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| July 2007 |
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A new rubber-tracked utility vehicle from ASV is turf-friendly and has less impact on the ground than a person on foot, the company says. Its Scout SC-50 includes features from ASV’s Posi-Track machines and has 2.5 psi under the tracks. The Scout’s undercarriage combines suspension, an all-rubber track, 10 rubber wheels that disperse weight across a 15-inch-wide track and a sprocket with a roller system to ensure a smooth and quiet operation. Undercarriage suspension also provides load retention in the bed and a comfortable operator and passenger area. The Scout can reach speeds of up to 11.5 mph and also has a fuel capacity of 30 gallons. A Perkins 404C-22 diesel engine with a peak torque of 105 feet per pound powers the unit. A quick-shift two-way pedal with one side for forward and one for reverse operates the unit’s hydrostatic drive. Contact ASV, (www.asvi.com). Incide-Out spray tank cleaner from Precision Laboratories Inc. provides a tank-cleaning solution that the company says is more effective than ammonia or ordinary tank cleaners. Incide-Out contains detergents and antiredeposition aids to hold pesticide residues in the solution, and the formula also is said to elevate the rinsate solution to higher pH levels than ammonia and other cleaners, allowing it to penetrate dried-on residue and accelerate the breakdown of certain pesticides. Contact Precision Laboratories Inc., (www.precisionlab.com). Four new telehandlers from Caterpillar are designed to offer high performance, ease of control and added versatility, the company says. The four models — TL642, TL943, TL 1055 and TL 1255 — have a capacity range of 6,500 pounds to 12,000 pounds and maximum lift heights of 42 feet to 55 feet. The TL642 and TL943 models are powered by the Cat 3054C Tier 2 engine, while the TL 1055 and TL 1255 use the Cat C4.4 TA engine. All four machines feature a powershift transmission with four speeds forward and three reverse for optimum travel speed in either direction, the company says. The models also include a hydraulic pump that delivers full hydraulic power at low engine speeds, three steering modes — two wheel, crab and circle steer — and frame leveling as much as 10 degrees to facilitate quickly placed loads on sloping terrain. Contact Caterpillar, (www.cat.com). The Toro Co.’s Synergy Series of golf irrigation products are A new two-wire universal decoder module from Underhill can convert any commercial controller to two-wire operation, helping save labor and materials on new installations or system expansions, the company says. Up to 63 irrigation stations can be configured with the module. The universal decoder can be mounted either internally inside an existing controller or externally in a separate enclosure placed anywhere on the two-wire path, up to 3,000 feet from the controller. The system also includes two-wire universal senders, connecting terminal strips to the two-wire path. Station numbers can be programmed in the field or the shop with the use of a push-button programmer, the company says. The unit can be quickly spliced into a temporary or permanent branch along the two-wire path where AC power is available, and the system can be moved from phase to phase as necessary. No field grounding is required for the decoders along the path, though the company recommends the module be properly grounded via the decoder module. Contact Underhill, (www.underhill.us). The 2653B trim and surrounds mower from John Deere Golf & Turf One Source features improved traction, operator comfort and serviceability, the company says. A new traction system distributes flow evenly to each wheel motor, which reduces slippage and improves hill climbing. A redesigned operator station features easier access to operator controls, better access to turn the machine on and off, and four additional inches of leg room. A one-piece hood design accommodates access to the engine when open for daily maintenance, and a patented John Deere WhiteBox controller and sit-on-seat diagnostics allow easy on-board diagnosis. The 2653B comes equipped with a two-post SAE j21294 roll-over protection structure that meets pending ISO 21299 standards, the company says. Contact John Deere Golf & Turf One Source, 800-537-8233 (www.johndeere.com). Spectrum Technologies Inc. has upgraded two models of its line of WatchDog weather stations. The WatchDog 2900ET measures, calculates and logs evapotranspiration, wind chill, solar radiation, relative humidity, wind speed and direction, dew point, air temperature, rainfall and up to five external sensors. This model requires Spec 8 Pro software. The company’s WatchDog 2700 measures all of the elements of the 2900ET except for evapotranspiration and solar radiation