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Bedford School Invests in Groundbreaking RM21

October 16, 2025/in Machinery, News, Press Release/by Admin

Bedford School Invests in Groundbreaking RM21: Bedford School has taken delivery of the revolutionary RM21 Combo Mower, marking a new chapter in sports surface maintenance at the prestigious independent school. The RM21 Combo Mower – now available in the UK and Ireland through an exclusive partnership between Agrovista Amenity and XDC Autonomous Solutions – is […]

Bernhard Academy powers ongoing growth

October 15, 2025/in News, Press Release/by Admin

Bernhard Academy powers ongoing growth: The Bernhard Academy, a leading centre of expertise for turf care education, has reinforced its reputation with two highly successful training events welcoming turf professionals from across the country. Established to advance both technical and management skills, the Academy plays a pivotal role in supporting the industry’s workforce and strengthening […]

Bedford School Invests in Groundbreaking RM21

October 16, 2025/in Machinery, News, Press Release/by Admin

Bernhard Academy powers ongoing growth

October 15, 2025/in News, Press Release/by Admin

Full Sized Blog Element (Big Preview Pic)

Bedford School Invests in Groundbreaking RM21

October 16, 2025/in Machinery, News, Press Release/by Admin

Bedford School Invests in Groundbreaking RM21: Bedford School has taken delivery of the revolutionary RM21 Combo Mower, marking a new chapter in sports surface maintenance at the prestigious independent school.

The RM21 Combo Mower – now available in the UK and Ireland through an exclusive partnership between Agrovista Amenity and XDC Autonomous Solutions – is a cutting-edge machine that combines line marking and mowing in a single autonomous unit. Unlike traditional robotic line markers or standalone mowers, the RM21 brings genuine multi-functionality to turf management, saving time and boosting productivity.

Bedford School Invests in Groundbreaking RM21

“We’re the new proud owner of the RM21,” says the school’s Head Groundsman George Mills. “For us, it’s the line marking capability that was the biggest selling point – but the fact that we’ve also got the mowing function gives us added flexibility, particularly during the wetter months when our pitches can be difficult to access with heavier equipment. We’ve even thought about using it on the lawns in summer to free up the gardeners for other jobs.”

Thanks to its modular design, the RM21 doesn’t just cut and mark. A growing range of interchangeable attachments – including a grass collector, automated dew brush and ball picker – make it a versatile, all-season solution. The school also plans to use the robot to mark running tracks, cricket boundaries, rugby and football pitches, tennis courts, and hockey fields across its sprawling grounds and neighbouring training facilities.

The RM21 is exclusively distributed in the UK and Ireland by XDC Autonomous Solutions, who also provide technical support, training, and service backup. Through a strategic collaboration, Agrovista Amenity has become the exclusive sales distributor – a move that proved pivotal for Bedford School.

“Honestly, what made my mind up was Agrovista becoming part of the fold. Having someone I know and trust – someone I can go to if there’s an issue – gave me the confidence to purchase outright rather than go down a lease route,” George explains. “They know I’m a good customer, and I know Agrovista Amenity will always be there if I need them.”

Agrovista’s national network of over 40 experienced representatives ensures the RM21 is well supported and promoted across the UK, while XDC’s technical expertise guarantees high-quality backup and training for users.

For George, the RM21 represents far more than a piece of kit. It’s another tool in the box from a supplier that’s become a trusted, all-encompassing resource.

“Agrovista have pretty much become a one-stop shop for us. Fertilisers, seed, sprinklers, fittings, hose pipes, robots – anything we need in our industry, they’ve got it. That’s a big advantage. It saves me time, reduces admin, and means I can spend more time doing what I enjoy – being out on the grounds, not stuck behind a desk.”

With sustainability also front of mind, the school is already exploring the wider benefits of battery-powered equipment across its estate. The RM21 fits well into that vision.

“We’re starting to look seriously at battery options across the board,” continues George.

“This robot is another step in that direction. It’s efficient, flexible and ultimately gives us time back to focus on detail and quality.”

As robotic technology continues to reshape the landscape of grounds management, the RM21 Combo Mower – backed by Agrovista Amenity and XDC – looks set to lead the charge.

For more information about Agrovista UK, visit www.agrovista.co.uk/amenity

For the latest industry news visit turfmatters.co.uk/news

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Bernhard Academy powers ongoing growth

October 15, 2025/in News, Press Release/by Admin

Bernhard Academy powers ongoing growth: The Bernhard Academy, a leading centre of expertise for turf care education, has reinforced its reputation with two highly successful training events welcoming turf professionals from across the country.

Established to advance both technical and management skills, the Academy plays a pivotal role in supporting the industry’s workforce and strengthening standards across all areas of golf and sports turf management.

Bernhard Academy powers ongoing growth

On 23 September, the Academy hosted its flagship Turf Equipment Technicians Conference, endorsed by the Turf Equipment Technicians Organisation (TETO). 23 technicians gathered for a full day of focused training and a behind-the-scenes tour of the Bernhard Company factory, gaining a unique insight into precision engineering in practice. The conference concluded with an inspiring session from James Breeze, who was recently selected to represent the Bernhard Academy as a volunteer technician at the 2025 US Open at Oakmont Country Club, sharing his experience of international collaboration in elite tournament preparation.

The following day saw the return of the popular Cutting Unit Set-Up and Sharpening Techniques course. The sold-out programme provided hands-on learning in one of the most critical aspects of turf maintenance, giving participants practical takeaways to apply immediately within their roles.

Sami Strutt, Education Director for the Bernhard Academy, commented: “The Bernhard Academy is about more than sharpening skills. It’s about preparing people at every level of the turf industry to meet the challenges of modern turf management. Whether it’s hands-on technical training or leadership development in operations and management, we want every delegate to leave us with knowledge they can put into practice right away.”

While the Bernhard Academy is renowned for its technical training, it also delivers a wide range of management programmes covering areas such as personnel, operations, and budgeting. These courses are designed not only for technicians and greenkeepers, but also for club managers and key stakeholders within golf businesses who want to strengthen leadership, improve decision-making, and maximise the long-term success of their venues.

Following the overwhelming demand for the latest technical course, turf professionals and club leaders alike are encouraged to secure their places early on upcoming Academy programmes to avoid missing out. For more information on future courses and events, visit: www.bernhardacademy.co.uk/courses.

The Bernhard Academy’s Education Director, Sami Strutt, also featured as a panellist at the 2025 Golf Business Expo. Strutt delivered a seminar for delegates about the challenges of attracting talented people to work in the golf industry, while also discussing the evolution of the Bernhard Academy.

To find out more about the Bernhard Academy, visit www.bernhardacademy.co.uk

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)

Bedford School Invests in Groundbreaking RM21

Bernhard Academy powers ongoing growth

Bedford School Invests in Groundbreaking RM21

Bernhard Academy powers ongoing growth

Full Sized Blog Element (Big Preview Pic)

Bedford School Invests in Groundbreaking RM21

Bedford School Invests in Groundbreaking RM21: Bedford School has taken delivery of the revolutionary RM21 Combo Mower, marking a new chapter in sports surface maintenance at the prestigious independent school.

Bernhard Academy powers ongoing growth

Bernhard Academy powers ongoing growth: The Bernhard Academy, a leading centre of expertise for turf care education, has reinforced its reputation with two highly successful training events welcoming turf professionals from across the country.

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