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Silvermere Invests in Hunter Irrigation Upgrade with KAR UK

Silvermere Invests in Hunter Irrigation Upgrade with KAR UK

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Silvermere Invests in Hunter Irrigation Upgrade with KAR UK

At Silvermere Golf Course, irrigation plays a critical role in maintaining the high standards expected of its 18-hole championship parkland course. Under the guidance of Course Manager Tim Muir, the Surrey venue has undertaken a major in-house irrigation upgrade project using a range of Hunter irrigation products supplied by KAR UK.

Silvermere Invests in Hunter Irrigation Upgrade with KAR UK

Silvermere Invests in Hunter Irrigation Upgrade with KAR UK

Tim, who has been Course Manager at Silvermere for nine years, explained that the project was born out of the need to replace an ageing PVC irrigation system which had become increasingly unreliable.

“Probably four or five years ago we were running on an old PVC system, and we had endless problems with it, so we made the decision to upgrade,” he said. “We started a three-year project of an in-house irrigation install, which originally covered greens, tees and approaches.”

During the early stages of the project, Tim was introduced to KAR UK’s Carl Sharp – Golf Sales Manager UK & Ireland, who recommended a range of Hunter products including G-85, I-25 and I-20 rotors.

Following the success of the initial installation, Silvermere expanded the project further by introducing fairway irrigation across the entire course using Hunter’s G-85 golf rotors.

“The last year just gone, we decided to add fairway irrigation to the full course, which we then went with the Hunter G-85 heads,” said Tim. “They’ve been great. We’ve just finished the install now and have been running them over the last few weeks with great results, so we’re really pleased with them.”

The Hunter G-85 rotor is designed specifically for golf applications and is renowned for its durability, torque output and efficient water distribution. Its patented gear-drive system and self-cleaning design have proven particularly valuable at Silvermere.

“I really like the self-cleaning system and the way the heads run,” Tim explained. “We’ve had no problems with anything getting stuck or gears getting blocked up with sand. The throw on them is great and the nozzle ranges are amazing.”

The flexibility of the nozzle selection has enabled the Silvermere team to tailor irrigation precisely to different areas of the course.

“Some fairways tighten up in places, so we’ve adjusted certain nozzles so we’re not over spraying,” said Tim. “We’ve gone with a twin-row 180 design on the fairways, so we’re not losing loads of water into the roughs. The nozzles have allowed us to minimise the water we’re wasting and use it where we want it.”

Silvermere Invests in Hunter Irrigation Upgrade with KAR UK

Silvermere Invests in Hunter Irrigation Upgrade with KAR UK

Efficient water use was a major consideration throughout the project, particularly as the club relies heavily on mains water.

“We haven’t got endless amounts of water here,” Tim said. “We really needed to use it only where it’s needed.”

For the tees, Silvermere installed a combination of Hunter I-25 and I-20 rotors, allowing the team to match sprinkler performance to different tee sizes and layouts.

“We’ve got the I-25s on tees and I-20s on the smaller tees,” said Tim. “They’re running really well too. It’s allowed us to just water the tees and not waste any water again.”

The Hunter I-25 rotor is widely regarded for its durability and versatility, offering a large nozzle selection and built-in check valve to improve water efficiency. Meanwhile, the I-20 provides flexibility for smaller areas thanks to its broad nozzle options, vandal-proof drive mechanism and precise arc adjustment.

Tim believes the improvements in irrigation performance have already had a noticeable impact on course conditioning.

“Historically, the old heads gave uneven coverage, and we’d be out hand watering loads on corners of greens,” he said. “You wouldn’t know if it was the make-up of the greens or a problem with the irrigation, but since putting in the G-85 heads there is so much more even coverage. We still hand water in places, but it’s more shady patches now.”

Another key factor for Silvermere has been the long-term reliability of the Hunter products.

“Some of them have been in the ground three years now and we haven’t needed to touch them since we set the arc and put the nozzle in on the day they were installed,” Tim said.

Tim also praised the support and service provided throughout the project by KAR UK.

“KAR are great,” he said. “The service is good, Carl’s always been there and the supply was excellent. Everything ran smoothly, so we’d definitely recommend them.”

Looking ahead, Tim is confident that the partnership with KAR UK and Hunter irrigation products will continue long into the future.

