The advanced four-wheel suspension system allows for a smooth ride and consistent cut.
2-Belt Pulley System
Less stress on each belt maximizes lifespan and minimizes maintenance.
Sturdy Mowing Deck
Take on the job with a mower built for the long haul with its professional-grade fabricated mowing deck.
Premium Suspension Seat
Discover optimal comfort on the STIHL RZ 700 Series with adjustable arm rests, back rest, and lumbar support.
THE POWER PROS NEED The
RZ 500 Series Ideal for farm and ranch users or pros, the STIHL RZ 500 Series comes in 52" and 60" decks and combines comfort with performance.
Available with a 52” or 60” cutting deck and professional-grade EFI engines, the STIHL RZ 700 Series helps pros maximize the mowing experience.
From the editor
By Mike Jiggens
Strategies to keep your all-star staff
It’s become more challenging in recent years for landscape contractors and other grounds maintenance managers to hire new employees. This has led to labour shortages throughout the industry and the need to develop strategies for retaining all-star employees whose possible departures must be avoided at all costs.
Times have changed, and grounds maintenance workers don’t necessarily wish to be “married” to their jobs without either having time for themselves or being given some form of incentive to stay.
Many employers have opted to think outside the box to keep the talent they have so that they can avoid the continuous ritual of hiring, training and hoping to retain their best workers.
The key is to implement measures that will keep employees happy and to make them feel that their input counts. A desirable company culture must also be in place, allowing the employee to feel he or she fits in and feels wanted.
Obviously, an employee wants assurance to know that his or her compensation will be supportive for 12 months of the year. This, however, can present a challenge to employers when their employees largely work seasonally.
We heard from a Waterloo, Ont.-based landscaping firm whose employees can cash in on a banked hours system during
slower times of the year. The spring season tends to be extremely busy for landscapers, requiring employees to work well beyond 40 hours a week. By implementing a banked hours system, those employees can be paid the equivalent of 40 hours a week during the busiest periods while banking their “overtime” hours to top up leaner weeks later in the year when work slows down.
This measure is especially effective during the winter season when landscaping companies that offer snow removal services can keep their best employees around – and ensure they’re still compensated – in between snow events when they’re apt to work fewer than 40 hours a week.
They have the same want to pursue a life outside of their working hours
This same landscaping company has also introduced a group RSP initiative that allows employees to invest in their future. The employee diverts a percentage of his or her pay into the plan which the company matches. It’s yet another incentive aimed at retaining key employees.
Employee burnout is a genuine concern for the employer and employee alike. It can be easy for someone to want to rethink his career choice when he’s working upwards of 60 hours a week, six days a week for
several weeks on end and having little or no time for himself. It can be a tall order for employers to assume heavily worked employees will want to return the following year if there’s nothing in it for them.
They have the same want to pursue a life outside of their working hours. This is especially true among employees who have started families of their own and wish to balance their time on the job with time dedicated for their loved ones.
More and more companies are acknowledging the importance of a work-life balance for their employees and are doing their best to make the necessary accommodations.
The alternative to failing to give in to what’s best for their employees is for landscapers to gamble on their return to the company the following season and subsequent years. That means having to take the time to train new employees at the start of the season – something that could lead to a repeating cycle if there’s nothing in place to keep employees happy. The employee wants to think that what he or she is doing isn’t merely a job, but a career.
We live in a different time. The ball is largely in the court of the employee today. By taking care of the employee, the employer is investing in his own company. As he begins each season, he is further cultivating experienced employees who will continue to contribute to the company’s bottom line.
It’s in his best interests to hold onto these prized employees as best as possible.
www.turfandrec.com
Reader Service
Print and digital subscription inquiries or changes, please contact Angelita Potal, Customer Service Tel: 416-510-5113 apotal@annexbusinessmedia.com
Mail: 111 Gordon Baker Rd., Suite 400 Toronto, ON M2H 3R1
Editor Mike Jiggens mjiggens@annexbusinessmedia.com
Advertising Manager Rebecca Lewis 519-400-0322 rlewis@annexbusinessmedia.com
Audience Development Manager Anita Madden 416-510-5183 amadden@annexbusinessmedia.com
Group Publisher Anne Beswick 416-410-5248 abeswick@annexbusinessmedia.com
CEO Scott Jamieson sjamieson@annexbusinessmedia.com
Printed in Canada ISSN 1186-0170
PUBLICATION MAIL AGREEMENT #40065710
SUBSCRIPTION RATES
Published 7 times a year – Jan/Feb, March, Apr/May, June/July, Aug/Sept, October, Nov/Dec Canada – 1 year $35.70 CDN; 2 year $45.90 CDN; 3 years $56.61 CDN (plus applicable taxes; single-copy$7.00 CDN USA – 1 year $48.96 CDN HST 86717 2652 RT0001
Occasionally, Turf and Recreation will mail information on behalf of industry related groups whose products and services we believe may be of interest to you. If you prefer not to receive this information, please contact our circulation department in any of the four ways listed above.
All advertising is subject to the publisher’s approval. Such approval does not imply any endorsement of the products or services advertised. Publisher reserves the right to refuse advertising that does not meet the standards of the publication.
POWER. CONSISTENCY. PERFORMANCE. IF ONLY THAT DESCRIBED YOUR GOLF GAME.
GOLF’S BEST ROTOR 10 YEARS RUNNING
Get maximum uniformity and longevity in the field with proven TTS-800 Series Golf Rotors. Featuring a powerful, high-torque gear drive for harsh water conditions and Total-Top-Serviceability for easy, no-dig maintenance, these reliable rotors make irrigation management simple, round after round.
Exclusive PressurePort™ Nozzle
Technology optimizes incoming pressures to maximize distribution uniformity for greener, healthier turf
hunter.info/TTS800
STC dissolves partnership with WCTA
Sports Turf Canada has dissolved its partnership agreement with the Western Canada Turfgrass Association following a decade-long association.
The WCTA sent a notice to its membership, informing them of the dissolved agreement. The notice to WCTA members outlines the history of the partnership and projects what now lies ahead.
Sports Turf Canada dues for British Columbia and Alberta WCTA members will no longer be collected by the WCTA.
Vancouver residents allotted 1 day a week for lawn watering
Metro Vancouver residents will be allotted only one day a week to water their lawns, starting May 1.
The water conservation measure has been implemented in response to a low snowpack and expectations for a hot and dry summer.
The snowpack is about 56 per cent of its historical average. Reservoirs are expected to be full by the middle of May. Residents are being encouraged by the municipality to let their lawns go brown so that sufficient water is available for drinking, cooking and cleaning.
Moose Jaw club approves plans for course upgrades
A master plan outlining renovations to Moose Jaw’s Hillcrest Golf Club has been approved by the club’s membership. Work could begin as early as the fall on a multi-year course redesign that will cost about $3.5 million for the project’s initial stages.
The first phase of the project is to include work on the first hole’s green, the back tee of the third hole, the 13th hole and the greens on the 14th and 18th holes..
