Tag Archive for: New

Start of a “strong new chapter”

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Start of a “strong new chapter”: The turfcare industry reunited for the first time in over 18 months at the Warwickshire Event Centre as the inaugural Festival of Turf took place beneath clear blue skies.

With live music playing on a grand stage and ample opportunities for networking, the exhibition brought a celebratory festival feel, aided by clear sunshine and warm weather.

Start of a “strong new chapter”

Start of a “strong new chapter”

COVID protocols helped to ensure the health and safety of those in attendance and the festival provided a platform for more than 40 exhibitors from across the turfcare industry to showcase their latest innovations and products.

Among the highlights of the event was John Ledwidge, head of sports turf and grounds at Leicester City FC taking to the grand stage for a Q&A session hosted by Martin Smart of Turf Business, who were official media partners for the event.

Also taking place was the presentation of the BIGGA Excellence in Communication Award sponsored by Campey Turf Care Systems, which saw James Bledge, course manager at Royal Cinque Ports, awarded the top prize for a thought-provoking feature he produced on the use of bunker rakes.

Across the two-day event delegates from across various sports and amenity disciplines came through the doors of the Warwickshire Event Centre, bringing a buzz and energy back to the industry that had sadly been missing due to the coronavirus pandemic.

BIGGA CEO Jim Croxton said: “We owe a tremendous debt of gratitude to all the exhibitors who signed up to support BIGGA and its members at what we hope is the beginning of a strong new chapter for the golf and wider sports turf industry.

Start of a “strong new chapter”

Start of a “strong new chapter”

“There was a tremendous atmosphere as visitors and suppliers came together face-to-face for the first time in 18 months and the overriding feeling was one of optimism. While visitor numbers were not as high as hoped for, those who did attend engaged meaningfully with the exhibitors and reconnected with friends and peers. It was scorching hot, which potentially kept some people away, but the combination of exhibition, live music, refreshments and fantastic weather brought a brilliant sense of occasion to the event. Our thanks go to everyone who came along and rekindled old friendships, struck new deals and enjoyed being together after so long apart.

“Our attention now turns to BTME, taking place this coming January, when the exhibition will return to the Harrogate Convention Centre for the first time since 2020. We have a massive education programme planned and we are incredibly excited about the return of our flagship event. We hope to see you there.”

BTME will take place at the Harrogate Convention Centre on Tuesday 25 to Thursday 27 January 2022. Visitor registration is due to open this autumn. There will also be the return of in-person learning as BIGGA’s world leading Continue to Learn education programme returns to the venue on Sunday 23 to Wednesday 26 January 2022.

You can watch and embed a video from Festival of Turf here: https://vimeo.com/577988216

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Two new dealers for Corvus 4×4

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Two new dealers for Corvus 4×4: Corvus 4×4 off-road utility vehicle specialists BOSS ORV have announced the appointment of two new dealers. Laird Grass Machinery has become the first Corvus dealer for Northern Ireland and Brassington Agri, near Bridgenorth, is the new dealer for the Shropshire area.

Laird, which is situated in Ballycarry, Carrickfergus, contacted Corvus following a conversation with Scottish dealers, Ravenhill, and were sent a Terrain Diesel 4×4 utility as a trial vehicle. No sooner had it arrived than a customer wanted to buy it. Laird chose the Terrain for being rugged and well-built for agricultural use with good ground clearance. It also benefits from being classed as a Stage V emission compliant homologated Diesel tractor, and therefore suitable for on-road use. It is ideally suited as well, say Laird, to their public authorities and council market. Phil Everett, Managing Director at Boss, who made the announcement on LinkedIn, said,

Two new dealers for Corvus 4x4

Two new dealers for Corvus 4×4

“A big Corvus welcome to David Laird and the team. With their vast experience in the UTV market, combined with the exceptional all-round ability of the latest Corvus Terrain range of UTVs, it’s bound to be a winning combination.”

