Jacobsen and AGCSA Deliver Successful Future Turf Managers’ Initiative

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The AGCSA, in conjunction with Jacobsen, held another Future Turf Managers’ Initiative, after the success of the inaugural event in Australia last year. With help from the NZGCSA, delegates from New Zealand were also selected to take part in this joint venture. The FTMI took place at the 33rd Australian Turfgrass Conference and Trade Exhibition at the Novotel Twin Waters Resort at Mudjimba Beach, Queensland.

The two-day educational event is aimed at up-and-coming course staff who are focused on making the career leap to Superintendent or Course Manager. Focusing on personal and professional development, the FTMI uses the expertise of respected course managers, cross-industry training specialists and industry experts to mentor and educate the next generation of industry leaders.

The event involved presentations on budgeting, an insight into the Australian job market, CV and cover letter writing and interview techniques. The speakers were Stewart Fenton, CEO of Royal South Yarra Tennis club and president of Golf Management Australia (GMA), Lee Strutt, Course Manager at the Royal Automobile Club, Jeff Blunden from the Golf Business Advisory Services (GBAS), and Susanne Macphee, a human resources management professional.

The mentors were of the highest calibre and were on hand to support the groups assigned to them. Mentoring at FTMI for the first time were Leon Hennessey, Superintendent at Cromer Golf Club, NSW, and Travis Scott of Riversdale Golf Club, Vic. Mentoring for the second time was Ben Tilley of Headlands Golf Club, Qld, and for the fourth time, after being involved in the FTMI in New Zealand was John Spraggs of Royal Wellington Golf Club, NZ.

The FTMI is the only programme available to industry professionals that provides lifelong skills to both men and women wishing to pursue a managerial career within turfcare. This year, both delegates from Australia and New Zealand took part in a joint FTMI held in Australia to further broaden networking opportunities. Commenting on the success of the event, mentor Leon Hennessey said,
“It has been a privilege to be a part of this unique event in Australia. I personally found it such a fulfilling experience to mentor a group of superintendents who are so passionate about the industry and furthering their careers.

The format really worked; there was never a dull moment, and the delegates were given a once in a lifetime opportunity to network with peers from Australia and New Zealand, and have first class speakers on hand to pass on their wealth of knowledge. I would definitely urge anyone who wants to take the next step in their career to apply for the FTMI, it prepares you for everything you’ll face as a course manager.”

Speaking at the close of the event, Jacobsen’s Marketing Manager Karen Proctor, said,
“It has been another fantastic FTMI in Australia! The delegates were engaged throughout the two days, and it was touching to hear some of the positive feedback from all involved. I would like to thank the AGCSA and NZGCSA for working with us to make the event possible, it’s an initiative we are extremely proud to be a part of.

We have been given some great news that several of last year’s delegates have already been promoted to course manager since attending FTMI, and we are confident that many more will share the same success as a direct result of attending this fantastic educational event.”

Simone Staples, AGCSA Events and Education Manager added,
“We are delighted once again that Jacobsen has supported FTMI in Australia. It’s becoming the number one educational event within the industry for those wishing to make the step up to course manager, and the results are already showing. The AGCSA is pleased that there is so much enthusiasm for educational and networking opportunities within the industry, and we very much look forward to working with Jacobsen on this event again next year.”

This year’s delegates were: Luke Nowlan, Mathew Soles, Thomas Bickerdike, Brittney Goldsworthy, Ryan Pantic, Brenton Clarke, Tim Hoskinson, Simon Work, Jason Berkhout, Jacob Burridge, Rob Arestia, Matt Pollock, Danny Adams, Nick Launer, Garry Kunz, George Flynn, Alex Yates, Connor Scott, Kiel Stechman and Lance Morrin.

These delegates join a cohort of more than 160 greenkeepers from around the globe, who have graduated from the Future Turf Managers Initiative during the past five years.

For more information, visit: www.jacobsen.com/europe

Dennis Mowers Integral For Stoke City FC

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Dennis Mowers integral for Stoke City FC: Both the Dennis G860 and the Dennis Premier play an integral role in maintaining Stoke City FC’s bet365 Stadium pitch and training ground, according to grounds manager Andy Jackson.

