Meldrum House equipped to withstand wetter winters

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Meldrum House equipped to withstand wetter winters: Meldrum House have become the latest golf course in a rapidly growing list to praise the versatility and effective aeration delivered by a Carrier and Verti-Drain® 1513 from Redexim.

Delivered in June 2024 by HRN Tractors, the combination has already been put through its paces, hollow coring the greens and handling the undulations of the site with ease, as Golf Course and Grounds Manager Kenny Harper looks to increase aeration to better withstand increasingly wetter winters.

Meldrum House equipped to withstand wetter winters

Meldrum House equipped to withstand wetter winters

This latest purchase is part of major ongoing investment by the new owners of Meldrum House, Apex Hotels Ltd, as they look to build on the course’s reputation as one of the finest facilities in Scotland – nestled into the parkland surroundings of Oldmeldrum, Aberdeenshire. That claim means that client expectations are high when it comes to course condition, with Kenny supported by a team of ten on the year-round maintenance. “Last winter was one of the wettest on record which is making most elements of our job more difficult and means operations like aeration are more important than ever” Kenny explains.

“We tried all makes and models of tractor mounted aerator then contacted HRN Tractors, who we know quite well, about the Redexim Carrier and Verti-Drain®. HRN’s Wilson Morrison, together with Allen Whellans from Redexim, were both on the ball from the very first phone call. They arrived on time and the demonstration was impressive – the build quality in particular filled us all with the confidence that the machines are going to last. Ticking all the boxes, we took delivery in June and are so happy with our decision.”

He continues, “The variation in working depth, together with the range of tine options available, is something we really like and gives us much greater versatility and flexibility than our previous aeration set-up. We’ve already hollow cored with 8mm tines and can swap these for solid tines and work down to depths of six inches which we’ve not been able to do before and will significantly improve our greens drainage.”

The Verti-Drain® 1513 offers high-speed, low disturbance aeration. Paired up with the Redexim Carrier, the combination offers a lightweight solution for annual maintenance on sensitive turf areas such as golf greens. “The Carrier is powered by a 31hp engine so we’ve effectively gained a power unit which we can use with a range of implements. It’s also fantastic and easy to control over the contours on our site.”

“This was our first experience of Redexim and we went into it with a ‘nothing ventured’ attitude but we’ve definitely ‘gained’ an incredibly versatile set-up and hopefully the course and the members will all gain too as a result” he concludes.

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Introducing the AccuPro 360ST and AccuPro DROP

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Introducing the AccuPro 360ST and AccuPro DROP: ICL is pleased to announce the launch of two new spreaders, the AccuPro 360ST and the AccuPro DROP, enhancing the spreader range that already includes the AccuPro One, HandyPro, and Shaker Pro.

These new models replace the SR-2000 and the SS-2, respectively, offering advanced features and improved performance.

Introducing the AccuPro 360ST and AccuPro DROP

Introducing the AccuPro 360ST and AccuPro DROP

AccuPro 360ST Rotary Spreader

The AccuPro 360ST, replacing the SR-2000, is the latest professional rotary spreader, designed to meet the highest standards of turf management. Central to its performance is the innovative SmartSpread™ system, which ensures even and precise application of granular fertilisers, essential for achieving consistent and uniform turf health.

Key Features:

  • SmartSpread™: Located under the hopper, SmartSpread™ directs granules on the impeller based on their size and weight. For example, applications of ProTurf or Sierrablen Plus, which consist of larger and heavier granules, are directed towards the centre of the impeller to gain the necessary centrifugal force for effective spreading. Conversely, applications of products like Sierraform GT, which consist of smaller and lighter granules, are placed closer to the outer edge of the impeller where less force is required for even distribution. This precise adjustment ensures each granule type is accurately accounted for, resulting in an optimal spread pattern and promoting uniform turf health.
  • Robust Stainless-Steel Frame: Designed for durability and long-lasting performance.
  • Maintenance-Free Gearbox: Ensures smooth and consistent operation with minimal maintenance.
  • High capacity, durable hopper: A 30kg capacity hopper that enhances the flow of granules to the impeller.
  • Pneumatic Turf Tyres: Distributes weight evenly, preventing turf damage and ensuring smooth mobility across different surfaces.

