Bulldog Ratchet Pruning Shears BD31303 – Product Review

20mm cutting diameter ratchet pruning shears

Review by Michael Smith

I have to say that this is the first of those kinds of pruning shears that I ever really have had an opportunity to use and review.

Other manufacturers and vendors for some reason have been more than reluctant, to say the least, to part with one of those for a proper and thorough product review and I leave the reader to draw his or her own conclusions as to the why and wherefore of this.

Bulldog's representatives on IOG Saltex 2008 were more than happy to supply me with one of those and so far I must say that I am quite impressed with this tool.

It took a little while for me to get the proper hang of it as to the best way of using it but once that had been mastered it is just a great piece of kit.

The maximum cutting size, in my opinion, should not be exceeded when cutting hardwoods, whether green or not, such as apply, plum, oak, etc. While it may work alright with slightly larger branch diameters, I must say that I would not recommend doing it.

Once the “trick” of properly using the ratchet is mastered this pair of pruners cuts through quite thick branches without any real effort. Small pruning is best done with the topmost tip of the pruners as it is then just the single snip. This is very good for dead heading of roses and also general small pruning rather than using the cutting jaws further down that then still employs the ratchet, making the cutting process a little slower.

On larger material the ratchet makes cutting virtually effortless and I recently used it to cut back a Willow (Salix) and in this instance cutting material with diameters of 35mm and such without any problems. It must be considered thought that green willow is a rather soft wood.

I also used it to prune some apple trees and in that case I restricted myself to about the maximum given diameter for this pair of pruners and there as well very little effort and strength was needed for the cutting.

From what I have seen so far as to the performance and reliability I can, I think, very much recommend this model of Bulldog's pruners without any hesitation.

Once again another piece of kit that is of fine quality at a very reasonable price.

© M Smith (Veshengro), October 2008
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PREMIER LEAGUE GROUNDSMEN KEEP UP TO DATE WITH SYNGENTA TURF MANAGEMENT RESEARCH

The Institute of Groundsmanship (IOG) recently collaborated with turf management specialist Syngenta over a recent fact-finding visit by Premier League groundsmen to the Syngenta Turf Research facility at Stein in Switzerland.

With 30 or so groundsmen in attendance – drawn from the Premiership as well as clubs such as Reading and Derby, and including grounds managers of the clubs’ main stadia and academy playing surfaces – the two-day trip provided exclusive insights into the company’s $850 million research and development programme, in addition to face-to-face discussions with officials from the Professional Footballers’ Association and the Premier League.

Chaired by IOG chief executive Geoff Webb, the first day’s programme enabled open discussions about the implications to the playing surface by such activities as warm-up periods.

On the second day, delegates toured the impressive facilities at Stein where Syngenta Turf Researcher Dr Eva Haensel explained that it can take over 10 years and cost around £100 million to create a new turf management product. She also highlighted how “it is crucial that each new innovation brings a significant advantage for groundsmen”.

She continued: “We rely on the direct feedback from groundsmen to ensure we are focusing on the development of products that are especially relevant to the issues being faced, as well as providing practical advice and techniques to ensure they can be used as effectively as possible.”

The research facility has been instrumental in developing the use of Primo MAXX on sports turf surfaces, as well as new turf fungicides planned for UK launch in 2009.

Darren Baldwin, grounds manager at Tottenham Hotspur FC, praised the Syngenta team for its hospitality and professionalism, and thanked the IOG’s Head of Sales & Marketing, Kevin Duffill, for such an appropriate programme of events.

“Being able to get so many Premier League grounds professionals together was an achievement in itself,” he said, “and we all found it really useful to exchange opinions and to present those views to the footballing authorities.

“In addition, of course, the visit to the research centre was a real eye opener – the level of Syngenta R & D is quite amazing, and it was really helpful for us to understand what goes into the development and testing of chemicals, for example, before they reach the market.”
Syngenta Turf Manager, Simon Elsworth, added: “We hope that having seen the investment and commitment that goes into developing products, visitors will have full confidence and assurance in the performance of Syngenta products on the pitch.”

The Institute of Groundsmanship (IOG) is the leading membership organisation representing grounds managers, groundsmen, grounds maintenance managers, greenkeepers and all others involved in the management of sports pitches, landscape and amenity facilities in the UK. As well as maintaining the IOG Performance Quality Standards and providing a consultancy service for sports grounds, lawn maintenance and amenity horticulture, the IOG’s extensive Training and Education programme includes cricket, football, tennis, horseracing, bowls, artificial surfaces, turf science and many other specialist subjects. It also stages the annual IOG SCOTSTURF and IOG SALTEX exhibition, Europe’s leading show for the open space profession. For more information visit www.iog.org

Source: Wildish Communications Ltd
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IOG SCOTSTURF SPEAKER ASKS: IS INDUSTRY READY FOR THE 2014 COMMONWEALTH GAMES?

With an exclusive keynote speech by the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games Bid Director and a comprehensive programme of informative seminars covering the latest in noise & vibration, corporate manslaughter, pesticides and training & education, the IOG Scotsturf show on November 5 & 6 at Edinburgh’s Royal Highland Centre offers an unrivalled opportunity to provide updates on all the issues affecting the grounds care and golf course industry in the north and Scotland.

