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Why SAGE is not to be missed

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Why SAGE is not to be missed: The Sports & Grounds Expo (SAGE) has been designed to provide an outdoor opportunity for the sports and grounds maintenance industry to showcase their kit and solutions. Many within the industry have a large amount of big kit which does not fit well into indoor environments easily.

The main aim for SAGE is to give exhibitors the space they need with very few limitations, at unbeatable prices. SAGE is the only totally OUTDOOR event for the industry in the UK, and it aims to be inclusive of everyone who shares an interest in the sports and grounds maintenance industry.

Why SAGE is not to be missed

Why SAGE is not to be missed

SAGE gives a vital opportunity for visitors to be able to get “hands on”, each exhibitor has the opportunity to have a demo area located beside their stand totally free of charge, providing an abundance of space. The target is to deliver a resourceful and action-packed experience for both our visitors and exhibitors alike.

The team at SAGE is determined to tackle key issues for the industry head-on. With this in mind, SAGE is proud to be hosting the First Sustainability Summit, which will take place on Wednesday 6th in partnership with Bio-Circle, it will also return on Thursday 7th July for a live Q&A. The summit will be led by experts across the industry and will provide guidance and support on how sustainable solutions can be achieved by businesses across the sports and grounds maintenance industry. The panel and their colleagues will be on hand to deliver tailored options for those looking to adopt processes that are more environmentally friendly.

SAGE is proud to have announced this Spring that it has been named the home event for GRASS; Ground care Resources & Sustainability Solutions. The NEW networking & support forum, which is a FREE to join group that supports all groundscare and other sporting industry sustainability projects, providing free advice and knowledge of sustainable pitch care. To find out more join us as founder of GRASS, Mark Tomlinson, heads up the Sustainability Summit on Wednesday 6th July.

Free Courses & Sessions

On Wednesday 6th July Grounds, we are delighted to announce that Training Grounds Ltd, will be joining SAGE to deliver tailor made courses and sessions to our delegates.

Established in 2006, Grounds Training is a Lantra Approved Training Provider, who provides professional, independently-accredited training to groups of operatives in the workplace. Clients include sports clubs and associations, commercial and non-profit organisations, schools, universities, local authorities, contractors and private estates.

Managing Director Martin Sampson said; “As a training partner we offer clients a complete service, from initial enquiry to certification and beyond, helping Grounds, Course and Estate Managers, HR staff in local authorities and companies of all sizes plan training and competency programmes for their staff teams. We work with a fantastic group of instructors and assessors with an incredibly diverse skillset, enabling us to deliver a broad range of training courses and qualifications.

It’s vital we address the skills shortage in our industry in order to ensure that the nation’s sports and leisure facilities, parks and green spaces have skilled people to maintain them, and that those personnel are able to work confidently, competently and safely.”

Speakers

We have a fantastic host of experts on site, all are well-known in the industry, and we are delighted that they will be joining us over the two days to provide key insights for the future of the industry, as well as practices currently in place.

Scheduled Demonstrations

This year our exhibitors have the opportunity to a timed session within the larger demonstration zones. The session times are scheduled in the visitor programme. See all the latest kit live, and where it belongs, OUTDOORS!

Facilities

  • Onsite Catering Serving Hot Food & Snacks, As Well As A Selection Of Drinks
  • Onsite Shop, For Everything From Sandwiches, Drinks To Essentials Such As Newspapers
  • Restroom Facilities Located Across Site
  • Seating Areas
  • Networking Event With Live Music And Sponsored Bar
  • Free Parking, with hard surface parking designated for motor bikes
  • Disabled Access

Have you registered yet?

If you have not already registered, click here. We do advise pre-registration, however if you prefer just turn up and we will help you register at the main entrance.

Click Here to register for SAGE 2022 today, and be in with your chance to win the Sustainability Starter Kit. On top of this, your ticket entitles you to a free Sustainability Audit in partnership with Bio-Circle, and a huge 10% discount with our show sponsors Fleet Line Markers Ltd.

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220TMP proves to be the ‘master’

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220TMP proves to be the ‘master’: When tree surgeon Paul Cutler was in the market for a new woodchipper to handle large scale domestic tree-works, there was only one machine that fitted the bill – a Chipmaster 220TMP from GreenMech.

Having been impressed with the build quality of the GreenMech machines at a local dealer open day, Paul took delivery of his machine in January 2022, and it’s already blown him away with its high output capabilities taking large conifers and other bulky material in its stride.

220TMP proves to be the ‘master'

220TMP proves to be the ‘master’

Paul has used various makes and models of woodchipper over his 35-year career, with a 4” and 6” road-tow machine currently on his fleet, sitting alongside a second-hand 6” PTO unit that began costing Paul more than it was earning! “I had recently purchased some other equipment from our local machinery dealer Thurlow Nunn Standen, when Andy Rayner mentioned they were becoming GreenMech dealers and invited me along to an open day” Paul explains.

