Tag Archive for: System

STIHL introduces new battery KombiEngine to AP System

STIHL introduces new battery KombiEngine to AP System: STIHL has introduced the KMA 120 R battery KombiEngine to its AP System, offering compatibility with all the main attachments ranging from blowers and hedge trimmers to pole pruners and sweepers. The KMA 120 R offers professional users’ exceptional versatility, ensuring a wide range of tasks can be completed quickly and efficiently.

The lightweight and powerful KMA 120 R can be used with up to twelve different attachments and is designed with maximum comfort and working efficiency in mind. The machine comes with a tool-free adjustable loop handle for easy adjustment and features an ergonomic control, non-slip handle and easy-to-use lockout lever with a simple symmetrical design.

STIHL introduces new battery KombiEngine to AP System

STIHL introduces new battery KombiEngine to AP System

Boasting two speed settings and a variable speed trigger, the KMA 120 R features an ECO mode that reduces the motor rpm, maximising working time; ideal for hedge trimming and lawn edging tasks.

In addition, the new model features an adjustable harness hook for optimum balance with no tools required, and has the option of a support foot accessory, providing extra reach and protection for the battery housing.

For more information on the KMA 120 R and STIHL’s wide range of professional battery tools, please visit www.stihl.co.uk.

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Durapost fencing system provides alternative to timber

Durapost fencing system provides alternative to timber: Recently at a property in Leeds, a failing timber fencing system has been replaced with a range of high performance DuraPost products. Incorporating fence posts, Urban Slatted Composite fence panels and an Aluminium Gate, the holistic solution from Birkdale Sales provided all the necessary aesthetic and performance requirements.

While timber fencing can look attractive initially, it inevitably begins to rot, weaken and deteriorate over time. This was the case at the property of Mr Edwards, whose ageing timber fencing was losing its appeal and beginning to fail – so a replacement was needed.

Durapost fencing system provides alternative to timber

Durapost fencing system provides alternative to timber

“We wanted something that would look neater and not require much maintenance. DuraPost by Birkdale seemed to tick all the boxes,” said Mr Edwards. “The slim and tidy galvanised steel posts in anthracite grey give me more space in my garden and come with up to a 25-year guarantee – although it is likely they will last much longer. I then opted for the DuraPost® Urban Slatted Composite fence panels in the Natural colour option. It looks just like cedar, but has greater longevity, thanks to its ability to resist mould and rot.”

Birkdale’s Urban Slatted Composite fence panels are manufactured from a combination of materials, including rice husks – a natural bi-product from the rice industry – which accounts for 55% of the panel. Recycled HDPE (high-density polyethylene) is also incorporated into the design. These robust panels are incredibly strong and wind tested to high speeds.

Steve Ward from Silver Fern Fencing installed the new system. “Thanks to the low weight and slimness of the posts, we could carry and install them easily and quickly. They are so much better to work with than concrete systems, which are far harder to carry and install. The panel boards were then installed horizontally. I always recommend DuraPost® to my customers and will continue to do so.”

Once the project was finished, Mr Edwards was delighted, “Compared to the original timber system, our new fencing is worlds apart. The post works incredibly well with the Urban Slatted Panel to provide fencing that is neat and tidy, very strong and does not require maintenance. All the products in the system helped us to achieve exactly what we set out to do.”

For more information on products within the DuraPost® range, please visit: www.birkdalesales.com/durapost

To watch a video about this project, please visit: https://youtu.be/Wzrqtb_5pSY

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Gleneagles state-of-the-art irrigation system

Gleneagles state-of-the-art irrigation system: Gleneagles, the iconic Scottish hotel and global luxury destination, has commenced a state-of-the-art irrigation project on its Jack Nicklaus-designed PGA Centenary Course, former host to both the Ryder Cup and Solheim Cup.

The significant five-month project will further enhance playing conditions across the 18-hole championship golf course and will see the installation of a new, highly-efficient Rain Bird irrigation management system that will help reduce both water usage and power consumption.

Gleneagles state-of-the-art irrigation system

Gleneagles state-of-the-art irrigation system

Beneath the golf course, 24.5 miles of new pipework will be laid along with 33.5 miles of cabling, and 1,414 individual sprinkler heads will be strategically positioned so water can be applied more accurately over an eight-hour cycle, without the need to close the golf course.

Director of Golf at Gleneagles, Andrew Jowett, commented: “As we’ve come to experience prolonged dry spells in recent years, our significant investment in the latest irrigation technology will ensure we’re fully prepared to maintain the golf course to the very highest standard in the years to come.

