Tag Archive for: Innovation

Innovation takes centre stage at SALTEX

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Innovation takes centre stage at SALTEX: SALTEX has solidified its status as the ultimate event for the entire grounds management industry, putting high-calibre visitors and cutting-edge innovation at the forefront.

This year’s exhibition at the NEC Birmingham, the 78th edition, drew thousands of industry professionals and volunteers, where in-depth conversations led to strengthened relationships.

Innovation takes centre stage at SALTEX

Innovation takes centre stage at SALTEX

Visitors were able to see more than 30 new products making their UK debut, underscoring SALTEX as the premier platform for innovation. With over 20% of exhibitors attending for the first time, SALTEX continues to attract fresh talent and businesses eager to connect with influential industry leaders.

Susanna Anderson-Lewis from TurfSolv said: “SALTEX 2024 has been a very successful show for us. In addition to the number and quality of visitors to our stand, we were able to use this platform to launch and showcase our two new grass care products. Also, before the exhibition, the SALTEX team were more than helpful in cheerfully accommodating our stand requirements. The TurfSolv team look forward to exhibiting next year at SALTEX 2025.”

The high calibre of visitors this year underlines SALTEX’s status as a must-attend event. Almost 80% of attendees were senior decision-makers, with visitors from Premier League football clubs including Liverpool FC, Cheslea FC, Manchester City, Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur, as well as world-class sports venues including Allianz Arena (FC Bayern Munich), Lord’s Cricket Ground, Red Bull Arena (RB Leipzig), Wembley Stadium, Doncaster Racecourse and Mattioli Woods Welford Road (Leicester Tigers).

Additionally, SALTEX welcomed representatives from leading educational institutions including Harrow School, Myerscough College, Eton College and Magdalen College School, alongside prominent universities such as Oxford University, Cambridge University, University of Leeds and Trinity College Dublin.

Many local authorities were also represented at SALTEX including Bristol City Council, Leeds City Council and Nottingham City Council, as well as notable estates such as Sandringham and The Royal Parks.

A growing representation of County Football Associations showcased the vital role of the volunteer network in grassroots sports. Among those in attendance were the London FA, Birmingham FA, Liverpool FA, and Sheffield and Hallamshire FA.

Geoff Webb, Grounds Management Association CEO said: “We’re really pleased with the success of SALTEX 2024. Each year, we work closely with the industry to ensure that SALTEX remains relevant, impactful and forward-thinking. Listening to our industry’s needs and evolving the event to match those expectations is at the heart of what we do.

“This year’s turnout, the quality of conversations and the level of innovation on display reflect that commitment. We’re already looking ahead to SALTEX 2025 and are excited to bring even more opportunities for engagement and collaboration to our attendees and exhibitors.”

Next year, SALTEX will return to its traditional November slot of 12-13 November 2025, better aligning with industry preferences and the grounds management calendar. SALTEX 2025 will also see a relocation to Halls 17, 18 and 19 at the NEC, introducing a refreshed layout designed to enhance the experience for both visitors and exhibitors.

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The innovation from AS-Motor

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The innovation from AS-Motor: At GaLaBau 2024, AS-Motor presented the first electrically powered ride-on mower for use in high grass areas with an interchangeable battery system. The AS 920 ESherpa 2WD thus opens up new possibilities for emission-free, extensive green space maintenance.

Exchangeable rechargeable batteries – strong and reusable

The new battery-powered AS 920 ESherpa 2WD high grass ride-on mower is equipped with four 56 volt LI-ion rechargeable batteries with a total capacity of 16 kWh. The electric drive and blade drive is highly efficient and ensures a professional mowing performance that even slightly exceeds that of a combustion engine.  The electric drive provides enormous blade power and guarantees an excellent mowing pattern. The two possible driving speeds of 0 to 7 km/h and 0 to 11 km/h enable area outputs of up to 6,300 m² or up to 9,900 m² per hour. The AS 920 ESherpa 2WD also impresses with its powerful and efficient wheel drive with a torque of 600 Nm.

The innovation from AS-Motor

The innovation from AS-Motor

The FusionCore battery system from Ariens not only offers above-average performance in all areas, it can also be used multiple times. The exchangeable batteries of the AS 920 ESherpa 2WD are compatible with the professional Zenith E and Arrow E zero-turn mowers from sister brand Ariens. This enables optimum seasonal use and utilisation of the cost-intensive batteries.

Innovative energy and charging management

With the exchangeable battery system, you can mow for many hours without interruption, as full power is achieved even with just two batteries. Empty batteries can be replaced in just a few seconds. When developing the ESherpa, the engineers orientated themselves on the classic electric car standard for the charging modalities. With the integrated 3.3 kW quick charger, the charging time for a full charge of 16 kWh is just under five hours. The type 2 charging socket enables charging at a wallbox (optionally available), at public charging points or with an adapter at a conventional 230 volt socket. The optional mobile charging station allows additional batteries to be charged outside the machine. The integrated LED interface on the steering column allows the driver to keep an eye on the charge status and capacity of each battery. Faults are diagnosed automatically. Energy is recovered during braking and the batteries are recharged (recuperation). To ensure that the smartphone never runs out of power, the developers from the high-grass experts have also thought of two integrated USB charging sockets (USB-A and USB-C) for mobile devices.

