Innovation, Insight, and Inspiration BROOMIEKNOWE GOLF CLUB Gets Instant Drainage Improvements with Campey Air2G2 336
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In this issue
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Welcome to Groundskeeping Journal, the UK’s leading bi-monthly publication providing latest product innovations, industry news and opinions from key professionals within the industry. With focuses on Aeration, Irrigation & Drainage; Greenskeeping; Latest News; Machinery; Pitch & Line Marking; Specialist Mowers; Sports Ground Equipment; Sports Pitches; Top Dressing; Sprayers & Spraying and Turf Management.
6 Trimax Pegasus Built for big jobs. Trusted for decades.
8 Broomieknowe Golf Club Gets Instant Drainage Improvements with Campey Air2G2 336
9 Wiedenmann Terra Spike How to identify the Wiedenmann Terra Spike for you
10 GroundsFest 2025 Innovation, Insight, and Inspiration
14 Avant Tecno Showcase Two New Products
16 Makita One tool, endless possibilities
18 Ballybunion Golf Club Enhances Turf Maintenance with Foley Grinders
26 Turf Tank unveils expanded robot capabilities at Groundsfest 2025
36 Terrain Aeration injects polymer for trees
36 Hunter Irrigation Makes an Instant Impact at Leigh Sports Village
Premier John Deere dealership selling agricultural, construction, professional turf, and garden machinery from 7 depots
Industry leaders in technology and aftersales service
Established as a family business in 1976, Farol today has a team of over 350 staff whilst still remaining 100% family owned.
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Enhancing Quality Sports
been created to showcase the very latest industry news and product information from the Groundskeeping sector.
In each edition we carry in depth articles from some of the industry leaders, the articles cover many aspects of Groundskeeping with some offering tips and advice on Sports Pitches, Turf Management, Greens Keeping and much, much more. Whether you are looking for tips and advice on creating the perfect green or looking to www.tinymobilerobots.com
Tiny Helper. Major Impact. Tiny Helper. Major Impact.
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Trimax Pegasus
Built for big jobs. Trusted for decades.
Across sports pitches, golf courses and open spaces, discover why the Pegasus has been the gold standard in cut quality, productivity, and reliability for over 20 years.
When the first Trimax Pegasus rolled off the production line in 2001, it
brought something entirely new to the wide-area mowing world. With its trailed, foldable multideck design, Pegasus combined the efficiency of large-scale mowing with the versatility and transportability grounds maintenance teams needed. It set a new benchmark for cut quality, reliability, and durability
— and it has been raising that benchmark ever since.
Now on its fifth generation and (at the time of writing) shortlisted for the GroundsFest Innovation Award in the “Stood the Test of Time” category, Pegasus is proof that great design lasts — but only if it keeps evolving.
From the start, Pegasus was shaped by conversations in the field, listening to operators, and acting on what they needed most. Over the past 24 years, that feedback has driven every new series delivering practical, incremental improvements from electric unlock to wider cutting decks, to maintenance-free Steadfast spindles.
The latest Pegasus S5 builds on that legacy with a re-engineered chassis, more robust transport system and lower than ever maintenance demands. The introduction of the Titan roller bearing system eliminates
the need for daily greasing. That along with automatic belt tensioning, and the QuikLift system as standard reflect Trimax’s commitment to usability, operator comfort and longevity.
Whether it’s tackling vast open spaces or navigating tight, awkward areas, Pegasus delivers a cut that’s as sharp as its design thinking.
For Roberto Binini, Managing Director of Roma Landscapes, based in Leicestershire, the Pegasus has been a constant in his business for two decades.
“We’ve been using Trimax mowers for the last 20 years, from the very first Pegasus S1 to the S5. I can’t fault the service or the product — I can’t see me ever wanting to change.”
Roma Landscapes covers everything from small school fields and sports pitches to a 120-acre showground, mowing around 100 acres a day during peak season. For Roberto, each generation of Pegasus has brought meaningful, practical improvements.
“The S5’s wider tyres are a massive help in the wetter months. QuikLift as standard makes hopping over kerbs and roads quick and easy, and the 7-metre width means we can take on more work in the same time.”
Performance, productivity, and reliability remain at the heart of why Pegasus has endured.
We’ve been using Trimax mowers for the last 20 years, from the very first Pegasus S1 to the S5. I can’t fault the service or the product — I can’t see me ever wanting to change. “
“I haven’t found another mower that competes with the cut quality. And then, when we moved from Trimax LazerBladez to NexaBlades, it was another step up. We don’t need to double cut and there is a lot less debris. The customers are happy — and if they’re happy, ultimately, I’m happy.”
From the first prototype — which was still in working order after 15 years in the field — to today’s industry-leading S5, Pegasus has remained true to its DNA while adapting to meet the changing needs of groundscare professionals. Two decades on, it’s still the benchmark mower that others are measured against.
Because Pegasus isn’t just a machine that has stood the test of time — it’s one that has used time to get better.
Want to see the Pegasus S5 in action? Book your free demo today at trimaxmowers.co.uk/pegasus
Broomieknowe Golf Club Gets Instant Drainage Improvements with Campey Air2G2 336
Following a successful year-long trial, Broomieknowe Golf Club in Scotland made the de-cision to permanently add the Air2G2 336 from Campey Turf Care Systems to its turf maintenance fleet, after seeing significant improvements in drainage and root development across its greens.
Broomieknowe Golf Club, located in Bonnyrigg, just outside Edinburgh, is a picturesque parkland course that has been a staple of the Midlothian golfing scene since its estab-lishment in 1905. With its mature tree-lined fairways and testing greens, the course pre-sents a fine balance of challenge and playability for its members and visitors.
Whilst under the care of Head Greenkeeper Billy Hudson, who joined the club just under a year ago, the challenge has been slow drainage in the 18 greens. Billy knew the half-sand, halfsoil composition needed to be addressed to make progress, and he turned to STRI consultant Gary Smith during the club’s annual agronomy visit for advice.
Gary suggested a trial programme using the Air2G2, a machine Billy was already familiar with from his time at Ratho Park Golf Club, where he first purchased one in 2017.
“When Gary came to the club in June 2024, he suggested we use the Air2G2 once a month on the greens over five months to
improve the rooting and drainage, and we no-ticed significant improvements,’ Billy explains.
“It was clear the greens needed attention, but after speaking with Gary, we agreed that simply applying more sand wasn’t the answer. Instead, we needed to explore alternative forms of aeration, and that’s when Gary suggested the Air2G2.
“For the trial, we got someone in to do the work for us, but the results were so impressive that we knew we needed to get a machine of our own to continue the progress.”
The club now uses the machine early in the mornings, rotating across six greens per week, allowing them to cover all 18 in three weeks. Because of the minimal impact on the surface, this is done without causing any disruption to golfers.
The impressive results observed at Broomieknowe are largely due to the innovative de-sign of the Air2G2. The machine works by laterally injecting air into the root zone at three different depths using probes that penetrate the soil without surface disruption.
This frac-tures compacted layers and increases pore space, promoting better water infiltration and oxygen flow to roots. It’s particularly effective on fine soil profiles, where traditional aera-tion might be less effective or more disruptive.
The relationship with Campey Turf Care Systems has also played a key role in the deci-sion.
Billy originally dealt with Campey’s Richard Heywood when buying the Air2G2 at Ratho Park and says the backup service has always been spot on, with support always there when it’s needed.
With the Air2G2 now an integral part of their maintenance programme, Billy is confident Broomieknowe’s greens will continue to thrive, especially during the wetter months, when drainage performance becomes critical.
Aeration, aeration, aeration
How to identify the Wiedenmann Terra Spike for you
With no fewer than ten models in the Wiedenmann Terra Spike range, there is an aerator to suit almost every requirement. But which one is right for you?
The Wiedenmann UK sales team say the starting point comes down to two questions: what do you want to achieve, and what size is your tractor? From there, considerations such as required depth, speed, site size, versatility, and budget usually narrow the choice to one or two models, often demonstrated on site before purchase.
Compaction or Thatch?
Most buyers are dealing with either compaction, thatch, or both. Solid tining is the traditional method for compaction, with problem depths typically between 100–300 mm. As Terra Spike machines operate comfortably from 220 mm to 400 mm, most stay in contention. Where thatch is the issue, hollow coring becomes the focus. Since thatch usually sits in the top 50 mm, speed is often prioritised over depth to deliver optimum results.
Tractor Match
Identifying the tractor is essential, as larger aerators demand more horsepower. Wiedenmann’s lineup covers tractors from around 20 hp to 60 hp, with working widths from 1.4 m to 2.1 m. Importantly, the aerator should be slightly wider than the tractor’s wheel span to avoid tyres tracking over freshly tined ground. Contractors and estate managers with large
areas often start by looking at the wider models.
Model Clues
The Terra Spike name badges hint at each machine’s specialism:
• XF – extra fast
• XD – extra deep
• XP – extra penetrative
• GXi – designed for greens and fine turf
• SL - small and light
Key Features
All models have easy, tool-free controls for depth and heave, and tine changes take less than 15 minutes. By combining different tines, users can achieve soil decompaction and exchange costeffectively with one machine.
An anti-vibration system protects operators, while the consistent hole pattern and clean finish leave no tell-tale signs. Fast, versatile, and capable of working deep below the surface, Terra Spike aerators are trusted across municipal sites, sports pitches and golf courses to deliver effective, effortless aeration.
For more information contact your local Wiedenmann UK dealer, www.wiedenmann.co.uk or info@wiedenmann.co.uk or 0141 814 3366
GroundsFest 2025
Innovation, Insight, and Inspiration
GroundsFest returns to Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire, on 9-10 September 2025, and the countdown has begun. Registration is open - and entry is completely free. Now in its third year, GroundsFest has quickly carved out a unique place in the industry calendar.
It’s not just an exhibition; it’s a dynamic blend of hands-on demonstrations, hundreds of exhibitors, exclusive product launches, CPD-accredited learning, and live entertainment - all with a community atmosphere that sets it apart from any other show.
Hundreds of Brands, All in One Place
For two days, Stoneleigh Park will be home to hundreds of the biggest and most respected names in groundscare, landscaping, arboriculture, and horticulture.
From established global brands to innovative start-ups, every corner of the industry is represented.
The show floor is the perfect place to see the latest technologies, compare products side-by-side, and talk directly to the experts behind them.
Many exhibitors will use GroundsFest as the stage for exclusive product launches, giving visitors the very first look at the equipment and solutions set to shape the future of the industry.
From battery-powered breakthroughs to sustainable landscaping materials, the event offers inspiration and practical solutions for businesses of all sizes.
Real-World Demonstrations You Can Take Part In
One of GroundsFest’s most popular features is its expansive outdoor
demonstration areas. This is where machinery comes to life in real conditions - mowing, mulching, digging, lifting, cutting, building, and much more!
Visitors are encouraged to get hands-on, putting equipment through its paces to experience performance, handling, and ease of use first-hand.
Machinery Nation LIVE – Bigger, Bolder, and More Competitive
Back after a storming debut last year, Machinery Nation LIVE returns with a packed programme of high-energy challenges and brand battles.
Hosted in a purpose-built arena, it’s
as entertaining as it is informative - giving visitors the chance to see leading machines pushed to their limits and learn how they perform under real pressure.
This year’s schedule includes:
10:00 – Chainsaws: Past, Present, and Future
A showcase of cutting-edge models from STIHL, EGO, Milwaukee, and DeWalt, alongside some extremely rare vintage chainsaws. A fascinating mix of power, precision, and history.
12:00 – Stand-On Commercial Mowers: Is This the Next Machine for Your Business?
Watch top brands including Toro, Grasshopper, and Hustler go headto-head, with insights into how these machines can transform efficiency for landscaping and maintenance teams.
14:00 – Machinery Relay: Machine vs Machine, Man vs Man
A fast-paced, highly competitive relay event involving different power tools and machinery brands, where skill and speed go hand in hand.
With three shows a day, the atmosphere in the Machinery Nation LIVE arena is always buzzing - and there are prizes to be won for visitors who get involved in the action.
NEW! Lawn Mower Racing – The GroundsFest Cup – in partnership with Kramp UK
For the first time ever, GroundsFest will host adrenaline-fuelled Lawn Mower Racing as part of the brandnew GroundsFest Cup.
Across both days of the show, professional racers from the West Midlands Lawn Mower Racing Association will battle it out on a custom-built track - blades removed but engines roaring.
Expect tight corners and plenty of friendly rivalry as competitors push their modified machines to the limit in pursuit of the inaugural GroundsFest Cup title.
The Landscape Zone in Partnership with BALI
For landscape architects, garden designers, contractors, and green infrastructure professionals, the Landscape Zone is a must-visit.
This dedicated area is packed with exhibitors showcasing futurefocused products and solutions, from sustainable planting schemes to advanced outdoor construction technologies.
At the heart of the Landscape Zone is the Landscape Theatre, home to a two-day programme of CPDaccredited seminars. This year’s lineup blends business advice, practical expertise, and forward-thinking sustainability topics.
Day one will see Kim Sones share tax-saving strategies tailored for landscaping business owners, followed by Adtrak’s Aalia Zorko and Ben Shaw on how AI is revolutionising digital marketing. Renowned designer Andrew Wilson will offer tips on persuading clients to embrace sustainable choices, while George Trott and John Mellor explore how to futureproof urban landscapes. Later sessions will cover sustainability in grounds maintenance with Andy Corcoran and Ryan Pembroke, and the industry’s skills shortage with Nigel Payne and Victoria Fiander.
