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After last year's obligatory postponement, National Grass Day was back in full force on Thursday, September 2. An enthusiastic crowd of garden contractors, municipal services, and other green professionals gathered on the fields of Franken Agro in Mol. It was a happy reunion, which this year was not only about green, but also about blue gold.
National Grass Day is organized by Advanta, Bayer Crop Science, Compo Expert, ICL, and TerraCottem, and took place for the fourteenth time this year. As usual, professional visitors were able to meet dozens of specialists and discover all aspects of the construction, renovation, and maintenance of lawns, sports fields, and public green spaces. Not only by listening, but just as much by seeing and doing. Together with Erik Truyers from Advanta, we look back on the event.
The fourteenth edition of National Grass Day was originally scheduled for June 10 and 11, 2020, in Pittem, but we all know by now why those plans had to be shelved.
“Of course, we would have loved to celebrate our fifteenth edition this year, but given the circumstances, we are especially proud and happy that we were finally able to meet again. After all, for a long time this year it was unclear whether National Grass Day would be able to go ahead. It is thanks to the efforts of all the organizing partners, as well as those of Franken Agro and the municipality of Mol, that we have managed to set up the event at relatively short notice, while observing the necessary safety measures.”
However, this year's National Grass Day was not quite the same. The event was limited to one day and the number of visitors had to be restricted. “Traditionally, we also invite a lot of schools,” Truyers adds. “After all, today's students are tomorrow's professionals. However, because we were only able to make a decision in the summer, it was difficult to reach anyone. In hindsight, that was a blessing in disguise, because there was so much enthusiasm that we had to close registrations in advance.”
However, Erik Truyers' satisfaction with National Grass Day 2021 is not solely due to the high number of visitors. It is the quality of the contacts that, according to
is his priority.
“After a long period of lockdown, it was clear that the sector needed new and renewed personal contacts. And that is exactly what we aim to achieve with National Grass Day: reaching green professionals directly. Not by overwhelming them with a multitude of commercial messages, but by providing information, giving demonstrations, and answering questions.”
“Of course, there are always a few new products on show—like Husqvarna's CEORA robotic mower this year—but ultimately, it's all about giving green professionals the chance to check out the different options and compare them for themselves. Poor products are almost non-existent in our sector, but the big challenge is to match the right product to the right problem. That usually requires a little more background knowledge and experience – exactly what we want to share with each other at a knowledge event such as National Grass Day.”
Mieke Wittebrood from TwinTrailer experienced the atmosphere of knowledge sharing for the first time this year.
“Not only are we right here with the right people—the professionals—but it’s also striking how they engage with each other. We saw our customers approach other visitors at the stand on several occasions and spontaneously share their experiences with the TwinTrailer. They were, as it were, our best ambassadors.”
National Grass Day is, unsurprisingly, invariably dominated by grass, but under the heading ‘Water, the new gold’, extra attention was also paid to soil and water management.
“In recent years, our lawns have repeatedly had to contend with extreme weather conditions. The very high temperatures and long periods of drought in 2019 and 2020 are perhaps considered the most problematic, but extremely wet summers like this one can also pose challenges. We must all prepare ourselves for this.”
During two guided tours, the organizing partners provided explanations and details about their solutions and initiatives in the field of water.
Bayer Crop Science drew attention to crop protection products and, more specifically, the importance of the quality of both the formulation and the water, as well as the efficient use of grass-specific formulations with less water and higher UV protection.
COMPO EXPERT explained how high-quality fertilizers and soil improvers lead to improved water absorption by the soil and increased plant resistance to both drought and waterlogging, and TerraCottem explained the more than twenty water-retaining, nourishing, and stimulating components in its soil improvement technology and how they work synergistically to improve soil quality and water retention.
ICL's message was that hoping for regular rainfall today is futile and that good water management is essential to maintain beautiful green spaces. In the context of water management, ICL discussed the use and selection of the right wetting agents in more detail.
Finally, Advanta turned its attention to the grass itself. “Thanks to modified grass genetics, we now have lawn and grass seed mixtures in our range that offer exceptional resistance to drought, heat, and UV radiation,” says Truyers. “This is the result of decades of breeding."
and refine.”
Many exhibitors also focused on water and related issues. Solutions for decompacting the soil and optimizing water management were demonstrated at various locations, and attention was also paid to support in the form of irrigation and sprinkling. “Plants and crops simply grow better with a regular supply of moisture,” says Paul Hermans of VBS Irrigation. “However, it is clear that nature does not necessarily provide this itself. So it pays to lend a hand now and then.”
A week after the event, Erik Truyers still has a full mailbox. It contains general expressions of gratitude and congratulations, as well as more substantive questions. “We can look back on a very successful edition,” he concludes. “Everyone was happy to meet each other in person again and catch up at the stand or the bar. Personally, I see only one downside, and that is that I didn't have enough time to talk to everyone and answer all their questions. That will be a challenge for the coming weeks, but it also gives me extra motivation to do even better next year.”
GRIN: mowing in all conditions
In the past, visitors to National Grass Day at GRIN were able to test out the PM53 PRO. This year, building on the success of that professional lawn mower, the Italian manufacturer unveiled the GRIN PM53 KW. “Essentially, little has changed in terms of the machine,” says Çakti Aswan. “But the one change that has been made makes a significant difference for professional gardeners. The PM53 KW is equipped with a new Kawasaki engine. This engine is equipped with an oil pump, which means that it never has lubrication problems and will never stall, even on steep slopes. This gives the user considerably more freedom of movement.”
