Tag Archive for: Sprayer

Team Sprayers manufacture its 20,000th Sprayer!

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Team Sprayers manufacture its 20,000th Sprayer!: Team Sprayers is delighted to announce the manufacture and sale of its 20,000th sprayer. The Club 800 sprayer, a tractor mounted ground care sprayer, destined for Tractor Services CL Ltd in Jersey, made its way out of their Ely based factory on 10th May 2024, 43 years after the company was established.

Team Sprayers was established in 1981 by Robert (Bob) Hubbard following the closure of Dorman Sprayers. Seven of Dorman’s employees transferred across to Team bringing a combination of skills and knowledge, which were an essential starting block for the newly founded company. Leveraging their skills and knowledge, Team has worked hard to become a respected market leader in the production and manufacturing of its range of sprayers and applicators.

Team Sprayers manufacture its 20,000th Sprayer!

Team Sprayers manufacture its 20,000th Sprayer!

In 2024 Team Sprayers’ range includes more than 30 models which span the golf course & sports pitch, agriculture and de-icing markets. Each and every one of Team’s sprayers is made to order and is built to a high specification using the highest quality parts and components. Their focus is on accuracy, boom stability and strength. As each sprayer is built to order Team has the ability to build bespoke sprayers, exactly to their customers’ needs. Every sprayer comes with a range of advanced functions as standard with the choice of either manual or electric folding boom, a dual covered boom system or computerised auto spray rate controller, and GPS mapping.

Not only do Team build accurate sprayers that are made to last, being a family owned business, employing 24 members of staff allows Team to deliver a quality, friendly and dependable service to its customers. In 2024 Team is led by brothers Phil and Danny Hubbard, the sons of Bob who have worked for the business since 1995 and 1998 respectively.

On the sale of the 20,000th sprayer Danny Hubbard, Managing Director of Team Sprayers said, “We are incredibly proud to have manufactured and delivered our 20,000th sprayer. It is testament to both our sprayers’ build and our service quality that we have secured enough orders in the last 43 years to have reached such a great number and we would like to thank each and every customer for supporting us. We look forward to producing the next 20,000 to the high standard that our customers have come to expect from us.”

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Dan Waring announced as Amenity Sprayer Operator of the Year

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Dan Waring announced as Amenity Sprayer Operator of the Year: Professional spray tech, Dan Waring, has won the prestigious title of Amenity Sprayer Operator of the Year (ASOOTY). Managing all the turf and amenity spraying at the JCB Golf and Country Club in Uttoxeter, he was praised for his meticulous attention to detail and adoption of new technologies to assure accurate application.

Dan’s ASOOTY award presentation was made as part of the glittering BIGGA industry awards at BTME in Harrogate this week (23 January 2024), along with the competition’s other finalists, Conrad Cavill of the All England Lawn Tennis Club, Wimbledon and Bryan Ramsey of Complete Weed Control, Scotland South East.

Dan Waring announced as Amenity Sprayer Operator of the Year

Dan Waring announced as Amenity Sprayer Operator of the Year

The ASOOTY awards highlight best practice and experience in the challenging role of ensuring accurate application on all amenity surfaces.

Sponsored by ICL and Syngenta and managed by the Amenity Forum, the awards seek to share top tips and advice that will raise the standards of spray application across the amenity industry.

Having worked for six years at JCB Golf, Dan has been the full-time spray tech for the past three seasons. One of the keys to his success has been continuous professional development, including  a year in the US on the Ohio State programme with an intensive focus on application skills.

He also regularly completes on-line sprayer training courses and tailoring the latest spraying technology and innovations from the agricultural sector to be adopted for amenity application. Working closely with course manager, Callum Wark, Dan’s role has been integral in using accurate application to deliver a full spectrum of conventional and biological plant protection products and nutrition, designed for a successful Integrated Turf Management approach to overall plant health and turf quality.

“I would urge all sprayer operators to undertake as much training as possible, to gain more knowledge on the products being used and the application technology,” he advocated. “That will enable people to be more confident in what they are doing, and give the spray tech’s role the credit it deserves.”

One of his top tips would be to lay out all the products required for the following day’s spraying, in the order they will be mixed, before leaving – so they can be methodically checked again and then added to the tank quickly and efficiently. He will also half fill the tank with clean water and pressure test for any visual leaks, before adding any chemical.

