Landscape & Amenity Product Update December 2015

Landscape Amenity

IOG SALTEX Review A look back at the successful 2015 show Page 12-18

Product News

Machinery, Plant

Vehicles

Celebrating 300 years of landscaping genius

Throughout 2016 the work of Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown will be marked with a festival of events, celebrating his life, work and legacy in the year of the 300th anniversary of his birth.

Brown’s rich legacy of work ranges from Highclere Castle, the fictional home of Downton Abbey to the well-known estates of Chatsworth, Blenheim and Stowe, to hidden gems such as Milton Abbey, Weston Park and Compton Verney. In 2016, there will be a range of events for everyone to enjoy - from the most ardent of fans, to those that know nothing of his work but simply enjoy stunning landscapes.

Some highlights include the opportunity to tour the grounds of Belvoir Castle, where a lost Brown design was recently rediscovered

and implemented; his first and last known commissions; his longest commission; and some of his crowning achievements. The Capability Brown Festival 2016 has been funded by a £911,100 grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund, and is managed by the Landscape Institute.

Festival Director Ceryl Evans said: “Brown’s work was groundbreaking. He blended art and engineering, and moved mountains of earth and villages, to create beautiful naturalistic landscapes which are still much admired today, 300 years after his birth. “

A prolific landscape architect, Brown is associated with more than 250 sites across England and Wales, with many more parks and gardens around the world inspired by his work.

Zaun opens gates to Thames Water

Perimeter fencing expert Zaun has installed trackless bi-folding automatic speed gates at a Thames Water administration building.

The vehicle gates – which incorporate live-monitored safety edges, dual height safety photocells and manualdisengaging vertical infill bars – have replaced old rising

arm barriers at Kemble Court, Thames Water’s Operations Management Centre in Reading. Zaun also installed an adjacent pedestrian turnstile with a passage for bicycles and integrated the installation into existing fencing with 1.8m high HiSec fencing.

Capability Brown is a name well-known in gardening and landscaping circles, but among the general public his work and influence is less well-known. The Festival aims to address that gap as many of our best loved country houses are set as jewels in the wonderful landscapes he created, but often we recognise them for their architecture but sideline what makes them even more splendid – their amazingly landscaped and seemingly natural settings.

Three centuries after Brown’s birth, the Festival presents a unique opportunity to take a fresh look at how the father of landscape architecture shaped the nation’s countryside.

Capability Brown Festival Enquiry 1

Growing concern from industry after Spending Review

The Chancellor’s Spending Review proposals on welfare and housing may have grabbed the lion’s share of headlines, but the impact on the ground care industry is no less significant.

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As Mark Camley, chair of The Parks Alliance, the national voice of UK parks, said the review puts even more pressure on Local Authority budgets and their ability to provide and maintain the quality parks that we all rely upon.

“The concern of everyone that loves, uses and runs their local park is the impending risk of closures, sell-offs and a drastic

drop in quality of our green spaces, which have improved so much over the past 20 years,” he added.

“The Parks Alliance wants to work with the Government, local authorities and others to tackle this crucial issue and protect our parks for future generations.”

James Allen, head of policy at the Sport & Recreation Alliance, pointed to some good news - the Sport England grant in aid budget will increase and the 2017-21 budget will be very similar to 2013-17, which represents a much more positive scenario than many had anticipated;

UK Sport budget will rise significantly; UKAD’s funding will be maintained; and funding for the Sports Grounds Safety Authority will be increased.

“There are some notes of caution – first, let’s wait and see more of the detail and secondly we need to wait to hear more about what happens elsewhere –including in local government and public health spending (with likely cuts of around 4% a year announced),” he said.

“The point we have been making through the #GetYourKitOn campaign and for much longer than that is that sport, recreation

and physical activity should have a more prominent role in government policy.

“Getting the population more active is not a ‘nice to have’ and we have made the argument that the long term investment in our ‘hard’ infrastructure should be matched with equal attention and investment in our most important infrastructure asset of all – our population. Without tackling the inactivity crisis, we cannot have a more productive, skilled, higher wage workforce.”

Zaun Enquiry

The Parks Alliance Enquiry 3

Welcome...

We have reached the end of another year and it has to be said that we’ve generally enjoyed a positive 12 months in the landscape and amenity industry. New product launches, new services and advice consultancies introduced, a newlook and successful SALTEX at NEC Birmingham and increased contracts have all contributed to an air of optimism that has run throughout 2015.

Indeed, SALTEX provided a timely injection of positivity towards the end of the year and the IOG’s decision to move the event has largely been vindicated. It will be good to build on that optimism and buzz early in the New Year with BTME 2016 – we will have a preview in January’s issue – and all the indications are that Harrogate will be bigger and better too.

Next year will also see a year-long festival celebrating the life and work of one the greatest landscapers – Capability Brown – also helping to put the spotlight on the continued expertise and excellence the industry displays.

So we head towards the Christmas break in buoyant mood. However, there remain plenty of challenges for the industry to face in the next 12 months and beyond. These were highlighted during the Chancellor’s Spending Review.

Although there was good news for sport funding and investment for grassroots participation, the squeeze on local authority budgets continues to tighten and the impact on our industry will undoubtedly be significant.

It is good to see various trade and industry bodies lobbying at a local and national level to highlight the importance of public parks and green spaces. But they face a difficult task in getting their voices heard above the clamour for improved support across a wide variety of industries and sectors. So we all have a part to play in supporting their efforts and raising awareness of the importance of the work the industry does.

Thanks for your continued support of TSP Media throughout 2015. We would like to wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy and Prosperous 2016.

Contents:

Groves Editor

PUBLISHER

David Stiles david@tspmedia.co.uk

EDITOR

Paul Groves paul.groves@tspmedia.co.uk

CIRCULATION MANAGER

Becki

Paul

Arbortec offers total protection

The AT2000, available from Arbortec Forestwear, has been designed for the toughest environments and offers ideal protection from abrasion and cuts in rough climbing environments.

Using Dymatex5, it is 30% thinner than the traditional Kevlar glove yet it provides an up to 7 times higher cut resistance than the minimum requirement for EN388. The glove is double knitted, creating a tough and

durable outer layer, whilst the inside is soft and comfortable. In addition, the palm is coated in a precision-dipped Polyurethane offering the maximum dexterity while still providing excellent grip.

The AT2000 is available in both regular or extended cuff to provide the maximum safety against cuts on the arm or hand.

Arbortec Enquiry

Tackling social problems through power of sport

Disadvantaged communities across England are set to get active thanks to £8.2million of National Lottery funding.

More than 124,000 people will benefit from the scheme, which will use sport to help tackle social problems affecting young people, women and ethnic minorities.

activities. The foundation will be one of the first in the in the UK to offer snag golf, a version of the sport using Velcro and played on Astroturf.

thousands of people. We know that people who live challenging lives face the biggest barriers to getting active – this fund is about breaking the barriers down.”

Get ready to Party with Perennial

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One of the projects to enjoy a £150,000 funding slice is the Jason Roberts Foundation, which is changing traditional perceptions of sports such as golf, rugby and tennis being elitist.

The foundation has received more than £150,000 to offer several new and diverse

Encouraging sport for social for good, the fund has relaxed its rules to enable less welloff communities to apply for funding. Since 2013, over 200 projects have already received funding, helping to get over 350,000 people active to date.

Sport England’s Director of Community Sport, Mike Diaper, said: “The 46 projects receiving National Lottery funding all have compelling plans to use sport as a way of improving the lives of

Other projects receiving a share of the National Lottery funding include Getting the Inactive Active. The project, run by FitCap, will focus on getting under 30s who live challenging lives in East Birmingham and North Solihull active.

Tickets are now on sale for the annual Party for Perennial, which will take place on Friday 15 January 2016. The event kicks off HortAid 2016, Perennial’s year-long fundraising campaign and is an opportunity to join friends and colleagues from across the horticulture industry for a fantastic evening of networking, fun and fundraising. It will be held at Skyloft at the top of the Millbank Tower, offering spectacular views over the River Thames and London skyline, setting the scene for a wonderful evening. The Party for Perennial is now a highly popular industry fixture, having been reinstated following the charity’s 175th anniversary in 2014, reviving the organisation’s Victorian tradition of an annual fundraising event.

