November 2026 Creating quality surfaces
Top experts announced as judges for 2027 GMA Industry Awards Geoff Webb, CEO of the Grounds Management Association, said: “The GMA Industry Awards provide an important opportunity to recognise the individuals and teams whose dedication, expertise and professionalism make sport possible at every level. “Behind every great playing surface are grounds people who are committed to delivering safe, sustainable and high-performing spaces for participants to enjoy.”
Award-winning practitioners, industry leaders and technical experts from across sport, education and events will help identify and celebrate the very best in grounds management at the 2027 GMA Industry Awards. The Grounds Management Association (GMA) has announced its judging panel
for the 2027 GMA Industry Awards, bringing together some of the most respected professionals from across the grounds management, sport, education and events sectors. The annual awards recognise the outstanding achievements of individuals, teams and organisations that raise standards across grounds management,
celebrating excellence, innovation and dedication throughout the profession. The 2027 judging panel combines expertise from some of the UK’s leading sporting venues and organisations, ensuring entries are assessed fairly, independently and against the highest professional standards.
“We are delighted to welcome such an experienced and respected judging panel for 2027. Their collective knowledge represents the very best of our industry and will help ensure every submission is reviewed with the rigour, fairness and insight it deserves.” “We’re delighted to welcome Beth, Lee and Ruth to the judging panel for 2027. Their experience spans grassroots sport, education, research, and technology, bringing fresh perspectives
and valuable expertise to the judging process. Alongside our returning judges, they will help ensure the awards continue to celebrate the outstanding people and organisations driving standards forward across the grounds management profession.” The GMA Industry Awards remain one of the most prestigious celebrations of excellence in grounds management, recognising the people, teams, and organisations whose work underpins participation, performance and player safety across sport and recreation. From elite sporting venues and educational establishments to grassroots clubs and local authorities, the awards showcase the breadth of talent, innovation and commitment that exists throughout the profession, while highlighting the vital contribution grounds staff make to creating safe, sustainable, and high-quality playing surfaces. The GMA Enquiry 25
Natural Turf Management Taking a look at the products and services available Pages 12-18
Handheld Tools Spotlight on the new products available for different tasks Page 19
Kress joins GroundsFest Academy as Platinum Sponsor The GroundsFest Academy has announced Kress UK and Ireland as its newest Platinum Sponsor, strengthening the Academy’s commitment to equipping the groundscare industry with the skills, technology, and expertise needed for the future. The partnership brings together GroundsFest Academy’s focus on hands-on education with Kress’s expertise in robotic mowing and battery-powered groundscare technology, giving attendees direct exposure to some of the latest innovations shaping the sector.
Bradley Tennant, Director of Education at The GroundsFest Academy commented: “Kress UK and Ireland’s approach to innovation makes them a brilliant fi t for the Academy. As the industry continues to evolve, it’s vital that the people coming into it are trained on the technology and techniques they’ll actually be using in the field. This partnership gives our students that edge.” Nicki Jones, Head of Marketing at Kress UK and Ireland added: “We’re delighted to become a Platinum Sponsor of the GroundsFest Academy. Investing
in the next generation of talent is something we care deeply about, and this partnership gives us a great opportunity to support the skills and training that will shape the future of our industry. We’re proud to be part of it.” Through the sponsorship, Kress UK and Ireland will provide demonstrate equipment, run technology workshops, offer product training sessions and support GroundsFest Academy events, giving attendees practical experience with the latest advances in groundscare technology. GroundsFest
Line Marking Technology and professional hep keeping you straight Page 20
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PREPARATION EXCELLENCE
THE PROFESSIONAL STANDARD IN SURFACE PREPARATION For more information or a no obligation demonstration call 01332 824777 or visit www.sisis.com
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Getting more from every maintenance Wiedenmann Mega operation with SISIS Twisters prove their worth Almost 12 months into service with Fife Golf Trust, three new Wiedenmann Mega Twisters have strengthened the machinery line-up across its seven public golf courses. The Trust has used Mega Twisters for more than a decade. It added three new machines last year, while two of the originals – now more than 10 years old – are still going strong. That gives Golf Courses Manager David Gray and his team five Mega Twisters to call on across the seven venues. Leaf clearance is the task most associated with the Mega Twister and, come autumn, all five have plenty to do. Across Cowdenbeath, Dunnikier Park, Glenrothes, Kinghorn, Scoonie, Auchterderran and Lochore Meadows, the challenge varies considerably.
Maintaining high-quality natural turf requires more than regular mowing. From relieving compaction and improving surface conditions to managing debris and preparing for play, every operation has a role in supporting healthy, resilient turf. For grounds professionals, balancing these essential tasks with limited time, changing weather conditions and busy sporting schedules can be challenging. Selecting versatile equipment that combines complementary operations can help make maintenance programmes more efficient without compromising surface quality.
