First Sports Stadium To Install Toro Lynx Reports Back

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Lynx Let Loose At Rhino’s Home: First Sports Stadium To Install Toro Lynx Reports Back

First Sports Stadium To Install Toro Lynx Reports Back

In 2013, Headingley Carnegie Stadium, the West Yorkshire home of Leeds Rhinos rugby club and Yorkshire County Cricket Club, was the first sports stadium in the UK to opt for Toro’s advanced irrigation system, Lynx.

Four years on the sports venue has a new head groundsman, Ryan Golding, and here we talk to him about how he has found taking over the system, the installation of which placed the stadium at the forefront of sports pitch irrigation.

“Lynx was chosen by my predecessor Jason Booth as part of a £1 million pitch rebuild,” Ryan says. “He saw the reasoning behind having a high spec system for many reasons, but predominantly for its real-time intuitive control and water sustainability.

“It makes no sense spending thousands of pounds on a pitch and having a bog standard irrigation system. To join a stadium which had that vision and invested in a state-of-the-art system, which is still state-of-the-art, was brilliant.”

When Lynx was installed at the club, the idea was that the system would enable the club to access detailed and comprehensive information on all aspects of the pitch and its irrigation programmes, to monitor water, energy and other inputs and based on the findings introduce a more sustainable way to manage the pitch.

Ryan confirms that as hoped, the Lynx system puts the pitch management team in control. The computer-based software is coupled to wireless soil sensors beneath the surface enabling effective planning and real-time adjustments to benefit plant health, playing surface conditions and to sync with other turf management regimes.

“As I’ve said, part of the decision making process was based on how Lynx could help with water sustainability. Well, I can confirm that it is contributing in a big way. The efficient head-to-head sprinklers, soil sensing equipment, weather station system and integrated pump stations have had a big impact on how much water we use and on the club’s bottom line. Water off the mains is not cheap and it’s sensible not only for the environment, but also our budget to use the resource effectively. We’re making big savings and it’s improving grass-growing conditions, too.

“There are plans to put in place water holding tanks underneath the stands to harvest water from the stand roofs. The surface area there will collect a good amount of water to reuse,” Ryan tells us. “The important thing is ensuring the water is thoroughly cleaned as, in order for the collected water to be used for pitch irrigation, the salt content of the water, which can be high in rainwater, will have to be low enough to not damage and depreciate the irrigation system. I will test the nutritional value of the water every four weeks and from the results will be able to decide whether to use the water to irrigate the pitch or use it in the washrooms and showers.

“The bottom line is Lynx gives us the power to make these kind of big-impact, long-lasting decisions, which is fantastic.”

For more information, visit: reesinkturfcare.co.uk

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Kubota are racing to the finish line at BBC Countryfile Live

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Kubota are racing to the finish line at BBC Countryfile Live: Kubota UK are encouraging kids to put their racing skills to the test on a specially designed racecourse with a Kubota pedal tractor.  Children who race across the finish line will be in with the chance to receive a Kubota driver’s license or a children’s hi-vis vest.*

Kubota are racing to the finish line at BBC Countryfile Live

Whilst the children put the pedal to the metal, visitors to the stand can see a selection of Kubota’s high performance groundcare machinery. This includes the Kubota Z122R – the company’s new zero turn ride-on mower for the residential market. The new Z122R enables gardeners to manoeuvre seamlessly and effortlessly around trees, climbing frames and flower beds, by utilising some of the key features of Kubota’s zero turn models for the professional market.

Kubota’s popular GR1600-ID ride-on mower will also be on display. The versatile, reliable and efficient machine is ready to help you maintain your lawn. Accompanying this, the leading RTV400 utility vehicle enables land owners to traverse large estates and tough terrain quickly and safely.

For those looking to see something bigger, take a trip down to the ‘Farming in Action’ area at BBC Countryfile Live where visitors will have the opportunity to see the Kubota M135GX-III Series tractor in action! Equipped with a Bale Wrapper, the powerful, efficient and high performance tractor will be taking part in live demonstrations throughout the four-day show.

Karen Tipping, Marketing Manager for Kubota UK, said: “BBC Countryfile Live is a fantastic show for the whole family, a really great day out with a host of activities on offer for families to enjoy. The show provides us with the ideal opportunity to promote our brand and build awareness with a wide range of visitors. We look forward to seeing everyone at the show.”

For more information on Kubota and its extensive range of solutions visit www.kubota.co.uk or call 01844 268000. To purchase your tickets, click here

*Subject to availability. Age Restrictions apply.

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Bobcat Extends Forestry Cutter Attachment Range 

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Bobcat Extends Forestry Cutter Attachment Range: Bobcat has extended the company’s new range of forestry cutter attachments with a third model – the new FRC150ST – for use on the smaller Bobcat S630/H and S650/H skid-steer loaders and T590/H and T650/H compact tracked loaders.  

