the Aqua Aid product range and Aqua Aid BV taking Consolidate Turf into Europe) it was on an educated basis that both companies knew that their product ranges would enhance each other, and that even greater results were possible, more so than the success that each company had achieved individually.

Now two years down the line it has been fantastic to see the results going from strength to strength in many areas of turf grass and soil health, on all types of turf grass both warm and cool season grasses and in all situations from football stadia to golf courses all over Europe.

One area of great success has been the improvement in customers soil

profiles with a reduction in thatch levels being common, alongside reduced instances of anaerobic black layer, this coupled with the general cleanliness of the profiles and increased root development.

So how has this been achieved?

Consolidate Turf have always advocated that their liquid nutritional range is best applied at higher water rates targeting the plant via the roots (due to it’s unique chemistry), and that the correct amount of moisture within the profile aids uptake to the plant. This means that its a great fit for a combined application with a wetting agent.

Consolidate Turf have always focused heavily on providing a balanced, nutritional program for the grass plant with an emphasis on reducing stress, and with heat and drought stress becoming more prevalent in the UK during the growing season and

the stresses associated with wetter autumn/winter periods, such as disease pressure, working with a company that can reduce these stress periods will only enhance the efficacy of Consolidate Turf products .

The proven track record of Aqua Aid surfactants (both in the USA and Europe) in being able to regulate moisture within the profile with products such as OARS Hs and Ps which use the latest multi branched hydration technology and VerdeCal G which can aid the loosening of clay soils, improve water percolation therefore giving a more balanced ratio of soil, air and moisture in the profile, providing a healthier growing medium.

All this means that turfgrass managers are in total control of moisture contents throughout the entire soil profile. This allows stadium Groundsmen to avoid organic matter build up, keeping a cleaner more uniform profile

with enhanced rooting, and allows Golf Course Managers to aid water movement within the profile to help them achieve the firm, fast playing surfaces they desire for longer periods of time with reduced instances of disease.

Consolidate Turf and Aqua Aid combined is proving to be a match made in heaven or should we say soil!

www.consolidateturf.com www.aquaaid.eu

Consolidate Turf have always focused heavily on providing a balanced, nutritional program for the grass plant with an emphasis on reducing stress.

Cobra celebrates

10th anniversary with significant product introduction

10 years ago this spring, a new brand entered the garden machinery market and fast became established as one of the leading players, rapidly becoming the go-to brand of choice for many gardeners across the UK.

The brand was launched by Nottingham-based, Henton & Chattell, one of the largest distributors of garden machinery in the UK with more than 1,500 dealerships across the country. Founded in 1931, the Henton & Chattell team used its unique market insight garnered from more than 80 years of being in the industry and knowing customer demands, to launch its own brand: Cobra.

Now, to celebrate the brand’s 10th birthday, Cobra is launching perhaps its biggest innovation yet with the introduction of its new ride-on lawn mowers this spring. This significant investment for Cobra really marks the next chapter for the brand. The ride-on mower range features eight models, aimed at helping those with larger lawns to mow with ease and comfort, at an affordable price.

Wanting to bring variety and an extensive range from day to always give customers the ideal solution no matter what size garden they had or task they were tackling,

Now, to celebrate the brand’s 10th birthday, Cobra is launching perhaps its biggest innovation yet with the introduction of its new ride-on lawn mowers this spring.

Cobra launched with a bang and an impressive 46 models from day one.

The Cobra range started with the electric GTRM range, which is still a key seller to this day. Followed shortly by the 2-stroke powered brushcutters, hedge trimmers and

chainsaws. Instead of big seasonal launches, Cobra instead chose to take a continual approach to new product development and R&D and new products are regularly introduced to the range across all product categories and the range now consists of a staggering 160 products. Staying true to its lawncare specialism roots, 46% of these are lawnmowers – making Cobra the largest powered lawnmower brand in the UK.

Electric handheld machinery was one of the first category expansions in 2014, with hedgetrimmers, leaf blowers and grass strimmers being launched.

