Landscape & Amenity Product Update April 2020

New parks to inject green space into urban areas

Among the successful schemes to be funded are:

• The Groundwork Trust in Oldham and Rochdale are receiving more than £15,000 to totally transform the currently over-grown and unloved Rochdale Boarshaw Clough Nature Reserve into a pocket of peace and tranquillity for local residents.

Chacewater Projects and Chacewater Parish Parks Group in Cornwall are receiving more than £15,000 to develop brand new community allotments, encouraging local residents to socialise, exercise and reap the rewards of being outdoors.

Communities Secretary Robert Jenrick has announced dozens of community groups will receive funding to transform neglected urban spaces into thriving green havens for the whole community to use.

The £1.35 million funding will help community groups to create 19 brand new parks and refurbish 49 currently unused and unloved plots of land, breathing new, green life into our towns and cities and increasing biodiversity across England. The new parks and green spaces will provide new areas for children to play, outdoor

fitness facilities for residents, and places for families and friends to come together, helping encourage community integration and tackling loneliness.

These new grants will fund the third round of Pocket Parks since the scheme launched in 2016. The government has now funded 352 grants to support community groups to create 146 new parks and give a vital boost to 206 derelict urban spaces in towns and cities in every region of the country.

Communities Secretary, Rt Hon Robert Jenrick MP said: “Pocket

parks are used for everything from exercise and gardening to socialising and relaxing. They have huge benefits for our mental and physical health and allow us to take a moment out of our busy lives to connect with nature.

“Creating more pocket parks is part of this 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 in their local area.”

Allison Ogden-Newton OBE, Chief Executive of environmental

Industry welcomes launch of Amenity Standard

Following its recent launch, the Amenity Standard has been very much welcomed by all sides of the amenity sector and is already being incorporated into tender documents and specifications going forward.

The Amenity Standard, when held and displayed, demonstrates that all operational activities undertaken are at the highest professional standards and fully comply with all regulations, codes of best practice and follow all best practice guidance.

The Standard is being administered by the Amenity Forum and any Amenity Standard organisation must be a member of an approved assurance scheme.

Organisations will not pay any extra to be part of the Standard; only the fees required to be a member of the relevant assurance scheme. The Forum audits the scheme operators involved not the individual organisations.

Steve Hewitt, Manager for the Standard, said: ‘’What goes on in the amenity sector is often unpublicised and unrecognised but those who operate within it are those creating safe, healthy amenity and sports surfaces fit for purpose. This applies to our streets and pavements, our roads and rail, our parks, our sports pitches, golf courses and more.

“The Amenity Standard is designed to give assurance to all who use such facilities that

operations are carried out to the highest professional levels of best practice. In future, we would like to see that all amenity operations can demonstrate the Standard giving assurances equivalent to seeing the Red Tractor when buying food.’’

Amenity Standard Enquiry 2

• Dukeries Active Zone in Hull are receiving more than £25,000 to totally transform an existing park with plans to turn it into a green sanctuary which encourages young families, teenagers and adults to get outdoors.

charity Keep Britain Tidy which runs the Green Flag Award scheme for parks and green spaces, said: “This is great news for people and for the environment, creating more parks and green spaces at the heart of communities.

“We look forward to seeing many of these sites achieve the Green Flag Award and Green Flag Community Award in the years

The government is working with the Parks Action Group, which represents leaders from across the parks sector, to support community empowerment programmes, professional development for the parks workforce and alternative park management models to ensure our parks are fit for the 21st Century.

to come.” Pocket Parks range approximately from the size of 1 tennis court to the size of 16, between 0.02 to 0.32 hectares.

They inject green space into our towns and cities and provide opportunities for the whole community to benefit from spending time in nature.

Parks Alliance Enquiry 1

Business as usual for the industry

TSP Media Ltd, publishers of the Landscape & Amenity Product Update, will continue to work as normal despite the measures implemented by the Government during the Covid19 outbreak.

As a company, it already has processes in place to ensure staff can continue to work remotely and at home to ensure our titles are still published and we continue to provide a multimedia information resource for the industry.

Our approach mirrors that of companies and organisations

throughout the industry, which are taking necessary precautions but still adopting the business as usual approach.

The likes of BIGGA, the Parks Alliance and HTA have all issued advice and guidance for industry professionals.

During these unprecedented times we encourage all our readers, advertisers and industry partners to help us to continue promoting our worldleading industry.

Let’s stay connected and let’s all stay safe and healthy.

It is certainly timely that this month we are celebrating the Best of British with our annual special supplement.

These are unprecedented times, not just for our industry but for country as a whole and we are undoubtedly entering a prolonged period of uncertainty as we deal with the Covid-19 outbreak and its aftermath.

However, the message from this industry and the rest of the UK has been a resolute “business as usual” and everyone at TSP Media Ltd is working hard to ensure that remains the case. One of the key characteristics of this industry is our ability to work together for a common goal. This partnership approach will be more crucial than ever in the months to come as we come to terms with the impact of this virus on every aspect of our lives. So, it is the right time to celebrate those companies and organisations that helped to make our industry a world-leader and a world-beater.

Elsewhere in this month’s issue we have a series of special features that add further weight to highlighting the reasons why we have a world-class industry – from Jane Carley’s look at the latest sports turf maintenance projects, through to product innovation in soils and treatments and water management.

We also continue to highlight campaigns to secure a stronger future for our parks and green spaces and showcase the award-winning work of contractors and manufacturers.

It is unclear when we all manage to come together as an industry to network, share our thoughts and ideas and see the latest

Groves, Editor

Paul

compact much more than

Best performance by your side.

Since 1912, Yanmar strives to exceed operator expectations by developing products and services of superior quality. Construction, demolition, landscaping, civil engineering or earthworks: we are providing the perfect solution for every worksite application. Our comprehensive range of compact construction equipment includes mini, midi and wheeled excavators, wheel loaders and dumpers designed with efficiency and performance in mind.

Sports stadium construction plans moving forward

Sports stadium construction projects are moving towards a start on site as the winter sports season comes to a close.

Some range from relatively minor works, such as a £2.5 million extension of Lesser Hampden Park by Scottish League Two side Queen’s Park Football Club.

Bids for the construction contract have been received according to Glenigan’s market intelligence and work should start after the culmination of the Scottish football season in May.

Some sports stadium construction projects are so large that a start needs to be made before the season has finished.

Preliminary work will begin on March 23 for a £22 million car park and hotel project at Leicester Tiger’s Welford Road

Stadium. Commercial Property Development, a subsidiary of Marshalls, is developing the 3,300 sq m project, with Pick Everard acting as architect.

Leicester Tigers chief executive officer Simon Cohen said: “This is an important project to add to the city centre’s facilities and to support the long-term vision around our stadium. It is exciting to be at the stage now where construction can begin.”

A start on Everton FC’s new £500 million is not expected until the end of the summer. Laing O’Rourke has been appointed preferred bidder for the project, which will provide an entirely new 52,00-seat ground at Regent Road designed by architects MEIS.

“There is still a lot of work to do on this project,” said Everton

FC chief executive Professor Denise Bartlett-Baxendale after Laing O’Rourke’s appointment last month (February). Working alongside colleagues at Laing O’Rourke we will develop our construction programme, while at the same time continuing to engage with our supporters on a number of matters as we await our planning application to be determined by Liverpool City Council.”

Submission of a planning application for the project is expected this spring, when Everton’s rivals Liverpool FC are also expected to file plans for the second phase of a redevelopment of its Anfield Stadium. This £60 million project is unlikely to start until early next year according to Glenigan’s research (Glenigan Project ID: 14211048).

Glenigan Enquiry 6

Championship football side Millwall unveiled plans to redevelop its stadium into a 34,000-seat ground.

The scheme was being hindered by alternative proposals for the site, but these have now been terminated and architect AFL is busy working on the club’s plans.

AFL Senior Associate Bruce Caldwell said: “The retention of much of the existing stadium structure

ensures AFL is aligning our development plans with the Architecture Journal’s RetroFirst campaign, championing reuse in the built environment.”

A host of other projects are also either already in the planning system or still being formulated. A planning permission has been delayed on Southend United’s new £25 million ground, but work could begin here before the end of the year once a

decision has been reached. West Allerdale Council in Workington is developing plans for an 8,000-seat stadium for the town’s football and rugby league clubs.

This plan involves a redevelopment of Borough Park stadium, home to Workington Reds rugby league side, and will form part of a wider regeneration of the Lower Derwent Valley area of the town.

Government proposes duty to protect public spaces from terror

Security Minister James Brokenshire has announced plans to introduce a law which will require owners and operators of public spaces and venues to put in place measures to keep the public safe from a terrorist attack.

Delivering on the manifesto commitment to improve the safety and security of public venues and spaces, the new ‘Protect Duty’ will reflect lessons learned following the terrorist attacks in 2017, as well as more recent attacks.

The proposals also follow discussions with victims’ groups such as the Martyn’s Law campaign, established by Figen Murray whose son was killed in the Manchester Arena attack.

The public consultation will seek views from a broad range of organisations including business, public authorities, the security industry and campaign groups to ensure the proposals remain proportionate for publicly accessible spaces and venues across the country.

Cllr Simon Blackburn, Chair of the LGA’s Safer and Stronger Communities Board, said: “Councils are determined to keep their communities safe and already take advice from the Centre for the Protection of National Infrastructure on how to best protect their public spaces.

“A proportionate and reasonable public duty could assist councils in working with owners and operators of public spaces and venues to reduce the threat from terrorism.

“However, consideration needs to be given to what licensing and planning powers councils might need to be able to drive improvements in the way public space is designed and operated to make it safer.

“Councils stand ready to work with the Government to make public spaces safer. Faced with ongoing funding and demand pressures, they will need adequate resources to meet any new responsibilities.”

Industry responds to The Budget

Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak delivered the Government’s first budget since the election. As expected many of the announcements focussed on providing support to the economy in dealing with coronavirus.

Key announcements:

• Coronavirus - measures to support SME businesses paying increased Statutory Sick Pay, reduction of business rates for small retailers, support from HMRC on tax and a temporary loan scheme via the British Business Bank.

• Business rates – launch of the Government’s review into business rates, with a consultation to be launched soon and a final report in the Autumn 2020 Budget.

• National Minimum Wage - a possible further increase in the Minimum Wage from 2024.

• Tax – Entrepreneurs Relief to be reformed and red diesel banned for some sectors, excluding agriculture.

• Tree planting – a £640 million “nature for climate” fund launched to support tree planting and peatland restoration.

• Rural connectivity - £5 billion investment into the Shared Rural Network, which aims to increase mobile and broadband coverage in rural areas.

James Clark, Director of Policy and Communications at the Horticultural Trades Association (HTA) comments: “(The) budget provides support to small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs), including in horticulture, to minimise the impact of coronavirus.

“Measures including assistance with Statutory Sick Pay for SMEs and the abolition of business rates for small businesses for 2020 are all helpful short term measures for our members in dealing with the immediate impact of coronavirus. The devil will be in the detail of how members will fully benefit.

“With regard to medium and longer-term business support we welcome the long-awaited review of business rates and we will ensure our members’ views are communicated to Government when further detail is available.

“It is positive to hear that the Government is making a further commitment to their environmental pledges with the announcement of plans to plant 30,000 trees over the next 5 years.

Support for nurseries is critical to build and enhance UK production capabilities for plants as well as trees to help deliver the Government’s ambition to create a greener Britain.”

Helen Griffiths, chief executive of Fields In Trust, pointed out that as a former Parks Minister the Chancellor has first-hand knowledge of the industry’s requirements.

“So we’re reassured by the fact that the new Chancellor is knowledgeable and understands the benefits that local parks have on communities,” she said. “For example, we welcome the commitment to incentivise new home building on brownfield sites and an £8 million commitment to support football pitches. However, we also note the Chancellor’s commitment to “spend £27 billion on tarmac” in creating over 4,000 miles of new roads.

“We hope that these new routes will not result in any loss of parks or green spaces. We also await details of the Budget promise of comprehensive reforms to “bring the planning system into the 21st century”. Any review of the planning system must ensure communities have a say in opposing unwanted development in their local parks and green spaces.

