Tag Archive for: updated

Lay of the Links gets updated at Cabot Highland

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Lay of the Links gets updated at Cabot Highland: For Cabot Highland’s Course Manager James Hutchison a new course build, world-class golf conditions to maintain and a reputation to uphold are all part of the day job. Luckily, with a Toro Total Solution agreement, he has a fleet of Toro machinery, a new irrigation system and back up support from Reesink Scotland to make the job easier.

The Castle Stuart course has long been a Toro customer with both Toro machinery and irrigation maintaining the acclaimed links in Inverness and now the new Old Petty course, designed by renowned architect Tom Doak, will be too.

Lay of the Links gets updated at Cabot Highland

Lay of the Links gets updated at Cabot Highland

James comments: “There are over eight Cabot-managed courses across the world using Toro, but we still did extensive research and testing when it came to deciding what would work best for our new course and how to bring the latest technology onto our Castle Stuart course.

“With so much riding on the opening as well as maintaining Castle Stuart’s position in the top 100, we knew we needed Toro’s finest cutting equipment to guarantee success and allow us to continue competing for our place.”

The latest machinery order, which includes four Toro Reelmaster 3555-D mowers, two Greensmaster TriFlex 3420 mowers, a ProCore 648s aerator, ProPass 200 topdresser and Multi Pro 5800 with GeoLink have all been chosen with the specifics of the new course front and foremost says James.

When it comes to the decision of which irrigation system should be installed on the new Old Petty course, James opted for the Lynx Central Control System with Infinity sprinklers.

“We open officially in April 2026 and we’re currently growing the grass,” James explains. “For the delicate stage we’re in, precision is key, and Toro has delivered that from the 2000 pop up sprinklers with targeted watering with negligible water waste to the combination of the lightweight Reelmasters and the hybrid TriFlexes with no risk of hydraulic leaks.

“We’re about to start topdressing using the ProPass and 5000 tons of sand and spraying in wetting agents. The accuracy of the GeoLink with sprayer means we’re not wasting a drop of the expensive product; it’s all going exactly where it needs to and not putting the grass under unnecessary stress due to over spraying.”

Also aiding in the period of growing in the grass was the irrigation system says Robert Jackson, Division Manager at Reesink Hydro-Scapes: “We needed to be able to establish the grass species quite quickly. Having the correct irrigation system with the correct control and application meant we could assist in the whole process. With the input of the installer and consultant and Reesink’s experience on the irrigation products we were able to make sure the client achieved what they required from a system.”

By choosing Toro from Reesink Scotland, James is guaranteed the back up and support from the UK distributor: “We have a team of 23, which will go up to 30 next year with the requirements of the new course in mind, so we need to know the equipment can support them,” he says. “We don’t need any downtime or delays for repairs and Reesink’s support to our on-site mechanic will be a vital service.”

Mike Turnbull, Reesink Scotland Branch Manager, comments: “We are delighted to be chosen to partner Cabot Highland at the highly prestigious courses at Castle Stuart. We look forward to meeting and exceeding James’ expectations with the Toro machinery and support their whole business from our new depot near Elgin.”

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Green-tech Launch Updated TreeParker® Brochure

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Green-tech Launch Updated TreeParker® Brochure: Green-tech, the leading supplier of landscaping and forestry solutions, is proud to announce the launch of its updated TreeParker® brochure, highlighting the enhanced water management features designed to meet the evolving needs of urban tree planting projects.

TreeParker®, a versatile Urban Tree Planting & Water Management Cell System, has been engineered to address the well-documented challenges of urban tree planting, from traffic loading to pavement lifting, while seamlessly integrating essential utilities. Distributed exclusively in the UK by Green-tech, TreeParker® offers a smart combination of Green, Grey, and Blue to address the well-documented challenges of urban tree planting; from traffic loading to pavement lifting and integrating essential utilities.

Green-tech Launch Updated TreeParker® Brochure

Green-tech Launch Updated TreeParker® Brochure

Key Features of TreeParker®:

Engineered SuDS Solution: TreeParker® is not just a structural support system for urban trees; it’s a comprehensive sustainable urban drainage system (SuDS) solution that benefits both tree roots and the environment. The system provides numerous benefits, from water storage to filtration and water reuse, providing a circular approach to surface water management.