Host of home improvement TV show to speak at Equip Expo
10
YEARS
Length of time of partnership agreement
This Old House host and home improvement expert, Kevin O’Connor, will deliver the keynote address at Equip Exposition in October, focusing on energizing the landscapers, contractors, dealers, and manufacturers who attend the trade show.
The award-winning trade show, which drew more than 27,000 people last year from 46 countries, will be held Oct. 15-18 at the Kentucky Exposition Center (KEC).
“We’re excited to have Kevin join us this October for Equip – he’s a seasoned contractor and really knows the business,” Kris Kiser, president of the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute, which owns and manages Equip Exposition, said. “He’s one of us, and he’ll have a great story to share with attendees. Registration for the show is now open, so make sure you get your travel booked soon.”
O’Connor says he has a profound respect for the professionals who attend Equip.
“The people who run and make these businesses work, who show up every day, who employ and provide and get after it, those are my kind of people,” he says.
3
number of phases planned for project
He hopes they learn “ways to make their businesses better, ways to get more people into these honorable professions, and learn how to mentor, grow and be more productive day in and day out.”
O’Connor said he is also looking forward to getting to the 30-acre Outdoor Demo Yard at Equip,
where attendees can dig, mow, cut, drive and test drive the latest outdoor power equipment.
“Ask anyone on our This Old House crew and they will tell you I never miss a chance to get into the big machines, to operate and handle all the equipment,” he says. “Doing is learning, and in my case, it is also teaching – teaching our audience to try, to practice, to master. So yes, get me in the seat.”
During his keynote address, which is sponsored by Kress, O’Connor also is expected to address some of the larger trends happening in the industry.
He praises the backyarding trend, which is getting more homeowners to expand their living spaces outside.
“The backyard is the new front porch,” he adds, making the work of landscape contractors and others so important for creating these spaces as people move from formal living spaces to casual outdoor time. I think it’s important professionals are honest with homeowners and guide them wisely in their choices.”
Embracing the battery revolution
Kress Commercial’s 8-Minute CyberSystem leads the transformation of the lawn care industry
With environmental accountability increasingly on the mind due to legislation like the Net-Zero Emissions Accountability Act, the lawn care industry is undergoing a revolutionary transformation. Hundreds of municipalities have banned various types of gas-powered lawn equipment, and the industry as a whole is facing increasing pressure to make gas-powered commercial equipment obsolete. Your customers – businesses, facilities, municipalities and homeowners – are demanding quieter, greener alternatives. Now that alternative can also save you money.
In the past, technological limitations have made it impossible for the industry to evolve. Landscapers need a viable alternative to gas, without compromising performance or facing costly barriers to transition.
Enter Kress Commercial, whose 8-Minute CyberSystem is redefining the standards of sustainability, productivity and profitability in commercial landscaping.
No compromises: A true alternative to gas-powered equipment
Kress Commercial’s 8-Minute CyberSystem is not just about meeting regulatory requirements; it’s about exceeding expectations and setting new standards for efficiency and user health benefits.
With a charge time of only eight minutes and mobile charging capabilities, this proprietary battery technology ensures that commercial landscapers maintain uninterrupted operations while significantly reducing their carbon footprint – and gas bill – while the operator enjoys reduced vibrations and zero emissions.
In addition to industry-leading charge times, Kress CyberSystem batteries produce higher power output –equivalent to a 55cc two-stroke engine – and offer longer lifespans – up to 3,000 lifecycles – than traditional lithium-ion batteries. This translates to cost savings for business owners, further demonstrating that sustainability and profitability can coexist without compromise.
Join the revolution with Kress Commercial
The 8-Minute CyberSystem is not just a product; it’s a commitment to a sustainable, productive and profitable tomorrow that no other manufacturer is able to provide.
Commercial landscapers can now be at the forefront of this transformative movement, adopting a solution that not only meets the evolving industry demands, but also propels their businesses into a new era of efficiency and profitability.
Visit kress.com to learn more about how the 8-Minute CyberSystem is shaping the future of commercial landscaping.
The challenges of retaining staff
Lawn care, landscaping professionals must adapt to keep all-star employees
By Mike Jiggens
Retaining staff employed in lawn care, landscaping, and golf course and sports turf maintenance has challenged employers for several years due to the seasonal nature of the work. This has been a particular concern since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. There are several strategies employers can adopt, however, to retain their best employees – to ensure they return for the following season – including the opportunity for promotion.
Employers representing three different sectors of the green industry shared their strategies for staff retention in March at the 14th annual Nutrite spring lawn care seminar in Guelph. Attendees heard from Nick Ovington, supervisor of parks and property for the Town of Bradford West Gwillimbury; Perry Grobe, owner of Grobe Nursery & Garden Centre in Breslau; and Richard Burch, owner of Burch Landscape Services Ltd. in Waterloo.
A GOOD WORK ENVIRONMENT
Ovington said the key to retaining staff lies in the work environment the employer has created, whether it’s in the shop, the office or in the field.
Everyone wants to be recognized, to be heard and to be given a chance to make a difference, he added.
“They want to be inspired at work,” Ov-
ington said. “They want to be flexible.”
Bradford’s parks department conducts annual reviews with its employees, analyzing what worked well and what didn’t, and inquires if staff wants to progress within the company. Ovington said some employees are content to continue doing the same work they’ve become accustomed to while others may want to climb the ladder but aren’t sure how. For those looking to move ahead, such options as online training will be offered.
He says he has enjoyed success with staff retention through the pillars of encouragement, empowerment and recognition of employees.
He learned an effective means of encouraging staff during his previous employment with a private landscaping firm. Work crews were graded by report cards, based on vari-
ous criteria including showing up to work on time. Bonuses were awarded to crews who met the expected criteria. Ovington said the system worked well and helped motivate staff.
Empowering staff to make decisions enables them to feel like they’re part of a bigger picture, he said, adding they can sit on or chair one of several committees.
Bradford has an employee recognition program in place that includes monthly crew meetings. This allows employees to share what they appreciate about their co-workers. Ovington said it could be something as simple as one employee celebrating a co-worker’s efforts to quit smoking. Employees are formally thanked and acknowledged at annual staff luncheons and monthly crew meetings.
Short and long-term goals as well as
Lawn care and landscaping workers who fit in with a positive company culture are apt to remain with their employer longer.
education plans are set during the annual review period. He cited one employee is being groomed to become a leader, but the individual is shy. Strategies are being devised to help the employee become more outgoing and less fearful and able to better deal with staff.
“I’ve heard too much too often that we just cut the green and push the white, but that’s not me,” Ovington said. “It’s all about helping people become the best version of who they want to become.”
Another effective strategy adopted during his time in the private sector was the development of a banking program for overtime hours. During the summer months, employees would often work more than 40 hours a week. During the winter season, however, snow removal services didn’t demand as much time. By initiating a program in which extra hours were banked, staff could be paid the equivalent of working 40 hours a week the entire year.
“It helped us at the front end with training and retention.”
KEEPING EMPLOYEES HAPPY
Grobe said that employers can’t always do everything they’d like to do to keep their employees happy and motivated due to such factors as time and financial constraints.
