Tag Archive for: Perfect

FSI B31-980 REMOTE proves the perfect fit for NOMA

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FSI B31-980 REMOTE proves the perfect fit for NOMA: When working in domestic gardens and areas with restricted access you quickly learn that, when it comes to equipment, size matters! For Liam Simpson, Director of NOMA, finding the right stump grinder wasn’t about getting the biggest machine – it was about getting the right one, and the FSI B31-980 REMOTE has proven to be a match for every challenge.

Having founded NOMA Property Services several years ago, Liam built the business from property maintenance into waste removal before expanding into tree work five years ago. Predominately tackling stump clearance in city locations, access is key and, at just 74cm wide, the FSI B31 all-but-eliminates the challenges. “It’s narrow enough to pass through alleyways, garden gates and tight spots – we’ve even, on the odd occasion, tracked the FSI B31 through a customer’s lounge” he explains.

FSI B31-980 REMOTE proves the perfect fit for NOMA

FSI B31-980 REMOTE proves the perfect fit for NOMA

Remote Control, Real Difference

The transportation of the FSI B31 is made even more convenient with the machines full-remote operation which Liam describes as a ‘gamechanger’. “Firstly, this means that the unit only requires one person to move and operate. Secondly, compared to our previous pedestrian machine that required constant manual positioning, the FSI B31 reduces vibration and allows us to stand safely away from the work area, improving comfort and productivity over long working days.”

“Tasks that previously took us four to six hours can now be completed in under an hour” he adds. “We’ve eliminated 17 small stumps in a morning with this machine and, on one occasion, 10 stumps in one session while seated comfortably at a safe distance.”

Increased Safety, Reduced Maintenance

Safety is not only enhanced for the operator with the FSI B31, Liam notes the machine’s rubber guards which effectively contain debris – a priority when working in close proximity to homes, fences and domestic clients. “We of course still use the safety barriers, but the rubber guards on the FSI do such a fantastic job. We see significantly less in the way of stones and debris ejecting unpredictably.”

“We also like the fact the B31 is hydraulically-driven as opposed to belt-driven which reduces maintenance demands. Even though we’ve put the machine through its paces, touch wood, we’ve had no downtime which is critical for keeping our calendar on track” Liam says.

After nearly a year of ownership, the verdict for Liam is clear. “This stump grinder has transformed how we work in domestic settings. The combination of its compact design, remote-control operation and high productivity gives us the very best of all worlds.”

You can learn more about NOMA on Instagram via @noma.ltd and find more information on the FSI Stump Cutter range by visiting fsi-stumpcutters.co.uk

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GroundTech robotics and renewables work in perfect partnership

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GroundTech robotics and renewables work in perfect partnership: Rushden Golf Club has introduced three Echo TM-2050 robotic mowers to maintain its newer back nine holes, in a partnership with autonomous specialists GroundTech.

The investment marks a major step forward in both sustainability and efficiency with the trio, powered by bespoke solar panels, alleviating the pressure on a busy greenkeeping team of four.

GroundTech robotics and renewables work in perfect partnership

GroundTech robotics and renewables work in perfect partnership

The historic Northamptonshire course has gone through a number of redevelopments and expansion since its formation in 1919. The back nine, opened in 2013, offers an interesting contrast to the original parkland front nine, with a flatter, more open layout. Ideal terrain for an autonomous mower, Director Paul Newell got in touch with GroundTech. “I’d been keeping an eye on the new technologies and identified how much time robots could save us, freeing up our skilled team to focus on improvements in other areas of the course” he explains.

“After a demonstration, the whole team were impressed with the outstanding quality of cut and presentation from the Echo mowers – arguably more accurate and consistent than traditional machines.”

There was just one more issue to overcome, the distance the mowers would be operating away from mains power. “GroundTech’s Marcus Glover quickly suggested a solution in the form of solar panels, which ensures the mowers can operate efficiently when not in close proximity to mains power. This was key to making the whole package work for us and, just a few months on from install, we couldn’t be happier with the whole set-up.”

The TM-2050’s – the largest of the Echo commercial range – can mow up 75,000m2 making them ideal for situations that require high performance and high productivity. At Rushden, the robots are responsible for cutting all areas except the tees and greens, and members have been quick to spot the improvements. “It’s clearly the future of course management, and as one of the first clubs in Northamptonshire to make the jump, we’re delighted the members can already see the difference in presentation and have been so willing to embrace innovation” he adds.

