Kress Gives Farleigh School More Time Where It Matters

Kress Gives Farleigh School More Time Where It Matters

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Kress Gives Farleigh School More Time Where It Matters

Managing 76 acres of school grounds, 16 football and rugby pitches, 14 cricket squares, athletics facilities, tennis courts and woodland is no small task. For Grounds Manager Shaun Crowley and his team at Farleigh School in Hampshire, finding smarter ways to maintain the site without compromising standards has become essential.

Kress Gives Farleigh School More Time Where It Matters

Kress Gives Farleigh School More Time Where It Matters

The answer came in the form of Kress robotic mowers and battery-powered equipment, enabling the team to work more efficiently while maintaining the high-quality presentation expected at one of the country’s leading independent schools.

Having worked at Farleigh School for 15 years and spent the last six as Grounds Manager, Shaun oversees a small team responsible for keeping the extensive sports facilities in first-class condition throughout the year.

With staffing pressures increasing, Shaun began exploring robotic mowing technology to free up valuable time for his team.

“We were a staff member down and needed to maximise the best way of cutting the grass,” explained Shaun. “We couldn’t afford to have someone sitting on a mower all day, so we started looking at robotics.”

After researching several options, Kress stood out.

“What really sold Kress to me was the charging time and the runtime. A quick charge gives you hours of cutting, so they spend more time working than sitting on charge. They’re also incredibly flexible and can work day or night in virtually all weather conditions.”

Following an initial demonstration from local Kress dealer ATH Machinery, Shaun introduced his first Kress KR236 robotic mower before quickly expanding the fleet to three machines.

Today, the robotic mowers maintain around 78,000 square metres of grass, saving approximately ten and a half hours of mowing every week.

Those time savings have transformed the way the grounds team operates.

“The robots aren’t replacing anyone,” said Shaun. “They’re giving us more time to do all the other jobs that often get pushed aside. Instead of spending hours cutting an outfield several times a week, we can concentrate on all the other tasks that make a difference.”

The lightweight nature of the robots also provides significant advantages throughout the year.

“If you miss a cut with a conventional mower because the ground is wet, suddenly you’re trying to catch up. The Kress robots keep on top of the grass all the time. They’re lightweight enough to work when larger machinery might not be suitable, and because they’re cutting little and often, the quality of finish is consistently high.”

Alongside robotics, Shaun has invested heavily in the Kress commercial battery-powered range, including hedge trimmers, blowers, brushcutters, pruning equipment and walk-behind mowers.

“The battery equipment has been a no-brainer for us,” he said. “The runtime is fantastic and the fast charging means we’re never waiting around. On some of the batteries you’re talking about an eight-minute charge before you’re back working again.”

Beyond productivity, the battery equipment has improved the working environment for the team.

“Not having petrol fumes, less vibration and lower noise levels makes a huge difference, especially around a busy school. We’ve also got solar panels generating electricity, so charging the batteries simply made sense. It fits perfectly with where we’re heading.”

Equally important has been the support provided by local dealer ATH Machinery.

“You can have the best product in the world, but without good backup it’s pretty ineffective,” Shaun explained. “Tim Lane and the team at ATH Machinery have been brilliant. If I have a question, they’re always there to help, and that gives you confidence when you’re investing in new technology.”

For Shaun, the move to Kress has been about far more than simply changing machinery.

“It’s helped us work more effectively, maintain high standards and make better use of our time. I genuinely think robotics are the way forward for schools. They’re another member of the team, helping us keep on top of everything while allowing us to focus on the jobs that really need people.”

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

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Acacia Groundcare Equipment Rental puts its trust in Etesia

Acacia Groundcare Equipment Rental puts its trust in Etesia

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Acacia Groundcare Equipment Rental puts its trust in Etesia

When you’re hiring out professional groundcare machinery, reliability isn’t just desirable it’s essential. That is why Acacia Groundcare Equipment Rental has relied on Etesia machinery for more than 20 years, with the manufacturer’s proven range continuing to play a key role in its extensive hire fleet.

