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

Versatile Battery Irrigation Controller

/in , /by

Versatile Battery Irrigation Controller: In many situations a standard mains powered irrigation controller cannot be used or is impractical. This includes applications where power is unavailable or hard landscaping make it is impossible or too costly to run mains cable. Alternatively, there may be instances where only a temporary solution is needed. Rain Bird’s new 9v WPX battery operated irrigation controller is ideal for all such situations and the company says it is a more versatile and user friendly solution than many other similar battery or mains controllers.

IP 68 compliant, 100 per cent water and dust proof, the WPX is fully submersible and ideal for installation in a valve box. With its solenoid mounting bracket, it locates easily on top of a solenoid valve. It can be used anywhere, including wet or muddy conditions. A tightly sealed dual battery chamber and waterproof case keeps water out, even in the harshest outdoor conditions. The use of Rain Bird’s DC series highly waterproof connectors will also ensure that connections do not deteriorate. A rubber cap protects the WPX’s LCD screen from dust and the effects of UV.

Versatile Battery Irrigation Controller

The highly versatile WPX can perform the same functions as a wired controller and available models can provide irrigation over 1,2,4 or 6 zones. They can offer multiple run times by zone with all common programming functions accessed on one  larger than average LCD screen with easy to read icons. The mode button is used for quick programming of start times, watering days of the week and run times for each zone. For fast initial set-up, Contractor Rapid Programming™ automatically copies the start times and watering days from the first zone to all other zones.

The automatic zone-stacking feature ensures that only one valve irrigates at a time. If zones are scheduled to water at the same time, the lower number zone will be automatically irrigated first. A dedicated manual watering button can be used by the owner to start an irrigation cycle manually and a separate button enables all or single zones to be watered on demand.

Dependent upon usage, the WPX will operate for about one year, using a single 9 volt battery, or up to two years with two. When the batteries are changed, all stored programming information is retained in the memory of the controller thanks to the Contractor Default™ save/restore feature. A detailed manual provides comprehensive programming and installation instructions for the contractor and user.

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 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.

Scamblers Appointed New Polaris Dealers

/in , /by

Scamblers Appointed New Polaris Dealers: AJ & R Scambler & Sons Ltd, better known as Scamblers, have been newly appointed as authorised Polaris dealers. Established in 1974 and based in spacious rural premises in the village of Bourn, between Cambridge and St Neots, Scamblers are now regarded as a market leader in turfcare and grounds maintenance machinery. The dealership specialises in supplying compact tractors, utility vehicles, bank tractors, mowers and turfcare and groundcare machinery for every aspect of turf and grounds maintenance.

“We’re very pleased to have such a highly regarded dealer join the Polaris dealer network,” says Ben Murray, Polaris UK and Ireland National Sales Manager, “and we’re looking forward to working together to meet the demands of Polaris customers in the area.”

Scamblers cover Cambridge, Norfolk and Suffolk and whilst their main market had traditionally been groundcare and horticulture they have expanded to meet the needs of agricultural businesses, gamekeeping and golf courses in their area.

“It was after setting up demonstrations with Polaris to existing customers we reached the agreement to become authorised Polaris dealers,” says Scamblers’ Director, Ed Scambler. “The customers said how much they liked the Polaris Rangers and were impressed by what they saw as superior quality in the ATVs and UTVs. We’re very much looking forward to selling the product.”

Scamblers enjoy a fine reputation for looking after customers’ requirements and with the Polaris range can look forward to meeting those needs with the latest models backed by well-equipped workshop and service facilities. The Scamblers’ team boasts over 100 years’ experience in the industry, and say they guarantee a prompt, efficient and friendly service. Polaris welcomes them as part of the rapidly spreading Polaris dealer network.

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 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 Pellenc Battery & Harness

/in , , /by

New Pellenc Battery & Harness: The new Pellenc ULiB 1200 battery and harness has entered the UK market with battery life increased by 20% in comparison to the ULiB1100 battery. Pellenc is exclusively distributed in the UK and Ireland by Etesia UK.

The ULiB 1200 battery meets all of the professional requirements in terms of performance, comfort and technology, and offers increased autonomy of up to 20% – up to five hours of work with the most energy-consuming Pellenc tools in the range.

New Pellenc Battery & Harness

The new harness associated with the ULiB 1200 battery reduces the risk of musculoskeletal disorders considerably by a better distribution of the weight and leaves the user free of their movements. The battery is also waterproof to IP54 standards.

The new battery has the highest capacity on the market and is equivalent to 5640 litres of petrol. Pellenc engineers have worked on the balance and ergonomics to ensure power, precision and comfort. This major innovation allows an extended life of 40% and is in line with Pellenc’s desire to reduce direct CO2 emissions and guarantee recycling at 80% of the product.

With more than twelve years’ experience, Pellenc is the pioneer of professional battery-powered tools and this new battery guarantees performance, ergonomics and battery life that will revolutionise the use of professional battery-powered tools.

