Tag Archive for: Range

Rangeline improves range economics and visuals

Rangeline improves range economics and visuals: Sand bunkers are expensive items for golf courses to maintain, given the standards now expected by golfers. This level of maintenance is only justifiable for bunkers that get plenty of use: if a lot of players visit a bunker, then it is worth spending the money to keep it in primo condition. 

But on practice ranges, where bunkers are purely aiming tools, and never get any actual play, bunker maintenance is wholly a waste of money. Thus it is tempting for course operators to dig holes on their range, fill them with sand, and leave them be. But this approach too has its problems: wind and rain will cause the bunker sand to move around and to be contaminated with other substances, reducing, even possibily eliminating, the value of having the bunker on the range in the first place. The newly-launched RANGEline product from ZLine Products, is the answer.

Rangeline improves range economics and visuals

Rangeline improves range economics and visuals

RANGEline consists of sand-coloured synthetic material, which is installed on the range in lieu of bunkers. It is UV coated to ensure that the color can withstand sunlight exposure and seamlessly replicates the aesthetic value of sand bunkers on the range, giving golfers a powerful aiming tool, but it is essentially maintenance-free. The product was formerly known at SRL-16, but has been redesigned to be thicker and denser, so it absorbs impacts better.

“RANGEline helps course operators improve the playability and shotmaking of their practice ranges, without increasing maintenance costs,” says Casey Jones, inernational operations manager of ZLine. “It is very cost-effective – the cost of the product is roughly the same as sand – and over time it will produce an excellent return on investment. Ball picking from RANGEline is much easier than from a sand bunker, as the picking machine can drive over it. Even if the ‘bunker’ is inaccessible to the picker, it is far easier to rake up the balls than to pick them from sand – which has to be done by hand.”

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Kubota adds FC3-221E to its growing range

Kubota adds FC3-221E to its growing range: Kubota is broadening its FC mower range by introducing the FC3-221E, a smaller, agile and adaptable centre-collect machine ideal for various applications, including residential gardens, schools, recreational areas, as well as large-scale sports facilities.

The new 2WD FC3-221E boasts superb accessibility, with a seating position that provides operators with full visibility of the mower deck, giving increased control and precision for every operation. In addition to the ergonomic design, the mower comes equipped with a state-of-the-art digital instrument display. This advanced feature provides real-time access to vital operating information, allowing for informed decision-making and optimised performance.

Kubota adds FC3-221E to its growing range

Kubota adds FC3-221E to its growing range

Exceptional ‘cut and collect’ performance

Engineered with precision, the mounting and positioning of the mower deck are meticulously crafted to follow the contours of the ground. The front-mounted deck configuration further adds to the performance, by generating optimal air pressure beneath the housing.

This approach guarantees a smoother cut and facilitates the seamless flow of grass cuttings to the collector turbine, which lies at the heart of the machine’s functionality. This patented design element significantly reduces the distance travelled by the cut grass, enabling rapid and efficient grass collection.

Additionally, the FC3-221E features an expansive 600-litre grass collector, meaning operators can cover significant areas before it requires emptying.

Power

The 22hp FC3-221E is powered by the efficient Kubota D902 engine, providing the necessary power and torque to drive the hydrostatic transmission and hydraulic system with ease. Paired with hydraulic power steering, a soft-grip steering wheel and a steering knob, this setup guarantees exceptional manoeuvrability. Enhanced by a deluxe padded suspension seat, adjustable armrests and a high backrest, all tasks can be comfortably managed.

The front mower decks are equipped with two pairs of blades per rotor, offering distinct advantages over mid-mount configurations. By eliminating grass traversal before cutting, the two-wheel drive configuration offers greater manoeuvrability and precision in areas inaccessible to mid-mount setups. Available in 1.12m (44”) and 1.26m (50”) wide deck variants, this new Kubota mower guarantees a finer cut and accelerated mowing. The machine’s versatility is further improved by the option to attach either a flail mower, a snow blade or even a vacuum hose.

