GroundsFest took place at Stoneleigh again this week and, if the consensus among the exhibitors and visitors I spoke to was anything to go by, this was the biggest and best edition yet.

There was certainly plenty of evidence to support that view. Day one was heaving, with the showground seemingly packed, while the organisers told me there were 302 exhibitors this year - 40 more than in 2025, with 60 companies also increasing their stand space. They went on to say there is apparently already a waiting list of prospective exhibitors, with scope to expand the show's footprint into unused areas towards the back of the Stoneleigh site.

So, what is the show getting right?

The weather certainly helped this year. But there is something more fundamental about an outdoor machinery show in September that simply works – for both visitors and exhibitors. Also, interestingly, there is a noticeably different atmosphere to GroundsFest than other trade shows in our sector. It feels less formal, relaxed and even perhaps a word not often associated with exhibitions, fun. That mood seems to bounce around the showground, from the staff running the stands to the visitors walking between them.

Each year the show seems to add little tweaks of improvement based on feedback. I took advantage of one of this year's new initiatives myself, with free coaches running between Leamington Spa railway station and the showground. Admittedly, the coach I was on at 8.30am on Wednesday wasn’t the fullest, but hopefully as word spreads of this helpful addition, it could ease pressure on the surrounding roads.

The Service Dealer & TurfPro team

Essentially, it feels to me like GroundsFest has hit on a formula that works. Certainly when the weather plays ball, as it did this week.

This sector is, of course, intrinsically linked with the vagaries of the British weather. When I spoke to dealers I bumped into and their manufacturer partners on their stands about the year so far, there was one subject that came up repeatedly: the summer drought.

Those months without meaningful rain, with grassed areas turning yellow and customers holding back on traditional turfcare purchases, were tough. Very tough, in some cases.

But there was also a recurring theme around what had helped keep things moving. Robotic solutions.

As we've heard from dealers before, these increasingly appear to occupy a slightly different space in the customer's mind. Rather than simply being another piece of outdoor powered machinery, they can be perceived more like a desirable consumer-electronics purchase – something new and aspirational that customers still want, even when the wider market is being affected by the weather.

We will include more details about what exhibitors were saying and showing on their stands in the next issue of Service Dealer magazine. In the meantime, here’s a brief flavour of what some companies of interest to our dealer readers were up to.

AL-KO was showcasing a raft of new Solo by AL-KO products, including dealer-exclusive machines and new wireless robotic mowers. New walk-behinds were notable for how quick they are to assemble. Among other introductions was the Velocity 100 TRFP remote-controlled flail mower, aimed at contractors working on slopes and other difficult or hazardous terrain.

Husqvarna had a strong focus on professional robotics, including machines equipped with AI cameras to help them navigate when satellite signals are compromised and to recognise lifeforms and temporary obstacles. The company also stressed that petrol remains part of its strategy, describing its future approach as a blend of petrol, battery and robotic technology.

STIHL focused heavily on its new AllPro battery system and the different charging options available to users, from rapid on-site charging to workshop and vehicle-based solutions. It was also demonstrating collaborations with other manufacturers using STIHL battery power, with machines from Westerman and Kwern on the stand powered by their technology.

Kress used the show to launch its larger Voyager robotic mower, capable of covering up to 19 acres on a single charge, alongside a smaller Voyager and a new four-wheel-drive commercial robot. The latter using AI cameras to assess grass quality and identify potential problems.

Toro and Hayter had plenty to show, from battery and petrol Harrier Pro models to the E-Pro Stripe for football pitches. Looking ahead, a new 32-inch GrandStand is planned for contractors needing to get through standard gates, while Hayter was using its 80th anniversary to underline its heritage alongside a move into a wider range of premium gardening products.

EGO said GroundsFest remains its favourite event of the year, with a good crossover between dealers and professional end users. Its big draw was the forthcoming ZTX 4800 commercial zero-turn mower, with its price point intended to make the move from petrol to battery more accessible to commercial operators. The company also stressed the importance of dealer-led demonstrations and getting machines into the hands of professional users.

