It is truly impressive how the industry of turf professionals is a genuinely worldwide community.

The skills learnt on the job in countries all around the world can be applied most anywhere, making the best in their fields employable wherever an opportunity presents itself globally. Also, there is of course a desire for these skills to be passed on and taught to industry members in other countries - meaning the life of a turf professional offers some exciting travel opportunities.

Take the news in today's Briefing for example that Dan Gonzalez from Bournemouth FC has been poached by Althletico Madrid to become head groundsman at their new Estadio Wanda Metropolitano stadium. This now means that the two Madrid clubs both benefit from British expertise - with Paul Burgess in charge at rivals Real.

Today we also hear of the international voices who'll be imparting their knowledge to UK greenkeepers at BTME's Continue To Learn in January. Included within the more than 250 hours of education are guest speakers such as Micah Woods from the Asian Turfgrass Center and Dr Mike Fidanza from Pennsylvania State University.

BTME will also of course, see some UK greenkeepers unveiled as the lucky chosen ones who'll head across the pond to ply their trade at TPC Sawgrass in Florida next year.

Before we get to that though, there's SALTEX coming up (if you're attending do say hi to the Turf Pro team on stand M030 by the way), which features some very interesting sounding seminars which will emphasise the international nature of the job. On Day 2 there's a session entitled 'Exporting Our Expertise' which will consider what are the secrets of the success of groundsmen abroad? It'll also look to address what their tips are for forging successful careers overseas.

The expert panel for this session will include Phil Sharples, director of agronomy, Gabala FC/Qarabag FC, Azjerbajan; Stuart Wilson, pitch manager, Croke Park; and Tony Stones, grounds manager, Stade de France.

Following this on Day 2 is a fascinating sounding session entitled 'Sharing turf care practices between the USA and the UK'. This will feature on the panel Pam Sherratt, turf grass specialist, from the Ohio State University; Dan Prest, head of member services, IOG and Ian Lacy, lead project advisor at Tom Irwin Advisors.

British-born Ian Lacy, former head of the Professional Services division of the IOG, now works with the US-based Tom Irwin Advisors, helping communities design sustainable green spaces. Emphasising the global nature of turf professionalism, he said, "One comes to realise that, whether a village in Africa or a small town in America, our parks and recreational spaces enhance the quality of life in our communities."

For those members of the industry for whom foreign travel appeals, opportunities for applying your skills, and indeed enhancing them, in situations worldwide are out there to be grasped.

The new Training Needs Analysis service will benefit those who take part in appraisal systems as well as those who adopt a more informal staff development programme.

By meeting with each member of a grounds team, the IOG can draw up a unique learning plan for each individual, to help employers map out a development programme for the whole team.

The Training Needs Analysis works alongside the IOG’s Pitch Grading Initiative, which enables grounds staff to meet both their own and their employer’s goals linked to team skills and the quality of the sports turf surfaces they work on.

Sean Williams, head groundsman at Gloucester County Cricket Ground, has already made effective use of the Training Analysis Needs service. He said: “The recent analysis of GCCC staff has enabled the club to consider training routes we were previously unaware of. The service is impartial and considers all training providers, not just IOG courses.”

It has been reported this weekend that Atletico Madrid are poaching a member of Bournemouth's groundstaff, Dan Gonzalez, to become their head groundsman at the new Estadio Wanda Metropolitano.

The Independent said the Anglo-Spanish Gonzalez has handed in his notice with the Premier League side and leaves for Madrid in the coming weeks.

Gonzalez has been working under head groundsman Robin Wilcox at the Vitality Stadium, where the Cherries regularly receive compliments from visiting managers on the playing surface.

With Gonzalez's move, it now means of course that both Madrid clubs employ a British groundsman, with Paul Burgess famously in charge of the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium for Real.

BIGGA has unveiled what they are describing as "the most extensive education programme for the turf industry, in Europe."

Continue to Learn at BTME 2018 will feature more than 250 hours of education with guest speakers such as Micah Woods from the Asian Turfgrass Center and Dr Mike Fidanza from Pennsylvania State University.



