Tag Archive for: 2019

Foley exceed 2019 expectations

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Foley exceed 2019 expectations: Foley Company has exceeded UK market expectations heading into BTME 2020 after impressing greenkeepers with the speed and versatility of the Foley range of spin and relief grinders.

Through ProSport UK Ltd, a number of turf professionals have invested in the benefits that Foley grinders offer. The most popular model in 2019 has been the 633 Accu-Pro with Accu-Touch 3 Control, which has been installed at Hankley Common Golf Club, The Wisley Golf Club, The Richmond Golf Club, Garstang Golf Club, Farol, Chris Gibson Garden Machinery and RD Mechanical Services to name just a few.

Foley exceed 2019 expectations

A common factor behind investing in this machine was the desire for a quick high-quality automatic grind.

  1. The 633 Accu-Pro is an industry leader in versatility and can complete quick touch-up spin grinds or return the reel to manufacturers specifications through relief grinding.
  2. The operation is fast and straightforward with the Accu-Reel Selector, and cylinder height stop automatically locating the reel for spin and relief grinding in one set-up.
  3. Pre-set relief angles are easily identified on the relief angle adjuster, which makes it effortless to grind the correct angles and achieve proper clearances for each reel type.

Using the optional Accu-Touch 3 Control makes this even easier. You tell the machine what you’re working on and it does the rest using pre-programmed spin speeds, relief torque and in-feeds. With or without the Accu-Touch 3, once the grinder has started, operators are free to continue with other tasks while grinding is completed.

Les Howkins, course manager at The Richmond Golf Club, has benefitted from the speed of the 633 Accu-Pro and has also experienced the machines quiet operation and units that stay on cut for longer.

Les explained: “For us, one of the main advantages of choosing the Foley Accu-Pro 633 is that it delivers relief and spin grinding in the one machine and the changeover is very quick – approximately 20 seconds.

“Another reason is that the Foley grinder removes what is known as coning. This is where the reel wears more at one end than the other. This occurs through general use or on some occasions over adjustment. With the built-in electronic gauging system, we can set the units up true and grind them back to parallel.

“Our mechanic, Ian Clarke, is delighted with the quality of cut delivered by the Foley. Now that we can relief grind quickly and efficiently and the cutting units stay on cut longer, he will be able to manage our grinding programme much more effectively. As the machines are also very easy to use, we are also planning to improve this further with more of our staff using the grinders.”

The growth of Foley in the UK has also included sales of the 673 Automatic Bedknife Grinder, the 672 Semi-Automatic Bedknife Grinder the new Accu-Pro 661 AT/MT Bedknife Grinder and the top of the range 653 Reel grinder.

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A record-breaking SALTEX 2019

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A record-breaking SALTEX 2019: SALTEX (Sports Amenities Landscaping Exhibition) once again proved to be the industry’s showcase event with over 500 brands on display and a record-breaking 9,104 visitors in attendance.

As soon as the doors opened on the first day of the show there was an electric atmosphere with groundscare enthusiasts swarming into the NEC halls eager to see the latest and most technologically-advanced innovations in grounds management.

A record-breaking SALTEX 2019

The record-breaking 9,104 visitors consisted of those working in or involved with groundscare, sports turf, amenities, estates and green-space management. The show not only attracted visitors from the UK but also a high number of overseas visitors due to the venue’s easy access to national and international transport links.

In fact, SALTEX 2019 saw visitors attending from 49 overseas markets. Many attendees made the journey to the NEC from Europe, Asia, America and Africa – underlining the fact that SALTEX truly is an international event.

One such international visitor was Ebi Ezekiel Egbe, managing director of Monimichelle Sports Construction, who travelled to SALTEX from Nigeria. Ebi explained why the long journey was worthwhile: “The most important thing for us in Africa is to broaden our knowledge on how to maintain the highest standard of sports pitches and to bring the latest innovations in groundscare to the African market. SALTEX gives us the opportunity to do exactly this. It’s a beautiful show and I’ve had a great time.”

SALTEX is also the perfect platform to inspire the next generation of groundscare practitioners and it was encouraging to see a younger demographic of visitors on the show floor, such as 13-year-old Jack Davies who enjoys gardening and mowing lawns in his spare time and aspires to be a professional landscaper.

“I’ve been wanting to come to SALTEX for the past two or three years and this year I have finally managed to convince my Dad to take me. This is like Christmas for me,” he said.

The SALTEX College Cup competition, sponsored by Toro and Reesink, demonstrated just how well young groundscare students are being academically prepared for careers in the industry. The Myerscough College team saw off competition from four other colleges to win this year’s trophy and can now look forward to a visit to Real Madrid’s Bernabéu Stadium where the winning students will get the opportunity to learn from Paul Burgess, director of grounds and environment for the Spanish footballing giants.

