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Loads of power, any condition

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Loads of power, any condition: Founded in the US in 1967, Billy Goat®, is a leading designer and manufacturer of turf renovation and clean-up equipment, and forms part of the Briggs & Stratton family of brands.

Known for practical innovation and high-performance specialty turf care solutions, Billy Goat’s product range covers a host of landscaping needs from aerators, sod cutters and brush cutters to blowers, lawn vacuums and debris loaders. This line-up supports professionals in the residential, commercial, rental and municipal sectors.

Loads of power, any condition

Loads of power, any condition

Traditionally, debris loaders have struggled to cope with peak volumes of wet, heavy and compacted material such as leaves and other organic debris, leading to engine strain, higher fuel use and downtime. On top of that, many engines were awkward to service, so even small breakdowns caused long delays. For contractors and municipalities, that meant rising costs, missed schedules and extra pressure on crews. These challenges drove Billy Goat to identify a clear goal: to find a solution tough enough for heavy-duty professional demands, while remaining efficient and easy to service.

Billy Goat’s engineers reviewed and evaluated several large commercial engines on the market to determine which could best meet the demands of the DL37. Ultimately, the Vanguard® 27,6 kW EFI/ETC V-Twin BIG BLOCK™ engine stood out as the clear choice for meeting the high-demand performance required.

Although Billy Goat is part of the Briggs & Stratton family, the decision to use a Vanguard engine was based on suitability above all else. The EFI/ETC V-Twin offered the torque and durability needed to drive Billy Goat’s largest impeller while maintaining strong vacuum and debris reduction. Its EFI/ETC technology also cuts fuel consumption, solves cold-start issues in winter, and keeps performance stable under fluctuating loads – directly addressing the key challenges of demanding clean-up work.

In addition, Vanguard’s three-year commercial warranty and comprehensive service network provides users greater assurance that the equipment will deliver long-term reliability with minimal downtime. By pairing Billy Goat’s innovation with Vanguard’s trusted engineering, the DL3701VE debris loader delivers a solution that professionals can depend on.

“From an engineering perspective, the integration of a Vanguard engine was more than just fitting a larger unit to the frame”, said Tim Ummenthum, Engineering Manager at Billy Goat EMEA. “We collaborated closely with our Vanguard colleagues to calibrate the engine’s torque, power delivery and load response to the DL37’s mechanical systems, ensuring reliability and serviceability weren’t compromised. The result is a system where the engine and machine complement one another, delivering consistent performance under demanding conditions”.

Feedback from landscaping and groundcare professionals, contractors, and municipal teams has been particularly positive, with the EFI/ETC system being a standout benefit. EFI/ETC engine’s proven ability to reduce fuel consumption by up to 25% and simplify maintenance has had a clear impact in the field. Combined with the engine’s reliability in all weather conditions, the DL3701VE has allowed businesses to complete jobs more efficiently while keeping downtime to a minimum.

By partnering with Vanguard, Billy Goat achieved exactly what it set out to do: deliver a debris loader tough enough for heavy-duty demands, yet efficient and easy to service. The DL3701VE stands as proof of that success.

Dennie Smeets, Senior Product Manager at Billy Goat EMEA, states: “The Vanguard 27,6 kW horizontal shaft V-Twin engine is a reliable and powerful product and an excellent choice for demanding professional applications, no matter the requirements. Combining the powerful and dependable Vanguard commercial engine with Billy Goat’s cutting-edge debris loader created the perfect solution to a long-standing debris processing issue.

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BGL partners with Carr Golf to elevate agronomic standards

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BGL partners with Carr Golf to elevate agronomic standards: BGL (Burhill Group Limited), one of the UK’s largest multi-club operating groups, has announced a new partnership with Carr Golf, a leading golf service provider, to deliver agronomic consultancy and greenkeeping support across its golf venues in England.

The collaboration brings together two family-owned businesses with deep roots in golf, combining BGL’s long-standing commitment to exceptional customer experiences with Carr Golf’s proven expertise in course maintenance, technical support, and data-driven agronomy.

BGL partners with Carr Golf to elevate agronomic standards

BGL partners with Carr Golf to elevate agronomic standards

“Partnering with Carr Golf represents a major step forward for BGL as we continue to raise the standard of our golf courses and invest in our people,” said Guy Riggott, Chief Operating Officer of BGL’s Golf Division. “As environmental, technological, and financial pressures grow, we believe that working collaboratively with experts who share our values will help us meet these challenges head on and deliver an even better experience for our growing number of members and guests.”

