Groundskeeping Journal - Issue 8 2021 by MH Media Global

VO L . 0 8 | W I N T E R 2 0 21

SALTEX

RIGBY TAYLOR

INFINICUT

SALTEX 2021 visitor registration open

TLM PRO – the perfect choice for multi-site, multi-pitch venues

Delivering the perfect cut

DEMAND QUALITY, WHY COMPROMISE?

“The reliability of ISEKI SXG mowers cannot be beaten. After demonstrating a huge range of machines the ISEKI came out on top. They are good value for money, with excellent design and build quality. You can collect and collect whatever the weather. I would recommend ISEKI to anyone. “ Harry Flower Head Gardener, Blundell’s School, Tiverton Contact your local dealer to book a demo on your course today! www.iseki.co.uk

CONTENTS

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.

Cooper Pegler Cooper Pegler knapsack sprayers are helping Heathrow Airport control weed and grass growth along its runway margins and perimeter fencing. These key elements of the airport’s airside Habitat Management function are now being handled by CP3 Series 2000 knapsacks, one of Cooper Pegler’s most popular models.

See the first showcase of Progressive trailed and mounted rotary mowers Trilo will be returning to Saltex this November on a joint stand with parent company Vanmac Ltd.

GroundskeepingJournal.co.uk | Winter 2021

10 Groundwow GroundWOW® world first technology WOWing crowds again

Tackle more with Toro machinery. World-class solutions for every job. Toro brings you unparalleled productivity, durability and all-season versatility with its range of grounds machinery. With the Groundsmaster 3300 out-front rotary, the LT-F3000 triple flail, the LT3340 heavy-duty triple and the Groundsmaster 360 Quad-Steer, we’ve got you covered.

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

Reesink UK LTD is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Images shown for illustration only.

Contact Us Enhancing Quality Sports Services ello 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.

@gkj_mag

Contact the Groundskeeping Journal team below: Editor-In-Chief

Business Manager

Antony Holter editor@mhmagazine.co.uk 01304 806039

Josh Holmes josh@mhmagazine.co.uk 01304 806039

Editor

Studio Designer

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

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

Every effort is made to ensure the accuracy and reliability of material published in Groundskeeping Journal however, the publishers accept no responsibility for the claims or opinions made by advertisers, manufacturers or contributors. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, mechanical, electronic (including photocopying) or stored in any information retrieval system without the prior consent of the publisher.

GroundskeepingJournal.co.uk | Winter 2021

PITCH & LINE MARKERS

Remarkable

robots!!

TLM PRO – Perfect choice for multi-site, multi-pitch venues. ine marking has undergone a major revolution over the last decade. Traditional methods of mixing powdered products in a bucket and using large volumes of water added to dilutable concentrate paints is both messy, time consuming and a waste of a valuable resource. Inconsistencies in dilution rates also result in ghosting or vanishing lines, requiring costly repeat visits and even more frequent over-marking. The introduction by Rigby Taylor in 2010 of Impact ready to use paints raised the bar and set new standards for sports line marking, delivering high visual quality, faster drying, longer lasting lines. The Queens Award for Innovation was the recognition of this major advance in comparison with the traditional products available at that time.

Fast-forward a little more than a decade and once again Rigby Taylor is leading the way, this time using robotic technology for initial and over-marking. At the first unveiling at SALTEX of their first robot introduction, Rigby Taylor received the IOG award for Product Innovation, hi-lighting the benefits this technology could bring to the industry. This rather basic, early prototype was quickly superseded by the introduction of the TinyLineMarker (TLM) PRO, autonomous GPS line marking robot. The TLM PRO is designed for multisite, multi-pitch venues including local authorities, contractors & service providers and larger educational establishments. Most impressively, it’s capable of initial marking a full

size football pitch in just 20 minutes (including all perimeter lines, centre circle, corner arcs and even the penalty spot! And even more impressively, the TLM Pro can initial mark a 400 metre, 8-lane athletics running track in around 1 hour, 40 minutes, a job that would take two men a day to accomplish! With pneumatic tyres for excellent grip and traction on uneven, wet surfaces, changeable line widths and great manoeuvrability, it can work on pitches with tight perimeter constraints. A recent purchaser of a TinyLineMarker (TLM) Pro, Hartpury University and Hartpury College, has proved to be a “big time saver” for their grounds team according to Grounds and

GroundskeepingJournal.co.uk | Winter 2021

PITCH & LINE MARKERS

Matthew was so impressed, he decided to invest in the machine there and then and says it immediately proved to be a massive time saver for the team. “Our sports pitches are adjacent to each other so we can now cut and roll one pitch, put the TLM Pro on to mark and then cut and roll the adjacent pitch while it’s doing its job,” he says. TLM Sport The most recent introduction using the next generation, state of the art, robotic technology and built-in GPS-RTK receiver and antenna is the TinyLineMarker Sport.

Hartpury University College Campus Sports Maintenance Manager Matthew Newman, who oversees the grounds maintenance of the facility’s multimillion-pound outdoor sports facilities used by students, as well as Premiership RFU side Gloucester Rugby, GloucesterHartpury Women’s RFC, Hartpury University RFC and the university football club. Matthew manages three grounds care teams that work across the 360-hectacre, Gloucester-based, Hartpury University and Hartpury College campus, which is one of the UK’s leading specialist sports, agriculture, equine and veterinary educational providers at Further and Higher Education level. His 11 members of staff include a gardening team that looks after the amenity areas around the historical gardens and student accommodation, the construction team works on hard landscaping projects, and the sports-based team of three manages the college’s short game area and golf green as well as eight natural turf and two 3G artificial sports pitches. “There’s probably not a single day when a line marker is not being used by my team at the college,” Matthew explains. “We normally pitch prep on a Monday and Tuesday for university and college mid-week fixtures on a Wednesday, Gloucester Rugby trains on the same day, Thursday is a repair day and on Friday we prep for the weekend fixtures. GroundskeepingJournal.co.uk | Winter 2021

I mentioned the fact that it normally took two members of staff one and a half hours to each mark a pitch, to Rigby Taylor’s area manager, Simon Hughes who suggested I try the TLM Pro, which he said could help me free up the team members’ time to do other tasks.” The TLM Pro onsite demonstration included a thorough run through of the robot’s mechanical functions and GPS technology. He highlighted the fact that the two interchangeable batteries provide up to 10 hours spraying time, without re-charging, and gave a stepby-step guide on how to create pitch templates - via an App, supplied with the Samsung Galaxy tablet.

Faster, lighter and cost effective, the TLM Sport, is perfect for clubs and organisations that have single site use, or for sites with just a few pitches, it is a smart investment for training grounds, sports clubs, schools and district/ borough councils.

TLM SPORT - Sleek, modern design stands out against machines built like tanks

Simon then set the robot to work on one of Hartpury’s full-sized sports pitches, which was completed in just 20 minutes - within an accuracy of 5-10mm.

TLM SPORT – lines marked to millimetre accuracy

TLM Pro marking out Hartpury football pitch

The TLM SPORT has a modern, sleek design that stand out against machines built like tanks and moves easily over grass surfaces providing precision line markings to millimetre levels of 7

PITCH & LINE MARKERS

accuracy. The robot can continuously and safely, with its ultrasonic sensors built in as standard, mark for 3-4 hours on a single battery charge; An optional battery is available to provide a longer spraying time if needed. Weighing just 25 kgs, the robot is very compact, lightweight and easily transportable.

Other tasks undertaken whilst the robot marks the pitch

Compact, lightweight and easily transportable

As an example, using just 3 litres of the Award winning Impact paint, the complete initial marking (no stringing required!) of a standard sized football pitch can be undertaken by the TLM Sport in just 25 minutes, including pitches with fixed sockets.

Another feature that sets both TLM robots apart is its simple and quick control using the supplied Samsung tablet and App. With over 50 sports templates available, operation is quick, easy and lines are never lost. Simply save your sports pitches and running track templates for reliable and consistent initial and over-marking time after time.

Powered by a lo-energy consumption, Lithium-ion battery From the launch by Rigby Taylor’s of its first robotic line marker, the company leads the industry in the line marking robotic revolution. The TinyLineMarker Sport is the ideal partner with its big brother the TinyLineMarker Pro which has been so successful for contractors and those clubs and organisations that have multiple pitches.

Ready to use Impact paint straight from the drum, No mixing, not measuring, no mess

Operator can access through the tablet over 50 sports pitch App templates Both the TLM Pro and Sport are also super-efficient. Once the robot is positioned on the surface to be marked it can be left to get on with its work, freeing up the operator to carry out additional tasks such as mowing, aeration, spraying, spreading, etc.

Like the Pro, the TLM Sport is also eco-friendly. As CO2 emissions and water conservation become increasingly important, its battery powered, low energy consumption, no fuel or emissions and, with its Impact ready to use paint, no added water. TLM robots are the eco-smart, cost effective choices for the brightest, whitest, longest lasting and highly accurate sports pitch markings.

Book a demonstration to find out which robot is right for your situation For further information, or to book a demonstration, contact your Rigby Taylor area manager or Freephone 0800 424 919, or email: sales@rigbytaylor.com GroundskeepingJournal.co.uk | Winter 2021

Pitch perfect lines in under 25 minutes. Remarkable. That’s setting up then initial marking all the lines of a standard size football pitch including corner angles, between the posts and even the penalty spot! And all from just 3 litres of Impact paint and a click on the Samsung tablet. The TinyLineMarker Sport is Rigby Taylor’s latest robot introduction for the autonomous line marking of sports pitches. Perfect for clubs and organisations that have single site use, or for sites with just a few pitches, it is a smart investment for training grounds, sports clubs, schools, district and borough councils.

VIEW THE TLM SPORT

STAND G060

November 3rd & 4th

Intelligent by design

Using the latest, robotic technology and GPS/RTK connectivity, the TLM Sport delivers initial and over-marking to milimetre accuracy

Cost efficiency

Whilst the TLM Sport is marking, the operator is free to undertake other important tasks like mowing, aeration, spraying, spreading etc.

