New level of battery performance from Husqvarna

/in , , /by

New level of battery performance from Husqvarna: Husqvarna today announced the launch of two new powerful battery-powered brushcutters which will raise the bar for performance.

Increased levels of productivity are available for professionals when using the Husqvarna 535iRX or 535iRXT, thanks to the Husqvarna-developed high torque motor, large cutting diameter and effective anti-vibration system. A host of new key features make the products a great addition to the collection of any industry professional.

New level of battery performance from Husqvarna

After significant demand from municipalities and professional landscapers for more robust battery solutions with less environmental impact Husqvarna — one of the world’s leading producers of forest, park and garden products — has inspired the launch of Husqvarna 535iRX and 535iRXT- two new brushcutters with increased levels of professional performance. Designed and developed with commercial tasks in mind, these two innovative brushcutters are built to be robust, powerful and equivalent to petrol products in the 35cc range.

The new Husqvarna 535iRX and 535iRXT brushcutters are part of the 500-series product range and offer Husqvarna’s first anti-vibration system on a battery brushcutter. This feature further reduces strain on the user allowing for smoother operation during extended hours of use. These products are also equipped with a new user interface, allowing the user a constant view of the battery status to more easily plan their work.

Johan Svennung, product specialist, commented: “We’re excited to launch these new products as there’s a strong demand from our commercial customers for high-quality, innovative battery solutions. The performance of the Husqvarna 535iRX and 535iRXT is comparable to petrol machines, but with key benefits such as no direct emissions, lower vibrations and lower noise. Our high torque motor, extended cutting diameter and robust design mean that we will be able to meet the needs of our professional customers who rely on these products day-to-day.”

Key features of the 535iRX and 535iRXT include:

True cordless – Full flexibility to choose between internal or backpack battery and these products are also compatible with all Husqvarna BLi batteries. The BLi300 is the recommended choice of battery for best balance and productivity.

Anti-vibration system – Superior anti-vibration. First on a Husqvarna  battery brushcutter.

Built-in Connectivity (535iRXT) –  The integrated Bluetooth® module makes 535iRXT compatible with Husqvarna Connect and Husqvarna Fleet Services, where Husqvarna Fleet Services is specifically designed for commercial users to keep track of the entire machine fleet.

New user interface – Offers an improved, tactile feel with battery status always visible on the product handle.

ErgoFeed trimmer head (535iRXT) – Saving time and money, the ErgoFeed trimmer head feeds line with a button and is both easy and robust. Eliminating unintentional line feed when hitting stones and debris.

Weatherproof design – IPX4 rain resistance classified.

Availability and price

The Husqvarna 535iRX/535iRXT bruschcutters are available from February 2020 at Husqvarna dealers and are priced: 535iRX (£519.00) and 535iRXT (£599.00).

For the latest industry news visit turfmatters.co.uk/news

Get all of the big headlines, pictures, opinions and videos on stories that matter to you.

Follow us on Twitter and Instagram for fun, fresh and engaging content.

You can also find us on Facebook for more of your must-see news, features, videos and pictures from Turf Matters.

Quadraplay signals improvements at Wolverhampton

/in , , /by

Quadraplay signals improvements at Wolverhampton: Andrew Brough, head groundsman at Wolverhampton Rugby Union Football Club, claims that the SISIS Quadraplay single pass maintenance system, has helped him in his personal quest to improve the standard of pitches.

It is safe to say that Andrew is Wolverhampton Rugby Union Football Club through and through. He has played for the club since he was a child and his own children have followed in his footsteps and currently represent the junior teams. He also runs the bar in the club house and when he is not pulling pints or ordering more stock he is tending to the pitches.

Quadraplay signals improvements at Wolverhampton

Andrew admits that his role of head groundsman is his greatest responsibility and it is certainly not a role he has taken lightly since his appointment two years ago.

“Quite simply, my aim here is to improve the standard of the pitches and make sure they are as playable as possible,” he said. “In the past we have had to cancel a lot of games because the pitches haven’t been draining very well and we just never used to have the equipment – but now we have.”

One of Andrew’s first tasks as head groundsmen was to sign-up to the RFU’s Groundsmen Connected initiative which is an easy access, two-way communication network between the RFU and rugby union groundsmen. It is the main communication channel for the RFU to provide information and advice to groundsmen and also has special offers and exclusive benefits for members.

Members have a direct communication channel on pitch maintenance issues with Twickenham’s head groundsman Keith Kent, and it was Keith’s advice which prompted Andrew to purchase the SISIS Quadraplay.

“I went to a seminar through the Groundsmen Connected scheme and I saw Keith who stressed the importance of aeration. Keith told me a lot about his thoughts on basic pitch requirements, what he felt was the best approach and also the best equipment to use. He told me that in his opinion he thought that the SISIS Quadraplay was the best way forward for us.”

