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Pitch Perfect at Morecambe FC

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Pitch Perfect at Morecambe FC: EFL League Two Club, Morecambe is celebrating the condition of their pitches after adopting the Grow-In Programme from Origin Amenity Solutions (OAS).

Head of Grounds Rob Davidson comments, “I am over the moon with this year’s pitches. I am incredibly proud of the results.”

Pitch Perfect at Morecambe FC

Pitch Perfect at Morecambe FC

Rob joined the club in 2021 following the renovation period and during the first year he struggled to keep coverage on the shaded area of the pitch.

During a visit to Origin Turf, Science and Technology Centre, Rob had the opportunity to review the research data comparing tetraploid and diploid grass seed mixes.

For his first renovation Rob selected R140 grass seed mix from the R range because of the tetraploid content. He remarks, “Since using R140 at the stadium we have seen improvements in coverage, density, colour and over all turf health, especially in the shaded areas of the pitch. The germination and establishment could not have been better this year.”

“Visiting the OAS Turf, Science and Technology Centre has given me additional confidence in the products and the technical support offered by the Origin team has been excellent. With support from Origin, we have tailored the OAS Grow-In plan to suit the pitch requirements. Having a structured Grow-In programme has allowed us to get the best out of the products with a limited budget.”

It’s not just about the products through. Rob adds, “Working with OAS has allowed me to enhance my education and understanding of the products I use and how to get the best from everything I apply. Their events also provide networking opportunities and a chance to meet with peers and form relationships, which I believe is an important part of our industry.”

Rob has used the OAS Grow-In Programme for his second year at the club. The Grow-In programme is borne from extensive R&D at the OAS Turf, Science and Technology Centre. It is a two-step approach which comprises a mix of products to be applied at renovation and at emergence.

The mix for application at renovation stage includes an organic soil amendment – a composted cow manure and Humic Acid soil conditioner, Tricure AD™ Granular – a residual wetting agent, and Mycorrhizal Inoculant – a microbial inoculant.

At emergence, the programme uses an organo-mineral fertiliser and biostimulants that feature nitrate nitrogen and molasses providing early carbohydrates and instantly available nitrogen to promote growth and enhanced plant health.

Rob reports, “The addition of the liquid mix applied at emergence alongside the C-Complex 14.2.5 has given us a quick grow response. Cutting schedules have commenced earlier and cutting frequency has meant third leaf stage has been reached quickly to allow for Primo Maxx applications. The biostimulant applications and organo-mineral fertilisers, supported by Verti-drain aeration has promoted a healthy root system.”

Andy Merry, Key Account Manager from OAS said ‘it has been great working with Rob over the last few years. His professionalism and communication with the club has established a trusting relationship, enabling the renovation work required to produce a surface that performs. Rob is enthusiastic and committed to providing pitches of the highest quality using modern techniques and technology. He has improved the standards across all pitches and produced surfaces that play well and look impeccable. It has been a joy to see the results.”

For further information or to discuss a future Grow-In programme for your club contact the OAS team on 0800 138 7222 or email sales@originamenity.com

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Amenity Sprayer Operator of the Year open for entries

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Amenity Sprayer Operator of the Year open for entries: The search is on to recognise the UK’s most professional sprayer operators in the sports turf, amenity and landscape management industries. The Amenity Sprayer Operator of the Year (ASOOTY) awards highlight best practice and experience in the challenging role of ensuring accurate application on all amenity surfaces.

Sponsored by ICL and Syngenta and managed by the Amenity Forum, the awards seek to share top tips and advice that will raise the standards of spray application across the amenity industry.

Amenity Sprayer Operator of the Year open for entries

Amenity Sprayer Operator of the Year open for entries

The finalists and winner will be announced and presented at the prestigious BIGGA Awards ceremony at BTME in January 2024, with prizes worth over £500. All ASOOTY applicants will also be entered into a competition to win one of five Syngenta Sprayer Calibration & Application Kits.  BASIS CPD points for participating in the awards have been applied for.

