Professional Groundscare June/July 2020

SALTEX to reschedule to March 2021

SALTEX in November 2020 will result in a much stronger show in Spring 2021.

“The new date will enable even more people to visit and celebrate the innovation, technology and the passion that the grounds industry represents – including excellent networking opportunities, as well as focussing on new business needs.”

The GMA believes that holding the 75th SALTEX on 3 and 4 March 2021 will help all companies get the respite required to readjust to changing professional and personal circumstances. The organisation understands the impact of Covid-19 for many businesses and individuals within the grounds management industry.

In light of continued restrictions surrounding mass gatherings, combined with the unprecedented impact on all of us from Covid19, the Grounds Management Association’s (GMA) Board of Directors has taken the unanimous decision to move SALTEX to early Spring 2021.

This outcome has been guided by discussions with key industry bodies, as well as exhibitors. Like everyone else, the GMA has continued to follow Government guidance, and the science

involved, to guide its business during this unprecedented time. Despite early optimism, a decision has been made to move the exhibition to March 2021 – taking into account the best interests of all parties involved.

By acting now, it gives the sector an opportunity to re-group and recover ahead of the next trade show. SALTEX will be now held on 3 and 4 March 2021, and the GMA is also realigning the following year so that SALTEX runs in Spring 2022.

The GMA’s decision is based on ensuring the safety of everyone connected with such an event. The association believes this is the most responsible course of action – given current circumstances.

Speaking about the announcement David Carpenter, Independent Chair of the GMA stated: “We would like to reassure our community that personal wellbeing remains our top priority. It is a case of mixed concerns at the moment, but I am hugely optimistic because I believe that the rescheduling of

Geoff Webb, CEO at the GMA said: “This has been a difficult decision to make, and I hope all our exhibitors join forces with us to mark a return to more ordinary working conditions in the not too distant future. Professional and personal lives have been placed on hold, and that in turn will have a knock-on effect. We want to help ease that load at the moment.

“We’ve seen the grounds community come together and adapt during this challenging period, and we hope that exhibitors help us host something beyond a trade show - a celebration of what our industry can overcome when working together.”

SALTEX

Geoff Webb continues: “Next year, the event will provide a huge opportunity for our sector to regroup, reunite and celebrate. After this difficult period, the show will help to rekindle the economic activity of the industry. Until then, all our thoughts and support are with those facing the challenges posed by the spread of Coronavirus.”

GMA is pleased to be able to honour all existing bookings and has also secured the same halls at the NEC to minimise disruption for exhibitors. It is also in the process of contacting exhibitors with new payment terms, with later dates, and it is also working with companies that may require further assistance during this challenging period.

The GMA and its SALTEX partners are working closely together to assist businesses with the transition.

Golf Environment Awards 2021 are open for business Look for the Standard

Golf clubs and greenkeepers around Europe are invited to apply for the Golf Environment Awards 2021.

The GEAs recognise those in the golf industry that are breaking the mould and highlighting the wideranging environmental benefits of golf. Entrants may apply for awards in four categories –Environmental Golf Course of the Year, Conservation Greenkeeper of the Year, Outstanding Environmental Project of the Year and Operation Pollinator.

This year we are excited to announce that, for the first time, a panel of judges, selected from across the golf industry, will

choose the winners from this year’s entrants. We are also pleased to introduce a new prize.

A £750 grant will be awarded to each winner to invest into environmental and ecological projects at the club.

We encourage all clubs, however big or small, to enter. Entry is free and each entrant will be assessed upon their own merits. A shortlist of finalists will be chosen from categories’ entrants and each will receive a visit from an STRI consultant who will perform an onsite ecological and environmental assessment, using current social distancing advice from the government in relation to Covid-19.

Applications are being accepted up to midnight on 7 August 2020 to give entrants additional time to put together an application during the current pandemic. Senior environment consultant, Sophie Olejnik, said: “We are so excited to be launching the 2021 Golf Environment Awards and, despite current circumstances, we want to remain positive and celebrate all that is good in golf.

“We hope that the addition of our new judging panel and prizes will entice more of you to enter and be part of the Golf Environment Awards family.”

Golf Environment Awards

Following its launch, the Amenity Standard is receiving widespread and enthusiastic support from all sides of the amenity sector and is already being incorporated into tender documents and specifications going forward.

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

The key reason for introducing this UK wide standard is to

provide assurance to the public and all users of an amenity space. Displaying and holding the Standard means that the organisation and individuals undertaking the operations are members of an approved assurance scheme. The assurance scheme is audited fully before being recognised by the Amenity Standard.

