Bearsden GC project success followed by major machinery investment

Bearsden GC project success followed by major machinery investment

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Bearsden GC project success followed by major machinery investment

After an ambitious and successful golf course transformation project, Bearsden Golf Club has continued its long-term investment programme with the arrival of a substantial new fleet of turf maintenance equipment supplied by Fairways GM at Renfrew.

Bearsden GC project success followed by major machinery investment

Bearsden GC project success followed by major machinery investment

The two-year construction, which began in summer 2023 and encompassed land adjacent to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Antonine Wall, transformed Bearsden GC’s previous nine-hole course through extensive remodelling and environmental improvements. The redevelopment has helped future-proof the course for generations to come, while collaborative flood management measures introduced in partnership with East Dunbartonshire Council are also delivering wider benefits to the surrounding residential area.

The endeavour, led by Project Course Manager David McBride and his team, was made even more remarkable by the fact the course remained fully playable for members throughout the transformation works. The project also earned the team recognition as finalists in the prestigious 2026 BIGGA Greenkeeping Project of the Year Awards.

Working alongside Fairways GM’s Jonathan Rae and Stuart Cameron, David McBride selected a broad range of equipment to support everything from fine turf presentation through to fairway maintenance and day-to-day transport duties. However, one of the key considerations throughout the purchasing process was noise reduction, reflecting the golf course’s proximity to surrounding housing.

The new fleet includes an ISEKI TG6507 utility tractor, compact ISEKI TH3420 tractor, Wessex CRX-320 rotary mower, Infinicut pedestrian hand mower, Jacobsen GP400 greens mower, Jacobsen Eclipse® 360 ELiTE® all-electric greens mower and Jacobsen LF570 fairway mower.

“Electric mowing was important because of the proximity to housing,” explained David. “Jonathan and Stuart let us trial the Jacobsen Eclipse® 360 ELiTE® on our greens and we approved that almost instantly. The same applied to the Infinicut pedestrian mowers.

“Now, a few months down the line, we are complete converts to electric. The reduction in noise is remarkable as is the quality of the cut. We would never go back. We are extremely happy with the decision.”

“We already knew the capabilities of the Jacobsen LF570 from earlier experience. Here, we effectively have a large greens complex with extensive approaches and apron areas around the putting surfaces, and we like to keep those areas particularly short and refined. To achieve that, we opted for a Jacobsen GP400 fitted with seven-blade cutting units specifically for going around the pins.”

“The redevelopment project has raised standards right across the golf course, so it was important that the machinery fleet evolved with it. We’ve invested heavily in creating a course that will serve the club for many years to come and we wanted a machinery fleet — and a supplier partnership — capable of supporting that ambition.

“Fairways have been excellent throughout and we’re delighted with both the machines and the relationship we’ve developed with the team.”

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Share of Fife Golf Trust tender goes to Toro

Share of Fife Golf Trust tender goes to Toro

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Share of Fife Golf Trust tender goes to Toro

Reesink Turfcare, the distributor of Toro turf maintenance equipment in the UK, has supplied a significant package of machinery to Fife Golf Trust as part of a £2.4 million fleet investment programme designed to modernise operations across its seven golf courses.

Share of Fife Golf Trust tender goes to Toro

Share of Fife Golf Trust tender goes to Toro

The investment forms part of a comprehensive renewal of the Trust’s ageing machinery fleet, helping to improve reliability, reduce downtime and support long-term sustainability objectives. Toro was awarded approximately 25 percent of the overall machinery contract following a competitive public tender process.

David Gray, Golf Courses Manager of Fife Golf Trust, says: “This was a robust procurement process. The decision was made through public tender and competitive evaluation, with contracts awarded on merit.

“The procurement process was designed to ensure transparency, compliance and value for money, with detailed specifications developed for each individual machine.”

Involved in the order are five Toro Reelmaster 5010-H hybrid fairway mowers, six Toro GreensPro 1260 greens rollers and a Toro Workman HDX-D utility vehicle with ProPass spreader.

David continues: “A key part of the strategy was to invest in the cleanest and most efficient equipment available, which aligns closely with our sustainability objectives. We are committed to managing our courses sensitively and finding the right balance so that both golf and nature can thrive together.”

