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KAR’s successful launch for Hunter TTS rotors

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KAR’s successful launch for Hunter TTS rotors: Last year, KAR UK launched the new Hunter TTS-800 rotors and, in that time, they have become one of the most sought-after irrigation products in sportsturf. Sales Manager Mike McDonnell reveals the reasons why.

“Greenkeepers, Course Managers, Grounds persons, Stadium Mangers and Sports Turf Managers in general have a very difficult job when it comes to irrigation management,” said Mike. “Playability can directly impact revenue and so effective irrigation is critical at all times.

KAR's successful launch for Hunter TTS rotors

KAR’s successful launch for Hunter TTS rotors

Harsh environments and dirty water can make matters even more complicated but with heavy duty, highly efficient easy to service TTS rotors – Turf Managers can push past such obstacles to ensure beautiful, playable pitches and courses for years to come.

“We have been delighted to see such interest in the TTS-800 series in the past year.”

As Mike says, the TTS-800 series are now relied upon at some of the most prestigious sporting venues in the UK and beyond. They integrate advanced technology with unrivalled power, reliability, and performance to simplify irrigation management and cultivate impeccable playing surfaces in every application.

TTS-800 rotors combine the field-proven benefits of Hunters’ robust, highly efficient G-80 and G-85 gear drives with an all-new Total-Top-Service body, inlet valve, and control mechanism to ensure unmatched ease of installation and serviceability.

“These really are the most reliable and powerful rotors in the industry,” continued Mike. “Our customers have been quick to praise Hunter’s patented TTS (Total-Top-Service) technology which allows for every serviceable element of the rotor to be accessed through the top.

KAR's successful launch for Hunter TTS rotors

KAR’s successful launch for Hunter TTS rotors

Mechanical and electrical, big and small, operators can get to every component without disturbing the playing surface.

“This means there’s no more digging, no more unsightly scars, and perhaps more importantly, it is one less item on a busy turf manager’s schedule.”

Other benefits of the TTS series include:

  • Exclusive pressure port nozzle technology which maximizes distribution uniformity for healthy, playable turf in any setting.
  • The high-torque gear drive is the strongest in the industry to mitigate the challenges of reclaimed water and debris infiltration.
  • The TTS-800 Series are available in four models to ensure optimised performance in a range of applications.
  • A threaded inlet which sets the industry standard with heavy duty impact-resistant construction.
  • Three ports of entry are available – to allow for fast, organised, and easy wire management during installation.
  • The regulator is adjustable when installed or removed, allowing for easy fine-tuning of settings for optimal performance.
  • The on-off/auto-selector is colour coded with a visual indicator which makes it easy to identify when the rotor is in the manual off position.
  • A stage two filter protection helps prevent rotor weeping.
  • The powerful patented planetary gear drive powers through even the harshest conditions.
  • A range of nozzle packages are available with flows from 33.71 litres per minute at a radius of 11.3m to 225.6 litres per minute at a radius of 29.5m
  • Speciality low angle nozzles are also available to accommodate high-wind environments and other specific needs.

“A lot of research has been carried out over the years and it is not a surprise to see that Hunter systems offer 17% savings in water usage over the competition on average,” said Mike. “At KAR we are proud to distribute and work with such a leading brand.

“In particular, the TTS-800 rotors are built to maximise convenience and minimise waste. We are hoping for another successful year with these popular and powerful rotors.”

For more information, please visit www.karuk.com

You can also follow KAR UK on Twitter @KARUK_LTD for much more news, reviews and insightful views

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Golf greenkeepers ask for support

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Golf greenkeepers ask for support: BIGGA has welcomed the Prime Minister’s announcement regarding the timetable for the reopening of golf.

As the members’ association for golf greenkeepers in the UK, BIGGA is acutely aware that golfers are eager to get back out on the course and start enjoying the limitless physical and mental health benefits of our wonderful sport.

Golf greenkeepers ask for support

Golf greenkeepers ask for support

However, as golfers have found in Scotland, where courses have remained open for limited play, this has been an incredibly wet and difficult winter and many greenkeepers have reported being able to do very limited maintenance throughout the colder months.

