INFINICUT® FL22 proves to be a silver lining

INFINICUT® FL22 proves to be a silver lining: An INFINICUT® FL22 was purchased by the team at Stanedge Golf Club to equip the Derbyshire venue with a mowing solution for periods of wet weather… and in reality, its delivery in the autumn of 2023 could not have been more timely!

The prolonged and persistent rainfall has seen Head Greenkeeper Lee Williams and his team turning to the INFINICUT® to maintain HOC and presentation while the triple green mowers are resigned to sheltering in the shed.

INFINICUT® FL22 proves to be a silver lining

INFINICUT® FL22 proves to be a silver lining

Located in the picturesque Peak District, the moorland/parkland course like many has seen unprecedented rainfall levels over the last six months. “With no ability to control what mother nature throws at us, all we can do is equip ourselves with the tools and techniques to be able to deliver surfaces no matter the weather” explains Lee, who took over as Head Greenkeeper two years ago. “We knew that we needed to look at hand mowers and spoke to our local dealer Balmers GM about the options available. We trialled the INFINICUT® and were sold straight away! The quality of cut was unbelievable, like nothing we’d ever used before.”

The floating-head FL22 forms part of the INFINICUT® golf range, designed to deliver the ultimate precision for fine-turf surfaces. Engineered to suit the specific set of requirements needed for modern golf-course maintenance, the FL22 is equipped with INFINICUT’s SMARTCut™ cylinder reels, produced in-house and dynamically balanced for unbeatable accuracy.

“On top of the quality of finish, the fact that the INFINICUT® is battery-powered has been another big plus-point for us. While it wasn’t a necessity initially, we have now all-but eliminated issues with noise and vibration levels, as well as saving ourselves money on fuel.” Lee continues, “John Hobbs at Balmers was excellent at getting us all set up, including showing us the many features of the INFINIApp which we’ve been enjoying using and is just another thing that makes the INFINICUT® stand out from the competition.”

At the time of writing, Lee explained that softer ground conditions had seen the club unable to use the triple green mowers this year to date. “The fact we’ve been able to get out twice weekly and in any breaks between showers with the INFINICUT® has been critical. I’d love to be able to hand mow year-round but with such a small team we are limited by our resources, however, should we be able to go down that road it would be an INFINICUT® fleet without doubt!”

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Green-tech helps create first purpose-built biophilic primary

Green-tech helps create first purpose-built biophilic primary: St Mary’s Catholic Voluntary Academy in Derby suffered a devastating fire in October 2020, demolishing the site. A new multi-million-pound school has now risen from the ashes to become the UK’s greenest school.

St Mary’s is the country’s first biophilic school and has been built as part of a pilot project for the Department for Education (DfE).

Green-tech helps create first purpose-built biophilic primary

Green-tech helps create first purpose-built biophilic primary

Biophilic design focuses on connecting those inside, with nature, to promote physical and mental health. The goal for St Mary’s is to be net zero carbon in operation where the amount of carbon emissions added is no more than the amount taken away, making it the UK’s greenest school.

Horizon Landscapes are Landscape and Grounds Maintenance Contractors based In Nottingham. They were awarded the tree planting and soft landscaping contract for this pilot project.

As part of the landscape strategy, 100 new trees were planted, many of which were semi-mature to help the school become quickly embedded in the Biophilic landscape. Additional landscape features include rain gardens, season bulb planting, green roof, and wildflower meadows to maximise biodiversity and local ecology.

For planting in the hard landscaped areas Green-tech supplied 128 TreeParker® units, 40 tonnes of Green-tree Geosoil and 40 tonnes of Green-tree Subsoil. The TreeParker® Cell System is an underground structural soil cell system that provides an ideal environment for trees to thrive beneath the pavement in urban environments. The system provides large volumes of non-compact high-quality soil and maximises the usable space beneath the ground, providing unlimited expansion for unimpeded root growth, while supporting traffic loads at the same time. It is ideal for new trees in areas such as pavements, car parks, and green roofs. In addition to this key function, TreeParker® aids stormwater management within the system, dealing with rainwater runoff at source – the ideal SuDS solution.

Green-tech supplied 85 tree anchor systems for the installation of trees into the soft landscaping scheme. Green-tech has a range of tree anchor systems designed to provide much-needed anchoring and stability for newly planted trees. In most cases, the tree anchor is secured over the root ball, providing greater contact with the surface area of the root ball and in turn improved root support for the newly planted tree.

Amanda Greaves, Executive Headteacher at St Mary’s, comments: “I am so delighted for the children, staff, parents, and wider community as we begin the next chapter in the new St Mary’s, the greenest school in the UK. It has been an absolute privilege to be part of this incredible pathway project. I think the best thing about the new building is being able to see all of the outside areas from all of the buildings and everything is integrated. We have 100 trees, the trim trail, and lots of benches and everything feels calm and relaxed. Everyone is just excited to be here.”

