Baroness proves a cut above at Harborne Golf Club

Baroness proves a cut above at Harborne Golf Club

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Baroness proves a cut above at Harborne Golf Club

At Birmingham’s Harborne Golf Club, Course Manager Jim Gilchrist and his team put quality and consistency at the heart of their maintenance operation. Since taking delivery of a LM551 fairway mower from Baroness, the club cite a significant improvement in the finish of the fairways, with both staff and members quick to recognise the difference.

Baroness proves a cut above at Harborne Golf Club

Baroness proves a cut above at Harborne Golf Club

Jim has been a part of the club since 2004, taking on the role of Course Manager four years later. Assisting him with the maintenance of the Harry Colt-designed course is a team of six, including Jim’s partner Victoria Cavinue who proudly holds the post of Deputy Course Manager. Through the club’s relationship with local dealer Hunts Engineering, Jim took delivery of his first Baroness machine – an LM551 fairway mower – in early 2024 and the impact, he says, was immediate.

“The quality of cut on the LM551 fairway mower is second to none. We noticed this straight away, even though we took delivery of the machine in February which is notoriously a difficult time of year to make strides in course presentation. We, and the members, commented on the difference in the finish we were achieving on the fairways compared to our previous model.”

Alongside the quality of cut, operationally, the LM551 has been well received by the team. “Everybody loves how comfortable the seat is, and how simple the mower is to operate.” He continues, “Build quality is fantastic and there is next to no adjustment needed on the cylinders which helps with user friendliness for the staff, and keeps the budget in check with fewer re-grinds and backlapping required.”

Impressed with the quality, reliable performance of the LM551, Harborne were pleased to add a GM2810A to their fleet in June 2026 – bringing Baroness capability to the mowing of the roughs and surrounds. Featuring five independently mounted cutting decks, the GM2810A rotary mower provides outstanding productivity and supreme manoeuvrability on the most demanding of terrain.

Matching the quality of the machinery, is the back up support and service received from Richard Lucas and the team at Hunts Engineering. “This is vital for any Course Manager and, while we’ve not required anything more from the service department to date than the routine servicing, we know we have a great pool of expertise to lean on to ensure we continue to get the very best out of our mowers.”

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Hunter Grinders to Showcase Jupiter ATI and Amazon at SALTEX

Hunter Grinders to Showcase Jupiter ATI and Amazon at SALTEX

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Hunter Grinders to Showcase Jupiter ATI and Amazon at SALTEX

Hunter Grinders will return to SALTEX 2026 on stand E123 with both the Jupiter ‘All in One’ Grinder and Amazon Bottom Blade Grinder, demonstrating the continued development of the specialist grinding brand under Howardson Group ownership.

Hunter Grinders to Showcase Jupiter ATI and Amazon at SALTEX

Hunter Grinders to Showcase Jupiter ATI and Amazon at SALTEX

Taking centre stage will be the Jupiter, designed to deliver accurate, repeatable grinding while reducing operator input. Alongside it, visitors will be able to see the Amazon, giving workshops a dedicated solution for precise and efficient bottom blade grinding.

The Jupiter combines automatic traverse, indexing and in-feed functions with smooth linear bed rails and self-adjusting bearings to deliver grinding accuracy to within 0.05 mm (2 thou). Capable of accommodating cylinders up to 1067 mm (42″), its advanced spin and relief grinding capabilities provide professional workshops with the versatility to maintain a wide range of cylinder mowers.

The Amazon Bottom Blade Grinder expands that workshop capability further. With variable-speed traverse and automatic simultaneous grinding of the front and top faces, it has been engineered to deliver accurate, consistent bottom blade preparation while simplifying the grinding process.

The continued development of Hunter Grinders forms part of Howardson Group’s investment across its three specialist turfcare brands.

Howardson Group Managing Director Megan Oliver said: “SALTEX gives us the opportunity to showcase the continued development of Dennis, SISIS and Hunter Grinders, meet customers from across the industry and better understand the challenges they face. Those conversations are invaluable; they help ensure we continue to develop equipment that delivers the quality, reliability and performance grounds professionals depend on.”

Hunter Grinders’ technical team will be available throughout SALTEX to demonstrate both machines, answer grinding questions and discuss individual workshop requirements, training and ongoing technical support.

Whether considering new grinding equipment, upgrading an existing workshop or looking to improve cutting-unit consistency, visitors are invited to stand E123 to see the Jupiter ATI and Amazon together and discover how precision, consistency and service combine to support the modern professional workshop.

