Landscape & Amenity Product Update September 2020

SALTEX 2021 moves into next gear as industry continues to recover

Association of Event Venues (AEV), and the Event Suppliers and Services Association (ESSA) –which covers almost every facet of the events industry, looking at the impact of the pandemic globally, as well as the UK from an events management perspective.

At SALTEX 2019, the postshow survey revealed that 96 per cent of exhibitors generated new sales leads and 82 per cent took orders then and there on the show floor.

Early indications for the 75th edition of SALTEX, which takes place at the NEC, Birmingham on 3 and 4 March 2021, are extremely positive following overwhelming industry support and the welcome news that exhibitions and events have been given the go ahead to restart from the start of October.

SALTEX has been serving the grounds management industry since 1938. Since then, the show has developed in stature and reputation and is now recognised as the industry’s showcase event creating opportunity for all who attend.

Geoff Webb, CEO of the Grounds Management Association, believes that the historic exhibition will be a huge first step towards the industry’s recovery.

“We believe that there comes a point where we lay the foundations for recovery and we of course want SALTEX in March to be a catalyst for this to showcase products, demonstrate the innovation this industry possesses, engage, network, renew acquaintances and generate new business for our exhibitors. In fact, we are making every provision to build assurance for a positive ‘return on investment’ for our exhibitors.”

All eyes now turn towards delivering a successful event with the potential protocols that may be in place as a direct result of Covid-19. SALTEX is in the safest and most professional of hands according to Geoff.

“The National Exhibition Centre (NEC) is one of the foremost venues in the UK and as such is at the heart of discussions as to how to run events safely and securely,” he continued. “The GMA has also taken advantage of its membership with the Association of Exhibition Organisers (AEO), who are closely working with the Events Owners Association (EOA), the

BIGGA cancels annual turf exhibition

The BIGGA Turf Management Exhibition (BTME) will not take place in January 2021 as anticipated, with an alternative ‘festival of turf’ planned for summer 2021.

The event’s organisers, the British & International Golf Greenkeepers Association, has cancelled the popular trade exhibition due to the ongoing uncertainty relating to the coronavirus pandemic, having prioritised the health and wellbeing of its members, exhibitors, staff and other attendees.

BIGGA’s world-leading education programme, Continue to Learn, is held alongside BTME each year and will still take place during January 2021, albeit as an online event and with an altered timetable

designed to reflect the new digital platform. A full programme of speakers will enable BIGGA members to access the world class education they have come to expect from the comfort of home or at their place of employment.

The announcement of an alternative event in summer 2021 will enable BIGGA to explore options for hosting the event outdoors, which current understanding of the infectious disease indicates will make for a safe event and will allow improved social distancing measures to be implemented.

The Harrogate Convention Centre, home to BTME since its inauguration as the European Turf

“We’re very proud to have established these excellent working relationships and it has allowed us to learn from others, network, and input into the guidance now issued and being supported and used by Government. The events sector is holding some pilot exhibitions over the coming weeks to detail the best procedures to ensure exhibitions are the best possible environments for staff, exhibitors, and visitors alike.

“Learning from these pilots will be addressed. In the meantime, we are currently mapping out several scenarios based on restrictions that may be in place in Spring 2021, so the event runs safely and efficiently, while creating a positive experience for both visitors and exhibitors.”

SALTEX

STRI launch golf survey

STRI Group has announced the launch of a new golf course industry focused survey to support The R&A Golf Course 2030 (GC2030) industry initiative established in 2018.

STRI was awarded a number of GC2030 projects to help meet the projected challenges that the golf industry will face over the next ten years, including, golf green quality standard, grass selection, aggregate availability, Integrated Turf Management (ITM), and water management.

The visitor survey further revealed that 79 per cent of SALTEX visitors had purchasing responsibility and 77 per cent had the ability to sign-off on amounts of more than £50,000. Therefore, it is no surprise, that SALTEX 2019 exhibitors are still reporting a high conversion rate from the leads they generated at last year’s show.

These figures have resulted in SALTEX 2021 witnessing a record-breaking loyalty period with over 75 per cent of exhibitors returning, including many stand upgrades and an influx of debut exhibitors.

The new Spring dates have not only been welcomed by exhibitors. A large proportion of visitors have voiced their support for the 2021 show with many claiming that they will be in the hunt for new products and services.

The new golf industry survey will focus on Integrated Turf Management of Poa/Bent Parkland Greens and the results will allow STRI to review current practices and use of Synthetic Plant Protection Products (SPPP), as well as water management issues such as drought or flooding. STRI will produce an interactive best practice handbook, for the management of Poa/Bent golf greens in a parkland setting based on the survey results.

STRI Group

Management Exhibition (ETME) in 1989, has been utilised as an NHS Nightingale Hospital since the peak of the outbreak in April.

BIGGA

Sport has returned both at professional and grass roots level and high-quality surfaces and sports facilities are once again showcasing our industry. Play equipment manufacturers are rising to the challenge of helping make re-opened playground and play facilities virus-safe.

The important role of parks and green spaces in boosting local communities in so many different ways has never been more apparent and is getting Government recognition. BIGGA may have taken the difficult but necessary decision to postpone BTME 2021 in January, but preparations are well under way to stage important industry-wide events like SALTEX (March 2021) and newcomer SAGE (July 2021). BIGGA is also looking to create a “summer festival” of turfcare in place of January’s event.

And this month the US-based parent company of Ransomes Jacobsen announced that production of all manufacturing of Jacobsen professional turf equipment will be relocated to its facility in Ipswich. The move once again confirms the UK’s world-leading position in the professional groundscare industry. There are plenty of other examples of good news throughout the wider industry, all proof of pour resilience in the face of one of the most challenging and unpredictable years on record.

This month we have a welcome return of our Play & Activity supplement, which has struggled more than most due to the restrictions imposed during lockdown. But the sector is still thriving and campaigning for improved play and activity facilities for all generations, particularly school-age children.

We also have spotlights on Estate Management, Brushcutters, the urban landscape and the latest industry news and views. As we head towards Autumn it is important to focus on the good news that continues to dominant our industry.

Paul Groves, Editor

Phil Self joins ISEKI to support dealer network

ISEKI UK & Ireland has appointed the well-known industry figure Phil Self as Technical Sales Demonstrator to further increase the support for the dealer network nationwide.

Phil has over 20 years of experience within the municipal, golf and sports turf industry having previously worked at Ransomes Jacobsen in a variety of roles.

He started his career working in the factory, followed by a variety of technical roles before spending the last 10 years as a demonstrator as such his technical knowledge of machinery and the applications they are used in is second to none.

Commenting on the announcement David Withers, MD of ISEKI UK said; “Phil will be a great asset to the business, having worked with most of the dealers previously and having demonstrated ISEKI equipment over prior years he will be able to hit the ground running, we are very fortunate that Phil was available.

“As part of this new investment we are also buying a suitable truck and trailer for Phil to use. Whilst this year has been difficult we are looking to continue our market share gains and so are happy to invest further in the company.”

Ransomes’ parent company relocates production to UK

Textron Specialized Vehicles Inc will relocate all manufacturing of Registered Affiliate Ransomes Jacobsen professional turf equipment to its facility in Ipswich.

The move will begin this autumn and be completed in stages over the next several months. It will enable the company to focus its investments, skill, and improvements in mower production on a single facility, and leverage existing resources and expertise at its Ipswich facility.

The plant, which currently builds Jacobsen and Ransomes mowers, is the oldest manufacturer of motorized lawn mowers in the world, in operation for more than

The UK facility will produce mowers for all regions, including North America. Jacobsen will maintain its sales and customer-care teams in North America, and its network of North American distributors, to serve its customers in the United States and Canada.

“We are excited to establish our Ipswich UK facility as the worldwide manufacturing centre of excellence for Jacobsen equipment,” said Simon Rainger, Vice President, Turf for Textron Specialized Vehicles.

“This move will enable us to operate more efficiently, and expand on the legacy of innovation and quality that our Ipswich plant has built over its long history.”

Jacobsen continues to develop new products to serve its customers around the globe. The brand will launch a robust slate of new mowers this year, including the quiet, highly efficient Eclipse 360 ELiTE electric greens mower powered

by Samsung SDI lithium-battery technology, and the new AR530 and AR730 contour rotary mowers, designed to be safer, easier and more cost-effective to maintain and operate.