Holding the Standard demonstrates that all the work undertaken is of the highest professional level and meets all legislative requirements and fully follows the code of practice and good practice guidance.

Amenity Standard

The big three questions

Mark Harrod has identified the three main questions for when you are sourcing football equipment. Firstly, is your equipment Made in Britain? In order to ensure you receive high quality, safe equipment that will last for years and you are able to gain easy access to after sales service and spares, equipment manufactured in Britain is a great place to start.

Secondly, is your supplier a member of SAPCA (the trade body that ensure specialist companies deliver consistent quality and service to the sports construction sector). Always check your supplier is a SAPCA member.

Thirdly, is the equipment Football Foundation approved? The Football Foundation only approves suppliers that show the highest regard for safety, quality and value.

Mark Harrod

Goals and equipment for Football, Hockey, Rugby plus many other sports...

Reesink still delivering customers what they need

The UK is entering its third month of lockdown and throughout Reesink UK has been focussed on delivering the best possible service to its customers in these unprecedented times.

Here we talk to Michael Hampton, Reesink’s parts manager about delivering its UK customers what they need when they need it: “Of course the situation is far from normal, but what we have here at Reesink is a new normal. One which we’re delighted to say is working.

“Customers should not have noticed any difference with regards to parts ordering and support. We have a complete range of all items in stock and we’re still able to have orders ready for dispatch in ample time for delivery within 24 hours to our customers.

“We have experienced some issues with our carriers, but those problems were expected, we had a contingency and they didn’t last long. So far we have been able to deliver our customers’ requirements whether that’s delivering to their location or via non-contact collection.”

Michael says most orders pertain to maintenance and repair work: “The majority of our orders are

for repair work to keep essential equipment operational and working safely. Contacting us for genuine spare parts is the same as it always was for customers. Emails, phone and internet are all running as usual and there have been no delays to responding to our customers’ enquiries.”

Reesink, who is the UK distributor for Toro golf and sports fields equipment, grounds machinery, irrigation products and genuine Toro Parts, among many, has been continually impressed –and thankful – throughout these weeks of lockdown for the people working tirelessly throughout the entire supply system that has meant it’s seemingly business as usual for its customers. Michael concludes: “Maintaining business as usual in these unprecedented times takes a village and everyone has stepped up to continue delivering the kind of reassurance the company strives to give customers lockdown or not and that’s minimum downtime, maximum productivity and more customer service.”

Reesink is open for business and teams in the service centres, warehouses and across the supply chain are working tirelessly to deliver parts for customers.

Reesink Turfcare

Intelligent One change name to US brand title Turf Tank

Industry leading robotic line marking company, Intelligent One, has changed their name to the US brand title, Turf Tank. Until now, the company has been operating under Intelligent Marking everywhere outside of the United States.

The decision has been made to bring the company together as one, and this merge will also see the renaming of the GPS line marker which will now be known as the Turf Tank One. This has been one of many positive developments at the Danish company along with the appointment of new CEO Olav Jørgensen and COO Morten Kaalund.

The company are also happy to announce the launch of the latest software update

that delivers much-requested features as well as improving both usability and reliability. This begins with the update process itself, which can now be done straight from the tablet.

When a newly updated tablet connects to a robot with an older software version, it will update the robot with the push a button.

Other major features of the 1.5 update include setting flags/ points right from the tip of the nozzle, being able to rotate a field around its centre or in discrete steps (1/45/90 degree increments etc.), moving the field by pushing buttons next to the edge of the field itself and a new ‘select shape’ dialogue that makes browsing through route plans more intuitive.

Turf Tank

"Parks and green spaces is an important element of Edinburgh. If we can free up what limited resources we have to look after the borders and plants, it's a winner for everybody because the borders are clean and the grass is still getting cut. It keeps it to a standard that we couldn't keep before”. - Edinburgh City Council For more information and to locate your local

The current weather conditions means great stress is placed upon natural grass surfaces and the environmental landscape.

A Rain Bird irrigation system is an insurance policy to protect the investment made in a soft landscaping during periods of dry weather.

We’re not necessarily talking about 3 months with no rain; if a plant is without water for even a week it can suffer.

A good irrigation system allows plants to flourish during the summer, maximising their growth and vigour. Children can play on lawns that are soft and lush, while and garden plants grow bigger every week to fill those initial gaps.

GGM Groundscare has reported a surge in enquiries from golf clubs, together with its first fleet order since the Government’s recent announcement that clubs are able to reopen.

