Groundskeeping Journal - Issue 5 2021 by MH Media Global

VO L . 0 5 | A P R I L / M AY 2 0 21

HEADLAND AMENITY Get growth going this spring

WEEDING TECH

JACOBSEN

Dublin City Council give green light for green weed control

3-hole Turf Care Centre of Excellence Golf Course Key to Product Development and Testing

Bran d ne w fo r 20 21

OUTDOOR SPORTS & GROUNDS TRADE SHOW Visitor registration now open for 2021 Go to www.sportsandgrounds.co.uk

team@sportsandgrounds.co.uk

www.sportsandgrounds.co.uk

CONTENTS

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.

INFINICUT announce new partnership INFINICUT® to announce a new distribution partnership with one of the world’s leading hybrid pitch suppliers, FLexGrass.

Getting ready to teeup once again The British and International Golf Greenkeepers Association (BIGGA) recently surveyed its members to discover how the pandemic has impacted their teams and to gain an insight into how the golf industry believes 2021 will play out.

GroundskeepingJournal.co.uk | April/May 2021

Toro

For the past ten years Olton Golf Club in Solihull has been slowly turning its fleet Toro red in order to improve the course and stand out against its competition.

The lightweight Toro Reelmaster 3575-D. Gets around the ground effortlessly. With Toro’s DPA cutting units and a 100 inch cutting width, the Toro Reelmaster 3575-D gets you match-day ready with its superior quality-of-cut to help mirror playing conditions for the weekend’s game. A lot lighter than other mowers in its class, it effortlessly tiptoes around your pitches to make an impression without leaving one!

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

Reesink UK LTD is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Images shown for illustration only.

IDEAL FOR MATCH-DAY PREPARATION

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.

@gkj_mag

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 | April/May 2021

GREENKEEPING

Getting ready to tee up once again By Karl Hansell Editor, Greenkeeping International

ad we told you two years ago that 1 April 2021 would mark the first in 110 consecutive days that golf courses were legally permitted to open in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, you would have thought it was some kind of hideous April Fool’s joke, and yet here we are.

The British and International Golf Greenkeepers Association (BIGGA) recently surveyed its members to discover how the pandemic has impacted their teams and to gain an insight into how the golf industry believes 2021 will play out. The average greenkeeping team in the UK includes six full time members of staff, with an extra body taken on

during the summer months. But during the past winter, BIGGA members told us that on average, half of those people were placed on furlough as a means of securing a vital source of income for the golf club. While a financially sound decision, it has meant that much of the work that would normally be completed during winter, such as course renovation and other improvements, could not take place.

GroundskeepingJournal.co.uk | April/May 2021

GREENKEEPING

Scott Davidson

Scott said: I think with everyone being stuck indoors, working from home and with no social life, they are just needing to get out a bit and are happy to play in anything.

notice that they were able to reopen on 13 March, many were hard pressed to get the course playable in short order.

With a month’s notice in England ahead of courses reopening, some clubs will have sought to rectify that, while others have had to consider whether the financial benefit outweighs the needs of the course. The reopening of facilities in Wales was in itself an adrenaline surge for greenkeepers in that country. Officially given less than 24 hours’

“We had 500mm extra rainfall last year on top of the average, which impacted what we could do through the winter,” explained Lucy Sellick, head greenkeeper at Wenvoe Castle Golf Club and chairperson of BIGGA’s South West & South Wales Region. “It’s put a strain on greenkeepers and I know some hadn’t cut their fairways in a long time because they weren’t able to get on the course. With such short notice before courses open, it just added to the pressure they were feeling.” For BIGGA and the other leading bodies of the sport, such as the Golf Club Managers Association, it has been important to manage the expectations of regular golfers so that they didn’t expect to be returning

GroundskeepingJournal.co.uk | April/May 2021

to facilities that were in impeccable condition – especially considering the reopening in England was shortly followed by the US Masters, traditionally the start of the UK golfing season. But at the same time, it was important not to deter anyone who wanted to play golf from taking part, so the messaged needed to be balanced. In Scotland they’ve had no such problems and at Cathcart Castle near Glasgow, Course Manager Scott Davidson said that every day the course was able to open any holes during the winter, the car park would be filled with golfers looking to get outdoors for some much-needed exercise. With courses remaining open throughout the winter, it provided an insight into what the rest of the UK can expect this summer. Scott said: “I think with everyone being stuck indoors, working from home and with no social life, they are just needing to get out a bit and are happy to play in anything. It’ll be pouring with rain and you’ll see the car park is still full. “We were fortunate to be able to play some golf, but even if it’s only an hour playing seven holes, an hour of golf is better than no golf at all.” 7

GREENKEEPING

The greenkeeping team at Langdon Hills - course manager Spencer Adams-Dunstan (front row, centre right) contracted COVID-19 at Christmas and was bedridden for a period With high volumes of people playing golf – last year it was estimated that there was an extra 1,000 rounds per golf course every month – it remains to be seen how courses hold up to such levels of wear and tear. These high-pressure working conditions eventually take their toll on the staff and it was sad to discover that a majority of greenkeepers admitted to having worried about their mental health. Eighty per cent told us they had worried about the mental health of a member of their team and BIGGA has worked to support our members throughout this crisis with initiatives such as the Greenkeepers Benevolent Fund or our free counselling helpline.

has taken place. Last September, Thank a Greenkeeper Day saw the topic trend in the top 10 of UK Twitter throughout the day as everyone from professional golfers to The R&A and golf club members took to social media to thank greenkeepers for their hard work and dedication. It’s been a difficult year for everyone, but with the onset of spring, there’s a sense of optimism that some positives may finally emerge for BIGGA members and the nation’s other greenkeepers. www.bigga.org.uk

Lucy Sellick

On the positive side, the world is steadily moving back to normal and the activities of greenkeepers have been in the spotlight more than ever. Frustrated golfers, sat at home scrolling on their smartphones have read more about the activities of greenkeepers in the past year than ever before and the majority are incredibly grateful for the work that 8

GroundskeepingJournal.co.uk | April/May 2021

Exceptional Performance from the Gamberini Spreader.

ECOTOP 300 / 500 Mounted Spreaders

FC 200 Trailed Spreader

Tough, durable, versatile, and more... Chosen for their robust, high quality, rugged construction, these Italian designed spreaders place emphasis on delivering the supreme performance and are the perfect choice as part of any ground’s maintenance programme. • • •

Superior spreading control. The ECOTOP 300 / 500 accept a 3-point linkage and are PTO driven. The FC 200 is land towable, and wheel driven.

Area of use: Sports Turf, Golf Fairways, Cricket Outﬁelds, Private Estates, Private Schools, & Polo Fields.

Contact the Agrigem Team to discover the Gamberini Spreader as part of your annual care programme.

agrigem.co.uk | Tel: 01522 246491 | Email: sales@agrigem.co.uk

GREENKEEPING

Exceptional Performance from the Gamberini Spreader A

grigem have announced the introduction of a new range of Gamberini Spreaders.

Chosen for their robust, high quality, rugged construction, these Italian designed spreaders place emphasis on delivering the supreme performance and are the perfect choice as part of any ground’s maintenance programme. Built for longevity, these machines are extremely operator friendly and feature several technical characteristics which make them the perfect choice. Suitable for areas including Sports turf, Golf Fairways, Cricket Outfields, Private Estates, Private Schools, and Polo Fields. ECOTOP 300 & 500 MOUNTED SPREADER WITH BIONIC HOPPER AND DISTRIBUTOR DISC These compact hoppers are constructed of heavy-duty steel ensuring there is no corrosion when compared to other alternative powder-coated spreaders. The steel hopper ensures stronger durability when full over alternative models, which feature a plastic rotamoulded tank. The spreaders consist of a three-pointlinkage frame made of heavy-duty steel which also acts as a stand, when the spreader is not in use. The machines are driven by a PTO shaft with an enclosed aluminium gear which features a selflubricating oil bath. Both models accept a category 1 link-arm and contain an agitator and filtering grill to ensure any lumps in the fertiliser do not disrupt the flow. With a minimum requirement of 30-40HP, the PTO option offers the most control for the operator and should be set to 540RPM. SUPERIOR SPREADING CONTROL Superior control is offered to the operator with three different manual 10

TECHNICAL DATA

ECOTOP 300

ECOTOP 500

Hopper capacity (L)

270L

360L

Spreading capacity (m)

6m - 14m

Dimensions (cm)

Ø 110 x 89

Ø 120 x 100

Empty weight (kg)

58kg

60kg

Minimum tractor power (HP)

30 HP

40HP

PTO (rpm)

540

Fertiliser

Granular, powder or pelleted

adjustments available. The spinning disc has an adjustable vane, which can be manually adjusted, depending on the required spreading pattern or rate. Adjusting the spreading pattern is available by two other manual controls; these consists of an 18-point flow selector lever, which can be operated from the tractor seat, and the option to select what degree of spreading is required, operating from 90-180 degrees. These machines will spread from 6-14 metres depending on the product and spreader setting. GroundskeepingJournal.co.uk | April/May 2021

GREENKEEPING

GAMBERINI TRAILED SPREADER FC 200

TECHNICAL DATA

FC200

As part of the range offered by Agrigem, the Trailed Spreader FC 200 is the complimentary model within the Gamberini family.

Hopper capacity (L)

73L

Spreading capacity (m)

3-10m

Dimensions L x W x H (cm)

96 x 155 x 97cm

Empty weight

45kg

Lightweight yet sturdy in construction, this machine has a towing eye diameter of 25mm so is suitable to be towed by ATV’s and tractors and can easily be adapted to accommodate a tow-ball hitch.

Minimum tractor power (HP)

10-20HP

Fertiliser

Granular, Seed

The spinning disc is wheel driven and is contained within a self-lubricating cast iron gearbox. Offering four adjustable vanes, the distributor disc takes the movement from the wheels and the distance of the fertiliser depends on the advancement speed of the towing vehicle.

Photograph courtesy of Eddie Clark, Louth Town F.C.

Preparation is vital to any annual programme whether pre-season, or post season. Discover how Agrigem’s range of mounted and trailed spreaders can be a part of your ground maintenance programme. We offer free technical GroundskeepingJournal.co.uk | April/May 2021

advice to support your maintenance programme. Tel: 01522 246491 Email: sales@agrigem.co.uk www.agrigem.co.uk 11

GREENKEEPING

What’s new in fairway and outfield turf maintenance? T

he improvement in recent years in the overall quality of sports turf, has been outstanding.