Bobcat Extends Forestry Cutter Attachment Range 

The new FRC150ST complements Bobcat’s recently launched FRC150HT and FRC200HT high torque forestry cutter attachments, which are compatible with the larger Bobcat T770H and T870H compact tracked loaders, S770H and S850H skid-steer loaders and the A770H all-wheel steer loader and provide cutting widths of 1.5 and 2.0 m, respectively,

Based on feedback from the field, the 1.5 m wide FRC150ST incorporates many improvements over the previous FRC150 model.  Among the improvements, the FRC150ST is manufactured almost entirely from Hardox, with a specially designed new fixed motor offering greater output and efficiency.  The enhanced design also offers a new, lighter drum, with carbide teeth, new hose routing and greater performance and manoeuvrability.

The FRC150ST forestry cutter mulches trees and underbrush in minutes − leaving a carpet of mulch behind when clearing trees and bushes for any kind of application.  The variable front gate can be adjusted to provide the coarseness or fineness of mulch that the finishing requires.

Providing a cutting width of 1.5 m, the FRC150ST forestry cutter is designed for continuous work on bushes and trees 100 to 120 mm in diameter, intermittent use for trees with a diameter from 150 to 200 mm and occasional use on trees 220 to 260 mm in diameter.

Applications are very varied and range from those in agriculture including vineyards, orchards, nurseries and tree care; forestry including cutting fire breaks in woods and forests, clearing work and removing unwanted undergrowth and trees; wildlife, national park and country estate management; perimeter maintenance of facilities such as schools and military bases; to site development in construction; land clearing for landscaping and recreation projects; maintenance work on vegetation next to pathways and other right-of-ways, utilities, railway lines and roads as well as clean-up work after storms and floods.

Powered by a new high performance motor, the 1.5 m drum on the FRC150ST forestry cutter is equipped with 30 fixed long-life carbide teeth.  Other new features include three rows of counter cutters; a new adjustable push bar configuration; a new reinforced chain protection system at the back; a new HD belt cover; new adjustable skid shoes; a debris and seal application kit; an automatic drum brake system; an ACD Control system and a patented fixed knife rotor with tungsten carbide tips.

The FRC150ST forestry cutter attachment is operated from the comfort and safety of the cab on the Bobcat loader − and the mandatory Forestry Applications Kit provides even greater safety and protection.

The Forestry Applications Kit protects the loader and operator from flying objects and debris.  It includes an impact resistant front door, which must be installed in order to operate the forestry cutter.  A safety feature stops the cutter drum from turning if the loader door is opened.

For work in confined spaces in woodland and forests, front and rear light guards are added to the loader to protect the lights.  A guard protects the hydraulic quick couplers, hoses and wire harness from falling trees and branches.  A level II FOPS (ISO 3449) protects the operator and the cab from falling trees and objects, while top and rear polycarbonate windows provide additional protection for the operator.

Shields protect the lift cylinders against debris and help to reduce material build-up in the engine compartment.  Although daily maintenance is essential in this type of work, a debris screen on the radiator ensures continuous operation and makes cleaning up easier.

All functions of the forestry cutter can be fingertip controlled from the operator seat without requiring the operator to remove their hand from the loader steering levers.  As mentioned above, the forestry cutter has a hydraulically-adjustable front gate that can be opened while cutting debris and then closed to retain material and provide a fine mulching action.

The Bobcat range of forestry cutters is part of the company’s comprehensive selection of attachments for forestry, estate management, amenity and landscaping work, which includes stump grinders, wood chippers, brushcutters, flail cutters, augers and tree transplanters.

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Polaris Announce 2018 Model Highlights And Updates

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Polaris Announce 2018 Model Highlights And Updates: Polaris has announced its 2018 off-road vehicle line-up highlights, with the introduction of a brand-new model and a host of significant updates across the RANGER, RZR and Sportsman families, including an all-new chassis, improved performance and enhanced technology.

Polaris Announce 2018 Model Highlights And Updates

Following the introduction of several new models for MY2017, Polaris continues to lead the charge into 2018 with innovative new products and solutions to further enhance user experience.

RANGER – MY18

Headline news for RANGER is the introduction of a brand-new model for the EMEA region, as the RANGER XP 1000 makes its debut.

Following extensive development and testing at the Polaris R&D facility in Wyoming, the new RANGER boasts class leading power (82hp), torque (61lb-ft), ground clearance (330mm), suspension travel (280mm) and towing capacity (over 1100kg).

