Tag Archive for: Groundscare

Armed forces background ‘a perfect fit’ for career in groundscare

Armed forces background ‘a perfect fit’ for career groundscare: A former serviceman who started a new career as a technician working on machinery for groundscare professionals says the sector offers huge opportunities for those looking to resettle after life in the armed forces.

Andy Irvine is one of a number of individuals who have started new jobs at John Deere dealerships across the UK and Ireland following many years in service.

Armed forces background ‘a perfect fit’ for career groundscare

Armed forces background ‘a perfect fit’ for career groundscare

Based at Turner Groundscare Machinery near Chester since last April, Andy stepped into a field service technician role, supporting customers at world-renowned football clubs, golf courses and rugby stadiums across north-west England.

He has recently been promoted to workshop manager and says there is job satisfaction and progression on offer for anyone leaving the forces with the appropriate skills.

Andy served 14 years in the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (REME), running workshops of up to 25 people on home soil and during overseas deployments.

He worked on a wide variety of machines ranging from chainsaws to quad bikes and diggers to main battle tanks.

“I’ve always been interested in engineering,” Andy said. “When I left school, I worked in a local garage I got a really good grounding of engineering standards.

“My foreman at the time said something to me that I’ve taken with me throughout my career; anything you touch has to be at a certain standard when it goes out the door, and if it’s not, then it’s your reputation that’s on the line.”

Andy said that the only way he would leave the army is for his dream job, which was to work for John Deere.

“The John Deere brand is the best of the best in the sector,” Andy said. “I couldn’t think of anything more I’d rather turn spanners on.”

Andy was keen to get started in a new career so he interviewed for a position at his local Turner Grondscare Machinery dealership. He was still contracted to the army for six months, but general manager Gareth Baker agreed to hold the post for him.

As a technician, Andy worked on a wide variety of machines, including the latest innovations from John Deere such as the 225 E-Cut which is the company’s first fully-electric walk-behind greens mower for golf courses. He serviced and repaired a equipment from Gator utility vehicles to compact tractors.

Being on the road daily meant he could be working at Liverpool FC’s AXA Training Centre in the morning and supporting the team at Royal Birkdale Golf Club in the afternoon.

Andy notes similarities in working as a technician and being in the army. He says every day is different, and when he was called to a job he never knew exactly what to expect.

“When you get the call, you only know you’re going out to a repair, where the location is and what the machine is, but everything else has to be dealt with when you arrive,” Andy said.

“The pressure is on you. Whether it’s soldiers or greenkeepers, people look to you to relay your intelligence and your thought process into what the fault could be and explain to them why a part has failed and how the issue is resolved.”

He describes the differences between army life and civvy street as “positive”, with some of the main benefits being routine working hours and a better work-life balance for him and his family.

“I’m finally able to plan my year in advance,” Andy said. “I now know that I can spend my evenings and weekends with my family and can even book holidays knowing I can actually go on them.”

Andy hopes to encourage those thinking of leaving the service to make the change and start a new career with John Deere.

“If you have the right mindset and you’re positive and proactive, you’ll be completely fine transitioning from military life to civilian life,” Andy said. It’s a step forwards towards not just a better job, but a better lifestyle.

“You’ll get an element of control back in your life. Since leaving, I can put my hand on my heart saying that I’m in a better place, workwise and mentally, than I was working for the army.”

John Deere launched its Military Hiring Programme in 2023 in a bid to attract people such as Andy to the agriculture and professional groundscare sectors. He thinks it will be a great springboard for those wanting to resettle into the sector.

Interested service and ex-service members can learn more about the programme and fill out a contact card by visiting www.deere.com/JDMHP.

After making contact, they will be put in touch with an individual from the John Deere network who has resettled following a career in the armed forces to discuss all potential options.

Gareth Baker added: “Andy’s been a breath of fresh air. His work rate and organisational skills are exceptional, which is exactly what you need for a role like this.

“We were prepared to wait for him to complete his transition from the army for six months, primarily because of his management experience.

“He’s now the workshop manager and has built a team underneath him, including a technician who has recently joined our team from the Navy.

“The calibre of people that have come into the sector from the armed forces really stands out.”

