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Syn-Pro by SISIS on display at FSB

Syn-Pro by SISIS on display at FSB: SISIS will be exhibiting at FSB Cologne, Germany from 26-28 October where the British manufacturer will be showcasing its Syn-Pro range of market leading turf maintenance equipment for synthetic surfaces.

Visitors attending FSB 2021, the international trade fair for leisure and sports facilities in Cologne, should ensure a visit to the SISIS stand is firmly on the agenda.

Syn-Pro by SISIS on display at FSB

Syn-Pro by SISIS on display at FSB

Located in hall 10.1, stand: B039 A038; the SISIS team will be proudly showcasing the following products:

SISIS Osca

The SISIS Osca is a tractor mounted powered oscillating brush with a 1.9 meter working width and is equally effective when used on synthetic turf with sand or rubber infill. The two oscillating brushes stand the carpet fibres up and redistributes the infill evenly, minimising compaction on the surface and improving its performance – giving consistent playing characteristics while preventing pile damage caused by reduced infill levels.

A contributory factor to the reduction of compaction is that the Osca’s working width will use fewer passes than other more conventional drag brushes to complete a pitch. Its aggressive brushing action agitates the upper infill level of the surface from side to side as well as brushing forward, helping reduce surface compaction and encourage the fibres to stand up straight which reduces the risk of contamination, drainage problems and leaves a consistent playing surface across the whole pitch.

Furthermore, a 1.8m straight brush or a grooming rake can be added to the system which will help to enhance the final finish.

SSS1000 sweeper

The SISIS SSS1000 is a tractor mounted sweeper which can be pulled by any machine. There are no tools required for the adjustment of the brush or the angle of the draw bar and to make storage easy the draw bar lifts to an upright position. With an aluminium hopper with stainless steel mesh, any infill that is collected when using the machine is returned back down to the surface leaving it free from contamination of debris

SISIS Brush-Pro 

The SISIS Brush-Pro is a ride-on brushing system comprising a pair of mid mounted oscillating units and three rear mounted brush units that that have been specifically designed for maintaining synthetic surfaces. The machine has been designed for maximum manoeuvrability and operator comfort which features an electric start, hydrostatic drive for forward/reverse and its brush combinations – oscillating for thorough periodic work and rear mounted brushes for more routine work.

For further information or a no obligation demonstration, please contact SISIS on 01332 824 777 or visit www.sisis.com

For more news, reviews and insightful views, you can follow SISIS on Twitter or Instagram @SISISMachinery and like the company’s Facebook page – www.facebook.com/SISISMachinery You can also view the latest SISIS videos by visiting www.youtube.com/SISISMachinery

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PNE’s pitches boosted by Mansfield Sand

PNE’s pitches boosted by Mansfield Sand: Pete Ashworth, Head Groundsman at Preston North End FC, has revealed how products from Mansfield Sand play a role in achieving consistently good playing surfaces.

Pete, a graduate of the highly regarded Myerscough College, originally began his career at Blackburn Rovers FC before moving to Preston North End FC in 2005. The award-winning groundsman now oversees 7 members of staff over three sites.

PNE’s pitches boosted by Mansfield Sand

PNE’s pitches boosted by Mansfield Sand

Across those three sites, which includes Deepdale Stadium, the youth academy and the new first-team training centre, Pete has six Fibresand constructed pitches – and this is where Mansfield Sand come in.

“Mansfield Sand were used during my time at Blackburn FC, and I have personally dealt with them the whole time I have been here at Preston North End – the customer service has always been first-class,” said Pete.

“There are two products in particular that we use across the Fibresand pitches we have, and they are incredibly important to the playability of them.”

Pete uses Mansfield’s Fibresand, which is a pure sand and polypropylene fibre reinforcement product that is particularly advantageous when grass cover has been reduced due to heavy usage and wear during the winter period. It is incorporated into an upper sand soil rootzone and consolidated to provide a stable divot-free environment.

“We’ll use the Fibresand during renovations and how much we apply really depends on how much we need,” he said. “Mansfield Sand will usually come and take samples in December to see what our levels are and when we find out what the fibre content is, we will then know how much fibre we need to add. You need to have a certain percentage of fibre to keep that stability in your surface and have the best pitch you can.”

