Last week saw another busy week of international sport on our shores with our top turf professionals having their work cut out, battling the elements. England saw the third Ashes Test against Australia at Old Trafford washed out yesterday, and Brian Harman overcome the harsh weather to win the British Open Golf Tournament at Royal Liverpool Golf Club.

Also last week, I was hoping to attend the SAGE show at the Three Counties Showground, Malvern. However, due to unforeseen circumstances I was not able to attend the show. After talking to a number of exhibitors though, it would seem the show yet again was a huge disappointment for the those who attended the two day event.
 

SAGE 2023

Now into its third year, there were high expectations of the show being busier than previously. 

From several people I spoke to, they were all saying the same thing - for the concept of the show, an outdoor event that enables exhibitors to demonstrate their wares, the venue and setting was perfect, it’s just the fact that very few grounds professionals bother turning up where it fails. SAGE is one of several amenity sector and ag shows that now fill the calendar year with the established shows, Saltex and BTME, now joined by GroundsFest, all trying to sway industry professionals to attend.

It will be interesting to see how this year’s new kid on the block at the Warwickshire showground, scheduled for September, will fare and whether they attract a strong footfall?

Low attendances

We have seen over the last few years a demise in the number of people attending our industry shows. Last time out, BIGGA confirmed it had pre-registration figures of 4,930 attendees for the 2023 show. This number includes 900 registrations from exhibitors themselves, who play a vital role in the success of the event.

The same could be said for the GMA’s show. It was reported in 2022 that over 8,300 attendees from across the UK and over 50 countries came through the doors over the two-day event at Birmingham NEC, signaling a return to pre-pandemic levels.

Saltex 2022

For me though, these are fairly low attendance figures when you take into account the number of people who work in this diverse industry. If you take grounds professionals and volunteers, the GMA conducted a survey that stated there were around 20,000 turf professionals working across all sports and amenity sites.

If you were to add in agricultural workers and gardeners, I am sure we would be seeing this figure double. So we probably have at least 40,000 people working in our turf / ag related industries, if not more. I believe we more than likely have over 100,000 working or involved in our industry. 

I firmly believe we need to look at why these people are not attending trade shows. We seem to be missing a trick somewhere?

For me it is now time we stopped working in isolation and startes building bridges amongst all the trade industry bodies. If we are serious in attracting new blood into the industry, we all need to come together to show what a wonderful industry we work in. We need to have an annual show that encompasses all aspects of this industry. 

We need to see the likes of the RHS, Landscape Institute, BAGMA, AEA, GMA, BIGGA, R&A, the major sports governing bodies and the major manufacturers should all come together to deliver an annual show that acts as an international showcase for the skills, dedication and complexity of producing a living environment that millions of people enjoy on a daily basis. 

Our industry has been fragmented for well over the 50 years for which I have been involved in it. Having started as a parks apprentice for Birmingham City Council in 1972 and holding a number of responsible roles, combined with the fact I have reported on this ever changing industry as an editor of several trade magazines, I feel I’m in a position to say it is time we finally came together to ensure the future of the industry. 

We have a serious recruitment problem facing our industry, with low pay and poor working conditions preventing people wanting to come into the industry.

While I admire many who have been trying to address these problems for many years, until we finally come together and have a single goal in raising the profile of the industry and have some national campaigns to attract new blood into the industry and set up a national apprenticeship scheme that sees well over 5,000 youngsters a year enter the industry, I fear we shall continue to be a poor relation compared to other professions.

Lord's Cricket Ground

Having a single show representing all of the above organisations would be a good starting point. I clearly understand that both the GMA and BIGGA rely on the income they generate from running these annual shows. However, I am sure there would be more money for everyone if we invested in one single show.

It is now time to bring other partners into the frame and look at delivering a show that ticks a lot of boxes and rewards us all.  Having a show that attracts 15,000-20,000 people would make a huge difference. It would clearly raise the profile of all those who work in the industry and in time would hopefully encourage new blood to take up the reins to ensure the future of our landscape / sports turf industry.

