Landscape & Amenity Product Update March 2018

Raising the financial red flag on green spaces

Figures from the Local Government Information Unit’s annual review of local council finance, released last week, show some worrying signs for the UK’s parks and green spaces, says the Fields In Trust.

Coming just days after Northamptonshire County Council “raised a red flag” indicating a likely budget shortfall in the current year and an inability to set a balanced budget for 2018/19, the LGIU report demonstrates that this troubling situation is widespread and could affect as many as one in ten councils who will be unable to cover the costs of delivering their statutory services.

“But cutting parks budgets is a false economy – our recent research demonstrates that access to parks and green space makes a net contribution to the exchequer by improving public health and wellbeing; reducing GP visits and consequently NHS

spending,” says Fields in Trust chief executive Helen Griffiths.

“Local authority expenditure on their health and wellbeing board responsibilities will rise if the local population loses access to parks and green spaces. And once a park is lost, it is lost forever.

“In recent years a significant amount of money has been invested in parks by the Heritage Lottery Fund - Fields in Trust worked with HLF to get protection of these parks through our legal Deed of Dedication into their funding advice - ensuring that significant investment is protected, and these restored parks and green spaces will always be available for public recreation. The recent news that HLF has closed its dedicated “Parks for People” greenspace funding stream adds extra pressure to an already difficult funding environment.

“The reduction in maintenance makes a park less attractive to

Kubota updates B Series compact tractors

For smaller hectare users looking to purchase a new compact tractor in 2018, Kubota UK has a new and improved B Series range that will leave them spoilt for choice.

The market leading manufacturer of groundcare equipment has introduced its new B1 (standard spec) and B2 Series (premium spec) tractors, which supersede its existing B Series range of compact tractors.

Adrian Langmead, Groundcare Business Development Manager for Kubota UK, said: “The launch of the B1 and B2 Series is all about evolution not revolution.

“Our B Series has been one of the most popular compact tractors on the market for years based on its performance, reliability, comfort

and ability to cross different markets. The B1 and B2 Series capitalise on this even further, with a host of enhanced features to benefit our end-user customers.

“The premium B2 Series builds on from the industry leading B50 Series. The four new models, ranging from 20-31kw, boast a wide range of features, including Kubota’s unique Bi-speed turn.

“The range also includes a rear 3-point hitch for substantial lifting capacity across a wide range of implements.”

visit and makes the argument for closure easier when a valuable local asset is little used by the community.

“This continuing spiral of decline sees not only a reduction in maintenance and support of green spaces but an increasing demand for volunteers to step in and carry out what little upkeep is possible.”

Fields in Trust Enquiry 1

There are around 6,000 friends of parks groups across the UK who help look after the UK’s much-loved parks and green spaces.

“But not every one of the UK’s 27,000 parks has a committed band of volunteers – and those that do are often in the affluent areas where access to green space is not at a premium in the same way it is in some urban districts,” says Helen Griffiths.

“Just as the financial investment in parks and green spaces should be protected, the physical investment - the time and effort of local volunteersshould also be recognised by securing these parks and green spaces for the communities who love and care for them.

“Parks and green spaces in the UK are under threat and it is up to all of us to stem this cycle of disappearance and decline.”

Conference to consider the ABC of biophilic cities

The University of Greenwich Green Roofs and Living Walls Centre and the Department of Architecture and Landscape have revealed details of the ABC: Activating Biophilic Cities London Conference on 4-5 September 2018.

The aim of this conference is to bring together academics, built environment professionals (architects, planners, landscape architects, environmental specialists etc.), educational and health professionals in order to share the latest research and best practice in biophilic design and to kickstart the pace of change towards holistically providing healthy places and spaces that improve the quality of life for people in our cities.

The event will consist of keynote addresses by eminent experts

and peer reviewed papers on the principles and practice of biophilic design. Workshops will be used to develop a Biophilic City Framework which will facilitate the widespread adoption of the principles of biophilic design.

Eighty-one per cent of the UK’s population currently live in urban areas, estranged from nature, an essential element for good health.

Biophilic design aims to reconnect humankind with nature, sustaining a physical relationship in order to improve overall environmental conditions (e.g. purifying water, detoxifying air pollution, increasing biodiversity etc.) as well as improving well-being, mental and physical health and improving productivity in offices, schools, hospitals and in the home.

Natural elements such as street trees and planting have been a feature of cities for hundreds of years.

Today the ecosystem services that city vegetation delivers, through avenues, parks and gardens, urban forests, green roofs and living walls, are well known and largely celebrated.

The necessity for clean air, natural light, sunlight, natural materials and plants are also a prerequisite for health and wellbeing outside our buildings as well as inside.

By increasing nature and natural elements indoors, sick building syndrome will become a thing of the past.

University of Greenwich Enquiry 3

Kubota Enquiry 2

Green Roofs & Living Walls

The innovation behind the products

There is plenty to consider in our third issue of 2018, from the latest industry news through to a new raft of product launches. It has been a fairly hectic start to the year and all the indications are that the industry as a whole is occupying a healthy position as it looks to tackle the various challenges that lie ahead.

The warning from the Fields In Trust about the difficult financial picture that is still having a massive impact on the public sector –and local authorities as a whole – is a timely reminder that despite the over-riding feel-good factor, there are still plenty of reasons to be cautious.

As spending priorities continue to offer up a real minefield, the on-going economic uncertainty and the lack of a clear understanding of the implications of Brexit will still have a negative impact. But the fact that so many companies are still investing in new products and services, the importance of landscaping is being more widely recognised and the global influence of our professional groundscare sector remains so high are all reasons to retain an optimistic outlook.

This month, we take a look at the always interesting weed and pest control sector and the innovative green roof and living wall products available. In our Professional Groundscare supplement, Jane Carley puts the spotlight on Ride-On Mowers and we also have a special focus on fertilisers, grass seeds and wild flowers, as well as technical articles, case studies and interviews from within the sector.

Next month we will highlighting just how important our industry has become to the national economy with the return of our Best of British supplement.

Paul Groves, Editor

Targets to build an active nation

Sport England is setting a series of ambitious targets to help us realise our vision of a more active nation for everyone.

By 2020, it wants to: increase the numbers of people in England who are regularly active by 500,000 nationally; increase the numbers of women who are regularly active by 250,000 nationally; and increase the numbers of people from lower socio-economic groups who are more active by 100,000 (within targeted locations).

Sport England’s research shows how challenging it can be for people to get into sport and physical activity in the first place, and once they have, to stay active.

It will be using Active Lives data to measure progress towards these targets, with the next release in March giving it a first chance to compare year-onyear figures.

People who Sport England describe as ‘active’ do 150 minutes or more of moderate intensity activity per week.

As well as working towards these new targets the organisation’s wider work to build an active nation is not slowing down.

It is committed to supporting the 27 million people who are already

active by marking sure they have the right facilities, activities and mixture of opportunities.

Sport England Chair Nick Bitel said: “The government’s Sporting Future strategy set out a big vision to create a more active nation for all. Sport England and the whole sport sector is rising to the challenge and this is reflected in the ambitious targets we’re announcing.

“We’re working towards something that has never been achieved before. We’re changing long-term, deep-rooted behaviour around sport and physical activity across the population.

“There’s no blueprint to do this and achieving success will require the sector to think and operate very differently, engage with people that it has never really engaged with before, and put those people, and their needs, at the heart of everything.

“By investing in new ways of working, working with a broad range of partners, embracing innovation and constantly learning from what we do, we aim to prove that change in activity levels across the whole population is possible – and that everyone can benefit from sport and physical activity.”

Sport England Enquiry 7

New GreenMech eases workload

Kevin Patton, Tree Surgeon, purchased his first woodchipper back in 2002 and has a few different makes and models in his fleet.

However, he faced a major challenge when it came to purchasing new equipment for him and his team of 4 - towing capacity.

To satisfy the company’s requirement for a powerful, versatile, but lightweight chipper, they turned to GreenMech and their sub 750kg QuadChip 160.

Established in 1999, the company carries out a wide array of tree work and woodland management for a range of customers in the Guisborough area.

“Our work is very diverse –a pretty even split between commercial and domestic jobs, both large and small projects. Because of the range of work

and material we handle we needed something that the lads could take out, without myself always being there to supervise,” explains Kevin.

After seeing the GreenMech machines at various trade shows, and having one on demonstration, they settled on the QuadChip 160.

The sub 750kg QuadChip160 features a full 360o turntable allowing definitive infeed chute positioning for convenient and safe loading at the kerb-side or in restricted spaces.

“Having a turntable is essential for us, it makes the machine versatile to suit whatever situation it’s in,” he adds. “We were also particularly impressed with the fact it’s fitted with a drop chute for more convenient storage and the new health & safety bottom bar which cemented my decision to purchase one.”

Since they took delivery of the QuadChip from local dealer Lloyd Ltd, Kevin estimates it’s taken on over 70% of their work.

“With this machine, the lighter weight certainly doesn’t mean less power,” he says. “It ticks so many boxes for us – as well as it complying to towing regulations, it’s user friendly, the

infeed hopper has no sharp edges ensuring a smoother intake of material and it’s braked, which you don’t always find.

“The guys are out using it on almost a daily basis with no grumbles - so for me it’s been a great addition to our fleet.”

Enquiry 6

GreenMech

Image provided by Gerflor Polo Farm Sports Club,Canterbury,Kent

Local community come together to transform disused bowling green to vibrant adventure play area

A dynamic community group have succeeded in creating an exemplary community playspace in the heart of Royal Tunbridge Wells.

In only two years the project at Calverley Grounds has gone from inception to completion and the disused bowling green

has been reborn as a play area of exceptional quality.

With just over 12 months to reach their fundraising target of £225k, their journey could serve as a ‘how-to’ guide for aspirational community groups – utilising community support,

grant funding, invaluable local residents and professional connections to create a stand out play area.

From the off, the Friends Group were focused on getting the community engaged with the project and canvassed local

children to see what kind of play experiences they would like to see in the play area.

The children’s responses were utilised in an adorable video, produced by Wildwood Media, which was then used to support the social media and fundraising campaign.

Timberplay provided the play equipment for the scheme, and also donated a number a pieces. Marketing Manager, Lilly Elbra, recently visited the completed site: “The thing that really transforms the feel of the site is the landscape design.

“This results in a play area that offers unrivalled play value, but is also excels aesthetically, sitting comfortably within the

Flexible Lining Products Ltd acquired by Green-tech

The latest company to be acquired by leading landscape supplier, Green-tech, is Flexible Lining Products (FLP). Founded over 15 years ago, FLP is one of the largest online retailers of pond liners and geotextiles in the industry.

The acquisition is a perfect fit for Green-tech and offers complementary products to the 6,500 product lines Green-tech currently stocks, equipping their loyal customer base with access to a broader scope of supplies for their projects.

The FLP product range covers the areas of pond and lake excavation products, geotextiles and geomembranes, erosion control aids and ground reinforcement products.

FLP is the specialist online distributor of Terram, the

market leader in the design and manufacturer of innovative geosynthetics including geocomposites, geotextiles and geocells. Through a programme of continuous product development, Terram provides a unique range of value-engineered solutions that also help minimise the environmental impact of construction.

The acquisition was part of Green-tech’s ambitious expansion plans. The business is seeing record year on year growth overall, particularly within its tree planting and Green-tree soil product sectors. The re-structure of the sales team last year has seen an increase in head count, plus Greentech’s new home at Rabbit Hill Business Park is providing much needed additional warehouse

space and improved links to the motorway network to support this recent acquisition.

Rachel Kay, Green-tech Managing Director comments: “This is the third acquisition Green-tech has made within the last 4 years. FLP has been a great

find for the business, the products have a natural fit and will provide us with unlimited opportunities to expand into new markets. It complements and enhances our extensive product offering which is great news for our customers.”

Green-tech Enquiry 11

Amongst the equipment Timberplay contributed to the scheme are an adapted Climbing Forest, Cradle Nest Swing, Platform House, Hut Combination, Balance Beams, Playground Pump with wooden channels, Tractor and Trailer, Jumping Discs and two Sailing Boats.

The completion of the project was marked with a formal opening launch where the local children were finally allowed to get to grips with their adventurous and challenging new play space.

Timberplay Enquiry 10

Taking pride in what you do

“In many ways, Britain sets the standard and it is important that we shout about this a little more.”

John Moverley, Independent Chairman of the Amenity Forum. He said that for too long the excellent work in the industry sector maintaining amenity surfaces has been under recognised.

“What is done every day keeps Britain moving, through weed control of our road and rail networks, our sports surfaces, our gardens and lawns and more,” he said.

John was asked to give the opening address when he addressed the topic of ‘Policy change – promoting best practice, responding to the change and communicating the importance of what we do’.

The Amenity Forum is once again running a series of free Updating Events at venues across the UK. This series of free Updating Events seeks to address topical issues of interest and relevance to all involved in the amenity sector and will comprise short

presentations by speakers drawn from the Chemicals Regulation Division of HSE, BASIS Registration, the National Sprayer Testing Service, STRI, the various host organisations and from the Amenity Forum itself. They are timed to occupy half a day, normally mornings, and on dates between February and April 2018.

The series has been given the title of ‘Meeting the challenge’ and there will be adequate time for questions and discussion. Whilst the events are free, delegates are required to register in advance.

Amenity Forum Enquiry 14

Dates and venue announced for PLANTWORX 2019

The Construction Equipment Association (CEA) has announced the venue and dates for their next PLANTWORX trade show.

It will be held at the East of England Arena and Events Centre, Peterborough, on June 11-13 2019.

The last two editions of the biennial event for the construction equipment industry were held at the Bruntingthorpe Proving Ground, near Lutterworth.

PLANTWORX 2017 attracted 400 exhibitors and an attendance of c.13,000.

The East of England venue is a permanent exhibition centre which has hosted other ‘big machine’ events such as LAMMA (for agricultural equipment) and Truckfest.

The PLANTWORX directors conducted an extensive search for a new site based on criteria which were set on the basis of exhibitor feedback.

These included good road and rail links, easy site access and improved on site services.

East of England has permanent indoor and outdoor exhibition facilities and areas for machine demonstration. PLANTWORX 2019 will occupy a gross area of approximately 200,000 sqm, c.40% more than 2017.

PLANTWORX Enquiry 15

European top 1,000 company launches public open space service for housebuilders

A landscaping and estate management specialist, recently named by the London Stock Exchange as one of the 1000 Companies to inspire Europe, is launching a new service to help housebuilders with public open space and parks projects.

The TCL Group, one of whose member companies holds a royal warrant, already has an impressive track record in working with developers, local authorities and environmental organisations to deliver complex multi-faceted public schemes.

The one stop shop service, which launches on February 1, is aimed at enabling housebuilders to perform often complex and highly emotive installations successfully and cost effectively and will cover every stage and all aspects of the project.

The service will be led by TCL Group technical director Jonathan Highley who explained: “Over the last few years TCL has supported many housebuilder groups with planning support, local authority negotiation, landscape design and installation of all the component parts of public open areas, specifically in

relation to sports pitches, cycle paths, bridleways, country parks and play provision.

“With careful planning, product selection, smart timing of installations and local authority negotiation we have been able save housebuilders many hundreds of thousands of pounds and deliver some incredibly successful ‘placemaking’ projects which we think will appeal to national housebuilding groups.

“This new part of group will look to build upon the vast experience we have within the business and will be dedicated to supporting housebuilders in this specific requirement.”