Featuring the proven ProStar 1000 Twin Cylinder engine, the RANGER XP 1000 features a new one-piece frame providing improved chassis stiffness and automotive levels of refinement with a re-designed interior to provide more storage and capability.

Featuring bold and aggressive new styling on the outside, developments continue on the inside of the cab too. Dual-Sweep analogue dials and a 4” LCD Rider Information Center provide comprehensive information to the driver, while thicker seat foam provides better comfort. Practicality is boosted with a flip-up passenger seat enabling true flat floor storage in the cab too. This is further enhanced with additional cubby space.

The RANGER XP 1000 is due to arrive towards the end of 2017.

Other updates for the RANGER line-up in 2018 include fully sealed suspension bushings on the RANGER XP 900, providing improved durability and maintenance free operation for less downtime when work needs to get done.

The MY18 RANGER line-up will consist of the following models:

RANGER 570 (in Sage Green)

RANGER 570 EPS (in Sage Green and painted Blue Fire)

RANGER 570 – Full Size (in Sage Green)

RANGER XP 900 EPS (in Sage Green)

RANGER XP 1000 EPS (in painted Matte Titanium Metallic)

RANGER XP CREW 1000 EPS (in painted Suede Metallic)

RANGER Diesel HD (in Sage Green)

RANGER CREW Diesel (in Sage Green)

RANGER EV (in Avalanche Gray)

RZR – MY18

Following the introduction of the RZR XP Turbo 168 last year and RZR dominance and victory in the SXS class at the 2017 Dakar Rally, RZR has been subjected to a series of evolutionary enhancements for MY18.

An update on the Turbo model is the adoption of a new digital display on the Turbo model; ideal for keeping an easy eye of speed and engine performance. The new display offers quick and easy to see information on speed, engine revs, temperature, fuel level and range.

As well as updates to instruments and new colour schemes across the range, RZR 900 comes factory homologated for MY18 as standard.

The MY18 RZR line-up will consist of the following models:

RZR 570 (in White Lightning)

RZR 900 EPS (in painted Matte Titanium Metallic)

RZR S 900 EPS (in White Lightning or painted Ghost Grey)

RZR XP 1000 EPS (in painted Black Pearl)

RZR XP Turbo EPS (in painted Ghost Grey or painted Velocity Blue)

RZR XP4 Turbo EPS (in painted Ghost Grey or painted Velocity Blue)

RZR XP4 1000 EPS (in painted Black Pearl)

Sportsman & Scrambler – MY18

The evolution theme continues for the Sportsman and Scrambler models in 2018, with a host of technical updates, improving rider experience and durability.

Echoing the development of some RANGER models, the 2018 Sportsman line-up now features sealed suspension bushings, improving durability while reducing service requirements dramatically in the process.

Key updates for MY18 Sportsman 570 models include new fully enclosed side panels and a new four-inch LCD Rider Information Center.

The new side panels improve rider comfort by reducing engine compartment heat venting towards the rider’s lower legs, while the Rider Information Center offers easy-to-read comprehensive information.

Along with providing easily accessed information on speed, engine revs, distance travelled, duration of use, time, battery voltage, coolant temperature and gear position, the new system also offers programmable service interval information and can be customized by the user to select blue or red backlighting and brightness.

Other individual model updates in the Sportsman range include the move to dual A-arm front suspension on the 570 SP and Touring 570 SP models, while the Touring 570 models also get the XP style passenger backrest.

The MY18 Sportsman and Scrambler line-up will consist of the following models:

Sportsman 570 (in Sage Green or Indy Red)

Sportsman 570 EPS (in Sage Green, Indy Red, or Velocity Blue)

Sportsman 570 SP (in painted Sunset Red)

Sportsman Touring 570 EPS (in Sage Green or Velocity Blue)

Sportsman Touring 570 SP (in painted Silver Pearl)

Sportsman X2 570 EPS (in Sage Green)

Sportsman X2 570 EPS Nordic Pro Special Edition (in White Lightning)

Sportsman 6×6 BIG BOSS 570 EPS (in Sage Green)

Sportsman XP 1000 (in painted Havasu Red Pearl or painted Matte Copper LE)

Sportsman Touring XP 1000 (in painted Silver Pearl)

Scrambler XP 1000 (in painted Havasu Red Pearl)

GENERAL – MY18

Following on from the homologation treatment of other models, the MY18 GENERAL will too be available as a T1b factory homologated model. Other technical enhancements include a revised CV Propshaft for reduced driveline noise, passenger door enhancements and new colour options.

The MY18 GENERAL line-up will consist of the following models:

GENERAL 1000 EPS Premium (in painted Radar Blue)

GENERAL 1000 EPS Deluxe (in painted Titanium Metallic)

GENERAL 4 1000 EPS (in painted Black Pearl)

Full 2018 model details will follow soon with pricing and availability.

