DRYING OUT . . . . and praying for rain by TurfPro Editor, Laurence Gale MSC, MBPR
Due to the recent cold and dry conditions turf professionals have seen their grass growth slowed down considerably and playing surfaces at risk of drying out.
What can we say about the weather?!
It has been an extremely dry and cold start to the month here in Shropshire, as predicted by Mark Hunt of Headland Amenity in his weekly weather blog posted on the 12th April. He stated that there is not likely to be a decent amount of rainfall until the end of the month and that soil and air temperatures will slowly rise in the coming weeks to promote some much needed growth.
This has been borne out with the current state of many of our local sports grounds. A recent visit to Shifinal, enabled me to catch up with two local groundsmen who were busy getting their facilities ready for the start of the playing season.
Adrian Shelley at Shifnal Cricket Club and John Breeze at Shifnal Bowls Club are both groundsmen I have known, for many years. Adrian has been the Head Groundsman at Shifnal cricket club for well over forty plus years having taken over the role from his father and was club captain in the 1981. He been a dedicated loyal servant of the club and during his time has transformed the playing surfaces, where they are now renown for being one of the best cricket clubs in the Midlands.
I asked Adrian how this year’s pre-season rolling and pitch preparations had gone? Like many others, he said that he had enjoyed a good end of season renovation last October with plenty of grass growth. However, the recent cold and dry conditions had both reduced his pre-season rolling programme and reduced expected growth on the square and outfield.
Similarly, John had experienced the same conditions on his clay-dominated soil bowling green. The cold dry weather had slowed grass growth down considerably and the playing surface was starting to dry out, with the automated watering system not being operational (awaiting repairs). The club are reliant on the weather to change and bring in some much-needed rain.
Recruitment also drying up?
Whilst talking to Adrian, we soon got on to the subject of maintenance costs and the fact that sooner rather than later, the club will have to start looking to find another person to take over from Adrian once he decides to retire. This will be a task which will be hard to achieve for many sports clubs in the coming years. Replacing these seasoned volunteers is not going to be easy.
There does not seem many youngsters who are willing to give up their time for free or even want to get involved. The second biggest worry is the fact there are not many clubs willing or have the resources to pay for a paid professional.
This issue is going to be a difficult problem to solve in the coming years. We need to get to grips with enticing new blood into the sports turf industry. This is of course very difficult when pay rates are deemed low combined with the long hours often required to maintain these sports facilities during a busy playing season.
This is a topic that the GMA, BIGGA and other industry organisations are well aware. For me personally, we need a national campaign with all relevant parties coming together to promote and invigorate the career opportunities we now have available in our diverse sports turf, amenity and horticultural industry.
There is always going to be a cost to provide, run and maintain a sports club or facility, which I recently highlighted in a TurfPro article, Identifying The True Values.
In total the man hours for one person to maintain a given sorts facility equated to the following:
A minimum of 362 hours to maintain a rugby / football pitch
A minimum of 258 hours to maintain a bowling green
A minimum of 1155 hours to maintain a (10 pitch) cricket club
Once you apply costs to these hours coupled with the cost of materials and machinery required the maintenance of a typical grass roots facility can be a considerable amount - which often the club’s annual subscriptions and match fees rarely cover.
This was highlighted in a recent interesting debate thread, taking place on one of the social media platforms.
Annual membership tends to range from anything between £30-£120 in general, with a few clubs charging what I would call a reasonable fee of around £200. However in reality, sports clubs should be charging at least £300 annually for seniors and £100 for juniors, to raise anywhere enough money to pay for the running of their clubs.
If you or I were to join a modern fitness club/ gym, we would be expected to pay at least £500 a year. I personally think as a player and supporter of any grass roots sports facility we should be prepared to pay a lot more to help pay for the upkeep and maintenance of these iconic facilities.
Our first WEB ONLY story is MKM Agri, the Bedford dealership that specialises in utility vehicles, has suffered a fire that completely destroyed their workshop, storage building and all of the contents.
The next WEB ONLY story states The Duke was President of the green space charity for 64 years under its previous name The National Playing Fields Association.
Aberdovey Golf Club ensured the wetland habitats for flora and fauna were maintained during vital drainage works to improve playability of the course.
