STIHL launches new battery-powered backpack blowers

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STIHL launches new battery-powered backpack blowers: Designed for professional use, STIHL has launched the new BRA 500 and BRA 600 battery-operated backpack blowers, with maximum blowing force for clearing large areas. 

The two new battery-powered machines provide high air speed, with a maximum blowing force of up to 32 (BRA 500) and 35 newtons (BRA 600), available throughout the entire tool’s operating time, making them ideal for removing heavy, wet leaves quickly and efficiently.

STIHL launches new battery-powered backpack blowers

STIHL launches new battery-powered backpack blowers

Users can also regulate the required blowing force by selecting one of the tool’s three levels using its digital control, with an additional boost mode available to achieve the machine’s maximum power.

Built to reduce strain over prolonged use, both tools have a comfortable carrying system which distributes the weight of the machine across your shoulders and hips, allowing for maximum comfort.

With STIHL’s Noise Reduction System built in, the machine offers reduced noise as well as a tuned sound to make them less intrusive when used in public areas, allowing professional users to work productively at all times of day.

As STIHL’s first 72 V professional machines, the BRA 500 and BRA 600 draw energy simultaneously from two powerful AP System batteries. For maximum working time, STIHL’s AP 500 S battery packs are recommended.

Complete with an LED display, which details the mode the device is working in and battery charge levels, the tools can also be incorporated into STIHL’s Connected digital fleet management system.

The Connected system provides a detailed overview of all relevant machine data and provides the option to reduce the tool’s power remotely via the STIHL Connected app.  To facilitate use in the rain, both the BRA 500 and BRA 600 are IPX4-certified

To find out more about the STIHL BRA 500 and BRA 600, visit www.stihl.co.uk.

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Green-tech launches New GT Thorn Guard at Groundswell

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Green-tech launches New GT Thorn Guard at Groundswell: Green-tech, the UK’s leading supplier of tree protection and landscaping products, has announced the launch of GT Thorn Guard, a new protective guard designed to prevent damage to trees from grazing livestock.

Offering instant and effective protection for newly planted saplings and established trees, GT Thorn Guard will be officially launched on stand PF E6 at Groundswell 2025, the Regenerative Agriculture Festival in Hertfordshire, on 2nd and 3rd July.

Green-tech launches New GT Thorn Guard at Groundswell

Green-tech launches New GT Thorn Guard at Groundswell

The Groundswell Festival is a popular forum for farmers, landowners, and environmental professionals to explore regenerative farming practices, making it the ideal setting to launch the GT Thorn Guard.

Livestock, such as cattle, sheep, and deer, can cause significant damage to trees in a short period. GT Thorn Guard has been developed specifically to deter even the largest livestock and ensure trees are protected to enable them to establish and thrive.

GT Thorn Guard is manufactured from high-quality galvanised steel, making it strong and built to withstand the rigours of agricultural environments. Supplied as flat grids for ease of transportation and storage, the guard is easily assembled on-site. Once rolled into shape, it forms a secure cylindrical barrier with outward-facing spikes positioned at regular intervals to deter livestock. This instant and effective solution provides reliable protection against cattle, sheep, deer, and other grazing animals, helping to ensure the successful establishment of trees.

Installation is straightforward and the guards can be assembled and installed around new or existing trees in just a few steps, offering a no-fuss solution for farmers and land managers looking to protect their planting projects.

Richard Gill, Green-tech’s Sales Director, comments, “The GT Thorn Guard is a practical solution to a widespread challenge. As we support more tree planting across the UK, especially on farms and estates, protecting that investment from livestock is critical. This new guard is simple to use, highly effective and built to last.”

Visit the Green-tech team on stand PF E6 at the Groundswell Festival to see the product and get technical advice and support on a wide range of tree planting and protection products.

