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GKB Deep Clean delivers speed, simplicity and superior results

GKB Deep Clean delivers speed, simplicity and superior results

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GKB Deep Clean delivers speed, simplicity and superior results

The search for a modern, efficient solution to synthetic surface cleaning was a short one for Miguel Pimenta of King’s College School in Wimbledon, after seeing the GKB Deep Clean at SALTEX 2025. In just a few short weeks since its delivery, the Deep-Clean has ‘transformed’ the school’s artificial maintenance, bringing speed and consistency to pitch cleaning and performance.

GKB Deep Clean delivers speed, simplicity and superior results

GKB Deep Clean delivers speed, simplicity and superior results

Nationally and internationally recognised for excellence in education, King’s sets high expectations across the board – including the standards they employ for maintaining the school’s extensive grounds and sports facilities. With their previous artificial cleaner at the end of its working life, Miguel attended SALTEX in the hunt for a replacement and quickly identified the new GKB Deep Clean as the perfect fit. Following discussions with local dealer Ernest Doe, the purchase was finalised and the impact was immediate.

“The Deep-Clean has completely transformed the way we maintain our synthetic turf pitches” explains Head Groundsman Miguel.

A key advantage has been the machine’s speed and simplicity of operation. “Within a couple of minutes, we can have the machine hitched up and ready to go. The adjustable front wheels also make it incredibly straight forward to adjust the working depth on the fly, without the need for tools, which saves us a lot of time on busy maintenance days.”

“The brush and vibrating screen system lifts the infill and removes debris far more effectively than anything we’ve used before, with a range of screen types to choose from which means the unit can always be perfectly configured whatever the conditions.” He adds, “The suction unit also does a great job capturing dust and lightweight contaminants, leaving the surface noticeably cleaner and more consistent.”

Recently redeveloped, Miguel saw the new GKB Deep Clean on its debut UK outing in November. Available in three working widths and designed to work with various infill types, this next generation cleaner sieves, separates and collects debris and microplastics returning clean granules back into the pitch and leaving a clean and safe surface that’s ready for play.

Miguel continues, “What I appreciate most is the build quality. It’s clear that GKB designed this with real grounds teams in mind. The machine is robust, reliable and fast, and the collection container and dust bag system make disposal straightforward.”

“For us, the Deep Clean has delivered exactly what we needed – speed, simplicity and excellent results.”

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UK's only British-made electric quad bike launched

UK’s only British-made electric quad bike launched

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UK’s only British-made electric quad bike launched

The Volt Quads VQ, the UK’s only domestically-designed and built premium electric all-terrain vehicle (ATV), has been launched – offering cheaper running costs and a ride designed specifically for British landowners.

UK's only British-made electric quad bike launched

UK’s only British-made electric quad bike launched

The electric quad bike has been designed to maximise performance in the British weather and across rugged terrain. The VQ uses a 48v battery, which makes it simpler to fix, while boasting all the power of a petrol quad bike without any of the fumes.

This launch comes at an ideal time for landowners looking to cut costs, with RAC data showing drivers have paid £4bn more for fuel since the start of the war in Iran. Farmers are particularly struggling, with the price of red diesel, the fuel used for tractors, nearly doubling from 69p per litre to £1.20.

The charging costs of electric ATVs are 85% lower than petrol equivalents, with the VQ costing £3,500 less to own than a comparable petrol ATV over five years.

The VQ has a 50-mile range and is capable of towing 900kg, offering farmers, landowners and national park workers a cleaner, quieter alternative to traverse their land.

Its designer, Fred Chugg, has worked with quad bikes for decades on his 15th century farm on Exmoor. Having diversified activities on the farm to include country trail tours, he has deep practical experience running quad bikes and a unique understanding of what British landowners need from them.

As well as being designed in the UK, the bikes are manufactured in Telford, Shropshire and tested in North Devon, making them uniquely British in a market previously served by bikes designed and built overseas.

Charles Anderson, Chairman of Volt Quads, said: “We have created a new way for landowners to work their estates with UK-made technology. The VQ gives landowners the smoothest and most peaceful ride on the market. The bike is cost efficient to own and operate, particularly at a time of significant petrol  price volatility, making now an ideal time to shift to electric vehicles. It is ideal for emissions free land management, but best of all, it is a joy to ride.” 

Bikes are available to demo and buy now at www.voltquads.com.

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Meet the versatile Reform Metrac

Meet the versatile Reform Metrac

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Meet the versatile Reform Metrac

Simon Richard Ltd is attending Groundsfest for the first time to showcase the exceptional versatility of the Reform Metrac on stand OSA 63.

Meet the versatile Reform Metrac

Meet the versatile Reform Metrac

From its roots as the ultimate Alpine tractor capable of carrying out a wide range of farming tasks in steep terrain, the Reform Metrac has evolved to be the power unit of choice for maintaining sloping and banked areas in groundcare and highways applications, with its engine and cab mounted at the centre of gravity in the chassis.

