Time to close out the November Equipment Highlight with a finishing look at the floral industry. There is lots of work  in the floral industry to get and keep those flowers fresh. Probably the most important piece of equipment that the public sees is the cooler.

The world’s #1 manufacturer of glass door merchandisers.

Oversized and balanced refrigeration system, factory sealed and pre-lubricated for long life. Designed to accommodate a broad range of floral temperature settings, holds 35°F (1.6°C).

Exterior – attractive, high luster copper aluminum finish with black trim.

Interior – attractive, NSF approved, white aluminum interior liner with 300 series stainless steel floor.

Self closing door. Positive seal, torsion type closure system.

?Low-E”, double pane thermal insulated glass in door assembly, sides and rear. The latest in energy efficient technology.

Patented integrated door light (IDL) system for brighter, shadow free illumination. Special interior agro lighting designed for flowers to prevent premature discoloration.

Illuminated exterior front sign panel.

Entire cabinet structure is foamed-in-place using Ecomate. A high density, polyurethane insulation that has zero ozone depletion potential (ODP) and zero global warming potential (GWP).

Bottom mounted units feature

It is Thursday and the final edition of Equipment Highlight for turf for November. When it comes to turf we have look at application equipment, irrigation systems and erosion control. Today we look at aerators and and fairway mowers.

That soil needs to breathe for proper grass growth and help assist in getting the moisture down to the roots. This is where aerators come into play.
This is good model for smaller places and areas. This walk behind unit maybe a good choice.

If the area is larger than a walk behind unit can handle then try a ride on.

Features Stand-Aer® technology permits operator to steer, turn, and aerate non-stop without raising tines out of the ground Hydrostatic forward and reverse drive Hydraulically raise and lower tines Maximum transport/aerating speed of 414 ft/min or 4.7 mph Zero turning radius (when tines are not in use) 24″ approximate turning radius (aerating) Tine and tire drive with separate throttle control No-flat foam filled front swivel and rear drive tires Special design rear wheels (with raise and lower feature) prevent tipping backwards and offer ease in loading 2-Year Warranty

Stand-Aer® Aerator SA-25 – Model Chart Product No. SA-25 Dimensions 51.5″ H x 36 ” W x 55 ” L Dry Weight 880 lbs. Aerating Width 24.375″ and fits through 36″ gate Coverage 50,407 sq. ft. per hour Tines 36 tines with coring depth up to 3″ and hole pattern of 4.06″ x 7″ Engine Honda® GX390

 
If you need bigger unit for much larger areas then a pull behind unit maybe a choice.

Deep aeration and removal of compaction to a depth of 16″.  Quicker – Easier – More Efficient.

Regular deep spiking and deep aeration is the prerequisite for healthy root growth. After decompacting the ground, the roots can penetrate deeper into the ground and make better use of water and nutrients.

The TERRA SPIKE® XP was especially developed for golf greens, Ffairways, athletic fields, and other turf. High performance, excellent working quality, a very user friendly setup, a rugged heavy duty design, and high durability have been the main tasks in development and were successfully realized.

The SYSTEM TERRA SPIKE® offers a wide range of tools and attachments also for the TERRA SPIKE® XP. The TERRA SPIKE® XP can be extended to a multifunctional machine which can be used throughout the whole year.

Once the aerator is finished and the grass needs mowing then try these…

ENGINE

VEHICLE

OPERATING WEIGHT WET, FULL FUEL, LESS OPERATOR, LB. KG)

CONTROLS

DIMENSIONS

MOWER

WARRANTY

CERTIFICATION

Reelmaster® 7000-D

• A Cutting Units
• 49 hp (36.5 kW) Kubota® engine
• High Torque Reel motors
• SmartCool™ auto-reversing fan system

LF550/570

Building on the legend of the Jacobsen Light Fairway series, the LF550™/570™ offers greater functionality through programmable controls, increased performance and simplified maintenance. The mower is one of the most productive and cost-effective mowers on the market.

