Tributes to devoted groundsman

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Tributes to devoted groundsman: Tributes have been paid to a groundsman who devoted his life to the football and cricket clubs he lovingly served.

John Marston, who was groundsman at Mundford Football Club and Mundford Cricket Club, died on May 13 at the age of 76.

Tributes to devoted groundsman

Tributes to devoted groundsman

Employed throughout his working life by the Forestry Commission, Mr Marston began playing for both teams during the 1960s.

As a cricketer he boasted sublime batting technique and a vicious turning leg break, while in footballing terms he enjoyed a fruitful playing career and later became a much-admired referee.

But Mr Marston will be best remembered for his dedication to the running of the clubs and their facilities, serving as an award-winning groundsman for several decades.

Trevor Mouncer, chairman of Mundford FC, knew Mr Marston for almost 50 years and the pair were firm friends.

“John was never married so his family was basically the football and cricket clubs – he devoted his life to them,” said Mr Mouncer.

“Myself, John, and Doug Rolph have been involved with the football club for many years and we’ve been called ‘Last of the Summer Wine’. We’d meet two or three times a week, work on the pitch, have a cup of tea and talk about absolutely nothing.

“We always had so much fun and two of us would always be laughing our heads off at the other. From that point of view John will be greatly missed.”

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2020 emergency authorisation for Acelepryn

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2020 emergency authorisation for Acelepryn: The Emergency Authorisation for the use of the Syngenta insecticide, Acelepryn, for the control of chafer grubs has been reapproved for the 2020 season.

This season, the initial chafer grub specific authorisation permits use of Acelepryn on affected greens, tees and fairways, along with horse race courses and airfields. The treatment period is up until 30 August 2020.

2020 emergency authorisation for Acelepryn

2020 emergency authorisation for Acelepryn

An Emergency Authorisation has also been submitted for the treatment of leatherjacket infestations, which would enable application through to the end of October.

This extended dual authorisation approach would enable turf managers and agronomists to more effectively cover the wider window for key chafer grub and leatherjacket treatment timings – which coincide with the pests’ egg hatch and initial larval activity.

Chafer grubs and leatherjackets cause damage to turf through extensive feeding on roots, which can be severe in localised patches. Surface stability, where grubs have chewed through turf roots, is of hugely significant concern for race courses.

Furthermore, extreme damage can occur in all turf surfaces when badgers, birds and other foragers root through turf in search of the grubs.

The Emergency Authorisation permits Acelepryn use in situations where there is an acknowledged instance of economic damage, or risk of bird strike on airfields, and where the product has been recommended by a BASIS qualified agronomist.

This season, for the first time, Acelepryn users will be able to submit online stewardship records of areas treated, via the ICL website: https://bit.ly/AceleprynStewardshipForm2020

”Over recent seasons the economic damage from chafer grubs and leatherjackets has been of major and increasing concern,” reported Syngenta Business Manager, Daniel Lightfoot. “Obtaining this Emergency Authorisation of Acelepryn enables us to manage the most damaging effects of these soil pests as part of an integrated turf management programme.”

Daniel advocates the best results have been achieved with applications when young larvae are actively feeding near the soil surface. “It’s crucial to use higher water volumes, using the white O8 XC Nozzle to target the spray through to the soil surface,” he advised. “Irrigation will help to move the spray into the target zone.”

The authorised label permits application at the rate of 0.6 litres per hectare, applied in 500-1000 l/ha water.

An on-line turf pest ID guide, to aid the identification of adult stages of key target soil pests and target application timing, is now available on the Syngenta GreenCast website. The allied Pest Tracker on-line reporting system is also building a picture of pest activity across the UK and Ireland, to anticipate issues and aid application timing.

