Visited today - seemed more stands and busier than last year.
Had a good look at some kit; some highlights for us:
the Classen Aerator TA18
https://www.classenturfcare.com/product/compact-aerator/
Nice feature is that the crank/tine drives aresplit, like a split rear roller on a mower, so it's possible to turn whilst aerating. Very robust looking machine, with nice weight storage, Honda engine. Narrow enough for most gates/sidepaths. Just over £2k+vat
Was looking at the narrow bannerman, but this TA18 could be better buy due to the steering capability.
Toro Prostripe 560
new Hayter 56 - seems a good new machine along the same lines as the 41 Pro. However, Toro (the new owners), have introduced the following
https://www.toro.com/en/golf/specialty-equipment/prostripe-560
It's the same chassis as the 56, but more robust wheels, handles, Kawasaki engine (which is great) instead of B&S on the 56, plus a more robust crank and gearbox (3 speed). 80L bag, split roller. £300 more than the Hayer 56 Pro. I'd put my money into the Toro rather than the 56 Pro.
Pedestrian Boom Sprayers
Had a look at the Team Scout, https://www.team-sprayers.com/products/ground-care/pedestrian-sprayers/team-scout
Nice size at 60L, robust, but would need to pick the upgraded pump option. Untidy around the pump / battery install.
Also had a look at the Evensprey Pro https://www.vitaxamenity.co.uk/product/evensprey-pr/
Slightly smaller, better pump, tidy install. Good value and probably the better buy for us as won't get heavy use.
Profihopper 1250
http://www.amazone.co.uk/6505.asp
Serious bit of kit and the matching price circa £30k+vat. However, available for hire via our local main dealer. Could solve a big issue on large scarifies (2000sqm+) as it will scarify, mow and collect at the same time. Works via dual purpose flail blades and clever collection auger, so should collect in the wet. Would love to have one, but, not enough large customers to justify. Will will keep an eye out for used or just hire as needed in the meantime.
Good to see many of you, even if it was only a quick passing hello.
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Thanks for that Andrew, very informative and helpful.
Did you get a broom?
no!
I visited the show yesterday afternoon and in amongst the displays of equipment for all levels of the industry were people carrying brooms, lots of people carrying brooms.
It looks like a broom is this this "must have" accessory at the show.
Everyone was walking around with brooms as Kirsten sweepers were giving them away. I got one too. Great or stunt
Had our trip down the road today - have a list of things to act upon for both winter and spring 2019. Last year was a case of might need x machine / tool soon - now we really do.
A new scarifier - Bannerman looks to be a steady buy. I like the possible adaptability of the blades that could be in use - their number and spacing. I'm favouring that direct relationship as if we plough on with cricket renovations the powered top dresser might not be that far away for us.
Stihl combi tool - brush attachment for core collection looks a far more effiecent way about things over backpack blowers on the larger areas. Edging attachment as a winter service - the brush itself as a winter service - driveway clear up and moss application...?
A couple of seminars providing good food for thought. The sports industry in 2018 seems sick of being put under pressure by managers that are expectant of the same quaility of surfaces from last year, fogetting that we've been grafting in extremes of weather for most of the year. Now replaces managers with customers and is the same story. How we communicate what is going on to the outside world needs to be improved to relieve some of this pressure?
A hard time from customers yesterday with dreadful lawns who chose not to water this year. Not happy with me.
Sorry I didn't catch you this time around Andrew, some nice machines this year
Thanks for the interesting review Andrew. I wasn't aware of the Classen split-drive aerator. It would be interesting to try it alongside the Bannerman and Pluggr machines we run in our rental fleet.
We decided not to exhibit this year; first time in 12 years! We are very busy just now, so I was quite glad we weren't at NEC.
Hope you have had a good season, and best wishes for 2019.
Morning Saltex challenge - What was this ‘freebie’ Saltex giveaway ‘tool/gauge’ for ?
Hi Gary,
Very interesting multi-purpose gauge/tool for Christmas parties.
Bit on the left is for judging which size cork you need for which bottle.
Top edge is a multi-purpose saw for slicing different types of food.
Pointy thing is for measuring whether your wizard's hat is to scale.
Cut-outs to the right are for checking the accuracy of various styles of bow tie.
Stabber thingy (bottom right) is a balloon popper.
Irregular curve above the popper was supposed to be a bottle opener, but crucial hook omitted.
Can you get these in The Entertainer? :)
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