for customers wanting a more affordable solution, the company says. It also requires Spec 8 Pro software. Contact Spectrum Technologies Inc., 800-248-8873 (www.specmeters.com). The Battery Wizard from Deec Systems handles clip lead polarity, 6-, 8- or 12-volt batteries, shorted leads and long-term connections, the company says. The Battery Wizard also is said to minimize water loss, extend battery life and compensate for temperature. The unit also indicates the battery’s charge level and includes a proper battery connection confirmation light. The process is simplified by the absence of switches, buttons or other controls, the company says. The device is designed for use on industrial machinery, golf cars and any other application where batteries are used. Contact Deec System, Phoenix Environmental Care LLC has released its Goldwing PGR, the latest addition to its line of plant growth regulators. Goldwing PGR contains trinexapac-ethyl and works by inhibiting the formation of gibberellic acid, the company says. It also is said to promote root mass development and increase lateral stem growth while inhibiting vertical stem growth. Available in a low-odor, 2-pound MEC formulation that avoids suspension, the product is offered in cases of 2-by-1 gallon containers. Contact Phoenix Environmental Care LLC, (www.phoenixenvcare.com). The newest generation of bedknife technology from Jacobsen, a Textron company, is unveiled in its MAGSystem with MAGKnife. The system allows superintendents to keep a sharp knife on their equipment at all times, and can save extended downtime in the long run, which can lead to healthier turf and improved playing conditions, the company says. A new trivalent coating on the unit increases rust resistance, and more magnets provide a more secure hold of the bedknife to the bedbar. Dowel pins for exact blade alignment and proper reel setup also are included. A fall-away feature ensures the safety of the reel if the operator were to hit a sprinkler head or other obstruction. Users can easily match the blade to course conditions, the company adds. The newest version of the MAGSystem is available on Jacobsen’s E-Walk, Greens King 522 mowers and its new Eclipse 122F. Contact Jacobsen, 888-922-8873 (www.jacobsen.com). FMC Professional Solutions introduces its Talstar Select insecticide for the golf course industry. Approved for use on greens, tees, fairways, roughs and ornamental plantings, Talstar Select is a multi-insecticide Floratine Products Group says it has improved ProteSyn, which combines Amino-Lok technology, a combination of amino acids sequestering nitrogen for slow release and the promotion of mature protein synthesis, with carbohydrates, proteins and essential vitamins. The formula helps plants improve photosynthetic efficiency and encourages healthy cell division, respiration and energy conservation, the company says. Compounds in the carbon-rich combination are additionally said to contribute to plant energy reserves and an appropriate carbon-to-nitrogen ratio. Contact Floratine Products Group, 901-853-2898 (www.floratine.com). A new tree fork attachment from Bobcat Co. is designed for landscapers that transport potted trees, decorative landscape rock or odd-shaped objects, among other materials. The attachment is approved for use on Bobcat MT52 and MT55 mini-track loaders and Bobcat 463 and 553 skid-steer loaders. Operators can attach the tree fork using the Bob-Tach mounting system, which comes standard on Bobcat loaders. The loader’s rated operating capacity determines the weight capacity for the tree fork attachment. The attachment features a stationary right arm that can be mounted in two positions, a left arm that opens and closes via a hydraulic cylinder and a frame construction that protects the hydraulic cylinder. The attachments can carry objects between 7 inches and 36 inches wide. Angled pads on the attachment arms help the machine grasp the object and support it from the bottom. A relief valve prevents the attachment from oversqueezing and damaging trees’ root systems. Contact Bobcat Co., (www.bobcat.com). Aquatrols has upgraded its Web site with features the company says make navigation and information easier to obtain. The page offers three geographic regions for users to choose from: United States, Canada and international. The feature allows visitors to identify market segments and products offered in their region. A new dispatch calculator shows how much water and money Aquatrols’ products can save customers during the growing season. The Web site also provides summaries of research trials to allow readers to view objectives, conditions and research results at a glance. Contact Aquatrols, 800-257-7797 (www.aquatrols.com). PBI/Gordon Corp.’s Q4 turf herbicide for grassy and broadleaf weed control has received registration for