Groundskeeping Journal - Issue 20 2023 by MH Media Global

VO L . 2 0 | N OVE MB E R / D E C E MB E R 2 0 2 3

JOHNSONS Johnsons J Tee proves the solution to shade issues at Knutsford Golf Club

TORO Toro taking care of the roughs and the smooth at Bathgate

SUSTÅNE

Suståne delivers perfect bill of health for club set around former Nightingale estate

YARDEX Yardex enters UK market with $30 million sustainability focused turf production investment

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CONTENTS

In this issue Welcome to Groundskeeping Journal, the UK’s leading 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 DLF Johnsons J Tee proves the solution to shade issues at Knutsford Golf Club 12 Suståne Suståne delivers perfect bill of health for club set around former Nightingale estate 14 Attraxor Using Attraxor for consistency and ease of maintenance 16 Yardex Yardex enters UK market with $30 million sustainability focused turf production investment 18 Greenmech VMS keep operations ‘on track’ with fleet of woodchippers from GreenMech 28 Aphrodite Hills PGA National Academy Course at Aphrodite Hills has Capillary Bunkers

30 Toro Toro taking care of the roughs and the smooth at Bathgate

Landmand First full season wraps at Landmand

GroundskeepingJournal.co.uk | November/December 2023

38 Jorvik Tricycles Jorvik Tricycles saddles up with university to reduce carbon emissions 44 Salamander Pumps Improve turf management by boosting water performance 3

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Contact Us Enhancing Quality Sports Services ello 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.

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Contact the Groundskeeping Journal team below: Editor-In-Chief

Business Manager

Antony Holter editor@mhmagazine.co.uk 01304 806039

Josh Holmes josh@mhmagazine.co.uk 01304 806039

Editor

Studio Designer

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

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

Every effort is made to ensure the accuracy and reliability of material published in Groundskeeping Journal however, the publishers accept no responsibility for the claims or opinions made by advertisers, manufacturers or contributors. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, mechanical, electronic (including photocopying) or stored in any information retrieval system without the prior consent of the publisher.

GroundskeepingJournal.co.uk | November/December 2023

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TOP DRESSING

The Crucial Connection

Why Value Based Relationships Make a Difference n today’s dynamic business world, it’s not just about buying and selling; it’s about connecting through shared values. Traditional business relationships were often all about the deal, but the modern era is all about shared values. Collier Turf Care understands this and looks to align its key values, some detailed below, with both customers and suppliers alike.

Great Customer Service Shared principles with your supplier often leads to a heightened commitment to excellent customer service. We both understand what you truly need and expect, which means we will go the extra mile to address enquiries, resolve issues, provide personalised solutions and ensure an exceptional all round customer experience.

Trust and Reliability When you and your supplier share core values, it sets the stage for trust and reliability. This trust lays the foundation for long-lasting partnerships and a more efficient supply chain, ultimately saving you time and resources. By working with your values we will strive to deliver consistent, high-quality products and services, knowing that we are contributing to something bigger than just a transaction.

Effective Communication Effective communication is essential in any successful partnership. Working effectively together simplifies communication and reduces misunderstandings and conflicts, which leads to increased productivity and overall satisfaction.

Reliable Partnerships A shared set of values encourages ongoing, reliable partnerships. Both parties have a vested interest in the success of the other, which means we will navigate challenges together. Whether it’s dealing with supply chain disruptions, economic fluctuations, or unexpected hurdles. This alignment reduces risks and enhances the resilience of your business.

Collaboration and Innovation Collaboration and innovation become much more natural when both customer and supplier are aligned. This partnership can lead to the co-creation of innovative solutions that keep you competitive in a fast-paced market. In summary, shared values with your suppliers are a cornerstone of a successful business strategy.

This alignment promotes trust, collaboration, enhances reliability, streamlines communication, and encourages mutual growth. It also translates into top customer service and readiness to tackle market changes and challenges. In today’s competitive business landscape, nurturing these values-based relationships is not just smart; it’s essential for long-term success. If you feel that your company’s values align with those of Collier Turf Care and would like to discuss what we can offer in more detail then please contact us.

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GroundskeepingJournal.co.uk | November/December 2023

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TOP DRESSING

Johnsons J Tee proves the solution to shade issues at Knutsford Golf Club trial of J Tee from the Johnsons Sports Seed range has now been rolled out course-wide at Knutsford Golf Club in Cheshire, after solving a number of issues on their heavily shaded tees. The combination of high footfall and a lack of sunlight caused by trees have previously posed a number of problems when it comes to the maintenance of the small tees, which Course Manager David Jones now claims to be a thing of the past thanks to the ‘second to none’ results from the J Tee mix.

Knutsford Golf Club, once part of National Trust site Tatton Park, is somewhat unique with a 10-green layout. While this enables golfers to play a different 9 and 18th hole, for David and his team of four, this means double the traffic on the tees which he admits used to let the overall course condition down. “We knew that removing trees to allow for better light and airflow was not going to be an option accepted by the members so we had to find another way” he explains. “I put an SOS call out to Stuart Yarwood, our Regional DLF Technical Manager, to see what we could do and the support and advice we’ve had has been brilliant.”

GroundskeepingJournal.co.uk | November/December 2023

TOP DRESSING

Stuart recommended Johnsons J Tee - combining 4Turf® tetraploid ryegrass along with traditional ryegrass and strong creeping red fescue. The additional inclusion of 5% Sabrena rough stalked meadow grass makes J Tee truly unique, creating a mixture that delivers exceptional disease resistance, rapid establishment and a hardwearing sward even under heavy shade, making it ideal for golf tees and pathways. The fineness of leaf and shoot density of Sabrena is comparable to a high-quality bent cultivar, while its speed of establishment is akin to that of perennial ryegrass – enhanced further by DLF’s Growmax seed coating which enhances overseeding results in difficult conditions. In shade trials, Sabena is amongst the hardest wearing varieties on the market.

