Groundskeeping Journal - Issue 17 2023

ISEKI

ISEKI is hard to beat at South Beds GC

TIGER TURF

Ringwood Community Huba sustainable field built for future generations

Greens rebuild project at Javier Arana’s last course

OAKWING

Saving money from day one

DEMAND QUALITY, WHY COMPROMISE.

“The reason we bought the TG tractor was because we have used ISEKI machines in the past and they have always been reliable. The lifting of the PTO has been a massive benefit, the IQ transmission and automatic clutch shut off is good for when we are turning on the sports fields with ground engaging implements, making it easier for the operator.

“The reason we bought the TG tractor was because we have used ISEKI machines in the past and they have always been reliable. The lifting of the PTO has been a massive benefit, the IQ transmission and automatic clutch shut off is good for when we are turning on the sports fields with ground engaging implements, making it easier for the operator.

“The weight and the size of it is much better on our fields for compaction. All-round visibility of the tractor is very much improved compared to our last tractor. It has performed exceptionally well in all weather conditions. We have been very impressed with the tractor - it does everything we ask of it.”

“The weight and the size of it is much better on our fields for compaction. All-round visibility of the tractor is very much improved compared to our last tractor. It has performed exceptionally well in all weather conditions. We have been very impressed with the tractor - it does everything we ask of it.”

Paul White, Head Groundsman, Bloxham School

Paul White, Head Groundsman, Bloxham School

Contact your Local Dealer to book a demonstration on your site today!

www.iseki.co.uk

Contact your Local Dealer to book a demonstration on your site today! www.iseki.co.uk

In this issue

Welcome to Groundskeeping Journal, the UK’s latest bi-monthly publication providing latest product innovations, industry news and opinions from key professionals within the industry. With focuses on Aeration, Irrigation & Drainage; Greenskeeping; Latest News; Machinery; Pitch & Line Marking; Specialist Mowers; Sports Ground Equipment; Sports Pitches; Top Dressing; Sprayers & Spraying and Turf Management.

10 Chappell Enterprises

Honest, reliable & genuine groundskeeper recruitment

24 ISEKI

ISEKI is hard to beat at South Beds GC

26 Aloha Golf Club

Aloha Golf Club hires Lobb + Partners for rapid rebuild of course’s greens

28 Yamaha

Yamaha continues support for Dartmouth Hotel, Golf & Spa open golf tournament

32 John Deere

John Deere TPC Sawgrass Volunteer Programme open for applications

38 Salamander Pumps

Salamander Pumps unveil water boosting solution for breathing new life into gardening

48 Mcardle Sport

Ringwood Community Hub - a sustainable field built for future generations

56 EGO

INFINICUT

INFINICUT® helps to preserve past and secure future for Crathes Castle

EGO builds on Z6 success with the expansion of its Zero-Turn range

70 Bobcat

Bobcat Enters New Market with Ryan Turf Equipment

Contact Us

Enhancing Quality Sports Services

Hello and welcome to Groundskeeping Journal. Our publication has been created to showcase the very latest industry news and product information from the Groundskeeping sector.

In each edition we carry in depth articles from some of the industry leaders, the articles cover many aspects of Groundskeeping with some offering tips and advice on Sports Pitches, Turf Management, Greens Keeping and much, much more. Whether you are looking for tips and advice on creating the perfect green or looking to source

the right product for your synthetic surface GKJ has it all.

Our vision is to connect our readers with professionals and suppliers working within their sector and we hope that we have created a platform that will become a must have tool for anyone working within the industry.

Many thanks for taking the time to read our publication, we hope you enjoy the read and if you would like to keep up to date with all things GKJ then make sure you check out our subscribe page.

Editor-In-Chief

Antony Holter editor@mhmagazine.co.uk 01304 806039

Editor

Emma Page emma@groundskeepingjournal.co.uk 01304 806039

Publishing Director

Martin Holmes martin@mhmagazine.co.uk 01304 806039

Sales Director Lee Martin lee@groundskeepingjournal.co.uk 01227 936974

Business Manager

Josh Holmes josh@mhmagazine.co.uk 01304 806039

Studio Designer

Richard Bland richard@mhmagazine.co.uk

Digital Manager

Jamie Bullock jamie@mhmagazine.co.uk 01227 936971

Accounts Department

Alison Holmes accounts@mhmediaglobal.com 01227 936971

Bespoke Paxton Abutting | Massachusetts, USA

Wisley 8 Grow & Store | RHS Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival, UK - 2022

Hartley 6 Planthouse (3 Pane) | Kent, UK

COLLIER TURF CARE Celebrating 25 years of great customer service

The last 25 years since the management buyout from the original owners have been an extremely exciting journey. Every year we have grown and invested back into the business with our number one focus always being around delivering GREAT CUSTOMER SERVICE.

Great customer service is the number one focus of the company, and every member of the team, in all areas of the business are fully trained to meet the highest standards.

Over the years the company has grown considerably; supplying grass seed, fertiliser, pesticides and sports equipment throughout the UK. Customers receive sales and technical support from office-based staff and a field-based team that complete on-site visits, as well as via the website which is fully e-commerce and supports integrated client trade accounts.

Our sales and technical support team are backed up at our modern head office facility with an excellent support team, along with over 30,000 sq. ft of warehousing which includes a large BASIS registered chemical store.

As our industry evolves and for the business to remain sustainable, it will increase investment into training, technical advances, technology, its website and customer service.

Think of a town centre high street: 30 years ago you had Woolworths, which was the place to go for Pick‘n’Mix as well as your records. A lack of investment and modernisation into their business led to the failure and collapse of the chain.

Now look at Next, the clothes retailer who invested into the out-of-town shopping outlet experience along with a website and great delivery service, creating a sustainable modernised experience.

All industries must evolve, and our industry sector is no different. Collier Turf Care have positioned themselves to be the “Next” of our industry.

Collier Turf Care work with industry leading brands such as Aquatrols, Barclay Chemicals, Barenbrug, Harrod Sport, ICL, Prestige, CMW, Syngenta, KAR and Vitax, and have recently started a new key relationship with Olmix importing from Europe the Marathon range of fertilisers.

Collier Turf Care has many clients throughout the UK, our customer retention is extremely high and with new accounts opening daily it is an exciting time for the company.

To open a trade account today and experience what we believe should be the basic standard of customer service everyone should get, please call 01328 700600 or visit our website www.collier-turf-care.co.uk

What do your customers say about you?

HONEST, RELIABLE & GENUINE GROUNDSKEEPER RECRUITMENT

Who am I? I am Mike Chappell and I own Chappell Enterprises UK, a family owned and run a specialist recruitment and training consultancy. We work UK wide as a specialist within the Golf, Sportsturf, Grounds Maintenance, Horticulture and Landscaping industry as well as supporting long term clients in the Transport & Logistics, Warehousing, Commercial and Technical Industries.

Before moving into recruitment in 2015, I worked for 15 years on Golf Courses, Grounds Maintenance Contracts and as a Head Groundsman. I completed 5 years at Reaseheath College leaving with a handful of qualifications, including a Foundation Degree and HND in Golf and Sportsturf Management.

When it comes to Recruitment and Sportsturf, my team and I at Chappell Enterprises UK are uniquely placed to work with our clients to deliver an honest, genuine, and reliable service.

There was some interesting information that came from the recent 2022 Workforce Survey carried out by BIGGA around recruitment.

• 53% of the Respondents had vacancies

• 83.5% of the Respondents said they struggle to recruit

• 78% have not used an agency to help recruit before

So why have course managers and golf club managers not used recruitment agencies? Could it be they just don’t know the process? Is it cost? Is it

time? I can offer some insight to these questions.

What is a Recruitment Agency/ Consultancy?

A recruitment agency/consultancy sources candidates for their clients’ roles. They should also provide recruitment advice and insight into the current job market to their clients to help ensure their clients are seen as an employer of choice, as well as offering a competitive remuneration and benefits package.

Why use a Recruitment Agency/ Consultancy?

Along with providing advice and expert knowledge in the recruitment process, the time saved by using a recruiter is invaluable! While the

recruiter is spending time putting together the advertisements, speaking to candidates, and sifting through CV’s, the hiring manager can concentrate on other priorities.

Finding the right agency

Many recruitment agencies will work the same way; however, I would always recommend a specialist agency that has consultants who have knowledge and experience in the industry. An agency that has consultants with “on the tools” experience will understand the type of person who would be suitable for a specific role, as well as being able to explain the job to an inexperienced candidate with confidence, sharing the detail of what the day to day can really be like in a positive way to entice new applicants.

We would advise to initially work with only one agency, that will mean you can build a strong and long-lasting relationship, give them incentive to

work on your role and avoid diluting the market.

How to engage and liaise with a Recruitment Agency?

Firstly, take your time to research and speak to the recruitment agency, making sure they have the knowledge and ability to not only recruit for your roles but also to build an honest, genuine, and reliable service. Sometimes being honest about the challenge of recruiting or difficulty in filling a role is as important for you operationally so you can plan accordingly! Once you have chosen the agency you wish to work with, arrange a meeting with the consultant responsible for the recruitment of your roles to discuss the requirements. The consultant should be asking about the role, the team a person would be joining, the facilities, the machinery, the culture, the package on offer, the benefits, overtime/weekend rota, and so on. Give the consultant a tour of the

The recruitment consultant should feel as an extension of your team, someone who knows your business and you have a fantastic relationship with.

facilities and let them get a feel for the place.

After the initial consultation and fact-finding meeting, the recruiter will then start the search, utilising all tools at their disposal to do so. Ask to have regular update calls to receive feedback, good and bad. Book 2 calls in a week, Tuesdays and Fridays work well as this gives the recruiter time to speak with applicants who have applied over the weekend and through-out the week.

The recruitment consultant should feel as an extension of your team, someone who knows your business and you have a fantastic relationship with.

Interviews

During a standard process, the agency will carry out the first stage interviews, usually this will be completed over the phone or by video call. The agency will then shortlist the suitable candidates and send over the CV’s and summary of the interview.

Once you are happy to interview a candidate, again let the agency do the work. Let them know your availability and the agency can then liaise with the candidate to book in the interview. The agency should then provide all the required info to the worker to attend the interview.

Feedback

Another job for the recruiter but this is one of the most important parts of a recruitment process. Ensure that within 24-48 hours of an interview, feedback to the recruiter your thoughts on how the interview went, how the candidate performed and provide constructive feedback to the candidate.

The recruiter should also have feedback for you from the candidate. Interviews are a two-way street, the candidate also needs to know what type of business, team, and culture they are joining, in essence, you are being interviewed too.

Offer

Let the consultant do this, you are paying a fee, so let them earn it. Don’t low ball or beat around the bush. As a minimum, base the salary on offer on the BIGGA salary guide. There are a lot of jobs on the market and few candidates, candidates who might be taking another offer at any time! The longer you take to make an offer the less likely it is you will secure the candidate you need.

Pricing

There is a misconception that agencies are expensive, however, for the value they can bring, the experience and knowledge you get access to, and the fact that usually a recruiter’s fee is “no win, no fee.” You do get a lot of work for your money.

There are different options out there and here are a few of these.

• Permanent Transfer – 10-25% of first year annual salary

o The client pays a percentage fee, and the worker becomes a permanent employee from day 1. There will be a rebate scheme in place if a worker were to leave within the first 3-6 months of employment, the agency will either replace the worker for free or provide a percentage refund based on length of service.

• Temp to Perm – 10-15% of first year’s annual salary

o A “try before you buy scheme” usually over 12 or 26 weeks. The worker will start the job with you on a contract with the recruitment agency. The agency will charge you weekly for the PAYE Cost (Pay Rate, Holiday Pay and Employers NI contributions (and pension after 12 weeks) and the agency fee. After the temp to perm period is complete, the worker would then move to you on a permanent contract and a fee may be payable. There would be no rebate as you have had the temp to perm period to decide if a person is the right fit for you.