Day two opens with an honest panel discussion on what it really takes to run a successful landscaping business, featuring Rob Woodhouse, Will Petty, and Dan from Design It Landscapes. Soil expert Tim O’Hare will then share insights into mastering soil for resilient landscapes, followed by Kate Cooney from Perennial tackling mental health and motivation in the trades.
The programme closes with Wildflower Turf discussing wildflower meadows and rewilding targets for local authorities.
Festival Vibes After Hours
When the business of the day is done, the networking continues in a more relaxed style. On the evening of 9 September, the GroundsFest Live Music Festival kicks off with street food and live sets from Definitely Mightbe - the world’s best Oasis tribute band - and Elevate, plus a live DJ. And yes, the everpopular bumper cars are back - and free to ride.
Why You Can’t Miss It
With hundreds of brands in one place, the chance to try equipment first-hand, access to top-tier education, and a social scene that makes networking easy, GroundsFest is more than an exhibition - it’s an unmissable industry experience.
Register FREE today at www. groundsfest.com and join the UK’s most exciting landscaping and groundscare event.
You can also follow GroundsFest on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram @GroundsFest for much more news, reviews and insightful views.
You can also follow GroundsFest on X, Facebook and Instagram @GroundsFest
Discover Mansfield Sand’s Elite Sports Turf Solutions at GroundsFest 2025
Head to stand OSA260 at GroundsFest 2025 – taking place on 9–10 September at Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire – to explore the latest professional sand-based solutions from Mansfield Sand.
With over 180 years of heritage, Mansfield Sand remains at the forefront of silica sand innovation. Their trusted range supports elite stadiums, training grounds, championship golf courses, and equestrian venues across the UK.
At this year’s event, the Mansfield Sand team will be on hand to demonstrate how their products strengthen, support, and transform natural sports surfaces. Key solutions on display include:
Reinforced Rootzones
Engineered for high-performance turf surfaces that demand durability and year-round playability. Options include:
• Fibre Reinforced Rootzone – enhanced strength with polypropylene fibres.
• Fibrelastic Rootzone – resilience and recovery with polypropylene and Elastane fibres.
• Fibresand – ideal for turf damaged by winter wear and tear.
Sand Soil Rootzones
Blends of premium screened topsoil and Mansil 40 Silica Sand, providing a strong foundation for new builds or renovations.
Sand Compost Rootzones
Mixes of sand and organic material that retain nutrients and moisture, boosting drought tolerance and resilience.
Top Dressing
Sterilised, stone-free dressings made from Mansfield’s own silica sand and soils. Custom blends, including those with soil amendments, are also available.
Mansil Silica Sand Sports Range
Extracted from the Two Oaks Quarry in Mansfield, this range supports diverse surfaces – from golf courses and bowling greens to winter sports pitches and amenity areas.
Don’t miss your chance to see how Mansfield Sand’s marketleading products can raise the standard of your sports surfaces. Visit stand OSA260 at GroundsFest 2025.
www.mansfield-sand.co.uk
www.mansfield-sand.co.uk A range of products created by nature ...perfected by
Mansfield Sand is one of the UK’s leading providers of silica sand based products for the whole sports turf industry, including major sporting venues and stadiums.
Tel: +44 (0)1623 707555
email: info@mansfield-sand.co.uk
Avant Tecno Set to Showcase
Two New Products
At GroundsFest 2025, Avant Tecno (Stand OSA270) will be showcasing two major new product launches – the Avant e727 fully electric compact loader and the Leguan 265, the most advanced spider lift in the Leguan Lifts range.
But that’s not all – visitors will also have the chance to test their skills in the Avant National Pro Challenge, a high-energy operator competition with great prizes up for grabs.
The Avant e727 – Fully Electric, Fully Capable
Avant’s new e727 compact loader is designed to meet the demands of modern construction, landscaping, agriculture, and equestrian applications. With a 27 kWh Avant OptiTemp® battery, up to 5.5 hours of operating time, and a 1400 kg lift capacity, this fully electric machine matches the power and speed of its diesel counterpart – but with whisperquiet operation and cutting-edge energy efficiency.
At the heart of the e727 is Avant’s new Autoshift system, which seamlessly shifts between gears and optimises driveline efficiency for smoother operation and longer run times.
Whether handling materials on tight urban sites or tackling light-to-medium hydraulic attachments, the e727 is a forward-thinking solution for professionals looking to reduce emissions without sacrificing performance.
Leguan 265 – The Flagship Spider Lift Redefining Versatility
Also making a big impression is the Leguan 265, the fastest 27-metre spider lift in the world. It reaches its 26.5-metre working height in just 1 minute and 35 seconds, offering a 13.6-metre outreach and 250 kg lift capacity. Built for performance across tree care, maintenance, and construction, the Leguan 265 brings a rugged track system, 45% gradeability, and a market-leading low centre of gravity for unbeatable terrain handling.
Operators will appreciate intuitive features like the Leguan EDX operating system, automatic levelling, electric rotation platform, and joystick controls for total confidence in any environment. Whether you’re running a rental fleet or managing specialist height access projects, the Leguan 265 raises the bar.
Test Your Skills: The Avant National Pro Challenge
Do you have what it takes to be crowned Avant’s top operator?
The Avant National Pro Challenge returns with a purpose-built course designed to put your loader skills to the test. Precision, speed, and control are the name of the game –and yes, there are prizes to be won!
Explore the Full Range
Alongside the showstopping new e727 and Leguan 265, Avant will be showcasing their broader range of compact loaders and access platforms. It’s the perfect chance to speak to the team, get hands-on with the machines, and discover what makes Avant and Leguan trusted names across so many industries.
Find Avant Tecno outdoors on Stand OSA270.
For more information,
Designed for Professionals, Built for Every pitch.
From football fields to golf courses, maintaining top-quality sports surfaces requires efficiency, precision, and minimal ground impact. That’s why Avant compact loaders are the go-to choice for sports turf professionals.
With over 200 attachments, Avant loaders tackle everything from aeration and topdressing to turf sweeping and material handling—allowing you to do more with one machine. Their articulated design and low ground pressure ensure pristine playing surfaces, making them the perfect low-impact solution for every sports venue.
Powerful. Versatile. Built for the pitch.
One tool, endless possibilities
The Makita UX01G 40VMax XGT Brushless Split Shaft Motor Unit is a cordless, multi-function power head that is ideal for a wide range of applications including landscaping and general grounds maintenance. Compatible with a selection of multipurpose attachments including pole saws, sweepers and blowers, the tool allows professionals to complete jobs with greater ease and effectiveness.
Thanks to its lever-style lock system, users can switch attachments quickly (all sold separately), helping to save both time and space, whilst offering them ultimate control and precision. This feature also helps to reduce costs by eliminating the need to purchase completely new tools for separate tasks. For groundskeeping work in autumn and winter, the 191T38-7 Pole Saw, 199339-7 Roller Sweeper and 191P723 Blower attachments are practical options.
With a working length of 300mm, the Pole Saw 191T38-7 is ideal for trimming high branches without the need for ladders, enhancing safety and convenience. Meanwhile, the Roller Sweeper 199339-7 provides effective debris removal, clearing wet materials such as leaves, water and snow without damaging the
grass underneath. Finally, the Blower attachment 191P72-3 offers a powerful air speed of up to 65,3m3/ min to clear grass clippings and dirt, equipped with a silencer to maintain a low noise level.
Powered by Makita’s 40VMax XGT battery technology, the UX01G is the ideal tool for those working longer periods on larger spaces. Offering three different speed settings, the tool also allows the user to have optimal control whilst ensuring smoother and safer performance. To further minimise risk to the operator, the UX01G
also features Active Feedback Sensing Technology (AFT), which automatically stops the machine if the rotation of the attachment suddenly slows, reducing kick back to protect the motor, the attachments and the user.
Created with a split shaft design, keeping the product’s motor at the harness end, the UX01G provides greater balance helping to reduce fatigue, as well as an adjustable shoulder harness and a loop handle for added comfort.
Additionally, the tool is IPX4 rated and provides superior water resistance, meaning that users can still work in dewy conditions or light rain, which is ideal especially in the colder seasons.
For more information or to see the wider range of split-shaft attachments, please visit: www.makitauk.com.
Ballybunion Golf Club Enhances Turf Maintenance with Foley Grinders
allybunion Golf Club, located on the northwest coast of County Kerry, Ireland and steeped in history since its founding in 1893, is widely celebrated for its breathtaking coastal views and challenging yet rewarding links. Over the years, the club has become a symbol of golfing perfection, attracting players from around the globe to experience its world-class courses. Continuing its tradition of excellence, Ballybunion recently acquired state-of-the-art Foley grinders, comprising a Accu-Pro 633 Accutouch 3 control cylinder grinder with rear tail lift and an Accu Pro 673 bedknife grinder, to further elevate its turf maintenance standards.
BBallybunion, we pride ourselves on maintaining some of the finest greens in the world. Our new Foley grinders allow us to achieve a level of precision and consistency that aligns perfectly with our commitment to excellence.”
The decision to invest in Foley grinders was driven by Ballybunion’s unwavering dedication to delivering immaculate playing conditions. “
The intuitive design of the equipment provides Ballybunion’s maintenance team with the tools to keep the workflow going, while the thorough training ensures that team members can maximize the potential of this innovative technology.
The decision to invest in Foley grinders was driven by Ballybunion’s unwavering dedication to delivering immaculate playing conditions. With such a large fleet size in regular use, the advanced automated relief and spin options offered by Foley grinders ensure that the reel’s edges remain sharp for longer, improving efficiency and playability.
Speaking on the importance of this investment, Course Manager John Bambury remarked, “At
Ian Robson, Managing Director of ProSportUK Ltd, distributor for Foley Company in the UK and Ireland stated. “We are delighted to have placed two of the latest Foley grinders into a prestigious club such as Ballybunion. We have had a relationship with the greens team at Ballybunion for many years after supplying and supporting the previous Neary grinders, and will continue to offer them assistance, whenever required going forward.
Ease of use and robust training were vital considerations in choosing Foley grinders.
The exceptional back-up service provided by Prosport UK and the Foley Company has been a key factor in this successful upgrade. According to John, “The support and service we’ve received have been outstanding. Being able to rely on Prosport UK and Foley Company helps us maintain the highest standards in turf management”
Foley Company is the world leader in professional reel and bed-knife grinders and delivers the most economical solution for all your spin and relief grinding needs. Designed for optimum operator safety and ease of use.
The New Foley 642 Floor Grinder will be showcased at Groundsfest 2025
Foley Company’s UK and Ireland distributor, ProSport UK Ltd, will be on stand 46 demonstrating the unrivalled benefits of relief grinding and the new floor level Foley 642 Quick Spin Reel Grinder.
The prototype of Foley’s new floor level 642 Quick Spin Reel Grinder was revealed earlier this year. Now this new revolutionary grinder is ready for the market and will be on display at Groundsfest 2025. Designed to accommodate the widest of mower cylinders the 642 is a simple roll-on roll-off solution to grinding, with the machine sitting at floor level. The roll-on roll-off solution removes the need for heavy lifting facilities, revolutionising how equipment managers view touch-up spin grinding.
It offers a fast, easy-operated option for providing a quick touch-up spin between regular relief grinding schedules, and is a solution for sharpening the extra wide, heavy mowers used on sports fields/ pitches. The Foley 642 Quick-Spin features simple to use controls, counter balanced spin drive, patented front and rear clamping system for pedestrian mowers, and power rear positioning levers for
cylinders. It will accept up to 42-inch reel width and operates on 240v/15a power.
ProSport UK Ltd Managing Director Ian Robson will run demonstrations throughout both days of GroundsFest and be available to discuss any questions or requirements.
www.prosportukltd.com
Turf Tank unveils expanded robot capabilities at Groundsfest 2025
Turf Tank, a leading name in robotic line marking solutions, is proud to announce the release of its latest software update at Groundsfest 2025, Stand number OSA481.
Designed to empower UK grounds teams to achieve more with less, the enhanced Turf Tank robot now boasts new features that extend its versatility from sports pitches to parking lots, and everywhere in between.
Already trusted by over 5,000 organisations worldwide, Turf Tank’s autonomous robots have transformed the way schools, clubs, and professional venues mark their grounds. The latest update, built in direct response to user feedback, introduces smart tools to further boost precision, efficiency, and user control.
Key Features being Showcased at Groundsfest 2025
• Logo Bundles for Pro Subscribers: Instantly access and paint a library of preloaded logos for sports teams, holidays, and special events—no stencils required. Grounds teams can now easily mark out detailed designs for school events, awareness campaigns, or club matches straight from their tablet.
Car Park Marking: The Turf Tank robot can now tackle car parks as well as pitches. Mark entire car parks or individual bays on your own schedule, with the flexibility to complete the job in stages minimising disruption and avoiding the need to close off large areas.
• Enhanced Tight-Space Navigation: Set the minimum turning distance for the robot between painted
lines, making it ideal for compact or multi-use locations near fences, buildings, or other obstacles.
• Quick Settings for Football Pitches: Updated templates let users adjust arc radius and line widths in moments, reducing setup time and ensuring consistent results.
These enhancements reinforce Turf Tank’s commitment to accurate, consistent, and efficient line marking—helping grounds teams save time and focus on maintaining first-class playing surfaces.
Live Demonstration at Groundsfest
Curious to see the robot in action?
