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NEWS ARTICLES

White Horse Contractors turn to Koro® FTM®

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White Horse Contractors turn to Koro® FTM®: The Koro® FIELDTOPMAKER® with Campey UNIVERSE® rotor from Campey Turf Care Systems was the number one choice for White Horse Contractors Ltd for its unrivalled precision and excellent results on hybrid pitches.

White Horse, who became a member of The Slatter Group in 2019, partnered with GrassMaster at the end of 2020 to offer hybrid turf sports construction in England and Wales. This partnership and increased demand for renovations on hybrid and natural turf led the company to look for the best option on the market for fraise mowing, with the Koro® FTM® with Campey UNIVERSE® rotor providing everything they needed for all surfaces.

White Horse Contractors turn to Koro® FTM®

White Horse Contractors turn to Koro® FTM®

“We have had the machine since April, and we’ve carried out renovations throughout the spring and summer, and it’s performed very well,” White Horse Contractors Ltd Managing Director, David Smith, said.

“Our operators have loved using it because it’s very well built and reliable, but mainly it’s the precision of the machine that has impressed them. We know when we set it exactly what results we’ll get, and that is important for the customer and us. That precision is especially important when working on hybrid surfaces, so you don’t damage any of the fibres, and we know we can operate confidently with the Koro® FTM®.

“We’re installing more hybrid fields at the moment due to demand and our partnership with GrassMaster in the UK, but a big part of our service is the renovation contracts and programmes that follow. We want to ensure our customers get the best service and pitch possible, and a part of us being able to provide that is the service we get from Campey.

“We run a lot of other Campey equipment, and this is a continuation of our partnership with them. We get very good customer service from Ben Taylor, and with a machine like this that is used heavily during a specific time of year, the backup is crucial. We haven’t had any issues with it, but working with Campey before, we know that anything we need is sorted out quickly, and that’s why we chose and continue to choose to work with them.”

The patented Campey Universe® rotor (fitted with 10mm blades) achieves excellent surface hygiene on all pitch surfaces. It is particularly suited to hybrid pitches as it attains results without damaging the exposed synthetic/hybrid fibres. The whole annual renovation process, including dressing with 60/80 tons of sand, fertilising and overseeding, can be carried out in a few day’s instead of four to five.

With 3mm, 5mm or 10mm blades available for the Campey Universe rotor, any amount of the surface can be removed from 15% to 100%, and the entire surface can be removed up to a depth of 50mm. Micro adjusters offer unrivalled accuracy when setting the rotors, making the Koro® FTM® a precision fraise mower chosen by the world’s leading contractors, clubs and sports facilities.

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An offer not to be refused

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An offer not to be refused: Leading power tool manufacturer Makita UK is giving end users the chance to get their hands on a free DMR110 DAB+ Site Radio or MR002GZ01 XGT Bluetooth Radio when they purchase selected garden machines between 1st October and 31st December 2021.

Makita radios are fantastic for keeping you entertained on site or at home in the garden – and thanks to the company’s latest redemption offer end users have the chance to redeem a free DMR110 DAB+ site radio when they purchase from a chosen selection of 18V LXT and Twin 18V LXT garden machinery products. In addition, those who purchase any of the qualifying XGT 40VMax outdoor products can redeem the MR002GZ01 XGT Bluetooth Radio.

An offer not to be refused

An offer not to be refused

The DMR110 is compatible with Makita’s LXT, CXT and 7.2V Li-ion batteries, making it the ideal addition to any professional’s existing collection of Makita products. It features a two speaker stereo system for maximum output and has an easy to read digital tuner with an LCD display for ease of use. This model has also been designed to endure tough on-site conditions with elastomer bumpers to protect it against knocks and scuffs – and it is IP64 rated for being dust and shower proof.

Alternatively, the durable and easy to use MR002GZ01 Bluetooth Radio is compatible with Makita’s XGT, LXT, CXT batteries. Thanks to its Bluetooth capabilities, the MR002GZ01 can be easily connected to mobile devices within a 10m range – it even has a USB output port for charging devices on site. Impressively, the MR002GZ01 can run for up to 27.5 hours when powered by a 4.0Ah XGT 40VMax battery.

Kevin Brannigan, Marketing Manager at Makita said: “The DMR110 and MR002GZ01 are the perfect job site companions and we are delighted to be able to offer end-users the chance to add some entertainment to the working day. Thanks to the DMR110 and MR002GZ01’s clever design, professionals can use their existing XGT, LXT or CXT batteries to power the radios for convenience.”