This achievement has been in the face of some very extreme weather conditions which we have experienced in recent years. Add to that, the ever lengthening list of banned chemicals, and the progress in turf quality is even more impressive. What has become apparent is that fairway and outfield turf is now receiving a degree of attention that was previously reserved only for fine turf. No longer is just mowing and aerating sufficient to achieve the desired playing standards. Turf professionals are now wanting to do the cultural practices that have been used for decades on golf greens, such as grooming, rolling, brushing and sarel rolling, for their fairway and outfield turf. And thanks to an impressive array of innovative equipment from GreenTek, it is now viable to do these tasks on large areas. THATCH REMOVAL FOR LARGE AREAS The latest launch from GreenTek is the new turf grooming rake called the TurfConditioner 12. Covering a 3.6m wide working width it is ideal for removing

The Multi-Brush is ideal for dew and wormcast dispersal holes to prevent surface sealing, and provide entry for air, water, and nutrients.

thatch from fairways and sports pitches. Three rows of adjustable rakes give a very fine raking pattern, with adjustable intensity to suit all types of turf including synthetic 3G pitches. Other innovative equipment for wide area turf maintenance includes the MultiSarel, which is the world’s widest Sarel Roller. This hydraulically folds out to a massive 5.4m working width and peppers the surface with thousands of neat round

FUSARIUM AND WORMCAST CONTROL WITHOUT CHEMICALS Also available in the same 5.4m format is the Multi-Brush, ideal for dispersing dew to reduce fusarium risk, and also for removing wormcasts. The chemicals for treating both of these problems are now very limited which is why cultural methods have become so important. The final product in this group is the 5.4m Multi-Roller, ideal for regular light rolling of golf fairways, and to true up divots between training sessions at football academies. So whilst the weather and chemical legislations present their challenges, GreenTek are helping greenkeepers and groundsmen to forge ahead in their quest to provide perfect playing surfaces.

Multi-Sarel, the world’s widest sarel roller!

www.greentek.uk.com GroundskeepingJournal.co.uk GroundskeepingJournal.co.uk | April/May | April 2021

TURF-CONDITIONER 12

The cost-effective way to dethatch fairways and sports pitches The new Turf-Conditioner 12 dethatches and grooms big areas fast with its 3.6m (12’) working width. It has three rows of adjustable rakes set in a staggered pattern to give thorough thatch removal, of exactly the intensity you require. The Turf-Conditioner 12 also provides so many other benefits for your turf. 



It lifts the nap on the grass before mowing to give a better quality of cut. It stands up the grass to allow better air circulation and avoid fungal disease. It disperses wormcasts, and leaves beautifully groomed stripes. Also suitable for 3G synthetic pitches.

WATCH THE VIDEO

BOOK A DEMO

Ask for a FREE Demonstration via your local GreenTek dealer

0113 267 7000

www.greentek.uk.com

NEW

GREENKEEPING

Jacobsen’s

3-hole Turf Care Centre of Excellence Golf Course Key to Product Development and Testing

ince transferring the production of Jacobsen mowers to the Turf Care Centre of Excellence in Ipswich, the company’s three-hole golf course has become more important than ever to product development and testing. The beginning of 2021 has seen a quick start for new product lines with the new AR530, Eclipse ELiTE 360 and HR800 all in the later stages of testing and development. It is at this point the 3-hole course comes into its own, with the product development team able to test the mowers in real-world

situations and often pass the machines onto Golf Course Greenkeeper, Justin Hunt. Justin began his working life as an apprentice at Ransomes before becoming a product demonstrator in the UK and Europe. Despite leaving the company, he stayed in the turf industry working with Ernest Doe and Bartrum Mowers before joining Woodbridge Golf Club as a greenkeeper where he eventually became Course Manager for six years. During his time as a demonstrator, he and others at Ransomes knew the land could be a useful asset for product testing, but he couldn’t imagine just how well it could be developed.

GroundskeepingJournal.co.uk | April/May 2021

GREENKEEPING

“Initially, I found preparing a golf course in the middle of an industrial estate a bit strange,” Justin begins. “Where we’re sat in the main building now would have been our workshop back in the day, and the land across there that’s now the golf course was wasteland. “That whole area was full of ploughs ready for sale because agricultural machinery was still made here then, and over time all of those ploughs disappeared, and we as demonstrators needed somewhere to test the equipment we were going to take out. We actually built in the loosest terms a little golf course. We fabricated a green out there so we could test greens mowers before we took them out. We knew its possibilities, but several years later it turned into what we see out there today, which is a fantastic facility. “It needs to simulate the best it can a proper golf course because they are trying to gather data and information that will be taken forward into the real world. Because of that our aim is always to keep it as close to a commercial golf course as possible. “To do that we use traditional methods just applied in a slightly different way. We aren’t

GroundskeepingJournal.co.uk | April/May 2021

under the same pressures that you would be at an ordinary golf course. We haven’t got a society of 60 or 70 people teeing off at eight o’clock, so it’s easier to manage in that way. Because if you’ve decided you’re going to do that job today, you can get on and do it, there’s no reason you shouldn’t apart from perhaps the weather. “There are different challenges, for example, if there is a big visit to the factory obviously everything needs to be spot on for that day, so all the focus goes onto getting it prepared for that occasion. So it does have different challenges and different things to have to cope with.” The three-hole course and adjacent football pitch were constructed using as much of the natural materials as possible whilst introducing a new body of open water. Having been constructed and operated in an environmentally conscious way, the course was certified by the Golf Environment Organisation (GEO) in 2010, and operating in that way has continued with the focus now turning to stop the use of fungicides on the site.

www.textron.com

GREENKEEPING

GA Groundcare Ltd appoint Matt Textor as Sales Manager

ollowing the recent news of expansion in their coverage area, GreenMech main dealers GA Groundcare Ltd have announced the appointment of Matt Textor as Sales Manager. A well-known industry name, Matt joins the Wiltshire dealership to spearhead sales of the GreenMech woodchipper range across their increased nine-county territory. Having initially joined T H White Groundcare on a Service Engineering apprenticeship, Matt spent a total of 13 years in the workshop where he developed a thorough understanding of the mechanics behind a vast selection of groundcare and arboricultural equipment. This foundation went on to set Matt up for a successful 7 years in sales, pairing his technical know-how with an appreciation of the requirements of a wide customer base. During this time, he also headed up sales of the GreenMech range of pedestrian, road-tow, PTO and tracked woochippers from T H White’s Reading depot during their tenure as a dealer. In his new position as Sales Manager for GA Groundcare Ltd, Matt will be in charge of business development across their new larger territory and is ideally placed to serve the South Eastern 16

counties from his Berkshire location. On his appointment, Matt said, “I’m excited about the new challenge ahead and being able to target and focus all of my efforts solely on one fantastic product line. GreenMech are great ambassadors for British manufacturing and I am very much looking forward to working closely alongside them again, and the whole GA Groundcare Ltd team, to support customers old and new.” Commenting on the exciting growth of GA Groundcare Ltd, Director Ashley Stevens added, “I’m very pleased to finally be able to get Matt on board, having worked alongside him a number of years ago. His mechanical knowledge and honest sales approach is a great fit for our business model.” Operating from their purpose-built depot in Poulshot, Wiltshire, GA Groundcare Ltd are exclusive to the GreenMech franchise, offering supply, servicing and support, together with stocking a comprehensive range of GreenMech replacement parts. The success of the partnership saw an extension of GA Groundcare Ltd’s territory in January 2021 to serve the counties of Berkshire, Dorset, Gloucestershire, Hampshire, Kent, Somerset, Surrey, Sussex and Wiltshire. www.gagroundcare.com

GroundskeepingJournal.co.uk | April/May 2021

GREENKEEPING

Redexim Top-Brush

onstructed on a heavy clay soil profile, the two 18-hole courses at Welwyn Garden City’s Brocket Hall Estate fell victim last year to what arguably has become one of the biggest challenges for fine turf managers – worm casts. Without available curative chemistry, Golf Course Manager John Moorhouse turned to his local dealer for advice who recommended the Redexim Top-Brush. Three months on from taking delivery, the Top-Brush has proven itself to be a true multi-tasker – not only tackling the issue of worm casts but leaves and surface moisture too. Quintessentially British in their design, but very different in terms of their challenge to golfers and greenkeepers alike, the Palmerston and Melbourne courses are overseen by a dedicated team of 10. “The combination of our heavy soil and milder, wetter autumns has seen a huge spike in the number of worm casts we’re seeing” explains John. “I spoke with David Fisher of George Browns to see if there was a way of removing the casts prior to cutting. He straight away organised a demonstration of the Top-Brush.” The Redexim Top-Brush is a six-metre-wide poly-brush, comprised of three sections, that can quickly and effectively rid large areas, such as fairways, of worm casts, organic matter and dew. Because the brushes can rotate in or against

GroundskeepingJournal.co.uk | April/May 2021

the direction of travel, it can be used to remove lateral growth and stand the plant upright - contributing to better airflow into the canopy and a cleaner quality of cut. “It’s really easy to hook-up via the 3-point linkage and it’s quick and straight forward to adjust the rotation direction and working depth. It has not only done exactly as we hoped in clearing surface casts, but it also played a major part in leaf clearance on the heavily tree-lined Palmerston course – using the brushes anti-clockwise to lift and move the leaves and other debris such as pine needles out of play and giving us a great, clean finish.” When used with clockwise rotation, John has been impressed with the Top-Brush’s ability to remove dew and improve course presentation. “It has given us a quick and effective method of reducing surface moisture, especially early mornings, not only contributing to improvements in plant health but giving us a beautiful striped finish on the fairways.” He concludes, “As we head into the spring, in addition to all of its existing uses, we plan to use the Top-Brush to help with incorporation of topdressing material. The versatility demonstrated by this piece of kit means it has done exactly what we hoped for, and so much more.” www.charterhouse-tm.co.uk

GREENKEEPING

Reaping the rewards B

oasting views of the Atlantic from every hole, Newquay Golf Club has been completing the postcard scenery with picture-perfect greens, thanks to their Suståne organic feeding programme. After making the switch to

Suståne three years ago, Course Manager Dan Kendle is reaping the rewards of the lower salt, organic approach across the 18 greens of the links course. Dan has been at Newquay GC for just over six years and is supported by a team of three. While their Fistral Beach

location is undeniably picturesque, the exposed nature brings challenges when it comes to maintenance. “As well as trying to promote traditional fescues, I am keen to explore moving to a more organic approach to reduce salt input and improve overall course sustainability” explains Dan.

GroundskeepingJournal.co.uk | April/May 2021

GREENKEEPING

“ As well as trying to promote traditional fescues, I am keen to explore moving to a more organic approach to reduce salt input and improve overall course sustainability” and August. This is then supplemented with two applications of Suståne 5-2-4+Fe in early June and October on the greens, surrounds and aprons. “The results we’ve achieved have been fantastic and since making the switch we’ve definitely noticed an increase in our fescue populations year on year.” Suståne Turf Revival® 6-2-4 provides complete macro and micronutrients for optimal plant establishment and quick green-up, followed by up to eight weeks of uniform growth and colour. The aerobically composted base material replenishes the soil with a rich supply of humus and mycorrhizal fungi, to improve the uptake of nutrients and boost overall plant health.

Its naturally low salt index also allows for healthy root development. “This combination seems to really suit our links conditions and is providing an excellent base on which to build with other areas of our maintenance programme. We have not experienced any negative effects by switching away from more traditional feeds, if anything the control this gives me over the salinity of my soil profile is a major plus.” Dan concludes, “We’ve been so pleased with the results we’ve had with using Suståne, and it’s a great step in the right direction in our eventual goal of becoming completely chemical free.” www.sustane.com

“I spoke firstly with our local Suståne distributor, Neil Rogers at AGS, who went through the options available and followed this up with support from Suståne’s Regional Manager Russell Riley which confirmed that we wanted to give it a go.” Formulated especially to assist with the recovery of stressed areas, Dan has been applying Suståne’s Turf Revival® 6-2-4 twice a year following their main maintenance periods in, normally, March

GroundskeepingJournal.co.uk | April/May 2021

NEWS & EVENTS

BIGGA

announces rescheduled Festival of Turf dates as exciting new exhibition due to take place this summer

he British & International Golf Greenkeepers Association has confirmed that its first Festival of Turf will take place this summer, with a new date intended to provide an improved experience for attendees and exhibitors.

opportunity of rescheduling the Festival of Turf for later in the summer, when social distancing restrictions are anticipated to have been removed.

