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Amenity Sprayer Operator of the Year open for entries

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.

The Amenity Forum competition, supported by ICL and Syngenta, seeks to share guidance 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 Awards’ finalists will be announced at the Amenity Forum Conference on 10 October, with the overall winner presented at the prestigious BIGGA Awards ceremony at BTME in January 2025.

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.

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

Announcing the opening of the ASOOTY 2024 Awards, Amenity Forum Chairman, Ian Graham, announced: “This competition seeks to highlight the remarkable talent that exists within our sector, and I encourage as many spray operators as possible to engage with the process.

“Our industry has many highly skilled spray operators working within it, using a diverse range of products accurately applied through a huge range of complex application equipment. The environments in which these applications take place can also be varied and are often challenging.”

Amenity businesses and sports turf managers are urged to actively encourage their sprayer operators to enter the awards this year. “Past winners have ably demonstrated the professional approach to meeting  these challenges, and I very much look forward to meeting the finalists at the Amenity Forum Conference.”

Syngenta Technical Manager, Sean Loakes, highlighted: “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.

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

“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.”

Last year’s winner, Dan Waring, professional spray technician at JCB Golf and Country Club in Uttoxeter, encourages all sprayer operators to get involved and enter the ASOOTY Awards.

A keen advocate of the Awards, Dan would urge all sprayer operators to take every opportunity to gain more knowledge on the products being used and the latest application technology. “That will enable people to be more confident in what they are doing, and give the spray tech’s role the credit it deserves,” he says.

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 provides a unique and vitally important resource for all involved in spray application across the amenity sector,” he points out.

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, including questions to assess an individual’s experience and approach to dealing with challenges.

“We’re looking to find operators that can make those important proactive decisions with every application.”

Entries to the ASOOTY Awards 2024 closes on Friday 13 September. The on-line entry form is available at:  https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/CTF76GD

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Origin marking out the future at GroundsFest

Origin marking out the future at GroundsFest: Origin Amenity Solutions (OAS) has announced its return to GroundsFest for the 2024 exhibition after a successful debut last year. OAS will showcase its comprehensive range of products and services, aimed at servicing the fine turf, sports, and grounds care sectors. You can find their prominently branded trailer and dedicated team in the outdoor arena on stand OSA 240.

Focus on Line Marking Excellence

With an expanded team of line marking specialists, OAS is positioned to offer the most comprehensive line marking solutions and support in the UK. Visitors to the stand will have the opportunity to see a diverse range of line marking machines, from pedestrian spray markers to the latest innovations in GPS-guided TinyLineMarker robotic line markers.  Experts will be on hand to demonstrate these cutting-edge machines and discuss their applications in various settings.

Origin marking out the future at GroundsFest

Origin marking out the future at GroundsFest

Additionally, they will be highlighting their industry-leading IMPACT ready-to-use paint range, known for its durability, vibrancy, and ease of application. This paint range, coupled with advanced line marking equipment, ensures that every marking project is executed to the highest standards.

Exclusive Show Offers

Exclusive show offers will be available to show visitors. Furthermore, an exciting competition will be announced on the stand which is likely to attract a lot of attention.

Looking to the future

Reflecting on the past year and looking ahead to the future, Glen Howard, OAS Line Marking Product Manager, shares his thoughts: “I am incredibly proud of the progress we have made over the past year. Our dedicated line-marking team is a testament to our commitment to innovation and excellence. At GroundsFest 2024, we are excited to showcase our product range and demonstrate how our solutions can make a real difference for our customers. Our goal is to continue leading the way in line marking technology and support, ensuring that our clients receive the best possible service and products.”

Continued Commitment to Excellence

OAS’s presence at GroundsFest 2024 reaffirms its commitment to providing high-quality, innovative solutions. Since the successful merging of four leading brands, OAS has continued to evolve, making strategic changes that benefit its customers. Their dedicated line-marking offering includes the widest selection of equipment, paints, and accessories available in the UK, supported by the largest sales and support team in the industry.

Join them on stand OSA 240 to experience firsthand the expertise, innovation, and customer-focused approach that defines Origin Amenity Solutions. Whether you’re looking to enhance your line marking practices or simply explore the latest technology, their team is here to help you mark out the future of your grounds care needs.