• Exclusive electronic hydro control with programmable speed controls to set mow and transport speeds quickly and easily.
• Settings are passcode-protected, leaving operator input out of the equation.
• Ergonomically design armrest with one-touch joystick control, LCD display, storage bin and 12V power outlet.
• Full-text diagnostics are displayed on armrest LCD screen.  No additional tools are required to diagnose.
• Exclusive automatic wet parking brakes apply when the accelerator pedal is in neutral or the engine is idle or turned off.
• Brakes are maintenance-free.  There are no linkages, cables or pads to maintain or adjust.

• Print Specifications

Dimensions: US | METRIC

Engine Type Kubota® V1505E 4-cycle, 4-cylinder, liquid cooled, low-emissions-certified diesel Rated Horsepower 35.5 hp @ 3000 rpm Displacement 91.4 cu. in Air Cleaner Donaldson® dry cartridge type with evacuator, valve and service indicator Cooling System Pressurized, sealed cooling system Lubrication System Fully Pressurized Fuel Capacity 17 gal. Oil Filter Type Full-flow, replacement spin-on type Electrical System 12 V starter; 40 amp alternator/regulator Turbocharged Engine Option Type Kubota® V1505TE 4-cycle, 4-cylinder, turbocharged liquid-cooled, low-emissions-certified diesel Rated Horsepower 44.2 hp @ 3000 rpm Speed (Maximum) Mowing 8 mph Transport 12 mph Reverse 5 mph Traction and Drive Traction Drive Variable displacement, electronically controlled hydrostatic drive 4WD models: SureTrac™ parallel-cross-series traction system Reel Drive 3-section gear pump with quick disconnect coupled reel motors, solenoid controlled mow valve Reel Lift Joystick control, one-touch lift/lower control for all five reels Hydraulic System 14 gal. capacity; GreensCare™ biodegradable hydraulic fluid; oil monitor with low-oil alarm standard Hydraulic Cooling Hydraulic oil cooler; large-volume, full-flow 10 micron filter Tires, Brakes, and Steering Front Tires 26.5 x 14.0-12 tubeless Rear Tires 18 x 9.50-8 tubeless Brakes Dynamic, through-traction system Parking Brake Automatic wet park brake integrated in front wheel motors Steering Rear-wheel, hydrostatic power steering Reels and Blades Number and Size LF550: Five 5 in. diameter x 22 in LF570: Five 7 in. diameter x 22 in. Number of Blades LF550: 7 heavy section fairway blades LF570: 9 or 11 heavy section fairway blades Cutting Frequency LF550: 7 blade: 0.074 in./mph LF570: 11 blade: 0.065 in./mph LF570: 9 blade: 0.079 in./mph Overall Cutting Width 100 in. Height-of-Cut Range (Depending on turf condition, reel wear and bedknife installed) LF550: 0.375-0.75 in. Available high-cut kit raises cutting height to 1.187 in. LF570: 0.375-1.125 in. Available high-cut kit raises cutting height to 1.563 in. Weight and Dimensions Weight with Reels Up LF550 2WD: 2837 lbs. LF550 4WD: 2961 lbs. LF550 4WD Turbo: 2974 lbs. LF570 2WD: 3135 lbs. LF570 4WD: 3247 lbs. LF570 4WD Turbo: 3285 lbs. All weights are with full fluids Weight with Reels Down LF550 2WD: 2242 lbs. LF550 4WD: 2366 lbs. LF550 4WD Turbo: 2379 lbs. LF570 2WD: 2271 lbs. LF570 4WD: 2383 lbs. LF570 4WD Turbo: 2421 lbs. All weights are with full fluids Length (less catchers) 108 in. Overall Height including ROPS 88 in. Width 115 in. Transport: 87 in.

Several choices for your turf maintenance needs. The AGTV Network hope you have enjoyed the turf portion of our November Equipment Highlight.

The AGTV Network extends thanks to all in the industry who provide the food for the Thanksgiving Holiday. Without you all those turkeys, hams, sweet potatoes, cranberry sauce and all the other trimmings would not be possible and don’t forget the pumpkin pie. As always have a safety holiday.

It is Tuesday and time for another edition of November Equipment Highlight for the floral industry. We start with…

Mobile cold storage units for keeping the fresh cut, well fresh.

