Royal Dornoch and its total Toro solution

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Royal Dornoch and its total Toro solution: In the highlands of Scotland Royal Dornoch is celebrating the handover of a £1.5 million Toro irrigation system for the Struie Course and the arrival of a fleet of all-electric ride-on Toro Greensmaster mowers and Workman utility vehicles.

Termed a ‘Toro Total Solutions’ customer when both Toro irrigation and machinery are selected for the complete care of the course, Royal Dornoch has been a loyal Toro customer of both for decades.

Royal Dornoch and its total Toro solution

Royal Dornoch and its total Toro solution

Replacing the irrigation on the Struie Course with a future-proof solution had been in discussion for many years. The club had acquired 50 acres of land with plans to build additional holes, including a new par‑3, and needed an irrigation infrastructure capable of supporting an expanded layout.

For this purpose, the club specified Lynx Smart Control System, Infinity 35 Multi Trajectory sprinklers, Infinity 55 Dual and Multi Trajectory sprinklers and 590G sprinklers with Precision Rotating Nozzles for the 18-hole course.

Explaining the reasons behind this decision General Manager Neil Hampton says, “The new system provides a robust and flexible backbone for current maintenance and new turf in future course development. It will be much better on the sustainability front: we won’t be using more water; the system will allow us to target where water is needed and control application from mobile phones and laptops.”

With the system operational since the beginning of 2025, Course Manager Eoin Riddell can confirm: “It’s already saving our greenkeepers a huge amount of time and effort; it makes watering so efficient. The benefits are significant all round – it’s good ecologically, financially and from an agronomy perspective, too.”

Robert Jackson, Division Manager at Reesink Hydro-Scapes, says, “So many people came together to ensure the smooth installation for Royal Dornoch: Adrian Mortram Associates, the installation team from Ocmis, Simon Squires from Toro and us as distributor. It’s credit to all involved that the project was completed on time and on budget.”

Meanwhile, the continuing choice of Toro machinery is down to its reliability, consistency and quality, says Neil: “Toro performs all day, every day for us. It takes a lot of stress away knowing you do not have to worry about that aspect of the business.

“We’ve always been able to trust Toro. There’s reliability in terms of performance as well as Toro always being at the forefront of new machinery research and development. As the expectations of golfers continue to increase, we need to provide the best conditions for play, and we can do that with Toro.”

The most recent machinery delivery includes four of the Toro Greensmaster eTriFlex 3370 mowers and eight Workman GTX Lithium-ion utility vehicles.

Eoin says, “We first invested in the electric Greensmaster eTriFlex when it launched in 2020 and they’ve proved year after year to be able to do the job we require with the benefit of being the sustainable option. Same with the utility vehicles. These machines are now a staple in our fleet.

“As well as all the previous reasons stated, the back up from Reesink is a big factor in our continuing loyalty, as is the interest that Toro shows in how we use the equipment.”

Mike Turnbull, Reesink Scotland Branch Manager, concludes: “We’re in a privileged position to understand Royal Dornoch’s requirements having worked with them for so long, and it’s a continuing pleasure to be able to support them as they maintain the high standards and move forward with exciting projects that will benefit the club for years to come.”

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Landscape Services productivity soars with Kubota zero-turns

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Landscape Services productivity soars with Kubota zero-turns: Over the last 18 months, much of the green grass across Kent has seen an influx of orange cutting equipment in a transition to Kubota for Landscape Services, part of the Commercial Services Group.

Landscape Services has enhanced efficiency with the addition of 15 ZD1211 zero-turn mowers, alongside other Kubota equipment including an F391 and G231HD mower and an LX-401 compact tractor.

Landscape Services productivity soars with Kubota zero-turns

Landscape Services productivity soars with Kubota zero-turns

For over 80 years, Landscape Services has specialised in planning, developing and implementing grounds, landscaping, arb and pest control projects across the South East. Today, more than 80 operatives are responsible for the maintenance of over 1000 sites including schools, sports clubs, housing associations, national parks and private land owners to name but a few. Helping them service the vast and varied requirements is a significant fleet of equipment from Kubota.

As part of a strategic move from cylinder to rotary mowers, Landscape Services have taken delivery of 15 ZD1211 zero-turn mowers via local dealer Lister Wilder in the last 18 months. Managing Director Phil Morgan takes up the story, “The switch to Kubota and the zero-turn mowers in particular has enhanced the way we operate. Their manoeuvrability allows our team to work efficiently on sites of all shapes and sizes, with their ease of use and low maintenance resulting in significant productivity improvements.”

Kubota’s ZD1211 zero-turn mower has been engineered from the ground up to deliver quality, performance, comfort and durability. The 3-blade, 140mm deep deck features a flat design and unique baffling system to lift and cut grass with accuracy and ensure clippings are evenly discharged. Phil concurs, “The quality of the end result is outstanding and, most of all, the team enjoy using them!”

