Broomieknowe gets instant drainage improvements

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Broomieknowe gets instant drainage improvements: Following a successful year-long trial, Broomieknowe Golf Club in Scotland made the decision to permanently add the Air2G2 336 from Campey Turf Care Systems to its turf maintenance fleet, after seeing significant improvements in drainage and root development across its greens.

Broomieknowe Golf Club, located in Bonnyrigg, just outside Edinburgh, is a picturesque parkland course that has been a staple of the Midlothian golfing scene since its establishment in 1905. With its mature tree-lined fairways and testing greens, the course presents a fine balance of challenge and playability for its members and visitors.

Broomieknowe gets instant drainage improvements

Broomieknowe gets instant drainage improvements

Whilst, under the care of Head Greenkeeper Billy Hudson, who joined the club just under a year ago, the challenge has been slow drainage in the 18 greens. Billy knew the half-sand, half-soil composition needed to be addressed to make progress, and he turned to STRI consultant Gary Smith during the club’s annual agronomy visit for advice.

Gary suggested a trial programme using the Air2G2, a machine Billy was already familiar with from his time at Ratho Park Golf Club, where he first purchased one in 2017.

“When Gary came to the club in June 2024, he suggested we use the Air2G2 once a month on the greens over five months to improve the rooting and drainage, and we noticed significant improvements,’ Billy explains.

“It was clear the greens needed attention, but after speaking with Gary, we agreed that simply applying more sand wasn’t the answer. Instead, we needed to explore alternative forms of aeration, and that’s when Gary suggested the Air2G2.

“For the trial, we got someone in to do the work for us, but the results were so impressive that we knew we needed to get a machine of our own to continue the progress.”

The impressive results observed at Broomieknowe are largely due to the innovative design of the Air2G2. The machine works by laterally injecting air into the root zone at three different depths using probes that penetrate the soil without surface disruption. This fractures compacted layers and increases pore space, promoting better water infiltration and oxygen flow to roots. It’s particularly effective on fine soil profiles, where traditional aeration might be less effective or more disruptive.

The club now uses the machine early in the mornings, rotating across six greens per week, allowing them to cover all 18 in three weeks. Because of the minimal impact on the surface, this is done without causing any disruption to golfers.

The relationship with Campey Turf Care Systems has also played a key role in the decision. Billy originally dealt with Campey’s Richard Heywood when buying the Air2G2 at Ratho Park and says the backup service has always been spot on, with support always there when it’s needed.

With the Air2G2 now an integral part of their maintenance programme, Billy is confident Broomieknowe’s greens will continue to thrive, especially during the wetter months, when drainage performance becomes critical.

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Etesia Hydro 100 Proves the Perfect Fit

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Etesia Hydro 100 Proves the Perfect Fit: With 12 acres of immaculately kept gardens, Grade I listed grounds, and renowned memorial spaces, Golders Green Crematorium in North London is one of the most historic and revered sites of its kind in the world. Keeping the grounds to a consistently high standard falls to a small but dedicated team—and their latest secret is the Etesia Hydro 100 ride-on mower.

For Head Gardener Ian Harman, investing in the right machinery was a top priority from the start.

Etesia Hydro 100 Proves the Perfect Fit

Etesia Hydro 100 Proves the Perfect Fit

“We’re a small team of just four, and we’re constantly busy with everything from maintaining rose beds to managing formal lawns and the large scatter lawn,” said Ian. “Machinery plays a key role in helping us work efficiently, especially with the tight spaces and tree cover we deal with here.”

Ian had previously heard positive things about Etesia mowers and decided to turn to the brand after becoming frustrated following issues using a different manufacturer. “The last mower we had just kept clogging,” he explained. “It slowed us down massively. When I came into the role, I went on a demo day and was really impressed with the Hydro 100—so we decided to go with Etesia.”

Since making the switch, the results speak for themselves.

“We’ve put about 60 hours on the Hydro 100 and had absolutely no clogging. It leaves a clean cut, picks up leaves and grass efficiently—even in wet conditions—and saves us lots of time. It also mulches the leaves as it goes, which helps with our composting.”