The SISIS Quadraplay multiple-purpose, single-pass maintenance incorporates a mounted frame for up to four implements such as grooming rakes, spikers, slitters, rollers and brushes. The implements can be fitted to the mainframe in any order and can be independently adjusted to achieve the desired effect. Compact, robust, versatile and with the ability to carry out up to four operations simultaneously – the Quadraplay makes life a lot easier for many groundsmen.

“It’s a brilliant piece of kit – we’ve got a cutting deck on our tractor which came with the deal that allows us to basically cut the pitch and then we use the Quadraplay to finish off the pitch. It has made a huge difference to our aeration.

“I also really like the roller which is great for presentation. It does everything I need it to do and I’m really pleased with it. I actually think that most rugby clubs could do with a Quadraplay because it would make their pitches a lot better. We haven’t had to cancel any games since we’ve been using it.”

As part of the package, Andrew also purchased the SISIS Multitiner – a tractor mounted aerator. Based on his experience of using the two new machines he later purchased a SISIS Variseeder – a tractor mounted overseeder; and he revealed his plans for using them.

“I’ll be using the Multitiner to spike the pitches and obviously by doing that we will be able to go into the holes with sand. We will then go along the pitches and sweep all that nice sand into the ground and give it a bit more drainage and help to get rid of some of those holes and ditches.”

“The pitches are a bit patchy at the moment and I want to reseed the pitches so I’ll use the Variseeder to make sure we get more seed into the ground. Hopefully with more grass in the ground the pitches will repair a bit quicker and they will be nice and lush in time for the new season.”

“Ultimately, with the SISIS machinery I feel confident that I’ve got some really great equipment in place now which will absolutely improve the pitches.”

For further information or a no obligation demonstration, please contact SISIS on 01332 824 777 or visit www.sisis.com

For more news, reviews and insightful views, you can follow SISIS on Twitter @SISISMachinery and like the company’s Facebook page – www.facebook.com/SISISMachinery. You can also view the latest SISIS videos by visiting www.youtube.com/SISISMachinery

For the latest industry news visit turfmatters.co.uk/news

Get all of the big headlines, pictures, opinions and videos on stories that matter to you.

Follow us on Twitter and Instagram for fun, fresh and engaging content.

You can also find us on Facebook for more of your must-see news, features, videos and pictures from Turf Matters.

New GKB Drainmaster for Duncan Ross Ltd

/in , , /by

New GKB Drainmaster for Duncan Ross Ltd: Specialists in all aspects of Sportsturf, construction, drainage, renovation and maintenance.  The Company originated in the 1960s from a background in agricultural land drainage. Duncan Ross Ltd, have invested in a GKB Drainmaster for full drainage schemes for a variety of clients.

Joe Ross, Manager at Duncan Ross Ltd, explains how impressed they were with their new GKB Drainmaster.  Duncan Ross – Managing Director had initially seen the machine exhibited at BTME and was so impressed by the design and quality of the workmanship.” He adds, “ultimately, this was a key factor which encouraged us to purchase the reliable and refined machine.”

New GKB Drainmaster for Duncan Ross Ltd

“We have been delighted with the service and attention we’ve received from GKB since purchasing the GKB Drainmaster, Joe Ross explained. The machine is very well engineered and makes the job easy!”

Having been in continuous development since 1985, the concept of the GKB Drainmaster has been completely refined. The system has been developed not only to improve the drainage of surface water but also the acceleration. Duncan Ross Ltd have used their machine to “complete a full drainage scheme and intensified the system using the GKB Drainmaster. The results were excellent.” With the GKB Drainmaster, the stability and quality of your grass will improve.

For more on GKB Machines and their reliable and robust range of machinery for natural, hybrid and synthetic turf, please visit www.gkbmachines.com or contact Tom Shinkins on 07495 883617.

For the latest industry news visit turfmatters.co.uk/news

Get all of the big headlines, pictures, opinions and videos on stories that matter to you.

Follow us on Twitter and Instagram for fun, fresh and engaging content.

You can also find us on Facebook for more of your must-see news, features, videos and pictures from Turf Matters.

Pellenc launch new Rasion 2 Models

/in , , /by

Pellenc launch new Rasion 2 Models: Pellenc UK has announced the launch of the all new Rasion Easy 2 and Rasion Smart 2 battery powered pedestrian rotary mowers.

The original Rasion Easy was launched back in 2016 which was a combination of the previous two models in the Rasion rotary mower range – the Basic and the Smart. Feedback from users revealed that commercial operators found the manual operation of the Rasion Basic more appropriate yet they also liked the self-propelled element of the Rasion Smart.

Pellenc launch new Rasion 2 Models

Therefore, the Rasion Easy was launched to offer a combination from both models.

2019 sees a new and improved Easy model with a number of exciting key features.

Mow in silent harmony with the environment

  • New silent Brushless wheel motor with direct drive.
  • 91 dB at speed 3 and 93 dB at maximum power.

