Tag Archive for: With

Delta Turf Care partners with Mow-Sure Training

in , /by

Delta Turf Care partners with Mow-Sure Training: Delta Turf Care is pleased to announce that they have entered into a strategic partnership with Mow-Sure Training Ltd to provide Lantra Certified Training for their customers across the United Arab Emirates, Oman, Bahrain, and Saudi Arabia.

This Partnership is part of Delta’s strategy to promote learning and development of turf technicians and spray technicians in the regions as well as creating a training hub to help promote and create more opportunities for technicians to join the turf industry in the Middle East.

Delta Turf Care partners with Mow-Sure Training

Delta Turf Care partners with Mow-Sure Training

The Training courses provided to customers will consist of Grounds Care Machinery Maintenance or PA 1,2 & 6 Sprayer training depending on customer requirements. The training courses will be conducted on a quarterly basis with individual assessments per candidate prior to the next training course.

Four of Delta’s technicians had recently completed their Lantra Turfcare Machinery Certification as part of a yearlong training course which included quarterly assessments by a qualified assessor.

The technicians from Delta Turf Care, Delta Irrigation and Garden & Farm in Saudi Arabia completed their last training and assessment at the Delta Turf Care facilities in Dubai. This put’s Delta in a unique position with the only Lantra Turfcare Machinery certified technicians in the Middle East.

Marinus Koekemoer, Regional Manager of Delta Turf Care said: “We are excited to be working with Mow-Sure and Lantra to provide local training oppertunaties for technicans and spray technicians.  The partnership strengthens Delta Turf Care’s portfolio of high-quality turf care solutions, and further solidifies our position as a partner well placed to meet the needs of our customers. We are always looking to improve the services and products we can offer to our customers, and we believe this new partnership will significantly help to do that. We look forward to expanding the value-added training portfolio to the region.”

Ian Sumpter, Managing Director of Mow-Sure said: “Having worked with Garden & Farm, Delta’s sister company in Saudi Arabia for many years there is already a strong relationship. The partnership further strengthens this bond and ensures that Mow-sure and Lantra can deliver our training through the most reliable partners in the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia. I am look forward to supporting Delta Turf Care as they continue to invest in development of technicians and spray technicians in the Middle East.

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.

Stay warm with Makita

in , /by

Stay warm with Makita: Makita has released its latest heated jacket, helping to protect wearers against the elements. Powered by the reliable 18V LXT battery, this new warm and stylish jacket is a must-have for cold, harsh jobsite environments, or for outdoor leisure in the cold winter months. 

The latest DCJ205 heated jacket is here to offer maximum comfort and durability. Thanks to the five heating zones, users benefit from continuous warmth in the chest and back areas whilst also having control over the three heat level settings. The powerful 18V LXT battery offers even longer continuous runtimes, with a fully charged battery lasting seven hours on the highest setting, 11 hours on medium, and 29 hours on low (when powered by the BL1850B 5.0Ah battery). Customers can use existing batteries or purchase one with the DCJ205 as a kit.

Stay warm with Makita

Stay warm with Makita

The jacket’s olive coloured, polyester outer lining makes it waterproof and windproof, whilst the inner fleece lining helps keep the user warm and comfortable even with the power off. Additionally, it is fully washable and dryable, so cleaning is easy and hassle-free without damaging its heating capabilities.

It is also equipped with a two-way zip, offering more flexibility when wearing a tool belt, as well as six pockets. And last but not least, this lightweight product is available in a range of sizes, catering to sizes M to 2XL.

Kevin Brannigan, Marketing Manager at Makita, said: ‘We are very excited to be releasing our new LXT heated jacket. We understand the harsh conditions that our customers are faced with during the colder months, and have designed this product with comfort, durability and style in mind. Even without the aid of our LXT battery, this jacket is an excellent product that will prove invaluable both on site but also in other outdoors environments.”

To browse Makita’s range, visit:

https://makitauk.com/

https://makitauk.com/products/heated-jackets

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.

PSD partnership with Canycom

in , /by

PSD partnership with Canycom: PSD Groundscare are delighted to announce a new partnership with Canycom, the world-class Japanese manufacturer of brushcutting solutions.

