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First AODES dealers appointed

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First AODES dealers appointed: Following their appointment as AODES ATV/UTV UK distributor, BOSS Off-Road Vehicles has announced the first dealers for the Pathcross ATVs and Workcross UTVs.

AODES was established over thirty years ago and is headquartered in Shandong, China, with a USA R&D and distribution centre in California. Sold in more than 100 countries, AODES are described as vehicles for work or play and designed to navigate off-road paths with ease, seamlessly merging professional utility with outdoor comfort. BOSS ORV showed the AODES at the LAMMA Agricultural Show 2025, where they garnered immediate interest from dealers.

First AODES dealers appointed

First AODES dealers appointed

The first of these to be appointed are J&R Agricultural Engineering and DJS Hydraulics Agricultural and Plant Repairs. J&R Agricultural is a tractor and machinery sales and repair business incorporating ATV and UTV sales and service. The company is based in the Looe area in Southeast Cornwall and has over thirty years in the industry covering Cornwall and South Devon. They are already BOSS-distributed Corvus Off-Road Vehicle dealers and say the AODES make a natural complement for their off-road vehicle customers’ requirements.

DJS Hydraulics Agricultural and Plant Repairs’ main centre is in Amlwch, Anglesey with a second depot in Bangor. They too are already Corvus dealers and also see the AODES as the ideal addition for their customers’ needs across the North Wales agricultural communities they have been supplying since 2007. They are looking forward to offering a full sales, service and support package throughout their territory. For more information about BOSS ORV distributed products you can call 01785 561046 E-mail: sales@bossorv.co.uk Web: www.bossorv.co.uk

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Ace ATV and ATVS Only merge

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Ace ATV and ATVS Only merge: Ace ATV has merged with ATVS Only, the UK’s leading ATV and quad after-market parts suppliers. Based in Newton Purcell, Buckingham, ATVS Only distributes nationally and internationally and is the only dedicated importer and distributor specialising in parts and accessories for the Sports ATV industry, including side-by-side UTVs and sports quad performance requirements.

With completion of this merger, the company will become a division of Ace ATV, the specialist ATV supplier based in the West Midlands, with over 100 years of combined experience in the agricultural machinery trade. Ace Managing Director Murray Boss, himself an agricultural engineer, was the founder of Ace ATV before he moved on to start ATVS Only (previously R&P ATV) with Peter Rumsey in 2005. Following the merger on the 31st of March 2025, the ATVS Only business will continue as usual, he says, with the same staff, premises and contact details.

Ace ATV and ATVS Only merge

Ace ATV and ATVS Only merge

Reputation

“ATVS Only has built a reputation over 35 years as the leading after-market parts supplier,” says Murray, “and the people and staff are totally committed to the ATV industry, with experience dating back to the late 1980s when Pete started supplying Race quad accessories. What we will do is expand the business from its solid base with the introduction of more utility products and manufacturers’ OE parts for ATVs and UTVs to create a one-stop parts depot.” Originally trade only, ATVS Only expanded into retail while maintaining supplies to dealers with a separate portal for ordering trade parts.

“We have been in talks with many of the world’s leading manufacturers.” Murray says. “Ace ATV are already official dealers for Yamaha, Kawasaki, Kymco, Corvus, CanAm and Logic, with 18 years Polaris experience, and a vast stock of spare parts for repairs and servicing. Bringing the two sides together, the expansion will harmonise the stock with far more items, including OE parts, held in the UK for fast and efficient delivery, usually arriving within one to two working days.”
Ace ATV can be contacted on 01527 578 668 Email:sales@aceatv.co.uk www.aceatv.co.uk www.atvsonly.co.uk

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Agrovista Amenity an approved distributor of Lanzarta

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Agrovista Amenity an approved distributor of Lanzarta: Agrovista Amenity is pleased to announce its appointment as an approved distributor of Lanzarta, the newly authorised solution for controlling Hylobius abietis (large pine weevil) in Sitka spruce and other pine woodland.

