Meet the versatile Reform Metrac

Meet the versatile Reform Metrac

/in , /by

Meet the versatile Reform Metrac

Simon Richard Ltd is attending Groundsfest for the first time to showcase the exceptional versatility of the Reform Metrac on stand OSA 63.

Meet the versatile Reform Metrac

Meet the versatile Reform Metrac

From its roots as the ultimate Alpine tractor capable of carrying out a wide range of farming tasks in steep terrain, the Reform Metrac has evolved to be the power unit of choice for maintaining sloping and banked areas in groundcare and highways applications, with its engine and cab mounted at the centre of gravity in the chassis.

Yet there’s a lot more to the Metrac than just being the market leading slope mower and the company looks forward to discussing its multiple uses with visitors to the show.

The Reform Metrac H70 on show is powered by a reliable 75hp Perkins Stage V engine and offers tractive power increased by 14% compared to its predecessor.

Its two-range hydrostatic drive has a top speed of 40kph with two mechanical off-road reductions, controllable via pedal or drive lever.

Linkage technology is based on a load-dependent working hydraulic system with electro-hydraulic weight compensation; cat 1 and 2 front and rear linkages each have 1500kg lift capacity and front and rear ptos are standard.

Leading contractors utilise the Reform Metrac with rotary and flail mowers, reach arm mowers, harrows, seeders, sweepers, sprayers and spreaders.

A standout feature is the multifunction joystick, integrated into the mechanical drive lever, which allows the selection of front, rear, all-wheel, crab, and offset all-wheel steering modes. This ensures maximum manoeuvrability, especially on slopes and in tight spaces.

Wide, low-pressure tyres ensure maximum traction while maintaining low ground pressures.

Prioritising operator comfort, the new cab design has a full glass door for improved visibility and a wider entry. The air conditioning system has also been updated with mixed air flowing from ventilation nozzles in the dashboard.

The Reform Metrac H70 will be shown with its perfect mowing partner – the Müthing flail, renowned for its exceptional durability and efficient mulching cut and which offers superb results on vegetation from meadows to scrub.

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

Kubota EK1-261 proves the perfect match for CPD Penrhyndeudraeth FC

Kubota EK1-261 proves the perfect match for CPD Penrhyndeudraeth FC

/in , /by

Kubota EK1-261 proves the perfect match for CPD Penrhyndeudraeth FC

At grassroots level, maintaining a high-quality playing surface is no small task – especially when faced with heavy usage and unpredictable weather. For CPD Penrhyndeudraeth FC, Volunteer Groundsman Aled Thomas has seen first-hand how the right equipment can transform pitch maintenance, with the combination of an EK1-261 compact tractor from Kubota equipped with a SISIS Quadraplay keeping fixtures on and players happy.

Kubota EK1-261 proves the perfect match for CPD Penrhyndeudraeth FC

Kubota EK1-261 proves the perfect match for CPD Penrhyndeudraeth FC

Involved since 2005, Aled’s role has evolved with the club’s growing needs – starting out marking the lines on matchday before taking on his current role in 2016. Today, the main pitch and neighbouring training pitch hosts one senior team and five junior squads, with near-daily training fixtures throughout the summer months and match days once or twice a week.

With only a ride-on mower and large, heavy slitter – unsuited to the pitch – at Aled’s disposal, the club’s fortunes changed in April 2025 thanks to a successful funding application via the Cymru Football Foundation. “We went through the process with local dealer Major Owen and, following a pitch inspection and recommendations from the Grounds Management Association’s Pitch Advisory Service, we took delivery of the Kubota EK1-261, Quadraplay and a fertiliser spreader thanks to the ‘Fit for Future Equipment Fund’.”

“The difference it has made has been immediate and significant” he explains. “Because of the competitive price point of the EK1, we were able to secure a premium implement which has made a real difference to the presentation and playability of our pitch.”

The EK1 Series from Kubota combines simple operation and powerful performance in a compact, entry-level package ideal for grassroots clubs. Powered by a fuel-efficient 3-cylinder 24hp diesel engine, the highly manoeuvrable EK1-261 doesn’t compromise when it comes to comfort with a range of features including optimally positioned controls, a weight-adjustable operators’ seat and foldable ROPS protection enhancing both productivity and safety.

“The number of features which come as standard are above and beyond what you’d normally expect from a tractor at this price point, so we get something that’s well equipped yet straight forward to operate and maintain.”

Aled continues, “We run the EK1 and Quadraplay before a game to boost presentation and again after, if needed, to rectify any damage. We’ve had comments from players and fans about the condition and appearance of the pitch which is particularly rewarding considering the very difficult weather we’ve had here this winter.”

While Aled admits he’s not had any issues with the EK1 since he took delivery, he notes that the 5-year Kubota warranty and support from Major Owen delivers fantastic additional peace of mind. “By looking after the equipment, we know it will look after us in the longer term. Major Owen, too, have been an incredible ongoing support both to me and the club, whether it’s sponsoring our away kit or helping us out with additional equipment when required. We are hugely grateful.”

