Work smarter not harder with Toro’s robotic mowers

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Work smarter not harder with Toro’s robotic mowers: Robotic mowing has arrived and with it comes the new generation of working smarter, not harder, thanks to Toro.

With the brand’s new range of robotic mowing solutions for the fairways and the roughs available through distributor Reesink Turfcare, customers can now focus on getting the job done consistently and efficiently and instead prioritise time and skill on the greens, tees, and bunkers.

Work smarter not harder with Toro's robotic mowers

Work smarter not harder with Toro’s robotic mowers

“The arrival of autonomous technology is what we’ve all been waiting for,” comments Jon Cole, Divisional Business Manager, Reesink Turfcare. “And 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.”

All the products launching simultaneously – the Toro GeoLink Solutions Autonomous Fairway Mower, Turf Pro range of robot mowers and Range Pro ball picker – work on Real Time Kinematic (RTK) geo-positioning technology coming from a GPS based satellite system for ultra-precise navigation.

This functionality allows for areas to be mapped, setting invisible boundaries in which the machines can operate autonomously. When they reach the edge of the predefined work zone based on satellite positioning, they intelligently keep within it.

Operation is straight-forward: wireless monitoring and control of the units is through a computer or mobile phone where it is possible to customise working perimeters, no-go zones, mowing patterns, cutting height and transport paths.

No boundary wires are required, the mowers can mow a consistent pattern with minimal overlap and are accurate to two centimetres. The system can identify missed areas and will reroute the mower to cover them later.

Jon says: “These mowers free up your greenkeeping team to focus on the essential attentive care that the tees, greens, and bunkers require, while Toro technology carefully maintains the fairways and roughs, intelligently working with minimal input.”

The Toro GeoLink Solutions Autonomous Fairway Mower is a hybrid mower. It has a Kawasaki engine but steering, traction, lift and lowering of the cylinder units are electric. The mower still has a seat and a steering wheel; this is because it has both manual and autonomous modes. In manual it’ll operate just like a normal triplex so if the operator wants to move it to a new location that isn’t mapped yet or support a different area on the course, they can.

There are three fully robotic models in the Turf Pro range. There’s the choice of three or five cutting heads providing a cutting width of 63.3cm (25ins) in the Turf Pro 300 and 103.3cm (40.7ins) for the Turf Pro 500. They can mow up to 18.5 acres (75,000m2) and there’s a model for use on slopes of up to 24 degrees.

They are all-electric, self-charging and automatically return to the charging station. And through increased mowing frequency these mowers can purposefully remove less leaf tissue, producing shorter clippings and with adjustable mowing patterns can be utilised to achieve multiple aesthetics.

Jon concludes: “Toro developed this technology and these products in direct response to customer feedback and research. It was clear there was a changing mindset about what was needed regarding labour support, combatting increasing operational costs and how to approach mowing grass. This productive solution eases labour resource pains and provides operational cost savings with no change in Toro’s world-renowned cutting performance.”

To demo these new machines or talk to a Reesink representative about how this technology will boost productivity, visit Reesink Turfcare at reesinkturfcare.co.uk.

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

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ICL welcomes Liam Hargreaves

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ICL welcomes Liam Hargreaves: ICL is pleased to announce the appointment of Liam Hargreaves as Research and Development Officer – UK Turf & Landscape. Liam joins ICL from STRI, where he held the position of Research Manager, bringing with him extensive experience in scientific research and product development for the sports turf industry.

A graduate of the University of Hull with a BSc (Hons) in Environmental Science, Liam has a strong background in turf research. He is BASIS and FACTS registered and has demonstrated a commitment to delivering evidence-based solutions for turf management professionals.

ICL welcomes Liam Hargreaves

ICL welcomes Liam Hargreaves

In his new role at ICL, Liam will be responsible for conducting scientific trials, developing integrated solutions, and supporting sales initiatives through rigorous research and development of ICL’s Turf and Landscape product portfolio.

Henry Bechelet, Technical Manager at ICL Turf & Landscape UK & Ireland, welcomed Liam to the team: “We are delighted to have Liam on board. His research expertise and industry knowledge will be invaluable in supporting our commitment to providing high-performance, science-led solutions for the turf industry. Liam’s role will be instrumental in ensuring our products continue to deliver the highest standards of performance, sustainability, and innovation.”

Liam also expressed his enthusiasm for his new position: “I’m excited to be joining ICL and working alongside such a knowledgeable team. I look forward to contributing to the development of cutting-edge turf solutions and supporting the industry with research-backed insights that drive best practice and sustainability.”