The fact that the show will both enlighten and entertain visitors is also illustrated by the programme of live equipment demonstrations being planned alongside the IOG Scottish Football Groundsman of the Year and Cricket Scotland’s Cricket Groundsman of the Year Awards, also the Best New product Awards, plus more than 100 leading suppliers are displaying products which are being seen for the first time in Scotland.

One highlight of the show will be the keynote address on Wednesday 5 November by Derek Casey, Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games Bid Director, who will ask ‘Are we ready for the challenge of Glasgow 2014? Is the industry prepared and able to play its part in delivering world class sporting venues?’ Derek’s probing presentation is certain to stir the audience!

The IOG Scotsturf seminar programme – which qualifies for IOG CPD, BASIS and NRoSO points – will comprise a series of not-to-be-missed sessions, including:

• Noise and vibration assessments – where are we now in workplace controls? Presented by the Health & Safety Executive.
• The Corporate Manslaughter Act – get the facts, by HSE Solutions.
• Pesticides and the law – new EU legislation is scheduled to be announced. Presented by The Amenity Forum.
• Training & education - improving productivity and performance, by IOG and Lantra.
• Residual pesticides – the facts, by Indigrow.
• Health & safety law – an expert view, by HSE Solutions.
  

Visit www.iogscotsturf.co.uk for more details and to pre-register for IOG Scotsturf - which is co-located with Road Expo Scotland, the only dedicated event for the roads and traffic management industry in Scotland.

Source: Wildish Communications Ltd
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IOG MAINTAINS MOODLE VIRTUAL LEARNING ROUTE FOR NEW LEVEL 3 ADVANCED NATIONAL CERTIFICATE

The Institute of Groundsmanship has announced the new Level 3 Advanced National Certificate in Sports and Amenity Turf Management as an easy-to-use, online career progression from skilled groundsman (Level 2) to supervisor/manager.

Following the success of providing the Level 2 National Certificate via its innovative Moodle online virtual learning environment – which enables participants to study for the qualification in their own time, or a time set by their employer, at a convenient pace and place – the new Level 3 Advanced National Certificate is offered on a similar flexible learning basis.

Developed by the IOG in conjunction with City & Guilds and NPTC, the Level 3 Advanced National Certificate incorporates eight compulsory units and one optional unit. The mandatory units are:

• Plant physiology in relation to the horticulture industry
• Maintaining health and safety in the amenity horticulture industries
• Management of weeds, pests and diseases
• Turf machinery and equipment management
• Working in the Turf grass industry
• Construction of sports and amenity turf areas
• Sustainable management of turf.
  

The optional unit aligns with the participant’s specific interest and covers the management of amenity, cricket, bowling, tennis, football, rugby, golf and horseracing turf. The structure of the qualification is such that candidates will have CPD documentation that shows clearly the sport option achieved.

The Level 3 qualification can be accessed by anybody who holds an equivalent Level 2 qualification such as the IOG National Technical Certificate (NTC), City & Guilds NVQ in Sports Turf Maintenance, or by anybody who can prove that they are/have been operating at a Level 3 standard.

Commenting, the IOG’s Head of Professional Services, Ian Lacy, says: “The overwhelming success of offering Level 2 via Moodle – the virtual learning environment pioneered and funded by the IOG – has emphasised why the IOG is the industry’s training and education supplier of choice, and the new Level 3 will further reinforce that.”

Source: Wildish Communications
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LONDON MULTI-TRADE SHOW PICKS UP THE PACE

With pick up coach routes agreed for British Hardware Federation (BHF) members, lunch/drinks vouchers for Home Hardware South West members, and the latest signings including Abus UK, Cathedral Products and Rothley, London’s Multi-Trade Show is picking up the pace getting ready for January 2009.

Plans for the 15th Show Conference are also firming up. It will run on the morning of Monday, 19 January in the Earls Court Conference Centre, alongside Earls Court 2. The first speaker to confirm is Richard Perks, director of retail research at Mintel, who will provide an overview of the sector for delegates. Brintex will announce further speakers shortly. The theme for the conference has been set as ‘DIY Retailing – What the future holds’.

“There is still plenty being done and details to clarify. Opportunities exist for exhibitors to enter products in our revamped New Product Piazza, as well as highlighting what exclusive deals they will be offering to visitors. TV shopping channel QVC has also asked to use the show this year to film new products and there are more partnerships to be finalised to ensure visitors literally get an easy ride to the show, but it’s coming together well,” commented show director James Murray.

He added, “Interest in exhibition space is growing steadily as companies recognise that without promoting their products their year could be even tougher – and we’re certainly ready and willing to help exhibitors shout about their new ideas and products!”

New exhibitors for Totally Tools include GT85 and Mewett Polyurethane who have rebooked from this year.

In Totally DIY new bookings include Laddermat, Rothley, Rug Doctor, Stadium Group, Urfic UK and William E. Selkin.