Visit the Turf Tank stand at Groundsfest 2025 for a hands-on demonstration. Select your preferred layout and watch as the Turf Tank robot brings it to life—no strings or stencils required. For those unable to attend, request a demo at your site by visiting https://turftank.com/en/ or contacting your local Turf Tank representative:
• Southern UK: Alex Robinson –alex@turftank.co.uk – 07311 370 250
Turf Tank is transforming pitch marking across the UK, from Premier League stadiums to local schools and grassroots clubs. By eliminating the stress and physical effort of traditional line marking, Turf Tank gives groundskeepers, volunteers, and facility managers more time to focus on quality and performance. With over 120 preloaded designs, custom layout options, and dedicated UK-based support, Turf Tank makes marking lines, logos, training layouts, and even car parks effortless.
Join us at Groundsfest 2025 and discover why thousands of clubs trust Turf Tank to streamline their pitch maintenance and elevate their facilities. Visit https://turftank. com/en/ for more information.
THE WORLD’S BEST RATED AUTONOMOUS LINE MARKING ROBOTS
Subscription pricing keeps it budget-friendly for organisations of all sizes
Accurate, consistent, and efficient results - every time
Support when and where you need it - from people who know your Turf Tank inside and out
Save time. Save paint. Save money - more than 5,000 organisations already call Turf Tank their MVP (Most Valuable Painter)
DESIGNED TO PAINT ALL SPORTS PITCHES
The pinnacle of zero-turn mowers
The new Ariens Summit Pro series
rofessional service providers around the world rely on the reliability of the Ariens Summit Pro series. Now the proven fleet star is coming to Europe. The series includes the Ariens Summit Pro 300 (26 hp) with 48, 52 or 60 inch cutting width and the Summit Pro 500 (27 hp) with 60 or 72 inch. The new Ariens Envy Pro mower deck made of 4.6 mm thick sheet steel ensures optimum grass distribution and extreme durability. The welded tubular frame and cold-forged aluminium spindles are built for the toughest continuous use. Both models feature powerful Kawasaki FX engines with 852 cm³, V-Twin, dual air filters and oil coolers. The Summit Pro 300 uses Parker HTJ hydrostats (12 cm³ pump, 17 km/h), while the Summit Pro 500 uses Parker HTG (16 cm³, 24 km/h). Large drive wheels (24” on the 300, 26” on the 500) ensure comfort, while the semi-pneumatic front wheels are puncture-proof.
The air-suspension Air-Ride seat on the Summit Pro 500 offers maximum comfort, as does the fully suspended seat on the Summit Pro 300.
The cross-blade system, which is also used in the popular AS 940 Sherpa ride-on mower, impresses with its high cutting power and effortlessly masters grass and undergrowth up to 1.5 metres.
Mow steep slopes faster – without turning
The new remote-controlled sickle mower crawler from AS-Motor is designed for tall grass and steep slopes. With the AS 990 Tahr RC, you can mow steep slopes faster –without turning. Its sickle mower, which is open on both sides, enables a clean cut in both directions of travel. The clippings are always deposited in the same pattern. The cross-blade system, which is also used in the popular AS 940 Sherpa ride-on mower, impresses with its high cutting power and effortlessly masters grass and undergrowth up to 1.5 metres. The combination of even weight distribution and
maximum support width of the drive chains ensures that the AS 990 Tahr RC is easy and smooth to drive. Its handling and low centre of gravity in the middle of the machine enable precise driving in contour lines on slopes. Maximum robustness with minimum complexity. The AS 990 Tahr RC uncompromisingly lives up to this principle, which is a core value at AS-Motor. The remote-controlled rotary mower impresses with its durability, low susceptibility to faults, simple maintenance, low running costs and uncomplicated repairs.
www.ariens.eu/uk
Why Chainsaw Training is Essential: A
Gardening Company’s Story
When it comes to chainsaws, safety comes first. Without the right training, the risks are high—for both workers and the companies they work for.
Recently, a gardening business contacted us. Their new hires needed chainsaw training to work safely and productively. They joined our July Chainsaw Training Course, spending
confident. One participant said: “The
As the company’s manager put it:”
Knowing my team is trained and certified is a huge relief. It was a great investment—we’ll be sending more staff in the future.”
Join Our Next Course
Our Chainsaw Training is ideal for professionals in gardening, forestry, construction, and groundskeeping. We
Etesia UK brings exclusive offers and professional power to GroundsFest 2025
Etesia UK returns to GroundsFest 2025 with a stand packed with highperformance equipment – and some of its biggest ever show offers. Visitors to stand OSA150 can get hands-on with the latest machines and unlock exclusive GroundsFest-only discounts across the Etesia range, simply by booking a demo at the event.
Leading the line-up is the Hydro 124 range – powerful, all-weather ride-on mowers now available with savings of over £8,000. Built for contractors, estate managers, grounds teams and local authorities, these machines are renowned for strength, reliability, and their ability to cut and collect in challenging conditions.
With contract hire options from just £89 per week, the Hydro 124 DL, DN and DX models combine affordability with professional-grade features, including
a 124cm cutting width, 25HP diesel engine, high-lift 600-litre collector, and two-year commercial warranty – with both 2WD and 4WD options available.
“This is an exceptional opportunity for professionals to invest in the very best machinery on the market,” says Les Malin, Managing Director of Etesia UK. “With these limited-time savings at GroundsFest – plus extra show-only offers when a demo is booked – there’s
never been a better time to explore Etesia.”
Also on show at GroundsFest 2025:
• ET Lander – road-legal, all-electric utility vehicle with 940kg capacity, 750kg towing, and onboard 230v output.
• Hydro 100 III – upgraded mower with Kawasaki engine, differential lock, larger fuel tank and high-capacity collector.
• Hydro 80 – compact workhorse with 15HP Kawasaki engine and hydrostatic drive.
• PRO 51X & PRO 53 – walk-behind mowers for slopes and uneven terrain, offering cut, collect and mulch in one.
Visit Etesia UK on Stand OSA150 to see the machines in action, meet the experts, and book your demo to unlock exclusive event-only savings.
Pellenc returns to Groundsfest 2025 with new live demo area
Pellenc is back for GroundsFest 2025 – and this year, the company is taking things up a gear with a brand-new dedicated demonstration area on stand OSA150. Now in its third appearance at the show, Pellenc will showcase its market-leading battery-powered equipment, with live demos giving visitors the chance to experience performance and handling first-hand.
A pioneer in lithium-ion battery technology, Pellenc continues to lead the way in zero-emission grounds maintenance. Its range includes powerful, professionalgrade tools that often outperform petrol alternatives –delivering reliability, comfort, and reduced environmental impact. Visitors can expect to see chainsaws, pole saws, hedge cutters, strimmers, brushcutters, blowers, and mowers in action.
See the New Essential Range in Action
Making its GroundsFest debut, the new Pellenc Essential line will also be on display – offering a practical, costeffective solution for professionals maintaining green and urban spaces. These on-board battery tools are lightweight, efficient, and accessible without compromising on performance.
The line-up includes:
• Helion Essential hedge trimmer – ergonomic and precise, with three cutting speeds and up to three hours’ runtime.
• Excelion Essential brushcutters – available with loop or cow horn handles, featuring brushless motors and up to 460mm cutting width.
• Airion Essential blower – quiet, powerful, and comfortable, with Cruise Control, Boost mode and adjustable speed settings.
• ULiB 200E and 400E batteries – compact, ergonomic and built for long-lasting, reliable power.
Throughout the two-day event, the Pellenc team will be on hand to offer advice and technical support. Every Pellenc battery in the pro range comes with a four-year warranty, tools with three years, and the Essential range with two years – ensuring long-term value and peace of mind.
Pellenc equipment – including the new Essential range – is distributed exclusively in the UK and Ireland by Etesia UK.
How to scarify lawns
when, why and the best equipment to use
Lawn scarifying is the process of removing thatch and moss - the layer of dead grass, roots, and debris that builds up on your lawn. Over time, this layer blocks water, air, and nutrients from reaching the soil and roots, leading to poor lawn health.
Using a scarifier helps aerate the soil, stimulate new grass growth, and improve overall lawn drainage and resilience.
When should you scarify your lawn?
The best time to scarify a lawn is during periods of active growth:
• Spring (April to May)
• Autumn (September to October)
• Avoid scarifying in summer (especially during droughts) or winter when grass is dormant
How to scarify
Follow these steps to get the best results when scarifying your lawn:
• Mow the grass short
• Set up your scarifier
• Scarify in two directions
• Adjust blade depth as needed
• Collect debris
What to do after scarifying
Your lawn might look rough - but it will recover quickly if you follow up with the right care:
• Rake thoroughly and remove all debris
• Overseed and apply grass seed to bare patches for even regrowth
• Top dress by spreading a thin layer of compost or topsoil
• Water well and keep the lawn moist to support new seed growth
• Fertilise by applying a balanced lawn feed to speed up recovery
Best scarifying equipment
Manual rakes can work for small patches, but for best results, use a scarifier. The Jo Beau V460 is compact and high-performance designed for efficiency and durability. This – and the whole range of domestic and professional Jo Beau machinery - is exclusively available from Global Machinery Solutions: www.globalmachinerysolutions.co.uk
Stump Grinders
THINK ALL FUEL IS THE SAME?
Since 1988, Aspen Fuel has prioritised a safer and healthier working environment for operators. Today, that mission remains the same - to reduce toxic emissions, deliver smoother engine performance and create a more sustainable working environment.
ENVIRONMENTAL SPRAY SOLUTIONS
Environmental spray-on services for superior vegetation establishment and erosion control
• Seeding and revegetation
• Spray-on topsoil improvement
• Erosion control and soil stabilisation
• Retaining walls
Introducing Fargro Amenity
Smarter, sustainable turf management
Fargro now brings decades of grower expertise to sports turf and amenity, supporting Grounds Management Association members with proven, sustainable solutions.
Our holistic approach
We combine science-led innovation with practical turf care to deliver consistent health and playability, year-round and across all surfaces.
Tailored turf solutions
Our advice is grounded in soil science, plant physiology, and the specific needs of your site.
Blenheim Palace in Oxfordshire, is more than a historic estate - it’s a living landscape, meticulously maintained to preserve its grandeur. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Britain’s most celebrated examples of Baroque architecture, its 12,000 acre grounds include
over 2,000 acres of formal gardens, parkland and lakes, that must be kept in pristine condition yearround for the million-plus visitors who come to experience its splendour.
The task falls to a dedicated team, including Forestry and Cultivation
Manager Rob Burgess and estate maintenance worker Charlie Gerring. They care for around 300 acres of grassland, mowing up to 150 acres weekly for 35–40 weeks a year. “Visitors expect the front of the palace to look pristine,” says Charlie. “It’s a palace, so it should look like a palace.”
The Art of Lawn Perfection
For nearly a decade, the team relied on a Major 6.1m TDR mower, valued for its sharp, clean finish and reliability. After nine years of service, it was time for a replacement - and the choice was clear: another Major TDR, purchased through trusted supplier Farol. “We wouldn’t look anywhere else for a mower,” Charlie says. “The service from Major and Farol is excellentthey’re always a phone call away.”
Major Trideck is a Trusted Machine
The new TDR builds on its predecessor’s strengths, with galvanised steel decks for rust resistance, a simplified folding mechanism and a blade system that delivers consistent results. Its gearboxes cut consistently, even in wet conditions, and with no belts to
maintain, upkeep is minimal. Paired with a John Deere 6120M tractor (120HP), it handles steep banks and tight spaces with ease.
Beyond the Lawns
Beyond mowing, the team manages trees, pathways, waterways and habitats. In partnership with A Healthier Earth, they aim to plant 600,000 trees by 2030, using biochar to enhance soil and support biodiversity.
Major TDR Earns its Stripes
For Rob, the reward is in the results: “I get satisfaction from looking back after I’ve finished mowing and seeing nice straight lines.” With reliable machinery and skilled hands, Blenheim Palace will continue to shine - one pass of the mower at a time. See the Major TDR up close at GroundsFest, September
The new TDR builds on its predecessor’s strengths, with galvanised steel decks for rust resistance, a simplified folding mechanism and a blade system that delivers consistent results. Its gearboxes cut consistently, even in wet conditions, and with no belts to maintain, upkeep is minimal.
9th – 10th and talk with the Major team about how it can transform your grounds.
www.major-equipment.com
“The Major Contoura has increased our output by 25%.”
SeeusatGroundsFest!
Joel Chappell, Course Manager, Coventry Golf Club
A robust rotary mower for sports turf and golf courses
• 3.6m working width
• Galvanised finish
• 3-year warranty
• Consistent cutting with no belts to maintain
• Clean, striped finish in all weathers
• Low maintenance
Only the best Groundwork, Drainage and Pipework products
Rouden Pipetek Ltd supplies and distributes Drainage and Pipework products from the UK’s leading manufacturers. We predominantly distribute to groundwork, construction, civil engineering, and agricultural companies. We are committed to providing a first-class service and competitively priced products to all of our clients. Due to our longstanding presence within the industry (we commenced trading in May 2001), we have become reliable distributors to some of the smallest and largest businesses in the UK. Whether your requirement is for a length of pipe or a motorway drainage system, our sales team can provide a cost-effective solution to suit your needs.
To ensure our products reach you as quickly as possible, we have four Branches in the South of England. These are located in Horsham, West Sussex, Maidstone, Kent, Cullompton, Devon and Petersfield, Hampshire. All of our large storage and distribution sites are fully stocked, and boast a vast and comprehensive range of pipework systems and associated products.
Rouden Pipetek offers a next day delivery service, with other delivery options available depending on customer requirements. Our fleet of specialist delivery vehicles and fully qualified drivers, get the products to our customers safely and efficiently.
Rouden Pipetek is a one-stop facility for civil engineering, building and construction companies, whilst also supplying, sports ground contractors, utility and telecommunications contractors. We are also proud to supply specialist water feature and building services companies, as well as agricultural contractors.
