Landscape & Amenity Product Update February 2023

Natural England unveils new Green Infrastructure Framework

A major new tool to help towns and cities turn greener has been launched by Natural England.

Aimed at planners and developers, the Green Infrastructure Framework will help increase the amount of green cover to 40% in urban residential areas.

Parks and greenspaces in England deliver an estimated £6.6 billion of health, climate change and environmental benefits every year. But with 80% of people now living in towns and cities, one third of people do not have access to good quality green and blue space within 15 minutes of their home.

The government’s Environmental Improvement Plan includes a commitment that the public

should be able to access green space or water, such as woodlands, wetlands, parks and rivers, within a 15-minute walk from their home.

The Green Infrastructure Framework (GIF) provides a structure to analyse where greenspace in urban environments is needed most. It aims to support equitable access to greenspace across the country, with an overarching target for everyone being able to reach good quality greenspace in their local area.

From parks to green roofs, and increased tree cover, the Green Infrastructure Framework will make a significant contribution to nature recovery by embedding nature into new developments.

Increasing the extent and connectivity of nature-rich habitats will also help increase wildlife populations, build resilience to the impacts of climate change, and ensure our cities are habitable for the future.

Marian Spain, Chief Executive of Natural England, said: “Using green infrastructure to bring the sights, sounds and smells of nature into every city, town and street will not only create nature abundant, beautiful spaces for everyone to enjoy but will help tackle climate change too.

“Natural England is committed to expanding access to nature as the benefits of spending time outdoors are extensive; it reduces stress, increases physical activity and improves wellbeing.

We look forward to working with developers, local planning authorities and communities to create a future where nature is on people’s doorsteps to improve the quality of all our lives.”

Natural England has worked closely with Defra, government departments, and a 70-strong Advisory Group, made up of universities, representatives

from the active travel sector and environmental experts, to develop the framework which has been tested by local planning authorities and developers. The Green Infrastructure Mapping Tool is part of Defra’s Natural Capital Ecosystems Assessment Programme.

Natural England Enquiry 1

Bobcat introduces new compact tractors

A new line of Bobcat compact tractors has been launched for the Europe region.

Bobcat compact tractors are part of the ground maintenance equipment (GME) range announced by the company last October.

Together with the compact tractors, the GME range in EMEA includes mowers and turf equipment, as well as Bobcat’s existing mini track and small articulated loaders.

Bobcat Compact Tractors are designed to increase productivity, versatility and reliability. Whatever the application, these machines help to get the job done efficiently thanks to their robust construction, smooth operation,

flexible configuration and full compatibility with a wide range of Bobcat attachments.

Each of the nine models in the Bobcat compact tractor range varies in size and engine horsepower, with the option to choose between manual and hydrostatic transmissions: 3-point hitch with telescopic or quick lower links and open canopies (ROPS) and cabs.

All the models offer all-day comfort in the cleverly designed and generously appointed workspace. With air conditioning (cab models), a suspended seat, an adjustable steering wheel, linked pedal and intuitive ergonomic controls.

Bobcat Enquiry 2

Hard & Soft Landscaping & Street Furniture

The latest news and case studies

Pages 11-12

Hedge, Verge & Slope Mowers

Jane Carley looks at how technology shapes the market

Pages 16-19 Sweepers, Collectors, Blowers & Vacs Spotlight on the machines helping to clear everything up Pages 20-21

Welcome...

It was so good to see BTME bounce back to its January best last month with visitor numbers up and exhibitors launching a raft of new products and services after an extremel y challenging few years for organisers BIGGA.

Harrogate week once again provided many in the industry with the new year kick-start they wanted and there is no doubt 2023 has begun with a more optimistic air than we have seen in recent years.

Hopefully that feel-good factor will continue during the rest of the year and looking ahead there are plenty of positive signs for the wider industry.

From Government announcements on new green and environmental measures, to the protection of playing fields, the return of the GMA’s #GroundsWeek campaign and companies planning a range of events and launches in 2023, there are plenty of reasons to be cheerful.

Another big announcement for this month is also set to give one of the sectors that has been hit hardest during the pandemic. T he play sector has suffered during the lockdowns and the subsequent lac k of investment in new facilities.

But, as we cover in this month’s Play & Activity special, the Association of Play Industries has confirmed a link up with the organisers of GroundsFest for the inaugural festival in September. The API will have a stand at the two-day event at Stoneleigh in Warwickshire and a number of the trade body’s members will be exhibiting too

It will help put the sector in the spotlight and give manufactu rers a platform to showcase their range of products and service s.

Also, this month, Jane Carley looks at how technology is shaping the hedge, verge and slope mowing market, we look at sweepers, blowers, collectors and vacuums and there is the usual mix of industry n ews and case studies from groundscare and hard and soft landsca ping.

Contents:

Paul Groves, Editor

House, Central Park, Telford, TF2 9TW

01952 234000

PUBLISHING DIRECTOR

Martyn Smith martyn@tspmedia.co.uk

EDITOR Paul Groves paul.groves@tspmedia.co.uk

CIRCULATION MANAGER

Becki Everitt becki@tspmedia.co.uk

HEAD OF LANDSCAPE DIVISION Kellie Wake kellie@tspmedia.co.uk

AREA SALES MANAGER Wendy Ashwell wendy@tspmedia.co.uk

DESIGN & ARTWORK Laura Barton laura@tspmedia.co.uk

KIOTI Compact Tractors

Dates announced for the GMA’s #GroundsWeek 2023 campaign

of new recruits, this could result in a significant employment gap within 5 years.

Geoff Webb, CEO of the GMA, says: “Our job is to look out for the interests of our members and the wider industry. Part of that means ensuring new talent is entering the industry.

“The turf care industry provides a chance for younger people to learn new skills, work in a wide range of sectors and contribute to making sport possible. It also offers incredible career opportunities and health benefits. Connecting with new recruits is what #GroundsWeek is all about.

More mowing power with Makita

volunteers and professionals do to make sport possible and showcasing their invaluable impact on the nation, and making sure they get the recognition they deserve, from the public, sporting organisations and the industry.”

Neil Stubley, head of courts and horticulture at Wimbledon, adds: “Grounds staff up and down the country deserve the spotlight for their invaluable contribution, ensuring millions of people every week can enjoy their favourite sports.

The Grounds Management Association (GMA) has announced that its annual awareness campaign, #GroundsWeek, is returning from 20 – 26 March 2023.

The campaign, now in its third year, recognises the work of turf care volunteers and professionals

in the UK, with a focus on inspiring new recruits to consider a career in the industry.

According to research carried out by the GMA, the industry is facing an impending employment crisis. Currently, 40% of the workforce is over 50 years-old and, without an influx

“As part of the campaign, we’ll be offering school students the chance to experience the buzz of turf care at the highest level, as they get pitch side at a professional football club.

“We’ll also be sharing real life stories from young people who are reaping the rewards of their amazing careers in turf care.

“We’ll be highlighting the incredible work existing

“I’m looking forward to supporting #GroundsWeek, showcasing our work to a wider audience and helping people understand more about what goes into making sport possible.

“To help the campaign make as big an impact as possible, I urge grounds people across the country to keep an eye out for #GroundsWeek content and share it online. Make sure you and your colleagues are celebrated far and wide.”

Grounds Management Association Enquiry 5

Makita has expanded its 40VMax XGT range with two new selfpropelled XGT lawnmowers.

These much-anticipated products are Makita’s first lawnmowers to join the company’s powerful outdoor XGT collection, with both brushless motor products providing professional landscapers with the flexibility to cover large and dense areas without cords or petrol.

The LM001G and LM002G 40VMax XGT Brushless lawnmowers are powered by Makita’s trusted 40VMax XGT

Li-Ion battery technology and have been engineered to provide excellent performance and power, even when mowing in dense grass, with quick acceleration and optimised blade design. Both models benefit from the option to work with two batteries in parallel, so that when one battery runs out, the system automatically switches to the other. This means that users can continue working without having to stop and replace and recharge batteries when working on large areas.

Makita Enquiry 6

Kubota fleet keeps Mount Kelly in tip-top condition

A fleet of machinery from Kubota has been described as ‘critical’ to the maintenance programme at Mount Kelly College and Prep School, replacing an array of equipment lost in a major blaze in November 2021.

Grounds Manager Mat Stevens has praised a pair of cabbed compact tractors and the two GR2120 ride on mowers for

their roles in keeping the 140-acre site presentable, while their new RTV X1110 has vastly improved both accessibility and productivity. The grounds and gardens that make up the Mount Kelly complex are a hive of activity, not just providing sports and recreational facilities for students, but open to community and club use –

including Chelsea FC who have used the winter sports pitches for Girls and Junior fixtures.

