Landscape & Amenity Product Update July 2023

Urgent planning reform needed to improve access to green space

Recent research from Fields in Trust who campaign for everyone to have access to a park or green space within a ten-minute walk, now reveals that we need 4,000 new local green spaces by 2033 just to prevent green space provision declining from current levels.

The charity warns that without urgent planning reform, the Government’s commitment to providing everyone with an accessible 15-minute walk to nature will fall short. Fields in Trust has been advocating the need for quality accessible green spaces since the charity was founded in 1925, recognising that local parks and green spaces bring communities together, providing places for recreation, socialising, tranquillity, and a connection to the natural world.

Building on their annual Green Space Index, first released in 2019, national charity Fields in Trust have analysed walkability to local green spaces and found that around one in ten people have difficult walking access to them, with decades of poor planning choices being a driving factor behind the current situation, with proximity to nature only getting worse.

Since its inception, the Green Space Index has acted as an annual barometer of publicly available park and green space provision. Some local councils use the Green Space Index to help them understand how much public park and green space residents have access to, and, based on the

Fields in Trust proposed minimum requirement of 24 square metres of green space per person, whether this space is sufficient. To date, around 75% of local authorities recognise the importance of having this minimum amount of space, with a substantial number committing to making it a reality.

Earlier this year, the Government set out a target in the 25-year Environmental Improvement Plan, to ensure that everyone has access to green and blue spaces within a 15-minute walk. However, Fields in Trust claims that existing planning rules need a major overhaul for this to have any chance of success.

Whilst current planning law does allow local authorities to provide some protection from development for the local parks and green spaces in their plans, there is no mandatory requirement to do so, or to allocate a minimum amount of protection. This has resulted in significant differences of green space provision for each local authority within Great Britain. Additionally, some areas have fewer road crossings, footpaths and cycle routes all cited by the charity as obstacles for less mobile people to access their nearest green space.

As part of the Better Planning Coalition, Fields in Trust has been lobbying for change, campaigning for a specific amendment to the Levelling-up and Regeneration Bill to increase green space coverage and bolster efforts to reach the Environmental Improvement Plan target. This amendment would

require local authorities to address health and wellbeing through local plans, by creating policies to improve health trends in their area. It would include a commitment to improving the provision of quality local parks and green spaces, as well as ensuring better walking access in neighbourhoods and more cycle routes where possible.

“What this year’s Green Space Index shows, is that whilst the average green space provision is adequate in some areas, the minimum requirement isn’t being met across the board, meaning access is far from equal for everyone,” said CEO, Fields in Trust, Helen Griffiths.

“The inconsistent planning of green spaces is fuelling this divide and needs an immediate and major course correction. It’s vital that the Government now includes an amendment in the Levelling-up Bill which requires all local authorities to commit to a minimum provision of parks and green spaces, and to make neighbourhoods more walkable, so that everyone can enjoy them and reap their numerous health benefits.

In addition to analysing walkability to local green spaces, the Green Space Index assesses the amount of available green space per person in each local authority, compared to the overall provision in Great Britain, with a breakdown of individual nations and the regions within each.

Fields in Trust Enquiry 1

Recent studies by the Office for National Statistics on Public Opinions and Social Trends show that people want to spend more time outdoors, so there is an urgent need for the Government to implement more targeted measures that reduce the imbalance of green space.

“With the King’s Fund research finding that real terms public health funding has fallen by 25% over just five years, access to free green space with all the benefits it provides, has never been more important,” said Clive Betts MP, Chair of the

Levelling-up, Housing and Communities Select Committee, and a Trustee of Fields in Trust.

“It’s vital that providing these spaces for everyone is a key element of the Government’s Levelling-Up policy, and deeply disappointing that over six million people still don’t have access to green spaces. We must now take the opportunity through the through Levelling-Up measures to bring in policy change that puts health and well-being at the heart of our communities, and the planning decisions that affect them.”

The King’s vision for wildflower meadows

Ten years ago, the former Prince of Wales launched Coronation Meadows to honour the 60th year of the late Queen’s accession to the throne. In the face of the catastrophic loss of 97% of our wildflower meadows since the 1930s, the plan was to create new and restored meadows using donor seed from remaining fragments of ancient and traditional meadows.

The Wildlife Trusts and Plantlife – charities for whom the former Prince of Wales was patron –worked together to identify 60 species-rich meadows which are known as Coronation Meadows, one for every year of the Queen’s reign at that time. These special places became donors to provide precious seed to increase the amount of valuable and beautiful wildflower habitat elsewhere.

The charities have done an audit of the success of the project which reveals that a fantastic 101 new wildflower meadows have been created or restored since the Coronation Meadows project began a decade ago.

The charities are delighted that the Coronation Meadows project has increased the number of wildflower meadows and benefited a vast array of wildlife, from bees and butterflies to bats and birds. The area is still expanding as the charities continue to harvest and spread the wildflower seed in localities close to the original sites so that the distinctive character of each area’s flora is preserved.

Biffa Award, through the Landfill Communities Fund, contributed £1million to fund the equipment and training needed for meadow restorations.

Wildlife Trusts Enquiry 2

Photo: Caitlin Coombs

With summer now in full swing and the good weather encouraging people to get out more it was timely that Fields In Trust and The Land Trust both released new reports on the future of our parks and green spaces. Both highlighted the importance of placing sufficient value on the parks and spaces we all continue to enjoy and the significant role they continue to play in society.

They both make interesting reading and gathered support from across the industry. It is hoped the audience also included decision-makers at both local and national government level.

As the wider industry continues to meet up at events ranging from Plantworx to Glee and as SAGE gets ready to welcome visitors as both GroundFest and SALTEX open registration for their events, it has also been interesting to see how well-attended the smaller regional and dealer-led exhibitions and demonstrations have been in recent weeks.

Anecdotal evidence suggests that visitors were not just taking advantage of the good weather for a day out, but were making serious enquiries about machinery, products and services.

There is also plenty to see with a large number of companies so far choosing 2023 as a launch year for a wide variety of products.

This month we highlight some of these new products in our main magazine and our regular Professional Groundscare supplement. As well as spotlights on weed and pest control and topdressers and spreaders, there is also a detailed look at sports turf maintenance and line marking. Elsewhere we look at developments within the hard and soft landscaping sectors and reflect on the latest news and views from the industry. The busy season ahead promises to highlight once again the world class qualities of the industry and hopefully the team will continue to see you out and about at various events.

PUBLISHING DIRECTOR Martyn Smith martyn@tspmedia.co.uk

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

CIRCULATION MANAGER Becki Everitt becki@tspmedia.co.uk

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

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

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

GroundsFest visitor registration opens

Visitor registration for GroundsFest 2023 is now officially open at groundsfest.com.

Taking place at Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire on 20 and 21 September, GroundsFest is set to be the annual free mustattend event for grounds staff, greenkeepers, landscapers, local authorities, estate managers and contractors.

The two-day event will feature hundreds of brands including some of the biggest names in groundscare. From apprentice to management, GroundsFest will offer visitors a unique opportunity to experience the very latest industry trends and innovations, see a wide range of products in action, enhance their education, and participate

in hands-on, Lantra approved training sessions.

Attendees can expect features such as:

• Outdoor demonstrations – visitors will get to see machinery in action on large outdoor areas.

• Indoor zones – a variety of exhibitor stands, catering outlets and seminar theatres.

• Retail Area - a wide range of products, tools, clothing, and accessories at a discounted rate. The largest ever seen at a groundscare event.

• Practical training sessions –Lantra approved hands-on training on a wide range of equipment from qualified instructors.

• Education programme – educational seminars

GreenMech launch new entry-level ECO 135 range

The Arb Show 2023 gave GreenMech the perfect platform to launch their brand new, ‘entrylevel’ woodchipper range, the ECO 135.

Delivering an impressive 5” capacity, the ECO 135 is ideal for a wide variety of applications and operators, including those more price-conscious in the arborist, landscaper and rental markets.

Initially available in two basic models, the ECO 135 road tow and the ECO 135TT as a full 360o turntable road tow, the new range has been designed to be cost-effective to build and easier to run and maintain, without any compromise in strength and performance. The range retains many of GreenMech’s industryproven innovations such as horizontal rollers, no-stress feed system and twin disc-blade chipping technology, combined with a new flywheel design which provides impressive throughput for a machine of its size.

Power is delivered by a powerful, yet economical, 24hp Loncin petrol engine and both models can be up-specced to

delivered by top speakers and industry experts.

• The Landscaping Zone – an entire hall dedicated to those involved in the planning, design, and construction of outdoor environments in the landscaping sector.

• The Play Zone – an outdoor area for all those involved in the selection, purchase, upkeep, and replacement of children’s play provision.

• Festival – after an actionpacked day, unwind and continue networking with live music and delicious street food.

In addition to the limitless opportunities and event features, Stoneleigh Park has free onsite parking and free shuttle buses will be available after the festival to take attendees

back to their accommodation in Kenilworth, Leamington Spa and Coventry.

There will also be a dedicated area for camping, which should be pre-booked in advance prior

to arrival. More information on staying in the camping area is available on the GroundsFest website.

GroundsFest Enquiry 5

Registration is accessible through the GroundsFest website and visitors can simply bring their email confirmation (on a phone or a printed copy to the registration desk) which will be located at the show entrance.

For more information, please visit www.groundsfest.com

You can also follow GroundsFest on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram @GroundsFes t for much more news, reviews and insightful views.

2 EXPO’S 1 EVENT

suit applications and budgets. Options include a variable height discharge chute, spare wheel, stowage box and the GreenMech HushChip pack, which provides additional component protection and reduces noise output. LED lighting can also be specified to replace the filament kit fitted as standard.

“Even in the basic specification, the ECO 135 range offers brilliant performance combined with excellent value for money” comments Sales Director Martin Lucas. “Both models weigh less than 750kg’s and include many of the popular features which have now become synonymous with delivering outstanding reliability and safety. The fact that we can also deliver a turntable model is a real bonus, particularly for those customers who require maximum flexibility in positioning the machine for safe operation.”

Series production started in June, with all models benefiting from a 3-year no quibble GreenMech warranty and the back up service and support from their nationwide dealer network.

GreenMech Enquiry 6

Tree planting progress ‘near glacial’ as Government releases new figures

Government tree planting figures show that targets to create new woodland in England have been missed again – as they have been every year of this parliament.

The figures published by Forest Research reveal that 3,130 hectares of new woodland have been created in England this year, short of the 7,000 hectares per year target. Just 9,280 hectares of new woodland have been created since 2019.

Repeated failure to hit annual targets means the government is far short of its aim to plant 30,000 ha of new woodland in England by 2024. To hit it, more than 16,000 trees need to be planted in the next year.

Darren Moorcroft, chief executive of the Woodland Trust, said: “Every year our response is the same – not enough, not fast enough, not good enough. The glacial speed

at which tree planting is being rolled out worsens our position in the face of the nature and climate emergencies.

