113 machines travel to Newark Vintage Tractor & Heritage Show

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113 machines travel to Newark Vintage Tractor & Heritage Show: The Newark Vintage Tractor & Heritage Show returns next month with one of its most ambitious programmes yet. 

In an incredible show of dedication to Caterpillar, more than 110 individual machines will be brought to Newark Showground to mark a century of the iconic yellow brand, alongside a host of other major engineering milestones.

113 machines travel to Newark Vintage Tractor & Heritage Show

113 machines travel to Newark Vintage Tractor & Heritage Show

Enthusiasts from across the UK are set to gather on 8 and 9 November, where a weekend crowd of over 10,000 people will witness exhibits which have been brought from all over the country by enthusiasts.

With a vast array of diverse machinery being celebrated in 2025, visitors are being encouraged to purchase discounted tickets before the special offer expires at the end of October.

Adult tickets just £16 until the end of the month, and the event promises to be one of the best displays of vintage tractors, stationary engines, commercial vehicles and trade stands found in the UK.

Caterpillars old and new to catch the eye 

The show will host the largest-ever gathering of Caterpillar machines seen in the UK, with 113 exhibits spanning a century of tracklayer development, from early Holt crawlers of the 1910s to modern-day giants.

Among the headline attractions will be the Caterpillar D10, brought by Ash Croft on behalf of Cat Plant. At up to 77 tonnes, the D10 is one of the largest dozers in the company’s range, designed for quarrying and coal mining and sure to be a showground showstopper.

While the D10 commands attention, many enthusiasts will be drawn to the historic machines that tell Caterpillar’s story. Highlights include the Holt 75, built in the 1910s and described as the oldest surviving example in the UK – the Caterpillar 60 – first introduced in 1925, with a fully restored 1929 example owned by Tom Balls. Caterpillar’s RD8, a diesel-powered crawler from the 1930s used on major construction projects and in military service during the Second World War, will also be on show.

Tom, whose family business J C Balls & Sons is sponsoring the Caterpillar class, said: “We’ve got collectors coming from all over. To have more than a hundred Caterpillars in one place is something that’s never been done before in this country. It will be a once-in-a-lifetime sight.”

Simon Eccleston, CEO of the Newark & Nottinghamshire Agricultural Society (NNAS), which organises the show, added: “We are absolutely thrilled to mark the centenary of Caterpillar at our show. These machines are symbols of innovation, persistence, engineering and community, and it’s a privilege to bring together owners, restorers and admirers under one roof.”

Alongside the Caterpillar celebration, the 2025 show will spotlight several other landmark anniversaries including 80 years of the Fordson Major E27N and Field Marshall Series One, 60 years of Zetor imports into England sponsored by Chantry Agricultural Engineers, 60 years of Cummins engines, and a major tribute to Gardner Engines sponsored by Stamford Shepherd Huts.

There will also be celebrations for the Ford D Series lorry, launched 60 years ago, and for Ransomes, Sims & Jefferies. Heritage potato implements, handling equipment and a wide range of club displays will add further depth to the show.

Among the personal stories on display is one particularly touching restoration. “Old Sodbuster”, a 1948 Fordson Major E27N owned by Kate Hodgson from North Yorkshire, was the first tractor restored by her grandfather Ray Worley nearly 40 years ago.

Decades after he sold it, Kate rediscovered the same machine for sale, still bearing his hand-painted nickname. “It felt spooky but also meant to be,” she said. “Restoring it with my partner Joshua has been a real labour of love, and showing it at Newark during the Fordson’s 80th anniversary feels like the perfect tribute.”

Another standout is Nottinghamshire’s Paul Hird with his Series One Field Marshall – one of the earliest survivors of its kind. Bought on a whim at auction, Paul later discovered its history through another enthusiast at Newark. “I like originality,” he said. “Something that’s lived a life and carries its modifications tells a story – that’s what I look for when I’m judging other exhibitors’ machines too.”

The stationary engine section will once again offer a working display of the power sources that once drove rural life, with many engines in full running condition throughout the weekend.

Beyond the exhibits, the showground becomes a marketplace for collectors and restorers, with hundreds of traders offering parts, tools, books and memorabilia, as well as expert advice for ongoing projects.