A momentous key product development for Cobra was the launch of its battery mower range in 2015, with the MX4140V leading the way, which was followed soon after by the battery handhold range of 24-volt products in 2016 and 40-volt in 2017. The interchangeable battery technology enables gardeners and customers loyal to the Cobra brand, to have batterypowered hedge trimmers, blowers, chainsaws and mowers, all powered by one battery – alleviating the need for petrol power or electric cables.

Over time, the range has continued to expand and now, alongside Cobra’s extensive offering of wider lawncare products such as robotic mowers, scarifiers and aerators, the range

also features pressure washers, generators, shredders, cultivators, chippers, multitools and brushcutters.

Notable highlights in the Cobra journey include its limited-edition pink lawnmower that was launched in partnership with Breast Cancer Now in 2019 and has raised more than £20,000 for the charity. Alongside that, Cobra products have received wide recognition and accolades with

multiple awards, “best buy” features and endorsements.

Discussing the brand’s growth and success, managing director of Cobra, Peter Chaloner commented: “We are so thrilled with the success of Cobra over the past 10 years, the response and demand from customers has been incredible. We’re really excited about the next chapter with the new ride-on tractors and have lots more product

development in the pipeline for the future too.”

“We’ve seen across our nationwide dealer network of Cobra stockists that the demand is very positive and we’re committed to bringing even more products to our dealers. We are 100% focused on supporting our dealers.”

For further information about Cobra, please visit www.cobragarden.co.uk.

MAKE A DIFFICULT JOB EASY WITH TORO’S MYTURF PRO

With economic uncertainty as it is, it’s never been more important to consider more than just the equipment’s purchase price. Now, with Toro’s myTurf Pro, working out the cost component of a club’s assets has never been easier.

myTurf Pro is a powerful, easy-touse software application that tracks and manages all a club’s assets, regardless of brand. With access to real-time data, it’s possible to improve staff efficiency, lengthen the life of equipment and reduce overall maintenance costs across the entire range of equipment and assets.

Total Cost of Ownership is a vital part of the decision-making process when looking to invest in a new equipment, but certainly never before has the concept had such weight, as Jon Cole, divisional business manager – turfcare at Reesink Turfcare, UK distributor of Toro equipment, explains: “The cost of living crisis impacts businesses as much as consumers so it’s never been more important to consider more than just the purchase price of a club’s equipment. The net purchase or financed value is important, but often no more than 35 percent as a cost component of the equipment’s operating life.

“It’s equally important to look for value with features that enhance performance, productivity, reliability, downtime, durability and longevity for residual value.”

With robust record keeping it’s possible to balance investment, component costs and residual value,

but with Toro technology in the form of the web-based asset management system, myTurf Pro, there’s no limit to what can be tracked, from equipment, irrigation, vehicles, attachments, hand tools and more, across one or more locations – and it’s so quick.

A decade in the making, the level of informational detail myTurf Pro provides is unrivalled by any other asset management system. Order parts, schedule service activities, track inventory, monitor fleet health and labour expenses or generate reports that demonstrate operational access, 24/7.

Customisable tools deliver interactive alerts, automated and proactive notifications, labour management and expense tracking, and instant access to service documentation and operational reports.

Jon continues: “myTurf Pro was designed to make our customer’s difficult job easier. It puts the optimisation, efficiency and effectiveness of the operation at the course managers’ fingertips and allows customers to track the total cost of ownership, depreciation, maintenance and operating expenses for the real value of machinery for its expected lifetime.”

And all of that is backed up by Toro NSN technical and customer support, by phone, email or chat, and up-to-date reference materials. It is available through Reesink Turfcare with flexible finance deals with deferred start dates, subsidised rates or those that can be aligned to peak income months to help manage cashflow. It only takes a conversation.

Make contact online at via www.reesinkturfcare.co.uk, by phone on 01480 226800 or by email at info@reesinkturfcare.co.uk.