Toro guarding the resource at Royal County Down

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Toro guarding the resource at Royal County Down: Delivery met expectations, when Toro, Reesink Hydro-Scapes, Adrian Mortram Associates and MJ Abbott Limited united to provide Royal County Down Golf Club with a new system to redefine the areas of irrigation and act as a guardian of the resource in a project about as big as it gets in the UK.

The preservation of the traditional links conditions of Royal County Down in Northern Ireland is of paramount importance to Links Manager Eamonn Crawford and his team, who adhere to a strict links maintenance programme.

Toro guarding the resource at Royal County Down

Toro guarding the resource at Royal County Down

The club needed an efficient state-of-the-art irrigation system for its fairways, greens, tees, and pathways to be used as a management tool and in times of drought. More control over application and better management of the resource was needed, and it was important to use water conservatively, only irrigating the surfaces required.

David Morgan, Secretary at Royal County Down, says: “We have a social responsibility to manage our water usage, as well as an obligation to the course and our members to present it as a traditional links course. This requires a certain level of irrigation control and precision to keep it alive but not green.”

Eamonn and David had done their due diligence in terms of brand comparisons before specialist irrigation designer and consultant, Adrian Mortram from Adrian Mortram Associates, tendered for the project and Adrian was instructed to gear the irrigation system specification plans entirely towards Toro.

“Having the best technology and resources available is essential to ensure we deliver our links maintenance programme effectively and efficiently and to the best of our capabilities,” says Eamonn. “There was never any doubt that Toro and Reesink were the partners for us in that respect.”

Toro Lynx Central Control system and Smart Hub were specified and Robert Jackson, Divisional Manager, Reesink Hydro-Scapes, explains this provided Eamonn “with all the data needed to make decisions in real-time and run the system with precision from the first sprinkler to the last, controlling the application of water on different areas with different conditions and requirements.”

Toro Infinity and Flex sprinklers were chosen to provide accurate and precise watering from the source and installation ran simultaneously on both 18-hole courses over winter 2023, the wettest season and hardest winter in 25 years. The effects of this on working conditions for the installation teams were not to be underestimated, especially when adding the terrain of a links course to the situation.

But that didn’t affect delivery as David says: “Overall delivery met expectations. All parties came together seamlessly to deliver Royal County Down with an irrigation solution to the budget and timescale set.”

This system, its design and installation are a classic example of how to redefine the areas of irrigation to act as a guardian of the resource. Through technology, the club has increased its area of irrigation but uses less water and wetting agents and now water can be retained in the low structure of the course.

“Now, we have full control in managing the system and water application,” says Eamonn. “There’s no wastage and we only use what is needed where it’s needed. Irrigation really is made easy with Toro and this is the best system at this time and the process has been well worth it.”

Jim Price from MJ Abbott Limited concludes: “This is now a fully connected course in real-time. To deliver a project of this magnitude in those conditions on time is a huge success story.”

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Mansfield Sand Sets New Standards

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Mansfield Sand Sets New Standards: Cutting Edge Grounds Maintenance, a leading provider of grounds maintenance services, has selected MM40 from Mansfield Sand as its preferred choice of sand for sports pitch maintenance.

Established by industry expert Joshua Blackburn in 2021, Cutting Edge Grounds Maintenance specialises in comprehensive grounds maintenance services for schools, sports clubs, and grassroots football clubs.

Mansfield Sand Sets New Standards

Mansfield Sand Sets New Standards

“At Cutting Edge, we strive to offer our clients the very best in grounds maintenance and that requires using the best products,” says Joshua. “In my opinion, MM40 from Mansfield Sand is the best sports sand on the market.”

Mansfield Sand, boasting a rich history dating back to 1840, is renowned for its premium sand-based products and cutting-edge technology. With a comprehensive range of solutions for various applications, Mansfield Sand has earned a reputation for excellence and reliability.

MM40, which is relied upon at some of the most prestigious sport stadiums in the country, offers unparalleled quality and performance. Its medium fine texture and superior drainage properties make it ideal for renovations, maintenance, and day-to-day upkeep of sports pitches.