Perfect partners

Award winning Impact ready to use paint provides long-lasting, bright white lines lines. No measuring, no mixing and no waste

Simple to operate

Finger-tip control using suppled tablet. Over 50 sports pitch templates Apps can be accessed and markings stored for future use

Quality and reliability

Small in size, big on quality. Weighs just 25 kg, easy to transport, compact in size, simple to use and requires little maintenance

Eco-friendly and safe

Battery powered, low energy and water consumption and zero emissions. Intelligent ultrasonic sensors detects obstacles in its path

Robotic line marking available for 50+ sports Athletic Tracks American Football Group Baseball Group Cricket Discus Field Hockey Fistball Footbal Pitch Group Gaelic Sports Group Hammer Javelin

Lacrosse Group Netball Rounders Rugby League Rugby Union Stool Ball Tennis Plus Letters & Numbers Exhibitions & Events Frisbee Geometry Quidditch Parking

T H E P O W E R T O PA I N T

Rigby Taylor Limited Freephone 0800 424919 www.rigbytaylor.com sales@rigbytaylor.com

PITCH & LINE MARKERS

GroundWOW® world first technology WOWing crowds again N

orth-West autonomous technology innovators, GroundWOW, have been showcasing their world first capability at some high-profile events this summer as sport continues to recover from the pandemic. Among them, July’s Festival of Cricket in support of the Professional Cricketers’ Trust at the fabled Wormsley cricket ground in Buckinghamshire. The Festival is a oneoff exhibition match between the PCA

England Legends and a Sir Paul Getty XI. “When the Trust approached us, we were thrilled to help. It’s for a great cause and takes place at one of the most beautiful locations in world cricket” commented GroundWOW Chief Commercial Officer, David Pritchard. A little bit of history was made too as the Wormsley event marked the first time that logos were printed at a cricket match by the world’s first (and only) autonomous full colour ground printer. “That was a big part of the

excitement. We have operated in football, racing and other sectors and so bringing the technology to cricket felt like a really strong fit with a sport that inspired much of our original thinking” continued Pritchard. Kathryn Ford of the Professional Cricketers’ Trust commented further. “It was the first time for us working with GroundWOW. They dropped onto our radar earlier this year via one of their stakeholders, former England Cricket

GroundskeepingJournal.co.uk | Winter 2021

PITCH & LINE MARKERS

Captain Michael Vaughan. After a couple of easy conversations, we had a plan for them to bring their world first print capability to Wormsley and deliver an activation for the Trust on the fabled outfield. For such a high-profile event, we need partners that deliver what they promise and that is precisely what GroundWOW did”. Outside of events, GroundWOW have been busy entertaining visitors to their internal test track at their purpose-built facility on the outskirts of Manchester. “Right now, we are building out a group of Foundation Partners who are the real innovators in sport. Technology focused organisations who want to go first, excited by the possibility of creating new revenue streams by activating land they already own. In football for example, the pitch perimeter is prime real estate and with scarce inventory at a premium, especially so at the higher levels of the game, perimeter advertising on the ground is gaining major momentum” continued Pritchard. Other organisations approach GroundWOW because they want to do

GroundskeepingJournal.co.uk | Winter 2021

“ “For such a high-profile event, we need partners that deliver what they promise and that is precisely what GroundWOW did”.

something that really stands out. There are lots of established ways to create brand presence in stadia and in the likes of motorsport and racing – but grand scale art directly onto the ground has never really been done before which means the stand-out value is significant. The approach the company takes to all of these activities is regularly the same. A prospective client is entertained virtually or in person at their Manchester HQ to see a live print demonstration. This is followed by a site survey where all of the required due diligence is undertaken at the same time as engaging with the various stakeholders. This may be Head of

Grounds, Head of Partnerships, the CEO or with brands direct. New technology is exciting to everybody so the company tends to find that interest levels are high. “We listen intently to the client to really understand their objectives and the use-case for the technology. Being with makers, engineers and problem solvers, there is normally a way to get something done” commented Pritchard. “But what you may have seen so far is really just the start of what we are bringing to market”. Launched in October 2019, GroundWOW® was developed with a founding mission to make printing on ground as easy as printing on paper. GroundWOW® SPECIAL FX can print any logo, any size, on any surface. Deployable in under 10 mins, autonomous technology, A.I and an endto-end Cloud platform combine to create images as accurate as a blade of grass. GroundWOW and GroundWOW Special FX are trademarks. GroundWOW is a trading name of Micropply Limited. www.GroundWOW.com e: david@groundwow.com Twitter: @GroundWOW Insta: @GroundWOW

SALTEX PREVIEW

SALTEX 2021 visitor registration open

he Grounds Management Association has announced that visitor registration for SALTEX 2021 is now officially open at gmasaltex.co.uk

Taking place at the NEC, Birmingham on 3 and 4 November, SALTEX 2021 will be celebrating its 75th anniversary in style. The show will feature over 400 brands including some of the biggest names in groundscare and will offer visitors a unique opportunity to experience the very latest industry trends and innovations, enhance their education and learn from industry experts. The exhibition is the longest-standing event of its kind in the world, having been held almost every year since 1938, and the show is continually evolving with the people of the industry in mind. In addition to the limitless opportunities available on the show floor, one lucky visitor will be presented with an incredible battery-powered compact loader from Avant UK worth approximately £30,000. Every person who registers will be in with a chance of winning this fantastic prize and the live draw will take place on the first day of the show. “The last year has been tough and we know how hard groundspersons and other industry professionals have worked during the pandemic,” said Raimo Ala-Korpi, Avant UK managing director. “We thought it would be good to give something back to the industry. “SALTEX is the place to be when meeting the industry and showcasing our latest innovations. It is the number one show

for us as many of our current clients from turf care, parks and playgrounds visit the show, and every year we generate multiple quality new connections across the UK and even further.” • Visitors to SALTEX 2021 can look forward to exciting show attractions as well as popular features such as: • Eco Village – live demonstrations purely dedicated to environmentally-friendly products. • Learning LIVE – SALTEX’s world-class free educational programme. • Pathology and Soil Science LIVE – a look in detail at the symptoms of turfgrass fungal disease problems. • SALTEX Innovation Award – celebrating the very best in new groundscare technology. • Ask the Expert – free face-to-face turfcare advice. • Lawn Care Legends LIVE – a fantastic networking opportunity for landscapers and gardeners. • Job Clinic – free one-to-one sessions covering CV writing to interview techniques. “We can’t wait to celebrate SALTEX’s 75th anniversary with the industry,” said Luke Perry, GMA’s Commercial & Events Director. “SALTEX 2021 will be one to remember because it will be the first time that the grounds management industry reunites on a grand scale since the pandemic. “After a year out, it is finally time to say See You at Saltex.” Visitors can register to attend SALTEX via the website. Visitors will receive a confirmation email with their badge to print and take along to the show, to gain free entry.

For more information visit www.gmasaltex.co.uk For more information on the Avant e6 loader visit www.avanttecno.com/uk/machines/e-series Follow SALTEX on Twitter @GMA_SALTEX and Facebook www.facebook.com/GMASALTEX

GroundskeepingJournal.co.uk | Winter 2021

FREE ENTRY

EUROPE’S LARGEST ANNUAL EVENT FOR GROUNDSCARE PROFESSIONALS • Discover the latest product innovations • Connect with industry suppliers

• Network with groundscare professionals • Receive 1-2-1 advice on specific turf challenges • Update your knowledge on the latest trends • Progress your career with expert guidance • The Eco Village featuring the latest environmentally-friendly products in groundscare

SALTEX PREVIEW

The whole package n the 12 years since he established Greensward Sports Consultancy, it’s been seed from DLF that Director Andy Boyce has turned to for reliable results on surfaces from across the sporting spectrum. Whether it’s bowls, cricket or winter sports, Andy swears by mixtures from both Masterline and Johnsons Sports Seed for germination, presentation and plant health that never fails to hit the mark.

This is where you’re relying on mixtures with high wear tolerance and seed that can germinate at colder temperatures. DLF’s tetraploid perennial ryegrasses have been a massive step forward in helping us to deliver that.”

Offering everything from regular maintenance contracts through to oneoff renovations, Greensward delivers the full complement of services to a wide variety of sports facilities across the South West. “For me, the Masterline range from DLF offers not just versatility, but quality that has been consistent over the years” explains Andy, who heads up a team of seven. “This means that no matter the type of venue we’re working at, there’s a mixture or a combination of cultivars that’ll work.” 14

Andy’s go-to mixtures have been PM36 (Wicket) for cricket, croquet and grass tennis courts, and Masterline’s PM79 (Playing Field) for winter sports surfaces and cricket outfields. PM79 incorporates 50% Double 4Turf® tetraploid rye for stronger establishment, drought tolerance and exceptional disease resistance and overall performance during the winter months. “A lot of the football pitches we’re working on are at grassroots level, some of which can be hosting three or four matches a week.

“The Masterline range tends to be at just the right price-point for a lot of our clients, but it’s great to also have the Johnson’s mixtures at our disposal if we think something from this range will be better suited, or sometimes to fulfil a customer request.” Andy will consult with his DLF Regional Technical Manager Ian Barnett, whose advice he has trusted for many years. “Ian is always on hand with the knowledge we need and can answer any questions we may have on the various cultivars, mixtures and ranges. The fantastic service compliments the seed – it’s the whole package.” www.dlf.co.uk GroundskeepingJournal.co.uk | Winter 2021

SALTEX PREVIEW

GKB Machines returning to Saltex KB Machines, leading providers of innovative machinery for the maintenance of natural and artificial sports surfaces, are returning to SALTEX this November with an even bigger stand to showcase even more equipment! Visitors to stand H051 can expect to see a number of new developments, including the newly redesigned GKB Combinator, which will be on show in the UK for the very first time.

