Tag Archive for: Delivers

Green-tech delivers BNG Solutions map

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Green-tech delivers BNG Solutions map: The Government’s Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) policy is effective from today (Monday 12th February)

BNG is an approach to development, and management, that aims to leave the natural environment in a measurably better state than it was beforehand.

As of today, residential developments with 10 or more dwellings, or where the site area is greater than 0.5 hectares, will have to deliver net gains for biodiversity leading to positive outcomes for nature, better places for local communities, and more consistent and transparent requirements for developers.

Under mandatory BNG, all developments in England must replace any biodiversity lost and add a minimum of 10% biodiversity to provide a net gain. The resulting habitat will be secured for at least 30 years via planning obligations or conservation covenants, enforced by s106 agreements.

A brand of leading landscape supplier Green-tech, the team at John Chambers Wildflower Seed has worked with Bridgman and Bridgman to design a new BNG biodiverse green roof mixture.

Bridgman and Bridgman are specialists in the creation of sustainable living roofs. They trialled the wildflower seed mix to ascertain the best-performing species.

The final mixture comprises 40 species of native wildflower to ensure at least 25 species are present once the roof is established to meet the new legislation. The seed mix should be complimented with native sedum and dry grassland species as described in the guidelines.

John Chambers Wildflower Seed Technical Manager Georgia Gilbert explains, “The final mix contains native wildflower seed to combat the huge declines we have seen due to habitat loss, chemical use, and climate change. Native species are incredibly valuable for our native wildlife. We also chose species that are suitable and perform well in green roof structures – ones that are drought tolerant, suitable for full sun and exposed conditions, and thrive in lightweight substrate.”

Green-tech’s Business Development Director Mark Wood, adds, “Like many others in the industry, Green-tech has been planning for Biodiversity Net Gain and the introduction of the Government’s mandatory BNG policy. We have developed an interactive Biodiversity Net Gain map for use alongside the Biodiversity Metric to contribute to different design options, in the creation of a Nature Positive design. We aim to create a collaborative approach with an overview of enabling nature to thrive through considerate development. Users can view the map at https://www.gtspecifier.co.uk/interactive-map/ simply click on the map and they  will find an abundance of information and resources to help ensure their project is BNG compliant.”

For more information or advice contact the Green-tech Specifier team on 01423 332100.

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GKB delivers the secondary drainage solutions

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GKB delivers the secondary drainage solutions: One of the country’s leading sports construction and maintenance companies has explained why they turn to GKB Machines when it comes to solutions for secondary drainage.

Following the wet winter, Plant and Operations Manager for White Horse Contractors, Mick Cross, predicts a busy season ahead for their pair of Drainmaster’s alongside their GKB Deep Tine Aerator (DTA).

GKB delivers the secondary drainage solutions

GKB delivers the secondary drainage solutions

White Horse Contractors were early adopters of GKB equipment, with some machines on their fleet clocking up more than 10 years of reliable service. In addition to two Drainmasters and the DTA, two Combinators and a Rotobrush from GKB form part of a sizeable fleet of equipment, used on projects across the south of the UK by a team of 40+ operatives. “When it comes to purchasing machinery, two things we look for are time-effective solutions and build quality – giving us the reliability to keep on track with a packed schedule” explains Mick, who has been with White Horse for over 30 years. “The Drainmaster’s tick both of these boxes.”

The 2 or 3 cutting wheels of the GKB Drainmaster are spaced at either 50cm or 1m, creating channels at a depth of up to 23cm which are simultaneously filled with sand to leave a stable surface, with improved, long-lasting drainage. “The beauty of this machine is that it conducts multiple operations in one pass, meaning we’re not having to cover the ground multiple times or use multiple machines.”

Mick continues, “We purchased our first Drainmaster in 2010, and a second one more recently and both are out on a regular basis between March and October. Last year, they completed work on upwards of 20 pitches – both natural turf and hybrid pitches which is another great thing about this machine.” Together with football pitches from local council up to Premier League level, the Drainmaster has also been put to task on polo grounds and racecourses. “It’s versatility, efficiency and robust build quality makes it ideal for the contractor market” he adds.

