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NEWS ARTICLES

Henchman launches All Terrain Telescopic Platform

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Henchman launches All Terrain Telescopic Platform: Henchman, the UK’s leading specialist in safety platforms for working at height, has announced the launch of its latest innovation – the All Terrain Telescopic Platform.

Designed in direct response to industry demand, this new product combines the adjustability of a telescopic platform with the robust stability required for an uneven or sloped terrain – a long-standing gap in the professional access equipment market.

Henchman launches All Terrain Telescopic Platform

Henchman launches All Terrain Telescopic Platform

The All Terrain Telescopic Platform is Henchman’s most versatile platform to date, created to meet the needs of a wide range of sectors including construction, building maintenance, facilities management, live events and horticulture. By offering safe, rapid access on variable ground conditions, it enables teams to work efficiently and with greater flexibility than traditional podiums, towers or static-frame platforms.

Key features:

  • Independently adjustable legs for sloped or soft terrain
  • Telescopic platform height variance of up to 80cm for the 3 Step and 120cm for the 5 Step
  • Certified to EN131-7 safety standards by British Standards Institution (BSI)
  • Compact transport size – fits in a VW Caddy (3 Step) or Transporter (5 Step)
  • No roof rack required – folds flat for van storage
  • Quick folding design – collapses flat in seconds for rapid deployment
  • Indoor and outdoor suitability – ideal for facilities, landscaping, events, maintenance and installation work

Available in two sizes – 3 Step and 5 Step – the platform features independently adjustable legs which ensure a level working space on uneven or soft surfaces such as slopes, steps and verges. The telescopic height can be adjusted to suit a wide range of internal and external tasks, including landscaping, building maintenance and decorating, window cleaning and event set up.

Manufactured from high tensile aluminium with auto-locking pins for secure adjustment, the platform is certified to BSI EN131-7, the industry’s leading safety standard for mobile ladders with platforms.

Owen Simpson, Managing Director of Henchman, commented: “We listened carefully to feedback from professionals who were frustrated by the limitations of current telescopic platforms, particularly when working at varying height and on uneven terrain.”

“This launch is a direct response to that demand – a truly portable and adaptable access platform that’s quick to deploy, easy to transport, and most importantly, safe to use on a variety of ground surfaces. By meeting the EN131-7 safety certification, users can work confidently and compliantly across sites with changing conditions, from soft verges to hard construction ground.”

Unlike conventional podiums or scaffold towers, the All Terrain Telescopic Platform offers rapid setup and breakdown, with no need for external fixings or levelling kits. The platform folds flat in seconds and fits inside most commercial vehicles, including small vans, for easy transport between sites. The integrated transport wheels and compact frame further enhance mobility without compromising on strength.

From groundskeeping and hedge cutting, to event rigging, property repairs and lighting installations, the new All Terrain Telescopic Platform has been engineered for professionals who need a reliable and adaptable transportable platform to complete a wide variety of jobs – safely and efficiently.

For more information and to order the All Terrain Telescopic Platform, visit www.Henchman.co.uk.

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Polaris Off Road Elevates 2026 RANGER Lineup

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Polaris Off Road Elevates 2026 RANGER Lineup: Polaris Off Road, the world leader in powersports and off-road innovation, has announced a range of user-inspired upgrades to its utility side-by-side lineup for 2026, including new features added to its purpose-built RANGER Nordic Pro product offering with the introduction of a factory-installed, 360-degree cab system now available as standard within the RANGER 570, 1000 and XP 1000 Nordic Pro platforms, redefining UTV comfort and convenience by keeping the elements out, and enabling riders to remain protected and productive.

Built to take on extreme climates and ever-changing weather conditions, RANGER Nordic Pro completes the vehicles with premium features tailored for the cold, the wet and the unpredictable. For the first time, RANGER Nordic Pro models now come equipped with a factory-installed, enclosed cab system that adds complete protection from the elements with a roof, tip-out windshield, rear panel and full doors complete with manual-crank windows, weatherproofing every ride and protecting riders from water, dust, sun and dirt. Not only that, but Nordic Pro models are also fitted with an in-cab heater and defrost system for year-round climate control, as well as a Polaris Engineered heavy-duty winch, ideal for plowing snow or pulling logs. New for 2026, all Nordic Pro editions now come in a signature Blue Dusk colourway.

