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EDITOR'S BLOG

HANDS-ON WITH THE LATEST IN ROBOTIC MOWING
And battery-powered options
by TurfPro Editor, Laurence Gale MSC, MBPR

Last week I joined other members of the trade press to experience new mower technology and cordless equipment developments, showcased during an annual media event in Buckinghamshire.

Last week I, and my fellow members of the trade press, attended the annual EGO Press Day held on a farm near Beaconsfield.

The event provided an in-depth introduction to the latest range of EGO battery powered tools, with a particular emphasis on hands-on experiences and direct engagement with product managers and technical specialists.

Attendees were welcomed by the team, including product managers, specialists, and representatives from the PR and social media departments, as well as the Wyatt team, who supported press inquiries and facilitated the event.

The day was structured to maximise interaction, starting with presentations about the brand and products, followed by live demonstration stations where we could physically test the tools, ask questions, and explore the full 2026 lineup of products.

The main highlight for me, was the unveiling of the new Aura R2 robot mower range, representing the culmination of five years of research, development, and testing. The company says the series is designed “to address evolving customer expectations for smart, wire-free, and highly precise robotic mowing.”

The range includes three models, each identical in size and form but differentiated by area capacity: 1,500 sq.m, 3,000 sq.m, and 6,000 sq.m. All models incorporate advanced navigation technologies, including RTK GPS for centimeter-level accuracy, vision-based SLAM (Simultaneous Localisation and Mapping) using binocular cameras, and VIO (Visual-Inertial Odometry) that fuses camera data with inertial and odometry sensors.

This technology stack, branded as Path IQ by the manufacturer, they say ensures robust, reliable operation even in complex gardens with trees, slopes, and variable lighting conditions.

We were told that the Aura R2 mowers offer flexible mapping options, allowing users to define up to 40 zones and 100 no-go areas via the Ego Connect app. Mapping can be performed by remote driving the mower or, for dealer installations, using a push mapping handle for greater speed and precision.
The mowers feature electronic cut height adjustment (20–90mm), systematic mowing patterns with customisable directions, and intelligent slope handling up to 50% (27°).

Andrew Frohock, IoT Product Manager for EGO, said, “For busy families, we know mowing can be a time thief. We designed the Aura-R2 as a system for reclaiming evenings and weekends, meaning more time for family and friends, enjoying days out, or simply enjoying the garden instead of having to grapple with their growing list of commitments. Working quietly in the background, the Aura-R2 is designed to fit right into family life, delivering a consistently beautiful lawn, quietly and safely, and giving families their free time back to do the things they enjoy the most.”

Other Ego products on show included their latest range of self-propelled rotary mowers.

The LM1710E push mower and LM1710E-SP self-propelled mower for example, provide a 42cm cutting width, while the LM1910E push mower and LM1910E- SP self-propelled models feature a 47cm deck, making them suitable for medium and larger lawns.

The company also showed us their largest self-propelled mower to date. Part of the PRO X Series, the lightweight LMX7600SP features a dual blade cutting system to provide a huge 76cm cutting deck and is designed for commercial users and grounds maintenance teams.

Other interesting products being demo-ed were the portable power washer and battery powered air compressor, chainsaws and second generation hedge trimmers. Finally, EGO has also developed its first battery featuring tabless cell technology. Allowing for faster charging, enhanced power and according to the company “little-to-no downtime”, the 8Ah BA4480X Lithium MAXT battery joins their 56V platform for cordless outdoor power equipment.

All in all, I found it an informative press day with a plethora of new products for me to try out in the coming months.

NEWS

KIOTI UK ACQUIRED
Move will localise dealer support

Ryan Hollebone, Patrick Desmond, and Chris Clark

In our first WEB ONLY story new owners say the development will mean improved operational efficiency and localised backing for the brand’s 58 independent dealers.

KARL PARRY LAUNCHES NEW COMPANY
Direct to consumer turf management business

In our next WEB ONLY story Karl says the new venture aims to simplify how grounds professionals access nutrition, moisture management and biostimulant products.

WESTMINSTER GOES ELECTRIC
Contractor moves towards fully battery-powered

The battery-powered machinery in use Westminster

The benefits are clear says operator - cleaner air and creating a peaceful environment for people enjoying the parks.

Grounds maintenance company, Krinkles UK have announced the arrival of their first shipment of Kress electric equipment, as they begin their journey towards a fully electric solution in their prestigious Westminster contract.

Writing on LinkedIn, assistant operations director, Steve Morris said, "The day was all about getting it right from the start - full training with the team, getting hands on with the equipment, and understanding how the app supports both the equipment and our app based works programme behind the scenes."

Steve continued by explaining, "It’s not just about bringing new equipment, but making a difference on the environment and people’s lives. The benefits are clear. Cleaner air and creating a peaceful environment for people enjoying the parks."

Asked by TurfPro how the transition to electric was going for their company, Steve told us, "Early feedback from the team has been really positive. There’s often a bit of reluctance to move away from petrol, or from other electric brands they’ve used in the past, but once they start using the equipment they don’t want to go back. In terms of performance, it’s now at a level where it matches what they would expect from the most professional petrol models.

"From our perspective, the build quality and power are up there with the best we’ve seen, which is why we’ve started to use Kress across a number of our contracts."

Steve also gave a special thank you to Kress UK and Ireland and Groundserv for their support on the day.

