Confidence in Aqua-zorb at Ashford Manor

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Confidence in Aqua-zorb at Ashford Manor: The fairways at Ashford Manor Golf Club have recently been gaining a lot of attention in the greenkeeping industry, and Course Manager Allan Tait has revealed how he has achieved such incredible results.

Established in 1898 the club is located in the village of Ashford, between Sunbury-on-Thames and Staines-upon-Thames. It is an 18-hole parkland course measuring 6,400 yards and is regarded as one of the finest courses in Middlesex, and beyond.

Confidence in Aqua-zorb at Ashford Manor

Confidence in Aqua-zorb at Ashford Manor

Allan Tait has been Course Manager for just over three years and has certainly helped boost the club’s reputation throughout his tenure. However, like many others, the team at Ashford Manor are facing very testing conditions.

“Currently we are experiencing challenging conditions with drought and high heat stress which is making it very difficult to produce high quality surfaces.”

Matters aren’t helped by the fact that the course is extremely dry having been built predominately on sand and stone. Therefore, Allan ensures that he is always one-step ahead.

“I am a great believer that the work we do through the winter will help us maximise the results throughout the summer,” he said. “During the colder months we frequently aerate and make certain that the water is deep into the profile, so we can keep it there for the summer months. We do adhere to a solid cultural regime and that goes hand in hand with the products we use – and one which has been key for us has been Aqua-Zorb liquid.

Aqua-Zorb liquid from Agrovista Amenity, is a concentrated non-ionic turf wetting agent that will enable water to move faster and deeper into the soil profile. One application can last all season and it is renowned for treating the cause of Localised Dry Patch. Aqua-Zorb can also improve drainage, alleviate compaction, reduce the quantity of irrigation required, suppress the formation of dew and greatly improve the quality of the sward.

Allan had trialled Aqua-Zorb in his previous role and therefore had no hesitation in using the product after Joseph Dormer from Agrovista Amenity suggested integrating it into his maintenance programme.

“In my old job I trialled Aqua-Zorb on the tees, which were poorly irrigated, because I wanted to improve the presentation of them,” he said. “It made a massive difference and so I had a lot of confidence to bring it here at Ashford Manor and apply it to larger areas.”

Due to the longevity of the product, Allan applies Aqua-Zorb liquid early in February/March at a rate of 50 L/ha. “We irrigate and combine it with rainfall to fully wet the profile – this reduces any hydrophobic conditions and ensures even moisture distribution all the way through,” he added.

“Aqua-Zorb is a fantastic product and since using it we are seeing very little dry patch, and when for instance, we are hand watering we are not seeing any beading on the surface – the water is going exactly where we want it to go. We also have less fairy ring activity, and generally the areas that are treated look a lot more solid and uniform.

“What has been really evident is the areas that have been treated and the ones that have not been treated. I am over the moon with the quality of turf we are producing and am still seeing the benefits of Aqua-Zorb in these really dry conditions.”

Allan applies Aqua-Zorb to most areas of the course, but it is the fairways that have received the most attention after a picture of them was posted on social media. Since then, many other greenkeepers have contacted both Allan and Agrovista Amenity to find out the secret behind the incredible fairways. However, the humble Allan refused to dwell on the attention and instead praised the working relationship between himself and Joseph.

“I’ve been using Agrovista products for fifteen years now and I have been working closely with Joseph for seven years,” he said. “He has been a greenkeeper in the past, so he understands where I am coming from. We have a good relationship and have very productive conversations.”

There is also a video with Joseph Dormer and the team from Singing Hills Golf Club which can be viewed by clicking here.

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

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Kubota releases new LXe-261

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Kubota releases new LXe-261: Kubota’s new LXe-261, which has been designed to meet current environmental standards, will be available for rental and showcased at several events around Europe over the coming months.

With an increasing number of European markets tightening regulations and implementing bans on diesel vehicles, many local authorities and other public bodies are actively seeking alternatives – such as electric vehicles (EVs) and fuel-cell vehicles (FCVs). In light of this, and in line with Kubota’s Environmental Vision published in 2021 to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050, they have been researching, developing and trialling electric tractors.