The Combinator has established itself as one of the most reliable fraise mowers available – removing up to 50mm from the surface in a single pass. To further improve the cleanliness of finish, the cross conveyor on the redesigned Combinator has been moved closer to both the rotor and blade tips, to cleanly transfer more of the removed material up and away into an awaiting collector. The elevator will also now be

GroundskeepingJournal.co.uk | Winter 2021

partly covered to protect the material from wind as it makes its way to the trailer. The drive system on the re-designed model has been enhanced and features a solid direct drive from the gearbox over a PTO-style yolk. Inside, a stainlesssteel hood protects against abrasive sands and delivers an improved flow of material. Available in four working widths ranging from 1.2m to 2.4m, there’s a Combinator to suit all sports surfaces including hybrid pitches, where an optional ‘hold down plate’ can be specified to protect hybrid fibres while scarification takes place. Also on show at SALTEX for the first time will be the Deep Tine Aerator (DTA). As the name suggests, the DTA delivers intensive aeration, with larger models in the range working to depths of up to

400mm (16”). Unique to the GKB DTA is the tine mounting system – the tines fit into a ‘block’ rather than individual mountings. This allows for more tines per head and improves the speed and efficiency of switching between tines, whilst also reducing the wear imposed on parts when changing tines in more traditional ‘tine holder’ set-ups. Alongside equipment for natural surfaces, the team will be on hand to discuss the range of machinery available for synthetic surface maintenance. Stand H051 will also showcase the GKB Quick-Brush, the Top Clean and the deeper-working, more invasive GKB Quick Clean.

www.gkbmachines.com

SALTEX PREVIEW

New developments on show from Infinicut

hile much of normal life may have somewhat ground to a halt over the last two years, the wheels of innovation haven’t stopped turning for the team at INFINICUT®. At this years SALTEX, there will be a number of new and exciting developments to see on stand H070 including updates to the revolutionary INFINIApp and a new adaptation kit which converts a JD2500 into a dedicated 85” sports turf mower. Visitors will also be able to stop and test their ‘pedal power’ for a chance to win a special INFINICUT® prize! To continue to meet the exacting standards required by today’s turf professionals, a number of updates and features have been added to machines from across the INFINICUT® portfolio.

First off, the SM34 Rotary Mower will be showcased complete with manual height adjustment lever for the quick and simple raising and lowering of the rotary deck. The iconic cylinder mower range will also be on show. With all Mk6 models of INFINICUT® offering wireless connectivity and operation via the INFINIApp, not only have the machines been updated but the software has too! The new version, available for both Android and IOS devices, features streamlined controls and a ‘live dashboard’ - providing monitoring and adjustment of both traction and reel speed in a new, simplified control centre. Also at SALTEX for the first time will be the brand new INFINICUT® adaptation

kit which transforms a JD 2500 triplex into a highly productive, lightweight 85” dedicated sports turf mower. The simple-to-fit system affixes three 30” INFINICUT® cutting reels and large capacity grass boxes to an existing JD power unit with zero fabrication/hole drilling or other modification required to the original traction unit. In addition, a selection of maintenance cassettes from the TMSystem™ range, including the renowned ATT UltraGroomer™, are also compatible with the new set-up. Already making an impression at a number of Premier League facilities, the INFINICUT® 85” is ideally suited to training facilities and to those venues looking for a solution which combines reliability, efficiency and class-leading cut quality. infinicut.com

GroundskeepingJournal.co.uk | Winter 2021

SALTEX PREVIEW

See the first showcase of Progressive trailed and mounted rotary mowers

aving attended SALTEX for many years with their iconic range of blowers, scarifiers and vacuum sweepers, Trilo will be returning to Birmingham this November on a joint stand with parent company Vanmac Ltd. It’s been a busy two years for the team, and visitors to their new stand location K070 can expect to see many of the developments – including the first showcase of Progressive trailed and mounted rotary mowers following Vanmac’s appointment as full-line distributors in March.

Completing the line-up, visitors will also be able to catch up on the developments with the Trilo range, including the independent-drive T1 suction unit. On hand to advise on all of the expansions, including the changes to their nationwide dealer network, will be the Vanmac team. A number of full-range dealers, as well as those with exclusive agreements for either the Trilo or Progressive franchises, have joined the fold to offer sales, service and back-up support to customers around the country.

The recent extension of the partnership between Vanmac and Progressive means their range of innovative, rotary finishing mowers is now available to customers across the full spectrum of applications – from sports fields to golf courses, turf producers and local authorities. A particular highlight for SALTEX will be the debut UK outing of the tri-deck TDR-X contour mower. The three independently floating decks promise to closely follow the contours of the ground, without scalping, offering a combined cutting width of 3.2m and an easily adjustable cutting height range from 9.5mm to 84.5mm. Alongside Progressive, stand K070 will feature equipment from another new franchise in the Vanmac portfolio. Brouwer Kesmac have a long-standing, established reputation in the turf grower sector with a range spanning harvesters and pedestrian rollers, together with trailed verti-cutters, aerators and cylinder mowers of interest to landscapers and green space managers.

GroundskeepingJournal.co.uk | Winter 2021

www.vanmac.nl/en/

SALTEX PREVIEW

New additions to EVO series stop by the GreenMech stand at SALTEX will provide the first opportunity to see the many developments within their revolutionary EVO Series, since the woodchipper range was first showcased at the 2019 event. Two of the most recent introductions, the EVO 165P Sub-750 and brand new 8” EVO 205D will take pride of place on stand H055 this November.

Introduced in direct response to industry demand for a machine with more powerful bite, torque and throughput, the proven performance delivered by the EVO 165 has seen it cement its position in the 6” chipper market. Now, the key features of the series including wide infeed chute,

twin horizontal rollers, all steel bonnet and heavy-duty flywheel have been combined with the powerful, yet economic 37hp Briggs & Stratton Vanguard petrol engine with the launch of the EVO 165P Sub-750.

show debut at this year’s SALTEX. At the heart of the 205D is a Stage V compliant 50hp Kubota diesel engine, powering a heavy-duty flywheel which promises to tackle the biggest tasks fast, with both reliability and ease.

To meet the requirements of even more of today’s arborists and landscapers, the 165P Sub-750 has also been developed to fit within the 750kg weight bracket with a redesigned chassis providing strength and durability, and alterations to its construction and specification without detriment to overall performance.

As standard, machines across the EVO collection come with GreenMech’s DiscBlade chipping technology, a three year, no-quibble parts and labour warranty and the unrivalled support of their nationwide dealer network. GreenMech staff will also be on hand to discuss the flexible finance options available across the entire road-tow, tracked, tractorpowered and pedestrian ranges.

Extending the EVO concept into the 8” market, the ‘big brother’ in the shape of the EVO 205D will also be making its

www.greenmech.co.uk

GroundskeepingJournal.co.uk | Winter 2021

SALTEX PREVIEW

INNOVATIVE TURF NUTRITION

s one of the four leading brands of Origin Amenity Solutions, Headland Amenity will be returning to SALTEX in a new stand location but with the same technical team, on hand to discuss their range of innovative turf nutrition, health and management products. Of particular interest to visitors of stand G060 will be Headland’s industry-leading 20-20-30 Enhanced Plant Health (EPH) tankmix, proven to deliver turf strength and reduce disease activity when applied as part of a preventative plant-health approach.

Headland have pioneered research and independent trials since 2007 to create a tank-mix to boost plant health, in such a way that it is more

GroundskeepingJournal.co.uk | October 2021

difficult for disease pathogens to take hold. A combination of Liquid Turf Hardener, Turfite and Seamac Proturf was found to deliver the nutrients required to maximise sward strength going into and during the main disease periods. The 20-20-30 mix has proven its credentials on fine turf applications, reducing clubs’ reliance on costly fungicide applications and is now also demonstrating its efficacy at suppressing disease on sports turf. Within the last couple of years, further research has seen some enhancements to the strategy, firstly with the addition of Mantle. Mantle’s water-soluble formulation includes a unique plant elicitor to Headland, which stimulates the grass plant’s own natural defence mechanisms.

Delivering micronutrients that are fundamental to processes essential for a healthy plant, Mantle has proven itself to be a great addition to the EPH programme. The more recent introduction of a new water-soluble micronutrient formulation, PPT114, has further enhanced the consistency of results and has demonstrated fantastic results, particularly in minimising Microdochium nivale infection. The Headland team will be on hand to discuss this, together with the rest of their plant nutrition, soil surfactant and amenity chemical range.

www.headlandamenity.com

SALTEX PREVIEW

A cleaner alternative for both 2 and 4-stroke engines

spen are returning to SALTEX this November to discuss their range of ethanol-free Alkylate fuels, offering a cleaner alternative for both 2 and 4-stroke engines. Following the recent switch to E10 grade at the UK petrol pumps, operators of garden and grounds machinery can find out more about the increased risks of reliability issues, attributable to the increased ethanol content, with a stop by stand M055. To help in the government’s target of reducing carbon emissions, the ethanol content of regular grade unleaded petrol (95 octane) has been increased from 5% to 10% as from September 2021. For modern car engines, designed to handle E10 fuel, few problems are expected. However, ethanol being a solvent that is damaging to plastic and rubber, E10 threatens to shorten the life of certain system components in some older engines and contribute towards the poor running of small power equipment. In addition, ethanol also reduces the storage life of petrol, with many leading manufacturers recommending that fuels containing ethanol be consumed within a 30-day period in order to minimise the problems associated with degradation. Being free from ethanol as well as benzene, sulphur and many other harmful substances, Aspen Alkylate petrol improves not only the reliability and performance of your equipment, but the working conditions for the operator. The fuel also significantly reduces the harmful impact your machinery makes on the environment. 20

The Aspen team will be on hand across the two days to answer any questions and discuss the range of package and delivery options available - giving commercial customers the flexibility to specify their fuel by the container, pallet or drum to best suit their usage, transportation and storage requirements.

www.aspenfuel.co.uk

GroundskeepingJournal.co.uk | Winter 2021

Alltrec 100% Electric Tool Carrier producing no CO2 emissions during operation

Hedge cutter

Weed controller

Weed brush

A versatile machine that can be used with several different attachments, making it perfect for cutting grass, controlling weeds, brushing or cleaning. It has no CO2-emission and is suitable for use in multi-use sports complexes, urban areas, campsites, holiday resorts and theme parks. For more information visit www.campeyturfcare.com  CampeyTurfCare  Campeys  CampeyMachinery  CampeyTurfCare

Cutting deck

SPRAYERS & SPRAYING

Elevating the humble backpack sprayer with accessories he backpack sprayer is undoubtedly a useful tool in groundscare. But, despite being a common sight in all manner of professional settings, is there more to this humble piece of equipment than first meets the eye? We will argue that perhaps many professionals are missing a trick or two when using knapsacks. They may be just a bit more versatile than one might first imagine.

IT’S ALL ABOUT THE ACCESSORIES DARLING! In the world of fashion, accessories can be used to enhance otherwise mundane clothing. In a similar vein so too can the knapsack sprayer be enhanced by add-on items. The big difference is that sprayer accessories, unlike say uselessly small handbags, will actually add functionality! Far from being simply decorative, sprayer accessories can vastly expand the uses for backpack and hand-held spraying devices. And they are relatively inexpensive.

