Landscape & Amenity Product Update January 2021

International design competition reveals future shape of the high street

“The competition offered entrants a platform to engage with the debate about the future of our public spaces,” said Jane Findlay, President of the Landscape Institute.

“I was delighted to see such imaginative and hopeful thinking. If we give our designers the opportunity to truly exercise their skills, our urban spaces are in safe hands.

Selux Lighting; Warren Heaton from Ground Control; Mathew Haslam from Hardscape; Howard Gray from GreenBlue Urban; and competition judges Dr Nelson Ogunshakin and Dr Krystallia Kamvasinou.

Andrew Cottage, who managed the competition for the LI, said: “People are clearly passionate about the quality of the places where they live and want to have more control over those places.

The Landscape Institute has announced the winning entries to its latest international design competition, Transforming the urban landscape, showcasing a vision for post-COVID-19 streets and spaces.

COVID-19 has had a devastating effect on people’s lives and lifestyles and the places where they live. The entries into the LI’s latest international ideas competition,

Transforming the urban landscape, offer a wealth of new thinking about how we design and manage our public realm.

The competition, supported by GreenBlue Urban, Ground Control, Hardscape, Selux, and Vestre, attracted 160 entries from professionals and students in China, Thailand, Israel, Turkey, Denmark, Spain, the UK, and more.

“The quality of the submissions was incredible – not only in the standard of presentation, but also the quality of thought and creativity. There is a great deal of talent out there. It’s exciting to see that that the quality of our urban spaces is in safe hands if we give our designers the opportunity to truly exercise their skills.”

Jane announced the winning projects today at the Landscape Institute’s end-of-year webinar.

Joining her were competition partners Romy Rawlings from Vestre; Norman Emery from

“The message to developers and decision makers is clear: allow people to have a say, and we can create places that will both address the climate emergency and be suitable for communities in postCOVID times.

“The notion of remembering and transforming adversity into a positive future is encouraging… a good reminder that we can unlock the potential of our urban historic landscape in building postpandemic sustainability.”

The Landscape Institute

BIGGA unveils brand new outdoor festival for sports and turf industry

The British & International Golf Greenkeepers Association has unveiled a brand new outdoor festival and exhibition, taking place in June 2021.

The event, called the Festival of Turf, will bring together the greenkeeping and turf management industry for two days of innovation, exhibition and entertainment.

Taking place in the COVID-secure setting of the Warwickshire Event Centre on 8 & 9 June 2021, the Festival of Turf will feature two full exhibition days with a wide range of trade stalls and opportunities

to interact with vendors and meet face-to-face with industry peers for the first time since before the coronavirus pandemic took hold.

The Warwickshire Event Centre is located on the outskirts of Leamington Spa, close to Coventry. Centrally-located, the venue enjoys easy access to all transport networks, along with 2,000 free parking spaces.

The Warwickshire Event Centre can accommodate up to 200 exhibitors and is capable of welcoming 3,000 visitors a day through its doors. Set in a 30-acre site with both indoor and outdoor

exhibition areas, the venue provides countless opportunities to make the Festival of Turf an innovative and exciting new event for the greenkeeping and amenity turf management industry.

BTME, BIGGA’s annual trade exhibition that was due to be held in January 2021, has been cancelled due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic and the Association remains proud that the event’s spiritual home, the Harrogate Convention Centre, continues to be utilised as an NHS Nightingale Hospital.

BIGGA

“The project the Narration of the Crack adds a layer of collective memory arising from the pandemic and an earthquake into the design,” Dr Lu said. “The notion of remembering and transforming adversity into a positive future is encouraging. This was also present in entries which addressed the public space of Hutong in China, Yards in Greece, and Ipoh Old Town in Malaysia. This is a good reminder that we can learn from the past and unlock the potential of our urban historic landscape in building postpandemic sustainability.”

The LI will promote the entries to civic leaders around the world as we move toward a greener recovery from the Coronavirus pandemic. This approach includes our work in England as part of the UK Government High Streets Task Force.

Judge Dr Ally Lu, from the University of Sheffield’s Department of Urban Studies and Planning, was interested in the wide range of international entries – in particular, student submissions that reflected on the entrants’ own cultural context and heritage landscape.

We start 2021 in much the same way we ended 2020, wondering what the next few weeks has in store for the industry let alone the next few months. The new lockdown imposed after Christmas was arguably inevitable but it was still difficult to accept for an industry that battled on with such determination and professionalism during 2020.

We already knew that this month, instead of making plans for a few days in Harrogate and BTME 2021, we would be looking ahead and waiting until later in the year before we could all safely get together again. Both BIGGA with its outdoor festival of turfcare and SAGE with its outdoor demonstration-led event in the summer have taken positive steps to provide the industry with a long-overdue meeting point.

The level of uncertainty surrounding the pandemic is such that the industry will have to adopt a watching brief for the next few months. The national vaccination programmes offer some hope, but it looks likely that 2021 will be just as challenging and unpredictable as last year. If nothing else, however, this industry is resilient and adaptable. So, The GMA’s planned #GroundsWeek in March will be a timely opportunity to celebrate the work of the industry and hopefully secure wider recognition for the important role all those within it play in the life and the economy of the UK.

We are still starting the year with our first Professional Groundscare supplement, albeit without the usual look ahead to the first exhibition of 2021. There is still plenty to read about, however, with spotlights on aeration and battery powered products. We also take a look at hard and soft landscaping, forestry equipment and our usual mix of industry news and views. So, from the team at Landscape & Amenity Product Update and TSP Media, a happy new year! We look forward to showcasing another successful and prosperous year for the industry throughout 2021 and beyond.

Paul Groves, Editor

National land management charity, the Land Trust, is celebrating a year which saw its parks and green spaces play a vital part in the lives of local communities, with the Trust’s sites being visited 1.4 million times.

The charity, which has responsibility for over 80 parks and green spaces after bringing six new sites under management in 2019-20, delivered over £30 million of economic and social value to the communities that live and work around its sites.

The significant rise in the economic and social value delivered by the Land Trust has been driven by a number of factors in 2019-20, but mainly by the huge rise in the number of people attending community event’s on the Trust’s parks and green spaces, with over 100,000 getting involved in one of our events over the last 12 months, up from 66,000 the previous year.

Land Trust Chief Executive, Euan Hall, said: “It was great to have another successful year in 2019-20 in what was the Land Trust’s 15th year, and it has been fantastic to see the positive impact we have on our communities.

“We continue to see overwhelming evidence of the positive role our work is doing for people who live and work

around our sites and we are very excited about what the future holds and increasing the charitable outcomes we are delivering.

“Our social value model provides overwhelming evidence of the need for green infrastructure around new developments which is managed for the long term.

“Too often the public open spaces are an afterthought, and neglected or abandoned once the development is complete. We feel very strongly that this should no longer be allowed to happen.

“We want this to be a top priority for developers going forward.”

The number of health activities delivered by the Trust continues to rise, with over 47,000 people attending an activity in 2019-20 with mental health related events remaining a key focus for the Trust and its managing partners.

Over 13,000 young people have visited a green space as part of a school visit or another organised party, while over 9,000 people completed a training activity in 201920 with the Trust’s flagship volunteering programme Green Angels continuing to thrive.

Sport England’s commitment to protecting playing fields means that 94% of all concluded planning applications in England have resulted in improved or safeguarded facilities.

The figures cover the period April 2018-March 2019 and highlight Sport England’s enduring commitment to protect and enhance playing fi elds as part of its role as a statutory consultee on planning applications.

This means the organisation must be consulted whenever anyone wants to develop on a playing field and it will always object if it believe sports provision in the community will be diminished as a result.

New data shows: • 94% (1,078 out of 1,144) of concluded planning

applications affecting playing fields resulted in improved or safeguarded sports provision.

Playing fields continue to be protected Land Trust celebrates year of vital parks and green spaces

• In 43% of the cases where Sport England originally objected to an application, further negotiations led to an overall improvement in sports provision.

