The latest 36V equipment from Makita

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The latest 36V equipment from Makita: Makita UK has expanded its leading LXT outdoor power equipment range with the launch of the LM001CX3 LXT 36V 53cm Lawnmower, UB001CX2 LXT 36V Blower, UR101CX1 LXT 36V Brush Cutter, and UR101CX1 and UR201CX1 LXT 36V Linetrimmers.

Now supplied complete with Makita’s PDC1200A02 back-pack battery pack, these newly listed CX1, CX2 and CX3 models enable users to work for longer in comfort, without having to recharge or change batteries frequently. This makes them ideal for contractors who need to carry out a variety of demanding applications, all from a single charge.#

The latest 36V equipment from Makita

The latest 36V equipment from Makita

LM001CX3 LXT 36V 53cm Lawnmower

To ensure a clean and efficient cut every time, the LM001CX3 includes a self-propelled motor, with variable speed control, 10-stage height adjustment (from 20-100mm) and three operation modes. It also includes a 70L cloth catcher that allows for efficient grass collection – with a useful grass level indicator to let the user know when it needs emptying.

To ensure optimal operation, the LM001CX3 has four swing back blades that work to keep the machine working efficiently, even if it encounters a solid object in the lawn.

UB001CX2 LXT 36V Blower

This high-power blower delivers high air volume and speed, making light work of any clearing task – in fact, it delivers up to 20N maximum blowing force (when in boost mode), 70m/sec maximum air velocity and 17.6m3/min maximum air volume.

Powered by a 36V high power drive system, this machine has been designed for usability and comfort, with a cruise control function that maintains the power output and a lightweight and compact design that makes single handed operation easy. The UB001CX2 is also compatible with a shoulder belt for added stability and comfort and thanks to its easy to grip frame, it can be effortlessly operated in a sweeping motion. The UB001CX2 has a three-stage telescopic long nozzle for added accuracy.

What’s more, the UB001CX2 delivers low noise emissions, which is better for both the user and those on site.

UR101CX1 LXT 36V Brush Cutter and UR201CX1 LXT 36V Linetrimmer

These 1kW high-power machines are a must in any landscaper’s toolkit. Powered by Makita’s 36V portable power pack, these tools feature three electronic speeds and a reverse switch to ensure easy removal of grass clippings. The UR101CX1 and UR201CX1 also feature Makita’s Automatic Torque Drive Technology (ADT) that automatically adjusts the cutting speed according to the load conditions.

To protect the machine during use and ensure optimal performance, these machines have a high cooling capacity that suppresses heat generation of the controller and motor. Further to this, Active Feedback Sensing Technology (AFT) adds additional protection by shutting down the tool if the rotation speed suddenly slows, preventing overload and kickback.

Kevin Brannigan, Marketing Manager at Makita said: “We’re delighted to launch the LM001CX3, UB001CX2, UR101CX1 and UR201CX1, which were only previously available as body-only models. These new cordless garden machines have been innovatively designed to be compatible with Makita’s portable back-pack power units, enabling users to tackle large areas without the constrains of powers leads or health and safety hazards associated with petrol”.

To find out more about Makita visit: www.makitauk.com.

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Amenity Forum in collaboration with Defra

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Amenity Forum in collaboration with Defra: The Amenity Forum already offers a series of guidance notes and video material on integrated approaches to weed, pest and disease management and, in 2020, published an extensive document on the subject in relation to weed control, along with a template to help amenity organisations produce integrated plans.

Integrated approaches are long established in the sector but it is clear that, with the great emphasis being placed by government on this topic, it would be beneficial to further improve both access to and content of guidance to all operating in amenity and sports surface management. As such the Forum is in positive and collaborative dialogue with Defra as to how this can be achieved.

Amenity Forum in collaboration with Defra

Amenity Forum in collaboration with Defra

Defra published its Pollinator Action Plan recently and in it was the following reference to part of this work.

Work with stakeholders, including local authorities, to:

  1. support the development of guidance on the use of pesticides by amenity managers, including IPM and sustainable approaches for weed control which consider pollinators.
  2. explore ways to maximise uptake of IPM by amenity users

John Moverley, Independent Chairman of the Amenity Forum, said ‘’We have been in dialogue for some time with the Defra team about creating better access to guidance on integrated management. Whilst the publication of the much anticipated UK National Action Plan has been delayed, it is clear that the production of Integrated Plans will feature strongly. As such we welcome direct input into helping improve guidance. Integrated approaches involve creating plans for management making use of all tools available including pesticides  to provide the required outcome in a way which protects the environment and minimises carbon emissions’’

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Obituary – Barry Huxley

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Obituary – Barry Huxley: Huxley Golf, the well-known supplier of premier quality all-weather surfaces for golf, are very sad to announce the unexpected death of Barry Huxley, who founded the Huxley Golf business with his brother Paul in 2000.

