Cub Cadet Showcase New PRO Z Series At SALTEX

in , /by

Cub Cadet Showcase New PRO Z Series At SALTEX: Stand L180

Visitors to this year’s Saltex will bear witness to Cub Cadet’s commitment to the professional market, with the newly designed Pro Z Series, commercial, zero-turn mowers being a highlight of the show. The company has gone right back to the drawing board in developing this innovative range, displaying its dedication to developing high performance and efficient machinery for landscaping professionals.

The Pro Z Series line up consists of the PRO Z1, PRO Z5 and the PRO Z7, with each machine being designed to meet the specific needs of professional landscape contractors.

Cub Cadet Showcase New PRO Z Series At SALTEX

These machines are the strongest, most efficient mowers to have ever been created by Cub Cadet, and have been given the official seal of approval by 100 landscapers who put them through their paces for a rigorous testing period of 16 weeks. All of the machines have been developed with extreme strength at their core. The PRO Z5 and PRO Z7 have been designed and built with the industry’s only Triple 7-gauge deck, which features three layers of 7-gauge steel, plus a 1/4-inch leading edge and 5/16-inch side reinforcements. From frame to front yoke, the Pro Z Series is designed to absorb the impact of rough terrain and stand up to the demands of everyday professional use.

In addition to this, the full-length laser-cut steel frame and 5/16-inch steel rear bumpers are protected with a durable e-coating. This precise, multi-stage process provides automotive-grade corrosion defence and goes above and beyond the industry standard. High-back suspension seats with lumbar support and padded armrests come as standard, meaning that you can work fatigue free, for longer and in more comfort than ever before.

The market-leading steering system – Synchro Steer – delivers the ultimate manoeuvrability and control, with smooth, precise handling and increasing hillside stability.

The PRO Z1 is equipped with a 137cm / 54” welded cutting deck and can cover 5,000 m2/h with speeds of 9.5 mph. The PRO Z5 has a 152cm / 60” cutting deck and with a 10mph cutting speed, can cover up to 6,000 m2/h. Finally, the PRO Z7 has a 183cm / 72” cutting deck, has a cutting speed of 12mph and can cover up to 7,500 m2/h.

The PRO Z1 produces a commercial-quality cut with landscaper-approved speed, efficiency and comfort. It is equipped with an Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) engine by Kohler, which makes the machine extremely fuel efficient, saving both time and money; two things that are always in high demand!

The PRO Z5 allows users to maximize work days with efficient engines, larger fuel capacity and an industry-leading commercial cutting deck. Its high-torque commercial transmission paired with a high-horsepower, commercial-grade Kawasaki engine, work seamlessly together to provide optimal and consistent blade tip speed.

The jewel in the crown is the PRO Z7, which offers greater rated power, higher top speeds, more comfort and a larger deck. This machine makes a hard day’s work easy, providing extreme power via the commercial-grade Kawasaki engine, and ultimate comfort with the seat benefiting from an isolation dampening system with lumbar adjustments.

Phil Noble, Field Sales and Technical Manager for Cub Cadet UK, said: “The PRO Z series is loaded with features that have been painstakingly designed for exceptional performance, unmatched comfort and beautiful results. We are dedicated to working with the professional sector, and believe that we have created products that will prove to be, not only popular, but indispensable to the market.”

For the latest industry news visit turfnews.co.uk

Get all of the big headlines, pictures, opinions and videos on stories that matter to you.

Follow us on Twitter for fun, fresh and engaging content.

You can also find us on Facebook for more of your must-see news, features, videos and pictures from Turf Matters.

Toro Keeps The Green Flag Flying

in , /by

Toro Keeps The Green flag Flying: Nottingham Trent University invests in Toro to maintain Green Flag status

Green Flag status was granted to Nottingham Trent University’s Clifton and Brackenhurst campuses six years ago, and today each site boasts a brand new Toro CT2240 mower to maintain amenity areas and uphold this prestigious reputation.

The 20-year-old Green Flag Award Scheme recognises and rewards well-managed, publicly accessible green spaces, setting an international benchmark for their management. A Green Flag awarded site is a welcoming, well-maintained place, which draws people in.

Toro Keeps The Green Flag Flying

Landscape services coordinator Alan Horgan says: “We worked hard to achieve Green Flag status so we have to ensure we always equip our team with the best machines possible to continually meet this standard.”

So when those at Nottingham Trent chose Toro for the first time, it came down to one simple reason, explains Alan: “We invested in the Toros because we knew they would help us meet the high standards visitors and students have come to expect. This became clear when the CT2240s performed best during a demo, convincing me and my team that the machines would be the right investment for the future of our campuses.”