Since lockdown restrictions started to ease, GGM have received a number of calls from golf clubs who are keen to improve their playing surfaces for all their members, and invest in new Baroness equipment.

Baroness demonstrates Japanese excellence at its best, offering a comprehensive range of fineturf machinery solutions with exceptional cutting performance. From pedestrian greens mowers to five gang fairway mowers the extensive range has been manufactured to offer a quality finish, low cost of ownership, simplicity and ease of use.

Blundell’s School in Tiverton, Devon, has a renowned and solid reputation for educating and preparing students for their role in life.

An important part of the school curriculum revolves around sport and Blundell’s boasts some nine cricket squares, ten rugby pitches and five football fields.

Maintaining these facilities to the highest standards is Head Groundsman Graham Cox with his team of eight professional ground staff including two gardeners for the gardens and formal lawns.

Commented Graham Cox, Head Groundsman: “The school management team at Blundell’s understands and appreciates the need for investment in quality equipment to enable us to provide the very best grounds and sports facilities for our pupils.”

Blundell’s School recently took delivery of two new Iseki TG6495 50hp compact tractors and a Major 4m Swift trailed roller mower. “We chose what we consider the best for our purposes - not necessarily the cheapest, but equipment that gives greater performance and efficiencies,” explained Graham.

“We liked that the Swift came with a three-year guarantee and was gear-driven, meaning there were no belts that would need adjusting.”

The Major Swift is a 4m trailed roller mower that folds to a neat 2.4m for transport.

It is constructed using highperformance Strenx 700 MC structural steel, which is lighter but stronger than ordinary steel.

The reduced weight minimises ground compaction and fits to a wider range of compact tractors.

Rollers at the front and rear of the cutting deck means that it leaves a clear striped finish in all

conditions from its six cutting rotors and twelve cutting blades.

“This year, even with the wet conditions, we have been able to get onto the grass, six to eight weeks earlier than historically because of the Swift being lighter and trailed - so there’s another big advantage for us.

“The Swift gives us a really high quality finish, pretty much the same as you would get from a cylinder mower, but without the maintenance and high repair costs,” concluded Graham.

Major Equipment

Sports turf and land drainage contractors, AMS Contracting, needed a secondary drainage machine that could work at 1m and 0.5 spacings and got that and more with the Koro TopDrain 1000, supplied through Campey Turf Care Systems.

Secondary drainage is a relatively quick and affordable drainage solution that can be implemented with minimal disruption to a surface. As the TopDrain creates open channels up to 260mm in

depth to the primary drainage, it can be an extremely important tool for pitches because it offers a quick response to rainfall which often reduces postponements or areas being unusable. The TopDrain provides a complete one-pass surface drainage system. It trenches, removes spoil and injects sand before re-compacting the surface in one pass. Campey

GGM Groundscare

Rigby Taylor

Agronomic Services appointed to distribute Ninja and Samurai tines

at any time of the year due the minimal disruption to the greens. Also, micro core tines are great to use when over seeding.

Due to the design and dimensions, Ninja and Samurai tines fit into Toro and John Deere quad blocks. The aim is to remove the top 20-50mm of organic matter/thatch.

Combining scarifying and sand-filling to help achieve perfection from tee to green

GKB Machines, the company behind sustainable, reliable and robust maintenance machinery for natural, synthetic and hybrid turf are offering the possibility to remove organic matter and sand-fill in just one simple and efficient operation, thanks to the GKB Sandfiller.

a unique paddle attachment create wind to lift the removed material off the surface. Offering different thicknesses of 2, 3 and 4mm blades depending on the amount of organic matter that is needing to be removed and sand to be injected.

Agronomic

Named after the Ninja as there is virtually no disturbance to play, as the core diameter of these tines is only 4mm.

Simply tine, blow, roll and play can commence, saving time and money. This is a viable alternative to aggressive coring. Machined using a single piece of finest steel which offers reliability, longevity, and strength, just like a Samurai sword.

Micro Core is important as it removes organic matter/thatch. This will allow the turf to expand, so this creates aeration into the surface, with all of the benefits of aeration. Micro Coring produces a firm putting surface and also reduces the onset of dry patch.

In addition, there is minimal disruption when using a micro core tine such a Ninja or Samurai.

Micro coring usually takes place in Spring and late summer. The specific design of Ninja and Samurai micro core tines has the advantage of immediate playability, they can be used

The process is very simple, tine, followed by blowing, mowing, rolling and the minimal disruption of the surface ensures players can immediately enjoy the golf greens. Green keeping with the stealth of a Ninja!

