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STIGA’s Autonomous range with ‘Vista Technology’

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STIGA’s Autonomous range with ‘Vista Technology’: STIGA, leading European manufacturer of garden machinery, is raising the bar in smart lawn care with the launch of nine new autonomous robot mowers featuring STIGA Vista Technology. The innovative AI-driven camera and new Antenna-FREE feature make these mowers smarter, faster, and easier to use than ever — delivering a perfectly healthy lawn with zero effort.

Intelligent, Fully Autonomous Mowing

At the heart of the range is STIGA Vista Technology, a new AI-driven on-board camera that allows the robots to see and understand their surroundings. The system distinguishes grass in all shapes and colours from non-grass surfaces and navigates safely around fixed or moving obstacles, ensuring continuous mowing with minimal interruptions. Equipped with HDR global shutter technology, robust aluminium housing, and Gorilla Glass protection, the camera guarantees accuracy and durability, while a front LED light enhances visibility when needed. STIGA’s Active Guidance System (AGS) analyses satellite signal quality in real time, optimising mowing sessions even under unstable conditions. Now powered by a quad-band RTK-GNSS engine that provides stronger GPS reception, the robot offers extreme navigation accuracy and smoother operation, even in challenging environments such as under trees or near buildings, ensuring reliable and precise performance. The new Antenna-FREE feature removes the need for cables or reference stations, allowing flexible placement of the charging base and faster, simpler setup — maximising the device’s productivity with minimal effort.

STIGA's Autonomous range with 'Vista Technology'

STIGA’s Autonomous range with ‘Vista Technology’

Precision Cutting for Healthier Lawns

STIGA robot mowers combine advanced cutting systems with gentle daily mulching, promoting a softer, healthier, and more resilient lawn. Their organised and systematic patterns allow for stripes, grids, or seamless coverage, adapting automatically to different garden layouts. Smart sensors make the robots weather-aware, avoiding mowing in wet conditions or unnecessary passes. The result is a perfectly even, meticulously maintained lawn that requires no extra effort from the user.

Built to last, designed to perform

Every model in the new range is built to last. High-quality components, a floating protective shell, and lightweight yet durable construction ensure resilience against impacts, weather, and UV exposure. The minimalist, compact design blends seamlessly into any outdoor space, delivering a discreet, elegant presence.

Powered by STIGA’s ePower battery, the robots operate quietly and efficiently, combining long-lasting performance with lower energy consumption — making lawn care both sustainable and stress-free.

Simple App Control and Effortless Maintenance

All robots are fully controllable through the award-winning STIGA.GO App (Red Dot Design Award 2025), which offers intuitive setup, monitoring, and customisation. Users can start, pause, schedule, or adjust mowing sessions from anywhere, receiving real-time notifications and guidance. Maintenance is straightforward: accessible components, easy cleaning, and the support of STIGA’s expert dealer network ensure quick servicing and optional upgrades, including accessories like the Climb & Mud Kit for enhanced traction on challenging terrain.

Models for Every Garden

The new range covers all types of outdoor spaces, from 600 m² up to 14,000 m², and includes the following models: A 6v, A 8v, A 10v, A 15v, A 25v, A 50v, A 100v, and A 140v. With the launch of this next-generation range, STIGA sets a new benchmark in smart lawn care, offering autonomous mowing that is not only efficient and precise but effortless and enjoyable for both residential and professional users and for any garden size.

The new mowers are available for purchase via the STIGA website and authorised dealers, with prices ranging from RRP £1,199 for the A6v to RRP £6,499 for the A 140v. To learn more about the range at www.stiga.com/uk/robot-lawn-mower-ai-camera-technology

Key highlights:

  • STIGA Vista Technology: AI-driven camera recognises grass and obstacles = uninterrupted, precise, and respectful mowing.
  •  Antenna-Free Setup: No cables or reference station required = faster and flexible installation.
  •  Active Guidance System (AGS): Optimises satellite navigation = consistent mowing even with unstable signals.
  •  Quad-band RTK-GNSS engine:  delivers stronger GPS reception =  exceptional navigation precision and smoother operation even in the most challenging environments.
  •  STIGA Cutting Quality: Gentle mulching with smart pattern control = softer, healthier, and perfectly even lawns.
  •  Robust and Elegant Design: Floating shell, lightweight yet durable = easy maintenance and long-lasting performance.
  •  App Control: Award-winning STIGA.GO App = intuitive remote management and stress-free operation.

