TFM Farm Appointed as New Etesia Dealer

/in , /by

TFM Farm Appointed as New Etesia Dealer: Etesia UK is pleased to announce TFM Farm and Country Superstore as its newest dealer, bringing the high-performance Etesia range to the rural communities of Shropshire and beyond.

This partnership is set to offer local customers a robust selection of commercial-grade grass-cutting machinery, including pedestrian mowers, ride-on mowers, and brushcutters.

TFM Farm Appointed as New Etesia Dealer

TFM Farm Appointed as New Etesia Dealer

TFM Farm and Country Superstore, a family-run business with a deep-rooted history in serving the rural workforce, is well-known for its vast range of agricultural, construction, and country living products. Group Buyer Hayley Cole explained the importance of introducing the Etesia brand to their customers:

“Where we are based, a lot of customers start with domestic ride-ons, but they often find they’re not up to the job when tackling larger gardens or paddocks. We needed something at a more commercial level, and Etesia was the perfect fit,” said Hayley.

Etesia, a leader in grass-cutting innovation since 1989, is renowned for its reliability, durability, and performance across diverse conditions. With a product lineup that includes pedestrian and ride-on mowers, brushcutters, and the award-winning ET Lander electric utility vehicle, Etesia machines are designed to meet the demands of both domestic and commercial users.

TFM discovered Etesia at GroundsFest 2024, where the brand’s impressive display left a lasting impression. “We had a good look at their machines at the event and later visited their UK head office in Banbury to learn more. The capabilities of the machines really stood out, especially the design where the chute into the collector box is right next to the cutting deck—it’s ideal for preventing blockages,” Hayley added.

Etesia’s ability to cut and collect even in wet conditions, along with their solid construction, also caught the TFM team’s attention. “Our customers often cut grass at knee height, and domestic ride-ons just can’t handle that. These machines are built to perform,” Hayley noted.

TFM is excited to offer Etesia products to a diverse customer base, from councils and housing associations to domestic users with larger land areas. “I think there will be some crossover between domestic and commercial customers—those with land needing a more robust mower and councils requiring reliable machines,” said Hayley.

The partnership with Etesia extends beyond product sales. “The Etesia team is great to deal with,” Hayley shared. “They’re coming to deliver training on all the machines, and we know we can always pick up the phone if needed. Their support has been excellent.”

This collaboration marks a significant step for both TFM and Etesia in meeting the needs of rural communities with high-quality, dependable machinery. TFM customers can look forward to seeing the Etesia range ahead of the cutting season, with demonstrations and hiring options available.

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 Twitter @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.

For the latest industry news visit turfmatters.co.uk/news

Get all of the big headlines, pictures, opinions and videos on stories that matter to you.

Follow us on Twitter and Instagram for fun, fresh and engaging content.

You can also find us on Facebook for more of your must-see news, features, videos and pictures from Turf Matters.

Third of Brits now want artificial grass banned

/in , /by

Third of Brits now want artificial grass banned: Artificial grass rose to popularity several years ago due to its cleanliness, consistently perfect aesthetic, and its ease to maintain. However, last year, data revealed that 24 per cent of people living in Britain would support a ban.

Just 12 months later, new statistics show this figure has now risen to 36 per cent in support of a full ban on the product – a rise of 50 per cent in just one year.

Third of Brits now want artificial grass banned

Third of Brits now want artificial grass banned

According to research from MyBuilder.com, the reliable way to hire tradespeople, more than a third of people living in the UK want to ban artificial grass. This explains the drop in popularity for the product, with data from the company itself showing enquiries for artificial grass installation were down 48 per cent year on year in 2023. Google data supports this finding, with searches for the product down 20 per cent since 2023 – and 50 percent since 2021.

