Turf News is the perfect place for professionals working within the UK’s vibrant turf industry – keeping you up-to-date with topical news, latest market developments and much more across all areas of the industry.
NEWS ARTICLES

ISEKI and Ipswich Town FC: A Winning Combination

/in , , /by

ISEKI and Ipswich Town FC: A Winning Combination: For over 20 years, Ipswich Town Football Club has trusted Iseki to help maintain pristine playing surfaces, ensuring every team at the club trains and plays on world class pitches.

This long-standing relationship has been built on quality, customer service, and a collaborative approach to finding the best solutions to evolving ground care demands. As Grounds Manager Ben Connell explains, Iseki’s proximity to the club has strengthened the bond, but the machines’ performance and reliability keep Ipswich Town coming back.

ISEKI and Ipswich Town FC: A Winning Combination

ISEKI and Ipswich Town FC: A Winning Combination

“The relationship with Iseki began before my time here, but it’s a strong working relationship that’s been going on for over 20 years,” Ben explains. “We’re not just using Iseki because they’re local, but because we’re very happy with all of the machinery and the versatility and quality it provides.”

From routine pitch maintenance to major renovations, ISEKI’s versatile range of tractors and mowers ensures Ipswich Town can maintain the highest standards across Playford Road training ground and at Portman Road.

SXG327: Elevating Presentation and Efficiency

One of the latest additions to Ipswich Town’s fleet is the Iseki SXG327, chosen specifically to enhance the presentation of areas surrounding the pitches at the training ground.

Ben explains: “We wanted a slightly different approach to tidying up the off-pitch areas. We’ve been using the TXG for many years with the under-slung mower, which doesn’t collect, and we really wanted to improve the presentation.

“So, we’ve gone for the SXG327 with the collector on the back, and the suction is fantastic. It keeps everything very tidy when we’re cutting, and it can get into every area we need it to. The team was thrilled when we got one, and they were all really happy to work with it.”

Beyond aesthetics, the SXG delivers significant time savings, especially during peak growth seasons.

“It’s not just about presentation; it’s also about efficiency,” Ben continues. “Instead of raking up excess grass, the SXG collects as it cuts. It’s a game-changer, particularly in the spring when the growth really takes off, and you’re cutting the off-pitch areas for the first time.”

TG Series: The Workhorse of the Grounds Team

While the SXG keeps off-pitch areas immaculate, the TG series takes care of the heavier lifting across all Ipswich Town’s grounds. They offer the versatility needed for a wide range of tasks, and the ability to quickly switch implements is an indispensable asset.

“The TGs are the workhorses of the grounds team,” Ben begins. “They’re incredibly versatile. We don’t need a specialist tractor for every job because we can just switch the implement and keep going.

“We use them for aeration, pitch maintenance, renovations, and seeding. Whether we’re stripping pitches with a Koro, sand spreading, or seeding, the TG handles it all. The tractor has good space, and the team really appreciates the air conditioning in the summer.”

TH Series: Power and Precision for Heavy Lifting

The TH series brings essential lifting and loading capabilities to the Ipswich Town grounds team. Designed for versatility and efficiency, this tractor plays a vital role in handling bulk materials, moving essential equipment, and assisting with pitch renovations. Its powerful front loader allows grounds staff to quickly and efficiently scoop and transport grass, sand, and other materials.

Durability is crucial for Ben and his team, and the TH series is built to withstand the rigours of daily use in a demanding environment. Its compact size makes it ideal for navigating the club’s grounds without causing unnecessary damage to the pitches. Whether preparing the stadium surface or maintaining the training ground, the TH’s reliable performance ensures the team can focus on delivering top-tier playing conditions for the players.

Stadium Tractors: A Tailored Approach

With Premier League football at Portman Road in the 2024/25 season, every match is watched by millions, making pitch perfection a top priority. Working with local Iseki dealer Ernest Doe, Ben wanted to address the weight of the machines and decided to use a cabless tractor on the stadium pitch with galaxy flotation turf tyres to eliminate any wheel marks.

“We’ve got two Isekis at the stadium—a TXG for smaller jobs like pulling trailers and a slightly larger 35-horsepower TH for more demanding tasks,” Ben explains. “The TH is fitted with galaxy turf tyres to minimise the impact on the pitch because we sometimes put a small seeder on the back of it. So, having those tyres allows us to maintain the playing surface with confidence that we won’t cause any damage.”

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

Get all of the big headlines, pictures, opinions and videos on stories that matter to you.

Follow us on Twitter and Instagram for fun, fresh and engaging content.

You can also find us on Facebook for more of your must-see news, features, videos and pictures from Turf Matters.

Makita doubles battery warranty

/in , , /by

Makita doubles battery warranty: Leading power tool manufacturer Makita UK is enhancing its standard factory warranty policy on batteries from one to two years. Since the 1st April 2025, any genuine Makita battery purchased will automatically qualify for a two-year standard warranty without requiring any product registration, and this applies to XGT, LXT and CXT battery platforms.