A team of ten assist Mat in the maintenance who, for the last year, has been tasked with replacing their equipment bank following a shed fire at the site.

Kubota Enquiry 7

HTA welcomes ministerial support for plant health seminar

Timely delivery of GKB DTA for club

A Deep Tine Aerator (DTA) from GKB Machines was delivered and put straight to work by the team at Spalding Golf Club, as part of their prewinter maintenance programme.

Delivering impressive aeration down to 12”, the DTA 160 has already completed passes on both the greens and the fairways since its arrival in October 2022 and will be pivotal in keeping the course clear of compaction in the wetter months.

Head Greenkeeper Kevin Goude took charge just five months ago, and together with the greens team

of five, was delighted to learn he’d inherited an order for a new GKB DTA 160 placed by his predecessor and due for delivery from local distributor Russells Groundcare.

The GKB DTA is deep by name and deep by nature, offering easily adjustable depth and heave angle of up to 25o for effective compaction relief. At 1.6m wide, the DTA 160 at Spalding GC is well suited for tasks around the golf course – from fairways, tees and aprons to intensive aeration on the clubs 18 greens.

GKB Machines Enquiry 10

Horticulture House has hosted Defra and APHA colleagues alongside horticulture businesses for a meeting to discuss biosecurity and efforts to strengthen plant health.

The day-long event was an opportunity to engage with larger and online retailers on the Biosecurity Strategy launched earlier this year and talk about initiatives to support it, such as Plant Healthy.

The meeting was supported by Defra Minister Lord Benyon, and HTA Chairman and Plant Healthy Director, James Barnes, welcomed attendees.

James Barnes warned delegates about the importance of plant health: “Plant health should be front and centre of what we do here at the HTA. And I say so for very good commercial related reasons but also out of a sense of genuine moral and ethical beliefs. Having lived my childhood seeing the devastating impact of

Dutch Elm disease and now with my children witnessing the even bigger impact on our countryside of ash dieback. This may result in the death of 120 million trees; twice that of the loss of elm. If this scenario transpires, it would mean an economic cost to nation of £7.5 billion over the next 10 years.”

Plant health and biosecurity are of critical importance to HTA members, and in welcoming the GB Plant Biosecurity Strategy on 9 January, HTA called for close working between industry and government to enable plants as part of a biosecure supply chain to be traded smoothly, efficiently and cost-effectively.

HTA stresses the need to conduct a comprehensive review and action on both undeclared plant imports and any e-commerce traders who are not operating securely, which pose a threat to British biosecurity, and to discuss further progressing an industry indemnity scheme.

As well as Plant Healthy, HTA actively supports the Ornamental Horticulture Accreditation Scheme. OHAS is the only certified scheme in the UK solely relevant and dedicated to ornamental horticulture.

OHAS Standards are specifically designed to meet the specialist needs of the industry. They are managed by a dedicated team which means the standards are designed for and react to specific technical and legislative requirements within the horticulture industry. In the last year, the OHAS Standards were strengthened in relation to plant health initiatives and biosecurity.

Minister of State Lord Benyon addressed the seminar and outlined plans for public sector procurement of plants and trees to only use businesses that meet the criteria of the Plant Health Management Standard.

HTA

Enquiry 9

New GreenMech QuadChip in corporate colours

The two teams that make up South Wales Tree Services need fight no more over their turntable QuadChip 160P from GreenMech, as now, they have two. So impressed with the 360 o versatility and chipping performance of their first machine purchased eight years ago, Owner Alex Terry took delivery of a second unit

in September 2022 improving not just efficiency but the safety of his crews when working in domestic areas.

GreenMech’s QuadChip 160P features powerful twin vertical feed rollers which offer exceptional pull and crushing capacity for timber and brash of up to 6”, with consistent

processing quality provided by their patented Disc-Blade chipping technology.

GreenMech was also able to accommodate supplying the latest machine in the company’s corporate colours.

GreenMech Enquiry 11

DRIVE LIKE A CAR, STEER WITH CONFIDENCE

Back with another industry-first, EGO’s new Z6 steering wheel model drives like a car and turns like a zero-turn simultaneously for ultimate steering control and confidence. Featuring new e-Steer™ Technology, a precision steering wheel and the latest in digital steering technology – it also offers the same world-first battery platform-compatibility as all EGO ride-on models.

To find out more visit egopowerplus.co.uk

Rain Bird hosts distributors council to kick off 50th anniversary

Rain Bird’s 50 Years in Europe anniversary celebrations began with an exclusive two-day Distributors Council held in November in Marseille, France.

It brought together key European distributors in the fields of landscaping, sports turf and golf irrigation. Opening the event, Christophe Lamoine, General Manager Rain Bird Europe welcomed representatives from

some 50 distributors from all over Europe. Rain Bird President Mike Donoghue and Vice Presidents Paul Lierheimer and JR Bergantino were also in attendance.

In a convivial atmosphere, including some informal workshops, delegates shared experiences from their markets, held discussions on the challenges faced by the irrigation industry and looked at future

market trends. The programme also included a visit to Rain Bird offices in Aix en Provence and a gala dinner.

Peter Longman, Regional Sales Manager – North & Central Europe, commented: “It’s great and unusual in our industry for an event like this to take place where distributors can get to know each other better, exchange ideas and collaborate

Suit up with Snickers Workwear’s new winter jackets

If you’re working outside in cold, wet, or windy weather for long periods, work gets tough.

That’s when you’ll need to keep safe from the elements with your own protective shell. A weatherproof outer-layer with one of Snickers Workwear’s Winter Jackets.

This kind of protective shell will deliver effective wind and water protection to keep you warm, dry and ensure the effectiveness of the clothing underneath. You’ll want to avoid getting too warm, so insultation combined with ventilation features in your

Origin Amenity Solutions go for gold with BIGGA scheme

on so many areas of our business.”

Held at the Golden Tulip Euromed Marseille, at the heart of the rapidly-expanding Euroméditerranée business district, the hotel was designed by Italian starchitect Massimiliano Fuksas and resembles a sleek white ocean liner moored in the bay.

Rain Bird Enquiry 15

Origin Amenity Solutions has announced that the company is now a gold member of the BIGGA (British and International Golf Greenkeepers’ Association) Regional Patron Scheme for 2023.

As part of the scheme, Origin Amenity Solutions, a leading supplier to the UK amenity, turf, and sports markets, will attend and support BIGGA in their regional events across the UK, which will include a mix of seminars, education workshops and golf days.

Russell said: “We are a resolute supporter of BIGGA and of raising the profile of greenkeepers within the industry.

“It is important that schemes like this exist to provide learning and networking opportunities for members and peers across the industry and I am proud to support the Regional Patron Scheme. Our national coverage will allow us to support events across all five regions.”

Jackets are absolutely vital. Check out the new FlexiWork Quilted Jacket, which is windproof, water-repellent and designed to be durable and weatherproof for great technical functionality.

Like all Snickers Workwear’s Work Jackets, it’s built to be weatherproof enough to keep the elements at bay and durable enough to withstand the wear and tear of hard day’s work but still delivering the level of breathability and ventilation you need for a comfortable and effective day at work.

Snickers Workwear Enquiry 16

Origin Amenity Solutions brings together four well established industry leading brands, Headland Amenity, Rigby Taylor, Symbio and Turfkeeper to offer greenkeepers and groundsmen access to a single supplier for all the advice and products needed for a robust management programme.

The group is supported by a number of agronomists, product specialists and a Research and Development centre to offer their customers a unique holistic approach.

Commenting on the scheme, Commercial Director Andy

Lauren Frazer, Head of Business Development at BIGGA, adds, “Origin Amenity Solutions are a Premium Partner of BIGGA and support many events and initiatives. I am delighted that they are involved with the Regional Patron Scheme – it’s always good to see a market leader and big brand name give something back and lend their support to such worthwhile schemes. Education and training opportunities are essential for the professional development of our members and the Origin team has a lot of experience and knowledge to share.”

Origin Amenity Solutions Enquiry 17

HIGH BLOWING FORCE. LOW NOISE OUTPUT. BATTERY POWERED.

The BGA 300 is the first battery backpack blower in the STIHL AP System. It has exceptional power, offering petrol performance on a battery powered tool, making it ideal for clearing large areas of wet leaves. It’s especially quiet too, thanks to the STIHL Noise Reduction System, which reduces the high-pitched sound output that is usually associated with cordless leaf blowers.

