Hello from Louisville! I hope nothing too dramatic has happened at home whilst I've been away? I'll check the news when I get back.

It's my privilege today to be reporting from what I believe is the largest outdoor power equipment trade show in the world, Equip Expo.

Service Dealer contingent in attendance

I've been here in Kentucky since Monday night, with owner of Service Dealer Duncan Murray-Clarke and the winners of the OPEI's competition that ran through our pages, Pete McArthur of Strathbogie Forest & Garden and Danny Lewis, landscape contracts manager at Manchester City FC.

The event proper got underway on Wednesday, with Tuesday seeing the opening welcome celebration of the show, held at Slugger Field, home of the Louisville Bats baseball team.

The gathering of dealers, end users, manufacturers and groundscare specialists from across the U.S and around the world was celebrated with fireworks, hot dogs and the odd tipple - in anticipation of the main show kicking off.

Wednesday however saw the vast inside and outside showground open its doors to the huge numbers who've travelled here to Kentucky to experience this ever-more impressive show.

Seriously impressive

As is traditional, the show was open first to a dealer-only audience for several hours on Wednesday morning. Between 9am and noon dealers were free to walk the exhibition halls, speaking openly to exhibitors, without the ears of end-user customers potentially overhearing what might be sensitive, or at least private, conversations.

I always believe this is a fabulous innovation of the show here and do wonder whether it'd be worth any of our shows at home adopting? Pete McArthur certainly thought it was a good idea, liking the ability to get around exhibitors before the aisles became too crowded. He was also impressed by each stand having a decent number of the suppliers' reps manning the exhibit - meaning no hanging around if you wanted a chat.

These dealer-only hours used to be a late afternoon thing, that involved beer and food being distributed on stands. Whilst great obviously, it used to perhaps feel less business-y than holding them first thing. Don't get me wrong, the beers and food still came out in the afternoon on Wednesday this week - but this time all the end-user visitors were there too, enjoying the party atmosphere!

These first hours brought it back to me, what the sheer scale of this endeavour is - and this is before the outside demo area even opened its doors at noon. I believe the show was completely sold out this year, for the first time ever. This was clear as there was no wasted space anywhere. No strategically placed tables and chairs in empty stand space; no wide areas of nothing - it was full to bursting.

And then once you've just about become used to the level on which the show is operating, they open the doors to the outside demo area - and the footprint goes stratospheric!

They have even managed to make the demo ground better than when I last visited in 2019. It's larger, has sculpted walkways now making navigating easier and they've included a utility vehicle demo track. Our guys who were visting the show for the first time were blown away by just how good it truly is. Although the level of dust kicked up from all the cutting, driving and digging place on day two was something to behold!

And I won't mention the prototype mower that caught on fire late Wednesday afternoon, leading to an evacuation and the demo area closing early! All was dealt with though and was back up and running as normal yesterday morning.

What was seen?

In this Update today, we have a few short films that hopefully convey a flavour of what was going on at the show. Keep an eye out as there will be more content like this to enjoy in our Equip Expo Digital Special Report that's coming soon.

In terms of products on display there were zero-turns galore - many of which I suspect we won't ever see on our shores. STIHL for example launched a whole range of the mowers.

Whilst of course there were many examples of electrification of machinery options - or indeed automation - the impression our group came away with, was that petrol (or gasoline as we say here), still has a very firm place in the U.S outdoor power equipment sector.

I spoke to the OPEI's President Kris Kiser about this yesterday during our chat that will form part of the upcoming Digital Special Report and he told me that gasoline still has a significant role to play in the future of the industry - despite the moves in California to ban the sale of gas-powered kit.

Leaving thoughts

Upon leaving, I spoke to our contingent what their opinions were regarding the most interesting and exciting development for the industry that they saw during their time at the show?

The guys appeared to be in agreement that it was what Kress are doing with their Cybersystem, allowing a battery to fully recharge from empty to full capacity in 8 minutes. As the company's Todd Zimmerman said in his presentation, this offers professional end-users a genuine "reason for change" to move for the first time to a battery-powered machine from traditional fuel. He said in developing their range, the company wanted to compete with petrol products, not with other cordless machines.

The phrase is overused, but in this case it does seems to apply - what Kress showed here in Louisville, and recently introduced to UK dealers, is a game changer.

In fact you can see below the bold, bold statement the company chose to put front and centre on their stand -

We'll have much more about Equip in the upcoming Digital Special Report - including coverage of the panel that Pete and Dan spoke on brilliantly yesterday, comparing the U.S and UK markets.

In the meantime, I'm off to the airport to return to what I assume is a stable, calm and quiet UK.

Service Dealer owner Duncan Murray-Clarke speaks to Kress's Todd Zimmerman on their stand at Equip, to find out about their newly launched battery that takes 8-minutes to fully recharge.

Landscape contracts manager at Manchester City Football Club, Danny Lewis, who has been part of the Service Dealer contingent at the Equip Expo in Louisville, Kentucky this week, finds out about the use of robotic mowers in professional sports in the U.S.

