Professional Groundscare September 2019

Toro and Reesink Turfcare new sponsors of SALTEX College Cup

Toro and Reesink Turfcare are delighted to announce they will be sponsoring the SALTEX College Cup 2019, managed by the Institute of Groundsmanship (IOG).

The SALTEX College Cup is a student-led sports turf challenge, testing teams of students on their turf management knowledge with paper-based questions, a presentation and live test samples.

The competition held during SALTEX, the industry’s leading turf management exhibition at the NEC Birmingham from 30-31 October, presents a real challenge to its young contestants but with the promise of big rewards.

To celebrate the inaugural partnership, a once-in-a-lifetime prize with Real Madrid Football Club has been planned.

The winning team of the 2019 competition will travel to Spain at the end of February 2020 for an invaluable groundscare work experience placement at

the club’s Santiago Bernabeu Stadium in the run up to a major international game.

Working to raise awareness of academic rigour in turf management, the SALTEX College Cup is a fantastic way to reward those dedicated to and passionate about the industry while promoting the importance of education.

Commenting on the challenge, Dan Prest, Head of Member Services – Learning and Consultancy at the IOG, says: “This is a fantastic opportunity for turfcare students to witness the working practices at an elite venue and draw inspiration from Paul Burgess, a respected UK grounds manager. The winning team will have proven their knowledge in the competition and will also be able to add to their practical skills under the guidance of Paul and his team at Real Madrid.”

As companies dedicated to supporting the grounds sector and to encourage younger people into

Dennis PRO 34R tops the wish-list at Warwick

Duncan Toon, Grounds Manager for Warwick Independent Schools Foundation, says that when he heard rumours about the new Dennis PRO 34R rotary mower, he added it to his wishlist straight away.

The Dennis PRO 34R is a 34” (860mm) rotary mower which has been designed to help groundsmen achieve an aesthetically pleasing appearance and desired playing surface.

It is ideal for sports pitches and lawns producing the enviable ‘Dennis Stripes’ while a powerful vacuum flow collects debris quickly and efficiently.

The angle of the cutting deck and twin blades can be easily adjusted using a single ‘click adjuster’ ensuring the mower is suitable for changing conditions and meeting groundsmen’s requirements.

“The best feature about the PRO 34R is the presentation and the incredibly fast cleanups,” says Duncan. “We use it to clean the pitch up after rugby matches and also after training sessions and the brush on the front is a big bonus as it enables you to really get into the sward.”

the industry, Toro and Reesink, an official Toro distributor in the UK, have teamed up with the IOG once again, to complement their successful partnership as sponsors of the IOG Young Board of Directors.

Reesink Turfcare’s marketing manager Rochelle Bedford

says of the sponsorship: “By sponsoring the SALTEX College Cup, we are demonstrating Toro and Reesink’s long-term commitment to the development of the industry and providing valuable learning opportunities for the brightest young groundsmen out there, which we hope will help them further

their careers. Young talent and excellence in the groundscare industry is where the future lies and this latest partnership with the IOG will, we hope, help ensure progression in the sector. We are delighted to be involved.”

Phenomenal fairway recovery thanks to Headland Amenity

The drought of summer 2018 saw some of the fairways at Hertfordshire’s Aldwickbury Park Golf Club fall victim to the prolonged dry spell, but a programme from Headland Amenity saw a recovery that Course Manager Craig Betts could only describe as ‘phenomenal’.

A combination of Easygreen Mini and TriCure AD to aid germination and retain moisture, saw the fairways back fighting fit in time for the annual Jamega Pro Golf Tour. With a feeding programme of Xtend 46-0-0 and Elevate Fe already in place, Peter suggested incorporating Easygreen Mini quick release fertiliser.

“This was the kick-start the seed needed to establish despite the relatively late sowing. We also

added 2.5L of TriCure AD into the tank-mix which has done a fantastic job of retaining any moisture we get. I keep a close eye on the weather forecast and if I see rain coming, I’ll get a TriCure AD application down. This, in particular, has helped growth to thrive.”

The quick-working action of the Headland recovery programme meant that just three weeks after overseeding, the course was ready to host the 7th round of the Jamega Pro Golf Tour – the 9th year Aldwickbury has been a host venue.

Headland Amenity

Dennis Mowers

Reesink Turfcare

Ecoline+ hits the mark at Watford FC

Pitchmark’s Ecoline+ has become the line marking paint of choice for FA Premier League club Watford FC.

The demand for using a premium paint at the Vicarage Road stadium led to trials last season, since when Pitchmark have been further developing Ecoline+.

Watford FC became the first to use the improved formula at the opening game of the season against Brighton and Hove Albion in August this year. The club had been using Pitchmark’s Direct at the

Watford FC training ground and academy, located at the University College London Union Shenley Sports grounds in St Albans.

Home to fi ve full-size and two goalkeeping/warmup natural grass training pitches as well as a full-size artificial turf training pitch and fourteen college/ academy natural grass pitches, there’s a sizeable amount of line marking required.

In the stadium only premium quality is acceptable. Ecoline+ offered the ideal all-round

solution. Ecoline+ is one of the most advanced, low volume, ready-to-use line marking paints available, especially when used in combination with Pitchmark’s Eco and Hybrid markers and special nozzles.

The Pitchmark Hybrid overcomes these problems with a three-wheeled spray design, which is easily manoeuvred over wet lines. The cone nozzles give perfect deep leaf coverage, so you only need one pass.

Walker Mowers put through their paces

A new training facility at the Fort Collins, Colorado manufacturing facility for Walker Mowers was put through its paces recently by their UK Country Manager Steve Egerton.

