Billy Goat’s Outback® 4WD Rider

/in , /by

Billy Goat’s Outback® 4WD Rider: Tackling over-grown areas and banishing debris can be a difficult and tiring job, especially when dealing with hand tools or small machinery. Billy Goat – supplier of a powerful and robust range of property clean-up equipment – has the answer to stress-free brush maintenance with its jungle-busting Outback® 4WD Brushcutter Rider.

The BCR3626BVECE model allows grounds professionals, landscapers, gardeners and contractors to effortlessly tackle large overgrown jungles thanks to its four wheel, self-propelled drive system, low centre of gravity and powerful Vanguard EFI V-twin engine.  Whether it’s stubborn branches or unruly grass, the Outback® 4WD rider easily glides over these hard-to-reach places that wouldn’t be accessible with traditional machines, drastically reducing the time it takes to transform outdoor spaces.

Billy Goat’s Outback® 4WD Rider

Billy Goat’s Outback® 4WD Rider

As well as a spacious platform, providing operators with sufficient space and comfort, it also boasts a heavy duty mower deck. To protect wildlife and help prevent any damage to the mower, the mower deck is designed with swing-back cutter blades that swing away when accidental contact is made with an object.

The brushcutter also has five adjustable positions, between 3.5 and 13.5cm, allowing operators to select the most appropriate height to effectively remove debris. Plus, a certified Roll Over Protection Structure (ROPS) that comes equipped with a safety belt, protects the machine and operator from rolling over. It can also fold 180 degrees backwards to allow for easier loading inside a van or trailer.

For the ultimate brush cutting experience, the BCR3626BVECE also provides users with superb manoeuvrability thanks to its soft start function, steering wheel tilt function and spinner knob and cruise control option, helping to take the backache out of property clean-up.

Billy Goat products are available nationwide through Henton & Chattell’s dealer network. For more information and to see videos demonstrating their performance visit www.billygoat.co.uk

For the latest industry news visit turfmatters.co.uk/news

Get all of the big headlines, pictures, opinions and videos on stories that matter to you.

Follow us on Twitter and Instagram for fun, fresh and engaging content.

You can also find us on Facebook for more of your must-see news, features, videos and pictures from Turf Matters.

GMA boosts commercial & communications capabilities

/in , /by

GMA boosts commercial & communications capabilities: The Grounds Management Association (GMA) has welcomed two new Directors to its senior leadership team as the association embarks on a period of investment for growth.

With the support of its Chairman and board, the GMA has appointed Sarah Cunningham as Director of Commercial & Events and Andrea McMahon as the new Director of Communications. Both will play a key role in delivering the association’s strategy.

GMA boosts commercial & communications capabilities

GMA boosts commercial & communications capabilities

Sarah has spent over a decade managing large-scale trade events primarily in the media industry and within not-for-profit organisations, previously working for the association in an interim capacity to support the successful return of SALTEX in 2021. Sarah’s experience and leadership will add significant value to the team delivering the grounds care industry’s largest, must-attend trade exhibition, SALTEX, as well as helping to extend the GMA’s products and services to those operating in and with the sector.

Andrea brings multi-sector communications experience to the association having held senior communications roles in high-profile public and not-for-profit organisations, including in a membership trade association, central government departments and law enforcement organisations having previously spent over a decade in the private sector. Andrea will help the GMA to reach new audiences and raise the profile of the valuable contribution made by volunteers and professionals who makes sport possible at grassroots, amateur and elite level.

Grounds Management Association CEO, Geoff Webb says:

“We’re delighted to have Sarah and Andrea join the GMA family. They both have extensive experience in their fields and will be a great addition to the team. With almost all stands already taken and industry colleagues embracing a return to normality post-pandemic, we are seeing signs that SALTEX 2022 will be busier than the 2021 show and provide the perfect opportunity to showcase our sector, network, and celebrate those working in it. With the return of other events, like the GMA Industry Awards, we look forward to building on the success of 2021 and working towards creating a better future for the grounds care sector.”

To contact Sarah about SALTEX, awards sponsorship or other commercial opportunities, please email scunningham@thegma.org.uk.

For enquiries relating to GMA communications activity, please email Andrea at amcmahon@thegma.org.uk.

For the latest industry news visit turfmatters.co.uk/news

Get all of the big headlines, pictures, opinions and videos on stories that matter to you.

Follow us on Twitter and Instagram for fun, fresh and engaging content.

You can also find us on Facebook for more of your must-see news, features, videos and pictures from Turf Matters.

INFINICUT® pair the perfect combination

/in , /by

INFINICUT® pair the perfect combination: Ticking far more than just the ‘green’ box, a pair of INFINICUT® mowers are delivering a first-class finish at Stanley Park Sports Ground – a 47-acre facility, owned, managed and maintained by Chippenham Town Council.

More than 100 teams of all ages and levels call Stanley Park their home, including Forest Green Rovers FC who have used the venue for first-team training for the last four seasons. It is here that the combination of a 34” FX cylinder and SM34 Rotary are perfecting both pre and post-match presentation.

INFINICUT® pair the perfect combination

INFINICUT® pair the perfect combination

Chippenham Town Council are two years into their pledge of becoming a ‘Carbon-Neutral’ Council by 2030 – with all areas of their operation, including their grounds maintenance, under review for cleaner, greener alternatives. Head of Leisure Services Paul Harvey said that switching to battery-powered mowers was a logical first step. “Whilst we’re keen to be investing in more sustainable solutions to our everyday tasks, it is critical that any equipment we procure produces the results we need to fulfil the expectations of the professional teams we host” says Paul.