Richard Hale, Managing Director of Horizon Landscapes adds, “This was a stunning project to work on.  It was an honour to be involved in creating the first biophilic school and for the importance of the outside to be truly recognised as comparable with the inside of the building. The project has been a huge success and well-received. We have worked with Green-tech for many years and as ever they supplied what we needed, when we needed it. They are our go-to for all soft landscaping materials”.

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Etesia UK Announces Exclusive 0% VAT Offer

Etesia UK Announces Exclusive 0% VAT Offer: Etesia UK has announced an exclusive 0% VAT offer*. Available on selected ride-on mowers, this offer provides customers with the chance to drive away today with top-of-the-line equipment at an unbeatable value.

Etesia UK’s range of ride-on mowers are designed to deliver unparalleled performance, efficiency, and ease of use. From the compact yet powerful Hydro 80 to the versatile and agile Bahia, the ride-on mowers are engineered to meet the diverse needs of lawn care professionals.

Etesia UK Announces Exclusive 0% VAT Offer

Etesia UK Announces Exclusive 0% VAT Offer

Highlights of the featured models include:

Bahia: Versatile, agile, and adaptable, the Bahia is designed to tackle any terrain with ease, offering exceptional stability and efficient grass collection.

Hydro 80: A compact powerhouse that effortlessly cuts and collects both long and short grass, offering the efficiency of three walk-behind mowers in one.

MK124: The perfect solution for large areas, with a wide cutting width and hydraulically operated grass box for effortless maintenance.

Customers can choose from 80cm, 100cm and the MK124 models and are available in petrol with diff-lock options.

All of the mowers are equipped to handle even the toughest mowing conditions, ensuring optimal performance come rain or shine.

With a reputation for durability and longevity, Etesia UK’s ride-on mowers are built to withstand the rigours of commercial use.

Act now to take advantage of this limited-time offer. To claim your 0% VAT offer*, simply place your order before July 31, 2024, by contacting Etesia UK on 01295 680120 or email sales@etesia.co.uk.

All machines will be supplied by your local Etesia UK dealer who will carry out the PD, installation and aftersales of your ride on mower.

* Reduction equivalent to 20% VAT applied to original base price on selected models (exclusions apply). VAT applies to reduced price. Prices and specifications are accurate at time of print. Offers may be varied or withdrawn at any time and are not available in conjunction with any other offer. Retail sales only. Available through participating dealers only. Subject to availability on orders placed before 31st July 2024.

For further information, please contact Etesia UK on 01295 680120 or visit www.etesia.co.uk.

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

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Mansfield Sand’s Impact on Repton School’s Clay-Based Grounds

Mansfield Sand’s Impact on Repton School’s Clay-Based Grounds: Navigating the challenges of turf management on heavy clay soil presents a unique set of obstacles. Andrew Butler, Head of Grounds and Gardens at Repton School in Derbyshire, understands this all too well.

Tasked with maintaining Repton’s extensive grounds, Andrew has turned to Mansfield Sand’s MM40 to address the specific needs of the school’s clay-based terrain.

Mansfield Sand's Impact on Repton School's Clay-Based Grounds

Mansfield Sand’s Impact on Repton School’s Clay-Based Grounds

At Repton School, the soil’s heavy clay composition poses challenges to turf health and drainage. Andrew explains, “We are such a heavy clay soil-based site…the clay has got compressed, and it is so heavily compacted.” Recognising the importance of improving soil quality, Andrew sought solutions to enhance the medium and facilitate better water movement through the profile.

Enter MM40 from Mansfield Sand, a product renowned for its ability to improve soil structure and promote drainage. MM40 is sourced directly from the Two Oaks Quarry in Mansfield where the company produces its renowned Mansil range of Silica Sands. MM40 is a moist, medium sand which is predominantly used in the construction and maintenance of a wide range of sports surfaces.

MM40 serves as a vital tool in Repton’s efforts to combat compaction and enhance turf resilience.

The implementation of MM40 extends beyond addressing surface issues. Repton School is in the midst of a comprehensive drainage programme, aiming to alleviate waterlogging and improve turf health across the entire site. Andrew emphasises the importance of this initiative, stating, “We are trying to help get that water away from the surface. It is all about improving the soil medium and getting it through the profile quicker.”

The short renovation window of opportunity during Easter poses a logistical challenge for Andrew and his team. However, the application of MM40 during this period is essential to maximising its impact. Andrew explains, “We only have a short window during Easter to get as much sand in as we can. We use MM40 across all the pitches, across the whole site. It has massively helped with the drainage and improved playability.”

As Repton School continues its commitment to providing top-tier facilities for its students, the role of products like MM40 in improving turf quality and resilience cannot be overstated. With Mansfield Sand’s MM40 as a key ally, Andrew is ensuring that the grounds at Repton School remain a source of pride and excellence for years to come.

For more information visit www.mansfield-sand.co.uk

You can also follow the company on Twitter – @MansfieldSand and Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/MansfieldSandSportSurfaces/

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