Cutting grass at nearly 5,000ft (1519m) above sea level and in soaring temperatures approaching 90 F (32.2 C) was a first for Steve – but it gave him the opportunity of trialling all the machines in the Walker range, using all mower deck options available.

Steve had visited other manufacturers test sites and found they tended to be an open grass area, often a sports field.

At Walker however, they have introduced slopes of different sizes and inclines, undulations, tight turning areas, low trees, open fences and typical obstacles that operators may come across

Time to stock up on Toro’s Titan Tines

And when it comes to delivery, its guaranteed to be the fastest delivery time possible.

The titans of the tines industry and known as the turf professional’s secret weapon when it comes to achieving precise, concise holes for faster recovery and a smoother finish, Toro’s Titan Tines genuinely offer customers more, just like their UK distributor Reesink.

But not just that, when you choose Toro’s Titan Tines, you can also be guaranteed of more choice, more longevity, more productivity, more strength, more play and more reliability too.

There are over 150 Toro Titan Tines available covering all possible aeration applications. Whether you’ll be coring, slicing or spiking, hollow, solid or deep tining, or using water injection

cultivation or ‘linear’ aeration, there’s a Titan Tine for every need.

Plus, all Titan Tines fit current and late model Toro aerators and the standard mount size fits lots of other manufacturer aerators, too.

Toro’s Titan Tines are the longest-lasting on the market, thanks to their robust tungstencarbide-blend tip, which lasts up to four times longer than standard tines.

And because they last longer, it means fewer replacements and

less change-outs are needed leading to greater productivity. Toro’s Titan Tines are made by combining a strong alloy with a unique heat treatment process resulting in a fi nished product that provides maximum strength and resistance to wear.

Toro’s ultra-durable Titan Tines are the turf professional’s secret weapon when it comes to achieving precise, concise holes for faster recovery and a smoother finish. Clean-cut holes are important for a speedy recovery and the best way to ensure the

when using the machines and experiencing the benefits of the ‘Walker Mower Advantage’.

This highlights how using an out front rotary zero turn radius machine, increases productivity. Most lawns and grass areas have undulations, the out front advantage on the Walker machines offer lateral flex and this enables the mower deck to follow the contours of the ground.

Most notable was the performance of the range of the three mulching cutting decks available in Europe. Sales of these decks have seen a significant increase over previous years, demonstrating the need to increase efficiency and get that desired finish, without any cuttings.

Developing a mulching mower is a challenge, taking what is effectively a closed system, with no air flow through the deck

and then creating lift to cut and recut the blades of grass before distributing the cuttings back down into the turf.

Tests conducted by Walker Manufacturing have shown that simply fi tting a higher lift wing tip on the blade is not necessarily the solution. Walker mulching decks are fitted with a heavy duty tooth styled serrated blade and an additional recirculator hub. The design and fi tting of this re-circulator hub increases the air fl ow on the perimeter of the deck pan assisting the recirculation of air and cut grass.

Walker Mowers will be exhibiting at SALTEX at the NEC October 30/31 and FutureScape 2019 at – Sandown Park on November 19th.

Walkers Mowers

speediest

Pitchmark

“Toro’s Titan Tines are designed to produce precise consistent holes for fast turf recovery, a smooth finish and quick return to play.”

Toro

of recoveries is with tines that boast sharp edges and smooth sides.

Michael Hampton, turfcare parts manager at Reesink, says:

Don’t compromise, cut and collect with the best

All action herbicide

Chikara contains the active ingredient flazasulfuron and is well established herbicide and a key product for residual total weed control management.

The addition of shrub bed use to the label enables parks and other grounds maintenance organisations to combine efficient delivery of low active ingredient with effective and long lasting residual weed control around amenity vegetation.

Used in a wide range of situations, Chikara will give up to 5 months control of broad leaved weeds and grasses.

Whether you are cutting a lawn, sports pitches or numerous contracts the ISEKI SXG range of mowers cut and collect leaving a superior finish, designed to offer the most reliable, high quality diesel mower on the market.

Consisting of three models ranging from 13.5hp to 22hp, the SXG range has a mower suitable for your needs. The mower decks start at a generous 40” width of cut up to a highly productive 54” deck offering superior quality of cut.

Simple height of cut adjustment and electric or hydraulic collector emptying are standard features that are easily carried out from the driver’s seat. With hydraulic deck lift, hydraulic power steering and hydraulic collector the SXG is practically effortless to use whether for a couple of

hours or all day, making cutting your grassed area more of an enjoyable experience.

No need to wait for a dry day, the blowerless, straight chute direct from the cutting deck to the collector means that even when the ground is wet you can still cut and collect with the same finish enabling you to be as productive as possible with no frustrating blockages. Then when the leaves have dropped in the autumn you can also collect these using the SXG mower, saving valuable time instead of manual raking.

A high-tip collector is another very useful option within the ISEKI SXG range, with its 1.94m maximum lift height for emptying into a trailer or in to neat compost piles.

ISEKI

“The Industry has been crying out for an effective product for use in shrub beds” Says Peter Corbett Chemical Manager of Rigby Taylor. “We are delighted to now offer a highly cost effective solution to help manage weed control in such situations. Chikara will fill the void left by the regulatory loss of products that were previously used for vegetation management.”

Chikara, either on its own or in tank mixture with glyphosate formulations such as Mascot Hi-Aktiv or Trustee will deliver season-long weed control across a wide range of porous surfaces, including gravel car parks, around street furniture, along fence lines, kerb edges and much more. Chikara is available in 50 and 150 gram packs.

A case study and cost comparison of chemical versus mechanical methods of vegetation control was compiled by Doncaster Metropolitan Borough StreetScene department and is available on request.