DLF Seeds recently opened the doors of their research & development centre in Didbrook, Gloucestershire, to host more than 20 members from the UK Lawn Care Association (UKLCA).

UKLCA members

Following presentations from the DLF team on current and future challenges in seed selection and turf management, attendees were treated to an informative tour around the trial plots to see and compare the cultivars of both today and tomorrow.

The event in early July opened with a presentation from regional technical manager Ian Barnett, who delivered an introduction to DLF, their brands and methodology in producing pure quality seeds for every bag. Dog patch resistant mixtures were also discussed which was a popular topic with those in attendance - primarily working with customers from the domestic market. Technical manager David Rhodes then followed with a session on species identification, followed by a presentation on the development and benefits of the BSPB seed guide. 

Visitors were then treated to a tour of the trials area, where attendees could put the morning's theory into practice. The DLF team remained on hand to discuss the various pros and cons of the many different seed varieties in different environments and situations, whilst keeping an eye on new potential developments with a glimpse at some of the cultivars currently being trailed. 

Jim Hewlett, UKLCA vice chairman said, “It was a fascinating day, and there was much to learn from the presentations and test site - which clearly demonstrated the differences between varieties and informed attendees on what goes into research and production of the Johnsons, MM and Masterline ranges. Seed selection is extremely important to professional lawn care companies, and seeing this first-hand means we can be sure to choose the right and best cultivars to meet our customers' requirements.”  

Ernest Doe have sadly reported the death of their finance director, Greg Forrest.

In a statement posted on their website this week, the dealership says, "It is with profound sadness that we share the news of the passing of our friend and colleague, Greg Forrest. Greg had a heart attack in early May and was admitted to hospital. He had been making steady progress but sadly suffered a second heart attack approximately one week ago.

"He made a huge impact on our business and was loyal, hardworking and astute with a kind and understanding nature. His journey with our company spanned an impressive 10 years, culminating in his well deserved promotion to the role of Finance Director in February of this year.

"Greg passed away peacefully at the weekend, surrounded by his wife and close family. His absence leaves a void that will be deeply felt by us all. We extend our heartfelt condolences to Greg’s family during this sad and challenging time. As we mourn the loss of our colleague and friend, we also celebrate the positive impact he had on our team and the huge contribution he made to our company.

"Greg will be sadly missed but very fondly remembered."

Redexim UK have announced the appointment of Allen Whellans as their new area sales manager for the North.

Allen Whellans

With over 10 years of experience in groundcare sales and a further eight years working in greenkeeping, the company says Allen is well placed to provide expert knowledge and support to customers across the Northern counties including North Yorkshire, Cumbria, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

Allen fast-tracked his way through an SVQ at Oatridge Agricultural College, completing a level 2 and 3 Amenity and Horticulture (Sports Turf) course in three years as opposed to four. This keenness to learn continued during his role as assistant head greenkeeper at Duns Golf Club, where he went on to complete additional industry training and obtain all relevant qualifications.

A position with a groundcare dealership then arose which saw Allen carve out a career in sales, working with leading franchises and playing a pivotal role in the field team, supporting customers across the Lothians and Borders. From here, he then went on to become an area sales manager for STIHL in Scotland, before more recently holding the position of groundcare division manager at Pearsons of Duns/ Border Chainsaw & Lawnmower Services.

This wealth of industry understanding serves Allen well for his new position say Redexim.

Commenting on his appointment Allen says, “I’m proud to be joining the Redexim team at such an exciting time in their development and look forward to playing my part in growing the brand and supporting our excellent partners in their endeavors of getting the fantastic product range to market.”

The latest figures from the Health and Safety Executive report that in the last five years, ATVs were involved in 14 deaths in agriculture, which makes it the largest cause of death amongst moving vehicles in the agricultural sector.

To ensure ATV users are riding safer and smarter, Can-Am say they are introducing their top tips for safer riding, underpinned by its Responsible Rider Charter to mark Farm Safety Week (17-21 July).

The manufacturer believes their user guidance will reinforce rider best practices while sparking discussions about responsible riding and will challenge users to rethink how they approach rider safety. 

