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Measuring up to knapsack calibration

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Measuring up to knapsack calibration: Correctly calibrating liquid spray applications is a keystone of effective spraying.

Doing it right, whether weeding or feeding, is critical to ensure operators deliver concentrations appropriate for the task in hand.

Measuring up to knapsack calibration

Measuring up to knapsack calibration

Giving SAGE delegates the benefit of his considerable experience and knowledge will be training company boss Martin Sampson, who will reveal the secrets of correct calibration at his 6 July presentation, from 12 noon to 12.45.

Approved by SAGE exhibitor and leading industry awarding body Lantra, Martin heads up Grounds Training at a time of soaring demand for spraying qualifications.

“Local authorities, schools, colleges and companies are more aware of the importance of training now,” he says. “If you are spraying, qualifications such as PA1 and PA6 are legal requirements but increasingly we’re seeing organisations wanting to upskill staff to give them the flexibility to spray in house, instead of using contractors.”

Martin’s 45-minute fast-track presentation is “a slice through how to calibrate, why we need it, what can go wrong if we don’t calibrate regularly and the importance of well-maintained kit”.

Jointly presenting with colleague Geraint Jenkins, Martin also covers correct choice of sprayer nozzles and reveals his own method of turning calibration from a maths puzzle to 20 minutes’ work.

Grounds Training delivers a full suite of Lantra-approved grounds and sportsturf management qualifications as well as Lantra customised provision courses that cover line marking, natural and synthetic turf maintenance and maintenance and management of wildflower meadows, ponds and wetlands.

On knapsack training modules, Martin also focuses on ergonomic aspects of spraying to reduce operator body stresses and strains – using a Berthoud Vermorel Pro Comfort 2000 demo unit.

“From a training aspect, it is simple to use and to explain various points about spraying, which include operator comfort. The Vermorel’s back frame and straps distribute the weight of the knapsack and contents in a way that balances the forces on the body. The extendable lance is also helpful for illustrating how to spray safely near water, an increasingly popular course.”

www.lantra.co.uk

www.groundstraining.com

www.berthoud.fr/en/  

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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

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Power up with Makita

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Power up with Makita: Leading power tools manufacturer Makita UK is offering end users the chance to get their hands on a FREE MR002GZ01 Bluetooth Job Site Radio, or MP001GZ XGT 40VMax Inflator, or ML003G XGT 40VMax Worklight with the purchase and registration of selected XGT 40VMax machines.

Makita’s XGT 40VMax range has been designed to offer tradespeople the high output, durability and fast charge times needed for regular professional use. From 1st April 2022 until 30th September 2022, Makita is offering end users the chance to expand their XGT collection with its latest on-line redemption offer.

Power up with Makita

Power up with Makita

This redemption deal is available to those who purchase from a wide selection of XGT 40VMax machines (supplied with two batteries and a charger – body only models are not included), spanning across both construction and outdoor power equipment. Qualifying products include twin kits, demolition hammers, rotary hammers, combi drills, circular saws, mitre saws, angle grinders, vacuum cleaners and dust extractors – as well as hedge trimmers, brush cutters, linetrimmers and more.

When purchasing a qualifying XGT machine, users can simply register it online to redeem either the MR002GZ01 Bluetooth Job Site Radio (compatible with LXT, XGT and CXT batteries), or MP001GZ XGT 40VMax Inflator, or ML003G XGT 40VMAX Worklight.

Kevin Brannigan, Marketing Manager at Makita said: “Our XGT 40VMax range provides end users working across all trades with a selection of machines that they can rely on to tackle higher-demand applications with ease. Our new redemption offer is ideal for those looking to expand their existing XGT kit – or those looking to introduce XGT into their armoury.”

To qualify for the redemption offer, qualifying models must be purchased from 1st April 2022 to 30th September 2022 and registered online within 28 days.

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

For more information on the promotion and terms and conditions, visit:

https://makitauk.com/redeemxgtspringsummer2022

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BIGGA and GEO Foundation team up at BTME

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BIGGA and GEO Foundation team up at BTME: The British and International Golf Greenkeepers Association (BIGGA) has teamed up with GEO Foundation for Sustainable Golf to host a place for sports turf managers to meet and exchange ideas during March’s BIGGA Turf Management Exhibition (BTME).

GEO Foundation is an international not-for-profit, dedicated to helping inspire, support and reward credible sustainability and climate action across golf.

BIGGA and GEO Foundation team up at BTME

BIGGA and GEO Foundation team up at BTME

BTME takes place at the Harrogate Convention Centre from 22 to 24 March 2022 and during the event the GEO Foundation will be joined by a number of other partners to host the ‘Sustainability Lounge’, which will provide a dedicated space for attendees to find out more, get involved and join discussions about key sustainability issues with experts in their field.

