The Pitch Advisory Service, run by the Grounds Management Association (GMA), is celebrating a decade of grassroots pitch improvement. Over the last ten years, the GMA’s skilled team
of regional pitch advisors has been working with grassroots sports clubs to raise the standards of sports surfaces and train volunteers. In that time, almost 50,000 pitches have been improved across
SIS Pitches launches ‘onestop’ cricket guide
The team behind the first England Cricket Boardsanctioned hybrid cricket pitch has launched a comprehensive guide to cricket surfaces for professionals groundspeople.
Published by SIS Pitches, which produces SIS Grass Hybrid, a flagship hybrid grass technology, the Guide to Cricket Pitch Systems was designed to help tackle the unique maintenance challenges that come with an increasingly diverse range of options for cricket stadium owners and groundspeople.
The report goes on to highlight pros and cons for all types of cricket surfaces, including innovative options to encourage stakeholders to think beyond the traditional all-natural grass pitch.
Among the solutions the guide showcases are artificial carpet pitches and hybrids, including carpet, artificial and stitched – the latter described as a costeffective option for high-usage venues.
grassroots football, cricket, rugby league and union.
The programme has worked with more than 12,500 clubs and 14,500 volunteers. The Pitch Advisory Service,
formerly the Grounds and Natural Turf Improvement Programme, was launched in 2014 and is funded by Sport England and the Football Foundation, working in association with the FA, ECB, RFL and RFU.
Jason Booth leads the Pitch Advisory Service, he says: “This is a brilliant example of sporting bodies working together to raise the standards of sports surfaces and the understanding of sports turf management practices among grassroots sports clubs across England.
“There has never been more pressure on pitches. Whether that’s the effect of more extreme weather caused by climate change, or more demand as a greater and more diverse range of people want to play sport.
“We all want more people playing – it brings so many health and wellbeing benefits. To enable that, we need to make sure our grassroots pitches are properly maintained – grounds are literally the foundation of sport. We need to recognise
that, value grounds teams, and invest in them.”
One of the clubs that have benefitted from the Pitch Advisory Service is the Ashton Bears Rugby Club in Wigan.
The rugby league outfit, which hosts a total of 25 men’s, women’s, and children’s teams, had been hampered by an unstable pitch that frequently became waterlogged throughout the season.
“Before support from the Pitch Advisory Service, our pitches would regularly have to close for player safety. One surface was only playable for three months of the year,” says Club Secretary, Mark Webster.
“It’s truly transformed our facilities at Bear Park. We now have some of the most resilient pitches in the area – staying open when others have had to close. We’ve also been able to expand to create new women’s teams, something which previously was impossible due to the lack of capacity on the old pitches.”
The GMA Enquiry 33
Globally, the International Cricket Council also sanctioned the use of hybrid surfaces for T20 and 50-over competitions earlier this year.
Paul Taylor, former England international and SIS’s International Cricket Director, said: “Demand for high-quality, durable cricket pitches is on the rise and shows no signs of
slowing down – especially with cricket being reintroduced at the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028.
“Our goal was to provide a one-stop, comprehensive guide for anyone involved in the management and upkeep of cricket surfaces so they can make an informed decision based on budget and volume of play. We’d like to encourage anyone considering a change in their sports surface to get in touch with our team for advice.”
SIS Pitches Enquiry 34
Electric high grass ride-on mower
AS-Motor has presented the first electrically powered ride-on mower for use in high grass areas with an interchangeable battery system.
The AS 920 ESherpa 2WD thus opens up new possibilities for emission-free, extensive green space maintenance.
The new battery-powered AS 920 ESherpa 2WD high grass ride-on mower is equipped with four 56 volt LI-ion rechargeable batteries with a total capacity of 16 kWh.
The electric drive and blade drive is highly efficient and ensures a professional mowing performance that even slightly exceeds that of a combustion engine. The electric drive provides enormous blade power and guarantees an excellent mowing pattern. The two possible driving speeds of 0 to 7 km/h and 0 to 11 km/h enable area outputs of up to 6,300m² or up to 9,900m² per hour.
The AS 920 ESherpa 2WD also impresses with its powerful and efficient wheel drive with a torque of 600 Nm.
Ariens Enquiry 36
Ransomes Jacobsen impresses with innovative
The Ransomes Eclipse 360 ELiTE is designed for operational efficiency and industry-leading quality of cut and it features zero battery maintenance and no hydraulic oil, reducing downtime and environmental impact.
Its 250 Ah (12.2 kWh) battery pack allows for extended operation, while precision cutting height (1.6 to 11.1 mm) and 1.6meter cutting width make it ideal for large areas.
mowers
The Early Adopter’s Program boasts an industry-leading 5-year warranty when a mower is purchased and warranty registered before December 31, 2024, underscoring Ransomes Jacobsen’s confidence in the durability and reliability of the product. The MT503 is built for robust performance with a Stage V 49.6 HP engine. This triple flail mower features a smart operator platform and onboard diagnostics to enhance
Kubota RTV range delivers power, performance and versatility as standard
The Kubota RTV range of utility vehicles delivers reliable and robust performance for the safe and comfortable transportation of people and materials over the most challenging of ground conditions.
Precise control of the range is assured thanks to Kubota’s innovative variable hydrostatic transmission (VHT), making it a versatile solution for tasks around estates, racecourses and sports grounds.
productivity. It offers cut heights of 20-65 mm and cutting widths of 2.15 m, with three independent flail heads, making it a powerful tool for turf care.