Rachael Turner, BRP commercial manager UK and Ireland, said, “14 deaths involving ATVs is 14 too many. As a business, we are committed to educating users on the importance of responsible riding, whether that be through our top tips and charter or by directing users to undertake the training offered by ATVEA or EASI. We look forward to users benefiting from what we are doing when it comes to rider safety, so they can be safe when riding and can educate friends or colleagues to ensure they are safe as well.”

Can-Am off-road rider safety top tips: 

• Make sure that the loads carried on the racks are secure and evenly balanced and do not exceed the capacity of the ATV (check the manufacturer’s recommendations). 
• Always be aware of your surroundings and keep your eyes peeled for any pedestrians, livestock, obstructions or other vehicles. 
• Regularly Inspect the ATV before use to ensure that it is in good working order.
• Avoid sudden increases in speed as this is one of the common causes of an overturned vehicle.
• Always wear the correct personal protective equipment (PPE) such as a helmet, boots, long sleeve shirt and trousers when out riding.
• When riding across a slope, keep your weight forward. When going downhill, slide your weight backwards, select a low gear and use engine braking, which leads to the reduction in the need to use the brakes.
• When working a new area, make sure you walk the route before riding through it. This will give you a better perspective of the dangers or obstacles that you could come across. 
• You cannot predict the British weather, as one minute it could be bright sunshine and the next it could be pouring with rain, so be aware of changes in ground conditions as these could affect the loads you are carrying or the attachments you are pulling. 
• Always read the owner’s manual.

The PS3 Pro chain from STIHL is an innovative full chisel saw chain offering up to 20% higher cutting performance.  

Compatible with any STIHL professional chainsaw with a power output of 1.6 kW – 2.0 kW, the PS3 Pro chain is available in 3/8 P pitch and 1.1mm drive link gauge and features a narrow kerf designed to reduce resistance while cutting.
  
This new geometry results in a chain that not only cuts faster than the previous 1.3mm gauge chain but is less sensitive to pressure too. For cordless chainsaw models, the increase in cutting efficiency also allows more cuts to be made per charge, improving productivity.
 
The 1.1mm Light 04 guide bar has been specifically designed for use with the PS3 Pro chain, offering increased durability and optimum balance. In addition, the drive links on the PS3 Pro sit deeper inside the Light 04 guide bar compared to ¼ P 1.1mm chain, further decreasing the likelihood of the chain de-railing. 
 
Available in 12” and 14” lengths, the PS3 Pro chain and Light 04 guide bar come as standard with the new MSA 220 C-B, or separately as an easy upgrade for models such as the MSA 220 T and MS 201 TC-M. Furthermore, the PS3 Pro is compatible with all standard 3/8 P sharpening accessories.

For more information on STIHL's new PS3 Pro saw chain, please visit www.stihl.co.uk. 

EDUCATION IN SPORTS TURF

by guest editor, David Roberts

SPORTING (SURFACES) PROWESS

WATER SHORTAGES

CRICKET ON THE UP

MY TOP FIVE CONCERNS

by guest editor, Andrew Turnbull 

BIODIVERSITY IN PARKS

DROUGHT CONDITIONS PREVAIL

MAY BE BUSY

A HEALTHY ENVIRONMENT
by guest editor Angus Macleod

TURF HARVEST FESTIVAL

FEEDING TIME

TIME TO GET TOUGH

STAY CURIOUS!
by guest editor, Alex Vickers

A TRANSISTIONAL MONTH

SPRING IS UPON US

HEDGE YOUR BETS

PEOPLE'S PARKS, PUBLIC PARKS - IN PERIL?