Polaris Off Road Elevates 2026 RANGER Lineup

Polaris Off Road Elevates 2026 RANGER Lineup

“The latest announcements to the RANGER lineup are a direct result of our unwavering dedication to enhance every aspect of ride quality, putting the rider at the centre of product development,” said Rodrigo Lourenco, Vice President Off Road Vehicles Sales, EMEA. “The latest Nordic Pro enhancements are a great example of this; it’s a model specification that truly goes above and beyond our standard offering for those who need it most. We continue to listen and respond to the demands of our customers across Europe and beyond, resulting in product updates that truly matter to them, and offering solutions that help to achieve a better way of working.“

Building on the bestselling side-by-side platform in the industry, confidence-inspiring performance upgrades and new graphic and colour options can be seen across the entire RANGER lineup for 2026, resulting in the most comfortable, versatile, capable, and stylish lineup of RANGER vehicles on the market.

2026 RANGER XP 1000

Setting the bar for owner-inspired upgrades and class-leading capabilities, the top-of-the-range RANGER XP 1000 lineup is built for the most demanding users with a host of new upgrades for 2026, including new 29-inch Pro Armor X Terrain 8-ply tyres with a variable tread pattern to minimise in-cab noise on the RANGER XP 1000 Premium and Nordic Pro models. The ABS model variant also features the new Pro Armor variable-tread 27-inch tyres along with upgraded Gen 2 transmission for 50% easier shifting. The new XP 1000 Nordic Pro sees the all-new factory-installed cab system, along with a new Polaris Blue winch tether, replacing the previous orange tether that is cohesive with the all-new Nordic Pro Blue Dusk colourway.

Models, homologations and colour availability for the RANGER XP 1000 lineup across EMEA are as follows:

  • 2026 RANGER XP 1000 in Blue Slate Metallic Smoke [MD / Tractor T1a / T1b]
  • 2026 RANGER XP 1000 ABS in Blue Slate Metallic Smoke [Tractor T1b/ABS]
  • 2026 RANGER XP 1000 Hunter Edition in Polaris Pursuit Camo [Tractor T1a / T1b]
  • 2026 RANGER XP 1000 Nordic Pro SE in Blue Dusk [MD / Tractor T1a / T1b] – NEW COLOUR

2026 RANGER 1000

The new-and-improved 2026 RANGER 1000 models continue to enhance performance, with the new high-output electronic power steering seen across the standard RANGER 1000 and Nordic Pro models, offering enhanced responsiveness and slow-speed manoeuvrability. New colours are available across the 1000 lineup, including CREW models, now available in Mirage Beige. The Nordic Pro variant follows suit of the latest upgrades with all-new Blue Dusk colourway, cab system fitted as standard, and new blue winch tether.

Models, homologations and colour availability for the RANGER 1000 lineup across EMEA are as follows:

  • 2026 RANGER 1000 in Mirage Beige [MD / L7e / Tractor T1a / T1b] – NEW COLOUR
  • 2026 RANGER 1000 Nordic Pro SE in Blue Dusk [Tractor T1a / T1b] – NEW COLOUR

2026 RANGER DIESEL

To round out the full-size lineup, Polaris updates its bestselling RANGER Diesel range with new ride-enhancing upgrades, including Gen 2 transmission for 50% easier shifting, new high-output electronic power steering that offers enhanced manoeuvrability, especially at slow speeds, and improved responsiveness. Both the standard Diesel and Diesel Deluxe models now feature 27-inch Pro Armor X Terrain 8-ply tyres with a variable tread pattern to reduce in-cab noise. Similar to its petrol counterparts, the RANGER Diesel sees the all-new Blue Dusk painted bodywork available on its Deluxe model for 2026.

Models, homologations and colour availability for the RANGER Diesel lineup across EMEA are as follows:

  • 2026 RANGER Diesel in Sagebrush Green [MD / Tractor T1b]
  • 2026 RANGER Diesel Deluxe in Blue Dusk [Tractor T1b] – NEW COLOUR

2026 RANGER SP 570

Polaris’ bestselling small-but-mighty RANGER SP 570 sees product updates for 2026, including all-new side view mirrors for improved vehicle integration and even more protection with a full-body skid plate as standard across the range. The Nordic Pro model, customers will now benefit from the full cab kit fitted as standard, along with the Blue Dusk colourway and blue winch tether seen on its full-size Nordic Pro equivalents.

