More interesting developments in the arena of robotics for our sector today, with the news that STIGA has announced a new partnership with US-based technology firm SiMa.ai to incorporate its A.I technology into their robotic lawnmower range.
 
I had to look up what some of the terminology meant in the announcement, but apparently the artificial intelligence they will be using in their units results in an 'ultra low latency' - meaning the mowers can make up their own robot-minds about things super quickly. And that the 'physical A.I' that this partner company specialises in for 'edge' machines, means that the decision-making process is all contained within the equipment itself - not relying on speaking to clouds or whatnot. So top-level, advanced stuff by the sounds of things - which will clearly be important for STIGA now that they are competing in the professional market as well their traditional domestic sphere.
 
This high-degree of sophistication is of course common across many of the different robotic brands that our dealer readers specialise in - especially those used in a commercial setting. It wasn't long ago that the machines required a wire to be buried in the ground around the perimeter of the grassed area to be mown. Dealers tell me that those became pretty much obsolete overnight due to the speed of development seen in the sector.
 
That pace of advancement from the manufacturers feels like it is now being matched in the acceptance and take-up of the technology by end-users - both domestic and especially professional. We've been hearing that for a while now in conversations we've had with our dealer readers who advocate robotics - and it was brought into sharp focus this week at the ScotsTurf show that took place at Hamiliton Park.
 
Great friend of Service Dealer and owner of Strathbogie Forest & Garden, Pete McArthur, was exhibiting at the event that was in its second edition, and remarked on just how apparent a switch in attitude to automation there had been in the past year.

 
Writing on LinkedIn, Pete said, "In just one year of attendance, the show has transformed from a traditional turf care event into a full blown technology and robotics showcase. The shift wasn’t subtle - it was unmistakable." Pete described how only a year ago many of the professional end-user visitors to the show were perhaps curious about the use of robotics on their surfaces, but were not quite ready to make the transition.
 
But Pete says there was a clear change this year. He explained, "Personally after 20+ years in robotic mowing, I knew the tipping point would arrive. Innovation always feels uncomfortable right before it becomes obvious." The conversations were different, he said. Pete felt the questions were sharper and the appetite for automation was real.
 
Pete went on to observe that the professional teams that he encountered at ScotsTurf this week were actively looking for, "Smarter, leaner operations. Cost effective solutions. Better results with the same (or fewer) resources. And ways to free skilled staff for higher value work."
 
This comment regarding staffing, is one of the absolute key drivers in the progression of robotics in commercial applications. Yes, the machines themselves are undoubtedly becoming even better at their jobs and in their user-friendly functionality - but alongside this there is a genuine need for them as clubs and facilities are struggling to recruit team members. 
 
It's a subject that editor of our sister title, TurfPro, Laurence Gale has addressed many times. Across the UK and much of Europe, recruiting and retaining skilled turf professionals has become increasingly challenging. Turf managers are under pressure to maintain and improve standards while operating with tighter budgets and teams. Robotic mowing does not replace people, but it does change how their time is used.
 
Instead of spending hours sat on a mower completing routine cutting tasks, staff can focus on higher-value work such as presentation, repairs, aeration, irrigation management and all the other detailed tasks that often get pushed down the priority list when resources are stretched.
 
This shift in working practices has been clearly observed by progressive dealers around the country such as Pete, and represents fresh opportunities to be the local, go-to expert in the technology. It requires a different, modified approach to sales and service, but for many dealerships it will be their future - one in fact, that has already arrived.

Farm and Fleet Services based in Launceston in the South West of England has recently been appointed as an authorised McCormick & Landini tractor dealer in the region. 

Gareth Murray, proprietor, Farm and Fleet Services with Richard Haines, commercial director of Argo Tractors GB

The dealership will be expanding its offering to include the full range of McCormick tractors and Landini parts, alongside its established service and repair operations. 

Serving customers across Cornwall and Devon, the dealership specialises in agricultural machinery, plant equipment and fleet vehicles, delivering everything from routine servicing and diagnostics to repairs and parts.  At the core of the business is a fully equipped mobile service fleet, enabling its experienced technicians to provide on-site support, minimising downtime.  

Gareth Murray and Ed Horn, proprietors of Farm and Fleet Services said in a statement, “The addition of McCormick tractors to the dealership portfolio represents a strategic expansion. Being rooted in the local community gives us a clear understanding of the challenges facing South West farmers - from diverse terrain and weather conditions to the pressure of seasonal workloads." They went to say that customers will benefit from access to a comprehensive range of McCormick models as well as genuine parts for both McCormick & Landini. 

As part of their expansion, they are opening a dedicated trade counter and shop, which will be fully operational from March. Richard Haines, commercial director of Argo Tractors GB added, “The appointment of Farm and Fleet Services, reinforces our commitment to investing in the future of agriculture across Cornwall & Devon. We are delighted to welcome  them to the Argo family and look forward to a strong partnership.” 

An agricultural machinery dealer from the Scottish Highlands has marked its 25th year in business by joining the dealer network Polaris.

Mark and Blair Garrick with Neil Pirie (centre) from Polaris 

Mark Garrick started Mark Garrick Agricultural Engineers in Elgin, Moray in 2000 with just himself and a van. Since then, Mark, now joined by his son Blair who heads up the sales department, has developed and evolved the business and says Polaris will sit well alongside its current offering.

