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A quieter revolution with a signiﬁcant impact

Tradition pays a huge role in the industry but of equal importance is innovation.

Never an industry to stand still, embracing new ways of working and new technology in whatever shape or form that takes has been a characteristic for many years.

Arguably, this pace of change has increased at a greater rate in recent years than for any other period in the last few decades Much of the machinery and other equipment used on a day-to-day basis has undergone a significant evolution, automation, battery and electric power are changing working habits and requirements.

It is not just cost savings and efficiency improvements that new technology is influencing. Increasingly, end clients and organisations as well as sporting clubs are placing environmental considerations top of the list of requirements when choosing a contractor or investing in new kit.

Alternative power sources, quietness of machinery and the impact on the environment are now key markers.

Manufacturers are rising to this challenge with ever-expanding ranges of machinery, tools and equipment. They are also at the forefront of research and innovation in identifying new power sources for future models.

The impact on the industry as a whole is remarkable and in many ways this evolution has become a revolution, albeit a quiet one.

Despite the widespread introduction of clean air zones in cities across the UK, new research obtained through

Freedom of Information requests shows that high-polluting petrol-powered tools are still predominantly used in many of these areas, compromising clean air commitments.

Local authorities including Birmingham City Council and several London boroughs are still operating 100% petrolpowered tools within their clean air zones – at a time when cars are under increased scrutiny where emissions are concerned. The widespread use of petrolpowered tools can compromise air quality in these areas, producing emissions comparable with some cars.

Petrol-powered tools – such as leaf blowers and hedge trimmers – are known to be just as, if not more, harmful to people and the environment. Emissions testing carried out by EGO Power+ and Millbrook found that some

petrol-powered gardening tools are capable of emitting 11 times more carbon monoxide and four times more nitrogen oxide than a Ford Fiesta.

While the majority of tools being operated by local authorities are still petrolpowered, some councils are progressing towards a cleaner, greener future with the adoption of battery-powered tools.

London’s Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea is leading the way in its use of battery-powered outdoor equipment, accounting for 100% of its tools. Councils in Sheffield and London Brent are also making promising strides, with battery-powered equipment now accounting for 85% and 90% of tools respectively.

The latest advice to government from the Climate Change

Committee also recommends the phasing out of petrol and diesel lawnmowers in order to reduce emissions, with modern technology delivering petrolmatching power, without causing harm to the local environment through emissions and noise pollution.

Those who have already adopted battery-powered maintenance equipment have unlocked a future that delivers improved comfort and safety to users, with tools that minimise noise and vibration.

Paul Groves || Group Editor

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Battery Dedicated Mowers

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Industry beneﬁts from electrifying performance

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Manufacturers and dealers are increasingly working together to deliver the next generation of machinery and equipment to end users and bring about significant improvements to work routines

As the industry continues to see a substantial growth in the use of electric machines, professional users can now benefit from the developments of machine and battery technology which are the future of the landscaping industry, offering them high performing

e-power solutions without compromising on performance.

All the e-powered machinery offers the same highperformance solutions whilst being much better for the environment and for working in noise sensitive areas such as schools and hospitals.

Nick Darking, General Manager of BAGMA, said:

“As one of few associations which span multiple industries, it is interesting to compare and contrast the growing role of technology.

“In agriculture, the journey seems to be further along the road, with GPS and autonomous systems widely known and utilised to bring precision and efficiencies to a number of tasks including spraying and seeding.

“While these are tasks undertaken in groundcare, the surface area being covered tends to be much less. Human limitations, such as tiredness, are much more of a factor when looking after larger areas placing greater value on technological assistance.

“Both sectors are impacted by the issue of labour availability and, where the argument was once that technology will steal jobs, there now is a universal understanding that technology is here to ‘fill the gaps’ and allow for better allocation of skilled resources within a facility.