And what’s more, the BGA 300 is prepared for STIHL Connected - a new way of managing the maintenance and tracking the working time of your professional fleet of tools.

PROFESSIONAL PERFORMANCE: THE BGA 300 CORDLESS BLOWER.

FLEET MANAGEMENT MADE SIMPLE: STIHL CONNECTED.

European dealer award for Price Turfcare

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

Commenting after presenting the award, Tyler Dickie, Ventrac’s International Sales Manager said, “The effort that Rupert Price and his small team put into generating new business in the UK and Ireland is phenomenal. Since the formation of the business just 6

years ago, they have seen year-onyear increases in sales and they are our flagship European dealer.

“If I could clone their business model I would, but I also know that their success is down to the incredible drive and determination from the top downwards. They thoroughly deserve this recognition.”

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

“The Price Turfcare team did a fantastic job of producing an eyecatching stand at BTME and an innovative way of presenting our unique products,” he said.

“They also organised a product review seminar with leading landscape and golf course professionals to help us understand the different environmental conditions and the requirement for specialist equipment here in Europe. Price Turfcare is a case study in how to launch a brand. Just six years ago our products were unknown in the UK, but with a defined marketing strategy, dedication and hard work Ventrac is now a recognised, established and respected brand over here. It has been a fantastic visit and I have learned so much in a short timespan.”

Price Turfcare Enquiry 21

82V ONE BATTERY FOR FREE!

When you buy an 82V product and one 82V battery, you receive an additional 82V battery for free Promotion period: 1st March – 30th April 2023

STIHL launches new saw chain

STIHL has launched a new innovative full chisel saw chain offering up to 20% higher cutting performance.

Compatible with any STIHL professional chainsaw with a power output of 1.6 kW – 2.0 kW, the new PS3 Pro chain is available in 3/8 P pitch and 1.1mm drive link gauge and features a narrow kerf designed to reduce resistance while cutting.

This new geometry results in a chain that not only cuts faster than the previous 1.3mm gauge chain but is less sensitive to pressure too. For cordless chainsaw models, the increase in cutting efficiency also allows more cuts to be made per charge, improving productivity. The new 1.1mm Light 04 guide

bar has been specifically designed for use with the PS3 Pro chain, offering increased durability and optimum balance. In addition, the drive links on the PS3 Pro sit deeper inside the Light 04 guide bar compared to ¼ P 1.1mm chain, further decreasing the likelihood of the chain de-railing.

Available in 12” and 14” lengths, the PS3 Pro chain and Light 04 guide bar comes as standard with the new MSA 220 C-B, or separately as an easy upgrade for models such as the MSA 220 T and MS 201 TC-M. Furthermore, the PS3 Pro is compatible with all standard 3/8 P sharpening accessories.

Our vehicles are completely made in Belgium,100% electric with a 5 year battery warranty and are fully N1 road homologated.The Addax MTN is the solution of choice for your company‘s transportation and delivery needs in urban environments. Available with tipper,combo tipper and flatbed options,it is extremely popular due to its durability and comfort.Payload of up to 1000 kg (or

Trailer provides the perfect support for professionals

SCH Supplies have designed and manufactured a two-wheeled Hydraulic Tipping Trailer for use behind compact tractors, ATVs and ride-on mowers. It allows you to unload goods and materials by tipping them and is a time-saving piece of kit. Especially in the winter months when daylight hours are limited.

The two-wheeled Hydraulic Tipping Trailer is the largest trailer in our range and has a carrying capacity of 1 tonne, meaning fewer trips. The tipping mechanism is supplied in three different mechanical forms.

1. Powered from the tractor’s hydraulic system

NEW SHORT OF IT THE LONG AND

2. 12-volt hydraulic power pack

3. Manual action hydraulic pump

The trailer wheels are mounted under the chassis; this is an excellent feature as it allows the sides and tailgate to be dropped down for ease of loading and unloading.

Another option is to remove the sides and tailgate altogether for a large-scale platform trolley.

High-mesh covered extension sides more than double the trailer’s carrying capacity.

Making it perfect for bulky cargo, so whether it’s transporting green waste, animal feed, building materials

or machinery, the hydraulic trailer can handle it all.

There are colour options available, and SCH can supply the trailer in a range of 8 different colour choices; Red, Light Green, Dark Green, Blue, Yellow, Orange, Purple and Black.

These are great options for having matching colour-coded tractors and trailers.

SCH manufactures over 250 high-quality British-built estate and garden machines that can be towed behind a tractor, ride-on mower or ATV.

SCH Supplies Enquiry 26

Creating a secure and safe environment with Marshalls

Marshalls Landscape Protection provides designled, hostile vehicle mitigation (HVM) solutions that provide reassurance and peace of mind against the threat of accidental and intentional vehicle collisions to private and public spaces.

The Protect Duty Legislation is set to come into effect over the next few months and places a new responsibility on venue owners and event organisers to ensure reasonable and proportionate measures are implemented to protect visitors from harm.

Paul Haggerty, HVM Business Development Manager at Marshalls Landscape Protection said: “The Protect Duty will be a positive step forward in improving the safety of all public spaces, but we are aware that many local authorities and business owners will be uncertain about the impact this new legislation will have on them.

“We also acknowledge that overly reinforcing public

spaces is a concern, as this can actually have a negative effect on public perceptions of safety. The opportunity to discuss our innovative solutions with a highly targeted, vetted audience is essential to improve the security and resilience of the industry and critical infrastructures.”

By offering an array of nonintrusive safety solutions that can be installed in public areas without having a detrimental effect to the look and feel of the space, Marshalls Landscape Protection portfolio offers everything required to develop urban areas in terms of both public safety and aesthetic appeal.

With many years’ experience of developing fully crash-tested solutions, Marshalls Landscape Protection can advise on designing proportionate and cost-effective public safety schemes that will enable organisations to comply with the new Protect Duty legislation. Marshalls Landscape Protection Enquiry 28

Takeuchi offer an extensive range of short tail swing excavators in every weight class from Micro to 15-tonnes. The NEW 3 SERIES TB335R SHORT TAIL offers automotive styled interior with jog dial, a large comfortable cab for all day operating and increased visibility with all around LED lighting and larger blindside window. With eco-mode for fuel saving, value added operating features and maximum service access.

Euroflor delivers dazzling transformation at Worth Park

Seed from the Origin Amenity Solutions (OAS) Euroflor range has transformed three meadow areas within Worth Park, as part of a wider conservation project underway by Crawley Borough Council. With the aim of increasing plant diversity and providing allimportant habitat and food for pollinators, the wildflowers were introduced by Head Gardener Stephen Peters using OAS’s biodegradable FloraFleece –helping to deliver maximum visual and ecological benefit,

with minimal impact on the environment.

The FloraFleece is composed of 50% jute, 25% cotton, 25% brown wool and hessian scrim that acts to suppress weeds and provide an ideal seed bed for wildflowers, before biodegrading naturally over the next seven or eight months.

“We just had to roll the matting out, lay three or four inches of soil over the top and sow the seed – all of which was complete in a day.”

Stephen said: “The results were nothing short of beautiful. We had people taking photographs, sharing feedback on social media and we even had a local artist in her 90’s paint one of the wildflower meadows, the end result now proudly hanging in the community room of Ridley’s Court.

Importantly, we have also noted a big increase in the number of pollinators we’ve seen so the project did its job and more.”

Origin Amenity Solutions

Enquiry 29

Green-tech supports the Gair Wood woodland creation project

The Green-tech team are proud to be supporting the Gair Wood project in Leeds, run by the Leeds Ecosystem, Atmosphere & Forest (LEAF) Centre.

Gair Wood is one of the most ambitious and significant woodland creation projects in the North of England, with the primary aim to enhance biodiversity in the area through large scale tree planting.

Named after former University of Leeds Secretary Roger Gair, who retired in 2021 after more than 40 years’ service, Gair Wood is a part of the wider community forest for North and West Yorkshire, named White Rose Forest.

Spanning across a 36-hectare site, Gair Wood will feature 15 hectares of new tree planting to add to the existing 4 hectares of trees. The remaining space will

feature a mixture of open grass, unplanted land and scrubland. This mixture of habitats and biomes aims to further increase biodiversity in the area.

Green-tech is proud to have supplied a large amount of tree protection and canes to the LEAF team which will ensure that the newly planted trees are sufficiently protected from the elements and roaming wildlife.