• Of the 130 applications where Sport England maintained objection, 64 were either withdrawn by the applicants or refused planning permission.

Sport England’s head of planning, Nick Evans, said: “The fi gures we are releasing showcase our continued commitment to protecting and enhancing playing fields as crucial spaces which help the nation be active.

“The impact of the pandemic this year has reaffirmed the importance of the availability

and access to playing fields when it comes to grassroots sport and physical activity.

“Looking at grassroots sport in particular, the eagerness of so many to return to the sports and activities they enjoy so much shows why we, as

Sport England, work so hard to maintain these spaces and why the development of more environments that help people be active will be a key focus within of our new 10-year strategy.”

Sport England

The process of bringing herbicides to market - what does this entail?

Regulations are constantly changing and the reality is that only one out of 100,000 potential new compounds make it to market.

Lewis Blois, national account manager at Bayer, talks about the process of bringing new products to market, the potential impact of Brexit and how the industry can work together to protect the solutions that remain.

Lewis explains the current timeline in bringing a new solution to market post-Brexit.

The role of an amenity contractor has become increasingly demanding in recent years, as tougher regulations have limited weed control solutions and the industry’s adapted from ‘a history of controlling’ to ‘a future of preventing’.

Landscape and Amenity Product Update asked Lewis Blois why the pipeline of innovative new weed control treatment has depleted so much in recent years.

It can take 10 years to bring a new active ingredient to market at the cost of around £270 million.

“The lack of new weed control products coming to the market is not due to a lack of research and development or investment, it’s due to regulations getting tighter and goalposts changing,” explains Lewis.

“As new solutions become available, we need to adapt the way we use products to ensure the best results and give those that do emerge from the lengthy regulatory process, a longer shelf-life,” he adds.

What does the process of bringing a new herbicide to market involve?

“The process of developing a new herbicide starts with the global R&D teams of whom Bayer is now one of only a handful of firms committed to this investment. There’s a lengthy process that goes before this, but once the market needs are assessed, the scientists work on creating new active ingredients or formulations,” he says.

“Once these new products are extensively researched, independently tested, and authorised internally by the Bayer global team, they are sent to the EU to be assessed by a member state, referred to as a zonal rapporteur member state (ZRMS). If the assessment is successful, individual countries can apply for mutual recognition, which allows them to use these products in their country.

“Initially, an active substance is approved and then products containing the substance must be

‘authorised’ for use. This means products must undergo rigorous testing and manufacturers are required to create a ‘Biological Assessment Dossier’, or BAD. This dossier contains a huge amount of data including efficacy, maximum effective doses, phytotoxicity and ecotoxicity, to mention a few,” says Lewis.

“Regulations can change during the research and development stage which poses a challenge, but once the dossier has been submitted, the assessment parameters remain the same.”

Lewis explains that now we have left the EU, the UK have their own process for new active ingredients and formulations and so any applications will go directly to CRD (Chemicals Regulation Division) for assessment.

“CRD then have 52 weeks to review a product, but they can ask for additional information during this process. If this happens the ‘clock is stopped’ until further information is provided,” says Lewis.

Lewis adds that the UK has some of the highest regulatory standards globally. “Active ingredients have traditionally been granted approval for a period of 10 to 15 years, but in recent years, with increasing environmental pressures, this has changed. They can now be subject to re-authorisation after just five or seven years, but it’s an evermoving process as guidelines are updated regularly.”

This means that some products are continually re-assessed and this can lead to product losses or changes to the label.

“Brexit has now added yet another dimension,” says Lewis. “While CRD are

adapting to the post-Brexit changes, all active ingredients have been given a three-year extension within the UK, so glyphosate will now be available until 2025.

“However, many of the products containing this active ingredient, such as Roundup ® , are still being reviewed as part of the last re-approval and therefore it’s not guaranteed they will be re-authorised for use,” adds Lewis.

How can we protect the solutions currently available?

Lewis explains that retaining access to products that are currently authorised comes down to an industry approach to protecting them by implementing an integrated approach.

“Everyone plays a crucial part when it comes to stewardship. For Bayer, this is producing products that surpass stewardship regulations and outlining these on the label.

For amenity contractors, this is taking a preventative approach and implementing a fully integrated weed control programme of cultural and chemical practices,” says Lewis.

“Unfortunately, as an industry we need to accept there are limited herbicides available in the amenity sector now and this is likely to remain going forward, so they need to be used correctly and within the guidelines outlined on the label,” he adds. “Adapting to an integrated approach and using mechanical and biological solutions, where possible, as well as using herbicides in a preventative way in line with the label recommendations, will help ensure we still have options available for the future,” explains Lewis.

Is there still a place for chemical solutions?

There will always be a place for chemical solutions, however the requirement and use is likely to change in favour of more selective and targeted options.

“The industry is moving from a history of controlling to a future of preventing,” says Lewis. “It’s all about taking an integrated approach and being proactive when it comes to tackling weeds.

While there are standards amenity contractors must adhere to, herbicides will still be vital, albeit under more stringent controls.

“The process of bringing new products to the market is challenging. But, if the industry takes a collaborative approach, we will protect these tools which are vital in providing weed free public spaces,” concludes Lewis.

What is the difference between an active ingredient and product name?

Active ingredients - Are the chemicals in pesticide products that kill, control, or repel pests, weeds or disease. Glyphosate is the active ingredient that kills weeds and is the active in numerous product brands.

Product name – A product name is the name given to the formulation that is purchased off the shelf, so Roundup is the brand name of a systemic, broadspectrum glyphosate-based herbicide. There can be several different brand names that contain the same active ingredient.

The Trimax Snake is the accumulation of over 30 years of Trimax innovation, engineering and customer insight. Designed for sports turf and golf courses, Snake has the unique ability to transform a variety of conditions into an even carpet of green. Built for agility, and incredibly robust, the Trimax Snake won’t fail to impress

Bayer

The new FlexiWork Neon jackets and fleeces

While Fabric, Functionality and Fit are hallmarks of Snickers Workwear, it’s the innovation and fabric technology in the design of the new FlexiWork Neon Fleece Hoodie, Jacket and Gilet that really set these new garments apart.

They’re great for working outdoors in the colder months. Delivering superior flexibility and comfort, these lightweight 4-way stretch garments come in a body-mapping design and are made from an Elastane/ Polyester fabric with a waterand wind-repellent finish for

comfort and durability when you need it most.

As well as being street-smart and visibly striking with Neon panels and reflective details for enhanced visibility they’re designed for the fast-paced professional who’s always on the go and delivering top class work on site. For professionals who rely on their gear in demanding environments, they’re a must for those who want to be visibly ahead of the rest on site this winter.

Safe and effective weed control

Adam Pilgrim from ANP Services Spalding Ltd, has long relied on Roundup ProActive from ProGreen claiming that it offers several benefits to both the contractor and the customer.

Roundup ProActive is a highly active glyphosate formulation which provides total broad spectrum weed control. Its advanced technology has secured the herbicide as a market leader and is the choice of many professionals across the UK.

Roundup ProActive uses improved adjuvants to enhance performance and plant up-take. It has also been designed for safe use and has a non-hazardous label.

Further benefits of Roundup ProActive include:

• Rainfast within 1 hour

The widest label fields of use Widest range of tested tankmixing partners

• Drift reduction properties

• Excellent in challenging conditions

“With regards as to why we choose Roundup ProActive, there are a variety of reasons,” continued Adam. “The quick rain fastness of the product makes it an ideal choice for using in tight weather windows. Its recognised position as a market leading, premium product means that it gives commercial clients the confidence that it will be safe and effective.

“Furthermore, the surfactants and water conditioners already added lessen the need to carry additional chemical containers on the vehicle, reducing cost of purchase and eliminating having lots of measuring jugs to wash out.

“Its variable application rates and speedy effectiveness, even at lower dosage rates means that it is both cost effective for the contractor and environmentally responsible for the client.”

