Orbit praises Pellenc’s green credentials

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Orbit praises Pellenc’s green credentials: Orbit, one of the UK’s leading housing providers, has invested in a large fleet of battery powered Pellenc equipment, from dealer RT Machinery, to meet its low noise and carbon emissions requirements.

Orbit is one of the largest housing groups in the country with a growing property portfolio of over 45,000 homes spanning the Midlands, east and south. Green objectives are at the forefront of its agenda; from construction to day to day operational management of its properties, efficient use of resources is a key consideration.

Orbit praises Pellenc’s green credentials

Orbit praises Pellenc’s green credentials

Through its Orbit Earth initiative, the company aims to take responsibility for its impact on the environment, take action to reduce this impact and embed more sustainable practices throughout the business.

Rhys Warwick, an Estates Team Manager for Orbit, was asked to investigate the procurement of new machinery to complement its Orbit Earth initiative. He started researching battery powered groundscare equipment which would be able to withstand the heavy demands of commercial use and quickly found that it was a limited market – until he discovered Pellenc.

“I was looking specifically at commercially viable equipment rather than domestic tools and found that actually the market was very limited,” he said. “We looked at a lot of manufacturers and the equipment was extremely limited in terms of the running times and the warranty we’d like from commercial equipment.”

“Fortunately, we came across Pellenc at SALTEX 2019 and were really impressed at the design, the running times and pretty much everything about that equipment. It was probably one of the only brands we had seen that was really and truly commercially viable with the running times you would need to have a good full day’s work in grounds maintenance.”

A forerunner when it comes to lithium-ion technology, Pellenc has established itself as the number one choice in the ‘zero emission’ professional power tools market for the maintenance of urban and green-spaces.

Light, odourless, noise-free, with no starting problems and enough power to enable professional users to work for a full day on a single charge, it’s no wonder more and more professional users are turning to Pellenc. It is an attractive alternative to those who have, for several years, been relying on fuel-based machinery.

Not only will users see a huge amount of savings by eliminating the necessity of purchasing fuel but by using the Pellenc equipment, they will be contributing to protecting the environment by reducing the consumption of fossil fuels and noise pollution.

After seeing the Pellenc equipment at SALTEX 2019, a demonstration day was organised, and Orbit ordered a fleet consisting of Rasion Easy mowers, City Cut brushcutters, Excelion strimmers, Selion chainsaws, Arion blowers and the powerful ULiB 1500 batteries. Over a three-year period, the equipment will continue to be incorporated into Orbit’s operations – as Rhys explains.

“I would say that in three years’ time, 95% of our groundscare equipment will be electric, and all of that will be exclusively Pellenc.

“One of the main factors behind choosing the Pellenc equipment was from a health and safety point of view – in terms of the low vibrations, the noise reduction, more savings in fuel and less Co2. There are so many benefits for the user but also for the public. We operate in residential areas and our independent living sites have an elderly population – so in these areas the low noise levels and the minimal disturbance will be beneficial.

“Our operatives have been extremely impressed with the running time of the 1500 battery. They have commented on being able to get round several sites, sometimes not needing a charge for two days. The batteries also hold their charge between use as well.”

Pellenc UK recently announced the launch of an industry leading four-year commercial warranty for all batteries and three-year warranty for all tools – something which further impressed Rhys.

“It shows us that they have great confidence in their equipment, and it gives us confidence too,” he said. “They wouldn’t provide such a good length of warranty on something they didn’t think could withstand the rigours of commercial use. It certainly gave us peace of mind.

“Ultimately, Pellenc equipment has the commercial bite needed to meet our environmental aspirations.”

The complete range of Pellenc equipment purchase by Orbit was supplied by official dealer RT Machinery and area sales manager Scott Reynolds.

Pellenc products are exclusively distributed in the UK 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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Richard Peel delivers on new bowls contract

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Richard Peel delivers on new bowls contract: Richard Peel Groundcare have become the latest name on the growing list of sports turf contractors to take delivery of an INFINICUT® FX pedestrian mower.

Complete with an UltraGroomer™ cassette from the TMSystem™ range, this new setup will help Richard and his team deliver on a brand-new bowls maintenance contract.

