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

Mix Business With Pleasure At SALTEX

/in , , /by

Mix Business With Pleasure At SALTEX: If you’re heading to Saltex 2019, you’re probably planning to talk turf, ogle new kit and perhaps grab a drink or two along the way.

Scott Brooks (Head of Grounds and Estate, St. George’s Park) and Karl McDermott (Head Groundsman, Lord’s) will be taking part in a live Q&A with complimentary drinks for all attendees.

Mix Business With Pleasure At SALTEX

This social event will take place on stand F185, 4pm on 30th October, hosted by White Horse Contractors, giving you the chance to pick the brains of the men responsible for two of the UK’s most iconic grounds.

Win a magnum of champagne! The top three questions submitted in advance (as judged by Scott and Karl) will each win a magnum of champagne. For your chance to win, email whc@whitehorsecontractors.co.uk or tweet @whitehorsecontr.

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.

GroundWOW Launches SPECIAL FX

/in , /by

GroundWOW Launches SPECIAL FX: Launching in October 2019, GroundWOW® makes printing on ground as easy as printing on paper. GroundWOW® SPECIAL FX can print any logo, any colour, any size, on any surface.

Deployable in under 10 mins, autonomous vehicle technology, artificial intelligence, and end-to-end Cloud SAAS (Software As A Service) platform combine to create ground-printed images as accurate as a blade of grass.

GroundWOW Launches SPECIAL FX

“Compared to current methods, GroundWOW offers unrivalled time and cost savings, and is available for a single monthly fee,” said Tony Rhoades, GroundWOW Founder, Chairman and CEO. “GroundWOW customers will be the first in the World to have the power of full colour autonomous AI printing at their disposal for sports sponsorship and advertising applications, delivering compelling executions, unlocking revenue, and activating dormant or underutilized ground real estate,” continued Rhoades.

Whether you’re a fan, a sporting superstar, or a stadium owner, sponsorship revenue pours life in to sports around the world. Whatever the sport, wherever the stadium, all eyes are on the field of play where history has delivered many great sporting moments. These moments bring fans, cultures, and brands together forming memories that last a lifetime. It’s a big deal and it’s big business. GroundWOW® helps make that happen with visceral full colour ground printed images.

“From a practical perspective, our SAAS cloud platform provides permanent ‘up’ time, vast secure image-to-print file conversion and storage, and full client management, as well as the means to remotely prime, operate, and update robots. The GroundWOW SPECIAL FX system even tells the user how much paint is required relative to the surface and precisely when the print will be done. This is the first of several GroundWOW product innovations geared to drive sponsorship revenue in all sports around the world. We believe this is the future of branded sports sponsorship,” said Rhoades.

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.

Matrax Announce New Partnership

/in , /by

Matrax Announce New Partnership: Two major stadiums in New South Wales, Australia, have entered into a strategic partnership with Matrax Inc. after acquiring 12,400 square metres of Matrax 4×4 stadium flooring that will enable the venues to host multiple entertainment events while protecting the playing fields.

ANZ Stadium (capacity 80,000) is the former Sydney Olympic Stadium that hosts many of the city’s major events, including NRL Grand Finals, State of Origin rugby league, Bledisloe Cup rugby Tests and football internationals featuring the Australian team the Socceroos.  Bankwest Stadium is a 30,000-seat rectangular stadium and the new home of sport and entertainment in Western Sydney.

Matrax Announce New Partnership

The two stadiums are both owned by Venues NSW, on behalf of the NSW Government, and operated by VenuesLive, a leading provider of management and hospitality services to venues and events.

Both stadiums also host major entertainment events. A Metallica concert and the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo will be staged at ANZ Stadium in October, while Queen will play at the venue in February 2020. Elton John will play at Bankwest Stadium in March 2020.

Hosting these major events requires the construction of massive and complex stages, including vast video walls and elaborate sound systems. Fully-loaded tractor trailers, cranes and other heavy equipment must be supported without negatively impacting the sensitive playing surface.

The NSW stadiums selected Matrax 4×4 stadium event flooring for its exceptional field performance. Having been in use in major stadiums around the world for many years, the Matrax panels have a proven track record of superior field protection. Engineered expressly for stadiums, the Matrax panels are lightweight and easy to install without special equipment, yet are extremely robust and designed to spread load across panels to accommodate the stress of concert stages, equipment, and guests.