“In recent days the global financial market uncertainty, following widespread fear of a coronavirus pandemic, has resulted in a budget focussed on international concerns – not only the response to the UK domestic picture which we have been expecting since the General Election, having been extensively trailed by government ministers including the Chancellor’s predecessor, Sajid Javid.

“The Budget launches the Comprehensive Spending Review 2020, which will set out the overall level of public spending over the next five years. Between now and the conclusion of the CSR in July we will be presenting the case for appropriate investment in parks and green spaces as a key feature of local public services which contribute to Government priorities on health, mental wellbeing and community cohesion. A Budget focussed on “levelling-up the regions” had been widely anticipated.

“By definition, this recognises that the start point is one of difference: not all communities have the same access to public services including parks and green spaces.

“So these spaces must be valued for the health and wellbeing benefits they contribute to the communities that cherish them, not simply what they cost to maintain.”

HTA Enquiry 9

Councils get lowdown on innovative new products

Kioti UK made their APSE debut during March at the APSE Parks Seminar 2020 at the Telford Hotel and Golf resort.

The seminar was well attended by representatives from various local authorities. There was a good level of interest shown in the Kioti tractor products and the new LM Trac multiuse vehicles that are also now handled by Kioti UK.

Representing Kioti UK and answering customer enquiries were Patrick Desmond General Manager and Theo van Eijden the LM Trac product specialist.

On display was the LM Trac 286 complete with a mechanical weed brush. The LM Trac is produced in Finland specifically for Contractors and Local authorities looking for an agile and versatile unit to use all the year round.

The drive unit can be equipped with multiple tools including but, not limited to, flail mowers, rotary mowers, mechanical weed and sweeper brushes, winter maintenance equipment.

The unit is driven by a 40 horsepower stage 3A diesel engine. Stage V engines are available later 2020 and an environmental electric drive unit will be available during 2021. The air-conditioned operator cabin is of the highest

standard for safety, comfort and efficiency. All day working is not a problem. The unit is driven by strong Hydrostatic transmission, and a separate 47 litres /min of oil are available for the auxiliary hydraulics to drive the front attachments.

The attachments can be exchanged in moments as connection is made by a simple A frame mounting.

Kioti UK Enquiry 10

It’s about obsessing over the little things, the details no one else sees. It’s never tolerating anything less than the best. Perfection is a mindset. And that’s worth being proud of.

Freephone 0800 085 25 22

Snickers LITEWork working clothes for the summer

The innovative new quickdrying fabrics in this lightweight workwear make them a must for the summer months.

A change of season means a change of focus on what you wear on site. That’s why Snickers new LITEWork clothing can help you keep your cool when you’re working in sunny, warm and humid environments.

The ergonomic, body-mapping Trousers, Shirts, Shorts, mid-layer Jackets and Windproofers have all the comfort and functionality of other Snickers Workwear stretch garments but give extra freedom of movement on site.

Just like high performance sportswear, they are super-light, quick-drying garments – with ventilation and moisture transport

features - that keep you looking smart and feeling cool wherever you are on site in warm weather.

After all, keeping a balanced work temperature is not just about staying cool it’s a matter of your wellbeing and job safety.

So, to make sure you get the right protection, flexibility, durability and ventilation, check out the Snickers Workwear product families for precisely the right garments to fit your workday.

Snickers Enquiry 12

Campaigners get support to protect parks and green spaces

“Watch this Space” will help community campaigners to celebrate, champion and support their local parks and includes a self-help guide to campaigning for green spaces at risk of loss to development.

“Watch this Space” is a free, online resource, published in three editions to reflect the different Home Nation planning regulations in England, Scotland and Wales. It provides signposts to additional support available to campaigners and examples of successful community-led initiatives to save threatened spaces are included. View online at www.fieldsintrust.org/watchthis-space.

Research conducted by Fields in Trust has demonstrated clear physical health and mental

wellbeing benefits from regular use of the UK’s parks and green spaces, yet these vital community assets are not equally distributed.

Around 2.6million people in Great Britain live more than a ten-minute walk from their nearest park and are missing out on the physical health and mental wellbeing benefits as well as opportunities to connect with their neighbours. Any future loss of parks and green spaces will disproportionately impact the most disadvantaged and underrepresented communities across the UK.

Set out in three sections, “Watch This Space” encourages communities to love their local park and celebrate what it has to offer. Section two recommends an overview of how local parks are being managed for the long-term. Finally, the third section is an easy-to-use guide to the planning system should you encounter an imminent threat of development on your local park or green space.

With the publication of “Watch This Space”, Fields in Trust is highlighting the urgent need to secure and maintain those parks and green spaces we currently have. The charity wants local government and landowners to take steps to legally protect

parks and green spaces for future generations to enjoy. Fields in Trust Chief Executive, Helen Griffiths, said: “At a time when parks and green spaces are increasingly under threat Watch This Space is supporting community groups and individuals to celebrate their value and their proven physical and mental health benefits. These are valuable places; places where we can all move, breathe, run and play. We need to champion and support these precious spaces by protecting them for people to enjoy forever. Because once lost, they are lost forever.”

The average amount of green space per person in Great Britain is just over 35 square metres, less than half the size of a six-yard box on a football pitch; however, only 5.7% of the park and green space provision in Great Britain is legally protected with Fields in Trust.

It is up to all of us to act to stem the decline and disappearance of our nation’s cherished parks and green spaces. Fields in Trust are calling for the current level of park and green space provision to be maintained and encouraging communities to fight for those green spaces vulnerable to loss or development.

Kubota launches nextgeneration wheel loaders

Kubota

Redesigned inside and out, the new machines are built to get the job done quickly, easily and efficiently. Both the R070 and R090 wheel loaders boast a fully enclosed glass cabin for improved visibility, as well as a more ergonomic control layout.

Kubota’s V2607 directinjection engine is now fully Stage-V compliant and fuel efficient. Additionally, the new and improved DPF reduces maintenance by increasing the service intervals.

has announced the launch of its next-generation wheel loaders, the R070 and R090. The new machines are suitable for use in construction, agricultural and groundcare environments.

Glen Hampson, Business Development Manager for Construction at Kubota UK, said: “Both the R070 and R090 are built for enhanced performance, with productivity features and power to spare. They’re also built for safe and simple operation, even by operators with no loader experience.”

Kubota Enquiry 15

Fields in Trust Enquiry 13

UltraScape BS 7533 steps up to the paving challenge

of Apia was also a consideration, the paving and mortar needed to be capable of withstanding saltwater and precipitation.

The selected UltraScape BS 7533 compliant Mortar Paving System comprised of pro-bed bedding mortar, pro-prime slurry primer and flowpoint smooth in natural grey grout.

Pre-blended for ease of use, pro-bed can be laid from 10mm –75mm, is shrinkage compensated and can be opened to foot traffic

in just 12 hours, which allowed Peizheng Wang to complete the project in good time. Formulated to provide an exceptional bond between the paving element and pro-bed, pro-prime slurry primer eliminated potential costly failures caused by general wear and tear and heavy load bearing.

Ideal for large scale projects, flowpoint smooth grout was used in natural grey to sympathetically tie in with the selected paving. Instarmac Enquiry 17

New addition to Ronseal Trade’s 10 Year Woodstain range

Ronseal Trade has added Ebony to its best-selling 10 Year Woodstain range.

With the same water-based formula that provides the range with its 10-year colour and protection guarantee, users are now offered an even greater selection of colour options for all exterior smooth planed timber.

Certified by the BBA (96/3303) – as part of the first full trade woodcare range to receive the accreditation – Ronseal Trade’s 10 Year Woodstain has a proven lifespan of at least a decade and a water vapour resistance of 0.08MNs/g.

As part of a regeneration programme, the Samoa Government released funds to rejuvenate the capital Apria’s main high street.

Peizheng Wang was engaged as the contractor for the project and New Zealand UltraScape distributor, Horizon International Limited, advised and provided the UltraScape mortar system for the upgrade of the 560m² of

80mm stone paving required for the project.

Climate and weather were a critical considerations for the project, Apia features a hot and humid climate, however, the climate is not equatorial because of the trade winds and there are also a few cyclones, so any mortar solution would need to be robust enough to survive these changes in conditions. The costal location

This allows it to dry more readily after exposure to wet conditions and ensures that it is rainproof in one hour.

As with all Ronseal Trade’s pioneering water-based formulas, its 10 Year Woodstain is independently proven to protect from cracking, peeling, blistering and discolouration without the need for a base coat or primer.

It also delivers an industryleading four-hour recoating time, enabling same-day application of the three coats required for both hardwood and softwood surfaces.

Rigby Taylor continues to innovate with new Enclean

For over 100 years, Rigby Taylor has been supplying innovative products and services for the successful installation, management and maintenance of the UK’s natural grass and synthetic sporting, amenity and landscaped surfaces.

Clients range from international and national stadia, football and rugby pitches, cricket, tennis, racecourses, bowls, landscape projects, parks, highways, utilities and waterways.

Now Rigby Taylor has introduced Enclean, a powerful and innovative plant origin biocide for de-greening and controlling algae, lichens, bacteria and viruses that colonise on hard and artificial surfaces (permeable and non-permeable).

This new solution works on:

• Tarmac, pavements, stone, block paving

• Roofs, conservatories, and

• Fencing, decking and cladding.

Enclean is a formulation of natural fatty (nonanic) acids

that have been extracted from sustainable arable crops such as oilseed rape and sunflower, and its unique action is based on the C9 fatty acid opening up a plants’ cuticle and cell wall, causing rapid desiccation.

The speed of activity is determined by the temperature and sunlight intensity above 8°C, when desiccation will take place within a couple of hours.

Enclean has benefits over existing QAC, DDAC-based biocides as it is applied in much lower quantities of both product and water. As an example, a 15litre knapsack with dilute spray will treat 555m2 compared to just 60m2 by other biocides – which is not only financially economical but also saves time with constant knapsack filling.

Available in 1-litre bottles, Enclean dries quickly and is rainfast within an hour. It also carries just one hazard statement (the same as commercial soap) and is not corrosive nor damaging to the environment.

Ronseal Trade Enquiry 18

Rigby Taylor Enquiry

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

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

Free training workshops for unique GftK Paving Joint Mortars

The unique GftK Paving Joint Mortars have been very successful and there has been hugely increased demand for these easy-to-use, but highly durable systems in hard landscaping all around the UK.

This has been for many different paving joint applications from garden patios, terraces and pathways, through domestic driveways to pedestrianised retail, leisure and commercial developments and their paved parking areas, to High Streets and even to successfully upgrade and durably repointing historic Town Centres and Market Squares.

As a consequence NCC Streetscape have been rolling out and will continue to present an increased number of the popular free Localised GftK Training Workshops all around the country, from Kent to Strathclyde and in

many points in between, as well as carrying out specific product demonstrations on larger projects to directly support our customers.

Using the GftK Paving Joint systems you can work and finish the job irrespective of the British weather, you can finish your project faster, with less labour and no waiting for the rain to stop!

GftK’s range of 2-part resin paving joint systems are selfcompacting into the joints, there is no additional finishing works required to tool off etc., plus they harden quickly.

The hardened materials have optimum correlation of tensile to compressive strengths, with higher e-modulus and bond strengths that are especially good to support small format paving. Smaller format paving generally means paving elements that are less than 400 x 400mm, which from an engineering aspect, are more ‘joint dependent’.

These Training Workshops will give a practical introduction to

the GftK vdw range of paving joint mortars in a sensible timeframe for contractors of 3 to 4 hours and include live demonstrations and opportunities to apply GftK’s state-of-the-art epoxy jointing mortars range.

This will normally include the original benchmark GftK vdw800, then GftK vdw815plus, which is ideal for smaller joints from 3mm wide in Porcelain and Natural Stone.

As well as the market leading GftK vdw850plus, which is ideal for many different types of stone and quality concrete paving with joints from 5mm wide, plus it can even accommodate heavy vehicle traffic and is highly resistant to jet washing, even resistant to mechanical street cleaners.

Details of the training programme are on the NCC Streetscape Facebook page and by contacting 01257 266696, or paul.brookes@ nccstreetscape.co.uk.

Kangular is the ultimate in contemporary screening

Kangular’s

be used to separates different planting schemes and protect delicate plants from the harsh elements, whilst maintaining an architecturally inspired design yet practical fencing alternative for the garden.

