Tag Archive for: As

H2Pro TriSmart registered as ‘non-microbial biostimulant’

H2Pro TriSmart registered as ‘non-microbial biostimulant’: ICL Growing Solutions is proud to present that H2Pro TriSmart, our premium wetting agent, is also registered as a non-microbial biostimulant under the latest EU Fertilizing Product Regulation (FPR) (1009/2019).

In extensive trials and research H2Pro TriSmart has proven to significantly improve quality traits of turfgrass under drought stress conditions. The registration follows the H2Pro trials executed by the independent Sports Turf Research Institute (STRI) in Bingley, United Kingdom, which demonstrated how H2Pro TriSmart improves both soil and plant quality traits. With these improvements, it is for the first time that a product is classified as both a ‘wetting agent’ and ‘non-microbial plant biostimulant’.

H2Pro TriSmart registered as ‘non-microbial biostimulant’

H2Pro TriSmart registered as ‘non-microbial biostimulant’

“Years of research and field trials have proven that the product performs exceptionally well” confirms Dr Andy Owen, ICL International Technical Manager Turf and Landscape.

“We have many years of data gathered from field trial work across the globe and university research showing how H2Pro TriSmart significantly reduces dry patch and soil hydrophobicity, maintaining turf quality and providing efficient water use. But we also wanted to focus on the benefits for turfgrass under the new fertilizer legislation”.

He continues “this comprehensive trial work allows ICL to clearly describe the benefits for the turfgrass surface that end-users can expect from selecting H2Pro TriSmart, although we are fully aware that the plant benefits come from the product’s unique ability to improve the moisture status in drought affected soils and rootzones

Independent field trials

Four independent field trials, each with an 8 times treatment replication at the Sports Turf Research Institute, Bingley UK (STRI), demonstrated that a H2Pro TriSmart program can significantly improve quality traits of turfgrass under drought stress conditions.

Improvements of turf quality, turf color, turf uniformity, turf density and NDVI were measured for TriSmart treated plots in comparison with control (untreated plots) as well as significantly greater volumetric moisture content percentage (VMC %). The robust field data allows for the new product designation under the latest regulations.

Advantages for turf managers

The use of a surfactant-based wetting agents in a programed approach is a well-established practice for turf managers wanting the best from their turf surfaces.

Implementing H2Pro wetting agents in a turf management strategy improves 1) drought resilience of turfgrass, 2) water-use efficiency, 3) water uptake by grass plants, and 4) overall turf quality traits. H2Pro TriSmart is part of a range of ICL’s high-performance wetting agents specifically developed for turfgrass. We offer both residual and penetrant products that are suitable for all conditions and are always backed by research and user testimonials.

Turf managers that use H2Pro TriSmart in their turf management programs can be assured that the product, including the quality and high performance, has not changed. The new FPR 1009/2019 compliant label identifies the changed registration status of the product.

Please contact ICL on 01473 237100 or visit www.icl-sf.co.uk or www.icl-sf.ie if you are in Ireland.

For more news and insightful views, you can follow ICL on Twitter @ICL_Turf

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Dan Waring announced as Amenity Sprayer Operator of the Year

Dan Waring announced as Amenity Sprayer Operator of the Year: Professional spray tech, Dan Waring, has won the prestigious title of Amenity Sprayer Operator of the Year (ASOOTY). Managing all the turf and amenity spraying at the JCB Golf and Country Club in Uttoxeter, he was praised for his meticulous attention to detail and adoption of new technologies to assure accurate application.

Dan’s ASOOTY award presentation was made as part of the glittering BIGGA industry awards at BTME in Harrogate this week (23 January 2024), along with the competition’s other finalists, Conrad Cavill of the All England Lawn Tennis Club, Wimbledon and Bryan Ramsey of Complete Weed Control, Scotland South East.

Dan Waring announced as Amenity Sprayer Operator of the Year

Dan Waring announced as Amenity Sprayer Operator of the Year

The ASOOTY awards highlight best practice and experience in the challenging role of ensuring accurate application on all amenity surfaces.

