Landscape & Amenity Product Update August 2020

New campaign launched in face of littering epidemic in parks

been stretched by the challenges of dealing with the Coronavirus pandemic and 42% of local authorities reported having lower staffing levels than usual.

Despite this, almost half (46%) say they will need to put extra staff in to manage parks over the summer holiday period and will need, on average, to spend an additional £47,000 to cope.

Now, to support parks staff over the long summer holiday period, Keep Britain Tidy and its Centre for Social Innovation has launched a new campaign under the umbrella of ‘Love Parks’.

spaces, with shocking scenes of anti-social behaviour, leading to littering, deposit of human waste and abuse of parks staff.

“Clearly, effective and welltargeted enforcement will always have a role to play in curbing this behaviour, however, we also want to inspire people to look after our parks and the key workers who look after them.

“Services have been disrupted during the pandemic but staff are determined to tackle a backlog of parks maintenance as they return from temporary redeployment to other areas, including supporting bin collections and helping shielded residents.

Keep Britain Tidy’s new survey shows that more than half of the country’s parks have had to pull in extra resources to deal with the issues, including litter and antisocial behaviour, since lockdown was eased.

Of those, 81% had to spend more on clearing up litter, 79% on bin emptying and 72% on maintaining public order or enforcing lockdown rules.

The local authorities who responded to the survey – more than 100 of them in total – said they had spent, on average, an extra £33,000 on managing parks in the past three months, with one reporting increased spending of up to £150,000. Councils also reported clearing up, on average, 57 tonnes of additional waste from their parks.

All this has come at a time when local authorities’ resources have

Warnings fall on deaf ears

The Association of Play Industries (API) has been highlighting the concerning decline in public play provision for some time.

The API’s recent #PlayMustStay campaign showed a 44% decrease in spend on public play areas since 2017 and an accompanying survey confi rmed that the public were equally concerned at the effects of this reduction. In particular the shift from outdoor play to a more sedentary childhood indoors was considered not only a physical impact but also a mental health concern.

Although children were allowed back in to play areas in early July, the response from government

on funding has been less than supportive. Local Authorities are under even more significant budgetary pressure and are in the unenviable position of prioritising their available funds.

API Chair Mark Hardy said: “Children have got out of the habit of being active during lockdown, physical activity is vitally important to our society.

Richard McIlwain, Deputy Chief Executive of Keep Britain Tidy, said: “The UK was the birthplace of the public park and their value was recognised by many people during lockdown, as a haven of greenspace for exercise and relaxation.

“But, as lockdown measures have eased over the past three months, we’ve seen a significant minority of people abuse these treasured

“Hence, this campaign, which will be available to every local authority in the country and which is based on behavioural science, will act as an effective nudge to actively encourage people to treat our beautiful parks – and the amazing staff who work in them – with respect this summer.”

The campaign has been funded as part of the government’s Coronavirus response and will be bolstered with additional campaign activity led by Defra over the summer both online and in locations near to beaches and national parks.

Keep Britain Tidy

“Responsibility for clearing up litter lies with the person dropping it or leaving it behind. Councils need the public’s cooperation to help keep parks, green spaces and streets free from litter.

“Littering is always unacceptable – it is unsightly, tarnishes our local environments and council taxpayers are left to pick up the costs to clear it up. Councils run a range of awareness and clean-up campaigns, but fines can be issued to people who persistently ignore warnings.”

First meeting of new Parks and Green Space Network

The new Parks and Green Space Network – a network of nearly 50 parks and green space organisations from the public, private and voluntary sectors – had its inaugural Zoom meeting on Friday 17 July.

The Network, hosted by the Landscape Institute (LI) and created in partnership with The Parks Alliance (TPA), comprises nearly 50 parks and green space organisations from the public, private and voluntary sectors across the UK.

It aims to provide a UK-wide voice for parks and public green spaces, and the people and organisations that create, maintain, invest in and use them.

The Network will work collaboratively and inclusively across the sector to promote parks and green spaces at the local, regional, national and international levels. In its first meeting, the Network:

• Agreed its priorities for a postCOVID Green Recovery

• Identified key leadership themes for the coming year

• Signed up to develop a new Level 3 Apprenticeship Programme, aimed at young people who are underrepresented in the parks sector, to help make a parks profession fit for the future

Landscape Institute

Councillor Gerald VernonJackson, Chair of the Local Government Association’s Culture, Tourism and Sport Board, said: “Councils are working hard to keep parks and public spaces clean.

The Association of Play Industries

Restrictions might be lifted but the level of uncertainty as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic remains as great as ever, as do the challenges facing the entire industry.

All the main industry bodies are campaigning hard to ensure each sector does not get forgotten or left behind as the country embarks on the long road to recovery. For example, the Parks Alliance (TPA) has published ‘Making Parks Count’ making the business case for parks, why they matter and why they are a ‘smart investment’.

The case illustrates how parks in England deliver over £6.6bn of health, climate change and environmental benefits each year including £2.2bn in avoided health costs alone and worth £140 per year for each urban resident. For every £1 spent on parks in England an estimated £7 in additional value for health and wellbeing and the environment is generated. The case clearly demonstrates that parks are a smart investment.

During the COVID19 “lock down” parks were quite rightly championed by politicians and scientists as critical to people’s physical and mental wellbeing and people flocked to their local parks to take exercise, relax or just see their neighbours at a safe distance. They continue to have a crucial role as the Prime Minister himself acknowledges how important individual health and fitness is to fighting the virus. It is time the Government recognises the crucial role the whole industry, not just parks and green spaces, already plays and ensures a more secure, longterm future is a priority.

This month we have our Professional Groundscare supplement, reflecting another vitally important sector for the country and highlighting the latest products and case studies. The challenges we all continue to face and will encounter in the weeks and months to come will test the industry’s resolve. But it is well-placed to respond positively and we will continue to support those campaigns aimed at securing greater Government recognition for the industry as a whole.

Paul Groves, Editor

DEFRA confirms no financial support to English plant growers

The Department of Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA) has confirmed that there will be no financial support given to English plant growers through a compensation scheme.

The Horticultural Trades Association (HTA) Chairman, James Barnes, said the decision is hugely disappointing and a significant blow for many English plant nurseries.

Since March the HTA and the National Farmers’ Union (NFU) have been engaged with Defra to work towards a positive outcome and provided robust evidence that supported the need for a grant aid scheme - like the one put in place by the Dutch government to save its industry.

The Northern Ireland Executive has accepted the need and HTA

is continuing discussions with the Scottish Government for a support package.

“We were successful in leading the campaign to get garden centres re-opened within the first phase of relaxing lockdown and that was very welcome for the sector,” he continued.

“However, more than half of British ornamental growers (52%) expect a further downturn in sales throughout July as they have not been able to plant crops during lockdown and this has increased imports.

“Dutch and other European countries with garden centres that remained open and that have supported their industries are already taking advantage of this.

“While UK garden centres have a strong track record of sourcing

GreenMech introduce new EVO 165P

SUB-750

“We listened, we worked and we made it awesome” – that was the mantra of GreenMech when they launched their EVO series at the 2019 Arb Show.

Now, they’ve made it lighter! Offering all of the proven performance in a sub 750kg package, the EVO 165P SUB750 is the latest exciting launch in the revolutionary woodchipper collection.

The brand-new EVO 165P SUB-750 retains many of the key features of the series including a wide infeed chute, twin horizontal rollers, allsteel bonnet and heavy-duty flywheel combined with the powerful, yet economic 37hp Briggs & Stratton Vanguard petrol engine.

To bring the machine into the sub-750kg bracket, the 165P SUB-750 features a redesigned chassis – rigorously tested to ensure durability – and alterations to its construction and specification, without detriment to its overall performance.

Also as standard on the 165P SUB750 is GreenMech’s patented disc blade technology, providing up to 200 hours of chipping before resharpening is required, and a three year parts and labour warranty.

Commenting on the newest addition, Sales Director Martin Lucas said: “From the off, the EVO collection was very much driven by what the market demands and this is again the case with the sub 750kg EVO 165P SUB-750.

“The EVO has really established itself as providing more aggressive torque, bite and throughput than most other machines in its category and by incorporating this performance in a lighter weight package, we can meet the requirements of even more of today’s arborists.”

Since the original diesel launch model, GreenMech have introduced an EVO tracked version and an even more powerful EVO 45hp Limited Edition option.

British plants, the pressures of COVID-19 has forced many to look abroad, with almost three-quarters of retailers (72%) claiming that they are currently unable to get the stock of bedding plants their business needs from UK growers.

“Meanwhile, the recently proposed Border Operating Model and new January trading arrangements represent a very significant challenge for the sector in just a few months’ time. These proposals would, if remain unchanged, deal another blow to an already weakened sector.

“Now, more than ever, we need to support domestic production to provide resilience that comes with a strong UK based horticultural industry.

“My primary concern is that the value of this £24bn industry is

not fully recognised within Government, both economically and in terms of its contribution to the Government’s 25 Year Environmental plan and the nations wider climate change ambitions.

“We welcome DEFRA’s commitment to work with the industry on developing a strategic recovery plan for the sector. We do believe that with the right recognition and policies this industry can become an engine of growth in a post-COVID, post-Brexit world.

“Confidence is a hugely powerful instrument in delivering growth and while there will be many things that we the industry and government can do to help this.”

In

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the long run, the HTA looks to government now to show willing by giving priority to the following:

Assurance that garden centres will retain ‘essential retailer’ classification for future COVID-19 related planning

Ensuring that forthcoming Brexit trade arrangements will

The Horticultural Trades Association

balance free trade with the UK’s biosecurity needs – and to work with the industry to understand the complex supply chain issues

• Spearheading a ‘Buy British’ campaign for all direct and local government procurement processes for forthcoming landscape projects.”

GreenMech

Parks at risk despite critical role during the COVID-19 lockdown

Green space charity Fields in Trust, who celebrated their 95th anniversary last month, is calling for the revaluing of parks and green spaces to take account of what they contribute to communities – not just what they cost to maintain.

The publication in May of Fields in Trust’s Green Space Index revealed that across Great Britain 2.7 million people already live more than a ten-minute walk from a public park and a further 170,000 people could be in the same position in the next five years as population increases.

Earlier research from Fields in Trust, valued the physical health and mental wellbeing benefits for communities at more than £34 billion each year, They found regular users of parks have fewer visits to their GP resulting in a saving to the NHS alone of £111 million pa; the equivalent of 3,500 nurses salaries.

Fields in Trust are each calling on the Government to ensure the protection and provision of parks and green spaces for community wellbeing.

Helen Griffiths, Chief Executive of Fields in Trust, said: “Parks and green spaces play a vital role in people’s health and wellbeing, and these benefits have been shown even more starkly during the really difficult times our country has faced in recent months.

“Our local parks and green spaces have been crucial during the crisis and, just as they did 95 years ago, they will have a significant part to play in our recovery.

“Yet our research shows that over 2.7 million people don’t have a park within a short walk of home and this number is forecast to grow over the coming years.

“This doesn’t have to be the case and that’s why we’re calling for a national strategy to recognise their value by ensuring access to parks and green spaces is guaranteed both now and in the future in areas where they are most needed.”

The Green Space Index - Fields in Trust’s barometer of publicly

accessible park and green space provision and distribution - found that, as a region, London has the lowest amount of green space per person, with just 18.96 square metres for each person. Figures recently released by the Office of National Statistics found that Londoners are also the least likely to have access to a garden.

In addition, the Green Space Index also ranks Britain’s regions and nations against a minimum standard of park and green space provision (data sheet attached).

London, Yorkshire, and the North East fall well below the minimum score. Scotland continues provide more provision per person than both England and Wales.