The Festival of Turf is a two-day event that will take place in the predominantly outdoor setting of the Warwickshire Event Centre and will bring together golf greenkeepers, groundsmen and many others for the first time since BTME 2020, over 18 months previously.

The Festival of Turf will welcome BIGGA members and others in the turf industry to the 30-acre Warwickshire Event Centre, with a wide range of vendors and trade stalls and entertaining twists that bring to life the ‘festival’ element of the event.

BIGGA had initially announced a June date for the Festival of Turf and was confident event could be hosted with COVID-safety measures in place. But with the Prime Minister recently announcing the Roadmap out of lockdown, BIGGA has explored the

As such, BIGGA is delighted to reveal that the Festival of Turf will now take place on 21 & 22 July 2021.

COVID-safety measures will remain in place, such as enhanced cleaning regimes and hand sanitising, plus any other requirements as defined by government guidelines. However, limits on visitor numbers and social distancing measures will no longer be required.

GroundskeepingJournal.co.uk | April/May 2021

NEWS & EVENTS

BIGGA CEO Jim Croxton said: “The Roadmap out of lockdown announced by the Prime Minister provided incredibly welcome news for the country and the association’s members, not least because it provided a date for the reopening of golf courses in England and a potential return to normality for us all. It also presented an opportunity for BIGGA to host the Festival of Turf as the spectacular of sports and amenity turf maintenance that we had hoped for when we first announced this event last year. “We entered into negotiations with the Warwickshire Event Centre and were delighted to come to an arrangement with regards new dates for the Festival of 21 & 22 July. On this date England is anticipated to be at Step 4 of the COVID-19 roadmap, which will see legal limits on social contact removed. Although the published roadmap only serves as a guideline and the timings are subject to change, everyone at BIGGA

GroundskeepingJournal.co.uk | April/May 2021

is excited about the opportunity to provide an improved exhibition experience for our attendees. “We always intended the Festival of Turf to be an opportunity for BIGGA members and their colleagues in the turf industry to reunite after so long apart and I’m delighted that these new dates will allow even more people to attend what promises to be a fantastic few days of exhibitions and entertainment.”

For more information about the Festival of Turf, head to the BIGGA website. Keep up to date with the latest announcements and updates on Twitter by using the hashtag #FestivalofTurf

NEWS & EVENTS

The sports & grounds expo: All new outdoor trade show is gaining momentum for summer 2021 ith the government’s announcement outlining the road map for this summer, SAGE has gained huge momentum. The planning over the last 6 months can now move further into refining the “added value” and the team are keen to get the word out - Join us 27 - 29 July 2021, for the all new OUTDOOR Sports and Grounds Expo (SAGE).

Set in the stunning surrounds of the Three Counties Showground at the foot of the Malvern Hills, the show has a clear focus on hands-on demonstrations and experiences, offering visitors the

chance to see and test out the latest products and ideas within the industry. Come and see leading exhibitors showcase their products in action – without limitations on space. Bringing together grounds personnel from a broad range of sectors and provide an engaging and well-resourced environment. Many companies are looking to improve efficiency and cost effectiveness and this is a key area, which SAGE is focusing on; exploring and showcasing the products that allow this to actually happen across the industry.

The government’s announcement out of lockdown has really opened up the summer; SAGE now sits perfectly in the calendar, and provides a fantastic opportunity to get outdoors and to see what is on offer across the industry. Our motivation is to give visitors a hands-on experience as much as possible, without compromising on safety and at The Three Counties Show Ground this is easily achieved.” Says Event Manager Vicky Panniers “Our aim is to provide an environment that will benefit everyone from grass roots to senior management; we are very excited about what is on offer.” She continues.

GroundskeepingJournal.co.uk | April/May 2021

NEWS & EVENTS

“ Our aim is to provide an environment that will benefit everyone from grass roots to senior management; we are very excited about what is on offer. The safety of visitors and exhibitors is a priority, the latest health & safety advice will be implemented, security measures including social distancing have already been put into action, hand sanitiser will be readily available and free pre-registered bookings for all visitors to reduce queues are heavily encouraged.

The Sports & Grounds Expo will be the highlight of the industry calendar this summer, offering a safe and proactive environment for those operating across all sectors of the sports and grounds maintenance industry. SAGE is a free event open to all, who are interested in the sports and grounds industry.

Visitors will be impressed by the abundance of space and the diversity of products on show, whilst exhibitors will be astounded at the value for money on offer!

Visitor registration is now open - Go to www.sportsandgrounds.co.uk to register and to be kept up to date with what’s to come this July 2021!

There are exciting plans in progress – watch this space! Keep up to date with all the SAGE news on Twitter & Facebook.

GroundskeepingJournal.co.uk | April/May 2021

For more information, contact the team today by email: team@ sportsandgrounds.co.uk, by phone: +44 (0)1684 580101 or visit the website: www.sportsandgrounds.co.uk.

TOP DRESSING

STAGE V EMISSIONS INNOVATION WITH TORO

ecause of the changes Stage V has brought into play, it has now become crucial for customers to consider the ‘real mowing’ productivity of their turfcare machinery. Is there a different way to compile a fleet or can different purchasing decisions be made that allow customers to remain profitable and productive? It might cost more to buy a specific machine but if you only need to buy one machine to perform more than one function or a machine like the Toro LT-F3000 triple flail, which is so productive it can enable you to reduce the cutting frequency, those factors become more important than ever. When it comes to Toro, the manufacturer

has benefitted from its experience with the roll-out of Tier IV products in North America. Having learned how to design out inefficiencies in systems such as, but not limited to, hydraulics and engine cooling, Toro instead focused on delivering a range of efficient, capable solutions to customers. The LT2240 (previously the CT2240) compact triple has had its horsepower reduced from 19kW to 18.7kW, a reduction of only 1.5 percent, but a reduction that avoids the added cost and complexity of a DPF filter. Despite the reduced power output compared to its bigger brother, the LT3340, the LT2240 offers many of the same features, the same width of cut and is available with the larger 250mm (10ins) diameter cutter units, which were previously limited to the LT3340.

GroundskeepingJournal.co.uk | April/May 2021

TOP DRESSING

This offers the customer an interesting value proposition – will they be willing to accept a product that can achieve over 80-90 percent of what the LT3340 can, and benefit from the simplified powertrain and lower cost? Less horsepower could also result in lower fuel consumption and lower operating costs. In contrast, the power of the Toro LT3340 heavy-duty triple mower has been upped from 26kW to 27.5kW, giving customers the option to buy a machine that can now do more. And with Toro’s latest products, such as the Groundsmaster 3000 series, customers don’t need to consider how the addition of a Diesel Particulate Filter or a reduction in horsepower will affect the machine’s performance, because the design process considered it for them. With a 24.7hp Yanmar engine, the Groundsmaster 3200 is perfect for applications in smaller estates, schools and colleges. Meanwhile the heavy-duty Groundsmaster 3300 with its powerful 37.4hp engine is a real jungle-buster. Plus with the option of a fine-cut flail attachment, customers can cut two ways with one machine. Alastair Rowell, UK sales manager for turfcare equipment for Reesink Turfcare, an official Toro distributor in the UK, says: “The essence of the regulations are, of course, good – cleaner air is something we should all be supportive of and active in achieving, but these changes do have

GroundskeepingJournal.co.uk | April/May 2021

“ With a 24.7hp Yanmar engine, the Groundsmaster 3200 is perfect for applications in smaller estates, schools and colleges. Meanwhile the heavy-duty Groundsmaster 3300 with its powerful 37.4hp engine is a real jungle-buster. a significant effect on the product, particularly those with diesel engines rated above 19kW and fitted with DPF systems. “The engines are more complex and follow the type of engine management systems that we associate more with the automotive sector. However, diesel engines in the sub-19 kW category, and SI engines witness much less of an impact, which prompts manufacturers to look at whether a product can meet customers needs with less horsepower or migrate to alternative fuels. “In terms of dates, there has been a 12-month extension to the original dates which came into effect on 1 July 2020 and now production of non-stage V compliant machinery must be manufactured by 30 June 2021, with products placed on the market by 31 December 2021.” For further information on Toro’s Stage V compliant machinery, visit reesinkturfcare.co.uk, call 01480 226800 or email info@ reesinkturfcare. co.uk.

TOP DRESSING

GreenBest Bespoke Fertiliser

GreenBest Sales & Marketing Director James Whittick at Velvit-sponsored Stalbridge Football Club espite the ongoing global pandemic fertiliser manufacturer Greenbest have managed to go from strength to strength over the past 12 months.

are produced in the most efficient way possible. Thanks to these developments, GreenBest have added to their Velvit range with new products which New Business Manager Nick Macdonald is launching this month.

Over the last twenty two years GreenBest have become renowned for their technical expertise, excellent customer service and exemplary products. Along with their brands Velvit and SmartLawn, GreenBest have been providing specialist turf and lawn care for some of the biggest names in the industry, including the 2022 Qatar World Cup, the 2012 London Olympics and the Royal Parks. Sales & Marketing Director James Whittick explained “We offer advice and a tailor-made formulation service which sets us apart from the majority of our competitors. The advantages of combining the advisory and formulation services means we can sell exactly what is needed and give our distributors the knowledge that they are offering their customers the best possible solution to the plant’s requirements. This reduces the costs to the distributors and gives the best result without wasting fertiliser or polluting the environment through volatilisation, leaching and eutrophication. Sending NPK products 26

New Business Manager, Nick Macdonald and James Whittick that are site specific also reduces the use of machinery applying the product and quantity shipped therefore further reducing its carbon footprint and costs throughout the supply chain.” Consolidating an incredibly strong position in the marketplace already, GreenBest have invested significantly in a number of outward-facing roles, and company infrastructure. The most significant investment arguably is the state of the art coating plant which ensures that the company retains autonomy of all ingredients in their products. Alongside this, Connor Burford has been appointed as Production Technologist to ensure that all products GreenBest produces are the quality expected of the company and

It hasn’t just been all about internal investment this year; as part of their community strategy, GreenBest has sought to increase sponsorship of hardhit sports clubs both locally and further afield. Caroline Stanley, Marketing at GreenBest explained “It has been really important for us to help clubs where we can – so many of them have suffered huge financial losses due to the lack of spectators allowed due to COVID-19 restrictions. We have been delighted to see the real impact our fertiliser, and the knowledge of our team have had on these sports clubs. With the move towards artificial turf, it has been brilliant to be able to support grass pitches and educate the staff who look after them.” For more information on GreenBest and their products please email sales@ greenbest.co.uk; Velvit products are only available through select distributers, which can be found here: www.velvit.co.uk/distributers.

GroundskeepingJournal.co.uk | April/May 2021

Velvit Professional Turf Care Products www.velvit.co.uk Only available through specialist distributers.