An integral part of BTME, Continue to Learn encompasses events for Course Managers, Deputies and all levels of Greenkeepers. Workshops and sessions also cater for Golf Club Managers, Directors of Golf, Golf Club Owners and Committee Members, ensuring there is an education event for everyone working within the sports turf industry.

More than 4,500 attendees are expected to descend upon the Harrogate Convention Centre and The Majestic Hotel, Harrogate for the four-day series of events.

Continue to Learn at BTME 2018 introduces a new conference specifically for young greenkeepers, to provide them with the opportunity to meet and network with other greenkeepers and to attend education that will benefit them in their career. The Young Greenkeepers Conference will take place on Wednesday 24 January at the Majestic Hotel.

BIGGA Head of Member Development Sami Strutt said: “After nine months of detailed planning and consultation with BIGGA members, we are proud to announce the launch of the hotly-anticipated Continue to Learn at BTME 2018 education programme.

“BIGGA takes great pride in being able to offer our members and other golf industry professionals access to the best educational opportunities possible. I am delighted that we are able to produce such an extensive programme of events. There really is something for everybody.”

BIGGA members can once again benefit from seminar pre-booking and preferential rates for education events, which can be further reduced by Booking Bundle discounts.

As well as the Young Greenkeepers Conference, BIGGA have added several other new subjects to Continue to Learn at BTME 2018, including: Turf Conditions and Optimal Efficiency; How to Motivate Your Team; Fungicide Fundamentals; How to Think Differently for Improved Performance; The Brilliant Manager; Principles Of Turf Grass Nutrition; Using and Understanding MLSN Guidelines for Nutrient Recommendations; Developing the Nature of Golf; Fairy Rings; Drought - Doesn’t Have to Mean a Brown Course!

Many other topics are also covered and can be found by accessing the full Continue to Learn brochure.

Continue to Learn at BTME 2018 will take place at the Harrogate Convention Centre and The Majestic Hotel, Harrogate, North Yorkshire, from Sunday 21 to Wednesday 24 January 2018.

The Golf Business and Industry Convention (GolfBIC) will coincide with BTME and is being held in conjunction with the UKGCOA and OGRO. The one-day convention takes place on Wednesday 24 January and is aimed at golf course owners and operators and features sessions on Leadership and Management Challenges, the Power of Social Media to Drive Business to Your Golf Club and the Impact of Understanding your Market.

Tickets for this year’s event can be booked online with links available on every BTME event page on the BTME and BIGGA websites.

Visit http://btme.org.uk/education/seminars/ for full information.

To download a copy of the Continue to Learn at BTME 2018 brochure visit http://btme.org.uk/education/continue-to-learn-downloads/

As part of Learning LIVE at SALTEX 2017 a panel discussion entitled Your Industry, Your Show, Your Voice will take place.

The panel discussion will take place on the first day of the show (1 November) at 10am in Seminar Theatre 1 and will be broadcasted on five large screens situated throughout the show floor.

In the build-up to the event, the industry is being encouraged to submit relevant questions or queries via an online form on the SALTEX website.

talkSPORT’s Mark Saggers will then put the questions, randomly drawn on the day, to a panel of leading experts which include Geoff Webb (IOG), Alex Latto (BT Murrayfield), Dougie Robertson (West Ham United FC), Neil Stubley (AELTC Wimbledon), Stuart Kerrison (Essex CCC) and Adrian Kay (York Racecourse).

The organisers say the session will provide a great opportunity to gain more clarification on topical issues surrounding the industry from several leading professional groundsmen representing a variety of different sports.

To put a question to the panel, fill in the online form at www.iogsaltex.com/your-industry-your-show-your-voice/

The form gives you the option to state your name or alternatively you can remain anonymous and simply pose the question.

Origin’s Amenity Business has announced its acquisition of Linemark UK, the supplier of pitch line-marking paints, machines and accessories.

Linemark UK joins Rigby Taylor and Headland within the Origin organisation.