AccuPro DROP Professional Drop Spreader

Replacing the SS-2, the AccuPro DROP is a professional drop spreader engineered for ultra-accurate application of grass seed, conventional release granular fertilisers, and granular wetting agents. It features the innovative SmartDial™ system, simplifying spreader setting adjustments and ensuring ease-of-use and precision.

Key Features:

  • SmartDial™: Makes spreader setting adjustments straightforward and precise.
  • Large Stainless-Steel Hopper: Designed with a secure seal to prevent leakage of small products and ample capacity for various applications.
  • Robust Heavy-Duty Frame: Built to withstand rigorous use.
  • Pneumatic Turf Tyres: Ensures even weight distribution, preventing turf damage and allowing smooth mobility across various surfaces.
  • Ergonomic Extended Handle: Provides comfort during extended use.
  • Front and Rear Lift Handles: Facilitate easy loading and unloading.

Both the AccuPro 360ST and AccuPro DROP spreaders’ advanced features ensure reliable performance and precision for all your spreading needs, supported by a three-year limited warranty.

Additionally, both the AccuPro 360ST and AccuPro DROP spreaders can be claimed through Turf Rewards.

These two new additions to ICL’s spreader range demonstrate their commitment to innovation, quality, and excellence in turf management.

Please contact ICL on 01473 237100 or visit www.icl-growingsolutions.uk and www.icl-growingsolutions.ie if you are in Ireland.

For more news and insightful views, you can follow ICL on Twitter @ICL_Turf

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The new Nexus Escape

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The new Nexus Escape: Leading battery-powered outdoor power equipment specialist, EGO Power Plus, is adding a new model to its 3-strong range of power inverters.

The Nexus Escape provides power whenever and wherever it is needed with this latest model boasting improvements to the pure sine wave inverter, making it compatible with even the most sensitive electronic devices. This model also features a 240V AC outlet, two USB ports, one USB-A port and one 100W USB-C PD port for direct connection to a range of portable devices.

The new Nexus Escape

The new Nexus Escape

Compatible with any EGO ARC Lithium™ battery, the Nexus Escape provides flexible power on the go for charging mobile phones, laptops, and cameras. It can also provide off-grid power for lights and music devices. Ideal for camping trips, beach visits, festivals or even for enjoying the garden. Compact and lightweight, with an integrated carry handle, the new PAD1800E can easily be packed in a rucksack or stowed in a tent.

Andrew Frohock, Product Manager at EGO, said: “The PAD1800E builds on the success of our existing power inverter kits which have proved popular for people who love to enjoy the outdoors, whether that is relaxing and partying in the garden or going further afield.

“Providing 20% more output than the previous model, the PAD1800E is even more useful while still retaining the qualities that users love – easy to carry, great functionality and full battery compatibility with the rest of the EGO range.”

The PAD1800E features an adjustable light for use after dark or in low light conditions and can provide sufficient power to pump up air beds, charge phones and even power a TV. When used with an adapter it can also power multiple three-pin plug devices at once up to a combined 180W power.

The Nexus Escape runs off EGO’s 56V ARC Lithium batteries that are compatible with all other EGO products, meaning you can take a battery from any EGO outdoor equipment and use it in the PAD1800E. Simply click in an EGO battery and enjoy fuss-free power. This also makes the Nexus Escape extremely useful for workers in remote areas who need to charge phones or other devices.

EGO Power Plus is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of battery-powered outdoor equipment, all built around its game-changing 56V ARC LithiumTM batteries. These batteries ensure its products outperform their petrol-powered equivalents as well as outlasting other battery brands.

For more information on the latest products from EGO, visit; www.egopowerplus.co.uk

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New doors open for Pitch and Track

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New doors open for Pitch and Track: The picturesque island of Jersey is known for many things, but perhaps lesser publicised is the fact that its climate provides the perfect growing conditions for moss!

In the battle to ensure moss and weeds doesn’t detract from many of the island’s popular public and sporting attractions are contractors Pitch and Track, who can now take on the challenge chemical-free thanks to their purchase of a Foamstream L12 system from Weedingtech.

