Turf News is the perfect place for professionals working within the UK’s vibrant turf industry – keeping you up-to-date with topical news, latest market developments and much more across all areas of the industry.
NEWS ARTICLES

Eliet Offer New Renovation Solutions

/in , /by

Eliet Offer New Renovation Solutions: As we say goodbye to the last of the summer, thoughts turn to completing turf regeneration before the Autumn sets in.

September is a perfect time to do this, when the weather is damp and cool and turf can quickly establish a strong root system, allowing lawn and turf the best chance of recovery.

Eliet Offer New Renovation Solutions

PSD Groundscare, the national distributor of niche specialist landscaping equipment, has an extensive range of products from market-leading names, including a comprehensive range of specialist lawn and turf care machinery from leading Belgian manufacturer Eliet,  all designed to make turf regeneration more efficient. Two key products are available which are specifically designed to efficiently deal with even the toughest conditions.

The New C550ZR Collector scarifier is an innovative new machine, set to dramatically reduce the time landscapers and groundsmen spend undertaking scarifying operations and disposing of thatch and moss.

It brings a new standard in turf maintenance, collecting moss and thatch into narrow rows for easier disposal, resulting in huge time savings for the operator by reducing the cleaning time by up to 50%.

The C55OZR Collector provides efficient scarification, moss and thatch removal with improved collection. As material is removed from the turf, it is deposited into a discharge channel with an Archimedean screw that carries it to the side of the machine. It is deposited into a narrow row, which on the next pass of the operation can be re-collected by the machine and integrated into a new row, along with the raked-up material from the second strip of turf. In this way the C550ZR can collect the moss and thatch of a 1m working width into one row, which is hugely time saving.

Eliet Offer New Renovation Solutions

This new machine is self-propelled and features an above-average 55cm working width which limits the number of rows to collect, and opreates at 2.5km/hr. The scarifying blades are spaced every 15mm to provide an intensive treatment to the turf and are designed to rotate forwards; thus maximising dethatching performance. This contra-rotation results in improved removal and collection of material which is pulled out and thrown vertically onto the collecting auger, increasing the efficency of dethatching by up to 30%. In addition, the extremely fine blades have Permanently Sharp BladesTM technology to ensure minimum turf damage and extended blade life. The machine also features controls with an anti vibration damper for improved operator comfort and safety.

Once the ground is scarified, then seed needs to be sewn and the Eliet DZC600 Pedestrian Overseeder is the perfect rejuvenation partner and offers impressive results – in a short amount of time. It’s innovative overseeding technology allows new grass seed to be inserted between existing vegetation, scarifying and overseeding in one process allowing faster germination and maximised growth opportunities. In addition, the process is enhanced by the new Tungsten tipped blades, which have been developed to give a clear slot which allows for better seed penetration of the soil, as well as extended life.

The machine offers visible benefits in less than a month and the treated area is available for normal use immediately after the overseeing has taken place. This is the only machine on the market than can achieve this unique renovation technique following a unique six step process.

  1. Cutting open the soil
  2. Removal of excess soil
  3. Precision sowing
  4. Injection
  5. Rollers
  6. Covering the seed

The machine is suitable for all types of grass seed and can be used on both general grass areas, fine turf and sports turf including golf greens.

The Eliet DZC600 has been extensively trialled and tested and is approved by STRI. As the world’s leading sports turf consultancy, STRI provides a state of the art testing and research centre offering innovative testing techniques to improve the quality of turf and sports turf. Carried out at the STRI research facility in Bingley, West Yorkshire, the main objective of the trial was to investigate the optimal configuration of the Eliet DZC600 overseeder for use on a golf green and on tees & surrounds. These environments were specifically chosen as they represent some of the finest sports turf surfaces that require renovation.

STRI said of the machine:  “The DZC600 is effective for sowing in a fine turf environment and offers grounds workers a very useful tool, particularly on small, localised problem areas”.

