Kubota trio at SALTEX

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Kubota trio at SALTEX: A dedicated ‘new product’ zone is going to be bursting at the seams on stand C070, as Kubota return to SALTEX. A trio of new machines will be on show across the RTV and compact tractor ranges, that promise to meet the requirements of even more of today’s groundcare professionals – with the launch of the LXe-261 electric compact tractor marking a major step forward in Kubota’s eco-friendly product line-up.

The LXe-261 overcomes the major challenge of range, powered by a large-capacity battery that provides rapid one-hour charging and a continuous operational run-time of three to four hours. Of particular interest for sporting venues, local authorities and other public bodies in the pursuit of improving their sustainable credentials, the LXe-261 also features an independent PTO, comfortable HST transmission and multiple hydraulic outlets to optimise efficiency of mowing, hauling and other green space management tasks.

Also new in the tractor portfolio will be the EK1-261. The EK1-261 is powered by a 24.4hp diesel engine, driving through to the ground via the 9F+3R manual transmission and providing a rear linkage lift capacity of 750kg. Proving that compact doesn’t have to mean compromise, options including a front loader, front guard and rear fender extensions will be available.

The Kubota team will be on hand across the two days to discuss the complete tractor, ride-on mower and side-by-side vehicle ranges – the newest addition to this being the RTV 520, launched earlier this year and making its UK debut at SALTEX. The compact and versatile RTV 520 combines high performance and comfort with a range of accessories suitable for a wide range of domestic and commercial applications. It features a variable hydrostatic transmission (VHT) with one-pedal operation for smooth acceleration and dynamic braking. The suspension, seat and engine have also been improved to reduce vibration and make for an easier and more comfortable ride.

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Pitchmark in Qatar

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Pitchmark in Qatar: In just under six weeks, Gareth Southgate and his Three Lions will head to Qatar for their next landmark competition, but preparations at their training camp at the Al-Wakrah Sports Complex started much sooner with Pitchmark shining brightest in the Middle East.

Since Pitchmark’s inception in 2010, the Bristol-based company have supplied line marking paints, equipment, and machinery to top international stadia like Wembley Stadium and international sporting events. In 2019, Pitchmark was awarded the prestigious Queen’s Award for Enterprise: International Trade after demonstrating an exceptional growth record and success overseas – and the past twelve months have been no different.

Pitchmark in Qatar

Pitchmark in Qatar

Pitchmark’s Managing Director Tim Rodman and Group Sales Manager Oliver Boys have built strong relationships throughout the Middle East over the past few years, and their recent trip to Qatar focused on tailor-made training and education sessions to suit the unique conditions. Hand-built to the highest standards and proudly bearing the Made in Britain mark, Pitchmark’s Classic transfer wheel marker and the innovative three-wheeled Hybrid spray marker were on display at Stadium 974, Khalifa International Stadium and Lusail Stadium, as well as the LineFix System.

Using semi-permanent ground sockets that remain installed in the pitch, LineFix is a unique system developed by the Pitchmark R&D team that has benefitted customers at grassroots and professional stadia by not only increasing accuracy but simplifying the re-marking process. This will allow the grounds staff in Qatar to string out completely accurately every time.

As well as line marking, LineFix can also be used for pattern lines when cutting a pitch. With the different colours of sockets, the grounds staff in Qatar will be able to distinguish which sockets are installed for pitch markings from those installed for pattern lines. As goal-line technology advances, LineFix’s accuracy and straightness, combined with millimetre-accurate line width, are essential to match officials when determining whether a ball has crossed the goal line. The precise mowing lines also contribute to improving the new semi-automated offside technology.

As part of Pitchmark’s recent visit, the pair also provided grounds staff with free legionnaire hats and water bottles to help them cope with the weather-intensive conditions in Qatar, as well as line marking handbooks for precise pitch measurements.

If you would like to learn more about Pitchmark and its products, you can visit their exclusive UK distributor Turfix at Stand E125 between 2 – 3 November at the NEC, Birmingham for SALTEX 2022.

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GroundsFest is coming

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GroundsFest is coming: A new and exciting event featuring outdoor demonstrations, indoor zones, free education, interactive workstations, machinery workshops, a wellbeing hub, a live music festival plus much more, is set to be the annual must-attend event for grounds staff, greenkeepers, landscapers, local authorities, estate managers and contractors.

GroundsFest will be held at Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire on 20 and 21 September 2023.

GroundsFest is coming

GroundsFest is coming

GroundsFest’s main features include:

Outdoor demonstrations – visitors will get to see machinery in action on large outdoor areas.

Indoor zones – a wide variety of exhibitor stands, dedicated sector areas, catering outlets and seminar theatres.

Live interactive stations – a chance to find out the latest trial data on pesticides, fertilisers, bio-stimulants and many more.

