Imperative MM impresses the Imps

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Imperative MM impresses the Imps: Lincoln City FC, also known as the Imps, boasts a pitch consisting of MM60 grass seed and Head Groundsman Craig Housley could not be more impressed.

MM60 is the UK’s leading winter sports renovation mixture and can be attributed with playing a key role in many of the finest sporting venues you see today. The 100% Ryegrass formula, which is perfect for divot repair, is renowned for its extremely fast germination and its high wear tolerance. It produces fantastic aesthetic qualities, and its high disease resistance provides ultimate protection.

Imperative MM impresses the Imps

Imperative MM impresses the Imps

Craig, currently in his second season as the Head Groundsman at Lincoln City FC, is no stranger to the market leading grass seed. “I knew just how good the seed was because I had used it in my previous role at Scunthorpe Untied FC. I would highly recommend it and will carry on using it in the future,” he said.

The decision to apply MM60 at Lincoln City FC’s LNER Stadium coincided with the construction of a brand new Fibresand pitch which took place at the end of the 2020/21 season. In fact, the process began the very next day after the Imps’ last game of the season.

A month later and MM60 was ready to be used. Craig applied the seed in four passes at a rate of 35g per square metre. This, in theory, would have provided enough time for the pitch to be completely ready in time for the first game of the season, but based on Craig’s experience of using MM60, he knew that this would never be in doubt.

“I’ve never known grass to come through so quickly which I believe is due to the HEADSTART® GOLD treatment,” he said.

As Craig says, MM60 is treated with HEADSTART® GOLD, which has been developed using the latest scientific findings and field experience. It is a natural revolutionary grass seed treatment that ensures rapid germination and is perfect for enhancing performance on sports fields, golf courses, lawns and amenity turf.

Imperative MM impresses the Imps

Imperative MM impresses the Imps

“There are so many benefits from using MM60,” continued Craig. “The colour you get from it is really good, as is the recovery, and the speed of germination is fantastic. I’ve never had any issues and it keeps the pitch free from disease.

“It’s a hard-wearing seed and we have managed to maintain really good grass coverage. Football is a difficult sport to maintain grass, especially now with the rigorous warm-ups before a game; even the cool-downs are like full training sessions. We don’t struggle for grass coverage anywhere on the pitch, even in the tight areas, and I believe that is down to the MM60.”

For further information, please contact MM Sports Seed on 01386 791102 or visit the company’s new website www.mm-seeds.co.uk. You can also follow the company on Twitter: @MM_Seed

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Ride-on with interchangeable batteries

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Ride-on with interchangeable batteries: STIGA commits to balance product competitiveness and effective resource utilization and introduces STIGA Swift, its newest ride-on mower which meets the high demands of environmentally friendly and resource-conserving work ensuring maximum performance and the greatest possible flexibility.

As one of the leading manufacturers of ride-on mowers, STIGA sets brand new standards in ePower with its Swift.  STIGA’s innovation comes in the form of the world’s first ride-on mower with interchangeable batteries.  STIGA is now the first manufacturer to feature interchangeable batteries and a full range of motorised garden tools, from handhelds to walk-behinds and ride-ons, to suit all user needs, garden architectures and price ranges.

Ride-on with interchangeable batteries

Ride-on with interchangeable batteries

Swift batteries are compatible with STIGA handheld equipment

The STIGA Swift is equipped with a combined 25 Ah battery pack comprising four 48V batteries (2 x 5 Ah + 2 x 7.5 Ah), included in standard delivery.  Innovative interchangeable batteries make for virtually limitless riding time, rendering the Swift ideally suited for use on expansive, demanding lawns.  The batteries work synchronously and constantly balance the available energy: Onboard charging supplies new energy to one battery after the other, so that the first one is ready for use again after just 30 minutes. A further innovative feature is the system compatibility of the high-performance power units:

The interchangeable batteries can be used seamlessly in a wide variety of STIGA range handheld equipment.  Mowing the lawn and cleaning up pavements at the same time with a leaf blower or trimming back hedges with a multitool?  No problem!  The Swift runs reliably and efficiently even on only three batteries.  Users will benefit from the flexibility of these batteries and can always count on full e-Power.