For further information, visit: www.polaris.com

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Saving Line Marking Costs Through Innovation

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Saving Line Marking Costs Through Innovation: On 29th June 2017, technology giant, Apple, marked 10 years since the iPhone was first released. A fact almost difficult to believe as we consider just how much this smart device has transformed our lives; improving organization, efficiency and communication to say the least.

Saving Line Marking Costs Through Innovation

In the Grounds Maintenance Sector, we have marked a similar technological anniversary for Fleet Line Markers, the Apple of the industry, who pushed boundaries in productivity, accuracy and quality through the development of its own innovative iPhone equivalent, BeamRider, also in 2007.

Still positioned as the only laser guided, automated line marking machine Worldwide, BeamRider puts aside 3/4/5 triangles and string lines, through the creation of laser-guided perfect right angles and straight lines in a matter of seconds.

2017, however, brings new innovation, as from the advanced mechanics of BeamRider, the MAQA has been born – creating a new era of marking, with no strings or measuring tapes, just pure GPS guided line marking from start to finish.

For Iain McGuffie, Managing Director and master-mind behind Fleet’s innovations, a need to continuously develop innovative products for the industry is fueled by his desire to provide a solution for problems surrounding productivity, costs and quality.

He explained: “Using traditional methods, a football pitch takes at least two Grounds Staff 2.5 hours to initial mark, using 3/4/5 triangles, measuring tapes and strings – often retouched just a week or two later. An essential but costly process.” 

“In understanding the extent of this often-arduous task, Fleet has always focused on different ways in which we could make a Groundsmans’ job easier, reviewing problems surrounding accuracy, quality, cost, speed and productivity – key issues that still resonate for many turf professionals today, despite advances in the sector.”

“Ultimately, when we develop innovative products, we take the time to listen to and work closely with our customers. Using BeamRider as an example, many customers had expressed the need for a system that would make initial marking quicker and easier, and as such the idea of a laser guided system was created.”

This theme of innovation has resonated throughout the Grounds Maintenance Sector throughout the past decade, with developments in Line Marking Paint and Machines bringing about significant change for Grounds Staff:

Line Marking Paint

Since 2007 Manufacturers have focused on a number key developments in line marking paint, including the longevity of paint, ease of application and use, and extreme concentrates vs ready to use products.

This time period has also witnessed the demise of dry marking powder, such as Easiflo due to improved paint science. The main battle, however, has lied quality versus cost: A somewhat challenging battle, as lower cost paint has often resulted in lower quality – harboring productivity by increasing the likelihood of re-application.

Pushing for innovation, Fleet Line Markers has worked hard to maintain paint quality, utilising the best raw materials to create paint that is brighter and whiter than ever before, with the added benefits of no re-wetting, instant dispersion of concentrated paint and soft settlement technology.

The introduction of ready to use products such as DROO, has also enabled Grounds Staff to mark a full sized football pitch with as little as 1.1 litres of paint, significantly saving both time and costs.

Line Marking Machines

Grounds Staff would agree that the initial mark of a pitch is one of the most time-consuming jobs, where pin point accuracy weighs heavy. However, recent advances in laser guided and GPS line marking has improved productivity by up to 75%, whilst placing any concerns over line accuracy as a thing of the past.

Advances in technology have also removed the manual task element of initial marking – meaning multiple pitches can be initial marked and painted in a fraction of the time, compared to the traditional methods of lines string, measuring tape and 3/4/5 triangles. The result? Accurate, straight lines with little input from Grounds Staff at a percentage of the cost.

The statistics included in the table below demonstrate this point effectively:

Marking Method

No. of Pitches

Time

Resource

Cost
Traditional String 20 2.5 hours per pitch 2 Men 100 hrs. x £20 p/h = £2,000
Laser Guided 20 0.58 hours per pitch 2 Men 23.2 hrs. x £20 p/h = £464
GPS Guided 20 0.5 hours per pitch 1 Man 10 hrs. x £20 p/h = £200

Resilience to change

The main issue surrounding innovation in line marking? Resilience to change. A resilience to trust new machinery and allow robotics to undertake a previously manual task – a point supported by the fact a vast number of sports clubs still utilize original pedestrian line markers, particularly if the recent ‘Finishing Touches’ footage of Wimbledon is anything to go by.

Iain finished: “Despite innovation saving costs, time and efficiency – with increased accuracy and quality output –  our next hurdle does not lie in providing an effective solution to overcome the problems experienced by Grounds Staff, as with MAQA we already have it. It, in fact, lies in helping conventional grounds staff see and perceive the benefits of line marking through GPS. As, we believe, much like the iPhone, it will be life changing… if you just let it!”

www.flmuk.com

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