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EcoBunker aids transformation at Skylark

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EcoBunker aids transformation at Skylark: Seven years ago, Skylark Golf & County Club in Hampshire in the south of England, was in a sorry state.

“The course was opened in the late 1990s, and it was known at Quinn Dell,” says course manager Simon Bell-Tye. “And when I got here in 2014, it had been neglected and run down for most of that time. It was a field with holes in it.”

EcoBunker aids transformation at Skylark

EcoBunker aids transformation at Skylark

But the arrival of its new course manager was a sign that the place was on the up. Acquired by local company JDI (Just Develop It) in late 2013, the renamed Skylark hasn’t looked back.

“My boss at the time, Dan Richards, an ex-golf pro, had a real vision for the place, starting with making the course more presentable and playable,” says Bell-Tye. “But it was a big job. There was a weed called toad rush in the greens. I didn’t know what it was – I’d never come across it before – and the bunkers were just scoops in the ground.”

Now, though, Skylark’s bunkers are among its best-regarded features, thanks to the installation of synthetic edging system EcoBunker over several years. “I’m a member at Royal Winchester and I saw them doing the EcoBunkers there,” says Simon. “I mentioned this to Dan and he said ‘Good idea, get them in’. Rich Allen came and explained their process, and we took him and their construction manager Llewelyn Matthews to the eleventh hole, which had our very worst bunkers. Then Llew spent a week showing us how to build the EcoBunkers, and we haven’t looked back since.”

But the ‘normal’ EcoBunker method wasn’t enough for Skylark. To reduce the bunker maintenance still further, EcoBunker CEO Richard Allen devised a new add-on, named EcoEdge – which sees top quality artificial grass, backed with rubber, used as a rim for the bunkers. Compared to the usual EcoBunker Advanced methodology, where natural grass is planted on top of the synthetic edge, this obviously reduces the maintenance requirement for bunker edging still further. “Skylark was the first club in the world to use the EcoEdge system, although since, a number of other clubs have invested in it,” says Allen.

The reaction to the EcoBunkers was immediate. “Members loved them, so I got a budget to do a number of bunkers each year,” says Bell-Tye. “Ultimately, we have added fourteen extra bunkers to the golf course. We build them all in house – last winter I used forty pallets of material in four bunkers – and they look wonderful. They are huge, and they just pop out at you.”

Skylark’s success has come both on and off the course. From hosting one or two weddings a year, the club now does 140-150. And the golf? “When I joined we had 200-250 golf members. Now we’re up to 750, and we are full, with a joining fee,” says Bell-Tye.

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New Technical Manager at AGS

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New Technical Manager at AGS: Advance Grass Solutions is very pleased to announce the appointment of Phil Logan to the role of UK Technical Manager.

A former greenkeeper with a First-Class BSc (Hons) Degree in Turfgrass Science, Phil brings a wealth of agronomic and practical skills to support the growing AGS in field team and lead the technical department into the next phase of development.

New Technical Manager at AGS

New Technical Manager at AGS

Sam Honeyborne, MD at AGS said ‘’Phil’s appointment is an exciting one for our business. It’s very unusual to find a candidate with both a high level of technical ability coupled with senior management commercial experience. He has coordinated many turf grass research trials during his time at the STRI which will enhance and develop our current, exclusive range of products. We very much look forward to working with Phil.’’

Formerly, Phil worked at Barenbrug as Sales Manager for Ireland and Northern England.

Phil Logan said ‘’I’m very excited to be joining AGS. Their growth in recent years has not gone unnoticed and I see this as a great opportunity to influence and support future success. They have built a reputation on sustainable agronomic principles, that align with my own ethos, with a very sound product portfolio.’’

Advance Grass Solutions is a leading provider of agronomy services, products and customer

support throughout the UK, with loyal customers from lawncare and small bowling clubs to Ryder Cup venues and Premier League football clubs.

AGS supplies a UK exclusive range of high-quality products including: Growth Products, Sustane Natural Fertilizers, Polyon controlled release technology, in addition to well-known UK based suppliers such as Barenbrug and Aquatrols. Their staff hold industry recognised qualifications such as BASIS and FACTS alongside honours degrees in turfgrass, soil science and ecology disciplines.

Phil Logan BSc (Hons) / phillogan@advancegrass.com / Tel : 07774 416429

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Agrimetal debuts at SALTEX

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Agrimetal debuts at SALTEX: AgriMetal makes its debut at SALTEX 2021. The range of debris blowers and collectors will be represented by the tractor-mounted BW3500 blower, alongside TYM tractors, on stand M080.

The BW3500 attachment, for tractors with more than 35hp at the PTO, completes debris management tasks effectively and with little noise disturbance.

Agrimetal debuts at SALTEX

Agrimetal debuts at SALTEX

Steven Haynes, tractor sales manager at Reesink, says: “As the leaves start to fall, maintenance work increases significantly, and this is work that can be made easy with the three low decibel three-point linkage mounted leaf and debris blower from AgriMetal.

“Having an impellor made of aluminium requires less energy at full throttle, delivering a quieter, smoother and vibration-free operation whilst also increasing airflow CFM by around 25 percent compared to other products on the market. This will have sure-fire appeal to golf courses and urban sports ground, for example, where it is important to keep noise pollution to a minimum.”

Steven continues: “The lightweight construction reduces the sudden loading on the driveline and helps reduce belt wear as the PTO is engaged. The large roller on which the blower rides lets you work in the worst conditions without marking or compacting the turf, particularly useful for sports surfaces, especially on turns. In fact, in contrast to the competition, the roller will often smooth out imperfections on the turf.”