TOP DRESSING

Making the switch to Johnsons J Fescue mix

oing a fantastic job at retaining the natural links characteristics, Perranporth Golf Club Course Manager Rob Cook has been delighted with his switch to Johnsons J Fescue mix. Having used Johnsons Sports Seed at his previous club, Rob swapped with confidence two years ago, sowing the greens with a combination of Chewings and Slender fescues, with another 100% fescue blend, J Premier Fairway, employed across the fairways. Picking up where the previous Course Manager had left off, maintaining the fescue species and low inputs was something Rob was keen to continue with when he took over three and a half years ago. “Once I used the stock of seed we had, I got in touch with my local Johnsons rep Ian Barnett who went through the mixtures available. J Fescue was the obvious choice for the greens, and for the fairways I was after a mixture of all the fescues – Hard, Sheeps, Strong, Chewings and Slender Creeping Red Fescue. J Premier Fairway ticked all of the boxes, straight off the shelf. The results have been absolutely fantastic!” Rob usually overseeds the greens between one and three times a year, the last time was September 2020 – the germination from which is still visible. “J Fescue delivers high shoot density and strong colour which lasts. Ordinarily, I would be planning to overseed again in April but with the greens in such good condition and the upcoming return of golfers we believe we’ll be able to wait until our next maintenance week in September.” “On the fairways we have a ‘members volunteer divot party’ who divot all 18 28

fairways with the J Premier Fairway mix over a two-week period – and through lockdown it’s been even more frequent.” The combination of more frequent seeding and the higher quality cultivars included in J Premier Fairway has meant that the artificial fairway mats that members were required to use over the winter period are a thing of the past! “We’ve made fantastic

strides forward in terms of year-round plant health and strength.” “With divot work ongoing and a bumper season of play expected, I’ve got no doubts at all that the surfaces will be fit and ready to cope with the sustained levels of play” Rob concludes. www.johnsonssportsseed.co.uk

GroundskeepingJournal.co.uk | April/May 2021

TOP DRESSING

Get growth going this spring

ith thoughts beginning to turn to the application of early season nutrition, Headland Amenity have a wide range of fertiliser products to get growth going this spring. Multigreen® CRF is a popular choice with golf and sports clubs alike, to overcome the efficacy issues associated with some granular feeds in high moisture situations, as nutrient release is governed solely by soil temperature. Multigreen® features urea or potassium nitrate prills within a permeable polymerresin coating which start to release their solubilised nutrients once soil temperatures rise above 6oc - in line with grass growth. Nutrient availability is gentle and controlled by temperature alone, avoiding ‘flush’ growth and producing a strong, healthy sward that is sustained for up to six months depending on the analysis. This field longevity makes Multigreen® ideal for use on winter

sports pitches and racecourses with lighter, free-draining soils. For areas featuring heavier soil types, Headland’s XTEND® range of slow release granular and soluble fertilisers are another effective option – providing two to three months of consistent nutrient release from a single application. Each urea prill in XTEND® granular features two components to enhance the slow-release nature of the nitrogen; NBPT which prevents the loss of ammonia nitrogen to the atmosphere by volatilisation and DCD nitrification inhibitor to slow down the conversion of ammonium to nitrate in the soil, allowing the ammonium nitrogen to be held in the soil more efficiently. In liquid form, XTEND® is an ideal tank mix partner to Clipless NT® and Elevate Fe®, creating a cost-effective spring/summer feed without excessive clippings generation. Designed to fill the gap between traditional outfield and fine turf

GroundskeepingJournal.co.uk | April/May 2021

products, the H-Cote™ range of minigranular controlled-release fertilisers are suitable for use in all coarse and close mown turf situations including golf tees and fairways, sports pitches and racecourses. H-Cote™ offers field longevity of three to four months thanks to the high levels (70-91%) of controlled release nitrogen, surrounded by dualcoat technology which allows for a high specific nitrogen analysis per prill while reducing the risk of nitrogen lock-off. Specifically for fine turf, Greentec® Mosskiller Pro is an ideal spring starter or low temperature hardener on amenity turf where prolonged colour, but not too much growth, is required. In addition to its low NK analysis, providing a consistent response in cool conditions, it is an approved mosskiller, providing rapid control of moss in managed amenity turf.

www.headlandamenity.com

TOP DRESSING

The Redexim Speed-Seed he provision of favourable germination and establishment conditions are essential to the success of any overseeding operation. Seeds will differ in terms of the amount of light, moisture and temperature required which will therefore determine the time and the method in which it should be delivered. The Redexim range of overseeders encapsulate a variety of working widths, hopper capacities and delivery methods – all of which are fully adjustable to suit a variety of different seeds.

The Redexim Speed-Seed range delivers seed into pockets generated by a spiked sarel roller. This creates 990 holes per m2, with the seeds swept in via a rearmounted brush. The recently re-modelled range features a new variable seed rate calibration system – which makes ratio adjustments simple and accurate, while a new mixing bar and individual seeding elements ensure good, even distribution and less wastage. Available in four width options – ranging from 1.1m up to 2.3m – the Speed-Seed is ideal for fine turf and quick delivery across larger areas where drill lines need to be avoided. 30

For improved seed to soil contact, or in situations where high germination rates are the priority, disc seeders could be considered. The Overseeder 3D collection features discs spaced at 75mm which create a groove in which to accurately deposit the seed at depths of up to 30mm, before the roller seals the ground to protect the seed from the elements and/or the beaks of hungry birds. Thanks to its individually mounted coulters, the Overseeder 3D takes undulating ground easily in its stride, making it a great choice for golf – with a dedicated 3D 1575 lightweight version further suiting fine turf applications. In addition to the 1.5m working width of the 1575 model, a 1.2m and larger 2.0m width are also available.

Also in the disc seeder category, the Redexim Double Disc series contains three machines, the 1430A, 1830A and 2230A, offering working widths of 1.4m, 1.8m and 2.2m respectively. The concept of the Double Disc range is to deliver seed into the soil via two rows of discs, in slits 3cm apart and to a maximum depth of up to 20mm, to ensure maximum germination. A massive 230 litre hopper capacity completes the specification. The whole Double Disc range comes complete with 3-point linkage as standard, but a trailed wheel kit is available as an option. www.charterhouse-tm.co.uk

GroundskeepingJournal.co.uk | April/May 2021

Perfect play requires Perfect maintenance

All the tools of the trade for professional turf care aerators|overseeders|top dressers|scarifiers|verti-cutters

www.charterhouse-tm.co.uk | 01428 661222

THE BEFORE AND AFTER OF ONE METRE DEEP AERATION COMPACTION AND WATERLOGGING STOP PLAY. DOWNTIME COSTS MONEY. Terrain Aeration’s long-term treatment reaches one metre deep where compressed air blasts the compaction. The soil is opened up for good drainage and a healthy sward with minimum disruption. We have been successfully aerating sports turf, bowling greens, golf courses, parks, trees and gardens for over twenty-ﬁve years.

See us at work: www.terrainaeration.co.uk Call us for a quotation 01449 673 783

GroundskeepingJournal.co.uk | April/May 2021

MOWERS

PRO-Z-essional mowing from Cub Cadet roven by landscape professionals Cub Cadet’s PRO Z Series of zero-turns will fulfil all your commercial requirements whilst providing a fast, premium quality cut, plus Cub Cadet is celebrating it’s 60th birthday this year with some great savings on their range including a saving of £2,760 on the RRP of the PRO Z7.

The patented SyncroSteer technology with steering wheel means that even the less experienced operators can benefit from the ease of use and amazing manoeuvrability of this machine. The ability to control all four wheels with a steering wheel and steerable front wheels, an exclusive offering by Cub Cadet in the commercial sector, minimises the turf being churned up by the wheels as it would on a lap bar zeroturn, reduces mowing time by up to 10% compared to lap bar mowers, provides greater hillside stability up to 20°, enhanced traction on uneven terrain as well as mowing in straighter lines. The PRO Z series powers through the thickest grass in one pass at maximum speeds of up to 12mph meaning you can do the job quicker. The high lift Marbain blades with a blade tip speed up to 18,500 fpm and the 3” total blade overlap will ensure that you always get a tight consistent cut. The frame and axle on the PRO Z7 floats as the machine moves allowing the deck to follow the shape of the terrain and avoids scalping. Commercial grade petrol engines, rather than diesel, from Kohler, and Kawasaki provide the consistent power you need to get the job done and maximise your work-day – reducing the downtime which could cost you both time and money. The petrol engines benefit from having lower emissions and reduced fuel usage. 32

Comfort is at the forefront of each machine’s design. Your operators can experience a smooth ride all day long thanks to the cushioned and isolated dampening system on the PRO Z7 – meaning they are working in vibration-controlled comfort, lessening downtime for your business. Angled back adjustments, padded armrest and lumbar support give added protection across the whole range.

The PRO Z series has everything and more that you would expect from a quality professional machine - ultimate performance, comfort and durability that delivers a fast, premium cut all at a great price. The range is available from specialist Cub Cadet dealers located across the UK. *RRP is £18,358.80 www.cubcadet.co.uk

GroundskeepingJournal.co.uk | April/May 2021

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£2,760 Z7 183 RS A E Y 3 OURS H 1000 NTY A WAPRRRIVAINTEES&S BUS

THE ULTIMATE PROFESSIONAL ZERO-TURN MACHINE FOR YOUR BUSINESS • Proven by landscape professionals • Powerful Kawasaki engine • Delivers true zero-turn handling with less overlap

• Reduces mowing time by up to 10% • Vibration controlled comfortable compared to lap bar mowers seat with isolation dampening system for hours of mowing • The thickest strongest steel cutting deck in the industry,

FIND YOUR NEAREST DEALER AT WWW.CUBCADET.CO.UK *WHILE STOCKS LAST. OFFER PERIOD 1ST APRIL – 30TH JUNE 2021. RRP £18,358.80. SAVINGS ARE ON RRP. SEE YOUR LOCAL DEALER FOR MORE DETAILS. CUB CADET RESERVE THE RIGHT TO INCREASE THE PRICE OF THE MACHINES SHOULD THE MARKET CHANGE AND WITHDRAW THE OFFER AT ANY TIME DURING THE OFFER PERIOD. THE PROMOTER OF THE OFFER IS CUB CADET, DISTRIBUTED IN THE UK AND IRELAND BY E.P.BARRUS LTD. THIS OFFER IS ONLY AVAILABLE IN THE UK AND IRELAND. THE REGISTERED ADDRESS IS GLEN WAY, LAUNTON RD, BICESTER OX26 4UR. FULL TERMS AND CONDITIONS AVAILABLE AT WWW.CUBCADET.CO.UK/BIRTHDAYOFFER

MOWERS

“ Kawasaki is a name that speaks for itself and my machines have never let me down. As we all know if you’re not cutting, you’re not earning, so downtime has always been a deciding factor in my machinery choices.

Kawasaki engines’ build quality a key factor in Business success for lawn care legend

awasaki’s engine build quality has been cited as one of the contributing factors to Lawn Care Legend John Ryan’s self-employed business success. Along with its power, durability, reliability and performance. John has been a lawn care contractor at his company, John’s Lawn Mowing Services in Bangor Northern Ireland for 23 years, he’s also the founder of one of the fastest growing social media groups in the lawn care industry, so it wouldn’t be a stretch to claim that what he doesn’t know about lawn care isn’t worth knowing. 34

Working as a solo operator delivering high quality, reliable and affordable grass cutting, John has learned along the way the value of having the right machinery for the job. He says: “It’s easy to think you need the job first then the machine, but the truth is you need to reverse that thinking. I’ve been there with the wrong machinery and all it delivered was headache after headache, lots of stopping and starting and unnecessary wear and tear on the machine. “I started taking my influence from successful businesses around me and Kawasaki came up time and again for its reliability and productivity. I learnt

that when you have a small team, having efficient machinery is like having another couple of people. It’s the best investment you’ll make for your business and if you compromise on quality, you compromise on profitability and success.” In his fleet John has three mowers powered by Kawasaki engines. His Ferris 36-inch Soft Ride Stand-on SRS and Ariens Zenith 60 Zero-Turn mower both feature a powerful, heavy-duty Kawasaki FX engine, while Kawasaki’s FJ180V KAI - a durable, commercialquality single cylinder engine powers his Weibang pedestrian mower.

