Baroness trio prove on pitch and on point

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Baroness trio prove on pitch and on point: A trio of ride-on machines from Baroness have emerged victorious in the comprehensive search for new mowers at Ardingly College in West Sussex.

The maintenance of the 250-acre site is a year-round operation for Deputy Head of Grounds Emile Ellis and the team of eight, with the two new LM551B’s and GM2810A from Baroness swiftly becoming MVPs for areas both on and off the pitch.

Baroness trio prove on pitch and on point

Baroness trio prove on pitch and on point

When not playing a crucial role in curriculum sport, the facilities at Ardingly College are in demand from a number of school camps and local sports clubs. This means that time is truly of the essence with all of the maintenance so, with the existing mower fleet starting to tire, investment in replacement equipment was needed. “We cast the net very wide when looking for new mowers and demonstrated all the various makes and models” Emile explains. “The Baroness mowers stuck out straight away for their build quality and simplicity of operation.”

After an extensive demo period, two LM551B fairway mowers and a GM2810A rotary mower were installed by dealers Lister Wilder in November 2024 – the first Baroness machines for the college. “You can tell the machines are incredibly well thought through. They do everything they need to without any unnecessary electrics or fuss which makes them a pleasure to set up and use.”

“We use the LM551B’s for everything ‘on pitch’ which includes our cricket outfields, winter sports pitches and other areas with a lower height of cut.” He continues, “We’ve noticed a significant difference in the quality of cut and finish, and the units definitely stay on cut for much longer. I used to go round with a spanner in my pocket to adjust the units between pitches but now it’s one check first thing and you’re set for the rest of the day.”

“The GM2810A is used pretty much everywhere else, on all the areas that don’t support play but where we still want to retain presentation. It does a fantastic job. It tackles grass of all lengths and is also a lot bigger than its predecessor which means not only are we achieving better results, we’re achieving it quicker than before.”

Changing to a new brand of equipment can be daunting, but the service Emile says they received from Mark Carter at Lister Wilder and Luke Collins from Baroness took away all of the anxiety. “The team had full training on all of the familiar features and all of those that are unique to Baroness which means everyone is comfortable and can get the very best out of the machines. We couldn’t be happier with the support and the results we’re seeing, and we’re going into the main grass growth season well and truly at full speed.”

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Etesia UK Announces Unprecedented Savings

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Etesia UK Announces Unprecedented Savings: Etesia UK is thrilled to announce substantial savings of over £8,000 on its renowned Hydro 124 range of ride-on mowers.

This limited-time offer presents an exceptional opportunity for customer to purchase the best-in-class cut and collect machines at an unrivalled value.

Etesia UK Announces Unprecedented Savings

Etesia UK Announces Unprecedented Savings

As well as saving over £8000 on the purchase of any of the Etesia Hydro124 models, they are also available from just £89.00 per week via contract hire options from Etesia UK, making the popular ride-on models even more affordable to a range of customers.

The Etesia Hydro 124 series has long been celebrated for its robust performance, exceptional reliability, and ability to deliver a perfect finish in any weather conditions. These machines are engineered to tackle the most demanding tasks, ensuring efficiency and productivity for landscape contractors, groundskeepers, estate managers and gardeners.

Now, with savings of over to £8,000, investing in the industry’s finest has never been more accessible.

The Hydro 124 range comprises three distinct models, each designed to meet specific professional needs: Hydro 124 DL, Hydro 124 DN and Hydro 124 DX.

All three models share the same characteristics:

  • 124cm cutting width
  • 25HP diesel engine
  • High lift 600l grass box
  • Front linkage with optional attachments
  • Two year commercial warranty
  • 2WD and 4WD (DX model only) options available

Etesia Hydro 124 models and prices:

Model Old RRP New RRP Saving
H124 DL £29,995 £21,995 £8000
H124 DN £32,995 £24,595 £8400
H124 DX £34,995 £26,595 £8400

Etesia’s Hydro 124 models are renowned for their ability to cut and collect effectively in any weather, a crucial advantage for professionals who cannot afford to be sidelined by rain or damp conditions. Their powerful engines, combined with the direct ejection system, ensure a clean and efficient collection of grass clippings, leaving a pristine finish every time.

“This is an exceptional opportunity for professionals to invest in the very best machinery available on the market,” says Les Malin, Etesia UK Managing Director. “The Etesia Hydro 124 range has a proven track record of delivering outstanding performance and reliability, and with these significant savings of over £8,000, it represents unbeatable value. Don’t miss out on the chance to enhance your fleet with machines that truly excel in cut and collect, regardless of the weather.”

This special offer is available for a limited time only. Customers are encouraged to contact their local Etesia dealer to learn more about the specific savings available on each Hydro 124 model and to arrange a demonstration. Experience first-hand why Etesia is the preferred choice for those who demand the ultimate in performance and durability.

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 Twitter @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 Master Technician Course

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STIHL launches Master Technician Course: STIHL has launched its highly anticipated Master Technician Course, the pinnacle of its dealer training programme, designed to provide expert-level servicing and diagnostics across the full STIHL product range.

Following extensive development and a successful pilot earlier this year, the Master Technician Course is now available exclusively to STIHL Approved dealers who have completed the full training pathway, comprising Foundation, Intermediate, and Advanced Servicing courses.

STIHL launches Master Technician Course

STIHL launches Master Technician Course

The final stage of the programme includes an online entry exam and pre-requisite modules, followed by an intensive three-day face-to-face training experience at STIHL’s headquarters, Contra House.

