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BLEC delivery a ‘Good Friday’

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BLEC delivery a ‘Good Friday’: Covering hundreds of acres every year, life for machinery on Congleton Lawn Turf Farm is tough! For the last ten years, equipment from BLEC has been fundamental in their operation so, after a bumper busy year in 2020, the time was right for Owner Matthew Worth to upgrade to a duo of new units.

Delivered on Good Friday, a Blecavator 300HD and Turf Seeder 3000 from Redexim were swiftly put to work and were quick to make a strong first impression.

BLEC delivery a ‘Good Friday’

BLEC delivery a ‘Good Friday’

Matthew, along with his brother Roger, have been looking after the 140-acre family turf farm in Cheshire since 2003. “We’re taking a turf crop off roughly every 12-15 months, and then a lot of work goes into preparing the bed ready for new seed to go in” he explains. “Once we’ve broken up compaction, ploughed the area and cultivated it a couple of times, we’ll then go on with the Blecavator to bury all the stones deep enough to be safely clear of the blades when it comes to harvesting the turf. It also levels the ground and provides a nice tilth for the seed to go in.”

“Having used a few different BLEC stone buriers over the years, we’ve seen a couple of major improvements in our new BV300HD model. Firstly, it deals with larger stones better – the bigger spaces between the rotors and the cover, and the new blade configuration reduces issues with clogging and jamming up. It also has a three-speed gearbox which is ideal for us as we’ve got three different soil types on our site – peat, sand and clay. With the Blecavator in top gear, it loosens the soil on even our firmest and driest clay areas, leaving a nicely conditioned bed.”

With the ground prepared, the Turf-Seeder 3000 is then utilised to deliver the seed in two different directions. The Turf-Seeder features front notched ring rollers that create small pockets, ready to accept the seeds evenly into the top 12mm of the soil, before the rear roller splits the shallow ridges formed by the front roller and safely covers the seed. “Again, we’ve noticed the improvements in this machine compared to the previous model – particularly in the ease of adjustment and seed calibration system which gives us the required accuracy in delivery.”

Following the delivery of the brace of BLEC units in April 2021, the new Blecavator was in use for the first time less than an hour later! “Demand for turf is so high currently that our investment in new equipment was made at just the right time. We’ve already used the Blecavator and Turf-Seeder on over 65 acres and have been seriously impressed with the results.”

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Reesink’s rotary blade offer

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Reesink’s rotary blade offer: Reesink Turfcare is offering 10 percent off genuine Toro rotary blades in May to ensure there’s nothing holding you back from delivering the perfect cut in the busiest season of the year.

Never underestimate the importance of your rotary blades. If blunt or unbalanced, you can expect a poor cut and poor after-cut appearance, but also your machine’s performance, productivity, economy and longevity is impacted.

Reesink's rotary blade offer

Reesink’s rotary blade offer

Michael Hampton, parts manager at Reesink, says: “One of the most important things you can do for the overall performance of your machine is to make sure the blades fit properly and are sharp. Otherwise, your machine has to work that much harder to deliver and it can even lead to recuts. It also has a negative impact on fuel economy and cause additional wear and tear to your machine.”

Toro’s genuine rotary blades are designed for success. The brand’s advanced research and development into this essential part means that when a Toro deck is paired with Toro blades a superior clipping dispersal and after-cut appearance is the result.

Not just that though, rigorous testing means they’re proven to be safer too and optimal grass dispersion for side or rear discharge and recycling movement for mulching decks is guaranteed.

So, what about choosing the right blade? Toro’s precisely engineered blades fit the cutting deck perfectly, but each is carefully crafted to specific turf needs. For example, the ‘High Sail’ is best for spring when the grass is still thin and wispy or prone to falling over a lot, or if you’re missing grass leaves with other rotary blades.

Moving into summer, the ‘No Sail’ (flat) blade is a good choice working well in very dry and dusty conditions and across areas that are not mowed as regularly, plus these blades make quick work of cutting down weeds. So why not plan ahead and stock up now with 10 percent off!

Genuine Toro rotary blades are designed to work harder for longer, meaning you don’t have to. And knowing you’ll protect the health of the plant and get a great finish, ordering now will be time well spent. As always, parts are delivered within 24 hours of ordering, where stock available. Contact Reesink at info@reesinkturfcare.co.uk or call their Spare Parts team on 01480 226854.

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Makita’s latest promotion

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Makita’s latest promotion: Makita UK has announced a new redemption scheme for end-users to claim a free XGT ‘Bluetooth Jobsite Radio’ with the purchase of qualifying XGT products.

Tough and durable, the radio is a perfect addition to the job site and is redeemable on purchases of qualifying XGT 40VMax or 80VMax products (2-battery models) with the suffix ‘GD201’, ‘GD202’, ‘GD203’, ‘GD204’ and ‘GD209’ from the 1st May 2021 through to the 30th September 2021.

Makita's latest promotion

Makita’s latest promotion

The Makita 40VMax XGT Bluetooth Radio is an excellent job site companion that is compatible with Makita XGT, LXT and CXT batteries making it easy to slot into an existing family of Makita tools. The radio can access both AM and FM radio as well as Bluetooth that can play audio from a mobile device up to 10 meters away. The radio is built to withstand the demands of site work, and features elastomer bumpers to protect the radio from knocks and rough handling and the robust IP65-rated design protects it from dust and showers.

To claim the free 40VMax XGT Bluetooth Radio (MR002GZ01) via a dedicated microsite, customers will need to provide an invoice or receipt within 28-days of purchasing any of the qualifying products between 1st May and 30th September 2021. Once the application is confirmed, their free gift will arrive within 30 days.