“Looking specifically at groundcare, one of the biggest shifts we’re seeing is the use of robotic mowing systems for the likes of fairways and roughs. Not only do robotic mowers

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bring fantastic consistency to the more monotonous of maintenance tasks, they are battery operated – improving green credentials and reducing noise pollution for players and neighbours. Their lighter footprint also brings agronomic benefit to sports pitches, which appear to be slightly behind golf courses in the adoption of robotic mowing systems.

“With the exception of the disposal issue – which is being assessed and addressed with speed by a number of specialist recycling firms – there’s not many downsides we see to embracing the helping hand technology can provide to any modern day land management.”

PSD Groundscare has a wider range than ever of battery electric machinery that is suitable for the commercial user from leading manufacturers. It says the key benefits of battery

powered equipment include: zero emissions; reduced hand vibrations; no noise pollutions; and savings on fuel, oil, filters and more.

Stuart Mercer Sales Director of PSD Groundscare said: “The expansion of the range of e-power battery powered equipment with extended run times will provide our customers and dealers with high performance, professional low noise machines that produce zero emissions and lower hand arm vibration. Meaning they’re a win-win for customers, operators and the environment.”

For major manufacturers, the shift to new technology has seen significant advances. Dennis has invested heavily in launching an electric range that was designed from scratch, providing end users with the hallmarks and build quality they have come to expect from the manufacturer.

It has unveiled its latest advancement in sustainable technology: the Multi Charger Hub. This new product significantly enhances the efficiency and convenience of charging their acclaimed E-Series battery-powered mowers.

The E-Series, known for its ecofriendly and high-performance battery-powered mowers, has already set a new standard in the industry.

The Multi Charger Hub addresses common challenges associated with battery-powered equipment, such as avoiding deep discharge—a condition that can occur if a machine is stored at 0% charge. The Hub’s ability to bring all mowers to a safe charge level prevents this issue, ensuring the longevity and reliability of the batteries.

John Deere revealed several new autonomous machines during the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, to support customers in commercial landscaping. “Our customers

all have work that must get done at certain times of the day andyear, yet there is not enough available and skilled labour to do the work,” said Jahmy Hindman, Chief Technology Officer at John Deere.

“Autonomy can help address this challenge. That’s why we’re extending our technology stack to enable more machines to operate safely and autonomously in unique and complex environments.”

Reesink Turfcare, which distributes Toro machinery, maintains that robotic mowing is a case of working smarter, not harder. “The arrival of autonomous technology is what we’ve all been waiting for,” said Jon Cole Divisional Business Manager, Reesink Turfcare. “Toro’s vision of this delivers professional-quality results with minimal input required, solving the problem of reduced resources, labour shortages, and rising operational costs.”

BAGMA Enquiry 3

Powering the Future: Toro® leads the charge in outdoor electriﬁcation

Public sector organisations across the UK are under increasing pressure to decarbonise, reduce emissions, and meet new sustainability targets. For grounds teams, that means finding outdoor power equipment that delivers lower impact without compromising on performance.

Toro®, a global leader in turf and landscape maintenance, is helping lead that change. Its Revolution Series offers a powerful and proven range of batterypowered equipment, engineered specifically for professionals in groundskeeping, landscaping, and municipal maintenance.

With over 100 years of industry trust behind it, Toro has launched the ‘Lead the Charge’ campaign to help local authorities, schools, and public estates confidently transition from petrol or diesel to electric. This isn't just about going green—it’s about getting more from every machine.

Performance Without Compromise

From mowers to handheld tools, the Toro Revolution Series matches the performance of petrol counterparts while offering major advantages:

• Zero direct exposure to carbon dioxide emissions

• Reduced noise and vibration

• Lower running and maintenance costs

For operators working in noise-sensitive spaces—such as cemeteries, campuses, or residential greens—the benefits of battery-powered tools are clear. With fewer moving parts and no engine servicing, they also reduce downtime and total cost of ownership.

Trusted Information for Smarter Procurement

Toro’s ‘Lead the Charge’ campaign also serves to educate,

offering transparent information about pricing, performance, and payback periods. It's designed to help fleet managers and procurement officers make informed, long-term decisions for both budget and environment.

