Kubota launches machine tracking system

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Kubota launches machine tracking system: The U.K and Ireland’s leading mini-excavator supplier, Kubota, has launched a new telematics portal to help construction equipment operators increase machine efficiency and security.

The ‘Kubota Tracking System’ portal enables users to stay informed about the KX080-4a2 machines in their fleet, and can be accessed via a PC, laptop, tablet, or smartphone, meaning the data from a Kubota fleet can be seen anywhere at any time.

Kubota launches machine tracking system

Kubota launches machine tracking system

“As costs in other areas of construction rise, we are trying to develop new ways to help Kubota machine users understand where savings can be made and efficiency increased,” says Rob White, Division Manager, Construction at Kubota UK.

“Our Kubota Tracking System, that’s being launched on the KX080-4a2 initially,  ensures operators can access all the data from their machines at the touch of a button, allowing them to make informed decisions. This includes considerations around servicing times and fleet movement, alongside additional benefits such as increased visibility of machines that helps with security.”

The intuitive and user-friendly portal shares informative data that helps users access operational performance and consider management decisions.

Enhanced security is provided as machine owners can view locations via GPS tracking to oversee the movement of each KX080-4a2 excavator. Furthermore, geofencing is available which allows users to designate specific areas of use for each machine, with the portal notifying you, should that machine leave the area.

The portal provides alerts which show a machine’s faults enabling a fast response and resolution, thus minimising any downtime.

Increased productivity is achievable thanks to the constant review and analysis of real-time parameters of parts such as machine work rate, operating times, actual operation, occupancy rate (as a percentage), idling time, DPF regeneration history, water and oil temperatures, and fuel consumption.

“Having access to all this real-time data provides the opportunity for Kubota excavator owners to really streamline their processes and adapt fluidly to any and all situations,” concludes Rob.

The Kubota Tracking System portal is now available as standard on all Kubota KX080-4a2 excavators and will expand further throughout the range in the future. For more information on the portal, visit: Kubota Tracking System

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Redexim return to SAGE

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Redexim return to SAGE: As their 40th anniversary year continues, Redexim UK have announced they are returning to The Three Counties Showground for SAGE 2022 – bringing with them a selection of machinery that is critical to successful sports turf maintenance.

Visitors to the event taking place on the 6th and 7th July can expect to see the iconic Redexim Verti-Drain, alongside the Verti-Cut, making its first show appearance since the range was extended last year.

Redexim return to SAGE

Redexim return to SAGE

The new models in the Verti-Cut range have been developed in direct response to industry demand for precise scarification combined with a larger working width. With a choice between a 1.6m and 2.0m wide unit, the Verti-Cut range uses specially designed carbide-tipped blades to deliver effective removal of organic matter and lateral growth down to depths of 50mm.

Adjustment of the working depth can be done accurately and with ease via alterations to the front roller, which also helps the Verti-Cut negate scalping when working on undulating ground. As standard, the Verti-Cut comes with 2mm blades operating at a spacing of 30mm (1.18”), though this can be increased to 58mm (2.28”) if required. 1mm and 3mm blades can also be specified as an optional extra.

Attendees will also be able to see the high-speed, high-productivity Verti-Drain 2519. With its 1.9m working width and a PTO speed of up to 540rpm, the 2519 can cover almost 9000 sq.m per hour – delivering fast, effective compaction relief. Its ability to accept a range of tine options makes the Verti-Drain a versatile choice – suited to a range of ground conditions and capable of year-round operation.

The Redexim team, assisted by local dealers Tallis Amos Group, will be on hand across the two days to discuss the full machinery range which spans pedestrian, trailed and tractor-mounted solutions for natural, hybrid and synthetic surface maintenance.

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Water solutions for all locations

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Water solutions for all locations: Award-winning distributor Reesink UK has rebranded its established Irrigation division to reflect increasing market diversity and provide water solutions for all locations.

Reesink Hydro-Scapes encapsulates the long established and industry-leading Toro irrigation systems, controllers, sprinklers and soil sensors. But better represents the growing Otterbine pond and lake aerator business; SRC wall-mounted controllers; Biral lightning detectors and quick-replace Franklin pump systems too.

Water solutions for all locations

Water solutions for all locations

The move represents the company’s support to its existing brands and growth strategy for the future says Robert Jackson who heads up the division: “In recent years the range and breadth of water solutions we offer our customers has expanded exponentially and there’s a focus to grow that even further.