Richard Peel delivers on new bowls contract

Richard Peel delivers on new bowls contract

Undertaking pitch maintenance and renovations for football clubs at all levels, Owner Richard Peel prides himself on using ‘industry leading machinery to deliver the best possible results to each individual customer’. That was why, when the company won a new contract to maintain five bowling greens in the Manchester area, there was only one mower in contention to deliver the desired results. “We’d had always been impressed with the INFINICUT® when we had seen it at industry trade shows” explains Richard, “and it was clear from posts on social media that it was going to tick a lot of boxes for us.”

After a successful demonstration, Richard took delivery of his new 22” INFINICUT® Fixed Head mower in June 2020, from local dealer Balmers GM. “From an environmental point of view, the battery is major plus – not just as a cleaner source of energy, but the reduction in noise and vibration issues for the operator. HAV is a massive industry-wide issue, causing long-lasting damage to those using machinery on a daily basis. It’s something I’m really passionate about reducing with every piece of equipment I buy.”

One operative on Richard’s team takes care of the eight greens they now maintain, each cut twice a week. “I’ve received nothing but positive feedback, particularly how lightweight the unit is, how easy it is to set-up, adjust and control and the fantastic cut quality.” The range of interchangeable TMSystem™ cassette options was another influential factor in the purchase of the INFINICUT®, enabling the team to conduct different operations throughout the maintenance calendar. “We also purchased the UltraGroomer™ cassette which we will use on the greens once a month, to keep on top of any lateral growth and thatch accumulations. This should mean we won’t then have to conduct more invasive removal operations come the end of the season.”

Delighted with his purchase, Richard concludes, “This combination of equipment now puts us in the best position to keep the greens healthy, playing well and looking at their best throughout the year.”

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Golf clubs urged to get sun savvy

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Golf clubs urged to get sun savvy: The Slip! Slap! Swing! sun protection campaign for golf launched last year, and is back on the 15th June with a new challenge.  The Melanoma Fund – the charity behind the campaign – aims to get 500 golf clubs in the UK and Ireland ‘Sun Protection Accredited’ in 2020.

Supported by 11 leading golf organisations* their mission will be to transform sun protection in golf to tackle the rapid rise of melanoma and other forms of skin cancer within the sport.

Golf clubs urged to get sun savvy

Golf clubs urged to get sun savvy

Rationale

Rates of melanoma – the most dangerous form of skin cancer – have more than doubled in the UK in the last 30 years, with incidence in women having doubled (100% increase) and for men nearly tripled (181%).  It is one of our fastest rising cancers, and although still higher in older people, rates in 25-49 year olds increased by 70% over the same period*. Global cases will reach nearly half a million (466,914) by 2040, an increase of 62% on 2018 figures.

Getting involved

Skin cancer is however preventable, and by becoming Sun Protection Accredited, clubs can help members and all staff improve their sun protection habits and knowledge.  Supported with free resources and up-to-date advice, involvement is quick, easy and achieved by pledging five actions:

  1. Nominate a Sun Pro Ambassador; promoting the campaign to members/staff.
  2. Add a sun protection statement to Terms & Conditions of play/Health & Safety policy.
  3. Display awareness posters and promote the campaign internally, and externally on socials.
  4. Ensure sunscreen is available in the club, either for sale or for complimentary use.
  5. Display the Sun Protection Accreditation logo – both digitally and in the club

A golfer like me

Golfers affected by all types of skin cancer have come forward to tell their stories, encouraging others to understand the reality of skin cancer and how it can affect anyone. They have also worked with the campaign’s ambassador; PGA Pro Jamie Cundy to produce a number of short videos which will launch throughout June on social media.

Say’s Michelle Baker, CEO of the Melanoma Fund; “Small, measurable actions by many, help create big impact, so if we can reach 500 golf clubs, we will help wake golf up to the issue, and achieve a massive strike against skin cancer this year.”

To help smooth the fairway to success, all participating clubs will receive free sunscreen* and support in promoting their work, to help keep them motivated and sun savvy throughout the summer”.

For further information visit the Melanoma Fund’s Slip! Slap! Swing! campaign at www.melanoma-fund.co.uk/golf #SlipSlapSwing20

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JCB’s government backed loans

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JCB’s government backed loans: JCB Finance has been accredited by the British Business Bank to provide the Government Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS) – designed to support the continued provision of finance to UK smaller businesses (SMEs) during the COVID-19 outbreak.