Duncan Brassington Agri Sales and Service was established in 2014 in the heart of Shropshire by Duncan Brassington, who has over thirty years’ experience of all aspects of agricultural machinery. Brassingtons provide servicing and repair for tractors and agricultural machinery together with sales of new and good quality tractors, farm machinery and equipment. They will be selling and supporting the TerrainDX4 EPS, TerrainDX4 PRO EPS and TerrainDX4 CAB EPS.

“A big welcome to Duncan and the team,” says Phil, “they base their business on 100% commitment to their customers’ needs and are therefore an ideal fit as a Corvus dealer. Welcome to both dealers to the Corvus family”

All the above mentioned Terrain models are homologated as a T1a and T1b diesel tractor and have a top speed of 40mph/65kp/h. Corvus is building the Terrain for work primarily in agriculture, livestock, forestry, turf care and construction but they are highly adaptable vehicles ready for any demanding off-road workout.

For more information about the Corvus Terrain range you can call 01597 810188; www.bossorv.co.uk E-mail: sales@bossorv.co.uk  

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Makita tools create new gardens

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Makita tools create new gardens: Landscape and garden specialist, Landform Consultants has used a wide range of Makita tools on the creation of three new gardens at RHS Garden Wisley, which surround the new state-of-the-art RHS Hilltop – The Home of Gardening Science, the UK’s first dedicated horticultural scientific centre of excellence.

The new Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) facility, RHS Hilltop, is the UK’s first scientific centre of excellence dedicated to horticulture. The three gardens, which form an integral part of the new centre, have been developed by leading and award winning garden designers Matt Keightley and Ann-Marie Powell.

Makita tools create new gardens

Makita tools create new gardens

The ‘Wellbeing Garden’ designed by Matt Keightley was the first to be built. It consists of a series of garden rooms that showcase the role of gardens in health and wellbeing including how they can provide physical and psychological therapy as well as natural healthcare. This area also aims to inform young people about the importance of plants in health.

The Wildlife Garden, designed by Ann-Marie Powell, demonstrates the link between gardens and nature in the British Isles and highlights the importance of plant diversity in supporting wildlife, especially declining species. Also designed by Ann-Marie, the World Food Garden aims to provide a ‘plot to plate’ experience for visitors. Adding a contemporary and innovative angle to a traditional kitchen garden, it aims to inspire and educate with features such as an outdoor demonstration kitchen and ‘edible maze’.

Mark Gregory, Managing Director at Landform Consultants, who began his career at RHS Garden Wisley, explained: “This multi-million pound project spans all the disciplines we offer as a business and encompasses a wide range of different elements. The task of bringing these inspirational garden concepts to life required everything from preparing the nearly four acre site to creating paths, ponds, walkways and seating in addition to the extensive planting and landscaping.

“Having the right tools for the job was essential and the Makita range of both mains-powered and cordless machines provided exactly what we needed. On this highly demanding project we have used everything from drills, impact wrenches and impact drivers to breakers, angle grinders, masonry cutters, wood saws and multi-tools.”

By removing the need for cables, cordless tools offer improved safety by eliminating a potential trip and snagging hazard. Cordless power also provides greater flexibility and freedom for users – something that was important on this project. To minimise disruption to the team on site and help boost productivity, Landform Consultants utilised Makita’s PDC01 Pack Battery power units. The pack, which can be free-standing or backpack-mounted, contains four Makita 18V LXT batteries to provide two to four times longer runtimes for cordless tools. The batteries in the pack can also be changed quickly when the charge levels are low to further minimise lost time.

Mark Gregory added: “One of the big advantages of Makita cordless machines is the ability to use the same 18V batteries across a wide variety of tools and other cordless products. This includes the Twin 18V machines that offer 36v power for the tasks that need it.”

