N O V E M B E R 1 9 8 1 of GREEN Official Publication of the Michigan & Border Cities Golf Course Superintendents Association INTRODUCING! THE NEWEST MATERIALS ON THE COURSE TODAY. T H E O N L Y A U T H O R I Z E D D I S T R I B U T O R O F B A Y L E T O N A N D O F T A N O L IN M ICH IG A N - Benham Chemicals 3190 Martin Road Walled Lake, Ml 48088 313/624-3200 MICHIGAN & BORDER CITIES GOLF COURSE SUPERINTENDENTS ASSOCIATION PRESIDENT JAMES TIMMERMAN, CGCS Orchard Lake Country Club 2474 Lafay Orchard Lake, Michigan 48033 Off. 682-2150 - Res. 682-7234 VICE PRESIDENT BRUCE WOLFROM, CCCS Barton Hills Country Club 435 Stein Road Arm Arbor, Michigan 48103 Off. 662-8359 - Res. 884-8684 SECRETARY-TREASURER ED Waters Edge Country Club 10531 Bellevue Grosse lie, Michigan 48138 Off. 675-0927 BOARD OF DIRECTORS DUSHANE ,CCCS KEVIN Wabeek Country Club 159 Willards Way Union Lake, Michigan 48085 Off. 851-1689 - Res. 698-2924 Res. 676-3095 HEINEMAN - MICHAEL EDGERTON Meadowbrook Country Club 32736 Hees Livonia, Michigan 48150 Off. 349-3608 - Res. 522-6238 CHARLES GAIGE Lakelands Golf & Country Club 7390 Rickett Brighton, Michigan 48116 Off. 231-3003 - Res. 227-4617 GERALD GILL Tam-O-Shanter Country Club 3466 Walnut Lake Road West Bloomfield, Michigan 48033 Off. 626-8325 - Res. 857-7904 DANIEL UZELAC Dominion Golf Club RR No. 1 Oldcastle, Ontario, Canada NOR 1LO Off. 969-4350 - Res. 969-4350 THEODORE WOEHRLE Oakland Hills Country Club 3390 Witherbee Troy, Michigan 48084 Off. 644-3352 - Res. 649-8512 PRESIDENT EMERITUS CLEM WOLFROM Detroit Golf Club 530 Kendry Bloomfield Hills, Michigan 48013 Off. 345-4589 - Res. 334-0140 "A PATCH OF GREEN” Published monthly by the MICHIGAN AND BORDER CITIES GOLF COURSE SUPERINTENDENTS ASSOCIATION Circulation: 1,250 Ted Woehrle, CGCS, Oakland Hills C.C. James Timmerman, Orchard Lakes C.C. CO-EDITORS Printed At BLAKEMAN PRINTING COMPANY 31823 Utica Road Fraser, Michigan 48026 Phone: (313) 293-3540 MONTHLY ADVERTISING RATES Do uble Page S p r e a d ............................................ $ 1 5 0 .0 0 B a c k O u ts id e P a g e .................................................... 7 5 . 0 0 F u l l P a g e ......................................................................... 6 5 . 0 0 H a l f P a g e ...................................................................... 4 0 .0 0 Q uarte r P a g e ................................................................. 3 0 .0 0 E ighth P a g e ................................................................. 1 5.0 0 S ixteen th P a g e ...............................................................1 0 .0 0 C l a s s i f i e d Ad (per column 7 .5 0 i n c h ) ................... D I S C O U N T R A T E : One Y e a r 10% N o te : A d v e r tis in g fees may not be deducted from the abo ve r a te s . rfcCventidexA- • A A A T ree Service Benham Chemicals Century R ain-A id Golf Car Distributors Jesson*s, Inc. Lakeshore Equipment Corporation Lawn Equipment Corporation L e b a n o n /Agri co W .F. M ille r Garden & Equipment Oxford P eat Company O.M . Scott & Son, Inc. Wm. F. Sell & Son, Inc. Sprinkler Irrigation Supply Co. Term inal Sales Corporation T ire W holesalers, Inc. Turfgrass, Inc. Tu rf Supplies, Inc. W ilkie Tu rf Equipment D iv is io n , Inc. 3 SYSTEM. Because the flexibility of the Cushman Turf-Care System saves you time and money. Here’s how! The System is built around the rugged, versatile 18 hp T u rf-^ Truckster, 3-or 4-wheel model. ^ With this one power source and options, you can haul, spray, spike, spread and top dress. And save as much as 35% on equipment in the process. Because, instead of buying separately powered units for each job, you buy only the Turf- Truckster and the modular Cushman accessories you need. So you pay less in total for equipment... and have only one power unit to maintain. ’ -C A R E m CUSHMAN' IR s OMC-Lincoln. a Division of Outboard Marine Corporation 6201 Cushman Drive P.O. Box 8 2 4 0 9 Lincoln, Nebraska 68501 But that’s not all. The System is also a time saver that can cut your labor costs. Accessories mount on the back of the Turf-Truckster. Your men do their work quickly, efficiently... and then move on to the next job at speeds up to 22 mph. There’s less wasted traveling time, so you get more work out of each hour of labor cost. The Cushman Turf-Care System. Versatility, superior performance, economy. It’s a tough system to beat. Write today for your free Cushman Turf Care Catalog. Ybu can't beat the system* CALL NOW For a demonstration and price quotation. (313) 338-0425 GOLF CAR DISTRIBUTORS 1980 W. Wide Track Drive (U.S. 10) Pontiac, Michigan 48058 Phone: (313) 338-0425 4 ECONOMICAL USES OF MOTORIZED EQUIPMENT By DR. J. R. WATSON