Presenting the award at BTME, Ian Graham, Chairman of the Amenity Forum, said: “The skills required to competently apply professional plant protection products are often overlooked. Along with the formal training and accreditation process, there is the experience that takes years to acquire.

“Winners of this award have elevated the application process to an art, be that with a knapsack or a boom sprayer, to help maintain the amazing playing surfaces that sport has become used to enjoying all year round,” he added.

“The Amenity Forum is delighted to work with ICL and Syngenta as the sponsors of this award and would like to congratulate Dan for upholding the highest of professional standards.”

ICL Landscape & Industrial Business Development Manager, Lewis Blois, added: “We are delighted to support such an important cross-sector industry initiative with a continued commitment to raise standards and improve results.

“Importantly it has identified and recognised the range of spray application techniques and the differing skills involved across the amenity sector. It will provide a unique and vitally important resource for all involved in spray application.”

Sean Loakes, Syngenta Technical Manager, advocated the awards reflect the importance of an Integrated Turf Management (ITM) approach to responsible and sustainable turf and landscape maintenance.

“The skills of sprayer operators to make efficient, effective and above all safe applications are essential for the future sustainability of the amenity and turf care industry,” he advised.

“The ASOOTY awards are a welcome way to recognise and reward the leading individuals and for everyone to learn from their experience.”

Look out on the Amenity Forum website for more details and entry form for the launch of next year’s ASOOTY and your chance to win.

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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 sports turf, amenity and landscape management industries. The 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 ICL and Syngenta and managed by the Amenity Forum, 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 finalists and winner will be announced and presented at the prestigious BIGGA Awards ceremony at BTME in January 2024, with prizes worth over £500. All ASOOTY applicants will also be entered into a competition to win one of five Syngenta Sprayer Calibration & Application Kits.  BASIS CPD points for participating in the awards have been applied for.

The skills of sprayer operators to make efficient, effective and above all safe applications is essential for the future sustainability of the amenity and turf care industry. ASOOTY awards are a welcome way to recognise and reward the leading individuals and to learn from their experience.

Along with assessing operators’ skills of spray application and use of products, the ASOOTY awards also now reflect the importance of an integrated pest management (IPM) approach to any issues involving turf and landscape maintenance.

Announcing the opening of the ASOOTY 2023 awards at SALTEX (1-2 November), 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 integrated options they can also employ for better long-term management of potential problems.

“Knowing when not to spray is in many ways as important as the techniques to actually make an application,” he advised.

ICL Landscape & Industrial Business Manager, Lewis Blois, added: “We are delighted to support such an important cross-sector industry initiative with a continued commitment to raise standards and improve results.

“Importantly it has identified and recognised the range of spray application techniques and the differing skills involved across the amenity sector. It will provide a unique and vitally important resource for all involved in spray application.”

This year the entry process aims to test sprayer operators’ broader knowledge of issues and solutions faced across the amenity sector through an initial on-line question form. Lewis explained entrants are not expected to know the answers to all the questions, however the entry form 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 challenging issues around application across the sports turf, amenity and industrial land management industries, 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,” he added.

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Team Sprayers take Demount Pro sprayer to SALTEX

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Team Sprayers take Demount Pro sprayer to SALTEX: British sprayer manufacturer Team Sprayers will be at SALTEX this year with their range of pedestrian, mounted and self propelled ground care sprayers, including their best-selling Demount Pro Sprayer.

With Team’s Demount Pro optimum manoeuvrability, precision application, exceptional boom stability and superior performance comes as standard.

Team Sprayers take Demount Pro sprayer to SALTEX

Team Sprayers take Demount Pro sprayer to SALTEX

Highly versatile, fitting a range of utility vehicles the Demount Pro was re-designed a few years ago to be shorter and more compact, making it easier to spray difficult areas and is available with manual, electric folding or covered boom systems, all with break back pivot points. It also features a flattened tank (in sizes 400l to 800l); offering total vision across the back of the machine. Available with an auto-rate control or GPS mapping system green keepers can ensure efficient use of time and chemicals.

To see their range of ground care sprayers and to meet the Team visit them on stand C095.