“ We began a programme with J Tee in the spring, which has really come to fruition over the summer. The biggest difference has been the wear tolerance, the team and I have seen a noticeable improvement in sward density which is withstanding and the wear and tear. “We began a programme with J Tee in the spring, which has really come to fruition over the summer. The biggest difference has been the wear

density which is withstanding and the wear and tear.” David continues, “The 4th tee is the most shaded and even here, we’ve achieved outstanding coverage.” The successes of J Tee come alongside three years of fantastic results with Johnsons J All Bent on the greens. “Our greens are over 100 years old and where other varieties have struggled with the drainage and poor soil profile, the strike we had from the J All Bent made this a no-brainer to continue.” He adds, “We’ve also noticed that we require less water and chemical inputs to maintain the greens, even in the difficult weather conditions we’ve all had these last couple of years, while still retaining good plant health and little to no disease.”

tolerance, the team and I have seen a noticeable improvement in sward

GroundskeepingJournal.co.uk | November/December 2023

www.dlf.co.uk

TOP DRESSING

Suståne delivers perfect bill of health for club set around former Nightingale estate year-round programme from Suståne® Natural Fertilizers has been effectively managing moisture and turf stresses to keep the 27hole course at Wellow Golf Club disease-free. Course Manager Lee Payne describes how the ‘perfect combination’ of Suståne® products including 5-2-10+Fe and 6-2-4 Turf Revival® has seen a drastic reduction in the frequency and severity of a variety of turf diseases, lowering fungicide applications and delivering longlasting visual appeal.

Steeped in history, Hampshire’s Wellow Golf Club is set among 200 acres of parkland surrounding Embley Park - once occupied by King Alfred and later the family home of Florence Nightingale. Skip forward a couple of centuries, the site now boasts a beautiful 27-hole course maintained by Lee and his team of five. Privately owned and broken down into three 9-hole courses; the rotation of the Ryedown, Blackwater and Embley courses enable a ‘TLC week’ to take place one in every three… or at least that’s the idea! “We’re constantly busy!” exclaims Lee. “We conduct a lot of in-house drainage projects as we’re quite a heavy site meaning that for most of the winter months, we can’t get a sprayer out. That leads me nicely onto how good the Suståne product really is, an annual programme from whom keeps us ticking over superbly well.”

GroundskeepingJournal.co.uk | November/December 2023

TOP DRESSING

“ We were looking for something that would boost the good bacteria in the profile and not be harmful to the environment or our aquatic life, while also keeping on top of the variety of turf diseases that appear. “It was the organic aspect that led me to Suståne® initially. We were looking for something that would boost the good bacteria in the profile and not be harmful to the environment or our aquatic life, while also keeping on top of the variety of turf diseases

that appear.” The programme, drawn up by Suståne’s Russell Riley and Neil Rogers from AGS consists of 4-6-4 slow-release fertiliser, 5-2-4+Fe for a boost of colour during December, January and February before a switch to 5-2-10+FE during spring and autumn. Lee also uses Bolster™ Liquid Biostimulant and Suståne 6-2-4 Turf Revival® which he claims provides instant recovery following heavy renovations in March and August. “Recovery is one of the biggest factors for us, with tight turnarounds in maintenance windows and this is where Suståne® has been fantastic. The extended slow-release nitrogen within the 6-2-4 product gives us an instant boost followed by a month or two of consistent recovery.” Lee continues, “We

GroundskeepingJournal.co.uk | November/December 2023

also have a couple of greens particularly susceptible to Anthracnose. If this starts to appear we simply put down a half rate of the 5-2-10 which provides enough goodness back into the soil to effectively control any outbreaks.” A noticeable consistency to overall plant health has meant that Lee doesn’t feel the need to try anything else. “We know our programme, we know it works for us and we know that advice is always available from Russell or Neil to tweak things if required. Not only that, but it’s also reassuring to know that we’re running the course in a way that is sympathetic to the environment we’re in to protect what we have here now and into the future.” www.sustane.com

TOP DRESSING

Using Attraxor for consistency and ease of maintenance Golf Course Manager from a deluxe golf and spa resort nestled in the scenic Cheshire countryside explains why they use Attraxor to keep their turf green, clear of Poa annua, and easily maintainable.

Golf course manager John Quinn, based at The Mere Golf Resort and Spa near Knutsford, has been using Attraxor for three seasons and has shared the benefits he’s seen on the golf course. The Mere offers a deluxe fourstar hotel experience with a spa and a scenic 18-hole lakeside Championship Golf Course, encompassed by mature trees and extensive vegetation. The 81-room hotel is a popular retreat for avid golfers, with many posting their experience on Trip Advisor complimenting the greens as being “smooth, fabulous, and well kept.” John discussed the reasons he began to use Attraxor at The Mere: “After hearing lots of good stories about Attraxor, I decided to try it with the hope it would make the greens growth consistent and reduce clippings. We also wanted to suppress the growth of Poa annua seedheads to keep the greens smooth.” Attraxor has been proven to regulate growth effectively as part of a well-managed turf strategy, meaning the hard work put into the upkeep of the grounds lasts longer. The active product within Attraxor is Prohexadione-calcium, which inhibits the gibberellic acid pathway, resulting in reduction of turf height and biomass. Root growth

much finer putting surface.” John also discussed the improvement of quality he is seeing within the grass, saying: “We have been overseeding with creeping bentgrass for three years now, and in conjunction with our use of Attraxor, we have seen a much better uptake from our overseeding work! is promoted through Attraxor to aid strength, whilst turf colour and quality are maintained. John said: “I use Attraxor every 21 days on our greens and it has lowered the mowing maintenance of the greens and complemented our existing efforts of greens upkeep. During periods of high growth, we alternate days mowing and rolling to reduce plant stress. Attraxor gives me better control of growth rates. Throughout the 21-day period, a more uniform sward is possible each week. I’ve found that the Poa annua seedhead suppression qualities are superior to Trinexapac-ethyl products. If any seedheads do pop up, they are remarkably smaller and leave a

“Introducing Attraxor to our maintenance regime has meant we spend less time mowing the greens. Having such good control over the growth rates means the option is always there to give the greens a break for a day without any mechanical input if we feel it would benefit. Attraxor has given me so much control over the golf course, it has allowed for consistent and quality greens coverage with minimal growth which is smooth and develops at the same pace as all the other greens.”

To find out more about Attraxor, visit https://www.pestcontrol. basf.co.uk/en/Products/Overview/ Growth-Regulator/Attraxor. html#section-benefits

GroundskeepingJournal.co.uk | November/December 2023

TOP DRESSING / LATEST NEWS

Propel equips leading Landscaping business to drive growth Propel recently financed a cherry picker for a leading Landscaping business; supporting the customer to achieve their development ambitions. Following this purchase, Propel helped the customer secure twelve more deals towards a range of business critical assets. Feedback from the customer: “We were initially referred to Propel as we required asset finance towards a cherry picker. We were impressed by the whole process, while the speed rate of securing the finance was very quick and efficient. The Propel team were outstanding; and the whole experience of dealing with them was excellent. We had so much confidence in Propel. It was a no brainer for us to return to them for further finance. They’ve since managed to help us purchase several other key assets such as woodchippers, cars, trucks and vans.” 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.

