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Mitie and Kress Launch One of the UK’s Largest Autonomous Mowing Deployments

July 15, 2026/in News, Press Release/by Admin

Mitie and Kress Launch One of the UK’s Largest Autonomous Mowing Deployments Mitie and Kress have announced a strategic partnership that will see 24 autonomous Kress Voyager ‘mowbots’ deployed across customer sites throughout the UK, representing one of the largest investments of its kind within the facilities management and landscaping sector. The rollout combines Mitie’s […]

Makita’s new battery charger offers plug-in productivity

July 14, 2026/in News, Press Release/by Admin

Makita’s new battery charger offers plug-in productivity Makita has launched its latest compact battery charger, the DC18SJ, designed to give users greater flexibility and mobility when powering cordless tools. Compatible with Makita’s 14.4V and 18V LXT batteries, the DC18SJ utilises USB-C Power Deliver (USB-PD) technology, allowing charging to be performed from a wide range of […]

Mitie and Kress Launch One of the UK’s Largest Autonomous Mowing Deployments

July 15, 2026/in News, Press Release/by Admin

Makita’s new battery charger offers plug-in productivity

July 14, 2026/in News, Press Release/by Admin

Full Sized Blog Element (Big Preview Pic)

Mitie and Kress Launch One of the UK’s Largest Autonomous Mowing Deployments

July 15, 2026/in News, Press Release/by Admin

Mitie and Kress Launch One of the UK’s Largest Autonomous Mowing Deployments

Mitie and Kress have announced a strategic partnership that will see 24 autonomous Kress Voyager ‘mowbots’ deployed across customer sites throughout the UK, representing one of the largest investments of its kind within the facilities management and landscaping sector.

Mitie and Kress Launch One of the UK’s Largest Autonomous Mowing Deployments

The rollout combines Mitie’s landscaping expertise with Kress’ advanced autonomous mowing technology, creating a new model for grounds maintenance that blends intelligent automation with skilled human oversight.

Mitie colleagues are developing new digital capabilities as ‘Robot Pilots’, programming and managing the Kress ‘mowbots’ using digital tools to map sites, monitor performance and optimise operations in real time. Working alongside landscaping teams, the autonomous Kress Voyager units safely navigate sites using advanced AI and positioning technology, undertaking routine grass cutting operations throughout the day.

As fully electric machines, the Kress Voyager fleet supports both Mitie’s and Kress’ shared sustainability ambitions by producing zero direct emissions during operation. Unlike conventional petrol-powered mowing equipment, the Kress ‘mowbots’ operate entirely on battery power, helping improve air quality and reduce carbon emissions across customer estates. Battery-powered operation also eliminates the risk of fuel and oil spills, supporting cleaner and safer site management.

The autonomous Kress Voyager units are significantly quieter than traditional petrol machinery, making them particularly well suited to sensitive environments such as schools, healthcare facilities, corporate campuses and public spaces where noise reduction is important.

Beyond operational benefits, the ‘mowbots’ contribute to healthier and more sustainable grounds management. Through a process known as ‘grass cycling’, the robots mow little and often, naturally returning fine grass clippings back into the soil. This improves soil health, reduces reliance on fertilisers and helps create stronger, more resilient lawns.

Mitie and Kress Launch One of the UK’s Largest Autonomous Mowing Deployments

The deployment of the Kress Voyager fleet is the latest innovation within Mitie’s growing robotics programme, joining its successful cleaning robot (‘cobot’) initiatives, including the deployment of 32 autonomous cleaning robots at Heathrow Airport. Together, these technologies are supporting frontline colleagues, enhancing service delivery and helping customers achieve their sustainability goals:

Tim Howell, Managing Director, Landscaping, Mitie, said:

“This rollout marks an important step forward in how we deliver grounds maintenance services. Through our partnership with Kress, we are bringing innovative autonomous technology into our landscaping operations while creating new opportunities for colleagues to develop valuable digital skills as Robot Pilots. The Kress Voyager platform supports our commitment to sustainability through quieter, zero-emission operation, while allowing our teams to focus on higher-value landscaping activities.”

Spencer Funnell, Managing Director,Kress, said:

“We are delighted to partner with Mitie on this landmark deployment of Kress Voyager autonomous mowing technology. This collaboration demonstrates how robotics and AI can work alongside skilled landscaping professionals to transform grounds maintenance. By combining Mitie’s operational expertise with Kress’ autonomous technology, we are delivering a safer, more sustainable and highly efficient solution that benefits customers, colleagues and the environment alike.”

About Kress Voyager

The Kress Voyager is a fully autonomous commercial mowing platform designed for large-scale grounds maintenance applications. Combining advanced AI navigation, electric power and autonomous operation, Voyager helps organisations reduce operating costs, lower emissions and improve productivity while maintaining exceptional turf quality.

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

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Makita’s new battery charger offers plug-in productivity

July 14, 2026/in News, Press Release/by Admin

Makita’s new battery charger offers plug-in productivity

Makita has launched its latest compact battery charger, the DC18SJ, designed to give users greater flexibility and mobility when powering cordless tools. Compatible with Makita’s 14.4V and 18V LXT batteries, the DC18SJ utilises USB-C Power Deliver (USB-PD) technology, allowing charging to be performed from a wide range of suitable power sources.

Makita’s new battery charger offers plug-in productivity

The new battery charger provides a convenient solution for keeping batteries charged whilst on the move, in cars, vans, or on site and when using portable power banks. The charger is compatible with the full range of Makita 18V LXT batteries and uses a three-stage charging process when powered by either an AC or 12 volt DC in vehicle power supply. To operate, it requires a USB-PD cable source and power source capable of producing between 60W to 100W, which cannot be shared across other devices at the same time.

Thanks to the charger’s smart charging control, estimated charging time range from 27 minutes for the 1.5Ah batteries and up to 280 minutes for high capacity 12.0Ah batteries, depending on the available power. For example, when using a 12v DC socket in a van or car (ADP14 at PD 60W), the BL1860B 6Ah battery can be fully charged in 145 minutes.

Additionally, the charger has a status indicator, which displays three different colours dependant on the machine’s four conditions as follows: insufficient power (orange LED), standby with cooling (red LED), charging unavailable (red LED blinks) and charging (blue LED blinks before turning off when fully charged).

Kevin Brannigan, Marketing Manager at Makita UK said: “The new DC18SJ offers users a practical, versatile and efficient charging solution, making it a valuable addition to a professional toolkit. The charger is also available as part of the 1916H8-8 Power Source Kit LXT, which comes with the ADP14 Adapter with a PD Cable for added practicality.”

For more information, please visit: www.makitauk.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)

Mitie and Kress Launch One of the UK’s Largest Autonomous Mowing Deployments

Makita’s new battery charger offers plug-in productivity

Mitie and Kress Launch One of the UK’s Largest Autonomous Mowing Deployments

Makita’s new battery charger offers plug-in productivity

Full Sized Blog Element (Big Preview Pic)

Mitie and Kress Launch One of the UK’s Largest Autonomous Mowing Deployments

Mitie and Kress Launch One of the UK’s Largest Autonomous Mowing Deployments

Makita’s new battery charger offers plug-in productivity

Makita’s new battery charger offers plug-in productivity

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