Professional Groundscare July 2021

Origin Enterprise Plc is announcing the formation of new business Origin Amenity Solutions, comprising of four of the leading amenity industry brand names - Headland Amenity, Rigby Taylor, Symbio and TurfKeeper.

Building upon the individual strengths of these four business, Origin Amenity Solutions will be operating at the leadingedge of plant science and turf technology with leading products and integrated pest management and microbiology programmes.

In addition, this new business will be supported by the parallel launch of a dedicated amenity research & development facility based in Essex.. The Origin Amenity Turf Science & Technology Centre, through an investment

of £500,000, will comprise of extensive trial grounds comprising fine (poa/bent) grasses and ryegrass, sports pitch surfaces.

The trial grounds have a fully functioning Rain Bird irrigation system installed, Davis Weather monitoring and recording station station, Soil Scout below ground ‘real time’ monitoring of temperature, moisture and salinity and the low invasive, ground water dynamics drainage system.

Completing this extensive trials area will be greenhouses, fully equipped laboratory and conference facilities, all dedicated to identifying, developing and informing the industry on new and innovative products, techniques and practices.

Managing Director Chris Clark stated, “The decision taken to bring these four companies together as one business will enable customers to continue to benefit from their individual character and nature (which will not change), whilst at the same time maximising their complementary skills, knowledge and expertise for the benefit of all.

“Changes in climatic conditions are dramatically challenging and shaping our environment so it is vital we confront these head on by seeking solutions so as the mitigate their effect. For over a century we have provided integrated management programmes that have provided protection to the plant and nutrition for healthy growth.”

Rigby Taylor Enquiry 43

Dennis ramps up investment in electric Fields in Trust report on the impact of parks and green spaces

Dennis Mowers is to increase the range of models in its E-series range of electric mowers during 2021 and will also use the technology in some of its SISIS portfolio.

At present the E-series battery range consists of the ES-860, the ES-36 and the ES-34R, but Dennis is already welladvanced in bringing other models in its groundscare and greenkeeping range to market.

The company is planning to use SALTEX 2021 in November to showcase the extended E-series range and introduce new batterypowered versions of some of the popular SISIS machines.

The company spent three years working with carefully selected partners to develop a range of quality battery-powered

equipment befitting of the Dennis badge.

The aim was to provide a reliable and long-lasting solution with the ultimate performance that helps professionals meet sustainability and environmental initiatives, reduce carbon

Green Space charity Fields in Trust has published an online Impact Report following their Annual General Meeting.

The report shows that despite the challenges of the pandemic, work to champion, support and protect the UK’s parks and green spaces has continued. The report notes that 2020 was a year in which the value of parks and green spaces was widely recognised for the physical health and mental wellbeing benefits they contribute to regular park visitors.

Fields in Trust Chair of Trustees Jo Barnett said: “Like many charities we have had to adapt our services, embrace remote

ways of working and more digital dissemination like this years online Impact Report.

“But I am pleased to say we have continued to make great progress with 31 new spaces protected during the year and significant progress made on our regional programme to work with Local Councils and deliver real change for their towns and cities.

“As normal life resumes, we must not forget how vital our parks and green spaces have been - and that failing to protect them will be to our collective detriment.”

Fields in Trust Enquiry 45

Dennis Mowers Enquiry 44

Growing Toro fleet for expanding contractor

Owing to gradual business expansion, HHA Grounds Maintenance in Wisbech, Cambridgeshire, has grown its Toro fleet with the addition of the LT-F3000 Triple Flail Mower and the GrandStand stand-on.

The family-run business, which is celebrating 10 years of service, is responsible for grounds maintenance for a number of schools and parish councils in the East of England.

Owner, Harvey Hart, had encountered Toro Groundscare machines before and at a pivotal moment in the expansion of

the business opted to boost the fleet with quality products they could trust.

Harvey comments: “With three two-man teams in operation daily between March and October, we needed a robust range of machinery which could cater for the variety of jobs we encounter.”

With lawns, playparks, schools, business sites and graveyards to maintain, HHA needed different machines to negotiate both urban and rural sites and varying terrains. With busy rotas and a growing client list, quality and longevity became key factors in

deciding what machinery to add to the fleet.

