Tag Archive for: With

Dyrham Park elevates standards with new fleet

/in , , /by

Dyrham Park elevates standards with new fleet: After seven years as Golf Course Manager at Dyrham Park Country Club, Dan Szwajbak knows exactly what his course, and team, need to perform at their best.

With an 18-hole private members course, practice facilitites and regular weddings and events, presentation is demanded year-round – making reliability, performance and aftersales support absolutely criticial. Delivering on all fronts is a new suite of equipment installed in August 2025 by George Browns.

Dyrham Park elevates standards with new fleet

Dyrham Park elevates standards with new fleet

The club, located in Barnet, had long relied on the same brand of cutting equipment, however, when the cut performance and aftercare no longer matched their needs, Dan felt the time was right to explore other options. “A mower is a mower, but a big part of the buying process is knowing that the people selling it can really support you afterwards” he explains.

Through previous demonstrations and a delivery of hand mowers by George Browns, Dan and the team became confident with both the dealership and the Baroness brand. “The price point is good and the machines offer us more in terms of cut quality and reduced maintenance.” This led to the most recent delivery of an LM311 triple greens mower, an LM551 fairway mower and GM2810 for roughs in the summer of last year.

The impact, Dan says, was almost instant. “We were getting feedback from the members about the noticeable improvement in cut and presentation and, from our side, we noticed the bed knives staying on cut much longer – even through the winter and on heavier ground – reducing the downtime for us which is important as a small team with no dedicated mechanic.”

The greens mower is out daily through the spring and summer, fairways are cut three times a week and rough cutting is completed on a two-day cycle. Also delivered, and quickly becoming the main mode of safe transportation of team members, materials and hand-held equipment around the site, are a pair of Kubota RTVX1110’s.

In addition to machine performance, importantly, the whole process has been smooth and hassle-free. “We haven’t had any complaints. Thanks to the support of David Fisher at George Browns, the transition for the team has been incredibly straight forward.” He summarises, “When you’re spending significant amounts of money, aftercare is hugely important and with George Browns we have the reassurance that the support is there should we ever need it. The machines are excellent with the service to match!”

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

Get all of the big headlines, pictures, opinions and videos on stories that matter to you.

Follow us on Twitter and Instagram for fun, fresh and engaging content.

You can also find us on Facebook for more of your must-see news, features, videos and pictures from Turf Matters

Etesia UK Strengthens Team with Three Key Appointments

/in , , /by

Etesia UK Strengthens Team with Three Key Appointments: Etesia UK has announced three new appointments as the company continues to invest in its people, dealer network and customer support.

Steven Massey has joined as Business Development Manager, Jim Maynard has taken on the role of Technical and After Sales Support, and Lisa Brown steps into the position of Office Manager.

Etesia UK Strengthens Team with Three Key Appointments

Etesia UK Strengthens Team with Three Key Appointments

With decades of combined industry experience, the new additions are set to strengthen Etesia UK’s presence across the grounds care sector while reinforcing its reputation for quality products and dependable back-up.

Steven Massey joins Etesia UK following a long and respected career within the grounds care industry. Having left school in 1988, Steven spent 10 years as a mechanic at GGM (Gibson’s Garden Machinery) before moving into sales in 1998 – a role he has held ever since, working exclusively within the sector.

“I’ve always sold grounds care equipment,” Steven explained. “I’ve worked with local authorities for most of my career, which is really my strong point, and I’m well known within the industry and the customer network.”

Steven’s relationship with the Etesia brand spans more than a decade, having worked with the machines during his time at Burrows Grass Machinery and later Sharrocks, both Etesia dealers. That familiarity made the transition into his new role a natural one.

“I want to make sure that Etesia products are at the forefront of people’s thoughts when they’re looking at buying machines,” he said. “People want efficient cut-and-collect machines, and whenever you demo an Etesia product, the feedback is always the same – how easy it is to use and how well it collects, even in the wet. Etesia really sets the standard there.”

As Business Development Manager, Steven’s focus is firmly on growing the brand while maintaining strong relationships with existing customers and dealers. “It’s about keeping existing business but also looking for new business,” he said. “You can never take your eye off either. My goal is to make Etesia the number one choice, when customers are looking to invest in new equipment.”