Kubota releases new LXe-261

Kubota releases new LXe-261

One of the major challenges when developing electric tractors is range and operational time. For that reason, the new LXe-261 is equipped with a large-capacity battery that can provide rapid one hour charging and three to four hours of continuous run-time. This means operators will be able to quickly charge the batteries during lunch and continue working in the afternoon for optimal efficiency.

The LXe-261 also includes key features for mowing, hauling, and other green space management tasks, such as an independent PTO, a comfortable HST transmission and multiple hydraulic outlets. The specification of the LXe-261 is contained in a compact size, making this model well-suited to a range of applications.

Kubota’s new LXe-261 will soon be displayed at several shows in Europe, including Salon Vert in France, EIMA in Italy and SALTEX in November, Europe’s largest turf management show. It will then be available for rental in the UK from April 2023. After its release, customer feedback will be sought in order to shape the future developments and expansions to Kubota’s eco-friendly product line-up.

Kubota Corporation is the first Japanese manufacturer* to release a limited number of LXe-261 compact electric tractors in Europe, with the company actively striving towards carbon neutrality. For that reason, Kubota has been transitioning to electric, hybrid, and fuel-cell drives in an effort to decarbonise power sources and reduce CO2 emissions.

These developments represent an important strategic step for Kubota in the UK and Europe, as it aims to fulfil the requirements of core customer segments who have long invested in Kubota’s range of compact tractors, utility vehicles and ride-on mowers for park maintenance and other groundcare tasks.

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Mortonhall joins ranks with Toro

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Mortonhall joins ranks with Toro: The latest club to join the hybrid machinery ranks with Toro is Mortonhall Golf Club in Edinburgh.

The club which is widely regarded as one of the best parkland courses in the Lothians has acquired two Reelmaster 5010-H hybrid fairway mowers and two Greensmaster 3420 TriFlex hybrid riding greensmowers from distributor Reesink Scotland as part of a series of efforts to reduce the club’s environmental impact and help protect the course’s biodiversity.

Mortonhall joins ranks with Toro

Mortonhall joins ranks with Toro

Course manager Grant Moran explains how this is part of a huge undertaking in course improvements to assist the club in becoming one of Edinburgh’s must-play courses: “We are undergoing major renovations to ensure we stay at the top of the list of best Edinburgh courses to play.”

This list of work includes but is not limited to habitat enhancing projects, awareness campaigns and the switch to more sustainable energy sources like solar power, all of which made it possible for the club to receive the Scottish Golf Course Wildlife Charter Award in 2010. And the hard work continues with the gradual replacement of the club’s machinery fleet with more eco-friendly alternatives.

Grant continues: “We’ve recently completed a huge bunker project and are looking to rebuild greens complexes and tees in the future. There’s also a reseeding programme to improve the turf so all the extra help from these machines will be incredibly important in our five-to-seven-year plan.”

These machines’ hybrid credentials come from Toro’s patented PowerMatch with an in-line motor generator and a self-recharging 48-volt battery pack for the Reelmaster 5010-H, while the Greensmaster 3420 is the first product to earn Toro’s EnergySmart label. They both maximise fuel economy to improve cost of ownership (about 20 percent over a conventional mower), are quieter and greatly reduce the risk of hydraulic leaks.

“Looking into electric machinery was a big thing for us and the next step in continuing the environmental work we are so proud of achieving,” continues Grant. “I’ve worked with Toro’s diesel models for over 25 years, so it was the obvious choice when making the switch. We’ve found the hybrid machines pack the same power punch as their diesel counterparts.”

Proving hybrid machines can match their diesel counterparts in longevity too, all four are used machines, about which Neil Mackenzie, area sales for Reesink Scotland, explains more: “These machines were completely refurbished, overhauled, and rebuilt at the branch here in Livingston and like all our pre-owned/used equipment they are sold with a comprehensive 12-month warranty. Hybrid machines have plenty of life to give when taken care of so this should never be off-putting in a potential purchasing decision.”

Grant concludes: “These Toro machines are only the tip of the iceberg as we want to replace the whole fleet with as many hybrid and electric units as we can in time. Right now, these four checks all the boxes and we couldn’t be happier with them.”

To talk to someone about Toro technology and how the Toro range could suit your course, call 01480 226800.