“We’ve found that MM40 consistently delivers outstanding results,” adds Joshua. “Its medium fine texture allows for excellent drainage, ensuring the health and performance of sports pitches throughout the year.

“Typically, on a football pitch we will use MM40 for renovations in May and then again in September/October time. It will also be applied during the season to areas such as goal mouths. It is a perfect product to use all year round.”

As well as being delighted with the results he receives from MM40, Joshua speaks highly of Mansfield Sand’s customer service.

“I can ring Mansfield Sand up and ask any questions I like; they give me all the support I need,” he says. “The customer service they provide is brilliant for contractors like me. The sand is always delivered on time too.”

By leveraging the quality and performance of products like Mansfield Sand’s MM40, Cutting Edge Grounds Maintenance continues to set new standards and exceed client expectations.

For more information visit www.mansfield-sand.co.uk

You can also follow the company on Twitter – @MansfieldSand and Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/MansfieldSandSportSurfaces/

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SISIS Maxislit Boosts Turf Health

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SISIS Maxislit Boosts Turf Health: Ramsey Golf and Bowls Club in Cambridge, is experiencing remarkable improvements in turf health and playability thanks to the SISIS Maxislit.

Head Greenkeeper Richard Shilling, who has dedicated 35 years to the club, highlights how this aerator is transforming their maintenance practices.

SISIS Maxislit Boosts Turf Health

SISIS Maxislit Boosts Turf Health

Richard began his journey at Ramsey Golf and Bowls Club as an apprentice and has been a mainstay ever since, now serving as Head Greenkeeper for the past four years. Overseeing 150 acres of parkland, he manages both the golf and bowls greens. Despite the club’s floodplain location, Richard sees the occasional flooding as a benefit. “Although we do have issues with flooding, we have been open more than local courses because the course is built to flood. The flood is a good thing because it puts all the nutrients back in the fairways, so in that 40-degree summer the other year, everyone thought we had fairway irrigation!” he explains.

To maintain the health and playability of the greens and fairways, aeration is crucial. “You can’t buy aeration in a bottle, and it is one of the most important tasks you can carry out,” Richard says. As part of his efforts to modernise the club’s maintenance practices, Richard recently purchased the SISIS Maxislit.

The Maxislit is a tractor-mounted deep slitting aerator, designed for sports field and golf course maintenance. It is particularly effective in improving drainage, reducing turf compaction, and minimising thatch buildup. “Part of the modernisation was buying a new slitter. This was bought for the greens, fairways, and generally most areas on the course.” says Richard.

The Maxislit’s deep, clean penetration and simple design, requiring minimal maintenance, make it an ideal tool for outstanding turf treatment. One of the standout features of the Maxislit is its tine design. “The tines are well designed – these are well-shaped, sturdy, and well-built,” Richard notes. The machine’s angle of the tines and spiral design of the tine shaft assist penetration, giving maximum underground cultivation with minimal surface disturbance.

Richard also praised the Maxislit’s simplicity and mechanical reliability. “It is simple and easy to use. I think being more mechanical is the way forward – and aeration is the way to go instead of spraying lots of chemicals,” he says.

The Maxislit’s ability to produce outstanding underground cultivation with minimal surface disturbance allows for uninterrupted play. “The beauty of using this is that people can play straight away, they won’t even know if the work has been done. Slit it, mow it, forget about it.”

By implementing the Maxislit in his maintenance routine, Richard has seen significant benefits. “I see deeper rooting and more air is pumped in. We’ll slit the greens one month, then vertidrain and alternate – we always mix it up as we go along because it gives you different depths,” he explains. This method ensures the turf remains healthy and resilient throughout the year.

With its robust design and effective performance, the SISIS Maxislit has become an essential asset for Richard and Ramsey Golf and Bowls Club, ensuring the course remains in top condition for members and visitors alike.