Ransomes Enquiry 37
Of particular note is the RTVX1110, offering the ultimate in durability and off-road adaptability – ergonomically designed to offer simplicity of operation and optimal comfort for whatever the task at hand.
Powered by an economical 24hp Kubota diesel engine, the RTVX1110 can go where other utility vehicles can’t thanks to its unique drive train arrangement and dynamic engine braking, enhancing both accessibility and operator safety. Available in orange or camo, the RTV-X1110 can be specified with a full cab, half cab or rops only to suit application.
As standard, the RTV-X1110 features a hydraulic tipping system for the cargo area, which makes loading and unloading much easier. Optional extras are available to extend the range of applications including work lights, hydraulic outlets to power topdressers, spreaders or even a snow plough and much more!
A more compact, yet equally versatile, option is the Kubota RTV 520. Combining the very best in working comfort with superior performance from the 18hp liquid-cooled 2-cylinder engine, the RTV 520 delivers quiet, dependable and highly manoeuvrable power for greater flexibility in work areas and maintenance schedules.
Its rugged, heavy-duty metal load platform, solid underbody protection and high front axle ground clearance of 225mm make it suitable for all domestic, commercial and professional groundcare applications.
Kubota Enquiry 38
Effortless arboricutural management with Foxwood
In today’s fast-paced world where efficiency reigns supreme, finding the right tools to manage outdoor spaces is essential.
The Foxwood T120 Towable Wood Chipper is a game-changer for green space management teams, delivering a highly effective solution and keeping accessibility a top priority.
The Foxwood T120 and T90 are designed for towing behind small utility vehicles.
This capability gives access to remote areas, particularly during winter months when wet and muddy conditions can complicate maintenance tasks.
With its lightweight structure and flotation tyres, the Foxwood T120 glides effortlessly over fine turf, even wet, boggy areas, ensuring you can tackle your projects without causing damage to delicate areas, navigating challenging terrain without leaving a mark.
The adjustable drawbar height further enhances the T120’s versatility, allowing it to be effortlessly paired with nearly any vehicle.
With a chipping capacity of nearly 5 inches, the Foxwood T120 can easily handle most branches, turning them into valuable mulch for Walkways and Beds.
It is not a legal requirement to obtain a wood chipper license to operate this machine in the UK, making it accessible for everyone. What sets the T120 apart from traditional PTO chippers is its one-man operation capability.
Users can harvest wood chips directly into the buck of their ATV, streamlining the entire process and eliminating the need for multiple vehicles or additional manpower.
Upson Mowers Enquiry 41
New Makita trimmer stands poles apart from the rest
The new cordless 40VMax XGT UN001G Brushless Pole Hedge Trimmer from Makita provides a lightweight and powerful option for cutting thick branches.
Its performance capability comes from its 40Vmax XGT Li-ion battery and thick shear 600mm blade. In addition, professionals will appreciate smart, practical features that include an adjustable blade angle as well as a reverse function to clear jams.
One of the latest additions to Makita’s growing and reliable outdoor range, the XGT UN001G Pole Hedge Trimmer has been specifi cally designed for heavier load applications. Featuring a sharper three-facet obliquely ground blade (double sided rough cut type), the UN001G provides up to 4,000 cutting strokes per minute.
With its 3-speed design, the trimmer offers an impressive maximum cutting diameter of 20mm. The angle of the head can be adjusted in six steps between 45o upward and 70o downwards. A new lock-off lever mechanism has been added as an additional safety feature and the machine also features an auto power off
function to prevent accidental start-up if is left unused for a period of time.
Furthermore, the tool is significantly lighter than other trimmers currently available on the market at just 4.7 - 5.9kg, which means cutting thick branches overhead is made easier and more convenient. The inclusion of a grease nipple and the fact that oil can be supplied with a grease gun, without removing the bolt on the oil supply port, makes maintenance hassle free. Finally, when not in use, it can be folded down for easy transport and storage.
“The UN001G Brushless Cordless Pole Trimmer represents everything Makita is known for: performance and quality,” explained Kevin Brannigan, Marketing Manager at Makita UK. “It is IPX4 compatible and has been designed to help professional landscapers and grounds maintenance teams to tackle thick branches, even at height, with ease from ground level. Efficient and effective, it’s another high-performance addition to our expanding 40VMax XGT range.”
Makita
Top dress with Turfco
Turfco turf maintenance equipment is ideal for natural turf management with a range of topdressing machines that can be tractor-mounted and towedbehind a suitable transport unit.
WideSpin 1550 topdressers are available in truck-mounted and tow-behind models with petrol engine or hydraulic power options.
They are available with standard electronic control
or a patented digital Smart Controller, which provides rate calculation and programmable pre-sets for greater productivity and labour savings.
Save preferred applications into four programmable pre-sets, changing widths and rates on the fly, increasing productivity, eliminating guesswork and freeing up your time.
Turfco Enquiry 46
Natural turf maintenance with Smithco
There’s no finer natural turf than that found on golf greens and for discerning golfers true greens with consistent ball roll are more important than fast greens.
Smithco’s Tournament greens rollers provide these true putting surfaces. With rolling widths from 91 cm to 1.78 metres, there’s a machine ideal for maximum efficiency on any golf course.
Smithco were one of the fi rst companies to introduce GPS technology for spraying, when their Star Command system debuted in 2012.
Today they are on the third generation of the system on their Spray Star range of industryleading sprayers.