“Most caring employers do their best to keep you happy,” he said.
Grobe Nursery has staff who have been working for the business for 30 years and others who have been employed for as little as a year or who work only part-time during the summer.
“You have to gear what you can do for them based on what their individual needs are,” Grobe said. “It’s hard to have a program that all people can buy into. All will have different desires of what they’re looking to get out of it.”
Staff at Grobe are kept abreast of what’s upcoming in terms of their plans. The business identifies what must be done early and allows employees to show they can achieve those needs.
“The older ones tend to have a good sense of the expectation and they oftentimes will pass that onto the newer and younger ones
that ‘here’s what they’re expected to do.’”
Optional group chats are organized to help keep staff focused on things that are important in their lives.
“I really think it’s helped a ton for keeping people on top of what’s going on and keeping them involved in a bigger thing, especially if they’re new to us,” Grobe said.
During COVID, the nursery was permitted to open – while other businesses deemed non-essential were locked down – but the company took advantage of any break it could get.
“We changed dramatically what we were doing from our opening hours to the hours we were expected to work to ensure that our staff weren’t burned out. One of the things we learned was that they were more productive, they were happier, and morale was better.”
Business hours have become shorter, but
If a customer is irate about something, the owner should take the “crap” instead of letting an employee be targeted, he said.
“The big thing is you back them up if there’s a situation and take the worst of it, and they know it’s you.”
Compensation is an important consideration, Grobe said. Pay adjustments are made in the spring for current staff. For anyone who is permanent, an increase or adjustment in wages is made to comply with inflation. Last year, almost everyone on staff received a significant pay raise.
“We did not want our staff necessarily to shop around for someone who will pay them more. People are as much of an investment as the forklift. Investing in people is going to give us the biggest return.”
Staff are also presented with a small gift at Thanksgiving. “It’s appropriate because I’m thankful they’re there.”
It’s all about helping people become the best version of who they want to become
attempts are made to accommodate certain customers when the business is closed. Grobe Nursery is closed on Mondays during the summer, giving much of the staff a three-day weekend every other week. But Grobe said it must be determined if staff wants such an arrangement.
“If you make that an expectation, they may have financial constraints and you may have to let them opt in or opt out of that.”
Grobe said a big motivator for his company’s employees is food. Impromptu breakfasts are randomly arranged during which staff who arrive to work early are taken out to eat.
“Free food really works.”
Grobe said if owner-operators of businesses don’t work hard themselves, neither will their employees. He added it’s not the same as micromanaging, explaining that employees want to be given tasks in which they can excel and to be complimented on their achievements.
Additionally, an end-of-season performance bonus is awarded just before Christmas.
“They (employees) know that if we have succeeded and made some money, I’m the first one to tell them that they’re getting a share of it.”
STAFFING A CHALLENGE
Staffing has always been an issue at Burch Landscape Services, Burch said, noting it’s a challenge to find staff that fits the company’s culture.
“It’s a struggle,” he said. “It’s just down to luck sometimes who you get to fit your company culture.”
During the spring season, staff are working more than 55 hours a week, including Saturdays.
“Saturdays we try to make it as much fun as possible. It’s easy jobs, and for us it’s just mulching.”
Having the right mix of people leads to a productive team and one of camaraderie,
Burch said, adding employees will “kibitz” with one another and have fun, “even though it’s work.”
Burch Landscape also has the occasional employee breakfast and typically provides pizza for lunch on Saturdays.
Burch said an important part of his company’s culture is to ensure staff has time for family.
“Family is a big part of our company. You have to have that work-life balance.”
He said that for the first eight years after founding the company, he never took a vacation until his wife finally convinced him to take some time off. He said it wouldn’t be right for him to take time away from work during the season yet deny his employees the same privilege.
Maintaining a work-life balance can be challenging during the winter season when snow removal work is often required with little or no notice.
“On Christmas Day, asking your staff to go out first thing in the morning to make sure their customers’ places are clear, I have trouble with that because we have people with young families themselves.”
Burch said he has employees who will step up in such situations to volunteer working the early shift, allowing staff with young children to enjoy Christmas morning as a family.
An enticement to retain staff is a group RSP initiative that Burch Landscape has recently implemented. Staff can contribute a small percentage of their pay into the plan as an investment into their future. Burch said his employees immediately bought into the plan for which the company matches the employee contribution.
“At the end of the year, it costs you a little bit, but it’s one of those things. It’s a perk.”
Employees at Burch Landscape are encouraged to take upgrading courses and attend educational seminars which are paid for by the company.
“It only makes them better, keeps them engaged in their career and they’re better on our properties.”
Burch Landscape has tried to hire staff through a variety of ways including working with temporary foreign workers’ agencies
and high school co-op programs. But they have their shortcomings, Burch said.
“It’s hit and miss who you’re going to get,” he said of the foreign workers’ program.
“You’re going to get some good people. You’re going to get some bad people.”
He worked with the foreign workers’ program for about two years but found the language barrier often got in the way.
“If you can have one foreign worker who can speak English and help you out to translate to the other ones, that’s great, but my Spanish isn’t very good.”
The problem with high school co-op programs, Burch said, is that students are often no longer available beyond the end of the academic year when the growing season is in full swing.
Finding the right people to do landscap-
ing and lawn maintenance work can be challenging because of the amount of physical labour involved.
“Nobody wants to be on a shovel for 12 hours a day.”
Burch said the younger generation of landscapers enjoy working on equipment and relishes the opportunity to operate new and superior machinery. Working with equipment that isn’t up to standard and which doubles the time a task should be completed will only frustrate employees who may be apt to seek employment elsewhere, he added.
Like the Town of Bradford, a banked hours system has been in place at Burch Landscape for several years. Banked hours help employees get through the winter when they’re engaged in snow removal.
Older workers often tend to pass along valuable advice to younger workers.
Golf course weather risk management
Knowing how to manage weather risks can save lives
By Mike Jiggens
Managing weather risks on a golf course can be impactful in many ways. It can allow tournament organizers to reschedule or delay the start of an event if rain is a certainty. It can also potentially save the lives of grounds maintenance workers and golfers when lightning is in the vicinity.
Golf superintendents aren’t required to be experts in meteorology, but some general knowledge about weather forecasting and how to apply such data for planning, preparing and performing when weather risks are imminent is critical.
Kevin Mahoney, a certified consulting meteorologist and weather risk manager at Minneapolis-based DTN, spoke in February at the Canadian Golf Course Management Conference in Montreal about the means to interpret weather information, such as determining the probability of precipitation, and developing strategic ways to deal with lightning.
When forecasting the weather, meteorologists gather atmospheric information from such locations as airports and golf courses by observing satellite and radar images and studying air quality models.
If a 20 per cent chance of rain is forecast, it means two of 10 models predict rain at a particular time in a specific location. Mahoney said there are about 1,400 different models, “and some are better than others.” He added meteorologists have their own bias tendencies to certain models for certain situations, admitting he might ignore some models that have a wet or cold bias. A weather app might forecast a 20 per cent chance of rain, but it’s likely closer to zero per cent because it’s running off a model with a particular bias.
