Landscape & Amenity Product Update November 2019

New amenity standard set to be a game changer for the industry

At the 2019 Amenity Forum conference and exhibition, the new Amenity Standard was introduced, prior to its full formal launch from the beginning of 2020.

The Standard is akin to the Red Tractor in food and agriculture. Those operating to the Standard and displaying its logo will demonstrate their adherence to recognised assured standards in all tasks undertaken.

There is much greater public and political interest related to weed, pest and disease management, especially linked to chemical use.

The reasons why chemicals need to be used, as part of a fully integrated approach, in seeking to provide safe, healthy amenity spaces and sports surfaces, is not always clear to the public and stakeholders.

The wider public users of amenity spaces need to have clear assurances that all those involved in creating and maintaining safe, healthy sports grounds and other amenity spaces, operate at the highest professional standards;

and whether using chemical or non-chemical methods, such operations are undertaken by competent, trained personnel following well designed and managed plans.

The Amenity Standard is a bespoke quality management standard that has been developed, as a partnership, by all sides of the amenity sector. Those operating to the Standard will be committed to an integrated approach to amenity management and to the highest professional standards.

They will be members of an approved assurance scheme recognised by the Standard. The cost of operating the Standard is covered by fees from providers of these recognised assurance schemes and there will be no extra cost to individual organisations.

The Amenity Standard will be operated by the Amenity Forum who will maintain, review and regularly update matters as required. They will audit each scheme operator to quality assure that they are operating to agreed standards.

In turn, the scheme operators audit their members and approved organisations to assure that they are meeting the requirements of the Amenity Standard.

At its launch, three Assurance Schemes are to be recognised by the Standard – the Property Care Association Scheme for Invasive Weed Management and two schemes offered by BASIS Registration, Lawn Assured and Amenity Assured.

The aim is for more schemes to be recognised as the Standard develops so that all sectors of amenity are covered.

The need to move quickly on this is recognised by the sector. Clearly embedding the Amenity Standard will need time; it is not a quick fix. Its introduction will need to be accompanied by a communication strategy both externally and internally.

However, if this step is not taken, the great progress made to date in increasing the recognition of the professionalism within the amenity sector may be threatened. It will not always be easy, but it is the right step, at the right time.

Amenity Forum

The Amenity Standard is designed to:

Provide an industry benchmark

• Provide a basis for continuous improvement

• Focus

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Designed by Furnitubes’ design team, RailRoad is an increasingly popular modular seating range that includes straight and curved units, in three different sizes

RailRoad is available as conventional independent seating forms, but combining modules for longer continuous seating runs is a unique feature of the range.

Linking common modules gives geometric layouts, such as full or part circles and wave shapes with curved units. Mixing straight and curved modules of different sizes offers endless configuration possibilities.

•

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Furnitubes

Government confirms new funding for pocket parks

Reflecting on the benefits that parks and green spaces bring to local life, the government has confirmed further new funding for another round of the pocket parks programme, helping communities transform unloved, neglected or derelict urban areas into new green spaces.

Reimagined spaces will be used for everything from children’s play areas, to vegetable patches and community events, benefiting the mental and physical health of people who use them.

Funded projects will be led by community groups, in partnership with local authorities, to refurbish parks and encourage

community activities.This is part of the government’s ambition to ensure that communities have a real sense of identity and place, and that everyone has the opportunity to enjoy green spaces nearby. An additional £1.35 million has been made available for local communities.

It follows an initial £3.7 million fund was created for new pocket parks and to allow the refurbishment of existing parks. Winners were announced in March 2019 with over 150 communities right across the country receiving funding.

Parks Alliance

Dennis G860

Welcome...

Welcome to winter! More importantly, if you are reading this at SALTEX 2019, welcome to the show and pop along to say hello to the team from TSP Media on stand C065.

It has been another busy and successful year so far for the industry as a whole and SALTEX will once again highlight the continued investment with a wide range of new products and service to be launched. The Eco Village and the incorporation of innovative new technology in a variety of different products promises to be one of the most interesting features at the NEC.

But there have been a number of other significant landmarks throughout 2019 – from the greater recognition from Government about the importance of parks and green spaces, to the announcement of a new industry standard at the recent Amenity Forum conference.

All of these make important contributions to strengthening our industry and showcasing the world-leading expertise, products and services originating from the UK.

This month we have our regular Professional Groundscare supplement, providing further evidence of why the rest of the world continues to look at the UK to set the benchmark for quality and best practice.

In the supplement we have product spotlights on Fertilisers and Natural Turf Management, whilst elsewhere throughout this month’s issue we also look at a wide range of important industry areas, from Grass Seeds & Wildflowers to Hard Landscaping & Aggregates. We look forward to catching up with familiar faces and friends at SALTEX and during the winter and various other events and conferences. And if you want to learn more about how we look to promote this important national industry pop onto stand C065 at SALTEX or make contact with the team at any time.

Editor

Paul Groves,

Public chooses its top ten UK parks

More than 45,000 votes were cast in Green Flag Award’s UK 2019 People’s Choice vote.

With more than 1,800 sites to choose from – all of which meet the standards demanded by the international Green Flag Award programme – the public have chosen their ten favourites.

Included in this year’s list of winners for the first time are Valentines Park, managed by Vision Redbridge, and Hollycroft Park, managed by Hinckley and Bosworth Council.

Paul Todd, Green Flag Award manager for Keep Britain Tidy, said: “We know that parks matter to people and that receiving a Green Flag Award brings a real sense of achievement and pride to staff,

volunteers and the community. The number of people that took the time to vote for their favourite park is testament to how much these spaces are valued and we congratulate this year’s top ten.”

Viscount Younger - Parks and Green Spaces Minister from the UK Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government said: “Britain’s parks and green spaces are peaceful havens for people of all ages - places to meet neighbours, fi nd relaxation, to exercise and learn about nature and the environment.

“It is fantastic to see so many people support and cheer their favourite parks every year for the Green Flag Award People’s Choice vote.”

Automower robots amaze manor guests

Buckinghamshire’s Waddesdon Manor has recently turned to Husqvarna Automower to maintain a complex grass maze situated in the middle of a wild grass area at the property.

This summer, the gardens team of Waddesdon Manor saw the opportunity to install a grass maze at the location and were keen to explore an automated solution in order to keep the walkway section of the maze maintained.

The use of automated technology was important to the team’s plans due to the location and the amount of time it would take to maintain the maze. Because of the distance between the maze and the team’s machinery sheds, this presented a problem. Furthermore, as the maze area was complex to cut, it would take a lot longer for the team to complete.

Authorised Husqvarna dealer, RT Machinery, provided advice on Husqvarna Automower and completed an initial assessment

followed by an expert installation which required two Husqvarna Automower products to be installed in order to deal with the complexities of the maze.

This installation was challenging for the obvious reason of the maze’s layout but also because the machines needed to find their way home to their respective charging points. Typically, the mowers would have guide wires to guide them to their charging station, however blind alleys meant this couldn’t be done –further increasing the challenge.

Waddesdon Manor is part of a growing list of locations across the UK putting their faith in Husqvarna Automower.

These range from municipalities (Edinburgh, London & Glasgow), botanic gardens, multi-national headquarters, stately homes, sports facilities, universities & schools and zoos & animal parks.

Husqvarna

“These awards celebrate the dedication of all those in the community who work tirelessly to ensure the whole community can enjoy the best of what our parks have to offer. Thank you and congratulations to everyone behind this year’s favourites.”

The Green Flag Award is managed by Keep Britain Tidy, under licence from the UK Ministry of Housing Communities and Local Government.

Originating in England in 1996, today the Green Flag Award proudly flies above more than 2,000 places in over 15 countries around the world.

Green Flag Award

• Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council

• Clifton Park

• Elsecar Park and Local Reservoir Nature Reserve

• Halton Metropolitan Borough Council

• Harlow District Council

• Harlow Town Park

• Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council

• Hollycroft Park

• London Borough of Tower Hamlets

• Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council

• South Lanarkshire Council

• Strathaven Park

• University of Essex

• University of Essex Wivenhoe Park

• Valentines Park

• Victoria Park (Tower Hamlets)

• Victoria Park (Widnes)

• Vision Redbridge

• Warley Woods

• Warley Woods Community Trust

The ten winners of the 2019 UK People’s Choice Award are (in alphabetical order):

SoilsCon promotes sustainable soil practices

Over 130 delegates at SoilsCon 2019 heard key industry speakers promote sustainable soil practices in landscaping and construction.

Housebuilders, landscape architects, garden designers, contractors, and topsoil suppliers attended the fourth annual soils conference at Phyllis Court, Henley-on-Thames, organised by soil scientist and landscape consultant Tim O’Hare.

Delegate feedback showed that the subjects covered, including using soils sustainably in landscape projects, the management and preparation of back garden soils, and recycling and conditioning topsoil, were particularly relevant to the audience.

Tim O’Hare’s practice, based in Wallingford, Oxfordshire, has provided soil science consultancy to some of the country’s highest profile public realm landscape schemes, including the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, Chavasse Park Liverpool, King’s Cross Regeneration, and Jubilee Gardens.

The practice’s overseas projects are extensive and include Commonwealth Park in Gibraltar, Parque Central in Valencia, Dubai Expo 2020 and Oman Botanic Gardens.

The speakers for 2019 provided delegates with knowledge across a range of soil-related subjects that will enable them to take a more holistic approach to working with soils sustainably.

SoilsCon has proved, once again, that there is a real urgency amongst landscape and construction professionals to improve their understanding of soils and how to use them in a more sustainable way.

Tim O’Hare commented: “This year’s conference was incredibly informative and provided a rounded approach to using soils more sustainably.

“It was obvious from the comments we received on the day, and in the feedback, that delegates appreciated the breadth of subject matter and went away much better informed and able to apply the knowledge in their work.

“I am indebted to the amazing speakers who without exception brought the subject to life for those in the audience and I hope that many of those who attended will now actively support the work of the Sustainable Soils Alliance in its mission to seek fundamental change in the way soils are regarded and treated.”

SoilsCon

Executive Hire Show 2020 kicks off to a great start

The tool, equipment and compact plant hire industry continues to go from strength to strength following reports from the organisers of the Executive Hire Show 2020 (5-6 February Ricoh Arena, Coventry).

During the annual exhibitor ‘Kick-Off’ meeting, at the Show’s established home at the Ricoh Arena, which took place on 10th October, the team reported that an impressive 142 exhibitors had already signed up for the 2020 Show and the event is already 87% sold.

The meeting was well attended, with exhibitors both old and new taking time out of their busy schedules, to attend the event.

Team members from exhibiting companies including Thwaites, Altrad Belle, Hire Association Europe (HAE), HSC (Hire Supply Company), Shindaiwa, Insphire Ltd, Bomag and many more made the journey to the Ricoh.

It was also the first time that many of the exhibitors in attendance had the opportunity to meet with the brand-new members of the Executive Hire Show team.

Visit www. executivehireshow. co.uk for more details on the show, the Road Shows and a full exhibitor list. And put the 5th and 6th February 2020 in your diary.

Executive Hire Show

Award-winning tree professionals trust in Timberwolf

Timberwolf wood chippers are the machine of choice for award-winning arboriculture and horticulture services company, Gadd Brothers Trees and Landscapes.

Gadd Brothers Trees and Landscapes is a successful tree surgery and landscaping partnership, based in Great Barton, Suffolk, run by brothers James and Will Gadd.

PCA organises international invasive weed conference

The 2019 International Invasive Weed Conference will bring industry experts together on Thursday 21st November 2019 charting the changing perspective, current challenges and emerging issues facing the invasive weed sector.

Learn from industry-leading professionals and develop your knowledge through presentations and debates. Connect and engage

with like-minded individuals over the course of the day as we discuss the Challenges –Solutions – Developments facing the invasive weed industry.

The 2019 International Invasive Weed Conference is again being held at The University of Warwick, Coventry (near Birmingham), UK.

PCA Conference

Since the company was founded ten years ago, they have enjoyed a close relationship with Timberwolf. The company started out with the Timberwolf TW 150DHB Sub-750kg diesel wood chipper, eventually replacing this machine with its successor the TW 230DHB.

ACTIS

Simple, economical mounted sprayer with tank capacities from 100 to 400 litres.

The Timberwolf TW 230DHB diesel wood chipper is the most popular commercial wood chipper on the market today. Similar to many owners and operators, James Gadd favours the reliable Kubota V1505 diesel engine used by the TW 230DHB.

Like many in the industry, the Gadd Brothers Trees and Landscapes team were concerned over the future of diesel wood chippers following the introduction of Stage V emissions legislation earlier this year. Timberwolf’s ‘All the Facts, #NoOmissions’ Campaign helped them understand that wood chippers using pre-Stage V engines can still be used and traded after the legislation came into effect.

Timberwolf

See

The patented Sudstech system has a unique rubber subbase which allows fines to agitate through the surface ensuring continued porosity at a rate of more than 80,000 litres per metre, per hour.