The familiar features of the PM53 PRO remain unchanged in the new model. “Thanks to its high cutting torque, the machine can handle the most challenging mowing conditions, including young, wet, tall, or thick grass. This is always done according to the familiar GRIN mowing principle, which means that everything that is cut is also finely shredded to ensure a beautiful mowing result without waste.”
Herco Machinery: multi-purpose flail mowers
At the Herco Machinery stand, Peruzzo's bright green flail mowers attracted a lot of attention again this year. The wide range of machines, with models from 96 to 500 centimeters without a collection box or 100 to 220 centimeters with a collection box, engine, PTO, or hydraulically driven, demonstrates the great diversity of possibilities, but according to Gunther Hermans, that is by no means the end of it. “We are aware that flail mowers are not only used during the regular mowing season, but simply all year round. In the fall, they are used to clear leaves, and when there has been a storm, they are used to collect branches. Only when it snows do they stay in the shed for a while.”
Hermans believes that the machines owe their versatility to the robust rotor. “With a speed of over 2,000 revolutions per minute, just about everything is sucked into the machine. However, we have never seen any damage to the flails or rotors, even when unexpected contaminants are present.”
Hilaire Van Der Haeghe: electric tool carrier
Among the many different machines on display at the Hilaire Van Der Haeghe stand, one striking white model on three wheels stood out: the fully electric AllTrec 4810T utility vehicle, equipped for the occasion with a 130-centimeter mower deck. “With its three wheels, the utility vehicle is extremely maneuverable and designed to mow for eight hours with the largest battery pack, namely the 45 kW one,” says product specialist Eric Peeters. “To do this, the machine needs to be charged for two to six hours, depending on the charging device.” Those who require less autonomy can also opt for 25 or 35 kW batteries, each with a service life of seven years or 2,000 charging cycles. The maintenance and operating costs of the AllTrec 4810T are minimal compared to fossil fuel-powered machines.
The mower deck, in turn, is suitable for both rear discharge and mulching, and is also available in a version with a working width of 180 centimeters. In addition, other electrically powered accessories can also be mounted on the tool carrier, such as a mowing arm with mowing head or hedge trimmer, a weed brush with 3D head, or a hot air weed burner. “The latter is supported by two gas cylinders for the hot air, but minimizes consumption through optimal heat recovery.”
Jo Beau: Landscaper Line is being expanded
Under the name Landscaper Line, machine manufacturer Jo Beau is launching a series of summer equipment this year. During National Grass Day, the SC550 turf cutter, among other things, attracted a lot of attention.
“The SC550 is a compact yet professional lawn cutter with a working width of up to 457 millimeters,” says Christophe Beauprez. “The machine cuts to a maximum depth of 63.5 millimeters, and the precise depth can be adjusted in 6-millimeter increments. Cutting can be done at two different speeds, but for transport there are two additional forward gears and one reverse gear. In addition, the machine is equipped with a professional Honda GX 160 engine and four-wheel drive for better traction and stability.”
To keep maintenance and use as simple as possible, frills were deliberately omitted from this turf cutter, but targeted investments were made in user ergonomics. “The blade control is located close to the handlebar and has been ergonomically designed so that it does not require unnecessary effort or exertion to push the blade into the ground. We have also fitted vibration dampers to the handlebar itself. These absorb the vibrations caused by the blade shaking and ensure comfortable operation.”
Reesink Turfcare: three-part flail mower
At National Grass Day, Reesink Turfcare presented, among other things, the three-part Toro LT-F3000 flail mower. “The machine is new and rather unique in the Toro range,” says account manager Eric Laenen. “Both because of its mowing principle and its three-part design. However, we are noticing that cities and municipalities are increasingly asking for flail mowers, partly because of the reduced maintenance required. This machine is the perfect solution, with the added advantage that the three independent mowing sections – left, right, and rear – offer a high degree of flexibility. On the one hand, it provides a cutting width that can be adjusted from 76 to 212 centimeters, and on the other hand, it ensures a perfect cutting result, even on uneven terrain, without scalping. Thanks to the rear run on the various elements, you can easily create the characteristic striped effect where necessary.”
The Toro LT-F3000 is equipped with a 43.4 hp turbo diesel engine that complies with Stage V and the Toro CrossTrax® drive system for extra power and traction on the wheels. The cab is road-approved and, if desired, the flails can be replaced by cylinders.
Van Dyck Marcel: compact steel wheel loader
Distributor Van Dyck Marcel was present at National Grass Day with the Pitbull X27. According to Joey Van Dyck, grandson of the founder, the articulated loader from the up-and-coming Dutch brand stood out mainly because of its powerful lifting capacity. “The machine looks compact, but it packs enormous power in both the lifting mechanism and the wheels. For example, the lifting capacity of the X27 is 2.7 tons, but the boom and pump are rated for 3.6 tons. So the machine doesn't give up easily, and thanks to the high power on the wheels, even large amounts of soil can be pushed along without any problems.”
Another twist on the compact appearance: the machine has the ergonomics and overbuild of a large articulated loader. “It is an all-steel machine, equipped with a fixed pivot point based on bearings and a pendulum axle at the rear. This prevents the driver from being thrown around on uneven terrain and also prevents play at the pivot point in such conditions.”