The SISIS Quadraplay demonstrates this approach in practice. Used by Andrew Greaves of AJ Greaves Ground Maintenance across cricket, football and rugby facilities, its four-in-one system allows up to four interchangeable implements to work in a single pass, with the flexibility to adapt to individual surface requirements. Andrew’s preferred combination of spiker slitter, spring-tine harrows, roller and brush brings together aeration, removal of dead grass, surface levelling and turf grooming. These complementary operations help address compaction, encourage healthier root development
and promote a cleaner, more consistent playing surface.
any imbalances. It’s definitely improving,” explains Andrew.
The benefits are evident in Andrew’s experience. Following summer drought, he has used the Quadraplay to open up bare patches and prepare areas for overseeding, helping create favourable conditions for seed establishment. He has also noticed improvements in outfield performance at several clubs as the season progresses.
His experience highlights an important principle of professional turfcare: effective maintenance depends on understanding the needs of each surface and selecting the right operations for the conditions.
“You’ll notice that the outfields are really starting to get a lot faster during the season. This is mainly due to the grass being groomed and being pushed different ways, with the roller helping to address
The Mega Twister’s powerful turbine delivers an air volume of around 390 m³/min at speeds of up to 50 m/sec, giving the teams plenty of blowing power when the leaves are down. From the tractor cab, the operator can swivel the nozzle hydraulically
around 230 degrees to direct the air exactly where it is needed, as well as raise and lower it to suit the job. For leaf clearance, that can mean getting through an area in one pass rather than repeatedly travelling over the same ground. And as conditions soften through autumn and winter, fewer passes and tractor turns matter. Leaves can be quickly moved and gathered into piles elsewhere on the course, or blown into rows for collection and removal by the Trust’s Wiedenmann Super 500 and Super 600 machines. The same powerful, directional airflow gives the Mega Twister a role across the seasons, shifting grass clippings and other lightweight debris and clearing up quickly after cutting or maintenance work or weather incidents. The Mega Twisters form part of a substantial Wiedenmann machinery line-up supplied and supported by local dealer Fairways GM at Kinross. Wiedenmann Enquiry 29
From versatile multi-operation systems to specialist aeration and debris collection equipment, SISIS provides practical solutions to help grounds teams work efficiently, support turf health and maintain the consistent playing conditions that clubs and players expect. SISIS
Enquiry 28
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Müthing wins at course regarded as HQ Cheltenham Racecourse is referred to as HQ by jump racing fans and no wonder. Not only is it home to the Cheltenham Festival, there’s a busy programme of National Hunt racing from October through to May, plus countless other functions and events year-round.
With 24ha of racing surface, the total estate is more than 200ha so Estates Manager Nathan Williams needs productive, reliable machinery. This year he added a Müthing MU-FM flail mower attachment for the John Deere outfront commercial mower to his armoury.
“We demoed a 1.6m version and knew within 20 minutes that it was exactly what we needed,” he recalls. “I opted for the 1.4m Müthing to ensure that our John Deere, which has been in the fleet for a while, had enough power and we’ve been very impressed.”
4-5 groundsmen with strimmers a week to do what the Müthing can do in a day.”
Using the spiral rotor and shark fin shredding bar which is renowned for its effectiveness on Müthing’s larger mowers, the MU-FM tackles everything from brush and undergrowth to dense grass growth, producing a fine mulch.
“The mulching action gives a really good finish,” he comments.
“The productivity and quality of the work is outstanding,” says Nathan. “We’ve even used it to clear brambles from an area of the centre course that hadn’t been touched since Covid times. It’s so much more efficient than using brushcutters. It 183x250mm.pdf would take LAPU Raymo
A major plus of the Müthing design is its ability to withstand tough conditions.
He adds that it has also been invaluable on long grass and even the lawned area in the Guinness village.
Nathan adds that the Müthing is a great combination with the John Deere, floating on its front linkage and lifting clear of kerbs and banks.
“We specified the stone proof plate inside the hood for some of the debris we come across on site,” he explains. 16:23 “Other mowers 1 21/06/2024
are more difficult and expensive to fix if you hit something.”
machine all the time and says: “It’s paid for itself already!”
Nathan concludes that his team are finding new uses for the
Simon Richard Enquiry 32
Kress gives school more time where it matters Managing 76 acres of school grounds, 16 football and rugby pitches, 14 cricket squares, athletics facilities, tennis courts and woodland is no small task.
Today, the robotic mowers maintain around 78,000 square metres of grass, saving approximately ten and a half hours of mowing every week.
For Grounds Manager Shaun Crowley and his team at Farleigh School in Hampshire, finding smarter ways to maintain the site without compromising standards has become essential.