Makita is running this promotion from 1st October 2021 until 31st December 2021. Anyone who purchases and registers a qualifying Makita garden machinery product from an authorised Makita dealer during this period can claim a free DMR110 or MR002GZ01 radio. Simply register the claim and proof of purchase within 28 days of purchase, via a dedicated microsite. On successful application, customers will receive their free gift after 30 days.

To find out more about Makita’s latest promotion, including the full list of qualifying products, how to claim and terms and conditions visit: https://makitauk.com/freeradio

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New divisional sales manager for Vitax Amenity

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New divisional sales manager for Vitax Amenity: Vitax Amenity has appointed a new divisional sales manager as it continues to drive forward plans to expand its presence in turf management and groundcare markets, both in the UK and internationally.

Greg O’Leary joins the team from Roechling Engineering Plastics where he has spent the past 10 years as sales manager responsible for leading the sports and leisure division.

New divisional sales manager for Vitax Amenity

New divisional sales manager for Vitax Amenity

Prior to joining Roechling, Greg has held several national sales manager and sales manager roles, including over 15 years’ experience working in global markets.

Managing a team of six, Greg will be responsible for working with existing UK clients whilst maintaining and growing Vitax Amenity’s international customer-base.

Carl Welsh, Vitax’s managing director and group CEO, says: “Greg has a thorough understanding of the markets we work within, the challenges the industry is experiencing post-Brexit and good ideas about where and how we can continue to grow our portfolio.

“It is an exciting time to join Vitax Amenity and Greg’s strong sales background speaks for itself. We are thrilled to have such an experienced manager join the team.”

Greg will work across all Vitax Amenity’s divisions including Supaturf and Thomas Elliot Fertilisers.

“After working in the same industry for most of my career, I have been looking for a new challenge and I am looking forward to working for a well-established company with its excellent reputation within the industry,” says Greg O’Leary, divisional sales manager at Vitax Amenity.

“Vitax are continually innovating and are well-known for producing a comprehensive range of products with a strong emphasis on quality and cost-effectiveness. I am delighted to be joining such a strong team and looking forward to the new challenges my role brings.”

In his spare time, Greg is a keen golfer and an avid supporter of Make a Wish Foundation, helping to raise funds for children with life-threatening or life-limiting conditions, as well as speaking on behalf of the charity at events.

To find out more about Vitax Amenity, visit: www.vitaxamenity.co.uk

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Learning LIVE 2021 programme revealed

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Learning LIVE 2021 programme revealed: SALTEX event organisers, Grounds Management Association (GMA), reveal exciting details about this year’s Learning LIVE – an all-encompassing education programme designed for all sectors of the groundscare industry.

The CPD-accredited seminars are free to attend, and registration is now open for all sessions that are due to take place in three purpose-built seminar theatres on the SALTEX show floor in Halls 6, 7 and 8 at The NEC, Birmingham on 3 and 4 November.

Learning LIVE 2021 programme revealed

Learning LIVE 2021 programme revealed

Learning LIVE features an array of expert speakers and has been designed to provide support, insight and real solutions to key industry issues.

To celebrate the show’s 75th anniversary, show organisers have introduced a new seminar theatre entitled the ‘Workforce Development Forum,’ which focuses on employment, career progression and personal development.

Seminar highlights in this theatre include; Geoff Webb, Grounds Management Association (GMA) CEO, who will be highlighting the importance of building a skilled workforce for the future of grounds management; Karl McDermott (Lord’s) and John Wright (Southampton FC) will be amongst those discussing how to attract young people into the industry; opportunities and the scope of roles in the turf industry will be explored by an expert panel which includes Jason Booth (GMA), Matt Le Brun (Advance Grass) and Stuart Facey (New Hall School) and last but not least Bradley Tennant (International Greenkeepers For Hire) and Frank Newberry (GMA Approved Management Trainer and Consultant) will be offering tips on how to shine when it comes to pay rise time.

Elsewhere in the Learning LIVE theatres, attendees can look forward to; a virtual tour of Leicester City FC’s new Sports Turf Academy hosted by grounds manager John Ledwidge; in recognising the challenges the sector is currently experiencing a panel including Ian Avery (Sutton Valence School), Jim Dawson (BT Murrayfield), Stuart Kerrison (Essex CCC) and Maria Kuzak (CALM) will be openly discussing the pressures of the job, coping mechanisms and work-life balance; an insight into how ongoing research by county cricket grounds and England’s Centre of Excellence will impact the recreational game – led by Andy Mackay (ECB), Gary Barwell (Warwickshire CCC) and Will Relf (Loughborough University); grounds managers Ed Ramsden (Perse School) and Greg Smith (Nottingham University) will be offering advice on how to achieve a quick turnaround on multi-sport surfaces; pesticides and what the future holds for them will be explored by John Moverley (Amenity Forum), Dr Christian Spring (STRI) and Glenn Kirby (Syngenta); Neil Stubley (AELTC), Adrian Kay (York Racecourse) Dave Roberts (Liverpool FC) are offering expert tips on sustainable practices in turf management; and Karl Standley (Wembley Stadium) along with turf consultant Richard Hayden will be providing a behind-the-scenes look at the turf care techniques which ensured that the pitches shone at Euro 2020.