For a site like Golders Green, where space is at a premium and storage is limited, the compact design of the Hydro 100 has also been a huge bonus.

“We couldn’t store a large tractor-style machine, and we don’t need one,” Ian added. “This mower is the perfect size. You get the benefits of a large collection box with the manoeuvrability needed for tighter areas. It’s like having a garden vacuum—clean, simple, and effective.”

Ease of maintenance and usability were also deciding factors.

“It’s a very straightforward machine,” Ian said. “Fuel efficient, easy to service, and intuitive to operate. You’ve got a hydrostatic drive, simple controls, and changing the height of cut is quick—ideal if you hit a patch that’s slightly overgrown.”

Adam Nicholls, a gardener at the crematorium for over 11 years, agrees. “We’ve got a lot of trees here, and the Etesia is the best machine we’ve found for picking up leaves. The open chute design just swallows them—wet or dry—and shoots them straight into the back. No blockages, no messing about.”

Adam also praised its versatility across the crematorium’s varied terrain. “It handles tight corners just as well as big open areas. Even in damp conditions, the finish is clean and professional. It’s the easiest mower I’ve ever used.”

The Hydro 100 is powered by an 18HP Kawasaki engine and features a 500-litre grass collector with hydraulic tipping, which can be emptied from the seat. With a modern hydrostatic transmission and differential lock, it’s designed for durability, comfort, and productivity—especially in demanding, high-collection environments.

For Ian and Adam, the support from Etesia dealer RT Machinery was another big plus. “I’ve known Scott Reynolds from RT Machinery for years,” said Ian. “They really helped us choose the right model for our needs—no upselling, just honest advice. Their service is second to none.”

Compact, reliable, and efficient, the Etesia Hydro 100 has proved the ideal solution for Golders Green Crematorium’s unique needs. As Ian sums it up: “If you’ve got restricted space, need a clean finish, and want a machine you can rely on—this is the mower for you.”

To watch a video of the customer in action click here.

For further information, please contact Etesia UK on 01295 680120 or visit www.etesia.co.uk.

For more news, reviews and insightful views, you can follow Etesia UK on X @EtesiaUK and like the company’s Facebook page – www.facebook.com/EtesiaUK. You can also view the latest Etesia videos by visiting www.youtube.com/EtesiaUK

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STIHL launches new battery-powered backpack blowers

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STIHL launches new battery-powered backpack blowers: Designed for professional use, STIHL has launched the new BRA 500 and BRA 600 battery-operated backpack blowers, with maximum blowing force for clearing large areas. 

The two new battery-powered machines provide high air speed, with a maximum blowing force of up to 32 (BRA 500) and 35 newtons (BRA 600), available throughout the entire tool’s operating time, making them ideal for removing heavy, wet leaves quickly and efficiently.

STIHL launches new battery-powered backpack blowers

STIHL launches new battery-powered backpack blowers

Users can also regulate the required blowing force by selecting one of the tool’s three levels using its digital control, with an additional boost mode available to achieve the machine’s maximum power.

Built to reduce strain over prolonged use, both tools have a comfortable carrying system which distributes the weight of the machine across your shoulders and hips, allowing for maximum comfort.

With STIHL’s Noise Reduction System built in, the machine offers reduced noise as well as a tuned sound to make them less intrusive when used in public areas, allowing professional users to work productively at all times of day.

As STIHL’s first 72 V professional machines, the BRA 500 and BRA 600 draw energy simultaneously from two powerful AP System batteries. For maximum working time, STIHL’s AP 500 S battery packs are recommended.

Complete with an LED display, which details the mode the device is working in and battery charge levels, the tools can also be incorporated into STIHL’s Connected digital fleet management system.

The Connected system provides a detailed overview of all relevant machine data and provides the option to reduce the tool’s power remotely via the STIHL Connected app.  To facilitate use in the rain, both the BRA 500 and BRA 600 are IPX4-certified

To find out more about the STIHL BRA 500 and BRA 600, visit www.stihl.co.uk.

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Introducing the New Lightweight Imants RECYCLINGDRESSER®

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Introducing the New Lightweight Imants RECYCLINGDRESSER®: Introducing the latest innovative solution for sports turf maintenance from Campey Turf Care.

