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Electrifying Dennis E-Series at GroundsFest

Electrifying Dennis E-Series at GroundsFest: Dennis will be showcasing a wide-range of pedestrian battery-powered products on stand 50 in hall 2 at GroundsFest 2023.

Since its launch, the Dennis E-Series has taken the industry by storm standing out from the competition in terms of power, battery-range and performance.

Electrifying Dennis E-Series at GroundsFest

Electrifying Dennis E-Series at GroundsFest

Reliable and long lasting, the exciting Dennis E-Series is a range of battery powered mowers that are no compromise alternatives to its popular range of petrol machines. Ultra-low noise, low vibration, user friendly and super low CO2 footprint, the new range of mowers are helping users towards the carbon neutral goal.

GroundsFest visitors can expect to see a selection of products in the E-Series range such as:

ES-860

Users of the Dennis G860 cylinder mower will no doubt see familiarities in the new ES-860.

This 34” battery powered turf management system delivers maximum versatility and the range of 13 interchangeable cassette options provide a solution to many day-to-day maintenance tasks. The power of the battery system ensures the machine is capable of cutting at least 3-4 pitches on a single charge or verticutting a full pitch without anxiety. Furthermore, current G860 cassettes will also fit the ES-860.

ES-34R

The ES-34R rotary mower has twin contra rotating blades with the height of cut controlled by an easy to use ‘click’ system. Suction and blade speed can be adapted to meet the most challenging collection conditions. The mower is also available with optional front wheels, smooth or wiele roller, and has excellent sight lines.

ES-36

Based on the Dennis Premier, the ES-36 provides a perfect finish every time and capable of cutting 2-3 pitches on a single charge. The powerful battery system allows the addition of a trailer seat to be attached and still achieve a minimum of 20km of cutting. A uniquely developed micro adjuster makes it very easy to set the bottom blade to cylinder.

ES-510

This new mower is based on the Dennis FT510 – which is, historically, the company’s most popular machine. With a choice of 12 interchangeable cassettes, the ES-510 is capable of scarifying down to -10mm. Ideal for fine turf it has the power to cut 4-5 bowling greens or approximately 10km on a single charge.

ES-22 Ultra

Users of the Dennis Razor Ultra will be familiar with this machine, which features an ultra-short wheelbase for undulating surfaces. Using a 7 or 11 bladed cutting cylinder and groomer reel, this 560mm (22”) battery mower produces a quality of cut which provides an ultra-fine finish on bowling greens, golf greens and tees, and cricket pitches.

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.

The E-Series features a robust LCD keypad screen which provides the operator with a multitude of information options including speed, clip rate, service checks, lifetime running reports and battery information. The mowers take just 2-3 hours for an ultra-fast full battery recharge.

For further information or a no obligation demonstration, please contact Dennis 01332 824 777 or visit www.dennisuk.com

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

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Agrovista & DLF Seeds Sponsor Racecourse Groundstaff Awards

Agrovista & DLF Seeds Sponsor Racecourse Groundstaff Awards: The 2023 26th annual Racecourse Groundstaff Awards is now open for submissions.

New for 2023, the Richard Linley Award will reward the best newcomer to British horseracing. The Award is named in honour of Richard Linley, the former BHA Senior Inspector of Racecourses who recently retired after 35 years of service.

Agrovista & DLF Seeds Sponsor Racecourse Groundstaff Awards

Agrovista & DLF Seeds Sponsor Racecourse Groundstaff Awards

The awards celebrate excellence in turf husbandry across British racecourses and are unique in that they remain the only dedicated awards for groundstaff within the sport.

The core Racecourse Groundstaff Awards celebrate the winners and runners-up across the three racecourse types: flat, jump and dual purpose. The winners of each category will go onto the RCA’s Showcase Awards on Thursday 23rd November at Aintree Racecourse where an overall Groundstaff Champion will be crowned.

The winners of the 2022 Racecourse Groundstaff Awards were announced last November with Agrovista Amenity, DLF Seeds and Duralock proud sponsors.  As with previous Racecourse Groundstaff Awards, an expert judging panel comprised of the representatives from the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) Racecourse Inspectorate, Professional Jockeys Association (PJA) and the National Trainers Federation (NTF) judged the awards, and the

2022 winners were as follows:

Flat Racecourse of the Year

Winner – York

Runner Up – Salisbury

Dual Purpose Racecourse of the Year

Winner – Ascot

Runner Up – Ayr

Agrovista & DLF Seeds Sponsor Racecourse Groundstaff Awards

Agrovista & DLF Seeds Sponsor Racecourse Groundstaff Awards

Jump Racecourse of the Year   

Winner – Cartmel

Runner Up – Warwick

Special Merit Award

Winner – All racecourses for fortitude and resilience particularly in light of COVID, changing regulation and climate change.