ICL

ClearWater continues to invest and grow

Despite the temporary closures of so many sporting facilities due to Covid-19, ClearWater has seen an unprecedented number of enquiries and orders for its washpad water recycling system and servicing.

To support this continued growth, parent company Acumen has invested further in people and equipment to ensure that ClearWater remains the market leader in below-ground washpad recycling systems.

With the purchase of a new long wheelbase and larger service van to support existing engineer (and now team leader) Laf

ClearWater Division’s General Manager, Matthew Mears commented: “It’s great to be part of the Acumen business and to benefit from their continued support and commitment to ClearWater.

“These investments will ensure that we can better service our customers that require help and assistance in complying with the latest anti-pollution legislation. It’s tough times for many, so we’ve chosen to freeze our prices at 2019 levels.”

ClearWater is now available with a two-year interest free in-

Snickers

and sales support of distributor Ewing Irrigation. Incline Village Golf Resort, near Lake Tahoe is the latest to see the

benefits of the ClearWater system.

Acumen Waste

Alan Abel from Complete Weed Control (South & Central Wales) has claimed that ICL’s residual herbicide, LockStar, has become an essential product in his armoury.

Since its launch last year, LockStar has been well received in the turf and landscaping sector. It arrived at a time when public green spaces, amenity areas and transportation infrastructure were coming under increasing pressure from reduced budgets, weed infestations and a reduction in chemical solutions available on the market.

This new herbicide, which controls a broad spectrum of weeds, has been keeping areas such as these weed-free, functional and visually pleasing.

Alan has been using LockStar throughout the past season and has reported some hugely encouraging results.

“I’ve found it to be excellent and the longevity is fantastic,” he said. “It has been effective on all fronts for up to five months with just one application.”

When applied before germination, LockStar creates a dual barrier at the soil surface ensuring that soil is kept weedfree for up to five months. The innovative formula contains diflufenican and iodosulfuronmethyl-sodium – which is the first new weed control active ingredient to be released in the UK for many years.

When applied pre-germination, LockStar creates a dual barrier on the soil surface preventing weed growth and establishment. To control weeds that are already present, it can be tank-mixed with glyphosate or a ‘fatty acid’.

ICL recently announced an update to the UK label of

ICL’s LockStar essential for weed control 50

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Redexim has added two new additions to their scarifi cation portfolio.

Extending their Verti-Cut range, 2021 sees the introduction of two larger working widths with the launch of the Verti-Cut 1600 and Verti-Cut 2000.

Developed in direct response to customer demand and to compliment their existing offering, both of the new models offer scarification to depths of up to 50mm (1.95”).

The Verti-Cut employs specially designed carbidetipped blades which encourages healthy turf by cutting the lateral growth of grass roots and removing dead plant material, providing more room for roots and shoots to grow and allowing for better water penetration and airflow.

This improved downward movement of moisture and nutrients delivers far more uniform, vigorous and vibrant growth in return.

The new Verti-Cut 1600 offers a 1.6m (63”) working width which makes it ideal for smaller, undulating surfaces such as golf greens while at 2.0m (78.7”), the VertiCut 2000 lends itself to the scarification of larger spaces such as sports fields.

New Verti-Cut range from Redexim Marshalls investment over £30m in 2021

Marshalls is investing more than £30m this year to increase capacity for existing product ranges, build on its sustainable processes and boost product and digital innovation.

One of the largest investments will be at the Marshalls site in St Ives, Cambridgeshire, where the installation of a dual block plant is expected to increase site capacity for the South East region and operational network as a whole.

The investment, £20m over three years, will fund the installation of exclusive patented machinery; Marshalls will be the first in the UK to install the technology.

Not only will this project increase capacity but it also represents a significant investment in new product innovation from Marshalls, enabling more diversity of unique finishes and increasing customer choice.

In terms of sustainability, this year Marshalls will implement new methods to significantly reduce plastic packaging and also increase the number of solar panels used at key sites. These initiatives will help the business to achieve the ambitious ScienceBased carbon reduction targets that it set in 2020.

LockStar, which provided users with more effective and flexible weed control. The label update included extended use of the product meaning it can now be

applied at any time of year instead of the previous limited window between February and June.

ICL

Marshalls

Redexim

Grounds Management Association announces the first ever #GroundsWeek

March (1 -7 March 2021) and will celebrate and highlight the vital role of professional grounds staff, volunteers, and the turf sector play in making sport possible.

parks and green spaces have been valuable to the public’s health –with increased use for ‘daily exercise’ and physical activity.

Grounds management continues to be challenging beyond 2020 due to limited resources and budgets, coupled with more varied and unpredictable weather conditions that makes planning tasks more difficult.

The Grounds Management Association (GMA) has announced the launch of #GroundsWeek. The inaugural celebration week will take place

Following a difficult year for the sector, due to the impact of Covid-19, the GMA aims to showcase grounds staff and the amazing work that they do – and have continued to do – despite sport coming to a grinding halt. It also comes after a year where

Geoff Webb, CEO of the GMA, said: “We know that the skill involved is often misunderstood. We want to inspire sports fans and the general public to celebrate alongside us and get even more people to enter the profession and lend a helping hand at

pitches across the country. Without the vital work that grounds staff do, many sports would face cancellations and potentially closure. This is a chance to recognise all the hard work that goes into making sport possible and keeping green spaces accessible.

The GMA’s campaign will encourage individuals and organisations across the industry, whether they have a career in grounds management or volunteer for an hour a week, to get involved both on the pitch and on social media.

Further details about the campaign will follow in February, alongside #GroundsWeek graphics

and content for wider use. This will include top tips and a social media pack for organisations wanting to get involved. Businesses can also get involved by pledging to be a #GroundsWeek partner.

Geoff continued: “Grounds staff are vital and the work they do is essential to getting the nation active – from professional athletes to local communities. After a really tough year, we’re launching this celebration week to raise awareness and give our members the opportunity to get the recognition they deserve.”

Management Association

Update regarding golf course maintenance in lockdown

The British and International Golf Greenkeepers Association (BIGGA) has sought clarification regarding the level of course maintenance work that is able to take place on golf courses and other facilities.

BIGGA has reviewed the UK Government guidance and liaised with the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Golf and The R&A and can confirm there will be no limitations placed on maintenance activities able to be undertaken by the greenkeeping teams at golf facilities, driving ranges and other venues where golf and shorter forms of the game take place.

While golf courses in Scotland are able to remain open, golf courses in England, Wales and Northern Ireland are closed. Taking place primarily outdoors with limited opportunities for crosscontamination, greenkeeping teams have adapted well to ensure staff stay safe during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Staff at all facilities should continue to be aware of social distancing requirements and ensure any activities are undertaken in a manner that minimises interaction with others.

BIGGA is also appealing to the operators of golf clubs to use common sense when assigning tasks to the greenkeeping team and reminds club managers of their responsibility to provide a COVIDsafe working environment for all members of the team. BIGGA CEO Jim Croxton said: “With widespread vaccinations taking place across the country, our hope is that this is the final hurdle and golf courses will take the opportunity presented by reduced playing levels to prepare their courses for what we hope will be a busy and prosperous summer season out on the fairways.

Wet or dry grass, long or short, collect or mulch, the PH 1250 and PH 1500 models take it all in their stride.

And it’s that flexibility that sets the Profihopper apart from the crowd.

The sharpened wing blades on the horizontal SmartCut rotor cleanly cut and shred the grass before conveying it via the cross auger on to that unique second vertical auger to be packed into the collection hopper - meaning less time emptying and more time mowing. To add to that versatility, the sward is rolled after cutting and scarifying comes as standard.

The more than adequate power is provided by engines that are already Stage V Exhaust emission compliant and require no AdBlue.

Don’t compromise - choose the machine that comes with more compaction built-in for maximum work rates and less emptying.

Contact the Amazone Team on: 01302 755 725.

Grounds

BIGGA

Durable sweeper is made

The HSTS98 Artificial Surface Sweeper from SCH (Supplies) Ltd is robust in construction to withstand prolonged heavy use.