Founded in 1955, Chikusui Canycom Inc is renowned for the quality and excellence associated with Japanese manufacture. The company has progressed from a specialist in farm tools into a wide range of product categories̶, from agriculture and forestry to brush mowing and construction̶, supplying machinery to many different countries across the world.

PSD partnership with Canycom

PSD partnership with Canycom

CANYCOM Brushcutters are designed to work in the toughest conditions. These machines effectively clear long grass, bushes, weeds, bracken, and brambles in a variety of sites such as woodland trails and orchards. AWD enables ease in operation and manoeuvrability to ensure high energy efficiency and great results.

Key product benefits include:

Quick blade changing – no tools are needed,

Shaft driven – no belts,

Versatility – suitable for up to 25 degrees mowing, grass height of up to 2.5m

The perfect solution – Robust, powerful and highly efficient even in toughest conditions

PSD has a long-standing track record of expertise in brush cutting solutions and the Canycom range of mowers are perfectly set up for working in UK conditions.

The new range of machinery from Canycom is set to be unveiled to the industry at Saltex on the 2nd & 3rd November on PSD Groundscare’s bigger than ever stand (E081).

PSD Groundscare is the exclusive UK distributor of niche specialist landscaping equipment, with an extensive range of products from market-leading names and innovative European manufacturers including Eliet and Koppl.

PSD Managing Director Chris Gibson said:

“We’re extremely excited to add Canycom to our portfolio and to be at the forefront in the UK distribution of this fantastic product line and we look forward to showcasing them at this year’s Saltex. The capabilities of the Canycom range of ride-on brushcutters is outstanding and we can’t wait to get out and about offering demonstrations to customers.”

Canycom President Yoshimitsu Kaneyuki said:

“We are truly delighted to start this new partnership with PSD Groundscare. We hope to expand our presence in the UK and explore new markets. Together with PSD, we will work hard to give our best to satisfy our customers. We are committed to building trustful, strong, and long-lasting business relationships.”

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.

Support your employees with their mental health

in , /by

Support your employees with their mental health: Perennial, the charity helping people in horticulture, is calling for organisations to become ambassadors and participate in its Mental Health First Aider training programme. As part of the charity’s health and wellbeing focus the programme aims to put more Mental Health First Aiders in the workplace.

One in four people experience mental health problems which is the biggest contributor to ill health and is consistent with the people who come to us for support.

Support your employees with their mental health

Support your employees with their mental health

Perennial’s Health & Wellbeing Survey (2021) found that mental wellbeing was among the biggest perceived challenges for people working in horticulture. 85% of people’s mental wellbeing was poor or below average and 26% of people listed depression, anxiety, and stress as critical issues. A further 22% said they did not recognise when they were unable to cope or how to deal with these circumstances.

A significant culture change around mental health is needed across the horticultural community. Organisations need to be committed to raising awareness about mental wellbeing and supporting their employees with their mental health. We want people to have an in depth understanding of mental health and the factors that can affect wellbeing, the practical skills to spot the signs and symptoms and to have the confidence to step in, reassure and support their colleagues.

We are looking for employers with over 20 employees who proactively want to increase their team’s mental health and wellbeing to join our pilot training programme. Perennial’s training is delivered in partnership with Mental Health First Aid England:

An in-depth understanding of mental health and the factors that can affect wellbeing.

Practical skills to spot the triggers and signs of a range of mental health issues.

Confidence to step in, reassure and support a person in distress.

Enhanced interpersonal skills such as non-judgemental listening.

Knowledge to help someone recover their health by guiding them to further support.

An understanding of how to keep themselves safe while performing their duties.

Resources include – A reference card for the Mental Health First Aid action plan and the Line Managers’ Resource, an invaluable source of advice on how to support an employee experiencing mental ill health.

Places are still available for our next training course on the 30th November to 1st December and we are running courses throughout 2023, to find out more about, please contact Helen Waddington, Email hwaddington@perennial.org.uk.

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.

Improve your Pitch with Mansfield Sand

in , /by

Improve your Pitch with Mansfield Sand: Visitors to the Mansfield Sand stand (C110) at SALTEX can expect to see a wide range of sand-based products that are vital to the overall health and performance of a sports pitch.

Mansfield Sand has pioneered the development and production of premium silica sand-based products for over 170 years. The company provides a wide range of innovative products for sports, landscaping, and equestrian uses. These include stadium and training ground facilities; championship golf courses and world class show jumping arenas.