• Delivered on a car trailer for easy positioning
• Stainless steel interior
• Temperature range -35°C – +35°C
• Rent / Lease / Purchase options
• Example applications: Events, catering, product launches, promotions and weddings

• Features & Benefits
• Technical Information
• More Photos
• Extras

Upright Freezers from Minus Forty Technologies Corporation

Retailers request upright freezers because of the small floor space required. Distributors are usually very happy with the visual the consumer gets because of vertical merchandising. We learned that upright freezers on the market had a high failure rate, this is because the mechanism that gets rid of heat would clog with dirt and cause failure. The only way to stop this from happening was to frequently clean this mechanism. This wasn’t always done and if you have many freezers in the field it becomes very costly to coordinate. Many instances over time the cost of maintenance exceeded the merchandisers initial purchase cost. Simply put, we built our uprights so that dirt will not collect and failure is a thing of the past. Like all of the cabinets here at Minus Forty Technologies we are proud of our upright freezers because they have proven to be extremely durable and reliable. With easy to move, locking casters, a self-closing torsion bar door and low maintenance requirements we know you will be more than satisfied with the Minus Forty Technologies uprights.• Illuminated Display Panel • Tough and Durable White Baked Enamel Galvanized Steel Freezer Interior • Dual High Intensity Interior Fluorescent Lighting • Extra Thick 2 1/2” Insulated Freezer Walls for Maximum Efficiency • Bottom Mount Compressor/Condenser • Stainless Steel Interior Bottom • Electronic Digital Control and Continuous Temp Display • Fully Automatic Frost Free Operation • Ozone-Friendly R404a CFC Free Refrigerants • Forced Air for Quick Freezer Cooling • Toll Free Customer Care Department for All Warranty* and Service • CSA/UL NSF Certified • Tough and Durable Black Baked Enamel Galvanized Steel Freezer Exterior • Adjustable Epoxy Coated Freezer Shelves • Triple Pane Thermal Insulated and Tempered Glass Freezer Door • Heated Glass Door Eliminates Condensation • High Torsion Self Closing Freezer Door • Snap-In Door Gasket for Easy Replacement • All Interior Corners 1/2” Radius • Self Cleaning Maintenance Free Condenser Design Eliminates Maintenance

It’s Thursday in November as so we continue the November Equipment for turf. Last time we looked at erosion control. Today the look is at water features and how they are important to turf management.

Otterbine and the Industrial Market

Industrial Applications for Otterbine Products:

Maintaining and Cooling Water Temperatures: Otterbine aeration systems can effectively mix the cooler bottom water of a pond with the warmer upper layers to maintain a regulated water temperature. This is often important for mining operations, refineries and other industrial application.

Effluent & Reclaimed Water:
Delivering the industry’s highest independently tested and published oxygen transfer & pumping rates to maximize the consumption of excessive nutrients such as iron, phosphorus and other contributors allows Otterbine systems to effectively treat these ponds for reuse in irrigation.

 

Benefits of an Otterbine:

Natural & Effective Solutions:
Introducing oxygen into the water column is the most natural solution to pond and lake management and effectively controls algae, aquatic weeds, and foul odors leaving healthy and clean aquatic habitats.

Reliable, Trouble-Free Operation:
Offering the industry’s most comprehensive warranties to insure years of dependable service.

Flexible:
Offering both surface and sub-surface aeration systems from 1/4HP to 10HP, Otterbine product lines offer flexibility in the implementation of your pond and lake water quality management programs.

Longevity:
Dedicated to providing the highest quality products and services has made the family owned and operated Otterbine the #1 choice in pond and lake management for over 60 years.

Energy Efficient:
Low amperage systems mean less electrical consumption and low running costs.

Protected:
Products conform to ETL, ETL-C and UL standards, while power control centers come standard with GFCI and surge arrestor to insure safety (except 460V.)

Effortless:
Accessible resources for project planning and execution; all specifications and drawings can be found online throughwww.otterbine.com and www.caddetails.com, or contact Otterbine direct.

 

AERATING FOUNTAINS

Maintaining its symmetry and splendor, the Comet aerating fountain creates a thick, lavish column of water that will fascinate even the most discriminating onlooker.

The Constellation’s two-tiered fountain-like pattern is designed to minimize clogging and hold its form in windy conditions.

The Equinox offers beautiful symmetry from all angles and creates an intricate pattern that’s typically associated with architectural fountains.