Watch him below speak to Husqvarna's Robert Gregory.

Joe Conrad of Mean Green Mowers, introduces a new compact zero-turn model that will be finding its way to UK shores early next year -via Overton (UK) Limited.

Duncan Murray-Clarke caught up with Sara Hey of Bob Clements International ahead of the 'Across The Pond' panel discussion, to consider how the industry on both sides of the Atlantic is adjusting to new power sources.

You'll be able to watch the panel discussion in full that featured Pete McArthur of Strathbogie Forest & Garden and Man City's Danny Lewis, in Service Dealer's upcoming Equip Expo Digital Special Report.

Distributors Iseki UK & Ireland have announced that Muratori products are now available to buy through their current dealer network.  

Muratori designs and manufactures a wide range of tractor mounted implements that can be used in multiple applications, including hobby farming, landscaping, professional gardening and horticulture plus fruit growing and cultivation on agricultural land.

Founded in 1949 as a small shop for the repair of agricultural machinery founded by Alcide Muratori in Italy, manufacturing of rotary tillers began in the early 1960s becoming the company sole activity in 1965 when the export of agricultural machinery started.

In 1978 they moved to a premises where their new factory was built with a covered area of 6,000 square meters, offices, a workshop and a showroom. It was at this time the production of other machines started including power harrows - followed by the development of mulchers and finishing mowers, fertiliser spreaders and reverse rotation tiller-stone buriers.

The range of Muratori implements includes:

•    Rotary tillers 
•    Stoneburies
•    Power harrow 
•    Finishing mowers 
•    Flail mowers for grass
•    Fertiliser spreader for powder or granular fertilisers

 
In an official statement Iseki UK & Ireland said, "Muratori is renowned for excellent product reliability and customer service thanks to consistent manufacturing experience and development for over 60 years. With customers in over 40 countries, on 5 continents, there is an implement suitable for anyone."

Continuing to expand their dealer network, Boss ORV has appointed two new Corvus dealers.

David Taylor Garages based in Crickhowell, Powys, Wales is the first new appointee. 

Phil Everett with Gene Taylor

Boss ORV managing director Phil Everett said, "We are delighted to welcome our second dealer in Wales and extremely excited to have someone join the Corvus network with such a reputation for customer service in this region. Really looking forward to working with Gene, Chris, Katherine and all the team at David Taylor’s.” 

Next up, Corvus has arrived in Cheshire to coincide with the opening of the Campey Turf Care retail premises in Bosley, Cheshire. 

John Campey and Phil Everett

Phil Everett said, “It’s great to have Richard, John and all the team join us at this exciting time in our development. Their expertise in the groundcare market combined with our developing product line-up makes a dynamic combination.” 

Both dealers will be stocking the Corvus Terrain range of side-by-side 4x4 utility vehicles, including the new 100% electric Terrain EX4 UTV.

Cobra is once again excited to be exhibiting its comprehensive range of award winning domestic and professional garden machinery at Saltex 2022 at Birmingham’s NEC, from 2nd – 3rd November on stand G090.

Cobra will be celebrating their 10th year anniversary in 2023, and are excited to be launching some significant new product ranges which will get there first showing at Saltex 2022. 

Peter Chaloner, Managing Director of Henton & Chattell said “We are really looking forward to showcasing some of our new products for the first time in the UK at Saltex. We have been on a journey developing and testing these machines to ensure they meet the qualities our customers have come to expect from our Cobra products, and we can’t wait for people to see them first hand.” 

Peter continued “Henton & Chattell are committed to supporting our Cobra dealers by developing exciting and innovative new products to bring customers into their showrooms. All this is achieved through our continued investment in advertising, facilities, staff and crucially product development.”

Additionally, Cobra will be displaying a range of petrol and battery powered domestic and professional machines from lawnmowers through to handheld products such as hedge trimmers, chainsaws and brushcutters.

Visit the Cobra stand G090 at Saltex to see these exciting new products and for a chat with one of the Cobra team.

For more information on Cobra products please visit: cobragarden.co.uk or to become a Cobra dealer, please contact Andy Marvin on: 07771 581 296 or call our sales team: 0115 986 6646 today.

With zero emissions and lower running costs, the new Kress range of commercial battery power tools is the only way forward to meet climate change goals. Kress products deliver the same power as petrol, and work with very high efficiency. Thanks to the innovative Kress 8-minute Cybersystem™ battery platform, this is the first truly cordless solution for commercial use. The new battery platform has been engineered to have the fastest re-charge of any commercial battery system available, has twice the power output of standard lithium-ion batteries and has been developed with heavy-duty use in mind. It is battery-power as has never been seen before.

Kress have removed all the barriers which exist with other battery systems on the market, such as slow charging times, short battery life cycles and not being powerful enough to reach petrol power with the Cybersystem™ platform. Kress’s advanced, fully interchangeable, 60V battery technology, provides the most powerful and durable range of outdoor green garden tools available, extending from the range of mowers, to hedge trimmers, backpack blowers, chainsaws and more. Experience power on an unprecedented scale.
The new commercial range from Kress sets new standards in operating comfort, features and design. The quality-manufactured tools are driven by high-performance brushless motors and exceptionally powerful Kress 60V max batteries. As a result, they are a green alternative to cable-based and petrol tools, even for challenging jobs.