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PSD Groundscare showcasing electrifying performance

PSD Groundscare showcasing electrifying performance: PSD Groundscare are all geared up for this year’s forthcoming Saltex, which will see a wider range than ever of battery electric machinery that is suitable for the commercial user.

As the industry continues to see a substantial growth in the use of electric machines, professional users can now benefit from the developments of machine and battery technology which are the future of the landscaping industry, offering them high performing e-power solutions without compromising on performance.

PSD Groundscare showcasing electrifying performance

PSD Groundscare showcasing electrifying performance

All the e-powered machinery offers the same high-performance solutions whilst being much better for the environment and for working in noise sensitive areas such as schools and hospitals.

Key benefits of battery powered equipment include:

• Zero emissions
• Reduced hand vibrations
• No noise pollutions
• Savings on fuel, oil, filters and more

Visitors will be able to see first-hand an expanded range of e-power equipment from ELIET, GRIN & Koppl with an impressive range of:

• Commercial walk-behind mowing and landscaping solutions
• GRIN – No Grass – No Waste pedestrian mowers
• Scarifyers
• Green waste shredders
• Lawn edgers
• Blowers

In addition to the ever expanding range of e-power equipment there will also be an opportunity to view high-performing long grass and steep slope ride-on brushcutter mowing solutions from Japanese manufacturer Canycom along with ride on flail mowers and tracked remote control mowers from Stella offering solutions for demanding, difficult to access terrain.
PSD are also excited to be supported at the show by suppliers and to be able to offer customers the opportunity to come and meet the suppliers in person and gain product insight directly from the experts.

Stuart Mercer Sales Director of PSD Groundscare said:

“We are exceptionally excited to have the opportunity to showcase again to customers our growing range of e-power equipment.

The expansion of the range of e-power battery powered equipment with extended run times will provide our customers and dealers with high performance, professional low noise machines that produce zero emissions and lower hand arm vibration. Meaning they’re a win-win for customers, operators and the environment. We believe that the new additions to our range will ensure we continue to be able to offer machinery that revolutionise groundscare and maintenance”.

PSD Groundscare will be exhibiting on stand E081

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Tyre-Line – Experts In Groundscare

Tyre-Line – Experts In Groundscare: Tyre-Line will again be exhibiting at this year’s SALTEX show at the NEC Birmingham, stand D090, bringing their extensive knowledge and product portfolio to the UK’s Premier Turf Management exhibition.

Aftermarket Tyres, Wheels & Specialist Services

Tyre-Line’s Aftermarket sales and support division pride themselves on their vast knowledge and extensive experience supplying the aftermarket tyre and machinery markets with tyres, wheels and associated accessories. They are able to offer services such as tread pattern conversions (Agri to Turf and vice versa), bespoke wheel and tyre fitments along with specialist patterns and fitment advice for all Groundscare, ATV/UTV, High Speed Trailer, Compact Agricultural and Construction machinery.

Tyre-Line – Experts In Groundscare

Tyre-Line – Experts In Groundscare

Being Official UK Distributor of Carlstar (formerly known as Carlisle) & ITP Tyres and Wheels gives Tyre-Line un-restricted access to one of the world’s biggest, specialist tyre suppliers for Lawn & Garden, ATV/UTV and Agriculture & Construction tyres. With a heritage of supplying many prestigious names with O.E. fitments including John Deere, Countax, Polaris, Can-Am, Toro, Cub Cadet and more, Carlstar & ITP have been at the forefront of tyre development and technology for over 100 years and Tyre-Line are proud to be Official UK Distributor and will once again be exhibiting their extensive range of Carlstar Lawn, Garden & Golf Tyres at SALTEX.

Tyre-Line will also be showcasing the revolutionary Michelin Tweel Airless Radial Tyre for UTV’s, Golf Buggies and ZTR Mowers at SALTEX. The Michelin Tweel is a single unit, replacing the existing tyre and wheel assembly with a No Maintenance, No Compromise & No Downtime tyre and wheel assembly. Michelin Tweel’s require no complex mounting equipment and once fitted require no inflation pressure maintenance. On ZTR mowers they provide a consistent hub height ensuring an even cut, excellent lateral stability on hillsides and sloped terrain along with excellent operator comfort even when navigating curbs and other bumps with unique energy transfer within the Polyresin spokes help to reduce the “bounce” associated with pneumatic tyres while providing improved handling.
The Michelin Tweel is available to order now with fitments for an expanding range of makes and models of machines directly from Tyre-Line’s Aftermarket division.