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SGL expands LED grow lighting range

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SGL expands LED grow lighting range: SGL, global leader in pitch management solutions, announces the expansion of their LED grow lighting systems range: the LED60, LED30, and LED10. Developed and produced entirely in-house, these new products allow SGL to cater even more precisely to the needs of grounds teams—offering compact, user-friendly solutions for every situation.

Tailor-made solutions

As the turfgrass industry continues to evolve, so does the demand for adaptable and complete solutions. SGL aims to meet the full range of grounds teams’ needs with a product for every scenario. The introduction of the LED60, LED30, and LED10 ensures that a suitable lighting solution is available—whether for quick repairs in tight corners or broader turf recovery in high-wear zones.

SGL expands LED grow lighting range

SGL expands LED grow lighting range

Designed for performance and practicality

SGL undertook extensive research and development to optimise its existing LED product range. The result is a new line of lightweight, compact units built for frequent and efficient operation. A slim construction, combined with smart leg design and strategic SmartBox placement, ensures minimal shadowing beneath the unit and superior, uniform light distribution in all climates.

The separation of light and heat, an important function of LED grow lighting technology, is now available even in the smallest units, increasing efficiency while saving energy in the process.

All three models are fully developed and produced at SGL’s headquarters. With the opening of their new office, production processes are further streamlined—reinforcing SGL’s long-term vision for in-house innovation and growth.

Three models, three solutions

Although launched simultaneously, the LED60, LED30, and LED10 are distinct products, each designed for specific pitch conditions.

The new LED60 sets a benchmark in turf lighting performance. Designed to cover 60 m², it is the largest of the three compact models—ideal for high-wear zones such as goalmouths.

Compared to its predecessor, the LED50, the LED60 maintains the same compact dimensions while delivering 10 m² more coverage. This is made possible by a custom-engineered lens that ensures optimal light distribution.

What truly sets the LED60 apart:

  • Higher efficiency: With a state-of-the-art LED efficiency of 3.9 µmol/J, it delivers more light with less energy.
  • Lower weight: Nearly 100 kilograms lighter, making handling and deployment significantly easier.
  • Reduced cost: Despite its enhanced performance, the LED60 is available at a lower price, offering exceptional value.

The LED60 combines innovation and practicality—delivering more light, more coverage, and more efficiency, all while reducing operational costs.

The LED30 covers 30 m², offering the same advanced features in a smaller format. It’s well-suited for targeted recovery across the pitch, providing flexibility for grounds teams who want precise application in a compact, easy-to-handle unit.

The LED10 is the most compact unit model, covering 10 m², and is perfect for fast recovery in specific high-wear zones such as corners. Its two-leg rear design with wheels makes it especially easy to handle and reposition.

Connected to TurfBase

All three units are supported by SGL’s data management dashboard, TurfBase, which enables users to register lighting hours, remotely turn units on and off, or schedule timers to optimise the microclimate 24/7. All with the aim of maximising efficiency to achieve the best agronomical results with the lowest energy consumption.

With this launch, SGL expands its commitment to delivering precise, practical solutions—empowering grounds teams with the tools they need to maintain high-quality playing surfaces, no matter the challenge.

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GroundsFest Academy’s Free Robotics & Green Innovations Seminar

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GroundsFest Academy’s Free Robotics & Green Innovations Seminar: The GroundsFest Academy is set to host another free educational event on 31 July 2025, focusing on the latest robotics and sustainable technologies in the groundscare and landscaping industries.

Taking place at Lantra House, Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire, this CPD-accredited day brings together leading experts from Husqvarna, Turf Tank, and Lantra to explore how innovation is reshaping outdoor spaces.

GroundsFest Academy's Free Robotics & Green Innovations Seminar

GroundsFest Academy’s Free Robotics & Green Innovations Seminar

Attendees will gain hands-on experience with robotic mowers, battery-powered machinery, and automated line-marking technology, alongside expert-led talks and practical training sessions.