It is also likely that any future loss of parks and green spaces will disproportionately impact disadvantaged and underrepresented communities who ascribe a greater value to local parks and green spaces than average in the Fields in Trust research study.

Fields in Trust

Perennial provides help with cost of school uniform

With the latest government figures showing that 30% of all children in the UK living in relative poverty, the need to support our most vulnerable families has never been greater. COVID-19 has exasperated an already critical situation.

According to a report by The Children’s Society, the income of low earners is being affected the most by the pandemic, which, along with school closures, is having a devastating effect on children living in poverty.

A recent survey by the National Education Union revealed that 87% of teachers believe that poverty is having a significant impact on student success at school.

They shared widespread concern about school uniforms with children wearing ill-fitting clothing, no coats or socks, and shoes with holes in them.

This not only causes a deep emotional impact on children

but also their success at school, with children from poorer backgrounds falling behind their more affluent peers throughout all stages of education.

Perennial, the only UK charity for people in horticulture, is ready to support families to meet the rising costs of getting children back to school by providing help towards the cost of school uniform and PE kit.

This is essential help at a time when many families are struggling to meet the cost of food and other essentials.

The professional and friendly team at Perennial can help families access the government support that can make a longterm difference to their lives, along with providing a safety net of financial help, where at least one parent or carer works or has recently worked in horticulture.

Many hard-working families working in horticulture are

finding themselves in poverty. According to the Child Poverty Action Group, almost threequarters of children in poverty come from families where at least one adult is working.

Of those with self-employed parents, 15% of children are living below the breadline.

According to a report by The Children’s Society, the average cost of secondary school uniform, per year per child, is £337. Parents of primary school age children spend an average of £315 per year, per child.

Many people simply can’t afford new uniform and for those forced to purchase uniform from specific suppliers, the costs can result in debt or the family going without other essentials.

To find out more about the Back to School support and apply for help visit perennial.org.uk/backtoschool and complete the online form.

Lightweight Shirts, Shorts and Trousers make working on site a breeze this summer.

Everyone needs to be cool, dry and safe at work this summerto maintain wellbeing and working efficiency on site. That’s why Snickers’ new Topwear will make work this summer a real breeze!

There’s also brand new LITEWork Trousers and Shorts, plus special offer ‘Two-pack’ 100% Cotton T-shirts.

Choose from three different easy-care colour and design options to compliment whatever you’re wearing - at work or play.

There’s also new Hoodies, Sweatshirts and Hi-vis ProtecWork protective wear in a range of styles and colours that are super-light and

quick drying with advanced ventilation to keep you cool when it’s warm.

They’ve all got superb, body-mapping designs for an amazing fit, outstanding functionality and long-lasting comfort – all day, every day.

Perennial

Snickers

Club gets relief with Foley grinder Mansfield Sand’s Silica shines

For La Grande Mare course manager, Rick Hamilton, relief grinding is what it’s all about when it comes to reel maintenance, so when he had his pick of grinders, he opted for the Foley Company AccuPro 633 with Accu-Touch 3 Control (ATC).

Rick first used a Foley grinder 30-years ago while working in Asia, and over the three decades that followed has used several manufacturers while a consultant.

However, he has remained impressed by the principles Foley has stuck to and how they have developed their machines to make them user

friendly and deliver consistent results. The ATC system provides a step by step tutorial for new technicians, while more experienced operators can use the system straight away to tell the machine what they’re working on and it’ll do the rest.

Automatic placement features, the Accu-Reel Selector and Cylinder Height Stop, automatically locate the reel for a fast and easy spin and relief grind in one set-up and work with the pre-set relief angles to provide hands-free relief grinding.

ProSport

DJ Turfcare launches new Autumn Lawn Treatment

Groundwork contractor Trefor Jones, has praised the quality of Mansfield Sand’s Equestrian Silica product after he recently completed the construction of an impressive Manege.

Mansfield Sand Company has pioneered the development and production of premium quality silica sand-based products for over 170 years. It provides a wide range of innovative products for sports, landscaping, and equestrian uses. These include stadium and training ground facilities; championship golf courses and world class show jumping arenas.

Trefor’s most recent project saw him construct a 70m x 50m jumping Manege for his son Richard - an International 5* Event Rider.

The project took 3 weeks from start to finish and he applied approximately 800 tonnes of Mansfield’s Equestrian Silica – a sub angular sand which is produced at the company’s stateof-the-art hydro classification plant at the Two Oaks Quarry.

Equestrian Silica Sand provides an excellent riding surface which is free draining with very sure footing.

Ideally suited as a base sand, it is recommended that Equestrian Silica be incorporated into a fibre stabilising product to provide structure and further stability.

Mansfield Sand Company

Johnsons bestsellers in strong demand

Johnsons Lawn Seed, the UK’s oldest lawn seed brand, is today reporting healthy sales of two of its most iconic consumer brands, despite the nationwide lockdown that gripped the garden trade during peak season.

Sales of the company’s leading Tuffgrass and Quick Lawn brands have witnessed a year-todate increase of 35% and 30% respectively, with performance driven by innovation which saw both lines refreshed for 2020 to incorporate the latest seed technology.

Johnsons Lawn Seed’s Guy Jenkins said: “Performance of the Tuffgrass and Quick Lawn brands has been outstanding, despite the unprecedented

hurdles that the garden industry had to overcome this season.

“The sales figures speak for themselves: consumer-focused innovation has the potential to drive lawncare category sales even in the most challenging of circumstances.

“There is enormous pent-up demand for gardening across the UK, and the sunniest spring on record, combined with a warm start to the season, has fuelled consumers’ desire to own a lawns that will be the focal point of family activity during the enforced staycations that are a reality of this summer.”

DJ Turfcare – UK supplier of the organic-based Viano ranges –has confirmed that it is bringing to market a new Autumn Lawn Treatment to help drive sales during this pivotal time for lawns pre-winter.

The new Autumn Lawn Feed from DJ Turfcare, available in 10kg bags (treats an area up to 200m 2 ), is a unique organicbased fertiliser which has been created for use during August to November to destroy moss whilst also stimulating strong roots and providing grass with 100 days of food to encourage a greener, thicker, stronger and disease-resistant sward throughout winter and long into spring.

Simply put, Autumn Lawn Feed is the first defence against the ravages of winter and is designed to prepare the

lawn for the spring. Like its popular Recovery product, DJ Turfcare’s new Autumn Lawn Feed will benefit from the inclusion of Humifirst.

This unique ingredient creates biological activity and acts as a plant growth stimulant making it perfect to use as an autumn lawn feed. Autumn Lawn Treatment is safe to use around pets and children.

DJ Turfcare’s wider organicbased product offering includes the bestselling RHS-endorsed MO Bacter range, which includes MO Bacter Instant, Recovery and Bio-Lime.

All products are supported by quick delivery within five days.

DJ Turfcare

Johnsons Lawn Seed

POWERFUL

EASY

The patented X-torq engine technology in combination with the special fan and housing design means high blowing capacity that is easy to control. The anti-vibration system Low Vib makes work less strenuous – even during long shifts. With intuitive controls, such as Cruise Control which contribute to efficient and convenient operation at all times.

Ronseal Trade adds yacht varnish to its range

Ronseal Trade has added a new yacht varnish to its leading range of exterior woodcare and coatings products.

The clear, solvent based varnish delivers both a superb finish and fast application, with market leading drying and recoat times.

As a solvent based product, Ronseal Trade Yacht Varnish delivers reliable curing regardless of environmental conditions. The advantage of the new product is that it is rainproof in just four hours and can be re-coated in

as little as eight hours - around half the re-coat time of a typical solvent varnish. This means the application can be completed faster.

Ronseal Trade Yacht

is available in gloss and satin finishes and is suitable for all smooth planed exterior wood, including both new and previously varnished surfaces. It is therefore an ideal coating to protect and enhance wooden doors and window frames.

Ronseal

New ranges and finishes from Marshalls

Already a market leader in the natural stone sector, Marshalls has strengthened its position by introducing a range of bedding and jointing materials specifically for natural stone installation.

In addition, they have added two new indigenous sandstones and three new finishes to their Indian Sandstone range. Dave Stanger, Trading Director, Natural Stone for Marshalls said: “Marshalls has over 100 years’ experience as a supplier of high quality natural stone and we’re pleased to be bringing these new products to the market.

The result of a collaborative effort between Marshalls and Tarmac, the Marshalls

Bedding & Jointing Materials are a range of three products to enable a rigid installation of natural stone.

All products are designed, manufactured and tested to British Standard – BS7533, which promotes results that can give a construction life in excess of 40 years, compared to a non-compliant system which cannot offer any minimum life expectancy.

For contractors, this creates an easier ordering process and the chance to purchase everything they need to install natural stone from a single supplier. The products are available to purchase either alongside

Marshalls commercial natural stone or separately.

Alex Wright, Product Line Director, Packed & Specialist Products for Tarmac said: “Working with Marshalls has been a great collaboration helping us to knit together our collective knowledge, expertise and distribution. Giving this great suite of materials the joint backing of both companies will breed a confidence to the customer base. I’m really excited about what the future holds for us all.”

Recognising the beauty that can be achieved by blending different sandstone colours and textures, Marshalls has introduced two new indigenous natural stones, and added three new finishes to their existing Indian Sandstone collection.

Setcrete Exterior floor levelling compound

Setcrete Exterior is an advanced, water-mix floor levelling compound for outdoor areas such as patios, balconies and walkways, and semi-external areas such as garage floors.

It is used to smooth and level rough, worn or mechanicallydamaged concrete or sand/ cement screeds and, when set and cured, is unaffected by rain or frost.

It is ideal for preparing patio areas before laying porcelain tiles; currently popular for creating a continuous ‘outsideinside’ flooring solution for areas connected by bi-fold or sliding doors, as well as for creating a smooth base for the installation of resin pathways.

It is suitable for use in light to medium duty applications and is ‘walk on hard’ from two hours after application.

Setcrete Exterior is supplied in 20 kg paper lined sacks. Setcrete

The beauty of natural stone

Natural stone holds many virtues however it is not an inexpensive solution.

Care should be given when choosing the jointing method as to not compromise the overall look and feel. premjoint from UltraScape has been specifically developed to work with natural stone paving applications.

Traditional jointing materials can look patchy and discolour. premjoint has been formulated using coloured quartz for its excellent shades and colour stability compared with others on

weather and is frost resistant. Once applied you can walk on the finished paving in 24-48 hours.

premjoint is a permeable paving solution that can be used with UltraScape permeable bedding mortar perma-bed. UltraScape perma-bed has been specifically formulated to meet and exceed the strict demands of BS 7533.

The product provides a perfect bound base for natural stone paving and cobbles, concrete paving, flags and block paving.

The material is specifically designed to drain away any water migrating into the pavement via cracks or damaged areas, reducing failure.

Instarmac

Claim a free battery with Makita’s latest promotion

To celebrate the launch of its new XGT 40V Max battery platform, leading power tool manufacturer, Makita UK, is offering professionals the opportunity to claim a free 40V battery (2.5Ah) with selected XGT product purchases via a

The battery promotion entitles end users to claim a free 40V 2.5Ah lithium-ion battery with purchases of selected products within Makita’s new cordless 40V XGT range. The selected products must include the suffix ‘GD101’, ‘GD102’, or ‘GD103’ and be purchased before the 30th

The promotion offers customers a cost-effective way to expand their capabilities with XGT,

as a genuine solution for high demand, industrial applications with a simple claim process.

Claims must be submitted within 28 days of the offer closing on the 30th September 2020.

Varnish

Makita

Forest Garden reports bumper sales of its grey fence panel range

When it comes to fencing, a national trend appears to be developing. That’s according to Forest Garden, the nation’s largest manufacturer and distributor of wooden garden products, which supplies over 3,000 stores throughout the UK and major online retailers.