Mahoney said a 20 per cent chance of rain at a golf course might suggest a low chance of precipitation occurring, but it could also be a high-impact scenario. A plan is still needed because the rain event could be isolated or more widespread.
“If it’s a high-impact scenario but a low risk, we still need to keep it in the back of our mind.”
Although a 20 per cent chance of rain may not happen, golf superintendents should be mindful that the occurrence of some isolated activity could still present itself at a particular time of the day, potentially requiring the need to move people off the course, he said.
Superintendents can get weather information from such sources as Environment Canada or the National Weather Service in the United States. Mahoney recommends such government-operated sites as the first places to go.
Basic weather apps are models that may be biased toward dry, wet,
cold or warm probabilities, and superintendents should be aware of such biases, he said.
Mahoney suggested someone on staff should be tasked with weather monitoring and be ready to inform others if action is necessary. Considerations must be made for the distance it takes to reach safety in the clubhouse from the farthest reaches of the golf course and the amount of time that will take. If it takes 20 minutes to reach safety from the furthest point on the course while on foot, that’s the time frame needed to clear the golf course of everyone when there is a weather risk.
Weather risk planning
Planning for weather risks should be done during the pre-season, Mahoney said, noting it’s especially important in the time leading to an important event involving several participants.
“Start planning and start preparing several days out as soon as you start seeing (weather risk patterns). Once you get to one to three days out, recheck that forecast and keep up to date on the forecast and continue to prepare. As you get to about the day before – depending on the weather scenario – continue your preparations and maybe execute your performance.”
If bad weather appears certain, a decision may be necessary to reschedule the event, he said.
Once preparations are made, it may be time to perform. Preparations might include having carts ready to go out to bring in golfers
who are on foot. Mahoney said having everything planned and being prepared avoids confusion and saves everyone from scrambling about.
A charity golf tournament played two years ago in Calgary was suspended when radar detected a growing storm mass that had developed in only minutes. Mahoney showed his audience a picture of the original satellite image that depicted a dark cloud moving toward the golf course, but the image hadn’t showed up on radar because it was still growing and appeared as only a small green blip. A mere six minutes later, the system had grown considerably and showed up on radar with the likelihood of including lightning. Hail had fallen on the north end of the course while the sun shone at its southern end.
Because lightning was imminent, play was suspended, and everyone successfully reached safety because of the golf course’s planning, preparations and performance. Mahoney said there was a low probability of a weather risk that day, but added severe weather can evolve quickly.
“It can go from nothing to full-fledged thunderstorms in 15 minutes. It’s very common.”
Mahoney said thunderstorms develop because of rising hot, moist air where lift or a front is needed. If there is sufficient moisture, clouds will develop and grow larger in size. Big “cotton ball-type” clouds will continue to grow and break through the freezing level, producing rain, hail and lightning.
“If there’s no wind shear, it goes up, it dies, it rains itself out and moves on. If it’s a severe storm, it will continue trucking on maybe for hours and hours and hours.”
How lightning occurs
Mahoney said what’s known about lightning is that it occurs when there are supercool water droplets, ice crystals and small hail forming in an area of a cloud in which the temperature at its centre is minus 15 to minus 25 degrees and the cloud is about six kilometres above the earth’s surface. Denser, small hail sinks or stays suspended while ice crystals and super-cooled water continue to rise in an updraft. The updraft
Having some general knowledge about weather forecasting allows golf superintendents to better plan, prepare and perform when weather risks are imminent.
Visit one of these participating Exmark Dealers to learn more about the full line of professional Exmark models.
carries positively charged ice crystals to the top of the cloud while the negatively charged small hail is either suspended or falls to the bottom, leading to a buildup of charge. As the charge continues to build, a large spark or static discharge occurs.
The lightning produced has both downward and upward leaders and happens in less than half a second. The little leaders come together, and a bolt is produced when one meets.
“It’s wherever those electrical charges want to meet is where it’s going to discharge a lightning bolt.”
905-628-3055
905-775-7101
905-846-2511
519-688-0909
705-248-2208
519-235-1115
519-285-3845
450-581-6345
819-564-6623
519-666-2300
519-752-7900
905-331-5040
519-354-3990
519-669-2884
519-727-5031
519-595-7579
905-822-4211
905-569-2055
519-245-2428
519-285-3845
613-443-1230
519-966-8642
450-687-9171
450-467-5459
450-581-6345
Mahoney said when lightning strikes a person, it’s rare that it happens from a direct strike. Most instances occur from indirect strikes. A lightning bolt may hit a tree which acts as a lightning rod. When the ground is wet with rain, there is current and something or someone may be stricken as a result.
A person can be hit through conduction as well. Someone leaning against a metal fence can be struck through conduction, even if the actual strike occurred a mile away.
The primary place of safety during a thunderstorm is in an enclosed building and away from windows, electronics and appliances. Rain shelters and dugouts aren’t necessarily safe from lightning, Mahoney said. A fully enclosed vehicle with a metal roof and sides is safe. Golf carts, however, are not safe because they aren’t enclosed.
Seeking shelter under a tree is unwise, he warned, because not only can lightning “blow up” the tree, causing it to collapse, but a person can be struck by sideways streamers and from a ground current.
“Start to receive that advisory alert if you can with whatever services you might use at that 30 to 50-kilometre mark. Then start seeking shelter at 12 to 19 kilometres. The closer you get to the thunderstorm, your probability of being struck increases. I’ve seen lightning strike from literally 50 kilometres from the main core of the storm that hit an irrigation line.”
Environment Canada has information about setting up weather risk plans, especially during lightning and in high-wind situations.
Lightning on a golf course is a serious matter, requiring workers and golfers to seek safety immediately.
Systematic mowing has altered robotics
Autonomous mowing technology changed in 2023, putting it 10 years ahead of 2022 By Mike
Robotic mowing technology is being embraced by all sectors of the turfgrass industry for its simplicity, its ability to address labour shortages and for its precision cutting. What initially began as wire-bound, random cutting technology in landscaping has progressed to systematic mowing that has since been adopted by sports turf and golf course maintenance professionals and sod growers.
Last year was regarded as a tipping point in robotic mowing technology.
“(The year) 2023 might as well have been 10 years ahead of 2022 because everything changed in one year where it made mass adoption of robotic autonomous technology completely possible,” Dr. Scott McElroy, a professor of weed and turf
Jiggens
science at Auburn University in Alabama, told attendees at February’s Ontario Turfgrass Symposium in Guelph. “It all happened because of the ability of the robots to position themselves in space. Positioning themselves in space allows them to mow and function systematically.”
This means robotic mowers can move directionally, choose a direction and function in that direction, and mow in straight lines. Previous generations of robotic mowers were limited to random movements within wired perimeters, making mowing inefficient.
“You could only get out of them about 30 to 40 per cent of the total capacity that you can get out of a systematic mower,” McElroy said.
