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NEWS ARTICLES

STIHL’s upgraded KombiEngine attachment

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STIHL’s upgraded KombiEngine attachment: STIHL has enhanced its range of KombiEngine attachments with the launch of its new HT-KM pole pruner, which has been upgraded to improve both performance and durability.

Compatible with STIHL’s range of high-performance loop-handle KombiEngines, including the KM 111 R and new KMA 135 R, the new HT-KM is built to professional specifications in line with petrol HT pole pruners. Featuring a new magnesium gearbox housing, which replaces the polymer version on previous models, the upgraded pole pruner attachment offers higher levels of durability whilst still keeping the weight of the attachment to a minimum.

STIHL's upgraded KombiEngine attachment

STIHL’s upgraded KombiEngine attachment

For ease of use and accuracy when cutting high branches, the HT-KM features a marked sight line as well as a lightweight sturdy magnesium branch hook. Additionally, the lateral shavings ejection port helps to reduce clogging and direct debris away from the user.

Along with a Rollomatic E Mini 10” bar, the HT-KM comes fitted with a new 3/8” Picco Micro low-kickback chain fitted as standard.

The pole pruner attachment can be easily stored away in reserve for additional tasks on jobs where dedicated equipment isn’t required, and can also be easily transported along with the wider fleet of tools.

The new enhanced HT-KM is just one of STIHL’s 13 KombiEngine attachments, and a further range of accessories are available for use with the tool, including an angled gearhead for better top cuts and an RTS harness for prolonged use.

For more information on STIHL’s range of KombiEngines and attachments, including the new HT-KM, please visit www.stihl.co.uk

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Versatile Variseeder key to overseeding

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Versatile Variseeder key to overseeding: The versatile SISIS Variseeder 1300 has been key to overseeding without disruption according to Simon Marshall, Head Greenkeeper at Wishaw Golf Club.

Simon has been working at the golf club in the West Midlands for an impressive 26 years. It could, however, have been a vastly different story as rather interestingly, he used to be a candle maker and delivered them to churches all over the country. As a keen golfer, and already a member of Wishaw Golf Club, there was only one job he wanted.

Versatile Variseeder key to overseeding

Versatile Variseeder key to overseeding

“I have been a member at Wishaw since the age of 27 and I was so keen to get into greenkeeping that I spent the first summer helping out around the course, raking bunkers, cutting tees, and slowly learning the business.”

His willingness and work ethic were rewarded when he was offered a full-time role at the 18-hole parkland course. Simon is now the Head Greenkeeper, and even though he admits that there is still a lot of work to do, the course is progressing nicely.

He explained that one such improvement was to start to incorporate more bent grass into the greens and to do this they needed to look at new equipment.

“Our aim is to try and get as much bent grass into the greens as possible and we thought that we could really do with a seeder,” he said. “The first one we tried was a slit seeder but it just caused too much disruption. It was at this point that our attentions turned to the SISIS Variseeder.

“I spoke to a few other greenkeepers from other courses, and they all recommended the Variseeder – it just seemed a no-brainer.”

The SISIS Variseeder is a versatile easy to use tractor mounted seeder with a variable seeding rate ideal for golf course maintenance and for use on lawns and amenity areas. It has a fast work rate, is low maintenance with few wearing parts and enables overseeding to be undertaken without taking ground out of play. Complete with a studded roller, the Variseeder prepares the seedbed by creating thousands of little “plant pots” to receive the seed without linear grooves that can disturb play.

Versatile Variseeder key to overseeding

Versatile Variseeder key to overseeding

“I like the fact that the Variseeder is light and very easy to use,” said Simon. “We are quite a wet course in the winter and our tees experience a lot of wear. Therefore, the lighter the machine the better and the Variseeder is brilliant in that respect.

“Its versatility is its best feature. We overseed with it three times a year on the greens, overseed on the tees as much as we can, and the surrounds too. I also like how you can use it with different types of seed. If you can buy one machine that can do multiple jobs, then it is a bonus in my opinion.”

For further information or a no obligation demonstration, please contact SISIS on 01332 824 777 or visit www.sisis.com

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

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The Slatter Group’s new partnership

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The Slatter Group’s new partnership: Leading sports construction specialist The Slatter Group is partnering with the Northern Premier League (NPL) to provide expert advice, education, and support to the league’s 81 teams

The NPL, which covers the North and Midlands and operates at tiers seven and eight of English football, has today unveiled premier sports contractor The Slatter Group as its Official Pitch Partner ahead of the 2021/22 season. The NPL will utilise the company’s expansive artificial, hybrid and natural turf expertise to deliver a co-ordinated programme of education and development to teams across the league.

The Slatter Group's new partnership

The Slatter Group’s new partnership

Encompassing S&C Slatter and White Horse Contractors, The Slatter Group will offer up its 90+ years combined experience to Northern Premier League Clubs, with a goal of delivering comprehensive support on the design, construction, finance, and maintenance of their pitches. The league’s 81 clubs will benefit from roadshows and webinars throughout the season, with personalised support in areas such as bid writing, business case preparation, finance packages and environmental sustainability.

Mark Harris, Chairman, Pitching In Northern Premier League, commented:

“The Slatter Group submitted a standout presentation as part of our tender process. In particular, we were impressed by their commitment to engaging with our clubs to help educate and share best practices in raising standards.”

The Slatter Group already has a strong presence in English football, as the leading non-league 3G pitch supplier, with over 40% of clients achieving promotion following installation. Clients across the group include Sutton FC, Queens Park Rangers, Chelsea FC, Harrogate Town, Yaxley FC and Everton FC.