“From a practical perspective, the new system will allow us to irrigate every mown area of the course, including greens and surrounds, tee complexes, approaches and fairways, under the control of individual sprinkler heads, from a handheld device, at any time.”

The PGA Centenary Course will re-open for play in April 2024. Tee time bookings can be made here: https://gleneagles.com/offers/tee-time/

Located in the heart of Scotland, and an hour from Edinburgh and Glasgow airports, Gleneagles remains the only venue in Europe to have staged professional golf’s most important team events (the Ryder Cup in 2014 and Solheim Cup in 2019). It also continues to be independently ranked as the UK & Ireland’s #1 Golf Resort*.

In addition to the PGA Centenary Course, members and guests can also experience two Top 100 ranked 18-hole James Braid classics in The King’s, a fast-running inland links-style design, and The Queen’s, regarded as one of the finest par-68 layouts in the UK.

Beyond the fairways, Gleneagles’ guests can unwind and relax at the award-winning hotel, where a wealth of food and drink options await, including The Strathearn, the theatrical Franco-Scottish dining experience, the Birnam Brasserie, a relaxed Mediterranean style restaurant serving the best Italian and French-style cuisine, or toast the day’s play in Auchterarder 70, overlooking the 18th greens of The King’s and Queen’s.

Gleneagles also boasts over 50 pursuits, including fly-fishing, falconry, cycling, off-roading, equestrian experiences and archery. Guests will also have use of a range of leisure facilities, including the pitch-and-putt course, lawn games and outdoor tennis courts.

*Golf World Top 100 Best Golf Resorts UK & Ireland ranking 2023.

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total-play’s ‘game-changing’ new Cricket Shield system

total-play’s ‘game-changing’ new Cricket Shield system: More cricket clubs and schools could reap the benefit of year-round, all-weather coaching thanks to an exciting new innovation from the cricket pitch experts at total-play Ltd.

One of the first non-turf cricket pitch suppliers to win England & Wales Cricket Board (ECB) code of practice status, total-play has developed no less than six ECB approved non-turf pitch system designs over the years; installing artificial match pitches and state of the art training facilities at hundreds of sites nationwide.

total-play’s ‘game-changing’ new Cricket Shield system

total-play’s ‘game-changing’ new Cricket Shield system

The new ‘Cricket Shield’ system has again been developed in partnership with the ECB; effectively providing a ‘cricket dome’ that can be erected over new or existing cricket practice net facilities to effectively create an indoor practice facility at a fraction of the cost. The first installation of this exciting new system launched on Friday, 20th October at Bradford Park Avenue cricket ground as part of a pioneering £1.5m community inclusion project funded by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) in partnership with City of Bradford Metropolitan District Council.

The new, ten-lane facility features two 40mx20m covered domes with a state-of-the-art lighting system, elite cricket surface and a retractable netting system allowing for both training and matchplay. MD at total-play, David Bates says:

“I have been in discussion with the ECB for three years about ways to boost participation, particularly in urban centres. Indoor cricket facilities are prohibitively expensive – anything upwards of £5 million pounds – so the idea of converting outdoor nets to be suitable for all-weather use was an attractive one. Bradford Park Avenue was the perfect pilot site for the new system – the existing nets we installed 7 years ago were seeing huge use from across the community.

“The new facility will be a real game-changer and will increase capacity by offering a weather-proof centre for nets at all times of the year. It’s been amazing to work on this project alongside the other stakeholders and see vision become reality. We hope all the teams and groups who use the Bradford Park Avenue nets thoroughly enjoy their new facility, and look forward to rolling out Cricket Shield to other sites and help other clubs and schools reap the benefits.”

While the Bradford Park Avenue development is on a huge scale, Cricket Shield is scalable; with bespoke systems designed to meet individual clients’ needs and can be installed alongside as part of the development of completely new facilities of retro-fitted to existing natural or artificial surfaces. David says:

“With the inaugural installation now under our belts we look forward to seeing the Bradford Park Avenue system start to be used by the community and to starting work on more Cricket Shield projects in 2024, alongside some great straight practice facility and match pitch installations that are already in the pipeline. It looks set to be another busy year!”

For more details, head to www.total-play.co.uk or email info@total-play.co.uk

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Green-tech Specifier launch Urban Tree Planting Cell System

Green-tech Specifier launch Urban Tree Planting Cell System: At 10am this morning (Tuesday 7th March) Green-tech Specifier launched their new urban tree planting cell system – TreeParker®, at the FutureBuild 2023 exhibition.