He adds, “At this level of the game, consistency is key and having to call games off is not only frustrating but impacts on player development. This combination of equipment has undoubtedly helped to not only keep more games on but improve enjoyment with the pitch being in much better shape.”

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

VoltWorx26 brings industry together

VoltWorx26 brings industry together

/in , /by

VoltWorx26 brings industry together

Industry professionals gathered at Plumpton College for VoltWorx26, where some of the latest electric machinery, commercial vehicles and autonomous groundcare technology were showcased alongside expert discussions on fleet decarbonisation, renewable energy and sustainable operations.

VoltWorx26 brings industry together

VoltWorx26 brings industry together

Held at the AgriFood Centre at Plumpton College on 28 July, VoltWorx26 brought together representatives from local authorities, education, professional sport, groundcare, agriculture, construction and fleet management.

Organised in partnership between Crawfords Group and Plumpton College and powered by Kress, the event was created to help organisations move beyond broad sustainability ambitions and consider the practical steps involved in adopting electric machinery, vehicles, robotics and supporting energy infrastructure.

Electric machinery and vehicles take centre stage

A major focus of VoltWorx26 was the opportunity for visitors to see and discuss a diverse selection of electric machines and vehicles representing the changing requirements of agriculture, groundcare, construction and commercial fleet operations.

Among the event highlights was the Fendt e107 V Vario, a fully electric specialist tractor designed to combine the familiar capabilities of a conventional tractor with quieter, locally emission-free operation. The model is particularly relevant to municipalities, groundcare operations, specialist agriculture and organisations working in noise- or emissions-sensitive environments.

The material-handling sector was represented by the Manitou MT 625 e, a compact, fully electric telehandler offering a 2.5-tonne lifting capacity and a maximum lifting height of 5.85 metres. Its reduced noise and absence of local exhaust emissions make it suitable for indoor, urban and environmentally sensitive sites.

Visitors could also explore the potential of electric pick-up vehicles through the Isuzu D-Max EV. The all-electric, four-wheel-drive pick-up combines a one-tonne payload with a towing capacity of up to 3.5 tonnes, demonstrating how electric vehicles are beginning to meet the operational requirements traditionally associated with diesel workhorses.

The MAXUS electric commercial vehicle range provided further insight into the expanding choice available to businesses seeking to reduce emissions across delivery, service and operational fleets. MAXUS was one of several leading vehicle and machinery brands represented at the event.

For construction and estate-management applications, the Komatsu PC33E-6 electric mini excavator demonstrated the potential for low-noise, zero-local-emission excavation. The 3.6-tonne-class machine features a 35kWh battery and is designed for applications including urban sites, indoor work and projects with specific environmental requirements.

Autonomous technology was represented by the Kress Voyager KR800E commercial robotic mower. Using RTKn navigation and a combination of cameras, LiDAR and ultrasonic sensors, the Voyager has been developed to undertake commercial mowing without an onboard operator, helping groundcare businesses reconsider how their teams, machinery and working hours can be deployed.

Together, the exhibits demonstrated that electrification is no longer limited to smaller handheld products or passenger vehicles. Electric technology is increasingly being developed for tractors, telehandlers, excavators, commercial vehicles, pick-ups and large-scale professional mowing operations.

Expert insight from sport, transport and renewable energy

Alongside the machinery and vehicle displays, the keynote programme brought together specialists with direct experience of sustainability, transport decarbonisation and renewable energy.
Tom Harris, Sustainability Manager at Brighton & Hove Albion Football Club, discussed sustainability from the perspective of a major professional sporting organisation, offering insight into the environmental considerations associated with operating complex venues, facilities and grounds.

Mark Smith, Transport Decarbonisation Consultant at Energy Saving Trust, provided guidance on the transition to lower-emission transport and the practical considerations organisations should assess when reviewing their fleets.

Oliver Tucker, Director of Green Bulb Energy, explored the wider infrastructure required to support electrification, including renewable generation, battery storage and electric-vehicle charging.

The keynote programme helped connect the machinery on display with the operational planning, energy supply, infrastructure and organisational changes required to make electrification successful. Focused breakout sessions explored a range of practical technologies and operational considerations. Paul Larsen and Kress examined turf quality and performance using Kress robotic mowers, while Ed Dennett discussed where electric tractors could support low-emission grounds maintenance in public-sector and professional turf environments. Will Clarke of Direct Enviro Services presented the role of VM-AI in vegetation and green-space management, and Darren Newman explored how MAXUS electric commercial vehicles could help organisations future-proof their fleets.

Wes Crawford of Crawfords Group said:

“VoltWorx26 was created to move the conversation around electrification from ambition to practical action. By bringing such a broad range of machinery and vehicles together, visitors could see that electric technology is now being developed for serious professional applications across amenity and fleet operations.