by guest editor, Paul Rabbits

TESTING TIMES AHEAD

ROBOTIC POTENTIAL

CHANGEOVER TIME

WE MUST DEVELOP OUR OWN STAFF

by guest editor, Karl McDermott

DOUBLE CENTURY CELEBRATED

OUR PARKS IN CRISIS

AN OUTSTANDING SUCCESS

OPTIMISM RETURNING
By Guest Editor, Roy Rigby

WATERLOGGING ISSUES

NEW YEAR, NEW FEATURES

View all of 2022's blogs here

View all of 2021's blogs here

View all of 2020's blogs here

View all of 2019's blogs here

View all of 2018's blogs here

THE LAWN AND ITS VALUE
Changing attitudes

GIANT HOGWEED
Invasive and potentially harmful

LIFE-CYCLE ANALYSIS & SUSTAINABILITY
Considering every stage of the journey

NITROGEN USE EFFICIENCY
The most important nutrient

BERBERIS THUNBERGII
A shrub that has stood the test of time

ENSURING FUTURE PROSPERITY
Advice imparted at road shows

INNOVATION & SUSTAINABILITY
A key focus

PHOTINA RED ROBIN
A sensational flowering shrub

VALUING THE GRASSROOTS
We must not overlook those who maintain these grounds

MANAGING WEEDS SUSTAINABLY
In amenity spaces

DETECTING NUTRIENT DEFICIENCY SYMPTOMS
In turf plants

SPRING RENOVATIONS UNDERWAY
A crucial period

SUSTAINABILITY IN SUPPLY
A focus on those who supply essential inputs to our sector

CHANGING CLIMATE
Is a borehole the key for clubs?

SUSTAINABILITY AT THE SHARP END
How to put into practice when budgets are tight?

ANOTHER NAIL IN THE COFFIN OF GRASSROOTS RUGBY
Clubs are struggling

SUSTAINABILITY IN PRACTICE
Seeking transparent and robust supply chains is essential

TIME FOR ACTION
To reverse recruitment crisis

CONTROLLING COSTS
Planning is crucial

THE SEARCH FOR SUSTAINABILITY
What exactly does the term mean?

CARING FOR THE GRASSROOTS
From volunteers to contractors

DEFRA IS LETTING DOWN THE COUNTRY
Complete failure to address the plastic grass debate

WE CAN ALL DO MORE
To aid biodiversity

MY LIFE IN GREENKEEPING
With Bruce Cruickshank

LEVELLING UP, GETTING SMARTER & GETTING AHEAD
Parks require so much more funding

SWITCHED ON FOR HARD WORK
Putting trimmers through their paces

MACHINERY HIGHLIGHTS
At this year's show

MY SALTEX
Daniel Lewis​, Manchester City Football Club

AWASH WITH LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES
Two months till showtime

LOOKING BACK, LOOKING FORWARD
Priorities for the amenity sector

THE DECLINE OF ‘PARKITECTURE’
A symptom of the state of parks in 2022

DEVELOPERS SHIRKING GREEN SPACE RESPONSIBILITIES
Lack of financial commitment

TIME TO COME TOGETHER
For the good of the industry

THE DEATH OF GRASS ROOTS CRICKET
Gathering apace?

ROUTES INTO THE INDUSTRY MUST BE ENSURED
Q&A with David Fisher, Lantra’s head of industry partnerships

STRONG VIEWS ON CRICKET PITCH PERFORMANCE MARKING
A bone of contention

A PREMIUM PRODUCT
Delivered at Naas Golf Club

THE GREEN REVOLUTION
And Esker Hills

MAKING A CHANGE
Laytown and Bettystown Golf Links

A DAY AT THE RACES
Naas Race Course

WORKING TOGETHER AS ONE VOICE
How the industry needs to proceed

OVER 175 YEARS OF EDUCATION
Wesley College

ELECTRIC EXCITEMENT
Dennis's Ian Howard talks electrification

THE HOME OF CORK GAA
Páirc Uí Chaoimh

LONG POLE BATTERY HEDGE TRIMMERS TESTED
STIHL HLA 66 and HLA 86

OVER 800 YEARS OF HISTORY
Johnstown Castle and Gardens

A CLUB GONE WILD
Kilkenny Golf Club

A GOLF COURSE IN THE GARDEN OF IRELAND
Woodenbridge GC

80 YEARS YOUNG
Charleville Golf Club

AN UPLIFTING EXPERIENCE
Bunclody Golf & Fishing Club

GETTING BACK TOGETHER
Albeit gradually . .