The advanced technology has allowed virtually every form of mowing possible, but there’s still some growth to be realized, he said.
Golf courses, for example, have adopted robotic mowing on fairways and roughs, but still mow greens in the traditional manner due to the need for close cutting that only reel mowers can achieve.
McElroy said there are many turf professionals who are reluctant to adopt the new technology, claiming it’s “not there yet,” and don’t wish to be a guinea pig.
“You’re not a guinea pig at this point in time,” he assured.
Europe leading in robotic mowing North America is well behind Europe in the deployment of robotic mowers with about 80,000 mowers at work compared to 1.3 million. Most of the robotic mowers currently deployed in Europe are for residential use.
“There’s growth, development and technology that’s going to
Semiautonomous
Robotic mowers that don’t require touching to be deployed or have traditional cutting implements are regarded as semi-autonomous.
Autonomous mowing technology took a huge leap forward in 2023.
‘It all happened because of the ability of the robots to position themselves in space’
occur, but the base technology that everything’s going to run on is implemented today.”
McElroy said the algorithms and software that drive robotic mowing will become better and more efficient in the years to come, but the current hardware is likely where it’s going to be for the next decade.
Several fully autonomous mowing systems use micro rotary blades – which are like razor blades – to mow, but the mowing frequency is almost double, he said, adding they don’t have suction and won’t mulch. They’ll knock off dew but
are essentially just mowers. If there’s ample grass to be cut, the mowers will churn through it, but it will require more time.
Robotic mowing technology’s software apps allow operators to learn the pros and cons and likes and dislikes of the technology.
“You can see the interface of the mower and world around it to maximize where it likes to work and when it likes to work.”
McElroy said the thinking robot is trying to accomplish two things – it’s trying to position itself in space as well as sensing what’s
around it. It positions itself through GPS (global positioning system) and RTK (real time kinematics), the latter of which is the physics of positioning things in space.
“It’s what put man on the moon and what keeps satellites in orbit.”
With real time kinematics, GPS and an RTK base station – with which the robot communicates – are required.
McElroy said it’s simply a tower that’s set up which positions itself and knows precisely where it’s at and isn’t just dependent on satellite. Sensing is achieved by ultrasonic sensors and LiDAR computer vision which is the same technology used in the manufacturing of self-driving automobiles.
“They need to know where they’re at and what’s around them.”
Lines of communication
The robot is communicating with
EQUIPMENT
satellites, but it may be hampered by trees or other obstacles. Robots work off a beacon (or reference station or RTK station). Some companies’ autonomous mowers work from different types of beacons. Low or shortrange beacons will stretch 200 to 300 yards and will require daisy chaining to create a mesh network. Longer-range beacons stretch about five miles or 10 kilometres.
Other companies have adopted network RTK systems, McElroy said, for which they buy a service like that used in cell phone services.
In the works are add-on features that allow robotic mowers to adequately function beneath trees, next to buildings, underneath power lines and around other overhead obstacles. Buildings more than two storeys tall and large canopied trees can knock out signal with today’s technology, but LiDAR allows units to better sense what’s around them, allowing them to function when they lose signal.
LiDAR computer vision adds a new layer to robotics in terms of being able to function around signal-obstructing impediments such as trees, McElroy said.
He said autonomous mowers are essentially computers that cut grass. Units don’t require repair as much as they’ll need replacement of key parts such as motherboards, sensor boards and small motors that drive the wheels and cutting implements.
“The ability to diagnose what part you need to replace is critical.”
Robotic mowers that don’t require touching to be deployed or have traditional cutting implements are regarded as semi-autonomous. McElroy said semi-autonomous systems work best in sod farm applications.
Wondering if autonomous mowing will take away people’s jobs, he
said, “perhaps not, but you’re not going to hire people once you can do certain things.”
Ultrasonic sensors are the key component, McElroy said, adding they’re cheap and reliable and function in all kinds of weather.
Fully autonomous equipment is comparatively slower and doesn’t function at speeds greater than 2.2 miles per hour, he said.
The key things to consider in autonomous mowing, McElroy said, are the amount of control operators have over the mower, the planning and scheduling, problem solving and troubleshooting.
Autonomous mowers are used to cut roughs and fairways on golf courses, but aren’t adapted for greens mowing.
LEADING BRANDS
Chris Nelson
T&O Sales Manager, East Canada chris.nelson@target-specialty.com 647.382.6868
Paul Powers
Toronto West / Niagara paul.powers@target-specialty.com 289.209.1869
Perry Brazeau
Joey Losito
Quebec South & East joseph.losito@target-specialty.com 819.571.1677
Southern Alberta & Kootenays chris.paterson@target-specialty.com 403.540.0157
Dwyane Simpson
Northern Alberta dwayne.simpson@target-specialty.com 403.391.1984
Master Distributor Canada
The great debate: Real v. artificial turf
Examining the pros and cons of both types of sports field surfaces
By Dr. Sara Stricker & Cam Lawrie
In the realm of sports field construction and maintenance, one debate has persisted for decades: natural grass or synthetic turf? Each option comes with its own set of advantages and drawbacks, making the decision a complex one for sports teams, facility managers, and stakeholders alike.
The upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup has spotlighted this debate and has mandated that the games must be played on natural (or hybrid) grass surfaces. This is forcing eight of the 16 stadiums in North America to undergo extensive renovations. Many of the renovated stadiums will only be able to maintain the natural grass temporarily and will be forced to switch back to synthetic turf after the World Cup. In making the choice between real and synthetic turf playing fields, we need to weigh the pros and cons of both options.
The case for real turf
Temperature: According to research at Penn State, the surface temperature of synthetic turf is 20 to 30 degrees Celsius higher than natural turf on an average playing day. The maximum surface temperature of synthetic turf recorded was 93 degrees Celsius on a sunny day in Utah. Environmental benefits: Living plants
absorb carbon dioxide, mitigate air pollution, and provide habitat for soil microorganisms. Synthetic turf often uses rubber infill created from recycled tires to keep the plastic grass fibres standing straight, which can release micro-plastics into the environment. Newer infill options have been developed using coconut husk and cork, but there are concerns around mould and human health.
Player safety: Proponents of natural grass argue that the living plants provide a softer and more forgiving playing surface, reducing the risk of injuries for athletes. Grass fields offer higher natural shock absorption, which can help cushion falls and impacts during game play, potentially lowering the incidence of sports-related injuries such as concussions and joint sprains. Natural grass allows for shoes to turn and slide easier and has the capacity to re-grow in damaged areas. Some athletes have now mandated
that they will only play on natural grass, an argument strengthened by Aaron Rodgers’ recent injury on a synthetic turf field. That being said, newer technologies are improving regarding surface hardness and rotational resistance – today’s synthetic turf is not the AstroTurf of the 1950s.
