For two days this week the UK turf industry's attention will be focused on a couple of halls at Birmingham's NEC.

Wednesday and Thursday sees the IOG's SALTEX exhibition take place for the third time at the indoor venue during November. And I have to say, this really does now feel like well established fixture in the industry calendar.

I would imagine there are still some fans of the old school who would prefer an outdoor show in September. However, these voices certainly seem to be less prevalent than when the show first moved. Whether this is because the doubters have been won over by the new format, or whether they are just resigned to the fact that things have changed and there's no point getting worked up about it, it's hard to say.

I was reminded of this situation with my other hat on as editor of TurfPro's sister title Service Dealer last week. That publication aimed at retailers of outdoor powered equipment, covers agricultural machinery dealers as well as the professional and domestic machinery guys. A hugely significant exhibition in the Ag sector, LAMMA, just announced that they will be moving from their outdoor home at the East Of England Showground during January, to the decidedly warmer confines of the NEC a week earlier than normal in January 2019.

What this does mean for dealers and exhibitors with an interest in both agricultural and commercial turf care equipment is that the exhibition will no longer clash with BIGGA's BTME in Harrogate. Although to be fair this isn't actually happening this coming January either - whether this is by luck or judgement, I'm not sure.

But converse to a lot of the chatter which I recall from when SALTEX first announced its move, the initial reactions to LAMMA's change by our dealer readers were overwhelmingly positive. And you can't get a more 'outdoors-y' industry than farming.

The reasoning for being open to the move is that people seem to like the idea of holding a professional business show in an environment to be proud of - where the weather can't dictate the atmosphere. A proper showcase for the industry can be held.

And I think this is precisely what has happened with SALTEX. Yes, in an ideal world there would be more of split between indoors and outdoors stands like at the American GIE-EXPO show. But finding a UK venue which offers those facilities and a time of year where that would suit, isn't really possible.

What the IOG have achieved with the show in the last couple of years is genuinely admirable. And it's being improved upon all the time. This year's educational Learning Live programme for example is being described by the Institute as the biggest and best ever. They now have four seminar theatres running diverse sessions across both days, featuring experts from top stadia and sporting venues, designed to enlighten and expand visitors' knowledge.

Their Awards evening which takes place in the evening following the first day of the show has become a truly impressive event. A press release sent out by the IOG says that Wednesday's event will have an 800-strong audience. That is huge! And clearly illustrates the regard which the industry holds the ceremony in.

And of course not forgetting the machinery and services exhibition itself. The official website says there are 290 exhibitors this year - so there will definitely be something to pique the interest of anyone with even a passing association with the industry.

Obviously, there are always costs involved in visiting an exhibition - and not just the tangible ones like travel, accommodation and food. The time spent away from the place of work needs to be considered as well.

However, making sure all these things can be absorbed, a visit to the NEC this week seems well worth a turf professional's time, money and effort.

And if you do find yourself there, the team from TurfPro will be on stand M030 - so do say hi!

A groundsman has been sacked after video emerged of him allegedly agreeing to tamper with the wicket before last Wednesday's ODI in Pune.

The BBC reported that a sting operation by India Today TV captured Pandurang Salgaoncar on camera allegedly stating he would prepare the pitch to suit two unnamed bowlers.

Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) asked for a detailed report.

It added it had "zero tolerance towards any such activity".

Salgaoncar was dismissed by the Maharashtra Cricket Association (MCA) and replaced by curator Ramesh Mhamunkar. The second ODI, at the MCA Stadium, went ahead on schedule after the pitch had been inspected by match referee Chris Broad, BCCI said.

The India Today footage of Salgaoncar talking to a reporter, who was posing as a bookmaker, was broadcast a few hours before the match.

You can view the whole India Today piece, via YouTube, below:

A record-breaking 73,349 votes decided the People’s Choice 10 favourite UK parks this year.

Organisers Green Flag Awards, say they presented a record-breaking 1,799 awards to the best-managed parks and green spaces. To find the best of the best, they asked the public to vote for their favourite parks, which they did in record numbers.

The 10 winners are spread across England, Scotland and Wales, including large and small sites, traditional parks to wild unusual spaces, run by councils, community groups and even a university campus.

Four of the winning sites (Cassiobury Park, Saltwell Park, the Wilderness Lake and Whiteknights campus) have been awarded this accolade for the first time this year, whilst the remaining six have maintained their top spot in the public's affection.