The new statistics show that support for a ban is universal across all age groups and is consistent for both men and women. Geographically there are some variations, with Scottish capital Edinburgh showing the strongest support. In Edinburgh, more than half (53 per cent) of residents would support a full ban. Manchester was the least supportive – although 32 per cent still stated that they would like to see the product banned. Other results included:

  • Cardiff 41%
  • Liverpool 39%
  • Plymouth 39%
  • Leeds 39%
  • Southampton 38%
  • London 36%
  • Birmingham 36%

MyBuilder.com ran the research across its European territories, which also showed strong support for a ban. Perhaps unsurprisingly, green-focused Netherlands residents stated they would like a ban. Results across Europe included:

  • Data from the Netherlands showed that 43 per cent of residents support a ban
  • Data from France showed that 26 per cent of residents would support the ban
  • Data from Germany showed that 31 per cent of residents would support the ban
  • Data from Austria showed that 30 per cent of residents support a ban

James Lewis, expert gardener from MyBuilder.com, said widespread negativity in the press, and concerns about how artificial grass affects wildlife, has caused concerns with homeowners.

“After an extremely wet 2024, Brits are understandably really worried about flooding and the damage it can cause to both property and gardens. Artificial grass has received a fair amount of negativity for the potential it has to increase any flooding risk.

“We’d advise anyone considering installing it to look at all the pros and cons, as there are still many benefits to the product.”

To help those thinking about it decide, experts from MyBuilder.com have compiled a list of the advantages and disadvantages of installing an artificial lawn.

Pros

  1. Looks aesthetically pleasing all year round

No brown spots, bald patches, or muddy puddles here! There’s no denying that an  artificial lawn looks nice and maintains its appearance, whatever the weather.

  1. No need for watering

No live grass equals no need for watering in the summer. Saves you time, and money, off your monthly water bill. Also useful when the inevitable hosepipe ban comes into play.

  1. Low maintenance

No mowing, no watering, no reseeding – there’s no doubt that an artificial lawn is easier to look after than a natural one.

  1. Easy to clean

We all know the risk of unseen pet poo and urine on our lawns, but with an artificial lawn you can easily hose it down to keep it sparkly clean.

Cons 

  1. Cost to buy and install

Although once in place it may save you money, buying and installing your artificial lawn is likely to be a several thousand-pound cost. The average cost for installation in an average size garden is between £1,200 to £2,500.

  1. Impact on natural habitat

Removing natural grass undeniably has a negative effect on the environment, with the loss of habitat for bugs and wildlife.

  1. Drainage implications 

Although this varies depending on product and installation, an artificial lawn does not drain as well as a real one. This can cause issues in areas where flooding is a problem, such as in new build estates built on previous flood plains, or in areas close to bodies of water.

  1. Can get too hot

Artificial lawns can get too hot for little feet and paws, causing blistering and burns. Vets from Joii Pet Care have recently warned owners that artificial grass can be perilous for pets, and advised caution when allowing pets onto it.

If you’re considering a garden project, MyBuilder have a helpful cost guide at https://www.mybuilder.com/pricing-guides/garden-landscaping-cost

For the latest industry news visit turfmatters.co.uk/news

Get all of the big headlines, pictures, opinions and videos on stories that matter to you.

Follow us on Twitter and Instagram for fun, fresh and engaging content.

You can also find us on Facebook for more of your must-see news, features, videos and pictures from Turf Matters.

How You Can Get Involved With #GroundsWeek

/in , , /by

How You Can Get Involved With #GroundsWeek: #GroundsWeek 2025, taking place from 17 to 23 March, is fast approaching.

This nationwide celebration, led by the Grounds Management Association (GMA), shines a spotlight on the professionals and volunteers who work tirelessly behind the scenes to make sports surfaces and green spaces thrive.

How You Can Get Involved With #GroundsWeek

How You Can Get Involved With #GroundsWeek

The week is all about recognition, whilst inspiring more people to appreciate and explore careers in grounds management. Whether you’re a professional grounds manager, a volunteer or someone who enjoys well-maintained outdoor spaces, there are plenty of ways to get involved and show your support.

