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NEWS ARTICLES

Irrigation powered by the sun and cloud

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Irrigation powered by the sun and cloud: Toro’s latest irrigation technology unites with sustainability in the new Tempus Air, a solar-powered, cloud-based, battery-operated, remote-controlled, wireless control system offering flexible programming to take water automation to the next level.

Technology and sustainability form a symbiotic partnership as we see a solar panel power a nine-volt battery in a product where all its data and information are stored in the cloud. It is a perfect example of how, when the two work together, a cost-effective green solution emerges.

Irrigation powered by the sun and cloud

Irrigation powered by the sun and cloud

So, what’s the difference between traditional and air automation? Well, air is fully automated, moveable, scalable, precise and affordable, providing detailed feedback and information.

Robert Jackson, division manager for Reesink Hydro-Scapes, the UK distributor of Toro irrigation products, explains more: “Air automation removes some of the inevitable issues of traditional automation such as the expense, labour required, and time needed to install. It’s the no effort way to take control of your water. It’s an extremely stable and secure connection offering real-time connectivity, now proven in the field.

“Scalability is a key feature making this an affordable water delivery solution – Wi-Fi allows you to manage up to 30 modules and 3G manages up to 25. Field conditions can be remotely monitored, and you can programme by time, volume and rainfall. And being able to deliver water at the right time and place means there’s no water wastage.”

Tempus Air can also control the hydraulic valves, water pumps, pressure valve sensors and filters; you can link moisture levels, temperature, wind speed, so adding a lot of functionality as well as monitoring a wide set of field parameters for even more precise and efficient irrigation scheduling.

“Toro has designed a one-of-a-kind next generation system,” continues Robert. “It is entirely unique with nothing else like it on the market today. It’s fully app controlled so no control box or PC set up,” Robert continues. “The app itself is very intuitive and user friendly and Bluetooth connectivity is integrated to allow full control through the app via a smartphone, tablet or PC if you prefer – simply download and choose up to six stations, four independent programmes and three start times.”

In terms of the sprinklers that can be used, Robert explains: “As you may expect the connecting modules fit into Toro Infinity Sprinklers, the smartest, hardest-working sprinklers on the market – top accessibility to all the critical components and built for flexible expansion, it’s the perfect combination.”

Rob continues: “Combining all these features makes Tempus Air ideal for those looking for a sustainable and unique solution and where areas without electricity such as sports pitches, stadiums and training grounds keen to eliminate cables from the sidelines and professional landscaping projects. Remote management allows for control from up to 800 metres away and automated responses can be applied based on pre-set thresholds.”

To find out how the perfect combination of technology and sustainability can benefit your water regime and business’ bottom line, call Reesink Hydro-Scapes on 01480 226800 or visit reesinkturfcare.co.uk for further information.

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Brad Stiles appointed by EMEAA

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Brad Stiles appointed by EMEAA: AriensCo, an industry leader in outdoor power equipment, is pleased to announce the appointment of Brad Stiles as its new Vice President of Sales for EMEAA. Stiles, who has been with AriensCo for over 11 years, brings unparalleled expertise that will help drive AriensCo’s sales throughout Europe, the Middle East and Africa while also ensuring continued growth in Asia Pacific and across UK business activities.

The new appointment highlights AriensCo’s continued investment in its operations and will help AriensCo continue to grow its commercial presence throughout EMEAA. This includes the acquisition of German professional mower manufacturer, AS-Motor, appointing Jochen Schneider as Executive Vice President of EMEAA and moving its CE zero-turn mower production to Oxford, United Kingdom.

Brad Stiles appointed by EMEAA

Brad Stiles appointed by EMEAA

Stiles, whose father worked at AriensCo for over 25 years, vacates his previous position of Director of Sales and Marketing for EMEAA – which he was promoted to in 2020. It was in this post that he demonstrated an exceptional understanding of the Ariens business in the UK, including the key differences between the UK, European and US markets, built lasting relationships within the EMEAA distributor networks and helped customers achieve their goals.

“Brad continues to be the driving force behind AriensCo’s remarkable growth throughout EMEAA,” said Jochen Schneider, Executive Vice President of EMEAA. “Having worked at AriensCo for over a decade he not only embodies our family values but is best placed to ensure our customers get the products and support they depend on.”

Stiles will report to Jochen Schneider, Executive Vice President of EMEAA and is eager to get to work, “For over a  decade I have witnessed AriensCo’s fast paced growth and now, in this new position, I can play an even greater role in keeping up that momentum. From strengthening current markets to reaching new ones, these truly are exciting times for AriensCo and all its customers, present and future.”

Regional sales managers in Germany, France and UK along with the export sales teams from EMEAA will report into Stiles.

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Hose pipe ban exemptions

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Hose pipe ban exemptions: The Turfgrass Growers Association (TGA) which represents turf growers nationally is pleased to see that water companies are including watering of newly laid turfgrass within their hose pipe ban exemption.

The current exemption allows for watering of newly laid turfgrass for up to 28 days after installation.

