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Hibernian FC Goes Greener with Dennis ES-860’s

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Hibernian FC Goes Greener with Dennis ES-860’s: Hibernian Football Club, celebrated as Scotland’s greenest football club, has made significant strides in sustainable grounds management with the purchase of the Dennis ES-860 battery-powered mower.

Head Groundsman Steven Thomas has found the ES-860 invaluable for its maintenance efficiency, environmental benefits, and ability to meet early game day demands, reinforcing the club’s commitment to top-tier pitch quality and sustainability.

Hibernian FC Goes Greener with Dennis ES-860’s

Hibernian FC Goes Greener with Dennis ES-860’s

The Dennis ES-860 is a 34-inch battery-powered turf management system, renowned for its versatility, with 13 interchangeable cassette options that handle a wide array of essential tasks like cutting, scarifying, brushing, and verticutting. For Steven, this level of flexibility has been transformative in his approach to maintaining the stadium pitch at Hibernian.

“We’ve had the ES-860 for almost twelve months, and it’s exceeded all of my expectations,” Steven explains. “When I joined the club, we had limited machinery, and upgrading it was a priority. After testing a few brands, the difference with the ES-860 was night and day. As soon as I tried it on the pitch, I knew it was the one for us. The ease of use was far superior to anything we tried.”

Switching to battery power was also a strategic choice, aligning with the club’s environmental goals. As the first Scottish football club to join the UN Sports for Climate Action Framework, Hibernian is deeply committed to sustainability. “When I first started, Hibs had recently won an award for being the greenest football club in Scotland, and so getting the ES-860 was a no-brainer—it aligned perfectly with that recognition.”

The ES-860 has made a considerable difference in daily routines for Steven and his team. With its low noise level, the ES-860 enables the grounds team to start work earlier without disturbing nearby residents. “Where we store the equipment, there are adjacent houses,” says Steven. “Starting petrol mowers at 7 a.m. is challenging due to noise regulations, so having the ES-860 lets us get an early start without disturbing anyone.”

This quiet operation is invaluable for early kick-off days, especially when games are scheduled at 12 p.m. on Sundays. “For Sky Sports games, we often need the pitch ready by 8 a.m., which means cutting at 4 a.m. The ES-860 lets us meet this demand. It’s been a game-changer for those high-pressure mornings.”

This mower has become central to Hibernian’s daily maintenance, used up to twice a day in the summer and at least once a day during the winter. “The quality of cut and the quality of finish is first-class,” Steven adds.

The battery life of the ES-860 is another highlight. “After a year of use, the battery performance remains exceptional. Our rule of thumb is that it should be able to handle a full pitch cut once or twice, and it consistently does that without any issues. The battery life hasn’t dipped, which is key for me.”

Working with Dennis has also proved valuable beyond the machine itself. “The support from Dennis has been fantastic. In the past, I’ve had new machinery where, once sold, you never hear from them again. Dennis is different—the team is always on hand, ready to help, and go out of their way if I need them.”

With features that support both environmental initiatives and practical day-to-day demands, the Dennis ES-860 has become indispensable at Hibernian FC.

For further information or a no obligation demonstration, please contact Dennis 01332 824 777 or visit www.dennisuk.com

For more news, reviews and insightful views, you can follow Dennis on Twitter and Instagram @DennisMowers and like the company’s Facebook page – www.facebook.com/DennisMowersUK. You can also view the latest Dennis videos by visiting www.youtube.com/DennisMowers

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EGO proves it’s a cut above with new products

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EGO proves it’s a cut above with new products: After revolutionising the market in 2024 with its reimagined Pro X series, EGO Power Plus is harnessing new markets this year with a bold portfolio of products. With the adoption of battery power becoming more popular, customers will now have even more ways to use their EGO batteries.

This year, EGO is expanding its Lifestyle range – a selection of battery-powered outdoor power equipment for use in the garden and beyond – to grow its innovative capabilities and to give existing customers exciting new uses for their EGO ARC 56V lithium batteries. New additions to the range include the SK1800E Outdoor Speaker, FN1000E Mini-Misting Fan, WDV0900E Wet/Dry Vacuum, the BSP3500E 15L Backpack Sprayer and the ETA0800E Earth and Ice Auger.

EGO proves it’s a cut above with new products

EGO proves it’s a cut above with new products

Back in the garden, EGO has developed an exciting range of new products. Its flagship product for 2025 is the LM2230E-SP professional mower. Its largest mower to date, this 55cm mower with a super composite deck, can cut up to 2000 sqm on a single charge with a 10Ah battery. For those who prefer their lawn maintenance a little more automated, EGO is releasing its first robot mowers, the RM4000E and the RM2000E, which can seamlessly adapt to the complexities of any lawn. And for tidying up the edges, the ST1510E-T line trimmer puts the ease back into trimming with PowerloadTM Technology which loads the line in seconds at the push of a button.

Ideal for arborists, the CS1200E professional top-handled chainsaw is a compact, lightweight saw which cuts smoothly and simplifies tree work.