Joining Steven is Jim Maynard, who brings extensive technical and aftersales expertise to his role as Technical and After Sales Support. Jim began his career as a greenkeeper before moving into contracting and then training as a technician. He spent 21 years with John Deere before taking on senior technical support and training roles at Reesink, where he helped establish and support nationwide dealer networks.

“I absolutely love supporting dealers and technicians,” Jim said. “Helping people, solving problems and giving them the confidence to get the best out of the product – that’s what I enjoy most.”

At Etesia UK, Jim will be responsible for dealer technical support, training, warranty administration and registrations, ensuring that dealers and end users receive the highest levels of aftersales care.

“Excellent aftersales support is about trust,” Jim explained. “If you can gain that trust, you’re halfway there. It’s about being there for people, picking up the phone, helping them when they need it – that support makes all the difference.”

Completing the trio is Lisa Brown, who takes on the role of Office Manager. With experience across sales operations and administration, Lisa will become a key point of contact for Etesia UK, providing vital support to the wider team, dealers and customers alike. Her role is central to the smooth day-to-day running of the business, ensuring communication, coordination and customer service remain at the high standards Etesia is known for.

Together, the three appointments mark an important step forward for Etesia UK. With strengthened business development, enhanced technical support and robust operational management, the company is well positioned for continued success.

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

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

Get all of the big headlines, pictures, opinions and videos on stories that matter to you.

Follow us on Twitter and Instagram for fun, fresh and engaging content.

You can also find us on Facebook for more of your must-see news, features, videos and pictures from Turf Matters

STIHL enhances user experience with new top-handled chainsaw

/in , /by

STIHL enhances user experience with new top-handled chainsaw: The MSA 220.1 T offers an outstanding performance to professionals carrying our tree removal and crown maintenance tasks. Now, boasting a lighter weight and increased torque for improved productivity. 

Providing 10% more torque compared to its predecessor, the MSA 220.0 T, the updated design can now be used with STIHL’s AP 200 S battery, which is compatible with the MSA 220.1 T’s new ‘Power Boost’ feature. This allows the model to temporarily draw on the battery’s peak electrical output of 1.8kW, while offering a standard output of 1.25 kW.

STIHL enhances user experience with new top-handled chainsaw

STIHL enhances user experience with new top-handled chainsaw

The saw’s compatibility with the AP 200 S also delivers an improved user experience by lightening the machine’s overall weight, reducing user fatigue. Further comfort is granted by the MSA 220.1 T’s 2-in-1 strop adaptor, which also contributes to a lighter weight. For ease-of-use, ergonomic transportation on climbing harnesses is enabled, thanks to the saw’s comfort ring, allowing for simple attachment to a carabiner clip.

Just like the MSA 220.0, the MSA 220.1 T delivers 2.1kW of electrical power with STIHL’s AP 300 S battery, providing up to 29 minutes of working time. For longer use requirements, the AP 500 S can also be used. Also contributing to an improved user experience, the new saw provides a longer active time upon the pressing of its ergonomic trigger system.

The new and improved model comes equipped with an adjustable oil pump and an 180° LED display, ensuring the operator always has a clear overview of the operating status of the saw and the chain brake position. In addition, the MSA 220.1 T has an oil sensor that notifies the user when the chain oil tank is empty, helping to reduce downtime.

Other features include side-mounted chain tensioning, a captive nut on the sprocket cover, and tool-free oil tank cap. The MSA 220. 1 T also has an easy-to-clean air filter for long service life and optimum motor cooling.

For more information on the STIHL MSA 220.1 T, visit www.stihl.co.uk.

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

Get all of the big headlines, pictures, opinions and videos on stories that matter to you.

Follow us on Twitter and Instagram for fun, fresh and engaging content.

You can also find us on Facebook for more of your must-see news, features, videos and pictures from Turf Matters

Husqvarna partners with Relox Robotics to expand golf solutions

/in , /by

Husqvarna partners with Relox Robotics to expand golf solutions: Husqvarna Group has entered into an exclusive distribution agreement with Relox Robotics to add an autonomous golf range ball picking solution to its portfolio across European markets.

The partnership marks a further step in Husqvarna’s commitment to advancing automation and efficiency within professional golf environments, as demand grows for smarter operational solutions.

