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Reesink celebrates excellence with dealer awards

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Reesink celebrates excellence with dealer awards: Reesink UK has once again recognised its outstanding dealer network with the 2024 Aftermarket Dealer Awards, celebrating exceptional standards in customer support, service, skills, and parts.

Alastair Black, Technical Support and Training Manager at Reesink UK, explains how the relationship between Reesink and its dealers is central to everything it does and how the awards are essential in recognising that: “Dealers are often the first and most regular point of contact for customers, so their service reflects directly on us as a distributor.

Reesink celebrates excellence with dealer awards

Reesink celebrates excellence with dealer awards

“The Aftermarket Dealer Awards highlight the importance of that role and recognise the hard work, commitment and customer-first mentality that keeps our standards high across the UK.”

The awards cover five categories: Excellence in Service, Parts and Skills, alongside overall Aftermarket Dealer of Excellence and Improved Performance recognitions.

This year, Reesink Scotland took home the Gold Award for both Aftermarket Dealer of Excellence and Excellence in Skills. Mike Turnbull, Branch Manager at Reesink Scotland, commented: “These two awards reflect all the changes and hard work done by the whole service team in Scotland over the last year.

“Since taking over as branch manager we have set out to implement several changes to elevate the standards of the aftersales service for customers at our Livingston branch, which has resulted in helping reduce downtime and running costs on their Toro equipment and improving the overall customer experience.”

The Excellence in Parts Gold Award went to the Ted Hopkins dealership, and Robert Skipp, Aftersales Manager at Ted Hopkins Ltd said: “This is a fantastic recognition of the whole team’s dedication to delivering the highest standard of service and support. It reflects our proactive approach to ensuring customers receive the parts they need, when they need them, and our commitment to supporting the wider industry with the reliability and expertise of the Toro brand.”

Reesink East Anglia confirmed its outstanding support capabilities by securing the Excellence in Service Gold Award, while the Keys Brothers from Northern Ireland were named the 2024 Improved Performance winner. Andy Keys, Company Director at Keys Brothers, said:

“We’re delighted to have won the Improved Performance Award – it honours the hard work and commitment from everyone at Keys Brothers, as well as our focus on building strong relationships with customers, always striving to provide the best service and support, and continuing to contribute positively to the wider industry.”

Keys Brothers also secured the Silver Award for Excellence in Parts, while Cheshire Turf Machinery won the Silver Awards for Aftermarket Dealer of Excellence and Excellence in Service. Finally, the Silver Award for Excellence in Skills went to Reesink South East.

Another way Reesink helps raise the level of excellence and expertise in the industry is through its wide offering of training programmes. Special recognition goes to Darrell Richards from Reesink Southeast and Norann Chambers from Ted Hopkins, who recently completed the prestigious Master Service Technician Award (MST).

By completing Reesink’s MST programme – developed in collaboration with Toro’s factory experts – both technicians have proven their expertise in the latest hybrid and electric technology, as well as their ability to stay at the forefront of new product developments, warranty processes and best practice service techniques.

Their success ensures that their dealerships can continue to offer customers the highest level of service, keeping fleets running efficiently and helping turf professionals get the very best from their Toro machinery.

For more information on Reesink’s aftermarket support or becoming a Master Service Technician, call 01480 226800 or visit reesinkturfcare.co.uk.

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PSD Groundscare Powers Ahead with Groundsfest Success

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PSD Groundscare Powers Ahead with Groundsfest Success: PSD are proud to announce a hugely successful appearance at Groundsfest 2025, where the stand attracted exceptional visitor footfall and generated widespread interest across the full machinery range on display.

Supported by our valued manufacturers, we were delighted to showcase an extensive portfolio of professional groundcare and landscaping solutions, highlighting both innovation and reliability. Visitors were able to explore the breadth of our established product line as well as experience exciting new product launches, including:

PSD Groundscare Powers Ahead with Groundsfest Success

PSD Groundscare Powers Ahead with Groundsfest Success

  • EcoTech Hornet – A state-of-the-art, front-mounted flail remote-controlled tracked mower, purpose-built for high grass and the toughest terrain. With an adjustable track width and robust engineering for extreme mowing conditions, the Hornet delivers outstanding performance in overgrown vegetation and demanding environments.
  • ELIET EcoCure Topdresser – An advanced topdressing solution engineered to improve soil health and elevate turf quality, all while minimizing the workload for grounds teams. With a material spread of up to 8 metres, it allows for fast and efficient coverage of extensive areas.
  • SABO Professional Roller Mowers – Available in petrol and battery-powered models, these mowers deliver the premium striped finish contractors and groundskeepers expect, backed by durability and precision engineering. The battery model is ideal for stadiums and sports facilities while the petrol model is perfect for professional landscapers and contractors. There is also a universal lawn brush which features front mounted tines which loosen thatch, moss and organic matter, while the plastic brush bar lifts the grass blades which is perfect for sports stadium mowing.