The TCL Group’s extensive experience includes multimillion pound public open space

projects nationwide as well as SANGS (Suitable Accessible Natural Green Space) sites.

“Our offering is aimed at ensuring public open space areas are designed and presented in a way that will provide a reason to select, not reject, a property on a particular development,” added Jonathan.

The TCL Group, which employs 800 colleagues across the UK and turns over around £60 million a year, works regularly with developers such as Taylor Wimpey, Persimmon, David Wilson Homes and Redrow Homes.

The new service will operate nationwide using the TCL Group’s regional operational network.

TLC

Group Enquiry 16

Precision and control with Hultafors’ newest range of hand saws

Hultafors’ HBX and HBS saws are well known for their top quality precision cuts.

To complement those models, there’s a brand new range of cutting and sawing tools that include - Bow Saws, general purpose Short Hand Saws, Hack Saws, a Jab Saw, a Concrete Saw plus a superb Japanese Ryoba Saw which is perfect when you need a tool for the fi nest cuts made with minimal force.

Check out the blade tips for an easier start and ongoing sawing motion control; the easy-to-use blade exchange system; the extra-stable precision blades and the ergonomic to make sawing an easier and more precise experience.

Not just good as new but better

Sustainable new driveway surface for Mansfield College Oxford

The driveway was originally pointed with sand and cement, but this broke down and it was repaired by well-known brands of cement slurry jointing and gun applied pointing – all of which failed because of

in application and service – delayed

or damaged by working in wet weather, shrinkage cracking, staining and cleaning.

All of these problems have now been solved for years to come with GftK’s vdw 850 Paving Joint Mortar, a unique epoxy resin bound, graded sand formulation that is simply wet-slurry applied and it selfcompacts into the joints.

NCC Streetscape Enquiry 19

Rigby Taylor launches its 2018 Range Brochure

The most comprehensive yet, this full illustrated brochure contains 180 pages of information in an attractive and easy to read format.

Each of the company’s products is described in detail indicating what they do, where and when they should be used, how they should be applied; including spray and spreader rates and, where appropriate, water volumes and pack coverage.

Many pages are devoted to technical information on turf diseases, their recognition and high risk periods, nutrient

analysis, grass seed selection, fertilizers spreader rates, pH chart, nutritional content and conversion tables and spray jet application tables.

Each section has an easy to follow Range Selection chart to guide the reader to the choices available and each group of products has a Selector table describing in detail each individual product.

In addition, a number of testimonials describe successes greenkeepers and groundsmen have had when using the products. This brochure is a ‘must-have’ reference document for every turf manager.

Rigby Taylor

The appearance of a quintessential seat of learning, an Oxford college where an architecturally acclaimed new structure stands alongside elegant Victorian elevations, was being let down by its hard landscaping – until a sustainable new driveway surface, featuring Clearmac paving, was successfully completed this summer.

The work to upgrade the striking circular driveway which fronts Mansfield College has been undertaken by Beard Construction, with the assistance of Dartford based Gaysha Limited.

Crucially, the Clearmac resin bound paving specified for the

contract encapsulates a light quartz aggregate, now presenting a pristine appearance that will be both hardwearing and also sustainable. The constituent materials offering a low environmental impact, while also being water permeable to Sustainable Drainage System (SUDS) standards.

Once the remains of the old tarmac had been removed and the formation level prepared, the contractor initially laid a layer of open-grain tarmac. This was then followed by the 20mm thick wearing course of Clearmac, which is itself permeable to rainwater.

Gaysha Enquiry

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Hultafors Enquiry 18

GftK’s vdw 850 Paving Joint Mortar from NCC Streetscape has been used to repoint and improve the performance and durability of this prestige driveway near Bury in Lancashire.

problems

The long awaited Rigby Taylor 2018 Professional Products range brochure is now available.

Jacobsen and Ekerum Resort Öland pledge environmental commitment

New XFCV Dripline ensures highly effective sloped landscape irrigation

Until now, drip irrigation on slopes has been problematical because of pooling that can be caused at the bottom.

This is because water continues to flow out at the lowest point after the drip system is turned off, with possible soil erosion/ drainage problems. Rain Bird’s XFCV Dripline irrigation, with integrated heavy duty 0.24 bar

check valve, gives twice the hold back strength of alternative onsurface dripline systems used on slopes.

It can be used in single zone configuration to cover 2.4 metres’ elevation without additional inline check valves or creating additional irrigation zones.

Rainbird

Enquiry 26

STIGA Lawn Tractors are born to ride everywhere

Ekerum Resort Öland recently won the award for “World’s Best Eco-Friendly Golf Facility” at the World Golf Awards held at La Manga Club in Spain.

The Golf Club located in Sweden has signed a five-year preferred supplier agreement with Jacobsen in which both parties have pledged to measure and publish environmental performance.

Jacobsen has ensured that Ekerum Resort Öland is supplied with the best environmentally performing machinery, which includes an Eclipse 322 diesel hybrid greens mower, a Truckster XD with SprayTek, an HR700 wide area rotary mower, an AR722 rough mower, 10 Cushman Haulers and 25 E-Z-GO ELiTE TXT golf cars.

Jacobsen has an ongoing commitment to ISO Standard 14001 which gives clear objectives for improving environmental performance and actively championing environmentally sound practices. Jacobsen and Ekerum Resort Öland have worked together to

set a specific set of environmental targets. The targets agreed to by both businesses are:

• Reduce waste removed from sites by 2% per year (10% over a 5-year period)

• Increase waste recycling by 2% per year (10% over 5-year period)

• Reduce energy use (total KW/h/ hours worked) by 2% on 2016 usage (10% over 5-year period)

Powerful engines, advanced function, ergonomics and high quality construction.

STIGA lawn tractors are the ultimate choice for any challenging garden task, from cutting and collecting grass to mulching and fertilising.

The STIGA Estate tractors feature cruise control and hydrostatic transmission for a smoother ride; three cutting

options and spacious grass collector allow for non-stop mowing. The wide reinforced cutting decks are designed to prevent blockages even when cutting wet grass.

With a variety of accessories that can simply be attached these mowers are versatile in any season.

STIGA

Enquiry 27

Ekerum Resort Öland also won “Sweden’s Best Golf Hotel” and was nominated at this year’s World Golf Awards.

Jacobsen Enquiry 25

Evergreens UK joins ESTO

The UK’s biggest artificial grass company has joined The European Synthetic Turf Organisation (ESTO), the nonprofit organisation offering neutral and unbiased information for the promotion of synthetic turf.

Evergreens UK’s membership offers the opportunity to discuss, debate, research and develop the future of synthetic turf, creating a forum for all ESTO parties to communicate throughout the business chains.

Evergreens UK, which owns the popular LazyLawn brand of artifi cial grass, has proved a must-have for home owners, schools, nurseries and businesses thanks to its low maintenance, mess-free alternative to natural grass which looks and feels authentic.

Evergreens UK Enquiry 30

A&S Landscape create “waves” at Primary School

A&S Landscape worked closely with architects on Great Barr Primary School in Birmingham to install a covered walkway between several buildings. Motiva Wave canopies were installed which created a covered, sheltered walkway between the school buildings.

The Motiva Wave is a popular variant within the Motiva range and features a playful wave design that makes it an especially popular choice for entrance and walkway canopy designs.

The head teacher of the school said: “Our canopy was completed on time and on budget and is a fantastic addition to the school.”

A&S Landscape has installed covered walkways for schools and public buildings across the UK.

They have many design options available from fabric shade sails, to straight or curved roof steel and polycarbonate canopies.

A&S Landscape Enquiry 32

BALI-NCF works with manufactuer to reduce accidents

BALI-NCF, the grounds maintenance industry’s National Contractors Forum, and STIHL GB joined forces recently to deliver best in class hedge trimmer training to 30 contractor companies at four land-based colleges across the UK.

Safety is at the top of BALINCF’s agenda and deems creating a safe working environment for the industry’s workforce as critical.

Using the ‘train the trainer’ approach, the experts from STIHL instructed more than 200 on-site trainers, who left

the sessions with the training materials and knowledge to deliver the operator training course to their own teams, potentially enabling thousands of the UK’s grounds maintenance workforce to carry out hedge trimming more safely.

The half-day sessions took place at four of the UK’s leading land based centres of excellence; Sparsholt College (South), Harper Adams University (Midlands), Oatridge College (Scotland) and Myerscough College (North).

BALI Enquiry 31

Foley United’s grinders offer a sharp solution

Foley United is upping the game by adding three new grinders to their range, with six models to cater for every method regardless of budget, including the addition of their first spin only grinder in the ACCU-Spin 622 SO.

Foley United is advancing spin grinding to a new level of speed, simplicity and unmatched performance.

The new ACCU-Spin 622 series is packed with design features only available from Foley United. The Patented Rear Roller Mounting System locates the reel by the rear roller, minimising issues that can arise when locating the reel by the front roller and is standard on all Foley United table top reel grinders.

The Live Shaft Spin Hub design effectively and efficiently produces a sharp edge in a shorter time.

A huge benefit of the new 622 series is that all the features from the SG and SGR models can be added to the base unit as

an aftermarket purchase, if and when they are wanted.

These features include the L.E.D Gauging that gives the operator an easy visual adjustment process ensuring the removal of taper and a perfect cylindrical grind every time.

Also available is the AutoIndex Relief Assembly. This has long been recognised as a labour free system that allows hands-free blade to blade indexing, making the final step to returning reels to OEM specs a simple, effortless process.

For Ian Robson, managing director at Foley’s UK distributor, ProSport UK, the introduction of the new machines has given his customers a far greater choice when it comes to finding a grinder to match their needs and budget.

“Spin only grinding has been popular for a long time and whilst Foley are big advocates of relief grinding they now provide the best professional spin grinder on the market,” he said.

Joining the new machines is the economical but full featured ACCU-Sharp 618 precision reel grinder. With the ability to do touch-up spin but also perform gauging and relief grinding as well as an optional bedknife grinding attachment.

The final addition is the ACCU-Pro 661 AT/MT bed-knife. Like the 618 it has all the features required of a professional grinder but at a lower price

ProSport UK Enquiry 33

Nursery helps restore historic site to former glories

Johnsons of Whixley has supplied a range of trees and shrubs totalling £20,000 to a

recently-completed residential development on an iconic site in York. The North Yorkshire-

based horticultural nursey, which recently celebrated its best ever financial year, has

supplied plants as part of the conversion of the Grade 11 listed Terry’s Factory.

Johnsons has supplied 40 mature trees and 2,000 shrubs as part of the wider development, equating to the majority of the plants on site.

The building has since been purchased by Henry Boot Developments, who have converted it into 170 apartments across five floors. The total cost of the development is £38m.

Johnsons of Whixley is one of the largest commercial nursery businesses in Europe, and a trusted supplier of plants and trees to the amenity sector in the UK.

Johnsons of Whixley Enquiry 37

Former bomb disposal expert joins metal railings manufacturer

The latest new recruit at metal railings and gates manufacturer Alpha Rail will be utilising the skills learned during his military career bring a new perspective to his new role as a site operative.

William Mayes, known as Billy is a former bomb disposal engineer in the British Army.

Whilst it’s a while since he left the army in 2006 Billy hopes that the trouble shooting skills he learned in the forces will be put to good use visiting sites where Alpha Rail installations are taking place to ensure all is running smoothly.

Since leaving the Army, where he gained BSc Explosives from Cambridge University, Billy has retrained in order to work in the charity sector supporting the homeless and those with addiction issues.

He has a Post Graduate Certificate in Drug Treatment from Nottingham University, and MSc Youth Development from Surrey University and graduateship from the City & Guilds Institute in Youth Development.

Alpha Rail Enquiry 38

Refurbishment stands the test of time

Eight years the granite sett paving of Hitchin Market Square was refurbished and repointed with GftK’s vdw 850 Paving Joint Mortar.

Like many old town centres and market squares, this is a very demanding environment for paving, due to all sorts of traffic exposure, plus frequent mechanical street cleaning.

Faced with the prospect of having to lift and re-lay the whole square, at huge cost, the Local Authority and their Consultants

Rear

undertook extensive tests and trials over winter, then decided to repoint with the best performing product – GftK’s vdw 850

The project was completed on time and on budget, because work could continue and be completed using GftK’s vdw 850, even despite the wet weather and low temperatures throughout, which would have made any cement based or singlepack pointing mortar useless and doomed to failure.

NCC Streetscape Enquiry 39 BE

Stone Paving look to make an impact

Stone Paving is a new supplier of natural stone products to the landscaping market.

The team has many years of experience in sourcing the highest standards of products from around the world ensuring their suitability, quality and ethical origins.

Stone Paving also offers Villa Porcelain, a hard wearing,

high quality external paving tile perfect for those modern, contemporary designs that can also be used to bring the inside to the outside.

Villa Bricks is a recent addition featuring a range of handmade bricks in both metric and imperial sizes.

Stone Paving Supplies Enquiry 42

Resin bound pathways for new hub for visually impaired

Addagrip’s Terrabound Resin Bound system was selected for the surfacing element of the new Hawkhead Centre in Paisley, Scotland.

The newly opened building, a custom built hub for the visually impaired, is the result of a collaboration between Page\ Park Architects and the charity, Scottish War Blinded.

Addagrip approved contractor Resarf Flooring Ltd, part of the Fraser Bruce Group, was invited to install over 1700m 2 of the BBA approved Terrabound Resin Bound porous surfacing system, specified by Ian White Associates Landscape Architects, to the pathways and courtyard areas at this state-of-the-art activity centre

veterans of the armed forces who are visually impaired. The Terrabound surfacing is smooth, seamless, has good slip resistance and is porous to ensure no surface water, making the pathways safe and comfortable underfoot.

To complement the contemporary design and building materials used, two contrasting Resin Bound Terrabound natural aggregate blends were selected; Terrabound Chocolate Buff and Terrabound Rhine Gold to offering a practical paving solution.

The BBA certified Terrabound Resin Bound system creates hard wearing, low maintenance pedestrian areas, ensuring that the pathways will be fully accessible and easily navigable

MESH4 have a solution for all situations

With one of the widest ranges of shading, windbreaks, nets, fencing, weed control, ground reinforcement and erosion control products, MESH4 is well established as a major supplier to the horticultural, landscaping, forestry, civil engineering, construction, landscaping and public sectors throughout the UK.

With operations based out of Wrexham N. Wales and Luton

England we are sufficiently resourced to provide efficient lead times throughout the UK. Standard delivery is 3-4 working days. Overnight deliveries are also available.

For further technical information on our products, a request for samples or to arrange a visit telephone 01978 807345 or contact us via email at sales@mesh4.co.uk. Visit www.mesh4.co.uk to download brochures or view the ground stabilisation, building and construction, packaging and gardening products ranges.

MESH4 Enquiry 44

The site is also home to the Royal Blind charity’s Jenny’s Well Care Home which specialises in nursing care for older people with sight loss. This is the first

and a Scottish War Blinded service have been constructed side by side.

Addagrip

Dot-Pot launch new green roof tray range

Available for the first time in the UK, the new VersiRoof range of lightweight, interconnecting modular trays simplify green roof and podium construction and help you meet urban greening targets.

The trays can be used for extensive, bio-diverse and semiintensive green roofs offering protection to the underlying roof, storing rainwater and effectively managing drainage. The flexible structure of VersiRoof 30 accommodates

changes in roof gradient. The unique detachable side walls of VersiRoof 60 allow pregrowing off-site for instant greening without unsightly tile edging after installation.

While the special VersiRoof MEP system keeps the surface beneath dry and each tray is removable after installationmaking them ideal for areas with services beneath.