Also on display will be examples of their range of High Speed Trailer tyres and wheels. Offering a range of Radial & Crossply tyres from brands including Compass, Ovation, Laufenn, Nankang & Wanda and rim sizes from 8” – 17.5” with both UK and European fixings for many trailer brands including Ifor Williams, Brian James, Indespension, Logic, Nugent etc. A complimentary range of accessories are also available from Tyre-Line including jockey wheels, clamps, couplings, hubs and stub axles

Original Equipment Tyres & Wheels

Over the past 30 years, Tyre-Line’s Original Equipment Division have partnered with many of the industry’s biggest names in Groundscare, Trailer and ATV/UTV markets including the likes of John Deere, Kubota, Logic, Nugent & Ariens. Supplying customer specific tyre and wheel fitments from their centrally located, 50,000 sq.ft purpose built facility in Daventry, Northamptonshire, Tyre-Line have a wealth of experience, coupled with a comprehensive product range from industry leading brands allowing them to offer application specific solutions

Visit Tyre-Line Aftermarket on Stand D090 at this year’s SALTEX show at the NEC, Birmingham on 1st & 2nd November or contact the team on 01458 250350 / aftermarket@tyreline.com / www.tyreline.com

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PSD Groundscare celebrate roadshow

PSD Groundscare celebrate roadshow: Leading specialist importer of Groundscare machinery, PSD Groundscare, is celebrating a highly successful 3-day Dealer Training and Innovations Roadshow, which took place at 3 locations across the country.

The “hands on” dealer training was led by the PSD team and supported by manufacturers, offering dealer sales teams the opportunity to see for themselves first-hand the extensive professional machinery range and experience features and benefits available to their customers. The training sessions covered both new and existing key products including AS Motor- a new range of E-Power commercial battery equipment as well as their extensive range of high grass mowers including the popular AS 940 remote control brushcutter.  Eliet- range of Green Waste Shredders and new Turfcare equipment including scarifiers and Overseeders. Koppl –2 new commercial battery powered walk behind power units c/w with attachments as well as the flagship Koppl Crawler (remote control tracked) power unit suitable for hard-to-reach areas or rough terrain.

PSD Groundscare celebrate roadshow

PSD Groundscare celebrate roadshow

Stuart Mercer, Sales Director for PSD said:

“The aim of the roadshow was to bring our dealer partners fully up to speed with product developments and offer the required training to ensure that they are well prepared for next season, with the opportunity to interact direct with our suppliers.

Each event was designed to enhance their understanding of our brands and create awareness of the opportunities they present to grow commercial sales. For example, we wanted to show our dealers that professional users can now benefit from the latest battery developments; we’re now offering high performing E-Power solutions from AS Motor capable of cutting long grass without compromising on performance as well as the 2 new models of E-Power machines from Koppl. The multi-attachment implement carriers are suitable for attachments including sweepers, weed removal and mowing.”

The roadshow followed hot on the heels of a record breaking Saltex, where PSD Groundscare, the exclusive UK distributor for European manufacturers AS Motor, Eliet, Koppl & TS Industrie, more than doubled its stand space in order to give visitors an even greater opportunity to see the latest product developments for the professional user.

Stuart Mercer continued:

“At PSD, we always pride ourselves on offering our dealers support of the highest level and this includes our training. Last year we turned to online training during the pandemic but it’s great to be able to get everyone back together in a safe manner.”

“We’re absolutely delighted with how well the roadshow went. We had a great turn out from dealers and it was wonderful to see people face to face once again and get back to doing what we do best – showcasing leading innovations to the industry and training and supporting our dealer network.

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PSD Groundscare back at SALTEX

PSD Groundscare back at SALTEX: PSD Groundscare are geared up for Saltex which will see a stand that is bigger than ever before, a first look at commercial E-Power Equipment and the unveiling of an all-new PSD rebrand.

Visitors will have the opportunity to view for the first time a fantastic range of innovative new machines from AS Motor, Koppl and Eliet, as well as the RoviMo robotic mower, designed specifically for the maintenance of sports fields and stadiums.

