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EDITOR'S BLOG

MERE-LY ROBOTS
Course finding success with new tech
by TurfPro Editor, Laurence Gale MSC, MBPR

I recently met up John Quinn, course manager at the Mere Resort in Cheshire, who has been trialling robotic mowing solutions around his course.

Recently, I had the pleasure to meet up with John Quinn, course manager at the Mere Resort in Cheshire.

The course is set in an affluent corner of northeast Cheshire. The estate at Mere can trace its history right back to the 11th century, when it merited a mention in the Domesday Book. There's been a golf club here since 1935, and the Championship course is still the main attraction, however in recent years it's transformed into more of a country resort.

John was keen to discuss his recent acquisition of some Kress robots as well as to show me them working around the course.

We were joined by John’s assistant, Scott Kellard, whose job is to oversee the management of the robots. We were also joined by Gregg Cain, sales manager for Kress who had suggested I came to see the robots in action and meet John to discuss how they had been received and have helped improve the condition of the golf course.

John came to work at the Mere GC in 2015 and was soon promoted to the role of course manager in 2018. The course is primary a hotel resort catering for corporate golf but also has a membership of 250 that are allowed to play the golf course throughout the year. The course is parkland / heathland, set around the impressive Mere.

Whilst there, I also had the chance to speak to the resort’s general manger Gary Johnson. He fully supports the greenkeeping staff and has a good working relationship with John.

With so much work going on, they tend to meet on a regular basis to ensure the golf course delivers on the standards the resorts expects. The club have recently invested in a brand-new Rainbird irrigation system for tees, greens and approaches and one fairway with additional pipe work, tanks and valves put in place to enable them to install a full fairway irrigation system sometime in the future.

Also, John is currently negotiating a new machinery deal in the coming months and has had several conversations with leading machinery manufacturers. The club currently run with Toro machinery.

John has ten members of staff, but is looking at eventually building up the team to around fifteen to cope with the amount of work required and standards expected.

The idea of utilising robots came via a meeting with Greg who John knew from when Gregg worked for Cheshire Turf. Gregg suggested they conducted a small trial with a single robot. However, it soon turned into three robots being trialled with the aim of cutting areas of the course that tended to be too wet to get on with ride-on machinery in the winter months.

They currently have the three robots cutting most of the rough areas around the course and told me they have found them to be reliable, proving to be labour-saving. All in all, the work they can do collectively is saving about twelve-man hours a week. This enabling the greenkeeping staff to get on with other additional work. One example of this has enabled John to improve the presentation and playability of the course by focussing on additional mowing of collars and approaches on all the holes.

I was told there had been some teething problems with the robots in terms of setting cutting heights, but this has now been resolved. The club are currently using three Kress 236E RTK models capable of operating at a speed 0.8m /s speed, fitted with a 10 Ah battery and able to cut up to 36,000m2.

John said that the robots are set in different parts of the course where powers is available and they are working well with no glitches in terms of loosing a signal when in operation. They are set on a 24hour cutting cycle and are cutting at a height of 60mm.

John says he and his team have been impressed with the robots’ productivity. They are now considering enlarging the fleet with three additional units, with the opportunity to take on Kress’s newer model the 237E. This offers increased cutting area, (42,000m2), increased speed 1.2m/s and increased battery size (20Ah). The 237E also offers enhanced cutting performance and can cut much lower down to 10mm making it suitable for mowing fairways.

John and Scott did consider other makes of robotic mowers, they told me, but their final choice was centred around what they described as the robustness, easy to programme nature and speed of the Kress robotic mowers. Scott showed me the Kress App for the robotic mowers; each one having their own name making them easily controlled and programmed.

As for future challenges, they might be centred around power infrastructure, eg placement of charging stations; the Inability to create perfect striping patterns; the potential for increased thatch buildup; and, finally, limited battery and solar charging capabilities at present.

I believe the key is viewing robots as tools to enhance, not replace, human greenkeeping expertise. Continuous feedback and technological improvements will be crucial for successful long-term adoption of robotic mowers here at the Mere GC.

So, what did I take away from my visit and chat with John?

Firstly, that the use of robot mowers definitely frees up resources and can mow in conditions not always suitable for heavy triple mowers in wet areas of the course. The RTK system is reliable, and the robots can mow in challenging weather conditions. And in general, they are cheaper to run and service than traditional cylinder / rotary mowers.

NEWS

DAY TO CELEBRATE GREENKEEPERS RETURNS
5th annual event

In our first WEB ONLY story organisers say the day is an opportunity to ensure that greenkeeping is given the respect and recognition that these hardworking teams deserve.

JAYNE LEYLAND RETIRES
After more than 30 years in the industry

In our next WEB ONLY story after more than three decades shaping the future of amenity turf management, Jayne Leyland has retired.