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.

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

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LATEST NEWS

Yardex enters UK market with $30 million sustainability focused turf production investment merican company Yardex is bringing sustainable synthetic turf to the European market using their new $30 million production facility.

Yardex comes from the founders and operators of Stadia Sport and Leisure Solutions and has over 20 years of experience in the industry, completing over 1000 sports and landscaping projects in North America, Africa, the Middle East, and areas of Europe. As part of its broader strategy, the company is fully expanding into Europe with an initial focus on Germany, the UK, the Netherlands, France, and Spain.

Ensuring high quality in all these markets is crucial to Yardex and is the reason behind the purposebuilt manufacturing facility. Using the most advanced machinery on the market guarantees consistent precision and quality while maintaining key environmental targets. To date, the consistently high quality of these products has been a cornerstone of Yardex’s success, but how they are made and their longevity set them apart in the industry. Walid Elhusseiny, Yardex CEO and

co-founder, explains: “We want to lead the industry in a flexible, innovative, and sustainable way while setting new standards for the quality of artificial turf. That means having responsible solutions such as partially recyclable products made from recycled plastics, and we can only achieve that by having the tools in-house. “Our manufacturing lines are exceeding expectations in terms of meeting global environmental standards and regulations, eliminating any sulfur oxides, nitrogen oxides and CO2 emissions

GroundskeepingJournal.co.uk | November/December 2023

LATEST NEWS

that could result during the manufacturing process. Using the latest technologies available not only protects the world we live in but also maintains our team’s health and safety at the highest levels and keeps our energy consumption at optimized levels whilst achieving the minimal amount of waste you can in this industry. “Using materials free of lead and VOC (volatile organic compounds) places Yardex at a top level in terms of sustainability and providing safe products for everyone.

“Constructing our own process also means we were able to build-in quality control at every stage. Using automation, we know that we’re always providing artificial grass that meets the highest standards and gives customers the bestperforming turf available.”

A Second Life for Artificial Turf “In April 2020, an AMI consulting report stated in 2019 that about 38% of the sports turf installed was replacing old turf,” Walid Elhusseiny explains. “Some 61Mm2 of synthetic grass has required disposal. By 2023, replacement turf is expected to reach 42% of

“ Our manufacturing lines are exceeding expectations in terms of meeting global environmental standards and regulations, eliminating any sulfur oxides, nitrogen oxides and CO2 emissions that could result during the manufacturing process. demand, so this industry challenge continues to grow. “Our turf can have a second life as a downgraded product, be donated by sports clubs to the community, or be partially recycled. As a Synthetic Turf Council member, we actively promote environmentally responsible operations and encourage conversation and education through sponsoring events. “Sustainability touches many corners of our industry, and we’re always working on how we fit into it, and we’ll continue our research and development with the aim of producing 100% sustainable products.” Yardex’s mission to be a one-stop shop for artificial turf is taken further with its personalized customer experience. European distribution centres are being implemented to ensure fast delivery of standard products and establish networks to deliver custom colour and logo orders quickly. Visitors to FSB 2023 can explore the Yardex portfolio in Hall 10.2, Stand C018-D019, and experience the latest polyurethane and latex coated products for professional sports and landscaping.

Walid Elhusseiny, Yardex CEO and co-founder

GroundskeepingJournal.co.uk | November/December 2023

www.yardex.com

LATEST NEWS

VMS keep operations ‘on track’ with fleet of woodchippers from GreenMech ne of the country’s leading de-vegetation contractors have explained why woodchippers from GreenMech are their go-to choice for safety and versatility in rail, waterway and commercial clearances. Currently running a mixture of EVO 205D SURE-Trak and 1928 SAFE-Trak models, the team at VMS have not only been impressed with performance but the technical guidance and back-up support too, claiming

their experience to date has been second to none. From humble beginnings in November 2017 where VMS began operations with two vans and a single woodchipper, their unique ability to undertake even the most complex of arboriculture projects has seen significant growth and expansion into three depots across the Midlands, North and Northwest. “From the start, the GreenMech’s with

their industry-leading SAFE-Trak platform set us up on the right track for embankment working and tasks in remote locations where other brands and towed models simply weren’t up to task” explains Business Support Manager for VMS, James Harris. “Together with accessibility and brilliant build quality, the GreenMech technology which enables each leg of the SAFE-Trak to be independently operated

GroundskeepingJournal.co.uk | November/December 2023

LATEST NEWS

“ Together with accessibility and brilliant build quality, the GreenMech technology which enables each leg of the SAFE-Trak to be independently operated resulted in optimum slope safety for the operators and outstanding performance of the chipper itself.

own on some of our key contract work with the river and rail networks, with its extra power not going unnoticed. Particularly in the rail sector, we’re working to tight timeframes to get the work complete – the EVO 205D’s can handle the huge amount of material we need to process.”

resulted in optimum slope safety for the operators and outstanding performance of the chipper itself.” As their reputation and customer book continued to grow, VMS have not only expanded their depots and ground team, but also their fleet of GreenMech’s – now utilising four SAFE-Trak 19-28’s and more recently adding three new EVO 205D SURE-Trak’s to their day to day operations.

19-28, combining an aggressive 8” chipping capacity with unrivalled climbing ability thanks to a pivoting track base which allows each track to be raised or lowered independently on the move. Powered by a 50hp Kubota diesel engine, the model includes horizontal rollers and a 6-blade heavy-duty flywheel promising to make light work of bulky brash and timber.

The EVO 205D SURE-Trak extends the legacy of the iconic

James adds, “The pivoting SURETrak system has come into its

GroundskeepingJournal.co.uk | November/December 2023

The tight timeframes also mean that the equipment needs to deliver reliable service and be backed up with professional support when required. “The availability and supply of parts are notoriously challenging at the moment, yet with GreenMech we’ve never had an issue in six years! If we need something, it’s often on site in a day or two which makes such a difference operationally. We also now hold an impressive number of parts in stock so sometimes issues can be rectified on the spot.” He adds, “On the odd occasion where mechanics have been unable to resolve a problem, GreenMech have even gone as far as loaning us a machine to ensure we’re able to get contracts complete. Everything with the chippers and the service are a fantastic fit for what we need.”

www.greenmech.co.uk

LATEST NEWS

Doosan Bobcat Expands Global Brand Strategy oosan Bobcat has expanded its global branding strategy as it announces its RYAN turf renovation equipment will rebrand under the Bobcat trade dress in 2024.