GO WEST
Inishturk GAA pitch – one of the most westerly sportspitches in Europe

WORKING ON A TIGHT BUDGET
Nenagh Golf Club

ON A MISSION
Wrekin Golf Club aiming to enrich wildlife and fauna

WILD AND WONDERFUL
Design By Nature

LEARNING HOW TO SURVIVE
Abbey Par 3

TACKLING OBESITY
Vital that schools can provide sport

A LIFETIME OF LEARNING
Vital for turf professionals

CELEBRATING 125 YEARS
Tullamore Golf Club

UNIVERSITY CHALLENGES
At Trinity College Dublin

BLENDING THE OLD WITH THE NEW
Bray Golf Club

A WELL POLISHED COURSE!
Ierne Social And Sports Club

IDENTIFYING THE TRUE VALUES
Of grounds maintenance

THE INDUSTRY WILL CHANGE & ADAPT
But it will survive

WIRRAL GOLF COURSES SAVED
Renewed hope and optimism for the future

GREEN SPACE CONTRIBUTION TO WELLBEING IS UNDERVALUED
Parks invisible on national agenda

A SHINING LIGHT IN IRELAND'S SUNNY SOUTHEAST
Wexford Golf Club

GREEN SPACES DO NOT LOOK AFTER THEMSELVES!
Keith Kent says we must invest in people

WE SHOULD TELL THE WORLD ABOUT THE UK INDUSTRY
Right time for all sides to come together

SOIL LIFE IS PRECIOUS
Good-quality soil can help save the planet

MORE THAN JUST CUTTING GRASS
Encouraging the next generation

A BUZZ FROM DOING THE JOB
Wide experience of the turf grass industry

PAYING THEIR WAY
Low wages is the bane of the industry

AMENITY MANAGEMENT IMPACTS US ALL
Professor John Moverley

CARING FOR PARKS OF ALL TYPES
Mary Worrall

TOP FIVE FRUSTRATIONS FOR CRICKET GROUNDSMEN
What causes you the most frustration in your role?

PROFESSIONALS AT THE CUTTING EDGE
Vic Demain and Phil Sharples

BOWLS CLUBS IN PERIL
A sad decline

A VERY SPECIAL INDUSTRY
Loz looks back

SNEAK PEAK AT A ROBOTIC "GAME CHANGER"
Commercial model capable of covering 50,000 m2 teased

HALESOWEN PICK A BIG ROBOT UP FRONT
Invest in mowers

COMPRESSED AERATION
The new way

PARKS MATTER MORE THAN EVER
Recent sector developments

ON TEST
STIHL blowers

THREE CORE VALUES TO SHAPE OUR INDUSTRY
Real concerns for the future

ENGLAND'S GREEN SPACE GAP
A split along racial lines

ON TEST
EGO STX3800 strimmer with RTX2300 Rotocut head

A SECTOR FACING IMPORTANT TIMES
Review of the National Action Plan

PARKS MATTER
The role of public parks in the recovery: a discussion paper

A UNIQUE SPORTING VENUE
Wormsley private estate

A BTME OUTDOORS?
A good bet for the industry

PARKS NEED APPROPRIATE POLITICAL REPRESENTATION
Q&A with Philippa Reece, Parks and Foreshore Manager at Adur and Worthing Council

CRICKET LOAM
What does it mean?

A HERCULEAN EFFORT TO GET PARKS BACK TO NORMAL
Q&A with Chris Worman, Rugby Borough Council’s parks and ground manager

ON TEST
STIHL battery products

TURFGRASS STRESS MANAGEMENT
Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) and antioxidants during biotic and abiotic stress in turfgrass plants

AUTUMN DISEASE MANAGEMENT
The coming months are going to prove very difficult

THE ABUSE OF PARKS . .
Is the abuse of society

WHY PARKS MATTER?
A statement from the Parks Management Forum to the Prime Minister

