Landscape & Amenity Product Update June 2016

Landscape Amenity

Weeds & Pest Control A round-up of the latest solutions Page 26-29

UK’s first national college for land based sector launched

A new national college for those pursuing land based careers has been launched to meet the needs of a swiftly changing and increasingly demanding sector.

The National Land Based College [NLBC] will create a hub for leading colleges, universities and industry experts to collaborate on dynamic new courses tailored for, and responsive to, this vital part of the UK economy.

Courses will be delivered through the UK’s specialist land based colleges, a new online platform and by industry experts in their workplaces – blended learning that will balance theory with practical skills training. In partnership with the awarding body, City and Guilds, NLBC will set new industry-approved standards of excellence, offering

clear career pathways and opportunities for advancement.

Qualifications will range from foundation-level courses up to full degrees, and will also include a raft of continuing professional development [CPD] options.

Leigh Morris, CEO of NLBC, explained: “Working for the first time at a coordinated national level we can build a pool of resources drawn from the very best minds in education and industry.

“Collaboratively we will promote land based careers, raise the standard of college courses and create cutting edge training for those already employed. So doing, we will meet the skills needs of the sector today and into the future.”

Grant for research into parks and health

A team led by the University of Sheffield’s Department of Landscape has been awarded £1.3m by the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) to research park use in the city and its impact on health.

The three-year study will compare behaviour in different neighbourhoods and ask whether the quantity and quality of available green space correlates with health. It will also seek to identify the most important factors in a healthy green space – design, location, biodiversity, or other features – and measure their cost effectiveness.

The researchers also plan to develop a smartphone app that will monitor how factors such as age, money, culture and class influence how people use their local green spaces.

Project leader Dr Anna Jorgensen said: “We aim to understand the cultures and values that influence how people of different ages and backgrounds interact with the natural environment as well as find out more about which aspects of the natural environment are beneficial for health and wellbeing. The aim is to improve the health and wellbeing of city residents through well designed green spaces.”

NERC Enquiry 2

NLBC’s broad remit covers a vast range of careers, from agriculture and gamekeeping to equine studies and landscaping. It will provide blended learning using the ‘hub and spoke’ model – a small central team will form the strategic focal point and run a virtual college providing online teaching; landbased colleges and industry workplaces will be the spokes, delivering face-to-face and practical training.

The NLBC hub will actively promote land based careers in collaboration with organisations such as Bright Grow and Grow Careers, and will work to attract the very best people into the sector. Its online platform will also function as a portal,

linking to diverse land based organisations and a CPD register for graduates.

NLBC has a board of 21 directors, ten principals from UK land based colleges and universities, ten from industry leaders, and Lord Curry. It is a registered charity and a company limited by guarantee.

Seed funding has been provided by Landex member colleges, Landex, and City and Guilds who contributed £250,000 from their National Proficiency Test Council fund. NLBC will receive a percentage payment for all City and Guilds land based qualifi cations endorsed by the college.

NLBC Enquiry 1

Först signs key deal with Orange Plant

Först, a brand of Redwood Global, has joined forces with Orange Plant in a strategic partnership that will see the arboricultural sales and hire specialist supply high performance wood chippers across the North of England.

The deal now means that Orange Plant is the regional distributor for Först machinery at its branches in Newcastle upon Tyne, Wetherby and Bromborough (Cheshire).

Doug Ghinn, Director at Först, commented: “In order to enhance our coverage of the market and make the premium Först product and service available to tree surgeons and contractors right across the UK, we have signed an

exclusive partnership with Orange Plant for the sales, service and hire of Först equipment across the North of England.”

Joanna Chapman, Orange Plant’s Managing Director said the Först brand has made huge strides since it was launched three years ago.

“The main reason for this is the quality and confidence Redwood Global has in the Forst brand, the company has developed and introduced a range of robust wood chippers that the industry is asking for, supported by a three year warranty that is very appealing,” she added.

Först Enquiry 3

The future of our industry depends on a number of factors – not least creating the right workforce to take it forward and deal with whatever challenges come their way.

That resilience is important, not just for the next generation of workers but for those already involved in the industry. You can teach old dogs new tricks – if they are willing to learn, obviously.

So the creation of a new land based college is a positive step forward, both for the workforce of the future and those hard at work already.

As Lord Donald Curry, chair of the new NLBC’s board of directors, said: “In order to unlock the economic potential of the land based sector and compete with other professions for attracting the best talent, we need to have nationally and internationally recognised standards of achievement, to offer clear paths for career progression and equip young people to compete for the exciting opportunities that exist,” said.”

Welcome... Contents:

The involvement of so many industry-leading bodies in the new venture is crucially important. The likes of City and Guilds add a great deal of credibility to the college, as well knowledge and expertise.

“We want to support the professionalisation of the industry and raise its profile as an attractive sector to build a career,” said Kirstie Donnelly, managing director of City and Guilds. A statement we should all applaud and endorse.

The focus is on developing professional and technical progression pathways that are truly responsive to the current and future skills needs of the industry. The aim is to create a world-class land based sector.

This month, Jane Carley takes a look at the workhorses of our industry – two and four-wheel tractors – in a special feature. We also focus on aerators, sweepers, collectors and vacuums, as well as a look at weed control and sprayers. All these products require training, skills and knowledge – three characteristics our industry already boasts, but which we must continue to improve upon.

Groves Editor

PUBLISHER

David Stiles david@tspmedia.co.uk

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

CIRCULATION

Paul

READER COMPETITION! WIN a Kärcher Leaf Blower or Chainsaw

Kärcher branches out in Park & City Solutions

In celebration of the launch of its new Park and City product line, Kärcher is offering a lucky Landscape & Amenities reader the chance to win one of its new handheld power tools.

Kärcher’s Leaf Blower (LB 850 Bp) and Chainsaw (CS 330 Bp) are the first of a new suite of handheld power tools for municipal maintenance from the renowned German manufacturer. Both provide ergonomic comfort, high performance and ease of use and work on a modular concept - allowing the batteries to be interchanged between products in the range. Delivering up to 225 minutes on a single charge, the modern 50 V Lithium-ion batteries can charge in as little as 25 minutes, and are available in three different sizes - so it’s easy to match capacity to requirements and save on battery investment.

Removing the need for fuel and motor servicing can generate up to 90% lower lifetime costs. This lower total cost of ownership has environmental benefits too, with emissions-free operation, and no strong smells during operation. 50% less noise and 80% fewer vibrations make for comfortable operator use - even for prolonged periods - and suitability in urban areas including parks, schools, hotels and street cleaning.

Kärcher LB 850 batterypowered leaf blower

The high-output, lightweight leaf blower has a choice of three power settings - high, low and boost - and is ideal for shifting debris, leaves and cuttings. It delivers 148km/h air speed at full power yet produces only 80 db LpA noise output.

Kärcher CS 330 batterypowered chainsaw

The robust, service-friendly chainsaw is a powerful ally when tackling branches and small trees, perfectly suited to use in urban areas including parks and residential streets. Charging times range from 25 – 60 minutes; a fully charged battery will deliver from 108 - 405 cuts.

For decades the name Kärcher has been synonymous with robust outdoor solutions. Whether used as a standalone machine, or in partnership with Kärcher municipal sweepers and pressure washers, contact us to find out how Kärcher can make a difference to your business’ year-round forestry or municipal cleaning and maintenance regime: phone 01295 752 142, email cleaning@karcher.co.uk or visit www.karcher.co.uk/professional.

HOW TO ENTER:

For your chance to win, simply email competition@ landscapeandamenity.com and tell us whether you’d like the LB 850 Leaf Blower or the CS 330 Chainsaw – don’t forget to include your company name and contact

details. We’ll draw one winner at random to receive the machine of their choice plus Bp 200 Adv battery and BC Adv, 220-240V charger. The winner will be drawn from entries received on or before Friday, June 24 2016 and announced in the following issue.

To enter by post, please send your details to: Kärcher

Competition, Landscape & Amenity Product Update, TSP Media Ltd, Grosvenor House, Central Park, Telford, TF2 9TW. By entering this competition you consent to

your name being published in L&A magazine and contact details shared with Kärcher UK Ltd. Usual TSP Media competition rules apply

Kärcher is expanding its product range for commercial operators with convenient new machines, including the LB 850 Bp leaf blower.

The small machines are operated by efficient, longlasting lithium-ion batteries.

Kärcher Enquiry 6

Independent trials reveal most effective treatment for Fusarium

Independent trials show that Interface with StressgardTM Formulation Technology from Bayer, is the most effective treatment for Microdochium patch (Microdochium nivale) commonly referred to as Fusarium patch when tested against other leading brands.

Tests run by the field trials specialists FieldArm, show that Interface is more effective when treating against Microdochium patch than other leading brands, because not only does it ward off the disease successfully after two applications, but turf quality and colour are markedly better than the control areas and turf plots treated with the other fungicides

“The trial was conducted at Thetford Golf Club, East Anglia, using 10 different commercially available turf fungicides and an untreated control in a ‘randomised complete block’ design with four replications of small plots, to ensure that treatments were made to a fair and random selection across the golf green,” says Peter Duncan, director at FieldArm Ltd.

“In doing this, any influencing factors are eliminated that might interfere with the data in order to accurately interpret the performance of each treatment.

“I’m an independent trialist working for a contract research organisation, and I’m happy to say from the data obtained at this trial it’s clear that Interface has overall performed the best in terms of disease control, colour and turf quality.

“The trial was specifically designed to investigate a range of products and most of the current leading fungicides were compared. It’s not often you have such a broad range tes.

“The first application was made when we initially saw 1-3% onset of the Fusarium, on October 20, 2015. So effectively we made an early curative application, which is a typical strategy by greenkeepers for the control of Fusarium. We then made a (mostly) repeat application of treatments one month later on November 20 in line with common practice, with Fusarium in the untreated at a mean infected leaf area of 21%.

“We tested the turf every 14 days until January, and Interface achieved 98-100% control until the end of December. While a couple of the other leading fungicide brands also achieved near complete control in the same period, Interface stood out from the rest in terms of turf health and colour, sward thickness plus absence of disease, and by the time we reached mid-January many of the other products

tested had virtually broken down with little or no control left, in comparison to Interface which still was showing more than 90% control of Fusarium.”

Paul Gould, course manager at Thetford Golf Club was surprised by the trial results.

“There were a handful of products that also gave complete control, but when it came to turf quality and visual merit, Interface was streets ahead, and this could be seen from a distance,” he said.

“It’s one of the best trials I’ve been involved with, because it tested leading products side by side, and the difference was easy to see. Some well-known brands had a discernible lack of control.

“I hadn’t used it in the past, but I now have Interface® in stock for the coming season.”

Enquiry 9

New wide area mowers from John Deere

John Deere’s 1500 Series II

Comfort front rotary mowers are now available in the UK & Ireland, after being sold in a number of other European countries.

They are suitable for wide area mowing in the commercial, golf and amenity turf markets where operator comfort, high output mowing performance and uptime are key requirements.

Featuring a powerful Yanmar 49hp four-cylinder engine, hydrostatic four-wheel drive and diff-lock, a standard air suspension seat and a spacious operator platform with CommandArm armrest controls, the new 1505 and 1515 mowers are designed to provide a comfortable ride for all mowing jobs.

These professional front rotary mowers can be equipped with a choice of hydraulic side or rear-

discharge decks with working widths up to 3m (10ft), which are designed to cope with long, dense grass and uneven terrain.

A CrossCut function allows the operator to lift the deck just off the ground when turning, and a ‘smart’ weight transfer system shifts the weight from the mowing deck to the drive wheels for extra traction on rough ground.

John Deere Enquiry 10

Ground Control wins employee experience award

Ground Control Ltd, the UK’s leading external solutions provider, has been awarded at the UK Employee Experience Awards 2016.

The awards were created to recognise and celebrate the delivery of exceptional employee experiences.

Alongside some of country’s biggest names, including Virgin Money, DFS, PPP Healthcare, Eon and more, Ground Control

was delighted to take home the award in the ‘Industrial’ sector specific category.

Ground Control, which operates throughout the UK, has been recognised for its innovative approach to technology; empowering employees to take ownership and lead the development of new IT software to provide a more effective solution to managing service delivery.

Control Enquiry 11

Bayer

Ground

Revised seed mixtures offer improved fine turf performance

The introduction of new charttopping perennial ryegrass variety, Cabrio, into two of Germinal’s Grade-A seed mixtures offers groundsmen the option of tougher, harderwearing and more attractive fine turf lawns this year.

Cabrio is the latest addition to Germinal’s portfolio of perennial ryegrass cultivars and is now available for the first time as an exclusive component of Germinal’s ‘A5 - Cricket, Tennis and Tees’ and ‘A10 - Golf Tees and Divot Repairs’ seed mixtures.

With a class-leading fineness of leaf scoring of 9.2 and a mean score of 8.3 as a new cultivar on Table L1 of the Turfgrass Seed booklet for 2016, Cabrio offers unsurpassed qualities including superb toughness, hard-wearing

resilience and a year-round overall attractive appearance.

“The Grade-A range has been designed specifically by Germinal for use by professional greenkeepers and groundsmen,” Richard Brown, Germinal Amenity Sales Manager explains. “These mixtures contain only the most vigorous and highly rated cultivars, resulting in a range of dependable

mixtures that consistently deliver results time and again.

“The addition of Cabrio to A5 and A10 maintains this philosophy by offering greenkeepers, groundsmen and turf growers access to two significantly improved fine turf seed mixtures.”

Germinal Amenity Enquiry 14

Phil Day Sports solution leads to free-draining playing surfaces

Droitwich Golf Club can trace its history back to 1897 when it was a nine hole course.

Today the push-up clay construction of the greens mean that Course Manager Gary Watkins has some real problems with drainage, especially in winter in particular, enough for Phil Day Sports to be called in to improve the situation.

“There were five or six greens, at the bottom of banks that just did not drain,” explained Gary. “Three in particular were continuously laying wet which meant the majority of the time golfers ended up playing on temporary greens.

“Me and my team did all we could to manage the thatch and get water through the profile, but once it got to the clay base

Lloyd Ltd now offer TS Industrie and Eliet ranges

PSD Groundscare, the leading distributor of AS Motor, Eliet, Koppl and TS Industrie professional groundscare machinery, are pleased to have secured another major multi-depot dealer.

North West dealer, Lloyd Ltd was established in 1964 and, with a network of seven depots across the North of England and South of Scotland, is going from strength to strength.

Barry Lloyd, Managing Director of Lloyd Ltd said: “We’re excited to now have the Eliet & TS Industrie products as part of our portfolio as we have been looking for a reliable shredding and chipping solution.

“After seeing first hand both these ranges in action, we had no hesitation in listing them. The build quality and reliability are first-class and with parts and

technical advice readily available it was an easy decision to offer them within our range.”

Stuart Mercer, Sales Director of PSD Groundscare comments: “We are delighted to welcome Lloyd Ltd on-board as a dealer for 2 of our core ranges and this agreement again highlights our development within the groundscare industry for supplying high quality and highly innovative machinery –offering customers reliable, high performance solutions.”

PSD Groundcare Enquiry 16

it wasn’t going anywhere. This convinced the committee the best way forward was to install some drainage.”

Gary decided to seek advice before deciding. “Phil Day Sports had been out in the past and done some jobs for us, so we asked Toby to come in and look at the problem and see what PDS could do. We knew their work would be efficient and to a high standard as well as price competitive.”

The PDS solution was to install a main carry drain as none of the affected greens were near a positive drain outlet. Primary land drainage was then added on the 4th, 13th and 14th greens.

After removing the turf, 60mm diameter pipe drains were installed at two metre spacing and 450mm depth. The drains

were then connected up using purpose made junctions to the carrier drain. They were then backfilled with gravel and topped with a 200mm sand layer before finally the turf was re-instated. This installed system has helped to maintain a free-draining playing surface in all but the most extreme weather conditions.

All three greens were completed within a week and back in play within another three.

Tottenham Hotspur’s fleet of utility vehicles refreshed

Tottenham Hotspur, the highflying Barclay’s Premier League football club, has taken delivery of a new fleet of Cushman utility and specialist transport vehicles from local dealer Ernest Doe & Sons Ltd, for use at their stateof-the-art Training Centre in Enfield, North London.

The new fleet comprises six Cushman Hauler PRO 72-volt electric utility vehicles, two Cushman four-seater Shuttles with bespoke cargo beds, two specially-designed stretcher/ ambulance vehicles and an E-Z-GO Express Shuttle 6, finished in Spurs Blue for transporting VIP guests around the 77-acre site.

The architecturally acclaimed Training Centre is the home of the Club’s First Team and Academy and is recognised as one of the best in Europe. It includes a covered artificial pitch, world-class player preparation areas, pool and hydrotherapy complex, altitude room, large-scale gymnasium and specialist sports rehabilitation suites. There are 15 grass pitches across the site including four dedicated solely for First Team Training and one and a half artificial outdoor pitches with floodlighting. The First Team Match pitch is built to exactly the same specification as the pitch at White Hart Lane.

