Tag Archive for: City

Husqvarna Living City

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Husqvarna Living City: This week, Husqvarna, one of the world’s leading producers of forest, park and garden products, invited guests to its Living City event, to share its knowledge on how to positively impact the future of sustainable grounds maintenance.

In the online hour event, Husqvarna’s key speakers focused on how ground-breaking developments within turf management in sports and golf are changing the game forever. In addition, Husqvarna shared unique details of CEORA, Husqvarna’s next generation in large-scale robotic mowing.

Husqvarna Living City

Husqvarna Living City

Stephen Ohlson, vice president of product development at GreenSight provided insight on how data collection can improve turf quality on golf sites. Using drone intelligence, soil sensors, thermal imaging, and autonomous robotic mowers, GreenSight can transform the way golf courses maintain their grounds.

Using Meadow Club golf course in Fairfax, California as an example, GreenSight explained that by using their technology combined with Husqvarna Automower®, the 66-acre course, which cuts its grounds three times per week, could switch their large format diesel mowers for electric robotic mowers. This would reduce their CO2 emissions by 99.5%, the equivalent of taking an additional 11 cars off the road. Looking to the future GreenSight explained that if just 10% of all US golf courses adopted the GreenSight and Husqvarna solution, 79,000 MT CO2e would be reduced, equivalent to taking 17,000 cars off the road.

Next, viewers heard from Karin Juul Hesselsøe, researcher at the NIBIO research centre in Norway. Karin explained the impact on quality of turf following testing using Husqvarna Automower® on golf courses in Norway, Denmark, Sweden and Iceland. Using Husqvarna Automower® 550 and comparing it against their usual reel mowers, the courses monitored turf quality, percentage of weeds and diseases, and diesel and time consumption.

From preliminary results, observations from Iceland noticed no dew in the mornings where the Automower® had cut, as well as zero distinct lines left in the turf, unlike their usual cutting methods. On top of this, they observed reduced seed heads of annual bluegrass on the robotic mown fairway.

Husqvarna’s final guest speaker was Kristoffer Palmlund, CEO at GML Sport AB, who discussed new innovative partnerships within sport field maintenance. Partnering with IFK Gothenburg training pitch in 2020, GML and Husqvarna collaborated to increase productivity, free up resources, and develop new methods and technology.

The final talk came from Olle Markusson, director of product management at Husqvarna Group, who revealed new details of CEORA, Husqvarna’s next generation in large-scale robotic mowing. Expanding Husqvarna’s portfolio, CEORA targets large areas, in particular sport fields and golf courses, as they require large areas and impressive lawn quality.

CEORA is set to deliver many benefits, including great lawn quality thanks to its razor-sharp blades, frequent mowing and low-weight machine. Other benefits include labour management and the ability to overcome scarcity, cost and general management costs, safety is increased thanks to the reduced need for human interaction, and the planet benefits due to its low energy, reduced noise levels and low CO2 emissions.

Covering 50,000m2 and featuring Husqvarna’s ground-breaking EPOS technology, the satellite-based system enables the mowers to work within virtual boundaries. Controlled remotely through Husqvarna Fleet Services, customers can access real-time data and make mowing amendments through the touch of a button when required.

Inspired by Husqvarna front riders, the CEORA cutting deck has been purpose-built to ensure it can be easily raised for great accessibility, and allow for easy blade replacement, cleaning and service. Designed with a high-level of sealing to ensure hose washing is possible, the mowers also feature super smooth surfaces to reduce grass build-up and increase premium turf quality.

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AMIA and Exeter City to host demo day

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AMIA and Exeter City to host demo day: Agri Market Insight & Access based in Devon, are the exclusive distributors for the UK and Ireland of Selvatici Amenity Machinery.

The range of machinery offered by Italian Manufacturer Selvatici includes the Aeroking Vertical Drainage Aerators and the Sandqueen Sand Dispensers. On the 31st October 2019 AMIA, in partnership with Exeter City Football Club, are holding a Demonstration Day for the Selvatici Aeroking Aerators on the pitch at St. James Park Stadium

AMIA and Exeter City to host demo day

Exeter City FC’s Head Groundsman Clive Pring says “We have worked with AMIA for the last couple of seasons and used the machinery they have kindly leant to us as part of our partnership. It is always good to support those who support us, and we are delighted that Alan and the AMIA team can showcase their latest product with us at St. James Park”

Selvatici have been manufacturing in Italy for over 100 years near Bologna.  They have been manufacturing Professional Vertical Drainage Aerators for several decades which are now re-entering the UK and Irish markets after originally selling a number of units during the 90s and early 2000s.  Since then there have been a lot of innovations and improvements to the machines such as a new and more robust gearbox, completely renewed bodywork and a double lever for the front roller which ensures an easier lift.

The AMIA Selvatici Product Specialist Beth Williams-Nichols says “Selvatici’s range of Aeroking Vertical Drainage Aerators can be seen working at the majority of SERIE A Football Clubs in Italy due to their excellent performance and reliability’.

Selvatici manufacture 9 different models of the Aeroking Vertical Drainage Aerator ranging in sizes from a working width of 1.2m up to 2.5m with a good variety of additional extras such as self-levelling conveyors for cores when having used a hollow tine option.

