Tag Archive for: The

Engineered to protect the lawn

/in , /by

Engineered to protect the lawn: STIGA’s new robotic lawnmower, designed and manufactured in Italy, helps produce a healthy lawn whilst allowing time for owners to enjoy their outdoor space in peace and quiet.

Stig is the first robot that can properly care for a lawn in just two mowing sessions a day, with an 80-minute charge and five hours between cuts. It allows the grass to recover and stay healthy, and leaves plenty of time for users to enjoy their outdoor space in peace and quiet.

Engineered to protect the lawn

Engineered to protect the lawn

It is the first of a new breed of robot lawnmowers and combines 90 years of STIGA’s engineering innovation and expertise with a deep understanding of the science of grass. Stig has been designed and developed in Italy, at the STIGA Group headquarters and production facility in Castelfranco (TV). This high-tech hub of innovation is home to a talented multicultural R&D department with a range of backgrounds and skills – mechanical and electronic engineers, technicians, software experts, prototype and test engineers and an agronomist.

Maximum lawn health and more time to enjoy the garden

A healthy lawn requires a robot mower to work with fewer cutting phases, and more time between cuts. Stig covers a maximum working area of 1200sqm, is suitable for all lawn terrain – even slopes up to 45% (24°) – and with twice the run time of any other robot mower. Because Stig completes mowing in daylight hours there is no night mowing to disturb nocturnal wildlife or neighbours and this also allows the lawn to fully recover.

Long-lasting clean energy and high-performance cutting

Stig runs on STIGA-owned E-Power lithium-ion batteries. These ensure reliable, long-lasting performance from a clean energy-saving power source with no emissions. E-Power batteries are designed for long-life: even after 1500 charging cycles they continue to operate at over 80% capacity.

Customers have the option to select two different sized batteries at purchase, to suit the size of the lawn they need to cut. Compact and lightweight (less than 8kg), Stig intelligently navigates gardens of all shapes and sizes, tackling narrow spaces and manoeuvring around trees and bushes.

It’s exceptional cutting performance is delivered via four pivoting carbon steel blades, spinning at up to 2850rpm. An easily adjustable height of cut ensures a precise grass length from 20 to 60mm. The cutting performance is matched by built-in safety features, pivoting retractable blades, two stabilising front wheels and multiple obstacle detection. If Stig is lifted or tips over the blades automatically switch off in under 2 seconds. It is also very quiet thanks to a bottom cover constructed from noise-insulating materials.

Intelligent navigation, user-friendly connectivity

With just five buttons for selecting primary functions, Stig’s on-board control panel allows users to get started quickly and easily. An intuitive interface and Bluetooth connection allows control directly from a smartphone, using very simple functions. A battery light indicates charge level, and a warning light signals the presence of hazards. Stig is supplied with the dedicated STIGA.GO App, available for iOS and Android. This provides advanced control including a full scheduling function allowing users to plan cutting sessions to suit their needs, the weather forecast and seasonal changes. Complete coverage of the lawns is guaranteed with two front coil sensors and a static algorithm. Using “Go-To-Cut” via the App, the user can instruct Stig where to begin mowing. Bump sensors detect objects, and the soft-shell body absorbs any impacts without damaging the mower. A rain sensor automatically sends Stig back to its charging dock.

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

Get all of the big headlines, pictures, opinions and videos on stories that matter to you.

Follow us on Twitter and Instagram for fun, fresh and engaging content.

You can also find us on Facebook for more of your must-see news, features, videos and pictures from Turf Matters.

MM60 helps The Pilgrims

/in , /by

MM60 helps The Pilgrims: MM60 grass seed has been the ideal mixture to help get Boston United FC’s new pitch off to the best possible start – according to Head Groundsman Jim Portas.

At the end of the 2019/20 season Boston United, nicknamed The Pilgrims, left their York Street home to move to a new stadium – the Jakemans Community Stadium. It was an investment with the aim of providing Boston United and its community foundation a secure future.

