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Green-tech takes advantage of Rain Bird academy

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Green-tech takes advantage of Rain Bird academy: Green-tech is the UK’s largest landscape supplier and key members of the company’s team have participated in a Rain Bird Academy training programme for irrigation professionals. The course was held at Green-tech’s headquarters in Arkendale near Harrogate in Spring 2022 and led by Eric Hendrickx, Rain Bird’s Contractor and Public Agency Specialist for Benelux and UK.

In 2021 Green-tech joined forces with its parent company Origin Amenity and Rain Bird to provide its customers with access to the world’s leading irrigation product portfolio for the landscape sector. As part of the on-going relationship between the organisations, the two day training programme covered Concepts and Techniques For Designing A State of the Art Irrigation System and The Selection and Adjustment of Irrigation Equipment.

Green-tech takes advantage of Rain Bird academy

Green-tech takes advantage of Rain Bird academy

With the emphasis on both theoretical and practical training, the course was tailored to Green-tech’s requirements and covered many topics including irrigation system design, sprinkler selection and installation, calculation of flow rates and watering schedules, maintenance of nozzles and the creation of irrigation programs to suit the characteristics of a landscaping project.
Richard Wexham, Green-tech’s Specification Manager, comments: “ We feel it is important to keep abreast of the latest technology in irrigation and offer our customer base the best solutions available. We found the Rain Bird A1 and A2 training courses informative and useful, packed with practical advice. Green-tech is delighted to be able to offer this world leading irrigation product portfolioto the landscape sector.”

Rain Bird Academy’s training programmes are designed for irrigation professionals with all levels of experience and there are over 40 courses or workshops available. They are all taught by certified trainers and undergo regular updates to ensure classes contain the most current and relevant information. Contact: Peter Longman, Rain Bird Europe, plongman@rainbird.eu

www.rainbird.eu

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The “Why” of Trimax Genuine Parts

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The “Why” of Trimax Genuine Parts: When it comes to maintenance or repair, choosing genuine parts is the only way to guarantee the performance and life of your mower, explains Robert Todd, European Service Manager for Trimax Mowing Systems.

At a glance, genuine parts and pirate parts may appear to be similar; but scratch the surface and the issue becomes clear.

The “Why” of Trimax Genuine Parts

The “Why” of Trimax Genuine Parts

The Case for Genuine Parts

Genuine parts are exactly the same parts used to build the original machines. Years of research, development and testing have gone into them. They are made from high quality materials and in some instances individual parts perform more than one function.

Take the blades on a Trimax mower as an example. Primarily meant to cut grass in diverse types of terrain, they also direct airflow ensuring the cutting chamber remains unobstructed and clippings are well distributed.

Beyond this, Trimax quality control ensures the blades are flawless – they can encounter obstacles like small logs and rocks without shattering and exiting the mower as a deadly piece of shrapnel. Safety and quality are integral parts of the Trimax design, ensuring the whole machine meets or exceeds all regional safety standards.

Ongoing Improvement

Continuous improvement is the cornerstone of companies like Trimax. Ensuring the pedigree means always having the latest technology and where possible new advances are designed to fit older models. Customers choosing genuine parts will have the safest, most efficient machines, and access to expert advice from the people who designed and manufactured the parts.

The Pirate Way

Pirate part vendors profess to make parts that are “just as good” as the real thing but cost significantly less. Really?

It is impossible for pirate parts to out-perform the original items and cost less because pirate parts are produced as a separate, profit-making exercise.

To maintain profit margins, pirates cut corners, lower specs and alter or delete pesky design details (remember the blades and flails), which might complicate manufacture.

For manufacturers like Trimax, parts are integral to their primary business – producing high quality machines. Parts are not produced as a stand-alone enterprise.

Other Factors For Consideration

Aside from the physical design and cost, there are some other important elements to consider before deciding between genuine or pirate parts.

