New AS 990 Tahr RC rotary mower enters series production

New AS 990 Tahr RC rotary mower enters series production: Series production of the new remote-controlled sickle mower from AS-Motor has begun, and the first machines have already been delivered. With the AS 990 Tahr RC, the high grass specialist is expanding its RC portfolio with a mower that impresses above all with its bidirectional mowing mode and extreme slope capability.

Faster mowing on steep slopes

The AS 990 Tahr RC operates without a conventional direction of travel. Its sickle mower, which is open on both sides, enables a clean cut forwards and backwards, including even clippings distribution. There is no need to turn after each pass. This saves time and significantly increases the area coverage. The proven cross-blade system from the Sherpa family delivers high cutting power. Grass and scrub up to 1.5 metres high are cut at high speed by two pendulum blades and shredded by the cutter bar above. The large-area deposit of the cut material facilitates its rapid decomposition.

New AS 990 Tahr RC rotary mower enters series production

New AS 990 Tahr RC rotary mower enters series production

The caterpillar design with even weight distribution, large support width and low centre of gravity ensures high traction in every driving situation, uphill, downhill and across slopes. With a slope capability of up to 56 degrees (across the slope), the machine remains stable and controllable. Only the caterpillar tracks have contact with the ground, which reduces the risk of getting stuck and protects the turf. The low ground pressure of only 0.14 kg/cm² underlines the soil-conserving approach.

Intuitive control, high area coverage

The remote control, reduced to the essentials, enables precise working even in demanding terrain. It is child’s play to mow straight lines or turn on the spot if necessary. The automatic reversal (left/right) of the control lever saves you having to rethink when changing direction. In practice, the AS 990 Tahr RC achieves an area coverage of up to 4,500 m² per hour.

Simple and robust – typical AS-Motor

AS-Motor also focuses on maximum robustness and low complexity with the AS 990 Tahr RC. The design is geared towards durability, low susceptibility to faults and easy maintenance, with a solid square steel tube frame, the established cross blade system from the Sherpa series, reliable hydrostatic drives from Hydro-Gear and the proven engine from the AS 940 Sherpa. The asymmetrical crawler track prevents the chains from jumping off, and their tension can be quickly checked and adjusted. Easily accessible service points, a hinged engine cover, few wear parts and moderate fuel consumption of around 4.5 litres per hour ensure economical operation. The compact dimensions, low weight of 502 kg and sturdy lashing points facilitate transport and handling, even in a van.

Safe mowing with the new AS 990 Tahr RC

In addition to productivity and robustness, the AS 990 Tahr RC focuses on user safety. Remote control operation significantly increases this, especially on steep slopes. Users work outside the danger zone, with less dust and noise exposure. Triple ejection protection reduces the risk of stone chips, and an automatic parking brake engages when the machine is stationary or in an emergency stop. Optionally available LED headlights also improve visibility in difficult lighting conditions.

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GMA Connect Returns With Six UK-Wide Regional Events

GMA Connect Returns With Six UK-Wide Regional Events: The Grounds Management Association (GMA) will expand GMA Connect in 2026, rolling out six UK-wide events designed to bring practical, accessible learning directly to grounds staff and volunteers.

Following two successful pilot events in 2025, the 2026 GMA Connect programme will take place in Oxford, Cardiff, Manchester, Leeds, Southampton and Ipswich, ensuring grounds people can access hands-on learning closer to home.

GMA Connect Returns With Six UK-Wide Regional Events

GMA Connect Returns With Six UK-Wide Regional Events

As a core GMA member benefit, GMA Connect brings the Association’s learning experience into regional hubs whilst also welcoming the wider grounds management industry. Each one‑day event offers a mix of targeted seminar sessions and live demonstrations from leading suppliers, giving attendees the chance to see products, equipment and techniques in action.

Designed around real‑world challenges faced by local grounds teams, GMA Connect focuses on practical solutions and takeaways that can be put to use immediately on site.

