Tag Archive for: Equipment

Battery power becomes number one equipment choice

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Battery power becomes number one equipment choice: After five years of educating domestic and professional users on the environmental, health and performance benefits of battery-powered outdoor power equipment, EGO has now concluded its Challenge 2025 campaign with the release of a new whitepaper.  

Summarising years of research and awareness activity from EGO, the whitepaper also includes research from industry trade body, the European Garden Machinery Federation (EGMF). The data shows that between 2019 and 2024, the percentage of petrol-powered equipment in use across Europe fell from 36% to 24%. In sharp contrast, electric cordless equipment almost doubled in use, rising from 28% to 48%.

Battery power becomes number one equipment choice

Battery power becomes number one equipment choice

This is mirrored exactly in sales of new equipment, with electric cordless rising from 33% to 58%, and petrol falling from 40% to 26%.

Drawing on five years of campaign insights, field data, and market research, the whitepaper also explores results from emissions, noise and vibration testing from independent testing specialists, and evaluates whether EGO’s vision to establish battery power as the principal power source for outdoor power equipment, was reached.

Vince Brauns, Group Product Director, for EGO, said: “Our latest whitepaper shows clearly that our Challenge 2025 vision for battery power had a clear and significant impact on the industry. When we began the campaign, battery power was seen as a compromise. Users who had used petrol for decades; could not believe that this new technology could give them the power, performance or runtime that they were accustomed to, and all without the strong fumes, loud noise or high vibrations. With misconceptions at their highest, we decided that it was time to show users the impact that using petrol tools was having on themselves and the environment around them.”

Challenge 2025 was launched in 2020 with one goal in mind: to educate and empower change in domestic and professional outdoor power equipment users to make battery the principal power source and leave petrol in the past. The hope was that by educating users about the advantages of using battery-powered outdoor power equipment, EGO could dispel misconceptions, reduce emissions and noise pollution, and increase user comfort and safety.

All these things were achievable with the technology available in 2020; however, a lack of awareness about the harmful nature of petrol, combined with uninformed perceptions of battery power, meant that mindset was a barrier to change. But now, as technology continues to advance, and with calls from industry bodies such as the Climate Change Committee to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, it is clear the market is shifting in favour of cleaner, quieter and safer equipment.

Vince Brauns continues: “The campaign has enabled us to advocate for battery power in both the UK and European markets and has ultimately helped to reposition battery-powered tools from a niche alternative to a staple choice. While there is still a minority who will choose petrol-power over battery-power, due to the data-backed information we have shared over the past five years, the conversation has fundamentally changed.”

Working with specialist partners, this powerful and thought-provoking campaign commissioned market research to understand the attitudes and perceptions of over 1,200 outdoor power equipment users, evaluated the performance of petrol and battery-powered tools against noise, vibration and emissions, made Freedom of Information requests to understand the use of petrol tools by local authorities in Clean Air Zones and generated extensive press and social media coverage to heighten awareness.

While Challenge 2025 was successful in bringing battery power to the forefront of the industry, as the principal power source for outdoor power equipment, this is only the beginning of securing a cleaner future for generations to come.

The whitepaper, The Final Report: Battery-power, now charging ahead, is available to download at: https://egopowerplus.co.uk/about-ego/environmental-ethos/challenge-2025-final-report

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Tobermory Golf Club invests in new Jacobsen equipment

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Tobermory Golf Club invests in new Jacobsen equipment:  An island golf club with just 70 members has made a major investment to safeguard the condition of its much-loved nine-hole course. Tobermory Golf Club, a longstanding community hub on Mull, has purchased a new Jacobsen PGM 22 pedestrian greens mower and a caddy trailer to help its small volunteer-led team manage the steep hilltop layout.

The machines were sourced through Jacobsen’s Scottish dealer, Fairways GM at Inchinnan.

Tobermory Golf Club invests in new Jacobsen equipment

Tobermory Golf Club invests in new Jacobsen equipment

The investment comes as Greens Convener John Wilshire approaches a remarkable milestone — next May marks 50 years of working association with the club. Now semi-retired and working around 15 hours a week, he coordinates a small multi-skilled team who each contribute part-time hours to course upkeep.

“Our course sits on a hilltop and drains incredibly quickly, even after really heavy rain,” John Wilshire said. “Now we’re in mid-November, we’re cutting maybe twice a week at most, but in summer the workload is much higher.”

Multiple jobs are a way of life in Tobermory, and the greens team reflects that.

“Most of our greens mowing is done by one of our team who is also the local baker,” he added. “He’s in the bakery from 4.30am to 8.30am, then comes up to cut the greens. In summer that can be four or five times a week; at this time of year it’s about twice as the growth tails off.”