Smithco Enquiry 45
Good GKB deliveries come in threes
A trio of GKB Machines have been installed at SCHLOSS Roxburghe Championship Golf Course, as part of major ongoing investment into the club and wider estate.
After being delivered by dealer Thomas Sherriff & Co in the summer of 2024, the SP100, SPM300 and GKB Combiseeder were put straight to task by Golf Course Manager Ross Ovens, as he and his team of 13 completed autumn renovations on greens, tees and approaches.
The Roxburghe is nestled in the heart of the Scottish Borders and is consistently ranked within the Top 10 Inland Courses in Scotland.
Part of the fleet package, and replacing existing topdressers, was an SP100 and SPM300 from the GKB Sandspreader range.
“These two machines work hand in hand brilliantly, giving us the versatility to
dress greens as well as using the larger machine on the fairways,” said Ross.
“The SPM300 with material handler we’ve found particularly useful for topping up bunkers or loading material into the SP100 quickly and easily.
“Our SP100 is mounted onto our John Deere Gator, and we have retrofitted this with a GPS system which has dramatically improved the accuracy and efficiency of topdressing operations. It gives us both the spread and quality we are looking for.”
Also delivered was a CS160. zWith fewer chemicals available, and a desire to improve our sustainability credentials, it is more important than ever that we have a good overseeding programme in place.
“We didn’t have a seeder previously, so we demonstrated various models and opted for
the GKB Combiseeder because - as a dimple seeder - we found it gave us better germination.
“This will be pivotal in our programme moving forwards as we try to introduce better cultivars into our surfaces, making us more resistant to disease and thereby lowering our reliance on chemicals.”
The trio have recently played a big part in autumn renovation works.
GKB Machines Enquiry 47
Versatility when maintaining natural turf areas
For the turf manager, the choice of equipment to maintain natural turf surfaces, is many and varied.
However, they all have one major drawback – they only perform one task.
The Ventrac
30
Looking at the range of attachments - boom mowers, finishing mowers, contour mowers, wide area mowers, reel mowers, flail mowers, rough mowers, aerators, trenchers, landscape rakes, power rakes, soil cultivators, primary seeders, tillers, stump grinders, turbine blowers, power blowers, leaf plows, loaders, power buckets, power broom, v-blades, straight blades, snow blowers, drop spreaders, edgers, sod cutters, and soil groomers – it’s easy to see what makes the Ventrac 4520 all-terrain compact tractor the most versatile natural turf management system available in the UK, today.
There’s a choice of seven mowing decks: three different rotary decks depending on the type of fi nish you require; two fl ail decks in two widths, one of which leaves a fine finish; a rotary Tough Cut deck for mowing annual
areas or taking out brambles, gorse and saplings; and even a triple cylinder Reel mower attachment for the ultimate striping of sports pitches.
These choices adequately take care of most mowing requirements, apart from those on slopes.
However, that’s where the Ventrac differs from the typical ride-on mower: it can legitimately operate on slopes up to 30 degrees, twice the permitted angle of other mowers and allowing areas that may have not been maintained regularly, to be tamed.
As a mower it’s unrivalled, but with the numerous other attachments it provides the versatility turf managers should be demanding from their equipment.
Price Turfcare Enquiry 50
all-terrain compact tractor comes with over
attachments and is the ideal machine for a host of turf management operations, making it the most versatile turf management system available in the UK today.
Superb mower for an elite turf finish
RA Country Services in West Sussex has been servicing high-end client properties in some of the most prestigious estates and sports facilities for over twenty years.
“We have an extensive customer base which requires maintenance of high-quality sports pitches for football, rugby and cricket,” explained owner Richard Amer.
“We pride ourselves on going the extra mile for our customers. We want them to walk through their grounds and sports pitches and be proud of what we’ve done for them.”
Three years ago, Richard began looking to enhance his machinery. He replaced his fi nishing mower with a Major
MJ65-300 CS-Pro. The Major CS-Pro is a fully mounted rotary mower designed for compact tractors. It ideal for tackling dense vegetation and long grass yet is capable of delivering a pristine finish in fine turf conditions.
“We’re running a John Deere 3046R compact tractor and it comfortably drives the CS-Pro,” said Richard. “The mower has folding wings which makes it easy to transport between customer sites. The beltless design and simple operating system make it very efficient to run. I would recommend this to all the professional turf contractors.”
Major Equipment Enquiry 52
New roll-on roll-off Quick Spin grinder
The Foley 642 Quick Spin Reel Grinder brings a whole new meaning to quick spin.
It is designed to accommodate the widest of mower cylinders and is a simple roll-on roll-off solution to grinding, with the machine sitting at floor level.
The wheel in and wheel out action removes all need for heavy lifting facilities, revolutionising the way the groundsman and greenkeepers view touch-up spin grinding.
Foley Company’s Professional Grinders already offer the best spin and relief methods for sharpening blades and the new Foley 642 Quick Spin grinder will be complimentary to these methods.
It offers a fast, easy operated option for providing a quick touch-up spin, between the regular relief grinding schedules.
It is also the perfect solution to sharpening the extra wide, heavy mowers used on sports fields/pitches, which are often cumbersome to load into the standard grinder.
As the leading manufacturer of Grinding equipment Foley Company is once again leading the way in grinding technology. We have developed and patented simple to use controls to save time without compromising on performance.
The patented clamping system effortlessly secures any cutting
CS Pro
unit in all configurations and the roller clamp is adjustable for any variety of rollers and groomers. This machine really will change the way we look at grinding in the future!’
