I have been overwhelmed by the interest generated by my TurfPro blog last week, when I spoke about the total disregard of our turf professionals by some members of the TV media - along with my concerns about the recruitment of new people to come and work in our diverse industry. 

I had multiple, distinguished industry figures commenting publicly on the argument I presented.

I also had a few people contact me directly, wishing to talk about the points I had raised. Two such people were Daniel Ratling, BSc Hons, PCert TSC and Dr Jonathon Knowles who were keen to share with me the important work they have being doing to improve sports turf apprenticeships. 

Daniel is grounds and estate manager at Whitgift School, whilst Dr Johnathan Knowles is head of the Sports Turf Academy at Leicester City FC.

Daniel, as chairperson of the employer group responsible for development of the Sports Turf apprenticeships, wanted to bring me up to date with where they are with the scheme. He said of the Sports Turf Trailblazer, “We are a volunteer group of industry professionals made up of employers, training providers and industry bodies. I am Chairperson and Jonathan is Facilitator. 

“We lead the development and review of all sports turf apprenticeships including development of occupational profile, apprenticeship standard and end point assessment schedule. We work with the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (IFATE) in the development of the apprenticeships. 

“Access to Apprenticeships – the apprenticeships are delivered nationally by land-based colleges and other training providers. The cost of the apprenticeship is set by IFATE following consultation with employer group, training providers and end point assessment organisations. The cost to the apprentice/employer is 0% total cost if an apprenticeship levy payer and 5% of total cost if a non-levy payer. 

"The remaining funding will be covered by Levy payments/government grants meaning that the apprenticeships are a low or no cost option.”

Here are links to the current reviewed courses. 

Level 2 Sports Turf Operative

Level 3 Advanced Sports Turf Technician

Daniel continued, “We have begun development of a Level 5 Sports Turf Technical Manager apprenticeship. This is a managerial qualification. We have provisional agreement from IFATE for its development but are still working through the detail of development now. Our hope is that we are able to integrate the L5 Foundation degree. 

“This would give the apprentice access to the FdSc covered by apprentice funding rules i.e., 0% or 5%, a game changer for higher level sports turf education. This is a work in progress but we are aiming to develop the L5 within 12 months. 

“In summary we are a group of employers who frustrated with the lack of industry educational opportunities have seized the initiative and worked with IFATE and developed free or almost free to access government backed apprenticeships. 

“These apprenticeships give our industry parity with other industries and seek to provide an educational pathway from entry to degree level.” 

It was pleasing to hear about the work they both Daniel and Dr Knowles are doing. I have now been invited by Jonathan to go and see for myself Leicester City Football Club’s Training Academy. I have pencilled in a date and will be visiting the Academy later this month.

I also had a good conversation with Mike Chappell, owner of Chappell Enterprises UK, specialist in recruiting people to come and work in the sports turf industry. 

He agreed there is a recruitment crisis that needs to be addressed and he was keen to talk about the work he was doing to get people to come and work in our industry. 

After conducting some polls across various social media groups in the Sportsturf industry, Mike said he was given some valuable insights into the preferences of job seekers, particularly regarding the transparency of salary information in job postings. He said, this data highlights the increasing demand for salary disclosures and the benefits this practice can bring to both job seekers and employers.

Mike explained, “The results of this market research clearly demonstrated that job seekers highly value salary transparency. Employers who adapt to this trend can expect to attract more applicants, more qualified candidates, gain trust, show transparency, improve the perception of their business, and streamline their hiring processes. Embracing this practice can ultimately contribute to a more positive and effective recruitment experience.”

Mike has also agreed to write an article on this subject that we will be publishing in a future edition of TurfPro. 

More forthcoming features

As for other developments that I shall be covering in TurfPro in upcoming editons, I have been sent some more EGO products to test along with some STIHL and Makita products - so I’m going to be quite busy in the next few weeks. I also have some hedge trimmers, strimmers and chainsaws to test. 

Also last week I took a trip to Rugby to meet up with Sami Strutt who’s recently taken up her new role working for Bernhards. 

I spent a couple of hours talking to Sami about this new adventure. I will soon be publishing an in depth article about her new role and ambitions to develop the training and education programme for turf professionals. 

