How EFI and ETC engines are redefining performance

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How EFI and ETC engines are redefining performance: Across agriculture, forestry and landscaping, equipment performance depends upon an optimal power-to-weight ratio and portability. In addition, high performance in different terrain, easy maintenance and sustainability are crucial factors for all equipment in these industries.

Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) and Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) engines are two distinct technologies that help to deliver these equipment requirements. The EFI engine features a computer-controlled system that delivers fuel into engines rather than a traditional carburettor. The ETC engine uses electronic signals to control the engine’s throttle.

How EFI and ETC engines are redefining performance

How EFI and ETC engines are redefining performance

Engines that feature EFI and ETC technology at the same time, offer an attractive alternative solution thanks to their smart and efficient capabilities that also maintain high performance power.

EFI and ETC – unmatched power to weight ratio 

Landscaping and garden machinery often need to be both lightweight and transportable, especially when navigating uneven terrains in parks and forests. EFI and ETC can be deployed independently or together and deliver more effective power-to-weight ratios.

The Jo Beau® GORILLA™ M600 woodchipper is a perfect example of this, using Briggs & Stratton’s Vanguard® 29.9 kW (40 HP) BIG BLOCK™ V-Twin EFI/ETC engine that deploys both technologies, to process branches up to 18 cm in diameter whilst being small enough to fit through a doorway. The petrol engine ensures that the chipper remains steady and efficient even when processing large irregular branches.

This combination of size and reliability makes this sort of equipment invaluable to workers operating in tight areas, without sacrificing performance.

EFI/ETC reduces the total cost of ownership

Both EFI and ETC technology contribute to increased uptime and reduced total cost of ownership of equipment. This is due to the ability of real-time fuel control provided by EFI technology, which is optimised based on load and conditions. This ensures that fuel isn’t wasted during partial-loading operations, which can be a common theme in the gardening industry.

Stale fuel in seasonal equipment like leaf blowers and woodchippers is also not an issue with EFI due to its tolerance for it. This means it faces fewer problems after being stored for long periods over winter months, whilst ETC helps reduce mechanical wear and reduces long-term maintenance needs.

High performance in every environment 

Outdoor equipment faces some of the most extreme conditions including heat, cold, elevation and humidity. Engines equipped with EFI and ETC technology are designed specifically to operate in conditions like these. EFI provides smooth starting while ETC helps engines adjust to changes in terrain to improve control.

EFI and ETC reduce environmental impact  

Lower emissions are a growing requirement in many industries, especially for those working outdoors with nature. Engines equipped with EFI and ETC technology offer cleaner combustion, which in turn reduces harmful emissions without the need for diesel treatments.

EFI engines meet stringent environmental regulations by precisely controlling fuel delivery, leading to a more efficient combustion and reduced emissions, thereby helping manufacturers and operators to stay compliant with professional performance. This is vital when working in forests and parks, providing cleaner and more efficient solutions.

As mentioned before, the Vanguard BIG BLOCK engine powers the Jo Beau GORILLA M600, deploying electronic fuel injection technology that utilises the Engine Control Module (ECM) to tune every single operating point unique to the engine. It takes in all signals from the engine sensors to make cycle-by-cycle decisions on how much fuel and spark to provide and when. This means improved starting at all temperatures, smooth performance at all elevations, quick load acceptance and reduced fuel consumption, which makes the Vanguard BIG BLOCK the perfect fit for this powerful but compact application.

EFI can integrate  

EFI engines have been designed to integrate both physically and digitally. With CAN-bus capabilities, they seamlessly communicate with the rest of the machine’s systems. This means the operator can see real-time diagnostics and troubleshoot remotely.

Making the smart choice  

The forestry and gardening sector is a turbulent one, due to increasing regulations and demands from the industry. By switching to petrol engines equipped with EFI and ETC, operators can meet these demands, allowing for an increased power-to-weight ratio, reducing the environmental impact, and increasing performance in multiple environments. This is all while integrating easily with equipment and reducing the TCO.

Machines equipped with engines that feature both, EFI and ETC technology are providing not just an alternative solution but a powerful solution.

For more information on Vanguard, visit https://www.vanguardpower.com/emea/en_gb/home.html

And for more information on Jo Beau, visit https://www.jobeau.eu/en/

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Bernhard Academy’s Spring online management programme

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Bernhard Academy’s Spring online management programme: Bernhard Academy has announced the launch of its Spring 2026 online leadership and management programme, giving industry professionals around the world the opportunity to develop essential skills from anywhere.

Following the strong success of its education seminars and packed trade show sessions earlier this year at BTME and the GCSAA Conference and Trade Show, the Academy’s latest programme continues its commitment to delivering accessible, high-impact learning to the sector.

