Issue 95 • April 2015
BUSINESSNumber 1 for turfcare professionals
In this issue : Focus on Horseracing, Pedestrian Mowers, Power Tools, Sprayers, Line Marking, Water Management
Dennis G860s forUpton Park
TVNow showing on
ACCESSIBILITYACCESSIBILITYby designby design
Lely. Your partners in turfcare. Call 01480 226800. Lely not only brings you Toro. Talk to us, too, about TYM compact tractors and Otterbine water management systems.
Toro Grounds Products are distributed by Lely (UK) Limited, St. Neots, Cambridgeshire PE19 1QH. Tel: 01480 226800 | Email: [email protected] | www.lelyturfcare.co.uk | www.toro.com
THE CT2240 4WD COMPACT TRIPLE
Groundscare machinery from Toro – brought to you by Lely, award-winning UK distributors of Toro for more than 30 years
Meet the NEW Toro CT2240 4WD Compact Triple.Our next generation CT mower, now with added ‘oomph’
When site access is restricted, or you’re cutting around obstacles or in tight areas, you need a compact mower with bags of agility. Meet the new CT2240 4WD from Toro. With the narrowest transport width in its class, it fi ts through the smallest access, while its compact size and light weight gives versatility in spades. What’s more, our latest CT model comes with a host of new design features for added ‘oomph’ over the CT2120 2WD and CT2140 4WD units it replaces. They include improved cutting units and transmission performance, for even higher productivity, greater operator comfort and much more.
Full product details at www.toro.comPut us to the test. For a free onsite demonstration, call Lely on 01480 226800
GM7200 ZERO-TURN GM360 QUAD-STEER LT3340 HEAVY-DUTY GM3400 OUT-FRONT ROTARY TM7490 TRAILEDT4240 HIGH-OUTPUT
ASK FOR A FREE DEMOCALL01480 226800TODAY
3APRIL 2015
NEWS
A royally good investment
Publishing Director: Martin SmartTel: 01892 [email protected]
Commercial Director: Wesley TattonTel: 01892 [email protected]
Editor:Mervyn BarnardTel: 01892 [email protected]
Special Reporter:Jemima Codrington
Editorial Assistant:Josh Hodge
Contributor:James de Havilland
Production Manager: June BarnardTel: 01473 [email protected]
Turf Business is published by: Marjentin Media LtdMGI House3 Monson RoadTonbridge Wells TN1 1LH
BUSINESS
Whilst every effort was made to ensure theinformation in this magazine is correct at thetime of going to press, the publishers cannotaccept legal responsibility for any errors oromissions, nor can they accept responsibility forthe standing of advertisers nor any editorialcontributions. The views expressed do notnecessarily reflect those of the publisher. No partof this publication may be reproduced withoutthe written permission of the publishers.
© Turf Business 2015
03 NEWS
10 FOCUS ON HORSERACING
14 PEDESTRIAN MOWERS
20 POWER TOOLS &EQUIPMENT
22 SPRAYERS & SPRAYING
24 LINE MARKING
26 WATER MANAGEMENT
29 CONTRACTOR UPDATE
31 CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING
Le Golf National renews deal
www.TURFBUSINESS.co.uk
Schiller Grounds Care 0800 840 0888 [email protected] TBLWBC415
Little Wonder it’s cutting it with professionalsThe Little Wonder Hydro BRC-26 brushcutter with hydrostatic drive is cutting it withprofessional landscapers, groundsmen and hire outlets. It rips through rough and tough weedsand brush at speeds up to 4.2mph with reduced fatigue for the operator. Constructed in weldedsteel with solid rod control and Honda GXV390 engine, this is a brushcutter built to last.
®
G R O U N D SC A R E U K
LE GOLF NATIONAL, owned by theFrench Federation of Golf, has re-affirmed its confidence in RansomesJacobsen France for the supply of turfmaintenance equipment, which willbe used for maintaining the 45-holecomplex including the prestigiousAlbatros course, the host since 1991of the Open de France and of theRyder Cup in 2018.
Designed and created in 1987 bythe renowned French architectHubert Chesneau, located inGuyancourt, in the county of theYvelines (78), Golf National wasofficially inaugurated in 1990. Apartfrom the championship course, theAlbatros, Golf National offersanother 18-hole course called theAigle as well as a 9-hole trainingcourse – the Oiselet.
Following the agreement signed in2010, Golf National now makes useexclusively of Jacobsen products: on
an everyday basis, 21 mowers areused to maintain the greens, ofwhich nine are walk behinds and 12are ride-on units, including theEclipse 322 hybrid equipped withthe latest Jacobsen technology.Fairways are maintained using fiveunits with a further eight mowersused in the maintenance of theroughs, tees and collars. The golfcourse also uses utility vehicles aswell as miscellaneous other productsfrom Turfco, Smithco, Graden andGreentek that Ransomes JacobsenFrance also distributes exclusively inFrance.
During major competitions, asmentioned in the partnershipagreement, Ransomes JacobsenFrance supplies additional machinesand technical support on site.
HEVER CASTLE GOLF CLUB in Kenthas been part of the grand HeverCastle estate since 1992. The castle issteeped in royal history as the placewhere Henry VIII courted the youngAnn Boleyn. But it was in 1920 whena nine-hole golf course was built forits wealthy American owner WilliamWaldorf Astor’s personal enjoyment –and this is where today’s 27-holechampionship course lies.
Much care over time has beentaken to keep ‘golf’ central to thecastle’s future and today that job fallsupon Hever Castle Golf Club’s ClubManager Jon Wittenberg and CourseManager David Wood. Jon and Davidhave spent time over the past nineyears developing the course and itsfacilities, including investing in thecorrect turf maintenance equipment,green development and drainage.
The club has recently invested innew Toro equipment and David has
been incredibly pleased with it so far,saying “Toro has the best qualitymachinery on the market”.
David Wood was delighted to beoffered the opportunity to trial themowers before purchasing. “It wasextremely important for us to get toknow what machines Toro had to
offer,” says David, “and theopportunity to ask any questions wehad before a decision was made.”
Since taking delivery of fourGreensmaster TriFlex Hybrid 3420sand two Reelmaster 3100-D mowers,David has found his overall time incourse maintenance reduced. Thehybrid mower is specifically used forprecision mowing, cutting the club’sgreens every day to a height of just3mm.
The proven Flex suspension allowsthe cutting units to float freely overthe contours and undulations of thegreen, resulting in a superior qualityof cut and appearance.
David also approves of theenvironmental benefit of using ahybrid mower, saying that “greenermachines are better for the club, theenvironment and are more practicalas there are a lot fewer hydraulicleaks”.
Lely’s Jon Cole with JohnWittenberg, Club Manager.
Alan Prickett, Managing Director,Ransomes Jacobsen Ltd, Jean Lou
Charon, President, FrenchFederation of Golf and Laurent
Proupin, General Manager,Ransomes Jacobsen France.
NEWS
4 APRIL 2015
Ride-on mower to all-year workhorse
New zero-turn mower from John Deere
www.TURFBUSINESS.co.uk
SPRING is traditionally the time toclean up paths, roadways and hardsurfaces and pick up fallen leavesand twigs from grassed areas inpreparation for the summer. Sincethis is a seasonal job, it makes costeffective sense to take advantage ofmulti-functional equipment -especially in the current economicclimate when budgets are tight.
With economy in mind, Etesia hasa wide range of attachments whichenable their Hydro 124, Hydro 100and Hydro 80 ride-on mowers tocarry out many tasks – all-year-round. These machines can not onlyhelp spread precious funding; butalso enable commercial end users towin new contracts.
One of the most popularaccessories is the front-mountedsweeper for cleaning roadways, car
parks, pathways, playgrounds andother hard surfaces. This attachmentcan be fitted to either the Hydro 100or Hydro 124 models – turning aride-on mower into a 365-days-a-year workhorse.
Powered by the ride-on’s engine,and hydraulically driven via the
PTO, the brush covers the fullworking width of the host machine.No special tools are required to fitthe unit directly on to the mower'sfront-mounted linkage. The brushcan also be angled left or rightaccording to the mode or work.
The polypropylene bristles are
extremely hard wearing and verytough to ensure a firm scrub onpavements and other hard surfaceswhere they efficiently remove grime,debris and moss. There is an optionalside rotary brush for clearingawkward areas, such as gutters andgullies. All rubbish is swept into theoptional collection box and there isa dust protector for use when thebrush is used without the box.
When mowing grass, Etesia's ride-on rotaries offer commercial endusers a unique anti-clog cutting andcollecting system that providesoutstanding performance, even inthe wettest of conditions. Theaddition of attachments such as thesweeper transforms the lawnmowerinto a host power source to drive amultitude of turfcare and otherequipment all year round.
JOHN DEERE has enhanced itscommercial mower line-up with thelaunch of the new ZTrak Z997R, thebiggest model in the zero-turn range.
This machine offers users apowerful zero-turn option that willmaximise acres mowed per hour,without skimping on operatorcomfort and cut quality. It is designedto excel in the toughest mowingconditions, while providing the fueleconomy and durability commercialcustomers value.
The Z997R features a 37.4hp Stage4 diesel engine, and provides aworkhorse solution for customersneeding a large zero-turn mower towork in all conditions, including tall
and wet grass. The mower is availablewith a choice of 1.5 or 1.8m 7-IronPRO side discharge rotary decks, or a
1.5m 7-gauge steel fabricated reardischarge deck.
Dedicated to minimising
downtime, decreasing operating costsand improving performance, theZ997R is based on a heavy-dutyframe and features a shaft drive tominimise deck belt replacement, aswell as flat-free front tyres.
In addition, a variety of options areavailable to increase operator comfortand reduce fatigue during longworking hours. The Z997R comes asstandard with a Comfort &Convenience package, whichincludes a power deck lift to reduceoperator strain, ergonomically angledpadded hand grips on the steeringcontrol levers and a convenient ptocut-off switch. A fully adjustablesuspension seat is also available.
SALTEX 2015 continues to attract theindustry’s biggest names after bothRansomes Jacobsen and John Deereconfirmed their attendance at theNovember show.
The news follows the recentannouncement that show organisers haveadded an extra hall to accommodate thewide-range of exhibitors. John Deere andRansomes Jacobsen join more than 150exhibitors representing various sectorsincluding forestry, play, groundscaremachinery, artificial surfaces, natural turf,landscaping products, pest control, linemarking, waste management, sportsequipment, litter and landfill and enginefuels.
Show visitors will particularly welcomethe news of Ransomes Jacobsen and JohnDeere’s attendance at the exhibition - thetwo companies are global leading brandsand their commitment to exhibit at SALTEXacknowledges the importance of the eventin the industry’s calendar.
Commenting on Ransomes Jacobsen’sattendance at SALTEX 2015, internationalmarketing manager Karen Proctor said:“We have been supporters of the Instituteof Groundsmanship for decades and ofSALTEX in particular. Geoff Webb and theIOG board have made a bold decision tomove SALTEX to a new venue and we wishthe IOG every success at the NEC inNovember.”
The move to the NEC has also reignitedinterest for companies such as SherriffAmenity and Barenbrug UK that have beenabsent from recent shows. It has alsocaught the attention of the likes of BayerCropScience, which saw the relocation asthe perfect opportunity to exhibit at SALTEXfor the first time.
Following an agreement which sees theIOG and SAPCA working closely togetherthis year, SAPCA will participate in andsupport SALTEX. As well as having apresence in the exhibition, SAPCA willsupport the show’s comprehensiveeducational programme, by presentingseminars on key technical subjects on thedesign, construction and maintenance of
sports facilities.Welcoming the agreement, SAPCA chief
executive Chris Trickey said: “SAPCA andthe IOG share common objectives inraising the standards of sports facilities.Many IOG members maintain playingsurfaces and facilities that are designedand built by SAPCA members. There hasalways been a positive relationshipbetween the two bodies, but it makes greatsense that we develop an even strongerpartnership in the future.”
IOG CEO Geoff Webb said: “The IOG isdelighted to continue working with SAPCA,and we look forward to further extendingthe good relationship that we’ve developedover the years.”
Major exhibitors and partners for SALTEX
The front-mounted sweeper is one of many popular accessories.
The ZTrak offers users a powerful zero-turn option.
