Tag Archive for: Mowing

The future of autonomous mowing

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The future of autonomous mowing: Leading specialist in battery-powered outdoor power equipment, EGO Power+, is launching ‘AURA-R2’, its next-generation, wire-free robotic mower range available from March this year. 

A unique entry to the domestic market, AURA-R2 features PATH IQTM intelligent navigation, EGO’s proprietary fusion navigation stack of three technologies that work together. The first, RTK GPS, provides absolute accuracy using satellite data and correction signals, VSLAM enables the mower to visually map and localise itself based on what it sees through its binocular camera and VIO enables the mower to track real-time movements using motion sensors for enhanced safety. Together, this fusion allows the AURA-R2 to operate with precision and reliability, moving in planned patterns, even in complex environments.

The future of autonomous mowing

The future of autonomous mowing

Equipped with AI vision for obstacle avoidance, the AURA-R2 is also capable of distinguishing between static and dynamic objects and adjusting its working plan accordingly, making it an ideal solution for families with small children or households with pets. The addition of built-in lights ensures effective obstacle detection even in low-light or night-time conditions, while a 180-degree front bumper adds an extra layer of protection in tight spaces.

Andrew Frohock, IoT Product Manager for EGO Power+, said: “The AURA-R2 range represents a major step forward in robotic mowing. By combining wire-free installation, our PATH IQTM navigation, advanced safety systems and deep user customisation, we are proud to be introducing such a high-precision, fully autonomous mowing solution that adapts effortlessly to the needs of modern gardens.

“AURA-R2 is designed to give customers their time back, whether that’s for other jobs in the garden or simply enjoying the weekend, while also improving lawn quality. And with regular mowing and mulching, it helps keep the lawn looking consistently neat and healthy. Designed with the user in mind, homeowners can manage their mowing schedule from anywhere and at any time, via the EGO Connect app. Users can also adjust mowing direction, cutting height, mowing modes, and customise lighting and voice settings to make it their trusted helper.”

The machine houses a simple screen interface to display battery level, mowing progress and connection status, with all controls being handled via the EGO Connect App. Security features include a user-defined PIN, GPS tracking, geofencing alerts and remote lock functionality to help deter theft and provide peace of mind.

The mower can receive its GPS positioning data either via a local RTK antenna installed on the property for precise navigation, or through EGO’s network RTK service, which removes the need for on-site antenna hardware and is ideal for users wanting to quickly self-install. However, this service is not available in all regions at launch. Once the RTK GPS is configured, users can map up to 40 mowing zones on their lawn.

Designed for domestic users with medium to large-sized lawns, the AURA-R2 range includes three models –the RMR1500E, the RMR3000E and the RMR6000E – and covers lawns of 1,500, 3,000 and 6,000 square metres respectively. Engineered to handle real-world garden challenges, the cutting height is electronically adjustable from 20–90mm in precise 5mm steps, while the advanced system of the PATH IQTM intelligent navigation allows the AURA-R2 to maintain an efficient working path across slopes with inclines of up to 50%.

To encourage turf health and appearance, grass clippings are finely mulched and returned to the lawn. All three models are IP66 rated, making them weather-resistant and easy to clean with a pressure washer, while a dedicated rain sensor allows the mower to automatically park during wet conditions.

With prices starting from £1,799, all AURA-R2 models feature fast charging and efficient coverage, capable of mowing up to 3,000m² within 24 hours.

To learn more visit: https://www.egorobotmowers.eu/en-gb

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Jacobsen GP400 transforms mowing routine

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Jacobsen GP400 transforms mowing routine: Fairways GM, the exclusive dealer of Jacobsen in Scotland, has supplied Aberfoyle Golf Club with a reconditioned Jacobsen GP400 greens mower, marking a new era of mowing for the club.

The long-serving two-person greenkeeping team will now be able to dramatically cut daily mowing time while maintaining the precise standard of cut they pride themselves on.

Jacobsen GP400 transforms mowing routine

Jacobsen GP400 transforms mowing routine

Greenkeepers Alan More and Dougie Steele, at the club for 30 and 28 years respectively, have long favoured Jacobsen mowers for their reliability and quality of finish.

Alan said:
“We’ve always used a Jacobsen greens mower because it gives a precise cut. We want the ‘Jake signature cut.’ We’ve mainly cut by hand in the past, but we know the GP400 can match that standard, so we feel confident going into next season. The machine is in the shed ready for spring when the grass starts to go again and the conditions are right.”

