ICL Expands H2Pro TriSmart Range

ICL Expands H2Pro TriSmart Range

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ICL Expands H2Pro TriSmart Range

ICL Turf & Landscape UK & Ireland has introduced H2Pro TriSmart Granules and H2Pro TriSmart Tablets, extending its TriSmart surfactant technology beyond liquid applications.

ICL Expands H2Pro TriSmart Range

ICL Expands H2Pro TriSmart Range

The new formulations provide turf managers and landscapers with additional options for managing localised dry patch and improving water distribution in turf surfaces.

Both products are based on ICL’s TriSmart triple-action surfactant technology, designed to help water spread more evenly, penetrate the soil profile and be retained for longer.

This supports more consistent moisture levels, slows the rate of dry-down and aids faster rewetting in affected areas.

H2Pro TriSmart Granules offer a new delivery method for surfactant technology through a patent-pending polyhalite mini-granule carrier, developed by ICL’s research and development team at AmegA Sciences.

The compacted granule incorporates the surfactant within a polyhalite-based core, allowing for accurate and consistent application from a stable, free-flowing product.

In addition to delivering the surfactant, the polyhalite carrier provides background levels of potassium, calcium and magnesium, with the surfactant aiding their movement into the soil. The granules are designed to withstand handling and spreading, while breaking down effectively once wetted to release the active ingredients.

Field trials conducted in the UK, Spain and Australia have demonstrated increased rootzone moisture content compared to untreated areas following dry-down and rewetting cycles. These improvements were supported by observed gains in turf colour and overall surface quality.

H2Pro TriSmart Tablets introduce a hose-end application method, offering a practical solution for targeted treatment without the need for spray equipment. Designed to disperse during normal hand watering over a 20 to 30-minute period, the tablets enable efficient delivery of the surfactant to localised dry areas. This makes them particularly suitable for use on greens, surrounds, lawns and landscape areas where precision application is required.

ICL Expands H2Pro TriSmart Range

ICL Expands H2Pro TriSmart Range

Aimee Davey, Marketing Communications Manager for ICL Turf & Landscape UK & Ireland said: “The addition of granule and tablet formats gives turf managers greater flexibility in how they apply TriSmart technology. These options allow for more targeted management of dry patch, particularly in areas where liquid applications may not be practical.”

H2Pro TriSmart Granules and Tablets can be integrated alongside existing TriSmart liquid programmes, enabling users to select the most appropriate application method for different conditions and site requirements. Both products are recommended for use from March to October on turf and landscape areas prone to moisture stress.

ICL continues to expand its range of turf management solutions to support efficient water use and consistent playing surfaces across the UK and Ireland.

Please contact ICL on 01473 237100 or visit www.icl-growingsolutions.com

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The first AS 920 ESherpa 2WD mowers in practical use

The first AS 920 ESherpa 2WD mowers in practical use

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The first AS 920 ESherpa 2WD mowers in practical use

The AS 920 ESherpa 2WD electric ride-on mower for tall grass is going into series production. The first machines are currently rolling off the production line and are already being delivered to customers. AS-Motor is thus the first manufacturer to bring a production-ready, battery-powered ride-on mower for tall grass with a swappable battery system to the market.

The first AS 920 ESherpa 2WD mowers in practical use

The first AS 920 ESherpa 2WD mowers in practical use

The AS 920 ESherpa 2WD operates with a powerful 56-volt swappable battery system and a total capacity of 16 kWh. The electric drive and blade system delivers a mowing performance that even exceeds that of a combustion engine. 13 kW peak power at the mower deck ensures enormous cutting force and an excellent cut. The AS 920 ESherpa 2WD also impresses with its powerful and efficient two-stage wheel drive, delivering a torque of 600 Nm.

A key advantage of Ariens’ powerful FusionCore battery system is the ability to use it across multiple machines. The interchangeable batteries of the AS 920 ESherpa 2WD are compatible with the professional zero-turn mowers Zenith E and Arrow E from sister brand Ariens. This allows for optimal seasonal use and utilisation, thereby significantly reducing the investment costs.

Innovative energy and charging management

When it comes to charging options, the engineers have taken their cue from the classic electric car standard. With the integrated 3.3 kW fast charger, the charging time for a full 16 kWh charge is just under five hours. The Type 2 charging socket allows charging at a wallbox, at public charging points or, with an adapter, at a standard 230-volt socket. This means the E-Sherpa integrates seamlessly into existing charging infrastructures. The optionally available mobile charging station allows additional batteries to be charged separately from the machine.