Makita offers an extensive collection of power tools, cleaning machines, landscaping equipment, and more. Developed using market leading battery technology, the Makita range provides professionals with the ability to work flexibly, and for long periods of time. The increase in the standard factory warranty offers further confidence to users in the quality and reliability of Makita batteries.

Makita doubles battery warranty

Makita doubles battery warranty

“Makita batteries are developed using the latest technology to ensure products are powerful and built for tough, long-term professional use,” commented Tony Coleman, Technical Services Manager at Makita UK. “The new warranty applies to all genuine Makita batteries purchased in the UK from 1st April 2025 onwards and these batteries will automatically qualify without the need to register them. This is a clear indication of our confidence in the technology that underpins all of our products, as well as our commitment to supporting tradespeople across the UK.”

For more information about the warranty terms and conditions, or to explore Makita’s extensive range of products, visit: www.makitauk.com or speak to your local Makita merchant.

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

Get all of the big headlines, pictures, opinions and videos on stories that matter to you.

Follow us on Twitter and Instagram for fun, fresh and engaging content.

You can also find us on Facebook for more of your must-see news, features, videos and pictures from Turf Matters.

Scissor-like perfection this spring

/in , /by

Scissor-like perfection this spring: Bring a precise and perfect finish to greens this spring with Toro’s genuine bedknives and cylinders.

As warmer temperatures create the ideal conditions for fast turf growth, increasing the frequency of cuts while maintaining a clean, consistent finish becomes essential.

Scissor-like perfection this spring

Scissor-like perfection this spring

But increased use doesn’t mean anything other than the perfect finish with Toro genuine bedknives and cylinders. They are engineered to be perfectly balanced, delivering a scissor-like result for the greatest precision and healthiest turf.

As the UK’s sole distributor of Toro parts, Reesink Turfcare is reminding customers that genuine is best for a flawless cut on every pass. Reesink’s support ensures golf clubs are equipped with the durable and reliable performance parts they need to keep their machines – and their courses – in peak condition.

Michael Hampton, Purchasing and Sales Process Manager at Reesink Turfcare, explains: “At this time of year, bedknives and cylinders are in near-constant use. These are high-wear parts that directly affect the quality of cut, so using genuine Toro replacements is key: they’re manufactured to fit the original machine perfectly and ensure top performance from the first cut to the last.”

Toro genuine parts are built with the same engineering expertise that goes into every machine on the production line. With rigorous testing and high-quality materials, they’re designed for long-lasting performance and reduced downtime – something no aftermarket ‘will-fit’ alternative can match.

“If the bedknife isn’t perfectly flat, it won’t touch the entire length of the cylinder to deliver a precision cut. And that’s an essential part of how a cylinder mower is built,” says Michael. “Fitting anything less than the real thing risks causing inconsistent results, uneven finishes and avoidable wear on your machines.”

Reesink Turfcare is committed to supporting greenkeeping professionals with the parts and advice they need to keep their equipment in top condition, improving overall performance and longevity.

“We know budgets are under pressure,” Michael adds. “But cutting corners with critical components like these might lead to higher costs over time due to increased downtime or premature machine wear caused by non-genuine parts. That’s why we’re proud to support our dealers in providing customers with the highest-quality Toro parts. Making the right investment now will pay dividends throughout the season.”

The full range of Toro bedknives and cylinders is available through all Toro dealers and Reesink branches across the UK. To find your nearest Toro dealer or Reesink branch, visit reesinkturfcare.co.uk.

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

Get all of the big headlines, pictures, opinions and videos on stories that matter to you.

Follow us on Twitter and Instagram for fun, fresh and engaging content.

You can also find us on Facebook for more of your must-see news, features, videos and pictures from Turf Matters.

Tubex Expands UK’s Largest Tree Shelter Collection

/in , /by

Tubex Expands UK’s Largest Tree Shelter Collection: Tubex is kicking off 2025 with a major expansion of its tree shelter Collection and Recycling Programme, making it easier than ever for landowners and tree planters to recycle used shelters responsibly.

With 1.1 million tree shelters recycled to date, the UK’s first dedicated scheme of its kind is growing once again, with the addition of more locations and partners committed to sustainable forestry practices.

Tubex Expands UK’s Largest Tree Shelter Collection

Tubex Expands UK’s Largest Tree Shelter Collection

Tubex has built on the scheme’s success in 2024 by working closely with more partners and distributors to expand the network for 2025, with new collection points, including West Chevington, RSK Whittington and Alba Trees Ltd, joining the list.

These new locations accompany Tubex’s existing partners such as Yorkshire Dales Millenium Trust, Tilhill, Maydencroft, Green-tech and others, helping to grow the hub network to over 25 sites across the UK. This year’s expansion ensures even greater accessibility for landowners and tree planters looking to dispose of used shelters responsibly, either by dropping them off at a hub for free or by booking doorstep collection for a small fee.

The Tubex Tree Shelter Collection and Recycling Programme accepts used polypropylene or polyethylene tree shelters or mesh tubes from all manufacturers. All materials collected are recycled into new shelters, reinforcing Tubex’s ongoing commitment to a circular economy where materials are reused, and waste is minimised. As confirmed by independent research, collection and recycling represent the lowest impact option when tree shelters are used*, making this the most responsible avenue for landowners.

