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Suståne improving disease resistance from the ground up

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Suståne improving disease resistance from the ground up: The combination of Suståne 5-2-4 and 5-2-10+Fe is providing the perfect platform for a switch to finer grass species at Ely City Golf Club.

Looking to improve disease resistance from the ground up is Course Manager Alan Magee, who explains how the tried and tested programme from Suståne is the ideal base feed for encouraging bent grass to flourish on the greens at the parkland club.

Suståne improving disease resistance from the ground up

Suståne improving disease resistance from the ground up

Ely City is regarded as one of the finest courses in East Anglia, located on the outskirts of Cambridge and delivering a challenging but picturesque 18-holes of mature parkland. Assisted by a team of five, Alan has been at the club for the last two and a half years. “With the ongoing reduction in chemicals and the drive towards more sustainable practices, as greenkeepers, we’re having to tackle the issue of disease management in new ways – for me, that’s looking at how we can increase our tolerance with better, more resilient, grass species” he explains.

No stranger to Suståne, Alan has been a longstanding user of their 5-2-4 all natural slow-release nitrogen fertiliser at his previous club in Dorset. “The 5-2-4 is really the building block for the rest of our inputs. We apply this at eight-week intervals from the spring onwards, with complimentary liquid feeds put down as and when required.”

The original Suståne formula, 5-2-4 promotes enhanced disease suppression and quick green up, without excessive growth. Suitable for most turfgrass environments, Suståne 5-2-4 increases the soils’ ability to hold water and nutrients, improving suppression of plant pathogens and strengthening the plant’s tolerance again heat, drought and other environmental stress factors. “This product is a fantastic spring starter, getting us moving and providing all the nutrients we need to support bentgrass and strengthen our greens ahead of a busy playing season.”

“For some extra oomph, we use the 5-2-10+Fe every eight weeks from July onwards as we begin to prepare the surfaces for winter” Alan adds. With its 1:2 N to K ratio, Suståne 5-2-10+Fe aids plant hydration and disease suppression, also enhancing chlorophyll production for outstanding turf colour without excessive top growth.

“This combination gives us great consistency and the versatility to adapt to surface requirements depending on the weather.” He continues, “As we pursue a bigger bent population in our greens, I’m a firm believer that if we get the biology right in the soil, the rest of our programme will fall into place. Both the surfaces and the players will hopefully be thanking us as a result!”

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The innovation from AS-Motor

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The innovation from AS-Motor: At GaLaBau 2024, AS-Motor presented the first electrically powered ride-on mower for use in high grass areas with an interchangeable battery system. The AS 920 ESherpa 2WD thus opens up new possibilities for emission-free, extensive green space maintenance.

Exchangeable rechargeable batteries – strong and reusable

The new battery-powered AS 920 ESherpa 2WD high grass ride-on mower is equipped with four 56 volt LI-ion rechargeable batteries with a total capacity of 16 kWh. The electric drive and blade drive is highly efficient and ensures a professional mowing performance that even slightly exceeds that of a combustion engine.  The electric drive provides enormous blade power and guarantees an excellent mowing pattern. The two possible driving speeds of 0 to 7 km/h and 0 to 11 km/h enable area outputs of up to 6,300 m² or up to 9,900 m² per hour. The AS 920 ESherpa 2WD also impresses with its powerful and efficient wheel drive with a torque of 600 Nm.

The innovation from AS-Motor

The innovation from AS-Motor

The FusionCore battery system from Ariens not only offers above-average performance in all areas, it can also be used multiple times. The exchangeable batteries of the AS 920 ESherpa 2WD are compatible with the professional Zenith E and Arrow E zero-turn mowers from sister brand Ariens. This enables optimum seasonal use and utilisation of the cost-intensive batteries.

Innovative energy and charging management

With the exchangeable battery system, you can mow for many hours without interruption, as full power is achieved even with just two batteries. Empty batteries can be replaced in just a few seconds. When developing the ESherpa, the engineers orientated themselves on the classic electric car standard for the charging modalities. With the integrated 3.3 kW quick charger, the charging time for a full charge of 16 kWh is just under five hours. The type 2 charging socket enables charging at a wallbox (optionally available), at public charging points or with an adapter at a conventional 230 volt socket. The optional mobile charging station allows additional batteries to be charged outside the machine. The integrated LED interface on the steering column allows the driver to keep an eye on the charge status and capacity of each battery. Faults are diagnosed automatically. Energy is recovered during braking and the batteries are recharged (recuperation). To ensure that the smartphone never runs out of power, the developers from the high-grass experts have also thought of two integrated USB charging sockets (USB-A and USB-C) for mobile devices.

