Tag Archive for: Reveals

Stihl reveals impressive range

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Stihl reveals impressive range: Stihl invited the industry press to their new Camberley-based headquarters to demonstrate some of their new battery powered equipment and showcase their Master Technician Course.

The equipment on show included chainsaws; hedge trimmers; a single sided hedge trimmer and both conventional battery power mower and robot mowers.

Stihl reveals impressive range

Stihl reveals impressive range

With a high power output of 2.0 kW, equivalent to the petrol FS 411 C-EM, the new STIHL FSA 400 is the most powerful battery powered clearing saw available in the market.

Thanks to its impressive performance, the FSA 400 is the first STIHL AP System tool to be compatible with shredder and circular saw blades, allowing professionals to clear tough areas of dense and woody growth.

Like all AP System tools, the FSA 400 has been built to withstand tough working conditions. The sturdy battery housing with stainless steel air filter ensures optimum battery and motor protection, while the 28mm aluminium drive shaft and gearbox are identical to those found on the professional petrol range.

Designed for professional landscapers, the HSA 140 R and HSA 140 T are the most powerful battery powered hedge trimmers in the STIHL AP System.

The HSA 140 also offers high levels of operator comfort. The new hedge trimmer weighs just 4.3-4.6 kg (without battery) and is comfortable to hold, balanced in operation, and features a rotating rear handle that locks into three positions across a 180-degree range.

The HSA 140 is quiet in operation, and thanks to the highly effective anti vibration system, is suitable for long periods of use too.

Designed for professional landscapers, the HSA 150 R and HSA 150 T are the first single-sided hedge trimmers in the Stihl AP System, comparable in performance to the popular petrol HS 87.

Available in lengths of 75cm or 100cm, the HSA 150 comes equipped with a catcher plate as standard, increasing the speed at which the top of hedges can be cut.

Stihl reveals impressive range

Stihl reveals impressive range

Stihl has expanded its range of robotic lawn mowers with the introduction of the professional iMOW 7 PRO. Thanks to the new Teams Function, up to three iMOW 7 PRO machines can work in one mowing area to rapidly maintain lawns and sports pitches up to 8,000m2 in size, with minimal disruption to day-to-day operations.

The iMOW 7 PRO offers professionals and businesses a cost effective and reliable way of ensuring a high-quality finish to their grounds, while allowing operatives more time to focus on other value adding tasks.

The Teams Function, combined with the fast drive speed and short mowing times, ensures that the iMOW 7 PRO cuts the grass quickly with minimal disruption. The mowing timetable can be customised easily in the My iMOW App, allowing mowing periods to work seamlessly alongside the activities taking place on the sports pitch.

Stihl is also launching three new powerful and rugged professional battery-powered lawnmowers, perfectly suited to demanding lawn care in noise-sensitive areas. An extension to the AP System, the new lawnmowers are equivalent in performance to the well-respected 7 series petrol models.

With a 48cm cutting width, the RMA 750 V is the smallest of the three new models. The RMA 756 V has a larger 54cm cutting width for faster working, while the RMA 7 RV is a dedicated mulching mower with no collection bag and a cutting width of 51cm.

Stihl’s Master Technician Course, has been designed to provide expert level servicing and diagnostics across the full Stihl product range.

Following extensive development and a successful pilot earlier this year, the Master Technician Course is now available to Approved dealers who have completed the full training pathway, comprising Foundation, Intermediate, and Advanced Servicing courses.

The final stage of the programme includes an online entry exam and pre-requisite modules, followed by an intensive three-day face-to face training experience at Stihl’s headquarters, Contra House.

The hands-on course offers participants an in-depth technical deep dive, featuring:

• Eight specialist assessments
• Extensive product usage training
• A guided Contra House tour
• A structured recertification process, including an annual online exam. Since launching the Master

Technician learning pathway in 2023, nearly 100 face-to-face training courses have taken place across all four levels, reinforcing the company’s commitment to dealer training and technical excellence.