BOOM, BOOM, BOOM! The most basic add-on to a sprayer is a multiple nozzle boom. This allows for wider spraying, meaning large areas can be treated quickly. Most professional users will know about the basic booms available. What you might not know about are the side spraying booms, the rear mounted booms and the adjustable angle booms available on the market. These more advanced booms can dramatically improve performance and help deliver the spray exactly where it is needed.

Universal Boom – 2 nozzles

GroundskeepingJournal.co.uk | Winter 2021

SPRAYERS & SPRAYING

“ Far from being simply decorative, sprayer accessories can vastly expand the uses for backpack and hand-held spraying devices. And they are relatively inexpensive.

Curved lance

LANCES Most knapsack sprayer users will be aware of basic lance extensions, but you might not be aware that the following are also available: telescopic lances, curved lances and two-nozzle lances, all of which can help make those hard-toreach jobs just that little bit easier. As with the booms there are many different specific applications for the more unusual spray lance configurations but essentially all help serve to get the spray more easily to where it is needed.

Soil injector

INJECTORS Soil and stem injectors are available for use with backpack sprayers. They allow fluid to be pumped under the earth (to treat a plant root system) or directly into the stems of plants. There are a variety of applications where this is desirable. Of note is the treatment of Japanese knotweed which often needs a stem injected dose of herbicide or treatment for the elimination of underground pests like leatherjackets.

Stem Injector

NOZZLES

Nozzle tips GroundskeepingJournal.co.uk | Winter 2021

There are a wide range of spray nozzles available which come with a variety of different spray angles and patterns. Simply using the standard one that comes with the sprayer may not be the best choice. Nozzles cost very little and, when compared to the cost of agrochemicals that may be wasted due to poor nozzle selection, it’s simply a no brainer to spend a few minutes thinking about which nozzle will deliver the most suitable pattern and flow rate to get the fluid where it needs to go. A backpack with good multistage filtration will help prevent nozzle clogging but every nozzle will wear over time, so they are worth replacing regularly - it’s always worth having some spare nozzles around in case you happen to spot a clogged or broken one mid job. 23

SPRAYERS & SPRAYING

REGULATORS AND DOSING VALVES – IMPROVING ACCURACY AND EFFICIENCY Accuracy and efficiency are important topics in modern spraying. With tougher regulations and increasing costs there has never been more pressure to ensure that every drop of fertiliser, herbicide or insecticide is delivered precisely. Various flow regulators can be fitted to sprayers to improve the accuracy of spraying but what you might not have seen before is dosing valves. These devices can be used to increase the efficiency of the sprayer by either ensuring a more consistent droplet size and / or a more consistent flow rate. So, whilst they do not increase the utility of the sprayer per se they certainly do enhance its performance. A pressure regulator will solve the problem of having to accurately recharge the pressure in the tank. As the pressure and flow rate will now be constant, calibration is easier. This still relies on the user only pressing the trigger for the same amount of time each and every time and so, whilst it’s a vast improvement on a measuring cup and a stopwatch, is still not ideal.

Flowrate regulator the fluid is delivered and when the trigger is released the valve will reset, allowing for the next dose to be sprayed. Dosing valves can be calibrated to deliver between 2 and 25 ml with each spray by simply changing the size of the dosing chamber via a simple screw.

CONCLUSIONS With this array of accessories, a knapsack sprayer becomes a highly versatile spraying system suitable

for a wide variety of spraying jobs, improving accuracy and reducing costly wastage of expensive chemicals while also reducing physical strain. We hope the above discussion of the available sprayer add-ons might make you think again about the pride of place you give this often-overlooked piece of kit. For more information, contact: www.prosprayers.co.uk

Dosing valves work differently to pressure regulators. Rather than keeping pressure constant they have a fill chamber that will stop spraying after a set amount of fluid is delivered. Spraying will cease automatically when

Dosimeter Valve and application pipe

GroundskeepingJournal.co.uk | Winter 2021

TRY THE NEW WAY TO SPRAY

12L Pro Backback Sprayer

20L Symmetrical Backback Sprayer

This symmetrical sprayer can A robust and light sprayer with a be used by both right and left 5 year warranty. Suitable for a wide handed operators. It is tough and variety of different spraying durable and has a 3 year warranty. applications.

11L Backpack Power Nebuliser A motorised mister & duster that produces a powerful fog of finely atomised liquid or powder. Also suitable for disinfecting.

ABOUT US

The Professional Sprayers People (PSP) range of innovative spraying equipment and accessories from Brazil’s Guarany offers a new way to spray for groundscare professionals, enabling accurate and cost-effective application of liquid, granular and powdered agrochemical products and minmising physical strain through ergonomic design. PSP is the exclusive distributor of Guarany equipment in the UK and Ireland. Established in 1923, Guarany is a world-leading manual spraying equipment manufacturer with a strong ethical philosophy. The company’s products aim to minimise excessive usage of agrochemicals through thoughtful equipment design and a range of clever accessories which also make the products truly multifunctional.

00 44 (0) 1273 400092

info@prosprayers.co.uk

www.prosprayers.co.uk

SPRAYERS & SPRAYING

Heathrow chooses Cooper Pegler knapsacks to handle Habitat Management spraying

ooper Pegler knapsack sprayers are helping Heathrow Airport control weed and grass growth along its runway margins and perimeter fencing. These key elements of the airport’s airside Habitat Management function are now being handled by CP3 Series 2000 knapsacks, one of Cooper Pegler’s most popular models. Training provider Amenity Training and Consultancy has worked closely with managers Mike McKee and Neil Pritchard, who were instrumental in bringing the Habitat Management 26

function in-house from 1 July in a move to bolster operational autonomy. The trainer has delivered PA1 and PA6 certifications for knapsack spraying among a ten-strong in-house team, whose responsibilities also embrace maintenance and upkeep of key areas to include taxiways and stands. Undertaken at night, when aircraft movements are minimal, the spray programme keeps Heathrow’s north runway (3,902m) and south (3,660m) runways and perimeter fencing clear of unwanted vegetation by applying total herbicide to treat perennial broad leaf weeds and grasses during the growing season across the 12.27km2 site.

The spray programme is continually monitored and adjusted as necessary, notes Amenity Training and Consultancy owner Paul Bannister. “Controlling perimeter fence-line vegetative growth helps optimise security,” he explains, “ while keeping the runway burn-line fully visible at all times enables any staff working on the airfield to avoid breaching it and causing a runway incursion, which is a serious safety risk in aviation.” Sprayer training has proceeded well, Paul adds. “We’ve delivered PA1 and PA6 programmes to 10 Habitat Management team members and everyone really enjoyed the experience.”

GroundskeepingJournal.co.uk | Winter 2021

SPRAYERS & SPRAYING

“I always use them as demonstration sprayers,” Paul states, “as in my view they are among the more reliable units available and carry intrinsic safety features.

and strip sprayers, employed to tackle Heathrow’s huge hectarage of airside grass. Hozelock-Exel’s UK national account manager Allan Wainwright, says:

“I welcome Heathrow Airport’s commitment to Cooper Pegler knapsack sprayers for what is a crucial aspect of airside operational safety and security at one of the world’s busiest aviation hubs. “As we go forward together, the Habitat Management team will be able to take full advantage of our extensive stocks of parts and accessories, which are usually delivered next day.” www.cooper-pegler.com Follow Cooper Pegler on Twitter and Instagram

CP3 Series 2000 knapsack sprayers are a popular choice across the amenity and sports sectors because of their reliability in delivering constant pressure and sturdy build quality. “I always use them as demonstration sprayers,” Paul states, “as in my view they are among the more reliable units available and carry intrinsic safety features. If any seals fail, for example, liquid is retained in the tank, rather than leaking out.” Heathrow’s PA1 and PA6 certifications fall under a wider remit for amenity training provided by Amenity Training and Consultancy that includes machine mounted sprayers, offset

GroundskeepingJournal.co.uk | Winter 2021

SPRAYERS & SPRAYING

Cooper Pegler CP3 Evolution and Berthoud Vermorel Pro Comfort 2000 knapsacks up for grabs at Saltex napsack sprayer specialists Hozelock-Exel celebrates its return to the Saltex grounds management show by giving exhibition visitors the chance to win two its most popular models.

Hozelock-Exel claims uniquely long experience in manufacturing professional sprayers under its Cooper Pegler and Berthoud brands and is offering one knapsack from each for visitors to take away from the event. A firm favourite worldwide among grounds managers for more than 20 years, the CP3 Evolution is tough, durable and gives operators the spray quality they demand. With an eye on comfort and safety, the knapsack features an ergonomic carrying system that includes tailored shoulder straps and waist belt designed to work better for longer. Twin tank handles give operators added dexterity, while the proprietary pump system lengthens lifetime and optimises operational convenience.

professionals the `best buy` value, while a host of spares and accessories such as spray shields, seal and nozzle kits and multi-nozzle spray booms further extend the knapsack’s flexibility. “Both models typify product features common to both brands,” says Allan Wainwright, UK National Account Manager, “They are modern, serviceable and robust, delivering the reliable spray pressures vital for operators to apply correctly calibrated treatment liquid dilutions. I look forward to presenting these premium quality knapsacks to the lucky winners during Saltex,” www.cooper-pegler.com www.berthoud.fr/en/ www.gmasaltex.co.uk/seeyou-at-saltex/ Follow Cooper Pegler and Berthoud on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook

Berthoud Vermorel knapsacks straddle the diversity of demand across sport, amenity and landscaping sectors. Like every model in the range, the Pro Comfort 2000 features bespoke waist and chest safety harnesses, ergonomically contoured with sturdy backframe to heighten operator comfort and limit body stresses imposed during spraying. Like its sister models, the Pro Comfort 2000 is easy to use, service and repair to give groundscare

GroundskeepingJournal.co.uk | Winter 2021

See us at Saltex

Stand

F125

SPRAYING SPECIALISTS SINCE 1895

The most reliable and comfortable sprayers on the market VERMOREL

VERMOREL 2000 PRO CONFORT

VERMOREL 1800 1800 VERMOREL VERMOREL 3000 ELECTRIC

POWERFUL ● ERGONOMIC ● PRECISE GARANTIE GARANTIE

GUARANTEE GUARANTEE

MADE MADE IN IN FRANCE FRANCE

ANS 5 ANS

GARANTIE GARANTIE

SAV SAV EN EN

ANS ANS

SAV SAV EN EN

GUARANTEE GUARANTEE

MADE MADE IN IN FRANCE FRANCE

GARANTIE

SAV EN

ANS

SAV EN

GUARANTEE GUARANTEE

MADE IN FRANCE FRANCE

www.berthoud.fr/en/

YEARS YEARS

FRANCE FRANCE

HOZELOCK-EXEL - 891 route des Frênes - ZI Nord products, Arnas - BPplease 30424contact - 69653our Villefranche Cedex France distributor enquiries for-Berthoud wholesaler SAS au For capital de 2 600 000 euros SIRET 77965877200024 - APE 2830 ZUK - RC Villefranche B Spindrift Sprayers Ltd. Tel – 01995 600001 Email – sales@spindriftsprayers.co.uk N° TVA intra-communautaire : FR 02 779 658 772 - Photos et images non contractuelles.