5APRIL 2015www.TURFBUSINESS.co.uk
NEWS
For more information or a no obligation demonstration call 01332 824777 or alternatively visit www.dennisuk.com
Football/Hockey/RugbyCroquet/Tennis Cricket Golf Lawns Amenity
World class turf maintenance equipment
Dennis G860 & Premier The proper toolfor the job
LELY UK is pleased to announce thearrival of the world’s first fairwaymower with a true hybrid drivesystem to the UK.
Simultaneously launched in theUS, the Toro Reelmaster 5010-H isone of the most revolutionarymachines to join the line-up of Toromowers at Lely – sole distributors ofToro in the UK.
Providing operators with up to 20percent savings in fuel costs, thishybrid version of the successful 5010Series is powered by Toro’s newpatented PowerMatch technology.This unique drive system couples thepower from a 24.8hp diesel engine toa self-charging 48-volt battery pack toseamlessly match the power neededfor traction and cutting, based oncurrent mowing conditions.
With fuel economy and loweremissions becoming increasinglyimportant to turfcare professionalsworldwide, Lely’s national salesmanager Jeff Anguige says he’s proudto be representing Toro in the UK inthis industry first.
“This design has undergone years
of rigorous lab and field testing toensure the performance you’d expectfrom Toro. Not only is it fantastic tonow be in a position to introduce theUK to the only true hybrid fairwaymower available on the market, butit’s equally exciting to start presenting
our customers with the many benefitsthe new machine offers,” he says.
One of the main advantages of theReelmaster 5010-H is that it is able toperform as well as, or better than, ahigher horsepower machine,including scalping and verticutting.
Jeff explains how it works: “Onmost fairways, a 24.8hp engine hasenough power to complete a job.However, when there are morechallenging mowing conditions, suchas hilly terrain, more power isneeded. That’s when the 5010-Hsheds the cutting unit load from theengine to the battery pack, allowingmore horsepower to be allocated tothe traction circuit. If at that pointeven more power is necessary, thebattery pack continues to power thecutting units while also boosting theengine, giving the machine theequivalent of over 40hp.”
The result is plenty of power, butonly when needed, saving users bothfuel and money. “With today’s risingfuel costs, the savings offered by thismachine add up fast,” says Jeff. “Infact, you can expect on average tosave 20 percent in fuel cost overcomparably equipped machines.”
Furthermore, electrically poweredcutting units mean that the cylinderspeed is precisely controlled for aconsistent speed and uniformperformance.
True hybrid fairwaymower from Toro
The all-new ToroReelmaster 5010-H.
6 APRIL 2015
NEWS
TYM tractor for Spratton Hall
Toro irrigation for Hampden
www.TURFBUSINESS.co.uk
IN BRIEFScarify, aerate and overseed.
Three spring turf treatments that arehigh on the agenda for turfprofessionals and landscapecontractors as we head into spring.To meet their needs SchillerGroundscare have launched theirlawncare spring ‘package’ featuringthe Classen Turf Rakes, Aerators andOverseeders.
All three of these Classenmachines combine to offer the turfprofessional, contractors and hireoperators a complete system foryear-round care and maintenanceand each comes with a two-yearwarranty.
One of the most iconic Britishathletics teams has been reunitedfor a race with a difference.
Kriss Akabusi, Derek Redmond,Roger Black and John Regis madesporting history in 1991 when theyfought off stiff competition at theTokyo World Championships to wingold in the 4x400 metre relay.
Now, for the first time in 24years, the boys are back for a racewith a difference. This time, insteadof working as a team, they arecompeting against each other. Notonly that but they’ve swapped theirbatons for lawnmowers!
See it on Turf TV.
Turf Maintenance LIVE will beshowcasing and demonstratingequipment from BLEC Global,Ransomes, Rigby Taylor, SheltonDrainage and Weidenmann UK.
To be held on the 12th and 13thof May 2015 at Deeping RangersFootball Club, Market Deeping nearPeterborough, visitors will be ableto meet with suppliers and have theopportunity to see the latestinnovations and equipment inaction.
Polaris has extended the 0%finance offer on new PolarisSportsman models and the PolarisACE for a limited period. The worldleader and European No.1 in ATVsoffers the widest choice of provenAll-Terrain options and accessories.Business users can arrange interest-free finance on new Polaris utilityATVs through Polaris financepartners Rural Finance.
INDEPENDENT prep school SprattonHall has taken delivery of a new TYMT503 tractor – an investment that’squickly shown its worth since itarrived earlier this year.
Situated in 50 acres of lushNorthamptonshire countryside, theestablishment has an exceptionallygood reputation, both in terms ofeducation and the aesthetics of theschool’s vast grounds.
Helping maintain this reputation isthe job of head groundsman DougMcCarlie, who decided to demo arange of tractors when the need for anew vehicle arose.
“We tested out tractors from a fewmarket leaders, including TYM, butquickly discovered that the TYM T503was the best fit for us,” explainsDoug. “Not only did we find it offersgreat visibility, is straightforward touse and is exceptionally roomy, butthe fact that TYMs are supplied byLely UK was an additional bonus.”
Spratton Hall has been using a ToroGroundsmaster 4500-D for the pastfive years; a purchase that was alsomade with Lely, the UK’s soledistributor of Toro machinery.
“Through our interest in Toro,we’ve successfully done businesswith Lely for years, so felt that usingthe same distributor for all ourturfcare needs made sense,” he says.
Dealing with Stewart Jeffs, one ofLely’s specialist groundscare retailsales managers, was also instrumentalin Doug’s decision.
“We’ve got a great relationshipwith Stewart and have alwaysrespected his knowledge and advice,so were confident the tractor herecommended would be equally asgood as our Toro machine,” he adds.
Since taking delivery, Doug hasbeen busy putting his new tractorthrough its paces and it’s lived up tohis expectations.
“Our new TYM is a pleasure touse,” says Doug. “Since it arrived, wehave been busy harrowing, slittingand fertilising and have even put it towork snow ploughing twice this yearalready!
“Whatever the job, the design ofthe cab makes it that much morecomfortable to use and the controlsystem is fantastically simple tooperate.”
HAMPDEN PARK, one of Scotland’spremier football venues, has reportedan increase in flexibility, both interms of pitch maintenance and waterusage, following the installation ofToro irrigation.
Kicking off 2015 with theconstruction of a new pitch andundersoil heating, the Glasgow-basednational stadium complemented theupgrades with Toro’s advancedremotely controlled irrigation.
“I wanted more flexibility than theprevious irrigation system coulddeliver, so specified the latest Lynxcontroller,” explains head
groundsman Stephen Bache.“Integrated with TurfGuard sensorsthat monitor temperature, moisturecontent and salinity in the playingsurface, I have the tools to master themanagement and maintenance of theplaying surface.”
Water percolation through sandconstruction pitches, such as the onenewly laid at Hampden Park, can beswift, cautions Stephen. “You have tokeep a constant eye on them,” hesays. When he switches on theundersoil heating, the TurfGuardsensors will help him retain optimumconditions for the surface and
rootzone. Despite above-average rainfall in
the area, Stephen strives to reduce hismains water bill; a task the newcontroller can also assist with. “Thebeauty of Lynx is that it can give meas much data and graphicalinformation as I’d ever need,” he says.“I can go as deep into the data as Iwant to fine tune it for ourrequirements, including knowinghow much water the sprinklers haveapplied to the pitch, down to the lastlitre. It was difficult to tell before –just guesswork.”
The irrigation process can becontrolled remotely from Stephen’shand-held device or directly from aPC, mobile or tablet. With domestic,cup and international football fixtureskicking off now, the system is cominginto its stride.
Swift actuation is vital at half-timeas a UEFA directive dictates that onlyfive minutes of watering is allowedduring the interval. “I’ll be on standbyon the playing surface, using thehand-held remote for this,” he says.
Lely’s Stewart Jeffs, left, with head groundsman Doug McCarlie next tothe new TYM T503 and the school's existing Toro Groundsmaster 4500-D.
New Toro irrigation in action at Hampden Park.
7APRIL 2015
NEWS
www.TURFBUSINESS.co.uk
Flower mixtures wow festival-goers
Bridport makes ready for summer surge
FOUNDER of LodeStar music festival,Doug Durrant, had a lifelong visionof creating an event with a specialatmosphere that brought peopletogether in a beautiful place ofnatural surroundings. Through thehelp of Limagrain UK, Doug hasachieved a truly stunning setting forthe festival to take place.
On the southern edge of theCambridgeshire Fenland lies a quaintand picturesque village called Lodewhere Doug and his family havebeen farming since the 1930’s.However, once a year it comes to lifethrough a music festival which unitesthe community and brings joy topeople of all ages. At this year’s eventfestival goers were treated to sea ofred poppies.
In a fitting tribute to mark the 100year anniversary of the start of theFirst World War, Doug felt thatLimagrain UK’s CommemorativePoppy mix would provide LodeStar2014 with a poignant andmemorable display – the kind thatepitomises the ethos of the festival.
The extraordinary array of vivid redflowers were created by Limagrain to
serve as a powerful reminder of thegreat sacrifice made by British andCommonwealth people duringWW1.
“I had seen photos of their poppiesin a trade magazine and thought thatnot only did they look fantastic butthe values behind the mixture were in
line with those of our own. Havingpreviously purchased Limagrain’sDouce France Colour Splash mixture– which added a great splash ofcolour to the festival, I decided tocontact them again,” said Doug.
LodeStar works with many localcharities and upon hearing about the
festival and Doug’s decision to give-away 1000 free tickets to ‘Tickets forTroops’, Limagrain kindly donated theflower mixture in recognition of hisgood work.
The iconic flower mixture, which isalso available in a mixture of RedPoppy and Red Flax, has proved to beextremely popular throughout the UKwith golf clubs, landscapers and localcommunities all purchasing them.
Having sown the flowers himself,Doug decided to use them as astunning border on the edges of thefields: a border that would create acolourful display with a long life span– and he was delighted with theresults.
“They have done a great job inbringing colour and cover to theborders of the fields while alsoimproving the environment andhabitat of the local wildlife withminimal effort.
“I also had touching commentsfrom the public recognising why Ihad planted them. The poppiesbloomed gloriously for the festivaland way beyond and I still even havepoppies in flower in late October.”
WITH a big increase in footfallexpected this summer, Bridport andWest Dorset Golf Club now has thelatest Toro Groundsmaster 4500-Drotary in its armory to ensure thegreenkeeping team keeps on top ofcourse maintenance at what isdescribed as something of a grassfactory.
The club decided to upgrade to thelatest model after its existing machineput in nine years hard work mowingsemi-roughs, clocking up animpressive 4,500 hours over the time.
Located on the cliffs overlookingLyme Bay and the Chesil Beach toPortland, the 6,213-yard course offersstunning views – making it a popularchoice year round. But with twoholiday parks sitting adjacent to theclub, a dramatic increase in playersand visitors is anticipated comesummer.
“When it came to replacing the4500 we looked around at a range ofother mowers,” says headgreenkeeper Chris Tozer. “The 4500
had been pretty much in operationfull time in the summer, the semi-roughs needing to be maintained totwo inches. This really means onceyou have finished mowing it is timeto start again.”
After trying a number of alternativemowers, the 4500’s replacement waschosen; a new Toro 4500-D took its
place. In Chris’s words no other mower
came close to meeting what the newmower offers. But is the ‘new’ modelbetter than its identically numberedpredecessor?
“You would expect a new machineto cut better than a well-used model,but I have to say the finish we get
with the latest mower is reallyexcellent. We block mow to providedistinct shading against the fairways.These are striped using a Toro 5610that has now clocked over 5,800hours with us. The contrast weachieve looks fantastic.”
Of course it is the mower’sperformance and quality of cut thatare important, but Chris adds that thenew 4500-D has a host of detaildevelopments that make it easier andmore comfortable to use than itspredecessor. The layout of thecontrols is one area he singles out forpraise, these helping to just make thenew machine more operator-friendly.
Chris adds: “The new 4500 alsohas a reversible cooling fan. On theprevious model we had to keep aneye on the engine temperatures as theradiators could get blocked withclippings. A regular clean wasneeded. On the new mower theradiator keeps clear. We have notneeded to blow it clean. A smalldetail but one we really appreciate.”
Chris Tozer, seated on the GM4500-D, with dealer DGM’s Dennis Lumley.
Limagrain’s Douce France Colour Splash mixture can add a splash ofcolour to any area.
8 APRIL 2015
NEWS
Third BIGGA FTMI an outstanding success
New look Cricket Ground Shop website
www.TURFBUSINESS.co.uk
NINETEEN delegates from golf clubsacross the UK visited RansomesJacobsen’s European headquartersfor the third BIGGA Future TurfManagers’ Initiative (FTMI), madepossible by Jacobsen.
