GKB At SALTEX 2018

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GKB At SALTEX 2018: GKB will be heading to the NEC for Saltex with a formidable line-up of their natural, synthetic and hybrid turf machinery. From brushing and cleaning artificial turf to tackling surface drainage and aeration, infill removal and sand spreading, there’s a smooth GKB machine to do the job efficiently, accurately and in less time for higher productivity.

The now well-known Combinator combines fraise mowing and verticutting grass areas, typically sports turf, while removing and loading the complete upper layer of unwanted turf.

Introduced at the show is a new hybrid blade option for the Combinator, for use on stitched, carpeted and hybrid grass.

GKB At SALTEX 2018

Quick Clean is a threepoint CAT I/II PTO operated machine for quick and thorough cleaning of artificial turf, sweeping up leaves, branches and dirt in a single pass. It uses a depth adaptable brush and shaking screen system to deposit dirt into a waste bin.

The GKB Rotobrush RB120 is designed to rejuvenate and maintain sports field artificial turf and help keep it in top condition. Dirt collecting between the fibres encourages algae growth and reduces drainage, causing deterioration. The Rotobrush offers a quick and easy method of removing dirt in a single pass, with a closed deck to prevent loss of collected infill material, to bring a heavily compacted surface back to life.

The multiple-operation GKB Ecodresser can be described as the ultimate machine for the maintenance of the sports pitch or golf course. In just one operation, multiple operations are combined. The turf is intensively aerated (20 cm deep) by means of the combination of cutting discs, coulters and fixed tines. At the same time as the dressing is applied to the upper layer the sub layer is aerated. You can level imperfections in your pitch by carrying the recycled dressing then scatter it in the desired place. This also creates excellent seeding conditions, improved drainage and enhances the development of rooting.

Problems with a compacted synthetic turf pitch, such as compacted infill responsible for a reduced water permeability, is dealt with by the GKB Renovator. Five rotating brushes quickly deal with the problem, leaving infill material on the pitch to be brushed in using the quick brush.

GKB At SALTEX 2018

A fast, efficient way of seeding and surface aerating with virtually no surface disturbance is achieved using the GKB Combiseeder. Creating over 1500 holes per m² it provides accurate seed application at various rates to suit different seed mixes, with drag brushes to incorporate seed and topdressing. The Combiseeder can be used for overseeding and initial seeding and offers a fast and efficient way of seeding and surface aerating, with virtually no surface disturbance. There’s a large seed hopper with agitator brush and you get accurate seed distribution from all seed mixes. There are models from 1.2m to 2.1m and there are options of a multi spike cast ring roller or Cambridge roll cast ring roller. The GKB range is on Stand H051 at Saltex.

For more information, visit: www.gkbmachines.com

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New Ferris Launch At SALTEX

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New Ferris Launch At SALTEX: The team that brings you Ferris zero turn mowers in the UK are delighted to confirm the launch of an all new commercial mower from Ferris at the upcoming SALTEX exhibition.

The ISX®800Z is powered by a Briggs & Stratton Commercial Turf™ 27-gross HP, 810cc VTwin petrol engine, featuring a commercial warranty of 3 years. Packed full of premium features, the ISX®800Z boasts Ferris’ patented suspension technology, iCD™ cutting deck technology, heavy-duty Hydro-Gear® drive system, an engine purpose built for a zero-turn application and mowing speeds up to 16 km/h. With a compact size, the ISX®800Z can easily tackle tight places, providing maximum manoeuvrability and productivity.

New Ferris Launch At SALTEX

Taking owners into the future, the Ferris suspension has been upgraded for an even better mowing experience, featured on the ISX®800Z. Not only does this mower incorporate adjustable coil-over-shocks at the rear wheels, it also boasts next generation independent suspension at the front using a double wishbone system. This offers superior operator comfort and increased mowing productivity, with the deck following the contours of even the most challenging terrain with refined control and incomparable steering accuracy.

This allows the operator to maintain ground speed on rough turf, not slowing down, and instead taking full advantage of the available horsepower resulting in more covered square meters per hour and lower operational costs.

On top of that, all Ferris zero-turn mowers have no limitations on the daily allowable exposure regarding hand/arm and whole-body vibrations (HAV’s and WBV’s), including the ISX®800Z.

The ISX®800Z is a commercial workhorse offering superior durability and is built with industry-leading commercial-grade components. Dual commercial Hydro-Gear® ZT-3400 transaxles deliver unmatched power and durability. The 132cm rear discharge mower deck with iCD™ technology features a factory fitted mulching insert and cast-iron spindle housings; accommodating double-row industrial angular-contact bearings. An all new double belt mower drive system is covered by 3 years (max.300 hours) warranty.

Other features include large 23” traction wheels at the rear, a premium high-back adjustable seat with padded arm rests, large 21 litre fuel tank capacity and a foldable ROPS system.

Clive Carter, T H WHITE Machinery Imports Business Manager, is excited about the opportunities this new model presents, commenting, “this is an exciting step for Ferris, with next generation suspension technology that is unrivalled in the market, as well as all the usual benefits buyers can expect. We’re looking forward to showcasing the ISX®800Z at SALTEX and providing free demonstrations for those who are interested in seeing it in action.”