• Temp/Contract – 20-40% of the hourly pay rate

o Perfect for seasonal vacancies. The

agency will charge you weekly for the PAYE Cost (Pay Rate, Holiday Pay and Employers NI contributions) and the agency fee. At the end of the contract, the worker leaves or you can decide to extend the temp assignment or negotiate a new agreement with the recruitment agency.

Summary

Using an agency to support your recruitment process is a fantastic way to get some time back each day while having an expert work do all the leg work. Why sit in your office going through CV after CV or call through multiple applicants, then repeatedly follow up on emails or have candidates not show up for interviews. This will still happen when using an agency but the likelihood of it is reduced, ensuring you are maximising the use of your time and your money!

Working with Chappell Enterprises UK

If this article has got your brain juices flowing and want to explore how an agency can help you, you can contact Chappell Enterprises UK on 01908 104250 or hello@chappellenterprises.co.uk. We will provide you a free market insight report and consultation to advise on all things recruitment.

www.chappellenterprises.co.uk

Propel equips leading Groundskeeping business to drive growth

In 2022, Propel financed a range of assets for a leading Groundskeeping business including tractors, utility vehicles and compact loaders; enabling the company to fulfil a substantial contract win.

Julie Warren, Marketing Director at Propel, said: “We created a bespoke asset finance solution, taking care to structure the payments in line with the seasonal requirements of the business. The customer appreciated the speed and efficiency of being able to finance the assets they needed within just 7 days from referral to payout. Crucially, this meant that there were no delays in commencing work on the game-changing new contracts they had won, securing their competitive advantage.”

To discuss how you could benefit from an asset finance solution designed around your business, call Propel’s specialist team on 01633 982922 or email contact@propelfinance.co.uk.

Cutting Edge Machinery and Vehicle Finance for

Groundskeeping & Landscaping

• Access the latest machinery and vehicles immediately

• No large upfront payment, preserving capital

• Boost your cash flow by spreading the costs over time

• Flexible finance solutions tailored to your seasonal cash flow requirements

• Fixed payments protect your business against inflation

• Fast decisions, so no delays to important new contracts

Propel is the fastest-growing asset finance company in the UK; and has a track record of over 25 years in supporting Groundskeeping businesses in achieving their growth ambitions.

Talk to Propel’s asset finance experts today for fast and flexible equipment and vehicle finance solutions designed to power your growth.

Finance is subject to status. Terms and Conditions Apply. Propel acts as a lender or a credit broker for business customers only.

contact@propelfinance.co.uk 01633 982 922

www.propelfinance.co.uk

EVO expansion under the spotlight as GreenMech return to The Arb Show, stand C09-C10

After a four-year absence, May sees the return of The Arb Show, with GreenMech back and kickstarting their 30th anniversary celebrations with a showcase of their revolutionary EVO series. The 2019 event was the launch platform for the EVO 165 range which, from introduction, set the benchmark for its category. EVO models are now available in both 6” and 8” capacities and in road-tow and tracked formats, many of which will be on display at Westonbirt Arboretum on stand C09-C10.

Launched in 6” diesel format, the EVO boasts more aggressive torque, more powerful bite and improved throughput. A petrol EVO 165P model quickly followed before the ‘big brother’ arrived in the form of the powerful 8” EVO 205D. GreenMech’s

long and illustrious reputation for providing the ultimate tracked offering continues with the EVO Series, with fixed track, SAFE-Trak and SURE-Trak options now available.

Visitors will also have the opportunity to witness the performance first hand on GreenMech’s dedicated

demonstration area, located on stand D06.

In addition to showcasing a selection of machines from the EVO Series, The Arb Show will be the first UK outing for the ECO 135 – a new concept 5” capacity entry-level woodchipper, ideally suited to the more priceconscious arborist, landscaper and rental markets.

The entire GreenMech range comes with a 3-year, no-quibble guarantee and the support of their nationwide dealer network. The team will also be on hand across the two days to answer any questions and explain the variety of flexible finance options available via GreenMech Finance.

www.greenmech.co.uk

Reesink strive for perfection with four specialist training courses

As the turfcare industry rapidly evolves with new technology and expertise, Reesink Turfcare’s specialist training courses do too. Now, a new course providing training on maintaining electric-powered machines has been added to the brand’s offering.

This joins three existing courses on Turfcare Mechanics and cutting technology, the Safe Use of Ride-On Mowers and Professional Sprayer Operational and Calibration training for Toro sprayers.

Lee Rowbotham, service and training manager at Reesink UK explains that having well-trained operators and mechanics can make machines go even further in both performance and longevity.

Lee explains, “The Electric Powered Training course covers calibration and troubleshooting in Toro electric machinery and understanding how the electric system works and how each electrical component fits into the system. This course is aimed at end users who currently have electric Toro products in their fleet.”

The Turfcare Mechanics course aims to instil confidence in troubleshooting, routine servicing and setting cutting units to manufacturers specification. Lee says: “It’s surprising how the areas of maintenance that generate service time or bills such as lack of greasing, contaminated fuel or oil and blocked radiators or oil coolers are relatively easily avoided.”

The Turfcare Mechanics course, designed for dedicated workshop mechanics, covers understanding

This course allows clubs to take effective care of their own groundscare machinery, meaning machines need less time in the workshop and can spend more time on the job.

Fault Codes and Level 1 Hydraulics and Electrics fundamentals to incorporate on board machinery diagnostics. Lee continues: “This course allows clubs to take effective care of their own groundscare machinery, meaning machines need less time in the workshop and can spend more time on the job.”

It’s not just in-depth maintenance knowledge that Reesink’s training provides, the Safe Use of Ride-On Mowers course ensures operators are well trained on equipment and find it easy and intuitive to use. This course is ideal for new starters, giving a practical

and thorough overview of operating, checking and maintaining ride-on mowing equipment.

Moving away from mowers, the Professional Sprayer Operation and Calibration Training is intended for landscape contractors, greenkeepers, local authorities giving them full knowledge of how to calibrate and operate Toro spraying equipment, over the course of a one day training program.

Find out more about these courses to help keep machinery performing to the best of its ability to deliver the very best playing surfaces by calling 01480 226800 or going online at reesinkturfcare.co.uk

The secret weapon to perfection. Professional training, from Reesink.

Perfect to keep pace with the industry’s fast evolving technology and get the most out of your fleet, choose from four specialist courses to help deliver the very best playing surfaces. Delivered on your own premises, individually or in teams, these courses give you that and more.

reesinkturfcare.co.uk

Get MORE from your turfcare partner this year: More products . More advice . More training . More finance

Operator training

Mechanic training Sprayer training

Electric Powered training

Tiny Pro X

Countrywide Grounds Maintenance Devon take delivery of additional Tiny robot to meet increased customer demand for sports pitch line marking

Origin Amenity Solutions has recently delivered their latest GPS guided robotic line marking machine, the, to long-standing customer Countrywide Grounds Maintenance (CW) in Devon.

Steven Hurley is the Regional Manager for CW Devon. one of 46 Nationwide Franchisees to provide complete grounds maintenance services for education facilities, housing associations, facilities management companies and estates.

In early March 2023 Steven procured

his second robot from Origin Amenity Solutions. He comments, “We carry out the line marking requirements for approximately 80 schools, colleges, and sports fields. There is planned acquisition of further schools this year so we need to be in a position to meet the additional requirements these will bring. After initial marking we carry out weekly over-marking so I anticipate both of our robots will be in use full time.”

Tiny Mobile Robots is marketed and distributed exclusively in the UK by Origin Amenity Solutions which brings

together four leading industry names - Headland Amenity, Rigby Taylor, TurfKeeper.com and Symbio.

Packed with a range of brand-new innovative features, the Tiny Pro X is an exciting new GPS robot designed to make line marking projects as streamlined and effortless as possible.

Steven continues, “Our first robot is the Tiny Pro which has been brilliant. After five years it is still going strong, but it was time to add to the fleet. We need to be able to offer high quality line marking to all our customers in a timely fashion. The additional robot

will ensure we can do that. Our original robot is a good robust machine, but I am very impressed with the new and improved Tiny Pro X. It is efficient and easy to use. The design and light weight of the machine makes it so convenient and easy to handle and transport. It has bigger wheels that are better at handling on rough or uneven ground which is ideal and well suited for the soft ground conditions we often have here in The Southwest.”

Steven is particularly impressed with one of the new key features, the multiselect tool. This tool gives users the ability to queue up multiple pitches to

Not only does this feature notify the user of low paint levels, but the robot will also send an alert if there is a clog preventing the robot from line marking. A simple yet time saving feature which many Tiny Pro X users are finding invaluable.

be marked out in a specific order of their choosing, and the robot will then mark out the designated areas. “This feature will be invaluable; it will save me so much time.”

When marking out multiple pitches, it is likely that any robot will run out of paint, which is where another of the new features comes in to play. The Tiny Pro X features a simple yet revolutionary low paint alert system, ensuring no time is wasted. When the robot is running low on paint, an automatic alert is sent to the user’s hand-held tablet notifying them of the paint levels. This is a muchwelcomed feature which avoids time being wasted marking out a field with no paint in the tank!

Not only does this feature notify the user of low paint levels, but the robot will also send an alert if there is a clog preventing the robot from line

marking. A simple yet time saving feature which many Tiny Pro X users are finding invaluable.

The Origin Amenity Solutions team offer onsite training, maintenance and general advice. “The robot is simply to set up and use but I like having the peace of mind that service is just a phone call away and my queries are always handled quickly and professionally.” Steven adds.

The Tiny Pro X also boosts many more improvements, including general upgrades to the hardware and software for a largely improved experience on what was already a solid offering from the existing range of robots. The electronics within the robot have been enhanced, allowing for more reliable and powerful line marking in a range of project areas, and the external design has been enhanced, with the addition of buttons to activate pump and nozzle, enabling users to prime, clean and test without using the tablet.

Thanks to the design upgrade, the robot offers faster deployment and maintenance has been streamlined too, making all round care as minimal as possible to ensure users can focus on their line marking projects.

Steven sums up by saying, “I’m really delighted with the new robot. Its many new features are going to be invaluable to us and having a second machine mean we can service many more customers.”

Free demonstrations are being offered across the UK.

To book or enquire visit https://tinymobilerobots.com/ tinymobilerobots-uk/

“The Origin Amenity Solutions team offer onsite training, maintenance and general advice. “The robot is simply to set up and use but I like having the peace of mind that service is just a phone call away and my queries are always handled quickly and professionally.” Steven adds.

Can you line mark a new athletics

You

TinyMobileRobots are ideal for:

• 200m, 300m and 400m athletics tracks

• Javelin, shotput and discus

• Football, rugby and cricket

• Baseball and softball

• Netball, rounders, hockey and tennis

When you choose a TinyMobileRobot, you will receive comprehensive training and full after-sales support from our experienced team. We also offer a choice of payment and ownership options. Ask for a free demo today.

Worksop College Boosts Sports Pitch Operations with the Turf Tank Line Marking Robot

Worksop College is a leading educational institution located in the United Kingdom, offering a wide range of academic and sporting programs to its students.

CHALLENGES

Like many schools and universities, maintaining well-marked sports pitches is an important part of ensuring that their athletes can compete at their best. However, manually line marking these large outdoor surfaces can be time-consuming and labor-intensive, presenting a significant challenge for the college’s groundskeeping staff.

SOLUTION

In order to improve their operations and provide their athletes with top-quality playing fields, Worksop College recently

invested in a Turf Tank line marking robot. This cutting-edge technology allows the college to quickly and accurately mark their pitches, saving time and effort while maintaining the high standards that their athletes and coaches’ demand.