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www.sudstech.co.uk

Get to work for less this season with 0% available now on Kubota’s range of compact tractors including the BX, B, ST and L Series. Developed from the ground up, Kubota’s range of robust and versatile compact tractors deliver exceptional power output, a host of performance enhancing features and unrivalled reliability for consistent, economic performance all year round.

Town centres getting ready for Christmas Markets once again

As town centres and market squares around the country begin to get ready for the annual Christmas markets again, the story of the historic Hitchin Market Square that was featured in the last edition of LAPU will be of interest to the responsible Local Authorities, their professional advisors and contractors.

In 2017 a detailed eight-year durability evaluation of the Granite Sett Paving was carried out with site inspections by the team from PavingExpert.com.

The Historic Hitchin Market paving refurbishment and repointing in 2010 was carried out using GftK’s vdw 850 plus Paving Joint Mortar, following extensive evaluations, trials of all available products for 12 months by the responsible engineers, and now in 2019, just as in the inspection two years ago, after 10 years in full service, it is still look good, performing in all weather conditions and under frequent heavy trafficking in this busy market square!

“After 8 years it looks like it was jointed yesterday,” were the

words from www.PavingExpert. com when they visited to inspect the paving refurbishment eight years on.

“The paving had been patched and pointed, re-pointed and grouted, glued and all sorts over the years, but nothing lasted long. They might get a couple of years, but before you knew it, the setts were a rocking and rolling all over again. Faced with the prospect of having to lift and re-lay the whole square, at huge cost, the Local Authority and their Consultants undertook some tests and decided to have one last roll of the dice with what looked like a very promising product: VDW 850 resin jointing mortar by NCC Streetscape.”

The work could continue and be completed using the GftK’s unique vdw 850 paving joint mortar, even in the cold, wet and unpredictable November weather.

This unique product is based on ideally graded, water dispersed, epoxy resin coated and bound, alluvial, no-fines quartz sand. Nofines means no-dust produced in mixing either, very important for

occupied streets with people and businesses continuing to work.

Also, the contractor could continue to work with no disruption to the weather and minimal disruption to local business and their customers.

Any traditional or prepacked cement based, or single-pack paving pointing mortar would be useless and doomed to failure.

As a result, this month after 10 years in service, the historic granite sett paving is still looking great, a valuable asset to the town; most importantly it will also continue to do so.

Green screens provide instant impact

Green-tech has supplied 36 1.8m x 1.2m green screens to Kings Landscapes as part of their extensive landscape plans for a new housing estate in the historic town of Wellingborough in Northamptonshire.

Bovis Homes, an established name in British building is building homes on the Stanton Cross estate which is being heralded as an exciting, brandnew community.

Once complete it will provide more than 3,650 new homes, 1.5m sq ft of industrial, leisure, retail and office space and create around 3,000 new jobs. It will also bring new public parks, schools, a doctor’s surgery and much more.

Leading Landscape Contractor Kings Landscapes was contracted to complete the extensive landscaping on behalf of Bovis Homes. This included finding a way to screen off a concrete retaining wall which was visible from the road. They wanted a solution that would provide instant impact and turned to Greentech for advice.

Green-tech suggested and supplied their Ivy Green Screens which are perfect for landscaping work or projects where an instant privacy green fence is required.

They are simply inserted into the ground without the requirement for pot or planter and they have specially selected growing media which contains controlled release fertiliser and wetting agents to aid rapid establishment.

Hultafors Group acquires Custom LeatherCraft

The Hultafors Group which owns Snickers Workwear has acquired CLC.

The leading brand in the USA since 1983, CLC is North America’s premier designer, developer and marketer of ‘work gear’ for professional tradesmen and women.

It’s a product range that includes softside tool carriers, nail bags, tool pouches plus personal protective equipment

Custom LeatherCraft, or CLC as the brand is more commonly know in the USA – and as the Kuny’s Leather brand in Canada - prides itself on developing high

“The location was next to a balancing pond so the operatives had to wear harnesses, lanyards and life jackets to ensure their safety during the installation. The screens are very effective and we would defi nitely use them again.”

Green-tech’s green screens are cost effective, quick to install and are excellent alternatives to fencing. They are available in a range of heights, up to 3 metres.

Green-tech

quality ‘work gear’ that combines innovative design and functionality as well as great value for money.

Ian Davis, Contracts Manager from Kings Landscapes commented: “The installation went well. Fresh topsoil was installed and trenches dug ready so the installation was quick and easy.

Hultafors

NCC

Our new, powerful 522 X-series of hedge trimmers are not only stronger than ever. They’re also lightweight and comfortable to use, so you can keep going with perfect precision – hour after hour. Allowing you to transform even the unruliest of hedges into pure beauty.

Aggregate Industries adds a splash of colour to Dogs Trust with blue concrete

“Its robust, hard-wearing properties make it perfect for being subjected to dogs at play time, and is much easier to maintain than painted surfaces. We’re delighted to be part of this project that will bring improved facilities to the dogs while they await adoption.”

ECOPROTEC Blackstone turns back the clock at George & Dragon

LTP has helped the George & Dragon restore the paving of its popular south-facing beer garden in Dartmouth.

As part of a larger, ongoing project, leading construction materials supplier Aggregate Industries has supplied Dogs Trust in Darlington with coloured concrete to brighten up its new outdoor play space.

The 5m3 of Artevia concrete in ‘ocean blue’ forms the base of a water run in the rescue and adoption centre’s yard, and is part of a complete site rebuild that will also include 1500m3 of standard concrete from Aggregate Industries.

The build, undertaken as part of a wider partnership between Dogs Trust and award-winning civil engineers McPhillips

(Wellington) Ltd, started in June 2018. Phase one is complete, and the second and final phase will be fully completed in June 2020.

Once improvements are fi nalised, the site will feature a greater number of kennels, a dedicated training and behaviour centre, and a hydrotherapy pool for dogs recovering from injury.

Terry Scott, Territory Sales Manager, Ready-Mixed Concrete at Aggregate Industries, said: “Our Artevia concrete was the ideal solution to add some colour to the yard at Dogs Trust’s adoption centre.

Sue Embleton, Rehoming Centre Manager at Dogs Trust Darlington, said: “We are delighted that phase one of the build has been completed, and we are already seeing our residents enjoying the surfaces provided by Aggregate Industries.

“The new centre will boast a state-of-the-art hydrotherapy pool where dogs can be aided in recovery if they have undergone surgery or have long-term mobility problems.

“There will be a new training and play area where dogs can spend valuable time with their designated canine carers.”

Aggregate Industries

New steel edging by EverEdge for all shapes and sizes

EverEdge steel edging and planters can be specified to almost any shape and size to suit all projects.

Available in a range of finishes including galvanised, cor-ten and painted in a choice of colours.

EverEdge has a product perfect for all designs from classic lawn edging up to the largest of steel walls and planters for public projects including hospitals, schools and private roof and courtyard gardens.

The Kandla Black natural limestone paving – after just three years exposure to the Devon sunlight and weathering – had faded from its original ’black’ / dark grey to an innocuous light grey.

LTP’s ECOPROTEC Blackstone sealer and restorer was chosen to restore the stone’s dark finish and aesthetic contrast between the paving and white walls with grey/green structural steelwork and roof tiles.

The George & Dragon has been a public house for over 200 years and its large paved beer garden is next to and bordered by a historic natural stone wall, once the end of the former shipyards on the foreshore.

The venue’s tardis-like interior now blends old and new, with

many original features, as does the paved beer garden that is popular for alfresco dining and live music in the summer.

ECOPROTEC Blackstone is a safe, water-dispersed, impregnating, colour enhancing paving sealer that is applied in 2-3 coats - before being ‘cut-back’ with a dilute

solution of LTP Powerstripper to give a uniform finish.

The treated surface can be walked on just four hours after the final application and can be returned to normal use within one or two days.

LTP

EverEdge can help with the design phase of projects by offering 25 years of practical experience.

EverEdge

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Ecologically friendly landscaping themed All Urban’s first pop up exhibition

Landscaping and architectural practices around the UK are declaring climate emergencies, but how can landscape architects radically adapt their plans to combat this urgent issue?

All Urban invited experts to deliver talks which helped equip professionals with the knowledge and practical steps needed on how to achieve this.

Jeff Sorrill from Green Estates CIC presented on green roofs and gave practical tips on how to successfully introduce plants onto buildings. Lighting Consultant Brian Healy concluded with an informative presentation on how to create ecologically friendly lighting schemes, explaining the industries previous misconceptions about blue LED lighting.

new SIP profiling technique used to incorporate the public space’s landscape characteristics into the form of the playsculpture design.

the unique opportunity to see the public interacting with the products around the gardens.

In September, All Urban hosted their first pop-up exhibition at the Sheffield Botanical Gardens, which included an expert lead itinerary of industry talks themed around the topic of how to create ecologically friendly landscaping schemes.

Landscape architects and urban planners were invited from around the country to attend the day which also featured marketing-leading supplier talks, and a guided tour of All Urban’s world-class product exhibition curated around the gardens.

Dr. Ross Cameron, Senior Lecturer Landscape Management, Ecology & Design from the prestigious landscape architecture department at the University of Sheffield held an open discussion about what climate change looks like and offered helpful tips like using plant groups that can withstand the increased temperatures.

All Urban’s leading suppliers were also on-hand to explain how their high-quality products are the sustainable choice for long-term, low-maintenance hardscaping in the public realm.

World-renowned Santa & Cole Urbidermis introduced their new outdoor products and moveart founder Norbert announced the

FinBin explained how their sustainable next-generation smart bin worked and Handspring Design showcased their impressive catalogue of bespoke timber projects. The recently launched Christie public barbecue was used to cook lunch and dinner for the guests, who got the unique opportunity to see the super-safe electric cooktop in action!

The whole event was coordinated with climate in mind, with equipment hired where possible to reduce disposable waste and left over food donated to the Archer project, a local charity that helps people in Sheffield who are experiencing homelessness. The event received glowing reviews from attendees who commenting on

Gerry McGee, Sales Director of All Urban concludes, “We are really pleased with the successes of our first pop-up exhibition which demonstrates that we are more than just a landscaping product supplier.

“We will continue to deliver projects that educate, inform and help the landscaping industry to tackle modern challenges.All the talks from the event will be made accessible via the All Urban Youtube channel and we welcome the industry to watch and share them. Lighting Consultant Brian Healy is also available to attend practices around the UK to deliver his educational 45 minute talk, and we urge practices to register their interest.”

Zaun renews with Secured by Design

Zaun Limited is the latest company to renew its membership with Secured by Design (SBD), the national police crime prevention initiative.

Zaun offers a complete service from initial site survey through to manufacture in the UK and distribution globally to a host of countries. Both their standard and bespoke systems are high quality and are used by corporate, residential and local authority sectors.

The UK’s largest water and waste company has recently awarded two multi-millionpound perimeter protection contracts to Zaun. The first contract is for the design of perimeter protection for seven sites and the second contract is to supply and install around 11km of perimeter protection for four of the seven sites.

Zaun will supply its SBD accredited ArmaWeave woven mesh fencing system around the perimeters and various compounds and buildings. ArmaWeave – which is unique to Zaun – is one of Zaun’s

most intruder-resistant products and is produced on the world’s largest mesh weaving machine at the company’s West Midlands manufacturing base.

SBD is part of Police Crime Prevention Initiatives (PCPI), a police owned organisation that works on behalf of the Police Service to deliver a wide range of crime prevention and demand reduction initiatives across the UK. PCPI is a not-for-profit organisation and Board Members include senior police officers from each of the four Home Nations who control and direct the work PCPI carries out on behalf of the Police Service.

Products must be subject to rigorous testing and additionally be fully certificated by an independent, third-party certification body accredited by the United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS) before being allowed to carry the SBD logo - this is the only way for companies to obtain police accreditation for securityrelated products in the UK.

Zaun Limited

All Urban

www.star-rubber.co.uk

Surfacing

Star Rubber Environmental Ltd are the soul manufactures of the market leading mulch product TigerMulch, the original mulch brand has been developed using a systematic process, earning it a premium product status. Suppling and installing TigerMulch across the UK and Europe, our installers as well as our trained licensees can provide an amazing range of colour blends installed to your needs meeting all UK and European standards.

Star Rubber also install amazingly detailed EPDM wet pour, our amazing attention to fine detail matched with our knowledge of products and surfaces has meant many of our customers come back again and again.

Tools

Tools for wet pour layers, made by wet pour layers. We’ve spent the last decade designing and developing a range of tools which we know will work in the industry, from speaking to installers across the country and beyond to having our own installation teams involved in the design, development and testing stages we have developed many tools and products to solve the varied challenges that installing wet pour presents.

Play

Star Buddies are an amazing new innovative form of play being introduced to schools, nursery and public spaces. Made from the highest quality EPDM, matched with the market leading UV stable binder, these incredibly detailed animals give children a unique face to face play experience.

A range of 8 different animals is currently available alongside a range of 1/2 spheres and 3 sizes of rocks.

Exeter Chiefs get by with a little help from their friends –and Johnsons Sports Seed

A change in career is a daunting prospect, but it can often be made easier with training and support from new industry peers.