Dot-pot Enquiry 47

Green-tech supply roof garden materials to Four Pancras Square

Green-tree’s intensive roof garden substrate and gtRoofdrain has recently been installed in the prestigious London development of Four Pancras Square.

Four Pancras Square is a Grade A office building located to the North of the existing King’s Cross railway station, on the new Pancras Square.

The landscaping work was undertaken by Kent-based landscape contractor Willerby Landscapes and Green-tech supplied them its own brand Green-tree Roof Garden intensive substrate for the roof top containerised planting scheme.

The substrate was ideal for the project due to its lightweight texture and good water-holding capacity which ensures healthy plant establishment in harsh rooftop environments.

gt Roofdrain was also incorporated into the project; this forms a lightweight high performance drainage layer,

allowing collection and storage of water to irrigate plants during drier periods.

Green-tech’s Head of Sales, Richard Gill said it was a great project to be involved with: “Green-tree Green Roof Substrates are the go-to products for roof garden projects due to the lightweight and workable properties of the product along with Greentech’s ability to deliver to more challenging city locations.

“Green-tree Roof Garden Substrates have been used on a number of high profile projects across the country and have received great praise from architects and contractors.”

Green-tech Enquiry 48

Grow your business with Boningale

With more than 50 years’ experience, growing over 2 million plants a year, Boningale Nurseries’

Gravity-defying wall of living grass appears in Denmark

Visual artists, Ackroyd and Harvey, created their latest grass art installation, a gravity-defying wall of living grass, in Aarhus, Denmark, as part of the ARoS Aarhus Art Museum’s ‘The Present and The Future’ exhibition.

The installation, Vestergade 7 – named after the street number and name of the building block where it is located – features a vertical wall of living grass grown from seedlings and is described as a dislocated fragment of nature on the urban space: a gravity-defying artifact of the natural where

the first shoots of living blades point to the potential of place to be renewed.

Vestergade 7 was produced using grass seed specially bred by Germinal for drought tolerance and a striking green colour.

It is the latest installation from Heather Ackroyd and Dan Harvey who are acclaimed for their monumental works covering entire facades with grass.

Their ‘perverse form of horticulture’ draws into question what is reasonably required in town and city landscapes

subjected to the vagaries of a changing climate, and shows that it is possible to cover sheer inert city walls with a blanket of green, living material.

As a temporal landmark, the installation artwork presents a shifting canvas of life which exposes the fragility of the plant to the elements: the seedling grass is never cut, instead remaining the first tender, vulnerable and tactile shoot which will eventually succumb to change and decay.

Germinal Enquiry 50

With GreenSky, they have been successfully supplying both traditional nursery and green roof planting stock to contractors and architects. As one of the UK’s largest nurseries, the team can share its specialist advice on contract-growing and why more and more customers are utilising Boningale’s modern growing facilities.

Boningale Enquiry 49

Boningale Nurseries is one of the leading suppliers to the British landscaping industry and has industry leading experts in the company’s award winning green roof department, Boningale GreenSky.

team offer expert product and market knowledge.

Ecoplug’s new formulation first choice for contractors

Contractors are reaping the benefits of a new formulation for Monsanto’s Ecoplug Max, now fully available from distributors.

Ecoplug Max is a patented tree stump control application method, originally developed in Sweden to deliver more efficient forestry clearance.

The unique plug acts as a delivery device for glyphosate into the tree or stump. Each plug contains 283mg of granular glyphosate which isreleased inside the tree stump ensuring all the active ingredient is carefully targeted where it is needed.

Glyphosate is translocated through the stump and down to the roots preventing new growth sprouting and leaving the stump to gradually rot away.

The unique design eliminates the risk of chemical spillage, and the application method reduces the risk of chemicals getting into water or potential overdosing.

With its new formulation, identified by MAPP 17581, Ecoplug Max is authorised by the Chemicals Regulation Division, (CRD), ‘for use in all situations, (stump).’

It can be used on tree stumps in forests or amenity vegetation and on land immediately adjacent to aquatic areas as well as stumps within the aquatic zones of rivers or lakes described by CRD as Open and Enclosed waters.

Under an Extension of Authorisation for Minor Use (EAMU) in standing trees, Ecoplug Max may also be used where felling is not possible, by inserting plugs from the side of standing trees and leaving them in situ.

This method is particularly useful for thinning, removal of invasive species, halo thinning and sanitation felling (for control of diseases), andfelling where traditional logging methods are impractical or uneconomic.

Plugs are used in a similar method to stump control applications, but should be inserted from the side of the tree, evenly spaced around the trunk just above ground

level. Monsanto Technical Support Manager Manda Sansom comments: “The new formulation and EAMU opens up Ecoplug Max to a wider range of applications, giving land managers the opportunity to benefit from glyphosate’s efficiency in clearing trees in a convenient, clean and operatorfriendly system.”

Leading national contractor Ground Control uses some 600,000 Ecoplugs per year, on contracts for utilities clients including Network Rail, Highways England and Western Power Distribution.

National training manager for Ground Control Neil Huck explains that the new formulation of Ecoplug has been specified by Network Rail for trackside work.

“There are many small drains or ditches near the track, so Ecoplug’s approval for aquatic and riparian use makes it ideal for controlling regrowth of tree stumps in these areas.”

Mr Huck comments that while Ecoplug is easy to use, Ground Control ensures that operators receive training for the City and Guilds PA6 Ecoplug qualification.

“This improves the quality of the application and ensures that we get the best out of the product, by measuring the trunk and spacing the plugs correctly.”

With such a range of contracts and variety of weeds to treat, Ground Control keeps a number of products in its armoury, but Ecoplug has some obvious benefits, especially near water, he points out:

“There’s no risk of run-off –liquid products take time to be absorbed and can get washed off if rain follows application, so Ecoplugs are safer and more effective.”

“It’s a controlled dose so it’s easier to get right and gives a neater and tidier finish,” he says, adding: ”Safety is a priority for us, both for the operator and bystanders, and by using Ecoplugs we are eliminating the risk of drift, too.”

Monsanto Enquiry 54

Headland makes significant headway with New-Way

New-Way Weedspray is the only registered herbicide approved for the control of moss on hard surfaces as well as being a fastacting, non-selective control for grasses and broad-leaved weeds.

The product produces discolouration and browning of the foliage within a few hours of treatment and can be used on hard surfaces, natural surfaces not intended to bear vegetation and permeable surfaces overlying soil, such as synthetics.

Headland’s New-Way Weedspray, MAPP No. 15319, is a non-selective herbicide based on naturally occurring ingredients.

The active ingredient - acetic acid, has been formulated from the highest food-grade product and developed with a naturally occurring protein additive. This combination doubles the

herbicidal properties of acetic acid compared to standard products.

Perennial weeds generally require more than a single application for control but annual weeds are usually controlled with only the one. In good growing conditions, most weeds will die within 1 to 2 days.

Unlike other moss killers NewWay Weedspray will also control weeds and grass as well, negating the need for separate applications.

New-Way Weedspray can be used to control weed growth in amenity situations such as footpaths and pavements, parks, around trees, shrubs and hedges and in industrial areas such as railways, industrial sites and fence lines.

Headland Amenity Enquiry 53

The perfect balance

The ‘Gemstone’ of granular weed killers

Gemstone Granules is the new name for grass and board leaved weed control around trees.

Marketed by Agrigem, Gemstone Granules is approved for use in amenity vegetation, forestry and ornamental plant production.

Gemstone Granules should be the standard treatment when trying

to control weeds around most Trees & Ornamentals thanks to it safeness to the plant, and the longlasting control it offers. Applying pre-emergence of the weeds will deliver long lasting control while also reducing established weeds.

You can expect control of the following weeds; grasses (most species), Bindweed,

Cleavers, Nettle, ShepardsPurse, Chickweed, Fat-Hen, Speedwell and the troublesome Horsetail Weed.

Gemstone Granules contains 4% propyzamide in a granular form & will fill the gap in the market of the recently discontinued ‘Kerb Granules’. Apply at 3.8g per m 2 which

means a 5kg pack will treat 1,300 trees or shrubs.

We currently have an offer on where if you buy 4x5kg of Gemstone Granules you get a FREE shaker pot applicator.Gemstone Granules is available in 1kg & 5kg packs.

Agrigem Enquiry 56

Nathan Hume wins top spray operator award

The prestigious title of Amenity Sprayer Operator of the Year (ASOY) has been won by Nathan Hume, Contracts Manager and Ecologist for national grounds maintenance experts, SH Goss Ltd.

ASOY rewards top sprayer operators across the amenity industry, with the aim to share their best practices to enhance standards for all.

The ASOY Awards are organised by the Amenity Forum, and sponsored by ICL and Syngenta, in association with BASIS.

As well as the overall top operator, Nathan Hume was the winner of the Landscape & Industrial using

hand held equipment category. Also recognised by the Awards were Chris Phillips of Complete Weed Control South Wales, as the top operator for Sports turf using boom sprayer or hand held equipment, along with the company’s Lee Harrison, winner of the Landscape & Industrial using vehicle mounted equipment category.

Nathan primarily specialises in the prevention of invasive nonnative plants. He operates in a wide variety of sites including airports, railways, cemeteries, rivers, forests, nature reserves, construction sites and golf courses.

Syngenta Enquiry 58

Foamstream flows from East Coast to West

Weedingtech, the industry leader for the foam and hot water (Foamstream) method of killing weeds, moss and algae, has this week announced another new partnership with a West Coast distributor, Turf Star-Western to solidify its commitment to the American market and the expansion of its global distributor network.

Turf Star-Western, the flagship distributor for the Toro Company’s commercial equipment and irrigation products on the West Coast of America, has nine depots covering Washington, California, Nevada, Idaho, Oregon, Alaska and Baja California.

Leo de Montaignac, Weedingtech’s CEO said: “We’re delighted that our bestof-breed technology continues to be recognised as the leading solution in the herbicide-free weed control market and that it will be handled by Turf Star, the leader in their space.”

Launched in 2011, Weedingtech is headquartered in London and is at the forefront of herbicidefree weed control.

Its patented technology has led Weedingtech to become the world leader in the herbicidefree weed control market now servicing 20 countries across Europe and North America with its proven technology.

The key to the Foamstream technology is the biodegradable foam which acts as a heat insulator. Foamstream holds the heat on the plant for longer compared to other alternative methods, sterilising seeds and spores, leading to reduced ongoing regrowth.

Outside of weed and moss control Weedingtech has continued to provide innovative uses for its delivery systems, notably lances for chewinggum removal and other street cleaning functions.

Weedingtech Enquiry 59

The eco-friendly weed removal solution

PSD Groundscare offer a range of weed strippers and brushes that offer the ideal solution to unwanted weeds.

Eco-friendly and entirely chemical free, these devices offer an easy and effective solution to weeding.

The weed strippers from Koppl & AS Motor provide completely green weed removal, they will eliminate all traces of weeds, algae, moss and lichen and the debris that they thrive in, making regular maintenance simple and effective.

The weed strippers offer outstanding performance on many surfaces, including cobbles

and block paving and with the quick change functionality of the Koppl power unit it can be used for many other tasks such as sweeping or snow clearance.

Looking for a glyphosate alternative?

Since its launch in 2015, nonselective herbicide, Finale 150, has been the UK’s leading alternative to glyphosate, and has proven to be particularly effective at controlling a wide range of weeds around bunker and path edges.

Dr Colin Mumford, Bayer technical manager, says that Finale 150, glufosinateammonium, has a contact mode of action and is ideal for preparing fence lines, natural surfaces not intended to bear vegetation, hard

surfaces and line marking for sports pitches. Trials have shown that the herbicide is extremely successful at rapidly controlling field horsetail (Equisetum arvense) as well as other grasses and broad-leaved weeds,” he adds.

“The trials also concluded that the most extensive treatment was reached when the weeds were treated twice, so we recommend two applications of Finale 150, 28 days apart.”

Bayer Enquiry 61

New super concentrated hard surface cleaner –MAC Hi-Power

MAC Hi-Power is a new hard surface cleaner from Progreen.

The professional strength biocide can be used for the control of algae, mould, lichen and bacteria on a range of surfaces from paths and drives to tennis courts, render and even artificial grass; not only cleaning but also having preventative qualities.

MAC Hi-Power’s concentrated formulation offers a great value for money alternative to many of the other market leading cleaners and moss removal products and is rapidly becoming popular within the Landscaping and Amenity markets.

A 5 L pack will cover over 1,000 square metres, but Progreen also decided to supply MAC Hi-Power in a range of sizes to suit different customers offering MAC Hi-Power in a 1 L pack size right up to a 200 litre drum.

The specific concentrated formulation of MAC Hi-Power also allows it to be applied in cooler weather, tank mixed with weed killers and best of all no scrubbing is required.

PSD Groundscare Enquiry 57

Progreen Enquiry 60

Wipe it out with Wessex

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

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.

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

Wessex International Enquiry 64

ECHO scissor head offers a safer cut

Etesia offers Oeliatec weed control range

Etesia UK distributes the Oeliatec environmentallyfriendly weed control range in the UK and Ireland. The Oeliatec Company, based in Brittany France, has developed machines for environmentallyfriendly weed control, without the use of any chemicals. Economic and ecological, Oeliatec offers you innovative weed control solutions.

off the plant. The intense heat penetrates deep into the root system killing the plant from the leaf down to the root. It is effective with all broad leaf plants and grass along with moss and algae which can also be removed at the same time.

It works on the principle of a 20:1 reduction ratio gearbox and two contra-rotating blades that actually ‘snip’ the weeds or brush - just like a pair of scissors. This means you have safer and more precise cutting.

Highly versatile, the ASKRW23D scissor head can trim up close to solid obstacles, such as trees, walls and kerbs without kickback or damage.

The ASK-RW23D rotary scissor head comes with an 18 over 15 tooth blade kit, and an optional 28 over 24 tooth fi ne cut blade kit is also available for getting an even fi ner fi nish on grass and lawn edges. The cutting head is well-balanced, making it easy to manoeuvre and comfortable to use.

Thermal weed control or killing weeds with hot water causes the explosion of plant cells and the breakdown of proteins. Hot water weed control requires fewer treatments compared to traditional chemical treatments and cost’s significantly less in comparison to other alternatives.

All Oeliatec weed control machines kill weeds with 100% hot water by delivering an efficient low pressure treatment at temperatures of up to 120°C.

This destroys the cellular structure of the weed to kill

Etesia UK is confident that the Oeliatec products will prove just as popular among UK local authorities as the Etesia and Pellenc brands have been over the past twenty-five years.

Etesia Enquiry

66

Environet and DuPont announce successful field trials of new membrane

A new membrane developed by global science and engineering firm DuPont, Plantex Platinium, has been found to be successful in containing Japanese knotweed, following field trials carried out by Japanese knotweed removal specialists Environet.

Where the removal of Japanese knotweed through physical excavation is the preferred solution, horizontal membranes laid beneath the surface of the ground can be useful in locations where it is not possible to remove or kill all the knotweed crowns and rhizomes.

This could be, for example, where underground services such as drainage and sewerage are present, where the land cannot

be disturbed as a result of a tree preservation order, or where the costs are prohibitive.

Existing membranes that are effective at dealing with Japanese knotweed are usually impermeable to water, which, when installed horizontally over large areas, can create problems with drainage leading to flooding and ground instability. Leaders in membrane innovation, DuPont approached Environet in 2017 with Plantex Platinium, a new permeable membrane designed to control Japanese knotweed without the associated drainage issues.

