Leguan Lifts invests in new €10M production facility

Leguan Lifts invests in new €10M production facility

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Leguan Lifts invests in new €10M production facility

Finnish manufacturer of market-defining spider lifts and part of the Avant Group, Leguan Lifts, has announced a €10 million investment in a new production facility that will significantly expand the company’s manufacturing capabilities.

Leguan Lifts invests in new €10M production facility

Leguan Lifts invests in new €10M production facility

The sister company of Avant Tecno is confident that their new facility in Ylöjärvi, Finland, will support their long-term growth strategy, allowing them to improve operational efficiency, increase output capacity and strengthen their ability to serve expanding global demand.

“We’re proud to see Leguan Lifts – and in turn, the Avant Group – grow with this fantastic investment! Their new state-of-the-art facility will ensure customers around the world continue to benefit from Leguan’s product range and we can’t wait to see the new facility in operation” says Raimo Ala-Korpi, Managing Director of Avant Tecno UK.

Leguan Lifts specialise in designing and manufacturing reliable, technologically-advanced and off-road-capable self-propelled access platforms.

Unlike standard access platforms – also known as cherry pickers – Leguan’s spider lifts are engineered to tackle challenging terrain with outstanding stability, making them a safe, easy-to-use solution for construction, plant hire, facilities management and more.

As their latest innovation, Leguan launched a fully electric alternative to their standard diesel range, delivering the same speed and performance while reducing emissions and operating costs.

Due to their many benefits, the demand for Leguan’s machinery has grown exponentially in recent years, and the Finnish company aims to meet increasing customer demand through its new production facility and expanded assembly stations.

“The additional production space will allow Leguan to substantially increase the number of machines it manufactures. This is great news for our UK market, where our dealer network has already embraced the Avant Group’s Finnish engineering and will be eager to offer customers even greater access to Leguan’s innovative all-terrain access platforms” adds Raimo.

Looking ahead, Leguan Lifts plans to expand the site even further by constructing a new showroom and modern office spaces.

The new showroom will allow Leguan to improve customer relationships, organise training and host events right at the heart of production.

“The investment marks another exciting milestone for not only Leguan Lifts, but the Avant Group as a collective. Everyone at Avant Tecno UK is looking forward to visiting the new factory ahead of the scheduled launch!” concludes Raimo.

Founded in Finland in 1991, Avant Tecno are a pioneer in compact multi-functional loaders. Following years of growth and innovation in specialist machinery, the company established the Avant Group, which includes sister companies Leguan Lifts and Avant Power.

For more information about Leguan Lifts, visit https://www.leguanlifts.com/

For more information about Avant Tecno, visit https://www.avanttecno.com/uk

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Kress Voyager 60 launch proves a major attraction at GroundsFest

Kress Voyager 60 launch proves a major attraction at GroundsFest

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Kress Voyager 60 launch proves a major attraction at GroundsFest

The official launch of the new Kress Voyager 60 robotic mower attracted significant attention at GroundsFest 2026, with visitors gathering to see the machine in action, try it for themselves, discuss its capabilities with the Kress team, and arrange demonstrations for their own sites.

Kress Voyager 60 launch proves a major attraction at GroundsFest

Kress Voyager 60 launch proves a major attraction at GroundsFest

Unveiled at the UK’s largest-ever GroundsFest, which welcomed a record-breaking 10,664 visitors over two days, the Voyager 60 became one of the standout attractions on what many described as the Kress ‘village’ – a vibrant stand designed to encourage visitors to experience the latest technology first-hand.

Across the two days, grounds professionals, local authorities, contractors, sports clubs and estate managers took the opportunity to watch live demonstrations, get hands-on with the latest Kress equipment and explore how battery-powered technology and autonomous mowing can transform their operations.

The launch of the Voyager 60 followed the earlier introduction of the Voyager 40 this year and marks another significant step forward in Kress’ autonomous mowing portfolio.

Positioned for ultimate productivity, the Voyager 60 has been engineered specifically for rapid, large-scale grass maintenance across expansive sites including sports facilities, council-owned land, campuses and commercial estates.

With an impressive 152 cm cutting width and the capability to maintain up to 76,000 square metres on a single charge, the Voyager 60 delivers exceptional productivity while reducing labour requirements. The machine features adjustable cutting heights from 32 mm to 140 mm, operating speeds of up to 9 mph and a powerful 38 kWh battery with an eight-hour charging time.

Advanced navigation combines nRTK positioning with LiDAR and V-SLAM technology, while 360-degree obstacle detection through LiDAR, vision and ultrasonic sensors enables the machine to operate safely and efficiently in complex environments. Offering rear discharge, mulching and side discharge options, the Voyager 60 has been developed to meet the demands of professional users responsible for maintaining large areas of turf.