Until now, the pair hand-cut the greens four days a week — a routine that required six hours of combined effort each time. Under the new plan, three of those days will be taken over by the GP400, with only one day still hand-cut to maintain their preferred finish. This new approach gives the team back more than ten hours every week, a significant boost during the busiest months.

“That extra time makes a huge difference,” Alan said. “Summer days are so busy, so gaining those hours means we can stay ahead, tackle more jobs, and keep the course to the standard our members expect.”

Aberfoyle Golf Club sits at the foot of the Menteith Hills on the edge of Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park, with views stretching from Ben Lomond to Stirling Castle. The course is short but rewarding, known for its variety and character, and offers a scenic experience for its 200 members and many summer visitors.

Mike Lindsay, Area Sales Manager at Fairways GM, provided sales support and induction. Training.

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Smarter Mowing at Your Fingertips: Trimax Launches OptiAdjust

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Smarter Mowing at Your Fingertips: Trimax Launches OptiAdjust: Trimax Mowing Systems is set to unveil its latest innovation, OptiAdjust, at Saltex 2025 — a system designed to redefine mowing efficiency, safety, and precision. Developed as an evolution of the ever-popular Pegasus S5, the Trimax OptiAdjust system allows operators to change mowing heights between 10–80 mm without leaving the cab.

Using the intuitive Trimax Connect app, available for both Android and iOS devices, operators can make instant height adjustments from inside the tractor. The result is less downtime, greater accuracy, and improved presentation across every pass — whether maintaining sports fields, large estates, or municipal spaces.

Smarter Mowing at Your Fingertips: Trimax Launches OptiAdjust

Smarter Mowing at Your Fingertips: Trimax Launches OptiAdjust

“OptiAdjust takes everything operators love about the Pegasus S5 and makes it even smarter,” says Rikki Bown, Business Development Manager at Trimax.
“The ability to change cutting heights in seconds — from the seat of the tractor — is a real step forward in mower efficiency and ease of use.”

Precision and Productivity Combined

OptiAdjust brings measurable benefits across key areas of turf management:

  • Increased Productivity: Operators no longer need to stop and manually adjust the mower. This reduces downtime and allows for efficient coverage of large areas.
  • Enhanced Safety: Adjustments from within the cab reduce direct contact with the mower, minimising operator risk.
  • Quality Control: Automated height control ensures a precise, consistent cut for a cleaner, high-quality finish, eliminating the need for rework.
  • Smarter Mowing Management: With OptiAdjust, changing heights takes seconds rather than minutes, allowing operators to easily adapt to grass growth and presentation requirements for consistent results year-round.

Built on Proven Trimax Engineering

By combining the latest technology with Trimax’s renowned build quality and engineering, OptiAdjust represents a natural evolution in mower performance. The system not only enhances mowing efficiency but also supports turf health — making smaller, more frequent height changes during high-growth periods helps maintain turf quality and reduce disease risk.

OptiAdjust has been designed to integrate seamlessly with the Pegasus S5 platform, trusted by grounds professionals worldwide for its reliability and performance.

See It Live at Saltex 2025

Visitors to Saltex 2025 can see OptiAdjust in action on the Trimax stand H082, where the system will be demonstrated alongside the company’s trusted range of commercial rotary and flail mowers.

OptiAdjust is available as an optional feature on new Pegasus S5 models.

For more information, or to watch the system in action, visit:
https://trimaxmowers.co.uk/trimax-optiadjust/

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First club in UK invests in Toro robotic mowing

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First club in UK invests in Toro robotic mowing: Thonock Park in Lincolnshire is the first club in the UK to invest in Toro’s Turf Pro autonomous mowers.

Having made the decision to move to autonomous mowing at the beginning of the year, the club was introduced to Toro’s new Turf Pro mowers at the BTME launch and has subsequently purchased five from local Toro dealer, Russells Groundcare.

First club in UK invests in Toro robotic mowing

First club in UK invests in Toro robotic mowing

The five Turf Pro 500 mowers are being used to cut both fairways and rough of 18 of the club’s 36 holes. According to General Manager Benjamin Hatch: “Our robot mowers are now cutting the fairways and rough for 18 holes on the Thonock Park course, and we are exceptionally pleased with their quality of cut and the definition between fairway and rough grasses.”

Thonock Park and Russells have had two comprehensive training sessions post-install from Lee Rowbotham, GeoLink and Digital Specialist at Reesink UK.

