Earning his Spurs - Pitchcare

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about tree removal from an ecological perspective, the woodland edge supports more species than the centre, so creating rides actually encourages diversity by extending the area of woodland edge. Dead trees have considerable ecological value, with log piles providing a home for invertebrates, fungi and even small mammals. Standing dead wood is also useful and ‘weed’ trees such as sycamores could be treated with bark ringing to kill the tree, leaving it in situ for maximum ecological benefit. Greenkeepers should consider replanting too, looking at suitable sites to CHAINSAWS have become sophisticated machines with a range of specialist designs for large timber or climbing work. But, many of the developments have been geared towards improving the health and safety record of tree work and to making operation easier for occasional users. Stihl is now incorporating much of its advanced technology, first developed for foresters, into general purpose chainsaws such as the new MS 391, designed to tackle anything from fallen trees to fence posts. The company suggests that this would be an ideal choice for a golf course, with its 64.1cm 3 engine and choice of 16-20in guide bars. These include the 2-Mix engine designed to offer fuel consumption savings of up to 20 percent compared to a conventional two-stroke engine, lower emissions and improved performance. The engine’s four-port technology optimises fuel combustion to improve efficiency, while stratified scavenging reduces the scavenging losses typical of twostroke engines, where unburned fuel emissions are emitted to the environment with the exhaust. The new technology injects a layer of clean air restock. New trees should ideally be native species, of local provenance, and planting in single species groups, possibly in multiples of three to replicate how trees seed and spread naturally. Closer planting at woodland edges than in the centre also helps to give a natural ‘domed’ effect to the woodland. There is a wide range of species to choose from, including understory trees such as field maples, hawthorn, rowan, goat willow and holly. Tall canopy trees would include birch, Scots pine, oak and beech, whilst crab apple is another important woodland tree. Remember, SawPoints - What’s new? between the burned charge in the combustion chamber and fresh mix in the crankcase. What escapes as the scavenging loss with the exhaust emission is not fresh fuel mixture, but air. The exhaust, therefoe, contains fewer pollutants. A new long life air filter reduces maintenance by incorporating a pre-separation system that extends the service life of the air filter. The preseparation system uses centrifugal force and a threedimensional air flow to remove larger, heavier particles of dirt and route them away from the intake air, before they even get to the physical air filter. The largely particle-free air is then directed to the filter via a preseparation channel. Stihl’s anti-vibration system uses a combination of Cellasto AV elements and special springs between the engine unit and handles to reduce the vibration caused by the engine and saw chain, even at high speeds. This is said to offer comfortable operation as well as improved guiding of the saw bar, enhanced by low vibration Stihl Comfort Saw chains fitted as standard. An option is the Picco Duro (PD3) saw chain with a drive link thickness of 1.3mm and 3/8in pitch. This carbide tipped low profile saw chain is said to stay sharp up to four times longer than a standard saw chain while offering low vibration and low kickback properties. Stihl suggests that this chain is also ideal for the less experienced chainsaw user, or someone working with dirty wood such as fence posts or railway sleepers. Husqvarna’s latest developments include TrioBrake and AutoTune. In addition to the usual inertia mechanism and the front kickback guard, the chain brake can be triggered in a third way with Trio Brake. A new guard, which be activated by the user’s right hand, has been added to the rear handle. Together, the three different modes form a brake system that can prevent injury in certain kickback and fall situations. Trio Brake is said to be ideal for occasional users and those who have not used a saw before. It can also encourage a more ergonomic working posture, because if the user doesn’t bend their knees when working and, instead, bends their back, the right hand is likely to trigger the chain brake. The brake may be activated manually or automatically (during a kickback and during improper or dangerous use). Users have commented on benefits from improved safety, improved work techniques and efficiency, productivity and a reduction in physical strain, says Husqvarna. AutoTune is a new technology that provides the saw with improved engine performance through an automatic engine that not all trees may be appropriate on all golf