The Foley 642 QuickSpin features simple to use controls, counter balanced spin drive, patented front and rear clamping system for pedestrian mowers and power rear positioning levers for cylinders.
It is spin only, with adjustable traverse speed and adjustable spin speed. It will accept up to 42” reel width and operates on 240v/15a power.
Foley Enquiry 53
• 3m mower for compact tractors
• 2m transport width
• Heavy duty gearboxes for consistent mowing even in the toughest conditions
• Front and rear rollers follow ground contours while producing a striped effect
• Adjustable cutting height from 15 - 100mm
Richard Amer,
RA Country Services, West Sussex
Richard’s story
John Deere introduces allnew Z370R Electric ZTrak
John Deere has introduced the Z370R Electric ZTrak mower to European markets.
This fully-electric, zero-turn mower is a forward-thinking addition to the company’s line up of innovative lawn care solutions.
Designed with a focus on sustainability and efficiency, it offers a powerful and ecoconscious alternative to petrol- or diesel-powered mowers.
The Z370R is powered by reusable energy, boasting zero operating emissions for a cleaner mowing experience.
With the ability to cover up to 8,000 square metres per charge,
this mower provides reliable performance while reducing environmental impact. An onboard charger provides easy and convenient charging.
Built with durability in mind, the Z370R features a sealed 3.56 kWh (max. capacity) battery that is fully protected against elements such as water, dust, and debris (IP66 rating), ensuring reliable operation in various conditions. The mower’s design prioritises user comfort, offering a quiet and comfortable ride with reduced noise and vibration levels.
Plus, the Z370R Electric ZTrakTM model simplifies maintenance requirements by eliminating the need for oil
Protect turf ahead of winter
Plant growth regulators (PGRs) play a significant role in a groundsman’s arsenal when it comes to implementing maintenance strategies to improve turf. The correct course of treatment over the winter months can provide protection, as well as a reduction in Poa annua.
The unique formula of Attraxor makes it possible for turf care professionals to meet these needs effectively.
Attraxor can be used to regulate the growth of all managed amenity turf, for example, golf courses, sports pitches and training grounds, at a rate of 375 — 1,500 g/ha. Root growth is promoted, and turf colour and quality are maintained. A lack of sunlight in the winter months can lead to an increase in Poa because the thinning grass can give way to Poa in the spring which can cause ongoing issues in maintenance.
Less light, thinning turf and then the added element of Poa means the turf becomes very high maintenance. With all of this happening throughout the winter when pitches are heavily used, this means that maintenance regimes are tough going. Attraxor contains prohexadione-calcium, an active ingredient that regulates growth and also limits the spread of Poa
annua by reducing seed-head production. It weakens the Poa, while strengthening the sward and improving density.
Contrary to other plant growth regulators that need to be activated by the plant enzymes, Attraxor® can be used later in the season during cooler weather (optimal temperature between 7-20°C).
BASF offers highly effective and innovative turf management solutions for amenity and sports turf sectors, including fungicides, herbicides, bio insecticides and colourants that help improve turf quality, health and aesthetics.
BASF’s expert range of products can be tailored to meet the demands of all turf landscapes, for groundskeepers, greenkeepers, golf course managers and landscape architects, helping to protect the land from diseases, pests and weeds to keep it in top condition through every season. With cutting-edge technology, BASF plays a pioneering role in the development of active ingredients, formulations and innovative new application techniques across the UK and Europe.
BASF Enquiry 57
changes, air filter replacements, and greasing.
Equipped with a either a 107cm or 122cm AccelTM Deep Mower deck, the Z370R delivers premium cut quality and performance, while durable front and side rails enhance the machine’s endurance for longterm reliability.
Backed by a five-year warranty on battery life or 200 hours of machine usage, the Z370R Electric ZTrak mower offers a reliable and efficient solution for users seeking a sustainable and user-friendly lawn care option.
John Deere Enquiry 56
SUPERIOR FINISH EVERYTIME
The ISEKI SF range of powerful 22.5-49hp diesel engine mowers enable you to mow your grass whatever the weather keeping the same pristine finish everytime. With a variety of rotary or Muthing flail decks to choose from, the ISEKI SF range really is the ultimate mowing machine.
Available as cut and drop with a useful toolbox on the back, or cut and collect, with a turbine driven collection system direct from the deck to the large hopper, available up to 1300L. Designed and manufactured in Japan for quality that’s built to last.
Contact your local dealer to book a demo on your premises today!
SLF530 tames tricky ‘rig and furrow’ with ease
For golfers, ‘ridge and furrow’ adds both visual impact and added challenge to a course. The previous plough lines with their raised ridges and sunken furrows, bring a little more theatre to the game and give a historic nod to the past.
Strathaven Golf Club, in South Lanarkshire, has three fairways - the 6th, 10th and 11th- all of which boast deep and dramatic undulations.
After finding some mowers less than successful at dealing with their rise and fall, Steve
Hunter, Head Greenkeeper, has purchased a Jacobsen SLF530 from Scottish dealer, Fairways GM at Renfrew.
“This machine is all about extra care for tees and aprons and undulating fairways. It follows the line down into them so much better and doesn’t leave any missed bits. The smaller cutting heads, the way it floats and pivots, just help give it a cleaner cut and all-over smooth finish.
“Other machines are a little faster but the benefit of the SLF530 is the quality and definition to the
surfaces. It’s out once a week now, but twice a week minimum in the summer,” he said.
Stuart Cameron, Area Sales Manager from Fairways GM was on hand to advise, deliver and install the machine.
