TriCure AD™ keeps the greens green

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TriCure AD™ keeps the greens green: As the UK scorches in some of the hottest temperatures ever recorded, the greens at Wexham Park Golf Centre are… well, green, thanks to TriCure AD™ from Headland Amenity!

Course Manager Tom Evans has praised the multi-molecular soil surfactant for retaining condition and presentation on the venue’s 27 greens – citing both a reduction in the amount of hand-watering required and, in turn, an increase in available water to maintain other areas of the site.

TriCure AD™ keeps the greens green

TriCure AD™ keeps the greens green

Three and a half years into his tenure as Course Manager, Tom is currently overseeing a major redevelopment project at the Buckinghamshire club alongside his team of six greens staff. He explains, “No two days are the same and the weather is certainly throwing more challenges into the mix for us. There’s no doubt we’re seeing more of these prolonged periods of hot and dry weather, and that’s when I’m really grateful that we’ve got a solid regime in place with TriCure AD™.”

“Over the years I’ve trialled various wetting agents, but TriCure is the one I keep coming back to – applied at 10L/hectare, monthly, between April and the end of September.” The ‘Tri’ of TriCure AD™ represents the three active surfactant chemistries which work together to help prevent and cure hydrophobic conditions. This combination enhances efficiency over single molecule wetters, treating all types of rootzone particles at much lower rates (like for like) than competitor products.

“This year, more than any other, we’ve noticed just how well it’s working. It has seen us through a dry spell in April/May and again now in the July heatwave, keeping the greens where we want them to be with barely any hand watering needed. We have also, this year, trialled using TriCure on one of our tees with great results. Hopefully, budget permitting, this can be factored into our programme in coming years which will be a major step forward for us in being better equipped cope with these more frequent hot conditions.”

Tom continues, “Like a lot of clubs our water supply is limited. In previous years the water to the tees has been turned off because of how much was required to keep the greens in good shape. That hasn’t been necessary this year, and that really is testament to the effectiveness of the TriCure AD™.”

TriCure AD™ is available in liquid, granular and pellet form, for accurate dosing through hose end applicators and offers cost-effective multi-rate use on all types of sports turf surface.

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Trencher Hire’s Mr Fixit

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Trencher Hire’s Mr Fixit: Meet Steve Kingdom who is responsible for ensuring the smooth running of Trencher Hire on a day-to-day basis.

As Operations Manager his role can be demanding, but he loves the interaction with customers and helping them through the process of selecting the right trencher for a particular application. He comments: “For many people hiring a trencher is a ‘one-off’ purchase and therefore it can be a little daunting, particularly if they are not used to operating such machinery.

Trencher Hire's Mr Fixit

Trencher Hire’s Mr Fixit

“It is my job to take the initial phone inquiry and ensure that the machine is delivered on the due date and take care of every detail in-between, including advising them on what the machines can do and how to operate them. It’s important to me that we not only meet a customer’s expectation but go beyond it.

Steve is a qualified car mechanic who worked for 12 years in that environment and so servicing the trenchers – another part of his job – is something he is well suited to, even though the machines are somewhat different!

Twenty months ago, Steve and his wife Amanda took the decision to move out of the hurly-burly of London and opt for a slower pace of life here in Shropshire. “We have settled happily into country life and feel our well-being is in a better place. However, we do enjoy going back to London now and again……but we really notice how busy it is in comparison to here.

“I was born in East London and spent over 40 years of my life in North London. My career has been varied and includes undertaking domestic appliance repairs, as well as 12 years as an Area and Regional Manager for Miele. However, having worked for a number of global organisations, I wanted to find a role with a small, local, family business and when I saw the vacancy at Trencher Hire, I was immediately drawn to it and haven’t looked back since.

“Prior to this, I took a year out to set up a mobile bar business called “Tipple On Tap,” which my wife continues to run and is hired out for such events as weddings and festivals. On board are a selection of drinks ‘on-tap’ including draft beers, wines, cocktails and prosecco.

“My time at Trencher Hire has been really enjoyable, but challenging at times – but that’s the way I like it.”

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Martin Lishman collaborates with Manterra

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Martin Lishman collaborates with Manterra: In a world of self-driving tractors, cars and even lawnmowers, the call for the precision and reliability of GPS controlled vehicles is sweeping across all industries.

For compact sprayer manufacturers Martin Lishman Ltd, their venture into the world of autonomous spraying became a reality when they were approached by UK based precision equipment specialist, Manterra Ltd. The plan was to mount a Martin Lishman Mini-Spray 125 litre demount sprayer with 3.5m boom on their XAG R150 fully autonomous utility vehicle and create a go-anywhere unmanned GPS controlled spraying system.

Martin Lishman collaborates with Manterra

Martin Lishman collaborates with Manterra

With both Martin Lishman and Manterra having roots in the Agricultural industry, their shared ethos of understanding customer requirements to provide solutions which were not always readily available was a perfect match for this project.

