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NEWS ARTICLES

STIHL extends cordless pole pruner range

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STIHL extends cordless pole pruner range: STIHL has extended its range of lightweight cordless pole pruners with the introduction of the new HTA 135, the manufacturers most powerful model to date, designed for professional arborists, landscapers and commercial enterprises.

Quiet in operation and perfect for working in noise-sensitive areas, the HTA 135 comes fitted with a 3/8” PMM3 semi-chisel, anti kickback saw chain providing precision, high cutting performance and low-pinch tendencies. A branch hook offers stability for a more accurate cut and helps to remove caught up branches easily.

STIHL extends cordless pole pruner range

STIHL extends cordless pole pruner range

The HTA 135 also features a square telescopic shaft that can be quickly adjusted between 285cm and 405cm using the new twist and click adjuster. A square shaft for increased rigidity prevents twisting and deflection, delivering a precise cut even at full extension.

In addition, operators can simply manage the three speed selection levels thanks to a comfortable control handle with an intuitive LED display. The HTA 135 can also be worn with an RTS harness to take the tools weight away from the arms, distributing it across the shoulders and waist.

When used in conjunction with STIHL’s AP 300 S battery system, the HTA 135 has a run time of up to 45 minutes.

For more information on the STIHL HTA 135 and its extensive range of cordless pole pruners, please visit www.stihl.co.uk.

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GreenTek’s new solution for nap and thatch

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GreenTek’s new solution for nap and thatch: Improving the health and presentation of fairway turf is becoming an increasingly high priority for many golf clubs. With the vast improvement in greens turf in recent years, it is not surprising that golfers are now becoming increasingly demanding about the condition of the fairways.

Many courses are limited in their options for mowing in different directions on their approaches and surrounds, or even their fairways. This can result in the grass developing a nap, and consequently an uneven cut.  GreenTek’s new Turf-Conditioner 12 is excellent for lifting the grass before mowing to overcome this problem, and is already gaining rave reviews from delighted users.

GreenTek’s new solution for nap and thatch

GreenTek’s new solution for nap and thatch

At a demonstration on a course where their policy of mowing the fairways 50/50 for economy had resulted in a nap problem, the Head Greenkeeper said, “I’ll ask you the question that every Head Greenkeeper should be asking – how much is it, and when can I have one?”

The benefits of the Turf-Conditioner are numerous. Not only is nap lifted and thatch effectively removed, but better air circulation is provided around the grass plant which helps to minimize the conditions for fungal disease.

Josh Thurley, Golf Course Manager at Malden Golf Club says, “We chose the GreenTek Turf-Conditioner because of its ability to follow the contours and undulations on our fairways without any hassle. We have been using it on the fairways since March and have seen some great results already within the sward and surface quality. We have 8 hectares of fairways, and we complete the whole golf course within 4hrs. I’m looking forward to also using in our long eco rough, to thin the sward and still leave the long wispy grasses.”

“The versatility and quickness of use is excellent, and I would recommend any club to invest in one for their course”

The turf-conditioner has many unique features.  The three rows of rakes are all slightly offset so that the tines give a very closely spaced raking pattern. The angle of pitch is adjustable to enable just the right degree of thatch removal to be achieved.

GreenTek’s new solution for nap and thatch

GreenTek’s new solution for nap and thatch

The unit floats freely on the tractor’s linkage when working across rig and furrow undulations, and the pivoting wing sections enable it to accurately follow the contours around course features.

The Turf-Conditioner demonstrates that not all course machinery needs to be complex or expensive to yield outstanding benefits. Sometimes you just need a more efficient way of implementing good common-sense greenkeeping practices.  Demonstrations are readily available through GreenTek’s nationwide dealer network by calling 0113 267 6000.

A video of the Turf-Conditioner 12 in action can be viewed on the website at:  https://www.greentek.uk.com/products/turf-conditioner/

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SALTEX registration now open

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SALTEX registration now open: The Grounds Management Association has announced that visitor registration for SALTEX 2021 is now officially open at gmasaltex.co.uk  

Taking place at the NEC, Birmingham on 3 and 4 November, SALTEX 2021 will be celebrating its 75th anniversary in style. The show will feature over 400 brands including some of the biggest names in groundscare and will offer visitors a unique opportunity to experience the very latest industry trends and innovations, enhance their education and learn from industry experts.

SALTEX registration now open

SALTEX registration now open

The exhibition is the longest-standing event of its kind in the world, having been held almost every year since 1938, and the show is continually evolving with the people of the industry in mind.

In addition to the limitless opportunities available on the show floor, one lucky visitor will be presented with an incredible battery-powered compact loader from Avant UK worth approximately £30,000. Every person who registers will be in with a chance of winning this fantastic prize and the live draw will take place on the first day of the show.

“The last year has been tough and we know how hard groundspersons and other industry professionals have worked during the pandemic,” said Raimo Ala-Korpi, Avant UK managing director. “We thought it would be good to give something back to the industry.

“SALTEX is the place to be when meeting the industry and showcasing our latest innovations. It is the number one show for us as many of our current clients from turf care, parks and playgrounds visit the show, and every year we generate multiple quality new connections across the UK and even further.”

