Landscape & Amenity Product Update June 2018

UK parks and green spaces generate over £34bn of benefits

New research from Fields in Trust demonstrate that parks and green spaces across the United Kingdom provide people with over £34 billion of health and wellbeing benefits.

The report comes as the Fields in Trust launches a new fiveyear strategy Green Spaces for Good - including a foreword from the charity’s President, HRH The Duke of Cambridge, who sets out the strategic focus on protecting parks and green spaces for future generations to enjoy.

The new strategic approach is underpinned by research evidence; Revaluing Parks and Green Spaces aims to change perceptions by establishing a baseline for the value that parks and green spaces contribute to health and wellbeing rather than simply being judged by what they cost to maintain.

The £34 billion of wellbeing benefits are a result of people enjoying greater life satisfaction including both improved physical and mental health, directly as a result of using regularly using parks and green spaces. Compiled using HM Treasury approved research methodology, Revaluing Parks and Green

Spaces demonstrates National Health Service savings of at least £111 million per year. This figure is based solely on prevented GP visits and doesn’t include savings from non-referrals for treatment or prescriptions - meaning the actual savings to the taxpayer will be significantly higher.

The report also calculates that parks provide a total economic value to each person in the UK of just over £30 per year. The value of parks and green spaces is higher for individuals from lower socio-economic groups and also from black and minority ethnic backgrounds.

This means that any loss of parks and green spaces will disproportionately impact disadvantaged and underrepresented communities, precisely those who value them the most.

Helen Griffiths, Chief Executive of Fields in Trust, said: “This report clearly demonstrates the economic and wellbeing benefits that parks and green spaces bring to people across the UK.

Furnitubes launch new Ribbon XL range

The original Ribbon range was introduced several years ago, offering simple stylish seating

At a time when parks and green spaces are under threat this is valuable evidence that the loss of green space is hugely damaging to people’s welfare. in many different forms, and all at very affordable prices. Following its popularity

health alone parks and green spaces saved the NHS at least

£111 million per year through prevented GP visits - enough to pay for more than 3,500 nurses. “The evidence is now clear: green spaces are good, they do good and they need to be protected for good. That’s why as part of our new strategy Fields

in Trust is committing itself to protecting more green spaces, so that people up and down our country, both now and in the future, can continue to benefit from them.”

Fields in Trust

The original mulch surface

since, Furnitubes has now expanded the range to include XL versions of the products, with an even wider choice of options including benches, seats and a new recliner - a high-back twin seat for more laid-back seating situations.

The Ribbon XL range offers the specifier coordinated seating designs suitable for a variety of schemes, all appropriately styled for prestigious new developments yet economic enough for everyday sites.

Furnitubes

TigerMulch is the original Mulch playground safety surface.

Tested to, and exceeding the highest of national and european standards, BSEN1177, BS7188 and EN12616.

Created in 2002 TigerMulch manufacturers pride themselves in being the original surface that

still today performs way above market competitors. Available in a range of single colours and colour blends.

Check out what other innovative product the manufactures of TigerMulch produce on page 18

Star Rubber

“The research also confirms that any decision by a public body to remove a park or green space is completely shortsighted – and will in fact likely cost more money than is saved. In

Dennis G860

Sisis Auto-Rotorake Mk5

The improvement in the weather has seen millions across the UK venturing out to enjoy their local parks, green spaces and community facilities throughout May. It is fair to say that a significant number of these visitors take such prized assets for granted and spend little time considering the amount of time, dedication and skill that goes into maintaining them to a high level.

So, the Fields In Trust’s latest report on the economic, social and health benefits of our parks and green spaces is timely and should be welcomed. It highlights just how important these sites are, but also serves to show why the Government needs to support them by ensuring they are properly funded and investment in improving local facilities is guaranteed.

The report comes as recent research from The Association for Public Service Excellence (APSE) showing that 95% of parks professionals are concerned that a lack of investment in them will have health and social impacts. In addition, previous research from Fields in Trust showed that nearly one in five people (16%) say that their local park or green space has been under threat of being lost or built on. It is little wonder that the Association of Play Industries was quick to support the Fields In Trust’s report. As part of its on-going campaigns to promote access to parks, play areas and green spaces, the API is continually lobbying central and local government. This month we showcase this work and the vibrant play sector as a whole in our Play & Activity supplement. Elsewhere, Jane Carley looks at the ever-expanding and increasingly important 2 and 4-wheel

Paul Groves, Editor

John Deere to partner 2019 Solheim Cup at Gleneagles

John Deere is confirmed as the latest big-name partner to commit to The Solheim Cup at Gleneagles from 9th-15th September 2019.

John Deere will be the Official Golf Course and Turf Maintenance Machinery Event Partner at Gleneagles for the 16th edition of the biennial match.

The John Deere brand has a long association with professional golf having been a title sponsor on the PGA Tour, Official Supplier to the PGA Tour for 25 years, Official Supplier to the Ladies European Tour and a partner at numerous Solheim Cup events.

In addition, John Deere is also the partner of choice for Gleneagles, where the company exclusively provides golf course maintenance machinery and equipment for use across all three golf courses.

John Deere’s partnership at The 2019 Solheim Cup will include on course branding, a display of John Deere products in the Spectator Village and

utilising the association and event collateral for customer promotions and incentives at dealerships worldwide.

Carlos Aragones, John Deere European turf sales & marketing manager, said: “The Solheim Cup is one of the biggest events on the 2019 sporting calendar and we are delighted to be a part of it. We are very proud of our history of collaborating with major golf events and our association with both The Solheim Cup and Gleneagles is very important to our brand. The countdown is now on and we are very much looking forward to next year’s event.”

The recently appointed European Captain and VisitScotland Ambassador, Catriona Matthew, will be looking to return the trophy to Europe in 2019 after an inspired USA team retained the trophy by 16½ to 11½ points, in front of record crowds in Iowa. Organisers are now aiming to set a new record for a European edition in 2019.

John Deere

Lottery windfall for sports projects

A total of 18 organisations that help people stay active will benefit from new National Lottery funding.

All the organisations selected for funding help people live active lives after changes to their personal circumstances.

Funded projects include a Tinderstyle app (Buump), that helps new mums find like-minded exercise buddies, and a project (Silverfit) – set up by Eddie Brocklesby, the oldest British woman to complete an Ironman triathlon – that helps make activity an attractive, fun option for people who are retiring.

Sport England’s Active Lives

Adult Survey showed that there are nearly 15 million people who are regularly active in England, which means they have a resilient habit of sport and physical activity and are enjoying benefits such as enhanced quality of

life, confidence, and improved physical and mental wellbeing.

But even people with the strongest habits are at risk of dropping out when they go through a major life change, whether that’s a serious injury or illness, having a baby, children starting school, a new job, moving to a new house or retiring.

Some people find their way back into the routine but many find it tough to get active again in a way that fits their new circumstances. People from lower socioeconomic groups, women, people with a limiting disability and those aged over 55 are more prone to drop out.

Phil Smith, Director of Sport, said helping these groups become and stay active was a key part of our overall strategy, Towards An Active Nation.

“We know that when life changes, activity habits can

change too,” he said. “Leaving school or college, starting a family, retiring from work, or becoming ill - all big challenges for even the most committed to sport and fitness.

“Thanks to money raised by National Lottery players, these 18 organisations will explore how to help people keep their activity habits or find new ones.

Sport England will support this work and share what works –and what doesn’t – more widely among the sport and health sector so that more can be done to help support people

to stay active whatever happens in their lives.”

Tracey Crouch, Minister for Sport and Civil Society, said: “We know that being active boosts mental as well as physical wellbeing so the benefits of it to our busy lives are huge.

“This National Lottery funding will bring sport to local communities by funding projects that make it easier for people to stay active, following a major change in their life.”

Sport England

Deere

Impressive line-up of speakers announced by Amenity Forum

The Amenity Forum has recently opened for booking for its popular annual conference and exhibition.

In 2018 it will be held once again at the Pirelli Stadium, Burton upon Trent, on Tuesday, October 9.

The conference will be entitled ‘Change, challenge and opportunity’. Once again it has an impressive range of speakers and the full programme can be found at the website.

The speakers include Professor Michael Eddleston from the University of Edinburgh who is set to provide an entertaining and informative presentation on Human Health issues and Francesca Baylis from Royal Holloway who will report on her ongoing research into biological control for weed, pest and disease control.

There will be updates on policy matters from senior staff from both the Environment Agency and the Chemicals Regulation

Directorate. These will be followed by a series of leading speakers looking at the current issues within their own areas of amenity. During the conference categorywinnersfortheAmenity Sprayer Operator of the Year Awards will be announced.

More mowing with less fumes

To book your place, contact Admin@amenityforum.net Delegateplacesarecompetitively priced thanks to the Firum’s supporterswhowillbeexhibiting throughout the event. For nonmembers, the rate is £85 + VAT or £75 + VAT if you book before September 1.Member organisations receive a £10 discount on the above rates.

Professor John Moverley, Independent Chairman of the Amenity Forum, said: ‘’This conference has attracted an enviable reputation for the quality of its speakers and the opportunity to network with the key people in our sector. Early bookings are recommended.”

Amenity Forum

Bringing the very latest in battery technology to the turf, the EGO Power Plus range of SelfPropelled Mowers are simpler, cleaner, quieter and more comfortable to use.

Using a 56-volt lithium-ion battery, the industry’s most technologically advanced, means you get a mower with no petrol fumes, just unrelenting performance. They’re easy to start needing only a push of a button, so no more problematic pull chords.

They are significantly quieter than petrol mowers and have a far lower running and upkeep cost.

Running up to 50-minutes on a single charge, the 52cm SelfPropelled Mower (LM2122E) can tackle lawns up to 1000m2. And because they are fitted with an independent, variable speed self-propel motor you can take the effort out of pushing and

choose to cut the grass at a pace that suits you.

Their easy-fold design makes cleaning and storage simple, while the mower’s 3-in-1 functionality lets you bag, side discharge or mulch clippings while their LED headlights let you work further into the day.

EGO’s advanced battery technology is at the heart of the success of the range. With patented keep cool technology each battery cell is kept cool for extended life, while the Power Management System Protects the battery. Each battery is compatible with all EGO Power Plus tools.

As the market leaders in cordless outdoor power equipment, the innovative, durable and technologically advanced EGO power tools deliver superior.

EGO Power Plus

Nominations now open for 10th anniversary IOG industry awards

Nominations are now being accepted for the 2018 Institute of Groundsmanship (IOG) Industry Awards, with 21 categories of entry recognising the passion, dedication and challenges faced by grounds staff in both grassroots and professional sports at clubs of every size and from all corners of the UK.

This year’s awards - the 10th in the series and being held on October 31 at the Hilton Metropole hotel at the Birmingham NEC, on the evening of the first day of SALTEX –includes the introduction of new awards and enhancements to existing categories.

To celebrate the anniversary, the IOG is planning some exciting changes to the awards event which has continually grown in status for acknowledging the achievements of volunteer and professional grounds teams, as well as community clubs and national stadia.

The 2018 IOG Industry Award categories are:

• IOG Toro Most Promising Sports Turf Student of the Year

• IOG Rigby Taylor/Top Green Young Grounds Person of the Year

• IOG Redexim Charterhouse/ AMS Volunteer Sports Grounds Person/Team of the Year

• IOG National Governing Bodies’ Community Sports Club Grounds Team/ Individual of the Year

• IOG Public Sector Sports Grounds Team of the Year

• IOG Bowling Greenkeeper/ Team of the Year

• IOG Best Managed Artificial Surface Award

• IOG Ransomes Environmental and Ecology Strategy Award

• IOG National Governing Bodies’ Professional MultiSports Ground/Facility

• IOG Headland Amenity Professional Cricket Grounds Team of the Year

• IOG Professional Tennis Courts Grounds Team/ Individual of the Year

• IOG John Deere Professional Horse Racing Grounds Team of the Year

• IOG Professional Rugby Football League Grounds Team of the Year

• IOG Kubota Professional Rugby Football Union Grounds Team of the Year

• IOG SISGrass Professional Football Grounds Team of the Year - for English Leagues 1 & 2, National League, National League North/South, Scottish Championship & Leagues 1 & 2, Ireland & Wales

Professional Leagues

• IOG SGL Professional Football Grounds Team of the Year - for the Premier League, Championship and Scottish Premier League

• IOG University/College Grounds Team of the Year

• IOG Growth Products Independent School Grounds Team of the Year

• IOG International Ambassador of the Year The IOG Ransomes/DLF Johnsons Alex R Millar Award – to the person chosen as the outstanding winner across all award categories

• IOG GrassMaster Solutions Lifetime/Outstanding Achievement Award.

• To make nominations, visit the website where you can also find full details of entry criteria for each award.

IOG

LI lays the foundation for a future-proof profession

The Future State of Landscape collates the LI’s education and practice review findings and explores opportunities to build a sustainable future.

In 2017, the Landscape Institute (LI)undertook extensive research into landscape

education and practice. The results of this research are now available – along with a powerful case for a new approach to the LI’s role as a professional body. Key findings showed:

New entrants to the profession have plateaued

• 41% practice heads cite recruitment as a key challenge

• 95% of the profession is white, compared to 82% of the UK population

• More than twice as many men as women fall into the highest wage bracket.