Harvey continues: “We have two Toro Z-Master ZeroTurn mowers which we got over eight years ago and they remain in excellent working condition. As the business grew, we decided to add to the fleet with a Triple Flail mower and a GrandStand stand-on machine.

“Both are fantastic, but we are especially pleased with the GrandStand which is compact, nimble and can get into places that the sit-on can’t. As with

all Toro mowers the cut is beautiful. Our clients are always thrilled with the finish.

“You can’t fault the Toro machines. They are absolute workhorses that just run and run if you look after them.

“We get minimal issues and we take good care of them. They pay for themselves, especially when you think that some of our Toro’s have been operating almost as long as our business!”

Reesink Turfcare Enquiry 47

PRO-Z-essional mowing from Cub Cadet

Proven by landscape professionals Cub Cadet’s PRO Z Series of zero-turns will fulfil all your commercial requirements whilst providing a fast, premium quality cut, plus Cub Cadet is celebrating it’s 60th birthday this year with some great savings on their range including a saving of £360 on the RRP of the PRO Z1.

The patented SyncroSteer technology with steering wheel means that even the less experienced operators can benefit from the ease of use and amazing manoeuvrability of this machine.

The ability to control all four wheels with a steering wheel and steerable front wheels, an exclusive offering by Cub Cadet in the commercial sector, minimises the turf being churned up by the wheels as it would on a lap bar zero-

turn, reduces mowing time by up to 10% compared to lap bar mowers, provides greater hillside stability up to 20°, enhanced traction on uneven terrain as well as mowing in straighter lines.

The PRO Z series powers through the thickest grass in one pass at maximum speeds of up to 12mph meaning you can do the job quicker.

The high lift Marbain blades with a blade tip speed up to 18,500 fpm and the 3” total blade overlap will ensure that you always get a tight consistent cut.

The frame and axle on the PRO Z floats as the machine moves allowing the deck to follow the shape of the terrain and avoids scalping.

EP Barrus Enquiry 48

Husqvarna now offers a large-scale robotic solution for commercial turf

Husqvarna has launched its new CEORA robotic system which it says will revolutionise the groundscare sector.

Valentin Dahlhaus, Vice President at Husqvarna, said he is confident that it will be a much-appreciated addition to any team of landscape professionals - a quiet, smart and autonomous colleague that will happily perform the most tedious tasks whenever needed.

“Not only is the pitch always ready for play, professionals free up their time for other tasks,” he added.

CEORA is robustly built and easy to manage even for somebody not used to robotic mowers. Greenkeepers can expect CEORA to navigate with a precision of 2-3 cm, thanks to Husqvarna´s satellite navigation system, EPOS. It is possible to select individually defined areas on demand, with different schedules as well as height-settings.

The user keeps perfect control of all mowers in the fleet, through the Husqvarna Fleet Services application. CEORA™ is backed by Husqvarna´s maintenance and support program, UpCare, which provides fast repair and replacement services.

CEORA is designed to avoid obstacles. With the ultrasonic remote object avoidance system, the mower slows down soon as it senses an approaching object. Emissions are reduced to zero, helping golf and football clubs as well as other public and commercial landowners to significantly lower their carbon footprint.

Husqvarna will launch two models - Husqvarna CEORA 544 EPOS and Husqvarna CEORA 546 EPOS - that will be available in Sweden, Denmark, United Kingdom, Belgium, Netherlands, France, Switzerland, Germany, Austria and Poland, at selected Husqvarna pro-partners from the first quarter of 2022.

Husqvarna Enquiry 51

Wiedenmann UK dealers introduce the NEW STrac 700

turf to a maximum depth of 20 mm, leaving a perfectly flat and smooth surface ready to overseed. It is also ideal for removing bumps and undulations on goal mouths, tee boxes and gardens.

mechanically PTO driven and hydraulically lifted. They go forward at a decent walking speed of 6 km/hr and 4 km/hr if you go backwards.

Occasionally an ingeniously simple machine comes along which becomes instantly indispensable.

Welcome the Maredo STrac 700, a pedestrian power unit which supports four different groundcare operations – scarifying, aeration, seeding and fraise mowing with more to come.