Having full jurisdiction over everything that happens on the field is critical to health and performance of the turf. Head Curator, Graeme Logan, recognized the advantages of owning the asset early on in the design process as the asset also affords the stadium full control over critical schedules which is especially important during the height of the sporting season.  The ability to minimize the turf stress allows the venues to be converted quickly from concert back to game day with minimal disturbance, leveraging the opportunity to keep the venue utilized during non-game days, and bringing much more versatility to the operations.

The NSW stadiums purchased an integrated combination system consisting of both heavy-duty drivable panels and light-duty pedestrian panels as a means to more effectively manage their budget. Heavy-duty panels will be utilized under the staging areas and to build access roads into the venue for construction activities.

“We are very excited to be partnering with such an amazing group of professionals in the sports and entertainment industry. I look forward to being back in Australia in March to further support this new relationship. I invite interested parties to contact me directly for an introduction.” Nicole Andrews, Managing Director, Global Sales, Matrax Inc.

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.

GKB To Top All At SALTEX

/in , , , /by

GKB To Top All At SALTEX: The GKB Top-Clean is a full mechanic, self-driven machine that removes all kind of dirt from the top of a synthetic pitch, from cigarettes, leaves and papers to plastic bottles.

This machine can easily be connected to almost every tractor by using a standard three-point hitch or electric drawbar. Using a high driving speed (around 10 km/h) will result in a perfect looking artificial pitch that you can be proud of!

GKB To Top All At SALTEX

Designed as a full self-driven machine, the Top-Clean features two rubber wheels at the front ensure that the machine will roll softly across the artificial pitch. Not only this, but a rotary brush is connected with the wheels by a chain drive. You can determine the speed of the brushes with the driving speed.

During operation debris and infill will come on a vibrating sieve. This sieve will separate infill material from the debris and thanks to the vibration of the sieve, all pollution moves to the bins at the end. Containing two separate bins, after use, the bins can easily be removed to get emptied in a regular waste container.

GKB is proud to be showcasing this new to range model at the 2019 SALTEX show. Visit stand H051 to discover more.

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 to enquire about the GKB Top Clean ready for next season.

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.

Eco-Management: Speed x Effiency = < CO₂

/in , /by

Eco-Management: Speed x Effiency = < CO₂: As we all know “Eco-friendliness” doesn’t exist in our industry (think e.g.: resources, transport, waste) or you should mow without any help from tooling manufactured by the industrialized world we live in.

That’s why we prefer sustainable and environmentally sound solutions to address the current standards on emissions by utilizing an unique Ferris-combination: SPEED times EFFICIENCY.

Eco-Management: Speed x Effiency = < CO₂

With our Vanguard™ EFI-engines on the IS®2100Z and IS®3200Z fuel savings are possible up to 25%. Even in the most worst-case scenarios (wet-, tall grass) savings on fuel are still 9% compared to a carburettor equivalent. In the case of cars, for example, we measure emissions per kilometre, but what conversion factor can we apply to emissions from lawnmowers?

Let’s take the IS®2100Z in worst-case mode and make a thumb rule calculation based on gross calorific value basis:

Ferris IS®2100Z:                                6,96 ℓ petrol per hour x 30 operational hours = 208,8 ℓ / week

Non Ferris, no EFI:                            7,65 ℓ petrol per hour x 30 operational hours = 229,5 ℓ / week

 

Ferris IS®2100Z:                                208,8 ℓ petrol per week x 2392 grams of CO₂ / ℓ  = 499450 grams CO₂ / week

Non Ferris, no EFI:                            229,5 ℓ petrol per week x 2392 grams of CO₂ / ℓ  = 548964 grams CO₂ / week

 

Ferris IS®2100Z:                                20.000m² capacity (80% eff.) /hour x 30 operational hours = 600.000m² / week

Non Ferris, no IS®:                           12.500m² capacity (80% eff.) /hour x 30 operational hours = 375.000m² / week

 

Ferris IS®2100Z:                              499450 grams CO₂ / 600.000m² = 0,83 grams CO₂ per m²

Non Ferris, no IS® and EFI:           548964 grams CO₂ / 375.000m² = 1,46 grams CO₂ per m²

 

Reduction on CO ₂ emissions:      43%

Reduction on fuel consumption: at least 9% on hourly base

Increase fuel consumption non Ferris w/o EFI and IS: at same coverage square meters: +43% (1:1 relation CO ₂)

Increase on capacity m2: 600.000m2 instead 375.000m2 = 60%

What & Why with IS® Suspension?

