Dennis ES-34R’s are perfect for FAW

/in , /by

Dennis ES-34R’s are perfect for FAW: Head Groundsperson James Mathewson has praised his fleet of Dennis ES-34R battery powered rotary mowers for making a difference at Colliers Park National Football Development Centre.

The centre, situated on the historic site of Gresford Colliery in Wrexham, stands as a testament to the Football Association of Wales’ (FAW) commitment to fostering football talent. The facilities boast state-of-the-art training grounds making it a pivotal hub for football development.

Dennis ES-34R’s are perfect for FAW

Dennis ES-34R’s are perfect for FAW

At the helm of the grounds team is James Mathewson. His journey in the industry began at the Honourable Artillery Company in London, followed by stints at West Ham United FC and Arsenal FC’s training ground in London Colney. Post-Covid, James served as the Deputy Head Groundsperson at Northampton Saints before seizing the opportunity at Colliers Park.

In his first Head Groundsperson position, James is thriving and overseeing recent acquisitions of pitch maintenance equipment with a significant shift from petrol to battery-powered machinery. James praises the Dennis ES-34R electric rotary mowers for their role in this transition.

“The FAW has a drive towards sustainability and is very passionate about it. From a practical point of view, the ability to use the Dennis ES-34R’s on one pitch while the other pitch is in use just makes our day so much easier,” says James.

This is because the rural setting of Colliers Park presents unique challenges, including noise restrictions due to the close proximity of a hotel. James emphasises, “Having silent electric machinery, means we can cut pitches before early training sessions – it opens up our days a lot.

“There has probably been a bit of resistance over electric equipment, and I was quite sceptical when they first came out,” continues James. “Until you use it, it is very easy to think like that because everyone is so used to using petrol mowers – but the Dennis E-Series mowers are incredible machines.”

The ES-34R is a 34” (860mm) battery powered twin blade rotary mower using the latest lithium-ion battery technology. It is ideal for fine turf mowing and cleaning up operations in stadia and training facilities. Utilising the contra rotating hardened steel blades and low chute ensures maximum collection performance.

While allowing ground staff to achieve an aesthetically pleasing appearance and desired playing surface, the E-Series range will also help meet sustainability and environmental initiatives, minimise carbon footprint, emissions, running costs, HAV’s and noise without any range anxiety.

“We purchased three Dennis ES-34R electric rotary mowers. I didn’t really look at other rotary mowers on the market,” explains James. “Predominantly they are used to clean the pitches after training sessions. We also use them for the first few cuts after renovation before we put the cylinder mowers on.

“They put a nice stripe in the pitch which coaches and players like to see and they hoover up all the debris because they have fantastic suction.

“The best feature on these mowers is the option to increase the speed of the blade in wet weather to suck the debris up – which they do just as well as when it is dry. The size of the machine is another big plus because you can get a pitch completed with three of us in about 45 minutes on average. This would have taken three of us three hours with our previous rotary mowers.”

James also dispels concerns about battery life, stating confidently, “We can do a whole pitch on one battery. They do this with ease and that takes any anxiety out of doing the job.”

In summary, James and his team at Colliers Park National Football Development Centre have embraced the Dennis ES-34R electric rotary mowers. The shift to sustainability, coupled with the machines’ efficiency and adaptability, reflects a forward-thinking approach in sports turf management.

For further information or a no obligation demonstration, please contact Dennis 01332 824 777 or visit www.dennisuk.com

For more news, reviews and insightful views, you can follow Dennis on Twitter and Instagram @DennisMowers and like the company’s Facebook page – www.facebook.com/DennisMowersUK. You can also view the latest Dennis videos by visiting www.youtube.com/DennisMowers

For the latest industry news visit turfmatters.co.uk/news

Get all of the big headlines, pictures, opinions and videos on stories that matter to you.

Follow us on Twitter and Instagram for fun, fresh and engaging content.

You can also find us on Facebook for more of your must-see news, features, videos and pictures from Turf Matters.