Ransomes Jacobsen Enquiry 19

Pitchmark chosen for European Championships 2016 in France

Pitchmark, international suppliers of line marking paint and equipment, have been chosen to supply products for the European Championships 2016 in France, where four of the five ‘home nations’ will be showcasing their talents alongside Europe’s elite.

Richard Hayden from Clive Richardson Ltd, who are responsible for organising the pitch construction and maintenance, approached Pitchmark. Mr Hayden said they had been chosen because of their excellent reputation, as well as their proven track record of supplying the Confederations Cup 2013, World Cup Brazil 2014 and European Super Cup Final 2015.

As a leading worldwide supplier Pitchmark managed the quick turnaround required, delivering both paint and machines into all 10 host stadia. Mark Rodman, Managing Director of Pitchmark, flew out to help train staff at the Stade Matmut Atlantique in Bordeaux, as well as the Stade Velodrome in Marseille.

Pitchmark’s Eco SystemTM – a combination of Ecoline+ readyto-use paint, fine conical nozzles, and Eco spray markers – was chosen due to the incredibly bright and durable results it offers. This is especially important during tournaments like the Euros as the eyes of the world will be on the pitch, particularly with goal-line technology.

Mark said: “Education is very important. Our Eco SystemTM focuses on atomising high quality paint so that each leaf of grass is covered, giving the best visual results possible with just a couple of litres.”

Snickers’ LiteWork garments revolutionise workwear

Snickers’ Next Generation of Work Trousers and garments now include the new LiteWork Trousers are just what the name suggests.

They are super-light, quick-drying garments that keep you looking and feeling cool wherever you are on site in warm weather.

They have an advanced, modern design and are made from durable rip-stop fabric featuring the revolutionary ‘37.5 technology’ that delivers outstanding working comfort and ventilation in the warmer summer months.

Mark said: “We’re delighted to have supplied our products to yet another high profile event. It proves that even though we are a young, small family business, our products, expertise and customer service are marketleading. We’re very proud!”

“I’ve come across many grounds where the staff are applying fifteen or twenty litres of paint for a pitch. The problem with this is that most of it runs straight down into the soil, which can damage the root system and can give inferior results. Sometimes, less is actually more.” Mark added. “We’re very much looking forward to the tournament now and keeping an eye on those lines.”

You can contact Pitchmark on 01454 776666 or on sales@pitchmarkltd.com.

Pitchmark Enquiry 21

Barenbrug makes new appointment

Barenbrug, the UK grass seed expert, has appointed Phil Dick as new Research and Technical Sales Manager for North of England & Ireland.

As well as business development and customer support in his regions, Phil will play a key part in Barenbrug’s UK research at its Cropvale site in Worcestershire. This follows the promotion of Dr David Greenshields to Amenity

Business Manager, who will be leading Barenbrug’s European research efforts.

A keen golfer and ex-greenkeeper, Phil joined Barenbrug in May 2016, from the Sports Turf Research Institute (STRI), where he looked at the newest and most exciting technologies in the turfgrass industry.

Enquiry 22

BBA certified Terrabound used in The Magic Garden

Part of the Terraco Group, Addagrip offers a range of highquality external and internal resin surfacing products.

Gaining BBA Agrément Certificate 16/5288 for Terrabound, a resin bound aggregate surfacing system, sets a benchmark for quality resin bound products and installations within the construction industry.

Terrabound Resin Bound Surfacing provides a porous, smooth, contemporary, hardwearing and low-maintenance surface using a range of natural and recycled aggregates.

The design of a garden project at Hampton Court Palace called for a smooth, seamless surface that would be porous and low-maintenance whilst providing a bright, aestheticallypleasing paving. Resin Bound Terrabound in a 3mm natural aggregate Autumn Toffee

blend was selected to meet these requirements and provide walkways that were comfortable underfoot and suitable for wheelchair access.

A total of 850m2 of Addagrip’s BBA accredited Terrabound Resin Bound porous surfacing was installed on the pathways at The Magic Garden at Hampton Court Palace.

Roger Critchley, Managing Director of Addagrip Terraco Ltd, commented: “The BBA accreditation will set a benchmark for quality resin bound products and installations within the industry.”

Snickers Enquiry 20

Barenbrug

Sportsmark launch new website

Sportsmark Group Limited, the line marking, bowls, and sports equipment specialist, and publisher of the ‘little green book’, has launched a new website.

The new web-site will showcase Sportsmark’s products and services. Sportsmark don’t just sell sports equipment they also specialise in installations and re-furbishments of bowling greens; throwing cages;

jumping run-ups and pits; cricket wickets and cages; and a full sports hall fit-out.

Sportsmark also offer groundsman’s equipment, car park safety products and artificial grass. They provide a line marking service for sports pitches; roads and car parks, on all surfaces with paint and thermoplastic

Sportsmark Enquiry 25

Otterbine contractor of the year 2015 awarded

Having won the Otterbine Contractor of the Year Award for 2014, Topturf Irrigation – one of the UK’s leading irrigation companies – has once again been awarded the prestigious title for 2015.

The water management and irrigation specialist, based in Ford, West Sussex, received the award after achieving the highest Otterbine sales figures for 2015; attributing the consecutive wins to a combination of diligence, team work and a fantastic support network.

Colin Clark, managing director, Topturf says: “There are many factors that have contributed to winning the award for 2015, which, as well as a hardworking team that works well together, include a highly supportive relationship with Reg Varney at Otterbine and Robert Jackson at Lely Turfcare [Otterbine’s UK distributor].”

Robert Jackson, Irrigation Field Sales Manager, Lely Turfcare, adds: “I think Topturf’s continuous success is down to a great focus on the Otterbine brand and reacting to enquiries in prompt and professional manner.”

Having noted that the Gemini and Sunburst aerating fountains were popular this year, as they have been with previous years, Colin says that the company has also sold a lot of High Volume surface spray aerators; a product ideal for managing severe aquatic environments.

Highlight installations from 2015 include London’s Royal Parks, which saw six Otterbine High Volumes installed and Rye Golf Club, which welcomed three High Volumes.

“Another highlight sale for us,” says Colin, “was the installation of an Otterbine Giant Fountain

New fleet for re-energised golf club

Littlehampton Golf Club, situated close to the banks of the River Arun on the south coast of England, has purchased a fleet of new Jacobsen mowers from local Ransomes Jacobsen dealer, Ernest Doe and Sons Ltd.

The new fleet comprises of an AR522 five-unit contour mower, three GP400 greens mowers,

a Tri-King tees and surrounds mower and a Fairway 405 sevenunit wide-area fairway mower.

With wide, open fairways a feature of the course, productivity is important and that’s the prime driver behind the purchase of the Jacobsen Fairway 405 mower.

Ransomes

Jacobsen Enquiry 27

Wienerberger emphasises the benefits of tumbled pavers

Wienerberger, the leading provider of wall, roof and landscaping innovations, is offering a more aesthetic alternative to standard clay pavers.

An extended range of tumbled clay pavers has been launched into the UK market to offer a rustic style paver ideally suited for domestic and commercial schemes alike.

The range is manufactured to withstand heavy foot and light vehicular traffic and offers fantastic longevity, with the potential to last several lifetimes after installation.

The tumbled range also introduces three new preblended mixes in addition to the standard Penter clay paver range, with Alfaton, Qualiton

and Supraton offering architects the opportunity to inject a real individual look and feel to their projects

Nick Rudham, National Sales Manager for Penter, commented: “Our new range of tumbled pavers offers a unique look for architect’s upcoming projects, whether garden design or a more commercial project.

“As with all Penter clay pavers, the individual colours and blends will allow projects to really stand out from the crowd, as well as offering unparalleled longevity through their natural colourfastness and durability. With exciting colours and sizes available, it should truly form part of an unique design for a landscaped area.”

will be a welcome addition to your weed control armoury. Highly effective against a wide range of weeds – especially Japanese Knotweed, packs a powerful punch from very low levels of active and a small 1 litre pack. Equally reassuring, has virtually no odour and is safe to grass.

at the Wisley Golf Club, which created a dramatic water feature that’s both stunning and versatile.”

Commenting on his hopes for the Topturf and Otterbine relationship in 2016, Robert

adds: “We hope to continue building on the successes and achievements of the previous years and to support the Topturf team in achieving even higher sales.”

Lely Turfcare Enquiry 26

www.icl-sf.co.uk

Please contact your local sales representative for more information.

Nothing gets to grips with invasive and tough, woody weeds like

British Summer

Time is here, it’s time to oxygenate

With a warm British Summer Time in full swing, water management specialist Otterbine is advising greenkeepers to aerate water hazards now, before oxygen depletion or stress situations occur.

Maintaining high water quality is an essential part of successful golf course management all year round, but, as greenkeepers will know, both the light and heat generated by the spring/summer sun can quickly lead to severe problems in lakes and ponds.

The resultant warmer water and excess nutrients, combined with low oxygen levels and minimal circulation, prematurely ages water and throws the natural ecosystem out of balance. This can lead to algae, aquatic weeds and odours, as well as sludge build up and even dead fish.

In order to avoid this, a proper water management system should be put in place as soon as possible. Robert Jackson, Irrigation Manager at Lely Turfcare, Otterbine’s UK distributor, explains why it’s vital to act now rather than later.

“Waiting until symptoms of poor water quality appear before implementing good water management could

be detrimental to both the environment and greenkeepers’ budgets,” he warns.

“These unwanted symptoms impact on the golfer’s experience and the golf club’s reputation, and may also require costly fixative programmes. Once a lake has lost its ecological balance, it goes into crisis, at which point the cost of restoring it dramatically rises. As well as often being more expensive to implement, reactive solutions tend to be less friendly to the environment too,” Robert explains.

To prevent or eliminate stagnant water in a pond or lake, the most natural water quality management solution is to introduce aeration; which is where Otterbine’s aeration systems can help.

With solutions suitable for small ponds to vast lakes, Otterbine’s wide range of aeration systems comprise aerating fountains, industrial aerators and diffused air systems. Each has unique features that work to increase oxygen levels and circulate oxygen rich water, keeping water quality high, and inhibiting algae, aquatic weeds and odours.

Lely Turfcare Enquiry 30

Spaldings launch full trading e-commerce platform

Spaldings has launched their newly built fully trading e-commerce website which is available to both existing account holders who, via their own password protected log in, are both able to trade and get access to even more functionality allowing them to manage their accounts, and guests who are able to buy product and also request full account status.

All Spaldings products are available to be purchased on this site including many special offers and introductory offers for web users.

David Fox, Spaldings Chief Executive, said that the launch of our new website adds a further dimension to our existing service and customer experience.

“The vast majority of our customers are used to trading with either our fully trained face to face field sales team or our telesales team, but we have now embraced technology to allow customers access to our vast range of products 24 hours a day, seven days a week,” he said.

Mr Fox further commented that the website will be developed over the coming months to increase its functionality and allow our customers access to more information and give them the ability to manage their account with us more effectively. Access to this site can be found at www.spaldings.co.uk

Spaldings Enquiry 31

Halestem gives you a design edge

EverEdge are the manufacturer of choice for professionals requiring British made steel edging products. The latest addition to the EverEdge range is the EverEdge Halestem product. Halestem is an L shaped edging system designed for use with hard landscaping and is ideal to edge around tarmac, paving and resin bonded surfaces.

Easy to install and designed to last a lifetime, EverEdge Halestem cuts down on maintenance and is perfect for straight line or curves. Halestem is available in a variety of depths to suit any project.

EverEdge Enquiry 32

Green-tech supply tree planting products for solar farm

Green-tech has supplied national Solar Park landscape specialist Orchard Groundcare with tree planting materials to landscape the largest grid connected Solar Park in the UK.

Located in Kent, Orchard Groundcare won the contract to manage the landscaping and maintenance of the site which is located in South East England and is capable of powering the whole of Herne Bay. The huge solar farm is set over eight fields and cover a total of 213 acres.

The site was subject to reseeding with a mix of grasses and wildflowers to restore and revitalise the grounds. Orchard Groundcare also planted 11,000 hedge plants and 9,500 trees to help screen the solar panels and encourage biodiversity and provide a habitat for local wildlife.

Green-tech supplied them 13,500 spirals and canes, 1650 mesh guards and stakes and 4000 Tubex shelters and stakes to do this.

The landscaping was hailed a success and Green-tech have since secured a further three orders for John Chambers Wildflower seed from Orchard Groundcare. Wildflowers are not only recognised for their beauty and appearance but also the improved biodiversity and considerable green credentials they bring to a project.

Richard Clarke, Commercial Director and Head of Solar Parks at Orchard Groundcare said: “For a project of this size we rely on our trade partners and Green-tech provided advice and supplied canes, spirals and tree guards.

“We value the advice and excellent service we always get from Green-tech and their willingness to work with us. The result is we have a site that we and our client are delighted with.”

Green-tech Enquiry 33

Pencil Bin gets top of the class for recycling

The new pencil bins from Leafield Environmental have been attracting a lot of attention in schools nationwide, encouraging children to recycle and volunteer to be ‘litter pickers’ according to Abbey Catholic Primary School.

Ideal for both indoors and outside, and manufactured in durable polyethylene for a long and useful life, each pencil bin has a 70 litre plastic liner inside to assist easy and clean emptying and disposal.

Optional extras include: WRAP compliant recycling label, a lock, steel liner and ground fixing kit. The range is priced from £153.00.

Leafield

Barenbrug adds 21 wildflower mixes

Grass expert, Barenbrug UK, has created the most comprehensive range of wildflower mixes for landscapers, by adding 21 blends to its Green Velvet range.

The professional Green Velvet wildflower mixes will enable installers to create colourful, biodiverse wildflower meadows— no matter what the local habitat, soil type or growing conditions.

Paul Warner, Barenbrug UK Marketing Manager says: “From dedicated mixes to attracts bats or bumblebees, to hedgerow, clay soil, woodland and coastal mixes.

Enquiry 36

Pub opens on time for launch thanks to NCC Streetscape

A stunning looking project that was completed and opened successfully ahead of deadline benefitted from using GftK’s vdw 850+ from NCCStreetscape Ltd.

It was specified for the landscaping works as part of the redevelopment and scheduled opening of the prestige George & Dragon Pub in Dartmouth, Devon.

Paul McGeary the Managing Director of Main Contractor, Building & Design Services Ltd., said: “With any other paving grout system this would have been impossible and a disaster for everybody because of the terrible weather.

When five becomes eight for Replay Maintenance

“We also offer bespoke mixes. For instance an ‘all blue’ mix to mark a special event or a wildflower mix to suit a particularly boggy or dry environment. Our grass seed mixes are the culmination of decades of plant breeding, research and development for UK environments.”

Barenbrug Enquiry 38

Despite almost continuous rain and gale force winds the black limestone and granite sett paving was able to be completed and successfully jointed using GftK’s vdw 850+, safely in time for the scheduled VIP Reception and Opening Night in mid-November.

“Without NCC Streetscape’s advice and the vdw 850+ Jointing Mortar, this flagship Gastro-Pub redevelopment by Heavitree Brewery PLC would also never have been finished and open for their important trading month running up to Christmas and New Year - and then we would all have still been discussing penalties and trying to get paid.”

NCC Streetscape Enquiry 37

Replay Maintenance, the leading provider of maintenance for synthetic surfaces, has announced their partnership with the eight County Football Associations (CFAs) across the East and East Midlands region.

Initially established in 2013, the partnership has been extended from five to eight CFAs due to the success of the programme for both Replay and grassroots football. The partnership will now cover the counties of; Norfolk, Suffolk, Cambridgeshire, Huntingdonshire, Leicestershire, Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire and Northamptonshire.

All facilities within the eight CFAs will have access to information, expert advice and a portal within which the facility, Replay and the respective County FA can plan and implement programmes for the care and maintenance of the facility.

From grounds professional training through to budgets and forecasts, the partnership aims to deliver training and advice on all aspects of managing and maintaining an artificial sports surface.

Replay Maintenance Enquiry 39

Aitkens helps club recover from massive flooding

Aitkens have been hailed as an integral part of the pitch rejuvenation at Tadcaster Albion Football Club, after the surface lay under water for ten weeks, with initial flooding in December seeing water rising over the height of the crossbar.

Tadcaster AFC were unable to play at the i2i Stadium until early February as Head Groundsman, David Wakefield, tried to salvage what was an impressive pitch from weeks of flooding, starting from Boxing Day 2015.

With the help of Aitkens Paul Emmanuel and their range of products there was only a 73-day wait for football to return, and David explains just how vital a role the company played in helping the part-time groundsman.

