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PRODUCT NEWS |
The new XCU slow-release fertilizer from Agrium Advanced Technologies has the highest nitrogen and lowest sulfur content of any sulfur-coated urea on the market today, the company says. With 43 percent nitrogen and 4 percent sulfur, XCU is designed to allow users to treat more area with less product. Its polymer coating allows gradual, consistent nutrient release, meaning one application can provide up to 10 weeks of green, healthy turf, the company says. XCU also is said to have the lowest risk of leaching and volatilization of all sulfur-coated ureas, reducing environmental impact. Contact Agrium Advanced Technologies, 888-757-0072 (www.agriumat.com).
Bayleton, a new flowable formulation fungicide from Bayer Environmental Science, has been registered for use in golf course turf, ornamental plants, shrubs and trees. Bayleton continues to be available in water-soluble packaging as Bayleton 50 WSP. Bayleton Flo, the new water-based, suspension concentrate formula, mixes directly into water for improved product dispersement, Bayer says. Easy to measure, the new formula is said to provide superior preventive control of such broad-spectrum diseases as dollar spot, brown patch, fairy ring and gray leaf spot. Bayleton provides 14-28-day residual control. Contact Bayer Environmental Science, (www.backedbybayer.com).
A new bed-mounted agricultural sprayer from Club Car allows superintendents to dry-mix chemicals and create chemical mixtures specific to turf needs, according to the company. The sprayer, which mounts on most Club Car utility vehicles, was designed based on feedback from superintendents. One of those design improvements is a dry-mixing ability through an upgraded 5-gpm, 60-psi pump that can help users efficiently distribute accurate applications of fertilizer, herbicides and fungicides. An upgraded 40-gallon sprayer features an extended 50-foot hose reel with a professional-grade metal spray wand, and a newly integrated wiring harness with a dash-mounted switch lets users operate the sprayer from the driver’s seat. Contact Club Car, (www.clubcar.com).
The Environmental Committee of the American Society of Golf Course Architects has published the third edition of “An Environmental Approach to Golf Course Development.” All three editions have been published by ASGCA environmental committee chairman Bill Love, ASGCA. The full-color, 57-page book includes background and instructions for anyone involved in the design and development of a new layout or the remodeling of an existing course. Eighteen new case studies throughout North America illustrate examples of success in the industry, and the book also features an expanded reference section with lists of seminal books and important Web sites. The publication is available to download at no charge, while printed copies cost $10. Contact ASGCA, 262-786-5960 (www.asgca.org).
A reformulated version of Grigg Brothers’ foliar micronutrient Microburst is designed to maximize nutrient uptake and utilization. Completely chelated and phosphate-stable, the new formulation features a changed ratio of manganese to zinc and the addition of organically chelated magnesium, according to Gordon Kauffman, Ph.D., agronomist with the company. The old formulation consisted of 1 percent manganese and 1 percent zinc, leaving the nutrients in a 1:1 ratio, while the new formula features 2.4 percent manganese, 1 percent zinc and 0.3 percent magnesium. The increased level of manganese brings it closer to the amount of iron, which is 3.4 percent of the new formulation. The new product should be applied at 2 to 6 fluid ounces per 1,000 square feet to supply secondary macronutrients and micronutrients, according to Grigg Bros. Superintendents can apply the solution throughout the growing season on both warm- and cool-season grasses. Microburst can be tank-mixed with all Grigg Bros. products. Contact Grigg Bros., 888-246-8873 (www.griggbros.com).
Three new models of compact track loaders have been added to Caterpillar’s line of rubber-track loaders. The new loaders feature steel-embedded track and steel undercarriage components for maximum life in aggressive applications, according to Caterpillar. Models 279C, 289C and 299C combine a newly engineered suspension-type undercarriage with the chassis of their multiterrain loader counterparts. The fully suspended undercarriage uses four independent torsion axles to offer what the company calls a superior ride and excellent bucket load retention. A track-on-ground measurement of 70 inches is engineered to provide good flotation and traction, low ground pressure and a long track life. All three models feature two-speed drive systems with a maximum speed of 8.5 miles per hour for fast movement around large work sites. An electrohydraulic joystick control for the drive motors is built to deliver straight-line tracking, while electronic torque management optimizes productivity. Exclusive drive motor seal guards can extend the life of seals and final drives. Contact Caterpillar, (www.cat.com).
Aqua Control Inc. says its new Evolution series of ½-hp fountains was engineered with three objectives: to produce excellent spray patterns, low operating cost and ease of assembly. The company says its new product accomplishes this by offering six spray patterns, an operating cost of 5 cents per hour and assembly requiring one person. Optional 120-volt LED lighting is available to accent the fountain with a multitude of lamp colors. The Evolution series fountains can be plugged into a standard 115-volt household receptacle and include a spray pattern that resembles a tornado and allows it to pump more than 130 gallons per minute, the company adds. The system comes with either a 100-foot or 175-foot power cord, 100 feet of mooring rope with two mooring stakes and a timer/photo sensor control. Contact Aqua Control Inc., 800-377-0019 (www.aquacontrol.com).