For further information on best use guidelines where chafer grubs and leatherjackets have caused economically damaging effects contact an ICL Area Manager or BASIS agronomist:

ICL Area Managers for Acelepryn enquiries:
Scotland

Jamie Lees

jamie.lees@icl-group.com

07500 992464

 North/East

Craig Lalley

craig.lalley@icl-group.com

07824 528252
Midlands/West

Emma Kilby

emma.kilby@icl-group.com

07748 111965

 South East/East London

Andrew Pledger

andrew.pledger@icl-group.com

07387 056659
South/London/Channel Islands

Darren Hatcher

darren.hatcher @icl-group.com

07787 697684

 South West/West London

Nick Martin

nick.martin@icl-group.com

07900 666691
North West

Phil Collinson

phil.collinson@icl-group.com

07824 473699

 South/Central

Matt Nutter

matthew.nutter@icl-group.com

07810 656240

 

Alternatively contact Syngenta UK Technical Manager:
Glenn Kirby

glenn.kirby@syngenta.com

07483 333964

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Baggleys announced as Pellenc dealer

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Baggleys announced as Pellenc dealer: Baggleys Machinery have recently been appointed as an authorised dealer for the full range of Pellenc professional battery powered equipment.

Baggleys Machinery is a family run business based in Norfolk owned by Solly Mansfield. Solly’s wife Fiona and their two sons, Toby and Oliver, are also integral to the company. He started the business working from home in 2001 and over recent years the Mansfield family have seen it significantly grow.

Baggleys announced as Pellenc dealer

Baggleys announced as Pellenc dealer

“It’s one of those stories where you start in the garden shed and work your way up,” said Solly.

The company has indeed reached new heights. After its humble beginnings, Baggleys Machinery now occupies a six-acre site and has eight members of staff. The success of the company has been based on providing their customers with quality products and a first-class aftersales service.

No stranger to working with leading brands, Solly is particularly pleased after adding the Pellenc range to the company’s extensive portfolio of products.

“I had been interested in Pellenc equipment for quite a while,” he said. “I actually had a hands-on demonstration a long time ago when Pellenc was first introduced into the country. I was instantly impressed but unfortunately at that time I didn’t have the customer base that I have now and was not in a position to take it on. So now I’m really pleased to finally be offering Pellenc to our customers.”

Over recent years, Pellenc has gained market recognition by offering a unique range of ‘zero emission’ battery-powered tools, thanks to the development of Lithium-ion ultra-high performance batteries.

This exclusive Pellenc technology allows for a drastic reduction in the production of greenhouse gases and noise pollution. It is also comfortable for users, meets new sustainable development demands and offers excellent economic profitability. With a record capacity of up to one day’s use on a single charge, these quality products are a perfect fit for Baggleys.

“The battery run time on the Pellenc equipment far exceeds anything else on the market,” continued Solly. “The feedback from customers has already been incredible and many of them have commented on the fact that they are now able to start their jobs earlier. They can now start to cut a hedge or strim straight away, whereas with their petrol machines they wouldn’t be able to use it, say at 7am, due to the noise disturbance.

“The other thing is that a lot of my customers who were previously operating small handheld petrol hedge trimmers were starting to get a bit queasy from the exhaust fumes whereas the Pellenc machines are clean and healthy to use.”

Baggleys Machinery will distributing the complete Pellenc range which includes chainsaws, blowers, hedge cutters, pole saws, road sweepers, grass strimmers and mowers, and Solly has already seen a demand for the products from the likes of local authorities, hospitals, universities and contractors.

It is a sign of the times according to Solly as the industry continues to embrace battery powered equipment. Furthermore, he believes that once people understand just how cost effective they can be, then even more people will be turning to the innovative and environmentally friendly technology.

“The big hurdle for people to get over is the initial cost,” he said. “But what they do not take into consideration is the petrol that is being bought every week to run their two-stoke machines. With the battery powered equipment, you do not have that expense – ever.

“I think I’m right in saying that the break-even point with the Pellenc equipment is 18 months. So, if people can see past that initial cost then they will realise that the Pellenc equipment is far more cost effective long-term – because there are no running costs.”

Pellenc is exclusively distributed in the UK and Ireland by Etesia UK.

