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GKB Machines to make GroundsFest debut in 2026

July 28, 2026/in Events, News, Press Release/by Admin

GKB Machines to make GroundsFest debut in 2026 GKB Machines are set to make their GroundsFest debut this September, promising a showcase of robust maintenance solutions for natural and artificial surfaces on stand OSA80. Visitors can expect to see the newest addition to the aeration portfolio – the Deep Tine Aerator High Speed (HS) – […]

OAS delivers precision irrigation and better water efficiency

July 28, 2026/in News, Press Release/by Admin

OAS delivers precision irrigation and better water efficiency For Head Greenkeeper Stephen Leighton, the installation of a new Rain Bird irrigation system provided by Origin Amenity Solutions (OAS) has been transformative! Part of a course-wide redevelopment programme, the system is delivering unprecedented control over applications resulting in significant reductions in overall water usage and improvements […]

GKB Machines to make GroundsFest debut in 2026

July 28, 2026/in Events, News, Press Release/by Admin

OAS delivers precision irrigation and better water efficiency

July 28, 2026/in News, Press Release/by Admin

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GKB Machines to make GroundsFest debut in 2026

July 28, 2026/in Events, News, Press Release/by Admin

GKB Machines to make GroundsFest debut in 2026

GKB Machines are set to make their GroundsFest debut this September, promising a showcase of robust maintenance solutions for natural and artificial surfaces on stand OSA80. Visitors can expect to see the newest addition to the aeration portfolio – the Deep Tine Aerator High Speed (HS) – alongside a selection of brushing and cleaning equipment trusted by facilities around the country to keep synthetic surfaces in first-rate condition.

GKB Machines to make GroundsFest debut in 2026

The Deep Tine Aerator HS combines the very best of GKB precision engineering with simplicity of use and significantly enhanced speed of operation, helping turf managers to deliver all-important compaction relief while reducing surface downtime. Ideal for those working to increasingly time-sensitive schedules, the Deep Tine Aerator HS is available in 1.2m, 1.6m and 2.0m working widths and features a two-speed gearbox to effortlessly switch between slower, deep aeration to depths of 250mm (10”) and fast, shallow aeration in the top 100mm (4”) of the profile.

As with the regular Deep Tine Aerator, the High Speed model features front and rear rollers, optional hold-down plates for enhanced control and performance even on undulating terrain and a range of tine options to suit surface requirements around the maintenance calendar.

From the artificial portfolio, the recently redesigned GKB Deep Clean promises to be another stand highlight. The next generation synthetic cleaner was introduced in direct response to growing concern around microplastic pollution, featuring different sieve options and effective dust extraction system to suit different infill types and collect even the smallest contaminants and particles from artificial pitches.

As the name suggests, the Deep Clean penetrates deep into the infill layer to lift and return cleaned infill back into the surface – restoring the technical characteristics and delivering a cleaner, safer and more presentable pitch in just one pass.

With autumn renovations and preparations for winter on the cards, the GKB Technical Team will be on hand to answer all of your maintenance and machinery questions, so be sure to say hello when GroundsFest returns to Warwickshire’s Stoneleigh Park this September.

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OAS delivers precision irrigation and better water efficiency

July 28, 2026/in News, Press Release/by Admin

OAS delivers precision irrigation and better water efficiency

For Head Greenkeeper Stephen Leighton, the installation of a new Rain Bird irrigation system provided by Origin Amenity Solutions (OAS) has been transformative! Part of a course-wide redevelopment programme, the system is delivering unprecedented control over applications resulting in significant reductions in overall water usage and improvements in plant health.

OAS delivers precision irrigation and better water efficiency

The heathland-parkland course sits on a free-draining sandy soil, presenting challenges for Stephen and the team of five when it comes to maintaining turf quality through increasingly unpredictable weather conditions. This made the replacement of an aging and progressively unreliable irrigation system a priority. “I was racking up the hours monitoring the system in the evenings and found myself constantly battling breakdowns” he explains. “We evaluated the options and opted for a new Rain Bird system based on the reliability and flexibility it offered and the fantastic support and advice of Origin’s Greg Milton, Peter Robin and Angus Finlayson.”

Stephen continues, “One of the most significant differences and improvements has been the move from an outdated block system on the greens and single-row fairways, to valve in head Rain Bird 752IC and a double row of 952IC on fairways. This enables us to be much more precise with every application, adapting to wind strength and direction and limiting the amount of water thrown into heather and long roughs.”

“In numbers, this system and more efficient control has resulted in around a 50% reduction in our water usage. This is incredibly important for us not just from a sustainability standpoint but also in terms of plant health and the condition of our heather which is improving now that we can control the water more effectively and ensure it is not being overwatered.”

Making life even easier for Stephen and the team is the Rain Bird CirrusPro app, putting total control of the irrigation system in the palm of their hands. “OAS were selling this as the best software in the irrigation market and, having worked with it, I’d say that’s absolutely true! It makes monitoring so much quicker and easier, with any identified dry areas overcome with the touch of a button.”

Beyond the technology itself, Stephen credits the OAS team for making sure the project ran smoothly from concept to completion and beyond. “While I designed the system myself, Greg, Peter and Angus have all been fantastic at helping us to get the maximum out of the system.” He adds, “I must also give huge credit to my team here at Holme Hall for getting the system installed. It’s been a massive team effort and it’s great to already be reaping the rewards of all the hard work.”

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

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Half Sized Blog Element (Single Author Style)

Half Sized Blog Element (Multi Author Style)

GKB Machines to make GroundsFest debut in 2026

OAS delivers precision irrigation and better water efficiency

GKB Machines to make GroundsFest debut in 2026

OAS delivers precision irrigation and better water efficiency

Full Sized Blog Element (Big Preview Pic)

GKB Machines to make GroundsFest debut in 2026

GKB Machines to make GroundsFest debut in 2026

OAS delivers precision irrigation and better water efficiency

OAS delivers precision irrigation and better water efficiency

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