Tag Archive for: Expands

Replay expands UK operations with Kubota FC3-221e Fleet

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Replay expands UK operations with Kubota FC3-221e Fleet: One of the UK’s leading synthetic surface maintenance specialists has further strengthened its operation with the addition of five Kubota FC3-221e units, equipped with an out-front artificial brush.

Emerging from the pandemic with rapid growth and new investment, Replay Maintenance are now well placed to service the needs of close to 1,000 facilities nationwide – with the functionality and efficiency of the new Kubota fleet continuing a legacy of more than two decades of reliable service from their Gianni Ferrari units.

Replay expands UK operations with Kubota FC3-221e Fleet

Replay expands UK operations with Kubota FC3-221e Fleet

With customers ranging from schools and universities, MOD bases, leisure centres and private sports venues, Replay have doubled their workforce since 2020 as the company continues to secure major contracts throughout the UK. “Over the years we’ve learned exactly what we need from our equipment, to keep the growing operation working effectively” explains Managing Director Nick Harris. “Our machines need to be powerful enough to perform, but light and portable enough to transport easily and simple to operate enabling our field teams to work independently.”

Replay found a perfect match with Gianni Ferrari units but welcomed Kubota’s acquisition and subtle evolution of the product line – with the five Kubota FC3-221e machines working as part of a total fleet of 16. Working closely alongside Kubota’s product development team, the FC3-221e’s have been adapted to fully meet the needs of the artificial market, ensuring Replay keep operational consistency across the fleet, avoiding retraining of staff and ensuring a seamless transition for customers.

“Kubota really listened to our feedback to make sure the FC3-221e’s tick every box for us. They’re reliable, efficient and robust enough for the daily cleaning, decompacting, brushing and infill-redistribution on sand-filled, sand-dressed and 3G pitches” Nick says. “The new units retain all the same important performance characteristics, with the added bonus of some adaptations to make for a more comfortable ride and visually more attractive machine.”

With demand high, the plan is to renew more machines over the coming years, with the Kubota FC3’s central to the growth of Replay’s new localised, regional hub strategy. In addition to their core maintenance offering, new services such as their ‘Lift and Recycle’ programme are leading the industry in a sustainable, ‘cradle to grave’ approach. “With innovation, investment and Kubota technology, we’re in a fantastic position to continue setting the benchmark for synthetic surface management in the UK.”

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Bunker Solution Expands Internationally

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Bunker Solution Expands Internationally: Bunker Solution, the fast-growing bunker liner system that’s helped courses across North America achieve better playability and reduced maintenance costs, is now available in Europe, the Middle East and other global golf markets.

“We’ve had a ton of interest from clubs around the world that are doing renovations, so we decided the time was right to expand our distribution,” said CEO Kevin Clark. “It’s a great fit for a global golf market that faces tough labor challenges and high expectations for bunker quality.”

Bunker Solution Expands Internationally

Bunker Solution Expands Internationally

Long-time golf industry executive Anthony Mocklow has joined the Bunker Solution team as their International Sales Director. “I’m really excited to share this technology with facilities in Europe, the Middle East and elsewhere that desperately need better bunker performance,” he said.

Mocklow brings extensive knowledge of golf facilities and trends around the globe. “We’re seeing more clubs updating and remodeling their courses and Bunker Solution is exactly the right option for many of them. It’s a great fit for today’s market because labor is a huge challenge everywhere as is the demand for excellent playability.”

The patented Bunker Solution lining system was developed by Clark two decades ago when he was a Texas superintendent seeking better bunker construction methods. The system uses a liner that’s similar to synthetic turf. Bunker Solution prevents contamination, dramatically reduces washouts, holds sand on faces, eliminates the need for gravel, requires less sand, and doesn’t cause perched water tables. The system is now being used widely in the United States and Canada as the course remodeling and renovation market has grown over the past decade.

Learn more about the system at bunkersolution.com or contact our team at:

Kevin Clark (Headquarters): kevin@bunkersolution.com

Morris Johnson (North American Sales): morris@bunkersolution.com

Anthony Mocklow (International Sales): anthony@bunkersolution.com

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turfRad Expands Across the Middle East

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turfRad Expands Across the Middle East: Over the past year, interest in turfRad technology has grown steadily across the Middle East. Turf managers in the region work in some of the most demanding conditions anywhere in the world – extreme heat, sand-based construction, reclaimed or variable-quality irrigation water, salinity pressures, and year-round playability expectations. In this environment, precision irrigation isn’t a luxury; it’s a necessity.