“It has been very productive working together,” he said. “I’m sure we’ll cross paths a lot in the future and carry on working together.”

For more information, please visit www.karuk.com

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Harrowden acquires George Davies Turf & Stone

Harrowden acquires George Davies Turf & Stone

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Harrowden acquires George Davies Turf & Stone

Harrowden has acquired George Davies Turf & Stone (GDT), bringing together two highly respected businesses with shared values, complementary strengths and a shared commitment to quality, service and long-term customer relationships.

Harrowden acquires George Davies Turf & Stone

Harrowden acquires George Davies Turf & Stone

Harrowden is the UK’s largest grower and distributor of turf and mat products, with more than 60 years of experience serving the landscaping and horticultural sectors.

The acquisition follows a long-standing relationship between the two businesses, with Harrowden having been a trusted supplier to George Davies Turf & Stone for many years. It reflects a shared commitment to quality, service and doing business the right way, as well as a belief that the combined business will be stronger together than either organisation could be alone.

Founded in 2001 by George Davies, George Davies Turf & Stone has grown from a start-up business into a leading supplier of turf and landscaping materials, serving more than 3,250 trade customers and supplying approximately 1.4 million rolls of turf each year. The business employs 30 people across its Clifton Reynes and St Albans depots and has built a reputation for exceptional customer service, operational excellence and long-term customer relationships.

George Davies will remain actively involved in the business as part of the senior leadership team for at least the next three years, providing continuity for customers, suppliers and employees while helping shape the next phase of growth.

George Davies said:

“After 25 years of building George Davies Turf & Stone, this was one of the biggest decisions I’ve ever had to make. When the opportunity arose, it quickly became clear that it was the right fit for the business, our customers and our team.

“Harrowden stood out because they share many of the same values and recognise the strength of the business our team has built together. They want to build on that success rather than fundamentally change it.

“I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved over the last 25 years and excited about what comes next. I’m also delighted to be staying involved and helping shape the next chapter for the business, our customers and our team.”

George Davies Turf & Stone will continue to operate under its established brand, with customers continuing to work with the same trusted team while benefiting from the additional strength, investment and opportunities the acquisition brings.

Harrowden acquires George Davies Turf & Stone

Harrowden acquires George Davies Turf & Stone

Together, Harrowden and George Davies Turf & Stone will employ more than 130 people, operate from seven locations across the UK and have a combined turnover approaching £20 million, combining national reach with the local expertise, customer focus and service standards that have helped both organisations succeed.

Chantall Ridd-Jones, Director, Harrowden, added:

“We’ve admired what George and his team have built for a long time. George Davies Turf & Stone has an excellent reputation within the industry for the way it looks after its customers and the relationships it has built over the last 25 years.

“What stood out to us during our conversations was how closely our values align, and we’re excited about what we can achieve together, while preserving the culture and standards that have made both businesses successful. This is about building on those strengths and creating new opportunities for our customers, employees and the wider business.”

While the acquisition creates opportunities for future investment and growth, customers can continue to expect the same commitment to service, reliability and personal relationships that have always been at the heart of the business.

Harrowden and George Davies Turf & Stone are well placed to build on their shared strengths, continuing to deliver high-quality products, exceptional service and innovative solutions while building on their shared values.

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Craigielaw's commitment to championship standards continues

Craigielaw’s commitment to championship standards continues

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Craigielaw’s commitment to championship standards continues

Craigielaw Golf Club has underlined its long-term commitment to delivering championship-quality playing conditions with a significant new investment in Toro turfcare equipment and the support services of distributor Reesink Turfcare’s ReeAssure Gold package.

Craigielaw's commitment to championship standards continues

Craigielaw’s commitment to championship standards continues

The East Lothian links venue has moved to an exclusively Toro fleet following a detailed 16-month review process, with course quality, reliability and long-term support being the focus of the process.

For Course Manager Paul Hay, the move reflects the club’s ambition to continually raise standards as demands on the course increase through growing visitor play and a busy tournament calendar.

“After extensive demonstrations and discussions with suppliers, Toro and Reesink emerged as the standout choice,” Paul says. “This investment shows the club’s commitment to improving course standards and our confidence in adopting a new supplier.”

Craigielaw is hosting a number of high-profile events in 2026, including Open Regional Qualifying and the R&A Girls’ Amateur Championship, placing pressure on the team to maintain consistent presentation and performance throughout the season.