Aberdovey Golf Club say they worked closely with Duncan Ross to ensure the wetland habitats for flora and fauna were maintained during vital drainage works to improve playability of the course.
Since 2005 Aberdovey say they started to experience an increase in the frequency and length of course closures due to a combination of reduced ditch maintenance, ageing and collapsing clay field drains in the fairways and changing weather patterns.
The course, which is flanked by Cardigan Bay and a long sandy foreshore incorporating a semi mobile dune system, is highly valued as a rich source of ecology and biodiversity and is classed as a site of special scientific interest and also serves as a special area of conservation. As such, the club works with the STRI, Natural Resources Wales (NRW), Gwynedd County Council, Snowdonia National Park Authority and the Amphibian and Reptile Conservation Trust.
The ditch system in the centre and northern end of the course supports a population of lesser water plantain which used to be scattered throughout the country but is now mainly found in coastal regions and the East Anglian fens. A vital part of the project was to improve the stormwater run-off from the site while retaining sufficient water in the ditches to maintain the population.
A significant part of the project was lowering the water table, which was high due to the original ditches and pumps not being installed at the lowest possible level. This practise has been commonplace at numerous links courses to prevent drying out in the summer but remains playable in winter. However, due to more regular rainfall during July and August courses no longer dry out in the same way, and the shallow ditches, warm days, and low ditch maintenance have helped the lesser water plantain flourish and the determent of the course.
David Tomkinson, greens chairman at Aberdovey Golf Club, explained, “The contribution made by Duncan and his employees was central to the success of the improved drainage scheme. Work was carried out from first light until dusk, deadlines adhered to and all operations carried out professionally with the very minimum of disruption to the golfers on the course.
“The success of the drainage improvement project has resulted in many fewer days lost to course closures while maintaining the population of lesser water plantain.
“Duncan arrived on site in February 2018, and it was soon established that while the pumping station near the Clubhouse end of the course was effective, the natural flow outfall at the far end was not. Duncan very quickly found that a 250mm drop to the stream, off-site, combined with the fall across an existing seemingly horizontal culvert near the outfall would provide the basis to drop the water table by 750mm.
“The base of the main ditch was increased in depth across half its width, with levelling techniques maintaining a steady fall of 750mm over a 3km length. The area of ditch where the plantain is most prevalent may have caused a problem so Duncan’s suggestion, not taken up by NRW, was to dig a parallel ditch to improve the drainage without disturbing the rare plants.
“The solution chosen was to reduce the disturbance to the fairway by leaving the old clay pies in place, avoiding damaging the fairway by removing them, and putting in new pipes in parallel but at the new, lower, water level. A sluice was installed near the main outfall to hold back at least 50mm of water in the ditch system while allowing the run-off of stormwater.
“A requirement from NRW was the excavation of wetland scrapes in low lying areas near the 11th green which were constructed and provide an additional area for the plantain to colonise. Also, Duncan was able to weld an extension onto the pumped outfall pipe on the beachside of the dunes, which reduced the amount of sand washed away at the dune base. On the golf course side of this pipe, an area of redundant dry ditch was filled in, and the turf replaced, making the area playable by golfers.”
The club continues to work with NRW and Duncan Ross on several projects relating to the management of the site including monitoring coastal erosion, protecting the wetland areas from seawater ingress, creation of further wetland scrapes and sand scrape areas, monitoring the population of sand lizards, management of rank grass areas to improve grazing for sheep and management of areas of degenerate gorse
The all-cash transaction is valued at $1.68 billion and is expected to be completed by the third quarter of 2021.
Ingersoll Rand Inc. has entered into an agreement to sell its Specialty Vehicle Technologies Segment - known as Club Car - to the global private equity firm Platinum Equity.
The all-cash transaction is valued at $1.68 billion, which is approximately 12.1 x 2020 Specialty Vehicle Technologies Segment Adjusted EBITDA, and is expected to be completed by the third quarter of 2021, subject to customary closing conditions.
Vicente Reynal, chief executive officer of Ingersoll Rand said, “The Club Car divestiture achieves a premium valuation for the leader in the golf, commercial and consumer low-speed vehicle market. We are excited about future opportunities to create long-term value for stockholders with the cash from the transaction, including significant organic and inorganic investment into our core business segments as we advance our growth strategies and expand our addressable market."