Sustainable in the long term

The new battery-powered ESherpa is 100 per cent emission-free and therefore guarantees a significantly reduced CO2 footprint, depending on the energy mix used. The extended seasonal usability of the rechargeable batteries on other machines also contributes to sustainability, as does the virtual elimination of plastic parts. The electric drive also has advantages for the driver in terms of comfort. Operating noise is considerably lower and body vibrations are greatly reduced. The driver will certainly also find the long-desired integrated cup holder comfortable.

AS 920 ESherpa 2WD- The calculation works out

Compared to combustion models, the maintenance costs for a battery-powered mower are considerably lower. The wheel and blade drive of the AS 920 ESherpa is completely maintenance-free. The mower is also ideal for utilising self-generated solar power, thus saving additional operating costs. Government subsidies are also available for electrically powered machines.

No experiments – Tried and tested high-quality components

The combustion engine model AS 920 Sherpa 2WD naturally served as the basis for the ESherpa. Many components have proven themselves there and can also be found in the new battery-powered ESherpa: the mechanical differential lock, the double blade bearing and the overload protection of the reliable AS Sherpa cross blade system. The high-quality all-round tubular steel frame, the tyres in combination with an oscillating front axle ensure very agile handling and a turning circle of just 0.65 m. The surfing mower deck compensates for unevenness and the track widening of the rear axle ensures increased tipping stability. The ESherpra also fits in perfectly with the popular Sherpa family in terms of comfort, with its comfortable seating position on a suspension seat and the convenient driving lever with parking brake and cruise control function.

The new member of the AS Sherpa family, the AS 920 ESherpa 2WD, will be available from the 2026 mowing season.

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A journey into the Green Heart of Innovation

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A journey into the Green Heart of Innovation: In his role as bridge between R&D and consumers, the expert agronomist Fabio Banin is the voice of the first chapter of “Green Talk,” the project to discover STIGA’s innovations designed for more sustainable and accessible garden care.

STIGA, leader in the garden care sector, presents its new, innovative project “Green Talk”: a journey into the heart of innovation, technology, design, and sustainability through the renowned voices of industry experts.

A journey into the Green Heart of Innovation

A journey into the Green Heart of Innovation

With the experience of STIGA experts, “Green Talk” is designed to discover the valuable stories behind the brand’s innovations, demonstrating the strong connection between man and nature and how important the care for green spaces is for our planet. As sustainability and environmental awareness are increasingly in the spotlight, “Green Talk” aims to inspire and educate, offering a unique perspective to explore the interplay between nature and technology.

The first chapter of this journey features Fabio Banin, an expert agronomist in the field of green innovation, who likes referring to himself as a “grass advocate” because of the fundamental message that guides his work: “Greenery is alive and therefore needs to be cared for, not maintained.” Currently part of the STIGA team, Banin holds a wealth of experience in the industry, a cutting-edge vision, and his passion for environmental sustainability.

In this exclusive interview, Banin explored the fascinating world of garden care, sharing his experience, the challenges he faced over the years, and his vision for the future of the industry. As an advisor at STIGA, Fabio Banin brings a unique perspective by playing a crucial role as a bridge between R&D and customers, offering specialized technical assistance and gathering valuable feedback to improve STIGA’s products and services. “Within the company, I like to describe myself as a “joker”, a role that allows me to act as a connector between the different departments and the sales network, providing a cross-functional perspective that fosters collaboration and development.”

Reflecting its green soul, Fabio Banin addressed the constant focus on innovation and sustainability in STIGA’s approach – factors that make this company truly unique in its sector. “It is the winning combination of a future-oriented attitude and a deep commitment to sustainability. This is evident not only in the research and development of cutting-edge products, but also in the company’s practices that put environmental stewardship at the heart of its actions.”  Fabio continues “Among the most significant projects in which I am involved, I am particularly proud of the multi-year project on mulching in collaboration with the University of Padua, aimed at exploring the benefits of this practice for lawn health and for reducing fertilizer use. Preliminary results indeed demonstrate the effectiveness of mulching in improving lawn quality and in reducing the environmental impact of excessive or incorrect use of polluting fertilizers. In addition, from a resource-saving perspective, the results prove that mulching can work in synergy with fertilizer, enhancing its effectiveness and therefore requiring less of it (up to -60%) for a more lush, healthy lawn.”

Besides showing STIGA’s commitment to sustainable and advanced gardening solutions, this research project also has an educational objective aimed at the end consumer, so that the company’s efforts translate into innovative practices adopted by individuals to generate a positive impact together.