The plume of Otterbine’s Gemini pattern offers incredible aeration strength and tremendous beauty to any property.

The two tiers and 16 silhouetted streams of the Genesis cascade into the waterscape creating a dramatic and enticing focal point, captivating onlookers from all around.

The Phoenix’s two-tiered pattern combines aesthetics with aeration, and is popular in commercial and residential settings alike.

The Rocket is a geyser-like pattern that looks beautiful by itself or clustered with other aerating fountains to create a more dramatic effect.

The Saturn is similar to the Sunburst but offers a more compact and lower profile pattern to provide another strong aeration solution.

Otterbine’s signature pattern, theSunburst provides excellent aeration to any pond or lake while displaying a conservative yet striking pattern.

Otterbine’s Giant Fountain line features five decorative patterns available in 10HP, 15HP and 25HP systems. This product is often specified by landscape architects for premier locations whenever a dramatic focus to a landscape water feature is desired. Resorts, amusement parks, and corporate headquarters around the world select these floating fountain systems based on their beauty, versatility and quality.

 

Here is sample of a installed system.

SCHNEIDER’S NURSERY, SEYMOUR, IN

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By: Casey Reed, Vice President of Aquatic Control, Inc.

Some units seem to run forever, and R2-220-787 at Schneider’s Nursery in Seymour Indiana was one of those units.  This 2HP 230 volt Concept 1 workhorse reliably served its owner for 19 years before a broken bulkhead finally ended its run.  The owner, Grant Schneider, was contacted with the bad news and we started looking at options for replacing the unit.

There was never any question that he would choose Otterbine as the replacement unit.  Grant was thrilled to learn that he qualified for a Customer Loyalty Discount and immediately started looking for ways to reinvest his savings.  Grant chose to upgrade his old 2HP Phoenix with a 5HP Gemini for the increased spray pattern dimensions and aerating properties.  An order was placed, and then things got interesting.
As soon as the unit arrived my field technician Bill Thomas delivered it to the property for installation.  As he was installing the panel he noticed there was no neutral run to the original Concept 1 control panel.  Fortunately Schneider’s Nursery is only a few miles from the Aquatic Control office so I directed Bill to come back and pick up a control transformer without neutral (Part# 17-0013,) for installation in the panel.  These transformers have allowed us to overcome the lack of a neutral in the past, so I was sure it would work in this situation.

Bill installed the transformer and energized the unit but could not get it to run.  The unit was pulling 90 amps and the voltage reading in the panel was 180 volts.  In my haste to get the customer a bigger and better fountain I forgot to consider the differences in the electrical requirements between a 2HP unit and a 5HP unit.  We did not have large enough wiring underground between the power supply and the control panel to operate the new unit.

Roger Dailey went to the property the next day to gather information on the wiring in place. Roger discovered that the panel was being supplied on two legs of a three phase power supply with  #4 aluminum wire run 120ft (37m) from the power supply to a pumphouse.  From the pumphouse the wiring size dropped to #12 copper for the final 66ft (20m) underground run to the control panel.  Cable size from the panel was 150ft (46m) of #8.  Roger calculated a voltage drop from the supply to the pumphouse at 10 volts, from the pumphouse to the panel at 24 volts, and from the panel to the unit at 21 volts.  The fountain was actually only getting 160 volts.

This information was relayed to Rich Daly, Otterbine’s Midwest Regional Manager who went to work formulating a solution to the problem.  We knew the wiring from the pumphouse to the panel would need to be replaced and Rich recommended using #8.  The voltage also needed to be increased and an Acme model T-1-81052 0.75 Kva buck/boost transformer was prescribed as the correct transformer for our situation.  I got in touch with Grant’s electrician and he went to work implementing the plan.

A few days later I got the call that all the electrical work had been completed and the unit was ready to be energized.  Bill returned to the property to turn on the unit but again it would not start.  The voltage readings were slightly better, but not much.  Bill discovered that the electrician had replaced the #12 wires but had not installed the transformer.  After convincing him that this actually needed to be done for the unit to run he relented and installed the transformer.  The unit was again energized, and again it failed to run.
At this point I am sure the customer was questioning the entire process, but he never actually said anything.  I was fairly confident that what we had done would work so I had Bill and Roger return to the property to investigate.  A sticky seal was loosened up and the unit fired right off.  The problem had been solved.

