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Reliable G860’s are excellent for Hartpury

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Reliable G860’s are excellent for Hartpury: Matthew Newman, Grounds and Sports Turf Manager at Hartpury University and Hartpury College in Gloucester, claims that his fleet of Dennis G860 mowers are reliable, robust, and ergonomically excellent.

Matthew was once a student at Hartpury University and College completing a National Diploma in Horticulture before being offered a position on the grounds team in 2002. He now oversees three divisions which consists of a grounds team, a sports turf team, and a construction team.

Reliable G860’s are excellent for Hartpury

Reliable G860’s are excellent for Hartpury

The eight sports pitches, which are split equally between rugby and football, require a lot of attention as Matthew explained.

“They are arguably the most demanding surfaces because of the amount they are used,” he said. “During the week we find ourselves preparing the pitches for university and college teams, which still must be high spec because they are in the top divisions, but then it gets to the weekend, and we have premiership fixtures for the women’s teams or championship rugby games for men. In these situations, we are very much aware that we are preparing pitches for the paying public and that the games will be streamed online around the world for all to see. It is a lot of work, and we need reliable machinery.”

It is for this reason that Matthew decided to upgrade his previous cylinder mowers to four Dennis G860’s.

Relied upon at world class stadia and major tournaments, the Dennis G860 is one of the most renowned cylinder mowers in the grounds management industry. Lightweight at just 166kg it is incredibly easy to manoeuvre and comfortable to operate. The handlebar console houses the controls for the throttle, parking brake, roller drive and cutting cylinder drive.

The mower features a large diameter front roller with an adjustable scraper which has been designed for a precise height of cut control, giving an excellent finish on every occasion. The Dennis G860 also features an interchangeable cassette system to assist with a wide range of tasks such as including scarifying, verticutting, brushing, spiking, and slitting.

“Once we trialled the Dennis G860’s, we just had to have them,” continued Matthew. “They are lot more robust, more sturdy, easier to use and more manageable. For me the usability is one of its best features – they are ergonomically excellent, and everything is in the right place in terms of controls. It does a brilliant job every time and it isn’t complicated. I think there are quite a few machines out there that are perhaps over engineered. Dennis keeps it simple and straight to the point.

“The G860’s present the pitch brilliantly and they provide a more defined stripe than other mowers we have used.”

Matthew and his team use the Dennis G860’s on both the rugby and football pitches approximately three times a week. With such a busy schedule, time is of the essence and Matthew has noticed that the Dennis G860’s have helped in this respect.

“We seem to cover the same area more quickly with the Dennis G860’s. Previously we were only able to single cut and would never have enough time in the day to double cut, whereas we can do that now.

“We’ve had the Dennis G860’s for a couple of years now and nothing ever goes wrong with them. They are incredibly reliable.”

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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And the winners are…

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And the winners are…: The three winners of the Amenity Forum Sprayer Operator of the Year Awards, sponsored by ICL and Syngenta, have been announced.

The Amenity Forum Sprayer Operator of the Year Awards (ASOOTY) recognises and rewards top sprayer operators across the amenity industry. It aims to improve standards, by identifying the best practice of individuals to enhance results – and share their experiences across the industry.

And the winners are…

And the winners are…

ASOOTY is sponsored by ICL and Syngenta and managed by Amenity Forum, in association with BASIS.

From a record number of high-calibre entrants this year, the competition has now been whittled down to three great finalists – Darren McLaughlan, Course Manager at Trump Turnberry Golf Club; Keith Scruton, Course Manager at Darwen Golf Club; and Kiel Barrett, Head Groundsman at Leeds United FC.

Darren is now into his 26th year in the industry and followed in his uncle’s footsteps who was a greenkeeper. Commenting on his award, Darren said: “I’ve been spraying for as long as I can remember, and I look at this award first and foremost as personal development. This is a huge part in the way I like to manage myself and my team. If you are standing still, then you are going backwards so to have this award; and even to be nominated for me is progression.”

A summer job at a local golf club ignited Keith’s passion for greenkeeping and he has since been in the industry for 32 years. “The benefit of having this award is that it will act as an accreditation of good practice and that’s something I’ve tried to achieve with spraying over the years,” he said. “Hopefully this award shows that even a small club can implement good practice and do the right things without having as many resources as the bigger clubs.”

Kiel learned his trade at Headingley Carnegie stadium, home of Leeds Rhinos, before being appointed as the Head Groundsman of Leeds United FC in 2012. He has been at the club ever since and has worked wonders with the Elland Road pitch.

The overall winner will be announced at the BTME Welcome Celebration which will be taking place om 24th January 2023.

Please contact ICL on 01473 237100 or visit www.icl-sf.co.uk or www.icl-sf.ie if you are in Ireland.

For more news and insightful views, you can follow ICL on Twitter @ICL_Turf

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When 3 cylinders are better than 4

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When 3 cylinders are better than 4: Specialist turf growers, County Turf, farm in Yorkshire and Lincolnshire with a fleet of 24 tractors. A strong relationship with local dealer Peacock & Binnington saw the company introduce a Fendt 211 to the fleet in 2020. The Fendt has since done over 3000 hours and has helped director Chris Medley reduce fuel costs and improve the efficiency of loading work.

“We run four-cylinder tractors for most of our general production work. I was advised that the three-cylinder Fendt would manage the work well whilst offering a significant fuel saving. It has been an eye-opener because we have reduced our fuel consumption by at least 25 percent and yet the tractor has performed admirably,” he explains.