“As the demands on the course increase and the number of rounds grows each year, we need machinery we can trust to deliver.

“I’ve used Toro over my 31-year career and I always found the machines to be exceptionally well made,” he continues. “In the demonstrations that formed part of the process I was reminded of the benefits of the clever design and technology the brand offers. Things like the manoeuvrability provided by the three-wheel design of the Reelmaster 3575-D and the flexible cutting units of the Reelmaster 3100-D with Sidewinder really impressed us.”

The introduction of the SideWinder is one that delivers a significantly improved course aesthetic, says Paul: “The biggest difference is on the bunker cutting – now we can get in even closer to the bunkers and keep the tops tighter, which significantly enhances the course’s overall presentation.”

The new fleet also includes a selection of mid and heavy duty utility vehicles as well as the Greensmaster 3420 for the greens.

Alongside the machinery itself, Paul highlighted the role Reesink Turfcare played throughout the process and the reasons why he opted for the brand’s most comprehensive maintenance and servicing package.

“Reesink has provided first-class service from the outset, with excellent communication throughout,” he said. “The Gold service package we chose gives me peace of mind during one of the busiest periods in the club’s history. With fixed-cost servicing, proactive maintenance and rapid support built into the agreement, the uncertainty of unexpected repair bills and downtime during key tournament windows is removed – that reassurance is invaluable.”

Paul and the greenkeeping team also received on-site training covering both machine operation and day-to-day maintenance from Reesink’s specialists in order to maximise machine performance.

“The staff have responded very positively to the new equipment,” says Paul. “Everyone was pleased to see the fleet arrive and the benefits are already visible on the course.”

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Forestry contractor finds perfect partner in the Etesia Attila 95

Forestry contractor finds perfect partner in the Etesia Attila 95

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Forestry contractor finds perfect partner in the Etesia Attila 95

For over 18 years, Telford’s Forestry Contracting has been helping to establish and maintain woodlands across Scotland. Managing and maintaining around 10,000 hectares, the company undertakes everything from tree planting and woodland creation through to ongoing forestry maintenance, ensuring young trees have the best possible start.

Forestry contractor finds perfect partner in the Etesia Attila 95

Forestry contractor finds perfect partner in the Etesia Attila 95

With such demanding work, having the right equipment is essential. That was exactly why owner Dave Telford began searching for a brushcutter capable of working efficiently between rows of newly planted trees while tackling the challenging terrain and vegetation found on forestry sites.

His search led him to the Etesia Attila 95, a machine that has already proved its worth just weeks after joining the fleet.

“I needed something that would fit between the tree rows,” explained Dave. “The machine had to be around 39 inches wide, but it also needed plenty of power. You’re dealing with steep ground, all kinds of vegetation and rough conditions, so I wanted something with a bit of grunt that could really get through it and keep the job productive.”

Rather than arranging multiple demonstrations, Dave carried out extensive research and sought advice from trusted contacts within the industry.

“I spoke to a lot of people and Etesia kept coming up. Then you watch videos online and see the reputation the machines have. I bought it based on that reputation and it’s definitely paid off.”

The Attila 95 has been put straight to work mowing between rows of young trees, where its combination of power, manoeuvrability and productivity has impressed from day one.

“It covers the ground really quickly,” said Dave. “It’s a good piece of kit and it leaves an excellent finish. Once the job’s done, it just looks tidy. The clients love it because the finished result is spot on.”

Designed specifically for demanding vegetation management, the Attila 95 combines a 95 cm cutting width with powerful brushcutting performance, making it capable of tackling dense growth while maintaining productivity of up to 12,000m² per hour. Its hydrostatic drive, low centre of gravity and excellent traction also allow operators to work confidently on slopes of up to 30 degrees.

One feature that has particularly stood out for Dave is the quality of cut, even when working in long vegetation.

“What I’ve noticed is that even if you have the cutting deck set at its highest position, around 120 millimetres, the finish is still excellent. You’d think it was cutting much lower because it leaves it looking so tidy.

“With a lot of machines I’ve hired in the past, when the grass is long, you’re driving over it and it just gets flattened rather than cut, so it looks like you’ve simply driven through it. The Etesia doesn’t do that. It cuts properly as you go. It’s just a really good design.”