The competition was just a number of show attractions and the new Eco Village indoor demonstration area made a storming debut. In a dedicated area on the show floor the Eco Village featured a programme of daily product demonstrations which featured cutting-edge sustainable technology by Fleet Line Markers, STIHL UK, Overton UK, Avant Tecno, Cub Cadet, Linddana, Husqvarna, Allett Mowers and Sherriff Amenity in front of a large crowd of show attendees.

The buzz on the show floor was palpable, as recognised by the legendary Keith Kent, former head groundsman at Twickenham Stadium. “The Institute of Groundsmanship has done tremendously well in bringing so many exhibitors and visitors in and it is just a joy to see such a busy show. You cannot walk anywhere without seeing something that catches your attention,” he said.

Indeed, there was something for everyone on the show floor and this year’s SALTEX Innovation Award certainly caught the eye. From robotics to hybrid mowers, ground printers to state-of-the-art irrigation, grow lights to line trimmers – visitors had the opportunity to see the record-breaking 34 entries on the show floor.

With the entries submitted and rigorously evaluated by an independent panel of judges, it was decided that there were three stand-out innovations – the Forza 360° football goal wheels from Net World Sports, the BU50 grow lighting system from SGL and the INFINICUT® SM34 rotary mower from MTD Specialty Turf Products.

The three finalists were given a final opportunity to impress the judges as they took to the stage and the INFINICUT® SM34 rotary mower was pronounced the overall winner. Second place went to SGL and third place went to Net World Sports.

The INFINICUT® gained rave reviews with the panel of judges claiming that it “has taken the rotary mower into the 21st century,” and that “the revolutionary introduction of a side collector has allowed for rollers, not wheels, thus eliminating wheel marks on the turf.”

An increasing number of manufacturers on the show floor were also showcasing eco-friendly products. As well as those demonstrating in the Eco Village, exhibitors such as Pellenc, John Deere, Ego, Ryetec, Demon International, AMS Robotics, McConnel and Dennis Mowers all used SALTEX to launch new robotic and battery-powered products.

A record-breaking SALTEX 2019

“These innovations have low vibrations, are environmentally friendly and great for health and safety – all things that help people on the ground like me. It’s great to see so many of these machines in one place,” says John Ryan, founder of the Lawn Care Legends online networking community.

Reflecting this trend, the IOG incorporated dedicated seminars which further explored these topics into the expanded Learning LIVE free-to-attend education programme. Chemical-free sports pitch management, and environmentally-friendly turf maintenance were just some of the 57 free-to-attend CPD accredited seminars.

Many visitors also benefitted from free one-to-one turf management advice in the Ask the Expert feature; received career advice in the Job Clinic and had their soil samples assessed in Pathology and Soil Science LIVE- as well as specific technical advice gained from industry experts on the exhibition floor.

Commenting on the effects of the record-breaking attendance at this year’s show, many exhibitors thought that a large proportion of visitors to their stands were high-quality buyers with serious intent.

“We’ve exhibited at a lot of shows in the past couple of years, but this has been the busiest show that I have ever experienced,” said Jordan Watson, grounds care field support for STIHL UK.

Echoing Jordan’s comments, Les Malin, managing director of Etesia UK, said: “We’ve been a long-term exhibitor at SALTEX for over 20 years and I can honestly say that I cannot remember a show were we had so much activity and people on the stand right to the end of both days.”

According to sales manager, George Potter, debut exhibitor JCB enjoyed a hugely successful first SALTEX experience: “We’ve had lots of people on the stand, a huge number of enquiries and quite a lot of demo requests, which has been great.”

All eyes now turn towards SALTEX 2020 the exhibition’s 75th anniversary and CEO Geoff Webb is already looking forward to the celebratory event.

“SALTEX has moved from a horse racing track in Windsor to the National Exhibition Centre in the middle of the country and the fact that we are now gearing up for our 75th annual show next year is testament to the community of the sports turf industry and how it has grown.”

SALTEX 2020 will take place at the NEC, Birmingham on 4 and 5 November.

For more information please visit www.iogsaltex.com

Follow SALTEX on Twitter @IOG_SALTEX and Facebook – www.facebook.com/IOGSALTEX

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Groundsman Exhibit At SALTEX 2019

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Groundsman Exhibit At SALTEX 2019: GROUNDSMAN INDUSTRIES were established in 1990, based in Co. Antrim N. Ireland they specialise in the Design and Manufacture of Turf Aerators, Turf-sod Multi Cutters and Sub-surface Irrigation Pipe Insertion Machines distributing around the world.

