Etesia Hydro 80 at St Marylebone Crematorium

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Etesia Hydro 80 at St Marylebone Crematorium: Tucked away in the green spaces of North London, St Marylebone Crematorium has been a place of remembrance and reflection since 1937. Its peaceful gardens and neatly kept lawns are maintained with care and precision by a dedicated grounds team, who rely on the Etesia Hydro 80 ride-on mower to help meet the site’s demanding requirements.

With large expanses of grass, tight access areas, lots of trees, and numerous formal memorial plots, the grounds pose a variety of challenges. But for Head Gardener Alan Wilkins and gardener Lee Harris, the Hydro 80 has proven to be more than up to the task.

Etesia Hydro 80 at St Marylebone Crematorium

Etesia Hydro 80 at St Marylebone Crematorium

“This will be coming up to my second year here,” says Lee. “The Hydro 80 is a great machine, especially for the tight areas where you’re getting in between flower beds. It’s a great height if you need to get under trees, and access is fantastic. It’s a powerful mower—very fast—and it picks up really well.”

Designed for versatility and efficiency, the Etesia Hydro 80 cuts and collects both long and short grass without clogging, even in wet conditions. “Even in the wet, it picks up very well,” Lee adds. “It just makes the job easier—emptying it is simple, and it’s perfect for getting into smaller gaps. I’d recommend it to anyone with big lawns or tight access.”

The machine’s compact size—just 0.82m wide—makes it ideal for a site like St Marylebone, where space between memorials is limited. But compact doesn’t mean compromise. With its 15hp Kawasaki twin-cylinder engine, hydrostatic transmission, and specially contoured deck, the Hydro 80 delivers the power and performance expected from a much larger machine.

Alan, who joined the crematorium just over a year ago, was so impressed with the mower’s longstanding performance that he had no hesitation in ordering a new one. “We actually had this exact mower previously. It had been here for five or six years, and it was so good that we just ordered the same machine again—but the updated version.”

That replacement was supplied by RT Machinery, a supplier long associated with the site. “Purchasing this machine was actually the first time I dealt with RT Machinery directly,” says Alan. “The customer service was excellent, and communication with the rep was really good. They made the whole process very straightforward and easy.”

What impressed Alan most, though, was the quality of the cut. “From my perspective, the finish is very, very good. It’s comparable to a rotary pedestrian mower in terms of the fine quality of cut—and that’s quite rare for a ride-on. Anyone working in formal gardens would appreciate that. For us, the appearance of the grass is very important.”

With an 80cm cutting width, electromagnetic blade clutch, and an integrated 240-litre grassbox that can be emptied from the seat, the Hydro 80 is built for operator convenience as well as performance. Features like anti-scalp rollers for uneven ground, fingertip controls, and a comfortable high-backed suspension seat ensure that mowing is not just effective—but also smooth and enjoyable.

“The machine is just built well,” Lee concludes. “It’s solid, reliable, easy to use, and perfect for the work we do here.”

For a site where respect, appearance, and accessibility are all key, the Etesia Hydro 80 has proven to be the ideal partner—efficient, compact, and a cut above.

A video of the Hydro 80 in action at St Marylebone Crematorium can be viewed here.

For further information, please contact Etesia UK on 01295 680120 or visit www.etesia.co.uk.

For more news, reviews and insightful views, you can follow Etesia UK on X @EtesiaUK and like the company’s Facebook page – www.facebook.com/EtesiaUK. You can also view the latest Etesia videos by visiting www.youtube.com/EtesiaUK

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BIGGA and Bernhard Academy select America delegation

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BIGGA and Bernhard Academy select America delegation: The British & International Golf Greenkeepers Association (BIGGA) and Premium Partner Bernhard Academy have selected 10 association members to engage in one of the sports turf industry’s most prestigious learning opportunities.

A BIGGA Premium Partner, every two years Bernhard Academy invites 10 BIGGA members to attend the Golf Course Superintendent Association of America’s (GCSAA) Conference and Trade Show, this year taking place in Orlando, Florida.  A spot on the delegation marks out a candidate as among the most dedicated and talented ambassadors for the golf greenkeeping sector. In the intervening years a Delegation from the USA visits BIGGA’s exhibition and conference, BTME.

BIGGA and Bernhard Academy select America delegation

BIGGA and Bernhard Academy select America delegation

With experiences designed to elevate the careers of those in attendance, the delegation is a week-long educational trip that features site visits as well as seminars, networking events and educational demonstrations. The successful delegates will also be invited to convene at the BIGGA Turf Management Exhibition in January, where they will meet former participants in the programme, many of whom have gone on to great success in their careers.