This is just a snapshot of sessions available at this year’s show. Check out the full programme here, register your visit to SALTEX and book into your preferred sessions to avoid disappointment.

Pre-registration to SALTEX 2021 is essential this year. Attendees must print off their badges for entry to the show.

The safety of all our exhibitors, partners, visitors, contractors, and staff is our highest priority. For more information on Covid safety measures please visit https://gmasaltex.co.uk/covid-safety-measures/

Follow SALTEX on Twitter @GMA_SALTEX and Facebook – www.facebook.com/GMASALTEX

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New launch from Reesink e-Vehicles

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New launch from Reesink e-Vehicles: Representing the future of the turfcare industry and on stand K078 at SALTEX will be a selection of Reesink e-Vehicles’ new range of battery-powered machines.

Leading the electric line-up is the Capella load carrier from award-winning brand, STAR EV. For those looking for a quiet, comfortable and emissions-free utility buggy for their customers, the Capella fits the bill. This lithium-powered utility vehicle represents a range of 28 lithium and sealed battery-powered utility vehicles from STAR EV, available from Reesink e-Vehicles, which includes electric passenger buggies and small, medium and large capacity electric UTVs and people carriers for up to 23 people. All come with a rapid charge, good mileage per charge, and an extensive warranty – up to six years on batteries.

New launch from Reesink e-Vehicles

New launch from Reesink e-Vehicles

Joining this will be the industry’s first electric tractor from Reesink’s Agricultural division, the 25hp FT25G from Farmtrac. Featuring a 72V lithium-ion battery and onboard charger, this worthy alternative to a diesel-powered tractor can be charged from any domestic socket to 100 percent in eight hours. It created a big stir in the market when it launched and since then the range of options available has been increased to make it even more useful in a host of year-round applications and even more worthy of a stand visit, if that were possible!

Launching at the show will be RECO eTrac, an electric tool carrier from Royal Reesink, Reesink e-Vehicles’ parent company. With zero emissions and a choice of different battery packs, this innovative addition to the electric market can be used for a wide range of applications including weed brushing.

On stand ready to introduce this new range will be Dave French, Reesink e-Vehicles’ new electric vehicle expert. He says: “Wherever you are and whatever sector you’re in, the ability to work more quietly, earlier and for longer will be an advantage. With this comprehensive range of golf and passenger buggies, together with a wide offering of all-terrain from Reesink e-Vehicles, it’s easy to see the scope, potential and commercial benefits electric power will bring to the market.”

Leading technology, world-class innovation, breadth of range, strong value proposition and peak performance, Reesink e-Vehicles has more choice than ever before. Pop along to stand K078 to find out more.

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Mansfield Sand back at SALTEX

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Mansfield Sand back at SALTEX: Mansfield Sand (stand C134) will be returning to SALTEX to showcase a wide range of sand-based products that are vital to the overall health and performance of a sports pitch.

Mansfield Sand has pioneered the development and production of premium silica sand-based products for over 170 years. The company provides a wide range of innovative products for sports, landscaping, and equestrian uses. These include stadium and training ground facilities; championship golf courses and world class show jumping arenas.

Mansfield Sand back at SALTEX

Mansfield Sand back at SALTEX

Below is a snapshot of just some of the innovative products that could well make a significant improvement to your sports turf facility.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Mansfield Sand’s experienced team will on hand throughout the two-day event to speak in more detail about your individual requirements.

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/

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KAR UK bring Hunter to SALTEX

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KAR UK bring Hunter to SALTEX: KAR UK – the leading wholesaler of irrigation equipment in the UK, will be on stand E053 at SALTEX 2021 showcasing a wide range of innovative Hunter products.

As an integral distributor of Hunter Industries irrigation equipment, the KAR UK team will be revealing how the following products can have a positive impact on an array of various sports turf surfaces.