Historically, Deepdale Stadium was the only Fibresand pitch under Pete’s remit, but 2019 signalled the start of more and he has not looked back since.

“We used to have drainage issues on the pitches at the youth academy centre, but that has all changed now.

“I’m a big fan of Fibresand pitches and I like to think I am fairly good at dealing with them in whatever conditions are thrown at us. In the North of England, we get a huge amount of rainfall and the pitches let the water through with no problems at all – that is thanks to the great products from Mansfield Sand.”

Furthermore, Pete revealed that while he relies on Mansfield’s Fibresand for renovations, he will also use the company’s MM40 product.

“We’ll use the MM40 for a straight sand top dressing, especially for the pitches that aren’t having a full cultivation,” he said. “It is a brilliant medium sand and I always try and keep a couple of tonnes left over for goal mouths or any other areas.”

From winter sports pitches, golf courses, bowling greens and all amenity turf areas – Mansfield Sand has a solution for all.

For more information visit www.mansfield-sand.co.uk

You can also follow the company on Twitter – @MansfieldSand and Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/MansfieldSandSportSurfaces/

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AS Motor Powered by EGO

AS Motor Powered by EGO: When two outdoor power equipment specialists and technology leaders meet, great things can come of it. This is exactly what happened when the high grass specialist AS-Motor and the cordless specialist EGO worked together for AS-Motor’s next generation of battery powered high grass mowers.

AS-Motor is electrifying its successful professional mowers with the new ‘Electric’ product line, focusing on the future technology of batteries. AS-Motor and EGO thus offer their first cross-brand and cross-manufacturer battery platform range of mowers and weed removers for the professional sector.

AS Motor Powered by EGO

AS Motor Powered by EGO

AS-Motor and EGO have used their decades of experience and expertise to jointly develop a high-performance battery powered range of professional mowers and weed removers. The result is the AS-Motor ‘Electric’ line and with it a new power class of professional battery-powered machines.

The new ‘Electric’ line from AS-Motor is powered by the recently developed EGO Power Unit, which draws its energy from the highly successful EGO 56V ARC lithium battery range.

The cooperation between AS-Motor and EGO offers professional users a significantly increased range of applications of battery powered tools. From EGO’s own hedge trimmers, leaf blowers, chain saws, brush cutters, lawn mowers and more to the inclusion of new product families from AS-Motor to include professional lawn mowers, mulching lawn mowers, weed removers and high grass mowers.

Thanks to its high performance, the new EGO Power Unit offers the possibility of replacing conventional petrol units up to 200cc with a modern, emission free, high-torque, electric powertrain equivalent. For AS-Motor the EGO Power Unit offers a simple solution for the rapid electrification of its product range.

EGO’s exchangeable battery is available in 5 different capacities and is optimally equipped against overheating thanks to the unique, patented arc-shaped design, large surface area and cooling slots; unlike conventional “brick-shaped” batteries, in which cells are tightly bundled, quickly overheat and switch off.

Actively absorbing heat with Keep Cool™ Technology – Each and every cell is surrounded by EGO’s unique Keep Cool™ phase change material (PCM) that absorbs heat energy and keeps individual cells at their optimum temperature for longer, while increasing battery life.

The integrated software and microprocessors combine to create the intelligent power management system that constantly monitors each cell to ensure maximum energy and runtime is always available.

Durability is ensured by a robust, rubberised battery housing that absorbs shocks and vibrations, as well as resin-coated electronics that are protected against dust and moisture.

For more information write to EU.support@egopowerplus.eu

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Driven by perfection

Driven by perfection: With the renewed Roberine 302 series, the 3 Series has undergone a serious modernization. In the development of the improved 3-series, the latest insights in drive and motor technology were used. Automotive driving combined with 4WD ensures a lot of ease of use and maximum grip on any surface.

The 302 series is equipped with an electric parking brake that you can operate via the CommandArm. The addition of cruise control with memory function allows you to mow as efficiently as possible.

