Tag Archive for: Dennis

New Dennis ES-860 gets Nice seal of approval

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New Dennis ES-860 gets Nice seal of approval: Scott Brooks, Grounds Manager at OGC Nice in France, believes that when it comes to battery-powered cylinder mowers, there is nothing that compares to the new Dennis ES-860.

After an illustrious start to his career in the UK, which included positions at Tottenham Hotspur FC, Arsenal FC and St George’s Park, Scott is now carrying out the upkeep and the development of OGC Nice’s training pitches in the South of France.

New Dennis ES-860 gets Nice seal of approval

New Dennis ES-860 gets Nice seal of approval

He was specifically head hunted for the role after the French club visited the Football Association’s national training centre for a pre-season summer tour and were impressed with Scott’s unique philosophy on keeping players injury-free. That was over a year ago now and it is evident that he is making some vast improvements to the pitches in Nice.

Scott first started introducing battery-powered products into the operations at St George’s Park and claims that he was keen to continue embracing this technology in his new role. It was towards the end of his spell at St George’s Park that he first heard that Dennis was launching a range of environmentally friendly mowers called the E-Series.

“I never got the opportunity to get one at St George’s Park,” said Scott. “I had every faith that it would be a good machine because I saw the prototype at SALTEX and I could see the benefits of it straight away.”

For many years, turf professionals have been choosing Dennis Mowers for their superb cut quality and reliability, and anticipation quickly started building when the company announced its new battery-powered range.

Leaving no stone unturned, Dennis Mowers spent three years working with carefully selected partners to develop a range of quality battery-powered equipment befitting of the Dennis badge. The aim was to provide a reliable and long-lasting solution with the ultimate performance that helps professionals meet sustainability and environmental initiatives, reduce carbon footprint, emissions, running costs and noise without any range anxiety.

Ever the perfectionist, Scott first insisted on putting the Dennis ES-860 to the test against other battery-powered cylinder mowers.

“I had other mowers on trial for a few weeks and this enabled me to assess them side-by-side,” said Scott. “For me, there was no comparison and there was only one winner – the Dennis ES-860 was the machine I wanted.”

Users of the Dennis G860 cylinder mower will no doubt see familiarities in the new ES-860.

New Dennis ES-860 gets Nice seal of approval

New Dennis ES-860 gets Nice seal of approval

This 34” battery powered turf management system delivers maximum versatility and the range of 13 interchangeable cassette options provide a solution to many day-to-day maintenance tasks such as cutting, scarifying, brushing, slitting and verticutting. Furthermore, traditional G860 cassettes will also fit the ES-860, meaning that customers will not have to purchase additional cassettes.

A robust LCD keypad screen is an integral feature of the handlebar console providing the operator with a multitude of information options including speed, clip rate, service checks, lifetime running reports and battery information.

“The battery life on the Dennis ES-860 is excellent,” continued Scott. “We were able to cut two pitches on one single charge, whereas we were struggling to complete one pitch with others.

“The charging capacity on them is incredible. For example, if we have a big day ahead and everything is getting hand cut, then we know that we can bring the Dennis ES-860’s in at lunch-time and charge each of them for just twenty minutes. In this short amount time, we know that we will get enough recharge in them to go back out and finish the job.

“Aside from battery power, I felt the Dennis ES-860 was a robust and solid unit that was ideal for continuously using on the training ground – it is an excellent piece of engineering.”

“The Dennis ES-860 is also so much easier to operate and the interchangeable cassette system is so simple to change cassettes.”

After the side-by-side trial, Scott purchased four Dennis ES-860 mowers and uses them regularly throughout the week as part of his maintenance programme.

Typically, Scott relies on the brushing cassette to brush the debris off the pitches after every use; the verticutting cassette to remove any organic material and the 8-bladed cutting cassette to provide a quality cut before a match or a training session.

Scott and his team have been using the Dennis ES-860’s for a prolonged period of time now and he certainly has no regrets.

“There were quite a few reasons for going down the battery route,” he said. “Firstly because of the environmentally friendly benefits, but also from a noise pollution perspective. Prior to having the Dennis ES-860’s we kept getting asked to stop mowing because the noise was disrupting the training sessions. However, now with the ES-860 mowers we can be on the pitch next to the players while they are training, and they are so quiet that they do not stop us. It is a vast improvement in productivity.

“I also wanted the team to be more comfortable and with these mowers you do not have any fumes, there are less vibrations and also less noise.

“Battery-powered technology is developing and progressing all the time, but it is important to be an early adopter because if people don’t take it up then no one else will. It certainly seems to be the future.