The Innovative Fluid Handling Group introduces a new range of customized storage and dispensing systems and mobile lubricating carts using the company’s new polyethylene containers. The storage and dispensing systems using the new containers such as the 68-gallon container, pictured, are ideal for storing caustic materials like herbicides, degreasers, water-based products and water treatment chemicals that can’t be stored in a traditional steel container, according to IFH. Also well-suited for economical operation in smaller lube rooms or for fluids that are infrequently used, the containers can serve a variety applications from golf courses and agriculture to manufacturing operations. The systems are said to provide efficient, clean and environmentally friendly product transfer with no drum tipping, cleaning, switching or replacement of drum pumps. IFH says customers can customize their order of containers, their capacity and the variety of options such as pumps, hoses, nozzles and different sizes of drip pan cart bases. Contact the IFH Group Inc., 800-435-7003 (www.ifhgroup.com).
The Bird Buffer from Nixalite, a programmable, electronic aerosol generator that repels flying birds in indoor and outdoor applications with a nearly invisible repellent haze, now offers improved design features. The Bird Buffer converts liquid Fog Force, a harmless grape food flavoring, into nano-particles that, when blown into the air at 90 mph, create a haze that stays suspended into the air for six hours. New design improvements include a shorter tube and a redirection of a formula tube to eliminate any dripping. Contact Nixalite, 800-624-1189 (www.nixalite.com/birdbuffer.aspx).
SurePro, a line of specialty pond products from Horizon, is available exclusively to customers in the 11 states where the company operates. The SurePro line includes more than 85 pumps, skimmers, filters, lighting packages and accessories such as biological media pressure filters and out-of-pond pumps. Three models of the biological media pressure filters are designed to filter out small debris and be used with energy-efficient pumps on new applications or to retrofit existing ones. Filters come equipped with an easy-to-clean backwash feature, which can be placed anywhere on the discharge, and a pressure gauge that indicates when to backwash. The pressure filters are ideal for water features up to 2,000 gallons, the company says. The energy-saving out-of-pond pumps feature quiet operation and low energy consumption. These pumps are designed for applications outside of a body of water and are not for use as submersible pumps. Contact Horizon, (www.horizononline.com).
New Holland announces its new line of Discbine disc mower-conditioners that feature advances in disc cutterbar technology — the MowMax modular cutterbar with the protection of ShockPro disc drive hubs. These features also come standard on all H7000 series discbine mower-conditioners. The patented MowMax independent modular disc cutterbar ensures smooth and quiet mowing and fast and inexpensive cutterbar servicing, according to New Holland.
To reduce operating costs and downtime, the cutterbar is engineered with individually sealed disc drive modules so damage is isolated and contained if the mower hits an obstruction. The cutterbars’ ShockPro disc drive hubs protect cutterbar components from shock loads caused by impact from a foreign object. If the hub breaks, it can be replaced in about 10 minutes, the company adds. New Holland’s line of Discbine disc mower-conditioners range from seven-disc models to 12-disc models. Contact New Holland, (www.newholland.com).
BioSafe Systems LLC announces its new TerraCytePro broad spectrum algaecide/fungicide. The product is an enhanced wettable powder formulated with the company’s patented activated peroxygen chemistry that is said to eliminate moss, algae and turf diseases. Designed for easy liquid spray applications on all types of turfgrass, TerraCytePro can be applied curatively or preventively to well-established fairways, greens and tees. It can also be applied over entire turf areas or used for spot treatments, and it also is designed to prevent and control snow mold, brown patch, summer patch, fairy ring, dollar spot, pythium and phytophthora. Available in 50-pound containers, TerraCytePro contains ingredients that are naturally occurring in the environment and leave behind no residual, the company says. Contact BioSafe Systems Inc., 888-273-3088 (www.biosafesystems.com).
Research experts in the turfgrass industry have written a book designed to help superintendents make calculations they need to effectively, safely and economically design, install and maintain landscapes. Published by Wiley, “Mathematics for the Green Industry: Essential Calculations for Horticulture and Landscape” is written by Michael Agnew, Ph.D., senior field technical manager for Syngenta Professional Products; Nancy Agnew, Ph.D., instructor for Longwood Gardens Inc.; Nick Christians, Ph.D., professor of horticulture at Iowa State University; and Ann Marie VanDerZanden, Ph.D., associate professor of horticulture at Iowa State University. The book covers calculations for all aspects of the green industry, including turf management, lawn care, landscape management, sports field management and nursery and greenhouse operations. Contact Wiley, 201-748-6358 (www.wileyptnews.com).
The new 6D series of tractors from John Deere features three models powered by a 4.5-liter PowerTech E diesel engine with a high-pressure common-rail injection system. The models include a new wet-clutch design to ensure a reliable, long life with improved control, the company says. Other features include an exclusive telescopic/tilt steering wheel, a high-capacity air conditioning/heating system for operator comfort and an optional two-function mechanical joystick for optimum loader operation. A two-post Roll-Gard ensures a safe environment for users and can be folded for low-clearance areas. Additionally, two standard selective control valves are within reach on the right-hand console, while an easily-set float position allows implements to follow contours of the ground. Contact John Deere, (www.johndeere.com/ag).