As such, while disappointed that the restart of golf will not be until 29 March in England, BIGGA welcomes the notice period as it will enable golf facilities to complete any essential winter maintenance and prepare the course for play to a standard that will not be detrimental to the long-term health of the facility.

Over the coming weeks BIGGA will be working alongside the governing bodies in golf to provide information regarding reasonable expectations of course presentation, so that returning golfers are aware of the challenges greenkeepers have faced with regards climate, staffing and COVID-19 restrictions and to ensure a safe, happy and prosperous return to golf for everyone.

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Entries open for 45th BALI awards

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Entries open for 45th BALI awards: The British Association of Landscape Industries’ (BALI) prestigious National Landscape Awards, the largest of their kind anywhere in Europe, return on Friday 3rd December 2021 and entries have now opened alongside several exciting new announcements for the 45th year.

Registered members can now submit their full entry online for the first time, (including their submission pack) thanks to a new entry system, alongside the returning postal option. Due to the effects of COVID-19, Contractor, Designer and International members, for 2021 only, now also have the opportunity to submit a scheme that has achieved practical completion in the last 24 months, instead of the normal 12 months.

Entries open for 45th BALI awards

Entries open for 45th BALI awards

BALI’s Chief Executive Wayne Grills commented, “This extension to the practical completion date now affords members more flexibility in what has been a difficult last 12 months. Alongside the option to submit online, we hope to see a wide variety of entries across all of our available categories this year.”

There are 33 categories in total, including a brand-new Nature Conservation and Biodiversity Enhancement category. The judges will be looking for projects that demonstrate a significant contribution to conservation or enhancement of biodiversity, embodying the principles of sustainable development using innovative concepts.

Chair of the judging panel, John Melmoe, said, “We are delighted to introduce this new category for 2021. We will be looking for evidence of any biodiversity net gains and clear definitions of innovation or environmental designs. The long-term management strategy must be clearly defined, including proof of monitoring processes. On behalf of my fellow judges and I we look forward to seeing some truly remarkable projects in this category.”

Other returning categories include Domestic Garden Construction, Hard Landscaping Construction (non-domestic), Community and Schools Development, Design Excellence and Affiliate Exceptional Service. Registered members can check out all of this year’s categories on the BALI Awards website here.

Alongside an FAQs section, the team at Landscape House have also produced an Entry Guidelines document, which contains information on each category, the deadlines and fees and what the judges are looking for in an award-winning scheme or entry.

To help further, members looking to enter are invited to join representatives of the judging panel for a free-to-attend Awards Workshop webinar on 25th March from 3pm-4.30pm. The event will provide an opportunity for members to ask questions about entering, as well as how the judges evaluate and score the submission packs and advice on photography and video. Non-members who are interested in entering and would like to know more about BALI are also welcome to join.

Events Project Manager Emily Feeney said, “Today we have not only opened entries but also announced three new positive changes to this year’s Awards which continues to be the ultimate celebration in our industry. We are working with Headline Sponsor Green-tech, our host venue the J W Marriott Grosvenor House, Park Lane, London and event partners and sponsors to stage a safe end of year celebration, and we look forward to sharing more with you in the coming months.”

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Smart move for T H WHITE Groundcare

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Smart move for T H WHITE Groundcare: T H WHITE’s Groundcare Division is changing the way it serves its customers in the Reading and Berkshire area in order to deliver even higher levels of service and support.

The company’s existing branch at Arborfield had reached the stage where it would have required significant investment to maintain and develop the quality of service offering customers have come to expect from

Smart move for T H WHITE Groundcare

Smart move for T H WHITE Groundcare

T H WHITE. So, rather than commit resources to a leased site, the decision was made to concentrate investment at the freehold site in Stockbridge. In December 2020 work was started on a new 3,500 sq ft facility at Stockbridge where the majority of T H WHITE’s Arborfield staff will be relocated by the end of March.

This change is part of a strategy in which the company’s Groundcare Division is being integrated with our Agricultural Division to deliver greater efficiencies and customer benefits. T H WHITE’s investment in property, people and processes is being made to assist ground care businesses as the sector adapts the way working practices to achieve the best outcomes in these challenging times.