THE 21st CENTURY PARKS MANAGER
Innovative, creative and entrepreneurial

EAT, SLEEP, CUT, REPEAT!
Cricket under covid

TIME FOR A SINGLE SHOW?
Debate brought back into focus

A CHALLENGING TWO MONTHS
Running golf design projects from home

PRESSURE SITUATION
Cementing the reputation

A CLUB TO BE PROUD OF
10 years at the helm of Olton GC

GAME CHANGERS IN TURFCARE
The day the Lord's outfield reconstruction proved its worth

THE ESSENCE OF ESSENTIAL
Finding a sensible way forward on defining "essential maintenance"

THAT WAS THE YEAR THAT WAS
2001

HOW TO LOOK AFTER A GOLF COURSE WITH NO GOLFERS
Fundamental to the survival of almost all courses, if not of the game itself

RAIN STOPPED PLAY WOULD BE WELCOME
. . along with ‘lunch is being taken early’

PHYSICAL CONTROL OF TURFGRASS PESTS
An urgent problem

A DIVERSE & ENTERTAINING WEEK
Successful BTME 2020

INTEGRATED PEST CONTROL
Opportunity to embrace new methods

ENVILLE ON THE UP
Major investments taking place

GREEN FLAG AWARDS 2019
A great success

U.S PROFESSIONAL EQUIPMENT SHOW EXCELS
Buoyant GIE+EXPO

LEGACY OF THE SOLHEIM CUP
At Gleneagles

A DAY OUT WITH THE LADIES
Behind the scenes at the Solheim Cup

COVENTRY UNIVERSITY'S EDIBLE GARDEN SUCCESS
2006 - present

HAIL THE GRASS MASTERS!
Boorish media comments about pitch quality are wide of the mark

CONTRACTOR SEES MULTI-DISCIPLINE SUCCESS
360 Ground Care serving professional facilities

BUSY TIMES
Judging the Green Flag Awards

TAKING AN INTEGRATED APPROACH
What does it all mean in managing turf surfaces?

UNDER PRESSURE
Dry weather conditions continue to keep turf managers focused on moisture management

EDDIE SEAWARD
Death of Wimbledon’s influential grounds manager

MAJOR NEW IRRIGATION PROJECT
At Top 100 classic Berkhamsted Golf Club

NEW HORIZONS FOR THE HATTERS
Investment paying off at Kenilworth Road

ELIZABETHAN RESTORATION
At Castle Bromwich Hall Gardens

WHAT IS BIOPHILIA?
The vital impact of parks and green spaces on health and well-being

WORM CONTROL
Without carbendazim

THE TRUE COST OF PETROL
Battery-powered outdoor power tools are now turning the heads of professionals

SANDS OF TIME
Sand-based pitches are now the norm in professional sports

WHY DO WE DO THE RIGHT THING?
We must maintain industry standards

CHASING GRASS PERFECTION?
11 things you need to know . . .

MAINTAINING STANDARDS
Q&A with BASIS ceo, Stephen Jacobs

STRI RESEARCH DAY 2018
Hosted at research trial grounds in Bingley

THE MECHANIC
Leicester City FC invest in new role

LORD'S 'GRASS-GUVNOR' TO RETIRE
Mick Hunt bows out after 49 years

HOLLOW CORING & DEEP SCARIFICATION
Is it really necessary?

Last year at our sister title Service Dealer’s Conference, I was able to catch up with Chris Gibson, md of GGM / PSD and during our conversation I asked him if he would be interested in allowing me to trial some machinery, in particular an Eliet Scarifier to try out on some lawns I maintain.

 
So come this spring, around late March, PSD duly delivered both the Eliet 450 ZR Scarifier and DZC450 Pedestrian Overseeder to try. Both machines were delivered by Michael Groves, their business development manager, who is based in the Midlands. 

Michael Groves delivering machines

Michael soon unloaded the machines and gave myself and my friend John, an ex-England bowler and current practicing professional greenkeeper, a demo, running through their operational modes – plus he offered us a few tips on using them. 

Eliet are based in Belgium and manufacture a range of groundscare equipment including Green waste shredders and Turf care equipment including pedestrian scarifiers and overseeders. We wanted to trial a self-propelled scarifier to see how it differed from our own, very old, hand push Eliet Scarifier. 