Our product range includes, but is certainly not limited to the following;
Foul Water Drainage Systems (plastic & clay), Surface Water Drainage Systems, Twinwall Service Ducting, Street light and Traffic Signal Ducting, Land Drainage Pipework and Geothermal Heating Systems.
Whether your requirement is for a length of pipe or a motorway drainage system, our sales team can provide a cost-effective solution to suit your needs.
We also offer a Specialist Fabrication service, Barrier Pipe Systems, Sewage Treatment Plants, and Manhole Covers and Frames. Other lines include Linear Channel Drainage Systems, Grass Reinforcement, Geotextile Membranes, Attenuation Crates and PVCu and ABS Chemical Pipework Systems. For a comprehensive list of our products and further information, simply visit our Products page.
mail@rouden.co.uk www.rouden.co.uk
The largest independent pipework supplier in the south of England
Rouden Pipetek is a one-stop facility for civil engineering, building and construction companies, additionally supplying to sports ground contractors, utility and telecommunications contractors. We also supply to specialist water feature and building services companies, as well as agricultural contractors.
For a comprehensive list of our products and further information, simply visit our website.
New Barn, Ham Barn Business Park Farnham Road, Petersfield, Hampshire GU33 6LG 01730 777 350 Petersfield
The Orchard, Brighton Road, Pease Pottage, Crawley, West Sussex, RH11 9AB 01403 275 276 Pease Pottage
Hitchcocks Business Park Anthony Way, Uffculme Cullompton, Devon EX15 3FX 01884 211 788 Cullompton
RM-2 RA I NMAK E R
INTERNET BASED 2 WIRE DECODER SYSTEM IRRIGATION CONTROLLER
Market Sectors
Overview
RM-2 RA I NMAK E R
INTERNET BASED 2 WIRE DECODER SYSTEM IRRIGATION CONTROLLER
Features •
Tonick Decoders
Communication Interfaces • Protocols Supported
Suffolk-based Terrain Aeration has specialised in one-metre deep soil aeration to relieve compaction, panning, and waterlogging nationally for over thirty years.
Terrain Aeration injects polymer for trees
The summer months have not been kind for trees and turf. Increasingly, year on year, we are seeing the effects of climate change across our landscape as droughts persist. Trees in parks, golf courses, public and amenity areas, turf on sports pitches through to lawns in private gardens have all suffered from the lack of rainfall. The ground becomes hard and compacted to a considerable depth, and when the rains do come, this often leads to standing surface water and waterlogging.
Suffolk-based Terrain Aeration has specialised in one-metre deep soil aeration to relieve compaction, panning, and waterlogging nationally for over thirty years. While that takes care of the drainage and aeration when it’s
very wet there remains the opposite problem of grass and tree roots not getting enough water in periods of drought. It’s a problem addressed by the same machine, Terrain Aeration’s Terralift system, that aerates the soil at depth by releasing compressed air via its one-metre depth probe. As that fragments the soil to create fissures and cracks to allow drainage and aeration, the probe can also inject water-storing polymer. Once in place, the polymer will expand one-hundredfold with rainwater or irrigation water, which it stores for the turf or tree roots to take up as needed. It’s a one-way system, so the polymer does not take water from the roots.
In this way, we will be able to make better use of what water we have, and it’s a very long-term process as
the polymer takes a long time to degrade. Spreading the polymer on the surface is not practical, as when it rains it turns into a gel, making the area dangerous to walk and play on. Injecting it into the ground using the Terralift machine offers the best, most beneficial, and wholly costeffective method, says the company. Terrain Aeration is the only operator of the Terralift in the UK, and the treatment has proven itself since 1985. There are different versions of the machine to treat large open spaces such as sports grounds, golf courses, and avenues of trees, and to negotiate narrow accesses onto bowling greens and gardens. Anywhere from airports to zoos.
COMPACTION AND WATERLOGGING STOP PLAY. DOWNTIME COSTS MONEY.
Terrain Aeration’s long-term treatment reaches one metre deep where compressed air blasts the compaction.
The soil is opened up for good drainage and a healthy sward with minimum disruption. We have been successfully deep aerating sports turf, bowling greens, golf courses, parks, racecourses, trees and gardens for over thirty years.
Hunter Irrigation Makes an Instant Impact at Leigh Sports Village
Keith Porter, Grounds Manager at Leigh Sports Village in Greater Manchester, is celebrating his 18th year at the helm of one of the UK’s fastest-developing sporting venues – and with the installation of a new Hunter irrigation system supplied and supported by KAR UK, he’s now seeing the benefits of precision technology across every blade of grass.
The new system has delivered a game-changing level of control and consistency for Keith and his dedicated six-person grounds team.
Installed by Irrigation Control as part of a major hybrid pitch
redevelopment in June last year, the Hunter system includes GT-885 and I-80-ON sprinklers designed to deliver performance, reliability, total top serviceability, and full even coverage of the pitch.
It is combined with the ACC2 controller and Centralus software.
“We’d seen the technology at the BTME event in Harrogate and knew it was a step up,” says Keith. “You can access the heads without digging up the pitch – which is massive on a hybrid surface – and the throw from the heads is brilliant. With the I-80s, even the central sprinklers reach right out to the touchline.
We’ve now got 100% coverage, and that makes a huge difference.”
Previously, uneven watering created inconsistency in turf condition, with areas occasionally drying out and underperforming. The new system has eradicated that issue.
“With the old irrigation system, it was hit and miss – now it’s perfectly even. No dry patches, no burning off.
It’s not just about aesthetics, it’s about performance and safety too. Even in windy conditions, the whole playing surface is getting what it needs. It’s transformed our matchday prep.”
Leigh Sports Village – home to rugby league club Leigh Leopards and Manchester United’s Women’s and Development teams – has
experienced a steady rise in profile and popularity, with regular games, training sessions, and even film shoots becoming part of the busy schedule.
The small team manage far more than just the stadium pitch – the entire site includes additional grass and synthetic pitches, a leisure centre, hotel, supermarket, and even a college campus.
Despite the workload, Keith credits the investment in technology and ongoing support as vital to keeping up with demand.
“We’re left to manage things ourselves, and we’ve always had the backing when we’ve made a case for investment,” he explains.
“The irrigation system was another example of the council trusting us to choose the right tools for the job.”
Control and ease of use have also proven key benefits.
With Hunter’s Centralus control system, the team can operate the irrigation from anywhere –even at home – via smartphone, handheld remote, or laptop.
“It’s really simple. Any of the lads can pick it up and use it,” Keith adds. “You can run individual heads or sections for spot treatments or liquid feeding. You’re not restricted to a one-sizefits-all cycle – it’s totally flexible. That saves water, time, and effort.”
KAR UK, the UK’s leading supplier of Hunter irrigation equipment, played a key role throughout the project. Their technical support and advice proved instrumental in the system’s successful integration.
“Lee Williams from KAR UK has been great,” says Keith. “He was involved right from the start and
has always been on the end of the phone.
Any advice we needed, he was there. It’s been a smooth process.”
With the stadium pitch now fully covered and performing better than ever, Keith is already looking at future upgrades.
“Our external pitches are older systems, but as heads start to go, we’ll be replacing them with Hunter – it’s the way forward.”
As Leigh Sports Village continues its impressive rise, Keith’s team – and their irrigation – are keeping pace.
“With the Hunter system in place, we’ve got confidence in the coverage. It’s made a big difference,” Keith concludes.
For more information, please visit www.karuk.com
Keeping the Greens Green
How elite Precast minion-bollards® are protecting golf courses
In recent years, many golf courses throughout the UK have faced a troubling and expensive issue: unauthorised vehicle access. Rogue drivers, wayward satellite navigation guidance—sometimes vandals, sometimes misguided joyriders—have taken to the fairways, leaving tyre tracks, divots, and thousands of pounds worth of damage in their wake. But one golf course has found a surprisingly effective solution: Elite Precast’s precast concrete Minion-Bollards®
Yes, Minion-Bollards®—not the yellow cartoon characters, but small, durable, concrete bollards designed to be both low-profile and incredibly strong. Measuring just 600mm in height, these bollards are built from highstrength precast concrete and
are often used in industrial and commercial applications to control vehicle access and part of a security solution. Now, they’re finding an unlikely but crucial role in protecting golf courses and leisure facilities.
At Penn Golf Club the problem of car intrusions was becoming an issue. Despite signage and some fencing, determined drivers were still gaining entry through vulnerable access points and damaging greens, bunkers, and irrigation systems. Replacing damaged turf and repairing the infrastructure became a recurring and costly battle.
That changed when groundskeepers installed Elite Precast Minion-Bollards® along a vulnerable area, which still needed access for emergency entry points and maintenance.
The Minion-Bollards® proved to be the perfect deterrent: tough enough to stop vehicles without being visually intrusive. Unlike traditional fencing or security systems, Minion-Bollards® don’t spoil the natural landscape or interfere with sightlines across the course, as they can be painted to blend in with the environment.
As the Minion-Bollards® are freestanding and can be installed without the need for digging or foundations, they are also a lowdisruption solution, ideal for the delicate setting of a golf course or leisure park. The installation was completed over a couple of hours without affecting play or requiring heavy machinery.
Since their placement, the golf course has seen zero vehicle incursions. The savings on repairs have already outweighed the initial investment, and the peace of mind for staff and members alike, is priceless.
Elite Precast Minion-Bollards® may not be flashy, but they’ve become a silent guardian of the greens. For any Course Manager or Groundskeeper battling similar issues, this discreet and durable solution is well worth considering. It’s a reminder that sometimes the best course of action comes in the smallest package.
For more information, please visit www.eliteprecast.co.uk or call the Elite team on 01952 588885.
Applications
• Golf courses, leisure parks and marketplaces
• Car parks, train stations and airports
• Town squares, public parks
• Shopping centres and entertainment venues
• Marquees & temporary works
• Signage and façade retention
• Unauthorised traffic and work areas
• Mooring boats
Benefits
• Grass verge protection
• To hold signage in place
• Easier transportation
• No additional anchoring
• Available at short notice
• High strength concrete
• Palletised
Arborist 130 makes light work of woodland maintenance at ‘Hidden Jewel of Suffolk’
It’s well documented that time is a precious commodity for every greenkeeping team. At Bungay & Waveney Valley Golf Club it’s no different, with woodland maintenance one of the biggest pulls on Tony Moore and his team during the autumn and winter months.
That all changed however with the delivery of their GreenMech Arborist 130 woodchipper in November 2024, which has not only slashed the time it takes to thin-out and raise lower branches, it’s also significantly reduced the amount of traffic moving around the course.
Affectionately named the ‘Hidden Jewel of Suffolk’, the course is nestled in the picturesque Waveney Valley and is lined with a mixture of mature oak, birch and pine trees which need attention in the winter months to improve airflow and ensure good lines of sight.
“Some years we’ll do more work than others, but either way, any tree work ties up multiple people who end up killing time while someone runs backwards and forwards with branches in a trailer” explains Head Greenkeeper Tony.
“I got in touch with GreenMech’s Neal Hussey who coordinated with our local dealer TNS to bring us a couple of chippers in on demonstration.
We were really impressed with the capacity of the Arborist 130,
the fact that it’s very easy to use and, importantly, the price.”
Delivered in November, the Arborist 130 was put straight to work. He continues, “Neal came back to get the team trained up on how to use the chipper, but it’s pretty foolproof so we were up and running with it really quickly.
With the chipper, we now have less hands on the job and are having to make significantly fewer trips with the trailer which reduces our fuel consumption and is better for the course when the ground conditions are softer.”
The Arborist 130 is an ideal fit
for golf courses, landscapers and contractors looking for a low-maintenance, high-output 6” machine.
Equipped with a number of GreenMech’s unique features including a wide infeed chute, no-stress in-feed system and disc-blade chipping technology, the chipper is a robust, capable addition to any machinery fleet.
“We can get the machine exactly where we need it which means we can achieve more in less time, and free up labour for other tasks around the course.
It’s been a gamechanger for us” he concludes.
Enhancing outdoor spaces with purpose and style
In the world of groundskeeping, every detail matters — from the layout of a park to the signage that guides visitors. At Greenbarnes, we understand that outdoor spaces should be both functional and inviting. That’s why we offer a comprehensive range of high-quality noticeboards, directional signage, benches, and planters designed to elevate any environment.
Whether you’re managing a public park, school grounds, or a private estate, our products combine durability with timeless design. Our noticeboards provide clear, weatherresistant communication, while our signage ensures smooth navigation through even the most complex landscapes. Add comfort and charm with our handcrafted benches and planters, built to withstand the elements and enhance natural beauty.
With decades of experience and a commitment to craftsmanship, Greenbarnes is proud to support professionals who care for the spaces we all enjoy. Let us help you create outdoor areas that are not only wellmaintained but truly memorable.
Greenbarnes — where practicality meets elegance in every detail.
Whether preparing for turf installs, grading golf greens, or setting up drainage, Moasure 2 PRO transforms how groundskeepers measure and plan. This pocket-sized, motionbased device captures x, y, and z data as you move – drawing complex layouts and calculating area, perimeter, elevation, gradient, and volume in real time. Moasure’s Bluetoothconnected app delivers instant 2D and 3D visuals – no GPS or signal required. Export professional, branded site plans to CAD, PDF, or CSV effortlessly. Need to mark out set points? ‘Layout’ mode guides you step by step, streamlining installation.
