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

Redexim Carrier labelled the ‘most important piece of kit’

/in , /by

Redexim Carrier labelled the ‘most important piece of kit’: Constructed on the site of a former gravel quarry, the greens at Kilworth Springs Golf Club in Leicestershire are incredibly mobile and free draining which, despite having some perks, also means they are prone to compaction.

That’s where the Carrier and Verti-Drain® 1513 from Redexim comes in! Head Greenkeeper Joel Chappell claims this combination delivers effective compaction relief and versatility for aeration tasks around their busy course, making it the ‘most important piece of kit’ in their shed!

Redexim Carrier labelled the ‘most important piece of kit’

Redexim Carrier labelled the ‘most important piece of kit’

Founded in 1993, Kilworth Springs delivers a challenging 18 holes of play overlooking the Avon Valley. Because of the nature of the soil and sand foundations, the main issue for Joel and his team of four is that for 12 months of the year, the course is always bone dry. “We can support year-round play where other courses local to us sometimes struggle during the winter months” explains Joel. “This sustained level of traffic means compaction is our biggest hurdle. As a club, we needed something that could get aeration completed quickly whilst leaving a minimal imprint on the greens.”

The Redexim Carrier was delivered by Ben Burgess just prior to Joel joining the club in July 2022, but he was instrumental in the purchase. “We were impressed with this being light weight, yet robust to deliver impressive aeration on our hard ground. We’ve hired machines that have succumbed to the tricky conditions and fallen apart after a week where the Carrier and 1513 Verti-Drain® stands up to the task with ease.”

Powered by a 31hp engine and hydrostatic transmission, the Carrier can be utilised with a variety of implements such as seeders, verti-cutters and aerators for high output, effective operations with minimal ground pressure. The 1513 Verti-Drain® – with its 1.3m working width, 15o of heave and a maximum depth of 6” – is ideal for use on fine turf surfaces.

“We conduct traditional verti-draining at least once a month and more often in winter where it’s out three weeks in every four across greens, tees and approaches. We also hollow core with this set up.” He continues, “When ground conditions allow, we can also use the Verti-Drain® with our compact tractor which frees the Carrier up to be used with other implements which we’re now exploring.”

Joel concludes, “Greenkeepers I think are naturally cautious and sceptical of change and new things but within a week of using the Redexim partnership my whole team were so impressed with what it could do… now we couldn’t be without it!”

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.

John Deere to hold careers event

/in , /by

John Deere to hold careers event: John Deere is holding a careers event in September to help resettling military personnel take the next step in their careers.

The virtual event on 20 September at 7pm is the first major event to be held by the company where details of the landmark John Deere Military Hiring Programme in the UK and Ireland will be set out.

John Deere to hold careers event

John Deere to hold careers event

The initiative was launched in July and helps those leaving military service find jobs working with some of the world’s most advanced agricultural and professional groundscare machinery.

Attendees of the free virtual event will find out how they can bring their unique skill sets and experience to technician roles in dealerships, and hear from individuals who have transitioned from military service into various roles connected to the John Deere brand.

“The armed forces produces people who are highly skilled, motivated, and extremely competent, and many already have the engineering skills needed to become qualified technicians,” says Allan Cochran, John Deere Branch Training Manager.

“With many transferable skills, those with experience of military machines will be perfectly placed for a new career working with some of the world’s most advanced agricultural and turfcare equipment.

“This virtual event is a great opportunity for ex-servicemen and women to find about a rewarding John Deere career that can take you anywhere in the world, working with an internationally recognised and respected brand.”

Registration is open now via this link, or by searching ‘John Deere virtual careers event’ on www.eventbrite.co.uk.

It was announced that the Military Hiring Programme was being rolled out in the UK and Ireland following its huge success in the USA.

“Those who have served are experts at working under pressure and logically solving problems in order to keep a machine operational,” Allan says. “These are the skills John Deere dealerships need to keep the wheels turning.”

Those signing up to the programme will be offered free technical training to help them apply their current skills to John Deere products and services. There are more than 70 courses on offer.

“Everyone who signs up will be assigned to an employee from the John Deere network who has served in the armed forces who will be there to support each individual during the resettlement process,” Allan says.