This three-day educational event,which took place from 24-26 March2015, is aimed at up and cominggreenkeepers who are focused onmaking the career leap to HeadGreenkeeper or Course Manager.Focusing on personal andprofessional development, the FTMIuses the expertise of respectedcourse managers, cross-industrytraining specialists and industryexperts to mentor and educate thenext generation of industry leaders.
Arriving at lunchtime on the firstday, the group was welcomed byRupert Price, Ransomes Jacobsen’sSales Director, before being split intogroups and touring themanufacturing facilities. This wasfollowed by a light-hearted golfcompetition on the company’s three-hole golf course, the RJ National,which provided an opportunity forthe delegates to interact with each
other. The first day finished with adinner at a local hotel where BIGGACEO Jim Croxton officiallywelcomed the delegates andintroduced the mentors and othermembers of the RansomesJacobsen/BIGGA team.
An intensive second day beganwith renowned Golf ConsultantEddie Bullock, former PGA Captainand now non-executive Director ofGolf at Goodwood, delivering aclass on what it takes to become aneffective leader. Following lunchLorna Sheldon, a respected personalcommunication and presentationskills trainer, provided valuable
insights into writing a CV, preparingfor an interview and the techniquesrequired when in front of aninterview panel. The delegates thenreturned to their hotel for dinner,after which, one of the mentors,Steve Chappell, Head Greenkeeperat the PGA Centenary Course inGleneagles, gave a presentation onthe benefits of volunteeringopportunities at major tournaments.
The final day began with anintensive and highly informativeinteractive presentation by gWest’sCourse Manager Lee Strutt, whichprovided an introduction to the golfcourse maintenance budget, the use
of Excel spreadsheets and how tosell the budget to stakeholders. Thedelegates were now beginning torealise that perhaps their days ofsitting on maintenance equipmentwould be coming to an end, if theyattained a managerial position!
An early lunch was required toaccommodate the final speaker,Crystal Mathews, a member ofJacobsen’s HR team, who had flownin from the USA to present to thedelegates. Crystal‘s highly interactivepresentation ‘Crucial Conversations’provided an opportunity for the teamto first identify the need for a crucialconversation and provided the toolsthey would require to conductthemselves when faced withawkward situations in their newmanagerial roles.
It was left to Will Carr, RansomesJacobsen’s UK & Ireland Golf SalesManager, to close the event wherehe thanked the delegates and thementors for their time andcontribution to what was agreed byall, a hugely successful andworthwhile three days of first-classeducation.
VISITORS to total-play Ltd’s onlinestore will notice some changes forthe better, as the site is re-launchedfollowing a series of developmentsaimed at improving customerexperience.
The new ‘online catalogue’ stylestore provides more in-depthinformation on the range of products,which includes general cricketground equipment, groundprotection, water removal systems,cricket training products,scoreboards, indoor cricket facilitiesand non-turf pitch supplies.
The site will remain the soleonline outlet for both total-play’s non-turf cricket pitch components and thecompany’s Climate Cover range ofground covers – including therevolutionary Climate CoverSystem™; the lightest, strongest andonly truly breathable flat cover asused at the ECB National Academy,Lords cricket ground, test matchgrounds, county grounds, schoolsand local league club.
Elsewhere, the website’s portfolioof products has been expandedacross the spectrum. total-play hasdeveloped its own fabricated groundequipment ranges, including ‘RainDefender’ Mobile Pitch Covers;‘HiVision’ Sight Screens and‘Protection Cage’ Mobile BattingCages offering specifications thatcater for and support all levels of thegame from grass roots through tocounty level. Fully bespokefabrications tailored to client request
are also available. Carefully selectednew cricket training products havealso been added to the range -including catching devices fromKatchet, Crazy Catch, Skyer andFusion Multi Stump - and its bowlingmachine family grows with theinclusion of the ‘Paceman’ range.
total-play’s Product DevelopmentManager, former Yorkshire cricketerAnthony Burton, says: “The aim of thenew, catalogue-style site will make itsimpler for visitors to find the
products they are looking for and tothoroughly research their options,thanks to more detailed images andproduct information.
“We appreciate that the majority ofour products are not ‘commodity’sales but are a real investment forclubs, and therefore our clientsexpect more than just a ‘click & buy’experience. To help guide themthrough the process, we haveintroduced live ‘Jivochat’ to the site,which there’s always an expertmember of the team on hand toquickly offer advice – or you canalways pick up the phone.”
A range of special launch deals arenow available on site; representing10% discounts on products includingRain Defender Mobile Pitch Covers,Mobile Batting Protection Cages andHiVision Sight Screens. ECB NatWestCricketforce member clubs can alsoredeem the exclusive offers on total-play products available as part of thescheme via the website.
www.thecricketgroundshop.co.uk
The nineteen FTMI delegates with their mentors.
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Set bedknife B.C.D. and attitude angle on the SMARTCut™ for an unsurpassed level of cut quality
Programmable variable clip rate to put you in control
Easy end of line turning
Grass basket weight is transferred to the traction unit ensuring consistent H.O.C. regardless of how much grass is in the basket
In-field ability to swap power source from engine/generator to battery
brush mow
aerate de-thatch
™30
10 APRIL 2015 www.TURFBUSINESS.co.uk
www.charterhouse-tm.co.uk | 01428 661222
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The Redexim Verti-Drain™ is the choice of championship
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JOHN DEERE is a preferredequipment supplier to manyorganisations in horseracing,including Jockey Club Racecoursesand Jockey Club Estates. Machines forthis market include tractors, fromcompact models to larger utilitymachines, the popular Gator range ofutility vehicles and a variety ofcommercial rotary mowers foramenity turf use.
The company also supports theInstitute of Groundsmanship and itsannual Industry Awards throughsponsorship of the IOG ProfessionalHorse Racing Groundsman of theYear Award, recognising the key rolethat the groundsman plays in thesport of kings.
John Deere was first appointedofficial supplier of utility tractors toJockey Club Racecourses, the largestracecourse group in the UK with 15of the country’s top race tracks, in2007. The group stages many of theUK’s most iconic races and events,including the Grand National atAintree and The Cheltenham Festival,as well as four of the five Flat classics.
Other JCR courses running JohnDeere equipment include Carlisle,Epsom Downs, Exeter, Haydock Park,Huntingdon, Kempton Park, MarketRasen, two at Newmarket,Nottingham, Sandown Park, Warwickand Wincanton. The agreement alsoincludes Jockey Club Estates atNewmarket, which is said to featurethe largest area of managed amenitygrassland in the world.
“The tractor replacement policy wenow have in place across the groupenables us to operate the latestmodels, with the benefit of localdealer service and support,” says JCRgroup purchasing director IanSidgwick. “Another advantage of the
relationship is that John Deere is ableto offer us a wide range of othergroundscare machines, if required.
“The biggest change since theagreement was first signed has beenthe move to leasing the machineryusing John Deere Financial, withmaintenance included. This hassolved an issue we had with theallocation of tractors to individualcourses with different capitalexpenditure budgets andrequirements, where new equipmentmight not have had top priority – nowreplacements can be planned moreeffectively and budgeting is muchsimpler. The grounds staff are alsodelighted to be able to work withnew machines that are even morereliable, more comfortable andequipped with the latest technology.”
Over the last two seasons the newleasing arrangements have enabledaround 60 machines to be deliveredby 10 different dealers to the fullrange of courses, as well as JockeyClub Estates. These have included 20Series compacts and larger 5G, 5M,6MC, 6RC and 6R Series tractors up
to 125hp, as well as front loaders,Gators, new 1500 Series front rotaryand 1600T wide area mowers, andthe new X950R commercial lawntractor.
Many of the tractors have beenspecified with a front linkage and ptofor operating front mountedarticulated rotary mowers, such asthose made by Trimax and Lastec, asthe bulk of the tractors’ workload ismowing the racetracks and othergrass areas. In addition, thisspecification allows operators toutilise both front and rear mountedimplements in one pass to save timeand costs.
Jockey Club Estates is alsoexperimenting for the first time thisspring with John Deere’s AMSGreenStar automatic guidancesystem, initially for use with a6110RC tractor and Votex front-mounted wide area rotary mower.This in-house GPS system, wellestablished in the agricultural marketbut far less widely used on amenityturf, is designed to cut overlaps andmissed strips when cutting large grass
areas, saving both time and fuel.The 6110RC is one of three new
John Deere 6RC Series 110hp tractorssupplied to Jockey Club Estates at thebeginning of this year by local dealerBen Burgess Newmarket, joining afleet of four new 6090RC tractorssupplied in spring 2014. These areused by two teams of groundsmaintenance staff at the NewmarketTraining Grounds’ Bury Side andRacecourse Side sites on either side ofthe town, under the supervision oftraining grounds manager Nick Patton.
The 2500 acres of grounds includearound 70 miles of turf gallops and19 miles of all-weather gallops,which are used on a daily basis byover 2500 horses in the care of morethan 70 trainers. The tractors are usedfor a variety of grounds and turfmaintenance tasks including mowing,harrowing, rolling, aerating, generalmaterials handling and trailer workaround the yards and between sites.
“Our main requirements for thetractors in our fleet are comfort andperformance,” says Nick Patton. “Theoperators need a high level ofcomfort as they are out working at allhours, especially when the grass isgrowing, with such a large estate tomaintain, and the tractors have towork 24/7, 365 days of the year.
“In effect we need the type oftractor that a farm contractor or largearable farmer would use, but the jobsthey are required to do are more likethose on a livestock farm. As a result,although these 6RC models are verymuch agricultural tractors working ina grounds maintenance and amenityturf environment, they meet the greatmajority of our requirements for thevarious jobs we need them tohandle.”
www.johndeere.comA 6090RC tractor on turf tyres working with a Cousins Gallop-Master on
the 10-furlong artificial gallop at Jockey Club Estates, Newmarket.
Course workhorses
11APRIL 2015www.TURFBUSINESS.co.uk
A RACECOURSE is different to golfand football with fineness of leaf notbeing top of the list. With horsesgoing 40/50 mph the grassunderneath is bound to get damagedbut the more density one can get onthe course the better it will survive.
Therefore, mixtures offering fasterestablishment, greater density,persistence and recovered arerequired. DLF brands, Masterline andJohnsons Sport Seeds, have dedicatedmixtures to cater specifically for this.
When considering end of seasonrenovation or new courses/grounds,hard wearing mixtures with poapratensis are ideal. The fastestablishment and wear tolerance ofryegrass, when combined with thehigh wear tolerance and strong soilbinding characteristics delivered bySmooth Stalked Meadow Grass(SSMG), creates the ideal mixture.The highly rhizomatous nature ofSSMG makes them more persistentthrough the winter and offer fasterspring regrowth.
Within the Masterline range fromDLF comes ProMaster 65 Gallop. Inits new formulation for 2015 this
racecourse and polo ground mixturetakes advantage of tetraploid ryegrasses and No1 rated Sombrerocultivar to give the highest turf qualityand wear tolerance available
Of the tetraploid ryegrasses,Double 4Turf combines deep rootingwith improved colour, incredibledisease resistance and improved weartolerance to deliver a high
performance turf. In addition,Sombrero SSMG improves the rootstrength and visual characteristics ofthe turf and contributes to improvingthe long term ability of the turf torecover after wear.
For even greater levels of weartolerance Johnsons RhizomeRecovery (JRR) combines top ratedperennial ryegrass cultivars with an
increased level of SSMG. This newformulation for racecourses & polofields also includes the No1 ratedSombrero cultivar but also Miracle togive improved disease resistance.
These two top rated cultivarsdeliver improved spring recovery &increased sward strength overtraditional ryegrass blends due totheir significant rhizomes. Seeds areGromax treated to maximise seedlingdevelopment.
For in season renovationMasterline ProMaster 79 offers acombination of 4Turf tetraploid anddiploid rye grasses, or alternatively100% Johnsons 4Turf to takeadvantage of the larger seed size ofthese tetraploids to deliver fasterestablishment.
The increased root growth helps tostabilize the surface and givessignificantly greater drought tolerancethrough the summer months whilstmaintaining a healthy colour.Through the winter the turf keeps itscolour due to the unbeatable diseaseresistance as the cultivars top everytrial in Europe in that respect.
www.dlf.co.uk
AWARD-WINNING York Racecoursehas proved its pedigree once again asperfect racing turf returns to one ofthe country’s top venues following atwo-year programme of extensiveresurfacing.