The ergonomics and lightness of the new Pellenc harness offer an optimal level of comfort in use. Its weight is perfectly distributed on the essential axes of back support. 70% of the mass rests on the hips and only 30% on the shoulders. The intuitive adjustment of the entire carrying system, from the straps to the backbone, adapts to any working habits of the user. The battery is also reversible on its harness to facilitate work closer to the ground with the Airion blower.

An HMI display managed by an intelligent processor optimises the use of the battery. It indicates a lot of information such as working time per tool, maximum power delivered by the battery or any fault alerts. In addition, the blinking mode of the screen and reflex reflectors allow the operator to view the display at all times even in dim light.

Technical Specifications of the Pellenc ULiB 1200 battery:

Energy:                      1221 W/h

Weight:                      6.3kgs

Water Resistance:   IP54 rated

Autonomy:                 up to 5 hours

Guarantee:                three year commercial warranty

All Pellenc batteries and tools come with a three-year commercial warranty and are distributed in the UK and Ireland exclusively by Etesia UK.

For further information, please contact Etesia UK on 01295 680120 or visit www.etesia.co.uk.

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 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.

GreenFields Announce New Partnership

/in , /by

GreenFields Announce New Partnership: GreenFields, sports turf specialists, have announced their new partnership with financial funding experts, Sedulo. The collaboration was officially confirmed at a Stadium Development seminar hosted by GreenFields on 17 May at Hyde United FC. As Official Pitch Partner of the EVO-STIK Northern Premier League, GreenFields hosted the seminar in which ten member clubs attended and were supported by Sedulo who presented ways in which they could support with financing new development plans. This was also supported by the leagues architectural partners, Frank Whittle Partnership (FWP).

With offices in Manchester and Leeds, Sedulo will work with GreenFields on a national basis to support potential clients who have aspirations to obtain new sports pitches but who require financial advice, financial planning and sometimes funding opportunities to be able to attain their goal.

GreenFields Announce New Partnership

Paul Milton, Director of GreenFields commented: “We’ve been looking for a financial partner to meet the growing demand from our clients for financial advice so pairing with financial funding experts Sedulo is an excellent step forward for us to be able to offer this guidance to potential clients. We realise that the aspirations of clubs and educational establishments to install a new sports pitch can sometimes seem financially unrealistic, but now working with Sedulo more of these dreams will be able to become a reality.”

With Sedulo’s comprehensive financial knowledge and capabilities, they are able to assist potential GreenFields clients with the preparation of detailed business plans to support planning submissions for a new synthetic, hybrid or natural grass pitch. They can help put forward the best possible business case for standard funding routes such as through the council, or if typical funding routes aren’t available, Sedulo can match businesses with alternative funding routes when a bank isn’t suitable. They will scour their huge pool of lenders in order to find the best options available for each unique client.

Jack Christian, Senior Funding Manager at Sedulo presented at the seminar and has already received a number of requests from attending clubs for one to one meetings to discuss their financial plans to secure a 3G pitch, he commented: “We are always looking to support new clubs across the UK. Sport is a specialism for Sedulo and we have a lot of experience in advising on the funding and finances for sports clubs. We are keen to work alongside GreenFields to enable more sports clubs to develop their facilities and increase their long-term revenue streams.”

Over the coming months, GreenFields will be working with Sedulo to provide clubs with exclusive financial assistance and information on a one to one basis as well as focusing on running more in-depth development seminars.

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 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.

Murray Hire Expands Först Fleet

/in , /by

Murray Hire Expands Först Fleet: Bristol-based equipment and tool hire business Murray Hire Centres is expanding its long-standing fleet of Först woodchipper machines, after consistently being impressed by the superiority and reliability of the machinery.

Established since 1982, Murray Hire Centres is a close-knit family run business, now employing a total of 15 staff. With 600 account customers, the business has built itself a reputation as the best one-stop shop for equipment and tool hire in Bristol and the surrounding areas.

Murray Hire Expands Först Fleet

Mandy Taylor, Managing Director of Murray Hire Centres, explains why the business has worked closely with Först since its inception and has chosen to maintain the relationship ever since.

“There are numerous factors that make the Först machinery stand out to other machines available on the market”, said Mandy. “We’ve always felt that, paired with the consistent reliability and efficiency of the machines, their smart appearance also makes them far superior against other competitors.”

At present, Murray Hire Centres has two TR6’s, one ST6 and one TR8 machine, with another TR8 currently on order. Ideal for remote locations, the TR6 is a compact and manoeuvrable chipper which comes complete with Först’s unique ForstGrip feed-roller system, allowing for even the toughest forks and limbs to be broken.

Mandy continued: “We have reaped nothing but benefits from having Först machines on our fleet. For the business as a whole, it’s allowed us to offer a full circle of products to our customers. The robust machines have been utilised in a variety of scenarios over time, from general arboriculture work through to site clearances for large company extensions, as well as housing estates.

“Despite it being a rarity to face an issue with the machines, the warranty and after-sales support offered by Först is superb, which really gives us faith in the products and provides us with the assurance we need as a business.”

Going forward, Mandy is confident that the relationship with Först will continue to strengthen.

“Since day one, we have always had a fantastic relationship with Först, and we firmly believe that the machines are the best chippers available on the market.”

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 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.