Waterscapes publishes irrigation troubleshooting guide

Waterscapes publishes irrigation troubleshooting guide

/in , /by

Waterscapes publishes irrigation troubleshooting guide

Waterscapes, the UK specialist in commercial irrigation systems and water feature maintenance, has published a practical troubleshooting guide to help facilities and estates teams diagnose the irrigation faults that surface in high summer. The guide arrives as the industry marks Smart Irrigation Month, the annual July campaign promoting water-efficient irrigation.

Waterscapes publishes irrigation troubleshooting guide

Waterscapes publishes irrigation troubleshooting guide

Written with Maintenance Contracts Manager Ed Harwood, the guide covers the faults behind most summer callouts: low pressure and weak coverage, leaks, controller and valve faults, electrical issues, and systems that coped in spring but struggle in July. For each, it sets out what site teams can safely check in-house and where specialist diagnosis becomes the cheaper option.

The guide is built around three diagnostic questions: whether a fault affects one zone or the whole system, whether it is new or recurring, and whether anything on the site has changed. According to Waterscapes, answering these before calling a specialist regularly turns a half-day investigation into an hour.

“The most useful thing a site team can do is narrow a fault down before they call,” said Ed Harwood, Maintenance Contracts Manager at Waterscapes. “If we arrive knowing it’s one zone, it’s recurring, and it started after the groundworks went in, a half-day investigation becomes an hour. The checks a team does in ten minutes are worth more than any part they might have replaced.”

The guide draws a firm line on electrical faults, which Waterscapes identifies as the category where in-house troubleshooting wastes the most money. Intermittent wiring faults impersonate failed components, and sites can spend a full season replacing parts without touching the underlying fault.

Marking Smart Irrigation Month, the guide also notes that flow monitoring, remote alerts and weather-based controllers change when faults are found rather than how they are fixed, and it follows the company’s June guidance on when smart irrigation upgrades pay for themselves.

The full guide is available on the Waterscapes website at waterscapes.co.uk.

https://waterscapes.co.uk/blog/irrigation-troubleshooting-a-practical-triage-guide-for-commercial-sites

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

TenCate’s Pure PT™ achieves FIFA certification

TenCate’s Pure PT; achieves FIFA certification

/in , /by

TenCate’s Pure PT™ achieves FIFA certification

TenCate’s Pure PT™ system, offered in the UK through the TigerTurf portfolio, is the first non-infill artificial turf to achieve FIFA certification as part of the FIFA Quality Programme for Football Turf, the global benchmark for football surface performance.

TenCate’s Pure PT™ achieves FIFA certification

TenCate’s Pure PT™ achieves FIFA certification

A recent announcement made by FIFA confirmed that any surface system meeting the requirements of the FIFA Quality Programme is eligible for certification, regardless of construction method. Previously, FIFA certification was only available for systems designed around traditional performance infill.

Pure PT™ has subsequently been judged by the FIFA Basic assessment to meet FIFA Quality product approval and field certification. The certification enables Pure PT™ football pitches to be used up to step three of the FA National League System in the UK.

Charlie Haynes, Managing Director, TenCate UK, said: “Becoming the first non-infill artificial turf football pitch to gain FIFA certification is a significant milestone and one that endorses the quality, performance, and durability of TenCate’s Pure PT™ product.

“This certification demonstrates our continued commitment to developing surfaces that meet recognised international standards and signals the start of a new era in artificial football pitches. Pure PT™ is designed to support consistent play, long-term reliability and high-quality football experiences at every level of the game.”

Already installed at some of the most successful clubs in world football, including at the training grounds of Arsenal FC, Manchester City FC, Olympique Marseille, Real Valladolid, and PSV, Pure PT™ has demonstrated it is trusted at the elite level. The surface is also installed at the Ergilio Hato Stadium in Curaçao, where the Caribbeans became the smallest nation to reach a FIFA World Cup.

Pure PT™ enables predictable lifecycle planning through reduced maintenance requirements, fewer replacement cycles, and lower material dependency. The simplified maintenance and consistent surface behaviour is optimal for high-use, multi-sport environments, such as schools and community leisure facilities.

Beyond on-field performance, the system is engineered to address key environmental challenges by eliminating infill-related microplastic release, lowering transport and maintenance emissions, and simplifying end-of-life recycling. The absence of infill also reduces the cost of ownership across installation, operation and end-of-life stages.