25 MACHINE PRO DEAL
Biggest order since change in dealership

Dealership says they believe this to be one of the biggest golf deals in Northern Ireland in 2024.

The Kingfisher Country Estate in Northern Ireland has signed a five-year deal for a 25-machine Toro fleet in what is Keys Brothers’ biggest agreement since becoming a Toro dealer.

Kingfisher Country Estate’s Michael Loughran, left, with Keys Brothers’ Jonny Moore

Head greenkeeper Michael Loughran said, “We’ve had lease deals with Toro before but usually for six or seven key pieces of machinery; this is the first time we’ve gone all-in on a full fleet."

Michael explained, “The Estate has recently been given the go ahead on a significant upgrade to the resort and it was important the course kept up with site improvements. There will be major developments on bunkers, a lot of tree work, and consistently maintaining the quality of the course is a big job as it’s fully playable all year round.”

Commenting on the introduction of Keys Brothers as the country’s Toro dealer, Michael continued, "This was our first time working with Keys Brothers since the change in dealership and the support has been outstanding. It was evident early in the process that nothing would beat it especially as I fired over questions and issues and got solutions every time. This indication of the level of service and support we’d get was reassuring and sealed the deal especially as we were going with a full maintenance package too.”

The deal includes pedestrian and riding mowers for all areas, five Workman utility vehicles, the ProPass topdresser, two ProForce blowers, the new TransPro for transporting the club’s existing ProCore 648 aerator, plus the installation of Toro’s myTurf Pro to optimise operation of the fleet.

Michael went on to say, “On the advice of Keys Brothers, we switched out the Reelmaster 5610-D for the Reelmaster 3575-D for the fairways. It was a simple tweak but suits the site much better. The topography of the site doesn’t have great elevation and we didn’t need all that power; in fact, what we needed is a lighter footprint and a mower that uses less fuel. The 3575 delivers us both of those things.”

Andy Keys, company director at Keys Brothers, added, “While we believe this to be one of the biggest golf deals in Northern Ireland in 2024, the issues and requirements for Michael and the team were like many: they knew there were machinery tweaks they could make to address specific issues and be more efficient. This is applicable whether you’re buying one machine or a fleet.

“To bring the customer on board with maintenance too is testament to the team we’ve built which has doubled in size since last year such is the level of business we’re doing.”

AMAZONE ANNOUNCE NEW PARTNERSHIP
Pro dealer appointed

The newly appointed authorised dealer will now offer full sales, service, and aftercare support for the groundcare range.

Sharrocks has announced a new partnership with Amazone Groundcare, further expanding its presence across the Midlands.

L-R: Sharrock's sales director, Adrian Dodd and business director, Steve Hanlon

This strategic collaboration with Amazone UK will bring the manufacturer's range of spreaders, mowers, scarifiers, and turf-care solutions to more professionals throughout the region.

As the newly appointed authorised dealer for Staffordshire and Shropshire, Sharrocks will now offer full sales, service, and aftercare support for the groundcare range.

Adrian Dodd, sales director at Sharrocks, said, "This appointment strengthens our offering across the Midlands and further reinforces our commitment to the region following our recent appointment as the Ransomes Jacobsen dealer for Birmingham and surrounding areas.”

LOWE INCORPORATES NEW BRAND INTO COURSES
Affiliated training centre

Manufacturer says new partnership reflects their continued investment in the UK market and commitment to equipping users with tools throughout their training.

FGM Claymore, the official distributor of Echo tools in the UK, has announced that Lowe Maintenance, a chainsaw and machinery training provider based in North Yorkshire, has become an Echo affiliated training centre.

As such, Lowe Maintenance will incorporate Echo equipment into their courses, providing students with the opportunity to learn with tools used by professionals worldwide. The manufacturer says Lowe Maintenance’s expertise in delivering professional training in forestry, arboriculture, and land-based machinery aligns perfectly with their commitment to reliability, performance, and user safety.

Paul Butterly, managing director of FGM Claymore, said, “This partnership reflects Echo’s continued investment in the UK market and our commitment to equipping users with top tools throughout their training.”

Demelza Lowe, of Lowe Maintenance said the move was ". . a fantastic opportunity for us and our students." She continued, "Using ECHO equipment in our courses means our learners get to train with reliable, high-performance tools that prepare them for real-world challenges.”

YAMAHA ATV UK ADD TO NETWORK
Effective immediately

Dealership says their new addition is "the piece of the puzzle we've been missing."

Yamaha ATV UK has announced the appointment of Charlie's Ag & Turf as its newest authorised dealer, effective immediately.

L-R: Ross Holloway, dealer principal, Charlies Ag & Turf and Carl Stuart, ASM, Yamaha UK

Located just outside Welshpool in Mid Wales at their purpose-built depot at Coed y Dinas, this strategic partnership ensures continued service and access to the manufacturer's ATV and Side-by-Side range for customers across Shropshire and Mid Wales.