Carr Golf will work closely with BGL’s course managers and greenkeeping teams to provide technical guidance, mechanical support, and detailed agronomic planning. The consultancy will also help BGL enhance sustainability reporting, leveraging data to track resource efficiency, support GEO recertifications, and inform long-term investment decisions.

“This partnership is not about wholesale change,” added Riggott. “It’s about applying best practice, mentoring and developing our talented teams, and embracing new ways of working that will ensure our venues continue to lead in course presentation and conditioning.”

Ed Pettit, Managing Director of Carr Golf’s Maintenance Division, said: “We’re delighted to partner with BGL and bring our agronomic expertise, technical support, and data-driven approach to their outstanding portfolio of venues. Our focus is on working hand-in-hand with course managers and greenkeeping teams. Supporting them with the tools, insight, and training they need to help raise standards, improve sustainability, and deliver an even better experience for golfers. This collaboration is built on shared values and a passion for continuous improvement, and we’re excited to see what we can achieve together.”

Carr Golf has already begun integrating with clubs across the BGL portfolio, working closely with maintenance teams to implement best practices and develop new agronomic programmes. This process will continue throughout the remainder of the year and beyond, ensuring every venue is equipped to meet future challenges while consistently progressing in course quality and playing conditions.

To find out more about BGL Golf and all 10 venues located around the UK, visit: https://bglcompany.co.uk/golf/

To find out more about Carr Golf, visit: www.carrgolfmaintenance.com 

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Turf Tank exhibits new Robot Capabilities at Saltex

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Turf Tank exhibits new Robot Capabilities at Saltex: Turf Tank, a leading name in robotic line marking solutions, is proud to announce the release of its latest software update at Saltex 2025, Stand number B100. Designed to empower UK grounds teams to achieve more with less, the enhanced Turf Tank robot now boasts new features that extend its versatility from sports pitches to parking lots, and everywhere in between.

Already trusted by over 5,000 organisations worldwide, Turf Tank’s autonomous robots have transformed the way schools, clubs, and professional venues mark their grounds. The latest update, built in direct response to user feedback, introduces smart tools to further boost precision, efficiency, and user control.

Turf Tank exhibits new Robot Capabilities at Saltex

Turf Tank exhibits new Robot Capabilities at Saltex

Key Features being Showcased at Saltex 2025

  • Logo Bundles for Pro Subscribers: Instantly access and paint a library of preloaded logos for sports teams, holidays, and special events—no stencils required. Grounds teams can now easily mark out detailed designs for school events, awareness campaigns, or club matches straight from their tablet.

Car Park Marking: The Turf Tank robot can now tackle car parks as well as pitches. Mark entire car parks or individual bays on your own schedule, with the flexibility to complete the job in stages minimising disruption and avoiding the need to close off large areas.

  • Enhanced Tight-Space Navigation: Set the minimum turning distance for the robot between painted lines, making it ideal for compact or multi-use locations near fences, buildings, or other obstacles.
  • Quick Settings for Football Pitches: Updated templates let users adjust arc radius and line widths in moments, reducing setup time and ensuring consistent results.

These enhancements reinforce Turf Tank’s commitment to accurate, consistent, and efficient line marking—helping grounds teams save time and focus on maintaining first-class playing surfaces.

Request a Live Demonstration at Saltex

Curious to see the robot in action? Visit the Turf Tank stand at Saltex 2025 and request a hands-on demonstration at your own site. Select your preferred layout and watch as the Turf Tank robot brings it to life—no strings or stencils required. You can also request a demo at your site by visiting https://turftank.com/en/ or contacting your local Turf Tank representative:

About Turf Tank

Turf Tank is transforming pitch marking across the UK, from Premier League stadiums to local schools and grassroots clubs. By eliminating the stress and physical effort of traditional line marking, Turf Tank gives groundskeepers, volunteers, and facility managers more time to focus on quality and performance. With over 120 preloaded designs, custom layout options, and dedicated UK-based support, Turf Tank makes marking lines, logos, training layouts, and even car parks effortless.

Join us at Saltex 2025 and discover why thousands of clubs trust Turf Tank to streamline their pitch maintenance and elevate their facilities. Visit https://turftank.com/en/ for more information.

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GroundsFest Wins Prestigious Industry Impact Award

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GroundsFest Wins Prestigious Industry Impact Award: GroundsFest has been recognised for its exceptional contribution to the groundscare and landscaping industry, having won the Industry Impact Award at the EN Indy Awards.