The ‘access-all-areas’ STrac 700 is light, fast and versatile. Suddenly, even on difficult undulations, there is scope to provide uniformity of care and presentation across a whole site.

It can be used on all turf surfaces from bowling greens to full size pitches and for challenging areas like the collars of a golf course, or, where a tractor is too heavy.

Brought to you via your local Wiedenmann UK dealer, the STrac 700 has easy controls on the guiding handle and a set of inter-changeable heads. A very short turning radius means the rear wheels can adopt a variety of operating positions, while the tools connect effortlessly, cassette style.

Maredo offers four tool types each purchased separately with working widths of 65 cm:

• The ST200 Flex-Verticutter scarifies to 25 mm using carbide tipped blades with tool free adjustment. The blades counter rotate against the direction of travel so material is lifted tidily out the way rather than dragged into the slits.

• To relieve compaction down to 60 mm in stressed turf, the ST210 Vibe-Spike Aerator allows for expert following of undulations or making curves as required. Unlike conventional spike aerators, the spike tools vibrate to crack the soil, punching holes to let air and nutrients through.

• The ST170 FlexFrase-Mower targets problem areas by stripping off the top layer of

• Finally, the ST418 VibeDisc-Seeder head uses unique technology to plant the seed right where it should be and protect it against all kinds of outside influences. This is a slit seeder which can dose seed from 0 to -15 mm at as low as 2 g/m ² to 15 g / m². The seed box contains up to 6 kg of seed with disc seeder slit spacings at 42 mm. Coming soon is a new dimple seeder head which will create a pattern of dimples where the seeds will be placed.

Rob Hogarth, former Course Manager of Remedy Oak, the England top 100 club in Dorset, and now Regional Sales Manager of Fairways GM, has demonstrated the STrac units extensively since they arrived in the UK.

“Maredo has really thought these out,” he said. “Hydrostatic front wheel drive and 9 Hp mean they are manoeuvrable and fast. Whatever head you choose is

“The factory has more heads for more operations in development. The versatile size and carbide blades make the STrac 700 unlike anything else.”

Wiedenmann UK Enquiry 52

Manufactured

Just Click & Collect with John Deere

Ordering parts online has got a whole lot easier with the new John Deere Parts Click & Collect service.

Just visit partscatalog.deere.com, enter your machine’s model/ name or serial number and browse all available parts.

Then select and reserve them with one click and collect them at your dealer in a single visit... it really is that simple. During the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, the ability to be able to order parts via the internet has never been more relevant.

The updated John Deere Parts website is the new way for customers to find information about the parts you need, add them to a shopping cart and order them from your local dealership.

To get availability and price details in the online parts catalogue, you just need to select a dealer by entering your postcode; customer name and address details are only required once you proceed to the shopping cart to confirm and check out the order.

UltraGroomer cassettes satisfy players need for speed

Recording in the region of 4,000 rounds played every month, Southport’s Hillside Golf Club is a very busy course.

Tasked with balancing the expectations of the players with the sustainability of the Course is Links Manager Chris Ball – who is now conducting weekly passes with a set of UltraGroomer cassettes from the TMSystem to satisfy the golfers ‘need for speed’ without reducing heights of cut.

One of 12 maintenance cassettes from the TMSystem, the UltraGroomer features over 80 1.3mm tungsten tipped

blades,

and

New Dennis ES-860 gets Nice seal of approval

Scott Brooks, Grounds Manager at OGC Nice in France, believes that when it comes to batterypowered cylinder mowers, there is nothing that compares to the new Dennis ES-860.

Scott first started introducing battery-powered products into the operations at St George’s Park and claims that he was keen to continue embracing this technology in his new role.

Users of the Dennis G860 cylinder mower will no doubt see familiarities in the new ES-860.

This 34” battery powered turf management system delivers maximum versatility and the range of 13 interchangeable cassette options provide a solution to many day-to-day maintenance tasks such as

cutting, scarifying, brushing, slitting and verticutting. Furthermore, traditional G860 cassettes will also fit the ES860, meaning that customers will not have to purchase additional cassettes.

A robust LCD keypad screen is an integral feature of the handlebar console providing the operator with a multitude of information options including speed, clip rate, service checks, lifetime running reports and battery information.