Designed with sustainability at the forefront, the new lightweight Imants RECYCLINGDRESSER®(RCD) 1.3 is ideal for use with smaller tractors and engineered to reduce labour and material costs by recycling and redistributing substrate material across the playing surface. This would consist of either the existing soil or sand in the case of sand-based golf courses or where the natural composition of the soil substrate is sand based.

Introducing the New Lightweight Imants RECYCLINGDRESSER®

Introducing the New Lightweight Imants RECYCLINGDRESSER®

This new model, weighing only (approx.) 470 kg (1036lbs), incorporates a specially designed rear flap for improved soil management and enhanced operational efficiency, ensuring minimal disturbance to the surface. It is also suitable for all areas where the native sand/soil is good.

The flap drags in material more efficiently and breaks it up faster, speeding up drying as it goes along. This sustainable maintenance practice aerates the underlying soil both vertically and horizontally, removing soil/sand from the root zone and redistributing it. This process eliminates layering and compaction, increasing biological activity, and extending the efficacy of existing fertilisers in the soil structure.

Another new feature are the new smart folding legs which double as protective side bars, ensuring transport and storage are simple and secure.

Working width is1300 mm (51ins) with a working depth of 175 mm (6.9ins) respectively.

Other specifications include the distance between digging blades of 260 mm (10.2ins),

The new RCD 1.3 only requires a tractor with 30hp and 540 PTO and has an operating speed of 3km/h (1.9 mph).

Finally, the machine width (parked): 1575 mm (62″).

The inclusion of the rear flap on this latest model of Imants RECYCLINGDRESSER® ensures better handling of displaced soil material, reducing waste and maintaining the integrity of the turf. Perfect for environmentally conscious operations. This machine is the ideal choice for sports field managers seeking to balance high performance with ecological responsibility.

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A trio of Toro for turfcare excellence at Hayston

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A trio of Toro for turfcare excellence at Hayston: Under the stewardship of Head Greenkeeper Alan Brown since 2018 and with wise machinery choices, course presentation at Hayston Golf Club is the best it’s been in 50 years according to members. With a further boost from three new Toro machines that looks set to continue well into the future.

The club’s latest investment includes the Toro Greensmaster 3250-D, Greensmaster TriFlex 3420 Hybrid and Reelmaster 5610-D, chosen for their durability, comfort and long-term performance.

A trio of Toro for turfcare excellence at Hayston

A trio of Toro for turfcare excellence at Hayston

The timing is perfect as they arrive as Alan and his team of four build on recent successes by reshaping bunkers, enhancing green drainage and continuing to elevate the overall playability and aesthetics of the course.

Central to achieving these goals is the partnership with Toro and its distributor, Reesink Turfcare, says Alan. “When you’re aiming for the best results, you need the best equipment – and in turfcare, Toro is top of the class.”

Alan was already familiar with Toro’s capabilities from his previous position at Kilsyth Lennox Golf Club and was pleased to find a 20-year-old Toro rough mower still performing reliably when he joined Hayston six and a half years ago. “That speaks volumes about the durability and performance of Toro machines when they’re properly maintained,” he notes.

Speaking about the importance of proper maintenance and servicing, Alan highlights the value of Reesink’s support: “The team at Reesink are fantastic – always responsive, knowledgeable and ready to assist. They’ve helped us stay on top of servicing and keep us informed about any equipment updates.”

And best of all, the team at Hayston is enthusiastic about the new additions: “The guys really enjoy using these new mowers,” says Alan. “They’ve been working with Toro equipment for some years, so getting familiar with how they work and are maintained was second nature. Plus, the comfort is exceptional – especially the seat positioning, which makes a huge difference when you’re on the machine for long hours, day after day.”

Reflecting on the team’s achievements, Alan comments: “I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve accomplished together. The feedback from members and visitors has been overwhelmingly positive – we’ve had comments about how this is the best the course has looked in 50 years. That means a lot.”

Learn more about the ways Toro’s turfcare solutions help you elevate your course. Contact Reesink Turfcare at 01480 226800, email info@reesinkturfcare.co.uk or visit reesinkturfcare.co.uk.

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