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
New investment at SABO

New investment at SABO

/in , /by

New investment at SABO

PSD Groundscare welcomes the news that SABO, the German premium grounds care manufacturer, is to be acquired by technology company LDROBOT, subject to customary regulatory approvals and review procedures.

New investment at SABO

New investment at SABO

The proposed acquisition would unite more than 90 years of SABO engineering experience with LDROBOT’s expertise in sensor technology, artificial intelligence and intelligent systems.

For PSD Groundscare, the prospect of an innovative technology partner backing an established grounds care brand signals an exciting opportunity for future product development and growth.

The plans aim to combine SABO’s reputation for quality, durability and practical performance with additional technological expertise and development capabilities. This will give the manufacturer greater scope to develop new solutions while building on its established lawnmower and grounds care portfolio.

PSD Groundscare, Managing Director, Chris Gibson says:

“The planned acquisition isn’t a break from the past, but rather an evolution of a successful company. We understand that SABO will continue to operate as an independent brand and further expand its expertise in lawn and ground care, driven by the leadership of its existing management team

We believe that SABO’s high-quality standards, close cooperation and consistent focus on the needs of professional and private users alike will remain key pillars of the company’s strategy and we look forward to continuing the development of the SABO brand in the UK and Eire”.

SABO Managing Director, Lars Daniel explains that:

“For more than nine decades, SABO has stood for high-quality engineering and cutting-edge solutions in lawn and grounds care. With LDROBOT, we are gaining a partner that opens up additional technological opportunities while respecting our identity as a brand. Together, we are creating the conditions to serve our customers even better in the future”

For PSD Groundscare and its dealer network, the announcement adds momentum to an already exciting period for the development of the SABO brand in the UK and Eire. The prospect of further investment in innovation comes as PSD Groundscare prepares to introduce the new AUTONOMOUS SABO MOWiT PRO PREMIUM at SALTEX, bringing the brand’s latest professional grounds care solution to a UK industry audience.

The launch provides a timely opportunity for grounds professionals and dealers to see SABO’s continued product development first-hand and discuss its place in their operations and businesses.

PSD Groundscare will be exhibiting on stand E046 at SALTEX, where visitors can discover the new SABO MOWiT PRO PREMIUM and meet the team to discuss the full range of equipment from PSD.

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

Origin proves the right partner for ETC Sports Surfaces

Origin proves the right partner for ETC Sports Surfaces

/in , /by

Origin proves the right partner for ETC Sports Surfaces

For contractors ETC Sports Surfaces, the combination of dependable products, responsive supply and a partnership approach makes Origin Amenity Solutions (OAS) a natural fit for their expanding maintenance operation. Director and Maintenance Manager Rory Wells explains how, from a straight-forward supply of chemicals and linemarking paint, a reciprocal relationship has blossomed creating new business opportunities for both parties.

Origin proves the right partner for ETC Sports Surfaces

Origin proves the right partner for ETC Sports Surfaces

Founded by Rory’s father Simon in 1987, ETC delivers all aspects of sports surface installation and maintenance, serving facilities primarily across London and the South East. Today, approximately 70% of their work comes from repeat customers – demonstrating the value placed on continuity and quality of service. “We’ve used products from OAS and formally Rigby Taylor for a good number of years” explains Rory. “Most notably we’ve relied on paint from the Duraline range which we’ve always found delivers outstanding results on tennis courts, artificial sports pitches and other hard surfaces.”

For ETC, consistency is just as important as performance. “This paint is really bright and colourful and, depending on weathering, delivers a long-lasting finish appreciated by the clients and by us.” He continues, “We know we can take a customer to a site where we’ve used the Duraline paint, and it’s going to be a glowing example of what that venue can expect to achieve with us.”

Alongside sourcing products for their own operation, ongoing open dialogue with OAS Project Manager Peter Read has seen the ETC team pick up projects on the contracting side of Origin’s business. “Peter has always been fantastic to work alongside – a fountain of knowledge and great support – so it’s great to now be working more closely with one another to bring the benefits of great products and first-class maintenance to even more sports surfaces across the country.”