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New launch from Tiny Mobile Robots

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New launch from Tiny Mobile Robots: Tiny Mobile Robots is delighted to announce the launch of the Tiny Pro X robotic line marker to the UK market today.

Reinforcing its commitment to giving its customers the best tools to carry out their line marking projects, the Tiny Pro X hosts a range of brand-new features designed to enhance the end users experience and make GPS robotic line marking easier and more accurate than ever.

New launch from Tiny Mobile Robots

New launch from Tiny Mobile Robots

Perhaps the most sought-after new feature is the ability to mark out custom logos. This is something that the company has been asked for constantly and has been under development for a long-time.  It is now a standard feature on the Tiny Pro X and is a simple 3-step feature for the end user, allowing them to customise fields for events or occasions in a way that was not easily possible before.

The ’Multi-Select’ tool is another time-saving and efficient new feature which enables users to queue up multiple fields to be marked out in a specific order.

A simple yet revolutionary feature is the new low paint alert system. When the robot is running low on paint, an automatic alert is sent to the user’s hand-held tablet notifying them of the paint levels. This is a much-welcomed feature which avoids time being wasted marking out a field with no paint in the tank.

In addition to these, the Tiny Pro X offers many more improvements, including general upgrades to the hardware and software for a largely improved experience on what was already a solid offering from the existing range of robots. The electronics within the robot have been enhanced, allowing for more reliable and powerful line marking in a range of project areas, and the external design has been enhanced, with the addition of buttons to activate pump and nozzle, enabling users to prime, clean and test without using the tablet.

Jayne Leyland, Product Manager for Origin Amenity Solutions, of which Tiny Mobile Robots UK is marketed and distributed under comments; “I’m thrilled to be announcing the launch of the Tiny Pro X robotic line marker. It’s an exciting time as this has been a long time in development and testing. This new model offers the end user many increased features and benefits and the initial feedback from our salespeople and test customers has been fantastic. I’m really looking forward to seeing it rolled out across the UK following the launch.”

Free demonstrations are being offered across the UK.  To book or enquire visit https://tinymobilerobots.com/tinymobilerobots-uk/

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John Deere celebrates 30 years of training

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John Deere celebrates 30 years of training: John Deere is marking the 30th anniversary of its renowned apprenticeship programme with an open day to recruit the next generation of technicians to work across its agriculture, turf and parts business.

Well in excess of 1,000 apprentices have qualified since 1992, and the company is keen to showcase the exciting career path that lies ahead of those who complete the course.

John Deere celebrates 30 years of training

John Deere celebrates 30 years of training

On 6 October, John Deere and the scheme’s training provider, ProVQ, will open the doors of its new training centre in Upper Saxondale, Nottinghamshire, where candidates will be offered guided tours, practical demonstrations and driving experiences.

Classrooms and workshops will be staffed by instructors and apprentices, providing a unique opportunity to view the state-of-the-art learning facilities on offer and talk to those who know all about the programme.

John Deere’s apprenticeship programme sees technicians work within the company’s dealership network as a paid employee while completing either a two or three-year course comprising on-the-job practical learning and classroom studies.

Three courses make up the programme; Ag Tech – focusing on agricultural machinery, Turf Tech – focusing on professional turf equipment, and Parts Tech – focusing on parts service and support.

“It’s a hugely exciting time to be part of the agricultural and turfcare industries – they are evolving and becoming more technologically advanced than ever before,” John Deere Branch Training Manager Allan Cochran says.

“The job is so much more than just servicing and fixing things. The machines and parts our apprentices work on and with are some of the most advanced in the world, many capable of levels of automation or operating at capacities we could only dream of a few years ago.

“With exam results now known and young people planning their futures, we’re encouraging them to join us for our open day to find out how John Deere can ignite their careers.

“It’s not just for people who love tractors – if you want to earn while you learn and be part of a huge, global brand with a reputation for ground-breaking innovations, then a John Deere apprenticeship could be the perfect start to your career.”

The open day will be held on 6 October, with three sessions being run at 10am, 1pm, and 3pm. Refreshments will be provided throughout the day, and entry is free, although pre-booking is a requirement as places are limited.

Booking is live at https://JohnDeereApprentice.eventbrite.co.uk

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