In changing times, the landscape profession must be ready to meet the needs of people, place and nature, today and for future generations. Concerns such as resilience, sustainability, health and wellbeing and natural capital are coming to the fore across the world. The opportunities for the landscape profession are huge.

Yet, the LI’s education and practice review highlighted a number of challenges the profession faces. Not least is the challenge finding staff; over two fifths of practices cite recruitment as a key issue. The sector also faces diversity challenges. People

with disabilities and people from minority backgrounds are under-represented, and there is a pronounced gender pay gap at the senior level. In light of the findings, the LI’s Board of Trustees has unanimously supported updating our entry standards. Our new approach will emphasise professional skills,andamodularcompetency framework will ensure that our high standards are relevant to all fi elds of landscape practice.

The Institute will consult with all members throughout 2018 before implementing any changes. The LI is excited to be taking this work forward, and urges all members to get involved with the consultation and help make the new framework as relevant and successful as possible.

The fi rst round of consultation is expected to begin in August.

Landscape Institute

Snickers will stretch your visibility

Snickers Workwear takes personal protection very seriously. That’s why this new range of cool and functional HiVis summer clothing is streets ahead of anything else.

With an extensive range of Jackets, Trousers, Shorts, Toolvests, Shirts and Fleeces from Snickers’ LITEWork, FLEXIWork and ALLROUNDWORK families, there’s a host of different garments in the range to satisfy the specific requirements of Classes 1, 2 and 3 protection levels.

These ‘outstanding’ products combine Snickers’ unrivalled hallmarks of functionality and

comfort with the requirements of the EN471 standard for high visibility warning clothes.

Five Reforms for CGM Group

Supplied by the Bourn Cambridgeshire Scambler dealership, the Country Grounds Maintenance group have recently taken delivery of their fifth Reform bank tractor; a second 70hp Metrac hydrostatic drive H7RX.

This is added to the company’s existing two H6S and one H4x model. Ed Scambler commented: “The CGM group have been using Reform for around twelve years and the second H7RX will be put to

work across their range of services including environment agency contracts.”

Simon Richard, UK Agent for the Reform range adds:

“The H7RX has by far the largest lift capacity in its class. Front and rear linkages lift an unbeatable 1500kg with a maximum gross vehicle weight of 3800kg allowing safe and efficient work with numerous attachments.

“The tried and tested Reform Metrac benefits including final drives in the axles, front, rear, crab, and 4-wheel steering. Compact dimensions and safe operation at up to 45 degree angles make it the ideal year round power unit.”

Simon Richard

The Solid Gear VENT safety shoe – precision safety and comfort

Solid Gear continues to modernize safety footwear with the revolutionary ‘Infinity’ technology in this new shoe. Combining a lightweight athletic look with maximum breathability and superb safety features, the new VENT safety shoe is ideal for workers who are constantly on the move. VENT’s upper is made from lightweight mesh

combined with Cordura and a TPU reinforcement to ensure cool comfort, maximum breathability and enhanced durability. For added protection, the shoe’s NANO toe cap is 40% stronger than fiberglass and has a more athletic look that conventional metallic ones.

School takes on challenge of poor sports surfaces with Headland

Sport plays an integral part of the school day to pupils at Hazlegrove Preparatory School in Somerset, with the indoor

complex and outdoor grounds capable of hosting most sports imaginable. Working with Head of Grounds Graham Kitley to

maintain nearly 200 acres of parkland grounds and facilities is a team of four who between them have completely transformed the site in under 18 months.

A complete Headland Amenity nutritional programme was key to Grahams approach, leaving sports surfaces and lawns healthy, strong and looking better than ever.

In the autumn of 2017 Graham began a programme of Headland’s 20-20-30 enhanced plant health strategy across the six golf greens, four cricket squares, outfields and five rugby pitches.

“We also apply, amongst others, Multigreen Granular on our winter sports pitches and cricket

outfields as the temperatures rise, and C-Complex on the squares.

“Our ornamental lawns and gardens which line the entrance totheschoolarearealshowpiece which we work hard on. Here we use a tankmix of Elevate Fe, a clean source of iron, with Clipless NT helping to maintain the presentation without the need to cut every day.”

Whilstwellestablishedinthegolf environment,theeffectivenessof the Headland products in use at Hazlegrove illustrate their ability to also perform in a multi-sport environment.

Headland Amenity

Solid Gear

Snickers

AQUA-AID EU’s OARS

PS used to prepare Le Golf National

AQUA-AID EU’s OARS

Penetrating Surfactant (OARS PS) has been used extensively at Le Golf National as the Paris club prepares for the 2018 HNA Open de France and the 2018 Ryder Cup.

Golf courses and estates manager, Alejandro Reyes, was appointed to his position in 2013 and was tasked with creating a Ryder Cup landscape using the 7,331 yards of The Albatros course, and extensive product testing was carried out to find the best programme possible.

Following recommendations from those within the industry Alejandro was supplied by his local dealer Jacques Laborier of Celtic France and tested the OARS PS for himself and has been using it ever since as part of a programme that had the course in spectacular championship condition through 2017.

OARS PS is a combination of the university researched, field proven and patented organic acid redistribution system, OARS, and multi-branched penetrant chemistry. OARS PS controls soil water repellency while providing uniform soil moisture for a longer period of time, providing a firm, fast surface.

Whilst Le Golf National, owned by the French Golf Federation, is no stranger to hosting major tournaments with 25 French Opens already played on the course since 1991, the scale of the Ryder Cup challenge is massive.

The regular team of 30 increases to 80 for a French Open but for the Ryder Cup it will grow to 180 with the full support of Official Ryder Cup Supplier Ransomes Jacobson.

DLF makes the ‘first team’ selection at 2018 tournament

This summer’s world-class football in Russia draws closer. As expectations of organisers, players and fans worldwide for green and hard-wearing surfaces grow, the groundsmen are really working hard to deliver just that.

On their side, once again, is DLF with their technology and innovation of turf-grasses. Their mixtures have been selected at most of the 12 stadiums, as well as two-thirds of the training pitches and base camps. Contrary to previous events, the chief groundsman and local subcontractors at each stadium are responsible for grass selection at their individual facility, taking on recommendations from the STRI and local organising committees. However, the consistent factor across all of the host pitches is the demand for them to be top quality natural sports surfaces.

All Russian stadiums will have been overseeded during the spring with perennial ryegrass, with most choosing mixtures containing traditional diploid perennials and new 4turf varieties -only available from DLF. 4turf tetraploid perennial ryegrasses germinate faster than traditional varieties, being developed especially for rapid installation and unique stress tolerance. They’re especially suited to the Russian climate, exhibiting fast and strong establishment at soil temperatures as low at 3oC.

For groundsm en in the UK looking to take advantage of the same technology, 4turf is available in a number of Johnsons Sports Seed mixtures including J Pitch, J 4Turf and J Rescue Stadia.

DLF

AQUA-AID

SALTEX – driving new leads year round

Since SALTEX 2017 took place at the NEC, Birmingham in November last year, a number of exhibitors are still generating business as a direct result of the show – re-affirming that the exhibition is the must-attend event for any company involved in the grounds care industry.

SCH Supplies, specialists in attachments and accessories for garden tractors and ride on lawnmowers, reported that SALTEX 2017 significantly helped increase its European dealership network.

“SALTEX is very important to us because we don’t employ any outside sales representation,” says managing director Andrew Rodwell. “The event is our only vehicle for engaging with potential customers face to face, while showcasing our products, which is enormously important.

Market-leading machinery manufacturer, Kubota UK, used

last year’s SALTEX as the ideal platform to showcase its latest range of innovative and highperformance compact tractors and ride-on mowers.

The results of the SALTEX 2017 exhibitor survey is further testament to the success of the show with over 95 per cent of SALTEX exhibitors’ generating new sales leads while

83 per cent took direct orders on the show floor.

No doubt these statistics are a reflection of the growing trend in new exhibitors to this year’s show. Honda Engines and Honda UK, Case IH UK and ISEKI UK are just some of the newcomers in 2018. Commenting on the growing

trend of new exhibitors Charles Neale, event sales manager, says: “The show continues to grow and we are receiving new enquiries every week alongside existing exhibitors investing in bigger stands. Demand at this period in the sales cycle has never been higher.”

Sierrablen Plus a game changer at Castleknock

John Jennings, Course Superintendent at Castleknock Golf Club in Dublin, always used to struggle with achieving longevity from the fertilizers he was using – that was until he applied ICL’s Sierrablen Plus Stress Control 15-5-22 +2MgO.

Located in the leafy suburbs of Dublin, Castleknock Golf Club is one of the finest parkland courses in the country.

With its undulating greens, the course is designed to test golfers while maintaining that all important element of fairness.

Generally, John does not encounter too many issues, which is testament to his work, but he does admit to a slightly problematic area on his fairways.

Bush Hill Park invests in irrigation renovation

The committee decided that the major investment of £300k in a new Rain Bird IC Stratus II Central Control System with Windows™ 10 functionality and mapping for greens, approaches and tees would provide the system reliability and future water efficiencies that would maintain the quality of the course for many years to come.

With over 300 sprinkler heads, 7 miles of piping, 6 5 miles of cable and 3,500-man hours, the contractor, Irrigation & Water brought the project in within budget. The new system will be operational this spring.

“I have used many controlled release fertilizers over the years and struggled to get longevity and colour due to the high sand content in my fairways. However, since I began using Sierrablen Plus fertilizers two years ago it has become a game changer.”

John is one of many turf managers who has benefited from using

a range of products in the Sierrablen Plus portfolio. This is largely thanks to the Poly-S and PACE technologies which are contained within each analysis. They have been scientifically proven to provide consistent feeding, enhanced longevity and a low-scorch risk. Furthermore, its small-sized granules allow for even coverage and equal nutrient distribution. These fertilizer products offer a wide choice of analyses for proper nutrient input foreverygrowthphaseoftheturf, and John has certainly noticed signifi cant improvements since the product.

Featuring high potassium content to strengthen cell walls, John applied the analysis to his fairways in September 2017 and despite the incredibly harsh winter, it was still having a positive effect in March 2018. John was so impressed with the product that this year he applied Sierrablen Plus Stress Control to his tees and was pleased to see remarkable progression so soon – again in unfavourable weather conditions.

Bush Hill Park Golf Club is a stone’s throw from Enfi eld Town in North London. Much of the irrigation system was installed 25 years ago, had

ICL

deteriorated and needed a complete overhaul. Head Greenkeeper Graham Careford has worked at Bush Hill Park since 1986 and explains,

The club appointed Irritech Limited to undertake the irrigation system design and specification and to coordinate a competitive tender process for

a fi xed price contract including warranties and retentions.

Rain Bird

Times have changed. So have tools. And our new commercial range is all the proof you need. Take the EGO Power+ blower. It’s powered by the most technologically advanced, petrol-matching, Lithium-ion battery system out there. It’s built tough to withstand all-day use in any weather. Its impressive airflow beats every other handheld blower on the market, and while it packs all the power of petrol, it’s significantly quieter, vibrates less and gives off zero fumes. So don’t stick to what you know. Switch to the power of EGO.

ECHO power blower provides the answer

The ECHO DPB-600 power blower is part of ECHO’s 50V Lithium Ion battery series.

It is a powerful, tough, durable and built to last, whether it’s being used by a professional or the keen gardener.

The DPB-600 is small and lightweight but it packs a punch

when it comes to clearing large areas of fallen leaves.

With its low noise it’s ideally suited to use in noise sensitive areas, perfect around schools and nursing homes or just around the garden. Low emissions really do mean it can be used in low emission areas such as parks, nature reserves or

organic gardens. Because it has fewer working parts it’s low maintenance and it’s clean, easy to use and store.

The versatile 50V Lithium Ion 4Ah battery which comes as standard on the DPB-600, can be used with other ECHO 50V battery products, so you can switch them around depending on what job you are doing.

The DPB-600 features a robust brushless motor which is long lasting and maintenance free due to non-wearing parts –helping to reduce downtime and servicing costs. The DPB600 comes with a rapid charger whichhelpstoreducedowntime, charging the 4Ah battery to 80% in 48 mins and 100% in 88mins.

ECHO

Hortech continues to champion the SCAG SWZ

The SWZ is the model name for the SCAG pedestrian mower supplied in the UK and parts of Europe by STM Co Ltd – and few people know these machines better than the grounds maintenance company Hortech Ltd.

They have been users of SCAGs for 25 years; these are machines that work hard for their living, and this has led Hortech to select SCAG as the machine of choice for their work.

Water utility sites are a good example of SWZs being ideal –the steeply angled sides on domestic reservoirs always present a challenge, and the SWZ with the twin-wheel option is a very well established and respected solution.

This option effectively lowers the centre of gravity of the

machine to keep it well placed on angles. The whole fleet amounts to over 40 SCAGs, and another example of keeping these useful machines in operation over the whole year is

winter use of their use of their machines fitted with the STM snow blades.

Simon Tullett Machinery

STIHL launches dedicated new dealer website

STIHL has launched a website dedicated to potential new dealers, highlighting the manufacturer’s commitment to its retail network and simplifying the application process for new partners.

