GGM Group success at APF

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GGM Group success at APF:  GGM Group are celebrating huge success at APF 2024, which was held at Ragley Estate, Warwickshire last month with fantastic footfall, demos and connections made.

The APF Exhibition is the UK’s largest forestry, arboriculture, firewood. fencing, trade show. It attracts over 320 exhibitors and 23,000 visitors.

GGM Group success at APF

GGM Group success at APF

The APF was an opportunity for GGM to showcase its product range aimed at the woodland and tree-care industries. The range showcased included the TP280 tracked chipper which generated a huge amount of interest and requests for demos and just prior to the show, GGM had made a sale of a new TP280 tracked chipper and the event allowed for a handover to the customer with the technical team from TP.

Key features of the product include:

  • A large, 11” in-feed with aggressive ”shark teeth” vertical rollers generating a strong and effective in-feed
  • TP “Fast Feed” option giving the chipper the safe hand feeding as well as the benefit of excavator feeding for larger timber
  • Full radio remote operation for controlling the chipper from the excavator seat
  • No need for HGV transport, the TP280 chipper can be transported on a suitable 3,500kg GVW Plant trailer behind a capable pick up or van.

The event also provided an opportunity for the business to showcase the Cast SSQ Worky-Quad skidsteer loaders which revolutionize on-site working where narrow access and confined workspaces are an issue. Thanks to the interchangeability of multiple attachments, the SSQ Worky-quad can complete a large range of tasks throughout many different industries

The addition of Worky Quad to the product range follows significant developments in GGM’s entry in to the Arb market, including the expansion of their FSI territories with the addition of Yorkshire to North Wales and North of England. FSI is Europe’s largest manufacturer of stump cutters and becoming the FSI Stump Cutter Dealer for most of the North of England along with TP and Workyquad is a large step towards the company’s ambition to become the tree surgeon’s dealer of choice in the North.

The GGM range of Ag & Arb equipment also offers high-performing solutions from manufacturers including Kubota, Knegt, Major, Eliet, Echo and Husqvarna amongst others.

Phil Edmondson of GGM said:

“It was fantastic to exhibit at this national show allowing us to showcase our range in the best possible way. We had a huge number of visitors with enquiries right across our product range.

With FSI and TP also having stands at the show, the added benefit of having manufacturers present to offer hands-on advice direct to the end users proved theirs, and GGM Groups commitment to the arb industry”.

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GroundsFest Registration Prize Winner Announced

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GroundsFest Registration Prize Winner Announced: The winner of the GroundsFest 2024 registration prize has been announced. Warwickshire-based landscaper Trevor Day was thrilled to recently collect his brand-new Toro ProStripe 560 pedestrian mower – a machine that promises to take his business to the next level.

Every person who registered for GroundsFest 2024 was entered into the prize draw for a chance to win the Toro ProStripe 560. Renowned for its precision and clean striped finish, the ProStripe is a favourite among grounds professionals, excelling in both sports fields and fine turf applications.

GroundsFest Registration Prize Winner Announced

GroundsFest Registration Prize Winner Announced

Trevor, who runs his own landscaping business, couldn’t be more excited about his new mower. “I’m itching to start cutting some grass with it. I’ve heard a lot about the Toro ProStripe, and I know it’s going to hugely benefit my business,” he said. “It was the cherry on top after attending the fantastic GroundsFest 2024. The event was exactly what the industry has been crying out for—somewhere you can not only see new products but actually get hands-on and try them out. It’s so refreshing to attend an event that allows us to make informed decisions, rather than just talking specs and features. GroundsFest lets you experience the products firsthand, which is a game changer for anyone in the industry.”

Matthew Coleman, Sales Manager Professional Landscape Contractor & Site Works Equipment for the UK Direct Market, echoed Trevor’s enthusiasm. Toro UK sponsored the registration prize and reported an overwhelmingly successful debut at the show.

“It was a pleasure to sponsor the registration prize at GroundsFest this year, our first year of exhibiting as Toro UK, and what a great first year it was,” Matthew said. “I can see the future potential in GroundsFest and see how this event will help us promote our offerings to a large proportion of our markets. The show provides everything required to showcase both ends of our vast portfolio—hats off to the GroundsFest Team.”