The company launched its new range of pre-painted, grey contemporary slatted fence panels early in 2020 and expected the sales to develop over a 12-month period. Instead, sales have rocketed and are well ahead of budget.

The most popular product in the range is the 1.8m square double slatted fence panel designed with a sleek and modern look. The slats are mounted alternately on the front and back of the panel, which means passers-by can’t peer through them, but light and air can flow through.

Head of marketing at Forest Garden, Lynsey Grinnell, said: “Sales of these panels are literally sailing away, definitely reflecting the trend we have seen over the past few years for slatted panels.

“Grey looks understated and modern in a garden and provides a good backdrop for planting. At this time of year plants such as striking blue Agapanthus or purple Verbena bonariensis look fantastic against grey panels. Delicate red Acers or bold, bigleafed Caster Oil plants can look just as good.

“Our original contemporary slatted panels in natural wood also continue as a strong seller and we are seeing people painting them all sorts of colours. One customer painted hers jet black, inspired by what she’d seen on a trip to Japan.”

Forest Garden

DuraPost by FENCEMATE

Representing a first for the fencing sector, Birkdale’s DuraPost® by FENCEMATE is an innovative galvanised steel fence post system that provides a durable, lightweight and windresistant alternative to wooden and concrete fence posts.

Manufactured from cold-rolled galvanised steel, DuraPost® is capable of withstanding wind speeds of up to 110 miles per hour. What’s more, the system will not rot, split or warp in extreme weather so it provides a much stronger alternative to timber while also being up to 80% lighter than concrete alternatives.

This makes the solution not only safer than concrete to carry and install but easier to transport in bulk.

For added peace of mind the posts are individually wrapped to prevent any scratches during transport.

Aesthetically, DuraPost ® is available in four colour options with matching accessories: Anthracite Grey, Olive Grey, Sepia Brown and Galvanised Steel. Furthermore, the system is compatible with a wide range of fence panels and virtually any onsite fencing.

DuraPost® is guaranteed for up to 25 years and doesn’t require any maintenance throughout its lifecycle. For further information on DuraPost® by FENCEMATE or to request a sample pack, please visit www.birkdalesales.com/ durapost or call 0345 646 0591.

Birkdale

Brits feel unsafe at their place of worship

Security specialist Jacksons Fencing has released insights into security at religious venues, from its upcoming whitepaper ‘Places of Worship: Understanding Security Issues’.

The findings highlight the most pressing safety concerns of the UK’s faith communities, from physical and verbal harassment, to theft, burglary, and vandalism.

Out of 2,000 people surveyed, 59% say their place of worship has been the target of an attack or crime. While more than half (54%) agree that lots of physical security makes them feel nervous, the vast majority (76%) feel safer with measures in place.

Crime against religious venues is far too frequent, with threequarters (74%) of respondents saying their place of worship is

a target of crime at least yearly. 42% say their place of worship is targeted at least monthly, and more than one in ten (13%) say daily.

Compared to five years ago, the situation hasn’t improved. Most people (81%) report that the amount of crime on-site has stayed the same or increased.

Despite the frequency of incidences, places of worship play an increasingly vital role in society, with 44% of worshipers saying they are more a place of asylum and safety than they used to be.

Peter Jackson, Jacksons Fencing MD, comments: “Places of worship need to be both safe and welcoming. Security has to make worshipers feel safe, provide solace and not deter those requiring support.”

Back to business with record sales for manufacturer

Fabweld Steel Products (FSP) has recalled all of its staff back to its Telford factory to meet demand for its products after securing a record £500,000 of sales in just seven days.

FSP, based in Shropshire, had furloughed a number of staff with others working from home during the Covid-19 outbreak.

The spike in sales – around 10 times more than what would be expected at this time of year –signals a return of confidence to the market, believes Managing Director Richard Hilton.

FSP supplies a number of sectors including major infrastructure projects like the London Power Tunnels as well as providing solutions for commercial and

domestic landscaping, the energy sector and water management.

The recent surge in orders has come from a mix of UK and export projects including €275,000 from Germany for the supply of recessed access covers.

“With so many religious buildings of all faiths being regularly targeted, security measures taken should not only detect and defend against

attacks,

they should deter potential criminals or intruders from making an attempt.”

Jacksons Fencing

Fabweld

British innovation closes gap in on-site fencing

A new multi-use invention from the UK has turned its attention to solving a problem for construction sites and events, helping to create secure fixing points for terminating a run of temporary mesh fencing against a shipping container.

The solution involves using Domino Clamps’ flagship product to attach a 42mm steel tube to a shipping container, so that normal fence panel couplers can then be used to connect the far end of the last fence panel, preventing anyone from passing through the gap.

The method requires only hand tools and does not

damage the container. Perfect for construction sites where shipping containers, containerised generators and portable site accommodation are part of a changing landscape, along with the need to keep areas fenced off and secure.

Domino Clamps are made in the UK and can help attach many other things to shipping containers, or any other portable unit which uses ISO standard corner castings for lifting. The company also Sells the tube clamp kits to complete the fencing panel solution.

Heras Steelhoard is a proven solution BSW Timber launches new Crown Distributor scheme

BSW Timber, the UK’s largest integrated forestry business, has launched its new premium merchant membership scheme – the BSW Timber Crown Distributor Scheme.

The Crown Distributor Scheme, launching on 1st August, 2020, offers the most dedicated and forward-thinking BSW Timber stockists across the country an unparalleled timber support package.

It covers key business areas –sales and marketing, service and innovation, finance, training, and presentation –and a wide range of timber products, including BSW’s IRO and Alchemy brands.

As well as assisting with the growth of both traditional and added value timber sales, the initiative also offers the selected stockists a variety of premium benefits.

This includes enhanced security of volume and supply; dedicated one-to-one timber marketing support; exclusive staff training

Marshalls’ crash-tested bollard range deters criminals

Marshalls Landscape Protection has a range of crash-tested bollards to protect buildings and spaces from criminal ram raids and accidental vehicle collisions.

The RhinoGuard 25/10 and 25/20 protective bollard range is the first suite of products launched by the business crashtested to Publicly Available Specification (PAS) 170 – the latest accreditation used to deliver a testing standard for

vehicles up to 2.5 tonnes. The products have been designed to be set into reinforced concrete foundations just 200mm deep underground to enable it to absorb energy on impact and increase its resistance to hostile and accidental collisions with vehicles.

The bollards come with a range of sleeve options including brushed stainless steel, mild steel with a polyester powder coat finish and painted

Ferrocast. They are also available in different colours to help complement an area’s surroundings.

Marshalls Landscape Protection is part of the Marshalls Group and works with the public sector and businesses to manufacture and recommend street furniture products with the appropriate safety ratings.

Marshalls Landscape Protection

and development programmes; increased visibility on all BSW web and social channels; priority access to new BSW products; and access to an exclusive suite of branded workwear, point of sale, shop fitting options and vehicle fleet accessories.

BSW Timber

Heras Mobile Fencing & Security (Heras MF&S) expands its range with Heras Steelhoard: an innovative and durable system for temporary hoarding of construction sites.

Heras Mobile takes over the product from Heras Perimeter Protection Ltd. portfolio.

“Heras Steelhoard has been proving itself as a very reliable, semi-permanent system for

25 years no,” said Adrian Day (divisional sales manager).

“So it’s actually quite logical that it gets a place within our range of temporary fencing. By doing so, we increase our offer and flexibility towards our customers: Heras MF&S will really be a one-stop-shop.”

Manufacturer celebrates highest BIM accreditation

The UK’s leading manufacturer of innovative suspension systems for the construction industry has boosted its competitive edge with an industry accreditation for its advanced tools and resources for construction industry professionals.

Gripple has been awarded BSI BIM (Building Information Modelling) Verification Certificate ISO 19650-2, the highest ISO level for companies that use BIM, following a rigorous audit of its processes.

The accreditation will open up new opportunities for the manufacturer with main contractors who will no longer

need to audit Gripple’s BIM approach themselves but can trust the ISO certificate means the highest standards have been met.

Chris Bugg, Gripple’s UK and Ireland sales director who led the application process, explains:

“By working collaboratively with Gripple, main contractors can benefit from exact quantities of products ordered and delivered to site as bills of materials are generated by the work we’ve undertaken before the project commences. This reduces manual handling, onsite storage and waste, and costs associated with ordering more than needed.”

Many major private and public sector construction projects stipulate contractors should utilise BIM to ensure their framework offers best practice, such as correct file sharing, offering peace of mind to the client.

Gripple is a 100% employeeowned company which provides suspension solutions for construction, ground engineering solutions for civil and landscaping applications, and wire joining and tensioning solutions for agriculture.

Domino Clamps

Heras Mobile Fencing & Security

Gripple

New

sector reopen

“The sport and physical activity workforce and volunteers are going to play a vital role in keeping the nation fi t and healthy as we emerge from this crisis,” she said.

sector. ReActivate will take the form of a free, online training platform and has been commissioned by CIMSPA and funded by Sport England.

anyone working or volunteering in the sport and physical activity sector in England.

A major training initiative have been created by Sport England and CIMSPA to help the sport and physical activity sector reopen.

CIMSPA (the Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity) have been supported by a £250,000 investment of National Lottery money from Sport England in workforce and volunteer training.

The ReActivate course will enable workers and volunteers to return with confidence.

After the shut down due to restrictions imposed as a result of coronavirus (Covid-19), the reopening of indoor gyms and leisure facilities is anticipated in the coming weeks – and CIMSPA chief executive officer Tara Dillon wants the workforce to be as prepared as possible.

“With our recent Return to Work survey indicating that 40% have some degree of apprehension about returning, it is vital that we give them the support they need to return with confi dence and create a safe environment for the public.

“The resources we are providing with support from Sport England and our delivery partners are designed to give all stakeholders the ability to reopen with confidence.”

A recent CIMSPA survey indicating that up to 6% of the physical activity workforce are planning to leave the

ICL Scholarship provides educational opportunity for BIGGA members

With the BIGGA Turf Management Exhibition and Continue to Learn due to go ahead next January, members of the British & International Golf Greenkeepers Association are being invited to apply for an incredible education scholarship, supported by ICL.

With plans well underway to host Continue to Learn in Harrogate next January, five BIGGA members from across the UK will be selected to become ICL Continue to Learn 2021 scholars.

The successful applicants will receive three nights’ hotel accommodation and 15 hours of training and personal development at the Continue to Learn education programme, supported by BIGGA Partner and specialty fertiliser company ICL.

In the event that ongoing restrictions prevent the hosting of the event, Continue to Learn will become a virtual learning experience and the scholars will receive an equivalent award, including personal development opportunities amounting to the same monetary value. Commenting on the sponsorship agreement, ICL’s Ed

It will be delivered by a consortium of partners, each with extensive experience in online training and the physical activity sector and led by Future Active Workforce CIC.

Its content will cover topics such as risk management, social distancing, cleaning and use of equipment and coronavirusspecific procedures, as well as health and wellness support for all staff still on furlough.

Upon completion of the course, participants will receive a CIMSPA ‘Covid-Safe’ training certificate. ReActivate will go live in the coming days and will be free to use for 12 months, for

Sport England chief executive, Tim Hollingsworth, is keen to see help get to those who most need it.

“Sport and physical activity play a crucial role in our health and wellbeing and we recognise the vital role of those who work in the leisure sector, as well as the countless volunteers and sports coaches who keep our communities active,” he said.

“It is absolutely vital to give everyone who needs it access to the resources and training they need to confi dently return to their roles, and this is why we have invested in this major training initiative.”

