Tag Archive for: Ground

STIGA Hits the Ground Running with RFU Partnership

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STIGA Hits the Ground Running with RFU Partnership: The STIGA team have been hard at work delivering innovative ground-care solutions to rugby clubs across England, following its appointment as Official Groundskeeping Partner of England’s Rugby Football Union (RFU).

The multi-year partnership with the RFU underlines STIGA’s commitment to taking the pressure off volunteers and grounds teams, while helping to create world-class playing surfaces at every level of the game, from grassroots to the elite.

STIGA Hits the Ground Running with RFU Partnership

STIGA Hits the Ground Running with RFU Partnership

As part of the agreement, STIGA has already begun rolling out equipment to clubs and sports facilities nationwide. From England Rugby training centres to local community pitches, the garden care brand is supporting the upkeep of green spaces across the country.

Clubs have welcomed STIGA’s cutting-edge autonomous robot mowers and battery-powered equipment, designed to help deliver professional-quality results with minimal effort. Early feedback from clubs has been overwhelmingly positive:

“We are really excited to be part of this initiative.”

“Thank you for giving us the opportunity to use your robot mowers.”

“We’re looking forward to seeing what this super kit can do.”

Further demonstrating its commitment to the wider rugby community, STIGA has also launched an exclusive discount programme for all England Rugby clubs, players and members, available via stiga.com. A portion of proceeds from these purchases will be reinvested directly back into the RFU community, reinforcing STIGA’s mission to support rugby from the ground up.

This landmark partnership strengthens STIGA’s growing presence in the sports sector and builds on existing collaborations with leading clubs across Europe, including Stade Toulousain in France, Bayer 04 Leverkusen in Germany, Benetton Rugby in Italy and Lech Poznań in Poland. With more than 90 years of lawn-care expertise, STIGA continues to expand its footprint in the professional sports market, helping pitches perform at their very best, match after match.

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STIGA Breaks New Ground at GroundsFest

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STIGA Breaks New Ground at GroundsFest: STIGA the world’s leading manufacturer of garden care equipment, announces its attendance at GroundsFest 2025, the leading B2B trade show for the grounds management and landscaping industry.

STIGA will be using its presence at the show to reaffirm the core values that have long driven its vision of shaping the future of garden care: technological innovation, sustainable gardening and the continuous evolution of the user experience.

STIGA Breaks New Ground at GroundsFest

STIGA Breaks New Ground at GroundsFest

There will be an opportunity for visitors to preview some of the solutions currently under development in the field of autonomous robotics and battery-powered technologies for lawn mowers, which will be officially launched during 2026. These include the latest innovations in STIGA’s electric range and the new ePowerPro battery system, which further reinforce the brand’s strategic focus on sustainable gardening, enabling eco-conscious outdoor maintenance without compromising on performance. In addition, STIGA announces its entry into the professional segment, a natural extension for a brand with more than 90 years of experience in lawn care and a pioneer of the “shift to electric” in the gardening industry.

“Gardening is undergoing a profound transformation: it is no longer just about tools, but about smart, sustainable experiences tailored to every need. At GroundsFest 2025, we want to share our vision of the future, through innovation, cutting-edge robotics and other new products” – commented Amanda Kincaid, Marketing Manager of STIGA UK. “Our entry into the professional segment is a natural step in this direction, a strong statement of our ambition and responsibility to the outdoors of tomorrow.”

STIGA Robots: now also with intelligent camera

Among the new features in the spotlight is a first look at the evolution of STIGA’s autonomous robots, which now integrate an intelligent camera. This new camera complements an already fully on-board technology set, comprising GPS-based RTK navigation, Active Guidance System (AGS) and obstacle-detection sensors, as well as more than 45 registered patents, while further improving the robot’s established performance in terms of efficiency and accuracy.

STIGA is currently the only brand on the market to offer a machine package that already incorporates all these advanced technologies as standard, fully aligned with its mission to simplify garden care and give users more time to truly enjoy their outdoor spaces.

STIGA enters the Professional segment

STIGA will be debuting soon into the professional marketplace, a strategic move supported by new investments in research and development, technical support and a dedicated sales network. New products designed for professionals in the maintenance of large-area greenery include:

  • Large Format Robot: autonomous robot for very large areas, full suite of object detection & proximity sensors, integrated camera, and unlimited operational capacity.
  • STIGA ePark Pro: On the 50th anniversary of STIGA’s iconic Park, the ePark Pro is the first full-electric front mower, with digital controls, ergonomic design and everything just a click away.
  • ePower Battery Pro: An evolution of STIGA’s proprietary ePower technology, this removable battery is designed to meet large area cutting needs, ensuring unlimited work capacity for a superior performance.