The BIGGA members selected for the 2026 BIGGA Delegation with Bernhard Academy are:

  • Andrew Gibbs, Deputy Head Greenkeeper, Sunningdale Golf Club
  • Michael Sage, Head Greenkeeper, Knowle Golf Club
  • John Stewart, Course Manager, Minchinhampton Golf Club
  • Dan Kendle, Head Greenkeeper, Newquay Golf Club
  • Ruth Etches, First Assistant, Trentham Golf Club
  • Jack Wellings, Deputy Course Manager, JCB Golf and Country Club
  • Ian Kirwan, Course Manager, Bramhall Golf Club
  • Michael Gibbons, Greenkeeper, The Wilmslow Golf Club
  • Ryan Gall, Greenkeeper, Loch Lomond Golf Club
  • Stuart Fergusson, Deputy Course Manager, Trump Turnberry

Head to the BIGGA website to find out more about each of the delegates.

Michael Sage is Head Greenkeeper at Knowle Golf Club. Reacting to being selected, he said: “I’m really grateful to have been chosen for the BIGGA Delegation to the GCSAA Conference and Trade Show. It’s a fantastic opportunity to learn from industry leaders, see how things are done on an international stage, and bring back new ideas that can help us at Knowle to keep improving. My goal is to gain fresh perspectives, especially around sustainability and course presentation, and share anything useful with my team”.

Ryan Gall, a greenkeeper at Loch Lomond Golf Club, expressed his pride at being chosen to join the BIGGA Delegation, representing UK greenkeeping on the global stage. He added: “I’m absolutely delighted to have been selected to be part of the Delegation. To be chosen is a massive career achievement for me and I feel incredibly proud to be part of such a prestigious group. I’m really looking forward to experiencing the event first-hand, meeting greenkeepers and industry leaders from around the world, and seeing the very latest innovations in turf management. I’ve no doubt it will be a hugely valuable learning experience and I’m excited to bring back new knowledge and ideas. Huge thanks to BIGGA and Bernhard for making this possible”.

The GCSAA Conference and Trade Show runs from 2 – 5 February 2026. As part of their duties, the delegates will attend the BIGGA stand during the conference, speaking to visitors about the association and UK greenkeeping.

For more information about the exclusive career development opportunities available to BIGGA members, head to the BIGGA website.

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Makita launches 9.0Ah and 12.0Ah batteries

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Makita launches 9.0Ah and 12.0Ah batteries: Makita UK has recently launched two new batteries for its LXT cordless tools, the world’s largest compatible cordless tool system powered by 18V slide-style batteries.

The new BL1890 18V 9.0Ah battery and BL18120 18V 12.0Ah battery offer more cells and an increased electrical capacity. As a result, compatible cordless tools from the LXT range will benefit from extended run times, enabling users to work for longer on a single charge.

Makita launches 9.0Ah and 12.0Ah batteries

Makita launches 9.0Ah and 12.0Ah batteries

Building on the continued success of the LXT platform, Makita’s new batteries represent a considerable increase in capacity compared to those currently on offer. Prior to this launch, the largest capacity battery offered by Makita for its 18V LXT tools was 6.0Ah. With the introduction of these 9.0Ah and 12.0Ah alternatives, Makita users will be able increase productivity and reduce the need to swap out batteries.

In addition to their increased capacity, the two new batteries come with improved impact resistance. By adopting a shock-absorbing structure equivalent to that of the 40Vmax XGT batteries, the new 18V LXT batteries offer reduced risk of damage from unexpected drops.

Kevin Brannigan, Marketing Manager at Makita UK, commented “We are very excited to be able to bolster our LXT range and support our loyal customers by providing these new increased capacity batteries. Constantly improving battery technology and capacity is at the heart of our business and that innovation is enabling more people than ever to switch to cordless tools. With the launch of the BL1890 and BL18120 we believe cordless power tools are now the logical solution for an ever-greater range of professionals, regardless of their needs or the tools they use.”

Due to their increased size, both the BL1890 and BL18120 may not be compatible with a select number of LXT cordless tools. Customers are therefore advised to check compatibility before purchasing.

To find out more about Makita’s range of LXT power tools, go to www.makitauk.com.

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Redexim Launch Two New Machines

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Redexim Launch Two New Machines: Redexim is pleased to announce the launch of two new machines: Verti-Cut Flex 2000 and Turf-Tidy 1100.

The Verti-Cut Flex 2000 simplifies dethatching on undulating terrain and pivots around curves and bends with ease. The Turf-Tidy 1100 offers compact and manoeuvrable cut & collect. Its clamshell design allows for the quick release of material.

Redexim Launch Two New Machines

Redexim Launch Two New Machines

Verti-Cut Flex 2000: Perfect results on undulating turf

We verticut to remove thatch and lateral grasses that build up and deprive the soil of nutrients. However, precise and even verticutting on undulating surfaces that will not scalp the turf requires a flexible solution.

The Verti-Cut Flex 2000 is that flexible solution. It offers exceptional manoeuvrability and consistent cutting quality over and around uneven surfaces, reducing the risk of scalping. Multiple points of flexibility and floating wings allow for easy undulation following.