Rigby Taylor

Teesside’s transformation with John Deere deal

In the last 10 years Teesside Golf Club at Thornaby, Stockton-onTees has undergone the biggest transformation of any club in the area, both on and off the course.

Additional significant investment has more recently been made in new drainage, irrigation and John Deere course maintenance equipment to take the course and its presentation up to the desired level.

Supplied as a John Deere Financial lease package by dealer salesman Alastair Briggs of Greenlay at Cramlington, the latest equipment includes a new 9009A rotary rough mower; a used 3235C fairway cylinder

mower that was specified for the practice area, but also fills in as back-up fairway mower; 2653B & 2653A tees & surrounds mowers, the latter an older machine that was refurbished as part of the deal; and a 2500B greens triplex mower.

Head greenkeeper Gary Evans said: “It’s all about making the team more efficient and giving us more flexibility to cope with the course conditions, weather and timing of operations. The better the cut quality and finish, the better the course is for the golfers, it’s that simple.”

John Deere

With

Spraying it safe

Sprayer technology is developing to help groundsmen and greenkeepers control pests, weeds and diseases on amenity turf more effectively, while avoiding negative effects on the environment and bystanders.

Operators are even employing high tech GPS individual nozzle control systems originally devised for use in agriculture, to target applications and avoid overlaps, explains Danny Hubbard of Team Sprayers.

“On the golf course, the operator can use GPS mapping to ensure that a product is applied only to the green and not to the fairway, for example.

“While on a racecourse, such as Ascot, which recently specified section control on our Club tractor-mounted sprayer, the

large areas covered and volumes used means that avoiding overlaps between passes can significantly cut chemical costs.

“The system also offers traceability, so local authorities can document exactly which chemicals have been used, where and when.”

The Team Club sprayer is available with a wide selection of options to suit all types of operations, while the Demount Pro was redesigned recently to be shorter and more compact for work in difficult areas and fits the Jacobsen Truckster XD, Cushman Truck, Toro Workman and John Deere ProGator simply by using specific brackets.

Available with manual, electric folding or covered boom systems, the Demount Pro is also highly versatile, Danny points

out, and also features a flattened tank in sizes 400 to 800 litres; offering clear vision across the back of the machine.

“There’s still a certain amount of interest in covered booms, which help to reduce drift. Our version allows the shrouds to be removed for spraying in better conditions, increasing its versatility,” he adds.

Kuhn Amenity Pro also offers a wide range of options for its mounted and demount sprayers.

The Actis P100 is the smallest tractor-mounted model, with a 100 litre polyethylene tank.

A 12-volt piston diaphragm pump with pressure accumulator delivers a constant and precise flow through either boom (2, 3 or 4 metre) or spray gun configuration.

Actis P200, P300 and P400 models offer 200, 300 and 400 litre tank capacities respectively and steel boom options from 2-12 metres.

These models have a large range of hose and spray lance options to give the machine great flexibility in use.

“The Actis can meet needs from very basic spraying applications to operators requiring auto regulation,” comments Kuhn’s sprayer specialist Charlie Lane.

“The lance and hose allows the machine to double up for spot spraying, with further options including auto-retract hoses for example.”

Golf clubs often choose the demountable Elis, which can be fitted onto most utility and transport vehicles, using adjustable rubber mounts.

It is available with a four-stroke engine or with a 12-volt electric pump and has 200, 300 and 400 litre tank size options and booms from 2-4m.

“Automatic dose control is an option which not only increases precision but also saves chemical,” comments Charlie.

The ATV-mounted Evolis comes with a hand lance but can be supplied with a boom and front tank to boost capacity as options, and is a popular choice for local authorities, since it is also suitable for pavement spraying, Charlie points out.

Danny Hubbard has also seen nozzle manufacturers responding to demand for improved technology, with low drift, air inclusion models now available to help with tight application windows.

For smaller clubs and fine turf applications, Danny comments that pedestrian sprayers remain popular to minimise traffic on greens, while football clubs also appreciate the selfpropelled Vixen, which can achieve high workrates without the use of a tractor.

Providing solutions for smaller areas, particularly where lawn tractors are the host vehicle of choice, is a speciality of SCH (Supplies).

The GWCS9 sprayer features a swing back arm at the end of the boom, so in the event of coming into contact with a tree or shrub, it will simply swing back instead of breaking off.

Once the obstacle is passed, the boom end flips back to its normal position and spraying resumes.

The 12-volt diaphragm pump is powered from the lawn tractor’s battery.

Inline filters are incorporated to avoid blocked nozzles and antidrip nozzle holders prevent the liquid from continuing to flow when the pump is shut down.

A brass hand trigger lance complete with simple twist connectors is supplied for spot spraying and around trees and shrubs, and a fi ve litre wash bottle is mounted on the chassis of the sprayer for dowsing down in case of skin contact with spray liquid.

Turf protection plays a key role in ensuring quality sports and leisure facilities and the latest equipment balances this with safeguarding the environment, Jane Carley reports.

Team

KuhnAmenityPro

Maximum spray width is 2.44m; with outer wing booms folded back and switched off, the spray width reduces to 1.22m.

Kuhn Amenity Pro has recently added a range of knapsack sprayers to its offering.

The Manopul range starts with a 1.5 litre hand-held D1 and goes up to the 15 litre D15 sustained pressure knapsack sprayer. All models are of polyethylene construction, with the 1.5, 3, 6 and 12 litre models having manual tank pressurisation.

The D15 has a 1.2 metre telescopic lance with integrated pressure gauge and a selector for low and high pressure work. Pressurisation mechanisms are located inside the tank and access to the piston is via a watertight lid separate from a wide filler hole.

