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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Finalists of Amenity Sprayer Operator of the Year Award

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Finalists of Amenity Sprayer Operator of the Year Award: Congratulations to the brilliant finalists of the Amenity Sprayer Operator of the Year Award, announced at this year’s Amenity Forum Conference in October.

Selected from the biggest ever entry to the prestigious competition to find the UK’s best sprayer operators across the industry, the finalists through to the next round of judging are:

Finalists of Amenity Sprayer Operator of the Year Award

Finalists of Amenity Sprayer Operator of the Year Award

The Amenity Sprayer Operator of the Year (ASOOTY) Award is organised by the Amenity Forum, with the support and sponsorship of ICL and Syngenta.

Announcing the finalists, Ian Graham, Amenity Forum Chairman said: “Being named a finalist is a testament to your hard work, dedication, and expertise in amenity spraying.”

He also commended all the entrants to the Awards for their hard work and dedication to the amenity industry, which does not go unnoticed. “We would like to extend our sincerest thanks for your participation.

“We strongly encourage you to apply again next year, as each entry helps to raise the standards and recognise the excellence in our industry.”

The next stage of the competition will involve individual interviews for the finalists with the judging panel. The overall winner will be announced at the BIGGA Industry Awards during the BTME event in Harrogate in January 2025.

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Knock GC praises ‘faultless fleet’ from Baroness

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Knock GC praises ‘faultless fleet’ from Baroness: Ask the Course Manager at Knock Golf Club for his thoughts on their Baroness equipment and the response is just one word – faultless!

The venue located on the outskirts of Belfast was one of the first in Northern Ireland to adopt the brand, and close to a decade on from the purchase of their LM2700 and LM315, they now run a fleet of six mowers which executes the majority of their cutting operation.

Knock GC praises ‘faultless fleet’ from Baroness

Knock GC praises ‘faultless fleet’ from Baroness

Lee Eager has been Course Manager for the last 18 years and maintains the challenging 18-hole parkland course with the assistance of a team of five. “We’ve been Baroness users since 2015 and were one of the first here in Northern Ireland to take the plunge – but from the purchase of those first two machines, we’ve never looked back” he emphasises. In the years that have followed, Lee has added a second LM315 triple greens mower, along with a GM2800 and GM2810 five-deck rotary mower and LM331 surrounds and trim mower to his armoury.

“Theres two main reasons we remain loyal to Baroness – the first of which is the outstanding service and support we received from our local dealer, Cyril Johnston, and in particular Ian Ellis. Secondly, it’s the performance and quality of the cutting cylinders which, in my opinion, are the best on the market.”

He continues, “All of our mowers deliver pinpoint precision and a sharp cut which is critical for retaining the aesthetics and health of our playing surfaces. They also stay on cut better than any alternative we’ve previously used and weather the challenges of course life – with bedknives lasting as long as four years, and some of our older models delivering day-in, day-out despite having over 2900 hours on the clock.”

Running alongside the mowers is a SP05A bunker rake and RR1000 greens roller, also from Baroness. “The bunker rake is a vital part of our arsenal and is out five days a week during the summertime. We can also equip this with a dozer blade which has been incredibly useful on construction jobs. Whether it’s elevating bunker presentation or helping us out on larger projects, this machine has been faultless.”

“The RR1000 greens roller gives us that little bit of extra pace in the greens, and that’s been faultless too!” he exclaims. “We couldn’t be happier with the performance and the support we receive with Baroness, it’s the full package for us.”

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