“The battery life on the Dennis ES-860 is excellent,” continued Scott. “We were able to cut two pitches on one single charge, whereas we were struggling to complete one pitch with others. The charging capacity on them is incredible. For example, if

we have a big day ahead and everything is getting hand cut, then we know that we can bring the Dennis ES-860’s in at lunchtime and charge each of them for just twenty minutes. In this short amount

time, we know that we will get enough recharge in them to go back out and finish the job.

“Aside from battery power, I felt the Dennis ES-860 was a robust and solid unit that was ideal for continuously using on the training ground – it is an excellent piece of engineering.”

“The Dennis ES-860 is also so much easier to operate and the interchangeable cassette system is so simple to change cassettes.”

Dennis G860

Dennis Mowers Enquiry 57

John Deere Parts is designed to work across various platforms, including PC, laptop, tablet and smartphone, which is a major improvement over the old JDParts site.

John Deere Enquiry 55

spaced 5mm apart, to remove Poa, lateral growth and organic matter - enhancing the downward movement of oxygen, nutrients and moisture

making it more difficult for disease pathogens to take hold.

Infinicut Enquiry 56

Exciting developments continue at AS Motor

PSD Groundscare, the UK distributor for AS Motor, is delighted to offer a glimpse of several innovative, new machines from the AS Motor range including an exciting range of eco-friendly battery mowers, being introduced during 2022.

AS Motor have built an unrivalled reputation and core competence in the market of long grass and steep slopes mowing since it was founded back in 1959. The last 60 years has seen continued development in technological advancements and these new machines are no exception.

AS Motor announce the introduction of 2 new product lines - the AS 1000 Ovis

Remote Controlled tracked flail mower and a new range of Battery electric mowers capable for cutting long grass without compromising on performance.

The Colne-based organisation already boasts an impressive record for environmental awareness and over the past year has undertaken several new measures including investing in renewable energy, reducing energy consumption and CO2 emissions and helping improve air quality locally.

PSD Managing Director Chris Gibson said: “The expansion of the range of battery powered equipment with extended run times will provide our customers and dealers with high performance professional low noise machines that produce zero emissions and lower hand arm vibration.

“Meaning they’re a win-win for customers, operators and the environment that we can’t wait to get demonstrating to our customers.”

Groundscare Enquiry 59

Leicester City Football Club, last season’s FA Cup winners, is the latest organisation to appreciate the multiple benefits of Ventrac.

Delivered by local dealer, Farols, the package included a Ventrac 4500 all-terrain compact tractor in dual-wheel configuration, a Contour mowing deck, Trencher and Power Broom and will be used to maintain their new world-class training centre of at Seagrave in Leicestershire.

Following a demonstration earlier this year and with input from his team, John Ledwidge, Head of Sports Turf and Grounds at the Premier League club, specified the purchase.

He is an integral part of the team that has developed the worldclass training facility, where he oversees the management and development of the 180-acre site. This includes the equivalent of 14 turf pitches, synthetic

pitches, a 9-hole golf course and the world’s first dedicated Sports Turf Academy.

Commenting on the latest addition to the machinery fleet, he said: “The Contour deck helps us maintain the numerous banks and sloped areas around the complex, including ‘Mount Vardy’, the nickname we’ve given to a landscaped area of unused spoil from the original build.

“It is also used on the golf course where its articulated design prevents scalping. We’ve used the Trencher to insert drainage bands in some particularly wet areas of the golf course and the Power Broom does a great job on the pathways and carparks.

“It’s all about quality presentation and the versatility of the Ventrac helps us achieve the high standards demanded here.”

Price Turfcare Enquiry 60

Kubota M7132 treads lightly for ODS Parks

Seeking a tractor with ample power and weight to operate its equipment, yet still tread lightly enough to protect turf and playing surfaces, Oxfordbased ODS Parks opted for a Kubota M7132 supplied by George Browns.

That was almost three years ago, and with over 2,000 hours under its belt, the tractor has more than lived up to expectations.

As the contracting division of Oxford City Council, ODS carries out a wide variety of grounds maintenance works, and contracting, in and around the city of Oxford.

Within the team’s remit is the responsibility for 90 parks, and a further 1,000-acres of countryside sites, plus cemeteries and urban grass verges, so the team needed reliability, comfort and practicality.

