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Dave Harrison retires from Campey

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Dave Harrison retires from Campey: Campey Turf Care Systems export sales manager, Dave Harrison, announced his retirement after ten years and left the company at the end of 2019.

Dave joined Campey in 2009 from Dennis Sisis with a wealth of experience and global industry knowledge. His remit was to develop further growth in sales throughout the European and world markets as well as introducing the Campey range of products into the Middle East and Asia. With Dave’s involvement, Campey has become an established presence in Asia, with Dave himself becoming very popular with all the customers he has worked with.

Dave Harrison retires from Campey

Speaking about his time in the industry, Dave said: “Forty-three years seems to have flown by, and I’ve loved my time in this industry. I’m really looking forward to spending time at home with the family and catching up on all the things I’ve missed out on in recent years, like getting on my bike again! We’ll be having another grandchild soon, so that is something that will occupy some time for us all.

“Working for Campey has been a brilliant experience, and I’ve been fortunate to meet some fantastic people from all over the world.”

Campey chairman, Richard Campey said: “Dave joined us in 2009 and was given clear objectives, and over ten years he accomplished a great deal. During his time with us, he has contributed greatly to the expansion of the company in Asia and the Middle East and the work he has done will be remembered for a long time to come.”

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An Update from Scott MacCallum

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An Update from Scott MacCallum: The fastest moving month of the year has no doubt caught us all out again as we get to the stage where we have no time left to do so many things we’d put off until later in the month.

I enjoy Christmas. At least I enjoy certain aspects of the festive season. I enjoy the odd Christmas party – although I’m pushing it this year with two on the same day. I enjoy that there is more to watch on TV than in the summer months. I enjoy nibbling on party food and not feeling overly guilty. I enjoy the occasional carol service. I enjoy finding the perfect present for someone.

An Update from Scott MacCallum

I’m not so keen on having to listen to Jona Lewie’s Stop the Cavalry every time I wander into Boots for an entire month. But that’s another matter.

I’m here to wish you all the very best for the festive season and not whinge about what I don’t like.

So, from everyone here at Turf Matters have a wonderful Christmas and a New Year which brings you happiness and fulfilment.

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The total solution from Toro

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The total solution from Toro: Stratford-On-Avon Golf Club in Warwickshire has chosen Toro for its new irrigation system, adding to its full fleet of Toro machinery and becoming a Total Solutions customer.

Having spent years building up a complete Toro fleet to maintain its 18-hole parkland course, Stratford-On-Avon Golf Club knows the value of investing in the brand, which is why course manager Chris Bromley opted for Toro again when it came to club’s irrigation needs.

The total solution from Toro

“We’ve had Toro Infinity sprinklers installed across the course on the fairways, greens, surrounds, approaches and the larger tees, as well as T5 sprinklers for the smaller tees and then the Lynx control system with weather station to top it off,” says Chris.

“To put it simply, Toro irrigation provides everything we need. The sprinklers are easy to maintain and easy to use, particularly the Infinity sprinklers. They’re top accessible which makes any maintenance simple, plus changing the arcs, nozzles and trajectory is all quick and easy to do.

“With Lynx, everything you need is all on one screen. With the click of a button you can set up the irrigation for your whole golf course and control watering to the second which has had a big effect on water savings. We also opted for the weather station, which is great, because it allows us to monitor the course more accurately and irrigate precisely.”

With the club’s previous system coming to the end of its life, the new irrigation system was a welcome addition.

“Our old system was 20 years old and not having the latest technology to hand was made all the more evident in the heatwave of 2018,” says Chris. “The weather was so severe the fairways burned up and we were doing lots of hand watering. Trying to do that across a 160-acre course is hard work, so it was vital we got a new system in place as soon as possible.”

Despite the need for a new system, for Chris it was important that thorough research was undertaken before making a decision on which brand and system to go with.

“We visited distributor Reesink Turfcare on stand at SALTEX and Harrogate to talk through the benefits of the Lynx system as well as going along to Toro roadshows and visiting other golf clubs to see it in action. The club was investing a large amount, so it had to be absolutely right.”

Since the quick and seamless installation by Full Circle Irrigation completed in May this year, it seems Toro has more than proved itself to be the right system for the club.

“From start to finish it’s been great. The installation and service from both Full Circle Irrigation and Reesink have been very good and the course has massively improved. Previously it could take up to half an hour to set up a sprinkler programme, with Toro that takes seconds, and the water coverage we’ve seen is superb,” concludes Chris.

