EGO Multi-Tools Go PRO

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EGO Multi-Tools Go PRO: Battery-powered outdoor power equipment specialist, EGO Power+, has introduced the first multi-tool power head to its PRO X series alongside a selection of new attachments.

Designed to facilitate all-day working for heavy-duty professional users, the PHX1600 power head features an upgraded 1600W brushless motor and PCB to provide the power equivalent of a 35cc petrol engine. With a digital three-speed control and a variable speed trigger, users can adjust the tool’s speed to deliver the power required for a range of tasks.

EGO Multi-Tools Go PRO

EGO Multi-Tools Go PRO

With comfort in mind, the tool is equipped with a carbon fibre shaft to ensure a lighter weight and reduced vibration, while an adjustable loop handle and single harness accessory supports the user during use over prolonged periods.

Neil McGuinness, Product Manager for EGO, said: “Offering robust tools and all-day charge management, our PRO X series has been a big hit with our professional customers since its launch last year. By adding a versatile multi-tool power head to the series, we can bring enhanced working efficiency to users through our ever-expanding range.

“The PRO X multi-tool power head is compatible with our full range of attachments. From trimming hedges to sawing branches, users can complete a wide range of tasks with one tool without compromising on power, safe in the knowledge that the tool is built with heavy-duty use front of mind.”

EGO is also expanding its multi-tool attachment offering. It has added its first Dethatcher to the range. Designed to give new life to a dull lawn, the DA1400 Dethatcher is used to remove thatch and dead grass, allowing room for fresh grass to grow for a healthier, greener lawn.

“The Dethatcher is a great addition to our multi-tool range, helping us to expand the variety of our attachments to meet every landscaping need,” added Neil. “And we are excited to also introduce a new line trimmer attachment which possesses two of our innovative technologies, improving efficiency for our busy professional customers.”

Featuring EGO’s innovative Line IQ™ and Powerload™ technologies, the STA1700 43cm Line Trimmer attachment allows users to simply feed the line through the eyelet and push a button for automatic line feeding and fast line replacement. Line IQ™ automatically feeds the line to the optimal length, ensuring maximum cut swath at all times.

The PHX1600 Multi-tool Power Head retails at £399.

The STA1700 Line Trimmer attachment retails at £149 and the Dethatcher attachment for £219.

For more information, visit: https://egopowerplus.co.uk/products/multi-tool

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Why Late Summer Sowing Works

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Why Late Summer Sowing Works: Why Late Summer Sowing Works – Lawn Advice from The Grass People’s Chris McIlroy 

While spring may seem like the natural time to sow grass seed, lawn care experts are encouraging homeowners to look later in the calendar. According to Chris McIlroy, lawn specialist at The Grass People, late summer is one of the most effective times of year to establish new grass or overseed tired lawns.

Why Late Summer Sowing Works

Why Late Summer Sowing Works

“Sowing in late summer is often overlooked, but it can actually give you some of the best results,” says McIlroy. “The conditions are more stable, soil temperatures are ideal, and there’s less weed competition than in spring. It’s a great window for successful germination.”

Soil is still warm – but the worst heat has passed

“By late August and into early September, the soil holds onto summer warmth but without the extreme temperatures that can dry out young seedlings,” explains McIlroy. “This creates an ideal environment for quick and even germination.”

Rainfall becomes more reliable

One of the key challenges in establishing new grass is consistent moisture. “In late summer, you typically get more regular rainfall,” says McIlroy. “That natural watering supports seed development and reduces the need for constant manual watering.”

Fewer weeds to compete with

Spring sowing often means competing with aggressive weeds. “By late summer, most annual weeds are past their peak,” McIlroy notes. “This gives grass seed a much better chance of establishing without having to fight for space or nutrients.”

A stronger lawn before winter

Sowing in late summer gives your lawn a head start heading into colder months. “New grass has several weeks to grow and develop roots before winter sets in,” says McIlroy. “That makes it stronger, more resilient, and better able to bounce back in spring.”

