It feels like an awfully long time since we've been able to say this, but it's SALTEX at the NEC next week!
 
Following 2020's enforced absence, the GMA's show for commercial turf care returns to its now traditional late-autumn slot - and I for one am genuinely curious to see just what sort of show it turns out to be.
 
First and foremost, will punters rock up in their droves? Pre-pandemic we'd become used to the halls filling to busy and buzzy levels during certain times of the day. Will we see scenes like this repeated next week?

Wednesday and Thursday have the potential to be the first time the sector has met in any great numbers, for getting on for two years. We had the poorly attended Festival Of Turf and SAGE shows back in the summer, but I don't think those can really be taken as an accurate gauge of the industry's appetite for such things. Whilst both well-intentioned, those events can perhaps be accused of arriving a little too soon and indeed at a less than ideal time of the year for their intended audiences.

SALTEX on the other hand has established itself in this late-October / early-November slot and they boast a much more extensive list of exhibiting companies than either of those summer shows - with one or two notable absentees of course (..ahem.. STIHL and JD).

But will that be enough to draw visitors back through the NEC's doors? It's difficult to generalise, but I can well believe that there will be a section of SALTEX's regular audience who still don't feel comfortable mixing in large, indoor gatherings. It seems feasible that the lack of a legal mask mandate for example, could well contribute to the nervousness of some, and a reluctance to participate in an indoors trade show quite yet.

Equally though, I can also see how there not being a law to wear a mask inside could actually encourage others to attend. Conducting a conversation in a noisy and echo-filled sportshall is difficult at the best of times - so who knows? To be fair to SALTEX they have certainly done their best in advance to quell fears, by publishing an extensive list of Covid-safety protocols. 

So what will you, our dealer readers, be doing? Are you planning on visiting? Or is it still not quite right for you? Do let us know in the comments below.

Product on show?

The other interesting aspect of the show, will be just how much new product is being touted by the exhibitors?

Coming off the back of this season, where getting hold of any new product has been at a premium, will the manufacturers be confident in drumming up interest amongst the professional end-users for machinery that could prove tricky to reach showrooms in 2022?

We are hearing from industry experts not to expect the supply chain crisis to sort itself out in any meaningful way until 2023 at best. So will your suppliers be looking to excite turf professionals with the promise of shiny of new kit, full of innovative bells and whistles?

My guess is they will, as that's what a show is all about. But let's hope they are at least upfront when it comes to managing customer expectations. If not, dealers on the front line could well find themselves getting it in the ear again, if it transpires that delivery isn't quite what it should be.

Aside from the manufacturers' stands, the show has other facets to tempt along visitors. There's the Eco Village, the Innovation Awards, a display of vintage machinery and an extensive lineup of talks and debates. One such presentation that I will just draw your attention to involves Service Dealer contributor and editor of our sister title TurfPro, Laurence Gale. Loz will be offering his expertise in a discussion entitled. ‘The impact of Covid and climate change on green spaces’. This will take place on Thursday November 4, commencing at 10.00am in Theatre 2.

Service Dealer will be there for both days too, with a stand at F109. Do pop by and say hi if you make it to Birmingham. It will be fascinating to see how many dealers do choose to attend - and importantly, just what they make of the event.

Timberwolf announced that on Tuesday this week (Oct 26th) the company was acquired by the Alamo Group.

Based at Seguin, Texas, the Alamo Group owns many brands in the agricultural equipment and forestry sector. Timberwolf’s position as a designer and manufacturer of wood chippers makes this acquisition a fit for Alamo Group’s newly formed Vegetation Management Division (which includes forestry and tree care operations).

“The completion of the sale provides enormous opportunity for the business,” said Timberwolf managing director, Chris Perry. “Joining such a prestigious organisation will allow Timberwolf to accelerate many of the strategic projects we have already identified. Alamo Group have a clear approach to sustainability which aligns to our own existing business values so we’re very excited about the opportunities that this acquisition will bring”.  

Timberwolf say they now expect, as a wholly owned business within the Alamo Group, they will be able to further strengthen their brand and market position by strengthening product innovation to meet future opportunities. 

Jeff Leonard, Alamo Group’s president and chief executive officer commented, “Timberwolf builds upon, and compliments, our existing range of tree care products and strengthens our presence in the U.K. and European forestry and tree care markets.  

"We are pleased that Timberwolf’s management team will remain with the company and we look forward to working closely with them to drive the company’s future growth.”   