“This situation could get worse if funding for tree planting drops off a cliff at the end of this parliament. As things stand, money for large scale community planting* such as the Northern Forest will cease, and the funding stream for landowners and farmers to plant trees will no longer be ring fenced.

“Given there is cross-party consensus on the urgent need for more native trees, efforts to make this happen must transcend political cycles. There must be commitment to long term funding for trees so as governments come or go, the confidence of landowners is not shaken.”

The Environmental Land Management system has been brought in by the government

to pay farmers and landowners for public goods. In simple terms, they will be fi nancially rewarded to take steps to tackle the nature and climate crises by adopting nature-friendly options in the way they manage parts of their land. The pick-and-mix approach means landowners can choose which options they wish to incorporate, whether ponds, meadows or trees, to name a few.

But Dr Moorcroft says that relying on a very limited pot of agri-environment money that is needed to tackle nature loss and environmental challenges across multiple habitats and landscapes, not just woods and trees, risks no trees planted at all.

Dr Moorcroft added: “If tree planting money is to be rolled into ELM and not ring fenced, there is a real likelihood that trees will not go in at any great scale, making targets even more unachievable.

“More trees must be incorporated into farms to make land use more sustainable. Government must commit to long-term funding and support, and invest in the sector so farmers and landowners get the practical advice that may be deterring them. The system must become more streamlined without becoming a free for all –avoiding any tree anywhere. But at the moment we are at risk of no trees anywhere.”

Farmland presents a huge opportunity to increase tree canopy cover. It is estimated that currently, only 3.3% of the 72% of the UK’s land area that is agricultural is under agroforestry.

The UK is one of the least wooded countries in Europe. The UK has just 13% woodland cover compared to the European average of 37%.

Woodland Trust Enquiry 8

Paul Thomas joins Redexim as new Southern Sales Manager

Redexim UK are pleased to announce the appointment of Paul Thomas as their new Sales Manager for the Southern counties. With more than 10 years of area sales experience in the machinery sector already under his belt, Paul brings knowledge and a customerorientated approach to the team in, what is, an exciting period of development and growth.

Paul joined Redexim UK in June 2023, picking up the baton for sales and service support to customers across the south, in addition to working closely alongside Redexim Partners across the region.

“I’m really looking forward to representing Redexim and having the opportunity to work with the excellent network of

dealers throughout the South” comments Paul. “It’s exciting to join the company at this stage of my career and, having worked within a dealership, I feel I am well placed to support my customers – understanding the demands of their business while playing my part in Redexim’s future.”

Director of Commercial Operations

Paul Langford added, “We are very excited to welcome someone with Paul’s level of knowledge, experience and enthusiasm to our technical team. With his in-depth understanding of the Redexim range, Paul is ready to hit the ground running in what promises to be a very busy summer ahead.”

Redexim UK Enquiry 9

DLF R&D delivers

Orionette

DLF’s continued focus on breeding environmentally responsible varieties has seen the introduction of a number of exceptional cultivars, helping facilities and turf managers achieve their own objectives for more sustainable management.

In trials for the Chewings Fescue category, DLF’s Orionette demonstrated a high-quality sward that is more drought tolerant and resistant to disease, reducing the reliance on inputs.

It is therefore no surprise to see its inclusion in a number of topperforming DLF golf mixtures and find it ranked as number one in the 2023 BSPB Seed Guide.

Orionette is the result of more than 15 years of research and development, created by combining plants of the very best germplasm available in DLF breeding.

Extensive screening across DLF’s European trials network followed, including for drought tolerance in France, winter tolerance in the Czech Republic as well as green trials conducted in Denmark.

The results showed superior performance in all aspects and thanks to its high tiller density, Orionette is more tolerant to winter diseases such as Red Thread and highly resilient to wear and tear.

DLF Seeds Enquiry 11

Make first impressions better

Mowing a shortcut to an improved experience

Green and inviting environments for residents, visitors and customers are crucial to any facility. And, the best way to safeguard these green spaces is with Husqvarna CEORA™.

Our cutting system with razor blades in combination with a systematic cutting pattern delivers impressive turf quality helping to create first impressions that turn visitors to returning customers. Visit husqvarna.com/ceora to find out more.

HUSQVARNA CEORA™

Make LiteWork of working in Summer

Cover up for shade with lightweight Snickers Workwear - a must for the summer months.

LiteWork working clothes from Snickers Workwear are specially designed for craftsmen and craftswomen who need to keep cool when it’s hot and protected when it’s sunny.

Just like high performance sportswear, these lightweight, durable garments employ intelligent fabric and design solutions to provide moisture-wicking, quickdrying features to keep you dry and ventilated plus UV-protection when the heat is on at work.

After all, keeping a balanced body temperature is not just

about staying cool it’s a matter of your wellbeing and job safety. So, to make sure you get the right protection, flexibility, durability and ventilation, check out the LiteWork product range for precisely the right garments to fit your workday.

The ergonomic, body-mapping Trousers, Shirts, Shorts, midlayer Jackets and Windproofers have all the comfort and functionality of other Snickers Workwear stretch garments but give extra freedom of movement on site. Just what you’ll need to get your job done comfortably in summer.

Snickers Workwear Enquiry 13

EGO launches enhanced multi-tool and grass trimmer

EGO Power Plus has further enhanced its range of cordless outdoor power equipment with the launch of a new multi-tool power head.

The PH1420E provides more power and better ergonomics, making it ideal for domestic and professional use. Improvements include an upgraded motor and PCB, ensuring the power head is compatible with current and forthcoming attachments.

There is tool-free adjustment of the front handle for greater operator comfort, plus a carbon fi bre shaft for added strength and stability.

The multi-tool comes with a fi ve-year tool warranty for domestic use or two-year warranty for professional use. It has two pre-set speeds with a

Even more choice from Makita

Makita has expanded its range of 18V LXT cordless garden maintenance machines further with new product launches. The new additions include an 18V LXT blower, a range of 18V LXT hedge trimmers and an 18V LXT 350mm rear handle chainsaw.

The versatile DUB187 Brushless LXT Blower, which features both blower and vacuum functions, has a variable speed trigger control plus a cruise control for ease of operation. In blower mode the DUB187 produces a maximum air volume of 4.2 m3/min with an air velocity of up to 64m/sec. As a vacuum to pick up leaves and garden debris, the DUB187 has a maximum air volume of 6.1 m3/min, benefits from a 25 litre collection bag and features a metal shredder blade on the fan for mulching. For easy and comfortable use, the DUB187 also features top and rear handles as well as a shoulder strap and two casters on the blower/vacuum nozzle for ease of movement.

250 watts, a blade speed of 2700 strokes per minute and have a 15mm maximum cutting capacity.

Also added to the range is the DUH506 and DUH606 Brushless LXT hedge trimmers that similarly have 500mm and 600mm blade lengths. These machines have an output of 320 watts with a blade speed of 4000 strokes per minute and a 20mm maximum cutting capacity. The brushless motors in the DUH506 and DUH606 deliver improved performance and runtimes compared with equivalent machines with conventional brushed motors.

In addition, to help professionals achieve maximum productivity, the DUB187 blower and the new hedge trimmers are all compatible with the Makita PDC01 portable power supply.

variable speed trigger, enabling users to easily select the right speed for the task at hand, providing even more versatility when working with EGO multi tool attachments.

Compatible attachments include the new STA1600 Grass Trimmer, featuring EGO’s Rapid Reload head and Powerload technology for increased productivity. Powerload is the world’s fi rst self-winding trimmer head. Users replace the line by simply threading it through the head eyelets and pushing a button.

The STA1600’s 40cm cutting swathe also allows homeowners to tackle all trimming tasks around garden with little effort.

EGO

Enquiry 14

Makita has also launched four new 18V LXT hedge trimmers. The DUH507 and DUH607 LXT hedge trimmers have 500mm and 600mm blade lengths respectively. The machines deliver an output of

Finally, Makita has also added a new rear handle chainsaw to its line-up. The DUC357 Brushless LXT 350mm Chainsaw achieves a high level of torque using a gear reduction mechanism making it ideal for more demanding applications.

Makita UK Enquiry 15

OUTDOOR DEMOS

See it in action over 2 days

RETAIL AREA

Exclusive discounts for GroundsFest visitors

FREE EDUCATION

LANTRA approved practical sessions

MUSIC FESTIVAL Live DJs and bands

partnership with:

Get your ticket ready for SAGE 2023

Take a look at the newlyreleased agenda to make sure you don’t miss out – and register your place for our expert-led panel discussions and hands-on workshops.

The sports and amenity show of the summer, zero limitations, totally outdoors, designed to get hands-on and test out the latest and most advanced equipment and solutions on the market, SAGE is not to be missed this July.

SAGE will be held at Three Counties Showground, Malvern on the 19th and 20th of July 2023. Filled with live outdoor demos of the latest machinery,

leading industry exhibitors, expert-led summits, live music, entertainment, food vendors, and sponsored bar, SAGE should be top of your list of expos to visit this summer.

Not only that but the UK Loggers National Championship will be taking place over the two days of the expo – a fi erce test of precision and skill determining an overall precision chainsaw champion.

For more information on attending SAGE 2023, visit https://sportsandgrounds.events/

SAGE Enquiry 18

Dennis FT510 is a breeze at Prees

Duncan Austin, Head Groundsman at Prees Cricket and Recreation Club in Shropshire, needed to upgrade the Club’s trusty old Dennis FT510 cylinder mower - and there was only one machine he had in mind.

Duncan Austin has been working at Prees Cricket and Recreation Club for the past six years. He is responsible for maintaining three grass football pitches, two artifi cial football pitches, a cricket square and two bowling greens.

For the bowling greens, Duncan has long relied on the Dennis FT510 cylinder mower.

“I had a Dennis FT510 which was well over 20 years old,” he said. “Unfortunately, it was coming to the end of its days and the cost of repairing it was similar to the price of buying a brand new one. I didn’t even need to look at other brands of mowers. The FT510 was so good, I was adamant that I wanted another one. The treasurer backed me, and we went ahead and bought one.”

The Dennis FT510 has become the ‘must have’ piece of turf maintenance machinery at bowling clubs around the country and it’s easy to see why. With a 51cm working width, the FT510 provides its user with comfort, flexibility and excellent performance. A true sense of control is obtained through the unique roller clutch drive for a smooth take-up and a variable clip rate helping to create the desired finish.

Available with five-bladed and ten-bladed cutting cylinders the machine can be matched to any situation and the interchangeable cassettes can be changed without the requirement of any tools. The range of 11 different heads mean that one machine can be used for several key maintenance tasks including scarifying, verticutting or brushing.

Duncan explained how he uses the Dennis FT510 on a regular basis to maintain the greens.