Impact paint

Linemark UK has been the exclusive supplier of line-marking products to Rigby Taylor for 10 years, working closely with the company to bring to the industry Impact, the ready-to-use paint, which has won many awards including the Queens Award for Innovation and the Queens Award for International trade (Export).

This paint is now sold to over 43 countries worldwide and used by international, national stadia, Premiership pitches and sports grounds across a range of sports surfaces.

Other paints include the Duraline range for both natural turf, synthetic and hard surfaces together with Preline, the only MAPP-approved paint for initial marking.

Commenting on the acquisition, Chris Clark, Rigby Taylor’s executive chairman, stated: “Pitch line-marking paint and its application is an important market sector for the company. With Linemark UK joining the Origin family, we consider that Rigby Taylor will consolidate its leading market position and continue the high level of innovation and development for the benefit of our customer’s both now and in the future.”

Tony Holt, managing director of Linemark UK, commented: “This is fantastic news for Linemark UK as it looks to build on its successes and create, alongside Rigby Taylor, an exciting future within the Origin organisation.”

Linemark UK and Rigby Taylor pioneered the introduction of an Integrated Paint Technology System to sports pitch line-marking, matching for the first time innovative paint formulation chemistry, advanced spray nozzle technology and application performance.

John Deere say their new full-size Gator utility vehicles will offer the company’s quietest ever cab, more room for both driver and passengers and an extremely efficient heating system.

Available from UK and Irish dealers in early 2018, the brand new petrol XUV 835M and diesel XUV 865M models are being preceded this autumn by the restyled HPX 815E, XUV 560E and XUV 590M Gators, which feature new model numbers and several specification updates.


John Deere Gator XUV 865M utility vehicle

The 54hp XUV 835M and 23hp 865M offer power steering, a CVT transmission and a top speed of 37 or 31mph (60 or 50kph) respectively, plus a tight turning circle and optimal weight distribution for off-road performance. For extra versatility, these Gators can be fitted with a wide range of over 90 attachments from snow blades to winches, and feature a large 42-litre fuel tank to keep the vehicle running longer between fill-ups.

The spacious, pressurised cab can accommodate three people, for off-road use only. This new cab incorporates noise isolation and sound dampening components, making it the quietest yet available on the Gator range. It also offers year-round weather protection and the heating system includes a windscreen defrost feature.

Both these new, XUV Gator models feature ample legroom and a tiltable steering wheel. The cargo box has a load capacity of 454kg, while towing capacity has been increased by a third to 907kg and total payload capacity is 680kg.

The diesel powered HPX 815E Gator utility vehicle shares its new styling with the XUV 855M model, which replaces the 855D. The 815E’s updated cargo box also has a load capacity of 454kg and both the sides and the tailgate, which has a pick-up style one-handed latch, can be easily removed to provide a flatbed-style load bay if required. The composite construction of this cargo box makes it dent, rattle and rust-resistant.

Additional changes to this model include a new digital dashboard, powerful LED headlights and a restyled front bumper, to improve handling and operation particularly in challenging terrain.

The XUV 560E (non-power steering) and XUV 590M (with power steering) Gator models both have petrol engines and now feature LED headlights as standard and an instrument cluster for easier operation. The new styling includes alloy wheels, which allow the suspension to follow ground contours more closely and thus improve grip. A seat belt interlock system provides a safer drive, by restricting the machines’ speed to 8mph (13kph) if the seat belt is not done up.

Two robotic mowers developed specially for green space managers and landscaping companies were introduced to the delegates which included dealers, commercial mowing representatives and press. The company says the new machines aim to improve lawn quality and sustainability, while reducing costs and freeing up time.


Automower 550

The company says the Husqvarna Automower 500-series take all the benefits of Husqvarna robotic lawnmowers, and add more features specially catered for professional fleet use. These machines can tackle lawns of up to 5000m2, steep slopes of up to 45%, and an area capacity of up to 208 m2 an hour.

An ultra-silent drive in the robotic mower means a noise level of just 58 dB(A), so the 500-series can cut silently both during the day and at night. 

