With 455 company stands attracting over 13,500 visitors which far exceeded last year’s attendance and was ahead of the attendance figure achieved in 2007 and 2006, it was clear that open space professionals from throughout the UK continue to steadfastly regard IOG SALTEX as an essential venue.
Natalie Higgins & Mette Gudmundsen – The Landscaper team
Hundreds of new products were launched for groundsmen and greenkeepers through to play officers, architects, designers and surveyors as well as local authority and outdoor leisure facility managers. And it is clear that a high percentage of visitors were there with serious intent – not only to discover the latest money-saving ideas, but also to compare and buy the equipment.
As Lynda Green, Operations Director for Terrain Aeration, says: “We took our first order before the show started – and the orders kept coming.” While David Jenkins, managing director of DJ Turfcare – which launched four new products – added: "This was by far the best show we have experienced and the quality of visitors was excellent.”
New products abounded for turf care enthusiasts – for example, new mowers from Dennis, Etesia, FG Claymore, Hayter, Ransomes and Toro; while exhibitors such as BSG (tractors), GreenMech (chippers), Husqvarna (chainsaws), Reco (utility vehicles), Ryetec (flail collectors), Sisis (scarifiers), Stihl (hand tools), Tracmaster (rotovators) illustrated the wide range of equipment being showcased for the first time.
Innovation was evident across the show, and while technologies for turf care were in abundance the ‘science’ of synthetic surfaces was also being addressed – none more so than by Charterhouse and the IOG which are intending to jointly launch an Internet resource service where grounds professionals can seek advice on a wide range of issues.
As usual, the play equipment exhibits were also popular – and while Wicksteed’s presentation of new play experiences again attracted much attention, Gerry O’Sullivan of the Childrens Playground Company stated that “if your business is play equipment then IOG SALTEX is the business!”
The show caters for the complete open space management sector and evolves year on year to meet growing demands, including this time the introduction of a Nursery Stock Area and the Sports Equipment Zone, which were both bustling with business.
Also catered for is the arboricultural industry and as well as an exciting programme of lumberjack sports that drew crowds to the Gristwood and Toms stand, the schedule of demonstrations by the BTS Group of tree access, aerial rescue and chainsaw use and maintenance also grabbed attention in the World of Arb feature area.
The special ‘arb’ seminar sessions in the popular IOG SALTEX Education Programme were packed, as were the newly-introduced lunchtime networking sessions on Smart machinery management, Cricket, Synthetic pitches and Contractors.
As part of the comprehensive programme of well-supported seminars in The Grandstand, the updates presented by Chris Gray (carbon footprints), Charles Henderson of the STRI (natural/organic fertilisers), Dr Kate Entwistle (turf diseases), Paul Mathers of WRAP (green waste) and the Amenity Forum’s John Moverley (pesticides) all provided timely and informative updates for a wide spread of visitors.
The Grandstand was also the venue for the FA Groundsman of the Year Awards, which included the presentation to Swansea City FC head groundsman, Dan Duffy, as the IOG Professional Football Groundsman of the Year.
The Sports Turf Skills Village and the Live Machinery Demonstration Area (in conjunction with the AEA) were again crowd-pullers, as well as the Intermediate Final of the WorldSkills UK Landscape Gardening competition, where the four teams from Capel Manor, CAFRE, Oatridge and Otley Colleges battled it out. The winners were Capel Manor College.
All in all, IOG SALTEX 2009 was heralded an overwhelming success – a fitting milestone as the IOG celebrates its 75th Anniversary.
IOG SALTEX 2010 will be held on 7-9 September at Windsor Racecourse, Berks,
“I thought this years Saltex was really good.- we have already booked for next year,” says Phil Everett. “We got a tremendous amount of interest in our off- road vehicles .
“The visitors seemed more diversified than past years, coming from a much wider range of industries which from our point of view is really positive – as we have a wide range of vehicles. “We offer the market’s widest range of ATV and Side by Side utility machines including the unique Polaris Ranger 
Crew with seating for six and a cargo carrying capacity of 454kg. Also unique to Polaris and on display was the Ranger 6×6 and Sportsman 6×6.
“Also our road-legal side by side work vehicle – Ranger Quadricycle utility vehicle is now available – it’s a machine that makes landscaping jobs even easier –
Its going to be a winner.”
0800 915 6720.
www.polarisind.com
phil.everett@polarisind.com
Phil Everett
“We were really encouraged by the level of interest we received at the show – especially for our decay investigation equipment, “ says Andy Toms.
“Gristwood and Toms are one of the largest and best equipped arboricultural services providers in the UK today. We presently maintain termed contracts with more than twenty Local Authorities, and are appointed contractors for many national organisations. We provide all aspects of Arboricultural services from tree
planting, maintenance, removals, to surveying long term management and in depth consultancy.
“We have been undergoing a corporate facelift to modernise our image in line with company development, maintaining our position as market leaders. We used the IOG Saltex exhibition as a launch platform the re-branding” says Andy Toms..
