New look Wiedenmann Terra Spike GXi6 in UK

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New look Wiedenmann Terra Spike GXi6 in UK: One of the first Wiedenmann Terra Spike GXi6s, liveried in Wiedenmann’s new vibrant orange colour and silver logo, has gone to Hilton Park Golf Club, Milngavie, Glasgow.

Stuart Neil, Courses Manager of the 36-hole site, is in the enviable position of already owning a Wiedenmann Terra Spike GXi8 HD, so is in a perfect position to compare.

New look Wiedenmann Terra Spike GXi6 in UK

New look Wiedenmann Terra Spike GXi6 in UK

“The new machine does look sharp and smart. It’s a stronger orange. The logo is more modern; I like it! Having two GXis for us is about efficiency; it lets us double up on aeration when we get necessary weather windows. It will be great to get our 36 greens done in virtually half the time.”

Choosing the 1.4 m wide Terra Spike was a relatively easy decision for Stuart, who has served the club for 39 years.

“The GXi 8 is a fabulous machine, always neat and precise; it leaves a very clean finish, even with our undulations. There is negligible disturbance. Across both our 18-hole courses there are a few tight spots that the GXi8 can reach but needs to manoeuvre to access. The GXi6 at 1.4 m wide is that bit smaller so can just nip in with fewer tractor movements.

“I am particularly looking forward to the solid three-part rear roller which is a real benefit. It’s got a good weight and helps leave a quality job.”

Aeration and coring at the James Braid-designed moorland courses will take place throughout the year as and when conditions allow.

“There are certain greens that seal up quicker than others which warrant a little more attention,” continued Stuart. “I’ve never had issues aerating during the playing season but obviously we would only ever use the finer tines, certainly nothing more than 12 mm.

“For various reasons we’ve had to shorten some of our planned maintenance periods; for instance, at the end of June we have only one week, instead of two, so there is pressure on the team to get tasks completed quicker. Having the new machine eases some of the burden.

“I believe in always having our GXi 8 ‘ready to go’. If it’s finished a task and the tines are worn, we are fortunate enough to be able to re-order spares at once, fit them on and be primed and ready for the next time. We will do the same with the GXi 6.”

Scottish Wiedenmann dealer, Fairways GM at Inchinnan, supplied the aerator with Area Manager, Stuart Cameron, himself an ex-greenkeeper at Hilton Park, providing sales support, alongside Wiedenmann UK’s lead demonstrator, Andy Kerr.

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GMA Connect heads to Durham

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GMA Connect heads to Durham: Following the successful launch of GMA Connect in Bristol last month, the Grounds Management Association’s new regional event series continues in the North East on Wednesday 18 June at Durham County Cricket Club.

Designed to bring the grounds industry together in key regions across the country, GMA Connect is a hands-on, one-day event offering a unique mix of expert seminars and live demonstrations from leading manufacturers.

GMA Connect heads to Durham

GMA Connect heads to Durham

Some of the industry’s top brands will be on show in Durham, including headline sponsor Cramer, ISEKI UK & Ireland, Campey Turf Care Systems, Fleet Line Markers, GKB Machines, Abundigro, The Aquatrols Company, AriensCo, Redexim, and Dennis & SISIS.

Throughout the day, attendees will have the opportunity to see the latest machinery and solutions from the likes of Cramer, who will present a full battery-powered range, including robot mowers, a zero-turn model and all-terrain pedestrian mowers. ISEKI and GKB Machines will jointly demonstrate a compact tractor fitted with a Combi Tool and Deep Tine Aerator, whilst Campey Turf Care will demonstrate their UniRake and display smaller machines pitch side, including the Vredo Turf Buddy and Electric Sarel Roller.

Line marking solutions will be available from Fleet and, new to Durham, Dennis & SISIS will bring the FT mower and Auto Rotorake Mk5, whilst Ariens will display zero-turn and high-grass mulching mowers.

Redexim, The Aquatrols Company and Abundigro and will all be on hand to share practical advice and showcase turf maintenance essentials.