All Makita cordless power tools are driven by one of three battery platforms: the 12VMax CXT, 18V LXT or 40VMax XGT. The LXT batteries can be used on more than 270 different products, which includes lights and job-site radios as well as power tools and garden machinery.

“Having worked at RHS Garden Wisley at the start of my career I understand its horticultural and educational importance, especially with the creation of the new research and learning facilities.” Mark commented. “It has been a privilege to have worked on such a high profile and prestigious project as this. The Makita tools, as well as the support from the Makita team, have really contributed to our success on this project.”

Mark Earles, Business Development Manager for Outdoor Power Equipment at Makita said: “We have worked with Mark and the Landform team for many years now and we are always keen to help them find the right tools for any job. The RHS Garden Wisley project truly demonstrates the strength and versatility of cordless technology. I’m proud to say our tools played a part in creating these remarkable gardens.”

To find out more about the Makita range of power tools, garden machinery and accessories visit www.makitauk.com.

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GreenTek’s new solution for nap and thatch

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GreenTek’s new solution for nap and thatch: Improving the health and presentation of fairway turf is becoming an increasingly high priority for many golf clubs. With the vast improvement in greens turf in recent years, it is not surprising that golfers are now becoming increasingly demanding about the condition of the fairways.

Many courses are limited in their options for mowing in different directions on their approaches and surrounds, or even their fairways. This can result in the grass developing a nap, and consequently an uneven cut.  GreenTek’s new Turf-Conditioner 12 is excellent for lifting the grass before mowing to overcome this problem, and is already gaining rave reviews from delighted users.

GreenTek’s new solution for nap and thatch

GreenTek’s new solution for nap and thatch

At a demonstration on a course where their policy of mowing the fairways 50/50 for economy had resulted in a nap problem, the Head Greenkeeper said, “I’ll ask you the question that every Head Greenkeeper should be asking – how much is it, and when can I have one?”

The benefits of the Turf-Conditioner are numerous. Not only is nap lifted and thatch effectively removed, but better air circulation is provided around the grass plant which helps to minimize the conditions for fungal disease.

Josh Thurley, Golf Course Manager at Malden Golf Club says, “We chose the GreenTek Turf-Conditioner because of its ability to follow the contours and undulations on our fairways without any hassle. We have been using it on the fairways since March and have seen some great results already within the sward and surface quality. We have 8 hectares of fairways, and we complete the whole golf course within 4hrs. I’m looking forward to also using in our long eco rough, to thin the sward and still leave the long wispy grasses.”

“The versatility and quickness of use is excellent, and I would recommend any club to invest in one for their course”

The turf-conditioner has many unique features.  The three rows of rakes are all slightly offset so that the tines give a very closely spaced raking pattern. The angle of pitch is adjustable to enable just the right degree of thatch removal to be achieved.

GreenTek’s new solution for nap and thatch

GreenTek’s new solution for nap and thatch

The unit floats freely on the tractor’s linkage when working across rig and furrow undulations, and the pivoting wing sections enable it to accurately follow the contours around course features.

The Turf-Conditioner demonstrates that not all course machinery needs to be complex or expensive to yield outstanding benefits. Sometimes you just need a more efficient way of implementing good common-sense greenkeeping practices.  Demonstrations are readily available through GreenTek’s nationwide dealer network by calling 0113 267 6000.

A video of the Turf-Conditioner 12 in action can be viewed on the website at:  https://www.greentek.uk.com/products/turf-conditioner/

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Broomieknowe GC secures new kit

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Broomieknowe GC secures new kit: Broomieknowe Golf Club at Bonnyrigg, Mid Lothian, has welcomed a new golf course manager, a host of new members and some top-rated maintenance equipment, all in the space of a few months.

Allan Duncan joined the parkland club in April from Thornton GC, Glenrothes.  BIGGA Scottish student of the year in 2018, he has literally hit the ground running, getting to know the new course intimately as quickly as he can, and launching initiatives on social media to better connect the efforts of the greenkeeping team with club members.