YEARS YEARS

ANS ANS YEARS YEARS

PIÈCES PIÈCESDÉTACHÉES DÉTACHÉES

DISPONIBLES DISPONIBLES

SPARE SPAREPARTS PARTS

AVAILABLE AVAILABLE

YEARS YEARS

FRANCE FRANCE

AERATION, IRRIGATION & DRAINAGE

FOR ALL YOUR IRRIGATION NEEDS, JUST YELL, TWL! WL offers you an extensive range of hand watering products, tools and irrigation controllers with decoders.

TurfSpy Early Stress Detection Glasses, developed by NASA, can identify disease, drought, plant and turf or vegetation problems 2-10 days before they are visible to your naked eye. The Magnum has a ratchet mechanism easily adjusts from gentle fan to jet stream and is an excellent equipment wash-down nozzle. The Precision range of nozzles are for specific tasks on greens, tees, seed beds transplants and delicate landscaped areas.

The Gulp range of hand pumps discharge water from sprinklers, valve boxes, fountains, pipes, boats, toilets, spas; just about anywhere! From a compact to a large with a 72” discharge hose, they remove unwanted water easily. Made from aircraft aluminium and the highest quality materials. Easy to disassemble and clean.

Collectively the Rainbow, Rainmaker, Cloudburst and Cyclone will syringe, spot water, drench dry spots, pregame skim or heavily water large areas. PelletPro heavy-duty surfactant applicator gun with the high-flow valve and Precision “Cloudburst” nozzle combo, makes it the finest wetting agent gun available, accepting all wetting agent tablets. Providing a high volume, yet soft spray for watering or applying surfactants to tight, hydrophobic soils with a pellet rotation that evenly dissolves tablets. 132L/min gets the job done faster! LiquidPro can virtually “paint” your turf with liquid wetting agents, fertilizers and micronutrients by covering a 92 square metres area in less than a minute! EasyOutspray head removal and replacement tool makes light work of replacing a broken sprinkler and fits all major spray head brands. 2 different sizes available. No digging or damage 30

Irrigation Controllers range from the low-cost TW-3 to the Internet-based RM2, operated from a web browser. TW-3, compact and low-priced, controls up to 127 decoders: Tonick, Gemini or Toro/Trident. Low cost remote control though your mobile phone. to turf, saving time and money by removing broken sprinkler in 3 minutes or less! The Drain Blaster nozzle has a name that says it all! With a high velocity jets, guiding itself to clean out drains, removing debris with ease.Special feature includes a wire attachment connector, enabling a wire locator to determine drain routes under greens, bunkers etc.

RM-2 is wall-mounted and does not need a dedicated PC, as all its web pages are contained internally. It does not need a dedicated server. Any of the usual web browsers can be used to access the RM-2 which can be connected to the Internet using Ethernet, WiFi, or 4G mobile data. Maximum 508 stations. Amazingly low-priced compared to similar controllers. Please visit www.twl-irrigation.com to view all our products. GroundskeepingJournal.co.uk | Winter 2021

Underhill Handy Compact Soil Sampler 3/4” Designed for small core soil samples, fast, simple and accurate. • Triple window tine for quick and easy viewing of soil strata near the turf surface

Underhill Soil Probe The perfect tool where deep soil sampling is required. • Designed to penetrate hard soil.

• Lightweight Stainless Steel construction

• Open side 12” barrel for deep soil penetration and easy inspection of soil structure 12” extension bar

• Removable “T” handle with convenient metal storage container

• Hardened steel leading edge for optimum results

• Plug size: 3/4” x 9 3/4”

• Tee handle and hand grips for ease of use

FOR ALL YOUR IRRIGATION NEEDS, JUST YELL TWL Email: sales@twl-irrigation.com | Telephone: 01346 531193 Website: www.twl-irrigation.com

AERATION, IRRIGATION & DRAINAGE

A Select Series 2 Cluster Arch floating water fountain was the best choice

eathland Fountains suggested the Select Series 2 Cluster Arch floating lake fountain would fit the clients requirements for this project. Whilst on-site our team also moved the current Solar AquaAir diffused aerator. The aerator was moved from the larger pond into a smaller pond and the team installed a pump system within a drain on the grounds. Our servicing centre team serviced another fountain already on the grounds, not supplied or installed by Heathland Group.

Our team provided a trunking system from the power source to the edge of the pond where the floating lake fountain would be positioned and to the drain where the pump would be installed. This ensured there was no unnecessary disturbance to the grounds at the Exeter Golf and Country Club. The team arrived on-site and started work feeding the required cabling and preparing the Cluster Arch SS2 floating lake fountain for installation. We suppled a control panel with the fountain so the client had the option of a timer for the fountain if required.

SS2 CLUSTER ARCH FOUNTAIN PLACEMENT Once the team had decided on the correct location for the best visual effect from the SS2 Cluster Arch floating lake fountain, it was then anchored into position using Heathland Groups innovative anchor system. This anchoring technique make sure the fountain doesn’t move in the lake. The Solar AquaAir diffused lake aerator that was installed before was moved and repositioned in the smaller of the

GroundskeepingJournal.co.uk | Winter 2021

AERATION, IRRIGATION & DRAINAGE

two ponds to help improve the dissolved oxygen levels and the ecological balance in the pond. Improvement had already been made to the larger of the two ponds at this end of Exeter Golf and Country Club’s Golf Course. The team then moved on to installing the pump for the drainage system.

HEATHLAND FOUNTAINS SERVICING TEAM Once this was complete Heathland Fountains Servicing Team then performed a full service on an existing fountain located on the golf course. This included a full mechanical service and fountain testing to ensure everything was running correctly and performing well. A Select Series 2 Cluster Arch floating lake fountain was selected from the Select Series 2 floating lake fountain range along with a Solar AquaAir diffused aeration system from the diffused lake aeration range, for this project. The Heathland Fountains Fountain and Aerator Servicing Centre were also contracted as part of the project. For information on any of our services or products please email us at info@ heathlandfountainsandaerators.co.uk or call us on 0800 3891990. www.heathlandfountainsandaerators.co.uk

GroundskeepingJournal.co.uk | Winter 2021

TOP DRESSING

The whole package

oasting panoramic views over the sea and the South Downs National Park, Brighton & Hove is the oldest golf club in Sussex – its nine hill-top holes situated near the picturesque Devil’s Dyke. Its location leaves the course exposed to the elements and has posed challenges for Course Manager Jason Sarna and his assistant Kevin Paynter as they work to reinstate some of the site’s downland and links qualities. The success of the project, Jason says, is largely down to improvements with the soil, and that’s thanks to products from Suståne. After working in various roles at the Maddens Resort in North Minnesota, Jason moved to the UK in 2000 and has been Course Manager at Brighton & Hove since 2007. “When I joined, the greens were predominately meadow grass and this was something I started working on straight away, to introduce 34

more tolerant and sustainable species. I first spoke to Russell Riley eight years ago and began incorporating some Suståne products into my feeding programme and the benefits we saw to the finer grasses were instant.” “I’m a big believer in feeding the soil, not the plant and working to create the environment which favours the species you want to encourage.” Jason’s greens programme revolves around regular granular feeds - 6-2-4 Turf Revival® as a kick-starter in the spring and following any renovation work, Suståne 5-2-4 applied every six to eight weeks in the main season and Bolster 4-4-4+3Fe as he reaches the more dormant winter months. This is then supplemented with Bolster™ Liquid Biostimulant, applied at 5L per 0.5 hectares every two to three weeks through the main growing season. “As we’ve transitioned almost solely over to Suståne, we’ve noted deeper

rooting, improved plant health and reduced disease pressure – having only applied three fungicides in the last five years.” Jason adds, “We conducted some renovation work in August this year, overseeding with a pure fescue blend for the first time. We applied Bolster™ 4-4-4 and within a week we had germination. Being able to create the conditions to favour fescues will complement the links characteristics and will help with the workload we have to manage as a small team.” In addition to delivering results on the ground, Jason has also been impressed with the honest and transparent approach he’s had from the Suståne technical team. “With our conditions, we have to be careful about inputs and if I ask a technical question about a product, they have the answer (and more!) to hand. It’s the whole package.” www.sustane.com

GroundskeepingJournal.co.uk | Winter 2021

New SRC Ranger irrigation controller. Works the way you want it. Easy to use and highly effective, the SRC Ranger controller is more than just a box on the wall. Sports pitches and training grounds can benefit from straightforward set up and easy operation. And, with scheduling capacity for up to 100 stations and capable of operating up to 12 stations simultaneously, the 2-wire SRC Ranger effortlessly controls your irrigation.

reesinkturfcare.co.uk

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

Reesink UK LTD is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Images shown for illustration only.