Rich alluvial silt and clay depositsleft by the River Ouse had createdissues for the grounds team, reportshead groundsman Adrian Kay, whoseteam has been crowned the Instituteof Groundsmanship John DeereProfessional Horse Racing GroundsTeam of the Year award
“We lie in the river’s floodplainand the conditions had allowed weedgrasses such as Poa annua, toproliferate, along with a major build-up of thatch,” he explains.
“Weed grass is always prone todisease and creates a lot of organicmatter, which can prevent waterpenetrating to the rootzone. A 10mllayer of thatch is fine but the coursehad accumulated 25-30ml, whichwas far too thick.”
The 2014 IOG Groundsman of theYear called in sports contractorChappelow Sports Turf to conduct aprogramme of remedial work to
rectify the problem, beginning twoyears ago with Koroing off the SouthBend extension, which was reseededwith Limagrain MM22 ryegrass mix –
“a favourite of mine”, says Kay.Last October, he called in
Chappelow once again to conductKoro Top Draining of the home
straight, which sand-slitted thesurface down to the main drains, laidin 2007, and removed the silt andclay deposits to stimulate freedraining.
Chappelow returned thisSeptember for a third stint to tacklefurlongs 12 to 14 along the backstraight. “About 8,000m2 of depositswere removed in just three days,”says Kay. “I hope to recycle some ofthe material when we plant up shrubbeds later in the year.
“With a big undertaking like this,what you want is for the contractor tocome on site and get on with the jobwith minimum fuss and that’s whatChappelow do. They understand ourneeds, have a great work ethic andare highly enthusiastic.”
Family owned and run,Chappelow Sports Turf manages afleet of its own specialist machineryand equipment that has the capabilityto handle the scale of constructionaland remedial work sports sitesrequire, whether racecourses, golfcourses, sports clubs, local authoritypitches or stadia.
www.chappelowsportsturf.co.uk
Special racecourse seed mixtures from DLF
Adrian Kay, Head Groundsman at York Racecourse and 2014 IOGProfessional Horse Racing Grounds Team of the Year have had great
success with DLF & Johnsons new 4Turf tetraploid ryegrass.
The going’s great atYork Racecourse
Chappelow Sports Turf was called in to conduct a programme ofremedial work at York Racecourse.
12 APRIL 2015 www.TURFBUSINESS.co.uk
THREE years on from their purchaseof a Wiedenmann Terra Spike XD 8,the team at York Racecoursecouldn’t be more delighted with itsoutput, agility and coverage. In factso delighted – it got an invitation tothe boss’s wedding in February.
Course manager Adrian Kay said:“We wanted a new aerator thatwould work comfortably at 275mm. We factored in ten hectares ofrace track and couple of hectares oflawn area so it pointed tosomething both deep and quick. Weneeded it to be at least two metreswide hence the XD 8 virtuallypicked itself and it’s as good now asthe day it arrived.
“Depending on weatherconditions it’s in use probably ten to11 times a year. Already we’ve beenover the course in February andwe’re due again next week. Our firstrace isn’t until mid-May but we’reon programme. After every racemeeting we’re out immediately afterto decompact the turf. The XD 8with its heave does a great levelling
job for us as well. Also if the groundhas been good to firm the XD8 doesa good job of lifting the shallowerprints following racing.
The team at York frequentlychange the tines, the depth and thedegrees of heave depending on timeof year and how close they are to a
meeting. With both 25 mm and 19mm solid tines at his disposal AdrianKay says he really appreciates itsflexibility, its speed and the fact thatany of his team of seven can makethe tool-free adjustments and takethe machine out.
“Two to three weeks away from ameeting the usual settings would be15° to 20° of heave with the 25 mmtines. Nearer that then the heavemight narrow down to say 5° to 10°and we might not go as deep or justuse the finer tines,” he continued,“then it comes back out again afterthe meeting.”
Adrian Kay, who workedpreviously at Aintree before comingto York in 2006 is well acquaintedwith Terra Spikes, using two modelsat the Liverpool course. So it wasentirely appropriate that at his ownwedding in February to his wife,Nicola he had his photographstaken on York’s fine lawns with histrusted XD 8 and its tractor in thebackground!
www.wiedenmann.co.uk
SET in the Warwickshirecountryside, not far from the historictown of Stratford-on-Avon, StratfordRacecourse is one of the country’sleading smaller summer jumpsracecourses, hosting 18 fixturesevery year.
Head Groundsman is Eric Harris,who prepares the course for anintense racing schedule that startsearly in March and finishes at the endof October. During the year, theracecourse is spiked four times,vertidrained twice and over-seededonce.
At the end of last season, Ericstarted using Premium Pitch for thefirst time, for over-seeding and also aspart of a divot mix applied whentreading the track back in after racing.
Recently introduced by Everris,Premium Pitch is a new blend ofperennial ryegrasses that gives bothdense cover and the hard-wearingperformance demanded by topstadia, sports fields and racecourses.The blend of perennial ryegrasscultivars result in a very deep-rootinggrass which creates a cushion-likesurface for horses to race over. Itestablishes and recovers from wearquickly, has excellent tolerance to
common turf diseases and offersoutstanding visual appeal, making itespecially ideal for areas thatexperience a lot of wear and tear.
Premium Pitch was used for bothlanding and take-off areas at theStratford course. As these were
newly constructed, they wereoversown at the end of September.Within four weeks the sward showedstrong rooting, was dense and agood colour.
Eric explains, “I was really pleasedto see how quickly the Premium
Pitch seed germinated and howstrong and healthy the plants lookedin such a short time. Getting theground in the best condition possiblebefore going into the winter monthsis essential for us, especially as thehorseracing season starts up again inearly March. Using this new, qualityseed combined with a sustainednutritional programme has producedsome impressive results. The grassplant now withstands our intensehorseracing schedule very well.”
As part of an annual nutritionalprogramme, recommended byEverris’ Technical Area SalesManager Emma KiIby, Eric appliesProTurf before racing fixtures start.ProTurf is a granular, controlledrelease fertiliser which gives a stronginitial response then slowly releasesnutrients for 2-3 months afterwards.Sierrablen Plus (3 months longevity)is then applied twice during theseason, followed by a finalapplication of ProTurf autumn (12-5-20+2CaO+2MgO).
Emma Kilby adds, “Premium Pitchis a blend that’s ideal for use in theequestrian sector as the Stratfordracecourse demonstrates“.
www.everris.com
Stratford Racecourseshapes up well
Premium Pitch is a new blend of perennial ryegrasses that gives bothdense cover and the hard-wearing performance.
Terra Spike guests at racecourse wedding
York Racecourse manager Adrian Kay with the loves of his life on hiswedding day in February.
13APRIL 2015www.TURFBUSINESS.co.uk
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14 APRIL 2015
WEST HAM UNITED FC has been thesurprise stand-out performers of thenew Premier League campaign so farwith a string of excellent openingresults. Perhaps less surprising is thepitch condition at Upton Park, whichis maintained by two Dennis G860mowers.
The Dennis G860 is proving to bethe number one choice for PremierLeague groundsmen and with theaccolade of being selected as thechosen mower for two consecutiveFIFA World Cups; it’s easy to see whyfootball’s finest stadiums are turningto this machine.
Versatile, precise and comfortable:The Dennis G860 comes with anextensive range of unique featuresand benefits. With theinterchangeable cassette system; theuser has the option of fitting 11 quickchangeover cassette includingscarifiers, verticutters, brushes,spikers, and slitters as well as 6 or 8bladed cutter cassettes. The versatilityof it is something which West Ham’shead groundsman, Douglas Roberts,is particularly fond of.
“For me, by the far, the best featureon the G860 is the fact that we can
adapt the machine and use it with thedifferent cassettes, rather than buy amultitude of different machinery,” hesaid.
The Desso pitch at the BoleynGround, which was laid in 2002, willmark an end of an era, with the clubnow in its last eighteen months before
the move to the Olympic Stadiumand Douglas is keeping the ground’sexcellent reputation intact with thepurchase of two new G860machines.
“We use the 6 bladed cassettes onthe G860’s and we cut the pitch 3 or4 times prior to match day, just to
give it an extra definition of stripe.We’ll also give it a tidy up with averti-cut and then follow up with therotary mowers to keep the swards asclean as possible and debris free.
“We always have different eventson the pitch close season and that’swhen we tend to use the brushcassette more – it really is a fantasticpiece of equipment,” he said.
Doug first began using Dennismowers at the club back in 1998when he had two smaller FT510models and is keen to continue usingthe leading British machinery formany years to come.
“The machines have worked reallywell for me and Dennis have beengreat themselves. If we’ve had tomake an adaption or change themachine, Robert Jack (area salesmanager) is always there and ready tolend a hand or provide the advicethat is required.
“I’ve recommended the G860 tolots of clubs, including non-leaguefootball teams, just because it suitseveryone’s needs. We would certainlybuy further Dennis machines in thefuture,” he said.
www.dennisuk.com
TO CATER for the needs of thegroundsman ATT has developed a30” version of its popularINFiNiSystem™. This new modelfollows on the heels of last year’slaunch of a 26” version, up from the22” model, previewed at BTME.
Built to the same exactingstandards as you would expect fromany ATT product, the new 30”INFiNiSystem™ is more than simplyan elongated version of the 22” and26” units. The 30” boasts the sameunique floating head mechanism thatis independent of the traction drive,ensuring ground pressure is spreadbetween three rollers, as opposed totwo as seen on fixed head units.
This is hugely beneficial as it helpsto regulate weight transfer andminimise plant stress during routinecutting operations. The new 30”INFiNiSystem™ can be driven eitherfully electrically via a single ordouble battery module or by hybridelectric via an engine generatorconfiguration.
The added width means the unitoffers increased productivity and is
especially well suited to larger areassuch as football and rugby pitches.The decreased ground pressure isparticularly beneficial wheremaintaining synthetic fibre integrity isparamount such as on DESSOGrassMaster® Hybrid systems.
Users also benefit from theaccuracy and cleanliness of cut fromthe ATT 30” SMARTCut™. Thesimplicity with which both thecassette carrier chassis and theSMARTCut cassette can be adjustedpermits alteration of the behind
Centre distance and the attitude angleof the bedknife.
These two methods of adjusting theunit’s geometry offer the best chanceof obtaining the best quality of cutpossible. The 30” also features anelectronically adjustable clip rate,optional Groomer and optional frontroller configurations to augmentfurther the Groundsman’s ability toset the unit up with a “nocompromise” approach.
For a 30” wide unit the ease of useand manoeuvrability is outstanding,and those all-important ‘stripes’ easyto achieve even with the minimisedground pressure. The quietnessattained when worked entirely fromthe on-board battery(s) will appeal tooperators needing to work in closeproximity to buildings, or when thepublic are close at hand.
Not just a mower though, this new30” is able to accommodate differentcassettes from the TMSystem™ rangeto perform other essential agronomicpractices required to maintain sportsturf in top condition.
www.advancedtt.com
West Ham chooseDennis G860s
Versatile, precise and comfortable – the Dennis G860 comes with anextensive range of unique features and benefits
ATT moves into the sports ground sector
�
15APRIL 2015www.TURFBUSINESS.co.uk
Seeing is believingGreenway House • Sugarswell Business Park • Shenington • Oxon OX15 6HW
Tel: 01295 680120 • email: [email protected]
www.etesia.co.uk
Excellence and efficiency
as standard
Etesia pedestrian mowers are trusted for their quality, efficiency and excellent cutting
capability in all weather.
Etesia UK @EtesiaUK EtesiaUK
We have around 250-300 Etesia pedestrian rotaries in our fleet, so we see them as
our pedestrian mower of choice and Etesia is a key supplier.
Stuart Derbyshire, Glendale’s Commercial Director
“”
Now available
with a2 Year
WarrantyTerms & Conditions apply
Pedestrian
For more information or to arrange a demonstration:Call 01789 488450 or e-mail [email protected]
The professional approach to ground care...
Ride-on
Cut and collect
Remote control
Distributedin the UK
exclusivelyby STM
THE Ransomes Mastiff, one of thestalwarts of stadium and cricketpitch mowing, has been re-enginedand improved.
The newly refreshed models willbenefit from a Honda GX390 petrolengine, rated at 8.7Kw at 3600 rpm(11.7hp) but they will run at a lowerrpm to benefit from the maximumtorque of 26.5 Nm at 2500 rpm.