Back on the ground, EGO’s 2025 leaf blowers have been developed with even more power and performance. The LB6150E has a 1,045m3/h output in Boost mode, and 18.5N of air force while the LB6700E has 1,138m3/h output in Boost mode and a 20N air force for bigger tasks across large areas. After blowing the leaves into a pile, EGO is also making light work of clearing with its first ever 3-in-1 leaf vacuum, the LV5000E 3. With the capability of mulching leaves as they are collected, this tool has the power to tackle small to medium household clean-ups and easily converts from vacuum to blower.

Momentum continues this year with the Pro X series, which is designed for heavy-duty commercial users who need tools that can cope with the demands of a busy working day and be charged overnight. Coming this year, is EGO’s first Pro X multi-tool powerhead, which has been upgraded to ensure it is robust enough to tackle the toughest of jobs. Also joining the series is the new LBPX1100, which is one of the most powerful backpack blowers on the market and the LBX1000 which provides the power of a backpack blower in a handheld unit. All three tools form part of the new generation of Pro X tools with BLE connectivity built-in for status monitoring.

Steve Roskell, Marketing Director EMEA for EGO, said: “The demand for battery-powered outdoor power equipment has surged dramatically in recent years, and EGO is proud to be leading the charge as more users make the switch. Building on the success of our Pro X series last year, we’re excited to unveil even more ground-breaking and innovative products this year”.

Compatible with EGO’s range of multi-tools is the new STA1700 line trimmer attachment which features technologies for automatic line feeding and fast line replacement as well as EGO’s first Dethatcher attachment (DA1400) which removes the thatch layer between grass and soil for a healthier lawn.

To learn more about EGO’s 2025 product line-up, visit: https://egopowerplus.co.uk/

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NextGen Members Recognised with Pioneer Marks

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NextGen Members Recognised with Pioneer Marks: Seven members, past and present, of the GMA NextGen group have been awarded their Pioneer Marks as part of the Grounds Management Association’s (GMA) ‘Pioneer Legacy’ initiative at the GMA Industry Awards.

The Pioneer Legacy is a recognition scheme dedicated to celebrating the contributions of those who have been part of GMA NextGen, acknowledging their impact on the profession.

NextGen Members Recognised with Pioneer Marks

NextGen Members Recognised with Pioneer Marks

Central to this initiative is the Pioneer Mark – a distinctive legacy number assigned to each NextGen member, reflecting their role in shaping the future of the industry.

The following individuals received their Pioneer Marks at the GMA Industry Awards:

  • Nick Phillips (#007) – Head of Grounds & Landscaping at Tottenham Hotspur
  • Liam Cash (#011) – Head Groundsman at Stockport County FC
  • Tom Grafen (#012) – UK Area Manager at SGL
  • Liddy Ford (#032) – Groundsperson at Wembley Stadium
  • Beth Gibbs (#033) – Groundsperson at Wellington School
  • Jack Langley (#034) – Deputy Head Groundsperson at Ashton Gate Stadium
  • Meg Lay (#035) – Groundsperson at Lord’s Cricket Ground

This initiative not only celebrates individual achievements but also ensures that the contributions of these young professionals are remembered and honoured for years to come.

Jennifer Carter, Director of Communications & Marketing at the GMA said: “The Pioneer Legacy is about recognising the impact of the next generation of grounds professionals. We’re incredibly proud to celebrate their achievements and what better stage to do it on than at Anfield Stadium. All you need to do is look at how far these members have come and the incredible careers they’ve built in the industry. GMA NextGen has been a great springboard for them, and the Pioneer Legacy is our way of recognising that journey.”

For more information on GMA NextGen and the Pioneer Legacy, visit thegma.org.uk/who/ambassadors.

For the latest industry news visit turfmatters.co.uk/news

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Work smarter not harder with Toro’s robotic mowers

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Work smarter not harder with Toro’s robotic mowers: Robotic mowing has arrived and with it comes the new generation of working smarter, not harder, thanks to Toro.

With the brand’s new range of robotic mowing solutions for the fairways and the roughs available through distributor Reesink Turfcare, customers can now focus on getting the job done consistently and efficiently and instead prioritise time and skill on the greens, tees, and bunkers.

Work smarter not harder with Toro's robotic mowers

Work smarter not harder with Toro’s robotic mowers

“The arrival of autonomous technology is what we’ve all been waiting for,” comments Jon Cole, Divisional Business Manager, Reesink Turfcare. “And Toro’s vision of this delivers professional-quality results with minimal input required, solving the problem of reduced resources, labour shortages, and rising operational costs.”

All the products launching simultaneously – the Toro GeoLink Solutions Autonomous Fairway Mower, Turf Pro range of robot mowers and Range Pro ball picker – work on Real Time Kinematic (RTK) geo-positioning technology coming from a GPS based satellite system for ultra-precise navigation.

This functionality allows for areas to be mapped, setting invisible boundaries in which the machines can operate autonomously. When they reach the edge of the predefined work zone based on satellite positioning, they intelligently keep within it.

