Reesink supporting sustainability at SAGE

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Reesink supporting sustainability at SAGE: SAGE 2023 is hosting the first Sustainability Solutions for Grounds Specialists Summit live, in partnership with Bio-Circle and supported by Reesink Turfcare.

The event, at Three Counties Showground in Malvern on 19-20 July, will focus on demonstrating how businesses in the sports and outdoor maintenance industries can lower their impact on the environment and take vital steps towards being sustainable. This will include a live panel for sharing sustainable practices among many things.

Reesink supporting sustainability at SAGE

Reesink supporting sustainability at SAGE

Bio-Circle, the sustainable surface technology system manufacturer, and machinery distributor Reesink Turfcare have joined forces to form an initiative called GreenGrounds to promote environmental awareness within the turf and groundscare industries, bring the industries together, raise the importance of effective sustainable activities, make an overall positive impact towards decarbonisation and environmentally friendly maintenance for groundscare.

Gillian Haverson, marketing manager at Reesink Turfcare, a Bio-Circle distributor, says: “Reesink and Bio-Circle have come together to accept our environmental and sustainable responsibilities to help the future of the industry. Reesink is happy to support this initiative and bring awareness of more sustainable solutions to groundscare professionals.

“It’s important we focus on providing sustainable, environmentally friendly technology that reduce our customer’s carbon footprint and do not compromise on the quality of the work. Our current offering includes products powered by biodiesel and advanced batteries made more efficient by incorporating electronic fuel injection, hybrid and electric technologies.”

And some of this technology will be at SAGE. The all-electric Toro Greensmaster eFlex 1021 pedestrian mower, for example, which has been seen cutting the greens at Royal Liverpool Golf Club for The Open 2023, will be on the Bio-Circle stand with a Reesink rep available to discuss all electric and hybrid machinery options available from Toro, who has led the technology in this field.

Find out more about Reesink, Bio-Circle and GreenGrounds by calling 01480 226800 or going online at reesinkturfcare.co.uk

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New 40VMAX linetrimmers and brushcutter

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New 40VMAX linetrimmers and brushcutter: Leading power tool manufacturer Makita has added two new Brushless Linetrimmers (UR014G and UR017G) and the UR013G Brushless Brush Cutter to its range of high performance 40VMax XGT products.

Each delivers power and performance comparable to equivalent petrol-powered machines without the noise, environmental or safety considerations in storing and transporting fuel.

New 40VMAX linetrimmers and brushcutter

New 40VMAX linetrimmers and brushcutter

The UR013G 40VMax XGT Brushless Brush Cutter is ideal for heavy-duty tasks. It has a 1500-watt maximum output, delivering power equivalent to that of a 35cc petrol machine, and features a high torque mode. The UR013G has a variable speed control with a maximum speed of 6700 rpm, a lock-off function and a temporary reverse rotation ‘grass tangle removal’ function. To ensure ease of use, the machine is operated using the intuitive control unit on the right-hand side of the adjustable offset U-shaped handle.

The UR017G 40VMax XGT Brushless Linetrimmer offers a simple, lightweight and easy to use machine with a 600w power equivalent to a 23cc petrol engine. It has three speeds with a maximum of 6500 rpm plus an ADT (Automatic Torque Drive Technology) mode, which adjusts the speed and torque automatically for optimal performance. Like the UR013G, the UR017G also includes the useful grass tangle removal function.

The UR014G 40VMax XGT Brushless Linetrimmer offers the same compact design and loop handle but delivers a high power output of 1500w and a maximum speed of 5700 rpm on a variable speed control. It has a 450mm cutting diameter and a high torque mode making it ideal for the most demanding tasks. The UR014G also features a reverse rotation mode to suit different user requirements as it allows control over the direction in which the grass clippings are scattered. The grass is scattered to the right and left with clockwise and anti-clockwise rotation respectively. This is useful, for example, when cutting verges or lawns next to a road or driveway.

All three machines include Makita’s high-efficiency brushless motors that minimise wasted energy to extend run-times per battery charge and improve productivity. The UR013G, UR014G and UR017G also all include safety features such as an anti-restart function, electric break and Active Feedback Sensing Technology (AFT), which shuts the tool down if it detects the rotation speed suddenly slowing.

