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The Future in mind

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The Future in mind: Henry Bechelet, ICL’s Turf and Landscape – Technical Sales Manager for the UK & Ireland discusses the new biodegradable coating for CRFs.

ICL’s newest biodegradable coating, eqo.s, is set to be one of the most important innovations since controlled release fertilisers (CRFs) were introduced on the market over 50 years ago.

The Future in mind

The Future in mind

CRFs are an essential part of sustainable turf management and one of the most efficient ways of providing nutrition for turfgrass. The release technology of CRFs provides a steady nutrient release over extended periods to match the plants’ needs with minimal losses. CRFs ensure that turfgrass is never short of nutrition, can grow consistently, and nutrient losses to the environment are significantly reduced in comparison to conventional fertilisers. Additionally, the use of a CRF reduces the number of applications that are needed though the season.

eqo.s: the first of its kind

Eqo.s technology is the first coating technology that biodegrades quickly once all nutrients are released. It is one of the biggest ICL innovations in the past years, but the end users will not notice any difference in performance from the previous coatings. The new eqo.s coating shows reliable release patterns, high quality results, and it is fully biodegradable and with a superfast breakdown once all nutrients are released.

Compliant and future-proof

The eqo.s innovation is a step into the future for ICL. Driven by an innovative mentality, and of course a desire to comply with the new 2026 EU fertiliser legislation, ICL wanted to ensure that its products are completely compliant to the new regulations. ICL are proud to be upholding the highest standard of fertilizer quality and are leading the way in the turfgrass industry.

Research and testing

Like every product and technology at ICL, eqo.s is extensively researched and tested before being introduced to the market. The first laboratory tests were carried out at ICL’s R&D department. Additionally, the technology was tested in independent studies at Bangor University (UK), and in the field at independent trial stations throughout Europe and Australia. The trials have shown that CRFs with eqo.s are not so different from our current CRF technologies in terms of use, consistency and turf quality responses. But the main benefit is that the fully biodegradable eqo.s coating breaks down quickly and is completely compliant with the new fertilizer regulations.

How does it work?

The eqo.s technology is coated nitrogen whereby the urea nutrient core is coated with a sulphur (intermediate) layer, topped by an outer coating layer. This outer layer is the critical one as it regulates the movement of moisture into the granule and releases the nutrients out of the granule. ICL is specialized in developing these coatings. The new eqo.s outer coating offers a 3-4 month longevity and once all the nutrients are released, the coating shell breaks down quickly.

What it takes to innovate

ICL’s R&D department has extensive lab facilities and is constantly working on improvements and new products. For the eqo.s development, many experts were involved in different phases of a process that took about 5-6 years; from screening formulation chemists, chemical engineers and analysts, to agronomists and technical experts. It is a process of innovation, testing and then setting up the manufacturing and production processes and so takes a huge effort and level of commitment to bring to life.

Introduction of eqo.s in ICL’s CRF brands

The first eqo.s releases will be within the Sierrablen (standard size granule) and Sierrablen Plus (mini granule) ranges. Later this year, eqo.s will be introduced in ICLs other CRF product ranges such as Sportsmaster CRF Mini, ProTurf and Landscaper Pro. With eqo.s you will be getting the best results but with technology that is better for the environment. ICL continue to produce products that perform but with the needs of the future in mind.

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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Bathgate Golf Club invests in Jacobsen

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Bathgate Golf Club invests in Jacobsen: New recipients of a Jacobsen Eclipse 360 Hybrid 3WD greens mower are greenkeepers at Bathgate Golf Club.

The West Lothian club is famous for its close links to the Ryder Cup, having produced Ryder Cup captains, Eric Brown and Bernard Gallacher, and a third Ryder Cup player in Stephen Gallacher.

Bathgate Golf Club invests in Jacobsen

Bathgate Golf Club invests in Jacobsen

Head greenkeeper, Rab Burns, took delivery of the hydraulic-free ride on mower from Robert Marshall, Area Sales Manager at Scottish dealers, Fairways GM at Inchinnan.