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GPS sprayer leads step change in philosophy

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GPS sprayer leads step change in philosophy: A major overhaul of equipment and the adoption of cutting-edge technology is driving a new, long-term strategy at The Leicestershire Golf Club (TLGC).

Led by Course Manager, Steve Hardy, and backed up by the club’s management committee, the grounds team is now able to perform their roles to a higher level while also making significant efficiency gains.

Steve only took over the role in July 2021, joining TLGC from The Warwickshire where he was Assistant Course Manager.

It took him just a few months to oversee a transformation of the club’s machinery shed which he says is already having a significant impact on how the course plays, and how the club is run.

Out has gone the aging machinery which was costing the club tens of thousands of pounds every year in repairs and maintenance.

In its place has come a fleet of new John Deere kit which Steve says is saving time and money while also giving the team the tools to do the best job possible.

“When I came in, I wanted to make improvements but there were lots of issues that needed resolving so it was a case of prioritising,” Steve said.

“The machinery fleet was old and inefficient – breakdowns were happening all the time and it was taking days to get the parts to be back up and running.

“The team was spending hours cutting the course and it still wasn’t looking the best it could because the tools they were using were letting them down.”

Steve proposed sweeping changes. Within weeks he had organised demonstrations with major brands of the mowers, sprayers and utility vehicles he felt the club needed.

“The club was moving from purchasing machinery and hoping it would last for 20 years to a five to seven-year strategy so, financially, it’s been a big ask for them,” he said.

“But the communication between us and the members was good. The old budget meant the money we had wasn’t enough to do some basic maintenance or buy the necessary amount of fertiliser we need.

“We brought the committee down to the shed and showed them the old machinery next to the new stuff and it was a no-brainer. The club wanted a plan with no surprises and this is what they now have.”

Working with Jacob Shellis from John Deere dealer Farol, Steve ordered four 2750 Precision Cut greens mowers, two 7500A fairway mowers, a 9009 Terrain Cut for roughs and surrounds, and a HPX Gator for picking up on the driving range and general course transport.

But the stand-out purchase for Steve is the HD200 GPS precision sprayer which has revolutionised the way the team applies herbicides, fungicides and fertilisers.

The 757-litre capacity PrecisionSprayer is based on Deere’s ProGator heavy-duty utility vehicle chassis and is packed full of technology such as AutoTrac, which guides the machine for the operator, and automatic section control to turn on and shut off individual nozzles.

This means spraying greens becomes far more accurate as there is no overlap or non-target areas sprayed with expensive chemicals.

Steve estimates that he is now spraying at least 30% less chemical, purely due to the accuracy of the machine – his chemical budget for disease control has already been reduced to reflect the change.

“The sprayer is getting a huge amount of use. Just on greens, we’re spraying once a week with a wetting agent, a fertiliser, or a growth regulator,” he said. “In peak season it will be out working most days.

“Previously the job was contracted out so we were bound by the weather and the availability of someone to come and do the job. Now, if we get a gap, we can go out whenever the conditions are right.

“This is our first year using the sprayer and compared to other clubs in the area we came out pretty clean. A lot of that will be down to good planning but the chemical going down at exactly the right rate in exactly the right place has to have had an effect too.”

Alongside accuracy and convenience, Steve says he appreciates the time saving.

“Using automated spraying records is great,” he said. “They are generated as soon as a task has been completed.

“With the option of downloading them immediately from your iPhone, this takes a lot of time away from the admin side of things and ensures complete compliance.”

All the new machines are fitted with Modular Telematics Gateways (MTG) receivers, allowing Steve to track the status and performance of each model. The fully connected fleet is also remotely monitored by Farol so, when scheduled maintenance is required, TLGC is contacted without needing to act.

The information is fed to the John Deere Operations Center and so far, shows a great step forward in efficiency.

Steve said: “By allocating tasks from a computer or phone to each operator on a machine, they just go from job to job which has cut idle time down to below 6%.

“We are able to share all this information with the club, so they know exactly what’s going on among the greenkeeping team.”

The six-strong team of greenkeepers are happy with their new tools, and the two trained sprayer operators have adopted the technology quickly.

Steve said: “There is plenty more to be getting on with here but the new machinery is a huge step forward. The committee is very proud of it and my team is very happy.

“This has solved the problems we faced in the main season and now we can move on to our next priority, which is irrigation.”

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