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GKB proves the perfect partner

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GKB proves the perfect partner: A fleet of orange and blue is forming for the team at Premiership Lawncare, as continued investment sees a bank of equipment from GKB Machines trusted to deliver projects for a growing range of sports turf customers.

In the last two years, Owners Josef Farrow and Mark Pettit have purchased a Deep Tine Aerator (DTA), SP100 topdresser, Dragmat and, most recently, a GKB Combinator – enabling the team to expand their range of services to both football and cricket clients.

GKB proves the perfect partner

GKB proves the perfect partner

Premiership Lawncare pride themselves on using the very best equipment to satisfy the vast and varied requirements of domestic, sports turf and commercial customers. “We’ve grown a lot in seven years and now have in the region of 30 cricket clubs on our books, and a very good relationship with a number of clubs under the remit of Northampton FA” explains Josef. “Investment in equipment has been critical and that’s where our relationship with GKB has gone from strength to strength.”

Recognising the requirement for a bigger, more robust aerator to cope with the demands of challenging ground, Premiership Lawncare became one of the first contractors in the UK to purchase a Deep Tine Aerator (DTA) almost two years ago. “Our DTA 160 is a fantastic machine! As the name suggests, it works to depths of up to 12” to break through compaction and is used on all of our football work, including some council pitches which could certainly pose a problem for machines that are not as well-built as the DTA.”

“Impressed with that and the service and support we received, we then purchased the GKB Dragmat and an SP100 Sandspreader which fits on the back of our Toro Workman and has been a really great investment. We can get 1.5 tonnes of sand in there, and thanks to the wide conveyor, heavy duty discs and easy adjustment we get a really accurate, fine spread.”

The latest addition to the fleet is a GKB Combinator, delivered in May 2022 and put straight to work on a football renovation project. “With our sports-turf client base ever-increasing we decided the time was right to purchase our own machine to strip surfaces and after comparing the options, the GKB CB120 came out on top. In its first week it removed around 80 tonnes of vegetation which is impressive for a machine that’s only 1.2m wide!”

Josef adds, “One particular feature which is great for us is the ability to swap out the fraise blades in our CB120 for scarifier blades, which means we can use it to remove OM accumulations in some of our cricket squares. It’s clear already this machine is going to deliver real value to our business and it’s this sort of investment, in quality machinery, that’s going to help us to take our services and business to the next level.”

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BTME in the spring

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BTME in the spring: It was strange, but reassuring at the same time, to arrive in Harrogate for BTME 2022. After a gap of 26 months since the last edition, which seemed like an absolute lifetime, it was great to see so many familiar faces and catch up with friends and acquaintances alike. Given the last two years, every returned smile – it was a mask free show – was proof that the deliverer of that smile had come through Covid and was still standing.

What was strange, though, was that it was all happening, not just at the end of March, but during a hot spell. The weather was lovely and seeing people enjoying themselves in pavement cafes and bars just added to the weirdness of it all.

BTME in the spring

BTME in the spring

As for the BTME itself. So much was as usual. Even the most skilled navigator could be seen examining the wall maps trying to establish not just where they were going but where they were. The multiple halls – complete with two Reds – are a feature of the Harrogate International Centre and very much the price you pay to enjoy everything else about the Harrogate experience.

It wouldn’t be unfair to hold up the NEC Hall, in which SALTEX is held, as a superior venue, but then that particular corner of Birmingham doesn’t possess what Harrogate offers. In an ideal world someone would come up with an NEC-style Hall in a Harrogate-style location.

That wonderful weather was, however, a doubled edged sword. Yes, it was great for those who were in and around Harrogate, but it was also perfect golf course prep weather, and warm enough to encourage grass growth. So many regular attendees had to remain back at their courses. A common opinion was that it was the Course Managers and Head Groundsmen who made the trip leaving behind the team to get on with the work, so the quality of visitor was high.

It did mean, however, a drop in visitor, and stand, numbers which will impact on BIGGA’s bottom line.

To be fair to BIGGA, and CEO Jim Croxton, there was no attempt to disguise the figures, instead embracing the fact that the BTME had returned and that so many had, in fact, made the effort to attend.

For those who prefer the lightweight shirt to the heavyweight jacket there is disappointment as BTME will return to its regular January slot in 2023.

One interesting aside. There was a significant number of people who Covid while in Harrogate. I remained clear but I heard of at least six people, with whom I had one-to-one chats during the three days, who subsequently tested positive.

We are not out of the woods and have to remain ever vigilant.

Visit the Turf Matters YouTube channel for exclusive BTME videos

The latest XGT 40VMax products

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The latest XGT 40VMax products: Leading power tools manufacturer Makita UK has expanded its XGT 40VMax range of machines with the launch of the DK0014G 2-Piece Combo Kit, DK0172G XGT 2-Piece Combo Kit, KT001G Kettle, KP001G Planer, HS011G Circular Saw and VC005GL, VC002GL and VC004GL Dust Extractors.

