Romford GC maximises versatility with Terra Spike GXi8 HD

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Romford GC maximises versatility with Terra Spike GXi8 HD: Romford Golf Club in Essex has relied on its Wiedenmann Terra Spike GXi8 HD for deep aeration since 2018, and Course Manager Antony Kirwan says it’s now integral to the club’s maintenance programme.

“The GXi8 is exceptionally versatile,” says Antony Kirwan. “We use it across every surface — tees, greens, aprons, and fairways. Its quick forward motion and range of tine sizes mean we can adapt it precisely to what we need at different times of the year. We use it in conjunction with a pedestrian aerator, and its efficiency allows us to cover 13 or 14 greens in an eight-hour shift, finishing the remainder the next morning.”

Romford GC maximises versatility with Terra Spike GXi8 HD

Romford GC maximises versatility with Terra Spike GXi8 HD

Romford’s course is mostly flat, but Antony Kirwan says that even the uneven areas pose no problem. “We’ve a couple of areas that still have ridge and furrow from when it was farmland,” he explains, “but it breezes over them and doesn’t fluctuate or miss a beat.”

Antony Kirwan particularly values the speed of the GXi8 when aerating fairways. “We have to close holes during this work, so it’s essential the machine is both quick and efficient to minimise disruption and get golfers back out as soon as possible,” he adds. “It’s easily the fastest machine for the job.”

That efficiency carries through to how the tines are used. New sets start on the fairways, and once they’ve worn down, they’re still appropriate for use on the greens for the next set of renovations — helping the team get the most out of every set.

The team are also vigilant about maintenance. “We make sure to grease all the points before every use and maybe change the belt once a year,” says Antony Kirwan. “At this rate, I think it will still be here for many years to come.”

Romford’s aeration programme has evolved since the GXi8’s arrival: fairways are treated two or three times in winter, while in March the greens are aerated to a depth of around 175 mm. Greens also receive scheduled renovations and three summer passes with 10 mm tines, and tees, aprons, and surrounds are maintained during seasonal windows. The mid-season renovation includes a scarify, topdressing, a spike at around 150 mm depth, seeding with bent, and a light roll — a process that keeps the greens healthy, smooth, and consistent throughout the season. This approach improves soil health by letting air, water, and nutrients reach the root zone, keeping the course in championship condition.

Founded in 1894, Romford Golf Club has a proud history. Legendary golfer James Braid served as head professional from 1896 to 1904 and won the first of his five Open Championship titles while at the club in 1901. Today, the course honours that heritage with meticulously maintained playing conditions that continue to attract golfers from across the region.

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Performance leads Brighton College back to Baroness

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Performance leads Brighton College back to Baroness: Brighton College has improved productivity in its grounds maintenance operation with the purchase of a new LM531 fairway mower from Baroness.

Chosen for its outstanding cut quality and ease of use, the new machine will keep on top of mowing the heavily used rugby and cricket facilities at the Jubilee Ground and joins a Baroness LM281 which has been delivering reliable service at the College’s Home Ground for the last four years.

Performance leads Brighton College back to Baroness

Performance leads Brighton College back to Baroness

Head Groundsperson Adrian Brunton oversees a dedicated team of five and, together with a separate gardens team, they manage the three sites which make up the College, Prep School and Pre-Prep School. The grounds are used intensively – not only by pupils but also local sports clubs and even international teams, most recently the New Zealand Women’s Rugby squad as part of their World Cup preparations.

With such high levels of usage, maintaining consistent playing surfaces is key and, as Adrian explains, the Baroness equipment has played a part in that over recent years. “It was partly down to our relationship with Lister Wilder that we really got familiar with Baroness. We purchased an LM281 triple for the Home Ground and that has delivered on all fronts.”

“The results, reliability and aftercare we’ve had with that machine meant that, when the time came to upgrade to a wider mower for the Jubilee Ground, we didn’t look anywhere else.” The new Baroness LM531 features five 22” cutting units which offers high productivity for large areas and superb contour following ability. Powered by a 25hp Kubota engine, it features industry leading blades and cylinders that stay on cut up to three times longer than the competition.

