It is currently an exceptionally busy time for turf professionals who will be preparing and repairing playing surfaces. 

With the football and rugby seasons finished, many clubs will be undertaking their end of season renovations.  With favourable, relatively high air and soil temperatures, plus plenty of moisture in the ground, germination rates should be quick and successful.

End of season renovations at professional clubs is now an efficient process using the latest wealth of machinery and products. The Koro fraise mower for example, has revolutionised the speed and accuracy of cleaning off unwanted vegetation leaving a clean surface to reseed. A complete rugby or football pitch can be renovated in a few days and be back to a playing within 10 weeks.

With the cricket season now started, this recent spell of wet weather will have meant plenty of hard work for the ground staff, needing to protect pitches with covers and sheets. 

Golf greenkeepers are also busy, constantly keeping up with the daily mowing regimes and ensuring the greens are fit for play seven days of the week. Many clubs are now starting their summer tournament competitions and expect their courses to be at their best. 

Total disregard

On the subject of turf professionals at top level facilities, having watched the play-off match between Leeds and Southampton at Wembley recently, I was disgusted to see the reaction of so-called experts during the after-match analysis, undermining the work of the grounds staff at Wembley. 

For me, that was a total disregard for our profession. Without these dedicated turf professionals we would not have these amazing playing surfaces for these multi-million-paid players and managers to earn their living. Is it not about time professional ground staff were treated with increased respect? I put it down to pure ignorance of what skills, effort and time it takes to prepare and repair top-flight playing facilities.  

As an industry, we need to do more to raise the profile of our grounds practitioners. I would like to see during prime sporting events, the head groundsman invited on to the TV coverage to speak as a part of the pre-match build up. It would give viewers and the pundits an insight into the work being carried out by the grounds teams to get this match on. 

I am sure it would make interesting viewing, to get across the complexities that are involved in producing the playing surfaces for major sporting events. Also, it would raise the profile of these unsung heroes who, for many, are still regarded as second class citizens  who simply cut the grass.

Also, I believe it could help to encourage more people to come and work in our industry. 

Recruitment crisis

We are currently experiencing a recruitment crisis within our industry and the only way this can be addressed is by having a national campaign that reaches into schools, This then  must be followed by a clear training pathway (academy / apprenticeship) scheme for those who are interested.

This is something I have been talking about for a few years now and have written several articles on.

The problem is of course, is that we are a fragmented industry with many organisations within it doing their own thing. W e have the likes of the GMA, BIGGA, Landscape Institute, Fields in Trust, Perennial, RHS, BAGMA, Green Flag,  Parks Management Association, along with major manufacturers trying to address and provide pathways for people to come into the industry and be trained. However, it is not anywhere near enough. 

I have said on numerous occasions it is about time that all these above organisations, as well as others finally come together for the greater good to deliver a proper opportunity to entice the next generation to come and work in our diverse industry. 

For me, the opportunity is there for the taking, During all the recent election news I hear that Rishi Sunak is promoting a national apprenticeship scheme, aiming to get a million young people to take up an apprenticeship. That must mean there is a pot of money somewhere available for funding such a scheme?

So why cannot we, the grounds industry, come together and effectively deliver a national scheme that suits the needs to address our dire recruitment issue?

Working with local colleges we could easily develop a working programme that fits our brief and I feel we could nationally attract 5,000 apprentices per year to join the programme for the next five years. Thus, effectively bringing twenty-five thousand new people into the industry. 

However, this is only ever going to happen if we can get the CEOs and industry leaders to come together and make it happen. I have spoken to many leading lights of our sector and they all agree with this potential scheme. We just need something to happen and not for all parties to remain isolated, caught up in their own strategies.

I would certainly be interested to hear any readers views on this. Please leave a comment below or contact me directly at Laurence@turfpro.co.uk 

P Tuckwell Ltd, the John Deere dealer across the South East and East of England, has completed the acquisition of Tomlinson Groundcare Ltd.  

Adrian Brown and James Tuckwell

The acquisition, which has been agreed by respective owners James Tuckwell and the Tomlinson family, will see all employees and the existing branch location at Buxhall, near Stowmarket, retained.

The full terms of the agreement are not being disclosed but John Deere Ltd have said this acquisition has their full support and approval.

Tomlinson Groundcare was founded by Robert Tomlinson in 1991. Operating from the family smallholding, Robert and his team grew the business moving into a purpose-built workshop in 2005 and a new, large showroom in 2009. Sadly, Robert passed away in 2019 but the Tomlinson Groundcare team, headed up by Adrian Brown, has continued to grow and develop its turf care business throughout much of Suffolk.