Liam will be working closely with Henry Bechelet and the wider technical team to further enhance ICL’s product offering and reinforce its position as a leader in turf management solutions.

Please contact ICL on 01473 237100 or visit www.icl-sf.co.uk or www.icl-sf.ie  if you are in Ireland.

For more news and insightful views, you can follow ICL on Twitter @ICL_Turf

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Salsco plays pivotal ‘roll’ in retaining post-Open standards

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Salsco plays pivotal ‘roll’ in retaining post-Open standards: From the moment James Bledge took over as Links Manager at Royal Liverpool Golf Club, it was all eyes on preparation for the 151st Open Championship.

From the moment Brian Harman lifted the Claret Jug in July 2023, the focus changed onto how to retain the top-level presentation and play for members to enjoy! Part of solving that equation has been a Salsco HP11-III roller which is delivering unparalleled productivity and unprecedented progression in greens speed.

Salsco plays pivotal ‘roll’ in retaining post-Open standards

Salsco plays pivotal ‘roll’ in retaining post-Open standards

James first came across Salsco rollers in his previous role at Royal Cinque Ports and, while rolling didn’t play a major part in preparations for the Open, he knew it was the solution to retaining standards. “Hand cutting again and again is the way to go when resources are high, however, when you only have five staff in on a Saturday morning and you’re trying to recreate similar conditions for people travelling hundreds of miles to play the course, it’s simply not feasible. The HP11-III with three wide rollers allows us to deliver the greens to an incredibly high standard and has been pivotal to retaining the post-Open ‘buzz’.”

The Salsco HP11-III roller features three oscillating rollers which articulate to guarantee 100% roll to ground contact. With a combined rolling width of 73” and an almost 11mph ground speed, it delivers efficiency and quality with every roll, on every terrain. “We’ll use the Salsco two or three times during the week and after mowing ahead of weekend competitions for that extra bit of greens speed. We also roll throughout the winter instead of cutting to retain presentation and minimise plant stress” James explains.

“In terms of operation, it’s the comfiest roller on the market in my opinion. Because of the mounted brush system, it’s also the cleanest, dispersing any debris pick-up meaning we can use it after sand-dressing, verti-cutting and grooming operations. It’s gone from being a two-person job, to a one-person job.”

He adds, “There’s also evidence to suggest rolling can reduce the impact of Dollar Spot so, in conjunction with careful nutritional management, we’ve been rolling prone areas to remove moisture and create conditions less conducive to the disease.”

James also had good things to say about the service received from the importers Lister Wilder, having used them at his previous club. “They have always been a good company to work alongside – at the end of the phone if we ever need anything and with the right support and answers to any questions we may have.”

For more information on the self-propelled Salsco roller range, available exclusively in the UK via Lister Wilder, visit salscorollers.co.uk 

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Head Groundsperson

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Oldham Athletic has a new vacancy for the position of Head Groundsperson at the club.

Head Groundsperson

Head Groundsperson

This is an exciting opportunity for a highly motivated, innovative and committed individual to undertake the key role of ensuring the maintenance of all playing surfaces and management of the grounds team.

The Head Groundsperson will have overall responsibility for the delivery of pitch maintenance and improvement at all club sites to the highest standards.

JOB TITLE: Head Groundsperson

LOCATIONS:
Boundary Park, Furtherwood Road, OL1 2PA
Chapel Road Training Ground, OL8 4QL

REPORTS TO: CEO, Head of Operations

REPORTING STAFF: Grounds Staff

WORKING HOURS: 37.5 Hours per week plus attendance at all home fixtures.

SALARY: Dependent on experience.

Main Role Purpose

The Head Groundsperson will have overall responsibility for the delivery of pitch maintenance and improvement at all club sites to the highest standards. They will also manage a team of staff to deliver the highest quality playing surfaces and work flexibly in accordance with first team commitments.

  • The roles and responsibilities will include but not be limited to:
  • Presentation of all pitches to the highest standard for matches and training schedules.
  • Carrying out general grounds duties such as cutting the grass, watering the pitch, marking the pitch and match preparations.
  • Be present at all home fixtures to liaise with coaches and ensure a smooth running of events.
  • Creation of work and fertiliser programmes to ensure the pitches are maintained to the highest possible standard.
  • Establishing and managing budgets for all aspects of work undertaken and ensuring that those budgets are adhered to.
  • Liaising with suppliers to order products and services where required.
  • Ensure machinery is maintained and serviced to an acceptable standard.
  • Managing and upskilling staff to ensure that they can carry out their duties in an efficient manner and to an acceptable standard.
  • Presenting and managing an end of season/closed season pitch renovation programme ensuring the required work is carried out by suppliers.
  • Liaising with the First Team Manager, Academy and coaching staff on a daily basis to ensure pitches are appropriately prepared for training.
  • Providing support and training to apprentices.
  • Maintaining and creating relationships with key suppliers.
  • Be available for the required training sessions, based around training schedules.
  • Any other duties as required and directed by the Owners, Directors, Club Secretary or Head of operations.