The new website has been specifically designed to showcase the benefits of becoming a STIHL dealer and offers insight into the tools dealers can access to enhance their business operations.

Wayne Stone, National Sales Manager at STIHL GB, said: “Our network of dealers is the

lifeblood of the STIHL business and plays a pivotal role in not only delivering the highest levels of customer service and aftersales support, but also sustaining our position as a firstclass machinery provider.

“The launch of the new website is aimed at businesses that share our passion and commitment to providing customers with a great buying experience and highlights how a STIHL partnership can help drive business operations to the next level as a STIHL Approved Dealer.”

Living wall brings new sustainable university building to life

Robert Woodhead Ltd has installed a fantastic living wall at the University of Nottingham’s brand new RAD building.

‏The building has been designed to achieve BREEAM Excellent and will include Passivhaus measures to reduce energy requirements.

The wall is made up of a variety of plants, all grown off site by Woodhead’s specialist sub

contractor, ANS Global, at their offices in Chichester. After six to eight weeks growth in specially designed nurseries, the wall was installedusingamodularsystem.

Theplantsarewateredthroughan irrigation system that is fed in to eachindividualmodule,ensuring they receive the correct amount of water needed to survive.

Woodhead

STIHL

Lightweight barrier gives crowds rapid defence from vehicle attacks

Sports fans and festival goers will enjoy greater peace of mind from vehicle as a weapon (VAAW) attacks with the arrival of a new lightweight rapid-deploy vehicle security barrier (VSB).

The Rapid Defender temporary VSB was deployed in minutes to protect spectators and competitors from VAAW threat at the London Marathon and at football stadia and events the length and breadth of the country.

Rosehill Security, a leading global manufacturer of perimeter security solutions, has created the innovative hostile vehicle mitigation (HVM) barrier, made up of robust units of recycled rubber weighing just 49kg each.

StadiumTM – a specialist event services supplier of traffic management, stewarding, security and training services to the events

industry that protects crowds at Premier League and EFL clubs, festivals and city wide events –is extolling its benefits. Rosehill Security has designed the Rapid Defender specifically to provide protection for crowds of people from such attacks.

The 333mm-wide units are connected by 20mm diameter steel cables or rods, creating an HVMbarrierofanylength. Four mencanmanuallyinstallabarrier across the width of a road in less than five minutes with no special tools or lifting equipment. It can then be removed and reused.

The Rapid Defender can be anchoredorintegratedwithother temporary or permanent HVM systems to create a stronger physical barrier as part of an holistic HVM solution.

Decking completes prestigious scheme

One Tower Bridge is a prestigious development offering five-star living by the banks of the Thames.

It offers uninterrupted views of one of the world’s most iconic landmarks, unrivalled residents’ facilities and the highest of specifications. In addition to the incredible apartments, One Tower Bridge will offer a plethora of exciting new retail and commercial premises.

The Outdoor Deck Company supplied and installed decking,

contemporary screens, buttjoint fencing, seating, step and riser units plus pergolas (RAL colour-matched aluminium with hardwood and Cedar slats).

This prestigious project was awarded the `Grand Award` and `Principle Award – Hard Landscaping Construction over £1.5m` at the BALI National Landscape Awards in December 2017

TreeLocate is specialist provider of artificial trees, plants and flowers

Manufacturing an extensive range of products including hedging and topiary designs, TreeLocate’s products are suitable for any commercial space looking to introduce stylish and low-maintenance greenery.

Renowned for its attention to detail, TreeLocate’s comprehensive product range includes custom built artificial Boxwood Hedges and Topiary sculptures.

The in-house team has over 20 years’ experience of producing high quality hedging for all specifications.

Products are created using the latest innovations in technology, including exclusive FireSilx (flame retardant foliage) and UVSilx (ultraviolet protected foliage).

TreeLocate

Natural Elements

The Natural Elements range is a modular, coordinated range, inspired by biophilic design and elements from the natural environment. The range aims to introduce natural forms, patterns and materials into urban spaces, and its modularity allows it to be configured to suit any space.

Find out more at marshalls.co.uk/commercial/product/natural-elements-seat

Rosehill Security

Outdoor Deck Company

Inspired by the forms, patterns and materials that resemble nature

Step outside with Lundh’s Real Stone

With its unique blend of feldspar crystals glistening in the sunshine, Lundhs Real Stone is brought to life through the reflections of the outdoors.

An extremely and strong material, Lundhs Real Stone is suitable for a number of applications, from swimming pool interiors and surrounds to alfresco kitchen work surfaces. As visually arresting as it is

practical, the 100% Norwegian natural stone has extremely low absorption properties, meaning that it is not affected by the outdoor elements or swimming pool chemicals. Aesthetically striking, each of the Lundhs Real Stone materials is also ideal for summer food and drink preparation thanks to its naturally cool and non-porous surface.

Bradstone porcelain paving provides best of both worlds

An exceptionally dense material, porcelain paving from Bradstone is extraordinarily hardwearing; something not always synonymous with porcelain.

Scratch resistant too, it’s perfect for those high footfall paths and for pairing with garden tables and chairs to shape stunning outdoor spaces.

Consistently accurate sizes allow porcelain paving to be laid with thin joints that create that desirable modern appearance to your garden and the intentionally varied finishes, combined with subtle colour

and surface variations, further enhance its individuality.

Smoother-surfaced matching versions allow you to use this paving indoors meaning you can create a harmonious flow from internal rooms such as the conservatory or kitchen to your outdoor patio.

Millboard decking selected for London’s first ‘floating park’

Decking manufacturer Millboard has supplied its unique range of products to one of London’s most striking modern landmarks.

The Coventry-based business provided its premium wood-free decking solutions to the awardwinning Floating Pocket Park development at Merchant Square in Paddington Basin.

Some 302m 2 of Millboard’s hand-moulded Enhanced Grain decking in golden oak, together with matching fascia boards and bullnose edging, have been added to the 4.45-hectare park’s picturesque Grand Union Canal area.

Millboard was approached by park designer Garden Club London to provide a safe recreational area for the

thousands of visitors expected to descend on the basin each year.

Millboard’s polyurethane decking range replicates the look of wood, but, unlike timber, is resistant to algal growth, rotting, warping and splitting.

Aside from the decking, the 730m 2 canal-side area also features open lawns, walkways, flowerbeds, trees, seating areas and a wildlife island to encourage waterfowl and other animals.

The site has hosted several events and attractions, which include a pop-up bar and fitness classes and GoBoat London, the city’s first self-drive boating experience, while a charity dragon boat race takes place in July.

Innovative composite decking from Havwoods

Introduce a practical yet aesthetic surface to exteriors with international wood fl ooring brand, Havwoods and its pioneering collection of resilient and robust composite decking.

Whether for residential or large-scale commercial use, Havwoods delivers highperforming boards that will not warp, splinter or rot, to provide a superior outdoor surface that will withstand the elements all year around. Available in two distinctive collections, XSCAPE and TREKKER are both designed to bring the beauty of timber to the outdoors whilst tackling the issue of wood’s naturally hydroscopic quality with their composite structure.

Beautifully constructed from wood fibre and high-density polyethylene, XSCAPE offers a strong and substantial board that

will prove resilient against the impact of moisture, mould and extreme weather conditions.

The design’s distinctive wood grain pattern lends a natural finish to the decking surface, whilst the bonded material ensures maximum resistance to external wear and tear.

Crafted in Europe in a stateof-the-art, environmentally aware facility, TREKKER is manufactured using an FSC certified timber composite.

Available in both grooved and wood grain textures, the decking panels are effortlessly easy to clean and maintain; all you need is water.

A UV finish is also applied to the surface to protect against colour fade resistance, making it ideal for sunny terraces.

David Keegan Garden Design

Millboard

Lundhs

Bradstone

Havwoods

API welcomes groundbreaking new research on parks and green spaces

Protectors and campaigners for our parks and green spaces, Fields in Trust, have released the findings from the first ever research study on parks and green spaces to use welfare weighting methodology.

Association of Play Industries Chair, Mark Hardy welcomed the “groundbreaking” research which, he said, will help to inform evidence-based policy decisions.

“Our Nowhere to Play research and campaign highlights an alarming decline in playgrounds across the UK – spaces which once lost could be gone forever –and the negative impact this has on children, families and whole communities,” he continued.

“Now for the fi rst time, Fields in Trust have quantifiable evidence of the value of parks and green spaces. The Wellbeing Value associated with the frequent use of local parks and green spaces is worth £34.2 billion per year to the entire UK adult population and parks are estimated to save the NHS around £111 million.

“There is also further evidence that our parks and green spaces contribute to a preventative health agenda, reduce future Exchequer expenditure, reduce health inequalities and increase social cohesion and equality. These spaces have been taken for granted – an essential part of the fabric of our lives – and now they are under threat.

“Such is the positive impact of our parks and green spaces, that to lose them will further exacerbate the obesity crisis and rising mental health problems, as well as increasing levels of loneliness across many sectors of the population.

“This research will enable the development of a strategy across multiple levels of local and central government to guide the provision of parks and green spaces. The research points to the fact that parks provide disproportionately higher levels of benefits to those in lower socioeconomic groups and means that it is now possible to identify those areas where investment will have the biggest impact on individuals and communities.

“We support Fields in Trust wholeheartedly in their work to prioritise our parks and green spaces and to ensure they are recognised as integral to the health and wellbeing of all of us.”

Odds Farm and Timberplay offer insight on boosting visitor numbers

Play specialists Timberplay joined forces with Odds Farm Park to host a Play Study Day, focusing on how play can be best utilised to boost visitor numbers and improve visitor satisfaction levels. The event, held at Odds Farm in Buckinghamshire featured an array of specialist speakers.

Attendees learned about; the history of play, the psychological reasoning behind play, the importance of risk and challenge within play, management and maintenance of play spaces, how to effectively market play and how to deal with negative feedback. There was also a site tour around Odds Farm and experience their

outdoor play areas first hand. Timberplay’s relationship with Odds Farm Park spans back to 2013 when the popular attraction installed a toddler role play area. This was soon followed by the creation of a sand and water play area in 2014 and an extensive Adventure Play Area in 2016.

More recently, Odds Farm revealed a new Adventure Play Fort last year and those attending the Study Tour will be one of the first to experience the farm’s amazing new water play area.

The work between the two was recently recognised within the industry after Timberplay won Best Trade Supplier at

The Association of Play Industries (API) www.apiplay.org is the lead trade the National Farm Attraction Network (NFAN) annual awards for the continued success in the work carried out at the farm.

Ben Harbottle, Sales Director at Timberplay commented: “Play is for all ages and Odds Farm features some great examples of how diverse play can be.”

Timberplay

body within the play sector and campaigns at the highest levels for policy recognition for play. Its members are leading manufacturers, installers, designers and distributors of both outdoor and indoor play equipment and safety surfacing. Founded in 1984, the API currently has 63 members.

The API operates under the umbrella of the Federation of Sports and Play Associations (FSPA), the national trade body responsible for representing 13 Associations in the UK’s sport and play industries.

API

Pupils swarm to longawaited play area

The children of Bentley C of E Primary School were treated to a fun Friday in early May, when neighbouring Bentley Play Park finally opened after two years of intense fundraising.

Beneath bright blue skies, the £50,000 scheme was given the red tape treatment by TV gardening celebrity Alan Titchmarsh and the excited school kids got first go on the brand new play equipment.

Throughout the campaign, eibe Play worked alongside and supported the team at Bentley

their quest. Consulting closely with clerk, Lorraine Jeffs, the plan was to introduce a more natural element to the play area to blend in with the local environment.

Lots of wooden features were thus specifi ed and eibe installed a bespoke unit from the Unique range reached by a Treehouse and Walk Bridge.

Surrounding the main feature are some tunnels and mounds, individual swings, seesaw and slide.

Spotlight on the vibrant play industry

Gerflor continues to ‘perform’ for Polo Farm Sports Club

In the last 30 years facilities at Polo Farm Sports Club have expanded to become a premier sporting venue and centre of excellence and are regularly used by the local community including.

Canterbury Hockey, Tennis, Cricket and Croquet Clubs, together with Canterbury Christ Church University, and a host of local schools, local businesses and members of the public.

A stringent set of, ‘only the best will do’ specifications ultimately led the club to choose Taraflex Sport M Performance from international flooring specialist Gerflor.

Jayne Scott-Kilvert, Manager, Polo Farm Sports Club commented: “We built our new sports hall back in September 2015 which has rough floor dimensions of 50m x 40m.

“This was in conjunction with Canterbury Christ Church University who under the terms of the agreement use many of the facilities here during the weekdays. Our primary aim when specifying the floor was to provide a world class surface for both indoor hockey and cricket.

“The Taraflex Sport M Performance floor has now been down for over 2 years and we are extremely

pleased with it. It runs very true for hockey, enabling a very high calibre of match to be played. Our cricketers have been amazed with the surface with both England and Kent players commenting on the perfect bounce.”

Taraflex vinyl sports flooring has been used in many international and local sporting events and is available in 17 colours and three wood-effect designs.

