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Aylesbury Vale Dynamos score with Automower

Aylesbury Vale Dynamos score with Automower: With a large football pitch to maintain, Aylesbury Vale Dynamos, with 32 teams under its belt, has turned its attention to autonomous mowing, to help the growing club maintain its vast football pitch. Crediting Husqvarna Automower® Club Solution, the club has noted great benefits of Automower®, in just three months.

With a stadium pitch to maintain, the Aylesbury Vale Dynamos team and its chairman, Mike Borrett, discussed moving to Husqvarna Automower® Club Solution, following a recommendation from Farol Ltd, which is a specialist dealer with a dedicated Automower® sales and installation team. Their recommendation would allow two Automower® 550 to work simultaneously alongside each other, now using just one boundary wire.

Aylesbury Vale Dynamos score with Automower

Aylesbury Vale Dynamos score with Automower

With a pitch and stadium to maintain, Aylesbury Vale Dynamos relies heavily on volunteers to help run and sustain the club, which has always brought about its own set of challenges, including limited time, resource and finance. Thanks to their two Automower® 550 and the use of Automower® Club Solution, installed in April 2021, the football club has been able to combat many of their previous challenges.

Mike Borrett, chairman of Aylesbury Vale Dynamos, discussed the club’s switch to Automower®: “Making the move to Automower® has been a brilliant decision for the club, that has paid off multiple times over. Following discussions with Husqvarna and our Automower® dealer, Farol Ltd, it quickly became evident that Automower® Club Solution could solve many of the challenges we were facing.

“Like many football clubs, we rely heavily on the assistance of volunteers to maintain our grounds and stadium. We’re incredibly grateful to all our volunteers, but it does provide its own set of challenges. Whether it’s raining or beaming with sunshine, the grass requires twice-weekly cutting, and if no one is able to do it, we end up with grass that’s too long and debris on the pitch, both of which cause problems when the teams go out to play.

“Thanks to Automower® we’re able to redeploy our volunteers to more skilful tasks, saving ourselves hours of time each week, and with Automower® being battery powered, we’ve also been able to eliminate the need for petrol, which has been great for reducing our CO2 emissions, and the club’s finances.”

Ever since the first Automower® was introduced in 1995, Husqvarna has been known as the world leader in robotic mowing. With over 2 million sold worldwide, Automower® is renowned for its low energy consumption, zero emissions, low noise and high productivity, whilst featuring the ability to withstand a busy match schedule and hours of intense training.

As Automower® cuts the grass every day, the impact on the turf and ground is minimal. The very small, quick-composting clippings provide a constant source of fertilisation and moisture, creating greener and denser turf. Research also shows that the constant cutting allows grass roots to grow 25% deeper, resulting in a healthier and stronger pitch.

Mike discussed the club’s use of Club Solution: “Automower® Club Solution has continuously impressed us with its innovation. The system has allowed our two 550 mowers to be used simultaneously on one pitch, without wires intersecting the playing surface.”

With Automower® Club Solution, two or three mowers are able to mow the pitch simultaneously, with only a single boundary wire outside the playing surface, eliminating the risk of a damaged boundary wire during turf treatment such as aeration or scarification.

Mike continued: “In just three months we can already see the difference Automower® has made to our turf quality, with turf professionals even commenting that they can’t believe how well and healthy the grass looks.

“Thanks to the Automower® Connect app we’re able to control the mowers no matter where we are, which is a great benefit when the weather isn’t pleasant or when we’re away from the stadium. From the app we’re able to programme them to park at the side of the stadium when a match is on and redeploy once it’s finished.

“The Dynamo’s team are big fans of the mowers, naming them ‘Dyna’ and ‘Mo’, and the fans are even more so. Each match spectators ask us about them, and we can’t blame them, they really are fascinating, and we can’t imagine switching back to manual stadium mowing.”

For more information on Husqvarna Automower®, visit: https://www.husqvarna.com/uk/products/robotic-lawn-mowers/

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BASIS launches NSK amenity training course

BASIS launches NSK amenity training course: BASIS are pleased to announce the launch of the NSK Amenity Training Course, a new bespoke course for storekeepers working in industries within the amenity sector, for example lawn care, property maintenance, greenkeeping and sports turf management.

This new qualification has been fully accredited by Harper Adams University and is being recognised by CRD as a Certificate of Competence for any professional storekeeper working within the amenity sector.