75 Years of Tradition Continues RYAN equipment joined the Doosan Bobcat portfolio in 2020, following the acquisition of BOBCAT Mowers and the Steiner and RYAN brands from Schiller Grounds Care. RYAN has produced trusted turf renovation equipment for more than 75 years and features a unique product line-up including aerators, sod cutters, dethatchers, power rakes, overseeders and other speciality products that serve landscaping and groundscare professionals across a variety of industries including golf, sports turf, landscaping and rental.

Streamlining Branding Approach Following the company’s success in new product lines such as mowers, compact tractors and grounds maintenance equipment, Bobcat has streamlined its branding approach to strengthen overall brand equity, market recognition and consumer recall of all product offerings. The transition aims to create a cohesive

Bobcat has been a recognized name for decades - known for its toughness and versatility. We are proud to extend the brand to new product categories so we can empower even more people to accomplish more,

customer experience and grow the organization’s footprint, making the brand more accessible to more customers in more places. “Bobcat has been a recognized name for decades - known for its toughness and versatility. We are proud to extend the brand to new product categories so we can empower even more people to accomplish more,” said Scott Park, Doosan Bobcat CEO. Earlier this year, Doosan Bobcat announced its Doosan Industrial Vehicle and Doosan Portable Power brands would transition into the Bobcat product portfolio in Europe, Middle East, Africa and applicable markets worldwide in 2024. “The Bobcat brand has experienced significant growth in recent years, and we acknowledge the potential to expand the brand in bold and innovative ways by introducing it into new product categories and growing their potential under one

roof,” said Jeongwon Park, Vice President of Marketing and Channel Development at Bobcat EMEA. With this refreshed identity, RYAN products will undergo design and aesthetic changes in alignment with current Bobcat branding. The turf renovation equipment is produced at the Doosan Bobcat manufacturing facility in Johnson Creek (Wisconsin, USA) and will continue to be manufactured there following the brand transition. Bobcat-branded RYAN equipment, along with its newly rebranded material handling and portable power is expected to be available for customer purchase through Doosan Bobcat’s extensive, global dealer network in 2024. Bobcat and these rebranded product lines will proudly remain part of the broader Doosan Group portfolio. For more information about Bobcat and its products, visit www.bobcat.com

GroundskeepingJournal.co.uk | November/December 2023

AERATION, IRRIGATION & DRAINAGE

Eco Clipper FM4 Sport forClipper Sports Grounds Eco Clipper FM4 for Sports Grounds Eco FM4 Sport for Sports Grounds Eco Clipper Clipper offers Eco offers large area mowers that help field Eco Clipper offers large area mowers managers minimize mowing costs while producing a large area mowers that help fieldfinish. The Eco Clipper mowing professional system was that help field in managers minimize originally developed to replace the cylinder mower mowing costs while managers minimize turfgrass production. The aim was to retain the cutting producing a of a well-tuned cylinder mower, mowingbut costs while performance not professional finish. producing a to the high maintenance requirements and sensitivity The Eco Clipper mowing conditions, such as wet grass and weeds. finish. professional

system. For them, Eco Clipper offers the ECͲFM4 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.

system. Fo ECͲFM4 S has four in position in excellent tractor dr

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mower, not the high maintenance blades, the mower very conditions, such as wet grass and and smartbut mower deck linking system the low maintenance requirements and theisability driven Municipalities and sports field and park managers weeds. ensure good contour following and enarequirements and sensitivity to mowing economical andless quiet. The large wheels to schedule mowing even under favourable have also discovered the advantages of the Eco For and more information, please contact: ble high mowing mowing conditions, such as early morning dew and conditions, suchspeeds. as wet grass and smart mower deck linking system Clipper mowing system. For them, Eco Clipper offers info@vanmac.co.uk. wet autumn, whichensure can often prevent removal of grass weeds. good contour following and enaMunicipalities and sports field and park the EC-FM4 Sport. This 4.11 m wide mower has four clippings. ble high mowing speeds. managers have also discovered the www.ecoclipper.com independent mowing decks. Its position in front of the The smooth cutting decks with fast advantages of the Eco Clipper mowing tractor excellent and comfort for the spinningprovides small blades ensure visibility a high For more information, contact: info@vanmac.co.uk. Municipalities and sports field and park www.ecoclipper.com tractor driver. managers have also discovered the

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GroundskeepingJournal.co.uk | November/December 2023

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AERATION, IRRIGATION & DRAINAGE

Autumn renovations made easy Get ahead on aeration and leaf clearance with Toro and AgriMetal utumn renovations are par for the course and Reesink Turfcare provides the chance to get ahead in the game with Toro and AgriMetal bringing the perfect solution with state-ofthe-art aeration and leaf clearance equipment.

Renovation is an essential part of course maintenance; repairing damage from the summer, bolstering surfaces for the winter and keeping the course clear of leaves and debris is a demanding job, but it can be made easier with the right machinery. Here’s where Reesink Turfcare steps in with a selection of machinery from some of the brands it distributes, as David Timms, national accounts manager, explains: “Autumn is crucial for repairing the damage done during summer, preparing the course so it can get through the winter without too much damage and is ready to go in the spring. We have what greenkeeping teams need to do that.” Aeration work will be key. Relieving some of the compaction in the top surface and removing thatch, allowing the land to drain better and encouraging seed germination

and grass growth, and as David says: “the best partner for that work is the Toro ProCore 648s, also widely known to be the most efficient pedestrian aerator on the market.” It’s not only a fast worker with a 122cm aeration swath that lets it aerate up to 18 greens in seven hours, but its unique design with the wheel located in front of the aeration heads means operators can make pass after pass without running over cores or freshly aerated turf, preventing damage and making cleanup easier. With aeration work taken care of, it’s vital to make sure falling leaves don’t undo all the good work.