“I cut the greens with it 2-3 times a week depending on what games are on and it provides a perfect finish every time. In the winter we normally leave the greens at a length of 10mm, but we maintain them at 5mm during the season. I will also verticut with the FT510 every three weeks and try to rotate that with a sarel roll or a brush.

“The interchangeable cassettes on the FT510 are the best feature – they are so quick and simple to change,” continued Duncan.

“If I need a new bottom blade or need it sharpened, I have only got to take the cassette with me rather than take the whole machine.

“Another good feature about the Dennis FT510 is the click height adjuster - it is a very user-friendly mower. I wouldn’t want any other machine for our greens.”

Dennis

Enquiry 19

Lightweight operation.

Powerful mowing. BATTERY POWERED.

The FSA 135 and FSA 135 R brushcutters are perfect for mowing tough grass and scrub in noise sensitive areas. Thanks to a wide range of cutting tools that can be fitted to them, you‘ll be able to take on any challenge.

And what’s more, the FSA 135 is prepared for STIHL connected - a new way of managing the maintenance and tracking the working time of your professional fleet of tools.

Introducing the Marshalls Register scheme

To ensure customers receive the highest levels of quality, installers undergo annual assessments of their work. Upon joining the Marshalls Register, the installer’s skills and competence are evaluated, followed by regular assessments to ensure the maintenance of high standards.

The assessment process is straightforward, with assessors reviewing the exhibited skills at every stage of the installation, as

well as considering the overall aesthetics, approach to health and safety, and customer satisfaction.

Installers who meet the required standard are included in the Marshalls Register, and their information becomes accessible to homeowners searching for local approved installers on the Marshalls website.

Marshalls Enquiry 22

BODPAVE provides the ideal stabilising solution

The Marshalls Register of Accredited Landscape Contractors and Driveway Installers is an established national network of independent professional installers, verified annually by Marshalls for over 20 years.

The Marshalls Register provides homeowners with the means to locate an approved installer who will execute their project to the best standard. Every year, more than 65,000 homeowners rely on the Marshalls Register to find an accredited contractor.

For industry professionals, this program offers an array of benefits, including sales leads from Marshalls, additional on-site training, access to complimentary design services, personalised brochures, marketing assistance, and product and installation guarantees.

Members can also accumulate points through a reward scheme on purchases of Marshalls products, which can be redeemed for both business-related and personal rewards.

New Precinct Fountain Planter

Amberol’s New Precinct Fountain Planter presented a show-stopping display of colourful floral fountains in Liverpool to celebrate the Eurovision Song Contest in May 2023.

This tiered planter offers a large planting area and features Amberol’s selfwatering system offering low maintenance and long-lasting flower displays.

Available in a variety of 18 standard colours and textures.

Dimensions: Base diameter 1040mm and height 2120mm. All Amberol products are made from a long-lasting material that is 100% recyclable at the end of its use.

Our black products are even produced using recycled plastics.

Amberol Enquiry 23

Barratt Homes Northeast acquired a parcel of derelict land opposite the North Shore Academy on the outskirts of Stockton-on-Tees.

The development comprised 300 new homes, with a combined direct and indirect investment of £160 million.

Several areas around the main swale and service areas, although grassed, needed additional ground stabilisation to avoid the surface becoming rutted or worn. Green-tech has been working with Northeast builders’ merchants, James Burrell Ltd for 17 years, and they came to Green-tech to order 300 square metres of BODPAVE 85, to stabilise the grass top surface.

BODPAVE is an interlocking, porous, cellular plastic paving grid system used as an effective ground reinforcement solution, that can be backfilled with either gravel, hardcore or a soil/grass mix. The design of the units resists lateral movement yet allows for expansion and contraction.

It is an ideal base for sown grass, as the units both stabilise the ground and protect the roots, allowing the grass to grow

through the cells and rendering the units practically invisible over time, especially if the green colourway is used.

BODPAVE is made here in the UK from UV stabilised. One hundred per cent recycled waste plastic. Completely nontoxic, once backfilled the units can stand up to 400 tonnes/m2 transferring the load laterally across the surrounding units. With each paver having 18 ground spikes, BODPAVE can be used on slopes up to 12%/7°. As well as BODPAVE 85, we also offer the slightly shallower, new improved BODPAVE 40, available in green or black, but with a load bearing capacity of 250 tonnes/m2

This provides a stable base car parks and it can be supplied with white markers for parking spaces.

Alasdair Innes – Green-tech Specification Advisor comments: “Although a fairly straightforward project, it is always nice to see the landscaping around new developments settling in. As time goes on, the BODPAVE will become less noticeable as the grass grows and covers the units.”

Green-tech Enquiry 24

Railway Sleepers Garden Fencing

RHS Wisley calls on Otterbine for sustainable rainwater solution

RHS Garden Wisley has chosen Otterbine to provide its flagship garden with sustainable irrigation.

Otterbine’s 25HP Polaris Giant Fountain was installed at RHS Garden Wisley in Woking as part of the Royal Horticultural Society’s project to create a new rainwater capture lake, providing great quality irrigation to one of the largest plant collections in the world.

In today’s climate, water can be a scarcity and harvesting rainwater supports the conservation of this vital resource.

Largest living wall in Europe receives symbolic plant

The water has to be good enough quality to use though which is where Otterbine’s 25HP Giant Polaris fountain steps in.

Otterbine’s fountains have the highest oxygen transfer rates in the industry and the Polaris is the brand’s largest floating fountain. The geyser-like spray of the Polaris throws water droplets into the air where they attach to oxygen molecules that can then be absorbed into the lakewater.

Another benefit of the Otterbine Polaris Giant fountain is its

unique launching system that eliminates the need for cranes during installation in most applications, despite its size. Miles Water Engineering was responsible for the build of the lake and the subsequent fitting of the fountain. “The whole thing was easy and efficient. We are very grateful for that,” Matthew comments. Installing the new rainwater capture lake is not the only change to the grounds that RHS Wisley is undertaking.

Reesink Turfcare Enquiry 26

Sir Michael Lyons, Chair of The English Cities Fund (ECF) and Paul Dennett, the City Mayor of Salford, paid a visit to Eden, the £36 million, 115,000 sq. ft 12-storey office building in Salford, being developed by The English Cities Fund (ECF) to celebrate the living wall which adorns it, and which will be Europe’s largest, being close to completion.

As part of the visit, Sir Michael, who has been the Chair of ECF since 2002, and the City Mayor were given a tour which included an introduction to the 32 species of plants that have been selected for the wall.

Thyme is amongst the 350,000 plants growing on Eden which may be scientific in intent but also carries apt symbolism given the plant’s contribution to improving air quality with its

anti-microbial, anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties.

Ella Woodward, development manager at ECF, said: “Eden has been designed for communities and companies that place sustainability at their hearts.

“As a business, we’re committed to building a brighter, greener, future for the next generation.

“This place-changing building has been designed to push the envelope in terms of sustainable regeneration and highlight what can be achieved when like-minded partners work together to deliver something truly special for the benefit of everyone.”

Zero

PrimedPlus ideal for screening and walkways

SterlingOSB Zero PrimedPlus from timber panel specialist West Fraser, is a sturdy board which is ideal for the construction of screening and walkways, either for privacy or to fulfil health & safety requirements; it’s able to withstand the inclement British weather too.

As with all West Fraser’s SterlingOSB Zero products, no extra formaldehyde is used during the manufacturing process, so it is safe to specify in hospitals, schools and other public realms.

Furthermore, its ultra-smooth surface means the boards can be adorned with graphics so can be used to offer directional information as well as branding, promotional material and artwork.

David Connacher, Marketing Manager for West Fraser, said: “The new version of our SterlingOSB Zero is primed and ready to go, so can be set up very

quickly for planned or emergency walkways, screens and other installations – in town centres, shopping malls, or around railways stations or other locations.

“PrimedPlus, as part of our OSB range, is therefore the first UK-manufactured OSB with zeroadded formaldehyde, delivering

British Waterers & Bowsers

health as well as numerous other technical benefits.”

Primed in the factory, in either a neutral white or grey paint, the edges of the OSB3 boards are treated with a sealant to protect against water ingress while the UV-resistant putty layer applied offers even further weather

protection as well as enhancing the ultra-smooth finish.

Being knot and void free due to the rigorous manufacturing process means they will cut cleanly while being easy to fix and durable.

West Fraser Enquiry 28

Padded straps now available on Cooper Pegler knapsacks

Many of the go-to knapsacks across the popular brand include ergonomically tailored harnesses to channel loading forces in a way that limits stresses on the body.

The latest advance from manufacturer Hozelock-Exel, which follows extensive trialling, further enhances operator safety and protection to include cushioned strapping on Cooper Pegler’s Classic and Series 2000 knapsack models.

“This is a global initiative,” says Allan Wainwright, Hozelock-Exel’s Sales Manager Professional

Sprayers, “which aims to make our knapsack brands fully inclusive for all spray operatives.”

The cushioned strapping is introduced at a time when more sports venues and amenity sites are reducing the quantity of treatment liquids they apply in a bid to improve their green credentials. Golf course greens teams report they are using knapsacks increasingly for spot-spray weed control, a practice that cuts the quantity of liquid applied significantly.

More knapsack hand spraying raises the importance of

Mandatory incorporation of SuDs-compliant driveway surfaces

In January this year, the Government published plans to make the incorporation of sustainable drainage systems (SuDS) mandatory in new developments in England.

This is a result of a review into the implementation of Schedule 3 to The Flood and Water Management Act 2010.

The aim of SuDs is to reduce the risk of surface water flooding, pollution and help alleviate the pressures on traditional drainage and sewerage systems. The Department for Environment,

Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) is consulting on the proposals later this year and planning to implement them in 2024.

Gravel retention systems have changed all that. Beauxfort was the first to market with its clever ‘Gravelrings’ grid system which locks the gravel into cells, preventing migration and providing a durable, stable surface.

The grid system is made from recycled HDPE and has a meshbacked base, which means that water can permeate and soak into the ground below, making

it a much more environmentally friendly option.

Installation is quick and easy and requires less gravel than competing systems.

Given all the benefits of the Gravelrings system, it will soon become difficult to justify using more expensive, labour-intensive materials. As a natural drainage solution, SuDs boast a wealth of benefits for local communities and the environment alike.

Beauxfort Enquiry 32

operator comfort to new levels, therefore.

“Those who spend a full day knapsack spraying will find the new cushioned straps more comfortable,” Allan adds, “reducing the stresses and strains possible on the body during extensive sessions in the field.”

The padded straps will become available in the Autumn on new knapsacks but models already in use can be retrofitted with the accessory.

Hozelock Enquiry 31

Up to 2hr runtime on 2 x batteries & charge times of 70mins.

The WeedeePRO system offers the most flexible mechanical weed removal system available. With the ability to quickly change between brushes for weed and moss removal, hard surface cleaning with the omni brush and sweeping and collecting with our Axi brush system.

