Tuesday and Wednesday this week saw the second edition of the new show in the turfcare machinery calendar take place once again at Stonelegh Park.

GroundsFest's sophomore effort delivered in spades - being both bigger and better than 2023's edition. 

As soon as visitors arrived, improvements could be felt. The car parking and entrance into the show was a much smoother operation - and once you walked into the showground, it was clear immediately that there had been a distinct step-up in the event's footprint and arrangement of stands. 

Also an improvement were the exhibitor and visitor numbers. By those metrics, there's no doubt it had grown since last year.

However, what is much harder to quantify, is the feeling around the show. This idea that it was 'better'. With an intangible like that, I'm only able to make a judgement call based on the many conversations I held with stand holders and visitors - and by the demeanours of everyone else I saw around me. And by my estimation, there were a lot of happy people in attendance. Both satisfied punters and exhibitors.

If anything, what the feeling reminded me of was that first SALTEX back after Covid. My memory of that, was that it felt pretty special with a genuine excitement pervading the halls of the NEC. Of course a lot of that feeling came from the joy of being able to interact with each other again, but it was nonetheless, a show that felt significant.

This week felt special as well, but in a different way. Thinking of how to define it, perhaps this year the vision of the organisers had clicked into place and aligned perfectly with the wants and needs of its exhibitors and visitors? That feels about right.

Of course, the success or otherwise of a trade show lives or dies on the quality and breadth of its exhibitors - and in the interest that the target audience has in what they've brought to display. At Stoneleigh this week, there was plenty to catch the eye of the many specialist dealers and professional end users (possibly more on the landscaper side, rather than pro sports?) in attendance.

You can read more about what was seen to interest dealers, here.

A complete package

As well as the machinery exhibits, there was plenty of other attractions to keep visitors interested including live demos from the lads from Machinery Nation as well as a music festival in the evening.

Machinery Nation

There was a whole programme of talks and interactive seminars across both days too, including one which boasted an appearance from our very own Laurence Gale, the editor of our sister title TurfPro, and who dealers will know through the articles he contributes to Service Dealer magazine.

Laurence Gale

Loz was speaking on a LANTRA organised panel about the challenges that the professional turfcare sector is facing. The discussion covered ground that could be equally applicable to the dealer channel, with recruitment and retention of skilled staff at the top of the agenda. Laurence said, "It seems that the new generation either do not know about the opportunities available to them or they are shy of getting their hands dirty." He went on to implore all trade associations and bodies with a vested interest in the sector, to come together to speak with one voice, to find a way of promoting the industry and solving this problem.

Loz on the panel

Overall, I believe the organisers of GroundsFest deserve a hearty well done. To take was what was a good concept from year one, and improve it to the levels experienced this week, is admirable. Of course an outdoor show will always have one eye on the weather. It helped that it wasn't a wash-out like day one last year - but it still wasn't perfect. I watched some people rescue their gazebo down off of the top of someone else's due to the high winds and the downpour late on Tuesday afternoon pretty much cleared the outside area. But to not hold a show for outdoor powered machinery outdoors, simply because it might be inclement, doesn't seem right. 

It feels like GroundsFest has true momentum now. This was illustrated to me when I bumped into a senior figure from one manufacturer, who I'd spoken to there a year before. Last year they were not exhibiting, but were on a recce to see if it felt right. This year they had a stand that they were delighted with - and crucially, no plans to return to SALTEX.

The GMA's show which is coming up next month, was mentioned to me a lot this week. Pretty much always in the context of, 'how do they follow this?'

It's a legitimate question. Will visitor numbers hold up? Will there be this same buzz under the lights of the NEC? And long term, does it maintain exhibitor support? Because three national turfcare machinery shows per year, is undeniably a lot.

As always though, we at Service Dealer are looking forward to SALTEX and are keen to see how the organisers have evolved the offering this year.

So whilst we anticipate the GMA's show, we say good job GroundsFest and see you next year.

The second edition of the GroundsFest exhibition took place this week on Tuesday and Wednesday at Stoneleigh Park.

Whilst there was plenty to see all round the showground, some exhibitors of interest to Service Dealer's readers included:

Kress had a huge complex of a stand that the organisers recognised with the Best Outdoor Stand prize. It truly dominated the entrance to the show. They also also chose to have a (not insignificant) stand inside too. This was a serious commitment to the show and it's visitors - allowing all those interested to get hands on with their kit outside, and perhaps have a more in-depth, quieter sit-down discussion with representatives inside.

Tony Macer

I chatted with the company's sales director UK & Ireland, Tony Macer, who told me he was delighted with the show - and indeed with the growth that Kress has seen in the UK during these past few years. He said, "We are a dealer only brand that is committed to the dealer network." He spoke of the great progress they are making placing their robotic mowers into the UK's golf courses and how further expansion is ongoing across other professional sports.

He told me, "It is a really exciting time for us at Kress in partnership with our dealers. We have so much more new technology coming down the line, we can't wait to share it with our partners."