GroundskeepingJournal.co.uk | November/December 2023

AERATION, IRRIGATION & DRAINAGE

As the old grass recovers from summer and the seeded areas begin to get their roots down, don’t risk leaves smothering the grass, allowing moss to take over and thatch to form, as well as creating the perfect micro-environment that is conducive to disease occurrence. Toro’s ProLine H800 is productivity and efficiency personified. It clears leaves and other organic debris from the tees, greens and fairways quickly into a 810 Litre capacity system in one pass. Meanwhile Toro’s Pro Force debris blower clears grass clippings, leaves, chaff, and other debris from fairways, clubhouse grounds, fence lines, paths, and other paved areas farther and faster — in little time.

“ Toro’s ProLine H800 is productivity and efficiency personified. It clears leaves and other organic debris from the tees, greens and fairways quickly into a 810 Litre capacity system in one pass. AgriMetal’s lightweight PTO driven blowers are a great option for shifting large quantities of debris. There are three attachments of varying horsepower that can be attached to the back of a tractor and can work in the worst of conditions

GroundskeepingJournal.co.uk | November/December 2023

without marking or compacting the turf. All models benefit from the lighter weight impeller increasing air flow output whilst reducing load on their drive belts. Quieter, more powerful and kinder to the tractor. David concludes: “Getting the turf in the best possible position now ready for spring is the best time spent this season. And with the right equipment there’s no reason for this to be difficult, stressful or time-consuming.” To learn more about how Toro and AgriMetal can help you to get ahead of the game with your renovation plans this autumn, visit the website www.reesinkturfcare.co.uk, call 01480 226800 or email info@reesinkturfcare.co.uk

AERATION, IRRIGATION & DRAINAGE

Only the best Groundwork, Drainage and Pipework products ouden 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.

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.

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.

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.

“ 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.

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;

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

GroundskeepingJournal.co.uk | November/December 2023

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

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AERATION, IRRIGATION & DRAINAGE

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Surface water, whether a naturally occurring lake or man-made reservoir, is a popular option for sports turf irrigation. It benefits the environment by harnessing rainwater, with reservoirs allowing greenkeepers to store water for use in periods of uncertainty, such as saving winter rainfall for our increasingly common summer droughts. For a complete surface water extraction system, you need a high-performance pump, a durable hose and a reliable flotation device. T-T is a convenient one-stop solution for all your fluid management needs, ensuring your liquids are under control. T-T’s Pontoon is a pump floatation device that is certified for lifting 160kg per unit, with a modular design for increased load capacity. Constructed from durable marine grade polyethylene and featuring lift points for easy installation, the Pontoon is a reliable floatation device that can withstand environmental erosion. Pair the Pontoon with one of T-T’s many models of submersible pumps within the KT range, or surface mounted pumps from SAER’s IR end suction range. High efficiency hydraulics provide sufficiently pressurised water delivery; effective solids handling avoids

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damage from suspended solids; and corrosion resistant construction materials ensure longevity when pumps are either submerged or exposed to the elements. Lastly, Mandal’s layflat hoses (only available in the UK from T-T) provide the perfect lightweight solution to carry the surface water to its intended application. Mandal’s hoses are constructed from circular woven TPU, featuring high tensile strength and weather resistance for durability in outdoor applications, guaranteeing a long operational life. Chat to a member of our team for expert selection advice and ensure you build the optimal surface water extraction set for your site. www.ttpumps.com

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GOLF COURSES

PGA National Academy Course at Aphrodite Hills has Capillary Bunkers Six hole academy facility is testing ground for proposed installation on the main course new six hole par three academy course at Aphrodite Hills in Cyprus is serving as a test site for a proposed bunker renovation on the resort’s main course.

Aphrodite Hills was designed by American architect Cabell Robinson and opened in 2002; Robinson returned to Cyprus to design the new academy course, wihch sits on a site previously occupied by an under-used earlier short course. “We have reduced the area in half – the new course is just under 1.5 hectares (3.7 acres) and freed up the rest of the ground for more real estates,” explains course superintendent David Blair. “The new course has been built to PGA

National academy specifications: the holes range in length from 60100 metres.” The new course has twelve bunkers, which cover about 400 sq m in total, and which have been lined using the Capillary Bunkers system, including the Capillary Wash Box, which will enable Blair’s team to keep the sand’s colour through pressure washing. “Depaco Golf Construction”, the contractor that built the course, did all the preparatory work on the bunkers, but the Capillary Bunkers liner itself was installed by our golf maintenance team,” says Blair. “CapillaryFlow’s Kneale Diamond came over for a few days to direct operations and to check that the

concrete mix was correct. It was a very simple process.” The work on the new bunkers was done in April, at the tail end of the wet season in Cyprus, but Blair says they have already been tested. “A week after we installed the liner, we had a significant rain, and not a grain of sand moved in the bunkers,” he says. Although this is a small project, it will serve as a test bed for one that could be a lot bigger. When Aphrodite was built, the bunkers were lined with a geotextile, but it is no longer functioning as designed. “On the main course we have around 14,000 sq m of bunkers, and they are deep and steep faced,”

GroundskeepingJournal.co.uk | November/December 2023

GOLF COURSES

“ The new course has twelve bunkers, which cover about 400 sq m in total, and which have been lined using the Capillary Bunkers system, including the Capillary Wash Box, which will enable Blair’s team to keep the sand’s colour through pressure washing. three years ago, and has just been recertified. “When we installed the Capilary Bunkers on the academy course, we assessed the sustainability issues very closely – and we have used warm season grasses across its entirety,” says Blair.

says Blair. “There is no liner in them now – the old fabric was ripped and useless – and they didn’t present too well. We could not keep the colour of the sand, because the fines in the clay contaminate it. Sometimes if we spray a wetting agent and turn on the irrigation to water it in, we get puddling in the greenside bunkers – on the academy course there’s not a drop of water to be seen. On the eleventh hole, we have three bunkers that flood quite badly – we have put Capillary Bunkers into one of them, so we will get a really good comparison this winter.” Aphrodite Hills earned certification for its environmental work from the Golf Environment Organization

GroundskeepingJournal.co.uk | November/December 2023

GOLF COURSES

Toro taking care of the roughs and the smooth at Bathgate athgate Golf Club in West Lothian has taken delivery of a new Toro Groundsmaster 4300 rotary mower for the roughs and a usedcertified Toro Workman GTX electric machine from distributor Reesink to aid the smooth running of the course.