The Sport M Performance product offers a P2 category shock absorbency 35% to 45%. Taraflex is recognised for providing durability, safety and comfort without impairing performance. The range also offers greater than 45% force reduction, making it

unrivalled in the marketplace in terms of offering comfort for users. Taraflex meets the EN Standard of 22196 for antibacterial activity (E. coli - S. aureus - MRSA) (3) returning >99% levels of growth inhibition.

The product is also treated with Protecsol, which renders polish redundant and is triple action meaning no polish is ever required, it contributes to easy maintenance and is anti-friction burn and slide/grip.

Tarafl ex has a double density foam backing and with another bonus, it’s environmentally friendly. Taraflex Sport M Performance from Gerfl or also meets the EN 14904 Standard for indoor sports surfaces and is also English Cricket Board (ECB) compliant.

The Taraflex ‘point elastic’ fl ooring has a higher comfort factor than ‘area elastic’ fl oors and reduces the risk and severity of injuries. Taraflex is also available with the Dry-Tex System which is perfect for new construction or refurbishment projects with damp subfl oors.

Gerfl or

Origin range uses nature to deliver natural play experiences

Proludic has a Robinia range of equipment created by our design team and manufactured in our own production facilities. The Origin’ range comprises of a series of trails and multi-play structures.

The play equipment in the Origin range reproduces the very essence of what nature has to offer: a forest walk, crossing a stream over stepping stones or an uprooted tree trunk, a playhouse made of fallen branches, an adventure trail that includes climbing, sliding and observation.

Here, children play in nature, with nature and using nature. Their senses are awakened and stimulated by visual and tactile contact with the Robinia wood.

Modular in design and offering progressive levels of difficulty, Origin creates play areas that are in perfect harmony with their natural surroundings. The irregularity and curvature of the uprights combine to make each piece of play equipment a unique structure.

With its curved and rounded shape, Robinia compliments

rural environments and park settings. It is simple to use, requiring very little work beyond sanding to make it smooth to the touch. Splinter-free and stable after prolonged exposure to the sun, it reduces the risk of injury and ensures optimum safety.

Robinia is a living material on which time will leave its mark. Ultraviolet rays and corrosion will lead to the natural ageing of the wood’s surface. Its colour will change and will attain a slightly different hue over time.

“The beauty of Origin within any setting should never be underestimated, the connection with natural Robinia wood for younger children awakens their senses through the visual and tactile contact,” said Anne Parkin, Key Accounts Manager.

Proludic has a wealth of experience in the excavation, installation and maintenance processes.

Proludic

eibe Play unveils new website

eibe Play has revealed its newly designed Website –www.eibe.co.uk

With a host of new features, clearer navigation and even more useful information, the

eibe website is the place to go for perfect play products. Browse a host of inventive ranges, read about our promises and guarantees and see for yourself some of our innovative playgrounds that we have

designed over the years. From traditional equipment such as swings and slides to bespoke themed ships and castles, eibe Play has a solution for everyone.

eibe Play

Contact your local KUHN Amenity Pro dealer or visit our website for more information on our product range of amenity sprayers, shredders, spreaders, landscape maintenance and tillage equipment.

www.kuhn-amenitypro.co.uk

New £40m fund to get families active

More than 15,000 families, across 22 projects around the country, could benefit from first allocation of funding

The National Lottery fund has been allocated by us to 22 projects around the country whose aim it is to bring families closer together through sport and physical activity.

The 22 projects will focus on helping families who are either on a low income, or have low levels of education or employment.

Parents and family members who are active themselves, and enjoy it, can encourage positive feelings about exercise and its value in their children.

Yet many parents lack the skills or confidence to take part in sport with their children as they fear they cannot keep up.

Just by seeing their parents being active, children can be inspired to do the same, and if they have an enjoyable experience they’re far more likely to continue as an adult.

Each of the funded projects will tailor their work to the needs of those that they are helping, with, for example, Cambridgeshire County Council putting on an

activity roadshow to enable low income families to try suitable sports, while Havant and East Hants Mind will provide an initial eight weeks of semistructured free play to groups with low levels of mental wellbeing.

Jayne Molyneux, Sport England Director of Children and Young People, hopes each specific action plan will see an increase in physical activity among young children.

“It’s not right that four in fi ve children don’t get enough exercise and are missing out on the health benefi ts it brings,” she said.

“Just by seeing their parents being active, children can be inspired to do the same, and if they have an enjoyable experience they’re far more likely to continue as an adult.

“Parents have many demands on their time, and often lack the confi dence to get active with their children.

With this £40 million of National Lottery funding we hope to make getting active with your children an easy choice for thousands of families across the country.”

Sport England

RoSPA welcomes call for evidence on safer cycling and walking

RoSPA has welcomed the launch of the Government’s latest move to get more people walking and cycling safely.

A new playground is within Reach

Residents of the small fen-edge village of Reach has welcomed the official opening their new playground.

Letting loose their lyrical side landed the village second-place in a nationwide competition run by the playground supplier KOMPAN to ‘describe your dream playground’.

In combination with a fantastic £50,000 grant from funding body WREN, a grant from ECDC and support from the Parish Council the project is now fully funded.

Many a Reach child had swung, clambered and jumped in the existing playground thought to be around 30 years old. However, the most recent safety inspection confirmed that extensive work was needed to keep it safe and functioning. The new KOMPAN facility will provide safe, modern play opportunities, as well as fitness equipment to help keep the village healthy.

Cath Tayleur, head of Reach Playground Committee says: “This is incredibly exciting news for the Village.

“We are going have an amazing facility with a much longed for zip-wire and a range of exciting equipment that will cater for all ages and abilities. We are hugelygratefultoourfundersfor making this possible.”

Steve Sylvester, Managing Director at KOMPAN says: “We are delighted to support local community groups like Reach to help boost their funding to achievetheirdreamplayground.”

KOMPAN

The Department for Transport (DfT) published a call for evidence on ways to make cycling and walking safer while also increasing cycling and walking. RoSPA is pleased that the consultation covers both pedestrians and cyclists because, together, they accounted for 550 road accident deaths in Great Britain in 2016 – 31 per cent of the overall total.

RoSPA strongly supports measures that encourage healthy and sustainable travel.

The key to increasing cycling and walking, and so gaining all the health and environmental benefits that result, is to create a safe on and off-road environment, improve road user attitudes and behaviour towards each other and produce safer vehicles that reduce the risk to those most vulnerable when involved in a collision. Improvements in road design, speed reduction measures and improved training and

education would have a strong safety benefit for both cyclists and pedestrians.

Nick Lloyd, road safety manager at the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA), said: “We are really pleased that the call for evidence recognises the importance of a ‘safe systems approach’ as a way of protecting vulnerable road users such as pedestrians and cyclists. It is an unfortunate reality that as humans we do make mistakes and when this happens it should not result in death or life-changing injury.

“On cycling specifically, we believe that improving safety would not only reduce the number of cyclist casualties, but would also encourage and enable more people to cycle more often.

“It would help people who want to cycle but are deterred from doing so currently because they think it is not safe enough, and would also help to prevent an increase in cycling being followed by an increase in cyclist casualties. This, in turn,

would increase the health and environmental benefi ts of cycling for cyclists themselves and for society as a whole.”

The DfT’s Cycle Safety Review says that there is a case for changing the law to tackle the issue of dangerous and careless cycling that causes serious injury or death, bringing cycling in line with driving offences.

Nick Lloyd said: “RoSPA broadly supports the review, but recognises that very few pedestrians are killed by cyclists.

“Almost all of the pedestrian collision deaths in 2016 involved a motor vehicle, with three involving a cyclist. It is right to plug the gap between manslaughter and the historic offence of wanton and furious driving but, more importantly, thiscallforevidenceprovidesthe opportunity for people to express their views on how we can make cycling and walking safe, healthy activities for individuals and communities alike.”

RoSPA

Young Boccia champs officially open new school playground

Young Boccia champions have celebrated their win by helping to officially open their school’s new playground.

The Kent County winning youngsters from Greenfields Community Primary School in Maidstone were picked to join the school’s Chair of Governors, Pam Payne, to officially open the new outdoor equipment, designed, manufactured and installed by outdoor play experts Creative Play.

Boccia, which is a precision ball sport related to bowls, is primarily a disability sport and schools, such as Greenfields, also have teams for children who have learning difficulties.

Greenfields has found that being part of a Boccia team has given those pupils a real confidence boost

and created friendships that have made them feel more inclusive.

Headteacher Dan Andrews said this reflects well the aim of the new playground, which includes a basket swing suitable for children with physical disabilities and for all children to play on together.

The playground project has been in development for three months and the finished area has swings, climbing apparatus, see saws, a roundabout, a slide and a multicoloured safety surface.

It was funded using a combination of school funds and cash generated through fundraising events in the community.

Tim Broster, sales manager at Creative Play, said: “It’s a very traditional play area with swings, seesaws and our very popular

Jigsaw Tower which includes a slide. It looks stunning and I’m delighted that Greenfields are pleased with the result.

“From my perspective, we always invite questions and listen rather than try and drive the customer towards something. Greenfields were fabulous to work with. Dan and the team were friendly and open. We were given clear guidelines to work with on what was a lengthy and big project.

“The strength of the project was built on the communication we had with the school and it is wonderful to see it all come to fruition and see the children enjoying it. To have the school champion Boccia team here to

officially open it with the Chair of Governors is the icing on the cake. They are thoroughly deserving of the honour.”

Each Creative Play playground is designed to suit the client’s specifications, depending on their budget and location. All of Creative Play’s equipment is designed and manufactured in Chester by the company’s inhouse teams, who use state of the art equipment and each specialise in timber, plastic or metal. Creative Play’s own teams install all of the equipment and surfacing to meet the requirements of the client and their own rigorous quality standards.

Creative Play

Sutcliffe Play bids farewell to long-serving Finance Director

Following almost 20 years’ service, Sutcliffe Play’s Financial Director Stuart White has announced his retirement.

Stuart joined Sutcliffe Play in February 1999 as Financial Controller and was appointed Financial Director in 2000 and he has served on the board ever since.

Martin Griffin Managing Director of Sutcliffe Play says:

“Stuart has provided many years of dedicated service to Sutcliffe Play and has played an important role in the development and success of the company as we know it today. On behalf of everyone here at Sutcliffe Play I’d like to thank Stuart. He will be greatly missed by all.”

Stuart is looking forward to relaxing throughout the summer months with Wimbledon on the horizon and a family wedding to look forward to.

“I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time with Sutcliffe Play. It’s been a pleasure to see the company grow over the years into the

innovative and successful company it is today. I look forward to watching it continue to develop.”

The team at Sutcliffe Play wish Stuart all the best in his retirement.

Sutcliffe Play

Safeplay helps Zaun break new turf

Norwegian artificial turf experts have turned to a British steel fencing manufacturer to support their move into installing MUGAs (multi-use games areas).

Safeplay of Torvastad in Rogaland county has become Zaun Limited’s reseller in Norway after it won the order to install a MUGA at a new upper secondary school in Bremnes.

Bremnes is a small town of 4,500 inhabitants on the west coast of Norway due west of the capital Oslo. The town has a strong culture for sports and especially football – one in 4.5 inhabitants is a member of the local sports club – and has fostered several top-level players despite its small size.

The MUGA is 24x12m and incorporates specialist sports fencing with basketball overpanels at either end.

Zaun’s Duo8 Super Rebound forms a robust play area that is

highly durable, low maintenance and ‘graffiti-proof’, with great rebound properties similar to a wall and rubber inserts between panels and posts to keep ‘rattle’ during play to a minimum.

Safeplay Sales Manager Eivind Furlund said: “The MUGA was an obvious addition to the new school – with really quiet fencing that rebounds well yet allows teachers to see what’s going on on-court.

“It’s been a really encouraging first collaboration with Zaun and we see a real market opportunity: according to the Norwegian Football Federation there are 2,632 MUGAs in Norway.”

Safeplay was founded in 2007 and boasts the Playtop agency for the playground market and decades of combined experience in artificial turf. It has already ordered a second MUGA from Zaun for installation in Norway.

Zaun

MUGAs provide safe outdoor play spaces

The importance of outdoor play for children is fundamental for a child’s development.

There are however a range of factors which mean considerably less children play in the area around their homes everyday.

These factors include fast traffic, personal safety and changes in weather. MUGAs from Steelway

Fensecure can offer a solution for some of these modern day problems.

Adults perpetuate a culture of fear, not letting their children outside due to it being a space of unpredictability.

Installing a MUGA in parks or in housing estates can create a safe play space for children from more urban areas. These dedicated areas can put parents minds at ease and create interesting areas of play.

Multi use games areas allow children to participate in sport in a relaxed manner with friends and others in their communities. This catalyst for building relationships is fantastic for developing positive social skills.

Additionally, adding a cover to the MUGA means that outside play is not limited to the good weather - often hard to find in the UK.

Timberplay help make playground funding more accessible

Accessing funding for playground equipment has just been made easier thanks to a new initiative launched by Timberplay.

Timberplay has joined forces with Safe Consultancy, a funding specialist aimed at helping notfor-profit organisations achieve their funding goals.

The new partnership has opened the doors for schools, parish

councils, community groups and charities to get access to full or part funding to help turn their project into a reality.

The free advice service includes an assessment of eligibility the identification of a funding stream, support if needed with theapplicationformandcostings for the project.

