STIHL expands cordless brushcutter range

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STIHL expands cordless brushcutter range: STIHL has extended its range of cordless brushcutters with the launch of the RGA 140, the first tool in the STIHL AP System dedicated for use with the STIHL RG cutting head, enabling maintenance workers, landscapers and groundskeepers to cut weeds and grass with ease in sensitive areas.

Taking inspiration from the popular FSA 135 brushcutter and RG gearbox, the new RGA 140 features oscillating disc blades with low rotational energy, enabling low-spin mowing on hard surfaces and around fragile obstacles such as cars or greenhouses. Not only does this reduce the risk of flicking stones but, due to its low spin mowing and tailored RPM, the new brushcutter also reduces the safety distances to 3m from objects and 5m from people, making the tool ideal for use in built-up areas.

STIHL expands cordless brushcutter range

STIHL expands cordless brushcutter range

The RGA 140 also boasts a 230mm cutting diameter and ergonomic controls. Featuring a quiet EC motor with three-speed settings and a clear LED display, users can continuously regulate the speed in order to work as efficiently as possible. In addition, the new brushcutter utilises a bike handle for well-balanced operation, offering comfortable use for professionals, particularly over long periods of time.

Part of the AP System, the RGA 140 is compatible with STIHL’s Smart Connector 2 A and features a mounting point on the tool housing, facilitating effective and timely maintenance, as well as increased productivity and reduced downtime. This model provides professionals with a long service life thanks to its sturdy motor housing, mesh air filter, and robust gearbox. Working time with the recommended AP 300 S battery is up to 100 minutes.

For more information on STIHL’s extensive range of brushcutters, please visit www.stihl.co.uk.

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BGL commits to sustainability with renewed GEO Certifications

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BGL commits to sustainability with renewed GEO Certifications: Burhill Group Limited (BGL) is proud to announce that its entire portfolio of golf clubs has been successfully reaccredited as GEO Certified®.

This news highlights the group’s continued commitment to environmental progression and solidifies its place as the only major multi-course operator to have GEO Certified status across all sites. Each club will hold the renewed certification for the next five years.

BGL commits to sustainability with renewed GEO Certifications

BGL commits to sustainability with renewed GEO Certifications

The GEO certification encompasses environmental success in the areas of golf facility operations, golf development and renovation, and golf tournaments. This status demonstrates a commitment to continuous improvement around nature, resources, climate, and the community.

The announcement comes following the recent recertification of Wycombe Heights Golf Centre in Buckinghamshire, Aldwickbury Park Golf Club in Hertfordshire, and The Shropshire Golf Centre in Shropshire. Sustainability projects undertaken both on and off the course have contributed to the recognitions, including the planting of trees, water retention and recycling, tracking of carbon footprints, use of ultra-efficient LED lighting, and a reduction in the use of cling film and takeaway cups, among others.

Commenting on the achievement, BGL CEO Colin Mayes, said: “Sustainability is more important than ever, so we are continually striving to operate our clubs in the most environmentally sensitive ways possible. For our entire golf portfolio to have been reaccredited with GEO certified status is a testament to the fantastic work ethic and vision of team members at BGL.

“Each club has developed bespoke maintenance programmes designed to incorporate more sustainable and efficient practices, while simultaneously continuing to make improvements to the courses and club facilities that are enjoyed by our members and visitors every day.”

BGL Golf is one of the largest owners and operators of golf courses and facilities in the UK. The company currently operates 22 golf courses at 10 venues across the country, each providing a different style and character while offering a high-quality, friendly, and professional service.

Kelli Jerome, Executive Director, GEO Foundation For Sustainable Golf, added: “BGL’s commitment to sustainability is unwavering, and testament to their progressive nature as a group. They are the first multi-course operator to have all their facilities GEO Certified and all of them have continued to renew and track their progress year-on-year. They have also been setting new ambitious targets and engaging people across the organisation. This leadership shows they are taking the sustainable golf responsibility and opportunity seriously, and GEO Foundation has been very pleased to support, recognise, and share their commitment and results over nearly 10 years.”

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Closing date approaches for Bursary applications

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Closing date approaches for Bursary applications: Applications for British Sugar TOPSOIL’s 2022 Training Bursary need to be in by no later than Friday, 29th April, with a decision due by Tuesday, 31st May.

Anyone working in the land-based sector, i.e. groundworks/construction, landscape contracting, greenkeeping, groundsmanship or garden design, can apply for the bursary, which is designed to reduce financial barriers to career development.