Years of research and development at the Center for Turf Innovation included over 500,000 Lisport cycles, more than 50 development cycles, and benchmarking against 145 stadium-quality natural grass pitches, with player testing and feedback shaping every decision.

The unique fibre technology ensures a soft yet stable surface, optimising ball roll, grip, and player movement. With its high-density fibres and advanced yarn composition, TenCate’s Pure PT™ guarantees long-lasting durability while requiring minimal maintenance. This makes it a cost-effective and environmentally responsible choice for football clubs and sports facilities.

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

Mitie and Kress Launch One of the UK's Largest Autonomous Mowing Deployments

Mitie and Kress Launch One of the UK’s Largest Autonomous Mowing Deployments

/in , /by

Mitie and Kress Launch One of the UK’s Largest Autonomous Mowing Deployments

Mitie and Kress have announced a strategic partnership that will see 24 autonomous Kress Voyager ‘mowbots’ deployed across customer sites throughout the UK, representing one of the largest investments of its kind within the facilities management and landscaping sector.

Mitie and Kress Launch One of the UK's Largest Autonomous Mowing Deployments

Mitie and Kress Launch One of the UK’s Largest Autonomous Mowing Deployments

The rollout combines Mitie’s landscaping expertise with Kress’ advanced autonomous mowing technology, creating a new model for grounds maintenance that blends intelligent automation with skilled human oversight.

Mitie colleagues are developing new digital capabilities as ‘Robot Pilots’, programming and managing the Kress ‘mowbots’ using digital tools to map sites, monitor performance and optimise operations in real time. Working alongside landscaping teams, the autonomous Kress Voyager units safely navigate sites using advanced AI and positioning technology, undertaking routine grass cutting operations throughout the day.

As fully electric machines, the Kress Voyager fleet supports both Mitie’s and Kress’ shared sustainability ambitions by producing zero direct emissions during operation. Unlike conventional petrol-powered mowing equipment, the Kress ‘mowbots’ operate entirely on battery power, helping improve air quality and reduce carbon emissions across customer estates. Battery-powered operation also eliminates the risk of fuel and oil spills, supporting cleaner and safer site management.

The autonomous Kress Voyager units are significantly quieter than traditional petrol machinery, making them particularly well suited to sensitive environments such as schools, healthcare facilities, corporate campuses and public spaces where noise reduction is important.

Beyond operational benefits, the ‘mowbots’ contribute to healthier and more sustainable grounds management. Through a process known as ‘grass cycling’, the robots mow little and often, naturally returning fine grass clippings back into the soil. This improves soil health, reduces reliance on fertilisers and helps create stronger, more resilient lawns.

Mitie and Kress Launch One of the UK's Largest Autonomous Mowing Deployments

Mitie and Kress Launch One of the UK’s Largest Autonomous Mowing Deployments

The deployment of the Kress Voyager fleet is the latest innovation within Mitie’s growing robotics programme, joining its successful cleaning robot (‘cobot’) initiatives, including the deployment of 32 autonomous cleaning robots at Heathrow Airport. Together, these technologies are supporting frontline colleagues, enhancing service delivery and helping customers achieve their sustainability goals:

Tim Howell, Managing Director, Landscaping, Mitie, said:

“This rollout marks an important step forward in how we deliver grounds maintenance services. Through our partnership with Kress, we are bringing innovative autonomous technology into our landscaping operations while creating new opportunities for colleagues to develop valuable digital skills as Robot Pilots. The Kress Voyager platform supports our commitment to sustainability through quieter, zero-emission operation, while allowing our teams to focus on higher-value landscaping activities.”

Spencer Funnell, Managing Director,Kress, said:

“We are delighted to partner with Mitie on this landmark deployment of Kress Voyager autonomous mowing technology. This collaboration demonstrates how robotics and AI can work alongside skilled landscaping professionals to transform grounds maintenance. By combining Mitie’s operational expertise with Kress’ autonomous technology, we are delivering a safer, more sustainable and highly efficient solution that benefits customers, colleagues and the environment alike.”

