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ATT showcase abundance of new features

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ATT showcase abundance of new features: ATT will be returning to SALTEX for 2022, showcasing their popular INFINICUT® and TMSystem™ ranges on stand H070. As the only professional sports turf mower that has been specifically designed with electric power and not a re-purposed petrol variant, it maintains best in class for both efficiency and quality of cut.

The continued recurring increase in global energy costs now makes the INFINICUT® a serious consideration when deliberating the move to electrically powered equipment. On their stand at the NEC, the ATT team will have a handy software programme which can help calculate payback on energy which could help to validate any decisions in making the transfer.

ATT showcase abundance of new features

ATT showcase abundance of new features

As has come to be expected with the quick-moving design team at ATT, visitors will also be able to see a wealth of new INFINICUT® features, including the extension of the range of battery’s they offer to include a new 105AH Lithium variant – allowing users to specify whatever duty cycle is required, with zero compromise. The full range of batteries available can be swapped between mowers in the INFINICUT® collection, resulting in even greater versatility and optimised fleet management.

Under the hood, ATT have continued to refine the electrical architecture of the INFINICUT® with design emphasis on simplification and fewer contact points. Firmware has also been upgraded, as has their popular InfiniApp which is now available for download direct from the iOS App Store. Through the App, every aspect of the mowing operation can be optimised to ensure the attainment of the perfect cut.

In response to the additional technical variations in the way pitches can now be reinforced, INFINICUT® mowers can now accommodate adjustable/removable weight kits for situations where increased down pressure is required. The weight kits can easily be removed when gravity readings are at optimal levels.

A trailing seat is also now offered on 34” variant mowers – extending the versatility of where and how the mowers operate.

Completing the abundance of new innovations, the recently introduced brush system used on the INFINICUT® SM34 Rotary mower will also be on display. This set-up is the only one that sees the brush sit behind the front roller, ensuring maximum grass agitation prior to cutting or vacuuming.

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ISEKI is part of the team at Bloxham

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ISEKI is part of the team at Bloxham: An ISEKI compact tractor is proving to be an ‘extra member of staff’ for the grounds team at Bloxham School according to Head Groundsman Paul White.

Located in the heart of the beautiful Oxfordshire village of Bloxham, Bloxham School is an independent, co-educational boarding and day school for boys and girls aged 11 to 18.

ISEKI is part of the team at Bloxham

ISEKI is part of the team at Bloxham

On a single-site campus the school boasts state-of-the-art facilities for academic work, technology, arts, and sport – which is where Paul comes in. Bloxham has a superb sporting programme offering a wide range of sports and Paul and his grounds team work hard to prepare these surfaces to the highest standard.

To achieve this, Paul is somewhat of a perfectionist when it comes to grounds maintenance equipment.

“As soon as machinery becomes outdated and not fit for purpose it absolutely needs replacing,” he said. “Specifically, we wanted a tractor to cover all the implements we have in our workforce, and to be able to use them safely and correctly on different surfaces.

“The reason we bought into ISEKI was because we have used their machines regularly in the past and they have always been reliable.”

After a demonstration arranged by ISEKI dealer Turney Groundcare & Garden Machinery, Paul decided to purchase the ISEKI TG6495 – a 47 hp compact tractor with the innovative IQ dual-clutch 24-speed transmission.

Other benefits of the TG6495 include:

  • 1580 kg lift capacity at the ball ends and 1400 kg lift capacity @24″ behind
  • Category 2 cab with air-conditioning, heating, and a good view
  • Front loader joystick, up-stop PTO, linkage up in reverse and draft control all supplied as standard
  • Equipped with an electro-hydraulic power take-off shaft that saves the attachment and the engine while providing operator comfort

“We all been really impressed with the tractor,” said Paul. “The lifting of the PTO has been a massive benefit and the automatic clutch shut off is good for when we are turning on the sports fields.