Adrian notes, “The cut quality is outstanding. The cylinders keep their edge to deliver a consistent, high-quality finish from the start of the job to the very end. Since it’s delivery in early August, the LM531 has been out twice a week and then this will drop to roughly once a week over the slower growing months.” He adds, “This machine also enables us to cut down to 10mm which is lower than our previous mower and will give us a better playing surface particularly for cricket.”

The college, too, have been impressed with the service received from both Lister Wilder and Luke Collins from Baroness. “He’s been a constant point of contact for us since our first purchase and has always made himself available for advice and to answer any follow-up questions. That level of support makes such a huge difference.”

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Redexim’s double victory at GroundsFest Innovation Awards

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Redexim’s double victory at GroundsFest Innovation Awards: Redexim is celebrating a double success after being named winners in two categories at the first ever GroundsFest and HortWeek Innovation Awards, held at Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire on 9–10 September.

The new awards programme celebrates excellence and innovation across landscaping, amenity management, turf care and related industries. With more than 100 entries received, competition was fierce, and winners were chosen by an expert judging panel led by HortWeek technical editor Sally Drury, alongside Howard Drury, Marcus Forster and Martin Towsey.

Redexim's double victory at GroundsFest Innovation Awards

Redexim’s double victory at GroundsFest Innovation Awards

Redexim scooped two accolades in the Turf Maintenance Equipment category:

New Product – The Redexim Scarivator

Stood the Test of Time – The Redexim Verti-Drain

The Scarivator – Innovation for Hybrid Surfaces

The Scarivator has been developed to meet the growing demand for hybrid field renovation. Featuring adjustable tines for precise depth control, it ensures minimal damage to synthetic fibres while delivering effective soil loosening. Its horizontal beams with angled spring tines reduce the risk of fibre wrapping around a rotor and provide exceptional performance when breaking up compacted soil on hybrid, synthetic, and natural surfaces.

The Scarivator is also ideal for creating the perfect seedbed for new rootzone application and works seamlessly alongside Redexim’s Turf-Stripper during the renovation process.

The Verti-Drain – A Proven Classic

Winning in the Stood the Test of Time category, the world-renowned Verti-Drain has become an essential tool for turf professionals across the globe. Known for its deep tine aeration technology, Verti-Drain machines penetrate the soil with a unique lifting action, breaking up compaction and creating vital space in the soil profile for air, water, and roots.

Available in a wide range of models and working widths, the Verti-Drain offers a solution for every aeration challenge – from heavily compacted sports pitches to delicate turf in confined areas. Its enduring popularity is a testament to its reliability, performance, and ongoing contribution to healthier, more resilient turf.

Speaking after receiving the awards, Paul Langford, Director of Commercial Operations at Redexim UK, said:

“To be a double award winner of the first ever GroundsFest Innovation Awards is amazing. What makes it even more special is that the judging panel is made up of highly respected industry professionals – our peers – who understand the challenges we face and the work that goes into developing solutions. To have both a new innovation like the Scarivator and a proven icon like the Verti-Drain recognised side by side really highlights the breadth of Redexim’s commitment to turf care. It’s fantastic recognition for the whole team.”

Redexim’s double success at the GroundsFest Innovation Awards underlines the company’s reputation as a leader in turf maintenance technology – combining fresh innovation with proven, long-lasting solutions that continue to shape the industry.

For more information, visit https://www.redexim.com/uk/

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EGO introduces top-handled chainsaw

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EGO introduces top-handled chainsaw: EGO Power+, a leading battery-powered outdoor power equipment specialist, has expanded its range for arborists and forestry professionals with the addition of a top-handled, high-performance professional chainsaw.

Boasting a lightweight design, the 30cm CS1200E chainsaw is the ideal tool for tree-care specialists working off the ground. Equipped with a 20m/s chain speed, this top-handled chainsaw has a thin chain, which is ideal for the fine cutting of trees and crucially, reduces the risk of disease spreading through trees as the finer cut reduces the likelihood for fungus to grow in the grooves, left by the cut.