He added, “A huge congratulations to the winner of our sponsored prize! It was fantastic to see how appreciative Trevor was in receiving his new Toro ProStripe. It was quickly evident the ProStripe has gone to a deserving winner and someone who’s very excited to create his first Toro stripes!”

GroundsFest continues to deliver memorable experiences for both exhibitors and attendees, and Trevor’s win is just one example of the many highlights from the event.

For more information, please visit www.groundsfest.com

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

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Henton & Chattell to showcase new EGO lineup at SALTEX

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Henton & Chattell to showcase new EGO lineup at SALTEX: Leading machinery distributor, Henton & Chattell, will be returning to SALTEX this month to unveil its new product introductions for 2025, as well as highlighting the most popular lines across its portfolio.

The new lineup from EGO Power+, which Henton & Chattell is the exclusive distributor of, will take centre stage.

Henton & Chattell to showcase new EGO lineup at SALTEX

Henton & Chattell to showcase new EGO lineup at SALTEX

A key focus on the stand at the show will be the ‘Cobra Fortis powered by EGO’ range of cylinder mowers that was created from the collaboration that unites Cobra’s machinery expertise with EGO’s innovative battery technology. Last year, Cobra launched its Fortis range of petrol-powered cylinder lawnmowers with eight interchangeable cartridges, to create the ultimate lawncare system. Now, it has partnered EGO Power+ to provide the same level of lawncare for those who prefer a battery alternative. The new ‘Fortis powered by EGO’ mowers offer the same extensive specifications and cutting expertise as the petrol models, with the addition of the revolutionary power and eco-credentials of EGO’s 56volt Arc Lithium battery technology. There are four sizes available in the Fortis range, starting with a compact 14” model, and ranging to 17”, 20” and 25”. They are all self-propelled and have a three-way drive facility, allowing the blades to be disengaged without having to stop the engine.

Alongside the EGO range, H&C will also be showcasing its extensive range of lawn tractors that launched in 2023. The Cobra lawn tractor range has already expanded and now features 10 different models, with cutting decks sized between 34” and 42”. The latest addition, the LT108HS2L model, is perfect for those with expansive outdoor spaces up to 1.8 acres in size. Equipped with a V-Twin Loncin OHV 586cc engine, this lawn tractor is both reliable and powerful, and covers large lawns quickly and efficiently.

Further products from Billy Goat and WoodBay Turf Technologies will also be on display, and representatives from the Henton & Chattell team will be on stand to meet with customers to discuss their requirements and explain the products.

For more information, please visit www.hcuk.co

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Husqvarna’s AI-ready platform of robotic mowers

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Husqvarna’s AI-ready platform of robotic mowers: Husqvarna, a world leader in robotic mowing, proudly unveils its latest innovation: a new platform of autonomous robotic lawnmowers designed for commercial use.

The AI-ready platform includes two new robotic mowers launching in the UK – the Automower® 580L EPOS™ and Automower® 560 EPOS™, which are set to disrupt turf care in sports fields, golf courses and other commercial areas.

Husqvarna's AI-ready platform of robotic mowers

Husqvarna’s AI-ready platform of robotic mowers

Designed with a focus on performance, power and efficiency, the duo offer advanced autonomous capabilities, including wire-free mowing and selectable cutting patterns. The two new mowers, which will be available from March 2025, will enable businesses to effortlessly maintain their turf care whilst saving time, cuttings costs and enhance turf quality.

The platform expands Husqvarna’s portfolio of autonomous solutions, aligning with its vision of advancing the future of landscaping through smart technology and ensuring that commercial users have access to state-of-the-art solutions that drive productivity and deliver superior results.

“The demand for reliable commercial autonomous turf care solutions continues to rise. With the new products we can now address more customer needs and develop a new market segment for commercial robotic lawn mowers, building on the success from Husqvarna CEORA™,” said Glen Instone, President Forest & Garden at Husqvarna.Glen continues: “Husqvarna is taking this opportunity to redefine the segment, drawing on our unrivalled expertise in robotics and innovation to deliver cutting-edge solutions for professional landscapers. We’re ready to lead the charge.”