Building on the success of the 2024 campaign, which reached an impressive 18 million people, we hope #GroundsWeek 2025 will reach a global audience, shining a spotlight on the vital role of grounds staff not only in the UK but across the world.

Ways to take part in #GroundsWeek 2025:

  • Download the #GroundsWeek Toolkit – Access ready-made graphics, templates and ideas to help you spread the word.
  • Share Your Story – Tell us about your experiences in grounds management for a chance to be featured during the week.
  • Join the Online Conversation – Keep an eye on @wearetheGMA across all social media channels and help us kick off the week by sharing our launch post on Monday 17 March.
  • Show off Your Grounds Team – Post a photo of your grounds staff or volunteers, or share a short video of someone at your club or organisation saying thank you.
  • Use the Official Hashtag – Tag @wearetheGMA in your posts and include #GroundsWeek to ensure your content reaches a wider audience.

#GroundsWeek is an opportunity for everyone to celebrate the people who make great outdoor spaces possible.

Get involved and help raise awareness of the vital work that goes into keeping pitches, parks and green spaces in top condition.

To find out more about #GroundsWeek 2025, please visit thegma.org.uk/groundsweek.

For the latest industry news visit turfmatters.co.uk/news

Get all of the big headlines, pictures, opinions and videos on stories that matter to you.

Follow us on Twitter and Instagram for fun, fresh and engaging content.

You can also find us on Facebook for more of your must-see news, features, videos and pictures from Turf Matters.

Trilo C12 delivers for Walsall Council

/in , /by

Trilo C12 delivers for Walsall Council: With a decision made to reduce grass cutting on around 75 sites across the borough, came the necessity to purchase a more durable and efficient cut and collect set-up for the team at Walsall Council.

The solution – a high-capacity C12 unit from Trilo. Delivered in the autumn of 2024, the Trilo was swiftly put to task, making light work of the mowing and clean collection of wildflower areas and other green spaces, all while reducing labour and fuel requirements too!

Trilo C12 delivers for Walsall Council

Trilo C12 delivers for Walsall Council

Andrew Stokes, Principle Operations Manager for Walsall Council, has been with the local authority for the last 17 years and currently oversees the team responsible for all elements of grounds management and street cleansing. He explains the changes to the cutting schedule which drove the purchase. “We previously had around 4 sites which would only be cut once a year, for the benefit of supporting pollinators and wildlife more generally. As part of a larger 10-year ‘managing grass’ plan, this was increased to 75 for the 2024 season. While this brings many benefits, it posed a challenge for our equipment which only had limited capacity.”

Working closely with supporting dealers F R Sharrock, Andrew and the team looked at the Trilo C12, with its robust steel fabrication and heavy-duty flail head designed to cope with the most demanding cut and collect tasks. Boasting noise reduction, dust suppression and a 12m3 hydraulically controlled hopper, the C12 was the right choice to deliver both the quality and quantity of mowing the council were looking for.

“We’ve gone from using a machine which could only collect 1m3 which, when you factor in the need to empty and transport the waste, meant the whole task would take two or three people. With the introduction of the Trilo the task can now be completed by one person all from the tractor cab. Not only is that reducing the reliance on resources, it’s minimising the number of trips required to dispose of the cuttings thereby freeing up equipment and lowering our fuel usage.” He continues, “We are working with ever tightening budgets so being able to reassign our workforce and benefit the environment at the same time is the kind of efficiencies we really need.”

“The feedback from the operators has been nothing but positive” he adds. “The C12 proved to be a workhorse right through the tail end of the year and, moving forwards, will only continue to play a greater role and allow us the potential to add more areas to the programme.” The Trilo is also equipped with a handheld hose and brush attachment, allowing it to also be used for leaf collection. “The idea is we’ll be able to complete all of our cut and collect work before the leaves start to fall, then change the C12 to bring greater productivity and efficiency to this side of our operation.”