2026 Schedule:

  • Abingdon School (Oxford) – Thursday 16 April
  • Cardiff City Stadium (Cardiff) – Wednesday 22 April
  • Joie Stadium, Manchester City (Manchester) – Thursday 14 May
  • Headingley Stadium (Leeds) – Tuesday 19 May
  • Stoneham Lane Football Complex (Southampton) – Thursday 21 May
  • Ipswich Rugby Club (Ipswich) – Thursday 4 June

What Attendees Say:

Sean Smith, Groundsperson at Croke Park, said: “Events like this are important because they’re accessible and give you the chance to see things outside your everyday routine. You can chat with different people, see what they do differently and share what you do differently. I would definitely recommend it to anyone thinking about attending.”

Ticket Information:

  • Joie Stadium, Manchester City: £10 for GMA members | £50 for non-members
  • All other events: Free for GMA members | £35 for non-members

“The two pilot events in 2025 were a huge success, so we’re delighted to be rolling out six events across the UK in 2026,” said Sarah Hunter, Head of Events at the GMA. “It’s all about delivering high-quality learning closer to home and making it more accessible and easier to fit around the busy lives of grounds people. GMA Connect is a core member benefit and these events allow us to bring the GMA learning experience directly into the regions.”

GMA Connect is open to grounds professionals and volunteers working across all levels of the sector, from grassroots to elite sport. The programme is supported by GMA Platinum Supporters MJ Abbott, Kubota, Howardson Group, ISEKI, Cramer and GKB, working in partnership with the GMA.

For more information and to secure your place, visit thegma.org.uk/connect.

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John Deere named as Solheim Cup Official Machinery Partner

John Deere named as Solheim Cup Official Machinery Partner: John Deere has been confirmed as the official golf course and turf maintenance machinery partner of the 2026 Solheim Cup taking place at Bernardus Golf, the Netherlands, 7 – 13 September 2026, bringing their considerable experience in world-class course preparation and adding to the events sustainability credentials.

The agreement places John Deere at the heart of one of the biggest events in women’s sport. It formalises a partnership that brings together the global machinery manufacturer, Dutch dealer Kraakman, and the team at host venue Bernardus Golf in the Netherlands.

John Deere named as Solheim Cup Official Machinery Partner

John Deere named as Solheim Cup Official Machinery Partner

Paul Trowman, John Deere’s Golf and Turf Business Manager, said the partnership reflects the company’s long-term commitment to the professional game. “This is a chance to demonstrate how advanced machinery, data-driven management and high service standards can support top-level sport,” he said. “Bernardus Golf is an elite course which is presented by a team that’s at the top of its game. With John Deere machinery at its core, its greenkeepers have the tools and the expertise to ensure a global audience sees the venue in the best possible condition.”

Bernardus Golf’s local John Deere dealer, Kraakman, will supply all the equipment as well as delivering on-the-ground technical expertise before and throughout the event. The dealership is already working closely with the host venue to ensure all the right machinery is on site and has committed to a full training and monitoring programme for staff working at the venue. Back-up parts will be provided and service technicians will support the course’s mechanics.

Wim van Remortele, Commercial Manager for Golf and Turf at Kraakman, said: “Tournament preparation takes months of thought, planning, and expertise to ensure the course is playing to required regulations and looking its absolute best for a world-wide audience. Our role is to optimise the quality, efficiency and accuracy of operations, and we will be there before, during, and after the event because we have a long-term partnership with Bernardus Golf. The Solheim Cup is the pinnacle of Women’s golf so every machine, technician and process will be in peak condition. We are very proud to represent John Deere on home soil, and for what is a landmark moment for the John Deere brand.”

The 2026 Solheim Cup will be the 20th edition of the biennial competition between the best women pros from the USA and Europe and has the ambition to set a new benchmark for eco-friendly sporting events. As well as adding in John Deere’s expertise, sustainability plans include replacing general on-site parking with low-emission travel options, integrated ticketing, and last-mile solutions like the bike route experienced today. Other initiatives include renewable energy use, waste reduction, circular material sourcing, local catering, water-smart operations, and active nature restoration.

