Troon Abu Dhabi experience Air2G2

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Troon Abu Dhabi experience Air2G2: Troon Abu Dhabi is using the Air2G2 Air Inject from Campey Turf Care Systems to further their aeration programme on three world-leading courses.

The property group operates and maintains the spectacular Abu Dhabi Golf Club, Saadiyat Beach Golf Club and Yas Links Abu Dhabi. This trio of courses has hosted prestigious events such as the popular European Tour Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship and the first Ladies European Tour event in Abu Dhabi.

Troon Abu Dhabi experience Air2G2

Troon Abu Dhabi experience Air2G2

Keeping these world-renowned courses to the highest standards brings about its own challenges in the desert heat with little rainfall. It is the job of Group Head Mechanic Troon Abu Dhabi Properties, Richard Koen, to oversee the machinery used by each greenkeeping team of 20 per course. Initially sceptical, Richard now sees the Air2G2 as a vital part of the operation.

“I first got to see and work with an Air2G2 back in South Africa,” Richard begins. “To be honest I was a little unsure at first, as I was unfamiliar with the concept and the technology behind the development of the machine. But, despite looking complicated, I soon realised that the Air2G2 is simply designed and easy to operate, and at the time we only used the machine on a rental basis as and when we needed it, so my experience was limited. Once I moved to Abu Dhabi, I was lucky enough to have a new Air2G2 in my fleet.

“The Air2G2 has not replaced any machine or agronomy practice but rather is giving additional benefits. We got it to help with compaction and salt build-up caused by the quality of water we have at our facilities. It gets very hot in the UAE, and the Air2G2 allows us to provide deep aeration in the soil profile without exposing or opening the entire surface to the desert heat compared to more traditional aeration methods.

“Due to the Air2G2’s minimal disturbance to the playing surface, we can use it more frequently, creating more oxygen exchange in the profile, allowing us to better flush salts.

“And the no disruption element is a very important aspect for us. Our goal is to present all turf and putting surfaces in the best possible condition to our members and guests and using the Air2G2 allows us to do routine aeration throughout the year.”

Nick Brown Campey Product Specialist for Campey Turf Care said “We are delighted to have Aldar Golf as customers of the Air2 and Campey product portfolio. It is important to have close working relationships with customers like Richard in the Middle East Region. When companies like ours work closely together we invariably discover new fresh machinery solutions to help the Turf market in all our International regions”.

The Air2G2 uses three probes to latterly inject pressurised air up to 12-inches beneath the surface of the soil to fracture the compacted layers that form as a result of foot traffic, mechanical traffic and daily wear and tear. Because the air is injected directly into the root zone, the surface of the turf is left undisturbed, allowing play to continue instantly.

For more information on Campey’s range of Air2G2 products, visit www.campeyturfcare.com.

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Soil Scout announce BST200

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Soil Scout announce BST200: Wireless underground soil monitoring solution Soil Scout has announced the launch of their new off-grid capable BST200 Base Station. The BST200 has been specifically designed to give agriculture, golf, and sports turf maintenance professionals an uninterrupted view of their lands during the critical growing season months.

“Customer feedback and satisfaction is an important part of Soil Scout’s plan to continually improve the monitoring solutions on offer,” said Soil Scout CEO Jalmari Talola. “Through talks with our customers, we realised they could get even better insights if the receiver unit did not require constant hard-wire to a power source, and it should also be able to overcome power outages.“

Soil Scout announce BST200

Soil Scout announce BST200

“Aside from helping us make the BST200 the most functional and high-performing Soil Scout base station to date, the valuable feedback from our customers has helped us build a solution that improves our customers’ freedom to choose the placing of their equipment for each season so they can collect vital information about what’s happening underground,” he concluded.

The latest Base Station model is fitted with an integrated solar panel in conjunction with a high-grade lithium-ion battery that allows customers for off-grid use during the growing season when typically sun radiation is sufficient for charging the device. The BST200 receives real-time moisture, soil temperature, and salinity data from Soil Scout’s sub-soil industry-leading monitoring devices that are capable of remaining in place and operational for decades. This data is then transmitted via a cellular modem to the web-accessible cloud-based Soil Scout Hub. Where customers require data during the darkest winter months, plugging the device is recommended, but the company can also offer a plug & play battery-pack for extending the operating period.