About the specific machinery, David says: “The hybrid Reelmaster mower was the best option on the market to ensure we continued to reduce our emissions. We’ve run Toro fairway mowers for over 10 years so this approach tied in well. Similarly with the Workman and ProPass, this was a direct replacement for one that we are familiar with. While the greens rollers are new to us, the affordability, reliability and performance of the machines will ensure this is a good investment.”

Fife Golf Trust’s operating model is unique within Scottish golf. While partner clubs remain separate entities, the Trust focuses solely on course maintenance and management, overseeing seven venues with a team of 23 greenkeepers across approximately 550 hectares of land.

“Our teams consistently produce fantastic course conditions that we are proud of,” confirms David. “This investment will help ensure we can continue delivering high standards while keeping golf affordable and accessible for local communities.”

For Reesink Turfcare, the project demonstrates the value of matching the right equipment to the needs of large-scale golf operations says John Rankin, Area Sales Manager for Reesink Scotland.

“We are delighted that Toro equipment was selected as part of this significant investment programme,” says John. “The competitive tender process made the outcome a strong endorsement of Toro’s ability to meet the performance, value and sustainability criteria required by a modern golf operation. We look forward to supporting Fife Golf Trust and its teams as they continue to deliver high-quality playing conditions across their portfolio of courses.”

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Kubota proves a partnership that’s built to last at The Glasgow Academy

Kubota proves a partnership that’s built to last at The Glasgow Academy

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Kubota proves a partnership that’s built to last at The Glasgow Academy

Since Robert Cheape joined The Glasgow Academy in 1985, the school and accompanying sports grounds have expanded significantly! His tenure as Head Groundsman has been underpinned by a long-standing partnership with dealers Hamilton Ross Group, and much of the success he has attributed to the reliability and versatility delivered by Kubota tractors in use at the grounds for over 30 years.

Kubota proves a partnership that’s built to last at The Glasgow Academy

Kubota proves a partnership that’s built to last at The Glasgow Academy

Founded in 1845, The Glasgow Academy is the oldest continuously fully independent school in Glasgow, now providing a private coeducational day school for 1700 pupils. The school is renowned for its sporting prowess – with rugby and hockey played by both the students and Glasgow Accies Sports club in the winter months, then switching to primarily cricket, tennis and athletics during the summer. Working alongside Robert on the maintenance of the natural turf and artificial surfaces is a busy team of six, with three of the staff having over 120 years of service between them.

“With sport played daily, we rely heavily on having the right, reliable equipment to produce pitches that can withstand the pressure of constant wear” Robert says. For more than three decades, powering that maintenance operation has been Kubota. “In the shed we have a Kubota B1550 from the early 1990’s which still runs and is used for lighter jobs around the sites, a B2650 and, more recently, we added an L2622 to the fleet.”

“While we can see the improvements and things like the controls and operator-friendliness has moved on they’re still, fundamentally, well-built, comfortable, reliable workhorses. For that reason, I’ll never use anything else” he adds.

The L2622 delivered in August 2025 brings increased power and productivity, featuring a 61hp stage-V diesel engine and the highest rear lift capacity in its class. “With time of the essence, we found we were relying on larger, more power-hungry implements and the L2622 has proven the perfect partner for implements such as our Verti-Drain – which we’re increasingly relying on with the more regular periods of prolonged and heavy rainfall.”

“We also run a Kubota RTV-X1110 which is another reliable runaround, towing smaller equipment and getting people and tools around the sites quickly and safely.”

Reliability for Robert extends beyond the machines themselves, with Kubota he also has the added peace of mind of first-class dealer support from the team at Hamilton Ross Group. “I’ve dealt with Paul Denholm since 1990 and the school’s relationship with Hamilton’s began even before that! We just know that if we need anything, from a simple advice call or a service visit, that they’ll be there to look after us. That sort of service goes a long way.”

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STIHL launches powerful brushcutters for demanding landscaping operations

STIHL launches powerful brushcutters for demanding landscaping operations

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STIHL launches powerful brushcutters for demanding landscaping operations 

STIHL has launched two new battery-operated brushcutters, engineered to deliver a high-power cutting performance in demanding landscaping environments. Replacing the FSA 135 and FSA 135 R, the new FSA 140 and FSA 140 R offer professionals’ excellent comfort and control for maximum productivity across various cutting tasks.

