Bernhard Academy hosts successful turf care mechanics training

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Bernhard Academy hosts successful turf care mechanics training:  The Bernhard Academy recently held a highly successful three-day Fundamentals of Turf Care Mechanics – Level 1 training course at Moortown Golf Club, led by industry expert and Bernhard Academy course leader, Barry Drennan.

The course welcomed equipment technicians and turf care professionals for an intensive, hands-on learning experience focused on the essential mechanical skills required to maintain high-performance turf equipment. Over three days, delegates developed their knowledge of petrol and diesel engines, rotary blade sharpening and balancing, 12-volt battery systems, hydraulics, cutting unit setup and repair, electrical systems, and safety switch diagnostics.

Bernhard Academy hosts successful turf care mechanics training

Bernhard Academy hosts successful turf care mechanics training

Sami Strutt, Education Director at the Bernhard Academy, praised the success of the event, saying: “Courses like this are vital for developing the next generation of equipment technicians turf care professionals. Barry’s expertise and practical approach ensure that attendees leave with real-world skills they can apply immediately. Our Academy venue at Moortown Golf Club continues to be an outstanding location for delivering high-quality education.”

She added: “All delegates left extremely happy with their experience and rated the workshop five stars across the board. It’s wonderful to see such positive feedback from professionals who are passionate about enhancing their skills.”

Delegates also spoke highly of the course, describing it as “real-life hands-on training” and “a great class that’s ideal for both beginners and experienced technicians.” Others commented that “the class was very hands-on, so we got to physically do everything we were learning.”

The next Fundamentals of Turf Care Mechanics – Level 1 course will take place at Gleneagles, Scotland, from 11-13 November 2025. This follows the recent success of the Turf Technicians Conference hosted by the Bernhard Academy, further highlighting its commitment to advancing professional turf care education.

For more details and to book upcoming courses, visit: www.bernhardacademy.co.uk/courses

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The Landmark 200th VGR TopChanger Sale at Whitecraigs

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The Landmark 200th VGR TopChanger Sale at Whitecraigs: Whitecraigs Golf Club, a spectacular 27 hole golf course in Newton Mearns, Scotland has marked a significant milestone as the recipient of the 200th VGR TopChanger.

Andy Wilson Course Manager at Whitecraigs, shared his enthusiasm for the new arrival: “We’re delighted to have the 200th TopChanger here at Whitecraigs. The XP has made a noticeable difference to our greens, allowing us to improve soil health with minimal disruption to play. It’s an invaluable addition to our maintenance program.”

The Landmark 200th VGR TopChanger Sale at Whitecraigs

The Landmark 200th VGR TopChanger Sale at Whitecraigs

The story of the VGR TopChanger began fifteen years ago, when VGR Equipment first set out to revolutionise soil care for sports turf. Based in Almkerk, the Netherlands, VGR has developed, produced, and assembled modular machinery used worldwide. Their commitment to ingenious design and sustainability has positioned VGR as a leader in efficient and eco-friendly turf maintenance solutions.

Since the launch of the XP model in 2023, sales have taken off, with over 60 units operating across the UK alone. The TopChanger XP stands out for its reliability, ease of operation, and ability to enhance soil quality while keeping golf play undisturbed. Its water-based aeration technology injects holes into the soil at high pressure, allowing the incorporation of soil-improving products, fertilizers, and sand, all in a single pass. This efficiency ensures sustainable soil conditions and stable, even playing surfaces for golfers.

“VGR’s ongoing dedication to healthy soil and better turf is reflected in their partnerships and comprehensive product range, with the goal of delivering the best possible playing experience for sports enthusiasts.” Said VGR Managing Director Ruud de Deugd. “The 200th TopChanger at Whitecraigs is not just a milestone, it’s a testament to VGR’s legacy of innovation and the trust placed in their solutions by leading clubs across the world.”

For more information please visit: www.vgrequipment.com

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Lee Burton Joins Harrowden as Regional Sales Manager

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Lee Burton Joins Harrowden as Regional Sales Manager: Not content with a new website Harrowden has also recruited a new regional sales manager – for the Midlands to the West. In what Lee admits has been a whirlwind few months he has joined a new team, visited both Harrowden farms and seen sedum growing and on a green roof application.

His role is all about strengthening customer relationships whilst developing new ones along the way. That means regular communication through site visits, head office meetings, emails, and calls—whatever it takes to stay connected.

Lee brings extensive experience from the broader horticulture retail sector having held positions with Jewson, Wickes and most recently Huws Gray. Lee also brings a host of skills gained from more than twenty years in the business.

Lee reports into another Lee – Lee Andrew, and joins Chris Carr and Tony Clapcott as key members of the Harrowden sales team.

Lee B – as he is already known – is based in the Midlands so within easy reach of the region’s landscaping businesses:-

“I’ve spent nearly 30 years in building materials – I was ready for a change, and Harrowden really stood out. The passion, pride and strong team spirit felt like the perfect fit. It’s definitely different selling a live product compared to one that simply comes off the shelf!

The scale and detail of what we do is incredible—from maintaining big machinery to hand sowing seeds across multiple sites. It blows my mind… I’m convinced there’s some wizardry involved”.

