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NEWS ARTICLES

Leeds Upgrade To “ELITE” Pitches

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Leeds Upgrade To “ELITE” Pitches: When 2019 pitch renovations came around, selecting a seed mixture was a straightforward decision for Kiel Barrett, Head Groundsman at Leeds United Football Club. Having looked at all blends on the market, ELITE SPORT from Barenbrug, was the product which stood out.

Kiel stated, “For starters, it is the number one mix on the market when referring to the BSPB/STRI Turfgrass Seed publication. However, after many meetings with Barenbrug’s, Phil Logan, we discussed the importance of looking beyond the booklet. For example, Barcristalla has a much darker colour and better disease tolerance then other top varieties. Sure, wear tolerance is important, but particularly stadiums need to start thinking about the new challenges we face, wear is only part of the jigsaw. We also discussed a tailored over-seeding plan to ensure we are capitalising on specific cultivar traits at the time of year when they will benefit us the most, not just a one-size-fits-all approach”.

Leeds Upgrade To “ELITE” Pitches

Kiel was so impressed with the product that he made the decision to change all the pitches to ELITE SPORT. That included the iconic stadium, Elland Road, and every pitch at the training ground at Thorp Arch.

Deputy Head Groundsman at Thorp Arch, Stefan Jones, commented, “The germination and establishment speed was excellent, we couldn’t have asked for better. I was also very impressed with the purity of the seed; we have had very few weeds.” Kiel added, “Thorp Arch is a challenging site, in a wet part of Yorkshire that sees heavy wear combined with intense disease pressure. ELITE SPORT has stood up well to the challenge and was the obvious choice for us in our conditions”.

ELITE SPORT stands to be improved upon further in 2020 with some exciting new cultivars yet to be announced.

For more information on ELITE SPORT and other sports mixtures, visit www.barenbrug.co.uk, tweet us @BarenbrugUK or speak to one of our technical team on 01359 272000

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SISIS Heading To FSB 2019

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SISIS Heading To FSB 2019: SISIS will be exhibiting at FSB Cologne, Germany from 5-8 November 2019 where the British manufacturer will be showcasing a range of market leading turf maintenance equipment for synthetic surfaces.

Visitors to the exhibition will able to locate SISIS in hall 10.2, Aisle A, Stand No. 038, and will have the opportunity to see the following products:

SISIS Heading To FSB 2019

SISIS Brush-Pro                                

The SISIS Brush-Pro is a ride-on brushing system comprising a pair of mid mounted oscillating units and three rear mounted brush units that that have been specifically designed for maintaining synthetic surfaces. The machine has been designed for maximum manoeuvrability and operator comfort which features an electric start, hydrostatic drive for forward/reverse and its brush combinations – oscillating for thorough periodic work and rear mounted brushes for more routine work.

SISIS Osca 3

The SISIS Osca 3 is a tractor mounted powered oscillating brush with a 1.9 meter working width and is equally effective when used on synthetic turf with sand or rubber infill. The two oscillating brushes stand the carpet fibres up and redistributes the infill evenly, minimising compaction on the surface and improving its performance – giving consistent playing characteristics while preventing pile damage caused by reduced infill levels.

A contributory factor to the reduction of compaction is that the Osca’s working width will use fewer passes than other more conventional drag brushes to complete a pitch. Its aggressive brushing action agitates the upper infill level of the surface from side to side as well as brushing forward, helping reduce surface compaction and encourage the fibres to stand up straight which reduces the risk of contamination, drainage problems and leaves a consistent playing surface across the whole pitch.

SISIS Twinplay with Flexicomb and straight brush

The SISIS team will also be showcasing the Twinplay Towed Implement Frame (TIF) and the Flexicomb and straight brush. The Twinplay frame is a single pass maintenance system which accepts two implements at any one time and the Flexicomb and straight finishing brush is recommended for both sand and rubber infill surfaces. The Flexicomb ensures even distribution of infill and lifts the carpet pile while the straight brush produces a smooth level and eye-catching presentation. For rubber crumb surfaces a more aggressive brushing is required and this can be achieved by adjusting the crossbar on the Flexicomb to stiffen the bristles.

As well as the products being on show, the experienced SISIS team will be on hand to advise on maintenance procedures and offer tips on how to prolong the life of synthetic playing surfaces.

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

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Ecogreen Screener To Launch At SALTEX

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Ecogreen Screener To Launch At SALTEX: King Feeders UK are pleased to announce the launch of their new Ecogreen compact mobile screener at Saltex 2019 in October.

A real breakthrough for landscaping and contracting groundscare businesses requiring compost and woodchip screening on the move, the screener can be legally towed behind a typical 4×4 pick-up, or similar vehicle, with a 3.5 tonne capacity. It can be built to be trailer loaded, or it can be trailed with its own axle and draw bar. The innovative design offers the option of standard legs, where it can be easily moved by a fork-lift, or the screener can be supplied with hydraulic legs.

Ecogreen Screener To Launch At SALTEX

The Ecogreen screener offers a simple, reliable and economic solution to a wide range of requirements, with a quick release screening drum and choice of meshes. The aggressive drum ensures fast, efficient operation with low running cost per tonne. The machine is easily driven by the PTO of a small compact tractor and it’s also available with diesel or electric drive.

The hopper comes with a steel feed conveyor, so there is no need for the continual adjustment required with a rubber belt. The screener is compact for easy access into confined spaces, robust in construction, and suitable for one-man operation.

