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Transitioning from tanks to tractors with John Deere

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Transitioning from tanks to tractors with John Deere: From frontline tank repairs to supporting farmers at harvest, Chris Giles has carved out a career in the civilian world by transferring his military engineering skills to John Deere’s dealership network.

After serving in the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (REME), Chris was unsure of his next step until he attended an open day about the John Deere Military Hiring Programme.

Transitioning from tanks to tractors with John Deere

Transitioning from tanks to tractors with John Deere

Today he is a Technical Communicator and Certified Dealer Instructor at the Tallis Amos Group Leominster depot, and his journey is about to come full circle as he prepares to explain military personnel have the ideal skillset to resettle,

Chris will be one of the speakers at a John Deere Military Hiring Programme webinar taking place on 3 December at 7pm.

“In terms of the kit, going from tanks to tractors is a completely different world,” says Chris. “The hydraulics, for example are completely different.

“But there wasn’t much of a transition when coming to the John Deere brand, as the level of high readiness is the same. The kit needs to be fixed and out the door as soon as possible, much like in the army.

“While the machinery is different, the basics of the work are the same. You’re looking to apply that pre-existing training and knowledge to a different kind of machine.”

Chris joined REME as a vehicle mechanic in 2012, working extensively on tank engines and transmissions before moving into several front-line units from 2015. Stationed in Hereford, he was deployed around the world repairing everything from quads to heavy armour.

He attended the John Deere open event for military technicians at Langar shortly before the pandemic and met a John Deere employee who had also served as part of REME. After putting him in contact with the right people, Chris made the decision to pursue a career at John Deere.

After completing his training and work experience at the Tallis Amos Group Leominster depot, Chris began employment as a technician but has since progressed to a Technical Communicator and Certified Dealer Instructor role. He explains that at first he worked in the workshop diagnosing issues, servicing and repairing crucial kit like combines and tractors, but now he helps technicians from the office and across different depots in the dealership network and trains the new staff who are coming through.

“As a Technical Communicator, if the technicians go out to a job and struggle to diagnose it or need extra information, then they’ll get in touch with me as I have access to the information or people that are needed, and then I’ll pass that information back to the technicians,” he says.

“As a Certified Dealer Instructor, I deal with the new technicians that are coming through and doing their training, including the level one and two training that the Military Hiring Programme applicants will receive, which is all online. I mainly teach electrics, hydraulics, and the service advisor side.”

Open to servicemen and women who are looking for new careers after they leave the armed forces, attendees of the online event on 3 December will have the opportunity to listen to Chris and others who have been through the John Deere Military Hiring Programme.

John Deere’s ground-breaking resettlement programme for military service personnel offers new career opportunities working on some of the world’s most advanced agricultural and professional groundscare machinery.

Members of the armed forces have been identified as ideal candidates for their unique skill sets and the experience they bring to technician roles within UK and Ireland dealerships. Many have already worked with some of the systems and products John Deere use on their agricultural and turf machinery, making the transition straightforward.

Those who enrol onto the programme are put into contact with an individual from the John Deere network who has resettled previously. They guide them through the next steps which includes free training courses before finding employment with a John Deere dealer.

Interested service members and ex-service members can find out more and apply to the John Deere Military Hiring Programme by visiting www.deere.com/JDMHP.

The online event is free but pre-registration is required at https://jdmhp.eventbrite.co.uk/

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Nine apprentices win £500 bursary to support agricultural engineers

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Nine apprentices win £500 bursary to support agricultural engineers: Nine agricultural engineering apprentices were recognised at this year’s Midlands Machinery Show after being named winners of the 2026 Midlands Apprentice Engineering Award.

Each receives £500, paid in two instalments across their first and second year, to support their development.

Nine apprentices win £500 bursary to support agricultural engineers

Nine apprentices win £500 bursary to support agricultural engineers

The initiative is run by the Newark and Nottinghamshire Agricultural Society, in the legacy of former president Geoffrey Bond.

Among the three first-year recipients were two apprentices from Sharmans Agricultural.