“As a trusted name in the professional turfcare industry, Toro understands the challenges public sector teams face,” says Craig Hoare, UK Sales and Marketing Manager. “With the Revolution Series and our Lead the Charge campaign, we’re giving councils, schools, and

contractors the tools—and the confidence—to transition to cleaner, quieter, and more costeffective electric equipment.”

The Future of Grounds Maintenance

Battery-powered OPE is no longer a compromise—it’s the future.

Whether you're maintaining a public park or an inner-city estate, Toro’s Revolution Series brings reliable, low-impact power into the hands of those shaping our green spaces.

Figure 2

To explore the full range and see how your organisation could benefit, visit: www.toro.com/leadthecharge

Figure 1: The Toro® Revolution Series delivers commercialgrade performance with zero engine emissions—ideal for local authority grounds maintenance.

Figure 2: Battery-powered handheld tools, like this Toro® hedge trimmer, reduce noise and emissions—ideal for urban and sensitive public spaces.

Toro Enquiry 4

Figure 1

LEAD THE CHARGE

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CHANGING THE WAY YOU POWER YOUR BUSINESS

Toro® is leading the way with the launch of a powerful new range of battery powered equipment, contributing towards a more sustainable business efficiency for professionals.

Calling on 100 years of expertise and engineering excellence, Toro’s new range combines our proven mowing equipment with pioneering battery technology to deliver like-for-like performance with our petrol or diesel equivalent. Easy to maintain and cost-effective to run, they can also lower the total cost of ownership and contribute to greater business efficiency.

Visit toro.com/leadthecharge and calculate your operational ROI (return on investment) and see why going electric may just be your best decision yet!

So join us today in leading the charge towards a more sustainable future.

Enquiry 5

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Kress Battery Tools: Powering the Future of Grounds Maintenance with the CyberSystem

For today’s grounds maintenance professionals, efficiency, reliability, and sustainability are more important than ever.

As the demand for low-noise, emission-free landscaping grows, Kress is redefining the industry standard with its

revolutionary CyberSystem — a high-performance battery platform built to meet the unique demands of commercial outdoor work.

At the core of the CyberSystem is the powerful 60V battery, engineered to deliver gaslike performance without the

tools ready — whether you’re working in city parks, large estates, or sports fields.

drawbacks of fuel, fumes, or excessive noise.

With Intelligent Battery Management, Kress batteries actively monitor key metrics like temperature, voltage, and current, optimizing output and ensuring maximum runtime and battery longevity — even under heavy-duty, all-day use.

Designed with professionals in mind, the CyberSystem battery is fully interchangeable across Kress’s full line of commercialgrade tools, from string trimmers and hedge cutters to blowers and mowers. This flexibility streamlines your equipment setup and eliminates the need for multiple battery types, making equipment management more efficient and cost-effective.

One standout feature for grounds crews is ultra-fast charging. Kress’s Rapid Charging Technology can fully charge a 60V battery in as little as 8 minutes, minimizing downtime and maximizing productivity. For teams on the move, Kress also offers mobile charging solutions that keep

Beyond performance, Kress is advancing environmental responsibility in landscaping. With zero emissions, significantly reduced noise levels, and less maintenance than gas-powered tools, the CyberSystem helps professionals meet local regulations and satisfy environmentally conscious clients — all without compromising on power or results.

What truly sets the Kress CyberSystem apart is its future-ready design. As smart landscaping continues to evolve, Kress tools are built to integrate with connected fleet systems and adaptive power management, giving professionals real-time data and better control over their operations. In an industry where time, quality, and sustainability matter, Kress is delivering more than just tools — it’s delivering a complete, intelligent power system tailored to the needs of modern grounds maintenance professionals. The future is battery-powered, and with the Kress CyberSystem, that future is already here.

Kress

Enquiry 6

Pellenc launches the Essential Line

Pellenc has launched the Essential Line – a range of onboard battery tools which offer a practical and cost-effective solution for maintaining green and urban spaces.

