Last week, I asked you, our valued dealer readers, whether the drought had dried up business?

I was grateful for all your responses, which broadly suggested that while some areas of business had slowed, workshops in particular were still keeping many dealers busy.

But one response stood out to me because it offered a remarkably positive perspective on what might otherwise be described as a challenging summer - certainly for our more traditional, grass machinery dealer readers.

Phil Noble, commercial product manager (Lawn & Garden) at E.P. Barrus, has more than 40 years’ experience in the garden machinery industry. His observation that he shared with me this week, is that dry seasons have traditionally spelt bad news for mower sales – but that this year, robotic mowers appear to be breaking that rule.

“I have found it so interesting to see the change – and for it to be something that gives our industry hope,” Phil told me.

Phil began by relating what I’m sure has been a truism for dealers since the industry began. “What has always been the case . . . is if the grass doesn’t grow, we do not sell grass cutting machinery!”, he said.

The reason he gave for this is a familiar one. For many consumers, buying a mower is a necessity rather than a purchase they particularly look forward to. Over the years I’ve often heard it described a 'distress purchase' - meaning that if the grass isn't growing, there is little incentive to replace or upgrade machinery.

But Phil says robotics is changing that.

“Robot mowers are completely bucking this trend,” he says. While sales have reduced during the dry months, he says they “most definitely haven’t stopped” and that for some of the dealers his company is in partnership with, robotic mowers have provided “a lifeline for their business”.

Phil then raised an interesting point in regard to how he sees that the market is changing. He believes that consumers appear to be viewing robotic mowers differently from conventional grass-cutting equipment.

“It seems that robot mowers are being looked upon by consumers as a consumer electric product as opposed to a mower,” he says.

That may help explain why people are still prepared to spend significant sums even when their lawns are struggling to grow. Phil puts the typical price point of Segway machines that Barrus promote, at £1,500 to £2,500.

For dealers who have invested in robotics, Phil believes this has meant having something to sell during a period when traditional mower sales might otherwise have fallen sharply.

And he sees further potential ahead. With increasingly dry seasons likely to become a more regular feature of our climate, Phil believes the industry will need to adapt, pointing to opportunities for dealers around irrigation, soil preservation and mulching (which could in itself lead to potential for greater chipper sales). He is also expecting the robotic mower market to continue expanding, particularly as more manufacturers move into commercial applications.

Interestingly, Phil believes his company’s experience with Segway demonstrates how quickly this market can develop. He says he worked closely with the manufacturer during the early development of units for the UK market, at a time when some manufacturers believed wireless robots without perimeter wire simply “wouldn’t work”.

“I really believe that Segway entering this market has shaken the whole market and has created a product that appeals to a wider audience,” he says.

So, my question today for our dealer readers, regardless of which robotic mower brand you may deal in - because it seems to me that Phil’s point will apply across which ever colour machine you specialise in – is, are robotic mowers continuing to sell despite the drought? Do you feel they have helped rescue what could otherwise have been a difficult season for grass machinery? 

Please let me know your experiences this dry season. As ever you can leave a comment below or drop me a line.

Thanks in advance for any feedback you care to share.

Industry professionals gathered at Plumpton College for VoltWorx26, where some of the latest electric machinery, commercial vehicles and autonomous groundcare technology were showcased alongside expert discussions on fleet decarbonisation, renewable energy and sustainable operations. 

Held on 28 July, the event brought together representatives from local authorities, education, professional sport, groundcare, agriculture, construction and fleet management. 

Organised in partnership between Crawfords Group and Plumpton College and powered by Kress, the event was created to help organisations move beyond broad sustainability ambitions and consider the practical steps involved in adopting electric machinery, vehicles, robotics and supporting energy infrastructure. 

A major focus was the opportunity for visitors to see and discuss a diverse selection of electric machines and vehicles representing the changing requirements of agriculture, groundcare, construction and commercial fleet operations. 

Amongst the kit on show was the Fendt e107 V Vario, a fully electric specialist tractor; the Manitou MT 625 e, a compact, fully electric telehandler; and the Isuzu D-Max EV, the all-electric, four-wheel-drive pick-up.

For construction and estate-management applications, the Komatsu PC33E-6 electric mini excavator was demonstrated. Whilst autonomous technology was represented by the Kress Voyager KR800E commercial robotic mower. 

Organisers say that together, the exhibits demonstrated that electrification is no longer limited to smaller handheld products or passenger vehicles. Electric technology, they said, is increasingly being developed for tractors, telehandlers, excavators, commercial vehicles, pick-ups and large-scale professional mowing operations. 

Alongside the machinery and vehicle displays, the keynote programme brought together specialists with direct experience of sustainability, transport decarbonisation and renewable energy. Speakers included Tom Harris, sustainability manager at Brighton & Hove Albion Football Club, Mark Smith, transport decarbonisation consultant at Energy Saving Trust, and Oliver Tucker, director of Green Bulb Energy.

Organisers says these talks helped connect the machinery on display with the operational planning, energy supply, infrastructure and organisational changes required to make electrification successful. 

Focused breakout sessions explored a range of practical technologies and operational considerations. These included Paul Larsen and Kress examining turf quality and performance using robotic mowers, while Ed Dennett discussed where electric tractors could support low-emission grounds maintenance in public-sector and professional turf environments. 