Impressed with the build quality of the machines on show, he explored further, before settling on the Chipmaster 220TMP. “The great thing about this chipper is that it has a huge 9” capacity which is fantastic for productivity, but it only requires a 60hp tractor. It also has a really wide infeed chute which means we can put in large, twisted brash and branches without needing to spend time trimming them down or inadvertently triggering the safety bar.”

“Not only is it giving us high output, the whole machine is so simple to use” he continues. The Chipmaster 220TMP is the ultimate ‘maximum output, minimum investment’ machine. It fits the three-point linkage on tractors between 60 and 80hp, with the feed rollers powered by the tractor’s hydraulic system. The Chipmaster has been designed to deliver the perfect combination of tremendous strength and robust performance – promising the free-flow and high throughput of bulky materials.

“I’ve been using it this week on a big domestic job, and it’s been taking 20-foot long and 6” diameter conifers, with no trouble at all.” Paul concludes, “The difference between the Chipmaster and our old machine and 6” unit is huge! With the performance and significant time savings it’s already bringing to jobs, it really is a brilliant investment.”

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An offer not to be refused

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An offer not to be refused: Leading power tool manufacturer Makita UK is giving end users the chance to get their hands on a free DMR110 DAB+ Site Radio or MR002GZ01 XGT Bluetooth Radio when they purchase selected garden machines between 1st October and 31st December 2021.

Makita radios are fantastic for keeping you entertained on site or at home in the garden – and thanks to the company’s latest redemption offer end users have the chance to redeem a free DMR110 DAB+ site radio when they purchase from a chosen selection of 18V LXT and Twin 18V LXT garden machinery products. In addition, those who purchase any of the qualifying XGT 40VMax outdoor products can redeem the MR002GZ01 XGT Bluetooth Radio.

An offer not to be refused

An offer not to be refused

The DMR110 is compatible with Makita’s LXT, CXT and 7.2V Li-ion batteries, making it the ideal addition to any professional’s existing collection of Makita products. It features a two speaker stereo system for maximum output and has an easy to read digital tuner with an LCD display for ease of use. This model has also been designed to endure tough on-site conditions with elastomer bumpers to protect it against knocks and scuffs – and it is IP64 rated for being dust and shower proof.

Alternatively, the durable and easy to use MR002GZ01 Bluetooth Radio is compatible with Makita’s XGT, LXT, CXT batteries. Thanks to its Bluetooth capabilities, the MR002GZ01 can be easily connected to mobile devices within a 10m range – it even has a USB output port for charging devices on site. Impressively, the MR002GZ01 can run for up to 27.5 hours when powered by a 4.0Ah XGT 40VMax battery.

Kevin Brannigan, Marketing Manager at Makita said: “The DMR110 and MR002GZ01 are the perfect job site companions and we are delighted to be able to offer end-users the chance to add some entertainment to the working day. Thanks to the DMR110 and MR002GZ01’s clever design, professionals can use their existing XGT, LXT or CXT batteries to power the radios for convenience.”

Makita is running this promotion from 1st October 2021 until 31st December 2021. Anyone who purchases and registers a qualifying Makita garden machinery product from an authorised Makita dealer during this period can claim a free DMR110 or MR002GZ01 radio. Simply register the claim and proof of purchase within 28 days of purchase, via a dedicated microsite. On successful application, customers will receive their free gift after 30 days.

To find out more about Makita’s latest promotion, including the full list of qualifying products, how to claim and terms and conditions visit: https://makitauk.com/freeradio

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Turf diseases to be aware of

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Turf diseases to be aware of: Summer is here and with it are several turf diseases to be aware of.  Here’s a guide to dealing with a few of them.

Anthracnose is a stress disease, so combining any 2 or 3 of several potential stresses can encourage the disease.  Common stresses include lowering of height of cut, low N inputs, heat, extremes of soil moisture, high thatch, aggressive verticutting, high wear, etc.

Turf diseases to be aware of

Turf diseases to be aware of

Symptoms within a sward are patches of irregular, yellow/brown/bronze-coloured patches and a loss of turf density. Foliar blight-affected leaves lose colour to become a yellow colour and black spots containing fruiting bodies (acervuli) can be seen on the leaves.

The three biggest factors in anthracnose development are mowing height, deficiencies of N or K (mainly N) and poor control over soil moisture.  Avoid these three and your chances of avoiding anthracnose are greatly increased.  Keep green speeds up by applying slow-release N to maintain turf health without excess growth.  I recommend high potassium liquids in nearly all my golf green recommendations throughout summer to help keep anthracnose at bay as higher levels of K in the leaf reduce anthracnose.  It’s also a good idea to add in phosphite and salicylic acid with your foliar mixes.  Both work in a similar fashion by ‘tricking’ the plant into thinking it’s under attack from a pathogen and increasing its defences.