Vice President The Toro Company Minneapolis, Minnesota Today there is a unique opportunity for those of us involved in the recrea­ tional turfgrass industry. For, in spite of the inconveniences and sacrifices some have experienced as a direct or indirect result of energy costs and a somewhat slower recovery from last year’s recession, we have learned to cope. Manufacturers and suppliers have learned to cope by improving manufacturing techniques and by developing and implementing short and long range plans. So can you for your turf facility. It seems to me that the green areas close to home-the parks, golf courses, the playgrounds and the home lawn-are now receiving, and will continue to receive, the brunt of recreational traffic. Heavier play will put greater stress on the turfgrass areas. And, this can be countered only with good maintenance practices and careful planning of all operational activity. Herein lies a major opportunity for everyone involved in the turfgrass and recreational industry. We must pro­ vide more service than ever before to the members and users of all turfgrass facilities, and managers of recreational facilities must realize that mainten­ ance of their turfgrass areas is more important than ever-both for private and governmental-municipal, county, state and national-recreation areas. Maintenance must be extensive not only to ensure the best possible conditions for recreational activity but also to protect the heavy investment in property values individuals through their governmental agencies have made. The turfgrass manager must utilize his managerial skills to that for analyze each facet of his job function, the performance of his equipment, his operating procedures, his maintenance programs and his personnel policies. He must ensure efficiency at all levels. To ensure economical use of motor­ ized equipment two areas are key- equipment and people. ENERGY AND EQUIPMENT A short term approach to coping with today’s economic environment demands consideration of energy con­ servation. There are six steps or pro­ grams which will not only conserve fuel and ensure economical use of motor­ ized equipment but also will enable turfgrass managers to continue to pro­ vide quality turf. These are: (1) Select the most efficient piece of equipment for each job. Generally, reel mowers are more efficient than rotary or flal mowers. The scissors action of the reel mower not only cuts better but requires less power, consequently con­ suming less fuel. With the same mowing speed, reel mowers will use up to 50 percent less fuel per acre of cut grass than rotary mowers. Data developed by Toro’s engineer­ ing division indicates several signifi­ cant points with regard to equipment selection and fuel consumption. For example, our 70-inch Professional which is a triplex reel mower is capable of cutting a 70-inch swath of grass with a 6.25 horspower engine, while a Trojan-which is a rotary-has a 14 horsepower engine for a 60-inch width of cut. The 70-inch unit cannot be used for all trimming operations, but where fuel supplies are critical, it makes good sense to use the smaler engine when- Continued P age 12 5 OJ. Noer Foundation, Inc. Report by: JAMES M. LATHAM Research Director O J . Noer Research Foundation Inc. The 0. J. Noer Foundation was initia­ ted in 1959 by associates and friends of 0. J. Noer, to honor him for his lifetime of work in turfgrass improvement throughout North America. Noer was a native of Stoughton, Wosconsin who graduated from the University of Wisconsin and did graduate work there which resulted in the production and marketing of Milorganite. The Foundation is dedicated to the generation of original research through grants to universities and experiment stateions. Most of these projects, being basic in nature, would have no “com­ mercial” support. But being basic re­ search, the information will have value over a broad range of interests. Much of the data generated has no immediate, direct effect on turf man­ agement since it is fundamental in nature. It does, however, form a base from which more practical projects can be developed. Dr. Jim Beard calls this the “fallout effect”. If basic facts have been developed, a great deal of time, money and effort has been saved to do other things. An example of this fallout effect can be illustrated by thatch studies. The Foundation established grants at Michigan State and Texas A & M con­ currently to study the Identification, Cause and Effect and Control of Thatch on cool-and warm-season grasses. Since then, there have been many projects on thatch dealing with subjects like insecticide effects, di­ sease generation, etc., all based on data accumulated by the initial