Ransomes

Control Husqvarna robotic mowers with IFTTT

Husqvarna Automower owners are now able to control their robotic mowing experience through the Automower Connect app compatible with the integration platform IFTTT (short for If This Then That).

This lets users with Husqvarna Automower robotic mowers and the Automower Connect app personalise their mowing process depending on weather forecasts and calendar activities.

Husqvarna, global leaders in robotic mowing, takes another step forward in lawn mowing. Now, Husqvarna Automower users will be able to connect their robotic mower to other smart products and services with IFTTT powered features in the Automower Connect mobile app.

It is, for example, possible to use a Weather Condition Connection that, when activated, only lets the Husqvarna robotic mower mow if the weather forecast is ideal.

Furthermore, the user can activate the Calendar Activities Connection that parks the robotic mower if a defined key word appears in the customers calendar.

When you go that extra mile for quality, you want to get there fast. The HPX815E is road-ready right out of the box — ideal for moving between sites in town — and has no problem keeping up with the cars. Bringing equipment along? Its resilient cargo box and towing capacity make light work of even the biggest jobs. Move where you need to, when you need to. Get the job done at your pace.

Freephone 0800 085 25 22

ISEKI UK

Husqvarna

Weedingtech keeps play equipment safe

The Coronavirus pandemic has made us all aware, and often concerned, about the potential dangers of contact with other people.

As we start to use our public spaces again, it is critical they are made safe for us to prevent further transmission of Coronavirus, and to make us feel safe so we enjoy using them. This means the highest levels of hygiene and sanitisation need to be met in order to bring the world back to life successfully.

Furthermore, as business look to reopen their doors – and many are currently unable to do so due to concerns about Coronavirus – it is essential we find ways to help them reopen again as quickly as possible, by meeting the stringent demands placed on them to keep people safe.

So – how do we do that?

In one word – Foamstream. Foamstream is proven to kill 99.99% of Coronavirus cells within 10 seconds. That’s why it can be used in places like playgrounds, parks, eating areas, sports facilities, camping sites and theme parks, to regularly sanitise them and make them safe.

Foamstream is a breakthrough technology for sanitising outdoor spaces because it is the first viable, green solution, that is economically and logistically viable. It’s fast, it’s green, it’s all weather, it’s versatile, and it’s zero fuss.

Weedingtech

Mark celebrates 40 years with Johnsons

When Mark Reynard started work as an apprentice with Johnsons of Whixley just days after his 16th birthday, little did he know that 40 years later he would still be with the business, heading up the company’s retail sales operations.

Mark joined North-Yorkshire based Johnsons in June 1980

on an apprenticeship that was due to run for three years, with a mixture of college and workbased learning. His only previous job had been a paper round.

After successfully completing his apprenticeship, Mark took on a variety of roles, including growing plants then loading and delivering them

to customers. After around 10 years, he switched to the sales team where he worked his way up to the post of retail sales manager, overseeing the supply of plants to independent garden centres across the country.

Johnsons of Whixley

The Sports & Grounds Expo set for 2021

The Sports & Grounds Expo (SAGE) is taking place 27 – 29 July 2021.

The all-new outdoor trade show will be hosted at the stunning outdoor venue of The Three Counties Showground in Malvern. It is beautifully set at the foot of the famous Malvern Hills and within easy reach of Malvern and Worcester.

The target of SAGE is to bring together grounds personnel from a broad range of sectors and provide an engaging and well-resourced environment in which they have the opportunity to test out and see in action the latest products and ideas on the market.

Many companies are looking to improve efficiency and cost effectiveness and this is a key area which SAGE is focusing

on, not only for the exhibition itself, but exploring and showcasing the products that allows this to actually happen across the industry.

SAGE has been carefully designed to allow the exhibitors to have an abundance of space with the premise on providing the visitors the chance to really get hands on.

Exhibitors will be astounded by the value for money on offer and visitors will feel they have really profited from the opportunities available onsite.

SAGE will provide a safe and proactive environment benefitting all sectors across the sports and grounds maintenance industry.

The Sports & Grounds Expo is set to be the highlight for the industry next summer. 2021 will be a year where many companies will need to “re-boot”, SAGE provides the perfect timing and setting in which exhibitors can maximise their presence in the industry. Keep up to date with all the SAGE news by following the event on Twitter & Facebook.

SAGE

Headland Amenity praised for pitch transformation

With 12 years of greenkeeping experience under his belt, Carel Fourie has been turning his hand to the maintenance at Holwell Sports FC.

And he’s made quite the impression, scooping the United Counties League Groundsman of the Year title for 2019/20.

Assisting Carel with the transition from fine turf to sports turf has been Alex Hawkes of Headland Amenity, who has overseen the construction of a nutritional programme that has boosted the health, appearance and playability of the Welby Road pitch.

With field longevity of five to six months, Carel applies Multigreen ® 28-3-15 in early summer and follows this up with an application of the 150-22 formulation in September.

While Carel uses a range of Headland products in his nutritional programme, worth particular note are a tank mix of Elevate Fe ® , Xtend and

Clipless NT which is applied every six weeks through the summer to boost the visual qualities, together with a combination of Turfcomplex and TriCure AD which has proven to successfully nurse the pitch through periods of dry weather and drought.

Headland Amenity

When it comes to the challenge of looking after parks and pitches all year round, STIHL tackles it head on. With a range of tools designed to maintain grounds to the highest and most professional standards. Not only does STIHL set the standard for quality, efficiency and reliability, our tools are also easy to maintain and offer superb parts availability. All of which adds up to minimum downtime and maximum performance.

Ed Mowe, Head Groundsman for Leicester Tigers, with the STIHL RM 655 RS

Club benefits from Rigby Taylor’s expertise

Long life horticultural impact irrigation with complete uniformity

In nurseries and for other horticultural or agricultural irrigation applications, water distribution uniformity is essential to ensure all crops get equal coverage.

Rain Bird’s highly durable, full circle LF Series impact sprinklers provide this, together with water stream height flexibility and long throw distances.

To achieve uniform irrigation within a specified area, the sprinkler’s design includes a deflector spoon that guides the water stream away from the riser and shapes it into a rain curtain right through to the end of the throw.

Particularly suitable for climate control and frost protection applications, two nozzle sizes, the LF1200 and LF 2400 offer throw distances as far as 15 metres with water stream trajectories from 6 to 22

degrees. Capacities range from 270 to 1549 litres per hour.

The LF Series is a major improvement on the design of traditional brass impact sprinklers. The robust design combines high performance thermoplastics for the disc drive and a patented long lasting ceramic radial bearing which withstands the gritty water that is common in horticultural and agricultural applications.

To prolong service life, the LF Series’ design ensures that water never comes into contact with the bearing because it is shielded from the water path.

High grade stainless steel springs and an ultraviolet stabiliser ensure protection from wind blown debris and the effects of the sun.

No special tools are required for assembly and it is a simple snap together installation process for

the LF’s sprinkler drive body, nozzle and deflector.

Colour coded nozzles allow easy identification and there is a choice of NPT or Acme thread versions. An optional anti-theft or vandal-proof edge guard is available as well as a splash guard that makes maintenance easier to carry out.

“The mixture is a 100% ultrafine ryegrass blend that provides me with fast establishment, is very tolerant of close mowing and displays a cleanness of cut and excellent shoot density and is quite simply my go-to grass seed in almost all circumstances,” he explained.

Martin reflects on his use of the R9 mixture at a previous club where the course had to recover from a calamitous event that caused ten greens

and approaches to become effectively destroyed.

He states: “Within 4-5 weeks of sowing the R9, we had alt least 80% coverage and the greens were back in play a month later and by the following May, all were in perfect order.”

Martin also comments on the seeds disease tolerance benefits he has experienced.

“During one 10-week autumn spell of particularly wet and mild weather, clubs in the near vicinity were spraying weekly for predominately Fusarium, yet we sprayed just twice – and these were applied purely as a preventative measure,” he added.

The R9 mixture has the added benefit of being pre-treated with Germin-8T, which has taken it to another level in terms of

Martin continues: “I can’t speak more highly enough of this seed mixture seed and it will play a major part in my course management at Wheatley Golf Club for years to come.”

