Dennis E-Series shines at San Siro

Dennis E-Series shines at San Siro: Two models in the Dennis E-Series battery-powered range are setting the standard in Italy by maintaining the pitch at the world-famous San Siro stadium.

San Siro is the home stadium of two of the most successful Italian Football League clubs: A.C. Milan and F.C. Internazionale (Inter), and in addition to hosting the matches of Milan and Inter, it welcomes concerts of many of the most renowned Italian and international artists.

Dennis E-Series shines at San Siro

Dennis E-Series shines at San Siro

Giovanni Castelli has been the Agronomist at San Siro since the Italia 90 World Cup. He oversees a team of 6 groundstaff and is responsible for every pitch operation. Under his remit, Giovanni also decides on which machinery should be used at the San Siro, and he explained his reasons for choosing the Dennis ES-860 and ES-34R.

“From ordinary maintenance to the extraordinary, our main goal is to have a perfect pitch for every game,” he said. “There isn’t any room for mistakes and if you don’t want to make mistakes then you need the best machines – for innovation, quality, and performance.

“We looked at other battery-powered mowers, but the Dennis E-Series was the best. With the E-Series you get a better cut – you can set the clip rate, and you can also cut in difficult conditions, when it is raining or when the pitch is very young.

“Another reason for switching to the E-Series was to become greener,” continued Giovanni. “Milan is a city where the green culture has influenced the architecture, production technologies, and transport, and we decided to be part of this evolution. The San Siro is the most important theatre – not only in Milan but the whole of Italy and we must be a pioneer of the green conversion and lead the way.

“Last but not least we have many tourists who visit the stadium every day and the experience of the peaceful, empty stadium is an incredible moment. With the Dennis E-Series that silence is safe and doesn’t disrupt the tourist experience.

“The work we do in San Siro helps other teams improve the pitches all over Italy and I would recommend the E-Series to every club in the country.”

For many years, turf professionals have been choosing Dennis Mowers for their superb cut quality and reliability, and anticipation quickly started building when the company announced its new battery-powered range.

Leaving no stone unturned, Dennis Mowers spent three years working with carefully selected partners to develop a range of quality battery-powered equipment befitting of the Dennis badge. The aim was to provide a reliable and long-lasting solution with the ultimate performance that helps professionals meet sustainability and environmental initiatives, reduce carbon footprint, emissions, running costs and noise without any range anxiety.

After an E-Series demonstration, Giovanni selected the ES-860 and the ES-34R.

Dennis E-Series shines at San Siro

Dennis E-Series shines at San Siro

The ES-860, 34” battery powered turf management system delivers maximum versatility and the range of 13 interchangeable cassette options provide a solution to many day-to-day maintenance tasks such as cutting, scarifying, brushing, slitting and verticutting.

Furthermore, traditional G860 cassettes will also fit the ES-860, meaning that customers will not have to purchase additional cassettes.

The ES-34R is a 34″ (860mm) battery powered twin blade rotary mower. It is ideal for fine turf mowing and cleaning up operations in stadia and training facilities. Utilising the contra rotating hardened steel blades and low chute ensures maximum collection performance.

A robust LCD keypad screen is an integral feature of the handlebar console on every model in the ES range. This provides the operator with a multitude of information options including speed, clip rate, service checks, lifetime running reports and battery information.

Antonio Di Nunzio, the Head Groundsman at the San Siro, is also a big fan of the Dennis E-Series.

“We have two of the biggest clubs in Italy playing on this pitch and we have a high frequency of matches – approximately one every two days over the season. Therefore, we need the best machines to combat the high usage.

“We’ve always used Dennis mowers at San Siro – we had the petrol versions and now we have switched to their electric models. I’m really happy with them for several reasons. They allow us to work without the noise of engines and there are less vibrations which make them easier to control, more comfortable, and less stressful to work with. The quality and result of finish is always good because you can set the machines to exactly the way you want them.”

The San Siro grounds team purchased the E-Series models through Pratoverde, a Dennis and SISIS Italian distributor, and Antonio said their support has been invaluable.

“Pratoverde were instrumental in our decision to purchase the Dennis E-Series machines. We have a great relationship; they offer us good support and are always quick to answer any questions we may have.”

To hear what Giovanni Castelli says about the Dennis E-Series, visit https://youtu.be/5rnrhHk3zx8

To Hear what Antonio Di Nunzio says about the Dennis E-Series, visit https://youtu.be/2BWpIc90o6E

For further information or a no obligation demonstration, please contact Dennis 01332 824 777 or visit www.dennisuk.com

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

For the latest industry news visit turfmatters.co.uk/news

Get all of the big headlines, pictures, opinions and videos on stories that matter to you.

Follow us on Twitter and Instagram for fun, fresh and engaging content.

You can also find us on Facebook for more of your must-see news, features, videos and pictures from Turf Matters.