The CT2240 compact cylinder mower, which combines all the benefits of Toro’s CT2120 and 2140 in one machine, is equipped with Mk3 200mm cutting units in numerous blade configurations, while independent cutter head lift provides flexibility to suit the mowing environment and ensure productivity remains at an optimum.

Nottingham Trent’s two machines are playing a large role in the day-to-day maintenance of both of sites, says Alan: “Ever since they’ve been put to action, they’ve done exactly as promised by their specs and met the needs of the University.

“The operatives speak highly of the new Toros’ usability too. The comfort of my team is really important; the machines are used on a daily basis and happy operatives will always result in better productivity.”

Overall, Alan considers his first Toro purchase a positive one: “We bought the machines through [Toro dealer] PS Marsden, who we have worked with for many years, and they provided excellent customer service as always. Throughout the deal we also had the help of Reesink’s Stuart Jeffs, who was professional and very accommodating of any questions.”

He concludes: “We’ve had recommendations from other Toro users and now we can see why. Given how our machines have performed so far, combined with our hard-working grounds team, we are confident that our Green Flag status will fly high at Clifton and Brackenhurst Campus for years to come.”

For more information, visit: reesinkturfcare.co.uk

For the latest industry news visit turfnews.co.uk

Get all of the big headlines, pictures, opinions and videos on stories that matter to you.

Follow us on Twitter for fun, fresh and engaging content.

You can also find us on Facebook for more of your must-see news, features, videos and pictures from Turf Matters.

Parliament To Vote On Glyphosate Phase-Out Resolution

in , /by

European Parliament to vote on glyphosate phase-out resolution: A vote on a resolution within the European Parliament for glyphosate phase-out, with full ban by end 2020 will be held on 24 October.

Some MEPs want a full ban on glyphosate-based herbicides by December 2020, and immediate restrictions on the use of the herbicide.

The Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety (ENVI), a 68-member commitee of the European Parliament, has called for the glyphosate phase-out by 2020, with 39 votes to 9 and 10 abstentions ahead of the plenary vote by EU countries on 25 October.

Parliament To Vote On Glyphosate Phase-Out Resolution

The draft resolution to be put to the vote on Tuesday 24 October opposes the European Commission’s proposal to renew the herbicide’s licence for 10 years, as requested by some member states, including the UK.

Instead, MEPs say the EU should draw up plans to phase out the substance, starting with a complete ban on household use and a ban on using it for farming when biological alternatives (i.e. integrated pest management systems) work well for weed control.

Glyphosate should be completely banned in the EU by 15 December 2020, with the necessary intermediate steps taken, says the draft text.

The herbicide could be given the 10-year extension, depending on how EU countries weigh up the evidence for and against Monsanto’s chemical. Its registration runs out at the end of 2017.

For the latest industry news visit turfnews.co.uk

Get all of the big headlines, pictures, opinions and videos on stories that matter to you.

Follow us on Twitter for fun, fresh and engaging content.

You can also find us on Facebook for more of your must-see news, features, videos and pictures from Turf Matters.

Productive Zero Turn Mowers Return to SALTEX

in , /by

Productive Zero Turn Mowers Return to SALTEX: Bobcat zero turn mowers return to SALTEX for the third year at the new venue to meet their existing customers and to have the opportunity meet new ones too!

On the Bobcat stand will be a range of “high productivity” commercial mowers ranging from the unique 28” narrow access unit  up to the 72” wide area rider mower with all the “bells and whistles” plus the 36” QuickCat “stand- on” mower which is probably the most productive Bobcat mower in the range. Great visibility ,short chassis and narrow width.

Productive Zero Turn Mowers Return to SALTEX

Zero turn mowers are amongst the most productive mowers available because of their manoeuvrability and ability to turn in their own footprint which can dramatically cut down the amount of time cutting grass plus much less strimming is needed because the machines can get very close to obstacles.

Visitors will be made very welcome on Stand Number LO42 and customers will be sure to benefit from a visit.

For the latest industry news visit turfnews.co.uk

Get all of the big headlines, pictures, opinions and videos on stories that matter to you.

Follow us on Twitter for fun, fresh and engaging content.

You can also find us on Facebook for more of your must-see news, features, videos and pictures from Turf Matters.