“The club’s owners encourage the sourcing and implementation of more sustainable and environmentally friendly practices in the way we operate which this purchase obviously supports.”

For further information or a no obligation demonstration, please contact Dennis 01332 824 777 or visit www.dennisuk.com

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

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It’s elementary with the Dennis PRO 34R

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It’s elementary with the Dennis PRO 34R: Head groundsman Garry Watson and his deputy John Holmes have praised the Dennis PRO 34R rotary mower for keeping several grass areas in fantastic condition at the King Edward’s School in Edgbaston, Birmingham.

Founded in 1552, King Edward’s School is one of the most successful boys’ schools in this country. For nearly 400 years the school stood in New Street at the heart of the city. In 1936 the school moved to its present 50-acre site in Edgbaston, shared with King Edward VI High School for Girls, which provides extensive space and facilities matched by few day schools in the country.

It’s elementary with the Dennis PRO 34R

It’s elementary with the Dennis PRO 34R

The school’s academic performance places it amongst the very best in the country and King Edward’s has a long list of notable alumni including two Nobel Prize-winners, JRR Tolkien, Edward Burne-Jones, Lord Willetts and Lee Child.

The grounds department is overseen by Garry, who has been working at the school for an incredible 35 years. Alongside his trusty deputy John Holmes, the duo recently began searching for a new rotary mower.

“We were previously using 20-inch mowers and we wanted something bigger so we could cut more regularly and more quickly,” said Garry. “We also wanted an alternative to that of putting tractors or triple mowers on the pitches – something that would keep the weight off the pitch.”

The case was solved as soon as they saw the Dennis PRO 34R in action: “As soon as we had the demonstration, John said this is it – this is the machine we need to have. Yes, there are other rotary mowers on the market, but we made a decision there and then based on how good it was.”

The Dennis PRO 34R is a 34” (860mm) rotary mower which has been designed to help groundsmen achieve an aesthetically pleasing appearance and desired playing surface. It is ideal for sports pitches and lawns producing the enviable ‘Dennis Stripes’ while a powerful vacuum flow collects debris quickly and efficiently.

The angle of the cutting deck and twin blades can be easily adjusted using a single ‘click adjuster’ ensuring the mower is suitable for changing conditions and meeting groundsmen’s requirements.

“The PRO 34R offers a fantastic cut,” continued Garry. “It is predominately used on the rugby pitches for presentation and to also clean-up after matches.

“After about a week of having the PRO 34R, we made the decision to purchase another one – it was that good. It is absolutely fantastic for sports pitches, but we also have a large number of big lawns – which must be kept in good condition. Therefore, the second PRO 34R is all about presentation on these lawns. We use it for cutting and striping.”

Garry also said that the decision to purchase the PRO 34R was based on his experience of using Dennis in the past.

“We’ve had Dennis before, and I’ve never had any issues, so I tend to stick with what I know works. Plus, the service is all part of the overall package with Dennis.

“I like to deal with personalities and Jason Briggs from Dennis and SISIS is fantastic. I know what I like – and Dennis Mowers have never let me down.”

For further information or a no obligation demonstration, please contact Dennis 01332 824 777 or visit www.dennisuk.com

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

For the latest industry news visit turfmatters.co.uk/news

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Dennis and SISIS join AGIF

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Dennis and SISIS join AGIF: Dennis Mowers and SISIS Equipment, leading British manufacturers of innovative professional sports grounds maintenance equipment, have become a member of the Asian Golf Industry Federation (AGIF).

Divisions of the Howardson Group, Dennis and SISIS have more than 90 years of experience helping people create their desired end result and have invested heavily in the future with new products, new facilities, latest machine tools, people skills and design technology.

Dennis and SISIS join AGIF

Dennis and SISIS join AGIF

Synonymous with reliable, high-quality equipment and after sales service, Dennis and SISIS offer a wide range of cylinder mowers, scarifiers, aerators, slitters, sweepers and brushes that enable groundsmen, greenkeepers and gardeners to create their perfect surface.

“Our machines are used at high profile international stadia around the world, many top football, cricket, golf and bowling clubs as well as local authorities, schools, colleges and universities,” said Toby Clarke, the company’s International Business Director.

“Our reputation is built not only on the quality of our products but also on the high level of customer and technical support provided by our experienced field and office-based teams and our professional dealership network. We are committed to exceeding expectations by the loyalty customers place in our brand, products and people.

“I’ve been working here for 26 years and all I’ve seen is growth. To see the company develop in this way and to be a part of it now at a more management and strategic level is fantastic,” added Clarke.