Models, homologations and colour availability for the mid-size RANGER lineup across EMEA are as follows:

  • 2026 RANGER SP 570 in Sage Green [MD / L7e / Tractor T1a / T1b]
  • 2026 RANGER SP 570 Hunter Edition in Polaris Pursuit Camo [Tractor T1a / T1b]
  • 2026 RANGER SP 570 Nordic Pro SE in Blue Dusk [L7e / Tractor T1a / T1b] – NEW COLOUR

2026 YOUTH LINEUP

Also announced as part of Polaris’ 2026 model updates are two new colour options available for the Outlaw 110 EFI Youth model – fan-favourite Indy Red or striking Lime Squeeze. Polaris Youth ATVs suitable for riders aged 10+, including the Outlaw 110 EFI and Sportsman 110 EFI, come standard with important safety features including an adjustable speed limiter, safety whip flag and tether, and daytime running lights.

Models and colour availability for the Polaris Youth lineup across EMEA are as follows:

  • 2026 Outlaw 110 EFI in Indy Red or Lime Squeeze – NEW COLOURS
  • 2026 Sportsman 110 EFI in Velocity Blue
  • 2026 Phoenix 200 in Storm Grey

The 2026 RANGER and Youth lineup will be available in dealers across Europe in summer 2025.

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Jacobsen AR 522 helps Taynuilt keep grounds match-ready

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Jacobsen AR 522 helps Taynuilt keep grounds match-ready: Taynuilt Sports Council in Argyll has bought a Jacobsen AR 522 rotary mower from Fairways GM to maintain the village’s large grass sports pitch.

As a charitable organisation, the Sports Council is committed to providing recreational facilities for the local community and the wider public through Taynuilt Sports Hub. The pitch is in use year-round for shinty, football, cricket, juvenile rugby, and hockey.

Jacobsen AR 522 helps Taynuilt keep grounds match-ready

Jacobsen AR 522 helps Taynuilt keep grounds match-ready

Ross Dunsmore, current Chair of Taynuilt Sports Council, said:

“Our previous machinery had reached the end of its life. We sought advice on the best replacement, then made successful funding applications to three sources: The Carraig Ghael Community Wind Farm Benefit Fund; The National Lottery Community Fund and Taynuilt Community Council. We’re incredibly grateful to all three for making this possible.

“We had heard good reports about Jacobsen equipment and Fairways GM.  At first, Stuart Cameron, Area Manager,  at Fairways didn’t have an AR 522 in stock. But two weeks later, he contacted us to say a unit was coming in from one of Scotland’s best known clubs, which could be refurbished and delivered with a three-month warranty.

“We took delivery in April, and it has definitely helped us produce a better pitch—we are delighted with the quality. In addition, the AR522 is better suited to the sometimes-wetter conditions we get here for cutting the pitch. The machine also deals with the excess grass on top well, leaving a good playing surface.

“On the service side, Fairways lead service engineer, Stuart Mulholland helped us resolve a small issue early on, and between the two Stuarts we’ve had exemplary support.”

The Jacobsen AR 522 is a five-gang wide-area rotary mower equipped with SureTrac™ four-wheel drive traction, weight transfer control, and TrimTek™ cutting decks, enabling it to manage uneven ground and slopes with ease as well as the flat.”

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Course investment enhances year-round championship quality

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Course investment enhances year-round championship quality: The Buckinghamshire is investing £3 million to upgrade its major championship qualifying course and enhance year-round playing conditions.

The private members’ club, home to the Ladies European Tour and which has previously hosted qualifying for The Open and US Women’s Open, completed a renovation of all its 68 rivetted bunkers this spring. The Club is now adding more than 100,000 linear metres of piped and secondary drainage, and looking to increase its water capture capabilities.

Course investment enhances year-round championship quality

Course investment enhances year-round championship quality

A new championship tee has just been built for the picturesque par-three finishing hole, which runs alongside the River Colne, with a complete upgrade of the practice range now planned.

The investment by owners Arora Group follows a £10 million 2024 renovation of the historic 17th century clubhouse, which now offers seven luxury bedroom suites for use by London based and international members. The club is just 10 miles from London Heathrow Airport.

Gerry Ivers, Managing Director of The Buckinghamshire said, “Our members’ playing experience is paramount, which is why this is an important investment. The frequency of wetter winters is increasing due to climate change, so we are taking steps to ensure playing conditions remain at a very high standard all year round.

