Attraxor powers turf success for North Foreland

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Attraxor powers turf success for North Foreland: Simon Grand, Course Manager at North Foreland Golf Club in Kent, has reported impressive results from using BASF’s Attraxor, a plant growth regulator recommended and supplied by Agrovista Amenity.

Known for its unique coastal setting and historic courses, North Foreland faces the dual challenges of high traffic and dry, windswept conditions. For Simon, the location was a major draw when he joined nine years ago. Moving from a North London clay course, he was eager to manage turf on the free-draining chalk downland and embrace the challenges of this coastal environment.

Attraxor powers turf success for North Foreland

Attraxor powers turf success for North Foreland

Managing the club’s courses, which host approximately 60,000 rounds of golf annually, presents unique challenges. The main course is particularly demanding, with its exposure to winds and a need for consistent, high-quality turf management. With a relatively small team of eight full-time staff, efficiency and innovative solutions are key.

Simon’s relationship with Agrovista Amenity dates back years. Familiar with their product range and expertise, he has trusted the company’s advice and offerings to optimise the club’s turf management.

This year, Simon decided to trial BASF’s Attraxor plant growth regulator: “I’d read positive studies and listened to feedback about the product from other users, particularly its seed head suppression and disease management benefits. The buzz around it grew to the point where I had to see for myself,” he said.

Attraxor is designed to reduce vertical grass growth while promoting lateral spread and tillering. This leads to a denser turf with improved playability and less frequent mowing, freeing up valuable time for other maintenance tasks. The product is especially beneficial for suppressing seed head production and can play a role in disease management.

Simon’s first application on the Northcliffe course was in early spring. “We applied it at the full rate during a mild March. The results were immediate. Within the first few weeks, we noticed significantly reduced growth leading to less leaf removal when cutting and more consistent putting surfaces. I definitely noticed a reduction in seed head as well, when normally they would have been very prevalent at that time of year. There was also a major decrease in disease considering the conditions we were facing. After the initial application we are generally applying it every three weeks and have continued to do so ever since.”

The results impressed Simon enough to integrate Attraxor into the main course maintenance plan later in the summer. “It wasn’t just a short-term solution; it became part of our long-term strategy.”

Attraxor powers turf success for North Foreland

Attraxor powers turf success for North Foreland

Attraxor’s use on the two courses demonstrated benefits like reduced mowing frequency and lower disease presence, which were crucial given the limited resources of the team. “We’re not the largest team managing two busy courses, so any product that helps us maintain quality while reducing workload is invaluable. The challenges we face now as an industry are immense. Greenkeeping can be a tough environment based around labour shortages and the limited products you can use, so a good growth regulator can be a key product in this respect,” he said.

Simon values the ongoing relationship with Andrew Norman, his Agrovista Amenity representative, whose knowledge helps guide North Foreland’s maintenance practices. “Andrew and I have a great understanding, and we work well together. Furthermore, Agrovista’s seminars and resources have been great for learning about new products like Attraxor and fitting them into our programmes,” he added.

The positive results from the initial trials have encouraged Simon to explore Attraxor’s use on tees, aprons, and even bunker faces as time and conditions allow. He remains committed to building on this year’s success and integrating Attraxor into a broader, year-round turf management plan. “I think all the time the grass is growing, Attraxor will be a part of the programme,” Simon said.

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

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Hibernian FC Goes Greener with Dennis ES-860’s

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Hibernian FC Goes Greener with Dennis ES-860’s: Hibernian Football Club, celebrated as Scotland’s greenest football club, has made significant strides in sustainable grounds management with the purchase of the Dennis ES-860 battery-powered mower.

Head Groundsman Steven Thomas has found the ES-860 invaluable for its maintenance efficiency, environmental benefits, and ability to meet early game day demands, reinforcing the club’s commitment to top-tier pitch quality and sustainability.

Hibernian FC Goes Greener with Dennis ES-860’s

Hibernian FC Goes Greener with Dennis ES-860’s

The Dennis ES-860 is a 34-inch battery-powered turf management system, renowned for its versatility, with 13 interchangeable cassette options that handle a wide array of essential tasks like cutting, scarifying, brushing, and verticutting. For Steven, this level of flexibility has been transformative in his approach to maintaining the stadium pitch at Hibernian.

“We’ve had the ES-860 for almost twelve months, and it’s exceeded all of my expectations,” Steven explains. “When I joined the club, we had limited machinery, and upgrading it was a priority. After testing a few brands, the difference with the ES-860 was night and day. As soon as I tried it on the pitch, I knew it was the one for us. The ease of use was far superior to anything we tried.”

Switching to battery power was also a strategic choice, aligning with the club’s environmental goals. As the first Scottish football club to join the UN Sports for Climate Action Framework, Hibernian is deeply committed to sustainability. “When I first started, Hibs had recently won an award for being the greenest football club in Scotland, and so getting the ES-860 was a no-brainer—it aligned perfectly with that recognition.”