Driven by perfection

Driven by perfection

With a new Stage 5 engine, you comply with the latest emission regulations. Due to the possibility to drive automotive in ECO mode, you reduce the Diesel speed. As a result, you have less fuel consumption and emissions, and the engine makes less noise. Good for the environment, more pleasant to operate and more enjoyable for your surroundings.

The robust rear axle is terrain-following, and this means a lot of stability. The electrically switchable weight transfer system gives a better result on a soft bottom.

Excellent maintenance support

The renewed 302 series is not only easily accessible for carrying out maintenance, but Roberine also offers you excellent service when it comes to servicing.Roberine and its dealer network stand for high service and excellent support. You can expect our ability and expertise in all aspects of service. For example, we have specific diagnostic tools for maintenance, and all our original Roberine parts are of high quality. In addition, you have 24-hour access to the dealer login containing the registered machine information.

Advantages of the 302 series:

• Renewed stage 5 engine;
• Automotive driving with ECO mode;
• Significantly improved driving characteristics;
• Command arm with LCD display;
• Cruise control with memory function;

Please contact us for more information or request a demonstration.

https://roberine.com/en/products/flail-mowers/f302-flail-mower?utm_source=newsletterturfmatters&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=turfmatters_newsletter_mei2021

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Be blown away by Makita 40V

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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Mankar ULV praised by Luton Council

Mankar ULV praised by Luton Council: Luton Borough Council has been reaping the benefits of using innovative Mankar spraying units in its weed control programme.

The promising results come after Agrovista Amenity won a contract for the supply of weed control products to Luton Council. The tender was based on Roundup glyphosate and Mankar ULV spraying units.

Mankar ULV praised by Luton Council

Mankar ULV praised by Luton Council

Mankar spraying units are professional systems for effective, environmentally responsible and economical weed control, with Roundup glyphosate being applied without water. All the spraying units are based on ULV technology which stands for ‘ultra-low volume.’

The primary area of application for Luton Council is pavement weed control, but the units can be introduced for use on highways, parks, grounds, public gardens, cemeteries and educational establishments.

Duncan Stirling, Street Spraying Manager at Luton Council, was attracted to the many benefits of the Mankar spraying system. He said: “A 50% reduction in the amount of herbicide required to maintain these areas will provide an immediate economic benefit, both in purchasing herbicide, and reduction in disposing of plastic containers.

“The ease of use with the Mankar system, in that the herbicide can be applied neat, is of continual benefit to us as it negates the need to pre-mix into knapsacks or source water supplies. This will provide a noticeable benefit to operatives in time efficiency.

“The battery life of the machine provides more than enough charge for each period of use and if required, batteries can be easily switched. Feedback from all our operatives has been extremely positive, particularly in relation to ergonomics; the 3.4kg spraying unit is a lot more comfortable in comparison to knapsack and other spraying systems, which can weigh over 20kg. The team has also commented on how quiet the device is when operating, causing minimal disruption to members of the public.

“Not only will we be saving money, but we will also see an improvement in the quality of the areas we maintain.”

Following the award of the contract, Agrovista Amenity delivered a training session to the team of operatives. Ed Smith, Landscape Team Manager for Agrovista Amenity is delighted to see the Mankar systems making a difference for Luton Council.

“It’s been fantastic to see Luton Council report such positive results from using the Mankar sprayers,” he said.

“Not only are they a cost-effective solution, but they are more environmentally friendly, more comfortable for the operatives and ultimately, they achieve a high level of weed control in comparison to other spray systems available.”

For more information about Agrovista Amenity, visit www.agrovista.co.uk/amenity

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Golf club vandalised by motorist

Golf club vandalised by motorist: No arrests have yet been made after a vehicle was driven across a golf course, causing damage to one of the greens.

The incident at Salisbury and South Wilts Golf Club occurred between Thursday afternoon and Friday morning.

Golf club vandalised by motorist

Golf club vandalised by motorist

A spokesperson for Wiltshire Police said: “We received a report of criminal damage some time between 3pm on February 20 and 7am on February 21.

“At this stage, no arrests have been made.”

As reported, the team at golf club found muddy circular tracks through the green on the third hole, and are now appealing for more information and witnesses.