Timberplay

Outdoor musical instruments put users in tune with nature

These fi nely crafted outdoor percussion instruments make a striking addition to any play area.

All instruments are carefully tuned to the same key, allowing players to explore sounds and rhythms in pairs or groups. The EN1176 compliant designs are built to last, using materials that are guaranteed to retain their

musical and visual qualities over many years.

The instruments are supplied preassembled steel and timber frame models with full instructions for installing into any surface.

Acoustic Arts

Playdale’s MD wins ‘Global Director of the Year’ award

Playdale Playgrounds’ Managing Director, Barry Leahey MBE has been awarded Director of the Year in the global category at the Institute of Directors (IoD) North West Awards. The event took place at the Midland Hotel in Manchester and was hosted by BBC sports presenter and anchor of BBC Breakfast, Dan Walker.

Barry began working for Cumbrian based playground manufacturer Playdale in 2004 as Sales and Marketing Director and progressed more recently to Managing Director in 2015. Barry’s drive and passion to ensure

that Playdale is the best they can be at export have been relentless in the last seven years, having started and led Playdale’s export mission to ensure they are now a growing global business covering 48 countries.

Speaking about receiving this award, Barry said “The Institute of Directors is a dynamic and highly respected organisation, so to even be shortlisted for this award was an incredible honour and fantastic achievement. To then be announced winner of the Global Director Of The Year Award is something else.

“I am delighted to have received the award and would like give huge thanks to my team at Playdale for their hard work and support in helping us achieve our export goals.”

Mr Leahey also attended the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting 2018 (CHOGM). As one of the leading providers of children’s outdoor playground equipment Playdale’s export business already spans almost 50 countries worldwide. Amongst their many awards and accolades, Playdale has also recently been given the

status of Commonwealth First Export Champion.

CHOGM brought together representatives and leaders from the worlds of business, civil society and government to address the shared global challenges Commonwealth countries face. Actions are then formed and agreed on, to create a better future for all members. Barry makes up an impressive Commonwealth Business Forum delegation of 800 senior business leaders and Heads of Government from across our Commonwealth.

Steelway

Playdale

Wicksteed creates Scotland’s first all-inclusive play park

Wicksteed is backed by 100 years of play expertise, including surfacing which can transform a play area through bespoke designs and colourful themed graphics.

The company offers a wide range from traditional Wet Pour to Eco-Fleck, Safety Grass & Bark and Playground Sand and Synthetic Grass.

Wicksteed provides a nationwide installation service using

experienced personnel trained to install surfacing to BS EN 1176 and all playground surfacing products have been independently tested in accordance with the requirements of BS EN 1177:1998 and BS 7188:1998 and come with guarantees of up to 5 years.

Wicksteed Playgrounds helped turn the dreams of Scottish charity (Play As One Scotland or pa1s as it is more commonly known) - to create Scotland’s

INTRODUCING

first all-inclusive play park –into reality.

The design is focused on the use of vibrant and stimulating colours with nature-themed surface graphics, a sensory garden and equipment that uses sound, touch, vision and electronics and is wheelchair friendly.

The £200,000 play area took four months to complete and includes equipment that has been specifically designed for youngsters with or without a

physical or learning disability.

Wicksteed Sales Director, Stuart Wetherell, commented: “This project has been a great one to work on as inclusivity is one of our specialisms. Our state of the art manufacturing processes and use of the latest materials mean we can create bespoke play areas and provide visually engaging surface graphics and play equipment that is relevant and different to each site.”

New brand for the Association of Play Industries

The Association of Play Industries has unveiled its new brand and website. The association’s new identity reflects their role as the lead trade association for the UK play industry: API member companies are the UK’s top providers of playgrounds, play equipment and safety surfacing.

API Chair, Mark Hardy, says: “This is an exciting time for the play sector and the rebrand signifies our commitment to API members and to the customers who choose them. We have worked hard to develop a brand and website which has our members at its heart.

“The API is passionate about play and believes it is essential to healthy child development. As well as supporting our members to maintain the highest standards in play equipment, we campaign to ensure that all children have adequate play opportunities.

“We wanted a website that not only reflects who we are, but also one that is user-friendly and easy to navigate. Visitors to our site not

The Association of Play Industries (API) held its Annual General Meeting on the 26 April 2018 and appointed Fenland Leisure Products Managing Director, Andrew Sparrow, onto the Executive Committee as their new Vice Chair. API Chair Mark Hardy says: “Andrew has been an integral part of the API Executive team for four years and we are delighted that he is now our Vice Chair.

He brings with him a wealth of experience and knowledge of the play industry and we are looking forward to further benefitting from his expertise.”

only include our members and their customers, but also the press and members of the public. We hope that the new brand and website will appeal to our diverse audience.

“The primary aims of the API remain the same. We work to promote good play space design and an understanding of play and risk. We ensure our members comply with standards and good practice and we provide a united voice for the play industry. Customers can trust our members to deliver the highest standards of service and customer care.

“We are also working hard to promote the benefits of outdoor play in a time when children are playing out less and have increasingly sedentary lifestyles.

The API’s Nowhere2Play campaign revealed an alarming decline in playgrounds in England and has received unprecedented national coverage. The new brand will further strengthen our media presence as we continue to champion the benefits of play.”

API

Andrew Sparrow says: “I’ve worked within the play industry for the past 25 years since forming Fenland Leisure. We have been members of the API for the past nine years and have reaped some real benefits of being involved with the voice of the UK play industry. I’m very keen to help to promote API at the grass roots of our industry, both in education and local authorities as well as being involved with lobbying at higher levels to improve UK play provision.”

In addition the API welcomes Vicki Braithwaite, Pennine Playgrounds for a further term of office as Executive Officer.

Wicksteed

Strong and steady Wiedenmann Super 500 prioritises versatility and safety

Double A confirmed as new Pellenc dealer

Double A have recently been appointed as the authorised dealer for the full range of professional battery powered tools by Pellenc, in the North East of Scotland. The success of the company has been based on providing their customers with quality products along with a first class after sales service.

To achieve this Double A has always aimed to source quality equipment franchises, and it is for this reason that managing director Sandy was keen to work with the Pellenc brand.

“I first saw Pellenc at a show in France in 2015 and was instantly impressed,” he says. “We have customers who are looking for this type of product so I made enquiries at SALTEX and it was obvious that they had advanced even further since I last saw them.”

emission’ battery-powered tools, thanks to the development of Lithium-ion ultra-high performance batteries.

This exclusive Pellenc technology allows for a drastic reduction in the production of greenhouse gases and noise pollution. It is also comfortable for users, meets new sustainable

development demands and offers excellent economic profitability.

With a record capacity of up to one day’s use on a single charge, these quality products are a perfect fit for Double A according to Sandy.

Sandy believes that Pellenc products will be especially appealing to his customer base

who work in local authorities, National Trust sites, schools, universities, caravan parks and large houses and estates. With more and more customers turning to green technology he is confi dent that many will reap the benefi ts by choosing Pellenc.

Etesia UK

A mark of a top machine is when R&D engineers prioritise versatility and safety equally, then deliver both in abundance.

Wiedenmann’s Super 500 is such a machine. It’s a sweeper collector with a difference because it also verticuts, fl ail mows and fraise mows, making it a worthy recipient of the name ‘Super’.

Most users choose the multi head base unit and then select from a range of flail and verticutting blades to suit their purpose.

Blades can be set to 57 mm, 38 mm or 19 mm spacings. Collected clippings make their way to a 2.5 cubic metre hopper, the airflow path ensuring the container is completely filled and tightly packed whether it be leaves, grass or other debris.

Infinitely variable high dump at any height up to 2.1 m elevates the Super 500’s status to work with all kinds of trailers. Productivity is maximised as time and fuel are saved with fewer journeys for emptying.

Safety features begin with the Super 500’s floating head which follows contours and allows sweeping without changing implements. The parallelogram

guided suspension helps the operator find an optimal working position.

The fully fl oating head allows for ideal ground adaptation so takes uneven ground in its stride.

Next special flotation tyres with a large contact area and low ground pressure protect the surface together with a pair of anti-scalp rollers.

The eco-friendly chute, which guidesthedusttowardtheground, reduces dust to the operator and the surrounding area.

Further options are the golf course kit which fi ts to the front roller and replaces two tyres, enabling the multi-function head to follow the contours even more accurately. The super contour kit assists those with deep ridges and furrows. An additional back roller with additional anti scalp rollers fi ts inside the rotor drum brings the anti- scalp wheels even closer to the centre of the rotor drum.

Finally, you can opt to have all hydraulic functions operated by electric controls from the tractor seat.

Over recent years, Pellenc has gained market recognition by offering a unique range of ‘zero

EVOLIS

Versatile quad bike sprayer, available with 50 - 80 litre tank capacities, steel frame easy adjustments for simple, quality spraying.

See our amenity sprayer range at www.kuhn-amenitypro.co.uk

Wiedenmann

Better economy and working environment with battery power

We already know that battery progress within the vehicle industry is rushing forwards. But right now there is also a revolution going on in woods, parks and gardens. A battery revolution that can save a lot of money, and not least improve the working environment for professional users, this is confirmed by Cramer’s product manager Johan Nilsson.

How good are battery powered garden power tools?

Cramer’s 82v battery powered machines today are strong, enduring, offering unprecedented economic value and consideration for the natural and working environment compared to petrol machines. With a new level of extremely powerful battery technology, lightweight and strong power tools such as chainsaws, lawn mowers, grass trimmers, hedge trimmers etc it is an easy choice to make today for the professional user.

Are battery powered garden tools really as strong as petrol powered ones?

Today all our products are directly comparable to petrol powered ones. Two examples. Our new battery powered saw outputs 2,5 kW and fantastic torque, which is in the same league as a 50 cc petrol powered chainsaw. Our new trimmer can effectively perform 50 minutes of heavy usage on a single battery. The solution is in battery powered tools with maintenance free motors.

But are battery powered products not more expensive?

It is true that it is a bit more expensive to buy the tools and batteries initially. But consider the fact that ONE battery compares to buying and bringing home 1000 litres of petrol when buying a petrol powered hedge trimmer! As an example; instead of filling up petrol worth £2,200 during the life span of your

petrol powered hedge trimmer, you can charge the battery at a cost of £33 for 1000 hours of usage. The Cramer hedge trimmer is paid off after only 90 hours of usage, costing a total of £700 compared to the lifespan cost of £2,700 for the petrol version!

Several companies offer battery powered professional tools how does Cramer differ from them?

Cramer’s battery system for professionals is built on 82 volts. A system that is certain to work in the future since 82 volts will be able to deliver enough power for tools far stronger that today’s.

Why do some people hesitate going for battery power?

Many people keep in mind old experiences of corded or battery powered tools and do not realise how efficient today’s technology has become. Today our battery cells supply fantastically high currents that support a performance a professional needs.

Cramer is a new player within battery powered garden power tools. What is your strength?

We are passionate about replacing petrol garden power tools with battery powered ones. Issues of the working environment are also central to our development. Power tools should not only have efficient technology, but above all be well balanced and easy to work with. We see ourselves as the Tesla of this industry and lead the progress of battery powered products for professionals from our global product development office.

Read more: Cramer.eu

Quickly and e ortlessly remove leaves, grass cuttings, sand, dirt and rubbish from pavements and surfaces, three 82v battery powered leaf blowers make it easy. The 82B1300 top model o ers peak performance that is truly amazing.

If you need to clear large areas of leaves and rubbish, the LS 5000 ESW battery powered walk behind vacuum delivers an amazing 3kwh power at 3200rpm, capable of tackling the most demanding tasks. The 240L collector means the operator can work longer between emptying.

Eaton GC’s leaf problem is a thing of the past thanks to a Trilo S3

Eaton Golf Club in Norwich describes itself as ‘owned and run by the members, for the members’ – a motto also backed up by Course Manager Rob Ransome.

Although he’s only been there for less than a year, he recognises that the club’s “fantastic membership gives the club a thriving, upbeat feeling”.

However, what didn’t leave such a positive feeling in previous years was the leaf-fall from the courses’ extensive tree population! Before he even began his position at Eaton, Rob purchased an S3 from Trilo, which has transformed the task of leaf collection at the club.

“I started at Eaton in September 2017 and it was evident right from my interview that the club had a big problem with leaves. The team were getting a lot of negative feedback on the conditions and players were frustrated with losing their golf balls! It was something I was keen to tackle straight away” explains Rob.

Recognising Trilo offered good quality equipment he arranged for a demo of an S3 collector with local dealer Ernest Doe.

“We were instantly impressed and you could see how it was going to transform the task for us so I placed the order so that it arrived in time for my arrival at the club.

“We found that we could run the unit with the brush attachment just above the height of the grass to collect the leaves into a high capacity hopper, without having a detrimental effect on the grass. The overall weight and compression tyres also help, leaving a minimal footprint on the ground, meaning we could get out everyday without the risk of causing any problems.”

The S3 was in action as soon as the leaves started to fall in October, for anywhere between 3 and 7 hours a day, until the end of the fall. “I delivered a presentation to the members in December and was apprehensive when I got to the topic of leaves, but people were so complimentary of what we’d achieved.

