New area sales manager for Agrovista Amenity

/in , /by

New area sales manager for Agrovista Amenity: Tom Weaver has been announced as the new Central Area Sales Manager for Agrovista Amenity.

Tom initially started his career as a greenkeeper and quickly worked his way up to the position of course manager. He credits his greenkeeping experience for helping to shape his career path and claims that he was proud to once have been ‘on the tools.’

New area sales manager for Agrovista Amenity

New area sales manager for Agrovista Amenity

At the age of 28 he became a sales advisor for Pitchcare, where he began advising greenkeepers and turf managers on various products – many of which he had previously used. Tom made an impact, and it wasn’t long before he was overseeing the internal sales team.

It was a period in his career that he will always remember fondly.

“For me, the biggest achievement was the team ethos that we have created,” he said.

“We’ve been on a journey together and the department is now such a well-oiled machine.

We’ve got staff ranging in age from 21 to 65, who are all pushing in the same direction – it’s great to see and even better to be a part of.”

Based in Allscott, Telford, Tom will still be leading the internal turf team but in addition he will also be focussing on the external side of the business.

“It is not a case of reinventing the wheel because the external team is the best in the business,” said Tom. “I’m there to offer support and to ensure that I’m always available on the other end of the phone if they need advice or solutions.

“I’m sure there be will lots of twists and turns in the road ahead, but that is part of the job and I fully intend on successfully overcoming any challenges. In terms of my direct line of management I could not ask for much more – my relationship with Dan Hughes (Head of Commercial) and John Marland (Head of Amenity) is very strong and it’s always nice to have their support.

“2022 has the potential to be hugely successful and I truly believe we can do great things here.”

Commenting on Tom’s appointment, Dan Hughes said: “Tom joins an exceptionally talented and experienced Area Management team of James Watson (South) and Ramsay MacGregor (North). Despite still being relatively young, Tom brings a wealth of agronomy skill and proven management experience to the role. At heart Tom is an industry person, sports enthusiast and a conscientious team player who will strengthen our business and engagement with customers.”

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

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.

Two is company when it comes to ISEKI

/in , /by

Two is company when it comes to ISEKI: ISEKI UK & Ireland, distributors of ISEKI compact tractors and mowers alongside their local dealer Rickerby based in Carlisle, recently sold a TLE3410 following an initial TG6490 IQ to Richmond (Yorks) Golf Club.

Established in 1892 Richmond Golf Club in North Yorkshire holds a 18 hole golf course, carefully maintained and constantly improved by a team of three greenkeepers headed up by Rob Spaven, Head Greenkeeper, Iain Leversuch and Daniel Dean.  With the course’s long history, the team are passionate about continuing to refine the course bringing it back to its natural habitat. Over-looking a valley it is perfectly positioned for stunning views at every hole no matter what the Yorkshire weather throws at it.

Two is company when it comes to ISEKI

Two is company when it comes to ISEKI

Having purchased its first TG6490 IQ tractor from local dealer Rickerby based in Hexham four years ago the club has since grown in popularity and memberships, which in turn means more pressure on the greenkeeping team to keep developing the course.

Commenting on the initial purchase Rob Spaven explained; “One of the main reasons we purchased the TG6490 IQ was because of the tractors low ground pressure ensuring minimal damage on the greens, we are a wet course thanks to the local Yorkshire weather so this is very important to us.”

“Another invaluable tool of this particular tractor is the Headland management system when verti-draining. Instead of acting like an octopus having to constantly keep lifting and lowering the implement, starting and stopping the PTO whilst turning and realigning, the headland management system cuts out the PTO when lifted and re-engages on return down all with one simple lever making these repetitive tasks so much easier and safer.”

“There is a big selection of 24 gears for the ultimate control, 1,580kg lift capacity perfect for operating implements, moving logs and towing trailers, and most importantly the air con cab is a god send when working in Yorkshire inclement weather!”

With the increased maintenance that was now required due to the club’s success, it was decided another tractor was needed to keep up with the workload.  This is where the new TLE3410 comes in, commenting on the decision Rob Spaven explained; “again with its low ground pressure and minimal damage on the greens the 40hp TLE3410 with 1000kg lift capacity was chosen for spraying and slitting fairways.  A really good, simple tractor that’s bomb proof and perfect for operators to just jump on and use.”

“As greenkeepers we are all worried about taking tractors on the greens, but when you’ve got two tractors that barely leave any marks, what more could you ask for! The TG’s reliability has been faultless, club’s don’t have as much excess money anymore, we can’t afford big repair bills but we have had no problems with this tractor.”

“After the excellent service and back up received from our first ISEKI tractor from local dealer Rickerby, we didn’t hesitate to contact them again for the purchase of our TLE3410.  The staff at ISEKI UK have also been brilliant, they are a friendly bunch to deal with, happy to answer any questions and there is really good communication from them.  I cannot speak highly enough of them to be honest and would highly recommend ISEKI products.”

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.

TM1000 the perfect all-rounder

/in , /by

TM1000 the perfect all-rounder: The SISIS Rotorake TM1000 tractor mounted scarifier is the perfect ‘all-rounder’ according to Christian Brain, Grounds Manager at Cheltenham College. 

“In a school environment, I need to buy equipment that is versatile and can do different jobs on multiple surfaces,” said Christian. “The SISIS TM1000 ticks all the boxes.”

TM1000 the perfect all-rounder

TM1000 the perfect all-rounder

If anyone knows the secrets behind maintaining grounds and sports pitches in schools, it is Christian – he has been at Cheltenham College for just over eight years which followed positions at Cokethorpe School and Radley College.

It was during his previous positions that he first became acquainted with the SISIS Rotorake TM1000.

