STIHL launches Master Technician Course

/in , , /by

STIHL launches Master Technician Course: STIHL has launched its highly anticipated Master Technician Course, the pinnacle of its dealer training programme, designed to provide expert-level servicing and diagnostics across the full STIHL product range.

Following extensive development and a successful pilot earlier this year, the Master Technician Course is now available exclusively to STIHL Approved dealers who have completed the full training pathway, comprising Foundation, Intermediate, and Advanced Servicing courses.

STIHL launches Master Technician Course

STIHL launches Master Technician Course

The final stage of the programme includes an online entry exam and pre-requisite modules, followed by an intensive three-day face-to-face training experience at STIHL’s headquarters, Contra House.

This hands-on course offers participants an in-depth technical deep dive, featuring:

  •  Eight specialist assessments
  •  Extensive product usage training
  •  A guided Contra House tour
  •  A structured recertification process, including an annual online exam

With a strong emphasis on practical learning, the Master Technician Course provides a small group setting, ensuring each technician receives expert guidance. Courses are strictly limited to six participants per session, allowing for focused, hands-on experience with STIHL’s latest tools and servicing techniques.

Since launching the Master Technician learning pathway in 2023, nearly 100 face-to-face training courses have taken place across all four levels, reinforcing STIHL’s commitment to dealer training and technical excellence.

The first Master Technician Course officially launched online on 10th February, with nine further face-to-face sessions planned throughout 2025.

For more information, please contact learning@stihl.co.uk.

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.

Hunter Industries’ New Wireless Valve Link Now Available

/in , /by

Hunter Industries’ New Wireless Valve Link Now Available: KAR UK is excited to announce the arrival of the Hunter Wireless Valve Link. Designed to simplify irrigation projects of all sizes, this innovative accessory eliminates the need for traditional wiring, offering landscape professionals and contractors a faster, cleaner, and more cost-effective way to manage valve control.

As a cutting-edge wireless add-on for the Hunter ICC2 and HCC controllers, the Wireless Valve Link allows for seamless communication directly to the valve box—completely wire-free. It’s a powerful tool for those looking to extend or install irrigation systems without the time, cost, or disruption that trenching and copper field wiring often require.

Hunter Industries’ New Wireless Valve Link Now Available

Hunter Industries’ New Wireless Valve Link Now Available

A Smarter, Simpler Way to Work

At the heart of the Wireless Valve Link is LoRa® technology, a licence-free communication system that’s both robust and reliable. It enables connection to up to 54 individual stations plus a master valve, with a line-of-sight range of up to 650 metres—or even further when used with a repeater.

By removing the need for copper wiring, the system not only slashes installation time and expense but also avoids common wired-system issues such as wire degradation and lightning damage.

Key Benefits at a Glance:

Wireless Valve Control: Eliminates the need for copper field wiring, enabling installations across difficult terrains and hard surfaces.

Efficient Setup: Avoid cutting into concrete or boring under paths—ideal for retrofit projects or sensitive landscapes.

Advanced Compatibility: Integrates seamlessly with Hunter’s Centralus™ and Hydrawise™ platforms, and works alongside ICM or EZDS modules for a fully tailored system.

Flexible Expansion: Add new zones or areas without returning to the controller or disturbing existing infrastructure.

Installation, Without the Headache

Whether working on residential gardens or large-scale commercial sites, the Wireless Valve Link enables contractors to work smarter. With no hardwiring required, installation becomes more straightforward and less disruptive—especially in areas with existing hardscapes, roads, or tree roots.

This new solution allows for cleaner, more scalable system design, making it ideal for projects where adaptability, speed, and reliability are critical.

Now available from KAR UK, the Hunter Wireless Valve Link brings the future of irrigation control to the present—streamlining installations, enhancing reliability, and giving professionals more flexibility than ever before.

For more information, please visit www.karuk.com

You can also follow KAR UK on X and Instagram @KARUK_LTD for much more news, reviews and insightful views.

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.

The world’s only Wi-Fi irrigation decoder system

/in , /by

The world’s only Wi-Fi irrigation decoder system: Toro keeps innovating irrigation management with the launch of the Tempus Decoder System, the world’s first Wi-Fi-enabled decoder solution.

Developed to provide stadium managers and grounds teams with a smarter way to control irrigation, the system simplifies installation and minimises wiring costs with a unique wireless interface.

The world's only Wi-Fi irrigation decoder system

The world’s only Wi-Fi irrigation decoder system

At the heart of the system is the Tempus 2-wire interface, which seamlessly converts a Tempus controller into an essential 2-wire system – eliminating the need for multiple cables thanks to its Wi-Fi communication. The decoders receive instructions from the interface, activating the connected sprinklers to deliver precise and impeccable irrigation control.

This modular design, with a main interface that communicates wirelessly with multiple decoders, makes Toro’s solution remarkably easy to scale. Additional decoders can be integrated at any time, linking to the main system through a simple Wi-Fi connection, allowing users to manage up to 48 stations with a single controller.

The result is a future-proof irrigation solution that adapts to evolving turf needs and can be expanded in no time with minimum costs.