Kubota Holdings Europe BV, announced this week they have now acquired 100% of Spanish sprayer maker Pulverizadores Fede, a manufacturer and distributor of air blast sprayers and mist blowers for speciality applications including vineyards, orchards, citrus fruits and vegetables. 

In an official statement Kubota said, "By bringing Pulverizadores Fede on-board as a wholly-owned subsidiary and keeping its brand identity, the Kubota Group will accelerate the expansion of its business in the speciality crops market. In doing so, Kubota will strengthen its compatibility between tractors and equipment, and contribute to a reduction in the environmental impact of fruit production, through efficient spraying."

Pulverizadores Fede, based in Valencia, Spain, is a manufacturer of high-tech air blast sprayers and mist blowers. It specialises in high-end spray application technologies, which are already in practical use with equipment such as the Smartomizer H3O.

Kubota say this smart-connected air blast sprayer is able to control spray volumes and airflow in real-time, through the use of sensors to measure the height of trees. With intelligent calibration, they claim the product has the potential to reduce fuel consumption by up to five litres/ha, and reduce drift by over 45%.

Husqvarna have completed a month-long tour of the UK, giving customers and dealers an exclusive look at its new solution for commercial turf management, Ceora.

Hatfield House

During the last few weeks over 265 people across the industry, ranging from Husqvarna dealers to customers from key market segments including sports, facilities management, schools, and golf, attended local events, hosted by the manufacturer's team, to get a first look at the robot in action.

Officially announced to the market in the summer, Husqvarna says Ceora has generated a buzz of excitement within commercial turf care, an industry which is currently dominated by heavy, conventional diesel mowers that require manual operation.

Ragley Hall

With the tour, the company visited six different regions across the UK, including London, North West, South West, Midlands, Northern Ireland and Scotland and in doing so received interest from a range of commercial customers and dealers.

Hannah Cooper, Husqvarna’s professional segment manager, spearheaded the tour and says she was overwhelmed by the response they received.

“It was great to see so many people come to see what Ceora can do," explained Hannah. "Since we announced the product earlier this year, we’ve received amazing feedback, but this was an opportunity for dealers and customers to see it in action for the first time. The interest we received throughout the tour is testament to how hard the Husqvarna team has worked to create a product that is so revolutionary and offers such great opportunity.”

Wheathill Golf Club

Once installed, Husqvarna says the robot can independently mow an area of up to 75,000m² both during the day and at night, alllowing staff to focus on more value-adding tasks that need doing during the day.

According to the manufacturer the large-scale robotic solution, which is due to be available for purchase in the UK during Spring 2022, can also users to lower their carbon footprint. The robot's low electric consumption means no direct emissions while in use.

Fentons of Bourne Ltd, the family-owned estate and garden equipment supplier, has been appointed the sole UK distributor for Becx Machines, the Netherlands-based manufacturer of mechanical weed control and hedge cutting equipment for tool carriers and excavators.

Established in 2008, Becx Machines is located in Moergestel, North Brabant. Their first hedge trimmer was launched in 2009 using a patented cutting principle and 13 years on, they now manufacture seven different hedge trimming attachments with a working width between 75 cm and 240 cm. They also manufacture weed brushes, weed brush/edge cutters and various attachments for mounting hedge trimmers onto excavators.

Glen Bellamy, a director at Fentons, said, “We have a track record of being sole importers; for over 25 years we have represented Homburg Draincleaners, another Netherlands-based company that manufactures specialist field drainage maintenance equipment for the agricultural sector.

“It’s a cliché, but we are genuinely delighted with the signing of this latest sole importer agreement. The quality of the Becx equipment is exceptional and the growth in their business in just over a decade is testament to the machinery they produce. 

“In keeping with the trend for electrification, they have recently introduced their first electric hedge trimmer. With a working width of 75 cm, it’s two hydromotors have been replaced by 48-volt electric motors and can be mounted on almost any electrically driven tool carrier.

“Already we have had interest from local authorities for their cut and collect equipment. 

“We’ll be exhibiting at LAMMA in January 2022, which will be the first opportunity for prospective customers to see the equipment.

“This agreement is an exciting development for all of us here at Fentons and we look forward to a long association with the Becx team.”

Erwin Hommen, owner and managing director of Becx Machines added, "We are really looking forward to working with Fentons and I’m confident that they will help us, increasing our penetration in the important UK market sector.”

Show organisers have revealed the final shortlist for the SALTEX 2021 Innovation Awards that take place at the show next week.