Think of the Cybersystem™ DC-DC charger as you new fuel tank and stores enough juice for all your tools for the whole day. Refill it after work in your garage or back of the van, and you’ll never have to stop at a petrol station to fill a tank with fossil fuel again. The Kress range is ideal for Landscapers, Commercial contractors, Sports Clubs and Landowners looking to reduce emissions, fuel and the operating costs to manage sports pitches, lawns and large grounds.
 
Contact Kress to become a supplier today!

Tony Macer National Sales Manager

Mobile: +447535 146211  Email: tony.macer@positecgroup.com

Now in its 76th year, Europe’s largest sports amenities and landscaping trade exhibition, SALTEX, will be held at Birmingham’s NEC over two days on 2-3 November. 

With over 400 brands showcasing products in three halls, across two days, at one location, SALTEX is a must-attend event for everybody operating in, or supplying to, the groundscare sector.

At SALTEX you can: 

• Listen and learn from industry thought leaders
• See over 400 brands all in one place
• Stay up to date with the latest product innovations
• Further your career with free advice and guidance
• Connect with industry suppliers and partners
• Get expert advice on your specific turf challenges
• Network with national and international peers
• Celebrate achievements at the GMA Industry Awards

What’s On?

In addition to learning about new products, services, and suppliers to the industry from home and abroad, SALTEX also has an extensive programme of events and learning opportunities.

Learning LIVE

The Learning LIVE schedule this year has been extended to over 30 sessions, with additional papers attacking the key issues for the grounds care industry of pay, career development, recruitment and retention, how to negotiate in the workplace and how to find out about the millions of pounds of grant funding available from sports clubs. But what’s at the heart of Learning LIVE and this year’s show is sustainability and the environment. 

Those managing and maintaining sports turf and green spaces are already having to deal with the impact of climate change and industry suppliers are doing their best to innovate and help grounds people minimise the impact of droughts and floods. The session on reducing the impact of future water restrictions on golf and sports turf, for example, with Owen Turpin from the Environment Agency, Tony Hanson from Environmental Solutions International and Robin Price from Anglian Water discussing the water charter and how to deal with it will provide valuable practical advice. 

There’s something for most sports surfaces from some of the best in the business. For rugby, Catherine Hall (Premiership Rugby), Dr David James (Labosport) and Dan Prest (GMA) talk about raising Premiership Rugby pitch standards. For cricket, Gary Barwell (Edgbaston Stadium), Karl McDermott (Lord's) and Steve Birks (Nottinghamshire CCC) discuss how new cricket formats impact on the modern-day grounds manager. Tennis is covered off by Neil Stubley (Wimbledon) who presents the All England Tennis and Croquet Club’s court expansion project.

But all top-level surfaces start somewhere – at grassroots level – and Rob Sullivan presents the Football Foundation's strategic ambitions to improve grass pitch quality and Chris Smith tackles the funding process to improve pitches. Perhaps there’s a role for hybrid pitches in the community – Dr Richard Earl (TGMS) reveals data findings from the Sport England hybrid pitch pilot for community use in London’s Regents Park.

The full seminar line up is available online at saltex.org.uk, but whether it’s elite sports grounds attendees are interested in or a strategy for grassroots football, Learning LIVE has it covered and provides the opportunity to build knowledge and stay ahead of the game.

Eco Village 

The whole concept of the Eco Village is to showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly practices in grounds care and consider what is a sustainable piece of machinery – what’s the impact on the environment and how does it help achieve neutrality? The Eco Village features a programme of daily demonstrations of cutting-edge sustainable technology, offering visitors an opportunity of seeing several products in action. Plus, industry experts will offer advice on green technology and how it could benefit current working practices.

GMA Industry Awards

The GMA Industry Awards hosted by the BBC’s Mark Clemmit, are back for the 12th year. It’s so important to celebrate the achievements of individuals and teams operating in grounds management and is key to positive workforce development. With 18 awards and an evening to celebrate everyone nominated, it’s a ringing endorsement to the good work and talented people in the industry. Tickets to the event can be purchased at saltex.org.uk

So, whether working in educational establishments, community facilities, on private estates, or in sports clubs at grassroot, amateur, or professional level, if you’re passionate about keeping green spaces and playing surfaces safe, accessible, and sustainable, and you’re keen to stay ahead of the game in the grounds care industry, then SALTEX is the show for you. Register for your free ticket here: 

“In 2021, there was a buzz and real enthusiasm for business: deals were being struck, demos were being organised, there were lots of new launches across the halls and I expect more of the same in 2022.” Geoff Webb, CEO for GMA, SALTEX organisers.

So don’t miss out, REGISTER NOW for #SALTEX2022 #AheadofTheGame

www.saltex.org.uk

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