The case for synthetic turf
Durability and maintenance: Synthetic turf is renowned for its durability and low maintenance requirements. Natural grass requires mowing, fertilization, and pest management which is unnecessary for synthetic surfaces. Note that synthetic turf is not entirely maintenance-free and requires washing, brushing, infilling, and regular repairs. All-weather playability: One of the primary advantages of synthetic turf is its ability to withstand adverse weather conditions. Unlike natural grass, which
Natural turf field at Alumni Stadium which suffered from extensive sideline damage and extreme compaction (Spring 2011).
can become muddy and slippery in wet weather or worn down in high-traffic areas, synthetic turf remains consistent in performance regardless of rain, snow, or intense sunlight. This ensures consistent playability throughout the year, regardless of environmental factors. This factor is especially important in Canada where our summer growing season is much shorter. For example, the CFL’s Grey Cup is typically hosted in November; not exactly ideal growth conditions for us at that time in most of Canada.
Adaptable utilization: Synthetic turf allows for increased utilization of sports fields, as it can withstand heavy use without deteriorating. Unlike natural grass fields, which may require periods of rest and recovery to maintain their health, synthetic turf can accommodate continuous usage, making it ideal for multi-pur-
(FIFA) has mandated that the games must be played on natural (or hybrid) grass surfaces
pose facilities and venues hosting frequent sporting events. Concerts, rodeos, or even monster truck smash-ups can act as supplemental income for stadiums with synthetic turf during the off-season.
Case study: Alumni Stadium at the University of Guelph
The football stadium at the University of Guelph is currently under construction, and the turf industry has been asking us, “Will they put in real or synthetic turf?”
Alumni Stadium was built in 1970 as an open-air football field with uncovered stadium seats on the west side and additional seating on the grass hill on the east side. The playing surface was natural grass until the renovation in 2011 which installed FieldTurf Revolution synthetic turf in stripes of alternating shades of green, with a red and black checker-board pattern in the end zones. One of the deciding factors in switching from natural turf to synthetic was the 2007 OUA
RESEARCH
football season – Alumni Stadium had been used for practice and then unexpectedly was needed for the Yates Cup Championship game. The natural grass was unable to withstand this level of abuse, resulting in huge divots and excessive compaction. This can be dangerous to athletes, leading to increased risk of tripand-fall or concussion injuries.
The synthetic turf surface renovation which was completed in 2012 brought the field up to the standards of the Canadian Football League, and Alumni Stadium has since been used by the Hamilton TigerCats and the Toronto Argonauts for practice and official games. The most recent renovation project in 2017 unveiled a new pavilion with updated locker rooms and a high-tech therapy room for the athletes.
Arguably the biggest factor in the data between natural and synthetic fields is the question of lifespan, and what happens to the plastic when it is no longer useful. There are some ways of recycling or “upcycling” discarded synthetic turf,
such as the construction of bunkers on golf courses, but most often the used synthetic turf will unfortunately end up in a landfill. A synthetic turf surface will typically need replacement within eight to 10 years, but that will be highly impact-
AQUACULTURE
Alumni Stadium FieldTurf surface from 2012-2023.
ed by environment, traffic, and number of playing hours. FieldTurf Revolution, the surface used at Alumni Stadium, boasts a lifespan of 10 to 13 years. A few clicks on the internal mental calculator tells us that the Alumni Stadium surface is due for a refresh because it was installed 13 years ago.
After much thought, the athletics department at the University of Guelph made the decision to re-install synthetic turf. This is largely due to the use schedule of the field, with the majority of play happening in September to November. The synthetic turf has allowed us to program for our own football season, the regional high school football season, and the Guelph Minor Football Association deeper into the fall. We even hosted OFSAA Football Bowl series from November 28–30 in 2022! The synthetic surface can take more traffic than a grass field would ever toler-
ate. It allows us to host similar groups earlier in the spring season as well.
The new synthetic field at Alumni Stadium in Guelph is Greenfields AllSport Diamond and the design will be very similar, with the addition of permanent soccer lines. The renovation is already well underway and will be completed with plenty of time for the football season which starts on Aug. 24, 2024. This synthetic surface has passed the FIFA Quality Programme for Football Turf in all categories, including shock absorption, ball roll, and rotational resistance. FIFA outlines clear guidelines for natural, hybrid, and synthetic turf surfaces. Currently, the preferred surface for use in FIFA is a hybrid system which provides a balance between the cushion of natural and durability of synthetic, but fully synthetic surfaces are also allowed under specific conditions.
The decision between natural and synthetic turf for sports fields is not a one-size-fits-all situation. Each option offers its own unique set of advantages and drawbacks, which must be carefully considered in the context of specific requirements and constraints. While real turf may be preferred by some athletes and offers environmental benefits, synthetic turf offers durability, all-weather playability, and increased use potential. Ultimately, the choice between real and synthetic turf should be based on a comprehensive evaluation to find a balance between budget, maintenance capabilities, hours of play, environmental considerations, and player safety concerns.
Dr. Sara Stricker is the communications and outreach co-ordinator at the Guelph Turfgrass Institute. Cam Lawrie is facility supervisor for University of Guelph Athletics.
Getting mowers set for spring season
Tips to have attachments and carriers ready for peak performance. Submitted by Diamond Mowers
Spring is in the air, so it’s time to gear up for a busy land clearing season. As you shift from snow clearing to mowing and mulching tasks, ensuring your equipment is in top shape is essential. Following are some tips to make sure your attachments and carrier are ready for peak performance.
Attachment maintenance
Equipment downtime is the bane of most contractors, negatively impacting productivity and profitability. To avoid disruptions and delays, it’s essential to maintain and stock up on those parts that take the greatest abuse to minimize downtime and avoid operational interruptions.
Mulching and stump grinder teeth: Teeth are one of the hardest-working components of any attachment and may
need to be replaced multiple times throughout a season, depending on equipment use. These parts are subject to constant wear from processing vegetation and direct ground engagement, so it is crucial to maintain and replace them. Teeth can be removed and sharpened, or rotated directly on a mulching attachment, to increase efficiency and productivity. Some are easier to maintain because they can be sharpened while mounted to a drum mulcher. Others require no maintenance at all. Simply replace them when they are damaged or worn down.
Flail knives and rotary blades: If you own a flail mower, rotary mower, or brush cutter, maintaining blades is critical for optimal performance and longevity. Inspect flail knives and blades before each use, looking for signs of wear, damage, or debris that may be stuck. If you notice any significant damage, such as bends or
cracks, it’s time to replace them.
Hydraulic connections: Inspect hoses, connections, and couplers before each use. Tighten any loose connections and replace any damaged or worn parts.
Mounting hardware: Check all mounting hardware for correct torque values. If any are loose, re-torque them to their proper specifications, and replace those that are worn or broken.
Spindles: Replace oil and grease in spindles every 500 hours or yearly. Make sure all spindle bolts feature the correct torque values and re-torque them if needed.
Carrier maintenance
Because dirt and grime can damage components, a simple cleaning of both the interior and exterior of your carrier will go a long way to ensuring your equipment is ready for the busy season ahead.
Clean your equipment: A thorough
Stump grinder teeth may require replacement several times in a season.
wash to remove dirt and debris will help keep your equipment in excellent shape. Pay special attention to the undercarriage and control systems for any clutter left over from the previous season.