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Kubota keeps Glasgow City Council running, whatever the weather!

Kubota keeps Glasgow City Council running, whatever the weather!

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Kubota keeps Glasgow City Council running, whatever the weather!

A total of 19 RTV’s from Kubota are playing their part in keeping the city safe, clean and operational following a sizeable investment by Glasgow City Council in October 2025. Delivered by dealers Hamilton Ross, the RTV X1110’s are equipped with rear-mounted gritters for crucial winter operations on pavements and cycleways and join Kubota ZD zero-turn mowers and mini excavators on the fleet providing year-round reliability on maintenance tasks throughout the city centre.

Kubota keeps Glasgow City Council running, whatever the weather!

Kubota keeps Glasgow City Council running, whatever the weather!

Close to 1700 machines currently support over 600 staff working across parks, streets, schools and public spaces where performance and reliability isn’t optional – it’s essential. With over 40 years of mechanical experience, Plant Workshop Manager Jack Aikman knows more than most whether a machine is up to the test. “There aren’t many makes of equipment I haven’t worked on and when it comes to build quality, Kubota is right up there” comments Jack.

“As soon as we put the RTV’s on the ramp you could just tell they were built to last which, given the strenuous demands placed on the vehicles, is crucial.”

Jack worked closely with the team at Hamilton Ross Group, particularly Thomas Connor, to deliver a solution to replace an aging fleet of machines used for gritting. “What we’ve got is a comfortable vehicle, that’s smooth and easy to drive, with a good payload and compatible, high-capacity gritter to get maximum time in the field before the need to head back to base to refill.” He adds, “We also specified the RTV’s with a front-mounted plough so we really are equipped to deal with all weather conditions.”

Not limited to tasks over the winter months, the versatility of the Kubota range enables the team to use the RTV’s across the full year. “These will become a real workhorse, whether that’s for spraying, towing other pieces of equipment or simply loading and moving soil, manure or other materials around the city.”

The 19 RTV’s have since been joined by two Kubota ZD zero-turn mowers for cutting the city’s parks. “Compared to years gone by, the grass we’re having to cut is often longer and denser meaning you need something durable here to get through the task at hand. The Kubota decks seem to take everything in their stride.” Two Kubota excavators were also purchased for the crematoriums and cemeteries, where they will work in tandem with the RTV’s for material moving.

“In this line of work, things get broken – indicators get caught, windows break – it’s just the nature of the beast.” This is where Jack and the team rely on the back up support from Thomas and the whole Hamilton Ross support team. “The back-up we receive is as good as it gets.” He adds, “Running such a large operation, we simply can’t afford to have equipment off the road. Any parts we need are either in stock or available in a matter of days and it truly feels like getting the machines up and running is an important to them as it is to us. That’s exactly why our partnership with Hamilton Ross Group has thrived for close to three decades.”

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EGO’S debut single-sided pro hedge trimmer

EGO’S debut single-sided pro hedge trimmer

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EGO’S debut single-sided pro hedge trimmer

The HTX7500S features a 75cm single-sided blade, which significantly lowers the overall tool weight to just 3.5kg without a battery. In addition to the benefit of reducing user fatigue, this strong and well-balanced machine helps users achieve longer, straighter cuts in both horizontal and vertical use.

EGO’S debut single-sided pro hedge trimmer

EGO’S debut single-sided pro hedge trimmer

Dual-action, triple-sharpened blades pair with a blade gap of 30mm, ensuring precise and efficient cutting for dealing with fresh growth as well as thicker, well-established branches. For even greater control, EGO has incorporated a digital three-speed selector with a variable trigger to help users optimise the cut during precision pruning or large-scale clearing tasks. Meanwhile, a helpful debris scoop sweeps clippings away from the hedge to ensure a tidy finish, healthier hedges and a reduction in clear-up time.

For simple tool care and maintenance, the hedge trimmer also features a handy blade alignment screw to make cleaning and sharpening easier, resulting in smoother cutting and minimising excessive vibration and strain, which can lead to damage. The tool is also fitted with a magnesium alloy gearbox with a convenient lubrication point.

Crucially, like all PRO X tools, EGO has also integrated Bluetooth connectivity to assist with tool and charging management via the EGO Connect and EGO Fleet apps. Here, grounds managers can complete over-the-air product and software improvements and manage charging schedules. And, like all tools in the EGO range, the HTX7500S uses the same 56V battery system, ensuring cross-compatibility with other tools in the range.