Environet conducted field trials over the 2017 growing season (March to November) at their

Japanese knotweed infested test site in West Sussex.

To put the product under extreme test conditions, no attempt was made to remove any of the crowns or rhizomes prior to the installation of a 10m x 5m sheet of Plantex Platinium. The membrane was then covered with a minimum of 100mm clean topsoil and monitored throughout the season for knotweed growth.

No emergence was observed during the monitoring period, however, new growth was encountered around the periphery and was evident running horizontally beneath the membrane when it was lifted.

DuPont Enquiry 67

The new ECHO ASK-RW23D scissor head is a rotary scissor attachment suitable for most ECHO brushcutters.

The fl at bottom design enables the operator to place the cutting head close to the ground when uncovering hidden landmarks, such as drain covers.

ECHO Enquiry 65

SCH makes light work of weeds

SCH (Supplies) Ltd, a landscape machinery manufacturer that makes products for outdoor maintenance professionals, includes an impressive portfolio of sprayers of various configurations, size and mode of application.

From hand pushed sprayer with a large break back boom, to ATV-

mounted systems, the SCH range meets all requirements for weed and pest control.

With more than 30 years’ experience of manufacturing excellence, SCH also offers a bespoke service for those needing something different.

SCH (Supplies) Ltd Enquiry 72

Versatility key to Weedingtech success

Weedingtech provides not only the most economically viable, all-year-round vegetation control system, it also offers an environmentally-friendly street cleaning system too.

In months where traditional weed control isn’t at the top of the list for most people, Weedingtech offer a non-weather dependent moss and algae control solution.

Weedingtech supply an unrivalled solution using their patented process of hot water insulated by a biodegradable foam, Foamstream.

A range of lance options make moss and algae removal on different surfaces a simple and an efficient task.

Weedingtech Enquiry 73

Micro-Spray increases spraying versatility

Combining control and power with responsive easy handling, the Martin Lishman Micro-Spray pedestrian sprayer is designed for all types of sports grounds, golf courses and landscaping work.

The Micro-Spray brings a new concept in spraying versatility to the groundsman’s armoury and is designed for all types of sports grounds, golf courses and landscaping work

A 120 litre tank with a 2.5m 6 nozzle, 3 section folding boom with break back and height adjustment, independent shut-off nozzle bodies and reduced drift air inclusion nozzles will suit the majority of spraying situations. An optional hand lance for spot treatments and a bout marker are

also available. The Micro-Spray has a narrow footprint so it can fit through most gateways and passageways to tackle hard to reach spraying areas. The design ensures it also has a low centre of gravity.

Teamed with smooth tyres and a single front steering wheel, this ensures a low ground pressure footprint to keep tyre marks on turf as minimal as possible, while still retaining the manoeuvrability and stability needed to tackle rough terrain.

A simple trigger throttle system and spray on/off buttons ensure precise fingertip control of spraying. The comprehensive yet easy to use control box gives the operator more

Gravel path renovation from Kersten

Gravel is a tricky surface to maintain. But in order to keep it looking attractive, weeds must be removed regularly and good drainage should be encouraged by de-compacting the stones and bringing them back to the surface.

This will ensure the longevity of the surface as well as the safety of users. Doing even small areas by hand can be pretty challenging, let alone a large area.

There are two main tools we can use for these jobs.

The Weed burner is a great tool for weeding gravel surfaces. It will destroy the plant, and is a relatively quick method. The weed burner can be powered by machines with quite low horsepower such as the K-series range of two wheel tractors from Kersten. Or even on a push along chassis.

Using propane gas, it works by heating the plant. When the plant reaches around 70 degrees, the

proteins congeal and the plant wilts and dies.

The alternative method is with a gravel path renovator. This requires much more power to operate, and therefore a larger tool carrier, which is more expensive. But it can de-compact the stones as well as remove the weeds by the root. Even perennial weeds will be taken out in one pass.

It works with a set of specially designed cutting knives, which cut under the root and lift the plant to the surface. At the same time, it lifts the stones back to the surface, allowing proper drainage and surface structure.Kersten offer both solutions as attachments for our pedestrian range of machines and also as attachments for many types of tractor.

Kersten Enquiry

control over the sprayer with changeable motor direction to either walk behind or in front of the sprayer, 12 motor speeds, bout marker selection and a battery level indicator.

Spray application rates, operating speed and the pump pressure can be accurately and quickly controlled by the operator.

Lishman Enquiry

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ACO stabilisation tile system reduces weed growth

ACO’s lightweight reinforced gravel tile, GravelGrid, is designed for driveway applications, as well as paths and gardens.

The robust system is suitable for loads of up to 40 tonnes per square metre, so is ideal for properties with vehicles of varying sizes.

GravelGrid’s incorporated Dupont Typar geo-textile fabric allows for

easy installation and reduces the likelihood of weed growth. What’s more, the structure of the tile eliminates the risk of potholes and the porous SUDs solution also allows for an unimpeded flow of surface water, decreasing the rate of run-off and leading to significant cost savings where conventional drainage solutions are not necessary.

Enquiry 74

Martin

ACO

www.professionalgroundscare.com

BIGGA support team chosen for the 147th Open Championship

The British & International Golf Greenkeepers Association has unveiled the line-up for the volunteer support team that will be heading to Carnoustie Golf Links this July as the Scottish venue hosts The Open for the eighth time.

BIGGA members who gain a place on the team are given unprecedented access to the world’s greatest golf event, with a greenkeeper on hand to

assist every single match that will take place throughout the championship.

Each year the R&A requests BIGGA’s assistance with hosting the championship, meaning BIGGA members have been on hand to witness some of the greatest moments in the history of the game, including Jordan Spieth’s spectacular final round at Royal Birkdale in 2017.

The 147th Open Championship will be the eighth hosted at Carnoustie, on the course laid out by legendary course architect James Braid in 1926.

Since then, Carnoustie’s Championship course has been regarded as one of Britain’s finest, and most challenging, tests of golf.

The excellent Carnoustie greenkeeping team, led by the links superintendent, Sandy Reid, and the Championship course’s head greenkeeper, Craig Boath, will have the course in immaculate condition for the world’s finest players.

In January, Carnoustie was named Environmental Golf Course of the Year 2018 at the Golf Environment Awards, in a ceremony hosted by the STRI and The R&A.

BIGGA Enquiry 78

Liverpool FC welcomes IOG student visitors to Anfield

Members of the Institute of Groundsmanship (IOG) Young Board of Directors recently joined members of Liverpool FC’s grounds team in encouraging youngsters to ‘Get into Grounds’ at Anfield Stadium.

The IOG’s ‘Schools into Stadia’ initiative introduces schoolchildren to the art of groundsmanship through a series of one-day workshops, showcasing the profession as an ideal opportunity to work in an outdoor environment within sport.

Pupils from three local high schools – North Liverpool Academy, Alsop High School and Notre Dame Catholic College – were invited to Anfield through the club’s Red Neighbours scheme.

The children covered all aspects of a grounds person’s role, including maintenance and use of equipment, as well as pitch construction, maintenance and match-day procedure.

Liverpool FC grounds staff and the IOG group, alongside a representative from Myerscough College, also provided practical advice on how to pursue a career in the industry and explained the link between groundsmanship and academic subjects such as biology, maths, geography and technology.

David Roberts, the club’s grounds manager, said: “We’re really pleased to be able to showcase our profession to the students and give them a real insight into what it means to be part of a grounds team.”

IOG Enquiry 79

Leyland; Anthony Duffield, Ham Manor; Sam Dunn, Stover; Josh Dunn, The Belfry; Glenn Dyer, Huntercombe; Daniel Evans, Maesdu Llandudno; Sam Evans, Fulwell; Stuart Ferguson MG, Dunas Park; Joe Frampton, Pyle & Kenfig; Dean Franks, Littlehampton; Jim Gilchrist, Harborne; Tony Gooch, Great Torrington; Richard Holmes, Crosland Heath; Dale Housden, Hollywood;

Jamie Hughes, Lyme Regis; Graham Ives, Louth; Kevin Hensman, Rowlands Castle; Graeme Macdonald, Newark; Graeme Main, Porters Park; Anthony McGeough, Richmond; Michael Mead, Littlehampton; George Mitchell, Newmacher; Grant Moran, Morton Hall; Richard Mullen, Banchory; John Murray, Golfpark Oberkirch; Finbarr O’Mahony, Kanturk; Richard Ponsford, The Bristol; Leigh Powell, Windlesham; Angus Roberts, Roxburghe; John Scurfield, Morpeth; Blair Shearer, Dunbar; Charlie Simper, Hadley Wood; Ash Smith, Meltham; Robert Smith, Pannal; Andy Unwin, Birley Wood; John Waite, Scarthingwell; Paul Walton, Sharpley Springs; Tom Workman, Minchinhampton; and Kimberley Yeldham, Royal West Norfolk.

New additions to ICL and Syngenta’s Ultimate Offers

ICL & Syngenta have updated and strengthened their popular Ultimate Offers by announcing the addition of two new packages for 2018.

Ultimate Offers are a range of tank-mixes that contain various combinations of nutrition combined with the plant growth regulator Primo Maxx II.

They provide turf managers with great products through a range of extremely costeffective packages, helping make significant savings with the added bonus of earning up to 15 Turf Rewards points depending on which Ultimate Offer you choose.

The launch of the two new Ultimate Offers underlines both ICL and Syngenta’s position of offering the best plant nutrition and plant growth regulator.

The new “Ultimate Offer Iron” provides excellent growth regulation, turf density and turf colour for use on both fine turf and outfield applications whilst

“Ultimate Offer SeaMax” provides growth regulation, stress tolerance and improved rooting for golf greens and football pitch applications. In addition, both packages also include Syngenta XC nozzles to ensure the optimum product application is achieved.

These new combinations add more choice and versatility to the range whilst delivering big savings compared to purchasing the individual products separately.

The offers are available exclusively through ICL distributors.

ICL Enquiry 80

The BIGGA members who will be assisting the home greenkeeping team for the duration of the event: Stuart Aho, Thetford; Daniel Ashelby, Wilmslow; Mark Bettell, The Rayleigh Club; John Bowers, Crail Golfing Society; Stuart Broom, Honiton; James Bruder, East Berkshire; Andrew Cussen, John O’Gaunt; Stephen Davey, Queenwood; James Dobie,

Simple tip from Headland solves problem for Bransford course

The unique ‘Florida style’ Bransford Golf Course at Worcester’s Bank House Hotel provides a challenge, not only to players of all abilities, but also to the greens team.

For his nutritional programme, Golf Course Manager Graham Wallace turns to Headland Amenity and Regional Manager Adi Masters to keep it playing to the highest of standardstogether they have solved an issue with fl ushes of growth that had started to become difficult to manage.

“I’ve used Headland products for nearly 20 years,” says Graham, “and always find them to be effective, backed up with tried and tested knowledge and research. We apply their fertilisers and chemicals all over the course.

“For a number of years now we’ve used various formulations of Multigreen temperature controlled release fertiliser on the fairways. Though this provided the high quality of grass and coverage we desired, in a warm spring, the initial flush of growth it delivered was increasing the amount of cutting required. We wanted to find a way to drop the growth back a bit whilst retaining the grass quality.”

Graham ran a trial across four of his fairways, comparing various products applied at varying rates to assess efficiency and results.

A competitor product with a similar analysis to Multigreen was applied at two different rates on two of the fairways, an alternative Headland product was trialled on the third and Graham’s normal choice, Multigreen 28.3.15, on the final fairway.

“We applied all of the products in April, except for the Multigreen which Adi suggested we put down in March. His reason was that Multigreen contains both quick and slow release sources of Nitrogen and applying it in April, when the temperature satisfied the release of both, is what caused the initial flush of growth.

“Though we achieved reasonable results from all of the products

across our trial plots, in my opinion the Multigreen outperformed them in terms of the sward density, colour, health, longevity and overall performance. By simply applying it a month earlier, we avoided the double whammy of nutrient release that was causing the flush of growth.

“Eight months after the initial application, Multigreen was still delivering growth and solid results from its single application. Not only that but we’ve also now managed to cut back on the amount of growth regulator we’re having to apply, saving us around £600 a year.”

Jacobsen launches new GA Series aerators

Jacobsen, a Textron Specialized Vehicles brand, is launching new models of its GA Aerator Series.

The GA450 and GA580 aerators will join the GA600 to create an extensive line of tractor mounted aerators, with each model having a specific width and working depth that can be used in a multitude of applications for the course.

Each model features Jacobsen’s PerfectStrike technology, which delivers unrivaled hole quality and increased productivity when equipped with the optional AerStrike tine attachment system.

The PerfectStrike patented design ensures tines enter and exit the turf vertically and from an optimal height.

Its precise movement creates a truly straight and more perfectly round hole, providing uniform aeration with minimal damage to the root zone to allow turf to recover quickly.

Each GA series aerator can be equipped with an AerStrike attachment system that delivers up to 70 percent heightened productivity. Created for optimal spacing with a diamond pattern, the system enables single-pass aeration, reducing operation time and elevating turf conditions. Additionally, the GA series features a rear-mount roller

location, with superior groundfollowing capability and a design that allows for quick, simple adjustment of aeration and easier maintenance.

The new GA models will join the GA600 in Jacobsen’s line of GA Series Aerators.

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Head greenkeeper suggests coffee with his Terra Spike

A head greenkeeper has inspired a user challenge among fellow owners of Wiedenmann Terra Spikes.

After taking delivery of a new GXi8 HD in December, Gerrards Cross GC’s Adam McColl reckoned the machine was smooth enough to balance a full cup of coffee without spilling while it spiked its way across a tee or green.

Within hours his observation was relayed to others prompting greenkeepers and groundsmen across the country to get

involved, posting on twitter when they succeed. Adam, who heads the team of seven at the south Buckinghamshire Club, said: “The coffee challenge just seemed possible.

Gerrards Cross Golf Club a parkland course with extensive woodland and views across the Misbourne Valley, had some fairly specific criteria for choosing a Wiedenmann aerator.

Another major reason for Adam McColl choosing a Terra Spike, was the improvement it would bring to getting sand

into the profile to ultimately benefit drainage.

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Jacobsen Enquiry

Wiedenmann Enquiry

Headland Amenity Enquiry 83

Go further, last longer, do more. There are all kinds of reasons why STIHL is the cordless power tool of choice for the professional. Combining a powerful yet quiet performance, long battery life and low vibration, STIHL’s PRO cordless power system is tailor made to tackle even the most demanding jobs with ease. There’s no pull cord to start, a choice of high capacity and backpack batteries and 28 models available –including hedge trimmers, brushcutters, blowers, chainsaws and the new KMA 130R Kombi tool later in the Spring. Everything to give your work that perfect professional touch.

HSA 94R cordless hedge trimmer.

BGA 100 cordless blower. FSA 130R cordless brushcutter.

Anna Charles Head Ranger, Forest of Marston Vale.

Turf Rewards continues to grow

ICL and Syngenta have announced some exciting developments and an even wider selection of rewards for the Turf Rewards loyalty scheme in 2018.

Turf Rewards provides the opportunity for customers to earn points from purchases that can then be exchanged against a fantastic selection of agronomic

turf related items and learning opportunities.

Turf managers across the UK and Ireland have been benefiting from the scheme since its creation five years ago and it continues to grow significantly year on year. This year sees the addition of some exciting new

Rain Bird appoints Rigby Taylor as its authorized UK golf products distributor

Leading global manufacturer of irrigation product and services, Rain Bird, has appointed of Rigby Taylor as its golf products distributor for the UK market.

