SISIS Litamina saves manpower

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SISIS Litamina saves manpower: Leaf collection was once a three-man job but is now a one-man job according to Mark Jaques, deputy head greenkeeper at Gillingham Golf Club – thanks to the SISIS Litamina 1200.

Gillingham Golf Club has been situated in Medway, Kent for well over a century. Originally constructed and owned by the army, the course was upgraded in the 1990s and presents a challenge for golfers of all levels. It is a short parkland course boasting some of the fastest greens in the area and is lined with a substantial number of trees – which can cause a problem.

SISIS Litamina saves manpower

SISIS Litamina saves manpower

“Due to the sheer number of trees, we have to constantly keep on top of the fallen leaves – hence the reason we bought the Litamina 1200,” said Mark.

Mark has been at the club for three years and admits that this year has, unsurprisingly, been the most challenging.

“It has been a tough year. We lost a couple of greenkeepers due to the financial restraints of the pandemic and we are now currently down to three members of staff. On top of that, because no golf has been played, the members came back expecting the course to be in the best condition ever. With reduced manpower we had to work hard and make sure it was perfect. Every member of staff, every single piece of equipment and every single product needed to be at its absolute best.

“I would say that the Litamina has been absolutely vital – transformed the way we work in fact.”

Before the SISIS Litamina, Mark and the team used a tractor mounted leaf blower, in which they would blow the fallen leaves from one end of the course to another.

“It was a three-man operation and if the wind were to blow in a different direction, then we would find ourselves constantly blowing leaves around the whole course,” he said. “It was so time consuming and with three members of staff there was no way we could continue doing this.”

Mark claims that he knew the Litamina was the machine he needed straight away because he used one in a previous greenkeeping role. A demonstration was quickly arranged, and he purchased it on the spot.

The SISIS Litamina 1200 is a compact sweeper for efficient collection for unwanted debris or leaves from fine turf and outfield turf, and from sand filled or rubber crumb synthetic surfaces. Ideally suited to follow ground contours it collects a wide range of debris including leaves, pine needles, grass, thatch, cores, litter and its effective sweeping brushes help to keep surfaces free of contamination.

SISIS Litamina saves manpower

SISIS Litamina saves manpower

“Thanks to the Litamina, leaf collecting is now a one-man job – it sweeps and picks them up in one pass. We then move them into the woods where they become compost and will be used for soil one day,” he said. “The Litamina will be out daily at the moment because the leaves are constantly falling; so, one day a member of staff will clear half of the course and the next day he will clear the remaining half – and then so on. Those leaves won’t be seen again.

“The manpower it has saved us has been golden,” continued Mark. “It really does free up so much time and enables us to get on with other important maintenance tasks and as a small team that is invaluable.

“I like the brush on it too and you can see how it lifts the grasses up – we actually use it as an opportunity to go behind with a mower. This, for me, is an added benefit as it helps with presentation. I would say that the course is the tidiest it has ever been and it hasn’t gone un-noticed by the members – a lot of them comment on how easy it is to find balls now!

“It is also extremely easy to assemble on to the back of our tractor and because it is manufactured by SISIS you know it is going to be reliable. The Litamina offers a certain peace of mind – at the end of the day, the leaves don’t stop falling and we need to be on top of that to keep the members happy.”

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 @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

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New Terafirm™ Granular from Headland

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New Terafirm™ Granular from Headland: Headland Amenity have announced the introduction of a new granular version of their popular penetrant wetter Terafirm™. Suitable for use in all fine and coarse turf situations, the Terafirm™ range improves the downward movement of water through the soil profile, helping to achieve a firmer playing surface.

Terafirm™ is a non-phytotoxic soil penetrant, which works by reducing the surface tension of water to facilitate accelerated water movement and drainage. As a result, Terafirm™ also acts to speed up surface drying and open up pore space within the soil profile during dry down by improving natural soil contraction.

New Terafirm™ Granular from Headland

New Terafirm™ Granular from Headland

The launch of Terafirm™ granular, in addition to the existing liquid formulation, means it can now be applied in even more areas and in different conditions than was previously the case. Terafirm™ Granular is easy to spread on bunker edges, slopes, or other areas where access with a sprayer is difficult. Containing the same active ingredient as in liquid Terafirm™, use of the granular product is an effective alternative to spraying.