Pete Stevens, Business Development Manager at Tubex, said: “The growth of our Collection and Recycling Programme shows what can be achieved through strong collaboration and shared sustainability values. Our goal has always been to make it easier for landowners to ensure shelters aren’t left in the environment, and the expanded hub network means more people than ever can do the right thing.”

“We are proud of the community of stakeholders who have helped make this programme what it is today,” added Pete. “By working together, we are driving real progress in how the industry approaches tree shelter use and disposal, and we look forward to continuing that journey this year.”

To find the nearest collection hub, book a shelter pick-up, or learn more about the programme, visit: https://tubex.com/sustainability/tree-shelter-collection-recycling-programme/

* https://discovery.ucl.ac.uk/id/eprint/10130156/

For any media inquiries, please contact tubex@nmpr.co.uk

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

Get all of the big headlines, pictures, opinions and videos on stories that matter to you.

Follow us on Twitter and Instagram for fun, fresh and engaging content.

You can also find us on Facebook for more of your must-see news, features, videos and pictures from Turf Matters.

Introducing the EcoTech Lynx, Panther and Hornet

/in , , /by

Introducing the EcoTech Lynx, Panther and Hornet: PSD Groundscare is proud to announce the UK launch of three, high-performance, tracked remote-controlled machines from EcoTech: the Lynx & Panther Rotary Mowers, and the Hornet Flail Mower.

Designed to tackle the most challenging terrains with power, precision, and safety, these advanced mowers are redefining steep slope management for professionals across forestry, municipal maintenance, and environmental conservation.

Introducing the EcoTech Lynx, Panther and Hornet

Introducing the EcoTech Lynx, Panther and Hornet

Unrivalled & Versatile Performance

Built with cutting-edge technology and a commitment to sustainability, the EcoTech Lynx, Panther, and Hornet offer unmatched manoeuvrability, power, and control. Whether clearing dense undergrowth, high grass or maintaining steep inclines, these machines provide a fast and cost-effective solution.

Key Features & Benefits:

✅ Remote-Control Operation – Enhances operator safety by allowing users to operate from a distance, reducing exposure to hazards such as steep slopes, rocky terrain, dense vegetation or exposure to Hand Arm or Whole Body Vibration.

✅ Steep Slope Maintenance – Each machine is designed for working on slopes up to 55 degrees.

✅ High-Torque Tracked System – Ensures maximum traction and stability, making the Lynx, Panther, and Hornet ideal for steep slopes and undulating areas.

✅ No Track Loss – Features a patented system preventing the loss of tracks.

✅ High Output – The Lynx & Panther cut in reverse direction as well as forwards, making mowing incredibly quick & efficient.

✅ Superb Versatility – The Lynx & Panther, with different cutting widths and the Hornet with adjustable tracks, offer suitable cutting widths for various applications enhancing their versatility.

✅ Powerful Cutting Performance – Engineered with robust cutting decks and high-performance blades to efficiently clear thick brush, self-seeded trees, and overgrown areas.

✅ Eco-Friendly Efficiency – Equipped with low-emission engines and fuel-efficient technology to reduce its environmental impact whilst delivering maximum power.

✅ Specialized Designs for Every Need:

  • Lynx: 85cm cutting width – Ideal for compact, confined areas requiring precision cutting and transporting in vehicles.
  • Panther: 100cm cutting width – Built for larger area, heavy-duty operations.
  • Hornet: 100cm wide front flail mower, with a hydraulic opening front flap and adjustable tracks, designed for tackling extreme slopes with ease.

The EcoTech Hornet: Innovation at Its Finest

The EcoTech Hornet, a state-of-the-art remote-controlled tracked flail mower built for the toughest mowing conditions, featuring a patented hydraulic track adjustment, ensures maximum grip and stability on steep and uneven terrain. Powered by a Honda iGXV 800 twin-cylinder electronic fuel-injected Stage V engine, it delivers 26 HP of reliable performance, making it the ultimate solution for professionals who demand durability and power.

These remote-controlled machines are now available in the UK exclusively through PSD Groundscare and their dealer network, a trusted distributor of premium professional landscaping and groundscare equipment.

Stuart Mercer, PSD Sales Director, comments:
“EcoTech has developed these cutting-edge machines with the needs of contractors, forestry professionals, municipalities, and landowners in mind. By combining power, safety, and sustainability, the Lynx, Panther, and Hornet are transforming the way we manage overgrown landscapes. Only by seeing these machines in action can you fully appreciate the results they offer”.

We’re proud to offer a growing network of dealers across the UK, making it even easier to access our range of high-performance equipment. Should you require more information, wish to make an enquiry, or would like to request a demonstration, please visit www.psdgroundscare.co.uk or contact PSD Groundscare at:

✉ Email: enquiries@psdgroundscare.com
☎ Tel: 01282 856819

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

Get all of the big headlines, pictures, opinions and videos on stories that matter to you.

Follow us on Twitter and Instagram for fun, fresh and engaging content.

You can also find us on Facebook for more of your must-see news, features, videos and pictures from Turf Matters.