Sport England

Aspen fuel fi lls the tanks and the pockets

Nick Rose - owner of Redwood Tree Services Ltd - says making the switch to Aspen Alkylate Fuel has filled more than just his tanks.

The efficiency and cleaner performance of his 2 and 4-stroke equipment has led to huge financial savings through significant improvements in performance and reduction in costly repairs.

Aspen Alkylate Petrol is virtually free from sulphur, benzene and solvents, making it 99% cleaner than regular petrol when comparing the level of hazardous hydrocarbons. With these ingredients removed, the odour and infamous ‘blue haze’ produced is minimal, reducing the impact the machinery makes on both the operator and the environment.

Aspen

TriCure AD delivers award-winning coverage and consistency Toro and Reesink combine to offer industry-first finance deals

Toro and its UK distributor Reesink Turfcare have announced two new industryfirst cashflow friendly finance schemes specifically designed to support customers in 2020-2021 and beyond.

The two companies have combined to offer a ‘buy now pay later’ at zero percent interest finance option and also a lease hire option, both of which include welcome lengthy payment holidays.

Alastair Rowell, national accounts manager – grounds for Reesink Turfcare, says: “These two finance deals react to the current times. Together with Toro, we wanted to show support to our customers. We understand that cashflow is, and perhaps will be for some time, uncertain, yet machines are still needed now to maintain courses to the best possible standards. Now, more than ever, the focus has to be on retaining and increasing memberships.”

These two industry-leading options both offer a six-month payment holiday, one requiring a single payment and the other offering reduced payments to reflect industry leading residual values.

The ‘buy now pay later’ option is a familiar product but is an embellished deal in response to the COVID-19 landscape.

Customers can order any time between July and December 2020 with the deal at zero percent interest, with a single payment required 7 May 2021.

The second option is a lease hire option with a six month pause period followed by either 60 monthly payments or five annual payments, according to each individual customer’s cashflow requirements.

Award-winning greenkeeper Matt Aplin, of Goring & Streatley Golf Club, believes it is no coincidence that since they’ve been applying TriCure AD from Headland Amenity on the fairways, and more recently course wide, the club is achieving guaranteed consistency in presentation and turf quality like never before.

Headland Technical Manager Iain Richardson recommended the wetting agent TriCure AD, applied at 5L/ha.

Having previously applied competitor products at much

higher rates to little effect, the club were absolutely astounded when, after just two applications of TriCure AD, the fairways had returned to full coverage.

Following the exemplary results achieved on the fairways over both the 2018 & 2019 seasons, this year Matt applied TriCure AD course wide. “We put down the first application in the second week of May on our fairways, approaches and tees, and at half rate on the greens which is helping to deliver the firm, fast greens the members crave,” he explained.

Three subsequent TriCure AD applications will be made monthly, tank mixed with Headland’s Elevate Fe liquid iron

complex, when not too hot, to further enhance presentation.

Headland Amenity

Firm saves weeks of labour using the Campey Rake O Rotor

Ray Britland Contracting has saved weeks of time by using the Campey Rake O Rotor to quickly and easily clear large areas of stones and other debris.

The company work on a number of Environment Agency, and Forestry Commission projects and a common process in these jobs is clearing large areas, which in the past could take weeks to do.

But with the Rake O Rotor, the ground can be cleared and ready within one day, making it the

perfect choice for company CEO, Ray Britland.

“We have used the Rake O Rotor for stone raking on large areas like roundabouts, flood banks and road projects, and especially on Environment Agency projects, they absolutely love it,” he said. “We’ve also used it for some reclamation work around offices, and it can produce a finish that is good enough for lawn areas but on a large scale.”

Campey Turfcare Systems

The secret to lawn success

The Billy Goat range of Plugr aerators enables grounds professionals, landscapers and contractors to be able to tackle large areas of lawn quickly and easily. Plugr aerators offer the perfect solution to promoting growth.

They can improve drainage and encourage new growth by making holes throughout the turf that breaks up compacted soil and allows air, water and nutrients to circulate through the roots. This results in healthier, stronger roots, grass and turf.

The Plugr aerator range has two series of machines. The 18 series and the 25 Series.

Within the 18 Series sits the PL1802V and the PL1801H.

Both have an 18” working width so are ideal for smaller grounds. They have four tines that place cores 2.75” deep and aerate 22,000 square feet per hour. They have an easy-folding handle that allows for compact use, transportation and storage, aided by the fact that they weigh only 109kg so are easy to steer without lifting. There are two engine options available and both are self-propelled.

For those seeking a more productive, cost-efficient way of aerating larger areas, the 25 Series is required. It offers the best combination of productivity, comfort and results, whilst boasting intuitive controls, and variable speed fingertip hydrodrive innovation.

Similar to the 18 Series, the 25 Series also has two engine options. The PL2501SPV is powered by a Briggs & Stratton Vanguard 203cc engine, and the PL2501SPH has 196cc Honda engine.

The Billy Goat range of Plugrs is available nationwide through Henton and Chattell’s dealer network.

Reesink Turfcare

Billy Goat

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

Otterbine diffuses the situation this summer

This year more than any other year, water management specialist Otterbine is advising greenkeepers to be pre-emptive to the challenges hot weather can throw at lakes and ponds.

Warm water, plentiful sunlight and an excess of nutrients is a combination that, without a proper water management system in place, can leave lakes and ponds with problems such as algae, aquatic weeds and odours.

Simon Powell, Otterbine business development manager

at distributor Reesink Turfcare, explains why it’s vital to implement preventative measures now, he says: “Oxygen depletion or stress situations occur for different reasons, but many lake management issues are related to both the light and heat generated by the summer sun.

“By increasing oxygen levels and circulating oxygen rich water throughout a lake, water quality can remain high, inhibiting algae, aquatic weeds and unpleasant odours. The most natural water quality management solution is

to introduce aeration into a pond or lake to eliminate stagnant water. That’s where Otterbine’s aeration systems can help.”

With Otterbine’s aerating fountains, industrial aerators and diffused air systems and their proven high oxygen transfer rates, you can easily increase the dissolved oxygen levels in your lake or pond, preventing or curing stagnant water, algae build up and bad smells for clean, clear, healthy water.

Otterbine

More kits, more value BLEC Multi-Seeder for ‘no disruption’ overseeding

Toro’s MVP (maintenance value performance) kits are widely known as one of the most effective solutions to minimising downtime.

And for 2020 there’s a new pack available through UK distributor Reesink Turfcare offering more value and more time working, not waiting.

MVP kits were designed with specific maintenance and repairs in mind and extending the range of handy kits is the new Blade pack for the Groundsmaster 1200. It joins, among others, Groundsmaster Deck Kits,

All packs have one thing in common, they help save time and money. They help you track maintenance and bring peace of mind that you have the parts you need to keep your equipment on the job. So, instead of spending valuable time sourcing individual parts as issues arise, grounds teams can purchase all the parts they need for a particular maintenance or rebuild job in one convenient box that comes with the added benefit of saving up to 20 percent in repair expenses.

Each pack come with instructions giving advice on when to perform specific maintenance tasks depending on the model and the number of hours of use, helping to prevent running machines into the ground and incurring unnecessary costs to repair them.

Added to this, if used to perform regular maintenance, MVP kits keep cost of ownership low and allow for more accurate forecasting when setting budget aside for parts and servicing.

Reesink Turfcare

As play returns to Crail Golfing Society, a new BLEC MultiSeeder 1600 is going to be key to delivering overseeding without disruption.

Golf Course Manager Bob Meikle says the size and weight of the BLEC dimple seeder makes it the ideal solution for optimum site-wide seed delivery.

“The Multi-Seeder being a dimple seeder was one of the biggest selling points” he explains. “It is critical that whatever we do now maintenancewise, that we don’t cause any breaks in play and the Multi-Seeder is fantastic at leaving very little disruption in its wake. We can pass over a green, then follow over with a turf iron and you wouldn’t know anything has been done.”

With the Multi-Seeder offering a 1.6m working width and nonPTO drive, Bob can quickly and accurately overseed areas both large and small – meaning some fairway overseeding, along with further work on the greens and tees is scheduled for the autumn.

Dennis G860

Groundsmaster Blade and Belt Kits and Groundsmaster Caster Wheel Kits.

BLEC

Verti-Top sets the standard for synthetic surface maintenance

When it comes to looking after a synthetic surface, maintenance does not need to be complex or costly, but it does need to be consistent and effective.

Infill is imperative in supporting the fibres of the surface, ensuring they stand vertically to achieve the desired playing characteristics. However, footfall during play will naturally compact the infill and flatten the fibres – reducing drainage ability and leaving the most vulnerable part of the fibre exposed to loading and UV.

The consequence of ineffective - or simply not enoughmaintenance will undoubtedly lead to premature wear and reduce the expected life of the carpet.

Regular brushing will help to move infill around the surface and stand fibres upright. It should be conducted in conjunction with surface cleaning – a little and often approach is considered the most effective.

Providing the best of both worlds, the Redexim Verti-Top from Charterhouse Turf Machinery utilises a powered rotary brush to sweep the carpet, lift the pile and extract the top 1-15mm of infill, along with any foreign material. The infill is then passed over a sieve to separate any detritus before the cleaned infill is dropped and brushed back into the surface, leaving a clean, level and aesthetically pleasing finish.

“A regular maintenance plan incorporating de-compaction brushing and cleaning will give grounds managers a surface that they can be proud of –one that looks great and, more importantly, is safe and playable throughout the year” confirms Jonathan Woolfall, Operations Manager at Premier Pitches.

“Charterhouse have a great reputation for providing excellent tools for synthetic managers and on the back of this, we purchased a Verti-Top 1200 in the summer of 2018.”

“We’ve used the Verti-Top in a range of environments, with particularly high demand from local schools and sportsgrounds.

“It’s very simple to set up and easy to use, and it is exceptional at extracting dust and contaminants from the infill which helps to prevent those problems with dirt and compaction deeper down in the pile.

“Its ability to carry out multiple processes in a single pass makes it a convenient and effective part of ensuring the long-term life of an artificial pitch.”

The Verti-Top is available in either a 120cm or 180cm working width, with both models featuring powerful vacuum extraction, adjustable decompaction tines as standard and interchangeable sieves for use on surfaces with different infill types.

Charterhouse Turf Machinery

The SISIS Osca – perfect for synthetic surface maintenance

Synthetic sports surfaces require a good maintenance programme in place from the very beginning. Failure to maintain the surface could lead to issues such as compaction, loss of porosity, inconsistent playing characteristics, damaged fibres and contamination of the infill.

One machine that is being used by many groundstaff is the SISIS Osca tractor mounted powered oscillating brush, which is ideally suited to either a sand or rubber crumb surface.

A pair of oscillating brushes allows periodic aggressive brushing to be undertaken to agitate the upper infill level helping reduce compaction, encourage the fibres to stand upright and reduce the risk of contamination and surface water.

It can also be used for regular light brushing, helping to stand the fibres up, move the infill around, creating a level surface and minimise the threat of moss and algae.

It uses fewer passes than a conventional drag brush, and has the option of adding a further 1.8m wide brush to the system which helps to enhance the final finish.

Once Warwick School had decided to invest in a new synthetic pitch, Grounds Manager Duncan Toon felt that the SISIS Osca was the only machine that could maintain the new surface effectively and truly justify the major investment decision:

“With the investment which has been made into the synthetic surface, I felt that we needed to have the best equipment to maintain it, and for me, the Osca was essential.

“It is clear to see that the decompaction this machine achieves is simply on a different level. Since we have been using it the pitch has significantly improved. Another user full of praise is Andy Jackson, grounds manager at Stoke City FC, who has reported ‘phenomenal’ results since incorporating the SISIS Osca into his synthetic surface maintenance programme.