Although no chemical penetrant can, in itself, alter the physical properties of soil that determine drainage rates, Terafirm™ will help get the water out as quickly as the physical properties of the soil allow. Applications of Terafirm™ can be made on a monthly or more frequent basis, most-effectively before the onset of seasonal periods of heavy moisture. As a spot treatment on wet areas, Terafirm™ can be applied at two-week intervals until the excessive moisture conditions subside.

Regular use of Terafirm™ offers the turf professional an effective tool to help maintain drier soil surface conditions, helping to reduce puddling and anaerobic conditions, and producing a faster-draining, drier and healthier sward.

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Gore Signs S.O.S. SOIL´s Manifesto

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Gore Signs S.O.S. SOIL´s Manifesto: The Solid Waste Treatment Team of W.L. Gore & Associates (Gore) signed the Manifesto of the international initiative “S.O.S. SOIL – Save Organics in Soil”. This initiative aims to highlight the importance of soil organic matter to encourage policy makers to develop instruments to move Europe towards implementing sustainable, climate proof soil management practice.

Gore welcomes this initiative, that is led by the European Compost Network (ECN) and the Italian Composting and Biogas Association (Consorzio Italiano Compostatori, CIC) and has not only signed S.O.S. SOIL´s Manifesto to demonstrate support, but also contributes through its GORE® Cover business solutions (https://www.gore.com/products/gore-cover-for-organic-waste-treatment) to the initiative´s goals.

Gore Signs S.O.S. SOIL´s Manifesto

Gore Signs S.O.S. SOIL´s Manifesto

High quality composts play an essential role in maintaining, improving and also recovering soil health and substitute synthetic fertilizers. As a major component of Covered Aerated Static Piles (CASP) Systems, GORE® Cover System Technology enables operators of more than 300 installations in 30 countries around the globe to convert more than 4,5 million tons of organic waste into high quality compost, including organic farming grades even.

“Our cover product technology is recognized as Best Available Technique under the European Emissions Directive and through its business, we help make composting a more attractive waste treatment option for communities and private companies. We welcome the initiative of ECN and CIC and contribute not only with our signature but first and foremost through our cover business solutions”, says Thomas Terpetschnig, Product Specialist for GORE® Cover.

For more information on the initiative visit: https://www.saveorganicsinsoil.org

Gore revolutionized the outerwear industry with waterproof, breathable GORE-TEX fabric 40 years ago and remains a leading innovator of performance apparel. Gore fabrics products provide comfort and protection in challenging environments and in everyday life, enabling wearers to safely and confidently achieve and experience more. From hiking in downpours to military operations and fighting fires, Gore’s deep understanding of consumer and industry needs drives development of products with meaningful performance advantages. https://www.goretexprofessional.com

About Gore

L. Gore & Associates is a global materials science company dedicated to transforming industries and improving lives. Since 1958, Gore has solved complex technical challenges in demanding environments — from outer space to the world’s highest peaks to the inner workings of the human body. With more than 11,000 Associates and a strong, team-oriented culture, Gore generates annual revenues of $3.8 billion.

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Cooler than the rest with Makita

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Cooler than the rest with Makita: As part of its extensive LXT cordless range, leading power tool manufacturer, Makita has announced the release of its DCW180Z 18V Cordless Cooler & Warmer Box. The new release is ideal for keeping food and drinks cool or warm in any season.

Keep food and drinks either cool, or warm on-site with Makita’s new 20-litre DCW180Z Cordless Cooler & Warmer Box. Powered by an 18v LXT battery, this handy product has two 18V LXT battery ports so you can attach two batteries in series for extended operating times. When the first battery is depleted the unit automatically switches to the second battery. This model can also be powered via 240v mains or with an in-vehicle 12v / 24v AC socket. When set at 5°C (normal fridge temperature) the cooler will run for up to 17 hours with 2x 6.0Ah batteries.

Cooler than the rest with Makita

Cooler than the rest with Makita

The 18V Cooler & Warmer Box is a versatile unit with a large 20-litre capacity of storage space and as an example, it can hold approximately 30 cans, or 15 x 600ml water bottles. The solution can operate at two warming settings of 55° and 60°, with five cooling settings of -18°, -10°, 0°, 5° and 10°. The unit can run at its coldest setting of -18° for five hours and its warmest setting of 60° for around four hours.