Visitors to SALTEX 2021 can look forward to exciting show attractions as well as popular features such as:

  • Eco Village – live demonstrations purely dedicated to environmentally-friendly products.
  • Learning LIVE – SALTEX’s world-class free educational programme.
  • Pathology and Soil Science LIVE – a look in detail at the symptoms of turfgrass fungal disease problems.
  • SALTEX Innovation Award – celebrating the very best in new groundscare technology.
  • Ask the Expert – free face-to-face turfcare advice.
  • Lawn Care Legends LIVE – a fantastic networking opportunity for landscapers and gardeners.
  • Job Clinic – free one-to-one sessions covering CV writing to interview techniques.

“We can’t wait to celebrate SALTEX’s 75th anniversary with the industry,” said Luke Perry, GMA’s Commercial & Events Director. “SALTEX 2021 will be one to remember because it will be the first time that the grounds management industry reunites on a grand scale since the pandemic.

“After a year out, it is finally time to say See You at Saltex.”

Visitors can register to attend SALTEX via the website. Visitors will receive a confirmation email with their badge to print and take along to the show, to gain free entry.

For more information visit www.gmasaltex.co.uk

For more information on the Avant e6 loader visit https://www.avanttecno.com/uk/machines/e-series

Follow SALTEX on Twitter @GMA_SALTEX and Facebook – www.facebook.com/GMASALTEX

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Nick takes the helm at Replay Maintenance

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Nick takes the helm at Replay Maintenance: Nick Harris has been appointed the Managing Director of synthetic sports surface specialists, Replay Maintenance.

In the nine years since he joined the East Midlands based firm, he has played a key role the company’s growth and development. It expanded the range of services its dedicated team provides, and following the addition of key personnel to its senior leadership team and the acquisition of a software partner, has developed a technologically-advanced facility and asset management platform, Passport 365.

Nick takes the helm at Replay Maintenance

Nick takes the helm at Replay Maintenance

Group CEO, Garry Martin, says Nick’s customer-focussed approach has been instrumental to the company’s recent success. “Replay is a service company and Nick is absolutely committed to the needs of our customers. That has never been more important than it is right now, with sport and recreation at all levels in our communities in high demand following the winter lockdown. Nick and his dedicated staff are working tirelessly, in collaboration with other sports industry stakeholders, to help clubs, local authorities and educational establishments bounce back. They can rely on us to keep facilities safe, professionally maintained, and ready for play.”

The company is also looking to build on its success, with recruitment underway for new skilled operatives and an investment of more than £250,000 in new machinery and equipment this year.

“It’s a demanding time to be taking the lead,” Nick acknowledges. “We have a huge role to play in helping people resume the sports and activities they’ve missed and in getting the nation active again. To ensure we meet the challenges ahead, we’re growing and developing our staff, fleet and range of services, and driving efficiencies through the creation of regional depots and the use of the Passport 365 software.

“We’re an ambitious team, and I’m excited about our future plans. Over the past 20 years, Replay has amassed a huge amount of knowledge and expertise, not only about the way surfaces are maintained but also how facilities are managed. Passport 365 has streamlined asset management, using real-time data to aid decision-making and providing operators with a constant overview. It’s a service which continues to evolve, and one that will bring significant benefits to our customers in the coming years.”

The Replay group is set to announce further developments in the UK and overseas this summer.

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Nurture Landscapes earn prestigious award

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Nurture Landscapes earn prestigious award: Nurture Landscapes awarded Gold Medal status by the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) for continually meeting and exceeding health and safety performance benchmarks.

An ongoing commitment to health and safety has seen Nurture Landscapes recognised by the RoSPA Health and Safety Awards, one of the most recognised health schemes in the world with around 2,000 entries each year.

Nurture Landscapes earn prestigious award

Nurture Landscapes earn prestigious award

The firm, headquartered in Windlesham, Surrey, received Gold Medal status as a result of achieving the highest level of accreditation – gold – for six consecutive years. Each award is presented based on an organisation’s individual health and safety performance, with Nurture demonstrating its methodology in areas including:

  • The use of risk assessments.
  • Active monitoring of health & safety performance.
  • Review of performance against key targets.
  • The role of directors leading health & safety policies.

Peter Fane, Nurture managing director, said: “Many, many congratulations to Robin Jackson, our health & safety manager, and his team. It is testament to their continued diligence and hard work that we can continue achieving Gold Medal status, especially in these challenging times. We are extremely proud of their accomplishments in keeping us safe on a daily basis.”

Julia Small, RoSPA’s achievements director, added: “The RoSPA Awards scheme is the longest-running of its kind in the UK, but it receives entries from organisations across the globe, making it one of the most sought-after achievement awards for health and safety worldwide.

“RoSPA is very proud of the achievements of its entrants, and with this award we recognise the best of the best, those organisations that have gone the extra mile, raising the bar for the delivery of safety in the workplace. Employees, wherever they may be, should be able to go to work safe in the knowledge that they will return home unharmed and healthy at the end of every day.”

Organisations receiving a RoSPA Award are recognised as being world-leaders in health and safety practice. The majority of awards are non-competitive and mark achievement at merit, bronze, silver and gold levels.

Further details about Nurture Landscapes is available at www.nurturelandscapes.co.uk.

Further details about the RoSPA Awards is available at https://www.rospa.com/awards.

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