The first Master Technician Course officially launched online in February, with nine further face-to-face sessions planned throughout 2025.

Combined with a tour of the HQ which was officially opened last spring, the day was extremely informative and, as usual, Stihl were perfect hosts.

Dollar spot survey reveals infection pressures and actions

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Dollar spot survey reveals infection pressures and actions: Syngenta has published the findings of the Dollar Spot State of the Nation Survey 2024. Key findings of the report highlight the role for Integrated Turf Management actions to reduce disease outbreaks, including nutrition, rolling, moisture management and fungicide timings.

Assessing responses from over 100 golf course managers, Syngenta Technical Managers, Glenn Kirby and Sean Loakes, reported the scale of issues with dollar spot have become far more widespread – affecting all areas of the course and for a far extended part of the season.

Dollar spot survey reveals infection pressures and actions

Dollar spot survey reveals infection pressures and actions

“Dollar spot had typically been attributed as a summer disease, but the reports have shown it can occur throughout the year, with significant numbers of outbreaks reported from March right through to October,” commented Sean Loakes.

“Furthermore, while it has frequently been associated with less intensively managed tees, fairways and approaches, the report highlighted that greens were actually the most frequently affected surfaces.”

He added that all grass species would appear to be affected, with the management actions on turf a more influential factor of disease outbreak, over the species composition of the sward. Dollar spot outbreaks were reported on 81% of instances of fescue dominant greens, compared to 58% of bent blends and 57% poa dominant surfaces.

Linking the postcode of survey responses to local records of Smith-Kerns pressure, of weather conditions that would be associated with dollar spot outbreaks, revealed that high pressure would indicate more disease.

“However, it is not a clear-cut correlation,” said Sean. “Some courses under prolonged high pressure reported no dollar spot incidences, which indicates that the disease can be effectively managed by other turf management actions.

“Equally, some courses with relatively low weather related pressure did report dollar spot infections. This has highlighted that the Smith-Kerns model is a useful guide for risk, but that the numbers must be interpreted along with all other actions in making decisions.”

For effective ITM strategies, frequent rolling, maintaining higher soil moisture content and providing higher levels of nutrition were all associated with lower levels of dollar spot being reported, Sean added.

“The survey responses showed a clear trend of a higher incidence of disease reported where turf was being managed at lower rates of nutrition.

“However, it was not exclusively so, indicating that dollar spot could still be contained on lower nutrient management strategies, providing other ITM actions were taken to avoid outbreaks,” he advised.

“Furthermore, while fewer outbreaks were reported on turf managed with higher nutrient inputs, it could still occur if turf management practices and conditions were conducive to disease.”

Responses to the Dollar Spot State of the Nation Survey also showed the link between management to target lower levels of soil volumetric moisture content (VMC) and the reported incidence of dollar spot.

Surfaces targeted to manage VMC below 15% reported the highest levels of infection outbreaks, at over 70% of instances. When responses for surfaces managed at a higher target VMC of 21 to 25% were assessed, over 60% of courses reported no outbreaks dollar spot.

“The survey responses showed a clear pattern that the greater use of turf iron for rolling surfaces resulted in a reduced incidence of dollar spot reports,” Sean pointed out.

“On courses where greens were never rolled dollar spot was reported in 75% of cases, with a trend declining to 50% of courses rolling surface five times a week. Most courses (61%) were reported to be rolling surfaces two or three times a week.”

For courses that were rolling almost daily, there was no incidence of dollar spot reported. However, this was a very small proportion of the survey responses (3%).

The survey identified no link between organic matter levels and dollar spot outbreaks, however there was some indication that lower cutting height could be associated with reduced levels of infection. “This is an element of the ITM strategy requires further investigation,” he suggested.

Analysis of the Dollar Spot State of the Nation Survey indicate that where greenkeepers are managing to promote fescue dominant surfaces, they are lowering the target moisture levels, reducing the nitrogen applied and raising the height of cut, compared to predominantly poa and bent greens.