Husqvarna partners with Relox Robotics to expand golf solutions

Husqvarna partners with Relox Robotics to expand golf solutions

Under the terms of the agreement, Husqvarna will become the sole distributor of Relox Robotics’ Range Picker™ across Europe. The autonomous solution is designed to operate fully unattended on golf driving ranges, supporting increased uptime, reduced manual handling and more efficient daily operations for range operators.

The Range Picker™ features autonomous navigation, self-charging, and automated ball dumping, enabling continuous ball collection without the need for manual intervention. Under the partnership, deployments are planned for Q1 2026, supporting early spring installations at selected driving ranges.

“Robotics is reshaping how golf facilities operate, from course maintenance to range management,” said Olle Markusson, Senior Director Robotics at Husqvarna Group. “By partnering with Relox Robotics, we are able to offer a proven autonomous ball picking solution that complements our market-leading robotic mowing platforms for golf courses and supports a more automated, efficient driving range environment.”

Automation is increasingly becoming a priority for driving range operators looking to improve productivity, reduce labour dependency, and enhance the customer experience. This partnership brings together Husqvarna’s long-standing expertise in robotic turf maintenance with Relox Robotics’ specialist knowledge in autonomous range operations, to deliver a comprehensive robotics ecosystem for driving ranges.

Husqvarna continues to expand its presence in professional golf across Europe and will provide robotic mowing solutions at the 2026 Husqvarna British Masters. This follows a successful deployment at last year’s AIG Women’s Open at Royal Porthcawl, where Husqvarna’s autonomous mowers maintained all 18 fairways during the tournament, marking the first time robotic mowers have maintained fairways live on the world golf stage.

First deliveries under the Husqvarna–Relox partnership are scheduled for Q1 2026 through Husqvarna’s network of professional partners across Europe. The autonomous Range Picker™ will have a recommended retail price of €39,500 (excluding VAT), subject to final confirmation.

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

Get all of the big headlines, pictures, opinions and videos on stories that matter to you.

Follow us on Twitter and Instagram for fun, fresh and engaging content.

You can also find us on Facebook for more of your must-see news, features, videos and pictures from Turf Matters

STIGA Hits the Ground Running with RFU Partnership

/in , , /by

STIGA Hits the Ground Running with RFU Partnership: The STIGA team have been hard at work delivering innovative ground-care solutions to rugby clubs across England, following its appointment as Official Groundskeeping Partner of England’s Rugby Football Union (RFU).

The multi-year partnership with the RFU underlines STIGA’s commitment to taking the pressure off volunteers and grounds teams, while helping to create world-class playing surfaces at every level of the game, from grassroots to the elite.

STIGA Hits the Ground Running with RFU Partnership

STIGA Hits the Ground Running with RFU Partnership

As part of the agreement, STIGA has already begun rolling out equipment to clubs and sports facilities nationwide. From England Rugby training centres to local community pitches, the garden care brand is supporting the upkeep of green spaces across the country.

Clubs have welcomed STIGA’s cutting-edge autonomous robot mowers and battery-powered equipment, designed to help deliver professional-quality results with minimal effort. Early feedback from clubs has been overwhelmingly positive:

“We are really excited to be part of this initiative.”

“Thank you for giving us the opportunity to use your robot mowers.”

“We’re looking forward to seeing what this super kit can do.”

Further demonstrating its commitment to the wider rugby community, STIGA has also launched an exclusive discount programme for all England Rugby clubs, players and members, available via stiga.com. A portion of proceeds from these purchases will be reinvested directly back into the RFU community, reinforcing STIGA’s mission to support rugby from the ground up.

This landmark partnership strengthens STIGA’s growing presence in the sports sector and builds on existing collaborations with leading clubs across Europe, including Stade Toulousain in France, Bayer 04 Leverkusen in Germany, Benetton Rugby in Italy and Lech Poznań in Poland. With more than 90 years of lawn-care expertise, STIGA continues to expand its footprint in the professional sports market, helping pitches perform at their very best, match after match.

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

Get all of the big headlines, pictures, opinions and videos on stories that matter to you.

Follow us on Twitter and Instagram for fun, fresh and engaging content.

You can also find us on Facebook for more of your must-see news, features, videos and pictures from Turf Matters