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

Salsco plays pivotal ‘roll’ in retaining post-Open standards

/in , /by

Salsco plays pivotal ‘roll’ in retaining post-Open standards: From the moment James Bledge took over as Links Manager at Royal Liverpool Golf Club, it was all eyes on preparation for the 151st Open Championship.

From the moment Brian Harman lifted the Claret Jug in July 2023, the focus changed onto how to retain the top-level presentation and play for members to enjoy! Part of solving that equation has been a Salsco HP11-III roller which is delivering unparalleled productivity and unprecedented progression in greens speed.

Salsco plays pivotal ‘roll’ in retaining post-Open standards

Salsco plays pivotal ‘roll’ in retaining post-Open standards

James first came across Salsco rollers in his previous role at Royal Cinque Ports and, while rolling didn’t play a major part in preparations for the Open, he knew it was the solution to retaining standards. “Hand cutting again and again is the way to go when resources are high, however, when you only have five staff in on a Saturday morning and you’re trying to recreate similar conditions for people travelling hundreds of miles to play the course, it’s simply not feasible. The HP11-III with three wide rollers allows us to deliver the greens to an incredibly high standard and has been pivotal to retaining the post-Open ‘buzz’.”

The Salsco HP11-III roller features three oscillating rollers which articulate to guarantee 100% roll to ground contact. With a combined rolling width of 73” and an almost 11mph ground speed, it delivers efficiency and quality with every roll, on every terrain. “We’ll use the Salsco two or three times during the week and after mowing ahead of weekend competitions for that extra bit of greens speed. We also roll throughout the winter instead of cutting to retain presentation and minimise plant stress” James explains.

“In terms of operation, it’s the comfiest roller on the market in my opinion. Because of the mounted brush system, it’s also the cleanest, dispersing any debris pick-up meaning we can use it after sand-dressing, verti-cutting and grooming operations. It’s gone from being a two-person job, to a one-person job.”

He adds, “There’s also evidence to suggest rolling can reduce the impact of Dollar Spot so, in conjunction with careful nutritional management, we’ve been rolling prone areas to remove moisture and create conditions less conducive to the disease.”

James also had good things to say about the service received from the importers Lister Wilder, having used them at his previous club. “They have always been a good company to work alongside – at the end of the phone if we ever need anything and with the right support and answers to any questions we may have.”

For more information on the self-propelled Salsco roller range, available exclusively in the UK via Lister Wilder, visit salscorollers.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.

STIGA Robots empower groundskeepers to be heroes

/in , /by

STIGA Robots empower groundskeepers to be heroes: Groundsweek, held from March 17th to 23rd, is a nationwide celebration of the dedicated professionals who keep sports fields and green spaces in top condition.

Now, these experts have a game-changing tool in their arsenal—STIGA’s cutting-edge autonomous robot mowers—helping them achieve flawless results with less effort!

STIGA Robots empower groundskeepers to be heroes

STIGA Robots empower groundskeepers to be heroes

With precise, systematic cutting patterns, these innovative robotic mowers optimise battery life, reduce mowing time, and enhance the beauty of any lawn. At first, some professionals were sceptical—could a robot truly match the performance of a walk-behind mower? Would it replace their jobs? But the results speak for themselves. Groundskeepers and gardeners who’ve adopted these robots wouldn’t go back! These machines free up valuable time for other tasks, all while delivering a superior cut. In fact, many users have grown so fond of their robotic assistants that they’ve even given them names—say hello to Simon!

Smart Lawn Care, Tailored To You

STIGA’s intelligent AGS technology ensures each session is carefully planned, adjusting to satellite signal strength for consistent, even coverage. GPS-RTK technology guarantees pinpoint accuracy, keeping mowing paths precise and efficient.

Through the STIGA.GO App, users can customize their mowing experience with:

  • Cutting patterns: Parallel, chequerboard, or grid.
  • Zone settings: Define unique cutting heights, patterns, and mowing priorities for different areas.
  • Real-time connectivity: 4G-enabled communication between the mower, satellites, and antenna ensures uninterrupted performance.