courses - for example, white beam drops white leaves which can make balls hard to find! Sentinel trees can add interest, with horse chestnut, ground fir or noble fir working well, as can cedar, but remember the spreading habit of this species. Any tree nursery can supply suitable stock, and specialists attend the major events, such as BTME, offering a good source of advice and information. Where the ground permits, extra heavy rootball trees can be sourced from suppliers if immediate impact is needed, setting function. This avoids wasting time on carburettor adjustments, as the saw automatically adjusts for different fuels, altitudes, humidity and temperature. It also compensates for clogged air filters, will regulate idle, low and high speed settings and comes with diagnostic technology. The heavy duty 576XP AT chainsaw is the first of Husqvarna's chainsaws to feature Auto Tune, although it will be introduced as an option on other models in the future. As well as AutoTune this saw features an X-Torq engine, designed to produce high torque over a wide rpm range, combined with low fuel consumption and reduced emission levels. Its low emissions technology is designed to use fuel more efficiently than a conventional two-stroke engine, the company suggests, with 20 per cent fuel savings and a 60 per cent reduction in emissions. Makita says that chainsaw safety is a fundamental element of the design and manufacturing its saws with three key safety factors: an efficient chain brake, a new easy-start system and low vibration levels. Saws feature a forward finger
ut remember that they need a pit one and a half to two times the size of the root ball. They also require staking and the installation of an irrigation system. Trees can be supplied as two year old forestry transplants or as standards. The latter are larger initially but grow little for five or six years. Forestry transplants are 45-60cm tall but will grow relatively quickly. There is also the matter of price - forestry transplants are 20-30p each as opposed to £20-30 for a standard. Mycorrhizal root dips can be used before the transplant is placed in a tree tube, and we have seen extremely good results with them. Tree and hedgerow work cannot be undertaken during the nesting season from March to August but, guard and chain brake. When the operator shuts down the throttle completely, the clutch automatically slows the chain drive and stops the chain running. If the operator pushes the finger guard forward, the chain is mechanically halted immediately. The guard must be re-set before the chain will move again. The new easy-start system featured on the latest DCS3501 and DCS4301 models provides a spring assisted cord action, said to reduce the cord effort by 50%. Coupled with a new variable ignition timing and push fuel pump, the new easy-start system is designed to ensure efficient first time starting which eliminates the risk of operator strain or accidental machine movement whilst starting. In operation, Makita’s 2mass system effectively separates the grip handles from the body of the machine by mounting the handles on spring-fulcrums, designed to substantially reduce the transmission of vibration through the handles to the operator. For instance, the 50cc DCS5030 has tri-axial rating of 4.7m/sec2, reducing HAV risks. Another approach is the battery powered saws offered by Pellenc and distributed by Etesia. With a power output equivalent to 30cc, the Selion Pole and Telescopic chainsaws are fitted with an Oregon chain for accurate cutting. With a lightweight design and +90°/- 45° angle adjustable head, the Selion Pole and Telescopic chainsaws allow vertical and horizontal cutting from the base of the tree. Pellenc chain guide bars are made from composite materials for torsional flexibility and to once the autumn work is finished, provides variety and motivation for greenkeepers through the hard winter months, so bringing the work ‘in house’ can have advantages which are more than just financial. While many greenkeepers will have chainsaw qualifications from their training and may have added further skills in climbing or large tree felling, a woodland management course can provide further tools for caring for golf course trees. STRI’s own course is dedicated to ecology, including woodland management, and comprises classroom training along with half a day at St Ives Golf Club, next to the Bingley headquarters, studying woodland on the course. prevent breakage in case of accidental jamming. Automatic chain tensioning features a simple ‘click’ from the spring when the guide bar is fitted, providing assurance that both the guide bar and chain are correctly tensioned. The chain can be removed and installed easily using a retractable spanner integrated in the head of the tool. The retractable spanner is also used when the chain needs re-tensioning during cutting. Electronic oil flow control is said to give a 30 percent saving on