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They got the goods
From new formulations of insecticides and herbicides to newly designed engines, golf cars and greensmowers, the Golf Industry Show’s trade show floor boasted all that and then some.
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Almost 1,000 exhibitors featured their goods and services during last month’s Golf Industry Show. A variety of new products, from GPS systems and engines to pesticides and fertilizers, were introduced for the first time at the 2008 show. |
At last month’s Golf Industry Show, which broke record statistics in most every regard, nearly 26,000 attendees (10,553 of those qualified buyers) filled the crowded aisles with nearly 1,000 exhibitors showcasing their new products and services in the all-time high 300,900 square feet of exhibit space.
There were new fertilizers, herbicides, redesigned mowers and engines, golf cars, a new contest to attract new customers to a golf course, irrigation controls, aerators, biodegradable golf tees and even a GPS system that lets superintendents track and restrict where golfers wander on the course. It was many superintendents’ dream come true.
While GCM presents some of those new tools designed to help GCSAA members do their jobs better right here, we couldn’t possibly fit in all the innovation available on the trade show floor. So, keep an eye out for other product innovations in GCM’s “Product news” section in months to come.
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1. E-Z-Go recently introduced its first all-new fleet of golf cars since 1995 — the RXV. Available in gas and electric models, the RXV features front, back and side bumpers to absorb impact into the frame rather than the engine or components. The electric model offers a fail-safe park brake that automatically engages when the vehicle stops, eliminating the chance of the vehicle rolling away. The electric model includes a drive train with an alternating current motor that generates more power and longer operating time between battery charges, the company says, adding that vehicles are 30 percent more efficient than direct-current golf cars. Gas models come with a Kawasaki 13-hp engine with a large cylinder and low rpm. The RXV’s seats are made from 100 percent recycled foam, and other features include a slip-resistant floormat, a double-walled canopy and 50 percent thicker struts. Contact E-Z-Go, a Textron company, (www.textron.com).
A global positioning satellite system from ProLink Solutions is developed exclusively for use on golf courses. The system offers food and beverage functions, course management tools, tournament scoring software and promotional capabilities. The system gives superintendents the ability to restrict where golf cars can go, alerting golfers when they’re in off-limit areas and turning the car off when it proceeds too far. It also lets superintendents track rounds of each car for efficient usage, exact golf car location and pace-of-play for each cart according to color codes. Users can also execute accurate pin placements with each green zoned into eight quadrants. A 10.4-inch high-resolution color monitor broadcasts easy-to-read graphics of each hole, allowing golfers to pinpoint distances, locate hazards, navigate the golf course and place food and beverage orders. A real-time sports ticker gives sports results from around the world, and the system’s SmartCart feature is designed to eliminate theft. Contact ProLink Solutions, 480-753-2337 (www.goprolink.com).
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2. Superintendents wanting to promote their golf courses and potentially attract new customers have a new, free tool through John Deere Credit’s “Beautifully Brutal Golf Holes” contest. Superintendents, as well as owners, builders, architects and others, are invited to submit an entry and a photograph for the contest with a description of what makes the hole among the most challenging or brutal in golf. Factors could include depth of rough, number and placement of bunkers, location of water, course slope, speed, undulation of greens and typical scores. Entries will be posted on the contest Web site, www.johndeere
credit.com/brutalgolfholes, and John Deere Credit will provide a press release per entry with information and a photo of the hole for superintendents to present to local media. Eighteen winners will be selected from three categories: par-5, par-4 and par-3 holes, and will be showcased on a 2009-10 picture calendar. The deadline for par-5 entries is March 15; May 15 for par-4 entries; and July 15 for par-3 entries. Contact John Deere Credit, (www.johndeerecredit.com/brutalgolfholes).
Standard Golf’s new Build-Your-Own-Flagstick application allows full customization of the company’s flagsticks with a selection of colors, striping patterns and ferrules. A tool to distinguish a golf course from its competition, the application lets golf courses match flagsticks to local school colors or a course’s image and style, the company says. A Web-interface application, the Build-Your-Own-Flagstick program is available at www.standardgolf.com/buildyour
own and gives the choice of base flagstick color, striping pattern, stripe color and ferrule type. Typical delivery time for flagsticks ordered through the program is three weeks. Contact Standard Golf, 866-743-9773 (www.standardgolf.com).
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3. U.S. Aqua Vac Inc. introduces modified machines to remove 20 percent more muck and sludge per day from lakes and ponds on golf courses. Two powerful vacuums now connect to the Aqua Vac system to remove sediment from the bottoms of ponds and heavy sand on the bottom if needed. Each method, including trained commercial divers, can move from 300 to 700 cubic yards of muck a day, translating to a 70 percent cost savings to customers over the drain-and-dig method, the company says. The service can also clean clogged intake pipes, unplug water springs, enhance water quality and reduce odors around water. The company also offers barge and robotic machines on projects 300 acres or more. Contact US Aqua Vac Inc., 866-430-1542 (www.usaquavac.com).
