More New Products From Rigby Taylor At BTME

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More New Products From Rigby Taylor At BTME: For new products, Rigby Taylor is the company to visit at BTME: discover about a major NEW distribution announcement; see the NEW product introductions and on a NEW, vibrant and interactive stand. It’s all taking place on the Rigby Taylor stand (B60) at BTME.

While enjoying a freshly made cup of coffee, visitors can discuss the technical features and benefits of the company’s exciting range of turf management and plant health products.

More New Products From Rigby Taylor At BTME

Also, on-stand presentations via touch screen TV monitors will involve some the industry’s newest technologies.

At the recent SALTEX, Rigby Taylor won the award for the exhibition’s most exciting product innovation…There’s more to come at BTME!

For more information go to www.rigbytaylor.com

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New Cultivars Previewed By Limagrain At BTME

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New Cultivars Previewed By Limagrain At BTME: Visitors to the Limagrain stand (C39) at BTME 2018 can expect a sneak peak of two new innovative cultivars for the golf market whilst also having a chance to win tickets to a top international sporting event.

Ahead of their spring launch, two new cultivars from Limagrain UK will be showcased for the very first time at the show. Big things are expected of Aporina and Caldris when these exciting new cultivars are added to Limagrain’s grass seed mixtures.

New Cultivars Previewed By Limagrain At BTME

Aporina is Limagrain’s new Slender Creeping Red Fescue. It is a very dense, superb all-round cultivar that performs well in both a golf green environment and fairways and tees. In both areas, Aporina has very good disease resistance and will be introduced into a number of Limagrain’s golf green mixtures – MM8 and MM10 and golf fairway mixtures – MM13 and MM22.

Caldris is a new Chewings Fescue which has very similar attributes to Aporina in that it performs extremely well in both golf greens and golf fairways. Caldris will be introduced into Limagrain’s main golf green mixtures and the non-Ryegrass fairways and tees mixtures.

Visitors to the Limagrain stand will also be able to find out more about how the MM mixtures can significantly improve golf courses. For a number of years, greenkeepers and course managers have been reaping the benefits by choosing the MM brand. All the varieties in the MM mixtures are thoroughly tested at the Sports Turf Research Institute (STRI) – ensuring that the finished product will meet your requirements for play, appearance and maintenance.

For greens, the traditional Chewings Fescue / Browntop bent mix, MM11, remains a popular choice in many cases and can be used from spring to autumn. It is ideal for new constructions and overseeding existing swards. A slight variation of which is MM10; both mixes are fine leaved, disease resistant and make good, dense putting surfaces. Where it is difficult to maintain fescue in the sward or where levels of wear are greater, many choose to use MM9 – a three way Browntop bent mixture – in late summer/early autumn for best results. For links style courses, sustainable golf or for early season overseeding, MM8 may well be the solution – a three way fescue mix with excellent disease resistance, drought tolerance and minimal fertiliser requirements.

If you are looking for a mixture ideal for tees then the all ryegrass MM50 should be considered. It is capable of rapid establishment and fast recovery from divot scarring. For large tees where play is less intense, MM22 is a viable option. Where damage and wear are minimal, use MM12 or MM13, both are suited to ‘Links style’ courses, are drought tolerant and have low maintenance requirements.

For fairways, adaptability is the key attribute because soil conditions, light and shade, contouring and wear will vary markedly in different areas of the course. Choose low maintenance, drought tolerant mixtures with creeping varieties where wear levels are low, such as MM12 or MM13 and select ryegrass mixes, such as MM22, on high divot or intense wear areas.

A selection of Limagrain’s greens and fairways mixtures will be on display on the stand for all to see, these include MM22, MM13 and MM10.

In addition, Limagrain will be running a free prize draw to win tickets to a top international sporting event in the summer.

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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ICL The Place To Be At BTME

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ICL The Place To Be At BTME: Visitors can expect to learn about innovative new products and find out about exciting new Turf Rewards developments – and of course enjoy a much needed coffee from the ICL barista team on stand B54 at BTME 2018.

The ICL stand will feature the Vitalnova range of biostimulants with a specific focus on Stressbuster. Visitors can find out more about the product and just how it has taken the industry by storm since its launch last year.

ICL The Place To Be At BTME

In further exploring methods to improve the health of a course then visitors to the stand may also benefit by learning more about Banner Maxx II, full information can be found on the Syngenta stand.

BTME attendees will also be able to pick up the new ICL 2018/19 Product Guide which features an up-to-date portfolio including some new and unique products and services. The comprehensive brochure, designed using feedback gathered from a wide range of end users detailing what they wanted to be included, will provide a detailed look into the company’s market leading products as well as offering valuable technical information.