Paul was also quick to praise the club’s first collaboration with GroundTech. “They’ve been brilliant at guiding us through the transition, ensuring the team are all fully happy with the technology and working with us to find solutions such as the solar panels that really meet our needs. We are excited to explore extending the scope of the Echo units in other areas of the course over the coming months and years. “

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Echo RP-1250 proves the perfect driving range partner

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Echo RP-1250 proves the perfect driving range partner: In just a few short weeks, an Echo RP-1250 from GroundTech has successfully streamlined the driving range operation at Kingsway Royston’s Golf Centre.

Operations Director James Watts explains how their new autonomous range-picker is working seamlessly with the club’s existing washer set-up and has resulted in up to 20 hours of labour being reallocated around the course every week!

Echo RP-1250 proves the perfect driving range partner

Echo RP-1250 proves the perfect driving range partner

Located on the outskirts of Cambridge, Kingsway Royston is a family-focused golfing destination offering a 9-hole golf course and Toptracer driving range alongside foot golf, pitch and putt, 18 holes of Jurassic Links Adventure Golf, Jamaica Blue café and AF Golf store. Like many, Kingsway has enjoyed a major boost in footfall post-COVID – good for business, but placing additional strain on their maintenance partners of nearly three decades, Turf Care Leisure.

To address the challenge, James engaged with GroundTech’s Marcus Glover to explore options. “I’ve been in the industry for many years and it’s been really interesting to watch the developments and refinements within the robotic arena” he explains. “Echo is well-established and well-proven so I had no doubt the technology, paired with the expert support and service from GroundTech, was going to be the perfect partner for our 30-bay driving range.”

The RP-1250 is capable of collecting up to 20,000 golf balls per day, silently and in all weathers. Optimised via GPS to target high density areas, balls are safely and efficiently collected and returned to a designated drop-off point – in this instance, a custom-fabricated holding tank designed and supplied by GroundTech. “It’s fitted seamlessly into our existing washer and Range Servant automated management system, and has reduced the time taken to clear the driving range from three or four hours every day to just one.”

James emphasises, “The time-saving is massive for us. Being able to redistribute close to 20 hours of labour every week enables us to focus our efforts on other projects and course improvements which has obviously been very well received by our customers.” He adds, “The service we’ve had from Marcus and GroundTech has been excellent throughout – everything from helping us provide a business case for the purchase, through to installation in early August and supporting us and our team through the initial set-up and induction period.”

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MM50 Delivers the Perfect Pitch

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MM50 Delivers the Perfect Pitch: For Adam Rowlands, owner of Turf Doctor Specialists Ltd, maintaining high-quality cricket surfaces is about using the right tools for the job – and when it comes to seed, MM50 from MM Seed is his go-to solution.

Based in West London, Turf Doctor Specialists Ltd has been operating for over a decade as a limited company, but Adam brings with him more than 30 years of hands-on experience in the industry. As specialists in the maintenance and renovation of natural turf, the company works across a wide range of sports surfaces, from football and rugby pitches to bowls and tennis courts – but cricket remains one of their key focus areas.

MM50 Delivers the Perfect Pitch

MM50 Delivers the Perfect Pitch

 

Adam began using MM50 four years ago after switching from another seed that wasn’t quite delivering the results he needed. It was through working with Agrovista Amenity that MM50 was recommended, and since then, he’s never looked back.

“It was originally recommended to me by Agrovista Amenity, and I gave it a go,” says Adam. “I found it to be a much more robust, hard-wearing option compared to the bent and fescues I’d used in the past – and the results speak for themselves.”

MM50 is now used by Turf Doctor Specialists Ltd across six cricket squares and two bowling greens during the renovation window from early September to mid-October. Adam also applies it to six grass tennis courts, where durability and rapid recovery are equally important.

What sets MM50 apart, in Adam’s view, is its performance under pressure. Cricket squares face intense wear and tear during the season, and MM50’s dense, fine-leaved ryegrass blend stands up to the challenge.

“The colour is good, germination is reliable, and the recovery is solid,” he explains. “It handles the demands of a busy cricket season really well. In my opinion, it’s the perfect seed for cricket.”

MM50 Delivers the Perfect Pitch

MM50 Delivers the Perfect Pitch

MM50 is specially designed for end-of-season renovations and mid-season repairs on cricket squares. Its blend of Chloe, Alison, Singapore and Etienna perennial ryegrass cultivars offers exceptional shoot density, tolerance to close mowing, and fast recovery which is important when pitches are used through the season. MM 50 is also treated with HEADSTART® GOLD, a seaweed-based seed treatment which helps ensure rapid and even germination, helping grounds professionals like Adam get the best possible results even in challenging conditions.

