Greenkeepers Attend Joint ICL and Syngenta Education Day

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Greenkeepers Attend Joint ICL and Syngenta Education Day: Greenkeepers recently attended a joint ICL and Syngenta Education Day at Royal Birkdale Golf Club. The agenda included a course walk, led by Sean McLean, the Course Manager at Royal Birkdale, which gave attendees the opportunity to see firsthand the preparations underway for The Open.

The event also featured several key presentations focused on essential topics for turf management.

Turf agronomist Henry Bechelet, ICL’s Technical Manager, presented on the benefits of controlled release fertilisers (CRFs). He explained how CRFs improve turf health and sustainability through precise nutrient delivery, ensuring that the turf receives essential nutrients at the right time and in the right quantities.

Glenn Kirby, Technical Manager for EAME Sports Turf and Landscape at Syngenta, led a discussion on managing Dollar Spot. He highlighted effective strategies and the AIM strategy for integrated disease control, providing greenkeepers with valuable insights into combating this persistent turf disease.

Rob Ainscough, Technical Area Sales Manager from ICL, discussed the benefits of Turf Rewards. He explained how greenkeepers can earn points by purchasing qualifying ICL and Syngenta products. These points can then be redeemed for a wide array of rewards, including the latest turf care technology and professional development courses for their team.

The Education Day at Royal Birkdale provided greenkeepers with practical insights and strategies to improve turf management. Attendees left with a better understanding of disease control, fertilisation techniques, and industry best practices, ready to apply these learnings to their own courses.

Please contact ICL on 01473 237100 or visit www.icl-growingsolutions.uk and icl-growingsolutions.ie if you are in Ireland.

For more news and insightful views, you can follow ICL on Twitter @ICL_Turf

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Makita expands its XGT range

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Makita expands its XGT range: Makita has added a new high-performance breaker to its range of 80VMax XGT machines. The HM004G delivers a power output that matches the equivalent corded model but with the flexibility, safety and convenience of cordless power.

Based on Makita’s previous corded breakers but featuring a redesigned hammering mechanism, the HM004G delivers 72.8 joules of impact energy at a rate of 870 blows per minute (bpm). It is powered by two Makita 40VMax XGT batteries and in addition to breaking, chipping and channelling with the 28.6mm hex chisel, it can also be used for trenching by attaching a clay spade or for compacting soil with a rammer fitted.

Makita expands its XGT range

Makita expands its XGT range

For improved user safety and comfort, the HM004G features Makita’s Anti-Vibration Technology (AVT). This reduces the vibration transferred from the tool to the user’s hands and arms and extends the length of time that users can safely and comfortably operate the tool. To achieve this, the tool has been designed with an innovative counterweight mechanism that offsets the force of the machine and a vibration absorbing housing in the body of the breaker that further reduces the vibration experienced by the user. As a result, the HM004G achieves a vibration level of just 6.5 m/s², which is 30% lower than the previous generation of equivalent corded breaker.

The HM004G includes a high-efficiency brushless motor to help deliver the required performance while achieving excellent run-times per battery charge. Brushless motors use electromagnetism to rotate the motor and drive the action of the tool, eliminating friction and wasted energy. As a result, a brushless motor can produce more torque, allowing the same results to be achieved with less power used, which can extend run times by up to 50% per battery charge for improved productivity and fewer recharges.

Makita’s impressive Auto-Start Wireless System (AWS) is also included. This connects the HM004G to compatible dust extractors, such as the 80VMax (40Vx2) VC006 M-Class Dust Extractor, via Bluetooth to run the dust extractor automatically when the tool is in use, making dust management simpler.

In addition, the HM004G features Soft Start and anti-restart functions for improved safety as well as twin LED job lights for better visibility of the work area.

Matt Chilton, Product Manager at Makita UK said: “The launch of HM004G, our first 80VMax cordless breaker provides customers with a new option for breaking and demolition tasks. Traditionally a tool with this level of power and performance would have to be mains powered. However, with Makita’s expertise in advancing battery and tool technologies, customers can benefit from all the advantages of cordless power as well as the latest generation of safety features.”

