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Foley Company pushes on in UK
in News, Press Release/by CharmianRobsonFoley Company pushes on in UK: Despite the current difficulties effecting the Golf Industry globally Foley Company is still forging ahead in the UK. Impressing greenkeepers across the spectrum with the speed and versatility of the Foley range of spin & relief grinders and bed-knife grinders.
More and more are switching to Foley grinders including Open Championship venues St Andrews, Royal Liverpool and Carnoustie and other prestigious clubs such as La Grande Mare, Gerrards Cross and The Wisley. Turf professionals have invested in the benefits that Foley grinders offer and other clubs benefit through their local dealership such as Farols, Double A Trading Co and Gibson Garden Machinery all investing in the latest Foley grinders. The most popular model’s in 2020 have been the 633 & 653 cylinder grinders with their Accu-Touch 3 Control and the 673, 661 bed-knife grinders.
Foley Company pushes on in UK
Lani Togi St Andrews – Workshop Manager
“When it comes to saving time, the Foleys are a lot quicker than anything we’ve used before,” he began. “Previous grinders have been quite labour intensive, whereas we don’t have that issue now. The team really like using them, and if they’re happy using them, it makes it so much easier because they do a good job and we get the best results.
Craig Gilholm Royal Liverpool Course Manager
“When Ian came and introduced us to the Foley, we were already familiar with other grinders. So, discovering how great the Foley is, is a reflection on Ian. It was my confidence in him who I have known since 1998, my trust in his ability and the back-up service for the machines he sells, that really sold it to me. For us, our grinder is the most important tool in the shed and reliability is all. That is why, when we change our bottom blade grinder, we will again be looking to Foley.
Rick Hamilton La Grande Mare – Course Manager
“The main reason I choose to have Foley grinders is the principles of relief grinding. They are such excellent relief grinders, and although other manufacturers have good machines, but they don’t relief grind at the same level, and for me, that’s what it is all about,” he explained. Foley has always kept to the principles of that, and it’s something I believe is essential in maintaining a good quality reel and delivering and retaining the sharpest cut ; you have to relief grind.”
Oliver Longden – After Sales Manager for golf and turf at Farol Golf and Turf Machinery
“We had a look around at what else was available, but there was nothing comparable for what we need to do. The training function was another big plus for us. We sometimes get new technicians who haven’t used the machine before. It’s an exceptionally good feature because it shows them a step-by-step set-up and how to work it, so anyone can jump on it straight away and get going.”
Jamie Starnes – Owner and Engineer Starnes Engineering
“I was looking for something that was fully automated that would speed up the whole process, and something that could be set up quickly and easily that you can walk away from when possible to do other things and make use of the time. When I’ve used other grinders to relief grind, I’ve had to stand there and manually push and pull the machine through each individual blade whereas once the Foley is set up, you can leave it.”
A common factor behind investing in these machines was the desire for a quick high-quality automatic grind.
Using the optional Accu-Touch 3 Control makes this even easier. You tell the machine what you’re working on and it does the rest using pre-programmed spin speeds, relief torque and in-feeds. With or without the Accu-Touch 3, once the grinder has started, operators are free to continue with other tasks while grinding is completed.
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STRI Group & WANDA CTI sign strategic alliance
in News, Press Release/by Felicity BinnsSTRI Group & WANDA CTI sign strategic alliance: STRI Group, the world’s leading multidisciplinary service provider to the sports and environments sectors has signed a strategic alliance agreement with Wanda’s Cultural Tourism Planning & Design Institute (CTI), the subsidiary company of Wanda Cultural Industry Group, who is China’s largest cultural enterprise.
The cooperation is an exciting step forward for the Chinese football industry, as both parties, recognized as leaders in their respective fields will create international quality football facilities throughout China.
STRI Group & WANDA CTI sign strategic alliance
Building on the regional success already realized in China by STRI and Wanda, the cooperation will firstly set new industry standards for football surfaces then see the development of an elite R&D facility and design hub, supported by a new education offering. STRI will support Wanda as their local design and project management company as they roll out ambitious plans for multiple football venues throughout the country.