Rigby Taylor Offers Trip To The USA

in , /by

Rigby Taylor Offers Disease Protection, A Free Sprayer And A Trip To The USA

As part of its ongoing support of integrated pest management, Rigby Taylor – the company at the forefront of supplying innovative products for the successful management and maintenance of turf surfaces – is offering greenkeepers and groundsmen a superb incentive to ensure they have fungicides available for any attack during the autumn/winter period: a new, state-of-the-art Gambetti Pro tractor-mounted sprayer and an expenses-paid trip to America!

Rigby Taylor Offers A Trip To The USA

For every hectare of Rigby Taylor fungicide purchases made during the campaign period, the purchasing club will be entered into a draw to win the sprayer (RRP £4,500) and the winning club’s greenkeeper/groundsman will be invited to visit, at Rigby Taylor’s expense, the GCSAA turf educational and trade convention in San Antonio, Texas, in January 2018.

There are also runner up prizes of Evolution knapsack sprayers and Bayer waterproof jackets.

Entrants to the draw must place their fungicide orders through their Rigby Taylor area representatives. The draw will take place in December.

For further details, contact Rigby Taylor area representatives or FreePhone 0800 424 919 where callers can also obtain a free copy of the company’s 12-page brochure covering Rigby Taylor’s money-saving tank mix fungicide programmes, which offer the widest range for both the prevention and ongoing protection from turf surface diseases.

A new Gambetti Pro tractor-mounted sprayer and an expenses-paid trip to America are on offer in Rigby Taylor’s fungicide campaign.

For the latest industry news visit turfnews.co.uk

Get all of the big headlines, pictures, opinions and videos on stories that matter to you.

Follow us on Twitter for fun, fresh and engaging content.

You can also find us on Facebook for more of your must-see news, features, videos and pictures from Turf Matters.

Groundsman Honoured By Lifetime Achievement Award

in , /by

Groundsman Maurice Honoured By Lifetime Achievement Award: The unsung hero of Haydock park racecourse who makes sure the course is fit for purpose has been honoured with a lifetime achievement award.

Haydock Park stalwart Maurice Crooks has worked at the venue for 46 years and the head groundsman has scooped the Lifetime Achievement Award in the RCA Groundstaff Awards.

Groundsman Honoured By Lifetime Achievement Award

Maurice and his team ensure the course is fit for racing and he also has the weighty responsibility for the safety and upkeep of the venue, which is one of the largest racecourses in the country.

Maurice, now 63, began his career in 1971 as a fence builder and then became a tractor driver.

He worked his way up through the ranks, becoming assistant head groundsman in 1980 assuming the role of head groundsman in 1995.

“I absolutely love it as much as I always have done,” said Maurice who grew up a stone’s throw away from the racecourse on Warrington Road in Ashton-in-Makerfield.

“I have worked here from being 10 or 11 and I liked to rise horses. “Mr granddad and grandmother used to work at Haydock going back. “She used to work here during the Second World War.

“There are lots of good memories that I have. I remember seeing Red Rum win here in the Grand National Trial in 1973.

“Kauto Star was another great horse, I remember seeing him.

“And another memory is when the big evacuation was on from Aintree. They evacuated everybody back to Haydock and that was challenging and quite exciting, meeting different people.”

Maurice’s enthusiasm for the job has not waned over the years and he says getting to rub shoulders with famous names is one of the perks he has enjoyed.

“You get to meet a lot of celebrities. I had tea and toast in Harvey Smith’s kitchen.

“And I got to go on stage with Rick Astley singing when he came here, though whether you can call it singing!”

And Maurice has no sights on retirement yet and will continue his work for as long as he can.

“It’s a marvellous job really and I just wish there were more young people coming into it. At the moment I feel fit and healthy.

“Friends and managers have congratulated me and I have had a lot of texts from racecourses across the country.”

Maurice will receive his lifetime achievement award at the RCA Showcase Awards, held at Newbury Racecourse on Thursday, November 16.

To read the original article, click here

For the latest industry news visit turfnews.co.uk

Get all of the big headlines, pictures, opinions and videos on stories that matter to you.

Follow us on Twitter for fun, fresh and engaging content.

You can also find us on Facebook for more of your must-see news, features, videos and pictures from Turf Matters.

Are You Ready For The Sports Turf Challenges Of 2020?

in , /by

Are you ready for the sports turf challenges of 2020? The pivotal role of soil biology in sport and amenity turf health is at the heart of keynote presentations by Joel Williams, the internationally respected authority on soil science and leading edge techniques.

Harpenden Common Golf Club hosts the `Getting Ready for 2020` seminar – which attracts four BIGGA CPD credits – on 14 November amid major strides forward for soil biology in golf course management and tougher EU controls on chemical applications.