Improve your Pitch with Mansfield Sand

Improve your Pitch with Mansfield Sand

The company’s leading experts will be on hand at SALTEX to explain how some of the following products could make a difference to your sports turf projects.

Reinforced Rootzone

A range of Reinforced Rootzones developed to obtain greater use from natural turf surfaces whilst maintaining the high standards demanded by today’s sports industry and meeting the expectations of ground staff at all levels. Mansfield Sand’s reinforcement technology provides stability and durability to all sand dominated Rootzones allowing the pitch to remain free draining and consistent over the whole surface.

Products include Fibre Reinforced Rootzone – reinforced with polypropylene fibres; Fibrelastic Rootzone – reinforced with polypropylene fibres and flexible Elastane fibres and Fibresand – particularly advantageous when grass cover has been reduced due to heavy usage and wear during the winter period.

Sand Soil Rootzones

Mansfield Sand understands exactly what is needed to achieve the surface that turf managers require week-in-week-out and that is why their rootzones contain only the best quality materials to meet that demand. For renovation or construction, the company’s superior rootzone blend Mansil 40 Silica Sand with a quality screened topsoil, guarantees the perfect start.

Sand Compost Rootzones

A range of premium quality sand organic material blends which are perfect for creating a rootzone where an organic rich material is required within the profile, aiding in the retention of nutrients whilst providing increased drought resistance.

Top Dressing

Produced for the fine turf market, Mansfield Sand’s Soil Top Dressing is a manufactured homogenous product made from their own premium silica sands combined with top quality soils. All passed through a sterilising unit, over a 3mm screen to produce an easy to spread, stone and pebble free dressing. Mansfield Sand can also produce bespoke dressing blends and combine soil amendments into any product.

Mansil Silica Sand Sports Range

Sourced from the company’s Two Oaks Quarry in Mansfield where the Mansil range of Silica Sands is produced. These products are predominantly used in the construction and maintenance of a wide range of sports surfaces – from winter sports pitches, golf courses, bowling greens and all amenity turf areas.

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/

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.

PSD’s new partnership with GRIN

in , /by

PSD’s new partnership with GRIN: PSD Groundscare are delighted to announce a new partnership with GRIN, the world class Italian manufacturer of long grass mowing solutions.

GRIN was founded in 2005 to change the perspective of garden maintenance. The creation and development of the product offering has a common philosophy; to improve the quality of life, to innovate and simplify and to propose sustainable solutions. The GRIN mulching mowing system operates without a grass bag allowing for quicker and more profitable maintenance.

PSD’s new partnership with GRIN

The patented GRIN system – MOWING, NO GRASS BAG, NO WASTE – must not be mistaken for the CONVENTIONAL MULCHING mowing system. Both systems are based on bag-less mowing, but were developed to meet different needs.

The main benefits of the GRIN mowing system include:

– MOWING HEIGHT AND FREQUENCY:
With Grin it is possible to maintain the same mowing height and mowing frequency as with a grass bag type mower.

– GRASS PULVERISATION:
In standard mowing conditions, Grin pulverises grass into very fine fragments, which are deposited on the soil and absorbed as fertiliser.

– MOWING WET GRASS:
With Grin it is possible to mow wet grass much better than with a grass bag type mower.

GRIN mowers provide time saving mowing. Not only do they offer a high quality of fine cut, but the pulverised grass within the deck is so finely cut that it then returns to the ground as almost invisible fertiliser, returning valuable nutrients to the ground.

All the GRIN lawn mowers are designed, produced and assembled to the highest quality standards: the 3 mm thick steel frame and mowing deck, the engine protection cone for accidental impact, the professional tractions, the steel wheels, the centralized mowing height adjustment, the foldable handlebar are just some of the strengths. The MADE IN ITALY production ensures professional users reliability and robustness. Thanks to the experience gained alongside gardeners, it has been possible to find practical and convenient solutions for daily and intensive use.

Benefits include:

  • It pulverises grass very fine
  • The result is perfect in long and wet grass
  • It works on all types of lawn
  • It is not necessary to mow more often
  • It is built to last

New to the UK market, the comprehensive range of high quality, robust mowers offer highly efficient solutions for local authorities, landscapers, groundskeeping, contractors and private users to help create the perfect landscape.