Rooted in a tradition of being ‘greenfingered engineers with the heart of gardeners’,  STIGA blends technological excellence with a deep passion for landscaping and a strong commitment to sustainable gardening. This enduring philosophy drives the company’s innovation, guiding every step of the development process to deliver solutions that are not only high-performing and reliable but also environmentally responsible, making garden care simpler, more efficient and ultimately more rewarding.

Visitors to GroundsFest 2025 will have the chance to experience this vision in action. At the STIGA stand, they can attend live demonstrations of the latest innovations, take part in prize contests, and engage directly with members of STIGA’s management team.

Registration is FREE, it is not too late to register.  www.groundfest.com

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Kubota supports continued growth for Southern Ground Care

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Kubota supports continued growth for Southern Ground Care: As demand grows, and implements get bigger and better, as does the fleet of Kubota tractors for sports turf maintenance company Southern Ground Care.

Established in 2012 by Keith Petley, later joined by his son Lewis Petley, the reliability and ease of operation has seen the company loyal to the brand from the outset – now with an L2-602, two L2-622’s and most recently an M6-131 joining the pack to provide the power to operations at schools, football and cricket clubs along the south coast.

Kubota supports continued growth for Southern Ground Care

Kubota supports continued growth for Southern Ground Care

After working in transport for nearly 40 years, Keith made the break to something new in 2012, helping with the maintenance at a local cricket club in a volunteer capacity. It was here he purchased his first compact tractor from Kubota’s B-Series and the rest, as they say, was history! “Over the years we’ve had a B3030, then progressed to two STV40’s and an ST401 with a cab. Kubota has been the backbone for everything we offer and as we’ve branched into new sports and new operations, our Kubota fleet has grown accordingly” Keith says.

“We currently have three tractors from Kubota’s L-Series which give us the ideal power to weight ratio for the vast majority of implements we use from general maintenance to end-of-season renovations on football and cricket pitches. These have given us outstanding reliability and are intuitive and comfortable to operate.”

The latest delivery made by local dealer Rod Gaskin in July 2024, was a M6-131 equipped with turf tyres. Lewis explains, “We found ourselves hiring an M5 when we needed to utilise the heavier kit which was inconvenient compared to having our own higher HP tractor that we could use as and when required. The turf tyres on our M6 spread the weight really well, avoiding unnecessary compaction and we find the tread is not too aggressive even when working on slightly softer ground.”

With workload ramping up, the team have also invested in GPS systems for all four tractors to optimise efficiency. “We thought it would be good for spraying but we’ve reaped the benefits of it with nearly everything we do! It speeds up the operations, improves the accuracy for operations like seeding, aeration and even mowing, and means that less experienced members of the team can go into every task with confidence.”

“We’re also assisted by the fantastic team at Rod Gaskin who are quick to offer us help and support, together with taking care of our routine servicing to avoid any costly downtime. The back-up with Kubota is second to none” he adds.

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Suståne improving disease resistance from the ground up

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Suståne improving disease resistance from the ground up: The combination of Suståne 5-2-4 and 5-2-10+Fe is providing the perfect platform for a switch to finer grass species at Ely City Golf Club.

Looking to improve disease resistance from the ground up is Course Manager Alan Magee, who explains how the tried and tested programme from Suståne is the ideal base feed for encouraging bent grass to flourish on the greens at the parkland club.

Suståne improving disease resistance from the ground up

Suståne improving disease resistance from the ground up

Ely City is regarded as one of the finest courses in East Anglia, located on the outskirts of Cambridge and delivering a challenging but picturesque 18-holes of mature parkland. Assisted by a team of five, Alan has been at the club for the last two and a half years. “With the ongoing reduction in chemicals and the drive towards more sustainable practices, as greenkeepers, we’re having to tackle the issue of disease management in new ways – for me, that’s looking at how we can increase our tolerance with better, more resilient, grass species” he explains.

No stranger to Suståne, Alan has been a longstanding user of their 5-2-4 all natural slow-release nitrogen fertiliser at his previous club in Dorset. “The 5-2-4 is really the building block for the rest of our inputs. We apply this at eight-week intervals from the spring onwards, with complimentary liquid feeds put down as and when required.”

The original Suståne formula, 5-2-4 promotes enhanced disease suppression and quick green up, without excessive growth. Suitable for most turfgrass environments, Suståne 5-2-4 increases the soils’ ability to hold water and nutrients, improving suppression of plant pathogens and strengthening the plant’s tolerance again heat, drought and other environmental stress factors. “This product is a fantastic spring starter, getting us moving and providing all the nutrients we need to support bentgrass and strengthen our greens ahead of a busy playing season.”