“It just works,” says Adam. “And I have to give credit to Chris Turpie from Agrovista Amenity – his customer service is unbelievable. I don’t think you can get better support than that.”

For professionals looking for a proven, hard-wearing, and dependable seed for cricket square renovation and repair, MM50 continues to deliver outstanding results – season after season.

For further information, please contact MM Sports Seed on 01386 791102 or visit the company’s website www.mm-seeds.co.uk.

You can also follow the company on X: @MM_Seed.

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Etesia Hydro 100 Proves the Perfect Fit

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Etesia Hydro 100 Proves the Perfect Fit: With 12 acres of immaculately kept gardens, Grade I listed grounds, and renowned memorial spaces, Golders Green Crematorium in North London is one of the most historic and revered sites of its kind in the world. Keeping the grounds to a consistently high standard falls to a small but dedicated team—and their latest secret is the Etesia Hydro 100 ride-on mower.

For Head Gardener Ian Harman, investing in the right machinery was a top priority from the start.

Etesia Hydro 100 Proves the Perfect Fit

Etesia Hydro 100 Proves the Perfect Fit

“We’re a small team of just four, and we’re constantly busy with everything from maintaining rose beds to managing formal lawns and the large scatter lawn,” said Ian. “Machinery plays a key role in helping us work efficiently, especially with the tight spaces and tree cover we deal with here.”

Ian had previously heard positive things about Etesia mowers and decided to turn to the brand after becoming frustrated following issues using a different manufacturer. “The last mower we had just kept clogging,” he explained. “It slowed us down massively. When I came into the role, I went on a demo day and was really impressed with the Hydro 100—so we decided to go with Etesia.”

Since making the switch, the results speak for themselves.

“We’ve put about 60 hours on the Hydro 100 and had absolutely no clogging. It leaves a clean cut, picks up leaves and grass efficiently—even in wet conditions—and saves us lots of time. It also mulches the leaves as it goes, which helps with our composting.”

For a site like Golders Green, where space is at a premium and storage is limited, the compact design of the Hydro 100 has also been a huge bonus.

“We couldn’t store a large tractor-style machine, and we don’t need one,” Ian added. “This mower is the perfect size. You get the benefits of a large collection box with the manoeuvrability needed for tighter areas. It’s like having a garden vacuum—clean, simple, and effective.”

Ease of maintenance and usability were also deciding factors.

“It’s a very straightforward machine,” Ian said. “Fuel efficient, easy to service, and intuitive to operate. You’ve got a hydrostatic drive, simple controls, and changing the height of cut is quick—ideal if you hit a patch that’s slightly overgrown.”

Adam Nicholls, a gardener at the crematorium for over 11 years, agrees. “We’ve got a lot of trees here, and the Etesia is the best machine we’ve found for picking up leaves. The open chute design just swallows them—wet or dry—and shoots them straight into the back. No blockages, no messing about.”

Adam also praised its versatility across the crematorium’s varied terrain. “It handles tight corners just as well as big open areas. Even in damp conditions, the finish is clean and professional. It’s the easiest mower I’ve ever used.”

The Hydro 100 is powered by an 18HP Kawasaki engine and features a 500-litre grass collector with hydraulic tipping, which can be emptied from the seat. With a modern hydrostatic transmission and differential lock, it’s designed for durability, comfort, and productivity—especially in demanding, high-collection environments.

For Ian and Adam, the support from Etesia dealer RT Machinery was another big plus. “I’ve known Scott Reynolds from RT Machinery for years,” said Ian. “They really helped us choose the right model for our needs—no upselling, just honest advice. Their service is second to none.”

Compact, reliable, and efficient, the Etesia Hydro 100 has proved the ideal solution for Golders Green Crematorium’s unique needs. As Ian sums it up: “If you’ve got restricted space, need a clean finish, and want a machine you can rely on—this is the mower for you.”

To watch a video of the customer in action click here.

For further information, please contact Etesia UK on 01295 680120 or visit www.etesia.co.uk.

For more news, reviews and insightful views, you can follow Etesia UK on X @EtesiaUK and like the company’s Facebook page – www.facebook.com/EtesiaUK. You can also view the latest Etesia videos by visiting www.youtube.com/EtesiaUK

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