Yet there’s a lot more to the Metrac than just being the market leading slope mower and the company looks forward to discussing its multiple uses with visitors to the show.

The Reform Metrac H70 on show is powered by a reliable 75hp Perkins Stage V engine and offers tractive power increased by 14% compared to its predecessor.

Its two-range hydrostatic drive has a top speed of 40kph with two mechanical off-road reductions, controllable via pedal or drive lever.

Linkage technology is based on a load-dependent working hydraulic system with electro-hydraulic weight compensation; cat 1 and 2 front and rear linkages each have 1500kg lift capacity and front and rear ptos are standard.

Leading contractors utilise the Reform Metrac with rotary and flail mowers, reach arm mowers, harrows, seeders, sweepers, sprayers and spreaders.

A standout feature is the multifunction joystick, integrated into the mechanical drive lever, which allows the selection of front, rear, all-wheel, crab, and offset all-wheel steering modes. This ensures maximum manoeuvrability, especially on slopes and in tight spaces.

Wide, low-pressure tyres ensure maximum traction while maintaining low ground pressures.

Prioritising operator comfort, the new cab design has a full glass door for improved visibility and a wider entry. The air conditioning system has also been updated with mixed air flowing from ventilation nozzles in the dashboard.

The Reform Metrac H70 will be shown with its perfect mowing partner – the Müthing flail, renowned for its exceptional durability and efficient mulching cut and which offers superb results on vegetation from meadows to scrub.

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Kubota EK1-261 proves the perfect match for CPD Penrhyndeudraeth FC

Kubota EK1-261 proves the perfect match for CPD Penrhyndeudraeth FC

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Kubota EK1-261 proves the perfect match for CPD Penrhyndeudraeth FC

At grassroots level, maintaining a high-quality playing surface is no small task – especially when faced with heavy usage and unpredictable weather. For CPD Penrhyndeudraeth FC, Volunteer Groundsman Aled Thomas has seen first-hand how the right equipment can transform pitch maintenance, with the combination of an EK1-261 compact tractor from Kubota equipped with a SISIS Quadraplay keeping fixtures on and players happy.

Kubota EK1-261 proves the perfect match for CPD Penrhyndeudraeth FC

Kubota EK1-261 proves the perfect match for CPD Penrhyndeudraeth FC

Involved since 2005, Aled’s role has evolved with the club’s growing needs – starting out marking the lines on matchday before taking on his current role in 2016. Today, the main pitch and neighbouring training pitch hosts one senior team and five junior squads, with near-daily training fixtures throughout the summer months and match days once or twice a week.

With only a ride-on mower and large, heavy slitter – unsuited to the pitch – at Aled’s disposal, the club’s fortunes changed in April 2025 thanks to a successful funding application via the Cymru Football Foundation. “We went through the process with local dealer Major Owen and, following a pitch inspection and recommendations from the Grounds Management Association’s Pitch Advisory Service, we took delivery of the Kubota EK1-261, Quadraplay and a fertiliser spreader thanks to the ‘Fit for Future Equipment Fund’.”

“The difference it has made has been immediate and significant” he explains. “Because of the competitive price point of the EK1, we were able to secure a premium implement which has made a real difference to the presentation and playability of our pitch.”

The EK1 Series from Kubota combines simple operation and powerful performance in a compact, entry-level package ideal for grassroots clubs. Powered by a fuel-efficient 3-cylinder 24hp diesel engine, the highly manoeuvrable EK1-261 doesn’t compromise when it comes to comfort with a range of features including optimally positioned controls, a weight-adjustable operators’ seat and foldable ROPS protection enhancing both productivity and safety.

“The number of features which come as standard are above and beyond what you’d normally expect from a tractor at this price point, so we get something that’s well equipped yet straight forward to operate and maintain.”

Aled continues, “We run the EK1 and Quadraplay before a game to boost presentation and again after, if needed, to rectify any damage. We’ve had comments from players and fans about the condition and appearance of the pitch which is particularly rewarding considering the very difficult weather we’ve had here this winter.”

While Aled admits he’s not had any issues with the EK1 since he took delivery, he notes that the 5-year Kubota warranty and support from Major Owen delivers fantastic additional peace of mind. “By looking after the equipment, we know it will look after us in the longer term. Major Owen, too, have been an incredible ongoing support both to me and the club, whether it’s sponsoring our away kit or helping us out with additional equipment when required. We are hugely grateful.”

He adds, “At this level of the game, consistency is key and having to call games off is not only frustrating but impacts on player development. This combination of equipment has undoubtedly helped to not only keep more games on but improve enjoyment with the pitch being in much better shape.”

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VoltWorx26 brings industry together

VoltWorx26 brings industry together

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VoltWorx26 brings industry together

Industry professionals gathered at Plumpton College for VoltWorx26, where some of the latest electric machinery, commercial vehicles and autonomous groundcare technology were showcased alongside expert discussions on fleet decarbonisation, renewable energy and sustainable operations.