Edward Moisey, 19, is based at the company’s Pytchley depot, joining in August 2022. He did not grow up on a farm, although his grandfather worked in agriculture, and came into the industry with a fresh eye.

He says the size, power and variety of the machinery, along with the appeal of a job that changes every day, drew him to the job.

He said: “I’ve always been hands on and really into engines and machines. Tractors are big, they look cool and I wanted to do something different. I thought I’d give it a go and it has just grown from there.”

Ed is already being steered towards working more with implements and attachments, an area he is excited to develop.

“I’d love to specialise in balers. There are so many different types and everything works differently, so there’s a lot to learn. That’s what makes it interesting,” he said.

He plans to put the first-year award of £250 straight back into his toolbox.

“It will all go on tools. I’ve got the basics but I need more specialist stuff like torque wrenches. They’re not cheap so this really helps,” he said.

Tobin Royalls, 20, also collected a first-year award. He joined Sharmans straight after finishing his GCSEs in 2021. He recently became the sole engineer at the Loudon depot, which means he handles all manner of servicing and repairs across the dealer’s livery.

Tobin said: “Agricultural technicians like us work hard in this industry. The hours can be long, and the work can be hard in all weathers, especially in winter.

“Winning this award genuinely gives you a lift. It shows people notice the effort you’re putting in and it helps keep you pushing forward.”

Tobin said most of the money will go towards new tools. “That’s the sensible answer. But I might treat myself as well!” he said.

Sir Mark Spencer, incoming President of the Newark and Nottinghamshire Agricultural Society, praised the winners and the commitment they have shown.

He said: “Congratulations to all the winners of the apprenticeship award. The career path you have chosen is going to be challenging but rewarding. We need the brightest and the best in young engineering talent and it is fantastic to see the enthusiasm and commitment that you are showing for our industry.”

The awards ceremony took place at the Midlands Machinery Show, held at Newark Showground on Wednesday 19 November, with the ceremony supported by B&B Tractors.

The 2026 Midlands Machinery Show will be held at Newark Showground on 18 November.

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Kubota rises to the maintenance challenges at Hellidon Lakes

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Kubota rises to the maintenance challenges at Hellidon Lakes: Located at the highest point of Northamptonshire, Hellidon Lakes Golf Club boasts 27-holes of challenging parkland play, a hotel and a range of other facilities. Behind the pristine fairways and manicured greens is a small, dedicated maintenance team led by Golf Course Manager Gary Armstrong and an L2-622 and RTV-X1110 from Kubota.

A long-time Kubota user, Gary and his team have relied on the brand for both reliability and versatility. “I’ve worked with Kubota equipment for years so was pleased, when I started here seven years ago, to find Kubota was already part of the fleet. Our Senior Management at Hellidon Lakes loves the Kubota brand and the equipment is also favoured at our other venue course in Shropshire.” Gary explains.

Kubota rises to the maintenance challenges at Hellidon Lakes

Kubota rises to the maintenance challenges at Hellidon Lakes

This year, Hellidon Lakes upgraded its fleet through local Kubota dealer George Browns, replacing their previous compact tractor which had served the club for over 20 years with a higher-horsepower L2-622 which was delivered in April 2025, alongside an RTV-X1110.

“Our grounds here are steep and undulating so we needed something that could handle these ground conditions and power a wide array of implements. The L2-622 is now our main workhorse – running our trailed mower, sprayers, trailers, side-arm flails… basically anything that requires a tractor, the L2 is there to provide the power!” He adds, “The greater capacity and capability of the L2-622 gives us scope moving forwards to utilise other, more power-hungry implements that will bring further benefit to our maintenance programme, particularly on the fairways.”

“The RTV-X1110 has been brilliant for moving materials and people around the site, with the added bonus of it being homologated for road use.” Gary notes, “With hydrostatic transmission (HST), it’s slightly different to operate than our previous utility vehicle but feels better tailored to the needs of turf maintenance and the team have quickly and easily adapted to it, to get the most out of the RTV.”