Acacia Groundcare Equipment Rental puts its trust in Etesia

Acacia Groundcare Equipment Rental puts its trust in Etesia

From commercial contractors and local authorities to equestrian businesses, environmental organisations and private landowners, Acacia supplies equipment to customers tackling everything from routine grass cutting to heavy-duty vegetation clearance. According to Operations Manager Mark Tavener, quality is the number one priority when investing in new hire equipment.

“Hire is our bread and butter and it’s essential that the machinery we hire is reliable and of a high quality, said Mark. ” It’s got to be robust enough to stand the vigour of the different types of customers using the machinery.”

Mark brings almost 40 years of experience in the grounds maintenance industry, having started his career working in parks before progressing into management with several major grounds maintenance companies. Having joined Acacia around 18 months ago, he was already well acquainted with both the company and the Etesia brand.

“When I was a contract manager, I often used Acacia for groundcare equipment,” he explained. “I’ve also used Etesia machines throughout my career. It goes right back to working for Horsham District Council in the late ’80s and ’90s, and wherever I’ve worked since, Etesia has always been a machine that’s been used.”

That long-standing familiarity is reflected in Acacia’s relationship with Etesia, which stretches back to the company’s beginnings two decades ago.

One of the standout performers in the hire fleet is the Etesia AK-88, a compact ride-on brush cutter that continues to generate repeat business.

“We hire out a lot of the AK-88’s and we get a great deal of positive feedback,” said Mark. “It’s become a recognisable machine for tackling rough grass, brambles and overgrown areas, and we get repeat bookings because customers know how reliable it is.”

Its compact size is one of its biggest strengths.

“The width is really important because it allows the machine to get through gateways and into areas where people need it. It’s a very low-slung, compact machine and that’s what makes it so popular.”

The AK-88 is hired by a broad range of customers, including landscape contractors, local authorities, environmental organisations, estate managers and private customers maintaining paddocks and overgrown land.

Alongside the AK-88 sits the Etesia AH75, a pedestrian brush cutter designed for customers who need the same impressive cutting ability on smaller or more confined sites.

“The AH75 has its own niche. If someone’s only got a smaller area or a site where a ride-on would be too big, it’s the perfect machine. We have regular customers who specifically ask for it because it suits the work they’re doing.”

Mark has first-hand experience of its capabilities from before joining Acacia.

“We hired one when I was in my previous role to clear out a dry canal bed that was full of reeds and heavy vegetation. For that type of job, the AH75 was actually better suited than a ride-on machine.”

Another established member of Acacia’s Etesia fleet is the Hydro 80, a compact ride-on mower that has enjoyed renewed popularity over the past year. According to Mark customers particularly appreciate its ability to perform in a range of conditions.

“Its compact size makes it ideal for housing estates and tighter sites, and we’ve had good feedback about how well it collects, even when the grass is a little damp. The Hydro 80 seems to cope considerably better than some rival machines.”

For Mark, Etesia’s continued success comes down to more than just dependable products.

“I’ve always thought Etesia are an innovative company,” he said. “I think they’re a good, solid company.”

With a relationship spanning more than two decades, Acacia sees Etesia remaining an important part of its future fleet.

“We’re very happy with Etesia and I can’t see any reason why that would change. We’ll certainly continue using the machines and we’re always interested to see any new products and technology they bring out in the future.”

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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ELiTE equipment for an elite golf club

ELiTE equipment for an elite golf club

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ELiTE equipment for an elite golf club

Wildwood Machinery and Ransomes Jacobsen team up to supply Ferndown Golf Club in Dorset with a state-of-the-art, lithium-powered mower.

ELiTE equipment for an elite golf club

ELiTE equipment for an elite golf club

Sometimes a product is just too good to ignore. While Ferndown Golf Club’s Course Manager, Danny Murray, wasn’t actively looking for a new greens mower, he is always looking for ways to improve the playing experience for his members and guests.

As Danny himself says, “There’s a lot of innovation in the turfcare market right now, and sometimes you feel as though you could be updating your equipment every few weeks. Mostly, of course, these are marginal upgrades. We weren’t actually in the market for a new greens mower, but I kept hearing good things about the Jacobsen Eclipse 360 ELiTE, and when James Bastian of Wildwood Machinery called me, I wanted to know more.”

