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Worm casts causing you a problem?

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Worm casts causing you a problem?: Earthworms are vital for maintaining healthy soil. By continuously moving soil, worms loosen and aerate it, aiding water infiltration. And, when earthworms feed on nutrients in the soil, the waste products they leave provide valuable fertilisation.

But despite the benefits, earthworms create big problems for greenkeepers.

Worm casts causing you a problem?

Worm casts causing you a problem?

As they expel waste, earthworms leave small worm casts on the soil’s surface. These tiny mounds affect ball movement on golf courses and look unsightly. During milder months, worms are more active near the surface, and these soil casts can mount up, creating more work for greenkeepers.

Up until 2019, greenkeepers had a simple way to tackle worm casts. However, since Carbendazim was banned due to the potentially toxic effects it has on the human reproductive system, no clear chemical solution has emerged to replace it.

How Worm Casts Affect Cylinder Mowers

Worm casts are not just an inconvenience. As a greenkeeper, worm casts cause several other issues, particularly when using cylinder mowers.

Due to their wet, sticky nature, worm casts clog mower rollers, eventually causing them to lock up. When this happens, the mower skids over the turf causing costly damage to both the turf and the machine.

Additionally, worm casts cause an abrasive grinding paste to form between the bottom blade and cylinder. This blunts the cylinders so that regular and costly sharpening is required. If the sharpening is not completed the blunt cylinders affect the overall cut quality and presentation of the course. For many Greenkeepers, this means their cylinder mowers spend more time in the workshop than out on the course.

While strategies like delaying the cut until the middle of the day to reduce stickiness, brushing the turf prior to cutting, or using an older mower when cast levels are high can help, these are not practical solutions as they add time and expense to the ongoing task of turf maintenance.

Using a Trailed Rotary Mower

Until a solution is developed to control worm casts on turf, one time-saving way of tackling them is to use a rotary mower. Trailed rotary mowers do not encounter the same problems as cylinder mowers, as they have been engineered to perform in a wider range of conditions with unwavering reliability.

Most trailed rotary mowers have 5” diameter smooth rollers which are nearly three times larger than a cylinder mower, providing strength when it’s needed most. These rollers are fitted with scraper wires (either a thin metal wire hugging the roller or a solid steel bar running across the length of the roller) which provide constant pressure across the roller, for keeping it free of debris and worm casts.

Another advantage of a trailed rotary mower is their high spindle speeds and airflow, this helps keep the blades clean of worm casts, improving the cut quality and reducing maintenance costs. The other consideration is cleaning. This process is made much easier with a trailed machine as the decks can be folded vertically giving clear access and removing the need to crawl under or bend over the machine.

If you want to see how a trailed rotary mower will perform on your worm casts, give Trimax a call on 01933 652235 or visit their website https://trimaxmowers.co.uk/book-a-demo/

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Vanmac stand promises to be a ‘one-stop shop’

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Vanmac stand promises to be a ‘one-stop shop’: Whether mowing, cut and collect or scarification are on the agenda, then a conversation with Vanmac at BTME 2024 is a must – with a range of solutions from leading brands including Progressive and Trilo on display on stand 526.

A particular highlight promises to be the Progressive TDR-X which leads the way for cut quality, finish and contour-following ability.

Vanmac stand promises to be a ‘one-stop shop’

Vanmac stand promises to be a ‘one-stop shop’

The Progressive TDR-X roller finishing mower features three independently floating decks which deliver outstanding cut quality over large areas, closely following undulations to leave a superior finish without risk of scalping. A combined cutting width of 3.2m and an easily adjustable HOC from 10mm to 85mm makes the TDR-X a versatile and highly productive choice on all types of fine turf and sports turf surface. Renowned for outstanding build quality, the TDR-X also features Progressive’s unique Pro Lift-N-Turn technology, allowing the decks to be temporarily lifted for the avoidance of pathways and obstacles without disengaging the PTO.

Also on show from the Progressive range with be the Pro-Flex 120. With five floating rotary decks delivering outstanding uniformity of cut, including on uneven ground, the Pro-Flex 120 has become the go-to for courses looking for a highly productive solution to contour and rough mowing.

Besides the Progressive range, and showcasing multi-functional machinery at its very best, will be the Trilo M3. Part of the multi-purpose collection, the M3 with a range of interchangeable shafts is the perfect partner for a number of operations around the golf course – including leaf collection, scarification or cut and collect. Equipped with a flail rotor, the M3 offers a cutting width of 1.5m and convenient collection of clippings in the large 3m3 hopper for quick and simple disposal.