Sport England Enquiry 7

Perennial Enquiry 8

Almost one in five say local park threatened

Nearly one in five people (16 per cent) say that their local park or green space is currently or has previously been under threat of being lost or built on, according to a new survey by the charity Fields in Trust.

Nearly all (95%) agree that parks and play areas should be protected from development and 82 per cent feel so strongly that they would be motivated to campaign against a park loss. Two thirds (69%) state that the loss of parks would be detrimental to children’s development and half of respondents admitted that they would be less active if their local green space was lost. Fields in Trust currently safeguards over 2,500 sites; a total of 28,000 acres

Time’s up for grandfather rights

From November 26 this year anyone applying a pesticide authorised for professional use now needs to hold a specified certificate of competence.

Anyone now using professional pesticides will need to have a certificate prior to making the application, unless they are being supervised for the purpose of training by someone who holds such a certificate. It also becomes an offence for anyone to purchase pesticides authorised for professional use unless they have ensured that the intended end user holds the relevant specified certificates.

of land including playgrounds, playing fields, and formal and informal parkland across the UK.

As part of its work, Fields in Trust has supported practitioners since the 1930s on open space provision and design. Helen Griffiths, Fields in Trust Chief Executive, said: “We live in a fast-paced world and access to green space provides us all with a chance to take time-out and spend quality time being active with friends and family.

“Whilst we already protect a huge number of spaces across the country, more can be done. People often assume that their local park will always be there but this isn’t necessarily the case.

The first step in getting a park protected is often for local people to actively campaign for it.”

The most regular park users are those in the North East, with one in five visiting their local open space almost daily. This is closely followed by Londoners, where almost a third of people use their park between one to three times a week. Going for walks (62%), relaxing (31%) and walking the dog (24%), were accounted as the main reasons for people visiting their local park.

Rigby Taylor teams up with FA for PIP

Rigby Taylor has teamed up with The Football Association as the Official Supplier to The FA’s Pitch Improvement Programme.

The four-year agreement, won after stiff competition, will see Rigby Taylor grass seed, fertilisers, line marking paints and machines, as well as other consumable products, being made available to clubs with the objective of achieving a common quality standard of pitch presentation.

It is estimated that 33,000 pitches throughout England will be covered by the agreement.

improving the quality of natural turf pitches across all levels of the game up to National Conference League level. It aims to get more people playing football on better pitches – a key initiative that was detailed in The FA’s National Facilities Strategy in support of The FA’s new National Game Strategy.

The Programme includes specialist advice and guidance via site visits plus the opportunity to obtain grants and discounted rates on the recommended machinery and materials required to improve the playing surfaces.

Improvement Programme was established in direct response to a growing call from local clubs for help with pitch improvements.

“The project directly supports grassroots clubs by providing support and guidance along with harnessing expertise from specialists such as Rigby Taylor and providing the materials that clubs need. The expertise and quality of the products offered will be invaluable and offer a genuinely sustainable solution for those clubs seeking to improve the quality of their pitches.”

Fields in Trust Enquiry 11

The FA’s Pitch Improvement Programme is aimed at

Mark Pover, The FA’s National Facilities and Investment Manager, said: “The Pitch

Rigby Taylor Enquiry 12

GreenMech chipper helps produce over 60 tonnes of material a year

Launched in 2005, the voluntarily run Bisley Community Composting Scheme transforms unwanted garden waste from the local community into re-usable compost for its members and local allotment holders.

In early 2014 they purchased an Arborist 130 chipper from GreenMech enabling them to recycle 100% of the waste they received.

The idea for the scheme was borne from a meeting of local allotment holders requesting a good supply of compost. Lesley Greene, along with Site Manager Liz Howlett, obtained premises at the local allotment and the required Environment Agency exempt licence with support from both the County and District Councils.

Thanks to funding from the District Council, and a DEFRA/ RHS Sustainable Growing Media grant the group managed to go out to tender for a new machine.

“We have 6 trained operatives who use the Arborist 130 usually once a week and it has transformed the whole process,” said Lesley.

“Putting the green material through the chipper enables it to break down quicker and produces a finer quality product in a shorter amount of time.” Lesley estimates that they now turn over approximately 50 to 60 tonnes of material a year.”

GreenMech Enquiry 14

Aitkens helps to continue fine turf tradition

Like all head groundsmen, Ian Jones faces the pressure of delivering high quality pitches at Nottingham High School.

He believes that Award NutriPro Outfield fertiliser has been a valuable tool over the last four years, in the pursuit of excellence.

Ian – along with groundsmen David Naylor and John Sweeney – has six rugby pitches, two small sized football pitches, three grass cricket squares, an artificial pitch and eight grass cricket

nets to maintain at the school’s Valley Road Sports complex, which until the acquisition of their grounds in Wolverhampton was used to host the prestigious England Schools rugby trials.

“We are well renowned for the quality of the facilities we offer and it is a massive selling factor for the school,” he said. “Using the Award Nutri-Pro has enabled us to not only keep the reputation of the school but enhance it.”

Aitkens Enquiry

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IOG industry awards celebrate groundsmanship

More than 640 of the UK’s and Europe’s leading groundscare experts from both the professional and volunteer sector, as well as dignitaries from the governing bodies of sport and influential sports administrators, have honoured the expertise, dedication and passion of the country’s grounds profession at the Institute of Groundsmanship (IOG) annual Industry Awards.

The awards ceremony also celebrated the quality standards of groundscare achieved in public and private sports venues, and highlighted the progress of young/student grounds professionals as well as entrants’ environmental considerations.

The winners of the 2015 IOG Industry Awards are:

• IOG Campey/Imants

Football Grounds Team of the Year - Leicester City FC

• IOG Headland Amenity Cricket Grounds Team of the

Year - Sussex CCC

• IOG John Deere Horse Racing Grounds Team of the Year - Nottingham Racecourse

• IOG Kubota Rugby Union Grounds Team of the YearBT Murrayfield Stadium

• IOG Mansfield Sand Rugby League Grounds Team of the Year - Leeds Rhinos (Leeds Rugby)

• IOG Tennis Grounds Team of the Year - The Queen’s Club, London

• IOG Bowling Green Groundsman/Team of the Year - St Ives Bowls Club, Cambridge

• IOG Souters Sports Independent School/ University Sports Ground Team of the Year - Whitgift School, Croydon

• IOG National Governing Bodies Grassroots Sports Grounds Team of the Year -Beversbrook Sports

Coniston’s new driving experience has the X factor

A popular North Yorkshire destination resort has added six Kubota utility vehicles to its offroad fleet this month as part of a major investment in a new 4x4 driving experience. In a deal signed with local groundcare dealer, Gibson’s Garden Machinery (GGM), the Skiptonbased, 4-star rated The Coniston Hotel and Country Estate has purchased four of Kubota’s new RTV-X900 vehicles and two 4-seater RTV1140s, in a bid to add a different dimension to the popular off-road ‘experience’, in which guests spend a day putting various 4x4-equipped vehicles through their paces in a mixed and challenging off road environment.

“The Kubotas will be used by the guests taking part in the off road experience; for leisure and corporate events and as part

of the beginner, intermediate and advanced driver training programmes that we offer here at the hotel,” explains Craig Dunkerley, General Manager at The Coniston 4x4 Experience.

“The RTVs will be put through their paces on a daily basis, from suspension articulation to ruts and steep inclines and declines.

Visitors will enjoy a varied experience, which include a lagoon, moorland safari and the chance to soak up the stunning 360 views from the Pendle hill.

The addition of the Kubotas alongside the fleet of Land Rovers should provide guests with a more challenging and enjoyable experience, and allowing them to really put their off-road driving skills to the test.”

Facility, Calne, Wiltshire

• IOG National Governing Bodies Professional Sports Ground of the Year - St George’s Park, Burton upon Trent, Staffs

• IOG Rigby Taylor/Top Green Young Groundsman of the Year - Ryan Powell, Everton FC

• IOG Toro Most Promising Sports Turf Student of

the Year - Michael Crew, The Hurlingham Club, London

• IOG Briggs & Stratton

Unsung Hero of the YearIan Darler, Cambridge United

• IOG Ransomes Jacobsen

Environmental Project of the Year - St George’s Park, Burton upon Trent, Staffs

• IOG Charterhouse/Kubota

Best Maintained Artificial Pitch of the YearManchester City FC

• IOG International

Ambassador of the YearPhilip Sharples, Azerbaijan

• IOG Volunteer Groundsman of the Year - Loucas

Xenophontos, Hertford Town FC, Herts

• IOG Alex R Millar

DLF/Ransomes Jacobsen

Groundsman’s Groundsman of the Year Award – Jim Dawson, BT Murrayfield Stadium

• IOG ICL Everris

Syngenta Lifetime Achievement Award – Bob Smith, formerly head groundsman at Derby County FC’s Baseball Ground

Kubota Enquiry 18

UK service dealers fly stateside for Toro parts insight

Toro Parts service dealers from across the UK have travelled to The Toro Company world headquarters in Minnesota to see first-hand how the leading turfcare machinery and equipment manufacturer operates its parts division.