The skills of sprayer operators to make efficient, effective and above all safe applications is essential for the future sustainability of the amenity and turf care industry. ASOOTY awards are a welcome way to recognise and reward the leading individuals and to learn from their experience.

Along with assessing operators’ skills of spray application and use of products, the ASOOTY awards also now reflect the importance of an integrated pest management (IPM) approach to any issues involving turf and landscape maintenance.

Announcing the opening of the ASOOTY 2023 awards at SALTEX (1-2 November), Syngenta Technical Manager, Sean Loakes, said: “Sprayer operation is a key factor in the success of every application, including elements of nozzle choice, water volume and fine tuning the sprayer to more effectively hit the intended target.

“However, for the best possible results, today’s professional sprayer operators must also fully understand the wider aspects of why an application is being made, and what other integrated options they can also employ for better long-term management of potential problems.

“Knowing when not to spray is in many ways as important as the techniques to actually make an application,” he advised.

ICL Landscape & Industrial Business Manager, Lewis Blois, added: “We are delighted to support such an important cross-sector industry initiative with a continued commitment to raise standards and improve results.

“Importantly it has identified and recognised the range of spray application techniques and the differing skills involved across the amenity sector. It will provide a unique and vitally important resource for all involved in spray application.”

This year the entry process aims to test sprayer operators’ broader knowledge of issues and solutions faced across the amenity sector through an initial on-line question form. Lewis explained entrants are not expected to know the answers to all the questions, however the entry form will help the judging panel to assess an individual’s experience and approach to dealing with challenges.

“The entry process itself will stimulate thought and understanding of the challenging issues around application across the sports turf, amenity and industrial land management industries, including the need to create integrated solutions using a full range of tools and tactics. We’re looking to find operators that can make those important proactive decisions with every application,” he added.

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Rain Bird’s new 11000 series rotors

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Rain Bird’s new 11000 series rotors: Rain Bird is committed to ensuring that natural and synthetic pitches as well as other sports and leisure surfaces remain healthy, playable and can be easily managed with the emphasis on water conservation.

This has resulted in a range of sports turf irrigation packages and now the new 11000 Series Rotor range brings new levels of irrigation efficiency. It is complemented by 952 Series rotors, advanced controllers and a proven management system.

Rain Bird's new 11000 series rotors

Rain Bird’s new 11000 series rotors

Building on the experience and performance of the company’s renowned tough golf course rotors, the 11000 Series addresses issues such as wind drift, water saving and the need for distribution uniformity  – all without the higher operating pressures of many other irrigation rotors. Able to cover longer distances with their full 32 metre radius, these rotors facilitate irrigation over larger areas and as such they are ideal not only for use on large pitches but can also be considered for larger commercial landscape irrigation projects.

Specifying 11000 Series Rotors can reduce the number of heads needed to irrigate a typical pitch by up to 40% compared with traditional rotor solutions. That means lower investment costs with fewer components and less piping as well as faster installation times and lower maintenance costs. The rotors cover throw radii from 21.3 to 32 metres and operating pressures typically of 5.0 bar, within the 4.1 to 6.9 bar range. 30-345º, reversing, part-circle modes are included as well as a non-reversing, 360º full-circle mode – all in a single body. With a minimally exposed surface, they protect players when competing on a pitch. There is an optional opposing nozzle for enhanced close-in watering.

To address wind drift and prevent water wastage, the rotor produces larger water droplets. This also helps to ensure maximum efficiency and uniform coverage. The Seal-A-Matic™ (SAM) check valve prevents wasteful low-head drainage. Nozzles are pre-installed and can be adjusted with a standard screwdriver.

A 1.5” ACME threaded inlet simplifies installation, with optional swing joints available for superior flow and performance. Rather than having to laboriously unscrew the top of the rotor for maintenance and adjustments, the new Snap Ring action is faster and easier. Optional features include a sod cup or rubber covers in green for synthetic turf or purple for non-potable water use.

Meanwhile, Rain Bird’s latest 952 Series Rotors complement for the 11000 Series. Suitable for pitch side installations, full 360º as well as part circle irrigation versions, adjustable from 30º, are available. These have a similar throw radius to ensure head to head coverage across a complete pitch alongside the 11000 Series.