PSD has a long-standing track record of expertise in long and wet grass mowing solutions and the GRIN range of mowers are perfectly set up for working in UK conditions.

The new range of machinery from GRIN is set to be launched to dealers at an exclusive event early in October, before being unveiled to the industry at Saltex on the 2nd & 3rd November.

PSD Groundscare is the exclusive UK distributor of niche specialist landscaping equipment, with an extensive range of products from market-leading names and innovative European manufacturers including Eliet and Koppl.

PSD Managing Director Chris Gibson said:

“We’re extremely excited to add GRIN to our portfolio and to be at the forefront in the UK distribution of this fantastic product line and we look forward to being able to launch them to our dealer network in October and the UK market at Saltex”.

GRIN CEO Franco Ghezzi, comments on the new UK venture:

“Having developed the continental European market for over 15 years, I am very happy for the start of this new partnership with PSD Groundscare.

Their professionalism, technical and commercial competence and the deep-rooted presence on the lawn maintenance market represent key features for the development of this collaboration and to support our company and our products on the important UK market.

Furthermore, PSD Groundscare has immediately appreciated the unique qualities of our lawnmowers, our innovative mowing system, and the completeness of our product range.

Therefore, one of the most important services they will offer to every dealer and end-user will be the possibility to test the machines.

All this together with the good feeling that was immediately created between our two teams and a very similar mindset, are the key factors which make me very satisfied with the agreement found between our 2 companies.”

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.

Mortonhall joins ranks with Toro

in , /by

Mortonhall joins ranks with Toro: The latest club to join the hybrid machinery ranks with Toro is Mortonhall Golf Club in Edinburgh.

The club which is widely regarded as one of the best parkland courses in the Lothians has acquired two Reelmaster 5010-H hybrid fairway mowers and two Greensmaster 3420 TriFlex hybrid riding greensmowers from distributor Reesink Scotland as part of a series of efforts to reduce the club’s environmental impact and help protect the course’s biodiversity.

Mortonhall joins ranks with Toro

Mortonhall joins ranks with Toro

Course manager Grant Moran explains how this is part of a huge undertaking in course improvements to assist the club in becoming one of Edinburgh’s must-play courses: “We are undergoing major renovations to ensure we stay at the top of the list of best Edinburgh courses to play.”

This list of work includes but is not limited to habitat enhancing projects, awareness campaigns and the switch to more sustainable energy sources like solar power, all of which made it possible for the club to receive the Scottish Golf Course Wildlife Charter Award in 2010. And the hard work continues with the gradual replacement of the club’s machinery fleet with more eco-friendly alternatives.

Grant continues: “We’ve recently completed a huge bunker project and are looking to rebuild greens complexes and tees in the future. There’s also a reseeding programme to improve the turf so all the extra help from these machines will be incredibly important in our five-to-seven-year plan.”

These machines’ hybrid credentials come from Toro’s patented PowerMatch with an in-line motor generator and a self-recharging 48-volt battery pack for the Reelmaster 5010-H, while the Greensmaster 3420 is the first product to earn Toro’s EnergySmart label. They both maximise fuel economy to improve cost of ownership (about 20 percent over a conventional mower), are quieter and greatly reduce the risk of hydraulic leaks.

“Looking into electric machinery was a big thing for us and the next step in continuing the environmental work we are so proud of achieving,” continues Grant. “I’ve worked with Toro’s diesel models for over 25 years, so it was the obvious choice when making the switch. We’ve found the hybrid machines pack the same power punch as their diesel counterparts.”

Proving hybrid machines can match their diesel counterparts in longevity too, all four are used machines, about which Neil Mackenzie, area sales for Reesink Scotland, explains more: “These machines were completely refurbished, overhauled, and rebuilt at the branch here in Livingston and like all our pre-owned/used equipment they are sold with a comprehensive 12-month warranty. Hybrid machines have plenty of life to give when taken care of so this should never be off-putting in a potential purchasing decision.”

Grant concludes: “These Toro machines are only the tip of the iceberg as we want to replace the whole fleet with as many hybrid and electric units as we can in time. Right now, these four checks all the boxes and we couldn’t be happier with them.”

To talk to someone about Toro technology and how the Toro range could suit your course, call 01480 226800.