The FC3-221E is well-suited for extensive mowing duties yet remains compact and agile for smaller spaces. Its thorough cut-and-collect system makes it suitable for all grass maintenance requirements, providing outstanding results. The FC3-221E is also homologated for driving on public roads, facilitating transfer from one work site to another.

Accessible Maintenance

Maintenance access is a crucial aspect to ensure longevity and reliability and on the FC3-221E it is prioritised. By lifting the high-tip collector and the operator platform, access to the engine compartment becomes easily reachable. All routine maintenance tasks can be conducted safely and efficiently, with ample space to access and service components.

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GKB to showcase a range of machines at SALTEX

GKB to showcase a range of machines at SALTEX: No trip to SALTEX is complete without a stop by the bright and bold stand of GKB Machines! This year, stand H051 has been redesigned to maximise visual impact and make space for a wide range of machinery from across GKB’s portfolio of maintenance solutions for natural, hybrid and synthetic surfaces.

Part of the wider GKB Group, GKB Machines has been developing innovative machinery solutions since 1985. Using the knowledge and experience gained from their contracting division, the range is renowned for its robust build quality, functionality and efficiency – with the customers’ needs at the core of every design.

GKB to showcase a range of machines at SALTEX

GKB to showcase a range of machines at SALTEX

From the natural offering, particular highlights include the Deep Tine Aerator (DTA) and GKB Sandspreader. The Sandspreader range features four models, offering hopper capacities between 1m3 and 4m3 to cater for fine turf, sports turf and contractor applications. The material is transported from the hopper to the adjustable metering valve via an internal conveyor belt, before being efficiently and evenly distributed via the double disc hydraulic spinners. As well as trailed and mounted formats, GKB also offer the SPM model, which features a side material handler for the convenient filling of bunkers or trenches.

On synthetics, one important fact to consider when it comes to both the usage and maintenance of a surface is minimising the migration of infill into the environment. With the use of a synthetic pitch, infill will naturally tend to disperse outwards towards the pitch perimeters which is where effective maintenance will be needed, to ensure infill is returned to the higher use areas where it is required for surface stability and playability.

The easiest way to achieve this is via brushing, for which GKB have a range of options. The 4m wide Brush is ideal for quick surface coverage, with hydraulically foldable wings for convenient transportation and storage, while the GKB Quick-Brush can be configured with a range of optional extras including a rake or rubber finishing mat to suit individual requirements. Also in the GKB stable is the Rotobrush, equipped with a rotating brush head which can switch between clockwise and anti-clockwise operation, which effectively collects infill accumulations from the perimeter and move it towards the centre of the surface.

The GKB team will be on hand to answer any technical questions over the course of the two days, and look forward to seeing customers old and new this November.

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Bionema launches new range of biofertilisers

Bionema launches new range of biofertilisers: Bionema Group Ltd, a leading UK-based biocontrol technology developer and manufacturer of biocontrol, biostimulants and biofertilisers, has announced the launch of a new range of biofertiliser products in the UK for use in agriculture, horticulture, forestry, sport turf and amenities.

Bionema Group Ltd is launching four biofertilisers comprising living microbes that enhance plant nutrition by mobilising or increasing nutrient availability in soils and substrates. The BioNFix™ range and Rhizosafe™ include Paenibacillus azotofixans BNL1913, Azospirillum lipoferum BNL714, Bradyrhizobium japonicum BNL1061, and Rhizophagus irregularis BNL2414 encapsulated in a novel Incapsulex™ technology platform. This technology effectively encapsulates naturally derived microorganisms and delivers them on target, safely and effectively.

Bionema launches new range of biofertilisers

Bionema launches new range of biofertilisers

These biofertilisers restore the soil’s natural nutrient cycle and build soil organic matter, enhancing plant growth while avoiding the use of synthetic fertilisers that can pollute the world’s waters and its atmosphere.