The new ProPlus JumpStart from Profile Golf of Profile Products LLC uses active ingredients to promote faster, more complete seed germination and turf establishment, the company says. With beneficial soil bacteria, humic acid and a wetting agent, ProPlus JumpStart works for three to four months to improve moisture infiltration, retain more moisture for faster germination, promote nutrient uptake and conversion, reduce soil compaction and salinity for better root development and reduce nutrient leaching and runoff for better stewardship in environmentally sensitive areas. Spray applicated, the formula should not be tank mixed with ProPlus Aqua-Phix. Contact Profile Products LLC, 800-207-6457 (www.profileproducts.com).
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4. Jacobsen reveals its new AR-522 fine-cut rotary mower, the most powerful and versatile machine in its class, it says. The AR-522 features TrimTek cutting decks designed to pulverize grass clippings with an exclusive downdraft blade for better mulching performance and a smooth after-cut appearance. A three-tiered discharge chute offers more even clipping distribution. Converting the TrimTek decks from discharge to mulching function is possible with a single wrench within minutes, the company adds. Ideal for heavy volumes of grass and a consistent quality-of-cut over difficult terrain, the AR-522 features best-in-class traction capabilities, more climbing ability and on-demand traction control from the operator’s station. The machines are available to order from authorized Jacobsen dealers starting this month. Contact Jacobsen, 888-922-8873 (www.jacobsen.com).
Cub Cadet Commercial spreaders, sprayers, mowers and other equipment are now available exclusively through the company, a change from the company’s previous distribution structure through Lesco. All models are also now branded under Cub Cadet. The company’s new Select Cut System for mowers features an adjustable sloped-nose front deck skirt, which reduces deformation of the grass before cutting. It also provides enough time for the grass to rebound to meet the cutting blade edge. Configurable baffles give superintendents the choice between a maximum vacuum with directed airflow with baffles in the lowest position, or maximum dwell time, airflow and clipping dispersion in the highest position. Cutting edge of each blade has been increased by 4 inches, and the Select Cut 60-inch deck is offset on the trim-edge side for 3 total inches for efficient trimming in all types of landscapes, the company says. Contact
Cub Cadet Commercial, 877-835-7841 (www.cubcommercial.com).
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5. In an effort to offer customers a complete irrigation package, The Toro Co. has announced an alliance with ITT Flowtronex in which Toro distributors will offer Flowtronex pump stations for golf courses purchasing Toro irrigation products in the U.S. and Canada. The two companies are working to increase the level of product integration and communication between Toro control systems and Flowtronex pump station software. Flowtronex’s parent company, ITT, has a portfolio of water-related products, including reverse osmosis and UV treatment. Contact The Toro Co., (www.thetorocompany.com).
The 440 TurfTender blender option from Dakota Peat & Equipment offers superintendents the option to blend their own topdressing mixes at up to 60 tons an hour. Engineered with adjustable gates on the hopper, the machine allows the flexibility to mix other materials and blend customized divot mixes, flower bed mixes, fertilizer mixes and more. Because the materials come off the side conveyor, users can decide where to place it — filling another machine, a pile, a green, bunker, etc. Contact Dakota Peat & Equipment, 800-477-8415 (www.dakotapeat.com).
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6. Club Car unveiled its next generation of golf cars with the Precedent i2 and Precedent i2L, both equipped with the company’s new Excel drive system. The system increases the benefits of the vehicle’s motor braking and regenerative braking features for greater control and a smoother ride, the company says. Improved regenerative braking could reduce energy costs 20 percent over previous models, the company adds. With more energy returned to the batteries, vehicles require less charging. Other improvements include a redesigned charging system, which can reduce charging time and water consumption and help extend battery life. A new dash design enables easier cleaning. A 360-degree wraparound bumper has greater energy-absorption qualities. Standard features on the Precedent i2L include 10-inch rims and aluminum wheels, soft-grip steering wheel, accent striping, a canopy storage net and more. Contact Club Car, 800-227-0739 (www.clubcar.com).
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7. The new MI Series Mobile Controller from Rain Bird Corp. enables quick and efficient monitoring and control of golf irrigation systems from anywhere, the company says. Unlike radio-based remote controls, the MI Series controller’s range isn’t limited by radio frequencies licensed for use only on the golf course. The MI Series uses the wide ranging availability of the Internet over cellular networks, allowing superintendents to activate sprinklers and programs, review site status information and directly edit the central control sprinkler and program data from an off-site location. Once installed on a Rain Bird irrigation central control computer, the software works via the Internet and allows up to 15 users to simultaneously perform remote functions. All activity is logged for review. Contact Rain Bird Corp., 520-741-6100 (www.rainbird.com/golf).