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.

Handy partnership with Cramer Tools

in , /by

Handy partnership with Cramer Tools: British garden equipment manufacturer Handy is excited to announce a brand-new partnership with Cramer Tools, a specialist in durable battery-powered tools and professional gardening equipment, to deliver its powerful 82V battery technology for emission-free garden care and landscaping to the UK commercial market. 

To facilitate the partnership, Handy has set up a new team dedicated to the Cramer Tool range.

Handy partnership with Cramer Tools

Handy partnership with Cramer Tools

Featuring over 30 cordless professional outdoor power equipment tools, product offerings include a comprehensive and competitive range of handheld equipment including chainsaws, blowers, hedge trimmers, grass trimmers, brush cutters, multi-tools, and power cutters. Walk behind products include, utility carts, lawnmowers up to 61cm (twin blade) and the new Zero Turn ride on mower.

Moving on from the traditional petrol-powered equipment that was previously the only option for gardening and maintenance of large parks and recreational areas, Cramer 82V battery technology delivers all the power needed for commercial equipment, without the negative effects associated with petrol-powered tools.

Featuring ground-breaking technology, the powerful 82V battery system offers market-leading performance, as well as innovative features such as Magnesium components, fleet connectivity, and ultra-high torque motors to rival petrol performance.

Designed to generate less heat and increase efficiency and battery life, which reduces the risk of sudden interruptions caused by overheated cells and motors, ownership and running costs of tools are significantly lowered.

The 82V battery system also offers additional sustainable, environmental, and safety benefits to the user. With no direct emissions of carbon or high-frequency noise, the ergonomic product design and lightweight structure of tools make handling easy in any situation. Furthermore, with no need for petrol, the risk of fuel spillage is eliminated.

Requiring minimal maintenance, the 82V battery system is also interchangeable with other 82V products in the Cramer Tools range such as lawnmowers, hedge trimmers, and chainsaws.

Brian Pattle, UK Cramer Business Development Manager at Handy comments: “Cramer’s powerful 82V battery technology rivals an equivalent 800cc petrol zero turns yet has significantly lower costs, which makes it an attractive option for any professional user or business. It’s an exciting time for us here at Handy and, with a great team in place, we’re really looking forward to showcasing the range and its capabilities at APF Exhibition on the 22-24th September and SALTEX on the 2-3rd November 2022.

The current Cramer product range is distributed exclusively via specialist dealers. We offer our partners full assistance, from in-person support and sales advice to digital support and comprehensive after-sales service”.

To become a Specialist Cramer Dealer or for further information, please visit https://cramertools.com.

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.

North Berwick takes care with Toro

in , /by

North Berwick takes care with Toro: With the order of a full fleet of Toro equipment including three key all-electric mowers, North Berwick Golf Club in East Lothian, Scotland, didn’t have to choose between caring more for its putter than its puffins: now it can do both.

Near the largest puffin colony on the east coast of Britain, North Berwick Golf Club has environmental and noise pollution factors to consider highly in its machinery choices.

North Berwick takes care with Toro

North Berwick takes care with Toro

Course manager Darren MacLaughlan, who has been using and recommending the brand for the best part of 20 years, explains: “North Berwick has been a GEO certified course since 2015 and is located on some of the finest links terrain in the world. With that comes a responsibility to the site ensuring we are operating in the most sustainable manner possible.

“We are recognised as the 13th oldest golf club in the world and only at St Andrews has golf been played continuously over the same stretch of land. While it is important to preserve our rich history, we had to move forward with machinery and this has started with the introduction of both hybrid and electric technology.”

Toro has led the way in the turfcare electric machinery revolution and Darren opted for two Greensmaster eTriFlex 3370 riding greensmowers and a Greensmaster eFlex 1021 pedestrian mower.

“There are multiple reasons we opted for electric technology,” says Darren. “Our firm commitment to lower emissions in line with our GEO status and the quietness of their operation, which allows us to start work early in the morning without disturbing neighbours. Then there’s the reduction in fuel costs, which, with fuel prices as they are, is a huge consideration.

“And while we did not factor this in before the purchase, these machines have actually helped the mental health and wellbeing of our staff. Mowing the greens in the morning, without the old ear defenders, listening to the waves gently roll in from the beach and the birds fly over the bass rock is an experience no other course in the world can offer.”