PSD Groundscare back at SALTEX

PSD Groundscare back at SALTEX

As the industry sees a substantial growth in the use of electric machines, professional users can now benefit from the developments which are the future of the landscaping industry, offering them a high performing e-power solution capable of cutting long grass without compromising on performance.

Highly innovative AS Motor manufacture specialist mowers for long grass, steep slopes and difficult terrain mowing along with mechanical weed removal solutions. The latest additions to their range and showcasing at Saltex includes a range of new commercial eco-friendly E-Power solutions including lawn mowers, long grass mowers, mulching mowers and weed removal.

Award winning implement carrier and attachment manufacturer Koppl are also continuing to develop their range of commercial e-power equipment by building on the already popular Compact Easy E-Drive power unit with the recent introduction of the larger Compact Comfort E-Drive. This new model offers a powerful power unit for operating a range of landscaping attachments suitable for the rigorous use in the professional market.

Belgium manufacturer Eliet specialise in manufacturing solutions for green waste and lawn and turf care and previewed at Saltex will be the new Vector Green Waste Shredder which will be available for purchase during Spring of 2022. This shredder fills a gap in the range and is capable of shredding material into Bio Chips up to a diameter of 8cm and promises performance to match the other machines in the range.

Also making its first appearance at Saltex following its successful trials at MCFC training ground is the Ronovatec RoviMo, the world’s first intelligent electric vehicle capable of mowing patterns autonomously according to the guidelines of national football associations, UEFA, or FIFA.  Operated simply and efficiently remotely via an app, RoviMo® can also be used for mowing other large green areas with further development planned for golf course use.

In addition to the large exciting range of new innovations, there will also be a selection of existing key products being showcased and visitors are invited to come and meet the manufacturers behind the products first hand and speak direct to the experts.

Visitors will also get a first look at PSD’s recent rebrand, designed to take the business into the next era. The sharp new logo has been created to demonstrate the businesses constant strive for innovation, while keeping elements of the original logo and its values.

Stuart Mercer Sales Director of PSD Groundscare said:

“We are exceptionally excited about our attendance at Saltex this year, and it feels great being back exhibiting and we are very much looking forward to unveiling many innovative new products on our bigger than ever stand as we have more than doubled the size of our stand to reflect the extensive range we are showcasing.

The expansion of the range of e-power battery powered equipment with extended run times will provide our customers and dealers with high performance, professional low noise machines that produce zero emissions and lower hand arm vibration. Meaning they’re a win-win for customers, operators and the environment and we can’t wait to get demonstrating to our customers. We believe that the new additions to our range will ensure we continue to be able to offer machinery that revolutionise groundscare and maintenance”.

PSD Groundscare will be exhibiting on stand E081

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Tyre-Line – Experts In Groundscare

Tyre-Line – Experts In Groundscare: Tyre-Line will again be exhibiting at this year’s SALTEX show at the NEC Birmingham, stand D082, bringing their extensive knowledge and product portfolio to the UK’s Premier Turf Management exhibition.

Aftermarket Tyres, Wheels & Specialist Services

Tyre-Line’s Aftermarket sales and support division pride themselves on their vast knowledge and extensive experience supplying the aftermarket tyre and machinery markets with tyres, wheels and associated accessories. They are able to offer services such as tread pattern conversions (Agri to Turf and vice versa), bespoke wheel and tyre fitments along with specialist patterns and fitment advice for all Groundscare, ATV/UTV, High Speed Trailer, Compact Agricultural and Construction machinery.

Tyre-Line – Experts In Groundscare

Tyre-Line – Experts In Groundscare

Being Official UK Distributor of Carlisle & ITP Tyres and Wheels gives Tyre-Line un-restricted access to one of the world’s biggest, specialist tyre suppliers for Lawn & Garden, ATV/UTV and Agriculture & Construction tyres. With a heritage of supplying many prestigious names with O.E. fitments including John Deere, Countax, Polaris, Can-Am, Toro, Cub Cadet and more, Carlisle & ITP have been at the forefront of tyre development and technology for over 100 years and Tyre-Line are proud to be Official UK Distributor.

