Kress Voyager 60 launch proves a major attraction at GroundsFest

Kress Voyager 60 launch proves a major attraction at GroundsFest

Kress Voyager 60 launch proves a major attraction at GroundsFest

The official launch of the new Kress Voyager 60 robotic mower attracted significant attention at GroundsFest 2026, with visitors gathering to see the machine in action, try it for themselves, discuss its capabilities with the Kress team, and arrange demonstrations for their own sites.

Kress Voyager 60 launch proves a major attraction at GroundsFest

Kress Voyager 60 launch proves a major attraction at GroundsFest

Unveiled at the UK’s largest-ever GroundsFest, which welcomed a record-breaking 10,664 visitors over two days, the Voyager 60 became one of the standout attractions on what many described as the Kress ‘village’ – a vibrant stand designed to encourage visitors to experience the latest technology first-hand.

Across the two days, grounds professionals, local authorities, contractors, sports clubs and estate managers took the opportunity to watch live demonstrations, get hands-on with the latest Kress equipment and explore how battery-powered technology and autonomous mowing can transform their operations.

The launch of the Voyager 60 followed the earlier introduction of the Voyager 40 this year and marks another significant step forward in Kress’ autonomous mowing portfolio.

Positioned for ultimate productivity, the Voyager 60 has been engineered specifically for rapid, large-scale grass maintenance across expansive sites including sports facilities, council-owned land, campuses and commercial estates.

With an impressive 152 cm cutting width and the capability to maintain up to 76,000 square metres on a single charge, the Voyager 60 delivers exceptional productivity while reducing labour requirements. The machine features adjustable cutting heights from 32 mm to 140 mm, operating speeds of up to 9 mph and a powerful 38 kWh battery with an eight-hour charging time.

Advanced navigation combines nRTK positioning with LiDAR and V-SLAM technology, while 360-degree obstacle detection through LiDAR, vision and ultrasonic sensors enables the machine to operate safely and efficiently in complex environments. Offering rear discharge, mulching and side discharge options, the Voyager 60 has been developed to meet the demands of professional users responsible for maintaining large areas of turf.

Speaking at GroundsFest, Jim Kirkwood of Kress UK explained why the Voyager range represents such an important development for the industry.

“They are machines that are designed to be taken from site to site,” he said. “They are the only machines accredited for Level 5 in the industry at this moment in time. That means they can be used completely autonomously, without anyone being with them. It is going to change the ability of the industry to cut grass autonomously.”

The Voyager 60 was just one of many attractions on the Kress stand. Throughout the event, visitors watched demonstrations of the new Voyager alongside the Master Series robotic mower range, iPilot technology and the company’s innovative 4×4 robotic mower. The demonstration stage remained busy throughout both days, with presentations showcasing the latest additions to the range as well as established favourites.

Elsewhere on the stand, visitors had the opportunity to test chainsaws, hedge cutters, brush cutters and blowers for themselves, while the ever-popular blower challenge and football challenge kept crowds entertained with prizes and Kress merchandise up for grabs. Complimentary barista coffee and award-winning pizza once again made the Kress stand a popular meeting point throughout the show.

Most importantly, GroundsFest provided the ideal setting for meaningful conversations with customers looking to adopt autonomous technology. The Kress team reported strong levels of interest in the Voyager 60, with many visitors discussing their own applications in detail and arranging on-site demonstrations following the exhibition.

Reflecting on another successful GroundsFest, Jim Kirkwood praised both the quality of visitors and the atmosphere of the event.

“GroundsFest gives people the opportunity to see products, try products and discuss exactly what they need. They are in the right environment to do that. We’ve had another great show, and we will be back again next year.”

With record visitor numbers, constant activity across the stand and the successful launch of the Voyager 60, GroundsFest 2026 once again demonstrated why it has become a key event in the grounds care calendar and an ideal platform for Kress to showcase the future of autonomous mowing.

For more information, please visit https://www.kress.com/en-gb/

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Baroness proves a cut above at Harborne Golf Club

Baroness proves a cut above at Harborne Golf Club

Baroness proves a cut above at Harborne Golf Club

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.

Baroness proves a cut above at Harborne Golf Club

Baroness proves a cut above at Harborne Golf Club

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 Colt-designed 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.”

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