For Max Sandford, a joiner by trade, he is swiftly learning ‘all things turf’ after taking over as Head Groundsman at Exeter Chiefs Rugby Club 18 months ago.

One of those trusted contacts is Ian Barnett of DLF Seeds who has supported Max with the Johnsons J Premier Pitch, in use across the club’s stadium and training facilities.

“The world of grass seed was very new to me” Max explains, when he accepted the top job in early 2018. “Ian, our regional DLF Technical Manager, together with my local distributor have spent a lot of time going back to basics, looking at cultivars and mixture qualities which has given me a much better understanding.

The support has been invaluable and has certainly given me enough of an insight to see that the Johnsons mixtures are doing a fantastic job!” A combination of J Premier Pitch and the ProNitro coated version, J Nitro Premier Pitch, have been used across the site for the last seven years. “We carry out a full renovation on both pitches each year after the final game and overseed roughly every six to eight weeks, depending on the time of year and pitch usage.”

“I am very impressed with the germination, the density of coverage and the strong colour we achieve year on year. The wear tolerance is a major factor for rugby, especially in the scrummaging areas, but the J Premier Pitch holds firm which is testament to the strength of the rooting.” On the back of Ian’s advice, Max is looking forward to trying Johnsons J 4Turf mixture for the first time this winter, to deliver deeper rooting and rapid establishment even under low soil temperatures.

Max concludes, “I enjoy reading about what other groundsmen are using and when I see Johnson’s mixtures used at leading facilities around the country, I feel confident that I’m sourcing the best products I can for the club. Ultimately, I’ve found if you ask the right people the right questions, you will get the right answers!”

DLF Seeds

Johnsons Lawn Seed unveils Accelerator

Johnsons Lawn Seed has unveiled a major innovation in seed treatment technology that meets the needs of consumers who increasingly demand lawns that germinate and establish quickly.

Quick Lawn with Acceleratortreated seed offers three key benefits: rapid germination; faster lawn establishment; and requires just a third of the amount of water that’s usually needed for lawn establishment. The result is a strong, thick and healthy lawn – even in cold or wet conditions.

Suitable for creating a new lawn from scratch or for overseeding, the unique Accelerator treatment contains a wetting agent that speeds-up the absorption of water by helping it to penetrate the waxy surface of a grass seed faster, spurring it into growth.

The clever technology rapidly directs a carefully formulated blend of biostimulants in the seed coating – including seaweed extract,

humic acids, amino acids, micronutrients and root developers – into the seed. Not only does this get lawns off to a flying start, but it delivers 38% more grass within the first seven days, compared to noncoated seed. Once the lawn has established, growth returns to a normal level for domestic grass.

Johnsons Lawn Seed

John Chambers Wildflower meadow at Burncross Community Garden

Green-tech has supplied John Chambers Wildflower Seed to a community project in Burncross, which lies just outside of Sheffield City Centre.

The neighbourhood is largely bounded by countryside with open fields and woods close by.

The local community has a group set up; the Burncross Action Team; dedicated volunteers who work tirelessly to improve their local area and community.

In 2017, as part of a Greening Great Britain initiative with the Royal

Horticultural Society, the Burncross Action Team approached the John Chambers Wildflower team to help them transform a forgotten ‘grey spot’ in Sheffield into a mini haven for wildlife.

The area had previously been used as storage for various materials and as a result it had a high salt content.

The team took this into consideration and supplied enough John Chambers Pro Cornfield Annuals and Pro Coastal 100% Wildflower mixes to cover an area of 500m².

MM60 superior for Stoke City FC

When Andy Jackson, grounds manager at Stoke City FC, trialled a number of different seed mixtures eight years ago, he felt that there was one in particular which was far superior and that was Limagrain UK’s MM60.

Andy oversees the maintenance of the pitch at the bet365 Stadium and all of the facilities at Clayton Wood, Stoke City FC’s Training Ground and Academy, which includes a further eleven natural pitches.

“We trialled MM60 eight years ago at the training ground and were very happy with what we saw,” he said.

“I felt that the MM seed was far superior to the other brands we were using and since then we have been 100% MM60 over both sites and that’s from renovation to overseeding throughout the winter.”

Limagrain’s MM60 grass seed is renowned for producing an excellent playing surface. It is a 100% Ryegrass formula which is perfect for renovation and divot repair, has a high disease resistance, fantastic aesthetic qualities and offers extremely fast germination – which is boosted by the inclusion of Headstart GOLD.

Limagrain

The John Chambers Pro Cornfield Annuals Rich 100% Wildflower Seed Mix and the John Chambers Pro Coastal 100% Wildflower Seed Mix has been designed and mixed with a range of wildflower seed for the professional installer.

The Pro-range includes mixes that include more commonly found species to suit a wide variety of growing conditions. These mixes provide a beautiful wildflower habitat, encouraging biodiversity in urban landscapes.

Green-tech

As David Carpenter takes over as chair of the Institute of Groundsmanship (IOG), he says his three-year tenure in the post will be a case of evolution not revolution.

“I see my role as being one of continuity and building on the excellent work of a great Board,” he says. “And one of the ways forward is by utilising every aspect of market intelligence possible so that the IOG can

continue to bang the drum for an industry that is highly-valued – in both annual turnover as well as in the worldwide reputations of those within it.”

With a pedigree of success in his former roles with the (as was) Sports Council and the Lottery Fund, David – who has been an IOG Board member for nine years - is certain he can make a difference.

He says that much of the ammunition for this campaign will come from the IOG’s most recent industry survey, ‘Groundsmanship – Sport’s Vital Profession’, the results of which will be released at SALTEX 2019.

“The research not only reveals the value of the industry but, among other things, also highlights an important area that really needs to be championed

set to be released

– and that’s the fact that not enough young people are taking up groundscare.

“That’s something I really want to change. The Young IOG Board has been a fantastic initiative, but we need to continue to lift the image and profi le of a career in this industry, and work hard to promote the sector, especially to the younger generation.

“It is clear that job satisfaction is high – once people enter this sector they tend to stay in it –but we must do more to not only address salaries but, importantly, to also promote the high skill sets that are required to maintain our sports surfaces.

“Today’s grounds professionals can justifiably be called turf scientists and their work is essential to the success of sport. That is a message that we must drum home again and again to the sports industry and to the general public.”

He continues: “One of my main roles will be to champion IOG initiatives like the Pitch Grading Framework (PGF), the programme that highlights the skills needed to maintain every level of natural sports turf surfaces, alongside the appropriate education and training pathways.

“I am adamant that this framework needs to be actively accepted by our partners, by sports clubs and especially by local authorities which in particular have been severely hit by a skills (and manpower) shortage.

“We have to improve the skills and knowledge of everyone involved in turf care. And we have to continue to raise the profile of the IOG and cement its status as the ‘go-to’ organisation for everything to do with turf care and playing surfaces. It will be a five- to 10-year programme and I can’t wait to get started.”

IOG

BIGGA members awarded ICL Scholarship New research shaped by industry

The British and International Golf Greenkeepers Association and ICL are pleased to announce the fi ve successful recipients of the fourth ICL Continue to Learn Scholarship.

The successful BIGGA members are: William Curran, greenkeeper, Beaverbrook Golf Club; Phil Worth, head greenkeeper, Macclesfield Golf Club; Thomas Tomlinson, assistant greenkeeper, Boldon Golf Club; Joe Lamb, assistant greenkeeper, West Herts Golf Club; and Melissa Winkworth, assistant greenkeeper, Goring and Streatley Golf Club.

BIGGA’s Head of Member Development Sami Strutt said: “We received 75 completed applications for this fantastic member opportunity. Whittling them down to just five has been a real challenge!

The recipients of the scholarship, sponsored by ICL, will benefit from both attending great education and networking with their peers.”

Ed Carter, ICL’s UK Sales and Development Manager, said: “The caliber of recipients each year has been outstanding and we’re delighted that these five ambitious BIGGA members will join our growing community of ICL Scholars.

“Each of the applicants were of a similarly high standard and the selection decision was extremely difficult, as always.”

Continue to Learn at BTME 2020 will take place at Harrogate Convention Centre from Sunday 19 – Wednesday 22 January 2020. The extensive education programme will run alongside BTME.

BTME

Golf course managers and greenkeepers have the unique opportunity to determine the direction of an innovative new research programme led by STRI and in association with BIGGA.

The Golf Research Enterprise (GREEN) is aimed at identifying and developing solutions to the problems facing turf management professionals now and in the future. The project is fully funded by STRI as part of its commitment to supporting the industry and the results will be made available to all.

BIGGA chief executive officer, Jim Croxton, said: “STRI are making a significant investment and we are delighted to be working alongside them. We urge everyone in the turf industry to get involved in this initiative”.

Crucially the decision as to what GREEN has to research

is down to you – the people who manage golf turf. What do you think are the most difficult turf management challenges, where a focused investigation could determine future best management practices?

The challenges of golf turf management are varied; they could be UK wide or may be very localised. What keeps you awake at night? What turf issue do you Google most? These are the issues GREEN would like to identify, investigate and disseminate the resulting knowledge for the good of the golfing industry.

All the responses will be prioritised and those of greatest concern will be presented and discussed at BTME 2020. The survey is open to all turf managers, you do not have to be a member of BIGGA to participate.

STRI

The importance of reducing spray drift

Making sure pesticides hit their target is paramount for both safety and efficacy, and even more so when being used in public spaces.

One of the main factors that cause targets to be missed is chemical drift. As weed control is the biggest area for most amenity contractors, reducing chemical drift of herbicides is essential. Bayer’s amenity specialist, Lewis Blois, gives his top tips for reducing spray drift when applying herbicides.

There are a number of factors that can affect chemical spray drift and when you are applying in public spaces it is important to be aware of them all.

“These include wind velocity, atmospheric conditions, sprayer nozzles and pressure, vehicle speed, boom height, equipment maintenance and calibration,” says Lewis. “Check the wind speed as anything that’s sprayed in windy conditions may drift onto unwanted areas.

“It’s important the products don’t land where they aren’t intended, typically known as non-target areas.”

Lewis also adds that you must always check the label of the product and pay particular attention to buffer zones and if a Local Environment Risk Assessment For Pesticides (LERAP) allows a buffer zone to be reduced.

“Making sure you have the right equipment, it complies with the National Sprayer Testing Scheme (NSTS), and is up to scratch, is important to ensure you’re applying herbicides appropriately and safely,” explains Lewis.

“Low drift nozzles create a coarser spray pattern by emitting fewer finer droplets. They have been proven to reduce drift by as much as 90% compared to standard flat fan nozzles.”

Many contractors will be using a knapsack sprayer to target smaller areas of weeds and choosing the right nozzles for this is also important. “Use a flood jet nozzle for herbicide spraying and ensure nozzle flow is within 5% of manufacturers stated output,” he adds.

“Project the spray downward and position the lance nozzle at the optimum distance from the

vegetation as specified by the nozzle manufacturer.

“Traditional application techniques such as boom and knapsack sprayers are still standard for many contractors, however with a number of variables affecting spray drift and a huge pressure on the industry to tackle this, Controlled Droplet Application (CDA) system has been developed.

“Bayer have been working closely with a specialist company, to test the new granular herbicide Valdor Flex, with the CDA system. We’ve been testing to see if this system can help reduce spray drift allowing a more targeted treatment.”

Formulation of the spray can also have a big impact on spray drift. Some products already contain adjuvants that help with delivery and efficacy, but it’s also possible to tank mix adjuvants with those that aren’t manufactured with one.

“Tank mixing with adjuvants has been shown to improve the spray delivery and achieve up to 10% better control in certain situations,” says Lewis.

“Adjuvants work by making the spray droplets heavier and more uniform helping to reduce drift and increase coverage.”

Bayer

Charterhouse double delivers versatility for club

A Rink DS800 from Charterhouse Turf Machinery is helping to make light work of topdressing the 27 greens of Leicestershire’s Beedles Lakes Golf Club.

This, together with a Verti-Drain 7316 are the latest tools in the armoury of Head Greenkeeper Sam Shuttlewood, who is delighted with the versatility he now has at his disposal for the tasks of topdressing and coursewide aeration.

The Rink DS800, in trailed form, immediately impressed

Toward the smaller end of the Rink Disc Spreader range, the DS800 has a 0.8m3 hopper and is highly adjustable, offering a spreading width of up to 12m and a thickness of up to 15mm. It is available in both a trailed or mounted option.

With the Rink bringing new flexibility to topdressing, Sam’s other purchase made in May 2019 was a Verti-Drain 7316.

Looe Golf Club tackles storm damage with the help of GreenMech

Constructed around one of the highest points in the area, Cornwall’s Looe Golf Club enjoys panoramic views across the peaks of Dartmoor and the English Channel.

Due to its location, the part heathland/part parkland course often falls victim to strong winds leaving Head Greenkeeper Mat Edwards to clear up any destruction in its wake – a much easier task now thanks to his CS100 woodchipper from GreenMech.

So, assisted by his team of 3 greens staff, Mat decided to invest in the necessary equipment to tackle the clear-up themselves.

“Our local dealer Vincent Tractors & Plant recommended the GreenMech CS100 as its size and usability would meet our requirements, so we had a demonstration and - after ruling out any alternatives - took delivery of one roughly three years ago,” he said.