New doors open for Pitch and Track

New doors open for Pitch and Track

Owned and operated by father and son pairing Nigel and Harrison McLinton, Pitch and Track conduct maintenance and repairs for natural and artificial playing surfaces, alongside effective weed and moss control, for a number of tennis courts, football facilities and private and public schools throughout Jersey. “Like a lot of contractors, we were previously using various chemicals to treat unwanted vegetation which meant ensuring we had the correct licenses and PPE to spray it, and also restricted us as to when and where we could treat areas – particularly in schools and areas around children, animals and waterways” explains Harrison.

“We stumbled across a demonstration video of Foamstream and were immediately intrigued by what this could offer.” Following a phone call, Weedingtech’s Tom Hamilton organised for a demonstration unit to be shipped to the pair for trial, who were seriously impressed from the off! “We had the L12 for a couple of weeks, used it on a few of our regular tennis court sites to see how easy it was to use, how we could manoeuvre it and ultimately how effective it was. The machine and the process delivered on every front which cemented our decision to purchase a unit for delivery in spring 2024.”

Foamstream provides control comparable to that of glyphosate on a broad range of weed species, together with the effective treatment of moss and algae. The plant-based foam solution insulates the hot water, to retain the temperature and quickly kill the weeds, the roots and surrounding spores – offering both immediate and longer-lasting control. Weedingtech’s L12 delivery unit is a portable, compact machine offering a ‘plug and play’ solution for use in all environments.

“Where previously we relied on the right weather and temperature to spray, we can now effectively treat surfaces anytime with Foamstream. We’ve done close to forty tennis courts to date, and are continually impressed with the speed of results and the more effective clean we get by following Foamstream with a pass of our deep clean machine. We’re also in discussions with authorities regarding treatments on some of the island’s slipways and outdoor pools.”

”We were also delighted to be approached by Jersey Zoo to treat areas in and around the aviary and some of the enclosures.” Harrison adds, “Foamstream has definitely opened new doors for us already and we’re both excited about other opportunities and the future of our business with this machine.”

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COMPO puts life back into the greens

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COMPO puts life back into the greens: Two products from COMPO EXPERT have helped to put some much-needed life back into the greens at Kilsyth Golf Club, according to Head Greenkeeper Brian Hill.

Brian has been at Kilsyth Golf Club in central Scotland for just over 30 years. Throughout that time, he has always worked with Agrovista Amenity, the exclusive national distributor of COMPO EXPERT’S turf products in the UK.

COMPO puts life back into the greens

COMPO puts life back into the greens

Brian’s first point of contact at Agrovista Amenity is Ramsay MacGregor and it was Ramsay who recommended the COMPO EXPERT range of products to him.

“I trust Ramsay 100% because I know he is going to give me something that works, and it is not going to bust the bank,” said Brian. “I’m going to get a great product every time from him and that is why I took on-board his suggestion about COMPO EXPERT.”

COMPO EXPERT believes in sustainable, integrated turf management by focusing on modern fertilisation concepts, consistent regeneration of growth and optimal support of the plant’s own physiological processes. All of which promote vitalisation, stress tolerance and root development while providing optimum turf quality.

The innovative product range includes specialty mineral and stabilized fertilisers, slow and controlled release fertilisers, water soluble and liquid fertilisers as well as biostimulants, trace elements and soil conditioners.

Brian first applied Ferro Top® microgranular fertiliser to his greens late last year and the success of that product resulted in him applying Floranid® Twin Eagle NK, a slow-release fertiliser, this year.

“We first applied Ferro Top® in autumn and the results I got coming out of winter were brilliant,” he said. “It has a nice bit of iron in it and makes the sward nice and dense.”

“I then went on to using the Floranid® Twin Eagle NK – which I applied at the end of June and the results have been phenomenal. We haven’t got an irrigation system here, and I’ve only got a bowser, so my timing of products is key. As soon as some rain was forecast, we applied the Floranid® Twin Eagle NK. Honestly, I put it on and couldn’t believe it – the greens have been unbelievable. I’ll look at going again with it in September and then I’ll apply Ferro Top® to prepare for winter.

“The greens are so green, so lush, and the COMPO products have put so much life back into them.

“A lot of fertilisers claim to do amazing things, but COMPO products actually do what they say they will. We don’t have a big budget and therefore every product I put down needs to work. With the COMPO products I know that I’m going to get results every time.”

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

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