Ideal timing for repairing worn patches

Summer can take its toll on lawns, especially in high-traffic areas. McIlroy recommends late summer as the perfect time to repair any damage. “Whether it’s from kids, pets or prolonged dry weather, now’s the time to fill in bare spots and encourage uniform growth across your lawn.”

Final thoughts from Chris McIlroy

“Late summer is a golden opportunity for lawn care that many people miss. With the right timing and preparation, you can set your lawn up for long-term success heading into autumn and beyond.”

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Hamilton GC underway with ‘summer Wiedenmann phase’

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Hamilton GC underway with ‘summer Wiedenmann phase’: Hamilton Golf Club has entered what Course Manager Neil Hogg calls its “summer Wiedenmann phase” — when its fleet of specialist turf care machines is fine-tuned for summer maintenance.

Neil joined the Lanarkshire club in December 2022 from Bruntsfield Links GC in Edinburgh, inheriting three key Wiedenmann machines: a Terra Spike GXi8, a Super 500, and a Core Recycler.

Hamilton GC underway with ‘summer Wiedenmann phase’

Hamilton GC underway with ‘summer Wiedenmann phase’

“I’ve always liked how Wiedenmann kit works,” says Neil. “It’s well-engineered, reliable, and gets the job done.”

Since then, the fleet has grown through Fairways GM, Wiedenmann’s exclusive Scottish dealer, with a Terra Spike XP in summer 2023, a Mega Twister blower in summer 2024, and most recently a 2.3m Terra Rake in October 2024.

While many clubs use this machinery mainly in autumn and winter, Neil keeps it working year-round.

“In summer, the Terra Rake goes across fairways, aprons, and tees to lift the grass and break up any matting. Particularly with fairways, many turfgrasses spread sideways, and over time this lateral growth can make the surface puffy and uneven. The rake’s spring tines comb through the canopy, tugging at horizontal shoots and leaf blades to keep that in check. The faster we go, the more thatch we remove, keeping the surface open and healthy. Raking acts as a mild stress, shifting the plant’s energy from spreading sideways to growing upright, which produces a denser, more vertical canopy. The light tearing encourages the grass to repair by sending up new vertical shoots.”

The process is followed by a cut with the new Jacobsen LF570 fairway mower and a clean-up pass with the Mega Twister blower.

“The blower was a godsend in winter for clearing leaves, and now it speeds everything up. It’s reliably versatile — standing up the turf, drying it when needed, and leaving a tidy finish. We can rake, cut, and clean in one go.”

Neil says performance is the priority, with improved appearance a welcome bonus.

“When grass lies over, it mats down and the cut suffers. The Terra Rake is like back-combing the turf — once it’s upright, the mower gives a sharper, more even finish.”

The mower is usually set to 10 mm for daily work, but after raking, Neil drops it to 9 mm.

“The Jake’s brand new, so we get a perfect finish. That fresh cut also improves ball roll and makes the course more enjoyable to play.”

The Super 500 is also key in managing the tiger rough, which is topped in summer to encourage healthy regrowth and prevent matting.

“The rough can grow knee-high. When it’s wet, it just flops over and won’t stand back up — a bit like fairways, only on a bigger scale. In autumn, it’s cut back to 5–7 cm to stop leaves becoming trapped. The rake then reduces thatch and bulk, producing finer, softer growth for the following season.

“It’s about long-term improvement as much as presentation,” says Neil. “Better airflow, better recovery, and ultimately, a better playing surface.”

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STRI Appoints Glenn Kirby as Research Director

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STRI Appoints Glenn Kirby as Research Director: STRI is pleased to announce the appointment of Glenn Kirby as its new Research Director. With more than 30 years’ experience in turf management, technical services, and digital innovation, Glenn will spearhead STRI’s next chapter in industry-leading research strategies.

