AriensCo appoints Michael Groves as UK Product-Specialist

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AriensCo appoints Michael Groves as UK Product-Specialist: AriensCo has expanded its UK team with the appointment of Michael Groves as Product Specialist in July 2025. With over 18 years of experience in professional turf care, Groves brings a strong mix of technical knowledge and hands-on expertise to the brand.

Having previously worked with Buxtons, Ron Smith & Co., and PSD Groundscare, Groves has built deep expertise in complex, demonstration-driven machinery, particularly High grass and slope mowers. In his new role, he will support AriensCo’s sales team through product demonstrations, dealer collaboration and customer engagement across the UK.

AriensCo appoints Michael Groves as UK Product-Specialist

AriensCo appoints Michael Groves as UK Product-Specialist

Groves joined the AriensCo Roadshow shortly after taking up his position, giving him an immediate opportunity to connect with dealers and end users nationwide. “This role is about helping our dealers succeed and showing customers the difference, our machines make in real working conditions,” says Groves. “The Roadshow was the perfect way to start – being out there with customers, listening, demonstrating, and adding real value.”

As Product Specialist, Groves will lead technical trainings and strategic demonstrations for major clients, supporting Area Sales Managers and ensuring AriensCo products are experienced where buying decisions are made – in action. His product favourites include the new Ariens Summit Pro professional Zero-Turn range and the popular AS Sherpa ride-on mowers.

Sam Lewis, General Manager AriensCo UK, comments: “Our success depends on being close to our dealers and customers. These are investment products that need to be seen, felt and understood. Michael’s deep market knowledge and genuine enthusiasm for the industry will strengthen our presence on the ground and reinforce our commitment to customer support.”

The appointment aligns with AriensCo’s strategy in the UK to position high-performance, demonstration-driven products such as Zero-Turn and high-grass mowers directly where professionals operate. Dealers benefit from closer cooperation, more active field support and an enhanced focus on end-user experience.

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STIHL launches PKA 30 battery-powered pump head

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STIHL launches PKA 30 battery-powered pump head: Designed for efficient and precise application, STIHL has launched the PKA 30 battery-powered pump head, delivering automatic and constant pressure for even spraying and pumping of water, without the need for manual pumping, saving users time and boosting productivity. 

Providing a consistent pressure range between 1.5 to 2.5 bars, the pump head uses the STIHL AS System battery and can be added to the STIHL SG 30 manual sprayer or cut-off machine water tank. It is easily adjusted to suit a range of applications, optimising the amount of liquid applied or water flow required, while reducing waste.

STIHL launches PKA 30 battery-powered pump head

STIHL launches PKA 30 battery-powered pump head

For ultimate convenience, the pump automatically switches off when the tank is empty, or when no longer in use. This helps to reduce energy consumption, extend battery life, and minimise maintenance costs over the tool’s lifecycle.

For simple and intelligent operation, the pump head includes variable pressure adjustments, an easy-to-use ON/OFF switch, and a clear battery level indicator, ensuring that users can work efficiently. Weighing just 0.9 kg (without battery), this compact pump head is a lightweight, portable solution for everyday use.

The PKA 30 has an air compressor pump which prevents liquid contact inside the pump system, reducing the risk of deposits, for smooth operation during prolonged use.

To learn more about the STIHL PKA 30 battery-powered pump head, visit www.stihl.co.uk.

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Governing bodies reaffirm commitment to SALTEX

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Governing bodies reaffirm commitment to SALTEX: The UK’s leading National Governing Bodies (NGBs) of sport have once again pledged their support for SALTEX 2025, Europe’s cutting-edge sports turf, amenities and landscaping trade exhibition, taking place on 12-13 November 2025 at the NEC Birmingham.

Representatives from the Football Association, Football Foundation, England and Wales Cricket Board, Rugby Football Union and Rugby Football League will be actively involved in this year’s show, reinforcing SALTEX’s role as a vital platform for the grounds management industry.

For over a decade, SALTEX has enjoyed unwavering support from these NGBs who recognise the exhibition’s pivotal role in elevating the quality and safety of playing surfaces across the UK. Their presence at the GMA Hub offers visitors direct access to expert advice and funding opportunities.

Chris Smith, Head of Programmes at the Football Foundation, commented: “Supporting SALTEX ensures that community clubs and volunteers have the chance to find out about funding opportunities available to them through the Premier League, The FA and Government’s Football Foundation, and access to the best resources and knowledge in turf pitch management. It’s also a good opportunity for the team at the Football Foundation to connect with industry experts who are working to improve the quality of grassroots facilities across the country.”

Dr Iain James, Head of Facilities Services at the ECB, added: “The ECB values SALTEX as a space for collaboration and learning. It’s an ideal setting to share best practices and explore innovations that help cricket grounds thrive at every level.”