“Getting the right equipment for all the different textured pitches we have here is big task, and it’s key to how we go about our business,” says Andy. “I wanted a machine that was going to be effective and quick but to get a machine to do those two things I felt would be a hard task.

“The Oscillating brushes are the best feature because they get rid of any compaction problems and provide a fantastic finish.

“Players at all levels, from seven year olds up to the first team, play on these pitches, so for me it is just important to have the synthetic surfaces as well presented as the natural pitches.

“The results have been phenomenal and personally I think the Osca ticks all the boxes in getting synthetic turf to a level where it needs to be.”

SISIS

GKB Rotobrush for artificial enhancement

Campey provides essential synthetic turf maintenance solution

Campey Turf Care Systems’ latest innovation, the Campey Uni-Scratch, is the ideal solution for those looking for a professional and effective maintenance of natural and synthetic grass surface.

The Campey Uni-Scratch can be used for organic matter removal on natural grass hybrid carpet pitches when carrying out annual renovations.

Regularly maintaining synthetic pitches is vital because it prevents infill compaction. When a synthetic surface is regularly

used the infill can become lodged and cause uneven hard and soft areas that eventually leads to drainage issues and flattening of the artificial fibres.

To prevent this, the Uni-Scratch has been developed to provide essential maintenance by decompacting and redistributing the infill. The machine can also be used to evenly distribute the infill in synthetic carpets during installation.

Campey Turf Care Systems

Huxley Golf winter tees proving a real return on investment

World leading golf surface experts, Huxley Golf, has completed a major installation of 27 all-weather tees at Poult Wood, one of the finest pay and play golf courses in the South of England.

With this installation the facility will stay open for the enjoyment of resident and visiting golfers throughout the coming winter months.

The GKB Rotobrush comes into its own as your synthetic sport pitches get used, dirt becomes apparent.

From moss and algae to general wear and tear, this ultimately can affect the technical characteristics and authentic appearance of the turf. The GKB Rotobrush restores this by tackling persistent contamination.

The GKB Rotobrush enables you to brush deeper and more effectively where needed. Thanks to the rotating brush disc that is provided with extra rigid bristles, your artificial pitch maintenance can be taken to the next level.

When the functioning of normal brushing and cleaning stops, the GKB Rotobrush continues.

GKB Machines

Set in picturesque woodland near Tonbridge in Kent, Poult Wood offers a choice of two interesting and challenging courses for regular and casual golfers.

It is run by the Tonbridge & Malling Leisure Trust, a not-forprofit organisation responsible for the delivery of sport and leisure facilities for Tonbridge & Malling Borough Council.

As such, the course must be affordable, high quality and accessible to all members of the community.

Huxley Golf used its Premier Tee Turf 2 across both the 9- and 18hole courses. Each tee measures 12ft x 12ft (3.66m x 3.66m).

Poult Wood Head Greenkeeper, Stuart Crowley, said: “It’s safe to say that the Huxley Golf winter tees have been a real return on investment.

“We first installed all-weather tees with Huxley Golf twenty years ago and we’ve never looked back. With virtually no maintenance requirement, the use of these winter tees not only delights our customers, but it also frees my team up to ensure that the remainder of the course remains playable in increasingly challenging seasonal conditions. We renewed the tees after ten years in 2010 and we’ve just done so again, such is their considerable contribution to our well-regarded course.”

Huxley Golf

Perfect play requires Perfect maintenance

KAR UK announces new irrigation rotor for synthetic surfaces

KAR UK has announced the launch of the new Hunter ST1700V Turf Rotor which offers unrivalled high-performance irrigation for synthetic surfaces.

The ST range of Hunter irrigation products, which are expertly designed to cool and clean synthetic turf sports surfaces, have long been a market leader.

Simple to specify, contractorfriendly to install, and easy to service and maintain for the enduser, the Hunter ST System is the first and only cost-effective, fully integrated solution designed to exceed the unique and specific needs of the synthetic turf irrigation market.

Now, KAR UK - distributor of Hunter Industries irrigation equipment, has revealed that the renowned ST portfolio has been further strengthened with the addition of the new ST-1700V Synthetic Turf Rotor.

Simplicity is the key to the ST-1700V as it integrates Valvein-Head (VIH) capabilities and a Total-Top-Service (TTS) design to simplify installation and maintenance.

The ST-1700V rotor is now available exclusively in the UK and Ireland from KAR UK.

Amenity Forum conference switches to online

Following full consideration of the external circumstances, the Forum has decided to switch delivery of its annual conference being held on October 15 2020 to a fully online format using specialist professional conferencing facilities.

The theme will be Planning for the Future. The event has an impressive range of specialist speakers and the programme will include an address will be included from a senior government representative.

This is a particularly important time for the sector not just because of the challenges

arising from the pandemic but also given the on-going review of the National Action Plan relating to weed, pest and disease management.

There is also a review of pesticide policy being undertaken. This is a great opportunity to hear and debate current issues and get up to the minute information on the reviews. There will also be focus on innovation and new methods and approaches emerging from research and technological development.

PSP’s new stem injector offers effective solution VALE

The Professional Sprayers People (PSP) introduces its unique Stem Injector for delivering liquid herbicides and pesticides directly into the stems of non-native, invasive weeds such as Japanese knotweed.

VALE Engineering (York) Ltd – the leading UK manufacturers of professional weed control, turf care and winter maintenance equipment – has launched an entirely new website (www. valeuk.com) combining all the company’s brands for the very first time.

includes: • VALE ENGINEERING –from weed spraying ATVs via chemical stores to salt spreaders & snow ploughs, including cycleway de-icers

the first UK-manufactured salt spreader designed to be forklift-tine mountable

• POZI-FEED – auger system allows the spread of all types of salt and grit – brown or white, wet or dry

• RIVERLYNX - Rotary Atomiser and CDA weed control equipment for professionals

• STARGREEN – amenity sprayers and turf care top dressers for groundsmen

The Stem Injector is a simple accessory can be used with any of PSP’s backpack and handheld sprayers, increasing the versatility and multi-functionality of the equipment. There are three sizes of Stem Injector, enabling control and stability whatever the stem thickness.

The Stem Injector attaches quickly and easily to the sprayer trigger. It can also be attached to PSP’s unique Dosing Valve which enables precise doses of between 2-25ml. The Dosing Valve is particularly useful for application of pure chemicals such as those used against Japanese knotweed. The product can be used with any Guarany backpack or compression sprayer.

PSP

LockStar label update granted in Ireland

ICL customers in Ireland can look forward to more effective and flexible weed control after LockStar, a residual herbicide, was granted a label update. The label update in Ireland follows shortly after being given the same stamp of approval in the UK.

Customers can now apply LockStar all-year round instead of the previous limited window of between February and June. This will provide contractors and grounds managers with the opportunity to adapt their

approach and give them greater control over weed growth.

Previously, LockStar could only be used on natural surfaces not intended to bear vegetation. However, the new label update grants the use of the product on amenity vegetation (around). This will allow for the herbicide to be applied in a wider range of situations and be used in more areas such as around the base of shrubs, trees, plants and other amenity areas.

ICL

Amenity Forum

VALE Engineering Ltd

ECHO cuts a competitive edge Cobra’s multi-tool provides the answer

The new Cobra MTX230C 4-in-1 Multi-Tool is the latest addition to the range and is built with a high specification 23cc S-Series engine.

This low emission power unit has a high power to weight ratio, making the toughest gardening tasks easier and less tiring. This tool has been expertly designed in the UK to cater specifically for the changing conditions of British landscaping and its four quality attachments include a riobust and efficient brushcutter.

Thanks to the Tri-blade on the Multi-Tool brush cutter, gardeners can experience faster, cleaner and

more effective cutting. The heavyduty metal blade makes clearing larger areas of brambles, shrubs and saplings a simple task. The result is a cleaner cutting system

which stops clogging, enabling more efficient use of energy and easier handling.

Cobra

An efficient alternative to chemical weed controls?

Lancashire based firm Multevo have been helping customers safely kill weeds with just hot water since 2015.

Multevo provide a range of hot water weed control machines manufactured by Waterkracht, that tackle weeds (including invasive species) effectively, using absolutely no chemicals or foam additives.

The treatment works by delivering low pressure hot water at an optimum 98°C temperature,

destroying the cellular structure of the plant and roots, in around 1-3 treatments per year.

This safe method of weed control is significantly less £/m² in comparison to all other alternatives and can be used all year round, increasing productivity. Every unit can also be used for chewing gum removal and sanitation by simply switching the lances.

Churchill College at Cambridge University recently made the move to hot water weed control: “We have

always avoided using chemicals in some locations, children’s play areas for example. We can now use the hot water weed control system there because we know it’s safe. An area that would have taken us a month to hand weed now takes a week. This has meant that these areas are being treated more often, creating a better standard of ground maintenance.”

Contact Multevo to organize your own free of charge demonstration.

Multevo

ECHO is expanding its X Series range with best-in-class products and newly revised pricing for the 2020 season.

This follows a year of exceptional growth in the commercial outdoor power tool sector.

“The X-Series is ECHO’s representation of best-inclass professional products and the company has found commercial users are attracted by the performance and quality of the machines, together with the industry-leading warranty support.” Says Matt Wilson, ECHO UK Sales Manager.

As part of the expansion, ECHO is also revising prices on its key commercial products, widening the access of commercial product to a larger market. The combination offers great

potential for the professional user and contributes to ECHO’s growing competitive edge. Consider ECHO’s reputation for commercial product that is built to the highest possible standards in Japan and tested in the harshest environments. That sits well with the promise of balanced, ergonomic design for manoeuvrability and precision.

All of this is reflected in many of the commercial products which are even more competitive under the new pricing structure. In the brushcutter range, take for example the SRM-420TESU. With its 41.5cc engine, it’s ideal for contractors looking for a machine with plenty of power. ECHO hedgecutters have enjoyed a long, durable and economic reputation. This can be seen to further advantage in the HCR-165ES and HCR-185S low

vibration models with rotational handles and the HCA-265ES-HD and HCA-2620ES-HD long reach articulating hedge cutters.

ECHO commercial chainsaws speak for themselves amongst professional users and the CS-501SX, CS-370ES and industry-leading CS-2511TES are competitively priced. The same applies to the professional 50V battery range of tools, the PAS-2620ES multi-tool, the extension pole and hedgecutter attachments.

The products mentioned, indeed the whole ECHO range, all carry an industry-leading 5-year domestic or 2-year professional warranty which adds further to weighing up ECHO with what’s in the market.

ECHO

EndoSan - for silver service sanitization

With the relaxing of lockdown and the return of recreational activity and sport participation, Rigby Taylor has introduced EndoSan, the most advanced ionic silver based chemistry in a solution of Hydrogen Peroxide (H2O2), for sanitizing a wide range of surfaces.

EndoSan provides control of Coronavirus as well as bacteria, fungi and algae when applied to a wide range of surfaces as a non-hazardous spray. EndoSan’s positive environmental credentials provide a first-choice surface sanitizer for grounds managers, greenkeepers and contractors.

Supplied in two formulations, the ready-to-use EndoSan 3 formulation is available in 500ml Trigger packs and 5 litre drums and for larger applications, EndoSan 50 is a dilutable concentrate packed in 10 litres. Larger sizes up to 1000 litres are available on request.

Areas of use include, turf and artificial playing surfaces, ‘touchpoints’ in changing rooms, gyms, playgrounds and on equipment, golf course ‘furniture’, trolley’s

and buggies, seating, railings, gates, flags, nets and much more.

EndoSan has no odour or colour, is 100% chlorine and alcohol free and non-corrosive.

