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High speed, high productivity with GKB DTA models

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High speed, high productivity with GKB DTA models: If you’re looking for greater productivity in golf course aeration, then a stop by the GKB Machines stand at BTME 2026 is a must with the launch of the new Deep Tine Aerator High Speed (DTA HS) range. Available in three working widths, the DTA HS combines GKB’s precision engineering with significantly enhanced speed of operation helping greens teams to achieve optimal soil decompaction while reducing disruption time.  

Designed for superior output without compromising aeration depth or quality, the DTA HS models allow greenkeepers to cover more ground in less time – an ideal solution for today’s increasingly time-sensitive maintenance schedules. With 1.2m, 1.6m and 1.8m working widths available, whether you’re tackling compaction on tight tees and greens or larger, undulating fairways, there’s a DTA HS model to meet your needs.

High speed, high productivity with GKB DTA models

High speed, high productivity with GKB DTA models

Productivity is also assured with the Sandspreader range, which will also be on show at Harrogate Convention Centre in January. Positioned at the entrance to the show, the SP100 mounted model will set the tone for precision turfcare – compact, reliable and engineered for accurate sand distribution, the Sandspreader is the perfect partner to the new DTA HS for those upcoming spring renovations.

On the topic of renovations, the GKB technical team will be on hand across the duration of the show to discuss the full fine turf maintenance portfolio – whether it’s aeration, topdressing, scarification or seeding on the cards. For the latter, the GKB Combiseeder utilises the tried and trusted combination of two spiked rollers and two brushes to accurately deliver seed into the surface and optimise conditions for germination. Suitable for seeding and routine overseeding work, the Combiseeder is available in four working widths to suit greenkeepers, sports turf managers and contractors alike.

All of this and more can be found on stand 644 when BTME returns on 20th to 22nd January 2026.

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Laser Sharp Results with Redexim

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Laser Sharp Results with Redexim: When James Camfield, Managing Director of Golf Course Management Services Limited, saw a gap in the market for specialist tee levelling, he turned to Redexim. The result? Flawlessly levelled playing surfaces that are transforming golf clubs across the country.

Founded in 2021, James’ Hertfordshire-based business provides flexible greenkeeping support, offering everything from drainage and irrigation installation to fine turf consultancy and hands-on site work. “We’re a bit of a collective,” he says. “We work with some of the best people in the industry – from landscapers and lawn care specialists to woodland managers. Together we can offer everything from technical advice to full project delivery.”

Laser Sharp Results with Redexim

Laser Sharp Results with Redexim

One of James’ most recent projects took place at Moor Park Golf Club, where he worked with Course Manager Gavin Kinsella to rebuild two small, uneven tees.

“The existing tees were small, uneven, and weak,” says James. “We enlarged them by around 150%, installed drainage on five-metre spacings, added irrigation, and then imported 150mm of rootzone material. The Redexim Laser Grader 1500 allowed us to achieve the perfect final levels – accurate to within a millimetre.”

With its 1.5m working width and laser-controlled levelling system, the Laser Grader 1500 makes short work of precision tasks like these. The grader automatically adjusts the blade via its hydraulic control system, following the programmed gradient set by the operator.

“Once it’s set up, it’s incredibly straightforward to use,” James explains. “You set the grade you want, programme the laser transmitter, and the grader does the rest. The precision is incredible – the surface almost feels like a billiard table.”

The Laser Grader 1500 is built around a heavy-duty steel frame, ensuring durability even on demanding projects. Despite its robust construction, it remains compact and easy to handle, helping to reduce soil compaction while providing a consistently smooth finish.

“We did a lot of research before buying,” says James. “The power-to-weight ratio was a big factor – it’s tractor-driven and hydraulically powered, which makes it efficient but also really controllable. It gives us total confidence that we can create the exact surface we want, every single time.”

James and his team are now using the grader across a wide range of fine turf sites, from Kent up to Leicestershire and Oxfordshire. The investment has quickly paid off, with demand growing through word of mouth.

“It’s not the kind of kit a golf club would buy for one-off use, but that’s exactly where we come in,” James adds. “We can offer an affordable, high-quality tee levelling service using top-end equipment. For us, with very high expectations of how we want to leave a surface for a client, the Redexim Laser Grader gives us the confidence to know that we can create the levels that are required. It’s so precise, sometimes we have to just take a step back and admire it!”

Throughout the purchase process, James worked closely with Paul Thomas from Redexim, whose support helped ensure he chose the right model for his needs.

“Paul was brilliant — he couldn’t have done more to help,” says James. “He talked me through the options and guided me towards the perfect version for what we do. Redexim has built a reputation on quality machinery, and I can’t recommend them highly enough for both the equipment and the aftersales support.”

With the Laser Grader 1500 now an integral part of his operation, James says it’s hard to imagine working without it.

“When I think of Redexim, I think of quality,” he concludes. “The grader has become our go-to bit of kit. If we expand into other areas and Redexim has the right machinery, it’ll be a no-brainer for us to stick with them.”

View the video of the Redexim Laser Grader in action at Moor Park Golf Club with Golf Management Services here.

For more information, visit https://www.redexim.com/uk/

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Royal Mail makes electric move with Paxster

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Royal Mail makes electric move with Paxster: BOSS Off-Road Vehicles, Paxster’s UK distributor, has announced Royal Mail has taken a major step towards decarbonising its delivery operations, deploying over 100 micro electric vehicles (MEVs) across the UK. This is part of its journey to reach net zero emissions by 2040 and to reduce delivery times.