Speaking at GroundsFest, Jim Kirkwood of Kress UK explained why the Voyager range represents such an important development for the industry.

“They are machines that are designed to be taken from site to site,” he said. “They are the only machines accredited for Level 5 in the industry at this moment in time. That means they can be used completely autonomously, without anyone being with them. It is going to change the ability of the industry to cut grass autonomously.”

The Voyager 60 was just one of many attractions on the Kress stand. Throughout the event, visitors watched demonstrations of the new Voyager alongside the Master Series robotic mower range, iPilot technology and the company’s innovative 4×4 robotic mower. The demonstration stage remained busy throughout both days, with presentations showcasing the latest additions to the range as well as established favourites.

Elsewhere on the stand, visitors had the opportunity to test chainsaws, hedge cutters, brush cutters and blowers for themselves, while the ever-popular blower challenge and football challenge kept crowds entertained with prizes and Kress merchandise up for grabs. Complimentary barista coffee and award-winning pizza once again made the Kress stand a popular meeting point throughout the show.

Most importantly, GroundsFest provided the ideal setting for meaningful conversations with customers looking to adopt autonomous technology. The Kress team reported strong levels of interest in the Voyager 60, with many visitors discussing their own applications in detail and arranging on-site demonstrations following the exhibition.

Reflecting on another successful GroundsFest, Jim Kirkwood praised both the quality of visitors and the atmosphere of the event.

“GroundsFest gives people the opportunity to see products, try products and discuss exactly what they need. They are in the right environment to do that. We’ve had another great show, and we will be back again next year.”

With record visitor numbers, constant activity across the stand and the successful launch of the Voyager 60, GroundsFest 2026 once again demonstrated why it has become a key event in the grounds care calendar and an ideal platform for Kress to showcase the future of autonomous mowing.

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

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Baroness proves a cut above at Harborne Golf Club

Baroness proves a cut above at Harborne Golf Club

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Baroness proves a cut above at Harborne Golf Club

At Birmingham’s Harborne Golf Club, Course Manager Jim Gilchrist and his team put quality and consistency at the heart of their maintenance operation. Since taking delivery of a LM551 fairway mower from Baroness, the club cite a significant improvement in the finish of the fairways, with both staff and members quick to recognise the difference.

Baroness proves a cut above at Harborne Golf Club

Baroness proves a cut above at Harborne Golf Club

Jim has been a part of the club since 2004, taking on the role of Course Manager four years later. Assisting him with the maintenance of the Harry Colt-designed course is a team of six, including Jim’s partner Victoria Cavinue who proudly holds the post of Deputy Course Manager. Through the club’s relationship with local dealer Hunts Engineering, Jim took delivery of his first Baroness machine – an LM551 fairway mower – in early 2024 and the impact, he says, was immediate.

“The quality of cut on the LM551 fairway mower is second to none. We noticed this straight away, even though we took delivery of the machine in February which is notoriously a difficult time of year to make strides in course presentation. We, and the members, commented on the difference in the finish we were achieving on the fairways compared to our previous model.”

Alongside the quality of cut, operationally, the LM551 has been well received by the team. “Everybody loves how comfortable the seat is, and how simple the mower is to operate.” He continues, “Build quality is fantastic and there is next to no adjustment needed on the cylinders which helps with user friendliness for the staff, and keeps the budget in check with fewer re-grinds and backlapping required.”

Impressed with the quality, reliable performance of the LM551, Harborne were pleased to add a GM2810A to their fleet in June 2026 – bringing Baroness capability to the mowing of the roughs and surrounds. Featuring five independently mounted cutting decks, the GM2810A rotary mower provides outstanding productivity and supreme manoeuvrability on the most demanding of terrain.

Matching the quality of the machinery, is the back up support and service received from Richard Lucas and the team at Hunts Engineering. “This is vital for any Course Manager and, while we’ve not required anything more from the service department to date than the routine servicing, we know we have a great pool of expertise to lean on to ensure we continue to get the very best out of our mowers.”

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Hunter Grinders to Showcase Jupiter ATI and Amazon at SALTEX

Hunter Grinders to Showcase Jupiter ATI and Amazon at SALTEX

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Hunter Grinders to Showcase Jupiter ATI and Amazon at SALTEX

Hunter Grinders will return to SALTEX 2026 on stand E123 with both the Jupiter ‘All in One’ Grinder and Amazon Bottom Blade Grinder, demonstrating the continued development of the specialist grinding brand under Howardson Group ownership.