Also included in the deal from distributor Reesink Scotland were two Greensmaster TriFlex Hybrid 3420, three Reelmaster 3555 lightweight fairway mowers, a Groundsmaster 3500 rotary deck mower, a Multi Pro 5800 turf sprayer and a Pro Force debris blower.

Darren continues: “We’ve received four of the thirteen machines ordered fleet due to the supply chain issues worldwide and we’re sure that when the rest of the kit arrives, we will be even better placed to produce classic links conditions.”

The branch is also providing additional support kit for The Women’s Open final qualifying event held in August at North Berwick. Darren says: “With Neil Mackenzie on the road, the support from Rab Wilson and his aftersales team and Richard Green directing operations, we have always had full confidence in Reesink.”

He concludes: “We pride ourselves in thinking out the box here at North Berwick. As a result, we have seen the course go from strength to strength in the past two years and we are proud to have Toro as a part of our firm commitment to continual improvement.

“Regularly ranked in the world’s top 50 and the UK top 10, we have high expectations to meet for our customers. That means having the best machinery and technology available on the market, and that’s undoubtedly Toro.”

To talk to someone about Toro technology and how the Toro range could suit your course, call 01480 226800.

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.

Martin Lishman collaborates with Manterra

in , /by

Martin Lishman collaborates with Manterra: In a world of self-driving tractors, cars and even lawnmowers, the call for the precision and reliability of GPS controlled vehicles is sweeping across all industries.

For compact sprayer manufacturers Martin Lishman Ltd, their venture into the world of autonomous spraying became a reality when they were approached by UK based precision equipment specialist, Manterra Ltd. The plan was to mount a Martin Lishman Mini-Spray 125 litre demount sprayer with 3.5m boom on their XAG R150 fully autonomous utility vehicle and create a go-anywhere unmanned GPS controlled spraying system.

Martin Lishman collaborates with Manterra

Martin Lishman collaborates with Manterra

With both Martin Lishman and Manterra having roots in the Agricultural industry, their shared ethos of understanding customer requirements to provide solutions which were not always readily available was a perfect match for this project.

With Martin Lishman’s long history of designing and manufacturing compact sprayers, the choice was clear when it came to choosing a sprayer for the project. “We were struggling to find a UK based manufacturer who could fill all our requirements for lead time, quality, specification and value”, explains Andrew Manfield, Managing Director of Manterra Ltd. “Martin Lishman were able to fulfil all our requirements regarding these critical aspects, worked closely with us to meet our needs and were always responsive to our requests.”

The XAG and Mini-Spray combo provides a robust and versatile ground-based platform, which offers a whole plethora of spraying capabilities at an affordable level. It utilises the Trimble control system to deliver a full suite of variable rate application and targeted application solutions using Trimble Weedseeker sensors.

The use of the unmanned sprayer vehicle brings with it many benefits; the precision aspect means incredibly accurate spraying application and minimising the overuse of chemicals, from a safety perspective operators have greater separation from chemicals when the sprayer is in use and from an environmental point of view, the battery vehicle is quieter and lighter than typical UTV’s or tractors, minimising disturbance, and ground pressure.

“One simple but very effective application is using the XAG ‘follow me’ mode to do spot spraying using the lance attached to the Lishman sprayer”, adds Andrew. “As the R150 will follow the operator, stopping and starting automatically at approximately 2 metres away, it is infinitely better than using either a knapsack sprayer or a machine which must constantly be driven forward. Ultimately the applications for the sprayer and XAG platform are only limited by the ingenuity of the operator.”

“We jumped at the opportunity to get involved when Manterra approached us”, explains Gavin Lishman, Managing Director of Martin Lishman Ltd. “Our sprayers are going from strength to strength each year and we can firmly say that they have taken a strong hold in both the agricultural and amenity industries. Exploring new ideas and driving our product development is one of the reasons we got to where we are, so to be a part of this project was a good fit for us. We’ve seen GPS driven sprayers before, but never a fully autonomous unmanned sprayer – this could be a world first!”

“Field tests have been run successfully and we have machines in the process of installation with customers. Some of these are educational establishments so it will be interesting to get feedback from the next generation of operators”, Andrew Manfield concludes.

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.