Longevity and robust reliability were key considerations in the club’s choice to stick with Kubota, with the management teams confidence in the brand making the recent investments an easy decision. Important, too, is the strong local support from George Browns. “Our relationship with George Browns is fantastic. Their Daventry depot is just a few miles away giving us extra peace of mind and making service and parts easily accessible. This convenience, combined with trust in the badge, sealed the deal” Gary concludes.

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New GKB Deep-Clean to combat microplastic pollution

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New GKB Deep-Clean to combat microplastic pollution: GKB are pleased to launch the next generation of their Deep-Clean machine, introduced in direct response to growing concern around microplastic pollution from artificial turf fields.

Featuring different sieve options to suit various infill types and a self-cleaning filter system, the Deep-Clean – developed in collaboration with SMG Sportplatzmaschinenbau – sieves, separates and collects microplastics with precision.

New GKB Deep-Clean to combat microplastic pollution

New GKB Deep-Clean to combat microplastic pollution

Recent research from the University of Barcelona has raised alarm after finding that up to 15% of the microplastics found in open water originate from artificial turf pitches. These particles, released via fibre wear and tear or from infill materials such as rubber and TBE, accumulate within the surface and eventually contaminate the environment via footfall, rainfall or maintenance activities.

The new GKB Deep-Clean directly addresses this issue, penetrating the surface to extract contamination such as broken fibres as well as smaller particulates nestled within the infill layer.

Redeveloping one of the most popular machines within GKB’s synthetic portfolio, the new Deep-Clean will be available with a 1.2m, 1.5m or 1.8m working widths – all offering effective dust extraction to collect dirt and microplastic contamination, and return clean infill granules back into the surface. Importantly, the unique cleaning system means that dirt automatically falls into the collection container, eliminating the need to replace filters which significantly reduces ongoing maintenance costs.

Its operation couldn’t be simpler. Brushes lift the fibre and infill, before passing the collected material through a vibrating sieve to separate the infill from both large and finer contaminants. The result is a cleaner, safer and more presentable pitch in just one pass.

The introduction of the Deep-Clean is the first major development in the strategic partnership between GKB Machines and SMG, formally announced in March 2025. The agreement sees GKB providing essential maintenance products to the German company and, likewise, market machines developed by SMG under the GKB brand for the combined benefit of customers around the world. Together, the focus is on providing practical, high-performance and sustainable solutions for the construction and maintenance of synthetic sports fields.

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BASIS to debut at SALTEX 2025

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BASIS to debut at SALTEX 2025: BASIS Registration Ltd will make its first-ever appearance at SALTEX on 12–13 November 2025 at the NEC Birmingham, bringing its popular Knowledge Trail to Stand D141.

This marks a key moment in BASIS’ work to champion high standards across the turf and amenity sector. After reviewing and refreshing its amenity offer, BASIS has refined its services to remain modern, relevant, and aligned with the evolving needs of professionals managing green spaces, sports turf, and landscapes across the UK.

BASIS to debut at SALTEX 2025

BASIS to debut at SALTEX 2025

Visitors can take part in the BASIS Knowledge Trail, a popular initiative which is designed to spark conversation, share insight, and support CPD learning. Partners include: Agrigem Ltd, Grounds Management Association, GreenBest Ltd, ICL Group, Lantra, NSTS and Origin Amenity Solutions.

Earn up to 6 BASIS CPD points per day

  • 2 points for attending SALTEX (sign in at Stand D141)
  • 1 point for each quiz on the Knowledge Trail or seminar visited

To take part, collect a Knowledge Trail & Seminar Stamp Card from the BASIS stand. Each completed quiz or seminar earns a stamp, and you can collect as many as you like throughout the day, but CPD points will cap off at 4. Return your card to Stand D141 to have your CPD points awarded.

Additionally Professor John Moverley OBE, Vice-Chair of the BASIS Board of Trustees, will speak on the Spotlight Stage in a session titled: “Implementing Sustainable Practice in Grounds Management – why, what, and importantly how”

He’ll explore the drivers shaping sustainable turf and amenity management and share practical tools to help professionals measure and improve performance.

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