The new range includes the Helion Essential hedge trimmer, two Excelion Essential brush cutters,

Airion Essential blower, and the ULiB 200E and 400E batteries — providing a complete package for professionals seeking reliable and efficient tools.

The Helion Essential hedge trimmer delivers exceptional performance for trimming and finishing tasks. The tool features an advanced HMI (Human-

Machine Interface) that displays the remaining battery charge and allows the user to select from three cutting speeds.

The Excelion Essential brush cutter combines high performance with ergonomic design, making it perfect for noise-sensitive areas. Its LED screen displays

battery levels and allows users to select from three speed settings, adjusting performance based on the task. The Airion Essential leaf blower combines power, comfort, and efficiency in a lightweight, ambidextrous design that reduces wrist fatigue. With its angled air intake, the blower limits strain on the user, enabling comfortable operation over long periods.

The ULiB 200E and 400E batteries offer a reliable power source for all Essential tools. Compact and ergonomic, these batteries feature an easy-to-use clipping system and a clear battery level display.

With the launch of the Essential range, Pellenc continues its tradition of delivering innovative, high-performance solutions for green space professionals. Pellenc battery-powered equipment is exclusively distributed in the UK and Ireland by Etesia UK.

Pellenc Enquiry 7

Up to 5 hours run time on a single charge

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Adapting to change and inspiring the future workforce

As part of #GroundsWeek 2025, the GMA gave students with a hands-on experience of life as a grounds professional at one of the world’s most renowned sporting venues, with new technology and battery power to the fore.

Venues do not get much more iconic or inspiring as the the prestigious All England Club.

With workforce development a priority for the industry, an initiative by the GMA is continuing to play a crucial role in engaging young people and encouraging them to consider careers in grounds management.

Students had the opportunity to meet and learn from All England

Club’s experienced grounds team during a Schools Into Stadia event, which included a masterclass with Will Brierley, Senior Groundsman. Through practical sessions and insights from experts, students also gained an understanding of the essential work that goes into maintaining elite sports surfaces and the growing important of battery power to the experience team.

Neil Stubley, Head of Courts and Horticulture at The All England Lawn Tennis Club, and GMA Board Member, said: “Schools Into Stadia provided a fantastic opportunity to spark the interest of the next generation of Grounds Managers. The technical skills required in this industry are often overlooked, so teaching local

students about the year-round maintenance of our grass courts was a great way to showcase the pivotal work that goes on behind the scenes to host The Championships, and most of all, inspire future careers in the profession.”

The proportion of under-35s in the grounds management sector has risen significantly in recent years, and the positive trend highlights the importance of continued engagement with events such as Schools Into Stadia, ensuring that young people are aware of the rewarding career paths available.

The advent of new technology is increasingly seen as a way of worker smarter and attracting the future workforce.

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Battery power - a trend towards the future

The grounds management and landscaping industry is undergoing a significant transformation, and the recent GroundsFest event provided a clear indication of the direction in which it is heading.

From the moment visitors arrived at the event, it was evident that battery technology is no longer on the fringe — it's taking centre stage. A growing number of exhibitors used the event to showcase their latest battery-powered machinery, giving attendees the chance to see, hear (or not hear!), and testdrive a cleaner, quieter future.

As one of the UK’s most progressive events for the sector, GroundsFest has been a hub for innovation — and last year, battery power took the spotlight. Whether it was mowers, trimmers, chainsaws or even more heavy-duty kit, there was no shortage of equipment running on lithiumion instead of petrol.

The shift wasn’t just visible on the stands either — it was in action. Live demonstrations across the event site gave

visitors the opportunity to compare performance, and through the Machinery Nation LIVE feature, battery-powered machines went head-to-head with petrol models in a series of engaging showdowns.

Sustainability at the Forefront

Environmental concerns are pushing the industry to rethink its toolkit — and GroundsFest reflected that. A strong seminar line-up tackled topics such as battery technology, sustainability in grounds care, and future regulations. These sessions gave attendees insights into how battery innovation is helping organisations cut emissions, improve efficiency, and meet environmental targets.