Tom Little, Facilities Manager at the RFL, highlighted the value of the Community Sports Zone, saying: “We’re proud to support SALTEX again this year. It’s a vital opportunity for rugby league clubs to engage with the latest developments in turf care and facility management and connect with other like-minded people working across community sport.”

Ted Mitchell, RFU National Facility Development Manager, said: “SALTEX brings together the people who make sport possible. The RFU is committed to supporting this event because it empowers grounds teams and volunteers with the tools and knowledge they need to succeed.”

Organised by the Grounds Management Association (GMA), SALTEX 2025 will feature hundreds of exhibitors, 65+ expert speakers and a robust Learning LIVE programme covering themes such as sustainable grounds management, innovation, funding and workforce development.

Geoff Webb, CEO of the GMA, stated: “SALTEX is built around the needs of the industry. The continued support from NGBs reflects the importance of collaboration, built by the GMA, securing inward investment in powering progress across all levels of sport.”

Join us at SALTEX and level up your experience. Register for FREE and be in with a chance of winning a Cramer Tools Lawn Mower, complete with charger and battery worth £2,240!

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Green-tech’s Londonderry Depot Fully Stocked

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Green-tech’s Londonderry Depot Fully Stocked: Green-tech has confirmed that its Irish depot in Londonderry is now fully stocked with 75L bags of composted bark and chip bark, ready for immediate dispatch to landscapers and contractors across Ireland.

The Londonderry depot was opened three years ago to strengthen Green-tech’s service offering in Ireland, providing trade customers with direct access to an extensive range of landscaping materials, eliminating the delays associated with cross-sea delivery. The depot ensures faster turnaround times, improved stock availability and local support for professional landscapers, foresters and landowners.

Green-tech’s Londonderry Depot Fully Stocked

Green-tech’s Londonderry Depot Fully Stocked

Composted and chip bark remains one of Green-tech’s most sought-after products among landscape professionals. It provides practical and environmental benefits, including weed suppression, moisture retention, temperature regulation and long-term soil improvement. When used as part of a sustainable landscaping scheme, bark also supports biodiversity and helps to reduce ongoing maintenance requirements, which is being increasingly requested across Ireland’s growing landscape and horticultural industries.

Green-tech reports that it has witnessed a shift towards sustainable and multifunctional landscaping in Ireland, with urban projects placing a greater emphasis on eco-conscious design and resilient green infrastructure. High-quality barks and mulches are essential components of these developments, helping to achieve both visual impact and environmental performance.

Gavin Saunders, Green-tech’s Business Development Manager for Ireland, commented, “Landscaping professionals in Ireland want quality materials delivered on time and at the right price. By holding composted bark and chip bark in stock locally, we are helping contractors plan more efficiently and complete projects without unnecessary delays. It is all about giving our customers the products they need, when they need them.”

The Londonderry depot holds a comprehensive range of landscaping essentials, including bark, composts, topsoil, tree planting materials and ground protection products. All are backed by Green-tech’s technical expertise, sustainable sourcing, and commitment to supporting the professional landscaping sector across the UK and Ireland.

Contractors can order for collection or delivery directly from the Londonderry depot, ensuring dependable supply, professional advice and industry-leading service from one of the most trusted names in landscaping.

For further information, to check current stock levels, or make bulk loose enquiries, contact Gavin Saunders on 07594 514012 or visit www.green-tech.co.uk

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The jewel in the crown – ECHO’s DCS-3500T

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The jewel in the crown – ECHO’s DCS-3500T: ECHO have recently launched the DCS-3500T, a 56V battery top handle chainsaw. It joins the much praised DCS-2500T in the extensive 56V professional line-up.

The DCS-3500T is capable of taking on bigger jobs than its smaller sibling, as a result of a longer 35cm (14”) bar and, by swapping to the 252Wh battery, more power. But it is still lightweight and compact in design, making it highly manoeuvrable. Switching to the larger battery also means longer runtimes – very useful when climbing.

The jewel in the crown – ECHO’s DCS-3500T

The jewel in the crown – ECHO’s DCS-3500T

With safety in mind, ECHO have introduced a 2-step, single-finger throttle lockout safety system which prevents accidental activation. Additional safety and comfort comes in the form of the patented QuickDraw hook enabling hooking and unhooking with just one hand, while the reduced gap between the roller chain catcher and the sprocket guard prevents accidental climbing rope damage.

Other useful features include an air inlet filter that prevents dirt and dust from entering the cooling passage, electronics and motor compartment, providing less maintenance and longer lifetime. A drop prevention nut and side chain access tensioner come as standard for quick chain adjustment.

The ECHO DCS-3500T is available now from ECHO dealers nationwide and is priced at £499 (inc-VAT) without battery and charger.

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