“The D15 would be the sprayer of choice for councils looking for a spot spraying solution,” says Charlie Lane. “But it’s a versatile range – all models use Viton seals so are suitable for corrosive materials; the smaller models could be used in the workshop for tasks such as applying brake cleaner.”

Some amenity managers are also looking for alternatives to chemicals, and integrated turf management practice is becoming an increasingly popular approach.

This uses cultural methods to help combat weeds, pests and diseases alongside active ingredients, especially where

legislation has limited the choice of available products.

There is an emerging range of products for non-chemical weed control. Foamstream is Weedingtech’s patented herbicide-free solution and works by killing unwanted vegetation using heat delivered by near-boiling water, insulated by a biodegradable foam made of natural plant oils and sugars.

It is predominantly used by municipalities, contractors, utility companies and educational institutions however can be used by anyone looking to reduce their reliance on herbicides.

With 400 clients spanning four continents, in the UK clients include the London Boroughs of Hammersmith and Fulham, Southwark and Bromley, local authorities in Glastonbury, the Vale of Glamorgan and Lewes along with key contractors such as idverde and Burleys (part of the TCL group) and utility companies such as Thames Water, South West Water and Welsh Water.

“Foamstream’s foam and hot water solution is 99.5% water and 0.5% foam blend, the foam acting as an insulation blanket over the top of the hot water,” explains Weedingtech’s Taisie Grant.

“This holds the heat in the desired kill-zone (57 o C and above) for longer than any other alternative, stopping external factors like the atmosphere from having a negative impact on the heat transfer.

“The foam layer enables Foamstream to provide effective heat transfer from leaf to root, damaging the plant and causing it to die back.”

Foamstream also works to reduce total weed growth of an area by sterilising surrounding seeds and spores.

It can be used on all surfaces and in all weather without the requirement for on-going operator certification, training or protective clothing.

Rootwave’s Pro electrical weeder uses a hand-held electrode to ‘boil’ the roots of the weed, killing it from the bottom upwards.

It is powered via a generator which can be mounted in the bed of a UTV or pick-up and has 27m of cable allowing the operator to spot treat weeds over a large area without manoeuvring the vehicle.

The company is also working alongside other manufacturers to develop tractor mounted systems for larger areas.

Zapping Weeds with Zero Chemicals

At RootWave we are pioneering the use of electricity to kill weeds offering a sustainable and scalable alternative to herbicides.

Electricity works by using the natural resistance of a weed to boil it inside out from the root upwards. The technology is organic, with no need to disturb the soil and thus not encouraging new weeds to germinate.

RootWave Pro is an awardwinning professional hand weeder designed for growers, gardeners, groundsmen and contractors to organically spot weed and treat invasive species.

RootWave technology can effectively treat any species or size of weed, including the toughest invasive species.

Only one treatment is required for weeds such as Dandelion, Thistle, Ragwort, Dock and Himalayan Balsam. As with herbicides, weeds with deep and extensive rhizome roots such as Japanese Knotweed may require several treatments.

If you would like to know more or are interested in a demonstration, please contact us at www.rootwave.com

RootWave

Weedingtech

Enduramaxx has it covered

ATV & UTV sprayers are designed to spray water, or chemicals for pest control, on your garden, lawn or farm.

The sprayers help to cover a vast amount of ground in a short time frame and are ideal for agriculture and landscaping applications such as the spraying of pesticides.

Benefits include:

• Great for large scale use

• Portable • Easy to use

All our sprayers can be modified with a boom kit making application of fertiliser, herbicides, pesticides and water to yards, parks, sport fields and crops even easier.

The unique design of our ATV sprayer allows the operator to control the boom spraying pattern without leaving the seat.

Options to consider:

• Tank Capacity - The tank capacity determines the exact number of times needed to refill the

tank when in use and is particularly important to consider if you have a large area to work on.

• Pump Capacity - A variety of pump capacities are available from 3.8 litres per minute up to 19 litres per minute, depending on which combination of features you choose, to maximise functionality. Options include boomless nozzles and boom kits.

Multevo on the road to set new standards

Multevo’s Waterkracht hot water weed control system is an efficient, effective and ecological way of destroying the cellular structure of the target plant.

The system has recently been awarded NHSS18, with Multevo becoming the first contractor to be able to deliver hot water weed control service for Highways England.

The Waterkracht hot water weed control system can be used all year and in all weathers, a valuable selling point for those looking to

In terms of health and safety, operators only need to wear safety gloves means that even in high temperatures they can

still work, eliminating chemicals means no full body suit.

The eco-friendly weed removal solution

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

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

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

The range of Weed brushes from AS Motor includes a battery powered model and a new flexible weedbrush head offering improved handling which can be used with three, four or six braid brushes.

The weed strippers offer outstanding performance on many surfaces, including cobbles and block paving and with the quick change functionality of the Koppl power unit it can be used for many other tasks such as sweeping or snow clearance.

PSD Groundscare

Progreen appointed as UK online distributor for Nematrident

Progreen has been appointed as a distributor for the UK wide online sales of Nematrident products from Bionema.

Nematodes are fast becoming a key method of control for chafer grubs and leather jackets in lawns and turf, but they don’t stop there. Progreen are keen to point out that Nematode control doesn’t just stop a turf but goes further afield. Products for horticulture and forestry are proving ever popular for controlling insects such as vine weevil, leaf miner, large pine weevils & more.

As a key distributor the Progreen Technical Advice Team have undergone specialist training on the full Nematrident range in order to advise customers on optimising

the effectiveness of nematode control and the individual key benefits of each product including a unique Tri-Component system that makes these nematodes up to 30% more effective than other products on the market.