The Toro Workman GTX machine brings electric power to the club in the most sustainable of ways having had a life before Bathgate at another club. Found through Reesink’s ReeOwn scheme, which sees clubs able to access the best used Toro machinery available in the UK, it has been through a multipoint check by trained technicians at Reesink Scotland and came

with a comprehensive 12-month warranty. Head greenkeeper Peter Smith says: “The machine had very few hours on it and had been thoroughly checked over by the Reesink team so what we got felt like new really. It was an incredibly reasonable purchase and more economical than buying a new diesel/petrol machine. “As with any utility vehicle, its primary job is to make life easy around the course, aid its smooth running, and it does just that, equal to or exceeding its diesel/petrol counterpart.” Coinciding with the Workman, was the arrival of a Toro Groundsmaster 4300 rotary

rough mower. Cutting the rough grass at Bathgate Golf Club can be challenging as the total area comprise the largest span of turf to maintain and typically house the areas with the most obstructions such as trees, bushes and bunkers etc. so there’s some work to be put in especially when being used daily like as is the case here. Peter articulates that the Toro Groundsmaster 4300 has been delivering on all fronts: “This machine has been going out daily since it arrived in June and we’re really impressed with the quality of cut, the finish it leaves behind and the speed with which it gets the job done”. www.toro.com/en

GroundskeepingJournal.co.uk | November/December 2023

GOLF COURSES

First full season wraps at Landmand he Landmand course in eastern Nebraska has closed after its first full season of operations, and, according to general manager Adam Fletcher, it has been a busy summer.

“The entire season’s tee sheet was completely booked out by mid-March, so every day was consistently packed and exciting,” he says. “It was amazing to see golfers’ enthusiasm for visiting the course – they would often show up hours before their tee time, so they could just drink in the atmosphere ‘Up Top’. Seeing people who had travelled from all over the world to come play here was a daily highlight for me.” Despite 2023 being the course’s first full season, Landmand played host to several events of signficance, including the Nebraska State Mid-Am, for a second successive year, in August, and, in the same month, the Nebraska vs Kansas Junior Cup, which saw the host state win the Cup back for the first time in three years. What Fletcher describes

as a ‘memorable breeze’ hit the course during the two day Member Field event for the course’s Pioneer members. “Our 24 foot windsock was absolutely maxed out – definitely a weekend to keep the ball low to the ground,” he says. Landmand’s season ended with a bang on October 10-11, when the University of South Dakota hosted seven college teams for the 54-hole ‘Throw Down Up Top’. “Several golfers flirted with our course record of 66, but it held out,” says Fletcher.

GroundskeepingJournal.co.uk | November/December 2023

“It has been a memorable year, and I am so grateful to our staff for their efforts,” says owner and developer Will Andersen. “As with every golf course, our staff are the heart and soul of Landmand. They make the experience unforgettable.”

Landmand will open for 2024 on May 17, and 2024 tee times will be made available on the website, www.landmandgc.com, on December 31 at 8am CST.

PITCH & LINE MARKERS

Guernsey States Works switch to TinyLineMarker Pro X for their line marking jobs rigin Amenity Solutions delivered their latest GPS guided robotic line marking machine, the TinyLineMarker (TLM) Pro X, to the States Works Propagation Unit in Guernsey.

Richard Langmead manages the Land Management section of States Works, where the team carry out grounds maintenance predominantly for States of Guernsey local Government

which includes maintaining school grounds, parks and gardens, social housing, coastal areas, and cliff paths, as well as health properties including the main hospital. Richard comments, “The primary use for the line marker will be to mark out sports pitches on our education sites. We will also be offering a service to other sports clubs on the island. My team used to mark out by hand using a manual line marking machine but this is time consuming and

as our workload has grown so has the requirement for us to be faster and more efficient. I decided to purchase the TLM Pro X robot for many reasons but mainly the efficiencies the robot will give us.” Tiny Mobile Robots is marketed and distributed exclusively in the UK by Origin Amenity Solutions which brings together four leading industry names Headland Amenity, Rigby Taylor, TurfKeeper.com and Symbio.

GroundskeepingJournal.co.uk | November/December 2023

PITCH & LINE MARKERS

Packed with a range of brandnew innovative features, the TLM Pro X is an exciting new GPS robot designed to make line marking projects as streamlined and effortless as possible. Richard adds, “As a business we were looking at ways to do tasks more efficiently and are always looking at technology to try and help with this. We came across the TLM Pro X on the internet. The potential cost savings on labour and the ability to have a pitch marking service that we could offer to other sports clubs on the island did appeal and fitted in with our business plans.” “We have only just started using the robot, but it has already made the initial marking of the pitches much more efficient, and we certainly expect to see the savings in labour costs going forward.”

The TLM Pro X easily manages line marking from start to finish, whether it’s initial marking or overmarking. The robot runs on the ultra-reliable RTK (RealTime Kinematic) network which means it doesn’t need a base station like some robots use. The robot will mark or remark the pitch in the correct location every time, even if previous lines have disappeared. Once set up it incredibly simple to use and very reliable.

We have only just started using the robot, but it has already made the initial marking of the pitches much more efficient, and we certainly expect to see the savings in labour costs going forward.

The TLM Pro X has over 200 customisable pitch templates which include sports pitches, athletic tracks, and parking. “The ability to quickly and accurately mark out various pitch templates is a fantastic benefit to us.” Richard adds. A popular new feature of the TLM Pro X is the multi-select tool and Richard agrees that it

GroundskeepingJournal.co.uk | November/December 2023

PITCH & LINE MARKERS

gives a “noticeable time saving.” This tool gives users the ability to queue up multiple pitches to be marked out in a specific order of their choosing. The robot will then mark out the designated areas without having to recalibrate the robot each time. To help avoid problems, the robot displays the route it will take to mark out all queued pitches, so the user can ensure that the path is clear of obstructions for a seamless line marking project. As a part of this feature, the robot also gives an estimated time of completion as well as the distance to drive so users know when they can expect their project to be completed. Working hand in hand with the Multi-Select Tool, the Low Paint Alert feature ensures no time is wasted due to running low on paint when sending the TLM Pro X off to mark multiple pitches in succession. When the robot is running low on paint, an automatic alert is sent

carry out other jobs nearby while the robot does it thing, making us more productive and efficient. We don’t need to waste time monitoring the robot closely but are aware immediately when the paint is low, and we can top up before it runs out.”

to the user’s hand-held tablet notifying paint level is low. In addition, the robot will also send an alert if there is blockage which is preventing the robot from marking. “A simple yet time saving feature that is going to be incredibly useful to us” comments Richard.” “It means my team can

The Origin Amenity Solutions team offer onsite training, maintenance, and general advice. Richards concludes by saying, “The communication with Simon Hughes and Glen Howard from Origin Amenity Solutions has been excellent, from the initial inquiry, right through to the training once we had purchased the robot, technical support is only a phone call away which is reassuring.”

