GroundTech automation delivers new levels of efficiency

GroundTech automation delivers new levels of efficiency

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GroundTech automation delivers new levels of efficiency

Romford’s Whalebone Golf Club is discovering the many benefits of automous maintenance following the installation of a completely automated driving range system from GroundTech. Director Ed Blacker notes that the combination of ECHO robotics and the innovative Drop Pit wash return system has been pivotal to consistent presentation of the range and central to the venues wider growth and development.

GroundTech automation delivers new levels of efficiency

GroundTech automation delivers new levels of efficiency

Acquired by its current owners in September 2025, Whalebone Golf Club is currently undergoing an exciting period of investment, with the aim of creating an inclusive and welcoming environment for golfers of all ages and abilities. Central to achieving that ambition is maintaining a well-presented driving range and optimising the utilisation of the club’s greenkeepers.

“Our previous range set up presented a number of challenges” says Ed. “The entire range needed to be cleared before we could cut the grass, with the whole process taking valuable time away from the greenkeeping team’s daily responsibilities on the golf course.” After exploring available alternatives, Whalebone appointed robotic specialists GroundTech to install an ECHO RP1250 robotic ball picker, ECHO TM-1050 mower complete with deflection kit and the revolutionary Drop Pit wash return system – enabling ball collection and grass cutting to take place simultaneously and maintaining a constant supply of clean golf balls for the range.

A few short months after the installation, Ed says the set-up has transformed the upkeep of the busy range, which can see as many as 15,000 golf balls used in a single day. “We estimate we’re saving four or five hours of labour each day which can be redirected into more valuable work elsewhere around the site.”

The finish of the ECHO TM-1050 has also impressed. “We can cut in all conditions, maintaining presentation throughout the year which is vital for creating a good first impression. It makes a real difference to the customer experience hitting into an outfield that is well manicured and not covered in golf balls.”

Ed also praised the installation and support provided by the GroundTech team. “They offered a complete solution, from consultation and planning through to installation and full training. The team were efficient and friendly and, with minimal construction and groundworks needed, the whole project was completed very quickly, and we’re pleased with the outcome.”

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St Enodoc takes a joined up approach with Toro

St Enodoc takes a joined up approach with Toro

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St Enodoc takes a joined up approach with Toro

St Enodoc Golf Club has committed to Toro in a significant, multi-year investment that includes a tailored fleet of machinery and an upgrade to its irrigation infrastructure and technology.

St Enodoc takes a joined up approach with Toro

St Enodoc takes a joined up approach with Toro

The investment represents the club’s first major fleet renewal in a decade and was developed over a three-year period with DGM LTD and Reesink Turfcare. It reflects a carefully planned transition designed to align with the club’s evolving agronomic and operational requirements.

The package features battery-powered greens mowers, pedestrian cutting equipment and an evolving upgrade of the irrigation system supported by Toro Lynx Central Control software.

For Head Greenkeeper William Smith, the decision reflects both the changing demands placed on modern golf courses and the opportunities offered by advances in technology.

“A lot has changed over the past decade,” he says. “Expectations around course presentation have continued to rise, while sustainability and efficiency have become much bigger priorities. This investment allows us to modernise our fleet and give the team the tools they need to maintain the course to the highest possible standard.”

Among the standout additions to support the club’s wider sustainability ambitions, which are guided by its GEO certification, are four battery-powered Toro Greensmaster eTriFlex 3370 and hybrid 3360 greens mowers.

“They deliver a consistently high quality of cut while reducing operational emissions and noise,” says William. “Crucially, they eliminate the risk of hydraulic oil leaks on sensitive playing surfaces. Protecting our greens is a huge priority and these mowers provide exceptional precision and a cleaner, quieter and more sustainable way of maintaining some of the most important areas of the course.”

The addition of six Toro Flex 1021 hand mowers has further enhanced presentation standards on greens and tees, while the expanded overall fleet provides greater operational flexibility by allowing multiple maintenance tasks to be completed simultaneously, reducing downtime and improving productivity.

Alongside the machinery investment, St Enodoc is taking a phased approach to upgrading its irrigation system. New Toro sprinklers are being installed across tees and walkways, complemented by the introduction of Toro Lynx Central Control software, giving the greenkeeping team greater precision over irrigation scheduling and water application.

“Water is one of our most valuable resources, so using it efficiently is essential,” says William. “Toro Lynx gives us much greater control over when, where and how much water we apply, helping us reduce waste while maintaining turf health in what’s fast becoming an unpredictable climate.”

Working closely with Reesink Turfcare and local dealer DGM proved instrumental in developing a machinery package tailored to the club’s specific requirements.

“Rather than offering a standard package, they took the time to understand our course and our long-term objectives,” says William. “It’s been a genuine partnership from start to finish. Our aim is to deliver outstanding course conditions while operating more efficiently and responsibly. This investment provides the foundation to achieve that for many years to come.”

Rob Read at DGM says: “St Enodoc has taken a considered, long-term approach to investing in both machinery and irrigation, recognising how the two work together to deliver consistently high course standards.”

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GKB Deep Clean delivers speed, simplicity and superior results

GKB Deep Clean delivers speed, simplicity and superior results

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GKB Deep Clean delivers speed, simplicity and superior results

The search for a modern, efficient solution to synthetic surface cleaning was a short one for Miguel Pimenta of King’s College School in Wimbledon, after seeing the GKB Deep Clean at SALTEX 2025. In just a few short weeks since its delivery, the Deep-Clean has ‘transformed’ the school’s artificial maintenance, bringing speed and consistency to pitch cleaning and performance.