Louise Boothman of Progreen said “We are in a great position as we can offer our customers technical product support, the

full Nematrident range, plus the increased flexibility in smaller pack sizes which start at a smaller level of coverage of 100m2 and upwards.

“Tracked UK wide delivery, refrigerated level packaging also ensures that products get to our customers fast, in optimum condition for optimum results.”

Progreen

Enduramaxx

Multevo

Relieve rubber crumb compaction

The Ventrac Power Broom attachment is perfect to help maintain artificial turf on their synthetic pitches.

Quick and easy to change and when not in use, the Power Brooms form part of a range of attachments for the Ventrac compact units and is a versatile piece of equipment.

The Power Broom can be hydraulically angled left or

right and lifted up or down all from the seat of the tractor. An electric actuator also allows the operator to adjust the speed and direction of the broom rotation, maximizing its effectiveness.

A self-leveling feature keeps the broom horizontal at all times, and the nylon bristle broom cores can be changed in just a few minutes.

Price Turfcare

KAR UK announces new irrigation rotor for synthetic surfaces

KAR UK has announced the launch of the new Hunter ST1700V Turf Rotor which offers unrivalled high-performance irrigation for synthetic surfaces.

The ST range of Hunter irrigation products, which are expertly designed to cool and clean synthetic turf sports surfaces, have long been a market leader.

Simple to specify, contractorfriendly to install, and easy to service and maintain for the end-user, the Hunter ST System is the first and only cost-effective, fully integrated solution designed to exceed the unique and specific needs of the synthetic turf irrigation market.

Now, KAR UK - distributor of Hunter Industries irrigation equipment, has revealed that the renowned ST portfolio has been further strengthened with the addition of the new ST-1700V Synthetic Turf Rotor.

Simplicity is the key to the ST-1700V as it integrates Valve-in-Head (VIH) capabilities and a TotalTop-Service (TTS) design to simplify installation and maintenance.

Performance wise, the ST1700V is unbeatable.

Key benefits include:

• TTS design provides convenient no-dig

Permavoid plays on world hockey stage

A breakthrough portable pitch system developed specifically to International Hockey Federation (FIH) standards saw its first use at the FIH Pro League matches between Great Britain and New Zealand at the Twickenham Stoop stadium in June.

As the result of a partnership between England Hockey and Polypipe, the pitch exploited the water management specialist’s unique Permavoid geocellular sub-base to create a stable, high-quality playing surface that can be quickly and cost-effectively re-created on any scale, in any location and on any existing surface.

Jonathan Cockcroft, Commercial Director at England Hockey, said: “Polypipe’s Permavoid, which is already proven in a host of world-class sporting arenas including the Olympics and Premier League football, provides us with the

perfect versatile platform to achieve this as it can be adapted to accommodate and maintain any synthetic or natural playing surface in either a temporary or permanent setting.

“The opportunity to deliver ‘Big Stadium Hockey’ is now achievable on a regular and repeatable basis which is great news for our growing fan base.”

The distinctive blue ‘carpet’ that tops the composite structure is unique to hockey –its nap controlling ball rolling speed and pass accuracy. To do this consistently the carpet needs to hold a prescribed moisture level which is achieved by regular watering.

Permavoid’s open cell structure provides a temporary attenuation volume to receive any excess water from the surface, eliminating the risk of any surface water ponding, while

Driving golf participation in Germany

Tour professional Marcel Siem has launched a golf practice demonstration area in his home town of Ratingen in a drive to establish Germany as a leading golfing nation.

Partnering with Huxley Golf, the world’s leading provider of allweather golf surfaces, the new facility comprises a large 1,615 sq ft (150 sq mtrs) putting green (Premier Outdoor), a 300 sq ft (28 sq mtrs) golf green, a chipping area and a cage net for driving practice. The whole area is surrounded with Huxley Golf 35mm Premier Leisure Turf.

Speaking at the launch, Marcel Siem said: “Practice is undoubtedly the key to success in any sport and golf is certainly no different.

“I installed a Huxley Golf putting green at my home in 2016 to enable me to practise my short game whenever I wished, even when my schedule meant I didn’t

have much time or the weather was bad. I was, and remain, incredibly impressed with the realism of the surface compared to natural grass.

“I wanted to bring this experience to others in my country and that’s why I’m delighted to launch this new demonstration area. I hope that we will encourage more people to play better golf and to play more often - regardless of weather conditions or time constraints - by equipping clubs, courses and individuals with first class practice facilities.”

Huxley Golf is the only PGA partner for artificial golf surfaces. Incredibly realistic in terms of ball roll, virtually maintenance-free and exceptionally hardwearing, Huxley Golf surfaces have been chosen by the world’s most prestigious clubs, courses and training academies to create enviable practice areas.

Huxley Golf

allowing it to infiltrate to ground at the sub-soil’s natural rate.

The entire pitch took the installation team two weeks to complete. After the FIH matches, every element used in its construction was re-used, clearly showing the versatility and environmental compatibility of the system.

In a permanent setting, Permavoid can form part of an integrated water management solution, providing attenuation on roofs, podiums and shallow depth areas that may not be suited to traditional surface water storage systems –contaminated land for example.

Polypipe

servicing without the need to cut into the synthetic surface

• VIH configuration makes installation fast and easy Heavy-duty internal gear drive provides years of reliable operation

• Includes all the features and benefits of the popular ST-1600 rotor

The ST-1700V rotor is now available exclusively in the UK and Ireland from KAR UK.

KAR UK

GKB tick all the boxes for artificial sports turf maintenance

Launching his dedicated artificial sports turf maintenance business, Sports and Courts Maintenance Ltd, Jon Lawson was looking for something that would decompact and assist in the deep cleaning and rejuvenating of artificial sports turf and was impressed with the robustness of GKB’s Renovator and the size of the double heads of the Rotobrush.