About Kress Voyager

The Kress Voyager is a fully autonomous commercial mowing platform designed for large-scale grounds maintenance applications. Combining advanced AI navigation, electric power and autonomous operation, Voyager helps organisations reduce operating costs, lower emissions and improve productivity while maintaining exceptional turf quality.

For more information, please visit https://www.kress.com/en-gb/

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

Makita's new battery charger offers plug-in productivity

Makita’s new battery charger offers plug-in productivity

/in , /by

Makita’s new battery charger offers plug-in productivity

Makita has launched its latest compact battery charger, the DC18SJ, designed to give users greater flexibility and mobility when powering cordless tools. Compatible with Makita’s 14.4V and 18V LXT batteries, the DC18SJ utilises USB-C Power Deliver (USB-PD) technology, allowing charging to be performed from a wide range of suitable power sources.

Makita's new battery charger offers plug-in productivity

Makita’s new battery charger offers plug-in productivity

The new battery charger provides a convenient solution for keeping batteries charged whilst on the move, in cars, vans, or on site and when using portable power banks. The charger is compatible with the full range of Makita 18V LXT batteries and uses a three-stage charging process when powered by either an AC or 12 volt DC in vehicle power supply. To operate, it requires a USB-PD cable source and power source capable of producing between 60W to 100W, which cannot be shared across other devices at the same time.

Thanks to the charger’s smart charging control, estimated charging time range from 27 minutes for the 1.5Ah batteries and up to 280 minutes for high capacity 12.0Ah batteries, depending on the available power. For example, when using a 12v DC socket in a van or car (ADP14 at PD 60W), the BL1860B 6Ah battery can be fully charged in 145 minutes.

Additionally, the charger has a status indicator, which displays three different colours dependant on the machine’s four conditions as follows: insufficient power (orange LED), standby with cooling (red LED), charging unavailable (red LED blinks) and charging (blue LED blinks before turning off when fully charged).

Kevin Brannigan, Marketing Manager at Makita UK said: “The new DC18SJ offers users a practical, versatile and efficient charging solution, making it a valuable addition to a professional toolkit. The charger is also available as part of the 1916H8-8 Power Source Kit LXT, which comes with the ADP14 Adapter with a PD Cable for added practicality.”

For more information, please visit: www.makitauk.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

GKB strengthens Global Sales Team

GKB strengthens Global Sales Team

/in , /by

GKB strengthens Global Sales Team

To cope with an exciting and rapid period of growth, GKB Machines are pleased to announce the expansion of their sales team both in the UK and at their headquarters in The Netherlands. A familiar face in the form of Dougie Archibald joins as the new UK & Ireland National Sales Manager, while Anne van Engelen takes on the position of Sales Director from GKB HQ in Barendrecht.

GKB strengthens Global Sales Team

GKB strengthens Global Sales Team

Working alongside UK Operations Manager Tom Shinkins, Dougie Archibald brings over 30 years of experience to the newly created sales role. Starting his career in a hands-on grounds position with the Scottish Rugby Union, Dougie then moved into machinery sales, working in both manufacturer and dealership environments. Over this time, he’s built up a thorough understanding of the needs of modern turf management which he looks forward to sharing with GKB customers old and new.

“I’m incredibly excited to be joining GKB Machines at a time when the product range and brand as a whole is going from strength to strength” he comments. “Having had the pleasure of distributing GKB equipment for the last seven years, I understand exactly what makes these machines so popular with the end users – namely their robust build quality and reliable in-field performance. Between Tom and I, we look forward to supporting our dealers and customers nationwide, providing more localised service and representing the brand at events around the country.”

Meanwhile, Anne’s passion for agricultural machinery started at an early age, growing up within his parents New Holland dealership. His upbringing, surrounded by tractors and other equipment, went on to shape not only his career but a heartfelt enthusiasm for the industry. Over the past eleven years, he’s gained extensive experience in the international sales and export of overseeders for fine turf and agriculture, alongside specialist mowing solutions for fruit growing and farming.

Commenting on his new position, Anne said, “I am truly excited to return to the fine turf industry; an environment where a shared passion for the perfect grass surface brings people together. Working closely with the GKB team, I look forward to combining my experience in sales and export, brand development and dealer management to further strengthen the brand around the world.” He adds, “Together, we will continue to grow, focussing on the right products and right support to deliver long-term success for both our partners and end users.”

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