SAGE registration now open

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SAGE registration now open: The UK’s largest outdoor sports and grounds maintenance tradeshow, SAGE is taking place on 6th & 7th July at The Three Counties Showground in Malvern. Registration has now opened for visitors, so if you would like to book your free place at this much-anticipated event, register on the website now.

There will be people from a wide range of industries exhibiting products, providing live demonstrations and even the opportunity to take a free training course.

SAGE registration now open

SAGE registration now open

The venue has been selected to provide a safe outdoor environment and The Three Counties Showground has been awarded the VisitEngland ‘We’re Good to Go’ industry charter mark. This means that the showground meets the Government and public health guidance on COVID-19 health and safety processes.

Discover industry trends and top priorities

Due to restrictions over the last two years, everyone is looking forward to the opportunity to network with people from across their industry. As well as being able to build up industry connections, attending the event enables people to find out about new products or trends that can improve the way that they work.

The main priority of SAGE is that visitors get to see the industry products in action, in an environment that has ample space to accommodate the largest kit on sale. Amongst our exhibitors there are businesses who supply turfcare products and equipment, playground equipment and landscaping equipment.

Focus on sustainability

This year, sustainability has become an even more prominent priority across all industries and SAGE is proud to be hosting the first sustainability summit, which will take place on Wednesday 6th July at SAGE 2022, in partnership with Bio-Circle. The summit will be led by experts across the industry, and will provide guidance and support on how sustainable solutions can be achieved by businesses across the sports and grounds maintenance industry. The panel along with their colleagues will be on hand to deliver tailored options for those looking to adopt processes that are more environmentally friendly.

With the Government’s carbon net zero targets to comply with, more businesses have started to explore the different ways that they can reduce carbon emissions. The summit will target this topic head on and help to drive a better understanding of the priorities and solutions for the sports and grounds maintenance industry regarding their responsibilities for reducing carbon emissions.

Other activities to look forward to

There will be taster courses on offer, as well as talks from the leading experts across the industry.

Everyone is welcome to attend SAGE 2022. Visitors from last year included educational institutions, local authorities and councils, contractors, construction managers and estates.

SAGE invites all visitors to join us at the networking event on the Wednesday evening, sponsored by Fleet Line Markers, where everyone will get the opportunity to meet fellow industry professionals at the stunning showground, with a few extras as well.

To register for SAGE 2022. Please visit; www.sportsandgrounds.events.

If you would like to exhibit at SAGE 2022, there is still time to reserve your stand, contact us today; team@sportsandgrounds.co.uk

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Presenting a picture-perfect course

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Presenting a picture-perfect course: At Killarney Golf and Fishing Club, presentation is everything.

With breathtaking views out over Lough Leane and the undulating Killarney National Park beyond, players come from all over the world to experience the two, 18-hole Killeen and Mahony’s Point courses.

Presenting a picture-perfect course

Presenting a picture-perfect course

It’s a club steeped in 129 years of history which includes hosting the Irish Open four times, with Nick Faldo winning in 1991 and 1992, Ross Fisher in 2010, and Simon Dyson in 2011.

With such rich heritage and high expectations, the greenkeeping team has to maintain the highest possible standards to satisfy the 500-plus golfers who could arrive to play at the complex during its busiest days of the year.

Enda Murphy is in charge of the 18-strong team responsible for presenting the course. He’s in his 30th year working at the club after joining as an apprentice from school.

“I completed a four-year apprenticeship in Killarney and then worked a year at Wayzata Country Club near Minneapolis in the States,” he explained.

“It was wealthy club with 28 greenkeepers for one 18-hole course, but what struck me was how neat and tidy the whole place was. The machinery sheds were immaculate – everything was organised and every machine had its place with a back-up machine in reserve too.

“I thought the whole attention to detail was amazing and something I wanted to bring back to Killarney.”

Enda became head greenkeeper in 2013 and takes immense pride in setting up a course which will live up to members’ and visitors’ expectations.

“It’s all about the location here – when you’re out on the course on a beautiful spring morning there is no better place,” he said. “When every hole is neat, tidy and looking sharp, that’s what it all about and what we strive to achieve.”

Being such a popular destination for visiting players while keeping the large playing membership happy is not without its challenges.