Working alongside the zero-turns are other ride-on machines from the Kubota portfolio including an F391 and G231HD cut and collect machine which, again, has improved both the productivity and safety of the grass cutting operation. “We also have a compact LX401 tractor which has proven to be a capable all-rounder. We use the LX401 on contracts where its narrow frame allows us to reach places a larger tractor can’t access, most often when cutting hedgerows.”

Running close to 20 Kubota machines, dealer support for Landscape Services is critical. “We are pleased with the service we’ve had from Lister Wilder, so much so that we even awarded them ‘Supplier of the Year’ for 2025.” Phil adds, “We were hesitant in making such a substantial change to our equipment fleet but the results we’ve seen have been staggering and with the service agreement we have in place, we know we can expect reliable service from our Kubota equipment.”

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Bedford School Invests in Groundbreaking RM21

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Bedford School Invests in Groundbreaking RM21: Bedford School has taken delivery of the revolutionary RM21 Combo Mower, marking a new chapter in sports surface maintenance at the prestigious independent school.

The RM21 Combo Mower – now available in the UK and Ireland through an exclusive partnership between Agrovista Amenity and XDC Autonomous Solutions – is a cutting-edge machine that combines line marking and mowing in a single autonomous unit. Unlike traditional robotic line markers or standalone mowers, the RM21 brings genuine multi-functionality to turf management, saving time and boosting productivity.

Bedford School Invests in Groundbreaking RM21

Bedford School Invests in Groundbreaking RM21

“We’re the new proud owner of the RM21,” says the school’s Head Groundsman George Mills. “For us, it’s the line marking capability that was the biggest selling point – but the fact that we’ve also got the mowing function gives us added flexibility, particularly during the wetter months when our pitches can be difficult to access with heavier equipment. We’ve even thought about using it on the lawns in summer to free up the gardeners for other jobs.”

Thanks to its modular design, the RM21 doesn’t just cut and mark. A growing range of interchangeable attachments – including a grass collector, automated dew brush and ball picker – make it a versatile, all-season solution. The school also plans to use the robot to mark running tracks, cricket boundaries, rugby and football pitches, tennis courts, and hockey fields across its sprawling grounds and neighbouring training facilities.

The RM21 is exclusively distributed in the UK and Ireland by XDC Autonomous Solutions, who also provide technical support, training, and service backup. Through a strategic collaboration, Agrovista Amenity has become the exclusive sales distributor – a move that proved pivotal for Bedford School.

“Honestly, what made my mind up was Agrovista becoming part of the fold. Having someone I know and trust – someone I can go to if there’s an issue – gave me the confidence to purchase outright rather than go down a lease route,” George explains. “They know I’m a good customer, and I know Agrovista Amenity will always be there if I need them.”

Agrovista’s national network of over 40 experienced representatives ensures the RM21 is well supported and promoted across the UK, while XDC’s technical expertise guarantees high-quality backup and training for users.

For George, the RM21 represents far more than a piece of kit. It’s another tool in the box from a supplier that’s become a trusted, all-encompassing resource.

“Agrovista have pretty much become a one-stop shop for us. Fertilisers, seed, sprinklers, fittings, hose pipes, robots – anything we need in our industry, they’ve got it. That’s a big advantage. It saves me time, reduces admin, and means I can spend more time doing what I enjoy – being out on the grounds, not stuck behind a desk.”

With sustainability also front of mind, the school is already exploring the wider benefits of battery-powered equipment across its estate. The RM21 fits well into that vision.

“We’re starting to look seriously at battery options across the board,” continues George.

“This robot is another step in that direction. It’s efficient, flexible and ultimately gives us time back to focus on detail and quality.”

As robotic technology continues to reshape the landscape of grounds management, the RM21 Combo Mower – backed by Agrovista Amenity and XDC – looks set to lead the charge.

For more information about Agrovista UK, visit www.agrovista.co.uk/amenity

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Four GreenMech EVO’s drive efficiency and expansion

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Four GreenMech EVO’s drive efficiency and expansion: Leading arboricultural specialists Jack Cotterill Tree Services have strengthened their operations with the addition of two EVO 205D and two EVO 205 Safe-Trak woodchippers from GreenMech.

Delivered in September 2025, the four new machines are already enhancing productivity, reliability and on-site efficiency across their expanding portfolio of tree surgery and maintenance projects.

Four GreenMech EVO’s drive efficiency and expansion

Four GreenMech EVO’s drive efficiency and expansion

With a team of 17, including 14 qualified tree surgeons, Jack Cotterill Tree Services operate nationwide, delivering top-quality tree care to both domestic and commercial clients. The recent investment made by Managing Director Jack Cotterill marks the next stage in the company’s ongoing growth and commitment to operational excellence.