With the CS100 at their disposal, Mat has also increased the amount of routine woodland maintenance they conduct.

“Once the leaves have fallen and the birds have finished nesting, we’ll be out with the CS100 on a

weekly basis, between November and February – removing any low hanging branches which helps to reduce shade problems on the greens. The chip we produce is then redistributed around the trees and shrubs which has helped to tidy the appearance of these areas.”

Offering a 100mm chipping capacity, but with a working width of just 760mm, the manoeuvrability of the CS100 has proven ideal for on-the-spot chipping. “It is really convenient for us to hitch up to our 4x4 and you can take it wherever you need to go. It’s simple to use and everything is accessible, including the blades which can be easily sharpened. Three years on, we’re still using the original set of blades and these are still going strong.”

The GreenMech CS100 is designed with the professional landscaper, arborist and green space manager in mind, offering compact dimensions without any compromise in performance. Powered by an 18hp petrol engine, it can process large volumes of brashy material with minimal shredding/reducing.

GreenMech

Sam on his demonstration with local dealer Platts Harris.

Charterhouse Turf Machinery

Loughborough University reveals new world-class sports pitches on campus

Loughborough University has unveiled its new state-of-the-art sport pitches, installed by worldleading sports surface provider and pitch partner, SIS Pitches.

Installed in summer 2019, the new elite level water-based hockey surface is the first of its kind in the UK and has been designed specifically to encourage speed of play.

The full-size pitch harnesses the latest innovations and was manufactured at the company’s state-of-the-art £1.8m headquarters in Cumbria.

The SISTurf Xcel Ultra surface is the product of SIS Pitches’ continuous pursuit of highquality and innovative surfaces. The combination of a highgrade, polyethylene polymer, 10-ended texturised yarn and optimised turf construction provides a truly elite-level system, with exceptional ball speed and uniformity, as well as outstanding durability.

SIS Pitches has also recently installed SISGrass hybrid technology into the newly built pitch at the Loughborough University Stadium.

The pitch consists of 95 per cent natural grass supported with 5 per cent synthetic fibres and is the same style of pitch as used at the 2018 World Cup.

The football pitch was the first in the UK to be installed using a new-to-market, 100% electric machine from SISGrass.

This innovation can stitch a full-size football pitch in just seven days, a huge step forward in reducing the environmental footprint of each pitch installation.

SIS Pitches

It’s always Terrain when it pours

Enable Leisure and Culture (ELC) is a registered charity, contracted by Wandsworth Council to manage and develop the council’s parks, commons and playgrounds.

Working in conjunction with sub-contractors such as idverde. ELC takes responsibility for monitoring the grounds maintenance across a total of 200 sites.

Enable also advises Wandsworth Council on its responsibilities with respect to legislation relating to biodiversity and best practice in the ecological maintenance of parks. Among the sites under their watchful eye are the sports pitches, of which there are 95 football pitches, 10 cricket squares, bowling greens and running tracks.

“A lot of the sites are on made up ground and experience major problems with drainage,” says Andrew Green, Enable’s Parks Officer, Sports Provisions. “We have carried out aeration down to 300mm but it’s not enough to get to the pans.”

Andrew called on the services of Terrain Aeration whom he has used for around 20 years to deal with waterlogging problems, most

recently for Tooting Common, with its six senior football pitches which became waterlogged in the winter season; along with Garratt Park and Fishponds Playing Fields.

Terrain Aeration’s Terralift was brought in to apply deep penetration aeration to relieve the problem. The machine uses a JCB road breaker hammer to drive a hollow probe one metre into the soil.

This is needed, especially on made up ground, because it is usually so compact at depth it requires the hammer to get through. Once the probe reaches the optimum depth, compressed air is released up to a maximum of 20Bar (280psi). This blast fractures the compacted soil to allow drainage and deep aeration.

The probe is withdrawn and, in the case of the work for Wandsworth, the process repeated using one and a half metre spacings on a staggered grid pattern. This means each shot interconnects the fissures.

On the tail end of the blast, dried seaweed is injected which sticks to the walls of the fractures and fissures. Over time, this expands and contracts with the moisture content in the soil to effectively keep the ground drained.

At Wandsworth the 1½” probe holes created by the Terralift machine were backfilled with Lytag aggregate to provide a semipermanent aeration/ventilation shaft, helping to keep the whole aeration process working.

Terrain Aeration

Sports Turf Operative apprenticeships under review

The Institute of Groundsmanship (IOG) is urging the turf care sector – especially training providers, employers and apprentices – to take part in the consultation exercise announced by the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education.

It forms part of its review of

apprenticeships for agriculture, environment and animal care –which includes the Sports Turf Operative standard.

The consultation runs until December 4 and anyone with pertinent views (good or bad) on the future of the occupations covered are invited

Football focus on the north-west

At Burnley FC’s Barnfield Training Ground, the Premier League club’s first order for John Deere machinery from local dealership Balmers GM has bedded in at what is reportedly Britain’s first football facility of its kind.

The 10ha Barnfield site includes 15 pitches altogether, including four full-size Desso and a 60 x 40m goalkeeper area in the first team zone, plus three and a half full-size Fibresand surfaces and two full-size natural soil pitches (topped up with sand over the years) in the Academy areas.

The site also includes a full-size outdoor Desso 3G and indoor Desso 60 x 40m 3G. The new tractor and mower fleet meets fresh demands that are centred on changing turfcare practices at the ground.

For example, Barry sees the value of his three 7700A PrecisionCut cylinder mowers in this environment.

“They serve the football application just as well as they do golf. Obviously the sports differ, but in many ways they lend themselves to similar machinery applications.

The customised grass boxes and nylon rollers are also major benefits.”

With Burnley manager Sean Dyche casting an eagle eye over pitch presentation, the last thing needed is turf machinery making the wrong impression.

John Deere

Hayter and Toro enjoy successful year at SALTEX

Toro, a global leader in turf and landscape maintenance equipment, and Hayter, makers of the finest mowers, saw another highly successful year at SALTEX 2019.

The popular lawn care brands returned to SALTEX to showcase a range of new and exciting products, including an exclusive first reveal of the Toro TurfMaster HDX, a highperforming walk-behind mower featuring a 30” deck.

Hayter also revealed two new Harrier® 41 and 48 Pro models, featuring new Honda engines to boost performance. Hayter and Toro would like to thank all those that visited the stand during SALTEX, and look forward to another exciting new year ahead.

Hayter

Woods Batwings help keep Stansted flying

Supplied through the Chelmsford based R C Boreham dealership Stansted airport has taken delivery of two Woods heavy duty BW240XHD batwing mowers.

The Woods BW240 XHD Batwing is the largest in the range with a cutting width of 6.10 metres and is capable of cutting tall brush and trees up to 7.6 cm in diameter, making it ideal for maintaining both wide areas and roadsides.

Features include a double deck built to handle a host of applications, easy to reach quick-change blade pins and a side frame depth of 33.7 cm which handles more material and

distributes it evenly. Greaseable pivot points are located on turnbuckle and axle arms to increase durability and reduce wear. There are three duties,

Standard, Heavy Duty and Extreme in the Woods range.

Green-tech wheels out its stylish new livery

recognisable and stand out on the roads.” Due to the increased demand for products and the busy trade show and exhibition schedule, Green-tech replaces its vehicles on a regular basis to maintain the company’s stellar reputation and delivery speed.

Leading landscape supplier Green-tech has wheeled out its new 40ft, Green-tech branded artic lorry and two new pool cars.

At their recent open day, they unveiled their three newest fleet vehicles in striking livery. Greentech covers the length and breadth of the UK and clocks up many

Managing Director Rachel Kay comments, “Our lorry and pool cars have been wrapped in a stunning new and bold design. They will certainly be

Green-tech is recognised as market leaders in the industry and their customer service levels are second to none. The company is well known for its fast and reliable delivery service. With over 90,000 individual deliveries across the UK each year, Greentech’s distribution network is first class. Landscapers across the UK choose Green-tech for its reliability and service delivery.

Green-tech

Simon Richard

Introducing DevoShift - the multi-directional portable goal

pitch facilities can expect far less downtime while goals are repositioned.”

Fourteen years after we launched the Easylift goal, which allowed equipment to be pushed and pulled around site after raising the frame above the playing surface, the company’s latest innovation marks a leap forward to create a goal boasting ‘Full multi-directional mobility’.

The new ‘DevoShift’ wheeled goal is intended for roll out on to synthetic and high-quality pitches. Greater mobility over frames currently available allows site personnel to steer a full-sized goal through perimeter access gates as narrow as six or seven feet across.

“The Devoshift goal allows anyone to move it easily on and off pitches in a way simply not possible with existing products,” says Mark Harrod Ltd’s R&D Developer Matt Page.

Our third-generation innovation will be great news for everyone who knows how tricky it can be to move goals around. Schools will find it a godsend, while

A castor system safely encased in a tough ABS plastic cowl, with a lift and lower mechanism, maximises operational ease and safety.

“The 80mm surface clearance is more than ample for synthetic and high-quality pitches,” adds Matt, “and the smoother differential reduces any risk of snag and drag when moving it. The cowls streamlining gives the goal an im-pression of floating on air when moved.”

Explaining the thinking behind the revolutionary new goal, Mark Harrod Ltd Managing Director Sean Wallett said: “As innovators as well as manufacturers, you realise when the time comes to advance the technology of what’s out there.

“We feel sure the new goal will satisfy a long-held need across football to make goals infinitely mobile. This is the multi-directional goal everyone is asking for.”

Mark Harrod Ltd are set to score a major result with an advance that will save time and money for pitch managers, operators and clubs.

Mark Harrod Ltd

CLS Sports deliver high-end natural and 3G pitches for FAW’s Football Development Centre

Leading sports contractor CLS Sports has completed its most prestigious project to date.

The Football Association of Wales (FAW) officially opened its £5m Colliers Park National Football Development Centre, near Wrexham, on 22 September, a date that commemorates the 85th anniversary of one of the world’s worst coal mining disasters.

On that date in 1934, an explosion rocked the nearby Gresford mine, killing 236 colliers.

Working seamlessly to ensure the project was delivered on time and to budget, the CLS Sports natural and synthetic pitch construction teams have laid a full-size FIFA Quality accredited 3G facility alongside two full-size natural turf pitches with full underpitch drainage and sustainable soakaway.

Completing the £2m contract, CLS Sports supplied floodlighting, camera gantries, mini grandstands, pitch perimeter fencing, maintenance shed, hard and soft landscaping and pathways for the Park.

The Welsh national football squads will train on one of the natural grass pitches, along with youth sides – the second grass pitch being hired out to local league and weekend sides.

The 3G facility, intended for grassroots football training, has been laid on the site of an existing 3G installation at a former training ground.

Much of the stone supplied for the original pitch has been redeployed under its replacement and used in the paths that cross the Park.

CLS Sports employed many of its own specialist plant and machinery, available through its CLS Landscape and Earthworks and CLS Self Drive divisions, to contour the site and lay the pitches.

“Colliers Park showcases our construction team’s ability to deliver across both natural and synthetic pitch installations to world class standards,” said CLS Sports Director of Operations Brian Dunn.

Sports facility design specialists Geo Turf Consulting conceived the Colliers Park pitch design and layout, having completed a similar project for the FAW’s headquarters at Dragon Park, Newport.

As project managers for the pitch development, Geo Turf

oversaw the pitch construction programme, which began last June and was handed over in May (the pitches in March).

“We worked closely with CLS Sports throughout the development,” said Geo Turf’s Jonathan Smith. “They were easy to work with, efficient throughout the project and well resourced the work with people and plant.”

CLS Sports Contracts Director Stephen Miller added: “We are proud of the facility we have created and it has been a pleasure to work for the

Welsh FA alongside Geo Turf Consulting.” Lucy Scott, Facility Manager Operations Commercial and Strategic for Colliers Park, said: “The centre is attracting plenty of interest and represents a massive benefit for the region, the finest facility of its kind in North Wales.

“Welsh players will aspire to come here because Colliers Park carries the wow factor locally, regionally and nationally. It will also function as a focus for the girls’ and women’s game.”

Machinery employed on the project included:

• GPS and laser-guided dozer

• Low ground pressure dump

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

CLS Sports

Help on TAP from Agronomic Services

Agronomic Services launch their TAP Turf Action Plans at Saltex, with specifi c emphasis on disease prevention and winter sports turf requirements.

David Snowden of Agronomic Services says: “With the reduction in fungicide options, we have to create solutions for our Sports Turf Managers.

“We understand the pressures that Groundsmen and women

and Greenkeepers are under to deliver quality sports turf, even though these fungicides are no longer available to them.

“With the lack of traditional methods relied upon previously by the industry, Sports Turf Managers are now looking for alternatives. We believe our Turf Action Plans give them a great option.”

Agronomic Services

BLEC makes up the fleet for Talbot Farm Landscapes

Equipped with a fleet of BLEC machinery, Talbot Farm Landscapes and Talbot Sports Turf can tackle landscape and groundcare projects of all shapes and sizes.