Hunter Grinders to Showcase Jupiter ATI and Amazon at SALTEX

Hunter Grinders to Showcase Jupiter ATI and Amazon at SALTEX

Taking centre stage will be the Jupiter, designed to deliver accurate, repeatable grinding while reducing operator input. Alongside it, visitors will be able to see the Amazon, giving workshops a dedicated solution for precise and efficient bottom blade grinding.

The Jupiter combines automatic traverse, indexing and in-feed functions with smooth linear bed rails and self-adjusting bearings to deliver grinding accuracy to within 0.05 mm (2 thou). Capable of accommodating cylinders up to 1067 mm (42″), its advanced spin and relief grinding capabilities provide professional workshops with the versatility to maintain a wide range of cylinder mowers.

The Amazon Bottom Blade Grinder expands that workshop capability further. With variable-speed traverse and automatic simultaneous grinding of the front and top faces, it has been engineered to deliver accurate, consistent bottom blade preparation while simplifying the grinding process.

The continued development of Hunter Grinders forms part of Howardson Group’s investment across its three specialist turfcare brands.

Howardson Group Managing Director Megan Oliver said: “SALTEX gives us the opportunity to showcase the continued development of Dennis, SISIS and Hunter Grinders, meet customers from across the industry and better understand the challenges they face. Those conversations are invaluable; they help ensure we continue to develop equipment that delivers the quality, reliability and performance grounds professionals depend on.”

Hunter Grinders’ technical team will be available throughout SALTEX to demonstrate both machines, answer grinding questions and discuss individual workshop requirements, training and ongoing technical support.

Whether considering new grinding equipment, upgrading an existing workshop or looking to improve cutting-unit consistency, visitors are invited to stand E123 to see the Jupiter ATI and Amazon together and discover how precision, consistency and service combine to support the modern professional workshop.

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Kubota keeps Glasgow City Council running, whatever the weather!

Kubota keeps Glasgow City Council running, whatever the weather!

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Kubota keeps Glasgow City Council running, whatever the weather!

A total of 19 RTV’s from Kubota are playing their part in keeping the city safe, clean and operational following a sizeable investment by Glasgow City Council in October 2025. Delivered by dealers Hamilton Ross, the RTV X1110’s are equipped with rear-mounted gritters for crucial winter operations on pavements and cycleways and join Kubota ZD zero-turn mowers and mini excavators on the fleet providing year-round reliability on maintenance tasks throughout the city centre.

Kubota keeps Glasgow City Council running, whatever the weather!

Kubota keeps Glasgow City Council running, whatever the weather!

Close to 1700 machines currently support over 600 staff working across parks, streets, schools and public spaces where performance and reliability isn’t optional – it’s essential. With over 40 years of mechanical experience, Plant Workshop Manager Jack Aikman knows more than most whether a machine is up to the test. “There aren’t many makes of equipment I haven’t worked on and when it comes to build quality, Kubota is right up there” comments Jack.

“As soon as we put the RTV’s on the ramp you could just tell they were built to last which, given the strenuous demands placed on the vehicles, is crucial.”

Jack worked closely with the team at Hamilton Ross Group, particularly Thomas Connor, to deliver a solution to replace an aging fleet of machines used for gritting. “What we’ve got is a comfortable vehicle, that’s smooth and easy to drive, with a good payload and compatible, high-capacity gritter to get maximum time in the field before the need to head back to base to refill.” He adds, “We also specified the RTV’s with a front-mounted plough so we really are equipped to deal with all weather conditions.”

Not limited to tasks over the winter months, the versatility of the Kubota range enables the team to use the RTV’s across the full year. “These will become a real workhorse, whether that’s for spraying, towing other pieces of equipment or simply loading and moving soil, manure or other materials around the city.”

The 19 RTV’s have since been joined by two Kubota ZD zero-turn mowers for cutting the city’s parks. “Compared to years gone by, the grass we’re having to cut is often longer and denser meaning you need something durable here to get through the task at hand. The Kubota decks seem to take everything in their stride.” Two Kubota excavators were also purchased for the crematoriums and cemeteries, where they will work in tandem with the RTV’s for material moving.

“In this line of work, things get broken – indicators get caught, windows break – it’s just the nature of the beast.” This is where Jack and the team rely on the back up support from Thomas and the whole Hamilton Ross support team. “The back-up we receive is as good as it gets.” He adds, “Running such a large operation, we simply can’t afford to have equipment off the road. Any parts we need are either in stock or available in a matter of days and it truly feels like getting the machines up and running is an important to them as it is to us. That’s exactly why our partnership with Hamilton Ross Group has thrived for close to three decades.”

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