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Shaun Anderson joins Rain Bird

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Shaun Anderson joins Rain Bird: Shaun Anderson has joined Rain Bird Europe as Golf Sales Specialist for the UK, Ireland and Iceland. Hailing from ‘The Home of Golf’, St Andrews, Shaun steps into his new role following Alastair Higgs’ recent promotion to Europe Service Manager.

Before joining Rain Bird, Shaun’s previous roles at Piperdam Golf and Leisure Resort in Angus, more recently as Golf and Leisure Manager and previously as Head Greenkeeper and Deputy across the group’s three courses, covered a broad scope of operational and managerial responsibilities and support for the greenkeeping team in tackling agronomic challenges.

Shaun Anderson joins Rain Bird

Shaun Anderson joins Rain Bird

Educated at Elmwood College, Shaun gained his Sports Turf SVQ Level 3, studying Soil Science and Agronomy as part of his Greenkeeping National Certificate. Winning a scholarship at The Duke’s Course in St Andrews in the early 2000’s sparked his keen interest in environmental management which has developed into a lifelong passion for sustainable practices.

Throughout his career, Shaun has been closely involved in many golf course construction projects involving tees, bunkers, greens, fairways and water features including a major £250,000 redevelopment of the Osprey Golf Course at Piperdam.

Shaun comments: “I’m very excited about joining the Rain Bird Europe team. I can’t wait to get out into the field and support users to get the very best performance from their Rain Bird systems”.

A keen runner, in his spare time, Shaun enjoys relaxing with his family, playing golf and being outdoors.

Jimmy Sandison, Regional Golf Sales Manager, Rain Bird Europe adds: “We’re delighted to welcome Shaun to our team. With managerial, operational and greenkeeping experience to offer, he easily relates to the challenges that courses face as they seek to improve courses through irrigation efficiency and more sustainable water management practices”.

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Rain Bird offers HDF Series

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Rain Bird offers HDF Series: The use of reclaimed water or other lower quality water sources is becoming more common in irrigation projects and to ensure that systems work effectively, whatever the source,  Rain Bird now offers the HDF Series of automatic self-cleaning disc filtration equipment.

The company’s filtration products including pump suction screens, centrifugal sand separators and hydraulic suction screen filters are already available. These offer different levels of filtration and modes of operation. However, using water from canals, ponds, rivers, wells, reservoirs or waste water sources for irrigation requires a more thorough approach to filtration. It is essential that contaminants which originate from organic and inorganic matter, such as algae, sand, silt, suspended solids and microbiological growth, are filtered out. This will prevent nozzles, rotors, valves and other equipment being blocked or even damaged, resulting in efficient flow rates and optimised water usage.

Rain Bird offers HDF Series

Rain Bird offers HDF Series

Within an irrigation circuit, the HDF Series will act as a primary filter for the water source and is located after the pump. Having then passed through backflow and master valve stations, the filtered uncontaminated water is then distributed via any secondary filters to the chosen nozzles, rotors or in-line drip irrigation. The Rain Bird irrigation controller is highly flexible and allows filtration and cleaning cycles to take place without any interruption to flow to the system.

The HDF Series is specifically designed to be used within irrigation systems where manual cleaning would be difficult, time consuming or unwieldy. Three different units provide varying levels of filtration efficiency and capacity. For flexibility, they can operate with or without electricity and include control units that run on 220V AC or 12V DC. The units are manufactured from tough engineered plastics and materials  resistant to rust and corrosion from chemicals or water.

Units are pre-assembled  and wired for easy installation. All HDF units feature a patented anti-clogging device that generates a helical centrifuge effect moving a high percentage of particles that are suspended in water away from the disk. This ensures optimal performance resulting in water savings, reduced backwash frequency and minimum maintenance requirements.

Choosing the correct HDF Series unit is based on establishing the quality and dirtiness of the water source, determining the required filtration grade and then calculating the number of filters required. The filter cartridge is made up of a number of stacked discs. Water passes through small grooves between the discs which are compressed and impurities are trapped and projected away through the cyclone effect.

During back flushing, water is projected through the discs evacuating the contaminant particles through the drainage manifold. The filtration process restarts when the discs recompress. The systems automatically measure the pressure over the filters to determine when back washing and cleaning are required.

HDF 1×2, HDF 2 and HDF 4 designations refer to the size of the filters and the on-board valves. The HDF 4 is a scalable multi-filter unit with standard filtration of 100, 130 and 400 microns with custom options available. Users can add a number of filters to the specification in order to reach the desired flow rates for the application. Up to twelve, 4-inch filters can be used to achieve maximum flow rates of 575 m³ per hour. The elements inside the filter provide depth filtration across the diameter, not just at the circumference and the helical action inside ensures highly efficient cleaning.

The HDF 2 is also multi-filter and scalable, using up to eight 2-inch filters for a maximum throughput of 192m³ per hour. The single HDF 1 with a single two inch filter is designed for low flow applications and has a maximum throughput of 24 m³ per hour. Its compact design makes it ideal for fitting into tight spaces.