“Paul’s initial thoughts were that we needed to get some grass growing, so went for the Award Nutri-Pro 16-2-10 fertiliser, and even though it’s not the ideal time of year to apply it, the results were great,” he said.

“I also used Terralift Rocastem and Quadrop when we were eventually able to spray, which helped to help revitalise the root zone.”

“We also used The Award Surf To Turf Seaweed, and the colour we got out of it was tremendous, but the important thing is the longevity, it’s a lot better than some others that I’ve seen. And that goes back to the time they take in sourcing the products, which keeps enhancing the nutrients in the soil.”

Aitkens Enquiry 41

Sherriff Amenity launches new Bio-Stimulant range

Sherriff Amenity has announced the launch of a new range of Amino, Humic and Fulvic Acid bio-stimulant products designed to improve plant health and root growth.

Sherriff Amenity has established a reputation as the industry leading supplier of professional products and specialist advice.

The company’s investment in research and development enables them to continue to provide innovative new products, ideas and solutions to their customers on a regular basis.

Sherriff Amenity has now further added to its comprehensive

product portfolio by announcing the launch of three new biostimulants - Amino Root, Rapid Root and HumiK Pro.

The new products have been shown to influence several metabolic processes such as respiration, photosynthesis, nucleic acid synthesis and ion uptake. They can enhance nutrient availability, water holding capacity and metabolism whilst increasing production of antioxidants and chlorophyll.

Each of these new products have unique key features which go a long way in maintaining healthy turf.

Sherriff

Amenity Enquiry 42

Limagrain gives perfect results at Haberdashers’ School

Founded in 1690, Haberdashers’ is a British public school for boy’s which frequently tops the academic league tables.

As well as Haberdashers’ academic prowess, sport also plays an integral part of school life. Students can thrive within the excellent sports facilities the school has to offer; which includes 12 rugby and/or football pitches, two all-weather hockey pitches, three grass cricket squares, three artificial cricket wickets, the Solai indoor

cricket centre, a double size sports hall, indoor swimming pool, gymnasium, fitness suite, 400metre grass running track with synthetic sprint track and jump/ throw areas, and a shooting range.

Colleagues were quick to recommend Limagrain’s MM60 and MM50 without hesitation.

The school is now in its third year of using Limagrain’s MM50 and MM60 and this

summer, the products put the ‘icing on the cake’ to some major pitch improvements at Haberdashers’.

Limagrain Enquiry 43

The Cushman 1600XD lives to conquer any job. There’s no task too big for the 22-hp diesel engine, 1,600-lb payload and massive cargo bed.

And no matter where work needs to be done, you’ll get there thanks to user-selectable 4WD, a locking rear differential and 4-wheel independent suspension. So, whether you’re moving mountains or driving over them, the 1600XD is ready for action.

Plantscape creates a floral welcome

A colourful display of purple, pink, blue and white flowers will greet shoppers and visitors entering Merthyr Tydfil this year after the town’s business improvement district placed an order for hanging baskets and large multi-tier planters.

The Big Heart of Merthyr Tydfil, which is funded by 250 local businesses to help deliver a vibrant and successful town centre, has ordered the planters from the UK’s leading suppliers of floral features, Plantscape.

Comprising of 110 hanging baskets and six floor-standing four-tier planters, which create a six-foot tall column of flowers,

the planters will be installed at the entrances to the town next month, in time for a summer programme of events which includes the Merthyr Food Festival, Merthyr By The Sea and the Awesome Merthyr Chilli Festival, which will showcase products derived from the fiery pepper and will take place in early June.

Currently being grown at Plantscape’s headquarters in Ashbourne, Derbyshire, the flowers in this year’s display include zonal geraniums, begonia and surfinia and the planters will be in place until the end of September.

Landscaping innovation fit for an Angel

The WoodBlocX system is particularly suited to large-scale developments due to the ease of build and zero waste.

The company worked on a number of high profile projects in 2015 including Unite’s Stratford One development and an installation at Westfield London.

Located in Stratford’s regeneration area, within the London Borough of Newham, Angel Lane is student accommodation giant Unite’s latest London development. The

site incorporates more than 700 flats, state of the art facilities and dedicated areas for study and relaxation.

WoodBlocX were appointed and briefed by Traad Nurseries to provide the seating and large raised beds and planters. WoodBlocX’ team of in-house designers and estimators created the design and calculated the components needed.

The agreed design incorporated 10 very large angular raised

beds for planting and combined seating solutions and lighting. The WoodBlocX system is ideal for angular work as the wooden blocks and capping can be cut to obtuse and acute 45-degree angles.

WoodBlocX serves as a great alternative to railway sleepers, which often need cutting into shape. The pressure-treated FSC pine blocks work in the same way as bricks, each block is manufactured in five sizes at the company’s saw mill in Scotland, which means there is no on-site

waste, in addition, any capping and angled parts are pre-mitred, which saves installers significant build time and eliminates the need for sawing, drilling and disposing of waste, a huge plus point for large installations.

The blocks fuse into position using WoodBlocX unique dowel and wedge system, which locks each block to the one beneath, ensuring the structure, stays in place and in shape permanently.

Enquiry 46

Trailflex leads the way to historic school

New Hall School, a longestablished Catholic boarding and day school, and former Tudor palace, has recently installed a new 1.5km entrance pathway using Langford Direct Ltd’s specialist Trailflex flexible porous paving system.

Applied in a Silver Stone finish, the compact resin bound material also presents a surface that complements the aesthetics of the historic site, whilst giving the illusion of a natural gravel path. Trailflex was applied to the 1.5km

pedestrian and cycle path which runs parallel to the school’s main road entrance. The tree-lined pathway carries a preservation order requiring the trees to be untouched or undisturbed during any groundwork carried out. Requiring just 150mm of digging, the application was able to avoid all damage or contact to the tree roots.

Another key benefit of Trailflex for the school is its flexible qualities, which will allow the material to flex with any

movement of tree roots without creating any damage to the surface. The material is created using recycled car tyres to give it the flexibility, if needed, to bend to 90° and cover any tree roots that may rise to the surface, for a solid and seamless finish.

Trailflex is also SUDS compliant and offers a porous alternative to standard asphalt surfacing material.

Trailflex Enquiry 47

Plantscape Enquiry 45

WoodblocX

Knowsley Intersection Revitalization with Duratherm

Ennis-Flint approved contractor Bellstan Ltd., began improvements on an intersection between Woolfall Health Avenue and Parbrook Road in Knowsley, Liverpool on Monday, May 9. It is expected to be finished later today.

Duratherm, an Ennis-Flint TraffiscScapes product, is a specially designed preformed thermoplastic material that is inlaid into imprinted asphalt. By imprinting the design and inlaying the Duratherm material, it ensures that the material is protected from regular wear and maintains its attractive look for years. It is perfect for enhancing the beautification of neighbourhoods and pedestrian safety among shared roadway users.

Duratherm also has a variety of performance-based features and benefits including:

• High skid/slip resistant for safety

• Enhanced durability, snowplough friendly

• Low maintenance

• Design flexibility with

standard and customisable colours and patterns

• Eliminates the maintenance and safety concerns of loose pavers

• All materials is manufactured at Ennis-Flint’s manufacturing facility that is ISO 9001 certified.

Duratherm can be installed by our Ennis-Flint Certified Applicators, Bellstan Ltd. so you can be confident that you design intentions will be fully-met on the job site. Through the use of a specialised pavement heater, the existing asphalt is softened to the point where templates can then be pressed into the surface to create an imprinted pattern. Pre-cut sections of Duratherm are then set into these impressions. With the use of the heater again, the material is then bonded to the asphalt.

For more information on how you can use Ennis-Flint TrafficScapes Solutions in your next project, get in touch with our certified applicator Bellstan Ltd at 01256 884 107 or via email at julian@bellstan.co.uk

Ennis-Flint Enquiry 50

Appearances matter with Amberol

So, create the wow factor with Amberol’s self-watering planters which only need watering once a week.

Choose from tiered containers, hanging, barrier and up-the-pole baskets, large floor standing planters and window boxes - as well as our wood effect barrel range and stone effect troughs to create a timeless touch of class.

Keep it clean with Amberol’s range of indoor and outdoor litter bins including recycling bins, dual bins and animal shaped bins - which can even talk with the addition of a sound card.

For further information www.amberol.co.uk Contact: sales@amberol.co.uk

Amberol Enquiry 51

Hardscape develops outdoor space for £22m landmark

Landscaping materials specialist, Hardscape, designed and supplied bespoke paving and walling for the 10,000m2 area surrounding vibrant Teeside University newbuild, The Curve.

Royal White granite was selected as a light silver stone, while a bogan sett pattern in Magma blended granite created warmth and interest. Contemporary finishes included 3 metre high granite totem poles, etched with

the University logo – achieved using the unique Hardscape ‘artscape’ manufacturing process.

The development represents the high aspirations of the university and provides an attractive environment for students, staff and the local community. More information: www.hardscape.co.uk

Bespoke planters from The Pot Company

Leading planter supplier, The Pot Company, have found that in order to keep up with the imaginations of its customers it is necessary to offer a bespoke service.

They can offer bespoke planters in corten steel, aluminium, fibreglass, hardwood, galvanised steel and polymer concrete.

This ensures there is always an option for any project. The Pot Company can also offer bespoke water features in both corten steel and aluminium. If you have an idea get in touch for a quote at sales@thepotco.com.

The Pot Company Enquiry 53

Twelve hours a night outdoor lighting for free

The new Solar Patio & Plaza Light from Bright Spark Solar combines state-of-the-art LED, solar panel and lithium ion battery technology to produce powerful, reliable and free lighting independent of the mains.

This new luminaire is ideal for numerous applications from patios, courtyards and gardens to hotels, restaurants and pubs where its all-around 360° light distribution provides the perfect free lighting solution.

With automatic dusk to dawn operation, the Solar Patio & Plaza Light shines at its full 900

lumens power for the first five hours before dimming by 25% for a further seven hours, giving 12 hours night time lighting. With no reliance on mains electricity, there is no wiring, cabling or trenching involved and is simple to install without the need for an electrician.

Hardscape Enquiry 52

Bright Spark Enquiry 54

Bituchem used to brighten road

Bituchem’s hard-wearing Natratex Cotswold landscape material has been used to resurface a road in the Woodford Bridge area of Redbridge.

Approximately 6000sq.m of the Natratex Cotswold 10mm Heavy Duty in buff was applied by Kenson Contractors to the town’s main street which now offers a durable and aesthetically pleasing highway that complements the surroundings of the London Borough.

The specialist heavy duty material is a development of Bituchem’s flagship product, designed especially to withstand the constant flow of traffic whilst maintaining a long-lasting natural finish. These highly

durable qualities make the material particularly suitable for a wide range of applications that see regular vehicular use.

The natural coloured pigments of Natratex Cotswold form a buff finish to create an attractive surface that brightens and stands out in comparison to a traditional black asphalt surface. The material is also reflective of Cotswold stone, which is increasing in use across urban and rural environments to create a modern, elegant setting. In using the natural-coloured material, the newly surfaced road stands out from the surrounding areas, and makes it more aesthetically pleasing.

Bituchem Enquiry 58

All-weather durable jointing for stone setts

A prestige stone driveway was created using 100mm rumbled magma granite setts, by the natural stone paving specialists from PDG Groundworks, who recommended that the setts be jointed with the slurry applied, self compacting and non-staining, vdw 850 jointing mortar from NCC Streetscape.

The vdw 850 jointing mortar is capable of accommodating frequent and heavy vehicle traffic loads, and it prevents weed growth or boring insect infestations, it is also fully resistant to the use of de-icing salts and freeze thaw action, plus it is suitable for frequent

cleaning with mechanical street sweepers.

The vdw 850 jointing mortar also has advantages in its application, because it can be applied in cold and wet weather, it is extremely fast to apply and then it hardens rapidly.

NCC Streetscape Enquiry 59

Council opts for Oak Endgrain Cobbles

Oak Endgrain Cobbles were specified by Merton Council for Connecting Colliers Wood project.

MK Enterprises details were passed to the architect and we made and supplied samples of the Oak Cobbles in 2014 for the architects to consider. Having decided on the size and nature MKE where approached again to supply some 71 square metres that amounts to 7,100 Oak Cobbles at 100 x 100 x 125mm deep.

Following cutting, the edgers are machined to give a radius to all

sides and the tops. Then the ‘tops & bottoms’ are charred to give the finished effect.

MK Enterprises Enquiry 60

Charcon delivers life saving cycle safety kerb

Charcon, the commercial hard landscaping division of Aggregate Industries, has manufactured and supplied 24,000l/m of Eco Countryside Cycle Kerb for the Mayor’s flagship Cycle Superhighway 2 (CS2) between Aldgate and Bow in London.

The contract follows a major investment by Transport for London (TfL) to make the route safer for cyclists and other road users.

In partnership with Ringway Jacobs, Charcon’s technical department designed an innovative 500mm-wide Eco Countryside Cycle Kerb segregation system as an alternative to granite kerb with a concrete block paving inlay previously used.

The bespoke design features a bull-nose edge running along the carriageway, capable of withstanding vehicular impact, while a full batter profile on the cycleway side significantly reduces the chance of cyclists catching a pedal.

A frog in the base of the unit improves the key into the bedding material, further reducing the weight of the unit and assisting installation.

Being installed on both sides of the carriageway, the unique integrated system safely segregate cyclists from passing traffic, even when on the blind side of a lorry or bus.

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Charcon Enquiry

Hackney marches to safer green spaces with Makita

Hackney Borough Council’s Parks and Green Spaces team now has the best possible safe working conditions equipped with Makita battery powered tools, including blowers, having dropped traditional petrol machines on health, safety and environmental grounds.

The Council’s policy is to remove all petrol power from local operations by 2020. Switching to Makita’s 36v cordless tools eliminates the vibration risks that can harm staff with longterm Hand Arm Vibration-HAV injuries such as White Finger and joint and circulation problems.

The Makita machines offer a considerable reduction in vibration and can be used all day without harm to the operators.

Additionally, using battery powered grounds care machines means that exhaust emissions are zero – petrol engine exhaust fumes are eliminated and the risk of ground contamination from spilt petrol and oil is removed altogether.

Parks should be places of solitude where traditional machines make an awful noise but the battery powered Makita tools are significantly quieter whilst still delivering a professional performance to cut long grass and remove debris. This quiet approach means that the team can work around schools, hospitals and cemeteries without causing nuisance and annoyance.

“Removing some petrol powered equipment will help reduce the

Greedy machine makes light work of tough jobs

The Professional Leaf Suction Unit by SCH is a greedy leaf eating machine, powered by a 9hp Honda engine.

The unit is mounted on a two wheel chassis with a towbar and can be attached to a leaf collecting trailer which can be supplied by SCH on request – or the customer can modify and use their own.

Leaves are sucked up through the 200mm wide hose. They are then

chopped by the fan as they enter the trailer which greatly reduces the space they take up and so reduces the number of times the unit has to be emptied.

The wandering hose has a comfortable handle and can reach underneath rows of trees, into flower beds and up to the edges of walls.

SCH Enquiry 66

risk of staff suffering from handarm vibration and ensure they have some of the latest battery powered equipment to maintain the standards of parks and green spaces in Hackney.” Hackney Borough Council statement.

Hackney Borough Council is now equipped with a fleet of 36volt Makita machines powered by lightweight LithiumIon batteries in conjunction with the fastest charging system in the industry.

The DUB362 leaf blower delivers more air volume than a 4-stroke petrol blower and weighs just 4.1kg.

All the machines have been prepared and supplied to Hackney’s Parks and Green Spaces team by Makita distributor Ernest Doe of Rochford and are covered by a full three year warranty.

Makita Enquiry 64

Little Wonder help the Black Cats clean up

What started out in 1879 as Sunderland and District Teacher’s Association Football Club became Sunderland AFC when, after a year, non-teachers were allowed to join.

Today, the Black Cats boast one of the best Academies in the country, with the highest possible rating in the Premier League’s assessment.

Head Groundsman, Glenn Campbell and his team, in addition to maintaining the turf, have the task of ensuring the grounds are kept immaculate. Faced with the problem of falling leaves from trees around the car park in autumn and litter blown across the area throughout the year, they ordered two Little Wonder ProVac self-propelled vacuum sweepers on the recommendation of their Northumberland dealers Greenlay.

“We’ve had the Little Wonder ProVacs for about four months now,” says Glenn “and they have been ideal for our purposes through the autumn and winter months, with the lads able to get the car park area and around the buildings cleared very quickly

each morning. They find them very comfortable to use and easily manoeuvred. The size is perfect for the area and they really are excellent for the job.” The self-propelled ProVac will work at speeds up to 4.2 mph forwards and 1.8 mph in reverse. Power comes from a 9hp Honda GX270 engine driving industryleading suction to clear all kinds of debris into the 74.47 gallon/217L capacity bag.