A differential mechanism allows the sweeper to be manoeuvred in tight corners without the wheels “scuffing”.

The machine benefits from the differential mechanism by having both wheels able to drive the pick-up brushes, giving it superior sweeping power over competitors. The height adjustment is simple, and gives the sweeper versatility on many different surfaces.

The main drive is transmitted via strong metal gears. The large capacity solid plastic

catcher is rot and tear-proof, and simple to empty. Reversing onto the tipping heap can be difficult for some, but it is made easier with the HSTS98 as it only has two wheels in contact with the ground.

This sweeper benefits with a sprung floor, which lets the sand or rubber crumb fill to flow back through the base of the hopper, at the same time collecting debris such as leaves, and twigs.

A cover plate is supplied with each machine, to cover the mesh floor in sweeping operations where all debris is required to be collected.

SCH

P&K strives for excellence

Pyle & Kenfi g Golf Club in Bridgend, commonly known as P&K, is one of Wales’s few true championship links courses.

Its lofty sand dunes and unique series of habitats hug the same stretch of South Wales coastline as its near neighbour Royal Porthcawl.

It is also one of the few golf clubs in Wales to have been awarded GEO certifi cation, in May 2020.

This environmental management award recognised the club’s efforts to achieve a credible standard for sustainable golf course operation, and its important contributions in protecting nature, conserving

resources and strengthening local communities.

“Achieving this certification is just part of an on-going commitment to continue striving for excellence in sustainable golf,” says club secretary/ manager Simon Hopkin.

“This has also seen us invest this year in more modern and environmentally friendly course maintenance equipment, with the help of Sean Brown from John Deere dealer Powercut and the company’s territory manager Nick Ashman.

“The club celebrates its centenary in 2022, when we will be hosting the R&A Men’s Home Internationals tournament,

so we’re keen to achieve the best course we possibly can, not just for that event but for the yearround benefit of our members and visitors.”

After initial discussions were held with P&K on how best to upgrade the club’s ageing mower fleet, Powercut and Nick Ashman arranged to have a brand new 2750 E-Cut hybrid electric triplex mower transported to Wales for its first ever public demonstration.

This was also the first preproduction machine to arrive in the UK after its launch at BTME in January 2019, and was shipped direct from John Deere’s stand display at The Solheim Cup at Gleneagles,

which required a special police escort off the site.

Following this P&K agreed a John Deere Financial fi veyear fi nance lease deal, with a three-month payment holiday due to Covid-19, and put in the fi rst UK order for three 2750E mowers, two equipped with cutting units for the tees and collars and one for the greens.

The order also included a 6500A lightweight fairway mower, with an HPX 815E Gator utility vehicle and a 5075E utility tractor on turf tyres plus H-Series front loader bought earlier in the year.

John Deere

Gkb machines, taking our knowledge of contracting to supply the best possible machine solution. Be it a natural, synthetic or hybrid pitch.. we have a machine to suit your needs. www.gkbmachines.com / tom@gkbmachines.com / 07495 88 36 17

Gkb machines, taking our knowledge of contracting to supply the best possible machine solution. Be it a natural, synthetic or hybrid pitch.. we have a machine to suit your needs. www.gkbmachines.com / tom@gkbmachines.com / 07495 88 36 17

or hybrid pitch.. we have a machine to suit your needs. www.gkbmachines.com / tom@gkbmachines.com / 07495 88 36 17

Gkb machines, taking our knowledge of contracting to supply the best possible machine solution. Be it a natural, synthetic or hybrid pitch.. we have a machine to suit your needs.

PSD Groundscare offer an exciting range of battery powered mulchers that are now available from innovative German manufacturer AS Motor.

There are 3 models available offering a high performing mulching solution with 42cm – 51cm cutting widths.

The battery powered models come with Lithium battery technology and offer the same excellent results as the standard

mulchers but are ideal for use in noise sensitive areas, such as hospitals, schools, housing estates and business parks due to their quiet operation.

The larger AS510 E is available in the clever 2in1 version and comes with an easy to mount side discharge deflector.

Battery powered weed strippers also available from AS Motor that offer the ideal solution to unwanted weeds. Eco-friendly and

praised

Luton Borough Council has been reaping the benefits of using innovative Mankar spraying units in its weed control programme.

The promising results come after Agrovista Amenity won a contract for the supply of weed control products to Luton Council. The tender was based on Roundup glyphosate and Mankar ULV spraying units.

Mankar spraying units are professional systems for effective, environmentally responsible and economical weed control, with Roundup glyphosate being applied without water. All the spraying units are based on ULV technology which stands for ‘ultra-low volume.’

The primary area of application for Luton Council is pavement weed control, but the units can be introduced for use on highways, parks, grounds, public gardens, cemeteries and educational establishments.

Duncan Stirling, Street Spraying Manager at Luton Council, was attracted to the many benefits of the Mankar spraying system.

He said: “A 50% reduction in the amount of herbicide rquired to maintain these areas will provide an immediate economic benefit, both in purchasing herbicide, and reduction in disposing of plastic containers.

“The ease of use with the Mankar system, in that the herbicide can be applied neat, is of continual benefit to us as it negates the need to pre-mix into knapsacks or source water supplies. This will provide a noticeable benefit to operatives in time efficiency.

“The battery life of the machine provides more than enough charge for each period of use and if required, batteries can be easily switched.”

Following the award of the contract, Agrovista Amenity delivered a training session to the team of operatives. Ed Smith, Landscape Team Manager for Agrovista Amenity is delighted to see the Mankar systems making a difference for Luton Council.

entirely chemical free, the battery powered model offers an easy and effective solution to weeding.

The AS 30 E-Weedhex 82V with lithium battery which again is ideal for use in noise sensitive environments offers low vibrations and is without exhaust fumes whilst delivering the same high performing results as the standard models.

PSD Groundscare

Agrovista Amenity

Raymo remote control model improves productivity

More than ever before contractors are being asked to meet higher standards when it comes noise and emissions.

By taking the operator off the machine and making it remote control the Raymo mower with wide 104cm (41”) deck can give unrivalled run times from its Lithium battery pack.

The Raymo mower powered by this battery pack operates at very quiet ~68db, ideal for when working in noise sensitive areas. Thanks to the low centre of gravity the Raymo remote controlled mower can tackle slopes up to 35 degrees, with

the operator working safely at a distance. By removing the operator from working on the machine it also eliminates any damaging vibration caused from spending long periods of time each day mowing.

The 4WD offers superior traction no matter what grass is being cut with a neat fi nish thanks to its easy manoeuvrability and zero turning circles, allowing the operator to be a productive as possible. The low height of the mower at only 51cm (20”) also means it can tidily cut under benches or around low bushes and trees.

Should you find you need a longer run time the battery pack can be simply replaced with another whilst out on site, alternatively where noise levels

are not so restricted you can switch to a hybrid power pack.

ISEKI

The benefits of Mean Green technology

The electric Mean Green commercial Zero Turn, Stand-On and Walk Behind mowers are continually improving.

The latest models, named the Evolution Series, highlights

The

a single battery and new drive system allowing the battery to be mounted lower down in the chassis giving greater stability on banks and slopes.

New mower models and performance upgrades will

continue throughout 2021 making it an exciting year for Mean Green Mowers in the UK. Contact Overton (UK) Ltd for more information or a demonstration.

Overton

Contractors uses Turf Tank GPS for accurate results

Countrywide Grounds has been using the Turf Tank robotic line marker with GPS base station to achieve unrivalled accuracy wherever it is needed.

The Turf Tank is the only GPS line marker available that uses a base station. It provides an accuracy of +/- 1cm over 100m and ensures that the robot will overmark lines with supreme precision and mark out new pitches with ease.

The base station allows the machine to be operated without cellular or real-time kinematic (RTK) connectivity and

coverage. Using the closed system means the marker can be used anywhere with unprecedented reliability while matching the marking speed of every robotic line marker on the market.