A place on the five-day knowledge-based trip with Lely UK was secured after each dealer was entered into a prize draw having demonstrated exceptional performance. The final guest list was comprised of representatives from Cheshire Turf Machinery, Kings Worthy Garden Machinery Ltd, Lely Turfcare South East, Lloyd Ltd and Oliver Landpower.

Dan Dubas, Toro Parts sales and marketing at Lely UK, says the trip was designed to provide a unique insight into the company and offer invaluable knowledge on the logistics behind achieving market leading service levels.

“The knowledge obtained during the various facility tours and presentations will provide our dealers with the information required to continue achieving the highest standards when communicating the benefits of Toro and Lely’s Original Equipment Manufacture message,“ he said.

Nathan Bond of Oliver Landpower was struck with, among many things, the insight the trip provided into upcoming new technology for the sector from the renowned Toro Centre for Advanced Turf Technology (CATT). He says: “I was most impressed with the fact Toro puts so much into future development rather than relying on what they have now. It was a great experience to see the scale of the manufacturing and parts operation and to see the detail they put into producing, for example, the cutting reels and balancing them perfectly.”

There was a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the design, engineering,

and testing facilities and assembly lines; collaborative discussions on marketing programmes and aftersales support; as well as a visit to the Toro Parts manufacturing facility and distribution centre in Wisconsin.

For Ian Weston from Cheshire Turf Machinery this trip was his second with Lely UK. He says, “I went to the USA about 12 years ago on a similar tour of the factories. The biggest difference I noticed between then and now is the advance in technology and how much Toro has invested in the latest equipment to be more efficient, cost effective and streamlined in the production of parts and machinery. The benefit of trips like this is the first-hand view of what goes on behind-thescenes and how much time and effort goes in to the products.”

Snickers’ new Next Generation workwear product and price catalogue

Snickers’ newest Product and Price Catalogue has full details of the new Next Generation range of working clothes.

There’s also loads of other information on all the other garments and accessories you can get for working effectively in the coming autumn and winter months wherever you are on site – and whatever trade you’re in.

You’ll find quality, innovation and top class functionality in every garment – Trousers, Winter Jackets, Toolvests, Gloves, Jumpers and Fleeces - the sign of a brand that knows what it takes to get the job done properly.

Snickers Enquiry 22

Forest Green calls on CWC’s expertise

Forest Green Rovers FC, the world’s most sustainable football club, has chosen to obtain the services of Complete Weed Control.

Sustainability can be found in every corner of The New Lawn Stadium and it is this organic pitch that Complete Weed Control have been assigned to keep in pristine condition.

Matt Rainey, head groundsman at Forest Green Rovers FC, has worked with the company for over a decade.

Complete Weed Control’s role at the club has differed somewhat to the previous services they have carried out for Matt, who now does all of his weeding by hand, due to the club ethos of no pesticides.

But the eradication of weeds is just one of many services the Complete Weed Control team undertake. More and more clubs like Forest Green Rovers are turning to the company in order to carry out all ‘spraying applications’ on the pitch, which

includes regular applications of fertilisers and soil amendments. It certainly means Matt has more time on his hands to concentrate on other tasks.

“We research and source every product that goes on to the pitch and that includes a feed consisting of our compost tea products,” says Matt. “There are around ten products which need

to be applied to the pitch and if I’m doing it with a walk over spray then that is literally a day gone. I just can’t afford a day at the moment and with the guys from Complete Weed Control coming in – it means I can spend a day doing something else.”

Complete Weed Control Enquiry 23

Ground Control complete landscaping at new hospital

The much anticipated Alder Hey Children’s Hospital, known as Alder Hey in the Park, was unveiled last month, welcoming patients and families into brand new surroundings.

As a part of the £250m rebuild, Ground Control on behalf of Laing O’Rourke won the contract to carry out the entire hard and soft landscaping across the site. Taking on the external grounds, Ground Control carried out all hard and soft landscaping across the site on behalf of Laing O’Rourke, which included bulk excavation, surface water drainage, bespoke timber planters and pergolas, colour macadam, natural and pcc paving, timber decking, play equipment, street furniture, topsoil installation and tree and shrub planting.

Specialist elements included the Ground Control fencing team

installing bespoke estate railing, a specialist drainage layer and completing works to podium slabs and courtyards. Additionally, the team installed surface finishes to the second storey courtyard garden, approximately 2000 m2 coloured macadam in courtyard areas, hardwood bespoke planters and high specification granite paving. Over 2000m2 of turf was laid on reinforced soil to provide access routes for emergency vehicles.

Ground Control Enquiry 25

Toro Enquiry 21

Makita fan wins gold

After an intense 16 hours of work over three days at The Skills Show 2016, NEC Birmingham, 20-year old Will Burberry from Surrey proudly stepped up to the rostrum to receive the winner’s gold medal.

Will, who completed his training at Merrist Wood College, Guildford, is now employed by Gardenscapes based in Surrey and Sussex. He showed the judges his skills in all areas of landscaping.

“We are immensely proud to provide the power tools for the competitors and to work closely with them on the run up to The Skills show and hopefully during their training for Squad UK selection,” says Kevin Brannigan, marketing manager, Makita UK.

Reform announces strategic expansion

Reform Werke, manufacturer of the Metrac, Mounty and Muli ground care machinery ranges, confirm their acquisition of Kiefer GmbH.

With a labour force of approximately 100 employees and annual turnover of 14million Euros, Kiefer GmbH have an established reputation manufacturing compact vehicles for the municipal and also the cemetery sectors where the requirement is for small vehicle dimensions, economy and flexibility.

The narrow tracked Bokimobil is used year round by municipal authorities for tasks including greenery and landscaping maintenance and transportation.

Reform Managing Director Clemens Malina- Altzinger says: “The various Kiefer GmbH models, which have both mechanical and hydrostatic drives, fit perfectly into our existing ranges and both companies share common corporate values.” Max Kiefer, will continue as managing director of Kiefer GmbH.

Simon Richard Enquiry 28

New RPR Stadium launched by Barenbrug

Grass expert, Barenbrug UK, has launched RPR Stadium, the ultimate grass seed for UK stadiums. Solving the four biggest challenges faced by stadium managers—in one scientifically proven mix.

The perennial ryegrass blend has also been tested by Barenbrug customers, and proven to deliver ultimate wear tolerance, cameraready colour, disease tolerance and fast recovery.

The new variety Barlibro in RPR STADIUM is the next generation of these distinct cultivars, offering superior performance, with respect to the speed and aggression of its stoloniferous growth.

Dr David Greenshields, research and development manager at

Barenbrug says: “Our latest R&D programme using Digital Image Analysis, allows us to analyse European winter sports ryegrass performance under wear in the UK.

“The research objectively confirms that Barorlando and Barcristalla offer an unparalleled combination of wear tolerance and dark genetic colour—at levels previously unseen. RPR STADIUM offers unrivalled benefi ts for groundsmen and winter sports pitches across the UK.”

MEANS

Makita Enquiry 26

Barenbrug Enquiry 27

Review of permeable paving is launched

A new case study, published by the trade body Interpave, reviews the successful long-term use of concrete block permeable paving around a Milton Keynes School, including benefits for wildlife and simple maintenance.

The Hazeley Academy is a purpose-built secondary school incorporating a sustainable drainage system (SuDS) designed by Robert Bray Associates with extensive areas of concrete block permeable paving installed around 10years ago. It exemplifies the use of permeable paving in distinct compartments with accessible flow controls to provide demonstrable water storage, manage sloping sites and optimise pollution removal.

The concrete block permeable paving has been shown to deliver a controlled flow of clean water for wildlife habitats

such as ponds. In particular, research showed an overall post-development increase in the population of protected Great Crested Newts native to the site and suggested that ‘Favourable Conservation Status’ has been achieved.