Nozzle height is automatically adjustable and there is an easy toe tap dump valve to switch to forwards and backwards. A windshield diverts dust to ground level for additional operator comfort.

Schiller Groundscare Enquiry 67

Pellenc launches new generation hand-held blower

Five years after the release of the first generation battery-powered hand-held blower Airion 1, Pellenc has launched the Airion 2. The new generation hand-held blower is more powerful, more accurate and more comfortable, based on customer experience feedback.

As with the older version, the Airion 2 can be used near noisesensitive areas such as hospitals, hotels schools, camp sites, town centres, etc. It is also perfectly suitable as a cleaning tool for roads alongside sweepers at any time of the day and works just as effectively as a replacement for the traditional sweeper in towns as it does in parks and gardens.

Weighing just 2.55kgs, the power of the Airion 2 has been enhanced by 30% compared to the first version and is the only batterypowered blower available on the market with a thrust of 17.5 newtons, while its low noise (79 decibels) can reduce the nuisance for the operator and their working environment. It is also waterproof to IP54 standards.

As with all other Pellenc products, the Airion 2 uses the ultra-high capacity technology of the Pellenc lithium battery and guarantees non-polluting, odourless operation with quick start-up and up to one day battery life.

The Pellenc ULB battery range is designed for professional tool use. Pellenc is the only professional tool manufacturer to offer a whole range of tools that operate with ultrahigh capacity multi-purpose batteries.

All Pellenc batteries and tools come complete with a three year commercial warranty as standard - the first manufacturer to offer this on battery-powered tools.

Pellenc products are exclusively distributed in the UK and Ireland by Etesia UK.

Customers can now purchase Pellenc tools through Etesia’s finance partner.

Etesia Enquiry 65

Robust solutions you’ll be blown away with

PSD Groundscare offers an extensive range of products that includes vacuums, blowers and sweepers from innovative European manufacturers ELIET and Koppl.

Leading Belgium manufacturer ELIET have developed a range of vacuums and blowers that includes leaf blowers, truckloaders and the Cameleon, a multi-vac that combines a vacuum with an optional shredder unit and additionally ELIET also offer highly effective snow blowers.

Highly innovative German manufacturer Koppl offer a range of multi-attachment machines. With a large range of implement carriers to suit your needs and an extensive range of attachments that includes a snow-blower, snow plough and sweeper, Koppl have a great offering. T

he wonderful advantage of the Koppl range is the implement carriers can be used all year round with other attachments to suit the season.

Vanmac builds UK dealer network for Trilo brand

Since BTME 2016 Jon Proffitt, UK Factory Support Manager of Vanmac bv, has been busy constructing a network of established dealers for their Trilo range of Blowers, Vacuum Collectors and Verticutters.

After announcing they were to be selling direct in the UK, bringing the country in-line with their European strategy, Jon has been signing up sales outlets to cover the whole of England, Scotland and Wales.

Vanmac Commercial Director, Peter van Mispelaar, said at the time that the move would allow them to better tailor their sales and service of Trilo machines

to the UK market. To that end well-known names in the industry, from the North to the South, have been signing up to distribute the well-established product portfolio.

Companies like Sherriff Groundcare and Stewart Plant Sales in Scotland; Lloyd Ltd, Balmers Groundcare and Turner Groundcare in the North; Farol Limited and Ernest Doe covering the Central and Eastern regions and Winchester Garden Machinery and GA Groundcare the southern counties - with more in the pipeline.

Vanmac Enquiry 70

on Co2

Sweep away the snow

The SweepEx range of push brooms offers a good choice to suit the task at hand and in particular the MegaMax which is not just a push broom, it is also a bulk volume mover.

Hitched to a telehandler, fork lift, skidsteer or tractor you can use it for clearing leaves and rubbish and at the first sight of snow it will be ready to clear large areas quickly and efficiently.

The MegaMax takes the concept of a heavy-duty broom and adds patented side retainers, which makes it ideal for clearing snow.

The broom holds bulk volumes of material in front of the brush without spillage at the sides. It’s cleverly designed to incorporate end brushes that are carefully twisted, so they actually pull snow away from a curb or wall and push it into the main path of the broom. It also offers a squeegee effect on wet surfaces. Similarly it will deal with other materials, sweeping them out of awkward corners,

which makes this all-rounder good for yards, warehouses, amenity areas, construction sites, farms and landscaping projects.

As there are no motors, belts or chains and no flying debris, the MegaMax is safe and maintenance free, with hardwearing brushes designed to sweep up to 450 miles before the hard-wearing polypropylene bristles need changing.

Even then it’s an easy job to replace them. Another key feature is the bristles are rigid enough to allow the broom to stand up without additional support for quicker and easier mounting to the host vehicle

There is a variety of SweepEx push brooms to choose from including the basic ValuSweep, to the Mega and SweepEx Pro, to suit all applications. The MegaMax is available in 1.5m, 1.8m and 2.4m widths.

Wessex International Enquiry 71

READER ENQUIRY 72

Koro assists in preparation for Euro 2016

In June 2016, 24 of Europe’s top footballing nations will compete across France in the UEFA European Championship on pitches that have been prepared using a Koro Field Top Maker (FTM) with Universe rotor.

The competition has expanded from its usual 16-team format for the first time, extending the tournament to accommodate the growing number of member associations and allowing 24 teams to compete.

Like the players that will play in the tournament the pitches will have also had a long domestic season before being prepared for the finals and the addition of an extra eight teams will increase the number of fixtures.

This means each pitch used will endure a greater number of games and puts extra emphasis on the surfaces being in top condition for the likes of current world champions Germany, Spain and England.

The Koro FTM with the Universe rotor has been used at St. Étienne and Marseille with other pitch works still on going at the other venues throughout the 2015/16 domestic League 1 season.

The machines ability to work on a variety of surfaces including soil based and AirFibr pitches, removing thatch, poa annua or the whole surface up to 50mm, has made it the ideal candidate in France.

Redexim’s Verti-Drain and Verti-Seed work in tandem

SISIS TM1000 puts club in full control

Adi Porter, course manager at Greetham Valley Golf Club, has said that he is now in full control of thatch build-up since using the SISIS Rotorake TM1000.

To help with the latest project of returning fairways, greens and tees back to natural grass species, Course Manager Jonathan Wood enlisted the help of the Charterhouse Verti-Drain and Verti-Seed machines.

“They’re quality pieces of kit,” says Jonathan, “we use it to make 2 passes on all fairways throughout the winter to relieve compaction and create a better growing environment. We then use a smaller Verti-Drain 7316 on the greens once a year in

Spring into summer with Classen

The combination of three Classen machines, the Aerator, Turf Rake and Overseeder are precisely what turf professionals need as the late spring grass growth puts on a spurt towards summer.

Aeration is needed to improve the air exchange between the soil and the atmosphere, to help relieve compaction, reduce water run-off and puddling.

The Classen RA 21 Aerator offers a choice of solid or hollow tines so the groundsman can choose according to the work to be done. The core tines reciprocate at 450 revolutions

per minute allowing the operator to cover 26,000 square feet in an hour. Self-propelled and quality engineered, the aerator is designed to punch cleaner holes in tough soil without additional weights.

Each of this trio of machines, which Schiller Grounds Care term the Classen Spring Turfcare Collection, comes with a twoyear warranty and provide turf professionals, contractors and hire companies with a year-round grass maintenance system.

Schiller Groundscare Enquiry 77

October/November

“It’s noticeable that the aeration work with the Verti-Drain, and overseeding with the VertiSeed, has played a massive role in getting the fairways back to natural grasses to provide a much better playing surface. Similar work has also been carried out on the greens to change the dominant species over to bent and fescue. The Verti-Seed was used to do 3 passes on all 36 greens in the late summer/ autumn period - again achieving great results.”

In 1990, a farming family called the Hinch’s saw the possibilities of the delightful rural setting where Greetham Valley stands today. Tucked away in a secluded valley, Greetham is now one of the finest golf, hotel, leisure and conference venues in the East Midlands and keen golfers come from far and wide apart to test their skills.

As Adi says - good, reliable machinery is an absolute must to stand any chance of success in such a competitive market, so when he decided he wanted to reverse the trend of thatch build-up, Adi knew that only the best turf maintenance machinery would suffice.

The SISIS Rotorake TM1000 is a tractor mounted heavy duty scarifier and linear aerator and is un-rivalled when it comes to

removing and controlling thatch. It includes a collector box and floating unit to follow ground contours and its contra-rotating reel throws debris forward ensuring a clean, consistent groove resulting in an excellent finish when the time comes to scarify.

With interchangeable blades and a quick, simple depth setting without tools, it’s no wonder why so many greenkeepers and course managers like Adi, have reaped the benefits of using the TM1000.

“Since using the SISIS TM1000; the thatch in the top 50mm has reduced to three percent and I am now in full control,” said Adi.”Another benefit has been better germination rates of the bent seed, which has allowed me to reduce sowing rates. And with us altering the direction of travel each time, the new seed integrates really well in the green.”

Campey Turf Care Systems Enquiry 74

Enville Golf Club is a private members club in Staffordshire, founded in 1935.

and on the tees during spring and autumn.

Charterhouse Enquiry 75

SISIS Enquiry 76

Wiedenmann UK says summer aeration increasingly prevalent

The huge variety of tine attachments and range of tine diameters means the convention of only aerating in spring and autumn is mostly outmoded says Wiedenmann UK.

Aeration is as vital during summer as it is at other times to relieve compaction. Yet when facilities are at their busiest it can be viewed as too disruptive.

However, experienced greenkeepers and groundsmen are increasingly choosing less invasive forms of aeration which still deliver excellent results.

“By switching to multi tine heads – small lightweight aluminium blocks that fit on the tine arm – instantly the number of tines penetrating the surface doubles,

triples or in some instances quadruples, “ said Chas Ayres, Wiedenmann UK Sales Manager.

“Fine tines, often just 5mm in diameter, are deployed in two or three rows up to eight in a line spiking the surface usually to depths of less than 140 mm. It leads to less intrusive holes, often barely visible, allowing water and air to permeate the soil and immediately benefit the upper root zone.”

Another summer trend is hollow coring. Wiedenmann has a range of coring tine available from 6 mm to 17 mm with depths of 110 mm to 300 mm. Hollow coring helps thatch removal, compaction or soil exchange.

Wiedenmann Enquiry 81

Terrain Aeration conquers at Warwick Castle

Promote growth with Plugr

The colder months can have a significant impact on turf and, if not looked after properly, grounds could struggle now spring is here.

Creating a bowling green finish

manufacturer the ability to create a “golf green finish” is an essential part of the range.

The other cartridges in the system include an aerator, as well as a scarifier, verticut, dethatcher and a lawn brush.

You can go glamping –glamorous camping – Mediaeval style in the grounds of Warwick Castle, with entertainment including archery, a Jester’s School and Knight’s school.

When the time comes in October to remove the tents the areas that have been covered by the wooden floors and coconut matting since April are left as bare, wet mud. These have to be brought back to grass as quickly as possible, to meet the planning conditions for the glamping use of the historic and protected parkland.

Specialists in deep aeration treatment, Terrain Aeration returned to Warwick Castle for the second year to treat and help restore the area.

The area was too wet and muddy for Terrain Aeration’s

wheeled Terralift machines to gain traction and so the Tracker Terralift was used with up to a 100 metre long air pipe deployed to allow the compressor to remain on the main vehicle route through the entire site and not get bogged down.

The Terralift treatment injects compressed air into the soil as much as a metre deep to decompact, aerate and inject seaweed across the affected areas. The seaweed sticks to the walls of the fractures, swelling and contracting and keeping the fissures open.

The process clears surface water areas, helping to dry up any mud, leaving the area ready for surface preparation and the replacement of the missing grass.

Aeration Enquiry 82

Plugr aerators from Billy Goat offer a solution to this that can improve drainage and promote new growth by making holes throughout the turf that allow air circulation through the roots. The results being healthy grass growth and stronger turf.

The Plugr aerator range consists of four products. These are the PL1800 (with either a 205cc Briggs & Stratton engine, or an 118cc Honda engine), or the PL2500 (with a 163cc Honda engine, or a 196cc Honda/Hydro Drive).

The PL1800 has an 18” working width, along with four tines and

weighs just 109kg. It is ideal for smaller properties or rental scenarios, and places cores 2.75” deep and aerates 22,000 square feet per hour. It has an easy folding handle that allows for compact use, transportation and storage.

The PL2500 is perhaps suited for more intense usage. It has a 25” working width and eight reciprocating cam driven tines that punch to core depths of 2.75”. Billy Goat products are exclusively available in the UK through Henton & Chattell dealers nationwide.

Henton & Chattell

Enquiry 83

Terrain

Allett Lawnmowers’s 10 Blade Cylinder is part of its Complete Lawn Care System and is one of six interchangeable cartridges that fit on their Classic and Kensington petrol powered mowers.

As the UK’s leading specialist cylinder lawnmower

Allett Mowers Enquiry 85

IKON-X making heads turn

The IKON-X Zero-turn mower is built by Ariens Company and is a tough and durable mower which is built with a fully fabricated, heavy-duty tubular steel frame.

The IKON-X doesn’t have the conventional steering system found on a lawn tractor, it’s driven and steered by the rear wheels via an independent transmission. It is surprisingly easy to drive, with levers for brake and steer and the ability to spin on the spot.

At the end of the mowing row you can turn it 180º in its own footprint and begin the next pass. A few minutes of practice and this becomes second nature, cutting easily and precisely while negotiating around obstacles such as flower beds, trees and garden ornaments. The IKON-X is comfortable too, with an adjustable high-back seat which includes arm rests and there’s a vibration reducing floor mat.

Arriens Enquiry 87

Good reliability prompts repeat business

Two new Volvo ECR88D reduced swing compact excavators have been delivered to the West Midlands based Site Services business of Interserve, the international support services and construction group, by Volvo Construction Equipment’s utility dealer for the area, SM Plant Sales Ltd.

The latest 8.8 tonne machines were chosen once again thanks to the reliability and productivity

of a couple of ECR88 plus machines supplied six years ago.

The new arrivals join a very large, diverse fleet of equipment ranging from small plant, excavators (including larger Volvo excavators) from 1.5 up to 25 tonnes, rollers, dumpers, telehandlers, backhoe loaders and other associated equipment up to seventy tonne crawler cranes.

Volvo Enquiry 88

Award winning groundsman trusts in Etesia

Robin Taylor, a volunteer groundsman for Grendon Rangers, a FA Charter Standard Club, has sworn by his Etesia Hydro 100 for the last 21 years.

In that time he has picked up five awards and believes it is down to his trusty ride-on mower. His pitch has played a large part in ensuring that the club meets the FA pyramid step 7 criteria.

“I use the Etesia Hydro 100 ride-on mower which is what

I call my right arm,” he said. “It is so adaptable and I can do whatever I want as far as grass cutting goes. It’s a work horse for me really and I use it for everything I do.

“The cut is excellent – it is clean, can cut to any length, and the clippings come out the back of the machine without any loss of suction and it leaves the pitches nice and tidy.”

Etesia Enquiry 89

Tracmaster launches CAMON Stump Grinder Compact

Tracmaster has added another machine to their expanding CAMON range.

The SG30 Stump Grinder is the newest member of the CAMON family and is designed and built by Tracmaster at their premises in West Sussex.

Alex Pitt, Managing Director at Tracmaster, said: “The SG30 Stump Grinder is also fantastically priced because it is supplied directly by us, the

manufacturer, with no importing middle men taking their cut. This, combined with superior parts and build quality, will ensure that the operator quickly earns a significant return on their investment.”

The outstanding CAMON SG30 Stump Grinder is designed to meet the needs of a variety of users from DIY hirers, to professional contractors.

90

Tracmaster Enquiry

Free powered grass collector

Customers purchasing a new Countax garden tractor before August 31 2016 will be offered

a free 300 litre Powered Grass Collector (PGC) worth a suggested retail price of £495 inc. VAT.

Countax garden tractors are British success stories, building quality, durable tractors for over thirty years using the very latest manufacturing technology, and that applies equally to the PGC.

To claim a free Powered Grass Collector customers only need to download and complete a voucher then take it to their local participating dealer when they purchase a 2016 specification Countax C Series/B Series. Vouchers can be downloaded from www.countax.co.uk/ voucher. The promotion ends on 31st August 2016.

Countax Enquiry 91

EGO cuts the HAVs risk

The significant increase in interest in battery powered ground care equipment from local authorities, parks, gardens and golf courses among many others is clear evidence of the benefits of reduced vibration from this equipment.

Faced with a rising tide of litigation from sufferers of white-finger and other vibration causing conditions, major ground care users are turning in increasing numbers to battery power and shunning traditional petrol engines.