Those time savings have transformed the way the grounds team operates. “The robots aren’t replacing anyone,” said Shaun. “They’re giving us more time to do all the other jobs that often get pushed aside. Instead of spending hours cutting an outfield several times a week, we can concentrate on all the other tasks that make a difference.”
The answer came in the form of Kress robotic mowers and battery-powered equipment, enabling the team to work more efficiently while maintaining the high-quality presentation expected at one of the country’s leading independent schools. “What really sold Kress to me was the charging time and the runtime. A quick charge gives you hours of cutting, so they spend more time working than sitting on charge. They’re also incredibly flexible and can work day or night in virtually all weather conditions.” Following an initial demonstration from local Kress dealer ATH Machinery, Shaun introduced his first Kress KR236 robotic mower before quickly expanding the fleet to three machines.
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“If you miss a cut with a conventional mower because the ground is wet, suddenly you’re trying to catch up. The Kress robots keep on top of the grass all the time. CY
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“They’re lightweight enough to work when larger machinery might not be suitable, and because they’re cutting little and often, the quality of finish is consistently high.” Kress Enquiry 33
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NOVEMBER 2026
Trimax brings versatility and productivity Whether tackling challenging vegetation or maintaining large areas of grass, the FlailDek S4 and Pegasus S5 offer contractors and councils practical solutions for professional grounds maintenance. Building on more than 30 years of development, the new Trimax FlailDek S4 features stronger structural components, improved serviceability and flexible configuration, designed to enhance durability, reduce maintenance and increase versatility across a range of applications.
For Grasstex, which carries out urban and rural grass-cutting contracts across Surrey, Sussex and Kent, Trimax FlailDek mowers work for six to seven hours a day across challenging terrain, including road verges. Lukas O zana, Contract Manager, Grasstex, said: “Reliability and efficiency are vital to Grasstex, and the Trimax FlailDek consistently helps us deliver both. “It has improved our productivity by helping us cover ground quickly while maintaining a professional finish, particularly during the peak season.”
For larger areas of regularly maintained turf, the Trimax Pegasus S5 offers productive wide-area mowing, with cutting widths of 4.9m, 6.1m and 7.2m. Informed by realworld user data, its latest design incorporates stronger structural components and practical improvements to enhance reliability and service life. See both mowers at SALTEX 2026, Trimax stand H074, 11–12 th November at the NEC Birmingham. Visit trimaxmowers.co.uk to find out more. Trimax
Enquiry 35
Baroness proves a cut above at Harborne Golf Club
A RANGE OF PRODUCTS CREATED BY NATURE PERFECTED BY MANSFIELD SAND
At Birmingham’s Harborne Golf Club, Course Manager Jim Gilchrist and his team put quality and consistency at the heart of their maintenance operation. Since taking delivery of a LM551 fairway mower from Baroness, the club cite a significant improvement in the finish of the fairways, with both staff and members quick to recognise the difference.
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THE TRUSTED NAME IN PROFESSIONAL SPORTS TURF CARE For 40 years Campey have introduced industry defining machinery that has changed the way natural and hybrid pitches are maintained and provided customers with honest, practical turf care advice. We’re always seeking ways to innovate turf maintenance, and finding solutions to common issues faced by every turf care professional is a vital part of the Campey operation. Whether you’re tackling localised compaction or carrying out a full pitch renovation, Campey strives to provide industry leading machinery to meet specific requirements at every level of sports turf management. Talk to Campey today about the machinery turf care specialists around the world trust.
Call +44 (0)1260 224568
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Jim has been a part of the club since 2004, taking on the role of Course Manager four years later. Assisting him with the maintenance of the Harry Coltdesigned course is a team of six, including Jim’s partner Victoria Cavinue who proudly holds the post of Deputy Course Manager. Through the club’s relationship with local dealer Hunts Engineering, Jim took delivery of his first Baroness machine – an LM551 fairway mower – in early 2024 and the impact, he says, was immediate. “The quality of cut on the LM551 fairway mower is second to none. We noticed this straight away, even though we took delivery of the machine in February which is notoriously a difficult time of year to make strides in course presentation. We, and the members, commented on the difference in the finish we were achieving on the fairways compared to our previous model.”