“The TM1000 is a machine I have used a lot in my previous roles, and I am delighted that Cheltenham College now has one,” he said.

“The purchase of the TM1000 by the school has been justifiable because it is incredibly versatile and able to undertake both scarification, aeration and grass collection in a variety of situations,” Christian added.

The SISIS Rotorake TM1000 is a tractor-mounted heavy-duty scarifier and linear aerator and is unrivalled when it comes to removing and controlling thatch. It includes a collector box and floating unit to follow ground contours and its contra-rotating reel throws debris forward ensuring a clean, consistent groove resulting in an excellent finish. The TM1000 also features interchangeable blades and a quick, simple depth setting without tools.

Christian currently relies on the 2mm scarifying removal reel and revealed just how much the Rotorake TM1000 will be used at the college.

“I have already scarified the front lawns of the school with it, which helped to clear out a lot of rubbish before seeding.

“Over half term I have scheduled in a light scarification with it on all of the rugby pitches. We will then see what kind of spring or winter we have, and whether we do a bit more in-depth scarification on some of the areas in preparation for the summer term. It will also be used on the football pitches and cricket outfields too.

“It is great to have it here now,” continued Christian. “I no longer have to worry about hiring or borrowing kit like I previously did. We can use it whenever we like and the whole team can operate it because it’s very simple to use.

“The TM1000 is the perfect all-rounder, and it does exactly what we need it to do. It was the best one on the market for me.”

For further information or a no obligation demonstration, please contact SISIS on 01332 824 777 or visit www.sisis.com

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

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.

Royal Burgess commissions Huxley Golf

/in , /by

Royal Burgess commissions Huxley Golf: The Royal Burgess Golfing Society of Edinburgh appointed Huxley Golf to update its practice facilities. The oldest golf society in the world, and one of the finest clubs in Scotland, now has an exceptional practice tee that members and visitors may enjoy all year round.

With more than 280 years of history, The Royal Burgess championship golf course, designed by the legendary Willie Park Jr, is an excellent example of parkland golf, featuring lush, tree-lined fairways, cleverly positioned bunkers and smooth greens. Its well-loved and constantly used practice tee, however, was showing signs of not being able to cope with customer and environmental demands. The Royal Burgess turned to market-leading golf surfaces company

Royal Burgess commissions Huxley Golf

Royal Burgess commissions Huxley Golf

Huxley Golf for assistance. Huxley Golf’s solution was to create a high-quality all-weather surface tee that sits behind and carefully complements the existing natural turf tee. Measuring 12’ (3.6m) x 56’ (17m) and created using Huxley Premier All-weather Tee Turf 2 which is renowned for its realism, the new tee keeps the practice facility in play all winter while enabling the natural grass to regenerate for summer use.

Course Manager, Chris Yeaman, said: “We paid careful consideration to this decision as we have not used artificial golf surfaces previously. It’s incredibly important for us to give our golfers the best experience, no matter how they choose to enjoy The Royal Burgess. “I’m pleased to say that the support and advice we received from the Huxley Golf team from design through to installation has been superb. The playing surface itself is second-to-none and it blends exceptionally well with the natural surroundings. Where natural turf is under extreme pressure, as ours is, I’m confident that we have provided our members and visitors with the best alternative available. Importantly too, it means that our highly regarded coaching service can keep pace with demand, whatever the weather.”

Hugh Fraser, Scotland & North East England Area Manager at Huxley Golf oversaw the project from beginning to end. He commented: “It was a huge privilege to work with Chris and the team at The Royal Burgess. With this new practice tee, they have opted to embrace the new without in any way impacting their impressive heritage and reputation. I’m confident that it will be well received by everyone who plays upon it.”

Huxley Golf has also created practice areas for nearby Gullane Golf Club and The Honourable Company of Edinburgh Golfers Muirfield.

The Huxley name has been synonymous with premium all-weather golf surfaces and products.

Endorsed by the UK’s leading golf organisations as well as many legendary golfers and celebrities and their coaching teams, the Hampshire-based company’s artificial golf surfaces are in use all around the world at top-flight courses, resorts, and training academies. For more information visit www.huxleygolf.com

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.

Soil carbon data added to product information

/in , /by

Soil carbon data added to product information: In its drive to lead the industry in providing extensive product information to its customers, British Sugar TOPSOIL is measuring its BS3882:2015-compliant general purpose topsoil, Landscape20, for total soil carbon.

Soil scientists Tim O’Hare Associates have carried out a comprehensive audit of the carbon contained in a typical sample of Landscape20 and will now sample the soil every six months at the point of despatch to monitor its carbon content.

Soil carbon data added to product information

Soil carbon data added to product information

The focus on soil health and its role in mitigating climate change has drawn attention to the levels of carbon that can be stored in soil. In order to give British Sugar TOPSOIL’s customers useful data on Landscape20’s carbon sequestration potential – i.e. its ability to capture and store atmospheric carbon dioxide, which is a major contributor to global warming – Tim O’Hare Associates will be monitoring:

  • Organic Carbon Stock (tonnes/Ha)
  • Total Carbon
  • Soil Organic Carbon
  • Soil Inorganic Carbon
  • Soil Organic Matter
  • Total Nitrogen
  • Organic Carbon:Nitrogen ratio

National TOPSOIL Manager Andy Spetch said: “We believe this data on the carbon content of Landscape20 topsoil will be particularly useful to housebuilders, developers, and construction and landscaping professionals who need to evidence their approach to delivering environmentally sustainable homes to regulatory and other bodies. All this information is freely accessible and downloadable from our website and customers can call us if they require clarification on the carbon content or any other technical aspect of our products.”

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.