The team at Strathaven GC, comprises five qualified greenkeepers and two apprentices. In 2023, the team won the BIGGA Greenkeeping Project of the Year award.
Fairways GM Enquiry 59
Suståne improving disease resistance from the ground up
The combination of Suståne 5-2-4 and 5-2-10+Fe is providing the perfect platform for a switch to finer grass species at Ely City Golf Club.
Looking to improve disease resistance from the ground up is Course Manager Alan Magee, who explains how the tried and tested programme from Suståne is the ideal base feed for encouraging bent grass to flourish on the greens at the parkland club.
Ely City is regarded as one of the finest courses in East Anglia, located on the outskirts of Cambridge and delivering a challenging but picturesque 18-holes of mature parkland. Assisted by a team of five, Alan has been at the club for the last two and a half years.
“With the ongoing reduction in chemicals and the drive towards more sustainable practices, as greenkeepers, we’re having to tackle the issue of disease
management in new ways – for me, that’s looking at how we can increase our tolerance with better, more resilient, grass species” he explains.
No stranger to Suståne, Alan has been a longstanding user of their 5-2-4 all natural slow-release nitrogen fertiliser at his previous club in Dorset.
“The 5-2-4 is really the building block for the rest of our inputs. We apply this at eight-week intervals from the spring onwards, with complimentary liquid feeds put down as and when required.”
The original Suståne formula, 5-2-4 promotes enhanced disease suppression and quick green up, without excessive growth. Suitable for most turfgrass environments, Suståne 5-2-4 increases the soils’ ability to hold water and nutrients, improving suppression of plant pathogens and strengthening the plant’s tolerance again heat, drought and other environmental stress factors.
“This product is a fantastic spring starter, getting us moving and providing all the nutrients we need to support bentgrass and strengthen our greens ahead of a busy playing season.”
“For some extra oomph, we use the 5-2-10+Fe every eight weeks from July onwards as we begin to prepare the surfaces for winter” Alan adds. With its 1:2 N to K ratio, Suståne 5-2-10+Fe aids plant hydration and disease suppression, also enhancing chlorophyll production for outstanding turf colour without excessive top growth.
“This combination gives us great consistency and the versatility to adapt to surface requirements depending on the weather.” He continues, “As we pursue a bigger bent population in our greens, I’m a firm believer that if we get the biology right in the soil, the rest of our programme will fall into place.”
Suståne Enquiry 60
Campey UniRake vital to tennis and golf
The Campey UniRake has become a vital part of the machinery fleet at Devonshire Park, with its adaptability making it perfect for use on the grass tennis courts and the 18hole golf course.
Grounds manager, Danny Negus, has worked at the Eastbourne based club, which hosts six major tennis tournaments a year, including the Viking International, for 17 years and has spent the last five in the main role.
Working on tennis and golf across four sites is a unique mixture, but Danny finds that the similarities between greenkeeping and tennis groundsmanship are closer than any other discipline, and this crossover can include machines.
Soon after securing it for the 26 courts under his control, the 18hole golf course was added to his remit in 2018, and since then, the UniRake has turned into a crucial piece of equipment.
“It’s an understatement for me to say how important that piece of equipment is to our maintenance programme. It is hugely important to us, and it’s vital to what we do,” Danny begins.
“The flexibility that the UniRake gives you is one of its unique selling points. If you look at something old school like a chain harrow, you do not have any flexibility or control. With anything you do on that turf, you need to ask yourself why am I doing what I’m doing, and if you don’t have any control over what you’re doing, you should ask why you’re doing it.
“That’s why the UniRake is so good because you have control, and you can adapt it to do what you need to the point where I actually use it for renovations. It was never intended for that, but adjusting the severity of the grooming makes it perfect for it.”
Campey Turf Care Systems Enquiry 62
Club enhances pitch quality with Husqvarna
Belstone FC, a football club based in Radlett, formerly part of the Herts Senior Country League Premier Division and now this season members of the Combined Counties Football League, is now reaping the rewards of automation, following receiving a gifted Husqvarna Automower 550 EPOS, thanks to Husqvarna’s new ‘Get Your Pitch Right’ initiative.
The club received its mower in April as part of Husqvarna’s grassroots initiative, which was launched in partnership with the Grounds Management Association (GMA).
Martin Lishman introduces new shrouded boom
Responding to a clear market need for a breakthrough solution in small-scale spraying, leading compact sprayer manufacturer Martin Lishman introduced the Nano-Spray: an ultra-compact, 36litre, fully electric self-propelled sprayer designed to deliver a highprecision spray application without impacting fine turf.
Since its launch in November 2023, the Nano-Spray quickly gained popularity among sports turf professionals and small contract businesses. Continuing Martin Lishman’s commitment to customer feedback and product development, the company is now proud to introduce a new shrouded boom option for the Nano-Spray.
In an industry where precision is paramount, concentrating the
applied liquid to a specific area and eliminating spray drift are crucial benefits. The shrouded boom not only ensures accurate application but also allows for spraying near sensitive boundaries and in challenging weather conditions, whilst also minimising the risk of exposure to the operator or bystander.
Designed for use in smaller amenity areas and as an invaluable tool for contractors, the NanoSpray’s new shrouded boom features a unique folding design with quick-release indexing pins. This innovative design allows the boom to fold compactly, making it small enough to fit in small vehicles and through most gateways and passageways. Despite its small size, it is fully equipped with an array of features
typically reserved for larger, professional-grade sprayers.