“For some extra oomph, we use the 5-2-10+Fe every eight weeks from July onwards as we begin to prepare the surfaces for winter” Alan adds. With its 1:2 N to K ratio, Suståne 5-2-10+Fe aids plant hydration and disease suppression, also enhancing chlorophyll production for outstanding turf colour without excessive top growth.

“This combination gives us great consistency and the versatility to adapt to surface requirements depending on the weather.” He continues, “As we pursue a bigger bent population in our greens, I’m a firm believer that if we get the biology right in the soil, the rest of our programme will fall into place. Both the surfaces and the players will hopefully be thanking us as a result!”

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Powering Sustainability at Paddington Recreation Ground

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Powering Sustainability at Paddington Recreation Ground: Paddington Recreation Ground, in the City of Westminster, has long been a cherished haven for Londoners, offering 27 acres of greenery and diverse amenities since its inception in 1888. Drawing over 2 million visitors annually, this historic parkland boasts a rich tapestry of sports facilities, gardens, and leisure spaces.

To ensure its upkeep and to meet the evolving demands of sustainability, Westminster Council, in collaboration with its leisure contractor Everyone Active, has embarked on a transformative journey, propelled by innovative solutions like the Avant e6 Electric Multi-Functional Loader.

Powering Sustainability at Paddington Recreation Ground

Powering Sustainability at Paddington Recreation Ground

Overseeing the maintenance of the park is Stephen Scott, who has dedicated 12 years to Paddington Recreation Ground, starting from a gardener and ascending to the role of Landscape and Security Manager. He leads a team of 8 landscapers, ensuring the park remains a meticulously kept green space amidst busy urban life. “It is a truly wonderful place and that is why I have been here so long,” he says. “We are fortunate that the site gets a lot of investment from Westminster Council, so it is always improving.”

The decision to integrate electric machinery aligns with Westminster Council’s commitment to environmental stewardship. Stephen notes, “Westminster Council is keen to move our petrol machinery over to electric machinery,” highlighting a shift towards a greener, more sustainable approach. This transition has seen remarkable progress, with Stephen proudly stating, “We were at 20% electric back in 2019, now we are 86% electric in terms of our equipment.”

Central to this transformation is the Avant e6 Electric Multi-Functional Loader, a pioneering solution that combines power, versatility, and eco-friendliness. Powered by a 13.8 kWh lithium-ion battery, the e6 boasts impressive performance metrics, including a 2.8m lift height and a 900kg lift capacity. Its silent operation and zero emissions make it an ideal fit for urban environments like Paddington Recreation Ground.

Stephen recounts the introduction of the Avant e6 to their arsenal of equipment with enthusiasm, emphasising its seamless integration into their daily operations. “We’ve had the Avant e6 since 2021 and it has been a Godsend ever since,” he exclaims. From green waste disposal to heavy deliveries, the e6 has proven its versatility time and again.

Simon Carrig, one of the Landscape Gardeners at Paddington Recreation Ground, attests to the e6’s reliability and ease of use. “It is used every day without fail,” Simon remarks, highlighting its indispensable role in their daily routines. With attachments ranging from buckets to claws, the e6 seamlessly adapts to various tasks, enhancing efficiency and productivity.

“When it comes to battery-life we are able to get all our jobs done throughout the day on one charge,” Simon continues. “The inside of the cab is very comfortable, and it is good in the winter because it has a heated seat.”

Simon also emphasises the e6’s performance, noting its robustness and agility. “I have put it to the test believe me,” he asserts, reflecting on its ability to lift heavy items and navigate tight spaces with ease. Furthermore, its low maintenance requirements and reduced noise emissions contribute to a more favourable working environment.

Ian Royston from Farol, a trusted supplier of groundcare equipment, was instrumental in Paddington Recreation Ground’s purchase of the Avant e6. Stephen commends Ian’s support, stating, “Ian has been supplying equipment to us for years. He first introduced us to the Avant e6, brought it in for a demonstration and we have not looked back since. It is always a great service from Ian and Farol.”

As Paddington Recreation Ground continues to evolve, the Avant e6 Electric Multi-Functional Loader stands as a testament to the power of innovation in driving sustainable progress. With its eco-friendly design and unparalleled versatility, it has become an indispensable asset in maintaining the park’s pristine beauty while reducing its environmental footprint.

For more information, please visit www.avanttecno.com/uk

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