The ES-860 has made a considerable difference in daily routines for Steven and his team. With its low noise level, the ES-860 enables the grounds team to start work earlier without disturbing nearby residents. “Where we store the equipment, there are adjacent houses,” says Steven. “Starting petrol mowers at 7 a.m. is challenging due to noise regulations, so having the ES-860 lets us get an early start without disturbing anyone.”

This quiet operation is invaluable for early kick-off days, especially when games are scheduled at 12 p.m. on Sundays. “For Sky Sports games, we often need the pitch ready by 8 a.m., which means cutting at 4 a.m. The ES-860 lets us meet this demand. It’s been a game-changer for those high-pressure mornings.”

This mower has become central to Hibernian’s daily maintenance, used up to twice a day in the summer and at least once a day during the winter. “The quality of cut and the quality of finish is first-class,” Steven adds.

The battery life of the ES-860 is another highlight. “After a year of use, the battery performance remains exceptional. Our rule of thumb is that it should be able to handle a full pitch cut once or twice, and it consistently does that without any issues. The battery life hasn’t dipped, which is key for me.”

Working with Dennis has also proved valuable beyond the machine itself. “The support from Dennis has been fantastic. In the past, I’ve had new machinery where, once sold, you never hear from them again. Dennis is different—the team is always on hand, ready to help, and go out of their way if I need them.”

With features that support both environmental initiatives and practical day-to-day demands, the Dennis ES-860 has become indispensable at Hibernian FC.

For further information or a no obligation demonstration, please contact Dennis 01332 824 777 or visit www.dennisuk.com

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

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Lee Hatton becomes shareholder of FSI Stump Cutters

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Lee Hatton becomes shareholder of FSI Stump Cutters: It’s been an incredibly busy and exciting 15 months since the formation of the wholly owned UK subsidiary of FSI Stump Cutters.

The establishment and subsequent strengthening of a nationwide dealer partner network and the introduction of the higher horsepower FSI B31-980 are two of many significant developments – the latest of which is the announcement that Sales Director Lee Hatton has officially become a shareholder of FSI Stump Cutters UK Ltd.

Lee Hatton becomes shareholder of FSI Stump Cutters

Lee Hatton becomes shareholder of FSI Stump Cutters

Lee has been a major part of the success of FSI in the UK and Irish stump grinding markets throughout 2024. Coming from a background as an area sales manager, this hands-on experience and sales know-how has created strong foundations for Lee to support both new and highly experienced dealers across FSI’s UK partner network. He has become the port of call for new and prospective customers across the country, reaffirming the belief that owners and operators value interaction with FSI directly, as well as with their local FSI partner – resulting in increased sales and market share.

Engaging with end-users is something FSI as a manufacturer have always prioritised and is why, together with Lee, members of the Danish team have been present at all major UK shows and events. This not only demonstrates FSI’s commitment to the UK but provides a platform for end-user feedback and requests which are helping to shape future developments across the Engine, Hydraulic and Tractor-mounted range. This is something that is set to continue with FSI retaining a strong presence, in both staff and equipment, at The Arb Show this May.

“Lee has worked with us since the establishment of FSI UK and has not only shown impressive results in cooperation with our FSI Partner network, but also that he shares the values of FSI – especially his willingness to go the extra mile for both our customers and our dealers” comments FSI Stump Cutters Managing Director Kim Schmidt. “At FSI we’re in it for the long run, making sure we take the right decisions from day one. Making Lee a shareholder feels like the right decision to ensure progress and long-term stability in our UK subsidiary as we continue to grow.

Looking ahead, we’re in a stronger position than ever to delivering unmatched service and reliable stump grinding solutions for years to come.”

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Avant Tecno UK Unveils New Leguan 265

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Avant Tecno UK Unveils New Leguan 265: Avant Tecno UK has announced the launch of the highly anticipated Leguan 265, the latest and most advanced spider lift in the Leguan Lifts range.

Avant Tecno UK is excited to introduce this groundbreaking machine, which sets a new benchmark for efficiency, performance, and versatility.

Avant Tecno UK Unveils New Leguan 265

Avant Tecno UK Unveils New Leguan 265

A New Era of Efficiency and Performance

The Leguan 265 is designed to meet the evolving demands of professionals who require superior height access solutions without compromising on mobility and stability. With an impressive maximum working height of 26.5 metres, a 13.6-metre side reach, and a 250 kg lift capacity, the Leguan 265 delivers exceptional performance in various work environments, from construction sites to tree care and maintenance operations.

As the fastest 27-metre spider lift in the world, the Leguan 265 can fully extend its booms to maximum working height in just 1 minute and 35 seconds. This remarkable speed, combined with its rugged track system, unrivalled ground clearance, and market-leading low centre of gravity, ensures that operators can work more efficiently and confidently, even on the most challenging terrains.