A new self-adjusting automatic stator modifies water flow to control rotation speed and ensure consistency. Rapid Adjust technology provides easy arc adjustments with the turn of a screw. The MemoryArc® feature retains two part-circle arc settings, so users can move between full and part-circle operation in seconds. Different nozzles can be accommodated and changed quickly.

For the complete top of the range sports turf irrigation package, Rain Bird offers the ESP-LXIVM controller for flexible programming and featuring a smart Solenoid module for real time diagnostics with simplified troubleshooting. Wireless communication through a network cartridge means that the controller can be used with the IQ4 central control platform.

Users, including groundsmen and contractors, can remotely control installations from a smartphone. Irrigation programs can be managed and quickly adjusted in accordance with any training requirements whilst intelligent scheduling based on local weather forecasts will save water. Alerts and alarms covering flow monitoring and other operating conditions enable any emerging problems to be detected and addressed quickly.

For more information about Rain Bird 11000 Series Rotors, visit rainbird.com/products/11000-series. For information on sports turf packages, contact Peter Longman, Rain Bird Europe, plongman@rainbird.eu  www.rainbird.eu

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Polaris RANGER XP Kinetic to make its debut at LAMMA

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Polaris RANGER XP Kinetic to make its debut at LAMMA: Taking place 17-18 January next year, Polaris Off Road is attending LAMMA 2024—the UK’s leading agricultural machinery and equipment show—and is set to showcase the long-awaited, all-electric RANGER XP Kinetic; the hardest working, smoothest riding UTV ever built.

Richard Coleby, National Sales Manager at Polaris UK & Ireland said: “We’re really pleased to be going back to LAMMA next year; it enables us to continue building our strong relationship with the agricultural community, and for this show in particular, it’s great that we’re able to showcase our brand-new RANGER XP Kinetic; a vehicle that’s been highly anticipated by both new and existing customers and one that we’re really excited to exhibit here in the UK, especially as, for many customers, this will be the first time they will be able to see the vehicle in the flesh.”

Polaris RANGER XP Kinetic to make its debut at LAMMA

Polaris RANGER XP Kinetic to make its debut at LAMMA

Set to arrive in UK dealers in the coming weeks, the RANGER XP Kinetic delivers uncompromised capability, unrivalled durability, and refined performance. With its all-electric powertrain, engineered for off-road use through Polaris’ exclusive 10-year partnership with Zero Motorcycles, the RANGER XP Kinetic offers the most horsepower and torque ever found in a utility side-by-side, with a class-leading 110 horsepower and 140 lb-ft of instantaneous torque that delivers maximum power and quick acceleration when it’s needed, including the ability to effortlessly tow up to 1,134kg and boasts an industry-best 680kg payload capacity. Thanks to being fully electric, the RANGER XP Kinetic also delivers smooth, precise control when operating at low speeds, especially useful in scenarios like towing or backing up to a trailer.

Polaris can be found in hall 17, stand 670, along with the new Ranger XP Kinetic and the full utility line-up including the RANGER 570, RANGER 1000, RANGER XP 1000, RANGER Diesel,

RANGER Diesel Deluxe, Sportsman 570, Sportsman XP 1000 as well as youth models Ranger 150 EFI and Sportsman 110 EFI.

The small but mighty mid-size RANGER 570 is punching well above its weight, with a Prostar 570cc double-overhead-cam engine which packs class-leading power. The Ranger offers incredible suspension, which provides 25.8cm of ground clearance, a tighter turning radius, and a compact width of just 144.5cm, giving the RANGER 570 a best-in-class combination of manoeuvrability and capability.

Engineered for work, the RANGER 1000 features a ProStar 1000cc engine, class-leading 1,134kg towing capacity, impressive payload capacity of 454kg and a tight turning radius to stay agile in tight spaces, the RANGER 1000 is one of the most capable machines on the market.