Designed for speed and accuracy, Moasure helps you plan smarter, install faster, and impress clients with professional results. Once mastered, Moasure helps groundskeepers measure faster – and move projects forward with confidence.
www.moasure.co.uk
Buy External Noticeboards, Poster Cases, Signs & Street Furniture
Delivering quality products to local authorities, business and schools for over 25 years.
The right seeds in the right place. Our seed traceability project means stronger, healthier flowers, and stronger, healthier, happier pollinators.
Call sales on 01832 777100 or visit www.harrowdenturf.co.uk
Your grounds, your message
Make it clear with noticeboard warehouse
Managing outdoor spaces means keeping things clear, organised, and professional. Whether you’re guiding visitors, updating staff, or maintaining public areas, you need signage and equipment that works as hard as you do. That’s where Noticeboard Warehouse comes in.
We’re the trusted supplier for groundskeeping professionals across the UK, offering a premium range of weatherproof outdoor noticeboards and directional signage built to withstand the elements and keep your site running smoothly. From parks and campuses to estates and sports grounds, our products help you stay visible, efficient, and in control.And for those with hospitality or conferencing facilities, we also offer a dedicated range of conference equipment—from display boards to partition screens —designed to support meetings, events, and visitor engagement indoors.
With fast delivery, expert advice, and custom options available, Noticeboard Warehouse is your one-stop shop for communication solutions—indoors and out.
Visit www.noticeboardwarehouse.com today and discover how our products can help every space—from outdoor grounds to indoor conference rooms—communicate clearly and professionally.
Specialists in: Indoor & Outdoor Noticeboards
Directional Signage | Conference Furniture
Established in 1986, we are a leading Manufacturer and Supplier of one the largest ranges of Noticeboards, Signs and Conference Furniture in the UK. Contact us today for product advice or a quotation.
FGM Claymore Expands Robotics Division with Key Appointment and New Product Line
Since acquiring UK distribution rights for the ECHO brand three years ago - and more recently introducing the ECHO Robotics range of commercial robotsFGM Claymore has experienced significant growth in the autonomous turf care sector.
To support this continued momentum, the company is pleased to announce the appointment of James Tatters, who brings over 10 years of experience with the ECHO Robotics commercial product line. James’s in-depth technical knowledge and practical field expertise will significantly enhance FGM Claymore’s service capabilities and product support. “James’s expertise will further strengthen our
support and service offering as we continue to lead in autonomous turf care,” said Paul Butterly, Managing Director of FGM Claymore.
James Tatters will work closely with Sam Daybell, Head of Robotics for the UK and Ireland, as the robotics division continues to grow. This growth is further marked by the launch of Sunseeker Elite, a new domestic robotic line and the latest brand to join the FGM Claymore portfolio.
With an expanded team and a broader product range, FGM Claymore is well-positioned to meet increasing market demand in both commercial and domestic robotic turf care.
ICL Continue to Learn Scholars revealed
The five participants of the 10th ICL Continue to Learn Scholarship have been revealed:
Each year, Premium Partner ICL invites five BIGGA members to attend the education programme at BTME, with the latest cohort representing golf clubs across the UK – from the west of England to the east of Scotland.
The two organisations recognise that the valuable career-development opportunities provided by the multi-day event are not available to every greenkeeper, with the cost of education, travel and accommodation proving an obstacle. The scholarship seeks to provide a level playing field for ambitious members who would otherwise miss out.
“We’re pleased to continue supporting greenkeepers with the Continue to Learn Scholarship,” said Ed Carter, Business Manager UK for ICL Turf & Landscape.
“Access to education is key to raising standards across the industry, and we want to help more BIGGA members develop their skills and progress in their careers.”
Adam Mitchell, of Tehidy Park Golf Club, was delighted to be selected and is eager to make the most of the opportunity.
“ I am looking to use the courses available to improve my management techniques of both turf and of staff, which in turn should allow me to perform my role as Course Manager with more efficiency. I look forward to learning from some well respected industry figures and making new friendships and connections with likeminded people”.
The scholarship provides the five candidates with
three nights in a hotel and a comprehensive education package worth approximately £500.
To earn an ICL Continue to Learn Scholarship, BIGGA members must demonstrate a commitment to developing their own professional abilities by engaging with BIGGA’s Continuing Professional Development scheme.
Whether through inperson learning, reading this magazine, or by accessing resources on the association’s website, BIGGA members can enjoy thousands of learning opportunities, all aimed at improving their professional abilities.
Adam Mitchell Course Manager, Tehidy Park Golf Club
Darren Foster Greenkeeper, The Belfry
Ethan Walker Greenkeeper, Enville Golf Club
Gary Morrison Deputy Course Manager, Bruntsfield Links Golfing Society
Ryan Gall Greenkeeper, Loch Lomond
Industry partnerships are the key to promote safe PPP use
Berthoud & Cooper Pegler maintain their industry dominance with long history of linking up with key industry partners. Teaming up with LANTRA, Harper Adams and recently working alongside NSTS to refresh the Hand Held Sprayer (knapsack & Pressure Sprayers) Routine Checklist are key highlights.
Cooper-Pegler & Berthoud sprayers champion the legal requirements of effective training to keep people in our industry and the environment as safe as possible.
The work of LANTRA or City & Guilds training centres and trainers is key, plus it’s surprisingly often a two way street. Richard Wheatcroft, the National Account Manager for Berthoud and Cooper Pegler sprayers, who has a training background, says: “When I visit training establishments it’s a genuine pleasure to see that many insist on using Cooper Pegler knapsacks for their training. They are robust, reliable and if anything does need sorting, it’s easily done ‘in the field’ without specialist tools and time wasted”
These training establishments carry out their work professionally and this is key to set candidates into the right frame of mind when it comes to the serious job of applying pesticides - especially in urban or populated areas. As an industry, we look to those places such as: Greenway Training, Amenity Training & Consultancy, WCF
Progreen and Park Hill Training, amongst many others, setting the tone.
Cooper Pegler has distributed CP knapsack training posters and serviced sprayers at some centres this year to repay the faith in the UK’s best known knapsack brands - with plans to keep those links alive for 2025-26. The last word is best summed up by Trainer & Assessor, John Faulks: “Quality always shines through. A well maintained cooper pegler will last a lifetime”
SALTEX – the grounds management show to take your career to the next level
Sarah Cunningham is Director of Events at the Grounds Management Association (GMA).
Run by the GMA, SALTEX is Europe’s cutting-edge grounds management show – it’s free to attend and takes place from 12–13 November at the NEC Birmingham.
Groundspeople have never been in greater demand. Grassroots sport is thriving, professional seasons are getting longer across many sports, and there’s a growing national appetite for high-quality green spaces.
It’s a crucial time for anyone in the industry.
Whether you’re looking to grow your career or your organisation wants to unlock more from its grounds team, SALTEX is unmissable.
Take your career to the next level
Education has always been at the heart of SALTEX, and in 2025 we want to help more people than ever supercharge their careers.
Taking place across 12 and 13 November at the NEC Birmingham, this year’s show will feature over 65 expert speakers as part of our Learning LIVE line-up. It’s the industry’s largest free-to-attend education programme, giving attendees access to some of the most knowledgeable professionals in the business, including:
- lan Ferguson, FIFA Senior Pitch Management Manager
- Lee Guerriero, Stadium Operations and Pitch Expert at UEFA
- Neil Rodger, Principal Project Manager, STRI Group
- Graeme Beatt, Course Manager at Royal Portrush Golf Club
- GMA NextGen, young professionals and grounds management ambassadors
Our world-class speakers will cover the hot topics shaping the future of grounds management – from innovation and sustainability to long-term sector growth. Industry-leading insights you won’t get anywhere else.
Earn CPD points as you learn from the best in grounds management. Hear from the industry’s top minds, unlock ideas to power your career forward, and enjoy free access to as many Learning LIVE seminars as you like.
The Workshop
Machinery, and knowing how to get the most out of your
tech, is vital when it comes meeting the growing demand for pitches and green spaces. The Workshop is a brand-new feature to SALTEX – and it promises to be a gamechanger.
Delivering live, hands-on machinery guidance for professionals and volunteers, the Workshop will help you get to grips with the latest equipment and sharpen your skills with the equipment you’ve already got.
Sessions will be led by Tom Stidder, one of the industry’s most respected turf machinery experts.
With more than 27 years’ experience in turf care, Tom’s career has taken him from a workshop technician to senior technical training and consulting positions with major machinery manufacturers.
You’ll also be able to explore the latest kit from more than 400 brands, including major industry
names like Kubota, STIHL and Husqvarna plus many more.
These major machinery manufacturers continue to set the standard for innovation and quality – it’s your chance to stay at the cutting edge.
Powering the industry
As the UK’s leading not-forprofit supporting the grounds management sector, the GMA is proud to reinvest every penny of surplus revenue from SALTEX directly back into the industry.
Unlike commercial exhibitions, SALTEX is mission-led and impact-driven - designed to advance the sector, not generate profit for shareholders.
That means funding cuttingedge training programmes, supporting members and improving the skills of those who keep sport and green spaces thriving across the UK.
When SALTEX succeeds, the entire industry benefits - fuelling long-term sustainability.
That reinvestment makes a real difference.
Income from SALTEX 2024 helped subsidise membership fees for around 63% of the GMA’s members.
It also enabled over 2,000 subsidised training course places – opening up opportunities for 7% more learners in just one year.
Profits from the show also power the industry’s gold standard training and qualifications.
In the last financial year alone, income from SALTEX helped subsidise over 2,000 GMA training courses, opening the door for an extra 7% more learners.
That means more groundspeople upskilling and delivering better pitches and sports facilities.
The GMA remains the only industry body accredited under the Department for Education’s matrix Standard – recognition of our commitment to highquality information, advice and guidance. And it’s SALTEX that makes this possible.
Free to attend – secure your spot
SALTEX is completely free to attend, as are all of our seminars – and you can attend as many as you’d like across both days.
Join more than 7,300 professionals and volunteers, over 400 leading brands and 65 expert speakers at this unmissable event.
Secure your spot now and take your career to the next level: www.saltex.org.uk
Blundell’s School marks five years with ISEKI machinery
At Blundell’s School in Devon, reliability isn’t a luxury, it’s a necessity. With 50 acres of sports pitches and an additional 70 acres of landscaped parkland and campus grounds to maintain year-round, the grounds team needs equipment that performs without fail. That’s why, for the past five years, they’ve placed their trust in ISEKI UK and Ireland.
Their fleet now includes two TG6507 50hp tractors, a TXG subcompact tractor, a TH5370 35hp tractor, and two SXG ride-on cutand-collect mowers, each serving a distinct purpose across the 120-acre site, from fine turf management to heavy-duty renovation work.
“We’ve had our ISEKI fleet for five years now, and they’ve been reliable, trustworthy, and always ready when we need them,” says Head Groundsman Josh Allen. “That kind of performance, year after year, really matters in a school environment where there’s no margin for downtime.”
Based in Tiverton, Blundell’s is a day and boarding school with around 650 pupils and a site rich in sporting heritage and formal presentation. The demands placed on machinery are high, with frequent mowing, seasonal renovations, heavy towing, and tight working spaces. Yet, Josh and his team know their ISEKI tractors and mowers will handle it all.
The two TG6507 tractors, fitted with IQ gearboxes, form the backbone of the operation. One is fitted with a loader for garden work such as shifting mulch and aggregates, while the other supports the sports
turf team with tasks like towing a batwing mower, verti-draining, and scarifying.
“The IQ gearbox is ideal for us,” Josh says. “When using the loader, the clutchless shuttle saves time and effort. On the sports side, lifting the arms and having the PTO shut off, then restart automatically, is a feature that works smoothly every time.”
In five years, ISEKI’s reliability has been matched by its dealer support. Local dealer, ABA Groundcare, also in Tiverton, is a trusted partner. “ABA has been fantastic. Parts are easy to get, though we rarely need them, and the relationship, service, and support have all been spot on.”
The fleet has continued to grow, with the recent addition of a TH5370 35hp tractor for winter pitch maintenance and sprayer work, alongside a compact TXG sub-compact for dragmatting on astro-turf pitches and light towing. Two SXG ride-on mowers round out the lineup, used extensively for cut-and-collect work in formal areas and around buildings.
“The SXGs are brilliant during wet conditions,” adds Josh. “There are times we still need to mow even when it’s damp, and the SXGs don’t leave a mess or clippings behind. That’s important when you’re working around boarding houses and main entrances because the site still needs to look sharp regardless of the weather.
“It’s not just that the machines perform well, it’s that they keep doing it, year after year. In our line of work, that’s the difference between being confident in your plan or constantly reacting to breakdowns. ISEKI gives us that confidence.”
At a school where presentation matters daily, reliability under pressure is key to upholding the grounds team’s standards. Whether maintaining turf or renovating pitches, the ISEKI fleet meets the challenge. For Blundell’s, five years of dependable service have built more than a machinery fleet; it’s built trust, and in any setting, that’s worth investing in.
www.iseki.co.uk
VERSATILITY AT ITS FINEST
sculptures and cutting another landscaping leaves off one attach to use. I
Contact your Local Dealer to book a demonstration on your site today! Contact your Local Dealer to book a demonstration on your site today!
“Here at the Garden of Cosmic Speculation with it’s vast landscapes, sculptures and gardens we are never short of jobs to do. We already have a SXG mower for cutting the lawns and one TXG tractor, so to help with the workload we purchased another TXGS24 23hp subcompact tractor.
“With the front loader and bucket fitted it’s largely used for excavating and landscaping purposes. It’s also used for towing trailers, transporting grass cuttings and leaves for easy disposal. With the two tractors we can run the PTO’s and systems o one trailer and can unload into a trailer attached to the other tractor. If we can attach something to them, then we can use it.