Ingersoll Rand say they selected Platinum Equity because of their financial, operational and marketing expertise as well as their focus and interest in the automotive industry and mobility trends.
Tom Gores, chairman and chief executive officer of Platinum Equity, said, “We are excited to partner with the Club Car team and support the business as it executes on its strategy of operational excellence and ongoing, profitable commercial growth.”
Yorkshire Turf Machinery delivers the first all-electric Greensmaster eTriFlex 3370 greens mower from Toro in South Yorkshire.
Dore and Totley Golf Club is the first club in South Yorkshire to take delivery of Toro’s all-electric Greensmaster eTriFlex 3370 greens mower.
Dore and Totley course manager, Peter Dowden, seated, with Tony Dodson, area sales manager for Yorkshire Turf Machinery
The machine which joins the all-Toro fleet was delivered by dealers Yorkshire Turf Machinery, a sales division of Cheshire Turf Machinery. Managing director of the dealership, Steve Halley, said of the installation, “This is the fourth electric greensmower we’ve sold. Despite economic uncertainty and tightening of budgets, people see the value this kind of technology can bring.”
Peter Bowden is course manager at Dore and Totley, He said “As soon as one of the frontline greensmowers needed replacing it was a done deal that it would be the Toro eTriFlex 3370 we brought in. I have been focussed on bringing about the best possible return on investment for the club and we run a very efficient operation.
“One of the first things I did was invest in Toro’s fairway machines and Sidewinders so we can go right over the edges of the bunkers, reducing the time spent strimming. These machines are incredibly efficient and have saved so much time. We outsource our bunker brushing now too, that’s done by two students nine hours a week over three days. It makes economic sense for the three-man greens team to be working on things that utilise their skills in other areas.
“In addition, the board decided to use my sports maintenance company to supply the machines (Toro of course) and the staff to do all the rough cutting, which means the club doesn’t have to cover the outlay for the machines or the additional maintenance costs associated with them.
“All these changes have added up to an increase in income for the club and reduced costs, giving the best return on investment,” says Peter. “It made complete sense to choose Toro’s eTriFlex 3370. With the full support of the directors, who are determined to keep moving the club forward, the environmental benefits are important. However, this machine will save us money in the long run, on fuel, running and maintenance costs. There is a slight increase in the monthly outlay, but that is off-set by the increase in quality and service the eTriFlex brings."
Peter says of the relationship between dealer and club, “We do all the servicing and maintenance of the machines and a significant contributing factor as to why we continue to choose Toro is the availability of parts. I know that if we need help or advice it’s on the end of the phone with Steve and the team at Yorkshire Turf Machinery. If we’ve taken apart a machine and need a part, we’ll have it in under 72 hours. It’s so convenient. Ordering is direct with Toro distributor Reesink online via a mobile phone.”
It really has been a mutual effort at Dore and Totley as Peter finishes by saying: “The whole greens team, all the club’s committees and Steve Roberts, the professional and his team, have been working hard to take the club forward both on and off the course. The improvements have brought in new members as well as increased numbers of visitors and societies.”
BRP, who include Can-Am utility vehicles amongst their portfolio, have announced a five-year plan where it will offer electric models in each of its product lines by the end of 2026.
BRP, who include Can-Am utility vehicles amongst their portfolio, have announced a five-year plan where it will offer electric models in each of its product lines by the end of 2026.
To achieve this, the company say they plan to invest $300M over five years in product development, specialised equipment, infrastructure, production tooling and facilities.
“We have always said electrification was not a question of ‘if’ but a question of ‘when’," said José Boisjoli, president and CEO. "Today, we’re very excited to unveil more details of our plan to deliver market-shaping products that will enhance the consumer experience by offering new electric options."
After developing and evaluating several concepts, BRP has made the decision to develop its Rotax modular electric powerpack technology which will be leveraged across all product lines. To achieve this, the company says they are expanding its Rotax electric power unit development infrastructure in Gunskirchen, Austria, and is also creating the BRP Electric Vehicle Development Centre, located in its hometown of Valcourt, Quebec, Canada. .
“We are thrilled to create our EV expertise centre, taking steps into the world of electrification,’’ said Bernard Guy, senior vice-president, global product strategy. “Experts on our EV team will feel the agility of a startup environment but will benefit from BRP’s financial resources and state-of-the-art equipment to design our in-house technology,” he added.