An alternative to common wrought iron designs or natural fencing, Kangular’s contemporary high-end shapes and screens offer unrivalled cross selling and merchandising opportunities that will help to drive sales in-store.

The patented systems also create sight lines and partitions, can

NCC Streetscape Enquiry 22

Polypipe’s growth from the ground up continues

Polypipe Civils & Infrastructure has changed its name to Polypipe Civils & Green Urbanisation to reflect a shift in focus towards a holistic approach to water retention, re-use and management.

Green Urbanisation introduces a new generation of techniques that optimises urban green assets through an extended and fully integrated sustainable water management network.

This encompasses the provision of hybrid water management

solutions that combines green infrastructure such as roofs, gardens and trees with water storage and management systems within a city or other dense urban environment.

The benefits are multiple: reduced chance of flooding, increased biodiversity, lowering of the heat island effect, more green spaces and amenities, better air quality, improved health and wellbeing.

“As our cities and towns keep growing, green infrastructure

OxyShot comes to the rescue

The OxyShot from Charterhouse Turf Machinery has been hailed a saviour for FC United of Manchester, enabling a fixture to be played just 48 hours after the pitch was deemed to be unplayable.

The OxyShot being small and lightweight was able to be used, with the tractor and compressor, left on the side-lines.

The OxyShot is ideal for ‘on-thespot’ treatment of compaction,

in a variety of situations from walkways, touchlines and arboricultural operations.

It uses a single 25mm probe to inject air into the soil in four directions, at a pressure of up to 110psi and to a maximum depth of 500mm (20”). It can also be fitted with an optional 14mm probe, to reduce the working depth to 250mm.

27

becomes more and more important,” says Steve Durdant-Hollamby, Divisional Managing Director for Polypipe Civils & Green Urbanisation.

“It’s not just about making our urban environments more resilient to climate change, it’ s about improving the quality of life for people living and working in them.”

Clever combinations of hard and soft sustainable urban drainage systems (SuDS) are vital if cities are to encourage

more green cover and – at the same time - manage more intense rainfall events and prolonged and hotter dry spells, as climate change takes effect.

This will require a collaborative approach from the earliest stages of planning and design, involving architect, landscape architect, engineer and water management specialist, in order to optimise the environmental value that Green Urbanisation can deliver.

Enquiry 26

Five top tips to pave the way for effective drainage

3.

With the unpredictable weather in the UK often leading to standing water in paved areas, steps must be taken to prevent this aesthetically unpleasant, and at times dangerous, issue from happening.

Fit for purpose

1. Logical design

Water cannot flow uphill. Despite seeming obvious, this is something I frequently encounter in the design stage of a paving project. It is often as a result of the customer understandably wanting a particular route for the water to travel along, but uphill runoff is not achievable. It is important to know the limitations of drainage, in order to find the best possible solution for paved areas.

2. Slopes are unnecessary

Provided the drainage channel is flat and even, and the outlet is below this level, water will be able to flow away from the paved area. Constructing a slope when it is not necessary is expensive and time consuming, and by addressing this frequently held misconception, contractors can free up time to tackle other areas of the project.

Ensuring that paving drainage is specified according to the unique requirements of the application will ensure it works effectively. For example, the load class needs to be carefully considered; if the paving area is exclusively for pedestrian use, such as in a back garden, then an A 15 solution is appropriate. However, if it’s for a domestic driveway, a B 125 system should be the minimum classification considered.

4.

Ongoing Maintenance

To keep the channel running efficiently, it needs to be regularly cleared and maintained, as dust and dirt leads to an inevitable build-up of silt over time. Future maintenance needs to be considered at the design stage, and depending on the type of channel used, this may require dedicated access points to guarantee the ongoing efficiency of the drainage system.

5. Completing the look

It is important to view drainage as something that is both practical and capable of contributing to the aesthetic finish of a paving project.

ACO’s ‘Complete the Look’ range offers versatility in terms of visual finish, equipping contractors with the ability to match drainage to the surrounding area.

Neil Higgins, Product Training Manager at ACO Water Management, gives his top five tips for combatting the problem:

Charterhouse Turf Machinery Enquiry

Polypipe

Check your data, don’t replace your system

Understanding your irrigation system and the effects of making changes can be a complex subject but if you understand the basic principles it will go a long way to help you maintain your site and deliver your expectations.

Bailoy is often contacted when a PC-based system is not performing as expected, assuming the problem is the controller hardware or the software running it. Users often perceive the controller and the software running it, as the sophisticated and intelligent means to deliver fail proof performance.

Apart from obvious issues like cable breaks or damaged heads, in 9 out of 10 cases Bailoy find that the data entered in the system is the cause of the issue.

Each station in the software contains information (data) relevant to that station such as head type, nozzle sets, arcs, flow and spacings.

So, if that information was either not entered correctly when the system was installed, or has changed over time, then your data is out of line and you will experience performance issues.

So, if your irrigation system is underperforming ask yourself if any of the station data itemised above has changed. If the answer is yes, contact Bailoy for advice. Bailoy manufacture, distribute and support the GTI Gemini and GTI Trident range of controllers.

IQ4-Cloud takes web based irrigation management to a new level

Interpave confirms that SuDS cost less

Hunter Irrigation the preferred choice at the Arthur Miller Stadium

Daniel Connor, groundsman at the Arthur Miller Stadium in Leeds, has reported excellent results since a new Hunter Industries irrigation system from KAR UK was installed.

KAR UK – the UK and Ireland distributor of Hunter Industries irrigation equipment, supplied a variety of G885 and I-40 rotary sprinklers, PGV valves, an ACC2 controller with Wi-Fi and a Roam remote.

The I-40 is a tough commercial rotor that delivers water with accuracy and efficiency at distances up to 23.2 m.

Featuring diverse threeport nozzle options, a non-strippable drive, and a thick rubber cover built to prevent injury; it’s no wonder this rotor is found in more stadiums than any other in the world. With the strength of stainless steel, the I-40 is built to last in the harshest sports, public park, and commercial environments.

Working in harmony with the I-40’s, the G885 rotary sprinklers boast one of the highest torque outputs on the market and its patented gear drive will push through anything that gets in its way. With such a powerful core, an array of efficient nozzles, and true full circle and part circle capabilities, the G885 is relied on by turf managers throughout the globe.

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

Daniel also benefits from the use of the ACC2 controller which is ideal for delivering advanced water management to meet the demands of large-scale commercial projects and the Roam remote - which eliminates the need to go back and forth to the sprinkler controller.

UK Enquiry 32

Dedicated to the development of the most advanced irrigation products, Rain Bird’s IQ Platform has for many years set the standard as a management solution for contractors and end users with responsibility for the irrigation of commercial properties, sports stadia, training grounds and other amenities featuring both single and multiple zones or controllers.

With the new IQ4-Cloud, the platform has been completely redesigned to become more versatile, user-friendly and secure than ever before. It is also free of charge for anyone who has already invested in compatible Rain Bird controllers and connected devices.

IQ4-Cloud is designed for use with Rain Bird’s ESP-LX Series controllers or the new ESP-LX IVM range. It is 100% browser

based, offering high levels of functionality and control over irrigation through any internet connected smartphone, tablet or desktop PC. The full suite of remote management tools is accessible through a mobileready, user-friendly interface.

New features, including streamlined navigation, allow fast and agile programming of controllers. For controllers equipped with flow sensors, minute-by-minute flow logs and graphical reports show actual versus projected flow rates.

IQ4 can automatically create and share detailed analysis of irrigation times, total water usage and other key data. Text notifications on mobile phones are now available to help quickly identify and manage operational queries in the field.

The trade association Interpave has published a new case study which demonstrates that sustainable drainage systems (SuDS) – including concrete block permeable paving – should cost less than conventional piped drainage, both initially and in terms of maintenance.

Interpave’s new case study revisits the SuDS scheme at Lamb Drove in Cambourne, Cambridgeshire. This scheme demonstrates as many SuDS techniques as possible, including concrete block permeable paving, used in combination to form an effective management train.

The Monitoring Project measured the performance of the SuDS over time, compared with that of a conventional piped drainage system on another nearby development, similar in size and density.

Overall, both capital and maintenance costs – and therefore whole-of-life costs –associated with the Study Site were much lower than those for the conventional piped drainage system Control Site.

The Monitoring Report noted capital cost savings of £314 per home and also suggested 2025% lower maintenance costs than traditional drainage on the Control Site. Having said that, further potential cost savings were also noted.

In addition, monitoring of pollutants, biodiversity and resident satisfaction is testament to the SuDS, notably concrete block permeable paving delivering a gradual flow of treated water to open SuDS features further down the management train.

Interpave Enquiry 34

KAR

Rainbird Enquiry 33

Bailoy Enquiry 31

ALL-ROUND, ALL-SEASON LAWN CARE

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

Park Pro 740 IOX

NEW Honda 688cc Twin-cylinder engine

4-Wheel Drive

Hydro piston and 50:50 articulated steering for greater manoeuvrability

Re-inforced Quick-Flip cutting deck with pivot wheels

RAC Quick connection for easy & secure accessory attachment

LED display for clear and concise relay of information

Large 15-litre fuel tank

Variety of seasonal accessories available

Invest in over 50 years of experience with Wessex

Wessex International has more than 55 years of innovation, manufacturing excellence and a commitment to progress that underpins the care for our customers, suppliers and employees.

One of the latest customers to see the benefit of this track record is Dulwich Preparatory School, in Cranbrook, Kent.

The children are fortunate to have outstanding facilities including 50 acres of superbly presented and well-kept sports fields for lacrosse, rugby, football, hockey, rounders and three cricket pitches and the grass used to be cut using cylinder and gang mowers.

“We heard about Wessex roller mowers from one of our groundscare contractors,” says Estates Manager Michael Clark, “and we were offered an ex demonstrator to try out

by our local dealers, Godfreys. They loaned us a Wessex RMX 180 for a week and we’ve never looked back.”

Given an initial demonstration he and Estates Co-ordinator Ross Brown with their colleague Vic Lawrence were impressed with the fact that the rotary blades will cut long and even wet grass, while the rollers lay down distinctive stripes.

Knowing they were looking for something that could cut longer strands of grass rather than flattening them led them to the Wessex and they put in their budget request to the school’s Bursar. They have been working with the machine for about a year now and find it a robust, good all-rounder.

“We’re very pleased with the finish we get on our cricket outfield,” says Vic “adjustment is easy and there are not too

many working parts so there’s little to go wrong and servicing is simple and economic.”

The roller mower works all-year round to contribute to the PE curriculum run in conjunction with a full schedule of after-school

practice and training sessions available to all pupils at Dulwich. The Wessex was supplied by Godfreys of Sevenoaks who are Wessex dealers.

Wessex International Enquiry 37

The perfect edging strip by EverEdge

Through the years, EverEdge have continuously expanded our range of products serving the landscaping sector with steel edging for a variety of projects.

However, the company’s most popular product with landscapers remains the EverEdge ProEdge range.

Available in 2.5m long strips of steel, EverEdge ProEdge is

perfect for edging driveways, paths and any number of public spaces.

The ProEdge range offers a heavy duty yet flexible edging strip used by landscapers and contractors to create maintenance free borders against lawns, tarmac and resin bonded surfaces.

Woodland management made easier thanks to GreenMech

end-users ranging from homeowners, landscapers, contractors, hire companies and specialists in the road and rail industry.

One of the latest deals has seen a CM220TMP woodchipper from GreenMech transform the woodland management programme for Wildernesse Golf Club.

Mark to look for an upgrade to their existing machinery at the end of 2019.

“I spoke with our local dealer Burden Bros who suggested we upgrade from a 6” to a 9” machine and demonstrated the GreenMech CM220TMP.

chipper unless you spent time snedding all the branches off.

“The CM220TMP’s large hopper means we can take down holly trees up to 20-foottall and get them straight into the chipper – reducing handling and stopping backlogs.

blade chipping technology. Not only does it process more efficiently but when they blunt you simply turn them to the next sharp edge which means that, compared to traditional straight blades, you get three times the life out of each set.”

British designed products, built in the UK from British resources, GreenMech is the top selling chipper range throughout Europe and the largest product sector manufacturer in the world.