MORE OPPORTUNITIES

In addition to serving the needs of the college’s own athletic programs, Worksop College also rents out its sports pitches to outside organizations, which became an important source of revenue. Chris explains that without the Turf Tank line marking robot, it would be difficult for the college to accommodate these external bookings, as the time and effort required to manually mark the pitches would be prohibitive.

“If we just did it with string lines and a roller, you know, it’s probably two to three hours. With the robot - it’s 20 minutes. It’s done. It’s always programmed in. So now when they tell us that they’re coming up this weekend, we just send the robot down and get him to mark that pitch whenever it is needed. No problem.”

“If we get requested on a Monday morning at nine o’clock we’ll have a pitch there for Monday morning at 11 o’clock.”

- Matthew Binns, Grounds Foreman

Apart from making the line marking process hassle-free and allowing the college to fulfill these requests, the robot also has another great advantage over its manual counterpart - the accuracy.

Turf Tank works everything out perfectly for us. Everything’s symmetrical, every time. Before, obviously, if you’re doing freehand you’re never ever going to get it as perfect as you are, with the Turf Tank. It’s all GPS. It’s all perfect every time.

“Turf Tank works everything out perfectly for us. Everything’s symmetrical, every time. Before, obviously, if you’re doing freehand you’re never ever going to get it as perfect as you are, with the Turf Tank. It’s all GPS. It’s all perfect every time.” -

Matthew Binns, Grounds Foreman

The staff at the college is thrilled that they can provide even more than perfect pitches.

They can use it to mark letters and special messages in the grass, that can help to create a more professional and impressive appearance for the pitches , making them stand out and providing a memorable experience for the teams and spectators.

“We also do little messages around the school every now and again, Chris explains. “We did some prize giving, we put that on a piece of grass. We put welcome back messages on the front of the lawns and things like that.”

“Like the guys for Joe Root. We didn’t tell them we were doing it. And we just did it. And they spent most of their time photographing their logo and tweeting about it. So it just gives them a little bit more ownership.”

By offering its sports pitches in a timely manner, at a high level of quality, and with the added value of special

messages in the grass, Worksop College is able to provide an exceptional experience for the teams that rent their facilities. As a result, these teams and organizations are likely to return in the future, and to spread the word about the college’s outstanding services to other organizations.

CONCLUSION

The Turf Tank line marking robot proved to be essential for Worksop College’s operations, not only improving the efficiency of their line marking process, but also helping to build a thriving business that benefits the college, its students, other teams, and the wider community.

Curious how to turn your line marking robot into a source of income? Book a demo by visiting our website.

www.turftank.com

Fast & effective marking services

We have been marking pitches out for a range of sports for the past 2 years, from 5 a side Football pitches to 400 meter running tracks, also a range of markings for car parking for events. As we come into the summer sports season we are saving our customers up to 2 days of man power by using our GPS robots to mark out their Running Tracks and Athletics markings. We can mark a 400 meter running track in an hour and half. The feedback we receive is absolutely fantastic every time. The schools we are working with have said they will never go back to manually marking them out. Not forgetting the Football Tournament season, junior clubs are using us more now than ever to mark their pitches for their Gala events, saving them the time to focus on all the other aspects that go into the day! And not to mention it gives the club a great impression to all visiting teams – perfectly and accurately marked out pitches.

Contact Us today

Email – info@pitchmarkers.co.uk

Web: www.pitchmarkers.co.uk

Call – 07720 50 50 50

Looks like paint - plays like grass

We have been selling our permanent lines now for over 16 years around the globe on natural grass sport fields pitches. What we do not understand is why are you still painting lines each week when you can be doing something else?

Lineturf is approved by FIFA law 1 since 2016. They are easy to install yourselves and we can offer you real good prices. We are from Canada and our lines are tufted in the USA. We are searching for agents/dealers in Europe.

www.lineturf.com

Tom Hooper, Course Manager at South Beds Golf Club in Luton, claims that his new ISEKI tractor is one of the best he has seen throughout his long and illustrious career.

Tom has been working at the club since 1896 and was appointed Course Manager in 2003. Throughout his tenure he has overseen many course improvements and has seen many technological advancements in terms of equipment. A wide range of equipment has come and gone at South Beds, but there hasn’t been many that has lived up to one of his newest purchases.

“Having experienced using many different tractors throughout my career, I would say ISEKI is one of the best,” said Tom. “It performs so well and is very spacious inside with a good flat floor, no trip hazards and is extremely comfortable.

“We decided to invest in the ISEKI tractor to replace our old tractor, which was very outdated and too large for the golf course. It just ticked a lot of boxes for us, including the price, the performance and the lift capacity was ideal because it needs to be able to lift a 400-litre tank.”

Tom purchased the TG6407 IQ which features an ISEKI Stage V, 3 cylinder 40hp diesel engine with IQ Dual-Clutch transmission F24/R24 that offers the control of a manual with the convenience of an automatic. There are 8 clutchless speeds and 3 ranges. Gears are changed by simply moving the gear lever through the straight shift gate. If ‘D’ is selected, then gears 4-8 are operated automatically - ideal for roadwork or towing. TG6407 IQ is available with ROPS or an airconditioned Category 2 cab.

A front loader joystick, draft control, up stop PTO and linkage lift in reverse are all supplied as standard. The tractors are offered with either Ag or Turf

tyres as standard. Optional loaders, either standard or with parallel lift are available.

“The IQ gearbox is very efficient,” continued Tom. “It is easy to operate, and you can go up and down the gears nice and smoothly.

“We use the tractor for all kinds of work including spraying, vertidraining, and lots of other tasks where we need to attach implements to it. It gives us plenty of horsepower but at the same time it is a nice and compact tractor which can go on all the greens in many different conditions.

“I would recommend it to any golf course or sports ground - its range of use is exceptional. All the staff are very happy with it.

As well as being pleased with the tractor, Tom was quick to praise ISEKI dealer RT Machinery - the company who

ISEKI is hard to beat at South Beds GC

he purchased it through.

“We were introduced to RT Machinery a couple of months before we purchased the ISEKI tractor – they were very friendly, very helpful, and easy to get on with.”

www.iseki.co.uk

We use the tractor for all kinds of work including spraying, vertidraining, and lots of other tasks where we need to attach implements to it. It gives us plenty of horsepower but at the same time it is a nice and compact tractor which can go on all the greens in many different conditions.

Greens rebuild project at Javier Arana’s last course

Aloha Golf Club hires Lobb + Partners for rapid rebuild of course’s greens

loha Golf Club in Marbella, Spain, the last course designed by the legendary architect Javier Arana, has hired Lobb + Partners for a major greens rebuilding project. Construction work will start in April and is scheduled to finish in July, with a staged reopening of the course expected during August and September. All eighteen greens will be rebuilt in a single phase of work with TeeOne bentgrass laid – the turf has already been grown in an offsite nursery.

A

final surfaces reflected his intent as he died before openingand several of them have been reworked in the intervening years.

Arana produced only ten courses during his thirty year career as a golf architect. He was hired to build the Aloha course in 1972, at the age of 67, and construction started that year. He last visited the course in May 1974, at which point seeding of the greens had not yet started, because of a shortage of water to grow them in. Arana died in January 1975 and never saw the course completed; it opened that October.

The Aloha club is very proud of its heritage and its status as the last project of Spain’s greatest designer. But the course’s greens have been a challenge for some years: half of them slope at more than five per cent, an untenable level of pitch at modern

heights of cut. Agronomist Luis Cornejo of Surtec, who will serve as project manager and agronomist for the rebuild, says that when the course opened, the greens were typically cut at 5.5 mm and stimped at six and a half feet. According to Alfonso Erhardt, author of ‘The Golf Courses of Javier Arana’, the architect drew detailed plans of the greens. There is, however, some debate as to how precisely the

“When we were first invited to review plans for this ambitious eighteen hole green rebuild last spring we were very impressed with the club’s planning and vision for the project,” said Tim Lobb, principal of Lobb + Partners. “The course is set in a rolling and striking Andalusian landscape and the Arana strategic diversity on the greens was evident from the onset with a variety of steps, tilts and internal contours providing challenge and interest to the golfing experience. But at modern day green speeds, the slopes are just too steep, so our aim is to soften them while retaining their strategic intent. I particularly like the way the greens are segmented into differnt zones with noses, tiers and low/high spots creating dividers, which we will emphasise in the revised surfaces and pinnable locations.

New and enlarged practice putting greens will also be constructed as part of the project and the area surrounding this slightly rejigged to create a better starting/arrival environment. Britishbased firm CJW Golf will carry out the build, and Luis Cornejo of Surtec will

The Aloha club is very proud of its heritage and its status as the last project of Spain’s greatest designer.

Photo: Alfonso Erhardt

provide agronomic advice and project management. “The club has prepared carefully for this major project over the past few years and we have a world class team in place to execute the works as well as our highly motivated and passionate team at Aloha Golf Club,” said Rod Spinks, chairman of the course.

Club president Rafael Fontán Zubizarreta said: “This will be the largest course project undertaken by the club in our history, and is an important part of the preparations for our fiftieth anniversary, which we will celebrate in 2025. We arethrilled to be working with such a strong team, and we are especially pleased that Tim Lobb has shown such a commitment to retaining the strategies set out by Javier Arana in his original design.”

www.lobbandpartners.com

Photo: Tim Lobb

Yamaha continues support for Dartmouth Hotel, Golf & Spa open golf tournament

Yamaha Motor Europe N.V., Branch UK is continuing its support for The Dartmouth Hotel, Golf & Spa amateur open golf tournament, which takes place on Saturday 29 April 2023. The Devon-based resort has just achieved a placing in Today’s Golfer magazine top 100 golf resorts.

Yamaha’s Golf Car division has sponsored the event for the past 20 years and provides a range of prizes for the various winning categories as well as entering a corporate team.

The Yamaha Open will consist of teams of two competing on a 4-ball, better ball, 85% handicap basis with a shotgun start at 12 noon. The cost is £60 per team for visitors and £40 for members’ teams. At the conclusion of the event, prizes will be presented at a complimentary dinner.

Yamaha are also offering support for competitors who wish to stay at the hotel with a bed and breakfast package available from £147 per night based on two people sharing.

Set in 225 acres of rolling South Hams countryside, the Championship Course opened in 1992. Designed by renowned British golf course architect Jeremy Pern, Dartmouth is reputedly one of his best creations. The course makes clever use of undulating terrain and numerous water features. From the ‘tips’ the layout stretches to almost 7200 yards, with 4 different tee boxes that ensure all levels of golfing ability are catered for. Dartmouth’s Championship Golf Course is undoubtedly tough but there’s plenty of excitement to be had out there.

Dan Palmer, Manager, Power Products (Yamaha Motor) commented, “Over the years the Yamaha Open has become a fixture in Dartmouth’s calendar and is always very well attended. It’s an opportunity for golfers to experience one of the UK’s Top 100 golf resorts, so for teams interested in entering the event, they can do so by calling 01803 712011. The closing date is Saturday 15 April. We are committed to supporting the golf sector and are delighted to continue our sponsorship of this event.”

For more information visit: www.yamaha-motor.eu

Saving money from day one

Kyle Swart, superintendent of the Oakwing club in Louisiana, estimates he will save up to $85,000 a year from his new Capillary Bunkers.

When we had a tournament, before we redid the bunkers, our biggest fear was rain in the days before the event,” says Kyle Swart, superintendent at the semi-private Oakwing course in Louisiana. “If it rained on a Friday and the tournament was on a Saturday, the bunkers would be ground under repair. If the rain came a few days before, my crew would have to spend all their time putting the bunkers back toghether when they should have been preparing the course.”