In addition to its strategic support through partnerships with associations including BIGGA, the GEO Foundation assures the OnCourse programmes for grassroots golf facilities, new developments and tournaments, each of which can lead to the widely endorsed and externally recognised GEO Certified label.

During BTME, the Sustainability Lounge will be a gathering and meeting place and in addition to the team from GEO Foundation, experts from around the UK will often be on hand, including BIGGA’s very own sustainability champion, James Hutchinson.

James, who is Membership Services Manager for Ecology and Sustainability for BIGGA, said: “Of all the key topics up for discussion at BTME, among the most important will be the need for golf courses all over the world to adopt increasingly sustainable practices. With the changing availability of resources and rising costs, alongside an increasing awareness of the important role we can all play to protect the natural environment, golf has a massive part to play and I am excited that our colleagues at the GEO Foundation, and partners from other golfing bodies, will be joining us at BTME for what stands to be a wonderful opportunity to exchange ideas and discover new sustainable practices.”

The GEO Foundation will also be recognising Sustainable Golf Champions and will celebrate GEO Certified venues, with representatives invited to showcase what initiatives they have implemented at their golf facilities. There will also be prize draws for those who stop by to vote for a sustainability or climate action project shared by a fellow greenkeeper.

Kelli Jerome, Executive Director at GEO Foundation, added: “BTME is an important event in the golf industry calendar and the advocacy, education and engagement opportunities provided are important to golf’s sustainability progress. We are really excited about the space BIGGA has made available for the Sustainability Lounge and we’re looking forward to working closely with BIGGA and other UK golf associations to support and engage attendees – meeting, hearing views, answering questions and sharing inspiring stories from as many people as possible during the week.”

BTME is free to attend and registration and more information can be found on the BTME website, www.btme.org.uk

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Kubota teams up for Guinness Six Nations

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Kubota teams up for Guinness Six Nations: The Welsh Rugby Union and Kubota dealer Hopkins Machinery Ltd have enjoyed a long and fruitful partnership, dating back to the 1960s when Cardiff Arms Park was still the home of Welsh rugby.

In 2005 the Newport-based dealership took on the Kubota franchise, and Kubota machinery has been an important part of the armoury ever since. Kubota tractors and RTVs fulfil various roles at Principality Stadium, home to international rugby tournaments including three World Cups and the Guinness Six Nations, which is set to thrill capacity crowds again this spring with the lifting of Covid-19 restrictions.

Kubota teams up for Guinness Six Nations

Kubota teams up for Guinness Six Nations

“Although we use pedestrian equipment on the pitch, Kubota tractors are essential workhorses for the Stadium,” explains Head Groundsman Lee Evans. “Our relationship with Hopkins Machinery is key – if ever we need parts, service or repairs or replacement machines, their support is second-to-none.”

Evan Hopkins concurs: “Having taken the decision to move into groundcare in 1995 and then taking on Kubota in 2005, Principality Stadium is an ideal sponsorship for us, with rugby being our national sport. It’s highly prestigious and gives us a fantastic hospitality opportunity.”

Paramount in the qualities of a tractor to be used in the Stadium is dependable reliability, and the 2016 Kubota STW 40 currently in use is a perfect example.

“It’s important that we can rely on the tractor to do a job and that it is straightforward enough for any of the three groundsmen to drive,” Lee points out. “It never lets us down.”

The tractor is fitted with a Kubota LA 454 ST front end loader, and tasks range from loading grass clippings from buggies on the pitch into a skip for collection by the local authority to pulling a harrow to maintain the artificial turf surrounding the pitch and positioning goalposts.

After a match, the STW 40 gets its moment in the spotlight, pulling lighting rigs onto the pitch

while the TV cameras are still rolling.

“The pitch is on a slight incline so the nine larger rigs, which weigh two tonnes, have to be towed on with the tractor. It’s labour intensive but a crucial job as the roof makes this the darkest stadium in Europe and the light helps the turf recover quickly,” he explains.

Stadium manoeuvres are also the role of another Kubota machine, with the RTV utility vehicle used to transport Terraplas sheets used to cover the pitch for concerts.

“We don’t need the RTV all the time, so it’s a great feature of the sponsorship that Hopkins Machinery can provide one on a short term hire for jobs like this,” comments Lee.

Hopkins Machinery has a dedicated hire fleet of more than 80 RTVs, used for everything from festivals and sporting events to winter maintenance contracts, so is well equipped to be able to help out.

“With a prestigious venue like this, we’re reliant on partnerships to help us deliver high standards in a busy programme, and we really value working with Kubota and Hopkins Machinery,” he concludes.

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