R9 100% ultra fine dwarf rye is ideal for rye greens, tees, fairways, cricket squares and outfields and tennis courts.

Rigby Taylor

Snickers’ new 4-way stretch trousers give maximum mobility

Hi-tech fabrics and bodymapping designs in the NEW multi-purpose ALLROUNDWork 4-Way Stretch Trousers from Snickers Workwear ensure maximum working mobility wherever you are on site.

The 4-way stretch fabrics integrated into these Work Trousers deliver maximum freedom of movement for all kinds of work all year round as well as improved ventilation and overall comfort.

With great fit and superb value for money they have a slimmer tailored fit for better all-round looks and protection against snagging. Plus reinforced stretch Cordura in the certified KneeGuard System for greater flexibility, comfort and durability.

Martin Haywood, course manager at Wheatley golf Club in Doncaster is a big fan of Rigby Taylor’s R9 perennial fine ryegrass mixture.

Rain Bird

They’re specially designed to take the new D30 ERGO Craftsman Kneepad.

Snickers

germination and early establishment.

Times have changed. So have tools. And our new Professional-X range is all the proof you need. Take the EGO Power+ hedge trimmer. It’s powered by the most technologically advanced, petrol-matching, Lithium-ion battery system out there. It has diamond-ground and laser cut blades – meaning not only does it make short work of the toughest hedges, it stays sharper for much longer. Our Professional-X range delivers the power of petrol, minus the petrol, with less fuss, less noise and zero emissions.

THE NEW EGO 56V PROFESSIONAL-X RANGE. THERE’S NOTHING ELSE LIKE IT. #powerreimagined

Sustainable platform for 50 years

Wakefield based Grass Concrete Ltd are celebrating the unique achievement of 50 years in the construction sector.

The company best known for the world leading grass paving product started out in 1970 with the Grasscrete invention that has lasted the decades and is still specified by landscape contractors today.

Over the years Grasscrete has been installed for flood alleviation schemes, emergency access roads, grass car parking and driveways with Grasscrete’s sustainability qualities unmatched worldwide.

Grasscrete is able to balance the need for increased urbanisation whilst at the same time helping to maintain a natural green landscape.

In urbanised areas this crucially helps to sequestrate CO 2 , within parking areas, all of this taking place low down at exhaust emission level.

More and more external works and landscaping now fully embraces Grasscrete in more than just flood alleviation SUDs ponds. For some landscaping projects precast Grassblock provides an alternative or Grassroad for durable hardwearing grass paving for secondary parking areas.

Bob Howden OBE., Managing Director says “Grass paving systems have an increasing role to play in the development and sustainability of a harmonised landscape. We are very proud of the role we have played and our achievements in helping to push away the traditional barriers to environmental change.”

The company’s environmental leadership has always been fundamental to the business and over the years new envirofriendly products have been added to the range including vertical landscaping on retaining walls.

The Betoconcept system replace dull retaining walls with attractive vertical planting areas with integrated soil pockets, perfect where garden space is a premium.

At roof level the latest Grassroof product offers a lightweight lay and leave no soil system, designed for sedum or succulent planting on flat rooftops.

To find out more about the Grass Concrete’s 50-year history visit www/grasscrete.com/50

Grass Concrete

years supporting our environment

and still growing strong

Greener environmental solutions. Sustainable applications for traffic and water projects.

Grass Concrete Limited, world leader in the development and supply of environmental solutions for 50 years.

To learn more, talk to the experts.

Grass Concrete Limited info@grasscrete.com

Tel: +44(0)1924 379443 Fax: +44(0)1924 290289

@grasscreteworld

Setcrete Exterior floor levelling compound sees sales growth

UltraScape premjoint used at multi-million pound private residence

UltraScape premjoint jointing compound has been used to joint 65sqm of sandstone paving at a multi-million pound private residence in an exclusive residential area in Four Oaks, Sutton Coldfield.

Designed with an Arts and Crafts style and boasting a leisure complex, four bedrooms and extensive indoor and outdoor living areas, this modern contemporary family home is the epitome of luxury living.

As part of an enhancement project to the outdoor area, the existing jointing compound needed replacing with a grout that would be durable yet compliment the York handmade bricks, sandstone pavers and natural stone detailing of the property.

UltraScape premjoint is the next generation in decorative, brush-in jointing solutions. Suitable for use with granite, porcelain and other premium quality natural stone, premjoint jointing compound was the obvious choice for completing this luxury refurbishment project.

Traditional jointing materials can often look patchy and discolour easily. UltraScape premjoint has been formulated using coloured quartz for its excellent shades and colour stability compared with others on the market, which rely on mixing quartz with sand. It’s this difference that really sets premjoint apart from all other brush-in jointing sands.

Using popular natural paving stones as a guide, premjoint

is available in 3 attractive colours – Cosmic Black, Natural Cashmere and Storm Grey – the latter of which was used at this prestigious property.

What’s more, premjoint eliminates the need for hand pointing, can be used in all weathers, is frost resistant and once applied, can be walked over in just 24-48 hours – ideal for busy environments such as this family home.

The homeowners were delighted with premjoint. The existing sandstone pavers look brand new when teamed with the storm grey jointing compound and the finished look has further enhanced this impressive property.

Setcrete Exterior floor levelling compound has seen year-onyear growth of 300% in leading builders’ merchants, driven by consumer demand to reinvigorate outside spaces during the coronavirus lockdown.

Used to prepare patio areas and other outdoor spaces prior to the installation of floor coverings

such as porcelain tiles – popular for creating a continuous ‘outside-inside’ flooring solution for areas connected by bi-fold or sliding doors – and for creating a wearcoat surface in garages and garden outbuildings, Setcrete Exterior offers a quick and easy way to smooth and level rough, worn or mechanically-damaged concrete or sand/cement screeds.

The resulting base provides the perfect platform on which to lay tiles to optimise the finished aesthetics or it can be left uncovered as a standalone wearing surface or painted over, with a suitable floor paint, for example, in converting a garage into a gym.

Setcrete Exterior

Paving the way for decades

UltraScape have been successfully providing the industry with a high quality paving installation system for over 20 years.

UltraScape’s BS 7533 Mortar Paving System comprises of specialist bedding, priming and jointing materials, all of which have been manufactured in their state-of-the-art UK production facility using the latest technology and innovations available.

The superior performance of UltraScape’s BS 7533 Mortar Paving System is just one reason why these materials have been used time and time again all around the world.

Whether at contractor or early planning stage, UltraScape’s Site Support Team is always available for one-to-one dedicated assistance tailored to suit your needs.

Ultrascape

UltraScape

Etesia Hydro 124 DL is part of the family

After using their previous Etesia Hydro 124 D for eighteen years, the Malpas family felt it was time for an upgrade. When it came to choosing a new ride-on mower, there was only one choice - a new Hydro 124 DL.

The Malpas family, based in Hertfordshire, have three sites to attend to which includes a vast orchard, paddocks and three beautiful gardens. Up until very recently, there has only ever been allowed one person to cut the grass - as Clare Malpas explains.

“We had the Etesia Hydro 124 D for such a long time and my father was the only driver – none of us were ever allowed near it because it was his pride and joy. The mower had served him so well over the years, but it was about time for an upgrade.

“He absolutely loved that mower and refused to even look at any other brands. Quite simply, he was adamant that he wanted the new Hydro 124 DL.”

Unfortunately, Clare’s father has recently been hospitalised and has not been able to try his brand-new Hydro 124 DL yet. In the meantime, Clare has been cutting the grass with the new machine and is confident that her father will be delighted when he returns to action.

“He fully intends on continuing to cut the grass when he gets out of hospital and he will have a nice, shiny new mower waiting for him,” continued Clare.

ISEKI become a lockdown

star of the screen

ISEKI UK’s portfolio of demonstration videos is proving a hugely popular and successful way to highlight the company’s comprehensive range.

The series was launched by David Withers, Managing Director of Iseki UK. “Demos are an important aspects of our sales process,” he explained, “so given the current restrictions concerning COVID-19, I thought that if

customers can’t come to us, we’ll try to come to them, albeit even if it’s only in a virtual sense.”

The first video demonstrate an ISEKI SXG323+ mower and the portfolio also includes a detailed look at the ISEKI SRA950F, a ride-on brush cutter with a 95cm width of cut, powered by a 24hp Kawasaki V-Twin petrol engine.