Eighty-four of these vehicles are supplied by the Norwegian manufacturer Paxster, now becoming a central partner in one of Europe’s largest and most ambitious fleet transitions.

Royal Mail makes electric move with Paxster

Royal Mail makes electric move with Paxster

In the first deployment phase, 52 larger vans are being replaced by compact electric vehicles operating in cities including London, Bristol, Newcastle-under-Lyme and Brighton. The shift is expected to reduce emissions by around 242 tonnes of CO₂ annually, while improving air quality and delivery flow in dense urban areas.

Aleksander Säfvenbom, Managing Director at Paxster AS, says:

“Royal Mail conducted extensive trials of multiple MEVs before selecting Paxster. Their decision to scale with our vehicles confirms that the Paxster platform meets the real operational needs of postal fleets: easy charging from standard sockets, excellent manoeuvrability, safety, security, comfort for the driver and low TCO.”

Royal Mail’s rollout shows how MEVs can complement larger e-van fleets to optimise last-mile delivery, particularly in cities facing congestion, access restrictions and limited charging capacity. The results are now drawing attention from postal and parcel operators across Europe, who are looking for scalable, low-infrastructure solutions to accelerate fleet electrification. Aleksander adds:

“Many operators face the same reality as Royal Mail. They need to deliver faster, cleaner and more efficiently in increasingly crowded cities. MEVs are becoming a vital tool in achieving that balance between sustainability, productivity and profitability.”

With the Royal Mail partnership, Paxster reinforces its position as one of Europe’s leading providers of electric vehicles for postal and parcel distribution. The company continues to expand its presence across several European markets as operators move from pilots to full-scale deployment of purpose-built MEV fleets.

For more information on Paxster you can call BOSS ORV on 01785 561046 E-mail: sales@bossorv.co.uk Web: www.bossorv.co.uk

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Kerr’s Grounds Services Goes Robotic with the RM21

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Kerr’s Grounds Services Goes Robotic with the RM21: When it comes to managing multiple sites and tight schedules, efficiency is everything. For Charlie Kerr, owner of Kerrs Ground Services Ltd, investing in cutting-edge robotic technology has revolutionised the way he works – and the RM21 Combo Mower, distributed exclusively by Agrovista Amenity in partnership with XDC, has been at the heart of that transformation.

Charlie’s passion for turf management began over a decade ago.

Kerr’s Grounds Services Goes Robotic with the RM21

Kerr’s Grounds Services Goes Robotic with the RM21

“I started working at a school mainly on cricket and rugby pitches,” he explained. “That’s where I got the bug for being a groundsman. From there I joined a sports turf contracting company, then worked at Dartford FC for a few years before moving on to Chelsea FC.”

After a short stint away from the industry, Charlie found himself missing life on the turf. “I started with small maintenance jobs, but it wasn’t the same. I got back into football when Cray Wanderers FC needed a groundsman, and things just took off from there. Now I look after Cray Wanderers FC, Welling United FC, carry out some work at Sidcup Rugby Club, and a few private sites too.”

Managing several venues meant long hours and challenging logistics – until Charlie discovered the RM21 Combo Mower.

“I was spending four or five hours every Friday marking pitches by hand. In winter, when the days are shorter, it was brutal,” said Charlie. “Then I saw the RM21 on my phone one night and thought, ‘That looks incredible!’ A mower and a line marker in one? I booked a demo straight away – and I was blown away.”

The RM21 Combo Mower is a fully autonomous unit that cuts and line marks simultaneously, using advanced GPS technology. Controlled via a tablet or mobile app, it allows users to map, edit, and save pitch layouts, meaning even complex training grids or tournament layouts can be recreated at the touch of a button.

Charlie says the benefits were immediate:

“I’ve left the RM21 cutting at Welling while I’m doing other work at Cray Wanderers – it’s like having an extra employee. It basically allows me to do two days’ work in one.”

Since introducing the RM21, Charlie has noticed huge savings in both time and materials.

“I’m using less paint than before. One tank of concentrate now does all my pitches. The lines are cleaner, brighter, and perfectly straight – and I don’t have to mess around with strings and pegs every week.”

The machine offers two operation modes: high-efficiency for quick turnarounds, and precision mode for detailed line marking, ensuring professional results for every situation.

Battery performance has also impressed him.

“You get around 12 hours of line marking or five hours of mowing on a full charge. I’ve marked and cut multiple sites in one day without even dropping below half a battery.”

Noise and safety were also big considerations for Charlie, especially when working around busy community grounds.

“It’s so quiet you can’t hear it from the other side of the pitch. I’ve used it at seven in the morning, and no one even noticed. Plus, it’s much safer than using big tractors when you’ve got dog walkers and kids around.”

The RM21’s compact size and portability mean Charlie can easily move it between sites.

“It drives straight onto my trailer – simple as that. If I get a last-minute call for a pitch, I can be in and out in an hour. It’s a complete game changer.”

Charlie’s experience has been so positive that he’s already thinking about expanding.

“I’ve started promoting GPS line marking on social media and had new enquiries coming in already. There’s nothing else like it in this area – and with the time I save, I can take on more work without burning out. I call it my ‘Kerminator’ – and it’s living up to the name!”

For Charlie Kerr and Kerr’s Grounds Services, the RM21 Combo Mower isn’t just another piece of kit – it’s a business-changing investment that’s redefining what’s possible for small, independent turf professionals.

For more information about Agrovista UK, visit https://amenity.agrovista.co.uk/

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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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