Tag Archive for: Performance

MM Seed Delivers Proven Performance

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MM Seed Delivers Proven Performance: Managing one of the busiest multi-sport facilities on the south coast is no small task – especially in a region increasingly defined by prolonged dry spells and intense seasonal wear. At Bournemouth University, Grounds Manager Alex McCombie relies on proven seed performance and trusted technical support to keep standards high across a hugely demanding site.

Alex has been in the post for four years, overseeing an extensive sports complex that includes eight football pitches, three rugby pitches, cricket squares and outfields, hockey pitches, a 3G surface and extensive surrounding landscapes. While the facilities serve students, around 75% of usage comes from the wider community, with Bournemouth Rugby Club, Bournemouth Sports Football Club and Bournemouth Cricket Club all calling the site home.

MM Seed Delivers Proven Performance

MM Seed Delivers Proven Performance

“We’re a university, but we’re also a massive community campus,” Alex explains. “We’ve got fixtures midweek and weekends, and on some days, we’ll have multiple matches on the same pitch. We’re talking around 5,000 users every week, so wear tolerance and recovery are absolutely critical.”

Situated on an extremely free-draining site, Bournemouth University benefits from excellent winter playability – but summer conditions are increasingly challenging.

“From Easter through to October we hardly had any rain at all,” says Alex. “That’s great in winter, but in summer it puts huge stress on the grass. We need something with genuine drought tolerance that can also stand up to relentless wear.”

That need led Alex to MM Tetra Sport, a specialist overseeding mixture consisting of tetraploid ryegrasses, designed specifically for high-quality sports turf.

“Tetra Sport has been a bit of a no-brainer for us,” he says. “It establishes quickly, it wears well, and it stood up incredibly well during a brutal summer. I was genuinely impressed.”

The mixture delivers fast germination, rapid sward establishment, and excellent winter and summer colour, while offering high disease resistance and strong wear tolerance. The inclusion of new, highly rated cultivars, exclusive to the MM range, has been particularly important at Bournemouth University, where pitches see continuous use.

Alex even took the unusual step of overseeding a rugby pitch in December.

“Soil temperatures here stay fairly good, and we usually have a short break after the last fixture before Christmas,” he explains. “We drilled Tetra Sport in just before that break, and it came through really nicely. The results exceeded my expectations.”

For cricket renovations and repairs, Alex turns to MM50, widely regarded as the leading mixture for end-of-season renovation work and mid-season repairs.

“We’ve used MM50 on our cricket squares for a couple of years now and had superb results,” he says. “The density we get is excellent, and it recovers really quickly from play.”

MM50 contains a blend of fine-leaved ryegrasses, producing an extremely hard-wearing, dense surface, and is treated with Headstart® GOLD to support faster establishment and stronger early growth.

“We don’t tend to spray for disease at all,” Alex adds. “We’re lucky, but disease pressure is minimal. The square we renovated with MM50 played probably the best it ever has last season, and the feedback from the cricket club has been very positive.”

Beyond product performance, Alex highlights the importance of strong relationships and reliable technical support – something he has found consistently with MM Seed.

“I’ve used MM Seed for years and had a long-standing relationship with Matt Gresty,” he says. “Matt’s absolutely superb – always on hand with advice, and he’s even helped put together specialist mixes specifically for our site.”

That bespoke approach proved invaluable following the university’s large annual rugby festival, where tailored mixtures were required to accelerate recovery across heavily worn areas.

“David Bevan from Agrovista Amenity, who I get the seed from, is brilliant as well,” Alex continues. “Between David and Matt, the service is excellent. They’re knowledgeable, approachable, and genuinely supportive. You feel like they understand what you’re trying to achieve.”

For a site facing intense usage, extreme dryness and year-round pressure, Bournemouth University’s experience shows how the right seed – combined with the right support – can make all the difference.

Visit the new and improved MM Seed website at www.mm-seeds.co.uk

You can also follow the company on X: @MM_Seed.

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How EFI and ETC engines are redefining performance

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How EFI and ETC engines are redefining performance: Across agriculture, forestry and landscaping, equipment performance depends upon an optimal power-to-weight ratio and portability. In addition, high performance in different terrain, easy maintenance and sustainability are crucial factors for all equipment in these industries.

Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) and Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) engines are two distinct technologies that help to deliver these equipment requirements. The EFI engine features a computer-controlled system that delivers fuel into engines rather than a traditional carburettor. The ETC engine uses electronic signals to control the engine’s throttle.

How EFI and ETC engines are redefining performance

How EFI and ETC engines are redefining performance

Engines that feature EFI and ETC technology at the same time, offer an attractive alternative solution thanks to their smart and efficient capabilities that also maintain high performance power.

EFI and ETC – unmatched power to weight ratio 

Landscaping and garden machinery often need to be both lightweight and transportable, especially when navigating uneven terrains in parks and forests. EFI and ETC can be deployed independently or together and deliver more effective power-to-weight ratios.