Sponsored by ICL and Syngenta and managed by the Amenity Forum, the awards seek to share top tips and advice that will raise the standards of spray application across the amenity industry.

Having worked for six years at JCB Golf, Dan has been the full-time spray tech for the past three seasons. One of the keys to his success has been continuous professional development, including  a year in the US on the Ohio State programme with an intensive focus on application skills.

He also regularly completes on-line sprayer training courses and tailoring the latest spraying technology and innovations from the agricultural sector to be adopted for amenity application. Working closely with course manager, Callum Wark, Dan’s role has been integral in using accurate application to deliver a full spectrum of conventional and biological plant protection products and nutrition, designed for a successful Integrated Turf Management approach to overall plant health and turf quality.

“I would urge all sprayer operators to undertake as much training as possible, to gain more knowledge on the products being used and the application technology,” he advocated. “That will enable people to be more confident in what they are doing, and give the spray tech’s role the credit it deserves.”

One of his top tips would be to lay out all the products required for the following day’s spraying, in the order they will be mixed, before leaving – so they can be methodically checked again and then added to the tank quickly and efficiently. He will also half fill the tank with clean water and pressure test for any visual leaks, before adding any chemical.

Presenting the award at BTME, Ian Graham, Chairman of the Amenity Forum, said: “The skills required to competently apply professional plant protection products are often overlooked. Along with the formal training and accreditation process, there is the experience that takes years to acquire.

“Winners of this award have elevated the application process to an art, be that with a knapsack or a boom sprayer, to help maintain the amazing playing surfaces that sport has become used to enjoying all year round,” he added.

“The Amenity Forum is delighted to work with ICL and Syngenta as the sponsors of this award and would like to congratulate Dan for upholding the highest of professional standards.”

ICL Landscape & Industrial Business Development Manager, Lewis Blois, added: “We are delighted to support such an important cross-sector industry initiative with a continued commitment to raise standards and improve results.

“Importantly it has identified and recognised the range of spray application techniques and the differing skills involved across the amenity sector. It will provide a unique and vitally important resource for all involved in spray application.”

Sean Loakes, Syngenta Technical Manager, advocated the awards reflect the importance of an Integrated Turf Management (ITM) approach to responsible and sustainable turf and landscape maintenance.

“The skills of sprayer operators to make efficient, effective and above all safe applications are essential for the future sustainability of the amenity and turf care industry,” he advised.

“The ASOOTY awards are a welcome way to recognise and reward the leading individuals and for everyone to learn from their experience.”

Look out on the Amenity Forum website for more details and entry form for the launch of next year’s ASOOTY and your chance to win.

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Alan Jack named as INFINICUT® Sales Manager

Alan Jack named as INFINICUT® Sales Manager: INFINICUT® are pleased to announce the appointment of a new Sales Manager in the form of Alan Jack.

With over 25 years of experience within the greenkeeping and professional turf care industry, Alan is well placed to spearhead sales, service and support for customers and dealers throughout the UK and wider international network.

Alan Jack named as INFINICUT® Sales Manager

Alan Jack named as INFINICUT® Sales Manager

After completing his apprenticeship, Alan embarked on a career in greenkeeping, progressing through the ranks from Assistant Greenkeeper to Management at various courses across Scotland. This foundation set Alan up nicely for further positions in operational management within the sports turf and leisure industry. Combined with a proven track record in the sales of both amenity products and turf care machinery, Alan most recently held the role of Operations Manager at Luxury Carts Group KSA (Kingdom of Saudi Arabia) – where he was responsible for the day-to-day coordination of the sales team and distribution of premium golf equipment, including the INFINICUT® range.

Equipped with a wealth of industry knowledge and a successful track record for managing people and a large order book, Alan relishes his new role with INFINICUT® where he’ll be focussed on delivering tailored sales and support across the industry-leading INFINICUT® mower collection along with the TMSystem™ range of maintenance cassettes.

“It’s a really exciting time to be coming on board” explains Alan, “with innovation driving exciting refinements and developments across the INFINICUT® portfolio for both fine turf and sports turf. The products already have an outstanding reputation for quality and efficiency and I’m excited to build on that with the help of our dealer partners around the world.”