Sustainable for the long term

The E-Sherpa operates with zero emissions and significantly reduces its carbon footprint, depending on the energy mix. The reusability of the batteries and the extensive avoidance of plastic parts also contribute to sustainability. The electric drive reduces the noise level by 69 per cent to just 72.9 dB. Combined with reduced vibrations, this significantly improves user comfort during daily use.

Compared to combustion engine models, maintenance costs for a battery-powered mower are considerably lower. The wheel and blade drive systems of the AS 920 ESherpa are maintenance-free. The mower is also ideally suited for using self-generated solar power, thereby saving further operating costs. Funding opportunities for electrically powered machinery should be explored.

Tried-and-tested high-quality components

The combustion engine model AS 920 Sherpa 2WD serves as the basis for the E-Sherpa. Many components have proven themselves there and are also found in the battery-powered E-Sherpa: the mechanical differential lock, the double blade bearing and the overload protection of the cross-blade system. The high-quality wraparound steel tube frame, the tyres in combination with a pendulum front axle ensure very agile handling and a turning circle of just 0.65 m. The floating mower deck compensates for uneven ground and the rear axle track widening ensures improved stability. In terms of comfort too, the E-Sherpa fits perfectly into the successful Sherpa family with its comfortable seating position, adjustable seat suspension and the comfortable drive lever with parking brake and cruise control function.

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Tubex ® Collection Hubs Open For 2026 Season

Tubex ® Collection Hubs Open For 2026 Season

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Tubex ® Collection Hubs Open For 2026 Season

Tubex® has announced the 2026 opening times for the nationwide network of hubs participating in its Tree Shelter Collection and Recycling Programme – with the scheme approaching the milestone of two million used shelters collected and recycled, following strong growth in returns during 2025.

Tubex ® Collection Hubs Open For 2026 Season

Tubex ® Collection Hubs Open For 2026 Season

The scheme – the UK’s largest dedicated tree shelter collection and recycling network –recorded a 39% increase in the number of shelters returned last year compared with 2024. The figures underline growing engagement from across the forestry sector as attention continues to focus on the end-of-life management of tree shelters and the need for practical, scalable recovery routes.

For the 2026 season, the Programme continues with a UK-wide network of more than 20 collection hubs, developed in partnership with distributors and forestry organisations to provide accessible free drop-off points for used shelters. Hub partners include Yorkshire Dales Millenium Trust, Forest Working Plastics Group, Tilhill, Maydencroft, British Hardwood Tree Nursery, Ashlea Landscaping and Green-tech, among others.

The latest partner to open a hub is Cambridge-based environmental services contractor, Chaffin Works. The company’s Contract Manager, Dan Palmer said: “We’ve seen the success of the scheme and are delighted to join, to help our community dispose of used shelters sustainably. To see so few hubs in our area could potentially be a limiting factor for contractors and small holding proprietors looking to recycle small or even large numbers of tree shelters. When I saw the hub location map, I thought that we need to contribute to the success of the recycling project.”

The scheme accepts used polypropylene and polyethylene shelters, as well as mesh tubes, from all manufacturers. In addition to hub drop-off, doorstep collection is also available for a small fee, offering an additional route for estates, contractors and land managers handling larger volumes of end-of-life material.

Pete Stevens, Business Development Manager at Tubex®, said: “Our protective, scalable and responsible shelters are an essential part of ensuring saplings survive to maturity.  As part of our commitment for the trees, our Collection & Recycling Programme is one way we do our bit in the shared responsibility we all have to the environment — ensuring shelters are recovered and recycled at the end of their life.

He added: “The level of uptake we saw in 2025 shows what can be achieved when manufacturers, distributors, forestry organisations and land managers work together. As we move into the 2026 season, we remain committed to making the system as accessible and effective as possible for the industry.”

Tubex® says the Programme supports a more circular model for tree shelter use. Independent life cycle assessment research has also found that collection and recycling represents the lowest environmental impact end-of-life option when tree shelters are used*, adding further weight to calls for greater recovery across the sector.

As planting targets continue to rise, and scrutiny increases around establishment success and whole-life environmental impact, Tubex® argues that protecting saplings effectively must go hand in hand with ensuring shelters are properly recovered at end of use.

To find the nearest collection hub, book a shelter pick-up, or learn more about the Programme, visit: https://tubex.com/sustainability/tree-shelter-collection-recycling-programme/

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Baroness and Kubota support BIGGA's Mental Health First Aid Programme

Baroness and Kubota support BIGGA’s Mental Health First Aid Programme

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Baroness and Kubota support BIGGA’s Mental Health First Aid Programme

The British and International Golf Greenkeepers Association (BIGGA) is proud to announce Baroness UK and Kubota (UK) Ltd as headline sponsors of its Mental Health First Aid Programme (MHFAP).