With the help of Rich Daly and my experienced technicians Bill and Roger we were able to keep this loyal customer happy.  I think I might have a shot at selling him a replacement unit in the next 19 years or so.

 

As is evident water management through water features can be integral part of your turf system. These systems are not just for the commercial or industrial market but also cover the golf industry.

 

Otterbine and the Golf Market

In the late 1970’s when Chuck and Terry Barebo recognized the need for aeration equipment beyond wastewater management and aquaculture markets, and entered into the golf market. Partnering with family businesses and equipment houses throughout U.S. and internationally, friendships and alliances have evolved over the past 30 years to make Otterbine the leading aeration and fountain product found on golf courses worldwide.

With increasing restrictions and legislation being passed that requires us to take a more environmental approach to managing our natural resources, water quality management and conservation is becoming ever more important.

Otterbine Aeration Systems Provide the Following Solutions to the Golf Market:

Irrigation Ponds: Improve the water quality of irrigation ponds. Irrigation ponds left unmanaged can lose 1-5 inches or 2.5-5 centimeters of storage capacity a year due to sludge build-up, let alone the damage it can cause with clogged pumps and irrigations systems. High nutrient levels in irrigation ponds can also lead toward turf damage, while poor water quality will often lead toward foul odors, fish kills, unsightly aquatic algae and weeds. The costs and time associated to repair damage can add up quick affecting your bottom line.

Managing Effluent and Reclaimed Water: Look to our High Volume and Air Flo 2 systems for the most aeration, while the Sunburst, Gemini and Saturn units will provide plenty of aeration with added benefit of a surface spray for aesthetic enhancement.

Supporting Natural Habitats:

Aeration is able to consume excess nutrients that are harmful to ponds and their inhabitants. Providing an environmentally friendly solution to improving water quality, the use of aeration supports healthy aquatic habitats for fish and wildlife, while creating naturalized landscapes to be enjoyed by members and guests.

 

Flexible Solutions: Offering a range of products from surface spray to sub-surface aeration systems, and Giant Fountains that can accentuate the magnificence of a clubhouse, Otterbine is able to provide proven aeration and aesthetic enhancement.

 

Visit our Products page to learn more about the solutions we deliver.

Here is sample from the golf industry.

ALBANY COUNTRY CLUB, VOORHEESVILLE, NY

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Albany Country Club originated in 1890 as a hunting preserve and country club. This prestigious course moved in 1962 to its present location in Voorheesville NY which is situated high on the hills above the Hudson River Valley.

The drive up Wormer Road to the clubhouse passes by the 16^th hole. With the green approachable from the elevated tees and fairway, 2 ponds are situated below the green on this picturesque par 3 hole.

These two ponds had become problem areas. Dan Shaughnessy, who has been the superintendent for 29 years after making his way north from the Belleair Country Club in Clearwater Florida says, due to heavy algae bloom, his crew was “Raking and Skimming the ponds 3-4 times a week.”

The impeccably maintained course has four other ponds of which two were utilizing Otterbine aeration as their water quality management tool of choice.

After realizing the beneficial effects of the water quality health improvement through aeration of the ponds on holes #12 and #18, it was decided to install Otterbine Aerating Fountains to correct the woes of the ponds on #16.

A 2HP unit with the Sunburst pattern was placed in each pond at the beginning of July of 2011. The results have been extremely positive. Whereas Dan’s crew was having to physically remove algae mats weekly prior to the fountain installations, Dan says “within a month we were only having to rake just the edges and now (September 1) we have not had to touch them at all in the past 3 – 4 weeks”  Dan goes on to say…”the ponds were a mess, but now the water has cleared completely and the results have exceeded our expectations AND the members love them.”

The Otterbine units were sold by the regional distributor – Grassland Equipment and Irrigation Corp. of Latham NY. Grassland’s territory manager Bruce Haworth recognizes the benefits Otterbine products have brought to many of his customers, reflecting Bruce says “historically they (Otterbine) has been a good and responsible company to work with while providing quality products, leading to overwhelming customer satisfaction.”

 

Turf and water management, two items that go hand in hand.