With the focus on digital becoming increasingly important, with significant growth over the past year, Hayter say they recognised it was time improve their digital presence.
Hayter Ltd has announced the launch of their new website, which corresponds with activity to celebrate 75 years of business. The company say the move is a significant brand investment to further grow their brand.
As the focus on digital has become increasingly important over the past decade, with significant growth over the past year, the manufacturer says they recognised that it was time improve their digital presence to better meeting the needs of their customer. The new, updated website is focused on delivering a quality customer experience while also supporting dealers with enhanced features, user guide storage, warranty registration and dealer locator functions.
The new website will be launched in two parts. Phase one will be launched with all the immediate materials needed for customers and dealers, including key product ranges. Phase two, due later this year, will dive into the Hayter archives to explore the rich history of the company. A series of blogs and tips on lawn care will also be established.
Craig Hoare, sales & marketing manager, said of the launch, "In our 75th year, it is fitting that we improve Hayter's digital presence to meet the needs of our customers. This new website is the culmination of a year’s hard work by the sales and marketing team and is a huge investment in the Hayter brand. I am delighted with the result and excited to see the full launch.”
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With a wide range of over 30 products to choose from for all applications and total flexibility in the workplace, the Cramer Commercial 82V cordless system is the perfect choice.
With a wide range of over 30 products to choose from for all applications and total flexibility in the workplace, the Cramer Commercial 82V cordless system is the perfect choice.
Why 82V?
When looking at the best solution for commercial cordless products, 82V offers the perfect balance of power, torque, weight, cost, and durability. Lower voltage systems need to increase the current to get anywhere near the power output of an 82V system. By doing so, increasing heat and wasting energy, and having a detrimental effect on battery life. With higher voltage platforms (those over 82v) there is the disadvantage of additional weight, larger batteries, and increased cost. Having extensively analysed the performance capabilities of lithium ion batteries, Cramer created the 82V Commercial platform as the optimum solution for demanding commercial applications.
Power & Performance
The Cramer 82V range has been designed specifically for the professional user as a replacement to petrol products. Our 82V platform now offers the power of petrol equivalents thanks to ultra-high torque motors and direct drive, but with all the benefits of cordless such as low noise for use in any setting, low vibration allowing all day use, low running costs, reduced maintenance costs, and total flexibility with a single power pack for the range.
Wide Choice
A major factor when investing in cordless tools is the depth of range. A large portion of the investment is on the power pack (battery) so the choice of products available for that power pack is crucial. The Cramer 82V range has one of the most comprehensive ranges on the market with everything from brush cutters, twin bladed lawnmowers, and chainsaws, to powered sweepers, utility carts, and telescopic pruners. Whatever the task, Cramer has the commercial product to suit, ensuring your investment in Cramer is future proof.
Durability
Being a specialist commercial product, durability is essential. The Cramer 82V cordless range is manufactured using the highest quality materials including magnesium components and commercial grade high torque motors for the highest performance and a long working life.
"82V offers the best solution for the commercial user, the added voltage compared to other lower voltage systems on the market offers more power and torque, cooler running temperatures, and greater durability. With a large portfolio of products and various powering options by on-board battery, belt mounted battery, or backpack battery, Cramer will suit any user in any situation, as well as having one of the lowest costs per Watt hour on the market," said Alan Wilson, Handy Distributions Cramer Specialist, UK distributor for Cramer.
For more information on the Cramer commercial or to discuss a demonstration of the range, call us now on 01793 333220 or visit www.cramertools.com
Allett have officially launched the '2021 Allett Creative Lawn Stripes Competition' as of yesterday, 31st March 2021.
Allett have officially launched the '2021 Allett Creative Lawn Stripes Competition' as of yesterday, 31st March 2021.
Last year saw photos submitted from over 10 different countries with the top 6 entries coming from; UK, America, Australia and Sweden.
Judged by Edgbaston head groundsman Gary Barwell, last year's competition was won by Andrew Wain of Euridge Manor with his tribute to the NHS.
Allett are asking people to not rush sending entries in, they want photos to keep being taken all summer, with the best ones to be submitted in August. A spokesperson said, "Keep an eye on our social media channels for hints and tips throughout the summer. Good luck!"