As well as football pitches, the team has been able to use the robot to mark out year group areas for schools including numbers, and he has also completed 100m and 200m running tracks with various other sports in the pipeline.

Jacobsen introduces the Eclipse 360 ELiTE

ELiTE batteries have powered E-Z-GO vehicles for over 15 million hours, and that technology has been adopted by the E360 ELiTE to make a mower that can cut 50+ large greens on a single charge. Noise during operation is reduced to virtual silence, meaning the machine can be used to cut anywhere early in the morning without disruption.

The significant reduction in noise pollution is combined with zero air pollution with the all-electric model, while fuel consumption is reduced when cutting with the diesel hybrid.

The Patented Frequency of Clip Control ensures a consistent cut every time by linking the reel speed to the forward speed. By having the reels turning in time with the wheels you’re able to keep a consistent frequency of cut regardless of who is mowing, but still have the option to increase it without reducing the mowing speed.

This control is taken further with individual unit control that can adapt the cutting configuration to vary wheel runs and truly eliminate triplex ring.

Turf Tank

how these mowers have evolved and been developed over the last 10-year period in the USA with input from UK customers.

new RIVAL-52 and RIVAL-60 ZTR mowers have many new features including

The new Eclipse 360 ELiTE from Jacobsen has been designed to combine the next generation of ELiTE lithium-ion batteries with a signature cut that has been trusted for a century.

Jacobsen has a decade’s worth of experience with the Eclipse range, and that has been reflected in the features of this new machine.

Jacobsen

INTELLIGENT TREE SURGERY FOR THE PROFESSIONAL ARBORIST

The new EGO Top-Handle Chainsaw outperforms the best-selling petrol-powered top-handle chainsaw on the market. With EGO’s industry-leading Arc-Lithium battery technology at its heart, the perfect combination of power and torque delivers best-in-class speed of cut. EGO’s unique battery holster and integrated cable design creates the optimal power-to-weight ratio and with many other unique features, specially designed for the professional arborist, switching to EGO Power+ technology makes more sense than ever. THE NEW EGO POWER+ PROFESSIONAL-X TOP–HANDLE CHAINSAW. THERE’S NOTHING ELSE LIKE IT. #bestbatterypower

Pellenc launch latest battery technology

Pellenc has announced the release of their latest battery –the ULiB 750

Extra thin, compact and lightweight, the Pellenc ULiB 750 battery revises all ergonomic standards with an unequalled power to weight ratio.

Developed to work with all Pellenc battery tools in the range, the ULiB 750 has a sleek and compact design, weighing less than 4.5kg,

making this backpack battery the ideal power source for tree surgeons as well as grounds maintenance professionals.

It has a full LCD display on the front of the battery which allows the operator to see power consumed, cost of fuel saved in terms of petrol, the tools that have been used and a battery life indicator.

The new battery is also IP54 water-proof rated, meaning

that the worry some users have of working in the rain with a battery-powered product is no longer an issue.

It also comes complete with the new battery harness designed around user comfort which allows the battery to be stood upright when taken off of the operator.

Another new feature is that it can be fitted in either direction on to the operator allowing the cable to come out of the top or

bottom depending on the type of machine being used.

All Pellenc batteries and tools come complete with a three-year commercial warranty as standard – the first manufacturer to offer this on battery-powered tools.

Pellenc is exclusively distributed in the UK and Ireland by Etesia UK.

Etesia UK

Spring into action with Makita’s latest offer

From 1st February 2021, consumers can claim free 18V LXT lithium-ion batteries or body only LXT blowers with the purchase of selected 18V and Twin 18V (36V) machines.

The demand for cordless products is ever growing –and with its new redemption scheme, Makita is helping end users expand their collection of cordless garden machinery for a safer, more efficient job site.

With the purchase of selected 18V RT, RTE, RT8 and RTX models, customers can claim a free 5.0Ah lithium-ion battery or 18V LXT blower (DUB185Z –body only).

The offer is further extended with purchases of Twin 18V

(36V) PT2, PT4, PG2 and CT2 machines, where consumers may redeem either two 5.0Ah 18V LXT batteries, an 18V LXT blower (DUB184Z – body only) or a Twin 18V LXT blower (DUB362Z – body only).

The exciting offer is available to consumers who purchase from a wide selection of eligible cordless models, including hedge trimmers, linetrimmers, brush cutters, blowers, chainsaws, lawn mowers and split shafts, as well as the DDG460T2X7 earth auger.

Makita’s redemption scheme launches on 1st February 2021 and will run until 31st May 2021.

Customers who purchase any of the qualifying models will have 28 days to register their purchase and claim their free battery or tool within this time period.

UltraGroomer gets to grips with unwanted accumulations

Glamorgan CCC are the latest in a growing list of cricket clubs to discover the benefits of the UltraGroomer cassette from the renowned TMSystem collection.

Purchased in conjunction with a 30” INFINICUT FL mower in June 2020, the unit has helped Head Groundsman Robin Saxton to remove thatch and annual meadow grass accumulations to improve both presentation and overall plant health.

“The combination of the very wet winter quickly followed by warm conditions in the spring had caused a build-up of annual meadow grass on the square” explains Robin, who together with a team of five maintains the

Sophia Gardens Ground and an off-site practice area. “We were familiar with the UltraGroomer from prior experience and felt it was going to be key to us clearing the accumulations and improving sward cleanliness moving forward. Since we’ve been using the cassette it’s exceeded what we hoped to achieve!”

Featuring over 80 tungsten carbide tipped blades, the UltraGroomer improves the plants immediate environment by removing Poa ingress, lateral growth and organic matter to enhance the movement of oxygen and nutrients and make it more difficult for disease pathogens to take hold.

Makita UK has launched a new garden machinery redemption scheme.

Makita

Cub Cadet

Aerate and overseed in one pass with Ventrac

Turf compaction and grass damage over the winter months caused by foot or vehicle traffic and other stresses can be an issue and needs to be alleviated to keep the turf healthy. Now with Ventrac’s Aera-vator and integrated Gandy seeder it’s possible to aerate and overseed in one pass.

The Aera-vator is designed to break and loosen the soil beneath the surface without destroying the turf. It creates a hole without bringing a core plug to the surface, leaving the turf ready for use immediately after treatment. The Aera-vator works best in drier ground leaving a core hole while fracturing the sub soil.

The National Trust’s Waddesdon Manor, managed

by the Rothschild Foundation, purchased a Ventrac 4500 compact tractor and Tough Cut deck late last year and recently returned to local dealer RT Machinery to purchase additional attachments including a Turbo Blower, Landscape Rake and Aera-vator with seeder.

With a working width of 1.52 metres and a depth of 70 mm, the vibrating heads create six holes every 300 mm (66 holes per square metre) with the hole size regulated by the drive speed. The slower the forward speed of the Ventrac tractor unit, the larger the hole.

With the optional Gandy Seeder, you can save time by reseeding while aerating, increasing the

odds of germination for a thicker and healthier sward.

The tines can be replaced individually or by quickly changing the entire mounting heads, giving you the versatility required for efficient operation.

The Aera-vator is built with the Ventrac Mount System, allowing for easy attachment changes, and comes with a standard jack stand for easy mounting.

The all-wheel-drive Ventrac 4500 is rated for slopes of up to 30 degrees and is capable of handling various turf conditions allowing aeration in areas previously inaccessible with other aeration tools.

Price Turfcare

Groundsman

of aerators

The FLEXBLADE Collector was a new concept pioneered by Groundsman Industries over 20 years ago at a time when popular collection implements were power driven brush, paddle or elevator.

The principal was simple, no driven parts, just scoop the cores off the green with a series of linked platelets called FLEXBLADES, these independently floating plates follow surface undulations with precision like multiple shovels for the cleanest possible collection.

The FLEXBLADE Collector follows the aerator closely catching a large percentage of the cores before they touch the ground, the remainder are scooped cleanly from the surface dumping them in a pile when the aerator is lifted out of work.