Rain Bird can support all customers in the selection of the optimum HDF Series automatic self-cleaning disc filtration equipment for any application. www.rainbird.eu

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Rain Bird Golf’s new block rotors

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Rain Bird Golf’s new block rotors: Last year, Rain Bird’s Golf Division introduced its new 702/752 Series Electric and IC (Integrated Control) Rotors, featuring faster, easier adjustments and fewer parts to simplify both maintenance and inventory. Now, Rain Bird Golf is expanding its rotor family with the 552, 702 and 752 block models, which will be available in the UK from June 2021 onwards.

“Golf Course Managers are loving the new 702/752 electric and IC rotors,” said product manager, Altan Tolan. “Now, the same popular features are available in block models. And with Rain Bird’s Timeless Compatibility™, the new internals fit in any Rain Bird case from the 1990s.”

Rain Bird Golf's new block rotors

Rain Bird Golf’s new block rotors

Rain Bird’s 552/702/752 Block Rotors offer flexibility and numerous other benefits, including a new self-adjusting stator which eliminates the need to change stator configurations when switching out nozzles, delivering consistent rotation speeds that optimise performance. The Rain Bird Block Rotors also offer a wider range of throw, which gives Course Managers greater installation flexibility and fewer parts to stock.

They have the option of setting 552 and 752 rotors at full-circle or part-circle arcs with the turn of a screw, thanks to Rain Bird’s Rapid-Adjust Technology. The rotors’ MemoryArcÒ feature retains two part-circle arc settings so that the rotors can be switched from full to part-circle operation in seconds. A Seal-A-Matic™ (SAM) check valve provides 17 feet of holdback, keeping lines charged with water and preventing low-head drainage. Top-serviceable access to the rotors’ components makes maintaining them faster and easier.

“These new block rotors are another example of how Rain Bird is bringing industry-leading rotor innovations to golf courses everywhere with diverse needs and budgets,” Tolan said. “Whether you want electric, IC or block rotors, we have a model you can depend on for consistent coverage and superior performance for better playing conditions.”

For more information about Rain Bird’s new 552/702/752 Rotors, visit rainbird.com/golf/rotors. To learn more about Rain Bird Golf’s other innovative products for golf course irrigation, visit rainbird.com/golf or 360.rainbird.com, or contact UK distributor, Rigby Taylor.

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Rain Bird Europe appoints Tina Baumgärtner

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Rain Bird Europe appoints Tina Baumgärtner: Tina Baumgärtner joins the Rain Bird Europe Golf Team this month as Regional Sales Manager Golf for Central Europe, DACH region – Germany (D), Austria (A), Switzerland (CH) and the Netherlands.

Having worked in a variety of global industrial companies in sales, marketing, portfolio and technical product management, Tina has a wealth of expertise in technical and commercial sales which will significantly strengthen the Rain Bird Golf Team in the Central European region.

Rain Bird Europe appoints Tina Baumgärtner

Rain Bird Europe appoints Tina Baumgärtner

Commenting on her recent appointment, Tina said, “I see many parallels with my application experience in different sectors which I bring to the role. I am looking forward to new challenges at Rain Bird, to working in close partnership with my colleagues and all our Rain Bird customers”.

Didier Genty, Europe Golf Sales Manager for Rain Bird added: “I am delighted to welcome Tina to Rain Bird and to our expanding European team.

Tina can be contacted via email at tbaumgaertner@rainbird.eu and mobile on +49 (0) 179 617 4554.

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Rain Bird protects investment

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Rain Bird protects investment: It’s a fact that not every new tree or shrub will survive and thrive.The reasons are varied, but unless roots successfully establish themselves in the surrounding ground, failure is always possible.

This is true for both new and transplanted trees, especially in times of hot weather when the earth is dry. Protecting the investment should be a high priority for any landscaping project as the cost of replacement will be high, whether it involves multiple ornamental trees or simply hedges for boundary screening. Maintaining a proper irrigation regime using a professional root watering system will more than pay for itself.

Rain Bird protects investment

Rain Bird has developed a simple, yet highly effective solution with its Root Watering System (RWS). Thousands of openings in its perforated tube construction ensure that vital water, oxygen and nutrients bypass compacted ground and are delivered directly to root systems. Subsurface, deep root horizontal watering and aeration using RWS full circle bubbler technology ensures tree health, promotes faster growth and encourages deeper and broader roots for a stable foundation.

One or multiple RWS units can be connected by pipe to a valve which in turn is connected to an irrigation controller. This will manage watering programs that can be set for specific frequencies and lengths of time to ensure water is not only delivered correctly, but also carefully managed for conservation. Once the watering cycle is complete an optional check valve can be used to protect the system against backflow. With Rain Bird’s LNK Wifi module, irrigation schedules can be changed remotely using a smartphone or tablet in accordance with weather conditions or as the seasons progress.

