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Power Through Autumn With The ECHO PB-580

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Power through Autumn with the ECHO PB-580: The autumn clean-up, as every groundsman and landscape professional knows, calls for a powerful blower to deal swiftly and efficiently with leaves and litter.

All too often you’re shifting wet or damp materials, with leaves clinging together and hard to move. Not so with the PB-580 backpack blower. The PB-580 has all you need to power your way through the autumn with a premium grade Stage 2 compliant 58.2cc engine doing the work. What’s different as well about the ECHO blower is its excellent balance, and it’s light enough to be used throughout the day without causing excessive user fatigue. It has to be ECHO’s most comfortable backpack blower, with its ventilated backpack pad to keep the operator cool even with the machine on full power. Four anti-vibration springs support the operator’s back and the shoulder straps are fully padded.

Power Through Autumn With The ECHO PB-580

ECHO engineers take a very different approach in their design – it’s all about user experience and the environments where the blower will be used. Clearly, adding comfort enhancing features will increase operator productivity for a quicker result. The blower’s handle has been designed with a new palm rest and hand stop to reduce the chances of the operator’s hands slipping down and losing control of the machine. The trigger has also been made longer for more precise throttle control.

You can tell this is a machine that has been tested in everyday, real-life environments as everything feels easy and natural to use. What’s more, the PB-580 has been designed to be easier for the operator to maintain. The air filter cover is easily accessed with no need for tools. The pleated, automotive style air filter can be quickly replaced and the in-grip adjustment has been placed near the handle for easy access to tighten the throttle cable. There’s a leaf guard to eliminate any debris being potentially blown into the fan intake clogging the filter and fan. The metal ring at the end of the straight pipe reduces the pipe’s wear and tear.

Add to this the fact that ECHO products are manufactured by the Japanese Yamabiko Corporation, who have been leaders in professional outdoor power tools for over sixty years. The PB-580 also comes with a two-year professional warranty, giving you peace of mind to put autumn in its place. You can find out more from your local authorised ECHO dealer.

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Duncan Ross Ltd Reinvigorates Penrith Football Club

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Duncan Ross Ltd reinvigorates Penrith Football Club with six-week pitch re-development: Penrith Football Club’s Frenchfield Park Stadium had been virtually unplayable for nine years, until recent pitch redevelopment work by Duncan Ross Ltd gave the club and their pitch a new lease of life.

The surface had been without considered maintenance before and during the current nine-year inhabitancy of Penrith FC, and without a functioning drainage system the top layer of the surface became impenetrable.

Duncan Ross were only given a six-week window to complete the operation in time for a lucrative pre-season friendly against League Two outfit Carlisle United. Within the three days of work, the top was completely stripped off using a Koro® FIELDTOP MAKER®, sand banding was introduced and the pitch was seeded.

Duncan Ross Ltd Reinvigorates Penrith Football Club

Brian ‘Billy’ Williams has had a 50-year association with the club, first as a player, owner and chairman – the role he currently holds. The importance of the pitch being prepared for the match was massive for the club, and Brian explains the before and after effects the project has had.

“The pitch wasn’t draining at all, we had drains that had been dry for the last eight-years and Duncan came down and gave us a thesis on what he thought was wrong,” Brian explained. “He presented a solution to what he thought would solve the problems and our local council along with the Football Stadium Improvement Fund got involved and funded the project.

“It’s been a pleasure for people to come along to the ground and ask what’s been going on and I tell we met a man called Duncan Ross. I’ve been in business myself for the last 50-years and I don’t think I’ve ever met a more conscientious people regarding the quality of their work.

“We played our first pre-season game against Carlisle United on 12th July, and that really put them to the test because the decision wasn’t made to bring Duncan in until the early part of May, so there was a five to six-week window to actually start doing the work, which was quite considerable.

“The game against Carlisle meant a lot to us financially for the start of the current season, so it was great that it was ready for the game. Carlisle were absolutely thrilled with the condition of it and we’ve had nothing but positive feedback.”

As Frenchfield is owned by Eden Council and leased by the club, Doug Huggon, leisure and community service manager at the council, was involved in the process. Their involvement along with the help of the Cumberland Football Association meant half the cost of reconstructing the pitch was paid for.