With a comprehensive product portfolio, Origin support contractors spanning the sports turf, amenity and landscaping sectors – providing them with the products to complete line marking and turf maintenance tasks through to renovations, plant establishment, nutrition and ongoing surface care. Peter Read added, “This service and support is available to contractors throughout the UK and we pride ourselves on working in partnership with these businesses to provide the tools they need to complete both one-off renovations and year-round maintenance.”

Rory concludes, “Because they have their own division, Origin understand what is important to us as contractors. They’ve got the products, the people and, importantly, they’re reliable. It works for us because it’s a partnership and not just a transaction of buying and selling products.”

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 Robot Mowers Transforming Mowing at Colerne Rugby Club

STIGA Robot Mowers Transforming Mowing at Colerne Rugby Club

/in , /by

STIGA Robot Mowers Transforming Mowing at Colerne Rugby Club

STIGA’s Newest Grounds Team Members Are Making a Big Impression at Colerne Rugby Club. Keeping a rugby pitch in top condition is no small task…especially when your grounds team is made up entirely of volunteers.

STIGA Robot Mowers Transforming Mowing at Colerne Rugby Club

STIGA Robot Mowers Transforming Mowing at Colerne Rugby Club

That’s where STIGA is lending a helping hand. STIGA has been delivering innovative groundcare solutions to rugby clubs across England, with its multi-year partnership with England Rugby reflecting a commitment to supporting volunteers and grounds teams and helping maintain high-quality playing surfaces, from grassroots clubs right through to the elite level.

As part of the partnership, STIGA is rolling out equipment to clubs and sports facilities nationwide, helping keep pitches and green spaces across the country looking their best.

One of those clubs is Colerne Rugby Club, a grassroots club run entirely by volunteers. And, thanks to two new additions to the team, the volunteers can now spend a little less time mowing and a lot more time getting on with everything else that needs doing around the club.

Meet Eddie and Hutch

Colerne Rugby Club installed two STIGA A 3000 robotic mowers to take care of the pitch. At first, there were understandably a few nerves. Could two robots really handle the size of the pitch? Would they cut effectively? And, perhaps most importantly, could they be trusted to behave themselves?

The answer, according to Jeremy Dicks of Colerne Rugby Club, has been a resounding yes.

The two mowers are programmed to cut for two hours every other night, and the results have been impressive…producing a fantastic finish, beautifully straight lines and noticeably thicker grass.

And the club has even given them names.  Meet Eddie and Hutch, named after two stalwart Colerne Rugby Club members who previously spent their time cutting the grass.  It’s fair to say their replacements have some big boots…or should that be wheels?…to fill.

Jeremy said:

“We were anxious at first about whether they could manage the space and the cutting, but they have been a huge success. They are scheduled for two hours of cutting every other night and leave a fantastic finish, with straight lines, while the grass density has thickened.”

The difference hasn’t gone unnoticed either.

“Our supporters have commented on how good the pitch looks,” Jeremy added.

More rugby, less mowing

Getting Eddie and Hutch up and running was also surprisingly straightforward.

“Downloading and setting up the app was straightforward,” said Jeremy. “It was easy to set up the scheduled mowing area to ensure it did not affect our training schedules and pitch usage.”

And while Eddie and Hutch get on with their nightly duties, the volunteers can concentrate on other jobs around the club.

“We can now spend time on maintenance jobs for the club and only need to strim around the fencing, without worrying about cutting the pitch.”

So, while Eddie and Hutch might not be able to make a tackle, score a try or put the kettle on in the clubhouse just yet, they’re already proving to be valuable members of the Colerne team.

The result? A better-looking pitch, thicker grass and more time for the volunteers to focus on the club…while Eddie and Hutch quietly get on with the job they were brought in to do.