Lantra has announced that Professor John Moverley OBE and Beth Brook have both joined their Board of Trustees from May 2024.

Professor John Moverley OBE is formerly the chief Executive and principal of Myerscough College. He joins the Board following his chairing role at the UK Amenity Forum and advisory positions at the Severn & Wye Flood and Costal Committee, and the West Midlands Advisory Committee to the Forestry Commission, where he served as Chair. He also currently writes a monthly column for TurfPro on sustainability matters.
 
Lantra say John is a leading voice on sustainable practice in the amenity industry. He is also an elected Fellow of the Royal Agricultural Societies and holds honorary Fellowships from the University of Central Lancashire, and Myerscough College. John was honoured with an OBE in 2004 for services to education.
 
Commenting on the appointment, Chair of Lantra, Dr David Llewellyn said, “I’m really pleased that John has joined the Board of Trustees. His expertise and experience will no doubt be of significant value to Lantra, helping to drive the organisation forward.”
 
Also commenting on the appointment, Lantra CEO, Marcus Potter, said: "John’s standing in the sector is a real asset to Lantra. I am sure his diversity of experience will help steer our strategic direction.”

 
Beth Brook meanwhile, is an active advocate for skills development. As the former CEO of the Heart of England Forest, she led the organisation to be one of the first to take on new forestry apprentices, as well as implementing a paid internship in forestry. She also sits on the Board of the Youth Environmental Service, a national organisation that is promoting and facilitating environmental careers for young people.

Beginning her career on a pig farm, Beth is a qualified ecologist and has held executive roles at Warwickshire Wildlife Trust, the Council for Learning Outside the Classroom, and Fair Train. Beth is a reasoned voice on skills development, training and professional development within forestry and arboriculture.

Chair of Lantra, Dr David Llewellyn, commented on the appointment of Beth, saying, “I’m delighted that Beth has joined the Lantra Board. Her knowledge, experience, and advocacy will be a real benefit to Lantra and to the Board. I am looking forward to working with Beth over the next few years.”
 
Lantra’s CEO, Marcus Potter, added: “Beth’s passion for training and skills is in strong alignment with Lantra’s mission and will be greatly welcomed to Lantra’s Board.”
 
Following the appointment of Professor John Moverley and Beth Brook, two Trustees will be standing down from the Board. Jane Cragie and Richard Clarke will be leaving after eight years and six years, respectively.

BIGGA has appointed Scott Reeves as head of membership, overseeing the development of the association’s membership activities.

 
Scott, 53, was formerly the course manager at Leyland Golf Club, where he spent 17 years. He began his greenkeeping career at Wycombe Heights Golf Club, Buckinghamshire, followed by spells at Stock Brook Country Club in Essex and Chobham Golf Club in Surrey, before relocating to Lancashire in 2003. He spent three years at Preston Golf Club before a one-year stint with Saxon Industries in a sales role. He then returned to course management at Leyland Golf Club in 2007.
 
Scott has volunteered at every level of BIGGA, culminating in his appointment as chairperson of the association in 2019. The COVID pandemic hit during Scott’s term and he worked closely alongside BIGGA CEO Jim Croxton, the BIGGA staff and National Board as the association navigated the turbulence of that period, ensuring BIGGA was well-placed to offer support and guidance wherever required.
 
Following his term as chairperson, Scott retained an involvement with BIGGA and still lectures on the Golf Club Management Diploma, jointly run by the GCMA, PGA and BIGGA. He was also a part of the Committee for Golf Club Salaries for many years.
 
Following a recent restructure, the Head of Membership position has been created by BIGGA. Scott will be responsible for ensuring the development and implementation of the association’s membership strategy, as well as taking on a senior leadership role within the organisation. He will work closely with all BIGGA departments to ensure the association is fulfilling its responsibility to members, while seeking to evolve BIGGA’s activities and offering.
 
Scott said: “What attracted me to this job is it is such a huge opportunity. One of the things I really valued in my time as a greenkeeper volunteer with BIGGA was the chance to make the world a better place for greenkeepers, as we always say. With a little time away, focusing on my own job as a greenkeeper, it’s helped me see just what a valuable resource BIGGA is.
 