Like any contractor, reliability and ease of maintenance were also high on Dave’s priority list. Downtime on remote forestry sites can be costly, making straightforward servicing a major advantage.

“I wanted something that was easy to fix if anything happened. The blades are really simple to change, so if you damage one onsite it’s literally a couple of minutes and you’re back working. You don’t have to lose half a day taking it back to the workshop. That’s a massive benefit for us.”

Dave purchased the machine through Lothian Turf Tech, where he received first-class support from Richard Fairnie and the team.

“I’d never dealt with them before, but they were recommended to me and they were absolutely brilliant.

“Richard brought the machine to me at a time that suited me, gave me a full demonstration and showed me everything I needed to know. I’d never even seen the machine before, but by the time he’d finished I was completely confident using it.

“The after-sales support has been excellent and the whole experience has been fantastic.”

Although it’s still early days, Dave has no doubts that investing in the Attila 95 was the right decision.

“It’s 100% been worthwhile,” he said. “Like any piece of equipment, it takes time to pay for itself, but this machine will pay for itself very quickly. There’s no doubt about that.”

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

For the latest industry news visit turfmatters.co.uk/news

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STIHL celebrates dealer excellence at landmark STIHL 100 Dealer Conference

STIHL celebrates dealer excellence at landmark STIHL 100 Dealer Conference

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STIHL celebrates dealer excellence at landmark STIHL 100 Dealer Conference

STIHL GB has celebrated the achievements of its dealer network at its STIHL 100 Dealer Conference, bringing together STIHL Approved Dealers from across the country for a landmark event marking the company’s centenary year.

STIHL celebrates dealer excellence at landmark STIHL 100 Dealer Conference

STIHL celebrates dealer excellence at landmark STIHL 100 Dealer Conference

The event marked 100 years since Andreas Stihl founded the business in 1926 and provided an opportunity to recognise the vital role STIHL’s dealer network continues to play in delivering expert advice, service and support to customers nationwide.

The conference, held at STIHL’s British HQ, Contra House, had a celebratory atmosphere with a three-course dinner, live music and a STIHL 100 ice carving made by Mat Chaloner of Glacial Art ice sculptors, carved with a STIHL battery chainsaw for the occasion.

A highlight of the conference was the STIHL Dealer Awards, hosted by renowned garden designer, broadcaster and writer Joe Swift*, who presented awards recognising excellence across the dealer network.

Among the evening’s major winners were Sam Turners & Sons, who received the Marketing Excellence Award, Gammies Groundcare, who received the Leading Battery Dealer award, and Louise Danbury-Peters from Ibbetts who was recognised with the Star of the Dealership Award. Additional awards were presented across a range of categories celebrating outstanding business performance, customer service, and technical expertise.

The final award of the night, the STIHL 100 Award, was presented to Ron Smith & Co. for all-round excellence, recognising their consistent growth and commitment to the highest standards across every part of the business. As well as the award itself, director Mark Smith was presented with a Centennial Edition MS 500i chainsaw, which was launched in May to celebrate the company’s historic anniversary, and sold out in less than a week.

Kay Green, Managing Director of STIHL GB, said: “As we celebrate 100 years of STIHL, it is fitting that we recognise the people who have played such an important role in our success. Our dealer network has always been at the heart of the STIHL business, providing customers with trusted advice, expert support and exceptional service.

The STIHL 100 Dealer Conference was a fantastic opportunity to get together, reflect on our shared achievements and celebrate the outstanding individuals and businesses that continue to set the standard across the network. Congratulations to all of this year’s winners and finalists on their well-deserved recognition.”

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.

Find the full list of award winners below:

  • Marketing Excellence Award – Sam Turner & Sons
  • Leading Parts & Accessories Dealer – Hire Services (Southern)
  • Customer Service & Aftercare Award – Sam Turner & Sons
  • Leading Retail Experience Award – Balmers
  • Technician of the Year – Wayne Bodinnar, Tudor Environmental
  • Star of the Dealership – Louise Danbury-Peters, Ibbetts
  • Leading Garden Machinery Dealer – Ron Smith & Co
  • Leading Battery Dealer – Gammies Groundcare Ltd
  • Leading Commercial Solutions Dealer – Denbigh Plant Services
  • Leading Forestry & Arb Dealer – Gustharts
  • STIHL 100 Award – Ron Smith & Co

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