About STIGA Group

STIGA Group ranks among the leading European manufacturers and distributors of garden machinery and equipment. The Group consists of five brands, which together represent over 90 years of experience in the industry: in addition to the premium brand Stiga, the Group includes the brands Alpina, Mountfield, Castelgarden, and Atco. STIGA Group sells more than one million gardening machines every year and operates in 87 countries worldwide; with a workforce of more than 1,300 people, STIGA has three production plants: one in Castelfranco Veneto (Treviso, Italy), one in Slovakia, and one in China. The Group also has 15 sales offices throughout Europe. www.stiga.com 

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GMA Connect Returns With Six UK-Wide Regional Events

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GMA Connect Returns With Six UK-Wide Regional Events: The Grounds Management Association (GMA) will expand GMA Connect in 2026, rolling out six UK-wide events designed to bring practical, accessible learning directly to grounds staff and volunteers.

Following two successful pilot events in 2025, the 2026 GMA Connect programme will take place in Oxford, Cardiff, Manchester, Leeds, Southampton and Ipswich, ensuring grounds people can access hands-on learning closer to home.

GMA Connect Returns With Six UK-Wide Regional Events

GMA Connect Returns With Six UK-Wide Regional Events

As a core GMA member benefit, GMA Connect brings the Association’s learning experience into regional hubs whilst also welcoming the wider grounds management industry. Each one‑day event offers a mix of targeted seminar sessions and live demonstrations from leading suppliers, giving attendees the chance to see products, equipment and techniques in action.

Designed around real‑world challenges faced by local grounds teams, GMA Connect focuses on practical solutions and takeaways that can be put to use immediately on site.

2026 Schedule:

  • Abingdon School (Oxford) – Thursday 16 April
  • Cardiff City Stadium (Cardiff) – Wednesday 22 April
  • Joie Stadium, Manchester City (Manchester) – Thursday 14 May
  • Headingley Stadium (Leeds) – Tuesday 19 May
  • Stoneham Lane Football Complex (Southampton) – Thursday 21 May
  • Ipswich Rugby Club (Ipswich) – Thursday 4 June

What Attendees Say:

Sean Smith, Groundsperson at Croke Park, said: “Events like this are important because they’re accessible and give you the chance to see things outside your everyday routine. You can chat with different people, see what they do differently and share what you do differently. I would definitely recommend it to anyone thinking about attending.”

Ticket Information:

  • Joie Stadium, Manchester City: £10 for GMA members | £50 for non-members
  • All other events: Free for GMA members | £35 for non-members

“The two pilot events in 2025 were a huge success, so we’re delighted to be rolling out six events across the UK in 2026,” said Sarah Hunter, Head of Events at the GMA. “It’s all about delivering high-quality learning closer to home and making it more accessible and easier to fit around the busy lives of grounds people. GMA Connect is a core member benefit and these events allow us to bring the GMA learning experience directly into the regions.”

GMA Connect is open to grounds professionals and volunteers working across all levels of the sector, from grassroots to elite sport. The programme is supported by GMA Platinum Supporters MJ Abbott, Kubota, Howardson Group, ISEKI, Cramer and GKB, working in partnership with the GMA.

For more information and to secure your place, visit thegma.org.uk/connect.

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Dyrham Park elevates standards with new fleet

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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!”

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Etesia UK Strengthens Team with Three Key Appointments

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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

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STIHL enhances user experience with new top-handled chainsaw

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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.

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