The recent Emergency Authorisation (EA) for Lanzarta, manufactured by Syngenta, marks a significant milestone for the UK forestry sector, enabling forestry managers to safeguard newly planted and naturally regenerating saplings from the damaging effects of Hylobius weevil. The authorisation, secured by Confor (Confederation of Forest Industries) on behalf of the industry, permits the sale of Lanzarta between 15 April and 13 August 2025.

Agrovista Amenity an approved distributor of Lanzarta

Agrovista Amenity an approved distributor of Lanzarta

Application is allowed once per season within forest settings between 15 April and 30 September, using a knapsack sprayer for targeted treatment of young trees.

Containing the active ingredient chlorantraniliprole, Lanzarta offers an effective and environmentally responsible solution to the growing Hylobius problem. Its advanced SC liquid formulation binds quickly and securely to tree bark, preventing wash-off and ensuring long-lasting protection against feeding pests. By protecting young trees through the crucial early years, Lanzarta helps reduce restocking costs, ensures more consistent woodland establishment, and allows natural pest populations to diminish over time.

“Hylobius weevils pose a significant threat to young woodland, and the approval of Lanzarta is a major step forward in ensuring effective protection,” says Ed Smith, Landscape & IVM Manager at Agrovista Amenity. “With its long-lasting binding properties and ease of application, this product will be an invaluable tool for forestry managers looking to safeguard their investment and promote sustainable woodland growth.”

Sitka spruce, the dominant conifer species in UK forestry, is particularly susceptible to Hylobius feeding damage. Approximately 35 million Sitka saplings are planted annually, making up around 50% of the country’s £2bn forestry trade. The lack of effective treatment options in recent years has left reforestation efforts vulnerable to severe losses, highlighting the importance of Lanzarta’s introduction.

Incorporating Lanzarta into an integrated pest management approach—alongside cultural control measures such as extended fallow periods, ground cover management, and habitat manipulation—can further enhance protection against Hylobius weevils.

Agrovista Amenity will be distributing the product nationwide to support forestry professionals in protecting young trees and promoting woodland establishment.

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

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Howardson Group Staff Take on National Three Peaks Challenge

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Howardson Group Staff Take on National Three Peaks Challenge: A team from Howardson Group is preparing to take on the formidable National Three Peaks Challenge in memory of their much-missed colleague, Joe Emery, who sadly passed away in July last year.

The challenge will see the team scaling the highest mountains in Scotland, England, and Wales within 24 hours, all in support of the British Heart Foundation.

Howardson Group Staff Take on National Three Peaks Challenge

Howardson Group Staff Take on National Three Peaks Challenge

A gentle Giant

Joe was a cherished member of the Howardson Group family, working in the warehouse and factory. Known as a true “gentle giant,” Joe was deeply respected and admired by all who knew him.

He was a well-known figure in the cricketing world, always cheerful, kind, and willing to lend a helping hand.

His hardworking and honest nature made him an integral part of the team, and his intelligence shone through as a member of the winning quiz team at Howardson’s 2024 event.

Joining the Howardson team for the challenge are Mark Willerton, Sales Manager from Russell Groundcare, and Paul Thompson, Head Groundsperson at Derby County FC.

A Demanding Journey

Together, they will be guided by Mountain Bear Adventures as they take on this demanding journey.

Taking place on the 5th and 6th of June, the National Three Peaks Challenge involves climbing a total of 3,064 meters (10,052 feet) over 23 miles (37 km), with a gruelling 462 miles of driving between peaks. The mountains they will tackle are:

  • Ben Nevis (Scotland) – 1,345m
  • Scafell Pike (England) – 978m
  • Snowdon (Wales) – 1,085m

Supporting The British Heart Foundation

This extraordinary effort is a testament to the impact Joe had on those around him.

Howardson Group is proud to support the British Heart Foundation through this fundraising effort. Donations will go towards life-saving research and support for those affected by heart conditions.

To support the team and donate to the cause, please visit https://www.justgiving.com/page/howardson-3peakchallenge

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KAR UK & Hunley Golf Course: A Winning Irrigation Partnership

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KAR UK & Hunley Golf Course: A Winning Irrigation Partnership: Greg Fitzmaurice, dual-role Course Manager and General Manager at Hunley Golf Club in North Yorkshire, has dedicated 28 years to the greenkeeping industry.