The Newark Vintage Tractor & Heritage Show runs Saturday 8 and Sunday 9 November 2025 at Newark Showground, Nottinghamshire.

Discounted advance tickets and camping passes are available until 31 October, and children aged 16 and under can enter for free. All tickets can be booked at www.newarkvintagetractorshow.com.

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STIHL strengthens its global network in Oradea

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STIHL strengthens its global network in Oradea: The STIHL Group has officially opened its first battery-only production site in Oradea, Romania. The investment of €125 million marks a major milestone in the company’s transformation toward battery technology and strengthens its European manufacturing footprint. 

The new facility becomes STIHL’s European centre of competence to produce battery packs and battery-powered tools, adding a key hub to the Group’s global network. Designed as a core element of the Group’s international production network, the site will play a central role in meeting the growing demand for battery-powered products across European markets.

STIHL strengthens its global network in Oradea

STIHL strengthens its global network in Oradea

Construction began in March 2024 and was completed in less than 18 months. The factory will gradually ramp up operations to reach an annual capacity of 1 million battery packs by 2026. By 2028, output is expected to rise to 1.8 million battery packs and 1.7 million battery-powered tools. Production initially focuses on battery-powered blowers and AP battery packs from the professional STIHL range. Over time, the portfolio will expand to include additional battery-powered equipment such as brush cutters, chainsaws, and other tools.

The new facility has 47,000 square metres of operational space on a 147,000 square metres site. The plant is equipped with flexible multi-product production lines and a high degree of automation, integrating Industry 4.0 principles that ensure digital traceability, optimised processes, and outstanding operational efficiency.

Expansion of global network to drive future growth

Battery technology has become a major growth driver for the company. Today, more than one in four of all STIHL products sold worldwide are battery-powered. The company aims to increase this share to approximately 35% by 2027 and to about 80% by 2035, a clear reflection of the accelerating transformation in the industry.

“The new plant in Oradea expands our global network and strengthens STIHL’s position in the fast-growing battery segment. It is a vital addition that will secure our long-term competitiveness in Europe and support our customers with high-performance products developed and built for professionals and demanding consumers worldwide,” said Dr. Nikolas Stihl, Chairman of the Advisory and Supervisory Board.

The decision to build the new plant in Oradea reflects STIHL’s strategy to strengthen its European footprint and to locate production close to key markets. The city offers excellent logistical connections, a modern infrastructure, and access to a highly qualified workforce, ideal conditions for sustainable industrial growth within the European Union.

During the opening event on October 15, 2025, Prime Minister of Romania, Ilie Bolojan, emphasised the national significance of the investment: “The STIHL factory in Oradea is not merely an economic investment. It is a powerful signal that Romania can be a reliable partner, a competitive industrial destination, and a place where things can be done well to European standards. This investment represents jobs, cutting-edge technology, a genuine transfer of know-how, and positions Romania at the heart of an industry undergoing continuous transformation. I thank everyone who contributed to this project, the STIHL team, local authorities, technical partners, and all those who worked on site day after day. It is the result of a shared, responsible effort.”

Continuing this point, Florin-Alin Birta, Mayor of Oradea Municipality, highlighted the importance for the local economy: “The fact that an international group such as STIHL has chosen Oradea for an investment of this magnitude confirms the city’s attractiveness and its strong development direction. The Oradea City Hall consistently supports investments that bring added value to the community, aware that a dynamic economic environment is the engine of prosperity. Our goal is to strengthen Oradea’s position as a city open to innovation, performance, and collaboration with reputable investors.

“Through major projects such as the STIHL factory, we demonstrate that sustainable development and competitiveness can go hand in hand, transforming Oradea into an increasingly attractive industrial and technological hub at both regional and European levels.”

The success of the Oradea project is also a story of people and partnership. Thanks to the close cooperation between STIHL experts from Germany, the local management team and regional partners, the new plant was completed efficiently and on schedule.  This joint effort not only created a modern production facility but also laid a strong foundation for the company’s future in Romania.

The organisational setup of the new site was overseen by Dr. Robert Feulner, Managing Director of the newly founded ANDREAS STIHL Power Tools S.R.L. “The new Oradea plant reflects both technological excellence and strong local collaboration. We feel very much at home here and are impressed by the professionalism and commitment of the people in this region. It’s clear that choosing Oradea was the right decision for STIHL’s future.”