The removal of ever more chemicals permitted for use demands a radical rethink on traditional methods of course management and time is running out to put more eco-friendly practices in place.

Are You Ready For The Sports Turf Challenges Of 2020?

Outlining the principles of soil biology, Joel will discuss the functions, roles and interactions of soil life in golf greens – introducing key groups of organisms in the soil ecosystem.

He then moves on to cover how to advance soil biology and leverage the most from turf soils by understanding total, exchangeable and soluble nutrient pools – delegates also learning of the biological link to foliar-applied inputs.

After lunch, Joel tackles the future of integrated pest management (IPM) concluding with a considered view of the frontiers of soil biology, turf health and sustainable, resilient golf greens.

Rooted in results, Harpenden Common General Manager Terry Crump will reveal how the club has successfully applied soil biology within its course management strategy.

Sponsored and developed by Soil Biology Ltd, `Getting ready for 2020` will deliver `must-hear` knowledge and insight into what is a rapidly developing sector of turf care and is tailored for course managers, head greenkeepers and deputies.

Reserve your place now by contacting paul@soil-biology.co.uk or phoning 01959 564690.

For the latest industry news visit turfnews.co.uk

Get all of the big headlines, pictures, opinions and videos on stories that matter to you.

Follow us on Twitter for fun, fresh and engaging content.

You can also find us on Facebook for more of your must-see news, features, videos and pictures from Turf Matters.

B.E.S.T Horticulture at SALTEX 2017

in , /by

The B.E.S.T in Horticulture Group consists of:

  1. B.E.S.T. in Horticulture Limited – “Delivering fully supported distance and blended learning in horticulture” www.bestinhorticulture.co.uk
  2. The Academy of Practical Horticulture (Limited) – “Delivering Practical Skills to Gardeners and Professional Horticulturlists” www.academyofpracticalhorticulture.co.uk

B.E.S.T Horticulture at SALTEX 2017
Our first year at Saltex! At B.E.S.T we offer bespoke education and specialist training in horticulture designed to meet the needs of our clients, their staff and stakeholders.

We offer:

  • Certificates of Competence training and assessment. For all our COC’s we only offer City & Guilds NPTC qualifications as we believe them to be superior to those offered by other  Awarding Bodies in terms of content, rigour of  assessment and the quality assurance processes that underpin them
  • Full programmes of study for example; The Level 2 and  Level 3 Royal Horticultural Society theory and practical qualifications leading to the Level 2 and Level 3 diplomas
  • The Certificate in Organic Horticulture validated by Garden Organic
  • Garden design
  • An extensive range of short courses
  • Bespoke courses specifically developed to meet individual requirements

For the latest industry news visit turfnews.co.uk

Get all of the big headlines, pictures, opinions and videos on stories that matter to you.

Follow us on Twitter for fun, fresh and engaging content.

You can also find us on Facebook for more of your must-see news, features, videos and pictures from Turf Matters.

New Holland at SALTEX 2017

in , /by

New Holland to showcase compact tractors at this year’s Saltex event

New Holland will be showcasing its expertise in ground care, sports, amenities, estates, and green space management machinery at this year’s Saltex event. The Company will profile its compact BoomerTMtractor models, displaying the Boomer 25 ROPS with mid-mounted mower deck and Boomer 40 CAB with front-linkage, on stand at the two-day event held at the Birmingham NEC on 1st and 2nd November.

New Holland to showcase compact tractors at this year’s Saltex event

Boomer Tractors

The New Holland compact Boomer tractor range offers five models with power outputs ranging from 23 to 47 hp delivered by quiet, fuel-efficient three and four-cylinder engines. These compact but powerful tractors are responsive, efficient, comfortable, and built to make your job easier. All models across the range have unique features that keep you comfortable while saving you time and money.

Boomer tractors are well suited to a variety of tasks, from installation and maintenance of turf, to landscaping and hardscaping. It’s the ideal tractor for small landowners, municipalities, and contractors providing ground maintenance.

All Boomer models have powerful electro-hydraulically engaged rear, and optional mid, PTOs capable of lifting up to 1250 kg, allowing for the use of a wide range of powered implements.

The controls are well positioned, and colour-coded, whilst the seat and steering wheel are easily adjustable to suit different operators.

Beyond the Boomer range, New Holland offers larger amenities-adaptable tractors with higher horsepower and more lift capacity in the T4 and T5 ranges.

T4 Range

When it comes to more demanding tasks, the T4 range of tractors has been designed to further enhance your ground care and maintenance operations. With a whole host of deluxe options and powerful engines offering from 84 to 114 hp, the T4 is ideal for those who require high quality workhorses.

