Stressbuster is key to nutrition

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Stressbuster is key to nutrition: The Head Greenkeeper at Knole Park Golf Club, in Sevenoaks, Kent, has explained how his entire nutritional programme revolves around ICL’s Vitalnova Stressbuster. 

Knole Park Golf Club is a course steeped in history and is regularly named as one of the top 100 courses in England. With one of the UK’s finest National Trust sites located at one end, the golf course is set across a beautiful, rolling deer park at the other.

Stressbuster is key to nutrition

Stressbuster is key to nutrition

Kris Durrant is the Head Greenkeeper who works tirelessly to maintain the course and claims that his main aim, when the time comes, is to hand the course over in a better condition than it was than when he took it on.

It all starts with the performance of the greens. “As Head Greenkeepers we are judged on how well the greens play,” he said. “In my opinion we have to have the greens playing to a good standard first, then start expanding out to other playing areas.”

Therefore, when Kris began working at the club three years ago, he started looking for products that would help improve the greens. Vitalnova Stressbuster was suggested to him by Andrew Pledger, ICL Technical Area Sales Manager, after Kris outlined exactly what he was hoping to achieve.

“I trialled Stressbuster and was very impressed – the performance of the product was the best I’ve ever seen, and I’ve used many products in my time,” he said.

Vitalnova Stressbuster is a unique liquid formulation designed to pre-condition turf against stress and also aid recovery from stress. The product can be used all year round which is something that impressed Kris.

Kris applies Vitalnova Stressbuster twice a month to his greens and collars at a rate of 20 L/ha.

“The colour it helps produce is the stand-out feature for me,” he said. “It isn’t an in-your-face, artificial green colour. Instead, it provides a nice, subtle green – the way greens should look. It stays this nice consistent colour for the duration I require, and you don’t get any flush of growth from it.

“When I first started working here, we suffered from a lot of dry patch on our greens, and Stressbuster has helped due to the surfactant within it. We just don’t get dry patch any longer.”

Kris sees best results from utilising Vitalnova Stressbuster in a tank-mix which consists of Qualibra, Vitalnova SMX, Greenmaster Liquid Spring & Summer and Primo Maxx II growth regulator.

“How we apply this depends on the weather and the condition of the turf,” continued Kris. “We might need to add extra nutrition from time to time or we may take something out. For example, we will adjust the amount of Primo Maxx II or perhaps we’ll add some iron if there is any disease lurking about to save using a fungicide. We might also up the nutrition rates during periods of high Anthracnose pressure.

“Ultimately, everything revolves around Stressbuster – it is the main product in our nutrition programme. If I’m being honest – I would be using it everywhere if I had the budget!”

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

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

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Hozelock-Exel at SALTEX 2022

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Hozelock-Exel at SALTEX 2022: Professional knapsack specialists Cooper Pegler are introducing padded straps to its Classic and Series 2000 models to heighten operator comfort and limit body strain during use.

Many of the go-to knapsack models across the popular brand include ergonomically tailored harnesses to channel loading forces in a way that limits stresses on the body.

Hozelock-Exel at SALTEX 2022

Hozelock-Exel at SALTEX 2022

The latest advance from manufacturer Hozelock-Exel, which follows extensive trialling, further enhances operator safety and protection to include cushioned strapping on Cooper Pegler’s Classic and Series 2000 knapsack models.

“This is a global initiative,” says Allan Wainwright, Hozelock-Exel’s UK Sales Manager, “which aims to make our knapsack brands fully inclusive for all spray operatives.”

The cushioned strapping is introduced at a time when more sports venues and amenity sites are reducing the quantity of treatment liquids they apply in a bid to improve their green credentials.

Golf course greens teams report they are using knapsacks increasingly for spot-spray weed control, a practice that cuts the quantity of liquid applied significantly.

More knapsack hand spraying raises the importance of operator comfort to new levels, therefore.

“Those who spend a full day knapsack spraying will find the new cushioned straps more comfortable,” Allan adds, “reducing the stresses and strains possible on the body during extensive sessions in the field.”

The strapping is understood to be available on new knapsacks from March 2023 but models already in use can be retrofitted with the accessory once launched.

Visitors to Saltex 2022 will be able try out knapsacks fitted with the cushioned straps on the Hozelock-Exel stand, F125.

www.cooper-pegler.com

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Makita launches 36V blower

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Makita launches 36V blower: Expanding its range of grounds maintenance tools and machines, Makita has launched the UB002C 36V Battery Backpack Blower. Designed to meet the needs of professional contractors, the UB002C matches the performance of a 50cc petrol machine and delivers the long run-times required but with minimal noise and vibration.

The powerful UB002C features a simple variable speed control and produces a blowing force of 22 newtons, a maximum air volume of up to 19.0 m3 /min and an air velocity of up to 76.0 m/sec. The 36V power is supplied by the Makita PDC1200 portable backpack battery, which can be used with a range of compatible Makita cordless machines. The PDC1200 includes a 33Ah solid state battery and with the UB002C provides approximately a 45-minute continuous run-time at maximum power, offering most contractors enough to cover a day’s work based on actual trigger time.

Makita launches 36V blower

Makita launches 36V blower

One of the key advantages of the backpack configuration of the UB002C is that it reduces user fatigue, especially when used for longer periods of time. With the weight of the machine and battery transferred to the user’s back, rather than supported by their arm, the UB002C can be operated more comfortably for longer. The design of the harness, with padding in key areas, also makes it comfortable to wear.

For ease of use, the UB002C has a cruise control feature, an adjustable control grip position and LED battery gauge indicator for simple power monitoring. It is also IPX4 rated meaning it is showerproof and can therefore be used in changeable weather conditions.

The UB002C is available as a body only (UB002CZ) option or supplied with the PDC1200A02 portable battery pack (UB002CX3).