TreeParker® is a versatile urban tree planting cell system from TreeBuilders, a manufacturer of innovative tree planting systems, and will be distributed in the UK exclusively by Green-tech.

Green-tech Specifier launch Urban Tree Planting Cell System

Green-tech Specifier launch Urban Tree Planting Cell System

Speaking on behalf of Green-tech, Business Development Director Mark Wood comments, “I am delighted to announce that we have expanded our urban tree planting offering with the addition of TreeParker® – a modular structural soil cell system for planting trees in city centres and other urban environments. Our corporate vision and values are aligned with TreeBuilders and our collaborative approach to this joint venture is exciting for the industry.  The TreeParker® cellular system offers superior functionality and is a smart combination of Green, Grey and Blue. The system has already proven itself in numerous projects throughout Europe and the Middle East, so I am thrilled that its addition completes the urban tree portfolio for Green-tech Specifier, making this a unique offering to the UK market with a full product offering to satisfy any urban tree planting need.”

TreeParker® has been developed from extensive trials, projects and feedback from landscape architects, clients, contractors, and nurseries to provide the most cost-effective, fit-for-purpose solution for growing large trees in urban environments.

The system provides optimum rooting space below pavements subjected to heavy traffic loads. It maximises the space available for the growing media and is in contact with surrounding soil to ensure a natural growth environment.

Through a simple and smart design, the TreeParker® system can be installed into any tree planting space. It is easy to customise a tree pit design to meet individual needs, working just like a LEGO system. Each independent unit has sufficient load-bearing capacity, so units do not need to be linked. The load is transferred from the pavement to underlying foundations via the system and avoids soil compaction to ensure optimum root growth.

The TreeParker® system can accommodate variable heights between 400mm and 1500mm. Its top 10 benefits include:

  1. Support heavy traffic loads (up to 550 kPa and an axle load of up to 15 tonnes) whilst maintaining pavement integrity.
  2. Providing unhindered root growth for large species of trees.
  3. Quick and cost-effective installation and is easy to fill with soil.
  4. Made from 100% recyclable, long-lasting and inert plastics.
  5. Modular system for design flexibility.
  6. It can be installed in curves down to a 5m radius without additional products.
  7. Utility friendly – the open structure is easily adjusted on site to accommodate new and existing utilities and provides easy access for utility maintenance and repair.
  8. Combines stormwater management and root growth, up to 25% of the volume is available for water infiltration.
  9. Up to 95% volume available for soil infill.
  10. Withstands vertical and lateral loads.

Elco van Uden, Managing Director from manufacturer TreeBuilders, adds, “I am delighted to be working with Green-tech to bring TreeParker® to the UK market. Our two companies share a similar philosophy and are closely aligned in the way we do business and our passion for innovation and offering customers a robust and flexible solution to urban tree planting challenges.”

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Green-tech’s urban tree system

Green-tech’s urban tree system: The Battery Retail Park at Selley Oak is located on the former site of the Birmingham Battery and Metal Company steel factory, first established in 1798. The term battery, referring to the method of forming metal, not the manufacture of batteries as commonly thought.

Located approximately three miles from Birmingham city centre, the site has undergone a recent refurbishment, including the development of a new retail park, Sainsburys Superstore, and student accommodation, all sited around the main customer carpark.

Green-tech’s urban tree system

Green-tech’s urban tree system

A major part of the project for the contractors was the reclamation of the ground and cleaning up a very toxic site, before any development could commence.

Green-tech’s involvement:

The project comprised of nearly forty tree pits over two phases between 2018 and 2020. The first phase was contracted to Bernhards Landscapes of Warwickshire, and the second to McPhillips (Wellington) of Shropshire; both of which Green-tech has worked with for around fifteen years.

The tree pits were set into soft central reservations around the main car parking area, although to get the required rooting volume to ensure healthy establishment and future growth, the tree pits extended out under the parking bays to some extent.

Green-tech has been manufacturing its range of Green-tree soil for nearly twenty years, and over 400 tonnes of clean, manufactured ArborRaft topsoil, and subsoil was supplied for the tree pits. In order to use a nice friable, organic topsoil underneath the paving, the contractors opted for Green-tech’s ArborRaft tree pit support system, rather than a traditional, plastic-heavy, deep-pit system.