Redexim scoop ‘Product of the Year’ at SAPCA Awards

/in , /by

Redexim scoop ‘Product of the Year’ at SAPCA Awards: The Verti-Top® TB from Redexim has been crowned the winner of ‘Product of the Year’ at the 2024 SAPCA Awards.

One of just six awards presented at the annual gala dinner held at the Mattioli Woods Welford Road stadium at the end of February, the Verti-Top® was also a highly commended runner-up in the ‘Sustainability Award’ category.

Redexim scoop ‘Product of the Year’ at SAPCA Awards

Redexim scoop ‘Product of the Year’ at SAPCA Awards

Now into their ninth year, the SAPCA Awards celebrate the achievements of SAPCA members across the sports and play facility construction industry. The six categories are designed to highlight the valuable contribution that SAPCA members make to facilities and communities up and down the country.

Shortlisted in two categories, the Verti-Top® Tow Behind (TB) works on the same principle as the Verti-Top® 1200 and larger 1800 PTO driven series but utilises a 6.5hp engine. This allows the machine to be towed by any vehicle without the requirement for a PTO, thus reducing combined weight while offering effective cleaning and dust/debris extraction. It’s ability to screen and clean sand and natural infill materials means the Verti-Top® TB is suited to industry standards of the future – actively reducing bacterial and airborne contamination and other health risks.

On collecting the trophy for ‘Product of the Year’ Paul Langford, Commercial Director for Redexim UK, said, “We have always been ahead of the curve when it comes to providing the maintenance solutions demanded by the industry and this award reflects the effort of the whole Redexim team to ensure we are continuously meeting the environmental and industry challenges of today, and those into the future. A big thank you to SAPCA for hosting a brilliant event and congratulations to all the other winners and nominees.”

For the latest industry news visit turfmatters.co.uk/news

Get all of the big headlines, pictures, opinions and videos on stories that matter to you.

Follow us on Twitter and Instagram for fun, fresh and engaging content.

You can also find us on Facebook for more of your must-see news, features, videos and pictures from Turf Matters.

Good news for JCB academy

/in , /by

Good news for JCB academy: The region’s most over-subscribed school, The JCB Academy, has achieved top-class results in its latest Ofsted report.

The Academy achieved a ‘Good’ rating from Government inspectors who visited the Rocester-based school at the end of January, citing its excellent connections with industry and the outstanding employability skills of learners.  The report maintains the JCB Academy’s unbroken record of ‘Good’ ratings from Ofsted since its first in May 2014.

Good news for JCB academy

Good news for JCB academy

The specialist engineering and business Academy, which is sponsored by digger giant JCB, was praised for its teaching in close collaboration with prestigious employer partners such as JCB, Toyota, Bosch Rexroth, Rolls-Royce, National Grid, and Harper Adams University.

Chair of Governors and JCB Group HR Director, Max Jeffery, said: “The educational experience at The JCB Academy is second to none and provides an outstanding platform for students to not only excel academically but also prepare for their future careers. This report reflects the Academy’s unwavering commitment to providing a nurturing and supportive learning environment, alongside a rigorous and ambitious curriculum tailored to meet the needs of all learners.”

The JCB Academy Principal Jim Bailey, said: “We are immensely proud of our learners, staff, and the strong support from our industry partners. This report is a testament to our collective hard work and dedication to not only meet, but exceed, the educational standards expected of us.”

Hydraulic Training Manager at Bosch Rexroth Limited, Jim Malin added: “The Ofsted rating is no surprise, and a well-deserved recognition of overall excellence. Learners’ readiness for the industry is a testament to the Academy’s high standard of teaching and the employability skills instilled in learners.

Based in a historic 18th Century former cotton mill, the Academy is a non-selective school for 13-to-18-year-olds within an 18-mile radius – with its 810 students travelling from the Staffordshire Moorlands, Burton, Derby, Ashbourne, Stoke-on-Trent, Stafford and Stone.