This year, Tyre-Line will be showcasing their extensive range of Carlisle Lawn, Garden & Golf Tyres at SALTEX, including the new range of Versa Turf speciality Turf tyres, along with new ATV/UTV tyres Duracity & Trail Tamer HD from Carlisle sister company ITP.

Original Equipment Tyres & Wheels

Over the past 30 years, Tyre-Line’s Original Equipment Division have partnered with many of the industry’s biggest names in Groundscare, Trailer and ATV/UTV markets including the likes of John Deere, Kubota, Logic, Nugent & Ariens. Supplying customer specific tyre and wheel fitments from their centrally located, 50,000 sq.ft purpose built facility in Daventry, Northamptonshire, Tyre-Line have a wealth of experience, coupled with a comprehensive product range from industry leading brands allowing them to offer application specific solutions.

Visit Tyre-Line Aftermarket on Stand D082 at this year’s SALTEX show at the NEC, Birmingham on 3rd & 4th November or contact the team on 01458 250350.

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PSD Groundscare back at SALTEX

PSD Groundscare back at SALTEX: PSD Groundscare are back at Saltex bigger than ever before and are giving visitors the opportunity to view for the first time a fantastic range of innovative new machines from AS Motor, Koppl and Eliet.

As the industry sees a substantial growth in the use of electric machines, professional users can now benefit from the developments which are the future of the landscaping industry, offering them a high performing e-power solution capable of cutting long grass without compromising on performance.

PSD Groundscare back at SALTEX

PSD Groundscare back at SALTEX

Highly innovative AS Motor manufacture specialist mowers for long grass, steep slopes and difficult terrain mowing along with mechanical weed removal solutions. The latest additions to their range and showcasing at Saltex includes a range of new commercial eco-friendly E-Power solutions including lawn mowers, long grass mowers, mulching mowers and weed removal.

Award winning implement carrier and attachment manufacturer Koppl are continuing to develop their range of commercial e-power equipment by building on the already popular Compact Easy E-Drive power unit with the recent introduction of the larger Compact Comfort E-Drive. This new model offers a powerful power unit for operating a range of landscaping attachments suitable for the rigorous use in the professional market.

Belgium manufacturer Eliet specialise in manufacturing solutions for green waste and lawn and turf care and previewed at Saltex will be the Vector Green Waste Shredder which will be available for purchase during Spring of 2022. This shredder fills a gap in the range and is capable of shredding material into Bio Chips up to a diameter of 8cm and promises performance to match the other machines in the range.

In addition to the large exciting range of new innovations, there will also be a selection of existing key products being showcased and visitors are invited to come and meet the manufacturers behind the products first hand and speak direct to the experts.

Stuart Mercer Sales Director of PSD Groundscare said:

“We are exceptionally excited about our attendance at Saltex this year, and it feels great being back exhibiting and we are very much looking forward to unveiling many innovative new products on our bigger than ever stand as we have more than doubled the size of our stand to reflect the extensive range we are showcasing.

The expansion of the range of e-power battery powered equipment with extended run times will provide our customers and dealers with high performance, professional low noise machines that produce zero emissions and lower hand arm vibration. Meaning they’re a win-win for customers, operators and the environment and we can’t wait to get demonstrating to our customers. We believe that the new additions to our range will ensure we continue to be able to offer machinery that revolutionise groundscare and maintenance”.

PSD Groundscare will be exhibiting on stand E081

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Ground-Guards strengthens support for groundscare

Ground-Guards strengthens support for groundscare: Ground-Guards Ltd, the UK’s leading supplier of high performance temporary access solutions, has launched a brand new ground protection system that can be installed in support of the Government’s social distancing policy.

Ideal for use in the groundscare industry, Ground-Guards’ FastCover PLUS is made from environmentally friendly 100% recycled PVC and can be configured with highly visible yellow markers every 2m as a constant reminder for people to maintain a safe distance from each other.

Ground-Guards strengthens support for groundscare

Ground-Guards strengthens support for groundscare


This innovative and cost-effective system is an extension of Ground-Guard’s popular FastCover range and features unique interlocking flanges for improved ease of use and a superior trip-free surface. Lighter and easier to install, FastCover PLUS is a versatile ground protection solution suitable for a wide range of applications, from surface protection for block paving and interior floors, to creating safe clean paths and walkways during site works.