“It was evident from the first demonstration that the INFINICUT® range was a perfect fit for us – meeting our carbon objectives but also delivering a fantastic quality of cut, and presentation that is second to none.” This strong first impression led to the purchase of a 34” FX cylinder mower in May 2021. “We use this for FGR’s pitch preparations and across some of the other pitches on the site when we need to elevate presentation to the next level. Switching to a pedestrian mower has also enabled us to keep heavier equipment off the surfaces, noticeably reducing issues associated with drainage and compaction.”

To complement their 34” FX, the council further invested this year in an INFINICUT® SM34 Rotary, delivered in April by local dealer Hunt Forest Group. “After consultations with Oliver Hall at INFINICUT®, a dedicated Rotary machine for the clean-up cut was the next step for us. The powerful suction of the SM34 stands the plant up and removes any debris, leaving the pitch absolutely spotless! In the short time we’ve had this machine, it has already made a huge difference.”

“As a council, we have strict budgets we must work to so purchasing the right machines for the job at hand is essential” Paul concludes. “The INFINICUT® mowers are not only helping us to fulfil our green objectives but the professional presentation they deliver has not gone unnoticed, undoubtedly helping us to secure a recent contract extension with Forest Green, who are now staying with us for at least another season.”

For the latest industry news visit turfmatters.co.uk/news

Get all of the big headlines, pictures, opinions and videos on stories that matter to you.

Follow us on Twitter and Instagram for fun, fresh and engaging content.

You can also find us on Facebook for more of your must-see news, features, videos and pictures from Turf Matters.

The electric armchair that cuts grass

/in , /by

The electric armchair that cuts grass: We have the electric car, scooter, and bicycle – all of which are battery powered – now it’s the first drive-by-wire lawnmower for domestic gardens that offers the comfort of a favourite armchair while cutting the grass.

The STIGA Gyro sets the standards for battery powered mowing.  It employs STIGA’s eMotion Technology – a unique electronic system providing effortless steering and speed all delivered through a precise, armrest mounted joystick.

The electric armchair that cuts grass

The electric armchair that cuts grass

Powered by STIGA’s eMotion technology – a unique electronic system developed to effortlessly govern direction, steering and speed – Gyro offers an extremely precise joystick to control the vehicle, allowing it to turn on a sixpence, guaranteeing an enjoyable ride, and taking lawn mowing to a whole new level.

Each rear wheel is driven by a self-contained electric motor and this combination guarantees a powerful cutting performance, superior ergonomic design delivering unsurpassed driver comfort and mower manoeuvrability.

The Gyro is suitable for large and complex gardens up to 8,000 square meters.   The 360-degree turning radius enables close mowing up to lawn edges, even under bushes, while ensuring maximum driver visibility.

“This is what lawnmowers will be like in the future and are available later this month.  Gyro establishes a completely new category of battery-powered sit-on mowers for challenging areas, unbeatable productivity that are not just fun but comfortable to drive too” says Gary Whitney, managing director of STIGA UK.

STIGA Gyro is available from May with retail prices from £7,131.

For the latest industry news visit turfmatters.co.uk/news

Get all of the big headlines, pictures, opinions and videos on stories that matter to you.

Follow us on Twitter and Instagram for fun, fresh and engaging content.

You can also find us on Facebook for more of your must-see news, features, videos and pictures from Turf Matters.

GMA launches 2022 Industry Awards

/in , /by

GMA launches 2022 Industry Awards: The GMA is inviting nominations to recognise the contribution of volunteers and professionals working across the grounds care industry. Winners will be announced at the association’s annual awards dinner at the Birmingham Vox Conference Centre on 2 November.

Marking a return following the outbreak of the pandemic, this year’s awards ceremony will provide the perfect opportunity to reconnect with industry colleagues and recognise the outstanding performance of individuals and teams across the grounds care sector.

GMA launches 2022 Industry Awards

GMA launches 2022 Industry Awards

Nomination categories have been expanded this year to include:

  1. Origin Amenity Solutions Young Grounds Person of the Year
  2. Newcomer of the Year
  3. Kubota UK & Redexim Volunteer Sports Grounds Team/Individual of the Year
  4. Community Sports Grounds Team/Individual of the Year
  5. Bowls / Croquet Grounds Team/Individual of the Year
  6. Best Managed Artificial Surface of the Year
  7. Best Environmental and Sustainability Impact
  8. Professional Cricket Grounds Team of the Year
  9. Infinicut Professional Tennis Courts Grounds Team of the Year
  10. Professional Horse Racing Grounds Team of the Year
  11. Professional Rugby Football League Grounds Team of the Year
  12. Professional Rugby Football Union Grounds Team of the Year
  13. AMS Robotics Professional Football Grounds Team of the Year (A)
  14. SGL Professional Football Grounds Team of the Year (B)
  15. University/College Grounds Team of the Year
  16. Independent School Grounds Team of the Year
  17. International Impact Award

Nominations must be submitted via an online form before 17.00 on Friday 29 July 2022.

Grounds Management Association CEO, Geoff Webb says:

“The association’s Industry Awards has long been a prestigious stage to recognise the achievements of those working in the grounds care sector at all levels. This year’s ceremony feels particularly special after an incredibly challenging few years. The event gives us the opportunity to come together, reflect on what has been achieved, and celebrate those who work tirelessly to make sport possible.”

To discuss sponsorship and other brand partnership opportunities, email Grounds Management Association Director of Commercial and Events, Sarah Cunningham at scunningham@thegma.org.uk.

For the latest industry news visit turfmatters.co.uk/news

Get all of the big headlines, pictures, opinions and videos on stories that matter to you.

Follow us on Twitter and Instagram for fun, fresh and engaging content.

You can also find us on Facebook for more of your must-see news, features, videos and pictures from Turf Matters.