Slow rotational speed allows the brushes to grab the weeds and pull them out whilst keeping projection of debris to a minimum.

Professional knapsack specialists Cooper Pegler have introduced cushioned straps on more of its models to heighten operator comfort and limit body strain for operators.

Introducing the Powered By EGO WeedeePRO from TerrazzaMC

How to use beneficial nematodes this summer

Mega-Mix saves time and improves efficiency

With the rising cost of liquid concentrate, mixing your own feed from soluble straights can be up to 90% cheaper.

But the traditional way of doing this is time consuming and messy, and risks blocking your sprayer jets if not thoroughly mixed.

The brand-new Mega-Mix fertiliser mixing station from GreenTek provides a fast, economical way for greenkeepers to mix their own feed.

any messy straining and additional dilution. Instead, you can thoroughly mix up to 1,200 litres in the tank, using only cold water.

The high-capacity pump transfers the solution through the filter unit and into your sprayer in just minutes.

One of the best ways to control these pests in your garden is with beneficial nematodes such as Nemasys and Nemaslug.

Benefi cial nematodes are tiny, microscopic worms that attack, invade, and kill targeted species, offering advanced biological control of a wide range of pests including codling moth, vine weevil, leatherjackets, slugs and many more.

Treating your garden couldn’t be easier with Nemasys and Nemaslug. In just four simple steps you can reduce the population of unwanted pests in your garden.

1. Mix your chosen nematode product with a small amount of water and stir thoroughly to ensure all lumps are fully dispersed before adding in the rest of the water.

2. When using a watering can to apply the product, use a coarse rose. This is key as the nematode solution will get stuck in smaller holes.

3. Keep the soil moist for a few weeks after application, to make sure the nematodes remain active.

4. Repeat applications of nematodes may be required, especially when treating slugs.

Using nematodes in the right conditions is also a key factor. The product should be applied when the temperature of the soil is within the right range (usually between 5°C and 30°C, depending on nematode species) and when UV light levels are low, so ideally early in the morning or at dusk. Ensure you are targeting the right stage of the pest at the right time of year.

BASF Enquiry 35

Targeted help from Indigrow

Sapphire Green is a worm suppressant product, which is classified as a fertiliser.

It contains nitrogen and sulphur and helps to encourage worms to migrate away from the treated area. The affect in the soil can last for up to three weeks.

A fully replicated experiment was set up to evaluate the effect of Sapphire Green on Earthworm activity.

In the untreated area, there was a good even spread of worms through the soil with 45% being found in one half and the remaining 55% in the other.

Sapphire Green was applied at rate of 20 lt/ha the soil surface. After several days, only 17.5% of earthworms were found in the treated area.

This indicates that at our lowest recommended application rate of 20 lt/ha, Sapphire Green

Mega-Mix enables soluble straights of NPK, Sulphate of Iron, Sulphate of Ammonia etc to be thoroughly mixed without hot water and avoids

Then the next load can be mixing whilst you are out spraying the first. Save hours of messy work and hundreds or even thousands of pounds per year by mixing your own solutions with Mega-Mix.

GreenTek Enquiry 36

was effective in moving 82.5% of the worms away from the treated area.

Earthworms provide many benefits to the soil, so their survival is important.

Seven days after treatment, there was no evidence of any earthworm mortality from the Sapphire Green treatments area; and they were observed to be as healthy as the worms in the untreated area.

Indigrow Enquiry 37

Working together

more sustainable golf courses

New Acelepryn approval opens options for soil pest strategies

A full approval for the innovative Syngenta insecticide, Acelepryn, now gives the chance for greenkeepers and turf managers to develop more effective integrated solutions for turf soil pest control.

The full approval ensures Acelepryn will be in place in time for the key chafer white grub application timing in late spring, and to target leatherjackets at the most appropriate timing in the autumn.

The label now covers control of chafer grubs and leatherjackets in golf greens, tees, fairways and roughs, sports pitches, racecourses and gallops, bowling greens, airfields, and professional application to commercial and residential lawns, subject to specific restrictions on the percentage of the area being treated.

While Acelepryn had previously been available for several seasons under the restricted constraints of an Emergency Authorisation, the full approval will allow optimum timing of application to best coincide with peak pest activity in specific situations, advocated Syngenta Technical Manager, Sean Loakes.

“For leatherjackets, changing climatic weather patterns that influence adult crane fly emergence, and subsequent egg laying, has frequently been occurring later in the season,” he advised.

“The full approval for Acelepryn will enable more

flexibility in the precise application timing for more effective results against earlystage larvae activity.”

Reporting of crane fl y activity on the Pest Tracker website over recent seasons has identifi ed peak fl ights of adults can occur right through to mid-October, with optimum application held off until the timing.

“Monitoring of adult activity will be especially useful when Acelepryn is being used in an integrated programme with NemaTrident nematodes, where soil temperature and moisture later in the season is important the predatory nematodes.

“Turf managers can now keep Acelepryn in store between seasons for use at the most appropriate timing.”

The UK label approval for Acelepryn allows for allows one application per year on permitted surfaces, at a rate of

Foamstream improves environment for people and pollinators

0.6 litres per hectare subject to specific label. Extensive trials have shown the treatment is recognised to give good control of leatherjackets and chafer at the 1st and 2nd instar stages.

The best results with Acelepryn have consistently been achieved from application timing to have product in the soil to target early feeding larvae.

Application at water volumes of 500 to 600 l/ha and using the white Syngenta 08 XC Soil Nozzle will ensure better penetration through to the surface.

Users are reminded to follow the seven-step plan to optimise results, available to download on the Syngenta website, along with full compliance with the label recommendations.

Acelepryn is distributed in the UK and Ireland by ICL Ltd.

Syngenta

Enquiry 39

Flete Estate, home to Mothecombe Gardens, have eliminated herbicide use and created a more environmentally friendly space for both people and pollinators, by switching to Foamstream from Weedingtech.

Sustainability has always been a focus for the family-run estate situated in a picturesque part of South Devon and now, under the management of John MildmayWhite, the site is another step closer to being completely organic and chemical-free.

John took over the running of the estate from his father in 2019, which includes Mothecombe House, the public Mothecombe Gardens and a number of holiday cottages, boasting views of the beach and Erme estuary.

“My father converted the home farm to organic in 1990 and my mother has been creating a haven for pollinators in the garden which is the legacy I am looking to build on” he explains.

“One of the issues I was keen to tackle was the use of herbicides on areas like our gravel paths and around our holiday lets so I tasked our Head Gardener Martin Haxton with fi nding a viable alternative.”

Martin explains how, after trialling various alternatives, the team settled on Foamstream. “There are various tools and techniques that all claim to provide an effective nonherbicidal solution. We did some research and tried various options such as burning, which we found was very labour intensive, expensive and at the end of the day, not overly effective.”

He adds, “There were lots of positives about Foamstream, firstly that it’s all organic and another is the ability to use it in all weather conditions which means you’re not reliant on the perfect weather conditions to conduct the operation.”

Foamstream is a green solution to weed and moss control, utilising a combination of hot water and a patented foam made from natural plant oils and sugars to retain heat and effectively kill a wide variety of weed species. In trials, Foamstream has demonstrated similar efficacy to glyphosate, outperforming other non-herbicidal alternatives. “It was clear during our research that Foamstream had been thoroughly

tried and tested, in a range of situations and would give us the results we wanted” says John.

“We purchased an L12 in August 2022 and it’s been a brilliant investment. The set-up is quick and simple and operators have commented on how easy it is to move around the gardens meaning we can tackle weed growth in all areas thanks to the 20m hose and highly portable lance applicator.” John concludes, “We’re delighted with how well Foamstream works and how this will help in our drive to provide a cleaner environment for everybody, including wildlife, to enjoy.”

Weedingtech Enquiry 40

Visitor registration for SALTEX 2023, Europe’s largest free sports turf, amenities, and landscaping trade exhibition, is now open.

And with it the chance to win a one-night stay at the Moxy Birmingham NEC on the first night of the show.

The theme for 2023 SALTEX is ‘boost your game’ which will see SALTEX focus on providing visitors and exhibitors with all the key tools needed to be successful in the groundscare sector.

With last year’s show bringing together over 8,300 visitors from 50 plus countries with the biggest names in the groundscare industry, there is no better place for those working in the grounds car industry to boost their game.

Sarah Cunningham, director of commercial and events at the Grounds Management Association, explains: “At this year’s attendees will be supported in boosting their

knowledge, career, skills, sales, surface, and network – all of which will result in an industry that is better connected, holds more expertise, and continues to be at the forefront of turfcare around the world.”

Sarah continues: “SALTEX was set up by the industry for the industry, keeping the many different reasons that people attend in mind, at all times. For example, boosting sales is much easier when over 60 percent of visitors attending play a role in the purchasing decision.”

In addition, Sarah confirms, “Visitors can hear from the industry’s leading experts, as well as groundscare professionals from the country’s top sports grounds, covering burning topics in the Learning LIVE seminar programme.

“There will be opportunities to speak to grassroots pitch advisors from the GMA and representatives from the National Governing Bodies to

receive technical advice as well guidance on accessing muchneeded funding and ways to upskill through the Grounds Management Framework,” she says. “All this is in addition to the unrivalled opportunities to network, earn CPD points and speak to experts offering career advice.”

With soon-to-be-announced exciting new show features making their first appearance at the show, Geoff Webb, CEO of the Grounds Management Association is keen to ensure that SALTEX continues to adapt and cater to the industry’s needs as it has done numerous times over its 76 exhibitions: “All income generated by the show is ploughed back into the industry securing its future for generations to come.

“By attending SALTEX, visitors are supporting the vital yearround work that enables the GMA to invest in important resources for the sector, as well as developing closer and more

collaborative relationships with sports bodies that can help create inward investment back into the sector. Registering for your free ticket doesn’t just benefit you, it benefits the industry too.”

Registering now comes with the bonus of being entered into a free prize draw with the first 1,000

July 2023

Getting

The British & International Golf Greenkeepers Association (BIGGA) has revealed that Janne Lehto, course manager at Hirsala Golf, has become Finland’s first certified Master Greenkeeper.

Janne, 30, is chairperson of the Finnish Greenkeepers Association and is an agronomist for the Finnish Golf Union.

He began his career at Hirsala, before spells at Loch Lomond Golf Club in Scotland and Woodlands Golf Club in Melbourne, Australia. He returned to Hirsala in 2016, before taking on the course manager role in 2017.

Hirsala hosted the Finnish Open in 2011 and 2015, but is also considered one of the

For more information on our full range –or a no obligation demonstration call 01332 824777 or visit www.dennisuk.com or www.sisis.com

most forward-thinking and environmentally conscious golf clubs anywhere.

The club is GEO Certified and has worked alongside WWF Finland on a number of projects including wetland management, waterway restoration and marine conservation.

people to register as visitors in with a chance to win a one-night stay at the Moxy Birmingham NEC on the first night of the show.