Bernhard Academy's Spring online management programme

Bernhard Academy’s Spring online management programme

The Spring 2026 series features two development pathways – Aspiring Manager and Confident Manager – while also offering the flexibility to attend individual courses or mix and match topics to suit personal development goals.

The Aspiring Manager pathway is designed for future leaders preparing to take the next step in their careers, focusing on self-awareness, communication, stakeholder understanding and personal leadership development.

The Confident Manager pathway supports those stepping into or operating within supervisory roles, covering key areas such as budgeting, risk assessment, project management, handling difficult conversations, managing stress and delivering impactful presentations.

Courses begin on 9 March 2026, with sessions running through to 18 May 2026, all delivered online and accessible globally.

Sami Strutt, Education Director at Bernhard Academy, said: “The response to our education sessions at this year’s trade shows demonstrated just how strong the appetite is for high-quality, accessible learning across our industry.

“Our Spring 2026 online programme has been designed to give professionals, wherever they are in the world, the confidence and practical skills to progress in their careers. Whether they’re aspiring to step into management or looking to strengthen their impact as established leaders” she added.

In addition, the Bernhard Academy has confirmed dates for its specialist Technical and Equipment Management training:

  • 9 April 2026: Cutting Unit Set Up and Sharpening Techniques @ Loch Lomond Golf Club
  • 13-15 April 2026: Fundamentals of Turf Care Mechanics – Level 1 @ Moortown Golf Club

With demand expected to remain high following recent industry engagement, early booking is encouraged. For more information or to register, visit: https://bernhardacademy.co.uk/

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ESTC to Clarify Infill Standards in Free Webinar

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ESTC to Clarify Infill Standards in Free Webinar: EMEA Synthetic Turf Council (ESTC) is inviting all stakeholders involved in the design, installation, and management of synthetic turf systems to attend a free webinar clarifying newly introduced infill standards.

Infill Under the Microscope: A Guide to EN 15330-5, is set to take place on 6 March, 12:00pm UTC, and will offer a concise, expert‑led overview to help the industry adapt to the new EN 15330‑5 standard. The hour-long webinar is open to both ESTC members and the general public, and can be registered for here.

ESTC to Clarify Infill Standards in Free Webinar

ESTC to Clarify Infill Standards in Free Webinar

EN 15330-5, which came into effect in October 2025, is the new European standard that defines the specification requirements for infill materials used in synthetic turf systems. The standard sets minimum performance and durability requirements, specifies physical and chemical properties that manufacturers must declare, and defines how all of this must be measured.

The webinar will open with an introduction from Stefan Diderich, Director General/CEO of ESTC, and Ângelo Castro, Chair of ESTC’s Infill Group, offering some background on the new legislation and why it has been introduced.

Lee Guerriero, Pitch and Technology Specialist at UEFA, will then discuss the importance of infill quality for both performance and safety, before Alastair Cox, Technical Director of ESTC, will outline what the standard is and what it means in practice.

Craig Melrose, Laboratory Manager at Sports Labs, will also provide an update on how testing procedures will evolve under EN 15330-5, before the session will be opened up to the floor for any questions from attendees.

Stefan Diderich, Director General/CEO of ESTC: “Whether you are a manufacturer, designer, installer, or manager of synthetic turf, our latest webinar will be essential viewing for anybody looking to understand the complexities of this latest standard.

“Understanding how EN 15330-5 will affect every step of the supply chain – from specification and procurement through to maintenance and performance – will be critical to its success, so I encourage all stakeholders to register and come prepared with any questions they may have.”

Register for the webinar here.

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Why Seed Innovation is the New Frontier for Turf Professionals

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Why Seed Innovation is the New Frontier for Turf Professionals: In the world of professional turf management, the ground beneath our feet is shifting. What once seemed like a predictable seasonal cycle has been replaced by a volatile cocktail of environmental and operational pressures. From the scorching droughts of record-breaking summers to the relentless intensity of equally record-breaking rainfall, the demands placed on a sward have never been higher.

At DSV Eurograss, they recognise that the “business as usual” approach to seed selection is no longer an option. As we navigate 2026, the research into seed and turf development has transcended simple aesthetics; it is now the critical foundation for the industry’s survival and sustainability.

Why Seed Innovation is the New Frontier for Turf Professionals

Why Seed Innovation is the New Frontier for Turf Professionals

The Climate Challenge: Breeding for the “New Normal”

Climate change is no longer a distant threat – it is an everyday operational hurdle. For turf managers, this manifests as extreme temperature fluctuations and increasingly restrictive water usage regulations. The traditional “cool-season” grasses that have long been the backbone of UK and European sports turf are being pushed to their physiological limits.

The research at DSV focuses on genotypic variation – the genetic “blueprint” that allows certain cultivars to thrive where others fail. Their breeding programs are specifically targeting drought tolerance, not just through surface-level survival, but through deep-rooting characteristics. By selecting for “smart roots”, plants that can strategically adjust their water uptake from deeper soil profiles during dry spells, they are helping groundstaff maintain high-quality surfaces with significantly fewer irrigation inputs.

