Peter Redgwell - Experience Interview
Pro-Strain, Tornado Clipex and Torus Net: the complete metal fencing system
What recent projects have you undertaken where Pro-Strain and Tornado Clipex have been specified or recommended by you?
We recently completed a new dog exercise field using the Pro-Strain and Clipex system, the client who designs dog fields nationally requested Clipex posts but wasn't aware of the new Pro-Strain system and after sharing some samples was impressed.
What did you have to consider before making your final decisions on the net and post/straining system?
The client needed a metal post system to meet planning conditions for the dog field and needed a 6ft min height 75mm wire spacing which the Tornado R13/192/8 suits. We did look at using a panel-based system like V-mesh but a strained netting option was considerably cheaper.
Why did you decide to use Tornado Clipex and Pro-Strain?
Quick and easy to install the strainers, and very quick to install the strut system. The fence needed to be long lasting, and creosote wasn't and option as it was a non-agricultural site with public use where Creo isn't legally permitted.
How did your customer benefit by using metal posts and straining system?
As galvanised metal is a consistently produced product the posts will give excellent and consistent longevity in ground contact compared to any other option avialable on the market, creo treatment consistency has been an issue for us and we've been told as it's a natural product they cannot guarantee consistency, whereas galvanised steel posts are consistently produced to the same standard every time. As the site was also alongside a main road into the local village, they were keen to have a fence that was low impact visually and the thin profile of the Clipex posts and the 90mm strainers compared to traditional timber version of 4-5" inters and 7-8" strainers meant that you almost didn't notice the fencing as you drove past the site which the client was very happy with.
Do you have any new projects in the pipeline where you would recommend Tornado Clipex and Pro-Strain steel straining systems?
Yes - we have further dog exercise fields in the pipeline already for Pro-Strain and Clipex and a smaller cattle field fence for some highland cows. I would also like to use the struts on timber strainers in the future to increase the speed of strutting which is the slowest part of the job for me.
How does Pro-Strain compare to other metal straining posts on the market?
Clients notice and prefer the larger diameter of the strainers and I really like the adaptability of the whole system, the bolt on plates I can spec larger 600mm wide ones for using on our clay ground and revert back to smaller sizes for the heavy gravel areas. We can also adapt the length, strut heights, strut lengths, foot plates, strut peg lengths etc to suit the constantly changing ground conditions we're working on. By far the best benefit for me is it being almost as adaptable as timber to work with.
Malcolm Blackford from Tornado added:
Every end and corner in a fence line is different and we knew our solution needed to accommodate this. The Pro-Strain system is the only steel straining system that is as adaptable as wood. Box and strutted strainer assemblies are built using the same components. Breast and heel plates come in a variety of sizes for different soil types. Struts can be cut to length and have 200mm of adjustment enabling the straining post to be 'pre-loaded' prior to tensioning the netting.
To-date Pro-Strain sales have exceeded our expectations with contractors already finding new and innovative ways of using the system. Pro-Strain will be demonstrated at the AFI Best Practice day on the 19th October in Dumfries, giving contractors the opportunity to see the benefits for themselves.