The GMA say that this year's awards received a record-breaking 33 entries. From robotics to battery-powered mowers, tractors to utility vehicles, grow lights to chain saws, they say the entries included a wide variety of products, services and equipment.

Judged by an independent panel of industry experts it was decided that the following innovations would form the final shortlist.

• AMS Robotics - Bigmow RTK and Parc mow RTK
• Belchim Crop Protection – Enclean
• EGO -  EGO Power+ 107cm Z6 Zero Turn Riding Mower
• EGO - EGO Professional-X CSX3000 Top-Handle Chain Saw
• Etesia - ET Lander
• Kersten (UK) - Hoaf Weedair 50i
• Origin Amenity Solutions - Origin Amenity Solution Turf Science and Technology Centre
• Reesink - Farmtrac FT25G
• Ritchie & Ritchie Products - Reversible Bottom Blade
• SGL - TurfPod
• Turf Tank - Turf Tank One Line Marking Robot – logo functionality
• Turfkeeper -TurfKeeper.com

The winner’s ceremony will commence in seminar theatre three on the first day of the show (3 November) where the overall winners will be announced across several categories including Robotics, Equipment, Information Technology, Environmental & Sustainability, Vehicles, Consumables and Machinery.

You can view all 33 entries here. 

BAGMA are launching a new two-day Tractor-Trailer Inspection And Brake Testing course.

The Asociation says over the last decade tractors, trailers and trailed implements have become bigger and faster and air braking systems have become more common along with other systems such as load sensing valves. Certain UK legislation has changed and, importantly say BAGMA, there is a desire in the marketplace to assess the physical condition of the vehicle as well as its braking performance.

Consequently the scope of their new training course is to train and enable the technician to:

• Inspect & assess a tractor’s and/or trailer’s build-spec. and physical condition
• Verify the correct functioning of the vehicle’s braking system
• Assess and quantify a tractor’s and/or trailer’s braking system performance

BAGMA stress that testing a tractor or trailer’s braking performance is the only way to ensure a system is operating to/or meeting the legal braking performance required by legislation.

The new course can be held at a dealer's premises or other suitable venue. Normally, say BAGMA, the course will require a minimum of four people up to a maximum of six depending on the facilities available.

The course will be delivered by an experienced industry trainer and includes a comprehensive training guide for each attendee covering all aspects of the course and providing a reference guide for legislation requirements and technical guidance. A test will be carried out at the end of the first day to ensure candidates are able to continue with the second day of training.

On successful completion of the course, candidates will be provided with a Digital Certificate, a BAGMA photo ID skills card, a course manual and inspection sheets and reporting forms that can be kept as proof of an inspection and brake performance check.

Candidate companies will be registered on the BAGMA website. Individual registration details will be held by BAGMA for five years after which  a refresher course will be required. 

Keith Christian, director of BAGMA says, "This is a comprehensive training course designed for competent and experienced technicians with a proven technical background and involves both practical and ‘class room’ training over the two days."

A new sales, service and parts dealer for Bauer irrigation equipment is offering potential customers a ‘try before you buy’ demonstration of the Rainstar irrigation reel’s features and performance.

Graeme Renton of Renton Farm Services

Renton Farm Services has taken on the Bauer franchise at farm-based premises near Dunbar to support potato and field-scale vegetable growers throughout East Lothian.

Director Graeme Renton said, “Six years ago we started a family-run business sourcing and supplying parts for farm machinery and related equipment.

“As potato growers and users of a couple of elderly Bauer irrigation reels ourselves, I was aware of local support being limited, so approached Bauer about taking on the franchise.”

With an agreement in place, Mr Renton took the plunge by ordering two new Rainstar E irrigation reels for stock – and the move paid off as the first of those units has already been put to work on a local farm.

“It was a bit of a gamble but I’m pretty confident of finding customers because as a premium product the Bauer reel irrigator has a strong reputation for performance and durability; our own machines are 26 years old and still relatively hassle-free,” he said.

Adrian Tindall and Rob Jackson, who handle Bauer interests in the UK and Ireland, have welcomed Renton Farm Services’ appointment.

“It’s been good to see Graeme looking ahead by stocking two machines in readiness for his involvement with Bauer and having one in the yard will be useful for growers wanting to have a look at the latest Rainstar product,” said Rob Jackson.

“I would urge growers considering a change of irrigator to also look ahead as we’ve been taking orders and securing build slots at Bauer’s very busy factory for next-year deliveries.”

75 years of groundscare equipment will be on display at next week's SALTEX which takes place at the NEC, Birmingham on November 3 and 4. 