For further information, please contact Etesia UK on 01295 680120 or visit www.pellencuk.com

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

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Bobcat E10e helps uncover archaeological secrets

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Bobcat E10e helps uncover archaeological secrets: A new Bobcat E10e mini-excavator, the world’s first battery-powered machine of its type in the one tonne and below category, has been utilised for its low noise and zero emissions on a prestigious archaeological dig, exploring the ruins of a castle in the town of Ricany near Prague in the Czech Republic.

The romantic-looking castle ruins where the E10e has been working stand in the very centre of Ricany and date from the second half of the 13th century. After the site was evaluated by archaeologists, the operator of the battery-powered E10e excavator was faced with a clear goal – helping to find the castle’s moat and any other historically valuable finds that would help determine the size of the original castle. This involved an in-depth exploration in the garden of one of the buildings adjoining the castle ruins. The task was to dig a main reconnaissance trench with a length of 57 m and another 16 metre long verification trench.

Bobcat E10e helps uncover archaeological secrets

Bobcat E10e helps uncover archaeological secrets

The work was carried out by an experienced Bobcat machine demonstrator, Tomáš Mrkvička, who said: “These very special excavations require the utmost caution. The soil must be removed literally centimetre by centimetre. It is similar to a knife scraping over butter. For actions where it is important not to damage what could possibly be in the excavation, the operator’s feel and touch are irreplaceable.” To ensure that any archaeological excavations were not damaged, the teeth were removed from the bucket at the beginning. Fortunately, the surface of the area being surveyed was not too hard, so it allowed this fine technique to work.

Bobcat E10e in the Role of Discoverer

It turned out that the archaeologists were right to be cautious. After only a few hours of work, the E10e uncovered the point where the soil mixed with the original masonry of the castle. Excavating was immediately stopped and experts from the local museum were called in to investigate the site further and they were surprised to find that the E10e had in fact encountered the remains of an old cellar. “The cellar may be up to 500 years old,” said Jan Boukal, a historian from the Ricany Museum.

Whilst the excavator weighs only one tonne and its weight is evenly distributed over the entire track area, it was still decided that after discovering the cellar, archaeologists would dig only by hand in this area. With the cellar vault located only tens of centimetres below the surface, there was a real danger of it collapsing. Instead, the Bobcat E10e continued to dig along pre-marked lines on another reconnaissance excavation elsewhere on the site.

“The use of a one tonne excavator in combination with an experienced operator proved to be very far-sighted due to the discovery of the ancient cellar,” said Petr Frank from the Municipal Office in Ricany. “We are pleased that we were the first in the Czech Republic to have a chance to try a zero-emission, battery-powered excavator in Ricany. In addition, the ability to communicate seamlessly with experts during excavations due to the low machine noise was extremely useful and efficient. I assume that we will see electric machines more and more often in the centres of towns and villages in the future.“

Electromobility and emission reductions are very important topics today worldwide and alternative drives are being gradually introduced to achieve this in construction machinery. Doosan Bobcat is one of the pioneers in this industry and began producing the E10e last year at the company’s plant in Dobris in the Czech Republic.

The range of applications for this type of excavator is wide – although it is primarily intended for demolition indoors. It is ideal for many other areas where zero emission and low noise machines are required. Examples include construction and refurbishment in city centres, night work or meeting the requirements for work in low-noise locations such as schools, hospitals, shopping centres, etc.

First in Class

The Bobcat E10e is the world’s first battery-powered one tonne mini-excavator that combines zero emissions, low noise and a width of just 71 cm, allowing it to easily drive through doors or to lift the machine. The excavator is equipped with a modern lithium-ion maintenance-free battery with an advanced control system that is designed to fit the size of a standard machine and maintain zero ZTS overlap.

The Bobcat E10e can work for up to five hours on a single charge depending on the application. With the optional external 400 V quick charger, the battery can be recharged to 80% capacity in less than two hours. This allows the E10e to work throughout the working day when used with normal breaks. The battery can also be fully charged overnight with an integrated 230 V mains charger.