A visit to stand B54 will also be an ideal opportunity to find out about some exciting new developments in Turf Rewards including a new look website and the launch of a brand new app. The scheme, from ICL and Syngenta, provides the chance to earn points from purchases and convert them into a range of valuable agronomic or educational items.

Henry Bechelet, ICL Technical Sales Manager UK & Ireland and Dr Andy Owen, ICL International Technical Manager, will be passing on their invaluable knowledge in a Continue to Learn seminar entitled Granular vs. Liquid Nutrition which will take place on 24 January. In this session Andy and Henry will discuss the relative merits of granular and liquid applied approaches to turf nutrition.

Using up to date trial data, they will show the relative efficiencies of delivering nutrition in different ways as well as the cost benefits from each. The aim of this session is to provide attendees with robust trial data that helps them formulate fully effective and integrated fertiliser programmes.

Henry will also be presenting What’s in a Soil Analysis on 23 January. Henry will be focusing on the various types of soils fine turf grow in and how the soil type impacts on nutrient availability. The session will present a great opportunity for greenkeepers to discover the correct way to take a soil sample and what key components they should be aware of when reading a soil analysis.

ICL is a long-term supporter of the Continue to Learn programme and has once again teamed up with BIGGA to provide the ICL Continue to Learn scholarship. The scholarship, worth approximately £500 per person, comprises three nights’ hotel accommodation and a 15-hour education bundle. This year, Daniel Ashelby, assistant greenkeeper at Wilmslow; Michael Barnard, junior assistant greenkeeper at The Royal Automobile Club; Philip Billinghurst, assistant greenkeeper at Woburn; Michael Hughes, deputy course manager at Scotscraig and Simon Pyett, greenkeeper at Halesworth, will be the five BIGGA members making the most of the scholarship.

The ICL barista team will be on hand to provide refreshments on the stand at all times, so please come along and have a chat and enjoy a complimentary coffee.

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

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Dennis & SISIS return to BTME

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Dennis & SISIS return to BTME: Dennis and SISIS will be exhibiting once more at BTME 2018 on stand A5 where greenkeepers, course managers and turf managers will be able to view an extensive range of turf maintenance equipment.

With a focus on aeration, scarification and mowing, visitors to the joint stand can look forward to finding out more about these products as well as speaking to experienced staff who will be available to answer any queries and offer valuable advice.

Dennis & SISIS return to BTME

Featuring prominently on the stand will be the SISIS Javelin Aer-Aid 1500 tractor mounted vertical action aerator and the SISIS TM1000– a tractor mounted scarifier.

The Javelin Aer-Aid recently gained rave reviews from the STRI (Sports Turf Research Institute). Over a three month period, extensive STRI trials led by Dr Christian Spring were carried out which examined how and if the Javelin Aer-Aid had an effect on the hardness of the turf, the root depth, water infiltration and disease.

“Following successful trials on an established sand based golf green, this aerator, when used as part of an integrated turf management programme, would be a very useful tool for managing soil and plant health. It became obvious that the Aer-Aid improved maximum root and depth within the soil profile and also had the benefit of increasing the depth of the average rooting mass,” said Christian.

Dennis & SISIS return to BTME

The SISIS TM1000 is a purpose designed, tractor mounted scarifier with a choice of five contra rotating quick release reels for maximum thatch removal and minimum surface disturbance.

The floating unit follows ground contours closely without scalping, while depth of operation is easily adjusted with a ‘no tool’ depth setting.

Also featuring from the SISIS portfolio will be the Auto-Rotorake MK5 pedestrian scarifier. Offering versatility with a range of contra-rotating quick-release interchangeable reels including scarifying, verticutting and brushing, the machine is renowned for its ease of use.

From the Dennis range, visitors will be able to view the Simplex and FT510 mowers. The Simplex has a 510mm (20”) operating width with a choice of 5 or 7 bladed cutting cylinder. Easy height of cut adjustment and a two-piece rear roller which gives easy turning makes this an ideal mower for golf tees and ornamental club lawns.

The Dennis FT510, which has a cutting width of 510mm (20″), will also be showcased at the exhibition. This unique mower has a range of 12 interchangeable cassettes meaning that one machine can be used for several key maintenance tasks from cutting, scarifying, verticutting or brushing.

BTME takes place in Harrogate, North Yorkshire, from 23-25 January 2018.

Further information about the range of maintenance products available can be found by visiting www.dennisuk.com / www.sisis.com

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Heath Engineering To Return to LAMMA

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Heath Engineering To Return to LAMMA: After a hugely successful debut at LAMMA 2017, Heath Engineering has confirmed it will be returning to the 2018 show on stand B77, which will be held on January 17-18 at the East of England Showground, Peterborough.