Greens containing fescue receive, on average, 40% less nitrogen compered to poa or bent greens. Fescue greens are also managed at a target VMC 4-5% lower and with a height of cut at an average 3.9mm, which is 0.4-0.5mm higher than poa or bent greens.

“From the findings of the report these management practices may also be playing into the hands of dollar spot.

“Whilst the feeling is that fescue species are slightly more tolerant to dollar spot, the management practices needed to maintain them can lead to fescue dominant surfaces being more vulnerable to the disease,” he warned.

The report identified that most greenkeepers – nearly 70% – have used fungicides as part of their strategy to manage dollar spot.

“While in some situations managers may consider that dollar spot doesn’t warrant fungicidal control on all areas of the course, as the climate changes we need to consider how we keep damage at an acceptable level,” added Sean.

“New fungicide technology, good disease modelling to help improve timings and good application techniques will help turf managers get the best out of them as part of their Integrated Turf Management strategy.”

Responses to the survey have provided guidance on a number of actions that turf managers could consider to reduce risks and minimise impact of this increasingly challenging disease.

Sean’s Top Tips to reduce dollar spot pressure and better manage disease:

  • Adequate nutrition
  • Maintain moisture levels
  • Regular rolling
  • Lower cutting heights
  • Monitor weather conditions conducive to disease
  • Timely and accurate fungicide application
  • Year-round management

“A better understanding of the implications of certain management practices on the risk of dollar spot, could help to instigate counter measures to reduce pressure in the future,” he concluded.

Following on from the dollar spot survey, a new Microdochium Patch State of the Nation Survey will seek to identify and share experiences of management practices to help all turf managers effectively tackle the most widespread turf disease. Complete the survey here.

The full Dollar Spot State of the Nation Survey 2024 report is available to download from the Syngenta Turf & Landscape website.

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SALTEX reveals first round of speakers

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SALTEX reveals first round of speakers: SALTEX can announce the first round of headlining speakers at this year’s Learning LIVE and details on the themed stages, which are new for 2023.

SALTEX is known for the quality, range and breadth of professional development opportunities it provides through its industry-leading, established Learning LIVE programme. This year, over 20 presenters will speak across three stages in two days. It is the largest free live learning event for the sector with many visitors citing it as a key reason to attend the show.

SALTEX reveals first round of speakers

SALTEX reveals first round of speakers

Sarah Cunningham, director of commercial and events at the GMA, says: “Learning LIVE is a well-respected, highly anticipated highlight at SALTEX, known to be a fantastic way to boost knowledge in a wide range of topics. Here we provide a snapshot of some of the headlining speakers and sessions available. It’s exciting and there is so much more to come!”

This year, the Main Stage will continue as it always has done to highlight the latest hot topics and issues, bringing visitors into the big conversations of the moment.

Day one of the show sees Lee Guerriero, pitch and technology specialist at UEFA, discuss UEFA’s 2024-2027 pitch strategy and on day two Tony Hanson and his fellow panellists from the Environment Agency and Anglian Water will cover future water restrictions for golf greens and sports turf.

Lee Guerriero explains: “Attending events like SALTEX is important to maintain an understanding of the latest developments in a rapidly evolving industry. With challenges facing grounds keepers as a result of heavy fixture schedules, climate change and the need to work in a sustainable way, it is important that all stakeholders from grassroots sports to the elite game come to events such as SALTEX.

“The Learning LIVE sessions in particular allow for an exchange of best practice and an open dialogue across sports so that the quality of the pitches continues to improve as expectation levels and demands around pitch quality also continue to grow.”

New for 2023 are themed stages and reflecting the need to place sustainability and environmental issues at the heart of the grounds maintenance sector’s thinking, the Eco Stage will do just that. SALTEX is proud to introduce Dr Eric O’Donnell from SportsLabs to talk about recycling solutions for synthetic turf and a session from the Football Foundation on its pilot on the future of sustainable synthetic turf.