Barry had been a Director of the Huxley family business Huxley (UK) Ltd for over 50 years, before its transfer to an Employee Owned Trust in 2020. The business was started in 1946 by Barry’s and Paul’s father Ted Huxley, who began selling Allen Motor Scythe grasscutters in London and the home counties when he was demobbed after war service in the RAF and Fleet Air Arm flying Spitfires and Seafires. Until 2000, The Huxley Grass Machinery business manufactured and supplied commercial grass cutting and turf maintenance machinery to golf courses and sports grounds throughout the UK and overseas as far away as Japan.

Obituary - Barry Huxley

Obituary – Barry Huxley

Barry Huxley joined the family business in 1970, after an apprenticeship at Ransomes in Ipswich, to learn about the manufacture, servicing and sales of mowing machinery. The firm continued to prosper, introduced the Cushman Turf Care System to this country in 1975 and began to develop and manufacture its own range of Huxley mowers, turf care implements and trucks. When the Huxley Grass Machinery business was sold in 2000, Barry and his brother Paul started the Huxley Golf business, having spotted the need for low maintenance, realistic and innovative all-weather golf surfaces.

It was clear from the start that high quality installation was key to the new business and Barry led from the front, supervising the installation of all-weather practice greens and tees for Nick Faldo and Ian Woosnam as well as many other world-famous tour professionals and championship courses. As Huxley Golf’s reputation grew, the firm carried out installations in many countries and now have appointed Distributors as far away as China.

From an early age, Barry excelled at every sport he took up. At Bradfield College, he captained the school cricket team, scoring several hundreds, was chosen to captain the ESCA southern schools against the north and then played for Berkshire. He played golf at Sunningdale and New Zealand, where he had many friends and, over the years, he achieved high standards at croquet, tennis, gliding, riding, ballroom dancing and clay-pigeon shooting.

The Huxley family are grateful to the many friends from all over the world who have shared their memories of Barry and expressed their sympathy and sadness about Barry’s sudden death.

Huxley Golf extends heartfelt condolences to Barry’s family and his many friends.

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INFINICUT® combo lands at Durham

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INFINICUT® combo lands at Durham: They say ‘all good things come to those who wait’, and for the team at Durham County Cricket Club, they’ve waited almost five years for their very own INFINICUT® and UltraGroomer™ set-up!

The combination has been on the mind of Head Groundsman Vic Demain since 2017, so when funding became available, the INFINICUT® was top of the shopping list. Following delivery in March, the INFINICUT® has been living up to expectations – swiftly tackling the invasion of annual meadow grass on the club’s practice facilities.

INFINICUT® combo lands at Durham

INFINICUT® combo lands at Durham

In charge of preparing surfaces for T20, County and International Cricket, Vic keeps his eyes and ears close to the ground when it comes to new solutions to the key maintenance tasks. “We had the opportunity to use the INFINICUT® complete with UltraGroomer™ for a couple of weeks back in 2017 and were hugely impressed by it, but unfortunately until this year the funding hasn’t been available” Vic explains. Over the COVID period, four units were hired by the ECB to help with preparations for those fixtures taking place behind closed doors, with one of these now finding a new home with Vic and his team of five.

“Having been sold on the UltraGroomer™ from all those years ago, we jumped at the chance to purchase one, together with a 22” INFINICUT® FL. It was delivered just as we began to see the grass thicken up and the annual meadow grass coming through which is where this machine comes into its own.” Featuring over 80 tungsten carbide tipped blades, the UltraGroomer™ from the TMSystem™ range improves the plants immediate environment by removing Poa ingress, lateral growth and organic matter to enhance the movement of oxygen, moisture and nutrients.

“While the Poa keeps growing and seed heads are showing we’ve been conducting fortnightly runs with the UltraGroomer™ and it’s done a fantastic job. We will also be looking to use it for thinning out the sward as part of our main pitch preparations.”

The INFINICUT® also becomes Vic’s first battery powered machine, something that will be in use even more frequently when he receives his new SMARTCut™ cutting reel. “We’re excited for the INFINICUT® to become a dual-purpose machine, with it lining up to be used to cut the main square and practice areas.” Vic adds, “Through the summer we are often hosting meetings and weddings and the last thing they want in the background is noisy mowers! Where we would previously be told to turn them off, with the INFINICUT® we’ll be able to cut the grass without disturbing the guests.”