Free demonstrations are being offered across the UK. To book or enquire visit https://tinymobilerobots.com/ tinymobilerobots-uk/

GroundskeepingJournal.co.uk | November/December 2023

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SPRAYERS & SPRAYING

Berthoud sprayers make the grade at listed Leonardslee Lakes & Gardens L

eonardslee Lakes & Gardens are one of Britain’s leading estates of

its kind. Grade 1 listed, the gardens form part of a 400-acre corner of West Sussex, whose ancestry dates back to the Victorian era, when explorers charted the globe in search of rare and exotic plant species. Leonardslee includes many Champion tree specimens among its vast array of diversity and boasts one of the country’s foremost collections of rhododendrons and azaleas, one of which, rhododendron loderi, was hybridised by the Loder family, whose home this was for some 150 years. Now a thriving visitor attraction, complete with its own vineyard and a calendar crammed with family events, Leonardslee is careful to maintain presentational standards for the thousands who throng here year-round. Part of that commitment is a spraying programme that embraces integrated pest management and weed control across the sprawling estate that numbers manicured gardens, woodland glades, several ornamemtal lakes and miles of footpaths snaking their way up and down the valley site. Such demands keep its large team of gardeners busy to keep key public footfall areas attractive and safe, whatever the weather. Helping them in that mission have

“ The team use them across the estate, including our large glasshouse for foliar feeding. Outside, we spray natural liquids to deter grazers such as rabbits and deers. been Cooper Pegler knapsacks, now boosted by new Berthoud Pro Cosmos 18 knapsacks, with 3.6m telescopic lance, and hand-held sprayers which have become firm favourites with Head Gardener Jamie Harris and his colleagues, for very good reasons. “These sprayers have been a fantastic addition to the equipment here at Leonardslee Lakes and Gardens,” he says. “The team use them across the estate, including our large glasshouse for foliar

feeding. Outside, we spray natural liquids to deter grazers such as rabbits and deers. “Not only are they very robust and reliable but also they are incredibly easy to use and maintain. I like the ability on the Pro Cosmos 18 to switch handles, left or right side, when needed. “One of our favourite features though is how comfortable they are, due to their ergonomic design and excellent padded straps and supports. “These key features allow me and my team to use them for longer periods, without as much physical strain on our bodies. “I would not hesitate to recommend the sprayers for professional duties, where strength and comfort are a requirement of use.” www.berthoud.fr/en/

GroundskeepingJournal.co.uk | November/December 2023

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SPORTS GROUND EQUIPMENT

Jorvik Tricycles saddles up with university to reduce carbon emissions urope’s leading tricycle manufacturer, Jorvik Tricycles has partnered with Loughborough University to launch a range of e-tricycles that will see the education provider reduce its carbon emissions.

The initial launch saw three electric tricycles rolled out across the university’s campus to replace diesel vehicles used by the grounds team, in a bid to help the education provider strive towards zero carbon. The university invested in the new e-tricycles to give its 60-member strong Maintenance, Grounds and Gardens team a carbon neutral way of navigating the campus whilst completing planned maintenance. Nigel Worth, Business Services and Contracts Manager at Loughborough University said: “Our teams carry heavy tools and materials as they move between buildings, so we needed to invest in vehicles that would enable the team to move freely whilst carrying kit and equipment. “The Jorvik Tricycles are very stable and flexible, they’re easy to use and for very little effort I can go anywhere. I didn’t think it would get up some of the steeper hills, but it flies up with my tools as well! “The plan is to develop our fleet of vehicles moving away from diesel and petrol where possible

Photo: Jorvik Tricycles

The Jorvik Tricycles are very stable and flexible, they’re easy to use and for very little effort I can go anywhere. I didn’t think it would get up some of the steeper hills, but it flies up with my tools as well!

and I only see us expanding this investment further.” With Jorvik Tricycles set to add three further tricycles to be rolled out across the campus, the university will have a total of six electric tricycles replacing two diesel vans. According to new research, substituting a bike or trike over a car just once a day reduces the average person’s carbon emissions by 67 percent.

James Walker, owner and MD of Jorvik Tricycles, added: “It’s a privilege to work with Nigel and his team at such a fantastic university. We’re dedicated to helping businesses and institutions become more aware of the positive impact investing in electric transport has and ultimately how we can work together to reduce their carbon emissions. “Tricycles are accessible, easy to use and can carry luggage - the perfect solution for businesses looking to roll them out as an option for staff.”

For more information and to see the full range of products on offer by Jorvik Tricycles please visit: www.jorviktricycles.com.

GroundskeepingJournal.co.uk | November/December 2023

SPORTS GROUND EQUIPMENT

State-of-the-art technology The John Deere range of 4 Series Lawn Tractors are loaded with premium, state-of-the-art technology and classleading features that you won’t find anywhere else. Take a look at this testimonial from Thetford Golf Club that highlights why John Deere are enhancing the performance of green care. “We recently purchased the John Deere 4066R as a replacement for our old 20+-year-old tractor. Having been customers of Ben Burgess for over 25 years, this purchase was again made easy with the continued support of Stuart Edge in selecting the right machine for our needs. The 4066R will be deployed on fairway aeration and overseeding tasks, spraying and work requiring our recently delivered blower and trailer both also purchased through Ben Burgess. The support on sales and after-sales

care once again confirmed it was the right move for us at Thetford Golf Club.

the vast array of features, it will enable us to carry out the task more efficiently for years to come”.