Why Seed Innovation is the New Frontier for Turf Professionals

Why Seed Innovation is the New Frontier for Turf Professionals

Resilience Against Emerging Diseases

Warmer, more humid autumns and winters have invited a new guest list of pathogens to our pitches and fairways. Diseases like Dollar Spot and Gray Leaf Spot, once considered “continental” problems, are now common in more temperate climates.

The traditional reliance on chemical interventions is under pressure from both a regulatory and environmental standpoint. The DSV development pipeline prioritises genetic disease resistance.

Varieties like the newly ranked Flanell and Euromagic aren’t just chosen for their wear tolerance; they are bred to be naturally robust against the fungi that thrive in these changing weather patterns. By building resistance directly into the seed’s DNA, DSV provide the first line of defence, reducing the need for costly and carbon-heavy fungicide applications.

Performance Under Pressure: The Usage Factor

While the climate changes, the expectations of players and spectators remain at an all-time high. Modern multi-use stadia and academic facilities require turf that can withstand “increased usage” from the relentless pounding of feet and equipment, often under low-light conditions or beneath retractable roofs.

DSV’s PRO range is a testament to this research. It features diploid perennial ryegrasses that offer:

  • Rapid Germination: Vital for the tight windows of summer renovations.
  • Exceptional Sward Density: Providing the stability required for high-speed play.
  • Genetic Colour: Cultivars like Flanell and Eurogala provide a naturally deep green hue that looks exceptional on camera without the need for excessive nitrogen fertilization.

A Data-Driven Future

The importance of independent testing has never been greater. DSV are proud that their varieties now occupy top positions on the BSPB Turfgrass Seed rankings. However, their work doesn’t stop at the trial plots. The company is moving toward a more predictive framework in breeding, using genomic selection to identify the next generation of resilient varieties years faster than traditional methods.

Why Seed Innovation is the New Frontier for Turf Professionals

Why Seed Innovation is the New Frontier for Turf Professionals

“The rankings table is the one everyone wants to top. Our recent results prove that our breeding material is now the best in these trials, but the real victory is seeing these grasses perform in the face of a changing environment,” commented Sam Horner, DSV Seeds.

Conclusion: The Seed is the Solution

As water becomes more precious and the weather more unpredictable, the turfcare industry must look to the science of the seed. At DSV Eurograss, they are committed to providing the professional community with the tools to stay ahead of the curve. Investing in advanced seed technology is not just about a better-looking pitch today; it’s about ensuring we have a surface to play on tomorrow.

Please visit www.dsv-uk.co.uk/products/amenity for more information and follow on social media @EuroGrassUKSeed.

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GMA launches Workforce Insight Report

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GMA launches Workforce Insight Report: The Grounds Management Association (GMA) has released its new Workforce Insight Report, offering the most complete picture yet of the UK grounds management workforce.

The report shows the scale, value and pressures within the sector, and explains why fair and sustainable workforce practices are now essential for the future of the profession.

GMA launches Workforce Insight Report

GMA launches Workforce Insight Report

Grounds management is a skilled and important part of the UK’s sporting and recreational system. More than 30,000 people work in the sector, supported by over 13 million volunteer hours each year. These teams help maintain the pitches, parks and playing surfaces that communities and sports rely on.

The report shows that the workforce is committed and proud of its role, but also under strain. Nearly half of grounds staff are aged between 45 and 64, and around 15% plan to retire within three years. Recruitment and retention continue to be major challenges, and employers report increasing difficulty attracting experienced applicants. Many sites depend on overtime and goodwill to maintain quality.

Job satisfaction is generally high, but the research shows clear concerns around pay, benefits and work‑life balance. Rising workloads and pay compression linked to the National Living Wage are creating pressure points that could affect motivation and progression, especially for long‑serving staff. These issues reflect wider pressures across the sector, where budgets are tight and demand is increasing.

To support employers, the GMA has also launched a new public resource, “Working in Grounds Management: Securing the Future of the Profession,” which is a shorter guide including key findings, updated salary information and practical points for employers.

It is available through a simple download on the GMA website. The full Workforce Insight Report is available exclusively to GMA members through MyGMA.

Insights from the report will help shape the GMA’s Fair Work Strategy. The strategy aims to support employers to strengthen pay structures, improve wellbeing, develop skills and create clearer progression routes, in ways that are practical and financially realistic.

Geoff Webb, CEO of the GMA said: “Our pitches and playing surfaces depend on a skilled workforce. This report helps us understand the pressures staff and employers face, and why workforce issues are now business issues. The Fair Work Strategy will help the sector build a stable, motivated and resilient profession for the years ahead.”

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