GreenMech has been at the forefront of chipper and shredder design, development and innovation for over forty years. In-built quality reflects the demands and expectations of a wide range of customers and

The heavily tree-lined woodland/parkland course in Sevenoaks, Kent, requires year-round thinning, pruning and felling. The new 9” machine has significantly improved the productivity for Course Manager Mark Todd and his team.

With classified ancient woodland, Chance Wood, at the very heart of the course, the scale of the task at hand led

“You could see straight away how it was going to be so much more effective at dealing with the large quantities of material we have to process.”

The course woodland predominantly consists of beech, birch and oak, however it’s the holly in the understory of the canopy that causes a real issue.

“Some areas are smothered in it and the awkwardly shaped branches used to be really difficult to get into our old

“Thinning this out improves not only the aesthetic and playability qualities, it also allows extra air and light to get down to the playing surfaces.

“Being tractor mounted means we can take the chipper wherever it is needed, with the chip we produce dispersed in the woodland, used in some of the decorative beds or given to the members for use in their gardens.

“One of the really great things is GreenMech’s round disc

Mark was also thankful for having the chipper at their disposal during the recent storms, where the course experienced strong winds and fallen trees.

“The chipper disposed of these without a problem” Mark explains. “While it comes into its own over the winter months, we have projects to work on throughout the year and with the CM220TMP, these have now become much easier.”

Enquiry 39

EverEdge

GreenMech

The INFINICUT success story keeps growing

With export business now accounting for 50% of annual turnover, the INFINICUT range has undeniably proven its credentials with greenkeepers and groundsmen around the globe.

Head of UK for MTD Specialty Turf Products, John Coleman, takes us back to the very start of the INFINICUT® story, and how knowledge-sharing and sheer hard work has seen them become the preferred choice at facilities both home and away.

“I worked as a greenkeeper through the 90’s and during this time, would have ideas for equipment that would improve certain elements on the course I was managing,” he said.

“With my family owning an engineering company (AET), I would occasionally have them manufacture some of my ideas which, over time, became increasingly technical to the point where the idea of formalising a Golf equipment design business became a natural progression - thus Advanced Turf Technology (ATT) was incorporated in 2006.”

The first product idea was the TMSystem which couples to OEM triplex mowers (originally called ‘Turfworks’).

The TMSystem was a success from the beginning and the decision was made to re-invest the proceeds into a secondary product – INFINICUT.

“INFINICUT was conceptualised throughout 2007 and the design began in earnest at the beginning of 2008,” continues John. “By the end of the year we had a working prototype with orders.

“Then, together with almost every other business in the Western World we were hit by the Global Recession. We persevered through 2009, delivering the INFINICUT to several customers but had to admit defeat and stopped production in 2010.

“It was a horrible period with an almost total cessation of golfrelated product purchases.

“When the market began to pick up in 2012, we decided to resurrect the INFINICUT. Producing the first electric

INFINICUT iteration was a massive learning curve, but thanks to a lot of Google research, we had a working design in 2014.

“Looking back now, it was a very risky strategy but ultimately it worked and we now had a functioning electric drive multi use mower…and no-one got electrocuted.

“Although there have been many small iterative changes, in general today’s electric machine is the same as the original design. At the beginning of 2015 we made a strategic directional change and moved away from Golf to Sports Turf. We modified the INFINICUT to the wider versions and started the process of demonstrating the machine.”

Success brought John and his team to the attention of MTD, the largest producer of global power outdoor equipment based out of Cleveland, USA.

MTD are regarded as experts in the field of manufacturing and had aspirations to push into the Golf and Sports Turf sectorthey saw the INFINICUT as a compelling way to hit the ground

running. MTD acquired ATT in December 2017.

“In the two years since the acquisition, we have been able to leverage MTD’s know-how and now boast a state-of-theart production facility located in Sheffield, UK,” said John.

“Our INFINICUT user list has expanded both here in the UK and overseas, with products from our portfolio now present in most areas of the world.

“Having the support of MTD to ensure we attain or exceed all the necessary compliance requirements has allowed us to export to these markets much faster than was previously achievable.

“We will continue to invest in electronic technology that is both user and environmentally friendly. With our clients producing ever more technical and superior surfaces, it is vital we provide them the tools with which they can accomplish their goals. That ethos will continue to form the basis of our product design intentions.”

Cub Cadet Enquiry 42

Campey provides zero emissions mowing with the AllTrec Tool Carrier

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

Being environmentally responsible is an essential cause of many companies and councils.

By August 2019, more than half of councils in the UK had committed to cutting carbon emissions, with many of them setting 2030 as the date to reduce carbon emissions to zero

as part of the UK governments plan to deliver the net zero target by 2050.

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

All batteries come with a threeyear warranty and have a lifetime of + - 2500 charge discharge cycles. The 48VDC battery

Allett makes an eco contribution

Allett Mowers has unveiled the new Uplift 86E 82V li-ion battery-powered stadium rotary mower, designed for debris collection after matches and built on the experience gained with previous models.

Allett won the Queen’s Award for International Trade in 2019 and with the UK and international markets in mind, the business is working towards being carbon neutral by 2022.

uses LifePO4 technology with a capacity of 20kwh or an optional 30kwh, with onboard charging taking 4-8 hours. The AllTrec unit can also be used with a number of other attachments including the Air E-Variator, weed brush, and hedge cutter.

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

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

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

Campey Turf Care Systems Enquiry

43

Managing Director Austin Jarrett believes the manufacturer will probably not have any petrol engines within its range by 2025.

Allett Mowers Enquiry 44

Wire joining device and suspension system manufacturer, Gripple, has recently overhauled its website to encompass a host of new features and improve the customer experience.

The change is driven by Gripple’s pledge to offer improved usability for new and existing customers with a range of additional tools to help identify the right Gripple solution for each job and help users achieve the best standard of work in their projects.

The new website has been translated into 15 languages and will include a product finder tool, designed to help users match products with projects and a quote builder feature, where users can select their solutions online and send the quote directly to the company.

Users will notice an entirely fresh design although some elements of the branding will remain constant. The newly simplified layout will offer easier navigation and a more tailored experience for each different audience.

There are also changes for subscribers, who now have access to Gripple’s range of technical and BIM services, as well as a submittal pack builder tool, made available through the company’s subscription package.

Tristan Buchanan, Gripple’s online marketing executive, said: “We have invested a lot of time and resources into making this website as simple and useful as possible for our customers and we believe there will be a huge difference in the usability of the site.

“The entire experience will be more enjoyable and streamlined, while also giving people new insight into what the business’ unique culture, history and its people.”

Gripple is the 100% employeeowned market leading manufacturer of wire joining devices and suspension systems serving the construction, civil engineering and agricultural industries.

Gripple

Rigby Taylor products and expertise combine with the industry’s experience

When Rugby Union club Grasshoppers RFC moved into its new and impressive £11 million home in Osterley, West London, head groundsman Mark Woodward knew he had a job on his hands to bring the pitches up to the standard that he and the club were used to.

But drawing on his considerable groundscare experience –“I followed my father into the industry some 39 years ago; he was the former groundsman at neighbouring Centaurs RFC” - and with the input of Rigby Taylor’s technical representative, Corin Beeney, the playing surfaces at the Syon Lane site are continually being improved.

Following a timetable of works instructed by the pitch consultant, Mark has also instigated the use of lots of sand – four applications in 14 months of up to 100 tonnes per pitch each time – “to bring the levels up”, he says, followed by generous overseeding with Rigby Taylor’s R140.

seeds’ outer layer (pericorp) into the endosperm, by lowering the surface tension of the surrounding water molecules. Roots can also take advantage of the micronised mycorryhizal fungi that will deliver long-term plant benefits.

The result is that at the active germination stage, each emerging seedling has immediate access to a highly beneficial package of targeted nutrients, biostimulants and micronised mycorrhizal fungi that together aid early establishment, improved root mass development and accelerated leaf extension.

Rigby Taylor fertilisers are also part of Mark’s maintenance programme, with a liquid ‘topping up’ feed applied monthly, including Cold Start which provides turf with nitrogen in cold conditions, in conjunction with a rapid colour boost.

Vitax Ltd represents the Best of British

Vitax, Thomas Elliott and Supaturf are British brands through and through, with over 250 years of manufacturing experience combined.

With three major manufacturing sites across the UK we are rightly proud of our heritage. Our heritage is endorsed by the proud fact that we have carried the Royal Warrant for nearly forty years.

Vitax, Thomas Elliott and Supaturf also have a proud history in export. Currently exporting to over 20 countries worldwide, it is clear that British innovation and engineering is still highly respected.

Many of our customers still insist on the Union Jack being

displayed on our packaging; it means quality is assured.

From line-marking to nursery stock fertilisers and fine turf management, Vitax, Thomas Elliott and Supaturf have all of the needs for groundsmen, greenkeepers and professional growers, in fact we have everything needed to grow a healthy plant and maintain the quality of it.

Through R&D throughout the group, we are always, creating and sourcing new and innovative technologies into plant health.

We look forward to being as innovative as we have always bees, continually adapting to the unique needs of our customers.

Vitax Ltd Enquiry 48

Enquiry 46

Designed for rapid establishment, as well as showing excellent tolerance to wear, cold, shade, disease and drought, for example, R140 is a mixture of perennial rye (Eurosport and Columbine cultivars) and tetraploid perennial rye (Fabian and Tetragreen) and is treated with Germin-8T which contains a speciality surfactant that is activated when the seed comes into contact with rootzone moisture. This provides effective penetration of water through the

Effective at temperatures of 5°C, Cold Start has a nitrate and high iron content, as well as magnesium for increased colour. It also includes zeolite to reduce leaching and improve cation exchange capacity. There are three-fold benefits of the use of magnesium compared to formulations containing just nitrate and iron. Magnesium allows the plant to take up nitrate when it is photosynthesising, even at cold temperatures, naturally provides colour and increases the plant’s ability to utilise iron.

Rigby Taylor Enquiry 47

Primo and Ryder get SUPERSIZED

ICL has announced that Syngenta’s Primo Maxx II growth regulator and Ryder turf pigment are now available in larger sized packs.

With immediate effect, turf managers now have the option of purchasing Primo Maxx II in 20litre drums and Ryder in 5-litre bottles. Both are significant increases on the former sized containers and are set to provide better turf at better value.

The new pack sizes mean that Primo Maxx II is now available in 5 litre, 10 litre and 20 litre packs whilst Ryder is available in 1 litre and 5 litre bottles.

Primo Maxx II is the number one choice for industry professionals who want to create stronger, healthier turf and a better playing surface.

The growth regulator works by obstructing the grass plant’s production of gibberellic

acid, which is accountable for vertical growth.

Where Primo Maxx II excels and other growth regulators fall short, Primo Maxx II creates the obstruction late in the growth cycle, which serves to stop cell elongation and keep shoots and stems short.

Launched just last year, Ryder has gained rave reviews from users with many praising its ability to instantly enhance the colour and visual appearance of turf. The innovative technology behind Ryder also protects leaves from the harmful effects of excessive sunlight and instead manages light more effectively.

Furthermore, the intensity of colour produced by Ryder can be selected through adjustments to application rate, frequency and integrated turf management programmes.

ICL Enquiry

DevoShift goes top-flight

Looking ahead with the ‘Green Series’

Hayter, the makers of the finest mowers, have announced the new Osprey 46 Lithium-ion 60V powered lawnmower; the first model in Hayter’s new Green Series of batterypowered products.

The new Osprey 46 will provide all the benefits of a cordless lawnmower, including increased portability and ease, without emitting exhaust fumes into the environment and never compromising on power.

The Power System has three battery options to choose from, corresponding to the run-time the user requires.

And the mower’s new PowerBoost feature allows the machine to automatically adjust the power to suit the length of the grass and mowing conditions, ensuring the best quality of cut.

Hayter Enquiry 53

The revolutionary DevoShift multi-directional goal has stepped up to the big time. The new wheel system has now been fitted to the Mark Harrod Ltd Top-Flight, box net package creating a goal that adds that professional look to any training pitch.

Gloucestershire FA recognised the versatility of the new wheel system and recently took delivery of 6 pairs of DevoShift goals, including a pair of the full sized Top-Flight package.