For further information or a no obligation demonstration, please contact SISIS on 01332 824 777 or visit www.sisis.com

For more news, reviews and insightful views, you can follow SISIS on Twitter or Instagram @SISISMachinery and like the company’s Facebook page – www.facebook.com/SISISMachinery. You can also view the latest SISIS videos by visiting www.youtube.com/SISISMachinery

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SALTEX welcomes most diverse audience

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SALTEX welcomes most diverse audience: SALTEX 2024 reached new levels of international engagement, attracting a diverse audience from around the world including attendees from China, Cyprus, India, Japan, Mexico, South Africa and the United Arab Emirates. 

This year’s show offered high-quality interactions among industry leaders, creating connections that could deliver substantial partnerships and collaborations across borders. With over 7,300 visitors, SALTEX reaffirmed its position as the must-attend exhibition for the entire grounds management industry.

SALTEX welcomes most diverse audience

SALTEX welcomes most diverse audience

The ever-popular Learning LIVE programme, which was attended by over 1,000 visitors, addressed current and future trends in the industry, covering topics from sustainability practices to technological advancements – giving visitors the insights to drive progress within the industry.

With the latest innovations in grounds management technology on display in the shape of 30+ new product launches, exhibitors were able to showcase their state-of-the-art equipment and solutions designed to advance the sector.

This year’s exhibition attracted a high calibre of senior decision-makers from organisations such as Premier League football clubs including Liverpool FC, Chelsea FC and Manchester City, as well as prestigious sporting venues such as Wembley Stadium, Wimbledon, Allianz Arena and 2025 Open Championship venue Royal Portrush Golf Club.

The presence of over 130 educational institutions (including universities, colleges and independent schools) and almost 100 local authorities further emphasised SALTEX’s importance as a key networking platform for the whole grounds management sector.

SALTEX saw a rise in younger visitors, with over 20% under the age of 30. The increase shows the exhibition’s strong appeal to the next generation in grounds management.

The expanded Community Sports Zone created even more opportunities for engagement. The larger space welcomed a strong turnout of volunteers and County FA representatives, all eager to enhance their facilities.

Ian Mather-Brewster, Cricket Key Account Manager at the Grounds Management Association (GMA), said: “It was great to see so many volunteers and county pitch advisors as well as County FA and County Cricket Board representatives come together in the expanded Community Sports Zone. These are the people who are dedicated to improving community sports facilities and making their playing surfaces the best they can be for players of all ages. SALTEX offers the perfect opportunity to connect and explore the latest funding opportunities.” 

Malcolm Farrow, a grassroots volunteer from Mowbray Rangers FC said: “Being a volunteer it’s been good to see all the different aspects of turf and seeding and everything else that goes with being involved in grounds. It was definitely worth coming to see all the stands and machinery here and all the information you get that we wouldn’t usually get as a volunteer. The atmosphere has been absolutely brilliant, everyone is friendly and has got time to talk to you, and the information has been second to none. Everyone’s been so helpful and friendly, there’s such a friendly atmosphere. SALTEX has been a brilliant experience, it’s been set out so well and I can’t wait to do it again.” 

Revenue generated from SALTEX is reinvested directly into the grounds management industry, helping to fuel growth and advance industry standards. As a not-for-profit organisation, the GMA channels this revenue to subsidise memberships and training, while also offering vital resources like independent advice and information.

Beyond training and membership, SALTEX revenue funds several impactful GMA programmes. The annual Industry Awards celebrate excellence in grounds care, bringing recognition to professionals and volunteers across the sector. The annual #Groundsweek campaign, reaching over 18 million online in 2024, promotes the contributions of grounds staff and encourages new talent to join the field.

Additionally, SALTEX funds support diversity initiatives like the ‘Women in Grounds’ event at Emirates Stadium, spotlighting the role of women in grounds management and reaching an audience of 188 million.

Rhys Adams, National Sales Manager at Milwaukee Tools said: “SALTEX has been really good for us, and it’s been busy as always. For us it’s a nice central point for us to meet customers and there’s lots of new products coming out so it’s a great opportunity to see that. We find that there’s a lot of end users here and it’s great to see them using our products. For the users that haven’t used our products, it’s a fantastic opportunity to put the product in their hands and speak to some of the larger councils and new dealerships.” 