The PGM 22 will be used exclusively on the greens and supported by the club’s existing tees mower. The older greens mower remains as a backup, while a 20-year-old Jacobsen is still used after sanding to protect newer kit from abrasive conditions.

Fairways GM’s Area Sales Manager, Stuart Cameron demonstrated and delivered the new PGM 22 and caddy trailer, ensuring the team were confident with the setup ahead of next season.

The Jacobsen combination is expected to make day-to-day work on the slopes much easier when the 2026 cutting season begins.

“The new trailer makes it much simpler for anyone cutting the greens to load and unload the mower,” said John Wilshire. “Our previous trailer was higher and far less convenient — this one is like a little caddy.”

When the club later needed help, Service Manager Stewart Mulholland stepped in without delay.

“Service Manager Stewart Mulholland came over to the island to assist us,” John Wilshire said. “He cleared up a bit of confusion with the bottom blade and took us through the correct procedures.”

Still serving as Greens Convener, Club President and clubhouse caretaker, John has now stepped back from full-time duties. “I used to look after the whole course myself, but after reaching retirement age I now just do bits and pieces.”

Tobermory Golf Club continues to welcome members, visitors and golfers from around the world, drawn by its dramatic views over the Sound of Mull and its friendly welcome.

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Bernhard and Company unveils new 3000LV Equipment Lift

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Bernhard and Company unveils new 3000LV Equipment Lift: Bernhard and Company, a global leader in turf management solutions, is proud to announce the launch of the all-new 3000LV Equipment Lift, an essential new addition to its line-up of workshop machinery.

Designed to complement Bernhard’s renowned reel and bedknife grinding systems, the 3000LV is engineered to assist equipment managers, greenkeepers, and mechanics with the safe and efficient lifting and loading of cutting units.

Bernhard and Company unveils new 3000LV Equipment Lift

Bernhard and Company unveils new 3000LV Equipment Lift

This trusted dual-lift solution features a full-width rear tray that removes the need for ongoing adjustments once set up, streamlining daily workshop operations. With adjustable front wheel forks, the lift allows precise setup of cutting units, directly contributing to an improved quality of cut. Built for adaptability, the 3000LV Equipment Lift is compatible with a wide variety of turf maintenance equipment, including mowers without overhead beam obstructions, ensuring greater operational flexibility.

Commenting on the launch, Steven Nixon, Managing Director at Bernhard and Company, said: “The equipment lift 3000LV is a natural fit for our product family. It’s a practical, workshop-ready solution that adds real value to turf maintenance operations by improving safety, increasing efficiency, and ensuring precision when setting up cutting units. We’ve listened to the needs of our customers, and this lift is a direct response to making their daily work more manageable and their turf performance more consistent.”

By combining robust design with practical innovation, Bernhard and Company continues its commitment to helping turf professionals achieve peak equipment performance. The 3000LV Equipment Lift is now available through Bernhard and Company’s international distributor network.

For more information on the equipment lift 3000LV, visit: https://bernhard.co.uk/products/equipment-lift/

To learn more about Bernhard and Company and the turf technologies on offer, visit: https://bernhard.co.uk/turf-tech/

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Bernhard Academy launches Turf Equipment Technicians Conference

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Bernhard Academy launches Turf Equipment Technicians Conference: The Bernhard Academy is excited to announce the launch of its first-ever Turf Equipment Technicians Conference. The dedicated one-day event is designed to support and celebrate the vital role of turf equipment technicians, equipment managers, and professionals in greenkeeping and grounds maintenance.

Taking place on Tuesday, 23 September, at the Bernhard Academy located within Bernhard and Company’s manufacturing headquarters in Haverhill, this industry-focused conference is officially endorsed by the Turf Equipment Technicians Organisation (TETO) and aims to deliver specialist education and training tailored to the unique needs of turf equipment professionals.

Bernhard Academy launches Turf Equipment Technicians Conference

Bernhard Academy launches Turf Equipment Technicians Conference

Conference Programme Highlights

  • The importance of being sharp – A presentation by Steven Nixon, Managing Director of Bernhard and Company, highlighting the importance of education in supporting the dedication of turf professionals.
  • Cutting Unit Adjustment – Led by Stuart Hall, Customer Services Manager for Bernhard and Company, and former Equipment Manager, offering hands-on tips and techniques.
  • Electrics Fault-Finding Masterclass – Hosted by Barry Drennan, Programme Leader for Technical and Equipment Management at Bernhard Academy.
  • Effective Communication Techniques – An interactive session led by Phil Helmn, Programme Leader for Agronomy, Leadership, and Management.
  • Manufacturing Facility Tour – An inside look at the process behind Bernhard’s market-leading grinders.
  • 2025 US Open Insights – A special session with James Breeze, recipient of the Bernhard Academy Technical Support Volunteer Initiative, discussing his experiences at Oakmont Country Club in Pennsylvania, hosted by Phil Helmn.

