GKB to celebrate 10 Years in the UK at SALTEX

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GKB to celebrate 10 Years in the UK at SALTEX: GKB Machines are pleased to be returning to SALTEX in what is a special year for the company as they celebrate 10 years of their UK operation. Stand A080 promises to encapsulate the very best of innovation, growth and partnerships from the last decade – including the new Deep Clean for synthetic surface maintenance which will be making its global debut.

While GKB Machines was founded in 1946, the dedicated UK division was only established in 2015, which makes the growth and the success of GKB in the UK grounds management industry even more impressive! Under the stewardship of Tom Shinkins, GKB has gone from strength to strength, with equipment from their natural and artificial portfolio finding homes with professionals at all levels – from grassroots facilities to elite venues around the country.

GKB to celebrate 10 Years in the UK at SALTEX

GKB to celebrate 10 Years in the UK at SALTEX

At SALTEX, one of the latest additions to that range will be on show in the form of the new Deep Clean. A core part of the GKB synthetic maintenance range for many years, the Deep Clean has been enhanced and redeveloped in collaboration with SMG. The next generation machine will be available in 1.2m, 1.5m and 1.8m working widths and will offer improved cleaning and maintenance performance on all types of synthetic surface.

Developed with grassroots facilities in mind and showcasing the very best in GKB engineering, visitors can also expect to see the GKB Combitool. Providing the perfect partnership of versatility and efficiency, the Combitool features four attachment slots which can be quickly and easily tailored to the needs of any facility. Suitable for natural and hybrid surfaces, operators can rake, roll, slit and brush in a single pass making it ideal for community clubs and smaller venues looking for professional results at an accessible price.

See the range first hand and celebrate a decade of turf maintenance excellence with the GKB Team with a stop by stand A080 when SALTEX returns to The NEC this November.

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Syngenta Docuseries: Sustainable Golf in the Desert

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Syngenta Docuseries: Sustainable Golf in the Desert: Syngenta Golf’s sustainability docuseries, The Green Report, heads to Arizona for its latest episode, to learn about sustainable use of water on desert courses. 

When faced with tough new water restrictions and hostile media coverage, golf course businesses joined forces under the Arizona Alliance for Golf to successfully engage the public and policy makers on why golf was good for people, the planet and prosperity.

Syngenta Docuseries: Sustainable Golf in the Desert

Syngenta Docuseries: Sustainable Golf in the Desert

In a new three-part episode, The Green Report visits Paradise Valley Country Club and Troon North Golf Club to find out how superintendents, naturalists, course owners and advocates are working together to communicate:

  • Golf only uses 2% of the state’s water
  • Golf generates a $6 billion economic impact and supports 66,000 jobs
  • How desert courses on the edge of urban areas can enhance biodiversity for native plants and wildlife.

Interviewees include course owner Gregg Tryhus and Katie Prendergast from the Arizona Alliance for Golf, as well as naturalist Bri Kenny of Troon Golf, who takes us on a sunset tour of Troon North Golf Club, spotting roadrunners and bobcats.

The episode begins with a course walk at Paradise Valley Country Club with Director of Greens and Grounds Rob Collins, who details the water conservation strategies in place and how he is helping share these practices with golf courses nationwide.

“Arizona shows how golf can turn challenges into opportunities,” said Mark Birchmore, Global Head of Marketing, Turf & Landscape at Syngenta. “Courses here are proving that data-driven water management and sustainability can go hand in hand with creating green spaces that benefit both people and wildlife.”

The new episode will be released at 12PM ET on Wednesday, 8 October 2025, and will be free-to-watch for all golf industry professionals and stakeholders on YouTube.

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ISEKI to Showcase New GPS Raymo range at SALTEX

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ISEKI to Showcase New GPS Raymo range at SALTEX: ISEKI UK & Ireland is set to arrive at SALTEX 2025 with one of its most comprehensive displays yet, showcasing the breadth and versatility of its machinery across a new larger stand and additional displays around the show.

On the main stand C100, visitors will find a line-up that represents the very best of ISEKI innovation. The spotlight will fall on the Raymo remote-controlled range, with the First of the new GPS Models on show equipped with the 48” Craft Deck a 150Ah battery and a full range of Raymo accessories. Together, they highlight the benefits of safe, zero-emission mowing in areas where traditional equipment can’t operate effectively.

ISEKI to Showcase New GPS Raymo range at SALTEX

ISEKI to Showcase New GPS Raymo range at SALTEX

Alongside them, ISEKI’s tractors will be on show in force, from high horsepower compact such as the TG6 to the sub-compact TXG with loader, Cutter deck and Muratori mower, with mid-range models like the TH Cab with Loader and the TLE4550 with turf tyres. It’s a line-up that demonstrates why ISEKI tractors are trusted for their performance, adaptability, and operator comfort across sports turf, landscape, and municipal applications.