  • Safety – genuine parts have been tested to comply with safety regulations for maximum protection of machine and operator. Lower risk, greater peace of mind.
  • Warranty – using non-genuine parts often voids manufacturer warranties, particularly if they go on to cause issues with the rest of the machine.
  • Downtime – genuine parts are guaranteed to fit your machine first time, every time. Maximum uptime and performance.
  • Expertise – only with genuine parts will you get expert advice from the people who designed, tested and manufactured the machine.

Where do You Stand?

It’s worth noting that genuine parts often aren’t as expensive as you might expect. Most manufacturers will price their parts competitively, meaning you can still get a good price: and in some cases, genuine parts can even be cheaper than pirate elements! It’s definitely worth checking with the original manufacturer before even considering going for a non-genuine part, as you may be surprised by how little real replacements actually cost, explains Robert Todd.

For more information or to find out more about genuine parts, give us a call on 01933 652246 or parts@trimaxmowers.co.uk. Alternatively, please visit www.trimaxmowers.co.uk 

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Campey announces passing of Tony Cundall

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Campey announces passing of Tony Cundall: It is with great sadness that Campey Turf Care Systems announce the passing of Tony Cundall at the age of 75.

Tony was the first Campey Product Specialist to cover Manchester, Wirral, Cheshire and Staffordshire, an area where he quickly became both respected and well-liked by his customers and colleagues. Not only did he provide excellent sales and service, he was renowned for his willingness to go the extra mile and a very professional approach to his work. His popularity extended beyond his sales role and he became known throughout the industry as a true gentleman on every level.

Campey announces passing of Tony Cundall

Campey announces passing of Tony Cundall

Before retiring in 2011, Tony gave up working in the field and was General Manager in house.

“Our thoughts are with Tony’s wife Dinah and Tony’s family at this sad time.’ Said Richard Campey. He will be greatly missed by all those who knew and worked with him.”

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Amenity Sprayer Operator of the Year open for entries

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Amenity Sprayer Operator of the Year open for entries: The search is on to recognise the UK’s most professional sprayer operators in the turf and landscape amenity sector. The Amenity Forum’s Amenity Sprayer Operator of the Year (ASOOTY) awards highlight best practice and experience in the challenging role of ensuring accurate application on all amenity surfaces.

Sponsored by Syngenta and ICL, in association with BASIS, the awards seek to share top tips and advice that will raise the standards of spray application across the amenity industry.

Amenity Sprayer Operator of the Year open for entries

Amenity Sprayer Operator of the Year open for entries

The winner is presented at the prestigious BIGGA Awards ceremony at BTME, along with a prize of a weekend break for two at a luxury hotel of choice. Two runners-up receive £100 Machine Mart vouchers.

Announcing the opening of the ASOOTY 2022 awards, Syngenta Technical Manager, Sean Loakes, said: “Sprayer operation is a key factor in the success of every application, including elements of nozzle choice, water volume and fine tuning the sprayer to more effectively hit the intended target.

“However, for the best possible results, today’s professional sprayer operators must also fully understand the wider aspects of why an application is being made, and what other elements they can also employ for better long-term management of potential problems.”

This year the entry process aims to test sprayer operators’ broader knowledge of issues and solutions faced across the amenity sector. Barry Browne, ICL Landscape & Industrial Sales Manager, explained entrants are not expected to know the answers to all the questions, but will help the judging panel to assess an individual’s experience and approach to dealing with challenges.

“The entry process itself will stimulate thought and understanding of the issues around application, including the need to create integrated solutions using a full range of tools and tactics. We’re looking to find operators that can make those important proactive decisions with every application.”

All entrants will be invited to attend an on-line session to review the entry form with judges and to share and learn from the experiences of others.

Professor John Moverley of the Amenity Forum highlighted the ASOOTY awards exemplified the organisation’s objective to promote best practice across the sector.