TOP DRESSING

All things seed

urf professionals from across the sports and landscaping sectors can look forward to a refresher on ‘all things seed’ with a stop by the DLF stand at SALTEX 2021. Returning this November to stand J052, the DLF Technical Team will be on hand to discuss their vast portfolio of specialist mixtures from both the Johnsons Sports Seed and Masterline ranges, along with the latest developments in their research and breeding programmes. For sports turf, 2021 saw the introduction of a number of new formulations and cultivars into the Johnson’s range, most notably Tetragame – from the DLF 4Turf® Tetraploid Perennial Ryegrass stable. With sustainability an increasingly key consideration for turf managers, Tetragame delivers significantly improved disease resistance and sward recovery along with strong germination and establishment at temperatures as low as 4oc. Tetragame features in Johnsons J Outfield, together with J 4Turf and J 4Turf 100 - delivering the strength and durability demanded for winter sport and equestrian use. With mixtures created for both professional sports and landscaping, the Masterline range continues to offer unrivalled 36

choice to managers of amenity surfaces. The Masterline range incorporates high performance cultivars for reliable results and exceptional value. With a focus on sustainability, PM82 Microclover Sport incorporates unique Microclover to provide enhanced growth and wear tolerance with significantly reduced herbicide, fungicide and fertiliser requirements making PM82 an ideal choice for local authorities and school pitches. The DLF team will be available across the two days to discuss both the seeds and the science as, behind the scenes, work is ongoing across their worldwide breeding network – particularly in the area of disease resistance. Changing management models of maintenance and plant nutrition combined with shifts in weather patterns are largely believed to be the triggers for an increase in the occurrence of some less commonly seen turf diseases affecting winter sports venues – namely Brown Patch and Grey Leaf Spot. With screening programmes complete and in-field testing not too far away, developments are on the way to ensure that what goes into the bag continues to be at the high standards that the industry demands. www.dlf.co.uk

GroundskeepingJournal.co.uk | Winter 2021

TOOLS, PLANT & EQUIPMENT

High quality, highly productive and reliable products Well, at least the grass kept growing, and STM Co Ltd sales of the SCAG, RoboFlail and STM product machinery ranges recovered remarkably well for 2021. With such a wide range of pedestrian, ride-on and remote-control machines this would appear to reflect the desires of the market place. Pedestrian machines in SW and SWZ forms go from 32” / 14hp to 61”/ 22hp and the complex six-model ride-on range goes from 18hp to 38hp covering 36” up to 61”. Within this range are high-end domestic units right up to the equally high-end professional Turf Tiger models. SCAG have always kept their eye on the market place and have decided to introduce a walk-behind finish mower for the 2022 range – so, after the other machines in the range have done the bulk of the work, final finishing can now be carried out using a product from the same reliable, rugged and trusted range of products. The machines are available through the STM dealership network. To find your nearest dealer ring 01789 488450, email info@st-mach.com or look at our website www.st-mach.com

The professional approach to ground care...

Professional quality Pedestrian, Ride-on and Remote Control Mowers plus Debris Clearance Equipment

Distributed in the UK exclusively by STM For more information or to arrange a demonstration: Call 01789 488450 or e-mail info@st-mach.com GroundskeepingJournal.co.uk | Winter 2021

TOOLS, PLANT & EQUIPMENT

Work together with you for climate control Not only will you stay warm with Snickers Workwear’s 37.5® Technology clothing, you’ll look and feel cool too. With styles for both professional tradesmen and women, they excel at ventilation to keep you cool and moisture transportation to stop you getting cold. They work together to keep you working comfortably wherever you are on site. The 37.5® Technology fabric is a very quick-drying material that captures and releases moisture vapour – like your sweat - for superior coolness and dry working comfort. It’s integrated into selected Snickers Workwear base- mid- and top-layer garments to keep you working at your best whatever the weather.

BECAUSE WE CARE... ABOUT WORKING CLEAN. PROFESSIONALS USE ASPEN ALKYLATE FUEL.

Aspen Alkylate fuel is largely free of harmful components, so it’s kinder to people, machine and environment. Take your work seriously, choose Aspen.

After all, keeping a balanced work temperature is not just about staying cool and in great shape, it’s a matter of your wellbeing and job safety. www.snickersworkwear.co.uk

Find your Aspen dealer at www.aspenfuel.co.uk

GroundskeepingJournal.co.uk | Winter 2021

TOP DRESSING

A REAL WINNER vast and varied fleet of equipment from Redexim has been fundamental to the team at Sheringham Golf Club, as they continue to undertake a number of large-scale construction and renovation projects around the Norfolk clifftop course. After taking over as Course Manager 12 months ago, Rick Goodman has overseen the majority of the works, including a species exchange on some of the courses high-footfall areas – for which he has praised their Overseeder 3D 1275.

Rick and his team of nine utilised some of the breaks in play caused by COVID to carry out some major renovations to the bunkers and introduce some more tolerant species into both the fairways and greens. “Our Overseeder has been ideal for the work on the fairways, on which we’ve been drilling in fescue and ultra-fine ryes which work well together GroundskeepingJournal.co.uk | Winter 2021

and provide us with improved wear tolerance” Rick explains. “Conversely, on our greens we were finding the fescues were being outcompeted here, so we hired a Redexim SpeedSeed dimple seeder to incorporate more bent which is native in some areas around the course. This has been showing excellent results.” “We’ve also been introducing more finer fescues and bents into our roughs, as we move towards the establishment of ‘ecoroughs’ to frame the holes.” For this, the team have been utilising the Redexim Turf Tidy 3000. Offering versatile cut and collect in a productive 1.8m wide unit, the Turf Tidy has been used twice a year to thin out Sheringham’s native coarse grasses to create a more favourable environment for finer species. “The Turf Tidy is a fantastic piece of kit. Because it does both jobs in one pass, it’s made the task simple and straightforward and has

been fundamental to the improvements we’ve seen in these areas.” The Overseeder and Turf Tidy sit in the shed, alongside a number of other Redexim units including two widths of Verti-Drain, a Rink DS800 topdresser and a Speed-Brush. The newest addition to Rick’s fleet is the 6m wide Top-Brush, installed by local dealers Ben Burgess in April 2020. “This was purchased purely on the back of problems we’d experienced with worm casts, however as soon as we used it, the quality of presentation and finish amazed myself and the team. When the growth slows down we can cover all of the fairways with the Top-Brush in less than two hours, and achieve a two-tone finish that looks like we’ve cut the grass. It’s a real winner in our books!” www.redexim.com 39

TOOLS, PLANT & EQUIPMENT

GKB Machines returning to SALTEX GKB Machines, leading providers of innovative machinery for the maintenance of natural and artificial sports surfaces, are returning to SALTEX this November with an even bigger stand to showcase even more equipment! Visitors to stand H051 can expect to see a number of new developments, including the newly re-designed GKB Combinator, which will be on show in the UK for the very first time. The Combinator has established itself as one of the most reliable fraise mowers available – removing up to 50mm from the surface in a single pass. To further improve the cleanliness of finish, the cross conveyor on the re-designed Combinator has been moved closer to both the rotor and blade tips, to cleanly transfer more of the removed material up and away into an awaiting collector. The elevator will also now be partly covered

to protect the material from wind as it makes its way to the trailer. The drive system on the re-designed model has been enhanced and features a solid direct drive from the gearbox over a PTO-style yolk. Inside, a stainlesssteel hood protects against abrasive sands and delivers an improved flow

of material. Available in four working widths ranging from 1.2m to 2.4m, there’s a Combinator to suit all sports surfaces including hybrid pitches, where an optional ‘hold down plate’ can be specified to protect hybrid fibres while scarification takes place. www.gkbmachines.com

GKB MACHINES will be attending

Gkb machines, taking our Gkb machines, taking our knowledge of contracting to supply the best possible machine Gkb machines, taking knowledge ofcontracting contracting to the best possible machine Gkb machines, taking our knowledge of contracting to supply the best possible machine solution. Be it a natural, Gkb machines, taking ourour knowledge of tosupply supply the best possible machine Gkb Gkb machines, machines, taking taking our our knowledge knowledge of of contracting contracting to to supply supply the the best best possible possible machine machine solution. itnatural, natural, synthetic hybrid pitch.. we a amachine to suit your needs. solution. Be itaitasynthetic synthetic or hybrid have ato machine to suit your needs. solution. anatural, natural, or hybrid pitch.. we have asuit machine to suit your needs. solution. itBe aBe synthetic ororhybrid pitch.. weahave have machine to suit your needs. solution. solution. Be Be it it aaBe natural, natural, synthetic or orsynthetic hybrid hybrid pitch.. pitch.. we wepitch... have have awe machine machine to suit your your needs. needs. www.gkbmac www.gkbmachines.com tom@gkbmachines.com / /07495 36 36 17 36 www.gkbmachines.com / tom@gkbmachines.com / 07495 www.gkbmachines.com / tom@gkbmachines.com /8807495 88 1736 17 www.gkbmachines.com / /tom@gkbmachines.com 07495 88 17 www.gkbmachines.com www.gkbmachines.com // tom@gkbmachines.com tom@gkbmachines.com // 07495 07495 88 88 36 36 17 17 88

GKB_GKJ_NAT_Sept_2021.indd 1

08/09/2021 15:13

GroundskeepingJournal.co.uk | Winter 2021

TOOLS, PLANT & EQUIPMENT

Eco Clipper FM4 Sport for sporting grounds Eco Clipper, known for electric mowers for the turf industry, has introduced a special version for the maintenance of sports and recreational grounds.

Users appreciate the efficiency of the electric drive and the mower’s low noise level. To operate the mower a 40 HP tractor is already sufficient, but for transport and driver comfort a larger tractor

The 4.11 m wide front mower features four independent cutting decks . For the FM4 Sport, the side decks can be folded in independently, allowing for narrow passages to be mowed.

which can drive 25 mph on the road is often chosen. The electricity to drive the mower is generated by a PTO driven generator. For larger tractors,

The smooth decks with fast rotating small blades ensure a high quality cut and good clippings dispersion. The clip-pings are also spread well in wet grass. This makes it possible to schedule this mower almost independently of the weather.

mow-ing speed. On turf farms mowing

The Eco Clipper mowers are further distinguished by the high possible

be mowed in less than fifteen minutes

the generator is fitted on the

speeds up to 16 mph with the Eco

front mower. For smaller tractors and

Clippers are not uncommon. This is not

optimized weight balance Eco Clipper

practical on sports fields, but speeds of 12 mph are easily feasible for tractors with vario or hydrostatic drive. This means that on average a sports field can with an Eco Clipper FM4 Sport.

also offers a separate gener-ator unit option for behind the tractor. For more information, please contact info@vanmac.co.uk. www.ecoclipper.com

‘Dedicated to offer the best mowing system for maintaining large area turfgrass’

knowledge of contracting to supply the best possible machine synthetic or hybrid pitch.. we have a machine to suit your needs.

chines.com / tom@gkbmachines.com / 07495 88 36 17

GroundskeepingJournal.co.uk | Winter 2021

Eco Clipper FM4 Sport for sporting grounds ww.ecoclipper.com

TOOLS, PLANT & EQUIPMENT

New snow blades & spreaders for John Deere Gators ohn Deere and Douglas Dynamics, the parent company of US brands such as Western, Fisher and SnowEx, have entered into an allied partnership agreement for the Western Products range of snow and ice removal solutions for utility vehicles.