These include a two-section valve block with agitate, independent
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The Air2G2 reduces soil compaction and promotes healthier root growth through pressurised air injection.
The newly released AIR2G2-336 is available now from Campey, for over 3 decades we’ve supplied high-quality, innovative turf care machinery that has been proven by many of the worlds leading turf care professionals creating and maintaining some of the worlds finest sports surfaces.
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Throughout the remainder of 2024, the joint venture with the GMA will see a further nine grassroots sports clubs across the country benefit from free of charge professional robotic installations alongside access to expert training and guidance on how to achieve the perfect pitch.
Since April, Belstone FC has been enjoying a host of benefits following its installation.
Husqvarna spoke with Glynne Cherrington, founding member and groundsman at Belstone FC, about the positive impact robotics has had on their football pitch and overall club operations.
“Our Automower 550 EPOS covers the main pitch which is 100m x 64m in size,” he said. “It operates every night from midnight and completes the pitch around mid-afternoon, except on match days, when it isn’t in operation.
“It’s a really efficient system that ensures our pitch is consistently well-maintained. The grass on our main pitch is kept shorter and healthier because we only cut small amounts each day.”
Fleet Line Markers has launched a revolutionary robotic line marker.
The company boasts a strong portfolio of robotic patents, some over a decade old.
The idea for a robotic line marker had been considered since the introduction of the MAQA GPS system, but the COVID-19 pandemic delayed the project until 2023. It was then that Fleet began collaborating with companies in New Zealand and Australia, leading to the first prototype in December 2023 and a subsequent launch in New Zealand in early 2024.
Fleet, a company with a history spanning over 70 years, has long been a pioneer in line marking technology, winning awards for innovation since the 1960s. One of the first awards to be received was the prestigious IOG Gold Award for the first dry marking machine. Further awards have followed in every decade since. Their past innovations include the Kombi spray jet line marker, the Fastliner ride-on line marker, the Beamrider laser-guided line marker, and the MAQA GNSS GPS system.
The new robotic line marker represents the culmination of decades of experience and expertise. Key features of the new robotic line marker include robust handles for easy transport, a 10-litre drum capacity, solid rotating wheels, ultrasonic sensor protection, and a removable battery. One of the standout features of the new robot is its removable integrated RTK plotter (spike), which allows users to plot pitch positions and features with precision.
The robot communicates via 4G with Fleet’s software and satellites, ensuring accurate pitch lines across various sports. This advanced system is supported by Fleet’s RTK Base Station network, which is included with the purchase.
The robot’s accuracy means it can achieve precision within 5mm and base station extends up to six miles.
Fleet Line Markers Enquiry 67
Robots proving to be a game-changer for business
TinyMobileRobots is marketed and distributed exclusively in the UK by Origin Amenity Solutions who have one of largest dedicated line marking teams in the UK.
The TinyLineMarker’s exceptional efficiency in paint utilisation significantly reduces overall paint consumption which also leads to substantial cost savings. Coupled with the robot’s ability to automate the marking process, it can dramatically minimise labour costs and streamline operations, saving valuable time and resources.
Packed with a range of innovative features, the GPS-guided robots are designed to make linemarking projects as reliable, streamlined, and effortless as possible. Their low weight enables them to be lifted easily by one person and the small size means they can fit into a regularsized car and be transported from one location to another easily.
The TLM Sport is ideal for sports teams, clubs, and schools. It is robust, with front and side bumper strips and integral ultrasonic, intelligent sensors to avoid obstacles and protect from damage. Powered by a brushless
electric motor, with low energy consumption and zero emissions, the TLM Sport is an eco-friendly choice, especially when used with IMPACT ready-to-use paint. Over and above this, the TLM Pro offers advanced robotic technologies for precision line marking and is ideal for councils, contractors, and larger universities. With its powerful performance, robust design, and large, high-traction wheels, the TLM Pro can tackle any size pitch, or multiple pitches, with ease.
The intuitive user interface is effortless to use and easy to manage with an extensive library of over 200 sports markings. The robots’ ability to create custom logos, shapes, words, and numbers further expands
their versatility and caters to the diverse needs of clients.
The TLM Pro is more suited to the larger-scale council projects and the Origin Amenity Solutions team provides on-site training, maintenance, and general advice.
Origin Amenity Solutions has launched a new and improved model – the TLM Pro X, which boasts even more improvements, including general upgrades to the hardware and software, enhanced electronics, and the addition of buttons to activate the pump and nozzle, enabling users to manually prime, clean and test.
Origin Amenity Solutions Enquiry 68
Net World Sports supplies line marking machines, paint and accessories for a wide range of sports. Whether you’re looking to mark out a temporary tennis court in the garden or you need football line marking equipment to mark a fullsize football pitch, there is a comprehensive range of line marking machines, line marking
paint, line marking sprays and line marking accessories.
Products include such as grass marking tufts, measuring equipment and marking aids to ensure you have everything you need to mark out a sports surface.
Net World Sports Enquiry 70
Club ensures high standards with Turf Tank
Bristol City FC is a professional football club based in Bristol, England, committed to delivering the highest quality playing surfaces for its players.
To achieve this, the club continuously seeks innovative solutions to ensure both precision and efficiency in their grounds maintenance.
In the summer of 2023, Bristol City FC decided to automate their line marking process with a Turf Tank robot which significantly increased productivity while delivering high precision.
Joe Berry, Head Groundsman at Bristol City FC had previously relied on traditional methods for line marking their
Hand-built and high specification machines
Grassline is a family-owned business with over 40 years of experience in the line marking industry.