SALTEX takes place at Birmingham NEC on 1-2 November 2023.

Turf

the best quality finish

Line

Marking

Dennis G860

PROUDLY BRITISH

45

READER ENQUIRY

Sisis Auto-Rotorake Mk5

For more information on our full range –or a no obligation demonstration call 01332 824777 or visit www.dennisuk.com or www.sisis.com

Turf harvesters join the Campey range

Campey Turf Care Systems has added the Dutch-made Van Vuuren Turf Harvesters to their industry-leading staple of machines.

Van Vuuren has been the leading supplier of machinery for the turf industry since 1988, with their technological innovations offering turf growers optimal results under any circumstance.

Lee Morgado Sales Director of Campey is delighted to be adding the Van Vuuren equipment to the Campey line-up. “We’ve known the company a long time and have a good relationship with

Handy to partner with AVA Pressure Washer

them. Together, we can provide the sales, service and back-up network to drive the whole range, in particular the The TurfTick 2316 Universal Stacker and BigTick 1040 turf harvester, forward in the UK and Ireland.”

The TurfTick 2316 Universal Stacker and BigTick 1040 turf harvester follow the traditional Campey attributes of being reliable, widely compatible, easy to maintain and userfriendly whilst excelling in their operation.

Campey Turf Care Systems Enquiry 46

European Deere dealers explore advances in precision turf technology

More than 50 John Deere dealers have been given advanced training on how greenkeepers can make the most of the latest technological innovations developed by the company.

Held at Golfpark Kurpfalz – a renowned German complex largely maintained using John Deere machinery – the event saw representatives from across Deere’s European network of dealers trained by experts from across the golf and turf division.

Chris Meacock, Division Sales Manager for Golf and Turf, said: “Our innovation pipeline looks to improve every aspect of a machine’s performance and that covers many facets of a product.

“What’s changing fast is the opportunity to use technology and data to make the process of using a John Deere product more efficient and productive for our customers.

“This event was a chance for the dealer network to see all our precision turf technology in action, working together to demonstrate the advantages of GPS-driven accuracy.”

The training centred on the direct impact precision applications can have on reducing inputs while increasing accuracy and productivity through effi ciency gains.

Dealers were shown how mowers and compact tractors equipped with Deere’s satellite-steering AutoTrac technology can reduce overlaps and fuel consumption. HD200 Progator sprayers were demonstrating their ability to place fertilisers and herbicides in exactly the right place, avoiding spraying non-target areas and wastage.

The advantages of accurately mapping a course’s tees, greens,

fairways, bunkers and paths was presented using Starfire GPS receivers and dealers were given further training in how the data produced could be accessed and tailored for course managers using the John Deere Operations Center.

Sessions were also run on how OnLink – the cloud-based golf

course management software acquired by John Deere in 2019 – automatically synchronises any machine and operator working anywhere on the course, allowing course managers to remotely create and assign tasks and meticulously manage equipment and labour costs.

John Deere Enquiry 47

British garden equipment manufacturer and distributer Handy is excited to announce a new partnership with Norwegian pressure washer specialist AVA, whose product lines are designed and built on a sustainable ethos: durable, long lasting, and easy to maintain.

The partnership was officially announced at this year’s Glee at the NEC, Birmingham.

There are four AVA pressure washer ranges which will

be available to UK retailers through Handy, to meet different customer needs and price points. Each come with a warranty of up to 20-years.

Mark Moseley, Handy’s Sales & Marketing Director, said: “AVA of Norway are passionate about their products and want them to last. Their focus on maintenance of solid products is simply a good environmental measure.”

Handy Distribution Enquiry 48

It’s J Premier Wicket time and again

When it comes to a cricket pitch, there’s not much that Richie Woodmason, owner of Willow Turf Care, doesn’t know about them - whether it’s playing on them or maintaining them.

One thing he is certain of, is that when he needs a grass seed that is going to germinate quickly and deliver hard-wearing results capable of withstanding the demands of the modern season, he turns to Johnsons Sports Seed.

Following his own extensive research, it’s Johnsons J Premier Wicket that ticks all the boxes for Richie, seeing it employed on 41 of the 42 renovations he completed last season.

“I’m now Head Groundsman at seven clubs and use J Premier Wicket at all of these, along with the numerous other sites

at which I’m contracted,” he explains. “It continues to offer brilliant wear tolerance, disease resistance and coped well with the challenges of the hot and dry weather last summer.”

J Premier Wicket is formulated from four top-rated perennial rye cultivars that deliver proven, reliable performance and outstanding camera appeal.

Johnsons Sports Seeds Enquiry 50

Agrovista Amenity launches new seed brochure

Agrovista Amenity, a leading supplier of professional products and specialist advice, has launched its new seed brochure for 2023/24.

The new brochure features an extensive list of Agrovista Amenity’s seed offerings, including a comprehensive range of grass and wildflower mixtures. Many turf professionals have benefitted from using the CleenCut and TechniTurf ranges of grass seed which have been specifically selected to maximise the strengths of different cultivars and species.

Readers of the brochure can discover how the CleenCut range offers mixtures at a competitive price, whilst using quality STRI

Aspen delivers a decade of clean and convenient power

listed cultivars and how every mixture in the TechniTurf range is coated with the innovative GroMax technology to maximise plant development.

The brochure will also be an opportunity to find out more about Agrovista Amenity’s wildflower meadow mixtures, the Pro Flora range, and the Colour Boost portfolio.

The new seed brochure comes complete with advice on how to get the best results from the products, including recommended period of use, directions for use and application rates.

Agrovista Amenity Enquiry 51

More than a decade since he first started using Aspen Alkylate fuel in his tree surgery business, The Arborist Ltd, Owner Tony Gascoyne says he’s never looked back.

Having originally switched for the health & safety benefits for him and his team of operatives, he notes the reduction in mechanical failures and simplicity of bulk delivery and invoicing has brought a new efficiency and convenience to his operation.

Tony founded the Mansfieldbased business 23 years ago after a period spent working in Stockholm, with the majority of his day-to-day workload made up of domestic tree and hedge maintenance.

“It was really the health benefits for the operator that appealed to me, but based on the other claimed USP’s such as reduced engine component failure and the extended shelf life I gave it a go and it has really delivered on every front,” he explained.

Being free from ethanol and most of the other hazardous hydrocarbons traditionally found in unleaded petrol from the pump, Aspen Alkylate fuel burns cleaner, reducing the negative impact on the operator, machinery and surrounding environment.

Further labour savings are also found with the safe and simple bulk delivery of Aspen to site.

Aspen Enquiry 52

Bobcat launches new line of mowers

Bobcat has launched the first four models in the company’s new range of mowers for the European market, as part of the Ground Maintenance Equipment (GME) portfolio introduced at the end of 2022.

The introduction in Europe follows on from the successful launch in North America two years ago, when the company acquired the BOB-CAT line of mowers, including the Johnson Creek manufacturing facility, with a proven history of making high quality mowers since the 1970s.

The models being introduced in Europe include the ZT3000 and ZT3500 professional Ride-On Zero-Turn Mowers, as well as the ZS4000 Stand-On and WB700 Walk-Behind models.

The new mowers are a perfect complement to the existing line-up of Ryan Turf Equipment, compact tractors and mini track and small articulated loaders that already make up the GME range from Bobcat.

Bobcat Enquiry 53

MAKES AERATING EFFORTLESS

The IQ dual-clutch F24/R24 gear box was chosen as it makes manoeuvring the tractor around the course whilst operating the equipment so easy. Another feature we really like is the Auto PTO function or the Headland Management System, it is brilliant for when we get to the end of the run with the aerator, we can lift the implement up, the PTO automatically cuts out, we can turn around then lower again and PTO restarts by itself. Brilliant for safety and avoiding damage or excess wear and tear on the implements themselves.”

Daniel Spencer, Letchworth Golf Club

“

Star performers in managing and maintaining turf

Smithco sprayers will be familiar to many in the golf sector, and the company is now pioneering the latest nozzle control technology for greater accuracy and ease of use, as Jane Carley discovers.

Forward speed is set on the throttle for the required spray quality, and an alert is given if the sprayer is operated outside its parameters. Nozzles are spaced at 25cm giving a high level of accuracy.

PWM also offers turn compensation, increasing flow to the nozzles on the outside of the boom and decreasing flow to the inside when travelling around a curve, maintaining the selected rate.

The spray nozzles are represented on the monitor as a row of lights; this indicates if a blockage has occurred and shows those which are switched off when the sprayer travels over already sprayed ground.

allows the operator to return to a job that has been halted without having to use blob markers.

Supplied by Ernest Doe in England and Wales, Fairways Group in Scotland and Brodericks in Ireland, the sprayers are part of a wider range that also includes rollers and bunker rakes.

The Spray Star ride-on is a collaboration between Philadelphia-based manufacturer Smithco, which builds the skid unit, tank and booms and spray tech specialist Teejet, which provides the control system and nozzles.

Capacities are up to 1000 litres, with booms from 4.5-6.0m mounted on a chassis with hydrostatic drive and cruise control. There’s a wide range of options but the company expects most interest in the highest levels of tech available.

The sprayer uses pulse width modulation (PWM) technology to control nozzle output,

allowing application rates to be easily set or adjusted from Teejet’s Aeros terminal.

Teejet’s DynaJet PWM system uses an electronic control valve for each nozzle body to manage it individually. By adjusting the opening of the aperture on the nozzle, droplet size can be controlled precisely to give the required spray quality depending on the product or application and to suit the prevailing weather conditions.

GPS can be used to map the golf course and to then apply a prescribed application rate and spray quality according to that map, turning nozzles on or off to avoid overlaps or misses.

“The cost of chemicals and the time involved in spraying are increasingly of concern to golf club course managers,” explains Smithco’s John Moore.

“There’s also pressure from committees and other parties such as local authorities to control what is applied and when and minimise the impact on the environment.”

“By managing the way liquid is delivered to the nozzles, droplet size can be controlled more accurately, extending the spray window. This is particularly relevant for courses in exposed locations such as at Hunstanton Golf Course in Norfolk, but many courses have a mixture of wooded and open areas which can have an effect on the nozzle output and cause drift.”

Adam McColl, course manager at Gerrards Cross Golf Club, comments: “It’s very straightforward to use. Once the course is mapped, I can create a prescription for every green, tee and fairway, select the prescription on the monitor, check the satellites are visible and start spraying.”

Adam comments that the lowprofile design of the sprayer gives excellent all round visibility which improves safety on a busy course, and that being able to record where applications have been made

“There’s no risk of overspraying or misses because you can see exactly where you’ve been, which avoids wasting chemical. The wide application range

also means that we can use one nozzle for a number of different chemicals; we’ll probably only need two different nozzle sizes for all our spraying. It’s a brilliant development for us and makes spraying more efficient.”