Owner and Managing Director at Sports and Courts Line Marking Ltd, Jon Lawson explains: “GKB is known for reliability and was so impressed with the rotary brush.

“I needed something that was going to do the job and that was robust and reliable. We have a lot of tennis clubs complain that they’ve got very compacted baselines and the

Renovator and Rotobrush tick all the boxes. For us it was the answer to going forwards with the new business, offering this additional service on top of the deep cleans and everything else we already do.”

The GKB Renovator’s five rotating brushes form the foundation of the machine and because the brushes interlock into each other, you will not miss a single inch when you are operating on your pitch. Whilst the GKB Rotobrush enables you to brush deeper and more effectively as the rotating brush disc is provided with extra rigid bristles which are pressed into the synthetic turf. Where the functioning of normal brushing and cleaning stops, the Rotobrush will continue.

GKB Machines

assets with Passport365

Passport365, an app that revolutionises the process of repairing, maintaining and managing multi-sports assets, is already proving beneficial to early adopters. Replay Maintenance launched the app earlier this year and its already providing an unexpected benefit to its customers.

Garry Martin, MD, explained: “A player recently sustained

an injury on one of our client’s pitches and was trying to take legal action against them.

“Thanks to the information the client had uploaded to the app, the facility team were able to provide evidence that the pitch, and the area where the incident happened, was safe.”

Replay Maintenance

Syn-Pro by SISIS thrives at Beaumont

A range of Syn-Pro equipment by SISIS is helping Cameron Flitten, head groundsman for De Montfort University at Beaumont Park, keep the synthetic surfaces in impeccable condition.

With the emergence of synthetic surfaces becoming more common over the years in a wide range of sports, the SISIS brand has continued to go from strength to strength with its impressive SynPro portfolio. Today synthetic surfaces are playing such a large role in a groundsman’s overall responsibilities, many have turned to the reliable and efficient Syn-Pro range and Cameron is no exception.

Originally from New Zealand, Cameron’s career in sports turf started with an apprenticeship on a golf course before landing a role working on the cricket squares at Loughborough University and then progressing to being in charge of the rugby and football pitches.

Three years ago, he became the head groundsman for De Montfort University, which coincided with the university agreeing to lease the vast playing fields at Beaumont Park.

The site received a multi-million pound investment and transformed the facilities into some of the best in the county. Along with seven other members of staff, Cameron maintains the wide array of sports surfaces at Beaumont Park which now includes two recently built all-weather 3G synthetic pitches.

To maintain these two pitches, Cameron chooses to use the Litamina 1200 and a combination of the Flexicomb fitted with straight and zigzag brushes.

The Litamina 1200 is a compact sweeper for efficient collection for unwanted debris from sand filled or rubber crumb synthetic surfaces. With its spiral design brush helping to stand up the pile and improve collection, and a large capacity mesh hopper collecting debris but allowing infill to be returned to the surface, the Litamina 1200 is ideal for helping to keep surfaces free of contamination and harmful debris.

Designed primarily for use on synthetic surfaces, the Flexicomb ensures even distribution of infill materials and lifts the pile. The adjustable setting ensures the effect of a rake, but with the softness of a brush, reducing the risk of damage to the fibres.

The bristle sections are replaceable and the Flexicomb is designed for a long working life with minimal maintenance. For greater results, Cameron attaches either the zigzag or straight brush to the Flexicomb which helps to even out the rubber crumb.

“We use the Flexicomb with the zigzag or straight brush three times a week, especially now with the high usage the pitches get. It helps to de-compact all of the rubber, levels it all off and stands all of the grass fibres back up.

“The Litamina is an essential piece of equipment and this is used at least once a month, sometimes

more if there are a lot of leaves on the surface. It is perfect for removing all of the rubbish and debris from the surface.

“These two pieces of equipment are all I need for my synthetic surface maintenance and you can always rely on them to do a brilliant job. I like that they are solidly built but I also like the simplicity of them. You can tell that SISIS have thought a lot about the groundsmen using them because they are easy to set-up and are generally very user-friendly. They also never break down either.”

SISIS

New machine from SIS Pitches used for the first time at FC Barcelona

Two years after revolutionising the hybrid grass market with the fully electric SISGrass Universal machine, SIS Pitches and SISGrass are proud to announce the launch of their second generation SISGrass machine, which is also 100% electric.

The machine can stitch a full-size football pitch in just 7 days using electricity, a huge step forward in reducing the company’s environmental footprint.

SIS Pitches are the first to use this type of technology in their large machines, and are seeing

huge benefits already, with installations completed at FC Barcelona’s training ground, followed by Camp Nou.

With over 18 years’ experience working with the biggest names in sport, SISGrass has been used at every major tournament in the last few years including the Europa League finals, UEFA Champions League, 2018 World Cup and the upcoming 2019 Rugby World Cup.

SISGrass is a 95% natural grass pitch that has the characteristics of a natural pitch, with synthetic

fibres inserted into the surface, offering more playing hours and faster pitch recovery than 100% natural surfaces. SISGrass uses cutting edge laser systems to guarantee 100% accuracy when injecting fibres uniformly over the entire pitch.

“Our new machines are using electricity to install our SISGrass product, which makes it more efficient, quicker and quieter,” said Ivo Lamot, Managing Director, SISGrass.

“SISGrass hybrid pitches are installed with the best quality

materials and accuracy available on the market, as well as being able to stitch much faster than other machines. This 100% electric machine is the next step for us and we’re really pleased to be one of the first in the industry to offer this technology in our larger machines.”