A packed seminar programme features weather expert Mark Hunt’s ‘Turf Management in the Current Climate’, a popular practical soil session led by Alex Vickers, and guidance on using a Playing Surface Assessment to upgrade your facility from the GMA’s Ian Mather-Brewster and Chris Hunter.

The day will close with a panel discussion on climate change at top sporting venues, featuring Vic Demain (Head Groundsman, Durham CCC), Alex Vickers (Turf Consultant), Aaron Tong (Head Groundsman, Hull City MKM Stadium) and James Wright (Senior Maintenance Manager, University of Leeds).

Sarah Hunter, Head of Events at the GMA, said: “Bristol was a huge success for everyone involved, and we’re now really excited to bring GMA Connect to Durham. This event series has been designed to serve the needs of the industry, giving grounds staff at every level access to expert advice and practical solutions within their region.”

Jordan Watson, Area Sales Manager for Cramer UK, said: “We want to support events like GMA Connect because it’s a great networking opportunity and it’s a great way to show the industry everything that we do and the technology that Cramer UK can offer to help them in the future.”

Tickets are free for GMA members, while non-members can attend for £15. Membership provides additional value, including exclusive resources, discounted training, access to the Member Assistance Programme and more.

For more information or to register, visit thegma.org.uk/events.

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Toro for rig and furrow fairways at Forfar

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Toro for rig and furrow fairways at Forfar: Rig and furrow fairways bring as much of a challenge to the greenkeeping team as they do the players. With raised ridges and sunken furrows, it takes a lightweight, manoeuvrable mower to deliver the best results and for Forfar Golf Club in Scotland, Toro is the one to beat.

Remaining from the time when the ground was used to cultivate flax, a mower that will bring the best results on rig and furrow fairways is one that’s well-balanced, has a low centre of gravity, turf-friendly tyres, and the ability to maintain cutting consistency in tough conditions.

Toro for rig and furrow fairways at Forfar

Toro for rig and furrow fairways at Forfar

For Keith Law, Head Greenkeeper at Forfar Golf Club, the Toro Reelmaster 3575-D ticks all the boxes.

“It can certainly be a challenge maintaining rig and furrow fairways if you don’t have the right equipment,” says Keith. “You’ve got to be careful not to run the risk of the grass looking burnt out on the ridges and green in the furrows if the mowers can’t maintain the height of cut or leaves clippings behind.

“The Toro Reelmaster set up with a rear roller brush on the back and groomer on the front, hugs the ground, picks up the grass in the dips and avoids scalping on the top. The brush also disperses the clippings perfectly and the groomer lifts the grass before cutting. It’s perfect on undulations – and on our bunkers, where it doesn’t leave a mark – and as the lightest fairway mower out there it minimises soil compression.”

The purchase of the Reelmaster 3575-D is the start of the club replacing much of its fleet says Keith. “We’re a totally Toro club and it’s testament to the brand that we’re still running and getting great results from machines that are well in their double digits. But now’s the time to focus on the new technology the brand offers.

“We’re a wooded heathland club and as such have had a tough time since Storm Arwen.  We’ve lost around 1500 trees, so time outside of general course maintenance has been spent dealing with that.

“It’s going to be great for everyone to focus on new machinery. Our members have already noticed and commented on the tighter finish on the fairways since we got the Reelmaster, it’s brought a links feel to our heathland course, which is appreciated, so it’s going to be exciting to hear the feedback from more new machines.”

The new machine was delivered by distributor Reesink Scotland, the Scottish service branch of Reesink Turfcare based in Livingston, which serves some of the UK’s most prestigious golf clubs, major sporting venues, councils, local authorities and landscapers.

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Toro UK to Launch Dedicated Dealer Hub at GroundsFest

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Toro UK to Launch Dedicated Dealer Hub at GroundsFest: Toro U.K. Limited is set to unveil a brand-new Dealer Hub at GroundsFest 2025, taking place 9th – 10th September at Stoneleigh Park. Purpose-built for its dealer network, the hub will serve as a central meeting point for strategic updates, early product previews, and meaningful conversations about the season ahead.