ISEKI UK

“He is going to be over the moon because this mower really is something special.”

The Etesia Hydro 124 DL is the first mower that combines direct rear-ejection, integrated collection and high-lift emptying (patented). All features that make it one of the most highly efficient machines on the market, designed to mow up to 19,000 square metres per hour.

Etesia

Green-tech helps to fight the spread of COVID-19

The latest addition to the Greentech product range is CleanShield multi-surface cleaner; effective against 99.9% of bacteria, spores, viruses and fungi including Covid19, Norovirus, Ebola and MERS.

Green-tech’s Sales Director Richard Gill comments, “Over the last 5 months we have had many enquiries for equipment cleaners that are effective in sanitising all your essential tools.

“Whether you’re cleaning out your van at the end of a long day or prior to a site visit - CleanShield is effective and requires no mixing with water. It is also alcohol-free, so it won’t irritate your skin. It is already proving very popular and is available to order now in 1L and 5L containers.

“CleanShield multi-surface cleaner is the latest product that has been added to Green-tech’s growing range of site essentials and workwear.

“Before the COVID-19 pandemic we were expanding our range of site essentials and

workwear so that our customers can get all of their essential PPE, first aid kits and sanitisers alongside their landscaping materials orders.

“Our customers like making one phone call or email and getting everything, they need delivered on one wagon. So, the timing was perfect to add CleanShield to our range.”

The ready to use, no water formulation can be mopped, sprayed or wiped onto floors, walls, surfaces and equipment providing easy instant germ protection to any environment where the transfer of germs is a concern. It is not flammable which is easier for storage and transportation and has a shelf life of 3 years.

Green-tech

Superior quality designer meadows from seed and PMTurf based on 20 years of research and development

Superior quality designer meadows from seed and PMTurf based on 20 years of research and development

Meadow seed and PMTurf Training and CPDs Design and Consultation

Meadow seed and PMTurf Training and CPDs Design and Consultation Meadow Installation

Meadow Installation

Hatfield House goes green with Husqvarna battery

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

Andrew Turvey, head of park and gardens, along with his team of ten employees, switched to Husqvarna battery to help preserve and maintain Hatfield House’s vast estate.

Since their first demo, Andrew’s collection of Husqvarna Battery Series has continued to grow, with his product highlights including the 535iXP chainsaw, 520iHD70 hedge cutter, 530iPT5 telescopic pole saw, 520iHT4 telescopic hedge cutter, 525iB handheld blower

and the 535iRXT and 520iLX brush cutters. Andrew also maintains vast areas of formal lawns with multiple Husqvarna Automower.

Andrew commented on his transition to Husqvarna battery power: “From our first initial test of Husqvarna battery, we knew straight away that the products would make a big difference to the way we work.

With 200 acres of park and garden to regularly maintain, we rely on products that can withstand heavy duty use, and the Battery Series has done just that.”

It wasn’t just Andrew that needed to be converted to battery. With a team of ten employees and 20 volunteers, Andrew also needed to

introduce his new way of working to his team of professional gardeners.

Having used Husqvarna battery over the last two and a half years, Andrew and his team have noticed many benefits of using the battery equipment, not only environmentally, but financially and physically as well.

Andrew commented: “There are a number of benefits we’ve experienced switching to battery products, in particular the time and money saved from no longer having to travel to purchase fuel.

“The 525iB handheld blower and the 535iRXT and 520iLX brush cutters in particular have made a huge difference to the way we work. The brush

cutters are used daily on the estate, by the team and Lady Salisbury herself, thanks to their light-weight design and ability to be turned on and off when needed for short burst of use, without having to warm them up and refuel.

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

“In the future we look forward to taking further advantage of Husqvarna’s offerings, including Husqvarna Fleet Services to track and receive real-time data from our machines, and further extend our collection as new battery models launch.”

Husqvarna

Foamstream flows in North Yorkshire

Locations in North Yorkshire are getting the green treatment with a brand-new weeding machine which works without using herbicides.

The revolutionary machine uses hot water insulated by a biodegradable foam, made from natural plant oils and sugars to keep the liquid hot, to kill weeds, moss and algae right at their root without the use of harsh chemicals.

North Yorkshire County Council is trialling Foamstream, developed by Weedingtech in 2011, as a new way of keeping some of the county’s roads, streets and pavements tidy and weed-free.

The machine is expected to be used in the Harrogate, Knaresborough and Ripon, cleaning up town centres to ensure they look their best following the Covid-19 pandemic. If the technology is deemed successful after the pilot, it could be rolled out to more towns across North Yorkshire. It’s the first time the technology has been used in the region.

John Putsey, Maintenance Manager for Highways, Area 6, said: “It’s a really exciting device and one we’ve never seen in the North East before. It’s very safe to use, there are no pesticides and it’s very effective at killing weeds. It’s very good for pedestrian areas, for roads in areas where weeds gather.

It’s very quick, you can do up to 200 square metres an hour and it can also be used to clean signs, street furniture and bollards, along with cleaning off chewing gum.”

Foamstream works by superheating vegetation to 95 degrees. The foam insulates the heat in the hot water, keeping the temperature in the kill zone (57°C+) for long enough to kill or sufficiently damage the weed. Foamstream sterilises surrounding seeds and spores to stop weeds spreading and then kills or damages the plant to prevent regrowth.

As well as killing weeds which, for North Yorkshire’s use will be the main function, Foamstream has cleaning attachments for low and high-pressure cleaning including chewing gum removal from roads and pavements.

“We’re very pleased North Yorkshire County Council is trialling Foamstream.” Says Weedingtech UK Sales Manager Aaron Matthews. “It’s a first time for us in the region and we’re confident the system will prove wholly effective for them. Foamstream is already used by many councils around the UK including Hammersmith and Fulham, Southwark and Manchester City Council as well as by some of the nation’s biggest contracting companies such as idverde and Urbaser.”

purposes only. Finance is provided by CNH Industrial Capital Europe Limited. Registered England: 3420615.Registered office: Cranes Farm Road, Basildon, Essex SS14 3AD. Limited stock availability.

Weedingtech

GreenMech QuadChip 160 means access is no issue

Offering the ultimate flexibility for kerbside working, a QuadChip 160 from GreenMech is the chipper of choice for Andrew Steel of AS Treecare - assisting him in delivering domestic tree works in and around Surrey and South West London.

With parking and space at a premium in tight urban and suburban locations, the 360-degree turntable of the QuadChip improves the speed and efficiency with which both timber and brash can be processed.

After purchasing his first QuadChip eight years ago, Owner/Operator Andrew has recently upgraded to his third unit – a MK II model supplied in April 2020 by GA Groundcare. “The turntable gives us convenience that shouldn’t be underestimated” explains Andrew, who established AS Treecare 17 years ago.

“With 90% of our workload comprising of domestic garden projects, it’s common to have to contend with restricted parking space and in many situations, you can’t secure enough space behind a conventional chipper to process brash. With the QuadChip, we can angle it so that brash can be piled up on a driveway or path and loaded straight into the infeed chute.”

Powerful twin vertical feed rollers offer exceptional pull and crushing capacity for timber and brash of up to 6”, with consistent processing quality provided by GreenMech’s patented DiscBlade chipping technology.

“Our last two QuadChip machines have been fitted with the Disc-Blade system which undoubtably offers an extended lifespan compared to traditional straight blades.

“They also give you the option of turning the blade to a new sharp edge if damage occurs, which is great when you’re out on site.”

Andrew also has a GreenMech CS 100 pedestrian chipper, which he calls upon when access is even more restricted.

“This is a great little machine for garden tidy-ups and those projects where you can chip, and leave that chip, on site. We’ve been known (on more than one occasion!) to take

the CS 100 through a house to access the garden which, by doing so, has reduced two-day jobs down to one.”

He concludes, “The combination of our two chippers mean we’re well equipped to tackle projects of all sizes, no matter how restricted we are on access, with the added benefit of fantastic back-up support and service from Ashley at GA Groundcare, as and when we need it.”

GreenMech

Simple solution to professional finish

Not far from the North Pennines, an AONB designated region, near Barnard Castle lays Hetherick Caravan Park.