In addition to the materials provided, several of the Greentech team volunteered their time and planted and secured trees alongside the LEAF team, over a two-day period.

Speaking about the planting event, Green-tech Sales Manager Roger McGivern stated, “Green-tech is delighted and proud to supply the tree protection products for this worthwhile project. It was

fantastic for me and some of the team to get out of the office and see Gair Wood for ourselves and to be a part of it all. It was great to roll up our sleeves and help to make a small difference. It reinforced what the LEAF team are trying to do; we all took a lot from being there and we are looking forward to seeing the completed Gair Wood project.”

The Gair Wood project is a part of the University of Leeds Climate Plan, which sets out the aim of reaching net zero greenhouse gas emissions from the university.

Green-tech

Enquiry 30

An urgent need for healthy security systems

The London Ambulance Service is the busiest ambulance service in the UK, answering approximately 3000 emergency calls a day, totalling up to two million per year.

The main aim for the service was to install robust fencing and security around the perimeter of six London Ambulance Service stations.

This was an essential requirement to ensure those working within

the establishments are kept safe and the sites are secure, to reduce crimes. A range of products, including swing and bi-folding gates were specified and installed to allow access for both vehicles and pedestrians.

Jacksons Fencing’s bifolding gates run via smooth and fast opening and closing mechanisms, which is vital for emergency service stations; quick access to and from the stations whilst ensuring the sites

remain secure when the gates are not in use.

Jacksons offers these gates in both mesh and vertical bar styles and these can be installed to match the rest of the fencing.

As a turnkey solutions provider, Jacksons designs, manufactures, and installs fencing, gates, access control devices, and provides gate automation, and callout and maintenance contracts. Many of the gates at

the stations were automated and controlled by keypads for ease, a big priority for the Ambulance services to ensure access to authorised personnel.

All Jacksons’ automated gate systems are installed by DHFtrained engineers following current safety standards and implementing all required safety devices.

Jacksons Fencing Enquiry 32

ICL

introduces biodegradable CRF technology

ICL introduces a revolutionary biodegradable coating technology for its controlled release fertilisers (CRF) in the turf market: eqo.s technology.

The new coating for nitrogen is compliant with future (EU) fertiliser regulations, helping turf managers to improve their nutrient use efficiency (NUE) and will provide a solution for future sustainable turf management programmes.

With its patented eqo.s release technology, ICL takes the lead in providing a fully biodegradable

coating that breaks down faster than existing coating technologies.

The innovation will be introduced in ICL’s CRF portfolio for the turf segment, starting with the premium ranges Sierrablen and Sierrablen Plus.

In order to meet expected market demand, ICL has invested $20 million in a new production line for eqo.s release technology at its Heerlen facility in the Netherlands.

CRFs with eqo.s technology ensure optimal turf performance.

School solves long standing drainage issue

The innovation is thoroughly tested in the field and has proven to be as reliable as current coatings, thus maintaining the high quality you can expect from ICL products. eqo.s release technology shows consistent and predictable nutrient release patterns while also limiting environmental impact by reducing nutrient losses and by increasing the NUE.

After all nutrients are released, the coating degrades faster than ever before.

Though eqo.s technology will first be introduced into ICL’s premium CRF ranges of Sierrablen and Sierrablen Plus in 2023, ICL is confident that by, mid-2026, when the new biodegradability requirements will take effect on the EU market, the company will be able to provide fast biodegradable coatings for all its CRFs in the turf and landscape market.

ICL

Enquiry 33

Since 2018 Ibstock Place School’s field suffered from standing water during winter, and it was only after investigation work from AMS Contracting that the extent of the issue was revealed. Ibstock Groundsman, Louis Macklin, inherited the drainage proble, but after a brief examination he called in AMS to explore further.

“The investigation work was a really valuable part of the process and meant that we could be confident in the plan that was put in place,” he explained. “AMS came in and we got some cameras and dug some more holes and it seemed like every drain run that was near an irrigation line was severed.

“The outlet was going through a wooded area that was also overgrown, and that was always flooding and water was sitting on top of the field because it had nowhere to go.”

AMS surveyed the land, and used GPS to plot the field and wooded area to formulate a plan.

With the original outlet pipe going into the neighbouring golf club’s trench, an attenuation basin had to be built to accommodate the additional water and the irrigation pipes moved to go in between the drainage runs.

With the project completed, Louis says the field is ‘draining like a dream,’ whilst giving him time to raise the quality.

AMS Contracting Enquiry 34

Tobermore use farm waste to reduce carbon emissions

Together with three local businesses, Tobermore has established a collaborative cluster to transform excess livestock manure and grass silage into biomethane which can be used as fuel.

The partnership between Tobermore, Dale Farm, CemCor and Road Safety Contracts Group was enabled by the Centre for Advanced Sustainable Energy (CASE) at Queen’s University Belfast.For Tobermore, the innovative ‘waste-towatts’ approach could lead to decarbonised fuel for vehicles and lower carbon paving, walling and kerb products.

David Henderson, Managing Director and owner of Tobermore

commented: “Tobermore is delighted to be involved in this exciting ESG project. By utilising agricultural manures and grass silage, we have the potential to use biomethane fuel in our forklifts and lorries.

“We hope to significantly reduce our need for fossil fuels and hasten our journey towards net zero.”

Tobermore Enquiry 36

Railway Sleepers Garden Fencing

Firewood Farm Gates

Play is on the way to GroundsFest as API confirms support

GroundsFest is proud to announce a new strategic partnership with the Association of Play Industries (API), with the first event being held at Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire on 20 and 21 September 2023.

The Association of Play Industries (API) is the lead trade association for the UK play sector. Its member companies are the UK’s leading providers of outdoor playground equipment; indoor play equipment and safety surfacing for schools, local authorities, parish councils, leisure attractions, holiday parks, housing developments, hospitality venues and commercial enterprises.

The API will have a dedicated stand at GroundsFest to promote membership services and many of its members will be exhibiting.

GroundsFest’s free educational seminar programme will also feature API-badged sessions.

As a result, GroundsFest will offer a one-stop shop for those involved in the selection, purchase, upkeep and replacement of play equipment and safer surfaces.

API Chair Mark Hardy, said: “We are looking forward to seeing how this new event will promote the play industry and in particular, provide an opportunity for API members to showcase their offerings.

“All API members abide by a strict professional Code of Conduct and are committed to value-for-money and longterm service and support. This exhibition will enable members to exhibit their products and

demonstrate the high-quality, innovative and fun ranges so typical of our members.

“GroundsFest has the potential to widen the buying audience for our members and to introduce visitors to the many benefits of choosing an API member for their play project.”

Commenting on the partnership, GroundsFest’s Sales Director

Charles Neale, said: “We are very excited and enthusiastic about the partnership between GroundsFest and the API.

“The play industry will form an integral part of the GroundsFest event profile in September 2023 and will give the play industry an ideal platform to promote its services and products to a highly relevant national audience of buyers and specifiers.

Two years of Uniting the Movement

(Covid-19) pandemic, Uniting the Movement is now primarily concerned with tackling the longstanding inequalities that make it much harder for some people to enjoy the benefits of being active than others.

GroundsFest really is uniting every corner of the groundscare industry,” continued Charles.

“The GroundsFest team is working hard on all aspects of the industry – from turfcare to commercial vehicles – by providing added impetus and innovation as we go forward.”

GroundsFest

Enquiry 37

The latest sector news and case studies Page 13

Huck’s products catch the eye

Pages 14

It has been two years since Sport England launched the ambitious 10-year Uniting the Movement strategy that aims to transform lives and communities through sport and physical activity.

The result of a major consultation with partners and the wider sport and physical activity sector, the new strategy represented

a significant change in the way Sport England works and reflected a new understanding of what its role could and should be in helping people to engage with activity.

Initially focussed on helping grassroots sports clubs and physical activity providers recover from the effects of the coronavirus

Tim Hollingsworth, Sport England’s chief executive, said: “We could not have produced such an ambitious and transformational strategy without the involvement of the entire sector, and we won’t be able to succeed in our long-term aims without everyone involved in sport and physical activity in England playing their part. It’s clear there’s a shared and genuine desire to work together to create a happier, healthier

nation and a united determination to tackle inequalities and provide opportunities to people and groups who’ve been left behind for too long.

“The pandemic has been an unprecedented challenge to community sport and activity in this country and, while the impact of Covid-19 is still being felt by many groups and organisations, there is plenty of optimism that through the changes we’ve made and by working together we can build on the progress of the last two years and bring about the change we all want.”