GroundskeepingJournal.co.uk | April/May 2021

MOWERS

So, what makes machines powered by Kawasaki such a safe bet? Lots of reasons, but significantly the quality of their engineering, raw materials and components. The FJ180V KAI and FX Series engines all feature metal engine covers, for example, to protect them throughout a life of heavy commercial use and repeated transport from job to job. Both also use dual-stage, high particle capture air filters, for a cleaner air intake, vital for combustion efficiency and engine performance. Cast iron is chosen to line the engine cylinders - a material highly resistant to the wear, temperature and pressure inside the engine cylinder. Added to that, everyone who assembles a Kawasaki engine also rigorously inspects it, and every finished engine, not just a sample, is test-run before being sold - a major contributory factor to Kawasaki’s reliability, durability and consistency. John says about these choices: “Kawasaki is a name that speaks for itself and my machines have never let me down. As we all know if you’re not cutting, you’re not earning, so downtime has always been a deciding factor in my machinery choices. With these machines, downtime is absolutely minimal and I can get a lot done in a lot less time.” It’s not just the machinery to which John attributes to his success, it’s the support of a good dealer too. He says: “Dealers are the backbone of the industry and a decent one will pull out all the stops to help you. As a commercial contractor and it being just me, that’s been something I’ve relied on in my career and it’s played a big part in the success of the business. Not having that support can result in a knock-on effect to your schedule and can set you back, delaying other jobs.”

customers and represents the sign of a professional outfit.” And all these factors have certainly proved effective for John; if 23 years industry experience, a thriving contract business, and 5000 Lawn Care Legends Social Media followers are anything to go by! Find out more at kawasaki-engines.eu

Alongside build quality, power, performance and reliability, John says the ergonomics and aesthetics of the machine is important too: “The Kawasaki name speaks for itself. When you turn up to a job with machines powered by Kawasaki, it instils confidence in

GroundskeepingJournal.co.uk | April/May 2021

MOWERS

Spring into the first cut with Countax

s soon as the ambient soil temperature rises in spring our British lawns put on a growth spurt and it is time for the first cut. Which could mean considering a new mower or, if you have a large grass area or even a paddock, a ride-on garden tractor. Making the sizeable investment in one needs careful consideration. Will your choice of ride-on be used only for mowing? Or could it be an all-year-round workhorse, performing a wide variety of garden tasks from spring through to winter? To make the most of your investment it is worth looking at a Countax garden tractor to fit the bill in all respects.

The PGC+ is a cassette system that allows you to quickly and easily switch accessories. It means you only need one machine to maintain the lawn, paddock, drive, path and other garden areas. The Grass Sweeper cassette comes as standard and clicks into place with brushes that rotate at over 1100rpm to sweep grass clippings, fallen leaves and other debris into the hopper, even when the grass is wet.

Firstly, it is designed for the British garden and built in Britain for the vagaries of our weather. Secondly, it will make gardening life a whole lot easier. The first spring mow needs to be at a high height, gradually lowering the cutting deck as the season progresses. This is easily done with the Countax deck height setting ranging from 101mm/4” down to 12mm/1/2”. There is a choice of cut and collect, mulching using an optional mulching kit or a High Grass Mulching deck for rougher areas. For those of you who like a striped lawn, you cannot better the Countax Powered Grass Collector (PGC) and roller system, powered by the tractor’s Power Take-Off (PTO). Which brings us to the PGC+, the accessory that transforms a Countax C or B Series into that multi-use, year-round workhorse.

So, all-round a Countax will work for you through the seasons. Using the PTO you can also drive other accessories such as a powered broadcast spreader, which is ideal for spreading salt and grit on paths and drives to keep them ice-free. Choose a B Series Countax and you have the benefit of the unique 4TRAC four-wheel-drive system giving you a ‘go anywhere, mow anywhere’ garden tractor capable of tackling slopes, mud and rough ground. It also makes the perfect partner for a snowblade to clear your way in the depths of winter.

Spring is also a good time to scarify the lawn to rid it of winter accumulated moss and thatch and that is simply done by switching to the easy-to-insert Scarifier cassette. Which means you don’t need to spend money on a separate scarifier.

Find out more by contacting Countax on 01844 278800 or visit www.countax.co.uk/ find-a-dealer/ to find your local dealer.

GroundskeepingJournal.co.uk | Spring 2021

MOWERS

Commercial mowers from STM Warwickshire-based STM Co Ltd with their nationwide dealer network, supply the well-known SCAG range of pedestrian, stand-on, ride-on and remote control mowers. The Pedestrian range has three models: SW, SWZT and SWZ. The “Z” is for the Zero-Turn facility. The SWZ range features engines from 14 to 22HP and cutting decks from 32” up to 61”, and STM also make a range of attachments: twin-wheel for bank use, flail heads, reel heads and a snow blade. The V-Ride is the SCAG Stand-on mower, ideal for intricate area use. The view for operating is extremely clear, and also, because of the dimensions of the unit they fit well on a trailer or in a van. Cutting deck sizes are 36″, 48″, 52″ or 61″. STM Co also supply the SCAG ride-on mowers, with SCAG having been at the forefront of the technology for over thirty years.

• Completing the range are RoboFlail remote control mowers. • RoboFlail One Petrol (25HP Kawasaki): 1.8m wide with a 1.2m cut underslung STM rotary deck for cutting in either direction. • RoboFlail One Diesel (25HP Yanmar): same platform as above with underslung rough cut flail deck. • RoboFlail Vario 25 Diesel (25HP Yanmar): accepts PTO driven front mounted attachments, plus track widening from 1.33m to 1.75m.

There are six models in the range, from high-end professional to high-end domestic, with various deck configurations and width choices from 48” to 72”.

RoboFlail mowers can be operated from up to 300m distance via their control box.

Deck options include mulching features, a flail unit and a Humus Safety Mulcher head.

Find out more by visiting their website www.wheels.co.uk or emailing them at sales@wheels.co.uk

GroundskeepingJournal.co.uk | April/May 2021

MOWERS

INFINICUT announce new partnership

NFINICUT® are pleased to announce a new distribution partnership with one of the world’s leading hybrid pitch suppliers, FLexGrass. With vast international experience in countries including Italy, Switzerland, North Africa, the Balkans as well as Mexico, Argentina and beyond, FLexGrass will be adding the INFINICUT® range of professional cylinder and rotary mowers to their ‘onestop shop’ installation and maintenance package. FLexGrass have been working with some of the biggest names in sport for over 10 years. Its owners Fabio and Lorenzo Travaini, in collaboration with SIS Pitches, pride themselves on providing

a complete surface package – from project management and installation, through to maintenance and follow-up service and support. With a number of exciting pitch projects in the pipeline for 2021 and beyond, Turf Managers will now have the opportunity to specify mowers from the renowned INFINICUT® collection to keep the health and playability of new installations in firstrate condition. “We are extremely excited to start this collaboration with INFINICUT®” comments FLexGrass CEO Fabio Travaini. “Our customers are interested in achieving excellence and we have therefore always made it our mission to create or find the very best products to give our customers just that.

With INFINICUT® we are now in the position to offer them not only the best, but the most technologically advanced, mowing equipment available in our market today.” INFINICUT® Sales Manager Vinny Tarbox added, “It’s been a very exciting few months for the team as we continue to construct our global distribution channels. Fabio, Lorenzo and the team at FLexGrass have worked incredibly hard to establish themselves as a leading provider of hybrid surfaces, all backed up with the very best products and support. We look forward to working closely alongside them to bring the INFINICUT® range to even more venues around the world.” www.infinicut.com

GroundskeepingJournal.co.uk | April/May 2021

MOWERS

Vanmac Ltd appointed as full-line distributors of the Progressive range

anmac Ltd are pleased to announce they have been appointed as full-line distributors of the Progressive range of trailed and mounted rotary mowers for the professional grounds and sports turf market. Having represented Progressive in the turf farm sector for several years, the extension of the partnership to incorporate distribution to the professional amenity sector is effective from 15th March 2021. Progressive have a long and illustrious track record for designing and manufacturing innovative, rotary finishing mowers suitable for a wide range of applications – from golf courses to sports fields, turf producers and local authorities. This, combined with Vanmac Ltd’s vast knowledge and experience in the sector through the

distribution of other leading brands such as Trilo vacuum sweepers, promises to bear fruit for both parties. With the main growing season fast approaching, of particular interest from the Progressive range – and available in the UK for the first time - will be the tri-deck TDR-X contour mower. The three independently floating decks promise to closely follow the contours of the ground, without scalping, offering a combined cutting width of 3.2m and an easily adjustable cutting height range from 9.5mm to 84.5mm. Along with other machines in the range, the TDR-X takes advantage of Progressive’s Pro Lift-N-Turn™ technology, allowing the operator to temporarily raise the decks, with the PTO still engaged, to make turning easier and increase overall productivity.

GroundskeepingJournal.co.uk | April/May 2021

“Expanding our agreement with Progressive to cover the professional turf care market is absolutely fantastic news for Vanmac Ltd” comments Area Sales Manager Jeremy Vincent. “Their range is renowned for delivering durability and fantastic cut quality and it complements our other product lines, including Trilo and Brouwer Kesmac, fantastically. We can now offer those managing turf surfaces a comprehensive collection of equipment, together with parts service, all from under one roof. Over the next few months, we look forward to building a network of dedicated dealers to assist with the all-important back-up support and beginning demonstrations as soon as we can.”

www.vanmac.co.uk

TOOLS, PLANT & EQUIPMENT

Prevent mowing accidents Ideal attachment for string trimmer or brush cutter ounter rotating blades create a clean,sharp cut in any use.The 1:20 reduction ratio and automatic stopping blades means power rotary scissors is incredibly safe,fast and efficient.While cutting with Power Rotary Scissors, It can prevent flying gravel or debris damaging your trees, plants or even cars in parking lots.Preventing flying debris means it is an ideal brush cutter attachment for operators working in conditions with risks or potential for damaging of property.

Blades are easy to sharpen and replace as the gear unit can be completely disassembled for easy maintenance.

Power rotary scissors is great for edging, wetland clearance and uncovering of landmarks (drain covers etc).Perfect for precision cutting and edging around lawns, gardens, bunkers and sand traps.

• Trim up to obstacles For reduced risk of causing damage and kick-back.

With the Power Rotary Scissors, you target exactly what needs to be cut.

• Less flying debris Useful for trimming near parked vehicles,office windows.

Major features are as follows.

Attach this to a string trimmer or brush cutter in minutes and instantly increase productivity and safety.

• Flat bottom design Ideal for cutting lawn flat.