Specifications:

• Commercial Turf™ 27-gross HP, 810cc V-Twin petrol engine features an ultimate 5 step dust and particle filtration system with an integrated cyclonic air cleaner.
• Dual commercial Hydro-Gear® ZT-3400 Powertrain® transaxles
• 132cm Rear discharge fabricated steel mower deck with iCD™ technology and standard mulching insert
• Patented 4-wheel suspension system
• Foot operated deck lift with cutting height ranging from 38-127mm in 0,6cm increments
• Large 23×10.50-12 drive tyres and 13×6.5-6 caster tyres
• Ground speed up to 16 km/h with productivity up to 1,69 Ha/hour (based on 80% efficiency)

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Successful Limagrain Event At AELTC

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Successful Limagrain Event At AELTC: The All England Lawn Tennis Club, Wimbledon, recently played host to an event by Limagrain UK, where groundsmen from several independent schools were treated to an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at one of the world’s most famous sporting venues.

The access-all-areas tour was conducted by Neil Stubley (head of courts & horticulture) and Grant Cantin (head groundsman), in which the attendees were taken to the exclusive players-only area, the media centre and the legendary centre court. Delegates also got to see first-hand some of the exciting developments which are currently underway.

Successful Limagrain Event At AELTC

The club is now in its final year of the Court 1 retractable roof project and is set to be completed in time for 2019 Championships. Other works include a new office building for staff, a complete refurbishment of the player dressing rooms and a brand new members’ brasserie – which will no doubt provide yet another world-class dining establishment.

Commenting on the developments, Grant said: “This is the norm here to be honest because we are always trying to be better and provide a better venue – not just for the players but for the public and everyone who comes here.”

The tour offered a fabulous insight into the meticulous planning that is required to successfully host the greatest tennis championships in the world. Grant revealed that while they face many sleepless nights during the Championships, there is still no let off when the games come to a close.

“In terms of grounds staff, there are eighteen of us here full-time and that includes two full-time mechanics and two irrigation engineers. Every year from March until October we bring in another twelve or thirteen people just to get the numbers for the busy times. The Championships are obviously busy but after that it is actually our busiest time with the renovations. Every grass court is renovated and most of them are stripped off back to soil and then re-grown. All this work needs to be completed before the weather starts turning in October or November, so it is a very busy time for us.”

For the renovations, the grounds staff choose to use Limagrain grass seed for the grass courts – as Grant explains:

“We have been using Limagrain seed for quite a long time now and we are very happy with the product. The mixture is very similar to MM50 with two of the three cultivars being the same. The STRI actually do all of the research for us and they, along with Limagrain, recommend which cultivars to use.

“Every year we are confident that the seed is the very best it can be and the results are great,” he said.

After a complimentary lunch, and as the event came to a close, attendees were left reflecting on the revealing tour and James Pope, grounds manager at St Paul’s School, was certainly pleased to be a part of it.

“This place is just unbelievable and I didn’t realise how much of a big scale they are working on every day. The standards that they work to when the courts are closed is incredible; everything is just immaculate all the way through to the pathways, gardens, courts and renovations. Then there is the preparation that goes into the tournaments – I’ve never seen anything like it.

“For me personally, I don’t get to see my fellow colleagues too often so to come to a place like this, which is very different, and to see and talk about something that we haven’t all seen together is huge. We were able to bounce ideas of one another and I was able to exchange ideas with other groundsmen that I look up to and speak to those who have more experience than me. To talk about the products and techniques used here, and to network with other school groundsmen, has been invaluable.”

For further information, please contact Limagrain UK on 01472 371471 or visit the company’s website www.lgseeds.co.uk/mm

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BTME Registration Opening

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BTME Registration Opening: With registration for BTME 2019 due to open on Monday 8 October, details have been released about what will be on offer at the largest turf management exhibition in Europe.

Click here to register now for BTME 2019.

During BTME 2018 last January, the event hosts, the British & International Golf Greenkeepers Association, revealed that the annual exhibition would be drastically transformed for 2019. A whole host of innovations and exciting new offerings will further evolve what amounts to the most influential event in the calendar for the golf industry in the UK.

BTME Registration Opening

And with registration for the event imminent, BIGGA is delighted to reveal that it has lived up to this promise, with an event that has expanded by 25% and that will feature a host of new conferences, forums, exhibition platforms and more opportunities than ever to network and gain valuable knowledge and experience.

Utilising a new hall layout at the Harrogate Convention Centre, BTME will feature 4,800sqm of exhibition space and feature Golf Course Construction Live!, a golf simulator competition, a new product and innovation area and a TED Talk-style theatre, where short presentations will be delivered by some of the leading names in the industry.

As always, Continue to Learn will kick off the week, with the education programme evolving to better suit the needs of BIGGA members. Taking place from Sunday 20 to Wednesday 23 January, the association’s Learning & Development team has put together its largest-ever package of education with more than 250 hours of education.