Kevin Brannigan, Marketing Manager at Makita UK said: “The launch of the new 40VMax XGT linetrimmers and brush cutter provide customers with even greater choice when selecting a high performance tool to tackle the most demanding garden and grounds maintenance tasks. These machines deliver the power usually associated with petrol-engines but with all the benefits of cordless.”

The continually expanding XGT portfolio of garden machinery now includes more than 35 products including lawnmowers, chainsaws, hedge trimmers, blowers and earth augers.

To find out more about Makita and its range of products visit: www.makitauk.com.

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Foley Success at Open Championship Venues

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Foley Success at Open Championship Venues: There are few greater events in golf that match The Open. For many greenkeepers, it is the pinnacle of their careers, but to make it a success, tireless work goes on behind the scenes to have mowers ready for cutting each day. 

When the 151st Open begins in the third week of July, every Toro and John Deere mower used at Royal Liverpool will be ground by a Foley under the expert eye of ProSport UK’s Ian Robson. More than ever, speed and accuracy are crucial during a tournament, and it’s then the 633 ACCU-Pro with ACCU-Touch 3 comes into its own.

Foley Success at Open Championship Venues

Foley Success at Open Championship Venues

The machines come with an automated computer system that provides a step-by-step tutorial for new technicians and a quicker setup and spin grind feature for the more experienced operators. You input the details of the unit you’re working on, and it automatically spin or relief grinds to completion. Pre-programmed spin speeds, relief torque, and in-feeds are only a few of the features found in the ACCU-Touch 3 system that ensures efficiency and guarantees a quality grind with every use.

With Foley grinders at four Open Championship venues, Ian knows the importance of tournament support and the difference it makes. “An Open Championship is a unique event that calls for a team effort to make it a success,” Ian explains. “In my experience, it’s an intricately planned but high-pressure environment, and we’re there to make sure everything runs smoothly.

“We want to ensure every unit that goes on the course is at its best because the quality of cut is so important to turf health and the presentation. Using the ACCU-Pro 633 means we can turn around the units quickly and efficiently while always guaranteeing the best quality, and that is the key thing. Course conditions are the biggest variable during a tournament, and we can very easily adjust our grinding to suit what the course team needs.

“Royal Liverpool has had to wait because of the Open rota being put back a year and the redevelopment of the 17th hole, but the work they’ve put into hosting this Championship will be worth it, and we’re proud to be a part of it.”

Being England’s second oldest seaside links comes with a lot of history. Royal Liverpool was the second English course to host the Open Championship in 1897 and hosted the prestigious competition a further nine times before a 39-year gap between 1967 and 2006 when Tiger Woods won the tournament before Rory McIlroy won his first eight years later in 2014.

The club has far from stood still since then, with their new 17th hole aiming to make a name for itself among golfs standout par-3s. Using the Dee Estuary as a backdrop, the well-guarded elevated green could well be a decision maker on who lifts the Claret Jug along with the redesigned over 600-yard par-5 18th.

Open Quality

Royal Liverpool is the second successive Open host to use Foley, following St Andrews, who used the American-made machines during the 150th Open.

Customer support ranks highly at the home of golf, with the personal touch ranking as highly as the ability to provide solutions for Head of Maintenance Lani Togi.

“When it comes to buying machines, it’s not always about the cost of the item; it’s the personal side of things as well,” he said. “You buy from people, and we’ve worked with Ian for many years, and we know we can rely on his backup service.

“One of the biggest things that’s helped us get the results is the Borazon stone we have for the 673 bottom blade grinder. The new Toro E-Reels use a tungsten mixture that makes them very hard, and that stone really cuts it in well. That saves us a lot of problems because previously we would have had to sharpen them again, but now we get it done the first time around.”

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East Devon switch to Foamstream

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East Devon switch to Foamstream: As part of their wider Climate Change Agenda, the team at East Devon District Council (EDDC) have switched to non-herbicidal weed control with Foamstream from Weedingtech.