This is much more efficient, for manpower and due to the quality of the steel typically lasting up to two hectares it is cost effective for the Course Manager. This is a viable alternative to aggressive coring which is much more stressful to the plant and requires a significant recovery time.

Agronomic Services

Understanding the primary target and aspiration of greenkeepers is to achieve perfection from tee to green, the GKB Sandfiller helps fulfil this aspiration. Combining scarifying and sand-filling in one hassle free operation, this impressive machine takes a 6-person job and allows this working method to be executed by one person. Scarifying and sandfilling in this way means the surface always remains stable and improves the drainage system.

From the foundations of the reliable and much-praised GKB Combinator, the GKB Sandfiller encompasses its robust and effectiveness to provide the ultimate renovation tool. The GKB Sandfiller features a slitting rotor which is provided with carbide scarifying blades, these blades and

Dennis G860 integral for Notts County FC

Matthew Hallam, head groundsman at Notts County FC, claims that the versatile Dennis G860 cylinder mower has been a saving grace after they were unable to carry out end of season renovations.

Despite being unable to strip the top off the surface and remove vegetation, Matthew has done a remarkable job in keeping the pitch in a superb condition all season. With the odds stacked against him, regular maintenance has been key and Matthew claims that the Dennis G860 has been integral to the cause.

“With us not being able to carry out the work, the Dennis G860 has really helped us,” he says. “We have the Spring Tine Rake, the Verti-Cutter, the Brush, and the 8 Bladed Cylinder – so it is like a fourin-one maintenance machine.

“In the summer, we were verticutting as much as we could because we knew we had a thatch issue, and since then we have constantly brushed the pitch and raked the algae off the top of the surface. It has been a brilliant bit of kit for us and if we didn’t have the G860 then these problems would only have intensified.”

As Matthew says, the Dennis G860 features an interchangeable cassette system to assist with a wide range of tasks such as including scarifying, verticutting, brushing, spiking, and slitting. Lightweight at just 166kg; it is easy to manoeuvre and comfortable to operate. The handlebar console houses the controls for - throttle, parking brake, roller drive and cutting cylinder drive.

The mower 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 finish it provides is nothing short of excellent,” he continues. “With the G860 we cut to 25mm in the summer and from October time we will raise it to 26mm-27mm. When winter arrives, we will raise it to 28mm and will stay at that cutting height until Aprildepending on the weather.

“It’s very easy to use and it takes no time at all to take the cassettes in and out. We have tried other machines and we just feel that the Dennis G860 is the best on the market.”

The 1.2 metre working width of the machine allows jobs to be carried out quickly and efficiently with sand being injected every 4cms’ by the sand coulters.

The scarifying blades allow the removal of organic matter up to a depth of 4cm and the sideways-tipping hopper enables the immediate removal of the scarified material. Consequently, there’s no need to remove excess material from the surface. Once the hopper has been emptied, simply refill the separate sand hopper with drainage sand.

Dennis G860

Services announce the distribution of the top-quality Ninja and Samurai tines.

GKB Machines

Dennis

The 4GCS is a versatile pitch maintenance system

A single pass with SCH Supplies Ltd’s 4GCS allows up to four operations to be carried out simultaneously, including surface aeration, dethatching, brushing and rolling, which when combined together, enable groundsmen to prepare and maintain the pitch to a high standard, in very little time.

It is an ideal unit for general pitch grooming/maintenance on both sports fields and fine turf. The star shaped slitters pierce the surface, slicing roots and breaking up the soil to increase drainage and promote root growth.

he brush and rake tines tickle over the surface to remove thatch and enhance the quality and appearance of the area. The rear roller firms up the surface and gives that much sought after striping.

A weight tray is incorporated in the design which gives the option to add top weight to vary the penetration depth of the slitters.

All three tools can be adjusted by individual screw jacks for depth and pressure, and the side wheels can be lowered to easily transport the equipment when not on the pitch.

The 4GCS connects to any tractor with a 3-point-linkage, and the four attachments can be arranged in any order and can be lifted out of use when not required.

The single pass on the tractor reduces the amount of mud being churned up by the wheels. A specially shaped aerator star attachment can be fitted, which breaks up the surface to a greater extent than the slitter stars.

The deterioration of pitch quality over the rainy season forces many clubs to postpone, cancel, and reduce the number of games played. The improved drainage from the 4GCS will keep the mud at bay, and helps keep revenue coming into clubs.

Has the grass got away from you during lockdown?