Sustainable in the long term

The new battery-powered ESherpa is 100 per cent emission-free and therefore guarantees a significantly reduced CO2 footprint, depending on the energy mix used. The extended seasonal usability of the rechargeable batteries on other machines also contributes to sustainability, as does the virtual elimination of plastic parts. The electric drive also has advantages for the driver in terms of comfort. Operating noise is considerably lower and body vibrations are greatly reduced. The driver will certainly also find the long-desired integrated cup holder comfortable.

AS 920 ESherpa 2WD- The calculation works out

Compared to combustion models, the maintenance costs for a battery-powered mower are considerably lower. The wheel and blade drive of the AS 920 ESherpa is completely maintenance-free. The mower is also ideal for utilising self-generated solar power, thus saving additional operating costs. Government subsidies are also available for electrically powered machines.

No experiments – Tried and tested high-quality components

The combustion engine model AS 920 Sherpa 2WD naturally served as the basis for the ESherpa. Many components have proven themselves there and can also be found in the new battery-powered ESherpa: the mechanical differential lock, the double blade bearing and the overload protection of the reliable AS Sherpa cross blade system. The high-quality all-round tubular steel frame, the tyres in combination with an oscillating front axle ensure very agile handling and a turning circle of just 0.65 m. The surfing mower deck compensates for unevenness and the track widening of the rear axle ensures increased tipping stability. The ESherpra also fits in perfectly with the popular Sherpa family in terms of comfort, with its comfortable seating position on a suspension seat and the convenient driving lever with parking brake and cruise control function.

The new member of the AS Sherpa family, the AS 920 ESherpa 2WD, will be available from the 2026 mowing season.

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GreenMech goes to the heart of operations

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GreenMech goes to the heart of operations: The purchase of an Arborist 150D Max from GreenMech has changed operations for the Heart of England Forest, providing usable woodchip to projects across their 7,500 acres of forest habitat.

As the only woodchipper on their fleet, the purchase in February 2024 is compact yet powerful enough to tackle coppicing projects and pruning works as the charity strive to create and manage woodland across Worcestershire and Warwickshire.

GreenMech goes to the heart of operations

GreenMech goes to the heart of operations

The Heart of England Forest (HOEF) is looking to create and manage a 30,000 acre forest with the aim of restoring forest cover, biodiversity and peoples connection with nature. Ian Hayward is a Senior Forest Ranger and works with a 21-strong forestry team on the broad range of maintenance needed in a woodland setting. “In the summer we’re access mowing our trail networks, looking after our young trees or conducting biodiversity surveys, then in winter it’s tree planting and maintenance, including coppicing and selective thinning – which is where our new GreenMech woodchipper comes in” he explains.

“As a local company to us, and proud British manufacturer, GreenMech was our first port of call and the machines we saw seriously impressed. After trying a couple of models, we opted for the Arborist 150D Max – diesel-powered, capable of processing all the by-products from our forestry work, and meeting both our budget and the needs of the team.”

The 150D Max is the latest addition to GreenMech’s Arborist range, one of the most successful and sought-after 6” chipper collections on the market. Powered by a 25hp Kubota diesel engine, the Arborist 150D Max utilises GreenMech’s disc-blade chipping technology and ‘No-Stress’ in-feed system to offer reliable, durable performance on timber and bushy brash.

Ian goes on to emphasise the simplicity of both the purchase process and the chippers operation. “We received training on the machine and the team find its straight-forward operation a really positive feature. The communication we’ve had from GreenMech throughout has been top-notch, especially from Neal Hussey who went out of his way to help us throughout the procurement process.”

“It’s currently our only chipper and will be really helpful when we’re doing coppicing projects as well as being utilised for clearance of material from tree safety and pruning work.” He continues, “As the forest grows, the amount of maintenance will increase the demand for the Arborist 150D Max with things like selective thinning needed more frequently. Here, we can turn the top end brash into woodchip for use on our woodland trails.”

“With this woodchipper we will be able to handle greater volumes of material and repurpose it for more positive projects – it will change how we operate.”

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Introducing the AccuPro 360ST and AccuPro DROP

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Introducing the AccuPro 360ST and AccuPro DROP: ICL is pleased to announce the launch of two new spreaders, the AccuPro 360ST and the AccuPro DROP, enhancing the spreader range that already includes the AccuPro One, HandyPro, and Shaker Pro.

These new models replace the SR-2000 and the SS-2, respectively, offering advanced features and improved performance.

Introducing the AccuPro 360ST and AccuPro DROP

Introducing the AccuPro 360ST and AccuPro DROP

AccuPro 360ST Rotary Spreader

The AccuPro 360ST, replacing the SR-2000, is the latest professional rotary spreader, designed to meet the highest standards of turf management. Central to its performance is the innovative SmartSpread™ system, which ensures even and precise application of granular fertilisers, essential for achieving consistent and uniform turf health.