FLEXBLADE will collect cleanly in all conditions, powder dry or soaking wet, saving vital time and labour, additional compaction on the surface of a freshly aerated green is minimised as is overall disruption on the course.

many

The new range of Groundsman universal collectors use the original proven FLEXBLADE collection system. This implement was for many years only available for use on Groundsman aerators but as the reputation for simple, low maintenance but extremely efficient method of collecting cores grew, so did the demand for the FLEXBLADE to fit other aerators.

The new range are sporting a sleek black curved and slotted collection canopy and slotted blades. The changes are however, much more than cosmetic. The new shape adds extra strength to the canopy while reducing the overall weight by more than half.

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.

The collection blade check chains have been replaced by robust folding check links for consistent accuracy and reliability.

Groundsman Industries

Introducing the most productive pedestrian aerator

The new Air2G2 336 is the most productive pedestrian aerator on the market, with 36-inch probe centres allowing operators to cover ground quicker with the same industryleading results.

Aeration has always been an integral aspect of sports turf maintenance, and the introduction of the original Air2G2 revolutionised the process.

The principle of laterally injecting air using three

probes up to 12-inches below the surface has de-compacted countless greens, pitches, and courts at prestigious sporting venues around the globe.

The factors of no surface disruption and the option to operate the machine in wet conditions have seen many rely on the Air2G2 as their go-to solution for game or course saving aeration across all levels of professional, semi and non-professional sport. Consistent use of the machine

is proven to create surfaces that are healthy, firm, and free draining.

This happens over time because the pressurised air fractures the hardpan layers without disrupting roots while increasing pore space which promotes faster drainage and root development.

In turn, this respiration forces oxygen in and pushes CO 2 and other anaerobic gases out for root zone gas exchange.

Operators have used the Air2G2 to solve a variety of problems from simple decompaction to reducing salt build-up, increasing air exchange and to introduce winter aeration programmes.

With the wider 336 model, the work needed to achieve these goals can be done in less time whilst always getting the same impressive results.

Campey Turf Care

Aeration machinery helping create the world’s finest sports surfaces

Amazing result at Hever Castle

The historic English Yew Maze at Hever Castle in Kent dates back to 1906 and draws 350,000 visitors a year.

Originally intended only for family use, it comprises more than 1,000 individual yew trees imported from Holland, it measures 80ft by 80ft (24.4m) and is 6,4000 square feet.

The hedges reach 8ft (2.4m) in height and there is almost a quarter of a mile (0.4km) of pathways inside.

To maintain healthy Yew hedging requires decompaction of the beach pebble pathways and specialists Terrain Aeration carried out the work using their Remote Terralift machine.

The baby of the Terralift fleet, the Remote weighs in at just

eighty kilos and measures only sixty centimetres wide.

This allows it to fit through narrow pathways such as the maze and work in confined spaces other machines cannot reach.

It still has the power of a standard Airforce Terralift to hammer the hollow probe up to one metre deep and release a hydraulic blast of compressed air at up to 20Bar (28psi).

Having fractured the soil underground and created fissures, the Remote Terralift’s probe releases dried seaweed which expands and contracts with the moisture, and the probe holes are backfilled with Lytag aggregate to maintain aeration.

Terrain Aeration

Wiedenmann GXi8 HD for contractor Avonmore

Contractor Avonmore Associates Ltd is a long- established family business providing ground care for clubs, councils, universities and schools.

Based at Stratford-upon-Avon, the company works across many sports sectors and codes.

Director Philip Buttler said: “We had reason to replace an aerator in the autumn, so, guided by Richard Ainslie at dealers Farol, we weighed up what we needed in our next machine.

“It came down to a straight choice. We could go extra wide, although slower, with need of a powerful large tractor. Or, go for a speedier 1.8m wide aerator, that would put more holes in the ground and fit behind a mid-compact”.

Philip Buttler opted for the latter, the Terra Spike GXi8 HD, the company’s first Wiedenmann.

“After its first morning at Stratford racecourse, our operator, Jason Montgomery, got out the cab with the widest smile and said he was really happy. The two anti-vibration systems protect both the driver and the tractor, so it felt effortless and just so smooth.

“That was over a month ago and the GXi8 HD has been out pretty much every day since. Our current order book is a mix of golf renovations, and regular on-going maintenance of rugby and football pitches for education establishments, as well as a handful of racecourses.”

Wiedenmann

STIHL FS 131 brushcutter for tougher jobs

The FS 131 from STIHL supplied with ADVANCE Universal double shoulder harness, metal grass blade and AutoCut mowing head, offers professionals a highperformance and efficient brushcutter suitable for landscape maintenance.

The STIHL 4-MIX engine, which runs on a fuel-oil mix similar to a 2-stroke, provides fast acceleration, more power and added torque, while also delivering lower noise and reduced emissions.

The increased fuel efficiency allows professionals to complete jobs quickly, quietly and more easily.

To make getting up and running even simpler, the FS 131 features a decompression valve meaning less force on the starter rope is needed.

Designed with a multifunction handle, the engine and speed controls are easily accessible and at the users fingertips, along with a stop switch that automatically reverts back to the start position for a quicker, simple restart.

When used in conjunction with a harness, the bike handle enables a smooth mowing action, meaning the machine can be easily guided and is ideal for working on large areas, thus reducing fatigue.

The ADVANCE Universal Harness supplied features soft padding for further comfort during longer jobs.

Additionally, the anti-vibration system dampens oscillations from the machine’s engine to significantly reduce vibrations at the handles, rendering the FS 131 suitable to use over extended periods.

The versatile tool can also be used in conjunction with a number of additional cutting attachments, including a rotary cutting head (RG), pruner (HT) and hedge trimmer (HL).

STIHL

Hatfield House goes green with Husqvarna

ETESIA launch new Attila 98X ride-on brushcutter

Etesia UK has announced the launch of the new Attila 98X four-wheel-drive ride-on brushcutter, which was officially unveiled ahead of the 2020 season at IOG SALTEX.

The new Attila 98X has been designed to work in the toughest of conditions. This powerful workhorse effectively deals with clearing vegetation from a wide variety of sites – long grass, weeds, bracken and brambles on woodland paths, orchards, verges and embankments.

With a low centre of gravity, four-wheel-drive plus heavytreaded tyres and differential lock, the new ride-on brushcutter to join the Attila family provides greater stability on slopes up to 30°.

Swing or fixed tip blades with a 98cm cutting height adjusted by a centralised lever with 8 working positions from 50mm-120mm plus transport mode enable this workhorse to cut through dense growth of up to 4.5cm diameter.

something which his previous non-Husqvarna battery models struggled with.

Built in 1611 by Robert Cecil, 1st Earl of Salisbury and Chief Minister to King James I, Hatfield House is a beautiful Jacobean property and popular tourist attraction.

It is here where Andrew Turvey, head of park and gardens, along with his team of ten employees, began their tool transformation to Husqvarna battery to help preserve and maintain Hatfield House’s vast estate.

Following a demonstration provided by the Husqvarna team, Andrew was instantly impressed by the product’s pricepoints and their ability to be used during unsavoury weather,

Since their first demo, Andrew’s collection of Husqvarna Battery Series has continued to grow, including the 535iRXT and 520iLX brush cutters.

“The brush cutters in particular have made a huge difference to the way we work,” he said. “The brush cutters are used daily on the estate, by the team and Lady Salisbury herself, thanks to their light-weight design and ability to be turned on and off when needed for short burst of use, without having to warm them up and refuel.

“Being able to switch the batteries from one product to another so seamlessly, without the worry of fuel is brilliant.”

Husqvarna

Ventrac for those tough brushcutting jobs

The Tough Cut deck attachment for the Ventrac 4500 all-terrain compact tractor has been specifically designed for mowing high grass, thick weeds and heavy brush. Able to work on slopes of up to 30 degrees, it can save huge amounts of man-hours when compared to strimming.