Key parts of the Stockbridge development are a modern, fully equipped workshop and state-of-the-art parts facility. T H WHITE’s Reading area representatives will continue to be based and operate locally to ensure continuity and Reading customers will continue to be able to access all T H WHITE services with a phone call. When machinery needs servicing, it will be collected and delivered back to customers.

By making this change T H WHITE plans to enhance its 21st century service standards, also securing a firm basis for future developments.

T H WHITE Groundcare’s Reading branch will be fully relocated at Stockbridge from 1 March 2021. From that date contact details will be: T H WHITE Groundcare, Windyridge, Salisbury Road, Houghton Down, Stockbridge, Hants SO20 6JR.

Tel 01264 811260

Sales: Rob Iddeson 07909 895502, Mark Carter 07917 172861, Mark Zealander 07876 396635

Service Manager: Andrew Hannington   01264 811260.   Parts Manager: Kim Larke 01264 811260

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Scottish sales agreement for Foamstream

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Scottish sales agreement for Foamsteam: Drymen based ground care and garden equipment supplier Fraser C Robb has been awarded exclusive sales rights in Scotland to sell Foamstream, herbicide-free weed killing equipment.

The system has been developed by Weedingtech, who have successfully launched this product in markets around the world. This deal will, for the first time, provide customers in Scotland with access to an environmentally friendly solution for clearing weeds.

Scottish sales agreement for Foamsteam

Scottish sales agreement for Foamsteam

The Foamstream herbicide-free system can be safely used anywhere, particularly in places with high footfall and where there are animals as well as next to waterways and delicate ecosystems. The system combines heat and water with a foam solution that is both safe and highly effective. As well as removing weeds, the system can remove gum, remove graffiti and clean street furniture.

For many users such as councils, private estates, golf courses, facilities companies as well as many others, it will be far more cost-effective as fewer applications are needed each year. The system also dramatically cuts down the requirements of manual labour.

As Fraser C Robb Director Lorna Robb explains this new deal represents a significant addition to their range of environmentally friendly products.

“Our business is within a National Park and we know from our customers throughout Scotland the sensitivity to our land, waterways and public areas, Foamstream will allow them to kill weeds in a way completely safe to the environment. This system will also be more effective in keeping our towns and cities clean, saving organisations time and money.

We are delighted to be bringing this product to market in Scotland and working with the innovative team at Weedingtech. We have seen the impact of it being introduced in other markets and know that this product will be revolutionary to the operation of councils, land estates, sporting facilities etc. throughout Scotland. This is an excellent addition to our growing range of environmentally friendly garden and ground care equipment”.

Aaron Matthews, UK & ROI Sales Manager at Weedingtech said

“After many conversations with prospects in Scotland, Fraser C. Robb were the natural choice to be our distribution partner due to their fantastic reputation among their customer base and the instant enthusiasm they had for the product. They certainly have the expertise and experience required to offer the very best customer experience for Foamstream clients.

For more information about Foamstream and to book a demonstration contact Fraser C Robb on 01360 660688.

More information can be obtained by calling Weedingtech on +44(0)203 9090050

info@weedingtech.com

www.weedingtech.com

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Titan tines perfect for better aeration

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Titan tines perfect for better aeration: With over 150 Toro Titan tines available to cover all possible aeration applications, you’re guaranteed a perfect fit for better aeration. And with 10 percent off the tines range from distributor Reesink Turfcare for the whole of March, superior parts are now available for even less.

Although courses are currently shut, there are no limitations for maintenance activities and, as before, lockdown affords the opportunity to prepare for the season ahead and make any necessary course improvements. Machinery maintenance is a vital part of that and ensuring no delays to the machinery fleet is Toro Parts and in particular Toro’s Titan Tines.

Titan tines perfect for better aeration

Titan tines perfect for better aeration

Toro Titan tines, a perfect fit isn’t just reserved for Toro machines. With Toro conversion sleeves, Toro Tines can fit on the majority of equipment from competitor brands, as well as current and late model Toro aerators. The conversion sleeve slides onto a 9.5mm mount Toro tine to create a 12.7mm or 15.9 mm mount. So, whether you’ll be coring, slicing or spiking, hollow, solid or deep tining, no matter what machine you use, there’s a Titan tine for every need.