use in California. Designed for use on cool-season turf, the patented formulation contains the protox inhibitor sulfentrazone + quinclorac + 2,4-D + dicamba. Q4 offers suppression of yellow nutsedge and control of grassy and broadleaf weeds control in established turfgrass areas, the company says. The product has been shown to reduce phytotoxicity on cool-season grass species and also offers increased speed of a protox inhibitor, according to the company. Contact PBI/Gordon Corp., 800-821-7925 (www.Q4.pbigordon.com). The new Turf Guard Fence from Standard Golf Co. keeps carts on designated pathways, protects fragile turf areas of the course from traffic and allows turf to heal, the company says. Ideal for tight spots, the Turf Guard Fence comes in a highly visible yellow color and is suited for hanging direction signs or warnings. A powder-coated finish ensures a long life and aesthetic appeal. Contact Standard Golf Co., 866-743-9773 (www.standardgolf.com). Quali-Pro’s T-NEX 1AZ plant growth regulator has received registration from the U.S. EPA. Trinexapac-ethyl, the product’s active ingredient, has shown the ability to improve quality and stress tolerance in major turfgrasses, the company says. T-NEX reduces turf’s rate of growth for up to four weeks to help produce thicker and stronger turf, it adds. The growth suppression is said to cut overall mowing by as much as 50 percent as well as reduce water consumption. Contact Quali-Pro, 800-979-8994 (www.quali-pro.com). Segway Inc. has introduced a personal transporter designed specifically for use on the golf course — the Segway x2 Golf, which also features a scorecard holder, bag carrier and special low-pressure tires for gentle travel on fairways, the company says. The units also include the company’s LeanSteer technology that makes The Hydrexx professional nitrogen stabilizer from Agrotain International LLC is crafted to deliver nitrogen consistently regardless of variable environmental conditions, the company says. When mixed with urea and urea-based fertilizers, the product takes control of the nitrogen cycle and enhances the fertilizer’s performance by delaying volatilization and slowing nitrification, the company adds. The nitrogen then remains in a usable form available to the plant for up to 16 weeks. The rate of application is applicator-controlled. Contact Agrotain International LLC, 888-547-4140 (www.stabilizednitrogen.com). Turf Guard offers its wireless golf course soil monitoring system, which involves three to five sensors buried in each green at the critical root zone level. Sensor installation is as easy as setting a cup, the company says. Additional sensors are buried in fairways, tee boxes and planters, and aboveground relays are placed on existing irrigation pedestals. The company’s wireless MESH networking links all golf greens to a central control system with moisture, temperature and salt readings appearing in the office. Data are relayed to the Internet where users will find an easy Web interface, the company adds. Maintenance is expected every three to five years, and the system supports up to 500 sensors per course. Contact Turf Guard, 888-887-3482 (www.turfguard.net). The official Web site for Floratine Products Group offers in-depth information about its turf maintenance products and services for superintendents. Floratine.com offers management action plans — pre-engineered plans for specific turf challenges such as aerification recovery, fairway color issues, heat stress and tournament preparation challenges. The site highlights the company’s foliar, soil-based and biological approaches to turf maintenance. It also includes video testimonials, a calendar of events and a contact form for questions and comments. Contact Floratine Products Group, 901-853-2898 (www.floratine.com). Becker Underwood has expanded its Nemasys G beneficial nematode label to include additional grub species. The broader label will expand control to Japanese beetles and Oriental beetles. The company recommends application of the product when first or second instar larvae are present in the soil. Nemasys G contains nematodes in their vigorously infective stage, attacking and entering pest larvae before releasing symbiotic bacteria to kill the insect, the company says. Reproduction inside the insect then releases a new generation of infective predators, it adds. Contact Becker Underwood, (www.beckerunderwood.com). Turfco Manufacturing offers a three-year commercial warranty for its entire line of topdressers. The line-up of models covered by the warranty includes the company’s WideSpin 1530 series, the CR-10 material handler and fairway topdresser and the Mete-R-Matic series. Contact Turfco Manufacturing, 800-679-8201 (www.turfco.com). Moss Buster from Reinders RX LLC is the first truly organic product for control of silvery