The case study is free to download from www.paving. org.uk where news of the latest developments in SuDS, technical guidelines and various case studies are also available.

Interpave Enquiry 31

Rigby Taylor helps cricket pitches meet high demand

The judicious selection of Rigby Taylor grass seed and amenity consumables, combined with expert advice and back-up from the company’s area technical representative, are playing a key role in enabling Kevin Reilly to consistently present first-class cricket surfaces at the University College School’s sports ground.

Rigby Taylor has been supplying the Hampstead independent school’s head groundsman with a range of products for the past six years.

R9 is a 100 per cent fine ryegrass and part of the Rigby Taylor ‘iCON’ programme of ‘low growth’ grass seeds which reduce mowing frequency but offer a host of advanced and unique specialised characteristics for high tolerance to wear, and drought and disease tolerance, for example.

First lifting gates for tricky spaces installed

Green Gate Access Systems announces availability of the new Avant Gate hydraulic lifting system that removes the obstacles of tricky installations around small spaces and sloping driveways where gates simply cannot swing or slide.

Now the Exclusive Distributor for the UK, Neil Sampson, MD of Green Gate Access Systems in Maidstone said there is nothing on the market like the range currently available from Avant Gates.

“The new gates are fitted in access or parking areas where space is restricted at the sides,” he explained. “They are the only solution where there’s a sloping road or driveways that present gaps under the gates or leave you trying to open outwards.”

The commercial gates are available up to 2.4 metres high and 10 metres wide. The domestic range, at 1.8 metres high and 6 metres wide, come in a wide range of styles.

“Avant gates are superbly engineered; the best we’ve seen,” he added. “The gates are aesthetically timeless as well as tough and resilient. The industrial hydraulic components give a feeling of certainty that we, and our resellers, will still be servicing these in twenty years’ time. The gates are delivered preassembled with full height infra-red curtains on both sides and contact safety edges.

“They are ready and working from the manufacturers with CE compliance and carry safety certification; this makes compliance easy and takes away those concerns for local installers throughout the UK.”

Each installation comes with the certificate of CE conformity, technical file and instruction manuals.

Green Gate Access Systems Enquiry 33

Designed to help retain nutrients within the rootzone, the Activate R biostimulant – which contains

Gate Safe launches visualiser tool

Gate Safe has launched its innovative Gate Safe Visualiser, an interactive tool designed to help anyone looking to specify a safe automated gate.

The Gate Safe Visualiser has been in development for 10 months and represents a pioneering move towards improving the understanding of how to install a safe powered gate.

The detailed infographic takes the specifier (who could be an architect, an electrician, a home owner or anyone involved in making the decision to install this type of device) through a step by step list of questions, supported by a series of visual prompts detailing the various factors that need to be taken into consideration to enable a safe and legally compliant installation.

The Gate Safe Visualiser is accessible via the Gate Safe website.

Kevin normally applies the Delta Sport fertiliser three times a year at the usual timings of spring, summer and autumn.

ERD, humic acids and plant growth hormones – increases plant health and rooting, as well as has chelated trace elements for improved turf colour. Activate is applied every eight-ten weeks.

Rigby Taylor Enquiry 32

Garside Sands enjoy successful tournament

Garside Sands, part of Aggregate Industries, provided a sporting hand to clubs up and down the country, supplying its premium 2EW specialist sports sand for pitch upgrades ahead of the Rugby World Cup.

With the world watching, clubs were keen to put their best pitch forward ahead of the international tournament, and turned to the experience and expertise offered by Garside Sand to supply a premium solution.

The company’s 2EW sand – a dried silica sports sand – was supplied to clubs including Twickenham, Leicester City and Brighton & Hove Albion. The 2EW specialist silica sand is a premium carpet dressing and infill sand supplied direct from Aggregate Industries’ Garside Sands operation in Leighton Buzzard. It is ideal for use in sports and leisure facilities.

Garside Sands Enquiry

36

Metrac reaches fifty

Reform Werke are currently celebrating 50 years of production of their Metrac bank tractor.

Between 1965 and the present day a series of new models and technical developments have combined to make the Metrac the leader in its field, serving the professional contractor, Local Authority and golf sectors.

Fifty years after the launch of the first two-axle mower model, the Reform 2000, the company now offers an unparalleled six model range with mechanical gearboxes and seven models with hydrostatic drive, starting with the entry level 44hp models G3 / G3 X up to the new H8 X with 81.5 hp.

Simon Richard UK Agent for the Reform range says: “The Reform Metrac specialist bank tractor has evolved to become the number

one choice for the widest range of grounds maintenance tasks, including working in difficult locations where alternative equipment is often not fit for purpose or an operative is in a potentially unsafe working environment.

“Metrac delivers optimum performance on slopes at up to 45 degrees but is also a proven year round machine for a whole range of other work. The H7 RX has by far the largest lift capacity in its class. Both the front and rear linkages lift an unbeatable 1500kg with a maximum gross vehicle weight of 3800kg allowing safe and efficient work with numerous attachments.”

Natural Paving Products announces landscape award winners

After a record number of entries, Natural Paving Products (UK) Ltd has revealed the winners of its 2015 Approved Landscaping Professionals Awards.

Open to entrants from across the company’s Approved Landscaping Professionals (ALP) scheme, the competition consisted of three categories: Best Patio, Best Driveway and Best Overall Design.

With a sleek, modern installation using Natural Paving Products’ black slate flagstones, Greenbelt Landscapes won first prize in the Best Patio category. Best Driveway went to new ALP members Paving the Way, for their attractive installation using

Natural Paving Products’ rustic quartz block paving. With a colourful and crisp lined design using Natural Paving Products’ Lakeland sandstone, Snapdragon Landscapes won the Best Overall Design category.

In addition to the new categories, Natural Paving Products will be opening its training academy in 2016. Designed to help landscapers and merchants develop their knowledge and practical skills, the training academy will run a variety of courses for professionals at all levels.

Natural Paving Products Enquiry 38

Morethan

Simon Richard Enquiry 37

Snow Plough

Planting is so easy

its own. Oaks, chestnuts, horse chestnuts, maples, sycamore and linden trees were used, groups all of the typical planting size of 25cm – 30cm diameter trunks as well as solitary trees with 50cm –70cm diameter trunks were used. The results show that additional anchorage should be used for dynamic and biological reasons.

This was also examined at a tree nursery at Bad Zwischenahn, and it was found that it is possible to provide a tree with part of its possible movement for training itself. If this is done, the tree can develop in a biologically healthy and stable way.

When commercially grown trees are sold, they are removed from ground by a three bladed shovel or with what is more commonly used now, a circular knife. The root balls are covered by a bale cloth so that the roots are not exposed and the bale is then enclosed in wire netting. The root system on a commercially grown tree is considerably smaller than the bale on a naturally grown tree, hence the reason for some type of securing system when planting.

The most commonly used method for stabilizing newly

planted trees, is a wooden tripod or its derivatives. This is not an optimal solution, neither esthetically, nor with concern to the physiology of the tree. Consequently more and more underground anchorage systems are being used. Underground systems are superior to tripod systems allowing the tree to be more esthetically displayed, and allowing the tree to develop correctly and establish a healthy root system. This type of anchorage also removes the problems associated with above ground securing, such as vandalism, continual

maintenance, the chance of litigation due to obstruction and additional difficulties in maintaining grass around the planting.

The general thoughts and guidelines on underground securing is that it is acceptable as long as the system does not damage the stem, crown or roots and that the bale diameter is large enough and the ground is appropriate. The bale should not be compressed or disturbed in a way that would damage the roots

There are several above ground and underground securing systems available and it is important to make direct comparisons before choosing what you consider to be the best for you. One essential question has been answered by field trials. How much anchorage does a tree need as a minimum? Extensive research by Dr Lothar Wessolly of Germany who is recognized as the worlds leading expert on tree stabilization, and using his “inclomethod” which uses the angle of inclination under a so called “wind supplement load” in connection with an analysis of the wind pressure on a crown, you can get a generalized inclination graph and can determine the maximum wind force a tree can safely take. Dr Wessolly conducted these tests on more than 12,000 trees.