Dennis Mowers integral for Stoke City FC

Having joined the club as an apprentice on a YTS scheme, Andy Jackson now oversees all of Stoke City FC’s grounds maintenance – which includes the pitch at the bet365 Stadium and the multitude of facilities at the Clayton Wood training ground. Andy has twelve members of staff across the two sites and they work together as one team. He insists that no-one should be dedicated to one specific site, claiming that it enables them to deal with every situation and ensures that not one person is limited to having knowledge of just one site.

“Personally I think this method works for us,” says Andy. “It provides the opportunity to work in different environments which improves their skill set and it also takes out the mundane task of just looking at one site all the time.”

“Obviously it is important that we’ve got the correct staff in place but it is absolutely essential that we have the right machinery and that everything is reliable.”

Andy has a fleet of Dennis mowers which sees four Premier’s and three G860’s based at the training ground, while the stadium has two G860’s.

“I feel that the Premier’s do a very good job on the soil based pitches,” he says. “We also use them on the Desso Grassmaster pitches if we need to firm them up a little bit – especially when we’ve been growing pitches in. We use the Premier in conjunction with the G860 and the two machines give us plenty of options.”

Fitted with either a powerful Honda Petrol or Kubota diesel engine, the Dennis Premier is available in 30” and 36” cutting widths. A three section rear roller and steering brakes make it easy to manoeuvre giving an excellent stripe pattern and rolling characteristics. Complete with a large diameter front roller with adjustable scraper, for precise height of cut control, the machine is easy to adjust on both sides with the use of a single spanner.

Equally impressive is the G860 which features an interchangeable cassette system, giving options to fit a variety of heads including scarifiers, verticutters, brushes, spikers, and slitters as well as 6, 8 or 11 bladed cutter cassettes. The operator can use the mower for a number of tasks with a simple one-minute changeover of cassettes.

“We have the Verti-Cutter cassette and the Brush as well as the cutting cassette,” says Andy. “We use the Verti-Cutter cassette at the stadium and at the training ground and use it quite intensively in April, May and then again in September or October. It’s a very effective tool and I find that we get really good results from using it after a match.”

“We also have the 6 blade and the 8 blade cutting cylinders – and which one we use purely depends on the density of the grass. So we might use the 6 bladed option in winter and for the first couple of cuts after we’ve grown a pitch in. If the density goes up then we might switch to the 8 bladed option so we have more cuts per square inch.”

The G860, weighing in at just 166kg, is renowned for its ease of use and groundsmen from grass roots to professional level have praised the machine for not only providing first-class results but also for its comfort.

“They are so easy to use – I like the fact they’ve got an open box at the front so I’m in control of everything I’m doing. We string cut so I can see the string, I can see the roller, I can see the blade, I can see the box in front of me – everything is visible at all times. The other thing for me is the setting – the adjustment of the height of cut is very simple yet effective. They also have low vibration levels which is great if you are using them for a long time like we do.”

“Each G860 probably does a distance each week from Stoke to Manchester and back. For a mower that is some mileage – they just keep going and going and reliability is key for me.”

“The most important thing is that the players have a good surface to play on every week – that the pitch is cut at the right height and that it is nice and flat. They just want the pitch to be 100% for every game and Dennis help us massively in doing that.”

“To be honest I don’t think I’d even look at a machine other than a Dennis. I get tremendous back-up from them and they are forward thinking. Personally I think they are the world’s best company in supplying mowers for groundsmen.”

For further information or a no obligation demonstration, please contact Dennis 01332 824 777 or visit www.dennisuk.com

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East Grinstead RFC Purchases First Iseki TLE4490 in Europe

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East Grinstead RFC Purchases First Iseki TLE4490 in Europe: East Grinstead Rugby Football Club located in West Sussex has taken delivery of the first Iseki TLE4490 tractor sold in Europe. The tractor was delivered by local Iseki dealer, Yeowart Agricultural Ltd.