Recruitment and training are progressing steadily. The plant currently employs around 135 people and will reach approximately 700 employees by 2028. STIHL aims to become one of the most attractive employers in the region, offering long-term career opportunities, modern working conditions, and a corporate culture valued by nearly 20,000 employees worldwide.

State-of-the-art manufacturing plant

The Oradea plant combines advanced production technology with a strong focus on sustainability. Flexible, multi-product assembly lines allow the site to adapt quickly to different battery models and tool types. A high level of automation and the integration of Industry 4.0 principles ensure digital traceability, data-driven quality control, and high operational efficiency.

Sustainability was a central design principle from the very beginning. The facility has been certified by the German Sustainable Building Council (DGNB) with the gold standard, recognising its energy-efficient construction and use of renewable energy systems. The combination of photovoltaic and a geothermal system significantly reduces fossil fuel use. During the day and under favourable weather conditions, the plant can generate renewable energy to cover its internal electricity demand.

Biodiversity goals were also taken into account, as the factory features green roofs, more than 250 newly planted trees, and the preservation of an existing forest area within the site, ensuring a balanced coexistence between industrial activity and the surrounding environment.

For more information, please visit www.stihl.co.uk

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The most powerful backpack blower

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The most powerful backpack blower: EGO Power+, a leading specialist of battery-powered outdoor power equipment, has introduced a new Backpack Blower to its PRO X series of durable tools for heavy-duty professional users.

Harnessing the power of two EGO 56V ARC LithiumTM batteries with PeakPowerTM technology, the LBPX1100 is the most powerful battery-powered backpack blower on the market today, delivering an impressive 36N of blowing force.

The most powerful backpack blower

The most powerful backpack blower

Built for professionals, the variable speed trigger with lock allows the user to stay in control as the blower handles even the most demanding clear-ups. And with low noise levels and an IPX5 rating, it can be used at any time of day, in all weather conditions.

As part of the PRO X series, the blower is compatible with EGO’s next-generation battery charging solution to ensure that this robust product always has the power it needs to work throughout the day.

Neil McGuinness, Product Manager for EGO, said: “We have developed the LBPX1100 to answer our customer’s requests for a backpack blower that can deliver even more power than our current offering. At EGO, we go full throttle when it comes to power and performance, which is why our response was to create a trailblazing backpack blower that provides the highest power output of any battery-powered blower on the market.

“Unmatched power and performance, however, means we’ve had to put a lot of focus on the ergonomics of the product. With a blower that can work all day, we needed to make sure that it is comfortable to work with for long hours.”

Designed ergonomically, the premium padded harness allows for greater comfort, as do the adjustable handles which can pivot up and down, as well as extend or retract in length. Velcro straps have also been added for easy positioning, while the two batteries slot on either side of the backpack to ensure that the tool is centrally balanced on the user’s back.

Powerful LED lights are available for use in low-lit environments while an LCD display shows real-time monitoring, operating status, and battery fuel gauge.

The LBPX1100 Backpack Blower retails at £599.

To learn more, visit: https://egopowerplus.co.uk/products/blowers/lbpx110000-backpack-leaf-blower

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Sharrocks Expands Golf & Sports Turf Offering

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Sharrocks Expands Golf & Sports Turf Offering: Sharrocks, a leading supplier of groundcare machinery, is proud to announce a new partnership with GKB Machinery, becoming the official dealer for Staffordshire and Shropshire.

GKB Machinery, renowned for its high-performance, Dutch-engineered turf equipment, offers an extensive portfolio of professional machines, including scarifiers, top dressers, aerators, and brushing systems. Trusted by turf professionals across Europe, GKB serves key sectors such as sports turf, golf, landscaping, and local authorities.

Sharrocks Expands Golf & Sports Turf Offering

Sharrocks Expands Golf & Sports Turf Offering

This new dealership agreement gives customers across the Midlands direct access to GKB’s full product range, supported by Sharrocks’ established reputation for expert advice, technical support, and dependable aftersales care. The collaboration further strengthens Sharrocks’ expanding portfolio of premium turf brands and reinforces its commitment to delivering cutting-edge solutions for turf professionals.