Alongside the quality of cut, operationally, the LM551 has been well received by the team. “Everybody loves how comfortable the seat is, and how simple the mower is to operate.” He continues, “Build quality is fantastic and there is next to no adjustment needed on the cylinders which helps with user friendliness for the staff, and keeps the budget in check with fewer re-grinds and backlapping required.” Impressed with the quality, reliable performance of the LM551, Harborne were pleased to add a GM2810A to their fleet in June 2026 – bringing Baroness capability to the mowing of the roughs and surrounds. Featuring five independently mounted cutting decks, the GM2810A rotary mower provides outstanding productivity and supreme manoeuvrability on the most demanding of terrain. Matching the quality of the machinery, is the back up support and service received from Richard Lucas and the team at Hunts Engineering. “This is vital for any Course Manager and, while we’ve not required anything more from the service department to date than the routine servicing, we know we have a great pool of expertise to lean on to ensure we continue to get the very best out of our mowers.” Baroness
Enquiry 38
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The Raymo remote- Rental specialist puts its trust in Etesia controlled range The Raymo electric remotecontrol mower available from ISEKI UK & Ireland, is designed with a low overall height together with a low centre of gravity, 4WD, and a zero-turn steering system that allows it to tackle steep slopes, grassed banks and low obstacles with ease. The Raymo benefits from zero emissions, low-noise and no vibrations! Being able to stand away from the mower while
the ground is being cut, allows the operator to keep away from dangerous hazards such as slopes, ditches or deep water. Continuous operation is maintained with the lithiumion power-pack which can be swapped over in only one minute extending working times to the required length. ISEKI Enquiry 39
When you’re hiring out professional groundcare machinery, reliability isn’t just desirable it’s essential.
That is why Acacia Groundcare Equipment Rental has relied on Etesia machinery for more than 20 years, with the manufacturer’s proven range continuing to play a key role in its extensive hire fleet. From commercial contractors and local authorities to equestrian businesses, environmental organisations and private landowners, Acacia supplies equipment to customers tackling everything from routine grass cutting to heavy-duty vegetation clearance. According to Operations Manager Mark Tavener, quality is the number one priority when investing in new hire equipment.
“When I was a contract manager, I often used Acacia for groundcare equipment,” he explained. “I’ve also used Etesia machines throughout my career. It goes right back to working for Horsham District Council in the late ‘80s and ‘90s, and wherever I’ve worked since, Etesia has always been a machine that’s been used.” That long-standing familiarity is reflected in Acacia’s relationship with Etesia, which stretches back to the company’s beginnings two decades ago. One of the standout performers in the hire fleet is the Etesia AK-88, a compact ride-on brush cutter that continues to generate repeat business. Its compact size is one of its biggest strengths.
The AK-88 is hired by a broad range of customers, including landscape contractors, local authorities, environmental organisations, estate managers and private customers maintaining paddocks and overgrown land.
Alongside the AK-88 sits the Etesia AH75, a pedestrian brush cutter designed for customers who need the same impressive cutting ability on smaller or more confined sites. Etesia
NEW! Investment in Redexim machines boosts new service Replay Maintenance is strengthening its expanding natural turf division with the investment of a Redexim Verti-Drain 7416 aerator and Overseeder 3D 1575, helping the company deliver high-quality pitch renovations for sports clubs across the UK. Having taken delivery of both machines, the specialist contractor has already seen impressive results on a range of grassroots sports pitches, with customers reporting significant improvements in grass establishment and overall playing surfaces. The Verti-Drain 7416 has quickly become an integral part of Replay Maintenance’s renovation programme thanks to its simple setup, versatility and ability to aerate to significant depths while causing minimal surface disruption.
Alongside the Verti-Drain, Replay Maintenance also invested in the Redexim Overseeder 3D 1575, which has already made a noticeable impact on overseeding operations. Those results are already being recognised by customers. One such example came from St Giles Park - a sports facility in Nottingham, where Replay Maintenance carried out a programme of aeration and overseeding after challenging growing conditions.
Designed for ultimate productivity, the brand new Voyager 60” commercial autonomous mower is a high-efficiency powerhouse engineered for rapid, large scale coverage on large campuses, sports fields, council properties and more. With a 152 cm cutting width and coverage of up to 76,000 m² per charge, it delivers efficient, autonomous mowing across extensive areas. Advanced RTKn, LiDAR and V-SLAM navigation, combined with 360° obstacle detection, enables precise, safe and reliable operation, while speeds of up to 9 mph and slope capability of up to 25° keep productivity high across challenging terrain.
As seen at Groundsfest 2026
Looking ahead, Replay Maintenance is focused on continuing the growth of its natural turf division while supporting an even wider range of sports facilities. Redexim Enquiry 40
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NOVEMBER 2026
Tackling grass management with Major flail collector The heavy duty MJ2000 is the strongest of the cut and collect machinery forest rangers investigated for grass maintenance at Ashdown Forest in Sussex. Dating back to the Norman Conquest, Ashdown Forest in the South East of England is one of the UK’s largest free public access spaces. It is also known as the home of Winnie-the-Pooh - 1,600 hectares of the forest is heathland which represents 3 percent of all lowland heathland in the UK. This makes it an important national conservation area which is managed by the Ashdown Forest rangers.