The caravan park was founded in 1991 by the late Ernest Holmes and is now run by his son and daughter-in-law, Chris and Julie Holmes. It’s a 20 acre site with six acres of woodland and surrounded by public footpaths and country walks.

Previously, site management in the form of grass mowing and site maintenance was carried out by contractors but Chris Holmes decided it was much more costeffective and, indeed more timely to carry out the maintenance procedures himself.

Local machinery dealer to Hetherick Caravan Park is

Rickerby’s and following discussions over needs and best options, Chris and Julie decided on a MAJOR 2.4m Swift Roller Mower. They needed to make the park maintenance more efficient and cost-effective.

“We were recommended the MAJOR Swift Mower,” commented Chris “and it has proven to be the perfect choice for our requirements. We can cut the entire park in just one day, so saving us an enormous amount of time.

“Fitted to a small, low horsepower compact tractor, the Swift roller mower handles all the different kinds of terrain and ground conditions we have here and it leaves a perfect stripe afterwards, which

enhances the quality image of the park.”

The 2.4metre MAJOR Swift Roller Mower is a three-point linkage mounted machine, has four rotors, each with two blades, which overlap each other by 60mm, so avoiding any possibility of leaving uncut strips.

“Since we started using the Swift last year,” continued Chris, “we have seen a significant improvement in the quality of cut, the grounds are more even and level than before and overall, our caravan park is looking even more professional - something our tourists and visitors appreciate.”

Major Equipment

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

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

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

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

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

Contact the Amazone Team on: 01302 755 725.

Getting the basics about batteries

In the first of a series of two article for Landscape & Amenity Product Update, Vince Brauns, European Product Manager at cordless outdoor power equipment specialist EGO Power Plus, explains the evolution of battery technology, the technology’s basic principles and why there is no better time than the present to adopt battery power.

In the world of professional landscaping and grounds maintenance, petrol has been the fuel of choice for over 100 years. The reason being that, up until now, there has been no viable challenger that delivers equal measures of convenience, power and performance.

One of the huge barriers in uptake of battery power tools is the misconception that the tools simply won’t provide enough power or run time to complete a job=, which in years gone by, may have been the case.

Even though the harmful emissions from petrol power is known, the need to get jobs done quickly and efficiently have, in the past, always outweighed the negatives.

Governments the world over are having to find alternatives to fossilfuel powered transport, power and heating in a last-ditch attempt to save the planet. It’s time that the same level of urgency is applied to outdoor power tools.

In addition to reducing their environmental footprint, many in the grounds maintenance and landscaping industries are realising the disadvantages of petrol in noise pollution, cost and health risks of both the emissions and vibration associated with petrol. It wasn’t until 1991 that the world woke up to the power of lithium-ion, however continued research over almost three decades has enabled manufacturers like EGO to harness the best of lithium-ion and create tools that match and, in some cases, outperform their petrol counterparts.

While upfront cost, charging time and battery deterioration also remain a concern for professionals that are apprehensive about making the switch, understanding the evolution and capabilities of battery power is massively important. Knowledge is the next crucial step in changing attitudes and proving why battery power tools are a preferred and futureproofed solution for a wide range of outdoor applications.

Knowledge is Power

When choosing battery tools, it’s important to ensure the battery can consistently deliver power for the application required.

Power is measured in watts (W) and is calculated by multiplying voltage (V) and current (A). To work out how long the power can be delivered, users need to multiply voltage with capacity (Ah) to find out the energy in watt-hours (Wh).

It’s the relationship between voltage and current that counts though. A big voltage doesn’t necessarily mean big power — there also has to be enough current (and vice versa). In the instance of battery-powered technology, the current depends on the cell types being used, the condition and quality of the cells and the control system put in place to manage them.

As a buyer, be mindful of battery labels that use watts instead of watt-hours or amp hours. This isn’t as helpful because users don’t just want to know how much power the battery generates in a given moment — they want to know how long it can deliver that power. Run time however, can depend on many factors such as the capacity of the battery to begin with, which tool being used, how it is being used, how tools are taken care of, and how the batteries are stored.

A basic knowledge of circuits will also help you choose the kit with the best bang for your buck. When battery cells are connected end-to-end in a single row they are in ‘series’. Arranging cells together in series delivers the required voltage (V).

When more than one series is combined, the rows of battery cells are connected in ‘parallel’. Adding an identical number of cells in parallel delivers more capacity and run time (Ah). EGO batteries have been designed to deliver 56V for an extended period of time in order to meet user expectations.

Theoretically, a manufacturer could build a battery with more power than a user would ever need for outdoor applications. This is where manufacturers must apply a balancing act between power and usability. More cells mean more weight and size. That’s why EGO has settled on a 56V platform. We have found 56V provides the optimum balance between petrol matching performance and run-time.

Meadows, but better

Pictorial Meadows have been at the forefront of innovative landscaping solutions for almost 20 years.

Working alongside the University of Sheffield, it’s no surprise that this company has a dedication to research and development.

New for 2020, Pictorial Meadows have revised their range of perennial meadow seed mixes. The improved mixes now combine a careful blend of perennial and biannual species that provide colour and support for nature over several years with a selection of colourful annuals that ensure the meadow gives visual interest right from its first season.

“Achieving the perfect balance of species to ensure a stunning, structured display as the meadow moves from its initial annual look to its more longlived perennial one was a key challenge” explains Sue France, CEO, “but we’re absolutely thrilled with the results”.

The new mixes are suitable for a wide range of uses, from parks and estate to road verges and visitor attractions.

If you’re new to the world of meadows, Pictorial Meadows also offer a consultancy, installations, and maintenance services to help guarantee you the perfect meadow.

Pictorial Meadows

EGO

INFINICUT introduce new 60Ah Battery Module

As part of their continuous product development programme, INFINICUT have announced the introduction of a new 60Ah battery module. The new power unit joins the line-up, alongside the industryleading 30Ah option, to offer extended run-time and more power for increased overall flexibility.

The benefits of battery power have become increasingly evident for products in our everyday lives, and with the INFINICUT range, it has been an integral part of its design.

Together with a significantly reduced carbon footprint compared to that of a petrol-driven mower, the modular de-mountable battery

configuration of the INFINICUT has proven to deliver a reduction in noise output and significant improvements to the Hand-Arm Vibration (HAV) levels for the operator.

This new, larger 60Ah battery offers a run-time of up to 390 minutes (dependant on machine, set-up and conditions) and supersedes the current 40Ah module option, giving the operator the opportunity of matching battery capacity with the specification required to deliver desired work patterns. The 30Ah and 60Ah module units are standard and interchangeable across the entire INFINICUT range.

Cub Cadet

New Speed-Seed delivers improved accuracy and efficiency

Launched in 2019, the new Redexim Speed-Seed from Charterhouse Turf Machinery offers a lot more than just a new livery.

Its remodelled variable seed rate calibration system makes the Speed-Seed one of the most accurate seeders available – ideal for overseeding large or small areas, quickly and with ease.

The popular range of dimple seeders has been extended to feature four width options1.1m, 1.5m, 2m and 2.3m.

It utilises a spiked sarel roller, to create 990 holes per m2, and a rear brush which sweeps the delivered seed into the mass of holes down to depths of up to 20mm, leaving a groomed finish in its wake.

An optional second spiked roller can be equipped to double the number of pockets created.

In addition to the new sizes and the new styling of the machine, the key introduction is a new seed calibration system.

The metering sections make ratio adjustments simple and accurate, while a new mixing bar and individual seeding elements ensure good, even distribution and less wastage –even when sowing small bent grass seed.

The seed system is fed by a tray with a maximum capacity of up to 337 litres (in the 2.3m width variant), and all four models offer a seeding speed of 7.5mph.

Charterhouse Turf Machinery

Ground Control trials industry-leading winter maintenance technology

Ground Control‘s commitment to caring for the environment will see the country’s biggest winter maintenance provider trial a number of industryleading, green technologies over the coming months in a move towards make their gritting business carbon neutral.

Ground Control and The Gritting Company will replace the secondary diesel engine routinely used to dispense salt or grit on one of its trucks with a fully electric drive, offering six to eight hours of continuous use on a single charge.