“Our customers encompass golf courses to insect farms, football stadiums to living walls and urban landscapes to fishing lakes and fruit growers – any venue which would benefit from water control, delivery, management and expertise. We’ve built our team to six to encompass sales and marketing, support and backup, technical training and customer relations – all with a specialism in supplying and installing effective and efficient water-based solutions.”

Reesink Hydro-Scapes joins the Reesink UK portfolio which includes Reesink Turfcare, Reesink Agriculture and Reesink e-Vehicles. Diversification into new markets with new divisions is a strategy that allows Reesink to positively respond to market developments. As in the case of electric power, sustainable water solutions are a hot topic, very much evident in Reesink’s 100 percent increase in Otterbine sales in 2021, witnessing far greater demand than had been expected, for example.

Robert continues: “Water is a fundamental part of the matrix in the business we’re all in – caring for the landscape – and as a commodity, its value and importance cannot be overlooked. We’re well aware of the future challenges in managing this precious resource in a sustainable way and providing options for our customers. That has been as much of a driver in launching this new division as anything else.”

For further information, visit reesinkuk.co.uk

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New role to advance Export division

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New role to advance Export division: It has been announced that Tom Challinor will succeed Peter McDonald in the role of Export Manager for Agrovista, combining this with his current position within the Amenity sector.

Tom has been working for the company for over a decade and started as an amenity Sales Advisor. Even back in 2012, when the amenity export operation was of a humble size, Tom had his eye on international markets.

New role to advance Export division

New role to advance Export division

“We were receiving a few international calls and enquiries but due to the size of the team and other commitments, we were unable to prioritise this area of the business.

“We discussed this internally to look at ways to improve the handling of our international enquiries.  I got the go ahead to take this on as a part of my role and this has developed over the years to become my full-time focus.”

By nurturing relationships with key customers and seeking out new partners in new territories, Tom has worked hard to grow the amenity export side of the business. Agrovista’s products have made a lasting impression in various European markets and further afield.

Last year Tom was instrumental in Agrovista becoming a corporate member of the Institute of Export & International Trade – a move which helped to boost the company’s export potential even further. He also recently achieved a diploma in International Trade – a four-year course which is provided by the Institute.

“I am, of course, over the moon to be presented with this new opportunity,” he said. “The processes are essentially the same but on the agricultural side there are more high-volume sales in comparison to the smaller, more frequent orders on the amenity side. With the unique, and highly successful Discovery agricultural range of products there is a lot more regulation, registration, and legislation required.

“Currently, the Discovery products are popular with big agrochemical companies in countries such as Turkey, Slovakia, Romania, and Slovenia, whereas the amenity products have more of a presence in central Europe and the Middle East. I believe this presents some opportunities to crossover and the growth of both could go hand-in-hand.”

Tom will divide his time between the company’s offices at Allscott and Rutherford House, and believes his colleagues, and Agrovista’s ever expanding networks will be integral.

“We have a fantastic technical department that is extremely helpful and always answer any technical questions I have.

“Everything is in place to succeed – the support I have around me is superb.”

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

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The “Why” of Trimax Genuine Parts

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The “Why” of Trimax Genuine Parts: When it comes to maintenance or repair, choosing genuine parts is the only way to guarantee the performance and life of your mower, explains Robert Todd, European Service Manager for Trimax Mowing Systems.

At a glance, genuine parts and pirate parts may appear to be similar; but scratch the surface and the issue becomes clear.

The “Why” of Trimax Genuine Parts

The “Why” of Trimax Genuine Parts

The Case for Genuine Parts

Genuine parts are exactly the same parts used to build the original machines. Years of research, development and testing have gone into them. They are made from high quality materials and in some instances individual parts perform more than one function.

Take the blades on a Trimax mower as an example. Primarily meant to cut grass in diverse types of terrain, they also direct airflow ensuring the cutting chamber remains unobstructed and clippings are well distributed.

Beyond this, Trimax quality control ensures the blades are flawless – they can encounter obstacles like small logs and rocks without shattering and exiting the mower as a deadly piece of shrapnel. Safety and quality are integral parts of the Trimax design, ensuring the whole machine meets or exceeds all regional safety standards.