UK golf course managers will continue to access products through the UK-wide network of approved Rain Bird contractors and will now receive additional support, new product information and after-sales

service from Rigby Taylor’s technical sales force.

Chris Clark, Rigby Taylor’s Executive Chairman commented:

“We are very pleased in this partnership agreement with Rain Bird golf course irrigation products. The coming together of two major names in the industry brings significant synergistic benefits and our 50+ team of highly skilled field personnel

will be working closely with Rain Bird and their contractors to further establish them as the UK’s brand leader.”

Sandison, Regional Sales Manager for Rain Bird in the UK, Ireland, Iceland and Scandinavia explains, “We want to provide the very best levels of service and support to all of our customers. By having Rigby Taylor in place as a strong

rewards added to the extensive range of items already on offer. The scheme can provide a great way to enhance education, improve operations and boost team morale. It can also help budgets go that much further. ICL Enquiry 88

Dennis G860 a gamechanger for Wolves

A new strategy devised by the owners of Wolverhampton Wanderers F.C, has resulted in the club purchasing three new Dennis G860 cylinder mowers.

It’s an exciting time for the West Midlands based club; when the new owners took control last year part of their strategy was to place a big emphasis on the style of football they wanted Wolves to play.

As a result they were committed to investing in the surface at Molineux Stadium.

A state-of-the-art Desso Grassmaster hybrid pitch, which is used by top clubs across Europe, was installed shortly after the new owners’ arrival. Secondly, it was time to look at upgrading the turf maintenance machinery.

“When the option came to invest in new machinery, we jumped at the chance of going back to Dennis,” says Anthony Parker, deputy head groundsman. “Certainly for me, I’ve come from a private school background where I have been brought up on Dennis machines. We also used to use the Dennis Premier here on our old fibre elastic pitch. However, the Desso Grassmaster is renowned for being a bit firmer so we decided to go for the Dennis G860 when the new pitch was installed.”

it is easy to manoeuvre and comfortable to operate. The handlebar console houses the controls for - throttle, parking brake, roller drive and cutting cylinder drive. The mower also features a large diameter front roller with an adjustable scraper which has been designed for a precise height of cut control, giving an excellent finish on every occasion.

The Dennis G860 also features an interchangeable cassette system to assist with a wide range of tasks. With a simple one-minute changeover, users have the option of fitting thirteen different types of cassettes including scarifiers, verticutters, brushes, spikers, and slitters as well as six, eight or eleven bladed cutting cylinders.

“We purchased three G860’s with the full range of cassettes which gives us so much versatility,” says Anthony. “We use them on a daily basis. The verticutting unit is used quite regularly to clean out the surface and we really see the benefits from this.

“The brushes are a great option too and we use the machines at both the stadium and the training ground.”

Dennis Enquiry 90

Jimmy

UK distribution partner for our golf course irrigation products, contractors and course managers will all benefit from a quicker, more efficient service.”

Rigby Taylor Enquiry 89

Katoun Gold is a natural weed management solution

Green-tech has announced that it has a new distributor agreement with Belchim Crop Protection to sell Katoun Gold; an innovative product to the weed management market.

Katoun Gold contains Pelargonic Acid; which is found in plants and naturally dries out weeds. It works by destroying the cuticle and damaging the cell membrane, causing dehydration within hours – a really effective natural weed management solution.

This new product complements Green-tech’s weed management product range which includes a wide range of herbicides and fertilisers; and offers their customer base even more choice.

Katoun Gold is a contact product for use on amenity vegetation (bare soil around trees and woody shrubs). It can be applied throughout the year, although optimum results will be achieved when the weather is bright with higher temperatures.

Chris Swan, Technical and Training Manager commented: “I am delighted to be working with Belchim Crop Protection and the addition of this product further enhances our distributor agreement with them.

“We are continually looking for new products and solutions that are effective, cost-saving and above all meet our customer’s

needs and support the landscape environment; Katoun® Gold fits this criteria perfectly.“

Katoun Enquiry 93

Club trials enriched biochar to eliminate fungicide use

A new turf improver with roots in traditional green keeping is arming course managers with a natural alternative to ever restricted fungicides and chemical fertilisers.

Carbon Gold’s Enriched Biochar Soil Improver is a horticultural form of charcoal blended with optimum levels of fungi, bacteria and trace minerals, and is approved by EU certification bodies for organic growing.

David Chammings, Amenity Specialist for Sherriff Amenity, a division of Agrovista UK, has been the Chairman of Greens at Okehampton Golf Club for the past three years. His position and experience allow him to trial innovative techniques on different areas of the course, and he approached Carbon Gold, keen to be the first to trial biochar on golf course greens.

In 2016, Stuart Entwhistle joined as Course Manager,

and together he and David devised a trial outline to test how Carbon Gold’s enriched biochar would perform on specific areas of the course, in the hope of finding a new solution to old problems.

A full review of the trials will appear in the Professional Groundscare supplement of January’s issue.

Carbon Gold Enquiry 94

Bounce back from the harsh weather with Onyx Liquid

Rigby Taylor two-in-one groundscare and landscaping products brochure

the company’s Professional Products range brochureincludes a wide range of grass and flower seed mixtures, fertilisers, herbicides (both for selective and total weed control), wetting agents and biostimulants, tree and ground protection, bark, turf, knapsacks and spreaders, PPE and much more.

Onyx liquid is a unique biostimulant fertiliser made from plant-based materials that can speed the recovery of turf after the pressures of winter and the recent cold temperatures.

Onyx liquid coaxes turf back to life with a gentle application of nitrogen, phosphorous, potassium and trace elements to provide a strong basis for new growth and regeneration.

organic substances it can boost the plants stress-response mechanisms and promote the ecosystem in the rhizosphere delivering a faster, more resilient return to health as the weather improves.

The informative, 60-page publication – which complements

Rigby Taylor Enquiry 95

The benefits of Onyx liquid are bolstered by its biostimulant properties. Packed with amino acids, carbohydrates and

Onyx liquid is available in three formulations: the original Onyx Foundation product or Onyx Liquid Iron with additional iron for rapid green-up of the sward. Onyx liquid Sugar Plus is a carbohydrate enriched product designed to promote soil microbiology and improve soil structure.

Onyx Liquid is manufactured in the UK by Velvit Ltd. Velvit offers a range of over 50 granular and liquid fertilisers, wetting agents and biostimulants providing a complete solution to the turf care specialist. Onyx liquid and Velvit products are available from distributors nationwide.

Velvit Enquiry 96

Rigby Taylor – the company at the forefront of supplying innovative products for the successful management and maintenance of turf surfaces – has introduced a two-inone brochure that focuses on key products for both grounds maintenance and landscaping.

Greenkeepers ready to tackle steep demands of Stinchcombe Hill

The word ‘steep’ and its connotations ideally describe a number of facets of Stinchcombe Hill Golf Club in Gloucestershire, as Paul Groves discovers. Established in 1889 with nine holes, and extended to 18 holes in 1906, the club is steeped in history with the Edwardian mansion, Stinchcombe House, built by the Lister family (of diesel engine fame), forming a magnificent backdrop to part of the course.

The course sits on top of a hill near Dursley sits 219 metres above sea level on the edge of the Cotswold Escarpment above the Severn Valley, a site that although offering golfers stunning views also places particularly steep demands on the greenkeeping routines employed.

“Because of our location we can sometimes quickly go from enjoying fine weather to having periods where we can’t get onto the course to undertake maintenance for two days”, says Course Manager Matt Ayres.

However, with everyone at the club looking for continual improvements in every aspect of all operations – not least in the management and maintenance of the course “which we’re always keen to develop and improve”, says

Club Manager Leigh Topping –the club has become one of the most successful in the region.

A comprehensive greenkeeping regime ensures its greens are presentable and playable allyear-round and the greenkeeping team’s thoroughness and attention to detail has in turn led to a 66 per cent rise in green fees in recent years while membership numbers have remained steady at around 420.

“Of course, being open - and playable – all year round is key to our success, especially during the winter months when we enjoy a consistent level of play and usage compared to other clubs in the area,” says Leigh. “And that’s because we have invested in the greens.”

Complemented by some astute commercial thinking – for example, the pro shop is owned by the club – the club is clearly reaping the rewards of a programme of continual improvement to the course by Matt Ayres and his greenkeeping team of Brad Boon, Adam Jones and Eddie Wilcox. This has included switching the annual renovation from October to August, which sees the course recover in just 10-14 days and, thus, minimising disruption to play.

Their work is underpinned by recent investment in new machinery plus an annual programme of turf care from amenity supplier, Rigby Taylor, which combined is enabling the team “to maintain the course properly all year round”, adds Matt.

“Our priority is always the course,” affirms Leigh, “and over the past three years we’ve invested more than £190,000 in new and upgraded equipment, such as a new Procore aerator, a sander and a new sweep and fill brush, as well as

improvements to the irrigation system (improved pressure and the installation of new jets, undertaken in-house).”

Continues Matt: “The addition of a Procore to our machinery portfolio means we can pencil tine at any time of the year, which is indispensable. Also proving very important is our new sprayer. Of course, being high up on a hilltop means we have to watch the weather closely in terms of the spraying regime, but the sprayer enables us now to accurately apply the correct products at the correct dosage rates.

“Aside from the challenge of selecting spraying days during the most effective weather conditions – on low/no-wind days – the use of liquid feeds and treatments, which now account for 90 per cent of applications at the club, is so much more aesthetically better. For one thing, it means golfers are not forever treading on granular treatments!”

Brad also confirms that the implementation of an annual treatment schedule has paid dividends. “Based on an agronomist’s annual report, we sit down with Rigby Taylor’s Key Accounts Director David Carvey to discuss a proposed annual schedule of treatments,” he says.

“Our meeting takes into account all the latest developments, including comparing products of even different brands, as well as application methods, then together we formulate a programme to suit the soil conditions and the projected usage.”

Adds Leigh: “Although Rigby Taylor is a long-term supplier to the club and its products certainly work, we always compare David’s proposal with others for its value for money. The fact that Rigby Taylor has worked with us since 1999 speaks for itself.”

Matt says that presentation and playability are key, and this even involves the club’s professional being involved in the discussions.

“The greens committee walks the course in March and together we highlight any changes that might be made to improve things, such as altering the width and shape of fairways, possible tee extensions, and the general presentation of the greens, aprons and semi-rough areas, for instance,” he explains.

The schedule of work drawn up with Rigby Taylor for the greenkeeping staff includes, for example, the use of R1 (fescue and bent) and R105 (browntop bent) grass seed; Apex and Microflow-CXS fertilisers; Activate R and XL biostimulants; Magnet liquid iron; and the Greenor herbicide.

In addition, and highlighting the products regarded as ‘musthaves’, Matt lists:

Premier HG controlled release fertiliser containing long-lasting nitrogen and potassium for optimum feeding –“used after the annual renovation; brings back the greens very well”.

• Rayzor, a broad spectrum contact fungicide for Fusarium Patch, Dollar Spot and Red Thread, plus the reduction of anthracnose, leaf spot

“With golfers of all abilities being members, our aim is to consistently produce a course that suits everyone, producing level speeds on greens that are maintained at 3-4 mm high in summer and 5 mm in winter. The use of an iron means we don’t have to cut as low as we used to.

“That said, we are careful not to alter the character of the course, parts of which are listed as a Site of Special Scientific Interest, and surrounded by bridleways/walkways, part of the Cotswold Way.”

and rust – “an excellent” weapon, especially against Fusarium, “although we are now moving more towards preventative management of this problem”. Rayzor is used by the club as part of a managed disease strategy, used in conjunction with Fusion and Eland product tank mixes.

• HydroPro 2 wetting agent – “applied every month and proving especially useful on bunker (sand) areas”.

Says Adam: “All these products are scheduled on a month-by-month basis and that programme is religiously adhered to, weather permitting. The result of applying such treatments little and often means that we maintain a continual ‘standard’ of turf care and presentation, with no peaks or troughs.”

Growth in sports construction projects helps create world-class facilities

The sports facilities

construction market in the UK was worth an estimated £1.5 billion in 2017 having grown substantially in the past year, according to a new report by AMA Research.

From 2011 to 2015, output across the sports sector fell year on year, with the exception of a slight increase due to the Olympics Legacy construction activity, but in 2016 and 2017 the sector returned to growth, underpinned by increased levels of activity in the professional sports sector. In 2018, output is expected to increase significantly.

Over the 2014-2016 period, the professional sports sector accounted for around a third of total contractors output in overall sports construction, and is estimated to have improved in 2016 and 2017, driven by

renewed growth in stadium construction output, mainly for a few Premier League and EFL Championship clubs.

The education segment typically accounts for around 30% of total contractors output. This is partly because the UK’s education sports estate is extremely large with schools accounting for a substantial proportion of the total numbers of swimming pools, sports halls and pitches UK-wide.

There were marked increases in output in the schools sector in 2015 and 2016, where there has been an overall increase in average project values although the number of projects has remained relatively static.

Leisure and sports centre construction also accounts for around third of output, despite growth having been constrained slightly by cuts to local authority budgets. In 2016 and 2017 there appears to have been some improvement compared to previous years.

Over the medium term, construction output in the sports sector is likely to decrease due to ongoing pressures on local authority budgets and the ‘Brexit’ factor.

For 2018, we expect total contractors output to increase by

around 9.5%, the main reason for this being the first year of the £800m re-development of Tottenham Hotspur’s White Hart Lane stadium.

Beyond 2018 it is very difficult to forecast annual output levels reflecting the fact that several recent major proposals have been overturned.

However, there should be a substantial increase in output over the period 2019-2020 should re-development of Chelsea FCs and Everton stadiums start next year, which seems likely.

“While the White Hart Lane, Stamford Bridge and Everton developments are ‘flagship’ schemes, there are also a significant number of other reasonably high-value football

stadium projects that should sustain growth over the medium term” said Keith Taylor, Director of AMA Research.

“However, flat or declining levels of output in the leisure centre, semi-professional & recreational sports clubs sectors will have some constraint on overall growth rates, and we also expect growth to be modest for educational sports facilities, as schools upgrade following conversion to academy status.”

The ‘Construction in the Sports Sector Report – UK 2017-2021 Analysis’ report is published by AMA Research, a leading provider of market research and consultancy services with over 25 years’ experience within the construction and home improvement markets.

Everton FC exchanges contracts to lease land at Bramley Moore Dock

Everton Stadium Development Limited (a wholly-owned subsidiary of Everton Football Club) and Peel Land and Property (Ports) Limited have formally signed an agreement for the Club to lease land at Bramley Moore Dock, Liverpool Waters.

The lease, which is conditional upon gaining planning consent for the proposed new stadium and securing funding for its construction, will run for a period of 200 years at a peppercorn rent.

The signing of the agreement is a significant milestone in the project and means Everton effectively now controls the land upon which a new stadium would be built. This follows several years of searching for a new site and is the culmination of an exhaustive search across the city.

Robert Elstone,

Executive at Everton Football Club said: “Clearly this is very positive news. Gaining control of the site was essential for us to be able to move forward with the next stages of the project – finalising the funding agreement with the Council and preparing for the submission of a planning application - both of which we hope to do in the New Year. I’d like to thank Peel as well as Mayor Anderson and his colleagues at the Council for their support in getting us to this point.”

The proposed new stadium at Bramley Moore Dock will be a catalyst for the £5.5bn regeneration proposals for North Liverpool which is set to be one of the largest and most transformational in the city’s history.

