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

E-Series coming to BTME

in , /by

E-Series coming to BTME: Dennis and SISIS will be introducing their new and exciting range of environmentally friendly turf maintenance machinery to the golf market at BTME 2022.

Working alongside carefully selected partners Dennis and SISIS have developed a portfolio of machines that have great battery life and range, with ultra-low noise and vibration, that are a NO COMPROMISE alternative to the petrol range they have been renowned for producing.

E-Series coming to BTME

E-Series coming to BTME

The investment and research have paid off and the E-Series boasts a range of superior battery-powered products that are befitting of the Dennis and SISIS badges.

Located in the Red Zone on Stand 244, visitors can expect to see the following products on display.

ES-26

Easy to use, superb balance, control, and easy pull back for accurate alignment of next run are just some of the features of the ES-26. With a 26” cutting width, this mower is available with a standard front roller for maintaining fine turf sports surfaces such as golf greens and tees.

ES–22 Ultra

Quiet in operation with ultra-low hand arm vibration, the ES-22 Ultra can help professionals enhance a playing surface. Very simple to control, variable speeds and clip rates, forward speeds controlled by the operator and easy pull back for accurate alignment of next run.

Using a 7 or 11 bladed cutting cylinder and groomer reel, this 560mm (22”) battery mower provides an ultra-fine finish on golf greens and tees. The tungsten tipped groomer can be in or out dependent on conditions.

ES–MK5

The ES-MK5 offers the industry a dedicated battery scarifier that has great battery life and range with ultra-low noise and vibration. It boasts a power output that allows the tough tasks of scarification to be completed without range anxiety.

It is a well-built, reliable machine that is operator friendly, and easy to control which ensures many years of service that helps end users dramatically reduce carbon emissions, maximise output and save money on fuel.

SISIS Flexibrush 

The SISIS Flexibrush is a tractor mounted brush which is equally effective dispersing top dressing and removing excess material on natural turf surfaces. It has a 5.35 metre working width, its brush sections ‘float’ to follow ground contours and the outer sections fold for transport and storage. Over the years, many greenkeepers have relied on the Flexibrush for a wide range of tasks including presenting and striping fairways when it is too wet to cut; standing grasses up before cutting to provide a better finish; dispersing worm casts and knocking dew off the surface.

Dennis & SISIS have been regular exhibitors at BTME for a number of years and as always, the company’s experienced staff will be available to answer any queries and offer valuable advice about the machinery on show.

Further information about the range of maintenance products available can be found by visiting www.dennisuk.com / www.sisis.com.

For more news, reviews and insightful views, you can follow Dennis on Twitter and Instagram @DennisMowers and SISIS @SISISMachinery. You can like the Facebook page –www.facebook.com/DennisMowersUK and www.facebook.com/SISISMachinery You can also view the latest Dennis videos by visiting www.youtube.com/DennisMowers and 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.

Sand solutions at BTME

in , /by

Sand solutions at BTME: Mansfield Sand is delighted to be exhibiting again at BTME and visitors can find the company in the Green Zone on Stand 326. 

Pioneers in the development and production of premium quality silica sand-based products for over 170 years, Mansfield Sand is a name that greenkeepers, course managers and sports turf managers put their trust in.

Sand solutions at BTME

Sand solutions at BTME

Whether for construction or on-going maintenance, the company has long been providing a wide range of products which are vital to the overall health and performance of a sports pitch.

Here is a snapshot of some of the innovative products:

Mansil Silica Sand Sports Range

Sourced from the company’s Two Oaks Quarry in Mansfield where the Mansil range of Silica Sands is produced. These products are predominantly used in the construction and maintenance of a wide range of sports surfaces – from winter sports pitches, golf courses, bowling greens and all amenity turf areas.

Top Dressing

Produced for the fine turf market, Mansfield Sand’s Soil Top Dressing is a manufactured homogenous product made from their own premium silica sands combined with top quality soils. All passed through a sterilising unit, over a 3mm screen to produce an easy to spread, stone and pebble free dressing. Mansfield Sand can also produce bespoke dressing blends and combine soil amendments into any product.