Optimised Rooting Space: The rigid, yet open structure of TreeParker® ensures that 95% of the tree pit area is dedicated to soil, allowing uninterrupted root establishment without the risk of soil compaction or upward root growth. This design maximises the space available for growing media and ensures contact with surrounding soil to ensure a natural growth environment.

Tested for Heavy Traffic Loads: TreeParker® is composed of modular units strong enough to support the heaviest wagons. The load is transferred from the surface paving to the formation ground via the TreeParker® frames and reinforced posts, avoiding any pressure on the soil within the tree pit.

Stress-Free Utility Integration: The system is designed to work under the urban environment. The simple, open construction enables contractors to straddle over new and existing service lines and pipes, with no integrated side walls to get in the way.

Holistic Water Management: As urban areas face increasingly complex challenges related to stormwater management that extend beyond just preventing flooding, TreeParker® offers a solution that balances urban development and the quality and quantity of urban run-off while enhancing biodiversity and sustainability—a true representation of sustainable blue-green infrastructure.

“With the growing importance of climate resilience and sustainability, urban tree planting is more critical than ever,” said Seraya Sigsworth, Product Specification Manager at Green-tech. “Taking a green asset that naturally provides biodiversity and amenity and combining it with water management creates a true vision of sustainable blue-green infrastructure. TreeParker® is designed to meet these challenges head-on, offering a modular, engineered solution that supports both tree health and urban water management. Our updated brochure emphasises these benefits, giving our customers the information they need to make informed decisions for their urban tree planting projects.”

For more information and to request a copy of the updated TreeParker® brochure, please visit www.green-tech.co.uk or call 01423 332100.

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Updated standard for greenkeeping apprentices

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Updated standard for greenkeeping apprentices: The Greenkeepers Training Committee (GTC) has released information about a new qualification that will provide golf greenkeepers and other sports turf apprentices with advanced knowledge as they work to produce exceptional playing surfaces from grassroots through to professional levels.

The Level 3 Advanced Sports Turf Technician apprenticeship has been approved by the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (IfATE) and is now available for delivery.

Updated standard for greenkeeping apprentices

Updated standard for greenkeeping apprentices

Sponsored by the Department of Education, IfATE is an employer-led organisation that supports employer groups in the development of world-leading apprenticeships and technical education systems. During 2020, IfATE undertook a review of apprenticeship standards within associated industries. The Advanced Golf Greenkeeper Apprenticeship had been approved for delivery in January 2020 but as a result of the review, the Greenkeeper Trailblazer and Sports Turf Trailblazer groups were approached by IfATE to develop a Level 3 Standard and End-point Assessment Plan (EPA) that could sit across both disciplines.

Trailblazer groups are responsible for developing a new apprenticeship for an occupation and then revise the apprenticeship as needed. Both groups understood it would be challenging to develop an apprenticeship that aligns comfortably across greenkeeping and the various other sports turf disciplines, but after many months of discussions between employers, training providers and IfATE, the Level 3 Advanced Sports Turf Technician apprenticeship has been produced and approved.

Improvements to the apprenticeship include more comprehensive assessment of knowledge, skills and behaviours (KSBs), which are undertaken through a written test, the creation of a project that must then be presented and a professional discussion and facility walk.

The Standard and End-point Assessment Plan can be accessed on the IfATE website.

Les Howkins MG is chairperson of the Golf Greenkeeping Trailblazer Group. He said: “It is great that we have been able to come together and work with the Sports Turf Trailblazer Group to develop a comprehensive Level 3 apprenticeship that we feel works across all disciplines within the sports turf sector and provides a career progression from the well-established Level 2. Following a lot of hard work alongside the Sports Turf group, we believe the Advanced Sports Turf Technician apprenticeship delivers what employers and apprentices in our sector need.”

Delivery director at IfATE, Robert Nitsch, said: “We are pleased to announce that the Advanced Sports Turf Technician Level 3 apprenticeship has been approved for delivery. The Sports Turf and Golf Greenkeeping Trailblazer groups have worked together to develop a standard suitable for sports turf technicians across a wide range of settings. This apprenticeship will form part of a suite of sports turf and golf greenkeeping apprenticeships and will provide a progression route for those previously achieving Level 2 qualifications. The apprenticeship will become the recognised standard for all advanced sports turf technicians.”

The Advanced Golf Greenkeeper apprenticeship will continue to be offered until it is decommissioned in 2023. The latest start date for apprentices will be 31 August 2023. There is no impact on those already registered on that standard.