The innovative British manufacturer has been producing agricultural equipment for over seventy years with many customers learning that equipment carrying the ‘Heath Engineering’ name is synonymous with machines that are built to do the job and will last.

Heath Engineering To Return to LAMMA

The Heath Engineering brand and its state-of-the-art technology certainly caught the eye at the LAMMA 2017 Innovation Awards after the family owned business scooped a certificate of merit for the Farm Machinery & Equipment Innovation Award.

Amongst the vast portfolio of Heath Engineering farming equipment, it is products such as the Heath Super Grab which continues to take the industry by storm. In the past year, the company has reported that sales have increased by 125% on the Super Grab – and it’s easy to see why.

The Heath Super Grab is a truly innovative solution to large bale handling. A bale grab with a total ‘free release system’ enables safer bale stacking and loading. Holding of the bales is provided by four uniquely designed Hardox tines. The Heath Super Grab is able to handle 1200mm x 1200mm x 2400mm, 1200mm x 900mm x 2400mm and 1200mm x 800mm x 2400min bales either vertical or horizontal in operation.

Visitors to the Heath Engineering stand can also expect to see a great line up of equipment which includes the following products.

Heath Super Spike

The Heath Super Spike is a bale handling spike specifically designed with road safety transport in mind. Built with strength to allow a 1.5 tonne carrying capacity, the tines fold away for safe road transport position, while the safety bale bar extends for safe bale handing.

Heath Safety Forks

The Heath Safety Forks is another safety focused product. The pallet tines have been designed to fold away for road transport making roadwork safer, while all controlled from the cab.

Heath Super Dozer

With the Heath Super Dozer you can always fill your grain sheds to capacity. This innovative telescopic grain dozer gives an extra 1500mm of powered push. The telescopic and carriage mounting points ensure a fold up vertical position for safe road transport between grain stores and farms.

Heath Super Bucket

The Heath Super Bucket is a high capacity 3 tonne grain handling bucket for farmers that require the fast loading of lorries – saving both labour resource and money.

Heath Handling Jib

The Heath Handling Jib has been specifically designed for use with non-telescopic materials handlers to allow extended handling of one tonne bags safely.

Heath Folding Mirror Kit

No more smashed mirrors from accidental reversing into shed walls! The Heath Folding Mirror Kit is a unique hydraulic fold-up mirror for use on telehandlers with pick-up hitches. It is linked into the pick-up hitch hydraulics of the vehicle to enable operation from within the cab.

Heath Mole and Super Mole

The Heath Mole and Super Mole are robust mole drainers to suit tractors from 100hp to 500hp. Both models come fitted with low disturbance cutting discs and low ground pressure tyres. The Heath Super Mole legs are fitted with floating independent linkages to cope with undulating ground conditions and changing subsurface conditions.

For more information, please visit www.heathengineering.co.uk or call Heath Engineering on 01608 682062

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Reesink Brings Latest Toro Launch To BTME

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Reesink Brings Latest Toro Launch To BTME: The GreensPro 1260, Toro’s latest UK launch, will be headlining the Reesink Turfcare stand at BTME 2018. It’s also the first year that Reesink will have two stands. Joining the Reesink stand in Hall M is stand C32 dedicated entirely to TYM tractors to accommodate the range as it expands and where the new T393 will be on show.

Reesink Turfcare’s marketing manager Holly, comments: “There’s lots to be excited about this year. The show provides the perfect place to bring the latest launches from Toro to the UK market and showcasing the latest technology from one of the leading brands always generates a talking point. It’s great to have representation from all brands at the show and it’s right that TYM has its own stand to accommodate the range as it expands. We look forward to welcoming everyone to both our stands to see the line-up and share invaluable advice from our specialist machinery team.”

Reesink Brings Latest Toro Launch To BTME

Toro’s latest launch is the new GreensPro 1260 which takes all the excellent features of the previous Toro GreensPro models and adds a hydraulic drive system to eliminate leaks and prevent potential contamination of the grass, plus overlapping heads for a consistent roll over every pass. The benefit of this is two-fold: uniform smooth greens are achieved in just one sitting and the risk of scuffing during turns is dramatically reduced.

Representing the extensive range of Toro machinery and accessories will be the TriFlex 3420, eFlex 2100, Reelmaster 5010-H, Reelmaster 3575-D, Groundsmaster 4000-D, Workman GTX-E and the GeoLink Precision Spray System simulator, which debuted at the 2017 show.