“It has transformed the winter presentation of the course so much that members are now going out on the course looking for leaves – and can’t find any! We can’t ask for better than that.”

Be blown away by the STIHL SH 86 C-E

For landscapers looking for reliability and efficiency when collecting leaves and small hedge clippings, STIHL’s SH 86 C-E petrol vacuum shredder not only offers increased vacuum power and shredding performance, but can also be easily converted into a handheld blower, enhancing operator efficiencies.

Built with a 2-Mix engine, the vacuum shredder offers fast acceleration, while still maintaining low emissions and up to 20% reduced fuel consumption.

Weighing only 5.6kg, the intuitive design of the SH 86 C-E also offers users high power at a lower weight, meaning the machine is easy to handle.

The simplified starting system makes getting up and running even easier for professionals, with the starter rope only needing 2-3 pulls to start the machine.

Featuring STIHL ErgoStart, the SH 86 C-E has an additional spring in the recoil mechanism that reduces the strain when pulling over the engine.

When needed, the primer bulb helps to purge and prepare the carburettor, reducing the amount of pulls required to start the engine, especially after long periods of down time.

To ensure that the running machine switches off reliably and easily, the throttle speed lock lever comes with a built-in stop switch. For further ease of

Multi-tasking machines from Wessex

If you’re struggling to keep on top of fallen leaves or scattered debris in your garden, field or park, a leaf collector could be the solution.

There’s no need to struggle with a rake for hours with one of these innovative machines.

The selection of leaf collectors available from Wessex International showcases some of the most innovative and functional machines on the market. Browse our collection to find leaf collectors for all manner of applications, including those specifically designed for golf courses and those which can handle almost any type of terrain.

Choose from large tractor mounted leaf collectors or ones which are suitable for ATV and UTV, or infact any machine with a ball hitch.

If you’re looking for a leaf collector which is low

maintenance and easy to use, Wessex has the right solution for you.

Fitted with a unique emptying hopper these multi-functional collectors will seamlessly brush the leaves together and collect them – all you have to do is remove and dispose of the leaves at the end of your collection.

These machines are also fully adjustable and boast a range of protective features to ensure that they operate well, even in long grass and rough terrain.

use, all start settings are located centrally and the rotary switch automatically jumps to the initial idle position after the fi rst time the throttle trigger is moved.

The SH 86 C-E is supplied with a vacuum unit as well as both round and fl at blower nozzles, allowing professionals to select the most suitable attachment for the task at hand.

For increased safety, the SH 86 C-E features an anti-vibration system with four steel springs that effectively isolate the user from engine vibrations, and soft grip components for additional comfort during lengthy jobs.

STIHL

SISIS Flexicomb extends pitch life at UKC

Lee Ballard, senior groundsperson at the University of Kent (UKC) in Canterbury, believes that his new SISIS Flexicomb is the perfect tool to help extend the life of one of the University’s synthetic sports surfaces.

Overseeing the maintenance of the sports pitches is Lee Ballard, who admits that one of the synthetic surfaces requires extra special attention due to its age and heavy usage.

Designed primarily for use on synthetic surfaces, the Flexicomb ensures even distribution of infill

materials and lifts the pile. The adjustable setting ensures the effect of a rake, but with the softness of a brush, reducing the risk of damage to the fibres. The bristle sections are replaceable and the Flexicomb is designed for a long working life with minimal maintenance.

Furthermore, it can be used with SISIS Singleplay, Twinplay or Quadraplay mounting frames, which can all be connected to any tractor with 3 point linkage and utility trucks with suitable frames.

SISIS

Trilo

Wessex International

‘Clear Up’ with high performing machines

PSD Groundscare, a leading distributor of professional groundscare machinery, have an exciting range of vacuums, blowers and sweepers from innovative European manufacturers ELIET and Koppl.

Leading Belgium manufacturer ELIET have developed a range of vacuums and blowers that includes leaf blowers, truckloaders, snow blowers and the Cameleon.

InnovativeGermanmanufacturer Koppl provide a range of multiattachment machines that can be fi tted to a power unit with over 50 attachments to choose from including a snow-blower and sweeper.

The wonderful advantage of the Koppl range is the power unit can be used all year round with attachments to suit the season.

PSD Groundscare

GKB’s Quick Clean up at Harrow School

Harrow School, founded in 1572 under a Royal Charter granted by Queen Elizabeth 1, is surrounded by acres of sports fields ranging from Astroturf pitches, 2G hockey and tennis, 3G rubber crumb, sixteen winter pitches and nine cricket through to a 9-hole golf course.

Grounds Manager Michael Kemmett heads a team of eleven and maintaining such large areas of synthetic turf takes a special mix of machinery and each pitch demands their own, specific, type of maintenance.

Michael chose GKB machines following demonstrations and

began with the GKB Quick brush in the summer of 2017, followed by the introduction of a Quick Clean in the November.

Quick Brush is a modular brush that can be adjusted to each task, choosing between a rake, double brush and rubber finishing rag. There is a ‘flip over tool’ to enable infill material to be easily added to new fields.

“We liked the Quick Brush for its ability to carry out the correct synthetic turf maintenance, whatever the requirements. We use it every couple of weeks on the surfaces and after using the Quick Clean,” says Michael, “it’s excellent for the getting

Leave it to Billy Goat

Clearing mountains of autumn leaves and debris can be a labour intensive and energy zapping task; particularly with heavy, hard to manoeuvre equipment to move around as you work.

Clydebank hires new Bobcat

Clydebank Port Services Ltd in Glasgow in Scotland has hired a new Bobcat S550 skidsteer loader with sweeper and bucket attachments from the new MTS Group hire depot at Cumbernauld for ship trimming work at the port.

The Bobcat S550 loader is used to help unload shipments but the company also makes use of

the sweeper to clear the docks both before and after the ships come in.

Bobcat skid-steer loaders enjoy outstanding manoeuvrability in confi ned spaces. In the S550 model, the radius lift pattern and short wheelbase are combined with differential steering for highly efficient manoeuvring and super-fast cycle times in tight areas, a fast travel speed and more than ample auxiliary pumpfl ow.

In addition, the hydrostatic drive enables precise control of the speedanddirectionoftheloader, both forwards and backwards, in any situation.

Billy Goat wheeled vacuums are suitable for all residential, commercial and municipal property clean up requirements. Designed for use on both lawns and hard surfaces, Billy Goat wheeled vacuums are built to last, with many now being in service around the world for more than 20 years.

With light yet incredibly durable wheels, vacuums from Billy Goat

increase portability and remove the strain from the autumn clean up jobs.

On the professional side, Billy Goat produce the heavy duty MV Series that is ideal for larger properties, commercial sites and council applications. With a 29” width, MV Series models pick up all rubbish and debris from both hard surfaces and turf, with a 151 litre collection capacity that makes light work of clearing large areas. For additional suction all Billy Goat vacuums are available with optional hose kits.

Billy Goat

pile to stand up and it’s also very good for the cricket outfi elds and pitches.”

The Quick Clean is used on sand and rubber crumb and was chosen for its powerful indepth cleaning of all types of

synthetic turf pitches. With the wide variety of sports surfaces at Harrow School, the extraction of debris needs to be adjusted to suit the technical characteristics of each pitch.

GKB Machines

Leaves and litter are all in the bag

A hefty top-loading 282 litre capacity bag comes with the Little Wonder Pro Vac SP. A leaf and litter vacuum that is designed to increase productivity, collecting twice the load of the nearest competition so you spend less time emptying it. Selfpropelled, the Pro Vac SP moves faster, manoeuvres better and gets the job done quicker, and we’re not talking just about leaf collection. This vacuum will pick up all types of debris, large and small, from bottles and cans to straw and gravel and everything in between that can be sucked up by the powerful Honda driven impeller, with the force of a hurricane wind.

All this is done at industryleading speed, with worry-free

Hydro-Gear T2 transmission, at up to 4.2mph forwards and up to 1.8mph in reverse. Moving at speed you can breathe easy with a ‘windshield’ that diverts dust to ground level while you enjoy a clear line of sight, with visibility over the machine and a good view of the front nozzle area.

The Little Wonder looks after operator comfort with an arched paddle handle to allow professional users of virtually any size to find a comfortable operating position. Heavyduty treaded rear drive wheels allow excellent traction on both concrete and grass and there’s a toe tap dump valve for easy engine off manoeuvrability.

Schiller

Bobcat

Team player tractors

The groundcare tractor market reflects the diverse nature of the industry – compact, lightweight power units are equally in demand as larger machines capable of handling high output implements.

The increasing adoption of technology has been a key feature of the agricultural tractor market over the past fi ew years, and it is ‘fi ltering down’ the horsepower brackets with more sophisticated transmissions offering benefi ts in terms of ease of use and fuel effi ciency. Auto steering and GPS control may be just around the corner, according to manufacturers.

TYM suggests that there has been a slight shift in the last few years for higher horsepower tractors, but they mainly seem to be purchased for wide area mowing. “They are required to not only to cover the ground quickly while mowing, but they also need a high road speed for transportation between sites,” comments Sales Manager Steven Haynes.

The compact is still very much a key piece of equipment in the customer’s armoury and without question has a place in this sector, he points out, but with it must come a high level of productivity.

“Tractors that can handle general tasks such as sports field maintenance, as well as turning to winter maintenance tasks such as snow removal and salt spreading are popular.”

“TYM has developed products such as the T393 tractor to appeal to this very market by offering a 40hp tractor in a more compact frame, while still bringing the customer the benefit of the frequently requested features such as a wide and spacious cabin with air conditioning and the popular Auto pto system.”

Steven comments: “Technological advances are going to have an effect on this market, but for the moment the majority of our customers appreciate and enjoy

the simplicity of an easy to operate compact. GPS guidance is probably going to be the next technological feature to benefit the compact.

High outputs

McCormick has added three new models to its range, designed to appeal to users who need a capable 70-90hp tractor on a keen budget.

The new McCormick X4m tractors come with Deutz cfour-cylinder engines that meet latest emissions rules, while providing a choice of 69hp, 75hp and 88hp outputs.

“We recognise that there is a need for a tractor with a simple specification that keeps the price down but that’s engineered for performance and durability,” explains Ray Spinks, managing director at McCormick distributor AgriArgo UK and Ireland.

As standard, the newcomers have a straight-forward mechanical clutch and 12x12, 40kph shuttle gearbox with 540rpm pto. A 30kph 16x16 creep option is available for operators who want the extra ratios and slower speeds for specialist turf equipment.

Single-speed 540rpm pto is standard but an economy

540rpm setting can be added for low-demand power-driven implements to minimise noise levels and fuel consumption.

Traction tread radial tyres –420/70R28 on the back, 320/70R20 on the front –are standard with various options including turf tyres also available. A dual element

hydraulic pump provides 20 litre/ min dedicated to steering and 45 litre/min to supply the 2700kg rear hitch and up to three single/ double-acting spool valves.

There’s a choice of cab or open operator platform.

Massey Ferguson has added two new three-cylinder engined

models to the MF5700 Global Series, the 85hp MF 5708 and 95hp MF 5709 with Dyna-4 transmission as standard plus the option of cab suspension.

The tractors are designed to offer more choice and a higher specification for those looking for a modern, rugged 85hp to 95hp hard-working tractor.

Features include the recently introduced Visio Roof option, added to further enhance the tractors’ loader credentials.

The well-proven Dyna-4 transmission offers four on-themove changes for ease of use and increased versatility; a ‘creep’ speed is an option.

Extra sophistication comes from optional AutoDrive and optional brake-to-neutral facility – the clutch is operarted as soon as the brake pedal is pressed, easing the load on the operator, while increasing efficiency and convenience, especially during loader operations.

Rear linkage lift capacity is 4300kg and there’s a choice of 540/540ECO rpm pto speeds.

McCormick

TYM

MasseyFerguson

Technology can offer highly practical applciations. The popular Iseki range is now distribiuted by Iseki UK, and its IQ Dual-clutch transmission is available on the 47hp TG6495 and 36hp TG6395 compact tractors. It is proving to be particularly popular with groundscare professionals, as it combines the control of a mechanical transmission with

the ease of use of a hydrostatic system, explains product manager Richard Tyrrell.

“Eight main gears and three ranges are offered. The system enables gears to be changed by simply moving the gear lever through the straight shift gate without having to use the footoperated clutch. Gears can be selected sequentially just by

moving the gear lever, e.g 1-23-4 etc or a particular gear may be selected and the gearbox will change gears until the specified one is reached.

“This allows speed to be controlled precisely during operations such as aeration. Alternatively, if ‘D’ is selected then the gearbox will operate as an automatic transmission, using the top five gears in whichever range is selected, ideal for towing or general transport around a site.”

Extending New Holland’s sub80hp T4 range, the new T4S tractor series is designed to offer a balance between affordability and performance.

The three-model range offers outputs of 55, 65 and 75hp.

Purpose-developed for the T4S, the new four-post cab offers improved roominess and allround visibility. An opening

roof panel offers additional sightline when working with a raised front-end loader. Powerful heating and air conditioning complete the comfort package.

As standard, T4S models are fitted with an 8 forward and 8 reverse speed transmission, with four synchromesh speeds split between high and low ranges.