Closing date approaches for Bursary applications

Closing date approaches for Bursary applications

Visit the TOPSOIL website for terms and conditions, eligibility criteria and an application form. But hurry, time is running out!

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Ferro is Top choice for Jordans

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Ferro is Top choice for Jordans: Jordans Sports Ground Solutions has reported excellent results from using Compo Expert’s Ferro Top specialty fertiliser, after applying it at several top-class sports venues.

From day-to-day maintenance to end of season renovations to new constructions; Jordans Sports Grounds Solutions provides a range of sports turf services throughout the South East and down to the South Coast. The business has rapidly expanded over the past few years and currently employs 11 highly skilled members of staff.

Ferro is Top choice for Jordans

Ferro is Top choice for Jordans

Owner Ian Jordan carefully selects the products and equipment to be used by the team: “As a contractor we always do the best we can for the client and choosing the correct products for their turf within budget is crucial,” he said.

Last year, with a harsh winter approaching, Ian started searching for a suitable product and he knew exactly what he was looking for.

“I was on the hunt for an iron-based product which would harden the sward and give us some colour through the winter,” he said. “I came across Ferro Top on the Agrovista Amenity website and spoke in more detail about the product with Andrew Norman (Amenity Specialist). We are gradually increasing the number of products we are using from Agrovista Amenity and Andrew gave his opinion on Ferro Top. Based on his feedback, I decided to give it a go.”

Agrovista Amenity is the exclusive national distributor of Compo Expert’s turf products in the UK and is seeing an increasing demand for the innovative fertilisers. A popular choice with many turf managers is Ferro Top, which is an iron specialty fertiliser with high levels of potash and magnesium as well as manganese to promote quality, resistance, and colour. The fine granulation ensures perfect sward penetration.

Ferro Top also ensures quick greening without a flush of growth, displaces moss, and protects against new settlements which is particularly important in winter to spring.

Ian decided to use Ferro Top on a range of sports turf surfaces including the stadium pitches at Gillingham FC, Dartford FC, Ebbsfleet FC and on three croquet lawns, two tennis courts, and a cricket square at Dulwich Sports Club.

Ferro Top was applied to all the sites at the start of December and Ian revealed that he plans on using it more extensively going forward.

Cosmetic appeal at this sort of level is key and approximately 7-10 days after we applied it, we thought wow! The grass went whoosh and the colour it produced was fantastic. This was the biggest impact; it made the grass look very healthy.

“What I also like about this product is that it seems to kick back into life when the turf has been cut – it just seems to really bring the colour out each time. We have all been very impressed with Ferro Top.

“Now we know its capabilities we will certainly be using it more,” continued Ian. “I think next winter we will look to apply it, depending on weather, in November and go with a second application in January.”

Ian was also quick to praise the assistance and technical knowledge he receives from Andrew Norman: “Both the delivery and customer service are very good from Agrovista Amenity, and Andrew has always been available if I need to talk to him about any of our requirements.”

For more information about Agrovista UK, visit www.agrovista.co.uk/amenity

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John Deere Gator joins James Martin’s collection

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John Deere Gator joins James Martin’s collection: Renowned chef and television presenter James Martin has become the proud owner of a new John Deere Gator.

Supplied by John Deere dealer Hunt Forest Group from its Chilbolton branch in Hampshire, James now has a 4×4 road legal utility vehicle which is perfect for his outdoor pursuits.

John Deere Gator joins James Martin’s collection

John Deere Gator joins James Martin’s collection

The XUV865M model has a towing capacity of 907kg and has a maximum load weight of 454kg – perfect for heavy or bulky loads. Additionally, it reaches a top speed of 31mph.

Ed Smales, Turf & Construction Sales Director at Hunt Forest Group, said: “It was great to see James and help facilitate him with a machine suitable for exploring the great British countryside that he is such an advocate of.

“The XUV865M Gator is absolutely perfect for James to get around in the Hampshire countryside where he is based. Featuring on-demand 4WD and the highest ground clearance of any of our crossovers, the vehicle frees the driver to focus on what’s ahead and go to places other models can’t in tricky conditions.

“With fully independent suspension, power steering, and top-of-the-line power, capacity and comfort, we think James will be perfectly equipped for new adventures and exploring a variety of terrains in his new vehicle.”

At the handover, James was very pleased with his new purchase, giving it a ringing endorsement in his own personal way.

“It’s a proper piece of kit,” he said.

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