Track Turf Pests This Summer

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Track Turf Pests This Summer: The new Turf Pest Tracker will follow the timing and movement of the adult life cycle stages of key turf pests this summer, to get a better picture of when and where the pests are flying.

The GreenCast website enables all turf managers and agronomists to report activity of the main chafer species and crane fly, using their phone, tablet or computer. Sightings are instantly recorded on maps, giving the chance to visually check out the level of pest presence reported in any local area.

Track Turf Pests This Summer

Turf Pest Tracker is supported by an on-line pest identification and lifecycle guide, along with information to tailor an effective Integrated Pest Management programme.

Chafer grubs and leatherjacket soil pests can result in severe damage to turf roots and surface quality, along with extensive damage from their predators uprooting turf.

Highlighting the value of Turf Pest Tracker for the industry, Syngenta Technical Manager, Glenn Kirby, said: “Accurate identification and knowing your target soil pest life-cycle is essential for an effective integrated control programme and optimum timing of controls.”

He believes live tracking of adult pest activity will give a valuable early warning of potential soil pest activity and where problems may strike.

“Changing climatic trends have blurred the historic east/west split, which typically saw chafers more prevalent the east and leatherjackets more common in the west.

Track Turf Pests This Summer

“Also, changes in weather patterns – along with the adapting life-cycle of the insects – have further complicated predicting pest activity.”

Glenn pointed out that last season, for example, the intense heat and dry conditions appeared to delay the emergence of crane fly – the adult stage of leatherjackets – for up to a month later than the July/August norm. Crane fly were even reported emerging and on the wing in October, making it difficult to target control of resulting larvae.

“The more people that get involved with Turf Pest Tracker, the clearer the picture the industry will have to tackle the issues,” he added.

Turf Pest Tracker is available to report and view insect activity on the Syngenta GreenCast website, www.greencast.co.uk Updates and information will be regularly shared on Twitter: @syngentaturfuk #PestTracker

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Fynn Valley Upgrade With Jacobsen

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Fynn Valley Upgrade With Jacobsen: Fynn Valley Golf Club has purchased a fleet of five new Jacobsen mowers, four E-Z-GO RXV golf buggies and a Cushman Truckster XD from Bartram Mowers as part of their continued improvement of the club.

The family owned & run Ipswich based golf club has undergone an ambitious and forward-thinking modernisation process, with their impressive, purpose-built Café Terrace and Club House opening in October 2018.

Fynn Valley Upgrade With Jacobsen

As part of the improvements, the club brought in Ian Lloyd, a graduate of the Future Turf Managers Initiative, as head greenkeeper. The experience he brings to the role will elevate the course quality with the new range of Jacobsen machines an important part of his plans going forward.

With his new fleet, he has already started seeing the benefits of the AdaptiShift technology on the AR331, the time saved with the unique swing out centre reel on the two GP400’s and the ease of movement with the HR500’s compact travel width.

“The big thing for us is we’ve got quite a few steep and sharp mounds, and there are a few ponds that aren’t very well positioned and can be difficult for staff to manoeuvre around and that’s where the AdaptiShift really helps us,” Ian explained.

“I’ve been using the AR331 for the last couple of days, and it just gives you more confidence that you’re going to cut everything because you don’t have to put the whole machine out there, you can send the unit out and keep the wheels on solid ground, so it really optimises safety.

“Being able to do that has saved us time, and the swing out centre reel on the two GP400’s is a game changer. No matter what machine you’re on the central unit is the most difficult to access in terms of cleaning and if you’re trying to adapt something or even just check the height of cut you almost have to be a contortionist to get in there. In the past, we’ve had people go out and you can see the central unit is off, and that’s either because they were put off from doing it properly because it’s so difficult or they’ve tried their best, and it just wasn’t the easiest to do.

Fynn Valley Upgrade With Jacobsen

“With the swing out centre unit there’s no excuse anymore, it’s just like the front units, and you can get it to an easy position, so it’s a lot easier to do the job.”

The time Ian and his team have gained from using the new fleet of Jacobsen equipment is invaluable as they aim to continue raising the standards of the course, and the elevated cut performance and machine efficiency will be a large part of that.

Another factor that has helped efficiency away from the machines is the customer service Ian received from Adrian Kersey at Bartram Mowers and William Carr and Robert Hayward at Jacobsen.

Ian explained: “Since being at the club I’ve built up a strong relationship with Adrian who was the first person I’d call when we needed something for our fleet . Due to our aged inventory customer service was key and he was always quick to help us when we needed it which was very important for us.

“We also had Jacobsen’s help getting out of a few binds last year when we only had one fairway mower. They stepped in which really helped us out and kept our maintenance programme going.

“We needed investment, and thankfully we have it now. We’re in a position where everything we’re going to be using day to day is brand-new, and it’s nice to have that confidence with this Jacobsen fleet.”

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Engcon Host Big Dig Day

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Engcon Host Big Dig Day: Engcon, the world’s leading supplier of tiltrotators, welcomed excavator operators from across the UK to its first Big Dig Day of 2019.