Perform maintenance checks: After months of sitting idle, it is important to conduct a thorough inspection of all filters, fluids, and coolant levels, and to lubricate all machine components. Refer to your operator’s manual for specific instructions for your carrier.
Check batteries and electrical components: Test the battery and verify that electrical elements like lights, wipers, and flashers are working correctly. Ensure a secure connection and sufficient charge.
Test primary functions: After performing maintenance work, make sure steering controls, parking brakes, safety features, and horns are all operational. Any abnormalities should be addressed promptly.
Conduct a comprehensive inspection
Once your equipment is clean and functioning properly, perform a walk-around inspection to check the following components:
Lights, reflectors, tires and tracks: Check for damage and ensure proper tension, pressure, and cleanliness on all lamps, lenses, tires, and tracks. Well-maintained tires and tracks are also essential for fuel efficiency and a smooth ride.
Windshields and glass: Keep these surfaces clean to ensure complete visibility during operation. Stock up on safety glass as needed according to manufacturer specifications.
Hydraulic hoses: Look for signs of wear or damage in hydraulic hoses and replace them if necessary.
Diamond Mowers, founded in 2000 in Sioux Falls, S.D., is a manufacturer of mowing, mulching, and brush cutting equipment for the municipal, skid-steer, and excavator markets. diamondmowers.com
How landscapers can tap into add-ons
Landscapers can build business by knowing their customers’ personality types
Submitted by The TurfMutt Foundation
The outdoors – in particular the green space in our backyards and community parks – is increasingly important as people have integrated their yards into their everyday life. It is a trend-turned-lifestyle the TurfMutt Foundation calls “backyarding,” and it means landscapers have become even more important than ever.
“Landscape contractors bring the outdoors to life for homeowners, their families, and their pets,” says Kris Kiser, president and CEO of the TurfMutt Foundation, which in 2024 celebrates 15 years teaching families how to save the planet one yard at a time. “Knowing your customers’ backyarding personality types helps you create a yard that not only brings joy and shows off their sense of style but also builds your business in the process.”
On the cusp of the busy spring landscape season, the TurfMutt Foundation shares these backyarding personality types with landscapers to help them bolster their business by becoming invaluable “yard your way” advocates for their customers.
Landscaper: Takes pride in maintaining their own yard but knows when to enlist professional help.
These DIY landscapers know how to
maintain a healthy yard that makes neighbours green with envy. Leave the weekly maintenance to them and focus on securing bigger jobs like seasonal cleanup, resodding an entire yard, planting new flower beds, installing an irrigation system, and adding hardscaping.
Entertainer extraordinaire: Their yard is the neighbourhood hot spot.
This backyarder wants their outdoor space to merge seamlessly with their indoor living areas. Seating is a must, so identify conversation areas in the yard that can be designated with pavers, plantings, and maybe even a pergola complete with string lights. A backyard fire pit adds a nice touch, and colourful plantings in beds or pots finish the look. Adding landscape lighting is an excellent way to create a real “mood” for the space. If the homeowner has the budget for it, design an outdoor kitchen and bar.
Nature lover: Prefers “backyard TV” to any other form of entertainment.
Nature lovers need a yard that attracts wildlife year-round, so recommend native plants and a diversity of species that bloom throughout the year to feed and shelter backyard wildlife and pollinators. A pond or birdbath gives backyard critters a place to hydrate and bathe, while adding a beautiful feature to the landscape.
Work-from-home pro: Makes business deals in the backyard.
For the budget-conscious work-from-backyarder, help them identify a quiet corner of the yard for their office set-up. Suggest shrubbery to create privacy, shade trees and heaters for comfort, flower beds for ambiance, and lighting to enable them to extend their workdays. If the homeowner has the space and money to do so, you could also install an “office shed” with all the comforts
Landscapers can create yards for their customers based on their personality types.
of an indoor workspace, and landscaping that ties it in with the rest of the yard.
Kid zone creator: When kids are in the picture, it’s all about creating fun zones outside.
Families with kids will want to create an engaging, safe space in their backyard. Help them develop “zones” for the various activities they can do as a family – a large patch of turfgrass for sports, a zipline in between two towering trees, a pool for family fun days, and maybe even a bed that can be used for gardening.
Pet pamperer: Needs backyard space for pets and people.
Pet pamperers go all out for their furry friends and want to create a backyard that is perfect for pets and their people (in that order). Brush up on your knowledge of pet-friendly plantings (the SPCA has a list of non-toxic plants that are safe for pets) and recommend landscape plans accord-
ingly. A large area of hardy turfgrass is a great place to start. You can also recommend plantings to separate dog and people areas. A splash pool, digging zone, large shade trees, and of course a fence are also good investments for pet pamperers.
Outdoor athlete: Uses their yard as a home gym.
To help the outdoor athlete score a perfect 10 in their backyard workout room, recommend a strip of grass for doing sprints and lunges, as well as laying out a mat for post-workout stretches. For a bigger budget, you could suggest a pergola structure or sunshade over a portion of the patio to offer some protection for outdoor gym equipment. Or partner with a pool installer to add a lap pool to the mix that blends seamlessly into the landscape.
Zen master: Their backyard is a fivestar spa.
Carefully planned plantings that look
natural in their setting fits the Zen master theme. Perhaps they need a covered patio under which to meditate or a water feature to drown out neighbourhood noise. Privacy is integral to relaxation, so use plants to create a natural barrier in the backyard Zen zone.
For more, sign up for Mutt Mail, a monthly e-newsletter with backyarding tips and all the news from the TurfMutt Foundation. To learn more about creating the yard of your dreams, visit turfmutt.com. Look for Mulligan the TurfMutt on the CBS Lucky Dog television show.
TurfMutt was created by the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI), and the TurfMutt Foundation has reached more than 70 million children, educators and families since 2009. OPEI is responsible for the Equip Exposition landscaping show, which is held each October in Louisville, Ky.
24_002893_Turf_Rec_APR_MAY_CN Mod: April 3, 2024 9:24 AM Print: 04/10/24 page 1 v2.5
New products
Real-time data automates winter maintenance decisions
Hilltip has updated its HTrack system with the new StrikeSmart PLUS controller, available for the company’s line of winter maintenance spreaders and sprayers. Featuring an easy-to-use 8.7-inch touchscreen, the new control system monitors real-time weather forecasts and surface conditions and then recommends the ideal materials and spread rates for effective ice management. It also automates equipment settings to ensure the proper material rates are applied. As a result, this exclusive technology allows winter maintenance professionals to control ice
with an unprecedented level of confidence, efficiency and precision.