“Duncan Ross can only be commended in their approach to offering a solution to the drainage issue, successfully bidding for the work, undertaking the work on time and to budget,” Doug said.

“Also, for the support and assistance that has been offered to the club since the work was carried out, advising on irrigation, grass cutting and on-going maintenance.

“The council as well as the club has been impressed with the performance of Duncan Ross and hope to develop a relationship going forward that will ensure that the day to day maintenance of the pitch, undertaken by volunteers at the club as well as the annual reinstatement of the pitch allows for less matches being postponed and use of the pitch by other teams within the club.”

Allowing other teams within the club to use the pitch is a very important point for Brian, who now aims to bond the clubs 300 junior kids and four ladies’ teams together by allowing all of them to play on the stadium pitch.

This would not only have a positive effect on the players but the club’s finances at the same time. There is also a probable knock-on effect of being able to use the surface to attract new players to the club.

with six-week pitch re-development.

Penrith Football Club’s Frenchfield Park Stadium had been virtually unplayable for nine years, until recent pitch redevelopment work by Duncan Ross Ltd gave the club and their pitch a new lease of life.

The surface had been without considered maintenance before and during the current nine-year inhabitancy of Penrith FC, and without a functioning drainage system the top layer of the surface became impenetrable.

Duncan Ross were only given a six-week window to complete the operation in time for a lucrative pre-season friendly against League Two outfit Carlisle United. Within the three days of work, the top was completely stripped off using a Koro® FIELDTOP MAKER®, sand banding was introduced and the pitch was seeded.

Brian ‘Billy’ Williams has had a 50-year association with the club, first as a player, owner and chairman – the role he currently holds. The importance of the pitch being prepared for the match was massive for the club, and Brian explains the before and after effects the project has had.

“The pitch wasn’t draining at all, we had drains that had been dry for the last eight-years and Duncan came down and gave us a thesis on what he thought was wrong,” Brian explained. “He presented a solution to what he thought would solve the problems and our local council along with the Football Stadium Improvement Fund got involved and funded the project.

“It’s been a pleasure for people to come along to the ground and ask what’s been going on and I tell we met a man called Duncan Ross. I’ve been in business myself for the last 50-years and I don’t think I’ve ever met a more conscientious people regarding the quality of their work.

“We played our first pre-season game against Carlisle United on 12th July, and that really put them to the test because the decision wasn’t made to bring Duncan in until the early part of May, so there was a five to six-week window to actually start doing the work, which was quite considerable.

“The game against Carlisle meant a lot to us financially for the start of the current season, so it was great that it was ready for the game. Carlisle were absolutely thrilled with the condition of it and we’ve had nothing but positive feedback.”

As Frenchfield is owned by Eden Council and leased by the club, Doug Huggon, leisure and community service manager at the council, was involved in the process. Their involvement along with the help of the Cumberland Football Association meant half the cost of reconstructing the pitch was paid for.

“Duncan Ross can only be commended in their approach to offering a solution to the drainage issue, successfully bidding for the work, undertaking the work on time and to budget,” Doug said.

“Also, for the support and assistance that has been offered to the club since the work was carried out, advising on irrigation, grass cutting and on-going maintenance.

“The council as well as the club has been impressed with the performance of Duncan Ross and hope to develop a relationship going forward that will ensure that the day to day maintenance of the pitch, undertaken by volunteers at the club as well as the annual reinstatement of the pitch allows for less matches being postponed and use of the pitch by other teams within the club.”

Allowing other teams within the club to use the pitch is a very important point for Brian, who now aims to bond the clubs 300 junior kids and four ladies’ teams together by allowing all of them to play on the stadium pitch.

This would not only have a positive effect on the players but the club’s finances at the same time. There is also a probable knock-on effect of being able to use the surface to attract new players to the club.

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SMC Boss Questioned At KCOM Groundsmen Tribunal

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SMC Boss Questioned At KCOM Groundsmen Tribunal: The company running the KCOM Stadium has admitted unfairly sacking two long-serving groundsmen following a dramatic day at an employment tribunal.