International Green Flag Award Manager, Paul Todd said, “Following the success of this summer’s #LoveParks Week, the record number of votes for the People’s Choice Awards, more than double the number received last year, shows how much their favourite green spaces mean to people.

“Massive congratulations to our 10 hugely deserving winners, and all the staff, volunteers and supporters who work so hard to maintain these well-loved green spaces to such a high standard.

“And thank you to the tens of thousands who took the time to vote. Parks matter, and this is further support in our campaign to protect and improve the nation’s wonderful green spaces for future generations.”

The 2017 People’s Choice Award-winning parks (in alphabetical order) are:

• Arlington Square Gardens, Arlington Association
• Cassiobury Park, Watford Borough Council
• Clifton Park, Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council
• Margam Park, Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council
• Millennium Country Park Forest of Marston Vale Trust
• Saltwell Park, Gateshead Council
• Strathaven Park, South Lanarkshire Council
• The Wilderness Lake, Porthcawl Bridgend County Borough Council
• Warley Woods Warley Woods Community Trust
• Whiteknights, University of Reading

At their recent conference, Professor John Moverley, Independent Chairman of the Amenity Forum, urged all those awarding amenity management contracts and employing people to undertake such work, to ensure such operators demonstrate their professionalism and qualifications to undertake the work.

One important element in terms of a contractor for example he argued, is asking whether they are one of the almost 70 organisations supporting the Amenity Forum. This in itself John said, indicates their commitment to best practice and understanding of what is required. Another element is to seek their commitment to operating at Amenity Assured standards.

John said ‘’We have a high degree of professionalism in our sector and very high standards but, just as if employing an electrical contractor or a builder when you would seek evidence of an assured standard, so it should be the case for amenity management. The management of amenity areas is so important to us all and, if using a professional contractor, business or individual fully committed to best practice, you can be assured of the highest quality and operator standards’’

John referred to the food assurance scheme, often known as the Red Tractor, and would wish to see a similar scheme become seen as standard practice in amenity.

John continued ‘’Whilst local authorities and other such bodies are clearly under high financial pressure, appointing contractors and others committed to assured standards and best practice is both wise and provides best value and performance for all benefitting from well managed amenity areas.’’

SALTEX 2017 organisers have decided to hold, for the very first time, an Innovation Award – and visitors will get the chance to see every entry at the show when it opens on Wednesday this week.

The entries are diverse and from across the turfcare sector. They include three entries from Campey Turf Care Systems, the Genny Wren, the Imants Topdrain 1000 and the newly re-designed Koro FTM c/w Universe Rotor.

Also in the list are the SISIS Javelin Aer-Aid 1500 and ahead of its production date, M Lloyd Engineering Ltd has entered the Rotastar star excavator mounted screening bucket.  Green technology appears to be a familiar theme at this year’s show, Demon International has entered the LPG Engine whilst lithium battery technology on the updated 2017 Infinicut from MTD Specialty is up for consideration. The brand new BAX1500 from EGO Power+ removes the weight of the battery for cordless hand held equipment while the new Pellenc ULB1500 battery powers a host of grounds maintenance tools.  

The latest in grass cutting technology represented by two entries at the show: the new Etesia Hydro 80 MKHP4 E-Connect and the Grillo FD900, a completely new out-front commercial mower with hi tip grass collector.

Other entries include the MAQA line marking machine from Fleet Line Markers; Pitchmark’s Hybrid, Rigby Taylor’s 'Intelligent One.' – and in the Outdoor Demonstrations area at SALTEX 2017 Groundwater Dynamics’ EGRP (Energy Passive Groundwater Recharge Pump) Also look out for GroundsCare Products’ Turf Teq powered Edger/Trencher, and the ZipLevel, a revolutionary survey product that can work around corners and behind trees and bushes.

Last but certainly not least is the Gator SpeedLoad from Oregon (Blount UK Ltd), a new trimmer and brushcutter head.

A panel of expert judges will select the winning product and the winning company will be presented with their award on the first day of SALTEX.

If you are attending the show next week, be sure to pop along to Stand M030 and say hi to the Service Dealer team.

Husqvarna is showcasing a range of new products and innovations at SALTEX 2017 located at stand H040 in Hall 8.

The company says their battery series has a number of key benefits and SALTEX will give people the opportunity to learn about the series, including the new 536LiHE3 Battery Pole Hedge Trimmer.