BST200 units are shipping worldwide now and Soil Scout Chief Technology Officer Jussi Sirkiä said: “I’m extremely happy with how the BST200 turned out. It was a long project that involved both in-house development and working with several key partners, so the end result is all the more satisfying. This latest base station is more rugged, easier to install and use, and significantly more powerful in terms of functionality and performance. This is a winning combination that is sure to serve us for a long time.” 

Recently backed by Husqvarna last year’s seed funding round, Soil Scout was co-founded by Finnish agrotechnology Ph.D. and 19th generation farmer Johannes Tiusanen and electronics expert M.Sc.Eng Jussi Sirkiä with a mission of giving soil experts the information they need to effectively manage their lands. Currently operating in more than 15 countries, Soil Scout plans to scale operations in the US, Australia and mainland Europe in 2021.

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Makita expands XGT ’40V’ range

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Makita expands XGT ’40V’ range: Makita has expanded its high-performance 40Vmax XGT range with the addition of three new tools.

The new Rotary Demolition Hammer, 216mm Slide Compound Mitre Saw and 230mm Angle Grinder all feature Makita’s highly efficient brushless motor technology and have been engineered to bring the benefits of cordless technology to high-demand applications.

Makita expands XGT '40V' range

Makita expands XGT ’40V’ range

The powerful HR005GZ01 40VMax Brushless Rotary Demolition Hammer offers rotary hammer and hammer only operating modes and is compatible with SDS-MAX chisels, drill bits up to 40mm and core bits up to 105mm. It features a variable speed trigger and delivers speeds of up to 500 revolutions per minute (rpm) and up to 2,900 blows per minute (bpm) of hammer action.

The HR005GZ01 also includes features to make it easier and safer to use. This includes Active Feedback sensing Technology (AFT), which protects the user by shutting down the tool if the rotation speed reduces suddenly. It also features the soft no load function and Anti-Vibration Technology (AVT) to reduce the levels of tool vibration and therefore extended safe trigger times. The result of this is that the new Rotary Demolition Hammer has a vibration level of just 5.0m/s² when hammer drilling.

The versatile LS002GZ01 40VMax Brushless 216mm Slide Compound Mitre Saw has an easy to set mitre range of 60° to both the left and right as well as a 48° bevel range in each direction, making it simple to achieve the cut required.  It also includes Makita’s Deep and Exact Cutting Technology (DXT) that allows the accurate cutting of large workpieces. The LS002GZ01 offers improved dust collection when fitted to an extractor, soft start and constant speed control functions as well as an electric brake to stop the blade in seconds every time for greater safety.

The final new addition is the GA038GZ07 40VMax Brushless 230mm Angle Grinder. The 230mm wheel diameter makes this the largest angle grinder in the XGT range and is ideal for the highest demand applications. The GA038GZ07 is also easy and comfortable to use with an ergonomic soft grip on the tool body and a side handle that can be mounted on the left or right based on the user preference. The wheel cover position can be effortlessly adjusted without the need for tools, making work easier and faster.

To maximise user safety and comfort, the new grinder has been engineered for low levels of vibration so it can be used safely for longer. It also benefits from the AFT system, includes an electric brake to stop the wheel quickly when the motor is switched off and an anti-restart function that prevents accidental start-up.

All three of the new additions to the XGT range also include Makita’s brushless motors and Auto-Start Wireless System (AWS) functionality when fitted with an optional AWS chip. The efficient brushless motor minimises friction and wasted energy within the machine for better performance and extended run-times. The innovative AWS function allows the tool to connect to compatible dust extractors via Bluetooth. The wireless connection means the dust extractor can run automatically while the tool is in use, meaning simple dust management for a cleaner and healthier environment.