For more information on any of the equipment mentioned, or other brands available from Vanmac including Brouwer Kesmac and Ecoclipper, be sure to speak to the Vanmac team at BTME 2024 who will be on hand and ready to answer your technical questions.

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MM Seed: A Key Ingredient for Golf Course Excellence

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MM Seed: A Key Ingredient for Golf Course Excellence: Attendees at BTME 2024, visiting DLF’s stand 126 in Hall B, can anticipate a showcase of cutting-edge products from the world’s premier grass seed breeder and producer.

In the face of increasing demands and pressures on modern greenkeepers to maintain a consistent playing surface, the pivotal elements for a top-tier golf course are seed quality, purity, and vigour. The MM range of seed mixtures stands out by utilising materials from the DLF Select programme, ensuring high purity and germination rates.

MM Seed: A Key Ingredient for Golf Course Excellence

MM Seed: A Key Ingredient for Golf Course Excellence

For over three decades, greenkeepers and course managers have reaped the benefits of choosing the MM brand and its superior quality varieties. All MM varieties undergo thorough testing at the Sports Turf Research Institute (STRI), guaranteeing that the final product meets the requirements for play, appearance, and maintenance.

Leading the way for golf greens is MM9, a three-way Browntop bent mixture that remains a top choice for renovations and species exchange. MM8, designed for links-style courses and sustainable golf, offers a three-way fescue mix with excellent disease resistance, drought tolerance, and minimal fertiliser requirements. MM Coastal is a great alternative to MM8 where salt spray is a concern, providing excellent salt tolerance for golf greens, tees, and fairways with its 100% Slender Creeping Red Fescue mix.

For golf course managers seeking a 100% Ryegrass Greens mix option, MM Supreme Ryegreen mix is the answer. It includes Singapore Perennial Ryegrass, known for its fine leaves, good shoot density, high disease resistance, and wear tolerance. This mix embodies the main benefits of perennial ryegrass, including fast establishment and wear tolerance in close mow situations.

If you’re in search of a mixture ideal for tees and fairways, consider MM50, a 100% ryegrass blend. It boasts rapid establishment, quick recovery from divot scarring, high wear tolerance, and an extremely fine appearance. Meanwhile, for links-style fairways where damage and wear are less prevalent, MM13 is well-suited. With a high percentage of Crystal Hard Fescue, it offers excellent drought tolerance and low maintenance requirements for this challenging environment.

DLF’s stand also provides information about the DLF Pro Flora and Colour Boost range of Wildflower mixtures, perfect for those looking to establish a traditional perennial flower meadow or create a vibrant display of annuals and perennials.

The MM team of amenity seed specialists will be present at BTME to discuss these products in more detail and offer their expertise to address any queries attendees may have.

For further information, please contact DLF UK on 01386 719758 or visit the MM website www.mm-seeds.co.uk.

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Foley to reveal a new product at BTME

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Foley to reveal a new product at BTME: Foley Company through its UK distributor Prosport UK Ltd, is looking forward to attending BTME 2024 with the launch of a new product. Aswell as something completely new, you will have the opportunity to see some of the finest Foley professional grinders on show in the new grey livery.

From a selection of the latest in grinding technology and technique, Foley will be showcasing the Accu-Pro 633 cylinder grinder and the Accu-Pro 672 bedknife grinder. Whatever the size of your golf club, the quality you want to achieve for your members is the same. There is a Foley model for everyone at every professional level of play.

Foley to reveal a new product at BTME

Foley to reveal a new product at BTME

At BTME 2024, you will also have the chance to discuss any requirements with the UK and Ireland distributor ProSport UK Ltd, Ian Robson.

Foley Company is the leading manufacturer of professional grinders delivering quality, state-of-the-art spin, and relief grinders across the world. UK distributor ProSport UK continues to supply Foley professional grinders to the top golf courses in the UK impressing greenkeepers with the speed and versatility of the Foley range.

Many clubs across the whole spectrum, such as St Andrews, Carnoustie, the Buckinghamshire, Kingsbarns, Dumbarnie Links, and The Grove, to name but a few, have embraced the Foley method to achieve and retain the sharpest blades, longer.  The recent Open at Royal Liverpool was supported by Foley Company throughout the week pre-ceding the competition, to ensure the best surfaces were delivered right up to and throughout the Tournament.