In an attempt to improve the environment and move towards net zero, the council have eliminated the use of glyphosate in the management of a range of weed species in public spaces across the district.

East Devon switch to Foamstream

East Devon switch to Foamstream

EDDC is the largest of the Devon district councils, serving a population of over 150,000 residents and increases significantly during the summer months as visitors arrive to enjoy the beaches and countryside. “We see a big variety in the amount and type of weeds across the district” explains Horticultural Technical Officer Paul Fealey. “Perennial weeds, such as dandelion, tend to dominate landscapes in and around paved areas, with annual weeds such as groundsel and chickweed more prevalent in beds and borders in our formal parks and gardens. Despite having small root systems that can be easily uprooted by hand, they are high in quantity and spread very quickly so Glyphosate was traditionally sprayed throughout the growing season as a ‘quick-fix’ solution across our hard and soft landscape surfaces.”

“The teams understood that there was an environmental impact to their spraying and, with a Glyphosate ban imposed in 2022, we needed to explore all options to find something the team would be happy to adopt and that would deliver the same efficacy and efficiency as Glyphosate.”

12-months of data was presented as part of a herbicide audit, where Foamstream emerged as a viable solution. Foamstream’s patented low-pressure process combines hot water with a biodegradable foam made from natural plant oils and sugars. The foam acts as an insulation blanket, preventing the heat from escaping and keeping the water in the ‘kill-zone’ of 57 degrees Celsius and above for longer. The heat penetrates the waxy outer leaf structures, travels down the stem and into the roots – killing or severely damaging the plant.

Paul’s findings were presented to EDDC StreetScene’s Operations Manager, Tom Wood. “We invited as many of the operatives along to the demonstration as we could and monitored the results over the next seven days. We were all blown away!” exclaims Tom. “As our district is split into East and West, we proceeded to purchase two L12 systems in May 2023, both with a 60m retractable hose which means that, with the unit mounted on the back of a flat-bed tipper, we can get the applicator wand exactly where we need it.”

“While it’s still relatively early days, we have already had fantastic feedback and are witnessing large areas of weeds killed within 24 hours of treatment” notes Tom. “While we tackle the build-up of weeds from last year’s Glyphosate ban, the two units are currently being used extensively but foresee that in 2024, intervals between treatments will extend by as much as 50%, with even our most problematic areas only treated at approximately 12-week intervals.”

“Foamstream sterilising spores and seed banks was another major benefit compared to some of the other non-herbicidal alternatives, which will help to break the ‘losing battle’ the teams have traditionally faced with the rapid life cycles of ephemeral weeds.”

Paul adds, “We are now well placed to control weeds in a way that is of benefit to our operatives, to the environment and to those across areas in the wider public realm.”

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John Deere employees complete 1,400 mile challenge

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John Deere employees complete 1,400 mile challenge: A 41-strong team of John Deere employees has completed its 1,000-Mile Challenge in style, smashing through its distance and fundraising targets in the process.

The group took on the Peak District Ultra Challenge on Saturday 8 July, choosing to navigate either 50km in 24 hours, or 100km in 34 hours. In doing so, team John Deere managed to collectively cover more than 1,400 miles.

John Deere employees complete 1,400 mile challenge

John Deere employees complete 1,400 mile challenge

Generous sponsorship has seen more than £11,500 pledged to Cancer Research UK in the process.

“Cancer Research UK does really important work which touches the lives of so many, and it is our chosen charity for 2023,” said Chris Meacock, John Deere Division Sales Manager for Golf and Turf.

“We wanted to find something to suit varying fitness levels to encourage more participation, in turn helping to raise as much money as possible. We achieved both and a highly enthused team set about the challenge.”

Five brave souls completed 100km with 36 covering 50km, and collectively the team far exceeded the 1,000-miles target.

“It was not easy, but the team was spurred on by the cause,” Chris said. “The event organisation was superb, and our team was looked after fabulously, with food, water, and feet patched up as required.

“From the company’s point of view the challenge has generated fantastic positive energy and strengthened relationships. The whole team is delighted to have completed the distance and raised a huge amount of money for a thoroughly worthwhile charity.”

Donations can still be made at https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/johndeere1000milechallenge

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