Interested service members and ex-service members can learn more and fill out a contact card by visiting www.Deere.com/JDMHP.

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.

Introducing the new FURY

/in , /by

Introducing the new FURY: The new UKCA Certified compact Stand-On FURY is the latest mower from the new “evolution” series by Mean Green Mowers, the FURY utilizes the patented ZTR technologies found in RIVAL and VANQUISH models reconfigured into a new compact platform. 

The FURY has the same low noise, low HAV’s, low WBV’s and zero emissions as the complete Mean Green mower range.  The FURY is designed to allow access into gated areas such as cemeteries, housing associations, restricted access areas etc and is available with a 32″ or 36” rear discharge deck.

Introducing the new FURY

Introducing the new FURY

The FURY has the ability to cut grass up to 5.5 inches to its adjustable floating rear discharge cutting decks with anti-scalp solid front wheels, the Hi/Low blade speed control allows the blade speed to be slowed down when cutting short grass.  Designed with aerospace engineering technology and powered by an 11kWh (equivalent to 24HP) Mean Green Lithium Energy Module offering a mowing time up to 7hrs*.  The FURY provides more than enough power from its motors and controllers as fitted to the larger RIVAL, EVO and VANQUISH mowers.  With horsepower exceeding most commercial petrol mowers in its class and maximum torque from the start, the FURY proves that electric mowers can be powerful, economical and quiet.

The Impulse Drive System (IDS™) is designed with maximum power in mind, Mean Green has combined time proven planetary gearing and the latest electric hub motor technology.  The IDS™ generates unrivalled power, weight carrying capacity and speeds up to 9mph.

An Interactive Touch Screen Display allows operators to choose high/low blade speed and high/low drive speed, displays the battery charge level, machine operation status, hour meter, and service notifications.  The Blade Performance Monitor displays speed and performance of each blade to help the operator maintain optimal mowing efficiency and quality of cut.

As standard the FURY has a steel and high strength aluminium alloy chassis, single lever manual deck lift, semi-pneumatic caster wheels, bolstered thigh/knee pad, suspended and shock absorbed standing platform, USB port, mobile phone and cup holder, built-in tie down points, a 5-Year (1500 hr) Battery Warranty and charger.

For more information or demonstration contact Overton (UK) on: 01522 690011 or email us at sales@overtonukltd.com

*Depending on terrain, operator performance and grass conditions.

See us at GroundsFest Stand No: OSA230 20 & 21 September 2023

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.

DLF launch J Sustain-Fairway

/in , /by

DLF launch J Sustain-Fairway: Market demand for a blend of resilient Fescue cultivars and high percentages of native Hard Fescue has seen the introduction of J Sustain-Fairway from DLF.

J Sustain-Fairway is the latest in a strong line up of fairway mixtures from Johnsons Sports Seed which already includes J Fairway, J Rye Fairway and J Premier Fairway, offering a range of sustainable options to suit all needs and budgets.

DLF launch J Sustain-Fairway

DLF launch J Sustain-Fairway

J Sustain-Fairway has been designed to suit golf clubs looking to significantly boost the population of more resilient Hard and Sheeps Fescues – known for their increased tolerance to a broad range of turf stresses. With a natural foundation of strength, this fairway mix allows for reduced nutrient, water and chemical inputs all while maintaining exceptional turf quality.

Ideal for links and heathland venues, J Sustain-Fairway contains 20% Dumas and 20% Crystal Hard Fescue, together with 15% Quatro Sheeps Fescue. Hard & Sheeps Fescue provide exceptional drought recovery, salt tolerance and natural support against some common turf pests & diseases – with anecdotal evidence highlighting the benefits of Hard Fescue in an integrated pest management (IPM) programme. Found naturally on shallow infertile soils, these varieties are perfect for sustainable turf management, requiring very little in the form of artificial inputs to maintain an outstanding playing surface.

Crystal and Quatro are two of four number one rated cultivars from the BSPB list included in this blend. Adding further sward strength and density the formulation is 20% Rossinante Strong Creeping Red Fescue and 15% Nigella Slender Creeping Red Fescue, both renowned for their unmatched salt, Dollar Spot and Red-Thread tolerance, as well as 10% Orionette Chewings Fescue which demonstrates excellent spring growth and contributes to a robust and hard-wearing turf even under heavy traffic.