Test results (Fig. 1) From the results, he was able to determine that trees with foliage, which were planted in sandy humus soil at Bad Zwischenahn in Germany, didn’t need any additional anchorage up to storm force 10. Of the trees planted, 74% were able to take up to storm force 11 and 48% still didn’t need support up to storm force 12. This determines that only a relatively small support is actually necessary. In addition to the newly planted trees, further trees with a standing time of one to three were tested to determine how long a tree should be supported until it can be left on

Biodynamical background (Fig. 2)

A young tree strives to grow as tall as possible. Without any stimulus by wind, most of the trees resources go into vertical growth. During the vegetation period, there is a constant flow of auxin from the tree tops to the roots. This boosts the vertical growth and therefore inhibits the budding of side shoots, the growth of a wide crown and the main root system. In contrast, in a tree that sways naturally in the wind, phytohormone ethylene is produced. This hormone inhibits the transportation of auxin and creates a growth of cells in a radial direction. This results in a redistribution of the trees growth resources with a reduction of vertical growth and the reinforcement of stem growth and of the main root system. Therefore, trees should be grown without additional support or anchorage.

Possible securing methods

There is a simple principle in engineering, that stiff or rigid systems are not able to absorb and dissipate imposed loads. Dynamic systems on the other hand are able to do just that. This means that a if a tree is supported or anchored by steel cables or stiff tripods, all of the winds force goes into that construction, the tree does not participate in the absorption and the support system is unnecessarily strained. This results in the necessary over-dimensioning of these systems or, if that is not done, the support mechanism will fail. The tree also allows for this support in its system and remains too thin and weak for its height.

Test results also showed that rigid systems with steel cables that are kept under tension, lead to a tightening of the cables and a constriction of the stem which, results in a predetermined breaking point.

If the principle that load distribution, is supposed to function between the tree and its securing system, the possible movements and the maximum bend of the tree have to be known.

Anchorage or Support above ground level.

Supporting with stakes (Fig. 3) The most common form of support is a tripod, but often a set of four stakes may be used. Both hinder the movement of the tree, causing an influence on the hormonal development of the tree, which needs natural movement for optimal development to get enough stimulation in its root system. It is also a fact that the system is forgotten about and the stakes are not removed after the roots have grown sufficiently. This can take years and from an aesthetical viewpoint this is not acceptable. The bindings can also go into the stem as the tree grows around it, causing a predetermined breaking point.

Another important point which must be taken into consideration is the often fatal effect of strimming. Often there is not enough room between the stakes and the tree. The work has to be done quickly and often there is a certain amount of indifference by the worker. This can result in damage to the stem of the tree and possible death. The only advantage of stakes is the possible use for advertising posters or to hide bad planting materials from the nursery.

Supporting with ropes (Fig. 4) Supporting trees with any kind of cable or rope needs a lot of space and can create pitfalls. They are totally unacceptable in pedestrian areas

Static anchorage (Fig. 5) There are anchorage systems on the market which use steel cables and ground anchors made of an aluminium wedge. The system is installed by hammering it into the earth with a peg, then fastening it with a ratchet to tighten the cable. Using this type of system the tree is stiff and rigidly anchored as if they were supported by stakes.

Trees which will be professionally planted on new sites, are usually purchased from tree nurseries where, as they have been grown, they have been re-planted several times and their tap root removed. This gives a more compact root ball which is close to the trunk compared t o a tree which has grown from a seed in one place.

Naturally this has the same disadvantages. This system also has the problem that if the trees stem thickness increases, it tightens the cables which then depress the cambiums, resulting in grooving, especially if the fastening is done by a sling.

Dynamic anchorage (Fig. 6) The advantage of this type of anchorage is its suitability for the natural growth of the tree. The tree can sway freely and grow strong. However systems with screw in anchors require exact placing and adjustment. To install the anchors you must operate outside the planting hole, which can cause problems when setting because of obstruction by stones.

There are other systems which use shock absorbers or soft synthetic ropes. These are rather problematic because of the synthetic materials and its vulnerability to vandalism. A knife or pocket lighter is enough to severely damage the support and consequently the tree. The relative movement of the bale within the planting hole is not completely eliminated. On lawns, there is also the possibility of damage my mowers

Underground securing

All underground securing systems avoid any visual interference and are aesthetically more pleasing. The trees can grow unmolested, because there is no interference to the natural sway and therefore with the hormonal interdependency, allowing the tree to develop to its optimum potential.

Bale pressing using aluminium earth anchors and tensioning ropes. By using polyester slings and aluminium anchors, non rotting materials are inserted into the ground, which is not really satisfactory. With this type of system, attention also has to be paid to the possible compression of the roots. Uninterrupted root growth can only happen where there is no sling, consequently, after the tree’s roots have struck, the polyester slings and ropes must be taken out and disposed of.

Bale pressing using wood (Fig. 7)

This system has advantages and disadvantages. The disadvantage is that the system uses force on the bales by pressing them which is not good for root growth. The advantage is that the wood will totally decay. However, this takes longer than it takes for the tree to be standing securely.

Bale interlocking

This systems development started with consideration right from the start of the extraction of the tree at the nursery. The tree is taken from ground by a circular knife which results in a spherical bale. The bale is immediately covered with a jute bale cloth, which is secured in wire netting. In its new planting hole, it would obviously stand like a ball in a socket. A sphere has no resistance to turning, so this has to be prevented in its new location. Some trees naturally grow tap roots; therefore it makes common sense to employ this principle when replanting trees.

A new system has been developed taking into account this principle. Arbofix was first introduced at the GaLaBau exhibition in Nürnburg Germany, and was immediately awarded the coveted award for innovation. It is produced in four sizes to accommodate different diameters of stem. Arbofix is fitted with only 3 blows of a mallet through the central ring of the wire netting. The system works well with densely rooted bales without damaging the roots.

The practical proof of this system was demonstrated after hurricane Kyrill which occurred on 18th January 2007 Twenty one newly planted acer plantenoids with stems of 18cm – 20cm had been planted in a relatively light substratum using the Arbofix securing system. The planting site was not completed, and the trees were standing on steep sided molehills made of the substratum. The trees were not supported on the sides by the planting holes. Despite the severe hurricane force winds, no tree was unearthed or even pushed over. The planting site was an unprotected high plateau in the black forest. Several other healthy trees which had been planted on the same site with other systems overturned or were badly damaged. This clearly showed the benefits of the Arborfix system.

Overview of plant securing systems (Fig. 8) Commercial landscape gardening companies work in a very competitive market place. Contracts are won and lost on price alone leaving narrow

margins when calculating planting costs. The costs of different systems should therefore be compared. Not only the initial purchase price but all costs incurred in a planting. The following costs are not totally accurate but are close enough for comparison purposes.

The calculation of the systems cost include (a) the purchase price, (b) the cost of storage and space, (c) the labour cost of installation, (d) maintenance costs after installation. With some other systems interfering material from the planting system must be removed after the tree is able to support itself. Materials such as support slings in the crowns, synthetic rope in the ground or stakes which no longer have a function should all be removed.

The costs incurred here can be quite considerable when you take into account the time taken to drive to the planting site, and then the drive to dispose of the unwanted waste.

Branson Tractors unveils range of compact tractors

Kukje Machinery Co. of South Korea have appointed the Compact Tractor Centre Ltd. of Bidford on Avon as the sole importer and distributor for Branson Tractors and responsible for appointing dealerships nationwide.

Branson currently offer tractors from 21-74hp specifically

Ransomes Jacobsen’s

MP series take the stage

Ransomes Jacobsen showed off the latest Ransomes MP series wide area mowers, combining two alternative power units with prodigious output using either a batwing rotary or a five-gang cylinder format.

As one of the groundscare industry’s major manufacturing companies, it also featured other Ransomes mowers plus Cushman utility vehicles, Iseki tractors and turf maintenance equipment from the Turfco and Ryan brands.

Ransomes Jacobsen

marketed to groundcare contractors, local authorities and all amenity turf professionals. They are not newcomers to the amenity grass care sector with established market shares in the USA, Europe and Asia.

Managing Director Nathan Walker said: “Every new tractor

carries a two years warranty that includes engine, driveline and all original equipment. Also, CTC have the UK stockholding of a complete range of spare parts with the backing of a larger stock in mainland Europe. So whatever the requirement Branson Tractors UK will keep you working from day one.”

Spot on show for Vitax

Vitax Amenity has heaped praise on the show after recording major success at the event.

Sales and marketing manager Mike King said the IOG had got everything right - a two-day show, attracting high-calibre visitors to a centrally located venue.