Skills & Experience Required

  • Qualified with an NVQ Level 3 in Sports Turf Management or equivalent qualification.
  • Experience working in both football and rugby.
  • Experience in working on professional sports pitches.
  • Experience working on a hybrid pitch construction.
  • PA1, 2 and 6 Spraying certificates.
  • Competent IT skills.
  • Excellent communication skills.
  • Excellent organisational skills with the ability to remain calm under pressure.
  • Experience of managing teams of operatives, planning and organising workloads, allocating duties and monitoring performances.
  • Able to work effectively lead a team and independently using own initiative.
  • Competent management and maintenance of irrigation systems.
  • Experience in the management of pitch lighting systems.
  • Full UK Driving License and own vehicle.

Benefits

  • Free membership at Glo Gym
  • Staff Discount at The Athletic Store
  • Complementary tickets to home games for friends or family
  • Free Parking
  • Funded Training Opportunities

Safeguarding

  • To ensure compliance with the company’s safeguarding policy a DBS will be a requirement for this role due to the immediate presence around the changing facilities & young people in the workplace.

How to Apply

  • To apply please provide your CV plus a covering letter including why you would be the ideal candidate for the role, your previous experience and salary expectations to: sheridan@oldhamathletic.co.uk.
  • Closing date for applications is – Friday 28 March 2025, 5pm
  • We may conduct interviews before the closing date. All interviews will be at the earliest available opportunity.

STIGA Robots empower groundskeepers to be heroes

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STIGA Robots empower groundskeepers to be heroes: Groundsweek, held from March 17th to 23rd, is a nationwide celebration of the dedicated professionals who keep sports fields and green spaces in top condition.

Now, these experts have a game-changing tool in their arsenal—STIGA’s cutting-edge autonomous robot mowers—helping them achieve flawless results with less effort!

STIGA Robots empower groundskeepers to be heroes

STIGA Robots empower groundskeepers to be heroes

With precise, systematic cutting patterns, these innovative robotic mowers optimise battery life, reduce mowing time, and enhance the beauty of any lawn. At first, some professionals were sceptical—could a robot truly match the performance of a walk-behind mower? Would it replace their jobs? But the results speak for themselves. Groundskeepers and gardeners who’ve adopted these robots wouldn’t go back! These machines free up valuable time for other tasks, all while delivering a superior cut. In fact, many users have grown so fond of their robotic assistants that they’ve even given them names—say hello to Simon!

Smart Lawn Care, Tailored To You

STIGA’s intelligent AGS technology ensures each session is carefully planned, adjusting to satellite signal strength for consistent, even coverage. GPS-RTK technology guarantees pinpoint accuracy, keeping mowing paths precise and efficient.

Through the STIGA.GO App, users can customize their mowing experience with:

  • Cutting patterns: Parallel, chequerboard, or grid.
  • Zone settings: Define unique cutting heights, patterns, and mowing priorities for different areas.
  • Real-time connectivity: 4G-enabled communication between the mower, satellites, and antenna ensures uninterrupted performance.

2025: The Future of Effortless Smart Gardening

STIGA’s latest innovations take convenience to the next level:

  • Dark Mode for better app visibility.
  • Signal Checker to find the optimal GPS antenna spot.
  • Over-the-Air Updates for automatic software enhancements.
  • Lightning-Fast Setup: One-minute pairing, self-calibrating reference station, and easy controls.
  • Remote Garden Sketching (Coming March 2025!): Define mowing boundaries online—no need to step outside!

Stay in Control, Anytime, Anywhere

  • Live Mowing Progress & Notifications keep you updated.
  • In-App Support offers step-by-step guidance.
  • Intelligent Navigation detects obstacles and manages zones efficiently.

Choose the Perfect STIGA Robot For Your Lawn

Model Coverage Area Price

With STIGA’s advanced automation and smart planning, the future of lawn care is here!

Find out more and buy your robot from STIGA retailers and on the official STIGA website: www.stiga.com/uk.

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

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