Key Features:

  • SmartSpread™: Located under the hopper, SmartSpread™ directs granules on the impeller based on their size and weight. For example, applications of ProTurf or Sierrablen Plus, which consist of larger and heavier granules, are directed towards the centre of the impeller to gain the necessary centrifugal force for effective spreading. Conversely, applications of products like Sierraform GT, which consist of smaller and lighter granules, are placed closer to the outer edge of the impeller where less force is required for even distribution. This precise adjustment ensures each granule type is accurately accounted for, resulting in an optimal spread pattern and promoting uniform turf health.
  • Robust Stainless-Steel Frame: Designed for durability and long-lasting performance.
  • Maintenance-Free Gearbox: Ensures smooth and consistent operation with minimal maintenance.
  • High capacity, durable hopper: A 30kg capacity hopper that enhances the flow of granules to the impeller.
  • Pneumatic Turf Tyres: Distributes weight evenly, preventing turf damage and ensuring smooth mobility across different surfaces.

AccuPro DROP Professional Drop Spreader

Replacing the SS-2, the AccuPro DROP is a professional drop spreader engineered for ultra-accurate application of grass seed, conventional release granular fertilisers, and granular wetting agents. It features the innovative SmartDial™ system, simplifying spreader setting adjustments and ensuring ease-of-use and precision.

Key Features:

  • SmartDial™: Makes spreader setting adjustments straightforward and precise.
  • Large Stainless-Steel Hopper: Designed with a secure seal to prevent leakage of small products and ample capacity for various applications.
  • Robust Heavy-Duty Frame: Built to withstand rigorous use.
  • Pneumatic Turf Tyres: Ensures even weight distribution, preventing turf damage and allowing smooth mobility across various surfaces.
  • Ergonomic Extended Handle: Provides comfort during extended use.
  • Front and Rear Lift Handles: Facilitate easy loading and unloading.

Both the AccuPro 360ST and AccuPro DROP spreaders’ advanced features ensure reliable performance and precision for all your spreading needs, supported by a three-year limited warranty.

Additionally, both the AccuPro 360ST and AccuPro DROP spreaders can be claimed through Turf Rewards.

These two new additions to ICL’s spreader range demonstrate their commitment to innovation, quality, and excellence in turf management.

Please contact ICL on 01473 237100 or visit www.icl-growingsolutions.uk and www.icl-growingsolutions.ie if you are in Ireland.

For more news and insightful views, you can follow ICL on Twitter @ICL_Turf

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The new Nexus Escape

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The new Nexus Escape: Leading battery-powered outdoor power equipment specialist, EGO Power Plus, is adding a new model to its 3-strong range of power inverters.

The Nexus Escape provides power whenever and wherever it is needed with this latest model boasting improvements to the pure sine wave inverter, making it compatible with even the most sensitive electronic devices. This model also features a 240V AC outlet, two USB ports, one USB-A port and one 100W USB-C PD port for direct connection to a range of portable devices.

The new Nexus Escape

The new Nexus Escape

Compatible with any EGO ARC Lithium™ battery, the Nexus Escape provides flexible power on the go for charging mobile phones, laptops, and cameras. It can also provide off-grid power for lights and music devices. Ideal for camping trips, beach visits, festivals or even for enjoying the garden. Compact and lightweight, with an integrated carry handle, the new PAD1800E can easily be packed in a rucksack or stowed in a tent.

Andrew Frohock, Product Manager at EGO, said: “The PAD1800E builds on the success of our existing power inverter kits which have proved popular for people who love to enjoy the outdoors, whether that is relaxing and partying in the garden or going further afield.

“Providing 20% more output than the previous model, the PAD1800E is even more useful while still retaining the qualities that users love – easy to carry, great functionality and full battery compatibility with the rest of the EGO range.”

The PAD1800E features an adjustable light for use after dark or in low light conditions and can provide sufficient power to pump up air beds, charge phones and even power a TV. When used with an adapter it can also power multiple three-pin plug devices at once up to a combined 180W power.

The Nexus Escape runs off EGO’s 56V ARC Lithium batteries that are compatible with all other EGO products, meaning you can take a battery from any EGO outdoor equipment and use it in the PAD1800E. Simply click in an EGO battery and enjoy fuss-free power. This also makes the Nexus Escape extremely useful for workers in remote areas who need to charge phones or other devices.

EGO Power Plus is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of battery-powered outdoor equipment, all built around its game-changing 56V ARC LithiumTM batteries. These batteries ensure its products outperform their petrol-powered equivalents as well as outlasting other battery brands.

For more information on the latest products from EGO, visit; www.egopowerplus.co.uk

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