The battery series has been specifically designed for commercial applications and with users in mind. Husqavrna say several innovative features are in place to improve productivity and save time and money. They describe the Li-ion 36V battery as long lasting, durable and IPX4 rated meaning it is weatherproof, allowing commercial users to work in all weather conditions for prolonged periods of time.

A new development for 2018 is Husqvarna Connect. These new Bluetooth capable batteries allow users to view the battery charge state, estimated remaining run time and the latest session time. The new batteries will also send notifications and alerts when they are fully charged and ready and also when they’re outside their workable temperature range.

Husqvarna Fleet Services is a cloud-based service that gives landscapers and tree care companies an overview of machine fleet inventory, automated HAV records, service monitoring and location information. The system also monitors optional operator and machine usage style offering educational guidelines at the click of a button.
Fleet Services also give the ability to audit a fleet to help guard against losses. With the new Bluetooth platform, data can be collected in real-time, giving professional landscapers superior situational awareness of their machine fleet. Husqvarna Fleet Services 2.0 will be available in early 2018 and continuous updates that bring additional functionality will be released throughout 2018.

Husqvarna is also introducing two robotic mowers; Automower 520 and Automower 550 - developed specially for green space managers and landscaping companies. The aim is to improve lawn quality and sustainability, while reducing costs and freeing up time for professional landscapers to concentrate on other tasks.

Automower 500-series takes all the benefits of Husqvarna robotic lawnmowers with added features, specially designed for professional usage. The company says it is confident these products will provide professionals with an effective solution to lawn care after holding a number of successful trials throughout 2017 at parks in Edinburgh and London, as well as Worcestershire Golf Club, Newcastle Airport, The Eden Project, Cornwall and Cragside National Trust.

Husqvarna will be on hand to talk about its vision for the future of commercial lawn maintenance Husqvarna Solea at SALTEX. Watch video below:

Weibang have announced they will attend Saltex next week with a dedicated stand showcasing the complete 2018 range of commercial machinery.

The manufacturer will showcase the new range and brand identity on Stand C080 as well as showing a selection of Kawasaki powered professional handheld machinery.

The brand has undergone a new identity, highlighting key features on the range of commercial rear roller and 4 wheeled lawnmowers with a new modern appearance.

Mark Rochford, Marketing Director for the brand in the UK said, “Our new brand identity is now in full circulation and the response has been fantastic from dealers and end users. Our commercial products have seen huge growth in 2017, with feedback from commercial users on how productive, well built, and high performance the products are.

“We will have the full range on display including our bestselling shaft drive models which have proved very popular with professionals due to their exceptional performance and value.”

As well as the complete range of lawnmowers, Weibang will showcase other products including scarifiers, aerators, stump grinders, and the brands new professional leaf and litter vacuum.

Stewart Anderson, Managing Director for the brand in the UK said, “2017 has been a pivotal year for Weibang. Sales worldwide have reached record levels and feedback from our customers has been phenomenal. Saltex is a very important show as it gives us the chance to meet the people who use the product and gain direct feedback. We look forward to seeing as many professional users as we can at the show.”

Weibang is distributed in the UK by Rochford G.M Limited

BIGGA has revealed the six members who have been invited to join the course preparation team at THE PLAYERS Championship in Florida during May.

Held each year at TPC Sawgrass in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, THE PLAYERS Championship is considered by many to be golf’s ‘fifth’ major and as such it presents an incredible opportunity for BIGGA members to gain a huge amount of experience, in a once-in-a-lifetime setting.

TPC Sawgrass

And for the first time this year, John Deere has expanded the programme, allowing a member from BIGGA’s International Region to join in.

The successful BIGGA members who have been selected to join the volunteer programme are:

• Scottish Region – Paul Armour, course manager at Dunbar Golf Club
• Northern Region – Joe Barnes, greenkeeper at Royal Lytham & St Annes Golf Club
• Central England Region – Nicholas Thorley, greenkeeper at Little Aston Golf Club.
• South West and South Wales Region – Jamie Blake, head greenkeeper at Broadway Golf Club.
• South East Region – Antony Kirwan, deputy course manager at Aldeburgh Golf Club
• International – Craig Cameron, Golf Club St Leon Rot in Germany.

Each spring TPC Sawgrass is home to THE PLAYERS Championship, and next year’s event will take place from 8-13 May 2018.

The six BIGGA members will receive travel, accommodation, food and uniform as they join the team at the legendary venue for the entire duration of the competition, courtesy of BIGGA Partner John Deere.