“The weight and the size of it is much better on our fields for compaction. It has good traction for the wheels, the all-round visibility of the tractor is very much improved compared to our last tractor, and general use is a lot easier for the operator.

“It has performed exceptionally well in all weather conditions. Through the winter it has been fantastic with our vertidrainer and in summer it has helped with a number of different implements.

“Also, the IQ transmission makes it easier for our operators to use and change gear when there are implements on the back.

“We like to think of this tractor as an extra member of staff – it does everything we ask of it.”

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Development at the heart of GMA Strategy

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Development at the heart of GMA Strategy: The Grounds Management Association (GMA) has, after the impact of the pandemic and following the impact of global events, combined with the cost-of-living crisis, focused on tackling the key issues highlighted by volunteers and professionals as priority areas to address in the grounds care industry. 

Published alongside the GMA’s 2022 Workforce Survey, the reset of the GMA’s Five-Year Strategy first launched in 2021, outlines six key priority areas that will inform and influence the association’s work to help achieve three long-term goals:

Development at the heart of GMA Strategy

Development at the heart of GMA Strategy

  • To attract new talent and accelerate the growth of a diverse workforce
  • To support sustainable business growth and protect the sector’s interests
  • To build industry reputation and promote the sector’s contribution to society and the economy

The six strategic priority areas are:

  • Workforce development
  • People and culture
  • Services and support
  • Industry representation
  • Data and digitisation
  • Funding and investment

GMA Chief Executive, Geoff Webb said: “We know the challenges that those working in the grounds care industry face and the findings from our Annual Workforce Survey echo those issues year after year. Whilst we have made progress since revealing the results of “Groundsmanship Sports Vital Profession” in 2019, the trends first identified remain.”

“The issues are far-reaching and to make a positive difference at pace, working together as a sector, we need a shift in mindset and outlook. Working collaboratively is key to success. Members and others working in grounds care, those employing grounds staff, industry partners and suppliers, national governing bodies, professional leagues, the media, local authorities, and the education sector all have a role to play. It’s a team effort.”

The GMA’s latest report estimates that over 3,200 professional grounds managers are due to retire in the next three years and over a third of all grounds professionals are over the age of 55. The lack of young people joining the profession is evident with only 3% being under 25. A clear indication that the industry is facing a recruitment crisis and must act now to attract the next generation.

A lack of diversity also continues to be an issue in grounds management with white men still being the most dominant demographic working in the industry. 96% of professional grounds staff are male and only 3% are non-white, which is far from representative of the communities across the UK.

The report also highlights an issue with underinvestment in grounds management, both in terms of procuring the necessary equipment, and the salary levels paid to grounds staff. The association believes that there is a widespread lack of understanding of what skills, technical expertise, and equipment are required to maintain sports grounds to a satisfactory standard. An issue that will be addressed by proactively promoting the work of grounds people and reiterating the message that with no ground, there’s no game.

GMA Chief Executive, Geoff Webb continues: “When Covid hit, like many, we focused resources on adapting to the ever-changing working environment, moving to remote working and facilitating longstanding face-to-face training and events online. Likewise, many worked with limited capacity and resources during this period, this impacted on many skilled ground staff and impacted on the ability of volunteers to spend the time attending to their clubs and facilities. We have to recognise that we are still in recovery and today are met with fresh challenges such as the cost of living, the impact on the supply chain and recruitment issues.

“We have reset having to contend with a delayed SALTEX which was a fantastic success last Autumn and have spent 2022 reviewing and resetting our strategy as well as building an expanded team. This year has been about getting the right people and resources in place and 2023 will see us move from capability building to implementation as we focus on the strategic priorities and long-term goals outlined in our Strategy.

“This reset of our Strategy puts us on a path to deliver and with the continued support of our Chair and Board, we will continue to invest in building on the six key priority areas identified to meet the needs of members and the wider grounds care sector.”

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John Deere celebrates 30 years of training

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John Deere celebrates 30 years of training: John Deere is marking the 30th anniversary of its renowned apprenticeship programme with an open day to recruit the next generation of technicians to work across its agriculture, turf and parts business.