DK0014G and DK0172G XGT 40VMax 2-Piece Combo Kits

A must have for any tradesperson, the DK0014G and DK0172G combo kits both feature two of Makita’s most popular professional cordless power tools in a convenient storage solution. The DK0014G includes the TD001GZ XGT 40VMax Impact Driver and HP001GZ XGT 40VMax Combi Drill. The DK0172G includes the TD001GZ XGT 40VMax Impact Driver and HP002GZ XGT 40VMax Combi Drill.

The latest XGT 40VMax products

The latest XGT 40VMax products

Both kits also include two 2.5Ah XGT batteries and the DC40RA Fast Charger, and everything is helpfully packed into a type 3 Makpac case for easy storage and transportation. The kits also come with the 191C10-7 ADP10 charger adaptor, so tradespeople can use the DC40RA to charge their existing LXT batteries, making it even easier to switch between tools and tasks.

With the TD001GZ close at hand tradespeople can easily remove or drive screws into harder materials – and the HP001GZ and HP002GZ make screwdriving and drilling applications a breeze.

KP001G XGT 40VMax Planer

The incredibly powerful KP001G is perfect for smooth, rough and thin planing. It has a planing width of 82mm and an impressive cutting depth of 4mm, and can deliver a no-load speed of 15,000rpm for maximum efficiency and rapid cutting. With left and right chip ejection, the brushless KP001G also features a foot on the base plate to raise the base of the machine off the bench or material when not in operation, which protects the workpiece from scratches and damage.

To ensure user safety, this machine has an electric break that works to quickly stop the blade once the tool is powered down. It also includes Makita’s soft start technology – and an anti-restart function to prevent accidental start up. Thanks to the inclusion of Makita’s Auto-start Wireless System (AWS), the KP001G can also be wirelessly connected to a compatible dust extractor via Bluetooth, enabling the dust extractor to automatically start when the tool’s trigger is engaged.

HS011G XGT 40VMax (270mm) Circular Saw

Compatible with a guide rail, this powerful circular saw is designed for precision rip cutting and delivers output that is equivalent to corded alternatives. It has a no-load speed of 3,500rpm, it bevel cuts up to 1° (left) and 60° (right) and has a maximum cutting capacity of 101mm at 0°, 71mm at 45° and 51mm at 60°.

The HS011G features constant speed control that works to maintain the blade speed and ensure optimum cutting performance. To ensure user safety, this machine includes AWS technology for efficient dust extraction and includes an electric brake to quickly slow down the wheel rotation.

VC005GL, VC002GL and VC004GL XGT 40VMax Dust Extractors

The VC005GL, VC002GL and VC004GL Dust Extractors have been developed to offer tradespeople a powerful solution for quickly and effortlessly cleaning up at the end of the workday. All machines deliver a maximum sealed suction of 23kPa and have large tank capacities (VC005GL – 8L, VC002GL – 8L and VC004GL 15L) to prevent regular work breaks to empty the tank. The VC002GL and VC004GL also include an automatic self-cleaning filter to prevent blockages and ensure optimum efficiency.

The VC005GL can be used for dry vacuuming and the VC002GL and VC004GL are both suitable for vacuuming finer, airborne particles.

KT001G XGT 40VMax Kettle

The KT001G Kettle is the perfect jobsite companion. It can be powered by Makita’s XGT 40VMax batteries or the PDC1200 portable power pack to boil water wherever you are on site. It is equipped with an anti-spill lock button to prevent accidental spills and it stops boiling automatically when the kettle or power supply stand is lifted to ensure safety. It has also been designed to provide high heat retention, while keeping the kettle surface cool.

Thanks to the carry handle on the power supply stand, the KT001G is easy to transport around site.

Kevin Brannigan, Marketing Manager at Makita said: “Our latest 40VMax products join the wider, expanding XGT range, which now consists of over 50 models that can all be powered using the same XGT batteries. This means that professionals can effortlessly switch between tools and tasks to maximise their on-site productivity and efficiency, or even pour themselves a hot cup of tea!”

To find out more about Makita visit: www.makitauk.com

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The role of Sports Pitch Management Platforms

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The role of Sports Pitch Management Platforms: Data has always been a part of professional sports turf. For decades grounds people have made notes on paper about their maintenance. As time passed, the paper turned into spreadsheets and has evolved into online pitch management platforms such as GrasPro.

This shift has been down to advancements in pitch technology and the expectations that come with it. Simply put, to get the best out of their investment, pitch managers need to know precisely what is going on with their pitches.

The role of Sports Pitch Management Platforms

The role of Sports Pitch Management Platforms

Using a data management system to do this helps collect and track that data and allows for enhanced decision-making and early detection of issues using historical data. As an industry, we are still in the relatively early stages of data platforms, but they have already made an impact; below, we look at the six vital roles of pitch management systems in the future of turf.