Located on Heritage Park in Alexandria, central Lousiana, the former England Airforce Basem, the home of the 23rd Fighter Wing, Oakwing was designed by Jim Lipe and opened in 2001. “There isn’t any real military installation here any more, but the England Air Authority owns the land and manages the property,” says Swart. “About 75 per cent of our play is from members.”

The course’s bunkers – which are large, with steep faces – had never been properly renovated since opening. “We tried to do our own bunker liner, using concrete, about ten years ago, but it failed,” says Swart. “There were fabric liners installed originally, but they were never going to last twenty years, and before we renovated, we would pull some up with the Sand Pro every now and again.”

Swart researched the options available to him and settled on the Capillary Bunkers product from Capillary Flow. “I didn’t know when there might be another renovation, so decided I had to go for the best longterm option,” he says. “What I like about the Capillary Bunker product is that the entire bunker bottom is covered. It doesn’t matter where water enters the bunker, you know it will always flow down to the drain at the bottom.”

Architect Nathan Crace handled the renovation, and Swart is ecstatic at the results. “Before we started, around fifty

per cent of our bunkers simply didn’t drain,” he says. “In the first three months after we renovated, we had 22 inches of rain – we went from an incredibly dry summer to an incredibly wet winter. There is not a bunker out there that has held water or washed out, or retained any silt. They have been the best addition to this golf course.”

He says the benefits to Oakwing will be enormous. “All year long, we were trying to keep sand in the bunkers to a decent depth and now we don’t have to,” he explains. “I have a crew of ten, and it used to take three or four days to get the bunkers back into condition after heavy rain. Now one guy goes out with a rake and in a couple of hours they’re fine. My guys love them! The look on their faces when they come into work after rain has transformed. They used to come in and know they were going to spend the next three or four days in the bunkers. Now, they know they don’t have to.”

But the most dramatic change is to the bottom line. Swart says the savings from his new bunkers will be substantial. “We are going to save $50-70,000 a year just on labour from the new bunkers, and there will be another $12-15,000 from not having to replace sand,” he says. “For us, that is a big, big difference.”

John Deere TPC Sawgrass Volunteer Programme open for applications

Applications are now open for the 2024 John Deere TPC Sawgrass Volunteer Programme, which will see seven British and Irish greenkeepers travel to Florida to help prepare the world-famous Stadium Course for the best golfers on the planet.

The volunteers are chosen from each of BIGGA’s five regions, in addition to an international member, and one GSCAI member from Ireland. They will

join the TPC Sawgrass maintenance and agronomy team in the build-up to The Players Championship from 9-19 March 2024.

With all travel, accommodation and uniform costs covered by John Deere as part of its BIGGA Premium Partner relationship, volunteers will be fully integrated into the TPC Sawgrass pre-tournament team – an opportunity that may see them mowing the first tee before play starts, preparing the iconic 17th hole, or raking the bunkers as play gets underway.

“This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for any greenkeeper,” says Chris Meacock, John Deere’s Division Sales Manager for Golf and Turf. “Going to volunteer at TPC Sawgrass presents a fantastic opportunity for you to expand your knowledge and experience, and you’ll meet many like-minded professional greenkeepers from across the globe.”

The 2023 cohort of greenkeeper volunteers included Assistant Course Manager Alex Brougham from Trentham Park Golf Club, Senior Greenkeeper

Sawgrass2023A: Alex Brougham, Eddie Irvine, Peter Lewis and Mark Tucker were the four BIGGA members who travelled to TPC Sawgrass 2023 in March.

Peter Lewis from Royal Liverpool Golf Club, Deputy Head Greenkeeper Eddie Irvine from Trump International Aberdeen, and Course Manager Mark Tucker from Temple Golf Club.

Each greenkeeper became an integral part of the team, preparing the course well ahead of the practice rounds and working until the tournament concluded, using the huge fleet of John Deere machinery from the Sawgrass maintenance compound.

Eddie Irvine said: “The experience has helped me improve as a person and in my profession, by enabling me to move forwards with my career.

Alex Brougham added: “I learnt a lot from the Sawgrass greenkeeping team, and by networking with the other volunteers. I left with a better understanding of how the team operates at one of the best championship golf courses in the

The experience has helped me improve as a person and in my profession, by enabling me to move forwards with my career.

world. I’m now aiming to utilise as much of that knowledge as possible back at Trentham Golf Club.”

Karl Hansell, BIGGA’s Head of Communications and Marketing, accompanied the group to Sawgrass in March 2023.

Karl said: “Having worked at BIGGA promoting this wonderful initiative for seven years, I thought I had some understanding of TPC Sawgrass and what the trip entailed. But nothing could prepare me for the actual experience of being there.

“The TPC Sawgrass agronomy team was so welcoming that the greenkeepers accompanied were made to feel right at home, and several previous John Deere volunteers now return every year at their own expense, such was their enjoyment of the trip.

“I can’t recommend this experience enough.”

The 2023 Championship at TPC Sawgrass saw American Scottie Scheffler win the tournament five shots clear of Englishman Tyrrell Hatton, shooting 17 under par for the tournament.

The application process is open to all full BIGGA members over the age of 21, who have been a full member for at least 12 months. The deadline for applications is 31 May 2023, and you can fill in your application online at the BIGGA website now.

www.deere.co.uk

Sawgrass2023B: The 17th at TPC Sawgrass is one of the most iconic holes in golf, and John Deere is giving seven greenkeepers the chance to help present it for The Players Championship.

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● The lever (1) opens and closes the hydrant (opened when the lever is up and closed when the lever is down).

● The lever (1) opens and closes the hydrant (opened when the lever is up and closed when the lever is down).

● The rod (2) is connected to the plunger (3) and clos-es the drain (4) when the lever is in the open position allowing the water to flow through the by-pass (6).

● The rod (2) is connected to the plunger (3) and clos-es the drain (4) when the lever is in the open position allowing the water to flow through the by-pass (6).

● Perform the opposite action to close the water by pushing the lever down and the purge will open and drain automatically preventing water from staying in the pipe and causing it to burst in freezing tempera-tures.

● Perform the opposite action to close the water by pushing the lever down and the purge will open and drain automatically preventing water from staying in the pipe and causing it to burst in freezing tempera-tures.

● The user has water available year-round.

● The user has water available year-round.

● The plunger is placed against the valve body to guarantee impermeability.

● The plunger is placed against the valve body to guarantee impermeability.

● The plungers (3) are made of ethylene propylene for the C1000 series (material that is selflubricating and will not bond to brass valve body) and offers a very long life for this product.

● The plungers (3) are made of ethylene propylene for the C1000 series (material that is selflubricating and will not bond to brass valve body) and offers a very long life for this product.

Importers into the UK &

Importers into the UK & Ireland - RHOCO ES LTD. Mobile: +447720817181

Email : jake@rhocoes.com

https://youtu.be/Q9ecVNccPGY

Terrain Aeration injects polymer

hile it may be wet, water everywhere at the moment we will soon be heading into the summer months. That’s when the problems begin for turf and trees. Increasingly, year on year, we are seeing the effects of global warming across our landscape as droughts persist. Sports pitches, golf courses, trees in parks, amenity areas right through to lawns in private gardens will all suffer from the lack of rainfall. Ground becomes hard and compacted to considerable depth and when the rains do come, this often leads to standing surface water and waterlogging.

Suffolk-based Terrain Aeration has specialised in one-metre deep soil aeration to relieve compaction, panning, and waterlogging nationally for over thirty years. While that takes care of the drainage and aeration when it’s very wet there remains the opposite problem of grass and tree roots not getting enough water in periods of drought. It’s a problem addressed by the same

Suffolk-based Terrain Aeration has specialised in one-metre deep soil aeration to relieve compaction, panning, and waterlogging nationally for over thirty years.

machine, Terrain Aeration’s Terralift system, that aerates the soil at depth by releasing compressed air via its onemetre depth probe. As that fragments the soil to create fissures and cracks to allow drainage and aeration, the probe can also inject water-storing polymer. Once in place, the polymer will expand one-hundred fold with rainwater or irrigation water which it stores for the turf or tree roots to take up as needed.

It’s a one-way system, so the polymer does not take water from the roots.

In this way, we will be able to make better use of what water we have and it’s a very long-term process as the polymer takes a long time to degrade. Spreading the polymer on the surface is not practical, as when it rains it turns into a gel, making the area dangerous to walk and play on. Injecting it into the ground using the Terralift machine offers the best, most beneficial, and wholly costeffective method, says the company. Terrain Aeration is the only operator of the Terralift in the UK and the treatment has proven itself since 1985. There are different versions of the machine to treat large open spaces such as sports grounds, golf courses, and avenues of trees to narrow accesses onto bowling greens and gardens. Anywhere from airports to zoos.

Terrain Aeration

www.terrainaeration.co.uk

01449 673783

THE BEFORE AND AFTER OF ONE METRE DEEP AERATION

Terrain Aeration’s long-term treatment reaches one metre deep where compressed air blasts the compaction. The soil is opened up for good drainage and a healthy sward with minimum disruption. We have been successfully deep aerating sports turf, bowling greens, golf courses, parks, racecourses, trees and gardens for over thirty years.

COMPACTION AND WATERLOGGING STOP PLAY. DOWNTIME COSTS MONEY.

Salamander Pumps unveil water boosting solution for breathing new life into gardening

For groundskeepers and gardeners maintaining large green spaces, turf and sports pitcheswater demand is high.

To preserve a healthy surface, the entire area needs to be watered extensively and frequently via sprinklers or irrigators. However, without strong water pressure and flow the grounds health and appearance will likely be comprised.

To combat this, one of the UK’s leading manufacturers of water boosting solutions, Salamander Pumps, has launched TankBoost, an easy to install, single unit solution to ensure water performance remains at optimum levels when watering extensive areas of ground.

Available from April, TankBoost will deliver flow rates up to an incredible 80L/min, well above the average 10-15L/ min [1]. This level is ideal for bigger areas such as sports venues, as well as estates.

When purchasing TankBoost, four tank sizes will be available, ranging from 100L to 450L. Additional storage tanks are also available to increase capacity for large properties or those with particularly low incoming flow rates.

Unlike many competing mains boosting solutions, TankBoost has been developed with appearance in mind. Designed with a fascia to make it feel less industrial and intrusive, TankBoost is more aesthetically pleasing than other products of its kind and is also extremely quiet throughout operation.

Gareth Richards, Technical Director at Salamander Pumps, said: “Our new TankBoost product is an exciting extension of our MainsBooster range. it is a stand-alone, cost-effective solution that can be trusted to ‘run the show’ – working hard to meet the water performance challenges that often occur when demand is high, making it perfect for groundskeepers looking after huge areas of turf and greenery.”

TankBoost is the first product in the Salamander Pumps product range to deliver flow rates beyond 36 L/min.

With an easy installation process, the Salamander Pumps team conduct a survey of the ground to determine the required flow rate and the TankBoost size necessary. Once installed on the mains, the water pressure will be consistently maintained throughout, even in the absence of a power supply.

This ensures that the sprinkler system will continue to function during the event of a power outage.

Gareth continued: “We’ll be providing comprehensive guidance to support installers with the specification and installation process to ensure the product is specified to meet the various types of groundskeeping needs. This will include webinars, step by step guides and e-school content.”

Where an area of ground, such as a sports pitch or venue, has particularly high water demand, and space is not an issue, tanks can be linked with additional storage units to increase capacity.

TankBoost comes with a two-year warranty.

Those ready to cure their water pressure and flow woes can click here for more information: www.salamanderpumps.co.uk/TankBoost or email sales@salamanderpumps.co.uk

T-T’s Pontoon

The versatile Pump Flotation Device

Bodies of water are often utilised to supply water to a range of different applications, such as landscape and sports green irrigation and general dewatering.