Glenn joins STRI from Syngenta, where he most recently served as Technical Services Manager for Turf across Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. His leadership in digital strategy, AI implementation, and market support trials has helped shape the future of sustainable turf management globally.

STRI Appoints Glenn Kirby as Research Director

STRI Appoints Glenn Kirby as Research Director

Glenn commented, “I think this is one of the most exciting periods for turf management in the UK and across Europe that we’ve ever seen. The challenges we face around climate, sustainability, and increasing expectations make this a pivotal time – and I’m looking forward to playing my part in shaping the future of our industry with STRI Group.  Here’s to new beginnings, collaboration, and pushing the boundaries of turf research.”

Richard Stuttard, Group Director added, “With Glenn’s unique blend of technical expertise, digital innovation and industry leadership experience, he’ll be instrumental in driving STRI’s research proposition for the future, pioneering new solutions for clients and supporting the team. We’re excited to welcome Glenn to the Group.”

Glenn will lead STRI’s research initiatives, focusing on sustainable practices, digital transformation, and collaborative innovation – building on successful customer relationships and introducing the Group’s expertise to new clients.  With Glenn at the helm, and with research and innovation in its DNA, STRI is well-placed to play a pivotal role in defining the future of turf management and beyond.

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Growth In GMA’s Training And Turf Care Advisory Services

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Growth In GMA’s Training And Turf Care Advisory Services: The Grounds Management Association (GMA) has expanded its Technical and Learning department with two strategic appointments, boosting the support and expertise available to the sector through high-quality training and consultancy.

Bojan Jovanovic has been appointed as Learning Programme Lead, and Fiona Lyttle takes on the role of Turf Care Advisory Support Lead. Together, they bring extensive experience that will enhance the GMA’s educational and advisory services for both professionals and volunteers.

Growth In GMA’s Training And Turf Care Advisory Services

Growth In GMA’s Training And Turf Care Advisory Services

Bojan has worked closely with the GMA for over five years as an online tutor, supporting learners undertaking GMA qualifications. He brings a unique blend of educational and practical turf care expertise, having spent more than a decade teaching land-based qualifications at Further Education institutions. Earlier in his career, Bojan specialised in construction and maintenance of elite sports surfaces, contributing to high-profile projects across tennis, croquet, elite football and the London 2012 Olympic equestrian facilities.

Fiona brings a deep understanding of the sports turf industry, particularly in learning and development. Well known for her work with the Greenkeepers Training Committee (GTC), which works closely with the British and International Golf Greenkeepers Association (BIGGA) on education and training, she offers valuable educational insight and industry knowledge. Her appointment will support the continued growth and delivery of the GMA’s Turf Care Advisory (TCA) services.

The appointments mark a significant step in the GMA’s ongoing mission to provide high-quality training and consultancy, supporting the development of skills and standards across the entire industry.

Dan Prest, GMA Technical and Learning Manager, said: “We’re delighted to welcome Bojan and Fiona to the team. They both bring incredible industry knowledge and fresh perspectives that will help us grow our education and consultancy offer. Bojan’s background in both turf management and further education is a perfect fit for our evolving learning programmes. Fiona’s insight into training and development, along with her knowledge of the industry, will be so important in strengthening our Turf Care Advisory support. This is a real boost for the industry as a whole.”

Bojan Jovanovic, GMA Learning Programme Lead, said: “Having worked with the GMA for several years as a part-time tutor to many learners, I’m excited to step into this new role and help shape the learning journey for professionals and volunteers. Education is a vital part of raising standards in the sector, and I’m passionate about helping people succeed both on the ground and in the classroom.”

Fiona Lyttle, GMA Turf Care Advisory Support Lead, said: “I’m thrilled to join the GMA at a time when support and guidance are more important than ever. I’m looking forward to working on and developing the consultancy provision offered by the association and supporting those working across the breadth of the grounds management industry. It’s all about helping people feel confident and connected in their roles, allowing them to provide safe and fit for purpose playing surfaces.”

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