“Our decision to purchase the four EVO machines was triggered by a combination of expanding our operation and modernising our fleet – with the key objective of minimising the downtime and maintenance we were experiencing with our older machines” Jack explains. “As demand for our services grows, it’s vital we invest in equipment that can keep pace, both in terms of volume and the varying demands of each job.”

After evaluating the options available, it was the EVO’s proven performance, reliability and operator-friendly features that sealed the deal for Jack, alongside GreenMech’s UK-based manufacturing and strong local support. “Having GreenMech on our doorstep gives us confidence in the availability of parts, service and support.” He adds, “It feels good to be building a strong partnership with a local business that prioritises customer service and shares our commitment to quality.”

The company’s fleet now includes both road tow and tracked EVO models, giving Jack and the team maximum flexibility for vast and varied job types and terrains. The EVO 205D’s are perfect for quick deployment across domestic jobs, while the EVO 205 Safe-Trak’s are already proving invaluable for large-scale commercial projects, those on rougher terrain and others with restricted access.

“The team really appreciate the wide infeed hoppers, no-stress feed system and overall ease of maintenance with the EVO machines. These features make the operation more efficient and user-friendly, helping us to get through jobs more quickly and safely. The build quality and quiet running are also big positives.”

Jack also praised the support provided throughout the purchase process by GreenMech, in particular Neal Hussey. “Neal has been exceptional – knowledgeable and responsive to any questions we’ve had along the way. It’s that level of service that really sets GreenMech apart” Jack concludes.

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Etesia Hydro 80 at St Marylebone Crematorium

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Etesia Hydro 80 at St Marylebone Crematorium: Tucked away in the green spaces of North London, St Marylebone Crematorium has been a place of remembrance and reflection since 1937. Its peaceful gardens and neatly kept lawns are maintained with care and precision by a dedicated grounds team, who rely on the Etesia Hydro 80 ride-on mower to help meet the site’s demanding requirements.

With large expanses of grass, tight access areas, lots of trees, and numerous formal memorial plots, the grounds pose a variety of challenges. But for Head Gardener Alan Wilkins and gardener Lee Harris, the Hydro 80 has proven to be more than up to the task.

Etesia Hydro 80 at St Marylebone Crematorium

Etesia Hydro 80 at St Marylebone Crematorium

“This will be coming up to my second year here,” says Lee. “The Hydro 80 is a great machine, especially for the tight areas where you’re getting in between flower beds. It’s a great height if you need to get under trees, and access is fantastic. It’s a powerful mower—very fast—and it picks up really well.”

Designed for versatility and efficiency, the Etesia Hydro 80 cuts and collects both long and short grass without clogging, even in wet conditions. “Even in the wet, it picks up very well,” Lee adds. “It just makes the job easier—emptying it is simple, and it’s perfect for getting into smaller gaps. I’d recommend it to anyone with big lawns or tight access.”

The machine’s compact size—just 0.82m wide—makes it ideal for a site like St Marylebone, where space between memorials is limited. But compact doesn’t mean compromise. With its 15hp Kawasaki twin-cylinder engine, hydrostatic transmission, and specially contoured deck, the Hydro 80 delivers the power and performance expected from a much larger machine.

Alan, who joined the crematorium just over a year ago, was so impressed with the mower’s longstanding performance that he had no hesitation in ordering a new one. “We actually had this exact mower previously. It had been here for five or six years, and it was so good that we just ordered the same machine again—but the updated version.”

That replacement was supplied by RT Machinery, a supplier long associated with the site. “Purchasing this machine was actually the first time I dealt with RT Machinery directly,” says Alan. “The customer service was excellent, and communication with the rep was really good. They made the whole process very straightforward and easy.”

What impressed Alan most, though, was the quality of the cut. “From my perspective, the finish is very, very good. It’s comparable to a rotary pedestrian mower in terms of the fine quality of cut—and that’s quite rare for a ride-on. Anyone working in formal gardens would appreciate that. For us, the appearance of the grass is very important.”

With an 80cm cutting width, electromagnetic blade clutch, and an integrated 240-litre grassbox that can be emptied from the seat, the Hydro 80 is built for operator convenience as well as performance. Features like anti-scalp rollers for uneven ground, fingertip controls, and a comfortable high-backed suspension seat ensure that mowing is not just effective—but also smooth and enjoyable.

“The machine is just built well,” Lee concludes. “It’s solid, reliable, easy to use, and perfect for the work we do here.”

For a site where respect, appearance, and accessibility are all key, the Etesia Hydro 80 has proven to be the ideal partner—efficient, compact, and a cut above.

A video of the Hydro 80 in action at St Marylebone Crematorium can be viewed 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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