To find out more, visit www.makitauk.com.

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Milwaukee to make GroundsFest debut

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Milwaukee to make GroundsFest debut: Milwaukee Tool UK is thrilled to announce its debut as an exhibitor at GroundsFest 2024, where it will be showcasing its latest innovations in battery-powered and cordless outdoor power equipment (OPE).

Indeed, the global manufacturer of heavy-duty power tools will be demonstrating new additions to its OPE range, including the DUAL BATTERY 50CM CHAINSAW and advanced M18 FORGE batteries designed specifically for gardening, landscaping and horticulture professionals.

Milwaukee to make GroundsFest debut

Milwaukee to make GroundsFest debut

Rhys Adams, national sales manager OPE at Milwaukee Tool UK, highlighted: “Visitors can expect an exceptional showcase at the Milwaukee Tool stand, where we will unveil our cutting-edge OPE solutions designed to meet the demanding needs of industry professionals, enhancing efficiency and performance of users tackling even the most demanding tasks.”

Adding to the excitement, Milwaukee Tool invites attendees to get up close and personal with a diverse range of cutting-edge equipment this year, offering interactive demonstrations with the M18 range. Visitors will be able to test and experience the exceptional performance and durability of Milwaukee Tool’s products, which offer unmatched power and extended runtime that redefine efficiency and reliability in outdoor maintenance tasks.

Rhys continued, “Beyond showcasing our new and existing range of products, we’ll also be hosting a competition offering attendees a chance to win one of our state-of-the-art M18 FUEL DUAL BATTERY lawn mowers. So, whether exploring the latest advancements in OPE or networking with industry peers, visitors can join us at the stand for an exciting couple of days.”

However, Milwaukee Tool’s commitment goes beyond exhibitions. Visitors to the stand have the chance to talk with the knowledgeable job site solutions (JSS) sales team; receive expert advice tailored to their needs and arrange personalised product trials. These conversations can help visitors to the event learn about the best solutions specifically designed to address their unique requirements and challenges.

So, whether exploring the latest advancements in OPE or networking with industry peers, visitors can join Milwaukee Tool at stand RB140 for an exciting couple of days on the 10 – 11 September at Stoneleigh Park in Warwickshire. An action-packed GroundsFest 2024 awaits, combining indoor business and educational opportunities with dynamic outdoor demonstrations, culminating in a unique live music festival where attendees can unwind and relax after a busy day.

Be sure to look out for Milwaukee Tool’s latest launches throughout 2024. To discover its full range of outdoor power equipment and battery technology today, click here or visit https://uk.milwaukeetool.eu/.

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Reesink gold maintenance package adds to deal

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Reesink gold maintenance package adds to deal: Sittingbourne and Milton Regis Golf Club in Kent is starting afresh to cut grass well, says General Manager Steve Bootes, as it welcomes a full fleet of Toro mowers, all supported by Reesink’s ReeAssure Gold machinery maintenance package to safeguard and secure its investment. 

Steve says he and Head Greenkeeper Paul Best, had been considering Toro for several years: “Previously, we’ve leased our machinery but since the COVID price increases we knew we need to change our strategy and purchase our next fleet, but this brings in a new set of factors to consider such as machinery longevity. For that, we knew it had to be Toro.”

Reesink gold maintenance package adds to deal

Reesink gold maintenance package adds to deal

Paul picks up the story: “We needed to make the premium choice and speaking with colleagues at other clubs they reassured me from first-hand experience that Toro could be relied on; I had people telling me they have machines 16+ years old and still going strong.”

The machinery choices the club made cover all aspects that mowing the course requires and were made with the simple premise of “cutting well” says Steve: “We’re starting afresh here and the main thing we needed to get right was getting a good, consistent cut across the course – and we knew we could trust Toro to deliver.”