Sand Soil Rootzones

Mansfield Sand understands exactly what is needed to achieve the surface that turf managers require week-in-week-out and that is why their rootzones contain only the best quality materials to meet that demand. For renovation or construction, the company’s superior rootzone blend Mansil 40 Silica Sand with a quality screened topsoil, guarantees the perfect start.

Sand Compost Rootzones

A range of premium quality sand organic material blends which are perfect for creating a rootzone where an organic rich material is required within the profile, aiding in the retention of nutrients whilst providing increased drought resistance.

Reinforced Rootzone

A range of reinforced rootzones developed to obtain greater use from natural turf surfaces whilst maintaining the high standards demanded by today’s sports industry and meeting the expectations of ground staff at all levels. Mansfield Sand’s reinforcement technology provides stability and durability to all sand dominated rootzones allowing the pitch to remain free draining and consistent over the whole surface.

Products include Fibre Reinforced Rootzone – reinforced with polypropylene fibres; Fibrelastic Rootzone – reinforced with polypropylene fibres and flexible elastane fibres and Fibresand – particularly advantageous when grass cover has been reduced due to heavy usage and wear during the winter period.

Head to the Mansfield Sand stand at BTME where the experienced team will be able to explain how the products could make a significant improvement to your turf.

For more information visit www.mansfield-sand.co.uk

You can also follow the company on Twitter – @MansfieldSand and Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/MansfieldSandSportSurfaces/

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.

Heroic greenkeeper saves man’s life

in , , /by

Heroic greenkeeper saves man’s life: A greenkeeper at Gullane Golf Club in Scotland saved the life of a golfer who was having a heart attack on the course.

Read the full article from Golf Magic here

Heroic greenkeeper saves man's life

Heroic greenkeeper saves man’s life

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.

From Tee to Green with KAR UK

in , /by

From Tee to Green with KAR UK: KAR UK will be in the Red South Zone on Stand 228 at BTME showcasing a leading range of irrigation equipment that could make a significant improvement to your golf course.

KAR UK is an integral distributor of Hunter Industries irrigation equipment, which has, for over 30 years, developed the technology and infrastructure to create a new class of golf irrigation solutions.

From Tee to Green with KAR UK

From Tee to Green with KAR UK

Here is a snapshot of what to expect on the stand:

Hunter TTS rotors

The Hunter TTS-800 rotors provide maximum uniformity and longevity. The high-torque gear drives are the strongest in the industry, so the challenges of reclaimed water use or poor water quality are mitigated. An extra-large, fast-access flange compartment comfortably accommodates wire connections and other components.

The new 800 series feature Hunter’s patented TTS (Total-Top-Service) technology which allows for every serviceable element of the rotor to be accessed through the top. Mechanical and electrical, big and small, you can get to every component without disturbing the playing surface. That means there’s no more digging, no more unsightly scars, and more importantly, one less item on a busy turf manager’s schedule.

I-80 rotor

Engineered for sports turf, the I-80 is built with a robust, dirt-tolerant gear drive that offers the highest torque output of any rotor in the commercial sphere, and extends a radius range from 11.3 to 29.6 meters. The I-80 features a wide range of highly efficient, dual-trajectory, wind-fighting nozzles for highly efficient performance in a range of applications. It also provides TTS via its integrated, surface-mounted snap-ring for no-dig easy maintenance.

ACC2 and ICC2 controllers

Hunter’s line-up of controllers offer an array of user-friendly features and smart controller water-saving options built to fit any sports and landscape irrigation system. The modular design of the ICC2 and the ACC2 controllers set yet another industry standard for easy-to-use and expandable automatic irrigation controllers.  KAR UK will also demonstrate the new Centralus Software which is available to the ICC2 and ACC2.

Pilot PC-based central control system

A PC-based software package that makes central control of large-scale irrigation systems affordable, usable, and comprehensible.