Elevators are available for trommel fines removal after screening and separation and there is an optional brush for wet material.  The Ecogreen screener can be easily incorporated into a bunker system and designed to individual specification if required.

King Feeders will be offering special 0% finance deals at Saltex and for the first six months of sales, subject to status, with a 50% deposit then nothing to pay for 2-years and no interest on the payment balance. King Feeders have over fifty years in the machinery industry, with twenty-three years in green waste products. The company provides national service and support.

A number of other Ecogreen machines in the range will be on display at Saltex. Come and meet us on Stand No. H085 at Saltex and call us on (+44)01260 223273.  www.ecogreencomposting.co.uk

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Major Rollermower To Debut At SALTEX

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Major Rollermower To Debut At SALTEX: Phil Cole at Cotswold Turf Care knows a good mower when he sees one.

“The MAJOR Swift is a great performer and always leaves an excellent finish,” Phil nods approvingly. He’s been maintaining the grounds at Cirencester Park Polo Club for nearly 30 years so is particular that the turf provides a safe yet fast playing surface.

Major Rollermower To Debut At SALTEX

The exceptional double-wing design of the new MJ71-730T increases productivity and efficiency without compromising on the quality of cut. “The front and rear rollers ensure we leave a level and striped finish at precisely the right height of cut, every time. It levels the ground back down to its original condition after we’ve had eight or ten horses running over it.”

“Because it’s made of high-strength Strenx® steel, it’s lightweight and avoids compaction, which is beneficial to maintain the best ground condition,” Phil continues. “For a big machine, it is far more manoeuvrable than I expected – it can turn on a sixpence! It is also a very low consumer of power, therefore more economical with fuel.”

“We have a small team, so a reliable wide area mower is essential to alleviate time pressures and reduce costs,” continues Phil. He and his team at Cotswold Turf Care manage equestrian grounds, football and rugby pitches and golf courses, as well as parks across Gloucestershire. The team cuts a minimum of 6000 acres throughout the year. “The 7.3m Swift wings fold to 2.60m, making it great for safe road transportation between multiple sites. It’s about the largest make available that can be safely transported on the road.”

The trailed versions display the MAJOR qualities of durability and low maintenance. “There are no belts – just a strong and simple, heavy-duty driveline with a shear-bolt in the PTO drive,” Phil continues. “The MAJOR Swift is galvanised so it’s going to last us a long time!”

The larger units also have rubber encasing the hinges of each arm. This protects the joints while adding mobility for each wing over uneven ground for a more consistent cut.

Looking the part is just as important as playing the part. “Players and spectators have commented on how good the grounds look,” concludes Phil. “At a recent board meeting, the committee members commented very favourably about our grass cutting and the playing surface.”

See the new 7.3m Swift roller mower at the MAJOR stand (J112) at Saltex 2019 from Oct 30-31 at the NEC Birmingham.

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Stanley Park Voted UK’s Best Park

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Stanley Park Voted UK’s Best Park: Fields in Trust’s search to find the nation’s favourite park has declared Stanley Park in Blackpool as the UK’s Best Park 2019 following a public vote.

The UK’s Best Park is organised by green space charity Fields in Trust who, for over 90 years, have legally protected parks and green spaces ensuring they will always be available for future generations to enjoy. A record 364 nominations were received for the UK’s Best Park 2019. Those nominations were supported by visitors, communities, Friends of Parks groups, and local authority landowners. An unprecedented total of 36,832 votes were cast for parks and green spaces across the UK.

Stanley Park Voted UK’s Best Park

Stanley Park in Blackpool topped the poll, in its nomination it was described as “… a beautiful, tranquil place away from the hustle and bustle of the Blackpool seafront”. The “great volunteers and staff who keep it in tip top condition” were also recognised in the online nomination.

Stanley Park triumphed over the other Home Nation winners shortlisted for UK’s best park:

  • Antrim Castle Gardens, Antrim, Northern Ireland
  • Cyfarthfa Park, Merthyr Tydfil, Wales.
  • Pittencrieff Park Dunfermline, Scotland.

In addition, 73 parks and green spaces have achieved “Much Loved” status, having been placed in the top 20% of all UK’s Best Park 2019 nominations throughout the UK. The “Much Loved” status recognises the support of local people who regularly use and love these parks and green spaces.

The UK’s Best Park Award recognises the role that parks play in our communities, supporting mental and physical health and providing a space for communities to connect. Recently Fields in Trust published the Green Space Index a new barometer of parks provision which revealed that over 2.6 million people across Great Britain live more than ten-minutes’ walk from a park or green space. With public sector cuts leading to pressure on parks and green spaces, there is the risk that a lack of legal protection could lead to more spaces being sold off or developed.

The charity is concerned that many parks and green spaces are under threat and are at risk of being lost to development or a cycle of decline and disappearance.

Fields in Trust Chief Executive, Helen Griffiths said: “We received a record number of 364 nominations for local parks and green spaces across the UK – each one setting out what is special about their own green space. Public support has been unprecedented with 36,800 votes cast demonstrating that people really do love their local park. Congratulations to Stanley Park, and to the dedicated volunteer friends’ group and Blackpool council that maintain and support the UK’s Best Park 2019.

Parks are important places where we all go to play, enjoy sport, relax in natural surroundings and connect with our neighbours. Fields in Trust is committed to protecting these vital parts of the UK’s community infrastructure for future generations to enjoy.”

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