The tractor itself is a massive step up from our previous machine and with

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GroundskeepingJournal.co.uk | November/December 2023

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09/03/2023 08:24 MEMBER

PROVEN EXPERTS IN ANTI-SLIP SOLUTIONS The No. 1 leading pedestrian anti-slip product Neat, tidy and zero maintenance

ANTI-SLIP – STEP NOSING – STAIR TREAD COVER – DECKING STRIP – FLAT PLATE

www.gripclad.co.uk • enquiries@gripclad.co.uk • 023 8040 6796 • 07803 848819

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WWW.MULTIMOVER.CO.UK

The range of Multi-Mover electric power tugs allow groundskeepers to push and pull lighting rigs and other wheeled equipment on turf. Our machines are specially adapted with grass safe tyres, ensuring no turf damage or signs of use. Easily operated, our movers do not require a driving licence, are silent, emission free and have more than a day’s use from just one charge.

TOW QUICKLY, SAFELY & EASILY

EMISSION FREE

We understand that sometimes you may require a custom moving solution, at Multi-Mover UK we can do just that. From hitches to wheels, remote controls and more – We can build a machine to your exact needs.

SPECIALIST MOWERS

Getting more done in less time – surely we’re all trying to achieve that! Here at AJ Mowers we work closely with our customers to find the right machine to suit their needs – uptake of the Toro GrandStand has been growing amongst a number of our commercial customers, including local authorities. The Toro GrandStand combines the speed and comfort of a zero-turn ride on with the on-and-off ease of a wide area walk behind – this makes the GrandStand a fast, manoeuvrable and productive alternative (plus it handles rough and challenging terrain with ease). Cushioned suspension keeps operators comfortable whilst working – get more done in less time. The petrol GrandStand comes in two widths (36” and 48”) and the new Revolution Series GrandStand runs on the HyperCell battery system and also comes in two widths (48” and 56”). If you’d like to explore whether a GrandStand might suit your needs, give us a call on 0117 960 0173 or 07392 948439. Alternatively, drop us an email at sales@ajmowers.co.uk

Groundcare Machinery Specialist • Sales • Service • Parts AJ Mowers Ltd are groundcare machinery specialists serving Bristol and surrounding areas (including Dorset, Wiltshire, South Gloucestershire and North Somerset). Using our team’s unrivalled skills, knowledge and experience in the sector, we focus on supporting commercial customers (with sales, servicing, maintenance, repairs, parts and hire). We work with a wide range of golf clubs, major sports grounds, large schools, colleges, universities and local councils. If you’ve got it, we can work on it - commercial and golf mowing equipment, tractors, chippers, utility vehicles, spiking and slitting equipment and flail mowing equipment. As an authorised dealer for Toro, Hayter, Kioti and TP Chippers we can provide advice and guidance for customers looking to invest in new equipment, as well as arranging on-site demonstrations. Given the breadth of our customer base, we also have a great pipeline of quality, used machines available.

For general enquiries please call us on 0117 960 0173 or email info@ajmowers.co.uk. For sales enquiries (new and used) please call our Sales Director on 07392 948439 or email sales@ajmowers.co.uk

0117 960 0173 | info@ajmowers.co.uk www.ajmowers.co.uk GroundskeepingJournal.co.uk | November/December 2023

TURF MANAGEMENT

Improve turf management by boosting water performance

or 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 performance and ultimately a healthier turf, consider our water boosting solutions which have been strategically developed and designed by our leading R&D department. Most recently we unveiled the latest addition to our expanding MainsBooster range, TankBoost, an easy to install, single unit solution to ensure water performance remains at optimum levels when watering extensive areas of ground. Made up of a water storage tank and an integrated submerged pump, TankBoost can deliver flow rates up

GroundskeepingJournal.co.uk | November/December 2023

TURF MANAGEMENT

to an incredible 80L/min, ideal for bigger areas such as sports stadiums and venues, as well as estates. For estate managers, consider TankBoost when maintaining areas of turf and land but lacking both 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. For maintaining huge areas of turf, more than one tank may be required to have the capacity to store the appropriate amount of water. TankBoost is designed with capacity in mind. The product can easily store vast amounts of water by ‘daisy chaining’ the vessels together, much like our existing AccuBoost range. Linking multiple tanks will

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

For instance, AccuBoost is more suitable when you need to store water at pressure. When an outlet, such as a sprinkler, is opened the water from the accumulator tank is released, providing additional flow to the mains supply. This ensures adequate water flow and improved sprinkler performance. We have guides to take you through every step in the process of installing either products, from specification to installation. If you’re still unsure which accumulator tank is right for your gardening needs, Salamander Pumps has an easy-to-use online product selector tool to identify which tank is best suited to the job in hand.

We will conduct a survey of the ground to determine the required flow rate and what product is more suitable, TankBoost or AccuBoost.

GroundskeepingJournal.co.uk | November/December 2023

Salamander Pumps’ product selector tool is available here: www.salamanderpumps.co.uk/ product-selector.php

TURF MANAGEMENT

Green Lawnger® TR For seasonal growth transitions and winter overseeding simulation reen Lawnger® TR is a high concentrate dark green pigment for predormant and dormant turf that is recommended for use on golf courses, commercial and residential lawns to improve turf quality in winter and early spring. It can also be used as an affordable alternative to the winter overseeding of warm season grasses.

The mix of black and green pigments in Green Lawnger® TR allows increased absorption of solar radiation to the applied surface, increasing surface temperatures. This effect can help turf grass managers extend the playing season in transitional periods in the autumn and winter, and it can also speed up ice and snow thawing and accelerate spring growth later in the season, allowing early play and improved turf quality in the spring. When used as part of a winter conditioning programme, Green Lawnger® TR is an effective tool to limit the development of winter

injury symptoms, that can result from direct low temperatures such as ice cover (suffocation), crown hydration, desiccation and/or low temperature diseases (snow moulds), while promoting rapid and uniform green-up. Green Lawnger® TR creates a uniform dark green sward during the winter months, which lasts for up to four weeks, thanks to its ColorLock™ resin technology that ensures strong leaf adhesion and provides resistance to undesirable colour shifts. Its easy-to-spray formulation makes it easy to integrate into existing maintenance regimes, and can be used alone or in

combination with plant protection products with no negative effect on seed germination. Pre-dormant applications may start as low as 1.25 L in 300 L water per 10,000 m2 to blend colour with existing turf growth. Apply after the last mowing and before dormancy to increase surface temperature. As frost events occur, increasing the dose rate creates a more natural look to turf transition, and the dilution ratio can be adjusted to achieve the desired colour. For further product information including warning phrases and symbols refer to www.pestcontrol.basf.co.uk/en/ Products/Product-innovation/Turf/

GroundskeepingJournal.co.uk | November/December 2023

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.

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