The Eliet DZC600 Overseeder dramatically increases productivity, via the multi-step system which saves the operator time and money with precision seeding at a pre-determined rate, with the benefit of additional operator comfort and is the ideal turf renovation partner.

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.

Amenity Forum Speakers Confirmed

/in , /by

Amenity Forum Speakers Confirmed: The Amenity Forum Conference is now well established as a must attend event for those involved in or with an interest in all aspects of amenity management.

In 2019 it is being held once again at the Pirelli Stadium, Burton upon Trent, on Thursday, October 10th. The conference will be entitled ‘21st Century Amenity Management’ and it will have a strong focus upon innovation and taking an integrated approach to weed, pest and disease management. It will also provide updates on policy issues and is a great opportunity to network.

Amenity Forum Speakers Confirmed

To book your place, contact Admin@amenityforum.net Delegate places are competitively priced thanks to our supporters who will be exhibiting throughout the event. For non-members, the rate is £95 + VAT. Member organisations receive a £10 discount on the above rates and, if you are a member of a local authority a further discount may be available on enquiry.

Once again the event has an impressive range of speakers and the full programme can be found at https://amenityforum.co.uk/conference/the-amenity-forum-conference-2019/ The speakers include Professor Michael Eddleston from the University of Edinburgh who is set to provide an entertaining and informative presentation on Human Health issues and Dr.David Hughes from Syngenta who will give a fascinating insight into new technologies and innovations coming the way of amenity managers in the future. There will be what promises to be a very informative session on approaches to integrated management with contributions from practitioners covering all aspects. These will be supported by other key speakers giving their views on the future. The conference will round up with a presentation from Jim McKenzie, MBE, Director of Estates and Golf Courses, Celtic Manor entitled ‘The pressures and challenges of creating and maintaining high quality playing conditions and facilities for a major golfing venue’

During the conference category winners for the Amenity Sprayer Operator of the Year Awards will be announced. There will also be the launch of the new Amenity Standard. This is seen as very much a game changer in our sector providing a standard akin to the Red Tractor in food and agriculture.
Professor John Moverley, Independent Chairman of the Amenity Forum, said ‘’this conference has attracted an enviable reputation for the quality of its speakers and the opportunity to network with the key people in our sector. I look forward to seeing you there”

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.

AMS Gear Up For SALTEX

/in , , /by

AMS Gear Up For SALTEX: Visitors to this year’s SALTEX exhibition will have a unique opportunity to get to see Belrobotics automated mowers and ball collector, along with the AMS ball wash and transportation system.

AMS Robotics, the UK’s official distributors for Belrobotics robots, is excited to bring the innovative robotic mowers and ball picker to the exhibition, with a stand featuring the robot technology in action.

AMS Gear Up For SALTEX

With 55+ locations across the UK, the automated turf maintenance company, currently provides golf driving ranges an all in one service solution that automates outfield mowing along with ball collection, washing and transportation. They also offer a robotic mowing service for large green space areas such as sports pitches, golf par 3 courses, public spaces or private estates.

Philip Sear, Managing Director of AMS Robotics had this to say:

“We’re delighted to be bringing the Belrobotic robot technology and our ball wash and transportation system to SALTEX 2019.  The show offers an unmissable opportunity for turf care professionals to come and see for themselves how the automated technology works and the benefits it provides.”

Visitors to Saltex 2019 at NEC Birmingham, October 30th – 31st, can see the robot technology in action at Stand A040 or alternatively visit www.amsrobotics.co.uk or call 01462 676 222 for more information.

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.

Variseeder A Fantastic Asset

/in , , /by

Variseeder A Fantastic Asset: Derek McJannet, head greenkeeper at Matlock Golf Club, claims that the SISIS Variseeder 1300 has proved to be a fantastic asset and has signalled some huge improvements to the stunning course in Derbyshire.

Founded in 1906, Matlock Golf Club is situated 850 feet above sea level in the hills of Derbyshire just on the edge of the Peak district, which as one can imagine, offers some fantastic backdrops and scenery.