Neil McGuinness, OPE Product Development Manager at EGO, said: “Our PRO X series has been designed for professional grounds teams and local authorities, helping them to switch to battery technology while still achieving a full day’s work. Our innovative overnight and on-site charging system keeps crews productive across large estates or dispersed sites, while helping to improve the experience of green space users through quieter operation and cleaner air.

“With the HTX7500S, we’ve focused on the practical demands of commercial hedge cutting; long periods of use, consistent cut quality and reduced physical strain. The lightweight, ergonomic design and single-sided blade give operators the control and precision they need to deliver clean, straight finishes all day, while minimising fatigue and downtime on demanding maintenance schedules.”

To learn more about EGO’s PRO X range, visit: https://egopowerplus.co.uk/ranges/professional-x-range

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Origin Green-tech celebrates four 20-year milestones

Origin Green-tech celebrates four 20-year milestones

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Origin Green-tech celebrates four 20-year milestones

Four members of the Origin Green-tech team are celebrating an impressive 20 years with the business this year, marking two decades of commitment, development and contribution to the company.

Origin Green-tech celebrates four 20-year milestones

Origin Green-tech celebrates four 20-year milestones

Andrea Questari, Dean Jackson, Elaine Yates and Richard Wexham have each played an important part in the growth and development of the business since joining Green-tech, which began life in farm buildings in the village of Nun Monkton.

Twenty years on, the business has grown considerably, but the contribution of its people remains at the heart of its success.

Andrea joined Green-tech as a Technical Sales Advisor and was promoted to Sales Manager after three years. He is now Category Manager – Growing Media & Nutrients, responsible for developing and growing the category, working closely with suppliers, sales teams and customers to deliver growth.

His role includes identifying new opportunities, bringing innovative products to market, providing technical support and ensuring Origin Green-tech offers the right solutions to meet customer needs, while improving sales, margin and market share.

Andrea comments: “The people are what make Green-tech special for me. We have a collaborative culture where people genuinely care about one another and work together to achieve shared goals. The relationships I’ve developed over the years are a big part of why I enjoy working here.”

Dean joined the company as a Sales Office Administrator and has progressed through an impressive eight roles, from sales and technical positions to his current role as Commercial Manager.

Today, Dean oversees the Customer Service, Specification, Ecommerce and Systems teams, as well as using company data to identify opportunities, improve processes and support commercial growth.

Dean adds: “The people make the business. We have had some amazing people work here over the years and we have a great team. Everyone involved in the business has played a part in getting Origin Green-tech to where it is today.”

Elaine joined the company as an Operations Administrator. Since then, she has enjoyed four promotions to her current position as Operations and Logistics Manager. She is responsible for the day-to-day inbound and outbound stock movements across the business, helping to ensure products continue to move efficiently through the operation.

Reflecting on two decades with Green-tech, Elaine comments: “The people and the friendships gained have been a big part of my time here. We have worked on some high-profile jobs together as a team, which always gives the company a real feel-good buzz and a rewarding sense of achievement.”

Richard joined as a Technical Sales Advisor and went on to become Product Specification Manager before moving into his current role as Pipeline Support Manager.

Richard operates at the intersection of landscape design and practical delivery, helping landscape architects, engineers and developers translate complex design intent into robust, sustainable and buildable solutions.

He reflects, “I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved over the past 20 years. Throughout that time, the people I’ve worked alongside have become much more than colleagues or friends, they have become like family. Being part of our shared journey and success has been a privilege.”

Mark Andrews, Managing Director at Origin Green-tech, said: “Twenty years is a fantastic achievement, and I’m delighted to recognise Andrea, Dean, Elaine and Richard for their commitment to the business. Each of them has made a significant contribution over the years, and it’s great to see how their roles and careers have developed alongside the company. Their knowledge, experience and contribution are valued, and I’m looking forward to celebrating their achievement with them over lunch.”

The four employees’ 20-year milestones provide a reminder of how much the business has evolved since its early days operating from farm buildings in Nun Monkton. From those beginnings the company has grown into Origin Green-tech, a specialist supplier of sustainable land management solutions, serving customers across landscaping, forestry, farms and estates, the built environment and gardening.

While the business continues to evolve, the knowledge, experience and commitment of long-serving employees such as Andrea, Dean, Elaine and Richard remain an important part of its continued success.

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