Read more about the STIGA partnership with England Rugby, here: www.stiga.com/uk/stiga-x-rfu

You can read more about STIGA’s autonomous robot mowers and other STIGA products here: 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

ISEKI Brings a Host of UK Firsts and Electric Innovation to SALTEX

ISEKI Brings a Host of UK Firsts and Electric Innovation to SALTEX

/in , , /by

ISEKI Brings a Host of UK Firsts and Electric Innovation to SALTEX

ISEKI UK & Ireland is set for an exciting SALTEX 2026, with the UK debut of the AllTrec 7510F fully electric out-front commercial mower, the first exhibition appearance of Raymo’s second-generation R42 Flex Deck and R52 Turf Deck, the latest version of the electric ISEKI SXGE216, and the launch of the new ISEKI Sports Turf Scheme.

ISEKI Brings a Host of UK Firsts and Electric Innovation to SALTEX

ISEKI Brings a Host of UK Firsts and Electric Innovation to SALTEX

Alongside these new additions, visitors will be able to explore ISEKI’s established range of compact tractors and professional mowers, with the ISEKI team on hand throughout the show to discuss machinery for sports turf, groundcare, local authority, contractor and amenity applications.

AllTrec 7510F Makes its UK Debut

Taking centre stage will be the AllTrec 7510F, which will be shown on UK soil for the very first time at SALTEX.

The fully electric out-front commercial mower represents an exciting new direction for professional groundcare, combining serious commercial capability with the advantages of fully electric operation.

Designed from the ground up for professional users, the AllTrec 7510F opens up new possibilities for contractors, local authorities, sports facilities, estates and operators working in noise-sensitive and environmentally conscious locations.

Adding to its versatility, the AllTrec 7510F is available with three professional mowing options: a 60-inch deck, a 72-inch deck and a 1.6m Müthing flail mower. This ability to move from high-output rotary mowing to more demanding flail applications makes the 7510F a true stand-out in its class and demonstrates that electric power does not have to come at the expense of versatility.

Rather than simply being an electric alternative to a conventional mower, the AllTrec 7510F has been developed as a professional commercial machine in its own right, bringing electric power into applications where performance, versatility and productivity remain essential.

Its appearance at SALTEX will give the UK groundcare industry its first opportunity to see the AllTrec 7510F up close, making it one of the key machines to look out for at this year’s show.

Second-Generation Raymo Decks Make Their Exhibition Debut

ISEKI UK & Ireland will also showcase Raymo at SALTEX, with the second-generation R42 Flex Deck and R52 Turf Deck being exhibited for the first time.

The newly redesigned decks represent the latest evolution of the Raymo platform, building on the versatility of its remote-controlled electric power unit and further expanding its capabilities across a wide range of professional mowing applications.

The R42 Flex Deck has been redesigned to enhance performance across challenging and undulating terrain, while the R52 Turf Deck provides a wider mowing solution for maintaining larger areas of fine and amenity turf.

Their SALTEX debut will give visitors the first opportunity to see the second-generation deck designs up close, alongside the wider Raymo range.

Raymo will sit alongside the new AllTrec 7510F, bringing together some of the latest developments in professional electric mowing on the ISEKI stand.

ISEKI Launches New Sports Turf Scheme

SALTEX 2026 will also see the official unveiling of the new ISEKI Sports Turf Scheme, created specifically to support grassroots football clubs.

The scheme brings together a complete, ready-to-work sports turf machinery package at a fixed cost, providing clubs with a straightforward route to the equipment required to maintain and improve their playing surfaces.

At the heart of the package is an ISEKI compact tractor paired with a dedicated sports turf maintenance tool and a dual roller mower, giving grassroots clubs a versatile combination of machinery for both regular pitch maintenance and mowing.

By bringing the tractor, sports turf maintenance tool and dual roller mower together into one package, the scheme is designed to remove much of the complexity involved in selecting and sourcing individual pieces of machinery. Clubs can instead access a complete package designed around the core requirements of maintaining a quality football pitch.