Equipped with an LM2605 loader, Mr Dix says the tractor has to perform as an all-rounder, though ODS has no requirement for Premium spec or the stepless KVT transmission.

Equally advantageous is a 50km/h road speed.

Kubota

Enquiry 61

PSD

Canycom Samurai brushcutter range available now

An updated range of Canycom Samurai ride-on brushcutters are now available in the UK, including the Japanese manufacturer’s strongest and most powerful model.

Recently appointed UK Canycom distributor, Martin Pears Engineering Ltd, are now offering the 24HP CMX2406, in addition to 14HP and 22HP models.

All offer a unique shaft-driven design, AWD and aimed to meet various users’ needs, from smallholders to professionals.

Louise Pears, Director at South Devon based Martin Pears Engineering Ltd, said: “We’ve been successfully retailing Canycom brushcutters for over four years and believe there are no other mowers of this type that perform as impressively.

“From steep, dense and arduous terrain to everyday mowing jobs, the machines are extremely robust, tough and capable. Demonstrations can be arranged and delivery is available nationwide.”

Martin Pears Enquiry

Toro’s Reelmaster 3575-D engineered to decrease turf compaction

Toro’s Reelmaster 3575-D is the lightest available cylinder mower in its class, bringing an unrivalled lightness of cut to pitches, training grounds and academies.

Designed to be 20 percent lighter than traditional larger cylinder mowers, Toro’s Reelmaster 3575-D weighs just 2550lbs including the cutting units – that’s 500lbs less than comparable four-wheel mowers – to decrease turf compaction and bring a superior quality of cut even in wet conditions.

Not only that though, this machine has been designed with a front-to-back and side-to-side balance of weight to produce a low centre of gravity and has a large footprint, which, when combined with turf-friendly tyres, reduces turf damage.

Since its launch in 2019, football clubs like Manchester City have trusted the Reelmaster 3575-D to improve turf quality without

sacrificing productivity and they’ve taken fairway cutting at golf clubs to a new level, too.

Alastair Rowell, UK sales manager for turfcare equipment at Reesink Turfcare, the sole Toro distributor in the UK for golf and sports fields equipment, explains: “This machine was designed to bring more choice to the lightweight fairway mower market – in fact, you could say it revolutionised it, and it didn’t take groundscare customers long to realise that this would bring new benefits into their mowing of stadium pitches, training grounds, and academies too.

“The three-wheel drive system helps with the tight turns at the ends of the pitch and brings impressive traction to hilly cutting areas. The 100-inch width of cut means productivity comes as standard making light work of your cutting duties.”

Reesink Turfcare Enquiry 65

Second Jacobsen Eclipse 322 for northerly Brora GC

Brora GC in Sutherland has had twelve months like no other in its 130-year history.

In common with many golf clubs, last March, it experienced the lows of the pandemic and the harsh reality of a much-reduced income. Resourceful enterprise from within the club, saw Brora launch a local membership campaign which ended up with global interest.

Golfers from across the world rallied for the club that has Tom Watson, five times Open Champion, as an honorary member.

Astonishingly, membership climbed from 500 to 700, which took in over £280,000 and the online sales in the shop reeling in over £40,000.

“It was just great that our plea was heard, and we were so grateful for such instant response,” continued James MacBeath.

But more good news was to follow. In March this year, after a four year initiative, the club became the landowner of its own links. For just the small sum of £70,000, including a £20,000 grant from the Trustees of local Kilbraur Windfarm, it was able to purchase the land on which it stands, from landowners Sutherland Estates.

One of the upshots of a little more financial stability and an increased membership, was to bring in some additional equipment. While decisive about the machine required, the financial ups and downs meant it was essential to secure excellent terms. James MacBeath, in conversation with his opposite number, Muir Ross, at neighbouring Golspie GC, found out that both clubs wanted a Jacobsen Eclipse 322 greens mower in the same timescales, from dealer Fairways GM at Inverness.

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Wet or dry grass, long or short, collect or mulch, the PH 1250 and PH 1500 models take it all in their stride.

And it’s that flexibility that sets the Profihopper apart from the crowd.