projects. The very first project was at the Uni­ versity of Wisconsin by Dr. Jim Love. This was the first time anyone had shown visible nutrient deficiency symptoms in turfgrasses. The paper by Love and the photographs are classics in the field. The color plates, by the way, can be found in Dr. Beard’s forth­ coming book. Wisconsin does not have the extensive turfgrass research facilities found in other states. It is incumbent upon superintendents, however, to put money into research since they will be the beneficiaries in the long run. To do this on an orderly basis, an organiza­ tion such as the O.J. Noer Research Foundation, Inc. is the best vehicle to use. Most of the monies contributed to the Foundation comes from Milorganite distributors, who have a self-assessed fee on tonnage sold each year. Superin­ tendents’ Associations across the country also make gifts along with interested individuals and companies like Jacobsen and Toro. Noer grants have been made toward worthwhile projects in all sections of the country, from New Jersey to Cali­ fornia and from Florida to Washington. The following list provides a partial No synthetically produced fertilizer can compare with MILORGANITE««f Vv m V MILORGANITE Go If Courses Use M ore T h a n A ny O th e r Fertilizer TERMINAL SALES CORR 12871 EATON AVE. DETROIT, MICH. 48227 (313) 491 -0606 6 view of the range of subjects covered. University of Wisconsin Iowa State University University of Wisconsin Iowa State University Michigan State University and Texas A & M University University of Florida Pennsylvania State University Iowa State University University of Washington New Mexico State University University of Illinois Rutgers University Texas A & M University University of Nebraska - Visual symptoms of plant nutrient deficiencies, major and minor. - Effect of fertilization on turf diseases. - Effect of cutting height on root growth and chemical composition of Merion Bluegrass. - Nutritional influence on dollarspot disease in bentgrass. - Thatch on golf greens, North and South — its cause, composition and control. - Fertility problems with sandy soil mixtures. - Special soil testing techniques re­ quired in turfgrass areas. - Influence of herbicides on turf di­ seases. - Fertility levels in Poa annua control. - Development of new grass varieties requiring less water and fertilizer. - Management practices that influence thatch development on golf greens. - Improvement of root growth on golf greens. - Water management in relation to heat and drought stress. - Nitrogen-fixing organisms for cool season grasses. - Microscopic time lapse photographic studies of root nematodes. Ohio State University There are four national-level funding agencies for turfgrass research: the U.S.G.A. Green Section provides the most money, followed by the G.C.S.A.A. Research and Education Fund, the Noer Foundation and Musser Foun­ dation. Most G.C.S.A.A. projects are, and rightly so, on a more practical plane, such as the Toronto bent prob­ last year when lem Continued P age 11 in Chicago ARE YOU INTERESTED IN JOINING THE MICHIGAN AND BORDER CITIES GOLF COURSE SUPERINTENDENTS ASSOCIATION? F IL L IN THE QUESTIONALE BELOW AND MAIL TO: CHARLES GAIGE LAKELANDS GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB 7390 Rickett Brighton, Ml 48116 Office 231-3003, Residence 227^617 D A T E _____________________ N A M E _________________________________________________________________________ A D D R E S S ____________________________________________________________________ C I T Y _____________________________ S T A T E _______________ Z I P ____________ OR Y O U M A Y C O N T A C T T H E N E X T G O L F C O U R S E S U P P L I E R WHO C A L L ON Y O U A N D G I V E H I M T H E I N F O R M A T I O N N E E D E D F O R A P P L I C A T I O N . 7 JESSEN’S in c . POWER EQUIPMENT Experienced - Professional sharpening, repairing and over-hauling of all of your mowers, tractors, & turf equipment 3365 Highland Rd. (M -59)—Highland Milford, Michigan 48042 CALL COLLECT FOR FREE ESTIMATE (313) 887-1500 OFFICIAL SLATE OF CANDIDATES DETERMINED The GCSAA Nominating Committee has announced the official slate of candidates for the 1982 annual election. President James A. Wyllie, CGCS Vice President Robert W. Osterman, CGCS James W. Timmerman, CGCS Director Paul Boizelle, CGCS William J. Emerson John P. Hayden, CGCS James E. Lindblad, CGCS Richard Slivinski, CGCS All chapter secretaries will be mailed the official notice of the slate of candidates as declared by the Nominating Committeel This mailing is scheduled to go out in November. “MANAGING CHANGE” IS GCSAA’S 1982 CONFERENCE THEME “Managing Change, with GCSAA at the Helm” is the theme