Groundsman will be presenting this unique range of products on Stand K078 at the SALTEX Exhibition in the NEC Birmingham

Groundsman Exhibit At SALTEX 2019

TURF CUTTING

Three models are available in the new Groundsman TMC range of Two and Four Wheel Drive Turf Cutters. These versatile machines are available for general landscaping or fine turf applications. They have the traction and ability to cut in the extremely tough hard conditions or with precision on fine turf for relaying purposes at Golf Clubs or Turf Farms. The machines are compact, we balanced and easy to operate, the counter-balanced single crank blade-drive system transmit the lowest operator hand arm vibrations (HAV) levels on the market.

The Model TMC26 has two drive-wheels with a caster tail-wheel lockable for straight or curve cutting. The drive wheels are 30cm (12”) diameter for extra traction in compacted conditions, this and the durable simplistic design and ease of operation make this machine a popular choice with Landscape Contractors and Hire Shops.

The Model TMC46 four wheel drive Turf Cutter with rear mounted blade cuts fine turf with precision leaving it unmarked by wheel tracking for relaying purposes at Golf Clubs and Turf Farms. Four wheel drive give this machine exceptional traction and cutting ability to cut in all types of extreme conditions.

A wide range of blades are available for Sod-cutting from 30cm (12″) to 60cm (24″) wide adjustable down to 7cm (3”) depth as well as other blades and attachments including Mole-draining, De-compacting, Trench-cutting to 13cm (5”) depth plus Pipe and Cable Insertion down to 13cm (5”) depth.

IRRIGATION PIPE INSERTION

Groundsman Industries have developed an Irrigation Pipe Insertion machine to insert Dripper-line Irrigation Pipe down to 15cm deep in a one pass operation to provide water directly to the root zone of any grass surface. The trench into which the pipe is inserted is created without removing any soil thereby leaving very little trace on the surface or disruption.

The new model TIM13 Trench Insertion Machine will be on display at SALTEX, it is powered by a 13HP Honda engine and can be fitted with reels of pipe up to 200 meters long.

TURF AERATION

Groundsman offer four models of Pedestrian Turf Aerators and two Tractor Mounting machines plus a wide range of Quick Change Tines, Holders and Accessories including the incredible Flexblade Core Collector which gathers the cores as they are being produced. All the Aerator Machines use Groundsman’s time proven Elliptical Plunge Action, Sealed Bearing Low Maintenance Aeration Mechanism.

Pedestrian Aerators

A Groundsman 345 models are the smallest in the Groundsman pedestrian range, they have a 45cm (18”) swath and use the Groundsman Medium and Heavy Duty three arm aeration mechanisms driven by a 6.5HP engine. The 345MD is a Medium Duty machine is a popular choice with private Bowls Clubs. The 345HD Heavy Duty machine has a long proven record of durability second to none capable of coping with hard and stony ground conditions as well as fine turf. These compact professional machines have an overall width of 80cm (32”) enabling them to access most garden gates. The 345HD can aerate all types of grass surfaces including Gardens, Parklands, Pitches, Fine Lawns and Sports Greens. The crank driven plunge action mechanism will drive the tines into the most compacted of surfaces to a depth of 13cm (5”) with very little surface disruption. Quick change Hollow Core, Solid and Slitting Tines are available plus Cluster Tine Heads for thatch removal or surface preparation for over-seeding. A drop-seeder attachment can be fitted to the aerator machines and a drag-brush to work in conjunction with the Cluster Tines for over-seeding work.

Groundsman Exhibit At SALTEX 2019

The Model 460 is the same as the 346HD but with a 60cm (24”) swath width using a four arm heavy duty aeration mechanism and fitted with a 9HP engine.

Tractor Mounting Aerators

The model 8120CTM is a 120cm (48”) wide compact tractor mounting machine capable of aerating to 15cm (6”) deep. It is uitable for tractors over 18HP and can be fitted with the full range of Groundsman Tines and Quick Change Holders as well as the legendry FLEXBLADE Core Collector.

The Model 12180TM is a 180cm (72”) wide version of the 8120 suitable for tractors over 25HP

CORE COLLECTION

The new Groundsman FLEXBLADE Aeration Soil / Core Collector will be on displaying at SALTEX. The new universal FLEXBLADE range are light weight and available in widths from 60cm (24”) up to 230cm (90”) to fit many types of Pedestrian and Tractor Mounting Aerators to Core and Collect in One Pass as well as Three Point Linkage Compact Tractor or Turf Vehicle mounting for Follow-up Core and Linear Aeration Soil Collection.

GROUNDSMAN FLEXBLADE COLLECTORS are the most cost effective and efficient method of collecting aeration soil saving time and many hours of labour.

With no driven parts they have a Long Service Life with Very Little Maintenance.

For more information visit www.groundsmanindustries.com

Email: info@groundsmanindustries.com

Tel: 028 2766 7049

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Tyre-Line At SALTEX 2019

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Tyre-Line At SALTEX 2019: Tyre-Line will again be exhibiting at this year’s SALTEX show at the NEC Birmingham, stand D082, bringing their extensive knowledge and product portfolio to the UK’s Premier Turf Management exhibition.