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Get Ready for the Avant National Pro Challenge at GroundsFest

Get Ready for the Avant National Pro Challenge at GroundsFest: Avant Tecno is excited to announce its participation at GroundsFest 2024, featuring the highly anticipated Avant National Pro Challenge. Visit the Avant stand outdoors at OSA270 for an unforgettable experience!

National Avant Pro Challenge

The Avant National Pro Challenge is set to be one the most thrilling events at GroundsFest. This exciting competition will test participants’ skills through a series of tasks including slaloms, material handling, and tool changes. Competitors will navigate a specially designed track in an Avant Loader, with time penalties for mistakes and disqualification for incomplete tasks.

Get Ready for the Avant National Pro Challenge at GroundsFest

Get Ready for the Avant National Pro Challenge at GroundsFest

The challenge demands speed, precision, and agility, with tasks suited for all Avant users. The track layout will remain a secret until the day of the event, adding an extra layer of excitement. The fastest, most skilled, and precise drivers will win fantastic prizes!

The competition is open to all Avant customers and dealers, and advance registration is required. Interested participants should contact Avant to secure their spot and prove their prowess.

Featured Loaders and Attachments

In addition to the National Pro Challenge, Avant Tecno will showcase an impressive lineup of loaders and attachments designed to enhance operations:

Loaders:

  • Avant 225 L Cab: Compact and versatile for small-scale tasks.
  • Avant 423: Agile and perfect for tight spaces.
  • Avant 530 GT Cab: Offers superior comfort and control.
  • Avant 635, 640, 650: Balances power and manoeuvrability.
  • Avant 760i GT Cab: High-performance for demanding tasks.
  • Avant 755i: Exceptional lifting capacity and efficiency.
  • Avant e513: Zero-emission electric model.
  • Avant 860i GT Cab: Ultimate power and versatility.
  • Avant 650: Demonstrates power and versatility.
  • Avant e527: Electric power for demanding environments.
  • Avant 860i: Highlights unmatched lifting capacity and performance.
  • Leguan 135 Neo, 190, 225: Innovative access platforms for elevated work.

Attachments:

  • Mowers: Ideal for grassy area maintenance.
  • Pallet Forks: Essential for material handling.
  • Log Grab: Safely and efficiently handles logs.
  • Branch Cutter, Stump Grinder, Tree Shear, Forestry Mulcher: Tools for tree care and maintenance.
  • Root Grapple, Levelling Bucket, Timber Grab: Enhance ground preparation and material handling.
  • Fast Charger: Rapidly powers electric models.
  • Backhoe Remote: Remote-controlled digging capabilities.
  • Pallet Forks, Rotator: Efficient material handling and rotation.
  • Root Grapple, Front Rake: Ideal for ground preparation and cleanup.
  • Pressure Washer: Ensures equipment cleanliness.

Join Avant Tecno at GroundsFest 2024

Don’t miss out on the Avant National Pro Challenge and the chance to see Avant Tecno’s innovative machinery and attachments in action. Visit stand OSA270 at GroundsFest 2024 to discover how Avant loaders can revolutionise operations across various industries.

For more information, please visit www.avant.co.uk

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Paxster eCompact Air launched in the UK

Paxster eCompact Air launched in the UK: UK distributor, BOSS ORV has introduced the new Paxster eCompact Air, a Norwegian, electric, and stylish alternative to traditional utility vehicles. Paxster is the leading Norwegian manufacturer of compact electric vehicles and the eCompact Air continues the tradition of its utility series, offering both new and refurbished models with up to 110 km (68.3 miles) of range.

It follows over a decade of Paxster’s commitment to innovation in electric vehicle technology, providing small, efficient vehicles used for delivering post and parcels to thousands of homes. This latest model retains all the excellent features of its predecessors but introduces a bolder, more robust design.

Paxster eCompact Air launched in the UK

Paxster eCompact Air launched in the UK

“We understand that design matters, whether the vehicle is for work or personal use. That’s why we’ve crafted a stylish design without compromising the versatility and high-quality features,” says Aleksander Säfvenbom, CEO of Paxster AS.

Described as rugged elegance with an eco-smart design, the eCompact Air offers quiet efficiency with the electric vehicle’s silent drive. A maximum power of 7.48 kW from battery type LiFePo4 combines with a 2×4 RWD drivetrain featuring enhanced traction. It has a crisp, responsive feel with a snappy performance that’s smooth yet energetic and perfect for everyday driving and task completion. The ride is comfortable with a fully adjustable seat, excellent side support, and built to withstand rough use in all-weather conditions. Access is easy, with no barriers to negotiate. The ergonomic handlebars feature minimal switches and there are optional heated grips. Homologated for road use, the eCompact Air has LED front lights for optimal illumination. There’s plenty of storage area with a spacious cargo bed, versatile front trunk, and lockable side pockets.