of GCSAA’s 53rd International Turfgrass Conference and Show, Jan. 30-Feb. 5, in New Orleans. The theme reflects the Association’s continuing efforts to prepare its members for the challenges of the future. “Whether we call them limited resourses or management challages, the hurdles are definitlely there--all part of change, “GCSAA President Michael R. Bavier, CGCS, said. “Our job is to stay on top of and to help direct this inevitable change.” The conference educational program will feature two, three-hour symposiums on water and the challenges is will offer in the coming years. Panels of nationally recognized experts will attack the problem from several angels, providing a wide base of information to help superintendents plan for the future. Those symposiums are just two of the 10 education sessions scheduled during conference week. The conference schedule also will include six pre-conference seminares, the USGA Green Section’s annual educational conference, a Mardi Gras reception, the GCSAA’s annual membership meeting, an expanded spouses’ program, the conference banquet, a management tour of the Superdome and a host of other activities. Make your plans now to attend what may well be the most important GCSAA conference in history. 9 TORO GROUNDSMASTER 72* D u rab ility, versatility and top perfo rm an ce features m ake the G rou ndsm aster 72® w o rth m ore. The optional Two-stage 48-inch Snowthrower with driftbreaker auger clears snow from sidewalks in a hurry. Oversized Second Stage prevents clogging, Electric Chute Rotator puts snow where you want it. WILKIE Tisrf Equipment Division, Inc. P.O. Box 749 • 1050 O pdyke R oad • Pontiac • M ichigan • 4 8 0 5 6 • 3 1 3 /3 7 3 -8 8 0 0 ANNOUNCING DESTRUCTIVE TURF INSECTS is the title of a new long-awaited book by Dr. Harry Niemczyk, turfgrass ento­ mologist. The book covers pests of warm and cool season grasses, con­ tains over 130 color photos and is written in easy-to-read language. In­ cluded is a color photo guide to identify­ ing insects and mites that inhabit the soil, thatch, leaves and stems. Ninve Chapters cover: Life Cycles; Principles of Control; Preventive Programs for Select Major Pests; Equipment and Meghods of Detecting Turf Insects and References. Available October 20, 1981, the book is 8 X 11, spiral bound with a durable plastic cover. $18.95 plus $1.25 per copy postage and hand­ ling. HDN BOOK SALES, 2935 Smithville W. Rd., Wooster, Ohio 44691.__________________________ Advice to Millions Who Rush Through Life Take time to think - thoughts are the source of power. Take time to play - play is the secret of perpetual youth. Take time to read - reading is the fountain of wisdom. Take time to pray - prayer can be a rock of strength in time of trouble. Take time to love - loving is what makes living worthwhile. Talke time to be friendly - friendships give life a delicious flavor. Take time to laugh - laughter is the music of the soul. Take time to give - any day of the year is too short for selfishness. Take time to do your work well - pride in your work, no matter what it is, nourishes the ego and the spirit. Take time to show appreciation - thanks is the frosting on the cake of life. CERTIFICATION TESTING AT The is scheduled for Sunday, January 31, 1982 during conference week. To be eligible to apply for certification one must be currently employed as a Golf Course Superintendent and have been a Class A member of GCSAA for at least two years. However, we have CONFERENCE examination certification determined that if your two year period is completed by February 28, 1982, you will be eligible to take the certifica­ tion examination during conference week. Qualified candidates should contact Bonnie Stephenson, Educa­ tion Department, at GCSAA Head­ quarters before December 31,1981, to arrange for testing at the 1982 con- ference. TERMINATION NOTICE SENT TO MEMBERS WHO DID NOT PAY Those GCSAA members who did not pay their 1982 annual membership dues by September 30, 1981, have been terminated from the membership roles. To be reinstated as a member in good standing, a terminated member must reapply. A terminated member can use a short form for reapplying provided he/she reapplies for mem­ bership within 9 months of their ter­ mination date. After 9 months, the individual must reapply through the same procedure as a new member. ANNUAL DUES O.J. Noer Report, cont. G.C.S.A.A. and the Green Section went to the aid of members to try to solve a local, but vexing problem. There are manylocal or regional sup­ port systems for research. Michigan and Ohio are nearby examples of strong local suport. The Midwest Turf Foundation gives regional support to Purdue. The South Florida G.C.S.A. primarily