Giulia Dal Fiume from Selvatici says “We are delighted to be re-entering the UK and Irish Markets as we believe our machines are a great option for groundcare professionals”

The Selvatici Aeroking 300.50 which will be demonstrated on the day features;

  • A lever-shift 3 speed gearbox
  • Front roller with water ballast for depth adjustment
  • Patented toolpath guiding system that limits the thrust on the edges of the holes
  • A working width of 1.2m
  • 2 different tine options (golf green and golf fairways)
  • Weight 510kg (approx)

As well as the Aeroking Aerators, Selvatici manufacture the professional trailed and self-propelled Sandqueen Sandspreader range. The Sandqueen Spreaders come in 4 different sizes and come with a number of attractive features and benefits.  Selvatici also manufacture Hydraulically and PTO driven Post Hole Augers.

AMIA are also the exclusive UK and Ireland distributors of the GL&D range of professional woodchippers.  The range includes Trailed Woodchippers which feature a unique Turntable design to allow for easy use without having to get into difficult positions.  There are also 3pt linkage models to suit all requirements as well as a range of Self Propelled Woodchippers which feature 2 engines with the first engine being to drive the machine and the second one to power the actual Woodchipper.

For more information about the Selvatici range and AMIA go to www.agrimarketia.com email beth@agrimarketia.com or call 01363 82928

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MM60 Superior For Stoke City

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MM60 Superior For Stoke City: When Andy Jackson, grounds manager at Stoke City FC, trialled a number of different seed mixtures eight years ago, he felt that there was one in particular which was far superior and that was Limagrain UK’s MM60.

From apprentice to grounds manager, Andy Jackson has been at Stoke City FC throughout his entire career. Arguably there is not one person who knows the stadium and training ground better and there is certainly no-one better placed to know what the pitches need in order to thrive.

MM60 Superior For Stoke City

“We like to think of the pitches like athletes so they need the correct nutrients to perform,” he said. “I like to think that it is a case of our pitches going to see the doctor or the nutritionist every day.”

Andy oversees the maintenance of the pitch at the bet365 Stadium and all of the facilities at Clayton Wood, Stoke City FC’s Training Ground and Academy, which includes a further eleven natural pitches. The facility hosts club players from the first team all the way down to Under 9’s and sees approximately 120 players through the door every day.

It is safe to say that the pitches experience a lot of usage and eight years ago Andy decided to trial a number of new grass seed mixtures.

“We trialled MM60 eight years ago at the training ground and were very happy with what we saw,” he said. “I felt that the MM seed was far superior to the other brands we were using and since then we have been 100% MM60 over both sites and that’s from renovation to overseeding throughout the winter.”

Limagrain’s MM60 grass seed is renowned for producing an excellent playing surface. It is a 100% Ryegrass formula which is perfect for renovation and divot repair, has a high disease resistance, fantastic aesthetic qualities and offers extremely fast germination – which is boosted by the inclusion of Headstart GOLD®.

“I believe that the MM range really excels because of the products they use on the seed such as Headstart GOLD®. It is particularly suited to where the industry is heading in the future – so it is not a case of putting lots of nitrogen onto the seed and flushing it up, it is more a case of the seed being nurtured gradually and healthy and I think that is where we do really well in the summer months. I’ve noticed that Headstart also helps with disease resistance and provides good plant protection too.”

MM60 now includes Limagrain’s new Ryegrass cultivar Annecy which has outstanding disease resistance particularly against Leaf Spot, something which particularly struck a chord with Andy.

“We used to have quite a lot of Leaf Spot which is quite common in Ryegrass situations in stadiums and training grounds,” he continued. “I believe that the MM60 seed has helped us to cut that out by at least 60%.”

At the Academy, Andy and his team will start renovations around mid-April and at the stadium they will typically start in June. After sowing MM60 during renovations Andy claims that the first cut will be carried out normally eleven days after the seed has been applied. When it comes to overseeding in winter, Andy will apply three to four bags of MM60 after every home game.

“We still get great germination from the seed throughout the winter,” said Andy. “I’m also very impressed with the fineness of the leaf. The leaf is finer than any of the other products we have used in the past which means we can get more plants per square metre. So, what we find is that after a match we are getting less damage to the pitch, and if there is a scar or a divot then it actually recovers faster. It can fill the space back in very quickly and for me that is a huge benefit.

“For me, the back-up offered by the companies I work with is essential and I believe the customer service from Limagrain fantastic. We even involve them in some of the conversations we have about other products, not just seed, because we are always looking at new way’s we can improve the pitch and I trust and value their input.”

For further information, please contact Limagrain UK on 01472 371471 or visit the company’s website www.lgseeds.co.uk/mm. You can also follow the company on Twitter: @MM_Seed

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Toro Fleet At Man City

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Toro Fleet At Man City: Manchester City’s Football Academy in the heart of East Manchester has chosen Toro again as it updates its fleet.

The supply of six Reelmaster 3575-D lightweight mowers continues a relationship with Cheshire Turf Machinery and Toro which spans 20 years.