When David Neale, chief executive of Gloucestershire FA saw the DevoShift his reaction was priceless: “We’ve got to have these for our 3G pitch.”

David went on to say: “These goals will make club training sessions much better, and the mobility of the wheels will mean wear and tear of the goals and pitch will be much reduced.”

Mark Harrod Enquiry 51

Aberdeen-based landscapers Life Landscaping and one of the UK’s leading commercial nurseries, Johnsons of Whixley Ltd, teamed up to help create a memorial garden at Hazlehead Park.

The Rainbow Garden is a peaceful haven away from the bustle of the park, where bereaved parents and families can reflect.

Soft landscaping works were completed by Life Landscaping, including installing lawns, trees and thousands of plants supplied by Johnsons.

Among the 2,500 plants supplied were 335 Miscanthus sin. ‘Morning Light’, 260 Aquilegia vulgaris 2L, 250 Rhodendron in variety 7.5L, 160 Crocosmia ‘Lucifer’ 2L, and over 100 Lavandula ‘Hidcote’ 2L.

Johnsons of Whixley’s Marketing Manager Eleanor Richardson added: “We hope the garden provides an area where bereaved parents and families can remember and reflect in a quieter area of the park that is surrounded by beautiful flowers, sculptures and outdoor space.”

Johnsons of Whixley Ltd Enquiry 52

Sustainability, eco-friendly, environmentally sound, ‘green’ – this is the core ethos Viano’s business. This unrelenting commitment to protecting the environment can be best seen within the Viano product portfolio, exclusively distributed in the UK by DJ Turfcare.

One hundred per cent organicbased, the range which includes

the highly recognisable, RHS-endorsed Mo Bacter, Recovery and Bio-Lime, has been sympathetically created to ensure it only positively impacts the environment, without compromising on performance or results. These are products that deliver every time.

Flagship product, Mo Bacter is an organic-based, slow release

The mower utilises a 60V max Green Series Power System, a high-powered motor unit compatible with Toro’s FlexForce Power System range of garden tools – useful when it comes to versatility as the pack can be utilised across all products in the line.

fertiliser for lawns, which destroys moss as a secondary action. It is easily spread, contains no chemicals, is pet and child-friendly, and completely harmless to garden plants.

Recovery contains the unique ingredient, Humifirst, which creates biological activity and acts as a plant growth stimulant making it perfect to

use before laying turf, seeding, after drought or as an autumn lawn feed.

Meanwhile, Bio-Lime, has been created to combat black layer and all the acidic and sour conditions that can be an ideal environment for moss to thrive, by ‘sweetening’ the soil to raise its pH.

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

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

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

Meadow seed and PMTurf Training and CPDs

Design and Consultation

Meadow Installation

Meadow seed and PMTurf Training and CPDs

Meadow seed and PMTurf Training and CPDs Design and Consultation

Meadow Installation

Design and Consultation

Meadow Installation

DJ Turfcare Enquiry

Champions of British manufacturing and the industry

As a leading British manufacturer of innovative professional grounds maintenance equipment, Dennis & SISIS help groundsmen, greenkeepers and gardeners the world over to create their ultimate natural turf surface.

Dennis has more than 90 years of experience helping people create their desired end result. As a business, it has invested heavily in the future with new facilities, latest machine tools, people skills and design technology to bring high performance equipment to meet the requirements of our world class industry.

This support for groundscare goes much further too, with the company hosting regular seminars, events and demonstrations to showcase their extensive range of products.

For example, the annual Dennis and SISIS groundcare seminar, held in February, once again inspired, educated and offered real solutions.

Hosted at the Durham County Cricket Club’s Emirates Riverside Stadium, over 150 volunteers and professionals representing

Marcus North, Durham Director of Cricket and former Australian batsman, kickstarted the event much to the delight of the attendees. Not only did his talk offer a glimpse into an international cricket player’s perspective but it also offered an interesting insight into a club’s relationship with the groundstaff.

One of the most popular sections of the day saw delegates enjoy a rare opportunity to listen to and question an incredible line-up of some of the industry’s finest groundsmen. Hosted by Vic Demain (Durham CCC), this new feature entitled Groundsmans Corner, saw a panel of experts including Keith Kent (Head Pitch Advisor for Rugby Groundsmen Connected), Jim Dawson (Head Groundsman at BT Murrayfield), Karl McDermott (Head Groundsman at MCC Lord’s), Sean Williams (Head Groundsman at Gloucestershire CCC) and Gordon Gill (Former Head Groundsman at Bath CC).

An interesting range of topics were explored and, in particular, the use of social media in the industry sparked an informative debate.

Manufacturing excellence remains key to success for Ransomes Jacobsen

Ransomes Jacobsen has a long and proud track record of manufacturing world class machines from its base in Ipswich.

Its high-quality products can be found in some of the world’s greatest sporting venues, as well as being employed by contractors and local authorities throughout the UK.

The company, now part of Textron, continues to innovate and one of the latest machines launched in this country is the impressive Jacobsen AR530 Rough Mower.

But the company also has an impressive history of working with the local community.

Beccles Town Football Club has won the Ransomes Jacobsen sponsored Suffolk FA Groundsman of the Year competition for the second consecutive season.

The competition, which is open to clubs who play in Step 7 and below in Suffolk, has been sponsored by Ransomes Jacobsen for many years and has played an important role in raising the quality of football pitches in the county.

After entering for the first time last year and being placed first, Beccles’ joint groundsmen Chris Brown and Shaun Soloman were again judged as this year’s winners. They just beat Adrian Waters of Halesworth Town, who entered for the first time, to this year’s title with Tony Adams of Claydon FC finishing third.

The judging panel was led by Ipswich Town Football Club head groundsman, Ben Connell, and he was accompanied by Suffolk FA

football development manager Jodie Allard, Institute of Groundsmen pitch advisor east, Phil Jeggo, Tim Parker of Suffolk FA Pitch Improvement Programme sponsors Parkers Pitches and Steve Alabaster, regional sales manager for Ransomes Jacobsen.

Steve Alabaster from Ransomes Jacobsen added: “I’m quite taken aback and astounded by how much work the volunteers put in, especially when they have to finance a majority of the work themselves.

“Some of these guys have hardly got anything at all, and they’re producing fantastic surfaces for kids and adults to play on. I was really surprised that every pitch we saw wasn’t waterlogged because of the heavy rain we’ve had, and it is incredible that they’re doing that with such little resources – each pitch we’ve seen is a credit to the groundsmen who maintain them.

“It’s fantastic to be able to big up these guys because they don’t always get much recognition and it’s a wonderful opportunity for us to partner and support the Suffolk FA. It’s something we’ve been doing for a number of years that we’re very proud to be part of.”

In addition to being crowned as Groundsman of the Year, Beccles Town will receive £200 to be spent on groundscare equipment, with Halesworth Town receiving £100 and Claydon £50. All three clubs will be invited to attend the Suffolk FA Awards Ceremony later in the year to receive their prizes.

Ransomes Jacobsen

Enquiry 57

Dennis & SISIS Enquiry 56

Sports pitches surface into spring

Sports facilities have come out of a long, wet winter needing some TLC. Jane Carley looks at the latest equipment and techniques for renovation and re-development of natural turf and synthetic surfaces.

Charterhouse Turf Machinery has unveiled the ‘next generation’ of the Verti-Drain range.

Offering a 1.9m working width, the new high speed Verti-Drain 2519 is set to become the tool of choice for turf managers looking for a high-productivity aerator, says the company.

The 2519 model operates at a PTO speed of up to 540rpm and it can cover up to 8739sqm per hour when spaced at 165mm.

As standard, the Verti-Drain 2519 comes with 12mm solid tines but it can accept a range of solid tine options up to 19mm, and hollow tines for coring. This versatility, combined with a variable working depth of up to 250mm, makes it suitable for an array of end-users, across the full spectrum of the maintenance calendar.

Together with a new draw-rod system, it features an easyto-adjust heave lever and slip clutch PTO drive, new livery and styling.

Charterhouse also introduced the Redexim Top-Brush – a 6m wide triple poly-brush designed for use in course presentation, organic matter removal and dispersal of worm casts.

With more chemicals being withdrawn from the market, turf managers are turning to mechanical methods of maintenance to reduce contributory factors to disease.

Regular brushing helps to remove dew from the surface and stand the grass plant upright, helping to ensure a better cut, remove excess moisture and ensure optimum airflow into the turf canopy.

Ideal for large areas such as golf fairways, the three poly brushes can be accurately adjusted to the desired depth, depending on whether a light surface brush or a deeper agitation is required.

The implement’s independent ‘wings’ can then be hydraulically lifted and folded for convenient transportation and storage.

SCH’s new broadcast spreader features a 73 litre hopper and as well as being suitable for distributing salt in icy conditions, is ideal for spreading seed and fertiliser during renovations.

As the broadcaster is towed, its wheels drive an all-metal gearbox, which in turn drives the spreading disc. The two wide-profile turf tyres give a high grip while being gentle on grass surfaces.

The spread width is 3-10 metres depending on the forward speed of the towing vehicle. An adjuster lever is within reach of the driver’s seat, which meters the correct amount of product to broadcast.

This model can cover up to 0.5 hectares per hour. To spread salt on car parks and paths, a salt conversion kit featuring a stainless steel agitator and a galvanised steel deflection guard is available.

Feyenoord head groundsman, Erwin Beltman, has evolved pitch maintenance at Rotterdam’s biggest football club over the past six years, and having his own Koro Fieldtopmaker (FTM) with Universe Rotor is the latest part of his plan.

During his time at the club. Erwin and his team have been awarded the Eredivisie Pitch of the Year five times for the surface at De Kuip. When he joined the club, after spending eight years at the Royal Hague Golf and Country Club, the majority of work including renovations was done by contractors.

“When I started, the club didn’t have enough money for machines, so contractors did everything, including seeding, using the Koro FTM and aerating. If you say you want to do the work on a Monday you have to book the week before, and the weather in Holland isn’t predictable, so for me, it was a problem.”

“I wanted to be able to do everything by myself, and over the six years, we’ve purchased all of our own machines.

“This summer we have made some good investments, including the Koro FTM. It is particularly useful as we have three natural and three Desso pitches and the Universe rotor was developed for renovation use on both.”

In August 2018 construction began on the new Feyenoord Academy and Sports Club Feyenoord. During this time the club has had to use some amateur pitches which have also been renovated using the Koro FTM. With help from Campey dealer, Heybroek, Erwin and his team used the machine for the first time themselves on a hybrid firstteam pitch before using it on the amateur pitches, and the results across all surfaces have been impressive.

“Last summer we renovated the first team training facilities, and the results were very nice to see. After that we renovated two amateur pitches and were able to do both in one day.”

“One of the amateur pitches is a really old Desso and it was satisfying to see how the Koro worked on that because every year there were problems on that pitch with the contractor.”

If the unit is intended to spread salt predominately, a galvanised version which features a galvanised hopper, stainless steel flow control and a fully stainless steel spreading disc for increased corrosion resistance is worth considering.

Designed for major turf renovations that require complete reconstruction, the Eliet Turfaway 600 allows a thin

turf layer to be removed quickly and with precision. Removing a thin top layer takes away not only weathered grass plants, but also any overgrowth of weeds, moss and other parasites that have settled into the lawn over the years, points out supplier PSD Groundcare.

The Eliet Turfaway is mounted on tracks for stability and optimum soil grip especially on the damp soils favourable for turf removal, which ensures ease of use for the operator, and can loosen turf across a 60cm width.

Propulsion of the tracks is hydrostatic and the speed of each track can be adjusted so that the machine takes corners smoothly and can even turn on its axis.

The clutch for traction and blade propulsion is operated with the left hand while the right hand is free to steer the machine via the centrally located joystick. The handlebar has vibration dampers for additional operator comfort.

To be able to cut thin and attached turf, the cutter is placed behind the tracks.

When it is being loosened, the turf can move freely and will no longer be pressed down by the machine. The working depth can

be adjusted quickly and easily with one handle.

Eliet’s DZC 600 Overseeder is now available with tungsten tip blades and is designed to make high tech overseeding possible at an affordable price.