“This latest addition to the Paxster range we offer in the UK is incredibly versatile,” says BOSS ORV MD Phil Everett. “They’re tough little vehicles suited to work anywhere from horticulture, groundscare, construction and equestrian to agriculture, estates, and leisure.”

In the field, the eCompact Air can be used to power tools and equipment, delivering up to 3000 watts of onboard electricity. Hitch systems front and rear allow for a variety of attachments and there is a wide range of accessories available. Paxster vehicles come with a three-year commercial warranty and a five-year battery warranty. There is a special launch offer, with a saving of £2,620.00 on orders before 1st October 2024.

For more information you can call 01785 561046 E-mail: sales@bossorv.co.uk Web: www.bossorv.co.uk

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E J Churchill takes on the Polaris Ranger XP Kinetic

E J Churchill takes on the Polaris Ranger XP Kinetic: The prestigious shooting grounds, E J Churchill, situated on the West Wycombe Estate of the Dashwood family, has recently added the Polaris Ranger XP Kinetic to its fleet of vehicles.

Built upon a century of heritage and excellence, E.J. Churchill is one of the finest gunmakers in the world. Today, they are the largest British-owned gunmaker, celebrated for crafting bespoke guns that seamlessly blend cutting-edge innovation with the timeless attributes of traditional craftsmanship, ensuring unrivalled reliability, quality, and elegance.

E J Churchill takes on the Polaris Ranger XP Kinetic

E J Churchill takes on the Polaris Ranger XP Kinetic

The 125-year-old British-owned company took on Polaris Rangers over a decade ago to help manage the most prestigious clay pigeon shooting ground in England. Spanning over 35 acres, E J Churchill needed a fleet of versatile vehicles that could be used to facilitate the general day-to-day management of all client sporting needs. Now in 2024, they have expanded this fleet to include the all-electric RANGER XP Kinetic.

Just like its combustion engine counterparts, the RANGER XP Kinetic is responsible for ensuring the shooting grounds are in tip-top condition and ready for various shoots E J Churchill hosts throughout the year. This includes restocking, servicing, and moving circa 300 promatic traps, all made easier by the Kinetic’s industry-leading instantaneous torque and impressive towing capacity.

The Ranger XP offers silent operation while at work, preserving the serenity of the shooting grounds while ensuring the groundskeepers can tend to the estate.

Rob Fenwick, Managing Director of E.J. Churchill Group Ltd, said: “For E.J. Churchill, it comes down to reliability, as our groundskeepers need a vehicle that can serve them day in and day out to keep things running smoothly. Polaris vehicles have continued to provide this to us for over 10 years.”

In addition to its role on the E J Churchills shooting grounds, the Ranger XP Kinetic has been lending a helping hand to the wider West Wycombe Estate, checking on the estate and clearing the grounds to ensure they are ready for shooting. With varying terrain across the whole estate, the Ranger XP Kinetic has proved more than capable.

James Norfolk, Head Gamekeeper, said: “It is the first electric vehicle that I have been impressed by. It’s a very agile, quiet machine that is ideal for looking after the estate. The strength of the machine with its instant acceleration is great for those more challenging tasks.

“The areas of the wider estate are open to the public, so it’s been great to be able to go about the day without disturbing the serene beauty of the grounds.”

Pushing the industry forward, the Ranger XP Kinetic is available in UK dealerships in both Premium and Ultimate trims. The Premium trim has a 14.9kWh battery offering up to a 45-mile range, whereas the Ultimate has a battery capacity of 29.8 kWh with a higher estimated range of 80 miles. Both models deliver unparalleled power and quick acceleration thanks to the 110-horsepower all-electric powertrain and 140lb-ft. of instantaneous torque. With an industry-leading towing capacity of 1,134kg and a payload capacity of 680kg, the Ranger XP Kinetic sets a new standard for off-road vehicles.

For more information on the Polaris RANGER XP Kinetic visit www.polarisbritain.com.

For further information, please contact us or call the Polaris UK Press Office on +44 (0) 1525 270 100.

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