Smithco Enquiry 55

Three years on at Honiton Golf Club

Honiton Golf Club in Devon purchased their Ventrac compact tractor and Contour mowing deck in March 2020, just days before the fi rst Covid lockdown and in that time it has been performing consistently well, according to Stuart Broom, the club’s head greenkeeper.

“We needed to improve the visual appearance on the banking around our greens and tees and also the semi-rough,” he explained. “I looked at several competitor machines across the major brands, but the Ventrac stood out because of its versatility; there’s a wide selection of implements you can get for it.

“The second reason was that it’s certified to operate on 30-degree slopes, so from a health and

safety point of view, it’s a nobrainer. We have numerous slopes out there that we used to strim, but we now use the Ventrac and save multiple work hours, they get cut more regularly and they look better.

“During the original demo, the demonstrator noticed that we had a SISIS slitter in the shed and asked if he could attach it to the rear linkage and take it across the greens. I was bit sceptical because we usually tow it with our worktruck and I wouldn’t put that on the greens as they were wet.

“Undeterred, he put it on the back, went across the green and you just wouldn’t have noticed; it was impressive. So, the light footprint was another significant selling point and we use it for that

Top dressing and overseeding made easy with Turfco

purpose as well during the winter.

“We recently purchased a small link box for the rear of the machine, which can carry a selection of tools and again we use it winter for changing holes.

“We also have it on the back when cutting banks, so we can carry a strimmer and blower to complete the job in a single operation.

“We hired the Tough Cut deck from our local dealer, Devon Garden Machinery (DGM), to clear gorse and bracken from around our 9th and 13th greens and it performed brilliantly; it’s a fantastic piece of kit. I did break a couple of belts, but the servicing information on this machine is superb.”

Price Turfcare Enquiry 58

Turfco turf maintenance equipment is ideal for fine sports turf management with a range of overseeding and topdressing machines, which can be tractormounted and towed-behind a suitable transport unit.

They are ideal for recreational and professional sports pitches, stadium pitches, cricket outfields and most fine turf areas on golf courses.

The TriWave 60 and TriWave 45 are a new breed of overseeder that can signifi cantly increase the success of overseeding operations by up to 30%, especially on contoured ground.

Disruption of existing turf, the inability to follow ground contours and limited seed germination when using existing equipment, was the driving force behind this development.

The TriWave 45 is a selfcontained trailed overseeder, which can be towed behind a utility vehicle, quad bike, bunker rake or tractor, and provides versatility and easiest operation of any overseeder on the market.

Power comes from an 18.4 kW (25 hp) Briggs and Stratton Vanguard petrol engine and it quickly attaches to most turf vehicles making it convenient and efficient to use.

Profihopper - the professional’s choice

Mow Scarify Collect Mulch Roll

WideSpin 1550 topdressers are available in truck-mounted and tow-behind models with petrol engine or hydraulic power options.

They are available with standard electronic control or a patented digital Smart Controller. Standard electronic control models are easy to use and offer good value for the money.

Smart Controller models offer rate calculation and programmable pre-sets for greater productivity and labour savings.

Turfco Enquiry 59

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.

The two augers provide blockagefree collection and maximum compaction

MM50 serves up a treat at Roehampton Award-winning Rams choose Mansfield Sand

MM50 grass seed was recently selected for the construction of nine qualifying tennis practice courts and one show court at AELTC Wimbledon Qualifying and Community Sports Centre Roehampton.

Formally the Bank of England Sports Centre, the site is managed by the All England Lawn Tennis Club. As well as hosting the Wimbledon Qualifying Event, the Club provides facilities for community sport and works with local schools and groups to host sporting activities, training sessions and matches from September to May.

Fineturf, a long-established, sports turf contractor, carried out the vast project at

Tewkesbury Park get a break with RootPruner

Protruding roots on fairways and approaches were causing mower damage and affecting play at Tewkesbury Park, but the Imants RootPruner supplied by Campey Turf Care Systems, provided a clean and easy solution.

Removing roots meant excavating around the area, which would cause disruption and look unsightly. For Course Manager Paul Hathaway this was unacceptable because it was at odds with his standards.

The RootPruner cuts roots up to 100mm in diameter with no clean-up, making it useable on the course with no worries of shutting holes through surface damage. It also has the ability to decompact tight, narrow areas with ease and includes a unique patented triplereduction planetary gearbox

CS-PRO

for smooth, maximum torque drive to the rotor shaft.

The RootPruner also features a factory set, torque limiting PTO shaft eliminating all shear bolts and spring clutches.

For a parkland course, it can be an invaluable machine. “Once we had the demo, we were very impressed with the smoothness, cleanness and size of the roots it would cut,” said Paul.

“It’s a machine that is so quick and easy to use, it will save you downtime and money on repairing mowers which are damaged from hitting tree roots, and also make the surface better from not having roots protruding through the surface.”

Campey Turf Care Systems

Enquiry 62

3M MOWER FOR COMPACT TRACTORS

• 3m working width. 2m transport width

• Heavy duty gearboxes ensure consistent mowing rates even in the toughest conditions

• High blade-tip speeds finely cuts and evenly disperses clippings

• Front and rear rollers allow the mower to follow ground contours while producing a striped effect

• Adjustable cutting height from 15 - 100mm

Roehampton due to its longstanding working relationship with AELTC. The project consisted of the construction of nine qualifying practice courts and one show court as well as irrigation to all surfaces.

MM50, in particular, is one of the UK’s biggest selling grass mixtures. The hard-wearing ryegrass mix is very fine leaved, has high shoot density, is tolerant to close mowing down to 4-5mm and produces a great colour all year round. It also has quick recovery from damage and play.

The Fineturf team applied MM50 at a rate of 70g per m2 in late summer at Roehampton.

MM Seed Enquiry 61

Derby County Football Club, which won the Sky Bet League One’s 2022/23 Grounds Team of the Season award, have been using Mansfield Sand’s products for over 20 years.

Choosing the correct products to apply to the pitch played a part in their success and Paul revealed how products from Mansfield Sand have always had a place in their maintenance programme.

“Ever since I’ve worked at Derby County, we have always used Mansfield Sand products,” said Head Groundsperson Paul Thompson.

“Throughout the playing season at the stadium we use the kiln dried sand – DM40, and for renovations we use MM40 sports turf sand.

“We also use MM40 across the 12 pitches at the training ground.”

Both MM40 and DM40 are sourced directly from the Two Oaks Quarry in Mansfield where the company produces its renowned Mansil range of Silica Sands.

MM40 is a moist, medium sand which is predominantly used in the construction and maintenance of a wide range of sports surfaces. DM40 is of the same consistency and quality as MM40 but is kiln dried.

“We have a SISGrass hybrid system, and the kiln dried sand helps dilute any of the algae build up on top of the surface,” he added. “It also helps with the playability and drainage.”

Mansfield Sand Enquiry 63

Remove turf easily and efficiently with the Eliet Turfaway

Major CS Pro leaves lasting impression

The CS Pro is a multi-purpose mower for compact tractors in the 20hp to 35hp range.

The patented mulching blade system delivers an exceptional finish in everyday mowing and jobs requiring a superior after cut appearance.

Heavy duty gearboxes power multiple rotors for reliable mowing in a in dense vegetation as well as estate lawns and sports turf.

The MJ65-300 CS Pro takes as little as 30hp to power, making ideal for use with a subcompact or smaller utility tractor.

The 3.0m wide machine has two wings folding up to 2.0m transport width.

Four rotors and 16 blades deliver intense shredding in light and heavy material. Full width rollers on each deck follows ground contours while producing a striped effect without scalping. Cutting height is easily set between 15 and 100mm.

A major advantage of the gearbox driveline is the low maintenance and ease of operation. With fewer wearing parts than a flail mower, owners can save significantly on maintenance costs and operating downtimes.

These are important factors for Celtic Turf in Cornwall, who supply turf to commercial, tourism and residential clients all over Cornwall, Devon,

and the Isles of Scilly. The galvanised fi nish is especially useful when working in coastal climates around the South West.

Sports turf contractor Parkers Pitches was drawn to the pristine finish and reliability of the CS Pro.

Important considerations for their partnership with the Suffolk FA and IOG on the Grassroots Pitch Programme for football in Suffolk.

The versatility of the CS Pro means Jockey Club Estates can use one machine for nearly all its turf needs at the training grounds in Epsom.

Major Equipment Enquiry 67

For major lawn renovation that requires complete reconstruction, it is essential to remove the old turf.

By removing a thin top layer, you can not only remove weathered grass plants, but also any overgrowth of weeds, moss and other parasites that have settled into the lawn over the years.

The ELIET Turfaway 600’s unique concept allows you to quickly loosen a thin turf layer with precision. The unique construction of this turf cutter on tracks ensures a stable machine with optimum soil grip, which ensure maximum comfort for the operator.

Thanks to the increased traction the tracks provide, the ELIET Turfaway, which is available

from PSD Groundscare, can loosen turf that is 60 cm wide.

The pedestrian DZC450 and DZC600 overseeders from innovative award winning Belgium manufacturer Eliet are exclusive to the market in terms of how they deliver seed into the ground.

The DZC600 (60 cm working width) or its little brother the DZC450 (45 cm working width) introduce the seed to a target depth of 5-7mm by cutting a slot and accurately dropping the seed into the grooves.

The blades are Tungsten tipped (DZC 600) giving up to 300 hours worth of work even on sandy root zones. This process can be done in a single pass at 25 mm spacings at varying seeding rates from 15 gm-35 gm per m2

Using a seed mixture with grass that creeps will help knit the grass together reducing the appearance of lines.

On more bare areas then a double pass can be done ‘up and down’ and ‘left to right’ for example, putting twice as much seed down in the area doubling the benefits such as grass coverage and speed of recovery.

The powered rubber roller at the back of the machine ensures that there is good contact between the soil and the seed by pressing the earth down providing excellent soil to seed contact, which is essential to encourage germination.

PSD Groundscare

Enquiry 66

Terrain Aeration’s long-term treatment reaches one metre deep where compressed air blasts the compaction. The soil is opened up for good drainage and a healthy sward with minimum disruption. We have been successfully aerating sports turf, bowling greens, golf courses, parks, trees and gardens for over twenty-five years.

From humble beginnings in New Zealand to a world leader in commercial mowing –our success is driven by our passion to help customers find a better way.

Guernsey States Works switch to TinyLineMarker Pro X

At the end of February 2023, Origin Amenity Solutions delivered their latest GPS guided robotic line marking machine, the TinyLineMarker (TLM) Pro X, to the States Works Propagation Unit in Guernsey.

Richard Langmead manages the Land Management section of States Works, where the team carry out grounds maintenance predominantly for States of Guernsey local Government which includes maintaining school grounds, parks and gardens, social housing, coastal areas, and cliff paths, as well as health properties including the main hospital.

