Driven by perfection

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Driven by perfection: With the renewed Roberine 302 series, the 3 Series has undergone a serious modernization. In the development of the improved 3-series, the latest insights in drive and motor technology were used. Automotive driving combined with 4WD ensures a lot of ease of use and maximum grip on any surface.

The 302 series is equipped with an electric parking brake that you can operate via the CommandArm. The addition of cruise control with memory function allows you to mow as efficiently as possible.

Driven by perfection

Driven by perfection

With a new Stage 5 engine, you comply with the latest emission regulations. Due to the possibility to drive automotive in ECO mode, you reduce the Diesel speed. As a result, you have less fuel consumption and emissions, and the engine makes less noise. Good for the environment, more pleasant to operate and more enjoyable for your surroundings.

The robust rear axle is terrain-following, and this means a lot of stability. The electrically switchable weight transfer system gives a better result on a soft bottom.

Excellent maintenance support

The renewed 302 series is not only easily accessible for carrying out maintenance, but Roberine also offers you excellent service when it comes to servicing.Roberine and its dealer network stand for high service and excellent support. You can expect our ability and expertise in all aspects of service. For example, we have specific diagnostic tools for maintenance, and all our original Roberine parts are of high quality. In addition, you have 24-hour access to the dealer login containing the registered machine information.

Advantages of the 302 series:

• Renewed stage 5 engine;
• Automotive driving with ECO mode;
• Significantly improved driving characteristics;
• Command arm with LCD display;
• Cruise control with memory function;

Please contact us for more information or request a demonstration.

https://roberine.com/en/products/flail-mowers/f302-flail-mower?utm_source=newsletterturfmatters&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=turfmatters_newsletter_mei2021

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GreenMech’s antigen testing policy

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GreenMech’s antigen testing policy: A leading UK manufacturer of woodchippers has implemented a stringent COVID testing policy for its staff, thanks to support from PPE for the UK. 

Headquartered in Alcester, Warwickshire, GreenMech is a family-run manufacturer originally founded in 1993. Developed from British roots, the firm prides itself on designing, building and engineering its entire product range from its UK based manufacturing facility and over the last 27 years, has established itself as the largest chipper manufacturer globally, distributing to over 30 countries worldwide.

GreenMech's antigen testing policy

GreenMech’s antigen testing policy

Despite the initial disruption caused by COVID-19, the British manufacturer has continued to thrive throughout the pandemic, and in order to maintain its production line has implemented stringent social distancing policies to keep staff safe and in work.

Recognising its challenge, regional PPE supplier, PPE for the UK recently donated 120 rapid COVID-19 tests to help the manufacturer implement a new health and Safety policy to test all staff twice per week for the SARS-CoV-2 virus.

Able to detect the presence of the virus within just 15 minutes, the antigen test issued by PPE for the UK is currently one of the most accurate tests on the market and provides manufacturers like GreenMech with an easy to use, cost effective testing kit that guarantees fast and reliable results.

Aside from preventing any spread of the virus, the implementation of GreenMech’s new testing policy increases staff safety, whilst preventing any potential disruption to its production line.

Jonathan Turner, Managing Director of GreenMech, confirmed: “Since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic we have implemented stringent social distancing and safety measures to keep staff safe and in work, ranging from the provision of face masks and hand sanitisers through to changing where and how people do their jobs when on site to prevent close contact.

We were keen to implement our own testing policy and after our Health and Safety representative completed the necessary training, we were delighted to receive a donation of rapid COVID-19 antigen testing kits from PPE for the UK. Aside from being incredibly quick and easy to use, the rapid testing policy provides us with that additional layer of staff safety, which ensures we can maintain our production line safe in the knowledge that everyone on site is COVID-free.”

Mark O’Sullivan, Founder and CEO of PPE for the UK, added: “All British businesses, like manufacturers, have faced the same challenge of how best to keep their staff safe and in work so that operations are not impacted. In addition to social distancing measures, consistent rapid COVID-19 antigen testing is the best way to achieve this as it prevents asymptomatic cases from entering the workplace and unknowingly spreading the virus.

We are delighted to have supported GreenMech in the set-up of their own rapid testing policy and look forward to supporting many more businesses and organisations in implementing this additional layer of staff safety over the coming months, as lockdown restrictions start to ease.”

Since it was founded, PPE for the UK has been on a clear mission to help communities, businesses and organisations with the consistent supply of high-grade, cost-effective PPE equipment.