In addition, John Deere also invites one member of the Golf Course Superintendents Association of Ireland to join the experience.

THE PLAYERS Championship is made possible thanks to the hard work and dedication of a volunteer course preparation force of over 90 volunteers from 14 different countries, who join the home greenkeeping team in getting the course in shape for this major event.

Following the final day’s play, before heading home, the greenkeepers will even get the opportunity to attempt to hit the 17th hole’s famous island green. In 2016 Richard Johnstone, course manager at Nairn Dunbar, was successful in his attempt and won the actual flag used during the tournament as a prize.

Each of the members underwent a rigorous application process, consisting of an online application, submission of a short video and an interview with BIGGA and John Deere representatives.

A spokesperson for TPC Sawgrass said: “At the end of the day, the volunteers make all the hard work of our tremendous staff really shine. They also get invaluable experience in preparing a course in exacting, television close-up standards, as well as the opportunity to network and learn.”

2015 delegate Michael Burgin, of Normanby Golf Club in Scunthorpe, said: “The easiest way to describe my whole TPC Sawgrass experience would be to say ‘truly amazing’. This was golf at its very best and I feel privileged to have been part of it. It was great to see so many people from all over the world, working together for one special event.”

BIGGA Chief Executive Officer Jim Croxton said: “I’m very excited about the opportunity we are able to offer six of our members each year with John Deere’s backing. The chance to join the greenkeeping team at one of golf’s most iconic venues is an outstanding member benefit and career development opportunity.”

Groundsmen at Manchester City's Etihad Stadium had to do battle with a persistent squirrel ahead of last week's Carabao Cup clash with Wolves.

The Daily Mail reported how shortly before kick-off, groundsmen spotted a grey squirrel by the corner flag and to the cheers of fans, they attempted to shoo it away with their forks.

They then spent eight minutes chasing the animal around the pitch as it weaved its way past all their challenges.

Eventually one groundsman grabbed hold of it – only for it to escape again when it bit his hand!

He yelped out in pain as the squirrel leapt back on to the turf and headed down the wing.

Staff eventually used rakes and shovels to shepherd it away from the pitch before the match started.

The elusive interloper was finally scooped up by one of the groundsmen wearing thick gloves who carried it away to safety.

Grillo UK are looking to appoint a Salesperson to cover Scotland & parts of northern England.

The successful applicant should ideally reside in the North of England for effective coverage and be prepared to spend some nights out.

Duties will include developing and maintaining a strong Dealer Network, demonstration of Grillo products and Dealer support as and when required.

Full product training will be given along with a fully expensed company vehicle, basic salary plus bonus.

In the first instance please forward your CV to : stevegadsby@grilloagrigarden.co.uk

www.grilloagrigarden.co.uk

Tel; 01889 569149

We have a vacancy at our Shefford Depot for an experienced Ground Care, Compact Tractor and Horticultural Sales Person.

This will be a new role at our expanding Shefford depot, near Bedford, with the creation of a new dedicated Ground Care Machinery Showroom. The right candidate will have sales experience supplying leading makes of compact tractors, implements and machinery in the Home Counties area to Country Estates, local authorities, landscape contractors, arborists and other users of compact machinery.

The new role will involve supplying Massey Ferguson compact tractors, Fendt and Valtra tractors up to 100hp to the municipal and ground care sectors, along with supplying machinery and equipment from the following leading makes of compact equipment: Timberwolf chippers, Stihl, Kersten, Honda Lawn & Garden, Yamaha ATV, Tomlin implements, Logic, Wessex, Balfor log processing equipment and Team sprayers.

Chandlers are a leading AGCO Five Star dealer with an existing Ground Care and Horticultural division, currently operating from Belton, Spilsby, Holbeach and Barnack providing professional sales, parts and service to the Ground Care market.

The successful candidate will have a passion for the Ground Care industry, with a full driving licence, and the self-motivation to work alone or as part of the existing Agricultural Sales Team at the Shefford depot.

In return we offer an attractive package, with company vehicle and ongoing franchise training.

If you would like to apply please email hr@chandlersfe.co.uk, or write to the HR Officer, Chandlers (Farm Equipment) Limited, Belton, Grantham, Lincs NG32 2LX.

Alternatively call 07970 121095 for further information. All applications are treated in strictest confidence.

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

Follow SALTEX on Twitter @IOG_SALTEX and Facebook - www.facebook.com/IOGSALTEX

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