Product News

Rain Bird adds two pump station options

Rain Bird has introduced two new classes of variable frequency drive pump stations providing even more flexibility when choosing a pump station to match a golf course's unique needs.
 
"The addition of the new water feature and intermediate flow pump station classes allows us to better serve all types of golf courses," said Rob Kerrigan, pump station product manager. "Our complete pump station portfolio sets new standards of durability, convenience, customization and performance, while also cutting energy costs and minimizing overall system wear."

Available in flows up to 10,000 gallons per minute, the water feature pump stations allow operators to customize a golf course water feature's appearance. These pumps also include a handy energy-saving "night run" mode that keeps water from becoming stagnant even when the water feature isn't running at full capacity. 

The Intermediate Flow Pump Stations consists of single horizontal end suction pump stations designed to boost pressure on golf courses with elevation changes or lake transfer needs. They can also serve as the main irrigation pump station for smaller courses that have been configured for flooded suction or suction lift. The pump stations offer flow rates up to 750 GPM at 120 PSI. Higher flow rates are available at lower pressures. Contact http://www.RainBird.com/golf, 520-741-6100.

John Deere launches online training for golf customers

John Deere Golf has launched online, on-demand customer training for golf mowing equipment and irrigation products, packaged in distance learning modules on the Internet at www.JohnDeere.com/training.

"These are the same modules we developed to train our distributors' technicians to be more productive, decrease diagnostic errors and increase machine productivity," said Garry Carpenter, training manager, John Deere Golf.

With cutting-edge voice narration for better retention, each module also uses color and motion to bring diagrams to life. Currently available in English, Spanish versions are under development and will be launched later this year.

Once enrolled, the user can pause and resume at any point within the course. An assessment included at the conclusion allows users to evaluate their retention of the information.

Carpenter describes this Web-based training as "ideal for courses that may have multiple units of a single equipment model or multiple employees – particularly seasonal workers – running those machines. It's a good way for supervisors to evaluate current technician skill levels and bring new workers up to speed fast."

A list of the courses can be downloaded at John Deere's training page by choosing the "Customer Connect" option.

Toro introduces TRX walk-behind trenchers

The Toro Co. has expanded its compact equipment line with the addition of two new walk-behind trenchers--the TRX-15 and TRX-19 tracked trenchers.

According to the company the combination of tracks and operator-friendly controls make the gas-powered machines more productive and easier to learn and operate than typical wheeled trenchers.

The low-profile design provides a low center of gravity and a large footprint for increased stability on side hills and smooth operation on uneven terrain. “These tracks will make the operator more productive and deliver added traction in almost any ground condition,” says Greg Lawrence, product marketing manager. “Plus, there won’t be damage to existing turf during transport because the TRX models have a light footprint, with ground pressure as low as 4.1 psi.”

These machines also feature a control system that follows the same design of Toro’s Dingo TX. The TRX models also have cross-trenching capability, allowing the operator to maneuver over perpendicular trenches effortlessly where wheeled units may get stuck in the existing trench. Contact 800-344-8676, http://www.toro.com/trx.

Jacobsen parts information available online

Jacobsen has a new section of its Web site dedicated entirely to providing customers with information and guidance on selecting and ordering Jacobsen Genuine Parts for all of the company’s mowers and turf equipment.

“Over the past several months, our website has received more searches on parts information than on any other topic,” says Britton Harold, Jacobsen product manager for parts and accessories. “With the addition of a separate Genuine Parts section online, customers can now log on to the Jacobsen website and find a comprehensive parts catalog with several search options, inclusive parts manuals, and easy-to-use, specific product information all in one place.”

The new resource includes a list of the Top 10 Reasons to Buy Jacobsen Genuine Parts, which alerts customers to the benefits of purchasing parts exclusively from Jacobsen and qualified dealers, including complete 180-day warranty coverage, guaranteed performance, long-term financial savings and a sustained 97 percent fill rate on all parts orders.

Chipco Triton registered for golf and lawn turf

Chipco Triton 70 WDG fungicide, a new water dispersible granule formulation containing the active ingredient triticonazole, is now registered for disease control in golf and lawn turf according to Bayer Environmental Science

The product is said to provide broad-spectrum, systemic, residual disease control of key turf diseases, such as anthracnose, brown patch and dollar spot. Triticonazole disrupts membrane function and disease growth. The active ingredient can be quickly absorbed by roots, crown or shoots, and moves from the base toward the apex in the grass plant.

Triton 70 WDG is registered to control:  dollar spot, brown patch, summer patch, anthracnose, take-all patch, large brown patch, red leaf spot, rust, gray snow mold, pink snow mold and red thread. It is also labeled for suppression of algae. Contact http://www.bayerprocentral.com.

Precision announces alliance with Agrium

Precision Laboratories Inc., provider of specialized chemistries for green industries, and Agrium Advanced Technologies, manufacturer and marketer of controlled release fertilizers, have announced a product alliance to manufacture and market 0-0-20 turf fertilizer with 10.6 percent Cascade Plus throughout Canada.

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency granted registration of the product after validating safety, efficacy and product label claims regarding the proven water infiltration chemistry of Cascade Plus when combined with a unique fertilizer blend.

By combining resources, knowledge and technology, Precision and Agrium say they are well-positioned to compete in this new market opportunity. Agrium will produce, distribute and sell the fertilizer through Precision’s existing network of turf distributors. “Our distributor relationships mesh well with Agrium’s turf channel partners for both marketing and logistical reasons. This product alliance has benefits for all parties,” says Don Spier, vice president of turf and ornamentals at Precision. Contact http://www.precisionlab.com.

GCBAA expands construction costs guide for 2008

The Golf Course Builders Association of America, has more than doubled the number of line items for its 2008 construction and renovation costs guide.

The new guide will feature average prices for more than 50 line items, including tee boxes, greens, bunkers, irrigation, grading, grassing, cart paths and drainage.

"The GCBAA periodically surveys its builder members to determine average prices on some of the more popular items for renovating or building a golf course," said Paul Foley, executive director.  "The guide also takes into account regional differences based on environmental considerations--this level of detail provides users with a fairly accurate estimation."

The guide is available on a CD-ROM and features separate information on four regions of the continental United States.  The data in each report is both Microsoft Excel and Adobe Acrobat Reader compatible.  Copies can be purchased at http://www.gcbaa.org/cost_index.php. The guide includes a copy of the 2008 GCBAA member directory.