“Our offer of a Briteliner Arrow linemarking machine and SupaStadia marking paints was a real hit, and we had massive interest in the Supaturf SWOZI GPS-guided linemarking system as well as our new range of artificial surface paints,” he said. “The buzz extended right through the first day and well into the second, keeping us busy from early doors to close.”

This year has been one of major product innovation for Vitax Amenity. Featuring prominently at the show was the new TFS25 tank-free spray marking machine

and the Supaturf superiorperforming artificial turf paint system that’s easy to apply for both permanent and temporary demands.

Vitax salt spreaders and Ice Free, with its efficient penetrating action, are on groundcare teams’ radar, along with the complete range of turf treatments for applying in the months ahead and throughout the year.

Vitax Enquiry 44

The dealer network being established will cover the whole of the UK. All will have dedicated technicians and will provide a comprehensive professional support.

Branson Tractors Enquiry 42

Brands draw visitors to Schiller

Schiller Grounds Care UK displayed Little Wonder and Classen turf care equipment.

The Little Wonder Hydro BRC26 brushcutter with hydrostatic drive offers high productivity with easy operation and less fatigue for the user.

The self-propelled Little Wonder Pro Vac SP clears leaves and debris at your pace, with a powerful Honda GX 270 engine to fill the 74.5 gallon capacity

bag debris bag completely, without loss of suction.

Classen’s RA21 reciprocating aerator extends the aerator range and is designed to punch cleaner holes in tough soil without additional weights.

Schiller also distribute and sell the Mantis BunkerMaster and Pro Edger for golf course bunker and amenity maintenance.

Schiller Groundscare Enquiry 41

Kubota reports positive feedback

Kubota took pride of place at the show where it showcased its range across two stands, for the tractor, groundcare and engines divisions respectively.

Displaying its newly launched Grand L40-II tractor, Kubota’s Tractor & Groundcare stand was inundated from start to finish, and served as the perfect platform for the pilot of a new digital data capture App, alongside items from its market-leading range of ride-on mowers, utility vehicles and mini-excavators.

Kubota UK’s Engines division was also on display independently for the first time, and interest in its range of diesel and SI engines was high.

CLS Sports expand and open new North West depot

There are exciting times ahead for the team at CLS Sports as they announce the opening of their new North West Depot at SALTEX.

CLS Sports specialise in the design, construction and maintenance of both natural and synthetic sports pitches throughout the whole of the U.K.

John Miller, Managing Director said: “We are very proud to announce the opening of our new North West Depot. This signifies the start of a very exciting new chapter for CLS Sports as we expand into new markets and reinforce our position in the sports construction industry.”

The opening of CLS Sports’ second depot will enable the company to enhance their service offering in the North West and neighboring areas as well as making them more competitive throughout the whole of the U.K. Both the natural and synthetic teams at CLS have a wide range of experience and specialist expertise enabling them to deliver a wide range of projects across many different sporting disciplines and sizes. Whether that be a small MUGA refurbishment or the construction of a multiple sports pitch complex.

Lely UK launches new Toro groundscare mower with unique cutting system

Lely UK launched an allnew Toro mower boasting an innovative, front-facing triple flail cutting system at SALTEX 2015.

The Toro LT-F3000’s new cutting concept is expected to appeal to councils and landscape contractors looking for increased productivity, efficiency and economy.

Lely’s national sales manager Jeff Anguige explains more: “Offering a completely new cutting concept to triple mowing, this machine gives users a chance to cut longer, wetter and coarser grass in one sweep.

“This unrivalled versatility means you can make real savings by mowing less often, making it the perfect choice for those working to tight budgets and timeframes.”

With lower operating costs, affordable replacement parts, easy servicing and sheer usability, Lely says this is a unique machine that is the ideal option when keeping a tight rein on finances.

Easily tackling the most challenging environments – from the widest open spaces to the narrowest verges – with greater ground contour control, this simple-to-operate mower makes light work of parklands, roadside verges, housing estate green spaces and other grassed areas.

In addition to usability, time and money savings, the LT-F3000 delivers a superior after-cut appearance. It is driven by a powerful Kubota 33kW (44.2hp) 4-cylinder diesel engine.

“Its advanced blade design delivers unmatched cut quality in

Bosch reveals additions to professional range

Bosch Professional Lawn and Garden exhibited the full range of cordless garden tools and previewed plans for 2016, including a mobile power unit, hedgecutters and leaf blowers as well as lawnmowers, brushcutters and a longer-life 36v 9.0Ah weatherproof battery.

All products in the Bosch Professional range share the same concept - powered by

all types of grass, and in all types of weather,” says Jeff Anguige, who adds that durability is also a key feature in the new model.

“The innovative three flail cutting system has been built to withstand the rigors of all heavyduty applications. They’re much more durable than cylinders and even rotary systems,” he explains. “In fact, the intelligent blade design ensures that if an object is hit, the blades simply

swing out of the way to avoid damage. They’re also easy to sharpen and cost-effective to replace, for added peace of mind.”

An all-round versatile and intelligent machine, the Toro LT-F3000 looks set to both meet budget demands and deliver high standards across the groundscare sector.

CLS Sports Enquiry 47

Toro

Bosch

Campey showcases award winning products

The latest addition to the Campey Turf Care Systems range of Vredo overseeders, the award winning Vredo Sport Series featuring a dual dosage system, made its debut at the event.

Another first was the new arrival of the Dakota 310 Top Dresser. This compact and manoeuvrable dual spinner pedestrian top dresser can spread up to 6m wide with infinitely variable

adjustments via the handlebar mounted controls. Campey also showcased the range of machines for renovating and maintaining natural turf sports pitches. Next year Campey Turf Care Systems will be setting out the plans for a 2016 UK and Ireland Grassroots Pitch Renovation Tour 2016.

Wessex ProLine CRX-410 cuts it with greenkeepers

The all-new Wessex ProLine CRX-410 is a trailed tri-deck multi-cut mower which boasts exceptional ground contour following capabilities.

The three decks are available with the option of four castoring wheels, for maximum manoeuvrability, front and rear rollers to leave a prestigious banded effect on fine turf, or a combination allowing longer grass to be tackled effectively.

The CRX has a blade tip speed similar to that of the Wessex RMX roller mowers, allowing an equivalent cut quality on fine turf, while the TornadoVents system ensures the correct airflow through the machine

for a premium cut and clipping dispersal. Undulating golf courses present no problems to the CRX-410 as the independent floating decks allow ground contours to be followed closely and accurately. The Wessex Tight-Turn feature ensures an exceptionally tight turning capability meaning trees, goal posts and other obstacles can be negotiated with ease.

Packed with clever design features and benefits it’s a mower that offers a generous 4.1m cutting width and can be operated behind tractors with only 35 plus horse power.

Positive review from Groundsman Industries

Headland Amenity wins stand award

Headland Amenity’s return was filled with awards – one given and one received.

At the IOG Dinner, Headland sponsored the ‘Cricket Grounds Team of the Year’ award.

The next morning the company’s exhibition stand was announced as ‘Best Stand’ in one of the award categories. Headland’s Andy Russell said: “SALTEX turned out to be a great show for us, with many new potential

Groundsman Industries has reported a positive response to the company’s new-look stand at the new-look event.

There was a high level of interest from visitors with a number making firm enquiries on machines, including one lead for a fleet of 10 four-wheel drive sod cutters for delivery in March 2016 from a prominent UK contractor in the golf sector.

The company’s stand also welcomed visitors from Iceland, Italy, Belgium and the Czech Republic and Groundsman Industries is already looking forward to a successful 2016.

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Ariens take the outdoors indoors at SALTEX

Ariens Company took an outdoor theme of a garden with pathway into their stand, with zero-turn and walk behind mowers on one side and ECHO’s range of commercial-grade outdoor handheld power tools on the other.

Visitors were shown the new Ariens IKON-X durable, steel frame zero-turn mower with commercial quality cutter deck constructed from 10-gauge steel.

The deck can be positioned to thirteen different cutting heights with an intuitively positioned dial. The IKON-X rotates 180º in its own footprint, allowing the operator to cut grass twice as fast as with a traditional ride-on mower.

The ECHO range of new generation top handle chainsaws were displayed, with the highly anticipated new CS-2510TES making its debut at the show. A very light and compact top handle CS-2510TES weighs just 2.3kg but its 25cc engine has a 1.11kW power output – a superb power-to-weight ratio. It includes many features designed to make the tree surgeon’s job easier.