“With the Tempus Decoder System, Toro is bringing simplicity and efficiency to turf irrigation,” says Robert Jackson, Division Manager, Reesink Hydro-Scapes. “Turf managers need solutions that not only optimise water usage but make their jobs easier. This system reduces installation complexity while delivering the reliability and performance Toro is known for.”

By leveraging Wi-Fi connectivity, the Tempus Decoder System also enables users to control their irrigation system remotely, making real-time adjustments as needed. This combination of convenience, flexibility and Toro’s trusted innovation makes it the ideal solution for modern turf management.

With smart irrigation technology that saves time, reduces labour and enhances water efficiency, the Tempus Decoder System represents the next generation of turf irrigation control for sports venues.

To find out how your system can be upgraded quickly with fewer cables and to adopt remote access irrigation control, call 01480 226948, email info@reesinkturfcare.co.uk or visit reesink-hydroscapes.co.uk today.

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.

BAGMA launches ‘Paperless Solution’ for machinery installations

/in , /by

BAGMA launches ‘Paperless Solution’ for machinery installations: The British Agricultural Garden Machinery Association (BAGMA) have teamed up with the UK paperless experts, Culverdocs to launch a new digital solution for recording machinery installations.

Months of development have culminated in the introduction of a mobile and desktop app with the capability to simplify and streamline the recording and storage of installation paperwork and other administrative tasks.

BAGMA launches ‘Paperless Solution’ for machinery installations

BAGMA launches ‘Paperless Solution’ for machinery installations

Available to all valid BAGMA registered installers, members and non-members, the introduction of the ‘Paperless Solution’ signifies the end of long-winded, handwritten triplicate forms which often end up torn or muddy at the end of a handover & installation session. Launched in September, dealerships and manufacturers around the country are already discovering the vast improvement in efficiency, accuracy and accountability when delivering machines.

For just £5.00 per user, per month, users can enjoy:

  • Information at your fingertips, in one web, tablet and mobile-friendly app
  • Simplified completion of Machine Installation Form
  • Unlimited submissions with e-signatures
  • Work offline, with sync feature when back online
  • Real-time digital copy, emailed to operators, companies, installers, BAGMA
  • Importing data from ODBC reports/spreadsheets and sending reports

Users wanting to further enhance functionality can opt to upgrade to the full BAGMA and Culverdocs ‘Unlimited’ package. For £20 per user, per month, companies can digitise multiple aspects of their business, creating a fully-bespoke digital platform to complete, store and integrate paperwork including machine installation forms, hire on/off, on site risk assessments and lead capture. The ‘Unlimited’ package also includes unrestricted user and administrator access, unlimited form/process conversion, support from the Culverdocs technical team and tailored branding of the app for your business.

“This software is a real gamechanger” says BAGMA General Manager Nick Darking. “We’ve all been there – out in a muddy field, in the rain trying to fill out triplicate forms on an install and ensure that those that need a copy, have one. With so much of modern life now digitised, it made complete sense to develop a solution where paperwork could be completed with just a few clicks.”

“Going paperless not only brings efficiencies with time and simplified workflows, it provides peace of mind that a solid process is in place to obtain full accuracy and accountability with every installation.”

Those wishing to find out more are invited to join BAGMA and Culverdocs for a free informative webinar, taking place at 10:30am on Thursday 15th May. To register your interest, or to find out more, visit www.bagma.com.

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.

New efficiencies on the GreenMech stand at The Arb Show

/in , /by

New efficiencies on the GreenMech stand at The Arb Show: No trip to The Arb Show is complete without a stop by the stand of the UK’s most innovative woodchipper manufacturer, GreenMech.

Always demonstrating the very latest in technology and product development, 2025 will be no different, with stand C13/C14 showcasing a new remote system to further enhance the versatility and efficiency of their flagship EVO series of machines.

New efficiencies on the GreenMech stand at The Arb Show

New efficiencies on the GreenMech stand at The Arb Show

The new ‘SMART FEED Remote’ system allows the operator to control a number of the working functions of the chipper without having to be stood next to the machine. Using the rugged, rubber encased handheld remote, the user can stop/start the feed rollers, reverse their direction and adjust the machine engine speed as they do today with the buttons on the infeed chute. Compatible with all EVO models, this is particularly advantageous for those who opt for mechanical loading.

Together with enhanced control and improved visibility, the ‘plug and play’ remote option optimises safety and streamlines workflow – reducing the time and energy required to move between the loader and chipper.

Alongside a range of towed and tracked machines from the EVO range, a number of other machines will be on display including the gravity-fed CS100 and Arborist 150D MAX. In addition, GreenMech’s new higher horsepower petrol offerings will also be showcased for the first time. Announced earlier in the year, the EVO 165P Sub-750 and Arborist 150P both now feature a Briggs and Stratton Vanguard EFI 40hp engine to take proven power, productivity and efficiency to new heights.

Full details of all the new additions to the GreenMech range can be found by speaking with the GreenMech technical team who will be on hand at Westonbirt Arboretum when The Arb show returns on the 16th and 17th May 2025.

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.