SP Landscapes keeps commercial contracts moving with Kubota

SP Landscapes keeps commercial contracts moving with Kubota

SP Landscapes keeps commercial 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.

SP Landscapes keeps commercial contracts moving with Kubota

SP Landscapes keeps commercial contracts moving with Kubota

Founded by Bobby’s stepdad Steve Pammenter, SP Landscapes has grown from a garden shed, one van and one push mower to 25 field staff, a large machinery fleet and contracts covering highways, district councils, housing developments and commercial sites. Bobby, himself, has been involved with the company for 20 years – starting off ‘on the tools’ which even then, revolved around Kubota.

“Kubota has been a constant presence for us and every machine we’ve ever used from them is simple to use, reliable and up to task” says Bobby. “We currently have two Kubota ST35’s which power implements for landscaping and groundworks, a BX2200 and multiple mowers from the G and F Series, all supplied by our local dealers Thurlow Nunn Standen (TNS).”

Two of their most recent purchases include the Kubota F391 out-front 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. “This has brought fantastic productivity to the cutting of commercial areas, with the high dump feature meaning we can easily empty clippings into the van for recycling at Thetford power station.”

“The F391’s meanwhile are fantastic at manoeuvring around obstacles, so are our go-to for quickly and efficiently cutting some of our larger residential lawns and council green spaces.” Bobby adds, “With the exception of some of the highways and verge maintenance and the really big spaces, everything we cut is done with a Kubota.”

With in-house workshop facilities, the SP team make a concerted effort to keep on top of routine maintenance, which pays dividends in terms of reliability and in-field performance. “We service every machine after 100 hours, grease them daily and clean them down after use. If we look after them, they look after us by return.” This dependability extends to other equipment on the fleet, much of which is powered by Kubota engines. “We’ve so rarely had an issue with an engine that we get real peace of mind when we purchase equipment for other areas of our business and it comes with a Kubota engine!”

On the rare occasion, parts or advice are required, Bobby praises the support from local dealers TNS who have worked alongside SP Landscapes for more than three decades. “They’re knowledgeable, hold a good stock of parts and are always on hand to answer any questions or keep us in the loop with new products or demonstrations.”

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Autonomous mowers help the Belfry maintain world-class conditions

Autonomous mowers help the Belfry maintain world-class conditions

Autonomous mowers help the Belfry maintain world-class conditions

Husqvarna CEORA® robotic mowers were praised by DP World Tour staff and players as work continued through challenging weather conditions at The Belfry Hotel & Resort, supporting the greenkeeping team in maintaining the Brabazon Course at its world-class best.

Autonomous mowers help the Belfry maintain world-class conditions

Autonomous mowers help the Belfry maintain world-class conditions

Autonomous mowing technology played a key role behind the scenes as The Belfry successfully hosted the 2026 Husqvarna British Masters hosted by Sir Nick Faldo, with Husqvarna CEORA robotic mowers continuing to cut the championship fairways despite prolonged thunderstorms and heavy rainfall throughout tournament week.

The performance of the technology also attracted attention from DP World Tour staff and players, with several expressing interest in how the course was being maintained despite the challenging conditions and commenting on the quality of the playing surfaces.

“Tournament week brings significant pressure on the greenkeeping team, particularly when the weather doesn’t go to plan. What stood out was the consistency of the fairways throughout the week and the way the team continued to prepare the course to such a high standard,” said Ben Groutage, DP World Tour Tournament Director. “Husqvarna’s autonomous robotic technology provided an additional level of flexibility and support, enabling the team to keep mowing operations moving when conditions allowed and helping ensure the Brabazon remained in excellent condition for our players,” he added.

Six-time DP World Tour winner and Husqvarna Ambassador Marcel Siem added: “One thing that impressed me a lot, the fairways and greens held up brilliantly despite all that rain. Credit to the whole greenkeeping team and Husqvarna for that.”

With 16 CEORA units deployed across the Brabazon Course, the autonomous fleet formed an important part of the overnight maintenance operation, helping the greenkeeping team maintain consistent fairway presentation in conditions that would have made conventional mowing extremely challenging.

“In the past, such a vast amount of rainfall would have meant we had to re-think our maintenance operation, but with Husqvarna’s robotic mowers, we could keep track of the whole cutting operation,” said Angus MacLeod, Director of Golf Course and Estates at The Belfry.

“The robotic mowers performed exceptionally well and left very little visible marking, allowing us to maintain the presentation of the fairways despite the weather,” he added.

Supported by Husqvarna Fleet Services, mowing schedules could be adjusted at short notice around the weather and tournament tee times, allowing the fairways to be cut at the optimum time before the greenkeeping team commenced its work ahead of play.