Michael Hampton, turfcare parts manager at Reesink Turfcare, says: “At Reesink we’re dedicated to providing our customers more, which is why our entire Toro tines range is available throughout March with 10 percent off. Not only does this mean a saving on the initial purchase price, but customers will see savings in the long term too. The durable design of Toro Titan tines mean they last longer and reduce costly change-out and associated downtime, and with Toro’s conversion sleeves, all customers can benefit from the superior quality of Toro Titan tines, no matter what brand they have in the shed.”

With a tough design that includes hard-wearing brazed tip joints for in-built resistance to separation and breakage, Toro Titan tines guarantee more longevity, more productivity, more strength, more play and more reliability too.

To ensure turfcare machinery is working at its best and delivering the best possible results, it’s vital to have high quality parts made to fit your equipment. Ensuring worn down or old parts are replaced with high-quality new parts is a cost-effective solution to reduce downtime and maintain high standards.

Don’t make 2021 any more difficult than it is turning out to be, stock up on Toro tines in March for 10 percent off and have one less thing to worry about. Customers can get in touch with their local genuine Toro parts dealer or service centre, call Reesink Turfcare on 01480 226800 or visit reesinkturfcare.co.uk

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KAR’s guide for the irrigation industry

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KAR’s guide for the irrigation industry: KAR UK, the leading wholesaler of irrigation equipment in the UK, has announced the launch of its new product brochure for 2021/2022.

The new 2021/2022 brochure is now available to download on the KAR UK website or from a company representative.

KAR's guide for the irrigation industry

KAR’s guide for the irrigation industry

From hoses, hose reels, lances and fittings to valves, meters and controllers. From filters and fertigation to drip irrigation and sprinklers, the new brochure features products from the world’s best-known names in water management such as:

  • Hunter
  • Kasco
  • ODIS
  • Amiad
  • Lowara
  • Grundfos
  • Perrot
  • Bermad
  • VDL
  • Rivulis
  • Unidelta
  • Hansen
  • NaanDan
  • Tefen
  • Even Products

Not only does the new brochure contain detailed information about the products but they also include valuable technical advice and prices.

For more information, please visit www.karuk.com

You can also follow KAR UK on Twitter @KARUK_LTD for much more news, reviews and insightful views.

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Only the best will do for Woodlawn

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Only the best will do for Woodlawn: Woodlawn – a garden and lawn maintenance company in Northern Ireland, insist on providing the best service to their customers, and it is for this reason that it has invested in a brand-new fleet of Etesia pedestrian mowers. 

Formed in 2014 by Aaron Brownlee and Allen Davey, Woodlawn provides a wide range of landscaping services to private and commercial customers around Carrickfergus, Whitehead, Ballycarry, Jordanstown and surrounding areas in Northern Ireland.

Only the best will do for Woodlawn

Only the best will do for Woodlawn

Over recent years the company has seen incredible growth year-on-year – which can be attributed to the professionalism and high standard of work carried out by the Woodlawn team.

Owners Aaron and Allen, ever the perfectionists, admit to keeping a close eye on the turf machinery market to monitor any technological advancements. However, they claim that it was a chance demonstration which made it incredibly difficult to ignore the Etesia brand.

“RD Mechanical, an Etesia dealer in Northern Ireland, contacted us and said they had lots of exciting new equipment in stock,” said Aaron. “We were asked if we wanted to have a demonstration and that was when we first came across the Etesia Hydro 80 ride-on mower.

It was the one machine which really stood out and it was then that we realised just how good Etesia technology was.”

“After starting with the Hydro 80, we then went on to explore other Etesia mowers,” added Allen. “We concluded that Etesia was the way forward. Ultimately, we want to provide the absolute best service for our customers and that means that we have to use the very best equipment – that is why we have decided to switch all of our equipment over to Etesia.”

After reporting great results from the Hydro 80, Aaron and Allen decided to invest in a new fleet of Etesia pedestrian mowers consisting of four PRO 46 PHTS3’s and the BIOCUT 53 ME53C – the ultimate mulching mower which ensures a quick, clean and environmentally-friendly cut.