Lee explains the process: “We were there at the point of delivery to install the chargers and base station. The mowers are blind out of the box, so training involves telling them everything they need to know, like where the charging station is, the route to the fairways, what the safe areas, and not safe areas are. And of course, for the team to understand the operation and the terminology involved.”

Once set up, Course Manager Rob Acheson was shown how to control all five mowers through the Smart App. Operation is something Lee likens to how irrigation sprinklers are controlled.

“They are controlled individually, one at a time, and can be set up in advance,” he says. “Just like you can set a sprinkler to come on at 5am, you can set the Turf Pros to start mowing at 10pm once everyone has gone home if you wish.”

This provides a big advantage in getting course maintenance ahead of play. All fairway mowing can be completed before the course opens, supported by “the almost non-existent noise levels” as confirmed by Benjamin.

Another added benefit of these mowers comes from how the club has been able to redefine the job requirements of the team and can guarantee all-year round value.

“Very importantly, these mowers have enabled us to reassign some of our skilled greenkeeping team to other tasks on the course that require more specialist work,” Benjamin says. “During the wetter months, we expect to keep using these mowers, when ordinarily we would struggle to use the much heavier diesel machines. All in all, it has been a very positive investment for us and one that we believe we will continue to benefit from year after year.”

Just as Reesink sees the value in providing dedicated support for this new technology with the new digital specialist role created for Lee, so too do Russells who have recruited two dedicated employees to demonstrate and install Russells’ autonomous mowing offerings to customers, including private properties, estates, schools, golf courses and other sporting venues.

Mark Willerton, Groundcare Sales Manager at Russells, says: “Russells see autonomous mowers as an important part of our future business, it’s something we’re investing heavily in with dedicated specialist staff and demonstration machines.

“Working alongside Thonock Park and Reesink to understand this next generation of mowing and how to maximise the potential and efficiency of the mowers has been a great learning experience. We look forward to continuing working with the team at Thonock Park to ensure they always have the best turfcare options available.”

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STIGA Celebrates Clean Air Day With Battery Mowing

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STIGA Celebrates Clean Air Day With Battery Mowing: As the prose from our STIGA gardening poet fan above explains, mowing your lawn should be a pleasure not a chore, and this Clean Air Day which falls on 19th June offers the perfect chance to present to you STIGA’s battery mowers.

At STIGA, we’re all about greener gardens and cleaner air. That’s why our battery-powered lawn care range is at the heart of everything we do. Whether you’re snipping, clipping, or going full robo-mow, our cordless tools and mowers are designed to deliver powerful performance with a softer environmental footprint.

STIGA Celebrates Clean Air Day With Battery Mowing

STIGA Celebrates Clean Air Day With Battery Mowing

Why Go Battery?

Because clean air starts at home – or rather, in your garden. Our battery-powered mowers and tools are:

  • Quiet (in fact, our robot mowers are the only ones with a Quiet Mark!)
  • Clean – zero emissions, zero hassle
  • Efficient – smart tech that saves energy while you mow

From compact walk-behinds to futuristic autonomous mowers, STIGA’s battery range brings sustainable lawn care into the spotlight. Sustainable lawn care comes in many forms, but the one at the forefront for the STIGA team is that of their battery range of lawn and gardening products. The cleanliness, quietness and efficiency of all of their cordless mowers and gardening tools aim to bring a more sensible and sustainable approach to lawn and garden care.

Twinclip 950e VR Cordless Walk-Behind

Want stripes? Power? Brains? The Twinclip 950e VR delivers it all. With dual 7.5 Ah batteries and a beefy 2.2 kW motor, it’s self-propelled perfection. The double-layered blade boosts cut and collection, while the rear roller leaves behind a lawn to be proud of. RRP £1129: Twinclip 950e VR

Robot Mowers

Sit back, relax, and let the robots do the work. STIGA’s wire-guided and autonomous robot mowers deliver a pristine lawn without lifting a finger. With prices ranging from £999 to £6199, there’s a bot for every garden: Robot Mowers

Swift Ride-On Mower

Small but mighty, this 48V battery-powered ride-on is perfect for lawns up to 3000 m². Compact and agile with tight turning, Swift makes mowing feel like a breeze – all on a single charge. Sync it with the STIGA App for real-time tips and even smarter mowing. RRP £3249: Swift

Visit www.stiga.com/uk/ to learn more and enjoy a cleaner mow!

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