Now that the lockdown measures have been eased somewhat, it’s time to get on top of the grass that may have gotten away from you since the beginning of spring.

One of the issues as a result of the pandemic is that contractors have had to restrict their grass cutting programmes. As result they are now faced with the challenge of cutting longer grass, so it’s worth looking at the Ventrac 4500 and Tough Cut deck combination.

The Tough Cut deck is frontmounted and excels when knocking down and mulching vegetation in large overgrown areas. Visibility of the deck is excellent and the manoeuvrability of the tractor unit, with its articulating and pivoting FlexFrame, allows it to work effectively on uneven ground.

Idverde has been responsible for Northampton Borough Council’s green spaces since winning the contract back in the summer of 2018.

Angus Lindsay, Group Head of Assets and Fleet says, “At the start the green spaces were a challenge. Long grass, especially in public spaces, is difficult to get back into specifi cation when neglected, but the Ventrac with its Tough Cut deck certainly helped us get on top of the job quickly.

“In my opinion, this deck is a good as a fl ail, if not better. Without a doubt it’s a very good, reliable and robust combination, which has proved ideal for this contract.”

Price Turfcare

From ‘start to finish’ with Toro

With Toro’s newly designed arsenal of pedestrian mowers, contractors and professionals will always find the perfect machine.

The new Toro ® Mid-Size Proline Mowers range has 91cm (36in) and 122cm (48in) cutting widths and mowers are loaded with commercial-grade features to help professional contractors’ step-up productivity.

Also available is the HoverPro ® range, offering the

perfect solution for mowing tough, uneven ground and steep slopes.

And for a machine that will cover more ground in less time, try the Toro TurfMaster™. With an impressive and highly productive 76cm (30 in) deck, it’s built for heavy-duty use in rough conditions, but remains easy to use and control.

Toro

SCH Supplies

Flail mowers could help speed groundscare’s post pandemic recovery

Post Covid-19, the focus will turn to achieving normality across the UK and local authorities and contractors will find themselves having to tackle large areas of growth that have had minimal maintenance.

Simon Richard, UK Agent for the Muthing rotary flail range, says: “I would suggest a large part of the solution is to reassess the machinery fleet in terms of value, performance and functionality.

“The general public will continue to demand a reasonable level of open space maintenance in return for their taxes and the ability of local authorities to achieve the two objectives of delivering cut quality at less frequent intervals

will be greatly increased by taking the decision to raise the number of fl ail mowers, as a percentage of their ground care machinery stock.

“Not only do rotaries and flail mowers generally cost less to purchase, but they also cost less to maintain, particularly grinding the cylinders and adjusting the bottom blade.

Added to this is the growing trend to leave the grass longer between cuts.

“The quality of cut afforded by flail mowers has increased so dramatically over the years that these machines are no longer kept purely for rough areas. Smaller, lightweight versions are also finding employment on a wide range of sports turf surfaces.”

So what are the benefits afforded by the flail mower when compared to their cylinder counterpart?

Where side debris is concerned the flail mower will not grab and throw debris to the left or right sides of the mower during cutting, making it extremely useful for cutting areas such as streets and close to buildings.

The flail mower cuts the grass in a very distinctive way and the finished appearance will usually take on a striped appearance similar to a cylinder mower.

The flail is an extremely versatile piece of equipment and has the capability to tick a number of municipal task boxes, such as offering a rough, fine or smooth

cut finish, the latter being particularly suited to golf courses or football playing surface work.

The capital cost of a ride-on with a flail is significantly lower than that of a cylinder mower and this, together with reduced maintenance costs, has a significant bearing on the annual hire costs for customers.

There has been an upsurge in interest in flail mowers as the efficient and safe solution, with regard to delivering a reduction in ‘foreign object throw’ issues.

Muthing are alone in having independent testing by TUV Nord, an accredited certification body, who confirm their products provide for the safety of both operator and other people within the operating area of the mower deck.

Muthing safety clearances are reduced to 8 metres to the front or rear of their MU-FM 140/160 flails, two metres to the side and no higher than 600cm, an industry leader by some considerable distance.

Driven by financial constraints, a reduction in frequency of cuts per year, possibly in the order of fifty per cent, will inevitably result in the need for grass to be cut when both longer and wet.

The flail is far more effective and efficient in longer wet grass conditions as the discharge area reaches the full width of the machine.

Perhaps the main claim of the flail option is the ability to deliver very acceptable surfaces in all grass conditions and at a fraction of the cost of the alternatives.