One of the biggest changes has been the creation of long-term partnerships with more than 120

The Play & Activity sector has always been a vibrant innovator. After a difficult time, it is starting to attract the spotlight again. Our regular special features on the sector are the perfect showcase for your products and services. We can help you highlight the best of the sector by reaching the decision-makers.

Contact our

influential organisations and revolutionised our investment model.

These partnerships include traditional allies such as the Football Association, The England and Wales Cricket Board and The Rugby Football Union but, crucially, also include long-term relationships with organisations such as the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children, parkrun and Mencap, to help them contribute to tackling inequalities and support people to access the profound physical, mental and community benefits of sport and physical activity.

Sport England Enquiry 38

eibe shows creativity within safety regulations

Pages 15

Play equipment from Huck that is sure to catch the eye

Creating play equipment that provides play enjoyment coupled with reliability and safety is always Huck’s ambition.

As such Huck are always looking for new and exciting ways to entertain and stimulate children’s imagination.

Together with one of their customers - The LeisureWay, a young team of architects from Spain – they have developed a completely new series of innovative and modern play equipment – the ‘CLIMBING GLASSES’ are one of them.

To most of us, glasses frames are simply a visual aid, but for

Huck it is their most original and diverse piece of play equipment. It is an object which we come across often in our daily lives or is something we have constantly with us.

Except for the arms it is a static object. As soon as eyes are added the frame is given motion and individuality. Exactly what Huck realised with their adaptation to play equipment.

The ‘Climbing Glasses’ are a double swing frame for the playground, and are idea for children from 6 years of age. Each is bespoke. By adding various climbing elements of Huck’s rope play such as climbing nets,

rope ladders, hammocks, swings or their original Bird’s nest which is in use across the world, there is suddenly an innovative and exciting new piece of play equipment which will turn eyes! This device offers a variety of challenges that children of this age are looking for.

Huck also offers a full design, installation and maintenance service for new and existing outdoor and indoor play areas. Their team can work with you to completely refurbish or redesign your play area or simply replace or repair worn-out netting and/or equipment.

Huck Enquiry 40

An alternative way to reach fitness goals

A recent study has shown that over 5 million people in the UK have either cancelled or are considering cancelling their gym membership due to the cost of living crisis.

If this trend continues it poses a threat to the wellbeing of the nation and could potentially cause a health and fitness crisis.

With fitness being at the top of many peoples’ resolutions lists, Wicksteed’s FLZ equipment can provide a free, effective and alternative way to reach fitness goals.

From balance beams and dip bars to our double leg press, hamstring stretch and full-on calisthenics static fitness zone, the outdoor gym equipment range has it all, no matter your ability.

Wicksteed Enquiry 41

Restoring Britain’s oldest lido

It’s been closed to the public for almost 40 years, but now Britain’s oldest lido is set to reopen to the public, after being restored with 340m² of grey wet pour being instal`led around the pools by RTC Safety Surfaces.

Originally opened in 1817, the lido was open to public use. By

1867, Captain Evans had taken charge of Cleveland Pools, teaching swimming, providing snacks and hosting gala parties with his pet baboon.

Unusual access to the site meant that materials and equipment had to be transported to the area by barge. Coloured wet pour is a great

alternative to traditional tiles around pools, as it is non-slip and impact absorbent making the area safe for visitors. Wet pour is also fully porous, so The Cleveland Pools Trust do not have to worry about standing water.

RTC Safety Surfaces Enquiry 42

Taraflex triumph for Gerflor at Colchester Academy

When Colchester Academy in Essex required a new sports floor for their main hall and their dance studio, they turned to international flooring specialist Gerflor for an Olympic pedigree solution. For this prestigious education establishment, Gerflor would supply a total of 552m2 of their world class Taraflex Performance vinyl sports flooring for the sports hall, and 258m2 of their Taraflex Combi 85 System in Evolution for their dance studio.

The responsibility for delivering the design and finish for the school’s sports halls would fall to Braintree-based architectural practice- Barker Associates.

Ben Jeapes, Senior Building Surveyor at Barker Associates commented, “I have specified Gerflor products in the past and know that they provide

excellent quality safety flooring. I am also aware that Gerflor specialise in world class sports flooring and have the option of numerous systems for different levels of performance, or to accommodate different types of sub-floor construction found in

refurbishment projects such as Colchester Academy.”

The installation of the Gerflor products was undertaken by Ipswich-based Cadman Flooring. Kieran Cadman from Cadman Flooring said, “We find

Gerflor’s flooring products so easy to install and the support from the specification and technical teams is first class. We have specified Gerflor floorings before and we will continue to do so moving forward.”

Dan Bowen, Area Sales &

Specification Manager, Gerflor said, “Taraflex Performance was chosen for the main sports hall. The school wanted a floor that could be used for sports that require good levels of ball bounce, which Taraflex achieves due to its unique construction.

“They also wanted a high-quality sports floor that would protect the students from injury. Thanks to the high levels of impact resistance that Taraflex delivers, this requirement was easily met.”

Gerflor Enquiry 43

Creative Play’s new manufacturing and office facility

Creative Play UK has relocated from Chester to a brand-new facility based within North Wales.

Continued success and growth has allowed for the expansion into a new, state of the art, purpose-built premises.

The new facility provides additional capacity, more efficient manufacturing processes, and a more modern working environment, ensuring a higher quality service to all of customers and a better place to work for employees.

The new premises provides over 20,000 square feet of offices, manufacturing, distribution and storage facilities.

James Harris, the Managing Director said: “This is a very exciting step for our company and will see considerable benefits for our employees and customers through improved efficiencies and production capacity”.

“We’re proud to be a UK manufacturer, with more than 95% of our materials and components sourced right here in the UK, and I’m particularly pleased to be moving the business back into Wales where the company has its original roots.

“At the heart of the relocation, is the continuous drive to minimise our impact on the environment by reducing energy usage and creating a circular economy and investing in greener systems.”

Sales and Marketing director David Esser added: “For more than 30 years, it has been our aim to create outstanding outdoor spaces for children. This considerable investment will ensure the continued growth of the business and see us work hand in hand with schools, local authorities and commercial customers for many years to come”.

Creative Play UK Enquiry 44

Creativity within play safety regulations

eibe play Ltd are timber play equipment specialists who work with architects to create impressive bespoke play areas without the insane bespoke price tag, thanks to our modular plug-and-play equipment design framework.

Another benefit we offer architects is guidance on how to see clearly through the dense

hardwood forest of EN1176 Play Safety regulations, for instance, were you aware of this?

Contrary to popular belief, there are specific circumstances where you can place items within equipment freefall space (the space around equipment that is to be kept free in case the child falls off) as long as there is “continuity

of movement” between the two items. This allows you to install more equipment into a small area combining two separate items to create new, unique and exciting play opportunities!

E.g. shall we continue the flow of play by connecting our balance trail up to our climbing frame? The golden rule in the EN1176

regulations is “no more than 500mm, (between items) to enable continuity of movement”

We love working with architects and our creative director David Hibberd is happy to provide you with a free design and regulations review.

eibe Enquiry 45

Hedge, Verge

Specialist solutions for tackling tough terrain

The seat of the tractor or mower is not always the best place to be –sometimes it’s better to operate the machine from a distance. Jane Carley looks at specialist mowing developments.

It’s become the must-have status symbol for private gardens, but the robot mower also has some serious potential for commercial use. Latest technology to simplify and customise control and charging

programmes means that robots can offer the turf benefi ts of ‘little and often’ mowing while working alongside the sporting programme.

Another key development is greater navigation precision, allowing the use of a robot without the need for a perimeter wire.

Electric power also offers benefits in terms of emission-free and low noise operation, opening up possibilities for hotels, schools etc.

STIHL’s RMI 632 PC app controlled iMOW robotic lawn mower can handle large areas of up to 5,000m² with ease and, as well as private residences, have been installed in spaces such as golf courses, football training grounds, stately homes, public gardens and retail premises throughout the UK.

The RMI 632 PC can mow up to 45% slopes and users can configure a host of settings using an app on a smartphone or tablet. For example, to change the mowing plan, read status messages and pause or start new mowing operations from their home or office.

It can cut, shred and mulch in a single operation using a mulching blade with a 28cm cut width.

The iMOW uses a highcapacity Lithium Ion battery, returning to the docking station to charge, and depending on how much of the grass is left to cut, and reducing energy consumption by intelligently deciding whether a quick or

slower charge is needed. A GPS module is fitted in the mower, meaning users will know where the iMow is at all times via the app. The RMI 632 PC will give users helpful feedback via the app if it runs into any problems, such as needing the blade replaced or requiring a service.