“ISEKI o er exactly what we need, they are reliable, comfortable and safe to use. I would recommend these machines to absolutely anyone.”
Ben Wakefield, Portrack House
Redefining excellence
How Kress Robots are revolutionizing golf course management
The groundskeeping industry faces mounting challenges including staff shortages, environmental regulations, rising costs, and increasing course presentation expectations. At Aspley Guise and Woburn Sands Golf Club, Course Manager Andy Copeland and General Manager Paul Lancaster have implemented Kress robotic mowers as a strategic solution.
Strategic Vision Beyond Automation
This implementation represents strategic thinking rather than simple equipment replacement. Lancaster explains that the collaboration between management focused on both agronomic and business benefits. Crucially, the goal isn’t job displacement but strategic resource reallocation: “We want to redeploy our manpower to utilise the skills and knowledge of our team in the best way we can.”
Elevating Human Expertise
The philosophy centers on freeing skilled greenkeepers for high-value work. Copeland notes that achieving their vision requires “redeploying my team’s hours into the more detailed work in and around the golf course.” Lancaster emphasizes that greenkeepers provide irreplaceable expertise: “They can spot the first signs of turf disease and do the detailed work which makes a golf course stand out.”
The club estimates 20 hours per week will be freed for detail work like mowing around sprinkler heads and maintaining walk-off areas.
Agronomic and Environmental Benefits
Robotic mowing provides continuous care through frequent, light cutting
rather than intermittent heavy cutting, improving turf density. Daily operation naturally scatters worm casts, addressing a problem that can no longer be solved chemically due to EU regulations.
Lightweight robots reduce soil compaction, creating cascading improvements in soil profile quality. Sustainability benefits include reduced fuel consumption and emissions, supporting the club’s pursuit of GEO certification. Continuous mowing also reduces the need for growth regulators and potentially herbicides.
Technical Excellence
The GPS-based navigation system proved crucial for their heavily tree-lined, elevation-varied course. Previous trials with localized mast systems failed due to signal loss. Digitally controlled cutting heights transformed the robots from
rough-area specialists into versatile maintenance equipment.
Financial Strategy
The implementation extends existing equipment lifecycles. With reduced use, their fairway mower’s replacement timeline extends from 2-3 years to much longer, freeing capital for drainage projects and bunker renovations.
Operational Advantages
Robots operate in conditions too wet for traditional mowers, continuing winter maintenance when conventional equipment cannot. Operations are scheduled to minimize member impact—fairway mowing overnight, rough cutting during play.
Future Vision
This implementation demonstrates how automation amplifies rather than replaces human expertise.
As Lancaster concludes, “The innovation of the robotic mowers is huge for the golf industry.” Success comes from creating synergies between human knowledge and technological capability, showing the groundskeeping industry’s path forward.
www.kress.com
For greenkeepers and golf course managers, Kress RTKn robotic mowers are a game-changer, delivering precise and ef cient cuts. Designed to operate autonomously in perfectly parallel lines, they effortlessly maintain large areas, allowing the greenkeeping team to focus on other priorities. Kress RTKn mowers combine advanced technology and environmental responsibility to bring golf course maintenance to a whole new level.
Speak to your local grounds maintenance machinery dealer today or learn more at kress.com
Husqvarna Robotics Used For The First Time Ever To Prepare Course For The Aig Women’s Open
Husqvarna - world leaders in robotic mowing and official supplier of the AIG Women’s Open, announced that robots are cutting the playing surfaces for a major golf championship in the United Kingdom for the first time in history.
With preparations underway for the AIG Women’s Open at Royal Porthcawl Golf Club in Wales, the robotic mowers have been exclusively cutting the course’s fairways and practice area.
The innovation operates via an Exact Positioning Operating System (EPOS) that enables robotic mowers to operate autonomously within virtual boundaries, via a satellite connection.
In a first for an R&A championship, a fleet of 15 robotic mowers including
Husqvarna’s CEORA and Automower models will begin work at 1.30am to cut Royal Porthcawl’s fairways, supporting the home greenkeeping team as they prepare the course for the largest women’s sporting event ever to be played in Wales.
The robotic mowers finish at around 5am, before being returned to recharge – clearing the way for the greenkeeping team to commence their vital daily tasks.
The R&A Sustainable Agronomy team, golf’s governing body (outside of United States and Mexico), continues to explore new technologies that deliver high performance golf courses in a sustainable way, and the use of robots for the first time at a global championship, aims to showcase innovations in sustainable golf course maintenance on one of the
biggest stages in world golf.
Richard Windows Assistant Director – Sustainable Agronomy at The R&A, said: “The R&A’s agronomy team across the globe is focused on delivering high performance surfaces in a sustainable way.
At the AIG Women’s Open, the Husqvarna portfolio is helping us deliver this goal through improved resource management, regular lightweight mowing and reduced carbon usage.”
The robotic models are also electric powered, which produce zero direct emissions, compared to other diesel-powered machines that typically work lengthy hours to prepare a venue to a high enough standard for the biggest tournaments and the world’s best players.
Three-time major champion, Anna Nordqvist, celebrated the quality of Royal Porthcawl ahead of taking on the AIG Women’s Open this week: “I’ve played this course a few times and honestly, I didn’t think it could get much better, but I’ve never seen it looking and playing so well. I’m really excited to get out there and play golf on the biggest stage, in these top conditions.”
Course Manager Ian Kinley has championed the use of robotic technology at Royal Porthcawl since first working with Husqvarna in January.
Throughout the championship, autonomous technology will enable his team to focus their efforts upon other key areas of the course, such as the greens, tees and bunkers.
Ian Kinley, Course Manager at Royal Porthcawl, said: “With the AIG Women’s Open set to be the largestever women’s sporting event in Wales, we know there’s tremendous pressure to produce playing surfaces that are worthy of such a high-profile event.
It’s been priceless to be able to lean on the support of the Husqvarna team as we prepare for the championship.
“Autonomous machinery aligns closely with our commitment to more sustainable practices at Royal Porthcawl.
We’re invested in using robots on our course long term and we’re incredibly proud to be one of the first venues in the world to use this technology during the hosting of one of golf’s major championships.”
Glen Instone, President of Husqvarna Forest & Garden Division, said: “Husqvarna has been building robotic mowers for the professional market exclusively in Europe for 30 years and we’re delighted that the technology has advanced to the level where it is being embraced by the golf industry including one of the game’s biggest stages at the AIG Women’s Open.
“Our journey with Royal Porthcawl began with Course Manager Ian Kinley’s desire to work with more sustainable solutions and his consideration of how the role of a modern golf greenkeeper may be changing. Ian’s faith in our technology, coupled with collaboration from The R&A’s championship agronomy team, is a source of immense pride for everyone at Husqvarna.”
Throughout the AIG Women’s Open a team of Husqvarna experts will be on hand to support the championship in the deployment of 15 Husqvarna CEORA 546 EPOS and two Automower 580L
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Raising the game in community sports grounds maintenance
Community sports grounds play a vital role in encouraging active lifestyles, but many Council-managed sites face mounting challenges. From worn goalmouths and uneven playing surfaces to inadequate drainage and overgrown perimeters, the pressure on overstretched local authorities is significant. These issues not only affect playability but can also pose safety risks and damage the long-term viability of the grounds.
Sports field contractors Sherriff, understand the practical realities of maintaining high-use, multi-sport council sites. Their tailored grounds care solutions help local authorities and contractors revitalise tired pitches and deliver durable playing surfaces that meet community expectations. Whether it’s through targeted renovation programmes, precision turf nutrition, or year-round maintenance planning, Sherriff’s expertise supports professionals working at the sharp end of local sports provision.
Partnering with Sherriff provides access to industry-leading products, technical know-how, and reliable support, all geared towards raising standards and making community sport sustainable. Because when local grounds thrive, the whole community benefits.
www.aas.co.uk.
How Synthetic Turf is Supplying Fresh Water in South Africa
Alandmark project in South Africa is highlighting how synthetic turf can be used to enable freshwater recycling. Two ‘Cruyff Courts’ are simultaneously providing a high-quality playing surface while integrating an advanced water collection and filtration system under the field, providing the local community with fresh potable water.
The installation of the courts is part of a wider initiative by the Cruyff Foundation, supporting various sports endeavours for children, and young people with special needs. The two new fields in Orange Farm, near Johannesburg, bring
the total number of Cruyff Courts to 10 in the country.
The investment and innovation come as South Africa is currently grappling with one of the most severe droughts in recent history, affecting approximately 61 million people across Southern Africa.[1] The prolonged drought has led to significant water shortages, impacting both urban and rural communities.
The Government has launched the Water Crisis Action Plan 2025, focusing on infrastructure rehabilitation, smart metering systems, and new dam projects to
mitigate the crisis. Despite these efforts, the agricultural sector faces devastating losses, contributing to widespread food insecurity. Innovative solutions, including publicprivate partnerships and technological advancements like the freshwater recycling beneath the Cruyff Courts, are also being implemented to address the urgent need for sustainable water management.
The project was headed up by EMEA Synthetic Turf Council (ESTC) member Dutchblue, who provided an advanced water collection and filtration system through its partners Project GreenSource SA.
The ‘Catch-Store-Reuse’ sports system captures rainwater, stores it in its subbase, and purifies it in a GreenSource container next to the field. Runoff collected by the system is filtered to remove contaminants, including bacteria and metals, before being pumped to a fountain for use as potable water. The purified water can then be used via a tap on the outside of the container.
The courts represent a significant development in the use of sports pitches to collect water. Together with the local community’s help, the project was completed in December 2024, and training is being given to maintain the pitches throughout their lifetime.
The duality of providing a high-quality sports playing
field and clean water for the local community has resulted in some great benefits for the local area. These include potable water supplies for periods of prolonged drought and a recreational area for children and adults to play sports safely. The courts have also helped foster a sense of community identity, serving as a social hub as well as a sports facility.
Stefan Diderich, Director General at ESTC, said: “This project is a perfect example of how synthetic turf can operate not just as an enhanced playing surface, but also as a force for good in fighting drought and other hydrological issues around the world.
“Training the local community to maintain the
pitch ensures they will have a lasting impact and can provide users with a highquality surface as well as a source of clean drinking water for years to come.”
INFINICUT® makes world class debut at Dundee United FC
VAn FL34 from INFINICUT® has been described as a ‘world class machine’ following its installation at The CalForth Construction Arena, home of Dundee United Football Club.
Groundsman Jamie Harle took a look at the machine on the back of glowing reviews and recommendations and - with an INFINICUT® of his own in the shed since April 2025 - the cut quality, striping ability and user-friendly operation he’s achieving via the InfiniApp™ are already living up to the hype!
Having initially cut his teeth as a matchday volunteer at The CalForth Construction Arena, Jamie is now completing his qualifications in conjunction with being in sole control of the stadium surface since July last year.
“There’s been much to learn but I’m hugely thankful to the club for investing in me and supporting me with the equipment we need to take our pitch to the next level.”
He explains, “Our previous cylinder mower was in need for renewal, so I did some research and spoke to some other grounds managers for their recommendations.
The INFINICUT® came up time and time again so I organised a demonstration via Mike Lindsay at Fairways GM and I was completely blown away.”
The INFINICUT® has undeniably proven its credentials with grounds professionals, setting the new standard for sports
facilities around the world. The FL34 features industry-leading cut performance powered by a longlasting lithium battery module to deliver sustainable surface quality. Incorporating Bluetooth® wireless connectivity, all main mower parameters are simple to set and adjust via the InfiniApp™.
“It’s simply a world class machine.
The cut is unbelievably clean and its floating head leaves behind a finish, colour and stripe that’s second to none.
The InfiniApp is also a nice bonus, making it super simple to adjust the walking or reel speed enabling me to tailor the cut to the ground conditions or different points of the week as we run up to a fixture.”
“Not only that, but the support and service I’ve had from Mike at Fairways and INFINICUT’s Alan Jack has been brilliant. Their advice has been invaluable from the very first demonstration, answering all of my questions while I continue to hone my craft and build my own network of contacts.”
Jamie adds that the FL34 will be used daily during the main playing and growing season.
“I’ve really enjoyed using it since it arrived and I now can’t wait to see what can be achieved when renovations are complete and we go full steam ahead into preparations for the new season.”
www.infinicut.com
Efficiency meets durability with GKB Sandspreader delivery at Stanmore Golf Club
Maintaining top-tier playing conditions at North London’s Stanmore Golf Club is a constant balancing act – particularly with the ever-changing challenges posed by the climate. After 31 years at the club, Course Manager Barry Neville know what it takes to keep the course in shape, which begins with the right machinery to deliver both efficiency and outstanding results. With a new SP100 from GKB Machines, the team now have a robust, versatile topdressing solution to support ongoing course renovation and drainage works.
Set on challenging London clay, the course — originally an inland links — has evolved into a mature parkland layout, now grappling like most with more prolonged periods of rainfall and the need for drainage improvements.
Together with seeking to improve efficiency of routine topdressing, Barry explains that this multi-year programme drove the demand for a new, reliable solution. “Our previous dresser had served us well for close to two decades so the
process of finding its replacement wasn’t taken lightly. We looked at a good few options, but the GKB Sandspreader really stood out. Seeing it at BTME 2025 then again at the Doe Show, the build quality was apparent immediately” he says.
“Not only could you tell the steel construction was robust, we also liked the fact the Sandspreader uses hydraulic controls rather than electric. A lot of modern kit is becoming more complex which is fine when it works, but in the real world with the weather and conditions in which we operate, things eventually go wrong” Barry says.