The Spotlight Stage brings to the fore the crowd-pullers into an ask the experts-style forum. Dr John Dempsey will bring his insights to the 2020-2023 independent turfgrass research update and non-pesticidal disease management sessions, while Aled Lewis will highlight Welsh FA’s Pitch Improvement Funding Strategy.

Dr John Dempsey, independent turfgrass research, says: “The reason I like to present at events such as SALTEX is that I love sharing the results of not only my research but also the latest data available on relevant turfgrass subjects and it gives me the opportunity to meet many turfgrass professionals.

“Hopefully attendees will find the presentations of value and take away something that will be able to incorporate into their maintenance programs be it golf, football or playing fields.”

Sarah continues: “We have curated what we believe to be a well-rounded, industry representative programme of CPD-accredited seminars, which we will be able to share in full with visitors in due course.”

Until then, register now to boost your knowledge and guarantee entry to Europe’s largest and leading sports turf, amenities, and landscaping trade exhibition at Birmingham NEC on 1-2 November 2023 at: https://bit.ly/456l0dA

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BIGGA reveals greenkeeping awards finalists

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BIGGA reveals greenkeeping awards finalists: An innovative project to restore the historic links that hosted the first Open Championship, a club that hosted its first ever professional golf event and a team that battled Scottish snowfall to construct a new hole have been revealed as the finalists of the British & International Golf Greenkeepers Association’s (BIGGA) Awards 2023.

Each year BIGGA invites nominations from across the golfing industry to recognise the achievements of its members, who play a vital role in the ongoing success of the sport.

BIGGA reveals greenkeeping awards finalists

BIGGA reveals greenkeeping awards finalists

The BIGGA Awards are divided into three categories, with the winners revealed at the BIGGA Welcome Celebration with Origin Amenity Solutions, taking place on the opening evening of the BIGGA Turf Management Exhibition (BTME) in January 2023.

BTME is the largest annual gathering of greenkeeping professionals outside America and is held at the Harrogate Convention Centre in North Yorkshire alongside the Continue to Learn education programme. Together the events are considered among the most influential in the golfing calendar given the professional development opportunities presented to golf greenkeepers, helping them produce fantastic playing surfaces at every level of the sport.

With incredible prizes up for grabs, the BIGGA Awards recognise that high standards of quality and dedication are vital to the success of any golf course or championship. They reward the innovation of BIGGA members who are at the cutting edge of the profession and any BIGGA member within the UK, regardless of their golf facility’s size, age or reputation, can enter. The awards provide golf clubs with an opportunity to showcase their greenkeeping team’s talents and celebrate their achievements.

Championship Greenkeeping Performance of the Year sponsored by Bernhard and Company

This award isn’t just restricted to those clubs who host majors or DP World Tour events. A team may have done incredible work to get the course fit for professional or amateur events, including national or important local championships.

The finalists in this category for 2023 are:

  • Abridge Golf Club in Essex for hosting the club’s first EuroPro Tour event, the PDC Championship, from 29 June to 1 July 2022
  • Minchinhampton Golf Club in Gloucestershire for hosting South West Week and Open Championship – Regional Qualifying in June 2022
  • St Annes Old Links for the hosting of Open Championship – Final Qualifying and The R&A’s Amateur Championship in June 2022

Greenkeeping Project of the Year sponsored by Sports Turf Data Solutions

This award recognises those greenkeeping teams who have undertaken a specific project, completed within the past year. However, projects can be long term and include course construction, renovation or rebuild – the possibilities are endless.