 
The E450 ZR Scarifier is a self-propelled unit which features blades that rotate in the opposite direction of the drive roller, therefore supposedly giving a better performance whilst a constant travel speed is maintained. 

Over the course of the next six weeks both John Breeze and I extensively gave the scarifier a good testing, using it on a plethora of natural turf. With spring being an optimum time to carry out this work, we duly tested the machine on several different sites.

The removal of dead grass, thatch and weeds from a lawn is an essential part of lawn maintenance. This dethatching process is achieved with a scarifier as it creates the space within the lawn surface for healthy grass plants to grow. 

 
The range of Eliet Scarifiers come with working widths of 40 to 75cm and are available with fixed, loose or double cut blades enabling you to select the right machine for the results you wish to achieve. All units except the entry level E401 Eco are equipped as standard with Permanently Sharp Blades that retain their sharp cutting edge during their entire working life. 

The Eliet 450 ZR Scarifier is powered by a 5.5hp Honda GX160 engine with overall dimensions being L1230 x W630 x H1050mm, with a working width of 450mm and weighing 85KG.
 

Fitted with a Honda petrol engine 

Over the course of six weeks, we were able to test the machine on a number of different sites. We began our testing on Bayston Hill Bowling Green with the machine set at around 7mm we were aiming to clean out some surface debris.

Basically, there is very little to worry about when using this machine. It has a simple operating procedure. Apart from ensuring the machine is topped up with oil and fuel, it is a case of setting the depth of the blades - in this case 7mm - using the easy adjusters on both sides of the blades, starting up, engaging the drive and away you go. The machine has a forward travelling speed which is set at a fairly slow walking pace. 
 

Me using the Eliet scarifier on a bowling green 

It took us just under four hours to undertake a single pass and clean up on a full-size bowling green (40x40). The results were amazing. It comfortably removed the debris in one pass. With no collecting box on this model, it was a case of clearing the debris by hand. I simply followed John with a rotary mower and we then blew any remaining debris off with our Stihl blowers. We then overseeded and fertilised the green.
 

Scarifying a domestic lawn 

We also trialled the Scarifier on a number of domestic lawns of different sizes and shapes. The machine was manoeuvrable and easy to navigate around tight corners. The scarifier was also easy to load and unload off our small trailer.  

Depth setting of machine

John setting depth of blades 

I would certainly describe it as well-built and there is not a lot to go wrong with the way it is designed. Setting the depth of the blades is straight forward, with just two quick adjustments setting on either side of the machine with a gauge bar that gives you a range of depth settings. 

All in all, we both enjoyed using this particular model, the E450ZR, as it is suited for doing domestic lawns. It is easy to get in and out of 4ft wide rear access passageways and doors.

If we had any criticism of this machine, it was the fact that we could not change its working speed. It could make a big difference if you had the ability to run a tad quicker across the ground, especially when using it on a large area like a bowling green. However, for all of the domestic lawns we trailed it on, its set forward speed was not a problem.
   

Testing DZC450 Eliet Overseeder 

As for the Overseeder, we only briefly tried it out to see how it worked on a section of the cricket outfield. Again a simple machine to use, with a set of controls on the handlebars to control forward speed and to release the seed from the hopper. Once more a fairly bomb-proof design and build quality, although a tad noisier than the E450ZR scarifyer. The machine’s rotating blades create a groove for the seed to drop into, thus ensuring there is good soil seed contact, ensuring you get better germination rates than when you broadcast seed just on the surface. 

Conclusions 

Both machines are well constructed, built to last, simple to use and powered by a reliable Honda engine that is always easy to start and gives you a good running time before having to refill with fuel. 

Altering the depth of the blades is simple and allows you to set up the machine to achieve different outcomes depending on the state of the lawn and what you want to achieve.

For us we felt that the E450ZR is a great choice of machine for a contractor or bowling club. It is easy to use, manoeuvrable and simple to operate. More importantly, it removes unwanted debris efficiently and quickly. Eliet do a collecting box on some models.