KAR UK bring Hunter to SALTEX

KAR UK bring Hunter to SALTEX

TTS-885 rotor

This rotor belongs to the Hunter TTS-800 portfolio and provides 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.

The TTS-885 also benefits from 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.

Other notable features of the TTS-885 include true full-circle and adjustable part-circle (60° to 360°), exclusive PressurePort™ nozzle technology, and a radius of 11.3 to 28.7 m.

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 m. 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 controller

Powerful. Intelligent. Flexible. Hunter’s new ACC2 controller delivers advanced water management to meet the demands of large-scale commercial projects.

At its core, the ACC2 has a powerful transformer, allowing it to safely run up to 14 valves simultaneously, bringing maximum efficiency to large watering schedules. The ACC2 can be configured for any commercial project, from 12 to 54 stations, with up to 6 flow metre inputs, and up to 6 pump/master valve outputs. Its easy-to-read colour backlit display and unique reversible facepack make programme setup and diagnostics fast and efficient.

Centralus

The mobile-friendly Centralus irrigation management platform provides highly secure, comprehensive cloud-based control and monitoring features to new or existing ICC2 dial-based controllers and ACC2 controllers. The connectivity allows you to view a controller’s status, change settings, view forecasts, save water, and receive instant notification of important system alarms — all without costly and time-consuming travel and site visits.

Experienced members of staff from KAR UK will be on hand throughout the event 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

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Dennis and SISIS launch E-Series at SALTEX

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Dennis and SISIS launch E-Series at SALTEX: British manufacturers Dennis and SISIS have chosen SALTEX 2021, to be held at the NEC Birmingham on 3 and 4 November, to showcase the E-Series – a new range of battery-powered turf maintenance equipment.

Reliable and long lasting, the new and exciting E-series are no compromise alternatives to their long-established range of petrol machines. Ultra-low noise, low vibration, user friendly and super low CO2 footprint will help everyone towards the carbon neutral goal.

Dennis and SISIS launch E-Series at SALTEX

Dennis and SISIS launch E-Series at SALTEX

Leaving no stone unturned, Dennis and SISIS have spent over three years working with carefully chosen partners to develop a range of quality battery-powered equipment that meets the requirements of natural and synthetic turf maintenance and are befitting of the Dennis and SISIS badges.

Visitors to the show will also have the opportunity to see the E-series demonstrated in the Eco Village on both days at specific times.

Dennis and SISIS’ experienced and knowledgeable members of staff will be on stand E070 throughout the two days to offer valuable advice. Visitors will also have the opportunity to find out more about the online educational portal for bowls greenkeepers and register their interest for 2022 seminars.

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 and SISIS videos by visiting www.youtube.com/DennisMowers and www.youtube.com/SISISMachinery.

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ICL to showcase Ranger Pro at SALTEX

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ICL to showcase Ranger Pro at SALTEX: Visitors to the ICL stand (C090) at SALTEX 2021, will get the chance to discover a wide range of turf and landscaping solutions.

At this year’s show, which is also SALTEX’s 75th anniversary, there will be a particular focus on the newly launched Ranger Pro from ICL.

ICL to showcase Ranger Pro at SALTEX

ICL to showcase Ranger Pro at SALTEX

Ranger Pro is a new professional biocide for use on external hard surfaces, including roofs, driveways, patios, pavements, concrete, around buildings and on artificial sports surfaces. Furthermore, it can be used as an artificial pitch disinfectant.

Ranger Pro has been proven to be 99.9% effective against:

  • Bacteria (EN 1276; Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus hirae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli)
  • Yeasts (EN 1650; Candida albicans)
  • Viruses (EN 14476 Vaccinia virus – all enveloped viruses including coronaviruses such as Covid 19)

The improved formulation contains wetters and spreaders to help improve surface coverage, for a quicker and more effective penetration into algae lichen and broader spectrum biocidal qualities. This ensures effective and efficient treatment.

The ICL technical team will be out in force at SALTEX 2021 to talk all things turf and landscape. Perhaps you need advice on combatting disease or would like to discuss maintenance programmes or products; or maybe you are just looking at improving your turf or landscape areas – all are welcome to the ICL stand.

The ICL Barista will also be back offering coffees to visitors on the stand.

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

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From groundsman to downing Real Madrid

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From groundsman to downing Real Madrid: Sebastien Thill’s thunderous late winner against Real Madrid caused one of the biggest upsets in Champions League history but his life was very different a mere 12 months ago.

Read the full article from the Daily Star here

From groundsman to downing Real Madrid

From groundsman to downing Real Madrid

For the latest industry news visit turfmatters.co.uk/news

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