A large front opening directs material into the deck where three heavy-duty blades counter rotate to cut and deposit waste evenly without windrowing. The blades are sharp on both sides so they can be used on right or left-hand spindles, allowing for extended blade life.

Capable of tackling saplings up to 2.54 mm (1 inch) in diameter, the Tough Cut makes short work out of overgrown thickets. It has three cutting heights: 76 mm, 92 mm and 108 mm. Easy servicing of belts and pulleys is provided by the hinged and removable cover, while the flip-up deck provides easy access for cleaning and changing blades.

Peter Pattenden, the Golf Courses and Estates Manager at Carden Park, is a 30-year veteran in the industry having begun his career at Gleneagles back in 1991. He is also a

“We manage over 1400 acres at Carden Park including the two championship golf courses, the owner’s house and grounds and the tenant farms dotted around the estate. Every piece of equipment we buy has to earn its keep and this Ventrac certainly falls into this category.

“The Tough Cut deck is superb as it can cut through saplings, bracken and gorse, helping to maintain the areas that consume man-hours. We do a lot of woodland management, removing trees and scrub, and this means travelling across fairways to reach particular areas. The light footprint of the Ventrac, which I believe is just 6 psi, allows us to go in with either the Stump Grinder attachment or the Tough Cut

deck to maintain these sites, without leaving wheel marks around the courses.

“I’ve been buying machinery since 1996 and can honestly say this is one of the best machines I have ever bought. Summed up

in three words, it’s exceptional, versatile and robust.”

is distributed in the UK and Ireland by Price Turfcare, based near Bury St Edmunds in Suffolk.

Powered by the new Kawasaki FS691V 24HP electric start engine, the Attila 98X has a strengthened welded tubular chassis providing a better driving position for operators.

The new Attila 98X model joins the Attila range of pedestrian and ride-on brushcutters already available within the extensive Etesia portfolio.

Etesia UK

Hertfordshire’s Hatfield House thanks battery power for helping maintain its extensive grounds, following their impressive results with Husqvarna Battery Series, after making a switch to the fuelalternative.

fan of the Tough Cut deck.

Ventrac

Price Turfcare

New engines and new EVOs kickstart 2021 for GreenMech

STIHL launches first climbing helmet

Offering the highest levels of safety for arborists and tree surgeons, STIHL has launched its first multi-norm helmet, the X-Climb.

Designed for use on the ground as well as climbing, it offers full ear and face protection.

Ideal for professionals working both on the ground as well as in trees, the well-balanced X-Climb features a high visibility allround reflective strip, plus large side and rear helmet openings for better ventilation.

The four-point chinstrap with innovative magnetic buckle makes for quick-fastening when suiting up and the headband is easily adjusted

using the rotary knob to find the best position.

The nylon visor provides sturdy eye protection even in the toughest working conditions and the ear-defenders feature high insulation hearing protection capsules with a value of SNR 28 (H: 35, M: 26, L: 16).

Conforming to both EN 397 for industrial safety helmets (or “hard hats”) and EN 12492 for climbing and mountaineering helmets, the X-Climb is compatible with a number of accessories, including the BT ear defender adapters and rain and debris neck protection scarf.

STIHL

The wheels of new development continue to turn at GreenMech, with 2021 starting in style - a raft of new woodchippers are on the way to meet the demands of today’s professional arborist.

With the full effects of the Stage V Emission Regulations coming into force in June 2021, GreenMech will be introducing a range of new engine options across their popular Quad and Arborist collections, along with some more exciting additions to their revolutionary EVO series.

With June being the revised cutoff date for the manufacture and sale of pre-Stage V engined units, GreenMech is ready to introduce new compliant diesel engine options along with extending

their petrol offering across some of their most popular ranges.

2021 sees the introduction of a 25hp Kubota diesel engine in the QuadChip and QuadTrak 160D models (replacing the non-compliant 34hp engine), along with a 37hp petrol option for the QuadChip and QuadTrak 160P. Fitted with the 37hp Vanguard petrol engine, the 160P machines offer comparable performance to the diesel-powered alternative, but at a reduced cost.

Further up the range, we will see the introduction of the new Arborist 200P – powered by a 57hp Kubota petrol engine. The Arborist 200P will boast impressive torque and pull-

through from the massive 200mm x 280mm letterbox opening, making it ideal for handling large quantities of bulky material.

Alongside engine upgrades, GreenMech will also be launching further expansions to their proven EVO 165 series. Since the original EVO 165D came to market, the evolution has continued with a tracked variant and more recently the introduction of a SUB-750kg petrol machine.

Joining the line-up in early2021 will be the EVO 165PT - a fixed-track model with the 37hp petrol engine – and a SAFETrak variant of the original EVO diesel model which will become the EVO 165DST.

In addition to the new tracked models, the EVO concept of powerful bite, torque and throughput will be extended further with a new 8-inch product line.

The EVO 205D will feature a Stage V compliant 50hp Kubota Diesel engine and new GreenMech “Smart Sense” Controller – for intelligent feed speed and a Smart Economy option for optimising fuel economy.

Available at launch in road-tow format, SAFE-Trak and SURETrak versions of the EVO 205D are due to follow later in the year as replacements for the legendary 19-28 models.

GreenMech

Husqvarna technical protective boots

The Husqvarna Technical Boots are a highly comfortable work boot made with composite toe caps to ensure a lightweight product.

The boots are 100% waterproof, made up of nylon mesh and high-quality leather Sympatex membrane, and features an

oil resistant Gravity ® sole to give the perfect grip. The front section of the boot is reinforced with extra rubber protection and features a pull strap on both the tongue and back for easy adjustment and removal of the boot.

Husqvarna

Breaking new ground with Makita’s new cordless earth auger

Makita UK has announced the release of its Brushless LXT 36V (18Vx2) DDG460 – Earth Auger.

Suitable for a variety of earth boring tasks up to 200mm diameter, this powerful tool is breaking new ground in the field of cordless solutions.

Powered by two 18V LXT lithium-ion batteries, the new DDG460T2X7 (with two 5Ah batteries and twin-port fast charger) and DDG460ZX7 (body only version) Cordless Earth Auger is capable of producing a maximum torque of 136Nm.

Thanks to its 36V brushless motor, the solution is suited for even the most demanding tasks with the ability to drill approximately 155 holes with a 150mm earth auger, and 90 holes with a 200mm earth auger all from a single charge (figures may vary depending on ground conditions.)

The tool incorporates a number of features to protect the tool and battery from potential over use, including Makita’s integrated Automatic Torque Drive Technology (ADT) that automatically changes the drilling speed according to the load condition, thus enabling more optimum operation.

To protect the operator, the tool also features a torque limiter, that will activate if the auger binds in the ground, which is required due to the high torque output generated by this machine. Here, the motor will disengage from the output shaft and the machine will stop. Should an auger bit jam in soil with high resistance such as clay, the reversing switch enables the operator to extract the bit in reverse rotation.

Makita has also included a Handle Set with a bar and auxiliary handle to assist the operator in controlling the rotation torque generated by the powerful motor and gearbox.

With a number of convenient controls such as soft-start function, an electric brake twospeed gearbox and variable speed control, the DDG460 can easily switch between tasks with its versatile auger bit adapter, whilst the twin LED job light makes working in low-light environments far easier.

The power unit can be fitted with a selection of 100mm, 150mm and 200mm earth augers and Makita has also introduced a 540mm extension bar to achieve greater hole depth when required.

ECHO Auto Choke and Easy Start chainsaws

New backhoe attachment for Bobcat

Bobcat has launched a new generation backhoe attachment for the company’s skid-steer and compact track loaders.

The new backhoe attachment converts a Bobcat loader into a powerful excavator, allowing customers to increase the versatility of their machines and the return on their investment.

The new generation backhoe attachment is ideal for applications in construction, utility, road work, landscaping, and other industries.

It is available in four configurations [the two Versatile (V) B32V and B35V models and the two Standard (S) B32S and B35S models] that offer a choice of digging depths, reach and hook-up systems.