Dennis and SISIS have been long-time supporters of industry associations and are corporate members of the British and International Golf Greenkeepers Association (BIGGA), STRI (formerly the Sports Turf Research Institute), the Federation of European Golf Greenkeepers Associations (FEGGA), the Institute of Groundsmanship (IOG) and Sports and Play Construction Association (SAPCA).

Clarke said: “We’re delighted to expand our reach by becoming a Full Business Member of the Asian Golf Industry Federation. From tee-to-green, Dennis and SISIS provide a full range of equipment for all golf course maintenance requirements. Superintendents, owners, technicians and other golf management professionals can look forward to seeing a great line-up of products at forthcoming events around the region, including November’s AGIF Expo in Bangkok.”

Eric Lynge, the AGIF’s Chief Executive Officer, said: “Dennis and SISIS have long been respected and trusted names in the turf maintenance industry in the United Kingdom and Europe. We look forward to working with Toby and his colleagues and helping them to enhance their businesses in Asia.”

For the latest industry news visit turfmatters.co.uk/news

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Inspirational Dennis & SISIS Seminar

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Inspirational Dennis & SISIS Seminar: The aptly named Storm Dennis certainly didn’t prevent the annual Dennis and SISIS groundcare seminar from going ahead, and by all accounts it once again inspired, educated and offered real solutions. 

Hosted at the Durham County Cricket Club’s Emirates Riverside Stadium on 18th February, over 150 volunteers and professionals representing schools, sports clubs, local authorities and contractors from all over the UK experienced a truly memorable day.

Inspirational Dennis & SISIS Seminar

Inspirational Dennis & SISIS Seminar

Marcus North, Durham Director of Cricket and former Australian batsman, kick-started the event much to the delight of the attendees. The left-handed batsman, who played 21 Tests for his country and played for five counties in England, proceeded to offer a unique insight into all the various pitches he has played on throughout the world. Not only did his talk offer a glimpse into an international cricket player’s perspective but it also offered an interesting insight into a club’s relationship with the groundstaff.

Iain James from TGMS Ltd followed with a plethora of advice on the construction and maintenance of a cricket pitch. No stone was left unturned as Iain went through every stage of a construction process offering some valuable tips to those who carry out the work in-house but also presented the questions one should be asking of a contractor. Lots of notes were taken as Iain covered the six key stages of construction – planning, design, build, grow-in, preparation and play.

Seminar delegates were then pleased to hear from the Institute of Groundsmanship’s Ian Powell who provided a number of helpful tips in his presentation entitled ‘Principles of decision making for pre-season preparations’. Ian discussed the utmost important aspects of pre-season preparations including seeding, rolling, scarification and nutrition.

Rounding off the morning in style, delegates had a rare opportunity to listen to and question an incredible line-up of some of the industry’s finest groundsmen. Hosted by Vic Demain (Durham CCC), this new feature entitled Groundsmans Corner, saw a panel of experts including Keith Kent (Head Pitch Advisor for Rugby Groundsmen Connected), Jim Dawson (Head Groundsman at BT Murrayfield), Karl McDermott (Head Groundsman at MCC Lord’s), Sean Williams (Head Groundsman at Gloucestershire CCC) and Gordon Gill (Former Head Groundsman at Bath CC). An interesting range of topics were explored and, in particular, the use of social media in the industry sparked an informative debate.

A complimentary lunch signalled the halfway point, and attendees got the chance to network with one another and gain even more groundcare advice from event sponsors – Limagrain UK, Boughton Loam, Thomas Sherriff, Stuart Canvas, Fleet Line Markers, Cricket World, SIS Pitches, Poweroll, Facility and Sports Club Development and Headland Amenity.

Upon settling down after lunch, Barry Glynn hilariously reflected on his career in ‘Frustrations of a Groundsman: Part 2’ before the legendary Keith Kent proceeded with a presentation entitled ‘Winter Sports Pitches to Cricket Outfields – what do we need to do?’ Delegates were thrilled when Keith drew on his wealth of experience as a groundsman to explore the transformation of winter sports pitches into cricket outfields.

Inspirational Dennis & SISIS Seminar

Inspirational Dennis & SISIS Seminar

In his presentation, Keith described the groundcare industry as a brotherhood; a family in which everyone should be supporting their colleagues and the general consensus in the room at the end of the day was that this event was an exemplary demonstration of camaraderie – no matter what your title or position.

One delegate, Derek Traill of Cricket Scotland, said: “The key message coming out of today’s event is that it is all about communication and to strive to learn off one another – we learn from one another’s experiences, failures and successes and from these we can build on them and improve as one.”