“With the wonderful support from our owners, the Arora Group, there is complete focus on facilities at The Buckinghamshire for our members and their guests, both on and off the golf course.”

The Buckinghamshire opened in 1992 and was designed by the late John Jacobs who, although renowned as a PGA Professional and coach, was also a highly regarded golf course designer.

Gerry Ivers added, “The renovation of the bunkers and the return to shorter, native rye caps around their edges, replacing longer fescues, is something we are especially pleased with. Our greenkeeping team played an important role in this work and it has significantly improved definition and playability.”

The full schedule of course works includes:

  • Bunkers: full renovation of 68 rivetted bunkers; sand exchange, with 750 tonnes of new China clay sand added by hand (jagged sand particles to better hold bunker faces); longer fescue grasses replaced by native rye caps around bunker edges
  • Drainage: Upgrading of piped drainage to over 20,000 linear metres and 91,000 linear metres of secondary drainage; enhanced water capture capabilities, increasing sustainability
  • 1st tee: Repurposing of the 1st Tee environs to now include a compact warm-up putting green allowing space for a fourball to practice putting before teeing off
  • 18th tee: Back Tees (Black) now extending to 220 yards on this great par-three finishing hole running alongside the River Colne
  • Practice range: a full upgrade to the range is planned, with the introduction of new state-of-the-art performance technology, reshaped target areas and great new hitting surfaces.

Within easy reach of central London, The Buckinghamshire is a private members’ club for discerning golfers and their families.

To find out more about membership of The Buckinghamshire, please click HERE.

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Major industry players return to SALTEX

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Major industry players return to SALTEX: The Grounds Management Association (GMA) is excited to welcome back some of the biggest names in the industry to SALTEX 2025, Europe’s cutting-edge grounds management show. 

Returning to the NEC Birmingham this autumn, SALTEX will once again be the place where the entire sector comes together to see the latest innovations and get hands-on with the products shaping the future of grounds care.

Major industry players return to SALTEX

Major industry players return to SALTEX

Visitors can look forward to seeing the likes of Kubota, ISEKI UK & Ireland, SIHTL, Milwaukee, SGL, Husqvarna, ICL, Ransomes, Dennis & SISIS all back on the show floor – brands trusted by thousands of grounds professionals across the UK and beyond. Their return shows just how important SALTEX is as a platform where conversations happen, and deals are made.

Frank van Beusekom, Chief Commercial Officer, SGL says: “SALTEX provides an invaluable platform for us to connect with grounds professionals and volunteers, share our latest innovations, and demonstrate how our technology and services are helping sports venues around the world achieve exceptional pitch quality. We’re excited to engage with the industry, exchange ideas, and continue pushing the boundaries of performance and sustainability in turf care.”

From cutting-edge machinery to sustainable solutions and smart technologies, the returning exhibitors are ready to show what’s new and what’s next. If you’re maintaining elite stadiums, grassroots pitches, caring for green spaces or local community parks, you’ll find real-world solutions from the companies who know the job inside out.

Sarah Cunningham, Director of Commercial, Membership and Events, said: “We’re delighted to welcome back the industry leaders who continue to set the standard for innovation and quality. Their continued commitment to SALTEX shows how much value they see in being here – it’s where the industry meets face to face and builds relationships that make a real difference.”

Whilst the returning brands will once again be at the heart of the exhibition, new names like Boston Seeds, Boughton Loam, and Oasis will be making their debut at SALTEX 2025. They’ll bring fresh thinking and even more choice for visitors looking to source new products and services.

With hundreds of exhibitors already signed up and ready to showcase their latest innovations, SALTEX 2025 is shaping up to be an unmissable two days for anyone working in grounds care. This year’s show will feature the ever-popular Learning LIVE programme with headline speakers already confirmed, alongside the all-new machinery workshop with Tom Stidder, offering practical, hands-on guidance.

Combined with exciting new show features set to be announced in the coming weeks, SALTEX is designed to give visitors valuable time away from the day job and ideas they can take straight back to their own roles.

SALTEX 2025 takes place at the NEC Birmingham on 12-13 November. Register for FREE at www.saltex.org.uk and be in with a chance of winning a Cramer Tools All Terrain Lawn Mower ATM53A, complete with charger and battery, worth £2,240!

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