For the latest industry news visit turfmatters.co.uk/news

Get all of the big headlines, pictures, opinions and videos on stories that matter to you.

Follow us on Twitter and Instagram for fun, fresh and engaging content.

You can also find us on Facebook for more of your must-see news, features, videos and pictures from Turf Matters.

Greenstripe Groundcare Experience Remarkable Business Growth

/in , , /by

Greenstripe Groundcare Experience Remarkable Business Growth: Over the last two years, Lincoln-based Greenstripe Groundcare has seen remarkable growth, largely thanks to the addition of the Iseki TG6507 compact tractor.

Owner James Pask attributes the company’s increased productivity, efficiency, and premium client base directly to the versatility and performance of this high-specification machine.

Greenstripe Groundcare Experience Remarkable Business Growth

Greenstripe Groundcare Experience Remarkable Business Growth

By incorporating the TG6507 into daily operations, Greenstripe Groundcare has expanded its services, allowing them to take on more high-end contracts, including football clubs and cricket grounds.

The ability to attach high-quality implements and transport them without using a trailer has significantly improved productivity and the quality of work, ensuring that Greenstripe can easily meet the professional aesthetic demands of sports pitches and fine turf maintenance.

“The Iseki TG6507 has been absolutely instrumental in growing the business over the last two years,” says James. “It’s enabled a very significant uplift in productivity, in efficiency of operation, and the reach of the customer that I was trying to bring into the business as well.

“With the quality implements that you can put on to the tractor, the kind of aesthetic that we’re looking for football clubs and cricket fields is much easier to attain, and that’s what has helped us grow”

One of the standout features of the TG6507 is its IQ gearbox, which was a key requirement for James when selecting the tractor. The IQ gearbox allows for smooth, responsive shifting on the go, eliminating the need to set speed with pedals or rely on cruise control. James praises the three-range system, which ensures the right gear ratio is always available.

“This version does have the IQ gearbox, which was a specific want and need of mine over the hydrostatic box,” he explains. “For operating in fields like where I am today, I felt it would be much more convenient, and you’d get much more consistent performance.

“It has actually been an absolute joy to use. I have never been wanting for another ratio to turn around or to push on when I’m going down a straight, so it is a really good transmission.”

Another key factor in Greenstripe’s growth has been the TG6507’s versatility. The C4+ front loader has significantly expanded the range of tasks the business can undertake. From cleaning compost heaps to moving logs and loading trailers using the well-designed joystick controls, it has proven indispensable.

Whilst the productivity and quality produced by using the TG6507 have been standouts for James, his positive Iseki experience began when he first enquired about the tractor with his local Iseki dealer, Chandlers.

“I’ve had absolutely brilliant sales advice and service from Chandlers,” James notes. “When I was looking into buying the machine, I had various questions, which were very well addressed.

“When I took delivery of the machine, the handover was with the Chandlers sales rep and a senior Iseki representative as well, who made the time to come and do several hours walking around the machine to show me how to get the best out of it, and it really was a high-quality experience.”

On his experience overall, James concludes: “I absolutely would recommend the TG6 range, whichever part of the range is suitable for your needs. It has been a phenomenal tool to have.

“It’s manoeuvrability, fuel efficiency, what you can do with the soft controls in the cab when you want to fine-tune what you’re doing with your implement on the back, the versatility of the C4+ front loader, and it is just so reliable as well.

“It hasn’t let me down ever. So, I would say to anybody thinking, actually I need to upscale, should I look at something like this, absolutely go for it.”

For the latest industry news visit turfmatters.co.uk/news

Get all of the big headlines, pictures, opinions and videos on stories that matter to you.

Follow us on Twitter and Instagram for fun, fresh and engaging content.

You can also find us on Facebook for more of your must-see news, features, videos and pictures from Turf Matters.