George Mullan, CEO of SIS Pitches, explained that the new machine was another step in the company’s drive to innovate and deliver technology that significantly reduces its carbon footprint.

SIS Pitches

Essential synthetic turf maintenance with the Campey Uni-Scratch

Campey Turf Care Systems’ latest innovation, the Campey Uni-Scratch, is the ideal solution for those looking for a professional and effective maintenance of natural and synthetic grass surface.

The Campey Uni-Scratch can be used for organic matter removal on natural grass hybrid carpet pitches when carrying out annual renovations.

Regularly maintaining synthetic pitches is vital because it prevents infill compaction. When a synthetic surface is regularly used the infill can become lodged and cause uneven hard and soft areas that eventually leads to drainage issues and flattening of the artificial fibres.

To prevent this, the Uni-Scratch has been developed to provide essential maintenance by de-

compacting and redistributing the infill. The machine can also be used to evenly distribute the infill in synthetic carpets during installation.

idverde UK who manage a growing portfolio of sports pitches and facilities on behalf of several local authorities, is the first company in the United Kingdom to purchase the UniScratch and operations manager, Steve Tingley, explains why.

He said: “We install and maintain a lot of hybrid carpet surfaces and we are always looking at new machines and how they can improve our operation. We bought the UniScratch specifically to speed up and improve our maintenance procedure and it has met the aims we had for it.”

Campey

Gary Barnfield, head greenkeeper at Oswestry Golf Club in Shropshire, claims the SISIS Flexibrush has proved to be an ideal solution for controlling worm casts.

Oswestry Golf Club is a mature parkland 18 hole course set in the glorious Shropshire countryside and Gary has been working at the club for an impressive 31 years after joining as an apprentice.

Over the years he has worked his way up through the ranks and six years ago he was promoted to the position of head greenkeeper.

Since taking over as head greenkeeper Gary has implemented a number of changes to the maintenance regimes which has no doubt reinforced the club’s reputation for being in an excellent condition all year round.

However, over recent years Gary claims that he has faced arguably his biggest challenge after a number of chemicals were removed from the turfcare market.

“With the ban of certain chemicals we have not been able to use what was once in our armoury,” he said.

“This proved to be problematic, as it no doubt did for every other greenkeeper, but the biggest loss was Carbendazim. Unfortunately the worms came out and more and more casts were appearing so we had to come up with a solution.

“An

advisor came to visit us and recommended that we apply some sand to top dress to

the areas and also to brush the worm casts and level them off before we cut.

“We needed to find ourselves a reliable machine that would give the worm casts a rigorous brush and we trialled four brushes from four different brands. The SISIS Flexibrush was the stand out machine.”

The SISIS Flexibrush is a tractor mounted brush which is equally effective to disperse top dressing and remove excess material on natural turf and on synthetic surfaces.

The versatile Flexibrush can also be used for dew dispersal and striping for improved presentation. It has a 5.35 metre working width, its brush sections float to follow ground contours and the outer sections fold for transport and storage.

“It’s not only great for brushing the worm casts but it also stands the grass up before we cut –which improves the quality of the cut and gives us better presentation,” said Gary.

“In fact, the Flexibrush has got multiple uses because we use it for knocking dew off in the mornings and also in the winter months when the turf is not growing so much we will brush instead of cutting to keep the presentation to a high standard.

“Ultimately, we had to do something about the worm casts and the Flexibrush has done a brilliant job. I think it is a great alternative to spraying the worms and I think more greenkeepers will go down this route.

SISIS

Whatever your code or surface, Wiedenmann UK’s RK 120 Z is an effective, tidy worker.

Popular with clubs, estates and local authorities, the RK 120 Z is a semi trailed sweeper fitting tractors 18hp and up.

On natural turf it has an amazing ability to sweep arisings left by mowing equipment along with divots and damages to a pitch or to a golf course after an event. Organic matter and grass clippings are vigorously sucked by the powerful airflow system.

The sterling performance of the rotating brush ensures the 1.6 m³

tank can be filled to its capacity, with resultant debris packed neatly in bales. A simple lever turn discharges the contents.

Frequently clubs use the RK 120 Z to sweep up the pitch after matches then let it double as a versatile off pitch sweeper clearing paths and car parks.

On artificial surfaces it also picks up leaves, windfall and litter making it efficient and effective. At 1.2 m wide it is a good size for getting in and out tight gates and again can tidy the area around the site.

Wiedenmann UK

Clear up with high performing machines

PSD Groundscare, a leading distributor of professional groundscare machinery have an exciting range of vacuums, blowers & sweepers from innovative European manufacturers ELIET and Koppl.

Leading Belgium manufacturer ELIET have developed a range of vacuums & blowers that includes leaf blowers, truckloaders and the Cameleon multi-vacuum.

Innovative German manufacturer Koppl provide a range of multiattachment machines that can be fitted to a power unit with over 50 attachments to choose from including snow-blowers and sweepers.

The wonderful advantage of the Koppl range is the power unit can be used all year round with attachments to suit the season.

Blowing your garden care worries away

As Autumn begins to breeze in and trees begin to shed their leaves, it will be time to consider the best way to keep pathways and lawns clear.

Mark Earles, Business Development Manager OPE at Makita explains what to consider when selecting a blower.

“It is important to consider how easy it is to use, the running costs and its performance,” he said.

“A lighter, more ergonomically designed machine will be less tiring for the user.

“For example, the petrolpowered Makita BHX2501 Hand Held Blower is compact and has a net weight of just 4.5kg. It also features comfortably positioned controls on the handle for simple operation and a half throttle trigger lock allowing a more relaxed grip and easier handling, especially when working for extended periods of time. Machines with an electronic ignition and easy start features are also important to reduce the strain on the user.