Hand Arm Vibration has beenimproved and is reduced by 11 percent.
Manual transmission has beenretained on this 91 cm (36 inch)heavy sports turf mower, as thisprovides a more consistent forwardspeed than a hydrostatic mowerwhile providing a more precise clip rate of 65 cuts per metre withthe 6-blade cutting cylinder and100 cuts per metre with the 9-bladeoption.
Prices start from £8,529 for thestandard 6-blade machine.
www.ransomesjacobsen.com
NATIONAL green services company,Glendale, has recently added 100Etesia PRO 46 pedestrian mowers toits fleet - reinforcing its reputation ofusing the best machines on themarket for each task.
In 2015 Glendale celebrates amilestone anniversary – it is 25 yearssince the commencement of its firstcontract. The 25th anniversaryrepresents remarkable longevity,sustainability and success. Part of thissuccess lies in Glendale’scommitment to using the finestequipment in order to carry out workto the highest standard. It is for thisreason that the company has chosento work with Etesia UK as itspreferred partner for pedestrianrotary mowers.
Glendale’s recent purchase of 100machines consists of 60 PRO 46PBE’s and 40 PRO46 PBTS’s.Designed to meet the rigours of awide variety of commercial grasscutting applications, Etesia’s PRO 46pedestrian rotaries are fast becomingthe number one choice forlandscapers and contractors whowant durable machines withoutcompromising on performance.
The Single bladed Etesia PRO 46PBE push and PRO 46 PBTS self-propelled models have a 5hp Briggsand Stratton engine. Cutting width is46cm, the detachable grass boxwhich has an indicator to let theoperator know when it is full, has acapacity of 52 litres and the overallweight is just 37kg; making the
machine easy to manoeuvre.To enhance the operator’s ease of
use, the handlebars areergonomically shaped and mountedwith new 'soft-touch' controlsreducing pressure on hands andfingers of operators. Extensive testingof these latest models has shown lowvibration levels that meet stringenthealth and safety guidelines.
Stuart Darbyshire, CommercialDirector at Glendale said: “Thesetwo models of Etesia mowers havebeen used by Glendale for a numberof years and provide a high quality,durable and good value machine forthe task they are required tocomplete.”
All the way from the Highlands ofScotland to the tip of Cornwall,Glendale operates in England,Scotland and Wales and Etesia’smowers will be used at operationalcontracts in all three parts of the UK.The machines will be used daily onthe various mowing rounds to bothback up larger ride-on machines andto fully cut areas with difficultaccess, something which Stuart isparticularly impressed with.
“The nature of these machinesmeans that they can both collect anddrop, giving us the flexibility to doeither with just one machine.
“Glendale has had worked withEtesia for over 10 years, and hasbought their pedestrian rotarymowers for much of that period withapproximately 300 working in thecompany today.
“The deal with Etesia underlinesour commitment to use only thehighest quality machinery.”
www.etesia.co.uk
The refreshed Ransomes Mastiff.
New engine for Mastiff
Etesia PRO 46s for Glendale
One of Glendale’s Etesia PRO 46s at work in Calderstone Park.
16 APRIL 2015 www.TURFBUSINESS.co.uk
Options fromSCAGTHE SCAG range of mowers haveover 30 years of sound manufactureof pedestrian and ride-on mowersbehind them and remain as rugged,reliable and dependable as ever.
The SW is a belt-drive machine atthe entry-level end of the range,starting at around £4000. It’s not azero-turn unit, but all the SCAGreliability, structural strength anddesign integrity is there. Four rotarydecks are available, from a gate-sized 32” up to 52”.
The next machine up in the rangeis the SWZT, and the appearance ofthe “Z” in the title means it is a zero-turn. This model is unique to theSCAG range in that it has a floatingcutting deck, in that it is suspendedfrom two overhead chassis arms,making it extremely quick andsimple to adjust the height. Equallyunique is the “in-board” handlebarsystem on the SWZT. 36” 48” and52” versions are available, starting ataround £5000.
The most familiar of the orangeSCAG pedestrian machines is theSWZ. These are, again, zero-turn,and range in price from £6000 to£10000. This price band is borneout by the wide selection of optionsavailable. In conjunction with thefour standard rotary decks from 32”up to 52”, STM have further optionsinvolving a 30” reel unit, 30”, 36 or48” flail heads, and, at the top endof the price range, the Humus SafetyMulcher head in 36” or 42” sizes.
Finally, as a “Crossover” option isthe V-Ride: this is still a handlebaroperated machine, but has a dropdown platform at the back allowingthe operator to use the machine as a“stand-on”. Lifting up the platformthen allows the machine to return towalk-behind use. Available from 36”to 61” options, the V-Ride has aprice range from £6500 to £8250.
www.st-mach.com
SCAG’s SWentry-level model.
17APRIL 2015www.TURFBUSINESS.co.uk
THE 76cm wide deck combined withthe unique twin-blade cutting systemon the TurfMaster™ offerprofessionals savings of up to 40% onmowing time. The machine ispowered by a reliable, durableKawasaki commercial engine andfeatures a 3.8 litre long range fueltank to increase operating time.
Increased productivity andexcellent manoeuvrability, combinedwith the versatility of collection,Recycling or side discharge options,make this machine perfect for busycontractors working large grass areas.
Excellent quality of cut is assured,whether you cut-and-collect in theTurfMaster’s large 88 litre grassbag, orutilise the Toro recycling system.Recycling mulches the grassclippings and forces them back intothe turf for a ‘just bagged’appearance, without the need to
collect and dispose of the cuttings –saving time and at the same timereturning nutrients to the turf for alusher lawn.
Built to last, heavy dutycomponents include deck skid skirts,tough sealed transmission, a strongone-piece handlebar, steel bullnosefront bumper, brush guards andengine guard designed to protectcomponents from damage and copewith the rigours of commercialmowing. A simple to use single bailcontrol and BBC (Blade BrakeClutch) as standard and a heavy duty2-point height of cut system makethe TurfMaster™ easy andcomfortable for operators to use.
Peace of mind is assured with aone year commercial warranty, andpriced at £1399 RRP, time is not theonly thing contractors will save.
www.toro.co.ukLaunched last year – the TurfMaster™ professional pedestrian mower
from Toro.
TurfMaster professional mower from Toro
A SET of four John Deere 220E hybridwalk-behind greens mowers suppliedby dealer Godfreys Golf & Turf ofWokingham in Berkshire have playeda major role in a £1.7 million coursereconstruction project at Royal Mid-Surrey Golf Club in Richmond.
Course manager Gavin Kinsellaleads a greenkeeping team of 14 onthe 18-hole J H Taylor and PamBarton courses, both of which wereoriginally designed by the club’s firstprofessional J H Taylor, who won fiveOpen Championships spanning the19th and 20th centuries, andcaptained Great Britain’s Ryder Cupteam in 1933.
Fully re-opened last summer, the J H Taylor Course now features 18USGA specification greens, theculmination of a seven-year projectcompleted by golf course architectMartin Ebert of Mackenzie & Ebert,consultant and project managerCharles Henderson of SportsAgronomy Services, and maincontractor M J Abbott Limited.
The new 220E greens mowers,featuring fully floating cylinders fittedwith John Deere’s Quick-Adjust QA522in reels, were specified for the jobof cutting the reshaped and reseededgreens as establishment progressedon the front nine holes during thesecond phase of the project, whichoriginally started with work on theback nine in 2009.
Gavin Kinsella takes up the story:“Before the reconstruction projectstarted, the club had never really cutthe greens by hand – triples hadalways been used except on veryspecial occasions. However, after allthe greens, surrounds and bunkers onthe back nine holes were completelyredesigned and seeded for the firstphase, we had to use hand mowersfor the initial cuts while the grass wasgetting fully established.
“Once this process accelerated,while the greens were still soft and
the grass still young and quite fragile,it became clear that the John Deere220C fixed reel mowers we had atthat time weren’t getting down to thecutting heights we wanted – we justcouldn’t go low enough, soonenough. This meant that, when thesenine holes were opened for play thefollowing year, we had to put up withquite slow greens for the first year orso – some members even commentedthat the back nine putted like Velcro!
“When it came to looking atavailable resources for project
management of the second phase onthe front nine holes, the one lessonwe learned from the back nine wasthat having the right machinery formowing was critical. We thereforedecided to invest in the new JohnDeere walk-behind greens mowerswith floating heads, which gave usmuch more scope to deliver thesurfaces we wanted.
“Six months after the seed hit theground we were able to manage thegreens much more intensely in similarconditions to phase one, but with noscalping, no scars and no scuffs. The220Es’ floating heads worked muchbetter over our signature mounds andundulations, and they allowed us tocut a lot lower, even down to 3.8mm,a lot earlier.
“When we opened the front nineholes on schedule last summer, theywere already six months ahead ofwhere the back nine was at the samestage, and the only variable was themachinery. The greens were not onlyopened on time, they’re now fasterand better paced, and consistentlysmooth and true.
“Given the level of investment inthe new course, the quality of coursecondition and presentationundoubtedly needed raising up, andthe John Deere greens mowers haveplayed their part in helping us toachieve this.”
www.johndeer.comTwo of Royal Mid-Surrey Golf Club’s new John Deere 220E hybrid walk-
behind greens mowers at work.
John Deere meetthe need for speed
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20 APRIL 2015 www.TURFBUSINESS.co.uk
ALTHOUGH battery poweredequipment has been long-standing inthe domestic marketplace, it hasnever, until recently, quite reachedthe expectations and demands of theprofessional groundcare andlandscape user. Now, with manyoutstanding issues like battery cellimprovements for longer runtimeand new high efficient brushlessmotors giving more power, more andmore users are turning to batterypower as an alternative to petrol anddiesel powered equipment. LesMalin, Operations Director of EtesiaUK gives his opinion on how thingsare changing.
When you look back down theyears, the battery products that werepreviously for sale were only built torun for a few minutes at a time. Theywere large, weighty and awkward tohandle, especially in comparison tothe amount of output they had andthe amount of time they would last.The typical battery powered tool wasrunning at 12-18v which limited theuser to roughly 20 minutes workingtime. It is, for this reason, that theywere seen mainly as a domesticproduct.
However, the cordless abilities ofthe battery powered tools andequipment offered much moreflexibility and was an attractiveoffering especially to those in thelandscaping industry where userswould have a lot of ground to coverand tight angles to manoeuvrearound. Cordless leaf blowers andchain saws, for example, give youmuch more flexibility in tight spacesor small areas. But the underlyingissue of inadequate battery capacitystill remained and ruled the optionout for many professional users.
That was until the development oflithium-ion batteries. With nomemory and no weekly rechargeneeded to stop a deep dischargehappening; the battery’s life isactually increased. Lithium-ion is alow maintenance battery, and withlithium-ion progressing over theyears and the other types of materialthat have, and continue, to comethrough – we are now seeingproducts that are very easily carriedby the user and give a relatively longworking life as far as the day isconcerned.
Pellenc was one of the firstmanufacturers to bring batterypowered equipment to the
marketplace, which enabledprofessional users to work for a fullday on a single charge. Instead oftrying to incorporate the battery intothe tools – the manufacturer put thebattery into a harness which iseffectively used as a rucksack. As aresult the weight is distributed on theuser’s back as opposed to in thehand; resulting in a lighter tool andmore flexibility.
Nonetheless, due to the lowcapacity stigma attached to previousbattery power equipment, and usersassociating noise with power, theinitial launch was always going to bea challenge.
It took a long time for people tounderstand that what was in front ofthem was a machine that had thecapability of performing alongsidevarious existing professionalmachines. Because of the limitedcapacity batteries that were stillaround, people instantly dismissedthem as it wasn’t deemed as acommercially viable option. So theywent back to their normal electric
cabled machines or fossil fuelequipment.
It was a case of trying to changepeople’s mind-sets. We started off in2010, with a lot of companies’trialling the products to see if theywould do what we said they wouldbecause of their previousexperiences of the products notlasting. Having trialled them in 2010we are now finding people buyinglarger fleets of products because it’sticking all of the right boxes. It’sgiving the operator more comfortand less vibration. It is certainlyhealthier and brings with it fewerissues for the operator. It’s good forthe environment and certainly thelocal authorities are favouring them.
Battery powered equipmentcertainly provides a far more eco-friendly alternative reducingemissions and energy consumptionand with the government starting totake a pro-active stance against airpollution, the rise of battery poweredequipment comes at a mostwelcome time.