The sharpened wing blades on the horizontal SmartCut rotor cleanly cut and shred the grass before conveying it via the cross auger on to that unique second vertical auger to be packed into the collection hopper - meaning less time emptying and more time mowing. To add to that versatility, the sward is rolled after cutting and scarifying comes as standard.

The more than adequate power is provided by engines that are already Stage V Exhaust emission compliant and require no AdBlue.

Don’t compromise - choose the machine that comes with more compaction built-in for maximum work rates and less emptying.

Contact the Amazone Team on: 01302 755 725.

Jacobsen Enquiry 66

Less labour, less time and no waste with new line marker for university

benefits with the new model,” says Les, who has worked at the University complex for over 40 years.

“One of the best things about it is that our groundsmen can walk at different speeds and still get the same even application and this is down to the variable speed pressure control.

successful trial, on account of its new innovative features.

“It’s simple, it’s quick to use, and there are two marked

Class act at Hartpury University and Hartpury College

“We also don’t have to premix the paint, because it comes ready mixed and it holds a 10 litre drum, recirculating it around the system for mixing.

“This results in less spillage and less water used as all we have to

do is put it in the drum, shake it and off we go,” says Les.

The Ranger can also be used with Fleet’s range of concentrated paints in 10 or 12.5 litre drums.

The University of South Wales Sports Park is a 30-acre site, with four football pitches, two rugby fi elds and mini football pitches, as well as one of the biggest rubber crumb 3G artificial pitches in the UK.

“We have plenty of footfall from University students and international professional teams and we therefore need

line markings which are quick to apply and paint that’s durable,” says Les. “The Fleet paint can last over two weeks on turf without over marking,” adds Les.

Iain McGuffie, owner of Fleet Line Markers, leading manufacturer of line marking equipment and the largest producer of line-marking paint in the UK, says the new Kombi

Ranger was engineered with the user in mind, designed from customer feedback.

“It has a 24-volt battery, which is easily removed for charging on a docking station, meaning there is no need to take the machine to the charge point, just the battery!”

Fleet Line Markers Enquiry 68

Rigby Taylor’s fully autonomous, robotic TinyLineMarker (TLM) Pro has proved to be a “big time saver” for the grounds team at Hartpury University and Hartpury College 360-hectacre, campus, according to Grounds and Sports Maintenance Manager Matthew Newman.

He oversees the grounds maintenance of the facility’s multi-million-pound outdoor sports facilities - used by students, as well as Premiership RFU side Gloucester Rugby, Gloucester-Hartpury Women’s RFC, Hartpury University RFC and the university football club. Mathew was introduced to the TLM Pro when discussing pitch line-marking time management issues with Rigby Taylor’s Technical Sales Manager, Simon Hughes.

“There’s probably not a single day when a line marker is not being used by my college team,” Matthew explains. “We normally pitch prep on a Monday and Tuesday for university and college mid-week fixtures, Gloucester Rugby trains on the same day, Thursday’s a repair day and on Friday we prep for the weekend fixtures.

“It normally took two members of staff one and a half hours to each mark a pitch, when Simon suggested I try the TLM Pro to help me free up the team members’ time to do other tasks.”

The onsite demonstration included a run through of the robot’s functions, GPS technology and step-by-step guide on how to create pitch templates - via the App and supplied Samsung Galaxy tablet.

Two interchangeable batteries provide up to 10 hours spraying time, without re-charging. The demonstration took place on one of Hartpury’s full-sized sports pitches and was completed in just 20 minutes - within an accuracy of 5-10mm.

Matthew was so impressed, he decided to invest in the machine there and then and says it immediately proved to be a massive time saver for the team. “Our sports pitches are adjacent to each other so we can now cut and roll one pitch, put the TLM Pro on to mark and then cut and roll the adjacent pitch while it’s doing its job,” he added.

Les Gibbs, Grounds Manager at the University of South Wales Sports Park has recently invested in a new Kombi Ranger line marker after a

Rigby Taylor Enquiry 69

Pitchmark shines bright at Euro2020

Pitchmark’s products have once again taken centre stage this summer as they are being used at another international tournament, the 2020 UEFA European Football Championship.

This follows previous success of supplying products to every stadium at the FIFA World Cup Brazil 2014 and EUR0 2016 France, highlighting the major impact that the organisation is having on the sports turf and amenity industry.