Another gritting vehicle will be equipped with brine tanks, allowing the operator to dispense the liquid brine followed by a reduced amount of salt. Not only does the preactivated solution melt snow and ice quicker, it’s more environmentally friendly – it uses 50% less salt than a typical gritting application, reducing the potential harm done to both the adjacent vegetation and

the road surface affected during the spreading process.

“We’re introducing the latest electric gritting and greener deicing technology to ensure we can fully meet our customers’ needs over the winter months,” said Ian Morehouse, Winter Maintenance Director at Ground Control.

“We are leasing the technology at the moment to ensure we can continue to deliver a great service with this new equipment. We will do a full analysis through the season, but we are quietly confident we’ll be in a position to expand its use next year.”

With more than 200 gritting delivery teams serving over 9,000 customer locations across the country, Ground Control hopes the winter season trials will mark a sea change for the industry.

Ground Control

Zaun fencing used to provide football facilities

Suffolk based football team Beccles Town FC have been congratulated on an ‘amazing achievement’, with the installation of a state-of-the-art full size 3G pitch at the club.

Peterborough based Plant Fencing Contractors installed Zaun Super Rebound sports fencing around the perimeter of the pitch and Spectator Rail at pitch side. Super Rebound, forms an extremely robust perimeter around any pitch, that not only increases ball retention, but also vastly improved the gameplay experience.

Zaun Super Rebound sports fencing also includes EPDM inserts, which reduces noise to the surrounding areas of balls hitting the fencing by roughly 29%.

The new facility, which cost £770,000 and aided by a £598,000 grant fron the Football Foundation was officially

opened by former Norwich City midfielder Adrian Forbes.

Forbes cut the ribbon at the 97m x 61m pitch at The Nest, the home ground of Anglian Combination Division One members Beccles Town FC.

The install was completed and used primarily for the club’s under 16s and under 17 players. Beccles Town FC run four adult teams including a ladies’ team and 24 youth teams, which provide football facilities for around 350 youngsters.

Suffolk FA Chief Executive Richard Neal: “This is an amazing achievement for a club like Beccles Town to have a facility like this. We hope it will not be only life-changing for the players involved in the club now but in the future and for the whole town.”

Sadolin brightened up summer for schoolchildren

Leading specialist woodcare brand Sadolin brought a splash of colour to the great outdoors for the pupils of St Georges CE Primary School in Bromley, Kent last summer.

The colourful playground was the brainchild of TV gardener Danny Clarke, with Orpington Crown Decorating Centre donating 12 litres of Sadolin Superdec, an opaque, water-based woodcare paint that offers vibrant colours and lasting protection.

A team of volunteers applied the paint in an eye-catching repeating stripe pattern, using light blue, pink, orange, yellow, purple and white colours – all from Sadolin Superdec’s core colour collection – on the playground’s wooden picket fence, the timber that forms the raised beds in the school’s garden, and even on recycled tyres that the school used as planters.

The use of colour was key to the vision of the project, which looked to transform a dreary

outdoor space into a stimulating and fun science garden where the children of St Georges can learn as well as play, long into the future. This made Sadolin Superdec the ideal choice, thanks to its high pigmentation and choice of over 300 colours.

The choice of Sadolin Superdec for this project is part of an uptake in the popularity of opaque woodstains, as shown in industry sales data from the British Coatings Federation (BCF). This is driven by the trend for using vibrant colours outdoors, itself an extension of the trend for ‘feature walls’ and the like indoors.

What’s more, the newly decorated playground will stand the test of time: Sadolin Superdec creates a solid colour finish which is weather resistant to UV light and water – meaning long-lasting colour retention.

Commenting on the project, Sharon Smith, Sadolin brand manager, said: “The variety of

contrasting and complementary colours used in the project utterly transformed the outdoor space, and shows what an impact the use of an opaque woodstain can have.

“The school was looking for a vibrantly-coloured woodstain which would be suitable for a variety of surfaces, including

both new and weathered timber, and Sadolin Superdec’s formulation means that it provides a superior finish on almost any wooden surface. The product will stand the test of time meaning that successive year groups will be able to enjoy this colourful space in the future.”

Sadolin

eibe unveils its latest deer-themed play scheme

Having opened officially at the end of July, the playground courtesy of Warnham Parish Council is situated in West Sussex, slightly north of Horsham in the pretty village of Warnham.

Working alongside the Clerk to the Council, Ashley Brooks, the eibe team worked hard n the £65,000 project to ensure that it was open to the public in time for the school holiday.

Located near the popular deer park, it was decided to give the play area a cervine theme, so various products were created especially for Warnham.

There are deer footprints dotted around the surfacing, as well as deer rockers and some deerrelated play panels.

The centre-piece of the park is the bespoke Elmer Unit, where several children can play together at the same time and utilise the extra wide slide.

urrounding the main unit is a Stand-up Seesaw, a minimondo Tulip and robinia Balance Beam course, offering a fabulous mixture of activities to promote well-being and athleticism. eibe

Zaun

Makita has the solution

With Makita’s extensive range of outdoor power equipment, it is easy to find a machine suited to every task.

The DUR369, UR101CZ and UR201CZ are high-power brush cutters that offer industry leading run and charge times –and with a range of innovative features included, users can experience ease of operation and improved safety.

The DUR369 is a Twin 18V brush cutter, powered by two Makita lithium-ion (LXT) 18V batteries that work in series to supply energy to the powerful 36V DC motor drive system – and deliver the high output needed to handle a wide range of jobs.

In addition, the 36V DC motor drive systems in the UR101CZ and UR201CZ are powered exclusively by the PDC01 Backpack Power Supply, which houses four 18V LXT batteries to create a portable power supply that can keep operators working disruption free for longer.

The inclusion of a brushless motor in each machine ensures extended run times, as there are no moving parts within the motor that generate friction and therefore no energy is lost through heat. Makita’s 18V LXT batteries can also charge in as little as 22 minutes (for 3.0Ah batteries), up to 55 minutes (for 6.0Ah batteries), minimising downtime.

For ease of operation, the DUR369, UR101CZ and UR201CZ include Automatic Torque Drive Technology, which automatically changes the cutting speed according to the load conditions. Soft start, constant speed control and an electric brake also make these machines incredibly easy to control. The DUR369, UR101CZ and UR201CZ also include a reverse switch, so grass clippings that have become stuck can be effortlessly removed.

To protect users, the DUR369, UR101CZ and UR201CZ include Active Feedback Sensing Technology (AFT) that works to shut down the tool if rotation speed suddenly slows down. The DUR369 also benefits from an electronic current

limiter to prevent overloading. For improved user comfort, the DUR369, UR101CZ and UR201CZ have been designed with an ergonomic handle. The DUR369 is also available with loop and bike handle versions depending on user preference.

When working across larger sites, the UR101CZ and UR201CZ in conjunction with the PDC01 battery backpack are ideal. Unlike other backpack battery systems where the entire unit needs to be recharged, the Makita system uses interchangeable 18V batteries, enabling operators to double or quadruple the run time of their work depending on the tool being used.

Agria 9600 boosts productivity for contractor

This versatile mower also benefits from a differential lock and mulching insert included as standard.

The 80cm cutting width, 240 litre collecting box and impressive Kawasaki engine give it the cutting performance and raw power to impress while operating.

Contractor, GMC, is the latest purchaser of the agria 9600. The distinctive red agria 9600 has balanced weight distribution, a low centre of gravity and robust build quality. Continuous tank treads help it power up and down slopes with gradients to 50°. At 1.12 m wide it covers ground quickly and accurately, cutting and mulching in two directions.

“I can honestly say I can’t find any negatives with the machine, it does far more than I ever thought it capable,” said GMC Director Stephen Walker. “Complicated mowing jobs are easier. It’s actually changed so much for us. The team has been freed to concentrate on other detail so we’re far more productive, delivering a better all-round service to our clients.”

“Because it can operate in the wet we’ve been able to keep going throughout these last few weeks. Previously you’d never dream of getting your team to stand on steep banking on a damp, let

alone wet, day. However, with the remote feature you take up safe position on the level. It’s great; the more experienced you are with controls it absolutely opens up more and more areas and opportunities.”

GMC who have 24 employees are based at Bathgate, West Lothian and purchased their machine from Scottish dealer Fairways GM. Fairways GM is a sister company to both Agria UK and Wiedenmann UK. Installation and operator training were carried out by Agria UK’s Andy Kerr.