Richard comments, “The primary use for the line marker

will be to mark out sports pitches on our education sites. We will also be offering a service to other sports clubs on the island. My team used to mark out by hand using a manual line marking machine but this is time consuming and as our workload has grown so has the requirement for us to be faster and more effi cient. I decided to purchase the TLM Pro X robot for many reasons but mainly the effi ciencies the robot will give us.”

Tiny Mobile Robots is marketed and distributed exclusively in the UK by Origin Amenity Solutions which brings together four leading industry namesHeadland Amenity, Rigby Taylor, TurfKeeper.com and Symbio.

Packed with a range of brandnew innovative features, the TLM Pro X is an exciting new GPS robot designed to make line marking projects as streamlined and effortless as possible.

Richard adds, “As a business we were looking at ways to do tasks more efficiently and are always looking at technology to try and help with this. We came across the TLM Pro X on the internet. The potential cost savings on labour and the ability to have a pitch marking service that we could offer to other sports clubs on the island did appeal and fitted in with our business plans.”

“We have only just started using the robot, but it has already made the initial marking of the pitches

much more efficient, and we certainly expect to see the savings in labour costs going forward.”

The TLM Pro X easily manages line marking from start to finish, whether it’s initial marking or overmarking. The robot runs on the ultra-reliable RTK (RealTime Kinematic) network which means it doesn’t need a base station like some robots use. The robot will mark or remark the pitch in the correct location every time, even if previous lines have disappeared. Once set up it incredibly simple to use and very reliable.

The TLM Pro X has over 200 customisable pitch templates which include sports pitches, athletic tracks, and parking.

“The ability to quickly and accurately mark out various pitch templates is a fantastic benefit to us.” Richard adds.

A popular new feature of the TLM Pro X is the multi-select tool and Richard agrees that it gives a “noticeable time saving.”

This tool gives users the ability to queue up multiple pitches to be marked out in a specific order of their choosing. The robot will then mark out the designated areas without having to recalibrate the robot each time. To help avoid problems, the robot displays the route it will take to mark out all queued pitches, so the user can ensure that the path is clear of obstructions for a seamless line marking project.

time is wasted due to running low on paint when sending the TLM Pro X off to mark multiple pitches in succession.

When the robot is running low on paint, an automatic alert is sent to the user’s hand-held tablet notifying paint level is low. In addition, the robot will also send an alert if there is blockage which is preventing the robot from marking.

“A simple yet time saving feature that is going to be incredibly useful to us” comments Richard.” “It means my team can carry out other jobs nearby while the robot does it thing, making us more productive and efficient. We don’t need to waste time monitoring the robot closely but are aware immediately when the paint is low, and we can top up before it runs out.”

The Origin Amenity Solutions team offer onsite training, maintenance, and general advice.

As a part of this feature, the robot also gives an estimated time of completion as well as the distance to drive so users know when they can expect their project to be completed.

Working hand in hand with the Multi-Select Tool, the Low Paint Alert feature ensures no

Richards concludes by saying, “The communication with Simon Hughes and Glen Howard from Origin Amenity Solutions has been excellent, from the initial inquiry, right through to the training once we had purchased the robot, technical support is only a phone call away which is reassuring.”

Origin Amenity Solutions

Enquiry 71

Turf Tank in top ten of robotics firms

Turf Tank, Inventor of the world’s fi rst autonomous line marking robot joins the ranks of Open AI, Disney, Tiffany & Co., and more by being named to Fast Company’s Annual List of the World’s Most Innovative Companies for 2023.

This year’s list highlights the businesses at the forefront of their respective industries, paving the way for the innovations of tomorrow.

Turf Tank is the inventor of the world’s first autonomous, GPS-guided line-marking robot designed for painting athletic fields.

To date, the company has more than 1,200 robots painting fields across the UK and the rest of the world with more than 1,600 globally, from schools and local authorities, to independent colleges and universities,

Premier League, MLS teams, as well as NFL stadiums.

The robot is controlled with a tablet, completely transforming the way turf managers paint their fields.

One robot can paint a soccer field all by itself in less than 25 minutes, compared to traditional manual methods which require a team of two people up to two hours to paint the same field.

With the time saved, the grounds crew is now free to focus on other important tasks around the fields which helps improve the overall quality of the facility.

Turf Tank continues to innovate with its next-generation linemarking software which enhances the robot’s usability and boosts the efficiency of the line marking process.

Get your line-marking solutions online

All of Pitchmark’s products are available to purchase through the updated Turfix.co.uk website.

The move to Turfix.co.uk will not only provide a fresh and updated platform to showcase Pitchmark products, but also allow you to explore a wider range of products

that Turfix has to offer. In addition to the popular line of line marking paints and equipment, you will now be able to purchase fertilisers, grass seed, and a variety of other sports pitch products.

Pitchmark

Enquiry 74

The development of the new system was a result of years of communication with turf managers and aims to improve the overall user experience, enabling them to complete their tasks with greater speed and ease.

By simply tapping a few buttons, the user can produce a professionally marked field that adheres to the regulations of different governing bodies.

Additionally, the updated software provides turf managers with greater flexibility and complete control over every aspect of the line marking process, allowing them to customize the fi elds to suit the specifi c requirements of their organization, a feature never seen in the industry before.

The company achieved another significant breakthrough with

the implementation of the text and logo functionality, which enables sports organizations to enhance their fields by incorporating robot-generated texts, messages, and logos.

Previously, only large colleges and professional teams could afford this feature, but now, thanks to Turf Tank’s technology, even small sports clubs and local high schools can provide their fans with an exceptional sports experience.

Players can now feel like they’re playing on professional fields, no matter the level of their play. The technology also allows organizations to promote local charities, raise awareness about community issues, and attract sponsorships.

Turf Tank Enquiry 73

GKB delivers sustainable solution to topdressing

Contractors W R Sandow have praised their recent purchase of an Ecodresser from GKB Machines as they join industry associations in encouraging more sustainable management of winter sports pitches.

The Ecodresser recycles material from the profile to improve drainage and play characteristics while reducing reliance on imported sands and dressing material – offering a solution that is both practical and cost effective.

Be prepared with the right spreader

Broadcast spreaders work by covering a large area in a thin but consistent layer of salt or seed.

For smaller areas, the Handy THS50 broadcast push spreader is ideal as it’s robust but lightweight and easy to use.

This machine is ideal for salt, grass seed and fertilisers with its adjustable feed control and a spread of up to 3.66m and you can actually vary the spread width by walking quicker or slower.

As the machine is pushed forward the product in the hopper drops onto a rotating agitator that then distributes the product consistently, reliably and effi ciently so there’s no overdosing or wastage and you can even control the fl ow of the product onto the agitator from the hopper.

This particular Handy spreader also has pneumatic wheels which makes it easy and effortless to use on uneven surfaces.

It also has a hopper-cover to prevent spillage and wind or rain affecting the contents of the hopper.

For larger areas Towable spreaders and Drop spreaders can be used. Towable spreaders, such as the Handy THTS, are ones that can be attached to vehicles and used at low speeds to cover very large areas.

Drop spreaders will deliver a large volume of salt in a targeted area in a consistent and even way. Easy to push, drop spreaders such as the Handy THTDS are particularly suitable in areas up to 5,000 sq. ft.

Cramer

Enquiry 77

Specialising in sports pitch construction and maintenance, W R Sandow work with facilities across Cornwall and West Devon and have been a Pitch Contracting Partner to the RFU since 2005. “Sustainability is really coming to the fore in our sector as we all look at our impact on the environment” explains Director Andrew Sandow.

“We’ve been looking at recycling dressers for many years but specifically wanted one with a stone screen which comes into its own when working on grass roots pitches.

Machinery That’s Helping Turf Care Professionals Achieve Perfection

“The GKB Ecodresser ticked all of the boxes for us.”

When matches are played on wet ground, the action can disturb the profile and cause the soil to go into suspension. As it settles, the heavier particles like sand, settle faster while lighter particles like silt and clay will settle more slowly – capping the sand underneath the top layer which, over time, can destabilise the surface and reduce its natural ability to drain.

The blades of the Ecodresser cut through the ground to depths of up to 200mm, breaking through the ‘crust’ and bringing the finer soil back to the surface.

“The linear aeration in itself brings multiple benefi ts to the surface, but for those venues with naturally sandy soils, the Ecodresser can hugely reduce the need for imported sports sand topdressing which is not only more environmentallyfriendly, but better for the budget too,” he added.

GKB Machines Enquiry 78

Options from Turfco

Turfco’s WideSpin 1550 topdressers are available in truck-mounted and tow-behind models with engine or hydraulic power options.

They are available with standard electronic control or a patented digital Smart Controller. Standard electronic control models are easy to use and offer good value for the money. Smart Controller models offer rate calculation and programmable pre-sets for greater productivity and labour savings.

The result is that when using the WideSpin 1550 calculating and retaining application rates is easier. Adjusting settings is easier and saving preferred settings is easier. Loading is easier.

Topdressing greens, approaches and tees at the same time is easier. And getting the exact spread required, every time, is easier.

Turfco Enquiry 79

Redexim Overseeder proves pivotal

A Redexim Overseeder 1575 3D proved a timely purchase for the team at Malone Golf Club as, like many venues across the country, overseeding work was high on the autumn agenda to recover the damage from the summer-time drought.

Delivered in August 2022, the new disc-seeder was out and in use immediately across the 27hole complex and according to Workshop Manager Chris Walsh, the results of the operation have been very impressive.

“This Overseeder 3D is really well built and super simple to set-up and operate,” Chris explains. “One thing in particular

we noticed was the accuracy of seed delivery which is ever more critical as the cost of seed continues to go up.

“The strike rate we got from the work we conducted across the site was fantastic and, while we were concerned about the slits opening up in the continued hot conditions, we didn’t get any of that.

“The rear roller helps to ensure that the seed remains exactly where it needs to be and seals the groove up to bring the course back into play almost immediately.”

Redexim Enquiry 80

Campey supply market leading, innovative turf care machinery worldwide, we’re continually researching new techniques and refining existing practices.

SP100 improves accuracy and efficiency of topdressing

Redexim Rink boosts course transformation

The arrival of a Rink and Speedbrush from Redexim has transformed topdressing for the team at Arscott Golf Club –turning a task that would have previously taken 14 hours into one that’s complete in just four.

The labour-savings and convenience brought about by their new DS800 now means that Head Greenkeeper Andrew Lewis can topdress more frequently and in more areas around the site, bringing further benefit to the condition of the Shropshire course.

“Where we would have previously been putting two ton’s down on a green and working it in, now it’s all about little and often dressings that work down in just a couple of days.”

To keep pace with the requirement for more frequent topdressing, the club purchased a Rink DS800 delivered by Charlies Groundcare, in the spring of 2022. The DS800 features a 0.8m3 hopper capacity, variable spreading widths of between 2m and 12m, and spreading thicknesses of 0.5 to 15mm for optimal versatility and effectiveness.