• Easy edging Perfect for tidying edges. • At the water’s edge Ideal for trimming at the water’s edge or wetland.

With dual blade rotating scissor action, multiple adapters to fit a wide range of trimmers, and additional blade options available for thin/soft grass, edging, or multi-purpose cutting. The Power Rotary Scissors trimmer head keeps the operator clean and the environment safe from flying debris. For more information, email info@idech.co.jp.

GroundskeepingJournal.co.uk | April/May 2021

TOOLS, PLANT & EQUIPMENT

Enhanced Visibility and Safety With Snickers Workwear Hi-Vis. Snickers Workwear takes personal wellbeing at work very seriously. That’s why this range of Hi-Vis protective wear is streets ahead of anything else. With updated styles and designs added to the extensive range of Jackets, Trousers, Shorts, Toolvests, Shirts and Fleeces for men and women, there’s a host of garments in the range to satisfy the specific requirements of Classes 1, 2 and 3 protection levels.

Snickers Workwear Stretch Shorts Combining 4-way stretch fabric that delivers working comfort all day with street-smart, slim-fit designs, Snickers Work Shorts are great for grafting in the warmer months. These lightweight garments feature a body-mapping design and are made from a self-ventilating stretch fabric with CORDURA® reinforcements for durability allround mobility when you need it most.

These ‘outstanding’ products combine Snickers’ unrivalled hallmarks of functionality and comfort with the requirements of the EN20471 standard for high visibility warning clothes.

The Men’s FLEXIWork lightweight work shorts come with flexible gusset seams and also have easy-to-access holster pockets with zip compartments, an expandable stretch cargo pocket and a ruler pocket. The AllroundWork Women’s multi-purpose, slim-fit shorts have 4-way stretch panels in the right places for consistent comfort, practical pockets for optimal functionality and great freedom of movement.

www.snickersworkwear.co.uk

GroundskeepingJournal.co.uk | April/May 2021

UNBEATABLE QUALITY. UNRIVALLED VERSATILITY. Ideal for large areas where lightweight machinery is required to minimise turf damage but high horse power and exceptional lift capacity for its size cannot be compromised, the TH Range of ISEKI compact tractors is equipped with a Stage V compliant powerful 35hp or 40hp 3-cylinder turbo diesel engine and 3-speed hydrostatic transmission for ease of use whilst manoeuvring. With a 1200kg lift capacity at the ball end the TH range can operate a wide range of implements with ease. The 2 speed rear PTO with 2 mode engagement and auto stop function plus mid PTO to suit a variety of implements. For the ultimate comfort Optional an air conditioned cab is available as an option. Other additional extras include front loader and mid-mount deck for the ultimate versatility.

Contact your local dealer to book a demo on your site today! Designed & Engineered in Japan www.iseki.co.uk

TOOLS, PLANT & EQUIPMENT

ULTIMATE POWER AND PERFORMANCE With the implementation of the new Stage V engine emission regulations, ISEKI has taken the opportunity to refresh and introduce new models to their range of outfront ride-on mowers, renowned for their build quality and reliability.

t the top of the collecting range of mowers the new SF551 with large 1300L collector, is powered by a 49hp 2,434cc Stage V 4 cylinder turbo diesel. This engine provides supreme horsepower and torque whilst offering improved economy and refinement. There is now a choice of 60” or 71” rotary mower decks with single point or electric height of cut adjustment and supplied with a mulching insert. Alternatively, a 1.6m Muthing collecting flail can be fitted, which can flail/scarify and collect or flail/scarify and drop, simply by reversing a steel cover and changing blades.

Sitting below the SF551, the new SF237 44

is powered by a 35 hp 1,826cc Stage V 3 cylinder turbo diesel. The engine is more economical and refined whilst producing high horse power and torque. The SF237 utilises a new electronic dashboard and switch gear. Available decks include a 54” rotary, a 60” rotary with single point or electric height of cut adjustment and supplied with a mulching insert. The Muthing 1.4m collecting flail can also be fitted with the added option of scarifying blades so debris can be collected by the SF237’s high-tipping 950 litre collector.

22.5hp diesel engine which is Stage V compliant but does not require the emission control equipment that must be fitted to engines that are over 25hp. The deck is a 54” rotary supplied with a mulching insert and grass, leaves etc are collected by the 950ltr high tipping collector.

However, not all tasks require a 35hp plus collecting mower, so ISEKI also offer the SF224 collector mower. This is powered by ISEKI’s economical

Visit www.iseki.co.uk to watch demonstration videos of these machines and contact your local dealer to book a demo today.

The SF224 is also available as a noncollecting mower with a 60” out-front deck and a durable tool carrier box instead of the collector.

GroundskeepingJournal.co.uk | April/May 2021

TOOLS, PLANT & EQUIPMENT

GET READY FOR SUMMER WITH OTTERBINE ith the sun can come dangers for your lakes and ponds and as we know the warm weather arrived early last year with April the sunniest on record. As a result, water management specialist Otterbine is advising greenkeepers to be prepared and take action now to avoid problems and costly fixes later.

Left unattended for long periods of time water can quickly deteriorate, leaving lakes and ponds with problems such as algae, aquatic weeds and odours meaning the importance of water management can’t be underestimated. Peter Newton, commercial and golf irrigation sales representative at Reesink explains: “It’s vital to take care of your water now so you’re not faced with a sudden onslaught

GroundskeepingJournal.co.uk | April/May 2021

of problems once the weather gets warmer. Higher levels of sunlight and heat, generated by summer sun, can lead to excess nutrients in water bodies. When combined with low oxygen levels and limited circulation, the natural ecosystem tips out of balance, which is what can cause algae, weeds, odours and sludge build up, which can even kill off aquatic life.

simple and natural solution to prevent water quality deteriorating.

“Once a water body reaches this point the costs of trying to restore it increase dramatically. As well as often being more expensive to implement, reactive solutions tend to be less friendly to the environment too.”

And with Otterbine’s comprehensive warranties ranging from three to five years on its range of products including the Giant Fountain, Fractional Series, Air Flo 3 and Fountain Glo Lights, you can rest assured that not only will your water body stay in good shape, but your fountain or aerator will be looked after too.

With Otterbine aerating fountains, industrial aerators and diffused air systems and their proven high oxygen transfer rates, there’s a

“The most natural water quality management solution is to introduce aeration to eliminate stagnant water,” says Peter. “This will increase oxygen levels, and circulate oxygen rich water throughout the lake, pond or water reservoir to keep the water clean, clear and healthy.”

www.otterbine.com

TOOLS, PLANT & EQUIPMENT

Brokenhurst Manor benefits from dealer support ituated in the village of Brockenhurst in the New Forest National Park, Brokenhurst Manor Golf Club is one of Hampshire’s finest woodland/ heathland courses. The club likes to point out that theirs is the correct and original spelling although it is pronounced the same as with the c, which was added to the railway station name in the 19th century by mistake and stuck.

The club hosted the first of last summer’s eight Rose Ladies Series tournaments, sponsored by Justin Rose. This was held in June just five weeks after re-opening following a 10-week lockdown, when the greenkeeping team was only doing essential maintenance to keep the course tidy. The idea for the series came from club member and Ladies European Tour player Liz Young, who was beaten by Charley Hull in a playoff at the inaugural event. It was the pre-tournament support that club manager Kevin Light and course manager Kevan Glass received from John Deere’s local turf dealer Hunt Forest Group, particularly groundscare sales & golf specialist Andy Johnson and golf demonstrator Rob Patrick, that contributed to the decision to sign Brokenhurst Manor’s first ever fleet package deal using a John Deere Financial contract lease arrangement. As a result, the club’s greenkeeping team now uses a 7500A PrecisionCut fairway mower, two 2653B tees & surrounds mowers, TX Turf and TE electric Gator utility vehicles, a ProGator equipped with a Charterhouse top dresser and a 5075E utility tractor on low ground pressure 46

tyres, plus ancillary equipment including a tractor trailer, a Campey TB 220 brush and a Tru-Turf greens roller. “Our previous five-year contract was up for renewal in the summer, and the decision to change to John Deere was influenced by a number of things,” says Kevin Light, who has been manager for three years. “Chief among these was that Andy and Rob were very forthcoming with loan machines for testing, demonstrations and tournament support. Both John Deere and the dealership did a very professional job all the way through this period and were really helpful when we needed it.” “We’ve run John Deere tractors here for 20 years, used Gators before and know the 2653 utility mowers well, but the A Model fairway mower and the Tru-Turf roller were firsts for us,” adds Kevan Glass. “We managed to stay positive through the initial lockdown period and utilised the time as well as we could. Along with the new kit, we were able to get quite a few extra jobs done and ticked a number of boxes while we were shut. “There are not a lot of clubs like this one, with the forest all around us – the natural beauty of the woodland feeds onto the golf course, it’s very tranquil and provides great views all the way round. However, with a clay subsoil and situated on a flood plain, it can be a hard job keeping it in top condition. Nowadays people want the full golf course experience, they don’t want tee mats and temporary greens during the winter months for example, so it’s definitely more of a challenge than it was 10 or 20 years ago.”

Since Kevin Light took over as club manager, a number of other significant changes have been made and there is a waiting list for members. “We have a great team here now, with Kevan and the greenkeepers, our bar manager

GroundskeepingJournal.co.uk | April/May 2021

TOOLS, PLANT & EQUIPMENT

“

“We’ve run John Deere tractors here for 20 years, used Gators before and know the 2653 utility mowers well, but the A Model fairway mower and the Tru-Turf roller were firsts for us,” adds Kevan Glass.

The Brokenhurst Manor Golf Club greenkeeping team (left to right): Seamus Barr, Simon Smith, Gemma Brand (with Corey the dog), deputy course manager Douglas Spencer and course manager Kevan Glass.