Hose pipe ban exemptions

Hose pipe ban exemptions

Freshly laid turf needs water during establishment and that without an exemption communities and landscape contractors would suffer hardship as well as the turfgrass growers themselves. “In addition to that,” says Richard Owens, Chair of the TGA, “it would be perverse in the extreme to effectively curtail the planting of something which – apart from preventing soil erosion, preventing water run-off, and locking up CO2 – is of positive benefit to individuals and communities both in private gardens and in the public realm.”

TGA spokesperson, Stacie Rae is also keen to stress that turfgrass growers recognise that they have a part to play in helping gardeners and landscapers get through the current situation. “Short term, our members are preparing advice for both the amateur gardener and the landscape professional on how they can establish new-laid turf with the minimum of water usage. This includes using recycled water and observing timings of watering.”

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Foley combination at St Andrews

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Foley combination at St Andrews: One hundred and sixty-two years after the first Open at Prestwick, St Andrews hosted the historic 150th edition of golf’s most famous championship.

In early July 2022, the anticipated record-breaking crowds lined the Old Course to witness golf’s best players compete for the Claret Jug. Every blade of grass from the pristine greens, immaculate fairways and challenging roughs which have been cut with blades sharpened by a Foley grinder, and that is how Director of Greenkeeping Sandy Reid wanted it.

Foley combination at St Andrews

Foley combination at St Andrews

Sandy is no stranger to hosting an Open, with three under his belt during his time at Carnoustie. But, this historic milestone in the championship’s history may have been the best yet for the Open veteran.

“It’s the highlight of your career because it doesn’t get any bigger than hosting The Open, and you try to absorb all of that and cherish it,” Sandy explains. “It’s the 150th Open, so it’s a big celebration. There are big crowds, and that means the infrastructure requirements are bigger, and there is a more significant impact on the rest of the estate.

“We never stop planning for it, but from 18 months out, that’s when you’re doing more winter preparations. The infrastructure build starts at the beginning of April, so away from the playing surface, there is a lot of attention required.

“As for the turf, you work back from the day The Open starts and build up to it, so at this point in June, we’re fine-tuning things.”

Preparation is everything at the home of golf, and for three years, the 653 Accu-Master Reel Grinder and 673 Automatic Bedknife Grinder have aided preparation. Recently joined by the 622 Accu-Spin Reel grinder, these machines’ ease of use and quality output have impressed Sandy and his team of five technicians.

Presentation and playing consistency take centre stage during The Open, and with the three Foley’s in place, the Old Course team have achieved that in the build-up to the main event.

“We really couldn’t ask for a better combination of grinders to keep our cutting units sharp for this year’s Open and beyond,” Sandy begins.

“It’s critical that all of our mowers are as sharp as they can be. What we’re able to get from the Foley’s is extreme accuracy and the ease of use for the technicians. The speed at which they can grind means we’re saving on person-hours and are never without machines for long, so it makes life a lot easier.

“The quality of the grind gives us longevity in terms of performance from the mowers, and because they are staying on cut for so long, we can be more productive.”

At St Andrews, four greenkeeping teams maintain seven courses. Each team has its own machinery fleet but relies on a central workshop. In the build-up to The Open, it was business as usual on the other courses, making the efficiency and reliability of the Foley grinders paramount.

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No tine to waste

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No tine to waste: Productive aeration is as much down to the quality of the tines as it is the machine, and you won’t find better than Toro Tines for making sure no time is wasted when it comes to one of the most beneficial management practices for maintaining healthy turf.

From coring, using hollow tines, solid tine aeration, slicing or spiking, water injection cultivation, deep tine aeration, and ‘linear’ aeration, there are certain considerations that can make the process easier and more efficient to save time and money. And it all comes down to the parts you choose.

No tine to waste

No tine to waste

Using Genuine Toro Parts brings big benefits. Firstly, the tines are engineered and designed to fit the entire Toro ProCore range perfectly, ensuring the best results from an aeration programme. Easily snapping into place or bolting on, with Toro Tines everything is aligned so nothing operational suffers when in use.

Choosing will-fit tines can make aeration a more time-consuming job. Frequently having to replace broken or bent tines, unclogging cores while on the job and collecting awkward core debris are all common side effects of will-fit parts and having to repair damage post-aeration is laborious and hinders return to play. The best way to ensure a speedy recovery for the turf is with clean-cut holes made by tines that boast sharp edges and smooth sides – and that’s something Toro guarantees with its Tines.

Timing is vital when it comes to aeration, and it is important not to be let down in the middle of the aeration programme. The tough design of Toro Tines, including durable brazed tip joints that ensure a strong bond with in-built resistance to separation and breakage, help maintain consistent aeration depths and reduces costly change-out and associated downtime.

Toro has a tine to suit every requirement. With over 150 to choose from there’s something to suit all turf applications, soil situations and seasons. And as always, Reesink ensures parts are delivered within 24 hours of ordering, where stock is available.

As easy as all that is, there is an even easier way to make sure machinery is optimised and ready to work: Reesink’s ReeAssure servicing plans uses all Toro Genuine Parts, removes the unknowns, and makes planning easy when it comes to machinery servicing – all on a manageable fixed cost basis. The assurance that productivity is at its maximum throughout the seasons and costs are tightly controlled brings peace of mind for the ultimate in productivity and performance.

For more information, contact Reesink at info@reesinkturfcare.co.uk or call the Turfcare Parts team on 01480 226854.

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