Mark Harrison and his number two, Darrell Cook, were dismissed from their roles managing the pitch at Hull City’s ground in April – a job they had held since 2002.

SMC said at the time they had been fired for gross misconduct amid claims the pitch had been deteriorating.

An employment tribunal in Hull was told on Thursday the SuperStadium Management Company (SMC) conceded the pair were unfairly dismissed earlier.

But the SMC is arguing it should not pay compensation to the two men and contend their actions still warranted dismissal.

Giving evidence, Mr Allam said he had relied on security system data and CCTV footage in deciding to refuse Mr Cook’s initial appeal against dismissal.

He said Mr Cook’s tracked movements around the stadium suggested had been working as a kit man for Hull FC during his normal working hours for the SMC.

Barrister Nicholas Siddal, who is representing the men after an online crowd-funding campaign, said: “You are relying on an inference that Mr Cook was doing something wrong?”

Mr Allam replied: “I am relying on my logical assumptions.”

Mr Allam said he believed Mr Cook was moonlighting with Mr Harrison’s approval.

“There was no purpose for him being where he was in the stadium. He wasn’t there doing something for me, therefore he must have been doing something for someone else.”

The tribunal heard both Mr Harrison and Mr Cook had no previous history of any disciplinary issues involving their work at the stadium. In evidence, Mr Harrison said he knew nothing about what Mr Cook did in his lieu time.

They were both sacked without being given any initial verbal or written warnings about their conduct.

Mr Siddall said neither man had been given any written reason for their dismissals in the formal decision letters from the SMC.

Mr Allam, who oversaw the internal appeal process which rejected their stance, acknowledged he had initially instigated the disciplinary investigation into the two men following concerns about the state of the pitch at the stadium.

Mr Siddal told the tribunal that letters sent to the two men by the SMC informing them of their appeal hearings stated they would be chaired by Mr Allam because he was “independent of the process with no previous knowledge” of the issues.

Mr Siddal said: “This was simply not true.”

The hearing will continue on Friday.

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New Holland At SALTEX 2017

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New Holland to showcase mini crawler excavators at this year’s Saltex event: New Holland will showcase its E18C ROPS mini excavator, from the company’s agricultural construction range, at this year’s Saltex event on 1st and 2nd November. 

The New Holland agricultural construction range includes mini crawler excavators, backhoe loaders, wheel loaders and skid steer loaders. These multi-purpose machines are ideal for busy landscaping and amenity contractors, and are available with a variety of purpose-made attachments. New Holland dealers can also supply further accessories for specialist operations.

New Holland At SALTEX 2017

The mini crawler excavator range features seven models with engine power ranging from 16.8 to 64.7hp and lift capacity between 1.7 to 6 tonnes, Compact dimensions are matched with high performance to maintain power and versatility when working in difficult-to-access areas.

Constant hydraulic flow means New Holland’s mini crawler excavators can power a variety of demanding attachments including soil augers, flail mowers for hedges and verges, as well as cutterbars and saws. The boom and dipper offers power arm versatility with the ability to work hydraulic shears, breakers and stump grinders.

The hydraulic quick coupler allows hands-free attaching and release of buckets, and safer switching between large, heavy attachments. Mechanical quick lock attachment brackets are also available.

The optional Object Handling Kit enables all models of mini crawler excavators to raise heavy suspended loads using a lifting hook on the bucket linkage, reducing the need to bring in additional equipment and complying with health and safety guidelines.

Powerful traction matched to a low centre of gravity provides excellent stability across difficult terrain.  The dozer blade, with its unique concave design allows earth to fall forward as it is pushed and features excellent geometry for levelling and grading. When excavating, the blade can be lowered for stability.

Designed around the operator, the cab’s slim frame pillars ensure excellent all-round visibility, with a good view of the boom and dipper. The E18C is available with a choice of canopy or cab, and all variants within the mini crawler excavator range are ROPS roll-over, TOPS tip-over and FOPS falling-object compliant to ISO standards. All models operate at low noise and vibration levels, allowing for extended work periods with no compromise to operator safety.

Visitors to Saltex can find out more about the agricultural construction range of machines, including the full mini crawler range, on New Holland’s stand (K189). The range is available through selected New Holland dealers across the UK and Ireland.