Steve Roskell, European Marketing Director for EGO, said: “Coupled with the other benefits of EGO, like lower noise levels and zero emissions,

our cordless products are increasingly being identified as the future of groundscare tools”

EGO produces a wide range of ground care equipment including lawnmowers, line trimmers, blowers, chain saws and hedge cutters – all of which operate at low vibration levels.

EGO Enquiry 92

QuadChip 160 turns heads at trust

Bron Afon Community Housing is a social enterprise, established in 2008, when Torfaen Council tenants voted for Bron Afon to be their new landlord.

Since then, they’ve been bringing homes up to Welsh Housing Quality Standards, covering construction, community regeneration and support. Rob Richards, Senior Surveyor for Bron Afon oversees the entire tree stock, totalling around 5,500 trees over multiple tree areas. To help them manage the evergrowing population, Rob turned to GreenMech.

For a long while Rob and his team of 3 guys have used chippers for the tree maintenance work and when the time came to replace their existing machine, they hired a GreenMech. The team settled on the QuadChip 160, with its

360o turntable, allowing safe operation at the roadside.

owered by a 34hp Kubota turbo-charged diesel engine, the QuadChip160 offers exceptional crushing of difficult branches and woody brash, provided by twin vertical feed rollers and a large 160mm x 230mm letterbox opening. This road tow chipper comes with a discharge chute that rotates 280o and folds down for compact transport and storage.

All standard units since June 2015 have been produced as Mark II models which feature improved blade accessibility, a 4 bladed flywheel and locking mechanism to maintain the flywheel in a set position whilst conducting blade maintenance.

GreenMech Enquiry 93

through EFFICIENCY

Mowers

Primarily targeted at the municipal and groundscare contracting sectors, the MP family provides multiple options from a single design platform.

The versatility of the MP platform has resulted in a series of wide area mowers with the option of rotary decks or cutting cylinders. Using high strength steel and 70% communality between the various options, operational costs can be reduced due to fuel savings and a reduction in parts stock.

Two engines are available; a 49 hp Kubota diesel and a 65 hp turbocharged unit, providing best-in-class power-to-weight ratio. The advanced controller on the 65 hp engine facilitates ‘drive-by-wire’ and cruise control as well as PIN protected maximum mow and transport speeds.

Operator comfort is rst-class with an ISOmounted platform reducing noise and vibration together with a suspension seat ensuring long days of productive mowing.

Output from the MP Family is prodigious, but don’t take our word for it.

Deere on course for a Royal Open at Troon

additions to its fleet of course maintenance equipment.

Continuing its close relationship with John Deere and dealer Nairn Brown at Busby, Glasgow,

club

five new 220SL walkbehind greens mowers and a new 2653B ride-on triplex cylinder mower as the latest

The 220SL walk-behinds replaced a similar number of older 220C models, while the 2653B complements a 12-year old model that is still going strong. Royal Troon also runs John Deere compact tractors.

The new 2653B represents the third generation of this popular ride-on cylinder mower used at Royal Troon.

John Deere Enquiry

94

Billy McLachlan, course manager at Royal Troon Golf Club, and his 15-strong greenkeeping team will see the culmination of two years’ preparatory work on the course and greens this July, when the Ayrshire club hosts the 145th Open Championship

the

has bought

SWOZI scythes through line-marking tasks

Thirty minutes is all it takes to mark out a new full-size football pitch from scratch - complete with centre circle and goal box Ds - with Supaturf SWOZI GPS line-marking.

When time is money, just one operator can deploy SWOZI, allowing you to assign staff more efficiently for other tasks.

Perfect for sports contractors and in-house on large-scale sites, this cutting edge technology delivers exceptional accuracy –10mm over 100m – relying on Swiss precision and reliability, Bluetooth connectivity and British engineering for matchless results.

Job for job, Supaturf SWOZI takes only a quarter of the time

of laser linemarking and is unaffected by weather conditions such as heat haze, glare or uneven ground.

The on-board computer, with LCD touchscreen display and 4GB memory stores and names the linemarking layouts for the sports you cater for, while SWOZI’s advanced actuating arm keeps lines pin sharp and straight. If you veer too far off course, the spray stops automatically, as it does when you complete the line, sounding a warning bleep a metre from the end.

SWOZI can be used with all Supaturf concentrates and Supaturf Ready-to-Use so is highly adaptable, creating any size and shape anywhere, from

circles and running tracks to junior pitches marked out within senior lines.

A full three-year warranty covers any manufacturer defect and Supaturf provides full back-up and support 8am to 6pm Monday

to Friday, plus phone out-ofhours support. The company also offers full commissioning and training to ensure customers are fully at ease with all aspects of the system.

Vitax Enquiry 96

Trimax makes the grade at Langley School

Langley School is a prestigious independent co-ed boarding school set in deepest Norfolk countryside, including 70 acres of grass for rugby, football, hockey and cricket, tennis and athletics and 40 acres of amenity parkland.

So with a year-round need to keep the pitches match-ready, it’s no wonder Langley’s groundskeeping team loves their new tractor-pulled Trimax mower – the Pegasus 493.

The school’s Head Groundsman, Neil Yarham, says they’ve now

got their mowing down from 40 hours to just 15.

“The Pegasus 493 has an increased cutting width and higher speed,” he said. “That means we can cut more regularly and maintain a top-notch surface, which all goes towards the quality of our sporting facilities. The machine handles our terrain really well and the large front rollers follow the contours with ease. I’ve never had any scalping.”

Trimax Enquiry 97

Campey tour looks at maximising maintenance budgets

The ninth date of the UK & Ireland Pitch Renovation Tour took place at the home of the Lancashire Football Association in Leyland, with a wide variety of grassroots and professional groundsmen coming to the event.

Over 80 groundsmen from rugby and football, club officials, contractors and council representatives came to the allday event, which was supported by tour sponsors Dennis, SISIS, ICL, Limagrain and New Holland.

The importance of the tour and its aim of improving the quality of grassroots natural turf sports pitches in the UK and Ireland was evident among the guests, many of whom realised what small changes could be made to

their own programme to make a massive difference to their surfaces.

The combination of the seminars and practical demonstrations aim to educate grassroots groundsmen in the most innovative industry techniques, showing how standards of local pitches can improve dramatically by implementing small changes to maintenance practices, regardless of budget restraints.

Daten Football Club, who attended the Leyland event, have already used funding to purchase a New Holland Boomer 25 Tractor and a SISIS Quadraplay from Campey.

Campey Turf Care Systems

Enquiry 98

The ‘Fox’ mower is launched

New to the market, the ‘Fox’ is a 14-blade fine turf mower, individually built to order, which provides a fantastic, value for money, professional cut to grassroots cricket grounds, bowling greens and ornamental estate lawns.

The ‘Fox’ offers: a 20-inch cut via an 80kg steel chassis with full chain and metal cog drives, a bullet proof Briggs and Stratton engine and a UK manufactured 12 or 14 bladed cylinder with bottom blade adjustment.

A weighted front roller, specifically sprayed and baked with no- stick outer coating, is included and the machines also has a single, lockable height adjustment, height indicator -

providing pin point accuracy when returning to a pre-set height and a gearing and cylinder tip speed calibration providing absolute precision cutting for well balanced and easy manoeuvrability. A 12-blade machine also available.

Fox Enquiry 99

First class results for Quatrak

Supplied through UK Distributor Loxston Groundcare to address issues concerning maintenance of steep banking and valleys and operator health and safety, the University of Exeter has recently taken delivery of an IRUS Quatrak remote controlled mower.

IRUS remote control mowers will go where standard walk behind or ride on mowers cannot go safely and are able to run on slopes of up to 50° for an extended period of time.

The Quatrak model is the most innovative four wheeled remote on the market with 4wd and crabsteer options and the engine is maintained in an upright position by a zero gravity articulating system.

Quatrack can be matched to 105cm and 125cm wide flail heads which can be started, the cutter engaged and all movements controlled, from a safe distance.

The flail head with six rows of three back-to-back flails is capable of dealing with the toughest growth but is also able to do a first-class job on grass.

Maximum cut height is 127mm and minimum is 25mm. Full lubrication of all components is maintained even when working under load conditions on steep slopes.

Loxston Groundcare Enquiry 102

New VW Amarok to gain six-cylinder engine

Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles is raising the bar, with its premium pick-up, the Amarok, set to gain a bigger ‘heart’ and enhance its performance potential, thanks to the latest generation of Volkswagen V6 engines.

Drivers of the Amarok can look forward in future to an additional litre of displacement offered by the 3.0-litre engine, while the pick-up will continue to boast impressive on- as well as offroad capability. Its new engine will deliver 550 Nm of torque and has an output of 224 PS.

Robust and reliable: the new agile V6 diesel engine for the Amarok meets the customer requirement for high torque at low engine speeds. The powerful top-of-theline six-cylinder engine produces its maximum torque at only 1,500 rpm. At 550 Nm, this maximum torque is also 130 Nm higher than

in the previous model. The Amarok is thus able to deliver sufficient propulsive power and torque performance in any situation.

Three different drive-system versions will be offered in

line with the respective engine variants: a traditional rearwheel drive, and a 4MOTION version with either rear-wheel drive and an engageable front axle in combination with a manual gearbox, or with a

permanent all-wheel drive system and a Torsen differential with the 8-speed automatic gearbox.

Volkswagen Commercial Enquiry 103

Renault Pro+ Business booster for SMEs

Renault is inviting businesses to experience its best-selling LCV range this summer with its Renault Pro+ Business Booster Roadshow.

To be held at some of the most iconic motor racing circuits and venues in the UK, the unique roadshow is designed to provide small business owners and fleet managers with an all-encompassing insight into the Renault Pro+ LCV brand together with invaluable assistance from industry experts on the intricacies of managing fleets within their businesses.

The Renault LCV range consists of the Kangoo small van –comprising Kangoo, Kangoo Maxi and all-electric Kangoo Van Z.E – the Trafic, as well as the larger Master.

A comprehensive range of factory and approved LCV conversions are also available to order. The all-electric Twizy Cargo is also a part of the LCV line-up – a unique way of transporting smaller items around urban environments.

Renault Enquiry 104

ISS and council work together to enhance quality of life

ISS Landscaping employees, officers of The Highland Council and staff from social enterprise

The Wise Group gathered together in Inverness to mark ISS’s sixth year of delivering amenity grass cutting services to The Highland Council and to celebrate the success of the contract which includes continued investment to the local community.

The contract itself covers in excess of 6.5 million square metres in total and includes cemeteries, pitches, bowling

greens and open spaces in Mid and West Ross, Lochaber, Badenoch and Strathspey, and Inverness and Nairn.

One of the key accomplishments of the partnership has been the recruitment of staff all drawn from Inverness and the surrounding areas, many second and third generation unemployed. Working through The Wise Group, employees are recruited using local agencies and job centres ensuring social inclusion and sustainable development to the local

community. 2016 has seen nearly 80 candidates receive work experience, placements and employment opportunities via this route.

High on the agenda is the continued investment in training for all ISS staff to this contract. This includes pedestrian machinery, brush-cutters and hand tools, ride-on mower LANTRA certification, rope harness training and PA1 and PA6 herbicide spraying.

ISS Landscaping Enquiry 106

Bobcat launches new wheeled excavator

Building on the success of the company’s previous E55W model, Bobcat has launched the new E57W Stage IIIB compliant wheeled excavator.

The new E57W is equipped with the Bobcat D24 diesel engine that delivers a 4% increase in power (42.5 kW) along with 7% fuel savings.

The Bobcat engine offers a distinctive solution to Stage IIIB compliance without the use of a diesel particulate filter (DPF). As well as reducing fuel consumption, this ‘non-DPF’ solution simplifies the operation and service of the machine, since there is no need for DPF regeneration.

The E57W has an operating weight of 5920 kg and

incorporates an updated hydraulic system delivering enhanced hydraulic performance and a 10% improvement in lift capacity. A long arm option increases the machine digging depth to 3795 mm and the dump height to 4510 mm. Peripheral equipment can be attached via 1st, 2nd or an optional 3rd

auxiliary circuit and is operated with proportional controls.

A newly designed cab and operator area features a 7-inch display which provides fingertip operation of all of the machine functions.

Bobcat Enquiry 107

Andy Walker celebrates 40 years at SISIS

Andy Walker, Field Support Manager for Dennis and SISIS, recently celebrated an impressive 40 years of working for the company.

It all started back in 1976 when as a 16-year-old, he took a chance and strolled into the SISIS factory looking for a job.

In 2009 he was promoted to the position of Field Support Manager. He was in this role for two years before the Howardson Group acquired SISIS and it was a move which Andy believes signalled the start of a perfect partnership.

“The two brands complemented one another perfectly - SISIS opened up markets to Dennis and Dennis opened new markets for SISIS,” he said.

“It’s a nice feeling to work for a company that’s getting stronger and stronger all the time. There’s excellent management in place, the company is forward thinking and everyone supports each other.

“Quite simply – I love what I do. Throughout the 40 years not once have I ever woken up and dreaded going into work. It’s also been great to witness and be a part of the evolution of the turf care industry.”

SISIS Enquiry 108

Polaris promotes a new GENERAL

Polaris has introduced the Polaris GENERAL, which they describe as ‘the most versatile side-byside ever built’. Starting with a 100 horsepower ProStar 1000 engine delivering the most power and torque in its class, you can accelerate from 0-40 mph in 3.6 seconds, thanks to its power-toweight ratio.

Yet the Polaris GENERAL also offers the biggest payload of 1100 lbs (498 kg) and a class-best 600 lb. (272 kg) dump box to get the job done. Factory-installed half doors with armrests offer extra protection from debris, and easy in-and-out, work-friendly cab access.

Ground clearance is best-inclass with 12 inches (30.48cm) unloaded and the dual A-arm front suspension has a classbest 12.25 inches (31.12cm) of suspension travel and 13.2 inches (33.53cm) rear travel.

With more than 30 brand new Polaris Engineered Accessories and 90-plus common fit items available to customize or for utility use, it’s time to say goodbye to the old and say hello to the new Polaris GENERAL.

Enquiry 109

Polaris

Cricket club chooses Branson

Grantham Cricket Club in Lincolnshire, one of the most active clubs in the county, contacted local machinery dealer Fentons of Bourne for a loan of a Branson 28hp 2900h demonstration model.

The club was so impressed with the Branson performance it bought the model. To date the 2900h has done everything asked of it including the first cut of the season pulling a gang of five mowers on fairly

soft conditions without misses or skidding.

Branson Tractors Enquiry 111

Innovation and investment continue to sum up STIHL approach

Attention to detail characterises the STIHL philosophy and it is very much in evidence in every corner of its impressive production facility in Switzerland.

Compliance the ClearWater way

ClearWater, the UK manufactured below ground washpad water recycling system is, believes Highspeed Group, the most cost effective and efficient biological system available.

The company is continuing to experience an upsurge in orders for their unique system particularly now that many have realised that, to meet legal requirements and prevent pollution, recycling is more affordable than believed.

ClearWater’s increased popularity is seen by the company

as being the result of its winning formula: “Keep the engineering and maintenance simple, ensure the system is effective and efficient yet remains affordable,” as MD David Mears said.

Installing ClearWater brings tax advantages for many. Having being the first system of its type to be officially approved as a water saving technology as long ago as March 2008, purchasers can write off 100% of their costs against taxable profits under the Enhanced Capital Allowance scheme.

A global leader in the manufacturing of chainsaws, the company’s full range of handheld tools and equipment continues to put STIHL at the top of the market.

STIHL is currently building an extension to its own R&D department and continue to invest in the workforce.

The family-owned business, which celebrates its 90th anniversary this year, shows once again its dedication to the founding company in Waiblingen. Indeed, this familyfocused approach is still driving the business forward with current

chairman Dr Nikolas Stihl am enthusiastic guide on this behindthe-scenes tour of the company’s operations.

The STIHL Group develops, manufactures and distributes power tools for professional forestry and agriculture as well as for garden and landscape maintenance, the construction sector and the demanding private user.

The range of garden power tools from VIKING complements the product line. Products are distributed exclusively through authorized dealers, including 36 sales and marketing subsidiaries, about 120 importers and more than 40,000 servicing dealers in over 160 countries.

STIHL Enquiry

112

Four Rangers for Belvoir Estate

The end of April saw a charity clay pigeon shoot held in the grounds of Belvoir Castle, to raise money for the Belvoir Cricket and Countryside Trust.

The event was sponsored by RES Tractors of Melton Mowbray who, as authorised Polaris dealers, had also supplied four Polaris Ranger Diesel 1000s to the estate earlier in the month, and subsequently agreed to become sponsors.

The Polaris Rangers were primarily supplied to the estate for use by the Gamekeepers and for this occasion pressed into service throughout the event. These all-new models feature Active Descent Control, Electronic Power Steering and three seats as standard together

with a 1028cc Kohler 3 cylinder overhead cam liquid cooled engine.