Available to order in bulk with next day delivery, PPE for the UK has several different rapid COVID-19 antigen tests available from just £3.95 per testing kit and sold in boxes of 20.

For more information, visit:

https://www.ppe4theuk.com

https://greenmech.co.uk

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Maintain or Replace?

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Maintain or Replace?: Nobody wants to spend money unnecessarily, so it is important that any spending is on the correct product or service. But how do you know what that is, who do you ask and how do you know the information is correct.

If you have a little more understanding of how your system is put together, then it should be possible to narrow down your options.

Maintain or Replace?

Maintain or Replace?

Whether you have a clockwork controller or a computer-based controller, initially, the complete system would have been designed by an irrigation consultant, or an irrigation contractor. When that system was designed, it would have specified the following: A pump, pipe network, cable network, sprinklers, and a controller. Each one of these component parts would have been specified to work together for reliable operation of the system.

Over the years, these components will have required replacing, repairing, or upgrading. Sometimes the original product has been discontinued but there will often be a direct replacement. But why install a direct replacement when there is an improved component on the market?

Depending on the component in question, this is often where mistakes are made that can cause a chain reaction. Apart from must do maintenance like pipe bursts or cable breaks, decisions on improving a system are often decided on visibility.

What do I mean by this? Things that can be more easily justified logically and seen by management, committees, or members. The main contender is often sprinklers. With new technology giving improved coverage, better throw, and increased flow why would you not look at them (logical). They can be seen around a green and often manufacturers will give you some free samples to try out. (visual both on the course and financially).

Most new sprinklers have increased flow rates that can deliver more water in half the time. But that new sprinkler is fed by the existing pump and pipe network and you now require that network to deliver maybe double the previous flow. Maybe the pipes and pump can deliver that but what if they can’t? Initially, the result will be bad application but more importantly you have increased the stress on your pump and pipe network that may well take it beyond its original design parameters.

So that’s it, you can’t benefit from new technology unless you replace the entire system. Not necessarily!

If you are using a clockwork controller, you are going to be more limited. Any increased flows will have to be manually calculated so they do not exceed the parameters of the design. This may increase the irrigation window, as you will only be able to run a limited number of sprinklers at the same time, but maybe you can live with that.

If you are running a computer-based controller then you have options.

Maintain or Replace?

Maintain or Replace?

Earlier, I mentioned visibility. Below are examples of non-visible items but these can make a big difference to the reliability and performance of your system.

Older controllers may be more basic but, they are likely to have upgrade options. Remember, the controller is also made up of different parts. There is the main box on the wall which contains all the electrical parts, the software running the system and the computer.

The main box maybe be a few years old but, in our opinion, there is no major advantage to replacing this if the software can be upgraded. The software, and the reliability of the computer it is installed on, is the workhorse behind any computer-based system and can often be upgraded quickly to give the user new features and cater for new technology.

We see so many sites running computers that are over 10 years old with software even older. And with that old set up the database containing critical site information is also likely to be out of date. But as previously mentioned, they are not visual items, so to spend money on them is difficult to justify.

To see just how important your data is, see previous articles we have written and published in TurfMatters:

  1. Check your data. Don’t jump to replace your system.
  2. Data checked. Next step Hydraulic tree

We distribute and support the GTI Gemini and GTI Trident range of controllers. Contact us on 0044 (0) 208 897 0125 or visit our web site www.Bailoy.com

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Foamstream helps keep Cornwall streets clean

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Foamstream helps keep Cornwall streets clean: Weedingtech’s Foamstream system is helping street and public open spaces cleansing in Cornwall with two Foamstream M1200 systems now being operated in the county.

Foamstream is known to be the most cost-effective and versatile herbicide-free solution for controlling unwanted vegetation and carrying out sanitisation tasks in large green and urban spaces. Its patented low-pressure process combines hot water and biodegradable foam made from natural plant oils and sugars. The active ingredient is the heat from the hot water which the foam insulates to ensure it is maintained and kills or severely damages the unwanted vegetation including weeds, moss and algae.

Foamstream helps keep Cornwall streets clean

Foamstream helps keep Cornwall streets clean

While primarily founded on weed control, Foamstream is also designed for power washing, general sanitisation and chewing gum removal. It is certified organic by the British Soil Association and approved for killing bacteria. As such, it is highly effective for sanitising surfaces and urban cleaning. Optional lances are used in the process, and the eco-friendly system is safe for use around people, animals and delicate environments.