Greenworks Commercial confirmed that the Cramer name will disappear from the European market as the machines transition to Greenworks Commercial branding. The machines themselves are essentially unchanged, with the dealer-only Greenworks Commercial operation retaining its existing UK team and setup.

AriensCo reported its busiest-ever first day at GroundsFest, with strong interest from both dealers and end users. Its Summit Pro range was attracting attention, while remote-controlled machines were again among its stars, with the company reporting that demand had held up well through the summer drought.

STIGA had expanded its demonstration area this year, with the Apex Pro robot attracting plenty of attention and visitors trying out the E-Park Pro throughout the show. The company said it had already secured numerous follow-up demonstration appointments, with professional applications including colleges, universities and other commercial operations where staff can be redeployed onto other more skilled activities.

FGM Claymore said its robotic Sunseekers had continued to sell through the summer drought, with customers increasingly viewing robotic mowers in much the same way as consumer electronics. The company also reported strong interest in golf robotics and announced that it is taking on distribution of the Victor range, with plans for a broader professional petrol offering.

Henton & Chattell had a new Cobra out-front rider with four-wheel-drive options attracting attention, alongside the prototype Rotary Stadium Fortis. Designed for post-match tidy-ups on football pitches, but also suitable for rugby and cricket applications, the 34-inch twin-blade rear-roller machine is due next year in both petrol and EGO-powered versions.

PSD was highlighting its support for dealers with its range of professional equipment, with the remote-controlled Sabo Mowit proving a particular draw. The machine is finding applications in rougher areas that conventional robotic mowers may struggle with, including the edges of golf courses, as well as with landscapers and public authorities.

Overton was showcasing its recently added DR professional range, with further models planned for launch at BTME. The company said dealers were particularly interested in the return of these machines with two field & brush mowers and two trimmers on show, with the company now looking to build a dealer network.

Redexim put its new Turf Tidy 5000 centre stage, describing it as the largest machine the company has produced and its first unit that can legally be driven on the road between sites. The company was also keen to demonstrate the breadth of its turf-care range following what has been a challenging year for grassed areas.

A positive atmosphere

Perhaps my biggest takeaway from my couple of days at GroundsFest this week was that, despite what has clearly been a difficult summer, there was very little sense of despondency.

That doesn't mean the challenges have disappeared. I spoke to dealers who described the drought in pretty stark terms, while some are questioning whether there is enough margin left in smaller handheld machinery and are considering concentrating more heavily on larger equipment. There are also continuing concerns around internet competition and manufacturers selling direct.

But my conversations at the show also demonstrated how quickly the industry is adapting.

Robotics continues to move beyond the domestic garden and into commercial, golf and specialist applications. Battery is becoming an increasingly normal proposition for professional users - but, significantly, petrol is clearly not disappearing. Whilst the showground wasn't exactly roaring with the noise of traditionally fuelled engines, there is still clearly a desire there amongst users, manufacturers and dealers for quality, cleaner, petrol options.

And, perhaps most importantly for dealers, manufacturers are still talking about the importance of demonstrations, specialist dealer networks and putting new technology into the hands of end users.

Which kind of sums up the show this week. GroundsFest understands the value of getting people together, outside, in a relaxed environment and letting them see, touch and try the machinery. It genuinely appears to be something the industry wants.

And judging by the crowds at Stoneleigh this week, it seems to be working.

A new speaker has been confirmed for this year’s Service Dealer Conference, taking place on 3rd December at the Crown Plaza Stratford-Upon-Avon, with leadership and business change specialist Zoë Thompson set to explore how dealer businesses can develop a culture capable of dealing with change.

Zoë spent 20 years in the police service, including a period as a business change manager, before establishing her own leadership consultancy. She is now an Accredited Master Coach, Executive Coach and NLP Master Practitioner, working with senior leaders and organisations across the UK and EMEA.