STIGA attended for the first time this year and rather than hold their traditional dealer meetings at the National Motorcycle Museum or on tour, they instead invited their dealers to come visit them at GroundsFest. Much to the delight I expect, of many other standholders who will have noticed the definite increase in dealer numbers at the show this year.

Their large stand featured their articulated truck complete with big screens and display space, an outside area for customers to view machines, and an inside Dealer-Hub for their partners to hold private conversations with staff members. On show amongst other things, was the relaunched Mountfield range that had benefited from dealer feedback , new robotics and a new range of small, electric handtools.

Elizabeth Senior

MD Elizabeth Senior told me, "Dealers are our heart-blood - and we want to get across to them just how good electric kit can be for their businesses, with quality margins, plus ongoing service and warranty work." 

On Cramer's stand I met new national sales manager John McGrady who confirmed the brand is still looking for the right dealers in certain areas of the country. He said, "We're recruiting dealers, but we're being selective. We've appointed some well-known names such as Lister Wilder, Hopkins and Vincents, but there are still some gaps in our map for our range of battery-powered machinery".

John McGrady

I also met European product manager, Brendon Harbour, who explained how dealers will begin to see the Cramer powerhead (battery + motor + chip technology) used on other manufacturers' machinery.

Jonathan Snowball on Husqvarna's stand said that they had experienced a great show, being inundated with visitors keen to learn about their professional range of machinery. Gaining a lot of interest in particular was the hybrid ride-on / remote control mower they had running in their demo area.

Jonathan Snowball demonstrating on the Husqvarna stand

Jonathan said, "The remote control comes into its own for usage near water or on slopes for example. It really is a unique machine that has gained a lot of attention at the show."

Peter Chaloner of Cobra told me that the show was great for them and it was fabulous to see so much footfall. He said, "We are all about our dealers and creating differentials for them. That's what keeps customers returning to specialists - and that's what our Cobra and Billy Goat ranges offer."

Peter Chaloner

On STIHL's impressive stand, customers were treated to many machinery demos throughout the show, including the new BGA 250 blower and the X-Flex harness. Ben Beaumont, training team manager, told me that the pro users they were talking to were interested in making the transition from petrol to battery-powered tools. STIHL liked the set up of GroundsFest, he said, as they were able to show interested users exactly how the machines felt and operated.

STIHL's demo plot

EGO's stand looked great with its large arena allowing visitors to drive their Pro-X models around. Also gaining visitor attention was their lifestyle range which included items such as an auger, misting fans, wet and dry vac and an outdoor speaker - all powered by their own batteries of course.

EGO's stand

On the Toro stand, Matthew Coleman, sales manager professional landscape contractor & site works equipment for the UK mirect market, said, the show was an opportunity for the company to present their latest innovations directly to their audience. "The response was overwhelmingly positive, and it was fantastic to engage with so many professionals who are passionate about enhancing their work with the latest technology," he said. Visitors to their stand were introduced to a range of products, including the ProLine H600 and the eProStripe.

Toro display

Milwaukee took the opportunity to demonstrate new additions to its OPE range, including the dual battery 50cm chainsaw and M18 Forge batteries  which they say have been designed specifically for gardening, landscaping and horticulture professionals. Visitors to their stand wre also able to talk with the company's job site solutions sales team.

Milwaukee's eye-catching stand

Speaking with general manager of AriensCo UK, Sam Lewis, I was told that professional end-users are without a doubt still interested in petrol powered products for some of their needs. Catching their eye to this end was the brand new Icon 42 zero-turn, which since production has returned to the US, has undergone a complete refurbishment and includes a new Kawasaki engine.

AriensCo's Icon 42

An interesting new development for turf professionals was displayed by Redexim, with their launch of the Scarivator 2100. Described by Paul Langford, director of commercial operations, as an "in-season" renovator for hybrid pitches, he said the machine was for "precision renovation, not brutal renovation" - meaning professionals could renovate surfaces mid-season and get them back into use, rather than waiting for major end-of-season works. He also confirmed to me that they only sell through a dealer network, saying, "We want to support the trade, which is only way it should be done. We want our dealers to be able to demo our machines to customers locally."

Paul Langford

BossORV were showing the Corvus range of utility vehicles as well as the Paxster and Faunamaster ranges. Phil Everett, md, said of the exhibition, "After a great first day, it’s clear that this event is becoming a must attend show for the land management industry."

Corvus on the BossORV stand

Guy Overton on the MeanGreen stand meanwhile, told me that their new Evo 96 which is the first wide area electric mower to feature a 96″ mulching rear discharge deck with electronic folding wings, had received many bookings for demos at the show, not least due it's weight.

Guy Overton

According to figures released by the AEA, the number of agricultural tractors being registered in the UK remained lower than normal in August.

At 495 machines, the monthly figure was over 30% lower than for August 2023. It was also less than two-thirds of the average number logged in August over the previous five years.

The Association went on to explain, that the total of 7,325 agricultural tractors registered during the year to date was 15% fewer than in the opening eight months of last year and the lowest for four years.