For Ben Weatherall, a young Assistant Groundsman at Yorkshire County Cricket Club, the event was inspirational which will serve him well in his career path: “It was great to get the opportunity to listen to guys like Vic, Keith and Jim. Listening to their stories, their experiences and where they came from was hugely inspiring. In my up and coming career, events like this will help me get to where I want to be.”

One such groundsman who has found exactly where he wants to be is Karl McDermott and he was encouraged to see so many young people in attendance. “Sometimes you go to these kinds of events and it is mostly retired groundsmen that are helping out their local clubs – which is fantastic because they benefit a lot from the advice they receive. However, there has been a real good mix today and we need to look to the future and keep on trying to get the younger generation into this industry.

“Events like this Dennis and SISIS seminar will only help,” he continued. “This is a great chance to network and to chat to people and actually discover that no matter what level you are at, club or recreational to test match level – we all have the same problems.”

Robbie Thackray, Groundsman at the University of Leeds, certainly felt relieved to find out that he is not alone when it comes to certain issues: “I have found it extremely reassuring that everyone is in the same boat,” he said. “We all have the same struggles no matter where we work or what our job title is. Today has been brilliant and offered so many solutions.”

Further information about the range of maintenance products available can be found by visiting www.dennisuk.com / www.sisis.com.

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

For the latest industry news visit turfmatters.co.uk/news

Get all of the big headlines, pictures, opinions and videos on stories that matter to you.

Follow us on Twitter and Instagram for fun, fresh and engaging content.

You can also find us on Facebook for more of your must-see news, features, videos and pictures from Turf Matters.

The Dennis and SISIS 2020 groundcare seminar will take place at Durham County Cricket Club on 18th February.

Dennis & SISIS Groundcare Seminar 2020

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Dennis & SISIS Groundcare Seminar 2020: The Dennis and SISIS 2020 Groundcare Seminar will take place at Durham County Cricket Club’s Emirates Riverside on Tuesday 18th February and is yet again set to educate and inspire.

Sports turf is the theme and a wide range of volunteers and professionals representing schools, sports clubs, local authorities and contractors, can expect to explore a multitude of topics.

The Dennis and SISIS 2020 groundcare seminar will take place at Durham County Cricket Club on 18th February.

The Dennis and SISIS 2020 groundcare seminar will take place at Durham County Cricket Club on 18th February.

An insightful morning will see Marcus North (Durham Director of Cricket & Former Australian Test Batsman) present Cricket Pitches on Different Continents; Dr Iain James (TGMS) will be offering some invaluable advice in the Construction and Maintenance of a Cricket Pitch seminar and the Institute of Groundsmanship’s Ian Powell is set to provide a number of helpful tips in Principles of decision making for pre-season preparations.

Rounding off the morning in style, delegates will have a rare opportunity to listen to and question an incredible line-up of some of the industry’s finest groundsmen. Hosted by Vic Demain (Durham CCC), this new feature entitled Groundsmans Corner, will see a panel of experts including Keith Kent (Head Pitch Advisor to Rugby Groundsmen Connected), Karl McDermott (MCC, Lord’s), Sean Williams (Gloucestershire CCC) and Gordon Gill (Bath Cricket Club).

A complimentary lunch will be provided in which attendees can network with one another and gain even more advice from event sponsors – Limagrain UK, Boughton Loam, Thomas Sherriff, Stuart Canvas, Fleet Line Markers, Cricket World, SIS Pitches, Poweroll, Facility and Sports Club Development and Headland Amenity.

Barry Glynn (volunteer groundsman), will kick-start proceedings after lunch and will no doubt have the audience in stitches as he reveals some home truths in his seminar entitled Frustrations of a Groundsman: Part 2.

The legendary Keith Kent will be taking to the stage in the penultimate session and will be drawing on his wealth of experience as a groundsman in Winter Sports Pitches to Cricket Outfields – what do we need to do?

To conclude the day, delegates will get the opportunity to discuss their own projects with the day’s speakers.

To register your interest please contact Roger Moore at Dennis & SISIS on 01332 824777 or email Roger Moore on roger.moore@dennisuk.com.

Further information about the range of maintenance products available can be found by visiting www.dennisuk.com / www.sisis.com.

For the latest industry news visit  turfmatters.co.uk/news

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Follow us on  Twitter  and  Instagram  for fun, fresh and engaging content.

You can also find us on  Facebook  for more of your must-see news, features, videos and pictures from Turf Matters.