Double A presented with dealer award

Double A presented with dealer award: Campey Turf CareÔ Systems has announced The Double A Trading Company Ltd as their Dealer of the Year for 2022.

The Double A Trading Company Ltd (Double A) was formed in 1996 and is a leading equipment supplier to the Scottish groundcare industry and have grown from small beginnings to become the largest professional turf machinery dealer in Scotland employing 45 staff over 3 outlets from locations in Fife, Aberdeenshire and Glasgow giving customers a local service across Scotland.

Double A presented with dealer award

Double A presented with dealer award

Managing Director Sandy Armit was at the recent BTME exhibition in Harrogate to receive the award.  “Winning the Campey award of Best Dealer of the Year is a very welcome recognition of the hard work of the whole team that occurs on a daily basis, and this only happens if we are all performing, whether that is sales, administration, parts or service. Everyone plays their part in creating a business customers want to buy from, and we can be very proud of that achievement.”

Recognised as ‘Scotland’s Leading Supplier of Groundcare Equipment’, Double A has been a Campey dealer for some 20 years. Sandy explains “We were approached by the late David Briggs from Campeys to take on the Dakota in 2004, which became our best-selling product. This opened a new and expanding market for us which we have since developed with sales of many Vredo Seeders, Shockwaves, Field Top Makers, and Air2 G2 Air Injection machines. The Campey range is so diverse and allows us to offer to a wide range of golf, commercial and local authority sports applications.”

Campey Turf Care Systems is one of Europe’s largest independent grounds care machinery dealers, supplying equipment to countries in most parts of the world.  Over the years Campeys have earned a reputation for offering practical advice and superb aftercare service. The company acts as a new equipment dealer for some of the most respected grounds care machinery manufacturers including Dakota, Imants, Koro, Raycam, Vredo, Votex, GT Air 2G2 injector and Air 1 Injector aerator.

The company also has a thriving used machinery business and a subsidiary company, Tines Direct, which supplies replacement tines, blades, and replacement parts for a wide range of turf care machinery.

Responsibility for supplying Double A Trading Company is now in the capable hands of Campey product specialist Richard Heywood and the two companies continue to work together promoting Campey products across Scotland. “It is a pleasure to work with Sandy and the brilliant team at Double A.” said Richard “We strive to assimilate the customers’ needs with our product range and good communication is essential.”

“This direct support from Campey is key to our success and provides an invaluable benefit for the customer.” said Sandy “We have grown the business steadily since 1996 but have had growth in the last 5 years opening a new outlet in Aberdeenshire and taking over responsibility for John Deere Turf Equipment in the West of Scotland. Doing all of this through Covid and Brexit has had its challenges so now we are in a period of consolidation making investment in people and training to ensure each part of our business is working at optimum performance before we move on to the next stage of our journey.

For the latest industry news visit turfmatters.co.uk/news

Get all of the big headlines, pictures, opinions and videos on stories that matter to you.

Follow us on Twitter and Instagram for fun, fresh and engaging content.

You can also find us on Facebook for more of your must-see news, features, videos and pictures from Turf Matters.

Start spring the Suståne way!

Start spring the Suståne way!: In the pursuit of rapid root development, superior growth and ongoing plant protection from drought, pathogens and stress factors, Bolster Granular 4-4-4 + 3Fe has proven itself to be the perfect partner for recovery from spring renovations.

Ideal for application following aeration, hollow coring or tining to incorporate the product into the profile, Bolster Granular forms part of a collection of soil builders and spring starters from Suståne – the world’s most comprehensively researched organic fertiliser range.

Start spring the Suståne way!

Start spring the Suståne way!

Bolster Granular 4-4-4 + Iron provides a formulation of organic nutrients, beneficial microbiology, plant bio-stimulants and a powerful blend of mycorrhizae to promote greater root access to soil nutrients and water. The addition of 3% chelated iron enhances colour and rapid root development, while seaweed extract, humic acid and compost-based microorganisms deliver plant health and strength for all turf grass situations including fine turf and golf green renovations.

Derived from biologically stable ingredients and containing both water soluble and slow-release sources of nitrogen, Bolster Granular has a near-neutral pH level, low salt index and low ammonium nitrogen percentage so can be safely applied without risk of burn or discolouration. Following quick green-up, even growth and performance can be expected for six to eight weeks.

Specifically for greens, tees and low-cut fairways, Suståne 10-1-4 granular is a spring turf starter, rich in quick-release water-soluble nitrogen for fast uptake and green up when soil temperatures are cooler than optimal. 75% of the total nitrogen being water soluble means nutrients are readily available, while the renowned Suståne organic base carrier will help to build up carbohydrate reserves in the soil for increased plant metabolism and supply all essential elements necessary for enhanced photosynthesis during the crucial early part of the season.