After joining the INFINICUT® team at the end of 2023, Alan is excited to meet customers old and new on stand 614 at BTME 2024 later this month.

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Less thatch at Linlithgow GC

Less thatch at Linlithgow GC: Linlithgow Golf Club has taken delivery of a 2.3 m width Wiedenmann Terra Rake, from Wiedenmann UK’s Scottish dealer, Fairways GM at Kinross.

Course Manager, Phil Montgomery said “I’d been eyeing one up for a while. The rake pulls up a terrific amount of thatch. Take the day it arrived; the difference it made to the practice ground in one session was amazing: just so much. Over the next few years, it will enhance the entire site.”

Less thatch as Linlithgow GC

Less thatch as Linlithgow GC

The West Lothian club is located on a hill side, high above the Royal Burgh of Linlithgow. Its elevation and undulations give Phil some additional challenges.

“A handful of fairways can be affected by moss,” he said. “A few are rocky, and sitting slope-side, they can really dry out in summer, and turn brown.

“If growth doesn’t come back, and rain returns, moss starts to creep in…. all compounded by the same fairways sitting ‘wet’ through the winter…

“We plan to attack the moss there head-on with the Terra Rake on a regular basis. Even though we rota-knife and spike them, until now the surface tension is just too much. The rake will help alleviate that problem and sort them out.”

Beyond the fairways, Phil has an ever-growing list of duties lined up for his new kit addition which means it will be in use all year-round.

“I like the versatility of the rake; it’s great value. I’ve seen it take on many different jobs on YouTube and Twitter. It will be good for standing the grass up prior to cutting, we will use it for presentation and once our new tractor- mounted blower arrives, we will use it for rough management, thinning out and tidying up.

“However, leaf management will be a big part of its work. We are surrounded by trees. With the rake, the blower, and the collector, together the way we clear the leaves this autumn will be far more successful. If you don’t get a chance to clear the leaves they can get trampled into the rough. Again, the rake will help us if that occurs, too.”

This is Phil’s second spell at Linlithgow. His first spell began as a 16-year-old apprentice, staying until he was 22. He returned in 2016 and was promoted quickly through the ranks to Course Manager. Working alongside him are greenkeepers, Colin and Connor, and all three are joined by a small group of volunteers who help for two hours on a Tuesday and Thursday morning.

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Ex-service personnel offered careers as machinery technicians

Ex-service personnel offered careers as machinery technicians: John Deere has launched a ground-breaking resettlement programme for military service personnel, offering new career opportunities working on some of the world’s most advanced agricultural and professional groundscare machinery.  

Members of the armed forces have been identified as ideal candidates to bring their unique skill sets and experience to technician roles within UK and Ireland dealerships.

Ex-service personnel offered careers as machinery technicians

Ex-service personnel offered careers as machinery technicians

Responding to a global shortage of qualified technicians in the machinery sector, John Deere’s Military Hiring Programme will follow in the footsteps of a hugely-successful scheme launched in the United States which attracts more than 1,000 potential new recruits a year.

“We are passionate about finding a way to give back to those who have served our country,” says Allan Cochran, John Deere Branch Training Manager.

“The armed forces produces people who are highly skilled, motivated and extremely competent, and many already have the engineering skills needed to become qualified technicians.

“It’s the perfect fit for John Deere – we are able to play our part in supporting those resettling following careers in the armed forces while also attracting a different pool of people into the business.”

Signalling its commitment, John Deere has this week signed the Armed Forces Covenant; a pledge to ensure that those who serve, or have served, in the armed forces, and their families, are treated fairly.

Military personnel have been identified as a key source of talent for the machinery sector as many have already worked with some of the systems and products John Deere uses, making the transition straightforward.

Qualified technicians working across John Deere’s dealer network are required to service and maintain the vast range of machinery the company manufactures for customers in the UK and Ireland.