The finalists in this category for 2023 are:

  • Astbury Golf Club, led by Head Greenkeeper Andy Brougham, for their bunker renovation project
  • Prestwick Golf Club, led by Golf Course Superintendent David Edmondson, for the recreation of the original 12-hole Open layout used for the first Open Championship
  • Strathaven Golf Club, led by Head Greenkeeper Stephen Hunter, for the redesign and reshaping of two holes to fit in with safety concerns

Outstanding Contribution of the Year sponsored by Baroness

This award is presented to a BIGGA member or members who has made an outstanding contribution above and beyond their normal working life. This can be for charity, for the betterment of the greenkeeping profession or association or generally for society. The winner of this award will be revealed at the BIGGA Welcome Celebration at BTME 2023.

More information about each of the finalists can be found on the BTME website.

BIGGA CEO Jim Croxton said: “Around Christmas each year I get the tremendous pleasure of revealing which of our incredible members have been selected as finalists of the BIGGA Awards, with the winners to be announced at our fantastic BIGGA Welcome Celebration at BTME. I never fail to be impressed by what our members are able to achieve, despite the sometimes immense challenges put in front of them. Whether it be a project to improve their facility or preparing for and delivering an important championship at their venue, their skill, talent and commitment knows no bounds.

“Congratulations to our finalists and thanks as always to our wonderful sponsors for supporting BIGGA members every step of the way.” 

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Allett reveals Stirling battery mower

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Allett reveals Stirling battery mower: Allett has introduced the Stirling battery mowers to their electric range. This, they say, is a unique mower for the lawn connoisseur, be they a homeowner who is an expert in lawncare, or the professional, demanding the perfection of a greens mower at a fraction of the cost of a professional one.

The Stirling is not just a mower but a complete lawncare system which utilises all the Allett Cartridges (adaption kit required) to achieve a greens standard ultra-low finish. With all the benefits of electric drive, the Stirling is packed with features previously unavailable outside Allett’s professional mower range for groundsmen and greenkeepers. Working with EGO’s renowned Power-Plus Arc Lithium-Ion battery system, they have designed a new generation of innovative, eco friendly, quiet yet powerful, versatile mowing and maintenance systems. Versatile because there is a greater range of lawn finishes with the height of cut range from 5mm to 50mm. Deeper cultivation for improved lawn treatment is made simple with the quick change cartridges that can be changed in under fifteen seconds.

Allett reveals Stirling battery mower

Allett reveals Stirling battery mower

The all-electric drive means quieter mowing at any time of the day, with no pollution at the point of cutting, no fuel collection and storage, push button starting and greater reliability. Two electric motors independently drive the rear roller and cartridge blades, with the EGO 56V battery generating masses of power for up to 900m² of continuous mowing at top speed. The battery will also fit into any EGO garden tool. The bottom blade has been made thicker with greater rigidity for trouble-free and accurate cutting. There is a roller-only drive option, so no rotating blades when travelling between lawns, and variable speed roller-drive offers more control for better mowing and cultivation results.

The Stirling is perfectly balanced with the weight over the rear roller, which means longer lasting, more contrasting stripes. It is also a split roller to ensure less turf wear and scuffing when turning. The independent drive speed allows you to travel at the right speed and the pull back and over-ride features allow effortless control and easy turning. The mower drive controls are simple and easy to use, with hand-palm recessed roller drive engagement. A LED battery charge light is continuously visible, so you know at a glance the battery’s remaining charge level and an overload warning light tells you if the mower is being worked too hard for the motors or battery.

There is also a front roller that is free wheeling for better battery life, less effort and accurate and consistent height control. The power system is neatly integrated into the chassis to provide good visibility of the front roller. An easy, turn-wheel accurately sets the height of cut, with an indicator to take the guesswork out of adjustment. The grassbox is lightweight, with a wire frame and perforated material stretched over it. Easy to carry and lift when it’s full, it also breaks down for winter storage. A lawn rake is a retained feature from other Allett mowers because customers say they love it. The Allett Stirling comes in two models, the Stirling 43 and Stirling 51 with 17” (430mm) and 20” (510mm) mowing width, respectively. Saltex Stand No. K009. Allett Mowers Ltd.  01889 271503

www.allett.co.uk

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