Positioned within Toro U.K.’s significantly expanded stand, featuring the full breadth of the Toro® and Hayter® ranges, the Dealer Hub underscores the company’s commitment to supporting its nationwide dealer base.

Toro UK to Launch Dedicated Dealer Hub at GroundsFest

Toro UK to Launch Dedicated Dealer Hub at GroundsFest

“GroundsFest is the ideal opportunity to reconnect with our dealers in person,” said Craig Hoare, Sales and Marketing Manager, Toro U.K. Limited. “This year, we’re putting our dealers front and centre. Offering early access to new-season materials and a dedicated space to talk opportunities, challenges, and everything in between. The Dealer Hub is our way of saying: we’re here, and we’re listening.”

In addition to the Dealer Hub, visitors can explore Toro and Hayter’s latest innovations across the residential, landscape contractor, and grounds care sectors, including:

  • Walk-behind and zero-turn mowers.
  • The latest Harrier® Pro and 60V Hayter models.
  • Toro Revolution™ battery-powered tools.

Dealers visiting the hub will benefit from:

  • Early-release product information and campaign previews.
  • Exclusive co-branded sales materials and POS tools.
  • Direct access to Toro and Hayter’s commercial and marketing teams.
  • Light refreshments in a relaxed, business-friendly setting.

Invitations are on their way to existing dealers. To help us plan accordingly, we kindly ask all invitees to RSVP directly to Toro U.K. upon receipt.

GroundsFest is free to attend and combines live demonstrations with an industry-led exhibition, educational sessions, and entertainment. Toro U.K. Limited invites all dealer partners and professional users to visit the stand, discover the latest product developments, and see how Toro continues to support the turf care industry, every step of the way.

To register for GroundsFest, visit: www.groundsfest.com

To explore the full Toro and Hayter range, visit: www.toro.com/en-gb | www.hayter.co.uk

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More cricket? No problem for Durham

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More cricket? No problem for Durham: As the old saying goes ‘if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it’ – exactly the motto of Durham County Cricket Club’s Head Groundsman Vic Demain when it comes to his usage of Johnsons J Premier Wicket.

Now into his seventh season with the 100% perennial ryegrass mixture, he cites the early season establishment, wear tolerance and visual merit as the reasons he’s never considered changing as the club gets set for one of the longest and most intense seasons of cricket to date!

More cricket? No problem for Durham

More cricket? No problem for Durham

It’s not just the number of years clocking up for Vic at the Bank Homes Riverside Stadium, as are the demands on the playing surface – with the season extending at both ends and fixtures starting earlier every year. “The windows we have to get onto the ground have reduced significantly due to the quantity of games and training sessions meaning we rely heavily on having a well established and strong sward going into the season” he explains. “Theoretically this is not too much of a problem, except that we also have to battle the cold and dry northeastern climate!”

“Typically we won’t see consistent growth until the end of May, by which point we can be halfway through our county championship season. This makes speed of germination crucial for our autumn renovation work, achieving that germination before we lose the temperature to ensure we go into the following season with good coverage.”

Not just renowned for rapid establishment, the four top-rated cultivars in J Premier Wicket ensure outstanding wear tolerance, high disease resistance and fineness of leaf for aesthetic and play quality across squares and outfields. “It’s the only seed we use, both for renovations and in-season repairs if and when needed” Vic adds.

“Besides germination, fineness of leaf is also incredibly important to us for both play and presentation purposes. The team and I take incredible pride in how the ground looks from the stands and with J Premier Wicket we get it looking its best from every angle.” He continues, “This is assisted by the fact that we see very little in the way of disease.”

On the topic of assistance, Vic also rates the back up technical support from Martin Stephenson of Aitkens and, more recently, DLF’s Ben Morgan. “I have always had nothing but quality advice from Martin and the DLF technical team, many of whom I’ve known for a good number of years. It’s a great product, at a great price, which performs year after year. Why would I consider using anything else?!”

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