Kevin Casswell and club pro Jason MacNiven, who is one of the UK’s leading club fitters, all working together rather than as separate entities,” he says. “As a members club run primarily for

our members, we know what people want to see the club evolve into. However, the whole place is a lot more social these days, and I’d like to think more welcoming to visitors. We are now looking forward to hosting another important tournament, the Brabazon

GroundskeepingJournal.co.uk | April/May 2021

Trophy Southern Qualifier, in May if permitted, and I believe the club can continue to grow and prosper, despite what we’ve all had to go through in 2020 and early 2021.” www.deere.co.uk

TOOLS, PLANT & EQUIPMENT

Makita: powering outdoor maintenance With the warmer weather just around the corner, outdoor maintenance is high on the agenda. To assist groundskeepers with everything from everyday grounds maintenance, through to higher-demand applications like tree felling, leading power tool manufacturer Makita UK has a wide range of cordless machines on offer. Makita’s 18V LXT range of cordless garden machinery offers professionals the performance, versatility, reliability and ease of use needed to tackle a wide range of tasks efficiently and effortlessly. With 18V and Twin 18V (36V) models to choose from, users can easily find a machine suited to the job at hand. The LXT range affords users with the simplicity of a ‘one battery fits all’ system, whereby users can transfer 18V LXT batteries between over 70 LXT cordless garden machinery models as required, including blowers, chainsaws, linetrimmers, mowers and even motorised wheelbarrows. What’s more, the LXT

battery can be used on more than 270 products across the entire Makita portfolio – so it is easier than ever to switch between tools and tasks. With Makita’s innovative battery platform, users can also experience the high performance needed to handle more demanding applications, without ever compromising on battery run time – keeping them working disruption free for longer. Makita is also offering end users the opportunity to claim free 18V LXT lithium-ion batteries or body only LXT blowers when they purchase and register selected 18V and Twin 18V (36V) machines on or before the 31st May 2021. The offer is ideal for anyone looking to venture into cordless or expand their existing kit. To find out more about Makita’s range of cordless machines visit: www.makitauk.com and for more on the latest Makita redemption offers and terms and conditions visit: www.makitauk.com/redemption

CLAIM FREE 18V BATTERIES & BLOWERS. WITH SELECTED 18V & TWIN 18V GARDEN PRODUCTS Free 1x BL1850B 18V LXT 5.0Ah Battery or 1x DUB185Z 18V LXT Blower (Body Only) eligible for redemption with selected RT, RTE, RTX and RT8 suffix machines. Free 2x BL1850B 18V LXT 5.0Ah Batteries or 1x DUB184Z 18V LXT Blower (Body Only) or 1x DUB362Z Twin 18V LXT Blower (Body Only) eligible for redemption with selected PT2, PT4, PG2 and CT2 suffix machines. Promotion runs from 1st February to 31st May 2021. Claims must be made within 28-days of purchase. Terms & Conditions apply. See website for details.

makitauk.com/redemption

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GroundskeepingJournal.co.uk | April/May 2021

SPORTS GROUND EQUIPMENT

Choosing a linemarker The variety of marking machines on the market can be very confusing. With over 60 years experience, Sportsmark, the sports equipment and line marking specialists pride themselves on the impartial advice they can give to customers on their range. Spray marking machines are clean producing top quality lines and are less messy than transfer wheel markers, but washing through after each use and charging them every night are essential. Transfer wheel markers have the advantage that there’s nothing much to go wrong, are very low maintenance and use a less expensive paint. There’s no point in buying a Range Rover if all you do is pop to the shops weekly, and the same can be said of line marking machines. If you are

only marking one or 2 football pitches once a week, then a robust but lightweight machine is all that is required, and none is better than the Ultima. Modern polyethylene technology offers a fully recyclable, high quality, robust and durable marker at a very competitive price. It can also be stored upright by folding away the handle reducing storage space and better still…. IT WON’T RUST!!! Professional groundsman with lots of line marking prefer a spray machine and none is better than the Titan. The Titan is hand built, well balanced and robust. This high specification spray marker that combines all the needs of the professional groundsman into a single machine and offers exceptional value for money. The Titan, designed by groundsmen for groundsmen. www.sportsmark.net

Call Julie on 0800 0197733 or email sales@sportsmark.net for more information

20 litres of paint FREE with every purchase

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

www.sportsmark.net GroundskeepingJournal.co.uk | April/May 2021

SPORTS GROUND EQUIPMENT

EDWARDS SPORTS: SPOTLIGHT ON TENNIS Wherever tennis is played throughout the world the Edwards’ brand is synonymous with equipment of the highest quality, something the company is extremely proud of ll Edwards Sports tennis nets, posts, umpires’ chairs, backstop nets, windbreaks and court surround screens are manufactured at their Bridport factory using only the finest quality materials.

TENNIS NETS For over 100 years our nets have been manufactured in Dorset using the finest quality material Our standard tennis nets are: • Made to doubles specification 42’ (12.8m) long. • Supplied with a plastic-coated headline wire finished with a loop and pin. • Conform to BS EN 1510:2014 Bespoke tennis net options we can offer: • Made to any length requested (for example 33’ long for singles) • Headline wire can be supplied with a loop on both ends. • Can be supplied with a customised label on the headband. Our tennis nets are available in three qualities:

CLUB An economy net that offers great value for money. Manufactured from black knotted polyethylene netting with a 2.5mm twisted twin and 45mm mesh. The sides and bottom of the net are machine overlocked for additional reinforcement. MATCHPLAY A good quality, mid-range net which provides quality at a competitive price. Manufactured from black knotted polyethylene netting with a 2.5mm twisted twine and 45mm mesh. Black PVC banding is machined to the sides and bottom of the net to prolong its lifespan. CHAMPIONSHIP Our top of the range net with a proven track record of longevity. Manufactured from black knotted polyethylene netting with a 3.5mm braided twine and 45mm mesh. Black PVC banding is machined to sides and bottom of the net for extra durability. TENNIS POSTS The traditional Edwards’ wooden tennis posts have been supplied worldwide and are used at numerous prestigious clubs including the All-England Tennis

Club, Queens Club, Stoke Park, and the International Tennis Hall of Fame & Museum. • Posts crafted from American Ash and finished with three coatings of varnish c/w brass engraved plates and stainless-steel net hooks. • Winder end post is fitted with a heavyduty brass winding mechanism and pulley wheel. • Anchor end post has a stainless-steel hook to capture the loop on the tennis net’s head wire. • The Stadium type posts have cast iron shoes fitted at the base that hook into cast iron ground bases. Both are powder coated green. • The Centre Court type posts have 76mm round or square steel inserts fitted at the base that drop into 83mm OD or 90mm square steel sockets that are 36cm deep Inserts and sockets are powder coated green and supplied with plastic socket caps. The full range of tennis court equipment visit and to buy-online visit www. edwardsports.co.uk If you have any queries, require expert advice or would like to be sent a catalogue please contact Kerry Foote kfoote@edsports. co.uk or call 01308 424111

GroundskeepingJournal.co.uk | April/May 2021

UK manufacturers of the World's finest tennis nets and sports products since 1884 Buy online @ www.edwardssports.co.uk Telephone 01308 424111 • sales@edsports.co.uk

WEED CONTROL

Dublin City Council give green light for green weed control reentown Environmental Ltd and Weedingtech’s Foamstream have been chosen by Dublin City Council for the provision of herbicide weed control across the Dublin City area. It is the first contract of its kind in Ireland, with the council making the bold decision to move away from herbicide-based weed control and seek greener alternatives. Greentown has been carrying out weed control for Dublin City Council since 2010, initially as a subcontractor before securing the principal contractor role in 2014. Greentown is a weed control company, not a chemical company, and in 2017 they started exploring glyphosate alternatives.

In 2018 they trialled several chemicalfree methods and Foamstream was the clear winner. With a strong belief in this product, Managing Director John-Ross Armstrong decided to heavily invest in the equipment required to carry out this service to its full potential. “We are responsible weed control providers and we wanted to source a viable alternative, so we have this as an option to offer our clients.” He says. “We are conscious that there has been a shift towards greener methods, and we wanted to ensure we have a solution and that we are the market leader.” Foamstream is an innovative approach to weed control and has the

desired benefit of being completely herbicide free. Its patented lowpressure process combines heat with biodegradable foam, making it safe for use around people, animals, and delicate environments. The foam is created through a mixture of plant oils, wheat proteins, and sugars. It is supplied by Furlong Equipment, the exclusive importer and distributor of the solution to help organisations in Ireland make outdoor areas greener, cleaner and safer. They customise the machines for county councils and public works and, for Greentown, modified the skid unit to load on the truck, and added an extendable boom.

“ “We are conscious that there has been a shift towards greener methods, and we wanted to ensure we have a solution and that we are the market leader.”

GroundskeepingJournal.co.uk | April/May 2021

WEED CONTROL

A representative of Dublin City Council was asked why the council made this decision. “Action 9 of The Dublin City Biodiversity Action Plan 2015-2020 states the Council should: ‘Prepare and implement a pesticide reduction strategy within Dublin City Council. The use of herbicides and pesticides by Dublin City Council will be examined, minimizing, and where possible, eliminating their use. This will require a clear and wellthought-out series of actions, which does not entail an overnight switch to a new regime, but rather a structured step-by-step approach. However, as part of the Dublin City Biodiversity Action Plan 2015-2020, Dublin City Council will develop a transparent strategy for minimizing pesticide use, which will be an exemplar for other

organizations and authorities within the City’. As part of this minimisation programme, Dublin City Council sought tenders for alternatives methods for the control of weeds other than the use of glyphosate in line with Dublin City Council Biodiversity Plan.” The method behind Foamstream is the longer a plant is kept in the kill zone (temperatures above 57˚C) the better. By providing a layer of foam to the water, its acts as an insulator and holds the heat from the water in the kill zone for long enough to penetrate the leaf’s waxy outer layer, and travel down the stem and into the roots. This severely damages the plant, either killing it or causing it to die back. The main benefits to using this kind of treatment are used in all weathers, on any surface, all-year-round. It delivers

GroundskeepingJournal.co.uk | April/May 2021

instantly visible results and is herbicide free. “Foamstream is a great alternative to traditional methods. It has immediate effects on roadside verge weeds and uses organic means to do so.” Says Dineka Maguire, Greentown’s Dublin Divisional Manager. The weeds overtime then decompose naturally leaving streets weed-free. The public have responded positively to this service and are delighted to see an alternative to herbicide-based methods. Members of the public are at first curious as to how the machine works, however, once we engage with them, they are delighted we are Foamstreaming their streets.” More information can be obtained by calling Weedingtech on +44(0)2039090050 info@weedingtech.com www.weedingtech.com

SPRAYERS & SPRAYING

Are you ready to try a new way to spray? The Professional Sprayers People (PSP) are proud to introduce Guarany’s robust, ergonomic and efficient range of professional equipment for the manual application of liquid, granular and powdered agrochemicals.

Better health Guarany equipment is ergonomically designed, reducing operator strains and sprains. Fewer injuries leads to fewer days off too.

Guarany equipment offers groundskeeping professionals four key benefits:

Environmental protection The products adhere to Guarany’s ethical philosophy of protecting the environment: by getting only the exact amount of product needed exactly where it’s needed, effects on the surrounding area – and people in it – are reduced. Guarany also has a range of products which are made from bioplastic derived from sugarcane and 100% recyclable;

Improved effectiveness Accurate, proven equipment gets fertilisers, herbicides and pesticides exactly where they need to go in exactly the right doses; Cost savings Our products deliver efficiencies across the board. Much of our equipment is multi-functional. For example simply adding different accessories can mean a number of jobs can be achieved with one backpack. Our products are robust and durable and will last for years while accessories and replacement parts are readily available. The accuracy they afford saves money because costly agrochemicals are not wasted;

Established 100 years ago in Brazil and the leading supplier across Latin America of professional spraying equipment, Guarany is renowned for its technology, forward-thinking designs and respect for the environment and has been consulted by eminent institutions such as the World Health Organisation for its pest and disease control expertise and products. www.prosprayers.co.uk

GroundskeepingJournal.co.uk | April/May 2021

IRRIGATION

Invisibly better

eesink Turfcare brings invisible and complete top access in-field irrigation to Toro’s B Series sprinklers with a new natural turf cup.