The SP100 was delivered by dealers Ernest Doe in June 2025 once the machine had been fully equipped to meet the club’s unique requirements. “Filling the trenches after the installation of the new drainage has been a labour-intensive task, with a lot of barrowing, tipping and backfilling by hand. This is manageable on greens but for fairways and larger areas, it just wasn’t efficient” he explains. “The ability to swap out the spinning discs of the
SP100 for a cross conveyor has proved to be a gamechanger.”
Together with transforming the task of topping up trenches, the SP100 has also been impressing with the routine topdressing around the course. “We’ve dressed the greens twice with it and it’s gone faultlessly. If we get out first thing in the morning, the job is done by 9:00am and within a couple of hours the light dressing is brushed in so the golfers hardly even notice.”
“In addition, we’ve been using the conveyor system to top up bunkers which is already presenting a major time saving.”
Looking ahead, Barry foresees the versatility of the Sandspreader will pay dividends across the course.
“Together with routine topdressing every couple of weeks, we’ll be looking to put 100 tonnes of material through it during our maintenance week in August. With the hopper slightly larger than our previous machine, we also have the potential to dress our fairways in the future. It’s a futureproofed purchase.”
Groundbreaking and GroundMaking – How Hybrids Have Unlocked a New Era of Sporting Theatre at Edgbaston
THybrid pitches have emerged as a key ally in the fight to maintain toplevel performance in cricket. But there’s a lot more this technology can offer the sport.
It’s no secret the cricket calendar is a lot busier than it used to be.
So busy, in fact, that we now have a term for the challenge it lays down for those playing the game and maintaining the wickets throughout the year: fixture congestion.
It’s all good for the game, though not without its challenges. Cricket is reaching more people than ever – and the diversity of formats has secured a future with new audiences across the world. But, in the UK at least, all this growth is happening within the same stadiums, many of which have existed for decades.
For groundspeople, there is now simply too much traffic to maintain a consistent and even bounce across all competitions, especially when relying solely on all-natural turf. It was this realisation that led the team at Edgbaston to consider a new surface technology – one that has unlocked a previously unattainable level of durability and consistency.
The move has created room for more double-headers and plenty of drama for the fans – a real boon for the ‘people’s home of cricket’. It has also accommodated the growing success of the women’s game, with the Bears now boasting both men’s and women’s squads.
However, as Gary Barwell, Edgbaston’s Head of Sports Turf explains, reaching this point has been several years in the making. We caught up with Gary to get the full innings.
Left-field inspiration
Edgbaston is now one of a growing number of major cricket grounds with a SIS Grass Hybrid pitch installed on its main playing area. This work has been a huge success, allowing the stadium to better manage cricket’s increasingly busy schedule without compromising performance. It’s also provided parity, allowing the women’s teams to practice and compete on the same pitches as the men.
The stadium’s experiments with a hybrid pitch can be traced back to 2017 – and, oddly enough, because of an entirely different sport. While the technology has been around since the late ‘80s and used for elite-level cricket competition since 2019, it was the hybrid’s success in football that got the ball rolling
in Birmingham: “It all started after the Champions Trophy,” says Barwell. “As one of three grounds used for the tournament, we began to see the square suffer and good playing conditions became much harder to maintain. Once it concluded, we began looking at our options. The hybrid concept emerged as a frontrunner after a visit to St. George’s Park, the FA’s national football centre.”
An interest in replicating hybrid’s successes for cricket led Barwell to SIS Pitches – and more specifically SIS Grass Hybrid. Unlike other hybrid systems that are more complicated to install, SIS Grass Hybrid uses the patented Universal machine, injecting a small percentage of polymer fibre into a stadium’s natural turf. This composition is more resilient to stresses created during play, helping to prolong the life of a playing surface, guarantee an even bounce and ease pressure on busy groundspeople. Completed installations are predominantly natural grass, with around 5% of polymer fibre used. This ensures the characteristics of an allnatural pitch are maintained.
It was this mix of convenience, resilience and playability that appealed to Barwell, with Edgbaston subsequently trialling the technology in late 2017, ahead
of another major milestone for innovation in cricket. “Our first trial began with the UK’s first day-night test between England and West Indies. The bowlers had full use of it throughout, sending plenty of deliveries, and initial impressions were very positive. The players said it had a better carry and more consistent bounce, along with much less wear and tear. This was a key moment for us because player feedback really carries in this sport.”
Getting on the scoreboard
Edgbaston’s move into hybrids coincided with a growing interest in new surfaces among cricket’s elite. In 2017, the England Cricket Board signed off on two hybrid wickets at its National Performance Centre in Loughborough, another SIS Pitches installation. Much like Barwell, the ECB opted for the trial having noticed the success of hybrid surfaces in the Premier League.
In 2019, following positive feedback from county clubs, the ECB then sanctioned hybrids for use in the Royal London One Day Cup, Vitality Blast and all formats of Second XI cricket. This decision set the stage for major stadiums, like Edgbaston, to begin integrating the surface
within elite-level competition. “We continued to use the technology in the intervening years,” adds Barwell. “This period allowed us to fully understand how the fibres interacted under different moisture conditions, as well as the system’s impact on natural grass growth.”
With the ECB sanction and a pause to tournament play due to the pandemic, Edgbaston found itself with a window to install its first two pitches within the main square. This work, which took place in late 2020, proved particularly effective for the shorter, more intense T20 format hosted once lockdowns eased and sport recommenced across the country. “Our main square install got off to a flying start, which was reflected in the high scoring we were seeing. If I remember correctly, the first match was 150/1 off 10 overs. That’s the type of action you want to see when fans come down for an evening,” says Barwell.
Hitting for six
For Edgbaston, the impact of SIS Grass Hybrid is best seen through the success of several major competitions, chiefly among them the Commonwealth
Games held in 2022. During the games, the stadium hosted 16 international women’s matches played over a two-week period. With an all-natural pitch, this intense window of competition would typically require a high number of maintenance intervals to keep wickets up to standard. With SIS Grass Hybrid, however, the window was expanded, allowing top-level performance without major interventions so often from the grounds team.
“On traditional pitches, you see really good performance on day one, but there’s typically a steep decline once you get into days three or four,” Barwell notes. “We noticed with hybrids you could play on them over 10-12 days and not see a drop off. You only have to prepare one pitch, as opposed to two or three for the same amount of game time. This was massive for us during the games, with 60,000 people in the stadium and many more watching around the world.”
It’s often said that stats only tell part of the story in sport, but for SIS Grass Hybrid at Edgbaston the numbers really do speak for themselves. In 2024, the ground was able to facilitate 55 matches across all formats – the most of any ground in the country. To put that in context, it’s more than double the number of matches hosted at Edgbaston when Barwell first joined as Head of Sports Turf in 2012.
With hybrids now approved by the ECB for some red-ball competition, there is seemingly more to come at Edgbaston. “We’ll continue to invest in our hybrid surface because it’s proven effective at the highest level,” says Barwell. “For us, it’s about lowering the maintenance requirement while also delivering the best possible performance – for both players and fans. SIS Grass Hybrid has given us that option. Sporting theatre at its best.”
SIS Pitches Completes Design and Construction of New Hybrid Pitch at Laugardalsvöllur National Stadium in Reykjavik
Global leader in sports surfaces SIS Pitches has completed the installation of a bespoke new hybrid pitch system at Laugardalsvöllur, Iceland’s national football stadium in Reykjavik.
The full design and construction of the new pitch will maximise elite-level football in Iceland, where the country’s subpolar climate has historically made high-standard playing surfaces difficult to maintain.
The completion of the project builds on SIS Pitches’ status as the leading pitch builder in Iceland following its successful
construction of the pitch at FH Hafnarfjorour in 2023.
Laugardalsvöllur’s full hybrid grass pitch benefits from three of SIS Pitches’ advanced concepts, each working in unison to keep the surface play-ready all year round.
The SIS Grass Hybrid system features a 95% natural grass surface reinforced with polyethylene fibres to deliver significantly more playing hours than a fully natural pitch, which is especially important given Iceland’s harsh temperatures, high rainfall and limited daylight.
Installed below the pitch itself is the SIS Aqua pop-up irrigation system and the SIS Heat undersoil
heating system, which optimises the temperature of the rootzone, encouraging better root growth and reduce the risk of longterm damage. The installation is completed by a bespoke irrigation and undersoil heating system.
Part-funded by the city of Reykjavik, the project was completed over a period of three months.
During this period, the installation team successfully navigated challenges posed by snow, ice and temperatures as low as -16°C. Access to the site was also limited in December – a time when good daylight in Iceland can be as little as two hours per day.
After excavating the existing playing area 450mm down to a formation level, the new drainage, irrigation and undersoil heating systems were installed.
This was followed by the installation of a lower rootzone, an upper rootzone and the playing surface itself, which benefits from the structured profile underneath.
The hybrid grass fibres were installed to a depth of 180mm and stitched at 2cm x 2cm spacing, increasing the long-term durability of the playing surface.
All materials used through the profile of the pitch were tested before being independently verified by leading sports
agronomists, OBI Sports, to ensure conformity with industry standards and high performance over their lifespan.
The dedicated support provided by SIS Pitches’ team of experts to the stadium’s grounds staff during the growin stage ensured no issues were encountered during the quick turnaround from seeding to the first competitive fixture.
Carlos Reis, Director at SIS Pitches, said: “The project was a challenging one due to Iceland’s tough climate, but we always thrive on overcoming challenges.
It was a real privilege to bring an elite level playing surface to Iceland’s national stadium.
The configuration of the new hybrid pitch will power more play all year round, helping the country to further grow its footballing profile on the international stage.
Michael Walker, International Sales Manager at SIS Pitches, added: “Iceland isn’t necessarily conducive to the effective growth of natural grass, so the hybrid profile really is the ideal solution.
Ultimately, it will mean a pitch free of discrepancies, promising uninterrupted play for the Icelandic national team.”
For more information on SIS Pitches’ sports pitch installation services, visit sispitches.com.
SIS Pitches Makes Landmark Investment in Next-Gen Hybrid Pitch Stitching Machines
SIS Pitches has made a multi-million-pound investment in 16 stateof-the-art hybrid pitch stitching machines, significantly advancing speed, efficiency, and flexibility in hybrid pitch installations.
Designed in response to the growing demands of multi-use stadiums, these patented machines increase fibre injection rates, promote stronger root systems, and reduce pitch recovery times.
This innovation addresses the tightening timeframes faced by stadiums hosting a mix of sports fixtures and non-sporting events like concerts and exhibitions.
Thanks to their compact design, two machines can now be shipped in one container, and used together, they can reduce a standard pitch installation from ten days to just over three. This
represents a time saving of up to 75%, already proven at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, where a full pitch was completed in just three and a half days ahead of the Club World Cup.
The fleet includes two models: Pro-X, for large football pitches (such as at Celtic Park and Borussia Mönchengladbach), and Spin-X, the first hybrid machine tailored for cricket, offering a lighter build and custom wicket options.
Each machine features a patented drum mechanism for faster stitching, a precision cutting system, and a configurable stitching depth from 45mm to 180mm — far exceeding the two fixed depths typical of competing machines.
It also supports various spacing options (15x20, 20x20, 30x20), allowing custom reinforcement based on climate, usage, or budget. One standout configuration is SIS
Pitches’ GameReady Hybrid — a pre-stitched, ready-to-play hybrid turf solution. Installed in stadiums like MetLife (NY), Camping World (Orlando), and Bank of America (NC), it enables rapid turnaround between events.
Ivo Lamot, CEO of SIS Pitches, commented:
“This investment reflects our commitment to innovation and to supporting stadiums under pressure to deliver world-class pitches in less time. With our new machines, we’re making hybrid technology faster, better, and more accessible, helping venues host more events and maximise revenue.”
Deployment of the machines began in July, with units stationed across Europe, the Americas, the Middle East, and a mobile set ready for global use.
www.sispitches.com
Golfstream are really starting to turn heads in the electric trolley market.
t hasn’t been a quick process; in fact they are in their eighteenth year having started in 2008. However, this lesser know business operating from Ramsgate in Kent, sell their machines, batteries and accessories all over the world.
Golfstream machines are famed for their uniquely simple open and close mechanism, it takes less than a second, and there are no complicated catches unlike some competitors where a degree in origami is needed just to assemble!
Golfstream was set up and is run by Derek Richford and Lee Stelfox, both of whom worked at PowaKaddy for many years in what they call the “glory days” of Freeway. They have brought their vast experience and skill to Golfstream and added first class customer care into the mix too.
The range starts with the Express push cart, then the
entry level electric, the GX1 followed by the top selling GX3 and the superb GX5 that comes complete with an electronic braking system to give superb downhill control. All models feature the unique Golfstream one-click open and close.
Add to this a superb range of accessories and batteries to fit not only Golfstream trolleys, but also PowaKaddy and MotoCaddy S-Series machines and you can see why Golfstream are finally being recognised as a serious contender.
One innovation is the new Golfstream Winter Wheel. High torque but with low impact, it is the essential wet weather partner. These new wheels are also for PowaKaddy machines. Based on years of research into tyres and grip, the wheels feature a tread commonly seen in agriculture. These tyres only
ever have two parts of the tread touching the course turf at any one time and barely leave any mark. They have taken the market by storm this winter and pre-orders are now being taken for the 2025 autumn/winter season.
Have a look at the winter wheel in action, just use the QR code
Winter Golf?
Where there’s a wheel, there’s a way.