Located in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Western Products is the leading manufacturer of snow and ice control products. It offers a variety of frontmounted blades plus hopper and tailgatemounted sand and salt spreaders, along with a wide selection of performanceenhancing snow plough and spreader accessories and parts.

All Western products can be installed quickly and easily on John Deere’s range of Gator utility vehicles. There is a choice of 1.82m (72in) straight and V-blade snow plough models with hydraulic or winch lift, and each comes with replaceable cutting edges and plough markers. The hydraulic blades feature an in-cab joystick control for lifting and angling, and optional accessories include plough shoes, rubber deflectors or poly cutting edges.

hopper unit with a spread width of up to 9m, and two drop spreaders with capacities of 90 or 217kg, fitted plastic covers and adjustable spread pattern widths of 76, 83 or 91cm. For more details regarding product information and compatibility with John Deere Gator models, please refer to the online quick match selection system at https://www.westernplows.com/quickmatch/, or contact your local John Deere dealer.

Alongside the snow blades, the Western stainless steel spreaders feature variable material flow rates with in-cab speed controls. These include a 340kg capacity

GroundskeepingJournal.co.uk | Winter 2021

TOOLS, PLANT & EQUIPMENT

Streamlined TYM range from Reesink

eesink Turfcare introduces the new generation of TYM tractors in a streamlined range with new engines and a new look, following market feedback and TYM’s own rebranding.

The range from Reesink is now comprised of four customer favourites, including subcompact and compact models, and offers a wide range of solutions for the UK’s sports venues and golf courses, contractors, landscapers and equestrian customers. In response to EU’s emission regulations, three of these models – the T255, T395 and T555 – come with a Stage V compliant diesel engine, which limits the amount of particulate matter produced in an effort to reduce air pollution. Steven Haynes, tractor sales manager at Reesink, TYM’s official UK distributor, says: “TYM went through a major overhaul at the end of 2020 to prepare for the next 70 years, showing its commitment to investing in engineering that drives performance, and the result is a customer-focused redesign that provides versatility and value. “At Reesink we went through a similar process of listening to our customers and streamlining our offering into four favourites. There’s a horsepower option suitable for all fine turf and sports requirements and attachments available from Reesink to ensure all jobs are catered for.”

GroundskeepingJournal.co.uk | Winter 2021

Available from Reesink are the 19hp T194, the 25.3hp T255, the 37hp T395 and 55hp T555. Steve continues: “There are some clever features to the range. The T255, for example, is Stage V compliant but avoids the need for expensive exhaust treatments such as a DPF filter, keeping costs down for the customer. It’s also now able to synchronise the HST pedals with the engine throttle for much simpler, and less tiring, operation. Plus, following customer feedback, it now comes with one set of spool valves as standard, rather than as an optional accessory. “The T555 produces more power than its predecessor while still maximising on fuel efficiency, while the updated panel has a new digital element that shows the tractor hours, fuel gauge and information on the engine and emission system make for much-improved user control.” What all four have in common is a new look, Steven comments: “The new look is sleek, bold and eye-catching and will appeal to all customers, while the redesign brings superior ergonomics and operator-focused interiors with robust and aesthetically designed exteriors to set TYM apart.” To find out more about the TYM range and the tractor attachments available from Reesink call 01480 226800, email info@reesinkturfcare.co.uk, or visit reesinkturfcare.co.uk.

TOOLS, PLANT & EQUIPMENT

Delivering the perfect cut t is perhaps no surprise that the club described by FIFA as ‘the greenest football club in the world’ would turn to battery power when it comes to their choice of mowers. However, what did surprise Forest Green Rovers Grounds Manager Nigel Harvey was the enormous improvements in both operation and finish achieved with the club’s duo of 34” INFINICUT® FL’s compared to their previous petrol-driven units.

Now nine months into his role, and with the assistance of club Apprentice Matt Berry, Nigel’s transition from the Forest Green training ground to the Stadium was a swift and steep learning curve. “I had only used petrol mowers previously and because of the speed of the handover, when I took over at The New Lawn Ground, I stuck to what I knew. That was until Oliver Hall from INFINICUT® came in and did some training with me on the pair of floating head units and I just could not believe how good they were – I’d been missing out!” “It’s not just the fact they’re battery powered, which obviously means they’re quiet to operate and aren’t kicking out noxious fumes, but it’s the quality of cut too which is just outstanding. Within the time it took me to mow half the pitch I could tell the definition of stripe and cleanliness of cut was far superior to what we had been using. With fewer conventional tools and techniques at my disposal to tackle issues such as disease control, the balance and adjustability of the INFINICUT® delivers the perfect cut – with no shredding or bruising - to maintain plant health.” Along with the two FL 34’s, Nigel has also got a range of TMSystem™ cassettes as his disposal including the SarelRoller™ and ThatchMaster™, which will be of particular use in preparing the surface for next season. The club are also looking at add further battery powered equipment to their fleet, with the aim of significantly reducing petrol usage at the stadium. www.infinicut.com 44

GroundskeepingJournal.co.uk | Winter 2021

NEW

Z9 183id MADE FOR EVERY SLOPE RS A E Y 3 OURS* H 1000 Y

T N A R R WAPRIVAINTEES&S BUS

THE ULTIMATE PROFESSIONAL ZERO-TURN MACHINE FOR YOUR BUSINESS • • • • • • • •

Proven by landscape professionals Tackles steep slopes up to 25° / 46% Extremely wide double wheels for stability Powerful Kawasaki EFI engine Delivers true zero-turn handling with less overlap Reduces mowing time by up to 10% compared to lap bar mowers The thickest strongest steel deck in the industry Exclusive air ride comfortable seat for hours of mowing

FIND YOUR NEAREST DEALER AT WWW.CUBCADET.CO.UK * Whichever comes first

WEED CONTROL

No weed out of reach with the Campey AIR Trolly Pack

ampey Turf Care Systems latest innovation, the AIR Trolly Pack from Dutch manufacturer WeedControl BV brings the hardest to access weeds into reach.

The Honda GX120 motor with compressor powers the LPG/propane 3x15kw hot-air burner head with an adjustable operating temperature between 190°C – 290°C. The small footprint of the trolley and burner means it can easily access hard to reach areas such as around poles, along walls and road edges, under street furniture

and in narrow street passages and alleys where weeds consistently grow. The AIR Trolly Pack is also ideal for inner-city areas and the after-treatment of larger weed removal projects. Flame weeding is a very effective and environmentally friendly way to remove

GroundskeepingJournal.co.uk | Winter 2021

WEED CONTROL

“ “Flame weeding is a very effective and environmentally friendly way to remove weeds against alternative methods such as potentially harmful herbicides.” weeds against alternative methods such as potentially harmful herbicides. Most annual and some perennial weeds can be eradicated using a flame that essentially explodes the weeds’ cells, turning them into ash. This ash then mixes with the soil or disperses with no harm to other plants while there is no risk of drift onto other areas, which can be common with chemical applications. WeedControl has explored all health and safety concerns associated with working with a flame during the development of the product. Special attention was paid to the ease of operation to ensure that any user can safely and easily operate the machine. All WeedControl products

GroundskeepingJournal.co.uk | Winter 2021

are made to meet legal requirements when working in public and private areas and impact the environment as little as possible with a focus on sustainability. The AIR Trolly Pack can be optionally supplied with a hot-air bin at the front side. This is equipped with a 3x15kW hot-air burner head. For this, the AIR Trolly Pack is modiﬁed at the front side for stability. For more information or a demonstration of the AIR Trolley Pack, contact Campey Turf Care Systems.

www.campeyturfcare.com

WEED CONTROL

Safe, efficient and targeted control nstar from Headland Amenity is a powerful three-way selective herbicide for the control of a wide range of weeds including Slender Speedwell, Creeping Buttercup and Yellow Suckling Clover. Suitable for use in both fine turf and sports turf applications, Enstar is also suitable for use on young turf when applied at a lower rate.

Part of the Headland selective herbicide portfolio, Enstar offers the safe, efficient and targeted control of invasive, broadleaved and difficult-to-manage turfgrass weed species, without detriment to the health of the surrounding grass plants. It contains three active ingredients – 2,4D, dicamba and fluroxypyr – to control weeds in golf fairways, sports pitches, lawns and other amenity grass. Enstar is most effective when applied while weeds are actively growing, the soil 48

is moist and temperatures are warm, at a rate of 2L in 200-1000L of water per hectare. It can also be applied safely on newly-sown managed amenity turf, at least two months after grass emergence, at a reduced rate of 0.95L per hectare. In addition to application through vehicle mounted equipment, Enstar is approved for use in boom and knapsack sprayers. Areas can be treated with Enstar up to twice per year, with a minimum interval of 21 days between applications. At Heythrop Park in Oxfordshire, Estates Manager Paul Young has been using Enstar for the last three years, on an area of approximately 80 hectares – including estate lawns, and the fairways, tees & roughs of the 18-hole golf course. “Enstar is a fantastically versatile and simpleto-use herbicide that, after a single annual application, keeps everything in check” explains Paul. “While we’re not a

particularly ‘weedy’ course, Enstar has controlled some issues we’ve had with daisies and dandelions, with minimal re-growth and the benefit of a second application if required.” Daisies are also an issue for Darren Lee, Course Manager at Salisbury & South Wilts Golf Club. “Some of our 27 fairways suffer so badly that it becomes difficult for players to see their ball at times!” he explains. “We used Enstar for the first time this year, in a tank mix with Headland’s Xtend® 46-0-0 and Elevate Fe®, which we applied in mid-May. Along with fantastic results on daisies, it appears to have killed some Speedwell we had which, with previous products, we’d only really managed to knock back.” Enstar carries a LERAP requirement, please refer to the label or www.headlandamenity.com for full details. GroundskeepingJournal.co.uk | Winter 2021

WEED CONTROL

Targeted weed control

A comprehensive collection of selective herbicides for amenity turf

Headland’s range of selective herbicide products are effective against a wide range of amenity turf weeds – whether it’s management of deep-rooted weeds such as docks and thistles or economical broad-spectrum control, there’s a Headland herbicide that hits the mark.