Kasco fountains

In addition to the Hunter irrigation equipment, why not also ask the KAR UK team about the innovative Kasco decorative fountains? These unique fountains are renowned for improving the health of water as well as bringing a certain elegance to a picturesque pond.

Experienced members of staff from KAR UK will be on hand throughout BTME to provide advice and support for any of your irrigation projects.

For more information, please visit www.karuk.com

You can also follow KAR UK on Twitter @KARUK_LTD for much more news, reviews and insightful views

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.

Makita launches two new machines

in , /by

Makita launches two new machines: Leading power tool manufacturer Makita UK has extended its powerful XGT 40VMax range of machinery with the launch of the DA001G Brushless Angle Drill and DG001G Brushless Earth Auger.

DA001G XGT 40VMax Brushless Angle Drill

The DA001G is a powerful addition to any toolbox. It delivers a no-load speed of up to 1,500rpm and a maximum torque of 136nm, offering outstanding performance for heavy load applications. The DA001G features two mechanical gears and variable speed control, so operators can easily adjust the output to suit the task in hand.

Makita launches two new machines

Makita launches two new machines

To ensure efficiency, the DA001G includes Makita’s innovative Automatic Torque Drive Technology that works to automatically adjust the output according to the load conditions. The inclusion of a torque limiter also protects the machine from mechanical overload and damage, and the operator if the bit gets jammed when drilling during high-demand tasks.

To ensure user comfort and safety, the DA001G can be used with either a front or side handle. It also features an auto power off function which shuts down the machine if it is idle for extended periods, protecting the user from accidental injury.

DG001G XGT 40VMax Brushless Earth Auger

For high performance earth boring with even and consistent holes for fence posts, landscaping, construction and soil sampling, the DG001G is up to the task. Comparable to a 36cc engine product, this XGT 40VMax machine has a no-load speed of up to 1,500rpm and a maximum drilling capacity of 200mm. It also delivers up to 136nm of torque. With two mechanical speeds to choose from, operators can easily drill into high or low resistance soil – and the reverse switch makes extracting the machine effortless.

For improved user handling, the earth auger attachment includes a bar which receives reaction force and an auxiliary handle which makes drilling holes easier. The DG001G also features Makita’s Automatic Torque Drive Technology which works to ensure that the machine is always working at its optimum.

As with all XGT machines, the DA001G and DG001G both benefit from the inclusion of Makita’s brushless motor. As there are no moving parts in the motor causing friction, no energy is lost through heat production and tool run time is extended, maximising user productivity. Brushless motors also do not need regular maintenance or replacement parts, which keeps the lifetime cost of the machine to a minimum.

Kevin Brannigan, Marketing Manager at Makita said: “For any construction professional, having a range of powerful cordless machines to hand is key to ensuring maximum on-site efficiency and productivity – especially when embarking on high-demand applications. Our XGT range has been specifically designed to tackle these tasks without compromising on battery run time, so users can keep working disruption free for longer.”

To find out more about Makita visit: www.makitauk.com

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.

The ultimate contractors tool

in , /by

The ultimate contractors tool: Over many years, the Laser Grader has established itself as one of the most accurate graders available – giving contractors the precision and finish required for any modern sports pitch install.

Since it’s integration into the Redexim Landscaping portfolio, the Laser Grader has been re-engineered for strength, to deliver pinpoint accuracy on even the most demanding of ground conditions.

The ultimate contractors tool

The ultimate contractors tool

The Laser Grader is available in three working widths from 1.5m to 2.4m, each fitted with twin Danfoss proportional valves and a rear 4-wheel frame, with each pair of wheels controlled independently giving the option for single or dual grading. The set-up of the grader means it can accept any make of laser equipment, with Redexim able to supply compatible equipment to accurately grade a surface to a tolerance of plus or minus 2mm. Models are also fitted with ripping tines for the loosening of heavily compacted ground.