Trust Toro genuine parts when it’s time to work again

Toro parts UK distributor Reesink Turfcare has some advice for grounds teams preparing their machines for work – choose your bottom blades carefully.

Michael Hampton, parts manager at Reesink, says: “Bottom blades can be an area where buyers decide to cut corners, choosing an inferior, spurious part in order to save money, but that doesn’t make long-term sense when you have a Toro machine and short-term that could be even worse.

“You need to be sure your machine can go out there and deal with potentially months of uncut grass effectively, with ease, delivering the best possible finish when there’s lots to do and you don’t want to be relying on ‘will fit’ parts for that.”

Well-maintained bottom blades are vital in producing a quality cut and genuine Toro bottom blades are the best there are, outperforming ‘will fit’ inferior quality parts.

Research at Toro headquarters in America proves this point.

In tests focused on many physical characteristics, in particular the flatness of the blade and positioning of the chamfered mounting holes, results showed that unbranded bottom blades failed in over 50 percent of Toro’s quality specification standards.

Michael continues: “Grounds fleets will be put through their paces when the time comes to start cutting more areas, or more frequently, again. Not only will it be high season but there’s likely a lot of backlog to deal with. The last thing the team needs are delays dealing with worn, damaged or blunted bottom blades or wasted time waiting for replacement parts.”

Reesink is still open for business and teams in our service centres, warehouses and across our supply chain are working tirelessly to deliver parts for our customers.

Toro

Simon Richard

Rising to the challenge of maintaining surfaces during unprecedented times

for industry professionals on the best ways to return to some sort of normality.

Nick Darking of Charterhouse Turf Machinery says, “While the fundamentals of turf maintenance such as mowing and aeration will have largely been able to continue for many, the restrictions around ‘essential maintenance’ will have impacted on when and how this will have been conducted. One result of the reduced levels of surface agitation could be a build-up of organic matter.

“Thorough scarification can also make the turf less susceptible to pests and, as we progress towards the wetter autumn months, improve the resilience to disease occurrence.

With time still of the essence for many, the Turf Tidy is a versatile machine that combines dethatching, flail cutting or sweeping with collection. It is designed with a fully floating head that follows the grounds’ contours ensuring clean and even pick-up of clippings, thatch and other debris.

“If thatch accumulations are present, the 80+ tungsten carbide tipped blades of the UltraGroomer will effectively remove thatch and lateral growth to keep the sward open. The UltraGroomer can also help to reduce the ingress of Poa annua by removing seed heads and individual plants before they get a chance to take hold.”

Restrictions on mowing frequency have seen many Turf Managers turn to chemical methods of regulating growth, points out Andy Russell of Headland Amenity.

There is nothing in the various manuals, guidebooks, advice leaflets and in the pearls of wisdom handed down over the years that would help the industry prepare for and react to a global pandemic.

After the events of 2020 there is probably plenty of new guides and updated advice being prepared even as you read this.

The industry as a whole has responded in typically

professional fashion to the Covid19 crisis and has reacted the best it could to the initial lockdown and subsequent easing of restrictions.

We asked a few key manufacturers for their top tips

“Coming out of a more dormant period we would look to encourage scarification and verti-cutting to remove any dead or decaying matter, as well as rid the surface of any debris. ‘Cleaning’ the turf can encourage stronger, healthier growth and make the results of any overseeding or chemical applications more effective.

“For quick and easy scarification, the Verti-Cut 1300 is available in trailed format - fitted with 2mm carbide tipped knives for a clean cut down to depths of 25mm when conditions allow. For larger areas, the Verti-Rake decompacts the surface using thin spring-loaded, flexible tines to ‘scratch’ between the turf blades and loosen any thatch. As well as improving the health of a playing surface, the Verti-Rake can also be used to create an ideal seed bed before overseeding.”

Vinny Tarbox of MTD Specialty Turf Products said it is important to ensure that any mechanical practices carried out keeps plant stress to a minimum.

“This will put Turf Managers in the best position to avoid damaging and costly disease outbreaks further down the line,” he added.

“Plant Growth Regulators (PGR’s) such as Clipless NT, effectively limit the production of gibberellic acid – the plant hormone responsible for cell elongation. By lowering levels of the hormone within the plant leaf, Clipless NT helps reduce cell elongation and vertical growth and, instead, redirects the energy within the

“Mowing has been - and will continue to be – one of the most frequently employed tasks over this period and so, making small changes to your mowing programme can have a big impact on plant health. As we begin to experience the hotter, drier days, one should consider raising heights of cut and/or incorporating alternatives to mowing – such as brushing – into the programme, to reduce stress.