As a Jacobsen dealership, Wildwood was delighted to recommend, and then demonstrate, deliver and support the Eclipse 360 ELiTE mower. As Ransomes Jacobsen’s Southern England Regional Sales Manager, Ben Rumsey says, “Wildwood has a rapidly-growing reputation as a supplier of state-of-the-art turfcare equipment to prestigious golf clubs and elite football clubs in Hampshire, Surrey and London. The quality of service and support they are offering customers is a perfect match for the Jacobsen brand.”

Powered by a 250Ah lithium battery, the Eclipse 360 ELiTE is capable of covering 143,000 square feet – the equivalent of 50+ typical golf greens on a single charge – so there is no issue with capacity and durability. The real game-changer however, is the adjustable frequency of clip, which lets the team dial in a finer cut-quality, effectively delivering a double-cut in a single pass.

“That facility,” according to James Bastian, “has added a whole foot of speed to Ferndown’s already immaculate putting greens.”

Danny Murray says the elevated speeds they are achieving on the stimpmeter meet elite-level requirements, adding to Ferndown’s reputation, the playing experience for their members, and their capacity to host tournaments.

“The real stand-out benefit of the Jacobsen Eclipse 360 ELiTE is the quality of the cut,” says Danny, “with the added benefit that the greens require less rolling to maintain their speed.” “As an electric machine it also meets our sustainability objectives, and is near to silent which is a big benefit for a Club such as Ferndown where we want to nurture our relationships with neighbours.”

“With our own association with East Horton Golf Club, we know how challenging this summer has been for all turfcare professionals,” says Wildwood’s Managing Director, James Bastian. “It’s been great to see just how well the Jacobsen Eclipse 360 ELiTE has worked for Danny at Ferndown. We’re delighted to be working closely in partnership with Ransomes Jacobsen to introduce their innovative technology across the South of England.”Ferndown Golf Club:

  • Ferndown’s Old Course – opened in 1913 – is ranked 93rd in Golf Monthly’s Top 100 UK & Ireland list (2025/26).
  • The Club has hosted events including the Hennessy Cognac Cup, the European Ladies’ Championship, and the Women’s British Open.

Jacobsen Eclipse 360 ELiTE – highlights:

  • Powered by a 250Ah lithium battery using Samsung SDI cells, with a 5-year battery warranty and 2-year machine warranty.
  • Zero hydraulic oil, filters, or exhaust emissions — no maintenance downside to going electric.
  • Frequency of cut is electronically adjustable from 0.91mm to 6.35mm, with consistent results regardless of operator input.
  • 15-blade Jacobsen reels means more cuts per foot of travel, producing a finer, smoother cut quality.
  • The lighter roller reduces compaction and stress on the surface, protecting greens during high-stress summer periods.

Eclipse 3WD kit — improves traction and spreads the machine’s weight more evenly, reducing wheel marking and scuffing

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Ferris Mowers launches all-new Z1-P stand-on range

Ferris Mowers launches all-new Z1-P stand-on range

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Ferris Mowers launches all-new Z1-P stand-on range

Ferris Mowers is introducing the all-new Z1-P stand-on mower for spring 2027, built from the ground up on a new platform and available in three deck sizes. The range is headlined by the new 81 cm (32in) Z1-P, which brings commercial stand-on productivity to narrow gates and tight landscaping where larger machines can’t go, alongside 91 cm (36in) and 122 cm (48in) Z1-PX editions that replace the outgoing SRS™ Z1 in those sizes.

Ferris Mowers launches all-new Z1-P stand-on range

Ferris Mowers launches all-new Z1-P stand-on range

Rebuilt from the ground up

All three Z1-P models share the same new chassis and control layout, but it’s the deck that marks the biggest change. The new platform offers our patented, fully configurable Triple™ mower deck, which enables you to switch between rear discharge, side discharge and mulching as the job demands. The deck is built from 4.6 mm fabricated steel, with a reinforced spindle mounting area, metal scuff guards and a reinforced leading edge designed to withstand daily commercial use. The cutting height runs from 3.8 cm to 12.7 cm.