Tuckwells was established in 1954 and have been John Deere dealers since 1965. Operating from ten locations across Suffolk, Essex, Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire, Kent, East Sussex and Surrey the business employs over 300 people. In addition, the business runs Tuckwell Farms, a 1500-acre working farm in Suffolk. Tuckwells was one of the first dealers in the UK to take on the John Deere turf franchise.

“Adrian and his team have continued Robert’s ethos and passion for forging long-lasting relationships with private domestic and professional turf customers,” says James Tuckwell. “They have built a strong turf business throughout Suffolk since the company began in 1991. We are excited to be given this opportunity to expand our business and to build on their success. We welcome the Tomlinson Groundcare team to the Tuckwells family and look forward to working together with them and their customers.” 

Chris Meacock, John Deere division sales manager for Golf and Turf, said, “I would like to congratulate Adrian and his team for the outstanding job they have done in supporting and growing the John Deere turf care brand in Suffolk since becoming a dealer nearly 33 years ago.

“We are delighted that they have reached this agreement with Tuckwells, which ensures the continuity of the Tomlinson Groundcare team and the dealership outlet within the John Deere network. Both businesses have closely aligned values based on extensive industry experience and outstanding customer service.” 

Adrian Brown added, “The team at Tomlinson Groundcare is pleased that a deal has been reached between us and Tuckwells. We have known each other for many years and I am confident that the business is in safe hands and is well placed to continue its development and growth. I look forward to working with James Tuckwell and his team as we integrate Tomlinson Groundcare into the Tuckwell family and begin this new and exciting chapter.”

Mower Magic have announced that they have expanded their robotic mower portfolio with exclusive UK distribution of Mammotion Tech.

The company say that they are one of the first to distribute Mammotion Tech as part of the manufacturer's global expansion
 
Olivia Hipworth, sales and marketing manager at Mower Magic said, "The introduction of the Luba Series by Mammotion offers our customers a wireless solution with straight line, uniform mowing and will be a great addition to our current range of robotic mowers."

She continued, "The Luba 2 achieves the holy grail of robotic mowing with its groundbreaking wireless technology, featuring an advanced RTK signal combined with twin 3D vision cameras and advanced AI. This innovative combination allows the Luba 2 to seamlessly continue mowing under tree canopies and alongside large buildings, areas where other robotic mowers typically struggle due to signal loss."
 

Olivia added, "The addition of the Luba series gives us one of the widest ranges of robotic mowing solutions in the UK and this will be available for dealers as well as for customers both online and in our Lincoln showroom."

The GGM Group took on the Manchester 10k in the name of their company charity last weekend, raising funds for their wider commitment to The North West Air Ambulance.

The five-strong team took part in the AJ BELL Great Manchester Run, generating over 70% of their £10000 target.

The GGM Group selected North West Air Ambulance as their group charity for 2024, and employees are taking part in many different activities to raise vital funds for this worthy cause. The charity exists to bring the hospital to patients with a vision to fly the most advanced medical crew and equipment to people when and where most needed. It is entirely funded by charitable donations. The charity is currently attempting to raise £12 million to coincide with their 25th birthday year.

Rebekah Bullen Calderbank from the charity said, “The Great Manchester Run is a fantastic event for us, and this year was our biggest yet with over 100 runners. We are so grateful for all the support from GGM and for taking part in the event. It was great to see them on the day, at our stand in the charity village. They have raised an incredible amount so far which will help us continue saving lives across the North West”.  

Chris Gibson, managing director of The GGM Group completed the challenge. He said. “The Manchester 10k was a great event and I am very proud of all of the team. I personally hadn’t run in over 40 years and a year ago decided that the 10k would be my target. I was really pleased to  cross the finish line in 1 hour 16 minutes, with the support of a great team.

“It was great that a number of our team and families took the time to come into Manchester to support the runners.

“It’s a key part of our ethos at GGM Group to give something back to the community and we are delighted to be working with the North West Air Ambulance this year. We’d like to extend a huge thank you to all our suppliers, customers, families and friends who’ve generously donated in support of our efforts."

You can support GGM in their charity efforts here.

The upcoming Royal Three Counties Show, Malvern, taking place from 14-16 June 2024, sees the return of STIHL Timbersports.

Justine Narusa

Three days of competition will see Britain’s top athletes compete against each other for the British crown, as well as the opportunity to represent their country at world level. 