Mowing with consideration for the user’s well-being

  • Exceptionally low vibration rate of 0.7 m/s² (compared to 4.5 m/s² for a petrol mower).
  • An easy-to-handle lawn mower: Single front wheel facilitating stability and work flow. 2 wheel-locking positions: free/idle wheels or guided steering – flexible and smooth.

Enables intensive mowing over extended periods

  • New electronic management by the IMS (insulated metallic substrate) circuit board. This allows for improved heat dissipation, absorbing power peaks during intensive mowing without reducing the blade speed.
  • Optimised anti-jam system, reverse rotation of the blades to remove excess grass from the housing while keeping the mower running.
  • The ICC (intelligent cutting control) sensors will now be available as an option (not standard) on the Easy 2. This patented feature exclusive to Pellenc allows the mower to detect the height and density of the grass and change the engine speed accordingly. This saves power as operators do not have to run the machine under full-load unnecessarily.

A cutting width of 60cm with height of cut between 25-75mm, 70 litre grass box capacity and two front swivel wheels ensure the Rasion Easy 2 is ultra-manoeuvrable. Weighing less than 30kgs and folding handlebars means that transportation between sites is effortless. The Rasion Easy 2 also has an IP54 water rating, which as time goes on will be the standard through the rest of the Pellenc tool range.

All Pellenc batteries and tools come complete with a three-year commercial warranty as standard – the first manufacturer to offer this on battery-powered tools. Pellenc is exclusively distributed in the UK and Ireland by Etesia UK.

To view the all-new dedicated Pellenc website please visit www.pellencuk.com

You can also follow Pellenc on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram @PellencUK for much more news, reviews and insightful views.

For the latest industry news visit turfmatters.co.uk/news

Get all of the big headlines, pictures, opinions and videos on stories that matter to you.

Follow us on Twitter and Instagram for fun, fresh and engaging content.

You can also find us on Facebook for more of your must-see news, features, videos and pictures from Turf Matters.

Duncan Ross at Queen Elizabeth’s

/in , , /by

Duncan Ross at Queen Elizabeth’s: Queen Elizabeth’s Grammar School, Blackburn, aim to increase the use of their sports field using new primary and secondary drainage from Duncan Ross Ltd.

The pitches on the field are used every day throughout the school year and are home to two local football teams at the weekends, consisting of two adult teams and one junior section.

Duncan Ross at Queen Elizabeth’s

In the two years before the work, the pitches began to hold water during the winter months, preventing students using them regularly and causing fixtures to be called off.

Having recognised the issue, the school, through director of business and finance, Paul Atkinson, enlisted Professional Sportsturf Design (PSD) to carry out an initial survey of the site.

Paul explained: “There was an existing drainage system that had been installed several years ago, but it was no longer doing the job, and as a result, the pitches started to become unplayable in the winter. That then began to affect our students who couldn’t use them regularly and our income at the weekends because the fixtures would be called off.

“Now the pitches are looking fine, and we’re confident that they’ll be ready for the new school year. We did all the work in one go with a view to having them in operation for the academic year, which is the 2nd September 2019, and we’re confident that will be the case.

“Working with Duncan Ross has been very smooth. They stuck to the programme of works and kept us informed with what was going on. They worked well with our groundsman, and he was also kept informed about everything. He’s very happy, and he’ll start to mark the pitches out in the next couple of weeks, and he’s very confident that we’ll be playing on them in September. We’re looking forward to using the pitches all year round, especially throughout the winter months.”

The initial survey was done by PSD project manager, Mark Higgs, who recognised the need to install new pipe drainage to replace the older pipes that had become capped off over time. Secondary slit drains were also installed to make the pitches better equipped to deal with downpours and ensure water drained efficiently from the surface.

Duncan Ross at Queen Elizabeth’s

As well as the drainage work on the entire field, particular attention was paid to Pitch 1, the main match pitch, which had a layer of thatch. This pitch was fraise mowed with the Koro Field Topmaker to remove 85-90% of the existing vegetation before the pipe and slit drains were installed and the surface seeded.

Mark has now worked with Duncan Ross Ltd on a number of projects and commends Duncan’s ability to think on his feet and offer quick solutions when issues arise.

He said: “Duncan went to the site prior to the drainage installation and he had to dig down and prove some of the existing drainage. He phoned me straight away to tell me he’d found something that meant we had to adjust our specification slightly. What’s good when you’re dealing with Duncan is that he’ll improvise, he doesn’t just phone you up and say ‘that won’t work’, he’ll say ‘I’ve found this, it isn’t ideal, but I’ve thought about it, and this is how I think we can achieve the finish on the job’. That proactive approach makes the process a lot quicker and reduces any downtime, which means we’re able to meet our deadlines.”

For the latest industry news visit turfmatters.co.uk/news

Get all of the big headlines, pictures, opinions and videos on stories that matter to you.

Follow us on Twitter and Instagram for fun, fresh and engaging content.

You can also find us on Facebook for more of your must-see news, features, videos and pictures from Turf Matters.