Neil Wyatt Lifetime Achievement                     

Winner – Brian Meikle, Kelso

Most Improved Newcomer                                 

Winner – Luke Randall, Warwick

Groundstaff Champion

Winner – Cartmel

Commenting on the awards, Holly Cook, Racecourse Services Manager, said: “The Racecourse Groundstaff Awards recognise and celebrate the hard work, dedication and commitment of the groundstaff teams across British Racecourses, and are highly coveted and strongly contested by racecourses. 2022 saw the return of the awards for their 25th renewal, following a hiatus during the COVID-19 pandemic and all of the entries from racecourses clearly demonstrated the ongoing commitment to providing the best possible racing surface.

Agrovista & DLF Seeds Sponsor Racecourse Groundstaff Awards

Agrovista & DLF Seeds Sponsor Racecourse Groundstaff Awards

“The RCA is extremely grateful to our partners at Agrovista Amenity, DLF and Duralock for their support of the awards.”

For more information about Agrovista UK, visit www.agrovista.co.uk/amenity

For more information about MM Sports Seed, visit www.mm-seeds.co.uk.

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Toro Lynx LAC has arrived

Toro Lynx LAC has arrived: Toro Lynx LAC has arrived and with it the opportunity for everyone, no matter which irrigation system they are currently using, to benefit from the world’s most powerful irrigation control system – Toro Lynx.

Toro Lynx has transformed golf course irrigation and is established as the definitive market leader. Until now, it has only been compatible with Toro equipment, but that is changing with the revolutionary Lynx LAC.

Toro Lynx LAC has arrived

Toro Lynx LAC has arrived

A new concept in golf course renovation, Toro’s Lynx LAC opens the door to the latest technology from Toro for legacy wired systems. It’s easy to migrate old irrigation into Toro innovation – just install Lynx and replace the wall unit with LAC Smart Hub and FIU. The old FD decoder and new LAC decoder will work together allowing gradual migration to the Toro version giving access to additional features.

Robert Jackson, division manager for Reesink Hydro-Scapes, sole Toro distributor in the UK for golf irrigation products, says: “While innovation from renovation with Toro has been possible and easy with sprinklers for some time, it had yet to extend to the central control system. Lynx LAC throws the doors open to world class irrigation without having to redo the entire irrigation system to all clubs.”

This provides many benefits, starting with precision. Toro’s Lynx LAC allows runtimes to be calculated to the second, not just the nearest minute. Watering by amount sees each sprinkler run for the exact amount of time to apply the exact amount of water needed, allowing for a precise application of water to all parts of the course. With sustainability and water resource an issue across the country this kind of technology has never been more needed.

Flexibility features highly too with this transition. Lynx LAC decoders can effectively ‘convert’ all other legacy systems if the cable network minus decoders remain.

Robert continues: “Lynx LAC is the solution which grants access to an easy and effective way to upgrade to a world class irrigation solution. It is the final piece of the jigsaw in terms clubs having the complete irrigation system it wants. There’s no need to put it off because of budget constraints or upheaval.”

Toro Lynx LAC comes with 24/7 immediate support with Toro NSN, available on the app software, via a smartphone providing instant support for any troubleshooting or queries.

To find out more about how Toro Lynx LAC and Toro irrigation technology can benefit your course, call Reesink Hydro-Scapes on 01480 226800, email info@reesinkturfcare.co.uk or visit reesinkturfcare.co.uk.

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SALTEX set for one of their biggest shows

SALTEX set for one of their biggest shows: With over 80 percent of floor space taken at SALTEX 2023, and available space up by 20 percent compared to the 2022 show, visitors can be sure of two things this year: more exhibitors in one place than ever before and one of SALTEX’s biggest shows yet.

Sarah Cunningham, director of commercial and events at the Grounds Management Association, SALTEX event organisers, says: “Exhibitors are the heart of any show and SALTEX has always attracted a good mix of new and returning, young and established, small and big companies.

SALTEX set for one of their biggest shows

SALTEX set for one of their biggest shows

“The reason for that is, they know the visitors will come. And yes, the quantity will be there as it always is, over 8000 visitors last year, but the quality is too. Research has proved that the decision makers attend.”

Two of the latest signings are new and while welcoming new exhibitors to the show line-up is always exciting, it’s especially so when that exhibitor is from overseas. Joining over 20 international exhibitors already signed up to the show, Grupo Sanz is a Spanish-based power tool distributor who has identified SALTEX as the key exhibition to put its range in front of UK customers.

Sarah continues: “When an exhibitor is from overseas it shows how word of mouth about the benefits for exhibiting at and attending SALTEX travels. But not just that, it neatly places new and interesting products and brands from across Europe in front of the visitor.”

Also on board for the first time is Monty Miracle, who sells the patented cleaning product unlocking how outdoor spaces are cleaned in just minutes.

There are many brands returning, as expected from the success of the early-bird bookings – companies such as Reesink UK for example, who booked one of the largest stand spaces for 2023 following its success at the 2022 show.