The rangers’ role is to restore and maintain the area as heathland using a variety of methods including bracken cutting, heather mowing and scrub clearance. To assist the rangers with these conservation activities, a Major 2m Flail Collector is used to cut and collect bracken and grasses in the forest.
this left the cut material behind and still had to be removed from the site. The adjustable cutting height allows the machine to work a variety of vegetation types, making it possible to take bracken out of heather areas without having to mow too much of the heather. When the Ashdown Forest rangers were researching a suitable mowing solution for the heathlands, they were immediately impressed with the overall build of the Major Flail Collector. It was the strongest of the cut-andcollect machines investigated and competitively priced.
The rangers at Ashdown Forest mow between 200 and 300 hectares of bracken each year with this machine. The Major MJ2000 enables effective management of the heathland by allowing cutting in difficult terrain and collection of the cut material at the same time. A 4.5m topper was previously used, but
Major Equipment Enquiry 43
Keep contracts moving with Kubota For SP Landscapes, reliability is everything. Operating across East Anglia and beyond, the family-run business has built a reputation on delivering commercial grounds maintenance contracts and domestic works to the highest standard and for more than 30 years, equipment from Kubota has played a pivotal role in that success. Contracts Manager Bobby Luckings explains the importance of the partnership and how, today, Kubota is powering around 80% of their
grass cutting operation. Two of their most recent purchases include the Kubota F391 outfront mower and a G231HD from the popular, professional G-Series. With a 22hp diesel engine, 48” mower deck and high dump collector, the G231HD offers impressive performance, combined with excellent operator comfort and cut capability whether grass is tall or dense, wet or dry. Kubota Enquiry 44
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Built for Every Season. Reliable, Versatile Cut-and-Collect Mowers Six models in working widths from 1.5m to 2.0m Hopper capacities from 0.95m³ to 3.0m³ Models to suit compact, large compact,and agricultural tractors Suitable for maintaining wildflower meadows during the off -season
Book a demo. Call 01524 850501 or visit www.major-equipment.com READER ENQUIRY 45
Terra Spike Speed, precision & easy operation. 11 different models, 30 years’ know how and expertise. Be it extra deep, super light or the nation’s favourite GXi8 HD, we’ll find your Terra Spike.
www.wiedenmann.co.uk 0141 814 3366 for dealer or demo READER ENQUIRY 46
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Ferris Mowers launches Replay Maintenance helps all-new Z1-P stand-on range secure the future of pitches Ferris Mowers is introducing the all-new Z1-P stand-on mower for spring 2027, built from the ground up on a new platform and available in three deck sizes. The range is headlined by the new 81 cm (32in) Z1-P, which brings commercial stand-on productivity to narrow gates and tight landscaping where larger machines can't go, alongside 91 cm (36in) and 122 cm (48in) Z1-PX editions that replace the outgoing SRS™ Z1 in those sizes. All three Z1-P models share the same new chassis and
control layout, but it's the deck that marks the biggest change. The new platform offers our patented, fully configurable Triple ™ mower deck, which enables you to switch between rear discharge, side discharge and mulching as the job demands. The deck is built from 4.6 mm fabricated steel, with a reinforced spindle mounting area, metal scuff guards and a reinforced leading edge designed to withstand daily commercial use. The cutting height runs from 3.8 cm to 12.7 cm.
Kawasaki V-Twin engines power every edition: an 18.5 hp (13.8 kW) FS600V on the 81 cm Z1-P, a 19 hp (14.2 kW) FX600V on the 91 cm Z1PX, and a 23.5 hp (17.5 kW) FX730V on the 122 cm Z1-PX. The 91 cm and 122 cm editions share a 30-litre fuel tank, while the 81 cm runs a 23-litre tank. Despite the added capability, the range keeps a compact footprint designed to fit in the back of most standard-sized vans in Europe, with speeds of up to 12.8 km/h. Ferris Mowers Enquiry 47
East Leake Playing Fields and Pavilion has become a thriving community sports hub in just three and a half years, providing facilities for rugby, football, cricket, archery and a wide range of community activities. However, like many grassroots venues, maintaining highquality natural turf while coping with unpredictable weather has become an increasing challenge. Thanks to a close partnership between Replay Maintenance and Nottinghamshire FA, the facility has now secured Football Foundation Grass Pitch Maintenance Funding, ensuring its pitches receive a long-term programme of professional maintenance that will benefit players and the wider community for years to come. For Dave Curtis, Facilities Manager at East Leake Playing
Fields and Pavilion, the priority has always been to maximise participation. "The weather is so unpredictable now," Dave explained. "We've had droughts, we've had flooding during the winter, and it becomes really frustrating because matches get called off, which obviously loses us revenue. "We want to provide the best facilities and the best pitches we can for everyone who uses the site." That challenge led Nottinghamshire FA to introduce East Leake to Replay Maintenance. The funding has enabled East Leake to enter into a long-term maintenance programme, with Replay delivering a schedule of weed control, overseeding, aeration and fertiliser applications designed to steadily improve the quality of the playing surfaces.