Captiva St. Augustine, a new dark green turfgrass that requires less mowing and is resistant to the southern chinch bug, has been introduced through a three-way agreement between the Florida Sod Growers Cooperative, the University of Florida and Sod Solutions. The product of more than a decade of research by the University of Florida, the new turfgrass is expected to flourish in any subtropical climate and is also an environmentally friendly St. Augustinegrass variety. Russell Nagata, the UF researcher who developed the grass, says the top priority was to find the next chinch bug-resistant St. Augustinegrass. He adds that with Captiva, superintendents can confidently eliminate every other mowing, effectively reducing gasoline use. Another environmental advantage is the darker green hue of Captiva, which he says will reduce users’ efforts to “green-up” the grass with fertilizer. Pesticide use should be at a minimum with Captiva because of its inherent resistance to both chinch bugs and the planthopper insect. It’s the first St. Augustinegrass to offer southern chinch bug resistance since 1972. Contact Sod Solutions, 843-849-1288 (www.sodsolutions.com).
Commercial Mower Engineering introduces a new line of commercial four-wheel steering mowers that includes models XTR3160C and XTR3454HLC. The XTR3160C features a 60-inch shaft-drive deck, a 31-hp Briggs and Stratton engine and a power deck lift, while the XTR3454HLC includes a hydraulically driven direct rear discharge deck, a 34-hp Briggs and Stratton/Daihatsu turbo diesel engine, a hydraulic deck lift and a 20-bushel collector with a 78-inch-high lift system. Contact Commercial Mower Engineering, 905-795-2654.
Bobcat Co. has released a new line of heavy-duty snow blades to help increase productivity for snow removal operators. Equipped with features such as blade oscillation, a trip edge and a box-style mainframe, the snow blades are available in 86-, 96- and 108-inch models. The blades are approved for use on Bobcat’s S130 to S330 skid-steer loaders, T140 to T320 compact track loaders, V417 Versa-Handler telescopic tool carrier and two Bobcat exclusive utility work machines — the A300 all-wheel steer loader and Toolcat. A double-action cylinder angles the blade 30 degrees in either direction, while the blade oscillates 5 degrees to keep in contact with the surface, eliminating the need to take multiple passes to clear snow. Damage is prevented by the torsion spring trip edge in case the snow blade comes in contact with sections or raised concrete or other objects. Snow blades are painted orange to be easily seen by the operator. Options include rubber or polyurethane cutting edges and end-wing kits. Contact Bobcat Co., (www.bobcat.com).
The newest addition to Eagle One Golf Products’ Greenwood line of environmentally friendly golf course products is the GreenwoodDLX line. Touted as a low-maintenance line of products, GreenwoodDLX features units made of high-recycled content, wood-like material. Made of 100 percent post-consumer/post-industrial materials, the GreenwoodDLX line features an exotic look of tropical hardwood without the maintenance requirements, the company says. Slated for availability starting this year, the line includes trash and divot mix containers, benches, water cooler enclosures, starter’s podiums, rope stakes and more. Contact Eagle One Golf Products, 800-448-4409 (www.eogp.com).
Turfline Inc. announces its True-Surface greens-care collection, made up of a sturdy frame and nine different interchangeable greens-care inserts. The new collection is designed to fit all triplex mowers and make nine greens-care cultural practices faster and easier, the company says. The interchangeable inserts are loaded through the top of the frame, which allows a tool-free installation. Contact Turfline Inc., 800-443-8506.
Turfco Manufacturing has launched a new sprayer spreader design in its patent-pending T3000 applicator. Engineered especially to suit operators, the stand-on riding applicator features a unique steering wheel design with a pivoting front axle and floating operator platform to minimize strain and shock to the user. Cruise control frees up users’ hands for easy operation of spreading and spraying while driving, the company says. Braking, control and stability on uneven terrain are enhanced with the positioning of the saddle tanks, a low center of gravity and a hydrostatic transaxle braking system. Able to complete 64,000 square feet per fill, the T3000 can also fit through a 36-inch gate. Other features include a high-pressure/velocity spray system, separate spray and spread systems, adjustable pressure dials to quickly change spray widths, a patent-pending mechanical control of the two-speed spinner and a wrap-around deflector that virtually eliminates prills and minimizes clean-up. Contact Turfco Mfg., 800-679-8201 (www.turfco.com).
Laser Link Golf’s new SmartSticks make flagsticks a perfect target for laser rangefinders of all kinds, the company says. The SmartStick features a reflector inserted into the flagstick’s body to make the flagstick more visible through rangefinders and enhance the performance of the device that’s a new must-have among golfers, the company adds. Contact Laser Link Golf, 866-909-4653 (www.laserlinkgolf.com).