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Agrovista’s roadshow has feel-good factor

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Agrovista’s roadshow has feel-good factor: The recent Agrovista Amenity Academy Roadshow, held at the stunning East Sussex National Golf Club, saw over 70 attendees soak up a memorable day of knowledge, networking, and wellbeing.

Greenkeepers and groundspersons ranging from course managers to apprentices, made their way to the East Sussex countryside to enhance their education on a variety of topics tailor-made for those working in the turf management sector.

Agrovista’s roadshow has feel-good factor

Agrovista’s roadshow has feel-good factor

Delegates were welcomed with breakfast rolls and breath-taking views across the finishing holes on both the East and West courses, before organiser and Amenity Specialist Andrew Norman introduced the day.

“Today we are focussing on wellbeing in turf, and it is relevant for absolutely everybody,” he said.

Without further ado, Danny Negus, Grounds Manager at Devonshire Park, took to the stage to discuss mental health.

“I thought it was received very well considering it is a very delicate and personal subject,” said Danny. “It gave me an opportunity to highlight some of the data that I collated last year which enabled me to emphasise the seriousness of wellbeing and mental health in this industry. We all need to realise there is not a stigma attached to this and we must look at moving forward in a positive way.”

After Danny’s presentation, the attendees were divided into three smaller groups to diversify the experience of the technical seminars which were to follow.

Alan Pierce from Aquatrols Europe was on hand to discuss the innovative plant technology behind the leading Redox range of nutritional products.

“Hopefully I have been able to provide some education around the Redox range but also to help them understand that while these tools aren’t a solution to some of the stresses they may be under, they can certainly help free up some head space to enable them to think about some of the bigger issues they might be facing,” he said.

Neil Pullen from Compo Expert offered his expertise on the different forms of slow-release fertilisers and explained in detail everything from how they are manufactured to how they are packaged.

Agrovista’s Karl Parry offered a glimpse into the online Agrovista Amenity Academy; introduced the latest trial data on BASF’s Attraxor plant growth regulator and also highlighted the benefits of PrecisionPro – an attachment for a granular spreader to make sure products are applied evenly and accurately. Delegates also had the opportunity to put PrecisionPro to the test once the seminar had concluded and it is safe to say that there was certainly some competition on display.

In between the seminars, lunch was served in the award winning two rosette restaurant, and the day concluded with drinks from the Ryder Bar & Terrace.

As the delegates continued to network and reflect, it was apparent that there was a certain feel-good factor associated with the day.

“As an apprentice I feel that there has been a lot of knowledge to gain and it has been really interesting,” said Anna Rose Smethurst from Holtye Golf Club. “It was good to find out more about the Agrovista Amenity Academy because it has been really helpful for my college work and for all the products I use. I’m taking a lot away with me.”

Josh Negus from Devonshire Park was another apprentice who benefited from attending: “The whole day has been a great wealth of information and the discussion on fertilisers was super informative,” he said.

Dean Franks from West Sussex Golf Club also found the day informative: “The PrecisionPro talk was a good eye-opener because calibration in terms of being the spray technician is really going to be helpful in my job role. I’ve learnt a lot about new products, and I’ve got some brochures to take away which I will be sure to revise.”

Networking was a key aspect of the day for Cuckfield Golf Centre’s Head Greenkeeper, Josh Clarke: “It has been great to meet other greenkeepers and chat about the industry and bounce ideas off one another. Networking is so important in this industry, but we rarely get together and speak.

“The online Agrovista Academy has been brilliant for us,” added Josh. “I’m always telling my team to use it so they can find out more about the products they are applying.”

Scott Litchfield, Course Manager at East Sussex National, was delighted to welcome so many peers to his place of work.

“We were very proud to host the day,” he said. “The majority of my team attended, and they thoroughly enjoyed themselves. Danny Negus’ seminar was absolutely superb. Mental health in this industry needs to be made more aware of – the more we talk about it the easier it becomes.”

Danny’s wellbeing seminar also struck a chord with Michael Sparke, Deputy Course Manager at Kings Hill Golf Club: “When you are out mowing on your own you can get lost in your own head. As we evolve as a society and anxiety and depression becomes more apparent, it is something that needs to be acknowledged more and improved upon.

“Finding out that so many of us are experiencing the same problems makes you realise you are not alone, and that we are all in this together.”

You can view a highlights video from the day by visiting https://youtu.be/oQ-LI46D7MY

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

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