Wilson Morrison, Sales Manager at Fairways GM said: “Stephen has become an expert operator in just a few months.

“He’s at the stage where he can show us a few of its tricks. Undoubtedly being able to work in the damp and wet has been such a benefit.”

Makita

Agria

Pellenc launches first professional ‘on-board’ battery brushcutter

AS Motor brushcutters – for extraordinary mowing tasks

The range of AS Motor Brushcutters are made for use in tough conditions including areas of extremely dense growth, slopes and rough terrain whilst still manoeuvring effortlessly around obstacles and trees.

Pedestrian Brushcutters: The range of Pedestrian Brushcutters includes the popular AS 63 which offers a high performance and easy handling solution to cutting high grass even on steep slopes or where access is limited.

Its low weight, vibration damping and handlebar adjustment makes the AS 63 exceptionally user friendly, and its fold down handles ease transportation and storage.

There are also twin wheel kits available and the AS 63 is available with either a 4-Stroke engine or a 2-Stroke engine which offers an extremely powerful machine with outstanding climbing ability.

Mulch & Mow in one step: The cross-blade system easily cuts and chops even high growth with excellent mulching results.

Permanent traction: The robust transmission with limited slip differential ensures reliable and safe working even on difficult, steep terrain.

Vibration damping: Through vibration and impact damping, hand-arm vibration is reduced to a minimum.

Ride-On Brushcutters: AS Motor also offer an extensive range of Ride-On Brushcutters including the AS Motor 940 Sherpa 4WD which has taken the market by storm, taking man and machine into places that previously were inaccessible, including into brush and brambles that are thicker and up to 1.5 in height with features including: Blade System: AS brush cutter mowing deck with interchangeable flexibly mounted blades cut and shred at the same time.

With All-wheel drive: Permanent all-wheel drive, better traction on up and downhill, as well as the ability to brake when riding downhill, when compared with a 2-wheel drive model.

Comfort seat: Variable adjustment bucket seat and innovative suspension system ensure operator comfort.

Surfing cutting deck: The blade cover allows vertically evasive movements in uneven terrain, to protect the mower deck and provide greater ground clearance.

The AS 940 is also available as a remote control model which with a 300m range offers a great safe solution for mowing areas where the operator can’t access – such as g steep slope, under trees or into nettles and brambles.

Groundscare

Pellenc, the world’s leading expert in battery-powered tools for maintaining landscapes, has launched the first truly professional ‘on-board’ battery range – The Pellenc Alpha range.

The Pellenc Alpha range sees two new batteries (P260 and P520) which can be directly fitted to the tools or fitted to a new harness.

Comprising the Helion Alpha hedge trimmers and the Excelion Alpha brushcutter / grass strimmer, two tools which use the latest on-board batteries, the 260 and 520, it was designed to bring together ergonomics and efficiency.

With all of these features, the range has what it takes

to convert the last of the professionals who are hesitant to abandon petrol powered tools. Able to cut dense patches as well as soft grasses, the Pellenc Excelion Alpha can be used for mowing or road-side finishing work, in gardens and around pitch surrounds.

It synthesises high cutting capacities (6400 rpm, 400 mm with 2.4 mm wire), making it particularly efficient on all surfaces. Its Alphacut cutting head and its excellent rotation speed guarantee high-quality mulching, even on tough grasses.

The Excelion Alpha exhibits well-designed ergonomics, high manoeuvrability (even in the thickest copses) and excellent cutting visibility.

With the Alpha 520 on-board battery, which has the highest capacity on the market, it is a compact tool that is always ready to use for work that lasts up to 3.5 hours.

The Pellenc Alpha back harness can be equipped with the new 260 and 520 batteries in order to use them with all tools within the Pellenc range.

Pellenc’s engineers designed the carrying ergonomics and ease of use with particular care.

All Pellenc batteries come with an industry leading four-year commercial warranty and threeyear warranty on all tools.

Etesia UK

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

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

Designed with a multi function handle, the engine and speed controls are easily accessible and at the users fingertips.

When used in conjunction with a harness, the bike handle enables a smooth mowing action, meaning the machine

PSD

ALL-ROUND, ALL-SEASON LAWN CARE

STIGA Park Pro front mowers offer the ultimate combination of raw power, versatility and perfect precision. The heavy duty structure generates more rigidity giving the Park Pro excellent slope and hillside stability and the powerful Honda engine and 4WD offers unbeatable traction on demanding terrain. Featuring a large 15-litre fuel tank - this machine can go for hours!

Park Pro 740 IOX

NEW Honda 688cc Twin-cylinder engine

4-Wheel Drive

Hydro piston and 50:50 articulated steering for greater manoeuvrability

Re-inforced Quick-Flip cutting deck with pivot wheels

RAC Quick connection for easy & secure accessory attachment

LED display for clear and concise relay of information

Large 15-litre fuel tank

Variety of seasonal accessories available

Kioti UK with LM Trac ready to service your winter maintenance needs

areas, streets, carparks and cycle ways. The unit is uniquely light enough to not damage the structure of foot paths and other delicate areas.

During the winter the unit can be used for gritting, sweeping and scraping. From early spring the LM286 can be used for example for mechanical weed brushing, and further weed removal systems using heat and or steam/hot water attachments as part of a Chemical free maintenance system.

PSD have a winter maintenance range that blows you away

PSD Groundscare, supply a range of high performing vacuums, blowers & sweepers from innovative European manufacturers ELIET and Koppl.

Leading Belgium manufacturer ELIET have developed a range of highly efficient vacuums & blowers that includes leaf blowers and truckloaders making light work of the clearance task in hand.

can be used all year round with attachments to suit the season.

PSD Groundscare, are a leading distributor of professional groundscare machinery

including mowers, brushcutters, shredders & scarifiers and our extensive range ensures every season is catered for.

PSD Groundscare

During 2020 Kioti UK introduced the LM trac range of Multi use vehicles.

The strong robust models made in Finland can be used for many different purposes. A simple quick attach A frame at the front and a high auxiliary oil flow makes connecting, swopping, and driving a wide range of implements easy.

Owners of the LM vehicles should be aiming to use the unit 52 weeks of the year. Two models are available and are ideal for use by Municipals, contractors, airports and other large scale users.

The compact and very manoeuvrable, rear steer LM286 model, shown in the photo, is ideal for use in tight areas such as shopping precincts, pedestrian

The larger central pivot LM387 is also extremely manoeuvrable and can carry a heavier payload without being too heavy. The units are available as standard driven by environmental stage V diesel engines. Hydrogen conversions are available now and electric will be available during 2021.

Kioti

Dennis PRO 34R a time saver

Michael Watson, Turf Manager at the Forsyth Barr Stadium in Dunedin, New Zealand, claims that his two recently purchased Dennis PRO 34R rotary mowers are saving the grounds team an incredible four hours of maintenance work compared to the previous mowers they were using.

The Dennis PRO 34R is a 34” (860mm) rotary mower which has been designed to help groundsmen achieve an aesthetically pleasing appearance and desired playing surface. It is ideal for sports pitches and lawns producing the enviable ‘Dennis Stripes’ while a powerful vacuum flow collects debris quickly and efficiently.

Many operators of the PRO 34R have praised the size and speed of the machines, claiming that

they save a huge amount of time and resources.

“The time saving efficiency was a huge part of the decision to get these mowers,” said Michael.

“They cut mowing hours down from 7 individual hours to between 2.5 and 3 hours so

we therefore now save about 4 individual hours when using these mowers. Everything just works so well together on the PRO 34R. Starting at the front with the brush, through to the two rotary blades and the smooth rear roller.”

Innovative German manufacturer Koppl provide a range of multiattachment machines that can be fitted to a power unit and with an extensive range of attachments to choose from including weed clearance, snow-blowers, snow ploughs & sweepers there is a solution for almost any groundscare requirement.

The wonderful advantage of the Koppl range is the power unit

AFT Trenchers designed to work on sports and amenity surfaces

AFT Trenchers Ltd’s equipment is used by leading contractors, golf clubs and sports facilities across the globe.

The company’s machines have made invaluable contributions to many outstanding sporting venues including World Cup Football, the Olympics and the Commonwealth Games.

The AFT45 for compact tractors, refined and improved over more than 15 years, is still the most versatile sportsturf trencher on the market today.