ECHO has introduced two rear handle chainsaws designed for easy starting.

Both are lightweight, versatile and packed with features that enhance operator comfort and convenience. The ergonomic design ensures manoeuvrability and precision, making them ideal for pruning and cutting firewood.

The ECHO CS-3510AC features an auto choke with a solenoid valve at the carburettor. This controls the amount of fuel needed, depending on the engine’s temperature, for optimal performance. There are several benefits to this.

The premium 34.4cc engine is manufactured in Japan to the highest standards for increased performance, extended product life and less downtime. Combined with the light weight of just 3.8kg and compact design it helps reduce operator fatigue, offers longer use and maximum power.

The CS-3510ES is equipped with ECHO’s patented ES Start for easy starting every time. A professionalgrade 34.4cc engine and dry weight of just 3.7kg give you a saw that gets to work fast and powers through tasks. It is built specifically for versatility and ease of use.

Makita

The largest model in the range offers a maximum digging depth of 3.3 m and a maximum reach of 4 m.

Unlike the Standard models, the Versatile versions of the backhoe attachment can be equipped with additional

hydraulic attachments such as augers and breakers. Bobcat

Since 2018, the Kioti K9 2400 side by side utility vehicle has been selling successfully throughout the UK.

The future opens up for the Kioti K9 2400 New Farmtrac dealer for Scotland

It has proven itself to be a good practical working tool. The wide width for three persons seating and high ground clearance make it ideal for landscapers, estate managers and contractors.

Last year saw the introduction of the two- year unlimited hour warranty, which has been well received.

For 2021 Kioti has introduced changes to the optional cabin design and specification. The spacious cabin with a modern layout and highly visible dash display is now supplied with a fully opening front screen.

screen can either be opened partially or fully to 90 degrees. Supported by two gas struts, the opening and closing mechanism movement is positive and secure.

The opening glass screen and wiper kit is also available for units ordered with just a canopy and screen.

The full glass door on the driver’s side of the cabin can also now, if required, be ordered with an optional sliding window.

Initially stocks will be limited but the reception for this option has already been so strong that further orders will need to be made.

Dennis G860 signals exciting times at club

Street. The chairman has promised fans that we will deliver the best ground we possibly can, and we’re working towards that goal.”

The multi-million-pound project includes a recently constructed fibre sand pitch and it is for this reason that Jim decided that new turf maintenance equipment was essential.

houses the controls for - throttle, parking brake, roller drive and cutting cylinder drive.

Jim Portas, head groundsman at Boston United FC, has explained how a new Dennis G860 is helping him to deliver the best pitch he possibly can at the club’s new stadium.

The Dennis G860 and range of cassettes was purchased by Burdens Group for Boston United as part of a sponsorship agreement with the club at the new stadium.

Last year, work commenced to construct Boston United’s new stadium. The club’s chairman, David Newton, said that the new build was to give Boston United and its community foundation a secure future.

“This new stadium is the start of an exciting new era,” said Jim. “It is giving us our own place and it is a far better pitch than we had at York

“At our old pitch we were always supplied a mower from Burdens Group. However, going to this fantastic new pitch we needed something new; a premium mower which would benefit the pitch. We did a bit of research, looked at a lot of different brands and I decided that I really liked the Dennis G860 cylinder mower. It seemed to be the best option for a football pitch.”

Jim isn’t the only groundsman to be of this opinion as many of his peers have long relied on the Dennis G860 to provide the perfect cut for sports turf. Lightweight at just 166kg; it is easy to manoeuvre and comfortable to operate. The handlebar console

The mower features a large diameter front roller with an adjustable scraper which has been designed for a precise height of cut control, giving an excellent finish on every occasion. The Dennis G860 also features an interchangeable cassette system to assist with a wide range of tasks such as including scarifying, verticutting, brushing, spiking, and slitting.

“We’ve got five of the cassettes –which is my favourite aspect of the G860,” continued Jim. “The ability to carry out various jobs with just one power unit is so beneficial. In the past we have had to rely on pieces of equipment from Burdens Group. With the G860, we no longer have this problem. We simply put in whichever cassette we need and off we go. It’s so easy to change the cassette over as well.

Dennis Mowers

Farmtrac’s truly innovative range includes the industryfirst all-electric FT25G tractor. Charged from a domestic socket to 100 percent in eight hours and able to run for up to seven hours, productivity isn’t affected by the decision to go green.

And its compact size, zero emissions and low noise levels make it a popular option for small farms, orchards, equestrian centres and more.

Distributor, Reesink Agriculture, also played a part in the decision for Les. Having worked with Reesink before as a Toro service and grounds dealer, Gammies Groundcare

“They have a great team in place and a broad customer base which they have been serving for many years, which makes them a good fit for us. We look forward to working with them going forward.”

With over 30 years of knowledge and experience supplying products and services to customers, and a reputation built on quality products and excellent service, Gammies Groundcare is confident that Farmtrac will fit in well with its ethos.

Gammies Groundcare, based in Forfar Scotland, has become the latest Farmtrac dealer, praising the competitive pricing, comprehensive range and warranty as reasons to get behind the ‘exciting’ brand.

knew the benefits of partnering with the renowned distributor.

Steven Haynes, tractor sales manager for Reesink, says: “We are very pleased to have Gammies on board as a Farmtrac dealer in Scotland.

Reesink Turfcare

Kioti

Aspen Fuel boosts the H&S credentials

Health and safety is at the heart of operations for Halifax based Green Valley Arborists (GVA).

That’s why 12 months ago GVA made the switch to Aspen Alkylate Fuel across their entire range of petrol-powered equipment.

“As the company grew and work for associations including The Environment Agency started coming our way, it became apparent that the benefits of Aspen Fuel aligned more and more with our approach” explains Luke.

Being virtually free from sulphur, benzene and solvents, Aspen Alkylate Petrol is 99% cleaner than regular pump fuel when comparing the level of hazardous hydrocarbons.

With these ingredients removed, the odour and infamous ‘blue haze’ produced is minimal,

reducing the impact the machinery makes on both the operator and the environment.

“Previously we would have to send one of our team to the petrol station to fill up a drum which is all time, labour and expense.

“When you then factor in that it needs to be mixed with 2-stroke oil, and the hazards associated with that, the costs begin racking up. Being ready mixed, Aspen 2 is quicker, easier and safer for our operators to use and gives us consistency in performance, helping our equipment to run more efficiently.”

Together with Aspen 2 in their smaller tools such as chainsaws and brushcutters, Luke and the team also use Aspen 4-stroke petrol in some larger equipment – eliminating the usage of pump fuel completely.

Aspen Fuels

STIHL extends pressure washer range

STIHL has enhanced its extensive range of high-power pressure washers with the launch of the RE 150 Plus, a new premium model ideal for extensive heavy-duty domestic and semicommercial applications.

Designed with versatility in mind, the new 13A RE 150 Plus offers robustness and powerful performance with 612 litres per hour maximum water throughput and 180 bar of pressure. Whilst powerful, the new model also offers flexibility and control thanks to individual pressure, flow rate and detergent dosage controls.

Operators can make adjustments depending on what or where they are cleaning, particularly useful on machinery where bearings chains and linkages can be damaged with the use of excess pressure. An induction motor, brass pump head and stainless steel piston are also used to provide durability for extended usage.

The new pressure washer features a soft grip and rotating spray lance for maximum comfort over long periods and simple adjustment to the cleaning task at hand. In addition, the quick connection system allows users to get the machine up and running in next to no time.

Other features include 12m of steel reinforced high pressure hose with anti-twist, quick action couplings stored on an integrated hose reel, rotary and adjustable jet nozzles with an integrated storage compartment, and an integrated detergent tank. The new pressure washer also utilises an aluminium telescopic handle for simple transportation and storage.

A wide range of accessories are compatible with the new RE 150 Plus, including a snow foam nozzle designed specifically for this model.

STIHL