Ferris IS® Suspension Technology (Quality of Cut)

  • Contour following technique: mower deck follows the movement of the wheels (and flow of the terrain)
  • Deck is connected to the moving A-arms, not the chassis
  • Consistent cut
  • Pro-active anti scalp function
  • Minimizing breaks in ground contact
  • Maximizing traction

Build from the ground up… to be the hardest working and smoothest riding mower in the  industry

Ground following construction: how does it work?

Ground following construction: how does it work?

  • Front suspension through single A-Arm construction
  • Front wheels can move independent
  • Mower deck directly connected to the A-arms
  • When front wheel moves up, the respective deck
    corner will be lifted, following exact movement
    of the wheel
  • When front wheel moves down,
    the deck hanger chain will collapse
  • Deck will remain level,hanging on
    the remaining three deck hanger chains

Ground following construction: how does it work?

  • Transmission cradle hosting RH and LH transmission
  • Cradle moves independent from the main frame
  • Mower deck is connected to a deck lift pivot
  • When the transmission cradle moves up, the mower deck will
    be lifted upwards
  • When the transmission cradle moves down, the mower deck
    will be lowered
  • Compensates suspension movement

Ferris IS®Suspension Technology (Comfort)

  • Exclusive feature (only you offer this USP!)
  • Not just a special seat to mask operating vibration
  • Operators experience less fatigue while tackling tough jobs
  • Reduced whole body vibration which can cause injury pain in back, shoulders and neck
  • Absorbing bumps and vibration that causes operator fatigue
  • Possibly less absenteeism through illness and reduction number of sick days
  • IS® benefits chassis by reducing shock load
  • Better focus and concentration = less damage
  • Increased comfort = operator satisfaction = increased productivity
  • Increases overall machine life (Protects Body & Machine)

Ferris IS®Suspension Technology (Efficiency)

  • Other brand operators slow down to compensate uneven terrain
  • Insulated from uneven terrain
  • Naturally increasing speed
  • The operator is better protected for shock loads and vibrations
  • Taking full advantage of available horsepower
  • The driver is able to stay seated at higher ground speeds
  • More square meters per hour
  • Enables you to get more done in less time than conventional mowers
  • Measurable improvement in mowing efficiency

Ferris IS®Suspension Technology (Extended Mower Life)

  • Suspension protects body and machine
  • Suspension benefits chassis by reducing shock load
  • Mower with suspension will last longer and requires fewer repairs than                                                   similar non-suspension mower
  • Ferris frame rails are made of much heavier material;                                                                     No rely on frame flex to keep all four wheels on the ground
  • Minimizing breaks in ground contact = Maximized traction

Ferris IS®Suspension Technology (Unique Position)

  • Exclusive feature
  • Unique patented suspension system (the System carries 160 patents!)
  • Only commercial mower that features a dedicated suspension system
  • Sets Ferris completely aside from competition

What can we say more….

Unique, exclusive, patented…sets Ferris completely aside from all others!

  • Highest mowing speed = Highest efficiency = Lowest CO₂ emissions per m²
  • Highest comfort = Smoother drive = Less operator fatigue
  • Absorbs HAVS and Whole Body Vibrations = No limitations m/s2!
  • Contour following technique = Consistent cut
  • Minimizing breaks in ground contact = Maximizing traction
  • Full advantage of available horsepower
  • Benefits chassis by reducing shock load = Extended mower life

Vanguard™ 810 EFI Series (Ferris® IS2100Z) 

  • V-Twin, air cooled gasoline engine
  • 28HP @ 3600 rpm
  • Engine displacement 810cc
  • Closed loop Electronic Fuel Injection
  • Donaldson dual stage industrial air cleaner
  • High flow blower housing
  • Automatic compression release
  • Full pressurized lubrication
  • Solenoid shift starter

Fuel economy over carburated system

10% Load = 31% gain

25% Load = 29% gain

50% Load = 17% gain

75% Load = 11% gain

100% Load = 9% gain

CO₂ emission: 884,36 g/kWh (EU2016/1628)

Vanguard™ Big Block EFI Series (Ferris® IS3200Z)

  • V-Twin, air cooled gasoline engine
  • 37HP @ 3600 rpm
  • Engine displacement 993cc
  • Closed loop Electronic Fuel Injection
  • Donaldson dual stage industrial air cleaner
  • High flow blower housing
  • Automatic compression release
  • Full pressurized lubrication
  • Solenoid shift starter

Fuel economy over carburated system

10% Load = 31% gain

25% Load = 29% gain

50% Load = 17% gain

75% Load = 11% gain

100% Load = 9% gain

CO₂ emission: 809,92 g/kWh (EU2016/1628)

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.