A spokesperson for the Netherhampton Road course said: “[There is] no updates on the people responsible but we’ve had a good response on Facebook. Greenkeepers have done their best to repair the damage but it will be a while before we can play on it again.”

Club member David Gell added: “It is saddening to think that some people take pleasure in this kind of vandalism and ruining other people’s pastime. But our fantastic greenkeepers are already hard at work to make the repairs.”

Click here to read the original article

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Football club hit by vandals

Football club hit by vandals: A reward has been offered for information on the vandals who damaged a football pitch on Christmas Day.

Leysdown Football Club’s ground in Shellness Road on Sheppey was targeted by vandals sometime last Wednesday when tyre tracks were left in the grass.

Football club hit by vandals

It has led to bosses from fellow Island club, Sheppey United, putting up a £500 reward for any information which leads to the prosecution of the offender.

Leysdown FC manager Charles Osmond said his father and one of the club’s groundsmen, John Osmond, came across the tyre marks in the evening after Charlie had inspected it earlier in the day.

The 22-year-old said: “The pitch is ruined which is a real shame because my dad does a lot of work down there.

“We are probably going to have to postpone fixtures or find another ground to play on.

“Unfortunately there is not a lot of surveillance down there.

“I was more gutted to be fair, a lot of the players were angry because the groundsmen spend about five to six days a week there making sure we’ve got nice fields to play on.

“Leysdown is like the place that time forgot so why they chose to use our pitch is beyond me.”

In the past, the club’s changing block has been targeted by vandals and dugouts smashed up.

The cost of the damage caused to the pitch has not yet been estimated.

It is not yet known for certain if any of the team’s fixtures, including those later this week will have to be called off or postponed because of the damage.

Click here to read the original article

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Blown away by the PB-8010

Blown away by the PB-8010: ECHO has launched the most powerful backpack power blower in its class. Introduced in the UK at Saltex 2019, the PB-8010 is built for professionals and is part of the ECHO X Series “Best in Class” range, offering industry-leading power and performance.

The blower’s 79.9cc two-stroke engine produces an air volume of 1818m3/h, an airspeed of 94.5m/sec (211mph) and an industry-leading blowing force of 44N for better performance and increased productivity. Dry weight is just 11.2kg which is made possible by the use of an innovative lightweight carbon fibre frame and fan case. This amount of power combined with lighter weight make the PB-8010 ideal for professional use in quickly clearing greater quantities of wet leaves and debris across large areas.

Blown away by the PB-8010

In addition to the lightweight frame, the other key features to aid the operator and reduce fatigue include the cruise-control throttle, ventilated backpack pad, anti-vibration system and heavy-duty backstraps. These are ergonomically designed to give the user maximum control and all-day comfort.

To make the user’s job even easier there is a heavy-duty air filter which sits at the top of the unit, protecting the engine from dust and debris in the harshest conditions. It’s easily accessible without the need for tools, making it easy for in-field cleaning and maintenance. The metal wear ring at the end of the straight pipe will reduce the pipe’s general wear and tear for increased durability. There is also an intake cover to prevent airflow to the user’ back in the colder winter months.

ECHO products have long been promoted as being designed specifically for professionals who rely on their tools day in and day out, tested in the most extreme conditions to flawless operation and packed with the most advanced features to power easily through the work. The PB-8010 power blower is no exception and as part of the ECHO X Series range, it offers a superior and dependable tool. You can find out more from your local authorised ECHO dealer.

You can also visit www.echo-tools.co.uk or call 01844 278800 for more information.

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Can Europe be pesticide-free by 2050?

Can Europe be pesticide-free by 2050?: With the ecological consequences of food production and agricultural practices coming under increased scrutiny, and being reassessed and remodelled, a leading biopesticide technology developer believes Europe can be free of its reliance upon toxic pesticides by 2050. 

Emerging advances in biopesticides and biostimulants – eco-friendly, nature-based alternatives to the harsh, chemical pesticides we have used for many decades to control pests & diseases and increase yield – are transforming the industry. And they are ushering in a new era of cleaner agronomy that could see Europe being pesticide free in the next 30 years, envisions Dr Minshad Ansari Founder and CEO of Bionema Ltd, UK. Bionema Ltd, a Wales-based BioTech firm, develops natural products to protect crops from pests and diseases and reduce the use of synthetic pesticides.