Ongoing Improvement

Continuous improvement is the cornerstone of companies like Trimax. Ensuring the pedigree means always having the latest technology and where possible new advances are designed to fit older models. Customers choosing genuine parts will have the safest, most efficient machines, and access to expert advice from the people who designed and manufactured the parts.

The Pirate Way

Pirate part vendors profess to make parts that are “just as good” as the real thing but cost significantly less. Really?

It is impossible for pirate parts to out-perform the original items and cost less because pirate parts are produced as a separate, profit-making exercise.

To maintain profit margins, pirates cut corners, lower specs and alter or delete pesky design details (remember the blades and flails), which might complicate manufacture.

For manufacturers like Trimax, parts are integral to their primary business – producing high quality machines. Parts are not produced as a stand-alone enterprise.

Other Factors For Consideration

Aside from the physical design and cost, there are some other important elements to consider before deciding between genuine or pirate parts.

  • Safety – genuine parts have been tested to comply with safety regulations for maximum protection of machine and operator. Lower risk, greater peace of mind.
  • Warranty – using non-genuine parts often voids manufacturer warranties, particularly if they go on to cause issues with the rest of the machine.
  • Downtime – genuine parts are guaranteed to fit your machine first time, every time. Maximum uptime and performance.
  • Expertise – only with genuine parts will you get expert advice from the people who designed, tested and manufactured the machine.

Where do You Stand?

It’s worth noting that genuine parts often aren’t as expensive as you might expect. Most manufacturers will price their parts competitively, meaning you can still get a good price: and in some cases, genuine parts can even be cheaper than pirate elements! It’s definitely worth checking with the original manufacturer before even considering going for a non-genuine part, as you may be surprised by how little real replacements actually cost, explains Robert Todd.

For more information or to find out more about genuine parts, give us a call on 01933 652246 or parts@trimaxmowers.co.uk. Alternatively, please visit www.trimaxmowers.co.uk 

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Glyphosate: no change proposed to hazard classification

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Glyphosate: no change proposed to hazard classification: RAC has concluded that the existing classifications for glyphosate as a substance that causes serious eye damage and is toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects should be retained.

The committee found that the available scientific evidence did not meet the criteria to classify glyphosate for specific target organ toxicity, or as a carcinogenic, mutagenic or reprotoxic substance.

Glyphosate: no change proposed to hazard classification

Glyphosate: no change proposed to hazard classification

The committee assessed glyphosate’s hazardous properties against criteria in the Classification, Labelling and Packaging (CLP) Regulation. They considered an extensive volume of scientific data and many hundreds of comments received during consultations when forming their opinion.

The new RAC opinion is consistent with the proposal of the four Member States currently assessing glyphosate: Sweden, France, Hungary and The Netherlands as well as with RAC’s 2017 opinion.

The adopted opinion will be published on ECHA’s website and sent to the European Commission and European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) by mid-August. EFSA will carry out its risk assessment of glyphosate, with this expected to be ready in July 2023.

The European Commission will analyse EFSA’s conclusions and the renewal assessment report that was prepared by Sweden, France, Hungary and The Netherlands. The Commission will then put forward a renewal report and a draft regulation to Member States on whether the approval of glyphosate can be renewed or not.

Background

Harmonised classification and labelling

Together with the Commission and the Member States, ECHA implements the harmonised classification and labelling (CLH) process for hazardous substances. The aim is to protect people’s health and the environment from those hazards that matter the most.

Harmonised classification and labelling focuses only on the hazardous properties of the substance: its potential to cause harm. It does not assess the exposure of people or the environment to glyphosate. This will be part of the peer review of the risk assessment done by EFSA.

Committee for Risk Assessment, RAC

The Committee for Risk Assessment is made up of scientists nominated by EU Member States and appointed by ECHA’s Management Board in their personal capacity. The committee has observers from different EU organisations representing civil society, academia and industry. Together, they are responsible for making scientific opinions that are then used by the European Commission and EU Member States when deciding how chemical risks need to be controlled.

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Rain Bird add Dryrun

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Rain Bird add Dryrun: Dryrun is the latest addition to Rain Bird’s IQ4 Central Irrigation Control Platform. It enables users to see in advance what performance to expect from an irrigation system. Dryrun’s visualisation capability takes away the need for painstaking manual recalculation of irrigation schedules and programs.

It especially offers major benefits for professionals involved with more complex systems, typically larger commercial applications or sports turf installations, where multiple programs and large numbers of sprinklers are involved. Users can see immediately the effect of making adjustments to irrigation times, watering delays and switching stations on or off.