Rab, who has been at the James Braid-designed course since 1995, said that the new arrival would bring extra precision and quality to the tees and greens.

“This is our third successive Eclipse. The others were owned for 5 years and 7 years, so this new one takes us into our 13th year. It’s brilliant, just the best cut around and not something we would compromise. We’ve had it out already and it’s fantastic and what we expected.”

When specifying the latest Eclipse, the three-wheel drive option was vital to help the Bathgate team reach two greens that have machinery access only via a steep incline.

“With two-wheel drive, particularly in the damp or wintertime, it would be tough to get up that slope. In all it runs to about 130 metres, this just makes it effortless.”

Rab, who heads a team of four, moves to a new post at Kingsfield Golf Centre, Linlithgow next month.

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New Etesia dealer announced in Ireland

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New Etesia dealer announced in Ireland: Irish Grass Machinery has been appointed as a new Etesia dealer in the Republic of Ireland.

Founded in 1998 by brothers Tony and Michael Smyth, Irish Grass Machinery distributes a wide range of ground care equipment. Over the years the company has gone from strength to strength and is renowned for providing its customers with leading machinery, quality parts and a first-class customer service.

New Etesia dealer announced in Ireland

New Etesia dealer announced in Ireland

Irish Grass Machinery can now add the Etesia brand to its impressive portfolio.

“We want to work with the best brands and that is how we came to be an Etesia dealer,” said Michael Smyth.

Specialists in manufacturing high quality grass cutting machinery for both the professional and domestic market, Etesia’s extensive range of products have been in consistent high demand for a number of years. It is for this reason that the company’s vast dealer network continues to grow. From the UK to Ireland, Etesia dealers are providing their customers with innovative solutions for their green space requirements.

Etesia’s complete product range includes ride-on mowers, scarifiers, brush cutters, green technology, pedestrian mowers, and the all-new award-winning ET Lander electric utility vehicle – something which Michael is particularly excited about.

“I first became acquainted with the ET Lander when I went over to Etesia UK’s headquarters. I had a good look and a drive of it, and it certainly is the benchmark for electric utility vehicles. We will be the exclusive dealer of the ET Lander in the Republic of Ireland, so it is a great opportunity.

“Etesia machines in general are built with real quality and the brand is recognised as the original and best cut and collect mower.

“In Ireland I believe that a lot of people would have heard about the Etesia brand but maybe they haven’t had a chance to see them in action. We’re hoping to put that right and convert a lot of our customers over to Etesia.

“We are very excited about the road ahead with Etesia.”

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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Newark GC note improvements in reliability

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Newark GC note improvements in reliability: Newark Golf Club are one of a growing list of UK courses discovering the many benefits that Aspen Fuel brings to the operation of their petrol-powered equipment.

It’s been three years since Course Manager Alex Clarricoates made the switch to Aspen 2 and Aspen 4 for a selection of their machinery and hand tools – including seasonal equipment which now starts first time, every time, even after significant periods in storage.

Newark GC note improvements in reliability

Newark GC note improvements in reliability

“We were familiar with Aspen and decided to give it a try during COVID, when we started to encounter difficulties in accessing pump fuel” explains Alex, who has been at the 18-hole parkland course for 15 years. “It’s not until you incorporate it into the day to day operations that you really begin to appreciate the improvements that an ethanol-free alkylate fuel can have for both the operators and the equipment. The biggest benefit for me is the shelf-life of Aspen, which has seen us get equipment out of the shed which has been dormant for a year and starts again with no trouble at all.”

Together with damaging plastic and rubber components, ethanol binds moisture which then acidifies, causing the issues commonly experienced with ‘gummy deposits’, reliability issues and reduced storage life. Being free from ethanol as well as benzene, sulphur and many other harmful substances, Aspen Alkylate petrol offers a clean alternative for both 2 and 4-stroke engines – available in a range of pack sizes and bulk ordering available, which includes safe and convenient delivery to site.