For the first time at the 2008 Golf Industry Show, BASF Turf & Ornamentals introduced its Segment herbicide, a grass-selective, post-emergence product. Segment offers selective control of weeds in centipedegrass, annual bluegrass and established fine and tall fescue turfgrass. BASF says the new product is the only post-emergence grass herbicide that can be applied to trees or shrubs at any stage of growth, even at seedling and bud break stages. Segment also can be tank mixed to control additional weed species, the company adds. Developed with the active ingredient sethoxydim, Segment enters grass plants through the foliage and translocates throughout the weed to inhibit the biosynthesis of lipids in bermudagrass, crabgrass, goosegrass and more than 25 others. Federally labeled by the EPA, Segment is approved for use on golf courses, bedding plants, ground covers, wildflowers, general outdoor areas, shrubs and landscaped areas, hedgerows and more. Contact BASF, (www.betterturf.com).
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8. SurfCote-N, a new polymer-coated urea technology manufactured by KMB Technologies and distributed by Knox Fertilizer Co., is designed to help superintendents improve their environmental impact and bottom line. The Surf technology, which stands for sustained uniform release fertilizer, is a patented polymer coating that the company says extends the nutrient release of fertilizers for up to 90 days. The slow-release product also is said to reduce the chance of plant burn and overapplication and waste of nutrients. Contact Knox Fertilizer Co., 574-772-6275, ext. 224 (www.knoxfert.com).
Agrium Advanced Technologies launched its newest fertilizer, XCU, at last month’s Golf Industry Show. XCU combines polymer- and sulfur-coating technologies and delivers nitrogen while adding consistency and durability, the company says. The fertilizer, which replaces the company’s TriKote and SCU products, offers 93 percent coated slow-release nitrogen, more pounds of nitrogen per ton than any similar product on the market today, it adds. Its qualities are said to translate to 10 percent more storage space, 10 percent more freight savings and 10 percent more concentrated and more flowable, so users can cover up to three more acres per ton. Contact Agrium Advanced Technologies, 800-422-4248 (www.agriumat.com).
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9. The newest reel mowers from John Deere Golf were launched in response to customer feedback, the company says. The PrecisionCut line of mowers is the culmination of what customers said they wanted, from improved productivity to a more comfortable seat. Four models in the line — the 7500, 7700, 8500 and 8700 — include the new GRIP all-wheel drive traction system for improved traction and hill-climbing ability. The 7000 series offers a 37.1-hp engine, and the 8000 series features a 43.1-hp engine. The 7500 and 8500 include a 22-inch standard bedknife-to-reel cutting unit with 5-inch-diameter reels, a fixed front roller and adjustable reel roller for less aggressiveness at lower cutting heights. The 7700 and 8700 mowers use 22-inch ESP cutting units with 7-inch-diameter reels, reel-to-bedknife adjustment, adjustable front and rear rollers and a rotate-for-service system. A double-acting steering cylinder equalizes right and left pressure like a riding greensmower for easier straight-line mowing and striping. Contact John Deere Golf, 800-537-8233 (www.johndeere.com).
Nufarm Americas released at the 2008 Golf Industry Show its new Atera, designed to battle foliar, surface and sub-surface insect pests. The liquid turf insecticide combines imidacloprid and 1 pound of bifenthrin per gallon, which allows users to apply at their discretion. Unlike other formulations with the same active ingredients, Atera is labeled to deliver full rates of the ingredients. A single application can control surface insects and standard grubs, freeing up more time for superintendents, the company says. Available in 60-ounce containers, Atera is labeled as both a non-restricted product for general use and a restricted use product for use on golf courses. Contact Nufarm Americas Inc., 630-455-2000 (www.us.nufarm.com).
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10. Bernhard & Co. Ltd. announces a new set of its Express Dual and Anglemaster 4000DX (pictured). The Express Dual 4000DX is bigger, taller and has improved safety guarding. It uses a faster control system with a touch-screen graphical operator interface, providing faster operator response. The taller guard accommodates walking greensmowers and mowers with lift attachments. Sound insulation has been enhanced to keep noise down in maintenance shops. The newly improved Anglemaster 4000 DX features greater automation for faster operation and easy bedknife mounting. The bedknife central grind position minimizes errors, and independent end adjustment ensures parallel bed bar mounting. A magnetic load assistant acts as a third hand to stabilize bedknives. Contact Bernhard & Co. Ltd., 888-474-6348 (www.bernhard.co.uk).