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Productivity from Toro at Stowmarket

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Productivity from Toro at Stowmarket: As part of a significant investment project, Stowmarket Golf Club has committed to its first fleet deal with Toro and distributor Reesink Turfcare.

Stowmarket Golf Club, set in the beautiful Finborough Park in Suffolk, has long been a Toro customer, but this is the first time it has bought multiple machines together.

Productivity from Toro at Stowmarket

Matt Gill, who has been at the club since 1989 and course manager for the last 13 years, says: “We’re investing in the future of the club and Toro is very much a part of that. We’re focusing on making sure the course can stay open for play all year round. We have been making improvements, enlarging our tees, overseeding fairways and improving the drainage and pathways. Not only are we keen to ensure that our members can play all year round, but that they can play uninterrupted for as long as possible each day, which is an area where Toro is key.

“In this deal we’re replacing our existing Reelmaster 6700, a machine that has performed consistently and constantly for 11 years, ensuring we’re always ready for play by 9.30am. I wanted the continuity of Toro and although the old machine is still going strong, we demonstrated a number of five unit machines but opted for the wider machine again, ensuring minimal disruption and increasing productivity.”

As well as a new RM6700, Matt has chosen a Workman HDX-D utility vehicle with a Multi Pro 200 sprayer and Pro Pass 200 top dresser, about which Matt says: “We’ve been thinking about how to tackle the pitchmarks on a regular basis and the solution is to use the Toro Pro Pass top dresser. Since the multi-tasking Workman and top dresser arrived we’ve made great savings in the time spent applying sand and incurring much less disruption as we do it.”

Matt explains the value the new sprayer and top dresser will have maintaining the club’s recent investment in the fairways: “We’ve heavily invested in the fairways in the last two years due to the drought and it’s important we safeguard that investment. The ability to easily transform the Workman into either a utility vehicle, a precision sprayer or an effective top dresser in only 20 minutes is going to be particularly useful for that and ensuring optimum grass growth.”

Matt has been buying Toro machines for over a decade, throughout which time Toro’s longevity, productivity and value has been proved time and again. “We’ve stuck with Toro for as many years for good reason, they provide us with the productivity we need to get the job done,” he says.

“We can also vouch that Toro’s longevity is unmatched which has been a major factor in our decision. Working with Reesink, and in particular Reesink’s area manager Julian Copping over this time, has been like working with friends, that’s why we’re now making this investment with Toro in our first fleet deal. They really are the company to beat.”

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An update from Scott MacCallum

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An update from Scott MacCallum: Well the countdown to Christmas is well and truly underway. We are being bombarded by the usual array of Christmas advertising which, increasingly, is failing to mention any of the products for which the company is known. However, we are all entranced by a dragon who inadvertently fired flames from his ears.

In our industry this time of year is a little weird. For some, golf for example, it is a time for winter renovation programmes. A chance to level that poorly constructed tee or carry out some much needed woodland management. Cricket, too, is off season, and work can be carried out to the pitch or outfield.

An update from Scott MacCallum

For football, rugby and horse racing, however, this is perhaps the busiest time of the entire year. Managers are jumping up and down about over congested fixture schedules, sneaky players are looking for that extra yellow card to give themselves a ban over Christmas and groundsmen are trying to produce surfaces in weather conditions which are not always conducive to the maintenance and growth of grass.

Whatever you are doing I hope that you achieve results you are happy with and can enjoy the run up to Christmas safe in the knowledge that, work-wise, everything is as good as it can be.

Best wishes

Scott MacCallum

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New level of battery performance from Husqvarna

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New level of battery performance from Husqvarna: Husqvarna today announced the launch of two new powerful battery-powered brushcutters which will raise the bar for performance.

Increased levels of productivity are available for professionals when using the Husqvarna 535iRX or 535iRXT, thanks to the Husqvarna-developed high torque motor, large cutting diameter and effective anti-vibration system. A host of new key features make the products a great addition to the collection of any industry professional.

New level of battery performance from Husqvarna

After significant demand from municipalities and professional landscapers for more robust battery solutions with less environmental impact Husqvarna — one of the world’s leading producers of forest, park and garden products — has inspired the launch of Husqvarna 535iRX and 535iRXT- two new brushcutters with increased levels of professional performance. Designed and developed with commercial tasks in mind, these two innovative brushcutters are built to be robust, powerful and equivalent to petrol products in the 35cc range.