Fleet Services

Standard on the new 500-series is Husqvarna Fleet Services, the company's cloud-based solution, which gives operators a complete overview of all robotic lawnmowers in the fleet, as well as full remote control from one unified system. An unlimited number of robotic mowers can be added to the fleet, and be controlled by a single operator.

“Our objective is to allow landscaping teams to work smarter. With the management system, one person can manage all the mowers in their fleet at one time, and still have time for other tasks,” said Olle Markusson, Director of Product Management - Robotics, Husqvarna.

Through the online portal, operators are able to quickly see the robotic lawnmowers’ status and the geo-positon of their fleet, on either a map or in a list in real-time.

Operators are also able to fully control a variety of mower activities and settings through Husqvarna Fleet Services, including the option to adjust cutting height, making the mower start or stop cutting or return to its charging station, and turn on energy saving mode with an ECO setting.

Husqvarna Fleet Services comes with a service and maintenance portal, so operators are able to plan maintenance at regular intervals, reducing unexpected downtime or unplanned delays. Theft protection and position tracking are also available for security.

The Fleet web portal is available for Technicians and Fleet Managers, while the Fleet mobile app can be used by Team Leads and Operators. All 500-series robotic mowers are equipped with cellular communication, to ensure Husqvarna Fleet Services capabilities are available remotely.


Smart features

The new 500-series has a variety of features to handle complex areas, such as Penta-search, triple guide wires, and automatic passage handling. Penta-search means five search methods to find charging stations, and Triple Guide wires are for maximum flexibility to handle complex areas. Automatic passage handling guides the mower through narrow passages, allowing it to navigate complex areas.

For improved lawn health, GPS-assisted navigation and a weather timer helps ensure uniform coverage of complex lawns, while automatically adapting mowing frequency to lawn growth. 

Automower 520
The Automower 520 is optimised for lawns with a capacity of up to 2200m2, and can handle slopes of up to 45%.

It is connectivity enabled in the form of Husqvarna Fleet Services through cellular networks, and also has Bluetooth capabilities. A rubber bumper provides protection, and the terrain wheel kit further improves terrain and slope performance.

Automower 550
The Automower 550 is optimised for lawns with a capacity of up to 5000m2 and can handle slopes of up to 45%.

It is connectivity enabled in the form of Husqvarna Fleet Services through cellular networks, and also has Bluetooth capabilities. The 550 has a
faster ground speed than the 520 due to remote object detection, since ultrasonic sensors located at the front of the mower can slow down or stop the mower before impact. The charging station includes a stop button, which will automatically summon the robotic mower back to its station.

STIHL have expanded their battery range with introduction of the new AR 1000 lithium-ion backpack battery, the lightest featured in its PRO cordless range.


AR 1000

Weighing 5.5kg, the company says the slim ergonomic design allows the weight to be carried closer to the operators back, making it more comfortable during operation, particularly over longer periods. Also, the attachable rain cover means its use is not dictated by weather conditions.

A comfortable harness with a waist and chest strap come as standard and the new design includes a USB port to allow the user to charge devices such as mobile phones.

The battery backpack enables the extended use of STIHL cordless products such as hedge trimmers, blowers & brush cutters.

STIHL say the AR 1000 is suitable for use in conjunction with the new HSA 94 R and T hedge trimmers, affording them a runtime of up to 380 minutes on a single charge. The FSA 130 and 130 R brush cutters can also run for up to 230 minutes, with the BGA 100 blower running for up to 225 minutes.

When used in conjunction with the AL 500 charger, the AR 1000 backpack battery can be charged in two hours.

The new battery backpack also has a six LED charge display status, enabling users to monitor the charge level to know how much operation time is left before needing to re-charge the unit.

The STIHL backpack is available exclusively from more than 700 STIHL Approved Dealerships nationwide. The AR 1000 has a recommended retail price of £630 including VAT.

Classen machines have built a solid reputation, living up to their durable slogan: Built to Use, Designed to Last.

