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Agrovista Invests in Robotics & Expands Line Marking Team

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Agrovista Invests in Robotics & Expands Line Marking Team: Agrovista Amenity is enhancing its line marking capabilities with a major investment in robotic technology and key industry appointments.

As part of this strategy, the company has secured an exclusive partnership with XDC Autonomous Solutions for the distribution of the RM21 Combo Mower in the UK and Ireland. Alongside this, the appointment of David Mitchell as Line Marking Business Development Manager reinforces Agrovista Amenity’s commitment to innovation and expertise in the sector.

Agrovista Invests in Robotics & Expands Line Marking Team

Agrovista Invests in Robotics & Expands Line Marking Team

The RM21, distributed exclusively by XDC, is a game-changing piece of equipment that combines line marking and mowing in a single unit. Unlike traditional line marking robots or standalone mowers, the RM21 can autonomously cut and mark a pitch. Its modular design also includes a growing range of attachments, such as an automated dew brush, a grass collector, and a ball picker for driving ranges, making it a versatile asset for grounds teams across various sectors.

Dan Hughes, Agrovista Amenity’s Head of Commercial, highlighted the importance of this collaboration:

“After five years of growing our amenity, landscape, and consumer business, we identified line marking as an area where we could apply our expertise and leverage cutting-edge technology. The RM21 is not just a line marker – it’s a complete solution with the potential to revolutionise grounds management. Partnering with XDC ensures that we can bring this technology to market with the technical support, training, and after-sales service that our customers expect.”

Under the agreement, Agrovista Amenity will be the exclusive distributor and seller of the RM21, while XDC provides technical sales support, training, and service backup. This allows Agrovista Amenity to leverage its extensive network of over 40 representatives to promote the RM21 effectively, while XDC focuses on delivering expert technical assistance.

To strengthen its position in the line marking market, Agrovista Amenity has appointed David Mitchell as Line Marking Business Development Manager. With six years of experience at Linemark UK, a manufacturer of paint and machinery for line marking, David brings a deep understanding of the sector.

“I see this as an opportunity to develop a strong line marking offering with the right products and people. The RM21 is a fantastic machine, and with the expertise of XDC and Agrovista Amenity’s resources, we have a real opportunity to deliver a competitive, easy-to-use product that enhances operations.”

Matt Murray, XDC’s Director of Sales, expressed his enthusiasm about the partnership and highlighted the RM21’s distinctive advantages:

“The RM21 is a truly unique product – the only combo line marking mower in the world. Not only does it offer significant time and cost savings, but its versatility opens up new possibilities for grounds management. With Agrovista Amenity’s established market presence and extensive sales network, we see this as the perfect opportunity to introduce this groundbreaking technology to a wider audience.”

David also highlighted the growing role of robotic technology in the industry: “The RM21 is not here to replace staff but to support them. Grounds teams face increasing demands, and automation can handle time-consuming tasks, allowing them to focus on more technical aspects of their work. The feedback we’ve received so far has been overwhelmingly positive.

Many customers who previously used other GPS line marking solutions have made the switch, recognising the RM21’s superior value for money and future-proof capabilities.”

Agrovista Amenity’s investment in robotics is part of a long-term strategy to provide innovative solutions that meet the evolving needs of grounds teams. While the initial focus is on the RM21, discussions are already underway to explore the potential for offering a wider range of robotic solutions in the future.

As Agrovista Amenity continues to expand its line marking division and explore new technologies, the company remains committed to delivering solutions that combine innovation, efficiency, and reliability.

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

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Segway extends its Navimow robotic lawnmower range

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Segway extends its Navimow robotic lawnmower range: Segway Navimow has launched the X3 Series, the latest addition to its portfolio of boundary-cord-free robotic lawnmowers.

The range consists of four new models – the X315, X330, X350 and X390 – and is designed to handle unprecedented lawn sizes with precision, mowing areas of up to 10,000m² (the equivalent of one and a half football pitches). The X3 Series joins the popular i Series and H Series models in the Navimow line-up, which are used by over 170,000 customers globally.

Segway extends its Navimow robotic lawnmower range

Segway extends its Navimow robotic lawnmower range

Optimised performance to tackle larger lawns

Boasting ultra-fast charging capabilities, 6 blades, an anti-clogging blade disc and accelerated mowing speed, the Navimow X3 Series operates at an efficiency level two times faster than the industry average. The machine can cover a 5,000m² mowing area within just 24 hours, making it the ideal solution for handling bigger lawns. This is bolstered by expanded coverage per charge, tending to gardens or fields as large as 1,200m² before the battery runs out.