Husqvarna will also be back and Jonathan Snowball, head of professional sales, marketing and services, had this to say about the repeat booking: “Husqvarna is very pleased to once again be exhibiting at SALTEX, an event we look forward to each year to connect with our customers and meet new people looking for new technologies to support their business. This year we will be showcasing our robotic solutions for sports turf and facilities. We also have new battery machinery with sophisticated charging solutions.”

For Syngenta, SALTEX provides the perfect platform to show its innovative solutions and the practical techniques to get the best performance from integrated management strategies, says Sarah Hughes, UK business manager: “SALTEX 2023 will see the first event launch of a new integrated insecticide and biological control total approach for leatherjacket and chafer grub soil pests.

“Visitors to the Syngenta stand can get a unique detailed understanding of how the products work together from technical specialists and researchers, along with the optimum way to put together more effective and reliable control strategies to counter one of the most complex challenges for turf and landscape management.” The event will also see more of the exciting Syngenta R&D biologicals and products designed for tree care and landscape management, on show for the first time in the UK.

The success of an exhibition can largely be determined by the quantity and quality of the exhibitors who attend, and with those parameters, SALTEX 2023 is a success already.

SALTEX takes place at Birmingham NEC on 1-2 November 2023. To guarantee a ticket to Europe’s largest and leading sports turf, amenities, and landscaping trade exhibition, register now at: https://bit.ly/456l0dA

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Etesia keeps Higher Wiscombe beautiful

Etesia keeps Higher Wiscombe beautiful: A new Etesia Attila 98X ride-on brushcutter is helping the luxurious Higher Wiscombe farm and holiday cottages live up to its glowing reputation.

Higher Wiscombe is a 52-acre farm with a cluster of four exceptional holiday cottages in its centre. It is located in the heart of the East Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and is close to the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site and the South West Coast Path.

Etesia keeps Higher Wiscombe beautiful

Etesia keeps Higher Wiscombe beautiful

Alistair and Lorna Handyside are the owners of Higher Wiscombe and they work tirelessly to maintain their award-winning five-star gold cottages. The land and green spaces are equally as important as the accommodation, and no stone is left unturned when it comes to maintaining them.

“In order to make the setting as beautiful as possible, we mow approximately 4 to 6 acres each week, which is about 16 hours of mowing,” said Alistair.

Alistair has recently purchased a new Etesia Attila 98X ride-on brushcutter and his decision to purchase it was based on the success of his previous mower, which also happened to be an Etesia.

“We bought a third hand Etesia sixteen years ago and it’s always been so reliable,” said Alistair. “It was mainly due to it being so good that I wanted to keep with Etesia and the Attila 98X absolutely appealed for the amount of work that we have to do every week.”

Etesia’s Attila 98X ride-on brushcutter is reliable, efficient, comfortable, and safe. The output, combined with 4-wheel-drive and performance makes it ideal for some of the toughest jobs.

The 98X has a 98cm cutting width for more efficient working while eight cutting heights are available between 50mm to 120mm, with one transport position, which is easily adjusted with a centralised lever.

It can be used on slopes up to 30% and its strengthened structure welded tubular chassis offers its operators a better driving position. Furthermore, the electric start offers a high comfort level, rack and pinion steering, plus hydrostatic drive. Special attention has also been paid to sound and vibration levels to reduce them to a very low level – making it ideal for public areas.

Alistair explained how he uses the Attila 98X.

“There are three types of mowing we carry out. One is the paths around the edges of the field, so that our guests can easily see the perimeter and take their dogs for a walk. The second areas are the pasture which we try and keep tidy. The third area is all about brush clearance, which we do twice a year. We’ll go in and make sure the brush hasn’t intruded into the field boundaries or we’ll use it to clear an area for some replanting.

“The best bit about this piece of kit is its reliability,” continued Alistair. “I’m saying that from someone who’s had an Etesia for 16 years and never had a problem.

“There are also three standout features on this model, two of which are brand new to me. One is the pedal at the front which means you can keep both hands on the wheel. When you’re doing a long run it is so much more comfortable. The second one is the slope meter, which is a very simple piece of kit, but is a really good warning device and not being electronic it will never go wrong. The third feature I like is the easily adjusted cutting height. I like the fact that you can do it as you’re going along. If, for example, you are coming to a bit of particularly high grass, you can simply lift it a bit so that you can cut that and then reverse over it and do it again afterwards.

“The Etesia 98X is a first-class piece of kit and we would recommend it to anybody who’s got similar kind of high mixed usage as we do.”

Alistair purchased his new Etesia 98X through Andrew Symons and was quick to praise the support he has received from the Etesia dealer.

“I’ve had a fantastic service from the team there,” he said. “They’re going to come and collect it when it needs servicing, and I can’t fault the support we’ve had from them at all.”

For further information, please contact Etesia UK on 01295 680120 or visit www.etesia.co.uk.

For more news, reviews and insightful views, you can follow Etesia UK on Twitter @EtesiaUK and like the company’s Facebook page – www.facebook.com/EtesiaUK. You can also view the latest Etesia videos by visiting www.youtube.com/EtesiaUK.

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