From 17th June, JCB Finance’s new and existing customers, who need to invest in JCB equipment or non-competitive machinery made by other manufacturers, but have concerns about the impact of Coronavirus on their cash flow, will be able to apply for a CBILS-backed hire purchase facility.  The fixed rate facility will have a 6 month payment pause, then 48 monthly instalments with the British Business Bank paying the interest during the first 12 months.

JCB's government backed loans

JCB’s government backed loans

JCB Finance Managing Director Paul Jennings said: “With over 10,000 SME customers across construction, industry and agriculture, JCB Finance is well placed to help get the funding where it’s needed and help support businesses as they experience lost or deferred revenues because of COVID-19.

“JCB Finance has built a strong reputation for supporting businesses through good times and bad over its 50 years of trading, so becoming one of the latest partners of the British Business Bank to deliver the loans is great news.

“When the outbreak began, we were swift to mobilise our resources to facilitate a pre-approved emergency payment pause so that our customers could take advantage of initial relief without delay.  This accreditation means we can go further than that and help UK businesses to return to work.  It is in everyone’s interests to support businesses in weathering this storm and help them bounce back.”

For details on the CBILS-backed HP available via JCB Finance, including how to apply https://www.jcb-finance.co.uk.

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Ninja or Samurai?

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Ninja or Samurai?: Agronomic Services announce the distribution of these top-quality Ninja and Samurai tines. Named after the Ninja as there is virtually no disturbance to play, as the core diameter of these tines is only 4mm.

Simply Tine, Blow, Roll and play can commence, saving time and money. This is a viable alternative to aggressive coring.

Ninja or Samurai?

Ninja or Samurai?

Machined using a single piece of finest steel which offers reliability, longevity, and strength, just like a Samurai sword.

Ninja or Samurai – Why

Why do we need to Micro Core?

Because it removes organic matter/thatch.

This will allow the turf to expand, so this creates aeration into the surface, with all of the benefits of aeration. Micro Coring produces a firm putting surface and also reduces the onset of dry patch. In addition, there is minimal disruption when using a micro core tine such a Ninja or Samurai.

When would we typically micro core?

Usually this takes place in Spring and late summer. The specific design of Ninja and Samurai micro core tines has the advantage of immediate playability, they can be used at any time of the year due the minimal disruption to the greens.

Also, micro core tines are great to use when over seeding.

How do we utilize micro core tines?

Due to the design and dimensions, Ninja and Samurai tines fit into Toro and John Deere quad blocks. The aim is to remove the top 20-50mm of organic matter/thatch.

The process is very simple, tine, followed by blowing, mowing, rolling and the minimal disruption of the surface ensures players can immediately enjoy the golf greens. Green keeping with the stealth of a Ninja!

This is much more efficient, for manpower and due to the quality of the steel typically lasting up to two hectares it is cost effective for the Course Manager. This is a viable alternative to aggressive coring which is much more stressful to the plant and requires a significant recovery time.

So, Ninja or Samurai?

Introducing Ninja and Samurai Tines

The Ninja and Samurai tine is now available to customers in the UK and Europe from Agronomics Services Ltd. These superior quality tines are precision tool engineered specifically for golf course putting greens.

The tines are machined from a single piece of the finest Japanese steel, the one-piece construction and design offers surpassing reliability and longevity, similar to that of a samurai sword!

In order to achieve high durability the balance of the hardness and the toughness is extremely important. Toughness of the metal is gained through the quenching process, more frequent tempering and quenching will lower the hardness of the metal. This unique expertise and technique is derived from the traditional method to manufacture Japanese swords.

Ninja or Samurai?

Ninja or Samurai?

Specific to Ninja Tines are their unique shape with dual tips that wear evenly and have proven extremely durable.

Unlike a traditional coring tine which is driven deep, to fracture the soil and create pathways for water movement, Samurai and Ninja Tines were designed to work in the organic layer only, therefore 40-50mm depth. For the removal of organic material only and not exceeding 50mm means that greens are immediately available for play.

The advantage with a micro-core aeration tine is the minimal stress to the turf and minimal surface disruption, you can tine like a Ninja and your golfers will never know you were there!

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