East Grinstead RFC Purchases First Iseki TLE4490 in Europe

The new tractor will be used to manage and maintain three full-size pitches covering a total of 14 acres. The pitches at EGRFC are home to a total of 17 teams; three senior teams, one veteran team, six intermediate teams (U13-U18), and seven junior teams (U6-U12).

Chairman of EGRFC Bob Marsh is responsible for the operational management of the club as a business. He commented on the recent investment,

“The TLE4490 provides us with the capability to manage all of our own land. We are now able to mow, verti-drain and aerate our pitches without the need for dedicated machines for each job. The tractor provides us with the flexibility to hire in other equipment or attachments using our own power source.

The Iseki TLE4490 is part of the wider TLE series of compact tractors from Iseki. It features a 46hp water-cooled diesel engine and utilises an 8Fx8R mechanical drive transmission system. Three-point linkage with 1200kg lift capacity and one double-acting hydraulic service are equipped as standard, and the option of turf or agricultural tyres is provided.

“It’s what I like to call “a proper tractor.” It’s powerful, intuitive and easy-to-use, and most of all, it’s a simple tractor that is effective at doing the job that is required of it. The selectable 4WD and independent rear PTO is particularly useful; it provides us with the manoeuvrability that we need, and the power to complete heavy tasks with ease. We are delighted to be the first recipients in Europe of this fantastic machine, but I have no doubt that rugby clubs around the country will be opting for an Iseki tractor when they try one for themselves.”

East Grinstead Rugby Football Club was founded in 1929 by Brian Desmond, and the current clubhouse located at Saint Hill was built in 1997. Since the 1950s, the club has hosted an annual rugby sevens tournament “Sunshine Sevens” which has raised in the region of £250,000 for several children’s charities.

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What’s New On Makita’s Outdoor Maintenance Equipment Agenda

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What’s New On Makita’s Outdoor Maintenance Equipment Agenda

What's New On Makita's Outdoor Maintenance Equipment Agenda

  • 4-stroke MM4 back-pack blower, lighter with great performance
  • 4-stroke MM4 line trimmer with spring-assisted recoil starter
  • 4-stroke mulching lawn mower cuts close to walls with offset blade
  • 18v grass shear with hedge trimmer attachment

Four new machines have been introduced to Makita’s outstanding range of outdoor maintenance and grounds care equipment with the latest 4-stroke MM4 engine technology at the heart of two of them.  The power and performance of the Makita MM4 engine, which delivers more horsepower, torque and reliability is coupled with ultra-low running costs, low noise and low vibrations while reduced fuel consumption, together make a valuable contribution to Makita’s sustainability and environmental policies.

The new Makita EB5300TH Back-Pack Blower is a refined version of the 75cc machine designed for maintenance contractors, major property owners and tool hire operations.  Powered by a 52.5 cc version of the advanced MM4 engine this blower is lighter at 8.9 kg when dry, and delivers 15m³/minute maximum air flow volume with a maximum velocity of 82metres/second. This performance is ample for all leaf management operations but reduces the “arm strength” required to control the direction of the nozzle during a full days work. Lighter weight, better air control, longer run time – all positive attributes.

The engine is separated from the frame by four isolating damper springs ensuring vibration is greatly reduced allowing longer run time and greater operator protection. The fully padded back-pack harness adds to operator comfort. The telescopic pipe and nozzle is adjustable to the operator’s height and protection from static electric shock is achieved with ample insulation distance between the grip and nozzle.

This high-spec model has an anti-icing valve which prevents icing up in cold conditions and is compliant with EPA Phase 2 and EU Stage 2 exhaust regulations. The Makita EB3300TH Back-Pack blower has a convenient carry handle for easy transport.

The new 25.4cc EM2654LH 4-stroke (MM4) 1.1hp Linetrimmer effectively replaces its predecessor, the popular EM2651LH model.  This compact and lightweight machine features a new spring-assisted recoil starter, with mechanical decompression, and a multi-position lubrication system that enables the engine to be inclined to any angle, even during continuous operation.  A rigid aluminium clutch case reduces vibration while an ergonomically designed loop handle ensures improved operator comfort.  The guard is suitable for both metal blade and nylon line head.  The well positioned oil filling port and drain plug are easily accessible with an oil level window for easy checking and replacing of oil.