VoltWorx26 brings industry together

VoltWorx26 brings industry together

Held at the AgriFood Centre at Plumpton College on 28 July, VoltWorx26 brought together representatives from local authorities, education, professional sport, groundcare, agriculture, construction and fleet management.

Organised in partnership between Crawfords Group and Plumpton College and powered by Kress, the event was created to help organisations move beyond broad sustainability ambitions and consider the practical steps involved in adopting electric machinery, vehicles, robotics and supporting energy infrastructure.

Electric machinery and vehicles take centre stage

A major focus of VoltWorx26 was the opportunity for visitors to see and discuss a diverse selection of electric machines and vehicles representing the changing requirements of agriculture, groundcare, construction and commercial fleet operations.

Among the event highlights was the Fendt e107 V Vario, a fully electric specialist tractor designed to combine the familiar capabilities of a conventional tractor with quieter, locally emission-free operation. The model is particularly relevant to municipalities, groundcare operations, specialist agriculture and organisations working in noise- or emissions-sensitive environments.

The material-handling sector was represented by the Manitou MT 625 e, a compact, fully electric telehandler offering a 2.5-tonne lifting capacity and a maximum lifting height of 5.85 metres. Its reduced noise and absence of local exhaust emissions make it suitable for indoor, urban and environmentally sensitive sites.

Visitors could also explore the potential of electric pick-up vehicles through the Isuzu D-Max EV. The all-electric, four-wheel-drive pick-up combines a one-tonne payload with a towing capacity of up to 3.5 tonnes, demonstrating how electric vehicles are beginning to meet the operational requirements traditionally associated with diesel workhorses.

The MAXUS electric commercial vehicle range provided further insight into the expanding choice available to businesses seeking to reduce emissions across delivery, service and operational fleets. MAXUS was one of several leading vehicle and machinery brands represented at the event.

For construction and estate-management applications, the Komatsu PC33E-6 electric mini excavator demonstrated the potential for low-noise, zero-local-emission excavation. The 3.6-tonne-class machine features a 35kWh battery and is designed for applications including urban sites, indoor work and projects with specific environmental requirements.

Autonomous technology was represented by the Kress Voyager KR800E commercial robotic mower. Using RTKn navigation and a combination of cameras, LiDAR and ultrasonic sensors, the Voyager has been developed to undertake commercial mowing without an onboard operator, helping groundcare businesses reconsider how their teams, machinery and working hours can be deployed.

Together, the exhibits demonstrated that electrification is no longer limited to smaller handheld products or passenger vehicles. Electric technology is increasingly being developed for tractors, telehandlers, excavators, commercial vehicles, pick-ups and large-scale professional mowing operations.

Expert insight from sport, transport and renewable energy

Alongside the machinery and vehicle displays, the keynote programme brought together specialists with direct experience of sustainability, transport decarbonisation and renewable energy.
Tom Harris, Sustainability Manager at Brighton & Hove Albion Football Club, discussed sustainability from the perspective of a major professional sporting organisation, offering insight into the environmental considerations associated with operating complex venues, facilities and grounds.

Mark Smith, Transport Decarbonisation Consultant at Energy Saving Trust, provided guidance on the transition to lower-emission transport and the practical considerations organisations should assess when reviewing their fleets.

Oliver Tucker, Director of Green Bulb Energy, explored the wider infrastructure required to support electrification, including renewable generation, battery storage and electric-vehicle charging.

The keynote programme helped connect the machinery on display with the operational planning, energy supply, infrastructure and organisational changes required to make electrification successful. Focused breakout sessions explored a range of practical technologies and operational considerations. Paul Larsen and Kress examined turf quality and performance using Kress robotic mowers, while Ed Dennett discussed where electric tractors could support low-emission grounds maintenance in public-sector and professional turf environments. Will Clarke of Direct Enviro Services presented the role of VM-AI in vegetation and green-space management, and Darren Newman explored how MAXUS electric commercial vehicles could help organisations future-proof their fleets.

Wes Crawford of Crawfords Group said:

“VoltWorx26 was created to move the conversation around electrification from ambition to practical action. By bringing such a broad range of machinery and vehicles together, visitors could see that electric technology is now being developed for serious professional applications across amenity and fleet operations.

“The Fendt electric tractor, Manitou telehandler, Isuzu D-Max EV, MAXUS commercial vehicles, Komatsu excavator and Kress robotic mowing technology each demonstrated a different part of the transition. Just as importantly, our speakers helped organisations consider the infrastructure, planning and cultural changes needed to introduce these technologies successfully.

“We are incredibly grateful to Plumpton College, our speakers, exhibitors, sponsors and everyone who attended and contributed to the discussions throughout the event.”
The event concluded with a panel discussion, networking and further opportunities for visitors to speak directly with manufacturers, suppliers and sustainability specialists.
Crawfords Group and Plumpton College will continue to build on the conversations and connections established at VoltWorx26, supporting organisations as they assess the machinery, infrastructure and operational changes required for a lower-emission future.

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