Golfstream winter wheels are available for Golfstream and PowaKaddy trolleys. These course friendly, low impact high torque wheels allow electric machines to travel on course with barely a trace. The rugged treads only have two treads
touching the surface at any time; being wider than standard tyres, the load is spread and, unlike others, are not pointed and causing depressions into the top surface.Extend your golf season with Golfstream.
See AKFS specialist grounds maintenance vehicles at GroundsFest 2025
As GroundsFest 2025 returns to Stoneleigh Park this September, Advanced KFS Special Vehicles will be back on Stand 37, showcasing two purposebuilt solutions for the landscaping and grounds maintenance industries: the Plant & Go® Landscaper Vehicle and the Load & Go® Grounds Maintenance Vehicle.
Plant & Go® Landscaper Vehicle
Designed with professional groundskeeping teams in mind, the Plant & Go® Landscaper delivers a low-floor, high-capacity platform built for real-world productivity. It’s ideal for transporting large ride-on mowers, bulky landscaping tools, and loose materials.
With an AL-KO Kober low-frame chassis conversion, the vehicle offers a floor height of just 530mm and 1810mm between rear wheel arches, ensuring safe, easy loading and ample space for larger kit. Available in both 3500kg and 4500kg GVW models, with a generous payload and optional extras including assisted tailgate, LED work lights, winch systems, and strobe lighting, the Plant & Go® Landscaper can be configured to meet the exact needs of your team.
Designed with professional groundskeeping teams in mind, the Plant & Go® Landscaper delivers a low-floor, high-capacity platform built for realworld productivity.
Load & Go® Grounds Maintenance Vehicle
Also on display at Stand 37, the Load & Go® GMV is a versatile solution for everyday estate maintenance and service operations. Built on a wide range of chassis cabs, including Mercedes, Ford, and Fiat, the lightweight aluminium body delivers a balance of durability and payload efficiency.
Typically constructed at 3500kg GVW to suit standard licence requirements, the Load & Go® can also be built on higher GVW chassis for those needing additional payload capacity. Optional features include storage lockers, Chapter 8 graphics, tow bars, and highvisibility strobe lighting: making it a custom-fit solution for contractors, local authorities, and facilities teams alike.
AKFS Product Specialist Michael Sapsford will be on hand at Stand 37 throughout the show to discuss your requirements and help you find the right solution for your fleet. And for those unable to attend GroundsFest, you can still learn more about our specialist conversions by contacting Michael directly on 01246 250022.
Visit the AKFS team at GroundsFest 2025 to explore both vehicles up close and see how they’re built to work as hard as you do.
www.advanced-kfs.co.uk
Greenstripe Innovations: Eco Clipper UK
Distributor
Eco Clipper is pleased to announce a strategic partnership with Greenstripe Innovations as our official UK distributor for advanced electric mowing systems. Eco Clipper delivers robust, high-capacity solutions for sports fields, golf semi-roughs, racetracks, airports, and industrial facilities. Designed to excel where traditional mowers struggle, our systems disperse clippings evenly, perform reliably in wet conditions, and maintain consistent results across demanding terrain—all while reducing fuel costs and environmental impact.
Greenstripe Innovations is a specialist in professional turf and grounds care machinery, trusted by commercial operators for their expertise, reliability, and commitment to customer success. With a strong focus on technical knowledge, support, and after-sales service, their team understands the operational challenges faced by today’s grounds professionals. This partnership delivers solutions with the lowest total cost of ownership without compromising productivity or quality.
Discover more at www.ecoclipper.com.
Meet us at GroundsFest 2025, stand RB309. UK distributor: www.greenstripe.net
Groundsman Turf Aerators & Sod Cutters
Since 1990, Groundsman Industries have been developing their unique range of grass maintenance machines and accessories for maximum performance and durability.
Turf Sod Cutters
Groundsman Two and Four-wheel Drive Turf Sod Cutters with large diameter ground-drive wheels deliver effortless cutting and excellent traction in all conditions.
Turf Aerators
Two Tractor Mounting and Three Pedestrian models of Groundsman Aerators are available from 45cm to 180cm working widths.
Core Collectors
The Flexblade Collector attachment is available from 0.8mtr to 2.3mtr widths to fit many makes of aerators as well as Groundsman to Core and Collect in one pass. Three Point Linkage Collectors Follow-up Collection of Cores or Linear Aeration Soil.
We will be exhibiting again at Groundsfest Stand 28A where we will be happy to assist. www.groundsmanindustries.com
SCAG / STM introduce the Jackal
Welcome to the SCAG Jackal: a StandOn Mini Skid-Steer. This is a new addition to the SCAG range – extending the capability of SCAG products for professional grounds maintenance. The Stand-On format draws on the technology of the highly successful “V-Ride” stand-on mower range. In addition to the lean-on cushion there are side cushions to protect the operator on the sort of terrain these machines will be working on. The control panel is also typical SCAG with clear information, all within easy reach, plus there is joystick control for drive and bucket. The unit is designed to be of use with a wide range of forestry and clearance attachments which will be available to the customer from our approved source.
The Jackal will be available with various engine options, 7” or 9” track widths and with the following attachments:
• Two sizes of bucket: 500kg and 1500kg
• Log grab
• Stump grinder and
• Flat brush sweeper.
The machines are available through the STM dealership network. To find your nearest dealer ring 01789 488450, email info@st-mach.com or look at our website www.st-mach.com
Debris Clearance Equipment
Pedestrian and Stand-on mowers
Electric, Petrol & Diesel Ride-on and Remote Control mowers
Skid Steer
We offer a large range of rakes for all reasons, in sizes ranging from 35cm to 100cm wide, with a variety of tooth gaps.
We also offer a heavy duty aluminium snow type multi-purpose shovel, Animal bedding forks and our new Chelute®
FEEL THE FORCE
Built for professionals, the DHCAS-2600HD is ECHO’s first 56V battery-powered shortreach hedge trimmer. This model is lighter and quieter than its petrol equivalent. Wellbalanced and very manoeuvrable, it’s a highly verstatile commercial hedge trimmer.
For more info visit: www.echo-tools.co.uk
ECHO tools are exclusively distributed in the UK by FGM Claymore
Elite results
How Carel Fourie Streamlined Pitch Marking with the TinyLineMarker Sport from OAS
When Carel Fourie was made redundant in 2020, it served as a catalyst for change. He had worked as a Golf course Greenkeeper for many years and already had a strong interest in line marking from his days playing and volunteering at his local sports clubs.
Rather than wait for the job market to recover after the COVID pandemic, Carel decided to use his redundancy money and personal savings to set up Elite Sports Turf Solutions in early 2021. “It was a bit of a gamble,” he says, “but I knew there was local demand for reliable, good-quality pitch line marking, and I believed I could make it work.”
Based in Melton Mowbray, Carel now works as a contractor covering a 20-mile radius. His clients include Asfordby FC, GNC FC, Leicester Nirvana FC, Market Harborough Rugby Club, Oakham Rugby Club, Royce Rangers FC, and several local schools where he provides initial pitch marking.
In the early days, Carel used the iGO Premier, a pedestrian line marker from Origin Amenity Solutions, which served its purpose. However, it did have some limitations, particularly for clubs wanting regular overmarking. “I always used to string the lines out manually, which took a lot of time,” he explains. “It just wasn’t efficient, and I knew I needed something faster and more consistent.”
That solution came in the form of a TinyLineMarker robot – the Sport model. Since making the switch, Carel has transformed his workflow and capacity. “The speed still amazes me,” he says. “I can be off the van
and marking a full-size pitch in 20 minutes, with the added bonus that I know the lines will be bang on every time. You just can’t get that level of precision with stringing lines by hand.”
The robot’s ease of use and portability have made day-to-day operations more manageable, too. “It’s lightweight to move, easy to set up, and I don’t need to drag around reels of string anymore,” Carel adds. “I just load the plan, press go, and it gets on with the job while I get on with something else. It’s made the whole process so much more efficient.”
Today, Carel maintains over 100 pitches across his client base, and the robot is in on average five days a week. He uses Duraline Extra Concentrate paint, which he finds gives him “white, clean, and crisp lines. The lines often remain visible for up to four weeks.”
For Carel, who prides himself on high standards, accuracy is non-negotiable. “The ethos of my business is attention to detail,” he says. “I expect total accuracy, and I get that with the robot. I can go down a line and know it’s as accurate as it possibly can be. That gives me real confidence in the quality of my work.”
Carel did his initial research into line
marking robots through a mix of social media, learning from others. It was the robot demonstration from OAS that confirmed his decision. “I have used OAS while in greenkeeping and I’ve known Sales Manager Carl Chamberlain for more than 20 years. Carl and Glen Howard, the Line Marking Product Manager, spent time demonstrating and explaining the ins and outs of the robot. It was a no brainer.”
Carel explains, “I had an initial full day hands-on training from OAS to set up the robot and get me up and running, followed by an additional day to iron out any issues or queries I had. He also has high praise for the support service. “The backup from the support team is hands down the best I’ve ever experienced,” Carel says. “In the 18 months of owning my robot, I have only had one significant problem, and even that was fixed within 24 hours. You ring the helpline, and someone picks up, usually with a solution available on the spot, or if not, you get a site visit. You can’t fault that.”
Looking back, Carel says starting the business was one of the best decisions he has ever made. “If I had known then what I know now, I would have done it 20 years ago. I have never looked back.”
And would he recommend the robot? “Absolutely,” he says. “It is quick, efficient, and delivers perfect results every time.”
For further information or to arrange a free demonstration of the TinyLineMarker robotic line marker visit https://tinymobilerobots.com/ en_gb/book-demo/
New and improved range
MAKE YOUR MARK
With our range of line marking machines and consumables
We supply leading technology brands TinyMobileRobots and iGo, together with a comprehensive range of Impact ready-to-use and Duraline dilutable concentrate paints. So, whether you need cutting-edge GPS robotic technology, the convenience of a spray marker machine, or the traditional transfer wheel marker, we have the product, expertise and support you need.
Orders and enquiries: 0800 138 7222 sales@originamenity.com
www.originamenity.com
Stopping Dollar Spot in Its Tracks: Southerndown’s
Success with Maxtima
WWith disease pressure on the rise and traditional turf strategies being tested by unpredictable weather patterns, Southerndown Golf Club has found a reliable solution in Maxtima fungicide - introduced and supported by Agrovista Amenity.
Under the guidance of Agrovista Amenity’s Ray Hunt, Course Manager Andrew Mannion has
successfully brought a persistent Dollar Spot issue under control, safeguarding turf health and playability at one of Wales’s most renowned golf courses.
Southerndown Golf Club, perched high above the South Wales coast, is celebrated for its natural beauty and challenging links-style layout.
The course sits on free-draining limestone, exposed to persistent coastal winds, and is managed using a lean nutrient input strategy.
These conditions have historically made disease a minor concern - until recently.
However, like many course managers across the UK, Andrew has seen Dollar Spot increase year on year - something he attributes to climatic changes.
“Warmer, wetter conditions seem to be the trigger,” he says. “It started with small flare-ups, but
built momentum quickly. Once it was in, it kept coming back.
In search of an effective solution, Andrew turned to Agrovista Amenity, a longstanding agronomy partner to Southerndown.
“We looked at a few products, but Ray recommended Maxtima straight away.
He’s very knowledgeable, and I trust his judgement. We initially trialled it on just two or three affected greens - and it worked.”
Developed by BASF and supplied exclusively through Agrovista Amenity, Maxtima is a next-generation DMI fungicide that offers outstanding control of Dollar Spot and other key turfgrass diseases.
What sets Maxtima apart is its targeted performance and ability to integrate seamlessly into a regular maintenance programme.
“We were impressed straight away,” says Andrew. “You can actually see it stop disease development within 24 hours.
Last year, because it was during the growing season, we even saw full recovery on affected areas. Lesions healed over and with some overseeding, it disappeared completely.”
Since that initial success, Andrew and the team have incorporatedMaxtima into their preventative strategy. “We now use it at specific
times of year based on weather trends.
Last season, we did two applications—up from one— because the Dollar Spot flared up earlier. It was the second wettest year we’ve recorded in over two decades, so we knew we needed to act.”
Andrew emphasises the importance of accurate timing and close monitoring, because Maxtima is most effective when applied preventatively.
“We’ve got a couple of ‘indicator greens’ that show signs first. Once we spot the tiniest speck, we get Maxtima on straight away. That’s when it does its best work.”
He adds, “Agrovista Amenity’s support is always there in the background.
Whether it’s product knowledge, application guidance or adjusting strategies as conditions change - they’ve been really helpful.”
Looking back, Andrew sees the adoption of Maxtima - and the advice from Agrovista Amenity - as a turning point in how the club manages disease.
“We’re definitely more in control now,” he says.
“Maxtima is a great product and I’d absolutely recommend it to other course managers. If you catch Dollar Spot early, it’ll stop it in its tracks.”
For more information about Agrovista UK, visit
www.agrovista.co.uk/amenity
The UK’s latest bi-monthly publication providing latest product innovations, industry news and opinions from key professionals within the industry.
With focuses on Aeration, Irrigation & Drainage; Greenskeeping; Latest News; Machinery; Pitch & Line Marking; Specialist Mowers; Sports Ground Equipment; Sports Pitches; Top Dressing; Sprayers & Spraying and Turf Management.
FREE DIGITAL MAGAZINE SUBSCRIPTION
Subscription enquiries: Call 01304 806039
Email: info@mhmagazine.co.uk
Advertising enquiries: Lee Martin – 01227 936974
Email: lee@groundskeepingjournal.co.uk
Editorial submissions or enquiries: Antony Holter – 01304 806039