Also making its UK debut, the SABO MowIt – a battery-powered large-area mower – wowed visitors with its versatility, featuring remote-control, semi-autonomous, and fully autonomous operation. Perfect for public parks, sports and recreation grounds, golf courses, and solar parks.

The response from both new and long-standing customers was overwhelmingly positive, with widespread recognition for the variety, build quality, and innovation across the PSD product range.

Stuart Mercer, Sales Director at PSD Groundscare, commented:
“Groundsfest 2025 has been a fantastic platform to engage with professionals across the industry. The level of interest in our machinery – particularly the EcoTech Hornet, the expanding SABO range, and our growing portfolio of battery-powered solutions – highlights the increasing demand for reliable and sustainable equipment. We are delighted with the feedback and look forward to supporting our customers as they take these innovations into the field.”

PSD Groundscare thanks all visitors, manufacturers, and partners for their support in making Groundsfest 2025 such a success. The event reinforces our ongoing commitment to delivering innovative, high-performance solutions designed to meet the evolving needs of grounds maintenance professionals.

For more information about the full PSD product range, please visit: www.psdgroundscare.com

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Romford GC maximises versatility with Terra Spike GXi8 HD

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Romford GC maximises versatility with Terra Spike GXi8 HD: Romford Golf Club in Essex has relied on its Wiedenmann Terra Spike GXi8 HD for deep aeration since 2018, and Course Manager Antony Kirwan says it’s now integral to the club’s maintenance programme.

“The GXi8 is exceptionally versatile,” says Antony Kirwan. “We use it across every surface — tees, greens, aprons, and fairways. Its quick forward motion and range of tine sizes mean we can adapt it precisely to what we need at different times of the year. We use it in conjunction with a pedestrian aerator, and its efficiency allows us to cover 13 or 14 greens in an eight-hour shift, finishing the remainder the next morning.”

Romford GC maximises versatility with Terra Spike GXi8 HD

Romford GC maximises versatility with Terra Spike GXi8 HD

Romford’s course is mostly flat, but Antony Kirwan says that even the uneven areas pose no problem. “We’ve a couple of areas that still have ridge and furrow from when it was farmland,” he explains, “but it breezes over them and doesn’t fluctuate or miss a beat.”

Antony Kirwan particularly values the speed of the GXi8 when aerating fairways. “We have to close holes during this work, so it’s essential the machine is both quick and efficient to minimise disruption and get golfers back out as soon as possible,” he adds. “It’s easily the fastest machine for the job.”

That efficiency carries through to how the tines are used. New sets start on the fairways, and once they’ve worn down, they’re still appropriate for use on the greens for the next set of renovations — helping the team get the most out of every set.

The team are also vigilant about maintenance. “We make sure to grease all the points before every use and maybe change the belt once a year,” says Antony Kirwan. “At this rate, I think it will still be here for many years to come.”

Romford’s aeration programme has evolved since the GXi8’s arrival: fairways are treated two or three times in winter, while in March the greens are aerated to a depth of around 175 mm. Greens also receive scheduled renovations and three summer passes with 10 mm tines, and tees, aprons, and surrounds are maintained during seasonal windows. The mid-season renovation includes a scarify, topdressing, a spike at around 150 mm depth, seeding with bent, and a light roll — a process that keeps the greens healthy, smooth, and consistent throughout the season. This approach improves soil health by letting air, water, and nutrients reach the root zone, keeping the course in championship condition.

Founded in 1894, Romford Golf Club has a proud history. Legendary golfer James Braid served as head professional from 1896 to 1904 and won the first of his five Open Championship titles while at the club in 1901. Today, the course honours that heritage with meticulously maintained playing conditions that continue to attract golfers from across the region.

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All applications covered with Kubota’s bigger zero-turn range

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All applications covered with Kubota’s bigger zero-turn range: The recent expansion of the Kubota zero-turn mower range has made the line-up one of the most comprehensive in the market – and one of many highlights in the Kubota groundcare portfolio. Responding to market demand, the range has increased from two to seven models offering a variety of working widths, discharge options and fuel types to suit all domestic and commercial applications.

Kubota’s zero-turn offering combines unbeatable manoeuvrability with accurate, quality cut performance making them a popular choice for local authorities and professional landscapers as well as residential users. With the addition of five new models in recent years, the range now offers more versatility than ever before.