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Replay Maintenance's Head of Natural Turf, Ben Sadler, said the project demonstrates how specialist support can make accessing funding much easier for clubs and believes Replay's role extends well beyond carrying out maintenance work. "We can do all the legwork to help clubs access the funding," he explained. "We handle the administration, support the application and make the whole process as simple as possible, allowing clubs to focus on running their facilities while we help improve their pitches. Our partnership with Origin Amenity Solutions ensures we use the highest-quality, industry-leading products, including fertilisers, herbicides and grass seed, to deliver exceptional results on every project; here at East Leake, we have used a 100% Perennial Ryegrass with three high-quality cultivars.” Replay Maintenance Enquiry 48
Look out for the NEW rebranded range of AMAZONE Groundcare machines - same outstanding build quality and engineering - updated in the Green and Orange AMAZONE colours. Take the Profihopper PH1250 and PH1500 self-propelled machines - wet or dry grass, long or short, collect or mulch, the proven Profihoppers do it all.
Don’t compromise - choose the AMAZONE Profihopper that comes with a unique auger conveying system for all weather operation and less emptying. Contact the AMAZONE Team on: 01302 751 200.
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STIGA makes a big impression at Keresley RFC At Keresley RFC, getting the pitch in tip-top condition is all part of the game. But when your grounds team is made up entirely of volunteers, keeping the grass match-ready can be a challenge in itself. Thankfully, the club has welcomed two new team members who are proving they can really cut it - two STIGA robotic mowers named Shakey 2.0 and Shakey 3.0, ensuring that a little piece of Keith’s spirit lives on around the club he cared for so passionately. It’s a heartfelt tribute to Keith “Shakey” Shakespear, who
dedicated himself to looking after the club’s pitches and grounds for 49 years before passing away in the summer. The two robots are busy tackling the mowing across two of the club’s four pitches, cutting as frequently as possible to keep the grass in great condition. And the results are already making a real difference, saving the team an estimated five hours of work every week. The benefits are showing on the pitch, too. The grounds team has noticed improvements in grass quality and growth, with
the frequent cutting helping to create a stronger, healthierlooking surface. And when it comes to cut quality, the verdict is that the team is delighted with the results. Players and coaches have been quick to praise the pitches, with the club’s two main playing surfaces now looking stunning and, in the team’s words, more like those of a professional club. And while the robotic mowers are quietly getting on with their work, the volunteers
can concentrate on the bigger picture, keeping the whole site in top shape and making sure Keresley RFC is ready for kick-off, whatever the fixture list brings. Through its multi-year partnership with England Rugby, STIGA is committed to supporting the volunteers and grounds teams who keep rugby thriving across the country, helping clubs maintain highquality playing surfaces from grassroots rugby right through to the elite game. STIGA Enquiry 50
ELiTE equipment for an elite golf club Wildwood Machinery and Ransomes Jacobsen team up to supply Ferndown Golf Club in Dorset with a state-of-the-art, lithium-powered mower. As a Jacobsen dealership, Wildwood was delighted to recommend, and then demonstrate, deliver and support the Eclipse 360 ELiTE mower.
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Ransomes Jacobsen’s Southern England Regional Sales Manager, Ben Rumsey says: “Wildwood has a rapidly-growing reputation as a supplier of state-of-theart turfcare equipment to prestigious golf clubs and elite football clubs in Hampshire, Surrey and London.