“We’re delighted to be partnering with GKB Machinery,” said Adrian Dodd, Sales Director at Sharrocks. “Their innovative and reliable equipment aligns perfectly with the needs of our customers and our dedication to supplying robust, high-quality solutions for the professional groundcare sector.”

Founded in 1956, Sharrocks is a family-run business based in Wigan, known for delivering industry-leading groundcare equipment and support to contractors, sports clubs, estates, schools, and local authorities. With a strong heritage, deep technical knowledge, and a reputation for responsive customer service, Sharrocks remains a trusted partner in the UK groundcare market.

GKB Machinery continues to lead through precision engineering, sustainability, and performance, with machines designed in collaboration with turf professionals and built to the highest standards in the Netherlands.

For more information, visit www.sharrock.co.uk or call 01477 500700.

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Duncan Ross Rejuvenates Broughton High School

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Duncan Ross Rejuvenates Broughton High School: Broughton High School is ecstatic that the school field, which has been closed for eight years due to a large hole appearing, has finally seen extensive works carried out by Duncan Ross Ltd, bring it back to life and with it, extending the fantastic sporting facilities on offer.

Over the course of the last year, Lancashire County Council brought in drainage specialists Duncan Ross who were able to suggest a lasting solution and action the change over the summer holiday period.

Duncan Ross Rejuvenates Broughton High School

Duncan Ross Rejuvenates Broughton High School

Based in Burscough, Lancashire, Duncan Ross Ltd has built a reputation as one of the UK’s leading sports turf contractors, with decades of experience in natural turf construction, drainage, and renovation. The company is regularly commissioned by schools, councils, and sports clubs to deliver robust, long-term solutions that combine technical expertise with an understanding of how facilities are actually used on a day-to-day basis.

“Concerns were raised by the school, to the Local Authority, about the safety of the field”, recalls Mark Hodges, Contracts Manager at the Council. “We got a range of other contractors in, and drainage specialists, and they came up with some proposed solutions, but we didn’t fully understand what the issue was.”

The school began using a small section of the field two years ago. However, in bad weather, it quickly became unplayable, underscoring the need to identify the underlying issue. To do that, Mark approached Duncan Ross.

Duncan Ross initiated a thorough investigation, utilising site knowledge and aerial imagery to pinpoint the fault. The team traced the issue to a broken main drain, which was likely damaged years earlier when heavy vehicles became bogged down on the pitch. Since then, the old network of drains beneath the surface had silted up beyond repair. The clear choice was to replace the entire system.

“It was cheaper to install new drainage,” Mark explains. “So again, we got Duncan to design the system.”

The company specified a comprehensive scheme, installing carrier, main, and lateral drains at five-metre centres. Inspection chambers, junctions, and outfalls were included for ease of future maintenance. Once installed, the field received a full programme of post-drainage operations including decompaction to relieve construction compaction, sand topdressing to improve infiltration and surface regularity, overseeding for density, and targeted fertiliser applications to drive establishment. Final as-built drawings provided the Council with a clear record for future stewardship.

After a journey spanning Mark’s five years at Lancashire County Council, experiencing the way Duncan Ross operated brought confidence that the project would be a success. “It was reassuring, to be honest, working with somebody who understands the needs of the school, understands what we’re trying to achieve, and coming up with a solution.” That confidence was rewarded as the project moved from design to delivery.

With the core works complete, the next phase is about consolidation. “All the drainage works are complete,” Hodges says. “We’re waiting for the weather to improve so we can do the next phase, which is top dressing and overseeding. The field will see limited use this term, with full availability expected by next spring once the surface has bedded in.”

“That bedding-in period will be carefully managed. I’ve got to work with the school to be able to manage the pitch and make sure they don’t overplay it in wet weather and damage the surface.”

Speaking about the project, Headteacher David Botes added: “I’ve been extremely happy with the work carried out by Duncan Ross. Throughout the project, the company were professional, amenable, polite, on task and approachable. The work on the field is to an excellent standard, and we are extremely pleased.

“Duncan and his team are, as one, very easy to work with and we would not hesitate in recommending them to others or using them ourselves for future projects.”

For Broughton High School, the project marks the end of years of uncertainty and the beginning of a reliable new chapter in sport, while for Lancashire County Council, it represents a demonstration of evidence-led planning and investment.

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