Then there is the bonus of thesavings to consider. 3,000 litres offuel costs on average £3,900 and fivelitres per day will last 600 dayscosting an average of £6.50 per day.An average priced Pellenc battery ispriced at around £1,200 and will lasta minimum of 1,200 charges whilstcosting just 85p per day.
Everyone originally thought that itwas an expensive system. Yes, youare spending more money upfrontbut you are saving much moremoney over a long period of time.More and more people are startingto do their own sums, realising howmuch they spend on other areas andare finding out that actually paying£1,200 for a battery isn’t so bad afterall.
Revolutionising the industry withour innovative battery poweredmachinery - both Etesia and Pellencboast an impressive range ofproducts. Etesia’s ride-on Bahiamodel, which was the world’s first100% electric ride-on mower able tocut and collect, and our newpedestrian mower, which islaunched this autumn offer uniquecutting capabilities, reliability,comfort, safety at work andunrivalled productivity. We also haveour range of ET robot mowers whichmow lawns perfectly without anyhuman intervention. The range ofEtesia mowers are complimentedperfectly with the Pellenc products.A wide range of hand-held batterypowered products including hedgetrimmers, brush cutters, grassstrimmers and pole saws, to namebut a few, all of which guaranteepetrol performance without thepetrol.
With many more products on thehorizon and the battery poweredproducts constantly evolving, webelieve that the marketplace forthese products is growing veryquickly.
I think the future growth is in theelectrical side of the business forsure. We have seen a significantincrease in demand for batterypowered equipment for both Etesiaand Pellenc. As it stands, we investmore money in research of that typeof product range than we do inanything else. So the market for thisis potentially huge compared toincrease in petrol and dieselproducts.
www.etesia.co.uk
Petrol peformancewithout the petrol
Cordless leaf blowers and chain saws, for example, give you much moreflexibility in tight spaces or small areas.
21APRIL 2015www.TURFBUSINESS.co.uk
20% fuel savingswith MakitaNATIONAL green services provider,Glendale has cut operational fuelconsumption by 20% by switchingto Makita’s 4-stroke blowers, line-trimmers and pole hedge trimmers.
“We have cut petrol consumptionby 20% since buying Makita 4-stroke machines which gives us asignificant advantage on tight, fixedterm contracts,” says MarkMcKinnon, Glendale’s companyengineer. “The 20% fuel saving hasbeen recorded in comparison to 2-stroke machines in the samearduous working locations. Oilcosts have reduced by 78%.”
“Makita 4-strokes also cut the riskof complete machines ‘lost’ fromfuel and oil mixing issues and offersavings on those very expensive 2-stroke repair costs. Other factorswhich are important to the operatorsand the general public who couldbe nearby, are the lower levels ofvibration, noise and pollution. ”
The majority of Glendale’sbusiness is centred on fixed termcontracts and so improvingoperating efficiency is central tosuccessful service delivery. Theinvestment in Makita machines fortheir fleet is in line with thecommitment to ensuring maximumefficiency and safety, coupled withminimum environmental impact.
“The capital cost of the 4-strokemachines is nominally higher thanthe equivalent 2-stroke but the fueland oil savings have meant that thiscost has been recovered within thefirst six months of operation.”
www.makitauk.com
Mark McKinnon – Glendale’scompany engineer.
THE SRM-420TES is the latestoffering from ECHO’s high torquerange. Designed and builtexclusively for professionaloperators, this brushcutter utilisesmultiple technologies to enhanceuser productivity and comfort.
With a 1:2.07 gear reductionratio, the SRM-420TES’s high torquegearbox spins the cutting head one-and-a-quarter turns per engine cycleand delivers 50% more torque thanits predecessor. This extra torquemeans that, when fitted with heavierline, the brushcutter can make shortwork of even dense bramble orbrush without losing head speed.
The cutting head on the 420TEShas been upgraded too. Now withan extra 7.6cm of cutting radius,operators can cut wider swathes,reducing the number of passesrequired to complete the job athand. Coupled with ECHO’s ‘Tap &Go’ quick line release system, theSRM-420TES can quickly work
through larger areas with few stopsto load new line.
The 420TES benefits from a newengine design. Now stage 2 emissioncompliant, the 41.5cc engine boastsa power output of 1.78kW, over10% more than its predecessor.Engine performance has been further
enhanced thanks to a new air filterdesign. Positioned at the rear of themachine, away from flying dirt anddebris, filtration has been greatlyimproved, allowing for smooth andefficient engine performance. Accessto the filter is tool-free and the covercan be removed and fitted by hand,even when the operator is wearingwork gloves.
A newly designed quick hook-upand release harness is featured onthis U handle brushcutter. Thisfeature allows the operator to easilydetach themselves from the machinequickly should the need arise.
ECHO only build equipment toone standard – professional. TheSRM-420TES is no exception. It hasbeen tested in the same punishingconditions that it will be used inevery day. So confident are ECHO ofits durability, the 420TES comes witha two year warranty in professionaluse.
www.echo-tools.co.uk
Echo – the professionals’ choice
TAKE the Kawasaki reputation forquality, reliability and durability androll it into the new Japanese-madeMitox and you have a formidablerange of commercial brushcutters.
That is what has just beenlaunched in the UK to give Mitox areally competitive edge withprofessional brushcutters at grassroots pricing. The new Mitoxmachines, formerly Kawasaki, stillboast Kawasaki engines and qualityJapanese manufacture, yet at lowerprices in 2015 than you would havepaid for the equivalent Kawasakibrushcutter in 2014.
Add to this the comprehensive 3-year commercial warranty (5-yearsdomestic) and you can easily seewhy Mitox, already one of the fastestgrowing garden machinery brands,has staked its claim on becoming aleader in landscaping, groundscare,amenity and forestry. To furtherstamp this mark there will also beother products in the professionalrange to come.
At the top end of the brushcutterrange is the Mitox heavy-duty5300UK PRO for the professionalwho is using a brushcutter all day in
harsh surroundings. Forestry,landscaping and heavy-duty vergeapplications spring immediately tomind, due to its commercial gradeperformance and reliability.
The Mitox comes with a two-linenylon head with hand/arm vibrationfigures of right/left 2.7/2.5 (ahv, eqm/s) and a three tooth metal blade,
with hand/arm vibration of right/left2.3/1.6 (ahv, eq m/s). Power comesin the form of the 2-stroke 53.2ccKawasaki engine producing 2.0kWat 8000 rpm. So you get a powerfulmachine with low vibration and stillweighing in at just 10.4kg. The Uhandle makes light work of thetoughest conditions and adjusts fortransport. All this comes at a price ofonly £499.17 plus VAT so it’s worthstarting to compare prices for thisand the other new brushcutters inthe range.
Start with the Mitox 2700LK PROwhich offers a commercial grade,lightweight, brushcutter with lownoise, low vibration, ideal balanceand easy-start for lawn and gardenmaintenance. This retails at only RRP£307.50 plus VAT. There are fourmore machines to choose from tocover garden, intermediate andheavy duty use.
All of which means to you, theend user, Mitox – formerlyKawasaki, is setting new standardsin brushcutters because you get thesame product at a lower price andonly the name has changed.
www.mitoxgm.co.uk
Mitox®, formerly Kawasaki
The Mitox5300UK PRO.
Echo’s SRM420TES brushcutter.
22 APRIL 2015 www.TURFBUSINESS.co.uk
HAINAULT GOLF CLUB in Chigwell,Essex has signed a three yearprefered supplier agreement withSherriff Amenity. The agreementcovers exclusive provision offertilisers, chemicals and grass seed.
In the current challengingfinancial climate it’s become evenmore important that golf clubs areprudent on how they spend money.Hainault Golf Club’s associationwith Sherriff Amenity and theprefered supplier agreement goesalong way to help with this.
Hainault’s Course Manager AndyGreenslade who has used SherriffAmenity over the past three years,welcomes the new deal as it giveshim access to a large range ofproducts from trusted manufacturers.
“The use of IT to shareinformation and making documentsand data easy to access saves time
spent in the office, as I can nowselect products for a particular issuewhilst out on the course. All thiscomes with a continued technicaland agronomic advice from Sherriff
Amenity’s experienced supportteam.”
The agreement will ensure thatHainault will not only benefit fromvolume group purchases, but will
also be provided with a high level oftechnical support and the latest innew product technology available.
Gary Ivory the Director of Golfand Operations at the 100 year oldclub, which is set in over 240 acresof beautiful wooded countryside andone of the busiest pay and playcourses in Essex, commented: “It isour aim to make Hainault Golf Clubone of the premier pay and playcourses in the South East, whilst stillproviding all our customersoutstanding golfing value.
“The Sherriff Amenity preferedsupplier agreement greatly assists usin our financial planning as wecontinue to make improvements tothe quality and playabilty of bothcourses. I would thoroughlyrecommend Sherriff Amenityproducts and services to other golfclubs.”
THERE needs to be visualclassification of chemicals in orderfor users to correctly identify anypotential harmful effects tothemselves, others or indeed theenvironment. Currently, chemical classificationlaw is a mix between EU anddomestic legislation runningsimultaneously but that’s all aboutto change with new Classification,Labelling and Packaging (CLP)Regulations coming into force.Mark De Ath of Headland Amenityexplains how this will impact on thelabelling of fertilisers and otherchemicals.
Hazard warning symbols providethe starting point to allow users toput the necessary controls in placein order to use the products safelyand protect people and the world atlarge. The ‘CLP’ Regulation’ cameinto force across all EuropeanUnion countries in January 2009and adopts the United Nations’Globally Harmonised System forthe classification and labelling ofchemicals. ‘CLP’ has had arelatively gradual transitional periodbut all products manufactured afterthe 1st June 2015, will need to carrythe new hazard warning symbolsand have an updated Safety DataSheet.
‘CLP’ will aid in the creation ofproduct labels that are recognised
around the world and willeventually result in the replacementof the orange hazard warningsymbols with new red diamond
symbols – examples of some youcan expect to find on differentproducts are shown in the panel.
Products must be classified to
determine how hazardous they arefor both use and transport. The new‘CLP’ labelling will communicatethis along with an accompanyingSafety Data Sheet (SDS), which alsomust be updated to comply with thenew regulation.
Before 1st June 2015 any productalready in the supply chain, oruser’s stores, that carry the oldlabelling has a two year period ofgrace to be used up and sold. Fromthe 1st June 2017 no producthaving the old symbols or old styleSDS can be sold.
Headland Amenity have beenworking hard to meet the 1st June2015 deadline to ensure the safetyof their customers and end users isnot compromised. Whilst allproduct formulations will remainthe same, you may find that aproduct that previously didn’t havea hazard warning symbol may nowhave one in order to meet the newCLP legislation.
This is because, for some productconstituents, the European setconcentration level at which theyapply a hazard warning to aproduct has been lowered. Even ifthere is no change at all to theoriginal product formulation it willresult in some products falling intohazard categories they didn’tpreviously.
www.headlandamenity.com
Adam Hartley, Neil Pullen (Sherriff Amenity) with Gary Ivory and AndyGreenslade from Hainault Golf Course in Essex which confirms a three
year prefered supplier agreement with Sherriff Amenity.
Hainault GC signs exclusive agreement
Gearing up for newCLP labelling
23APRIL 2015www.TURFBUSINESS.co.uk
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ONCE the weeds start appearingyou want to deal with them quicklyand efficiently and an ATV mountedsprayer is the choice method formany landscapers, groundsmen andfarmers.
Accuracy is important, especiallywhere spraying is adjacent toconservation areas for example, anddurability in your sprayer isparamount. One of the most popularchoices in mounted sprayers are theWessex SS Sprayers with their heavy-duty 55 litre rotomoulded tanks anda variety of pump options to suit thewidth of boom.
The design is clever, withstandard and offset nozzles andanti-drop valves giving an evenspray of chemicals from 1.5m to 5mand you can choose from fivedifferent booms and three pumpsizes. One particularly importantfeature is that Wessex SS Sprayerbooms are kept within the width ofthe ATV, so there is no snagging onposts, trees or other objects, and theboom height is adjustable.
An in-line suction filter and
gauze on the pipe are designed toprevent pump contamination. Allmodels come with a hand lanceand hose as standard for spotspraying and there’s a handy lanceclip to hold the lance securelywhen it’s not in use. A brass quick-release fitting lets you easily changefrom boom to lance spraying.