Kawasaki V-Twin engines power every edition: an 18.5 hp (13.8 kW) FS600V on the 81 cm Z1-P, a 19 hp (14.2 kW) FX600V on the 91 cm Z1-PX, and a 23.5 hp (17.5 kW) FX730V on the 122 cm Z1-PX. The 91 cm and 122 cm editions share a 30-litre fuel tank, while the 81 cm runs a 23-litre tank.

Despite the added capability, the range keeps a compact footprint designed to fit in the back of most standard-sized vans in Europe, with speeds of up to 12.8 km/h.

Comfort and control

Across all three deck sizes, the operator platform offers more room to stand and move than comparable units, even on the smallest, 81 cm model. At 41 cm wide, the platform provides stability and better control on slopes, while outboard cleated footrests give operators extra support when they need it. It’s suspended on a pivoting design supported by adjustable rubber isolators, tuned for a smoother ride across uneven ground.

The controls follow the same line of thought. A one-hand, three-position speed selector, a new linear dash and a magnetic height-of-cut pin keep adjustments quick and intuitive. An automatic PTO shutdown stops the blades the moment the operator steps off the platform, so obstacles can be cleared safely.

Built for less time in the shop

The new machine was built from the ground up with ease of maintenance in mind, knowing that during maintenance time landscape contractors aren’t out on the job. Simplified touchpoints and easy-to-access transaxles work to make maintenance and routine service quick and seamless.

Warranty

The Z1-P line carries a 4-year warranty, or 750 hours, whichever occurs first, with unlimited hours covered during the first two years. On the 91 cm and 122 cm editions, that’s an increase from the outgoing SRS™ Z1’s 500-hour limit within the same term. The Kawasaki engines are covered separately by a three-year manufacturer’s warranty.*

*See operator’s manual for full warranty details.

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Ransomes Jacobsen Limited Introduces Ransomes MP670

Ransomes Jacobsen Limited Introduces Ransomes MP670

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Ransomes Jacobsen Limited Introduces Ransomes MP670

Ransomes Jacobsen Limited, a Textron Inc. company and part of the Textron Specialized Vehicles business, announces the Ransomes MP670 Wide Area Commercial Rotary Mower. The Ransomes MP670 is a versatile mowing solution designed to efficiently maintain expansive turf areas, delivering enhanced productivity, performance and operator comfort for municipalities, contractors, sports facilities and other large-area turf maintenance operations.

Ransomes Jacobsen Limited Introduces Ransomes MP670

Ransomes Jacobsen Limited Introduces Ransomes MP670

The MP670 combines flexible cutting configurations, advanced traction capabilities and intuitive controls to help operators maximize productivity across a wide range of applications. The MP670 features three individually controlled rotary decks that allow operators to adapt the machine to varying mowing environments, from large municipal fields and sports complexes to narrower areas where full-width mowing is not required. Available cutting widths of up to 4.39 meters (173 inches) and cutting capacities of up to 5.7 hectares per hour (14 acres per hour) help operators efficiently maintain large turf areas while delivering a consistent finish. The MP670 features a transport width of only 1.72 meters (68 inches), allowing it to move nimbly through large campuses and complexes. Direct-drive hydraulic decks reduce maintenance requirements and provide reliable performance across a variety of operating conditions.

At the heart of the MP670 is a 48.6 kW (65.2 hp) Kubota turbo diesel engine paired with the SureTrac hydrostatic four-wheel-drive traction system, providing the power and traction needed for demanding commercial mowing applications.

Operator comfort is central to the MP670’s design. The machine features an ISO-mounted operator platform with a full-suspension high-backed seat, ergonomic controls, hydraulic power steering and cruise control, and a full-colour display that provides key operating information, diagnostics and machine settings. An available climate-controlled operator cab with SureAir air conditioning and heating further enhances operator comfort throughout long workdays and in changing weather conditions.

To help operators work confidently in a variety of conditions, the MP670 incorporates Ransomes’ Tilt Sensor Technology, which helps maintain safe working angles on slopes.

For more information about the MP670 and the complete line of Ransomes turf maintenance equipment, visit http://www.ransomes.com.

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