“The DTA is very much built in the same vein, giving us a tough and reliable aerator for regular work on elite sports surfaces.” Mick concludes, “There aren’t many manufacturers offering products so well suited to the requirements of the contractor market which is why we’ve already invested in a fleet of GKB Machines and are currently in the process of increasing this with all eyes on a busy year ahead.”

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DTA delivers robust reliability

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DTA delivers robust reliability: Tasked with delivering reliability and efficiency for both contracting and self-drive hire, a Deep Tine Aerator (DTA) from GKB Machines has so far ticked every box for Cleveland Land Services in Teesside.

Purchased to replace another aerator in the summer of 2021, the robust versatility of the 2.1m DTA has seen it well used on a variety of projects and sports surfaces including football, racecourses and golf course fairways.

DTA delivers robust reliability

DTA delivers robust reliability

Cleveland Land Services have earned a reputation for industry-leading innovation and outstanding customer service across their three divisions – CLS Landscape & Earthworks, CLS Sports and CLS Selfdrive – providing a high-standard of completion on all projects, undertaken nationwide, for over 50 years. With an equipment bank spanning the group, it was the task of Andrew Willis, General Manager of the Selfdrive division, to find the replacement for a well-utilised aerator on their hire fleet.

He explains, “We had a good look at the alternatives and, following a demonstration of the DTA 210 from local dealers Russells, decided that the price, the build quality and the specification of the DTA was a great fit for us. With a range of operators and applications, we could tell this would be capable of delivering any and every task we put it on.”

The DTA 210 combines a 2.1m working width and maximum working depth of up to 40cm (16”) making it an excellent solution for large and/or heavy compacted applications. One of a range of deep tine aerators from GKB, the DTA features hydraulic height adjustment and a range of tine options for complete versatility – making it a popular choice with contractors.

“We’ve been using it on our own contracting work, primarily football pitch maintenance, and when not used internally it’s been on hire with a whole host of turf managers who all find the machine incredibly efficient and simple to operate.” Andrew continues, “One thing we really noticed was how smooth the DTA runs. There isn’t the typical ‘bouncing’ you get with some brands.”

The DTA was the first GKB machine purchased by Cleveland Land Services, more recently joined by an SPM 400 topdresser. “This is another fantastic piece of kit – high capacity and high productivity which is just what we need to ensure jobs get completed on time, and to a high spec.” He adds, “The support from GKB and Russells is also brilliant, quickly answering any questions we have and providing valuable advice to keep everything ticking along as it should.”

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Toro delivers cost-savings at Toot Hill

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Toro delivers cost-savings at Toot Hill: For the last decade, Toot Hill Golf Club has been a committed Toro user. Over that time, the cost of doing business has continued to rise in all kinds of industries; course manager, Tom Cook, has ensured that the kit at Toot Hill Golf Club has evolved to mitigate burdensome and fluctuating expenses by, most recently, acquiring a mix of hybrid and all-electric Toro mowers and utility vehicles.

“Toot Hill is a Toro club, for sure,” Tom remarks. “We’ve been working with them for over 10 years, and I’ve always been impressed with their machinery. Prior to our latest renewal deal, we ran the last fleet for around seven years, and they still worked like a charm.

Toro delivers cost-savings at Toot Hill

Toro delivers cost-savings at Toot Hill

“Toro is built to last,” he goes on. “I’ve always said Toro cuts a lot better than other brands, and for longer – which is important when you think about the total cost of ownership in our current economic climate.”

Because of the loyalty Tom has for the brand, when the time came to renew Toot Hill’s fleet in the most cost-effective way, it was only ever going to be Toro. “One stand out bit of kit we’ve brought in is the Toro Reelmaster 5010-H hybrid fairway mower, which was a direct response to the rising cost of petrol and diesel,” explains Tom.

As the industry’s first and only reel mower with a true hybrid drive system, the 5010-H pairs a Kubota 24.8 hp diesel engine with an in-line motor generator and a self-recharging 48-volt battery pack. Together, they make up Toro’s patented PowerMatch hybrid power system – an effective remedy for high fuel costs and troublesome leak points.