Working closely with Delta Turf Care, our trusted distribution partner, turfRad has been introduced to leading clubs, evaluated in real-world conditions, and discussed widely at regional industry events. The response has been exceptionally positive, and momentum across the UAE, Oman, Bahrain and Saudi Arabia continues to build.

turfRad Expands Across the Middle East

turfRad Expands Across the Middle East

A Region Ready for Smarter Moisture Management

Across the Middle East, superintendents manage rapidly drying sand profiles, high evapotranspiration, and persistent microclimate variation – sometimes within the span of a single fairway. With rising expectations around sustainability and water efficiency, many teams are seeking tools that offer continuous, data-driven insight rather than periodic snapshots.

turfRad’s ability to deliver live, high-resolution moisture and temperature data has resonated strongly in this context, providing clarity where guesswork is costly and confidence where water savings are essential.

Demo Installations Across the UAE

Through ongoing collaboration with Delta Turf Care, multiple clubs in the Middle East have installed turfRad demo units to evaluate the system under their own agronomic conditions.

While project details vary, the primary goals across these sites include:

  • Improving moisture uniformity across high-profile, high-traffic surfaces
  • Supporting sustainability initiatives and optimizing water use
  • Identifying and resolving localized problem areas where traditional irrigation adjustments fall short
  • Strengthening day-to-day consistency with high-density moisture mapping

Each demo has provided valuable insight into how moisture varies across greens, approaches, and fairways – and how turfRad can support more informed, proactive irrigation decisions.

Expanding Into Saudi Arabia

turfRad has now entered its first phase of testing in Saudi Arabia, including a new installation currently being tested on a championship-level site. Interest across the region continues to grow, with additional demonstrations planned as new projects are looking for ways to improve sustainability and surface performance in highly challenging climates.

Industry Engagement Across Dubai

Recent months have also included participation in regional meetings and turf industry gatherings, where turfRad’s data-driven approach has sparked strong discussions around:

  • smarter use of limited water resources
  • improved surface consistency
  • the role of high-density moisture mapping in modern agronomy
  • Regional pressure to preserve water usage and the push for sustainability.

These conversations continue to broaden awareness and highlight how moisture data can help teams make faster, more confident agronomic decisions.

Partner Spotlight: Delta Turf Care

None of this progress would be possible without the commitment and expertise of Delta Turf Care. Their team has been instrumental in:

  • coordinating demo logistics and introducing turfRad to key decision-makers
  • providing on-the-ground technical support
  • advocating for better moisture management across the region

Their credibility in the turf industry throughout the Middle East has laid a strong foundation for turfRad’s growing presence.

This diversity is exactly what makes the turfRad journey so compelling. No two conversations are the same, and with each demo we uncover new opportunities to understand turf performance in ways that were never possible before.

“What has stood out most for me throughout these demonstrations is the consistent sense of excitement at every installation. From the moment the first moisture maps and data sets appear on the screen, there is an immediate spark of curiosity and engagement. The discussions that follow are always unique – because every golf course is different, every irrigation system is different, and every turf team has its own challenges and insights. The support we have been receiving from the turfRad team has been exceptional. We could tell from day 1 that they were extremely passionate about the product, which gave us full confidence to partner.”

– Marinus Koekemoer, Reginal Manager UAE, Ohman, Bahrain, KSA 

Looking Ahead

It’s clear that water efficiency, surface consistency, and predictable day-to-day performance are top priorities for superintendents across the Middle East, and turfRad fits directly into that mission.

With more demos underway in the UAE and Saudi Arabia, additional trials scheduled in early 2026, and new conversations opening across the GCC, this is just the beginning.

The Middle East is ready for data-driven turf management.
And turfRad is ready to support the region’s agronomy teams with the insights they need to succeed.

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STIHL expands PPE range for safe forestry work

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STIHL expands PPE range for safe forestry work: STIHL has introduced a range of new additions to its professional personal protective equipment, designed to deliver outstanding comfort, protection, and mobility for forestry workers and arborists. 

Spanning the FUNCTION, DYNAMIC and ADVANCE collections, the latest additions combine durable materials, ergonomic designs and high-visibility details to ensure users stay safe and comfortable in all conditions.