MM60 helps The Pilgrims

MM60 helps The Pilgrims

Anticipation was high but unfortunately the pandemic meant that the first season in the new stadium was somewhat quiet, much to the regret of Jim.

“The fans were not allowed in, and it was a shame, especially as it was a new era for the club,” he said. “From the players point of view, it was also unfortunate because they had started really well up until the season became null and void. It was a fantastic new pitch, with MM60 seed at its foundation.”

MM60 is the UK’s leading winter sports renovation mixture and can be attributed with playing a key role in many of the finest sporting venues you see today. The 100% Ryegrass formula, which is perfect for divot repair, is renowned for its extremely fast germination and its high wear tolerance. It produces fantastic aesthetic qualities, and its high disease resistance provides ultimate protection.

MM60 is also treated with HEADSTART® GOLD, which is a further development of the well-recognised Headstart treatment and has been developed using the latest scientific findings and field experience. It is a natural revolutionary grass seed treatment that ensures rapid germination. It is perfect for enhancing performance sports fields, golf courses, lawns and amenity turf.

Jim admitted that he can’t take credit for the initial decision to use MM60, but he will certainly be continuing to use it for a long time to come.

“The seed was selected by Fine Turf (the chosen sports turf contractor), but from what I have seen, they absolutely made the right choice. In that first year the seed germinated after just six days, and it gave us fantastic coverage.

“It was so good that I made the decision to overseed with it in May in preparation for the new season. This time around it took slightly longer to germinate because of the weather conditions but as soon as it came through, it really took off.

“It was put to the test pretty quickly,” continued Jim. “Because the fans had been away for so long, the club arranged for four pre-season friendlies to take place all at home – we just wanted the fans back.

MM60 helps The Pilgrims

MM60 helps The Pilgrims

“We allowed 8 weeks for the pitch to establish and then the games came thick and fast. It stood up incredibly well with no problems at all.

“The seed was brilliant in the first year and has been even better in the second year – the colour of it, the strength of it, and the consistency have all been faultless.

“I will continue to use MM60 for renovations, and in the meantime, I’ll put some down in the areas that need it – in the high usage areas throughout the season.

“Overall, the fans love the stadium, and the players love the pitch. It’s a good time for Boston United FC.”

For further information, please contact MM Sports Seed on 01386 791102 or visit the company’s new website www.mm-seeds.co.uk. You can also follow the company on Twitter: @MM_Seed

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

Get all of the big headlines, pictures, opinions and videos on stories that matter to you.

Follow us on Twitter and Instagram for fun, fresh and engaging content.

You can also find us on Facebook for more of your must-see news, features, videos and pictures from Turf Matters.

Polaris leads into the future

/in , /by

Polaris leads into the future: Polaris (NYSE: PII), the world leader in powersports and off-road innovation, has harnessed the power of electrification and is once again pushing the industry forward with the introduction of its highly anticipated RANGER XP Kinetic – the hardest working, smoothest riding UTV ever built.

Featuring an entirely new electric powertrain born from Polaris’ partnership with Zero Motorcycles®, RANGER XP Kinetic establishes a new standard for UTV performance and productivity, delivering uncompromised capability, unrivalled durability and refined performance.

Polaris leads into the future

Polaris leads into the future

Time and again, Polaris has demonstrated our commitment to rider-driven innovation, delivering what our riders need and going beyond what they imagined was possible,” said Mike Speetzen, CEO of Polaris. “Building on this rich legacy, we continue our relentless pursuit to create unmatched riding experiences and are partnering with Zero Motorcycles® to harness the incredible capabilities of electric for our customers. The new RANGER XP Kinetic is a powerful example of this.”

With industry-leading horsepower and torque, RANGER XP Kinetic offers more power than ever to pull more, haul more, and get more done. The electric powertrain’s instantaneous torque delivers precise control when pulling or towing heavy loads. In addition, the industry’s most advanced drivetrain performs with less moving parts for lower maintenance costs and more uptime for increased productivity. Plus, the quiet electric powertrain means easy conversation with family and friends, the ability to work in the early morning without waking neighbours, quiet operation around animals and offers stealthy entry and exit to hunting spots.