The Jo Beau® GORILLA™ M600 woodchipper is a perfect example of this, using Briggs & Stratton’s Vanguard® 29.9 kW (40 HP) BIG BLOCK™ V-Twin EFI/ETC engine that deploys both technologies, to process branches up to 18 cm in diameter whilst being small enough to fit through a doorway. The petrol engine ensures that the chipper remains steady and efficient even when processing large irregular branches.

This combination of size and reliability makes this sort of equipment invaluable to workers operating in tight areas, without sacrificing performance.

EFI/ETC reduces the total cost of ownership

Both EFI and ETC technology contribute to increased uptime and reduced total cost of ownership of equipment. This is due to the ability of real-time fuel control provided by EFI technology, which is optimised based on load and conditions. This ensures that fuel isn’t wasted during partial-loading operations, which can be a common theme in the gardening industry.

Stale fuel in seasonal equipment like leaf blowers and woodchippers is also not an issue with EFI due to its tolerance for it. This means it faces fewer problems after being stored for long periods over winter months, whilst ETC helps reduce mechanical wear and reduces long-term maintenance needs.

High performance in every environment 

Outdoor equipment faces some of the most extreme conditions including heat, cold, elevation and humidity. Engines equipped with EFI and ETC technology are designed specifically to operate in conditions like these. EFI provides smooth starting while ETC helps engines adjust to changes in terrain to improve control.

EFI and ETC reduce environmental impact  

Lower emissions are a growing requirement in many industries, especially for those working outdoors with nature. Engines equipped with EFI and ETC technology offer cleaner combustion, which in turn reduces harmful emissions without the need for diesel treatments.

EFI engines meet stringent environmental regulations by precisely controlling fuel delivery, leading to a more efficient combustion and reduced emissions, thereby helping manufacturers and operators to stay compliant with professional performance. This is vital when working in forests and parks, providing cleaner and more efficient solutions.

As mentioned before, the Vanguard BIG BLOCK engine powers the Jo Beau GORILLA M600, deploying electronic fuel injection technology that utilises the Engine Control Module (ECM) to tune every single operating point unique to the engine. It takes in all signals from the engine sensors to make cycle-by-cycle decisions on how much fuel and spark to provide and when. This means improved starting at all temperatures, smooth performance at all elevations, quick load acceptance and reduced fuel consumption, which makes the Vanguard BIG BLOCK the perfect fit for this powerful but compact application.

EFI can integrate  

EFI engines have been designed to integrate both physically and digitally. With CAN-bus capabilities, they seamlessly communicate with the rest of the machine’s systems. This means the operator can see real-time diagnostics and troubleshoot remotely.

Making the smart choice  

The forestry and gardening sector is a turbulent one, due to increasing regulations and demands from the industry. By switching to petrol engines equipped with EFI and ETC, operators can meet these demands, allowing for an increased power-to-weight ratio, reducing the environmental impact, and increasing performance in multiple environments. This is all while integrating easily with equipment and reducing the TCO.

Machines equipped with engines that feature both, EFI and ETC technology are providing not just an alternative solution but a powerful solution.

For more information on Vanguard, visit https://www.vanguardpower.com/emea/en_gb/home.html

And for more information on Jo Beau, visit https://www.jobeau.eu/en/

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SISIS to Showcase Proven Turf Performance at BTME

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SISIS to Showcase Proven Turf Performance at BTME: SISIS, part of the Howardson Group, will return to BTME 2026 with a focused range of professional turf maintenance machinery, designed to support consistent playing conditions across golf courses and fine turf environments. Built for durability, serviceability and long-term performance, SISIS equipment is trusted by greenkeepers seeking reliable results season after season.

Multislit

The SISIS Multislit provides a proven alternative to traditional hollow tining. Using narrow blades to create clean slits, it improves water infiltration, gas exchange and root development with minimal surface disruption.

SISIS to Showcase Proven Turf Performance at BTME

SISIS to Showcase Proven Turf Performance at BTME

Unlike hollow tining, which removes material and can interrupt play, Multislit aeration allows greenkeepers to maintain playability while delivering meaningful agronomic benefits. Its speed and low-impact operation make it particularly valuable during the playing season.

Triplay with Fine Grooming Rakes

The SISIS Triplay is a single-pass maintenance system developed to improve efficiency without compromising surface quality. Ideal for golf fairways, it can be mounted to tractors via a three-point linkage or to utility vehicles with the appropriate frame, making it suitable for natural turf and hard porous surfaces.

Fitted with Fine Grooming Rakes, the Triplay delivers controlled surface grooming and thatch management. The 5mm spring tines lift grasses to improve presentation, help create a tilth in worn areas and provide effective grooming with minimal surface disruption.

Flexibrush

Designed for large turf areas such as golf fairways and sports grounds, the Flexibrush provides fast, effective brushing. It is ideal for brushing in topdressings, dispersing dew and lifting grasses prior to mowing, helping to deliver a clean, uniform finish. Floating brush sections allow accurate contour following, while hydraulically folding outer sections simplify transport and storage.