Battery-powered equipment produces zero emissions at the point of use, making it a logical choice for contractors, local authorities and sports facilities looking to reduce their carbon footprint. And with noise pollution also a concern in urban and sensitive environments, the quiet operation of battery kit is another big plus.

Performance and Practicality

Advancements in battery technology have been a game changer. Modern equipment offers longer run times, fast charging, and power that matches many petrol machines — addressing the historical concerns around performance. Manufacturers are also placing greater emphasis on ergonomics

and ease of use, creating machines that are lighter, easier to maintain, and more comfortable to operate throughout the day.

Not Just a Trend

It’s clear that battery power is more than a passing phase. The presence of major brands at GroundsFest, many of whom have made significant investments in R&D for battery lines, signals a wider shift in the market. It’s a shift that comes with challenges — upfront costs and range anxiety still exist — but these are being tackled with better battery capacities, smarter charging solutions, and dropping prices.

Looking Ahead

GroundsFest 2024 didn’t just highlight battery technology — it embraced it. Through demos, debates, seminars and showdowns, it offered a glimpse into the future of grounds and landscape management. The move towards battery-powered machinery is well underway — and with innovation charging ahead, it’s only gaining momentum.

GroundsFest

Enquiry 11

Marking a new era and transforming grounds management

Taunton School, located in Somerset, England, is a prestigious educational institution that prides itself on offering a wide range of activities to engage its students.

In the past, Taunton School faced significant challenges in marking and maintaining their sports pitches.

To address these challenges, Taunton School implemented an innovative solution in 2023: the Turf Tank line marking robot, with the aim of streamlining the pitch marking process, improving accuracy, and freeing up the grounds team to focus on enhancing the overall standards of the school's outdoor facilities.

Mark Jolliffe, the head groundsman at Taunton School, said: “Time saving is the biggest thing, definitely, and

the ease of use is a big thing as well. It's just freed up our time so much more to do other stuff, stuff that we should be doing, that perhaps we weren't.

"The question was asked by the COO here, does it mean we can replace a groundsman or drop a groundsman down to part time hours? But it was just a case of convincing them actually the reason for getting it is, obviously for presentation and accuracy, but also to free us up to do more of the jobs we should be doing that we don't normally get time to do.

“So, any time we can save through having the Turf Tank

marking means we can get on with all the other peripheral stuff and improve the presentation and standards of the site."

The implementation of the Turf Tank robot at Taunton School has revolutionised their approach to grounds management.

By significantly reducing time and labour requirements, improving accuracy and consistency, and offering versatile functionality, the Turf Tank has proven to be an invaluable asset.

Turf Tank Enquiry 12

The Electric Sarel Roller for enhanced sports turf health

The CAMPEY Electric Sarel Roller is a high-quality aerating roller designed for sports turf care, specifically for soil aeration and improved grass health.

Campey Turf Care Systems has released an innovative tool for efficient, eco-conscious aeration of sports turf, tailored especially for bowling greens and cricket squares.

The CAMPEY Electric Sarel Roller is a robust, 60 cmwide aerating roller designed to improve soil health and optimise grass growth on areas up to 3,000 m².

Using 70 sharp, durable spikes, the roller precisely penetrates the soil 223 times per square meter, increasing air circulation and water absorption. This essential process reduces soil compaction, which is often a concern on heavily used sports grounds and promotes deeper, healthier root growth for strong and resilient turf.

What sets the CAMPEY Electric Sarel Roller apart is its commitment to sustainability.

The roller is powered by a high-capacity battery, allowing for long, continuous operation with zero emissions.

This eco-friendly feature is paired with silent running, making it an ideal choice for noise-sensitive locations such as sports clubs and public parks, where traditional machinery may cause disruptions.

Durability and ease of use are also key benefits. The roller’s design includes a transport roller, which securely shields the spikes while moving the unit, preventing damage and extending its operational life. This makes the CAMPEY Electric Sarel Roller a longlasting and dependable addition to any sports turf maintenance regime.