Irrigation firm favourites for the fine turf and sports sector, including the Toro Lynx PC control software and the Infinity, Turfguard, T5, T7, Flex series, B series and 590 series sprinklers, will also be on stand. For Otterbine the best-selling Fractional five-in-one aerator is joined by the Concept 3, both are versatile and cost-effective aerating systems and fountains that improve water quality and enhance aesthetics.

On the TYM stand will be the latest addition to the compact tractor range, the T393. It has been brought to the UK by Reesink Turfcare because of its perfect positioning to bridge the gap between the compact utility range and the mid-duty range in the TYM line up. It further complements the mid- and heavy-duty TYM ranges, which are represented on stand by the T654. The TE145 flail mower from the recently launched range of attachments from Sicma completes the line up from TYM and indeed Reesink.

For more information go to www.reesinkturfcare.co.uk

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Winners Of SALTEX Innovation Award

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Winners Of SALTEX Innovation Award: The best in brand new grounds care technology was celebrated in the very first SALTEX Innovation Award at the NEC, Birmingham on 1 and 2 November 2017.

Making its debut, the Innovation Award attracted a number of high-quality entries from various exhibitors from across the globe. There were 24 entries in total spanning a wide variety of products, services and equipment.

Winners Of SALTEX Innovation Award

The entries were judged by an independent panel of industry experts who based their decisions on a number of factors including what the entry offers the industry and how it makes life easier for the person using it.

The standard was incredibly high, resulting in a tie for first place.

Backed by unanimous support by all judges, during the first day of the exhibition, Rigby Taylor’s Intelligent One autonomous robotic line marker and Fleet Line Markers’ MAQA line marking machine were announced as joint winners of the SALTEX Innovation Award 2017.

The Intelligent One (iO) is said to be the world’s first fully autonomous robotic line marker. It can mark out a standard sized football pitch in 35 minutes, using just 3.3 litres of ready to use Impact XP paint. The iO eliminates the task of stringing out for the first markings and operates hands-free. Once the pitch template has been entered into the supplied tablet, the iO is placed at the corner of the pitch and will mark out all the outside and inside straight lines, the ‘D’, centre circle, corner angles and penalty spot without any direct operator involvement.

The MAQA line marking machine uses GNSS technology to reduce the time it takes to mark by a massive 75 per cent. Initial marking that might have taken two men up to four hours can now be completed by one person in 20 minutes.

Winners Of SALTEX Innovation Award

The standard of all Innovation Award entries were of such high calibre that the judges chose to award second and third place awards as well.

Second place went to Oregon’s Gator Speedload, which judges said was a quick and simple device which negated the need to dismantle the head each time to re-load/wrap new strimmer cord. Third place went to the Etesia Hydro 80 MKHP4 E-Connect, due to its ability to set up multiple users and record data – allowing organisations or clubs to monitor the amount of use and user’s ability.

For more information visit www.iogsaltex.com

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New John Deere Gator debuts at BTME 2018

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New John Deere Gator debuts at BTME 2018: John Deere’s new HPX 815E Gator utility vehicle will be making its public show debut at BTME 2018 in Harrogate next January. This latest diesel powered Gator shares its new styling with the XUV 855M model, which replaces the 855D.

New John Deere Gator debuts at BTME 2018

The HPX 815E is ruggedly designed for a range of transporting and general materials handling duties in any outdoor environment. Powered by an 18hp 854cc engine working through a two-speed high-low continuously variable transmission, this two-seater vehicle is available with true on-demand four wheel drive and is capable of travelling at speeds of up to 25mph.

A simple dash-mounted electronic rocker switch controls an auto-locking front differential for extra traction when needed in challenging conditions, or to maintain two-wheel drive for lighter turf operations, for example. Additional standard features include a 12V DC outlet, all-wheel suspension and steering, front and rear hydraulic disc brakes, a rear diff lock and an integrated four post ROPS canopy with door nets.

Based on a heavy duty hydroformed steel frame for increased durability, the HPX 815E provides an increased payload of 635kg and a towing capacity of 590kg, while the updated cargo box has a load capacity of 454kg. Both the sides and the tailgate, which has a pick-up style one-handed latch, can be easily removed to provide a flatbed-style load bay if required. The durable composite construction of this industry leading cargo box makes it dent, rattle and rust-resistant.

Additional changes to this model for 2018 include a new digital dashboard, powerful LED headlights and a restyled front bumper, to improve handling and operation particularly in challenging terrain. Optional attachments for the new HPX 815E Gator utility vehicle include a road homologation kit, rear hitch, front and rear blades, a winch and a heavy-duty front suspension kit.

