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Alternative approach to maintenance at St Ives Golf Club

May 29, 2026/in News, Press Release/by Admin

Alternative approach to maintenance at St Ives Golf Club St Ives (Hunts) Golf Club in Cambridgeshire has taken a significant step forward in its long-term turfcare maintenance and sustainability strategy with the introduction of five Toro Turf Pro 500 autonomous mowers. Course Manager Rob Duff explains how the investment will help increase the mowing programme, […]

STIHL launches powerful brushcutters for demanding landscaping operations

May 28, 2026/in Machinery, News, Press Release/by Admin

STIHL launches powerful brushcutters for demanding landscaping operations STIHL has launched two new battery-operated brushcutters, engineered to deliver a high-power cutting performance in demanding landscaping environments. Replacing the FSA 135 and FSA 135 R, the new FSA 140 and FSA 140 R offer professionals’ excellent comfort and control for maximum productivity across various cutting tasks. With […]

Alternative approach to maintenance at St Ives Golf Club

May 29, 2026/in News, Press Release/by Admin

STIHL launches powerful brushcutters for demanding landscaping operations

May 28, 2026/in Machinery, News, Press Release/by Admin

Full Sized Blog Element (Big Preview Pic)

Alternative approach to maintenance at St Ives Golf Club

May 29, 2026/in News, Press Release/by Admin

Alternative approach to maintenance at St Ives Golf Club

St Ives (Hunts) Golf Club in Cambridgeshire has taken a significant step forward in its long-term turfcare maintenance and sustainability strategy with the introduction of five Toro Turf Pro 500 autonomous mowers.

Alternative approach to maintenance at St Ives Golf Club

Course Manager Rob Duff explains how the investment will help increase the mowing programme, improve efficiencies and support sustainability goals.

“We wanted to increase our mowing frequency while maintaining consistent quality, but the reality is that routine tasks like fairway mowing can be costly and time-consuming to deliver,” he says. “This technology gives us a smarter, more efficient way to maintain high standards while managing workloads and keeping costs under control for our members.”

The move to autonomous mowing is transforming daily operations, allowing the team to maintain the fairways continuously throughout the week.

“The robot mowers give us the ability to cut grass seven days a week, 365 days a year,” Rob continues. “Now, when we arrive at work on Monday mornings, the fairways have already been cut. It gives us a head start, freeing up valuable staff time. But really the biggest benefit for golfers will be the extra attention we can now give to areas that previously had less focus especially during peak growing periods.”

While initially deployed on fairways overnight, Rob is already exploring broader applications for the technology. “We’ve started using the mowers on clubhouse lawns during the day, and we’re looking at extending their use to first cuts of rough and larger surrounds. It’s exciting to see how far we can push the capability of these machines.”

With nearly three decades at St Ives, Rob says autonomous technology is an important step forward for the club – and the industry – especially when it comes to meeting sustainability objectives.

“We’ve had solar panels installed and the power from those charges the mowers, meaning we are effectively charging them at no cost while also reducing both fuel use and emissions,” he explains.

The installation of the robotic mowers was completed in just three days, supported by Toro distributor Reesink Turfcare and was “straightforward,” says Rob.

“Once the charging stations were in place, programming was simple: you’re essentially telling the mower where to go and what to do. The rest of it works out for itself.

“The training provided by Reesink’s Digital and GeoLink Specialist, Lee Rowbotham during installation was clear and easy to follow and overall, we’ve been really impressed with the reliability and performance of the mowers, as well as the level of technical and aftersales support from Reesink.”

Julian Copping, Retail Sales for Reesink Turfcare East Anglia who brokered the deal, says: “St Ives is a forward-thinking club and the move to autonomous mowing reflects its ethos to be strategic and smart with its resources and long-term turfcare maintenance plans.”

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STIHL launches powerful brushcutters for demanding landscaping operations

May 28, 2026/in Machinery, News, Press Release/by Admin

STIHL launches powerful brushcutters for demanding landscaping operations

STIHL has launched two new battery-operated brushcutters, engineered to deliver a high-power cutting performance in demanding landscaping environments. Replacing the FSA 135 and FSA 135 R, the new FSA 140 and FSA 140 R offer professionals’ excellent comfort and control for maximum productivity across various cutting tasks.

STIHL launches powerful brushcutters for demanding landscaping operations

With a mechanical output of 1.0.kW and a large mowing diameter, the machines provide lightweight power for daily commercial use, weighing in at just 4.5KG (exc. battery). Boasting a compact motor and drive, the brushcutters offer a weight reduction of up to 400g compared to previous STIHL models.

The FSA 140 is a bike-handled professional brushcutter fitted as standard with the GrassCut 260-2, the machine can also be used with STIHL’s BrushCut Brush Knife 250 (3mm) and WoodCut saw blades for efficient large-area clearing tasks.

Fitted as standard with the AutoCut C 26-2, the FSA 140 R offers a loop-handle set up, designed for maximum manoeuvrability and precision, allowing users to work comfortably around obstacles and in confined spaces. STIHL’s AutoCut 27-2 and PolyCut 28-2 can also be attached to the FSA 140 R for landscapers requiring more energy-efficient operations.

Both models feature new ergonomic control handles, which provide separate buttons for power activation and three speed levels for ease of use. The new STIHL brushcutters also come with an LED display built in to support clear and easy tool monitoring whilst on the job. When powered with the recommended AP 300 S, the machines deliver a running time of between 22 – 45 minutes.

The FSA 140 and FSA 140 R are designed to support integration with STIHL’s Connected system, a digital fleet management solution that helps professionals keep track of their tools, servicing schedules, and machine use. To further support professionals, the tool’s splash-proof design makes it ideal for use in all weather conditions.

The new designs arrive as STIHL celebrates its 100th anniversary. Since 1926, STIHL has defined the global standard for battery and petrol-powered forestry, landscaping, and residential gardening equipment for professional and domestic users.

For more information on STIHL products, visit www.stihl.co.uk or contact your nearest STIHL Approved Dealer.

Find out more about STIHL’s historic milestone, here: https://100.stihl.com

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

Half Sized Blog Element (Single Author Style)

Half Sized Blog Element (Multi Author Style)

Alternative approach to maintenance at St Ives Golf Club

STIHL launches powerful brushcutters for demanding landscaping operations

Alternative approach to maintenance at St Ives Golf Club

STIHL launches powerful brushcutters for demanding landscaping operations

Full Sized Blog Element (Big Preview Pic)

Alternative approach to maintenance at St Ives Golf Club

Alternative approach to maintenance at St Ives Golf Club

STIHL launches powerful brushcutters for demanding landscaping operations

STIHL launches powerful brushcutters for demanding landscaping operations

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