An optional 12x12 transmission offering is available throughout the entire range, with the addition of the steering column mounted hydraulic shuttle. An optional creeper allows speeds as low as 0.108km/h.

Rear lift capacity of T4S is 3000kg with two external assist rams. Up to three hydraulic remotes are available and offer standard flow of up to 48l/min.

All T4S tractors are fitted with a two-speed 540/540E PTO. Engagement is via a servo assisted lever, in-built soft start modulating engagement to protect both the tractor and attachments. As an option, a ground speed PTO can also be specified.

With a compact wheelbase of 2,130mm, and overall height of 2,520mm, the T4S tractor is described as a thoroughly modern but traditionally sized ‘small’ tractor. Dependent upon tyre and wheel equipment, operating widths across the rear of the tractor span 1,440mm to 1,950mm.

Latest compacts

Latest addition to Kubota’s range is the L1361 Compact Utility Tractor, powered by a 36.6hp Kubota D1803-M-E2 engine with a 38 litre capacity fuel tank for extended periods of use.

There’s a choice of manual or three range speed hydrostatic transmission and the L1361 also offers 4WD and live, continuous -running rear PTO on the HST model.

The new quick detatch Kubota LA525 front loader with a curved boom design, can be specified.

The bevel gear front axle has been designed to deliver a tight turning radius, with full power transfer to the wheels at every steering angle, maintaining traction across all types of terrain.

Ergonomics have also played a significant part in the L1361’s refreshed design, with a spacious operator deck and slanted front bonnet for a greater field of vision during front loader operations to ensure maximum safety.

John Deere has added the 3038E compact tractor to its range, aimed at landscape contractors, groundscare maintenance service providers, and sports turf managers.

The 3038E is equipped with a Stage IV diesel engine developing 37.3hp. A hydrostatic transmission with Twin Touch foot pedals provides the operator with simple, comfortable controls to select exactly the right speed for the job at hand. The tractor’s independent pto can be engaged on the go, eliminating the need to stop and use the clutch. An easy-lift bonnet that provides access to the engine bay for maintenance.

A new 300E front loader has been designed to complement the 3038E and features a curved boom and durable components.

Together with the tractor’s tight turning circle, it is designed to offer a highly manoeuvrable combination for materials handling, whether working indoors or outdoors. Four-wheel drive is available as standard for more demanding applications and difficult ground conditions.

The 3038E compact tractor also offers telescoping draft links to make attaching and removing rear implements easier, compatible with a wide range of implements, including mowers, rear blades and posthole diggers.

Specialist tractors Reform’s range of specialist tractors offers a high level of versatility, suggests Simon Richard, UK Agent for the Reform range: “The compact 44hp Reform Metrac G3 and 49hp Hydrostatic H4X tractor models are light and manoeuvrable power units, suited to the widest possible range of grounds maintenance tasks.”

“The Metrac G3 and H4X features, which include exceptional operator visibility, unique crab steer function, low dead weight and centre of gravity for permanent ground contact on all four wheels, offer local authorities and professional contractors year round service. Both models also offer optimum user control in more difficult work areas and safe operation at angles of up to 45 degrees, and can be equipped with a variety of deck options and attachments including a flail mower, snow blower, plough, road sweeper and more.”

Supplied through the Rickerby dealership, north-east based THC Landscapes have recently taken delivery of a replacement hydrostatic drive Reform Metrac H4X. THC’s Robbie Hindmarsh said, “We have been a Reform user for some years and also have a 40hp G3 model on the fleet. We will be making full use of the new H4X on our maintenance contracts for both North East Water and Kielder.”

Austrian manufacturer Lindner has a long history of supplying municipal contractors in Europe and is now developing a dealer network in the UK. from Tyrol expands its Lintrac series.

Aimed at the utility tractor end of the market, Lindner has added the Lintrac 110 alongside its Lintrac 90.

“We are delivering a compact, manoeuvrable and continuouslyvariable tractor suitable for forestry and urban applications,” says managing director Hermann Lindner.

LAWN AND ORDER.

NEW HOLLAND BOOMER RANGE

JohnDeere

Football Partnership is a ‘community club’ in every sense, with the continued support of Kubota UK – which has its UK headquarters in the town - and local residents.

Club Chairman Richard Carr said: “Our network of local connections and their passion within the community not only keeps the club going but keeps pushing it forwards. Our partnership with Kubota UK has been paramount to our continued success, now more than ever as rising membership numbers continue to place a strain on our resources and quality of ground maintenance.”

Kubota’s B2650 compact tractor, supplied by local dealer George Browns, has been at the forefront of the machinery fleet, enabling the local volunteers to regularly maintain the nine pitches, including four full size adult pitches.

The compact tractor is used for a range of tasks including mowing of the pitches, seeding and fertilising and general maintenance by the volunteers who view the work as a ‘labour of love’ for the club. With over 1,000 people on site each weekend as part of training sessions and match fixtures, it’s vital that the pitches are kept in top condition.

The aspirations of Thame Football Partnership to continually evolve has seen it recently be granted planning permission for the construction of two new pitches, ready for the start of the new 2018/19 season.

Karen Tipping, Marketing Manager at Kubota UK said: “As a significant employer for the Thame community, we’re extremely proud to be a part of the Thame Football Partnership by loaning the use of our B2650 tractor, but by also providing support and advice on how it can continue to go from strengthto-strength.”

“The maximum permissible total weight of the tracor is 8 tonnes, with a payload of around 3.5 tonnes, which means that contractors can work with larger implements.”

The centrepiece of the new tractor is the continuously variable TMT11 gearbox from ZF with a larger rear axle, compared to the TMT09 of the Lintrac 90.Features include power shift reverse (Power Shuttle), stationary control (Powered Zero), continuous acceleration from standstill to maximum speed without interruption of power flow and a top speed of 40 kph.

Power is supplied by a fourcylinder113hp Perkins engine with particulate filter and a variable-displacement hydraulic pump provides 88 litres.

The cab has been designed to offer more space and visibility, and a distinctive feature of Lindner tractors is four-wheel steering for improved manoeuvrability.

The Ventrac 4500 from Price Turfcare is designed to work on gradients up to 30 degrees.

The tractor frame articulates and pivots in the centre to maintain

contact with the ground and improve weight distribution. Its compact frame is designed with a low centre of gravity contributing to its slope climbing ability. For increased safety and stability on hillsides, the optional wheel extensions, which allow operation up to 25deg or dual wheels that can tackle 30deg slopes can be added.

The Ventrac 4500 is capable of working all year round with more than 30 different attachments available, including a range of mowing decks. It features all-

wheel drive and is powered by a 25hp Kubota diesel engine.

Two-wheel tractors German manufacturer Koppl has been manufacturing since 1896 and produces an extensive range of implement carriers (5.7hp – 23hp) and attachments including sweepers, rotavators and mowers to suit individual specific needs.

The high performance Gekko means you can now choose whether to operate via walk-

behind or remote control, offering a solution for heavy use in tough working conditions in hard to reach areas.

Scott Lelliot of importer PSD groundcare comments: The Gekko offers high performance and multi-attachment capabilities and has a remote control range up to 300m. It is capable of working on slopes up to 45deg with high ground clearance and a low centre of gravity. The design also features innovations such as twist-grip steering for easier operation.”

Kubota’s home win

Price Turfcare

PSD Groundscare

Diamond in the rough

Ballybofey & Stranorlar Golf Club (B&SGC) in Co.

Donegal, Ireland is situated on 100 acres of tree-lined fairways on an undulating, parkland landscape of heavy clay and woodland which has been extensively drained and is playable year-round.

All greens conform to USGA specification and are considered amongst the best in the country.

The club team of four greenkeepers is led by Head Greenkeeper Richard Thompson who has been at B&SGC since 2002.

Said Richard, “Our club’s management team understands that to produce the best quality playing surface, you have to choose the best machinery and that doesn’t mean it has to be the most expensive, it just has to be right for our course.”

Having a golf course based on a clay foundation does have its benefits, but in the winter months and when there are periods of high rainfall, it also has its limitations. “We invested recently in a new wide-area mower to maintain the rough and

semi-roughsectorsofthecourse,” addedRichard.“Wetrialledsome of the leading brands on our course before we decided on the MajorContoura. Thismowerhas a number of features that meet our requirements and as an added bonus, it was more competitively priced than the other machines.”

The Major Contoura is a 3.6m wide machine designed around a unique pivoting frame and assembled as three independent, trailed mowing units. Full-width rollers at the front of the cutting assemblies means that ground undulations are followed closely and the height of cut maintained throughout.

“One big plus” commented Richard, “is that the Contoura doesn’t have a belt drive, which always seems to be the weakest partofamower.Instead,it’sgeardrivenandthereforehandleseven heavy grass with ease. It leaves a perfectly striped and even fi nish. The design and construction of the Major Contoura is far advanced over anything else on the market. It’s proven to be the right choice, we are very happy with it,” he concluded.

Equipment

John Deere announces official supplier agreement with CMAE

John Deere has announced a new official supplier agreement with the Club Managers Association of Europe (CMAE), to further support the association’s vision of being the leading organisation for club management educational programmes.

John Deere is an industry leading, full range supplier of sports club maintenance equipment including mowers, tractors and Gator utility vehicles. The CMAE is a nonprofit professional association which is the leading authority for club manager education.

“We are delighted to partner with the CMAE and so make ourselves available to its membership for advice and support,” says Carlos Aragones, John Deere’s European turf sales & marketing manager.

“Continued education is a core pillar of the John Deere philosophy and we look forward to supporting the CMAE in its quest to increase club manager education across Europe.”

John Deere

Grillo’s 60 years of pedigree in producing walking tractors

The Grillo range of walking tractors is impressive with over 15 different models and numerous attachments available such as ploughs, mowers, brushes, snowblades and throwers to name but a few.

Engines are from the world’s leading manufacturers such as Honda, Subaru, Kohler and Lombardini. Grillo’s latest models are the G108 & G110

featuring their new instant reverse system “IRS “. This device allows the operator to instantly change from forwards to reverse simply by operating a lever on the handlebars.

All gears are produced in house allowing complete quality control at all times.

Grillo

New grounds strategy sees Waveney Norse go Toro

Waveney Norse has invested in Toro for the first time as part of a new grounds strategy to better meet the needs of its core partner Waveney District Council and its growing customer base. Operating as part of Norse Commercial Services, a major national supplier of facilities management services to the public and private sector, Waveney Norse previously used a tractor-drawn gang mower to maintain all sports fields and open spaces across the Waveney District in the East of England.

Changing to a dedicated ride-on Toro T4240 cylinder mower was part of a wider strategy rethink. Grounds operations manager, Richard Hackney, explains: “We have been lucky enough to win new work over a wide geographic area and driving a tractor long distances is inefficient in both manpower and fuel. The Toro mower solves this problem because we can simply fold up its wings and put it on a trailer.”

The

Richard explains: “We haven’t traditionally used Toro, so wanted a demonstration to make sure it was right for us. We are very pleased with our decision: the machine will enable us to continue to deliver highly professional, reliable grounds services to our customers at a best value price, no matter where they are based.”

Reesink Turfcare

Major

purchase was delivered with good service from Reesink sales representative Danny Lake who, Richard says, was very helpful in organising a demonstration at local Normanston Park.

Wessex introduces new advanced roller mower

From time to time there is a breakthrough, an innovation that makes a real impact on the way we do things.

Such is the new Wessex CRX320 golf course and sports turf roller mower.

Wessex describe it as the machine you’ve been asking for and certainly when it was launched to dealers in February 2018 they were more than excited by the concept. Now it’s available for demonstrations from May onwards and it’s suggested you book your slot now to see it in action.

Manufactured in Wessex’ own factory in the UK the CRX320 is an exceptional mowing experience. Full width rollers front and rear and 3.2m wide, it’s nothing short of a precision cut and outstanding stripe. Keeping the rollers as close as possible

maximises ground contour following, with excellent floating capabilities to closely hug the undulations.

The renowned CRX swing tip Gold Cut blades give you the superb cut and make for easy maintenance, while the wideangle PTO gives you tight-turn capabilities for increased manoeuvrability.

All you need is a 35hp tractor and only one spool valve, which makes it economical to operate with the simplest machinery. Simple too is the belt tension for quick and easy maintenance and the cutting height adjustment, between 10mm and 100mm, is equallystraightforward.Minimal andeasyaccessgreasepointsand shrouded PTO’s equate to long service intervals.

Redexim combination doubles club’s aeration regime

Set in an area of outstanding natural beauty in Berkshire, Goring and Streatley Golf Club offers a testing 18 holes over a half downland and half parkland course.

Despite the challenges this brings to Course Manager Matt Aplin and his team when it comes to maintenance, the greens are renowned for being fast, true and in great condition all year round.

The combination of a Redexim Carrier and Verti-Drain 1513 from Charterhouse Turf Machinery is the latest weapon in Matt’s armoury to improve the greens, tees and approaches even further.

“Though we have quite a large machinery fleet, we only have one tractor” explains Matt, who heads up a team of six greenkeepers. “This meant when it came to greens maintenance, if we were using the tractor to hollow tine, we then couldn’t topdress on the same day as the tractor was tied up.

“Fundamentally this restricted us being able to conduct some operations, especially aeration, as much as we’d like to.” Matt

spoke to his local dealer Lister Wilder, who demonstrated a numberofpowerunitandaerator combinations.