Husqvarna has a wide portfolio of robotic lawn mowers, designed to increase productivity and efficiency for professional applications. With the capability of managing large and complex areas, complicated turf designs and obstacles, Husqvarna’s range of robotic lawn mowers is ideal for everything from parks and pitches to golf courses and educational facilities.

Most recently, Husqvarna rolled out its Ceora which can independently mow an area of up to 75,000m² (the equivalent of up to eight football pitches), reducing overall costs by approximately 30%, improving the quality of the turf and allowing staff to focus on other tasks.

Operating through Husqvarna’s satellite navigation system, EPOS (Exact Positioning Operating System), Ceora uses GPS coordinates to map out its work areas and navigates with a precision of 2-3 cm. The satellitebased technology enables Ceora to work within virtual boundaries, making it an easy and flexible solution for sports pitches, golf courses – and all other large green areas. Customers are able to map out different zones within the work area and set different cutting schedules and heights. All of this is controlled via their smartphones, meaning maintenance during the cutting season is limited to changing blades and cleaning.

Husqvarna’s range of Automower robotic mowers cover smaller areas than Ceora, suitable for

up to 15,000m² depending on model choice. Automower uses smart Husqvarna technology that automatically cuts a little grass at a time while retuning mulched clippings to the sward where they offer a nutritional benefit which can improve lawn quality. Automower robotic lawn mowers are designed to be easy to use, working day or night and in all weather conditions on frequently managed green spaces, with features including remote control management and theft and damage protection.

Combining proven Kress technologies such as obstacle avoidance, and narrow passage navigation with 4G GPS Return Home, the Kress Mega features high torque in-wheel motors and dual cutting discs for the optimum level of commercial area coverage and performance up to 4400 m² (Mission Mega 3000 KR133E) or 6500m 2 (Mission Mega 6000 KR136E).

Intiva intelligent navigation technology continually optimises the route during mowing to negotiate even tight areas with minimal time wastage. Patented ultrasound sensors (OAS) avoid collisions.

Dual blades with 35cm cutting width are designed to offer signifi cantly improved cutting performance and it uses InWheel drive for precise and quiet mowing.

The floating mowing deck evens out bumpy ground and protects blades from obstacles. Electronic height management gives cutting heights from 30-60 mm using an

APP or onboard LCD display. The GPS-based Geotrace allows the mower to be controlled remotely from anywhere in the world and locates the machine to within 1m in case of theft.

There are also a number of practical features such as IPX5 spray water protection for easy cleaning, while the charging connector is located on the side of the unit for easy starting and clean cutting up to the charging station.

A ‘teamwork’ function allows several mowers to work within a single boundary wire.

Kress is also to add RTKn robot mowers to its range this year, allowing operation without a boundary wire.

The Ambrogio L400 supplied by Mower Magic has a capability of mowing up to 20,000 m2, can work unsupervised and is aimed at professional use.

Its three-bladed design gives a cut width of 84cm and each blade is independently mounted for a contoured finish even on undulating terrain up to 45% slopes. Patented rear wheels offer grip even on wet surfaces and the carbon fibre shell incorporates bumpers for protection.

Four 15ah lithium ion batteries offer up to 11 hours continuous cutting, and navigation is via GPS, with the option to cut in zones. With a touchscreen display on the mower, it is controlled via a Bluetooth-GSM app.

One of the latest models has been installed at Washingborough

STIHL

Husqvarna

Kress

Ambrogio

Academy, Lincoln, a nursery and junior school with grounds of around 17,000 m2

Remote control mowers

Steep ground, dense undergrowth and proximity to roads, railways or water can all put the operator at risk, so remote control mowers can make a major contribution to health and safety. The added convenience and consistency means that some areas that would be maintained less often or not at all can now be tackled. Electric and hybrid drive is also becoming a possibility as battery technology develops.

Agria, the German manufacturer, has gone public in continental Europe with a prototype of the all-electric agria 9700e.

The new agria 9700e has a 24 kWh lithium-ion battery and uses brushless and stepless drive on steep slopes and banks up to 50 degrees. An attachment such as a flail mower, seeder or snowblade, can be mounted to the front using a standard three-point linkage. Represented in this country by a network of Wiedenmann UK dealers, Agria UK already offers two leading hybrid remote control mowers, the agria 9500 and 9600. Spokesperson Val Graham said: “The health and

safety benefits of the agria 9500 and 9600 have made a dramatic impact to the working day for many contractors and local authorities.

“The operator can take up a position 100 metres away from a steep slope and using a handheld control pad and joystick, safely navigate cutting and mulching on slopes up to 50 and 55 degrees respectively. These machines prioritise staff safety while achieving more uniform results on difficult and sometimes previously unreachable terrain.

“The agria 9700e will add processes such as flailing and seeding, allowing new areas such as scrub land to be cultivated and

maintained.” There are no details of timescale or availability as yet, but watch this space!

AS-Motor is now part of the Ariens Company, and the company has introduced the AS 1000 Ovis RC, a new remotecontrolled tracked flail mower.

Designed for work on difficultto-access or steep surfaces such as railway embankments, reservoirs, solar parks or wind power plants, the Ovis is powered by a Vanguard Professional two-cylinder engine with 23hp maximum output, transmitted directly the blade shaft via a belt drive. Mowing speed of up to 5kph can be achieved, giving an output thus an area output of up

to 5,000 m²/h. Using a ‘surfing’ mower deck with upward and downward swing, the Ovis adapts to uneven ground and prevents damage to the surface.

Offering optimal control of cutting via a roller with antiscalp function, cutting height can be adapted to the terrain, from 40-110mm.

The 100 cm wide flail mower in combination with a narrower tracked undercarriage makes it easy to mow close to the edge and to within a few centimetres of crash barriers or other obstacles. Large-dimensioned track units with steel inserts ensure low ground pressure, ideal power transmission and grip on steep slopes.

The low weight of 398kg not only protects the ground, but the balanced weight distribution and the robust crawler chassis enable safe mowing of extreme steep slopes up to 50 degrees.

An automatic, mechanical parking brake provides additional safety when working on slopes. Dimensions are 1.84x1.115x0.69m, with transport length of just 159 cm long.

AS-Motor also offers the AS 940 Sherpa 4WD RC, a novel

solution which can be used as a ride-on brushcutter, but can also be operated via remote control in steeper areas or where the environment is too hostile (thick scrub etc) for the driver.

Capable of working on slopes up to 33deg, the Sherpa has a 90cm wide closed surfing mower deck with mulching blades to shred cuttings. Cut height can be adjusted from 80-135mm. power is supplied by a 27hp B&S engine via hydrostatic transmission with four-wheel drive.

Technical innovations for 2023 include improvements to the fuel tank, locking mechanism, tyres and tyre sealant, with a choice of engine now on offer to meet different budgets. Aesthetically, the mowers feature new-look paintwork and an additional front panel.

Kersten has introduced the HyCut hybrid robotic mower with true hybrid drive, using electric motors to power the tracks and blade.

The machine can travel 1km without needing charging input from the 23hp Briggs Vanguard petrol engine, and intelligent motors act in tandem, slowing down the tracks if required to work through denser vegetation.

Designed for use on slopes up to 50deg the HyCut’s mower deck can cut material in both directions, minimising the need to turn on slopes and thus, reducing surface damage by the tracks. Cutting width is 1150mm. Operation is via remote control from up to 300m away, while an operator presence control provides extra safety if the controller is dropped.

The fuel tank is removable for security and convenience; other features include work lights and transport loops.

For steep mowing or where traffic flow makes for dangerous situations for operators the Ryetec new Robofox is ideal, operators can control the tracked Robofox from a safe distance with the remote control while the compact engine driven hybrid or fully electric version can make short work of difficult to access areas and are easily transported from site to site with a van or pick up thanks to their relatively light weight of 500kg.

These machines can also be operated with a GPS map and automatic steering system to reduce operator fatigue and improve efficiency.

Agria

Ariens Robofox

For steep mowing or where traffic flow makes for dangerous situations for operators the Ryetec new Robofox is ideal, operators can control the tracked Robofox from a safe distance with the remote control while the compact engine driven hybrid or fully electric version can make short work of difficult to access areas and are easily transported from site to site with a van or pick up thanks to their relatively light weight of 500kg.

These machines can also be operated with a GPS map and automatic steering system to reduce operator fatigue and improve efficiency.