Intelligent Design for Maximum Usability

The Leguan 265 is the flagship model of the Leguan all-terrain series, complementing the highly regarded 195 and 225 models. With a harmonised design, unified user interface, and standardised components across the range, the Leguan 265 is an ideal addition to rental fleets and professional operations requiring multiple lifts of varying heights.

Ease of use has been a primary focus in the development of the Leguan 265. Operators will benefit from an intuitive joystick control system, an electric rotation platform, and an automatic levelling system for quick and easy setup. The Leguan EDX operating system provides intelligent outreach monitoring, ensuring safe and smooth operation in any environment.

Unrivalled All-Terrain Capabilities

Built to conquer the toughest job sites, the Leguan 265 boasts an unmatched 45% gradeability and Elevated Driving Position (EDP) function, which allows for enhanced visibility and control when manoeuvring across difficult terrain. Whether working on soft ground, sloped surfaces, or confined spaces, the Leguan 265 delivers the stability and reliability professionals need to get the job done efficiently.

Standard and Optional Features for Every Application

Leguan Lifts are known for their well-equipped standard features, ensuring operators have everything they need for optimal performance. The Leguan 265 includes:

  • Leguan EDX Operating System
  • 21 hp Kubota diesel engine + 230V electric motor
  • Automatic engine RPM control and start-stop function
  • Proportional outreach monitoring system
  • JIB-boom with 120-degree operating range
  • Battery-powered emergency lowering system
  • Home/back-to-work function
  • Intuitive joystick control for seamless operation

For those looking to customise their machine, a range of optional features is available, including remote control for driving and outriggers, LED platform spotlights, tool trays, non-marking tracks, outrigger beacons, and engine heaters for colder climates.

This latest addition to the Leguan range reinforces Avant Tecno UK’s commitment to providing high-quality, innovative, and reliable machinery to its customers.

For more information, please visit www.avanttecno.com/uk

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Students Cultivate Career Insights at Conference

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Students Cultivate Career Insights at Conference: The next generation of horticulturists explored the diverse career paths available to them as Hadlow College hosted its annual Horticulture Higher Education Conference.

Students heard from a range of industry experts, gaining valuable insights into the opportunities their qualifications could unlock. The event opened with a keynote address from Carol Ford of Ford Synthesis, followed by former Hadlow College student Josh Blakey, now a Fruit Advisor at FAST LLP, who shared his experiences at the College and his journey into the sector.

Students Cultivate Career Insights at Conference

Students Cultivate Career Insights at Conference

Holly Russell and Jill Kooijman from Enza Zaden took the stage next, discussing the development of new vegetable varieties. They were followed by Adam Walker from the National Institute of Agricultural Botany (NIAB), who provided an overview of his work in sustainable pest control strategies aimed at reducing environmental impact.

The morning’s programme concluded with a talk from Sarah Calcutt, Chief Executive of City Harvest, a food charity that rescues surplus nutritious food from farms, manufacturers, wholesalers, and retailers, redistributing it to over 130,000 people a week through food poverty organisations.

The afternoon session began with Andrew Armitage, Associate Professor in Bioinformatics & Plant Pathology at the University of Greenwich, who set the stage for Billy Stott, owner of Stotts Nursery in Buckinghamshire.

Alan Frampton then spoke about his work at Cambridge HOK, a specialist in vertical farming, glasshouses, and energy solutions. He was followed by Adam Harrison, who shared insights into his role at Thanet Earth, Britain’s leading glasshouse complex and the principal sponsor of the Thanet Earth Centre of Excellence @ Hadlow College.

Rounding off the event was Steve Thomas, founder of Ample Marketplace, a digital platform launched in 2024 that enables farmers to sell excess fresh produce directly to buyers.

Alan Harvey, Hadlow College’s Head of Curriculum for Horticulture and Floristry, says: “I have been involved in delivering the Horticulture courses at Hadlow College for many years and its hugely rewarding to welcome back so many of our graduates to speak at our HE conference. We are also very grateful to many of the sponsors of the Centre of Excellence for also supporting this important event.”

Hadlow College offers a number of Higher Education courses, taught by industry professionals, with a strong focus on practical, job-related skills.

Horticulture students benefit from the Thanet Earth Centre of Excellence @ Hadlow College a groundbreaking partnership between the College, leading industry grower Thanet Earth, and research and innovation organisation Growing Kent & Medway. The Centre is based at the College’s state-of-the-art glasshouse, which is the UK’s first centre of excellence in greenhouse growing.

The College also has its own on-site residential accommodation that was graded as Outstanding by Ofsted last year.

To find out more about studying a Higher Education course at the College visit the University Centre section of the Hadlow College website.

For the latest industry news visit turfmatters.co.uk/news

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