The R&D center will invite select industry stakeholders to have their products and systems positioned for validation and demonstration purposes, showcasing the very best in football pitch infrastructure and ongoing maintenance. STRI’s design capabilities will be supported locally by their construction partner Tizan Turf Science. Andrew Brooker, Company Director at STRI Group said ‘The cooperation is an exciting step forward for the development of new stadium and training venues in China, enabling facilities to compete on an international level’ Andrew went on to say ‘STRI Group are very pleased to have formed the cooperation with Wanda, who are now the world’s leading commercial real estate and sports company’.
The parties intend to engage architects and engineers to collaborate on the exciting projects already identified as future developments, bringing in the very best multidisciplinary teams to deliver world class venues.
Wanda CTI are excited for the future of Chinese football venues. They are very happy to have partnered with STRI Group, a global leader in the sports infrastructure industry. They are also very pleased that STRI’s multidisciplinary teams can bring environmentally sustainable design ethics to the collaboration.
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FLexGrass Group & Agronomic Services to partner
in News, Press Release/by David SnowdenFLexGrass Group & Agronomic Services to partner: We are delighted to announce the partnership between FLexGrass Group and Agronomic Services Ltd. FLexGrass will now supply its international customer base in conjunction with Agronomic Services Ltd.
FLexGrass can now deliver their quality sports grass solutions with all the plant nutritional requirements. Pre-preparation, renovation, grow-ins and follow up to ensure stability and establish the ultimate playing surface.
FLexGrass Group & Agronomic Services to partner
With the full range of plant nutritional products to compliment FLexGrass sport surfaces they now offer the complete service package.
Quotes
David Snowden said ‘We are thrilled to be working with Fabio and Lorenzo Travaini of FLexGrass group, this is a very exciting development for our business. Our first project together at Inter Milan has proved to be a tremendous success.’ David continues ‘FLexGrass have a fantastic quality offering of sports turf including hybrid and natural grass solutions, our combined knowledge and products make for a great partnership.’
Fabio Travaini commented ‘After many years of trials using alternative, quality, fertilizers to produce our excellent sports surfaces, we have now found what we believe to perfectly fulfil our customers high standards. This collaboration with Agronomic Services Ltd. gives FLexGrass Group all the options to serve its customers, the very best products available today. With our joint expertise we can create a customised nutritional plan to meet the high expectations of our International clientele. We are thrilled to start this new adventure.’
Inter Milan training centre pitch after their October renovation process. Fantastic results achieved by the grounds team in conjunction with FLexGrass Group and Agronomic Services Ltd., using the Agronomics range and Floratine Foliars.
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It’s always been MM seed!
in News, Press Release/by Lucy NichollsIt’s always been MM seed!: Stuart Antell has been a long-term fan of Limagrain’s MM range of grass seed, using it throughout his whole career. There was no exception after he was appointed the Head Groundsman at his beloved Yeovil Town FC.
Prior to accepting the position in January this year, Stuart was enjoying a warmer climate in sunny La Manga, Spain. As much as he and his girlfriend had become accustomed to sun, sand and sangria, there were only two jobs that would tempt him back to the UK.
It’s always been MM seed!
“It was lovely out in Spain and I enjoyed maintaining football pitches and cricket squares in the sun,” said Stuart. “However, when we first moved out there, I said to my girlfriend that there would only be two possibilities of us returning home – if I was ever offered a job at Lord’s – the home of cricket, or at Yeovil Town FC – the team I have supported my whole life.
“I couldn’t believe it when the Deputy Head Groundsman position at Lord’s and the Head Groundsman position at Yeovil both came up at the same time!”
Stuart admits that the opportunity to join his boyhood team was just too good to turn down. He started in January this year and after finding his feet, he was keen to make his mark.
When it came to the grass seed, he was keen to bring in a brand he was familiar with.
“The club was previously using another brand, but I’ve always used Limagrain’s MM seed because it has always worked for me,” he said. “The main reason I chose MM seed was because I conducted a seed trial back when I was an Assistant Groundsman at Bath Cricket Club.
