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The Show Goes On with Kubota Fleet at The NEC

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The Show Goes On with Kubota Fleet at The NEC: A fleet of 30 G261 units from Kubota’s G-Series are helping to keep waste and facilities services on track at one of the country’s leading exhibition centres. The delivery from Hunts Engineering to The NEC Birmingham in March 2025 was well received by Darren Hawkins, Head of Soft Services, and a large team of OCS Group operatives who are now benefitting from Kubota comfort, convenience and reliability across the NEC, Vox Conference Centre and BP Pulse Arena.

OCS Group have been responsible for cleaning, waste, cloakrooms, portering and the wider estates at the NEC Group’s venues since 2012. Encompassing five venues in total, the need arose to replace the vehicles which are pivotal to the maintenance operation at three of the campus’s busiest sites. “We narrowed our search down to two brands before speaking to Richard Lucas from Hunts Engineering who brought us a Kubota G261 on demonstration” explains Darren. “We really put the machine through its paces, determined to find the limits of its capability and quite quickly discovered it could deliver everything our previous machines could with the added benefit of fantastic support from Richard and the team.”

The Show Goes On with Kubota Fleet at The NEC

The Show Goes On with Kubota Fleet at The NEC

With a couple of additional bespoke features – such as the fitting of amber safety beacons – to ensure the G261’s were fully fit for purpose, the first delivery of 20 units was made in March 2025, later joined by an additional 10 in July. “Their main task is to tow 1280 litre bins to various points, collecting litter and other waste during event build ups and breakdowns. As the old saying goes ‘the show must go on’ whether we’ve got machines to collect the litter or not so reliability is critical for us. So far, the Kubota’s haven’t missed a beat.”

The reliability of the fleet of G261’s reaffirms the sentiments of the NEC Estates Team, who have benefitted from the trusty power and performance of a Kubota M5-092 for the last 18 months. “It was the positive feedback from the Estates Department that really spurred me on to look at smaller machines in the Kubota range” Darren adds.

Depending on the event calendar, it’s not unusual for 20 or more of the G261’s to be out working on any given day. “The team have all received training on their operation which has made the transition relatively seamless, and hopefully means we’ll be able to better protect our investment.” Moving forwards, a combination of in-house monitoring and routine maintenance and servicing by Hunts will ensure the venue can continue to depend on the performance of the G261’s for years to come.

Steve Cartmell, NEC Group FM Contract Support Manager added, ““The teams’ choice of working with Hunts to provide Kubota machinery has ensured that the services OCS provide across our site can continue with improved reliability, fuel efficiency and user safety features, making the operation from event to event seamless.”

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Bernhard and Company Partners with Laguna Golf Phuket

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Bernhard and Company Partners with Laguna Golf Phuket: Bernhard and Company, the leader in fine turf maintenance solutions, has completed a major machinery installation at Laguna Golf Phuket, one of Asia’s most prestigious golf destinations and the recent Asian Tour host venue. 

This installation, carried out in collaboration with Bernhard’s regional distributor, Sports Turf Solutions, represents a significant advancement in Laguna Golf Phuket’s long-term strategy to enhance course conditioning to world-class standards.

Bernhard and Company Partners with Laguna Golf Phuket

Bernhard and Company Partners with Laguna Golf Phuket

Laguna Golf Phuket has invested in Bernhard’s industry-leading Express Dual and Anglemaster grinding systems as part of a renewed agronomy vision under the direction of Jhomer Darlito Q. Patalot Jr, Director of Agronomy. This initiative aims to improve the performance, reliability, and longevity of the equipment fleet while also aligning with the broader sustainability commitments of Laguna Golf Phuket.

Jhomer Lito Patalot Jr. and his team are responsible for maintaining Laguna Golf Phuket, which involves approximately 15 cutting units. As part of the installation, Bernhard and Company provided hands-on training to 12 members of the greenkeeping and mechanics team. This training was led by Mirai Takahashi Business Development Manager for Japan. “Laguna Golf Phuket was seeking a long-term solution to extend the life of their cutting blades and equipment while improving the overall health and performance of the turf,” stated Wilson. “With our Express Dual 4100 and Anglemaster 4100 now installed, along with a dedicated team trained to maximise the benefits of this technology, Laguna Golf Phuket is well-positioned to provide exceptional playing conditions consistently.”

The installation process included training for mechanics Jakree Srikanha, Prasit Pintu, Seksan Suwan, and Sanya Samkamlue, ensuring the on-site team can maintain precision sharpening standards year-round.

Laguna Golf Phuket, renowned for hosting prestigious regional and international golf events, has announced its decision to invest in Bernhard machinery. This move aligns with their goal of being at the forefront of golf tourism in Asia and ensuring tournament-ready course conditions.

Paul Wilson, the Managing Director of Laguna Phuket, stated: “The new Bernhard machinery reinforces our commitment to providing world-class playing surfaces and maintaining consistent quality throughout the year. Additionally, the advanced technologies enhance the efficiency and capability of our greenkeeping team, leading to improved turf health, reliability, and overall course presentation. The equipment also supports our sustainability goals by promoting energy and resource efficiency, while extending the lifespan of our machines.”

Wilson further emphasised that “Bernhard and Company’s proven reliability, technical expertise, exceptional customer service, and established global track record of working with Top 100 venues make them the ideal long-term partner for maintaining elite playing conditions.”

As one of Asia’s most recognised golf destinations, hosting high-profile tournaments and attracting golfers worldwide, Laguna Golf Phuket’s investment is a strong endorsement of Bernhard’s esteemed reputation in top-level course management.

To find out more about Bernhard and Company’s range of Express Dual reel grinding machines, head to: https://bernhard.co.uk/reel-grinders/

To find out more about Bernhard and Company’s range of Anglemaster bedknife grinding machines, head to: https://bernhard.co.uk/bedknife-grinders/

To learn more about Laguna Phuket, visit: https://www.lagunagolfphuket.com/

To learn more about Sports Turf Solutions, head to: https://sportsturfsolutions.com/

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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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