This kind of extraction is generally done from the centre of the water source, as the depth at this point ensures a continual supply of water for the application and prevents potential drops in pressure. Even the local wildlife benefit, as shallower areas inhabited by plants and animals are left undisturbed.

Pump flotation devices (AKA pontoons) are used in these applications, keeping submersible pumps easily accessible for maintenance purposes and away from settled sediment that could damage the pump; while keeping surface mounted pumps (not designed for submersible operation) above water level, allowing them to be installed at the deepest part of the source.

For an economical alternative to traditional pump flotation devices, consider T-T’s Pontoon.

Engineered for de-watering, the Pontoon can be used with either submersible or surface-mounted engine-driven pumps. It is

constructed with Marine grade foam-filled polyethylene and UV15 protection, as well as 304 stainless steel straps and fittings for maximum durability against the elements.

The Pontoon features a modular design, meaning that up to four units can be used together for increased load capacity. Each unit holds up to 160kg and is provided with a lifting certificate for your peace of mind.

Installing and commissioning your dewatering pump is stressfree thanks to the Pontoon’s lifting points allowing for easy mounting.

For more information on the Pontoon pump flotation device, contact T-T:

Call: 01630 647200

Email: response@ttpumps.com

Web: www.ttpumps.com

The silt solution from Otterbine

eration is paramount to the health of lakes and ponds, providing them with the oxygen needed to combat problems such as silt and algae, improving water quality and the environment for wildlife.

Otterbine is a leading pond and lake management specialist offering a wide range of aerating systems and fountains with the highest oxygen transfer and pumping rates in the industry, adding as much as 3.3lbs or 1.5kg of oxygen per horsepower hour into the water and pumping over 920GPM or 199m3/hr per horsepower.

Built to keep water clean, clear and healthy over an average lifespan of 15 years, Otterbine systems are energy efficient and built to last. If silt is the problem, there are two primary techniques of water aeration: surface and subsurface.

SURFACE AERATION

Surface aeration occurs when floating surface aerators throw droplets into the air where they contact oxygen molecules. Upon falling back to the surface that ‘dissolved oxygen’ is then released back into the water, becoming available to use in the process of breaking down organic sediment.

Surface spray aerators combine beauty and function. They can operate in as little as 75cm of water and all 1-5HP aerating fountain spray patterns are interchangeable.

SUBSURFACE AERATION

Otterbine’s subsurface aerators, or ‘bubbler’ systems, are almost invisible, operating from quiet onshore compressors that pump air to diffusers placed at the pond bottom. The air is released via a diffuser and the air bubbles are slowly ‘absorbed’

by the water as they rise to the surface.

These units require little to no maintenance, constructed of corrosion resistant material. They can operate in depths from 2–12m and have no electrical components in the water.

With Otterbine’s comprehensive three to five year warranties on its range including the Giant Fountain, Fractional Series, Air Flo 3 and Fountain Glo Lights, you can rest assured that your water body will stay in good shape and your fountain or aerator will be looked after too.

To learn more about how the Otterbine range of aerators and fountains can tackle silt in your lake, and other water quality issues, contact Reesink on 01480 226800, email info@reesinkturfcare.co.uk or visit www.reesinkturfcare.co.uk.

Built to keep water clean, clear and healthy over an average lifespan of 15 years, Otterbine systems are energy efficient and built to last.

Built to keep water clean, clear and healthy over an average lifespan of over 15 years, Otterbine systems are both energy efficient and built to last.

Fixed Fountains.

For when aesthetics are everything.

Provides tranquillity and beauty for your lakes and ponds. Made from corrosion-resistant and durable marine-grade stainless steel, the stand chamber fits flush with the surface to create that picture perfect landscape. And with a power control centre cable with quick disconnect, installation and maintenance is easy, too.

reesinkturfcare.co.uk

Effective water solutions for all landscapes

Irrigation . Pumps . Water Aeration and More

Works with Fountain Glo lights

The South West’s Pump and Water Service Specialists

• Used every training session to make the playing surface slick, for faster movement of the ball around the pitch and safer pitch for players.

• Turntable trolley mounted to aid movability on site

• Delivers up to 42,000 litres / hour

• Up to 40 meter throw radius, with fully adjustable 360° coverage

• Easily changeable nozzles to adjust coverage and flowrate

• 6 bar water pressure required – tank and pump systems available

• Standard football pitch irrigation times approximately 1 hour

• Significant cost savings vs. underground system

Mawdsleys Pump Services, Unit C2, Kingsland Trading Estate, Bristol, BS2 0JZ

The LRI Premier

The LRI Premier offers many of the advantages of a large irrigation gun, but only requires a standard water supply, enabling broad areas to be watered from one place. It therefore gives many of the benefits of a permanent underground system, without the need for expensive installation. It can be left to run through the night and is designed to be left unattended.

VERSATILE VENTRAC AT THE MERE GOLF RESORT & SPA

The Mere Golf Resort & Spa in Knutsford, Cheshire, has joined an ever-burgeoning list of sports and leisure organisations that have purchased a Ventrac all-terrain compact tractor and selection of attachments.

Supplied by local dealer, Cheshire Turf Machinery, the attachments include a Contour deck, a Stump grinder and Turbine blower.

The 18-hole, 6,882 -yard, par-71 course at The Mere was designed by James Braid, and created out of 150 acres of Cheshire parkland in 1934. Today, the Championship course holds the reputation as one of the best maintained and highest quality golf courses in the North of England.

John Quinn, a native of Donegal in Ireland, has been the Course Manager for the past 4 years, after joining the prestigious resort’s greenkeeping team seven years ago. He leads a team of 10 comprising of 8 greenkeepers and two fulltime gardeners.

Commenting on the Ventrac he said, “We are a destination resort and we pride ourselves with the visual appearance of the property and the immaculate presentation of the golf course. This Ventrac is probably the best innovation in course maintenance in the past 20 years. It will go almost anywhere and its versatility is unparalleled. It’s great in wet areas and ticks all the boxes from a health and safety point of view.

“What other machine allows you to switch out a mowing deck and attach a stump grinder, then switch again to blowing leaves? It’s an adaptable piece of equipment with an ingenious coupling system that lets you change implements in just about a minute. The eight wheels gives it a low centre of gravity, which makes it very safe on slopes, especially around tee banks and bunker surrounds.

“It’s up there with the best machines I used. It’s just a case of getting to know its capability and getting the confidence to go where no other ride-on can go. It helps us to maintain difficult areas on a regular basis and has certainly enhanced the presentation of the course.”

John Quinn began his career at his local course in Portnoo, Donegal, with an initial six-week placement that lasted four years. To further his career, he spent two years in full-time education at Elmwood college achieving an HNC and HND in golf course management as well as work placements in Sweden. He then joined Linden Hall Hotel, Golf & Spa in Northumberland and three years later migrated south to take up the position of deputy head greenkeeper at Caversham Heath near Reading. Five years on, he then moved to Davenport Golf Club in Cheshire, before taking up his latest position in 2015.

What other machine allows you to switch out a mowing deck and attach a stump grinder, then switch again to blowing leaves? It’s an adaptable piece of equipment with an ingenious coupling system that lets you change implements in just about a minute.

Solutions for the growing world

rom premier league to grassroots clubs - this period marks the most critical time of the year for sports pitch managers, as it presents an occasion to reset for any modifications from the previous year.

Sports pitch renovations are essential to maintain a high-quality playing surface for athletes to perform at their best. Renovations can range from simple repairs to complete overhauls of the playing surface, depending on the level of wear and tear, weather conditions, and usage.

The renovation process usually involves several stages, starting with an assessment of the pitch’s current condition. This can include analysing the drainage system, soil structure, grass cover, and any damage to the surface. The results of this assessment will determine the necessary steps to take, such as aerating, fertilizing, reseeding, or replacing the playing surface altogether.

The renovation process can be timeconsuming and costly, but it is a worthwhile investment in the long run.

Speak to our specialist Winter Sports Area Manager for free technical advice on topdressing, overseeding, nutrition and pitch marking. Let’s be mindful of the young plant when adding nutrition and ensure that the plant can utilize most of the applied nutrients. This approach not only saves costs but also minimizes environmental harm.

Along with mowing, an essential operation at this time of year, the following end of season operations will be carried out:

• Aeration to de-compact the pitch.

• Repair worn areas.

• Top dressing.

• Seeding / Overseeding.

• Pre-seeding fertiliser application.

• Scarification (where required).

• Line Marking

• Irrigation (where required).

Obtaining the correct products for your sports turf is important. For further information regarding the various approaches and products to use, call Craig Housley on 07546 307052 or email craig@eastridingturfcare.co.uk

Say goodbye to the guesswork with a Free Soil Analysis from East Riding Turfcare

East Riding Turfcare can offer a free technical soil analysis to help support your sports turf management programmes, helping to prevent potential problems. Independently analysed, with results accurately assessed through an entire suite of analytical testing, providing an easy-to-understand report and tailored nutrition programme. For further information or to book a site visit please contact us on 01904 608157 or email info@eastridingturfcare.co.uk

www.eastridingturfcare.co.uk

You’ll never look back with an ISEKI

Abrand-new ISEKI tractor has not only saved Osterley Cricket Club a significant amount of time and money, but it has also helped its ground rating climb into the top three rankings.

Established in 1940, Osterley Cricket Club, in Southall, specialises in

cricket, football and social gatherings. Somewhat of a hub for the local community it boasts 2.2 hectares of grounds. This consists of two cricket pitches which convert to seven football pitches during the winter.

Nadeem Chowdhry, Chairman of Osterley Cricket Club, explained why the Club was in the market for a new tractor.

“We started looking for a new tractor because we were using an old ride-on mower and a 1960’s cylinder mower which had all kinds of hydraulic issues,” he said. “It was an important decision and so we did a lot of research.

“We selected ISEKI because of the brand’s renowned build quality and ease of use. After deciding on the brand, we

then spoke to several dealers and the one that stood out was RT Machinery. They understood our challenges, they pin-pointed the ISEKI tractor for us, and the presale and after sale service was phenomenal.”

Based on RT Machinery’s recommendation, Nadeem decided that the ISEKI TLE3400 was the perfect fit. The TLE3400 is ISEKI’s premium economy tractor. This 38 horse-power tractor has a three-speed hydrostatic transmission and a lift capacity of 1000 kg. It is supplied with agricultural or turf tyres as standard. An optional front loader is also available. Ideal on the farm, an estate, or sports pitches, it is an all-round tractor for all those tasks that just need doing – from muck

scraper to harrow or mower to loader, it’s capable of doing it all.

According to Nadeem, Osterley Cricket Club has not looked back since purchasing this unique tractor.

“It used to take our groundsman two whole days, to cut, stripe and tidy up – but since purchasing the ISEKI tractor this has been reduced to just two hours,” he said. “The cost of running it, on fuel alone, is six times cheaper as well.

“This tractor is fantastic to store because it is compact, and it is so versatile. We use it with lots of different attachments such as a grass cutting deck, a verticutting unit, a scarifier and all sorts of other attachments.

“Everyone at the club suddenly wants to help and have go on it because it is so easy and so comfortable to use – it is hard getting people off it!

“In fact, a lot of other nearby clubs have seen our ground rating go from near the bottom of the table to the third best and have been asking how we have managed to do it. We tell them that is down to the ISEKI tractor.

“Ultimately, it has made a huge difference to our club, because everyone really enjoys playing on this gorgeous, lush outfield, and it is all because of this tractor. I would tell any sports club that has grass to look at ISEKI – they will never look back.”

www.iseki.co.uk

Ringwood Community Hub

- a sustainable field built for future generations

Ringwood Town FC recently began re-development work on their Long Lane home. Supported by New Forest District Council, AFC Bournemouth Community Trust and the Football Foundation, the club are future proofing their facilities for the modern age.