Designed to accept the revolutionary Pro-Fit Cab System, the new Diesel also benefits from a 110 amp alternator to power electrical needs and class-leading towing and payload.

On Demand True All-Wheel Drive joins smooth and robust suspension, high ground clearance and all-day riding comfort to make the Rangers the ideal vehicle for the estate’s normal uses as well as managing the movement of people around the clay pigeon shoot on the charity day.

Polaris Enquiry 114

Clear Water Enquiry 113

The right fleet makes a big difference

Whatever the size of the business, versatility of machinery is key for landscape professionals looking to improve efficiencies and maximise output.

Minimising downtime is a major factor for all groundcare disciplines. A common fleet for landscapers will include a compact tractor, a ride on mower and a mini excavator.

The compact tractor is often dubbed the ‘Swiss Army Knife’ of the fleet, thanks to its capabilities for loader work and a multitude of tasks because of its three-point linkage at the rear.

“What landscapers should look for is a model that is

small enough to tow but with enough power to deliver the tasks at hand,” explains Adrian Langmead, Kubota UK’s Tractor and Groundcare Business Development Manager.

Kubota’s STW Series (available in three models - STW34, STW37 and STW40) is a popular choice for landscapers because it meets this criteria.

“The STW range is equipped with 2-speed rear PTO and 1-speed mid PTO, which makes it suitable for more challenging implement work,” he added.

“Plus, the range’s Bi-Speed turn feature ensures quicker, smoother and tighter turns and, importantly, minimal turf

damage – essential if the tractor is working on sports turf.

A wide range of ride on mowers also available from Kubota for many landscapers, the most time consuming task is grass cutting.

“A robust and reliable mower is essential, preferably one that has a high output engine, a wide cutting width (to maximise cost per metre cutting) and a practical, high capacity cut and collect facility,” said Adrian.

“It’s important to make sure that the ride-on also complements the rest of the fleet and can help improve efficiencies. For example, if the contractor is paid to cut and collect, a generous

collector and high dump capacity is worth considering.

A final addition to the fleet is a mini-excavator, which negates the need for labourous hand digging, for example with graves or other groundworks. In most cases, a model between 1.5 to 3 tonnes is the most appropriate.

At the lower end of the tonnage scale, some of the leading models on the market are narrow enough to fit through a standard internal doorway, which means it can be driven through a property, on boards, to access the rear garden.

Kubota Enquiry 117

Blaney launches wheel loader concepts

Blaney Motor Company has unveiled two new wheel loader concepts.

The theme running throughout the new range of Blaney telescopic loaders and wheel loaders is that they are designed to be compact, weighing under 3.5 tonnes and small enough to transport from site to site on a small trailer.

They are ideal for many uses in the agricultural industry, equestrian, amenities, landscaping, construction, self-build and road works sector.

Launched on the stand was the TH1 15-48, a compact telehandler with a lifting capacity of 1.5 tonnes and a reach of 4.8m. It is powered by a 50 horsepower engine and uses a hydrostatic transmission with

a four wheel drive lockable differential if required.

The second concept to be launched is the L1 10-27 which is a compact wheel loader with a lifting capacity of one tonne and a reach of 2.7m. This time the engine is rated 40hp and the unit has a hydrostatic transmission with four wheel drive limited slip differential.

Blaney Motor Company Enquiry 118

Terex breaks new ground with launch

Global equipment solutions provider, Terex Construction, has launched a brand new addition to its backhoe loader portfolio - the Terex TLB830. Rugged and reliable, the new model will be available from distributors worldwide from July 2016.

Versatile, innovative and cost efficient, the TLB830 has been engineered to offer profitable productivity in digging, reaching, lifting and loading applications.

Coming with two factory options, Cab or ROPS, and with either standard dipper stick or extending dipper stick, the TLB830 features a Tier 4 Final-

compliant, 56kW Deutz TCD 3.6 L4 engine (EU) or Tier 3 Perkins 1104 T3 70kW variant for South America and Rest of World (RoW).

Each model comes with synchro transmission, air conditioning and servo excavator controls as standard, as well as Husco open loop system hydraulics, with tandem gear pumps delivering 128lpm maximum flow rate at a maximum of 250Bar.

Oregon introduces revolutionary trimmer line cutting system

Oregon is improving productivity for green industry professionals with the launch of the Gator SpeedLoad Cutting System.

The integrated head and disk line system simplifies the replacement of trimmer line—with no winding, spooling or cutting line—reducing replacement time to seconds.

“The Gator SpeedLoad Cutting System is designed to get professionals back to work and keep them working longer,” said Dale Marcell, senior global product manager for Oregon. “It was engineered to eliminate the hassle and frustration of winding line onto spools. Less loading time and a high quality, durable trimmer line equal more time on the job—and a big impact on a business’s bottom line.”

The Gator SpeedLoad Cutting System combines a specially designed trimmer head with a patented line disk. The trimmer head is designed as a solidbody piece, with no loose parts, spools or screws that could get lost on a jobsite. Its low-profile design provides better visibility and improved line position for trimming.

Oregon’s proprietary Gator SpeedLoad trimmer line is its most durable to date. Its unique formulation and manufacturing process delivers significantly improved line durability and longer life, while the tongue and groove profile creates sharp edges for cleaner and faster cutting.

Gator SpeedLoad trimmer line comes pre-wound in small, selfcontained disks for easy transport and fast loading. The result is a fast, easy-to-use trimmer line

Give your trailer an overhaul

When it comes to trailers, if you’re looking for big versatility with a small footprint then look no further than Cub Cadet.

The brand’s newly launched Hauler is an innovative and versatile two wheeled trailer designed to attach to any lawn or garden tractor.

Thanks to its four collapsible sides, it can be packed down significantly and stored vertically, taking up 70% less space in your garage or shed than a traditionally designed trailer.

In the storage position, the Cub Cadet Hauler is only a mere 18

inches deep, taking up notably less room than a standard trailer.

With the sides up it can be used as standard trailer able to hold up to 4.5 square feet of soil, mulch and clippings, or you can increase the versatility by operating in flat mode.

When operated in the standard trailer mode, the fold down panels allow for convenient access for loading, unloading and emptying.

The Hauler comes with a reassuring three year warranty.

Cub Cadet Enquiry 124

replacement solution for green industry professionals.

Available now, the Gator SpeedLoad Cutting System will be available in three models that fit over 95 percent of gaspowered trimmers on the market.

Oregon Enquiry 122

Finance offer extended for chipper-shredders

TS Industrie has extended a finance offer to retail customers across all new TS Industrie machines until July 31 2016.

Now really is the time to take advantage of this opportunity:

• Option 1 - 4 months deposit + 20 monthly payments 0% Finance

• Option 2 - 3 months deposit + 33 monthly payments 2%

Finance

• Option 3 - 4 months deposit

+ 44 monthly payments 3%

Finance

Stuart Mercer, Sales Director of PSD Groundscare comments: “We’re thrilled to be able to offer this extension to the range of finance offers across all new TS Industrie ChipperShredders. TS Industrie offer a high quality, robust solution to any shredding or chipping requirement and we’re

delighted to be able to offer the above attractive finance rates.”

TS Industrie offer 2 ranges of Chipper-Shredders that are suitable for material from 14cm – 23cm: Green Series – Multivegetation shredders with patented mixed rotor and the Wood Series – Chippers which come equipped with cutting disc technology.

PSD Groundcare Enquiry 123

From its unique ability to mow on terrain from mountain sides to golf course fairways, the Aebi Terratrac range with its fuel efficient, powerful stage IIIB diesel engine and ergonomically designed cab, is the adaptable, reliable and affordable solution to your mowing needs. Plus, all Aebi equipment benefits from back-up from our extensive dealer network, offering you the very best in service and support.

To find out more about the full range of Aebi mowing products, call us now on 01733 363391.

Slope mower saves contractor time and money

Contractor Inex Works Group Ltd has recently added an SG280 slope mower to their fleet.

The company has a growing number of contracts where the requirements are speed of working and operator safety at angles of 18 degrees upwards. The SG280 clearly meets those criteria.

IWG is also benefiting from improved cut quality with reduced scalping and scarring at 25mm cut height when compared to other machinery, safe operative working and a reduction in cutting time of around 40% which has also reduced costs.

FGM Claymore is UK distributor for the Shibaura range and Simon Richard is UK sales agent. FGM Claymore

The benefit of the UK Pesticide Guide to Landscape and Amenity areas

Landscape and amenity areas are recognised as vital to our quality of life. Areas such as forest, grassland and water-margins must be managed to maintain them in good health but how do you select an appropriate product?

The on-line version of the UK Pesticide Guide has a powerful search facility and typing ‘Amenity’ into the Crop search box produces a list of 197 products with approval for professional use in amenity areas. This includes 24 products for pest control, 43 products for disease control and 130 products for weed control. A similar exercise with ‘forest’ in the crop search box produces

a list of 204 products with 30 for pest control, 34 for disease control and 140 for weed control.

A knowledgeable advisor can select an appropriate product from this list to combat the problem to be addressed or the target search box may be of assistance here. These lists contain products with label approvals for these uses and those whose use is permitted under the Extension of Authorisation for Minor Use (EAMU) programme and it is kept up-to-date with regular updates throughout the year.

This information is also available in a less readily searchable form

in the UK Pesticide guide book by consulting the Crop/Pest index at the front of the book.

Annual subscription to the UK Pesticide Guide online is just £65+VAT. For instant access visit www.ukpesticideguide.co.uk.

The UK Pesticide Guide is produced by the British Crop Production Council and is also available in hard copy (£51.00 = P&P), or take advantage of a package offer of hard copy and online access for just £99.

For further details visit bcpc.org or call 01420 593200, or email publications@bcpc.org

BCPC Enquiry 127

Wetlands Centre settles for sustainability by seeing weeds

WWT Martin Mere Wetland Centre has become the first reserve in the country to buy and use the innovative Cardley Wave system, which uses no chemicals and instead sprays hot water on to weeds and mosses to kill them organically.

The Cardley-Wave Mid-Series 22/8 controls the pressure and temperature of the hot water weed control application, to deliver maximum thermal heat penetration to the weed and root at 980C.

Manoeuvrability and access is aided by the compact design of the unit, which can be transported from site to site on the back of a small pick-up truck, or towed by an ATV and trailer, which also carries a large water tank.

An additional advantage to the centre team is the fact that a suction pump attachment allows quick and easy replenishment to the water tank from surrounding water sources when required. The

pump facility can also be used in and around the Wetlands Centre to help fight flooding, capable of filling a 500l tank within two minutes.

The centre also opted for the drain jetting attachment which transforms the Mid Series 22/8 into a competent drain jetter operating at 725PSI to quickly clear clogged up drains without relying on other equipment.

Wave Enquiry 129

Early Easter doesn’t mean it is spring

With some warm sunshine during early April it seems as though spring has finally sprung.

But with frost later in the month and lower than usual temperatures predicted, we cannot get sucked into ‎thinking it’s time to apply selective herbicides and complete other spring type actions

Alan Abel from Complete Weed Control gives turf managers advice following the early Easter period. “With daisies that have ‘over wintered’ and dandelions popping up everywhere it is tempting to get the sprayer out,” he said.

“However, the uptake of the herbicide may not be successful unless perfect conditions are present. That is not only the weather conditions, but the water condition and the sprayer condition. This includes the correct nozzle selection giving the right water volume for the herbicide being applied.

“Also, don’t forget that if the temperature is going to drop over night after an application, then scorch is likely to take place. The spray droplets are on or blown to the tips of the grasses or crop and when frost forms, that is what causes the scorch effect.

“This is a phenomenon that has been seen in many fields after early spray applications by the farming fraternity this year. Scorch will severely set-

back the grass growth ‎that we are desperate to have this year, so it must be that a spring flush really arrives before the sprayer temptation takes hold.

“When Easter is early, as it was this year, Turf Managers see that as the starting gun for the season ahead, but it’s not the case. We must wait for the right conditions to prevail and patience is an important virtue. When discussions where mooted as to the fixing of the Easter date, that would be a good thing in our industry.

“When the right time does come for applying selectives; then a tank mix with a soluble fertilizer should be considered to get the grass sward really moving. The pH of the water being used is so important and buffers should always be used

to bring the water acidity to the correct level.

“Manganese and Phosphites that are quickly available to the plant through the leaf would be worth looking for. It must be brought to your attention that this year will be the last time that the three way mixes of phenoxys that we have been used to will be able to be applied.”

In 2017 there will be a big turnaround in terms of cost ‎when it comes to weed control in fine and amenity turf areas. Complete Weed Control can give advice on all the above products and your local specialist can apply the correct product for your individual situation.

CWC Enquiry 128

Cardley

New amenity mounted sprayer range

together and within easy reach.

The operator has easy control of main on/off, individual spray section on/off, pressure adjustment, tank rinsing nozzle and turbo agitation jet.”

Kieran Would, Managing Director of Agrigem explains more: “The new range of FGA mounted sprayers manufactured by FarmGEM Ltd have been specifically designed with the UK amenity and turf market in mind. They are built very robustly using high quality steel and components that are all specified to meet the latest legislation.

“The strong yet light and compact design enables connection to most tractors and operation is straight forward with all control functions located

The powerful 75 litre/min diaphragm pump provides more than adequate flow for application and can easily handle liquid fertilisers too. The liquid flow system is protected by both a large in-line suction filter and tank neck basket filter, cutting down on blocked pipes and nozzles.

In order to comply with the latest safety & NSTS requirements, each machine is equipped with two separate clean water tanks for rinsing the machine, including the internal surfaces

of the tank via a spinning distribution nozzle and also an emergency clean water tank for hand washing.

The boom height can be manually adjusted to suit differing conditions and spraying with only one wing boom open is possible for smaller areas, also as an option a retractable hose reel and spraying lance can be specified allowing applications away from the machine around buildings and pathways for example.

The FGA200 starts at £2,150 & the FGA400 at £2,800 (ex VAT). These sprayers are readily available for nationwide delivery and can be offered with extended 90 days’ credit.

Specification

• 200 or 400 litre polyethylene rota-moulded tank with remote drain

• 20 or 40 litre clean water rinse tank with rota-flush tank rinse nozzle

• 8 metre steel constructed manual “Package Folding” boom

• Adjustable boom height

• 75 litre/min 3-cylinder diaphragm pump

• Manual main on/off and 3 spray section control c/w pressure adjustment

• Single quick fit nozzle bodies c/w flat fan nozzles Fill hose holder

Options

• Hose reel and spray lance

• Triplet nozzle bodies

Agrigem Enquiry 133

StarGreen amenity sprayers launched

AllezGrow has been appointed to promote and sell the newly launched StarGreen amenity sprayers.

Designed and manufactured in the UK, by Vale Engineering, the new range offers high quality whilst keeping cost under control.

The StarGreen sprayer range features 3-point linkage applicators from 200L to 800L capacity as well as de-mounts and trailed both available as 450L and 750L capacity.

Three boon widths (6/8/10 meters), which feature

three individually filtered sections, will cover most application whilst nozzles are standard ISO with the option of triple nozzle-holders.

The StarGreen sprayers are fitted as standard with stainless steel induction bowl with wash

can, clean water tank and a PPE locker.

Although manual controls with balanced returns are standard, electric controls are also available.

AllezGrow Enquiry 134

Progreen shows its heritage

Progreen Weed Control has been on the road again doing a presentation to English Heritage at the impressive house and parkland of Wrest Park, near Bedford.

The Progreen CPD update to Senior Garden Advisors and landscape managers was part of a day long series of lectures and updates for English Heritage staff.

Topics covered included: latest changes and withdrawals to pesticide products, legislation updates and control options for numerous invasive weed species. Biopesticides, fertiliser options and biostimulant choices were also touched upon in an afternoon of information that accrued valuable BASIS points for all the qualified managers present

English Heritage is a charity organisation charged with the care of 400 of Britains historic buildings, monuments and sites, including Stonehenge and Tintagel Castle

English Heritage said the CPD update would help the organisation to understand more natural alternatives and further reduce the use of chemicals.

In addition to CPD or BASIS updates, Progreen offers training for a wide range of the City & Guild PA pesticide courses; PA1, PA2, PA6 and also runs many in-house training courses for contractors & large companies.

Progreen Enquiry 135

Green-tech weeds out the best

Green-tech’s Chris Swan and Dean Jackson have passed the “https://www.facebook. com/Basis-RegistrationLtd-195137293871518/” Basis Registration Invasive and Injurious Weeds Skill Area Exam.

Dean is an Area Sales Manager and Chris is the Technical and Export Manager for Green-tech. They recently added to their skill set after successfully passing the Invasive and Injurious Weeds Skill Area Exam and are now qualified to advise and recommend product options for weed management and eradication.