Cut more by stopping less. Perfect for large jobs on tight deadlines. With its large 41 litre fuel tank and massive 810 litre collector the Toro ProLine H800 stops less so that you can mow more –you don’t even need to stop when adjusting the height of cut! And with the High-Lift system, it can empty clippings directly into a truck bed. Perfect for when time is tight. reesinkturfcare.co.uk

Get MORE from your turfcare partner this year: More products . More advice . More training . More finance

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Fieldtopmaker goes in-house at Feyenoord

Eliet SCH

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Blades at the front of the machine cut open 10-15mm deep grooves in the soil of the area to be treated in preparation for the grass seed, before rotating over the top and casting the soil in an arc to the rear of the machine so that it does not fall into the newly cut grooves.

The Helix seed duct carries the seed under the projected excess soil into small funnels leading to discharge channels precisely located above the clean grooves.

A small air pressure generator blows air through the seed, said to help the seed to settle faster and with more precision in the grooves.

A powered rubber roller immediately follows the

seed distribution process and presses the earth down for good contact between the soil and the seeds.

The flow of projected excess earth falls just behind the roller on the sown area, covering the seedbed and providing a protective layer for the seed, increasing the chances of germination and growth.

The Eliet DZC600 pedestrian overseeder offers full turf recovery within 14 days and allows instant use of treated areas.

Synthetic turf Syn-Pro by SISIS has launched a new synthetic maintenance machine to complete its extensive range. The SVR1500 is a 1.5 metre working width

synthetic turf cleaning unit which can be fitted within seconds to the front or rear lift arms on a compact tractor with drive taken from the PTO shaft.

There are two main processes that can be completed with this machine due to its large 500mm diameter brush.

Used for maintenance cleaning, depending on pitch usage, every two to four weeks coarse soiling and accumulated dust as well as broken fibres are removed.

For intensive cleaning in conjunction with a monthly maintenance programme, a deep clean can be completed where coarse contaminants are removed along with fine dust particles and broken fibres.

The infill is loosened, sieved and replaced back into the surface to improve drainage and playability.

Contaminated infill (sand or rubber) is picked up via a rotating brush, carried into the cleaning area where dust is separated from the infill.

The infill is then passed over a sieve, where contaminants such as bottle tops, shards of glass, stones, cigarette ends, foliage etc. are sieved out and gathered into a collection box which can easily be emptied and the infill returned back to the turf pile.

The bent synthetic fibres are set upright by an adjustable brush which is driven at ground speed for presentation.

BLECavator key to synthetic developments

Dales Sports Surfaces is the world’s leading supplier of indoor and outdoor bowling surfaces. With an increasing number of clubs looking to convert to artificial greens, recent investment in the required equipment has seen the company take delivery of a BLECavator from Charterhouse Turf Machinery. Their new BV145 works handin-hand with other equipment from the BLEC stable to speed up and improve the accuracy of installing the foundation layers.

“We’re getting an ever-growing number of enquiries from clubs who are wanting to install artificial turf because of the costs involved with maintaining natural turf, and a lack of skilled greenkeepers to look after them” explains Managing Director of Dales Sports Surfaces, Richard Steadman. “Knowing we needed to invest in a couple of pieces of machinery to make this work easier and more efficient, I spoke with Charterhouse Turf Machinery who suggested we look at the BLECavator.”

The BLECavator is a onepass ground preparator – levelling, raking and rolling simultaneously. The BV145 model has a 1.5m working width and cultivates the ground to depths of up

to 18cm, using adjustable tines to lift and screen stones and debris. Burying the undesirable material and raking the ground level, the soil is then compacted by the rear-mounted roller ready for the next stage of preparations.

Richard purchased the BLECavator, together with a Redexim Turf Stripper, in June 2019 through local dealer, FG Adamson & Son. The pair of new machines were recently put to use on a conversion project at Malmesbury Bowls Club in Wiltshire. “The first thing we did was remove the existing surface with the Turf Stripper before we installed the new drainage system. We then used a BLEC Laser Grader to grade the base level before using the BLECavator to apply a stone/cement layer. Finally, we re-graded the base to a level tolerance ready for installation of the green.”

“The BLECavator is a wellbuilt multifunctional tool that is nice and easy to set up and does a fantastic job of stabilising the soil and stone.” Richard concludes, “With the increase in conversion projects we’re seeing, we now have a fleet of machines that work really well together to speed up the process and improve the accuracy and quality of the finish.”

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.

THE POWER TO TAKE ON ANY LAWN.

Infiller offers versatility for specialist contractor

Contractor Sports Surface Solutions UK was the first in the UK to have a GKB Infiller, designed for maintenance of synthetic surfaces, and capable of applying materials such as sand SBR rubber, TPE rubber and cork in two directions.

Tom Shinkins, Operations Manager at GKB, says: “This is a product we have been developing over a number of years with our own contracting side and other experienced contractors in the Netherlands.”

A unique feature of this machine is that the driver’s seat is rotatable, allowing the

operator to fill the carpet full of sand before driving over it.

To determine how much infill material is distributed, the hydraulically-operated precision control valve can be adjusted from 0 to 100mm, regulating the flow of sand being distributed via a flap in the front of the bunker.

Specially designed agitators in the bunker break up rubber crumb infill and guarantee an even spreading pattern and aluminium extensions to enlarge the bunker capacity from 1.06m 3 to 3m 3

Sports Surface Solutions UK Managing Director, Nick Wells, says, “These features really stood out to me, it’s a natural infill machine.”

Sports Surface Solutions UK is a one stop contractor for specialist surfaces offering construction and maintenance services and has installation experience of more than 20 years.

The company has the most comprehensive machinery fleet in the UK and does not sub-contract any aspect of its work.

Quadraplay grooms away worm worries

The removal of Carbendazim from the groundcare market meant that St Albans School needed an alternative solution to combat worm casts and they found exactly what they were looking for in the SISIS Quadraplay.

Ian Smith, turf consultant for St Albans School, Woollam Trust Playing Fields, has long been tending to the facilities which includes 23 winter pitches for rugby and football, an all-weather hockey pitch and eight cricket squares. The Woollam Groundstaff team have established a reputation for producing the quality playing surfaces that play host to the school’s exceptional sporting teams.

Ever the perfectionist, Ian was concerned when they were unable to continue spraying the field with Carbendazim – a fungicide which deters worms from entering treated soil.

“Worm casting was starting to become a problem again after the loss of Carbendazim, so I consulted

various groundstaff in the area on their thoughts on finding a solution,” he said.

“Mark Rolph, who is now part of our team at Woollams, informed me how effective the SISIS Quadraplay had been for him at his previous job and in addition to this, Keith Kent, former Head Groundsman at Twickenham Stadium also recommended it. We thought we’d give it a try and it has been absolutely brilliant for us.”

The SISIS Quadraplay multiple-purpose, single-pass maintenance incorporates a mounted frame for up to four implements such as grooming rakes, spikers, slitters, rollers and brushes. The implements can be fitted to the main frame in any order and can be independently adjusted to achieve the desired effect.

Regular use of the SISIS Quadraplay combined with a top layer of sand dressing has worked wonders, according to Ian.

“We had been encouraged to keep sand dressing our pitches, so every year 60 tonnes per pitch is applied and we have been doing this for past 20 years. This on top of sand amelioration during construction has led to a root zone that is a 70/30 sand soil mix. If it was just clay then it would seal in wet weather and would become unplayable for long periods.”

“The sand dressing has stopped the surface from capping off and means that the worm casts now contain a lot of sand. This means that they are broken up and spread evenly by the slitter, spring tines and brush when the Quadraplay is used.”

“I have been surprised at just how effective the Quadraplay has been - the surface levels are better than I was expecting, and the presentation is good. Considering the amount of rain we have had this year the pitches are not laid with water either and this is probably down to the Quadraplay keeping the surface nice and open.”

MAJOR finesse in fine turf care

Routine mowing is the single-most important practice in grounds care.

Turfcare professionals need reliable equipment to uphold the twice weekly mowing schedule required for dense, sod-forming turfgrass in sports fields.

H&I Kelly Landscape in Poole bought a 2.4m MAJOR Swift roller mower to manage the fine turf requirements for its sports clients. “We look after the pitch for Poole Town FC and they might play fifty games a year on that one pitch,” begins Chris Kelly.

“Since we’ve been using the MAJOR Swift mower we’ve had some amazing feedback from clubs, fans, players, and visitors.”

Four rotors with eight blades that overlap by 60cm on

either side of the Swift leaves a uniform cut. High blade-tip speeds create the lift before grass is cut, similar to how cylinder mowers operate.

Chris recalls a gratifying moment: “Chelsea Football Club used the pitch to train on before their game with Bournemouth. The support staff commented on how level the surface was and were impressed with the thickness of the grass. That’s all come about by the cutting regime using the MAJOR Swift mower.”

Crawley Borough Council in West Sussex replaced its out front flail mowers with four MAJOR Synergy replacement decks. For West Patch Team Leader Karl Garnham, this move helped reduce mowing times

Scottish turfgrass demo day goes down a storm

More than 100 greenkeepers, groundsmen and grounds maintenance contractors from across Scotland attended an amenity demonstration day at Falkirk Tryst Golf Club, with those who braved the day’s stormy weather able to see some of the latest golf and sports pitch specific machinery and turf renovation equipment in action.

Featuring a range of machinery demonstrations from a wide selection of industry-leading suppliers, the maiden ‘Scottish Amenity Demonstration Day’ was jointly organised by Germinal GB, Allgrass Turfcare and Campey Turf Care Systems.

The event was also sponsored by Cub Cadet, Seddon, Fairways GM, Fleet Line Markers and Steadfast Site Supplies and was kindly hosted by Falkirk Tryst Golf Club.

John Rushforth of Allgrass Turfcare extended a special thank you to Falkirk Tryst Golf Club for hosting the event: “Head greenkeeper, Gary McCandless and his team worked miracles to ensure that, despite heavily

waterlogged ground conditions and torrential rain in the days prior to the event, the majority of demonstrations were still able to go ahead.

“Unfortunately, the wet conditions did prevent some machines from operating, but the sheer number of attendees proved there’s a clear appetite for this type of event in Scotland and we are already discussing the potential for future events.”

Richard Heywood of Campey Turf Care said feedback had been very positive. “It was genuinely very gratifying to see so many faces from within the Scottish amenity sector coming together to learn about new developments within the industry and to try out the latest amenity-specific kit,” he added.

“This type of event is as much about networking on a semisocial basis as it is about promoting the latest machinery, and we look forward to organising similar open days in the future.”

Campey Turf Care Systems Enquiry 69

while offering a far superior cut.

“We maintain 2 million square metres of grass,” explained Karl, “so it’s important that the tools we use are efficient, reliable and deliver results. The MAJOR Synergy mower is very versatilewe can use it around the housing estates and then mow the cricket fields with the same machine. ”

The double-chop mulching blades easily cope with heavy grass while delivering a professional striped finish. “It cuts really nicely; we’ve noticed a reduction in public reports concerning the quality of cut in the areas where we mow with the Major mowers,” adds Raff Napoletano, a machine operator on the West Patch Team.

Equipment Enquiry 68

Major

Soluble strategy from Headland Amenity sustains strong fairways

switch to a liquid feeding programme has paid dividends on the fairways at Canons Brook Golf Club. Having fallen victim to the drought of summer 2018, the fairway recovery was boosted by a new liquid regime formulated by Headland Amenity.

A tank-mix consisting of XTEND, Elevate Fe ® and Clipless NT applied throughout 2019 has helped to encourage and maintain strong, healthy coverage as the new season approaches.

To sustain the recovery and coverage achieved, Course Manager Damien Bowe together with his Headland Regional Technical Manager, Peter Blackaby, formulated a liquid programme to ‘spoonfeed’ the fairways throughout the growing season, rather than merely aim to strengthen them before winter.

They applied XTEND 21-0-0 at 30L/hectare, Elevate Fe at 20L/hectare and Clipless NT at 1.5L/hectare every 4 weeks between June and September.

“We used a low rate of Clipless NT to keep on top of any flushes. This helped to thicken up the sward, giving us nice, controlled growth and healthy, dense fairways.”

Despite the almost non-stop rainfall Canons Brook have seen since September, the Headland programme has ensured the fairways have emerged into 2020 strong and ready for play.