Paul says: “We have seven push up greens, nine old USGA greens with a much older root zone and drainage issues, and then three new free draining bench walled USGA greens; so mowers that can cope with individual challenges on a hole by hole basis and provide a consistency of cut are vital. The Greensmaster 3250 mowers excel in delivering a true cut every time. There are no marks or indentations, and the groomers don’t dig in. Even with growth regulators used and favourable weather for grass growth, the quality is always there.”

Joining two Greensmaster 3250 mowers are two Reelmaster 3575 mowers, two Reelmaster 3100 mowers and a Groundsmaster 4000.

The club expanded its deal to include Reesink’s ReeAssure Gold machinery maintenance package, about which Paul says: “We wanted the back up and support of experts in the field and that’s what Reesink’s technicians are. We’ve spread the cost and planned the monthly fee into our budget to ensure our machinery is always optimised. After five years we will come out of the plan and our fully-owned machines will be in the best possible shape for the future.”

Paul adds: “I’m 42 and have been at the club for 25 years. I know this course like the back of my hand and have built a team that best serves it and brings a positive attitude to getting the job done. The only thing missing was a quality fleet of machinery. I truly believe these machines from Toro will outsee me for retirement!”

Reesink’s Richard Wood says: “I’m delighted to welcome Sittingbourne and Milton Regis Golf Club to Toro and the Reesink support network. When it comes to machinery longevity, you’d be hard pushed to find better than Toro, and similarly when it comes to machinery maintenance there’s nothing to rival the full service, but economical option Reesink provides.”

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Over 360 runners complete JCB Lakeside 5

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Over 360 runners complete JCB Lakeside 5: Wet conditions failed to dampen sprits at the popular JCB Lakeside 5 and Fun Run – which saw a bumper field raise thousands of pounds for the NSPCC.

For the first time in the race’s 41-year history it rained – but that did not deter more than 360 competitors from around the UK and overseas from taking part. The event, which brings together some of the area’s best club runners with JCB employees and their families, also raised £4,150 for the NSPCC.

Over 360 runners complete JCB Lakeside 5

Over 360 runners complete JCB Lakeside 5

Race organiser Mick Grindey, who has taken part in every Lakeside 5 since it was first run in 1983, said: “It is amazing to see such a big field and supporters, who have come along despite the wet conditions and created a really great atmosphere. When the Lakeside 5 started in 1983, just 95 competitors took part, which shows how far it has come.”

The fundraising total was boosted by a sponsorship from Cheadle-based Ecam Engineering. First across the line was City of Stoke Athletics Club runner Chris Gidlow who completed the five-mile main course around JCB’s World Headquarters in Rocester, Staffordshire, in a time of 26 minutes 57 seconds. First female across the line was Chris’ fellow City of Stoke AC runner Chloe Hawkins in 32 minutes 28 seconds. First JCB Man was Jason Burgess in a time of 29 minutes, 32 seconds – for the second year running – and First JCB Lady was Liz Plant in 42 minutes and 26 seconds.

Also in action was Charles Bevan, of Abbots Bromley, who has also taken part in every JCB Lakeside 5 race. The former JCB Electrical Engineer always runs in fancy dress and this year it was Charlie Chaplin. Charles, 77, said: “It is just great fun to keep coming back and taking part. I have no plans to stop any time soon – there is a great spirit surrounding this event.”

Another in action was Ted Prince – a third-generation member of his family to work at JCB.  The Sales and Marketing graduate was in his first ever Lakeside 5. He said: “It is just an amazing thing to be a part of and so pleased we have raised so much for the NSPCC.”

There was a good international representation too. The field included JCB Netherlands employee Michel Jansen who was taking part in his seventh event. The finance expert flew over to the UK just to take part. He said: “I love coming back – and this one is special. It marks my 20th year working with JCB in the Netherlands, so this is my birthday present to myself.”

Also running was JCB India employee Umesh Sakore, who is on a two-year-placement in the UK. He ran the two-mile fun route with his wife Smita and their daughter Asmi, 10, and three-year-old son Ansh. The Design Engineer said: “It is a brilliant family occasion so what better than to run it with my wife and children. We all thoroughly enjoyed it – a great JCB occasion.”

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