“With a lot of the competitor machines, the aerator was limited to 4” penetration depths, whereas the Verti-Drain could go down to 6”, making a big difference to root depths, along with creating heave.”

They took delivery of the Carrier and Verti-Drain 1513 in combination early last year.

As well as easing the strain on the club’s tractor, another key factor for the purchase was to use a lighter weight unit on the greens.

Charterhouse Turf Machiney

Balmers join growing GKB dealer network

Balmers GM Ltd. has joined the growing GKB Machines’ network of groundcare dealers.

One of the largest new and used groundcare businesses of its kind in the North of England, Balmers has been in business in Burnley for over thirty years, providing sales, spares, service and hire and covering a Lancashire down to North Manchester and across to West Yorkshire.

Balmers were in talks with GKB’s Tom Shinkins in mid 2017 which led to initial demonstrations to customers of a GKB Sandfiller and Top Dresser. The result was Balmers becoming a GKB dealer.

“We like the quality build of the machines, no frills performance

and they do what it says on the tin,” says Balmers’ Andrew Meeks. “We like the way the Sandfiller combines in one operation scarifying, removal and sand filling. It means the operation can be carried out by one person and that’s a saving on time and costs.”

Balmers’ reputation in the commercial sector speaks for itself with its customer base of local councils and national contractors serving golf, football and cricket clubs. The partnering with GKB adds a new strength with the availability of the GKB Machines’ range of natural and synthetic sports turf solutions.

Wessex International

GKB Machines

Cub Cadet’s INFINICUT mower enhances plant and operator health

MTD Specialty Turf Products has been exploring the importance of mowing on plant health and how quality of cut has been paramount to operations at Watford FC, seeing them crowned the Premier League Grounds Team of the Year for 2017/18.

Beginning with sharpness of cutdull or poorly sharpened mowers tear and shred grass blades rather than cut them cleanly, increasing the plants vulnerability to disease.

A dull cut can be caused by a mower that does not maintain cut quality for an acceptable length of time. This may be down to either a poorly designed bedknife-reel adjustment mechanism; an imbalanced reel causing premature wear; or a poorly designed cutting unit that “oscillates” during rotation.

Attitude angle and behind centre distance (BCD) are interlinked and an improper set-up of these features will not only impact on after-cut appearance but can negatively affect plant health. The greater the BCD, the more aggressive the cut because the grass blade will be “dragged” prior to it being trapped between the bedknife and reel. An

aggressive cut also means a shorter cut as the leaf blade is lifted “up and back” prior to shearing. For a less aggressive cut, the bedknife is positioned much closer to the reel.

Frequency of clip (FOCis the distance between mower shear points,determinedbythenumber of reel blades, rotational speed and the mowers forward speed. FOC is important in ensuring the correctqualityisachievedforthe specifi c height of cut. One should also consider the leaf’s moisture content – a high clip rate on a less rigid leaf can cause mulching. The ability to alter FOC is thus advantageous.

The Cub Cadet INFINICUT has been specifically designed to handle the numerous variables that modern day sports venues encounter. Its ingenuous ability to alter geometry and working parameters ensures sward consistencyisattainedregardless of the time of year or conditions encountered. Plant health can only be augmented by choosing the correct equipment set-up for the circumstances that prevail at any given time.

Superior turf care with SCH

The SCH (Supplies) Ltd ‘D’ Turf Care System is a heavy-duty range which is ideal for use on sports pitches or any other large areas of turf.

Various attachments are available including the Deep Mounted Slitter, the Mounted Deep Aerator, the Hollow Tine Corer the De-Thatching Rake, the Sorrel Roller and a version of the slitter that has individually replaceable tines.

The

New Hyundai heavy duty wheeled loader

wheeled loader technology, and has been designed with the waste handling and recycling industries in mind, which are experiencing a high growth rate in Europe and North America.The new HL960 HD has an operating weight of 19,300 kg (42,549 Ib) and at the heart of the new machine is the very latest Stage IV Cummins QSB6.7 electronically controlled diesel engine with a net power of 222 hp (166 kW) at 2,200 rpm.

There is also a weight tray which is used to add weight for extra penetration or can be used to carry tools.

SCH Supplies

See our landscape mainenance range at www.kuhn-amenitypro.co.uk

MTD

Hyundai has recently launched a brand new heavy duty wheeled loader – the HL960 HD.

This new addition to the Hyundai range offers the very best in

Hyundai BP

Compact multi-purpose rear mounted shredder, available in working widths from 2.37 to 3.03 metres.

carrying frame is three point linkage mounted (category 1) and has a fl oating roller to push back divots without closing the penetrations made by the attachments.

AllGrass Turf Care put trust in Campey machines

Scottish turf contractors AllGrass Turf Care, part of the Allstone Glasgow Group, wanted to invest in the latest technology when starting their business, so opted for multiple Campey Turf Care Systems machines.

This purchase included a new 5th generation Koro→ FIELDTOPMAKER→ (Koro→ FTM→) fitted with a Terraplane rotor, Raycam Uni-Rake and Dakota spreader to name a few.

The new 2.5m Koro→ FTM→ with Terraplane→ rotor provides total surface clean up and

removes organic matter using carbide tipped blades and leaves a level surface to work on as part of a high-quality renovation.

Although the machinery decisions were made based on decades worth of experience, AllGrass director John Rushforth also listened to the needs of groundsmen and sought advice from others in the industry, such as Premier Pitches owner Carl Pass and director Russell Latham.

For a new company, the importance of picking the correct machines for a first fleet is vital and

it was the trust in Campey as well as John’s own experience and the advice from others in the industry thatmadeitaneasydecision

“I’ve got a massive amount of confi dence in Richard Heywood, Richard Campey and Campey as a company,” he said.

“Throughout my career, it’s always been Campey I’ve dealt with and I knew the Koro→ FTM→ was a good machine.

“The 5th generation Koro→ FTM→2.5modelisphenomenal. It’sabreathoffreshairwhenyou take a machine on a park and it leaves it clean regardless if the conditions are dry or damp. The machines have all been exactly what we wanted, we’ve not been disappointed in one bit of kit, we’re actually looking to purchaseanotherDakotaspreader and probably a ShockWave.”

Campey Turf Care Systems

Ernest Doe announced as latest Etesia dealer

The Ernest Doe branch in Esher has been appointed as a new Etesia dealer and will be distributing Etesia’s complete product range throughout Surrey. The renowned Ernest Doe brand can be traced all the way back to June 1898 when Ernest took the lease on a blacksmiths shop at Ulting near Maldon, Essex. From this small shop, work in those days consisted mainly of shoeing horses and repairing agricultural implements

Insistent on working only with the most reliable and top performing brands, Ernest Doe is delighted to be working with Etesia – according to general sales manager Andy Turbin.

“Etesia is a brand that we have known about for a number of years and we have a lot of customers who use the equipment so we thought it would be good to get the franchise and support these customers. Quite simply, it seemed a great opportunity for us.

“The Esher branch has a massive customer base including contractors and local authorities –so the Etesia equipment will be ideal for them.”

Specialists in manufacturing high quality grass cutting machinery for both the professional and domestic market, Etesia’s extensive range of products have

been in consistent high demand for a number of years. It is for this reason that the company’s vast dealer network continues to grow. From the UK to Ireland, Etesia dealers are providing their customers with innovative solutions for their green space requirements.

Etesia UK

GreenMech’s new Arb150 petrol model ticks all the boxes

Wiltshire Countryside Services have become the latest company to purchase an Arb 150p from GreenMech.

For Owner Adam Lonsdale, his decision was swayed not only by the build quality and back-up service available from GreenMech compared to the alternatives available in the current market, but also by the superior performance of this petrol version.

When his local dealer GA Groundcare took on the GreenMech franchise last year, Adam went with his wish-list

and was excited to see what was available. “We’d had a demo of both the diesel and petrol Arborist 130 machines, when Ashley mentioned that a 38hp petrol model was then about to launch.

“After seeing the Arborist 150p at the Arb Show I knew that was the one I wanted and bought it without even having a demo.”

In addition to the significant cost saving over the diesel equivalent, Adam was particularly impressed with the output performance achieved whilst still keeping the unit under 750kg. “The sub 750kg weight means my

colleague or anyone else can tow it without a special license. Also, because the majority of our work is domestic tree surgery, it can be towed by a Land Rover, quadbike or alternative right to the spot where it’s required, leaving a minimal footprint on lawns and gardens.”

GreenMech

Dennis Mowers prepares for 2018 World Cup

A whole fleet of Dennis G860 cylinder mowers is already making their mark in Russia before the England squad fly out for the 2018 World Cup finals.

After being selected as the official mower at the two most recent FIFA World Cup’s in South Africa and Brazil, the 2018 tournament in Russia is the third successive World Cup that the Dennis G860 has been selected as the mower of choice.

A staggering 88 Dennis mowers will have the task of preparing stadium and training complex pitches for the world’s greatest football players throughout the tournament while some venues will also utilise the Dennis Premier in conjunction with the G860 for matchday preparation.

Seven of the 11 stadiums will use Dennis mowers, including those hosting the quarter finals, the semi-finals and the final, and 70% of the training camps will also be maintained by Dennis.

AS 940 SHERPA 4WD RC: THE WORLD‘S FIRST RIDEON MOWER WITH ALL-WHEEL DRIVE AND REMOTE CONTROL

Mow difficult terrain safely. For more than 50 years AS-Motor have been working continuously on new technologies and the systematic further development of its mowers. We are proud to present this unique mower to our customers, the AS 940 Sherpa 4WD RC the world’s first ride-on mower with remote control.

For significantly more safety and convenience on steep slopes, on difficult terrain, on areas that are difficult to access, and wherever mowing was previously too difficult.

Whether in manual operation or remote controlled, with the AS 940 Sherpa 4WD RC you mow high grass and steep slopes conveniently, safely and economically.

PSD Groundscare Ltd

Tel: 01282 856819

Email: sales@psdgroundscare.com Web: www.psdgroundscare.com

Steven Rienks – managing director of Queens Grass, who are the official Dennis dealer in Russia, has orchestrated proceedings and admits it is a proud moment for himself and his company.

“This is the greatest show on earth and is not just another contract. Yes, it is fantastic to be a part of it but it is also a responsibility,” he says. “After

all, the quality of play depends on the quality of the pitch.

“But this is why the G860 has been chosen – due to the quality and the presentation it offers. They all want that perfect stripe whichtheG860providesbecause theyknowitwillbewatchedbya worldwide audience.”

Dennis

Euroflor brings a swathe of value-for-money colour to berkshire golf course

As part of Course Manager Matt Aplin’s strategy to improve the ecological footprint of the Goring and Streatley Golf Club, the “amazingly colourful results” of sowing Euroflor urban meadow flowers “attracted as many complimentary comments about the outstanding display of colour as about the quality and performance of our greens”, he says.

“That was in a year when the course was magnificent – it was looking immaculate and was playing very well - so the display of wildflowers obviously made a massive impression on everyone who saw them,” he adds.

Since Matt was appointed Course Manager at the Berkshire club in 2015 – after joining the greenkeeping team as an apprentice 20 years ago – he has constantly been looking for opportunities to improve the course’s ecological footprint and last year identified a rough area adjacent to the 14th hole that he wanted to improve.

“I was bouncing my thoughts about the possible use of wildflowers off Gareth Acteson,

Rigby Taylor’s area sales director, and he suggested that the Euroflor mix (rather than native species) might work better in that spot.

“The Sarah Bouquet mix of annuals was chosen – and that was definitely a wise move because a few months after sowing the area was awash with colour.”

Sarah Bouquet is a mix of 30 different species, including Anethum Graveolens, Borago Officinalis, Callistephus Chinensis, Helianthus Annuus, Helichrysum Bracteatum, Lobularia Maritima, Lupinus Nanus and Rudbeckia Gloriosa, and has a flowering height of 70-90 cms.

Adding that he uses a lot of Rigby Taylor products on the 18-hole, par 71 course, not least the R9 100% ultra-fine rye seed mix – “R9 has outstanding wear qualities, for example, and is the best seed on the market”, as well as the Propel-R wetting agent and a range of conventional and controlled-release fertilisers –Matt confirms:

“We didn’t do too much preparation for sowing the Euroflor seeds and we undoubtedly over-sowed in terms of seed ratio, but the impact was tremendous from June right through to October.

“That success, and the number of favourable comments we received, has spurred us to double

the overall amount of space sown with Euroflor wildflowers this year and because we have used less seed (perhaps just 65% of what we sowed last year on a similar-sized plot), we will effectively have double the amount of colour for a relatively low additional cost.”

Another way in which Matt recovered some of the cost of

the outlay on seed was to resell small Discovery packs (also supplied by Rigby Taylor) of the wildflower seeds. “After seeing the flowers a number of members wanted the seeds for their own gardens,” says Matt.

The cost savings to the club have also been aided by the fact that at the end of last season

Matt cut down the plants and left them where they fell, to encourage natural seeding. “Already now [in May] some of last year’s seeds are 45 cms high”, he adds, “and that is as a result of using an annuals mix.That equates to real value for money.”

Rigby Taylor