TEl 08458 731500
www.gristwoodandtoms.co.uk
enquiries@gristwoodandtoms.co.uk Andy Toms
“ Rochfords grow and supply hardy plants to the landscape industry. We stock, or can find, everything from trees and shrubs to grasses and herbaceous perennials. Our stock includes: shrubs bamboo, trees. Hedging. grasses conifers and herbaceous
In addition to plants we also stock a comprehensive range of other materials and equiment essential to our landscape customers, including: handtools and irrigation equipement, railway sleepers, fertilizers, pesticides and feeds as well as fresh turf all available on a cash and carry basis “
Tel: 44 (0)1707 261370
sales@rochfords.net
www.rochfords.net
“IAE Fencing is now well established as one of the largest manufacturers of steel fencing within the United Kingdom”. says Richard Harper director.
“A combination of traditional work practices, along with the introduction of the latest hi-tech machinery
enable IAE to offer a comprehensive range of standard and bespoke products at competitive prices”
“When purchasing a product from IAE you are guaranteed maximum build quality with excellent value for money. All our steel products are galvanised in our own galvanising plant to British standards”
“We found this years Saltex a very useful show – it was invaluable for introducing our new cycle shelters to the UK market.”
TEl 01538 755 888
07771 921 576
richard.harper@iae.co.uk Richard Harper
“We are the sole UK and Ireland distributors for the Rapid range of two wheel tractors and attachments”. says Rob Wallis “The machines are marketed by our network of dealers who are experienced in both sales and service. We offer a complete range of hydrostatic drive two-wheel tractors from 9hp to 20 hp with up to 40 different attachments for tasks in four categories: Grass Management – cutting, flail mowing, finishing mower or grass baling, Cultivation – rotavating, power harrowing or stone burying, Amenity – 
rotary brush/collector, weed brush, wood chipper, Winter Maintenance – snow ploughs, snow blowers, salt spreaders.
“This year at Saltex we launched the new Rapid Flail Mower. This new mulching flail mower designed and manufactured by Rapid features an industry first rotor/flail braking system. In an emergency, this system actually stops the flails from full speed in under 5 seconds.It also features a simple spindle adjuster for working height and a self cleaning roller. It’s available in widths of 70cm, 90cm, 110cm and 130cm. We also had the brand new tractor on stand … The Rapid Rex … the lightest hydrostatic drive, hydraulically steered tractor, in the world ! Suitable for mowing extreme slopes”
Rob Wallis
TEl 07973 199920
sales@rapidtractors.co.uk www.rapidtractors.co.uk
“From our point of view Saltex was excellent, a really positive reaction from our dealers and agents which was our main objective. We have already re-booked for next year and have even increased the amount of space we are going to take,” says Steve Gadsby.
“Grillo took the opportunity to launch a number of new products including two new outfront mowers with collection, two powered transport vehicles one of which features a unique 4 wheel steering system and an outfront zero-turn mower. We also exhibited the well known Climber range of ride-on bank mowers.”
Tel 01889 569149
stevegadsby@grilloagrigarden.co.uk Steve Gadsby
www.grilloagrigarden.co.uk
“At Saltex this year we launched the first automated tractor mounted strimmer to strim around fence posts- the StarStrimmer,” says Claire Alliston.
“Made in the UK, the StarStrimmer is a one man operated attachment suitable for 30-50hp compact tractors, uses no petrol (eliminating fumes), has no vibration and avoids grass scalping. It’s ideal for race courses, equestrian centres, orchards, or wherever multiple posts need to be strimmed around.”
“This was also the third year running that we won a gold award for our stand presentation which was very pleasing”
“We were delighted with the number and quality of the visitors to our stand which included many potential dealers for our new triple cylinder Turf Trooper mower. We will be back in 2010 without a doubt “
Tel 01380 850885
sales@autoguide.co.uk
www.autoguide.co.uk
Claire Alliston.
“This was our first Saltex- It opened our eyes to a massive new market in the landscaping sector – we were delighted with the quality of the response and will be returning to Windsor next year without doubt,” says . Bill Caldwell of inside2outside.
“We are the main suppliers of outside structures to the school and leisure market We use a mix of aluminium, structural steel and tensile membrane roofs to provide a strong and reliable structure which is bespoke to each installation. These structures can be tailored to each market and would prove to be most suitable for golf driving range covers as well as outside dining areas.
“At Saltex this year we launched the NEW OCTAGON. A bespoke wooden OCTAGON with a tensile membrane roof. The structure features a decked surface, internal bench seats and balustrade walls to give a high quality structure. The structure is available in 3m x 3m, 4m x 4m and 5m x 5m sizes but other sizes can be designed and built to fit your site and requirements. Prices will include delivery and installation”. Bill Caldwell
TEl – 0844 561 7679 sales@outsidestructuresolutions.co.uk www.inside2outside.co.uk
“We launched the first Saelen machine on tracks at the show – the Couger H20,” says Jean-Sebastien Vecten. “ It was really well received and we feel confident that orders will follow. We felt that the numbers were down on 2008 but the quality of the enquires was far better- we have already reserved our stand for 2010
“We provide professional tools and machinery for the widest range of customers from the one man band to local authorities and nationwide contractors”
“We also distribute, via our dealer network, the Saelen multivegetation chipper/shredder, zero-turn Walker mowers and Spyker spreaders
At Saltex this year we also exhibited the Gandy drop spreader, which was recently added to our product range”.