A UK first field

Part of this re-development included a state-of-the-art Atomic Pro 50 3G pitch, that also features a UK first engineered sports performance base layer built by TigerTurf partners, McArdle Sport Tec.

ecocept, is a popular base layer created by TigerTurf, the recipe is usually made up of 100% recycled mixed waste plastics, however for Ringwood Town, TigerTurf created a UK first version, primarily using end-of-life artificial grass fields.

1.4 million drinks bottles!

The majority of raw material for ecocept was taken from end-of-life artificial grass pitches, the rest of the mixture was taken from off-cuts from new build sites, TigerTurf UK production off-cuts, test pieces and trims and household waste. All material used, was uplifted and recycled in the UK, recycling 70,490kgs of plastic, the equivalent of 1.4 million drinks bottles!

As well as the ecocept base, the club chose to make use of trekboards, an infill mitigation system also manufactured using 100% recycled mixed waste plastics. One field of trekboards saves 4320kgs CO2 emissions and is the equivalent of recycling 600,00 carrier bags! Trekboards can also be recycled at end-of-life and re-processed

back into more trekboards, creating a cradle-to-cradle solution.

TigerTurf’s Atomic Pro 50 artificial grass surface was chosen to provide a FIFA accredited, quality accompaniment to the ecocept base. Using the Atomic Pro 50 and ecocept system, allowed Ringwood Town to also achieve a 37% reduction in SBR infill use, compared to a traditional system.

This is a significant development for sustainable construction in sports facilities and demonstrates the commitment of TigerTurf UK, McArdle Sport Tec and the Football Foundation towards applying ecofriendly practices and products into their projects.

A sustainable system, built for future generations.

The new field provides a high-quality playing surface for the club and the local community while also reducing environmental impact by using recycled materials. The addition of the new pitch and sports performance layer will help to improve the playing experience for players and provide a new, modern facility for the community.

www.mcardlesport.co.uk

“

CONQUER THE HILLS WITH THE NEW XZ8 FROM CUB CADET

At Cub Cadet we have created our strongest line up of zeroturn riders – whether you are a landscape professional looking for a machine that can handle any terrain or a small business owner looking for a machine for your customers large lawn maintenance.

The new XZ8 series, launching in 2023, features steering wheel control and bridges the gap between professional and consumer zero-turn machines. They are engineered to mow precisely and help prevent turf damage – even on sloping terrain.

The two machines powered by either a Kawasaki or Kohler engine also feature patented Synchro Steer® technology to retain full control

of the front wheels. Steering and drive control are synchronised to help control the speed and rotation direction of each rear wheel, whatever the position of the front wheels.

This ability to control all four wheels with a steering wheel and steerable front wheels minimises the turf being churned up by the wheels or crabbing on banks, less experienced operators can benefit from the ease of use and amazing manoeuvrability of this machine.

Comfort is at the forefront of the machine’s design thanks to the high back seat with armrests and individually adjustable suspension.

The robust steel frame is designed for durability even on challenging terrain and the Hydro drive system helps provide a smooth mowing experience. The machines will mow an area of up to 13,000m²h with cutting deck widths of 122cm / 48” and 137cm / 54”.

At Cub Cadet we trust our XZ8 series to perform with maximum durability and robustness and offer a warranty of 3 years or up to 500 working hours (whichever comes first) – for commercial or private use as well as offering a dealership service that delivers true advantages to you and your business.

You can book a demo of our machines at www.cubcadet.co.uk/book-a-demo

Once tried. Never forgotten.

MAX MANOEUVRABILITY

MAX POWER

MAX COMFORT

100% INTERESTED? BOOK YOUR DEMO NOW

Maintaining historic grounds at the Lackham Estate

With so many groundcare manufacturers and products on the market, it’s often helpful to have some support in finding the right equipment for the job. Here at AJ Mowers we pride ourselves on working closely with our customers and potential customers to do just that. We spend time understanding your needs, coming to visit you if needed (and arranging demos whenever we can), and providing a range of options that meet your requirements and budget.

We were delighted to work with Wiltshire College & University Centre recently to do just that. The Lackham estate is home to their specialist landbased courses. Set within 1000 acres of farmland and bordered by ancient woodland, the Gardens Team takes great pride in maintaining the historic grounds to a high standard. Having spent some time understanding what the Team needed, we recommended a Toro 7500-D Z-Master.

As Oliver Adams, Grounds Manager, explains, “having recently taken delivery of the Toro 7500-D Z-Master, our diverse range of cutting requirements have been met with ease, with areas including arboretums, formal gardens, amenity lawns and sports pitches. Although the zero turn controls take a short while to get used to, once

‘The support from Nigel the Sales Director at AJ Mowers was excellent. He took time to understand our requirements, visited the site and helped identify the right machine to work equally well across a wide variety of areas of the estate.’

comfortably under control the machine has great manoeuvrability. Additionally, the comfort and ergonomics are excellent, with low levels of operator fatigue. A favourite feature amongst the Lackham Gardens Team is the speed of changing cutting heights, with the height adjuster control accessible from the operator’s seated position. With this new model, fuel consumption is economic, and a lower sound output (in contrast with other ride-on mowers) allows minimal disruption when working near classrooms”.

Oliver goes on to say, “the support from Nigel the Sales Director at AJ Mowers was excellent. He took time to understand our requirements, visited the site and helped identify the right machine to work equally well across a wide variety of areas of the estate”.

If you’d like to discuss your machinery requirements, please call Nigel Stacey, Sales Director at AJ Mowers on 07392 948439 (or 0117 960 0173) or email sales@ajmowers.co.uk

AJ Mowers Ltd are groundcare machinery specialists serving Bristol and surrounding areas (including Dorset, Wiltshire, South Gloucestershire and North Somerset).We have an extremely knowledgeable team –with many members each having well over 20 years’ experience in the industry. We believe that our mix of skills, knowledge and experience is unrivalled.

Our main focus is with commercial customers and we work with a wide range of golf clubs, major sports grounds, large schools, colleges, universities and local councils. We work on all types of mowers and groundcare machinery including: commercial and golf mowing equipment, tractors, chippers, utility vehicles, spiking and slitting equipment and flail mowing equipment.

We support customers with servicing, repairs, parts and monthly breakdown / maintenance agreements. In addition, we have a range of commercial groundcare machinery and mowers available to hire.

As an authorised dealer for Toro, Hayter, Kioti and TP Chippers we can provide advice and guidance for customers looking to invest in new equipment, as well as arranging on-site demonstrations. Given the breadth of our customer base, we also have a great pipeline of quality, used machines available.

For general enquiries please call us on 0117 960 0173 or email info@ajmowers.co.uk. For sales enquiries (new and used) please call our Sales Director on 07392 948439 or email sales@ajmowers.co.uk

INFINICUT® helps to preserve past and secure future for Crathes Castle

With one eye on preserving the past and the other on ensuring the site remains fit for the future, Crathes Castle – part of the National Trust for Scotland collection – have invested in a battery-powered cylinder mower from INFINICUT®. Utilising funding from the National Trust, the venue took delivery of a 22” INFINICUT® FX last September for the sustainable management of gardens and lawned areas –in a way that brings benefit to the venue and visitors alike.

For the last five years, James Hannaford has been the Head Gardener at Crathes Castle – a 16th century castle nestled amongst over 520 acres of ornamental gardens, lawns and woodland near Banchory in Aberdeenshire. “Like a lot of places, we’re reviewing our practices to reflect the changing times and switching to more electric machinery to be cleaner and kinder to the environment” explains James. “We looked at the options available and first of all were amazed at how

far the technology has come in the few years since we first looked at electric mowers. What stood out for us with the INFINICUT® was the ease of use, the versatility and the quality of cut.”

James and the team purchased the FX22 with two SMARTCut™ cassettes – the 7-blade cylinder for lawned areas and 11-blade option for a finer cut on the sites croquet lawn. “The finish is excellent and noise has been almost completely eliminated, which is better for our environment and the thousands of visitors we get through the gardens every year. Visitor enjoyment is critical to the success of our venues.”

“We can also control the mower via Bluetooth and an app on your phone, so settings can be changed and saved for things like the traction and brake speed.” He adds, “You can also store different set-ups for different weather conditions, for example wet and dry configurations.”

James says that the utilisation of the INFINICUT® has peaked public interest in the more sustainable solutions to turf management. “People are genuinely interested in it when we’re out using it, and discussing it only makes them more environmentally aware. With this investment we are improving quality of presentation and visitor experience, while reducing our petrol costs and environmental impact. It’s a win win situation!”

For more information, visit www.infinicut.com

The finish is excellent and noise has been almost completely eliminated, which is better for our environment and the thousands of visitors we get through the gardens every year. Visitor enjoyment is critical to the success of our venues.

EGO builds on Z6 success with the expansion of its Zero-Turn range

Following the global success of the world’s first batterypowered zero-turn ride-on mower, EGO Power Plus is expanding its range with the introduction of two new ride-on mowers.

Ideal for homeowners with large plots of land, both mowers – the ZT4200E-S and the ZT5200E-L – build upon the accomplishments of the original Z6 (ZT4201E-L). Standout features including EGO’s Peak Power™ technology, intuitive screen, and three versatile driving modes remain on the new models whilst fresh features have also been introduced.

One of the new models – the ZT4200E-S – drives like a car and turns like a zeroturn ride-on mower with its innovative

steering wheel system whilst the other – the ZT5200E-L – offers a considerably larger three-blade option with a 312cm fabricated cutting deck.

Vince Brauns, Group Product Manager at EGO, said: “We are so delighted with the success of our first zero-turn ride-on mower that we are now introducing two more to the range. While the two mowers share many of the same features as the first Z6, including the option of three driving modes and versatile blade speeds, we wanted to ensure that the range was more accessible to a wider demographic of homeowners.

“By introducing a steering wheel model, we are opening up the zero-turn ride-on platform to users who would prefer that mechanism to a lap bar. As well

as performance and accessibility we have also added some useful usability features such as putting the battery level gauge in a better line of sight and improved comfort through an air-ride seat, USB connection, and cruise control for those who need to dedicate a good few hours tending to their lawn.”

Primarily a side discharge mower, the ZT4200E-S can also mulch and collect with the aid of additional kits. It also features four blade speeds and three driving modes for fast cutting efficiency, whilst maintaining a run time of up to 2.5 acres on a single charge. As with all other EGO ride-on mowers, it is compatible with all EGO batteries and uses Peak Power™ technology – the equivalent of a 22hp petrol engine.

EGO’s Peak Power™ technology combines the power of up to six EGO batteries for longer run time and efficient power draw.

Building on the success of the first Z6, the 132cm zero-turn ride-on is a larger 3-blade mower featuring a fabricated deck and larger wheels to support the additional weight. The innovative zeroturn lap bar steering system provides excellent access to the machine as well as unobstructed views of the working area.

Both mowers are sold as a kit with the CHV1600E 1600W Charger, the industry’s fastest charger capable of charging six 10Ah batteries in as little as three hours.

Additional accessories include a sunshade, on-board storage, rear bumper, mulching kit and much more.

While the two mowers share many of the same features as the first Z6, including the option of three driving modes and versatile blade speeds, we wanted to ensure that the range was more accessible to a wider demographic of homeowners.

New weight kit further enhances adaptability of INFINICUT® cylinder range

In response to the additional technical variations in the way sports pitches can now be reinforced, MK6 models of INFINICUT® can now accommodate an adjustable/removable weight kit. It is designed to be used as a means of controlling rootzone gravimetric results through the alteration of down-pressure force exerted by the INFINICUT® mower during use.