Rain Bird add Dryrun

Rain Bird add Dryrun

Once the irrigation controller has been programmed and control valves have been set up, along with other features including Cycle + Soak and Flo-Manager, Dryrun can be employed. The predicted performance of the irrigation system can be examined over preset periods of one, three or seven days as well as over a customised timeframe from one to thirty one days.

Dryrun will show in detail how the installation will operate minute-by-minute in that period, including when individual sprinklers will start and stop, their sequence and water usage. It will display maximum flow rates in advance to check that the capacity of the system will not be exceeded any time. It will indicate when particular programs and stations will be functioning, what the flow rates will be for each one and the total water usage. The user will be able to determine in advance how long an entire cycle may take and make any necessary adjustments for water savings and optimum irrigation scheduling.

Dryrun gives the user different forecast display options. These include a simple lists of stations, projected and scheduled start and end times as well as detailed graphs with easy to view click and zoom details of programs, stations, times, flow rates and water usage totals.

With Dryrun, Rain Bird is adding a free of charge off-line tool for users of the versatile browser based IQ4 platform. With today’s focus on water savings and the environment, it will be most valuable to irrigation system designers, contractors and managers.

For more information, contact Peter Longman, Rain Bird Europe, plongman@rainbird.eu  www.rainbird.eu

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Waterscapes keeps Triplets Park pristine

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Waterscapes keeps Triplets Park pristine: Waterscapes Limited, the UK’s leading water feature and irrigation specialist, is playing an important role in maintaining the landscaped areas at the Triplets Park and Viaduct development, Kings Cross.

The company provides on-going maintenance of the irrigation system on behalf of the estate’s landscape maintenance company. This includes attending the site weekly during the main season to carry out inspection and preventative maintenance work which ensures the continuing efficient operation of the Rain Bird irrigation system.

Waterscapes keeps Triplets Park pristine

Waterscapes keeps Triplets Park pristine

Designed to create a diverse public realm landscape, Triplets Park features borders with a wide array of plants, shrubs and trees as well as lawns, pathways and seating areas. The landscaping was completed as part of the project which included the regeneration of the original iconic Victorian gasholders, that were moved alongside the Regent’s Canal, and the re-erection of the historic columned triplet frame around a series of apartment buildings.

Waterscapes originally completed the extension of the site-wide irrigation system in several phases. Rain Bird irrigation products were specified to meet the diverse watering requirements of the site. These included flexible XFD surface Dripline for borders and narrow planting areas, 1806 Pop Up Spray Heads and PGA Series Control Valves. These were all connected to an existing Rain Bird ESP-LXD two wire controller with remote access through IQ Central Control.

Triplets Park and the Viaduct areas border the Coal Drops Yard boutique shopping destination and foodie hotspot. The main logistical challenge for Waterscapes was the implementation, timing and coordination of the underground services including pipework and control cables, to enable each area of the development to progress smoothly and on time.

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Gullane Golf Club chooses Toro

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Gullane Golf Club chooses Toro: Gullane Golf Club in Scotland has chosen Toro as it works towards accreditation for its Golf Environmental Organisation (GEO) certification.  

Choosing five Workman GTX Lithium-Ion utility vehicles and two all-electric Greensmaster eTriFlex 3370 riding greensmowers to make a positive ecological and environmental impact, these new machines form another part of the club’s existing 10-year deal with Reesink Turfcare Scotland and the Toro brand – bringing the partnership to a quarter of a century.

Gullane Golf Club chooses Toro

Gullane Golf Club chooses Toro

Stewart Duff, course manager since 2006, explains: “We consistently do our best to make the course a better place and are working towards GEO Certification. One of the environmental and social responsibility factors considered is the amount of petrol and diesel machines used and we’re trying to reduce that as much as possible.

“We didn’t want to see the older buggies we had previously go, as they were excellent, but once we saw the new ones with the lithium batteries, we were sold,” Stewart continues. “They’re a big step up: they have more ground clearance and the new lithium-ion technology means the batteries don’t need topping off with distilled water once per week or to be replaced every couple of years like the conventional lead-acid ones, which is incredibly convenient.

“The fact that they’re environmentally friendly plus the savings made on fuel and reduced servicing cost, as well as the no noise pollution, ticked all the boxes for us. They’ve quickly become a firm favourite.”