Use of the Foamstream M1200 system ensures minimum environmental impact on Cornwall’s street and public open space weed control and cleansing. The M1200 combines high performance with low-cost operation and fast treatment speed. Mounted on a pickup, flatbed truck or trailer, it comes with a large water capacity and delivers a high flow rate, making it particularly well suited to treating large open areas in urban and rural environments.

For further detail on Weedingtech and Foamstream, please visit: https://www.weedingtech.com/why-foamstream/

You can also see more about how Foamstream works, here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4o1ROoBfGxY&feature=youtu.be

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Top questions for FIFA Football Certification

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Top questions for FIFA Football Certification: Here are the answers to the most common questions I receive regarding FIFA certification of Footballs.

  1. How much will it cost?

Maybe less than you thought, depending on the certification level you want to achieve. The lowest cost option is FIFA’s International Match Standard (IMS) with its administrative fee of 500CHF plus a lab testing fee that is competitively priced. That is it as far as cost goes for a 2-year certification.

Top questions for FIFA Football Certification

Top questions for FIFA Football Certification

FIFA’s Quality and Quality Pro certifications can be more expensive but equally good value for those targeting top level leagues. FIFA Quality and FIFA Quality Pro incur fees (inclusive of admin and testing) of 3,300CHF to 4,400CHF — this certifies a ball for 4 years. Both Quality and Quality Pro certifications are subject to royalties per ball sold of 0.75CHF and 1.5CHF, with a minimum annual sum of 5,00CHF.

  1. How long does it take?

The application does not take long, but it depends on whether you or your manufacturer hold a valid WFSGI certificate and suitable Product Liability Insurance. At Sports Labs, we aim to have all testing completed and results submitted to FIFA for review within two weeks from the receipt of your samples at our UK laboratory.

  1. I don’t manufacture my own footballs; can I still get them certified?

Yes. You do not need to be a football manufacturer in to become a licensee and certify footballs.

  1. What paperwork do I need?

The paperwork required is the same for all certification levels and it is minimal. You will need to provide the following details:

  • Company Details
  • Contact details
  • Football brand and manufacturer
  • WFSGI Pledge. This is passed directly from WFSGI to FIFA on your behalf.
  • Your Product Liability Insurance certificate showing FIFA as a co-insured party
  • Details of the Football you want to certify

Once the above list is complete, fees are paid and test results are all in check, FIFA will provide a licensee agreement that you need to sign and return. That is it, all of your IMS logos and licence number will be send from FIFA directly to you.

  1. What is the difference between commercial and non-commercial licences?

Not much, is the short answer. But only FIFA’s IMS certifications can be obtained on a non-commercial licence. FIFA Quality and Quality Pro certifications require a commercial licence and will incur royalty fees.

  1. Are FIFA Quality Pro footballs better than FIFA IMS balls?

No, not as a rule. Many manufacturers and resellers choose to certify to IMS rather than Quality or Quality Pro certifications not because the balls are not good enough, but because IMS is sufficient for the target market and it is more cost effective. Many of the IMS balls on the market could easily achieve Quality and Quality Pro status. Of course, there are some that would not.

  1. How long does the certification last?

The certification for all non-commercial licence agreements (most IMS balls) is for 2 years, after which the football model will need to be re-tested. A new fee will be collected and a new agreement signed. A commercial licence agreement works much the but is good for 4 years.

  1. I’m a purchaser and just want to check the quality of the balls I’m buying, can you help?

We are asked this a lot and it should probably be further up on this list. Yes, absolutely. We can conduct stand alone quality testing at any stage, whether it be to check a model that your looking to bulk purchase, assess samples from varying manufacturers or simply as part of your development R&D. We tailor tests and test suites to match your needs, including single tests to more involved research.

  1. I’m having difficulty getting FIFA named as a co-insured party on our Product Liability Insurance, can you help?

Nope, unfortunately it is not our area of expertise. Our advice is to contact a reputable broker. Naturally, we have heard of companies struggling to get FIFA noted as the co-insured party, but with a bit of perseverance, we have never seen it block becoming a FIFA Licensee.

  1. Is there any real benefit to achieving FIFA Certification?

I strongly believe so, the testing conducted at Sports Labs is rigorous and assesses a range of key quality indicators that should give your end buyers confidence in the quality and performance of a product. Put your marketing team to work and display your FIFA IMS, Quality or Quality Pro achievement on your website, tradeshows, and social media. This is a proof of quality stamp, not just an association to FIFA.

You will find more articles like this in our Field Notes directory

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