thread moss, the company says. A 100 percent certified organic product, Moss Buster removes moss by penetrating and rupturing the plant cell wall. Since it doesn’t have a true root system, the moss quickly desiccates and is replaced with new turf growth, the company adds. The treated area is said to change color within 30 minutes of the initial application, and turf begins to recover almost immediately followed by new turf growth within 10 to 14 days, depending on watering schedules and seasonal growth patterns. The product is listed as a reduced risk biochemical by the Environmental Protection Agency. Contact Reinders RX LLC, A new portable blower from Solo Inc. offers greater power and 80 percent less vibration than its competitors, the company says. The new Solo 440 portable blower vacuums and shreds debris to half its original size when used with a shredding blade fitted to the air intake fan. It also features improved environmental qualities and an anti-vibration system that reduces vibration at the handle. Powered by a 29-cc gas engine, the unit weighs 9.5 pounds and produces maximum blowing power of 760 m3/h, as measured at the blowpipe outlet. Contact Solo Inc., (www.solousa.com). Repair Plus from Growth Products is its latest specialty high concentrate soil amendment. Developed specifically for divot repairs on tees, greens, fairways and worn sports turf, Repair Plus can be blended with topdressing and seed to heal damaged roots, accelerate new growth and protect roots against stress, the company says. Containing a natural wetting agent, kelp extract, 17 natural L-amino acids and humic acid, the product is formulated to improve soil quality. Each pound of the product contains 28 billion Bacillus subtilis GB03 colony-forming units, a naturally occurring beneficial rhizosphere bacterium. The company recommends application when overseeding, reseeding or repairing tees and greens. Repair Plus is said to shorten driving range down time and offer a quick rotation by increasing germination of seed. The product comes in weatherproof containers. Contact Growth Products, 800-648-7626 With or without a factory-installed cab, the updated TDD economy utility tractor line from New Holland has improved ergonomic features. The tractors now feature suspended brake and clutch pedals to provide more foot room on the deck and to enable easy entrance and exit in and out of the tractor. The TDD Series also features a single-lever PTO instead of a two-lever system for one-hand operation. A reduction in cab noise from 86 decibels to 80 decibels allows quieter operation in the cab. The machines are powered by four-cylinder diesel engines that can be run on B20 biodiesel or traditional diesel. Contact New Holland, (www.newholland.com/na). The new Eclipse 122 F floating head greensmower from Jacobsen, a Textron company, offers 50 percent more float than the competition, the company says. The mower comes standard with separate, adjustable settings for reel speed and mow speed on an LCD display, which matches each mow to the conditions required. An interchangeable power system allows users to set configurations at either gen-set or battery power. Equipped with the company’s InCommand control system, the Eclipse is designed with more float to reach contoured areas that are susceptible to scalping, the company says. Four rollers offer a lower overall ground pressure, and the unit’s Subaru engine features less vibration and noise and a longer component life, the company adds. Contact Jacobsen, 888-922-8873 (www.jacobsen.com). The Fairway Color MAP, part of Floratine Products Group’s management action plan series, gives users a tool to boost color and improve plant strength without excessive growth, the company says. The Fairway Color MAP combines the company’s Carbon N and Largo products to deliver the key elements of color-enriching chlorophyll, the company adds. Carbon N uses the company’s carbon power technology for rapid color response and improved nutrient use, while Largo uses patented biostimulant technology to offer improved rooting, turf tightening and chlorophyll enzyme activation. The company also offers its heat stress map and tournament prep map as part of its management action plan series. Contact Floratine Products Group, 901-853-2898 (www.floratine.com). Cedar Bridges by Jim Malloy designs, constructs and installs bridges with top-quality weather-resistant materials, the company says. A wide selection of bridge styles are available to enhance the golf course in function and aesthetics, ranging from a petite pedestrian bridge to a bridge capable of supporting a golf car. The company also offers custom bridge design services, complete with structural engineering. Contact Cedar Bridges, 708-534-9059 (www.malloysbridges.com). |
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