2025: The Future of Effortless Smart Gardening

STIGA’s latest innovations take convenience to the next level:

  • Dark Mode for better app visibility.
  • Signal Checker to find the optimal GPS antenna spot.
  • Over-the-Air Updates for automatic software enhancements.
  • Lightning-Fast Setup: One-minute pairing, self-calibrating reference station, and easy controls.
  • Remote Garden Sketching (Coming March 2025!): Define mowing boundaries online—no need to step outside!

Stay in Control, Anytime, Anywhere

  • Live Mowing Progress & Notifications keep you updated.
  • In-App Support offers step-by-step guidance.
  • Intelligent Navigation detects obstacles and manages zones efficiently.

Choose the Perfect STIGA Robot For Your Lawn

Model Coverage Area Price

With STIGA’s advanced automation and smart planning, the future of lawn care is here!

Find out more and buy your robot from STIGA retailers and on the official STIGA website: www.stiga.com/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.

Kubota delivers five-star contribution

/in , , /by

Kubota delivers five-star contribution: Trevornick Holiday Park were recently awarded the title of ‘Holiday Park of the Year’ at the prestigious AA Caravan and Camping Awards – an accolade they attribute to a momentous ‘team effort’ across the site.

Part of that team, supporting both the maintenance and grounds operations, is a fleet of equipment from Kubota which the venue has praised for its versatility, productivity and robust reliability.

Kubota delivers five-star contribution

Kubota delivers five-star contribution

Located in Newquay and boasting picturesque views over Holywell Bay and the iconic Gull Rocks, it’s been an eventful few months for the site. Following the elation of recognition by The AA, the site fell victim to freak weather at the end of January 2025 with a mini-tornado causing extensive damage to a number of their static caravans. Thankfully, no-one was injured and the recovery is well underway, led by General Manager Adrian Tribe and Head Gardener Ross Bramhall.

Having initially worked in the hospitality side of the park, Ross made the switch to the grounds team and adopted the head role 12 years ago. “One of the first things I did was get a demonstration of some new cut and collect mowers, including the G-Series from Kubota. The superior cutting deck, build quality and ease of use of the G261 won me over straight away” he explains. “Mowing is the primary maintenance task we undertake so we quickly added a second Kubota G261 to the fleet and these two now cut every blade of grass on our site.”

“These mowers do such a good job on grass of all lengths and wet grass as well, when we are forced to cut in less-than-ideal conditions on changeover days. They’re an ideal size and have a great turning circle which we need for manoeuvring and mowing between the vans.” Ross continues, “Both of our G261’s are the low dump configuration, lifting and collecting the clippings without clogging for quick and easy disposal which helps to limit grass being walked into tents or toilet blocks and creating that picture-postcard finish.”

Alongside the two Kubota G261’s, is a B1241 compact tractor complete with tipping trailer. “This is an absolute workhorse and punches well above its weight! This tractor is used for everything – moving machinery, transporting soil and materials and collecting rubbish, hedge trimmings, branches… the list goes on. It is incredibly reliable, and the tipping trailer speeds up every job which is incredibly valuable when there’s only two of us on the grounds team” he adds.

“The most recent purchase was two new Kubota RTV 520’s, joining two larger RTV 900’s we were already using. These are the go-to for us and the maintenance team anytime we need to get people or materials around the site and, in my mind, can’t be beaten for the power and performance they give us.”

Another important part of the ‘team’ effort has been the parks relationship with local dealer Vincents, in particular, Jon Day. “Jon and his colleagues have always given us top support and advice, finding the right equipment to meet our needs and providing help with servicing and parts on the very rare occasion we’ve needed something.”

Ross concludes, “Trevornick, the company and its owners have always understood the importance of investing to support its staff and give our customers the best possible experience. To do that, we need the right machinery to achieve the five-star standards we’re looking for and with Kubota, we have the right equipment to deliver that.”

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.

Tveit Park named European Distributor of the Year

/in , /by

Tveit Park named European Distributor of the Year: Bernhard and Company, the global leader in fine turf sharpening solutions, has named Tveit Park in Norway as its European Distributor of the Year for 2024. The award recognises outstanding commitment to brand development, customer engagement, and driving sales growth in the region.

Since taking over the company in 2023, Frode Tjelta, Managing Director of Tveit Park, has worked tirelessly with his team to re-establish Bernhard and Company’s presence in the Scandinavian market. Their proactive approach has included organising multiple demonstration events, significantly increasing awareness of the Bernhard and Company brand and its industry-leading grinding solutions. This dedication has already translated into impressive sales results, with a surge in machine deliveries across the region.