New Holland, has designed the T4 with the operator in mind, and now offers an even wider choice of transmissions. Every task has different requirements, and New Holland offers tried and tested solutions to improve your efficiency.

New Holland has anticipated the need for high levels of efficiency combined with operational flexibility. The T4 is fully compatible with New Holland’s AP and L series range of front loaders, and you no longer have to choose between the front loader and front linkage, with the T4 you can have both.

With optional turf tyres, the T4 is suitable for many amenity, landscaping and grounds maintenance tasks.

T5 Range

For those wanting competitive pricing without compromising on horsepower, New Holland offers the T5 Utility models, which provide between 75 and 114 hp. All five models in the range can include the manufacturer’s 24×24 Dual Command transmission and can be specified with turf tyres.

Loader-ready, the T5 provides lift capacity of up to 2,539 kg and a lifting height of up to 3.7 m. Optional front linkage offers maximum versatility when using implements and the Heavy Duty front axel, available on the T5.95, 105 and 115, has a greater load carrying capacity. The T5 range also boasts an impressive 4,400 kg rear lift capacity with a second assist ram, for maximum versatility.

For the latest industry news visit turfnews.co.uk

Get all of the big headlines, pictures, opinions and videos on stories that matter to you.

Follow us on Twitter for fun, fresh and engaging content.

You can also find us on Facebook for more of your must-see news, features, videos and pictures from Turf Matters.

Makita UK Supports Operation Airlift Caribbean

in , /by

Makita UK Supports Operation Airlift Caribbean: Specialist disaster relief charity DART International UK, the response team of volunteer British arborists, has again deployed teams to the stricken Caribbean in the wake of Hurricane Irma which hit the region early in September. 

This, one of the most powerful and catastrophic Atlantic Ocean hurricanes recorded, has claimed many lives, destroyed homes, schools and hospitals, and has accounted for mass evacuation in the face of life threatening wind impact.  Just days later, Hurricane Maria followed the same path of destruction.   Flying initially to Barbados, then directly on to mountainous Dominica, 90% destroyed, the DART team began a two-week mission to aid the relief campaign so urgently needed, with a second team following a fortnight later.

Makita UK Supports Operation Airlift Caribbean

“Getting to the scene promptly is essential to assist with the clearing of fallen trees on roads and the repair of other vital infrastructure.  This is an immediate priority which allows rescue organisations and aid agencies to operate more safely and effectively,” says Jenny Long, a volunteer and wife of a DART member.

“Local community leaders and volunteers really value the service our teams deliver, but more importantly they’ve demonstrated an appetite for learning the skills themselves.  From previous deployments we learned that by delivering training and donating essential items such as chainsaws, timber milling equipment and personal protective equipment we could help rebuild livelihoods and make some of the most vulnerable communities in the world more resilient to future disasters.  The situation in the Caribbean is exactly what we are trained to deal with.”

DART responders are all professionally qualified and experienced arborists who also bring a wealth of additional skills. Volunteers include paramedics, trainers, engineers and former military personnel offering skills that are very relevant to the complex challenges of helping communities to recover from a natural disaster.

Makita UK, a main sponsor of the charity, says: “DART personnel are fully equipped with Makita chainsaws that are robust enough to cope with the challenges they have to face during these critical times and wherever they are assisting in the world.”

Before DART return to the UK they will carry out a 4-day programme of chainsaw and clearance training for 18 members of the Dominican Fire Department using equipment donated by sponsors Makita UK and PPE by Fletcher Stewart Stein.  Makita UK has agreed to DART’s request to donate the chainsaws to the local community when they leave Dominica.

During this training the fire fighters have experienced the assembly of saws, fuel mixing, safety features, work positioning, risk assessment, basic cross cutting, tension and compression, manual handling and first aid for arborists.

BBC’s The One Show, who sent a production crew to travel to Dominica with the second DART deployment, will be airing a series of reports featuring the charity’s work on the island during next week’s programmes.

For more information about DART International UK visit www.dartinternational.co.uk and to donate to the charity please visit their Just Giving page www.justgiving.com/dartinternationaluk/donate

For more news and product information about Makita UK please visit www.makitauk.com.

For the latest industry news visit turfnews.co.uk

Get all of the big headlines, pictures, opinions and videos on stories that matter to you.

Follow us on Twitter for fun, fresh and engaging content.

You can also find us on Facebook for more of your must-see news, features, videos and pictures from Turf Matters.