Consistent moisture levels across the whole surface are important in preventing Localised Dry Spots and anthracnose, so use of a soil moisture meter and hand watering is crucial.  Maintain a good wetting agent programme to maintain consistent soil moisture across your site.

Take-All Patch affects golf greens and you probably won’t see symptoms until later in the summer, but you can prevent it now.  For those on Take-All prone sites:  get a good programme of biostimulants in place employing seaweeds, amino acids and humic acids.

Light straw-coloured circular patches become visible that have a well-defined edge between healthy and infected turf.  They may have a bronze tinge around the edge when the disease is active.  These may be slightly depressed and contain unaffected species or weeds in the centre

Low soil manganese levels are often associated with this disease as the pathogen oxidizes available Mn2+ to Mn3+ or Mn4+, making it unavailable to the plant; extra manganese inputs have been shown to be effective in reducing symptoms.  High pH soils are also more vulnerable.

On sites who traditionally suffer badly, two applications of azoxystrobin 2 weeks apart in early summer, and then again in late August will help.  Combine applications of azoxystrobin with a wetting agent to get the active ingredient down into the soil where it’s needed.

Be aware of Waitea Patch during a hot spell.  Hydrophobic layers are a factor with this disease, therefore moisture and thatch management are key.  With modern moisture meters you can really track soil moisture levels very accurately and watch the VMC% drop and then treating with a hand water and surfactant hose end pellets to keep moisture consistent.

With a Poa annua sward, turf shows symptoms of coalescing yellow rings around 20-40cm in diameter.  There is often (but not always) darker green turf in the centre of the ring.  The disease affects the leaves, stem, crown and upper roots and if it gets to advanced stages will turn leaves a brown/red colour and kill plants.  Very similar in appearance to Superficial Fairy Rings, but Waitea does not have the mushroom smell or mycelium below the surface associated with Superficial Fairy Rings.  Waitea Patch can develop mycelium on the leaves, crown and soil surface, but not sub-surface.

The big difference between Waitea and Superficial Fairy Ring is smell: fairy rings give off a distinct mushroom smell when you take out a core and have good sniff.  Waitea Patch does not smell anywhere close as strong of mushrooms, if at all.  Mycelium can develop on the surface with Waitea Patch, but below the surface with Superficial Fairy Rings and is usually reasonably easy to spot with Fairy Rings (take a core and put it into a ziplocked, soil sampling bag to incubate for 24 hours to see where mycelium develops if uncertain).

Superficial Fairy Ring always have some element of hydrophobic soil associated with them – Waitea CAN have hydrophobic soil too, but it will be likely be completely unrelated to the disease.

With Waitea Patch you need to try to reduce surface moisture (i.e. don’t hand water it!) and with Superficial Fairy Rings you’ll need to break that hydrophobicity with a wetter and get moisture back into the soil (i.e. hand water it with a hose and wetting agent pellet!).

Geoff Fenn BSc (Hons)

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Be blown away by Makita 40V

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Be blown away by Makita 40V: Leading power tool manufacturer Makita UK has expanded its range of powerful XGT cordless machines with the launch of the UB001G XGT 40VMax Brushless Blower. The UB001G delivers the high output professionals need to tackle more demanding applications with ease.

The UB001G makes light work of high-demand tasks thanks to its brushless motor that means it can deliver high no load speeds (up to 23,000rpm) and air volume (up to 16.0m3min). In boost mode the UB001G also has a maximum blowing force of 17N, which is more than enough to handle larger quantities of garden debris.

Be blown away by Makita 40V

Be blown away by Makita 40V

For optimal operation, the UB001G features variable speed control that allows users to adjust the output depending on the task. In addition, the cruise control function enables users to lock the variable speed control trigger at the desired output level. Constant speed control also works to maintain output and maximise efficiency.

The UB001G has a three-stage telescopic long nozzle, making it suitable for a wide range of projects. Like all XGT machines, it has also been designed so that it is resistant to water splashes, which is ideal for those working outside in unpredictable weather.

The UB001G is lightweight and compact, keeping user fatigue to a minimum and enabling single-handed operation. To improve user safety, the UB001G produces low noise emissions.

Mark Earles, Business Development Manager for garden machinery at Makita said: “This is an exciting product launch for Makita, as it marks the further expansion of our XGT 40VMax range. The UB001G joins a growing range of XGT models directly suited to the landscaping and outdoor maintenance sectors. We are delighted to be able to offer professionals a selection of powerful machines that they can use to tackle more demanding outdoor tasks.”

To find out more and see Makita’s full range of garden machinery products visit: www.makitauk.com.

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