The new Husqvarna 535iRX and 535iRXT brushcutters are part of the 500-series product range and offer Husqvarna’s first anti-vibration system on a battery brushcutter. This feature further reduces strain on the user allowing for smoother operation during extended hours of use. These products are also equipped with a new user interface, allowing the user a constant view of the battery status to more easily plan their work.

Johan Svennung, product specialist, commented: “We’re excited to launch these new products as there’s a strong demand from our commercial customers for high-quality, innovative battery solutions. The performance of the Husqvarna 535iRX and 535iRXT is comparable to petrol machines, but with key benefits such as no direct emissions, lower vibrations and lower noise. Our high torque motor, extended cutting diameter and robust design mean that we will be able to meet the needs of our professional customers who rely on these products day-to-day.”

Key features of the 535iRX and 535iRXT include:

True cordless – Full flexibility to choose between internal or backpack battery and these products are also compatible with all Husqvarna BLi batteries. The BLi300 is the recommended choice of battery for best balance and productivity.

Anti-vibration system – Superior anti-vibration. First on a Husqvarna  battery brushcutter.

Built-in Connectivity (535iRXT) –  The integrated Bluetooth® module makes 535iRXT compatible with Husqvarna Connect and Husqvarna Fleet Services, where Husqvarna Fleet Services is specifically designed for commercial users to keep track of the entire machine fleet.

New user interface – Offers an improved, tactile feel with battery status always visible on the product handle.

ErgoFeed trimmer head (535iRXT) – Saving time and money, the ErgoFeed trimmer head feeds line with a button and is both easy and robust. Eliminating unintentional line feed when hitting stones and debris.

Weatherproof design – IPX4 rain resistance classified.

Availability and price

The Husqvarna 535iRX/535iRXT bruschcutters are available from February 2020 at Husqvarna dealers and are priced: 535iRX (£519.00) and 535iRXT (£599.00).

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Express results from Autumn Green BiO

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Express results from Autumn Green BiO: Rigby Taylor has announced the Autumn Green BiO fertiliser – a new 3-0-12+8Fe+6CaO+2MgO micro granular formulation that includes a ‘BiO Pack’ and zeolite to ensure enhanced plant health and root development, improved disease resistance, rapid green-up and extended (two-three months) colour.

With zeolite helping to reduce leaching and improve the plant’s Cation Exchange Capacity, Autumn Green Bio’s potassium content also provides a constant top-up, which is essential for an improved root system, while a continuous supply of calcium avoids deficiencies that would lead to stunted roots and limited nutrient uptake.

Express results from Autumn Green BiO

Carbohydrate storage increases as plant growth slows down and temperatures cool in the autumn. It is therefore essential that sufficient levels of potassium are maintained to prevent reduced levels of Adenosine Triphosphate – the energy source that drives all metabolic activity of plant cells produced during photosynthesis.

The dual source of iron in Autumn Green BiO provides extended colour for two-three months, and the addition of magnesium – the central element of chlorophyll – not only provides colour but also improves iron utilisation levels.

In addition, the inclusion of seaweed and lignite – which, when applying at 35gm/m2 is the equivalent of eight applications of a liquid seaweed – improves the production of cytokinin and auxin, promoting cell division and elongation.

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Foamstream from Weedingtech at SALTEX

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Foamstream from Weedingtech at SALTEX: Foamstream is the leading herbicide-free alternative used across the world for effective weed, moss and algae control.

This ecologically safe, simple, patented process works by killing unwanted vegetation using heat delivered by near-boiling water, insulated by a biodegradable foam made from natural plant oils and sugars. Organisations looking to reduce or remove their use of glyphosate from their weed control operations are increasingly turning to Foamstream. These typically include municipalities, green space contractors, utility companies and educational establishments seeking the best alternative to herbicides. So how does it work?

Foamstream from Weedingtech at SALTEX

The solution is 99.5% water and 0.5% foam blend. The foam is the key element of the process as this provides an insulating blanket over the plant, holding the heat from the hot water in the desired kill-zone (57˚C and above) for longer than any other alternative thermal method. Foamstream provides effective heat transfer from leaf to root, sufficiently damaging the plant and causing it to die back. In addition, the treatment also sterilises any surrounding seeds and spores. Foamstream has much higher efficacy which means fewer treatment cycles are required throughout the year, proving it to be more cost-effective, needing less labour. No ongoing operator certification, training or specialist PPE is required. What’s more, the process is safe around people, animals, water and delicate environments. It can be used all-year-round and is suitable for use on all surfaces, from soft flower beds and porous historic monuments to hard and artificial surfaces like gravel, playgrounds and sports tracks.