This innovative addition to the popular sprinkler head allows grass to grow in the cup on top of the sprinkler to create a seamless and continuous area of turf. The quick release rubber cap pops up allowing all the access needed to service the internal parts of the sprinkler without digging it up and it’s available in full-circle or adjustable part-circle configuration. Designed to fit perfectly on the popular Toro B Series sprinklers, this turf cup further enhances the many benefits the B Series sprinkler is known and appreciated for. In action, the heads evenly irrigate a span of some 13 to 29 metres and the volume can easily be altered to deliver exactly what’s required with adjustment from 25 or 15 ‘Dual Trajectory’ options without having to change the nozzle. Robert Jackson, water division sales manager at Reesink Turfcare, who commissioned and helped design the new turf cup, says: “This new turf cup has been engineered to deliver issuefree, cost-effective invisible in-field irrigation. It provides precise and flexible control for watering no matter what the weather

GroundskeepingJournal.co.uk | April/May 2021

conditions are, giving head-to-head coverage even in windy conditions. We’ve also utilised the flexible rubber compound from our original TS90 range to prevent damage to the cup from pitch renovations or more importantly a player. “The benefit of in-field irrigation like this immediately improves irrigation uniformity, ensures player safety and guarantees best pitch playability and field aesthetics. And this combination of Toro B Series sprinklers with the Turf Cup from Reesink is ultimate for that.” Built to withstand the tough environment of the typical UK sports field, this turf cup has been designed and tested to ensure the highest levels of reliability and durability demanded by the market today. Robert concludes: “As we all know, something as simple as a sprinkler update can make all the difference. The same theory applies to the addition of this simple turf cup. Bringing maximum performance, minimising sprinkler interference and eliminating the need to dig up your pristine pitch during maintenance makes this product your man of the match week after week.” To talk to someone about the Toro B Series Turf Cup and invisible in-field irrigation for your stadium or training pitches, call 01480 226800.

GOLF COURSES

Toro the right decision for Olton nvesting in your first fleet deal is a big decision, but after seeing both Toro irrigation and machinery in action, Olton Golf Club in Solihull was confident Toro was the way to go.

With an abundance of clubs in the local area, the committee and greenkeeping team have been working hard to improve the course in order to stand out and Toro has played a large part in that.

For the past ten years Olton Golf Club in Solihull has been slowly turning its fleet Toro red in order to improve the course and stand out against its competition. And now, with the support of the club’s committee, it was decided the time had come to make the biggest leap yet to progress the club and invest in a Toro fleet deal.

“Securing the package deal is our next big step in improving the course, but before that we already knew Toro was the way to go,” says Mark. “Over the years we’ve been steadily replacing machines in the fleet so we could have majority Toro equipment. Toro machines are reliable and high quality and give us the confidence that we are in safe hands. It made sense with our drive to continuously improve the course that we would continue to invest in Toro.”

As the club’s first ever package deal it was far from a snap decision, explains course manager Mark Smith: “Moving the club from purchasing one or two new machines per year, to investing in a full five-year package deal with a mix of lease and purchase machines took a lot of time. The Toro machines we’ve been adding to the fleet throughout the years were proving themselves but the benefit that level of commitment to one brand would bring is something I’ve been bringing to the table for ten years. With the help of a forward-thinking committee, it’s finally become a reality.”

And before agreeing the Toro package deal, the quality of the Toro brand had

been proving itself on the irrigation side too. Mark says: “The year before we agreed the Toro machinery deal, we decided to improve and expand on our irrigation system and added Infinity and Flex800 sprinklers across the greens, surrounds, aprons and around 50 percent of the tees. After that it was time to turn our attention to our control system.” And with confidence in the quality of the Toro brand at a high, Mark says: “It was logical to look at the options from Toro and after a demonstration of the Lynx Central Control system by Reesink Turfcare, we were sold immediately. And so far, it’s been great. It’s incredibly easy to use, particularly the mobile app.”

“ “Securing the package deal is our next big step in improving the course, but before that we already knew Toro was the way to go,” says Mark. 56

GroundskeepingJournal.co.uk | April/May 2021

GOLF COURSES

Further proof of Mark and the club’s commitment to improving the course is that they are now increasing their use of Toro sprinklers further, Mark confirms: “We’re currently trying to phase them in across the rest of the tees so we have a complete Toro irrigation solution.” With both Toro irrigation and machinery now on board to help improve the course, Mark sees bright things for the future of the club: “We really pride ourselves on presentation, and with these new Toro machines alongside Toro irrigation I foresee big improvements to the course. We’ve trialled many brands over the years, but Toro has always outperformed them all. The course here stretches 90 acres and is largely made up of undulating land which Toro deals with brilliantly. One of our new machines is the Groundsmaster 3500-D triplex

rotary mower and is a perfect example of a Toro machine built to perform excellently on undulating terrain. The contour following is superb!” Mark concludes: “We really needed a fresh start with our machinery in order to make the improvements we wanted. With this new five-year

GroundskeepingJournal.co.uk | April/May 2021

agreement, not only can we achieve this in the near future, but we can continue to upgrade our front line cutting equipment every five years, ensuring we get the latest and greatest technology to keep on improving.” www.toro.com/en-gb

Q&A

The Worker Is King An insight into GKB Machines’ Distributors From their favourite machines to why they choose the innovative turf manufacturer, GKB talk to one of their distributors, Balmers GM Ltd

KB Machines, the company behind sustainable, reliable and robust maintenance machinery for natural, synthetic and hybrid turf recently caught up with one of their loyal UK distributors, Balmers GM Ltd. UK Operations Director, Tom Shinkins has worked for GKB since GKB Machines Ltd was founded in 2015 and a key part of his role is to work with the UK distributors throughout the year. Andrew Meeks, Commercial Sales Manager at Balmers GM Ltd has been with the company for 20 years and has fallen in love with GKB machines.

Offering some insight into what it’s like to be a GKB distributor, Tom discusses with Andrew why they decided to become a distributor, what their customer experience has been like and ultimately what their favourite machine is! 58

WHAT DO YOU LIKE ABOUT GKB MACHINES? To put it simply, their build. We like the fact that these machines are built by contractors for use by like-minded people. Built robustly and to last, simple and easy to operate. The machines that we use are so reliable, we trust that they will get the job done everytime. Our ethos here at Balmers is perfectly matched with GKB’s. We want to supply our customers the best machines for use and reliability, as well as getting the support from the manufacturer which GKB offer exactly that. The question should be what do I not like about GKB Machines because then I would struggle to answer! WHAT DO YOUR CUSTOMERS LIKE? Our customers’ minds work like ours so, what we like, they tend to like too. They

like the fact we are providing them with the best machines that they can rely on time after time. HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A DEALER FOR? We’ve been a dealer for nearly three years but knew about the products way before that. The way GKB keep bringing out new innovations and technologies to make their machines even better really excites us. We look forward to working with GKB for many years to come. WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE GKB MACHINES AND WHY? Now this is a difficult question! It’s almost like asking who’s your favourite child. I love the SP100 Topdresser, it’s the machine that started our relations and outperforms the competition hands down.

GroundskeepingJournal.co.uk | April/May 2021

Q&A

The GKB Combiseeder is also high on the list again for its ease of use, its simplicity and ultimately its performance and result. WHY DID YOU BECOME A DEALER? We became a dealer because we were looking for a mounted topdresser to supply our customer base with that fitted the John Deere ProGatorTM. We had supplied other manufacturers previously and were not happy with various things. We wanted a product with a direct line to the manufacturer rather than via the importer, simply to reduce the supply chain and improve communication. As we deal directly with the manufacturer now we’re able to provide customer feedback right to the people who built the product. On a typical wet and windy English weather day, Tom brought a demonstrator for us to try and we were blown away by its performance. The product range suited our portfolio and the rest is history.

WHAT’S YOUR CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE LIKE FROM GKB? If I had to use one word it would be fantastic. Tom has been invaluable, providing a vast wealth of knowledge and support. We also spent time with the guys over in the factory in Holland, which really helped to build relationships. Ultimately for us, it’s a

GroundskeepingJournal.co.uk | April/May 2021

company and a product range that’s growing which we thrive on. They are constantly innovating without creating solutions to problems that aren’t there. For that, we thank GKB. For more on GKB Machines and their reliable and robust range of machinery for natural, hybrid and synthetic turf and to learn more about becoming a GKB distributor, please visit www.gkbmachines.com or contact Tom Shinkins on 07495 883617.

TOOLS, PLANT & EQUIPMENT

Wiedenmann Whisper Twister on twice daily school run at John Lyon 60

GroundskeepingJournal.co.uk | April/May 2021

TOOLS, PLANT & EQUIPMENT

ince taking delivery of a Wiedenmann Whisper Twister in October last year, Chris Lynch, Grounds Manager at John Lyon School, Harrowon the-Hill and his team have coined their own twice daily school run. Their site, at Sudbury Fields in North West London, has five full size football pitches, three junior size pitches, 4 training zones and three cricket squares. On any given afternoon up to 150 pupils and PE staff from the independent day school, as well as outside lettings, make full use of the playing facilities. Every morning, with clean tractor tyres, one of the team takes their new blower over their Olympic-sized sand dressed hockey pitch, clearing debris and leaves. Then, switching to the natural turf of the football pitches and cricket outfields, they then take on the 2500m tree lined surroundings of the playing fields, to clear more debris and leaves. “Most people assume that Autumn is the only time we suffer with excess debris, but you’d be surprised at the volumes we still need to clear over the whole year” said Chris Lynch. “We’re an exposed site and on occasion, where there’s abnormal amounts of wind, like the storms in mid-March with gusts to 60mph, we could easily spend nearly two days clearing up, but the whisper twister saves a significant amount of time in the process.” “Clean tyres are essential when working on the MUGA, so you don’t bring anything from the fields onto the carpet to contaminate the infill.” continued Chris. “The work the blower does on the hockey pitch keeps it free of debris which is the key factor in keeping the drainage of the pitch working to a high standard and making the carpet as presentable as possible.”

“The work to the natural turf is also an essential part of the overall maintenance and care of the pitches. Where possible, you should always avoid leaving leaves or any other kind of debris on the surface. This will cause the soil to retain more moisture, causing extra movement of worms which prefer moving through wet soil trying to feed on the leaves leading to increased casting. By clearing a pitch, you will also help keep as much natural light going to the grass plant as possible and help the overall drainage and presentation.” “From a Health & Safety standpoint, the Whisper Twister and its capacity to swivel 180° means the machine works for us and not the other way around. Take our longest tree stretch at over 400m. Our previous blower in a fixed position meant that to operator often had to twist their body to see where they were going but with the hydraulic swivel feature of the Whisper Twister, this means the driver can operate the machine in a natural position most of the time. The blower is also excellent for working into those hard to reach areas we used to have to do by hand.”

GroundskeepingJournal.co.uk | April/May 2021

Chris and his team are however using their Whisper Twister for lots of other maintenance tasks including car parks, school lawns and helping to blow off dead grass after raking the natural pitches working perfectly alongside the Wiedenmann Super 500 to present their pitches tidily ahead of fixtures. Area Sales Manager, Grant Buckingham, from Wiedenmann UK dealer, Ernest Doe & Sons, at Esher, who supplied the machine, said: “The Whisper Twister has 200 m³ per minute of blow. All that puff makes a significant impact to collecting and efficient work management. Chris chose the optional goose neck spout, so the wind nozzles can be set parallel to the floor. Tractors with just one double-spool valve can operate the “left to right” swivel action hydraulically and the “up and down” motion via an electric ram, thus not requiring a second hydraulic service which is not always standard. Chris and the team can also direct the outlet spout to a variety of angles depending on the conditions.” For further information visit wiedenmann.co.uk

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BY A PP O I N T M E NT TO HE R M A JE S T Y T HE QUEEN SUPPLIE R S OF AGRICULT UR A L , GROUNDSC A RE A ND HOR T ICULT UR A L EQUIPMENT JOHN DEERE LT D NOT T INGH A M