Well in excess of 1,000 apprentices have qualified since 1992, and the company is keen to showcase the exciting career path that lies ahead of those who complete the course.

John Deere celebrates 30 years of training

John Deere celebrates 30 years of training

On 6 October, John Deere and the scheme’s training provider, ProVQ, will open the doors of its new training centre in Upper Saxondale, Nottinghamshire, where candidates will be offered guided tours, practical demonstrations and driving experiences.

Classrooms and workshops will be staffed by instructors and apprentices, providing a unique opportunity to view the state-of-the-art learning facilities on offer and talk to those who know all about the programme.

John Deere’s apprenticeship programme sees technicians work within the company’s dealership network as a paid employee while completing either a two or three-year course comprising on-the-job practical learning and classroom studies.

Three courses make up the programme; Ag Tech – focusing on agricultural machinery, Turf Tech – focusing on professional turf equipment, and Parts Tech – focusing on parts service and support.

“It’s a hugely exciting time to be part of the agricultural and turfcare industries – they are evolving and becoming more technologically advanced than ever before,” John Deere Branch Training Manager Allan Cochran says.

“The job is so much more than just servicing and fixing things. The machines and parts our apprentices work on and with are some of the most advanced in the world, many capable of levels of automation or operating at capacities we could only dream of a few years ago.

“With exam results now known and young people planning their futures, we’re encouraging them to join us for our open day to find out how John Deere can ignite their careers.

“It’s not just for people who love tractors – if you want to earn while you learn and be part of a huge, global brand with a reputation for ground-breaking innovations, then a John Deere apprenticeship could be the perfect start to your career.”

The open day will be held on 6 October, with three sessions being run at 10am, 1pm, and 3pm. Refreshments will be provided throughout the day, and entry is free, although pre-booking is a requirement as places are limited.

Booking is live at https://JohnDeereApprentice.eventbrite.co.uk

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Investment to improve quality of grounds

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Investment to improve quality of grounds: Yesterday, the GMA’s CEO, Geoff Webb joined England Manager, Gareth Southgate and stars from cricket, rugby union and rugby league to mark a game-changing multi-sport, multi-million-pound investment announcement.

As part of a £92 million, three-year multi-sport investment commitment, the Football Foundation has extended use of their FREE revolutionary pitch inspection app, PitchPower, to cricket, rugby union and rugby league clubs.

Investment to improve quality of grounds

Investment to improve quality of grounds

Through PitchPower, community clubs and organisations are able to carry out their own grass pitch inspections and receive bespoke advice and recommendations from experts at the Grounds Management Association to improve the quality of their grass pitches.

PitchPower has already been a game-changer in transforming the country’s grass football pitches. In its trial alone, PitchPower helped to inspect almost 5,000 football pitches, leading to £8.6m of Football Foundation investment.

The app is now available to rugby league and is set to go live for rugby union at the season opener on 17/18th September, whilst cricket will follow at the next season.

Beyond inspections, from Spring 2023, a new £15m funding pot will also be made available via the Football Foundation over the next three years enabling cricket, rugby league and rugby union clubs to apply for a grant funded by the Sport England National Lottery fund.

Football Foundation says, “Grass pitches are essential to grassroots sport. Better grass pitches will mean fewer matches will be postponed and more people can play more rugby, cricket, and football. The PitchPower app will help revolutionise the quality of grass pitches across England. We know that more opportunities to play improves not only physical health but also mental wellbeing, the places we live and the local economy too.”

GMA Chief Executive, Geoff Webb says, “The Ground Management Association is proud to have been a key delivery partner in the pilot for the PitchPower app and continues to work closely with the Football Foundation as we extend the service to a wider sporting community enabling cricket and rugby to also start reaping the benefits. If there’s no ground, there’s no game. As simple as that, so we welcome this additional investment to support grounds management.”

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