With the latest count standing at 21 machines from across the BLEC portfolio, Director Sean Goodwin relies on the versatility and efficiency the range offers when it comes to groundworks and surface preparation.

In addition to four Cultipack Seeders, Talbot’s has a Disc Seeder; Turfmaker; five Blecavators of varying widths; three Power Box Rakes; two Rotor Rakes; a 2.5m Laser Grader and two Multi-Seeders.

The most recent addition for Sean was a Multi-Seeder 2100, the first machine purchased via Charterhouse Turf Machinery.

“The BLEC build quality has always impressed me but under the guidance of Redexim it is now even better – well engineered and attention paid to every detail,” he said.

“With the resources available to Redexim, the manufacturing prowess and the ability to stock a wider range of parts through their dealer network, they will be able to take BLEC to the next level.”

BLEC

Powered top dresser is perfect solution

Bannerman’s Powered Top Dresser is designed to apply top dressing quickly and evenly on medium to large sized high wear turf grass areas and residential lawns.

The spreading drum and land wheels are powered by a Honda GX120 through a 6:1 reduction box the drum has a spreading width of approximately 60cm, hopper capacity of 300 Lt.

Ideal for BSI PAS 100 soil conditioner.

Top Dressing good organic matter after over seeding will ensure quicker germination of the seed and less loss of seed through birds feeding. This will promote recovery speed and produce a denser grass sward.

Blade Machinery

Specifically

Now

To find out more information or to book a demonstration, please contact your local dealer or visit us at SALTEX.

Toro more than up for the job at Upminster

It was word of mouth and recommendations from nearby customers that saw Upminster Golf Club opt for Toro irrigation.

When Andy Cracknell assumed his new post as course manager at Upminster Golf Club two years ago, one of his first projects was overseeing the installation of a new irrigation system, all he had to do was choose who to go with.

“By the time I came on board the decision had been made that the system needed to be replaced but it had not yet been decided who would be best to deliver on our objectives, which included a high degree of control to advance the turf quality on the fairways and approaches in particular.”

And it was fellow golf clubs in the vicinity of the club in Essex that made a potentially difficult decision straightforward, says Andy: “Some neighbouring

clubs in the M25 area were using Toro irrigation and getting great results. The ground here is London clay and can be particularly difficult to work with, which meant I paid close attention to their experience using Toro irrigation, mainly the Lynx central control system. Everyone was raving about how effective it was.”

This is thanks to the level of control the Lynx system offers, as well as the option to choose sprinklers such as Infinity that can be accessed from the top down to prevent the messy, difficult and time-consuming process of digging up the sprinkler body for maintenance and servicing.

Clay soil needs to maintain a steady moisture level – if it gets overly wet or dry it’s easily damaged when dug up or walked on – hence the reason why Infinity sprinklers appealed so much to Andy.

“It was so important to have a system that offered us the ability to irrigate specifically to our soil’s unique needs,” he says. “We had moved past the point where it was okay to be irrigating in units of minutes, we needed to get down to the millimetre. When treated in the right way clay-based soil has the potential to be really fertile and we’re starting to see the positive difference this level of control is bringing to the quality of the soil.

“We have 150 Infinity sprinklers on the greens, surrounds, approaches and three of the fairways and there’s just no comparison when it comes to adjusting in the field, they’re so easy to use.”

The club also has T5 and T7 sprinklers fitted to specification on the tees and because says Andy “he wanted to keep everything all Toro”.

Reesink Turfcare

Rigby Taylor’s POGO meter helps establish a benchmark new course

With the Royal Norwich [golf club] investing £15 million in its newly established 18-hole course at Weston Longville, on the outskirts of the Norfolk city, the cost of its Rigby Taylor POGO Pro soil and turf management meter pales into insignificance.

But, says Estates Manager Peter Todd, “the value of the benefits that POGO brings are priceless”.

He adds: “POGO has been indispensable in helping us to establish and maintain these new greens at a level to create a benchmark golf facility in the region.”

The course has been over two years in construction and aside from Peter’s initial agronomy work, for instance, its creation has also involved collaborative discussions, and decisions, with

course architect Ross McMurray (European Golf Design) as well as course construction contractor M J Abbott and irrigation specialist Rain Bird.

After their deliberations, and the use of around 11,000 tonnes of sand to construct the tees, greens and bunkers – on a site characterised by a predominantly sandy-loam profile - the result is a stunning 18-hole, 7,239-yards course that many will agree justifies Peter’s views.

The complex will be maintained by a team of 13 greenkeepers including an in-house workshop technician, with all the team housed in a modern Turf Care Centre of Excellence boasting a state-of-the-art mower blade grinding/sharpening area and including a training room where visitors (even club members) can

learn about all aspects of the course and its operation – including the benefits being obtained by the POGO Pro turf meter.

Peter’s enthusiasm for the potential of the site is also reflected in his views about POGO Pro and how the course – and its players – will benefit from the system’s ability to measure the most influential variables governing turf performance; moisture, salinity, canopy temperature, nutrition and turf stress/disease, for example.

POGO Pro also connects remotely to any Apple or android device and its integrated GPS features include precise location, geospatial condition analysis, cup placements, sprinkler positioning and patterns, area measurement and custom mapping.

Rigby Taylor

PRO Z mowers meet all the challenges of winter

The autumn and winter garden or estate clear-up is the most challenging period of the year and the PRO Zero-Turn machines from Cub Cadet are strong and efficient commercial mowers designed to meet the demands of your business.

Performance and durability, plus operator comfort, allied to delivering a fast, premium quality cut are the hallmarks of this Cub Cadet range of machines. Your operators can experience a smooth ride all day long, thanks to the isolated dampening system on the top of the range Z7 – meaning they are working in vibrationcontrolled comfort.

The patented SyncroSteer technology, with a steering wheel as opposed to lap bars, means that anyone who can drive will be able to operate these machines. Dual hydrostatic transmission controls all four wheels and minimises turf damage when executing tight turns. This is an exclusive offering to the professional sector and the combination can reduce mowing time by up to 10% compared to lap bar steered machinery.

It is the ability to control all four wheels with the steering wheel and steerable front wheels that sets the Pro Z Series apart from other zero turn models on the professional market.

It also ensures greater stability on hillsides with gradients up to 20 degrees, enhanced traction on uneven terrain plus the ability to mow in straighter lines.

The Pro Z series will power through the thickest grass in one pass at a maximum speed of up to 12mph. High lift Marbain blades with a blade tip speed of up to 18,500 fpm plus a 3” total blade overlap produces a consistently tight cut. The frame and axle on the PRO Z5 and Z7 ‘float’ as the machine moves, ensuring the deck follows the contours of the terrain and avoiding scalping.

Commercial grade petrol engines from Kholer and Kawasaki, rather than diesel, provide the consistent power you need to get the job done and maximise your work day – reducing the downtime which could cost you both time and money. The petrol engines benefit from having lower emissions and reduced fuel usage.

From frame to yoke, every part of the PRO Z is designed to cope with the serious rigours of prolonged commercial mowing. The cutting deck is manufactured from triple-7gauge steel and is the only model on the UK market using this material, which has been selected by Cub Cadet to withstand your demanding conditions throughout the autumn.

Cub Cadet

New autonomous operation brings self-operated mowing to large areas

Husqvarna presents another step forward in the world of autonomy and connectivity – Husqvarna Autonomous Operation for professionals.

The Husqvarna Autonomous Operation, which increases productivity and safety while maintaining large green spaces, consists of multiple selfoperated Husqvarna robotic mowers powered by Husqvarna EPOS technology.

Three pilots are being set up in 2019 to refine the system before an official launch in 2021.

Husqvarna Autonomous Operation uses the new Husqvarna EPOS technology, a high-precision satellite navigation system that provides enhanced real time positioning accuracy, delivering location accuracy of 2-3 centimeters.

The Husqvarna EPOS technology enables the machine to navigate, within and between work areas, using virtual boundaries. The operational efficiency is increased thanks to the ability to operate the machines at any time.

In its first implementation Husqvarna Autonomous Operation is using Husqvarna’s new hybrid Rider lawnmowers. In Sweden, Husqvarna Autonomous Operation is currently being tested at Jönköping Airport and Örnsköldsvik Airport, and this fall Husqvarna will expand to include Swedavia Vehicle at Bromma Airport.

Husqvarna Autonomous Operation enables improvements in workplace safety as the remote, computerized control of the machines increases operational safety by minimizing the risk of human error.

The system also offers object analysis, and collision avoidance based on information from several independent sensors, utilizing cameras, radars and ultrasonic technology.

As an additional safety measure, an operator can maneuver and override the

system, with a hands-on remote control. The Husqvarna Autonomous Operation system will be operating in further pilot applications during 2020 and be fully available as an end-to-end solution for selected markets by 2021.

Husqvarna

Hunter irrigation a ‘game-changer’ at Redditch GC

Karl Williams, Course Manager at Redditch Golf Club, has reported significant improvements to the course since the installation of a new Hunter Irrigation system, which was installed by Prime Irrigation and supplied by KAR UK.

Following the summer of 2018, the proposal to install a completely new irrigation system was passed by the committee and approved by 97% of the club’s members in favour.

A plan needed to be put into place quickly for the new system to cover all greens, tees, approaches and green surrounds. After speaking with Hunter Industries, there was no doubt in Karl’s mind due to their products, that it was the way to go. The system includes: • G885D Series Rotors – With a built-in decoder offering

single head control, superior uniformity coupled with the TTS technology allowing every serviceable element of the rotor to be accessed through the top so you can get to every component without disturbing the playing surface - no more digging, no more unsightly scars, and more importantly, one less item on a busy course manager’s schedule.

• I-20 Series Rotors – A high performance rotor for tees and a popular choice for many turf managers, with the efficiency required for any site. Utilising the Match Precipitation Rate (MPR) nozzles ensures accurate, even distribution and water savings over a variety of mixed sprinkler arcs.

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

“The new system has been an absolute game-changer,” said Karl. “It allows us to apply water in millimetres - simply replacing the daily deficit every night has made a huge difference. Even in the highest temperatures, the greens do not lose moisture and

we no longer have to worry about them looking worn. They are consistently good which is great from a player’s point of view.

“It’s so good that we can now target individual areas because we have got some greens which face different directions - we’ve got slopes, banks and some areas that require more water than others. We can keep on top of everything at just the click of a button.”

KAR UK

Finance package paying off for Seaton Carew New Verti-Drain helps The Centurion Club

Seaton Carew Golf Club near Hartlepool will be celebrating its 150th anniversary in 2024 and the club, which is the 10th oldest in England, is determined to make sure its course is in the best condition possible for those celebrations.

Since being established with 14 holes in 1874, not only has the golf course undergone numerous changes – today it offers an unusual total of 22 holes with five different layouts – so has the way in which it is maintained. In the early years even the club’s professional would have been expected to assist with cutting fairways, probably using a horsedrawn mower, and rolling greens.

sprayer, an HPX Gator utility vehicle, a 4049R compact tractor, three 220SL walk-behind greens mowers, a 2653B utility tees & surrounds mower and a 2500B triplex greens mower, plus ancillary equipment.

so there was a proper consensus all round.”

Andy Garland, Course Manager at Hertfordshire’s Centurion Club, is working on improving course-wide surface drainage with a little help from his new Verti-Drain 7521.

Focussing on the fairways, his latest bit of kit from Charterhouse Turf Machinery, will be fundamental as club preparations ramp up to host the 2020 UL International Crown event.

Televised to millions, 2020 will be the fourth edition of the Women’s Professional tournament and the first time it will be hosted in the UK. Andy and his greens team of 12 are already well into preparations to ensure the course is fit for a worldwide audience.

“When it comes to aeration, we have a small machine for use on the greens, but we had been hiring in a unit for work on the fairways” he explains.

“The trouble with that was, the effectiveness of the work conducted was very much at the mercy of the weather and the resulting ground conditions on that day.”

With previous experience of Verti-Drains, Andy spoke with his local dealer Browns and had a demonstration of the 7521

model. “You know what you’re going to get with a Verti-Drain – the ability to use different tines to work at good depths and build quality that can handle compacted soils.”

Having taken delivery of his new machine complete with different head options in August, the 7521 has been busy on the fairways, together with some deep aeration work on the greens.

“We equipped the Verti-Drain with 1” tines and aerated all of the fairways which instantly improved surface drainage.

“Water dispersal has been so much better which is crucial as we head towards the winter period. We hope to get one more round done on all 18 holes before the tractor gets put onto renovation projects over the winter. This should help us emerge in spring ready for full tournament preparation.

“By having our own VertiDrain we can be flexible around the weather conditions and the maintenance schedule to maximise its effectiveness. It will be a key tool as we get ready for our big event next summer.”

Charterhouse Turf

Today a team of six welltrained greens staff led by acting head greenkeeper Ian Stewart work tirelessly to ensure these championship links are kept in the best condition, and the club has recently invested more than £200,000 in the latest advanced technology from John Deere to ensure they can achieve those goals.