“We have seen this a lot over the last few weeks, particularly in Football, with tools such as the PowerBrush or TurfClean being used to maintain appearance while mowing is not essential. When you are mowing, it is good practice to keep your machine well maintained and ensure blades are sharp to cut plants cleanly, and not tear or shred them, increasingly vulnerability to disease.

“Alongside mowing, Turf Managers will also be wanting to open surfaces up to maximise the benefits of any rainfall or treatment applications. The SarelRoller from our TMSystem cassette range helps to improve filtration rates and gaseous exchange into the upper rootzone by preventing surface sealing.

plant to generate enhanced root development and lateral growth.

“In its simplest capacity, it can contribute towards a stronger, healthier sward that requires less frequent mowing and one that is more able to withstand various types of turf stress. As these restrictions begin to ease, we should not look to increase stress on the grass plant, by unnecessarily rushing to apply too many different treatments. As time goes on however, turf managers can look to maximise the efficiency of spray applications of a PGR by safely introducing fertilisers and/or iron liquids into the tank mix.

“A cost-effective spring/summer feed without excessive clippings generation would combine Clipless NT with XTEND® 460-0, providing around 5-10kg N/ Ha, alongside Elevate Fe liquid iron formulation to boost colour. With the drier months ahead of us, TriCure AD can also be combined with the XTEND/Elevate mix, helping to prevent hydrophobic conditions by retaining available moisture in the soil profile.

“Maximising the benefits for plant health and playability with a single tank-mix application can save both time and money.”

Top of the line service from Turfix

Fleet’s rainbow adds colour to Worcestershire communities

As well as being 100 metres from one end to the other, below the net arc of the rainbow, Fleet painted the VE Day logo set on top of a Union Jack flag.

Turfix Services - part of The Pitchmark Group and sister company of Turfix - is offering a nationwide line marking service.

Able to come to site and safely work alone using a state-of-theart GPS system, our operators are able to mark anything from running tracks, social-distance areas or custom shapes – ideal for schools or other areas where

many grounds teams are currently short-staffed. Turfix Services can apply markings to grass, hard surfaces like playgrounds, or artificial 3G/4G pitches.

Contact Turfix Services on 03333 580505 or services@turfix.co.uk to find out more or enquire for a price and availability.

Android-based Supaturf SWOZI raises the bar

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

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

The technology already allows sports contractors and site-based grounds professionals to mark out far more pitches in a day than when using traditional machines.

Generation 3 SWOZI features upgraded control system, electronics and communications, using a Windows-based app now ported to Android, introducing variable or constant rate paint outflow to give users more flexible work patterns.

Fleet Line Markers have been working with communities around their Worcestershire base to bring some much-needed colour to the lives of local people.

The line marking specialists, based in Malvern, have been in demand to create tributes to both NHS key workers and to mark the VE Day celebrations.

The first project came via Julie Wills, the Head Teacher of Upton Upon Severn Primary School, who requested a large rainbow on their playing field in support of all the key workers.

Having completed the project, which was widely reported in local media, Malvern Community Hospital asked if Fleet could paint another rainbow outside its reception.

After filming the Fleet artwork, Justyn Surrall of BBC Hereford & Worcester joked about a competition to create the largest rainbow.

Fleet rose to the challenge and contacted Malvern Rugby Club to check if it would allow its 1st XV pitch to be used for a larger tribute. The area is 100 metres in length and it was decided to combine the rainbow tribute with a commemoration of VE Day on May 8.

The end result was this massive artwork, which not only made national news but has also been reported by news channels as far afield as New Zealand.

Fleet’s team used the MAQA GNSS system to plot the flag, the BeamRider Laser System was used for the VE Day logo and it was back to basics using a tape measure and straight edges to do the lettering.

The 75 on the VE Day logo is six metres in height, while the VE Day letters themselves were four metres tall. The rest of the text is about 1.3 metres.

Each colour of the rainbow was 2.5 metres in width – the distance around the red arc of the rainbow is around 157 metres.

It took the Fleet team almost three days to complete the rugby club project but it certainly made a huge impression on a lot of people far and wide.

The company would like to thank everyone who has been involved in all the painted tributes it has done so far.

Fleet Line Markers

Pitchmark

Vitax Amenity

John O’Conner makes wise investment with TinyLineMarker

The investment in Rigby Taylor’s TinyLineMarker (TLM) robotic line marking machine by John O’Conner (Grounds Maintenance) will not only enable the company to further improve the effectiveness of its already high levels of customer service but this new, technological approach to sports field marking will also enable the firm to reduce the human resource, time, water usage and carbon footprint of its traditional line marking operations.