The Sandbander has revolutionised the way sand slits are installed on sports surfaces.

Harry West (Prees) Ltd

Dennis

Toro’s Titan tines built to last up to four times longer

Built to take on the toughest of tasks, Toro’s Titan tines last up to four times longer than standard tines, meaning fewer change-outs and replacements for greater productivity.

There’s a reason the titans of the tines industry are known as the turf professional’s secret weapon when it comes to aerating. When you choose Toro’s Titan tines, you’re guaranteed more choice, more longevity, more productivity, more strength, more play and more reliability too.

Made by combining a strong alloy with a unique heat treatment process, Toro’s Titan tines provide maximum strength and resistance to wear. The durable tungsten-carbide tips produce superior, consistent holes for faster turf recovery and a speedier return to play.

The tough design of Toro’s Titan tines, with hard-wearing brazed tip joints for in-built resistance to separation and breakage, importantly help maintain consistent aeration depths and reduces costly change-out and associated downtime. But the benefits don’t end there.

There are over 150 Toro Titan tines available covering all possible aeration applications.

Whether you’ll be coring, slicing or spiking, hollow, solid or deep tining, or using water injection cultivation or ‘linear’ aeration, there’s a Titan tine for every need. Plus, all Titan tines fit current and late model Toro aerators and the standard mount size fits other manufacturer aerators, too.

Titan tines genuinely offer customers more, just like their UK distributor Reesink Turfcare. Thanks to Reesink’s 24-hour delivery service customers can

have their stock of Toro Titan tines replenished and their machines back up and running as quickly ensuring downtime is kept to a minimum.

Michael Hampton, turfcare parts manager at Reesink, says: “With Toro Titan Tines, customers don’t have to worry about reordering replacement parts as often as with will-fit parts, and when the time comes for a new set, they can be sure of a fast and reliable service with Reesink keeping productivity high and downtime low; it’s a winning combination.”

Reesink Turfcare

Takeuchi’s TB2150R - 15 tonne with fixed boom

The TB2150R fixed boom 15 tonne excavator has proved a popular choice for landscape contractors and operators since its launch 3 years ago.

Available with mono boom or 2-piece and comes without a dozer as standard, making it a competitive conventional addition for the fleet.

The TB2150R comes complete with the latest Deutz Tier 4 turbocharged engine for more power and greater torque. Breakout capability is improved with bucket force at 96.3kN and arm digging force at 60kN.

Designed to maximize operator performance the compact machine with relatively short tail swing gets the machine into the most compact working areas (14inch/350mm overhang).

Excellent ground reach to 8665 with powerful lifting capacity and fast work cycles along with significant dig depth of 6060mm and dump height of 7140mm, the new TB2150R has excellent operating parameters.

Front mounted LED work lights and a reversing camera

New technology works well for North Shore

Set on the Lincolnshire coast with beautiful views over the North Sea, the James Braid designed North Shore golf course at Skegness offers a challenge to all levels of golfer with its interesting and attractive mixture of links and parkland holes crossing over each other in two loops of nine.

The pandemic interrupted, but ultimately did not affect, an order for the club’s first new fleet of

John Deere course maintenance equipment from local dealer F G Adamson & Son of Langworth near Lincoln.

“John Deere Financial were very understanding and flexible about the finance lease on the new kit,” says William.

“This has been structured around a six-year seasonal profile matched to our normal income stream, based on

membership renewals in April and summer visitors to both the course and hotel. The whole deal has been very straightforward and works very well for the club, especially in the current circumstances.”

The new fleet consists of a John Deere 7700A PrecisionCut fairway mower, 8800A TerrainCut rotary roughs mower, two 2500E hybrid electric triplex mowers equipped with greens

and tees cylinder cutting units, a TH 6x4 Gator utility vehicle and a Tru-Turf greens iron.

Brett carried out very basic course maintenance during lockdown – he was originally furloughed along with the rest of the staff, but only took about 10 days off before opting to return and keep the course looking as tidy as possible.

John Deere

STM Co - suppliers of professional quality PEDESTRIAN, RIDE-ON and REMOTE CONTROL mowers, plus DEBRIS CLEARANCE equipment

with in-cab display improve job site safety.

Spring applied brakes on travel and slew motors are hydraulically released for a safe reliable brake performance. Boom and arm holding valves with audible warning as standard on the TB2150R, help maintain load control in the event of a hose failure.

The TB2150R offers excellent lifting capability. Dual boom cylinders with hose burst check valve provide added lifting power and additional clearance for bucket and attachments.

Finance offers available until end of 2020.

Takeuchi

Mansfield Sand makes the difference

Since using products from Mansfield Sand, Stuart Vause, Head Groundsman at Castleford Tigers, claims that the pitch has resulted in a more freedraining, firmer surface.

His work on the stadium pitch and the training pitch has been widely praised by players, fans and staff and he has also been recognised by the grounds management industry –winning the Professional Rugby Football League Grounds Team of the Year, not once, but twice in three years.

The transformation in the pitch since Stuart took over has been incredible, and in particular,

Stuart believes that one of the biggest improvements has been since he started using Mansfield Sand’s MM40.

Stuart now relies on Mansfield Sand’s MM40 which is sourced directly from the Two Oaks Quarry in Mansfield where the company produces its renowned Mansil range of Silica Sands.

MM40 is a medium sand which is predominantly used in the construction and maintenance of a wide range of sports surfaces – from winter sports pitches, golf courses, bowling greens and all amenity turf areas.

Four years ago, he started by applying 20 tonnes of MM40 during his renovations but after seeing the difference it made, he has increased the quantity year-on-

year and is now applying between 80-100 tonnes a year across the stadium and training pitches.

J Premier Pitch delivers establishment

With over 13 seasons of experience using Johnsons Sports Seeds J Premier Pitch mixture, Head Groundsman at Cardiff City FC Liam James confidently conducted his renovation during the lockdown period, without doubt that the pitch would be match-fit when play resumed.

In use at the Cardiff City Stadium, together with two of their other sites, the rapid establishment of J Premier Pitch has delivered a pitch that meets the Bluebirds requirements for both play quality and aesthetic appeal.

Like a lot of stadia, Liam struggles with shade, with some areas receiving no natural sunlight even in the peak of summer.

“J Premier Pitch tolerates that really well, along with giving us great resistance to disease which means our single fungicide application is more for preventative purposes than anything else,” he says.

For a bit of additional winter strength, Liam’s regional DLF Technical Manager Ian Barnett suggested incorporating Johnsons J 4Turf into their cold season overseeding programme. Containing DLF’s 4Turf tetraploid perennial ryegrass, J 4Turf delivers rapid establishment under soil temperatures as low as 3oc for enhanced disease resistance and strength through the cooler conditions.

New Hunter Irrigation system makes instant impact

Mat Edwards, Course Manager

Cornwall, claims that his new Hunter Irrigation system,

Looe

Mat met with Wesley Henshaw from KAR UK – distributors of Hunter Golf Irrigation who was introduced to the club by David Bevan of Agrovista Amenity.

After being impressed by Wesley’s product knowledge, Looe Golf Club purchased a new system consisting of Hunter G885 Decoder-In-Head sprinklers to be controlled by the Hunter Pilot CCS PC-based central control system.

The G885 sprinklers boast one of the highest torque outputs on the market. With this, the gear drive will push through anything that gets in its way. With such a powerful core, an array of efficient nozzles, and true full/part circle capabilities,

the G885 is relied on by many turf managers. Throw in the convenient serviceability of Total Top Service (TTS) and Decoder-In Head (DIH) technology, and you don’t just have the most powerful choice in rotors, you’ve got the most intelligent choice as well.

The Pilot CCS PC-based central control system is a PC-based software package that makes central control of large-scale irrigation systems affordable, usable, and comprehensible.

A new system was designed by Irritech Limited, who also compiled a materials specification and bill of quantities. This allowed a number of irrigation contractors to tender for the project.

As a part of this project, a Kasco 1HP 4400EAF Surface Aerator has also been installed to the back-up irrigation lake to improve the quality of the water.

DLF Johnsons

Mansfield Sand

at

Golf Club in

supplied by KAR UK and installed by Full Circle Irrigation Ltd, has signalled instant improvements on the greens and approaches.