Short turning radius, smart mowing mode

The Swift is the optimal solution for mowing complex gardens.  Why?  Featuring a width of just 735 mm, it has proved to master even the “narrowest” of challenges.  It also has an extremely low minimum outer turning radius of 1,620 mm, offering the greatest possible manoeuvrability, which is why it works cleanly and precisely even in areas with many obstacles.  Cutting edge mowing technology and smart mowing modes optimise Swift operation.  Three mowing options are available in total according to demand and energy consumption:  While the standard mode provides a performance of 3,500 rpm, the boost mode with 3,700 rpm masters even dense, tall lawns with ease.  Eco mode (3,200 rpm) saves users up to 40% energy, covering an area of around 2,800 sqm.

Comfortable and safe handling

Equally convincing is the comfortable handling: Low-vibration, ergonomic features and a reduced noise level guarantee pleasant and quiet operation.  While the steering wheel can be turned easily with just one finger, the one-button start, cruise control and STIGA One Pedal Drive ensure intuitive start-up and driving.  The tractor stops automatically when the drive pedal is released.  The parking brake also activates automatically as soon as the machine comes to a stop, with no need for manual intervention.  Using the extended connectivity with the STIGA.GO app and the virtual dashboard, users can always keep track of the current battery status and also adjust the various settings to suit their personal needs. With a low center of gravity of 351 mm, the Swift brings manageability and safety to every cut.  The new dual-blade mowing deck is designed for more efficient airflow inside the tunnel and at the blades, which also improves the collection of clippings.  The shredded grass is fed reliably, quickly and without clogging into the 170 l catcher bag.  With the special washing attachment, cleaning only takes a few seconds after the work is done.

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Agrigem reaches finals of FSB awards 2022

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Agrigem reaches finals of FSB awards 2022: Agrigem is pleased to announce that it has been nominated and shortlisted for the FSB Celebrating Small Business Awards 2022 in the category of High Growth Business of the Year.

After many years of continuous but sustainable growth, Agrigem is pleased that the FSB has recognised and finalised the company. The final is due to be held on 6th April 2022. Agrigem’s Managing Director, Kieran Would said “It’s a pleasure to see everyone’s at Agrigem hard working being recognised”.

Agrigem reaches finals of FSB awards 2022

Agrigem reaches finals of FSB awards 2022

The FSB has been helping small businesses and the self‐employed achieve their ambitions for over 45 years. As a non‐profit organisation and the UK’s leading business campaigner, they’re making real change happen for their members and the wider small business community. FSB members benefit from market‐leading services and support to help them run their business, including local networking events, legal advice, insurance protection and more.

The Federation of Small Businesses celebrates the achievements and contributions of small businesses and the self‐employed across the UK. As the largest event of its kind in the small business  calendar, the high‐profile FSB Celebrating Small Business Awards are free to enter and open to all.

Winners from each category securing a spot at the prestigious UK final and a chance to be crowned the UK Small Business of the Year. Entrants will be judged by a panel of leading business experts with a wealth of experience in their industry.

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Hunter on target for the Darts

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Hunter on target for the Darts: The heavily used pitch at Dartford FC’s Princes Park Stadium is benefitting from a recently installed Hunter irrigation system, supplied by KAR UK.

From Dartford FC’s first team to the academy teams; from the Dartford ladies’ teams and London City Lionesses to Charlton FC’s Under 23’s, the pitch at Princes Park is in regular demand. To be precise, it averages 76 games per year.

Hunter on target for the Darts

Hunter on target for the Darts

Responsible for ensuring every one of those games takes place is the experienced Head Groundsman Jay Berkhauer who works for Jordans Sports Ground Solutions – who are responsible for the maintenance of Princess Park as well as a host of other clubs all over the South East.

Jay has been in charge at Princes Park Stadium for three seasons and has made a significant improvement to the pitch.

In recognising that such a heavily used pitch requires good irrigation, he was quick to ensure it was one of his first actions when starting the role at Princes Park.

“When I first came in the irrigation system wasn’t in good shape and it had been neglected for a few years,” he said. “Most of the sprinkler heads didn’t work and the control point was located so far away from the pitch. On a matchday I was constantly running back and forth, switching it on and off, whenever the manager wanted water on the pitch. This was a nightmare especially as I am the only groundsperson based here.

“Therefore, the irrigation was something that I wanted fixed as soon as possible.”

Supplied by KAR UK and installed by Prime Irrigation, Jay chose the i-40 rotors, and the Centralus irrigation management platform. This provides a highly secure, comprehensive cloud-based control and monitoring features to the ICC2 controller at the stadium.

The connectivity allows users to view a controller’s status, change settings, view forecasts, save water, and receive instant notification of important system alarms — all without costly and time-consuming travel and site visits.