AMENITY PRODUCTS Part of Origin Amenity Solutions

01763 255550 Use herbicides safely. Always read the label and product information before use. Please refer to the product label or our website for further technical information.

GroundskeepingJournal.co.uk | Winter 2021

www.headlandamenity.com info@headlandamenity.com

BIGGA NEWS

Celtic Manor Resort hosts prestigious awards as Rudding Park and The Wisley greenkeepers claim top prizes

greenkeeper from Rudding Park Golf Club was celebrating for the second Toro Student Greenkeeper of the Year competition in a row as Matthew Milligan secured the prestigious award at grand finals hosted at the Celtic Manor Resort. Myerscough College student Matthew, 26, is First Assistant at Rudding Park, the same venue that Jason Norwood was employed at when he won the Toro Student Greenkeeper of the Year Award in 2019. Joining Matthew in celebrating at the event was Rhian Barton, 22, of The Wisley Golf Club, who became the first woman to win the Toro Young Student Greenkeeper of the Award since its inception in 2016. This year the finals were hosted for the first time in the championship surroundings of the Celtic Manor Resort, host of the 2010 Ryder Cup. Director of Golf Courses and Estate Management Jim McKenzie MBE welcomed the finalists to the venue with a walk around the Twenty Ten course. Jim then spoke to the finalists about that experience and offered sage advice on how to develop their careers. With the awards split into two separate categories once again, candidates for the Toro Young Student of the Year Award, who must be aged 21 and under when nominated, undertook an exam and then a hole walk with the awards judges, intended to test

Award winners Rhian Barton and Matthew Milligan the finalists’ knowledge in a real world setting. The finalists in the Toro Student Greenkeeper of the Year main category also completed an exam but in addition were judged via a grass and seed identification challenge, by answering an essay question and by delivering an individual presentation about their careers so far. The Toro Student Greenkeeper of the Year Awards were introduced in 1989, with an additional ‘Young’ category introduced in 2016. The awards did not take place in 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic, but the reintroduction in 2021 enabled David Cole to participate one final time ahead of his retirement as managing director of Reesink Turfcare in spring 2022. David said: “We knew this year’s award was going to be special. Being back after last year’s lockdown absence with a fantastic calibre of finalists in the grand setting of Celtic Manor Resort, plus a course walk around the Twenty Ten Ryder Cup course and after-dinner speech, both by Jim

GroundskeepingJournal.co.uk | Winter 2021

BIGGA NEWS

The finalists of the Toro Student Greenkeeper of the Year Awards 2021 McKenzie MBE, made it one to remember before we’d even conducted the finals. “All the finalists showed how much promise there is and how much there is to celebrate in the next generation of greenkeepers. So, it is a huge achievement for the winners, Matt for the main award and Rhian for the young award, to have triumphed. I know both will make sure they maximise the opportunities presented by their educational, international prizes. “However, the event was bittersweet for me as it is my last. I am leaving Reesink this spring, but to see two such worthwhile winners and especially to see Rhian, our first ever female young finalist let alone winner, makes it the perfect one to finish on.” BIGGA Head of Learning and Development Sami Strutt said: “I’m delighted to be able to present these awards to Matthew and Rhian at the culmination of this year’s Toro Student Greenkeeper of the Year Awards. The competition began in March with a record-breaking number of nominations and concluded over the past two days with 12 outstanding finalists who all deserve to be applauded for their knowledge, passion and dedication to the greenkeeping profession. “The Celtic Manor Resort provided a breathtaking venue for this year’s finals

GroundskeepingJournal.co.uk | Winter 2021

and we continue to be incredibly grateful to Toro and Reesink Turfcare for providing this career-defining opportunity for our most ambitious and talented student members.” Winners of the main award receive a Toro Scholarship that includes a turf management study course at the University of Massachusetts, a trip to the Golf Industry Show and a visit to the Toro factory. Should coronavirus restrictions prevent this, an alternative prize of equal standing will be organised. The Toro Young Student Greenkeeper of the Year winner receives a two-week work placement at Vidauban Golf Club in France, plus a trip to Continue to Learn at BTME. Prizes are also given to the winners’ endorsers and the runners-up in each category, with Craig Woodman of Broadstone Golf Club and Will Pallister of Cleckheaton & District Golf Club coming second in their respective categories. For Craig it was the second time he had finished as runner-up at the awards, having also done so in the Toro Young Student Greenkeeper of the Year category in 2017. The Toro Student Greenkeeper of the Year Awards will return for 2022, with nominations opening in March next year. www.bigga.org.uk

SPORTS PITCHES

White Horse Contractors Ltd Turn to Koro® FTM® for Hybrid Pitch Renovations he Koro® FIELDTOPMAKER® with Campey UNIVERSE® rotor from Campey Turf Care Systems was the number one choice for White Horse Contractors Ltd for its unrivalled precision and excellent results on hybrid pitches.

demand for renovations on hybrid and natural turf led the company to look for the best option on the market for fraise mowing, with the Koro® FTM® with Campey UNIVERSE® rotor providing everything they needed for all surfaces.

White Horse, who became a member of The Slatter Group in 2019, partnered with GrassMaster at the end of 2020 to offer hybrid turf sports construction in England and Wales. This partnership and increased

“We have had the machine since April, and we’ve carried out renovations throughout the spring and summer, and it’s performed very well,” White Horse Contractors Ltd Managing Director, David Smith, said.

“Our operators have loved using it because it’s very well built and reliable, but mainly it’s the precision of the machine that has impressed them. We know when we set it exactly what results we’ll get, and that is important for the customer and us. That precision is especially important when working on hybrid surfaces, so you don’t damage any of the fibres, and we know we can operate confidently with the Koro® FTM®.

GroundskeepingJournal.co.uk | Winter 2021

SPORTS PITCHES

“We run a lot of other Campey equipment, and this is a continuation of our partnership with them. We get very good customer service from Ben Taylor, and with a machine like this that is used heavily during a specific time of year, the backup is crucial. We haven’t had any issues with it, but working with Campey before, we know that anything we need is sorted out quickly, and that’s why we chose and continue to choose to work with them.”

“We’re installing more hybrid fields at the moment due to demand and our partnership with GrassMaster in the UK, but a big part of our service is the renovation contracts and programmes that follow. We want to ensure our customers get the best service and pitch possible, and a part of us being able to provide that is the service we get from Campey.

GroundskeepingJournal.co.uk | Winter 2021

The patented Campey Universe® rotor (fitted with 10mm blades) achieves excellent surface hygiene on all pitch surfaces. It is particularly suited to hybrid pitches as it attains results without damaging the exposed synthetic/hybrid fibres. The whole annual renovation process, including dressing with 60/80 tons of sand, fertilising and overseeding, can be carried out in a few day’s instead of four to five. With 3mm, 5mm or 10mm blades available for the Campey Universe rotor, any amount of the surface can

“

We haven’t had any issues with it, but working with Campey before, we know that anything we need is sorted out quickly, and that’s why we chose and continue to choose to work with them

be removed from 15% to 100%, and the entire surface can be removed up to a depth of 50mm. Micro adjusters offer unrivalled accuracy when setting the rotors, making the Koro® FTM® a precision fraise mower chosen by the world’s leading contractors, clubs and sports facilities.

More information is available at www.campeyturfcare.com

SPORTS GROUND EQUIPMENT

Netting for all your sporting needs Huck Nets is one of the best-known sports netting manufacturers and suppliers in the UK. We manufacture sports nets for every major sport, including football, tennis, cricket and golf. Our online range includes many netting solutions, including football goal nets, ball stop netting, tennis nets, cricket nets and perimeter and indoor divider nets. We manufacture sports netting using our own world-renowned knotless netting material. Knotless netting is stronger than standard knotted netting because it doesn’t have joins at each mesh. It is also lighter, making it easier to install and transport. All our sports nets are suitable for indoor and outdoor use. Every net is protected, UV stabilised, rot proof and weatherproof as standard. Huck nets last many seasons giving you great value for money and incredible value. The UK’s Biggest Sports Netting Manufacturer Thanks to the high quality of our sports nets, countless clubs, schools, academies and facilities all over the UK regularly purchase Huck netting. Many people know us as the official tennis net, tennis screen and tennis post suppliers to the Wimbledon Championships. We are proud of this heritage, and

through our sister company Edwards Sports, we have been supplying Wimbledon for the past 100 years. As well as sports nets, we stock a small range of ground equipment and training accessories. We offer help and advice on the best types of netting for your project, and well as an installation service for indoor and outdoor sports net installations. Phone 01308 425100 Email sports@hucknetting.co.uk www.huck-net.co.uk

Nets for all your Sporting Needs

We also stock a small range of ground equipment and training accessories, and offer a full installation service for indoor and outdoor sports nets. Manufactured and supplied by

Your one-stop shop for sports netting, ground equipment and training aids this season!

01308 425199 | sports@hucknetting.co.uk | www.huck-net.co.uk 54

GroundskeepingJournal.co.uk | Winter 2021

TURF-CONDITIONER 12

The cost-effective way to dethatch fairways and sports pitches The new Turf-Conditioner 12 dethatches and grooms big areas fast with its 3.6m (12’) working width. It has three rows of adjustable rakes set in a staggered pattern to give thorough thatch removal, of exactly the intensity you require. The Turf-Conditioner 12 also provides so many other benefits for your turf. 



It lifts the nap on the grass before mowing to give a better quality of cut. It stands up the grass to allow better air circulation and avoid fungal disease. It disperses wormcasts, and leaves beautifully groomed stripes. Also suitable for 3G synthetic pitches.

WATCH THE VIDEO

BOOK A DEMO

Ask for a FREE Demonstration via your local GreenTek dealer

0113 267 7000

www.greentek.uk.com

NEW

Vehicle tracking that works for you

Find out just how much you can save with Quartix

No auto-renewal | Free mobile app | 1st class customer service

Visit quartix.net or call 01686 807 607 to schedule a free demo