Variseeder A Fantastic Asset

Derek has been at the club for eleven years and is part of a four-man team which tends to the 18-hole moorland course along with the club’s crown bowling green. Throughout his tenure the team has maintained the course to an excellent standard much to the delight of the club’s members.

Derek admits that maintaining the course can be challenging at times with a relatively small team and it is for this reason that he started to research current machinery which would be of benefit to the greenkeeping team as well as the golf club members.

“In one of my previous roles I had used the SISIS Variseeder and knew that it would be an asset here, however we always had a budget to consider.

“Then there was one incident last year in which we experienced some damage on some areas of the course. We needed to find a quick solution and ended up borrowing a SISIS Variseeder from a neighbouring golf club.  With the machine we were able to double pass all of the tees with seed, feed them and they came back to a better standard than what they were before. This was when we knew that we needed to get one of our own. I think the results from the Variseeder we borrowed convinced the committee as well.”

The SISIS Variseeder is a versatile easy to use tractor mounted seeder with a variable seeding rate ideal for golf course maintenance and for use on lawns and amenity areas. It has a fast work rate, is low maintenance with few wearing parts and enables overseeding to be undertaken without taking ground out of play. Complete with a studded roller, the Variseeder prepares the seedbed by creating thousands of little “plant pots” to receive the seed without linear grooves that can disturb play.

Derek and his team use the Variseeder on all of the tees and also over-seed any bare areas on or around the greens and approaches.

Variseeder A Fantastic Asset

“For us the biggest benefit is that it just saves us so much time,” said Derek. “It is now just a one-man operation, whereas before there were two or three of us doing it all by hand. From start to finish, we can get all of the areas completed in just a couple of days. The Variseeder is also incredibly easy to use, it creates these little pockets and simply drops the seed in.

“It is incredibly fast and effective and we are seeing much better coverage and a more uniformed establishment compared to when we were doing it by hand.

“Maintenance-wise it is a dream and we hardly have to worry about it. There are no hydraulics so there is no risk of oil spills either. I’ve been after a Variseeder for at least three years so I’m pleased I finally have one.

“The members have noticed the difference and are very happy with what we are producing – and if our members are happy then I am happy.”

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 Agria Launches At SALTEX

/in , , , /by

New Agria Launches At SALTEX: Agria UK is a new sister company to Wiedenmann UK and introduces two unique hybrid remote-controlled rotary mulching mowers at Saltex.

Agria was established near Stuttgart over 70 years ago. Originally for agriculture, it changed paths to cover soil cultivation, green space maintenance and pavement cleaning. Still prominent in these sectors, their German engineering has gained them a worldwide reputation for handheld multipurpose machines. Now their hybrid bank mowers are an exciting development and will be the specific focus for Agria UK.

New Agria Launches At SALTEX

Both Agria machines offer Hybrid-Drive-Concept, making them more efficient and environmentally friendly than hydraulic concepts.

The agria 9600, with its low centre of gravity and rubber tracks, powers safely through heavy duty work on steep slopes to 50°. In two widths, 112 cm and 80 cm, it cuts and mulches in two directions and is effortless on a variety of applications, including fine turf.

The agria 9500 is a remote controlled compact mower which performs to a very capable 45°.  With brushless motors and electromechanical braking it takes manoeuvrability to a new level. Zero turn, it has a working width of 70 cm and takes problem areas in its stride.

David Rae, managing director of both Agria UK and Wiedenmann UK said:

“Remote controlled units lead the way for safe technology.  These new units are perfect for purpose. Build quality and ease of use are exceptional. They help future proof the industry.

“We’ll be at Turf Maintenance Live! on Oct 22 & 23, at St Albans, then the following week will launch at the NEC for Saltex, Stand D097.”

Agria UK will operate through a network of stocking dealers across the UK and Ireland supported by Jason Bristow, Chas Ayres, Michael James and Andy Kerr.

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.