Field trials conducted by Bionema in different parts of world demonstrated significantly enhanced growth in agricultural crops grown with biofertilisers, and positive changes in soil organic matter content and pH, soil type and agroecological condition. These effects resulted in yield improvements as well a 40–50% reduction in synthetic fertiliser use.

As the benefits of these products have become more recognised, and consumer preference for organic foods has intensified, there has been growing interest in biofertilisers. The biofertilisers market was valued at $2.6 billion in 2021 and projected to reach $4.5 billion by 2026 at 11.9% CGAR (Markets and Markets, 2022). In particular, the mycorrhizae-based biofertilisers market is projected to reach $1.087 billion by 2027, and the use of mycorrhizal biofertilizers (especially arbuscular mycorrhizae species for agriculture crops) is expanding thanks to their numerous benefits: (i) increased nutrient intake and water; (ii) reduced soil erosion; (iii) reduced need for phosphorus application; (iv) better tolerance to biotic and abiotic stresses.

Speaking on the launch, Dr Minshad Ansari, Founder and CEO of Bionema Group Ltd said “Bionema’s collection of exclusive microorganisms and its novel delivery system provides a unique solution to soil fertility and crop health improvement. With a wide range of microbes that support Nitrogen fixation, Phosphorus solubilisation, Potassium mobilisation, and more, these biofertilisers are the ideal choice for anyone seeking to boost their soil’s health and vitality.”

Dr Sarah Harding, Global Head of Innovation at Bionema said, “These new products are the results of many years of research, not just into the microbes used for promoting and protecting plant growth, but also into the technology used for formulating these products in a way that ensures their survival and efficacy in the field.

Mrs Meraj Syeda, Operations Director & Co-founder of Bionema Group Ltd said, “We believe in strict loyalty to ‘Innovation’ and in building value by supplying products and services that conform to global standards, ensuring consistent availability of world class products”.

The Bionema team would be delighted to explain the best application processes for each product to potential customers to make sure optimal results are achieved with these biofertilisers, all of which use advanced micronutrient technology to promote healthy plant growth. Bionema is focused on achieving customer success with biofertilisers and will be employing a variety of newly created technical training programmes for customers in the UK market.

Bionema’s expanded portfolio reflects Bionema’s evolution in focus and strategy, announced in 2022 following the company’s deal with Syngenta that secured Bionema’s position as a top 20 world-leading biocontrol company.

“Our vision is to be a leading BioAg technology developer and manufacturer, reducing the need for chemicals in modern-day farming,” added Dr Ansari. “We are part of the real green revolution, which is happening right now, and we are investing in our planet’s future by putting a stake in fertile ground, the BioAg way!”

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EGO to reveal new PRO X range at SALTEX

EGO to reveal new PRO X range at SALTEX: Leading battery-powered outdoor power equipment specialist, EGO Power Plus, has announced that visitors to this year’s SALTEX; can expect an exclusive viewing of its new-look PRO X range.

Set to launch in 2024, the new PRO X range features trailblazing battery and charging technology and has been specifically designed to meet the demands of professional users as well as local authorities.

EGO to reveal new PRO X range at SALTEX

EGO to reveal new PRO X range at SALTEX

Vince Brauns, Group Product Director at EGO, comments: “It is always great to return to SALTEX, especially as it provides us with the perfect opportunity to share exciting new developments to our range with visitors. We are really excited for the show to open so that we can showcase our new PRO X products, including our improved charging solution.

“We have been able to evolve our battery and charging innovations to the point where users can work all day, every day, making our new PRO X range the reliable and performance-driven fleet of tools that professional users need.”

On the stand, visitors will be in with a chance of winning a selection of EGO prizes.

Visitors of the show at The NEC in Birmingham on the 1st and 2nd of November 2023 can find EGO’s latest product offering on stand C150.

For more information, visit; www.egopowerplus.co.uk

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