Operation is straight-forward: wireless monitoring and control of the units is through a computer or mobile phone where it is possible to customise working perimeters, no-go zones, mowing patterns, cutting height and transport paths.

No boundary wires are required, the mowers can mow a consistent pattern with minimal overlap and are accurate to two centimetres. The system can identify missed areas and will reroute the mower to cover them later.

Jon says: “These mowers free up your greenkeeping team to focus on the essential attentive care that the tees, greens, and bunkers require, while Toro technology carefully maintains the fairways and roughs, intelligently working with minimal input.”

The Toro GeoLink Solutions Autonomous Fairway Mower is a hybrid mower. It has a Kawasaki engine but steering, traction, lift and lowering of the cylinder units are electric. The mower still has a seat and a steering wheel; this is because it has both manual and autonomous modes. In manual it’ll operate just like a normal triplex so if the operator wants to move it to a new location that isn’t mapped yet or support a different area on the course, they can.

There are three fully robotic models in the Turf Pro range. There’s the choice of three or five cutting heads providing a cutting width of 63.3cm (25ins) in the Turf Pro 300 and 103.3cm (40.7ins) for the Turf Pro 500. They can mow up to 18.5 acres (75,000m2) and there’s a model for use on slopes of up to 24 degrees.

They are all-electric, self-charging and automatically return to the charging station. And through increased mowing frequency these mowers can purposefully remove less leaf tissue, producing shorter clippings and with adjustable mowing patterns can be utilised to achieve multiple aesthetics.

Jon concludes: “Toro developed this technology and these products in direct response to customer feedback and research. It was clear there was a changing mindset about what was needed regarding labour support, combatting increasing operational costs and how to approach mowing grass. This productive solution eases labour resource pains and provides operational cost savings with no change in Toro’s world-renowned cutting performance.”

To demo these new machines or talk to a Reesink representative about how this technology will boost productivity, visit Reesink Turfcare at reesinkturfcare.co.uk.

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Optimising Turf Health with Consolidate

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Optimising Turf Health with Consolidate: With a career spanning 20 years, Jamie Melham, Head Greenkeeper at one of the finest in Sussex, Highwoods Golf Club, brings his experience and collaboration with specialist for Consolidate Turf, Rob Welford, to enhance the health and aesthetics of the golf course.

Jamie began his greenkeeping journey two decades ago, accruing experience at Dale Hill Golf Club and Lamberhurst Golf Club before joining Highwoods Golf Club, where he has been for over eight years leading a team of six greens staff. His role involves not just maintaining the course but also continuously experimenting with and refining turf management practices.

Optimising Turf Health with Consolidate

Optimising Turf Health with Consolidate

Jamie’s partnership with Rob Welford from Consolidate Turf started 3 years ago and has been instrumental in transforming the nutrient management approach at Highwoods. Rob’s expertise and responsiveness have provided Jamie with confidence and reliable support, and the use of consolidate products played a big part in the presentation of the course, when the club celebrated its centenary year in 2024.

One specific challenge Jamie faced was the inconsistency in fertilizer prill size from a different supplier. Initially, Rob assessed the golf course’s overall plant health, leading to the transition from granular to liquid fertilizers for more consistent results, using Consolidate Plus to kickstart the greens early in the season. This approach has proven successful for three consecutive seasons.

Jamie explains “I began by applying Consolidate products to the approach areas and soon extended their use to the greens. I am now on a full annual package of Consolidate liquids, including seaweed, potassium, magnesium, and other nutrients, which are customised yearly to meet the specific needs for growth, colour and overall turf health.”

“Like all our customers we have a bespoke programme for Jamie,” explains Rob “The use of the Consolidate nitrogen source gives the turf an efficient food source to make the building blocks of proteins and amino acids to deliver healthy results on the greens without any of the associated drawbacks of conventional nitrogen sources. The liquids provide the control needed to deliver the correct dosage. We do leaf analysis to check the plant is receiving everything it needs. This is coupled with a programme for approaches and fairways, tailored for his individual needs and requirements in these different areas.

For the approaches, Jamie maintains a treatment schedule of every three weeks, a practice he also applies during the winter to prevent disease. “The results speak for themselves” said Jamie “With consistent progress across every area treated. Improvements in colour, grass strength and wearability, less disease and faster recovery.” This has led to expanding these practices to the fairways, using Consolidate products across all key areas of the course and making ongoing adjustments based on Rob’s recommendations.

In addition to using Consolidate products, Jamie incorporates feedback from the Sports Turf Research Institute (STRI) into his maintenance program. STRI provides annual soil analysis, which Jamie, and Rob review to adjust the nutrient program, as necessary. This collaboration ensures that the turf management practices are continuously optimized based on scientific data.

The structured and scientifically backed approach to turf management, combined with Rob’s products and STRI’s analysis, provides reassurance to the club’s board, allowing Jamie to focus on maintaining his own ambitious standards.

For further information visit www.consolidateturf.com

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