supports the South Florida Experiment Station now that a strong research staff has been assembled there. One final word. Noer Foundation grants are made from investment pro­ fits. Thus, any donations continue to bring dividends from now on. In addi­ tion, since there are no paid employees, there is a minimum overhead. In 1980, the management cost of managing the $164,000 fund amounted to only 2%. Officers and Directors receive no pay, no transportation or living expenses at meetings. They serve because of their rememberance of O. J. Noer and their committment to the field from which their livelihood comes. That’s how the Foundation has generated $180,000 for turf research in the last twenty years. l i Economical Equipment, cont. ever possible. When you are purchasing turf equip­ ment, you should keep in mind that the number of blades in a reel not only affects the quality of cut, but also the fuel consumption-economy. A five- bladed reel will use eight to twelve percent less power and fuel than a six- bladed reel. However, determining the quality of cut for a given area is the responsibility of the turfgrass manager or superintendent, so it is up to him to decide if he can take advantage of this more economical opportunity by using fewer blades on the reels. (2) The use of diesel fuel, rather than gasoline, is my second suggestion for fuel conservation and economy of operation. Diesel fuel generally costs less than gasoline and the diesel engine has proved itself to be from twenty to twenty-five percent more efficient than the gasoline engine. This means fewer gallons and less dollars to perform a given task. This increase in efficiency may be sufficient reason to consider diesel power when purchasing new "For Land's Sake-'Use Peat" OXFORD PEAT CO. 1430 E. Drahner Rd. Oxford, Michigan 48051 COMPANY PROCESSED PEAT Top Dressing Blends Custom Blending FRED LATTA equipment. (3) Over the last several years, the most rapidly rising cost factor on turfgrass areas has been labor. In fact, labor comprises the largest part of the total Continued P a g e 15 A family is a PLACE to cry and laugh and vent frustrations to ask for help and tease and yell to be touched and hugged and smiled at A family is PEOPLE who care when you are sad who love you no matter what who share your triumphs who don’t expect you to be perfect just growing with honesty in your own direction A family is a CIRCLE where we learn to like ourselves where we learn to make good decisions where we learn to think before we do where we learn integrity and table manners and respect for other people where we are special where we share ideas where we listen and are listened to where we learn the rules of life to prepare ourselves for the world. The world is a PLACE where anything can happen. If we grow up in a loving family we are ready for the world. 313/628-5991 AAA SERVICE EXPERIENCED * PROFESSIONAL * RELIABLE DEARBORN OFFICE LO 25225 P LY M O U TH OFFICE 459-9555 ______COMPLETE TREE CARE SERVICE_______ FULLY INSURED • LICENSED • SINCE 1947 12 THOUGHT FOR THE MONTH Some days, conflict is enevitable; a colleague disagrees with one of your pet ideas, all your subordinates seem bent on taking issues with your direc­ tives; your boss is determined to get your approval of what you consideer to be a poor plan. What can you do? Here are some basic strategies for re-routing potential arguments into more con­ structive channels: 1) Listen. Try to hear all of what the other person is saying instead of planning your own reply or martialing arguments against what is being said, or interrupting the speaker before you’ve heard what he has to say; 2) Try to agree with at least some of the other person’s points; 3) State the other person’s position as accurately as you can, to his satisfac­ tion, so that he’s sure you understand what he’s saying; 4) Avoid flat state­ ments of disagreement and concen­ trate on probing questions; 5) Back up your own viewpoint with reasoning and facts, not with emotion. Avoiding an argument takes discipline, even planning, but the results are worth the effort. - Kano Laboratories TURF SUPPLIES INC. 6 9 0 0 Pardee Rd.,Taylor, Michigan (313) 291-1200 DON’T EVEN THINK OF BUYING........................ GRASS SEED FERTILIZERS FUNGICIDES WITHOUT CALLING 2 9 1 - 1 2 0 0 TURF SUPPLIES INC. 6 9 0 0 Pardee Rd.,Taylor, Michigan (313) 291-1200 F O R A L L Y O U R I R R I G A T I O N N E E D S Y O U R F U L L S T O C K F U L L S E R V I C E D I S T R I B U T O R JIM VINCE GENE STENNETT PETE ASARO SPRINKLER IRRIGATION SUPPLY CO. 1316 N. CAMPBELL ROAD ROYAL OAK, Ml 48067 PHONE: (313) 398-2233 13 6 ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS WE NEVER THOUGHT YOU’D ASK (BUT DECIDED TO ANSWER ANYWAY) I Yes, GCSAA can help you become a bet­ ter superintendent. One way it does this is through educational seminars and con­ ference sessions it sponsors each year to help you become better pesticides, landscaping and management practices. informed about turfgrass diseases, 2 Yes, GCSAA is helping to further the ad­ vancement of industry. turfgrass the Through the GCSAA Scholarship & Research Fund, Inc., GCSAA provided more than $13,500 last year in research grants to leading turfgrass programs. GCSAA also provides educational opportunities to turf­ grass students through annual turfgrass scholarships. 4 Yes, GCSAA offers recognition for superintendents. Through its public its relations e ffo rts, magazine, and its award programs, GCSAA helps promote the image and the profes­ sionalism of the superintendent. GCSAA also provides to superintendents about how they can use public relations to promote their own image to their course, their community and their association. information 5 6 3 Yes, GCSAA provides a meeting ground for superintendents. Each year, GCSAA sponsors an annual conference and show for its members. Last year more than 6,500 educators, in­ dustry representatives and members from all over the world attended. GCSAA's executive committee decided at its last board meeting that the conference experience is so valuable that first-year members should be encouraged to attend by being given free admission. Yes, GCSAA provides each member with a life insurance program. Supplemental insur­ ance, disability and pension programs also are available. Mo, GCSAA can’t help you with your golf handicap. You’ll have that yourself. to work on if ) GCSAA more than just a name. The association that offers you 1617 ST. ANDREWS DRIVE • LAWRENCE, KANSAS 66044 913 / 841-2240 m - ' J cCi=g A ^ I ;p Lc' ■ i* * 1 J ’■’ T '-- ; H M * » " !r t^ ■ x : Serving you better ■•kV « < ^ ; \ J W ith Q U A L IT Y ------ MALLINCKRODT LEWIS FORE PAR CLEARY COUNTRY CLUB CHICOPEE Upjohn FOX VALLEY Chipco d ia m o n d sh a m r o c k Yankee c y c lo n e PBI Gordon Aquatrols Turfgrass Products PanaSea SOUTH LYON, MICHIGAN 48178 Phon*: Area 313 437-1427 GENE JOHANNINGSMEIER Economical Equipment, cont. budget, and the costs of labor are increasing as fast or faster than those for equipment. Because of this rela­ tionship of labor to equipment, many turf managers are allocating more of their funds for the purchase of higher capacity, labor-saving equipment. (4) Clean and properly adjusted equip­ ment is more economical to operate because less power is required to operate it. Proper adjustment of belts, bearings, chains and shafts can reduce the friction within the machine allow­ ing for more power for work output. Frequent lubrication of vital parts will also reduce friction. The tire pressure of any machine should also be maintained at proper pressure to reduce the rolling resistance of the machine. With reel mowers, the bedknife ad­ justment is critical. Over-tightening the bedknife wastes power, and an insufficient bedknife contact will not maintain the slight wear essential to maintaining sharp edges. A sharp reel mower will improve the quality of cut, which in turn, could prolong the mow­ ing interval in some areas. Sharp edges will also allow reduction of engine RPM while maintaining good cutting quality. The proper maintenance of the vital parts of any machine is important not only in the effort to conserve fuel but also in extending the functional life span of the machine. But no part of the machine is as critical as the engine in achieving fuel economy. Just as with your automobile, a properly main­ tained, well-tuned engine operates more economically. Several steps that should be followed concerning the engine include adjust­ ing the carburetor to provide maxi­ mum fuel-to-air ratio. Checking the ignition system to ensure clean points and plugs, and timing, to provide maxi­ mum power. The engine air cleaner is crucial to its durability. A clogged air cleaner can change the air-to-fuel ratio and use excessive amounts of fuel. Proper adjustments and maintenance in the combustion chamber are impor­ tant to extended engine life. (5) Mowing practices also may be a Continued N ext P a g e 15 Economical Equipment, cont. means of saving fuel and thereby con­ tribute to economical use of equipment. Some examples: -Plan mowing patterns that require the least amount of transport between locations. -Use the least amount of overlap con- sistant with the skills of your operators. -Select the height of cut best suited for each area-you may be able to increase heights-and thereby add one or two days to your mowing cycle. -Where possible, eliminate mowing