Foamstream is also multi-functional and while can be used to control vegetation it can also be used across departments as a cleaning solution for gum removal, power washing and sanitisation. Foamstream is delivered through one of Weedingtech’s industry-leading machines and at Saltex the Weedingtech team will be pleased to unveil the latest system in its range and talk further on the process benefits, both ecological and financial that can be gained from implementing such systems. Foamstream will be found on Stand F027 at Saltex

info@weedingtech.com

For more information visit www.weedingtech.com

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SALTEX product launch from Ryetec

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SALTEX product launch from Ryetec: It’s here, The ROBOFOX ELECTRA fully electric remote controlled flail mower with the power and performance of an engine driven machine but without all the noise, fumes and environmental contamination thanks to an innovative battery & drive system and the complete absence of any hydraulic system.

The ROBOFOX ELECTRA features a powerful electrically driven 900mm wide flail mower capable of cutting and mulching material up to 2 cms in diameter, combined with a track drive system and ultra-low centre of gravity for bank mowing on angles of up to 55°. An intuitive proportional remote control allows the operate to work at a safe distance from the machine (up to 150 metres) and the heavy duty battery pack give an autonomy of 2-3 hours work depending on conditions, and for longer duration the battery pack can be exchanged for a fully charged unit, re charge time is 3-4 hours.

SALTEX product launch from Ryetec

For operators working in areas where engine power is not a problem then the ROBOFOX HYBRID is available with a 28hp petrol engine to drive the flail head and fully electric track drive system, which still eliminates any hydraulic systems and on board batteries also allow the machine to be driven without the engine running, ideal it driving past buildings, people and animals to the working area or should the engine run out of fuel the ROBOFOX can be recovered from the working area.

ALSO at SALTEX for the first time, The NEW Peruzzo TB100 tracked chipper, with a 100mm capacity and a width of 76cms this nimble machine can access gardens, wet ground and sloping terrain with ease. The powerful 18hp engine drives a cylindrical chipping drum which automatically feeds itself without the need for complicated and expensive hydraulic and electronic systems and the powerful ejection force easily send chip through the directable chute for efficient spreading of the chipped material onsite or loading into a vehicle to remove from site.

Visitors can also see the NEW MOTOFROG pedestrian flail mower from Peruzzo, a compact machine with full track option for effective and safe mowing on banks, and wet areas with plenty of traction and ground holding. The 13hp petrol engine has plenty of power for the 75cm wide flail head which easily cuts and mulches thick vegetation, and forward speed is easily controlled with the 4 speed gear box and easy to operate steering clutches.

Come and see us at stand L183

For more info contact Ryetec on 01944 728186

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New walk-behind mower from Ferris

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New walk-behind mower from Ferris: Brand new to the Ferris line-up in the UK, the new Ferris FW15 launches this month at the 2019 SALTEX event on stand H190, offering the brand’s most compact pedestrian mower footprint ever.

Featuring a host of Ferris’ unique features, the brand new FW15 is a variable hydrostatic mower with narrow footprint for trimming in tight spaces, around trees and alongside flower beds.

New walk-behind mower from Ferris

With a smooth, user friendly operation, the FW15 can be controlled and operated comfortably with just one hand, with adjustable speed control and handlebars with 4-position options for complete user comfort.

The compact 32” mulching deck is made from fabricated, reinforced steel with dual timed, Marbain 5mm thick cutting blades and spring assisted height of cut adjustment lever for quick and simple height changes.

With variable hydrostatic drive, the FW15 provides smooth traction for sloping and level terrain in forward and reverse.

Powered by a Stage 5 ready Honda GXV390 petrol engine, the FW15 has a ground speed of 6.4km/h in forward and 3.2km/h in reverse along with a 2.1 litre fuel tank for longer mowing time.

A special feature of the FW15 is the front wheel set-up, with ‘tweel’ style swivel wheels which can be locked into position as required.

Bill Johnston, Head of the Ferris UK importer business Machinery Imports, is excited to reveal the FW15 to the UK market at SALTEX.

“This new addition to the line-up offers an exciting new avenue for our Ferris business in the UK.

The 32” cutting deck and compact profile of the FW15 provides a great addition to the trailer for any grounds maintenance professional, with all the exceptional features and build quality users already recognise from Ferris mowers across the country.”

SALTEX visitors are welcomed to stand H190 to see the new Ferris FW15 up close and learn more about the full range of Ferris ride-on, stander and pedestrian professional mowers.

Find out more at www.ferrismowers.co.uk/fw15

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