Headland Amenity Enquiry 72

Louth’s lease deal looks long term

Founded in 1965, Louth Golf Club is situated in the Lincolnshire Wolds, an area of outstanding natural beauty. The 18-hole parkland course offers attractive panoramic views from every hole over the Lincolnshire countryside and towards the Humber Estuary.

Responsibility for the course’s upkeep at this family friendly community club is down to a young team of just three fulltime greenkeepers headed by Sean McDonnell, who was deputy head greenkeeper at East Herts before moving here from Bedfordshire about a year ago.

Sean’s arrival coincided with the club’s decision to upgrade its older competitive course maintenance equipment and

invest in its first ever package for eight new John Deere machines from local dealer F G Adamson & Son, based on a finance lease deal with PowerGard maintenance set up by John Deere Financial.

The new fleet includes a 2500B triplex greens mower, 2500E hybrid electric greens mower, 7700A PrecisionCut fairway mower, 8800A TerrainCut rough mower, 2653B tees & surrounds mower, 3038E compact tractor with front loader, ZTR 997R commercial zero-turn mower and an HPX 815E Gator utility vehicle.

General manager Nikki Chantry, who is also a qualified PGA golf professional and was the club’s director of golf before taking on her new managerial role in summer 2018, had recognised that Sean’s predecessor was spending far too much time repairing ageing equipment and not enough time out on the course.

They were familiar with John Deere as the club had already been running a newer 8700A fairway mower and 8800A rotary rough mower as part of the mixed fleet. Together with greens chairman Richard Ablott, a meeting was therefore set up with Adamson’s commercial sales manager Tony Jenkins and salesman Scott Trestrail.

Scott knows the course very well as he had worked as a greenkeeper at Louth Golf Club for 15 years before joining the dealership. He put this knowledge to good use in recommending a package to meet the club’s specific requirements without overcommitting it financially, and when Sean took over he only changed one machine on the proposed kit list.

“Some of our other older machines were simply falling to pieces, and we decided

that buying a couple of new replacements now and again was not a sensible approach long term,” says Nikki Chantry. “In addition, we kept having to bring in people from outside to do the frequent and expensive major repairs that were necessary, so that’s when Adamsons came in and showed us how to find a better solution.

“We went for a finance lease package rather than outright purchase, and John Deere Financial offered us a very competitive deal which has made our overall financial planning much easier.”

Sean McDonnell was also impressed by the dealer’s support when things were continuing to go wrong with some of the older machines during the changeover.

“On my first day at the club the cutting units fell off one of the old greens mowers, but we got a replacement plus a banks mower straight away from Adamsons to tide us over. The dealer’s been very helpful in that respect right from the start.

“I like the cut quality you get from the John Deere mowers,” he adds. “You get a sharper cut without digging into the surface, and you know if you set them up at 4mm, you get 4mm. The TechControl system with password protection on the A Model mowers is good too –it puts me in full control so I can set them up the way I want in order to deliver consistent quality across the course, whoever’s driving.

“With a small greenkeeping team it’s vital that none of us are spending valuable time in the workshop instead of out on the course. We’re now able to benefit from using up to date technology that is much more reliable and productive, and that can only be a good thing.”

Rigby Taylor’s new Nutri-Link fertiliser feeds turf surface nutritional demands

Rigby Taylor has announced the new Nutri-Link nutritional and bio-stimulant system for a wide range of turf surfaces, including sand-based constructions.

Comprising six specially formulated liquid fertilisers, the Nutri-Link fertiliser is applied as a foliar spray that is taken up by both the leaf and the root.

Designed and formulated to supplement granular applications, and for use either stand-alone or in support of an in-season programme, NutriLink provides a host of benefits:

• Enhanced root mass and depth

• Increased tillering and denser sward

• Improved disease tolerance

• Better drought resistance Rapid recovery from wear and mechanical damage

• Enhanced and extended greening

• More rapid germination

• Reduced salt toxicity

• Greater tolerance to excessive temperature

• Improved photosynthetic capability

• Enhanced carbon sequestration.

Nutri-Link’s components provide multiple solutions

to both the macro and micro problems that confront today’s grounds staff - including soil structure, microbial activity, biotic and abiotic stresses.

This synergistic approach results in improved plant health and performance; the components’ individual strengths when

working together provide greater benefits than if used singly.

A fully illustrated brochure is available from either your Rigby Taylor Area Technical Manager or on request via Freephone 0800 424 919.

Rigby Taylor Enquiry 80

A cut above the rest

Enjoy a clean sweep with Kersten

Sweeping organic debris from your artificial pitch is one of the most important regular maintenance tasks you can perform.

If left on the pitch, leaves and other organic debris will begin to decompose and become a thin film of soil, working its way into the pile.

This soil will look unsightly, but worse it will have two very negative effects on the playing surface: it will block up the surface drainage, leading to retained moisture and surface water; and it provides a nice

platform for moss and other weeds to grow on the surface.

A Kersten Sweeper is a simple way to keep the surface detritus free - lifting the debris without taking too much of the infill; thanks to our filtration collector.

Kersten machines are also useful for redistribution or de-compaction of infill, where it migrates on users feet or equipment, surface presentation and many other maintenance tasks.

Kersten Enquiry 81

Makita has added to its impressive range of cordless outdoor machinery with a new twin 18 Volt Brushless Brush Cutter designed to suit the needs of commercial operators and landscapers looking for a high powered, quiet and easy-to-use brush cutter.

The DUR368AZ Brushless LXT Brush Cutter is a cordless machine powered by two 18V Li-ion batteries. The advanced battery technology from Makita provides 36V of power and runtime without leaving the 18V platform, meaning operators can

be confident the machine will endure longer tasks, enabling work over a wide area with just one charge.

Providing an excellent alternative to heavy powered machinery, which can be cumbersome to manoeuvre or access varied shrubland and undergrowth, the DUR368AZ Brush Cutter is a lightweight tool that uses the same counter clockwise blade rotation as petrol brush cutters, making handling comfortable and familiar, for traditional users.

Enquiry 82

Woods 12ft Batwing is in demand

Simon Richard Ltd, the UK agent for the Woods Equipment range, say they are receiving an increasing number of enquiries for the companies BW12 Batwing model, from golf courses, parks, private estates and small farms, for use with smaller tractors from 50hp upwards.

Simon Richards adds: “The BW12 model is the perfect solution for cleaning up weeds, tall grass, and brush where a durable, hardworking machine is required.

“A deep deck chamber and tall side frames allow you to

handle more cut material and drive through deeper with a lot less horsepower.

“The BW12 Batwing rotary mower can make short work of brush and weeds and also provide a dramatic reduction in mowing time compared to most rigid deck cutters. A lighterduty 12-foot unit works well on utility tractors of 50 to 80 hp.”

An unrivalled six-year gearbox warranty, including seals, is also included.

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Makita

Simon Richard Ltd Enquiry

Cub Cadet receives GOOD DESIGN award Professional productivity with the Toro Mid-Size Proline

The newly redesigned range comes with the choice of 91cm (36in) and 122cm (48in) cutting widths, and both are powered by Kawasaki engines with electric start.

The Chicago Athenaeum Museum presented Cub Cadet with a GOOD DESIGN award for its new XZ5 Ultima Series zero-turns - for innovative and cutting-edge industrial product design in the tools category.

With 2020 well under way, Toro, the global leaders in turf and landscape maintenance have

announced the total redesign of the Proline Mid-Size mower range, with two new mowers.

The models have been loaded with commercial grade features such as an integrated, singlepoint height of cut adjustment lever to easily raise the deck when going over curbs or adjusting on the job; as well as a hydro gear transmission to help drive the large turf tyres in more challenging applications – all to step up productivity.

Toro Enquiry 85

Reliable Dennis G860 is essential at Colliers Park

The Dennis G860 cylinder mower is the most reliable cylinder mower on the market according to Dylan Thompson, grounds maintenance manager, at the all-new Colliers Park in Gresford, Wales.

Lightweight at just 166kg; it is easy to manoeuvre and comfortable to operate. The handlebar console houses the controls for - throttle, parking brake, roller drive and cutting cylinder drive.

The mower features a large diameter front roller with an adjustable scraper which has been designed for a precise height of cut control, giving an excellent finish on every occasion. The Dennis G860 also features an interchangeable cassette system to assist with a wide range of tasks such as including scarifying, verticutting, brushing, spiking, and slitting.

“For

“The G860 is the perfect mower to give the pitch that all important final cut. It gives you the best finish and it provides those lovely ‘Dennis stripes’ – which is another reason why we purchased them.

The awards emphasise quality design, awarding products with “design of the highest form, function and aesthetics… a standard beyond ordinary,” as stated by the GOOD DESIGN Award Program.

The latest steering lever lap bar technology combined with the extremely robust construction of heavy-duty components and high-performance engine makes the XZ5 Ultima series the ideal tractor for any gardener or professional user looking for a machine for large lawn maintenance.

EP Barrus Enquiry 86

Celebration time with Irus

The Deltrak Edition 15 is a celebration of the15 years Irus has spent developing Remote controlled tool carriers and mowers.

Copied by many, but the slope performance has never been matched. The compact dimensions and its relatively low weight, in conjunction with the hydraulically extendable DELTA crawler tracks from 1300mm to 1700mm make the DELTRAK EDITION 15 perfect for use on extremely steep slopes and very inaccessible areas.

The engine and hydraulic cooling are equipped with an automatic selfcleaning function. With 30 percent higher torque, the EDITION 15 closes the gap between DELTRAK 2.5 and the TWIN.

The unique construction of the Edition 15 with a chassis made

from Thyssen-Krupp specialist Steel. The basic machine weighing just over 1000kg. A proven Kubota 48 hp engine. And an incredible 60 litres per minute at 300 bar giving un rivalled performance for a machine of these physical dimensions.

“I can’t believe how easy it is to change the cassette systemwe are not having to waste time messing about finding different spanners or anything like that. It’s all there ready to go.”

“Ultimately, the G860 is an essential mower because it can be used for so many different operations.”

Dennis Enquiry 87

The unique DELTA crawler track with auto hydraulic adjustment also enables a quick, tool-free Track change and makes cleaning and maintenance in the chassis area easier.

The Cub Cadet Professional Sports Turf range is proof positive of innovation through experience.

The INFINICUT® range provides more functionality than any other pedestrian mower - while providing an unrivaled quality of cut.

Loxston Enquiry 88

Husqvarna Automower takes up residence at the Tower of London Etesia launch two new professional pedestrian mowers

Etesia have launched two new 46cm cutting width professional pedestrian rotary mowers ahead of the 2020 season which extends their range of mowers already available on the market.

The PHTS3 is a single speed self-propelled mower, while the PHE3 is a push variant.

Following the same concept of the PRO46 range of pedestrian mowers first launched in the early 1990’s, both models feature Xenoy cutting decks for increased strength, shear washer crank protection, individual height of cut adjusters, a new 22mm handlebar design, the latest Honda GCV170 engine and are supplied complete with 80 litre grass box and rear deflector as standard.

The Honda GCV Series of engines provide best in class power and torque with easy and reliable starting with reduced

noise and vibration levels. Easy service and maintenance with large petrol filler cap allowing operators to view the fuel level while filling, extended oil dipstick makes filling easier and a host of other features expected from a professional machine.

Extremely versatile, both new models are capable of mowing with or without collection in all conditions, or for high-quality

mulching with the addition of a mulching plug kit accessory (PR46E).

One main feature of these models is the ‘one cut’ principle. This means the grass is only cut once before being sent to the grass box. Both new models are sold with a comprehensive Etesia two year professional warranty.

Etesia Enquiry

Husqvarna Automower has been tasked with a very special assignment, keeping the lawns at the Tower of London in tip top condition.

The first battery powered machine was installed last year, and due to its success, its fleet was expanded earlier this year to include three new residents.

Purchased by The Tower of London’s Ground’s maintenance contractor, Ground Control, two Husqvarna Automower have been installed on the lawns surrounding the castle moat, and will be deployed each morning, come rain or shine.

Husqvarna Automower 535 AWD has also been installed on the lawn of the White Tower and will work throughout the night to avoid disturbing the resident ravens.