While the company is best known for its tractors, sprayers, combines, and other agricultural machinery, John Deere is also a leading provider of mowers, sprayers and utility vehicles used by groundscare professionals to maintain golf courses, sports pitches and amenity land.

Recruits will use the latest automation, artificial intelligence and guidance technologies to ensure customers always get the best performance and utilisation from their machines.

“Those who have served are experts at working under pressure and logically solving problems in order to keep a machine operational,” Allan says. “These are the skills John Deere dealerships need to keep the wheels turning.”

Those signing up to the programme will be offered free technical training to help them apply their current skills to John Deere products and services. There are more than 70 courses on offer.

“Everyone who signs up will be assigned to an employee from the John Deere network who has served in the armed forces who will be there to support each individual during the resettlement process,” Allan says.

Interested service members and ex-service members can learn more and fill out a contact card by visiting www.Deere.com/JDMHP.

After making contact, they will be put in touch with an individual from the John Deere network who has resettled following a career in the armed forces to discuss all potential options.

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AS 1000 Ovis RC – Simply Steep Mowing

AS 1000 Ovis RC – Simply Steep Mowing: At the beginning of March, AS-Motor started series production of the new remote-controlled tracked flail mower AS 1000 Ovis RC. True to the motto ‘Simply steep mowing’, the mower convinces with its slope-compatibility, high mowing performance and easy handling and maintenance.

By professionals, for professionals

Noise protection and railway embankments, rainwater retention basins, solar parks and wind power plants often pose great challenges for landscape managers and service providers. The AS 1000 Ovis RC is up to the task of regular maintenance of these difficult-to-access, impassable and steep surfaces.

AS 1000 Ovis RC – Simply Steep Mowing

AS 1000 Ovis RC – Simply Steep Mowing

The power of the Vanguard Professional 2-cylinder engine with 23hp maximum output is transmitted directly and with low loss of efficiency to the blade shaft via a belt drive. The 4-stroke OHV engine with cyclone filter is equipped with a particularly strong crankshaft and has a displacement of 627cm3 at a speed of 3,600rpm. The AS 1000 Ovis RC enables a mowing speed of up to 5km/h and thus an area output of up to 5,000m2/h, with an excellent cutting pattern and even grass placement across the entire working width.

The 100cm wide flail mower, in combination with the somewhat narrower tracked undercarriage, makes it easy to mow close to the edge and comfortably to within a few centimetres of crash barriers and other obstacles.

Flexibility and suitability for slopes

Thanks to the flexibly adjustable mowing deck, the new flail mower with tracked undercarriage can be optimally adapted to all terrain conditions. Guided by a wide caster roller, the mower deck adapts perfectly to any contour. The adjustable sliding frame means that the specified minimum cutting height can be maintained throughout. Maximum traction on difficult terrain is ensured by the carried insert without ground contact. The mower’s surfing suspension, with its large pendulum travel, also adapts well to uneven ground in difficult, hilly terrain.

The AS 1000 Ovis RC with its compact design (183cm long, 114cm wide and 69cm high) mows difficult terrain and hard-to-reach areas without any problems thanks to remote control from a safe distance. The automatic, mechanical parking brake provides additional safety when working on slopes. The large track units with steel inserts ensure low ground pressure, ideal power transmission and best grip on steep slopes. The deep-seated, horizontally-mounted Vanguard Professional engine with optimised oil lubrication and the mower’s low overall height give the AS 1000 Ovis RC a low centre of gravity and makes it extremely suitable for use on slopes, allowing for mowing under deep obstacles, for example in solar parks.

The AS 1000 Ovis RC’s low weight of only 419kg not only protects the ground, but the balanced weight distribution and the robust crawler chassis also enable safe mowing of steep slopes up to 55 degrees.

Reliability and ease

In their work to develop a completely new product, AS-Motor’s development engineers have used and reimagined tried and tested components. The new AS 1000 Ovis RC uses reliable components from the YAK series, such as the robust flail mower and the belt pressure spring tensioning system. Robust hydraulic motors from large-scale production, with their enormous torque, also ensure a precise, powerful travel drive. Clear operating elements and precise controls ensure comfortable, intuitive handling and also precise manoeuvring.

