Tag Archive for: Land

GroundsFest Education Fund Helps Student Land Career

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GroundsFest Education Fund Helps Student Land Career: The GroundsFest Education Fund is already making a significant impact on the next generation of grounds management professionals, with several students already benefitting from its support.

The most recent success story is George Legg, a student studying Sports Turf NVQ Level 2 at Wiltshire College and an Apprentice at Stanley Park Sports Ground. Thanks to the Fund, George was able to finance essential qualifications that played a key role in him securing a full-time position at Stanley Park Sports Ground after completing his Level 2 qualification.

GroundsFest Education Fund Helps Student Land Career

GroundsFest Education Fund Helps Student Land Career

One of the key certifications George was able to pursue through the Education Fund was the PA1 qualification in the Principles of Safe Handling and Application of Pesticides, as well as the PA6 qualification for the Safe Use of Pesticides with Handheld Applicators. These qualifications are crucial for anyone working in grounds management, particularly when it comes to managing fertilisers and ensuring the safe application of pesticides—a vital aspect of maintaining sports turf and other landscapes.

“The Education Fund helped massively,” George explains. “Once I had those qualifications on my CV, it was a massive boost. It made me more qualified to do certain things and definitely made me more employable.”

He continues, “I needed some extra funding to be able to do these courses, and the PA6 is especially important for grounds management with fertilisers and calibrations. It linked in perfectly with everything I was studying. Having those extra qualifications was big for me and for Stanley Park, especially because they didn’t have to fund them themselves.”

The Education Fund not only enabled George to obtain these qualifications, but it also allowed him to gain valuable skills without burdening his employer, Stanley Park Sports Ground, with the costs. This, according to George, is crucial in a time when the grounds management industry is facing a shortage of qualified professionals. “The GroundsFest Education Fund is great for creating opportunities for people like me,” he says. “It’s crucial because we are seeing more and more people drop out of the industry. There’s already a lack of groundstaff, and without funding or support, it becomes much harder for people to progress.”

In January, George will begin his new role as a full-time Groundsperson at Stanley Park, where he will be responsible for day-to-day tasks such as line marking, mowing, calibration, and operating machinery safely. Looking ahead, George hopes to continue advancing in his career. “I’d like to eventually become a Grounds Manager,” he shares.

Christopher Bassett, Event Director of GroundsFest, expressed his excitement about George’s success and the broader impact of the Education Fund. “This is fantastic news,” he says. “We are currently working hard on entering the next phase of the Education Fund, which will see the profits from the event reaching an even wider range of people in the industry. Watch this space.”

The GroundsFest Education Fund is an integral part of the event’s mission to invest in the future of the grounds management industry. The Fund is helping to address the challenges facing the sector, from skills shortages to the declining number of young people entering the industry. Through initiatives like this, GroundsFest is playing a pivotal role in shaping the next generation of industry leaders.

For more information, please visit www.groundsfest.com

You can also follow GroundsFest on X, Facebook and Instagram @GroundsFest for much more news, reviews and insightful views.

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New upgrades to land across Polaris dealerships

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New upgrades to land across Polaris dealerships: Polaris Off Road Vehicles announces its 2023 line-up today with an impressive range of new upgrades and colours introduced across its RANGER, RZR, General and Sportsman models.

Keen to set the standard for tailored options to fit its customers’ style, tastes and preferences, Polaris continues to add new choices to its latest off-road vehicle offering, as well as continued upgrades to its range for optimal performance.

New upgrades to land across Polaris dealerships

New upgrades to land across Polaris dealerships

POLARIS RANGER

Designed for comfort, engineered for work and built to last, the top-of-the-range Ranger XP 1000 is available in the new Azure Crystal colour option for 2023 alongside a new ergonomic handbrake handle and Pro Armor® X-Terrain 27-inch tyres on the Premium model, Crew model, Hunter Edition and Nordic Pro Edition.

  • 2023 Ranger XP 1000 EPS in new Azure Crystal [EU / Quad L7e / Tractor T1b / Tractor T1a / ZUG/LOF homologation]
  • 2023 Ranger XP 1000 EPS with ABS in new Azure Crystal [Tractor T1b homologation]
  • 2023 Ranger Crew XP 1000-6 EPS in new Azure Crystal [MD / Tractor T1b homologation]
  • 2023 Ranger XP 1000 EPS Hunter Edition in Pursuit Camo [ZUG / Tractor T1a / Tractor T1b homologation]
  • 2023 Ranger XP 1000 EPS Nordic Pro Edition in Black Pearl [Tractor T1a / Tractor T1b homologation]

The Ranger 1000 – Polaris’ answer to top-level full-size performance at a great price point – is available in White Lightning for 2023, in both 3-seat and Crew models. A new handbrake handle can be seen across 3-seat and Nordic Pro edition models.