Bernardus Superintendent Niall Richardson said the partnership brings confidence and clarity to the months of preparation ahead. “I rely on equipment that performs every single day. With the Solheim Cup ahead, partnering with John Deere gives our team the reliability and support we need to prepare the course to championship level. The electric and hybrid technologies, along with the data they provide, help us work more efficiently and sustainably, key factors in how we manage the course today and into the future.”

John Deere’s market-leading technology and electric and hybrid innovations mean it is a perfect fit for the Solheim Cup’s sustainability values and ambitions. Equipment such as mowers, bunker rakes and utility vehicles will all utilise full or hybrid electric drives, and satellites will guide sprayers to accuracy in application of just 2.5cm. The whole fleet and its operators will be supported by John Deere Operations Center PRO Golf – a cloud-based course management system enabling the assignment of tasks, machinery management, and whole-course budgeting.

The Solheim Cup takes place at Bernardus in the Netherlands in September 2026.

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ICL & Syngenta Launch Ultimate Offers for 2026

ICL & Syngenta Launch Ultimate Offers for 2026: ICL and Syngenta have launched their Ultimate Offers for 2026, delivering cost-effective turf management packages that combine Primo Maxx II, Syngenta’s established plant growth regulator, with practical turf nutrition options from ICL.

For 2026, selected Ultimate Offers now include Greenmaster Liquid Advance.

ICL & Syngenta Launch Ultimate Offers for 2026

ICL & Syngenta Launch Ultimate Offers for 2026

The Ultimate Offers are designed for use across greens, tees and surrounds, fairways and roughs, and multi-pitch and stadia applications.

The 2026 Ultimate Offers include the following package types:

  • Liquid nutrition options including Greenmaster Liquid Advance NK, High N, Spring & Summer and Cal-Mag
  • Water-soluble nutrition packages based on Sportsmaster WSF
  • Targeted performance options featuring liquid iron and water-soluble seaweed

Selected Ultimate Offers include Syngenta XC 04 nozzles or, depending on the package, an Art of Application Kit.

Alongside product savings, turf managers can earn up to 15 Turf Rewards points, depending on the package selected.

Full details of the 2026 Ultimate Offers, including package availability, are available through participating distributors or at www.icl-growingsolutions.uk.

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Course quality the most important factor influencing decisions

Course quality the most important factor influencing decisions: According to a new survey from Carr Golf, 90% of UK golf club members say that year-round course quality will impact their membership decision.

When asked to rank membership factors, course conditioning dominates at 55%, significantly ahead of value for money (39%), tee time availability (39%), and price (22%).

Course quality the most important factor influencing decisions

Course quality the most important factor influencing decisions

The Challenge: High Expectations, Changing Climate

While current satisfaction among club members is high, with 78% of members satisfied or very satisfied with their membership, expectations are even higher. 88% expect good to excellent course conditioning year-round, a standard that’s becoming increasingly difficult to meet for course managers.

The UK experienced its hottest summer on record in 2025, 1.5°C above the long-term average. These volatile conditions, dry summers paired with mild, wet winters, are stretching maintenance operations to their limits.

Ed Pettit, Managing Director of Carr Golf Maintenance, explains: “Many clubs are still grappling with inadequate equipment, resources and practices to deal with the challenges they now face. Clubs must invest in irrigation optimisation and water storage to manage summer stress, while mild and wet winters are increasing pressures on drainage and year-round playability.

“On top of this, the chemistries at the disposal of course managers are limited and less curative, making it extremely difficult to overcome disease outbreaks.”

The Solution: Data-Driven Course Management

With year-round course conditions directly linked to membership growth and retention, golf clubs require a more strategic approach to meet the standards customers expect.

Carr Golf Maintenance uses a data-driven programme based on 13 key performance indicators (KPIs) to track, measure, and optimize course performance, operational efficiency, and regulatory compliance. Recently, in the UK, the company partnered with Burhill Group Limited (BGL) to enhance agronomic standards, elevate playing conditions and maintain sustainability certification at five of its venues across England.

“We consistently see a strong correlation between improved KPI scores and increased golfer satisfaction, membership retention and growth,” says Pettit.

“For clubs to meet member expectations, manage evolving weather, and stay compliant with environmental regulations, a comprehensive agronomic programme isn’t optional, it’s essential.”

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