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STIGA ensures smart energy use

STIGA has developed two new machines which are powered by the next-generation 500 Series System synchronized battery system.

This innovation ensures quiet, emission-free operation with minimal maintenance requirements, therefore offering the most neighbourhood and environmentally-friendly lawnmowers on the market!

The high-performance batteries work in synch, balancing the different charges for greater independence and extended run-times.

The COMBI 43 Q DAE is a 41 cm hand-propelled cordless lawnmower, powered by two

synchronized Lithium-ion batteries. Four cutting methods available: collection; mulching; rear-discharge; side-discharge. STIGA Combi 43 Q DAE features a roomy 60-litre grass bag with filling indicator. Suitable for gardens up to 550m2

The COMBI 50 SQ DAE is a 48 cm self-propelled cordless lawnmower, powered by two Lithium-ion batteries and offering four cutting-options: collection; mulching; rear-discharge; sidedischarge. STIGA Combi 50 SQ DAE features a capacious 70-litre grass bag with a handy ‘collector full’ indicator. Suitable for gardens up to 650m2

STIGA Enquiry 93

AI-enabled robotic mower has been designed with allwheel drive and can manage rough terrain and slopes with an incline of up to 70%.

Toro unveils new sustainable batterypowered mowers

The Toro Company, a global leader in turf and landscape equipment, has revealed its latest addition of environmentallyfriendly products – The Flex-Force battery range.

Launching in the UK spring 2020, the range will include a 55cm (22”) mower powered by the new Flex-Force Power System featuring 60V lithiumion technology.

The Flex-Force products are powered by a heavy duty, quick charging lithium-ion-battery to optimise run time and output.

Other features include a steel deck for added durability, a 55cm cutting blade – the longest blade in its class - for efficiency and the much loved SMARTSTOW function, which allows the mower to be stored upright, reducing the storage footprint by up to 70 percent.

The mower also boasts the Toro ‘RunSmart’ power system which saves energy by intuitively increasing power in moments where needed to ensure a longer battery life and runtime.

The

The unique DELTA crawler track with auto hydraulic adjustment also enables a quick, tool-free track change and makes cleaning and maintenance in the chassis area easier. The engine and hydraulic cooling are equipped with an automatic self-cleaning function.

With 30 percent higher torque, the Edition 15 closes the gap between Deltrak 2.5 and the Twin.

The unique construction of the Edition 15 with a chassis made from Thyssen-Krupp specialist Steel. The basic machine weighing just over 1000kg. A proven Kubota 48 hp engine and an incredible 60 litres per minute at 300 bar giving unrivalled performance for a machine of these physical dimensions.

www.irus-mowers.co.uk

The battery is interchangeable between the products within the range to offer users maximum flexibility and ‘Easy Power’ to get the job done.

Each Flex-Force item can be purchased with or without chargers and batteries, with spares available for separate purchase to fully customise the Flex-Force system to the user’s individual needs.

The first item in the FlexForce range is the 55cm (22”) Recycler 60V mower. This multi-functional mower is equipped with the Toro Easy Start function and Recycler system.

With the push of a button the mower automatically starts and with its Automatic Drive System it will adjust its speed to the operator’s pace. The Recycler system re-cuts the grass trimmings into fine mulch and returns them to the soil for added nutrients and a healthier lawn.

All Flex-Force products come with a three-year warranty, which will include the battery and mower as standard.

The Toro Company Enquiry 95

The Deltrak Edition 15 is a celebration of the 15 years Irus has spent developing remote controlled tool carriers and mowers. Copied by many, but the slope performance has never been matched.

compact dimensions and its relatively low weight, in conjunction with the hydraulically extendable DELTA crawler tracks from 1300mm to 1700mm make the Deltrak Edition 15 perfect for use on extremely steep slopes and very inaccessible areas.

The

Husqvarna Enquiry 92

Agria 9600 reduces risk and gives contractor extra flexibility

A company which specialises in commercial and residential ground care across north east and central Scotland is one of the first adopters of the Agria 9600, remote hybrid bank mower.

Morrice Diplexcito, General Manager at Proserv, which operates from Perth to Aberdeenshire, opted for the 112 cm wide version of the agria 9600, just in time for the final four weeks of last summer’s cutting season.

Contributing to its distinct look, the agria 9600 boasts rubber caterpillar tracks and a low centre of gravity which help it take on the challenge of 50° slopes.

The operator uses a joy stick on a light, hand held LED display control panel to manage six key mower functions. The display shows travel speed, cutting

height, hours of operation, the battery charge status, the radio signal strength and an on / off switch.

A Hybrid drive concept means the agria 9600 combines a petrol engine with being electrically driven. This set up is therefore more environmentally friendly than hydraulic systems. The petrol engine powers the mower and generator while the generator produces electricity in Safety Extra Low voltage (48V) for driving.

With a generous forward speed of 10km its range is an impressive 300 m giving scope to tame awkward-to-reach terrain from a healthy distance. Should frequency be disturbed, the remote control changes to a different band frequency automatically.

Agria Enquiry 96

INFINICUT ticks every box for Isle of Skye GC

Head Greenkeeper John Cunningham works hard to keep the surfaces at the Isle of Skye Golf Club in first-class condition.

After joining in April 2019, John was quick to identify the need for a new pedestrian mower to maintain the small, but perfectly formed, nine greens. After an impressive demonstration, for John it was a 22” INFINICUT® floating head mower or nothing.

“The cut quality was like nothing I’d ever seen and the range of TMSystem cassettes to go with it made this the obvious choice for us, said John. “I had other demonstrations lined up, but I told the Captain to cancel them – I was sold.”

John also purchased the SarelRoller, UltraGroomer and SMARTVibe cassettes from the renowned TMSystem.

“On demonstration we cut the green to 5mm, UltraGroomed, re-cut and then followed up with a pass of the vibrating cassette,” he added.

“The lady secretary then came out to putt and was gobsmacked when her ball rolled straight off the green.”

John collected his TMSystem cassettes and 22” INFINICUT® FL in person following a tour of the MTD factory in Sheffield.

Cadet Enquiry 98

Pellenc launches new Rasion 2 models

Pellenc UK has announced the launch of the all new Rasion Easy 2 and Rasion Smart 2 battery powered pedestrian rotary mowers.

The original Rasion Easy was launched back in 2016 which was a combination of the previous two models in the Rasion rotary mower range – the Basic and the Smart. Feedback from users revealed that commercial operators found the manual operation of the Rasion Basic more appropriate yet they also liked the self-propelled element of the Rasion Smart.

Therefore, the Rasion Easy was launched to offer a combination from both models.

A cutting width of 60cm with height of cut between 25-75mm,

70 litre grass box capacity and two front swivel wheels ensure the Rasion Easy 2 is ultramanoeuvrable. Weighing less than 30kgs and folding handlebars means that transportation between sites is effortless.

The Rasion Easy 2 also has an IP54 water rating, which as time goes on will be the standard through the rest of the Pellenc tool range.

All Pellenc batteries and tools come complete with a three-year commercial warranty as standardthe first manufacturer to offer this on battery-powered tools. Pellenc is exclusively distributed in the UK and Ireland by Etesia UK.

Pellenc UK Enquiry 97

Moving forward with more choice

Adding to its award-winning range of cordless power tools, EGO is now launching a new 42cm self-propelled lawnmower (LM1701E-SP).

Combined with other features, it’s designed to make mowing easy with incredible collection even on slopes and difficult terrain.

In addition to the variable speed self-propelled drive system, the lawnmower has wheels with a larger than usual tread to give better traction. It also features adjustable handle heights and an easy to access battery and grass-box.

Weighing just 25kg, the 42cm mower benefits from an extralarge 55-litre textile bag for grass collection and supplied with a 2.5Ah battery and standard charger, users can cut up to 300sqm on one single charge.

It’s also manufactured from a robust and easy to clean polymer material which is a proven winner when it comes to collecting, mulching and rear discharge cutting.

Powered by industry-leading 56-volt Arc lithium-ion technology, there are no power cables to get tangled in, and no petrol to deal with. But that doesn’t mean users don’t get equivalent performance.

From leaf blowers and chain saws through to the new mower, all of EGO’s market-leading range of cordless equipment matches or surpasses the performance of petrol-powered tools –without the noise, vibration or pollution, but with plenty of added value.

Enquiry 99

The professional approach to ground care...

Cub

EGO

Mind-blowing garden machinery

Makita has added a new range of products to its cordless garden machinery line up, including the DUB184Z Brushless Blower LXT.

Powered by one Makita 18V battery, the cordless blower will get the job done with ease, offering more flexibility for operators.

The new, powerful, 52.1 m/s air speed, cordless blower comes with variable speed control, constant speed control, and a cruise control feature that allows users to set the desired air speed - eliminating the need to hold the trigger, providing more user comfort over long periods.

The DUB184Z Brushless Blower LXT also benefits from an ergonomic design, with an optimum grip-to-frame angle that creates the ideal nozzle to ground angle, for efficient and comfortable operation.

In addition, the machine is incredibly lightweight, with a weight of just 3kg, even with the 18V Lithium-Ion battery attached, enabling use for extended periods of time.

Top of the range solutions from ISEKI

Whether keeping rough looking pristine on a golf course or tackling large areas of grass with longer cutting cycles, ISEKI have the top of the range SF450, a powerful, large capacity centre collect mower which is now also available with a Muthing Flail deck, making it the ultimate combination of quality and reliability.

Its large outfront deck and 1300litre high tip collector allows you tackle the thickest of grass whilst collecting and leaving a pristine finish every time.

The ability to cut and collect without blocking, thanks to its turbine driven straight through chute, enables the SF450 to take on whatever the weather throws at it. This is the hallmark of ISEKI mowers.

Simon Richard Ltd, UK Agents for the Muthing flail range, report an excellent start to the year for their front mounted MU-FM 140 and 160 flail mowers, from Shibaura, Kubota, Ransomes and John Deere dealers.

Simon Richard says: “Financial pressures mean local authorities are looking to maintain spaces with fewer staff and cuts per year.

“As a result flail mowing has become more important to maintain to the standards required and the Muthing front mounted MU-FM 160

has become a ‘go to’ product for local authorities and contractors all over the UK and Ireland, whether the requirements are for rough grass or fine cut finish.

“The quality of cut afforded by flail mowers has increased dramatically over the years, to the point where these machines are no longer kept just for rougher areas.

“Smaller, lightweight versions are now finding employment on golf courses and cricket wickets.”

Richard Ltd Enquiry 103

ISEKI Enquiry 102

Makita Enquiry 101

Simon

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

Simon Richard Ltd

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

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David Lloyd adds Timberplay into key sites

Families are key at David Lloyd Clubs, with specialist provision delivered for all ages, from babies through to retirement age.

Play is a fundamental part of this, and David Lloyd were keen to promote the prestige values of their club within the play.

After seeing the quality of the Richter Spielgeräte products on site, David Lloyd were keen to strike up a relationship with Timberplay to understand more about the ethos and values of the company.

Timberplay’s Landscape Architect team were able to work with the organisation to design a play space that appealed to the target market of 5-11 year olds. The first site that was worked upon was the Warrington site.

The resulting play area included a tower with slide, climbing nets, fireman poles, bridges and a climbing wall. Platform Huts and bridges provide play more suitable for younger children.

Following on from the success of the Warrington installation, Timberplay began working on the new Bristol Club, again creating a bespoke design to fit the specifics of the site which was installed autumn 2019.

Again this was very well received and spurred on the next development at Northwood, one of several David Lloyd Clubs in and around London.

Timberplay Enquiry 119

Först starts a revolution

The new Först TT6 has arrived in style, weighing in at just 745kg, boasting a 270-degree turntable and delivering a fully emission compliant 37 horsepower.

It’s perfect for city contractors and any arborists looking for outstanding performance, unrivalled manoeuvrability and convenience.

The TT6 is compact, measuring just 2800mm in transport position and 2250mm when turned 90 degrees, adding another dimension to what the Först line up brings.

There’s a wide hopper right down to the FörstGrip feed which in turn gives an exceptional grip on timber.

The Först flywheel system is outstanding at clearing chip and green material and what’s more the chipper is quick and easy to service and maintain.

Först Enquiry 120