Remote option for tough terrain

At the Bauhof in Woert, a small community in the south-west of Germany, AS-Motor’s AS 940 Sherpa 4WD RC ride on mower with remote control option is now part of the groundcare armoury.

Duties include caring for sports fields, a campsite, meadows and orchards. The AS 940 Sherpa 4WD is used for slopes, embankments and rough terrain.

During a demonstration by the local dealer, the mower was driven manually at first, but then used in remote control mode to tackle nettles up to one and a half metres high.

Team leader Manfred Hopfensitz says: “That convinced us once and for all. With other mowers you are in the environment, no matter whether it’s nettles, dust, flower seeds, hanging branches or thorns. With the remote control, you can work comfortably from a safe distance.”

“On steep slopes, you are out of the risk zone using the remote control.” Bauhof Woert employee Steffen Rief adds: “With the remote control you also have a better view of the mower, for example when you want to mow close to a rock. The surfing mowing deck ensures that you do not scalp in uneven ground and that you can drive over hilltops much better.”

There are other health and safety benefits, the team point out, particularly in preventing insect bites to operators working in dense undergrowth.

Kress robots are football champions The Schuberth Stadium near Vienna, Austria is the home ground of the SC Melk football team, and covers 7000m 2. It is maintained using a pair of

A&S

Versatility for hedge, verge, pond and riverbank maintenance

The Ventrac 4520 compact tractor is ideal for maintaining hedges, roadside verges and the edges of ponds and riverbanks in safety, as it is can operate on inclines of up to 30 degrees.

Kress Mission Mega 6000 robotic mowers. Groundsman Fritz Prenner says: “The challenge with such a large area is to ensure the grass is mown evenly.

“One mower covers about 6500m2; we have installed two mowers here on site so that we can ensure optimal mowing performance.

“The groundsmen previously used two reel mowers for about four hours, so not only do the robots offer environmentally friendly and efficient mowing, costs have been reduced.

“Grass quality has definitely improved. We believe it is the solution for the future.”

Alfred Konrad, sports manager, comments. The mowers’ ‘teamwork’ function allows them to work together in the same area and a power connection was installed beyond the pitch marking boards to create entry and exit hatches for the mowers, a bespoke solution developed for the club.

INTERESTED IN BECOMING AN AS-MOTOR DEALER?

Following the recent merger with AS-Motor, AriensCo are looking for new AS-Motor dealers across the country. AS-Motor is the market leader of robust yet agile professional-grade mowing machines, engineered specifically for slopes, high grass and rough-terrain.

WHY BECOME A DEALER:

• Expand your portfolio with high quality products for slopes, high grass, rough terrain and generate additional sales

• Point-of-sale start-up package for new dealers

• ONE point of contact for sales, marketing and aftersales service

Maintaining verges beside highways is always an issue, usually resulting in lane closures and other safety management measures, so time is of the essence. The Ventrac 4520 with its choice of mowing decks is a highly productive combination allowing large areas to be mown, quickly and efficiently.

Easy servicing of belts and pulleys is provided by hinged and removable covers. The tilt-up decks provide easy access

to heavy-duty blades or flails inherent in the choice of deck. Recent introduction of new mowing attachments has added to the versatility of the Ventrac offering for hedge and verge management. The Boom Mower is the perfect tool for cutting back hedges, shrubs, saplings, reeds around pond edges and vegetation on riverbanks.

The latest introductions are two flail cutting decks, the Fine Cut and Fast Cut, featuring unique knife choices and offering two width options - 1.42m (56”) and 1.83m (72”) - for even more versatility.

Price Turfcare Enquiry 51

Kress

The operator’s choice – Razorbacks

Auto-Level

Designed and built in Worcestershire, the Razorback Auto-level reach mower is the smart self-levelling machine that takes the hard work out hedge and verge mowing.

With usability in mind the AutoLevel has been engineered to reduce operator fatigue, increase productivity, and reduce cost. Featuring advanced electronic proportional controls as standard, operation of the machine is simple and precise.

Auto-Level Co-Pilot technology also comes as standard and ensures that the main frame of the machine remains level, irrespective of the tractor angle in relation to undulating ground.

As a result, the requirement to make manual adjustments to account for the unevenness of the terrain is significantly reduced, making for a much

easier, trouble-free operation. Razorback’s range include a 5.5m reach machine as well as a larger 6.8m telescopic model, both available with flail and rotary head options.

At 1.5-metre-wide, the rotary head incorporates SoftStart triple rotors with additional mulching blades that maintain continuous contact with vegetation during their entire 360° cycle resulting in a cleaner, faster cut.

Users who prefer to use a flail head have the option of the Razorback FlailHead 120 & FlailHead 150. With SoftStart rotor, fitted with heavy duty forged hammer flails, the assembly resides in a uniquely designed hood that maximises intake for an efficient cutting action and output.

Razorback Enquiry 54

High performance mowing on slopes

Ride-on brushcutters are the perfect solution for mowing steep slopes.

The range of rugged brushcutters from Canycom are renowned for the quality and excellence associated with Japanese manufacturing.

They are specifically designed to cut long grass and brash on both steep slopes and rough terrain. Every model in the range offers

4WD and are suitable for slopes up to 25°. There are no cutter deck belts to adjust or replace making maintenance and cleaning easier and quicker and more power is delivered to the blades for extra efficiency. There are five high performing models available in the range so whatever your requirement there is a model up to the task.

PSD Groundscare Enquiry 55

Debris clearance a breeze with the RotoBlast

Keeping sports areas and parks free of debris is even more of a challenge. Meet this task with the Imants RotoBlast, tractor mounted blower from Campey Turf Care Systems, and it becomes more of a breeze than a chore.

Typically used for clearing greens and tees, fairways, pathways and other sports turf areas, The RotoBlast is designed to move leaves, grass clippings, thatch, litter and other unwanted surface debris from any area that requires clear access or needs

to be kept tidy. Adding the RotoBlast to your maintenance fleet, delivers a lightweight machine, weighing only 100kgs which can be lifted and moved by the operator with ease when unhitched from the tractor.

It is equipped with a 3,750-rpm blower that produces an air velocity of 130m3/ min. and has been designed with the practical user experience at the forefront.

Attached by a 3-point linkage, the powerful blower is mounted

on a wheeled chassis to enhance its ability to follow contours on undulating terrain whilst maintaining a constant nozzle height above the ground. There is also an option to invert the wheels and revert to a fully mounted operation.

It has a capacity of 300m2/min with an operating speed of 0.6 -6.2mph, requiring only 25 -50 hp tractor power.

Campey Turf Care Systems

Enquiry 58

LM Trac 287 muti-tool carrier performs every season

The LM Trac LM287 multi-tool carrier, available from Kioti UK, is a highly versatile machine for landscape and highway maintenance.

With the ability to operate all year round and its capability to operate a wide range of auxiliary equipment, it can effectively perform a variety of tasks, including mechanical weeding, mowing, hedge cutting, brushing, leaf suction, snow ploughing, gritting, and sweeping and collecting.

This makes it a valuable asset for landscaping and highway maintenance businesses.

The LM287’s compact design, along with its rear steering axle makes it suitable for use in both narrow residential streets and larger areas of vegetation. Four

wheel drive is available as an option if considered necessary.

The integrated A-frame, mounted on a front linkage, enables quick and easy mounting of equipment, and the auxiliary hydraulic system provides a maximum flow of 60 litres per minute at 200 bar, delivering the necessary power for various tasks.

The combination of frontmounted equipment and a forward-positioned cab provides greater comfort and easier visibility for the operator, reducing the need to constantly twist and turn.

The rear load platform further enhances the versatility of the LM Trac LM287 multi-tool carrier, as it can be used for the mounting of spreaders, gritters, or suction units.

Its position above the rear axle also helps to transfer the payload through the axles, which increases traction on the drive wheels and enhances performance.

A twin-speed hydrostatic drive, operated by a dual pedal, provides a top speed of 22 km/ hr in two-wheel drive. Power to the transmission and auxiliary hydraulics is supplied by a Stage V Perkins diesel engine rated at 36 hp.

For operators wanting a more environmentally friendly solution, a full electric drive option (the LM287E) is currently in the final stages of testing and should be available in late 2023.

Kioti UK Enquiry 59

SISIS is a gamechanger

Specially designed for synthetic surfaces, the SISIS Brush-Pro is a ride-on brushing system consisting of a pair of mid mounted oscillating brush units and three rear mounted brushes.