BASIS launches NSK amenity training course

BASIS launches NSK amenity training course

BASIS have been successfully delivering training and qualifications for storekeepers working within professional pesticide stores for the past 35 years through our industry recognised Nominated Storekeeper (NSK) Training Course. Not only has this provided storekeepers with the training they require as stipulated within UK regulations and the Code of Practice for suppliers of pesticides (The Yellow Code), but has also allowed professionals to learn the principles of good storekeeping which ensures pesticides are stored in a way which protects the general public, safeguards the environment and avoids the pollution of water.

However, it has been recognised that there is a requirement for a NSK training course which is specifically targeted at storekeepers working within industries such as lawn care, sports turf management, greenkeeping and all other areas within the amenity sector. Ensuring that professional pesticides are stored in a responsible way is extremely important across all industries and anyone responsible for this is required to complete adequate training. However, the current NSK training course did not necessarily meet all the requirements for a storekeeper working within the amenity sector. This new course has therefore been developed to provide the specific knowledge and skills required, focussing on areas such as managing small pesticide stores, mobile storage and the storage of application equipment.

Further information about this course can found in the course information sheet and syllabus which provides details on the course content, training requirements and assessment guidelines. Training courses for the NSK Amenity qualification will be run online starting from August 2021, and each training course is carried out over 2-3 days. If you would like any further information or would like to book any delegates on to a training course, then please visit basis-reg.co.uk/training  or email training.courses@basis-reg.co.uk.

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SAGE: The potential is massive

SAGE: The potential is massive: A huge thank you to everyone who attended and supported the inaugural year of The Sports & Grounds Expo (SAGE), at The Three Counties Showground, 27 – 29 July.

The challenges of the last year have had a huge impact on events, and the support and positive feedback from our visitors, speakers and exhibitors is greatly appreciated, and vital to the future of the event. The foundations for SAGE have now been set and have provided a strong starting point, from which we can build from.

SAGE: The potential is massiveSAGE: The potential is massive

The central location of The Three Counties Showground, as well as the vast amount of space on offer, provides the perfect venue.

The huge amount of positive feedback received, from both visitors and exhibitors, has cemented SAGE 2022 in the calendar for next summer.

Over 75% of our exhibitors have said they would definitely return to exhibit, with zero saying they would not, which is a fantastic testament of support from our founding exhibitors. From the visitor surveys over 85% of visitors are looking forward to returning in 2022. The team are reviewing carefully the feedback from the exhibitors and visitors, to guarantee that we are actively incorporating the needs of the industry into SAGE 2022.

The potential of what SAGE is capable of is huge for the industry and we look forward to making 2022 bigger and better!

For more information, contact the team today by email: team@sportsandgrounds.co.uk or visit the website: www.sportsandgrounds.co.uk.

Dates for 2022 will be released over the coming weeks on the website and across all of our social media platforms.

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Chris Hamley retires from Agrovista UK

Chris Hamley retires from Agrovista UK: Agrovista UK has announced the retirement of Chris Hamley, Supervisor at the Liskeard depot in Cornwall, after an incredible 44 years of service.

Born and bred in Cornwall, Chris Hamley is a highly respected man in the South-West. He started working for the company back in 1976 after seeing an advertisement in the local newspaper. His first role was as a delivery driver and then he went on to cover most positions in the Liskeard depot including an assistant, a manager and now as the overall supervisor – which he admits was a proud moment in his career.

Chris Hamley retires from Agrovista UK

Chris Hamley retires from Agrovista UK

“It was a great personal achievement especially as I started out as a driver,” he said. “Over the years I have seen so many changes – different logos, new vehicles, name changes, products – but to be honest, being tucked away down here in Cornwall, it didn’t have much of an effect on us. We’ve just always done the job we’re supposed to do.”

When he is not managing the Liskeard depot, Chris volunteers as a first responder for the South-West Ambulance Service and says that he is looking forward to dedicating more time to this in his retirement. He will however miss both his colleagues and customers whom he has worked alongside for so long.

“I don’t have any big plans for retirement,” Chris said. “I will just take it as it comes but I will be doing more responding for the ambulance service.”

“I have really enjoyed my time working for the company and I’ll always remember the people that I’ve worked with. There are customers that I still see who I first started working with back in the very early days. A lot of my friends from my generation have retired already – and now it is my turn!”

Those who have worked with Chris are full of praise for him. Commenting on Chris’ retirement, Line Manager James Seabrook, said: “It is a very busy depot, but I just leave Chris to get on with it. He has been an absolute pleasure to work with and he is a real company man. 44 years of service is phenomenal, and he will be missed by all.”