Mark said, “We are always looking for different avenues to go down and think Polaris will fit in nicely with our customers. We have got a good range of mixed customers and believe Polaris is a ‘go forward’ product. It will help enhance what we do with the rest of our customer base.

“This is our 25th year and we are looking forward to coming on board with Polaris.”

Neil Pirie, district sales manager for Polaris, added, "We are delighted to welcome Mark Garrick Agricultural Engineers to our national dealer network. It’s a company that’s now been around for 25 years and that helps to illustrate the quality of customer care they provide.

“They will be a valuable addition to Polaris and it ensures they can provide their customers in the Highlands with even more.” 

ATV Services Scotland Ltd. has been appointed as an Aodes dealership by UK distributor, Boss ORV.

The dealership was founded in 1989 by director John Yuille Snr., originally as a service operation. He was joined by his son less than two years later, and today the business is the largest supplier of utility ATVs in the UK. The company has four depots and thirty-seven operating staff and has recently been awarded the King’s Royal Warrant for ‘Supply and Servicing of All-Terrain Vehicles’. Their headquarters is a newly built premises at Whitefordhill, Ayr.

ATV Services Scotland Ltd. is now solely owned by the founder’s son, John Yuille, and his wife Janis, and they are joined by their son, Billy, as the business’s third-generation family. Initially, the Aodes range of ATVs and utility vehicles will be sold and supported by the Newton Stewart depot to cover Southwest Scotland.

John said, “Although a newer brand to the UK, we have watched its development over the years and feel this is a great time to get involved. Regardless of any brand we represent, our company is totally committed to providing our customers with the highest quality after-sales support, and this is exactly what we shall do with Aodes. We look forward to developing our company further with the brand.” 

BOSS ORV national sales manager, Neil Everett added, “We’re so pleased to welcome ATV Services Scotland as an Aodes dealership for sales and support, and look forward to working with John and the team to offer Aodes to Scottish ATV and UTV users.” 

Jon Cole, divisional business manager for Reesink Turfcare, exclusive distributor for Toro commercial machinery in the UK, has been named the recipient of the Toro Green Blazer Award for 2025.

Jon Cole, divisional business manager for Reesink Turfcare, left, receives the Toro Green Blazer Award from Greg Laurence, general manager of the International Division of The Toro Company.

The award for Toro Equipment Sales is presented during the company’s annual worldwide distributor business meeting, which is held in conjunction with the GCSAA show in America, and recognises individuals who are contributing to the industry, demonstrating leadership and showing commitment to customers and customer relationships, all with commercial success.

Greg Lawrence, general manager of the International Division of The Toro Company, who presented the award to Jon, said, “Throughout his career, Jon has demonstrated unwavering commitment to customers, colleagues, and the Toro brand.

“He played a pivotal role in securing the landmark ten-year Total Solutions partnership with The Grove. Working closely with Toro, he helped develop a partnership proposition that extended well beyond equipment, including residual value strategies, customer engagement initiatives, education programmes, and the use of The Grove as a flagship showcase venue. These combined efforts overcame strong competition and secured long-term success.”

The Toro Green Blazer Award is presented to a member of the Toro channel who has demonstrated excellence and achievement in selling Toro commercial equipment. It is awarded just once a year and represents a high level of performance, customer impact, and outstanding accomplishment.

Alastair Rowell, managing director of Reesink UK, added, “Jon’s career began with John Shaw Machinery in 2007 and progressed through Reesink following its acquisition in 2014, ultimately becoming divisional business manager in 2022. A natural leader, Jon keeps teams aligned and informed, ensuring confidence across the sales organisation. 

“It is an honour for this award to come to the EMEA and to win is a great achievement, not only for Jon personally but also for Reesink UK as a company. I have worked with Jon for many years and to see his hard work recognised on this level is fantastic. He deserves huge congratulations.” 

The award also shows recognition to the top level of Commercial Equipment sales and development of new business opportunities.

Jon said, “It was a surprise and an honour to have my name read out at Toro’s distributor awards during the GCSAA show in Orlando. I’m extremely proud to have received this recognition from Toro and although it is an individual award, it is in my eyes more of a reflection on the effort and dedication shown by the whole team at Reesink UK.” 

Claas has inaugurated two new assembly lines at its baler manufacturing plant at Metz-Woippy in France.

The manufacturer says this investment is essential for the production of its baler series, such as the Cerex round baler and the recently announced Cubix, which is the next-generation of large square balers.
 
The company says this strategic investment underlines their long-term commitment to France and the Grand Est region and sets up the manufacturing site for future growth in balers. The €3.3 million investment reflects a shared long-term ambition for the future development of the site. Furthermore they say, it underlines the connection with the region and represents another milestone in the 65-year history of the site. 

Thomas Spiering, the company's COO said at the at the opening of the new facilities, "By combining innovative products with future-proof production facilities, we are strengthening the industrial and technological foundations for the continued success of our baler business. Over recent years, we have systematically invested in R&D, our protoshop, infrastructure and production at the Metz-Woippy site to drive innovation and operational excellence."

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