Weighing just 14.5kg per mat, FastCover PLUS, can be laid directly onto grass, footpaths or stone bases, with its superior anti-slip surface delivering maximum health and safety benefits. Furthermore, the mats have built-in hand holes, providing ultimate ease-of-use for the handler. Built with durability and longevity in mind, FastCover PLUS features an innovative honeycomb underside, providing strong structural support and ultimately increasing the useable life of the product.

Marcus Oliver, Product Development Manager at Ground-Guards, commented: “As Britain’s groundscare sector continues to play a vital role in the nationwide effort against Coronavirus, we’re committed to supporting the sector do its work as quickly – and safely – as possible.

“That’s one of the key reasons we’ve launched our FastCover PLUS social distancing walkways.  The solution is cost-effective and sustainable, with the versatile matting system not only delivering a superior trip-free surface, for maximum safety, but it’s also quick and easy-to-install for visible two metre social distancing implementation – a key consideration for a sector reliant on safe and seamless operations.”

Backing up the launch of FastCover Plus is Ground-Guards commitment to provide its customers with a first class service offering, which includes product warranties and access to training at the company’s state-of-the-art facilities in Yorkshire.

To find out more about Ground-Guards’ FastCover Plus visit https://www.ground-guards.co.uk/products/fastcover-plus/ or 0113 267 6000.

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SALTEX Shapes The Future Of Groundscare

SALTEX Shapes The Future Of Groundscare: From robotics to hybrid mowers and digital apps, ground-breaking ideas to thought provoking debates, career enhancing advice to limitless opportunities; the recent SALTEX 2018 at the NEC in Birmingham was a landscape packed with possibilities and prospects for the future of groundscare.

Europe’s largest annual groundscare event featured 300 exhibitors, many of which embraced new technologies through the launch of their latest products and services showcased at the event.

SALTEX Shapes The Future Of Groundscare

One visitor – Chris Wood, ECB pitch consultant, was certainly impressed with the machinery on show: “My job with the ECB is to gather as much information on all the new innovations and this is one tremendous outlet for that. I always think that we are one big family in this industry and SALTEX is the one occasion of the year where we can come together, network, and look at all the new machinery – it’s like a toyshop at Christmas.”

The vibrant show floor offered a fantastic opportunity to witness just how these latest technologies are having a positive impact in the groundscare industry – particularly in the all new Innovation Hub where visitors were free to attend live interviews with industry experts and trend setters at the forefront of new groundscare innovations.

This new Hub was also the ideal platform to showcase and celebrate the SALTEX 2018 Innovation Award. After making its successful debut at last year’s show, the SALTEX 2018 Innovation Award attracted even more entries from various exhibitors across the globe and included a wide variety of high-quality products, services and equipment. Judged by an independent panel of industry experts it was decided that the Toro Outcross 9060 from Reesink Turfcare, PrecisionPro from Sherriff Amenity and the ROBOCUT from McConnel were the stand out entries. Sherriff Amenity’s PrecisionPro was crowned as the winner.

Sherriff Amenity representatives however were not the only trophy winners at the show as Bridgewater & Taunton College saw off fierce competition to win the SALTEX College Cup and the winning students can now look forward to visiting the All England Lawn Tennis Club, in the run up to the Wimbledon tournament, to experience court preparation from Neil Stubley, head of courts and horticulture.

There were also an increased number of visitors looking to progress within the industry as Frank Newberry’s Job Clinic sessions were fully booked between 9am and 3pm on each day of this year’s show. The expert careers advisor offered some fantastic tips on: perfecting a CV and cover letter; how to succeed at job interviews; negotiating a package; proactive job searching and self-employment.

The many opportunities to gain expert advice prompted John Ryan, founder of Lawn Care Legends, to travel from Northern Ireland to SALTEX: “I found my visit extremely beneficial because there are a lot of industry people you can connect with that can help provide ideas on how to develop a business. It’s great to see people with such a passion for the industry and share it with others. For anyone who wants to know what’s going on in the industry, I would recommend that they visit SALTEX.”

Free advice was available at every turn throughout the three large halls at the NEC. Visitors had the opportunity to gather one-to-one sports turf management advice from IOG regional pitch advisors at the Ask the Expert feature and Pathology and Soil Science LIVE provided an opportunity to share soil samples which were magnified, displayed on a large screen and assessed.