“What I’d say to BIGGA members is that another one of us has joined the association. I’m someone who understands you and understands your challenges as I’ve faced many of them myself. We’re here to help you, to serve you and to make sure that you can access everything BIGGA has to offer, to build a better career for yourself and a stronger industry for everyone.”
 
BIGGA CEO Jim Croxton said: “We worked hard to identify the correct candidate for this position and we put all the applicants through rigorous testing as the head of membership will play a key role in shaping the future of the association for years to come." 

Neil Everett has joined Boss Off-Road Vehicles as national sales manager.

The Boss team, L-R:  Nala (office dog); Matt Richardson (after sales manager); James Crawford (workshop manager); Phil Everett (MD); Neil Everett (national sales manager); Ness Robinson (operations manager)

The company says Neil’s focus initially will be to develop the Corvus Off-Road Vehicles dealer network. They say he brings a wealth of experience from over thirteen years in the off-road vehicle market. Originally a part-time contractor to his previous company, he moved into a full-time role in sales support, working across all sectors from on-road motorcycles, parts, garments and accessories, defence, and off-road. 

“We’re delighted to announce Neil’s appointment,” says Boss MD Phil Everett. “A lot of his time in the industry has been spent managing dealer networks. He will be responsible for growing the Corvus dealer network and making changes where required. This will take it to the next level of growth, in readiness for more new model arrivals, and will also free up resources internally to focus on our other brands such as Paxster, Powerland, Faunamaster and Airops.”

Neil added, “I am thoroughly excited by this challenge and I am looking forward to developing the Corvus network, meeting the dealers, and working with new products within the BOSS ORV portfolio.”

John Deere has announced a unique open day for those planning to leave the military in search of a new career. 

On 13 June the company will invite servicemen and women to its UK & Ireland headquarters in Nottinghamshire for a special event designed to shine a light on technician roles working throughout the brand’s dealership network. 

The company says the John Deere Military Hiring Programme Insight Day provides an opportunity to see first hand some of their agricultural and professional turfcare equipment which requires skilled, dedicated technicians to service and maintain. 

There will be networking opportunities with representatives from the John Deere business as well as dealers, and presentations will set out how fulfilling the role can be. 

Allan Cochran, training centre manager, said, “We launched the John Deere Military Hiring Programme in the UK and Ireland last year and are starting to see those who have been through the training start new careers at our dealers. 

“We strongly believe in the pool of talent resettling from successful careers in the military. We have thousands of examples worldwide demonstrating that they have the ideal skillset to slot seamlessly into technician roles.

“There’s nothing like seeing the machinery up close and speaking directly to those who already work in the businesses to get a sense of what your future career could look like, so this day is a great opportunity to explore the people, the place and the product.” 

The Military Hiring Programme is a worldwide initiative to support resettling servicemen and women. Those who apply are connected to an individual within John Deere who has already made the transition before being put through a raft of free training to prepare them for a career as a technician. 

Allan concluded, “I urge anyone who is looking for a new career away from the military, or those who have already left, to sign up for this event and see for themselves what a future with John Deere looks like.” 

A TOTAL DISREGARD FOR OUR PROFESSION

IN-DEPTH WORK REQUIRED

A SAD DECLINE

WHAT MAKES A PERFECT LAWN?

WE MUST NOT BE THE CREATORS OF OUR OWN DOWNFALL

RENOVATIONS ON TOUR

A WORRYING TIME FOR PARKS

CONSEQUENCES OF THE CONDITIONS

STILL DELIVERING QUALITY GREEN SPACES

WATCH OUT!

THE VALUE OF SPRING RENOVATIONS

FULLY LOADED ARMOURY

THE VALUE OF TREES

WE MUST SPEAK WITH ONE VOICE

COUNCIL SERVICES IN DECLINE

INVESTING IN NATURAL GRASS PITCHES

WORRY OF WEATHER CLOSURES

BUSY & BUZZY BTME

A VERY PARTICULAR SET OF SKILLS

COPING WITH CLIMATE CHANGES

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AN EXAMPLE OF SUSTAINABILITY IN MACHINERY SUPPLY
Focus on Kubota

MY PERSONAL GREENKEEPING PHILOSOPHY HAS NEVER CHANGED
I don't follow any set program

SUSTAINABILITY IN LANDSCAPING
A substantial element of amenity activity

IS IT TIME TO SAY NO TO 'NO MOW MAY'?
Any real benefits?

