Tag Archive for: Innovation

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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Ransomes Combines Legacy and Innovation

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Ransomes Combines Legacy and Innovation: Ransomes is launching its first lithium machine at Saltex, with the Aurora ELiTE lithium out-front rotary mower cutting a new path in clean, green, sustainable turf maintenance.

Whilst this is Ransomes’ first lithium mower, the company has decades of experience with electric products as the world’s first manufacturer of electrified mowers.

Ransomes Combines Legacy and Innovation

Ransomes Combines Legacy and Innovation

As a result, the zero-emissions, road-worthy, quiet turf maintenance solution is meticulously designed to meet the demands of professional operators on their hardest working days.

Powered by proven ELiTE Lithium Samsung SDI batteries and based on the much-loved HR380 chassis, the innovative Ransomes Aurora ELiTE ensures efficiency and longevity. The onboard, overnight charging feature means the mower is always ready for action.

When the action comes, the electric direct drive motors for the cutting system and electric-driven transaxle with auto-limited slip differential combine to deliver exceptional performance and manoeuvrability.

The electric-powered hydraulic lift and steering systems elevate the industry standard with effortless control and outstanding productivity. With a remarkable transport/mow speed of up to 25 km/hr (15 mph), tasks are completed swiftly and seamlessly.

The cutting-edge mowing deck boasts a substantial 1.52 m (60″) cut width, coupled with an adjustable cut height ranging from 25 to 115 mm (1 – 4.5″). Engineered with the utmost attention to longevity, the deck construction features a robust bull nose profile forged from high-strength steel, complete with solid bumper rails and replaceable nose wear plates. The bolted assembly of impact and serviceable parts ensures durability and ease of maintenance.

With a lightweight, high-strength steel frame, the Aurora ELiTE is built to withstand the rigours of professional use. Numerous optional accessories can be added to the machine, including a road light kit, storage racks, and mulching deck baffles to tailor it to your needs.

Ransomes Combines Legacy and Innovation

Ransomes Combines Legacy and Innovation

Visit stand F140 at SALTEX to experience the future of precision and performance first-hand and learn why the Aurora ELiTE is the best value for investment in commercial turf maintenance.

As well as viewing the new electric lithium out-front mower and the Jacobsen SLF1 ELiTE, visitors to the Ransomes stand will be able to see electric vehicles from Cushman and the Ransomes MT503 flail and cylinder mowers.

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Hunter innovation impresses The Swans

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Hunter innovation impresses The Swans: The advanced technology of Hunter Irrigation has hugely impressed Swansea City FC with Head Groundsman Evan Davies claiming it has improved the turf and simplified the irrigation process. 

As soon as Evan started his first job at a local cricket club, he knew that sports turf management was going to be his career. Over a decade later and he finds himself in the top position at the Swansea.com Stadium – home to Swansea City FC and Ospreys Rugby, in which he oversees the main stadium, the first-team training complex, and the youth academy.

Hunter innovation impresses The Swans

Hunter innovation impresses The Swans

Somewhat of a perfectionist, Evan likes to keep well informed of industry trends and technological advancements, and future planning is something he likes to see in companies that he chooses to work with:

“In my opinion, companies in this industry always need to have something next in line – the next product or innovative technology. KAR UK and Hunter Irrigation are great examples of forward-thinking companies. The development is always there. Roger Lupton (KAR UK Regional Sales Manager) is always keen to tell me what exciting new products and concepts are coming next. It’s great to see.”

The Hunter Irrigation system at the stadium, supplied by KAR UK, includes eight of the most technologically advanced commercial rotors on the market – the I-80’s.

Engineered for sports turf, the I-80 is built with a robust, dirt-tolerant gear drive that offers the highest torque output of any rotor in the commercial sphere, and extends a radius range from 11.3 to 29.6 meters. The I-80 features a wide range of highly efficient, dual-trajectory, wind-fighting nozzles for highly efficient performance in a range of applications. It also provides total top serviceability (TTS) via its integrated, surface-mounted snap-ring for no-dig easy maintenance.

“The I-80’s are incredible,” said Evan. “We are now able to get water to every area of the pitch including the wings – whereas previously we couldn’t reach them. It has made the pitch quicker and the playability better, so the manager and the coaches are happy.

Hunter innovation impresses The Swans

Hunter innovation impresses The Swans

“The TTS aspect of the rotors makes life a lot easier too. For example, before one game an away player came onto the pitch earlier than expected. He kicked a ball, and it broke one of the sprinklers. Fortunately, myself and a member of staff fixed it and put a new one in within 15 minutes. With the old sprinklers, that would have been impossible – we may have had to have the game postponed as we would have had to dig around it to replace the sprinkler.

“The ease of being able to change and service the I-80’s is a massive benefit. In fact, I can rely on any of the staff at any of the sites to be able to change the I-80 rotors if needed.”

As Evan alludes to, a Hunter Irrigation system is installed at all three of the club’s sites and Evan and his team can control the system to any of the pitches through the mobile-friendly Centralus irrigation management platform. This provides highly secure, comprehensive cloud-based control and monitoring features to the ACC2 controller. The connectivity allows users to view a controller’s status, change settings, view forecasts, save water, and receive instant notification of important system alarms — all without costly and time-consuming travel and site visits.

“It is so convenient,” said Evan. “If you are pitch side you don’t have to keep walking back and forth to control the water – you can just do it from your phone; you could be at home after just putting some fertiliser down and the rain suddenly stops – well you don’t have to drive back into work to put the water on anymore; whether it is a phone, a laptop or a tablet you can control everything.

“In the palm of your hand you can ensure that any part of any pitch gets the exact amount of water it needs. That is technology that certainly makes life easier for any groundsman.”

For more information, please visit www.karuk.com

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

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