“We use roughly 400 litres of the 4-stroke Aspen, and 200 litres of the 2-stroke each year, both delivered in 200 litre barrels and stored exactly where we need it. Another benefit we’ve found is the Aspen 2 being pre-mixed which has eliminated issues we’ve experienced in the past where incorrect fuel to oil ratios have resulted in faults with some of our 2-stroke engines.”

Along with reduction in service time and the associated costs, Alex notes that improvements have also been observed to the operator working environment. “The cleaner burn results in a big reduction in noxious fumes so, when you’re working with a chainsaw in dense woodland for example, you’ll notice that come the end of the day you don’t have headaches.” These qualities have also been well received by the club. “Like a lot of venues we’re looking at sustainability and ways of reducing the impact we make on our surroundings. Aspen Alkylate powering our petrol equipment is a great step forward in us being more environmentally friendly.”

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Driving Change with GALMOBILE™ in Israel

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Driving Change with GALMOBILE™ in Israel: Polaris Off Road continues its Ranger Stories video series in a new light with the introduction of the ‘Ranger Stories: Driving Change’ initiative.

Polaris is a firm believer that a product comes to life through its applications, partnerships but most importantly, via the people who use it; which is why once again, Polaris has embarked on a journey across Europe, the Middle East and Africa to discover and capture how its customers are driving change alongside the Polaris Ranger. Dedicated to the good that Polaris customers do, Ranger Stories: Driving Change is inspired by the many Polaris customers working hard to positively impact the world.

Driving Change with GALMOBILE™ in Israel

Driving Change with GALMOBILE™ in Israel

Episode 3 – GALMOBILE™, Israel

GALMOBILE™ is a simple, effective solution to a fundamental human need: A highly capable and mobile water purification and desalination vehicle that can produce high-quality drinking water from any possible water source.

The first of its kind in the world, the GALMOBILE™ vehicle provides safe drinking water to remote islands, disaster-stricken areas, villages and towns impacted by severe drought and even for military operations – not only improving people’s lives but in a lot of cases, saving lives too.

“Drinking water is a basic human need, and we’re passionate about making it accessible for everyone, worldwide”, said Rami Aflalo, GALMOBILE™ CEO and Founder. “We saw an opportunity to innovate with the Polaris Ranger as it’s so versatile and capable off-road; it is the ideal base for our technology, enabling us to go beyond what we thought was possible. We’re incredibly proud of what the Galmobile unit is capable of, and the positive impact it’s already had on a number of communities. We will continue to innovate, and continue to grow the possibilities of this solution to help as many people as we can with efficiency and ease.”

The inventors and engineers behind GALMOBILE™ chose the Ranger Diesel as its base thanks to its reliability and durability to keep going all day long, its large 720kg payload capacity to handle the load of specialist equipment, and its powerful, economical diesel engine. What’s more, any driver around the world can easily operate the Ranger with its automatic gearbox, comfortable cab and easy driveability. Being a lightweight vehicle with small dimensions, the complete unit can be easily transported on land, by air or by sea – meaning no territories are unreachable.

A key element of the Ranger Diesel is its advanced off-road capabilities to reach difficult areas where water sources may be found. On-demand all-wheel drive (AWD) paired with 33cm ground clearance means that the team can reach areas that typically would be inaccessible, and electric power steering (EPS) allows for all-day riding without causing fatigue. It also features Polaris-installed technology like the Engine Braking System (EBS) with Active Descent Control (ADC) that controls downhill braking for smooth, controlled descents on steep declines, even when loaded with heavy equipment.

Backed by 27 years of experience in supplying water treatment and wastewater solutions, GALMOBILE™ currently operates in districts across Israel and India, but has applications worldwide. The equipment that is fitted to the Polaris Ranger features all the elements needed to provide safe drinking water: input tubes for the water source, treatment technology, storage facilities and distribution taps. It takes just 30 minutes to complete the process from input to output, and one unit can purify up to 140,000 litres a day.

CATCH THE GALMOBILE™ EPISODE OF RANGER STORIES: DRIVING CHANGE HERE

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