Broomieknowe GC secures new kit

Broomieknowe GC secures new kit

“I’m loving it but there’s so much to get my head round,” he said. “People have been very welcoming. We have a brand-new club house and the club has invested heavily purchasing new equipment, so there’s a lot of momentum.”

First to arrive was a Wiedenmann Terra Spike XP8 deep aerator combined with an ISEKI TG6675 compact tractor.

“The ISEKI tractor was introduced to us by Rob Hogarth from our local dealer, Fairways GM at Kinross.  I’ve never had an ISEKI but I am really impressed.  The aerator is a heavy bit of kit but the TG6675 lift capacity is up to 1,600 kg so has no trouble at all. Together they are quite a combination.”

Their selected Terra Spike, the XP, is Wiedenmann UK’s biggest in fleet, chosen because of its readiness to go 40 cm deep.

“It was all purely about depth,” continued Allan. “We’ve a build-up of organic matter deep down on some greens and a bit of compaction in some of our fairways.  There are actually very good soils below the surface but to tap into these, we need the aerator to get air and water through the profile a lot quicker.

“It had been reasonably dry until I arrived, but once the ground got softer, we went out on the greens with 12 mm tines along with the turf retainers. The greens have reacted well to them.  Water has gone down, not just through the top profile but permeated through the bottom profile, and already I can see a difference.  The plan is to keep that going every month right through the summer as disruption to surface is minimal.”

“The wider programme is to do tees and approaches at the end of the season, so September, and then spike the fairways before winter arrives. The speed of the XP8 is impressive.  I’ve used the GXi8 HD before and everyone says how quick it is, but the XP8 is no slouch. We had no expectation of speed as we were searching for depth … but a hectare of greens took around nine hours, so it’s great to be able to complete all 18 greens in a day.”

Four weeks later, a delivery of the Maredo MT200 Flex-Verticutter arrived for the Lothian club.    Even on the most challenging of fairway undulations they are falter-free thanks to a turn-able ‘A’ frame and pivot point.  Each head measures just over 63 cm giving a total reach of 1.9 m with working to depths of around 25 mm.

“The Maredos were another easy decision,” said Allan. “While relieving compaction with the Terra Spike on the fairways, the next stage is to follow through with scarifying.  The idea is to remove the organic matter, breaking surface tension to help get rid of less desirable broad leaf grasses and encourage the finer ones to flourish. This leaves a better habitat for the finer grasses to grow. I really appreciate the adaptability of the Maredos with their three cassettes lined up in a V-formation, as opposed to a straight unit. They are at one with the tractor and even in just an hour cover large areas. The course is fairly flat, except for a few undulating holes with numerous dips and bumps, yet wherever they are, they hug the course, don’t scalp or pull out too much. One spanner adjustment and away you go.  They will improve the texture and quality significantly.  All main playing surfaces (except greens) will be done twice a year with the Maredos with maybe the approaches getting three hits, depending on the weather.”

“When it comes to choosing machinery, I find you always have a strong idea of what to seek but it’s good when others bring additional knowledge. Both the Fairways GM and Wiedenmann teams support you intuitively and direct you to what will work in your situation and machines that are appropriate. I feel entirely supported throughout.  No stone has been left unturned trying to help us get what we need. Even the BAGMA accredited installation training at handover is a nice touch. My team and I all benefited and not every dealer ensures such good practice.”

Rob Hogarth, Fairways GM’s Regional Manager said:

“The BAGMA Installation Scheme, is developed in conjunction with the Health & Safety Executive.  Everyone in our sales and installer team has been trained to handover using a systematic process.  Our team in turn replicate this initiative to our customers, covering things like site specific risk assessments and working in a safe environment. If clients’ teams attend the session given by one of the Fairways GM team, they receive a record of attendance and so does their employer. Allan and his team have found it very worthwhile.”

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