“The RANGER XP Kinetic is built for our hard-working customers who take pride in their work, value accomplishment, and are always looking for ways to maximise their productivity,” said Steve Menneto, President of Polaris Off-Road. “The RANGER XP Kinetic unlocks the benefits of electrification to enable these customers to drive efficiency and get more done, giving them the power to do more than ever before.”

“Electrifying an already class-leading product is a very complicated undertaking, but with Polaris we had the advantage of starting with both the best UTV in the industry and a very talented and collaborative team,” said Sam Paschel, CEO of Zero Motorcycles. “The combination of Zero Motorcycles’ technology, our passion for electrification as a powertrain solutions provider, and Polaris’ dedication to consumer-led innovation has created an all-new electric Ranger that delivers an incredible rider experience.”

RANGER XP Kinetic is available as a 3-seat model and will feature a Premium and Ultimate trim. The Premium trim contains a single 14.9 kWh lithium-ion battery that offers an estimated range of 45 miles (70 kilometres), while the Ultimate trims delivers 29.8 kWh of battery capacity and offers an estimated range of 80 miles (130 kilometres).* The Ultimate trim also offers a 18-centimetre infotainment screen powered by RIDE COMMAND technology.

UNCOMPROMISED CAPABILITY

The all-new RANGER XP Kinetic offers uncompromised capability to help customers get more done and features the most horsepower and torque ever found in a utility side-by-side. Industry-leading 110 HP and 140lb-ft of instant torque delivers maximum capability for confidently hauling and towing heavy loads even over the toughest terrain. Together, the unmatched horsepower and torque gives customers the power they need, when they need it, for the ability to effortlessly tow 1134kg and haul an industry-best 567kg. RANGER XP Kinetic also features a class-leading 35.5-centimetres of ground clearance to confidently rise over obstacles, and is equipped with 74-centimetre, 8-ply Pro Armor X-Terrain tires for maximum traction and durability to crawl over rocks and ruts. And with 25.4-centimetres of suspension travel, XP Kinetic smooths out the bumps so customers can ride comfortably in challenging terrain – no matter where the job takes them.

UNRIVALLED DURABILITY

RANGER XP Kinetic also delivers unrivalled durability so riders can maximise their uptime and improve productivity. The electric powertrain features fewer moving parts, meaning less maintenance and more uptime. RANGER XP Kinetic has been torture-tested in extreme conditions and treacherous terrain and is backed by a 1-year factory-installed warranty, 3-year electric powertrain coverage, and 5-year battery coverage**. What’s more, the electric powertrain does not require oil changes, filter replacements, spark plugs or clutch maintenance. Scheduled maintenance costs are expected to be 70% less than average maintenance costs for similar fuel-powered vehicles.***

RANGER XP Kinetic also features a full-coverage front bumper and full-body skid plate for added vehicle protection while riding on tough terrain.

REFINED PERFORMANCE

Capable and durable, RANGER XP Kinetic also delivers refined performance with clean, quiet operation for easy conversations with friends and family, stealthy trips to remote hunting spots, and quiet operation around horses and other livestock. The electric powertrain delivers smooth, precise control when operating at low speeds, so customers will have full control and confidence while towing, backing up to a trailer, or spraying a fence line. The instantaneous torque also delivers faster acceleration for an exhilarating ride on the family property.

RANGER XP Kinetic also offers smart performance features to help customers maximise productivity. A 12V cargo box outlet is convenient for powering accessories like sprayers or charging portable batteries. A new shifter design includes high, low, neutral and park, but features a new, integrated switch for forward and reverse so customers change directions with the flip of a switch, making tasks like plowing fast and efficient.