Moreover, Fabio Banin analyses the changes and challenges in the market, which are essential to adapt to environmental and consumer needs, underlining the importance of innovation and ongoing research to maintain leadership in the garden care sector. In this context, STIGA is constantly striving to remain at the forefront of current trends, starting from the transition to electric solutions and the integration of advanced technologies into products, ensuring effective and sustainable solutions for customers.

“Looking to the future, my hope is that STIGA will continue to be recognized for its commitment to sustainability and innovation as hallmarks, thus establishing itself as a pioneer in the garden care sector, designing machinery and equipment that can make gardening more efficient and accessible to all, and guiding the market towards more conscious choices.”

This is just the first of the stories from STIGA experts’ first-hand experience. A journey into the green world of innovation, guided by the passion and expertise of people like Fabio Banin and STIGA’s longstanding commitment to the care of greenery.

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Groundbreaking turf innovation at BTME 2024

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Groundbreaking turf innovation at BTME 2024: Envu, a leading provider of turf management solutions, is set to make a significant impact at the upcoming British and International Golf Greenkeepers Association’s (BIGGA) Turf Management Exhibition (BTME) from January 23-25 at the Harrogate Convention Centre.

At stand 134, Envu will showcase a range of products including the first and the only bio-control fungicide on the market in the UK and Ireland, Harmonix Turf Defense.

Groundbreaking turf innovation at BTME 2024

Groundbreaking turf innovation at BTME 2024

The company’s National Accounts Manager for the UK and Ireland, Phil Logan, will also be hosting a seminar titled ‘The future of disease management’ on January 24, 2024, from 11:00 AM to 11:45 AM on the Seminar Stage.

Offering a deep-dive into the changing landscape of managing and controlling fungal diseases on golf greens, the seminar aims to provide attendees with insights into regulations affecting plant protection products in the UK and EU.

“I’ll be exploring the importance of alternative approaches to disease management, explaining biological fungicides’ mode of action and discussing how bio-controls can be integrated into disease management strategies for reduced reliance on conventional fungicides,” explains Phil.

“Visitors are welcome to join us on our stand to find out more about Harmonix® Turf Defense.”

Boasting broad-spectrum contact fungicidal activity, Harmonix® Turf Defense is a revolutionary bio-control fungicide and the first and only registered product of its kind in the UK and Ireland. With its proven ability to reduce the reliance on chemical products, it is set to transform attitudes towards turf disease management.

“It is designed to combat common turf diseases such as microdochium patch, anthracnose, and dollar spot,” says Phil.  “Importantly for users, Harmonix® Turf Defense is suitable for use on golf courses and sports turf throughout the year, whether the grass is in vegetative rest or actively growing.”

“This groundbreaking fungicidal innovation is based on a patented strain of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens, QST 713, which naturally produces high volumes of bioactive compounds known as Lipopeptides, which exhibit fungicidal activity upon direct contact with plant pathogenic fungi,” notes Phil.

Visitors to the Envu stand will also have the opportunity to participate in the Batak competition, where the fastest in turf can win a £250 Amazon voucher, with a £50 runner-up prize.

Find out more https://www.uk.envu.com/turf-management/harmonix-turf-defense

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SISIS innovation to be showcased at BTME

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SISIS innovation to be showcased at BTME: At BTME 2024 SISIS will be presenting a selected range of products designed for fine turf surfaces and sports pitches.

With a rich legacy in the industry, SISIS is renowned for its commitment to simplicity and efficiency, and these attributes can be seen in the range of products on display at their new location on Stand 216 in Hall 2.

SISIS innovation to be showcased at BTME

SISIS innovation to be showcased at BTME

The 1.2m Multitiner, a drum-type tractor-mounted aerator, stands out for its uncomplicated design and low maintenance requirements. Ideal for fine turf and sports fields, this aerator offers versatility in various aeration methods, including solid, chisel, and hollow tining, with a maximum depth of 100mm and minimal surface disturbance. Fast and effective, this aerator will leave minimal surface disturbance.

The TM1000, a tractor-mounted scarifier and linear aerator, takes centre stage with its unrivalled ability to remove and control thatch, helping to reduce standing water by improving water infiltration. Equipped with a collector box, floating unit, and contra-rotating reel for a clean, consistent groove, the TM1000 features interchangeable blades and a tool-free depth setting, ensuring an excellent finish.

Ideal for renovation and repair work, SISIS also presents the Variseeder, a versatile tractor-mounted seeder with a variable seeding rate, perfect for golf course maintenance, lawns, and amenity areas. This low-maintenance seeder boasts a fast work rate and enables overseeding without taking ground out of play.

The SISIS Flexibrush, a tractor-mounted brush with a 5.35-meter working width, emerges as an ideal solution for both synthetic and natural turf surfaces. Floating brush sections follow ground contours efficiently, making it effective for controlling worm casts, dispersing top dressings, and standing grass up before cutting, ultimately enhancing the cut and presentation.

Throughout the event, knowledgeable SISIS staff will be on hand at Stand 216 to offer valuable insights and advice on the showcased machinery.

For further information or a no obligation demonstration, please contact SISIS on 01332 824 777 or visit www.sisis.com

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

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