The quality of service and support they are offering customers is a perfect match for the Jacobsen brand.” Powered by a 250Ah lithium battery, the Eclipse 360 ELiTE is capable of covering 143,000 square feet – the equivalent of 50+ typical golf greens on a single charge – so there is no issue with capacity and durability. The real game-changer however, is the adjustable frequency of clip, which lets the team dial in a finer cutquality, effectively delivering a double-cut in a single pass. Wildwood Machinery Enquiry 54
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Reaching new heights with EGO Battery power can be a boon for tasks such as trimming a tall hedge. Jane Carley takes a look at a long reach machine from the EGO range. Tall ornamental hedges can be a challenge; wielding a heavy petrol-powered trimmer means frequent stops and starts as you progress along the hedge with your ladder or platform. Even for more modest topiary it’s more of a chore than it needs to be. A battery powered trimmer means that you can flick off the power with ease, stand back and admire your work or check out the bits you’ve missed and then easily switch on again. EGO Power Plus offers a long reach articulating model, the HTX5300-PA with 53cm triple sided blade and overall length of 2.41m. Designed for tackling vegetation up to 28mm (1in) diameter, it’s powered by a 56v motor and Lithium-ion battery. An articulating head allows the blade to be used at angles from +45deg (three positions) to -90deg (six positions) to top and side hedges. The control console features the speed indicator for a choice of three operating speeds and the battery charge level. To start, the lock-off lever is slid forward and the trigger switch pressed at the same time. Pressure on the trigger switch also alters the blade speed; there are three speed modes – the lowest offering better control and a longer operating time per charge. Speed mode can be set before starting or during operation;
after re-starting it returns to the previous chosen speed. Our tester was using the larger 5.0AH battery as he has a number of other EGO machines and it can be interchanged between them. For this, EGO recommended its backpack; a dummy battery sits in the slot on the rear handle. He found the backpack comfortable and convenient and thought the hedgetrimmer was well balanced, offering a good power to weight ratio – without the battery it weighs in at 4.8kg. Control was straightforward and convenient, and the trigger switch comfortable to use; the loop handle giving control of the long shaft with the other hand. The trimmer zipped through leylandii in an established hedge – here the easy on off would be appreciated when using a platform to tackle the top and higher levels - and some ornamental pyracantha topiary. Time of year prevented us running the trimmer flat but EGO suggests that the 5.0Ah battery would be good for 108 minutes of hedgetrimming. Charging was simple, and takes 45 mins using the company’s rapid charger.
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We felt that the HTX5300-PA was a well designed and built for professional use, and would be a good addition to the armoury of those tackling a variety of hedges. For anyone regularly cutting the likes of our monster leylandii, EGO also offers a telescopic hedgetrimmer attachment for its multi-tool. EGO Power Plus Enquiry 55
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20/10/2026 08:42
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Line Marking
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NOVEMBER 2026
Groundtel’s linemarking operation continues to grow A year on from sharing how robotic line marking had transformed its operation, family-run grounds maintenance contractor Groundtel Ltd has continued to invest – adding a third TinyLineMarker to its fleet and already looking towards a potential fourth. Servicing more than 150 schools alongside sports grounds and other prestigious sites, Groundtel has developed a substantial linemarking operation combining the efficiency and accuracy of GPS robotic technology with decades of practical grounds maintenance experience. And recently, that experience took the company considerably further afield – all the way to Cannes in the south of France. For Contracts Manager Danny
Perkins, a member of the family behind Groundtel, the company's continued investment in robotic technology demonstrates just how important line marking has become to the business. “When we bought our first robot in 2021, we knew fairly quickly that it was going to change the way we worked,” says Danny. “The second gave us the capacity to really start pushing what we could achieve. We've now invested in our third and we're already looking at potentially adding a fourth in the near future. “They've gone from being something new that we were trying to becoming an essential part of how we operate.” Groundtel
Enquiry 57
Turf Tank’s line marking robots gain ground Anyone who has marked a pitch knows the routine: string lines, measuring tape, and hours on end getting the lines just right. For a growing number of UK clubs, schools and councils, that routine is changing. Turf Tank’s line marking robots now handle the pitch marking, so the people who used to do it by hand can get on with their ever-growing list of jobs.
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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 5,500 organisations already call Turf Tank their MVP
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As the customer base grows, the model behind it stays the same: subscription, service, and stability, all built around the people who mark the pitches every week.
Regional Sales Manager Midlands and Northern UK
its customers directly, with the largest local field operations team in the game, committed to turning up and supporting them, rain or shine. Last year, Turf Tank expanded its UK team, adding regional specialists to bring that support even closer to customers. “Having people on the ground across the regions means our customers get help from someone who understands their conditions, their challenges, and their pitches,” says Mike Thomsen, Operations Manager at Turf Tank. Groundsmen who want to see the robot for themselves can find Turf Tank at SALTEX on 11th and 12th November at the NEC, Birmingham, on stand B100. Turf Tank
Enquiry 58
Fertilisers
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Teamwork makes the dream work at Swaffham
Additional inputs across the wider course include Greenforce Pro, Darby selective herbicides and two formulations of Multi-Green – which Colin highlights as a particularly familiar and reliable part of the programme. “This is a product I’d used a lot previously and, while
Suståne partnership delivers for Ferndown Forest
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In a greenkeeping career that may not have been conventional, but has so far spanned more than two decades, Jon Hatt praises not just the reliability of the products but the honest, trusted advice from the Suståne team which helps them to deliver proven results season after season.
The longstanding partnership between Ferndown Forest and Suståne has seen their products become a key part of the greens maintenance strategy, with Jon using Suståne 5-2-4+Fe granular as the cornerstone to the club’s nutritional programme. “We apply this roughly every four weeks and it just works” he says. “It greens everything up, keeps the soil supplied with the nutrients it needs and delivers reliable results even with the variable weather conditions.”