The Advantages of Moving Data Online

The main advantage of moving data online is accessibility. It’s there whenever you need it, wherever you are. With a system like GrasPro, all of your information is in categories, so it’s quick to find exactly what you need. No more rummaging around notebooks or figuring out what’s the right spreadsheet.

Once you’re set up, you really see the benefit of quickly accessing your categorised data, setting and measuring KPIs, and being able to share information with your grounds team, coaches and facility managers instantly. This benefits everything from sharing notes related to upcoming fixtures and quickly comparing and analysing using graphically presented graphs, charts and tables.

Being the Change Through Data

The second vital role of pitch data is decision making and change. Having comprehensive pitch usage and quality data goes a long way to informing the future of your pitches. How many games can they take in one week? When do they need to be aerated? How much water do they need? Etc.

Having this information helps with day to day maintenance, planning and scheduling, but it can also inform major infrastructure decisions when building new facilities, deciding on a new pitch construction or planning a tournament.

Informing decisions is also applicable to consultants who use testing kits and GrasPro to provide informed improvement plans, support grounds team and benchmark pitch progress.

Data is a Team Effort

This one is less about the vital role of data and more about the team using it. Gathering data regularly is crucial for analysis, and it is a team effort. With everyone involved – whether at the same facility or venues across the globe – having a group of people adding to a system provides more comprehensive data.

It also has the added benefit of engaging those collecting. It helps them understand a bit more about how what they are doing is making a difference, and this can be especially helpful in educating new staff.

Making Pitch Maintenance a Green Machine

It’s already proven that collecting data is vital for sustainable turf maintenance, and the importance will only grow in significance.

In 2020 The Sustainability Report published by Touchline stated 83% of football fans care if their clubs impact the environment. The report also found that sustainable stadiums cost 31% less to operate.

When it comes to pitch maintenance, working sustainably can be done simply by only using exactly the amount of water and fertiliser you need, not spraying on windy days or by finding the optimum amount of time to use grow lights etc.

The savings this can make whilst helping the environment are considerable and, in some cases, can even lead to finances being available to purchase battery powered mowers.

The Ability to Bring all of your Data Under One Platform

The popularity of data collection can be seen in its availability. If you buy a weather station or grow lights, they will typically come with data collection software.

Whilst this is helpful for that particular tool, you can lose the benefit of having all of your data in one place.

A solution for this is using an independent platform like GrasPro, which has the largest range of data categories available. Having all of your info in one place means you can analyse and report on it in conjunction with other data to deliver the big picture you need.

What’s the Future of Pitch Management Systems?

A significant role in the future of pitch management platforms is development. Automating the data collection is the next logical step in making it a more efficient process.

This can include everything from automatic water readings to machinery sensors that track machines’ usage. Eventually, this can lead to automatically generated daily, weekly and monthly reports for a truly streamlined process that delivers everything you need to know.

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Turf-ing up the power

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Turf-ing up the power: Makita UK has expanded its cordless outdoor power equipment range with the launch of three new lawnmowers. The DLM480, DLM481 and DLM539 all benefit from Makita’s LXT Twin 18V technology, that delivers an impressive 36V of power to make light work of grass maintenance.

DLM480 and DLM481 LXT Twin 18V (36V) 48cm Lawnmowers

These powerful machines deliver a maximum output of 860W, a no-load speed of up to 3,100rpm and a cutting width of 480mm. With a two-tooth blade design and adjustable cutting height, the DLM480 (push mower) and DLM481 (self-propelled mower) will both easily glide through grass and are recommended for lawns up to 800m/2. What’s more, their large wheel diameters of 180 / 230mm and PVC tyres mean they can sustain higher performance even when used over muddy or uneven ground.

Turf-ing up the power

Turf-ing up the power

To help minimise downtime, the DLM480 and DLM481 feature a mulching function to break down the clippings and optimise space in the collection bag. The inside of the deck also has a streamlined shape to improve grass collection efficiency further. What’s more, these machines also feature a grass level indicator, so operators know when the bag needs emptying.

DLM539 LXT Twin 18V (36V) 53cm Lawnmower

The DML539 (self-propelled mower for lawns up to 800m/2) delivers a maximum output of 860W, a no-load speed of up to 3,000rpm and a wider cutting width of 534mm to help get the lawn cut in better time. With a self-propelled function included, this model will reach its full speed of 5.0km/h in under two seconds.

The DML539 also includes a mulching function, streamlined deck shape and grass level indicator, as well as large wheels for stable operation.

Kevin Brannigan, Marketing Manager at Makita said: “It is a busy time for those in the landscaping and grounds maintenance sectors, and having a high-power, durable and efficient lawnmower in their armoury is key to ensuring on site productivity. The DLM480, DLM481 and DLM539 all benefit from Makita’s powerful LXT Twin 18V technology – and offer the added benefit of being IPX4 rated against water ingress, which is ideal for those working outside in unpredictable British weather.”

To find out more about Makita visit: www.makitauk.com

For the latest industry news visit turfmatters.co.uk/news

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