Commenting on its introduction, Amenity Sales and Marketing Manager for DLF Derek Smith said, “The team at DLF have worked very closely with a number of turf managers and some of the industry’s leading advisors to develop the optimal formulation for J Sustain-Fairway. This new mixture is perfect for course managers looking for a high performance, fine-turf fairway formulation equipped to withstand the environmental challenges of the future.”

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.

Green-tech provides lightweight soil and laser-cut grilles

/in , /by

Green-tech provides lightweight soil and laser-cut grilles: The area around the North and East of Manchester city centre has been undergoing a renaissance over recent years, with exciting development and refurbishment taking place. One such scheme is the stunning new bio-diverse, cubist-style Leonardo Hotel.

Situated on the corner of Adair Street and Great Ancoats Street, the new 14-storey Leonardo Hotel replaced a weary looking 2-storey office building and adds a welcome link between the busy Piccadilly Station and the East Village Regeneration Zone.

Green-tech provides lightweight soil and laser-cut grilles

Green-tech provides lightweight soil and laser-cut grilles

Even before construction began, the scheme won a Society of Architects design award, one of the contributing factors undoubtedly being the 17 stunning Jenga-style tiered planting boxes: the architects, Stephenson Hamilton Risley Studio taking their inspiration from Milan’s Bosco Verticale (vertical forest).

The planters jut out from the main building at various heights, creating a juxtaposition of cantilevers not unlike a half-finished game of Jenga. Indeed, the planters were referred to as ‘Jenga blocks’ in the planning documents. Each planter is filled with shrubs, trees, and ferns, individually selected to thrive in the micro-climate created by each planting block.

The idea was to make an impact and add some much-needed green infrastructure and bio-diversity to Piccadilly’s East neighbourhood. The building certainly makes a statement and will house 275 luxury hotel rooms along with a ground floor bar, restaurant, gym and wellness suite, and outside seating area.

Green-tech involvement:

Green-tech was invited to landscape architects’ Re-form’s offices in Beehive Mills back in 2019, to discuss options for the high-level planters. As a result, the planters were specified with Green-tech’s Green-tree lightweight intensive roof soil, as well as a layer of expanded clay granules to bring up the level in the base, rather than using a heavier sub-soil or some other man-made void former. The intensive lightweight roof soil is around 30% lighter than standard topsoil, and due to the deeper planting of the trees, needs to contain more organic content and hold on to a little more water than the extensive substrate often found on sedum and wildflower green roofs.

A total of 48 cubic metres of lightweight roof soil was used for the 17 Jenga blocks, along with over 4,000 litres of lightweight expanded clay aggregate. This was supplemented on the ground planting with over 400 tonnes of topsoil and subsoil, 2,000 litres of compost and 48 tonnes of pea gravel and decorative silver-grey gravel. The ground level landscaping incorporated a mix of trees in hard and soft, irrigated by a mix of Mona underground capillary tanks and Mona Relief perforated pipes, and supported by Green-tech strap anchors.

The trees in hard were finished off with permeable resin-bound grilles, and for the trees along the front, custom-made grilles, featuring laser-cut Piccadilly East branding and drainage slots. These grilles are made from heavy-duty steel and finished by being hot-dip galvanised, then acid-etched and powder coated in a classic bronze finish, including the normally silver Piazza irrigation inlet. All the steel used in the production of these decorative grilles is recycled by our foundry in West Yorkshire.

To finish off the landscaping, over 200 square metres of Premium Weed Control matting and Ecomatt was supplied along with 2,000 litres of ornamental wood bark for ground cover.

Alasdair Innes – Green-tech Specification Advisor comments, “it’s fantastic to see striking building design incorporating green-infrastructure, in a way that makes it really stand out in the local area. It was a pleasure to be asked to get involved supplying the lightweight soil and other ancillary landscaping materials.”

For any further product information or to request a CPD in person or remotely on any of Green-tech’s urban or rural modules please contact sales@green-tech.co.uk or call 01423 332100

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.