Tag Archive for: Proves

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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GKB Leaf Blower proves the economical choice

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GKB Leaf Blower proves the economical choice: Established in 1910, Eaton Golf Club offers its members a mature parkland setting for a picturesque 18-holes of play on the outskirts of Norwich.

Jay Seaman, Head Greenkeeper, has become all too familiar with the challenges that come with managing such an established parkland site – with leaf fall not only proving to be a drain on time but also on the finances. Making the process more economical (in all senses of the word!) is a GKB Leaf Blower.

GKB Leaf Blower proves the economical choice

GKB Leaf Blower proves the economical choice

“Due to the age of the trees we have here on site, we can be clearing leaves for anywhere up to three months of the year” explains Jay, who heads up a greenkeeping team of six. “Our previous trailed blower ran on petrol and could cost us in the region of £50 a day just in fuel.” Deciding the time was right to find a more cost-effective solution, he spoke with Eddie Jack from local dealers Ernest Doe who swiftly arranged a demonstration of the GKB Leaf Blower.

“We had the machine in for a few days and the feedback from the team was really positive. It’s a solid, well-built piece of kit and, importantly, is PTO-driven so it just runs off the tractor with no need for additional fuel.” As an added bonus, when the order was placed in October 2025 the team got to keep the Leaf Blower on site, seeing them up and running in-time for the start of another busy leaf-fall season!

The Leaf Blower from GKB Machines delivers high airflow output, with low demand on the tractor – requiring less than 40hp. The adjustable rear chute and air capacity of 380m3/min makes light work of clearing leaves and other debris, to swiftly improve both playability and presentation. “Compared to other blowers I’ve used, the chute sits lower to the ground allowing you to blow leaves into the wind without them coming back at you which makes a big difference when working in challenging conditions.”

“Another thing we really like is the jockey wheels and rear anti-scalp roller which do a great job at keeping the machine stable and preventing scalping on our undulating landscape.” He adds, “It’s also incredibly simple to hitch and operate meaning anyone on the team can jump on and use it confidently.”

Beyond the machine itself, Jay also notes the excellent aftersales support they’ve received from Ernest Doe. “Eddie has kept in touch regularly just to check how things are going. Everything has been top notch.”

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MM Tetrasport proves its strength at Towcestrians

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MM Tetrasport proves its strength at Towcestrians: When the Women’s Rugby World Cup came to town, the pitches at Towcestrians Sports Club needed to perform at the highest level. Head Groundsman Tommy Waldock turned to a product he knew he could trust – MM Tetrasport – and the results spoke for themselves.

Based in Towcester, Northamptonshire, Towcestrians Sports Club is an open, non-profit, multi-sports venue offering rugby, cricket, hockey, netball, tennis, and archery. Its facilities have grown rapidly in recent years, and today the site boasts four full-size rugby pitches, a cricket square, and an artificial surface for hockey.

MM Tetrasport proves its strength at Towcestrians

MM Tetrasport proves its strength at Towcestrians

For Tommy, who has spent his entire career in sports turf, managing a site of this scale is no small task.

“I started back in 2011 at Peterborough United FC,” he explains. “A friend of mine worked there and asked if I could help with some strimming. One thing led to another, and they offered me a full-time job. That’s how I got into groundsmanship. From there, I moved to MK Dons, then spent five years at the Ricoh Arena before joining Towcestrians about six years ago.”

The club’s growing reputation was further boosted when it was chosen as an official training centre for the Women’s Rugby World Cup, hosting both Ireland and France for pre-tournament preparations.

“It was a brilliant experience,” says Tommy. “But it came with its challenges – especially during the drought. The pitch passed all the ProPitch tests with flying colours and MM Tetrasport really showed what it could do.”

Having first used MM Tetrasport during his time at the Ricoh Arena, Tommy knew it was the right choice for Towcestrians’ demanding rugby surfaces.

“I was always going to use Tetrasport for the Rugby World Cup prep because I knew how it reacts, and I knew how good it is,” he says. “It’s been absolutely brilliant. I’ve used it across all four pitches, and if you were to stand here now, you wouldn’t know we’d had a drought. The pitches are stunningly green.”

MM Tetrasport is designed for fast germination, rapid establishment, and outstanding wear tolerance – qualities that have proved vital under the heavy demands of rugby training and matches. Treated with Headstart® GOLD, it delivers strong performance from the off, while the tetraploid ryegrasses provide resilience and excellent colour all year round.

“The recovery is unbelievable,” says Tommy. “You can have 40-odd players out there, and by the time you give the pitch a brush and a cut after training, you wouldn’t even know they’d been on it. I’ve never known a seed regenerate like it – it just keeps coming.”

For the Rugby World Cup preparation, Tommy followed a ProPitch specification involving deep scarification and reseeding with MM Tetrasport at 45g/m².

“We pulled out a lot of old bent grass, did a four-way scarification, and used nine bags of Tetrasport per pitch. The seed was up in six days – we saw the first signs of growth that quickly. We also applied a pre-seed feed after five days to help it along. It was flat-out from there – it just didn’t stop growing.”

The same mixture was used across the other pitches without scarification, and despite the heavy usage, the results have been equally impressive. “It’s superb,” Tommy adds. “It got through the tournament without even a scar and was recovering within a week once conditions improved.”

Tommy also credits the service and advice he receives from Matt Gresty from MM Seed and Charlie Seager from Agrovista Amenity for helping him achieve such strong results.

“Matt Gresty has been brilliant – really knowledgeable and always gives you options,” says Tommy. “I buy through Charlie at Agrovista Amenity, and he’s fantastic too. You ask a question, and he’s got the answer straight away. Between them both, they really look after you.”

With professional-standard surfaces now maintained across all four rugby pitches, Towcestrians Sports Club continues to thrive. For Tommy, MM Tetrasport has become an essential part of that success.

“It’s a superb seed,” he concludes. “It got us through the Rugby World Cup, through drought, and everything else which has been thrown at it. You just can’t ask for more than that.”

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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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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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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