TÜV Rheinland has endorsed the high-performance credentials of the X3 Series, awarding it the certification for high mowing efficiency after extensive testing. This is the first time a robotic lawnmower has been granted this accolade, underlining the X3 Series’ position at the forefront of mowing innovation.

EFLS 3.0: Precision positioning and extended signal coverage

Segway has upgraded its Exact Fusion Location System (EFLS) for the X3 Series, introducing EFLS version 3.0. This features major upgrades in Real-Time Kinematic (RTK) coverage, Visual Simultaneous Localisation and Mapping (VSLAM), and Visual Inertial Odometry (VIO) technology. This state-of-the-art system ensures unparalleled stability and precision, even in challenging signal environments.

Powered by a customised chip from STMicroelectronics, a world-leading microelectronics manufacturer, the self-developed 3-frequency RTK system increases signal coverage by 20-30%. This mitigates against blind spots that block reception, such as narrow passages or areas under high rooftops. Dual RTK antennas are equipped to address complex layouts, for example properties with both front and back yards, with an extra antenna installed to provide extended signal coverage and unbeatable stability.

Upgraded VisionFence with 300° view

Enhanced VisionFence technology, a solution specifically designed to deliver efficient AI route planning, bolsters the X3 Series with a 300° field of view that enables highly reliable obstacle avoidance. Powered by 3 cameras and a Time-of-Flight (ToF) sensor with a 0.1-2 metre sensory range, hazard detection (including suspended objects such as swings, trampolines, and hanging decorations) is significantly improved. The recognition capabilities of the X3 Series extend to over 200 different obstacle types, ensuring smooth, intuitive navigation.

Additional features that increase user experience and usability include a dot matrix screen that communicates status updates, theft alerts and GPS tracking, smart speaker integration, and a design equipped to handle slopes of up to 50% (27°).

Unlocking new possibilities through the Expansion Bay 

The Expansion Bay with open API allows customers to integrate product extensions tailored to their personal needs.

George Ren, CEO of Segway Navimow BU, commented: “Built to tackle larger areas and layouts of varying levels of complexity, the X3 Series is tailormade for a new market that stands to benefit from the efficiency and accuracy of robotic mowers. Not only can it fulfil the needs of households with larger gardens requiring significant maintenance, its capabilities extend to commercial use where the X3 Series can help estates managers, local councils and many more save time and achieve outstanding results.

“This latest addition to the Navimow portfolio perfectly complements our i Series and H Series ranges. We are now able to meet the diverse range of requirements of UK gardeners, offering autonomous and highly efficient mowing for lawns of all shapes and sizes.”

Price

Prices for each model are as follows: X315E – £2,199, X330E – £2,599, X350E – £3,199, X390E – £4,299

Availability

X3 series will be available through authorised dealer shops. Customers can find the closest dealer shop to their home via Navimow’s website: https://navimow.segway.com/en-gb/pages/channel

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Pleasington Golf Club reopens after course upgrade

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Pleasington Golf Club reopens after course upgrade: Pleasington Golf Club will reopen all 18 holes to visitors on April 10 following a £1 million course upgrade.

The venue, rated among Golf Monthly magazine’s Top 200 Courses in the UK & Ireland and the No.1 heathland course in Lancashire, has undergone an extensive five-year renovation.

Pleasington Golf Club reopens after course upgrade

Pleasington Golf Club reopens after course upgrade

General Manager, Mark Bleasdale, commented: “The course has undergone a remarkable transformation and is looking sensational and playing magnificently.

“We’ve enhanced every aspect of the playing experience from tee to green, including the reshaping of every bunker. We look forward to welcoming back visitors from across the North West and further afield, including the many golf travellers who stop off on their way to and from Scotland.”

As a 12-time Open Qualifying venue, Pleasington Golf Club has firmly established itself as one of the country’s top golf destinations.

The high heathland layout offers golfers a rewarding challenge with stunning views to the Pennines, Lakes and Fylde coast, where exceptional golf and breathtaking scenery meet.

Just one hour from Liverpool, Manchester and Leeds, Pleasington Golf Club is easily accessible via the M6 motorway, making it ideally situated for golfers travelling from both near and far.

To book your tee time, please visit: https://www.pleasington-golf.co.uk/visitors/visitors-green-fees/

For more information on Pleasington Golf Club, please view the Digital Brochure

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

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EGO drills down on earth and ice

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EGO drills down on earth and ice: EGO Power+, a leading specialist of battery-powered outdoor power equipment, is turning heads with the release of its first Auger Power Head.