SUSTAINABILITY IN OUR PARKS & PUBLIC GREEN SPACES
Meeting the challenge

THE PATH TO WIMBLEDON
For groundstaff member, Conrad Cavil

ON TEST
EGO LBP8000E backpack blower

SUSTAINABILITY IN THE LAWN CARE SECTOR
A key consideration

BEEKEEPING IN COMMERCIAL ENVIRONMENTS
The current situation

SUSTAINABLE PRACTICE IN THE AMENITY SUPPLY SECTOR
Optimising land use through integrated solutions

SUSTAINABILITY IN THE GOLF SECTOR
Focus on BIGGA

THE SEARCH FOR SUSTAINABLE PRACTICE
Bringing together key points

DEVELOPING SUSTAINABLE SOLUTIONS FOR GOLF
R&A are supporting clubs

GETTING THE MOST OUT OF EVERY POUND OF BUDGET
A course manager's view

A NEWFOUND APPRECIATION FOR ALL VOLUNTEERS
Who look after grassroots pitches

SUSTAINABILITY & THE UK ACTION PLAN
For weed, pest and disease management

CONCERN FOR PARKS FOLLOWING COUNCIL BANKRUPTCIES
What does the future hold?

TAKING A GLOBAL LOOK AT SUSTAINABILITY
Is the rest of the world also driving towards sustainable practice?

RENOVATIONS, PLAY AND THANKS
On my mind this week

SUSTAINABILITY – IMPLICATIONS FOR TRAINING & EDUCATION
Set to play a crucial role going forward

TULIP TREE
Liriodendron tulipifera

LYDIA BROOM
Genista lydia

THE LAWN AND ITS VALUE
Changing attitudes

GIANT HOGWEED
Invasive and potentially harmful

LIFE-CYCLE ANALYSIS & SUSTAINABILITY
Considering every stage of the journey

NITROGEN USE EFFICIENCY
The most important nutrient

BERBERIS THUNBERGII
A shrub that has stood the test of time

ENSURING FUTURE PROSPERITY
Advice imparted at road shows

INNOVATION & SUSTAINABILITY
A key focus

PHOTINA RED ROBIN
A sensational flowering shrub

VALUING THE GRASSROOTS
We must not overlook those who maintain these grounds

MANAGING WEEDS SUSTAINABLY
In amenity spaces

DETECTING NUTRIENT DEFICIENCY SYMPTOMS
In turf plants

SPRING RENOVATIONS UNDERWAY
A crucial period

SUSTAINABILITY IN SUPPLY
A focus on those who supply essential inputs to our sector

CHANGING CLIMATE
Is a borehole the key for clubs?

SUSTAINABILITY AT THE SHARP END
How to put into practice when budgets are tight?

ANOTHER NAIL IN THE COFFIN OF GRASSROOTS RUGBY
Clubs are struggling

SUSTAINABILITY IN PRACTICE
Seeking transparent and robust supply chains is essential

TIME FOR ACTION
To reverse recruitment crisis

CONTROLLING COSTS
Planning is crucial

THE SEARCH FOR SUSTAINABILITY
What exactly does the term mean?

CARING FOR THE GRASSROOTS
From volunteers to contractors

DEFRA IS LETTING DOWN THE COUNTRY
Complete failure to address the plastic grass debate

WE CAN ALL DO MORE
To aid biodiversity

MY LIFE IN GREENKEEPING
With Bruce Cruickshank

LEVELLING UP, GETTING SMARTER & GETTING AHEAD
Parks require so much more funding

SWITCHED ON FOR HARD WORK
Putting trimmers through their paces

MACHINERY HIGHLIGHTS
At this year's show

MY SALTEX
Daniel Lewis​, Manchester City Football Club

AWASH WITH LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES
Two months till showtime

LOOKING BACK, LOOKING FORWARD
Priorities for the amenity sector

THE DECLINE OF ‘PARKITECTURE’
A symptom of the state of parks in 2022

DEVELOPERS SHIRKING GREEN SPACE RESPONSIBILITIES
Lack of financial commitment

TIME TO COME TOGETHER
For the good of the industry

THE DEATH OF GRASS ROOTS CRICKET
Gathering apace?