A future-proof eco system for sports, golf and facility management
The new platform is engineered to be future-proof, with the capability to incorporate new features as they become available. After launch, it will offer benefits like compatibility with a new solar panel charger for remote sites, tailored to work seamlessly with the platform. Furthermore, it is AI-ready, with its first applications being a camera that provides night vision and exceptional obstacle avoidance capabilities. The camera application will be available in 2026 and will be compatible with the three new models.

The new models in Husqvarna’s groundbreaking new platform are tailored to meet the diverse needs of commercial users:

Golf and Sports
Automower® 580L EPOS™: Geared towards golf courses and sports clubs, it comes equipped with a low-cut disc enabling cutting heights down to 10mm.The powerful cutting, wire-free operation and selectable mowing patterns makes this model ideal for mowing fairways or sports pitches. This model is optimised for maximum uptime with remote start options.

Facility Management
Automower® 560 EPOS™: Tailored for facilities management, this model is optimised for maximum uptime with remote start options, providing enhanced operational flexibility. It also features wire-free mowing with selectable patterns, and a flexible front wheel axle making it a reliable choice for hilly, large, and complex landscapes.

Key Facts about the new platform:
Automower® 580L EPOS™: Wire-free, powerful cutting down to 10mm, designed specifically for golf courses and sports clubs, with a low-cut disc for specific turf requirements.

  • Up to 16,000 m² (in 48h) (4 acres)
  • Cut height 10-50 mm (0.4-2”)
  • 45% slope performance
  • 80W cutting motor

RRP: £7,799.00 (inc. VAT)

Automower® 560 EPOS™: Designed for facilities with optimised uptime, remote start option, and wire-free mowing. Excellent slope performance thanks to the flexible front wheel axle.

  • Up to 12,000 m² (in 48h) (3 acres)
  • Cut height 20-60 mm (0.8-2.4”)
  • 50% slope performance
  • 40W cutting motor

RRP: £6,099.00 (inc. VAT)

The new platform will be available from March 2025. For more information on Husqvarna’s new robotic mowers and other innovative products, visit Husqvarna’s website: www.husqvarna.com/uk.

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PSD Groundscare report successful Groundsfest

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PSD Groundscare report successful Groundsfest: PSD Groundscare are celebrating after a highly successful Groundsfest, which was held at Stoneleigh Park in September.

This year’s Groundsfest came on the back of an extremely exciting 12 months for PSD, which has seen the successful launch of new products, including a range of Rotary Collection Mowers from the German Manufacturer Sabo. Visitors also had the opportunity to view innovative, quality products from Eliet, Canycom, Grin, Ecotech & Koeppl.

PSD Groundscare report successful Groundsfest

PSD Groundscare report successful Groundsfest

PSD Groundscare are the exclusive UK distributor of niche specialist machinery, with an extensive portfolio from global wide manufacturers. Their products offer maintenance solutions for Green Waste Shredding, Steep Slopes, High Grass, Fine Turf, Landscaping, Cleaning and General Maintenance.

At the exhibition SABO re-entered the UK market, introduced by PSD, after their search for the most suitable UK Partner. SABO are one of the leading brands for high-quality battery and petrol walk behind collection mowers (“WBMs”) for both the Residential & Commercial markets.

PSD Sales Director Stuart Mercer said:

“This is our second year at Groundsfest and we are huge advocates of the show. Being an outside based industry, it makes sense for us to attend an outdoor exhibition, allowing us the opportunity to demonstrate our products – something that we heavily rely on to provide a hands-on experience for potential, and existing customers.”

Overall, attendance was considerably up at this year’s event, a reported 30% on last year, with noticeably more suppliers in attendance.

Stuart continued:

“Showcasing new products and meeting customers is extremely important to PSD and Groundsfest was the perfect platform to do this. We had lots of requests for demonstrations and had significant dealer interest.”

“In addition, the organisers had clearly listened to exhibitor feedback from last year’s event, resulting in a larger show with an improved layout for a better flow around the stands. The event has clearly gained momentum and we are already, eagerly, looking ahead to next year”.

Across the board, both visitors and exhibitors concluded that the event was a great opportunity to build contacts, carry out demonstrations and strengthen relationships.

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