Agricultural economist at the AEA, Stephen Howarth, said of the August figures, "The month typically sees reduced numbers, as farmers are occupied with harvest and related activities. The challenges of the past 12 months, both with the weather and the financial situation for some farm businesses, meant the decline was bigger than usual this year."

Polaris UK dealer, Gammies Groundcare, based in Forfar, Angus, hosted a successful Ride & Drive demo day last week, inviting customers to test out the full utility line-up from the manufacturer.

 
“The event hosted by Gammies Groundcare was a fantastic opportunity to showcase Polaris vehicles in action,” said Neil Pirie district sales manager at Polaris. “Attendees were impressed by how the vehicles handled the terrain, and the quiet, scenic setting only amplified the experience. Gammies Groundcare hosted a fantastic day, well done to Les, Sophie and the team.”

Taking place on the grounds surrounding Glamis Castle, over 20 customers attended, both prospective and existing, for a day of putting the vehicles through their paces.  

Various models were available to demo. Once chosen, attendees headed out on the trail taking them on an adventure around the grounds of the Strathmore Estate, intertwined with woodlands providing challenging environments of bumps, corners and difficult terrain.

STIGA has announced that they are now the official groundskeeping partner of Bayer 04 Leverkusen.

The manufacturer and the football club have signed a one-year contract. The sponsorship will run until the end of June 2025. 
 
STIGA will take care of Leverkusen’s training pitches, providing lawn care by using their autonomous robots.
 
Felix Duden, CEO of TecArena-Plus GmbH said, "With STIGA as a new partner in the Sponsors Club, we are extending our commitment to innovative solutions in ground maintenance. Through this partnership, we are backing innovative and environmentally friendly technology in maintaining our playing surfaces with modern mowers. We are looking forward to working together."
 
Marc Gerster, CEO of STIGA Germany and Switzerland added, "As a forward-thinking company we are always looking for exciting collaborations that benefit both sides - also in sponsorship. With their innovative style of play, Bayer 04 Leverkusen under coach Xabi Alonso have made their mark on football in Germany and shown how successful you can be with courage, enthusiasm and passion. These are values we live and breathe at STIGA every day. So we are looking forward to getting up to speed on the pitch together from now."

JCB’s engine business marked its 20th birthday on 5th September 2024 with a celebration to thank employees for their vital role in its continuing success.

 
Since 2004, JCB Power Systems in Foston, Derbyshire, has gone from producing three engines a day to making almost 300. The company boasts that it has become a world leader in the design, development and manufacture of diesel engines and says they are now leading the way with the pioneering development of hydrogen engines.
 
The business initially employed 20 people but has expanded its workforce to more than 400. To mark the anniversary, employees were presented with gifts and letters thanking them for their service. In addition, 10 employees with a combined 200 years’ service, planted an oak tree in the grounds of the plant to mark the occasion.
 
JCB Power Systems general manager Robert Taylor said, “I’m proud to have worked at JCB Power Systems since day one. Today marks 20 years of innovation, growth and dedication involving a talented team, delivering manufacturing excellence at JCB."
  
In 2010, JCB expanded production of engines to JCB India, with a dedicated facility in Ballabgarh, Delhi, where 200 engines are produced each day.
 
In the UK, a team of more than 150 engineers is currently engaged in developing hydrogen combustion engines for use in JCB machinery as part of a £100 million investment. More than 120 engines have come off the production line so far and many machines powered by these super-efficient engines are currently undergoing evaluation.

STIHL has launched the new BGA 250, a battery-powered blower that offers professional users an impressive power-to-weight ratio and a new standard of performance and efficiency. 

Thanks to the constant power output technology, the BGA 250 offers 100% power even as the battery discharges, making it the world’s most powerful handheld battery-powered blower throughout the full battery charge.

Weighing only 2.7kg, the BGA 250 is lighter than its BGA 86 counterpart and boasts a significantly higher blowing output of 26 newtons. The battery is located inside the BGA 250, making the new handheld blower practical for smaller jobs that require high power. 

The maximum blowing force can be selected from the simple-to-use speed level controls, allowing for efficient energy management and longer working times. Boost mode may also be selected to provide maximum power for the toughest clearing jobs. Furthermore, the new blower features an LED power display and a cruise control function to maximise battery use. 

In addition to excellent performance, the BGA 250 features an improved battery location directly under the handle, which not only gives the blower perfect balance, but also improves the manoeuvrability of the machine thanks to its shortened design. The BGA 250 also features a nozzle with a shallow bend which directs the ‘push back’ force through the handle, ensuring the blower stays in place during operation with no wrist strain.  

Other features include an IPX4 rating, ensuring the new blower can be used in all weathers. The BGA 250 is also compatible with STIHL’s Smart Connector 2 A, a device that plugs directly into the control module and collects useful working time and maintenance information.

For more information on the BGA 250 and STIHL’s wide range of professional battery tools, please visit www.stihl.co.uk.  

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