Jason Douglass, Group Director, The Slatter Group commented:

“We are delighted to be joining The Northern Premier League as their Official Pitch Partner, with a shared objective to help clubs attain maximum performance and value from their football pitch design, construction, finance and maintenance.”

Using our substantial in-house experience and working closely with innovative turf partners such as FieldTurf and GrassMaster, we’re thrilled to be able to support clubs across the NPL in the development of sustainable, durable and top-quality facilities.”

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Implementation of new regulations

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Implementation of new regulations: The Official Controls (Plant Protection Products) Regulations 2020 (OCR) were recently issued with a policy statement. These apply to the whole of Great Britain and supplement existing regulations that govern the sale and use of plant protection products or PPPs. The Northern Ireland Executive has put in place its own legislation implementing and enforcing official controls for PPPs.

Defra have now issued further guidance on how the regulations will be implemented especially in relation to those organisations needing to register by the 22 September. The release states:

Implementation of new regulations

Implementation of new regulations

‘’There is a single notification process for Great Britain operated by DEFRA. Operators must complete a notification if they import, manufacture, process, distribute PPPs authorised for professional use, adjuvants or PPP ingredients; including active substances, safeners, synergists and co-formulants.

To notify, operators should complete the simple form that is now available on GOV.UK. Guidance on how to notify that your business imports, manufactures, processes, distributes or sells professional plant protection products has also been published’’

The Amenity Forum, representing the sector,  has been in dialogue with Defra on all matters relating to this as well as the development of the new National Action Plan relating to weed, pest and disease management, which is due to be published soon.

The new OCR regulations are in place to:

  • allow regulatory authorities to enforce legal requirements that apply to the placing on the market and use of PPPs throughout the supply chain
  • explain the action enforcement authorities can take where non-compliance is identified or suspected

The 2020 Regulations also apply to components of PPPs such as active substances, synergists, co-formulants and to adjuvants.

Under the Regulations, businesses concerned with the placing on the market of PPPs authorised for professional use, and/or the placing on the market of components of PPPs are required to notify competent authorities of their details and business activities by 22 September 2021. This includes businesses that produce, manufacture, process, import, distribute and sell those products. Information will be requested about company details and contact information, product types, storage and capacity.

Similarly, all users of PPPs in a professional capacity will need to follow a similar process by 22 June 2022. Further information is to be provided for these businesses over the coming months. The HSE will operate controls and enforce the 2020 Regulations in Great Britain, taking a proactive, risk-based approach. It is also expected that Local Authorities will have a role. Enforcement of existing PPP regulations will remain unchanged.

Defra, the Scottish Government, the Welsh Government and the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) are finalising the details of the control programme. These will be provided in communications over the coming months and as said earlier the Amenity Forum has already engaged with all involved in such discussions. As further information comes available, the Forum will issue further releases.

A key element of the Amenity Forum conference will be a focus on policy change and how it impacts on the sector. The conference is to be held at the Pirelli Stadium in Burton on Trent on October 21st. Registration for the conference and associated exhibition is now open and further information can be obtained by contacting Kate at admin@amenityforum.net . Given support from the sector, this allows ticket price to be maintained at 2019 levels of £95 with early bird discounts for registrations prior to September 1st.

Professor John Moverley, Chairman of the Amenity Forum, said ‘’this issued policy statement is highly significant for our sector. However all operating to professional standards has nothing to fear and such controls chime well with the introduction of the UK Amenity Standard, providing full assurance to all involved that organisations are meeting requirements seeking to create safe and sustainable amenity and sports spaces fit for purpose.

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EVO 165D exceeds expectations

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EVO 165D exceeds expectations: Over his 18 years of working in the arb sector, Oliver Husar admits to having used more makes and models of chipper than he cares to remember!

He also admits that his previous experience of using a chipper from GreenMech had left him slightly underwhelmed… Nevertheless, his interest was sparked by GreenMech’s latest EVO series and after seeing the powerful performance and major improvements in build quality at a recent dealer open event, an EVO 165D now proudly sits as the sole chipper on his fleet.

EVO 165D exceeds expectations

EVO 165D exceeds expectations

Carrying out all aspects of hedge and tree work for both domestic and commercial customers in and around North Norfolk, Oliver set up Oliver Husar Tree Services seven years ago. “I’ve used all types and sizes of chipper, and when our previous machine began to struggle with costly age-related issues, it was once again time to look at what options were out there. I had read about the EVO series from GreenMech and was invited to a demonstration event with local dealer TNS which I attended with an open mind, but admittedly low expectations – I’m delighted to say I was proved wrong!”

“When you’re comparing 6” machines, arguably the most critical element is the feed rollers – if you haven’t got the power, the grip and pull, the machine is useless. This is noticeably where GreenMech have massively upped their game. Today, for example, we’ve been processing hawthorns which are notoriously tricky to feed in being fine and bulky, but it’s been absolutely no issue for the EVO 165D.”

GreenMech’s EVO series has been designed in direct response to industry demands to deliver more aggressive torque, more powerful bite and more throughput. The 165D features a 25hp Kubota diesel engine, twin horizontal rollers and unparalleled processing power via the new, heavy-duty flywheel. Together with improved performance, the aspects of safety, durability and ease of maintenance have also been front of mind in its design.

“We had a look at the petrol version of the EVO 165 which packed some serious punch for its size however, as I’m not restricted to sub 750kg for towing, I went for the diesel model. The unit’s strength and build quality really impressed me and the size of the infeed hopper was a big plus.” Oliver adds, “The back-up and support I’ve had from TNS since the delivery in July this year has been great too – the whole process from the machine itself, to the advice has been really positive.”

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