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Maintain or Replace?

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Maintain or Replace?: Nobody wants to spend money unnecessarily, so it is important that any spending is on the correct product or service. But how do you know what that is, who do you ask and how do you know the information is correct.

If you have a little more understanding of how your system is put together, then it should be possible to narrow down your options.

Maintain or Replace?

Maintain or Replace?

Whether you have a clockwork controller or a computer-based controller, initially, the complete system would have been designed by an irrigation consultant, or an irrigation contractor. When that system was designed, it would have specified the following: A pump, pipe network, cable network, sprinklers, and a controller. Each one of these component parts would have been specified to work together for reliable operation of the system.

Over the years, these components will have required replacing, repairing, or upgrading. Sometimes the original product has been discontinued but there will often be a direct replacement. But why install a direct replacement when there is an improved component on the market?

Depending on the component in question, this is often where mistakes are made that can cause a chain reaction. Apart from must do maintenance like pipe bursts or cable breaks, decisions on improving a system are often decided on visibility.

What do I mean by this? Things that can be more easily justified logically and seen by management, committees, or members. The main contender is often sprinklers. With new technology giving improved coverage, better throw, and increased flow why would you not look at them (logical). They can be seen around a green and often manufacturers will give you some free samples to try out. (visual both on the course and financially).

Most new sprinklers have increased flow rates that can deliver more water in half the time. But that new sprinkler is fed by the existing pump and pipe network and you now require that network to deliver maybe double the previous flow. Maybe the pipes and pump can deliver that but what if they can’t? Initially, the result will be bad application but more importantly you have increased the stress on your pump and pipe network that may well take it beyond its original design parameters.

So that’s it, you can’t benefit from new technology unless you replace the entire system. Not necessarily!

If you are using a clockwork controller, you are going to be more limited. Any increased flows will have to be manually calculated so they do not exceed the parameters of the design. This may increase the irrigation window, as you will only be able to run a limited number of sprinklers at the same time, but maybe you can live with that.

If you are running a computer-based controller then you have options.

Maintain or Replace?

Maintain or Replace?

Earlier, I mentioned visibility. Below are examples of non-visible items but these can make a big difference to the reliability and performance of your system.

Older controllers may be more basic but, they are likely to have upgrade options. Remember, the controller is also made up of different parts. There is the main box on the wall which contains all the electrical parts, the software running the system and the computer.

The main box maybe be a few years old but, in our opinion, there is no major advantage to replacing this if the software can be upgraded. The software, and the reliability of the computer it is installed on, is the workhorse behind any computer-based system and can often be upgraded quickly to give the user new features and cater for new technology.

We see so many sites running computers that are over 10 years old with software even older. And with that old set up the database containing critical site information is also likely to be out of date. But as previously mentioned, they are not visual items, so to spend money on them is difficult to justify.

To see just how important your data is, see previous articles we have written and published in TurfMatters:

  1. Check your data. Don’t jump to replace your system.
  2. Data checked. Next step Hydraulic tree

We distribute and support the GTI Gemini and GTI Trident range of controllers. Contact us on 0044 (0) 208 897 0125 or visit our web site www.Bailoy.com

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Foamstream helps keep Cornwall streets clean

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Foamstream helps keep Cornwall streets clean: Weedingtech’s Foamstream system is helping street and public open spaces cleansing in Cornwall with two Foamstream M1200 systems now being operated in the county.

Foamstream is known to be the most cost-effective and versatile herbicide-free solution for controlling unwanted vegetation and carrying out sanitisation tasks in large green and urban spaces. Its patented low-pressure process combines hot water and biodegradable foam made from natural plant oils and sugars. The active ingredient is the heat from the hot water which the foam insulates to ensure it is maintained and kills or severely damages the unwanted vegetation including weeds, moss and algae.

Foamstream helps keep Cornwall streets clean

Foamstream helps keep Cornwall streets clean

While primarily founded on weed control, Foamstream is also designed for power washing, general sanitisation and chewing gum removal. It is certified organic by the British Soil Association and approved for killing bacteria. As such, it is highly effective for sanitising surfaces and urban cleaning. Optional lances are used in the process, and the eco-friendly system is safe for use around people, animals and delicate environments.