Rotorake TM1000

The Rotorake TM1000 is a tractor-mounted scarifier and linear aerator engineered for effective thatch control and surface preparation. Floating units follow ground contours for consistent depth, while the contra-rotating reel throws debris forward to produce a clean, even finish. Interchangeable reels and simple depth adjustment make it a dependable renovation tool.

Javelin Aer-Aid

The Javelin Aer-Aid is a compact aeration solution designed to relieve surface compaction and improve air and moisture movement in fine turf areas such as greens and tees. Robustly built and straightforward to operate, it supports healthier root development and consistent playing performance.

Expert Support from the SISIS Team

The SISIS team will be available on Stand 252 throughout BTME 2026 to discuss turf challenges and provide practical guidance on selecting the right solutions.

For further information or to arrange a no-obligation demonstration, contact SISIS on 01332 824 777 or visit www.sisis.com

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Baroness delivers reliability and performance

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Baroness delivers reliability and performance: For over 20 years, Bristol’s Tall Pines Golf Club have relied on the consistency and quality of Baroness to keep their playing surfaces in pristine condition.

Head Greenkeeper Marc Rossiter currently runs a fleet of eight Baroness mowers to cut every blade of grass at the 18-hole course, praising the outstanding simplicity in operation and industry-leading reliability of cut the brand has delivered for over two decades.

Baroness delivers reliability and performance

Baroness delivers reliability and performance

Himself celebrating 30 years at the club next year, Marc knows firsthand the difference high-quality, reliable equipment makes. “Put simply, they cut better than anything we’ve used previously and the build quality with Baroness is brilliant. On our fairways, for example, we’re using the LM551B and have never had to change the bottom blade, whereas on other machines, you’d be changing it every season” he explains.

Running alongside the LM551B fairway mower is the GM2810A five-deck rough rotary mower, two LM315GC greens mowers, an LM331 for tees and surrounds, LM180 for banks and around trees and a pair of Baroness LM56GC hand mowers. “They all suit our situation really well” Marc adds. “Each machine gives us versatility, whether that’s working on different terrain and coping well with the course’s slopes and valleys or being able to easily adjust the height of cut to mow multiple areas, on different ground conditions, with one machine.”

“Our LM315GC greens mowers can also be equipped with rollers and scarifier cassettes, which we can quickly exchange with the cutting units and means we can conduct multiple maintenance operations saving both time and money.” Further budget-friendly benefits are brought about by the LM315’s cable-driven operation. “This not only reduces the risk of a hydraulic or oil leak but, in the 20 years we’ve had these machines, we’ve only had the occasional cable snap, reducing all-important downtime and costly repair bills.”

Marc continues, “The machines are not complicated or flashy, but they do exactly what we need them to do and that’s cut grass really well! The fact that there’s less to go wrong is a huge plus with us being a small team of five and not having our own dedicated mechanic.”

When support is needed, Marc and the team know they can call on local dealers Lister Wilder or their Baroness regional manager Paul Watson. “On the rare occasion we have a question or issue, the after-sales support is second-to-none. If it’s something that can’t be answered over the phone, someone will be with us that day or the next to get us back up and running nice and quickly.”

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Hunter Showcases Precision and Performance at SALTEX

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Hunter Showcases Precision and Performance at SALTEX: Hunter Grinders, part of the Howardson Group, will be exhibiting at SALTEX 2025, taking place at the NEC Birmingham on 12-13th November 2025. Visitors can find the team on stand E123, to see why the Jupiter ATI ‘All in One’ Grinder remains the professional choice for consistent, accurate cylinder grinding.

Precision Engineered for Accuracy

Renowned for its build quality and repeatable results, the Jupiter ATI is a fully automatic relief and spin grinder that restores cutting units to exact manufacturer specifications. Its solid cast bed and heavy-duty linear rails ensure smooth, stable movement and precision, accurate to within 0.05 mm (2 thou).

Hunter Showcases Precision and Performance at SALTEX

Hunter Showcases Precision and Performance at SALTEX

Automated Efficiency

With automatic traverse, indexing and in-feed, the Jupiter ATI operates independently, allowing operators to focus on other workshop tasks. Every grind is consistent, accurate and repeatable.

Designed for Operator Safety and Comfort

A liquid coolant system manages heat and dust for a cleaner, safer workspace, while twin LED work lights provide excellent visibility throughout each grinding cycle.

Built for Versatility

Equipped with a 360-degree electric hoist and the ability to grind both the top and front faces of bottom blades, the Jupiter ATI handles a wide range of cylinder and bottom blade configurations with ease. Fully programmable spin and relief grinding modes, automatic wheel-head docking and cycle countdown simplify complex operations and reduce operator input.

Reliable. Repeatable. Ready.

Built to perform, the Jupiter ATI combines robust construction, hands-free indexing and full CE and H&S compliance, delivering a modern, service-ready solution for professional workshops.

Visit Hunter Grinders on stand E123 at SALTEX 2025 to experience the precision, reliability and service support that define the brand’s commitment to excellence.

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