The PHTS3 is a single speed self-propelled mower which follows the same concept of the ground-breaking PRO46 range of pedestrian mowers which were first launched in the early 1990’s. The PHTS3 features an Xenoy cutting deck for increased strength, shear washer crank protection, individual height of cut adjuster, a new 22mm handlebar design, the latest Honda GCV170 engine and is complete with an 80-litre grass box and a rear deflector as standard.

The mower provides outstanding collection performance, even if the grass is long and wet – something that Etesia has prided itself on over the past 30 years. One main feature of the PHTS3 is the ‘one cut’ principle. This means the grass is only cut once before being sent to the grass box. The benefits of this are reduced power consumption from fast deck material ejection and secondly, as it is not multi-chopped, the grass does not stick to the cutting deck in the same way as multi-cut grass does – preventing unwanted blockages.

During peak season, the team at Woodlawn could be carrying out anywhere between 30-50 cuts per day with the Etesia mowers – and Aaron and Allen believe that the mowers give them a certain peace of mind.

“We are using these machines every single day for hours on end and we know that they will never let us down – they really are an all-round mower,” said Aaron. “They are versatile, robust, and for me, the best feature is that you can cut and collect in all weather – even in damp conditions.”

“The weight to power ratio is incredible,” added Allen. “They are so easy to manoeuvre and we lift them in and out of vans, down steps, up steps, on and off trailers all the time – they are just so lightweight but also offer performance of the highest quality.

“We feel that we made the right decision in switching our fleet over to these mowers – Etesia is definitely the way forward.”

For further information, please contact Etesia UK on 01295 680120 or visit www.etesia.co.uk.

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

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Environmental award final for Capillary Concrete

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Environmental award final for Capillary Concrete: Swedish-owned golf bunker liner specialist Capillary Concrete has been nominated as a finalist in an international competition to find sustainable and natural alternatives to artificial turf on school and preschool yards. 

Capillary Concrete has a complete base-system for artificial turf which completely contains any micro-plastic contaminations.

Environmental award final for Capillary Concrete

Environmental award final for Capillary Concrete

Three finalists have been chosen by the competition, which is run by IVL, the Swedish Environmental Institute. As well as Capillary Concrete, these finalists come from Nordic Surface Sweden and Turfs.

“The three finalists were judged by the review group judged to have the greatest potential based on how they can contribute to reduced spread of microplastics. We have received great contributions and there are examples of both system and material solutions. At the event, we also hope that many customers and decision-makers participate so that we can show that it is possible to choose sustainable solutions that are both adapted to modern play, and at the same time reduce the spread of microplastics in the environment,” said Lovisa Bengtsson, project manager at IVL Swedish Environmental Institute.

The final will take place in front of a jury at the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency on February 24. All three finalists will present their ideas to a jury, which will select a winner. “This is an important competition, and we’re proud to have been selected as a finalist,” said Capillary Concrete inventor and CEO Martin Sternberg. “Now we need to refine our pitch for the final!”

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

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Full house for ICL

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Full house for ICL: All ICL Technical Area Sales Managers are now fully BASIS and FACTS qualified after two members of staff recently passed their FACTS examination. 

Matt Nutter and Andrew Pledger, ICL Technical Area Sales Managers operating in South Central and South East England have both, recently, successfully completed the Fertilizer Advisers Certification and Training Scheme (FACTS). This means that ICL now boasts an entire team of BASIS and FACTS qualified staff.

Full house for ICL

Full house for ICL

FACTS is available to those who have already qualified for the BASIS Professional Register and want to gain Continuing Professional Development (CPD) points. The course builds on an individual’s prior level of agronomic knowledge and candidates must have at least one year’s experience of fertilizer and nutrient management planning in the UK.

Successful FACTS participants demonstrate a full understanding of the role of fertilizers on the main crop groups in the UK and can make recommendations that are agronomically, economically and environmentally sound.

By becoming BASIS and FACTS qualified and by joining the Professional Register, staff commit to a Code of Professional Ethics and a programme of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) which requires them to continue their training to keep up-to-date with the latest developments and to enhance and broaden their knowledge and skills.

This ensures that turf managers receive the very best advice from ICL’s dedicated turf and landscape team.

Please contact ICL on 01473 237100 or visit www.icl-sf.co.uk or www.icl-sf.ie if you are in Ireland.

For more news and insightful views, you can follow ICL on Twitter @ICL_Turf

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