This low decibel series of tractor-drawn blowers has been designed for maximum productivity and minimum maintenance and the option to fit caster wheels, which allows the machine to switch to hard surface application, makes them a good option for public schools, colleges, universities and large estates for driveway clearing too.

Steven concludes: “The BW3500 is efficient and reliable in a range of settings and the high cubic feet per minute output means it’s really productive, making light work of what can be a laborious task.”

To find out more about the AgriMetal range, which also includes high-capacity collectors, visit stand M080 at SALTEX, where customers can see the BW3500 with the T395 tractor to demonstrate the perfect partnership for easy autumn/winter maintenance.

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The next star player at SALTEX

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The next star player at SALTEX: Representing the future of the turfcare industry and on stand K078 at SALTEX for the first time will be Reesink e-Vehicles’ new STAR player, the Capella Work Machine.

This all-electric and versatile model from the award-winning brand STAR EV is the latest plug-in electric utility vehicle for the UK market, purposefully designed to help move people and equipment around grounds quietly, safely and efficiently.

The next star player at SALTEX

The next star player at SALTEX

The Capella Work Machine is powered by a 48v 5kW motor comes with a choice of two high powered lithium-ion batteries charged via an on-board Lester charger. With a 450A AC Curtis controller and direct drive, the Work Machine offers a range up to 60 miles of travel going at a maximum speed of 20mph for the ultimate productivity from an electric workhorse. Plus, it has a climbing ability of 20 percent meaning it’s just as good on the hills as it is on the flat.

This noiseless and emissions-free utility buggy can take two passengers at a time and has a hydraulic lift rear cargo utility box with an impressive 670kg (1477lbs) carry capacity.

It features carefully selected components for a smooth ride: there’s a double A-Arm independent suspension with adjustable shock absorbers, a double-ended self-compensating ‘rack and pinion’ steering and QDS drive system with temperature protection.

In addition to the key features above, the little things also matter and all the details that make for comfortable operation have been considered: there’s Bluetooth, a dashboard with digital display, holders for drinks, golf balls and tees and an LED lighting system.

The Capella Work Machine represents a range of 28 lithium and sealed battery-powered utility vehicles from STAR EV and available from Reesink e-Vehicles, which includes electric passenger buggies and small, medium and large capacity electric UTVs and people carriers for up to 23 people. All come with a rapid charge, good mileage per charge, and an extensive warranty – up to six years on batteries.

On stand ready to introduce this exciting buggy option will be Dave French, Reesink e-Vehicles’ new electric vehicle expert. He says: “Wherever you are and whatever sector you’re in, the ability to work more quietly, earlier and for longer will be an advantage. Specifically, urban sports stadiums and training grounds and golf courses and resorts with guest rooms or neighbouring residential areas will notice a big difference by switching to electric power.

“STAR EV is a brand that delivers strong technology, innovation, breadth of range, value proposition and, importantly, peak performance. Electric-powered technology is a fundamental part of the future; it’s growing rapidly, with customers keen to switch and the arrival of the STAR EV range brings more choice.

“The Capella Work Machine is a standout model for any maintenance team looking to get around the grounds easily and efficiently all day long all on a single charge and is well worth a trip to the Reesink e-Vehicles stand at SALTEX.”

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First all-electric tractor at SALTEX

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First all-electric tractor at SALTEX: The industry’s first all-electric tractor, Farmtrac’s FT25G, makes quite the debut at SALTEX 2021 having been named as a finalist in the Environmental/Sustainability category of the SALTEX Innovation Awards.

Ever since it hit the market in 2019, the FT25G has hit the headlines and generated much interest from those wanting a clean energy alternative for their grounds.

First all-electric tractor at SALTEX

First all-electric tractor at SALTEX

Revered for its efficiency on sought-after green credentials, Farmtrac’s flagship model is powered by a 72v lithium-ion battery and onboard charger. It can be charged from any domestic socket to 100 percent in eight hours, and with seven hours of charge it won’t run out of power in the middle of a job.

It boasts a 450kg lift capacity and can be paired with a front loader, making it a versatile workhorse suitable for a range of tasks from lifting and towing to transporting.

The only tractor on the market to feature a lithium-ion battery means costly diesel fuel is cut out along with the complicated maintenance that comes with diesel engine machinery, so customers see real savings in the long-term.

Cutting-edge and cost-effective, choosing the Farmtrac FT25G electric tractor means choosing zero emissions and less noise and making the conscious decision to reduce carbon footprint without compromising on productivity.

Steven Haynes, tractor sales manager at Reesink, says: “By now news of the industry’s first all-electric tractor from Farmtrac is widely known. With its compact size, it can manoeuvre between narrow spaces and has all the functions and features of a compact tractor, with the benefits of quiet, clean electric power.

“This environmentally-friendly model in the Farmtrac range is undoubtedly its flagship model, but it’s just the start of all that is good and innovative about Farmtrac’s offering.

“Performance and value while being simple and intuitive to operate. Not only that, but it had to be from a brand that paves the way with its product development. All of these points are evident across the Farmtrac range, but none more so than in the effective and innovative electric model.”

The SALTEX Innovation Awards take place at SALTEX on 3 November. To find out more about Farmtrac, visit stand K078 at SALTEX, where customers can see a selection of electric options for their grounds.

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