It produces a range of quality line marking machines which are supplied across the UK and Europe from local groundsman to some of the most elite clubs. The TITAN spray line marker has been developed in consultation with professional groundsmen.
The result is a hand built, well balanced and robust, high specification spray marker that combines all the needs of the professional groundsman into a single machine and offers exceptional value for money.
Whether its single or multipitch line marking, the TITAN will deliver a smooth, constant and even spray line marking performance.
The battery has a long powerful life and will drive the pump for a full days marking from a single charge.
The battery can be charged whilst in position or can be lifted out for charging away from the marker. An automatic battery charger is supplied as standard.
The pump is both efficient and economical and when used in conjunction with the variable pressure valve, enables the groundsman to control the volume of paint delivered to the twin spray heads for a dense professional line or a more economical line.
The Grassline TITAN offers a variable line width of 50mm,
pitches, a labor-intensive process requiring substantial time and manpower.
As the team found themselves short-staffed, it became clear they needed a more efficient way to keep up with their growing responsibilities: “We were a member of staff down, and we find it hard to recruit, so I had to come up with more creative ways of potentially getting an extra staff member.”
“It definitely saves us time across the whole site, because people normally will pick up little jobs around the pitches where the Turf Tank is marking,” he added.
“So we can keep an eye on the Turf Tank whilst doing jobs that might be potentially put off till last in previous years.
“Probably a half a day’s work on the Turf Tank, which would have been two days’ work with marking for two people.
“If you look at it like that, then it’s saving three and a half days.”
Another important aspect for a professional club is providing the ideal training environment for their players. That’s where training lines play an important role, and with Turf Tank, marking these lines has become effortless.
“We can easily set up training lines using the tablet. Once the layout is saved, it’s as simple as pressing start,” explains Joe.
“Our pitches have multiple tactical lines on, and it was relatively easy to just upload that to the tablet. You have to be patient and maybe go out and do a couple of dry runs once you’ve programmed it to the robot, but once they’re in, it’s saved us countless hours, and it wasn’t too hard at all.”
75mm or 100mm (2, 3 and 4 inch). Twin Spray Heads You can choose to use a single spray delivery for economical or normal line marking or both sprays for a double spray delivery but in a single pass.
The TITAN’s tank holds 30 litres of mixed marking paint and has an integral mixing system as standard. The paint concentrate should be thoroughly mixed/diluted with water in a suitable container and then poured into the tank.
After the mixed paint has been poured into the tank, the Integrated Mixing System can be activated to continue the mixing process before spraying commences and during breaks in spraying.
The system is activated by use of the pressure valve located under the hood which opens/ closes the system.
When activated, the paint will by pass the spray heads and flow back into the tank. The pressure valve can also be used to regulate the pump pressure and consequently the volume of paint being delivered to the spray heads.
This reduced pressure enables the Titan to be used for marking hard sports surfaces, tarmac, concrete, car parks, playgrounds etc where a lesser volume of paint is needed to mark non porous surfaces.
All line marking paints are safe, non-hazardous, organic and bio-degradable.
Turf Tank
Enquiry 71
Suståne delivers more than three decades of consistent quality
As the old saying goes ‘if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it!’.
That’s certainly the motto for Came Down Golf Club in Dorchester, who have been using a nutritional programme from Suståne on their greens for over 30 years and explain that it continues to give them controlled growth, outstanding colour and enhanced plant health year after year.
Established in 1896, Came Down is a chalk-downland course nestled in the Dorset countryside which has strong historical links with some of golf’s most important institutions including The R&A, The Ryder Cup and The Open. While James Lockwood has been at the venue for 18 years, and Head Greenkeeper for the last three, he admits that the club’s relationship with Suståne goes much further back. “We think Suståne has been used here for roughly 35 years, making us one
of the first clubs in the UK to use their products!”
James’ current programme, constructed in conjunction with Suståne’s Russell Riley and local distributors Agrovista, includes Suståne 10-1-4 as a spring starter, 5-2-10+Fe applied at lower rates and regular intervals throughout the summer and 5-2-4 to keep the greens ticking over in winter. “This is the tried and tested combination which works perfectly for us” he says.
“Firstly it’s great that it’s all organic. The club are keen to utilise more sustainable solutions and this programme, in conjunction with some of our cultural practices, has helped us to pretty much eliminate the use of fungicides. Secondly we like the control it gives us – no massive flushes of growth, just a steady, healthy growth pattern that leaves the greens looking immaculate and playing well year-round.”
James adds, “We have a couple of greens in shaded spots that have previously struggled with Fusarium. With a bit of trial and error, we’ve found that upping the rate of Suståne 5-210 through the back end of the summer, and 5-2-4 in the winter has helped us to limit the impact on these specific areas. It’s becoming increasingly important that we all try and resolve these issues using science and clever microbiology rather than relying on chemicals.”
“Another thing we like is that the granules are nice and fine which means we can apply it exactly when we need to without risking any interruption to play.”
He concludes, “It’s testament to the continual quality and results that we rarely have to stray away from the programme that has been so pivotal to things here at Came Down for so long.”
Suståne Enquiry 74
COMPO puts life back into the greens at Kilsyth GC
Two products from COMPO EXPERT have helped to put some much-needed life back into the greens at Kilsyth Golf Club, according to Head Greenkeeper Brian Hill.