ROUTES INTO THE INDUSTRY MUST BE ENSURED
Q&A with David Fisher, Lantra’s head of industry partnerships

STRONG VIEWS ON CRICKET PITCH PERFORMANCE MARKING
A bone of contention

A PREMIUM PRODUCT
Delivered at Naas Golf Club

THE GREEN REVOLUTION
And Esker Hills

MAKING A CHANGE
Laytown and Bettystown Golf Links

A DAY AT THE RACES
Naas Race Course

WORKING TOGETHER AS ONE VOICE
How the industry needs to proceed

OVER 175 YEARS OF EDUCATION
Wesley College

ELECTRIC EXCITEMENT
Dennis's Ian Howard talks electrification

THE HOME OF CORK GAA
Páirc Uí Chaoimh

LONG POLE BATTERY HEDGE TRIMMERS TESTED
STIHL HLA 66 and HLA 86

OVER 800 YEARS OF HISTORY
Johnstown Castle and Gardens

A CLUB GONE WILD
Kilkenny Golf Club

A GOLF COURSE IN THE GARDEN OF IRELAND
Woodenbridge GC

80 YEARS YOUNG
Charleville Golf Club

AN UPLIFTING EXPERIENCE
Bunclody Golf & Fishing Club

GETTING BACK TOGETHER
Albeit gradually . .

GO WEST
Inishturk GAA pitch – one of the most westerly sportspitches in Europe

WORKING ON A TIGHT BUDGET
Nenagh Golf Club

ON A MISSION
Wrekin Golf Club aiming to enrich wildlife and fauna

WILD AND WONDERFUL
Design By Nature

LEARNING HOW TO SURVIVE
Abbey Par 3

TACKLING OBESITY
Vital that schools can provide sport

A LIFETIME OF LEARNING
Vital for turf professionals

CELEBRATING 125 YEARS
Tullamore Golf Club

UNIVERSITY CHALLENGES
At Trinity College Dublin

BLENDING THE OLD WITH THE NEW
Bray Golf Club

A WELL POLISHED COURSE!
Ierne Social And Sports Club

IDENTIFYING THE TRUE VALUES
Of grounds maintenance

THE INDUSTRY WILL CHANGE & ADAPT
But it will survive

WIRRAL GOLF COURSES SAVED
Renewed hope and optimism for the future

GREEN SPACE CONTRIBUTION TO WELLBEING IS UNDERVALUED
Parks invisible on national agenda

A SHINING LIGHT IN IRELAND'S SUNNY SOUTHEAST
Wexford Golf Club

GREEN SPACES DO NOT LOOK AFTER THEMSELVES!
Keith Kent says we must invest in people

WE SHOULD TELL THE WORLD ABOUT THE UK INDUSTRY
Right time for all sides to come together

SOIL LIFE IS PRECIOUS
Good-quality soil can help save the planet

MORE THAN JUST CUTTING GRASS
Encouraging the next generation

A BUZZ FROM DOING THE JOB
Wide experience of the turf grass industry

PAYING THEIR WAY
Low wages is the bane of the industry

AMENITY MANAGEMENT IMPACTS US ALL
Professor John Moverley

CARING FOR PARKS OF ALL TYPES
Mary Worrall

TOP FIVE FRUSTRATIONS FOR CRICKET GROUNDSMEN
What causes you the most frustration in your role?