For Years 9 and 10, 645 applicants applied for the 210 places on offer, indicating the Academy will again become the most over-subscribed educational establishment in both Staffordshire and Derbyshire.

For more information on The JCB Academy visit www.jcbacademy.com

For the latest industry news visit turfmatters.co.uk/news

Get all of the big headlines, pictures, opinions and videos on stories that matter to you.

Follow us on Twitter and Instagram for fun, fresh and engaging content.

You can also find us on Facebook for more of your must-see news, features, videos and pictures from Turf Matters.

A new era for electric loaders

/in , /by

A new era for electric loaders: Working with an electric loader is now more efficient than ever – even in extremely cold conditions. Avant Tecno presents the renewed e series and the third generation of fully electric loaders, whose unique battery technology further improves the capacity, pricing, safety, working time, durability, and lifespan of electric loaders. With a fully charged Avant e527, you can work all day.

Finnish compact loader manufacturer Avant Tecno has been at the forefront of the development of electric loaders for decades. Now, Avant is launching two next generation fully electric loader models, the Avant e513 and Avant e527, which will renew the Avant e series and replace their predecessors, the Avant e5 and e6 models. The new loaders will enter production in January 2024.

A new era for electric loaders

A new era for electric loaders

Unique battery technology

The new loaders are equipped with Avant OptiTemp® battery packs (13 kWh and 27 kWh) manufactured by Avant Tecno’s subsidiary Avant Power. The globally unique battery technology brings capacity to a whole new level, and the energy density of the batteries is among the best in the world. The thermal management system of the patented lithium-ion batteries guarantees the same capacity in hot and extremely cold temperatures. Multi-level protection makes Avant OptiTemp® batteries very safe.

Power for demanding professional use

The new Avant e513 and Avant e527 loaders are almost identical, but the only difference lies in the capacity of the batteries. The Avant e513 (13 kWh) is a good choice for short-term continuous use on cattle farms, horse stables, greenhouses or DIY and leisure time, for example. The Avant e527 loader (27 kWh) with a larger battery is ideal for demanding professional use. Construction and demolition contractors will benefit from this model.

The fully electric Avants are ideal for working in confined spaces and on construction sites that have strict limits on noise and emissions.

A full workday on a single charge

When fully charged in the morning, the Avant e527 loader (27kWh) can be used for a whole working day. The maximum operating time of the machine is about 6 hours for medium-duty work, whereas for Avant e513, it is about 3 hours. The battery of both loaders can be fully charged with a fast charger in under 1.5 hours, allowing for long working days.

A new era for electric loaders

A new era for electric loaders

“For years, the market has been longing for fully electric loaders that would be more like diesel loaders in terms of functionality. Until now, operating time and pricing have been key issues related to electric loaders, but with Avant’s new e series, we solve them both”, says Jani Käkelä, CEO of Avant Tecno.

The renewed Avant e series

  • Fully electric loader series. Zero-emission, very quiet. Low operating and maintenance costs.
  • Two models: Avant e513 (battery capacity 13 kWh) and Avant e527 (battery capacity 27 kWh).
  • Excellent capacity in hot conditions and severe frosts.
  • Fast charge in under 1.5 hours. Type 2 charging, built-in 3 kW battery charger. The maximum charging current has been increased by 50% compared to previous Avant electric loaders.
  • Two electric motors: one for driving hydraulics, and one for auxiliary hydraulics, boom, and steering. Thanks to the electric motor, maximum torque is immediately applied, which ensures excellent thrust.
  • The further improved cooling system in the engine package keeps the machine’s heat under control even in soft terrain. Increased load resistance in short-term hard work.
  • The updated multifunction display provides information on battery status, temperature, power consumption, operating hours, auxiliary hydraulics output, maintenance needs, and more.
  • Same appearance as in Avant’s diesel-powered 500 and 600 series loaders.