The Industry Impact Award celebrates an exhibition or trade show that has demonstrably changed, influenced, or significantly contributed to the growth and advancement of the industry it serves – and in just three years, GroundsFest has done exactly that.

GroundsFest Wins Prestigious Industry Impact Award

GroundsFest Wins Prestigious Industry Impact Award

Since its launch, GroundsFest has grown into the UK’s largest industry event, uniting professionals and volunteers from every corner of the groundscare and landscaping sectors. From live machinery demonstrations and hands-on experiences to its unique combination of business, education, and entertainment, the event has created something truly special for the industry.

The judges praised GroundsFest for its genuine connection to its audience and the positive change it continues to deliver. Feedback included:

“The event really has its ‘roots’ in its target audience and is making a significant impact on the industry.”

“Support for their audience extends beyond the focus of business needs. The GroundsFest Academy is a great initiative, which shows a forward-thinking strategy of impacting the next generation.”

“This event clearly demonstrates support for its community. Measurable impact delivered and fantastic feedback received.”

Judges were particularly impressed by the fact that profits from the show are reinvested back into the industry.

That commitment is brought to life through the GroundsFest Academy, an educational initiative designed to give back to the industry by providing free training and development opportunities for professionals and volunteers alike. The Academy offers hands-on workshops, expert-led seminars, and interactive demonstrations.

“It’s great to see we’re making a difference,” said Christopher Bassett, Event Director of GroundsFest. “When we launched the show, we wanted to create something that genuinely supported the industry – not just for today, but for the future. GroundsFest, and the Academy, are about helping to put the industry on the map, providing opportunities for learning, and inspiring the next generation of professionals to come through.”

This latest recognition cements GroundsFest’s reputation as an event that not only celebrates the industry but actively helps it grow. With a firm focus on community, education, and long-term progress, GroundsFest continues to make a lasting impact.

For more information, please visit www.groundsfestacademy.com

You can also follow GroundsFest on X, Facebook and Instagram @GroundsFestAcademy for much more news, reviews and insightful views

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New Reesink depot launches in Lossiemouth

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New Reesink depot launches in Lossiemouth: Reesink UK expanded its presence in Scotland with the opening of a new depot in Lossiemouth this January, enhancing sales and aftersales support for customers in the area north of Aberdeen.

Operational since February, the Lossiemouth depot is now receiving daily deliveries and is fully staffed with Jim McKay, Area Sales Manager North, and Gordon Rodgers, a full-time engineer/mechanic.

New Reesink depot launches in Lossiemouth

New Reesink depot launches in Lossiemouth

Matching the product range of the Reesink Scotland Livingston branch, the depot sells leases primarily for Toro machinery. ReeAssure maintenance plans are available through the satellite branch, too.

Reesink Scotland Branch Manager Mike Turnbull runs the depot, drawing on over 25 years’ industry experience at Reesink UK and Toro Spellbrook. “I’m setting a clear trajectory for growth with the new depot, closely modelled on the operations down in Livingston,” Mike says. “This is a really exciting venture – I’m pleased Reesink UK and Toro let us expand our business to support the growing customer base.”

With Scotland hailed as the birthplace of golf and housing the world’s most prestigious clubs today, the core customers for the Lossiemouth depot certainly reflect this. It already services many of the country’s leading golf clubs, such as Cabot Highlands, Royal Dornoch Golf Club, and Nairn Golf Club, three long-term Toro machinery customers. The depot also works with a wide range of grounds clients, from municipalities and councils to contractors and sports fields.

Rather than a standard walk-in depot, customers can continue to contact Reesink Scotland in Livingston to enquire about prices or demos, buy a lease, or book a service, who will then connect them to the appropriate branch depending on their location.

The Lossiemouth depot currently stocks all the fast-moving genuine parts, and in most instances, when needed, can courier other parts from Livingston so they reach Lossiemouth by the next morning.

One of the main advantages of the new branch opening is reducing customer downtime. “We want to offer the same service we do at Livingston to customers further north, prioritising quicker call-out times,” Mike shares. “We can now have qualified people on the ground to help with equipment maintenance and repairs, cutting response time down from days to hours.”

The depot will be instrumental in broadening Reesink UK’s customer reach, Mike says: “Opening this depot is not only a business move – it’s a vital investment in our customers, as we can now more efficiently offer genuine parts, leases, maintenance service and support packages to our more northerly customers.”

To get in touch with the new depot, call 01506 300880, or email service.scotland@reesinkturfcare.co.uk for service, parts.scotland@reesinkturfcare.co.uk for genuine parts, and mike.turnbull@reesinkuk.co.uk for sales and other enquiries.

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