The unit itself has built-in liftinghandles so it’s easily mounted ontothe ATV where it is held in placewith the straps kept in position inmoulded strap guides. The Whalepump used in the sprayers is said tobe twenty percent more efficient onthe draw from the battery than othertypes of pump and the tough,rotomoulded tank is easy to clean.All of which makes life that biteasier.
Since 1962 the Wessex name hasbeen synonymous with British built,superb quality machines for theagricultural and groundcare market,built for demanding applications,where reliability and durability areparamount.
www.wessexintl.com
Wessex SS sprayersa popular choice
All models come with a hand lance and hose as standard for spotspraying and there’s a handy lance clip to hold the lance securely when
it’s not in use.
WWW.SPORTSMARK.NETARTIFICIAL AND NATURAL WICKET CONSTRUCTION
PRACTICE CAGE SUPPLY AND FITCOMPETITIVELY PRICED CRICKET EQUIPMENT
[email protected] 867537
24 APRIL 2015 wwwTURFBUSINESScouk
THE next generation Briteliner Arrowfrom Vitax Amenity is alreadymaking an impression on one of theFA’s intensively used pitches. Groundsman James Morley, whomaintains West Riding County FA’spitch in Woodlesford, Leeds, hadbeen trialling a prototype of thelatest version of the popular linemarker for some time and hisdecision to purchase it makes himofficially the first turf professional inBritain to do so.
One of the largest county footballassociations in the country, WestRiding County FA oversees allaspects of the game in its region,delivering the national game strategywithin it.
Given a huge programme oftraining and coaching sessions, U16and U18 fixtures and county cupgames, the pitch comes in forintensive use, James explains. “Ourbusy period begins in March andApril and we can be staging 30 to 40matches over that period, sometimestwo fixtures in a day.
“We end the season this year withthe county cup final on 3 May, thenits straight into the renovationprogramme of deep scarification,overseeding, topdressing, fertilising
and VertiDraining. Maintenance canbe a big ask sometimes, what withthe training sessions and coaching aswell as all the fixtures and closed-season work.”
Ensuring that his line markingremains sharp and clear is vital,given the hectic playing schedule,James stresses. “I’ve tested theBriteliner Arrow extensively andbeen delighted with the results. Thelightness and compactness of themarker impressed me the first time Ipicked it up.
“It felt a part of me from the firsttouch and the line it delivers isextremely clean for a transfer-wheelmachine. I also use less paint so itworks out very economical. I prefertransfer-wheel marking as we have ahealthy sward of grass atWoodlesford and a durableapplication is important.”
Customer-driven designenhancements on the BritelinerArrow have further improvedperformance and operation. Longerwheelbase and better weightdistribution deliver consistent andaccurate straight line marking, whilean in-built innovation ensures easy,accurate circle marking.
www.vitax.co.uk
County FA targets Briteliner Arrow
Vitax’s Mike King with James Morley and the Briteliner Arrow at BTME.
MARJENTIN MEDIA
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TXE The battery powered TXE, already one of the world’s most popular line markers, has been upgraded with a series of design enhancements which improve performance and operation still further. Available with a choice of battery packs, the TXE come as standard or with an integrated flush tank.
It’s what you get when you use Supaturf line marking machinery and marking liquids
Supaturf Marking LiquidsWhether you need extra bright lines for a televised match at a major stadium or a liquid suitable for multiple municipal pitches, Supaturf can offer the ideal solution ranging from the revolutionary SupaStadia Eco (dilute at up to 1:20) to the pre-mixed, super-convenient Supaturf Ready-To-Use.
New Briteliner ArrowHailed as the new generation transfer wheel marker, the simple and sleek ‘Arrow’ now features a host of design improvements that ensure delivery of perfect lines and make operation even more effective, easier and cleaner.
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Supaturf is a division of Vitax LtdFor more information
Call 01530 510060 or visit www.vitax.co.uk
26 APRIL 2015 www.TURFBUSINESS.co.uk
THE Millennium Stadium’s heraldednew pitch in Cardiff has beeninstalled with Toro irrigation as partof its £3.1m development.
The inclusion of Toro’s latest Lynxirrigation central control system andTS90 turfcup sprinklers form part ofthe pitch’s transformation into aworld-class surface for rugby and ahost of other events.
Head groundsman Lee Evans isthe man responsible for the newDesso pitch, which incorporatesstate-of-the-art technology to ensureyear-round quality.
“The old, big gun irrigationsystem used to take over two hoursto run a cycle,” he explains. “As wewere having a Desso pitch, Iwanted more flexibility. We didlook at other options, but theconstruction of the new pitchlimited us to a depth of only450mm to play with – plus eachsprinkler needed to be individuallycontrolled.
“The first design came back witha row of sprinklers down themiddle of the pitch. It meant havinga sprinkler on the centre spot,which was unacceptable. So welooked at it again and went with
another design, this time using 24Toro TS90 turfcup sprinklers. Withtheir long throw and overallsprinkler height, it meant we coulddo away with the sprinkler linedown the centre.”
As for the control system, Leesays he was looking for a controllerthat was easy to operate, partlybecause he was not the only onewho would be using it. The decisionto opt for the Toro Lynx system wasmade after distributor Lely UKdemonstrated it and Lee saw what itcould offer.
Lee explains: “The old box on thewall was a minefield to get around,so our main focus was on how easyit was to operate. We needed tostart sprinklers and programs easily,without having to run back andforth to the controller. When youadded in the remote access facilityyou get with Lynx mobile, and itsreporting features, we were happy itwould be perfectly suitable.
“We had a very tight deadlinewith the autumn internationals,” headds, “but everything ran smoothly –which is exactly what you needwhen the whole world is watching!”
www.lelyturfcare.co.uk
AFT TRENCHERS has developed thenew Rope Sandbander to provide aunique method of installing thePassive Capillary Drainage (PCD)from Aqua-terra Europe. The re-engineered Sandbander enableseffective sports turf drainage to beperformed with minimal disruption,quickly and effectively.
Passive Capillary Drainage (PCD)comprises a stainless steel mesh corethat can remove large quantities ofwater quickly using the dual gravityflow and capillary attraction method.The biggest advantage being it isvery non-intrusive to greens anddisruption is at an absoluteminimum for clubs; especially forthose that have a large amount ofplay.
The original AFT Sandbanderrevolutionised the way sand-slits arecreated on sports surfaces. Theunique blade design and oscillatingmovement creates drainage slitsfilled with well-consolidated sand.These can also successfully divertsurface water to existing lateral
drains.The new purpose built AFT Rope
Sandbander is the only system thatcan position the PCD into a golfgreen at narrow spacings to create a
network under the surface to drainwater underground.
It features an oscillating ploughblade with a hollow centre. ThePCD is fed through this hollow
section and is in effect ‘placed’ inthe bottom of the freshly cut slitwhilst sand is simultaneouslydeposited on top of the PCDthroughout the slit depth. The key tominimising surface heave is theoscillation of the blade.
The AFT Rope Sandbander avoidsintrusive and aggressive trenching,lifting or stripping of the turf. Re-instatement is minimal and theprocess is maintenance free.
A single green can typically beinstalled within a day, with playcommencing immediately uponcompletion with only minimaldisruption to the putting surface.When compared to traditionaldrainage schemes the installationcost is less but the surface drainageco-efficiency is greater.
The combined engineeredapproach taken by AFT andAquaterra results in an impressivedrainage system tailored to modernrequirements for draining any sportsturf surface.
www.trenchers.co.uk
Lee Evans and his new irrigation, with Lely’s Roger Lupton.
Installation solutionfor drainage system
The new Rope Sandbander to provide a unique method of installing thePassive Capillary Drainage (PCD)
Toro treatment for Millennium Stadium
27APRIL 2015www.TURFBUSINESS.co.uk
BRITISH-BASED hose manufacturer,Copely Developments Ltd, haslaunched a new UV resistant ‘all-terrain’ irrigation hose designed forexceptional wear resilience,flexibility and water flowperformance in all climates.
New Aquaflex® is a tough, highquality hose developed for heavy-duty watering and irrigationpurposes. This, combined with itsability to withstand a highertemperature range, makesAquaflex® the ideal hose forirrigating sports grounds, pitches,greens and general turfmanagement.
A key feature of the Aquaflex®design is its flexibility and kinkresistance. This provides ease ofhandling during repeated bendingand pulling movements, for greaterworking efficiencies.
Aquaflex® is manufactured usinga braiding technique unique toCopely Developments, a companythat has a long and successfulheritage within the UK hosemanufacturing industry. This,
together with its multi-layerconstruction using high tensilematerials, plays a part in thesuperior burst pressures, durabilityand overall lifespan of Aquaflex®.
The specially formulatedmaterials used provide excellentUV, abrasion and crush resistance,while the smooth liner is designedfor optimum water flowperformance.
Combined, these characteristicsinherent to Aquaflex® providesuperior levels of performance andreliability, to those of comparableproducts in the professional hosemarket.
Aquaflex® is available from stockin a choice of three standardinternal diameters and coil lengths.Custom sizes, coil lengths andcolours are available by specialrequest, including high visibilityoptions.
Orders placed before 30th April2015 will receive an extra coilcompletely FREE for every 5 coilsordered.
www.copely.com
Aquaflex hose – theperfect partner
New Aquaflex® is a tough, high quality hose developed for heavy-dutywatering and irrigation purposes.
spring
Spaldings par ts are designed and manufactured for Spaldings to exacting quality standards and are suppliedto fit machines indicated and are not sold as genuine par ts. *FREE same day despatch on all stock items,(orders before 4pm, mainland UK). Minimum order value applies, please ask for details.
2015 PARTS & EQUIPMENT CATALOGUE — call now
Order online today: www.spaldings.co.ukEmail us at: [email protected]
Call our sales team: 01522 507500Or speak to your local representative!
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28 APRIL 2015 www.TURFBUSINESS.co.uk
IT’S BECOMING increasinglyevident that optimism is returning togolf clubs throughout Europe andmany clubs are keen to build on this,not only to enhance their appeal, butto tackle compliance and efficiencyissues to establish theirenvironmental standing.
Sustainability is the watchword atpresent and it is right that we shouldall be concerned about harming theenvironment and depleting naturalresources. One area of concern andwhich is covered by legislation isthat of washing golf coursemachinery.
The EU Water FrameworkDirective, due for implementationthis year, is fast becoming the drivingfactor to address inadequacies atmany golf greenkeeping facilitiesthroughout Europe and beyond. Thedirective has been enshrined in lawby EU member states and isenforced by government agencies;The Environment Agency in Englandfor example. Severe penalties are attheir disposal to ensure complianceand to prevent pollution.
Many golf courses have tackledgreenkeeping wash-off issues but anumber still need to act. So what arethe points to consider?
Pollution Prevention is the main
concern and hydrocarbons (oil,grease, diesel, petrol, etc.) found onevery turf maintenance machine arenot permitted to enter thegroundwater. So, washing off toground is just not permissible.
Water saving is a majorconsideration too. It has beencalculated that in excess of half amillion litres of water can be wastedeach year on a typical eighteen hole
course by wash-off. That is not onlyvery costly to those paying for waterbut a terrible waste of a diminishingand increasingly valuable naturalresource.
To address these two points andclearly demonstrate your investmentin the environment andsustainability, the solution is toinstall a washpad water recyclingsystem and a dedicated washpad.
There are very few genuine fullbiological recycling systems on themarket and, beware, some“solutions” do not actually recycle!Cost, safety, ease of operation andmaintenance obviously areconsiderations too.
One recycling system that meetsall legal requirements “ticking all theboxes” is ClearWater, a UK designedand manufactured system fromHighspeed Group Ltd. ClearWaterhas the distinct advantage of beingtotally unobtrusive, as it is installedsafely below ground.
Unaffected by extremes oftemperature and allaying worriesover bacterial formation such asLegionella, ClearWater with itsstable and low operatingtemperature is the ideal choice.ClearWater is well established in theUK and sales have expanded toIreland, France, Germany and theUSA in recent years with a furtherEuropean expansion underway.
With membership renewalsoccurring and (in the UK) VATrefunds for some, is the time nowright to play your part investing inSustainability; reducing your impacton the environment, being moreefficient and saving money?
www.highspeed.co.uk
Unobtrusive ClearWater - all you see are turret tops set in the ground.
The ClearWater way to sustainability
THE all New Aqua Control SelectSeries 2, high performance displayaerators, produce the highestpumping rates in the floating displayaerator industry at significantlyreduced cost.