The ArborRaft acts as a sub-base replacement, supporting the paving above, pedestrian, or vehicular, whilst protecting the soft soil below from risk of compaction. It has three big advantages over traditional deep-pit crate systems. Firstly – it sits over the top of the tree pit, taking its structural support from a 500mm wide ledge cut into the surrounding formation ground, meaning there is no plastic whatsoever in the actual rooting area of the tree pit. Secondly – its shallow profile, just 150mm deep means that there is rarely any conflict with underground services, it isn’t deep enough. And third – ArborRaft uses less than a third of the plastic of traditional crate-style tree pit systems, so it’s better for the budget and the environment.

Each tree pit also contains a strap anchor to keep the trees stable during the all-important establishment phase, along with a mona irrigation rings. In this instance, to provide even more protection from the risk of vehicular damage, the trees were also stabilised with double-staking, cross-bar, and soft rubber ties.

Alasdair Innes – Green-tech Specification Advisor comments, “We were delighted to contribute to such a high-profile scheme. We recently visited the site nearly four years after the first trees were planted, and although it was autumn, the trees still look happy and healthy. It is nice to see Silver Birch being used, as the white bark helps to lift the muted colours of the ground planting.”

For any further product information or to request a CPD in person or remotely on any of our urban or rural modules please contact Green-tech on 01423 332100

green-tech.co.uk

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STIGA handlebar system

STIGA handlebar system: STIGA is rapidly becoming known as the innovators in garden lawnmowers and equipment and its latest development is a handlebar system that moves to the side to avoid shrubs and trees and allow easier mowing against a hedge or wall.

The STIGA Fulcrum handlebar system is fitted to a number of STIGA lawnmowers and provides seamless interaction between the machine and the gardener. The central mechanism is mounted below the steering handle, which is made from 25mm steel. It is simply adjusted to suit the gardener’s height and comfort preference.

STIGA handlebar system

STIGA handlebar system

A click of a switch allows the handle position to be shifted by 25 degrees to the left to avoid overhanging shrubs or trees and to allow easier cutting along hedges and walls.

When the mowing is completed, a quick release lever allows the handle to rotate 180 degrees so it can be stowed above the mowing deck, saving space during storage.

The Fulcrum handlebar can now be seen on many lawnmowers with the STIGA range.

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Kubota launches machine tracking system

Kubota launches machine tracking system: The U.K and Ireland’s leading mini-excavator supplier, Kubota, has launched a new telematics portal to help construction equipment operators increase machine efficiency and security.

The ‘Kubota Tracking System’ portal enables users to stay informed about the KX080-4a2 machines in their fleet, and can be accessed via a PC, laptop, tablet, or smartphone, meaning the data from a Kubota fleet can be seen anywhere at any time.

Kubota launches machine tracking system

Kubota launches machine tracking system

“As costs in other areas of construction rise, we are trying to develop new ways to help Kubota machine users understand where savings can be made and efficiency increased,” says Rob White, Division Manager, Construction at Kubota UK.

“Our Kubota Tracking System, that’s being launched on the KX080-4a2 initially,  ensures operators can access all the data from their machines at the touch of a button, allowing them to make informed decisions. This includes considerations around servicing times and fleet movement, alongside additional benefits such as increased visibility of machines that helps with security.”

The intuitive and user-friendly portal shares informative data that helps users access operational performance and consider management decisions.

Enhanced security is provided as machine owners can view locations via GPS tracking to oversee the movement of each KX080-4a2 excavator. Furthermore, geofencing is available which allows users to designate specific areas of use for each machine, with the portal notifying you, should that machine leave the area.

The portal provides alerts which show a machine’s faults enabling a fast response and resolution, thus minimising any downtime.

Increased productivity is achievable thanks to the constant review and analysis of real-time parameters of parts such as machine work rate, operating times, actual operation, occupancy rate (as a percentage), idling time, DPF regeneration history, water and oil temperatures, and fuel consumption.

“Having access to all this real-time data provides the opportunity for Kubota excavator owners to really streamline their processes and adapt fluidly to any and all situations,” concludes Rob.

The Kubota Tracking System portal is now available as standard on all Kubota KX080-4a2 excavators and will expand further throughout the range in the future. For more information on the portal, visit: Kubota Tracking System

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Unique self-watering grass system

Unique self-watering grass system: The newly opened Ångfärjeparken has already become popular among the people of Helsingborg. The park has a world-unique self-watering lawn that uses technology found only here and in Hong Kong.