The sponsors say competition for places in the British Pro Championship taking place on Saturday 15 June is so high that the first ever qualifier will take place the Friday before. The top six athletes from 2023’s Championship have earned automatic qualification, whilst the remaining athletes from last year’s competition will go head-to-head with newcomers to decide who will take the final spots in the main event. 

There are also 12 rookies (athletes under 25) competing in the British Rookie Championship and 11 women vying for victory in the British Women’s Championship on Sunday 16 June. 

Jack Morris

Fresh from finishing sixth at the World Rookie Championship in Milan, Jack Morris will be the one to beat in the Rookie Championship. In the British Women’s Championship, it’s all to play for this year, with previous champions Justine Narusa (2023 winner) and Zoe Penlington (2022 winner) returning as well as some exciting new talent looking to shake things up. Whilst the Pro Championship will be another hard-fought battle, but Glen Penlington will be hoping to hold off his rivals to make it a hat-trick of national titles, after he won in 2022 and 2023.

Tickets are available from the show website. The Pro, Women’s and Rookie Championships will also be livestreamed via the STIHL Timbersports YouTube channel. 

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

View all of 2023's blogs here

View all of 2022's blogs here

View all of 2021's blogs here

View all of 2020's blogs here

View all of 2019's blogs here

View all of 2018's blogs here

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?

In 2023, I wrote a series of monthly articles, and their key purpose was to help all readers increase their understanding of sustainability, learn from the experiences of others and help them deliver sustainable practice in their own organisations and operations. In this new series, I am taking the opportunity each month to look in more depth at individual organisations. How are they seeking to be more sustainable and, importantly, how are they seeking to advise and support members or customers?

This month we focus on Kubota and how they are responding to the sustainability agenda both as an organisation and in their offer to their customers..

Kubota has been a leading global manufacturer of equipment, lawn mowers and industrial engines since 1890. It has offices in more than 120 countries and had a turnover of $20 billion in 2021. Although machinery equipment is perhaps the most well-known line by the amenity sector, Kubota also produces a wide range of products such as city water purification systems, irrigation systems, piping systems, roof and home construction, and large underground valves.  Its brand statement is ‘’For earth, For Life’’ which seeks to emphasise its commitment to the conservation of the environment while aiding the production of food and water supplies, which are vital to meet the needs of our society, as the world’s population continues to grow. 

In discussion with Rob Edwards, marketing manager based in the UK, he stresses that Kubota fully supports the declaration of the world becoming a fully sustainable carbon neutral environment by 2050. In conjunction with world demand on zero emissions, Kubota has to deliver and meet the customer’s needs for productive, efficient and durable machines. In delivering on this, he cites examples of the recently introduced LXe-261 Compact Electric Tractor and the range of Zero-Turn Mowers.

 
GLOBAL VISION AND COMMITMENT TO SUSTAINABILITY

Kubota state a clear mission to be a global company that can make the greatest contribution to society by earning the trust of the greatest number of customers. In terms of sustainable practice, this means that they strive to be carbon neutral. Quoting from their website they state that ‘’ This approach seeks to avoid changes in the total amount of carbon on Earth. It refers to using energy and building systems in ways that keep CO2 emissions and absorption at net zero realising the development of a sustainable society and a natural circulation loop through maximising re-cycling and the use of natural products’’

One distinct pillar of Kubota’s sustainability efforts is through business activities itself. Kubota considers a variety of questions concerning sustainability as the foundation of its business, including how are they themselves contributing toward a sustainable society, how are they balancing business growth with conservation of the global and regional environment, how healthy corporate operational management wins society’s trust, and whether they are providing a comfortable working environment for employees, contributing to the corporate growth.

SUSTAINABILITY TARGETS FOR THE ORGANISATION

Kubota have set themselves demanding targets within specific goals. As examples of these goals:

• We will strive to mitigate and adapt to climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions caused by our business activities and conserving energy
• We will promote waste reduction and in-house reuse and recycling to fulfil our responsibilities as a manufacturer that makes and uses products and contribute to the creation of a recycling-based society.
• We will promote effective use of water resources and response to water risks through means such as reduction of water consumption, waste water treatment, and proper management of waste water quality to respond to the ever-increasing demand for water throughout the world.
• We will promote initiatives that take into consideration the conservation of biodiversity and protection of the natural environment.
• We will conduct environmental assessments at the design and development stages and promote environmental consideration throughout the product life cycle.

All of these goals are accompanied by challenging activity targets in all aspects of their organisation.