Mowing and collection will also be a strong theme of the stand, with the SXG 327 High Lift featuring the popular Handy Hatch and Flip-Up Floor, the SXG 54” Mulch, the SRA 950 brushcutter, and out-front models including the SF551 60” Electric Height of cut and the SF225 54”. For grounds professionals, the range offers options that combine precision cutting with efficient collection and user-friendly operation.

ISEKI will also show how its machines can deliver value all year round. The TM4 Snow Tractor will be on display as an example of how ISEKI tractors can be adapted for winter maintenance, helping keep facilities safe and accessible in all conditions.

Beyond the main stand, ISEKI’s presence continues across the event. On Stand CSZ8 in the Sports Hub, the TLE 3410 will be available for visitors looking for compact power in sports turf maintenance. Around the show, machines will be working in partnership with specialist attachments, including a TM4270 paired with GKB equipment, another TM4270 with Hilltip, and a service-ready TM4270 in use with Tom Sidder – underlining the flexibility of the ISEKI platform.

Speaking about SALTEX 2025, David Withers, Managing Director of ISEKI UK & Ireland, said: “SALTEX is the perfect opportunity for us to showcase the breadth of our range and the versatility of our machinery. Whether you’re maintaining fine turf, managing large municipal areas, or looking for electric and battery-powered solutions, we have machines that deliver reliability, efficiency, and value. We’re excited to meet with existing customers and introduce new visitors to the ISEKI difference.”

With expert advice on hand and a comprehensive line-up spanning tractors, mowers, brushcutters, and battery-powered innovations, ISEKI UK & Ireland’s stands C100 and CSZ8 will be essential stops for visitors looking to explore the future of groundscare machinery.

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SABO Unveils MOWIT PRO

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SABO Unveils MOWIT PRO: SABO, a leader in premium lawn and garden equipment have launched the SABO MOWIT PRO, a groundbreaking highly efficient, wide-area battery-electric powered mower designed to combine sustainability, efficiency, and cutting-edge automation.

With battery-powered performance and multiple operation modes—including remote control (MOWIT PRO RC), semi-autonomous (MOWIT PRO GPS), and fully autonomous capabilities (MOWIT PRO RTK – upcoming release).

SABO Unveils MOWIT PRO

SABO Unveils MOWIT PRO

The MOWIT PRO is the perfect solution for environmentally friendly mowing of noise-sensitive sites such as public parks, golf courses, schools and hospitals.

Key advantages of the all-electric MOWIT PRO include:

  • Zero emissions
  • Extremely low hand-arm vibrations
  • Quiet operation with no noise pollution
  • Reduced running costs—no fuel, oil, or filters required
  • Minimal maintenance

The MOWIT PRO line-up is available with 2 cutting deck options – 120cm rear discharge and 132cm mulching deck which allows for easy transportation in a wide range of vehicles and redefines how professionals and municipalities can manage extensive green spaces.

The announcement follows the MOWIT PRO’s successful UK debut at GroundsFest, where it drew strong interest from grounds management professionals, municipalities, and landscaping contractors for its innovative design and operational flexibility.

The SABO MOWIT PRO is engineered for versatility and operators can choose direct remote control for precision tasks, let the mower handle repetitive routes semi-autonomously, or deploy it fully autonomously (upcoming release) for maximum productivity and minimal management. This flexibility ensures safe, efficient, and tailored mowing solutions across parks, sports fields, campuses, and other large-scale landscapes.

Key Features of the SABO MOWIT PRO:

  • Advanced control and navigation: The remote control with a range of up to 250m and GPS drive enables precise and effortless manoeuvring and makes it easier to navigate large areas with minimal operator intervention.
  • Convenient battery system: The replaceable Li-ion batteries allow for extended use and easy replacement, allowing the mower to be operated for longer periods without downtime.
  • Unique steering mechanism: The patent-pending steering via the front wheels improves manoeuvrability and control, making it easier and more precise to navigate through tight spaces and varying terrain.
  • Versatile cutting deck: The pivoting and tilting cutting deck/unit allows for efficient mowing and easy maintenance. The ability to tilt the cutting deck vertically makes cleaning and blade changing simple.
  • Robust performance: Powered by two brushless motors with a total output of 2 x 2.5 kW, the mower reaches speeds of up to 8 km/h, ensuring an efficient and fast high productivity.
  • Durability and protection: With an IP protection rating of 52, the mower is dust and water resistant, making it suitable for a variety of environmental conditions.
  • Device-independent web app: The web app provides easy access to all autonomous and mapping functions and is device-independent (Apple, Android, PC, etc.), allowing users to control and monitor the machine from any device.