Applied through a pressure sprayer, or for small areas from a ready-to- use Trigger pack, the product simply degrades into harmless, naturally occurring water and oxygen substances following application and is one of the safest forms of disinfection.

Application can be made through a pressure sprayer such as one selected from the Rigby Taylor Evolution knapsack range with two back pack model (one electric) with tank capacities of 15 litres and a lightweight 7 litre option.

EndoSan is a ‘safe biocide’ and has been approved for continuous addition to drinking water.

In addition to the number of environmental benefits, the manufacturing process also complies with ISO 14001 and environmental standards, ISO 9001 and ISO 13485.

Contributing to the bigger picture

Agrovista Amenity has been helping UK grounds managers to address new protocols and take steps to a safe return to sport through the use of a multipurpose disinfectant product.

The team has been advising the use of Huwa-San TR50 and TR-3 for safe and effective multi-use viricidal mode of action. Based on stabilised hydrogen peroxide, the product quickly inactivates Coronavirus and is safe on all surfaces with no rinse application.

Huwa-San also has efficacy against bacteria, mould, spores, fungi and mycobacteria and is biodegradable, breaking down to oxygen and water.

Head of Commercial for Agrovista Amenity, Dan Hughes said: “Providing our customers with the correct advice and support couldn’t have been more important, given recent times.

“Grounds managers want to ensure that new working protocols are in line with Government guidance, and that the risk to their staff, players, officials and the public can be minimised.

“Huwa-San is an effective solution for the current climate. It’s flexibility also means that it can be used across the board – in irrigation tanks, on hard surfaces such as machinery, and for handcontact surfaces such as steering wheels, tools and equipment.”

The hydrogen peroxide solution found in Huwa-San TR-50 has increased stability thanks to the application of unique ionic silver stabilisation technology. This means that the product is powerful yet non-residual. It is also noncorrosive and biodegradable, as well as approved by the Health and Safety Executive, as a constant dose biocide for the control of legionella.

At 3% active H2O2, Huwa-San conforms to a number of EN standards for disinfection including; Virucide EN14476 and Bactericide: EN1276, EN13697, EN1656, EN13727, EN14561, EN14349, EN16437, EN13626. A systematic review published in the Journal of

Hospital Infection demonstrated that a (H2O2) concentration of 0.5% achieved a Log4 (99.99%) inactivation of human coronavirus HCoV-229E within one minute.

Agrovista Amenity

Foamstream is a one-stop-shop that can do it all

after treatment? Does this impact on labour costs as a result e.g. will the work have to be carried out at night to avoid high footfall?

The third and final point often looked at is the return on investment and whether or not the solution can be used to carry out multiple tasks in order to gain the most from the capital investment.

assist with as many green and urban space management tasks as possible. Whether looking for a solution to control unwanted vegetation without the use of herbicides or for general street cleaning activities including gum removal, cleaning of street furniture, power washing and sanitisation, Foamstream is a onestop-shop that can do it all.

Municipalities and green space contractors around the globe are always on the look out for the best solutions available to them to carry out their urban and green space management tasks in the most cost effective and efficient manner.

There are a few key factors which regularly come up in the list of tick box criteria when considering solutions available.

The first is labour with questions around downtime and whether the solution can be used in variable weather conditions. Another consideration when working in the public sector is around product safety and whether or not there are measures which need to be put in place in order to protect the public whilst using solutions – for instance, does the area need to be cordoned off before, during and

Foamstream is a solution that offers green space contractors, municipalities and organisation owners all of the above. Foamstream was originally developed as a herbicide-free weed control solution. However since its launch in 2011, Weedingtech has continued to develop the solution, which delivers hot water insulated by a biodegradable foam, to provide those who invest in the capital equipment a solution which can

Simple to use, cost-effective and safe for operators, the public and the environment, Foamstream is the go to solution around the globe for those looking to find a safe, and environmentally friendly solution to their green and urban space management tasks. To find out more information – get in touch today at www.weedingtech.com, info@weedingtech.com or call 0203 909 0050.

Rigby Taylor

Weeding Tech

Multevo launch new multipurpose street sweeper

The Multihog CV is a superior multi-purpose sweeper designed to outlast and outperform similar sized compact sweepers whilst offering added comfort, operational efficiency and unmatched versatility.

The Multihog CV Sweeper enters the market with the highest possible EUnited PM10 and PM2.5 rating available, showcasing its superior suction performance.

The articulated all-terrain hydrostatic machine’s full spring and damper suspension and

independent multi-disk braking systems provides a smooth ride in a superbly comfortable working environment.

With a gross vehicle weight of 3.5 or 4 tonnes, the unit has an impressive 1.5 cubic meter hopper capacity with 200 litres of fresh circulation water. The heavy duty cooling system, with twin radiators, hydraulically reversible fans and variable speed control, maximises cooling over long durations.

The CV has the capability to be used for a wide range of tasks, including grass cutting and high

pressure washing and scrubbing, weed brushing, snow ploughing, gritting, de-icing and cleaning street furniture. Importantly, the sweeper itself can also be utilised for disinfecting public areas.

Multevo are touring the UK to undertake social distanced demonstrations which also compliments a special hirepurchase offer allowing you to own the machine from just £299.99* per week with a free 2-year warranty (*subject to terms and conditions).

Multevo

Super quietly for Wiedenmann sweepers and collectors

Quiet machines make for a healthier and happier working environment. German engineers designing Wiedenmann’s range of sweepers, blowers and collectors always prioritise keeping noise to a minimum.

Take Wiedenmann’s Super 500 and Super 600, the 4-in-1 sweeper collectors for example. Billed as the archetypal multi taskers, these machines can be used for sweeping, leaf collecting, verticutting, scarifying or flail mowing depending on attachments employed.

In any of their modes they produce a high airflow which ensures collected material is well compacted. For the Super 500, its high-performance vacuum packs the 2500 litre hopper every time. With the Super 600 it packs a 4000 litre hopper, both models producing a professional clean finish. Crucially, the airflow of the exhaust is driven downwards minimising noise and dust, important if working in noise sensitive areas such as schools,

hospitals or residential areas. The multi rib belt drive system also reduces any maintenance work.

Wiedenmann UK has two blowers, the Mega Twister and its smaller sister, the Whisper Twister, both with a patented ‘whisper’ turbine. Again engineers have identified the path of the air flow as vital. An innovatively side-routed

airflow system operates with spent air discharged through a low level air vent, allowing the ground to absorb almost all of their noise.

The Mega Twister has a versatile 230° swivel action, 390m³ per minute airflow and is easily adjusted in all directions. Leaves and debris can be blown continuously in one direction with

no requirement to leave the cab, back up or turn the unit round. The blow out nozzle can be set vertically, so that the air stream can be adjusted to the prevailing conditions guiding leaves and debris accurately and quickly. The Whisper Twister turns 180° and has 200m³ per minute airflow.

Wiedenmann

PSP introduces backpack power nebuliser

PSP has introduced Guarany’s Backpack Power Nebuliser to its fogging and misting equipment range.

This 11-litre motorised backpack mister is a powerful ally in the fight against the spread of the coronavirus as it can spray a fine fog of disinfectant. It is endorsed by a large range of official bodies, including the World Health Organisation (WHO), and is manufactured by Guarany which has decades experience in working with the WHO to combat pests and diseases across the world.

The Backpack Power Nebuliser is powered by a petrol Kawasaki motor and produces a plume of fog which has a horizontal spray reach of up to 18 metres and a vertical reach of up to 12 metres, making it ideal for large scale operations

and for treating hard-to-reach areas. It can be fitted with a variety of metering tips and nozzles which allow for liquid flow rates of between 200ml up 2.5 litres per minute.

PSP

Moving up a league in grounds maintenance

Maintaining the pitches and grounds at North Sunderland Football Club (NSFC) just got a lot easier.

Through a grant from the Football Foundation, the club recently added a new Iseki Compact Tractor and, a new Major CS Pro Mower to their fleet.

“We acquired both of these pieces of machinery through our local dealer, Rickerbys, and they were instrumental in helping us to make the right choice for the long term. They knew exactly what we needed,” explained Dave Moor, Chairman of NSFC.

Their new Major CS Pro Mower has significantly reduced the frequency of mowing passes that they used to have to operate, using their old cylinder mower.

The cylinder mower struggled to handle anything over 34mm and therefore the pitches had to be mown every three days, which meant a significant level of labour input. Being a cylinder mower, it was also a high maintenance machine which

increased operating expenditure and operational downtime.

“Now that we have our new mower, the Major CS Pro MJ65150,” added Dave, “we are cutting at an average of 42mm during the summer non-playing period and it only requires a run over every five or six days - plus the forward speed is much faster with the Major and we can cover the ground in two-thirds of the time.”

Apart from the main, 7000 sq m competition pitch at NSFC, there is also a 5000 sq m training ground and surrounding perimeter ground areas that require regular maintenance.

“The maintenance costs of the Major CS Pro are virtually zero. It’s a gearbox drive to the rotors - so no belts to adjust or fail. It comes with a fully galvanised finish - so it’s going to do a great job and our investment will last us for many years to come,” concluded Dave.

Kioti offer commemorative finance package

Kioti Compact tractor models have been successfully sold in the UK since the early 2000’s. For the last 5 x years the importer has been Cambridgeshire based Kioti UK.

To mark this early milestone Kioti UK have launched a finance package for one of their CK4010CH flagship model.

The Kioti 3 cylinder 40 horse power engine gives efficient fuel consumption, low noise and low vibration performance. The Air conditioned cabin is spacious.

The operator has excellent visibility and comfort. Standard features include, loader joystick, 2 x double acting spool valves, cruise

control and linked pedal and heated rear window. A Lift capacity of 1037KG makes the tractor a practical unit.

The Kioti 5 year 3000 hour warranty gives the owners the reassurance of reliability.

Two finance schemes are available, the fi rst is a fl at rate of 0% based on 2 x annual payments.

The second scheme has a 2.00 % flat rate but will allow the end user to spread payment over a longer with what should be 55 monthly payments. Both schemes are based on 50% of the full retail price.

Kioti

Strong, powerful and agile – a lawn tractor for all seasons

Packed with marketing-leading innovations the Cub Cadet XT2 PS117i lawn tractor boasts the power and performance needed to finish your work faster and with better results, all at the push of a button.

Offering the tightest turning circle on the market at just 17cm, the XT2 PS117i provides unsurpassed manoeuvrability, ideal for working on tough terrain – whatever the season.

Cub Cadet have been designing and manufacturing engines for decades, with more than 10 million units in use worldwide.

The efficient electric fuel injection (EFI) engine on the XT2 PS117i provides reliable performance and power with significant fuel efficiency.

Using up to 25% less fuel than conventional carburettor engines,

saving you money on fuel, and time on having to refill the tank. Plus, less servicing thanks to the direct fuel injection. No carburettor to drain, so you save on maintenance.

This side-discharge lawn tractor, with a grass bag available as an optional accessory, is perfect for mowing larger lawns and small paddocks.

With a large 46”/117cm welded mowing deck, the machine has also been designed with a pushbutton start and hydrostatic drive system, to make mowing an area up to 9000 m²/h easier and more convenient.

Plus, the range of accessories available, including agricultural tyres, means it can be used all year round for a variety of gardening task, including transporting large loads.

An adjustable seat helps to make mowing more comfortable and the cutting height memory cursor displays the most frequently used level, so you make sure you are cutting the grass to your desired height.

You can even charge your smartphone whilst mowing using the built-in multi-function socket. The XT2 PS117i is a powerful all year-round lawn tractor that produces great results.

