Tag Archive for: Use

JCB’s hydrogen engine approved for use

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JCB’s hydrogen engine approved for use: JCB has cleared significant hurdles in its development of the world’s first hydrogen combustion engine after securing landmark rulings from licensing authorities allowing it to be used commercially in machines, the company announced today.

JCB is the first construction equipment company to develop a fully working combustion engine fuelled by hydrogen and a team of 150 engineers has been working on the exciting £100 million development for over three years.

JCB's hydrogen engine approved for use

JCB’s hydrogen engine approved for use

Today JCB confirmed that 11 licensing authorities across Europe have now given permission for JCB’s hydrogen engine to be sold across Europe – with authorities in other countries set to follow suit with certification in 2025.

JCB Chairman Anthony Bamford, who has led the company’s hydrogen engine project, said: “This is a very significant moment for JCB. To start the New Year with certification in place in so many European countries bodes very well for the future of hydrogen combustion technology. JCB has proved in recent years that it is a proper zero emissions solution for construction and agricultural equipment.

“This formal type approval/certification paves the way for the sale and use of hydrogen engines right across the UK and Europe. I couldn’t have hoped for a better start to the year. Most of all, I am delighted for our team of British engineers who have worked tirelessly to reach this stage.”

JCB confirmed that the Netherlands’ Vehicle Authority RDW was the first licensing authority to issue official certification, giving permission for the engine to sold in The Netherlands. Other licensing bodies across Europe have followed RDW’s lead by issuing the necessary certification, including Great Britain, Northern Ireland, Germany, France, Spain, Belgium, Poland, Finland, Switzerland and Lichtenstein. Licensing authorities in other countries are set to follow with certification during 2025.

JCB has already produced more than 130 evaluation engines which are powering backhoe loaders, Loadall telescopic handlers and generator sets. Real-world testing of JCB’s hydrogen equipment on customers’ sites is now at an advanced stage and progressing well.

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TGA bans use of plastic netting in turfgrass production

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TGA bans use of plastic netting in turfgrass production: Following extensive member engagement and feedback, the Turfgrass Growers Association (TGA), the leading body representing the UK turfgrass industry, has announced a bold and progressive step towards environmental sustainability by banning the use of plastic netting in turf production by its members. This decision, supported overwhelmingly by members in a recent vote, will take effect from 31st October 2026.

The decision to ban plastic netting reflects the TGA’s commitment to sustainable practices. From 31st October 2026, grower members must cease using plastic netting to grow turf, in order to retain their membership of the association during the 2026/27 subscription year and beyond.

TGA bans use of plastic netting in turfgrass production

TGA bans use of plastic netting in turfgrass production

Richard Owens, Chair of the TGA, commented: “This is a defining moment, and the decision reflects the growing consensus among our members and the wider industry about the urgent need to prioritise sustainability. By committing to eliminate plastic netting, the TGA is leading the way towards a more environmentally responsible future for turf production in the UK.”

Despite industry efforts to develop alternatives, there are currently no proven, cost-effective bio-degradable netting solutions widely available that meet the practical and economic requirements of turf production. While some options, such as degradable or biobased netting, have shown promise, challenges remain regarding durability, affordability, and large-scale adoption. This underscores the importance of continued research and innovation to find viable, sustainable solutions.

The vote saw overwhelming support from TGA members, with 17 voting in favour of the ban and just 1 against. The TGA is committed to supporting its members during the transition period by providing guidance, resources, and collaborative opportunities to explore and implement alternative practices.

This initiative represents a significant milestone for the turfgrass industry, aligning with broader environmental goals across the agricultural and horticultural sectors. The TGA’s decision sets an important precedent for adopting sustainable practices in industries that impact the environment.

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First “drive-by-wire” mowers for domestic use

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First “drive-by-wire” mowers for domestic use: STIGA, the leading manufacturer and distributor of garden machinery and equipment, presents Gyro 500 & 700: an absolute world first in the domestic garden industry. 

Setting the standard for battery powered mowing, Gyro embodies the ultimate combination of powerful cutting performance, superior ergonomic design, and unsurpassed manoeuvrability. Powered by STIGA ePower battery technology, it is suitable for large and complex gardens and can handle areas of up to 8000 square meters.

First “drive-by-wire” mowers for domestic use

First “drive-by-wire” mowers for domestic use

STIGA Gyro – changing the game in mowing experience.

Gyro is powered by STIGA eMotion Technology, a unique electronic system developed to effortlessly govern direction, steering and speed.  The mower offers an extremely precise joystick, mounted on the armrest, which controls the vehicle, allowing it to turn on a sixpence…guaranteeing an enjoyable ride and taking lawn mowing to a whole new level.

STIGA cutting excellence – agility, control, and precision, meet safety and comfort

The precision control and 360° turning radius facilitates mowing particularly close to the edges along bushes or lawns while simultaneously ensuring the best-possible visibility over the broader mowing area.

Gyro offers the option to select variable speeds for both mowing and driving modes. With three blade speeds to choose from, the user can adapt the mowing performance to the desired conditions and conveniently adjust the mowing deck directly from the driver’s seat.