All applications covered with Kubota’s bigger zero-turn range

All applications covered with Kubota’s bigger zero-turn range

Highlights of the established petrol models are the Z1-421 and Z2-481, which feature a 42” and 48” side discharge cutting deck respectively, with optional mulching kits available.

Launched in summer 2024 is the Z4-541 – a 54” petrol model which boasts a larger chassis to offer even greater productivity to the pro-consumer market. Hot on its heels was the rear discharge Z4-541RD model, introduced later in 2024, to meet customer requirements.

In the diesel range, the well established ZD-1211 provides comfort and fast working with excellent fuel efficiency, meeting all the needs of the professional operator.

Those looking to meet productivity requirements with a sustainable power source can find the answer in Kubota’s Ze electric zero-turn range. Offering new levels of user comfort through reduced noise and vibration during operation, the Ze-421 and larger Ze-481 are designed to exceed the expectations of environmentally conscious customers such as contractors and local authorities whilst still maintaining the performance expectations of conventional fuels.

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Level Up Your Career with the Experts

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Level Up Your Career with the Experts: Since Integrated Pest Management (IPM) was first introduced to sports turf literature, over 1,900 articles have been published on the subject. This underlines IPM’s central role in modern turf management and highlights the importance of continued professional education.

Finding a trusted source of knowledge is key. At STRI Group, our courses are built on science and delivered by leading experts, giving you the skills and confidence to apply acquired knowledge effectively in your role.

Level Up Your Career with the Experts

Level Up Your Career with the Experts

Dr Christian Spring, Principal Scientist at STRI, explains:

“IPM and ITM represent the best-practice approach for sustainable turf management. They are critical to the short, medium and long-term success of every playing surface. With the challenges facing turf managers – from climate change and water availability to regulatory pressures – adopting IPM is the only way to make sports surfaces as resilient as possible.”

BASIS courses provide the knowledge and qualifications needed to put IPM into practice. IPM is about managing turf sustainably by combining cultural, biological, and chemical controls, while reducing reliance on pesticides.

Through BASIS and FACTS training, turf professionals can:

  • Apply IPM principles effectively in real-life situations
  • Meet regulatory requirements by showing they’ve considered non-chemical options first
  • Improve turf health, resilience, and sustainability through best practice in pest, disease, and nutrient management.

In short, BASIS courses turn the philosophy into practical, accredited skills that help turf professionals deliver high-quality, sustainable playing surfaces.

How can STRI help?

Each autumn, STRI hosts three BASIS-accredited courses at our headquarters in Bingley. With an 8-hectare research facility, expert tuition from Dr Christian Spring, and plenty of hands-on practical learning, there really is no better place to immerse yourself in turf science.

Courses available

  1. BASIS Foundation in Amenity Horticulture – Turf

Who it’s for: Practitioners or those new to product sales who need a grounding in IPM, agronomy, and safe pesticide use.

  • Format: Fully face-to-face teaching, with an online exam afterwards.
  • Dates: 24-26 November 2025 (teaching), 28 November 2025 (exam).
  • Cost: £1,130 + VAT (includes exam fee).
  1. BASIS Certificate in Crop Protection – Amenity Horticulture

(Turf or Hard Surface specialist modules)

Who it’s for: Advisors, agronomists, or anyone seeking advanced IPM and plant protection product training.

  • Format: Two teaching weeks face to face, plus online written exam, with ID and viva exams held at STRI HQ.
  • Dates:
    • Week 1 teaching: 6 – 10 October 2025
    • Week 2 teaching: 3 – 6 November 2025
    • Online written exam: 8 December 2025
    • ID exam (live samples at STRI): 9 December 2025 (afternoon)
    • Vivas at STRI: 10 December 2025
  • Cost: £2,990 + VAT (includes exam fee).
  1. FACTS Turf Course

Who it’s for: Turf professionals wanting to deepen their expertise in nutrient management and fertiliser planning.

  • Format: 3.5 days face-to-face teaching, with online written exam and viva.
  • Dates: Teaching: 21 – 24 October 2025 Exams: 11–12 December 2025
  • Cost: £2,195 + VAT (includes exam fee).

Why Choose STRI?

At STRI, you’ll learn directly from leading turf scientists while gaining hands-on experience at our 8-hectare research facility. Our courses are designed to futureproof your skills, equipping you with the knowledge to meet challenges such as climate change, water management, and increasing regulatory pressures.

Alongside expert tuition, you’ll also join a strong professional network, giving you valuable connections that extend well beyond the classroom.

Book your place now – spaces are limited.

Email enquiries@strigroup.com or call 01274 565131.

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

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