Once the first service has taken place, after 100 hours of operation, long maintenance intervals of 400 hours follow. For daily cleaning, the AS 1000 Ovis RC offers excellent accessibility. Air ducts, filters and oil control are accessible without tools and the mower can be easily placed in the service position to provide optimum access to the flail mower. The defined adjustment dimension also guarantees precise track tensioning.

In the transport position, the new flail mower with tracked undercarriage is even more compact (only 159cm long), so transport to the place of use is no problem.

Ovis – the namesake

Ovis are large, strong wild sheep that live on rough mountain slopes at altitudes of up to 5,000m. They feel at home on steep terrain, are sure footed, and adapt perfectly to their environment. The new AS 1000 Ovis RC remote-controlled flail mower lives up to its name.

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Pols appointed as new INFINICUT® distributor

Pols appointed as new INFINICUT® distributor: Pols, leading distributors for a number of green technology manufacturers in The Netherlands, have been announced as a new dealer partner for INFINICUT® as they continue to expand their global network.

Based in Zuidland, Pols have worked with a number of leading franchises over their 70-year history, with INFINICUT® the latest on an illustrious list to benefit from their outstanding sales and service to customers across the Benelux.

Pols appointed as new INFINICUT® distributor

Pols appointed as new INFINICUT® distributor

Appointed in November, Pols represent brands including Kioti, Ransomes and Cushman and have a team of more than 70 employees working closely with customers from a cross-range of industries from golf courses, parks and public space managers. The INFINICUT® range, with its precise cut quality and lithium power technology, is a great fit for Pols who pride themselves on being leaders in supplying environmentally-friendly solutions for turf management.

Commenting on their appointment, Pols Turfcare Sales Manager Cees Wolters said, “As specialists in sports turf, the INFINICUT® is a great addition to our portfolio. In the first few months of our partnership, we have already started supplying SMARTCut™ cassettes on our Jacobsen Eclipse lithium green mowers – which can now be found in the Johan Cruijff ArenA, ADO Den Haag’s Bingoal Stadium and on the new natural grass of ‘Het Kasteel’, home of Sparta. The quality of these cutting units has taken performance to the next level, so we can’t wait to be able to supply these and the complete INFINICUT® and TMSystem™ ranges to customers across our area.”

“Pols are a long-established, well-respected family business with a fantastic reputation for service and supplying leading green technologies across all areas of their business” adds Vinny Tarbox, INFINICUT® Sales Manager. “They have an enviable sales record in The Netherlands and have recently expanded into Belgium with new office and service facilities, making it an easy decision for us to partner with them to work in both of these vital markets.”

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Redexim appoint HRN Tractors as new regional partner

Redexim appoint HRN Tractors as new regional partner: A re-shuffle of their regional partners in North and East Scotland has seen Redexim UK appoint HRN Tractors – leading suppliers of groundcare, agriculture and plant equipment.

Effective from 1st January 2023, HRN will be responsible for the full Redexim portfolio of products, offering sales and support to new and existing customers across Tayside, Angus, Grampian and the Highlands and Islands.

Redexim appoint HRN Tractors as new regional partner

Redexim appoint HRN Tractors as new regional partner

HRN was founded by the Barclay family in 1980 and has gone on to become one of the largest dealerships in Scotland, operating out of eight depots across the country. Representing leading franchises including Kubota and Kverneland, the team have a long and illustrious record for providing a friendly and knowledgeable sales team, together with trained technicians for expert after sales service.

Commenting on the appointment, Groundcare Manager for HRN Wilson Morrison said, “This is a really exciting partnership for HRN, with Redexim being a global leader in the manufacture of specialist equipment for both natural and synthetic surfaces. A great fit alongside our other franchises, we can now provide customers a one-stop shop for turf maintenance machinery and look forward to growing our market share and reaching new customers across our regional area.”

Ian Lauder, Northern Regional Territory Manager for Redexim UK added, “HRN have built a fantastic reputation on providing established products with excellent customer service. With so many years of experience and know-how under their belts, we look forward to working together with them to offer a more localised service across this area.”