The machine can also pivot around curves and bends thanks to Passive Pivoting Suspension™, and it is ready to move over and around hills, slopes, and complex terrain, such as around trees or along the contours of a golf green.

Requiring a minimum of 30 HP, it has a working width of 2 m (79″) and a maximum working depth of 40 mm (1.6″). A belt-driven system ensures simple operation, and a single grease point makes maintenance straightforward. The rear debris guards are easily removed for cleaning, while the floating wings can be folded up for compact storage.

Turf-Tidy 1100: Compact, tractor-mounted, cut & collect

The Turf-Tidy 1100 is a tractor-mounted, close-coupled cut & collect unit that sweeps, dethatches, flail mows and scarifies all in one. Its design makes it easy to pick up, take tight turns, lower it and get to work. The clamshell hopper is a low-dump design.

Redexim Launch Two New Machines

Redexim Launch Two New Machines

Simply use the hydraulics, open the back and release the material. No lifting required.

Quick-release knives enable fast switching between either a flail or a scarifier.

With a hopper capacity of 1,100 litres (290 US gallons) and a working width of 1.5 m (59”), the Turf-Tidy 1100 is compact yet capable.

For more information, visit https://www.redexim.com/uk/

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Moasure’s new features for Motion-Based Measuring Tools

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Moasure’s new features for Motion-Based Measuring Tools: Moasure continues to transform the way green industry professionals measure and document job sites, with its motion-based measuring technology. Following their last major app update in February 2025, Moasure has just launched a new app update, designed to offer more ways to customise and streamline landscaping measurements.

The Moasure 2 Series – comprising Moasure 2 and Moasure 2 PRO – enables professionals to measure and draw irregular job sites quickly and accurately. As the landscaping contractor walks the site, the Moasure 2 Series automatically captures a wide range of measurement data, including perimeter, area, volume, true surface area, elevation changes, angles, and more. Useful for sites with curved lawns, sloping yards, irregular pathways and multiple different areas within a green space, the Moasure 2 Series has been designed to support professionals in measuring complex terrain and site features.

Moasure's new features for Motion-Based Measuring Tools

Moasure’s new features for Motion-Based Measuring Tools

Using accelerometers and gyroscopes to calculate the X, Y, and Z (elevation) coordinates of each measurement point, the Moasure 2 Series devices produce scaled 2D and 3D diagrams, that are instantly viewable via the Bluetooth-connected Moasure app. By measuring and drawing at the same time, users reduce guesswork and streamline site documentation – all without GPS, Wi-Fi, line of sight, network coverage, or additional manpower.

Using Moasure 2 PRO, green industry professionals can also leverage the exclusive Layout Mode feature – enabling them to locate and mark points on-site from predefined X, Y coordinates. The Moasure 2 Series helps landscaping professionals cut measuring time, improve material orders, and handle complex areas with accuracy – reducing rework and boosting confidence, efficiency, and profit margins.

Highlights of the App Update

The latest update to the app is free of charge for all Moasure users, including those on the first-generation Moasure device, or users of the most recent product line, the Moasure 2 Series. With it, additional personalisation tools and refinements have been added to improve on-site efficiency, save time, and make measurements fit each project’s needs:

  • Annotations – Add custom text directly to the measurement canvas to mark important site details, like paths and planting beds, not tied to a specific point.
  • Voice Labelling – Create instant text labels hands-free by speaking into the device while measuring, keeping workflows uninterrupted.
  • Custom Contour Intervals – Define major and minor contour line spacing for 2D and 3D contour maps, offering more terrain detail control.
  • Custom Colour Picker – Assign any colour, including hex values, to measurement layers for clear visualisation or brand alignment.
  • CAD Imports for Layout (Moasure 2 PRO only) – Import X, Y coordinates directly from DXF/DWG files to streamline layout tasks, with an optional “Optimise Route” feature for faster marking.
  • Refreshed Cross-Section View – View gradient changes, rise, run, and angles in one streamlined display for quicker decisions in the field.
  • Interface Improvements – A redesigned Export and Settings menu, improved metadata display, and clearer navigation for a smoother user experience.

Like previous updates, Moasure’s latest release is shaped by customer feedback from multiple industries like landscaping, construction, concrete, and more. The result is a tool that evolves with the green industry professionals who rely on Moasure’s technology daily.

Chloë Hyde, spokesperson for Moasure, said: “We’re proud to be releasing another free app update for our entire customer base, giving users even more flexibility and customisation tools for when they take, view, and edit measurements. Listening to customer feedback is really important to how these features are shaped, and we’re glad to see that reflected once again in the latest release.”

Moasure’s app update is now live, free for every Moasure user, and the latest step in Moasure’s journey to make measuring faster, easier, and more accurate for professionals across the globe.

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