A crucial piece of equipment for landscaping, earthmoving, groundworks, agriculture, fencing and utilities installation, the new PHA7400E Auger Power Head is joining EGO’s range of battery-powered outdoor tools, expanding the options for existing EGO customers looking for new ways to use their batteries.

EGO drills down on earth and ice

EGO drills down on earth and ice

The Auger Power Head is compatible with EGO’s ETA0800E 20cm Earth Auger Bit and the ITA0800E 20cm Ice Auger Bit. These enable the Auger to be used for drilling fence posts, planting trees or bushes and drilling large holes into the ground or ice with ease.

While petrol-powered Augers have dominated in the past, the PHA7400E is one of the first battery-powered Augers to join the market. It has already proven popular with new build developers, as EGO’s industry-leading 56V ARC LithiumTM batteries are a cleaner, more convenient option to petrol. The tool is also lighter in weight and more durable than petrol alternatives, which can be heavy and require more maintenance.

EGO’s Auger provides effortless drilling as users can enjoy tailored control with two-speed settings, a variable speed trigger and a reverse function, all of which make for simple operating. It is also very easy to switch between bits.

For enhanced comfort and user safety, the tool’s handles have been designed ergonomically while the anti-kickback system reduces the risk of injury. The tool also offers great balance, high strength, and reliability while the powerful 74Nm of torque makes light work of drilling through both soil and ice.

Both available bits are 20cm in length and feature a 22mm connection for quick, easy, and secure fitting, as well as an anti-corrosion powder coat finish.

The PHA7400E Auger Power Head retails at £309 and the Earth and Ice Bits retail separately at £99 and £119 respectively.

To learn more visit: https://egopowerplus.eu/node/3364

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Etesia UK Hosts Successful Dealer Day

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Etesia UK Hosts Successful Dealer Day: Etesia UK recently welcomed dealers from across the UK and Ireland to an insightful and engaging dealer day at Primrose Hill Farm in Oxfordshire. Attendees gathered to explore Etesia’s latest product innovations, gain industry insights, and connect with key figures in the sector.

A major highlight of the day was the official UK launch of the Pellenc Essential range, which generated significant interest among dealers looking to expand their battery-powered offerings. In addition, four new models were unveiled in the ET Lander range, further strengthening Etesia’s commitment to delivering high-performance, eco-friendly solutions.

Etesia UK Hosts Successful Dealer Day

Etesia UK Hosts Successful Dealer Day

Attendees were also treated to an exclusive preview of new battery and flail products, which are set to be officially launched at GroundsFest this September. These innovations signal Etesia’s continued investment in battery technology, reflecting the growing shift within the industry towards sustainable equipment.

The dealer day featured an impressive line-up of speakers, offering valuable insights across a range of topics:

  • Thomas Meyher, President of Etesia SAS – Highlighted the company’s global vision and ongoing commitment to innovation.
  • Leo Copping, Kramp – Discussed Etesia’s partnership with Kramp and the importance of efficient parts stocking.
  • Matt Fasham, AEA – Delivered an informative session on the safe handling and storage of batteries.
  • Nick Darking, BAGMA – Outlined the benefits of BAGMA membership and its relevance to dealers.
  • Andy Stafferton – Spoke about working capital finance and stocking plans, helping dealers navigate financial considerations.

Attendees were split into three groups and rotated between three stations, allowing them to experience a variety of interactive sessions. This approach ensured that dealers had ample opportunity to engage with the new products and deepen their understanding of Etesia’s latest offerings.

The event left a lasting impression on attendees, with many praising the opportunity to see new equipment up close, as well as the balance between practical demonstrations and informative presentations.

Nathan Lewis, Lewis Gardening Services, appreciated the opportunity to learn about new battery technology:

“It has been a great day; good to come and see kit that I know and have used, but it has also been nice to see the new and upcoming kit from Etesia. The speakers have enlightened me on some battery equipment that I wasn’t aware of regarding safety, so it has been a good and insightful event.”

Etesia UK Hosts Successful Dealer Day

Etesia UK Hosts Successful Dealer Day

Scott Reynolds, RT Machinery, emphasised the value of staying informed about evolving technologies:

“The new products that we’ve seen today have been an eye-opener. A huge amount of our customers are talking about battery products every single day and are introducing them into their businesses. It has been a really good event – a great balance between indoor presentations and hands-on demonstrations.”

With the growing emphasis on battery technology and the unveiling of exciting new products, Etesia UK continues to strengthen its position as a leader in providing sustainable, high-performance equipment for the landscaping and groundscare sectors.

A video overview of the day can be found by clicking 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 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

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

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