Tveit Park named European Distributor of the Year

Tveit Park named European Distributor of the Year

Steven Nixon, Managing Director of Bernhard and Company, commented: “Tveit Park has demonstrated exactly what we value in a distribution partner – commitment, energy, and a clear focus on delivering the best for our customers. Under Frode’s leadership, the company has made huge strides in revitalising our presence in Norway, and we’re excited to continue working together to bring even more education and support to turf professionals across Europe.”

Frode Tjelta, Managing Director of Tveit Park, added: “It’s an honour to receive this recognition from Bernhard and Company. We believe in the quality and precision of their products, and we’ve worked hard to showcase their benefits to our customers. This award is testament to our team’s efforts, and we look forward to continuing to grow our partnership and bring even more value to the market.”

Tveit Park has been proactive in showcasing Bernhard and Company’s industry-leading grinding solutions through a series of ‘Sharper Solutions’ demo days. In late 2024, nearly 40 turf professionals gathered to learn about optimal cutting unit setup, maintenance, and sharpening techniques. The session featured hands-on demonstrations of the Anglemaster 4100 bedknife grinder and Express Dual 4300 reel grinding machine, highlighting their efficiency and precision. These days have been instrumental in increasing awareness if Bernhard and Company’s products, reinforcing Tveit Park’s commitment to education and customer support.

With a strong foundation now in place, Bernhard and Company and Tveit Park are set to expand their collaboration further, ensuring that more turf professionals across Europe benefit from industry-leading sharpening solutions and educational opportunities.

For more information on Bernhard and Company’s distributor network, head to: https://bernhard.co.uk/contact/

To find out more about Tveit Park, visit: https://www.tveitpark.no/

You can also find Bernhard and Company on Twitter at @BernhardCompany, on Instagram at @bernhardcompany, and on Facebook and LinkedIn by searching Bernhard Company.

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.

New GreenMech chipper impresses new Course Manager

/in , , /by

New GreenMech chipper impresses new Course Manager: 2024 saw a number of new additions to the team at Ashridge Golf Club. Together with a new Course Manager in the form of George Little, just two months later was the arrival of a ChipMaster 220 TMP (CM220TMP) woodchipper from GreenMech.

Purchased to keep on top of routine woodland maintenance, it’s delivery in September was incredibly timely as – set among thousands of acres of National Trust-owned woodland – the team braced for the impacts of a wet and blustery winter season.

New GreenMech chipper impresses new Course Manager

New GreenMech chipper impresses new Course Manager

Heading up a team of 10, George joined Ashridge in July following seven years spent at the nearby Dunstable Downs Golf Club. One of the main responsibilities of his new role was to take charge of the heavy woodland, lending itself to the popular tree-lined 18-hole course. “The team would be keeping on top of routine pruning and general removal of old or unsightly branches but, without our own chipper, would stack these up in piles awaiting the availability of a hire machine” George explains. “To stop these backlogs the club decided to invest in our own woodchipper and opted for the CM220TMP from GreenMech.”

Promising maximum chipping output with minimal investment, the CM220TMP is driven by the PTO shaft and uses its own hydraulic oil to power the rollers. It combines a large 9” capacity with a small, light footprint – something that’s incredibly important for George. “We’re always conscious of avoiding traffic on particularly sensitive areas, so rather than loading brash and timber into trailers and transporting it, we can now take the GreenMech to the exact location and chip. Reducing the risk of damage, it also speeds up the process by 300%.”

“We knew the machine would be helpful, but in a few short months we’ve used it a lot more than we thought we would to the point that I’d go as far as to say we now couldn’t live without it!” Alongside routine pruning of the boundaries, which George says it’s been brilliant for, the CM220TMP also came to the rescue of a number of silver birch that fell victim to the winter storms. “Again, we had the ability to hook up the chipper and take it exactly where it was needed, to quickly and easily deal with the damage.”

“It has definitely impressed us and has undoubtedly brought improved productivity to our woodland work.” He adds, “We’ve also had a good experience with dealers Avant South East Limited and GreenMech’s Neal Hussey who delivered a thorough induction and has been on hand to help us with any questions. It’s, overall, been a very positive addition to the fleet.”

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.