A new John Deere Financial lease package arranged by local dealer Greenlay of Cramlington in Northumberland includes a ProGator utility vehicle with HD200 low-profile amenity

“With our previous lease arrangement coming to an end, we decided that a one-stop shop approach, with all the new kit, advice and back-up coming from one business, would potentially make a better deal for the club,” says greens chairman Jonathan Beaumont. “The equipment and finance package from Greenlay, who helped us to work out the deal based on a mix of new and exdemonstration machines, proved to be just what we were looking for.

“Dealing with Alastair Briggs and Paul Hodgson of Greenlay was the best decision the club made. Their all-round service and communication throughout the process was first class, and we’ve established a very good relationship. Having worked in horticulture before, I knew John Deere’s reputation for quality equipment. “When Ian and I made the recommendation to the golf club, they liked what they saw as well and the finance committee agreed the budget,

Ian Stewart initially attended a BIGGA Section open day at Greenlay, which was the first time he had visited the dealership, and was very impressed by the facilities and the people he met. “I wanted to see the sprayer and Greenlay had one brought in,” he says.

“The sprayer has a much bigger capacity at 750 litres compared to our previous 300-litre mounted machine, and the controls are really good. The automatic rate controller is very accurate, so you can be confident everything’s being applied correctly. We certainly use a little less chemical now and there’s also been a massive saving on man hours doing the spraying job.

“We had the mowers on long-term demonstration and found them to be easy to operate, with a very good quality of cut. The latest cutting units on the walk-behind and ride-on greens mowers are equipped with brushes that lift the grass and provide a much better finish – it’s little details like this that mean a lot.

“A great deal of thought and effort went into this purchase

over a long period of time, and we received lots of good advice from Greenlay – they were always available to answer our questions at any time. Some of their recommendations I didn’t think were right at the time, but they have been proved right since and it’s been a great deal all round.”

Alongside the work on the course, Seaton Carew Golf Club is building a new indoor coaching facility alongside a large practice area, and considering the development of a short-game area. The club also has a six-hole academy course which is used by its current PGA professional Clifford Jackson to encourage youngsters and adult beginners to take up the game.

Seaton Carew has already played host to a number of major amateur championships, including two Brabazon Trophies, a Carris Trophy and various other national and international events. It is now hoping, with the help of its new machinery fleet and the dedication of its greenkeeping team, that the course will be considered for yet another major championship to help mark its 150-year anniversary.

John Deere

Contractor achieves ultimate productivity and profitability with ISEKI

Running a successful business and with a variety of customers, from caravan parks to councils, roadside work to churchyards and private estates is no easy task.

Based in the north east of England Chris Stamp and his team at CA Stamp Grounds & Agriculture know their clients expect an impeccable finish every time, so the need for a reliable, durable mower is of paramount importance.

Chris explained: “Our previous machine was due for renewal, so following a look around SALTEX at the products on offer, I contacted our local dealer Rickerby for a demonstration of the ISEKI SF224. I knew as soon as I tried the machine it was perfect for what I needed.

“Along with grass cutting the powerful collector system is

fantastic for clearing up after scarifying or collection of fallen leaves, allowing us to get even more value from our machine and excellent service to our customers.

“The high tip collector with a clearance of over 2.1 metres enables us to tip all the waste straight into the back of a trailer saving us considerable man hours. The large 950 litre hopper allows us to mow for longer, enabling us to be more efficient with our time - the SF224 really speeds everything up for us.”

Noticing a gap in what Chris was offering he then purchased an ISEKI SRA950F 4WD 24hp brushcutter which is being utilised for slope mowing up to 25 degrees and cutting of overgrown, out of control areas.

SISIS the reliable choice for Warwick School

the SISIS Flexibrush and the SISIS TM1000,” Duncan said.

The schools are justly proud of their sporting success, including national awards, and ability to provide all its pupils the opportunity to play their chosen sport. Essential to their achievements are high quality and well-maintained sports pitches.

The appointment of Duncan was part of the Foundation’s commitment to improve the grounds at its schools, alongside making additional investment in its grounds equipment.

“We have a great team in place now and we have started to build a fantastic line-up of maintenance equipment. Personally, I was looking for reliable and trusted machinery and that is why I chose

The SISIS Flexibrush is a tractor-mounted brush which is equally effective at dispersing top dressing, removing excess material on natural turf and synthetic surfaces, dew dispersal and improving presentation.

It has a 5.35 metre working width, its brush sections float to follow ground contours and the outer sections fold for transport and storage.

“For us it has eliminated the previously time-consuming task of dew removal,” said Duncan. “Everything gets a bit hectic here on a school day but the Flexibrush gives us a big head start because we can start nice and early at 7am and knock all the dew off the grass before the children start classes. It has helped us to reduce disease and I also use it for presentation.”

The SISIS Rotorake TM1000 is a tractor-mounted heavy-duty scarifi er and linear aerator and is unrivalled when it comes to removing and controlling thatch. It includes a collector box and fl oating unit to follow ground contours and its contrarotating reel throws debris forward ensuring a clean, consistent groove resulting in an excellent fi nish. The TM1000 also features interchangeable blades and a quick, simple depth setting without tools.

“We mainly bought the TM1000 for in-house cricket renovations but it is also used for regular maintenance work on the squares,” Duncan explained.“It is great for verticutting and we also have the 2mm scarifying removal reel and the brush reel which we use for cleaning up. It is such a simple, yet effective piece of equipment – in fact I would say it is a musthave tool for any groundsman to have in their armoury.”

Duncan Toon, Grounds Manager at Warwick Independent Schools Foundation, believes that both his new SISIS Flexibrush and SISIS TM1000 have helped produce significant improvements to the schools’ sports surfaces.

ISEKI

SISIS

ICL delivers the remedy for recovery

Harry Cannon, Course Manager

at Sand Martins Golf Club in Berkshire, believes that a range of ICL products have significantly helped the tees to combat signs of heavy wear.

At just 28 years old Harry is a relatively young Course Manager but in his short career he already boasts a wealth of experience. It all started in 2007 when he embarked on a summer job at the Royal Mid-Surrey Golf Club and realised that he wanted to pursue a career in greenkeeeping.

While it is obvious that Harry takes most challenges in his stride, he admits to facing the most problematic period in his career last year when the Club, and most of the country, experienced extreme droughts.

Harry started by overseeding with ICL’s ProSelect 2 Tees/ Fairway mixture which contains a blend of fine fescues and

perennial ryegrass. Using a discseeder, he applied the seed at 15g/m2 to the tees and double passed.

“We had dried out so much we began to lose turf coverage in areas,” said Harry. “Therefore, we overseeded with ProSelect at the end of September and that got us out of jail massively – it was exactly what was needed. We were getting a great strike going into winter and fortunately because it was quite mild we had early germination.”

With the turf established, Harry’s attentions turned to maintaining the tees in order to control the amount of wear they were experiencing. After speaking to Matt Nutter, ICL Technical Area Sales Manager, he decided that the best way forward would be to apply a granular fertilizer in the form of ProTurf 15-5-15+2CaO+2MgO at the start of the season, followed by a monthly tank-mix consisting of Primo Maxx II growth regulator

(1.6 L/ha), and a range of soluble fertilizers - Sportsmaster WSF High N (15Kg/ha), Sportsmaster WSF High K (15Kg/ha) and Sportsmaster WSF Iron (15Kg/ha).

“The purpose of using ProTurf at the start of season is to give the turf a jump-start coming out of winter and going into summer.

“At the start of June and throughout the whole month it is our Club Championships so we

need to be looking sharp and this is what ProTurf gives you.

“The soluble feeds - the High N, the High K and the Iron just seem to keep them ticking over all the way through the year. It’s a perfect mixture and I think the good thing about these ICL products is that we can just amend the application rates depending on what is required.”

ICL

CUT AND COLLECT WHATEVER THE WEATHER

Dennis works wonders for Wolves

Wolverhampton Wanderers FC have recently purchased seven Dennis PRO 34R rotary mowers and deputy head groundsman Anthony Parker claims they have made a huge improvement to turf maintenance operations at both the Molineux Stadium and the Club’s Sir Jack Hayward Training Ground.

At a time when the Club was investing in new turf maintenance equipment the Dennis PRO 34R was launched and Anthony explained why the purchase of these new machines became the number one priority.

“We used to use six small rotary mowers which did a decent job but because of the additional pitch lighting we purchased, we needed to take more staff off the rotaries in order to have more help putting the lighting rigs out during the winter months. When we saw the PRO 34R’s come to the marketplace, it just made complete sense to get a fleet of

these in so we purchased four for the training ground and three for the stadium.”

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

The angle of the cutting deck and twin blades can be easily adjusted using a single ‘click adjuster’ ensuring the mower is suitable for changing conditions and meeting groundsmen’s requirements.

Since its launch in 2018 the PRO 34R has received rave reviews with many groundsmen praising the machine and the speed of its operation.

New out front mower targets new generation of users

Walker Mowers has unveiled for the first time in Europe their newest mower, the R21 ‘out front mower’ designed for a new generation of users.

Walker Mowers launched the concept of out front mowing technology some 40 years ago, technology that provides ease of use, quality of cut, operator comfort, reliability and ease of maintenance, all demanded by its many commercial customers.

Powered by a Kohler 21hp engine with Smart-Choke technology, for easy starting in all temperatures, the OHV engine design has a cast iron liner and full pressure lubrication.

The mulching design mower decks use special serrated blades and bolt on baffles to provide that just collected look without the messy cuttings.

ISEKI

Available in two sizes 42”/48” (106/122cm), that fit into an integrated front-mount deck design, which means clear upand-down and side-to-side movement minimising scalping and uncut grass areas.

UK Country Manager for Walker Mowers Steve Egerton said: “Our commercial and landscape contractors know the benefits of this style of mower, without the loss of finish – whether that is in grass collection or the ever growing trend for mulching mower decks.

“With this new model aimed at the discerning domestic consumer gardener we feel very confident of its success.”

The new Model R mower was unveiled on stand F030 at SALTEX 2019.

same pristine finish. A turbine driven chute direct from the

Contact your local dealer to book a demonstration today!

to the

is available upto 1300L, it ensures no blockages even in the wet. Allowing you to continue with all the other tasks without the weather restricting you. Designed and manufactured for quality that lasts.

ISEKI UK & IRELAND Tel 01473 599266 sales@iseki.co.uk www.iseki.co.uk

The

SF range of powerful 24-46hp diesel engine mowers enable you to mow your grass whatever the weather keeping the

deck

large hopper, which

Dennis

Walker Mowers

Gloucester Rugby overcome challenge of fast-leaching hybrid with help from Headland Amenity

Sherriff taking Bovey Castle back to the top

Scott Duff, head greenkeeper at Bovey Castle in Devon, is using a range of Sherriff Amenity products to help the club get back into the Top 100 Golf Courses.

Scott, who has been at Bovey Castle for four years, started his turf career in football at Torquay United FC before switching to greenkeeping.

Scott excelled in his new role and was rewarded two years ago when he was promoted to the position of head greenkeeper. Now, alongside Sean Bennett –course manager, the two of them have a very clear goal.

“We are a championship course which used to be in the top 100 but not anymore unfortunately. Quite simply our goal is to get back in there. I think with Sean’s knowledge of managing a course, his drive and his passion, along with the improvements he wants to make, I think it is very realistic.

“We are not a million miles away but we still have a lot of work to do and with people like David Chammings from Sherriff Amenity on-board then this will only boost our chances. David has really changed the way we approach our feed programmes and also some of the work we do out on the course because he draws up management plans which concentrate on what we should be doing throughout certain periods of the year.”

After consultation, David recommended a tank mixture consisting of iNTrench fertiliser 15.0.9 and GoGreen Energy bio-stimulant for the greens –two products which perfectly complement one another.

iNTrench is a controlled uptake nitrogen fertiliser designed specifically for the needs of professional sports turf. It gives up to ten weeks of improved blade colour and a higher quality

turf with 66% the nitrogen rate of leading competitors. Its tankmix partner, GoGreen Energy, is a concentrated bio-stimulant, formulated to assist plant health and relieve stress symptoms.

“Every course is different and you have to work out what is best for your site,” said Scott.

“With iNTrench and GoGreen, we fi nd that if we go at half rate (20 l/ha) every two weeks, then the greens seem to hold the nutrients a lot better.

By applying it like this we notice healthier greens and also better longevity out of the products. This tank-mix has worked really well for us and there has been a big improvement in the greens.

“In fact, we also use this mix with the addition of seaweed on our tees if they need some instant colour-up.”

Sherriff Amenity

When Head Groundsman Stuart Lambert joined Gloucester Rugby in the summer of 2018, a brandnew hybrid pitch installation had just been completed at the clubs Kingsholm Stadium.

Having no prior hybrid experience, Stuart turned to his trusted suppliers to help him formulate a new maintenance programme.

Top of the list was scrapping the existing nutritional regime and switching over to a full liquid and granular programme from Headland Amenity.

Stuart has used Headland products for over 10 years, including during his time at Worcester Warriors where he was part of the award-winning ‘Professional Rugby Grounds Team of the Year’.