Enquiry 57

Groundsman Industries Enquiry

Campey Turf Care Systems Enquiry 52

Wessex International Enquiry 53

customers from different areas of the industry coming to talk to us, and the award capped it all.”

Headland Amenity Enquiry 54

Ariens

STIHL is awarded ‘The Best Stand’

STIHL is proud to have been awarded ‘The Best Stand’ at this year’s Saltex show 2015.

At the STIHL and VIKING stand show-goers were presented with the new BGA 100 blower, AR 3000 battery backpack and FSA 90 and 90R brushcutters – the newest additions to STIHL’s Cordless System.

Visitors also enjoyed cordless demonstrations and additional new pro products from STIHL and VIKING.

A highlight of the show was the new BGA 100 backpack blower.

The blower boasts the highest blowing force of all STIHL handheld blowers, blowing 14N at its most powerful; approximately 70% higher than its predecessor the BGA 85.

The innovative new machine is extremely light at a mere 2.5kg (excluding battery) and incredibly quiet thanks to a sound power level of 90dB.

The BGA 100 can be perfectly partnered with the new AR 3000 backpack battery to ensure running time of up to 160 minutes off a single charge and

25% more capacity than the AR 900 backpack battery.

The much anticipated new FSA 90 brushcutter was also presented at SALTEX. A powerful machine with a cutting blade and ergonomic bike handle for trimming large areas of tough grass, the FSA 90 is powered by 36V Lithium-Ion PRO battery technology and features STIHL’s powerful EC Motor.

Also available now and on Show at SALTEX is the FSA 90R featuring an auto cut head and loop handle. With all of the benefits of the FSA 90 and a

lighter weight at just 2.8kg – the FSA 90R is a powerful, reliable tool for the busy landscaper or professional groundskeeper.

As well as introducing a raft of new professional cordless machines, the new BR 450 professional backpack blower was showcased at SALTEX.

With a powerful 2-MIX engine and tool-less adjustable blower tube and control handle, this machine is fitting for groundskeepers and land owners alike.

STIHL Enquiry

Commercial business driven by Polaris

Polaris was represented by Polaris Work and Transportation, the commercial business to business division, which hosted the growing number of versatile, economic and environmental vehicle solutions for grounds care operations, with applications such as waste and cleansing.

of petrol and diesel Rangers. Now with enhanced styling and Pro-Fit accessory integration, the Ranger EV is a go-everywhere vehicle that needs no fuel and requires very little maintenance.

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The 4x4 off-road vehicles on show included models from the Polaris Ranger and Sportsman ranges. The world’s first true electric 4x4, the Polaris Ranger EV combines the advantages of near silent operation with the rugged off-road features

For work in hilly areas and steep terrain the Polaris Sportsman UTE provides a comprehensive off-road solution with Electronic Power Steering, engine braking, and the very useful rear cargo box to carry a wide variety of tools, and equipment.

JKC welcomes switch to NEC

Staging the exhibition at the NEC Birmingham has been hailed as a great success by long standing exhibitor, Japanese Knotweed Control (JKC).

Joint managing director, David Layland commented: “We anticipated that a change of venue would open up a whole new audience of potential customers across both the public and private sectors and this was certainly borne out by the number and quality of visitors throughout the show.

“Such was the interest that we handed out two days’ worth of brochures within the first morning and we now have some excellent leads to follow up in terms of potential treatment projects.”

Layland was also part of a fourstrong invited panel at one of the popular ‘Learning Live’ seminars that ran throughout the show.

Knotweed Control Enquiry 60

High-performance remote control technology

Designed for working in hazardous, hard-to-reach, and restricted-access sites, McConnel’s ROBOMAX features a powerful 80hp diesel engine, a unique low-centre of gravity design for enhanced stability, and easy to master controls with a 150m working range.

A larger and more powerful evolution of McConnel’s worldwide best-seller ROBOCUT, ROBOMAX delivers the kind of punch normally reserved for midrange tractors, and an all-terrain performance that enables

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Japanese

operators to work safely on everything from steep-sided slopes up to 55 degrees to water courses and industrial sites.

McConnel Enquiry

Polaris Enquiry 59

Lely brings best-selling TYM tractor to NEC

See weeds off with water

All Cardley-Wave systems combat weeds with 100% hot water at 98°C to get to the root of the problem.

As one of Europe’s most successful, effective and ecological methods of weed control it seems natural to premiere at what is still the UK’s premier grounds maintenance event, even after 70 years.

Currently, and increasingly, legislation such as the EU Sustainable Use Directive and Water Framework Agreement outlines the growing obligation to minimise the use of chemicals in public spaces in order to protect human health and the environment.

Cardley-Wave enables organisations to achieve an integrated approach to weed

control that doesn’t have to cost the Earth with our range of versatile, manual and machine mounted 100% hot water weed killing systems.

All units allow users to deliver a weed and moss killing strategy

that is not only environmentally friendly but also unrivalled in the effectiveness of application as well as in terms of overall cost.

Wiedenmann shows off new Terra Rake

Lely UK chose its best-selling T503 model to represent the TYM Tractors range at SALTEX 2015.

Showing alongside Toro grounds machinery on the Lely – Partners on Turfcare stand, Lely says TYM is a great fit for customers looking for a compact tractor to work in conjunction with their Toro equipment.

The full TYM range extends from 23 to 100hp models to cater for all turf tractor needs and is ideal for use with popular Toro units such as the ProCore aerator and ProPass topdresser. The tractors can also be fitted with an array of attachments such as loaders and backhoes from other manufacturers.

The T503 exhibited is a firm favourite with groundscare customers working on big projects, thanks to a long list of features including foldable ROPS, rear wiper, projection head lamps, dual air filter, and hydrostatic power steering.

All TYM tractors benefit from a powerful four-cylinder, liquidcooled diesel engine. Some models feature hydrostatic power-steering for effortless manoeuvrability and a wide turning radius. Others offer a heavy-duty, four-wheel-drive front axle for greater traction where needed.

The tractors can also be upgraded with optional heated and airconditioned cabs for maximum

operator comfort. But models without cabs boast a handy feature as well – the ROPS can be folded down for compact, convenient storage under a low roof.

Flexible finance deals Lely is offering three flexible finance deals on all TYM Tractors. Customers can choose between spreading the purchase cost of a new product over one, two or three years to find the most economical and manageable funding route to suit their own particular needs. Details are available from Lely representatives on stand.

Toro Enquiry 65

Wiedenmann UK took its widest ever product to the event but happily it folds to an easily transportable size.

The Terra Rake, a perennial favourite, has been re-engineered giving show visitors first opportunity to see how the 4.6m wing span doubles both output

and width. Integral to the new design is a folding frame making the versatile verticut harrow significantly more time efficient for sizeable areas.

Wiedenmann’s Mega Twister also unveils two new options. It introduces an easily attached goose neck spout so the wind

nozzle can be set parallel to the floor, the new position optimising the massive output. The second development is an electrical operation to the nozzle.

Wiedenmann Enquiry 66

A quality cut and massive fuel savings

The new ATT INFiNiSystem30 brings ‘fine turf quality’ to ‘sports turf’ and provides new flexibility and performance for sports facilities.

Configured as a mower it provides an unsurpassed level of cut quality – but coupled with a range of SMART cassettes, for a range of turf management activities, it provides much more functionality than any other 30” wide pitch mower. The INFiNiSystem30 shares the same flexibility in being able to change between hybrid power and pure battery. It has been designed to allow groundsmen to calibrate the machine exactly how they deem suitable for their particular situation.

Cardley-Wave Enquiry 64

The intelligent One from Rigby Taylor

Rigby Taylor’s award-winning Impact XP line marking paint has a smart new partner – Intelligent One, the world’s first automatic robot for the precision line marking of sports pitches.

Combining GPS and Integrated Paint Technology, this machine/ paint partnership allows the programmable marking of sports pitches using WiFi-control from a tablet.

Designed for use with the Impact five-litre Eco-Bag and featuring

the iGO pump, solenoid and nozzle, the Intelligent One is programmable for travel between pitches on the same site and can mark 12 to 16 pitches from one battery charge.

Customised pitch plans are supplied or can be accessed from Google Maps.