Thanks to the N in 10-1-14 granular being in ammonium sulphate form, this is also known to lower soil pH and thereby aid in suppressing certain types of turf grass diseases and – as with Bolster – 10-1-14 will not cause fertiliser ‘burn’ or seedling stress.

For the latest industry news visit turfmatters.co.uk/news

Get all of the big headlines, pictures, opinions and videos on stories that matter to you.

Follow us on Twitter and Instagram for fun, fresh and engaging content.

You can also find us on Facebook for more of your must-see news, features, videos and pictures from Turf Matters.

New Syngenta and ICL agreement

New Syngenta and ICL agreement: Syngenta and ICL have signed a new  agreement to continue and enhance the strong relationship that has brought great innovation, investment and service to the turf industry.

The move reinforces the close working relationship of ICL’s unparalleled nutrition expertise, industry support and technical field force to deliver Syngenta’s world leading technical R&D products and services over the past 15 years.

New Syngenta and ICL agreement

New Syngenta and ICL agreement

It will also ensure the continued investment and development of research and technical innovation that has pioneered many of the advanced Integrated Turf Management techniques now successfully implemented by turf managers.

The extended agreement comes at an exciting time for both companies introducing ground-breaking technological advances. That includes the launch of ICL’s eqo.s® controlled release fertilizer technology and Syngenta’s new fungicide, herbicide and biocontrol products, along with Acelepryn and NemaTrident integrated solutions for turf soil pest control in 2023.

Announcing the new agreement, Syngenta Commercial Head, Daniel Lightfoot said: “The combined strength of ICL and Syngenta has, over the past 15 years, pioneered the products and the techniques to deliver huge advances in the management of high-quality turf and amenity landscapes.

“We are delighted to forge stronger links between the two companies that together can better help our customers to meet the current challenges, as well as develop further in the future.”  The agreement includes the launch of new products, along with digital technologies and technical communication strategies.

Stephen Squires, ICL Regional Business Lead, added: “We have built an incredibly strong strategic alliance with Syngenta, this agreement underlines the strength of the relationship.

“Together we will continue to deliver and build on the full value of our world leading product portfolios, our technical innovation and our industry knowledge and technical advice to our customers.”

For the latest industry news visit turfmatters.co.uk/news

Get all of the big headlines, pictures, opinions and videos on stories that matter to you.

Follow us on Twitter and Instagram for fun, fresh and engaging content.

You can also find us on Facebook for more of your must-see news, features, videos and pictures from Turf Matters.

New acquisition for Barenbrug UK

New acquisition for Barenbrug UK: Grass-seed breeder Barenbrug UK has announced its acquisition of the Scottish group of businesses that comprises Watson Seeds, Seed Logistics and GroGreen.

Founded 33 years ago by third-generation seedsman Johnny Watson, Watson Seeds is well-known in the industry and enjoys a loyal customer following.

New acquisition for Barenbrug UK

New acquisition for Barenbrug UK

“Barenbrug’s acquisition of the group reflects the long-standing strength of the relationship that exists between these companies,” says Paul Johnson, Managing Director of Barenbrug UK.

“Barenbrug has long been one of Watson’s main seed suppliers, and these businesses are very closely aligned in ethos and values: family-owned, with the emphasis on integrity, quality and service, and focusing on the customer’s needs, whether that’s for agricultural, sport or amenity applications.”

Mr Johnson says the acquisition of Watson Seeds, Seed Logistics and GroGreen is a significant step for Barenbrug’s UK operation. “By giving us a much stronger offering in Scotland, we will complement our existing geographies and strengthen our position across the United Kingdom.

“In the amenity sector, this will open up opportunities for growing our market share in a new geographical area while maintaining Barenbrug’s position as a global grass breeder and producer.

“Growth for Barenbrug always translates into success for our distributors.”

Johnny Watson, founder of Watson Seeds, expressed his delight at the sale of the business to Barenbrug.

“This is a meeting of two likeminded companies known for their commitment to excellence in grass,” he says.

“I’ve known Barenbrug all my life, and I knew the fit between these companies would be perfect.”

“I’m excited that the acquisition will see business as usual. Our ambitious plan for continued growth and development will benefit from access to the resources and support of the global Barenbrug group.

“I’m delighted that we have a new, exciting chapter in our company, for the benefit of our customers and to meet the challenges and opportunities of our customers in the future,” he adds.

“With a long family history in the grass industry, I have nothing but heartfelt enthusiasm in seeing this acquisition by a company who truly understands our business.”

Barenbrug UK, Watson Seeds, Seed Logistics and GroGreen will continue to function separately, maintaining their individual identities

For the latest industry news visit turfmatters.co.uk/news

Get all of the big headlines, pictures, opinions and videos on stories that matter to you.

Follow us on Twitter and Instagram for fun, fresh and engaging content.

You can also find us on Facebook for more of your must-see news, features, videos and pictures from Turf Matters.