“When compared to diesel-powered alternatives, the hybrid option was very similar in price; however, in the long-run when you factor in the total cost of ownership, rising fuel costs will make the 5010-H a much more economical option,” Tom comments.

“As far as performance is concerned, it’s a great machine: it cuts very well, especially along the many undulating fairways we have here at Toot Hill. They’re no trouble for the 5010-H!”

In a similar cost-conscious vein, Toot Hill Golf Club has also acquired two models of the new Toro Workman GTX. Powered by lithium-ion technology, Toro’s flagship grounds and turf crossover vehicle has been built from the ground up to deliver hours of high-end performance at just a fraction of the cost.

“There’s the diesel cost-factor again, but also the electric motors are much quieter and that’s something the team has really enjoyed with the utility vehicle; no more headaches and you can get out much earlier in the morning,” Tom concludes. “If the team’s happier, I’m happier! Saving fuel costs on top of that is a bonus.”

To discover Toro’s hybrid range of machinery, call 01480 226800 or simply visit https://www.reesinkturfcare.co.uk

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Trilo M3 delivers large fuel and labour savings

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Trilo M3 delivers large fuel and labour savings: An M3 Multipurpose from Trilo has become a valuable extra member of the team at Knaresborough Golf Club, following an extensive search for a more time-friendly solution to the task of leaf clearance.

Purchased in May 2023 with both a flail rotor and brush, not only has the M3 delivered versatility for tasks around the course and throughout the maintenance calendar, its large capacity and high-productivity have also resulted in large fuel and labour savings.

Trilo M3 delivers large fuel and labour savings

Trilo M3 delivers large fuel and labour savings

Knaresborough Golf Club in North Yorkshire is a picturesque parkland course, maintained by Head Greenkeeper Neil Jarrett and a team of four. “Ideally we’d be operating with a team of six especially as we go into Autumn, with leaf-fall from our heavily tree-lined fairways only further exacerbating an already busy maintenance schedule” Neil explains. With a flail collector too ‘cumbersome’ to get onto the course, and a combination of blowers and rotary mowers proving too time-consuming, a more effective solution to this problem was needed.

“Gareth, my Deputy, organised a couple of demonstrations and we had a really good look at what was out there. When we saw the Trilo M3 machine, it became a clear decision. The portability and multi-functionality this displayed really impressed the club manager and all of the team – it was head and shoulders above the competition for us.”

The Trilo M3 Multipurpose is a 3-in-1 machine that, with a range of optional attachments, can facilitate a range of operations including scarification, cut and collect and debris clearance. A working width of 1.5m makes the unit both compact and manoeuvrable, while the hopper capacity of 3m3 and hand-held suction hose makes vacuuming of materials from large or hard-to-reach areas a breeze.

“The wanderhose has transformed how we clean and clear clippings and leaves, particularly around the clubhouse and the dykes we have on the course. Tasks that would have previously involved three people, two rotary mowers to mulch the leaves, a blower and hand-rake can now all be cleared in a matter of minutes by one person.” He continues, “Using one machine with a hopper the size of the one on the M3 also means we’re making less trips to empty, reducing fuel, saving money and moving towards being more sustainable which is something we’re actively trying to address as a club.”

Together with the brush which makes for effective sweeping and clearance of turf areas and hard ground such as the club car park, Knaresborough also purchased a flail rotor attachment enabling them to utilise the M3 for one-pass cut and collect. “Over the summer we’ve been using the M3 to cut back and thin out our long rough and it’s been brilliant! This will be an ongoing project over the next few years as we try to maintain a ‘wispier’ rough, which looks more attractive as well as making the areas easier to play.”

Neil concludes, “The M3 has really delivered and we’ve yet to find anything it can’t do! The service and advice we’ve had from our local dealer F G Adamsons (RFS Ltd) and James Boyle of Vanmac Trilo has also been very good. As we move forward and explore its full capabilities, we know we will be well looked after.”

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