Baroness and Kubota support BIGGA's Mental Health First Aid Programme

Baroness and Kubota support BIGGA’s Mental Health First Aid Programme

Developed in response to the well-documented pressures faced by greenkeepers and turf professionals, the programme delivers accredited training designed to equip members with the skills to recognise and respond to mental health challenges in themselves and others.

Long hours, seasonal demands, and often isolated working environments mean those employed in turf management can be at increased risk.

Through the MHFAP, BIGGA is aiming to continue building a network of trained Mental Health First Aiders across the industry, while helping to create more supportive and resilient workplaces.

The programme centres on two-day, in-person courses delivered to members across BIGGA’s five regions, supported by ongoing guidance and follow-up communication to ensure lasting impact beyond the classroom.

BIGGA CEO Jim Croxton said the support would play a key role in strengthening an already important area of the association’s work.

“Through this programme, we are providing practical, accredited training that gives people the confidence to recognise when something is wrong and to step in with the right support at the right time,” he said.

“The backing of Baroness and Kubota allows us to extend that support further, ensuring more members across our regions can access this training and help us build a stronger, more connected network of Mental Health First Aiders within the industry. This will make the industry a better place for all,” said Croxton.

“Supporting BIGGA’s Mental Health First Aid programme reflects our commitment not only to the turf industry, but to the people within it,” said Baroness UK Sales Director Adam Butler. “Mental wellbeing is just as important as physical safety so we’re delighted to be able to play our part in providing the tools and awareness needed to support turf managers across the UK.”

Charlotte McFarland, Tactical Marketing Executive for Kubota (UK) Ltd, added: “This sponsorship is perfectly in line with our ‘For Earth, For Life’ commitment – supporting the needs of our society whether that’s with equipment or training, support and understanding. “Partnering with BIGGA on this initiative allows us to play a meaningful role in promoting mental health awareness and ensuring those in the industry know they are not alone.”

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Aspen Fuel converts petrol fumes to reliable performance

Aspen Fuel converts petrol fumes to reliable performance

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Aspen Fuel converts petrol fumes to reliable performance

As Arb Approved contractors, Shire Trees proudly work to the highest and safest standards on domestic and commercial tree works across Cambridgeshire. A third-generation business, tradition underpins much of the day-to-day operations, but one thing that hasn’t stayed the same is their choice of fuel. After 17 years of working with standard petrol and its harsh fumes, Owner James Cantle has transformed the running of the business and the wellbeing of his team by switching to Aspen Fuel.

Aspen Fuel converts petrol fumes to reliable performance

Aspen Fuel converts petrol fumes to reliable performance

James started working alongside his father in 2005 before taking over the family business in 2017. In the interim years he enjoyed periods working in Bergen, Norway, which is where he first encountered Aspen alkylate fuel. “I hadn’t really come across it before but over there, everyone uses it – you can even buy it straight from the pump” he explains. “Immediately you noticed the difference in engine performance. It was smokeless and the saws just ran better, something I was keen to implement on my return to the UK.”

“As an employer, you’re always monitoring things like vibrations and exposure to harmful toxins and fumes so using Aspen in all of our petrol-powered equipment is just one less thing to worry about.” He continues, “The reduction in fumes not only makes a real difference to our team of eight operatives, especially when working in confined spaces, it’s also important for work in public areas. It has definitely helped us score well in a number of school tenders for example.”

For James and the team, the perks of Aspen extend well beyond the health benefits. “The convenience of it being pre-mixed adds further peace of mind that we’re not going to get incorrect fuel ratios clogging up carburettors in the field. The shelf life of Aspen also means that we can pull out machines that perhaps only get used a couple of times a year and they’ll still start first time. The days of draining out tanks before putting the equipment away are long gone!”

“The time saved here, and the convenience of having the Aspen delivered by Ben Burgess in bulk 200L drums to our site goes a long way to offset the additional upfront cost.”

Aspen 2 is alkylate petrol premixed at 50:1 with a premium quality biodegradable 2-stroke oil. Virtually free from harmful substances such as benzene, aromatic hydrocarbons or olefins – and with no ethanol – Aspen helps equipment run cleaner for longer.

James concludes, “For us, it just makes a lot of sense. While the price per litre may be higher, the combination of the health benefits, convenience, reliability and reduced downtime means Aspen delivers real value where and when it matters most.”

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