For more information, visit: www.deere.co.uk/en/

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Headland and Bayer At Annual STRI Trials Event

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Headland and Bayer At Annual STRI Trials Event: Ongoing and future management of the pathogen Microdochium nivale was one of the hot topics that greenkeepers discussed at the recent STRI annual Trial Event, held in Bingley, West Yorkshire. Having actively researched and trialled products to suppress the disease for over 10 years, Headland Amenity, along with Bayer, were some of the leading contributors on the topic.  David Howells, Northern Area Manager, reports on their findings.

Historically, Iprodione-based products have been the main approach to deal with Microdochium nivale, applied curatively, when the first stages of the disease are seen. Whilst at the time of writing, fungicide products containing Iprodione are still available to use, it has been announced that its withdrawal is now imminent and we will soon be without this valuable tool to control turf disease. So what alternatives are there?

Headland and Bayer At Annual STRI Trials Event

With climate and legislation changes, preventative disease management will have to be the way forward. Headland Amenity predicted these issues many years ago and has over 10 years of independent trialwork to support effective, alternative preventative strategies, incorporating both fungicides and non-fungicidal products.

STRI Trials and feedback from Turf Managers have long shown the beneficial effects of using Headland’s 20-20-30 tank mix to minimise disease levels when applied as part of a preventative programme. This consists of a tank mix of plant hardeners and elicitors, Liquid Turf Hardener, Seamac ProTurf and Turfite. For example, during the autumn of 2016, control trial plots were hit with 75% Microdochium nivale disease pressure. Plots treated with 20-20-30 tank mix alone, prior to disease establishment, showed a 50% reduction in this activity.

As we lose one ‘old chemistry’ active ingredient, a new one, Fluopyram, comes to the UK. From a new chemical group of fungicides known as SDHI’s, Fluopyram is an acropetal penetrant, which means it can enter the plant through roots, shoots or leaves, and moves up through the plant to provide protective activity. It can be found in Bayer’s new Exteris Stressgard product, alongside Trifloxystrobin and the unique ‘Stressgard’ technology which provides plant protection against stress situations resulting in a visibly healthier looking sward. Headland Amenity is a primary supplier of Exteris Stressgard alongside another Bayer product, Dedicate – a systemic fungicide which can be used preventatively at the earliest sign of disease.  Alternating applications of these two products assists in reducing any potential resistance risk.

Moving forwards, whilst Iprodione is still on the shelf as a back-up, now is the perfect time to be putting together an integrated strategy combining good cultural practice, managing sward compositions and implementing a preventative fungicidal programme to ensure your facility is prepared for what lies ahead.

For more information, visit: www.headlandamenity.com

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SALTEX 2017 – The Best Yet

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SALTEX 2017 – The Best Yet: SALTEX 2017 has been hailed as a huge success.

A year’s worth of meticulous and strategic planning from show organisers culminated in what is being hailed by many as the best ever SALTEX.

SALTEX 2017 – The Best Yet

The two-day exhibition has quickly grown to become the premier annual grounds care event in Europe and on 1 and 2 November, the halls of the NEC, Birmingham were a hub of innovation, inspiration and opportunity.

Ahead of the 9am opening, a huge queue of visitors stretched beyond the three mighty halls of 6,7 and 8 and it wasn’t long before the show floor was packed with grounds care enthusiasts from all over the globe.

More than 300 exhibitors showcased their products and services; Learning LIVE, SALTEX’s all-encompassing education programme, featured over 100 high-profile speakers who tackled a number of key issues, and other show features – including Pathology and Soil Science Live, Ask The Expert and the Job Clinic offered invaluable free advice and career progression opportunities. The Outdoor Demonstrations area enabled visitors to see some of the latest equipment in action and attendees also had the chance to see every entry in SALTEX’s new Innovation of the Year Award.

Exhibitors reported constant engagement with a high calibre of attendees across the two day event as visitors immersed themselves in the vibrant atmosphere and unparalleled interaction. The SALTEX buzz was captured by all and social media channels became a frenzy of show photos, selfies, videos and positive comments – so much so that at 11am on 1 November, #SALTEX17 registered as the third most trending topic in the UK.

Furthermore, not a moment was missed through the all new SALTEX TV. Learning LIVE discussions, panel debates and presentations, as well key interviews with visitors, experts and exhibitors were all broadcasted live on four large screens throughout the show floor.

Despite a turbulent year of economic uncertainty, SALTEX successfully united every corner of the grounds care industry. As the only independently-audited show of its kind in the UK, the IOG has never shied away from being transparent with visitor numbers and the official figure will be released as soon as the audit has been completed.

For more information visit www.iogsaltex.com

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