Hunter on target for the Darts

Hunter on target for the Darts

“It has been a huge game changer since it was installed,” said Jay. “Gone are the days of running back and forth because I can control it all from my phone no matter where I am. For example, there have been times when the pitch is being watered while I’m at home. There has been a downpour and I can simply turn the system off through my phone.

“We’ve also noticed that we have saved a lot of money on water usage too,” continued Jay.

“It allows me to target specific areas on the pitch – one area might need five minutes of water while another area might just need two minutes on a matchday. It’s great to have this flexibility and to be able to only use water when and where the pitch needs it.

“It has never gone wrong, and I’ve never had any problems with it. Compared to what I’ve used in my career, this irrigation system is by far the best and the easiest to use.”

For more information, please visit www.karuk.com

You can also follow KAR UK on Twitter @KARUK_LTD for much more news, reviews and insightful views

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James Wilkinson chooses Foley

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James Wilkinson chooses Foley: Despite being scarce at UK golf clubs, those with a dedicated mechanic know the workshop is the beating heart of the greenkeeping operation.

Since 2005, James Wilkinson has been Buckinghamshire Golf Clubs Workshop and Equipment Manager, and over 17 years has created a workshop and grinding room befitting of the course where it is located.

James Wilkinson chooses Foley

James Wilkinson chooses Foley

Grinding has been in-house at Buckinghamshire since it opened in 1992. It is a small part of the club’s success that has seen it host the Rose Ladies Series, the Anderson Consulting World Match Play, the European Seniors Tournament Champions hosted by Gary Player and ISPS HANDA Ladies European Masters.

The quality on and off the course has gone some way to making the club home of the Ladies European Tour, but away from the impressive course and clubhouse in the greenkeeping shed is where James keeps the operation moving.

In November 2021, after just over two decades with his previous Foley Company grinders, James added an Accu-Pro 633 with AccuTouch3 and an Accu-Pro 672 bedknife grinder to his immaculate grinding room. For James, the new pair of American-made machines are ahead of the curve in terms of features and provide exactly what he needs to keep the Buckinghamshire mowers ready for action.

“There are a lot more benefits with the new grinders. Obviously, technology moved on in the last 20-odd years from our old Foley’s. So, even though we were getting good results before, we’re getting better results now, much more superior and much better quality.

“You now have the digital AccuTouch screen, so you can programme cycles into it, you can see exactly what’s going on, make sure they are parallel and vertical, and there’s so much in-depth information that I don’t even know all of it yet. I’m still learning every single time I use them.”

James has plenty of opportunities to study his new tools with the grinders in use all year round. The heavy work takes place during the winter with all the units stripped down, bearings checked, spin ground and then crucially relief ground, and it is here where he sees the biggest benefit.

On average, he saves ten minutes per unit on preparation for relief grinding back to OEM spec and using automation he can leave both grinders to work while he completes other tasks. However, it is the practice itself that he believes is crucial in getting the highest quality of cut.

“Relief grinding is extremely important. Every equipment manager will have their own way of doing things, and every equipment manager will believe in what they do. Some will believe relief grinding maybe isn’t necessary, and some people will swear by it. If you look at the big three manufacturers, Toro, Jacobsen and John Deere, they will all recommend that you relief grind to their specifications.

“You’re removing metal from the trailing edge of the blade. So, I’m basically forming an angle to reduce the contact area of the cutting edges. I’m going to have less heat and less friction because more metal equals more heat, and this reduces the blade contact, which again gives me less friction.”

Using the advancements in technology to streamline grinding has been a significant positive with the Accu-Pro 633, but when it comes to bedknife grinding, for James, the best got even better.

“The 672 hasn’t changed much from my last one, but the reason it hasn’t changed much is that it was so good. The saying is if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. You can absolutely improve things, but the actual mechanics haven’t really changed a lot.

“With that, it is a semi-automatic bedknife grinder. The bedknife itself is held on by electromagnets, so it holds the bar in place so it cannot move. It means you don’t have to clamp anything to it, there are no brackets, and on other machines, you have to mess around and get it into a holder, but you don’t have any of that on this.

Keeping the Buckinghamshire fleet sharp is part of James’ broader strategy to reduce machinery downtime and ensure that his workshop is always empty and the machines are always ready. Investing in new equipment is crucial to this success, and for the next two decades at least, he is confident he can count on his Foley grinders.

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