of steep slopes. (6) Leasing. From a managerial stand­ point, economics of operation may result from leasing rather than outright purchase of equipment. Leasing may: -Conserve your working capital. The acquisition becomes an operational expense rather than a capital expen­ diture, and improves cash flow. -Offer an opportunity to obtain equip­ ment without excessive cash outlays. With payments spread over a long period of time, the equipment is actually paying for itself as it functions. When rentals are treated as a fully tax- deductible expense, cash outgo de creases and usable capital is increased. -Preserve existing credit. Your es­ tablished credit lines are not affected and remain readily available. Leasing provides an additional, nonconflicting source of credit, thereby increasing your borrowing base. -Overcome budget limitations - a factor you can easily identify with. The min­ imum cash outlay involved with leasing, plus modest payments, allows one to fit the lease into the tightest of budgets. Even when spending schedules are severely limited, leasing allows an organization to obtain the equipment needed when it’s needed. -Minimize the effect of inflation. The bulk of your payments are made with tomorrow’s dollar which, if inflationary pressures continue, will be cheaper than today’s. -While it may offer an advantage as a tax deductible expense, leasing is not based on a tax program but rather on a capital conservation program; that is, the freeing of capital so that it can be used effectively to develop profits. -And finally, leasing offers a greater GRASS DOES NOT LIVE BY NITROGEN ALONE! OR PHOSPHATE OR POTASH Yes, it takes a balance of all nutrients to grow good turf. Country Club products provide total nutrient feeding. Look to Country Club for all your fertilizer and combination fertilizer-pesticide products. You can rely on Country Club turf products for satisfaction and results. For more information, call 1-800-637-2101 (217-446-0983 in Illinois) L E B A N O N C H E M IC A L C O R P O R A T IO N P.O. Box 647 Danville, IL 61832 P.O. Box 180 Lebanon, PA 17042 BLOW! AS LOW AS You can forget about being stuck in the snow when you have a reliable Kubota snowblower and Kubota diesel tractor clearing the way for you. A FULL LINK OF MID-IKANOI DflISKL TRACTORS AND IMPLEMENTS XHKUB0TR TE ST DRIVE A KUBOTA DIESEL TRACTOR NOW AT: WM. F. SELL & SON, INC. 16555 T E L E G R A P H R O A D T A Y L O R , M I C H I G A N 4 8 1 8 0 3 1 3 / 2 8 2 - 5 1 0 0 16 flexibility. With leasing you have a wide variety of plans and programs geared to fit specific financing needs-long term or short term, straight line or accelerated, renewable or replaceable. So you can see that leasing can play a valuable role in coping with inflation. The second area that impacts evergy conservation, efficiency of management and economical use of equipment is people, especially supervisory person­ nel and training or updating of skills. Efficient maintenance demands the use of equipment that will cut more acres per day per man. It means equip­ ment with greater capacity, more dur­ ability and longer life. Such equipment • is complex and may require a higher level of training for the mechanics who service such equipment. Thus, the training of operators and mechanics becomes a vital and necessary step to ensure maximum results with minimum r expenditures. Proper or efficient equipment utili­ zation involves planning and super- ' vision. Planning for the most efficient , way to use the quipment and to keep it î operating. About the turn of the century Frederic Taylor made intensive studies ' of industrial operations and concluded that anywhere from ten to fifty percent ' of a man’s day may be spent in idleness , or non-productive work. Interestingly enough roughly two-thirds of that idle ; time is the result of inadequate super­ vision. Initiating methods to correct / this situation provides a challenge for I all turf facility managers and super- r visors. It also emphasizes the basic reason why the manager of a turf facility j must carefully study all aspects of the work to be done and ensure proper and adequate supervision, j, Crew Motivation. Another area ' involving people relates to the motiva­ is tion of your workmen. There are ten points involved in supervisory respon- f sibilities that some authorities believe i essential for harmony and maximum productiveness from workmen. They are: f 1. Build employee job satisfaction ... not job-happy, but job-satisfied ? 