“The SABO MOWIT PRO model line-up really is the future in large area landscaping,” says Lars Daniel, Managing Director at SABO. “By combining sustainability with smart automation, we’re giving groundskeepers and professionals the tools to work more efficiently, and safely, with a significantly reduced environmental footprint.”

The MOWIT PRO is the latest innovation in SABO’s mission to deliver intelligent, eco-friendly solutions for modern landscaping challenges. It reflects the company’s commitment to sustainability, performance, and operator safety.

The SABO MOWIT PRO is exclusively available in the UK through leading specialist distributor PSD Groundscare and their nationwide network of authorised dealers.

Stuart Mercer, PSD Sales Director comments, “The SABO MOWIT PRO really is a game changer for the maintenance of larger green spaces such as public parks, recreational areas and golf courses and the excitement around it at GroundsFest proves the demand is there”. We’re delighted to be able to offer this innovation to the UK & Irish Markets”.

For more information about the full PSD product range, please visit: www.psdgroundscare.com

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The Key to Healthier, More Sustainable Playing Surfaces

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The Key to Healthier, More Sustainable Playing Surfaces: When it comes to irrigating golf courses, most greenkeepers will judge sprinkler performance by eye. If a sprinkler’s throw is reaching the next one, the assumption is often “that’s doing the job.”

Unfortunately, that simple visual check can be misleading. The real measure of irrigation quality and the biggest factor affecting turf health and resource efficiency is uniformity. In this article Manager of International Golf Sales for KAR UK & Van Den Borne Wesley Henshaw discusses the importance of irrigation uniformity.

The Key to Healthier, More Sustainable Playing Surfaces

The Key to Healthier, More Sustainable Playing Surfaces

What is Uniformity and Why Does It Matter?

Uniformity, measured as Distribution Uniformity (DU), describes how evenly water is applied across the irrigated area. A DU of 100% would mean every square metre receives exactly the same amount of water. In reality, factors like wind, pressure variation, nozzle design, and sprinkler layout mean there’s always some variation but the higher the DU, the better.

Low uniformity forces you to run sprinklers longer to ensure the driest spots get enough water. This overwatering of the rest of the area wastes water, increases pumping costs, and can create softer playing conditions, disease risk, and nutrient leaching.

The Common Misunderstanding

Many believe that sprinkler performance is simply about distance, if one head’s throw reaches another, coverage is “good.” In truth, sprinklers cannot achieve good uniformity if installed in a straight line. Overlapping spray patterns need to be arranged in a square or triangular pattern to blend evenly. Think of it like painting with a spray can, you don’t get a consistent coat by making single passes; you need overlapping passes at the right angles.

Hunter’s Edge: The Highest Uniformity Available

Independent distribution audits have repeatedly shown that the Hunter TTS-800 Series delivers the highest uniformity in the industry, a claim no other brand can make. In real-world UK and international conditions, including challenging wind, these sprinklers have demonstrated massive performance improvements over older systems.

– Example Audit #1 – Greens retrofitted from a competitor’s heads to Hunter’s TTS-800 technology showed DU Lq improving from 48% to 88%, with 26% less run time required. This equated to over 26,000 m³ of water saved annually on just 500 heads.

The Key to Healthier, More Sustainable Playing Surfaces

The Key to Healthier, More Sustainable Playing Surfaces

Beyond water savings, these improvements translated into substantial energy and cost reductions, fewer pumping hours, and more consistent playing conditions.

Performance Under Pressure – Even in Wind

The Hunter G85 Riser is an excellent example of how design drives performance. Distribution testing produces a DU benchmark few can match, especially under windy conditions. The precise nozzle engineering means water is delivered evenly where it’s needed, not lost to drift or overapplication.

How to Check Your Own Uniformity

You don’t have to take anyone’s word for it—checking uniformity is straightforward:
1. Place catch cans evenly across a green in a grid pattern.
2. Run the sprinklers for a set time.
3. Measure the collected water in each can.
4. Calculate the DU Lq (many online calculators can do this with your measurements)

If your DU is below 75%, there’s room for improvement and significant potential savings in both water and money.

The Takeaway for Greenkeepers

Irrigation is not just about getting water from point A to point B; it’s about getting it there evenly. Higher uniformity means healthier turf, better playability, and lower operating costs. With the Hunter TTS-800 Series, you’re investing in the highest uniformity on the market, proven water and energy savings, and robust performance in real UK conditions.

If you’re considering an upgrade or simply want to benchmark your current system, a uniformity test is a great first step. The results might surprise you and could open the door to improved performance and significant resource savings.

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.

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