Enda says he has 1.7 metres of annual rainfall, a herd of 40 Irish Red Deer, and a constant procession of players to contend with, plus the environmental responsibility of maintaining a course so close to the iconic Irish lakes.

“We have a high level of play which creates compaction, wear and tear, he said. “Having lots of rain on a busy course is also a challenge but we have to keep golfers happy – we have strong competition from the other fantastic courses in Ireland.”

 

Last year Killarney’s members’ council – with the support of the membership – put pen to paper on a new fleet deal to replace its aging mowers and other course machinery.

“It came to a point last summer when greens mowers were breaking down on the morning of a competition, and the back-up machines were cutting tees because the tees mowers had broken,” Enda said.

“We were working on fairway mowers that were 10 or 15 years old and the repairs were starting to cost more than what the machines were worth, so a change was definitely needed.”

Enda and his team are familiar with a number of brands and researched prices and specifications as part of the purchasing process, but decided to stay loyal to John Deere as their mowers and utility vehicles had served the course well for a long time.

For cutting they purchased two new 7700A fairway mowers with rear roller power brushes, two 2750E hybrid greens mowers with tender conditioners and 14-blade reels, and two 2750PC mowers for tees and surrounds. The club also took a new 1570 front rotary mower with 72-inch deck and a 9009A for tackling the rough.

For full course maintenance the new fleet also included a 2030A with ARC HD200 sprayer, three TS Gators and a 4066R compact tractor.

“A big factor in the decision was that we have a dealer on the doorstep in Seamus Weldon so parts, sales and servicing is right here which is really convenient,” Enda said.

“They are good machines but if something goes wrong I can get a new part in 10 mins and get the machine back up and running in no time. That’s really important for us here on a busy course where we need to get the job done and be out of the way so golfers can enjoy their game.”

So far Enda is delighted with the new fleet – purchased using John Deere Finance – and so is his team.

“When you’re going out and everything is working it’s just a pleasure to do the job. The team gets frustrated when something takes too long and things break down – we’re just trying to get everything done to a high standard and then move on as quickly as possible.

“You can really notice the difference in the quality of cut and the reliability of the new machines. We now want to get into a rhythm of replacing them every five years, ideally.

“Bookings for the summer are looking really strong so it’s going to be another busy year as we, hopefully, come out of covid and look forward to welcoming players to Killarney.”

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Kubota announces new tracked dumpers

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Kubota announces new tracked dumpers: Kubota has expanded its extensive range of tracked dumpers with the launch of a new electric model, the KC70VSL-4 e, and a new diesel machine, the KC110SL-4.

The KC70VSL-4 e has been developed on the base of the KC70H-4 e, boasting a lithium battery pack of 48V and 120 Ah. The new model will be a perfect fit for customers working in city centres due to its quiet operation. The tracked dumper brings more versatility than the KC70H-4e with a variable track and a self-loading device.

Kubota announces new tracked dumpers

Kubota announces new tracked dumpers

The model has a maximum load capacity of 700kg and is able to transport large quantities of material in a short time. The width of the machine is 758 mm (tracks retracted), allowing users to work in tight areas.

The tracks are also electrically powered, granting better efficiency and less energy consumption. The machine can be charged totally in three hours and reach 80% charge in 1.5 hours. A complete charge will allow a full day’s work.

In addition, the Universal fast external Battery Charger (UBC) is sold with the machine and it works with the following power and tensions (3 kW and from 80V to 240V).

The new KC110SL-4 comes in addition to an existing machine on the segment of tracked dumpers with more than 0,5 m3 of payload, the KC110HR-4. The new dumper is equipped with a front tip skip of 1200kg of capacity and self-loading device.

The KC110SL-4 has a Kubota D722 Stage 5 engine, well known for his reliability and performances. The machine can overcome any slopes up to 20° and will be very useful for construction work, renovation or landscaping.

To learn more about the KC70VSL-4 e and KC110SL-4, or locate your nearest dealer, please visit https://www.kubota-eu.com/.

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Turf clean-up made easy with Billy Goat

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Turf clean-up made easy with Billy Goat: With the summer months approaching, it’s important to clear turf now to prepare it for the heavy use it will endure during the season ahead. Whether it’s community fields, golf courses, residential areas or football pitches, every space will require clean-up and maintenance to get it looking and feeling its best.