Any existing warranties relating to Redexim equipment sold by previous regional partners Gammies Groundcare and MacGregor Forest and Groundcare will continue to be supported.

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SAGE announces WEIBANG as main sponsor

SAGE announces WEIBANG as main sponsor: SAGE has announced machinery expert WEIBANG as the main sponsor of the UK’s biggest outdoor trade show for the sports and grounds maintenance industry, which returns to the stunning Three Counties venue in Malvern, Worcestershire, on 19th – 20th July 2023.

Industry heavyweight, WEIBANG, has a wide range of products made from heavy-duty, professional quality components and the highest quality materials, with its range including everything from mowers to leaf and litter vacuums to stump grinders.

SAGE announces WEIBANG as main sponsor

SAGE announces WEIBANG as main sponsor

As well as sponsoring the event, WEIBANG will be exhibiting at the SAGE show in July 2023, where it will also be taking advantage of the live demonstrations and experiences opportunities on offer.

Of the sponsorship, Lewis Anderson from WEIBANG commented: “For us, SAGE is an event where we can show and, most importantly, let our customers get hands-on with the product!

“We believe that allowing customers to try and feel products in the real environment they are designed to work in is invaluable. We see the sponsorship of the show as a commitment that we have at WEIBANG to getting the industry together to allow end users to share knowledge, information and the opportunity to try products to ensure that they are purchasing the best machine for their application.”

For more information, or to book exhibition space, please visit https://sportsandgrounds.events  or contact Vicky Panniers vp@sportsandgrounds.co.uk.

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Toro winners selected as volunteers

Toro winners selected as volunteers: To be selected is a honour like no other and two previous winners of the Toro Student Greenkeeper of the Year Awards have been successful in gaining a place as a volunteer at the 150th Open at St Andrew’s in July.

The 2018 winner Daniel Ashelby from Reddish Vale Golf Club and last year’s winner Matthew Milligan from Rudding Park will help prepare the Old Course’s famous fairways for the international event at the home of golf.

Toro winners selected as volunteers

Toro winners selected as volunteers

When it comes to the opportunities that come with winning the decades old competition – and to shine a light on the fact that there is still time to make nominations into the 2022 event – we talk to Daniel Ashelby about what’s happened to him since being crowned champion four years ago.

“Since winning I’ve gone onto be head man at Hartford Golf Club in Cheshire and now I’m working at my dream club. Both roles have given me some absolutely fantastic experiences. At Hartford, during the pandemic, I was running the course by myself and that taught me to trust my instincts and put so much of what I’d learnt over the years into practice.”

Attending Massachusetts Winter School for Turf Managers as part of his prize for winning the Student Greenkeeper of the Year Award set off a passion for education and Daniel is now in his final year of his degree in golf course management.

With educational, international, all-expenses-paid prizes for the winners, runners up and nominators, there’s nothing to lose by nominating your best candidates into the 2022 competition.

And of course the future opportunities for the winners are endless, as Daniel says: “All the networking, learning experiences and personal development that transpire from winning the award have contributed greatly to me being in this position now.

“Being selected as a volunteer for The Open is literally a dream come true. Only those who have the right attitude, skills, ambition and qualifications succeed, and I do think winning the award had a role to play in this. There’s a correlation to the type of people I’ve met on the journey and the paths I’ve been put on that have led here. They go hand in hand.”

So what about those lecturers and employers who think they have a shining star in their midst? What would Daniel say to those those people who have the power to change one of their students or employees lives?

“Just do it. Putting that person’s name in the hat is the first step to opening up a world of possibilities and opportunities,” he says. “And if you’re thinking about nominating somone you’ve nominated before, do that too! Don’t let them feel knocked back if it didn’t work out the first time. Since then that person has grown up, evolved and has a better chance than ever before.”

Nominations into the 2022 Toro Student Greenkeeper of the Year Awards can be made now until 31 May online at BIGGA. This year’s finals will be held on 5-6 September.

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