PBR150 makes the grade for Chemquad

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PBR150 makes the grade for Chemquad: With two major soft-landscaping projects in the diary, the decision to purchase a Power Box Rake 150 (PBR150) from BLEC was a timely one for Worcester based contractors, Chemquad.

Owner Tom Jennings estimates that the PBR’s ability to cultivate and grade even the most compacted ground saved one client almost £30,000, converting topsoil considered ‘unsalvageable’ into ground fit for seeding once again.

PBR150 makes the grade for Chemquad

PBR150 makes the grade for Chemquad

Chemquad started out 21 years ago carrying out commercial weed spraying but now mainly undertake commercial landscaping projects large and small, for clients in and around the Midlands. “We have a couple of bits of BLEC kit on our fleet already but were looking for something manoeuvrable but powerful enough to handle a variety of ground conditions” explains Tom. “I’d seen the PBR at SALTEX a few years back and knew of a couple of other contractors using it, so when I learnt that BLEC had launched a new lightweight, tractor-mounted model, it was a perfect fit.”

Without even having a demonstration, Tom purchased a PBR150 from his local Tallis Amos dealer in the midst of the COVID lockdown and it was put to work on a problem area almost straight away. “We were working on a housing development in Daventry which has a gas line running straight through the centre of it. We needed something that could deal with the compaction caused by site traffic but nothing too heavy or that worked too deep in the ground. The easily adjustable throw plate on the PBR meant we could rake surface stones to begin with and gradually lower it to grade stones from deeper in the surface. It did an incredible job.”

At the heart of the PBR150 is a carbide toothed rotor which contra rotates to pulverise and separate stones and debris from the soil, leaving a raked finish in its wake. Rear adjustable castor wheels give accurate depth control while side plates effectively gather up the windrowed material for clean and simple removal. “It’s a simple, robust unit that gives us accuracy and efficiency in operation. The savings we have made on these two major projects by not having to hire specialist equipment or purchase tonnes of new topsoil means the PBR has already paid for itself, and more.”

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The benefits of Mulching

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The benefits of Mulching: Rotary flail manufacturer Muthing say their integral Mulching System MMS and new Vario System offers both time and financial benefits when compared to cutting and collecting on all areas of grass maintenance. The MU-H 1.6 to 2.2m and MU-L 1.8 to 2.8m front and rear mounted are ideal for tractors from 40hp to 130 hp.

Simon Richard the UK agent for the Muthing range says, “The purposely designed hood, in conjunction with a large easier driven spiral rotor gives better economy.  The high rotor speed, along with the ‘Shark fin’ shredding bar gives uniform mulching of all grass types, with the long material fed back through the rotor for a second cut. The material that is already shredded passes through to be distributed evenly behind the mower. The new addition of the adjustable Vario bar allows Infinitely variable mulching for rapid decomposition. Compacted thatch can also be mulched due to the strong suction by moving the Vario bar towards the rotor.

The benefits of Mulching

The benefits of Mulching

Higher forward speeds and larger area outputs with consistent quality are possible with no  wasted time or expense on collection and disposal of cut grass.  Hydraulic Side Shift allows for up to 56cm movement to get into awkward areas.

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Terra Spike gives Bentham peace of mind

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Terra Spike gives Bentham peace of mind: Lancashire’s Bentham Golf Club has chosen a Wiedenmann Terra Spike GXi8 HD to help its team make the most of weather windows.

This summer, the family run club with its backdrop of the Yorkshire Three Peaks, proximity to the Dales and Forest of Bowland has attracted golf tourists from across the country. Its ‘on course’ cottages and high-end vacation pods have offered something different and proved hugely popular.

Terra Spike gives Bentham peace of mind

Terra Spike gives Bentham peace of mind

The course, too, has seen additional member traffic, prompting the purchase of a deep aerator.  For head greenkeeper, Shaun Conway it marks another positive step for the northern club.

“I joined Bentham in April during lockdown, which was a little strange to say the least.  Initially, my family and I lived in one of the lovely holiday cottages,” said Shaun, “so it really was an unusual, but memorable, beginning.

“But it’s all gone well. Lots of good things are happening; a new practice putting green is almost built; the course is looking sharper and the arrival of the new machine means a huge boost to our aeration programme.

“This is my first Wiedenmann. I’ve known Terra Spikes by reputation but it’s the incredible smoothness you notice… when you leave the cab you don’t feel shaken up.  I actually tried the ‘Wiedenmann tea cup test’ where you place a full cup of tea on top and set off across a green. I tried mine with a flask cup.    Not a drop lost!  An unexpected stone halfway through your trial isn’t good though, then it definitely spills …

“Immediately after installation we got all tees spiked with 20 mm tines to 10 cm with 5 degrees of heave. Next day, one of the lads started tackling the fairways to 15 cm.  You don’t need extra spanners; it’s a tool free and runs quietly and quickly. The speed is just great… it buys peace of mind that the job will get done.