PROFESSIONALS AT THE CUTTING EDGE
Vic Demain and Phil Sharples

BOWLS CLUBS IN PERIL
A sad decline

A VERY SPECIAL INDUSTRY
Loz looks back

SNEAK PEAK AT A ROBOTIC "GAME CHANGER"
Commercial model capable of covering 50,000 m2 teased

HALESOWEN PICK A BIG ROBOT UP FRONT
Invest in mowers

COMPRESSED AERATION
The new way

PARKS MATTER MORE THAN EVER
Recent sector developments

ON TEST
STIHL blowers

THREE CORE VALUES TO SHAPE OUR INDUSTRY
Real concerns for the future

ENGLAND'S GREEN SPACE GAP
A split along racial lines

ON TEST
EGO STX3800 strimmer with RTX2300 Rotocut head

A SECTOR FACING IMPORTANT TIMES
Review of the National Action Plan

PARKS MATTER
The role of public parks in the recovery: a discussion paper

A UNIQUE SPORTING VENUE
Wormsley private estate

A BTME OUTDOORS?
A good bet for the industry

PARKS NEED APPROPRIATE POLITICAL REPRESENTATION
Q&A with Philippa Reece, Parks and Foreshore Manager at Adur and Worthing Council

CRICKET LOAM
What does it mean?

A HERCULEAN EFFORT TO GET PARKS BACK TO NORMAL
Q&A with Chris Worman, Rugby Borough Council’s parks and ground manager

ON TEST
STIHL battery products

TURFGRASS STRESS MANAGEMENT
Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) and antioxidants during biotic and abiotic stress in turfgrass plants

AUTUMN DISEASE MANAGEMENT
The coming months are going to prove very difficult

THE ABUSE OF PARKS . .
Is the abuse of society

WHY PARKS MATTER?
A statement from the Parks Management Forum to the Prime Minister

THE 21st CENTURY PARKS MANAGER
Innovative, creative and entrepreneurial

EAT, SLEEP, CUT, REPEAT!
Cricket under covid

TIME FOR A SINGLE SHOW?
Debate brought back into focus

A CHALLENGING TWO MONTHS
Running golf design projects from home

PRESSURE SITUATION
Cementing the reputation

A CLUB TO BE PROUD OF
10 years at the helm of Olton GC

GAME CHANGERS IN TURFCARE
The day the Lord's outfield reconstruction proved its worth

THE ESSENCE OF ESSENTIAL
Finding a sensible way forward on defining "essential maintenance"

THAT WAS THE YEAR THAT WAS
2001

HOW TO LOOK AFTER A GOLF COURSE WITH NO GOLFERS
Fundamental to the survival of almost all courses, if not of the game itself

RAIN STOPPED PLAY WOULD BE WELCOME
. . along with ‘lunch is being taken early’

PHYSICAL CONTROL OF TURFGRASS PESTS
An urgent problem

A DIVERSE & ENTERTAINING WEEK
Successful BTME 2020

INTEGRATED PEST CONTROL
Opportunity to embrace new methods

ENVILLE ON THE UP
Major investments taking place

GREEN FLAG AWARDS 2019
A great success

U.S PROFESSIONAL EQUIPMENT SHOW EXCELS
Buoyant GIE+EXPO

LEGACY OF THE SOLHEIM CUP
At Gleneagles

A DAY OUT WITH THE LADIES
Behind the scenes at the Solheim Cup

COVENTRY UNIVERSITY'S EDIBLE GARDEN SUCCESS
2006 - present

HAIL THE GRASS MASTERS!
Boorish media comments about pitch quality are wide of the mark

CONTRACTOR SEES MULTI-DISCIPLINE SUCCESS
360 Ground Care serving professional facilities

BUSY TIMES
Judging the Green Flag Awards

TAKING AN INTEGRATED APPROACH
What does it all mean in managing turf surfaces?

UNDER PRESSURE
Dry weather conditions continue to keep turf managers focused on moisture management

EDDIE SEAWARD
Death of Wimbledon’s influential grounds manager

MAJOR NEW IRRIGATION PROJECT
At Top 100 classic Berkhamsted Golf Club

NEW HORIZONS FOR THE HATTERS
Investment paying off at Kenilworth Road

ELIZABETHAN RESTORATION
At Castle Bromwich Hall Gardens

WHAT IS BIOPHILIA?
The vital impact of parks and green spaces on health and well-being

WORM CONTROL
Without carbendazim

THE TRUE COST OF PETROL
Battery-powered outdoor power tools are now turning the heads of professionals

SANDS OF TIME
Sand-based pitches are now the norm in professional sports

WHY DO WE DO THE RIGHT THING?
We must maintain industry standards

CHASING GRASS PERFECTION?
11 things you need to know . . .