oil compared with a typical petrolengine chainsaw. Benefits of the Ultra lithium battery are odour and pollution free operation and a high working capacity. Selion C15 and M12 electric chainsaws weigh in at 2kg and less than 1.7kg (excluding battery packs) with a power output equivalent to 35cc and 30cc respectively. An Oregon chain, composite guide bar, automatic chain tensioning and electronic oil flow control also feature on these saws. The Selion C15 and M12 have a direct drive chain sprocket rather than a clutch and gearbox for efficiency and reduced weight. An electronically-triggered kickback sensor instantaneously applies the electric chain brake in the event of a fall or kickback. In professional hands ECHO has been creating industry standards for over fifty years and constantly brings innovation to chainsaw production. The ECHO Easy Start system is the latest of the many unique developments introduced over those years. ECHO chainsaws start easily, run smoothly with minimum noise and vibration. Built for professionals and to the highest quality, an ECHO chainsaw delivers reliability and performance over a very long working life. www.echo-tools.co.uk 0800 597 7777 PC0610C 57
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SERVING THE TURFCARE INDUSTRY FEATU
Page 3 and 4:
WELCOME TO pitchcare The best in th
Page 5 and 6:
Roger Ward, Horsham Cricket Club Cr
Page 7 and 8: Racecourse Groundstaff Awards York
Page 9 and 10: One day event will showcase latest
Page 11 and 12: 2005 Feb Toro BUY Hayter Toro BY Ha
Page 13 and 14: Issue 5 Issue 11 inimitable Laurenc
Page 15: Not sure which way to go? Ransomes
Page 18 and 19: Jim Buttar and Darren Baldwin on th
Page 20 and 21: Darren’s integral role in the Tot
Page 22 and 23: “It is a huge challenge to produc
Page 24 and 25: “We were able to maintain stabili
Page 26 and 27: Field of Dreams AFC Wulfrunians hav
Page 28 and 29: Pitch looking like a farmer’s fie
Page 30 and 31: Security and Theft Most crime reduc
Page 32 and 33: FIVE YEARS The views of our readers
Page 34 and 35: DON’T BE HELD BACK BY YOUR EQUIPM
Page 36 and 37: A brand new cricket facility at Wes
Page 38 and 39: £25,000 for practice nets £25,000
Page 40 and 41: Memorial garden View from the pavil
Page 42 and 43: Cricket is just one in a thriving s
Page 44 and 45: Grass tennis courts “The contract
Page 46 and 47: Roger with his ‘exit strategy’
Page 48 and 49: Talking cricket with Karl Brotherho
Page 50 and 51: No more punctures …ever! No hassl
Page 52 and 53: SawPoints “Golf courses tend to h
Page 54 and 55: Occasional users wishing to fell ma
Page 56 and 57: employee may be exposed to on any s
Page 60 and 61: “Why the hell is he doing that wh
Page 62 and 63: Seaclose Park prior to the festival
Page 64 and 65: Employer’s Liability Products Lia
Page 66 and 67: ALAN Hamilton looks after two crick
Page 68 and 69: Shane Moon Iwas invited to visit Gu
Page 70 and 71: L’Ancresse Golf Course TWO clubs
Page 72 and 73: Mother Nature throws all kinds of p
Page 74 and 75: One of the many ‘douits’ that c
Page 76 and 77: Paul Bishop is Estates Manager at t
Page 78 and 79: 76 Bunker work has been ongoing A g
Page 80 and 81: The dynamic duo become the fantasti
Page 82 and 83: Our aim was for everyone to underst
Page 84 and 85: values was still strong. This means
Page 86 and 87: The Drain Brain! Sustainable draina
Page 88 and 89: Diagram 1 - Pre and post developmen
Page 90 and 91: “It was difficult to get others t
Page 92 and 93: Stewart has built relationships wit
Page 94 and 95: grade Mansfield sand. The site was
Page 96 and 97: Ups on the Downs Report by Tom Jame
Page 98 and 99: “We start at 4.30am on the mornin
Page 100 and 101: 98 “Some groundsmen I’ve spoken
Page 102 and 103: Mark Cornford The mention of Plumpt
Page 104 and 105: “Frost covers certainly have a bi
Page 106 and 107: I’ve been in the sports turf indu
Page 108 and 109:
No testing ground can reproduce the
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Perhaps the most sustainable crop o
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The importance of bed-knives and ho
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cones reels and can damage reel bea
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important that both, or all sides,
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water, to mark the spot for drillin
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the bedknives relative to the reel
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travel over on the night sailing fr
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tasks that should be carried out wi
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A fox will average between 2-6 year
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lawns give every appearance of bein
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Quote me happy “For the first nin
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