From Wembley Stadium to the Puskás Aréna, Pitchmark’s range of line marking machines – including the unique Hybrid spray marker – has been praised by grounds staff and spectators throughout the tournament.

Handmade at their HQ in Bristol, the innovative Hybrid design incorporates the proven spray system from their Eco range, as well as the manoeuvrability of a wheel-to-wheel marker.

Pitchmark’s products have also been seen at other venues during EURO 2020 including the Classic line marker at the Johan Cruyff Arena in Amsterdam and the Estadio La Cartuja in Seville.

In addition to Pitchmark’s international success, the Bristolbased company has seen its products used week in, week out across the Football League, Premier League, and Champions League at stadiums such as Le Parc des Princes in Paris and The King Power Stadium in Leicester.

Pitchmark Enquiry 72

Vitax goes virtual with latest brochure

Vitax Amenity has launched its first ever e-brochure to meet the growing demand for in-depth product information which can be easily downloaded and accessed at the touch of a button.

Providing specialist products for sport and amenity turf both in the UK and overseas, Vitax Amenity can provide a comprehensive range of line marking machines and paints for a wide range of sports and playing surfaces.

Notts Forest mark every line with the Turf Tank One

Grounds Manager Ewan Hunter and Academy Head Groundsman Matt Tietjen to let it leave the site.

“I was very, very impressed. Obviously, I had never seen it before, and as soon as it started marking out, I was like, wow, this is brilliant,” Matt begins. “It’s very, very accurate, and every time it goes out, it’s spot on. It saves us a hell of a lot of time. To mark one pitch, it would take myself or two of my staff an hour, an hour and a half to two hours. But obviously, with the Turf Tank to mark one pitch alone, it takes 20 to 25 minutes.

reasonably good with technology, it’s very, very simple to use, and the programme is very straight forward. I’m not particularly brilliant with technology, but it takes five minutes to set it up, and then you can go and do other jobs while it marks out.

Adding the Turf Tank One to their team initially relieved pressure during a busy time, but the benefits of saving time, being able to work while the robot marks and the accuracy of the lines have all been vital during another packed season.

Since their Turf Tank One arrived at the Nigel Doughty Academy, Nottingham Forest Football Club has marked every pitch and grid they have with the GPS line marking robot.

The club’s interest in the Turf Tank One began at the end of a hectic 2019/20 Championship

season when a high volume of games were played before a short renovation window led straight into the 2020/21 season. With initially marking the pitches taking two or three days, the Turf Tank was brought in to mark everything comfortably within one. And after seeing it in action, it was difficult for

“Another factor for us is it allows our staff to carry on with the other jobs that need to be done, and the machine can basically look after itself. Generally, we’d use five to six litres of paint to mark a pitch, but with the Turf Tank, we probably use four litres. If you are able to use a tablet or are

Using the Turf Tank tablet, custom grids are regularly overmarked within pitches, as well as custom goalkeeping areas and other pitch markings. This is just another reason why the robot has worked so well at Forest, but for Ewan, it’s the accuracy that really impresses.

Turf Tank Enquiry 74

Carl Welsh, Vitax’s managing director, says: “Vitax has developed its online presence over the past few years and the decision to produce an e-brochure supports a significant shift in how the business is adapting to working with customers. The creation of the e-brochure is the next step in making all products readily accessible to everyone in the industry.”

Amenity Enquiry 73

Quality line marking paint

Sports-Cote GMC Premium Line Marking Paint is available from Promain and is a high quality product designed for marking lines on grass sports pitches, especially good on muddy pitches and is ideal for use with Spray Machines or Line Marking machines to produce accurate markings.

Sports-Cote GMC Premium Line Marking Paint is best used for applying the edges and aspects to football and rugby pitches on playing prepared grass surfaces.

Sports-Cote GMC Premium Line Marking Paint is a white paint, although colourants may be added to provide black, orange, yellow, green and blue finishes.

Sports-Cote GMC Premium Line Marking Paint comes in a 12.5 litre container that when diluted with 4:1 ratio with water, can coat up to 3 whole football pitches using a line marking machine or spray machine.

Promain Enquiry 76

Vitax