“I carried out a test plot with three seed mixtures from three leading breeders. MM seed proved to be the best and was also the most cost effective.”
Following the trial, Stuart continued to use Limagrain’s MM seed in his next position at Hampshire County Cricket Club and even relied on it out in La Manga.
It’s always been MM seed!
At Yeovil Town FC, Stuart chooses to use Limagrain’s MM60, which is the UK’s leading winter sports renovation mixture and can be attributed with playing a key role in many of the finest sporting venues you see today. The 100% Ryegrass formula, which is perfect for divot repair, is renowned for its extremely fast germination and its high wear tolerance. It produces fantastic aesthetic qualities, and its high disease resistance provides ultimate protection.
MM60 is also treated with HEADSTART® GOLD, which is a further development of the well-recognised Headstart treatment and has been developed using the latest scientific findings and field experience. It is a natural revolutionary grass seed treatment that ensures rapid germination.
“We did a mini renovation at the end of July and we overseeded with 11 bags of MM60,” said Stuart. “Not only do I use it for renovations, but it is a product I’ll use frequently throughout the season. After every game I’ll go over the pitch looking for any holes that have been kicked out – I’ll then apply a bit of seed to those areas just to keep on top of it. Even before a game I like to put some seed down in the goal mouth areas, which the keepers will then tread in and then after the game I’ll apply a light top dressing.
“I just cannot fault the seed at all,” continued Stuart. “It’s resilient, cost-effective and offers the best germination I’ve ever seen in a seed.”
Not only does Stuart tend to Yeovil Town FC’s stadium and training ground but, somehow, he also finds time to be the local pitch advisor for the Dorset Cricket Board.
“Through this position I carry out a handful of cricket renovations a year and I always use Limagrain’s MM50 which is perfect for cricket,” he said. “As a board we always recommend MM50 to all of the local cricket clubs.
“I have full confidence in Limagrain which is why I’ve used the MM brand throughout my career. I also like the fact that they are always looking to improve the mixtures by adding different cultivars.
“The customer service from Sam Horner (Limagrain Amenity Seed Sales Specialist) is great and he is always available if I need any advice. Everything just works – it’s the whole package.”
For further information, please contact Limagrain UK on 01472 371471 or visit the company’s website www.lgseeds.co.uk/amenity – you can also follow the company on Twitter: @MM_Seed
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Agria 9600 tames steeper slopes
in News, Press Release/by Val GrahamAgria 9600 tames steeper slopes: Engineering and software enhancements to the agria 9600 remote-controlled rotary mulching mower have made it smarter and more effective on even steeper banks and verges.
The huge H&S benefits of the agria 9600 mean it is an already popular choice for contractors, local authorities and course managers. Risk to staff is minimised because the operator can take a safe position up to 100 metres away using a hand-held control pad. Impressive on 50° slopes and banks, a 10% increase gives it a 55° capability which brings scope to tackle even tougher areas.
Agria 9600 tames steeper slopes
Manufactured in Germany, and distributed by Agria UK, sister company to Wiedenmann UK, the all-new version for 2021 has a heavier duty design with thicker steel. The electric motors and generator are more powerful and now brushless. Stronger and greased seal bearings have been introduced while the V-belt now tensions automatically.
The agria 9600 comes in two widths, 112 cm and 80 cm. It cuts and mulches in two directions and is effortless on a variety of applications, including fine turf, while offering an adjustable cutting height of 50 -185 mm. Highly productive, it can cover up to 10,000 m² / hr assuming a forward speed of 10 km / hr.
Extra smart technology has been applied inside the easy-accessed control box where the electronics are protected from dust, vibration and moisture. Equipped with sensor technology, the software communicates constantly with the sensors and intervenes in critical circumstances. For example, it will alert the operator to any harmful objects such as large stones by shutting down immediately. The colour display on the remote-control handset also sends a warning should the machine approach a critical slope or need refuelling.