The Ransomes MP653XC is powered by a 65 hp Kubota, turbocharged common rail diesel engine.

Intelligently controlled to run the direct drive hydraulic systems it has the capacity to increase productivity by up 25%.

It’s 4.3m cut width can cut up to 2.5 acres an hour more compared to traditional 3.35m batwing rotary mowers.

Chief

Wildflowers embraced by the University of York

Leading wildflower experts, Wildflower Turf, have made the grade by providing the University of York with a biodiverse boost to newly-built campus facilities.

Based in Hampshire but having recently expanded operations to include a new growing site in Yorkshire, Wildflower Turf worked closely with the University’s landscape partners to enhance the area around the recently completed Piazza Learning Centre.

Situated within a picturesque lakeside setting, the Piazza Learning Centre is both sympathetic to the natural landscape while also being fully accessible to the University of York’s student population. The new building contains a range of high-quality learning spaces and facilities for those living and studying on the University’s Campus East.

At the outset of the project the University developed a very clear and practical biodiversity plan and Wildflower Turf was

commissioned by the project’s landscape contractors, J Palmer Landscapes, to provide a wildflower solution that would enhance the existing natural environment.

Over 1,800m² of Wildflower Turf’s unique Native Enriched Turf product was installed in November 2017 and the addition of wildflowers has provided the University with a wonderful and aesthetically pleasing space. As well as requiring little maintenance, the Native Enriched Wildflower Turf contains over 50 different native and naturalised species and will help the project to qualify for excellent BREEAM standards.

Other key parties involved with this project include Interserve Construction Ltd (Design & Build contractors), Race Cottam Associates, (Architects), J Palmer Landscapes (Landscape contractors), and Martin Woolley Landscape Architects.

Wildflower Turf Enquiry 102

Germin-8T provides advances in seed growth and disease tolerance

Following the success of its Germin-8 liquid seed treatment, Rigby Taylor – the company at the forefront of supplying innovative products for the successful management and maintenance of turf surfaces – has now announced the Germin-8T advanced formulation.

The ‘T’ identifies the content of the Trichoderma atroviride filamentous soil fungi that forms a mutual endophytic, beneficial relationship with grass plants.

The symbiotic relationship delivers increased tolerance to the turf diseases leaf spot, pythium and rhizoctonia.

Pre-applied to each individual grass seed, Germin-8T contains

a speciality surfactant that is activated when the seed comes into contact with rootzone moisture. This provides effective penetration of water through the seeds’ outer layer (pericorp) into the endosperm, by lowering the surface tension of the surrounding water molecules.

Roots can also take advantage of the micronised mycorryhizal fungi that will deliver long-term plant benefits.

The result is that at the active germination stage, each emerging seedling has immediate access to a highly beneficial package of targeted nutrients, biostimulants and micronised mycorrhizal fungi that together aid early

establishment, improved root mass development and accelerated leaf extension.

As a liquid treatment, there is no risk of broken particles or dust (as is the norm with powder

coatings) and because it adds just a maximum 2% increase in bag weight, there is no requirement to increase seed sowing rates above those recommended.

Rigby Taylor Enquiry 101

Waterton Park gets with the DLF programme

Now into the third year of increasing the bent content of their greens, Wakefield’s Waterton Park Golf Club has achieved the biggest bent showing to date in 2017 thanks to the Johnsons Sports Seed J Nitro All Bent mixture.

Head Greenkeeper, David Griffin, has maintained the course he describes as a ‘grass factory’ for the last 19 years and says, “it isn’t easy”.

“We’ve been using bent grass for the last 3 years with the aim of trying to outcompete the Poa and achieve more sustainable surfaces – less disease, less water, less chemical input etc,” explains David.

“In 2017 we went with the ProNitro coated J All Bent seed and the results were significant. Within six days of our August overseed the seed had germinated and was showing, and by day eight we were cutting it! It was unbelievable!”

Johnsons J All Bent contains 60% Arrowtown, the top rated browntop bent, and 40% Manor and sets a new standard for density and visual quality. The ProNitro seed coating focuses on improving nutrient utilisation during the early stages of plant growth. It contains a combination of both fast acting and slow release nitrogen to deliver stronger establishment, more plants and an increase in root mass resulting in a healthier sward.

“We have trialled other seed in the past, but it was John Hughes at DLF who recommended we try the coated seed and I don’t think we’ll be going back. As well as the performance benefits, it saved us putting a pre-seed fertiliser down, saving both labour and money.” David is also using the coated J Nitro Tee mixture around the course which has delivered good coverage in under 3 weeks.

Final word from David, “Embarking on a bents programme takes hard work and dedication over a number of years to get it right, but if you persevere, you’ll stand in much better stead when it comes to things like disease that can end up taking a whole green out. With the products out there now to help turf managers, like ProNitro, it makes the tasks that bit easier.”

DLF Johnsons Enquiry 103

Pictorial Meadows launches new look catalogue and products

Barenbrug Yellow Jacket Manager is a gamechanger for turf managers

Grass expert, Barenbrug UK, has launched a grass seed that manages its own moisture content, greatly increasing germination and establishment rates – especially in tough, dry environments.

The patented technology in Barenbrug Yellow Jacket Water Manager, is the result of research between Barenbrug and Aquatrols and has been independently tested by the STRI.

It works like this:

1. When the seed is exposed to water, the Water Manager technology spreads into the soil creating a plant survival zone.

affected by abiotic stress and more plants survive.

Craig Boath from Carnoustie Championship course, home to the Open Championship in 2018, says: “Barenbrug Yellow Jacket Water Manager has taken the sting out of overwatering landing areas on the fairways and par 3 tees. It is clear it does not require as much water for germination due to the coating, which seems

to hold on to moisture and trigger a quicker germination.”

Dr David Greenshields, Research and Development Manager at Barenbrug says Yellow Jacket Water Manager delivers improved germination and seedling survival in the toughest environments.

“STRI trials also show that half the number of seeds

have delivered twice the establishment,” he added.

“Overall, this product offers a significant development in turf science and a potential gamechanger for turf managers in tricky environments, or for those looking to reduce water costs.”

Colourful, long lasting and sustainable; Pictorial Meadows have been at the forefront of meadow creation for over 20 years.

Mixing artistic flare with scientific knowledge they have created a range of highly popular annual and perennial seed mixes and meadow turf. Joining this range are two new perennial mixes, a new southern European collection and a new turf. You can find them all in their new look A5 catalogue which you can order online or by calling their meadow experts (01142677635).

Demand for a classical country garden look which can be achieved without the time and expense of planting hundreds of individual plants led to Pictorial Meadows developing ‘Cottage Garden’. This new perennial mix can be used anywhere from a small residential border to greening a large brownfield site.

The species thrive in poor soil and have even shown to survive on rubble, making this an ideal mix for developers wanting to improve the look of an area, as well as for the quintessential cottage look in a private garden.

After years of research in Spain, Pictorial Meadows, are launching a Southern European collection. It will initially consist of two annual mixes and three perennial mixes.

Created specifically to cope with the demands of the hotter drier climate in Southern Europe, the mixes contain many species native to Spain. The company has already used the products in Valdebebas, and the Royal Botanic Gardens in Madrid with great success.

Topping off the new 2018 products is Hazy Days, a new wildflower meadow turf. The benefit of a turf is that Pictorial Meadows have done all the hard work for you. The meadow turf is delivered as a mat of established plantlets and can be laid immediately onto soil without the need for a lengthy weeding and mulching process.

Hazy Days is their most naturalistic meadow yet and is only available as a turf. Perfect for any area where a predominantly white, soft planting scheme is needed.

2. This zone ensures that each seed has enough water to germinate, then manages the moisture content around the seeding during its establishment.

3. As a result seedlings are less

Cabrio Ultra Fine Ryegrass has once again been announced as the number one variety in the BSPB’s Series L Table 1 for perennial ryegrasses in 2018.Formally

introduced as a new cultivar in 2016, Cabrio Ultra Fine Ryegrass went straight to the top of the BSPB’s Table L1 for 2017 thanks to a fineness of leaf scoring of 8.8.

In the new 2018 listings, Cabrio once again occupies the same chart-topping position thanks to another fineness of leaf scoring of 8.8 – still half a point clear of its nearest rivals.

“At 8.8, Cabrio easily outperforms its nearest rivals in terms of fineness of leaf,” explains Richard Brown, Germinal Amenity Sales Manager. “Cabrio also gives groundsmen, greenkeepers and turf growers an excellent opportunity to produce a harder wearing sward that can not only tolerate a close mowing regime, but which will also give good ball roll or bounce and will be very attractive aesthetically.”

Cabrio is recommended for use on golf tees and golf green

Barenbrug Enquiry

106

Cabrio retains its place at the top of Table L1

aprons as well as tennis courts and cricket squares where it is ideal for repairing baselines and wicket ends.

Cabrio is exclusively available from Germinal: in Germinal’s A5 Cricket, Tennis and Tees seed mixture it is paired with Escapade, the “number 6” perennial ryegrass variety in the Turfgrass Seed booklet’s Series L list for 2018.

Cabrio is also included in Germinal’s A10 Golf Tees and Divot Repairs and A28 Ultrafine Ryegolf mixtures. In all three mixtures, the inclusion of Cabrio creates a seed mixture which gives a high density, wear tolerant sward with rapid repair capability.

Germinal Enquiry 108

Pictorial Meadows Enquiry 107

The ride-on mower with remote control functionality

For more than 50 years, AS Motor have been working continuously on new technologies and the consistent further development of their extensive range of mowers.

Mowing on steep and difficult terrain has always been a challenge for the machine operator and the AS 940 and AS 940 XL ride on brushcutter have been especially developed for this demanding application.

Equipped with 27hp, 4wd, limited-slip differential and cross blade, the AS 940 easily mows dense, high grass and undergrowth on terrain where other mowers would have been forced to give up.

With ride-on brushcutters, steep slopes can be mown conveniently and economically. However, there are always areas where mowing is very unpleasant or unsafe for the

operator, including steep terrain, loose substrate, mowing under trees and bushes, along hedges and even areas around wasp nests. AS Motor have the solution - the AS 940 Remote Control which offers all the benefits of the standard AS 940 but with the option to convert to remote control when required.

The main remote-controlled functions include:

• Professional remote control unit with 300m range

• Adjustment of the cutting height

• Engine on/off function

• Mower deck on-off switch

• Steering via remote control

• Maximum incline transverse to the slope in remote control operation 39° (ride-on operation 23°)

•

Major Synergy assists in maintenance of two million square metres of grass

Four Major Synergy out front mower decks are being used by Crawley Borough Council to assist in the maintenance of 2 million square metres of grass areas which includes parks, roadside verges, cricket fields and school sports pitches.

Karl Garnham is the West Patch Team Leader at Crawley Borough Council, where he and his team are responsible for street cleansing, grass cutting and shrub bed maintenance.

The council took delivery of two Major Synergy rotary mowers at the start of the 2017 cutting season. These mowers replaced out front flail mowers that had

been previously used by the council for the grass maintenance throughout the region.

Karl and his team were so impressed with the Major mower’s performance that a further two Synergy mowers were added to the fleet in August 2017.

“With the extensive area of grass we maintain, it’s important that the tools we use are efficient and reliable. The Major out front mower is very versatile because we can use it around the housing estates and then mow the cricket fields with the same machine. The roller on the rear gives a nice striped effect and we have had positive feedback from residents about that.”

Wessex makes it two for one

Take the many advantages of an outfront mower and give it the ability to cut both long grass and sports turf and you’re surely on to a winner.

The Wessex ProLine FRX-150 is just such a mower, designed to hitch up to most leading out front power units with Power Take Off. The FRX-150 has rapidly found favour with councils and contractors, offering the benefits of having a neat and compact allround mower which is effectively two mowers in one.

Cutting verges calls for excellent visibility and manoeuvrability in confined areas with the ability to work around road signs, trees and other obstacles. It also demands a mower that will cut long grass quickly and effectively.

The FRX-150 is a flail mower and delivers in that respect leaving a far superior cut quality on long growth than a rotary mower.

The compact design is closecoupled to the power unit, minimising weight on the linkage and the ContiFlow deck ensures maximum suction effect, making it capable across a wide range of applications. The deck follows contours accurately with its own wheels and a full width rear roller and offers a 1.5m working width finish.

Combine ease of use, a simple cutting height adjustment and the benefits of flail mowing and it’s easy to see why the Wessex ProLine FRX-150 has become such a popular choice. It makes a perfect partner for power units from Kubota, Stiga, John Deere, Iseki, Shibaura and other similar machines.

Wessex International Enquiry 114

Karl’s comments are reaffirmed by Raff Napoletano, a machine operator in the West Patch maintenance team. “Although the Synergy mower is 2m, it is easy to manoeuvre which is great when mowing verges. I can work around obstacles such as bins or trees really easily,” said Raff.

The blade system on the Synergy mower has particularly impressed the team at Crawley Borough Council. The double chop mulching blades easily cope with heavy grass all while delivering a professional striped finish in fine turf applications.

“Overall the Synergy mower is impressively low maintenance and

has proved to be a really useful bit of kit. It allows our team complete the grass cutting on time and within budget,” concluded Karl.

Major Equipment Enquiry 111

European debut for new Walker mower

The IOG SALTEX 2017 exhibition saw the European debut for the new S18 zero turn mower from Walker Mowers.

This new model powered by an effi cient Briggs & Stratton 18hp Vanguard engine is both powerful and versatile and comes with a range of cutting widths. As well as the new S18 model on display, Walker’s

range features a number of other popular models showing the versatility of the machines and attachments that allows the customer to build the exact model to match their needs and budget, all sharing the advantage of easy and responsive mowing.

Walker Mowers Enquiry

113

Enjoy the ride

Plenty of new developments have been made in the ride-on mower market, as Jane Carley discovers.

Ride-on mowers are a staple of the commercial grass-cutting scene, offering high outputs, operator comfort and safety. With a demanding customer base in local authority and private contracts, new developments in mower collectors are offering improved performance, while the latest zero turns boost efficiency, and the most productive of all, the wide area mowers, continue to deliver the goods on the big jobs.

Mower collectors

Iseki mowers and tractors are now distributed by Iseki UK Ltd and the new company is straight out of the blocks with a mower launch.

Iseki’s new SF224 and SF235 mowers are offered with 22 or 32.5hp Iseki diesel engines and 1.37 or 1.52m wide decks respectively. These highperformance out-front rotary mower-collectors are designed for grass cutting and collection in difficult areas.

The mowers are equipped with two-pedal hydrostatic

transmission and automatic or selectable 4WD with lockable differential. To ensure efficient engine cooling the radiator is fitted with an automatic reversing fan, preventing the blockage of the grille.

Product and Marketing Manager Richard Tyrrell explains: “The new 950 litre collector is turbine-driven for uninterrupted high-performance grass transition, ensuring collection of long or short grass in wet or dry conditions and adding a degree of compaction. The internal reciprocating grass-chute maximises filling, so increasing productivity. The collector can tip the cut grass at any height up to 2125mm allowing easy emptying into waste skips, trucks beds or bins.”

“Operators are well catered for with a spacious, comfortable platform, ergonomic controls and excellent visibility. The steering column is also easily adjusted.”

The new 1.52m deck is shaft driven, so there are no belts to replace, with timed overlapping swing tip blades to ensure that no grass is left uncut even when undertaking tight turns. Cutting height can be adjusted, without tools,

using a single point height adjustment lever. Adjustment range is from 20-125mm in 5mm or 10mm increments as required. Both sizes of decks may be fitted with a mulching plate if required, and can be flipped up to 65 degrees for maintenance and cleaning.