Her conference session, titled ‘Nature, Nurture and Nerve: Building a Culture That Can Handle Change’, will look at the factors that shape the culture of a business - including what is inherited and what leaders actively create.

With many family and owner-led businesses built around established ways of working, Zoë will consider what happens when the pace of change begins to outstrip those traditional approaches.

The session will also look at how businesses can move from having change imposed upon them to taking greater ownership of it, while considering the role of leadership, control, instinct, succession and family dynamics.

Zoë says she will draw on her own experience of leading people through significant organisational and technological change, with the aim of giving delegates practical ideas they can take away and put into action immediately.

Commenting on the session, Service Dealer owner Duncan Murray-Clarke said, “Zoe’s session will cover some fundamental issues facing our dealer sector. She will be tackling culture change within small businesses with a view to acknowledging and adapting to change, controlling the transition. Interestingly, she will be looking at this topic whilst considering succession and family dynamics. I personally can’t wait as it'll be a fascinating session.”

To keep updated with all news about the Conference, and to enter our Dealer Of The Year competition, visit our website.

Datatag ID has been named as a regional finalist in the Innovation category of the 2026 Make UK Manufacturing Awards for its RAPID technology platform.

 
RAPID, the Registered Assets Police Information Database, has been shortlisted in the South region following judging by Make UK.
 
The Make UK Manufacturing Awards celebrate achievements across the UK manufacturing sector, recognising businesses and individuals for their contribution to manufacturing.
 
Developed to support police when checking stolen and suspect machinery and other registered assets, the manufacturer says RAPID provides officers with a secure resource to help establish and verify an asset’s identity.
 
They go on to explain that the system gives police one practical platform to check Datatag - and CESAR - marked assets using information from the CEA (Construction Equipment Association)-owned CESAR database, PNC/LEDS and Datatag’s own databases, helping officers establish identity and status more quickly in live situations.
 
The platform enables officers to search using a range of identifiers, including VINs, serial numbers, engine numbers and other identifying marks. This can be particularly valuable where identifiers are incomplete, altered or difficult to interpret.
 
The platform also includes machine identification information and machine-orientation videos to help officers locate identifying features across different makes and models of equipment.
 
Kevin Howells, managing director of Datatag ID, said, “RAPID was developed around a very practical requirement: giving police officers access to the information they need when checking machinery and other registered assets.
 
“Plant and equipment can carry numerous identifiers, and in some cases those identifiers may have been altered, damaged or partially removed. RAPID gives officers a valuable resource to help them establish and verify what they are looking at.
 
“To have RAPID recognised by the Make UK judges and shortlisted in the Innovation category is a fantastic acknowledgement of the work that has gone into developing the platform.”
 
The winner of the South regional Innovation category will be announced at the Make UK Manufacturing Awards Regional Dinner on Thursday 5 November 2026 at the DoubleTree by Hilton Swindon.

Haynes Agricultural is expanding its agricultural machinery network in the South East with the transfer of the property, assets and trade of Ernest Doe Power’s Case IH agricultural business at Ringmer, East Sussex, to Haynes Brothers Ltd, the holding company of Haynes Agricultural.

Haynes' Uckfield premises

As part of the move, Haynes Agricultural will relocate its existing Uckfield agricultural operation to the more modern Ringmer facility on 6 November 2026.

The company says the move will bring together the expertise and resources of the two operations, creating a stronger base to support agricultural customers across East and West Sussex, Surrey, Hampshire, the Isle of Wight and Kent.

The development is part of Haynes Agricultural’s wider strategy with CNH to create a stronger and more integrated CNH dealer network across the South East. Alongside the recently dual-branded Great Chart depot, and planned dual branding at its Wrotham Heath and Horsham sites, the network will give customers access to both CNH brands - New Holland and Case IH - alongside JCB, supported by Haynes’ established sales, parts and service teams.