The top-of-the-range utility vehicle, the RANGER XP 1000, boasts a huge towing capacity of 1134kg and 454kg cargo bed capacity, as well as 33cm of ground clearance, 27.9cm suspension travel on the front and rear, and on-demand four-wheel drive. Available in 3-seat and CREW models (seating four to six riders), the XP 1000 is available in Azure Crystal, starting at £18,399 excluding VAT.

With a three-cylinder Kubota diesel engine, the RANGER Diesel boats 24.8 horsepower and 40.8 ft.lb of torque; 1134kg towing capacity; 730kg payload capacity. As well as Polaris’ on-demand all-wheel drive; electric power steering; Engine Braking System, and Active Descent Control, the RANGER DIESEL performs to the highest standards for years to come.

Combining the same durability, dependability and capability, with premium upgrades, the RANGER Diesel Deluxe is fitted directly at the factory, with a pre-installed 8-vent in-cab heater, an under-seat box for enhanced storage, and a noise reduction system to create a more comfortable, quieter cab.

As the most-trusted ATV in the industry, the Sportsman 570 delivers both performance and reliability thanks to its ProStar 570 engine. The Sportsman 570 features a bold design from front to back, a handlebar-mounted pod with an integrated LED work light and a built-in battery charging port. The sealed suspension bushings and durable A-arms give the Sportsman true resilience and ability to tackle the toughest tasks.

The Sportsman XP 1000 provides best-in-class power to accelerate faster, pull harder and carry more. With a fast-reacting all-wheel-drive system, electronic power steering, 680kg towing capacity and 261kg payload capacity with 36 litres of integrated storage, nothing can stop you.

Based on the full-sized Ranger, the Ranger 150 EFI was the industry’s first youth vehicle with smart safety features, making it the ideal vehicle for children to enjoy the outdoors safely. Perfect for the worker in training the RANGER 150 EFI features a 22.7kg rear bed capacity and is available in Avalanche Grey.

With a reliable 112cc 4-stroke engine with electronic fuel injection, the Sportsman 110 EFI is packed with youth-centred safety features that come as standard, including a speed limiting adjuster, safety flag, daytime running lights and a safety tether. The Sportsman 110 is ideal for young ATV riders aged 10 and above.

Please contact the Polaris press office if you would like to book a slot with the Polaris UK team during LAMMA 2024 – press@polaris-orv.media

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The new KIOTI K9 2410 UTV

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The new KIOTI K9 2410 UTV: KIOTI have launched the K9 2410 utility vehicle (UTV), keeping up their philosophy of continual product development. Based on the popular K9 2400, the 2410 increases operator comfort and safety. An upgraded CVT transmission produces a homologated 50 kph road speed. Whilst speed proportional electric power-steering (EPS) and an engine-brake improve handling and performance.

Customers can customise the 2410 by selecting the cabin option and colour to suit their needs. The 2410 is available with either a climate controlled factory fit cabin, a ROPS frame with door, windscreen and canopy options, or a retro fit field cabin. As standard the K9 is available in KIOTI red, with the option of green for customers requiring a more subtle colour.

The new KIOTI K9 2410 UTV

The new KIOTI K9 2410 UTV

A rubber floor mat, seat headrests and electric assisted bed tipping complete the upgrade, improving driver and passenger comfort.

The generously sized rear load area, ability to carry three people, 4WD and high ground clearance make the K9 2410 well suited to multiple jobs around estates, golf course and sports facilities.  With a 500kg capacity, the urethane lined tipping bed can carry anything from tools, to supplies and materials.

Whether opting for ROPS or cabin, the K9 2410 is equipped with a drivers seat and two passenger seats, safely carrying maintenance and keepers as they go about their work.

Off-road terrain is no problem for the K9 2410, independent wishbone suspension provides outstanding ground clearance and ride comfort. Selectable 4WD and a choice off-road tyres, general purpose or turf tyres ensure the power from the 25hp KIOTI diesel engine is transferred to the ground, without damaging delicate turf.

The  K9 2410 UTV is available from early 2024 with prices starting from £20,800 rrp. For more information visit www.kioti-uk.com or contact KIOTI UK on 01480 401512, or email sales@kioti-uk.com

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