Routine maintenance and servicing is eased by improved access to the engine, radiator and service points.

Toro’s new ProLine H800 is designed to improve productivity. The direct collect rotary mower features a 41 litre fuel tank and 810 litre collector, plus the ability to change the height of cut without stopping, boosting output.

Jeff Anguige, National Sales Manager at Reesink Turfcare, says: “This machine will appeal to councils and landscape contractors looking for minimum downtime. The fuel tank is large enough to power a full day’s work, while the generous capacity of the collector is accompanied by a sensor which alerts the operator when it is full.”

The deck then automatically disengages to prevent overfilling or grass going uncollected. Clippings can be emptied into a truck bed via the high lift system, which can be raised to almost two metres in height and controlled from the operator seat.

Height of cut can be altered from 20-110mm from the operator’s seat, enabling quick and intuitive adjustment and automatic deck cleaning wipers avoid build-up of material which could clog the machine.

The 26.1hp engine powers up to 12,000sqm of mowing per hour, with a clean quality of cut ideal for sports fields and commercial sites, says Jeff, adding that excellent visibility enables trimming right up to the edges of pathways and borders within parks and urban areas.

Built with durability in mind, the ProLine’s deck boasts a welded bull nose bumper and heavy-duty caster forks plus long-lasting skid protection.

Etesia has launched the Bahia Hydro 80 MKHP4 E-Connect

ride-on mower, which also won the SALTEX 2017 innovation award.

Featuring a membrane keypad and a new LCD display, the control panel on this machine is intended to be simple to work with while giving the operator all the information needed.

An RFID antenna replaces the key ignition with the use of RFID cards for easy, touch-sensitive starting. This also means that user profiles can be set up to give specific operators the ability to

use the machine, and also helps guard against theft.

Battery life is prolonged and protection is provided during extended machine stops by a full shut down system, allowing safe maintenance and transport.

A smartphone and tablet app recognises and displays nearby machines using Bluetooth, while offering additional information about the machine, instruction manuals and available accessories, as well as straightforward ordering of parts and accessories.

Profihopper - five machines in one Mow, Scarify, Collect, Mulch and Roll. The incredibly tough, easy to manoeuvre Profihopper does it all.

Exceptional manoeuvrability

Thanks to the compact design and intelligent 4WDi system, the Profihopper enjoys a 0-turning circle to get where others can’t.

Large hoppers means less emptying With an equivalent capacity of 1000 litres and the ability to empty at heights of up to 2.1 metres, non-productive time is kept to a minimum.

Clears rough ground as well as providing a lawn finish Even in damp conditions the renowned Profihopper delivers a perfect finishlong or short, wet or dry.

Toro

Etesia

Iseki

The Hydro 80 is designed to cut and collect in all conditions, and features a mulching insert as standard. It has an 80cm cutting width, 240 litre collecting box and is powered by a 16hp Kawasaki FS481H engine.

Commenting on the launch of the Bahia MKHP4 E-Connect, Etesia UK managing director Les Malin said: “This machine will appeal to fleet managers who wish to keep accurate records of what the machine has been doing in

terms of maintenance, costings, performance, and output. It can also be fitted with a range of attachments for a wide range of applications.”

John Deere has added the X940 Series lawn tractor to its range, designed to offer a powerful workhorse with the ability to carry out a variety of tasks all year round.

The flagship X949 model features four-wheel drive and four-wheel steer for improved traction and manoeuvrability, reducing the need to back up when cutting grass in restricted spaces and around landscape features such as trees and shrubs or other obstacles.

The new X940 Series also includes the X940 and X948 models, and is available with both two- and four-wheel drive options in addition to fourwheel steer.

All three machines are based on a heavy-duty frame design and are powered by a liquid cooled 24hp diesel engine. The X940 offers a modern digital dashboard, adjustable steering wheel and seat, cruise control and John Deere’s Twin Touch pedal transmission.

Rotary mower decks include a 122cm AccelDeep unit and a 137 or 152cm high capacity deck with optional AutoConnect for instant drive-over connection.

The optional MulchControl system, offers changing from side discharge to mulching or vice versa at the flip of a lever.

A wide range of attachments include material collection systems, utility carts, a front hitch, rotary brush and blade.

Zero turns Kubota UK has launched the ZD1211 professional zero turn ride-on mower equipped with a three-blade, 140mm deep, 1.5m rear discharge deck, and optional mulching kit. This is combined with Kubota’s baffling system, a new technology that has been specifically designed and developed in the UK to maximise mulching performance.

The front axle offers oscillating or rigid positions, allowing users to achieve their desired cut more easily as the machine adapts to the terrain they are working with.

Additionally, the machine’s front axle is offset, which means the front wheels are aligned with the return stroke of the blades.

This raises the grass where the wheels have travelled over, then cuts the grass to provide a quality, even cut.

Powered by a 25hp threecylinder Kubota diesel engine, the ZD1211 features HST transmission for smooth responses and easy directional change, including making a zero turn. Its 49 litre fuel capacity, combined with its low fuel consumption, is designed to cut downtime.

Adjustable operating levers and a luxury seat with reinforced suspension and elevated backrest boost productivity whilst minimising fatigue.

Routine maintenance can be carried out with ease due to the accessible engine hood, while the front axle can be used as a jack to raise the front of the machine for maintenance of the mower deck.

Adrian Langmead, Groundcare Business Development Manager for Kubota UK, said: “The ZD1211 delivers the power and durability sought after by all turf professionals, with a mower deck that offers even faster and better cutting performance.”

Ariens Company has recently introduced the new Apex zeroturn mower which features Hydro-Gear transaxles and a robust four-point cutting deck for commercial operation.

The Apex features an innovative frame design, with large formed tubular rails serving as the backbone to support the load of the machine.

Its 10-gauge steel deck is 14cm deep with a reinforced leading edge providing the airflow needed to tackle tough mowing conditions and can be adjusted to 15 cutting positions in 0.6cm increments, selected using a footoperated deck lift and vertical pin system.

John Deere

John Deere

Kubota

Ariens

A constant belt tension system is designed to ensure the belt is always at the right tension to minimise wear and heat, while providing enhanced belt life with minimal adjustment. Large tyres are fitted to provide superior traction and ride quality.

Operator comfort is provided by an adjustable high-back seat with padded arm rests and the frame can also be fitted with a ROPS for added protection.

Power is supplied by a high output 726cc Kawasaki V-Twin engine.

colour, and seen in a wide range of grasscutting environments.

SCAG have always believed in the value of a dedicated ride-on, with its benefits of compact format, manoeuvrability and purpose-designed technology, comments STM’s spokesman.

“The range now consists of five series, which means a machine can easily be matched to the specifier’s requirements; there are choices ranging from the high-end domestic Liberty Z models, high-speed Freedom Z and Cheetah or high productivity Tiger Cat and Turf Tiger machines.”

Cutting widths range from 90cm to 1.82m, and there are grass collection and mulching accessories.

The Turf Tiger, the top of the range machine, at up to 35hp petrol or 25hp Diesel, has just gone through a redesign.

Features include heavy-duty, TriPlate Velocity Plus cutter decks and an extra strength doubletube steel frame; coupled with dual 16cc hydraulic pumps and high-torque wheel motors for the toughest cutting conditions.

The Turf Tiger II also offers the exclusive Command-Comfort operator station with adjustable four-point ISO-mounted suspension seat and Quick-Fit adjustable steering control levers for improved comfort and thus performance.

“Of further interest is that there has been a marked increase in the popularity of the V-Ride

stand-on machine. SCAG has recently updated the design, and it is now even more comfortable, has improved dashboard controls with Tiger-Eye electronic monitoring, plus improved deck lift and deck adjustment facility. This machine is ideal for small and intricate areas, because of its compact size and ease of manoeuvring, plus it is compact enough to fit inside a van or small trailer. It can also be fitted with a lawn striper.”

Scamblers is now the UK importer for the range of Grasshopper zero turn mowers. The Grasshopper product is aimed at large gardens and estates to commercial contractors.

Ed Scambler explains: “It is a top end product with 21, 25 and 30hp Kubota diesel engines and 24hp B&S Commercial petrol units.”

“Decks from 1.2 to 1.5m are made with high quality materials featuring heavy duty spindles and offer the added benefit of the only machine on the market to

offer a 4XRD deck. This gives a fourth blade for added mulching and even grass distribution on rear discharge decks.”

He adds: “Grasshopper is also the only manufacturer that offers an upfront zero turn machine.”

Scamblers aims to build a dealer network for Grasshopper in the UK and improve spares back-up, Ed says: “Machines and spare parts will be held at our warehouse in Bourn, Cambridge with parts that are not in stock coming direct from the USA, subsidised by ourselves.”

Best known for its Spider remote controlled mowers, Dvorak, the Czech Republic-based manufacturer is seeking to enter the ride-on market with the 3RIDER, currently in long term testing ahead of a commercial launch.

The 3RIDER can be operated by a seated driver on slopes of up to 15 degrees and when the slope becomes too extreme, the operator switches to remote

control. Dvorak’s Dance Step steering system used on the remote controlled machines enables omni-directional mowing: four-wheel drive and four-wheel steering allows the mower to move forward, sideways and backwards with unlimited continuous turning of all wheels through 360 degrees.

The axles are independently attached to the main frame allowing the mower to articulate on uneven terrain.

The operator´s seat is centrally located and the front mowing deck is attached to the main frame at midpoint and kept on the terrain by a torsion bar.

STM Co Ltd represent SCAG

Amazone

Spider

SCAG

This is said to provide the operator with a 360deg view and allows the mowing deck to float, following the contours of the terrain.

A front-mounted 1.6m deck uses seven small high-speed rotary motors and blades. The front row of four blades rotates in one direction, while the rear bank of three rotate in the other direction.

Changing to the mulching option requires the standard blades to be replaced with mulching blades and a switch on one of the drive motors is activated so that in mulching mode, all blades rotate in the same direction.

Spider mowers are distributed in the UK by TH White Imports.

Wide area mowers

Ransomes Jacobsen has introduced the MP653 XC, said to be the world’s first wide area rotary mower with a 4.27m cutting width, increasing productivity by up to 25% (up to 1 hectare/hr more) over traditional 3.4m mowers.

The MP653 XC is powered by a 65hp Kubota diesel engine. Using the same proven powertrain, hydraulics, and platform as previous machines in the MP series, the decks and cutting systems have been upgraded to achieve this new 4.27m cutting width. It delivers a ‘zero’ uncut circle for effortless back-andforth mowing and manoeuvring around tight obstacles.

The use of lightweight, highstrength steel results in a significant reduction in gross weight, which contributes to greater fuel savings, a reduction in trailer weight requirements and reduced ground pressure.

Ransomes has also added the HM600 to its portfolio. This latest innovation features heavy duty flail heads from German manufacturer Müthing.

Developed to meet the expanding needs of grounds maintenance teams, the HM600 has a cutting width of 3.2m (1.6m at front) with all mowers engaged, said to have

the potential to save operators up to 21.5% on cost per each square metre cut over established less productive models.

“We have developed the HM600 to tackle some of the issues that grounds maintenance teams face, such as extended cut cycles and

an increase in the variation of topographies,” Lee Kristensen, Ransomes Product Manager, said. “The HM600 features mulching technology from Müthing, ensuring a superior after-cut appearance, and an even spread of clippings even in wet conditions.

The operator can finish cutting sooner and can leave a work site looking great despite facing a tough task at the start of the day.”

This combination of technology from Ransomes and Müthing is designed to allow users to produce a clean, fine, rolled finish for sports pitches, or make light work of routine cuts that have been pushed into less frequent cut cycles. It is also able to tackle irregular cuts, bringing lesser maintained areas back under control.

The new Series III version of the John Deere 1600 Turbo WAM out-front rotary mower is powered by a Stage 5 60hp Yanmar turbo diesel engine to meet the latest emission standards, together with an

improved cooling system for sustained use.

It is designed for operator comfort, with a high-backed air suspension seat, and features run-flat castor wheel tyres to reduce downtime.

Overall cutting width is 3.25m and the 1600T WAM is aimed at commercial mowing contractors, local authorities, golf courses and other public and private institutions.

Additional improvements for 2018 include an increase in transport speed to 25kph for extra productivity, and enhanced Service ADVISOR diagnostics for easy maintenance.

Three robust rear-discharge mower decks are fabricated from seven-gauge steel, and each wing has a breakaway feature that allows the mower deck to move back and away from any obstacle, then automatically reset to the normal working position.

The Ventrac 4500 ride-on mower, distributed by Price Turfcare is designed with the versatility to be used for multiple applications, including both rotary and cylinder cutting units. It combines all-wheel drive, an articulating frame and a 25hp Kubota diesel engine for a high level of stability and control to get a wide range of jobs done.

The Ventrac 4500 can work on gradients up to 30 degrees, as not only does the tractor frame articulate, it also pivots in the centre to maintain contact with the ground and even weight distribution. Its compact frame is designed with a low centre of gravity contributing to its slope climbing ability. For increased safety and stability on hillsides, optional wheel extensions allow operation up to 25° or dual wheels can tackle 30° slopes.

Available with five different mowing decks and Ventrac’s coupling system, the experienced operator can switch between mowing options in less than one minute.

HM decks are available as 1.83m side discharge with optional mulching kit available or 1.52m rear discharge.

The HP deck is a 1.83m side discharge with an offset to the left side of 165 mm. This aids mowing along ditches, ponds and trimming around obstacles, keeping the tractor on solid ground.

The tractor’s integrated adjustable weight transfer system can transfer a percentage of the mower weight back to the tractor for increased traction and stability on slopes.

The 2.13m Contour Mower’s three rear discharge decks float independently and follow the contours of the terrain with up to 40deg of motion for each side deck.

The MR740 Triplex Reel Mower has a 1.88m width of cut, variable speed hydraulics, standard back lapping valves, and offset capability. When powered by the all-wheel drive Ventrac 4500 tractor with dual wheels, it can be operated on hills and slopes up to 30deg.

Designed for mowing high grass, thick weeds and heavy brush, the HQ680 Tough Cut Mower has a large baffled front opening to direct materials into the deck and hinder debris from escaping. Three heavy-duty blades counter rotate to cut and deposit waste evenly without windrowing.

CASE STUDIES

The Snapper is suited to the toughest terrain

FGM Claymore say the 122cm, 12 gauge welded steel deck construction of the new Briggs & Stratton 8270 V twin powered professional zero turn Snapper ZTX275, is strong enough for the roughest terrain.

The rear discharge deck with eliminator blades and half baffles is mulch ready and the ZTX275 also features two

independent Hydro-Gear EZT transmissions.

There is integrated rear cargo bed, adjustable seat with arm rests, ergonomically place control panel, foot assisted mower deck lift as well.

The package from FGM Claymore also includes a limited lifetime mower deck warranty.

When Nottingham Trent chose Toro for the first time, it came down to one simple reason, explains Alan: “We knew they would help us meet the high standards visitors and students have come to expect. This became clear when the CT2240s performed best during a demo, convincing me and

ensure productivity remains at an optimum. Nottingham Trent’s two machines are playing a large role in the day-to-day maintenance of both of sites, says Alan: “Ever since they’ve been put to action, they’ve done exactly as promised by their specs and met the needs of the University.

The CT2240

“The operatives speak highly of the new Toros’ usability too. The comfort of my team is really important; the machines are used on a daily basis and happy operatives will always result in better productivity.”