Haynes has expanded its agricultural operations in recent years, including the integration of Ernest Doe Power’s agricultural business at Woodchurch, Ashford, and the acquisition of the Mike Garwood Ltd agricultural businesses in Alton and on the Isle of Wight.

James Broadley, managing director of Haynes Agricultural Ltd., said, “The acquisition of the Ringmer business will be the final part of the jigsaw in creating the business we have been working towards for several years. It completes our dual-branded CNH strategy and gives us a strong, sustainable platform for the future. The agricultural industry continues to evolve rapidly, and this investment ensures we are well placed to continue adapting, investing and supporting our customers for many years to come.”

Adrian Woods, director of agricultural operations at Haynes Agricultural Ltd., added, “This is an exciting development for our agricultural team and, most importantly, for our customers in East Sussex.

"The Ringmer facility will give us an excellent opportunity to bring together experienced people, resources and product expertise in one location. Customers will benefit from access to both New Holland and Case IH agricultural machinery, as well as JCB, supported by our established parts and service teams.

"While the Uckfield site will close as part of the move, our commitment to our customers in the area remains exactly the same. We will continue to provide the high standards of service, parts and technical support that customers have come to expect from Haynes Agricultural. In addition, we look forward to working with the existing team at Ringmer to help build on their success and also, most importantly, to welcoming customers to Ringmer and to further strengthening the relationships we have both developed in the area.”

Further information about the Ringmer facility, including contact details and the relocation arrangements, will be communicated to customers ahead of the move.

Husqvarna Group has announced that they have become the first robotics company to receive Conditional Approval from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) for foreign-produced advanced robotic devices on the U.S. market.

The FCC's Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau announced the approval on September 9, 2026, covering four Husqvarna robotic mower platforms: the Automower 305V iQ, 310V iQ, 420V iQ and 440V iQ.

This follows the FCC’s announcement in August 2026 of a list of communications equipment and services that are deemed to pose an unacceptable risk to U.S. national security or to the safety and security of U.S. persons. The Conditional Approval means that these specific platforms, which are expected to be launched in the U.S. in 2027, as well as the already approved models currently available on the market, are exempt from the FCC Covered List.

Glen Instone, CEO of Husqvarna Group, said, “This validates that Husqvarna Group is setting the standard for trusted robotic mowing, and reflects our rigorous standards for quality, security, and how we manage customer data following strict EU consumer privacy rules. The U.S. is a strategically important market for robotic lawn mowers, where we are already serving more than 500 golf courses with our professional robotic mowing solutions, and with limited residential penetration so far, we see significant growth potential in the years ahead."

Husqvarna Group has a strong presence in the U.S. with net sales representing 24% of total Group net sales in 2025. North America is identified as a region with strong growth potential for robotic mowers both in the residential and professional space, and the Group’s ambition is to accelerate penetration in the U.S. market.

According to data released by the AEA the number of agricultural tractors being registered across the UK dropped further below the seasonal average in August and, for the first time this year, it was also lower than in the same month last year.

The 395 machines recorded during the month was 2% fewer than in August 2025 and was more than 40% below the average for the time of year in the previous five years. That compares with a shortfall of just 5% in the opening seven months of this year. 

"Nevertheless," explained Stephen Howarth, agricultural economist at the AEA, "registrations for the year to date reached 7,284 tractors, 18% more than in January to August 2025, with the annual figure still on course to return to the 10,000-12,000 range that was typical in the decade prior to last year."

Henton & Chattell has celebrated a hugely successful GroundsFest 2026 after two exceptionally busy days at Stoneleigh Park, with huge numbers of visitors heading to the company’s stand to see the latest product developments, meet the team and talk about the new products and opportunities across the brands.

The event proved to be one of the highlights of Henton & Chattell’s 95th anniversary year, bringing together dealers, customers, grounds professionals and industry contacts from across the UK for two days of product launches, demonstrations and conversations.

A major talking point was the first public showing of the new Fortis Rotary 34, a new professional rotary mower developed specifically for sports stadiums and high-quality turf environments.