Technical Information:

Technical information: Model Avant e513 Avant e527
Voltage 44 V 44 V
Capacity 13 kWh 27 kWh
Operating time* 3 hours 6 hours
Lift capacity 900 kg 900 kg
Li height, max. 2 790 mm 2 790 mm
Drive speed, max. 10 km/h 10 km/h
Weight 1420 kg 1500 kg
Auxiliary hydraulics 30 l/min 30 l/min

*In medium duty loading work; no hydraulic attachments used.

Charging Times:

Charging times: Loader model Avant e513 Avant e527
Onboard charger 3 kW (standard) 2 h 50 min 5 h 40 min
Rapid charger 400 V / 16 A (option) 1 h 10 min 2 h 20 min
Rapid charger 400 V / 32 A (option) – 1 h 10 min

*Charging time is affected by prevailing conditions and temperature. The charging times are indicated from 10% to 80% of the battery’s available charge level (SOC).

For more information, please visit www.avant.co.uk 

For the latest industry news visit turfmatters.co.uk/news

Get all of the big headlines, pictures, opinions and videos on stories that matter to you.

Follow us on Twitter and Instagram for fun, fresh and engaging content.

You can also find us on Facebook for more of your must-see news, features, videos and pictures from Turf Matters.

Spraying simplicity best for Huntercombe

/in , /by

Spraying simplicity best for Huntercombe: Grant Stewart, course manager at Huntercombe Golf Club, knew that as soon as a new sprayer was required at the Oxfordshire course, there was only one way to go and that was to hit repeat on his last order of a Toro Multi Pro 1750.

Grant says: “I need a sprayer to be reliable in its ease of use. I appreciate the technological capabilities and all the extras it can have, but ultimately what works for us is a simple but efficient sprayer.”

Spraying simplicity best for Huntercombe

Spraying simplicity best for Huntercombe

Grant’s requirements are perfectly matched in the Multi Pro 1750 from Reesink Turfcare. This sprayer has been designed with all the technology required for spraying accuracy and precision but wrapped up in an uncomplicated easy to use system.

“We’ve had our last sprayer for seven years and it’s never failed us. I couldn’t have a better template to go from than that,” he says. “We mark out the edge of the spray pattern and spray, it’s as simple as that. It’s easy to maintain and there’s no spray lag. The system, the features and benefits it offers and the price point combine to make it the ideal sprayer for an 18-hole course like ours.”

Grant explains how he’s using his sprayer on the course that recently won the prestigious Syngenta Operation Pollinator Award at the Golf Environment Awards: “In the 1980s golf courses had a bad reputation for heavy use of pesticides and chemicals. Now, that’s changed. Spraying is essential to keep the course in top playing condition, but we use nature to solve problems in turf management too.

“With the technology and accuracy in the Multi Pro we can be exact with the areas we spray – everything is controlled and there’s no wastage or spraying of unnecessary areas. We use our sprayer for wetting agents, biostimulants and fertilising in a low regime.”

The Multi Pro 1750 is designed to deliver accurate application rates from start to finish. Its six-diaphragm pump is an industry exclusive, producing ample pressure and up to twice the flow of two-diaphragm pumps for aggressive mixing and thorough agitation. When the pump is engaged, it’s always on so there’s virtually no spray lag – as Grant noticed and appreciates. It also delivers a full spray pattern immediately, so it’s possible to back up to a bunker and spray accurately as soon as it starts.

In addition to exceptional spray accuracy, the Multi Pro 1750 provides 99 percent spray-out, which means almost no products are wasted, which again is better for the environment.

For further information contact Reesink Turfcare, the sole Toro distributor for golf and sports fields equipment in the UK, on 01480 226800 or visit reesinkturfcare.co.uk.

For the latest industry news visit turfmatters.co.uk/news

Get all of the big headlines, pictures, opinions and videos on stories that matter to you.

Follow us on Twitter and Instagram for fun, fresh and engaging content.

You can also find us on Facebook for more of your must-see news, features, videos and pictures from Turf Matters.