Brian has been at Kilsyth Golf Club in central Scotland for just over 30 years. Throughout that time, he has always worked with Agrovista Amenity, the exclusive national distributor of COMPO EXPERT’S turf products in the UK.
Brian’s first point of contact at Agrovista Amenity is Ramsay MacGregor and it was Ramsay who recommended the COMPO EXPERT range of products to him.
“I trust Ramsay 100% because I know he is going to give me something that works, and it is not going to bust the bank,” said Brian.
“I’m going to get a great product every time from him and that is why I took on-board his suggestion about COMPO EXPERT.”
Club’s success with Sierrablen Plus
ICL Controlled release fertiliser technology has helped to transform the fairways at Coventry Hearsall Golf Club.
Chris Low, the Course Manager at Coventry Hearsall Golf Club, has witnessed outstanding results since introducing ICL’s Sierrablen Plus Spring & Summer CalMag 23-0-5 + 7CaO + 2.5MgO controlled release fertiliser (CRF) into the club’s fairway programme.
After seeing numerous positive posts on social media and conducting thorough research, Chris decided to incorporate the fertiliser into his turf management programme to help boost turf density and health.
The availability of larger 500kg bags, which are both costeffective and easy to apply with a tractor-mounted spreader, further influenced his decision.
Controlled release fertilisers (CRFs) are engineered to release nutrients gradually, ensuring more precise and targeted nutrient delivery to turfgrass.
This is achieved through a coating process that regulates nutrient release, guaranteeing that the turf receives essential nutrients at the right time and in the right quantities.
This method not only maximises the efficiency of nutrient uptake but also minimises waste and environmental impact.
Sierrablen Plus CalMag 230-5 + 7CaO + 2.5MgO can be applied from early in the growing season through to summer, providing over five months of sustained healthy plant growth. The controlled release of nitrogen supports
continuous development, while added magnesium enhances the turf’s green colour and calcium increases cell strength.
Since adopting Sierrablen Plus Spring & Summer CalMag 230-5 + 7CaO + 2.5MgO, the improvements in turf density at Coventry Hearsall Golf Club have been nothing short of remarkable.
The fairways have drawn praise from both members and visitors alike. “Members and guests have commented that the fairways are like carpets and the best they have ever been,” says Chris.
The benefits of Sierrablen Plus extend beyond just aesthetics and playability.
The fertiliser’s controlled release technology provides sustained nutrition for over 5 months,
reducing the need for frequent applications and thereby saving time and resources.
Additionally, the environmental benefits of using a controlled release fertiliser, such as reduced leaching and runoff, align with the club’s commitment to sustainable practices.
Sierrablen Plus Spring & Summer CalMag has proven to be a transformative addition to the turf management programme at Coventry Hearsall Golf Club.
“We’ve seen a noticeable improvement in the turf’s resilience and overall health, making our maintenance efforts more effective and efficient,” Chris notes.
COMPO EXPERT believes in sustainable, integrated turf management by focusing on modern fertilisation concepts, consistent regeneration of growth and optimal support of the plant’s own physiological processes. All of which promote vitalisation, stress tolerance and root development while providing optimum turf quality.
The innovative product range includes specialty mineral and stabilized fertilisers, slow and controlled release fertilisers, water soluble and liquid fertilisers as well as biostimulants, trace elements and soil conditioners.
Brian first applied Ferro Top microgranular fertiliser to his greens late last year and the success of that product resulted in him applying Floranid Twin Eagle NK, a slow-release fertiliser, this year.
“We first applied Ferro Top in autumn and the results I got coming out of winter were brilliant,” he said.
“It has a nice bit of iron in it and makes the sward nice and dense.
“I then went on to using the Floranid Twin Eagle NK – which I applied at the end of June and the results have been phenomenal. We haven’t got an irrigation system here, and I’ve only got a bowser, so my timing of products is key. As soon as some rain was forecast, we applied the Floranid Twin Eagle NK. Honestly, I put it on and couldn’t believe itthe greens have been unbelievable. I’ll look at going again with it in September and then I’ll apply Ferro Top to prepare for winter.
“The greens are so green, so lush, and the COMPO products have put so much life back into them.
“A lot of fertilisers claim to do amazing things, but COMPO products actually do what they say they will. We don’t have a big budget and therefore every product I put down needs to work. With the COMPO products I know that I’m going to get results every time.”
Agrovista Amenity Enquiry 75
Acacia Rental has hedge cutting and pruning covered
As the winter months approach, we have the perfect tools for hire to cover all of your cutting and pruning needs.
Our STIHL 24” short-reach hedge cutters have minimal vibrations to reduce fatigue, and sport a double sided blade for cutting back and a lower blade speed for a more powerful cut. For high, long and wide hedges our STIHL
long-reach hedge cutters offer freedom of movement and ease of operation, even in cramped conditions.
For pruning, our STIHl HT 131 is a high-powered petrol pole saw with an extendable telescopic shaft for reaching branches up to 5 meters high.
Furthering their commitment to the tree care industry, Milwaukee Tool sets a new standard of power capabilities for professional battery powered chainsaws with the new M18 FUEL Dual Battery Chainsaw 50 cm.
Optimised for medium to heavy demand felling, bucking, limbing, and stump cutting applications, this expansion in their lineup of professional chainsaw solutions drives performance and productivity for the tree care professional.
The integrated POWERSTATE Brushless Motor delivers 5.8 HP of peak power and 9.5 Nm of peak torque when using 2x M18 FORGE 8.0 Ah batteries, allowing users to make demanding cuts without bogging down to drive more efficiency in application.