Constructed from high strength,long lasting, composite materials,Select Series 2 Aerator pumps arepossibly the most efficient pumpunits ever designed by the industryand are available with motor sizesfrom 2 HP-5HP, which can operatein water as shallow as 0.7 metres (2ft4 inches), coupled with a variety ofdifferent display pattern nozzles toproduce a stunning visual effectwithin any lake or pond, be it part ofa Golf Course, Landscape Area, Parkor Garden, whilst also dramaticallyimproving water quality byincreasing water dissolved oxygenlevels.
The Launch of The Aqua ControlsSelect Series 2 units allowsHydroscape Systems Ltd to be able
to offer a range of floating displayaerators at significantly lower priceswith savings of up to 40% onprevious models.
In addition, Select Series 2achieves higher efficiencies thanother pumps in the industry. Thistranslates to greater pattern heights
and more pumping volume.This means that higher, fuller, more
precise and wind resistant patternscan be created using smaller, moreenergy efficient motors.
In the end The New Select Series 2units cost less to own and less tooperate than other competitiveproducts.
www.hydroscape.co.uk
New Select Series 2display aerators
Select Series 2 aerator pumps have a variety of display pattern nozzles to produce a stunning visual effect.
29APRIL 2015www.TURFBUSINESS.co.uk
OCCUPYING around 47 squarekilometres, SSE’s Clyde wind farm isone of Europe’s biggest singleconsented onshore wind projects. Toeradicate and control problematicweeds on site, Complete WeedControl was called upon to provideits expertise.
The 152 turbines at Clyde windfarm are split into three sections witha total installed capacity of 350megawatts. The wind farm is spreadover a large area, and a significantnumber of tracks exist to enableaccess to the furthest reaches of thesite. As with any tracks or hardsurfaces the emergence of unwantedweeds can cause a number ofproblems.
Weed growth can interfere withvisibility for road users and obscuresigns. If they appear in kerbs oraround drains then they can preventor slow down drainage. Their growthmay even damage the roads causingbroken and uneven surfaces.Complete Weed Control, the UK’slargest weed control contractor, hasbeen tackling such problems for over42 years and the contract with Clyde
wind farm was one which KeithGallacher, CWC Contracts Managerfor Scotland South East & West,particularly enjoyed working on.
“It was great to get the contractbecause the wind farm really is afantastic place to work. The viewsare absolutely stunning and while it’sbeen challenging work with such alarge number of tracks to treat, I havereally enjoyed it,” said Keith.
Keith and his team used asophisticated spraying application toall the access roads and hard
standing ground platforms. He alsoused a reduced herbicideapplication to protect the nearbylivestock. However, being a windfarm in such an expansive and openspace, it was inevitable that Keithwould encounter some challengingweather situations.
“The weather closes in veryquickly up there. One minute it’snice and sunny and the next it’sabsolutely pouring down.Responding well to weatherconditions was the most challenging
aspect of the job – it makes sprayingextremely tricky especially when it’sparticularly windy. But I wasfortunate enough to have some greatemployees from SSE on-site whoreally understand the weatherconditions. It’s great working withSSE and I look forward to continueworking with them in the future,”said Keith.
The original work is nowcomplete and after deliveringexcellent results, Keith is already inthe process of planning the nextinstalment of work. Following Keith’srecommendations there will be twosprays per year – one in spring andone in autumn.
Experience plays a major factor insuccessful treatment and CompleteWeed Control has experience inabundance. Knowing when and howto apply the appropriate product isabsolutely vital; it can speed uperadication and save time andmoney. All of Complete WeedControl’s work is undertaken byadhering to strict health & safetyguidelines.
www.completeweedcontrol.co.uk
Clyde wind farm enlists CWC expertise
SSE’s Clyde wind farm is one of Europe’s biggest single consentedonshore wind projects.
LEADING groundworks and civilengineering contractor, O’Brien, hasbeen awarded the prestigiousSpecialist Contractor of the Year prizeat the Construction News SpecialistsAwards.
The title is awarded for creating animpressive strategic plan in responseto the recent economic downturn,diversifying into new work streamsand targeting higher value projects.
The Award judges said: “O’BrienContractors were able to demonstratethat they are successfullyimplementing a plan throughinvestment in training anddevelopment.”
In 2009, the company’s turnoverwas £11m with profit only £73k. Itsplan to invest, diversify, train,overhaul processes and focus on risksand opportunities has increasedaverage project value from £463,000to £874,000 during 2014 andturnover up by 68% over 5 years.
The judges were particularlyimpressed with the level ofinvestment in new and innovativeplant and equipment to support theproductivity of the business. O’Brien
has invested over £4 million in newplant, technology and trainingprogrammes, delivering on itscommitment to improve efficiencyand reduce ongoing costs.
O’Brien were also commended forthe results of the strategic plan whichled to a strong portfolio of projectsand customers as well as animpressive improvement in both topline and bottom line performance –major projects include: Marks andSpencer in Longbridge, Birminghamfor Morgan Sindall, New CrossHospital Emergency Centre inWolverhampton for Kier Constructionand Jaguar Land Rover’s EngineeringFacility for Galliford Try in Gaydon.
Peter O’Brien, managing director,O’Brien Contractors, said: “We havealways believed that a stronginvestment in our people andtechnology are important in helpingto stand out from the crowd and berecognised as a leader in our field.This has proven to be a winningapproach and this national Awardrecognises the hard work,commitment and dedication of thewhole O’Brien team.”
O’Brien crownedspecialist contractor
The Specialist Contractor of the Year title is awarded for creating animpressive strategic plan in response to the recent economic downturn.
30 APRIL 2015 www.TURFBUSINESS.co.uk
FOLLOWING tell-tale signs of sandcontamination, the De Vere CardenPark Golf Resort near Chester, hasrecently called upon the services ofleading natural sportsturf contractorSouters Sports to carry out wholesalebunker rejuvenations.
The Carden Park Golf Resort boastsnot one, but two championship golfcourses, the Cheshire and theNicklaus; with the latter being aprevious project for Souters Sportswhen they successfully completedmajor drainage work. It was thisimpressive work which led coursemanager Peter Pattenden to place histrust in the company once again forthe bunker rejuvenation on theCheshire course.
The Cheshire, built 24 years agowith bunkers in revetted style hadshown the telling effects of sand-traperosion and with the Nicklaus coursereceiving significant investment overrecent years, it was imperative that itwas not left in its shadow.
Leading the Cheshire project wasSouters Sports’ bunker shaper RabTait, who engineered the lifting andreplacing of nearly 8,000 metres ofturf for facing and surrounds, and theinstallation of 1100 tons of fresh
Bunkerites sand. A 13-ton excavatorwith swivel bucket and two turf-tyreddumpers handled the earthworks andtransportation.
However, as the project unfolded itbecame apparent that many of thebunkers had no drainage at all, so forSouters it became a drainage projecttoo. To solve the problem, Rab andhis team installed 80mm of pipingwhere necessary to see that thefreshly shaped bunkers would drain
efficiently.“We knew many of the bunkers
were poorly drained and actually hadno idea whether there was anythingin place. It was a voyage of discovery,you might say. Much of what wasthere was either blocked or hadcollapsed, we discovered,” said Peter.
Peter and Rab planned and madedecisions about re-developing bunkerset-ups hole-by-hole. This wasgoverned very much by what the
topography would allow along withweather conditions. Much of thework involved bringing noses in andtaking noses out where appropriate ormoving bunkers left or right slightly toinfluence play.
With a series of high profile clients,the Souters Sports team hascompleted a number of services togolf courses throughout the UKincluding renovation andmaintenance, irrigation, reservoirsand water harvesting and primary andsecondary drainage installations – toname but a few.
The company also adheres to abest-of-the-best recruitment policy, inwhich they have patiently spent anumber of years assembling a groupof proven, enthusiastic and talentedprofessionals, trained in all facets ofgolf course construction, which hasbeen reflected in their work; andPeter is yet another satisfied customer.
“The project has been a hugesuccess with great feedback from themembers. It’s a joy not to havestanding water in the bunkers anymore, and know that they all offer ahigh level of consistent playingquality. They look amazing too.”
www.souterssports.co.uk
SCOTTISH football clubs began to beformed in the late 1860’s makingDuns Football Club in the ScottishBorders one of the earliest teams,with suggestions it may have existedby 1874.
Today’s club was re-elected to theEast of Scotland league during thepre-season of 2011/12 when itachieved a sixth place finish andreached the final in the SouthQualifying Cup. All was not wellthough with the pitch at the Old HighSchool, where the club had acquireda permanent home.
Converted from a hockey pitch inSeptember 2014, serious compactionhad led to waterlogging, renderingthe ground unplayable and resultingin all games being played away. Verti-draining and shock waving the pitchhad little effect so Head GroundsmanScott Poole and Chairman Colin Pikesought an alternative solution fromTerrain Aeration in February 2015. T
The Terralift's probe is directly infront of the operator who can watcheach probe insertion and resultant
shot. He can see if the probe istaking a long time to hammer into thesoil to one metre depth, aided by theJCB road breaker gun.
In Duns’ case the ground was likeconcrete. Once the probe hasreached one metre, the operator firesthe system which releases an air blastand injects dried milled seaweed onthe tail end of the blast.
This is one of the reasons theTerralift treatment is so effective. Overa period of time the dried seaweedexpands and contracts with the
moisture content in the soil and thismovement helps to keep the airwaysopen. To assist the long term aerationprocess the probe holes are backfilledwith an aggregate, which is inert andporous as well as being mowerfriendly, rather than pea shinglewhich could destroy mower blades.The operator uses two metre centrespacings on a staggered grid pattern,a proven practice whereby the soil isfractured and fissured and each shotconnects with the previoussurrounding shots.
The club had taken photographs ofthe water ponding, where it wouldlay for a considerable time, and thesehelped pinpoint the areas needingtreatment. Once probing began theclub’s onlookers witnessed two metrehigh spurts of smelly, anaerobic watercome flying out of the probe holes,showing that water was sittingbeneath the surface where it can rotthe grass roots and cause furtherdamage to the pitch.
This is where the seaweed acts byswelling and allowing surface waterto drain down the fissures created bythe Terralift. “The work has been sosuccessful,” says club chairman ColinPike.
“We played our first game on thepitch within seventeen days and wonthe match. There was concern, afterfive months under water, there wouldbe a lot of damage to the surface butit played like a normal pitch andwe’re looking forward to the elevenhome games we have left to play thisseason.”
www.terrainaeration.co.uk
Souters Sportsimpresses yet again
Bunker renovations underway by Souters Sports at the De Vere CardenPark Golf Resort near Chester.
Rain stops play for five months at Duns
The Terralift was brought in to break through the compaction plate.
SPORTS TURF CONTRACTORS
www.ransomesjacobsen.com www.jsmd.co.ukwww.psdgroundscare.com
WEB DIRECTORY
SPEEDCUTCONTRACTORS LTD
SPORTSTURF &GOLF COURSE• DRAINAGE
• CONSTRUCTION• RENOVATION
Oxford 01865 331479www.speedcutcontractors.co.uk
Specialists in turnkey natural turf & artificial pitch solutions
SEED SUPPLIERS
To advertise in the Buyers’ Guide phoneWesley Tatton on 01892 663555
AERATION
TERRAIN
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Tel: 01449 [email protected]
10” drill aeration1m air injection1m soil coringAir excavation
Turf and Trees
DRAINAGE
Drainage.Sand Slitting.Vertidraining.Construction.
Established 50 years
ONGAR, ESSEX01277 890274
www.hughpearl.co.uk
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IRRIGATION
www.wiedenmann.co.uk
Telephone 0345 230 9697
For all your golf, sportsturf andlandscape irrigation needs.
Buy online at www.lws.uk.com
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MOWERS
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Heavy duty and innovative, the family of AS pedestrian mowerswith 2 stroke engines deliver increased power whilst reducing
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For more product information, your nearest dealer or a machine demonstration contact PSD on +44 (0) 8450 773 773, Email: [email protected] or visit www.psdgroundscare.com www.as-motor.com
The Tines Shop for good value, high quality Tines & BedknivesFind a broad range of Tines and Bedknives online from The Grass Group Delivered to your doorwww.tines-shop.co.ukTel: 01638 720123
Call 01722 716361www.mjabbott.co.uk
Sports turf expertsSports turf constructionNatural & artificial surfacesDrainage & irrigationRenovation & maintenance
To advertise in the Buyers’ Guide phoneWesley Tatton on 01892 663555