Toro Fleet at Man City

For use across the 80 acres of grounds adjacent to the Etihad Stadium which is used for youth development and first team training, head groundsperson Lee Metcalfe has chosen Toro and the Reelmaster 3575-D mowers to replace its older Toro Reelmaster 5510-D machines.

“We needed to replace the RM5510-D fleet as they had a high number of hours on them,” he says. “This time we opted for the three-wheel RM3575-D mowers, so we wouldn’t have as much impact on the pitches. It’s been a wet winter and we felt this would deliver a better result considering the conditions.”

The RM3575-D machines are lightweight – just 2550lbs including the cutting units – and the front-to-back and side-to-side balance of weight produces a low centre of gravity which, when combined with turf-friendly tyres, reduces any potential turf compaction and damage.

The three-wheel drive system of the new machines will also help with the tight turns at the end of the pitches, says Lee: “These machines are easy to use and with the tight turn areas we have three wheels work very well. Cut is set at 30mm for the academy pitches and at 23mm for the first team pitches. Maintenance is daily by the MCFC staff and a couple of technicians from Cheshire Turf Machinery come out every Monday to check and maintain the machines too.”

The relationship between Manchester City and Cheshire Turf Machinery is almost two decades long as managing director Steve Halley explains: “We’ve worked with Manchester City Football Club for around 20 years, with Lee and grounds manager Roy Rigby. It’s our understanding that reliability of the brand is key and we trust that our support and the longevity of our relationship is too.

“This latest order addresses the club’s constant drive to improve turf quality without sacrificing productivity. As Lee says the three wheel configuration makes the machine very agile and means the team can make tight turns without damaging the turf.”

With the surfaces of the Academy taken care of, Lee, who has been at MCFC for 10 years and manages a team of 13, tells us what’s next: “We are always focused on how we can keep developing the grounds area and team. I’m constantly looking to see what the latest innovations are in terms of machinery and when it comes to our team, these are the people of the future. Everyone in the team is willing to learn and move forward which is very encouraging to see. They question things and attend many training courses to make them all better groundspeople.”

For more information, visit: reesinkturfcare.co.uk

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Toro Irrigation At Leicester City

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Toro Irrigation At Leicester City: Leicester City Football Club has selected a Toro Lynx central control system, 10 Infinity sprinklers on the pitch’s perimeter, eight T7 sprinklers in the centre and the Turf Guard wireless soil monitoring system on each corner to ensure problem-free irrigation at the King Power Stadium.

Simon Gibson, head groundsman, says he switched to Toro because he wanted more precise control: “We conducted a side-by-side trial with Toro at the stadium and straight away the even distribution the Infinitys produced was evident. You could see the consistent moisture curtain from the beginning to the very end.”

Toro Irrigation At Leicester City

Simon decided on 10 Infinity sprinklers but instead of placing them into the pitch, he put them into the 4G tracking run-off areas in stacked up irrigation boxes covered with blue astroturf. He says: “The sprinklers can’t be seen when they’re not in use and it means the pitch is 100 percent grass. The boxes aren’t filled, we simply lift the lid to access the whole unit.”

Another major advantage Simon and the team are finding is the control for spot watering. He says: “We like to keep the goal area drier than the rest of the pitch. With the Toro sprinklers and the slip clutch feature you can manually position the sprinkler where you want it without damaging the pop-up. Now on match day when we set the irrigation on, we send a member of the team round to spin the sprinkler out of the direction of the goal area. It’s great to be able to do that and have that level of control.”

Simon has had Turf Guard placed onto all four corners of the pitch and linked it to the Lynx control system. He says: “By having Turf Guard in all corners means we have a more accurate picture of what the moisture content is through the profile. It allows us to detect the dry areas before they impact on the turf’s health and prevent overwatering. It’s taken away so much of the guesswork.”

Simon has been more than impressed with the Lynx system, like so many, for its ease of use and accuracy. There is only thing he’s now waiting on and that’s a radio licence to enable direct access with the system on match days: “When there are 35,000 people on the Wifi and 4G, the service gets overloaded. We have applied for a radio licence and that will let us bypass the issue.”

With the irrigation of the pitch safely in Toro’s hands we wondered what’s next on the cards at the King Power Stadium for Simon, who has been with the club now for 20 seasons. “I always relate my time at the club by seasons,” he laughs. “Plans for the next couple of years are to reconstruct the irrigation system pipework to enable us to put TS90 sprinklers in the middle of the pitch. The configuration of the existing pipes meant we couldn’t go for this option this time and while the T7 sprinklers are brilliant once the pipe configuration has been updated it will allow us to install Toro’s ultimate infield sprinkler, the TS90. We’ll have turf cups of course and will grow the grass in a pot at the beginning of the season and then drop it into the cup so it will be a seamless playing surface.”

There seems to be a great deal of pressure on all grounds team come the start of each season, and Simon says that’s a situation that never changes: “Expectations for sports surfaces are always high and the pressure for the best surface possible only ever increases. Toro irrigation delivers on everything you ask for. You’ve got to get the best results and you do with Toro.”

For more information, visit: reesinkturfcare.co.uk

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