“Our radios are the perfect accompaniment to any workplace and are especially appealing as they utilise batteries that many Makita users will already own,” says Kevin Brannigan, Marketing Manager at Makita UK. “We are delighted to offer this exciting promotion to professionals who want an entertaining backdrop to their working day.”

Makita is a global manufacturer of power tools and related accessories with over 100 years of experience. Its range of 40VMax and 80VMax XGT products combine innovative tool design with higher output batteries to offer professionals a genuine solution for high demand, and industrial applications.

To find out more about Makita’s Radio Redemption Promotion, including the full list of qualifying XGT products and terms and conditions visit: https://makitauk.com/freexgtradio.

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Reesink helps Royal St George’s

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Reesink helps Royal St George’s: Having begun its long relationship with Toro with a fleet deal in 2013, Royal St George’s Golf Club in Kent has continued to trust in the brand, becoming a Toro Total Solutions customer with the installation of new irrigation in 2018 and leasing further machinery in 2019.

And the club, which consistently ranks among the top courses in the world and is the host of The Open this year, has had its faith in the brand pay off, particularly when it comes to Toro irrigation which has helped the course navigate a series of droughts in the last three years.

Reesink helps Royal St George’s

Reesink helps Royal St George’s

Course manager Paul Larsen explains: “We’ve had nothing but drought since the new irrigation system was installed in 2018, so it’s been very hard work to keep the standard of the course high, and Toro has been instrumental in helping us through that.

“We had Toro Lynx Central Control System and over a thousand sprinklers installed across the greens, tees and fairways in 2018. The flexibility of the sprinklers and precision of Lynx control has meant that we’ve been able to target our irrigation to the surfaces that needed it most and conserve water through a series of very dry and hot summers.”

It’s this precision, brought about by Toro’s technological innovation, that was the main reason for the upgrade in 2018. “We wanted to get to the next level with our irrigation, so that meant getting a system on board that utilised innovative technology,” says Paul. “Being able to control water in millimetres with Lynx control is ideal, and the ability to change the trajectory on the sprinkler heads from 15 to 25 degrees depending on the wind is also fantastic.

“Since the new irrigation installation, we’ve expanded on our greens and we’ve been trying to grow back in turf on the fairways which had suffered from drought, so although we’re using more water than before, there would be a lot more wastage if we were still using our old system. Plus, we’ve now created our own reservoir to help with the need for extra water, so we can avoid using mains water and be more sustainable.”

And with The Open now looming, it’s testament to the quality of course maintenance that Royal St George’s employs that getting the course ready is “business as usual”.

“We haven’t changed how we maintain the course in the run up to The Open because we are always maintaining it to the highest standards for our members,” says Paul. “With the irrigation, we have set moisture levels that we want to achieve throughout the year, and with Toro we can see how close we are to those levels and apply the correct amount of irrigation in the right places to achieve that.”

Although the quality of Toro products has certainly played a part in the excellent maintenance of the course, the backup, training and support from Reesink Turfcare has done so as well.

“Reesink has been brilliant throughout the whole process,” says Paul. “I find that it’s easier to learn a product and get the most out of it when you’re dealing with the right people – and that’s certainly Robert Jackson from Reesink. On the rare occasions we’ve had an issue, he’s been able to find a solution, and the training we’ve had on the irrigation system has been superb.

“In fact, the training has meant that we have become self-sufficient and can now carry out small projects and adjustments ourselves, for example adding extra sprinklers to some of the walkways. And it’s no different with the machinery backup as well. It’s all excellent,” concludes Paul.

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Greens transformed with Suståne programme

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Greens transformed with Suståne programme: 16 bowling greens across Hampshire and South Dorset have undergone a huge transformation thanks to new maintenance contractor Paul Wright and his organic approach to turf nutrition.

Utilising a range of products from across the Suståne portfolio, some of the greens are now 100% organic, and the remainder are not far away – with all seeing improvements in density, strength and overall plant health.

Greens transformed with Suståne programme

Greens transformed with Suståne programme

Following recommendations and some first-hand experience in his years spent contracting on golf courses, Paul has now been using Suståne products for six years. “I got to know Suståne’s Russell Riley and speaking with him was the final confirmation I needed that converting fully over to organic feeding was the way to go. With assistance from fellow contractor Steve Hill, I took over the maintenance of the bowling greens which had previously been undertaken by the local councils and came straight in with the organic approach.”

The programme consists of Suståne 4-6-4 slow-release fertiliser through the winter, switching to
5-2-4+Fe fine grade for late summer application to provide a quick, even green-up followed by long-lasting sources of organic nitrogen. This is supplemented with applications of Suståne’s Turf Revival
6-2-4 in the spring and Bolster humic acid bio-stimulant, blended with seaweed & iron, which is applied periodically over 10 months of the year to boost the swards tolerance to stresses – drought, salt and disease.

“Within a timeframe of just two or three seasons, you can see the effects and benefits of the organic feeds as you overcome any inherited problems. After this, and in conjunction with the regular mechanical maintenance, you end up in a situation where the sward is denser, with better rooting structure and improved resistance to disease. Because of this, and especially on those greens that are now 100% organic, we are also enjoying being herbicide and fungicide free.”

“From an application perspective” Paul adds, “it feels cleaner and better for me than spraying various chemicals all day long and in turn it’s better for any people around and the players themselves as they now return to the greens post-lockdown.” He concludes, “Being able to say you’re organic is one thing but ultimately if the products don’t deliver results, then you quickly find yourself out on your ear! With 16 contracts and counting, it’s safe to say that the effectiveness of the Suståne products speak for themselves.”

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