Robotic mowers formed part of a wider Husqvarna technology deployment at The Belfry, which also supported maintenance of the driving range and short game area. The Belfry’s greenkeeping team also utilised a comprehensive fleet of Husqvarna battery-powered handheld equipment for detailed course preparation and presentation.

Designed for large-scale professional turf management, CEORA uses satellite-based EPOS® navigation to operate systematically within virtual boundaries. This same technology is utilised within Husqvarna’s residential robotics range.

Autonomous operation allows mowing schedules and designated work areas to be managed digitally, providing course teams with the flexibility to adapt cutting programmes around weather, playing schedules and operational requirements. It is this combination of innovative technology, precision and consistency that sits at the heart of Husqvarna’s Backyard Dreams initiative – a celebration of the connection between the grass cared for at home and the world-class surfaces seen in professional sport.

The same robotic mowing technology used by golf courses to help maintain consistently high standards is also available to homeowners. Husqvarna’s range of residential robotic lawn mowers helps consumers maintain beautifully presented lawns with minimal effort. Backyard Dreams brings that connection to life, highlighting the idea that world-class sport starts in the backyard.

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The GroundsFest Difference

The GroundsFest Difference

The GroundsFest Difference

A Unique Industry Gathering

Free entry. Free parking. Live demonstrations. Education. Innovation. Entertainment.

The GroundsFest Difference

The GroundsFest Difference

GroundsFest brings everything together in one place – creating an event where the whole industry can connect, learn and enjoy.

Try Before You Buy

Get closer to the latest machinery and technology with live demonstrations and hands-on experiences.

Innovation Everywhere

Be among the first to see exclusive product launches and new solutions from leading brands.

Education That Gives Back

Through the GroundsFest Academy, profits from the show are reinvested into free educational events across the UK, helping professionals develop.

Outdoor Demonstrations

See machinery working. Test performance. Make informed decisions.

The heart of GroundsFest is the opportunity to see the latest equipment in action.

Across the outdoor demonstration areas, visitors can watch leading manufacturers put their machinery through its paces in real working conditions. From mowing and turf care equipment to landscaping machinery, vehicles and new technology, it’s the perfect environment to compare products, ask questions and get hands-on with the innovations shaping the future of the industry.

At GroundsFest, you don’t just look at machinery – you experience it.

The GroundsFest Difference

The GroundsFest Difference

Machinery Nation LIVE

Where machinery meets entertainment.

Machinery Nation LIVE returns with even more action. Watch professional operators demonstrate incredible machines in a high-energy showcase designed to entertain, educate and inspire.

Indoor Exhibition Halls

Discover hundreds of brands under one roof.

Step inside and explore a huge range of products, services and solutions from leading industry suppliers.

With hundreds of brands exhibiting across the halls, you’ll find the latest machinery, irrigation, software, tools, vehicles, PPE, landscaping products and much more.

Expect exclusive launches, show offers, competitions and plenty of opportunities to meet the experts behind the brands.

FREE Educational Seminars

GroundsFest is committed to helping industry professionals develop their knowledge and skills.

Our free seminar programme brings together leading experts to share practical advice, technical knowledge and the latest industry insights. With sessions covering a wide range of topics, visitors can gain valuable CPD opportunities and take fresh ideas back to their workplace.

The Landscape Zone In partnership with BALI

A must-visit destination for anyone involved in landscaping.

Explore the latest ideas, meet industry experts, visit the BALI stand, enjoy expert-led sessions and hear conversations from the BALI Podcast stand.

The Innovation Award In partnership with HortWeek

Discover the products shaping the future of the industry.

Join us at 3:30pm on the HortWeek and BALI Theatre as we reveal the winners of the Innovation Award and celebrate the exhibitors bringing exciting new ideas to market.

Live Music Festival

The show doesn’t stop when the exhibition closes.

The GroundsFest Difference

The GroundsFest Difference

From 4pm on day one, GroundsFest transforms into an evening festival atmosphere. Enjoy live music, great food, drinks and the chance to continue networking in a relaxed environment. By popular demand, the world’s greatest Queen tribute band returns to the stage – so get ready to sing along!

Lawn Mower Racing In partnership with Kramp UK

Fast, noisy and completely unique.

Lawn mower racing returns to GroundsFest, bringing excitement and entertainment to the show. Whether you’re a fan from last year or watching for the first time, make sure you grab a spot trackside.

More Than a Show

GroundsFest is about people. It’s about conversations, connections and celebrating the incredible industry we’re all part of.

Check out the Exhibitor List here