The E10e battery-powered model is built on the same platform and produced on exactly the same production line as the highly successful E10z diesel engine powered mini-excavator, over 11000 of which have been produced so far. This line currently has a capacity of 2000 machines per year and can produce diesel and battery-powered models as required by current market demand.

Róbert Husár, Doosan Bobcat EMEA Director for the mini-excavator product line, said: “The E10e is only the beginning of our efforts to expand our portfolio of alternative-drive machines. In the future, customers will also be able to look forward to high-end innovations, as well as other product lines, such as skid-steer loaders and track loaders.”

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

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Doosan strengthens Middle East dealer network

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Doosan strengthens Middle East dealer network: Doosan Portable Power (DPP) has appointed Muscat-based General Engineering Services LLC (Genserv) as the Authorised Dealer for the Doosan generator and lighting tower ranges in the Sultanate of Oman. Genserv joins a high class network of 11 very professional DPP dealers in 10 countries in the Middle East. 

As an Authorised Dealer, Genserv supplies the complete range of DPP generators for the Middle East providing prime power outputs from 20 to 850 kVA. These diesel-powered generators are used wherever there is a need for electrical power, especially in areas where a public grid supply is unavailable, not powerful enough or even unreliable. Designed for use in higher temperature and more remote locations, DPP generators meet not only prime power production requirements, but also temporary/stand-by or more extended needs.

Doosan strengthens Middle East dealer network

Doosan strengthens Middle East dealer network

Alongside the generators, Genserv is selling the Doosan LCV6-50Hz portable light tower. Designed for reliability and durability, the LCV light tower is ideal for providing lighting on road and bridge construction sites, all general construction applications as well providing lighting for special events, emergency and disaster relief, oil and gas drilling and for mining and quarrying locations.

General Engineering Services LLC (Genserv)

Genserv provides a wide range of solutions for customers in all areas of industry in Oman, including the construction, mechanical, power and warehousing sectors. The company started as a dealer for engine spare parts in 1982. After nearly four decades, Genserv continues to be Oman’s leading construction equipment dealer.

Genserv believes a key part of the success of all of the high quality products the company represents is the aftersales service the dealer provides. For this reason, Genserv aims to maintain a high percentage of spare parts availability, ensuring minimum downtime and enabling customers to keep plant and machinery operating and productive.

Mustafa El Bawab, General Manager of Genserv, said: “We are delighted to be appointed as the Authorised Dealer for DPP generators and light towers in Oman. Adding another high quality brand to our expanding portfolio allows us to offer even more solutions for customers in Oman and we look forward to a long and rewarding relationship with DPP for many years to come.”

Olivier Rasmont, DPP Director for Europe, the Middle East and Africa, added: “Genserv represents a very exciting expansion of the DPP dealer network for the Middle East. We are very impressed with the way Genserv does business – I am confident it will be a successful relationship for both companies and our customers in Oman.”

Doosan Generators and Lighting Towers for the Middle East

The Doosan Portable Power range of generators comprises a wide choice of models from 20 to 850 kVA, available in both 50 Hz and 60 Hz versions. As well as construction, rental, industry and agriculture, the DPP portfolio also covers a much wider audience such as home standby, telecommunications and back-up power for small businesses.

The Doosan LCV6-50Hz light tower has a compact footprint for increased jobsite mobility and cost-effective transport. The LCV6 light tower features a Kubota engine paired with a high output 6 kW alternator, providing light and power concurrently with a class-leading run-time of 105 hours.

Doosan Portable Power 

Part of the Doosan Bobcat business unit, Doosan Portable Power offers one of the most comprehensive portable power product ranges for the Middle East region. The range includes generators, portable compressors and lighting products as well as construction tools such as air-powered chipping hammers, pickhammers, jackhammers and paving breakers. All DPP products are built to withstand the rigours of everyday applications in the toughest conditions found in the Middle East market.

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