New show Totally Secure is shaping up with signings now including Abus UK and Cathedral Products.

Totally Tools, Totally DIY and Totally Secure will take place 18-20 January 2009 at Earls Court in London. For further details and a full list of current exhibitors please contact show organiser Brintex on 020 7973 6401.

Source: The Press Office Ltd.
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Leaf raking against the Horse Chestnut Leaf Miner Moth

November 8 is Day of Action “Save our Horse Chestnuts”

by Michael Smith

A nasty parasite is already for a number of years been plaguing the white-flowering Horse Chestnut. In Germany this pest has now reached all areas and also in Britain it is spreading like wild fire. From its arrival in 2001/2002 in the Wimbledon area of South London it has now spread to most parts of Southern Britain.

This parasite is bringing an early autumn to our beloved Horse Chestnut, the tree that brings fun and games to the children of the British Isles, in the form of the conker game (as long as the schools and authorities try not to ban it) and simply collecting the chestnuts. As children we also made little animals and people and little baskets out of the conkers. In August already all the leaves have dried out and it looks like Fall has arrived.

The parasite responsible for this, the Horse Chestnut leaf miner moth (Cameraria ohridella), has no natural enemies, neither in Germany nor in the British Isles. It was always said that a wet summer and wet winters would kill the moth and the eggs of the moth that overwinter in the fallen leaves but, alas, this does not seem to happen for the last two summers in Britain were very wet and the moth still has caused great damage again in 2008. Despite intensive research no antidote has as yet been found against this damaging insect.

The until now only effective countermeasure against it is to collect all the fallen leaves as soon as possible and to burn them in a sanitary way. This is the only way to prevent that the eggs of the moth that overwinter in the fallen leaves turn into larvae.

In Germany the Schutzgemeinschaft Deutscher Wald calls already now for a number of years upon communities and cities to take part in the collection action and to encourage their residents to take part in this.

The city of Essen in North-Rhine-Westphalia (Germany) is leading the way here in that sacks are provided free of charge for residents to be able to collect the leaves, which are then collected by the municipality and burned in a waster incinerating heating plant.

Those communes that have been taking part in this action of collecting of fallen leaves for a number of years now can prove that it works in that their Horse Chestnuts are once again green until at the right time in late autumn.

Collecting and burning the fallen leaves is the only way to rid ourselves of this pest that so badly affects our Horse Chestnut.

While the Horse Chestnut Leaf Miner Moth not necessarily causes the death of the trees it will, over time, however, weaken the trees and allow other pathogens and parasites to destroy the trees.

© M Smith (Veshengro), September 2008
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Bulldog Mini Bypass Pruning Shears BD3150 – Product Review

Review by Michael Smith

The Bulldog BD3150 mini bypass pruning shears are a very nice and handy little pair of pruners for the cutting back of live or 'green' foliage and also capable of basically all small pruning tasks. In my opinion those pruners are also great for children who wish to help in the garden. Yes, I do know that they are cutting tools and sharp but they will never learn how to do things if they are not permitted to learn when young.

The cutting capacity is 6mm which is just under 1/2 inch in old money. However, it is probably possible to cut a little thicker pieces like that. It all depends on what material they are. While I would not suggest to cut a 3/4 inch apple twig or one of other hard wood with this pair of pruning shears it it, however, possible to cut bramble runners of that size and even bigger, especially if they are “green”.

While an ideal little pair of pruning shears for the home and also the allotment gardener they are also suitable for the professional when about generally in case there is something to be that needs dead heading, whether roses or flowering plants in general. In addition it is also an ideal small pair of secateurs for the Park and Countryside Ranger on patrol should the need arise to cut some bramble runners or such clear from a path to protect the public from injury. It is the small size here that comes in at the forefront, allowing it to just be slipped into a pocket or a notebook belt pouch or such.

Those mini bypass pruners are also brilliant for harvesting produce in your veggie garden or plot, whether those be beans or other vegetables, and do a much better job than garden scissors, for instance.

The grip is a soft elastomer kind of material than makes using them a pleasure.

Priced at an RRP of £8.44 they hardly break the bank and as with all Bulldog tools we are talking quality at an affordable price. I know that you can get secateurs for less than £3 or even for as low as 99pence but what are you getting there?

The only one thing that I am not too sure about, I must say, as to reliability and durability, is the yellow – in the case of the green handles version of the BD3150 mini bypass pruning shears that I was given for review – plastic sliding lock. I would have rather seen something like the lock on the BD3152 bypass pruning shears. In use I find that at times that lock slides forward and, in fact, locks the shears. This is, though, not the only kind of lock on secateurs that I have a problem with. The old style, as on the afore mentioned BD3152 – the clasp on the bottom of the handles – still takes a lot of beating. The spring too, maybe, just maybe, could do with, in my opinion, being just a little bit stronger.

However, this small pair of mini pruners is something that many people will have been waiting for, and also those gardeners that want to be able to allow their youngsters a go in the garden with dead heading and such but the secateurs on the market in general are too large to really be able to do that. These mini pruning shears will, certainly, bridge that gap.

© M Smith (Veshengro), September 2008
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