In addition to high and low gear, RANGER XP Kinetic also has three drive modes for maximum versatility optimised to driving conditions and range management:

Eco+: Optimises torque and top speed for maximum range and light duty jobs.
Standard: Optimises throttle response for everyday driving and moderate-sized jobs
Sport: Optimises throttle response for spirited driving and the toughest jobs

ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY POWERED BY RIDE COMMAND

RANGER XP Kinetic is available with a 18-centimetre infotainment screen powered by RIDE COMMAND technology that lets you work smarter and delivers peace of mind. Customers will have the ability to see estimated remaining range and the battery state of charge directly on the 18-centimetre screen. You can even drop a waypoint on your charging location and see how far away you are from your next charge at any given time.

FAST AND CONVENIENT CHARGING

Convenient charging options are designed to fit specific customer needs and are as easy as plugging into a standard wall outlet. Whether customers are looking for an overnight charge, or a quick top off during the lunch hour, they are covered. XP Kinetic comes standard with a combined Level 1 / Level 2 EV charge cord that allows you to charge from a 120V or 240V outlet.

Factory-installed on-board charging rate is 3kW for the Premium trim and 6kW for the Ultimate trim. Both can reach full charge from 0% in as-fast-as 5 hours as equipped.†† With the available accessory onboard charging system, rates can be boosted to 6kW for Premium and 9kW for Ultimate for up to 50% faster charge times. A 240V power supply is recommended for fastest charging and can deliver over 4x faster charging than a standard 120V outlet.

CUSTOMISATION

RANGER XP Kinetic is compatible with 95% of RANGER XP 1000 accessories including the same great Pro Shield cab systems for tight sealing and all-season rider comfort. Additional accessories available include easy-to-install Pro HD winches for added pulling power and Lock & Ride Storage to keep tools and gear secure while riding.

Plus, Polaris has designed new accessories specific for RANGER XP Kinetic, including a fast-acting electric heater kit so customers can ride in comfort in the colder months, as well as an upgraded 3kW on-board charger for maximum fast charging. With a whole portfolio of off-road accessories, consumers can build the ultimate machine for work, play, or anything in between.

RANGER XP Kinetic will arrive in dealerships in Summer 2022.

* Range estimates based on manufacturer data on typical customer driving usage and conditions. Actual range varies based on conditions such as external environment, weather, speed, cargo loads, rates of acceleration, vehicle maintenance, and vehicle usage.
** Warranty coverage period, terms and conditions may vary by market.
*** Manufacturer estimate based on average scheduled maintenance costs over the course of a 5-year timeframe.
†† Estimated charging times based on a 240V power supply.

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

Get all of the big headlines, pictures, opinions and videos on stories that matter to you.

Follow us on Twitter and Instagram for fun, fresh and engaging content.

You can also find us on Facebook for more of your must-see news, features, videos and pictures from Turf Matters.

Fight against the Garden Chafer

/in , /by

Fight against the Garden Chafer: International Pheromone Systems is looking for trial sites as part of its work to develop lures and traps to help monitor and control an insect pest that is menacing golf courses, race courses, amenity gardens and parks across much of the UK.

Dr Sam Jones, Technical Manager for IPS, explains: “Garden Chafer beetles are turf pests and are most problematic in locations where turf must be kept pristine.

Fight against the Garden Chafer

Fight against the Garden Chafer

“While adults can cause some damage from feeding it is the grubs (larvae) that are the most damaging as they feed and develop on the roots of the grass. In certain locations populations of the Garden Chafer can proliferate. There has been an increasing demand for an environmentally friendly, biocontrol method of managing these pests particularly following the ban of some pesticides. We estimate that a typical golf course would probably need 8 – 12 traps to efficiently monitor for these pests, dependent upon size, shape and planting.”

Monitoring provides early warning of a pest’s presence and identifies areas to be targeted, rather than treatments being applied to large regions where the beetle may not be present. Any trials would be expected to take place between May and July when the pests are usually most abundant.

