The 24th Australian Turfgrass Conference and Trade Show was held in Melbourne at the Melbourne Convention Centre from the 21st to the 24th July, 2008.
The theme of the 2008 conference was “Our New Tomorrow”. Forty Six Turf Technicians attended.
Presenters covered subjects that included the future, environment and water concerns.
MONDAY 21ST JULY
Castrol Presentation
Our first presenter was Rod Crow, Technical Service Manager VIC/SA/TAS for Castrol Oils. Rod spoke about the advantages and disadvantages of biodegradable and synthetic oils versus mineral oil. He discussed low sulphur oils as well as long grade oils lasting 250 to 500 hours for longer service intervals to reduce waste oil which also benefits the environment.
Powerturf Technical Presentation
We then travelled out to Derrimut for a look at the power turf facilities. Ray Grech, National Service Manager Powerturf Support and Nigel Thorp, Warranty Repairs South East & QLD/NT/NSW and Glenn Wright, Jacobson Technical Training Manager Pacific Rim spoke about electric mower technology, specifically the Hybrid petrol electric walker mower and the future direction of new controllers being fitter to the new mowers.
Facilities Tour
Our next stop was the Melbourne Cricket Ground where Scott West, MCG Turf Supervisor showed us the maintenance facilities of the ground. The MCG has 16 ground staff who are responsible for the MGC, Junction Oval, Elwood Oval and two Bowling Clubs.
The MCG is a blend of couch and ryegrass with the turf being supplied by HG Turf. Turf is replaced in 1m3 pieces, each weighing approximately 75kg per 1m3 with an estimated cost of $100 per 1m3. This turf is grown on a synthetic turf mat to hold the grass together.
TUESDAY 22ND JULY
We spent Tuesday at Toro, Braeside complex where Richard Ward, Managing Director Asia Pacific gave an overview of the company and its future direction.
Evan Goahis, National Service Manager introduced us to the following people:
- Greg Turner, Foley United Sales Manager
- Craig Day, Spray Safe and Save
- Garry Price, Field Engineer Turf Equipment Sales & Service, Toro
- Dr Van Cline, Manager of Turf Agronomics and Research, Toro
All That’s Real in Reels
Greg Turner then spoke to us about how to get the best out of reels and grinders.
Stay Safe, Spray Safe
Craig Day discussed how to set up a sprayer correctly as well as nozzle sizes, spray patterns and calibration.
Hands on Technical Training
Garry Price gave a power point presentation on electrical and hydraulic testing procedures and troubleshooting. He also provided us with information on training sessions available over the next year.
Turf Management 2010 and Beyond
Dr Van Cline spoke about developments in Turf Management 2010 and beyond. This included critical influences in the golf industry, productivity, water management, environmental issues, demand for quality and slower growth in golf in the USA. He also provided information on emerging technologies in turf equipment. These included electric mowers, hybrid mowers, robotic controlled mowers and alternative fuels.
WEDNESDAY 23RD JULY
Maintaining the latest machinery
Wednesday commenced with Dr Van Cline presenting on Photosynthesis which is a Turf Scanning System that is currently being developed.
This system has sensors on the back of the mower which enables an inspection of the condition of the turf on fairways that in turn can pinpoint problems that can occur eg. turf stress, diseases, watering problems (turf too wet or too dry), fertiliser overlap problems or mist bits. The Turf Scanning System is wireless and has GPS time and data to pin point problems. The information then downloads to a computer when the mower returns to the shed.
Team Work – How the Joint Approach Works
The next session was presented by Daryl Seller, AGCSA HR & Best Practice Manger. Daryl identified problems that can arise with staff and management and coping mechanisms to solve them. He stressed that communication, understanding and team work leads to a happy and safe working environment.
Technicians In Asia
Phil Ryan from Pacific Coast Design spoke about job opportunities in South East Asia and the points in favour of and against taking up an overseas role. His opinion was that these roles are more suited to a single person rather than a married person but certainly investigate thoroughly and take the job if suitable.
Who’s Responsible?
A joint presentation by Jim Frances, Glenmac John Deere and Mick Licht, Toro covered expectations of a manufacturer pre and post delivery in relation to operator and OH&S issues and training for the new equipment.
The Future and New Direction of Turf Equipment and Machinery, John Deere
Mark Shoemaker, John Deere and Brooks Hastings, Marketing Manager Turf and Golf Care US and Asia covered the research and development of new technology trends. This included smart materials, shape memory alloys, material technology, intelligent materials, and nanotechnology which is used in:
- Industrial coatings – anti friction
- Nanotube memory chips for storing data
The presentation concluded with information on energy, transportation and alternative fuels
The day ended with time to inspect machinery at the Trade Show.
THURSDAY 24TH JULY
Briggs & Stratton Technical Presentation
Steven Newman, Briggs & Stratton talked about the history of Briggs & Stratton from 1908 through to 2008. Below are some of the highlights in their history:
- In 1908 Briggs & Stratton commenced production of cars called the “Superior” and locks and gages called Basco.
- In 1920 B&S began to fit engines to cylinder mowers.
- In 1930 B&S produced engines for scooters.
- The first aluminium engine was made in 1953.
- 1970 brought the V-Twin 16 horse power engine.
- 1980 – Magnetron ignition
- 1980-1983 – produced a Hybrid car
- 1990’s – motor sports engines for Go Karts
Presentation on Various BOC Equipment
David Smith, Welding & Laser Specialist and Rod Bamford, Industrial Products Manager showed us Mig and Tig welders and Plasma Cutters that are currently available in an affordable price range.
Irrigation Development and Maintenance
Our final presentation of the conference was given by Ken Mangum, Director golf courses and grounds, Atlanta Athletics Club. He discussed golf course irrigation towards 2010 and beyond and problems that they have encountered with water restrictions and irrigation systems they fitted to water fairways and roughs on a 500 acre course.
A last look at the Trade Show completed the 4 day conference which provided a great deal of information and networking opportunities for all who attended,
John Phelan
Equipment Technician
Woodlands Golf Course
Mordialloc, Victoria | 