Learning LIVE 2018, SALTEX’s all-encompassing education programme, featured more than 50 free-to-attend seminars. Visitors gained CPD points for attendance and got to hear from expert speakers from the UK and abroad who focussed on vital issues that affect the industry.

James Pope, grounds manager at St Paul’s School in London, said he visited SALTEX to explore new concepts: “I’ve gained more ideas just from coming to this one show than I have all year. SALTEX is the right time of year and it’s the busiest and most vibrant show around – everyone is always in high spirits.”

Echoing James, was Ted Mitchell from the RFU, who was pleased to see just how the world’s longest standing groundscare exhibition has transformed over the years. “I’ve been attending SALTEX for many years and to see the event as it is today is incredible – it takes your breath away. It offers such a unique opportunity to meet the range of people at SALTEX in five or six hours that would, in any other circumstance, take me a huge amount of time over a number of months. SALTEX brings the industry together all in one place.”

SALTEX does indeed unite every corner of the industry – the manufacturers and suppliers, the visitors and speakers, the governing bodies and associations; who contributed to the conversations, the learnings, the ideas, the debates, and actively played their part in shaping the future of groundscare and creating opportunity for all.

For more information visit www.iogsaltex.com

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SALTEX Success For PSD Groundscare

SALTEX Success For PSD Groundscare: PSD Groundscare, the leading distributor of professional groundscare machinery had a successful few days exhibiting at the NEC for Saltex 2018.

 Specialists in supplying high quality and high performing equipment for use in groundscare and forestry management, PSD showcased a number of exciting new and existing innovative machines from market leading manufacturers AS Motor, Eliet, Koppl and TS Industrie.

SALTEX Success For PSD Groundscare

PREVIEWED – THE NEW GREEN SERIES PUMA ON TRACKS – WITH REMOTE CONTROL

Shredding very rarely involves only wood, besides mainly branches in winter, in autumn a lot of leafy and wet green waste needs to be cleared. In spring you have to cope with a variety of materials, ranging from blossoms and hedge trimmings to all other kinds of damp and bulky green waste and also in the summer the pruning of hedges generates a large amount of woody and leafy waste.

TS Industrie, leaders in Green Waste shredding technology are extending their current range of Green Series Shredders. They previewed the future with the PUMA REMOTE CONTROL TRACKED SHREDDER offering more efficiency, in green waste shredding.

The well renowned Green series Puma 35D green waste shredder has been further improved in handling and ease of use with the new model Puma 35D R-TK. For use in difficult terrain, the machine fitted with adjustable crawler tracks and lateral stabiliser, is capable of travelling to areas not accessible by trailed chippers or shredders.

PREVIEWED – THE NEW ELIET TURFAWAY 600 TURF CUTTER

Also showcasing was the New Turfaway 600 turf cutter from Eliet. For major lawn renovation that requires complete reconstruction, it is essential to remove old turf. By removing a thin top layer, you can not only remove weathered grass plants, but also any overgrowth of weeds, moss and other parasites that have settled into the lawn over the years. It is good to start a new lawn with a clean slate.

The Eliet Turfaway 600’s unique concept allows you to quickly loosen a thin turf layer with precision. The unique construction of this 60cm wide turf cutter on tracks ensures a stable machine with optimum soil grip, which ensures maximum comfort for the operator.

Designed with optimum maneuverability in mind, the propulsion of the tracks is hydrostatic and the speed of each track can be adjusted so that the machine takes corners smoothly and can even turn on its axis.

Optimum yield is achieved from the 60 cm wide cutter which is the largest working width self-propelled turf cutter on the market. The grip the tracks provide ensures that the machine keeps delivering its yield under all circumstances and the cutter can be easily set at an angle so that depending on the type of soil it can always be on the right setting.

Also showcased was the AS Motor AS1040 YAK ride-on flail mower which was shown for the first time at Saltex. Combining the cutting performance of a flail mower with the climbing ability and comfort of an AS Motor 4WD ride-on mower, the professional AS 1040 YAK mulches dense growth on demanding terrain with ease.

To find out more or to arrange a demonstration please get in touch with the PSD Groundscare sales team.

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