“We don’t have a pheromone for either the Garden Chafer or the Welsh Chafer, so we currently use plant derived attractants which in the case of the Garden Chafer are floral odours. The hope is that our new lure formats will attract both species. This work will later be extended to the less damaging pests, the Rose Chafer and the Cockchafer,” Sam added.

Chafer larvae are distinguished by their “C” shaped body, which is white with a pale brown head. Garden chafer larvae reach up to 15 mm long when fully grown. Larvae feed on the roots of grasses which results in the formation of patches. Damage is often exacerbated by badgers and crows which like to dig into the turf to feed on the larvae.

“Damaged turf on sports pitches can sometimes impact on player welfare. Once weakened the turf may not provide adequate traction which can result in increased slips and falls and potential player injury.

“As well as injuries there can be loss of revenue for the facility if a sporting event has to be cancelled and the capital costs of replacing the damaged turf can often be substantial,” Sam explains.

International Pheromone Systems offers a nature-based approach and specialist knowledge for natural and safe solutions to monitor and manage pests in agricultural and domestic environments.

The company’s highly skilled entomologists find solutions from nature itself. Together with universities, scientific partners and growers, the IPS team works to find natural solutions to help reduce pesticide use and support integrated pest management (IPM) in agriculture, horticulture and forestry businesses.

A healthier, safer and more productive environment is achieved by using the natural behaviour of pests and finding the right pheromone combination and trapping solution specific to a particular species.

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

Get all of the big headlines, pictures, opinions and videos on stories that matter to you.

Follow us on Twitter and Instagram for fun, fresh and engaging content.

You can also find us on Facebook for more of your must-see news, features, videos and pictures from Turf Matters.

INFINICUT® gives Warrington Wolves the advantage

/in , , /by

INFINICUT® gives Warrington Wolves the advantage: When Niall Hazlehurst joined Warrington Wolves as Head of Grounds in February 2021, a quick trip into the equipment shed flagged the urgent need for an update to the club’s mower fleet.

Recognising the number of elite sporting venues using mowers from INFINICUT®, Niall put forward a case that if the club wanted to be the best, they needed to invest in the best equipment! Convinced by both the superior cut quality and environmental credentials, the club purchased two 34” INFINICUT® FX mowers, along with an SM34 Rotary, earlier this year.

INFINICUT® gives Warrington Wolves the advantage

INFINICUT® gives Warrington Wolves the advantage

“Having used INFINICUT® mowers in the past, it was fantastic to be able to explain just how many benefits they could bring to the quality of the pitch and the environment as a whole” explains Niall. “Like a lot of clubs, we’re looking at ways of being greener so the fact we can reduce emissions and cost by switching to battery power was a big plus. However, the mowers also need to deliver on the agronomic front. The number of adjustable parameters on the INFINICUT’s and the millimetre precision you get when setting the height of cut has taken our pitch presentation from nil to the best it’s ever been!”

Two 34” fixed head units are the primary mowers for pre-match cut but, in addition, the club decided to invest in the SM34 Rotary mower – delivered by dealers Turner Groundcare in August. The SM34 follows the same design philosophy as the rest of the INFINICUT® range, offering best in class performance with an emphasis on a modern, clean power source. It takes its mode of traction from the INFINICUT® reel mower, renowned for its durability, paired with a deck designed to facilitate optimal airflow.

“Now that we’re out of season, we’re using our SM34 in rotation with the 34” FX units to help to stand the plant up and thicken the sward. In season, it is used for the clean-up cut and thanks to the phenomenal suction, it doesn’t miss anything!” Niall continues, “In addition, if the weather is really poor on prep day and we’re at all concerned about dropping clippings, we will use the Rotary as this gives us an excellent quality of cut and finish. Having that versatility at our disposal is fantastic.”

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

Get all of the big headlines, pictures, opinions and videos on stories that matter to you.

Follow us on Twitter and Instagram for fun, fresh and engaging content.

You can also find us on Facebook for more of your must-see news, features, videos and pictures from Turf Matters.