Echoing James was Martin Stuart – an Agronomist for Agrovista UK: “Chris is an incredibly modest man. He has been out there on the road and in the office and has grown up with the job. Chris is very customer focussed and he knows so many of our customers by name – just as they know his. He will pull out all the stops to ensure that the customer is always satisfied, even if that means going in on a Sunday morning to open up for somebody who needs a product.

“I wish Chris a very happy retirement and I am sure he will be sorely missed by the agricultural community in Devon and Cornwall. He is certainly leaving behind some big boots to fill.”

The man filling those boots is the experienced Daniel Clarke, who is making the most of Chris’ last few weeks to prepare for his new position.

“He probably has the best product knowledge throughout the company, and he certainly has the best knowledge of the area I have ever known,” said Daniel. “I’m looking closely at how he works, how he interacts with customers and trying to learn as much from him as I can.

It is fitting that Daniel is somewhat of a Cornishman as well after moving to the South-West when he was just eleven. His previous positions have included working in a logistics role for celebrity chef Rick Stein, leading wholesale provider Booker and a memorable experience of working on an almond farm in Australia.

“The job really appealed to me because I have always been in this line of work and to become a supervisor is progression,” he said. “Also, the products and the sectors which Agrovista specialises in piqued my interest.

“It is one of the biggest companies I have worked for, and everyone has been incredibly welcoming. I am driven and motivated and looking forward to putting my own stamp on the role – in time. Overall, I am just incredibly pleased to be on-board.”

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

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Kubota launch LX compact tractor range

Kubota launch LX compact tractor range: Kubota introduces its new LX Series, a range of multi-purpose compact tractors that allow users to handle a wide variety of tasks ranging from mowing and snow clearance to materials handling and cultivations.

The new LX tractor features a Stage V engine and will be available in four different models: the 35hp LX-351 Rear ROPS and LX-351 Cab, and the 40hp LX-401 Rear ROPS and LX-401 Cab, all with three-range HST transmission.

Kubota launch LX compact tractor range

Kubota launch LX compact tractor range

Powerful four-cylinder Kubota engines are equipped with an injection system, exhaust gas recirculation and diesel particulate filter, not only meeting the latest EU Stage V emissions standard, but also offering low fuel consumption. The large engine displacement of 1,498 cmÑ delivers high levels of torque to ensure ample power reserves.

The modern engine cowling of the new LX Series tractors has a distinctive, dynamic design giving the operator an excellent view of the front working area. It can be opened wide to allow easy access to all maintenance points in the engine compartment.

Kubota has developed a new three-range hydrostatic transmission especially for the LX Series which is extremely quiet and guarantees precise and efficient power transmission. An auto-throttle function allows the operator to synchronise driving speed and engine speed with just one pedal. This simplifies operation, reduces noise emissions and further helps to cut fuel consumption. LX Series tractors are also equipped with smooth and responsive hydraulic power steering,  making it easy to use heavy implements or perform front loader work.

The new LA545 front loader is also available for the LX Series, featuring an optional self levelling system, and further expanding the range of tasks that can be carried out with these tractors.

Two double acting valves at the front and two double acting valves at the rear to handle the most demanding equipment are standard. A new multi-function lever is used to independently control the valves. Lifting capacity at the rear is up to 1,150kg, and a front hitch with front PTO is available as an option, a first for Kubota compacts in the UK, and offering even greater versatility.

An external switch at the rear that allows the PTO to be switched on and off from outside the cabin, a useful addition when operating PTO-driven implements such as log splitters, saws, cement mixers, etc. while stationary.

The Bi-Speed system significantly improves the steering performance of the LXSeries tractors and bevel gear drive further enhances its outstanding manoeuvrability; the  large steering angle giving a minimum turning radius of 2.2m.

Kubota offers a completely new cabin design for the LX Series which is easier to access and noticeably quieter when working. As standard, it comes equipped with air conditioning, a heated rear window and windscreen wipers front and rear. All frequently used levers and switches are now located to the right of the operator, while less commonly used controls are located on the left, for the most user-friendly layout yet. Security is a top priority on the LX Series and the tractors are protected by a three-digit access code.

Cabin models have a width of 1.25m and the ROPS models just 1.22m, a compact design making the LX series the machine of choice for an extensive range of applications. A wide range of tyre types, including agricultural, turf and intermediate tyres is available.

The LX series will be available from Kubota dealers in September.

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