Can Europe be pesticide-free by 2050?

Minshad chaired the Biopesticides Summit, which was held in July 2019, in Swansea. The Summit gathered hundreds of policy-makers and experts from industry and academia, to discuss the most pressing issues and threats facing crop production today and, crucially, the need to bring more sustainable alternatives to marketplace swiftly.

“We are living in very crucial times for food production and land management. Safe, responsible and sustainable food production is a cornerstone of the continued survival of life, and some of the most exciting solutions to the biggest problems facing food production are to be found within nature,” said Minshad.

“These biopesticides are, in many cases, already being developed or used successfully, and others are well within our grasp. In fact, I believe Europe can be free of its reliance upon toxic pesticides by 2050.

“We are at a point in time where the public is more aware of, or more vocal about their expectations, when it comes to the impact the practices of industry upon our environment. And public scrutiny is a very powerful driver of the practices of the biopesticide industry.

“It is very clear that we have reached a watershed moment. There is a growing acceptance among food producers that practices need to be modernised. There is a groundswell of public awareness that we cannot continue to lean upon traditional, damaging pesticides, some of which we have been using for many decades, to support production,” he said.

“The long-term negative effects of using chemical pesticides on the fertility of our land, and the threat this brings to our survival, is well documented. Also, health experts and scientists have been flagging up links between pesticide use and a host of diseases including Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, brain, prostate and kidney cancers, for many years.”

The World Health Organisation reports that pesticides are responsible for up to five million cases of poisoning each year, of which 20,000 are lethal. And, it says, pesticides affect children and infants disproportionately.

Can Europe be pesticide-free by 2050?

“The evidence to support wholesale change is there, credible science is there, the will is there, and, to some extent, the funding is increasingly there to ensure efficacious new products to fill the gap in the market created by the removal of pesticides. The remaining hurdles are largely around the slow pace of regulation and licencing these products for the marketplace,” he added.

Some of Europe’s largest growers are already reaping the benefits of using non-toxic alternatives to chemical pesticides. In Spain’s notorious ‘Sea of Plastic’, the 30,000 hectare corner of Almeria which produces most of the fruits and vegetables that are consumed throughout Europe, sachets of miniscule mites are used, which are draped from pepper, tomato and courgette plants, and attack the parasites that threaten these crops. In fact, the use of insecticides in Almeria has, according to local authorities, dropped by 40 percent since 2007.

Dr Ansari says: “The biopesticide movement has experienced a very interesting development arc over the past few decades. Our use of insecticides surged in the 1960s, at a time when, at least in the Western World, there was a public awakening to the fact that our chemical-laden environment was perhaps hostile to health and life.

“However, global population pressures have driven producers to increase their output and to find ever more efficient ways of meeting demand. Insecticides have done much to help meet those needs. But, they have done so at great cost to human health, to the environment and to the long-term viability of our soil. Growers are also having to meet the man-made challenge of crop resistance to those chemicals we have been using so liberally for years.”

Firms like Bionema, Ecolibrium Biologicals, Maxstim, Aphea.Bio and many others, often working in collaboration with researchers at key universities, represent a growing number of experts who are spearheading change.

“There is still work to be done to educate farmers, many of whom are in a holding pattern of disinfecting their land with fungicides, and using other chemical agents, simply because this is what they have always done, and because these chemicals are being recommended and sold to them by companies they have dealt with over many years and which they trust.

“However, the biopesticide market is expected to grow from $3 billion dollars in 2016 to almost $10 billion dollars by 2025. Around 30% of plant protection tools now available are biological, and more than 50% of new regulatory applications are biological products.

“But the regulatory barriers are complex, and they are consistent challenges. They require the efficacy of a biopesticide to be quantified and proved, they require the biopesticide to pose minimal or zero risk, toxicological and eco-toxicological evaluations, and other stringent tests. These tests have been put in place for chemical pesticides, but they are perhaps not appropriate for biopesticides. Meeting the current requirements can be prohibitively expensive for biopesticide developers, many of which are SMEs.”