Sami Strutt, Education Director at the Bernhard Academy emphasised the importance of education in industry growth: “At the Bernhard Academy, we’re committed to investing in professional development and working collaboratively to advance the turf industry. This conference not only provides vital training but also presents invaluable networking and shared learning opportunities.”

The TETO leadership team added: “We’re thrilled to see Bernhard Academy acknowledge the critical contribution of equipment technicians. This event underscores the value that skilled and educated team members bring to turf care. By endorsing this conference and encouraging our network of technicians to attend, we hope to establish this event as a regular fixture in the industry calendar.”

Steven Nixon, Managing Director at Bernhard and Company commented: “This conference presents a key milestone in our mission to build sustainable learning pathways. Skilled technicians are essential to delivering the elite-level surfaces expected in today’s sports world. It’s vital we continue attracting and training new talent to ensure the industry’s long-term success.”

All attendees will receive:

  • Voucher to complete an online Abrasive Wheel Certificate (IIRSM-certified, aligning with HSG 17 and the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974)
  • Certificate of Attendance
  • BIGGA CPD Credits

BIGGA members are eligible for £50 discount. To claim your code, email hello@bernhardacademy.co.uk with your name and membership number.

For more information, visit: https://bernhardacademy.co.uk/courses/turf-equipment-technicians-conference

To find out more about the wide range of agronomy, technical, mechanical, and leadership programmes on offer at the Bernhard Academy, visit: www.bernhardacademy.co.uk

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ELIET expansion of battery powered equipment

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ELIET expansion of battery powered equipment: Leading Belgium manufacturer ELIET have announced an expanded range of battery equipment powered by EGO.

Following the successful launch of the industry’s first battery powered shredder around 12 months ago ELIET have been working tirelessly on the impressive extended e-power range, which was previewed at Demopark where all products were available to view and attracted much attention and interest.

ELIET expansion of battery powered equipment

ELIET expansion of battery powered equipment

As a leading innovative manufacturer, developing their ‘green’ credentials remains top of the agenda and their climate goals.  With the phasing out of fossil fuels and a transition to electric drives, as part of this philosophy, ELIET were one of the first in the industry to take the lead in electrifying its range of machines launching a technical partnership with EGO Power, the leading manufacturer of battery solutions. The result is an extensive product range of e-power battery-powered machines at the forefront of innovation. From this partnership, ELIET can leverage this experience and know-how to implement best-in-class Li-ion battery technology in its machines.

Benefits of battery powered equipment include:

  • Zero emissions
  • Reduced hand vibrations
  • No noise pollutions
  • Savings on fuel, oil, filters and more

The impressive new e-power range is in keeping with the ELIET DNA of high-performing, robust machinery and includes:

  • Traditional scarifyers
  • Self-propelled scarifyers
  • Lawn edgers
  • Blowers
  • Green waste shredders

All the e-power machines will be showcased at Groundsfest by UK distributor PSD on the 19th & 20th September, at Stoneleigh Park and availability planned for 2024.

Always at the forefront of innovation, ELIET are in the final stages of electrification of a larger green waste shredder, with the preview of the battery powered Prof6, the very first self-propelled shredder that is battery powered by Vanguard battery and one of the first applications of Vanguard Batteries in this field.

In 1994, ELIET was the first to revolutionize the market with this new “self-propelled” concept, creating added value for landscapers and in 1998, they were the first to introduce a shredder with track drive, improving accessibility to challenging areas to shred on site.  Almost 30 years later, ELIET continue this passion for innovation, making that self-propelled shredding solution completely environmentally friendly and emission free.

World-renowned manufacturer ELIET are based in Belgium and manufacture an extensive range of groundscare and landscaping solutions. Whether you are looking to deal with overgrown vegetation and trees and reprocess the waste with a green waste shredder, or to create or maintain the perfect lawn, there is a solution for you. All ELIETmachines are made with precision engineering, ensuring simple, effective products of the highest quality.

PSD Groundscare is the exclusive UK distributor of niche specialist landscaping equipment, with an extensive range of products from market-leading names and innovative manufacturers including Canycom, EcoTech, ELIET, Grin, Koppl and Stella.

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