“I knew what I wanted to achieve so called on the advice of Headland’s Adi Masters, who helped me formulate a plan that would be able to work on the faster-leaching hybrid surface.

To achieve optimal results, we’re using a combination of liquid and granular applications.”

Because of the free draining nature, one issue they worked on was moisture retention.

“Adi recommended TriCure Ad which we applied once a month throughout the summer to hold onto what little rainfall we received - this worked really well.

“Coming out of that dry summer and into a wetter winter, we then had a few problem areas retaining water, mostly due to compaction from the installation process.

New amenity supplies and service business

Groundsmen, amenity contractors and local authorities in the North West of England and Wales now have a new source of amenity supplies and technical support following the launch of Spunhill Amenity, a business division of Spunhill Ltd.

Spunhill Amenity’s portfolio includes: LG Seeds and Momersteeg seed mixtures; the company’s own Marcher brand of fertilisers and ICL fertilisers; plant protection products

from Monsanto, Nufarm, Belchim and FMC; Aquatrols wetters; linemarking paints and machinery; Bathgate composts, top dressings and soil enhancers.

This comprehensive range of amenity products is supported by a dedicated team of experienced amenity professionals, with individuals based in Cheshire, Wrexham, Denbighshire and Monmouthshire.

For this, we applied Terafi rm soil penetrant once every four weeks between October and February which effectively moved the water away.”

They were also one of the first customers to use the 15-5-12 formulation of Headland’s new controlled release fertiliser, H-Cote Mini.

“We’d had some games back to back and I was looking for something to give the pitch a bit of a boost so we applied H-Cote and the colour response, in particular, was fantastic.

“It delivered results that transformed the appearance of the pitch, making it a staple in my summer feeding programme.”

Headland Amenity

Spunhill

Fleet Line Markers launches eco friendly machine

Line marking specialist, Fleet Line Markers Ltd, unveiled its latest development - the COG Aline Marker – at an Innovations event held at Malvern RFC.

The event attracted a large array of guests from line marking industry leaders to the smaller clubs, all eager to assess the benefits and capabilities of Fleet’s latest revolutionary eco friendly marker.

The COG Aline Marker is the next step in line marking. It has been designed to be environmentally friendly and also eliminate paint wastage. The COG Aline Marking System’s bespoke drums can be used repeatedly, saving money and helping the environment by preventing waste. When the COG drums do eventually reach the end of their re-usable life, Fleet will recycle the COG drums.

Their unique shape and design also means that, during shipping, the COG drums are completely stable – with no more than one strap to hold them, this eliminates single use wrapping and/or plastic pallet covers. In addition to the huge saving on all one-way plastic substituted by

As well as being environmentally friendly, the COG Line Marking System is an extremely clean and convenient system to use.

The COG drum is attached to the COG Aline with ease, making spillages a thing of the past.

Fleet’s Managing Director, Iain McGuffie, comments: “Here at Fleet we strive to reduce our carbon footprint, the COG System eliminates single use plastics – and each single use plastic drum can contribute up to 6kg of carbon dioxide per drum.

“In keeping with Fleet’s commitment to the environment our target is to eliminate more than 5 million tonnes of carbon dioxide over the next five years … Not all investments are financially driven.”

The Innovations event was hosted by Iain McGuffie, the Managing Director of Fleet, and International Sales Director, Iain Courage.

The hype at Fleet is not solely about the COG Aline Marker.

The MAQA GNSS System continues to smash targets.

An innovation in itself, which has transformed the traditional methods of line

The MAQA Marking System enables the marking out of sports pitches to be carried out in a fraction of the time currently taken, when using string lines and 3, 4, 5, triangles.

For example, marking a football pitch would usually take approximately 2.5hrs for two people, a total of 5hrs labour.

The MAQA Marking System can reduce the time taken by 90% on this one task, marking a football pitch in just 20 minutes and only requiring one person.

The MAQA GNSS Marking System is supplied with Fleet’s unique Flozle Nozzle System, which is a spray head that automatically cleans the nozzle after every line marked.

This System has been made even more appealing due to the interest free offers that are now available.

During the event guests enjoyed a day of line marking activities including the launch of the COG System.

A factory tour and the opportunity to get hands on experience with all of our new, and classic markers, with the added benefit of expert guidance from the specialist team at Fleet, made the day a huge success.

This included a chance to experience the BeamRider, which continues to hold it’s own across the world and remains highly regarded from grass roots to professional Stadia.

Fleet Line Markers

Ecoline+ hits the mark at Watford FC

Pitchmark’s Ecoline+ has become the line marking paint of choice for FA Premier League club Watford FC.

The demand for using a premium paint at the Vicarage Road stadium led to trials last season, since when Pitchmark have been further developing Ecoline+.

Watford FC became the first to use the improved formula at the opening game of the season against Brighton and Hove Albion in August this year.

In 2018 Scott Tingley, Head Groundsman at Watford FC, set out on what was originally a cost exercise and to see if they could establish the use of one paint for all marking.

“We were using top end paint for the stadium and bottom end for the other pitches,” he says, “we wanted to make it one paint but of course the cost had to be taken into account. We looked at Pitchmark and what we found different was their specialisation solely in line marking products.”

The club had been using Pitchmark’s Direct at the Watford FC training ground and academy, located at the University College London Union Shenley Sports grounds in St Albans. Home to five full-size and two goalkeeping/warmup natural grass training pitches as well as a full-size artificial turf training pitch and fourteen college/academy natural grass pitches, there’s a sizeable amount of line marking required.

In the stadium only premium quality is acceptable. Ecoline+ offered the ideal all-round solution. Ecoline+ is one of the most advanced, low volume, ready-to-use line marking paints available, especially when used in combination with Pitchmark’s Eco and Hybrid markers and special nozzles.

Scott says: “we trialled Ecoline+ and we had no issues, only benefi ts. We use a Pitchmark Hybrid marker which gives us the quality of a spray marker, without compromising the precision and quality of a transfer marker.

“Fixture dependent, we can mark up to three times a week and with the traditional wheel to wheel and four-wheel spray markers you lose ground cover and it’s too easy to transfer paint.”

The Pitchmark Hybrid overcomes these problems with a three-wheeled spray design, which is easily manoeuvred over wet lines. The cone nozzles give perfect deep leaf coverage, so you only need one pass.

“It’s easy to use, it feels like a normal wheel marker and you get premium quality.” Scott adds, “it’s quite complex though and needs looking after but if we have any issues Olly Boys, the Turfix rep, gives us second to none service and back-up.” (Turfix is Pitchmark’s recently formed sole UK distribution arm). Using advanced Ecoline+ Watford FC join the many examples of Ecoline+ premium line marking seen every week on TV from the best leagues in the world, including the English Premier League and UEFA Champions League.

FieldLazer puts you on the right lines to success

FieldLazer field marking machines have been recognized worldwide by sports turf maintenance professionals for delivering brighter, longerlasting lines with less paint.

Graco offers an assortment of marking and striping equipment designed for your specific needs:

• Walk-behind models with ride-on attachment

• Dedicated walk-behind field marking and parking lot stripers

• High pressure battery powered marking machines

• All equipment delivers razor sharp lines, coats both sides of the grass blades, and uses Graco’s high-pressure airless paint spray technology

Pitchmark

Graco

Price per pitch savings make TinyLineMarker a ‘no-brainer’ for contractor

Contractor Dean McDermott knows that his purchase of Rigby Taylor’s TinyLineMarker (TLM) robotic line marking machine will make a big difference to his current operation.

“I also know the machine will also enable us to further expand by offering cost-effective line marking to a multitude of new customers – councils and contractors alike,” he says.

“Its purchase enables us to be more efficient with our current line marking let alone future expansion; it was a no-brainer,” he claims.

Before establishing Parkway Ground Maintenance in 2000, Dean’s career as a selfemployed operative gave him the opportunity to build a tremendous level of expertise in grounds and open space management. This experience has seen the company achieve accreditation to ISO 90001 and ISO 1400 as well as being a BALI award winner, among other awards and accreditations.

Parkway has seen huge growth over the years, with a firmly established customer base and its reputation as an approved Rigby Taylor partner. And while continuing to expand, the Birmingham-based contractor has also invested a considerable amount in machinery and equipment, with the TLM being the latest purchase.

Dean continues: “Not only is the application of TLM truly a one-man operation – and that includes unloading and loading for each job/site – but it is also very fast and very accurate.

“In this business, it’s all about price per pitch and since the TLM can mark a full-size football pitch in just 20 minutes, with one operator, compared to (in Parkway’s case) around 2/2.5 hours manually with two operators, the savings in time and manpower are evident. Also, an eight-lane running track that used to take two of my guys a full day, at least, can now be completed by one person in only 2.5 hours.”

He adds: “It’s a similar argument for the use of Rigby Taylor’s award-winning ready-mixed Impact paint. Impact may cost more per tub, but we get brighter and longer-lasting lines so, the cost is lower on a line-for-line basis.”

With the ready-to-use Impact, which produces bright white lines that last longer than other paints, operators have no contact with the paint either, as a flow tube is simply inserted into the paint container.

Impact is the ideal complement to TLM, which utilises the latest GPS technology with RTK receiver and antenna that connects with global satellites and mobile network connections.

It takes the input of pitch line dimensions and multiple pitches via an App and re-positions them to best fit the site using Google Maps. Once stored, the lines are never lost, even if they disappear if a pitch is not used for any length of time.

“As our line marking demands have grown, especially with the time needed for initial marking, it was difficult to balance such a growing workload while tying up expert line marking staff for hours on end. However, that problem has been solved with the TLM, allowing us to be more efficient.”

Initially aimed at football pitches (any length/width), and rugby

union and league pitches as well as multi-lane athletic tracks, tennis, lacrosse and American football pitches, TLM can also mark bespoke shapes, which is often required for some smaller locations and events such as school sports days. “That will surely prove another major benefit as we go forward with our robotic line marking service,” Dean adds.

“The TLM has allowed us to have just one operator undertaking all line marking, as opposed to in recent years having to spare two or three members of staff,” Dean concludes. “This has allowed us to move forward with expansion and to take on more work for our other grounds maintenance services while at the same time continuing to provide our customers with the service they deserve.”

Rigby Taylor

Intelligent Marking bring unrivalled accuracy

The Intelligent One (IO) robotic line marker from Intelligent Marking, which also produces a base station with their robot which ensures a line accuracy of +/-1cm.

The IM robot will overmark lines with supreme precision and mark out new pitches with ease.

By utilising a high accuracy GPS system, the Intelligent One can be used anywhere with unprecedented reliability, while matching the marking speed of any robotic line marker available. It is not reliant on a cellular network as operated by other robots and so does not incur expensive annual contract charges.

The Intelligent One can mark an 11-a-side football pitch from scratch in just 20-25 minutes. The robot can also line for rugby, hockey, athletics and any other

chosen sport in a similar time. It will mark out a 400m running track in under two hours with numerous templates for other track and field events available.

Bespoke templates are simple to load and can be easily changed in seconds to suit your site. Once saved, it is then available at the touch of a button to be overmarked time and time again.

The robot is stable on every natural and artificial surface and can work continuously due to interchangeable batteries. The machine is economical to use and the amount of paint can be controlled depending on the preferred nozzle size.

IM recommend their own brand of paint; ProStripe to deliver excellent professional standard lines, every time.

Intelligent One

GPS-guided linemarking has further advanced with the Generation 3 SWOZI from Vitax Supaturf.

The Supaturf SWOZI marked a quantum leap in the speed and efficiency of linemarking, with turfcare professionals able to mark out a football pitch in an average time of just 30 minutes.

The technology already allows sports contractors and site-based

Generation 3

features upgraded control system, electronics and communications, using a Windows-based app now ported to Android, introducing variable or constant rate paint outflow to give users more flexible work patterns.

Vitax

Pellenc power for Inverallan Landscapes

Inverallan Landscapes, a gardening and grounds maintenance contracting business in Stirling, claims that Pellenc battery powered equipment is playing a big part in the company’s decision to be more environmentally friendly.

Inverallan Landscapes success can be attributed to managing director John Maxwell’s forward thinking, who is of the opinion that battery powered equipment is the future of ground care.

“In my opinion, battery equipment is the way forward and we have made a big conscious decision to be greener,” he said. “We run quite a variety of battery equipment and Pellenc is a big part of that – it’s easy to use, you don’t have any maintenance and there is a huge saving on fuel.”

Light, odourless, relatively noise-free, with no starting problems and no refilling the fuel tank – it’s no wonder more and more people like John are turning to the innovative technology of Pellenc. In recent years, Pellenc has gained market recognition by offering a unique range of ‘zero emission’ battery-powered handheld tools, thanks to the development of Lithium-ion ultra-high performance batteries.

This technology, which is exclusive to Pellenc, guarantees non-polluting with quick start-up and long lasting battery life – something which John is particularly impressed with.

“They are great for the run time and you can use it with the confidence knowing that you are not going to run out in an hour’s time which is thanks to the Pellenc ULiB battery we use,” he added.

The team at Inverallan Landscapes have reported

fantastic results from using the Helion 2 Compact hedge trimmer – which is the lightest battery-powered hedge trimmer on the market. Furthermore, to reach areas that may be a stretch, John and his team rely on the Pellenc Helion extendable pole model.