The event, which took place at Northamptonshire’s Wicksteed Park on the 26th and 27th of April and attracted nearly 100 visitors and their families, gave owner operators the chance to get hands-on experience with Engcon’s market-leading range of tiltrotators and hydraulic attachments.

Engcon Host Big Dig Day

The full-suite of Engcon’s products were available to test throughout the day, fitted to some of the world’s leading excavator brands, ranging in size from under 2 to over 20 tonnes. What’s more, Engcon’s team of technical experts were on hand across both days to answer any questions attendees may have had regarding the innovative product range.

One such attendee was Tom Law, operating contracts manager for Lynch Plant Hire. Speaking of the weekend, he said: “It was great to be able to attend this year’s Big Dig Day. Being able to use a machine and get a feel for the tiltrotators was really useful in seeing how versatile the products are.”

Robert Hunt, Engcon UK’s managing director, added: “It was fantastic to welcome so many excavator owners and operators, and their families, to Wicksteed Park over the weekend. While the British tiltrotator market may still be in its relative infancy, it’s clear there is a real appetite from across the UK sector to learn more about this innovative way of digging.

“We know from our experience that you need to drive a tiltrotator to fully understand the versatility and efficiency they bring to everyday digging. Watching one at a show or on YouTube is no substitute for sitting in the seat for half an hour and trying it for yourself. Being able to do this in an unpressurised environment where there is plenty of expertise on hand to answer questions – whether it’s Engcon sales or technical staff or one of our many users who were present with their machines is invaluable.”

Engcon’s full product range including tilties for diggers from 1 to 33 tonnes, hitches, hydraulic connectivity in the form of the company’s retrofittable EC-Oil system and a massive range of buckets, attachments and hydraulic tools will be on show at the forthcoming Plantworx exhibition in mid-June. There will be a significant number of new products and services on offer, with new cassette-mounted tools and show-stopping installations on active display throughout the show.

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New Pellenc Website Launched

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New Pellenc Website Launched: A brand new dedicated interactive website has been launched by Pellenc UK which showcases its vast range of market leading battery powered equipment.

The new look website is available to view on all desktops, laptops and mobile devices and will be the online reference point for all things Pellenc.

New Pellenc Website Launched

Pellenc was the world’s first manufacturer to introduce lithium-ion technology in portable power tools and has developed the most comprehensive range on the market leading the way in terms of performance, lightness and durability. The extensive range of Pellenc products from chainsaws, pole saws and hedge cutters to grass strimmers, brushcutters and mowers are available to view in the product section on the website providing a more detailed view of each product.

Users of the site can also check up on news, price lists, developments and events from Pellenc, as well as being able to find their nearest dealer.

Furthermore, current Pellenc users will have a wealth of resources at their fingertips with easy access to brochures, product tips, spare parts information and how-to videos.

To view the all-new website please visit www.pellencuk.com

Pellenc products are exclusively distributed in the UK by Etesia UK.

You can also follow Pellenc on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram @PellencUK for much more news, reviews and insightful views.

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ECHO’s New 58V Hedgetrimmer

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ECHO’s New 58V Hedgetrimmer: ECHO’s new HT-58V2AH offers petrol performance from a battery powered hedgetrimmer. The 58V hedgetrimmer has the same professional build quality as ECHO’s petrol models and is both powerful and tough. The power the Lithium-ion battery powered motor produces is equal to a petrol model’s output.  No effort is required to get started. There’s no mixing of two-stroke, filling a power tool’s tank or storing fuel. It’s just a matter of charge and go! Low noise, no emissions at the point of use and low vibration make this hedgetrimmer ideal for working in areas such as schools and nursing homes, parks, nature reserves and organic gardens.

The hedgetrimmer is lightweight and yet boasts enough power to tackle tough hedge cutting jobs. There’s a run time of 90 minutes and it comes with a quick charger to help reduce down time. The standard 2Ah battery is fully charged in just thirty minutes. The battery powers a robust, brushless electric motor that promises to be long lasting and maintenance-free because only non-wearing parts are used.

ECHO's New 58V Hedgetrimmer

ECHO’s awareness of how their products will be used is reflected in the hedgetrimmer’s design, with its ergonomic front handle for greater manoeuvrability and user comfort. Vibration in this model is also exceptionally low compared to petrol powered machines.

The 610mm double reciprocating, precision cut blades make light work of trimming and cutting. They give a cleaner cut, regardless of the angle, and are self-sharpening due to the action of the double-sided cutting teeth. Anti-jam technology also ensures continuous cutting. The extended reach of the blades reduces user effort and the need for frequent repositioning, which means greater productivity for the operator.

The ECHO HT-58V2AH hedgetrimmer is part of the new 58V range which also comprises a lawnmower, chainsaw, power blower and trimmer, with two battery types: 2Ah or 4Ah for greater run time. The hedgetrimmer uses an interchangeable Lithium-ion battery system which enables one battery to fit multiple tools.

ECHO's New 58V Hedgetrimmer

ECHO offers a one-year professional use or two-year domestic warranty on the hedgetrimmer which shows they are extremely confident in their machines. This confidence extends to the batteries themselves which have two-year warranty. Find out more from your local authorised ECHO dealer, by visiting www.echo-tools.co.uk or by calling 0800 597 7777 for more information

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