Glyphosate Decision Delayed

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Glyphosate Decision Delayed: The next step for the Commission will be to table a vote at another SCoPAFF meeting at a future date, to be confirmed.  Renewal will require a qualified majority vote (QMV) in the committee.

If this is not reached, the issue could be tabled at the EU Appeals Committee. The current license for glyphosate is until the 15 December 2017.

The UK was one of 16 countries that voted in favour of renewing the licence for the sale of the glyphosate in Europe, while 10 countries voted against renewal and two abstained. It is likely the European Commission will now seek to negotiate a shorter renewal period with EU countries.

Bulgaria, Denmark, Czech Republic, Estonia, Ireland, Spain, Cyprus, Latvia, Lithuania, Hungary, the Netherlands, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Finland and the UK voted in favour of the renewal.

That falls short of the threshold needed to reach a qualified majority. Germany and Portugal abstained while Belgium, Greece, Croatia, France, Italy, Luxembourg, Malta, Austria, Slovenia and Sweden voted against the renewal.

The European Parliament made a non-binding vote for a phase out by 2022 yesterday after debating whether the herbicide is carcinogenic.

According to research by Oxford Economics, the impact of a ban on glyphosate could lead to severe economic consequences, including a £930m reduction in UK GDP and an additional cost to farmers of almost £1bn a year.

Crop Protection Association chief executive Sarah Mukherjee said: “It is disappointing that some Member States are continuing to ignore the science, risking the livelihoods of European farmers and the continued availability of safe, healthy, affordable food for consumers.

“Independent, expert regulators, around the world all agree that glyphosate is safe. These regulators are public servants who rightly take their duty to protect public health very seriously. Yet politicians are ignoring them, and are doing so for no good reason, other than a misguided, ideological opposition to modern agriculture.

“We urge Member States to grant the standard 15 year licence. Failure to do so risks significant damage to the economy, the environment and the agricultural sector.”

NFU vice president Guy Smith said: “We’re disappointed that member states failed to reach agreement on the renewal of glyphosate’s licence for ten years today, as the Commission had proposed, although we welcome the fact the UK continues to support the full reauthorisation of glyphosate. All eyes are now on the next meeting of this committee where they are likely to debate a shorter reauthorisation period

“The overwhelming weight of science and evidence shows that glyphosate is perfectly safe when used correctly. This has been the conclusion reached by regulatory bodies around the world, including the EU’s two leading regulatory bodies – the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA).

“The continued politicisation of this decision damages the credibility of the EU’s regulatory bodies and undermines the regulatory process. It also has huge implications for farming in the UK and across Europe.

“Glyphosate reduces the need to use other herbicides, it helps to protect soil and cut greenhouse gas emissions by reducing the need for ploughing, and it enables farmers in this country to grow crops that help produce safe, affordable, high quality British food.

“There is no reason why glyphosate should not be reauthorised for 15 years, never mind the ten years the Commission had proposed. We would urge members states to look at the science and base their decision on the evidence – which shows there is no reason not to reauthorise glyphosate.”

HTA horticulture head Raoul Curtis-Machin said a ban could impact on the UK, even post-Brexit vote: “It could matter if we are in transition for a couple of years because we will have implemented it before the official leaving date.

“It’s hard to see how it could have a significant impact after we are fully out, but it’s not at all clear what environmental regulations we are going to adopt as UK. No doubt there will be internal pressure on UK to follow suit if the EU does go ahead with a ban.”

Anthea McIntyre MEP said: “The EU’s own public health agency has said there is no evidence to link glyphosate to cancer in humans. The national agencies in 27 member states take the same view.

“We have to base decisions such as this on science and clear evidence, not scaremongering and guesswork.”

“I gather the next step will be for the Commission to hold another vote in November, but that is just weeks before glyphosate’s licence in Europe expires on December 15.

“The delay is playing fast and loose with farmers’ livelihoods and with food security. It leaves farmers staring over a cliff edge as they face losing their most effective means of eradicating weeds and protecting crops and productivity.

“If we end up with a ban because of this political paralysis it will deal a heavy blow to the countryside economy and to the cost of food – but it won’t do a thing for public health.”

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