Geoff Webb, CEO at the Grounds Management Association, said: “The success of SALTEX 2024 reaffirms its role as an essential meeting ground for the global grounds management community. This year, SALTEX continued to attract a broad audience from across the globe, which shows the international relevance of the exhibition as the industry’s hub for knowledge sharing and innovation. It was also clear to see the significant investment from exhibitors in their stands and setups, with a large number of exhibitors choosing SALTEX as the destination to launch their brand-new products. 

“Our Learning LIVE programme continues to be one of the standout features offering visitors the latest insights on topics such as sustainability and technological progress, and more ensuring they have the tools to address today’s challenges and anticipate tomorrow’s needs. 

“We’re committed to ensuring that SALTEX remains not only the go-to event in the UK but also a significant event on the international stage, with a layout and programme tailored to serve the evolving needs of the grounds management industry.” 

Looking ahead, SALTEX will return to its traditional November slot next year, taking place on 12-13 November 2025. The event will also relocate to Halls 17, 18 and 19 at the NEC, introducing a refreshed layout designed to enhance the experience for both visitors and exhibitors.

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Avant 225 is the Perfect Workhorse

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Avant 225 is the Perfect Workhorse: For Jeff Clark, maintaining his acre-and-a-half property in rural North Wales has become significantly easier thanks to the Avant 225 compact loader.

Jeff, who has some woodland, and a main field to maintain, has found the perfect solution in this versatile machine.

Jeff has extensive experience with various types of equipment, often testing new machinery for manufacturers. Initially, he sought a ride-on mower but soon realised he needed something more versatile. “I went to Clwyd Agricultural looking for a flail mower to attach to my ride-on, but I saw the Avant and thought it looked interesting,” Jeff says. After some consideration and a test drive, Jeff traded his ride-on mower for the Avant 225, along with various attachments for it.

“I needed a machine that could mow, tow a trailer, and help me move things around the garden,” Jeff explains. “I’m 76, not getting any younger, and not as strong as I used to be. The Avant seemed to be the perfect machine to help me. It’s invaluable and well worth the money we invested. The bucket on the front is large and versatile; you can even mix cement in it, which I’ve found very useful.”

One of the standout features for Jeff is the quick-release coupling for changing attachments. “The changeover of attachments is very quick. A quick flick of a lever and there’s no effort involved,” he says.

The Avant 225’s versatility shines through in various tasks. “I’ve planted apple trees with the mini digger attachment. Rather than spending hours digging a hole, it’s done in five minutes,” Jeff explains. “The 1500 out-front mower attachment does an extremely good job, and the adjustable height of cut is perfect for the different areas we have here.”

Jeff also utilised the Avant 225 for a significant project on his driveway. “The front drive was covered in pebbles, and I didn’t want to lose them when I had it tarmacked. The Avant picked up 8 tonnes of pebbles, which I’ve since used around raised beds and paths. The machine has probably paid for itself already.”

For Jeff, the best feature of the Avant 225 is its versatility. “It does everything I want – it carries weights, pulls the trailer, and carries most things in the bucket up and down the garden. I even use it to pull trees from the woodland area with a rope. It’s a muscle saver and works really well. I don’t think I could do without it.”

“The joystick is easy to use, and the seat warmer is fantastic in the winter,” he adds.

The Avant 225’s impressive capabilities include a 1.4m lift height, 350kg lift capacity, 10 km/h speed, and 42 L/min auxiliary hydraulics. Easy to transport with a car trailer, it’s a powerful and versatile compact loader despite its small size. The articulated design and hydraulic 4×4 transmission are similar to larger Avant models, ensuring efficient operation with excellent visibility and easy-to-use controls.

As well as being impressed with the machine Jeff praised Clwyd Agricultural, the local dealer, for their excellent service and support. “They are lovely people, easy to deal with, and very helpful,” he notes.

Overall, the Avant 225 compact loader has proven to be the ideal workhorse for Jeff Clark, providing the versatility and efficiency needed to maintain his land with ease.

For more information, please visit www.avant.co.uk

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