According to managing director Matt O’Conner: “Delivery of service is crucial to the ongoing success of our business, which is always looking to take things forward to the benefit of customers.”

TLM, he says, will generate rewards in every aspect of line marking by enabling the company to:

• Save time on the initial marking of pitches and athletic sports’ lines –for example, taking just 30 minutes instead of 90 minutes to initial mark a full-size football pitch, and 1.5 hours instead of up to three-quarters of a day for an athletics track;

• Save on paint costs since TLM, which uses 10-litre drums of Rigby Taylor’s award-winning Impact paint, will line mark a standard-size football pitch with just 1.1 litres of Impact;

• Use a lot less water – the ready-mixed Impact paint means there’s no mixing and no potential water loss; and

• Deliver the service with just one operative and a small van – compared to two operatives (with

all the associated tools) and a larger (3.5 tonne) vehicle, so the savings in human resources will be complemented by a smaller carbon footprint for the service in terms of transport/fuel requirements.

“In addition, because everything with TLM is ‘computerised’ with the operator ‘programming’ TLM via a user-friendly tablet to produce precisely-positioned lines, the software also allows for clients to make subtle but sometimes important changes to the positioning of certain lines – for instance, ‘inserting’ training grids alongside running tracks.

“This means we can ‘tweak’ the line marking to satisfy our clients’ every need in terms of additional line marking, and that can only further improve customer satisfaction levels.”

Initially aimed at football pitches (any length/width), and rugby union and league pitches as well as multi-lane athletic tracks, tennis, lacrosse and American football pitches, TLM can also mark bespoke shapes which are often required for some smaller locations and events such as school sports days.

Indeed, John O’Conner’s contracts for line marking rugby and football pitches are complemented by applications

TLM utilises the latest GPS technology with RTK receiver and antenna that connects with global satellites and mobile network connections.

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

Turf Tank keeps athletes on track

Recently, the Turf Tank One was used by ProSportUK Ltd to mark a 400m track incorporating a 100m track and two rounders pitches. From start to finish, the process took no more than four hours.

Typically, marking out a 400m running track from scratch takes days’ worth of labour. Plotting the lanes, curves, and full distance of the track accounts for most of this time whereas using the Turf Tank One means the task could be completed in three hours.

After arriving on site, a quick decision is made about where the track should go, and the location is plotted on the tablet. Once the base station is set, the robot can be operated without cellular or real-time kinematic (RTK) connectivity and coverage.

Using the closed system means the marker can be used anywhere with unprecedented reliability.

Once the Turf Tank One begins, it only needs to stop for the paint to be refilled - otherwise, it will mark continuously until the job is complete.

While it is marking the operator is free to complete other tasks with any alerts showing on the tablet if the robot does need assistance.

With the running tracks completed the position of the rounders pitches were plotted and marking quickly started, with each pitch taking less than ten minutes to complete. Despite the location of one of the pitches being under trees, the base station ensured that the signal did not drop out at any point.

Turf Tank

FieldLazer puts you on the right lines to success

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

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

• Walk-behind models with ride-on attachment

• Dedicated walk-behind

Fas ter, lighter, simpler.

The TinyLineMar ker Pro (TLM) robot is the latest advance in pitch line mar king technology and complements Rigby Taylor s award winning range of Impact line mar king paints

Leaders in line marking innovation

Light in weight the TLM is easily transpor ta ble The fully autonomous GPS guided robot can initially mar k out a football pitch in 20 minutes and an athletic r unning track in just 90 minutes Other spor ts surfaces include r ugby tennis lacrosse Amer ican football plus car par ks and social distance gr ids

› For fur ther infor mation on the company s industr y leading l ne mar king range v s t R gby Tay or s new webs te

Rigby Taylor Limited 0800 424919 www rigbytaylor com sales@rigbytaylor

field marking and parking lot stripers

• High pressure battery powered marking machines

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

Graco

including marking rounders pitches and athletics tracks (200, 400 and 800 metres) as well as javelin and discus grids.

Rigby Taylor

Times have changed. So have tools. And our new Professional-X range is all the proof you need. Take the EGO Power+ blower. It’s powered by the most technologically advanced, petrol-matching, Lithium-ion battery system out there. It’s built tough to withstand all-day use in any weather. Its impressive airflow beats every other handheld blower on the market, and while it packs all the power of petrol, it’s significantly quieter, vibrates less and gives off zero emissions.