Using the CAMPEY Electric Sarel Roller, turf managers can now achieve outstanding soil aeration and root health with minimal environmental impact.

Campey Turf Care Systems, established in 1986 by Richard Campey, has provided sports turf professionals with industrydefining machinery for 38 years.

From FIFA World Cups to Wimbledon, there is rarely a tournament or event played on turf that hasn't been prepared using a Campey machine.

What initially started out as a business offering sports turf

maintenance work within the North West of the United Kingdom has now grown to be one of the UK's leading independent distributors.

Machinery is available from over 70 dealers throughout Europe, Asia, Africa and the USA.

Campey continues to strengthen its international presence by establishing Campey Australia and new dealer networks around the world.

Campey's innovative machinery, combined with education and customer service, is what has led to the exponential and continued growth of a family business from Macclesfield, which is now the number one supplier and manufacturer of specialised sports turf equipment in the world.

For more information, contact your local Campey product specialist or dealer.

Campey Turf Care Systems Enquiry 14

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Safety and effciency with the Raymo electric mower

Steep banks, uneven terrain, and hazardous conditions have long made bank mowing a high-risk, time-consuming task. But thanks to the Raymo from Iseki UK and Ireland, Xtreme Mowing Ltd is tackling these challenges with greater efficiency and safety than ever before.

Director of Xtreme Mowing, John Barr, uses the remotecontrolled electric mower at numerous sites, including hangar roofs and, in this instance, an industrial estate on the outskirts of Bristol. The estate was developed 15 years ago on the River Severn floodplain, meaning it is all on

raised ground with numerous banks leading to the water courses.

Previously, John cut this site with a walk-behind mower, but a desire to embrace new technology led him to the Raymo through local Iseki dealer Votex Ltd.

"We used to use a dual-wheeled walk-behind pedestrian mower on these banks," John explains.

"You can go up to about 45 degrees with that, but it's basically a 300-kilo mower. And when you've got greasy banks and things like that, and the machine slides down, you need to try to control that.

"Whereas using a remote control removes the operator from harm's way and speeds up the process because you don't need to follow the machine everywhere. So, you can put the Raymo into areas that would be more risky for an operator.

"On a site like this, it's about a seven-mile walk using the pedestrian mower and it would take about four or five hours. With the Raymo, you're reducing that by about 30%. So it's a lot more efficient, and with a battery, you've got no fuel costs or risk of fuel going into the water courses."

The environmental benefits of the Raymo were a major draw for John, who has seen a trend of customers requesting ecofriendly solutions for mowing. With four to five hours of battery life per pack and the ability to swap a pack in less than five minutes, the operator benefits and cost-savings of going electric are clear.

However, John is focused on more than just the electric aspect of the machine. Using the FlexiSpike wheels in combination with the SFINX attachment, the Raymo can safely work at 55-degree angles while effortlessly cutting over edges.

John explains: "It's a bit of a wolf in sheep's clothing, to be honest. You can be cutting the grass banks behind us, and then you

can go straight into a load of light bramble and heavier scrub, and you don't even need to change the deck height because it is very powerful.

"I think when we're on some hangar roofs, we are close to 55 degrees, which is why we've got the FlexiSpike wheels. Again, that removes any slip of the machine and makes you more efficient because you can track the machine as you want, rather than trying to adjust to the machine's slide down the bank.

"Previous contractors had guys with strimmers cutting the ends of the hangers, which is obviously the riskiest part. So we go up and over each end with the SFINX on, which then leaves you a 1.2-meter head cut. Then, the SFINX trims all the grass right over each end. So you can go around once with it on, take it off to make the machine lighter, and then crack on and cut the hangar roofs, which then is a lot faster."

As the demand for safer, greener, and more efficient mowing solutions grows, companies like Xtreme mowing are proving how important it is to invest in the right technology. To see how remote-controlled mowing can transform your maintenance strategy, contact your local Iseki UK and Ireland dealer.

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