EP Barrus

Major Equipment

Carnoustie Golf Links announces John Deere partnership

Carnoustie Golf Links Chief Executive Michael Wells announced today that a strategic partnership with John Deere has been secured, following a detailed period of exclusive discussions between the two organisations, whose joint vision laid the groundwork for today’s announcement.

The formalisation of the partnership will harmonise flagship greenkeeping practices with leading technology and R&D, as this alliance looks to lead the conversation in sustainability and best practice in golf course maintenance.

For both organisations, this important development will further enhance their significant independent successes in this area and combine two leading industry names to maximise opportunities and aid innovation.

For staff in each organisation, this will also see significant value investments designed

to create new professional development and learning opportunities, in addition to supporting a wide range of charitable and apprenticeship programmes, including Carnoustie’s 250-strong junior golf development hub The Carnoustie Craws.

Today’s announcement is a meaningful new chapter in Carnoustie’s story and sees the merging of two historic organisations. Carnoustie held the first of its eight Open Championships in 1931, but it was long before this that a great many young clubmakers, golf professionals and greenkeepers (known as The Carnoustie 300) left Carnoustie to take golf worldwide, helping to change the face of the game forever.

This eight-time Open Championship venue is known for delivering change in the game of golf and is held by many to be the ancestral home of American and Australian golf.

“Our goal was to conceive a partnership based on shared values that went well beyond the provision of greenkeeping equipment,” said Carnoustie Golf Links Chief Executive Michael Wells. “Carnoustie and John Deere can now work together to lead the conversation as the golf industry looks to modernise its approach to golf course management, with a partnership that will focus on innovation and development.”

John Deere’s European Golf & Turf Sales and Marketing Manager Carlos Aragones added: “John Deere is fully committed to the manufacture and support of advanced, high quality equipment for the world’s best golf courses. We will be honoured to see our machinery at work on the Championship, Burnside and Buddon Links Courses at Carnoustie Golf Links, and look forward to establishing a close and fruitful partnership with this historic club.”

John Deere

Weston Ground Maintenance settle on petrol over diesel with SCAG

Weston Ground Maintenance have recently received their new 31HP petrol SCAG Turf Tiger 52 for carrying out the work that the company do for contracts to cut verges, greens, sports pitches and Housing Associations lawns and pleasure gardens in the Stafford area.

Dave Bill, the owner, explained that a succession of machines over the years have come and gone and steadily he has built up a picture of his ideal machine and, when the time came for a new purchase and when he was disappointed with the service of one dealer, he took the advice of friend in another grounds maintenance company who said “try SCAG – they’re bulletproof”.

He had a machine demonstration by Dominic Mason; petrol was the engine of choice, and Dave chose to have the mulching kit for efficiency and a striper kit for the best finish.

The machine is the first of the new Vanguard 31HP high

efficiency petrol engine powered SCAG machines sold by STM Co Ltd.

This engine is an excellent example of how petrol is competing against diesel in this market – and Dave has proved it already with a confirmed saving of 1.5 litres of fuel a day.

A further bonus was the discovery that the SCAG STT is the best machine he has had as regards leaving no marks on the ground on turning as it is so easy to manoeuvre.

Etesia Buffalo is the greener solution

Etesia UK has reported a huge uptake in its Buffalo ride-on mowers – a powerful range that offers an eco-friendly alternative to its diesel-powered counterparts.

The Buffalo range, first launched six years ago, took the European markets by storm as countries such as France and Germany replaced huge fleets of diesel-powered ride-on mowers with Buffalo ride-on petrol mowers.

Only recently has the UK started to follow suit and when you delve deeper into the specifications – it is no surprise.

The Etesia range of Buffalo ride-on mowers are available in two-wheel drive and fourwheel drive and with 100cm and 124cm cutting decks with ROPS as standard. They feature powerful 23-hp Briggs and Stratton Vanguard engines and can cut and collect areas up to 12,000 m² per hour. The engines carry a three-year warranty and a two-year warranty on the rest of the machine.

The Etesia models are fitted with catalytic converters as standard offering a cleaner fuel and are renowned for their low levels of noise and smooth operation. A vast range

of accessories are available providing the operator with the ability to mulch, plough snow and much more.

High performance and engineered for slopes

The AS 1040 Yak ride-on flail mower from German manufacturer AS Motor, available in the UK

From PSD Groundscare, is a major innovation and compliments the AS Motor family of ride-on mowers which includes both 4WD and 2WD models.

In high grass, flail mowers are particularly impressive due to their high work rates, robustness in the event of unseen foreign objects and offer consistent cutting results.

The AS 1040 YAK 4WD’s impressive 100cm wide robust flail mowing unit is a superior alternative to conventional rotary mowing units. It offers significantly less risk of damage and also ensures operator safety. It has balanced weight distribution – 45% on the front axle and 55% on the rear axle which ensures outstanding traction and safe working irrespective of the terrain.

AS Motor also have an extensive range of ride-on brushcutters including the popular AS 940 Remote Control model which offers all the benefits of the standard AS 940 but with the option to convert to remote control when required.

The remote control option is particularly useful in areas where mowing is very unpleasant or unsafe for the operator, including steep terrain, loose substrate, mowing under trees and bushes, along hedges and even areas around wasp nests.

Simon Tullet

Etesia

PSD Groundscare

Wessex proves best of British for club

It has been three years since Brinscall VJFC took the plunge in obtaining new machinery, with the excellent support from the Football Foundation and the Pitch improvement report (PIP) from the GMA.

After several discussions, the club selected the Wessex RMX180 rotary roller mower. Slightly heavier than the CRX, the club’s grounds staff liked its “bomb proof design”.

With anti-scalp design and swing tip blades adding to the positive features, the RMX180 has also proved to be easy to maintain.

The height of cut is simple to adjust, just release the four lock nuts and alter the height using the four screws, making sure they are all at the same setting then tighten the lock nuts firmly. The club changes the six blades around twice a year and the belts every two years.

The team report that the cut quality is class-leading, and the cuttings get distributed evenly across the width of the machine due to the baffles and the club is often praised for the quality of its pitch preparations.

Wessex

Countax makes investment count

Countax tractor mowers are built by AriensCo for British gardens and have evolved around the experience and feedback of customers, together with the Countax dealers who work closely with the company.

While most ride-on lawnmowers rely on the air from their spinning blades to blow the grass through a chute and into a hopper, the Countax cut and collect system works in a different way utilising a clever brush system to physically sweep even wet cuttings into a collector.

There’s no clogging and the action of the sweeper also removes dead grass and debris, helping to reduce thatch for a healthier lawn. In the autumn the system can be used effectively to sweep up leaves as well. The grass collector is powered by the tractor’s engine and driven by the Power Take Off (PTO) that is also used to drive a range of accessories and powered attachments, including a broadcast spreader for spreading rock salt on ice in the winter.

The latest addition to the Countax range of accessories is the PGC+. Driven by the PTO it’s a cassette system which allows you to quickly switch accessories and transform a Countax C or B Series garden tractor into an all-year-round workhorse.

The grass sweeper cassette comes as standard with the PGC+ and there’s an optional scarifier cassette to make removing thatch and moss easier come early spring or autumn. Even better is the fact it scarifies and collects the debris simultaneously.

AriensCo

Campey provides zero emissions mowing

Campey Turf Care Systems now provide zero CO2-emissions mowing on areas ranging from regularly managed turf to overgrown vegetation using the 100% electric AllTrec Tool Carrier.

Being environmentally responsible is an essential cause of many companies and councils. By August 2019, more than half of councils in the UK had committed to cutting carbon emissions, with many of them setting 2030 as the date to reduce carbon emissions to zero as part of the UK governments plan to deliver the net zero target by 2050.

Using the AllTrec allows regular maintenance to be completed with zero emissions, minimal noise output and massively reduced vibration for operators, all of which help to improve green spaces without damaging the wider environment.

The machine has been designed by Dutch manufacturer, WeedControl B.V., to be the perfect solution for zeroemissions commercial mowing.

The powerful cutting decks are available in 130cm or 180cm width of cut with the height of cut adjustable from 30-110mm.

Electric motors directly power the three blade 130cm deck and four blade 180cm deck with an adjustable speed between 2000-3000rpm.

With its zero turning capabilities, it is agile enough to work in small enclosed spaces while also having been designed to work on large areas with a long-lasting battery to match its versatility.

The running time is entirely dependent on the circumstances, but when cutting with the fourblade 180cm deck, the battery will typically last for 6-8 hours and 7-9 hours using the threeblade 130cm deck.

All batteries come with a threeyear warranty and have a lifetime of + - 2500 charge discharge cycles. The 48VDC battery uses LifePO4 technology with a capacity of 20kwh or an optional 30kwh, with onboard charging taking 4-8 hours.

The AllTrec unit can also be used with a number of other attachments including the Air E-Variator, weed brush, and hedge cutter.

The electrically driven hedge cutter can be fully operated using a joystick, making it easy to use for a day of work, while the E-Variator Weed Burner can be used alongside the weed brush to control weeds in a variety of locations.

The weed brush can be hydraulically adjusted to any angle and used for a full day without any worry of batteries running out.

A large-action radius and highly efficient attachments combined with low operation and maintenance costs make the AllTrec perfect for use in urban environments, sports complexes, holiday resorts and parks by contractors, local authorities and landscapers.

Campey Turf Care Systems

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.

Zero turn mowers from Murray

Ride on lawn mowers provide a quick and comfortable solution for cutting large areas of grass, allowing people to focus on enjoying their garden instead of working on it.

This ethos has been at the heart of Murray for nearly 100 years with its “Get it done. Go have fun” strap line. The company specialises in stylish and powerful lawn tractors for those with larger gardens. However, ride on lawn mowers often encounter problems with trees, plants and other obstacles getting in the way and being difficult to manoeuvre around.

To overcome this, the Murray product range features three zero-turn ride on mowers that can easily get around anything that comes in their path as they can turn a full 360 degrees effortlessly within a tiny turning radius.

The entry level machine is the ZTX110 which has a hydrostatic drive and is powered by a Briggs & Stratton 7200 OHV V-Twin engine. It is the smallest in the range but still offers an impressive 107cm cutting width, and twelve different cutting heights.

The mid-range model is the ZTX150, which features a Briggs & Stratton Intek™ Series 7220 V-Twin OHV petrol engine.

This machine, with three blades, offers a 117cm cutting width and 13 different cutting heights. The premium model in the Murray range is best suited for professional users or those with larger areas of grass to cut. The ZTX250 utilises a Briggs & Stratton Professional Series™ 8270 V-Twin OHV engine and has a wide 122cm deck to reduce the total amount of cutting passes required, and subsequently saves the user time, freeing them up to enjoy their garden.

The zero turn mowers are operated by two handles, one on each side of the machine; each with a push/pull function for forwards and reverse movement.

Each handle is linked with two individual rear wheels, each with its own independent motor, which allows the tractor to turn within its own footprint. This allows for excellent manoeuvrability when cutting around trees, flower beds and other obstacles, with the added bonus of removing the need for backing up at the end of each mowing pass – simply spin 180° and go back!

All Murray zero turn machines have a fuel capacity of 11 litres, as well as electric starting and mulching capabilities. They are designed with the user in mind, even down to the adjustable seat which gives the operator ultimate comfort even on the roughest terrains.

They include commercially inspired features such as a fully welded steel frame, a thick-walled front axle, easy access maintenance points and durable steel mower deck to make sure they give a great cut, time after time.

There is also the additional option of an integrated rear cargo bed to provide on-the-go versatility and convenience, providing somewhere to store cleared debris or carry additional tools.

Murray lawn and garden products are available in the UK exclusively through Henton and Chattell dealers.

Murray Mowers

Toro Grandstand stand-on mower with rear discharge

Toro’s Grandstand was developed with landscape professionals in mind, offering a compact, operator-first mower which combines the benefits of a ride-on and professional walk-behind mower.