Since joining Hunley 12 years ago, Greg has overseen significant changes at the course, including a major irrigation system upgrade that has dramatically improved efficiency, turf health, and overall course management.

KAR UK & Hunley Golf Course: A Winning Irrigation Partnership

KAR UK & Hunley Golf Course: A Winning Irrigation Partnership

Hunley Golf Club, built during the early 90s golf boom, has seen its fair share of challenges. Initially developed by an ambitious local landowner, the club later faced financial difficulties, leading to a change in ownership. The current owners have focused on revitalising the club, and under Greg’s leadership, the course has gained a strong reputation and an increasingly loyal membership base. With a stunning coastal location and 27 holes, Hunley has transformed into a hidden gem on the UK golfing map.

When Greg first arrived at Hunley, it was evident that the existing irrigation system was outdated and struggling to keep up with the club’s needs. The old uPVC pipework, some of which had already been second-hand when originally installed, had long surpassed its 25-year lifespan. The system was failing, with frequent leaks causing disruptions and significant water waste. “By 2021, it felt like every few days we were fixing another leak,” Greg recalls.

Recognising that a full-scale upgrade was necessary, Greg and his team explored options from several leading irrigation providers. Hunter Irrigation products, distributed by KAR UK, emerged as the best choice. “Hunter offered the best value, but more importantly, we felt their products were the best on the market,” Greg explains. “It was a no-brainer for us, and we had full confidence in KAR UK.”

To keep costs manageable, Greg and his team made the bold decision to install the system in-house – a move that reduced the project’s cost to roughly a third of what it would have been with external contractors. Over three years, during quieter winter months, the five-person greenkeeping team gradually replaced the main pipework, installed new sprinklers, and upgraded the system’s control capabilities.

“We started with the worst areas, tackling the greens and approaches where leaks were most common,” Greg says. The team installed Hunter TTS-800 series rotors combined with G-85 internal risers, which provided enhanced reliability and precision. A temporary control hub was set up, with plans to fully integrate the Hunter Pilot system once the project is complete.

The impact of the new irrigation system has been significant. “It’s like having an extra member of staff,” Greg says. The time previously spent repairing leaks and manually operating sprinklers has been redirected to course maintenance and improvement. Turf health has improved dramatically, playability has increased, and water efficiency has significantly enhanced.

The system has also allowed Greg and his team to make real-time adjustments with ease. “Being able to run the sprinklers at night without worrying about coming into a flooded green the next day is a huge benefit, both practically and psychologically. It’s less work, it’s easier, and it means I can focus on other tasks without needing someone to follow me around to water in wetting agents. Once the Pilot system is up and running, and I can control everything from my phone, well, that’ll be Dreamland.”

KAR UK provided essential support throughout the project, from initial product selection to installation guidance. “The service has been excellent,” Greg notes. “Wesley Henshaw (KAR UK Golf Sales Manager) has been with us every step of the way, ensuring we had the right products and advice to complete the job ourselves. He’s got that technical and practical knowledge, which is better than the competitors, and that has been a huge benefit.”

While the full system is still a couple of years from completion, Hunley Golf Club is already reaping the benefits of its investment. For Greg, a good irrigation system isn’t just a luxury—it’s a necessity. “An irrigation system is an insurance for the golf course,” he explains. “You can go long periods without needing it, but when you do, if you don’t have it, you’re in real trouble.”

The impact of upgrading the system has been huge for Hunley Golf Club, not just in terms of efficiency and resource savings, but also in the quality of the course itself. “If we didn’t go through with this new irrigation system, it would have really held us back,” he says. “Now, we’re seeing the benefits everywhere—from saving resources to improving the final product. And personally, the stress of dealing with an unreliable system is something you can’t underestimate. Having that peace of mind is massive.”

For more information, please visit www.karuk.com

You can also follow KAR UK on X and Instagram @KARUK_LTD for much more news, reviews and insightful views.

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