“The Fendt electric tractor, Manitou telehandler, Isuzu D-Max EV, MAXUS commercial vehicles, Komatsu excavator and Kress robotic mowing technology each demonstrated a different part of the transition. Just as importantly, our speakers helped organisations consider the infrastructure, planning and cultural changes needed to introduce these technologies successfully.

“We are incredibly grateful to Plumpton College, our speakers, exhibitors, sponsors and everyone who attended and contributed to the discussions throughout the event.”
The event concluded with a panel discussion, networking and further opportunities for visitors to speak directly with manufacturers, suppliers and sustainability specialists.
Crawfords Group and Plumpton College will continue to build on the conversations and connections established at VoltWorx26, supporting organisations as they assess the machinery, infrastructure and operational changes required for a lower-emission future.

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

ThatchEater provides a biological solution for better winter greens

ThatchEater provides a biological solution for better winter greens

/in , /by

ThatchEater provides a biological solution for better winter greens

Having spent 38 years at Grimsby Golf Club, Head Greenkeeper Scott Vincent has seen every challenge the British climate can throw at a golf course – particularly during wet winters. With member expectations for year-round play, and only four greens equipped with drainage systems, achieving consistency and keeping on top of organic matter accumulations was becoming a particular problem. That was until Scott trialled ThatchEater from Origin Amenity Solutions (OAS).

ThatchEater provides a biological solution for better winter greens

ThatchEater provides a biological solution for better winter greens

Built in 1922, Grimsby Golf Club provides players with a parkland challenge – the 18-holes traversing rolling hills and valleys which is rather unique for the area. With a small team of just three greenkeepers, Scott has traditionally focused on tried and tested practical solutions to common maintenance challenges, with hollow coring forming a major part of the club’s thatch management strategy, often carried out three or four times a year. While effective, the disruption caused lead Scott to a conversation with OAS Technical Manager Greg Milton about potential, less invasive alternatives.

“Being completely honest, having done the job for a long time and using products that haven’t turned out to deliver what they say they would, it takes a lot for me to try something you can’t physically see working”, admits Scott. “Greg did a great job of explaining how the product works, which encouraged me to give it a try.”

“I think the fact that Greg was a greenkeeper in a former life and was armed with all the information regarding the product really reassured us that he’s not just trying to make a sale. He has our course’s best interests at heart.”

ThatchEater is a biological solution designed to degrade thatch with bacteria, causing minimal disruption to play. Traditionally applied in spring, the humus, humic and fulvic acids produced convert thatch into plant-available nutrients, creating a freer-draining rootzone and encouraging sustainable plant growth through the season.

After just one application, and another very wet winter, Scott says the results became quickly noticeable. “We definitely saw a marked reduction in thatch accumulations compared to previous years and I strongly believe ThatchEater played a role in keeping us off temporary greens for the first year in a long while.” He continues, “The members also noticed the difference, especially because we haven’t been conducting the disruptive hollow coring.”

Independent sampling carried out by Greg echoed the results seen by the team, showing continued improvement in the greens’ condition and giving Scott further confidence of the longer-term benefits. “Now into the second year of the programme, we’re excited to build on the results and, all being well, see this becoming a key component of our wider OAS nutritional programme which is already delivering fantastic results in other areas of the course.”

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

Agrigem Welcomes Greg Holden as Horticulture Sales Manager

Agrigem Welcomes Greg Holden as Horticulture Sales Manager

/in , , /by

Agrigem Welcomes Greg Holden as Horticulture Sales Manager

Agrigem, a leading UK supplier of amenity and horticultural products, is delighted to announce the appointment of Greg Holden as our new Horticulture Sales Manager. Greg joins the Agrigem trade team to focus on expanding and strengthening our offer across the commercial horticulture and nursery supply sectors.

Agrigem Welcomes Greg Holden as Horticulture Sales Manager

Agrigem Welcomes Greg Holden as Horticulture Sales Manager

Greg brings extensive industry expertise, with a proven track record at leading organisations including Vitax, N-Virol, and Thomas Elliott. His deep understanding of nursery supplies, and the needs of commercial growers will be instrumental as Agrigem continues to grow its trade footprint.

Speaking on his new role, Greg commented: “I’m so pleased to be joining Agrigem at such an exciting time for the division. The sector is facing significant challenges around climate change, environmental demands, and ecological shift. I’m keen to help shape our evolving product ranges to ensure we consistently deliver on our customers’ expectations.

“It’s been incredible to watch Agrigem grow over the years into a brand so widely respected for its technical expertise and broad product range. I look forward to helping maximise the opportunities ahead and making a positive difference for both our customers and the business.”

A stronger presence in the horticulture sector complements Agrigem’s current trade offers in sports, equine, forestry, leisure, lawncare and turf growing. Please join us in giving Greg a warm welcome to the Agrigem family!

You can reach out to Greg directly at greg.holden@agrigem.co.uk to discuss your commercial horticulture requirements.

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