STIHL launches powerful brushcutters for demanding landscaping operations

STIHL launches powerful brushcutters for demanding landscaping operations

With a mechanical output of 1.0.kW and a large mowing diameter, the machines provide lightweight power for daily commercial use, weighing in at just 4.5KG (exc. battery). Boasting a compact motor and drive, the brushcutters offer a weight reduction of up to 400g compared to previous STIHL models.

The FSA 140 is a bike-handled professional brushcutter fitted as standard with the GrassCut 260-2, the machine can also be used with STIHL’s BrushCut Brush Knife 250 (3mm) and WoodCut saw blades for efficient large-area clearing tasks.

Fitted as standard with the AutoCut C 26-2, the FSA 140 R offers a loop-handle set up, designed for maximum manoeuvrability and precision, allowing users to work comfortably around obstacles and in confined spaces. STIHL’s AutoCut 27-2 and PolyCut 28-2 can also be attached to the FSA 140 R for landscapers requiring more energy-efficient operations.

Both models feature new ergonomic control handles, which provide separate buttons for power activation and three speed levels for ease of use. The new STIHL brushcutters also come with an LED display built in to support clear and easy tool monitoring whilst on the job. When powered with the recommended AP 300 S, the machines deliver a running time of between 22 – 45 minutes.

The FSA 140 and FSA 140 R are designed to support integration with STIHL’s Connected system, a digital fleet management solution that helps professionals keep track of their tools, servicing schedules, and machine use. To further support professionals, the tool’s splash-proof design makes it ideal for use in all weather conditions.

The new designs arrive as STIHL celebrates its 100th anniversary. Since 1926, STIHL has defined the global standard for battery and petrol-powered forestry, landscaping, and residential gardening equipment for professional and domestic users.

For more information on STIHL products, visit www.stihl.co.uk or contact your nearest STIHL Approved Dealer.

Find out more about STIHL’s historic milestone, here: https://100.stihl.com

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STIHL unveils next-generation professional battery system

STIHL unveils next-generation professional battery system

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STIHL unveils next-generation professional battery system 

STIHL has unveiled its new ALLPRO battery system, a next-generation professional battery platform designed to deliver more power, faster charging and increased flexibility for forestry, landscaping and groundcare professionals.

STIHL unveils next-generation professional battery system

STIHL unveils next-generation professional battery system

Developed to support demanding day-to-day applications, the ALLPRO system represents a major step forward in STIHL’s battery technology offering for professional users. The new system opens up more opportunities for professionals to transition from petrol-powered equipment to battery alternatives, while remaining compatible with STIHL’s existing AP battery system, including more than 80 tools.

At the heart of the ALLPRO range is a new generation of high-performance batteries engineered to provide increased power output, longer running times and significantly longer service life, while maintaining the robust durability expected from STIHL products.

The system also introduces ultra-fast charging capabilities. When paired with the appropriate STIHL mobile fast charger, batteries can be charged to 80 per cent capacity in just nine minutes, helping to minimise downtime and maximise productivity on-site.

The launch of ALLPRO forms part of STIHL’s wider battery transformation strategy, opening up many fields of application where customers previously had to rely on combustion-powered equipment. STIHL continues to invest heavily in battery innovation technology, underscoring its ambition to position itself as a leading provider of outdoor power equipment in the battery segment.

Paul Hicks, Product Manager at STIHL GB, said: “The launch of the ALLPRO battery system marks a significant milestone for STIHL and for our professional customers. ALLPRO has been developed to deliver the levels of power, durability and performance professionals demand, while also supporting the ongoing transition towards battery-powered equipment across forestry, arboriculture, landscaping and construction applications.

“By combining our experience in professional outdoor power equipment with decades of battery expertise, ALLPRO provides professionals with a system that can handle even the most demanding working environments.”

STIHL’s extensive network of Approved Dealers across Great Britain will be fully trained in ALLPRO battery technology via online and nationwide face-to-face events over the coming weeks. The STIHL Approved Dealer network will continue to help all customers choose the best tools, batteries and charge management solutions to suit their needs.

For more information on the new ALLPRO battery system, visit www.stihl.co.uk.

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