Toro’s Titan HD zero turn mower series features the MyRIDE suspension system, designed to provide a smoother ride, helping reduce fatigue and enabling the operator to mow for longer and cover larger areas, increasing productivity and return on investment.

The suspended operator platform allows for 7.6cm of travel, isolating bumps and vibrations during use.

Operators can also easily and quickly adjust rear-

shock ride settings to suit their individual requirements.

Professional performance is offered by the Turbo Force deck, which provides commercialgrade strength and a high quality of cut.

The Titan HD zero-turn mower can also easily attach yard tools and other accessories directly to the mower with innovative tool-mounting brackets – not only saving the user time, but also improving efficiency and productivity.

Power is supplied by a commercial-grade engine to provide optimal performance.

Heavy-duty features such as the two-barrel carburettor, automotive-style piston assembly, cast-iron cylinder

liners, and self-cleaning air filter housing, ensure this engine is up to the task, says Toro.

Pricing for the Titan HD with MyRIDE series commences at £6,699 excluding VAT.

Green Flag status was granted to Nottingham Trent University’s Clifton and Brackenhurst campuses six years ago, and today each site uses a new Toro CT2240 mower to maintain amenity areas and uphold this prestigious reputation.

Titan HD provides a professional performance

Landscape services coordinator Alan Horgan says: “We worked hard to achieve Green Flag status so

we have

to ensure

we

equip our team with the best machines possible to continually meet this standard.”

my team that the machines would be the right investment for the future of our campuses.”

compact cylinder mower is equipped with Mk3 200mm cutting units in numerous blade configurations, while independent cutter head lift provides flexibility to suit the mowing environment and

Toro flies the Green Flag

Makita’s brushless power cuts wheelbarrow effort

In fact, designed principally to reduce the physical demands in the construction industry the new Makita DCU180Z will prove popular in many operating fields.

Capable of carrying 130kg of blocks on the tubular frame, or similar amount of ballast in the barrow bin option, this powerassisted wheelbarrow has the Brushless motor integrated into the front wheel to ensure the maximum possible traction to the heavily ribbed agri-tyre.

This barrow has two forward speeds: Hi up to 3.5 km/h, Lo 1.5 km/h, and powered reverse of 1.0 km/h and will climb a 12° maximum incline. Main braking is provided by the front disc brake controlled

by the hand lever on the steering handles.

The wheelbarrow weighs just 32.5kg, is ready to work with handles that can be adjusted to three height levels for operator comfort and also fold for easy storage.

The detachable rear trailing wheels with kick down brake can be adjusted from a width of 480mm to 760mm which further improves stability and reduces operator effort.

The DCU180Z is a body only machine which is available with a choice of optional accessories which includes the pipe frame set and bucket frame set.

Council buys Toro for first time

Chris Whitfield, assistant fleet manager who co-ordinated the purchase, says: “We were in the market for two cylinder mowers, replacing like-for-like. Recently we’ve been purchasing more flail mowers in response to the longer periods we have between cuts, but these cylinder mowers are intended for roadways, parks and open spaces; areas that require cutting more often, for which a cylinder mower is perfect.

“We followed the usual procedure by putting the request onto ‘Yotender’ and the Toro LT3340 cylinder mower met our specification and came in with the most competitive price.”

A good start, but North East Lincolnshire Council had never owned a Toro machine before so Chris needed a bit more to go on: “Jon Wright from Russell Group arranged for us to have the LT3340 on demo for a week. It looked great, performed well and the team confirmed it would be a good choice.”

It was at this point that Chris decided to refer to colleagues from the ‘Yorlincs’ regional fleet

forum, a group of fleet managers from over 17 local authorities and councils sharing best practice, advice and experiences.

“I wanted to see if anyone had experience of using Toro and specifically this machine,” says Chris. “Very quickly I had positive reviews. East Riding of Yorkshire Council in particular stood out, they had a regional fleet of 17 Toros, including 12 LT3340 mowers. The fleet has been in use for a couple of years and the team using them gave good feedback – they had no issues, in fact they had nothing but praise for the brand.”

This is certainly feedback with which Reesink Turfcare, the UK distributor of Toro, is familiar. The heavy-duty, fourwheel-drive triple LT3340 mower is one of Toro’s hardest working grounds mowers, with Nigel Lovatt, Reesink regional manager, saying it is a machine councils and contractors appreciate for its durability, strength and performance.

With all that in mind, Chris confirms that there was no reason not to go with Toro.

Reesink Turfcare Enquiry

127

Charterhouse strengthens representation in North Wales

With three depots in the area, in Ruthin, Llanystumdwy and Anglesey, they are well placed to deliver sales and customer support on a wide range of Redexim machinery for natural turf surfaces.

Mona Tractor Company are a family run company, celebrating their 40th year in trade throughout 2018. They pride themselves on providing a professional and personal service through their workshop, parts and sales departments and stock a wide range of tractors and machinery for the agricultural, landscape and sports turf sectors including John Deere and Stihl.

Gethin Pritchard, Turf Machinery Sales Manager for Mona Tractors added, “We’re delighted to be working together with Charterhouse and adding their vast range of machinery to our portfolio. We have a vast customer base and we’re confident that the versatile and efficient Redexim products will satisfy the demands of today’s ground professionals.”

Charterhouse Turf Machinery Enquiry 128

North East Lincolnshire

Makita has harnessed the impressive power of the incredibly successful 18v Brushless motor to reduce the back-breaking task of pushing a

fully laden wheelbarrow across a rocky, bumpy building site, a muddy commercial garden or rough pasture towards a favourite fishing lake!

Makita Enquiry 126

Charterhouse Turf Machinery have announced the appointment of Mona Tractor Company as their dealer for North Wales.

Ransomes continues long partnership with Continental Landscapes

Continental Landscapes, a leading grounds maintenance company, has taken delivery of 33 pieces of machinery from Ransomes.

This latest investment marks a 20-year relationship between Continental Landscapes and Ransomes.

PA Turney demonstrated and sold the machinery, having nurtured the relationship between the companies for more than two decades.

Continental Landscapes was established in 1989 and currently has more than 20 U.K. branches. It has a diverse portfolio of clients including local authorities, government departments, industrial and commercial concerns, housing associations, sports clubs and private individuals. The company also employs more than 700 people.

Tom Dew is the plant and machinery manager at Continental Landscapes, having joined the company in 1991. Commenting on the relationship with Ransomes and PA Turney, Tom said:

“We are very proud of our long-standing relationship

with both Ransomes and PA Turney. Ransomes make quality machines which are British built. Impressively, its rotary mowers cut like cylinders as they can cut lower than other machines.

“Service and back-up is a huge consideration for us. In my opinion, there is no better dealer than PA Turney. They look after all our branches, and if we need assistance at one of our branches in Scotland, they will travel from Oxfordshire and be there the next day. The combination of exceptional machinery and back-up support is the reason that we keep returning to Ransomes and PA Turney.”

Amongst the new machinery are two Parkway 3 cylinder mowers, 28 HR300 rotary mowers with Müthing decks, two MP493 rotary mowers and one MP495 cylinder mower. Continental Landscapes was one of the first customers invited to test the new Ransomes HM600, a collaboration between Ransomes and Müthing; it will be launching in 2018.

Commenting on the relationship and the machinery, Municipal National Accounts Manager at Ransomes Nathan Walker, said:

“It is testament to the design and manufacturing teams at Ransomes, and the staff at PA Turney that Continental Landscapes has been a loyal customer for so many years.

I hope this continues with our future developments such as the new HM600; the feedback we received was overwhelmingly positive. It’s going to be an exciting year ahead for all concerned.”

The professional choice for compact tractor attachments

Regular paddock maintenance can prove time consuming and costly for busy land owners.

Larger farm tractors and machinery aren’t always suitable for paddocks as many have narrow gateways and limited access.

Italian manufacturer Agrint specialise in compact tractor mounted implements, producing light-weight mowers robust enough to tackle a range of cutting jobs.

Farm Tech Supplies in Hampshire has teamed up with Agrint to offer a range of high quality Italian compact tractor attachments through dedicated UK stockists. One of their most popular implements is the Mistral flail mower, these are often used

for cutting grass on meadows, sports grounds, gardens and public spaces. However, this versatile machine can also chop through overgrown areas with saplings and brambles, making this a multi-functional piece of equipment.

From flail mowers and finishing mowers to backhoes and wood chippers, the Agrint range of groundcare machines are affordable, lightweight and robust, making them ideal for a range of maintenance jobs on estates and large gardens. The

full range of Agrint compact tractor attachments are now available for immediate nationwide delivery through their distributor network.

Farm Tech Supplies Enquiry 131

Ransomes Enquiry 132

Caterpillar introduces its first inverter generator

Caterpillar designed the new Cat® INV2000 with professional performance and safety features. A parallel kit will be available, enabling users to connect two INV2000 units together, to double power output.

The INV2000 produces 1800 watts rated and 2000 maximum watts- Noise levels are 59-69 dB (depending on load) – which translates to barely-there whitenoise in most environments.

At only 22.2 kg, the INV2000 is easily portable. Intuitive controls, including the easy-start switch with integrated choke, multiple outlets and indicator lights are located on the front panel. LED

illumination of the control panel offers convenient night operation.

With two 230V-13A outlets, this generator has two built-in USB ports for charging phones, tablets and Bluetooth speakers. Also features a 12V battery charging outlet with a cable, for charging automotive style batteries.

Built with a fuel efficient 79.7cc overhead valve engine, the Engine Smart Control mode adjusts the power output to automatically control fuel consumption and noise based on load, giving users 6 hours of continuous run time on one fuel tank (at 50% load).

Dual access doors provide easy access. The oil fill design enables completely dripless oil filling and draining. The INV2000 is covered by a 3-year warranty and is available to purchase at select retailers.

Caterpillar Enquiry 135

Etesia completes portfolio for Scamblers

Scamblers, based in Bourn, Cambridgeshire, believe they now have a complete portfolio of groundscare machinery after they were confirmed as Etesia UK’s newest dealer.

First established in 1974, the family owned business specialise in supplying compact tractors, bank tractors, mowers, utility vehicles and groundscare machinery for every aspect of turf and grounds maintenance. However, Ed Scamblercompany director, admitted that he was keen to strengthen the portfolio of products and this led him to Etesia.

“Etesia is a brand that I have been wanting to sell for around twenty years now,” he says. “However, due to prior agreements we had in place we were not really able to do that.

“I had been looking to complete a whole portfolio of good quality commercial and domestic equipment and I think that with the addition of Etesia, we have finally completed that portfolio.”

With immediate effect, Scamblers will now supply the full range of Etesia grounds care equipment which includes the Duocut range of pedestrian mowers; the Atilla range of brushcutters, the Hydro and Bahia range of ride-on mowers and all new innovative products which feature the latest

Increase air flow to achieve green grass

The days of traditional aerating with a garden fork are gone, particularly for those maintaining larger areas.

Plugr aerators from Billy Goat can improve drainage and promote new growth with absolute ease.

By making holes throughout the turf, the aerators increase air circulation through the roots, helping to restore lawns to their perfect green condition and creating healthy grass growth and stronger turf.

The Plugr aerator range consists of two models, each available with the choice of two petrol engines. These are the PL1800 (with either a 205cc Briggs & Stratton engine, or a 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 suited for more intense usage on larger areas. It has a 25” working width and eight reciprocating cam driven tines that punch to core depths of 2.75”.

It can deliver aeration to up to 42,500 square feet per hour.

The Plugr machines complement Billy Goat’s turf maintenance range that consists of sodcutters, overseeders and power rakes, all designed to provide customers with the most innovative, productive,

simple to service and easy to use line up of turf renovation equipment in the industry.

generation of robotic and remote controlled technology such as the Atilla SKD ExxDrive, Hydro 80 MKHP4 E-Connect and the Bahia Joyride.

“Until very recently, previous agreements have dictated what we sell but now we are in a position to sell what we think is

Etesia Enquiry 136

Doosan launches new DL280-5 wheel loader at Intermat

Doosan has showcased the new DL280-5 wheel loader for the first time, with a dedicated design for the waste and recycling market and general industrial applications.

The DL280-5 is the latest development in the high performance Doosan wheel loader range, which comprises 12 models – covering operating weights from 12 to 35 tonne.

The DL280-5 offers high performance and high productivity with outstanding breakout force, tipping load and enhanced output.

The front lift arm is powered by a closed centre hydraulic system with a 210 l/min axial piston pump. This system provides maximum hydraulic performance, without producing excess capacity, thus saving on fuel and extending the lifetime and reliability of vital components.

Doosan Enquiry 138

Henton & Chattell Enquiry137

best for the customer. We have been able to go out and hand pick the products that we want and I am confi dent that with Etesia on-board, it now means we have the most comprehensive range of equipment.”

Gamekeeper wins Polaris ATV in SGA prize draw

Long standing SGA member Ewan Archer expressed his gratitude to Polaris UK after taking delivery of his brand new Polaris Sportsman 570, won in the 2017 SGA raffle.

The Carrbridge gamekeeper, who works at Kinveachy Estate, was handed the keys to the hard-working ATV at the organisation’s Perth HQ on Thursday after buying his

winning ticket through the SGA member magazine, Scottish Gamekeeper.

Fringed by SGA Chairman Alex Hogg, Richard Coleby of Polaris and Iain Stratton of supplier Stratton ATV Ltd, Ewan was delighted to get the first glimpse of his prize.

Polaris Enquiry 155

Floral display the secret behind maintaining an award-winning racecourse

The reason why Ripon Racecourse is often named ‘Best Small Racecourse in the Northern England’ by the Racegoers Club has been revealed by the venue’s head groundsman.

The North Yorkshire racecourse has won the award in four of the last seven years. Although factors such as viewing experience, facilities and atmosphere all play an important part, head groundsman Carl Tonks explains that the racecourse is often singled out for praise for its attractive grounds and numerous floral displays.

“People come to the racecourse for a day out and for special events, so it’s important that the environment looks good,” comments Carl. “We spend a lot time and effort planting up containers and creating beautiful displays all around the grounds.”

The racecourse has a reputation as ‘Yorkshire’s Garden Racecourse’ and has received several Gold

awards in the annual Yorkshire in Bloom competition. The grounds maintenance programme includes tiered planters and window boxes located around the main grandstand.

Carl and his team also have a secret weapon in the form of self-watering planters which only need to be watered once or twice a week even in the hottest conditions.

He explains: “The self-watering planters help us create the wow factor as they provide optimal growing conditions for a range of plants. They also use around one seventh of the water that we previously used to maintain the displays. Watering less frequently has reduced our labour and associated costs and the design of the planters prevents run-off which was dirtying the areas below and causing a slip-hazard.”

Amberol who work with theme parks, councils and businesses across the country. The planters have a built-in water reservoir with a matting system and a series of capillaries to ‘suck’ up the water as required. Because the water is stored under the soil, it doesn’t evaporate in hot weather.

The venue recently won the Professional Horse Racecourse Groundstaff category at the Institute of Groundstaff 2017 awards. This was received in recognition of the high levels of grounds maintenance which Carl

With a history dating back to the 17th century, Ripon Racecourse moved to its current site in 1900. The venue holds regular flat racing events throughout the season offering prize money in excess of £1million. It has one of the longest home straights in the country, over looked by the main grandstand

The Ripon Racecourse grounds team are currently busy undergoing work to get the racecourse ready for the opening meeting of the 2018 season on Thursday April 19.