The course syllabus is designed for anyone advising or consulting on the use of products for

the control of non-native and injurious species. Dean and Chris now have extensive understanding and can advise on the options for control by mechanical, structural, chemical and biological means and the merits of each, taking into account the surroundings and environment which includes maintaining water quality.

They can offer guidance on the rules and requirements for the correct disposal of individual invasive species and the infested waste and how planning, landscaping and other elements related to the control of invasive weeds can be incorporated into control plans.

Enquiry 138

Leading the way on moss and algae control

As a leading herbicide-free weed control company, Weedingtech and its award-winning product Foamstream, presents an opportunity for organisations to remove moss and algae quickly and effectively, reducing costs and improving health and safety.

When it comes to tackling moss and algae, Weedingtech’s MW-Series and innovative Foamstream multi award winning, scientifically proven technology, is the most effective solution on the market – even when compared to herbicide alternatives.

Foamstream can be used on moss and algae in any season, no matter the weather, completely

eradicating the plant with just one treatment per year.

It works by delivering an instant kill and ensuring long-lasting results. Unlike most weeds, the roots in moss sit on the surface of the plant. This means that when Foamstream is added directly to the plant, its combination of hot water and foam instantly coats and attacks the roots, killing the moss and stopping it from returning for at least 12 months. Foamstream works simply, but effectively. Heat is applied to the moss in the form of 99.7% hot water and 0.3% foam.

The foam acts as a blanket, keeping the heat on the moss long enough to kill it. A wetting

Innovative solutions on display

Visitors to this year’s ARB show learned about a range of well established, effective weed control solutions from Nomix Enviro.

New name for Roundup reflects benefits

Monsanto’s market leading herbicide Roundup ProBio has been renamed Roundup ProActive to better reflect the performance characteristics of this highly effective 360g/ai glyphosate brand.

There is no change to the product itself nor the label but a new MAPP number will come with the new name. The new MAPP no is: 17380.

Highly effective in challenging conditions, Roundup ProActive makes the best use of application windows for greater efficiencies in both time and costs. Being rainfast in one hour for annual weeds and

four hours for perennials ensures that the maximum amount of glyphosate gets to the roots and run-off is minimised.

Roundup ProActive also offers enhanced stewardship features including the latest low drift properties at a time when safety and compliance with legislation is paramount for public authorities and contractors.

Roundup ProActive is also safe for transport, handling and storage due to its non-hazardous status as defined by COSHH.

Nomix is a leading manufacturer and distributor of weed control products to the forestry and amenity professional markets.

Products displayed included:

• Ecoplug Max – a safe and effective alternative for controlling cut stump regrowth

• Nomix Total Droplet Control (TDC) system - a unique, highly effective targeted low volume herbicide application system, ideal for tree bases

• Nomix Stem Master – a stem injection herbicide applicator for invasive weeds such as Japanese knotweed and woody stem plants like buddleia.

Nomix products help make dayto-day business more efficient and

effective for forestry and amenity professionals. Gerard Roberts, landscape gardener at Derby County Council advocates the Ecoplugs in particular: “Ecoplugs are very good at preventing regrowth on cut stumps,” he explains.

“Because the plugs are sealed, the operators don’t come into direct contact with the herbicide, which makes things much easier for the team when they are out and about. The special drill bit ensures the correct depth hole is drilled every time – it virtually eliminates any risk of error.”

Nomix has been supplying herbicides and associated application equipment for over 75 years and provides excellent after sales service, including comprehensive operator training, a technical helpline and a threeday delivery plan.

Nomix Enquiry 141

agent in the foam speeds up the transfer of heat into the moss roots, the moss dies within minutes.

The use of Foamstream on moss and algae in public spaces also improves health & safety.

Foamstream is 100% herbicidefree and therefore eliminates any concern over the use of increasingly controversial herbicides such as glyphosate.

Weedingtech Enquiry 139

Evolution makes life easier

The system package has been designed to apply products effectively at 1 bar pressure and, with the supplied nozzles, apply a medium to coarse spray application rate of 150 litres per hectare, at normal walking speed.

Each Evolution knapsack sprayer comes equipped with 1 bar cf pressure regulator and a range of nozzles that offer operators a choice of spray swath widths as well as a nozzle for spot treating.

As the Evolution system controls many application variables, Rigby Taylor will also be supplying users with specific dilution recommendations for its range of products – meaning that the operator simply selects a suitable nozzle for the area being sprayed.

Green-tech

Monsanto Enquiry 140

Rigby Taylor’s Evolution knapsack sprayer range is specially developed for the amenity professional user.

Rigby Taylor Enquiry 142

Say it loud and proud

A recent presentation by John Moverley, independent chairman of the Amenity Forum, to professionals engaged in weed, pest and disease control covered all aspects of amenity areas.

John told delegates: “We need to increase public understanding of why what you do is so important and indeed essential.

“You know, but there is a requirement on all of us to communicate this message – to be proud of the vital tasks you undertake.”

He said there was a need to allay misunderstandings and concerns. Properly regulated chemical use is an essential element in pest control programmes combined with other integrated approaches of design, cultivation, sweeping and the like.

“It is a fact that the process of bringing a new pesticide to the

market is far more rigorous than that for many other common products used by the public including both pharmaceuticals and household cleaners,” he added. “However we need to convey that message and the level of best practice and care that is taken.”

Each year the Amenity Forum holds a conference and exhibition which has become a must attend for all with an interest or engagement in weed, pest and disease control. This year’s theme is ‘Important and Essential’ and it will be held at the Pirelli Stadium, Burton on Trent.

The conference programme is available on line at www. amenityforum.co.uk and bookings can be made at conference@amenityforum.net

Amenity Forum Enquiry 146

New herbicide products from Headland Amenity

The new line up of herbicide products from Headland Amenity not only follows new legislations but aims to replicate the effectiveness of those they replace.

First up is Redeem, a new premium herbicide that paves the way to replace Relay Turf, which is no longer available. It is a 3 way broad spectrum selective herbicide that has 2,4D, MCPA and Clopyralid as its active ingredients to ensure control of a variety of common weeds.

QuickFire is a new 2 way mix of Mecoprop-P and Dicamba, as active ingredients, will still address most common weeds, but at a more competitive cost. Headland also offers Cabadex to work more slowly and more gently.

Blaster Pro is the ideal solution for difficult perennial weeds such as brambles, nettles, docks and thistles.

Headland Amenity Enquiry 148

Kurtail Gold herbicide is a winner

Kurtail Gold is the replacement to the already highly rated, market leading herbicide Kurtail, which established itself not just as an effective total weedkiller but also as a solution to controlling the notoriously difficult to treat weed marestail/horsetail.

Louise Boothman, Progreen business manager, said: “It really makes a refreshing change to have a good news story and this certainly is good news.

“Kurtail Gold will not only continue to deliver Kurtail’s

proven horsetail/marestail control along with a wide range of annual, perennial weeds and grasses, but Kurtail Gold now has the additional advantage of having approval for greater areas of use.

“The fact that Kurtail Gold can be used to control weeds on hard surfaces also makes it a highly cost effective, versatile product that can be used as an alternative to glyphosate-based products. Treatment choices for contractors have increased for one.”

Enquiry 147

Single treatment peace of mind

Achieving non-selective, long lasting weed control in one hit and with a product that reduces reliance on glyphosate is a realistic aspiration this spring as weeds respond to rising temperatures.

Pistol is a broad spectrum herbicide for the control of annual and perennial weeds and grasses, on soft and gravel surfaces in amenity situations.

“And it only needs to be applied once,” says Dave Orchard from Bayer

“It’s also a product that has a staggering 66 per cent less glyphosate content compared to other products which contain straight glyphosate and need two applications to be as effective.

“Another benefit of using Pistol, is its long lasting systemic and residual mode of action which means that once it is applied it will continue its effectiveness by creating a barrier on the upper profile of the soil throughout the season, controlling any germinating weed seeds.”

Using only one application of Pistol, compared to the normal practice of two glyphosate applications, at eight week intervals, reduces the amount of glyphosate that is being applied and also saves time. Pistol will not settle in the tank which means it has a uniform consistency and there is less chance of blocked nozzles, making it easy to apply.

As an all-in-one herbicide, Pistol also offers reduced risk of spillage and a cost saving, as it does not need to have glyphosate added to it.

Bayer Enquiry 149

Wipe out weeds with Wessex

Consider the alternative to spraying weeds and you could be looking at a fast and far more cost-effective method of wiping them out.

The concept of weedwiping was developed in New Zealand in the 1970’s and it offers a controlled method of targeting weeds.

A weedkiller chemical is coated onto a carpet roller which is wiped across the weeds, applying chemical to the underside of the leaf. It’s an ideal method for paddock, pasture and turfcare, using much less chemical than spraying and, as it targets the vulnerable undersidepart of the weed leaf, it hits it where it hurts without killing grass or clover.

The Wessex Weedwiper attaches to a standard ball hitch on an ATV, UTV or 4 x 4 and comprises a unique roller carpet mounted on a sturdy mainframe. There’s a large wheel at each end, one of which drives the roller rotation and the roller runs in the opposite direction to the

travel of the Rotowiper to allow thorough coating of the underside of the leaf.

The machine is height adjustable to ensure all weed types and growth stages are catered for. A reliable pump transfers chemical from the tank to the carpet, coating it evenly and thoroughly to ensure the weed receives the right amount of lethal chemical.

To see the flow of chemical being applied to the carpet roller Wessex recommend adding a small amount of foam, such as Deva foam, to the chemical tank, allowing the operator a visual aid to regulate the amount of chemical being applied.

More chemical is added by a simple switch controlled by the operator from the seat of the towing vehicle.

The Wessex Rotowiper is available in a 2.4m width and can be used on any vehicle with a tow hitch.

Wessex International Enquiry 150

Progreen

Power and performance meets groundcare needs

Jane Carley takes a look at how the latest groundcare tractors are offering more power and improved specifications.

The latest tractor designs allow contractors and local authorities to use larger and more powerful implements to handle growing workloads. Simplicity and ease of maintenance remains a priority however, and manufacturers have addressed this with userfriendly controls and improved service access, while groundcare customers now gain the creature comforts more commonly associated with large agricultural tractors.

New Holland has updated the T5 tractor range to meet Tier 4B emissions regulations, adding a number of new features.

The new T5 range is available in three models: the 99hp T5.100, the 107hp T5.110 and the 117hp T5.120.

All are equipped with the 3.4-litre Common Rail F5C engine with ECOBlue Compact HI-eSCR technology and Low Rate EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation) developed and produced by FPT Industrial. This is said to offer greater efficiency,

increased performance and up to 24% more torque backup for extra productivity. Fuel capacity is 165 litres, and AdBlue tanks hold 12 litres.

A key development is the Terraglide front suspended axle option, designed to offer levels of comfort more commonly associated with high horsepower tractors when paired with the optional Comfort Ride cab suspension. Optional front brakes are available for true four-wheel braking performance.

There’s a new control layout and tiltable steering column in the VisionView cab, which also features a panoramic windscreen, 200-degree wiper and new LED work light option. Enhanced stowage is offered by the addition of a storage box to the left of the seat.

A new wide frame with bolted towers and the option of side rails form part of a loaderready package. Mechanical

or electrohydraulic joysticks with integrated transmission shifting can be specified, giving transmission and loader function buttons on the one unit.

New Auto Transport and Auto Field modes improve the functionality of the Electro Command transmission. Auto Transport mode is said to significantly reduce fuel consumption, while in the field, performance and economy during PTO and draft operations can be optimised with Auto Field mode which manages both engine speed and transmission. An optional creeper is available with the 40kph ECO Electro Command transmission.

There are now three settings for shuttle modulation, allowing the operator to set the responsiveness of forward/reverse changes, a feature particularly suitable for loader work, says New Holland.

Rear three-point linkage lift capacity has been raised to 5420kg, while remote valve layout has been improved for easier coupling and there is a 1000rpm pto speed. The front linkage is capable of lifting 1850kg.

Massey Ferguson’s laterst MF 4700 series tractors are designed to combine the company’s latest cab, engine, transmission and driveline technology with straightforward operation and low maintenance requirement.

Tractors are powered by AGCO Power 3.3 litre three-cylinder engines developing 75hp on the MF 4707, 85hp on MF 4708 and 95hp on the MF 4709 and compliant with Tier IV final emission regulations. An engine speed memory is activated by pressing a button in the cab,

allowing operators to set the memory for working speeds, when for example using a PTOpowered implement, and use a hand throttle setting for the headland turns.

Massey Ferguson has developed a new 12 X 12 speed synchromesh gearbox offering six main gears for field operation in low range and transport or higher speed field-work in the high range. There are eight gears in the main 4 to 12kphj field working range, which coupled with the high torque at low engine rpm, reduces the need to change gears, says the company. There’s a choice of standard synchronised reverse shuttle with lever mounted on the left side of the dashboard or powershuttle control lever fro clutchless shifting.

Top speed is 40kph and a ‘super creeper’ option provides an additional 14:1 reduction for specialist applications.

The MF 4700 featues a completely new cab. Large steps lead up to wide opening, full glass doors to access the flat floor cab, with car-style pendant pedals. A

clear, but slim dashboard uses a mix of analogue and digital displays, said to provide operators with essential information in an easy to read format.

A new dual circuit hydraulic system supplies 65 litres/min for the rear linkage and auxiliary spool valves, while a second pump delivers 27 litres/min for auxiliary circuits including the steering, 4WD and diff-lock engagement as well as PTO control.

Two-speed 540/540E rpm or 540/1,000rpm indpeendent PTOs are available through six or 21-spline shafts.

The MF 4700 Series is said to be ideal as a loader tractor, fully compatible with the Massey Ferguson 900 and 900X loader ranges, which provide a wide choice of lift capacity, height and control.

Ransomes Jacobsen has introduced the first product in the new series of TLE tractors, ideal for municipal, contractor grounds maintenance applications and light agricultural or equestrian use.

The TLE3400 is Iseki’s new Premium Economy tractor. The tractor is powered by a 38hp three-cylinder diesel engine, which operates at 2600rpm.

The single piece bonnet provides easy accessibility to the engine compartment for maintenance. All main levers on the operator platform are mounted within easy reach and are colour coded for clear distinction. A heavy rubber platform mat reduces vibration and improves grip.

John Deere latest range of mid-size 6R and 6M Series tractors, include four-cylinder mieles Stage IV engines from 110 to 135hp, equipped with John Deere’s intelligent power management system (IPM), which adds 20 to 30hp.

A wide range of transmission options makes John Deere’s 6R and 6M Series tractors versatile workhorses for contractors or local authorities.

For added operator comfort, the latest 6R Series models feature CommandARM controls, an optional programmable

Massey Ferguson

electronic joystick for hydraulic applications and the Generation 4 CommandCenter touch screen monitor, which has a swipe function display for tablet style operation. The redesigned TLS+ front axle suspension on this range provides improved steering and driving on the road.

The new 6M Series tractors are now available with a maintenancefree mechanical cab suspension which delivers smoother operation as well as reduced stress and vibration levels, and allows a 10 per cent higher operating speed even on rough terrain.

The 6R Series tractors offer up to six SCVs with individual pressure relief levers and a premium front hitch, while three mid-stack SCVs are also available to provide fast and responsive handling of implements. The 6M Series tractors can be equipped with three rear SCVs and a new PowerBeyond function, or four standard SCVs with three midstack SCVs.

An electrical loader-ready joystick is also available for use with John Deere’s new R Series front loaders, designed to be easy to opérate.

The Iseki TLE3400 features a three-speed hydrostatic transmission, with speed and direction controlled using a single pedal, allowing an increase or decrease in speed within the range selected. A choice

of agricultural or turf tyres are available as standard.

The TLE3400 also features power steering, a fuel capacity of 43 litres and a lift capacity of 1000kg at the link ends. A front loader is available as an optional extra.

The Iseki TG6490 IQ is part of the wider TG6 series and features the proven four-cylinder Iseki engine. The TG6490 IQ utilises the new IQ Dual-Clutch transmission system which has three ranges, each with eight forward/reverse gears. The dual clutches are designed to allow quick and smooth gear changes without the need to use the main clutch. There is also an automatic mode which utilises the top five gears (changing automatically), especially useful when towing or on the road, says Ransomes Jacobsen.

Main controls are located in a console on the right-hand side of the operator platform and an electronic shuttle lever controlling forward/backward travel is located on the steering column.

Lift capacity is 1700kg and optional mid-mounted side discharge rotary cutting decks are available with 1.52 and 1.83 m cutting widths.

The TG6490 IQ is available with ROPS or an air-conditioned cab. A front loader joystick, threespeed PTO, electronic position

and draft control, up stop PTO and linkage up in reverse are all supplied as standard.

Formerly imported by RECO, a complete range of compact tractors to suit all applications is available from Kioti UK, based at St Neots, Cambridgeshire. With models ranging from 26-73hp, the company plans to introduce flagship models from 90-110hp later in the year with a major focus on the groundcare market.