There will be a Deputies’ Conference, a Links Forum, an Ecology and the Environment Forum and a panel discussion looking at The R&A’s Golf Course 2030 plan.

Other workshops will discuss Gadgets & Gizmos, The Disturbance Theory: 10 years on, Work-Related Stress, while regular favourites such as the Turf Managers’ Conference and the Young Greenkeepers’ Conference will also return.

Last year, 50% of Continue to Learn workshops and seminars sold out within five weeks of registration opening, so BIGGA members have been encouraged to get their places booked soon to avoid missing out.

BTME 2019 itself begins on Tuesday 22 January with the ever-popular Welcome Celebration taking place on the opening evening. Housed in a new location in the HCC’s main auditorium, television presenter Naga Munchetty will once again host the event, which will see a number of BIGGA members recognised for their achievements throughout the year, including the announcement of the winners of the annual BIGGA Awards, revamped to coincide with the new, expanded BTME offering.

Throughout the show itself, which runs from Tuesday until Thursday 22 January, there has been an increased offering for members, including more social space for networking and a larger BIGGA stand featuring a Wellness Area where skin cancer screening, hearing screening and mental health advice will all take place.

Also on the stand will be a Membership Benefits advisory service, where experts will provide information for members regarding legal advice, HR, health & safety, volunteering and member opportunities.

BIGGA Chief Executive Officer Jim Croxton said: “The expansion of BTME arose due to the exhibition’s incredible popularity among our exhibitors, of which in 2018 there were more than 140 and we’re due to expand on that number this year. In providing more space, we were presented with an incredible opportunity to create a greatly improved visitor experience, further enhancing BTME’s position as the premier turf management exhibition in Europe.

“We anticipate BTME 2019 being our most popular event ever. By registering early for BTME, you can ensure you skip to the front of the line and increase your BTME experience to the limit, ensuring you won’t miss a single part of what promises to be a historic event for the greenkeeping industry.”

Click here to register now for BTME 2019.

Visit www.btme.org.uk for more information.

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First SALTEX For Consolidate Turf

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First SALTEX For Consolidate Turf: Exhibiting at Saltex for the first time this year, Consolidate Turf is giving every turf professional the opportunity to come to stand E195/E196 at the NEC in Birmingham and discover an exclusive range of balanced, energy efficient, liquid nutritional products for the perfect turf maintenance programme.

The Chorley based company manufactures bespoke nutritional programmes including core products Consolidate Plus+ and Consolidate Winter Turf Hardener, that provide the maximum benefit for individual customer needs.

First SALTEX For Consolidate Turf

Working closely with groundsmen and greenkeepers across the amenity sector has led to Consolidate Turf products being incorporated in the turf maintenance programmes at the majority of the UK’s and Europe’s most renowned venues including many Premier League facilities as well as Universities and Non-League and National League football teams.

Renowned Head Groundsman Steve Braddock said: “Following the successful trial last winter on one of our pitches I have decided to extend the use of Consolidate Plus and Consolidate Winter Turf Hardener onto our other pitches this winter.”

As well as these core products, the varied catalogue of the Anti-Stress Turf Range, Consolidate Range and the Renovation Seed Pack have enabled users to adjust rates to suit their specific requirements. This has been customary practice in the case of Links manager, Chris Ball, who has used the products to adapt to ever-changing conditions on golf courses.

“I have been involved in the turf industry for over 25 years,” Chris explained. “During this time, I have experienced various management techniques and practices at both Parkland and Links venues.

“I have regularly used the full range of Consolidate Turf products due to their diverse flexibility that subtly adapts and compliments our ever challenging and changing environment.”

By creating tailored programmes for customers any issues their turf is facing can be directly met. At Glamorgan Cricket Club, Head Groundsman, Robin Saxton, wanted to improve plant health and colour and did so through the use of a unique Consolidate programme.

“From the first meeting we have made tremendous progress and as things advanced through meetings we have designed and developed a completely bespoke and unique package for our exact needs,” he said.

“We have had great results with the renovation package. We have managed to integrate the programme on our cricket square and the results have been fantastic.

“Using Consolidate Plus+ on a fortnightly basis has helped us keep a more even colour and growth rate across the square without the peaks and troughs a monthly programme can give you. The addition of extra copper in the mix has kept us disease free even when we have had to cover the square for an extended period of time.”

Producing a range of nutritional products that are the catalyst for turf improvements for groundsmen on every budget is an important factor for Consolidate Turf. They strive to improve pitches for customers such as Chorley Football Club in the National League North with a natural pitch, as much as they do for Fulham Football Club in the Premier League playing on an SIS Grass hybrid pitch. “We are successfully using the full range of Consolidate Turf products on all SIS pitches at both The Cottage and training grounds. Right from the renovation through the season, the bespoke product range is aiding us to achieve optimum pitch performance across the board,” said Grounds Manager David Tatnell.

This has been achieved by listening to customers and refining individual choices that have become integral components in maintenance programmes across the entire spectrum of amateur and professional sport.

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