The robust chassis and sophisticated design provide Gyro excellent stability and balance, even when operating on slopes or uneven surfaces, resulting in a safe and comfortable ride. Designed with the needs of even the most discerning users in mind, Gyro offers maximum operating and driving comfort, ergonomic design, safety and proven, convincing efficiency.

The synergy between ePower, eMotion and STIGA Direct Drive motors creates a unique combination of proven technologies and compelling innovations to take lawn mowing to a whole new level. Each rear wheel is driven by a self-contained electric motor, for easier handling and greater driving precision.

“This is what lawnmowers will be like in the future and is available now.  Gyro establishes a completely new category of battery-powered sit-on mowers for challenging areas, unbeatable productivity that are not just fun but comfortable to drive too” says Gary Whitney, managing director of STIGA UK.

STIGA Gyro 500e and 700e are available now from STIGA dealerships with retail prices starting from £7,511

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EFL Pitch Winners Use Mansfield Sand

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EFL Pitch Winners Use Mansfield Sand: The English Football League (EFL) has named the 2021/22 Grounds Teams of the Season, and 8 out of the 10 clubs use Mansfield Sand products on their pitches.

Up and down the country, groundstaff have again worked tirelessly this campaign to maintain pitches across all 72 of the EFL’s clubs. The Grounds Teams of the Season awards recognise the staff who have produced the best quality playing surfaces in each division.

EFL Pitch Winners Use Mansfield Sand

EFL Pitch Winners Use Mansfield Sand

Throughout the season, pitch marks are provided by the referee and the away team manager for all EFL matches. The teams that receive the highest number of marks are then visited by the STRI (Sports Turf Research Institute), where further assessments are carried out.

Once all the club visits have taken place, the reports are submitted to the Playing Surfaces Committee, at which point the winners and the highly commended teams are determined. 8 out of the 10 successful teams use Mansfield Sand products.

Middlesbrough FC, Nottingham Forest FC, Lincoln City FC, Newport County FC, Bradford City FC, and Exeter City FC all use Mansfield Sand’s Fibresand and Ipswich Town FC relies on Mansfield Sand’s MM40 product. Furthermore, League One winners Bolton Wanderers FC use Fibresand on their training pitch.

Mansfield Sand is a company with history and pedigree – in fact, its origins can be traced as far back to 1840. It has been a long-standing pioneer in the development and production of premium sand-based products and boasts the most up-to-date and advanced equipment currently in the industry.

From winter sports pitches, golf courses, bowling greens and all amenity turf areas – Mansfield Sand has a solution for all.

Commenting on the winners, Gary Cunningham, Football & Golf Sales Representative for Mansfield Sand, said: “We would like to say a huge congratulations to all the successful teams and we are honoured that so many of them use our products.

“Groundstaff deserve so much credit for preparing and maintaining the stage on which so many sporting men and women depend for their performance and enjoyment. It is vitally important to recognise and celebrate this highly skilled profession.”

For more information visit www.mansfield-sand.co.uk

You can also follow the company on Twitter – @MansfieldSand and Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/MansfieldSandSportSurfaces/

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Year round use for Valdor Flex

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Year round use for Valdor Flex: The residual herbicide, Valdor Flex®, has received a label update, extending usage periods and application areas, providing contractors with an opportunity to adopt a flexible approach to weed control.

Lewis Blois, Bayer’s amenity specialist, says this updated authorisation will allow contractors to adapt their approach depending on weather conditions and weed growth, so they can manage weeds in public spaces effectively and efficiently.

Year round use for Valdor Flex

Year round use for Valdor Flex

“Valdor Flex® can now be used on amenity vegetation (around), permitting applications to be made around the base of trees, shrubs and other plants in amenity areas, allowing this herbicide to be used in a wider range of situations,” he adds.

In addition, this product could previously only be used from February to June, however the application window extension allows Valdor Flex® to be used year-round.

“The new year-round application period allows users to take a different approach and adapt their herbicide programme depending on the weather conditions and weed growth.

“For example, this may mean using Valdor Flex® as a residual control in August to prevent weed growth in the autumn, rather than a spring application of the product in conjunction with Roundup® earlier in the season,” says Lewis.

Valdor Flex® is also a great tool to help with resistance management, as it contains two active ingredients with different modes of action.

“This herbicide prevents the emergence of a broad spectrum of weeds for up to four months, reducing the frequency of traditional applications. It provides residual control of the hardest to manage weeds on a wide range of surfaces, allowing contractors to keep public spaces weed free,” he explains.

Valdor Flex® can be used as a pre or post emergence application “It can be applied alone on bare ground before weeds emerge or if weeds are already present, it can be mixed with Roundup® ProActive or ProVantage which provides the initial knockdown.”

To benefit from these extensions of use, contractors must be using the new product with the updated label.

“These changes to the use of Valdor Flex® will allow amenity contractors to take a flexible approach to weed control, by adapting their herbicide programme to suit weather conditions and weed growth, ensuring they keep weeds at bay in public spaces,” concludes Lewis.

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