With Martin Lishman’s long history of designing and manufacturing compact sprayers, the choice was clear when it came to choosing a sprayer for the project. “We were struggling to find a UK based manufacturer who could fill all our requirements for lead time, quality, specification and value”, explains Andrew Manfield, Managing Director of Manterra Ltd. “Martin Lishman were able to fulfil all our requirements regarding these critical aspects, worked closely with us to meet our needs and were always responsive to our requests.”

The XAG and Mini-Spray combo provides a robust and versatile ground-based platform, which offers a whole plethora of spraying capabilities at an affordable level. It utilises the Trimble control system to deliver a full suite of variable rate application and targeted application solutions using Trimble Weedseeker sensors.

The use of the unmanned sprayer vehicle brings with it many benefits; the precision aspect means incredibly accurate spraying application and minimising the overuse of chemicals, from a safety perspective operators have greater separation from chemicals when the sprayer is in use and from an environmental point of view, the battery vehicle is quieter and lighter than typical UTV’s or tractors, minimising disturbance, and ground pressure.

“One simple but very effective application is using the XAG ‘follow me’ mode to do spot spraying using the lance attached to the Lishman sprayer”, adds Andrew. “As the R150 will follow the operator, stopping and starting automatically at approximately 2 metres away, it is infinitely better than using either a knapsack sprayer or a machine which must constantly be driven forward. Ultimately the applications for the sprayer and XAG platform are only limited by the ingenuity of the operator.”

“We jumped at the opportunity to get involved when Manterra approached us”, explains Gavin Lishman, Managing Director of Martin Lishman Ltd. “Our sprayers are going from strength to strength each year and we can firmly say that they have taken a strong hold in both the agricultural and amenity industries. Exploring new ideas and driving our product development is one of the reasons we got to where we are, so to be a part of this project was a good fit for us. We’ve seen GPS driven sprayers before, but never a fully autonomous unmanned sprayer – this could be a world first!”

“Field tests have been run successfully and we have machines in the process of installation with customers. Some of these are educational establishments so it will be interesting to get feedback from the next generation of operators”, Andrew Manfield concludes.

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JCB’s 75th birthday bash

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JCB’s 75th birthday bash: Scintillating entertainment and sizzling summer temperatures combined to make the biggest party in JCB’s history a day to remember.

Around 15,500 people soaked up the atmosphere at the JCB Family Festival, which was staged as a thank you to thousands of UK employees past and present.

JCB's 75th birthday bash

JCB’s 75th birthday bash

The spectacular event was held at the company’s picturesque Wootton Estate close to the World Headquarters in Rocester, Staffordshire. Entertainment included eight live music acts – headlined by chart-topping pop star Sophie Ellis-Bextor.

JCB had originally planned to celebrate its 75th anniversary in 2020 but plans for a party had to be put on ice for two years due to the Covid-19 pandemic. And in an ironic twist of fate JCB Chairman Anthony Bamford, who was due to address the crowds, was unable to attend after contracting Coronavirus. Instead, his wife, Carole Bamford, welcomed the thousands of employees and retired employees who attended the Family Festival

Lady Bamford said: “I’m here by proxy. My husband should have been here today for this wonderful family day, but sadly he has got Covid. JCB is family business, built on family values and you are all so important to us. I’m proud of what we have all achieved together. Today is a thank you from us to all of you for making JCB what it is today. Have a wonderful day, in fact have a ball.”

The Festival was compered by TV presenter, magician and comedian Stephen Mulhern who entertained with an audience participation magic show. He said: “As soon as I got involved with the Family Festival, I knew it was going to be incredibly special. It’s been an honour to perform in front of all these people.”

Speaking during her performance, Sophie Ellis-Bextor said: “It’s been lovely being here today sharing it with you and your families. It’s been very special for me.”

Another key ingredient of the day was popular TV chef Ainsley Harriott MBE who staged celebrity cooking sessions in his inimitable style. Acting as sous chefs at his two cooking demonstrations were JCB employees Richard Doyle, who works as an Engineer at JCB Power Systems in Foston, Derbyshire, and Lauren Guyler, who works as Management Accountant at JCB Cab Systems in Uttoxeter. Later, guests queued around the cooking tent to get selfies and autographs with the larger-than-life star.

Also on the bill was JCB’s JCB Shakeshaft, performing a medley of songs during a half hour set. Jake, who works at JCB’s World HQ, represented the UK at the Eurovision Song Contest in 2016 as part of the duo Joe and Jake.

The event was invitation only and open to UK employees and their families as well as retired employees. They were able to toast their contribution to JCB’s success with complimentary food and drink.

Other highlights included a Spitfire and Hurricane fly-past, while back on the ground a 12-man Dancing Digger team entertained with their world-famous choregraphed routines. A classic car show, ferret racing, Punch and Judy and an all-day cinema tent provided endless entertainment as well as acrobatic and strongman displays. There was also an appearance by Carters Steam Fair, a travelling vintage funfair with rides from 1890s to the 1960s as part of its last ever tour.