Kevin Brannigan, Marketing Manager at Makita UK said: “Our XGT range of 40VMax tools offers all the benefits of cordless power, such as greater flexibility and improved safety, for the highest demand tasks in the toughest environments. The launch of these tools is the latest in a series of new XGT products introduced in recent months as we continue to invest in product development to give customers greater choice.”

The HR005GZ01 Rotary Demolition Hammer, LS002GZ01 216mm Slide Compound Mitre Saw and GA038GZ07 230mm Angle Grinder are all currently available to purchase as body-only, with options that include batteries and chargers to be launched soon.

To find out more about Makita’s range of high performance XGT tools visit: www.makitauk.com.

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Titan tines perfect for better aeration

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Titan tines perfect for better aeration: With over 150 Toro Titan tines available to cover all possible aeration applications, you’re guaranteed a perfect fit for better aeration. And with 10 percent off the tines range from distributor Reesink Turfcare for the whole of March, superior parts are now available for even less.

Although courses are currently shut, there are no limitations for maintenance activities and, as before, lockdown affords the opportunity to prepare for the season ahead and make any necessary course improvements. Machinery maintenance is a vital part of that and ensuring no delays to the machinery fleet is Toro Parts and in particular Toro’s Titan Tines.

Titan tines perfect for better aeration

Titan tines perfect for better aeration

Toro Titan tines, a perfect fit isn’t just reserved for Toro machines. With Toro conversion sleeves, Toro Tines can fit on the majority of equipment from competitor brands, as well as current and late model Toro aerators. The conversion sleeve slides onto a 9.5mm mount Toro tine to create a 12.7mm or 15.9 mm mount. So, whether you’ll be coring, slicing or spiking, hollow, solid or deep tining, no matter what machine you use, there’s a Titan tine for every need.

Michael Hampton, turfcare parts manager at Reesink Turfcare, says: “At Reesink we’re dedicated to providing our customers more, which is why our entire Toro tines range is available throughout March with 10 percent off. Not only does this mean a saving on the initial purchase price, but customers will see savings in the long term too. The durable design of Toro Titan tines mean they last longer and reduce costly change-out and associated downtime, and with Toro’s conversion sleeves, all customers can benefit from the superior quality of Toro Titan tines, no matter what brand they have in the shed.”

With a tough design that includes hard-wearing brazed tip joints for in-built resistance to separation and breakage, Toro Titan tines guarantee more longevity, more productivity, more strength, more play and more reliability too.

To ensure turfcare machinery is working at its best and delivering the best possible results, it’s vital to have high quality parts made to fit your equipment. Ensuring worn down or old parts are replaced with high-quality new parts is a cost-effective solution to reduce downtime and maintain high standards.

Don’t make 2021 any more difficult than it is turning out to be, stock up on Toro tines in March for 10 percent off and have one less thing to worry about. Customers can get in touch with their local genuine Toro parts dealer or service centre, call Reesink Turfcare on 01480 226800 or visit reesinkturfcare.co.uk

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STIHL launches service kits

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STIHL launches service kits: STIHL has launched a range of service kits for petrol handheld tools that enable professional and domestic owners to carry out simple routine engine maintenance themselves, increasing their tools reliability and longevity.

Developed by STIHL to make routine maintenance quicker and easier, the new service kits allow owners to maintain the optimum performance and reliability they expect from STIHL products.

STIHL launches service kits

STIHL launches service kits

STIHL’s service kits contain everything needed to carry out routine servicing on a STIHL petrol hand held power tool engine. The service kits include an air filter, spark plug and fuel filter, and additional items depending on the specific machine. The kits also come with a QR code and short URL so users can quickly access how-to videos to give them step-by-step instructions for replacing the air filter, spark plug and fuel filter.

23 variants of service kit are available, covering the most popular STIHL petrol chainsaws, brushcutters, blowers, pole pruners, hedge trimmers, cut off saws and earth augers. In addition to professional and domestic users, the new service kits can also be used in-store by STIHL approved dealers, making the process of ordering and carrying out a service quicker and more cost-effective.

STIHL launches service kits

STIHL launches service kits

For more information on STIHL’s new service kits, please visit www.stihl.co.uk.

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