The box features large 100mm wheels and a pull handle for convenient transport, and side grips for easy lifting as well as a comfortable shoulder strap. It is highly durable for outdoor use with an IPX4 rating.

The solution is fitted with a convenient LED display, to provide users with temperature and battery levels and easily change settings at the touch of a button.

Speaking on the new release, Kevin Brannigan, Marketing Manager at Makita UK commented: “We’re excited to bring the new DCW180Z Cordless Cooler & Warmer Box to market as a useful addition to use at home, at work, or for leisure. The powerful, cordless solution is as durable as it is functional and can run for up to 17 hours on a single charge. Whether at the park, fishing, camping, or on the jobsite, the DCW180 is a must have if you’re looking to keep drinks cold, or to ensure that hot lunches stay warm, regardless of the season. What’s more, the product even features a bottle opener and a useful USB output to charge a mobile device if needed.”

The new release forms part of a wider collection of new cordless solutions from Makita in 2021. The company has recently announced a range of new products, including the TW004GZ XGT 40VMax Impact Wrench, the DUR368LZ Twin 18V (36V) LXT Linetrimmer and the PDC01 Portable LXT Power Supply Backpack

For more information about Makita, please visit: www.makitauk.com

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More for the outdoors with Makita

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More for the outdoors with Makita: Leading power tool manufacturer, Makita has announced the release of a new Twin 18V (36V) LXT Brushless Linetrimmer and 36V LXT Brushless Blower, as part of its expanding outdoor equipment range.

The 18Vx2 (36V) DUR368L LXT Brushless Linetrimmer is powered by the company’s innovative lithium-ion LXT battery technology; a system that allows operators to interchange battery power between over 270 LXT cordless Makita products. The new 36V UB001CZ Brushless Blower is powered by Makita’s back-pack battery system giving users the option to use the machine with either the PDC01 backpack battery that utilises interchangeable 18V LXT batteries, or the new PDC1200 solid state 33Ah backpack battery to offer even longer run-times for contractors.

More for the outdoors with Makita

More for the outdoors with Makita

Brushless Linetrimmer

The powerful 36V DUR368L brushless motor can reach fast cutting speeds of up to 6,500rpm and offers a cutting diameter of 350mm. Thanks to Makita’s Automatic Torque Drive Technology (ADT), speed and torque levels are automatically adjusted according to the density of weeds and the machine also features Makita’s highly responsive Active Feedback Sensing Technology (AFT), that shuts down the tool to protect the user if the rotation speed suddenly slows down.

With greater usability in mind, the machine is also fitted with an ergonomic soft grip and comes with a small protector to allow for a better view of the cutting area, as well as a reverse switch for easy removal of any tangled grass.

Brushless Blower

Powered by Makita’s PDC01 or PDC1200 backpack battery systems (sold separately), the brushless UB001CZ LXT Blower performs at 36V high power for extended run times and outstanding performance similar to a 50cc class engine machine, offering speeds of up to 24,000rpm in boost mode.

For the most efficient clearing operation, the blower has been engineered with an optimised grip to frame angle, providing the best nozzle to ground position. The lightweight and compact design is perfect for single handed operation but can also be attached to a shoulder belt for added comfort. Furthermore, as the machine is designed for use with backpack battery power, operators need only carry the weight of the bare machine, enabling work for longer periods with reduced fatigue.

As well as a variable speed control by trigger and a cruise control lever, the powerful, portable tool has a three-stage telescopic long nozzle attached as standard.

Speaking on the new devices, Mark Earles, Business Development Manager for Outdoor Power Equipment at Makita UK, commented: “We are pleased to launch these new outdoor products which form part of an exciting roadmap for our cordless garden machinery range this year. Our complete line up of cordless outdoor solutions continues to transform the way professionals work with new levels of productivity and efficiency. Both new solutions feature Makita’s brushless motor technology for longer machine life and with the support of the world’s largest cordless system, professionals can rely on a wide range of Makita tools that will get the job done without the limitations of petrol or cords.”

For more information about the range, please visit: www.makitauk.com

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