ETC Sports Surfaces have been a provider of sports pitch construction, installation and maintenance works for over 30 years and purchased a Laser Grader 1500 just over two years ago. ETC Managing Director Simon Wells explains how it has been fundamental on nearly every project they’ve undertaken. “Getting that final level spot on is arguably the most important part of any job, whether we’re working on a tennis court, hockey pitch or brand-new football install. The precision grade that the Laser Grader gives, provides the perfect base for the next stage of the installation project.”

“For us, it’s about both accuracy and efficiency. A single tennis court could take a whole day to level manually with a digger, a task which can be completed in just an hour with the Laser Grader! On some recent 3G pitch installs we’ve completed, we’re getting the final grading done in less than a day.” Simon concludes, “It really is a brilliant bit of kit, so simple to use and one of the best labour-saving machines we’ve ever purchased.”

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 ICL launch at BTME

in , /by

New ICL launch at BTME: ICL is looking forward to welcoming visitors to its interactive stand at BTME 2022 (Purple Zone 426) where the team will be talking all things turf and providing an exclusive look at an exciting new product for the golf market.

Gronamic Golf 6-2-4, a new organic based fertiliser is a unique blend of credible and sustainable ingredients to provide a natural turf response and is the latest product to be added to the Gronamic range.

New ICL launch at BTME

New ICL launch at BTME

The organic content of Gronamic 6-2-4 is 100% plant based and is formulated as a fine granule. It contains:

SeaMax, the sustainably sourced seaweed concentrate that has been shown in trials to improve turf colour, turf quality, root development and stress tolerance.

Struvite, a recycled blend of magnesium, ammonium and phosphate that is collected from wastewater, is another sustainable component that provides real turfgrass benefits. 

Polyhalite, which is exclusively mined by ICL ensures that essential macronutrients are available to maintain healthy turf and reduces the possibility of nutrient deficiency.

Visitors to the ICL stand will have the opportunity to gain expert advice on granulation, water soluble fertiliser and surfactant technologies.

Often a vibrant hub of discussion and networking, the stand will also feature the famous ICL barista, who will be on hand to serve coffees and other hot drinks throughout the event.

Aside from the exhibition, ICL is once again proud to support BIGGA’s Continue to Learn education programme. The ICL Continue to Learn Scholarship, sees five BIGGA members receive three nights’ hotel accommodation and 15 hours of training and personal development opportunities.

ICL’s very own Dr Andy Owen and Henry Bechelet will also be hosting two informative sessions in the Continue to Learn programme. In the first, a half-day class entitled ‘What’s in a soil analysis?’ Andy and Henry will examine the process of soil sampling and the interpretation of soil analysis results. Actual results will be explained and discussed, and the critical information highlighted to provide a guide to getting the most from the process. The class will also provide advice on how to utilise soil results as part of your annual golf course management.

In the second seminar, entitled ‘Research Matters’, Andy and Henry will be updating delegates on four university‑based fundamental turf research projects being managed by ICL. There will be a focus on presenting the key results and practical outcomes on the subjects of managing plant parasitic nematodes with seaweed extracts, utilising recycled nutrients, contrasting the plant and soil health benefits of organo‑mineral fertilisers and the very latest science on wetting agents and plant water uptake.

Please contact ICL on 01473 237100 or visit www.icl-sf.co.uk or www.icl-sf.ie if you are in Ireland.

For more news and insightful views, you can follow ICL on Twitter @ICL_Turf

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.

Foundations of a first-class course

in , /by

Foundations of a first-class course: Visitors to the DLF stand 270 located in the Red Zone at BTME 2022, can expect a range of market leading products from the world’s leading grass seed breeder and producer.

The MM brand and mixtures are now part of DLF UK and will benefit from access to the full DLF breeding and research programme. This will bring many benefits including a greater portfolio along with increased research and development.

Foundations of a first-class course

Foundations of a first-class course

BTME 2022 will also mark the launch of the exciting new MM Supreme Ryegreen mix which will offer golf course managers a 100% Ryegrass mixture for use on greens and fineturf areas. This unique new mixture benefits from the inclusion of Singapore Perennial Ryegrass, which is extremely fine leaved with good shoot density along with high disease and wear tolerance.  Furthermore, MM Supreme Ryegreen bring the main benefits of Perennial Ryegrass – fast establishment and wear tolerance in close-mow situations.