2. Provide development and growth chances for employees talents-point individual I ...develop toward promotion based on leadership f Continued N e x t P a g e 31691 Dequindre Madison Heights, Ml 48071 313/ 588-2990 22159 Telegraph Southfield, Ml 48034 313/ 358-2992 17 T ire W holesalers Company, Inc. 19240 West Eight Mile Southfield. Mich. 48075 ______________ Milt » ill of Southfltld Road) Phone: (313) 354-5644 TRUCK-CAR Itll] J UHIWOYKL TRAILER MOTORCYCLE INDUSTRIAL TIRES A . WHOLESALE PRICES TO COMMERCIAL ACCOUNTS T h e best in T u r f S u p p lie s ^ L E S C O 100% S u lfu r-C o a te d F e r t i l i z e r s , G o lf C o u rs e A c c e s s o ri e s , C h e m ic a ls in c lu d in g LESCOSAN* A H ig h ly E f f e c t i v e P re - E m e r g e n c e C ra b g ra s s and P o a An nua Control * L e s c o s a n ( B e t a s a n - R e g . TM o f S t a u f f er _______________________________ C h e m i c a l , C o . ) (800) 321-5325 Available NATIONWIDE From: (800) 362-7413 IN OHIO Lakeshore Equipment & Supply Co. “ Home Of LESCO Products“ 300 South Abbe, Elyria, OH 44035 If you have changed your address, please let us know so we can keep our addressing plates up to date. Present Address: A D D R E S S C I T Y S T A T E Z I P Fill In New Address: N A M E A D D R E S S Z I P S T A T E C I T Y Mail this form to: A PATCH OF GREEN 31823 Utica Road Fraser, Michigan 48026 18 Economical Equipment, cont. abilities, skill and knowledge of the job function, not salary or the basis of seniority 3. Treat employees with complete fairness ... be consistent, be impartial 4. Cultivate an atmosphere conducive to productive work ...efficient, business-like, but pleasant - good comaraderie - good fellowship- take crew on a picnic or a fishing trip. 5. Deal effectively with all gripes and grievances, regardless of how insignif­ icant they may seem ...handle these situations promptly and completely no matter how simple you may think the problem to be-remember it is very important to your employee 6. Protect employees’ physical well­ being ...Check on safety aspects-daily health habits-OSHA and similar organiza­ tions are demanding compliance 7. Develop employees ...Through training in the latest main­ tenance techniques, coaching, moti­ vating, and personal supervision 8. Promote upward communication ...listen to gripes, grievances as well as suggestions-involve the crew individ­ ually and collectively in performance and job critiques 9. Promote downward communication ...pass on all company factual data pertinent to employees and work-also compliments on jobs well done- possibly even a reward system for employee suggestions concerning cash saving maintenance methods 10. Take personal interest in employee Labor and crew relationships play a vital role in attacking the largest single budgetary item-labor; hence, offer an opportunity to attain maximum results with is estimated represents approximately 70 percent of the main­ tenance budgets on most turf facilities. These labor costs have been at this percentage level for some thirty to forty years! The number of people employed for a given facility may have dropped from twenty-five to thirty to ten to twelve. Yet, today turf facilities have a better quality turf than at any time in the past-and they are used more heavily and more intensively. Reprinted from-Bull Sheet-July, 1979 reduced expenditures. labor that It Heavier Duty Construction 'Straight-Thru" 2-Stage Design 5 HP, 20" Cut; 7 HP, 24" Cut; 8 HP, 28" Cut You get more for your money with a BOB-CAT ...the snow thrower for the man who recognizes real quality. It’s built to bust the toughest bliz­ zards in your area, includ ing those hard-to-handle wet spring storms. All models have dependable winterized Briggs & Stratton engines with “Easy-Spin” starting. A more efficient "Straight-Thru” 2-stage design lifts and throws snow 30 ft. or more in a 180° arc. The safety torque clutch eliminates shear pins if any object jams the feeder blades. Extra heavy duty construction is used throughout; all unpainted parts are corrosion-protected with heavy cadmium plating. A "Low Tone" muffler and solid trans­ mission combine to keep noise levels low. "Touch and Go Safety Controls" assure easy operation. Let us show you these “Tuff Cats” LAWN EQUIPMENT CORPORATION 46845 W. 12 MILE ROAD NOVI, MICH. 48050 P.O. BOX 500 (313) 348-8110 19 Simplicity HORSEPOWER MATCHED TO THE SIZE OF THE JOB. Long-life traction drive. Starts easily. Simple to store. Engine reliability. Exclusive Touch-O-Matic clutch. Anti-clog design. Cleans hard or gravel surfaces. Handles with minimum effort. Snow can’t pack inside auger. W.F. Miller Equipment Company 1593 S. WOODWARD AVE. BIRMINGHAM, MICHIGAN 48011 TELEPHONE: (313) 647-7700 " A Patch of Green” 31823 U T I C A R O A D F R A S E R , M IC H IG A N 48026 MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY LIBRARY - SERIALS EAST LANSING, MICH, 4 8 0 2 3