The new Makita 163cc Mulching Lawn Mower, the PLM5121N2, is a walk-behind model that has a 51cm cutting width and a single-lever cutting height adjustment with up to five positions, between 25–70mm, to achieve a spectacular, manicured lawn.  It is powered by the new 4-stroke Briggs & Stratton 675 Exi ReadyStart engine system that requires no priming or choking.  The single speed drive to the large rear wheels, designed for easy movement on uneven terrain, is controlled by the flat lift up operator control adjacent to the ergonomically designed handle and engine run control lever for easy manoeuvring.  Wheels have built-in ball bearings for additional durability.

In addition to the 2-in-1 mulching feature for side-discharge and healthier lawns, this lightweight, 31.0kg mower is able to cut close to walls, and around obstacles, by an offset blade position while a plastic front cover protects the steel deck.  The 4-stroke engine requires no fuel mix, has low noise, emissions and running costs, and is designed for lawns up to 1,800m².

The new 18v UM603D Grass Shear G-Series will be everyone’s favourite – fast, powerful and handy – and is now available with a hedge trimmer attachment that has a tool-less blade change.  The shear has a double blade action; a cutting width of 160mm, and 3-stage cutting height adjustment from 15–25mm for really fine trimming such as topiary.  With an ergonomically designed soft grip handle and light in weight at just 1.5kg, user comfort is guaranteed while low noise emissions for ‘Sunday morning quiet time’ will keep neighbours happy.  This model is compatible only with a Makita G-Series battery, and is available as a body only option with hedge trimmer attachment.

The Makita range of outdoor maintenance and grounds care tools continues to expand with tools and innovative systems that are designed for professional users and keen gardeners everywhere.

For more news and product information about Makita UK please visit www.makitauk.com.

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Redexim Synthetic Maintenance Machinery

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Redexim synthetic maintenance machinery completes Ipswich BC’s capabilities: Ipswich Borough Council – via 3 teams at Chantry Park, Holywells Park and Christchurch Park – maintain all natural surfaces of sports grounds, open spaces, schools and play areas in the Borough.  When the decision was taken to pull the synthetic surface maintenance in-house, the council decided that a Verti-Top and Verti-Comb from Charterhouse Turf Machinery were the right tools for the tasks at hand.

Redexim Synthetic Maintenance Machinery

“In addition our grounds teams also offer an external contracting services through Borough Landscapes,” explained Chantry Park Manager Ian Clarke. “Within our remit is specialist turf care, landscape design, wildlife and habitat management plus much more. To do all this work we’re lucky to have a large machinery fleet of over 250 units so it was logical to add some synthetic kit to our range, enabling us to deal with all types of surface we come across in the Borough”.

At the town’s two main sports centres, 3G pitches have been installed, along with an ever-increasing number of schools that are now playing sports on artificial surfaces. Ian again, “We’d looked at the maintenance specifications as outlined by the pitch installers and then looked for machinery which fulfilled the grade. It was really the knowledge and support offered by Curtis Allen of Charterhouse and Adrian Brown from our local dealer Tomlinsons that sealed the deal – that and the quality of the kit of course! Curtis and Adrian trained up 12 operators on the new machines and have provided excellent back-up support when we’ve needed it. With the Charterhouse kit now established in our fleet, we’re in a position to increase our working capacity and take all synthetic maintenance work in our stride. In fact, we won an additional contract after a local school came to us with concerns over an imminent FA pitch inspection. Together with advice from Charterhouse and a deep clean from our Verti-Top, they passed the test with flying colours!”

The Redexim Verti-Comb is the Councils most used piece of kit, utilised at least one school site a week. Whereas, depending on the specification of the client, the Redexim Verti-Top can offer anywhere between 3 and 16 cleans at a site each year.

Last word from Ian, “From the very first demo of the Redexim Verti-Comb, the impact was evident immediately. The team at the sports centre could see and feel the difference after just one pass by the machine – everyone commented that it was by far the best the pitch had ever looked!”

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