A new biodegradable golf tee from XT-1 is also aerodynamic to deliver driving accuracy and real increased ball distance. The XT-1 golf tee is 3 inches high and features four prongs for ball stabilization and to reduce ball contact with the tee, minimizing spin and promoting greater distance for all levels of golfers, the company says. Made from 100 percent biodegradable plastic, the XT-1 will not chip mowing machine blades and can be used for securing fairway divots. The tee is said to last up to three times longer than wooden tees. Made from corn in the U.S., the tee meets ASTM 6400 and EN13432 guidelines for microbial biodegradation and also meets USGA and R&A standards for competition play. Contact XT-1, 781-674-0435 (www.golfxt1.com).
The new Super 500 from Wiedenmann North America LLC can sweep, verticut, mow and collect grass and leaves. A parallelogram-guided sweeper head ensures that implements maintain an optimal working position, and users can choose between the brush-type or multipurpose sweeper head. The additional sweeper head is optional. The multipurpose sweeper head comes standard with an additional center-mounted roller to prevent scalping on uneven turf. All implements are made from wear-resistant special-grade steel and with an articulated frame. A high dump feature allows the container to be discharged in any lifting height. Tires feature a large contact area and low ground pressure to protect turf. An optional golf course kit is specially designed for operation on heavily undulating terrain and includes a front steel roller and two additional lateral anti-scalp rollers. Contact Wiedenmann North America LLC, 866-790-3004 (www.terraspike.com).
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11. Seago International Inc. introduces its Allen XR16, with what the company says is the first time modern technology such as computational fluid dynamics and computer modeling have been used to evaluate and maximize airflow and performance. The unit’s deck has been entirely redesigned, and Allen Hover Mowers has also redesigned key components such as the engine mount, impeller and cutting head. All are designed specifically for the Allen hover mower to maximize lift and cutting power, the company adds. Honda built a new engine specifically for this application — steep slope mowing with a low torque curve to maximize cutting power even in thicker grasses. Allen hover mowers are available in 16-, 18- and 21-inch cutting widths. Contact Seago International Inc., the exclusive distributor for Allen Hover Mowers, 800-780-9889 (www.seagointernational.com).
Tycrop’s new DirtCub is a dump box specifically designed for utility vehicles and is said to have the lightest footprint in the industry. Developed for towing by utility vehicles, the DirtCub is available for deliveries starting next month. Contact Tycrop, (www.tycrop.com).
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12. Tenacity, a new herbicide from Syngenta Professional Products, received registration from the EPA for use on golf courses and sod farms, Syngenta announced at the 2008 Golf Industry Show. The selective pre- and post-emergence herbicide controls 46 broadleaf weeds and undesired grasses in several cool- and warm-season turfgrasses. Tenacity can also be applied at seeding to reduce weed competition for improved seedling development. Because its active ingredient, mesotrione, has a favorable environmental fate, environmental toxicity and human health profile when compared with registered alternatives, Tenacity was granted reduced-risk status by the EPA. Mesotrione provides systemic pre- and post-emergence control of such weeds as crabgrass, chickweed, clover and yellow nutsedge and such grasses as bentgrass and nimblewill. The herbicide has been tested and proven acceptable on Kentucky bluegrass, centipedegrass, tall fescue, perennial ryegrass, St. Augustinegrass and fine fescue. Contact Syngenta Professional Products, 866-796-4368 (www.syngentaprofessionalproducts.com).
Hustler Turf Equipment unveiled three new mowers at the Golf Industry Show, the 7700 new fairway mower, the 3500/3700, an out-front rotary mower and the 50/55, a walk-behind greensmower. The 7700 features a 36-hp Shibaura 4-cycle diesel engine that’s compliant with Tier III U.S. emission regulations. A hydraulic switch valve is included on all cutting units to enable users to lap the reel blade individually, and center cutting units can be rotated easily for adjustment on roller bracket position and grass discharge cover. The 3500/3700 models feature tilt and telescoping steering wheels, low noise and vibration, 2-range hydrostatic transmission and auto/full-time 4-wheel drive. The 3500 is equipped with a 30-hp Shibaura diesel engine, and the 3700 with a 36-hp diesel engine. The 50/55 walk-behind mower offers precise weight balance for comfortable control and smooth turning, a cutting blade clutch lever for safe operation and double engine stop switches on the control panel and engine. Contact Hustler Turf Equipment, (www.hustlergolf.com).
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13. The MobileMist turf syringing system from SubAir Systems LLC provides an easy and consistent alternative to traditional syringing techniques, the company says. A 25-gallon tank attaches to a Buffalo Blower to spray evenly a fine mist of water over the green as the MobileMist is driven around the greens’ edges. The system includes a laser thermometer to allow monitoring and logging of temperatures. Designed by Kevin Hutchins, the Class A superintendent at Mission Viejo (Calif.) CC, the MobileMist was built to help alleviate stress on the greens and himself, he says. Secondary benefits of the system include water savings because the Mo-
bileMist allows users to cool greens with an efficient level of water. Hutchins’ syringing system was acquired by SubAir. Contact SubAir Systems LLC, (www.subairsystems.com).
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