MAINTAINING STANDARDS
Q&A with BASIS ceo, Stephen Jacobs

STRI RESEARCH DAY 2018
Hosted at research trial grounds in Bingley

THE MECHANIC
Leicester City FC invest in new role

LORD'S 'GRASS-GUVNOR' TO RETIRE
Mick Hunt bows out after 49 years

HOLLOW CORING & DEEP SCARIFICATION
Is it really necessary?

Spring is a good time to carry out some renovation work on your lawns. After a long, cold, wet winter the lawn will need some attention to remove moss and debris that has accumulated during the winter months. 

The best way to do this is to scarify the lawn using a powered scarifier. Many companies are now offering a whole range of lawn scarifiers for sale both in traditional fuel and battery powered formats. 

Through attending a recent Makita demo day in Wellesbourne, near Stratford upon Avon, I had the opportunity see their latest XGT ®UV001G lawn scarifier in action.

 
The XGT System is described by Makita as the next generation of technology, engineered to achieve the optimum power required for heavier load applications without sacrificing run time.

This 40V max, 380mm, 50L model is a cordless scarifier powered by 40Vmax XGT® Li-Ion battery (two in parallel or one). It has been developed for thatching and vertical cutting, both of which are essential operations to keep a lawn in a good condition. This scarifier provides a working width of 380mm and a working depth of 12mm and has a decent collection box. I was impressed with its performance when I saw it on show and duly asked Makita if there was any chance for me to trial one.

 
Three weeks later, the scarifier arrived in a large, well-sealed, protected box. It was easy to assemble with four screw wheels to tighten the handlebars into its operating position. You also have the choice of using a spring tine reel or steel blade reel. Again, these tine cassettes were easy to change over by using a 10mm spanner. 

 
The scarifier has two battery ports so that you have plenty of running time available using both 40 V batteries. 

As for setting the height, that was achieved using the simple rotating wheel that allows you to select different operating heights and it has a 50 L collecting box. 

 
I, and a professional greenkeeper friend of mine, had the opportunity to put the scarifier through it paces on three different lawns. We adjusted the height, pressed the start button and away we went. The machine was quiet compared to petrol driven machines and responsive. Depending on how much thatch was in the lawn, the collection box would soon fill up. It collected the arisings very well and did not leave any behind.  It is certainly a powerful machine and easily rakes the debris from the lawn.

We tried both the steel blade and spring tine cassettes and felt both equally did a fine job of removing debris from the lawn. I was also impressed with the running time of the two batteries, in that we were able to scarify a 150m2 lawn in four directions without the need to recharge the batteries. 

 
Battery recharging times were quick using the manufacturer’s XGT 40V Double Twin-Port  Battery Charger. This was able to recharge both batteries within 30 mins. 

The machine’s dimensions are 1020 – 1240 x W.680 x H.915 – 1155mm and foldable size  L.550 x W.680 x H.640mm, with weight being 16.5kg, make it a easy machine to transport and move through narrow garden gates. 

All in all, an impressive, quiet light, manoeuvrable machine that does what it has been designed to do. And at 16.5KG it is easy to lift and transport in a car boot. 

 Features and Benefits

• Low vibration
• Easy and fast height adjustment
• Brushless motor
• Thatching is for removing deposited lawn clippings
• Vertical cutting is for cutting through old roots for healthy lawns

Specifications

• Battery Voltage: 40v
• Battery Type: XGT Li-Ion
• No Load Speed: 3200 min-1
• Width of Mowing Deck: 38cm
• Rear Wheel Diameter: 18cm
• Front Wheel Diameter: 18cm
• Working Depth: -12 - +5mm
• Collecting Box Capacity: 50L
• Product Dimensions: L.1020 – 1240 x W.680 x H.915 – 1155mm
• Foldable Dimensions: L.550 x W.680 x H.640mm
• Product Net Weight: 16.5kg

Conclusions 

A great machine to use. A small, compact, powerful product that is simple in design and simple to use.  Collection box was easy to empty. I’d say it was significantly quieter and had less vibration than petrol driven, heavier-duty scarifiers.

This scarifier is well worth the investment if you want to ensure you have a healthy lawn. It sits well with all the other gardening tools Makita have on offer.