“We’re a small team, mostly three, but sometimes four. This Autumn when conditions allow, we’ll be all over if we can, targeting known wet spots. A network of paths around the course means we can pretty much access all areas. For now, we’re operating with 8mm and 20 mm tines but next year 12 mm tines will come in handy. After the initial phase, the aeration programme going forward is to be out little and often. The speed and easy operation mean every three to four weeks. Even across the summer, we can get some discreet work done without golfers knowing.”

Bentham Golf Club is supplied by local dealer Balmer’s Garden Machinery,  at Burnley.  Balmer’s golf and turf machinery sales specialist, Ben Cook, and Wiedenmann UK’s demonstrator, Andy Kerr, together did the installation and operator training.

Ben Cook said: “The GXi8 gives Shaun flexibility to take advantage of weather windows.  Aeration is one of those vital tasks dependent on prevailing conditions.  Once the decision to ‘go’ is made you can get nine greens done in an afternoon. “

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Grub’s Chainsaw Boot – The Ultimate Protection

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Grub’s Chainsaw Boot – The Ultimate Protection: Over the years the innovative and forward thinking team at leading footwear brand, Grub’s has developed an extensive range covering most outdoor and country settings and the safety boot collection is one they are extremely proud of.

Said Grub’s CEO, David Foster: “We are delighted that Grub’s are celebrating a tenth year of ISO 9001 accreditation. We work extremely hard in design and manufacturing to make sure our boots are best in class.”

Grub’s Chainsaw Boot – The Ultimate Protection

Grub’s Chainsaw Boot – The Ultimate Protection

New for 2020 the Grub’s CHAINAMIC™ for example has been put through vigorous Type Testing with the world’s leading testing facilities, SATRA, to create the first insulated neoprene Level 3 chainsaw boot.

Continued David: “The boot is a milestone in Chainsaw safety, patent and design protected, it will surely become a benchmark in the safety sector.”

The CHAINAMIC™ (CE EN ISO 17249:2013 SB P E FO Level 3) can protect against chainsaws at 28 metres per second.

The orange vamp located on the front contains a special material that clogs up the chain on the chainsaw to stop it moving round and preventing injury.

Completely STEEL FREE with Grubs trademark CERAMIC composite toecap which means the boot does not conduct electricity and is extremely cold protective.

The ballistic nylon insole is penetration resistant, built around a 5mm CR-Foam bootie to keep feet warm in cold -20ᵒC temperatures.

To ensure good grip the TREDZ™ sole has been tested to the highest level of SRC slip resistance, but for a more surefooted hold on ice and timber, screw in spikes can be fitted.

Sizes 6 – 13 available in Charcoal/Black.

For further information please contact Grub’s on 01204 567700 or visit www.grubsboots.com

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Toro a Ryder Cup supplier through 2029

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Toro a Ryder Cup supplier through 2029: Toro, a leading worldwide provider of innovative solutions for the outdoor environment, has been named the official Turf Maintenance Equipment & Irrigation provider for the Ryder Cup through 2029.

The agreement will begin in earnest with the 43rd Ryder Cup, which will be played September 21-26, 2021, at Whistling Straits in Kohler, Wisconsin.

Toro a Ryder Cup supplier through 2029

Toro a Ryder Cup supplier through 2029

As the worldwide leading manufacturer of golf course maintenance equipment and irrigation systems for more than 100 years, Toro has a deep appreciation for golf and its industry, which increasingly prioritises environmental sustainability and performance.

“To be selected as the official equipment and irrigation partner for Ryder Cup events is a tremendous honour,” said Rick Olson, Toro Chairman and CEO. “We’re thrilled at the opportunity to support golf’s pre-eminent biennial team event, which promotes winning on behalf of team and country.”

Beyond Whistling Straits, the agreement covers four additional Ryder Cups this decade: 2023/Marco Simone Golf & Country Club, Rome, Italy; 2025/Bethpage Black, Farmingdale, New York; 2027/Adare Manor, County Limerick, Ireland; and 2029/Hazeltine National Golf Club, Chaska, Minnesota.

“We’re elated to partner with Toro and to tap into an industry leader who views precision not as an ideal, but a norm,” said PGA of America Chief Commercial Officer, Jeff Price. “Our symbiotic relationship will target and promote innovation at each of our Ryder Cup sites, both domestically and in Europe, for the next decade.”

Guy Kinnings, European Ryder Cup Director, said: “We are delighted to formalise this agreement with Toro who have been tremendous supporters of both the European Tour and The Ryder Cup on European soil on many occasions, including the memorable contests at The K Club, Celtic Manor and Gleneagles.

“Their level of support and standard of equipment is second to none and we look forward to continuing the relationship across what I am sure will be another decade of memorable Ryder Cup action.”

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