For more information on Harrowden please visit: https://harrowden.co.uk/

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Trilo M10 delivers cleaner, greener grounds

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Trilo M10 delivers cleaner, greener grounds: Glendale Services, one of the UK’s leading national grounds maintenance contractors, has strenghtened a longstanding relationship with Trilo by investing in a new Trilo M10 vacuum collector – supporting large-scale grass, leaf and debris collection operations across London and the South of England.

A vast and varied fleet of equipment facilitates Glendale’s work on contracts around the country, with around 1500 staff spanning their grounds maintenance, corporate and arboricultural divisions. The company has relied on Trilo equipment for much of their three decades in business, using a wide range of models including the M10, M12 and numerous SU40’s to meet the demands of its large-scale operations.

Trilo M10 delivers cleaner, greener grounds

Trilo M10 delivers cleaner, greener grounds

“We’ve used Trilo machines for basically as long as they’ve been available in the UK” said Neal Harper, Group Machinery Manager at Glendale Services. “Some of our units have given us more than 20 years of reliable service, so when it came to investing in something reliable, efficient and built to last to support a new, long-term contract, the M10 was the natural choice.”

The 10m3 capacity Trilo Multipurpose replaces a long-serving predecessor and was specifically selected for its combination of high productivity and compact dimensions, suiting the access requirements of key urban and parkland sites. “We looked at larger models, but our work often involves navigating tight paths or gateway so the M10 was the perfect fit – literally!”

Among its many applications, the M10 is equipped with a flail shaft for meadow cut and collect, and easily swapped to the brush attachment for grass and leaf collection and major event clear-ups, including post-race operations for the London Marathon. Equipped with an electronically controlled Wonder Hose, the new model enables single-person operation, improving efficiency and reducing staffing requirements on certain jobs. “This feature makes a huge difference on big clearance jobs, meaning one person can work quickly and safely” he adds.

Neal went on to praise the consistent customer support from Trilo’s Jeremy Vincent. “Jeremy knows the machines inside out and always finds an answer to our questions – even arranging for us to have a demonstration of the M10 with another customer when the demo unit was out of the country.”

For the delivery of the M10 Jeremy was supported by established Trilo dealer, and trusted partner for Glendale’s operations across the South, Lister Wilder. Neal concludes, “We couldn’t be happier with the service and performance of the M10. Our Trilo machines of all sizes and configurations continue to give us exactly what we need and deliver outstanding results for our clients on every job.”

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STIHL expands PPE range for safe forestry work

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STIHL expands PPE range for safe forestry work: STIHL has introduced a range of new additions to its professional personal protective equipment, designed to deliver outstanding comfort, protection, and mobility for forestry workers and arborists. 

Spanning the FUNCTION, DYNAMIC and ADVANCE collections, the latest additions combine durable materials, ergonomic designs and high-visibility details to ensure users stay safe and comfortable in all conditions.

STIHL expands PPE range for safe forestry work

STIHL expands PPE range for safe forestry work

FUNCTION 

STIHL’s FUNCTION range introduces the CORE collection, a water-repellent jacket and chainsaw trousers, designed for occasional chainsaw users.

The new FUNCTION CORE Chainsaw Trousers feature Design A, Class 1 classification, protecting against chain speeds of up to 20m per second. They are available in a regular fit and two-way stretch material for maximum comfort.

The new FUNCTION CORE trousers pair with the FUNCTION CORE Jacket, which is new to the same range. Providing market-leading durability, the design offers a relaxed fit, with lightweight and tear-resistant polyester. Black stretch fabric adorns its elbow and side areas for maximum comfort.

The range is complemented by the new FUNCTION Active Chainsaw Boot, which also provides Class 1 cut protection and EN 20345 S3 certification.

DYNAMIC 

Available in three variations, the new DuroTEC Cut Protection Trousers can be purchased with Class 1 or 2 protection levels and in Design A and C offerings, providing a suitable option for professionals facing a range of working conditions.

All versions offer a regular fit and stretch zones, with a water-repellent finish and kidney protection for maximum comfort. They also feature waterproofing at the lower part of the leg and provide robust abrasion protection.

To match, the DYNAMIC DuroTEC Jacket is durable and flexible. Like the trousers, the garment boasts a water-repellent finish and features abrasion-resistant zones. For added comfort, the jacket also offers four-way stretch material and ventilation openings.

ADVANCE 

New to STIHL’s premium ADVANCE PPE range, designed for professionals who need high-performance protective clothing, are the ShellTEC Jacket and ADVANCE FlexTEC trousers.

Offering a slimmer fit compared to the DYNAMIC and FUNCTION ranges, the ADVANCE FlexTEC trousers are Class 1 certified and are available in Design A and Design C.

With tick protection around the ankles, plus robust, waterproof and thorn-resistant fabrics around the knees and lower legs, the designs offer an ergonomic fit and breathable comfort. All with advanced four-way stretch zones and kidney protection.

The perfectly matched ShellTEC Jacket is a lightweight and durable option, with wind and waterproofing in strategic places. Its ergonomic fit, integrated stretch zones, and ventilation openings combine to offer freedom of movement and maximum comfort.

All trousers across the new FUNCTION, DYNAMIC, and ADVANCE ranges offer multiple pockets, waistband loops for attachment to braces, and are made from recycled material. STIHL’s range of jackets feature Velcro at the cuffs and a smartphone pocket on the chest as standard.

For more information on STIHL’s PPE ranges, visit www.stihl.co.uk or contact your nearest STIHL Approved Dealer.

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