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popped in regularly and is on the phone if I’ve got questions. I know with him I’ll get honest, practical advice and while I’m still learning all the time, that level of trust and support makes a huge difference.”
“One of the very first people I met when I started here was Dave Smart, a representative for Suståne. We were already using the products then and the relationship has simply carried on ever since” Jon explains. More recently, Suståne’s Russell Riley has been on hand with trusted advice. “He’s always
“This is so important and means we can determine where progress is being made and what adjustments may be needed to ensure we continue taking those steps in the right direction.”
Trusted People. Trusted Products.
While ground conditions at Ferndown Forest may fluctuate between extremes of wet and dry, one thing that has remained consistent at the Dorset club for many years is the use of granular feed from Suståne.
Key to his success, he says, has been building a network of knowledgeable people in the industry – with Suståne playing a significant role.
What started with conversations around chemistry and product support, has extended into broader agronomic discussions, with Mark taking soil samples, organic matter readings and conducting a full review of the programme ahead of entering year two.
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With limited irrigation and free-draining chalk and stonebased profiles, the plan centred around careful nutritional and moisture management
“On the greens we’re using a combination of granular and liquid fertiliser feeds, together with Ascoflex Plus biostimulant and Terafirm and TriCure AD wetting agents. Through the winter we then put down regular applications of the 20-20-30 tank mix to provide additional strength and resilience.”
conditions are different here to my previous club, Multi-Green continues to deliver fantastic results season after season.”
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Every decision has to deliver real value which is where the club are seeing positive results from a partnership with Origin Amenity Solutions (OAS) - two years into a programme which is making measured steps in the right direction without overstretching budgets, staff and site limitations.
to maintain consistency throughout the season.
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When Colin Hutt arrived at Swaffham Golf Club in its centenary year in 2022, he was welcomed by a club with excellent natural drainage and plenty of personality, but one working to improve within tight financial constraints.
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Grass Seeds & Wildflowers
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NOVEMBER 2026
Hotter than ’76 - make every seed count Summer 2026 has gone down as the UK’s hottest on record, beating even the legendary summer of 1976. Flares and ABBA aside, it has left many
grounds teams with thin, patchy turf to rebuild. With seed producers also warning of a smaller 2026 harvest and rising prices, every bag of
seed needs to work harder. The good news is that results depend as much on preparation as on the seed itself. Relieve compaction, remove thatch
Let‘s Talk Turf at SALTEX Stand B110 | NEC Birmingham | 11–12 November
Award-winning stand. Bigger and better for 2026. • Talk to our team about getting turf back on track after this year‘s record-breaking summer
and create a good seedbed so seed makes proper contact with the soil. Spread evenly, firm it in and protect it while it establishes. Then give it the nutrition it needs to get going. Tudor Environmental has everything you need to get the groundwork right, from rakes, rollers and seed spreaders to turf treatments, turf protection and the machinery for bigger renovation jobs. Our experienced team can help you plan your renovation and choose the right kit for your site and budget. Qualifying items ordered by 5pm on weekdays are delivered next working day with Tudor Express. Come and talk turf with us at SALTEX on Stand B110 (11–12th November), there'll be plenty to see, people to talk to and, of course, Tudor freebies to take away.
• See turf care, seed, fertilisers, irrigation, machinery, tools and PPE, all under one roof • Find out about next working day delivery with Tudor Express
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• Catch up with familiar faces
Radley college continues to choose MM Seed
• Pick up some Tudor freebies
When you've spent more than 25 years looking after some of the country's busiest school sports facilities, consistency becomes invaluable.
Free to attend. Register at saltex.org.uk sales@tudorenvironmental.co.uk
02476 856 846
For Adam King, Head of Grounds at Radley College, that's exactly why MM Seed has remained his first choice for more than two decades. For Adam, that relationship with MM Seed began with a visit to
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"It really opened my eyes," he explains. "You realise just how much research goes into developing new grasses. Some of the work they're doing today has been ten years in the making. Seeing how clean everything was and the care that goes into producing the final product gave me a huge amount of confidence." "The cultivars within the MM mixtures have always been excellent," says Adam. "They've consistently stayed at the top of the list. We've trialled individual cultivars over the years as well, including Melbourne, which
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one of the company's production facilities in the Netherlands, where he saw first-hand the research, development and quality control behind every seed mixture.
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I absolutely loved for cricket. It's been great having that relationship where we're able to trial new grasses and see what works." Perhaps the greatest endorsement comes from the fact that, despite trying alternative products over the years, Adam always finds himself returning to MM50 for cricket square renovations. "We've used MM50 for more than 20 years," he says. "Every now and again we've renovated a squar e wi t h anot her manufacturer's seed just to make sure we're still getting the best product. "Every single time we've gone back to MM50. That's testament to its consistency." MM Seed
Enquiry 65