“It seeks to do this by advocating a fully integrated approach to weed, pest and disease management, tailoring solutions to meet specific situations and making use of the appropriate approved chemical and non-chemical techniques, to produce the most effective and efficient outcome – whilst seeking to create safe and healthy amenity spaces.

“The Amenity Forum has taken the lead in a major step forward in highlighting the importance of amenity management and the need to use professionally approved operators in any public space.”

Enter the ASOOTY 2022 awards here

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Change of careers pays off

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Change of careers pays off: A dramatic change of careers paid off for SRUC student Ben Matthews, after his tutors unanimously named him the winner of this year’s HNC Golf Course Management Student of the Year Award, sponsored by John Deere and Scottish turf dealer Double A.

Born in London, but raised in Canada from the age of three, Ben moved to Scotland in 2014. He worked in health and social care in both Canada and Scotland for 20 years in total before realising it was time for a change.

Change of careers pays off

Change of careers pays off

“Since moving back to Scotland I had been helping children in crisis situations as an advocate, ensuring they had a voice,” Ben says. “It was amazing work and I loved it, but I started to burn out – I couldn’t switch off from worrying about the children I was working with.”

Initially Ben studied for a master’s degree in Sustainable Resource Management at the University of Edinburgh.

“If I could, I decided I wanted to turn the degree into a job where I could work outdoors while protecting the environment,” he explains.

It was a chance sighting while passing the SRUC campus one day that led to him pursuing a career in golf course management.

“I’ve always been a fan of golf and although I’ve never been any good, I do enjoy playing it,” he says.

“I was driving past the SRUC Elmwood campus one day and they had a big banner outside which read ‘have you thought about a career in greenkeeping?’.

“I ended up calling them and going to see Paul Miller, the course programme leader, and everything he told me about it ticked all the boxes.”

Ben enjoyed the variety of subjects taught on the course, even those he initially assumed would be less interesting, such as soil science.

“I thought it would be dry, but Dr Miller made it really interesting, teaching us everything we would need to know as a turf manager,” he says. “I also loved learning about design and construction.

“I’ve been to a few universities and colleges, and this was by far my best experience – the tutors are all phenomenal.”

Ben has since secured a position as a seasonal greenkeeper for the St Andrews Links Trust.

“I only live 25 minutes away so it seemed silly not to try for a position at the home of golf,” he says.

“I’m lucky enough to be working on the old course, where golf has been played for 600 years, so every day is like Christmas Day for me at the moment!”

Ben is enjoying focusing on the practical side of greenkeeping and looks forward to building up his experience and skills.

“I’ve been absolutely blown away by the greenkeeping community – everyone is so supportive and welcoming,” he says. “It’s the type of industry where if you’re having a problem, you can call someone at another golf course and they will lend you equipment or recommend a product. It’s such a tightly knit and positive community. I’m so happy to be in it.”

Ben is currently busy preparing the famous St Andrews’ course for the 150th Open this summer.

“I don’t think I could be in a better place to start my career and I’m so grateful to SRUC and so happy to have won this award,” he says. “Finding out I had won really cemented that I’d done the right thing in changing careers and that all my hard work has paid off.”

Course Tutor Ian Butcher says: “Ben has been a very positive member of the faculty throughout a period of change and transformation, and all the staff welcome his contribution to our classes whether they are online or on campus.

“Ben has, like many of our HND cohorts, decided to change career, from the Health and Social Care sector and he also previously completed an MSc Degree in Sustainable Resource Management. This provided Ben with a strong foundation for our own curriculum as we address the challenges golf faces in the 21st century.

“He has very strong team building background and has also shown strong communication skills with industry professionals, as well as adaptability to new situations. In 2021 he was awarded the R&A Greenkeeping Scholarship, which again adds to his perspective on the golf world as a whole.

“Without doubt his keenness to learn and enthusiasm for golf course management leads to the consistently high standard of submissions and capacity to explore new ideas. We look forward to supporting his new career as it continues with the St Andrews Links Trust in the Open Championship year of 2022.”

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