STIHL expands PPE range for safe forestry work

STIHL expands PPE range for safe forestry work

FUNCTION 

STIHL’s FUNCTION range introduces the CORE collection, a water-repellent jacket and chainsaw trousers, designed for occasional chainsaw users.

The new FUNCTION CORE Chainsaw Trousers feature Design A, Class 1 classification, protecting against chain speeds of up to 20m per second. They are available in a regular fit and two-way stretch material for maximum comfort.

The new FUNCTION CORE trousers pair with the FUNCTION CORE Jacket, which is new to the same range. Providing market-leading durability, the design offers a relaxed fit, with lightweight and tear-resistant polyester. Black stretch fabric adorns its elbow and side areas for maximum comfort.

The range is complemented by the new FUNCTION Active Chainsaw Boot, which also provides Class 1 cut protection and EN 20345 S3 certification.

DYNAMIC 

Available in three variations, the new DuroTEC Cut Protection Trousers can be purchased with Class 1 or 2 protection levels and in Design A and C offerings, providing a suitable option for professionals facing a range of working conditions.

All versions offer a regular fit and stretch zones, with a water-repellent finish and kidney protection for maximum comfort. They also feature waterproofing at the lower part of the leg and provide robust abrasion protection.

To match, the DYNAMIC DuroTEC Jacket is durable and flexible. Like the trousers, the garment boasts a water-repellent finish and features abrasion-resistant zones. For added comfort, the jacket also offers four-way stretch material and ventilation openings.

ADVANCE 

New to STIHL’s premium ADVANCE PPE range, designed for professionals who need high-performance protective clothing, are the ShellTEC Jacket and ADVANCE FlexTEC trousers.

Offering a slimmer fit compared to the DYNAMIC and FUNCTION ranges, the ADVANCE FlexTEC trousers are Class 1 certified and are available in Design A and Design C.

With tick protection around the ankles, plus robust, waterproof and thorn-resistant fabrics around the knees and lower legs, the designs offer an ergonomic fit and breathable comfort. All with advanced four-way stretch zones and kidney protection.

The perfectly matched ShellTEC Jacket is a lightweight and durable option, with wind and waterproofing in strategic places. Its ergonomic fit, integrated stretch zones, and ventilation openings combine to offer freedom of movement and maximum comfort.

All trousers across the new FUNCTION, DYNAMIC, and ADVANCE ranges offer multiple pockets, waistband loops for attachment to braces, and are made from recycled material. STIHL’s range of jackets feature Velcro at the cuffs and a smartphone pocket on the chest as standard.

For more information on STIHL’s PPE ranges, visit www.stihl.co.uk or contact your nearest STIHL Approved Dealer.

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Sharrocks Expands Golf & Sports Turf Offering

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Sharrocks Expands Golf & Sports Turf Offering: Sharrocks, a leading supplier of groundcare machinery, is proud to announce a new partnership with GKB Machinery, becoming the official dealer for Staffordshire and Shropshire.

GKB Machinery, renowned for its high-performance, Dutch-engineered turf equipment, offers an extensive portfolio of professional machines, including scarifiers, top dressers, aerators, and brushing systems. Trusted by turf professionals across Europe, GKB serves key sectors such as sports turf, golf, landscaping, and local authorities.

Sharrocks Expands Golf & Sports Turf Offering

Sharrocks Expands Golf & Sports Turf Offering

This new dealership agreement gives customers across the Midlands direct access to GKB’s full product range, supported by Sharrocks’ established reputation for expert advice, technical support, and dependable aftersales care. The collaboration further strengthens Sharrocks’ expanding portfolio of premium turf brands and reinforces its commitment to delivering cutting-edge solutions for turf professionals.

“We’re delighted to be partnering with GKB Machinery,” said Adrian Dodd, Sales Director at Sharrocks. “Their innovative and reliable equipment aligns perfectly with the needs of our customers and our dedication to supplying robust, high-quality solutions for the professional groundcare sector.”

Founded in 1956, Sharrocks is a family-run business based in Wigan, known for delivering industry-leading groundcare equipment and support to contractors, sports clubs, estates, schools, and local authorities. With a strong heritage, deep technical knowledge, and a reputation for responsive customer service, Sharrocks remains a trusted partner in the UK groundcare market.

GKB Machinery continues to lead through precision engineering, sustainability, and performance, with machines designed in collaboration with turf professionals and built to the highest standards in the Netherlands.

For more information, visit www.sharrock.co.uk or call 01477 500700.

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