"We are incredibly excited to welcome Charlie's Ag & Turf into the Yamaha family," said Dan Palmer, manager RVGC at Yamaha UK. "Their deep roots in the agricultural and turf sectors, combined with their unwavering commitment to customer support and a comprehensive brand portfolio, make them an ideal partner."

The move marks an expansion of Charlie's offering. Matt Lewis, turf sales manager, explained, "There was only really one option for us when it came to filling this gap in our portfolio to give us a full range for our customers, and that was Yamaha. It's one piece of the puzzle we've been missing. In this area, brand loyalty is strong, and customers rely on products that offer zero downtime. The reliability of Yamaha, coupled with the robust backup system we investigated, aligns perfectly with how we operate and what our customers are used to."

Charlie's say their commitment to customer experience is further highlighted by a significant expansion at their Welshpool site. A new purpose-built showroom, designed to display their franchises in the best possible manner, is set to open later this year and will feature a dedicated Yamaha space.

SPONSORED CONTENT

STIHL LAUNCHES NEW BATTERY-POWERED BACKPACK BLOWERS
BRA 500 and BRA 600

Designed for professional use, STIHL has launched the new BRA 500 and BRA 600 battery-operated backpack blowers, with maximum blowing force for clearing large areas.

The two new battery-powered machines provide high air speed, with a maximum blowing force of up to 32 (BRA 500) and 35 newtons (BRA 600), available throughout the entire tool’s operating time, making them ideal for removing heavy, wet leaves quickly and efficiently.

Users can also regulate the required blowing force by selecting one of the tool’s three levels using its digital control, with an additional boost mode available to achieve the machine’s maximum power.

Built to reduce strain over prolonged use, both tools have a comfortable carrying system which distributes the weight of the machine across your shoulders and hips, allowing for maximum comfort.

With STIHL’s Noise Reduction System built in, the machine offers reduced noise as well as a tuned sound to make the tool less intrusive when used in public areas, allowing professional users to work productively at all times of day.

As STIHL’s first 72 V professional machines, the BRA 500 and BRA 600 draw energy simultaneously from two powerful AP System batteries. For maximum working time, STIHL recommends its AP 500 S battery packs.

Complete with an LED display, which details the mode the device is working in and battery charge levels, the tools can also be incorporated into STIHL’s Connected digital fleet management system.

The Connected system provides a detailed overview of all relevant machine data and provides the option to reduce the tool’s power remotely via the STIHL Connected app. To facilitate use in the rain, both the BRA 500 and BRA 600 are IPX4-certified.

To find out more about the STIHL BRA 500 and BRA 600, visit www.stihl.co.uk.

GroundsFest is set to be bigger, bolder, and more action-packed than ever.

GroundsFest returns to Stoneleigh Park on 9-10 September 2025, and it’s set to be bigger, bolder, and more action-packed than ever. Registration is open - and it’s completely free.

Now in its third year, GroundsFest has quickly established itself as one of the most exciting and innovative events in the groundscare and landscaping calendar. It’s not just a trade show - it’s a hands-on, high-energy experience that blends live demonstrations, cutting-edge product showcases, CPD-accredited learning, and after-hours entertainment.

See and try the latest machinery in real conditions

One of GroundsFest’s biggest draws is its unrivalled outdoor demonstration areas. Here, visitors can test drive, trial, and compare a wide range of machinery and equipment in the conditions they were built for - from mowing and mulching to digging, lifting, and building.

Indoor halls packed with innovation

Inside, the exhibition halls are home to leading brands unveiling their latest products, technologies, and solutions. From exclusive launches to expert-led advice, it’s the perfect place to find new ideas and connect with industry suppliers.

Live action and entertainment

Back by popular demand, Machinery Nation LIVE brings a thrilling mix of brand battles and high-octane challenges, running three times a day. This year also sees the debut of Lawn Mower Racing – The GroundsFest Cup, in partnership with Kramp UK, where professional racers will battle it out on custom-built machines.

Learn from the experts

GroundsFest’s free CPD-accredited seminar programme covers the industry’s most pressing topics, offering practical takeaways for everyone from apprentices to managers. The dedicated Landscape Zone, in partnership with BALI, is a hub for green innovation, featuring the latest in outdoor design, sustainable solutions, and technology.

A festival vibe like no other

When the show floor closes on day one, the GroundsFest Live Music Festival kicks in. Enjoy street food, live performances from Definitely Mightbe (the world’s best Oasis tribute band), Elevate, and a live DJ - plus free bumper cars.

GroundsFest is more than an event - it’s a celebration of the people, products, and passion that drive this industry forward.

Don’t miss it - register FREE today at www.groundsfest.com

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