Innovative ‘electric hybrid drive’ allows the agria 9600 to be more efficient and environmentally friendly than other hydraulic concepts. Safety Extra Low Voltage (48V) electricity is generated as the petrol engine drives the mower blades and generator. Accordingly, the maintenance-free motors convert the current into powering the tracks. A replacement fuel cannister system makes refuelling safe and easy, even on difficult terrain. Two standard 10 litre cannisters can be easily removed and reconnected. Optional new crawler tracks with non-slip cleat-profile, offer even more grip while a new standard feature of robust collision protection has been added.
The agria 9600 is available from Agria UK operating through a network of stocking dealers across the UK and Ireland, supported by the Wiedenmann UK team of Chas Ayres, Michael James and Andy Kerr on 0141 814 3366. www.agria.de/en-gb/
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New mower makes its mark
in Machinery, News, Press Release/by Steve MitchellNew mower makes its mark: John Deere’s south-west England turf dealership Masons Kings sold the first 2750E hybrid electric triplex mower in the area to The Point at Polzeath resort in north Cornwall, with the golf course’s head greenkeeper Tom Collings calling it “… just the mower I wanted”.
The 18 hole golf course sits just above the Camel Estuary with stunning views out over Hayle Bay and Pentire Point, and was England Golf’s GolfMark ‘Club of the Year’ winner in 2017. The club was bought out of liquidation in 2012 by husband and wife team Jeremy Davies and his wife Eva, who have since made a significant investment in every aspect of the business.
New mower makes its mark
This has included the course maintenance equipment fleet, to get the course back into better shape and improve standards across the board. As a result, the greens are now considered to be among the best in the county and the presentation of the course is first class. Most holes have seen significant changes, with improvements to the fairway definition, bunkers, tees and greens, and a new 160-yard par 3 7th hole being developed.
The club has steadily replaced its previous, ageing machinery fleet over the last five years and invested in new John Deere machines from the Masons Kings outlet at St Columb. In addition to the 2750E, a new pedestrian Aercore 800 aerator was delivered to the club following an end of year demonstration, “…just in time for Christmas!” says dealer sales consultant David Barnes.
Summer 2020 also saw the arrival of a 7700A PrecisionCut fairway mower, following two 220SL walk-behind greens mowers in 2019 and a 9009A TerrainCut rotary rough mower, 4066R compact tractor, ProGator utility vehicle and 8800A TerrainCut mower spread over the previous three years.
“We are continuously investing in John Deere’s latest golf equipment and precision technology as we aim to be the leading supplier of machinery and product support for golf courses across the south-west of England,” adds David Barnes. “The Point at Polzeath was the first club in our area to buy the new 2750E, and we are confident it will do a great job across the course for Tom and his team.”
Tom Collings came to The Point from nearby Trevose in 2009 and has seen the change of ownership breathe new life into what at that time had been a struggling business. “The owners believe if you’re not moving forward, you’re going backwards, so they’ve continued investing as far as possible, even during the pandemic,” he says.
“We bought the 8800A outright back in 2016 as part of the initial machinery investment, but since then we’ve taken all the mowing equipment on a five-year finance lease arrangement with John Deere Financial. We’ve continued to buy the tractors, utility vehicles and hand mowers, as these tend to last a lot longer if you look after them well, although it always depends on the owners’ preference each time.
“I also have a good relationship with David Barnes and parts manager Rob Blundell at Masons Kings,” adds Tom. “They have always been very helpful and accommodating, even before we started buying more John Deere equipment, and have helped me out many times by supplying parts for our older kit, for example – so in a way it’s been our turn to repay the favour with these latest purchases.
“I first saw the 2750E on social media after it was launched at BTME, and then John Deere invited me to visit Wentworth. Territory manager Nick Ashman talked about the changes the company had made to the mower and the benefits it could offer, so I was keen to have a look at it working on our course.
“Masons Kings arranged a demonstration here and after cutting the first green I was completely sold, I just found it a totally different experience to any previous mower. Given how it handled and coped so easily with the conditions around the course, the decision to buy one was a no-brainer – it was just the mower I wanted.”
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