The following employers all contributed to the creation of the new standard, along with support from training providers and End-point Assessment Organisations: British and International Golf Greenkeepers Association (BIGGA), Crosfields School, Edgbaston Stadium, England Golf, Frilford Heath Golf Club, the GTC, Gaudet Luce Golf Club, Grounds Management Association, Highfield Sports Ground, Leicester City FC Sports Turf Academy, Leyland Golf Club, Portmore Golf Centre, The Richmond Golf Club, Trentham Golf Club, Myerscough College, Kings School, Nottingham University, Oaklands College, Whitgift School.

For more information on the Advanced Sports Turf Apprenticeship, contact The GTC’s Fiona Lyttle on (01347) 838 640 or fiona@the-gtc.co.uk

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STIHL’s updated S3 safety boots

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STIHL’s updated S3 safety boots: STIHL has launched an updated set of breathable and comfortable safety boots, designed to support and protect wearers when undertaking gardening and landscaping jobs. 

Enhancing its current footwear range, STIHL has manufactured the updated steel toe capped S3 safety boots to comply with the safety standard of footwear EN ISO 20345:2011, with additional features such as anti-static protection, puncture protection, oil, fuel and water resistance, energy absorption in the heel and mid heel penetration resistance.

STIHL's updated S3 safety boots

STIHL’s updated S3 safety boots

For optimal comfort and protection, these light-weight safety boots boast additional ankle support, a replaceable insole and steel cap protection that can resist a 200-joule impact, assuring the user’s safety while wearing the boots and operating gardening and landscaping equipment.

The S3 boots are made with durability in mind, featuring breathable fabric and quick drying textile lining with a padded collar, making them the ultimate gardening footwear for any weather. With an excellent grip on uneven soils and a rough profile sole, any outdoor job can be completed with ease while maintaining a stable and secure grip.

Available in UK sizes 5.5 – 13, the S3 safety boots have an updated design with reflective material and strips on both sides, enabling greater visibility when working. These boots are not suitable for chainsaw use.

For more information on STIHL’s extensive range of footwear, please visit www.stihl.co.uk

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STIHL launches updated pole pruner range

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STIHL launches updated pole pruner range: STIHL has launched the new HTA 66 and HTA 86, updating its range of lightweight and powerful cordless pole pruners, designed for both domestic users, as well as landscaping and gardening professionals and arborists.

Replacing the popular HTA 65 and HTA 85 models, the new long-reach cordless pole pruners are equipped with a 1/4” PM3 saw chain as standard, offering users precise, high cutting performance, ideal for grounds maintenance, orchards, tree maintenance and arboriculture tasks.

STIHL launches updated pole pruner range

STIHL launches updated pole pruner range

The battery slot is repositioned to make these pole pruners exceptionally well balanced, providing easier handling and reduced fatigue when working over longer periods.

Both the HTA 66 and HTA 86 feature a powerful EC motor that allows the user to vary chain speed with their finger, and the tools impress with quick acceleration, no emissions and a low noise output, meaning no ear defenders are required.

Both models feature a new ergonomic control handle with an intuitive, yet well thought out start-up process to ensure the tool is only started when intended. The new handle design also ensures that the tool is comfortable to use whether right-handed or left-handed and features anti-slip protection for further safety and comfort.

The HTA 66 has an overall length of 240cm, whilst the HTA 86 has a newly designed square telescopic shaft that not only can be adjusted between 270cm and 390cm without tools, but also offers high shaft stiffness to protect against twisting and deflection for precise positioning even at full extension.

In addition, the cutting lengths of 25cm (HTA 66) and 30cm (HTA 86) enable even thicker branches to be shortened precisely and efficiently. A new robust branch hook on both models helps with removing loose cuttings.

Other features include simple chain tensioning that makes it easy to re-tension the saw chain, as well as the captive nut on the sprocket cover that allows for a quick chain change. In addition, users can always keep track of oil levels thanks to the semi-transparent oil tank and the patented innovative lock allows the tank to be opened and closed quickly without tools and minimum effort.

Both the HTA 66 and HTA 86 can be used with STIHL’s high-performance 36V AP battery system and are compatible with more than 20 tools to meet the needs of a wide range of gardens and applications.

For more information on STIHL’s range of cordless pole pruners, please visit www.stihl.co.uk.

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