The oscillating brushes are ideal for periodic aggressive brushing to keep infill mobile, prevent algae accumulation, surface compaction and loss of porosity.

Equally impressive is the SISIS SSS1000 - a tractor mounted

sweeper that can be pulled by any machine.

The rotary brush has been designed for use on synthetic surfaces to remove surface debris, lift the carpet pile and redistribute sand or rubber crumb infill giving the surface maximum performance and extended life.

SISIS Enquiry 61

Leaf and litter blowers from Ventrac

Ventrac has a range of attachments that can help with leaf and litter clearance.

The Ventrac KA160 Power Blower features a vertical shaft design that delivers powerful, yet quiet performance. The blower housing can be rotated 180 degrees in the horizontal axis allowing the operator to move debris in the desired direction without hindering operation. Two guide wheels maintain a consistent distance from the surface to maximise operational

Year-round precision clean-up from Turfco

Turfco’s Torrent 2 is powerful all-purpose blower, available in tow-behind or tractormounted pto-driven formats and delivering unprecedented control over air speed, air direction, noise management and fuel consumption.

This is a precision clean-up tool that can used year-round taking golf courses or grounds to a new level.

Built on a heavy-duty frame with a rugged draw bar and adjustable hitch the Torrent 2

is designed for durability. The one-piece nozzle is made of impact resistant, roto-moulded polyethylene. The enclosed deck dramatically reduces debris pickup from below the blower, decreasing wear on the turbine and minimising overall dust and debris around the operator.

The wireless controller technology allows the operator to dial in the exact nozzle direction for optimal performance with fast, 360-degree nozzle rotation. Multiple air speed settings make it quick and easy to increase or

decrease blowing force, while a dedicated button allows the operator to idle down when people are near. The controller also features a shutdown switch that stops the engine at the press of a button.

An optional auxiliary control kit is available should the wireless controller be lost or damaged. The operator simply flips a switch from wireless to auxiliary and can then control the machine’s speed and direction.

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efficiency. This blower can be used to remove leaves, light snow, water and other debris.

The Ventrac ET202 Turbine blower makes quick work of any clean up job and is designed to move large volumes of air and is much quieter than conventional debris blowers. The powerful front discharge nozzle can be hydraulically rotated through 360 degrees from the operator’s seat and a front bumper protects the nozzle from damage. Power and control allows clean-up

work to be done simply, quietly, and efficiently.

Demonstrating the versatility of Ventrac, it’s possible to swap out the blowers and in less than a couple of minutes attach the KJ520 Narrow Broom, which is designed for sweeping and removal of material such as snow, leaves, dirt, light gravel, and even thatch. It is designed to fi t narrow walkways 1.22 metres wide.

Price Turfcare Enquiry 62

Takeuchi expands range of specialist excavators

New for 2023 is an addition to the extensive Takeuchi line up of short tail excavators.

The TB335R is a stylish new short tail that weighs in at 3.8-tonnes. One of the new 3-Series Takeuchi excavators, it is packed full of value-added features offered as standard for maximum safety and productivity.

The new model sits in the 3-4tonne weight class. Stage V ready with 18.2kW and Eco operating mode this short tail delivers maximum versatility on-site.

The larger than average track frame and optimized counterweight provides excellent stability and just 75mm maximum track overhang. The compact size offers maximum accessibility where space is limited. The 3-Series styling comes with a

very comfortable large styled cab with high back suspension seat and good foot room.

A highlight is the 3-Series automotive styled Jog-Dial and large colour touch screen for easy machine operating.

Designed for maximum all day operating, climate control comes as standard in the TB335R along with skylight with sun shade and rainguard. The in-cab DAB radio, microphone socket, Bluetooth, and a 12V charging socket provides all the support operators need for a “working office”.

The TB335R combines all the proven characteristics of Takeuchi excavators: smooth hydraulics, power performance, proven durability, high resale value, with maximum operator comfort and serviceability.

Takeuchi Enquiry 67

New updates to the Trimax Pegasus S5

The Pegasus trailed rotary mower has been around for 21 years and has established itself as the benchmark in wide area mowing for parks, sports fields, airports and turf farms.

The new series 5 builds on everything we know and love about the Pegasus whilst making it the strongest, smartest and safest mower yet.

It’s stronger. An improved chassis design offers twice the durability in deck lifting and lowering, a 10% increase in strength under tough travel conditions, and a 30% reduction in stresses from rough road travel – all without unnecessary weight increases. Newly engineered outrigger arms increase rigidity by 60% for tough applications such as passive turf

and open space mowing. They also reduce stresses from impact on side decks by 15% to prevent damage to the lift arms.

A robust axle and suspension provides smoother transport, reduced wear, and offers two times the durability on the road. Heavy-duty side channel skids stand up to larger impact forces, preventing damage to the mower skids in tough applications.

It’s also smarter. The Trimax Pegasus S5 has lower maintenance than ever. The Trimax Titan Roller Bearing System is new on the Pegasus S5 for improved lifespan and retention. The Titan bearing system is sealed, requiring no regular greasing. The QuikLift feature is a standard

integration on all Pegasus S5 models. With QuikLift, mower decks can be slightly raised to traverse driveways, footpaths, pavements, or other obstacles, all without disengaging the PTO. The cut height adjustment system has been refreshed, now employing a 2mm pitch adjuster for increased accuracy. The cut height range is wider on the

Pegasus S5, delivering a clean finish in grass up to 110mm tall.

The Pegasus S5 also increases rear-facing light area by over 100%, with improved placement in driver line of sight for a proven increase in visibility to others on the road.

Trimax Enquiry 68

The cunning choice is Foxwood

Mowers.

and money. Or add the towing kit and safely take it across open ground all year round without damaging turf.

These amazing Chippers will process wood so quickly you have to see it to believe it. The machines will seriously improve your life at work. Hand built in Europe by skilled tradesmen, they are guaranteed to last.

Upson Mowers Enquiry 71

Star Kerb has been designed to create the perfect edge for laying wet pour surfacing onto a hard surface. It provides a firm, vandal resistant edge. The exclusive design makes the kerb virtually impossible to pull up.

Cap Kerb has been designed to fit over a timber gravel board, providing easy installation. We offer a complete upvc edging, this flexible edging allows for easy installation and unlike wooden edges it will not rot or erode with time.

info@starrubber.co.uk | 01458 253 377 www.star-rubber.co.uk

Better Safe Than Sorry

Working beyond the limits of equipment on steep inclines could be a thing of the past following the introduction of Tiltmaster to the UK groundcare sector. The three different models available can be quickly fitted to any machine providing a constant supply of working angle information to ensure the operator stays working safely within their machines capabilities. The three different models are Tiltmaster C for Compact Tractors (0-15 degrees), Tiltmaster D (0-25degrees) and Tiltmaster Extreme for specialist machines (0-45 degrees). Tiltmaster, now available from as little as £39 plus VAT, is a simple and effective method of providing additional health and safety data to users of groundcare and other machinery.

Simon Richard Ltd

Tel: 01450 860774 Email: simon@simon-richard.co.uk

www.facebook.com/simonrichardltd

Millfield gets the MM treatment

Craig Richardson, head of grounds and gardens, is using a range of MM and Designer grass seed on a variety of sports pitches at the prestigious Millfield School in Somerset.

Millfield is known for its sporting prowess and has produced many top-class international sports persons and Olympic athletes.

One look at the stunning sports pitches and amenities will tell you that no stone is left unturned in providing facilities of the highest quality – and that’s where Craig and his team of 24 grounds staff come in.

Maintenance regimes for all surfaces and gardens across the three sites (Millfield Prep School, Millfield School and Kingweston Sports Ground) are set by Craig and he uses a wide range of suppliers to identify only the best equipment and materials.

One such supplier is MM Sports Seed and Craig has been a longterm advocate of the company’s

range of grass seed. MM is one of the most respected brands in the UK sportsturf and amenity industries and is relied upon at top sports grounds throughout the UK and beyond.

In particular, Craig uses MM10 on the School’s golf greens which offers good, dense putting surfaces; MM50 - a hard-wearing ryegrass mix which is ideal for cricket squares and outfields; Action Replay (from the Designer range) for winter pitches; and MM60 – which Craig reserves for the main pitches.

MM60 is renowned for producing an excellent playing surface.

It is a 100% ryegrass formula which is perfect for renovation and divot repair, has a high disease resistance, fantastic aesthetic qualities and offers extremely fast germination –which is boosted by the inclusion of Headstart GOLD.

MM Sports Seed Enquiry 85