Topics include:

  • The benefits of robotic mowing systems and how to implement them
  • Sustainable machinery solutions and green technology trends
  • Live robotic line marking demonstrations
  • Career guidance and training course insights from Lantra

The event runs from 09:00 to 15:30, and is completely free to attend, with CPD points and certificates provided to all participants. Lunch and refreshments will also be provided.

Bradley Tennant, Director of Education for GroundsFest Academy, commented:

“The GroundsFest Academy is about bringing innovation and education together in a way that’s practical, engaging, and completely free to access. This Robotics and Green Innovations day is a chance for professionals to get hands-on with the technology that’s changing our industry, while also gaining CPD points and valuable knowledge to take back to their teams or their own projects.”

The GroundsFest Academy is made possible thanks to the ongoing success of the main GroundsFest event, with profits being reinvested directly back into the industry. This commitment ensures that professionals at all levels have access to free, high-quality training opportunities throughout the year – helping to support long-term growth, innovation, and education across the groundscare and landscaping sectors.

Register for your free place at www.groundsfestacademy.com

You can also follow GroundsFest on X, Facebook and Instagram @GroundsFest for much more news, reviews and insightful views

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Investment shapes industry-leading seed facility at DLF

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Investment shapes industry-leading seed facility at DLF: Staff and members of the amenity trade press were recently invited for an exclusive look at the next phase of the £4.5 million facilities upgrade at DLF’s UK headquarters at Inkberrow.

Officially opened by John Larsen, VP Sales and Marketing Greater Europe and DLF UK Managing Director Tim Kerridge, the events in June marked the completion of several major developments including the fully automated Titan mixing plant, robotic packing lines, expanded UK native wildflower production and brand-new trials and showcase area deemed ‘A Living Catalogue’.

Investment shapes industry-leading seed facility at DLF

Investment shapes industry-leading seed facility at DLF

The major project at DLF’s amenity operations centre has been underway for close to two years and, now complete, provides a unique and industry-leading centre for seed trials, product development, training and education of staff, distributors and customers.

With its 48-bin twin mixer and fully automated packing line, Titan is now the UK’s biggest seed mixing plant. Its introduction has brought significant increases in capacity, while reducing manual handling and lead times – ensuring that, even during peak season, seed is mixed, packed and dispatched with both speed and accuracy. Titan is at the heart of DLF’s operation, supplying more than 14,000 tonnes to the UK market, correlating to almost 30,000 individual customer shipments.

Impressive scale is also now demonstrated by DLF’s UK wildflower production, with 80 acres over three sites producing 50 different native flowering species. Expertly managed by Klaas Broersma and a dedicated wildflower production team, the meadows are harvested and cleaned in-house to ensure the highest quality, before being incorporated into DLF’s native Pro Flora range and Your Countryside farm stewardship mixes.

The bright blooms of native and non-native mixtures from the Pro Flora and ColourBoost collections were looking glorious in the Worcestershire sunshine on their own demonstration plots as part of the wider DLF Showcase. The Showcase headlines 12 acres of space dedicated to amenity seed trials, allowing visitors to observe current and future species and cultivars all in one place. It will also be the base for a sizeable programme of UK testing which feeds into the global picture of climate and disease tolerance trials.

The centrepiece of the Showcase is the new ‘Living Catalogue’ – a sports and landscape zone sown with mixtures from across the DLF portfolio. Featuring a hybrid winter sports pitch, cricket wicket, tennis court, horse racecourse and golf tee, fairway and green, all maintained by Head Grounds Manager Matt Lewis, the space will become the hub for training and education as well as providing a relaxing space for staff to unwind and enjoy.

“We’re incredibly pleased to be able to finally share this fantastic asset with our team, the press and the wider industry” comments Amenity Sales & Marketing Manager Derek Marriott-Smith. “The new additions and significant investment put us in a fantastic position to support the needs of the sectors in which we operate both today and tomorrow.”

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