GKB Deep Clean delivers speed, simplicity and superior results

GKB Deep Clean delivers speed, simplicity and superior results

Nationally and internationally recognised for excellence in education, King’s sets high expectations across the board – including the standards they employ for maintaining the school’s extensive grounds and sports facilities. With their previous artificial cleaner at the end of its working life, Miguel attended SALTEX in the hunt for a replacement and quickly identified the new GKB Deep Clean as the perfect fit. Following discussions with local dealer Ernest Doe, the purchase was finalised and the impact was immediate.

“The Deep-Clean has completely transformed the way we maintain our synthetic turf pitches” explains Head Groundsman Miguel.

A key advantage has been the machine’s speed and simplicity of operation. “Within a couple of minutes, we can have the machine hitched up and ready to go. The adjustable front wheels also make it incredibly straight forward to adjust the working depth on the fly, without the need for tools, which saves us a lot of time on busy maintenance days.”

“The brush and vibrating screen system lifts the infill and removes debris far more effectively than anything we’ve used before, with a range of screen types to choose from which means the unit can always be perfectly configured whatever the conditions.” He adds, “The suction unit also does a great job capturing dust and lightweight contaminants, leaving the surface noticeably cleaner and more consistent.”

Recently redeveloped, Miguel saw the new GKB Deep Clean on its debut UK outing in November. Available in three working widths and designed to work with various infill types, this next generation cleaner sieves, separates and collects debris and microplastics returning clean granules back into the pitch and leaving a clean and safe surface that’s ready for play.

Miguel continues, “What I appreciate most is the build quality. It’s clear that GKB designed this with real grounds teams in mind. The machine is robust, reliable and fast, and the collection container and dust bag system make disposal straightforward.”

“For us, the Deep Clean has delivered exactly what we needed – speed, simplicity and excellent results.”

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Makita launches new 40VMax ground trimmer

Makita launches new 40VMax ground trimmer

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Makita launches new 40VMax ground trimmer

The new UG001G 40VMax XGT® Ground Trimmer from Makita makes grass cutting easy and effortless with a simple push. With a self-standing, three-wheel design to ensure stability, the tool provides an effective cutting width of 500mm. In addition, to help make the task as hassle-free as possible, the ground trimmer features tool-less cutting height adjustment from the minimum 25mm up to the maximum 105mm with a handy, one-touch locking lever.

Makita launches new 40VMax ground trimmer

Makita launches new 40VMax ground trimmer

The three-wheel ground trimmer stands on its own, which is crucial to help reduce holding effort and user fatigue during extended periods of work. The large rear tyre also ensures it can move smoothly on uneven ground as well as making it easier to turn. During operation, users will also benefit from tool-less cutting height and handle height adjustment.

With a soft start as well as constant speed control, the UG001G has been designed with a single sided, T-shaped hedge trimmer style blade, which sits at a 90-degree angle to the shaft. This makes effective cutting possible without having to swing a blade from side to side, simply by pushing the ground trimmer along with minimal effort. With an impressive performance – it achieves between 3000-4000 cutting strokes per minute.

Additional advantages include that the UG001G is cordless, having a significant impact on freedom of movement and removal of trip hazards. Powered by a 40V XGT® Li-Ion battery, it offers an approximate, continuous runtime on full charge of 2 hours 40 minutes on low mode, and 1 hour 30 minutes on high mode, making it an ideal option for tackling large areas of grass, sports fields, field ridges, roadsides and riverbanks. Finally, it also features a fold-away handle for easy and effective storage.

Kevin Brannigan, Marketing Manager for Makita UK commented: “We have addressed each design feature on the new UG001G 40VMax XGT® Ground Trimmer with the aim of making a physically demanding job as easy as possible on the individual, whilst helping to ensure exceptional performance and professional results.”

For further information about the IPX4 rated Makita 40VMax XGT® Ground Trimmer and other landscaping tools and machinery, visit: www.makitauk.com

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Baroness delivers productivity without compromising cut

Baroness delivers productivity without compromising cut

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Baroness delivers productivity without compromising cut

For Adam Henderson, Head Groundsman at Greenock Morton Football Club, the challenge of maintaining a professional football pitch is made even tougher by the fact that, for much of the week, he’s doing it alone. For this reason, productivity and efficiency is everything when it comes to equipment and for mowing, an LM331 from Baroness is ticking all of the boxes.

Baroness delivers productivity without compromising cut

Baroness delivers productivity without compromising cut

Joining the club in August 2025, Adam quickly found himself in charge of a busy stadium pitch, used for women’s fixtures and academy training alongside matches and training for the men’s first team – currently playing in the Scottish Championship. Together with a packed usage programme, he was also faced with managing the demands of a natural soil-based surface through one of the toughest Scottish winters in recent memory!

“When I started, we quickly had conversations about what was needed to help and, while I love hand cutting, when you’re one person trying to mow, line, water and keep on top of everything else I knew I needed something that would ease the workload” Adam explains. “I looked at a few options and was really impressed with the cut quality on the Baroness and the fact that it was well built but not heavy, meaning we’d be able to get it onto the pitch without leaving tyre marks or mess.”

The club took delivery of their Baroness LM331 from local dealers Hamilton Ross Group in October 2025. The LM331 is equipped with precision engineered cutting reels and unique mower arms which maintain down pressure for a consistently beautiful finish, delivered in double quick time. “I can cut the pitch in around an hour which then gives me the opportunity to get feeds down or other tasks done before a game or in limited weather windows.”

As Adam explains, the productivity boost proved especially valuable towards the end of the season. “When the hot weather came, the grass just took off and having the Baroness meant I could stay on top of cutting without everything else falling behind.”

“The beauty is I get speed and efficiency without a compromise on presentation, with the LM311 providing a finish that’s very close to what we see from a hand mower.” He continues, “Another big thing is that the units stay on cut for longer. A quick check is all it needs, saving time on set-up and enabling me to just get on with the job.”

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