When 3 cylinders are better than 4

When 3 cylinders are better than 4

There are five models in the 200 range: the 207, 208, 209, 210 and top of the range 211. Power outputs start at 79 horsepower and extend to 124 horsepower. All models are available as Power, Profi and Profi+ with AGCO’s three-cylinder 3.3 litre engine.

The latest model 211 benefits from a power boost called ‘Dynamic Performance’ which releases an additional ten horsepower on demand. The system detects when components such as the PTO, hydraulics, engine fan and air-con need more power, and then provides that added power through smart control. “If I had one criticism of our 211 it is that it is a little short of power for some applications. The new model may be an option for us in the future if the boost function provides the extra power that we need,” says Mr Medley.

The 69 plate 211 at County Turf has been used mostly for loading. With a Fendt loader on the front and pallet tines on the three-point linkage it has become a popular choice for loading work and Mr Medley suggests it is more useful than a telehandler. “It has very sensitive controls for loading work and the joystick is ergonomic to use, so operators prefer it to a telehandler. It also has the advantage of carrying at the front and rear so it can move more in a day.”

Being a light tractor, it is also easier to transport. The Fendt is regularly deployed to sports grounds where it loads fresh turf and moves sand. “When we install pitches, we need lighter machines to reduce any potential damage to the turf. The Fendt is perfect for this because it has sufficient power without the greater weight that four-cylinder tractors carry.”

The cab is typically Fendt. Quiet, comfortable, and ergonomic. It is spacious and more akin to the larger models in the range. The high seating position offers the operator better vision over the loader and gives an overall feeling of space. “The view from the Fendt is great for our operators when they are moving turf. Operators also enjoy the comfort, especially when they are using it for long shifts.”

The land used to grow turf is dry and coarse which makes establishment tricky at times, especially with the high winds experienced in the area. The 211 is regularly used for mowing and irrigation work but is also versatile enough to work with a harvester, loading lorries. “We can move the Fendt from one job to another really easily. It has enough power to pull mowers and transport irrigation equipment whilst also having the loading capability to move turf.”

Comfort has always been a distinguishing part of the Fendt brand and the 200 series is no exception. Despite being a compact machine with a turning circle of just 4.2 metres, the cabin feels every bit like that of one of the larger models. The seat offers excellent cushioning and support which will help those intending to do long stints behind the wheel. “Our operators really appreciate the Fendt for its comfort and prefer to use the 211 if they can.”

County Turf has a constant churn of tractors, choosing to replace each tractor in the fleet within three years to keep within the warranty period. With excellent support from Peacock & Binnington, Mr Medley is never left without a machine and servicing has been completed quickly and efficiently. “It is vital that we avoid downtime. The Fendt has not let us down in over 3000 hours, so we are really pleased with the reliability and the service we have had from P&B.”

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Are you involved in amenity management?

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Are you involved in amenity management?: The Amenity Forum is currently running its very popular series of Updating Events across the UK. One of these is to be held at Arsenal’s Football Ground on March 9th and will contain important briefing information on topical issues as well as forthcoming policy change. As well as being events to receive information, they also act as opportunities for those attending to contribute their views and influence matters.

The whole series of free events are made possible by sponsorship. The Forum is grateful to Weedfree who are core funding all the series and to individual host organisations for providing the venue and refreshments for each event. Being able to offer the London event is thanks to Belchim Amenity UK, strong supporters of the Amenity Forum and its objective of promoting best practice and high standards in amenity management.

Are you involved in amenity management?

Are you involved in amenity management?

The full programme of events two of which have already run, together with individual host organisation is provided at the end of this release. So if you are involved in, or have an interest in, the amenity sector, please contact Kate at admin@amenityforum.net to book your place. Whilst free events, you do need to book your place with Kate, in advance. On registration, you will be sent a full copy of the programme for your event and location details or sign in links for the on line ones.

In terms of weed, pest and disease management, significant policy change is afoot. With our withdrawal from the EU, new regulations are emerging regarding the approval and use of plant protection products. In addition a new UK National Action Plan is soon to be issued setting out the requirements going forward. We already know that this will have a major focus on integrated management approaches and greater enforcement and standards. Then there is the implementation of the Official Controls (Plant Protection Products) Regulations 2020 (OCR). This has already legally required all suppliers of plant protection products (PPPs) to register their locations and stock carried. From June 2022, such a legal responsibility will also apply to all users of PPPs backed up by increased inspection and enforcement.

Representatives from UK and national governments will be in attendance and thus the events provide excellent opportunity for you to express your views and thoughts direct to them.

William Weld from Belchim Amenity UK said ‘’Belchim Amenity UK are delighted to support this event as part of a series being held across the UK. These events come at an important time for the sector and it is vital that all involved are kept fully up to date’’

ENGLAND                                                              DATE                                                   HOST

Yorkshire (on line)                                          9th February                                       Green-tech        

Manchester                                                       24th February                                     ICL

Leicester                                                             25th February                                     Agrigem

London                                                                 9th March                                             Belchem Amenity UK

Throws Farm, Essex                                        17th March                                          Origin Amenity

NORTHERN IRELAND

Belfast                                                                  23rd March                                          NI Government                

SCOTLAND

Edinburgh                                                           4th March                                             Scottish Government                    

WALES

Cardiff  (on line)                                              16th February                                     Complete Weed Control

The Forum is very grateful to Weedfree for their support in making this series of events possible.

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Are County cricket pitches soft targets?

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Are County cricket pitches soft targets?: It is no surprise that the standard of County Championship pitches has once again been thrust into the spotlight following England’s capitulation in Australia.

Read the full article from Cricbuzz here

Are County cricket pitches soft targets?

Are County cricket pitches soft targets?

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