At this year’s Saltex the latest Classen aerator joins the Little Wonder line-up and Mantis tillers and BunkerMaster under the Schiller umbrella, to offer groundsmen and greenkeepers a formidable array of equipment.


Classen TA18 Aerator

The Classen TA18 Aerator features a steerable tine bank and combined with its compact, streamlined design it is easy to manoeuvre around trees, shrubs and other obstacles whilst aerating at speeds up to 4.2mph/6.7kmh At only 214lbs/97kg the TA18 is one of the lightest aerators of its type available and that makes for easy lifting and transportation. The new Classen’s TA18 aerator has CE marking in compliance with EU health and safety requirements. The Classen aerator is joined on the Saltex stand by the rest of the Classen range including the Sod Cutter, Rake and Overseeder, together with the Mantis BunkerMaster.

Little Wonder products have an unrivalled reputation for performance and durability and the Little Wonder ProVac SP leads the way, collecting litter and debris after events, around amenity areas, theme parks, sports venues, gardens, campuses, holiday parks, residential and industrial areas are typical places you’ll find the Little Wonder at work. It features a heavy-duty 280 litre top loading bag and as it’s self-propelled it moves faster through the work for greater productivity with less operator fatigue.



The Little Wonder Hydro BRC-26 Brushcutter cuts a lot more than you would imagine. It slices through stubborn long grass as well as taking down the roughest brush, bramble and tall, tough weeds. Self-Propelled and effortless, the Little Wonder is rugged and built for a tough life yet it’s also smooth with the hydrostatic drive making it easy to operate and less fatiguing for the user. That translates to higher productivity and with a forward speed of up to 4.2mph/6.7kmh and 1.7mph/2.7kmh in reverse you can quickly cut through the work.

“The Classen, Little Wonder and Mantis ranges offers the turf professional, groundsman and greenkeepers the complete year-round maintenance system,” says Schiller’s Commercial Director, David Goose, “and they are backed by our commitment to our dealers and continued innovation to meet customer needs. We’re confident in the quality and durability and provide comprehensive warranties to support this.”

Come and see us on Stand No. K040 at Saltex. Schiller Grounds Care UK 0800 840 0888

The countdown to Europe’s largest annual turf management event has officially begun, marked by the opening of online visitor registration.



SALTEX 2017 takes place at the NEC, Birmingham, from 1-2 November, and has already attracted over 250 exhibitors - a number that’s set to grow further in the weeks leading up to the event. Confirmed to return are a number of leading brand names spanning the whole turf management industry including manufacturers and suppliers of world-class products and services for the maintenance of pitches, grounds, landscaping, parks and estates.

SALTEX will also once again boast unique show features such as:

• Learning LIVE - an all-encompassing free-to-attend education programme offering grounds and open space practitioners across all disciplines, volunteer as well as professional, the chance to increase their CPD points.
• Outdoor demonstrations - providing an opportunity to see a number of products in action directly outside the SALTEX halls 6, 7 and 8.
• The SALTEX College Cup - a national student-led sports-turf challenge sponsored by Ransomes.
• Pathology & Soil Science LIVE - allowing visitors to look in detail at the symptoms of some common turfgrass fungal disease problems.
• The Young Groundsmen’s Conference, sponsored by Rigby Taylor and Top Green - an ideal opportunity for young people looking to advance their career in the groundscare industry
• Ask the Expert – free pitchcare advice from the IOG’s team of regional pitch advisors based on the IOG Hub
• The IOG Industry Awards - the UK’s biggest celebration in groundsmanship held on the evening of the first day (1 November) at the National Motorcycle Museum.
• NEW for 2017! The Job Clinic – the chance to receive one-to-one advice from industry expert Frank Newberry on how to progress your career, write a compelling CV and perform well in an interview situation.

Located in the centre of the UK, whether you are travelling from overseas or within the UK, the NEC is incredibly easy to get to by car, rail or air.

SALTEX 2017 is free to attend. To register your attendance and beat the queues visit www.iogsaltex.com

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