Wes Crawford of Crawfords Group said, “VoltWorx26 was created to move the conversation around electrification from ambition to practical action. By bringing such a broad range of machinery and vehicles together, visitors could see that electric technology is now being developed for serious professional applications across amenity and fleet operations.”

Aptean has appointed Roslin Lawless as senior solutions consultant for the UK and Ireland, strengthening its team supporting equipment dealers across the agricultural, construction and heavy machinery sectors. 

Roslin joins Aptean after 23 years at Ibcos, where she worked in a variety of roles spanning software testing, development support, business analysis and product management. 

Working alongside regional account director James Buchanan, she says she will help dealerships evaluate how Aptean Equipment DMS, Aptean Rental and AppCentral can help modernise their operations, and remain focused on practical, measurable outcomes.

The company says her extensive experience with dealer management systems and manufacturer connectivity gives her a strong understanding of both the technology and the day-to-day requirements of equipment dealerships.

Roslin said, “Dealers today are operating in an environment that is changing rapidly, with increasing demands for efficiency, visibility and connected systems. I'm looking forward to working closely with dealers across the UK and Ireland to help them unlock greater value from their technology investments and support their long-term success.”

James Buchanan, added, “Roslin brings a strong understanding of dealer management systems, manufacturer integrations and dealership operations. Her expertise, combined with a customer-first approach, will play an important role in helping dealerships across the UK and Ireland accelerate their digital transformation and achieve long-term success with Aptean Equipment DMS.”

E. P. Barrus is saying a fond farewell to Andy Maaz, who is retiring after nearly 30 years with the company on 1st October 2026, and more than 50 years working in the agricultural and groundcare industries.

Andy joined Barrus in January 1997 as Lawn & Garden workshop supervisor and has since become a familiar and trusted face to many of their dealers and customers.

With a career built on extensive practical experience and technical knowledge, Barrus say Andy has played an important role in supporting the dealer network through technical advice, training, customer support and countless trade shows and industry events.

In a statement, the company said of Andy, "His straightforward, friendly approach and willingness to help have made him a highly respected colleague and valued member of the Barrus team.

"We would like to thank Andy for his commitment, hard work and friendship over the past 29 years, as well as the many relationships he has built across our dealer network."

Barrus also say Andy will be at GroundsFest on 16 and 17 September and invite all along to the DeWalt stand (OSA190) to wish him well.

John Deere dealer Turner Groundscare played a key support role as Royal Birkdale and Royal Lytham & St Annes prepared for back-to-back major championships.

The Open at Royal Birkdale 

Both established John Deere customers, the clubs received additional machinery, technical support and training to meet the demands of hosting The Open Championship and AIG Women’s Open within the space of a fortnight.

At Royal Birkdale, Turner Groundscare began working alongside the club’s workshop team around five weeks before The Open, carrying out servicing, sharpening, setting bottom blades and adjusting roller settings. A dealer technician was then on site throughout championship week.

“For the week before and the week of the tournament we had a Turner Groundscare technician here pretty much all day, every day,” said Birkdale course manager Sean McLean. “Even outside of tournaments, the dealer provides very good support for us.”

Turner also supported Royal Lytham & St Annes during the AIG Women’s Open, working alongside the club’s mechanic and lead to ensure machinery was prepared and any issues could be addressed promptly.

John Deere supplied additional machinery at both venues, with the Lytham fleet including 11 2775 greens mowers, six 8000AE fairway mowers and eight TE Gators. More than 30 greenkeepers operated the machinery, approximately twice the club’s regular team.

Lytham course manager Paul Smith said the combination of additional machinery and dealer support provided “an added level of assurance” during the championship.

“A major championship is only ever achievable by having this high level of support, backup, and knowledge in all areas, but particularly the machinery element that John Deere and Turner Groundscare provided,” he said.

Haverhill Cricket Club has strengthened its grounds maintenance capabilities due to a donation from Toro, who selected the club as part of the Toro Donation Programme.

The club received an eProStripe pedestrian mower, complete with the Groomer Brush attachment, providing volunteers with professional-grade equipment to help maintain high-quality playing surfaces throughout the season.

Founded in 1861, Haverhill Cricket Club has long been a cornerstone of the local community. Today, the club supports two Senior Saturday sides, two Senior Sunday sides, three Junior teams, one Midweek team and two Ladies teams, and regularly hosts league cup finals and Suffolk county fixtures. Its facilities are maintained by a dedicated group of volunteers who work tirelessly to keep the grounds in excellent condition.

Vice chairman Liam Savage said, “We cannot thank Toro enough for the service provided, and we cannot wait to use the equipment. Haverhill Cricket Club has been a major part of the town for many years – a real community club with a fantastic setup both on and off the field. We’re proud of our facilities and grounds, and this support will help us continue to improve them.”

The handover was attended by Matt Coleman, sales manager at Toro, and Andy Brown, finance manager at Toro U.K. Limited, who met with Liam Savage, Mick Harding, and Phil Dingley, the club’s grounds team.

Matt Coleman said, “Clubs like Haverhill are the heartbeat of their communities. Their volunteers put in an incredible amount of work, and having reliable, professional equipment can make a huge difference.”

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