As the demand and pressure placed on the modern-day greenkeeper to produce a consistent playing surface continually grows, seed quality, purity and vigour are the essential ingredients for a first-class golf course and Limagrain’s MM range of seed mixture provides exactly these.

For over 30 years, greenkeepers and course managers have been enjoying the benefits by choosing the MM brand and the high-quality varieties used in MM mixtures. All varieties are thoroughly tested at the Sports Turf Research Institute (STRI) – ensuring that the finished product will meet your requirements for play, appearance and maintenance.

For golf greens MM9 – a three-way Browntop bent mixture continues to be a leading mixture for renovations and species exchange. For links style courses and sustainable golf, MM8 offers a great option – a three-way fescue mix with excellent disease resistance, drought tolerance and minimal fertiliser requirements gives course managers a fine, dense sward, MM Coastal is great option to MM 8 where salt spray is in issue, the 100% Slender Creeping Red Fescue mix provides excellent salt tolerance for golf greens and also tees and fairways.

If you are looking for a mixture ideal for tees and fairways, then the 100% Ryegrass MM50 should be considered. It is capable of rapid establishment and fast recovery from divot scarring plus high wear tolerance and has extremely fine appearance.

For links style fairways where damage and wear are lower, MM12 or MM13, are both well suited to this challenging environment as they are drought tolerant and have low maintenance requirements.

Visitors to the stand can also find out more about DLF Pro Flora and Colour Boost range Wildflower mixtures. The mixtures are ideal for those wanting to establish a traditional perennial flower meadow or a high impact colourful display of annuals and perennials.

The MM team of amenity seed specialists will all be on hand at BTME to discuss the products in more detail and will also be available to offer their expertise on any queries you may have.

For further information, please contact MM Sports Seed on 01386 791102 or visit the company’s new website www.mm-seeds.co.uk. You can also follow the company on Twitter: @MM_Seed

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.

Farol expands Club Car offering

in , /by

Farol expands Club Car offering: We are excited to announce that as of 1st December 2021, Farol will be purchasing the assets of CaddyCars and transferring current/future sales and hire business of the company.

CaddyCars has been in operation since 1991, supplying golf courses with golf buggies and utility vehicles. Later diversifying the business into supplying councils, manufacturing, distribution, hospitality, and homeowner markets.

Farol expands Club Car offering

Farol expands Club Car offering

Farol has seen significant growth to become Europe’s largest John Deere specialist Golf and Turf machinery dealership. Whilst continually looking to drive the business forward, there were gaps in the buggy and utility vehicle range, Club Car is an ideal fit to the portfolio. Farol was subsequently awarded the franchise in 2021 (which has already resulted in buoyant sales and interest in the brand).

Andy Bourke, Club Car’s Regional Manager, said: “Farol is a dynamic, innovative company that’s well placed to serve customers with our range of market-leading utility and transport vehicles and deliver the highest level of aftersales service and support.”

With global supply chain and manufacturing delays still a factor in the ordering process for many companies, we firmly believe that the benefits of scale that come with Farol will allow us to strengthen our position with the Club Car brand; being able to purchase and hold a larger number of machines and parts stock, while still maintaining the same high level of service that existing customers are used to.

We would like to take this opportunity to thank all existing customers of CaddyCars for their business over the years, and to confirm that all current business, ongoing deals or deals in discussion will remain unchanged and business is as usual, but under the name of Farol Ltd.

Philip Rosier of CaddyCars will now manage the Club Car business for Farol, this will ensure a smooth transition for existing customers to Farol and future growth.

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.

Moped vandals tear up cricket pitch

in , , /by

Moped vandals tear up cricket pitch: A cricket club has been hit for six after moped-riding vandals caused damage to their pitch.

Read the full article from Gazette News here

Moped vandals tear up cricket pitch

Moped vandals tear up cricket pitch

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.