The first ever hydroponic lawn has deeper roots and better wear-tolerance. The technology in combination with a soil moisture sensor in the lawn means that residents get a healthier, denser and greener lawn for a few extra months a year. In addition, the city saves costs on excess irrigation and there is zero leaching of nutrients.

Unique self-watering grass system

Unique self-watering grass system

The lawn in Ångfärjeparken is self-watering through the patented Capillary Hydroponics, the world’s first hydroponic system for lawns, and a Swedish invention. By allowing water to be quickly emptied and filled by capillary force, the roots ‘breathe’ while always having perfect moisture content without the need for sprinklers above ground.

“This system uses about 15 per cent of normal water demand on a lawn, and there is no leakage of nutrients or other agents to the environment, which are really sensational improvements from yesterday’s systems. It can also take much more wear and tear, making natural grass a viable option instead of artificial grass”, says Martin Sternberg, CGCS, CEO and founder of Capillary Concrete.

Soil moisture sensors from Sensefarm measure moisture levels in the sand under the lawn. Using a mobile phone, you can also view the water data in the Capillary Hydroponics system, such as oxygen levels and fertilizers. “Hydroponics is potentially a transformational technology for anyone trying to grow grass,” Sternberg adds. “In sports fields, and areas of golf courses such as tee boxes, it could save huge amounts of water, and thus of money.”

“When this interesting new Capillary Hydroponics project came up, we were asked if we could measure the moisture content in the lawn. And of course, we jumped at the opportunity! We have acted as a development partner and supplier of the measurement technology, which we could call ‘the lawns Internet of Things’,” says Anders Hedberg, CEO of Sensefarm.

Residents will experience a lawn that can be used for a few extra months a year and that stays healthy even during difficult weather, such as drought or heavy rain, which is expected to increase in line with rising global temperatures.

“The technical advantages of this project are that those who take care of the grass get a very good control over the most important parameters that affect the grass throughout the year, from the temperature in the soil to the nutrients. Maintenance will be more efficient,” says Andréas Hall, development engineer at the city planning and technical services department in Helsingborg.

In terms of design, self-irrigation and measurement are neither seen nor heard, which contributes to a better visitor experience. In addition, no one risks getting wet feet from walking on the grass!

“It’s challenging and exciting to test completely new technologies, but at the same time it is completely in line with the City of Helsingborg’s values of ‘dare, test and do’. This is how we evolve the city for the better, “ says Elisabeth Möllerström, landscape architect at the city planning and technical services department in Helsingborg.

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New Toro system at Kings GC

New Toro system at Kings GC: Kings Golf Club in Inverness has relocated with a brand new 18-hole, 6,600-yard, par 70 layout and a new Toro Lynx central control system and sprinklers to take the club into the next phase of its life.

When the ‘gateway for the Highlands’, the West Link by-pass around Inverness, was routed straight through the existing course, Kings Golf Club, then known as Torvean Golf Club and renamed in 2019, knew it was going to benefit from a new home from the Highland Council who owns the land, and in the summer of 2019, the course, designed by Scottish golf architect Stuart Rennie, opened to great acclaim.

New Toro system at Kings GC

Stevie McIntosh, course manager, says: “The new course is a real accomplishment to all involved. While it was a challenge to get to this point, it’s been well worth it. Throughout construction, which involved creating 16 new holes and completely renovating two from the existing course, we had to ensure there were always 18 holes open for play and timing was tight in accordance to the deadline of phase two of the road construction.”

The new site is located on undulating land to the North West of the existing site and modern day design characteristics have been incorporated, biodiversity has been improved and it benefits from a new layout.

The greens and tees are built on 92 percent sand and 8 percent soil, plus it’s in an open, exposed, breezy location, which gives it characteristics more in line with a links course than inland like it is. That will always be a challenge when it comes to irrigation, but having given the Toro Lynx central control system and Infinity sprinklers on all but the tees, which benefit from the Flex 800 sprinklers, a good run since it was switched on last summer, it’s one which Toro has sailed through.

Stevie continues: “I’m really impressed with the system. It could not be more different to the system on the old course and using it is a real pleasure. An irrigation system is the lifeblood of a course and it’s so important to get it right, you only get one shot! We put our trust in Stuart as well as Declan O’Malley from contractors European Golf Services, and they couldn’t have chosen better. It’s delivered all I would expect and want from a system; it’s easy to use, accurate and we’re getting uniform coverage.”

And with Toro on board, the next phase of the club’s life is off to a good start.

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