The full package will be displayed within the Community Sports Zone at SALTEX, where grassroots clubs, grounds teams and volunteers will be able to see the machinery together and speak to the ISEKI team about how the scheme could support their facilities.

The initiative underlines ISEKI’s commitment to grassroots sport and to making professional-quality groundcare machinery more accessible to clubs working to improve the standard of their pitches.

The ISEKI Range at SALTEX

Alongside the headline launches, ISEKI will have its familiar line-up of compact tractors and professional mowers on display, showcasing machinery designed for a broad range of professional groundcare applications.

Continuing the electric theme across this year’s stand, ISEKI will also showcase the latest version of the SXGE216 fully electric ride-on mower. The SXGE216 will join the AllTrec 7510F and Raymo to demonstrate the growing range of electric solutions available for professional groundcare applications.

The ISEKI team and dealer network will be on hand throughout the show to discuss machinery requirements, applications and the latest developments across the range.

With the UK premiere of the AllTrec 7510F, the exhibition debut of Raymo’s second-generation R42 Flex Deck and R52 Turf Deck, the latest SXGE216, the launch of the ISEKI Sports Turf Scheme, and a comprehensive display of ISEKI compact tractors and mowers, SALTEX 2026 will provide plenty for visitors to discover.

Visit ISEKI UK & Ireland at SALTEX 2026 to be among the first to see the AllTrec 7510F on UK soil, discover the latest second-generation developments from Raymo, see the latest SXGE216 and explore the new ISEKI Sports Turf Scheme.

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

Origin Green-Tech to showcase new identity and landscape solutions at Futurescape

Origin Green-Tech to showcase new identity and landscape solutions at Futurescape

/in , , /by

Origin Green-Tech to showcase new identity and landscape solutions at Futurescape

Origin Green-tech will showcase its new identity and some of its landscape solutions at FutureScape 2026, as the industry event moves to a new venue at Farnborough International Exhibition & Conference Centre on 13 and 14 October.

Origin Green-Tech to showcase new identity and landscape solutions at Futurescape

Origin Green-Tech to showcase new identity and landscape solutions at Futurescape

The exhibition will be the first FutureScape at Farnborough, following five years at ExCeL London. Now in its 15th year, the event brings together landscaping professionals, designers, contractors, suppliers and industry leaders for two days of products, insight, innovation and networking.

For Origin Green-tech, the event will provide an opportunity to introduce visitors to its new branding following its rebrand earlier this year. Formerly Green-tech, the business became Origin Green-tech as part of its evolution within Origin Enterprises plc, reflecting its focus on sustainable land management and its growing portfolio of specialist landscape solutions.

Visitors to stand P10 will be able to see a selection of products from across the business, including the Green-tree topsoil and bark range and the innovative TreeParker® Cell System.

Green-tree will showcase a selection of its specialist growing media, including Bioretention, Intensive, Topsoil and Lightweight Subsoil, alongside Medium Grade Ornamental Bark and Playbark. Visitors will have the opportunity to see and handle the different materials and speak to the experienced technical advisors.

TreeParker® units will also feature on the stand, demonstrating how the modular underground tree pit system provides space for healthy root growth while supporting the surrounding hard landscape. The system can be used in urban landscapes and public realm schemes where trees need to thrive alongside roads, paving and other infrastructure.

Visitors can also pick up the new Rural Tree Planting brochure, which brings together Origin Green-tech’s range of planting stock, tree protection and associated products for rural planting projects.

Richard Gill, Sales Director for Land Management at Origin Green-tech, said: “FutureScape is always a valuable opportunity to meet customers and colleagues from across the industry, and this year will be particularly significant for us as we introduce Origin Green-tech at the show for the first time.

“The move to Farnborough gives the event a new dimension, with more space and an outdoor element that reflects the practical nature of our industry. We’re looking forward to showing visitors what we can offer, from growing media and tree planting products through to tree pit solutions, and discussing how our products and expertise can support their projects.”

For more information or to get in touch with the team, visit www.green-tech.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