The StrikeSmart PLUS controller works in conjunction with Hilltip’s TempStriker sensor, which continually monitors variables like temperature, humidity and surface conditions. It also assesses up-to-the-minute weather forecasts tailored to the driver’s location. The system analyzes the combined data and recommends the appropriate application rate for the job according to current and forecasted conditions. It can also suggest the most effective materials to
use, such as granular salt, sand, pre-wetted salt or liquid brine. If the recommended rates are accepted, the spreader and/ or sprayer will automatically adjust its settings according to vehicle speed to achieve the target rate precisely and consistently across the property being managed. As a result, drivers can focus on safe driving without the distraction of modifying equipment settings. Efficiency is also maximized by eliminating over- and under-applying material.
in which materials to spread and at what rates, especially when it comes to liquids,” Craig Sandmann, North American Sales/Operations for Hilltip, said. “Our StrikeSmart PLUS controller eliminates the guesswork with automated, science-based recommendations using real-time weather forecasting and road condition monitoring. This gamechanging technology is like having a digital road scout, ensuring you always apply the right amount of material for the current situation.”
The controller is optional for Hilltip’s IceStriker spreaders.
PEST MANAGEMENT OF TURFGRASS FOR SPORT AND RECREATION
This book provides an industry reference for the identification of pests affecting the roots, stems and leaves of turfgrass and control of these species through integrated pest management. It contains information on the distribution, ecology and biology of pests and how to monitor them. The integrated pest management approach outlined in the book includes natural environmental controls, beneficial and predatory species of arthropods, resistant cultivars and insecticidal and miticidal pesticides.
Walker acquires product lines from Danfoss Power Solutions
Walker Manufacturing acquired the Model 7 and Model 11 hydrostatic transmission product lines from Danfoss Power Solutions II, LLC, located in Eden Prairie, Minn.
This acquisition includes the ongoing design, production and supply of the Model 7 and Model 11 transmissions.
Walker Manufacturing president Ryan Walker said, “This acquisition underscores our passion and intrigue with the design and performance of the Model 7 and Model 11, and, more importantly, our commitment to the many transmissions currently operating in Walker Mowers and many other
pieces of equipment around the world.”
Walker Manufacturing has utilized the Model 7 in the Walker Mower for more than 40 years. Assembly, testing, and support functions will be based in Walker’s
Fort Collins, Colo. factory, while sourcing components will largely be maintained within the existing supply chain. Walker is preparing the factory with the necessary space, infrastructure, and colleagues to support these products.
“We are excited to extend our decades of experience and talented team towards manufacturing and supporting the Model 7 and Model 11 transmissions,” Walker said. “We strive to serve people well, and multiply opportunities for everyone associated with Walker Manufacturing, and the acquisition is an opportunity for Walker to increase our effectiveness.”
The acquisition includes the design, production and supply of Model 7 and Model 11.
Health & Safety
By CCOHS
The Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS) promotes the total well being of workers in Canada by providing information, training, education, systems and solutions that support health and safety programs and injury and illness prevention. www.ccohs.ca
Creating a hearing protection program
Excessive noise in the workplace is a significant health concern, affecting millions of workers across Canada.
It’s estimated that more than 11 million Canadians aged 19 to 79 have worked in noisy environments, defined as the need to speak in a raised voice to communicate with co-workers at arm’s length. Of those workers, 56 per cent were classified as “vulnerable” to noise –they were not required to use hearing protection and only did so sometimes, rarely, or never.
Constant exposure to excessive noise is a hazard that, in the short-term, can be disruptive and affect our ability to hear signals, speech, and machinery, and in the longterm, can lead to noise-induced hearing loss, permanently damaging workers’ hearing and affecting their quality of life. Hearing loss can also occur from a single traumatic event, such as a sudden burst of extremely loud noise near the ear.
In less extreme cases, excessive noise exposure can still cause damage. Workers can experience non-auditory effects such as increased stress, disruptions to cardiovascular function (changes to blood pressure and/or heart rate), sleep problems, and impacts to their mental health.
Hearing conservation programs can help address noise hazards by emphasizing the early detection and control of excessive noise levels through appropriate measures to protect workers’ hearing.
Noise exposure limits in Canada
Across Canada, each jurisdiction outlines an occupational exposure limit of 85 dBA of continuous noise over an eight-hour period, except for federal workplaces, which have a limit of 87 dBA. When noise exceeds the jurisdiction’s exposure limit, controls must be implemented. Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, Newfoundland and Labrador, Northwest Territories, Nunavut, Prince Edward Island, Saskatchewan, and work-
places under the federal jurisdiction require a hearing conservation program when noise exceeds the exposure limit.
While not all jurisdictions have a requirement for a hearing conservation program, the elements of a program, such as training, noise assessments, and audiometric testing, also known as hearing testing, are necessary when workers are exposed to noise above the exposure limit. The CSA Standard Z107.56, Measurement of noise exposure, recommends that the employer conduct a noise assessment if noise levels in the workplace exceed 80 dBA. This recommendation extends to any changes in the workplace such as renovation or repair work, when new equipment is introduced, or a modification is made to a work process that may result in a significant change in a worker’s exposure to noise.
Key elements of a program
The first step in any hearing conservation program is to assess workplace noise levels. This step involves conducting noise monitoring to determine the magnitude of exposure in different areas and job roles. Using sound level meters and noise dosimeters help to
ensure accurate measurements.
One of the primary objectives of workplace hearing conservation programs is to control noise at the source. Substituting equipment with quieter alternatives or implementing engineering measures, such as sound insulation, can help reduce noise levels and minimize employee exposure.
Policies and procedures that limit workers’ exposure to excessive noise can also be introduced. This may include limiting the duration of tasks in noisy environments, implementing a job rotation schedule to reduce cumulative noise exposure, and designating rest breaks in quieter areas. When noise levels cannot be adequately reduced, employers must provide suitable hearing protection, such as earplugs or earmuffs. Workers must be trained in the proper use, fit, maintenance, and care of personal protective equipment (PPE) to ensure their effectiveness in reducing noise.
Regular audiometric testing is a critical component of these programs. It involves baseline and periodic assessments of employees’ hearing abilities to detect any changes over time. By tracking changes in hearing thresholds, employers can monitor the effectiveness of controls, identify early signs of hearing loss, and take appropriate actions.
Provide education and training
Make sure to provide education and training on the measures that are in place to reduce exposure and the elements of the hearing conservation program. ]
Workers must be aware of the risks associated with elevated noise exposure and the long-term effects of noise-induced hearing loss.
By integrating noise monitoring, effective controls, and audiometric testing into an effective hearing conservation program, employers can protect employees by reducing the risk of noise-induced hearing loss, creating a safer and healthier work environment for everyone.
THIS IS MORE THAN A MACHINE. IT’S YOUR DRIVE TO DIG IN.
WE’RE HERE TO HELP YOU MAKE MORE IMPOSSIBILITIES POSSIBLE, BECAUSE THIS IS MORE THAN A MACHINE. IT’S YOUR GAME CHANGER.
Bobcat
56V PRO-VOLT POWER.
BATTERY POWER WORTHY OF THE ECHO NAME.
Quiet, convenient, and loaded with legendary ECHO power. The DPAS-2600 powerhead, powered by the ECHO eFORCE® 56V battery system, is compatible with 16 different attachment heads to deliver powerful performance and versatility, no matter how tall your tasks may be.