The new show feature, entitled A History of Groundscare Equipment (stand C065), will display vintage and classic groundscare machinery and tools covering 75 years of the profession. Organisers of the show, the GMA, say with so many machines being showcased, it will offer a nostalgic walk down memory lane for visitors.

Vintage enthusiasts will be able to view a wide array of mowers, sprinklers, rain gauges, sorrel rollers, drag brushes and soil testers.

The feature is being staged by the Hall & Duck Trust which is an internationally recognised organisation, preserving all manner of artefacts from lawnmower development throughout the years. With a collection comprising of over 1000 machines dating back to the 1830s, the Hall & Duck Trust is a respected authority on the history of groundscare equipment, and founders Andrew and Mike will be on the stand to answer visitors' questions. 

Furthermore, the history of SALTEX and Grounds Management Association will be outlined throughout the two-day event on the GMA Hub. 

Organisers stress that pre-registration to SALTEX 2021 is essential this year. Attendees must print off their badges for entry to the show.

New for next season Danarm will be importing Wiper machines, the latest in robot technology. For some time Danarm have been looking for a brand to complement their top of the range professional Kaaz machines and feel they have at last found the quality they have been looking for with Wiper brand.

The Wiper robot lawnmowers are produced in Italy by Zucchetti Centro Sistemi and are well proven, top quality machines with the very latest in robotic technology. 

Danarm will be stocking a range of models to cover site areas up to 6,000m2. All models are able to be controlled by user friendly app, many models also featuring GPS assisted cutting, GPS alarm, spiral cutting system for thick grass and motorised height adjustment. 

ZCS are one of the foremost manufacturers of robot lawnmowers and have been designing, manufacturing and distributing innovative hi-tech robots since 2000. Using their own software they are able to stay ahead of market demands to produce the most up to date, superior machines. 

All of the large range of models are fitted with a metal blade rather than cutters and large flexi-grip, self cleaning wheels. These two important features enable the robots to power through thick grass on most terrains and slopes up to 45%. 

The range of robots all have excellent run time/charging time ratios and some have the added feature of the pet safe Amico tag to ensure your pet is safe at all times in the garden. 

For the 2022 season Wiper will introduce new models to their range. These will include the I100R which will cover areas up to 1000m2 and up to four different areas. This machine will feature the latest in radar technology for both obstacle and grass detection. These features enable the machine to be used without the need for perimeter wire. 

The new Q350SR quad machine also will feature the latest radar technology enabling the machine to detect obstacles without collision. The all wheel drive and steering system allows the robot to cut in any direction and with the added flexi-wheels this mower can operate on slopes of up to 75%.

Danarm will be exhibiting at SALTEX Stand E031 and look forward to seeing you there.

American specialist tyre brand Carlisle, is one of the most popular and respected brands in the Groundscare market. With O.E. fitments on famous names such as John Deere, Ariens, Ferris, Logic and many others, it is clear to see why so many users continue to fit Carlisle tyres for their replacement and aftermarket needs. 
 
 
 
With an ever-expanding product range and sizes starting at just 4” rim size, Carlisle’s Groundscare  tyre range boasts well known pattern names including Turf Master, Multi Trac C/S, Turf Smart, Turf Trac R/S, Links, Fast Trax, Turf Saver and Ultra Trac to name but a few. And now, Carlisle have introduced the next generation of specialist Groundscare tyre – The Versa Turf. 
 
 
 
Using the latest design technology, the new Versa Turf range of tyres boasts a list of advanced features and a unique pattern design that is gentle to the turf but aggressive enough to maximise traction. With a radial construction for excellent flotation, rounded shoulders to minimise turf damage when turning and a self-cleaning tread pattern with 60% deeper tread depth than standard R3 turf tyres, the Versa Turf is the perfect blend of R1 Agri traction pattern but with the turf protection characteristics of an R3 Groundscare tyre. Available in sizes 215/50R10 (18x8.50R10), 220/65R12 (23x8.50R12), 300/50R12 (24x12.00R12), 305/60R12 (26x12.00R12) & 305/70R16.5 (12R16.5) all with “E” marking for full road homologation. 
 
Tyre-Line will be showcasing the new Versa Turf tyre at next week's SALTEX show at the NEC, Birmingham on the 3rd & 4th November, along with a host of other Carlisle & ITP products including the full range of Carlisle Groundscare tyres for Lawn, Garden & Golf applications. Why not pay them a visit at the show or you can contact the Tyre-Line Aftermarket team on – 01458 250350 aftermarket@tyreline.com 

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