Ready to install as a plug and play solution, RWS comes in three pre-assembled sizes and any combination may be required for different landscapes. These can be specified in accordance with the size and variety of trees and can be added to existing irrigation systems or installed as part of a new one. Smaller RWS units are compatible with Rain Bird’s Dripline system. Installation is fast and easy with the largest RWS unit’s patented basket weave canister construction allowing ground installation to a depth of around one metre.

From a garden designer’s standpoint, the RWS is unobtrusive at surface level, does not compromise a landscape’s appearance and there is no trip hazard. As roots are encouraged to grow downwards, risk of damage to expensively laid patios and driveways is also minimised.

Contact Peter Longman, Rain Bird Europe, Northern Europe Landscape Area Manager, Tel: +44 7575 626600 email: plongman@rainbird.eu  www.rainbird.eu

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Matt Gilks Appointed By Rain Bird

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Matt Gilks Appointed By Rain Bird: Rain Bird Europe have appointed Matt Gilks as a new Golf Sales Specialist for the UK and Ireland.

Closely involved in golf course irrigation throughout his career Matt joins Rain Bird from Farol where he specialised in sales to golf sector customers. Prior to that, his greenkeeping and engineering roles at The Belfry and MJ Abbott respectively were focused on water resources and construction.

Matt Gilks Appointed By Rain Bird

Matt comments on his appointment; “Irrigation is my specialism and having been involved with every aspect of golf course systems, from construction to water management, I understand the challenges golf clubs face. I’m delighted to join the Rain Bird team. In my role at Golf Sales Specialist I’ll be supporting clubs with their existing systems alongside Rain Bird’s expert technical team to ensure irrigation systems are running at their most efficient. I am also looking forward to supporting clubs looking to upgrade or renovate existing irrigation systems with Rain Bird’s latest technology.”

Jimmy Sandison, Regional Golf Sales Manager for UK, Ireland, Iceland and Scandinavia adds; “I am delighted to welcome Matt to Rain Bird. He brings valuable, practical experience in the golf sector and considerable expertise in irrigation and water management.”

Matt can be contacted via email at mgilks@rainbird.eu

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Rain Bird Award For MJ Abbott

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Rain Bird Award For MJ Abbott: MJ Abbott Limited, a golf and sports turf contractor based is Wiltshire, was recognised at Rain Bird’s distributor and contractor awards ceremony held at the Golf Industry Show in San Antonio.

Contracts Director Steve Briggs and Contracts Managers Nathan George and Jim Price were there to accept the ‘Top Flight’ award for exceptional growth on the company’s behalf.

Rain Bird Award For MJ Abbott

The presentation of awards is a celebratory conclusion to Rain Bird’s training and education event for golf contractors and distributors, which takes place at the show each year.

“2017 was a busy year for us,” Nathan George explained. “Many of our golf customers upgraded their central controllers, weather stations and rotors to provide the greatest efficiencies and levels of control. Our construction teams are currently building the brand new course at Royal Norwich where a fully-integrated Rain Bird IC system is being installed. It was great to hear all about global developments at the training event and to receive this award in recognition of our achievements as an Approved Rain Bird Contractor.”

Rain Bird’s Regional Golf Sales Manager for the UK, Ireland, Iceland and Scandinavia, Jimmy Sandison, said: “It was fantastic to see a UK contractor recognised at our annual awards ceremony. MJ Abbott had a superb year working with us to grow their golf business. As a company, we are grateful for their installation expertise, and for the first-class support they continue to provide to Rain Bird system and Global Service Plan users across the country.”

For more information, visit: www.rainbird.eu/golf

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Rain Bird Appoints Rigby Taylor

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Rain Bird Appoints Rigby Taylor: Rain Bird, a leading global manufacturer of irrigation product and services, has confirmed the appointment of Rigby Taylor as its distributor of golf products for the UK market.

UK golf course managers will continue to access products through the UK-wide network of approved Rain Bird contractors, but they will now receive additional support, new product information and after-sales service from Rigby Taylor’s technical field sales force.

Rain Bird Appoints Rigby Taylor

Chris Clark, Rigby Taylor’s executive chairman, commented: “We are very pleased at this partnership agreement. The coming together of two such major industry names will bring significant synergistic benefits and our 50 plus team of highly skilled field personnel will be working closely with Rain Bird and its contractors to further establish this exciting range of products as the UK’s brand leader.”

Jimmy Sandison, regional sales manager for Rain Bird in the UK, Ireland, Iceland and Scandinavia explained: “We want to provide the very best levels of service and support to all of our customers. By having Rigby Taylor in place as a strong UK distribution partner for our golf course irrigation products, contractors and course managers will all benefit from a quicker, more efficient service.”

He added: “My expanding team and I will concentrate our technical expertise and irrigation know-how on educating and supporting customers in optimising the performance of their irrigation systems and in using water, energy and human resources more efficiently. We will also be focusing more of our time working with key partners who are designing and specifying new systems and those involved in course renovation projects.”

For more information, visit: www.rigbytaylor.com

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