Mob 07825 012261
Tel 0800 389 1482
jsvecten@eric-hunter.com
www.erichunter.co.uk
“This year at Saltex we launched our new multipurpose utility vehicle, the MultiHog”, says Ruth McAdam 
of Multihog.
“Designed for Highway and Groundscare maintenance, the MultiHog is a self propelled, diesel powered, hydrostatically driven vehicle suited to grass cutting, road sweeping, snow blowing, snow ploughing, and endless other applications”.
“The MultiHog differentiates itself from all other machines with its robust design and extreme versatility. Its quick release mechanism makes changing attachments an effortless two minute job. Its tilting driver station, wide wheel base and low centre of gravity makes it the only vehicle to choose for operating on steep inclines and rough terrain. Ruth McAdam
“The fully enclosed cab with air conditioning and heating makes it operational all year round in all conditions. With its robust design engineered for a long lifespan and with operator safety being a crucial design consideration, the need for numerous specific vehicles can be replaced by one versatile machine.”
“The show was fantastic, the Multihog was the star of our stand and in general we found the quality of the visitors to be very high – everyone we saw was a potential customer and all very optimistic about the next 12 months and looking for a versatile machine instead of machines with just one application”
00353 42 938 6738
info@multihog.com
www.multihog.com
“ We had a cracker of a Saltex! “says Martin Lucas of Greenmech “ We launched our new CS 100 4” pedestrian machine and sold seven off the stand. We have already booked our place for 2010
“We now offer the most innovative range of professional wood chippers, green waste shredders and stumpgrinders
“Our machines use the unique patented Disc-Blade cutting technology. Giving greatly reduced times between blade sharpening, 600% increased life for blades, lower horse power requirements and reduced noise levels to achieve dramatic cost savings.
In addition GreenMech Chippers have as standard a wide (letter box style) Infeed Throat at the 6 oclock position for easy feeding as well as Hydraulic Feed Rollers and No-Stress power controlstherefore there are no costly extras to add on.” Martin Lucas
TEl : +44 (0) 1789 400044.
sales@greenmech.co.uk
“Getting the best establishment from grass seed requires skill and care – not only do seeds need nutrients in order to thrive, they must also be able to resist disease. Some seed coatings can offer protection but the unfortunate fact is that the end user is receiving up to 50% less seed numbers per unit .jpg)
weight” says Simon Taylor British Seed Houses’
“This has a direct and adverse effect on seedling population. The aim is to establish a high density population, not a low one, if you are to benefit most from the high performance cultivars in your seed mixture.
“British Seed Houses’ fertiliser division has come up with a nutrient solution which can be applied to the seedbed without compromising seedling numbers. It incorporates a clever soil inoculant designed to create the ideal conditions for seedlings to resist pathogens that lead to turf disease.
“Two products are were introduced; Fertilis Speed and Fertilis Swing are organo-mineral NPK fertilisers with magnesium, sulphur along with trace elements Boron, Iron and Zinc. The ‘secret’ ingredient is Bacillus Subtilis, a naturally-occurring, rod-shaped bacterium used as a soil inoculant.
“In trials, Bacillus Subtilis spores were shown to grow out from a treated fertiliser granule, resting the pathogens responsible for diseases including Fusarium, Brown Patch and Dollar Spot.
“Fertilis offers the opportunity for improved seedling establishment with its combination of nutrients, improved seedling health and vigor. Furthermore, the use of Fertilis is a more economically effective method of delivering seedling nutrients and avoids the reduced seedling density and plant populations associated with seed coatings”.
Tel: +44 (0)1522 868714
simon.taylor@bshlincoln.co.uk
www.britishseedhouses.com
“Synthetic turf is becoming an increasingly important playing surface for sports clubs, schools and even the higher echelons of football. But it requires specialist care and maintenance in order for groundsmen to maximise the return on what can be a very significant investment, and finding guidance on best practice can be difficult” says Geoff Burgess of Charterhouse Turf Machinery.jpg)
“Managers of natural turf have a wide range of information resources available to them, with the most powerful and current undoubtedly being the internet –via chatrooms, websites and blogs.
“Now as synthetic turf maintenance machinery we are proposing to redress the balance, joining forces with the Institute of Groundsmen (IOG) to develop an internet resource for the synthetic surface industry.
The partnership of the leading machinery manufacturer and the industry’s training and membership body aims to fully involve other companies involved in any aspect of synthetic turf.
“We’d like input from carpet manufacturers, installers, contractors or suppliers of any element of the process. There is a need for a Groundsman to be able to put questions about synthetic turf to an independent expert and get a reliable answer”.
Tel: +44 (0)1428 661222
info@charterhouseturfmachinery.co.uk
www.charterhouseturfmachinery.co.uk