Use of the Foamstream M1200 system ensures minimum environmental impact on Cornwall’s street and public open space weed control and cleansing. The M1200 combines high performance with low-cost operation and fast treatment speed. Mounted on a pickup, flatbed truck or trailer, it comes with a large water capacity and delivers a high flow rate, making it particularly well suited to treating large open areas in urban and rural environments.

For further detail on Weedingtech and Foamstream, please visit: https://www.weedingtech.com/why-foamstream/

You can also see more about how Foamstream works, here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4o1ROoBfGxY&feature=youtu.be

For the latest industry news visit turfmatters.co.uk/news

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Top questions for FIFA Football Certification

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Top questions for FIFA Football Certification: Here are the answers to the most common questions I receive regarding FIFA certification of Footballs.

  1. How much will it cost?

Maybe less than you thought, depending on the certification level you want to achieve. The lowest cost option is FIFA’s International Match Standard (IMS) with its administrative fee of 500CHF plus a lab testing fee that is competitively priced. That is it as far as cost goes for a 2-year certification.

Top questions for FIFA Football Certification

Top questions for FIFA Football Certification

FIFA’s Quality and Quality Pro certifications can be more expensive but equally good value for those targeting top level leagues. FIFA Quality and FIFA Quality Pro incur fees (inclusive of admin and testing) of 3,300CHF to 4,400CHF — this certifies a ball for 4 years. Both Quality and Quality Pro certifications are subject to royalties per ball sold of 0.75CHF and 1.5CHF, with a minimum annual sum of 5,00CHF.

  1. How long does it take?

The application does not take long, but it depends on whether you or your manufacturer hold a valid WFSGI certificate and suitable Product Liability Insurance. At Sports Labs, we aim to have all testing completed and results submitted to FIFA for review within two weeks from the receipt of your samples at our UK laboratory.

  1. I don’t manufacture my own footballs; can I still get them certified?

Yes. You do not need to be a football manufacturer in to become a licensee and certify footballs.

  1. What paperwork do I need?

The paperwork required is the same for all certification levels and it is minimal. You will need to provide the following details:

  • Company Details
  • Contact details
  • Football brand and manufacturer
  • WFSGI Pledge. This is passed directly from WFSGI to FIFA on your behalf.
  • Your Product Liability Insurance certificate showing FIFA as a co-insured party
  • Details of the Football you want to certify

Once the above list is complete, fees are paid and test results are all in check, FIFA will provide a licensee agreement that you need to sign and return. That is it, all of your IMS logos and licence number will be send from FIFA directly to you.

  1. What is the difference between commercial and non-commercial licences?

Not much, is the short answer. But only FIFA’s IMS certifications can be obtained on a non-commercial licence. FIFA Quality and Quality Pro certifications require a commercial licence and will incur royalty fees.

  1. Are FIFA Quality Pro footballs better than FIFA IMS balls?

No, not as a rule. Many manufacturers and resellers choose to certify to IMS rather than Quality or Quality Pro certifications not because the balls are not good enough, but because IMS is sufficient for the target market and it is more cost effective. Many of the IMS balls on the market could easily achieve Quality and Quality Pro status. Of course, there are some that would not.

  1. How long does the certification last?

The certification for all non-commercial licence agreements (most IMS balls) is for 2 years, after which the football model will need to be re-tested. A new fee will be collected and a new agreement signed. A commercial licence agreement works much the but is good for 4 years.

  1. I’m a purchaser and just want to check the quality of the balls I’m buying, can you help?

We are asked this a lot and it should probably be further up on this list. Yes, absolutely. We can conduct stand alone quality testing at any stage, whether it be to check a model that your looking to bulk purchase, assess samples from varying manufacturers or simply as part of your development R&D. We tailor tests and test suites to match your needs, including single tests to more involved research.

  1. I’m having difficulty getting FIFA named as a co-insured party on our Product Liability Insurance, can you help?

Nope, unfortunately it is not our area of expertise. Our advice is to contact a reputable broker. Naturally, we have heard of companies struggling to get FIFA noted as the co-insured party, but with a bit of perseverance, we have never seen it block becoming a FIFA Licensee.

  1. Is there any real benefit to achieving FIFA Certification?

I strongly believe so, the testing conducted at Sports Labs is rigorous and assesses a range of key quality indicators that should give your end buyers confidence in the quality and performance of a product. Put your marketing team to work and display your FIFA IMS, Quality or Quality Pro achievement on your website, tradeshows, and social media. This is a proof of quality stamp, not just an association to FIFA.