  • 2023 Ranger 1000 EPS in White Lightning [EU / Tractor T1b / Tractor T1a / ZUG/LOF homologation]
  • 2023 Ranger Crew 1000-6 EPS in White Lightning [MD / Tractor T1b homologation]
  • 2023 Ranger 1000 EPS Nordic Pro Edition in Black Pearl [Tractor T1a / Tractor T1b homologation]

Durable, dependable, and capable, the Ranger Diesel and Ranger Diesel Deluxe models have a new isolated front drive. The rubber mounting isolates the front drive vibration from the chassis and passengers by providing for flex and movement based on driveline torque, improving passenger comfort. The upsized mounting hardware provides 45% more strength, five key changes to provide maximum driveline confidence, and a 15% stronger chassis specifically redesigned around the new front-drive isolation mounts. Both Diesel models also feature a new handbrake handle and Pro Armor® X-Terrain 27-inch tyres. The Ranger Diesel Deluxe is now available in the new Super Graphite colour option.

  • 2023 Ranger Diesel in Sage Green [Tractor T1b / MD homologation]
  • 2023 Ranger Diesel Deluxe in new Super Graphite [Tractor T1b homologation]

The entire full-size Ranger line-up, including petrol and diesel models, receives new side view mirrors equipped from the factory for 2023, allowing for a crisp line of sight of the rear bed and tyres with curved automotive-grade glass, fully adjustable with easy break-away function and fully compatible with Ranger cab systems between the door and cage mount options.

The mid-size Ranger SP 570 in Sage Green and Hunter Edition both receive new mudguards, under-seat storage capabilities, and a three-position Polaris pulse bus bar. Ranger SP 570 Nordic Pro Edition sees all-new USB charging available in-cab.

  • 2023 Ranger SP 570 in Sage Green [MD / Quad L7e / Tractor T1b / Tractor T1a / ZUG homologation]
  • 2023 Ranger SP 570 Hunter Edition in Pursuit Camo [Tractor T1b/ Tractor T1a / ZUG homologation]
  • 2023 Ranger SP 570 Nordic Pro Edition in Black Pearl [Tractor T1b / Tractor T1a]

POLARIS SPORTSMAN

Trusted by over 1.6 million riders and counting, Polaris Sportsman takes its bestselling ATV line-up to a new level for 2023 with new graphics and colours. The new generation of Sportsman 570 introduced to the market last year receives new 6-ply Wanda tyres on 12-inch wheels. The 570 platform also sees the rich Orange Rust colourway added to the EPS model, whilst the Agri Pro special edition continues to be available in classic Sage Green in a paint finish, rather than in-mold, the Öhlins Edition in new Spirit Blue colour, the Black Edition in striking Onyx Black Smoke and the Sportsman 570 SP model in bold Sunset Red.

  • 2023 Sportsman 570 in Sage Green [EU / T3b / T3a / ZUG] and White Lightning [T3b / T3a homologation]
  • 2023 Sportsman 570 EPS in new Orange Rust [T3b / T3a / ZUG/LOF homologation] + Sage Green and White Lightning
  • 2023 Sportsman 570 SP in new Sunset Red [EU / T3a / T3b / ZUG homologation]
  • 2023 Sportsman 570 SP Öhlins Edition in new Spirit Blue [T3a / T3b homologation]
  • 2023 Sportsman 570 EPS Agri Pro in Sage Green paint [T3b / T3a / ZUG/LOF homologation]
  • 2023 Sportsman 570 EPS Hunter Edition in Pursuit Camo [T3a / T3b / ZUG homologation]
  • 2023 Sportsman 570 EPS Black Edition in Onyx Black Smoke [T3a / T3b / Quad L7e homologation]

Boasting extreme capabilities, power and strength, the Sportsman XP 1000 EPS is now available in Chalk Gloss, whilst the Touring model sees a new, deep Crimson Metallic finish.

  • 2023 Sportsman XP 1000 EPS in Chalk Gloss [Quad L7e homologation]
  • 2023 Sportsman Touring XP 1000 EPS in Crimson Metallic [Quad L7e homologation]
  • 2023 Sportsman XP 1000 S in Super Graphite [EU / T3a / T3b / ZUG / Quad L7e homologation]

POLARIS RZR

Polaris RZR pioneered the performance side-by-side category. Known for its unmatched performance, and rider-centric vehicle design, RZR has established itself as the top choice for recreational enthusiasts for more than a decade. Today, the 2023 RZR XP 1000 EPS, both two- and four-seat versions, has a new and striking colour added to the lineup: Indy Red. The RZR Trail S in Ghost Gray features new FOX 2.0 Podium X Shocks for 2023.

  • 2023 RZR XP 1000 EPS in new Indy Red [EU / Tractor T1b / ZUG/LOF homologation]
  • 2023 RZR XP4 1000 EPS in new Indy Red [MD / Tractor T1b homologation]
  • 2023 RZR Trail S 1000 Premium in Ghost Gray [Tractor T1a / Tractor T1b / EU / ZUG / Quad L7e homologation]

The groundbreaking introduction of the RZR Pro XP platform in 2020 pushed the industry to a whole new level with its professional-grade performance that’s been proven across the globe. For 2023, the RZR Pro XP Sport is now available in Ghost Gray with new FOX 2.0 Podium X shocks, whilst the Ultimate trim is now available in Sunset Red – both with new triple-rated rear springs.