By its design, the INFINICUT® is one of the lightest professional sports turf mowers on the market –optimally balanced to emit even, low ground pressure on the turf surface. Increasing its adaptability even further, the new INFINICUT® weight kit is ideal for Turf Managers looking to consolidate their surface – for example following intensive wear, alternative surface usage or invasive maintenance

such as deep aeration – to influence both the playability and agronomic characteristics of the turf.

Each ‘plate’ has a mass of 14kg and any number can be affixed to the holder, centrally positioned above the traction drum to ensure that the additional weight is directed evenly through

the rolling action and not via the cutting element thereby retaining cut consistency and quality. The weights can then be quickly and easily removed when gravity readings are at optimal levels.

Commenting on the introduction, Vinny Tarbox, INFINICUT® Sales Manager said, “The weight kit is just another example of listening and responding to market demands, to create a product that is perfectly suited to each and every application. The simple method of mounting means adjusting the weight could not be simpler, offering natural and hybrid Turf Managers a solution for firming surfaces up to desired levels without causing undue compaction.”

www.infinicut.com

Covers Large Areas

1 x BigMow GPS RTK manages up to 75,000 m²

Faster Mowing Times

Mows the equivalent of 3 football pitches in 1 day

Pattern Mowing

Straight cut lines with 2 to 3cm accuracy

Perfect Cut, Eco-Friendly & Affordable

No waste to collect or remove, saves money and resources

Care for your grass in numerous ways with an all-in-one machine

Aflail mower is ideal for maintaining rough grassed areas, pasture land, and woodland walks where a conventional mower gets clogged up and struggles to cut.

The FM42 and FM48 have the same base design and construction, with the main difference being that the FM42 has a 42” cutting width and a 9HP Honda engine. The FM48 has a 48” cutting width and a 13HP Honda engine. SCH manufacturers both machines to equally high standards and levels of durability.

The Flail mower is a powerful, towed, long grass cutter with 36 (FM42) and 42 (FM48) ) Y-shaped cutting flails which are driven by two ‘V’ belts. These sharpened flails are easily replaceable to extend the lifetime of the machine.

Mounted at the rear of the cutter is a one-piece roller. This roller is easily adjusted to fine-tune the cutting height and alleviates scalping by ensuring the flails lift above the highest peaks on uneven ground.

The transport wheels situate at the rear of the machine instead of the side. The mower cuts closer to the edge and can squeeze through narrow pathways by mounting the transport wheels in the new position. They are also designed to be lifted out of use during operation, reducing the risk of punctures when flailing thorned shrubs.

A screw jack effortlessly raises or lowers the transport wheels, allowing you to travel to and from storage on pneumatic wheels before dropping the mower onto its steel roller. This steel roller flattens and neatens the ground

A screw jack effortlessly raises or lowers the transport wheels, allowing you to travel to and from storage on pneumatic wheels before dropping the mower onto its steel roller.

behind it, it protects the user from the rear of the flail mower, and it is invulnerable to punctures, unlike rival mowers which operate on wheels.

The tow bar has two operating positions, one in the centre of the machine and the other to the side, where it is beneficial not to run on the standing growth before cutting.

The operator’s safety is very much in mind when designing this type of machine. The throttle control and engine emergency stop switch are reached easily from the tractor seat. Full skirt guards are provided to

stop the operator’s feet from being accidentally offered to the flails.

A jockey wheel is mounted onto the tow bar to help manually move the heavy machine in and out of storage.

SCH manufacturers over 250 quality British built machines that can be towed behind a tractor, ride on mower or ATV. For a free 80 page brochure featuring all the designs and variations, including a variety of hitches for your tow bar, contact SCH on 01473 328272, email sales@schsupplies.co.uk, or visit the website www.schsupplies.co.uk

SPOTLIGHT ON TORO GROUNDS MACHINERY

roductivity, durability and longevity form the foundations of Toro’s range of groundscare machinery. The comprehensive collection of robust, simple-to-use mowers deliver superb cutting ability, a good Total Cost of Ownership and impressive residual value, which combine to ensure success for groundskeeping teams when it comes to their machinery choices.

Here we shine a spotlight on a couple of the machines in the range:

GROUNDSMASTER 3000 SERIES

The versatility of Toro’s Groundsmaster 3200 and 3300 from the 3000 series to cope with the upshot of reduced mowing cycles and give year-round productivity have never been more needed or valued. These machines bring more choice for customers with rotary and flail cutting deck options providing flexibility and value and a twotier rotary deck met with customers’ feature and price requirements.

The 24.7hp and a 37.4hp Yanmar diesel engines make simple work of tough jobs and the legendary cutting deck is easy to adjust for simple maintenance. The bullnose bumper, rugged spindles

and 7-gauge high strength steel decks are built for any terrain and the CrossTrax all-wheel drive system provides automatic traction control, shifting power to the wheels in slippery conditions.

GROUNDSMASTER 3500-D SIDEWINDER

The Groundsmaster 3500-D is a piece of equipment able to transform an easy maintenance rotary mower into a versatile and safe rotary mower with the aid of Toro’s side-shifting Sidewinder system – perfect for mowing green spaces with hard to reach areas.

The 173 cm width-cut allows for moving generous swaths, yet its compact size and Sidewinder allow for tight manoeuvring in small spaces. With a 24.8 Kubota diesel engine and

3-wheel drive hydrostatic series/ parallel closed-loop transmission, the Groundsmaster 3500-D helps maintain large green spaces with longer cutting cycles. It’s ideal for sports venues too with the precision trimming expected from a cylinder mower and the easy maintenance of a rotary mower, making it a smart addition to any mowing fleet.

Choosing a ride-on mower with Sidewinder technology cuts down on the number of machines required to carry a wide range of tasks, and is multifunctional machinery at its finest.

Reesink Turfcare is the exclusive distributor in the UK and Ireland for Toro groundscare machinery. Call 01480 226800, email info@reesinkturfcare.co.uk, or visit www.reesinkturfcare.co.uk.

The versatility of Toro’s Groundsmaster 3200 and 3300 from the 3000 series to cope with the upshot of reduced mowing cycles and give year-round productivity have never been more needed or valued.

The lightest in its class. And nimble with it, too.

The new Toro LT2240 compact triple mower reaches areas other conventional grounds mowers can’t, perfect for when you have tight spaces. Built for serious durability and with an increased number of blade contact points promoting even cylinder wear and superior impact resistance, it’s ideal for mowing fine-turf to densely packed municipal grass. reesinkturfcare.co.uk

A natural solutions to plant nutrition and soil management

Highlighting the benefits of ethanolfree alkylate fuel for machinery, people and the planet, Aspen will be back at The Arb Show on stand A08, as it returns to Westonbirt Arboretum this May. Celebrating 35 years as pioneers of alkylate fuel during 2023, Aspen are delighted to be extending their ‘Experience the Difference’ trial – giving businesses the opportunity to use the 2 and 4-stroke fuel risk-free and discover the improvements for themselves… or get their money-back!

Being free from ethanol, benzene and most other hazardous hydrocarbons found in traditional pump petrol, Aspen Fuel powers a cleaner, greener workstyle for many leading

landscape, arboriculture and ground care professionals. The cleaner burn achieved with Aspen not only makes for a more pleasant operator environment, but engine performance is maintained without many of the costly reliability issues associated with component failure – particularly when equipment is left for extended periods in storage.

Concerns around the cost or logistics can often delay the decision to make the switch to Aspen which triggered the ‘Experience the Difference’ offer, meaning business owners can trial the fuel without incurring any additional cost. “We typically find that most companies overestimate their total annual fuel consumption” explains Business Development Manager Axel

Hildebrand. “Through this initiative, people discover the simple accounting and all the sustainability benefits of protecting equipment, operators and the surrounding environment that makes Aspen an option too good to ignore.”

One of those who knows how advantageous Aspen can be is Tony Gascoyne who has been using Aspen Alkylate fuel in his business, The Arborist Limited, since 2016. Tony, along with the Aspen team, will be on stand A08 across the two days to answer any visitor questions and discuss his own first-hand experience of using Aspen in his day-to-day tree management operation. www.aspenfuel.co.uk

The revolutionary Complete Light Spectrum (CLS) variable spectrum technology will be used, which is the most advanced lighting technology to guarantee the perfect state of conservation of the natural grass.

• It is the last element of the Automated Pitch System that Real Madrid has included in the Remodelling of the Santiago Bernabéu stadium.

• It is made up of more than 750,000 LEDs distributed in 6,300 luminaires.

• There are 5 channels of individual brightness adjustment for each colour of the spectrum, from ultraviolet to infrared.

• Assembly will begin as soon as the last match of the 2022-23 football season is over and will be ready for t

• he start of the 2023-24 season.

• For the assembly and fine tuning of the system, 6 teams of workers, electrical and mechanical fitters, will be available to complete the work during the c oming summer, during the break between seasons.

• Prior to installation at the stadium, the assembly of the luminaires with their mechanical supports will be carried out at RHENAC Sports Leds’ facilities in Hennef, Germany.

• A team of five engineers under the direction of a Project Manager and the supervision of Real Madrid will be involved in the entire engineering design process.

The CLS technology reproduces, in a completely flexible way, the illumination spectrum of sunlight, ranging from ultraviolet to infrared light. Each colour has an effect on the growth and treatment of the grass, so CLS technology can adapt to the needs of the grass at any given moment, and also ensures that the light reaching each section of the pitch, both in intensity and colour, is appropriate and evenly distributed. As a result, the pitch will be kept in perfect condition for sports practice, regardless of the time it remains inside the greenhouse.

The lighting system will consist of 6,300 variable spectrum LED luminaires, with a total of just over 750,000 LEDs, which will be powered by electronic power and control equipment to individually adjust the luminous intensity of the 5 spectral curves corresponding to the colours ultraviolet, blue, white, red and far red (or infrared). With this c ontrol system, pre-programmed lighting adjustments can be applied, or individual adjustments can be made per area for more optimised control according to the particular needs of the turf.

“Our decision to prioritise understanding the growing conditions that turf needs during its life cycle has put RHENAC Sports LED in a unique position to deliver a perfect pitch every time,” explains Horst Theisen, CEO of RHENAC Sports LED. Rhenac is being distributed by the RSI Sports Group.

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Check out the Santiago Bernabeu video

a unique system for the natural grass growth lighting in the underground greenhouse of the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium.

Real Madrid chooses Rhenac CLS Lighting

The revolutionary Complete Light Spectrum (CLS) variable spectrum technology will be used, which is the most advanced lighting technology to guarantee the perfect state of conservation of the natural grass.

RHENAC SPORTS LEDS IS MANUFACTURING A UNIQUE SYSTEM FOR THE NATURAL GRASS GROWTH LIGHTING IN THE UNDERGROUND GREENHOUSE OF THE SANTIAGO BERNABEU STADIUM.

• It is the last element of the Automated Pitch System that Real Madrid has included in the Remodelling of the Santiago Bernabéu stadium.

• It is made up of more than 750,000 LEDs distributed in 6,300 luminaires.

• There are 5 channels of individual brightness adjustment for each colour of the spectrum, from ultraviolet to infrared.

• Assembly will begin as soon as the last match of the 2022-23 football season is over and will be ready for the start of the 2023-24 season.

• For the assembly and fine tuning of the system, 6 teams of workers, electrical and mechanical fitters, will be available to complete the work during the coming summer, during the break between seasons.

• Prior to installation at the stadium, the assembly of the luminaires with their mechanical supports will be carried out at RHENAC Sports Leds’ facilities in Hennef, Germany.

• A team of five engineers under the direction of a Project Manager and the supervision of Real Madrid will be involved in the entire engineering design process.

The CLS technology reproduces, in a completely flexible way, the illumination spectrum of sunlight, ranging from ultraviolet to infrared light. Each colour has an effect on the growth and treatment of the grass, so CLS technology can adapt to the needs of the grass at any given moment, and also ensures that the light reaching each section of the pitch, both in intensity and colour, is appropriate and evenly distributed. As a result, the pitch will be kept in perfect condition for sports practice, regardless of the time it remains inside the greenhouse.