EGO introduces top-handled chainsaw

EGO introduces top-handled chainsaw

Joerg Bauerle, Product Manager at EGO, shares: “Arborists were front of mind when we were designing this chainsaw. Small, lightweight, and well-balanced, we have responded to requests from our tree surgeon customers, for a chainsaw that is specifically designed for working high up in the trees.”

The chainsaw easily cuts through branches and logs whilst providing stability, allowing professionals to be more controlled in a volatile environment. This saw is fitted with a chain brake system to protect from a potential kickback, providing extra safety for the tool operator.

Fitted with an oil level and translucent window to help users monitor the tool, the CS1200E automatically lubricates the chain and maintains the health and lifespan of the tool, preserving it from damage. The oil tank has a 150ml capacity, which will need topping up depending on the frequency of use.

Joerg continues: “Our latest top-handled chainsaw focuses on balance, ensuring that arborists can go about their work comfortably for longer periods. At EGO, our tools are innovatively designed to deliver power, performance, and competitive run times.”

Ideal for bar lengths of 30cm, the CS1200E has 64 chain drive links for fast and efficient cutting. This tool is suited for forestry work at height and is fitted with metal bumper spikes for fast and efficient cutting. The saw also features a variable speed control that allows for a tailored and controlled experience, instead of users having to switch between fixed settings.

The CS1200E 30cm Chainsaw retails at £259.

For more information visit: https://egopowerplus.co.uk/products/chainsaws/cs1200e-top-handle-chainsaw

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GreenMech takes Koala from start-up to success

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GreenMech takes Koala from start-up to success: As the operations of family-run arb firm Koala Tree Care have grown, as has their relationship with GreenMech – with two efficient and easy-to-maintain woodchippers working hard on jobs across North Somerset.

The most recent addition to their fleet is the turntable Eco 135TT which, running alongside a gravity-fed CS100, provides an economical and safe solution to domestic tree work.

GreenMech takes Koala from start-up to success

GreenMech takes Koala from start-up to success

Callum Emery founded Koala Tree Care in 2019 and, with the assistance of twin brother Aaron, provide a one-stop shop for all aspects of tree, hedge and general garden maintenance to customers in and around Bristol. With client demand increasing, the business quickly outgrew its small initial chipper and needed equipment that could keep pace with their growth.

Their first upgrade was to a compact, yet capable, CS100 from GreenMech. Ideal for working in tight spaces such as residential gardens, the CS100 offers the quick processing of branches and brash of up to 4”. But with workload still on the rise, the time was right to add an even bigger machine to their fleet in the form of the Eco 135TT.

“Our GreenMech machines have made a massive difference to our workflow” comments Callum. “While the CS100 is still used frequently because of its ability to be wheeled through a house where no external access is available, the investment in the Eco 135TT makes light work of larger jobs. The turntable is such a useful feature – this machine is used most days and is rarely ever used in the straight position! We can alter the chipper to any angle for safe and convenient feeding, and ensure the chippings cleanly make their way into the truck.”

Another thing Callum praises is the ease of maintenance. “Looking after both of these machines is incredibly simple. The Eco 135TT features their disc-blade chipping system which enables me to turn the blade three times before the need to resharpen – which I can also do myself with GreenMech’s disc blade sharpener. This means we can keep downtime to a minimum and keep our busy diary on schedule.”

Processing large and heavy branches with ease, it isn’t just the performance of the ECO 135TT that has impressed the brothers – the service from local GA Groundcare has also been ranked as first rate. “Everything with the purchase and the delivery of the machine in May was really simple.” He adds, “The team at GA, especially Matt Textor and Ashley Stevens, go above and beyond to make sure we’re getting the most out of our machines and are quick to answer any queries or questions we might have.”

For more information on the cost-effective Eco woodchipper series, visit www.greenmech.co.uk

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