The Course Manager at Longniddry Golf Club in East Lothian has praised the versatility delivered by their new GKB SP100 topdresser, following its delivery in September 2022.

Replacing an older, heavier unit that was difficult to manoeuvre around the 18-hole links/ parkland hybrid course, the SP100 mounts onto their existing ProGator for fast, accurate and efficient dressing of the greens, tees and approaches.

David Drummond joined as Longniddry Course Manager in May 2022, and after a quick assessment of the machinery in the shed, the GKB Sandspreader was one of the first investments to support him and his team of five.

“Our previous topdresser was showing signs of age and as a bigger unit that needed a heavy tractor, it wasn’t really suited to our current requirements. With this is mind, I spoke to local dealer Thomas Sherriff & Co about a vehicle-mounted unit”

explains David. “Because we only have one utility vehicle, whatever we went for needed to be easily demountable and while I’d not had first-hand experience of the GKB machine before, we looked at it and were instantly impressed.”

“It’s a great set-up, very robust and the controls are all nice and simple. One particular feature we really like is the ability to adjust the distance of the spinning discs on the SP100 which gives us more control over the amount of dressing we apply.”

Offering a range of adjustable parameters, the SP100 is the smallest unit in the GKB Sandspreader range but doesn’t compromise when it comes to capacity – offering a 1m3 hopper which David says has significantly improved the efficiency of the operation. “The hopper is really easy to load using our compact tractor and can hold a good amount of material which results in fewer re-loads, saving all-important labour time.”

GKB Machines Enquiry 82

Spreading the word about Wessex

The ATV spreader, once attached to the leading vehicle, has the ability to spread over multiple terrain types such as paddocks, lawns and driveways with ease. With a 270-litre capacity, the ATV spreader can tackle any type of surface you face. Its capable tyres and the possibility to hitch it to ATVs and road vehicles means its

versatile nature makes it the ideal piece of machinery to spread fertiliser or salt.

There is also a flow gate to control the release of fertiliser or salt. An agitator in the hopper improves material flow while the optional winter kit is invaluable.

Wessex International Enquiry 85

Andrew has been at Arscott since it opened in 1992 and was part of the original team that converted the agricultural land into an 18hole golf course. Together with changes to the course, Andrew has seen changes in trends and maintenance techniques over the years – topdressing included.

“Previously, we were using a fertiliser spinner which did the job but was very small and meant repeated trips backwards and forwards to the shed to collect material which was ¾ of a mile away from the furthest green! We looked at a couple of different

models of disc spreader and opted for the Rink because of its size, reliability and the fantastic back-up support from the team at Charlies.”

“The time it now takes us to get around all 18 greens has more than halved, and as a small team of just three, it frees up allimportant labour to be working on other tasks.

“It’s already completed one pass in April and where we would normally do just one more in September, we’ve actually decided to do an additional dressing on all 18 greens mid-summer as well as some work on the tees and surrounds which would just not have been feasible before.”

Redexim Enquiry 83

STARGREEN provides the professional touch

STARGREEN is a brand of amenity sprayers and turf care top dressers for the professional turf care, ground care and amenity markets – each designed and manufactured in the UK by VALE Engineering (York) Ltd.

STARGREEN standard designs include amenity sprayers and turf care top dressers for tractors and UTV trucks making them ideal for golf course, greenkeeping, sports pitches and parks.

STARGREEN Amenity Sprayers and Turf Care Top Dressers can be used with tractors and UTV utility trucks including John

Deere Pro Gators, Toro Workman and Jacobsen Trucksters.

The STARGREEN range of amenity turf care machinery is built to a high-quality standard with the emphasis on ease-of-use for the grounds and greenkeeping staff and, most importantly, to produce a quality playing surface.

The STARGREEN brand, launched by VALE Engineering in 2016, offers turf care machinery through a selected network of distributors for the professional turf care, ground care and amenity markets.

VALE Engineering is actively seeking to expand

its distributor network for the STARGREEN brand.

During the last year, distributors have supplied STARGREEN turf care

designs to clients including golf courses and a Premiership football club.

VALE Engineering Enquiry 84

Kubota shows off new machinery

Kubota showcased its new and innovative construction machinery for the first time at this year’s Plantworx exhibition, allowing members of the public to get hands

on with the newly launched construction equipment.

The centre piece of this year’s Kubota stand were three brand new models; the KX085-5,

an eight and a half tonne mini-excavator; and two new additions to Kubota’s Smart Energy Solutions range of sustainable construction machinery, the RT210-2e and the RT220-2, electric RT compact wheel loaders.

The KX085-5 offers operators advanced performance and superior operational functionality, powered by a low emission advanced Kubota engine. The mini-excavator can be used with a two-piece boom, expanding the working range and increasing efficiency in narrow spaces.

Kubota’s next generation RT compact wheel loaders offer high productivity with a zero-emission performance, reducing carbon output while

offering the same standard of performance operators have come to expect from Kubota. Powered by a 48V system with modular 260Ah lithiumion batteries, the machines regenerate energy when the machine decelerates.

In addition to the new machines, visitors to the Kubota stand also were able to find out more about Kubota’s OnSite App, which gives users access to information about Kubota machines at the touch of a button. The brandnew app which launched last month, allows users to access their machinery handbook and quick start guide, and ‘how to’ videos for each machine.

Kubota Enquiry 87

Husqvarna partners with Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew

Husqvarna, the pioneers in robotic mowing for the professional segment, today announces they have partnered with the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, to support horticulturists and strengthen RBG Kew’s ambitious climate positive plans.

Husqvarna has teamed up with RBG Kew to install three commercial robotic lawn mowers at Kew Gardens in Southwest London – two Husqvarna

Automower 550 EPOS robotic mowers and one Husqvarna

Automower 535AWD robotic mower, and one Husqvarna

Automower 550 EPOS mower at

Wakehurst, Kew’s wild botanic garden in Sussex.

The robotic mowers will be used by horticulturists to aid lawn management in areas of both gardens, hence freeing up more time for the team at Kew to take care of one of the most diverse living collections in the world.

Husqvarna and RBG Kew have ambitious sustainability aspirations, with RBG Kew planning to become climate positive by 2030.

Husqvarna Enquiry 88

Ariens’ Arrow takes aim

Twenty-plus Trilos deliver reliability

It’s more than 25 years since Fineturf owner Simon Hutton purchased his first refurbished Trilo and, more than two decades on, that SG700 continues to deliver reliable service alongside more than 20 other vacuum units from across the Trilo range.

JCB launches electric loader

JCB is introducing its first full electric wheeled loader, delivering best-in-class performance and full working day use, with low noise and zero-emission operation being ideal for work in livestock buildings, glasshouses and alongside farm and horticultural staff.

The machine boasts the largest standard battery pack in its class, with 20kWh capacity, providing productivity that matches the popular 403 diesel model. The machine is powered by a 20kWh

lithium-ion battery pack, assembled from proven JCB modules, as pioneered in the company’s existing range of electric equipment.

These batteries, coupled with high efficiency electric motors and optimised traction and hydraulic systems, deliver class-leading performance, with the loader capable of completing a full working day, or 4-5 hours of continuous use in a mixed duty cycle.

JCB Enquiry 89

STIHL enhances battery

Fineturf Machinery – delivering maintenance and contracting services to leading venues across the sporting spectrum.

STIHL has upgraded its AP 300 S battery to include built-in STIHL Connected technology, allowing professional users to monitor the working time of the battery and manage their machinery fleet efficiently.

This includes information regarding the total discharge time per day, the battery health status and the number of charge cycles completed.

The Ariens Arrow range of stand-on zero-turn mowers is now available to buy in the UK for the first time. The Arrow provides a perfect blend of power, performance and manoeuvrability, combining the comfort and speed of a zero-turn mower with compact size and agility.

The Arrow’s mowing performance is enhanced by its compact design and very low centre of gravity. At a length of only 160cm, with a cutting

width of either 81cm or 91cm, the mower can be driven closely and quickly around bushes and trees.

The Ariens Arrow’s space-saving dimensions and low weight (approximately 345g) also make a noticeable difference to daily handling. The Arrow is backed by a warranty of five years or 1,000 hours (in line with the Ariens EMEAA warranty conditions).

Ariens Enquiry 90

An extensive fleet of equipment assists Simon and the teams across the group of companies which includes Tillers Turf and

Undertaking work on racecourses, football pitches, cricket, tennis and fine turf surfaces demands flexibility from their machinery, with a wide variety of Trilo machines used for a multitude of tasks.

Vanmac Enquiry 91

The updated addition, which is compatible with all cordless tools in the professional AP System, can transmit useful information via Bluetooth to the STIHL Connected App.

The STIHL Connected App also benefits from a ‘Nearby’ feature meaning all Connected products within a 10m radius of the user can be accounted for, helping to prevent tools from being left at the jobsite.

STIHL Enquiry 92

Better Safe Than Sorry

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

Simon Richard Ltd

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

www.facebook.com/simonrichardltd

Prof 6

•

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

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

Suståne programme gets top

marks

More than a decade on from the switch to an organic feeding programme, the grounds team at Farleigh School in Hampshire are receiving more praise than ever before.

Staff, parents and pupils alike have cited how surfaces across the 70-acre site are providing consistent presentation and performance, despite the challenging climatic conditions, which Grounds Manager and Sports Coach Shaun Crowley attributes to the reliable results from 18-1-8+Fe and 5-2-4+Fe from Suståne.

“While we weren’t initially pressured to explore the organic route, it was something my predecessor and I were keen on – not just for the environmental benefits but considering the safety element for the children and the flexibility it provided on application rates.

“We have a packed schedule both during and between termtimes so getting feed down without pupils around was challenging” explains Shaun, who has been Sports Coach at Farleigh School since 2011 and took over the role of Grounds Manager three years ago.

Menai Tractors joins the Etesia family

Menai Tractors, based in NorthWest Wales, has been appointed as a new Etesia dealer and will be distributing Etesia’s complete product range which includes ride-on mowers, scarifiers, brush cutters, green technology and pedestrian mowers.

Founded by Robert Wyn Jones and his wife Gillian in 2007, Menai Tractors specialises in groundcare and agricultural machinery.

“Russell Riley from Suståne came in 12 years ago and it became clear that as long as we could catch a bit of favourable weather, we would be able to apply the product more flexibly which has been a great benefit ever since.”

Suståne Enquiry 106

Since its creation it has gained an excellent reputation for delivering a first-class service to its customers. Robert believes that the Etesia brand is a strong addition to its extensive portfolio.

“Whenever I speak to someone who has previous experience of using Etesia machinery, they do not have one bad to say about them,” he said.

“They are well built; the quality is second to none and I genuinely think the company is one step ahead of everyone else.

“I would point anyone who is interested in Etesia towards the

reliability of the machinery and the quality of cut. It doesn’t matter how tall or wet the grass is – it goes straight through it every time.”

Etesia Enquiry 107