This hands-on course offers participants an in-depth technical deep dive, featuring:

  •  Eight specialist assessments
  •  Extensive product usage training
  •  A guided Contra House tour
  •  A structured recertification process, including an annual online exam

With a strong emphasis on practical learning, the Master Technician Course provides a small group setting, ensuring each technician receives expert guidance. Courses are strictly limited to six participants per session, allowing for focused, hands-on experience with STIHL’s latest tools and servicing techniques.

Since launching the Master Technician learning pathway in 2023, nearly 100 face-to-face training courses have taken place across all four levels, reinforcing STIHL’s commitment to dealer training and technical excellence.

The first Master Technician Course officially launched online on 10th February, with nine further face-to-face sessions planned throughout 2025.

For more information, please contact learning@stihl.co.uk.

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The Ree.Turn of two popular Toro grounds mowers

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The Ree.Turn of two popular Toro grounds mowers: Reesink Turfcare is delighted to announce the return of two of the popular Toro grounds mowers – the Groundsmaster 7210 and the Groundsmaster 1200.

Jon Cole, Business Development Manager at Reesink Turfcare, says: “Customers of the Groundsmaster 7210 will be pleased to hear it is now available with an engine upgrade and the Groundsmaster 1200 returns after a post-pandemic production pause.”

The Ree.Turn of two popular Toro grounds mowers

The Ree.Turn of two popular Toro grounds mowers

As a versatile zero-turn, the Groundsmaster 7210 has always impressed customers with its

dependable and economical diesel engine performance, this was something verified by independent machinery tester James de Havilland, so the news of an upgrade to a powerful Yanmar 36.8hp (27.4kW) 3-cylinder engine, which brings a 48.38 percent increase in power, will certainly ensure a continued decent performance.

The rest of the features customers liked so much about this machine remain: a tight wheelbase, power steering and individual steering brakes allowing for expert handling and increased productivity.

The durable, heavy-duty seven-gauge welded steel cutting deck construction and the industry’s toughest spindle assembly ensure a long life while tackling the toughest of groundscare jobs with ease.

It is the small area zero-turn rotary mower that doesn’t believe in a day off and is now available from Reesink with the option of either a 62- or 72-inch deck.

Making another welcome return is the Groundsmaster 1200. This pull-behind rotary mower didn’t need any upgrades, it was already the perfect solution to leverage other equipment and add versatility to a tractor.

Productivity is at its core offering the mowing ability to cut up to 8.73 acres/h at 6mph per hour. And the cut is consistent and even across the entire width of the mower while distributing clippings evenly, which is especially important in areas with taller grass which are not mowed as often. When combined with the dual roller design it delivers a high-quality cut and rich turf striping in most conditions.

Size is a key advantage of the Groundsmaster 1200. Together, three independent contour-following cutting decks offer a 12-foot (3.66m) width of cut to mow more grass in less time than it would take with a smaller mower. And transport between sites is convenient and fast with the wing decks folding up for faster transport to reduce machine width to a narrow 88 inches (223.5cm).

Jon continues: “These models were popular for good reason. They are productive, durable, and offer a superior cut. We’re delighted to now have them available again for our customers.”

For further information, or to place an order, call 01480 226800 or visit reesinkturfcare.co.uk.

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ISEKI Tried and Tested on Major Projects at East Renfrewshire

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ISEKI Tried and Tested on Major Projects at East Renfrewshire: When it came to picking a new tractor, it was a “no-brainer” for East Renfrewshire Golf Club to opt for another ISEKI in the form of the TG6507 with a C4+ loader.

The moorland course is based on the outskirts of Glasgow, with stunning views of Ben Lomond and the Trossachs. The course demands a lot from a tractor, with a heavy workload and hilly terrain providing daily challenges.

ISEKI Tried and Tested on Major Projects at East Renfrewshire

ISEKI Tried and Tested on Major Projects at East Renfrewshire

Upgrading their previous machine was brought on by a desire to handle larger winter projects in-house, and after speaking with local ISEKI dealer Fairways GM, Club Manager Iain Russell and Course Manager Barry Nichol were set on the TG6507.

“In the past, we’ve not been able to do a particular project because we didn’t have the right machinery, but that’s been added to our list now,” Iain explains. “Barry and the team here all work collaboratively, and they work together in producing the winter programme.

“It’s quite extensive. They put a lot of work into it, and they almost look forward to that more than the summer. They love tackling these major projects, and having the right equipment is vital so they can do that. The members also look forward to the winter programme coming out to see what will be in hand through the winter going into the new season.”

The Iseki TG6507 is a high-performance compact tractor that is well-suited for golf course maintenance. Featuring hydrostatic or IQ transmission options, it provides smooth and precise control, while the high-capacity lift arms and compatibility with a wide range of implements make it a versatile and durable choice for demanding workloads.

Course Manager Barry is taking full advantage of the versatility, with the TG6507 put to work tining, completing other aerating works, loading, clearing car parks and moving pallets with the front forks. With his previous experience using ISEKI tractors at the club, there was no question what his next pick would be.

“It was a no-brainer to get another ISEKI, to be honest with you,” Barry explains. “It is tried and tested on this course, and it’s very much suited to ourselves up here and right across the golfing industry as well.

“Versatility is important and we get that from the tractor, but it is very reliable as well. We’ve had no issues on the mechanical side of it and it really does a great job. It’s got plenty of power to get around our hilly terrain, and we’ll have it in full swing throughout autumn, winter and spring with no issues.”

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