New tool carrier on display

Avant Tecno (UK) unveiled a completely new, ultra-compact tool carrier designed with the landscaping industry in mind.

Despite its diminutive size, this new machine will be equipped

with

Weighing less than 1000 kg, the new machine will be easy to transport on a small trailer

and will be ideal for a multitude of tasks, particularly wherever space is at a premium.

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Dennis launch new machine

The joint stand of Dennis and SISIS featured the new Dedicated G-Series range of mowers. Available in three different sizes - the G34D (34” cutting width), G30D (30” cutting width) and the G26D (26” cutting width) incorporate a large diameter eight-bladed cutting cylinder for maximum performance in short and longer length grasses, allowing the new range to cater for a wide range of customers and area sizes.

The stand also included SISIS machinery - Rotorake TM1000 tractor mounted scarifier and linear aerator, Rotorake 600HD pedestrian scarifier and the Quadraplay.

Debut company enjoys busy show

First time exhibitor Greenacres Artificial Grass reported an “amazingly busy” show, with enquiries for the new 2016 range of artificial grass and landscaping carpets exceeded all expectations.

With the new RYE GRASS widely accepted as the most realistic artificial grass in the market, it is a unique solution for landscaping and lawnreplacement. Greenacres also supplies a wide range of artificial grasses, up to 4-metre wide, to suit every project and budget, commercial or residential.

Also on display was Course Mat, the proven synthetic Golf Tee that provides year round playing performance, taking peg-tees like natural turf, and allows players the freedom to line-up their

drives from anywhere across the full 12’ width of the mat.

In 2016, GREENACRES are also launching a new range of ground reinforcement materials, meshes and all-weather carpets for areas subject to erosion, walkways, high-traffic areas and pathways.

Greenacres Enquiry 72

Dennis Enquiry 71

Rigby Taylor Enquiry 69

many of the features found as standard across the Finnish company’s range of machines.

Avant Tecno Enquiry

Lely brings Toro flagship grounds products together

Lely UK showed a selection of ‘flagship’ Toro machines at SALTEX for the amenity and landscape contracting sectors as part of its Lely – Partners in Turfcare exhibit.

Joining the new LT-F3000 was a range of stablemates highlighting all that is best in Toro’s grounds range. They included the highly productive, heavy-duty Toro LT3340 triple and Groundsmaster 360 zeroturn mower with Quad-Steer all-wheel-drive steering.

Added to these were the Groundsmaster 7210 rotary mower with the industry’s toughest spindle assembly to guarantee long-term value; while illustrating Toro’s aeration range was the ProCore SR72, a wide area aerator that is light enough to be used on sensitive turf but has the toughness to handle the most compacted soils.

Heavy-duty, high productivity cutting with popular LT3340the LT3340 is designed for jobs where high-productivity grasscutting is needed, such as parks and roadside verges, schools and caravan sites. Thanks to its numerous blade configurations and commercial-specification cutting units in both 200mm (8in) and 250mm (10in) diameters, this machine gives a great finish.

Innovation at the fore with Groundsmaster 360 zero-turn mower - with its Quad-Steer, allwheel-drive steering for maximum productivity, the Groundsmaster 360 is a great machine for grounds maintenance professionals who have work on undulating terrains. Giving superb performance and manoeuvrability, its zero-turn capability means this machine is able to make 180-degree turns for optimum productivity without tearing turf. Powered by a 36hp/26.8kW Kubota four-cylinder engine, it features Quad-Steer all-wheel-drive steering for maximum productivity in challenging terrains.

Aeration efficiency with ProCore SR72 - the ProCore SR72 is a wide area high capacity aerator that’s light enough to be used on sensitive turf but has the toughness to handle the most compacted soils. Offering aeration efficiency thanks to the machine’s distinctive and unique frame construction, the ideal tine position for every soil type and condition can be set from the tractor, which means the operator doesn’t need to leave the seat. Aerating up to depths of 16 inches and offering a wide variety of tine options, the SR72 can handle itself with any aeration task presented.

Pitchmark report successful show

Pitchmark, suppliers of line marking paint and equipment, had much of its product range on display, including a selection of their high quality paints, the LineFix socket system, Classic wheel-to-wheel marker and Eco Club and Pro spray markers.

Also on show for the very first time was their new GPS linemarking system, which received a lot of interest with demos being booked now ready for January.

Pitchmark ran a prize draw at the stand which proved to be extremely popular; congratulations go to Glebe Contractors of Newent who won the top prize of an Eco Club spray marker and 50L of Ecoline+.

Pitchmark Enquiry 75

Green city Zurich moves up to the Reform Muli T10 X

With 5,000 operating hours completed, Zurich’s grounds maintenance team have replaced their 13-year-old Reform Muli transporter with the company’s latest T10 X Hybrid Shift model.

The team were impressed with the T10 X’s Euro 6, 109hp engine, service-friendly tilting cab, portal axles, which give 400 mm ground clearance between the wheels and the precise, fully synchronised 32/8 speed change.

The creep speed gearbox ensures smooth working on more severe terrain and to protect the vehicle and operator the Muli T10 X is also equipped with HCS independent suspension ensuring optimum operator comfort. A big

plus for the Zurich team is the forestry attachment. The robust wood logging tools and Kyburz dual drum winch, with each drum delivering 8 tons of pull force, make the Muli an agile logging vehicle with a light footprint. Five millimeter under the rear axle and around the diesel/AdBlue tank, reinforced wheel rims with solid valve protection and a rear window with 13 mm thick armoured glass, make the Muli T10 X a safe working environment in any location.

The Muli T10 X is even more versatile with the HMF loading crane 270 K2, mounted at the rear console. The crane has a hydraulic range of 5.6 metres and the mechanical crane arm

extension allows working in a radius of up to 6.9 metres. Parking supports ensure quick and easy change of attachments.

Simon Richard, UK agent for Reform says: “The Muli T10 X Hybrid Shift offers a multitude of functions for a variety of applications, including construction, municipal, urban and parks areas.

“It is equally efficient when fully loaded or mowing at low speed, at low operating weight or cleaning roads or urban environments and when high payloads are required at low to medium speeds.”

Simon Richard Enquiry 77

Toro Enquiry 74

Landscape Amenity

SISIS aids intense aeration programme

Forest Green Rovers FC, the world’s most sustainable football club, has turned to the SISIS Autoslit and the SISIS Javelin Aer-Aid 1500 to help them keep on top of their intense aeration programme. The club boasts the world’s first ever organic football pitch and it is for this reason that the head groundsman, Matt Rainey, and his team focus heavily on soil biology. Products are only selected that are going

to feed the soil and the grasses. No high nitrogen feeds are used.

Both the SISIS Autoslit and the SISIS Javelin Aer-Aid 1500 are part of an on-going aeration regime at the club and as if tending to a totally organic pitch wasn’t hard enough work, Matt also has to battle with unfavourable weather conditions.

SISIS Enquiry 92

Haydock Park ‘blown’ away with Trilo products

Haydock Park Racecourse is one of the most used racecourses in the country with racing on 32 days during 2014, consisting of both flat and jump racing.

To help keep the course in top condition, head groundsman and estates manager Maurice Crooks operates a fleet of Trilo vacuum and blower machinery.

The Trilo SG1170 is shorter than a standard model, with a 9

cubic metre capacity and is used remotely so the boom goes out from the operator in the tractor cab and the wander hose can be put into the stable using a joystick. The course also has a Trilo BL960A blower. In summer the team use a 12 foot mower mounted on the front of a tractor and then mount the blower on the back to scatter and disperse the grass clippings or clumps.

Trilo Enquiry 93

ROBOCUT

CONTROL TECHNOLOGY

Cool, calm and collecting leaves

ECHO has announced the introduction of a new backpack power blower available for professionals. The new PB-580 is ECHO’s most comfortable to date with a host of new features that enhance operator comfort and help reduce fatigue. A new, ventilated backpack pad is designed to keep the operator cool even when the Stage 2 compliant 58.2cc engine is running at maximum revs. Four anti-vibration springs and padded shoulder straps provide increased

support for the operator’s back to make this blower more comfortable to use for longer periods; in turn increasing productivity and seeing faster clearance of leaves and debris. The blower’s handle has a newly designed palm rest and hand stop, to reduce the chances of the operator’s hand slipping down the handle and losing control. The blower has a longer trigger for increased throttle precision.

ECHO Enquiry 94