You will find more articles like this in our Field Notes directory

For the latest industry news visit turfmatters.co.uk/news

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Grass health recovery sweeps across UK

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Grass health recovery sweeps across UK: This month’s Grass Health Watch, using latest satellite results of just under 50 sports turf sites across the country, has seen a major step forward for sports turf health,

“It’s amazing! At the end of March it was looking as if the rest of the year would involve trying to catch up on lost ground when, in fact, the outcome for sports turf health in April has been well beyond anything we could have expected. In the space of one month we are right back on track for the year,” revealed Mike Heisig, from FairWay Awards.

Grass health recovery sweeps across UK

Grass health recovery sweeps across UK

Was that because of good weather? Maybe, but a large part of the recovery was surely because of the fantastic efforts of greenkeepers up and done the country getting our golf courses in shape in the few weeks after lockdown. What a turnaround!”

“At a regional level, with the exception of the South East, the latest results are no less amazing. Some sports turf in the South West and in the North East are racing ahead notching up vitality scores over 90%. Now beat that if you can!” said Mike.

“These results are very encouraging and there is every expectation that sports turf health will continue to develop into May and June and we may even set some records. From an exceptionally slow start it could be an extraordinary year for sports grass!”

Register for a free 3-month trial of satellite biomass data for your club at:  https://fairwayawards.com/your-free-precision-sport-turf-trial/ and send us your best score.

Grass health recovery sweeps across UK

Grass health recovery sweeps across UK

Get the benefits of the Precision Sports Turf Revolution:

  • Spot grass health problems before they are visible
  • Save money on inputs where they are not required
  • Apply inputs according the needs of the grass
  • Make better environmental decisions

Regular updates on grass health through 2021 at www.fairwayawards.com or follow @FairWayAwards on twitter

Join the Sports Turf Revolution contact Mike Heisig: Mike-Heisig@btconnect.com

For the latest industry news visit turfmatters.co.uk/news

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EcoBunker’s new business development manager

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EcoBunker’s new business development manager: Synthetic bunker edging specialist EcoBunker has made a significant expansion by appointing Hamish Crichton as its new business development manager. Crichton joined EcoBunker at the start of May, from soil surfectant and wetting agent provider Aquatrols.

“I come from a corporate background, but a few years ago I decided I wanted to follow my passion, and work in the golf business,” said Crichton. “Although I don’t have a background in golf, while at Aquatrols I took the Fertiliser Adviser Certification and Training Scheme (FACTS) qualification. It was quite a challenge to go back to school for the first time in years, but it did me a lot of good. I found that I love the science in soil and grass. It’s one of the first jobs where I’ve found myself reading books or watching videos at one in the morning and my wife has nudged me saying ‘Go to sleep’. The thing that astonished me was the number of times I read ‘The answer is not yet known’. It’s almost like a frontier science.”

EcoBunker's new business development manager

EcoBunker’s new business development manager

“I have a lot of sympathy for greenkeepers. On top of dealing with Mother Nature and the curve balls she throws at them, they have members to worry about! For me, I’m keen to expand my knowledge of the whole arena of golf. I got to know about the greenkeeping side of things, but I wanted to expand my knowledge of architecture and construction, and understand the world of the general manager. My previous experience in marketing and business development trained mehow to present a proposition to a general manager or a greens chairman, who are usually from a similar sort of background and that’s going to be a very important part of my role.

“I had a number of different opportunities, but I chose to join EcoBunker because I believe it is a company that has almost limitless potential. When Richard Allen first conceived synthetic revetting, it was to provide a new solution to the erosion of low edge parkland bunkers. He wanted to give golf courses the option of building aesthetically pleasing, more architecturally interesting bunker shapes without the worry of introducing an increased maintenance burden. As it turned out, the product quickly became popular on higher faced links pot bunkers and our challenge now is to change perceptions, demonstrating that the product translates extremely well to all golf course styles. It helps that we now have a wonderful portfolio from the tropics to the tundra, Major venues to municipals, featuring parkland, heathland and desert courses. EcoBunker allows greenkeeping staff to spend less time on their bunkers and get on with maintaining the surfaces that really matter.”

For the latest industry news visit turfmatters.co.uk/news

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