The lighting system will consist of 6,300 variable spectrum LED luminaires, with a total of just over 750,000 LEDs, which will be powered by electronic power and control equipment to individually adjust the luminous intensity of the 5 spectral curves corresponding to the colours ultraviolet, blue, white, red and far red

Our decision to prioritise understanding the growing conditions that turf needs during its life cycle has put RHENAC Sports LED in a unique position to deliver a perfect pitch every time

(or infrared). With this control system, pre-programmed lighting adjustments can be applied, or individual adjustments can be made per area for more optimised control according to the particular needs of the turf.

“Our decision to prioritise understanding the growing conditions that turf needs during its life cycle has put RHENAC Sports LED in a unique position to deliver a perfect pitch every time,” explains Horst Theisen, CEO of RHENAC Sports LED. Rhenac is being distributed by the RSI Sports Group.

Proven experts in anti-slip solutions

Golfclub Hamburg Walddörfer e.V is a challenging golf course within a spectacular parkland landscape.

Since our foundation in 1960, golf has been played on one of the most beautiful and unusual courses in Hamburg. Designed by Bernhard von Limburg and then renovated by Christoph Städler in 2016, our course offers a fascinating golfing experience through a mature woodland landscape.

How did you come by finding out about GripClad?

We first heard about Gripclad through the British and International greenkeeper’s association magazine, and it immediately piqued our interest, as we had been looking for a long-term solution for our safety problems with regards to slipping.

What were the past issues you had with slippery steps etc?

Our course is based in a very mature wooded area, and we have problems with shade and moisture almost permanently throughout the year. Our steps were causing us enormous problems due to the slippery surfaces. We had tried other products before but without much longlasting success.

How did Gripclad solve your problem? Gripclad has completely solved our problem with slippery steps, our members have commented on how much safer they are feeling going up and down

the steps to our tees.

Even after 3 years our Gripclad is performing very well.

How easy it was to install this product? The product was very easy to install, the boards cut well and when cut we fitted them onto the steps with glue and screws to make sure they were well fixed in place.

The service you received from us and anything else.

The service has been very good, Barry has constantly kept in touch to see how the product is performing and to keep us updated on other products that may be of interest to us in the future. We have no problem recommending Gripclad to anyone looking to solve long term safety issues due to slipping. www.gripclad.co.uk

airter® the sports turf care of the future with active aerification

Unique in the world, the airter® loosens the turf layers homogeneously from 8 cm to a depth of more than 24 cmwith adjustable compressed air and in one continuous operation. 14 specially developed injection lances with different types of nozzles inject up to one million litres of air per working process into the ground of a football pitch. With regard to water infiltration, an improvement can be measured immediately on the treated surfaces. Even football pitches that tend to become waterlogged due to an unfavourable structural quality in terms of material selection and grain size distribution; soil properties as well as an unsuitable choice of substrate could be “defused” by working with the airter® with 2 to 9 bars of air pressure.

The airter as a maintenance machine can sustainably and extremely loosen

strongly compacted sports turf soils with compressed air. It reaches all rooted areas and loosens the turf base layer there horizontally and homogeneously. These are the facts:

- Proven soil loosening of the turf base layer of at least 30%, the soil loosening lasts up to 4 weeks

- At the same time a 23% increase in lawn clippings was measured

- As well as up to 48% better water drainage in the soil

- Also the unwanted grubs (May and June beetles) and the Tipula larvae can be controlled

- Effectively - with the airter and biologically with compressed air to 100%.

- The oxygen from the aeration provides stronger roots and vital plant growth

- No more black layer!

www.airter.com

Empowering Sports Turf

Eco Clipper FM4 Sport for sporting grounds

Eco Clipper FM4 for sporting grounds

Eco Clipper FM4 Sport for sporting grounds

Eco Clipper offers large area mowers that help field managers minimize mowing costs while producing a professional cut.

Eco Clipper offers large area mowers that help field managers minimize mowing costs while producing a professional cut.

Eco Clipper offers large area mowers that help field managers minimize mowing costs while producing a professional cut. The Eco Clipper mowing system was originally developed to replace the cylinder mower in turfgrass production. The aim was to retain the cutting performance of a welltuned cylinder mower, but not the high maintenance requirements and sensitivity to mowing conditions, such as wet grass and weeds.

The Eco Clipper mowing system was originally developed to replace the cylinder mower in turfgrass production. The aim was to retain the cutting performance of a well -tuned cylinder mower, but not the high maintenance requirements and sensitivity to mowing conditions, such as wet grass and weeds.

The Eco Clipper mowing system was originally developed to replace the cylinder mower in turfgrass production. The aim was to retain the cutting performance

pendently of the weather.

The system

The system

The smooth cutting decks with fast spinning small blades ensure a high quality of cut and a good distribution

The smooth cutting decks with fast spinning small blades ensure a high quality of cut and a good distribution of clip-

Municipalities and sports field and park managers have also discovered the advantages of the Eco Clipper mowing system. For them, Eco Clipper offers the FM4 Sport. This 4.11 m wide mower has four independent mowing decks. Its position in front of the tractor provides excellent visibility and comfort for the tractor driver.

Municipalities and sports field and park managers have also discovered the advantages of the Eco Clipper mowing system. For them, Eco Clipper offers the EC-FM4 Sport. This 4.11 m wide mower has four independent mowing decks. Its position in front of the tractor provides excellent visibility and comfort for the tractor driver.

Municipalities and sports field and park managers have also discovered the advantages of the Eco Clipper mowing system. For them, Eco Clipper offers the FM4 Sport. This 4.11 m wide mower has four independent mowing decks. Its position in front of the tractor provides excellent visibility and comfort for the tractor driver.

The Benefits

The Benefits

The Benefits

Users report high productivity gains, a

Users report high productivity gains, appreciate the low maintenance need and the ability to schedule the mowing even in

Thanks to the electrically driven blades, the mower is very economical and quiet. The large wheels and smart mower deck linking system ensure good contour following and enable high mowing speeds.

Users report high productivity gains, a factor two compared to 5 -gang selfpropelled cylinder mowers, and appreciate the low maintenance need and the ability to schedule the mowing even in less favourable mowing conditions, such as early morning dew and wet autumn.

For more information, contact: info@vanmac.co.uk.

www.ecoclipper.com

Get started saving today by mowing your sports fields with Eco Clipper

With highly efficient electric-powered mowers that can be used at high cutting speeds and in almost all weather conditions, the Eco Clipper FM4 Sport is a safe solution to significantly reduce mowing costs on sports fields.

With highly efficient electric-powered mowers that can be used at high cutting speeds and in almost all weather conditions, the Eco Clipper FM4 Sport is a safe solution

Get started saving today by mowing your sports fields with Eco Clipper

Bobcat Enters New Market with Ryan Turf Equipment

Turf Care Products Extend Company’s Ground Maintenance Equipment Range

B

obcat is now offering the high performance line of Ryan turf care equipment in Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA). Part of the company’s new ground maintenance equipment (GME) range now available from the Bobcat network of authorised dealers, this expanded portfolio of heavy-duty, commercially built and long-lasting turf machinery includes aerators, power rakes and dethatchers, an overseeder and sod cutters. The Ryan Turf brand has been on the market for over 75 years and is very well known amongst lawn care professionals in Europe and North America.

Daniele Paciotti, Attachments & GME Product Line Director for Bobcat, says: “By entering the turf equipment segment, we now offer a very competitive product range for work on grass in all the sports pitch, municipal and cultural institutions, as well as the rental and landscape industries. The products are also relevant for private home owners who have to manage sizeable estates and are serious about taking their lawns to the next level.”

“As well as Ryan Turf Equipment, the GME range in EMEA includes compact tractors* and mowers, in addition to Bobcat’s existing ranges of mini track and small articulated loaders. Following on from our success in the North American market, Bobcat has set ambitious goals of being ranked within the top three GME players in Europe and to double growth in the global GME market by 2027,” continues Paciotti.

The Ryan Turf Equipment Range

The Ryan Turf Equipment line comprises the following robust, easy-to-use, topquality machines:

• Lawnaire Aerators - Removes small plugs of thatch and soil from lawns to

improve natural soil aeration, water and fertilizer uptake and to strengthen grass roots. Productive, durable and easy to transport, Ryan aerators deliver high performance results.

• REN-O-THIN® Power Rakes - Power rakes are designed for efficient and effective dethatching – removal of layers of dead grass to keep it greener and healthier, while minimizing the chance of disease. They offer simple height adjustment for fine-tuning the dethatching depth down to 6 mm below ground level. REN-O-THIN® power rakes provide the option to use reels or cutting blades, without any tools and even an optional seed box for lawn overseeding.

• Mataway® Dethatcher - Built for heavyduty lawn renovation and verticutting, the self-propelled, walk-behind

Mataway® Dethatcher covers up to 1700 m2/hour. Dethatching can go down up to 6 mm below ground level with the use of five exchangeable blade types.

• Mataway® Overseeder - Heavy duty and built to perform, the Mataway® Overseeder places seeds directly into soil slits for fast germination and unmatched seed-to-soil contact. The Overseeder plants grass seed directly into existing turf, without tearing up the turf or the soil.

• Jr. Sod Cutters - Jr. Sod Cutters have been the gold-standard in the

golf, sports turf, rental and landscape industries for over 75 years. Four sod cutter models deliver long-lasting durability and dependable performance and are available to lift sod for relocating, expanding or establishing shrub and flower beds. The machines

can also be used to remove damaged turf, allowing new sod to be installed instantly.

For more information about Bobcat and its products, visit www.bobcat.com.

The products are also relevant for private home owners who have to manage sizeable estates and are serious about taking their lawns to the next level.

Effective chemical free weed control

Multevo have been the UK’s chosen environmentally friendly weed control product supplier since 2015, with their range of hot water weed control products.

Their range of manual and mounted machines are the most established and effective non-chemical weed control solution for all budgets and operations. Each unit works by delivering a low-pressure treatment at an optimum temperature of 98° to completely kill the root of the weed, with moss and crassula wiped out in just one treatment.

The Weedmaster-S is powered 100% by electric and features an integrated wheeled trolley for ease of transportation around grounds, gardens, and public spaces. Designed to be multi-purpose, the unit can be used for high pressure cleansing as well as gum and graffiti removal.

www.multevo.co.uk

Waterers, Bowsers & Sprayers

Look Cool, Stay Cool with Snickers Workwear Summer Topwear

These lightweight, functional tops are designed for work in warmer weather and come in a range of over 50 T- and Polo shirt styles. From the new Khaki to Class 1,2 and 3 High-Vis options, Snickers Workwear has tops and colour choices for those professional tradesmen and women who want to look and stay cool on site this summer.

GPS Guided Piped Drainage Systems : Pitch Construction

Bulk Earthworks : Mara 5mtr GPS Grader/Leveler

Sand Slitting: GKB Top-Drain : Koro Surfacing

Vertidraining Topdressing : Overseeding : Koro Scarify

Fertilising : Weed Control : Landscaping

t 01257 255321

Look out for the LiteWork tops, all made from a functional and quick-drying polyester fabric that delivers everyday comfort and UPF40+ protection in sunny weather. They also have a bio based anti-odour finish for cool, ventilating comfort when it’s warm on site. Whatever style option you choose, every Snickers Workwear summer top has a streetsmart body-mapping design for a great fit, outstanding functionality and long-lasting comfort – all day, every day.

Getting more information on the Snickers Workwear clothing range is easy. You can call the Helpline on 01484 854788; check out www.snickersworkwear.co.uk and or email sales@hultaforsgroup.co.uk

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