Machinery workshops – learn how to maintain and get the very best out of a wide range of machinery and equipment.

Educational seminars – free educational seminars delivered by top speakers and industry experts.

Wellbeing hub – designed to provide information, advice, and guidance about emotional and mental wellbeing.

Festival – after an action-packed day, unwind and continue networking with live music, delicious street food, and fun, skill-based activities.

The event has been created based on extensive research and independent surveys over the past six years. The results show that September is the most favoured time of year and that a mix of both indoor space and outdoor demonstrations is the preferred format.

From an exhibitor point of view, GroundsFest is extremely cost-effective in comparison to other events which opens the doors for a much wider range of companies.

GroundsFest is brought to you by award-winning event specialists that have worked in the groundscare industry for over two decades.

For more information, please visit www.groundsfest.com

You can also follow GroundsFest on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram @GroundsFest for much more news, reviews and insightful views.

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FairWays Foundation completes third grant cycle

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FairWays Foundation completes third grant cycle: Founded in 2019, The FairWays Foundation has now completed its third grant cycle, bringing the total funding to $441,791 since its inception with 29 projects supported across the USA, Canada and UK.

The FairWays Foundation is a stand-alone 501c3 not-for-profit organization dedicated to supporting and promoting conservation and stewardship within the turf industry and beyond. The foundation supports conservation-based projects both big and small by granting funds to successful applicants globally.

FairWays Foundation completes third grant cycle

FairWays Foundation completes third grant cycle

12 projects have been funded in the 2022 grant cycle, totalling $169,000 in funds. The Grant Committee and Board were delighted to review a diverse array of projects including a Great Salt Lake Field Trip program, the expansion of previously supported Irvine to Girvan Nectar Network, an on-course vegetable garden to serve the golf club restaurant, the installation of bat boxes, restoring an agricultural field to prairie, phragmites removal, canal bank restoration and more.

Matt Foster, CEO & President of Aquatrols and President of The FairWays Foundation said, “We understand making a difference locally takes tremendous grit from a local champion. It might be a green keeper or parks manager or a program volunteer. Regardless, without their will, these projects would never move forward. Our message to those individuals out there with a wish for a healthier environment is The Fairways Foundation can help with the way to get there.”

The 2023 funding cycle opens February 2023. Find out how to apply.

To view more information about all the projects that have been supported this year, click here.

The FairWays Foundation is looking for ambassadors to help reach those who wish to champion environmental projects but are unable to proceed due to lack of resources. Find out how you can get involved here

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Suståne delivers strong and sustainable greens

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Suståne delivers strong and sustainable greens: A greens programme from Suståne® has been praised for delivering sustainable, steady and healthy growth at Wildernesse Golf Club. After making the switch six years ago, Course Manager Mark Todd cites that the combination of bi-monthly granular feeds and regular liquid applications has actively encouraged the natural soil biology, helping to reduce disease occurrence and in turn costly fungicide applications.

Wildernesse is widely recognised as one of the finest courses in Kent, with tree-lined fairways and fast-paced push-up greens regularly playing host to a number of England Golf and Kent County events. On the maintenance, Mark is supported by a team of ten. “For us, sustainability begins with working with what we have, looking at ways of encouraging both the biology and the species we want for our greens” explains Mark. “We chose the organic route to be more in-keeping with the older-style construction and straight away spoke to Suståne® after hearing great feedback from other clubs.”

Suståne delivers strong and sustainable greens

Suståne delivers strong and sustainable greens

“Russell Riley from Suståne® came in and, following some soil analysis, created a programme which we first trialled on our chipping greens. After just six months we could see the good results it was achieving which was when we decided to roll the programme out across all of our 20 greens.”

The programme consists of Suståne’s 4-6-4 slow-release fertiliser, 5-2-4+Fe and Suståne® Turf Revival® 6-2-4 which is applied regularly, in addition to being Mark’s ‘go-to’ for post renovation recovery. Turf Revival® 6-2-4 combines sources of water-soluble nitrogen with Suståne’s unique organic compost base which supplies a range of nutrients to enhance recovery and replenish soil – including a rich supply of humus and mycorrhizal fungi which contribute to efficient nutrient uptake and overall plant health.

“We have definitely noticed an improvement in plant health, less disease activity and steady growth – not peaks and troughs which tend to be evident with other products. We have also seen an increase in our bent population which is obviously beneficial for a more sustainable management approach moving forwards.”

Mark continues, “In addition to our regular feeds, we’ve also had great success with Suståne®’s Bolster® liquid plant biostimulant.” Bolster® is specially formulated to prepare plants for stress conditions by increasing root mass and growth, and accelerating chlorophyll production, improving its tolerance to heat, cold & frost and minimising pressure from parasitic nematodes.

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