Billy Goat has designed and manufactured a range of property clean-up products for all types, including residential, commercial or municipal requirements. Billy Goat understands the importance of keeping spaces tidy and its range of tools make sure that maintenance is simple and hassle free.

Turf clean-up made easy with Billy Goat

Turf clean-up made easy with Billy Goat

Remove loose debris

As the growing season begins, turf benefits from being exposed to sunlight as this will encourage strong and effective growth. A layer of debris over grass can cause stunted growth and due to the dark, damp environment debris creates, it is also at risk of encouraging various diseases. So, clearing away debris will not only help reduce damage to grass but it will also allow vital nutrients, air and water in so it can remain healthy and vibrant for summer.

Billy Goat offers a wide range of powerful and robust debris loaders and vaccums that effortlessly remove all types of debris from turf and the DL1302H Debris Loader offers the perfect combination of power and size. With 2,100 cfm of commercial suction and a discharge chute, high productivity leaf and debris removal across small and midsize jobs and crews is made effortless. Plus, with a dual shredding 14.5” diameter armor plate impeller with a Piranha™ blade that reduces debris up to 12.1 and allows you to load up across multiple properties before dispensing, time and effort is reduced.

For both lawn and hard surface areas, the MV601 multi-surface vacuum offers the perfect machine for larger clean-up projects, thanks to its Braggs & Stratton electric easy start engine, self-propelled and 3-speed vacuum. Plus, its powerful 6-blade serrated impeller encourages maximum suction, picking up leaves, grass clippings, litter and other debris quickly and efficiently, making mass clean-up easy.

The MV601 has also been manufactured using abrasion-resistant composite housing components, offering a lightweight model that won’t rust or dent so it can be used year after year.

Scarify to remove thatch

Whilst removing loose debris from on top of turf is vital in preparing it for the summer months, it’s also important to make sure that thatch, moss and any other unwanted growth is removed from turf to ensure strong, healthy growth.

Scarifying is an effective way of removing thatch from turf and can be done around March and April time, when grass starts to grow and can recover quickly. Billy Goat has a versatile range of scarifiers that takes the backache out of turf maintenance. Its CR550H Power Rake is just one example of its impressive products that efficiently removes matted thatch from small to medium sized lawns, thanks to its rugged design and powerful Honda engine. The model is also self-propelled and can be fitted with a spring tine reel, so even thatch in hard to reach places can be removed, leaving every inch of lawn looking like new.

Undertaking clean-up projects now will help to keep turf looking lush throughout the summer, and Billy Goat provides the tools to help clear turf of any size with ease.

Aerate lawns to life

The Billy Goat range of Plugr aerators enables grounds professionals, landscapers and contractors to be able to tackle large areas of lawn quickly and easily. Plugr aerators offer the perfect solution to promoting spring growth, improving drainage and encouraging new growth by making holes throughout the turf that breaks up compacted soil and allows air, water and nutrients to circulate through the roots. This results in healthier, stronger roots, grass and turf.

The PL1801H has an 18” working width so are ideal for smaller grounds. It also has four tines that place cores 2.75” deep and aerate 22,000 square feet per hour. They have an easy-folding handle that allows for compact use, transportation and storage, and its lightweight design allows for ease in manoeuvrability. For those seeking a more productive, cost-efficient way of aerating larger areas, the 25 Series is best. It offers the best combination of productivity, comfort and results, whilst boasting intuitive controls, and variable speed fingertip hydro-drive innovation.

The PL2501SPV is powered by a Briggs & Stratton Vanguard 203cc engine and is best suited for more intense usage and larger areas. The models have a 25” working width and eight reciprocating cam driven tines that punch to core depths of 2.75”, delivering aeration to up to 42,500 square feet per hour.

Billy Goat products are available nationwide through Henton & Chattell’s dealer network. For more information and to see videos demonstrating their performance visit www.billygoat.co.uk.

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Pay more or staffing crisis will worsen

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Pay more or staffing crisis will worsen: Industry leaders say there are rising vacancies in key roles at golf clubs – and action must be taken now.

Read the full article from National Club Golfer here

Groundsman to play on his 'sacred' pitch

Groundsman to play on his ‘sacred’ pitch

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