Its fold-up operator platform provides maximum versatility,

allowing the Grandstand to be converted to a walk-behind when operating on sloped terrain, or to save room in workshops or during transport.

Groundscare professionals will also enjoy the cushioned suspension system, reardischarge deck, and

twin-levered, easy-to-operate steering controls. Available in 36” and 48” cutting widths, both models boast a range of accessories including the RearRoller Striping Kit and Recycler Kit, which turns grass clippings into a fine nutrient rich mulch.

Toro

Fleet of ISEKIs for Blundells

ISEKI UK & Ireland, distributors of ISEKI compact tractors and mowers alongside their local dealer MST based in Tiverton, recently sold a fleet of ISEKI machinery into Blundell’s School in Devon.

Amongst all the other tasks you need to get to grips with when starting a new job, Graham Cox at Blundell’s School in Tiverton was also tasked with upgrading the groundcare fleet of machinery, with the aim of it being more economical and cost efficient.

So, following on from what his Estate Bursar Ian Barnes, Deputy Head Groundsperson Richard Hutchings and the grounds team had started, Graham began looking into what was on the market. Having contacted a number of local dealers ISEKI and MST came up trumps!

“As part of the package we also required new ride on mowers for the gardens and fine turf areas,” he said.

“After trying a variety of manufacturers we found the ISEKI SXG323 to be the quietest, most productive and comfortable. The 48” deck was a better size and more manoeuvrable than the previous mower we had, allowing a very clean finish even in the smallest of areas. With a number of large gardens and fine lawns on site the SXG323 collector mower is used extensively to take Blundells to a new level in presentation.

“The large 550litre capacity collector with high tip allows us to get around a large number of areas before emptying. Plus the SXG323 does truly cut and collect leaving a excellent and clean finish

every time even in wet conditions which is great for my team to be as productive as possible with less downtime due to the weather.”

ISEKI

Grillo continues to set the standard

Grillo’s latest flail collect deck is an outstanding performer. Manufactured throughout using heavy gauge steel this 160cm deck is intended for commercial use.

The full width steel roller gives an amazing striped finish for that perfect look on formal areas.

The deck is composed of 50 flails which cut the grass and deliver the cuttings to a rotating auger which in turn directs them to a hydraulic fan for discharge into the machines hi tip collector.

For use on sports surfaces the deck can be converted into a scarifier or, if cut and drop only is required this can easily be achieved simply by the turn of a single lever without the need for any tools thereby saving valuable time, a true 3 in 1 cutter deck.

Cutting height is again a very simple operation helping to keep production time up to maximum capacity. This new addition can be fitted to models FD 2200 & FD2200TS, both machines now fitted with Yanmar stage 5 compliant engines.

Both these machines are hydraulic 4 wd with diff lock and automatic stability control. Depending on which model is chosen then collector capacity is either 1200 or1400

ltr capacity with hi tip. Hydraulic dampened seats are standard on both machines for operator comfort as is a full road kit. FD 2200 TS is equipped with a twin speed

collection fan, diagnostic display, push button controls and 50 ltr fuel tank.

Jacobsen helps holiday village re-open Husqvarna’s P 500 Series Riders are better by design

The team at Greenwood Loch Holiday Park & Activity Centre, Fisherie, near Fraserburgh, has been working behind the scenes getting ready for re-opening.

Part of their preparations have included have included the purchase of a Jacobsen AR522 contour rotary mower from Fairways GM to keep the grassed areas neat and in top condition.

Wilson Morrison, Fairways GM’s Sales Manager explained that neatness and reliability were hugely important in this purchase, with the park team requiring a machine which would follow contours and climb hills smoothly without fear of scalping.

“Another key specification was to reduce the amounts of lying grass and show no clippings so they could maintain the high standard of presentation across the park,” he added.

“Because the AR522 is a fivegang rotary mower equipped with SureTrac four-wheel drive traction, weight transfer control and high performance decks it answered their brief perfectly.

“It mulches really finely, is maintenance free and wet parking brakes delivers safe braking on even the steepest of slopes.”

The Husqvarna P 500 series of petrol and diesel powered commercial front mowers are designed specifically for professional ground maintenance.

The compact high capacity machines are ideally suited to both large green spaces or areas with high complexity and obstacles. The range has a variety of key features to help increase daily productivity.

The P 500 Series ride on mowers feature front-mounted Combi cutting decks to ensure an excellent overview of a working area, enabling precise and close-up trimming. This

overview increases user productivity as the amount of follow up work is significantly reduced when compared with pedestrian mowers or trimmers. In addition, the front-mounted cutting decks allow users to trim edges and reach into corners and under bushes with ease.

The high-performance Combi cutting decks are stamped from a single piece of heavy gauge 4.5mm thick steel and offer highly efficient mulch performance. The decks are available in cutting widths 112cm up to 155cm, and are easily converted to rear ejection. The Combi 132 and 155 are available with Hydraulic height adjustment.

A range of attachments are available for the P 500 Series which expands the riders’ capabilities and results in the machine’s abilities to work all

year round in tough weather conditions.

Ariens

Chris

CUT AND COLLECT WHATEVER THE WEATHER

the weather restricting you. Designed and manufactured for quality that lasts. Contact your local dealer to book a demonstration today!

The ISEKI SF range of powerful 24-46hp diesel engine mowers enable you to mow your grass whatever the weather keeping the same pristine finish. With a variety of rotary or Muthing flail decks to choose from, the ISEKI SF450 really is the ultimate mowing machine. A turbine driven chute direct from the deck to the large collector, which is available upto 1300L, ensures no blockages even in the wettest conditions. Allowing you to continue with all the other tasks without

“It really does cut and collect even in the wettest and harshest conditions whilst leaving the same brilliant finish every time with no blockages and no downtime due to weather conditions.

It’s perfect for our needs.”

Stamp, CA Stamp Grounds & Agriculture

Jacobsen

Grillo

Ventrac saves time at Royal Ashdown Forest Golf Club

Following Royal Ashdown Forest Golf Club’s purchase of Ventrac 4500, Course Manager Dominic Lewis is saving hundreds of greenkeeping hours at the 132-year old club.

Dominic Lewis has been in post for just over a year, having held similar positions at Hadley Wood, Harewood Downs, Oakland Park and Datchet golf clubs.

“I’ve been in my position since May last year and quickly discovered the huge amount of time the team were spending on strimming work, on the banks and in the ditches,” he said.

“It was amazing the amount of time it took; it was a nightmare

and, of course, it’s physical and extremely uncomfortable in hot weather.

“We looked for a solution and discovered the Ventrac. Our local dealer, Ernest Doe, sourced a machine, we had a demonstration and it was obvious it was what we needed. We chose four attachments; the Contour deck, Tough Cut deck, Trencher and Power Rake, so we have virtually four dedicated machines in one. At around £55K for the package, I would say it’s certainly value for money.”

more impressed with it every time he takes it out.

“It’s a gamechanger for us and is saving us hours on some of the really time-intensive jobs around the courses. For instance, we have to strim the banks and ditches every three weeks and it used to take five of us up to three days to complete. With the Ventrac we have reduced strimming hours by at least 75%, maybe more.

“It’s superb on banks and goes where no other machine can go. It takes a little time to get used to, to gain the confidence to go into steep areas, but you soon get to know where it can go.”

and is

Dave Wakeley, Deputy Course Manager, is the principal operator of the machine

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 Auto-Level 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 signifi cantly 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 fl ail 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 fl ail head have the option of the Razorback FlailHead 120 & FlailHead 150. With SoftStart rotor, fi tted with heavy duty forged hammer flails, the assembly resides in a uniquely designed hood that maximises intake for an effi cient cutting action and output.

Razorback

The operator’s choice –The Razorback Auto-Level KUHN upgrades

hedge cutter range

KUHN Farm Machinery has added the Agri-Longer GII to its range of hedge and grass cutting equipment.

Positioned as a compact ‘goanywhere’ farmer-owned and amenity sector machine, the Agri-Longer GII has a straight arm format with the main boom structure welded from ultra-high strength steel to guarantee the best flexibility-torobustness ratio. It is available in two models offering a horizontal reach of 4.3m (4345 ML) or 4.8m (4845 ML).

In addition to the new feature of pendulum link mechanical safety, the key differences between the GII models and earlier Agri-Longer machines include increased hydraulic rotor circuit power (up from 34hp to 40hp) and electric joystick control as standard.

As with earlier models, the Agri-Longer GII hedge cutters have a 1.2m direct drive fl ail head with 220-degree flail

head rotation. The cutting head, which can work directly behind the tractor wheel, has a removable wear plate and a reversible rotor that can be turned around to optimise lug wear. The rotor has 24 boot fl ails mounted on 12mm shackles.

The Agri-Longer GII has an oil cooling system as standard, offering constant power and protection of all hydraulic components.

Vertical reach for the two models is 5.21 and 5.74m respectively, while maximum hedge height is 3.59 and 3.98m respectively.

The electrically operated joystick is compact in design and the control unit includes the oil-pneumatic lift float, the oil temperature display and the hour counter for ergonomic efficiency.

Price Turfcare

SALTEX 2021 integral to the industry’s recovery

Luke Perry was appointed by the Grounds Management Association as SALTEX and Events Director just six weeks before the 2019 event.

Luke is looking forward to making his mark on SALTEX’s 75th anniversary but will have to wait a little longer than originally planned, following the announcement that the show has been postponed from November 2020 to Spring 2021.

He candidly admits that show preparations are somewhat different to the usual event planning he is accustomed to. Naturally, there is still uncertainty and questions arising

as to how large gatherings and exhibitions will be delivered.

“The honest answer is that we do not have all the answers yet, but we do have time on our side,” he said. “Our main priority is to put the safety of everyone connected with SALTEX above all else –and this is one of the reasons why the show was postponed.

“Nonetheless, we are working around the clock and planning for every eventuality. Part of this planning involves ensuring that we can deliver a show in which people can assemble and interact with a real awareness of the need to maintain safe practices.

“Should guidelines or restrictions still be necessary in March, we are working hard to ensure the show remains a brilliant and valuable experience for exhibitors and visitors. All we can do is take it step-by-step and ensure that we are prepared for each part of the journey.”

“After an extended period of isolation, there will be a real appetite for SALTEX. All signs are pointing towards an incredibly busy and vibrant show and we’re planning to deliver exactly that.

“As the GMA is a member organisation, it’s extremely close to the ground (excuse the pun) to

the issues that matter most across the sector, at all levels.

“We’ve spent a lot of time listening to the industry and, in response, have quickly developed and issued essential Covid-19 resources. After this difficult period, I believe that SALTEX will play an integral role to helping the industry network, collaborate and continue to support one another more than ever before.”

SALTEX will take place on 3 and 4 March 2021 at the NEC, Birmingham.

SALTEX

STIHL launches new 2020 clothing and merchandise line

STIHL has launched its latest line of clothing and merchandise, highlighting the brand’s passion for the great outdoors and love of nature.

The new 2020 range includes comfortable and stylish casual wear, including t-shirts, hoodies, caps, beanies, sweatshirts, shorts and sports bags to name but a few.

For fans of the STIHL TIMBERSPORTS extreme sport series, newly designed AXE t-shirts and hoodies are available, as well as new ‘kiss my axe’

zip-up jackets and boxer shorts. The new range also includes tec shorts and shirts, offering breathable and functional gear when playing sports.

In addition, STIHL has introduced new clothing specifically designed for young children who love to explore the outdoors. The ‘wild kids’ range includes beanies, caps, backpacks, as well as lumberjack gym bags and packable rain jackets.

STIHL