John also revealed that his most recent Pellenc addition, the Cleanion battery-powered brush, proved to be the town’s saviour when the Beast from the East struck last year.

The Pellenc Cleanion batterypowered brush is ideal for

removing debris from natural and artificial grass and other hard surfaces. With the attachment of a snow blade, the Cleanion also proves to be effective in clearing snow from streets and paths.

However, in John’s case, he didn’t have the snow attachment at the time so he proceeded in clearing the snow leading up to the monument with the standard brush.

Pellenc products are exclusively distributed in the UK by Etesia UK

Etesia

Makita continues to expand brushless range

Power tools manufacturer Makita has added to its impressive range of cordless garden machinery with three professional 18V Brushless Hedge Trimmers, including options available with a new optimum blade for ease of use.

The latest 18 Volt Brushless Hedge Trimmer range includes the latest in Makita’s cordless hedge trimmer offering, and is available in three new models – DUH502, DUH602 and DUH751.

Aimed at the professional contractor, these models have a robust build quality and high output Brushless motors, so don’t be concerned about the range only being 18V as the engineering of these tools ensures they can outperform many higher voltage equivalents.

All are available with double

PETROL HAS HAD ITS DAY.

ALPHA RANGE A RANGE OF PROFESSIONAL ON-BOARD BATTERY TOOLS

sided blades, variable and constant speed control, and an electric brake.

Aiding use further, the models all also have a reverse mode, meaning if the branches are caught in between the blades, it is simple to release.

In addition, the DUH602 and DUH751 models are available with a new optimum blade that features triple-edged cutting teeth which are designed to easily catch and firmly hold branches.

These angled blades mean there is less drag and friction, so it is far less likely twigs will get caught in the machine - suppressing energy loss and increasing run times.

Ensuring ultimate comfort during use, all three models not only have the soft start and soft grip features,

but there are five different handle positions for additional comfort.

Kevin Brannigan at Makita said: “We strive to ensure we meet the changing needs of the market; and with legislation surrounding emissions from petrol machinery, our cordless machines are an environmentally friendly alternative, which still offer the power and durability our customers expect.

“From a health and safety perspective they are also quieter, lower vibration, and trip hazards are greatly reduced. Brushless motor technology… means motor components are no longer in contact with one another, which greatly reduces friction and wear between parts – meaning the motor lasts much longer and eliminates the need for replacement motor brushes.”

STIHL launches new all-round arborist petrol chainsaw

STIHL continues to enhance its petrol chainsaw offering with the introduction of the MS 194 T, a new saw that supersedes the popular MS 193 T model, offering a higher cutting performance to professional arborists.

Powered by STIHL’s innovative 2-MIX engine, the MS 194 T not only offers more displacement, power and torque without an increase in weight (3.30 kg), but also ensures significantly reduced fuel consumption and exhaust emissions.

The new arborist saw is ideally suited for crown lifts, reductions and smaller tree removal.

The MS 194 T comes as standard with the STIHL 1/4 “ Picco Micro (PM3) full chisel saw chain and a guide bar length of 30cm.

This chain is specially designed to ensure less kick back, lower vibration levels and a smooth and efficient cut.

Sitting between the MS 151 T and the MS 201 T models, the MS 194 T is a great all-round arborist saw and offers more choice in the STIHL range, with an increase in power and new cutting attachment.

an Distributed in the UK & Ireland by PellencUK @PellencUK EtesiaUK @PellencUK

Makita

Deere roam Blackheath once more

Royal Blackheath Golf Club in Eltham, south east London, has returned to the John Deere stable after signing a five-year package deal with Farol Ltd of Twyford in Berkshire for a new fleet of course maintenance equipment.

A total of 11 new machines have been acquired under the John Deere Financial operating lease deal.

These include three 2500E hybrid electric greens mowers, for use on both greens and tees, two 7700A PrecisionCut fairway mowers, an 8800A Terrain Cut semi-rough mower, a 1600T wide area mower for the main rough areas, and three TH 6x4 diesel plus one TX Turf 4x2 petrol Gator utility vehicles.

These join a number of older Deere machines bought in previous deals that date back to the early 2000s, including compact tractors.

Instituted in 1608 by the court of King James I, Royal Blackheath is one of the oldest golf clubs in the world, with a 17th century clubhouse and records showing that members originally played on Blackheath itself, adjacent to Greenwich Park.

The golf course has been extensively remodelled over the past six years, with all the bunkers being redesigned and renovated, many tee complexes reconstructed, and also many ditches and ditch banks reshaped.

“We’re looking forward to a major course relaunch in 2020, so it’s going to be a big year for us,” says golf course manager Allen Blizzard, who leads a team of five greenkeepers plus two Hadlow College apprentices.

“A lot of the bunkers had become a bit of a mismatch over the years, and we wanted to go back to James Braid’s original design,

ISEKI goes where everything else struggles at Wallington

The ISEKI SRA800 has proved to be invaluable to Wallington Estate.

Managing the woodland paths and garden areas has been made so much easier with the brushcutter, replacing strimmers and many hours of manual labour, according to Head Gardener Simon Thompson.

The large team have a wealth of machinery to support the upkeep of the garden areas which covers over 300 acres. One of these vital machines is an ISEKI SRA800.

The excellent manoeuvrability of the machine is vital due to the layout and landscaping of the gardens. This machine will take everything up to saplings down in its path, saving so much time

which can then be dedicated to further improving the gardens.

“Whilst the SRA800 was purchased specifically for brushcutting, should we have any mower down we do utilise it on the lawns, it leaves a brilliant well spread finish every time,” explains Simon.

“The service I receive from Rickerby our local dealer is second to none. This is the first piece of ISEKI machinery I have used, the build quality of the machines and the well thought through design surpasses the competitors. I will defi nitely consider ISEKI for any future machinery purchases.”

with fewer trees, more open aspects around the course and more, longer rough grass.

“Alongside this, the club secretary Mark Hickson and I had a good look around at the latest golf course maintenance equipment, to see what the market had to offer.

“We’ve always had a good relationship over the past couple of decades with John Deere’s turf dealers, and Dave Searles of Farol came up with the right package that was also very competitive financially.

“We’ve found over the years that an operating lease works very well for us, plus their dealer and manufacturer back-up, after-sales service and support have always been excellent.

I’ve always felt that John Deere machines suit our needs well, especially for precision mowing – they’re great for following the

contours of the course to provide a first class finish.

“I also think that Deere’s rotary mowers are the best I’ve ever used,” says Allen. “They’re comfortable to operate, reliable and time efficient. With other machines we’ve had to use a tractor and blower to tidy up the

mess left by clippings, which made it a two-man job. With 125 acres to cover, and all the extra reconstruction work we’ve had to do, we need to make the most of our available manpower.

“This has also been our first experience with John Deere’s latest A Model TechControl

and QA cutting unit technology, which helps us be even more productive. From my point of view the new machinery fl eet, especially the semi-rough mower, really suits our needs and the golf course is looking in really good shape.”

John Deere

ISEKI

Machinery

to-face purchasing, in order to facilitate a significantly faster and more streamlined experience for website users to enjoy.

Engcon, the world’s leading manufacturer of tiltrotators, has seen its turnover increase to the highest figure recorded, for the ninth consecutive year.

With turnover and operating profit reaching £102.7 million and £17.3 million respectively, this achievement is the latest in Engcon’s market-leading history.

Krister Blomgren, CEO of Engcon Group, commented: “At Engcon, we strive to not only create high quality tiltrotators, but to also exceed our customers’ expectations with our customer service.

The online dealership, Zaros Machinery, has been created after the pair combined their profession of website development with their passion for machinery.

Building and maintaining a high-end website can be a very expensive task; however Zaros have the unique opportunity to build this website themselves, allowing them to offer an industry leading service at a fraction of the price.

The site utilises state-of-the-art technology to provide a fast and simple platform for you to find, customise, and purchase bespoke equipment.

Automated systems have been designed to minimise the timeconsuming process of phone calls, email chains, and face-

Zaros currently specialises in machinery designed to be towed behind a compact tractor, quad bike, or ride-on lawnmower; with products ranging from trailers and water bowsers, to flail mowers and salt spreaders.

The dealership features equipment suited to sports grounds, large garden owners and smallholders, with plans afoot to offer larger machinery for agricultural farmers.

As the team is currently small, managing and adding products is a time consuming process.

This bottleneck has allowed them to be very selective in which products they represent, with a great focus on supporting local and British-built machinery where ever possible.

Zaros Machinery

Exceptional sales in the Netherlands and France were major contributors to this year’s success. Engcon’s extensive commitment to continuous product development and subsequent range of safe and effective products have also been credited.

“Our after-sales service is unrivalled within the tiltrotator market. Our customer feedback consistently sees praise for the responsiveness, knowledge and helpfulness of our customer service agents.”

Approximately 2% of all excavators worldwide have a tiltrotator attachment, giving the market huge potential.

Countax garden tractors have been made in Britain for over thirty years and have a reputation for being tough, durable and built for British weather conditions.

A key feature of the Countax is the Power Take Off (PTO) which drives the Powered Grass Collector (PGC) and a range of accessories.

Countax has now introduced the PGC+. An accessory which transforms a C or B Series garden tractor into a multi-use, year-round workhorse.

The PGC+ is a cassette system which allows you to quickly and easily switch accessories, each one designed for a specific garden task. It means you only need one machine to maintain your lawn, driveway, path and other areas of your garden.

The Grass Sweeper cassette comes as standard. Click it into place and fifty-one brushes rotate at over 1100rpm to sweep grass clippings, fallen leaves and other debris into the hopper, even when the grass is wet.

Scarifying a lawn to rid it of moss and thatch encourages thicker, lusher grass. Installing the Scarifier cassette into the PGC+ reduces the need for a separate scarifier. The easyto-insert cassette makes light work of scarifying and takes considerably less time than using a walk-behind machine. Especially considering that scarifying and collection of the debris is done simultaneously.

Using the PGC+ is simple. There is no need to unhitch it. Just take off the collection net, remove the current cassette and load in the next. Considerable financial savings can be made using the PGC+.

There is no longer the need to purchase separate, standalone equipment. Additional cassettes are coming shortly, including a Hard Surface Brush cassette which transforms your Countax into a heavy-duty powered broom for maintaining hard surfaces such as paths and driveways.

Countax

dealers Edmund Morron & Sam Elliss have recently launched an e-commerce dealership from Ipswich, Suffolk.

Engcon

Multi-purpose trailed or pushed spreader for salt, sand and fertiliser.

A new generation of fencing

Birkdale, the UK’s leading wholesale supplier of gate and fencing accessories, recently showcased DuraPost by FENCEMATE, the industry’s first galvanised steel fence post system that provides a durable, lightweight and wind-resistant alternative to wooden or concrete fence posts.

Visitors to the Birkdale stand at UK Construction Week had the chance to use Birkdale’s new FENCEBUILDER app to generate and visualise a DuraPost fence. Due to its makeup of coldrolled galvanised steel, DuraPost

by FENCEMATE is capable of withstanding wind speeds of up to 70 miles per hour and is guaranteed for up to 25 years.

Furthermore, DuraPost is ergonomically designed to be up to 80% lighter than concrete making it easy to transport, store, carry and install by a single tradesperson, reducing build time and labour requirements significantly.

Aesthetically, DuraPost’s design provides a sleek and versatile solution that can complement any outdoor

setting and will crucially not degrade over time.

It is available in a choice of profiles, Classic and Slimline for a minimalist aesthetic, as well as four colour options: Anthracite Grey, Olive Grey, Sepia Brown and Galvanised Steel. Colour matched accessories are also available including Post Caps, Gravel boards and Capping Rails. Finally, DuraPost is compatible with a wide range of fence panels and virtually any onsite fencing.

Top performance with STIHL’S enhanced chainsaws

STIHL has launched two enhanced versions of the MS 151, increasing its range of high-quality chainsaws for professional use.

The new MS 151 C-E and MS 151 TC-E top handle chainsaws have both been designed with high performance in mind. Both models feature a new version of STIHL’s 2-MIX engine, which increases the power of the saw by up to 10% and provides a 15% increase in torque when compared to its predecessor, the MS 150 C-E. Additionally, fuel consumption and emissions have also been reduced.

Design upgrades made to the 2-MIX engine include a new piston with stepped base, cylinder and muffler. The chainsaws also feature ErgoStart technology that enables effortless, reliable starting of the power tools, meaning professionals can be up and running in no time.

The MS 151 C-E can be used for a range of applications, including firewood cutting, tree care and minor thinning, while the MS 151 TC-E top handle is designed for arborists performing deadwood removal and treetop reductions.

Despite the increase in performance, both chainsaws remain the same weight as the MS 150 C-E at just 2.60kg, ensuring professionals can benefit from the enhanced engine power, whilst keeping the overall system weight to a minimum.

STIHL’s anti-vibration system also ensures the tool is comfortable to use over extended periods of time.

The MS 151 C-E and MS 151 TC-E are available now.

STIHL

Birkdale