Kevin Brannigan, Marketing Manager at Makita said: “The UB002C is ideal for professional contractors who are looking for the power of a petrol machine but with the low noise, vibration and minimal environmental impact of cordless power.”

To find out more visit www.makitauk.com.

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New from Toro at SALTEX

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New from Toro at SALTEX: Reesink UK will be represented at SALTEX 2022 with innovations and technologies, new launches and best sellers from all four of its divisions (Reesink Turfcare, Reesink e-Vehicles, Reesink Agriculture and Reesink Hydro-Scapes) for the first time. 

Bound to be a big draw will be two Toro product launches from Reesink Turfcare. The new Toro ProCore 648s and Toro Workman UTX 4×4.

New from Toro at SALTEX

New from Toro at SALTEX

Building on the incredible legacy of the ProCore 648, the 648s brings more innovative features to the time-tested machine that changed the way you aerate. The s stands for superior – and superior it is.

An updated version of a customer-favourite model, there are more than 10 new patents and some brand-new enhancements based off operator feedback and Toro’s own in-depth studies. Revised controls improve ergonomics and allow single handed operation, and hole spacing and true tine depth are now set and saved in the InfoCentre.

Reesink will also unveil the latest powerhouse from Toro to tackle all terrains thrown at it: the new Toro Workman UTX 4×4. The fourth utility vehicle in the series, it tackles all terrains and environments including ice and snow. This robust four-wheel drive, full-sized utility vehicle has 25 percent more cargo capacity than others in its class and blasts through its tasks.

Finishing the line up from Reesink Turfcare is Toro’s Groundsmaster 3300 mower, back with its innovative flail attachment, and one of two tractors – the TYM T395 is coupled with an AgriMetal blower attachment at the show.

The industry’s first all-electric compact tractor from Reesink Agriculture is the second on stand. Since Farmtrac’s FT25G launched, it’s won awards, been on multiple TV programmes and impressed the industry’s electric vehicles and technology enthusiasts, as well as winning the SALTEX Innovation Award in the Environmental and Sustainability category. So, if you’ve missed seeing it in person up until now, now’s your chance.

With the theme of the show sustainability, Reesink e-Vehicles is ably represented by the electric Capella Work Machine with cargo box from STAR EV and KAASPEED’s unique electric scooter. Both make transporting cargo and people around the site fun, clean and green.

Also on stand, and the next big thing for sustainable cleaning of machinery, is Bio-Circle GT Maxi, the parts cleaner that requires no water and eliminates pollutant run-off into the water system. This VOC-free, pH neutral cleaning option is gentle on the environment but powerful enough to remove grease, oil, grass contamination, whiteline paint and fertiliser.

From Reesink Hydro-Scapes, there’s a selection of irrigation and water aeration solutions, encapsulating the long established and industry-leading Toro irrigation systems, controllers, sprinklers and soil sensors, Otterbine pond and lake aerators; SRC wall-mounted controllers and quick-replace Franklin pump systems.

Alastair Rowell, managing director at Reesink UK, says: “It’s always an exciting show when we have new Toro products to launch, but equally exciting this year is that visitors will be able to see the innovations and world-leading technology all our Reesink divisions have to offer.”

So, whether you’re heading to the exhibition for the latest machinery or equipment for groundscare or fine turf, sustainable technology solutions or advice, Reesink has it all on one stand K080.

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No job impossible for Can-Am Traxter

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No job impossible for Can-Am Traxter: BRP is expanding its Can-Am off-road side by side vehicle (SSV) line-up with the addition of the new Can-Am Traxter 6×6 DPS HD10. This new unit delivers the functionality of a six-wheel drive vehicle to a workhorse SSV and will present new job opportunities in multiple sectors including farming, estate management, and facilities maintenance.

This combination ensures the Traxter 6×6 DPS HD10 can handle everything from hauling machinery to transporting workers and equipment to job sites, while providing owners with the comfort, power and performance that is expected from a Can-Am Traxter.

No job impossible for Can-Am Traxter

No job impossible for Can-Am Traxter

The new SSV enhances the comfort and control of the original Can-Am Traxter with the help of its longer wheelbase and triple axel design, which spreads the weight of the vehicle so that it treads carefully across multiple terrains. This ability is complemented by the performance of the 82hp V-twin liquid cooled engine from Rotax® and ensures that no destination is out of reach.

The Can-Am Traxter 6×6 DPS HD10 also provides owners with class leading towing, payload and cargo capacity that come in at 1,360kg, 771kg and 454kg respectively. These capacities are aided by the extended cargo box, which allows it to carry more goods and equipment. The integrated design elements include the LinQ quick-attach system, built-in anchors, tie-down points and recesses for easy box separator solutions, which make it easy to customise the vehicle for the job at hand.

In addition, its 40-litre fuel tank makes it a work-ready vehicle that can spend hours performing without the need to come in to refuel.

When it comes to the interior, the SSV’s roomy and intuitive cockpit has been designed by Can-Am’s R&D team with functionality and comfort in mind. This is highlighted by the cab pillars being pushed forward, an open-dash configuration, and a truck-inspired VERSA-PRO bench seat that accommodates up to three adults and flips up for additional space in the cab.

James Dalke, BRP commercial manager UK and Ireland, says, “The Can-Am Traxter 6×6 DPS HD10 has been designed to be used across multiple industries and terrains, which means it will never be out of work. In addition, we believe this SSV will instantly improve job productivity and efficiency through its ability to carry and tow more and access hard to reach areas that other SSVs might not be able to reach. It is also the next logical addition to our innovative utility SSV line-up and we look forward to it helping open up new sales opportunities for our growing dealer network, which, in turn, will help us grow our share of the utility market.”

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