“When selecting a petrol blower there are benefits to a 4-stroke machine when compared with a 2-stroke. The due to the design and use of modern alloys, the Makita MM4 4-stroke engine is the same weight as the equivalent 2-stroke engine. It also has emissions that are up to 9 times lower and uses 40% less fuel.

“This combined with removing the need to mix the fuel with 2-stroke oil means that the running costs of the 24.5cc MM4 engine of the BHX2501 blower are reduced by as much as 60%. Makita’s patented oil circuit system means the machine can run at any angle, even when inverted, providing flexibility in operation.

“Ensuring the machine has the required power is also important as this will make the work easier and quicker. For example, the Makita BHX2501 has a max airflow of 10.1 m3 per minute. It can also be fitted with an optional vacuum attachment for disposing of leaves, hedge trimmings or paper litter.”

PSD Groundscare

Makita

The BR 800 C-E from STIHL is the latest addition to its range of innovative and high-performance blowers, ideal for professional landscapers and local authorities.

Producing a high-performance blowing force of 41N, the 80cc STIHL 4-MIX engine runs on a fuel-oil mix just like a 2-stroke model and offers the benefits without the compromises of 4-stroke power.

The STIHL 4-MIX engine provides fast acceleration, more power, added torque, and lower noise during operation to complete jobs quickly and more easily. In addition, the engine offers reduced emissions and increased fuel efficiency.

To make getting up and running even easier, the BR 800 C-E is designed with a convenient starting system featured on the side of the machine, allowing users to start the blower while wearing it. The simplified starting system also features an automatic choke reset and a switch position on the control handle that is always ‘ON’, ensuring that the professional user can start the BR 800 C-E with ease.

Thanks to its intuitive design, the BR 800 C-E has an excellent power-to-weight ratio and comes complete with an ergonomic backpack carrying system including S-shaped shoulder straps for

maximum comfort when wearing. Additionally, the BR 800 C-E incorporates STIHL’s anti vibration technology that reduces feedback from the machine’s engine, allowing professionals to comfortably use the tool for extended periods of time.

Professionals can also rapidly adjust the position of the carrying handle and the blower tube without the need of tools, ensuring that the BR 800 E-C can be easily customised to suit the needs of the user.

When it comes to essential maintenance, the BR 800 C-E is designed to be easier than ever to service. As well as allowing for speedy valve clearance adjustment, the service cover of the BR 800 E-C also provides access to the diagnostic socket, which can be connected to the STIHL diagnostic system.

The ergonomic carrying handle on the BR 800 C-E is located above the centre of gravity, increasing the control and balance that the operator has when lifting and transporting the machine. Additionally, the blower tube of the BR 800 C-E can be placed in a mount, making the machine more compact when transporting. To make storage even easier, the BR 800 C-E comes with a slot in the backplate allowing professionals to hang the machine up when storing.

Contractor idverde has added a second Omarv Venezia to their fleet of mowing machines after five years of impressive results in London’s Regents Park.

A second contract in Northampton which required a cut and collect mower for large areas prompted ID Verde’s group head of assets and fleet management, Angus Lindsay, to purchase another Venezia from Campey Turf Care Systems.

The Venezia is built to a highspecification because of the task it is needed for. It is extremely heavy-duty and is suitable for both grass mowing and thick brush cutting.

While suited to sports field and golf course use, it has a wider use in amenity grassland maintenance and heathland management.

Features include electrohydraulic cutting height adjustment and automatic belt tensioner whilst unloading can be carried out directly into trailers or lorries for disposal with the high-tip facility.

Cutting close to walls and perimeter hedges or fences is also made easier with an adjustable draw-bar that can be offset by 40cm.

Campey Turf Care Systems

If you’re struggling to keep on top of fallen leaves or scattered debris in your garden, field or park, a leaf collector could be the solution.

There’s no need to struggle with a rake for hours with one of these innovative machines.

The selection of leaf collectors available from Wessex International showcases some of the most innovative and functional machines on the market.

Browse our collection to fi nd leaf collectors for all manner of applications, including those specifically designed for golf courses and those which can handle almost any type of terrain. Choose from large tractor mounted leaf collectors

or ones which are suitable for ATV and UTV, or infact any machine with a ball hitch. If you’re looking for a leaf collector which is low maintenance and easy to use, Wessex has the right solution for you.

Fitted with a unique emptying hopper these multi-functional collectors will seamlessly brush the leaves together and collect them – all you have to do is remove and dispose of the leaves at the end of your collection.

These machines are also fully adjustable and boast a range of protective features to ensure that they operate well, even in long grass and rough terrain.

Demonstrating its versatility, the Ventrac 4500 compact tractor has powerful blowers that are ideal for the landscaper, estate manager or contracting business.

The Ventrac KA160 Power Blower features a vertical shaft design that delivers a powerful, yet quiet performance. This enables the blower housing to be rotated 180 degrees in the horizontal axis allowing the operator to move debris in the desired direction without hindering operation. Two guide wheels maintain a

consistent distance from the surface to maximise operational efficiency. This blower can be used to remove leaves, light snow, water and other debris.

The Ventrac ET200 Turbine blower makes quick work of any clean up job and is designed to move large volumes of air and much quieter than conventional leaf blowers.

The powerful front discharge nozzle can be hydraulically rotated through 360 degrees

from the operator’s seat and a front bumper protects the nozzle from damage. Power and control allows clean-up work to be done simply, quietly, and efficiently.

The Ventrac Mount System allows the blowers to mounted and detached quickly and then move on to the next job. The ET200 can be used to blow leaves, light snow, and remove debris from paths, car parks and other areas.

Price Turfcare

STIHL

Wessex International