  • 2023 RZR Pro XP Sport in Ghost Gray
  • 2023 RZR Pro XP Ultimate in Sunset Red

The latest model in the RZR range, the Turbo R, is a game-changer when it comes to power, strength, and control, delivering unprecedented performance straight off the showroom floor. For 2023, the Sport trim is available in Onyx Black, whilst the Ultimate trim is available in Orange Burst.

  • 2023 RZR Turbo R Sport in Onyx Black
  • 2023 RZR Turbo R Ultimate in Orange Burst

POLARIS GENERAL

Since its introduction to the market in 2016, Polaris General has established itself as the leader in versatility. With its unstoppable performance, unmatched comfort and endless utility applications, General is the perfect no-compromise solution for work, play and everything in between. For 2023, the General 1000 EPS ABS is now available in a premium Stealth Grey colourway.

  • 2023 GENERAL 1000 EPS Deluxe ABS in Stealth Grey [ZUG/LOF / Tractor T1b homologation]

POLARIS YOUTH

The Ranger 150 EFI is the industry’s first youth vehicle with smart safety features, making it the ideal vehicle for children to enjoy the outdoors safely. For 2023, the Ranger 150 EFI is available in Avalanche Grey, replacing the previous White/Blue colours.

  • 2023 Ranger 150 EFI in Avalanche Grey.

2023 also introduces a host of new parts and accessories available across the entire Polaris line-up to enhance every journey and provide several customisation options for any type of rider.

For more information on vehicle availability in specific regions, please contact your local dealer and/or your local Polaris representative.

For further media information on Polaris ORV products, please contact the Polaris ORV Media Office at press@polaris-orv.media.

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INFINICUT® mowers land in Latin America

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INFINICUT® mowers land in Latin America: Turf Managers Specialist (TMS) Grass have become the first sports turf contractors in Central South America to own a pair of 34” floating head mowers from INFINICUT®.

Having spent years travelling the world to discover the top tools and techniques for grounds maintenance, Owner Enio Cubillo began to see the INFINICUT’s at leading venues and decided that the sustainable credentials would be a perfect fit for their projects around Latin America.

INFINICUT® mowers land in Latin America

INFINICUT® mowers land in Latin America

TMS Grass began life seven years ago in Costa Rica and the team have since installed and maintained hybrid and natural surfaces in countries including Mexico and Guatemala. One of their most recent projects was to install a new pitch at Panama’s National Stadium, Estadio Rommel Fernández Gutiérrez. “We were responsible for all stages of the new hybrid surface at the stadium in Panama City from installation through to the ongoing maintenance” explains Enio. “We wanted to use the newest and best technologies in the market to do this and was the reason for the purchase of two INFINICUT’s from FLexGrass in May 2021.”

“The INFINICUT’s are very comfortable to use and being battery powered, bring multiple benefits to the operator and surrounding environment. We are increasingly finding that venues worldwide are looking for greener solutions so having two electric mowers is a great addition to the services we can offer. Since the stadium pitch was completed in July, the pair have been used on a daily basis, with everybody very impressed with the quality of cut and the definition of stripe we achieve.” Enio has also praised the versatility and the adjustable parameters on the INFINICUT®, particularly the adjustable bedknife angle which means it has delivered cut consistency on the Bermuda grass construction.

Together with National League and LPF training and fixtures, the Estadio Rommel Fernández Gutiérrez is also hosting five qualifier games for the 2022 Qatar World Cup. “It’s important that we are delivering the best surface possible and the quality of finish with the INFINICUT® is unbeatable. As important as the machinery is the support package, and we have had nothing but excellent service from both FLexGrass and INFINICUT® with any technical help we need, no matter the time difference” he concludes.

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Land Art For Tour de Yorkshire

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Land Art For Tour de Yorkshire: A robotic line marking machine designed primarily for marking out sports pitches has been used to create a series of striking images of cyclists on an Askern hillside for the Asda Tour de Yorkshire cycling event.

The Land Art – in one case measuring 100 metres by 40 metres – was commissioned by Doncaster Council using its recently-acquired TinyLineMarker (TLM) GPS robotic line marking machine, working in close co-operation with the machine and paint supplier, Rigby Taylor.

Land Art For Tour de Yorkshire

Rigby Taylor used council-supplied artwork to create the operating program for the GPS-guided machine to apply its award-winning Impact Ready-to-use bright white line marking paint. Less than 60 litres of paint were used to create the images.

The images were painted onto the field at Askern, for the Doncaster to Selby stage one of the tour on Thursday May 2 and were clearly visible by the airborne TV cameras as well as by the competitors and spectators.

Land Art For Tour de Yorkshire

Doncaster Council’s Street Scene team invested in the robot to achieve “extraordinary levels of savings in time, resources and money” in the line marking of the 92 football pitches under its care.

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