The Workman GTX Lithium-Ion utility vehicle is all-electric and the largest lithium-ion model in its class. It also played a big role in Toro’s journey towards electric power, something the brand has been working towards for over 20 years, alongside the Greensmaster eTriFlex 3370, the first all-electric riding greensmower on the market, of which the club has ordered two.

Stewart says: “We ordered two eTriFlexes, one which we’ll get in August and another in January. Not only do they come with all the electric power benefits, but the fact that you can interchange different units quickly and easily with no spanners required, is another fantastic selling point.”

“I look forward to seeing what else Toro has in store when it comes to electric machines as we have been impressed with what has been launched already. It’s exciting to watch the next technological advancements emerge in this sector.”

To talk to someone about Toro technology and how the Toro range could suit your course, call 01480 226800.

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Have you registered for SAGE yet?

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Have you registered for SAGE yet?: SAGE 2022 takes place on 6-7 July at The Three Counties Showground in Malvern, and it is going to be a very valuable event for professionals in the sports, grounds and landscape industry this summer. The event is completely free to attend and there is a great deal on the agenda this year.

The stunning location has been selected specifically so that there is plenty of room for live demos from all types of businesses from across the industry. Visitors also have the opportunity to register for free training courses delivered by Sampson Training and hear from the leading experts as they discuss hot topics for the season and the future.

Have you registered for SAGE yet?

Have you registered for SAGE yet?

Sustainability will be a key theme at the event, with the first ever Sustainability Solutions for Grounds Specialists Summit being hosted at the event in partnership with Bio-Circle. SAGE has also been named the home event for GRASS (Ground care Resources and Sustainability Solutions), which is a newly launched forum for ground care specialists who are passionate about driving a more sustainable future for the industry.

With sustainability becoming an increasingly important priority, attending SAGE 2022 will enable visitors to find out how to implement sustainable solutions into their business, and to help ensure they are able to meet future government targets.

What’s on at SAGE 2022?

Wednesday 6th July

9.30 – 10.00 Open Session with Sampson Training director Martin Sampson, Lantra trainer and assessor along with his colleague Geraint Jenkins, (Lantra trainer and assessor).

10.30 – 11.00: Appropriate Selection of Training Courses for your Team

11.15 – 11.45: Adam Sedgewick presents, “Gathering data, for better turfgrass decisions”.

12.00 – 12.45: Calibration of a Handheld Applicator (Knapsack) and Boom sprayer

Scheduled Demos: 13.00 – 14.15

TRIMAX, TH WHITE, REDEXIM, KERSTEN UK, TORO UK, CUB CADET & Many More

14.30 – 15.45: SUSTAINABLE SOLUTIONS FOR GROUNDS SPECIALISTS SUMMIT in partnership with Bio-Circle. Join the experts as they discuss how to implement sustainability across the industry and wider sphere.

16.00 – 18.00: Networking event in partnership with Sponsors Fleet Line Markers, bar and live music

Thursday 7th July

Scheduled Demos: 9.30 – 11.00

TRIMAX, TH WHITE, REDEXIM, KERSTEN UK, TORO UK & CUB CADET Many More

11.15 – 11.40 Maintaining your marking equipment: Led by sponsors Fleet Line Markers Ltd

12.00 – 13.00 Sustainability Summit Open Workshop in partnership with Bio-Circle, come and meet the experts and discuss how to better your practices.

Scheduled Demos: 14.00 – 16.00

TRIMAX, TH WHITE, REDEXIM, KERSTEN UK, TORO UK & Many More

With several more speaking slots to confirm, there is an action-packed schedule over the two days, with lots of exciting opportunities and experiences on offer. The networking event is a unique chance to meet industry professionals and ask the experts any questions you have, while enjoying a more informal setting.

Fleet Line Markers are sponsoring the networking event, which will have an open bar and live music, so that’s one more reason to make sure you do not miss this event. Fleet are also offering a 10% discount on their products to all visitors, so you can also save money on any line marking equipment you require.

Have you registered for SAGE yet?

Have you registered for SAGE yet?

Registering today will also enter you into our prize draw for your chance to win the Sustainability Starter Kit, put together by our exhibitors from GRASS.

Register for the event today to book your place, www.sportsandgrounds.events, if you wish to exhibit this year there is still time for a last minute stand, limited space remaining, discounts available.

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