Among those attending were husband and wife Lee and Sue Durber from Newcastle-under-Lyme.  Both have worked for JCB Finance in Rocester for 24 years and were there with son Sam, five.

Lee said: “We decided to bring him so he could see where his mum and dad worked and get a better understanding of what a big role real JCBs play in our lives. He has been absolutely blown away by the Dancing Diggers – as we were as well. It’s been a great family day out laid on by a great company.”

Phil Peach, of Rocester, was a welder on JCB’s Backhoe Loader production line at the World HQ for 35 years. The 78-year-old, who still works for the company as a part-time water bailiff protecting wildlife on the JCB lake, said: “I have really enjoyed today meeting old colleagues, many of whom who I have not seen for quite a while because of Covid. There is such a great community spirit around this company and a day like today just shows JCB likes to look after its people, past and present. The facilities are spot on and the entertainment is great – I really loved Ainsley Harriott’s cooking demonstrations – that was a highlight for me.”

JCB Senior Engineer Mark Richards attended with wife Rosie and son Louie, three. Mark, from Derby, said: “It’s been fantastic to come here. You can see straight away the amount of work that has gone into this. Given the couple of years we have had, this is a real morale boost to everyone who is associated with JCB and a great way to celebrate the company’s anniversary. There is so much to see and do and they’ve laid on loads for children too, which makes it a real family occasion.”

JCB Marketing Manager Olivia Chilman from Abbots Bromley is on maternity leave but attended with her husband Scott and their three-year-old son Rupert and six-month-old daughter Alice.

She said: “We wanted to bring the little ones to see the Dancing Diggers and the steam fair – but in all honesty there is so much to see and do, we are spoilt for choice.”

Scott, who is a Financial Controller with JCB Earthmovers, Cheadle, said: “This is a fantastic story all about family values. Everyone has had some very challenging times over the last couple of years so to be able to come and celebrate in this way with so many of our colleagues is just a great feeling.”

Charles Wood worked for JCB more than 50 years ago at the company’s Wootton Estate, where the Family Festival has been staged.

The 71-year-old from Rocester said: “Even though I haven’t been with the company for four decades, they still invited me to this celebration. It goes to show how deeply rooted JCB is in the local community.

“It is a strange feeling being on this site, as I remember planting all the trees round here when they were just tiny saplings. Now I’m looking at them and they are 30 to 40ft tall.”

His friend Gordon Bailey, 81, of Uttoxeter worked for JCB in the 60s and 70s on the cabs finishing line. He said: “When I got the invitation, it was an offer I just couldn’t refuse. I remember attending celebration events when I was working here but none of them were like today. This is spectacular.

“It’s been a great trip down memory lane coming here and seeing so many of the machines and, also, seeing what has changed. Thank you JCB for inviting me.”

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Trilo S3 proves to be silver lining

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Trilo S3 proves to be silver lining: They say that out of adversity, comes opportunity, and that’s exactly how the team at Mount Kelly are approaching a devastating fire that destroyed their equipment store in November 2021.

With a need to replace the entire fleet of machinery, Grounds Manager Mat Stevens says that the purchase of the multi-functional S3 from Trilo has not only saved them buying multiple machines, but halved the workload on some of the sites most time-consuming tasks.

Trilo S3 proves to be silver lining

Trilo S3 proves to be silver lining

“I was actually on my way to SALTEX on the morning that the fire happened” explains Mat, who oversees the 140 acres that make up the college and prep school site alongside a team of nine. “I was trying to make a mental note of everything we’d lost, which included a brush that we used to put on the back of a tractor for leaf and debris clearance. As soon as I arrived at SALTEX, the first stand I stopped on was Trilo and it quickly became evident that an S3 would be a great replacement.”

The ability to equip brush, scarifier and flail shafts makes the Trilo S3 a maintenance machine for all seasons. Featuring powerful vacuum suction and a 3m3 hopper capacity, Mat is quickly discovering the benefits the S3 can bring. “We purchased the S3 along with the additional scarifier cassette, which was delivered by Vincent Tractors in June and since it arrived the team have been nothing but impressed. Its first outing was to clear hedge cuttings from a very hard to reach location, which was no problem whatsoever with the S3’s 6m wanderhose. It halved the time that job would have previously taken.”

Mat is also predicting similar labour-savings when it comes to autumn maintenance. “The Trilo will absolutely transform leaf collection. In other years this would involve four or five people, blowing or brushing the leaves into piles and collecting them by hand. Now it will be two people maximum, collecting leaves and other debris in one pass. We’re also looking forward to scarifying our sports fields which hasn’t previously been feasible with the resources required but now, with the S3, we can really drive to improve the quality of our pitches.”

“It’s like five machines in one and has drastically reduced the amount of money we would have otherwise had to find to replace what we lost.” Not only has Mat been over the moon with the machine, the service that came with the S3 has also been second to none. He adds, “On the day the machine was delivered, Jeremy Vincent from Vanmac spent hours with the team and I going through set-up, and how everything works, even little things like how to clean it after use. The whole process has been faultless from start to finish.”

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