SUPPORTING CUSTOMERS WITH SUSTAINABLE PRACTICE

If this is the vision and the values, how does this apply to ways in which they are supporting their amenity customers? Undoubtedly a key focus is on the development of alternative fuel products in the golf and sports turf industry. As has been seen in the automotive market, battery power is one option for providing propulsion, incorporated in maintenance machinery of all sizes - from hand tools to pedestrian mowers and, more recently, compact tractors, as the technology improves to keep pace with industry requirements. But the use of electricity is seen by some as a stepping stone to an alternative fuel source of the future and this is a keen interest of Kubota in their research and development efforts. Electrically powered products essentially use a battery source, typically lithium-ion, to provide the “fuel” for the machine. Instead of re-fuelling a machine with liquid fuels, they are re-charged by a voltage power supply at a level depending on the supply available. These electrical powered machines certainly help deliver a move to lowering emissions but what is equally vital is that they meet customer needs for productivity, durability and efficiency. With electric power, a key challenge can be in delivering ample range and operational run times and addressing the issue of battery weight which also can impact on performance. 

When considering ‘alternative fuels’ the option is to essentially retain a combustion engine but power it with a different source, including hybrid technology. This research is beginning to result in significant advancements in many areas, including hydrogen engine technology – an attractive carbon-free alternative fuel solution. The Kubota 3.8L, 85kW four cylinder industrial off-highway hydrogen engine claims to eliminate carbon dioxide emissions by only using hydrogen as a fuel. 

ALTERNATIVE TECHNOLOGIES

Kubota has also recently revealed that all its diesel engines can use paraffin-based fuels that comply with European standard EN 15940. When using these fuels, operators will need to comply with any appropriate local regulations in the areas being used. There is no requirement to flush fuel tanks or change filters, as HVO and GTL are safe to mix with diesel, nor are there changes to existing maintenance intervals or warranty conditions. ‘Drop-In’ fuels also do not require engine or machine modifications, providing a positive economic, as well as environmental, argument around their use.

Both alternative technology (battery power) and true alternative fuels can provide an effective solution but, like engines of all types, the harder you work them, the more fuel (or charge) you will use. We can all expect to see a blend of fuel sources in use in the professional groundcare sector for a good few years to come, and considerations on consumption, maintenance demands and logistics regarding installation will all have an impact on what the right choice may be for any given situation.

MORE SUSTAINABLE MOWING

Kubota’s Ze electric zero turn mower was introduced to the UK market at SALTEX in 2023. The models are designed to be not just more sustainable and meet productivity requirements, but also with a higher level of operator comfort through reduced noise levels and less vibration during operation. The engineering development of the Ze range began back in 2017 where the key requirements always remained the same and that is a machine that can operate for a full working day providing excellent driver comfort and outstanding cutting quality. Testing has been carried out throughout Europe to ensure that the performance is consistent whether it is in wet tall grass or dry rigid grass.  

The “heart” of the Ze is a 48V / 10kW battery which is located at the rear of the machine. This battery has the capacity for over 15 000m² of mowing operation. A second battery and fitting trolley is available which will allow the operator to work continuously during the busy grass cutting season. Right from the start of development, the engineers knew that meeting the environmental targets set could not be at the expense of productivity, performance and comfort. The end result is the Ze Series which aims to incorporate the best of both.

 
A UK PERSPECTIVE

Kubota are a global brand but it is interesting to see and hear how enthusiastically the sustainable practice agenda is being adopted in the UK namely at their headquarters in Thame. At this more local level or UK level, the team are keen to stress some specific key targets and measures within their own business operations as follows:

• Measuring emissions from company vehicles and exploring all means of reducing them.
• Allowing the use of EVs for certain external job roles
• Measuring and targeting travelling mile reductions and by type, i.e., reduced flights and encouraging the use of rail
• Measuring and targeting reduced printing with emphasis on digital communication
• Installing LED lights to all of the business
• Installing EV charge points which include the chargeable use for all company staff.

CONCLUSIONS

As I have emphasised throughout this series of articles sustainable practice is a series of small steps and as the science and the technology develops, further strides are possible. This article has focussed on Kubota as a case study, but others in the machinery supply sector are moving the agenda forward at pace. What is pleasing is the enthusiasm for task easily shown in Rob and also his team both within their daily operations and their provision to their clients.

“If you don’t like the way the world is, you change it…one step at a time.” Marian Wright Edelman

Previous articles in this series

SUSTAINABILITY IN LANDSCAPING

SUSTAINABILITY IN THE GOLF SECTOR

SUSTAINABLE PRACTICE IN THE AMENITY SUPPLY SECTOR

SUSTAINABILITY IN THE LAWN CARE SECTOR

SUSTAINABILITY IN OUR PARKS & PUBLIC GREEN SPACES