Aftermarket Tyres, Wheels & Specialist Services

Tyre-Line’s Aftermarket sales and support division pride themselves on their vast knowledge and extensive experience supplying the aftermarket tyre industry. They are able to offer services such as tyre pattern conversions (Agri to Turf and vice versa), bespoke wheel and tyre fitments along with specialist patterns and fitment advice for all Groundscare, ATV/UTV, High Speed Trailer, Agriculture and Construction machinery.

Tyre-Line At SALTEX 2019

Being the Sole Official UK Distributor of Carlisle & ITP Tyres and Wheels gives Tyre-Line un-paralleled access to one of the world’s biggest specialist tyre suppliers for Lawn & Garden, ATV/UTV and Agriculture & Construction tyres. With a heritage of supplying many prestigious names with O.E. fitments including John Deere, Countax, Polaris, Can-Am and more, Carlisle & ITP have been at the forefront of tyre development and technology for over 100 years and Tyre-Line are proud to be their Sole Official UK Distributor.

This year, Tyre-Line will be showcasing their extensive range of Carlisle Lawn, Garden & Golf Tyres at SALTEX, including such well known pattern names such as Multi Trac / Turf Master, Turf Trac, Links & Fast Trax along with products from ITP, Compass & Wanda.

Original Equipment Tyres & Wheels

Over the past 30 years, Tyre-Line’s Original Equipment Division have partnered with many of the industry’s biggest names in Groundscare, Trailer and ATV/UTV markets including the likes of John Deere, Kubota, Logic, Nugent & Ariens. Supplying customer specific tyre and wheel fitments from their centrally located, 50,000 sq.ft purpose built facility in Daventry, Northamptonshire, Tyre-Line have a wealth of experience, coupled with a comprehensive product range from industry leading brands allowing them to offer application specific solutions.

Visit Tyre-Line Aftermarket on Stand D082 at this year’s SALTEX show at the NEC, Birmingham on 30th & 31st October or contact the team on 01458 250350.

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Sherriff At SALTEX 2019

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Sherriff At SALTEX 2019: New organic, chemical-free biochar products and an upgraded award-winning turf management app will be showcased on the Sherriff Amenity stand (E060) at SALTEX 2019.

On the first day of SALTEX 2018, Sherriff Amenity’s ground-breaking new app, PrecisionPro, was announced as the winner of the second, annual SALTEX Innovation Award. In the past year the unique app has been praised far and wide by turf managers.

Sherriff At SALTEX 2019

PrecisionPro allows turf managers to have an accurate measured area by simply opening the app and walking the perimeter of the area. Calibrating spreaders has always been a difficult task but with the Calibrate feature in the PrecisionPro app, users are guided through each step of the process. Furthermore, its advanced GPS functionality informs the user when to start and stop the calibration process.

The app also features a function to ensure that every operator walks at the same speed – if someone is walking too fast or too slow then they are alerted by colour coded screens. As well as calculating the g/m2 and the operator’s walking speed, the Apply feature ultimately ensures that the exact amount of nutrition is being applied to the turf.

Now, PrecisionPro is returning to SALTEX 2019 with some beneficial updates including a new mapping function, a rain shroud and an updated user interface. Furthermore, one lucky visitor to the Sherriff Amenity stand will get the opportunity to walk away with the brand new app.

Sherriff Amenity is the exclusive UK distributor of Carbon Gold’s Enriched Biochar Turf Improver, and the two companies will be joining forces at SALTEX 2019. Carbon Gold’s aim is to increase soil fertility and improve turf health through the use of biochar-based products and visitors to the stand will be able to find out more about these exceptional offerings including the all-new Biochar Raw and Biology Blend.

Enriched Biochar Turf Improver is a highly porous, high carbon form of charcoal used to improve soil nutrition, growing conditions and turf health. It is made from untreated waste woody biomass that has been charred at a low temperature with a restricted supply of oxygen, a process called pyrolysis.

Carbon Gold’s Turf Improver enriches biochar with optimum levels of beneficial fungi, bacteria and trace minerals for optimum soil and sward health. Where prevention rather than cure is key, adding enriched biochar to soil provides the foundation on which to build resilient, attractive, playable turf, as recent sports turf trials have shown.

The new Biochar Raw is recalcitrant and porous, making it a permanent refuge for beneficial microbiology. Biochar Raw is applied in lower rates over several seasons which will build the carbon up in levels adding the biology separately at optimal times with the new Biology Blend.

Throughout the two-day event representatives from both Sherriff Amenity and Carbon Gold will be available to discuss and assist with any turf related queries you may have.

For further information, please contact Sherriff Amenity on 01638 721 888 or visit www.sherriffamenity.com

For more news and insightful views, you can follow Sherriff Amenity on Twitter @SherriffAmenity.

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