Kioti offers its customer base ongoing spares and service commitments backed up via the Kioti European distribution centre based in Holland. A full two-year warranty is standard with every tractor sold, explains Southern Sales Manager Tim Pinney.

“These tractors are suitable for a whole range of tasks in the UK ranging from agriculture right through to homeowner use and are very suitable for the professional groundcare market place offering high lift

capacities coupled with low ground pressure solutions for fine turf use. There is a choice of both manual and hydrostatic gearbox options. Customers can specify ROPS models or fully fitted luxury cabins.”

“Potential buyers won’t be disappointed with the superb finish of the Kioti product, manufactured using high quality components and

advanced paint finish techniques. Time has also shown that these tractors hold their value as well as any other major brand in the UK market place.”

Branson Tractors were launched onto the UK market at Saltex 2015 and the compny now has 19 dealers covering England and Wales with its UK headquarters at the Compact Tractor Centre,

UK.

The Branson range of tractors start from the ‘00’ series of 3130hp up to the 65-78hp ‘K’ series with the P series from 80-110hp becoming available later this year.

The Compact 25 series includes models from 35hp with a new four-cylinder turbocharged diesel

Bidford on Avon, trading as Branson Tractors

Iseki

engine version being added to the range in July. This will deliver 60hp and have factory fitted turf tyres and optional cab. Designed to appeal to the professional user, this tractor has features such as a front axle 52deg turn angle, independent and live link PTO, hydrostatic power steering, simple intuitive controls and 250 hour service interval.

Already proving popular in the turfcare sector is the F series with a three-cylinder turbo charged engine with 35-40hp options. It ofers a quiet engine is quiet and simple controls with hydrostatic power steering and a front axle 47deg turn angle, independent and live PTO plus turf tyres.

Each new tractor carries a twoyear warranty that includes engine, driveline and all original equipment. Also, at Bidford on Avon there is a complete range of spares with the backing of larger stock held in mainland Europe.

Reform’s 70hp hydrostatic drive Metrac H7RX is the new spearhead of the Austrian manufacturer’s specialist bank tractor mid-range.

It features a 70hp four-cylinder turbo diesel emission stage 3B

engine delivering 250 Nm torque at 1000 rpm and driving via a four-speed Hydro transmsison combining two mechanical speeds and two electronic speeds speeds with Reform’s renowned automatic/manual mode.

Simon Richard, the UK agent for the Reform range, says: “The H7RX has the largest lift capacity in its class. Front and rear linkages lift 1500kg with a maximum gross vehicle weight of 3800kg allowing safe and efficient work with numerous attachments.”

“The tried and tested Reform Metrac benefits, including final drives in the axles, four-wheel steering, compact dimensions and safe operation at up to 45 degree angles all feature on the H7RX, making it the ideal ‘365 days a year’ power unit for the professional user. It can be deployed for a wide range of tasks, including grounds maintenance, road cleaning or winter maintenance work.”

Cab specification includes air conditioning, height and tiltadjustable steering column, generous storage space and onboard computer.

Controls are designed to improve operator comfort and

ergonomics, while the optional LED roof lighting enhances visibility at night and in poor weather conditions.

Simon comments: “The operator can control central functions, such as front and rear pto, easily and accurately with one hand and all controls are grouped according to function. Hydraulic vibration damping on front and rear linkages means more comfort and safer working.”

Two wheel tractors

The newest addition to Tracmaster’s BCS two-wheel ractor range is the BCS 750. This is the largest machine in the range, and brings the number of models to five.

With the option of a Honda GX390 petrol or a Kohler KD440 diesel engine the 750 is suitable for local authorities, landscape contractors, nurseries, and other professional users, as it is capable of easily tackling the toughest ground cultivation and cutting and clearing tasks.

It can operate a wide range of attachments including a stone burier, power harro, flail, rotary and mulching mowers.

Large 6.50 x 12 agricultural wheels and steering brakes offer on-the-spot turning and easy manoeuvrability, while three forward and reverse speeds which allow for faster operation, particularly when using grass cutting attachments. An implement quick coupling makes for a quick swap between attachments.

All BCS two-wheel tractors now feature the PowerSafe® clutch, a patented hydraulic system which gives the operator instant control over the machine and implement, ensuring maximum safety at all times. The PowerSafe® clutch needs no maintenance or adjustment and is supported by a five-year warranty.

tractor takes on Devon council workload

Mid Devon District Council’s Grounds Maintenance team have been using Kubota’s F Series out-front mowers since 2006, but have recently added an L5740 mid range tractor to the fleet.

“It is important that our fleet is reliable and hardworking, as we cover the whole of the Mid Devon district, which includes sports pitches, road verges and all parks and public spaces,” explains Paul Osmond, Grounds Maintenance Manager for the authority.

“The L Series model is the second Kubota tractor we’ve had here. We primarily use the tractor with a flail mower and for hedge trimming, but with peak season now upon us its workload is set to increase.”

“The addition of the L Series tractor to our fleet of F Series mowers has enhanced what we deliver as a department. We’ve also found the Kubota product range to be incredibly hardworking and, importantly, reliable. We put the mowers through their paces on a daily basis, but they never let us down. Part of this is down to regular servicing and good

aftersales support, which we’ve always enjoyed with our dealer MST.”

“We’ve had an excellent relationship with the company for 10 years and they now handle all the service, maintenance and repairs for our entire fleet. This takes the burden away from us and allows us to be as productive as we can be, ensuring that service is delivered in line

with all the manufacturer’s recommendations.”

“We also have a rolling replacement plan for all the machinery purchased through MST, which means we’re constantly getting the best from our fleet, which ultimately allows us to deliver an increasing workload with what are diminishing department budgets.”

Contractor the Landscape Group operates a pair of BCS Valiant tractors at sites in the Midlands, and the latest addition, a 2015 Valiant V650 is offering great versatility for local authority work in Banbury, Oxfordshire.

The 60hp reverse drive tractor, supplied by Kilworth Machinery, is used in parks and on sportsgrounds for spiking and rolling, with a Kilworth flail mower front or rear mounted, for hedge cuttting and verge mowing, fertiliser spreading and drum mowing and rowing up on conservation hay meadows.

“It is very compact and manoeuvrable for a 60hp tractor,” says operator Lawrence Charg, “Which means that although the Valiant is surprisingly nippy on the roads with a top speed of 34kph, for longer journeys we can easily load it up onto a tráiler.”

He adds that it takes only a couple of minutes to swap the seat around into the reverse drive position, which is useful on

mowing jobs, and offers excellent visilbity over the mower.

The Valiant is fitted with 33x15 R15 BKT flotation tyres for a light tread, and Lawrence comments that it can do every task that a conventional 60hp tractor can, with plenty of gear choices from the 12x12 transmission.

“Access for maintenance is generally good, and the tractors have proved to be highly reliable, so we would expect to keep them in the fleet at least 10 years.”

Kubota

“You just have to remember that the pedals are the other way round!”

Valiant offering great versatility

Tracmaster

Branson Tractors

Oundle School has brought in three new TYM tractors to help with its ambitious Sports Development MasterPlan.

The aim of the Sports Development MasterPlan is to ensure that there is sufficient provision and diversity of high quality sporting facilities to cater for the school’s 1,350 pupils.

Nick Tebbs, Head of Grounds and Gardens, who has been at Oundle for 26 years, explains:

“It is the intention to carry out a drainage and levelling exercise across all the school’s pitches over the next few years. In support of cricket, which along with rugby is played by girls as well as boys, the school has recently built a new cricket

pavilion, and the 1st XI outfield has been laser levelled and drained. New practice nets have been built in an enclosure with ten natural and ten artificial turf practice strips. This runs alongside the development of two new Astroturf pitches, and when these are completed, the existing natural turf hockey pitches can be used for rugby and football.”

It was with these plans in mind that the School decided to replace its old agricultural and industrial tractors with two 50hp TYM T503s, both with cabs and one with hydrostatic transmission, and a 35hp T353.

Nick says: “We were looking for well-equipped tractors that were

mechanically robust with proven components and well thought out operator platforms. The two 50hp tractors will be used for heavy tasks such pulling three and five unit trailed gangs, spiking and loader work.”

TYM compared well against competitor brands on a like-forlike specification, comments Nick, with supplier Lely Turfcare also offering a ‘Total Cost of Ownership’ package.

The TYMs will also be used for a major regeneration project of the 11-acre Heron Rogers Wood, the only woodland area within the parish boundaries, so both T503 tractors were fitted with fore-end loaders for additional versatility.

The T353 will mainly be responsible for lighter sports

which had a bearing on the choice of tractor models,” says Neil.

Langley School’s grounds cover 110 acres, three-quarters of which are allocated to grass sports fields (there is also an astroturf pitch). The grass fields are used not only for a comprehensive range of sporting activities, including rugby, football, hockey and cricket, but also by local sports clubs.

“The sports grounds had suffered from minimal maintenance,” says head groundsman Neil Yarham.

Timeliness of operations suffered due to narrow implements being used on an ageing tractor fleet, he adds.

“We needed more power so we could put bigger equipment on the back of the tractors and get over the ground in a more efficient and effective way.”

The new fleet includes three compact utility tractors: a 66hp 4066R fitted with a front loader and a 45hp 3045R, both equipped with cabs to provide driver protection on the school’s exposed and windy site, plus a 26hp 1026R.

Garden maintenance is the 1026R’s role, while the 4066R and 3045R are more sportsspecific machines, although they are involved in every aspect of the school’s overall grounds maintenance. “We knew we needed wider implements,

“The power of the 4066R and the 3045R in a compact body was a big attraction, plus their ease of operation. Although the tractors are dedicated to sports field work most of the time, there are occasions when they are used by the school’s general maintenance team, so we were looking for machines that were not hard to drive. This is provided by features such as the eHydro transmission.”

The 4066R is the main workhorse, while the 3045R covers mid-range operations.

“The power of both tractors has allowed us to introduce the 2.4m wide Sisis Quadraplay system, which enables us to aerate, scarify, roll and brush the surface in one pass, and increase the width of the slitter from 1.8m to 2.5m.

The intention is to carry out these operations on a weekly basis if possible. The 4066R’s front loader also improves timeliness, as it enables us to carry out our own top dressing and winter pitch renovation,” explains Neil.

There are also plans to upgrade the astroturf pitch to a 3G surface with its associated maintenance equipment, so the tractors’ workload will increase.

“Teaming up with Ben Burgess and John Deere has given us the machines with the reliability and the back-up we need, which will enable us to achieve the goals we’ve been set.”

John Deere compact utility tractors supplied by dealer Ben Burgess GroundsCare Equipment are playing a central role in Langley School achieving its objective of improving the quality of its sports surfaces.

John Deere tractors part of improvement plan

New addition to Grillo range

Grillo UK have recently introduced a new two wheel rotavator to their impressive range.

The G46 is an all gear drive machine powered by either a Honda GX200 or Kohler 3000 petrol engine.

A re-designed 50cm contra rotating head produces a fine tilth in just one pass.

Grillo’s latest quick shift system allows the operator to select forward or reverse at the flick of a lever which is mounted on the handlebars, which are adjustable for both height and sideways movement.

Weighing in at just 98kg the G46 can be easily transported

making it an ideal hire machine. Retail prices start at just £1269 plus vat.

Grillo are one of Europe’s leading manufacturers of rotavators and 2 wheel tractors. They employ the latest state of the art machinery producing all gears and components which allows them to keep precise quality control on all their products.

New Shibaura SX26 subcompact tractor

FGM Claymore Ltd, the UK importer for the Shibaura compact tractor range say the hydrostatically driven Shibaura SX26 combines the strength and versatility of a compact tractor with the manoeuvrability and ease of use of a garden and lawn tractor.

The SX26 is equipped with an EU & US compliant 26hp Shibaura 3-cylinder diesel engine, delivering low noise and vibration levels.

A 25.5 litre fuel tank, central and rear power take-off, three point cat 1 linkage, safety bracket, very large driver platform and lighting come as standard while operator comforts include easy access ‘hi-

lo’ range shift and pto and clutch select levers at either side of the seat.

An open-wide hood allows easy servicing and component access. Selectable 4 wheel drive and rear differential lock are standard equipment, as is full power steering.

A range of accessories including 40” and 60” three blade midmount, side discharge decks, front PTO, grass collector, cabin, front loader and snow sweeper, combine to make the Shibaura SX26 a cost-effective year round work horse for a wide range of professional and domestic users.

Strength meets performance

Exceptional mowing performance, versatility and strong construction combine in the new 900 Series range from Cub Cadet.

With incredibly responsive handling, an advanced cutting system and the comfort and durability that Cub Cadet is known for, the 900 Series delivers across the range.

This is a versatile range of tractors suitable for all applications that can be adapted as and when required to meet those tasks.

The machines have the ability to cover large areas quickly and comfortably thanks to the luxurious high back seat and rubber mounted foot pedals.

The advanced cutting system has a wide discharge chute and deep cutting deck to provide optimal grass lift and mulching capabilities, whilst the 12 position deck height adjustment

Road Sign

Have you ever seen a men at work sign with the wording hedge cutting on the road side, then gone around the corner only to find it’s a large tractor cutting the hedge, taking up hafe of the road. Legislation says that there must be road signage, but why not one that fits the job.

Working with Quazar International, who have been manufacturing and pioneering reflective products for over 40 years, we have developed a road sign that lets drivers know what to expect around that corner.

This conforming road sign, rolls up for ease of transportation and storage, is very easy to erect, and is made from a standard grade reflectivity. The size is 750mm and has 4 additional sub plates. All sub plates are interchangeable, with press stud fastening.

option lets you select the perfect cutting height to deliver optimum cutting results.

The 900 Series range consists of six new ride on tractors, four with rear collection, and two with side discharge, which are available on special order. With Briggs and Stratton Intek engines with 500cm3 single 9.4kW / 2,800 min-1 of power, these tractors pack a real punch, and the RevTEK technology even means that mowing in reverse is possible, provided that there are no children or animals about.

Too steep to walk?

The new Gekko from innovative, multi-award winning German manufacturer Koppl means you can now choose whether to operate via walk-behind or remote control.

Benefits include high performance and multi-attachment capabilities, as well as a remote control range up to 300m.

It is capable of working on slopes up to 45° and boasts

a high ground clearance and low centre of gravity. Cutting edge innovations include a revolutionary twist-grip steering

Koppl have been manufacturing since 1896 and produce an extensive range of implement carriers (5.7hp – 23hp) and attachments including sweepers, rotavators & mowers to suit individual specific needs.

Grillo

Cub Cadet Enquiry 162

FGM Claymore Enquiry 161

JUNE 2016

Landscape Amenity

PRODUCT UPDATE

Dennis & SISIS complete successful seminars

Dennis and SISIS have now completed a UK tour of spring maintenance seminars, in which groundsmen and greenkeepers received over 60 hours of education.

With sixteen seminars, covering the whole of the UK, the seminars offered all attendees the chance to refresh their education on a variety of topics, meet other likeminded individuals, share and gain knowledge and learn best practices.

The bowls seminars welcomed a wide range of attendees including greenkeepers, volunteers and club secretaries, while the cricket focused seminars brought together groundsmen representing grass roots, schools, local clubs and international test venues.

Dennis and SISIS support further sports turf education wherever possible and as well

as hosting their own seminars throughout this busy period, they also supported a number of regional dealer events, Rugby Football Union (RFU) Pitch Maintenance evenings and IOG regional events.

Further information about the range of bowls and cricket maintenance products available can be found by visiting www. dennisuk.com / www.sisis.com.

AQUA-AID penetrate European market

Over the past two-years AquaAid has had phenomenal success in breaking into the European Golf market, thanks to the unrivalled performance of soil enhancing products such as the new 3Dimensional Oars PS and HS range, Verde-Cal, the new, and Worm Power.

A major factor in this achievement is the combination of new scientific developments resulting in highly sophisticated products to improve soil conditions for healthy plant growth, and a renewed understanding of the importance of plant available calcium in

the soil. Alongside this is the expertise that accompanies these products and a strategy to inform turf professionals through seminars of the exciting changes to greens care in Europe and the US.

With over 30 years’ experience in lawn care, landscape, golf, manufacturing and the sales industry between them, Jim Miller of AQUA-AID USA and Hans De Kort from AQUA-AID Europe presented the latest facts to 250 greenkeepers in four days across Spain, Belgium and The Netherlands at seminars such as the one held at the Millennium Club, in

Antwerp in March of this year. Hosted jointly by the Belgium and Dutch Greenkeepers Associations it was attended by over 120 top greenkeepers from golf clubs across Belgium and The Netherlands.

Other similar seminars have since been held in Sweden and the United Kingdom, explaining how Aqua-Aid tackles drainage, compaction and aeration issues through precisely targeted soil management.

AQUA-AID Enquiry 181