Designed to complement the existing Fortis range, the Rotary 34 attracted significant attention from visitors looking for a professional rotary solution capable of meeting the demands of modern sports turf maintenance.

There was equally strong interest in the new Cobra Mowbot RTK range, which showcased the latest generation of wire-free robotic mowing technology. Dealers were able to see the new machines up close and discuss the opportunities the rapidly developing robotic mower market could offer their businesses.

Cobra also unveiled a number of other important additions, including its new range of commercial lawnmowers and, for the first time, the new Cobra out-front rider range.

The breadth of new product on display gave visitors a clear indication of the continued investment being made across the Cobra portfolio and generated a constant flow of conversations throughout both days of the show.

EGO, which is distributed by Henton & Chattell, also made a major impact at GroundsFest with a hugely impressive stand showcasing a number of significant new product developments.

Among the highlights was the new commercial zero-turn mower, together with several other exciting additions to the professional battery-powered range. The stand attracted strong interest throughout the show, underlining the continued growth of EGO within the professional groundcare market.

Billy Goat machinery was also represented on the Henton & Chattell stand, with a selection of its specialist commercial equipment giving visitors another opportunity to explore the breadth of products available through the distributor.

Beyond the excitement around the new product launches, GroundsFest provided Henton & Chattell with a valuable opportunity to meet with dealers, customers and industry professionals from across the country.

Peter Chaloner, Managing Director of Henton & Chattell, said:

“The response we had at GroundsFest was exceptional. From the moment the gates opened, the stand was incredibly busy and the number of people who came to see us over the two days was fantastic.

“What was particularly encouraging was the quality of the conversations. Dealers and customers weren’t simply coming onto the stand to look at a machine - they wanted to talk about where the market is going, the new opportunities they are seeing and how we can continue to support their businesses.

“There was a huge amount of excitement around the new Fortis Rotary 34, the Cobra Mowbot RTK range, our new commercial lawnmowers and the new Cobra out-front riders. It was also fantastic to see the reaction to the new products being launched by EGO on their stand, particularly the new commercial zero-turn mower.

Celebrating 95 years in business in 2026, Henton & Chattell continues to build on its long-standing position within the garden machinery industry, combining established dealer relationships with continued investment in new products, brands and technologies.

Henton & Chattell would like to thank everyone who visited the stand at GroundsFest 2026 and helped make the event such a success.

TVH delivers high-quality PTO shafts and drive components for maximum reliability

When equipment demands heavy-duty performance, peace of mind comes from parts built to endure. TVH offers an extensive selection of PTO (Power Take-Off) shafts and essential spare parts designed to deliver seamless power transmission and keep agricultural and turf machinery moving.

Complete drive shaft solutions

From daily maintenance to intensive field applications, TVH stocks a wide variety of complete PTO drive shafts tailored to various machinery specs:

• Standard PTO drive shafts: Engineered for dependable day-to-day power transfer across diverse applications.
• Wide-angle drive shafts: Ideal for tight turns and challenging operational angles, providing continuous power without compromising performance.
• Specialised drive shafts: Customised options designed for high-load operations and specific implement setups.

Durable spare parts & safety equipment

Extending the lifespan of your machinery requires robust components and uncompromising safety standards:

• Universal joints & yokes: Built to withstand constant stress and demanding conditions, ensuring smooth operational control.
• Safety guards & protective devices: Operator safety is paramount. TVH provides full protective shielding and safety devices designed to satisfy stringent industry safety requirements and protect equipment investments

Partnering with TVH

With expert support and an extensive stock profile, TVH helps dealers, repairers, and fleet managers reduce downtime and optimise operational reliability. Find the exact PTO component you need with ease.

Explore full PTO range at TVH

Get in touch with TVH

Phone: +44 2476 585 000
Website: https://www.tvh.com/reliable-power-guaranteed-results

Email: sales.gb@tvh.com

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