And dealer outlets too, when looking to deliver an excellent reliable service to their customers, have chosen to go with Foley. The choice of spin or relief is no longer the question. Foley machines will do both and some models, such as the ACCU-Sharp, ACCU-Pro and ACCU-Master, have automatic grinding pre-sets and adjustment systems to decrease time and labour.

Ask the question; how do I get the most out of my workshop resources? Then choose the most effective method to sharpen your cutting units.

Using the advancements in technology to streamline grinding has been a significant positive with all the latest Foley grinders, so when it comes to grinding, the best got even better.

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Avant 755i Loader: A Transformative Tool

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Avant 755i Loader: A Transformative Tool: Richard Overton, the steward of a family business established in the 1900s, has praised the transformative power of the Avant 755i Loader in improving their operations.

With a deep-rooted history in agriculture, the Overton family has witnessed the evolution of their business from its humble beginnings, where Richard’s grandfather toiled to expand their landholding, to the present day, marked by a diverse portfolio of activities ranging from potato cultivation to cold storage, a livery yard, landscaping, and more.

Avant 755i Loader: A Transformative Tool

Avant 755i Loader: A Transformative Tool

The turning point in their operations came with the decision to diversify, a strategic move that required a versatile and reliable piece of equipment. Richard, having previously relied on two 3.5-tonne machines, sought something more adaptable to the dynamic needs of the business.

“I always had an eye on the Avant. We tried one out, we liked it, and so we bought one. We required one we could put on a trailer and tow because we needed it at both of our sites, so we went for the 755i model because I believe it’s the biggest you can legally tow. It fits great on our trailer,” shares Richard. The decision to invest in the Avant 755i Loader, part of the 700 series, proved to be a game-changer for the Overton family.

Unleashing the Potential of the Avant 755i Loader: A Year-Round Workhorse

The Avant 755i Loader, renowned for its high lift capacity and drive speed, belongs to the 700 series designed for multi-use tasks across various industries. Richard highlights the machine’s ability to seamlessly transition between cleaning, property maintenance, farm operations and landscaping. Its compact design, coupled with high-flow auxiliary hydraulics, ensures unmatched versatility in handling diverse attachments.

The decision to opt for a cab-equipped model reflects the Overton family’s commitment to year-round productivity. “Because we are going to be busy in the summer and the winter, we thought we needed a cab – so we could be warm in the winter but have air conditioning in the summer. We ended up buying the best machine we could get,” affirms Richard. He opted for the GT cab which comes with heating, sound-absorbing interior, windscreen washer and wiper, cab air filter and front and rear mudguards as standard.

Attachments Galore: The Swiss Army Knife of Machinery

What sets the Avant 755i Loader apart is its compatibility with over 200 attachments, turning it into a true Swiss Army Knife of agricultural and landscaping equipment. Richard proudly details the array of attachments they employ, including the brush, the leveller, the lawn mower, the 4 in 1 bucket, and the root grapple. Each attachment serves a distinct purpose, showcasing the machine’s adaptability.

“The root grapple isn’t just for roots; it is also used for picking up round bales of straw and logs. It has a great feature where the top grapple closes in two bits so if you have an uneven piece of wood, it doesn’t just grab one side of it; it works independently, which is really clever,” notes Richard.

“Just the other day we were able to deliver and unload 16 tonnes worth of slabs round the back of a private property in no time at all. Previously this would have taken 2 or 3 days of hard graft with a wheelbarrow; so, the time saving is incredible. I think the Avant Loader really is a Swiss Army Knife.”

The Avant Advantage: Cost-Effective, Economical, and Reliable

Richard emphasises the cost-effectiveness of the Avant 755i Loader, asserting, “Every machine has its limitations, but I think the Avant Loader does every job more than adequately. It has saved us money because we don’t need 5 or 6 machines – the Avant can do them all.” The manoeuvrability, diesel efficiency, and ability to navigate tight spaces make it an indispensable asset for the Overton family business.

In praising the local Avant dealer, Ben Burgess, Richard underlines the importance of reliable support. “Back-up is crucial when purchasing a new machine, and I get a great service from Ben Burgess.”

A Testament to Innovation and Tradition

The Avant 755i Loader stands as a testament to the innovative approach of a family business that has spanned generations. In choosing the Avant Loader, the Overton family has not only embraced a versatile and efficient tool but has also set the stage for sustained success in the years to come.

For more information, please visit www.avant.co.uk 

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