KUBOTA & BARONESS OFFER SUPPORT
To Mental Health First Aid Programme

Companies say their support for trade association's scheme reflects their commitment not only to the turf industry, but to the people within it.

The British and International Golf Greenkeepers Association (BIGGA) has announced Baroness UK and Kubota (UK) Ltd as headline sponsors of its Mental Health First Aid Programme (MHFAP).

Developed they say, in response to the well-documented pressures faced by greenkeepers and turf professionals, the programme delivers accredited training designed to equip members with the skills to recognise and respond to mental health challenges in themselves and others.

BIGGA say that long hours, seasonal demands, and often isolated working environments mean those employed in turf management can be at increased risk.

Through the MHFAP, the association is aiming to continue building a network of trained Mental Health First Aiders across the industry, while helping to create more supportive and resilient workplaces.

The programme centres on two-day, in-person courses delivered to members across BIGGA's five regions, supported by ongoing guidance and follow-up communication to ensure lasting impact beyond the classroom.

BIGGA CEO Jim Croxton said the support would play a key role in strengthening an already important area of the association's work.

"Through this programme, we are providing practical, accredited training that gives people the confidence to recognise when something is wrong and to step in with the right support at the right time," he said.

"The backing of Baroness and Kubota allows us to extend that support further, ensuring more members across our regions can access this training and help us build a stronger, more connected network of Mental Health First Aiders within the industry. This will make the industry a better place for all," said Jim.

"Supporting BIGGA's Mental Health First Aid programme reflects our commitment not only to the turf industry, but to the people within it," said Baroness UK sales director Adam Butler. "Mental wellbeing is just as important as physical safety so we're delighted to be able to play our part in providing the tools and awareness needed to support turf managers across the UK."

Charlotte McFarland, tactical marketing executive for Kubota (UK) Ltd, added, "Partnering with BIGGA on this initiative allows us to play a meaningful role in promoting mental health awareness and ensuring those in the industry know they are not alone."

MAIDENHEAD GC TEES UP FUTURE WITH ASCOT MOVE
Relocation brings expanded grounds and upgraded infrastructure

Course manager at The Maidenhead Martin Dearlove, right, with Reesink’s Paul Bell

A major investment in turfcare equipment and irrigation is helping The Maidenhead Golf Club establish itself at its new location.

After 130 years at its original site, The Maidenhead Golf Club has begun a new chapter following its relocation to Ascot, with major investment already underway to develop and modernise the club’s new course.

Course manager at The Maidenhead Martin Dearlove, right, with Reesink’s Paul Bell

The move brings an additional 36 acres and a more demanding layout, alongside ambitions to elevate the club’s standing within UK golf. To support the transition, the club has committed to a comprehensive Toro machinery and irrigation package through Reesink UK, including a five-year rolling lease programme and a Toro Total Solutions Agreement.

Course manager Martin Dearlove said the relocation presented both opportunities and challenges as work begins to restore and enhance the course. Significant infrastructure improvements are already underway, including a £1 million fairway drainage project, planned bunker renovations and the installation of a new Toro irrigation system scheduled to begin this summer.

The club’s new Toro fleet was delivered ahead of the move in January and includes Greensmaster Triflex 3420 mowers, Reelmaster fairway mowers, a MultiPro 5800 sprayer, Workman utility vehicles, a ProPass 200 topdresser and, for the first time at the club, a ProCore 648s aerator.

Martin explained that the heavier clay-based soil at the new site made regular aeration essential to maintain playing standards and prevent waterlogging.

Alongside machinery investment, the club has expanded its greenkeeping team from eight to 11 staff to manage the increased workload and ongoing development programme.

Attention will now turn to replacing the existing 35-year-old irrigation system with Toro Lynx Central Control and Infinity sprinklers across greens, tees, approaches and fairways. According to Martin, the upgrade will deliver the reliability and precision needed for the club’s long-term plans as it establishes itself at its new Ascot home.

ORIGIN ENTER NEW PARTNERSHIP
For product distribution in UK & EU

The deal means in addition to offering a new product this season, OAS will have sole distribution of new enzyme products currently in development.

ZymeCo, the company behind a range of novel enzyme technologies, have announced they are pleased to have formed an exclusive partnership with Origin Amenity Solutions (OAS) to lead product distribution in the UK and across the EU.

In addition to offering ThatchZyme this season, the partnership will grant OAS sole distribution of new enzyme products currently in development, to help turf professionals achieve their agronomic goals.

ThatchZyme is described by the company as a sprayable thatch control that offers a new approach to organic matter control that reduces the reliance on labour intensive and disruptive mechanical operations such as scarification or hollow coring. By targeting the most resistant components of thatch, they say that ThatchZyme’s patented formulation accelerates natural breakdown processes, helping to reduce organic matter accumulations and improve the play performance of fine turf surfaces.

In field trials, the company says that ThatchZyme demonstrated a 15.8% reduction in organic matter accumulations compared to untreated turf across multiple sites. Treated areas showed stable or reduced thatch levels and a visible reduction in thatch layers within a single season. In controlled studies, it has also shown a 21% increase in root length in creeping bentgrass.

“We're delighted to start an exciting new partnership between ZymeCo and OAS which focuses on offering innovative, data driven products to the UK and European markets,” said nutrition & speciality products manager for OAS Jamie Lees. “The first step is to introduce ThatchZyme into the UK turf industry which provides turf managers with a tried and tested solution in organic matter management."

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