Under this collaboration, Wentworth has integrated 16 Kress Commercial RTKn autonomous mowers across the famous West Course as well as the driving and academy ranges.

The Kress team alongside Winchester Garden Machine have provided comprehensive on-site training, joint performance evaluation, and close technical collaboration with Wentworth’s expert greenkeeping team to ensure optimal results.

The implementation of Kress technology delivers substantial operational and environmental advantages:

Environmental Impact

• Zero direct on-site emissions with significant overall CO₂ reduction
• Reduced fuel consumption
• Quieter operations protecting wildlife habitats and minimising disruption to members and properties on the estate

Agronomic Excellence

• Consistent micro-mulching returning nutrients to the soil, reducing fertiliser requirements
• Reduced ground compaction from lightweight electric units, supporting long-term turf health
• Enhanced playing surfaces through precision cutting technology

Operational Efficiency

• Cleaner, safer working conditions with no fumes, leaks, or fuel handling
• Lower operational costs and reduced storage of hazardous materials
• Optimised energy use through high-density battery technology and intelligent charging cycles
• Freeing up staff from manual mowing to concentrate on other skilled tasks

Strategic Alignment

• Clear support for Wentworth’s long-term sustainability and ESG commitments
• Demonstration of innovation leadership in professional turf management

“Since installing the Kress autonomous mowers in October 2025, we’ve seen a noticeable uplift in the consistency and overall presentation of the West Course rough and our academy outfield and fairways, something our members have clearly recognised,” said Daniel Clarke, Director of Greenkeeping & Estate.

“Winter conditions can make traditional rough cutting challenging, particularly on softer ground. The frequency of cut combined with the light footprint of the Kress units has removed that issue entirely, allowing us to maintain standards without compromising the turf. Consistency is a key focus for us, and the ability to deliver uniform, high-quality surfaces across the courses has been a significant step forward. The installation of the Kress mowers has been a valuable addition to our operation and has genuinely enhanced how we manage presentation.”

For Kress, this partnership establishes a flagship national reference site, providing high-quality performance data and a world-renowned platform to demonstrate next-generation autonomous turf-maintenance technology to the professional green-space industry.

“This partnership reinforces Kress’s commitment to innovation, sustainability, and supporting professional green-space teams with world-class solutions,” said Tony Macer, Sales Director at Kress. “Working alongside Wentworth’s renowned greenkeeping team allows us to demonstrate the real-world performance and environmental benefits of autonomous electric technology at the highest level.”

Both organisations view this partnership as a long-term collaboration that will help define best practices for sustainable turf management across the golf and sports-turf sectors.

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SABO MOWIT PRO systems, available in the UK from PSD Groundscare, are designed to provide grounds maintenance professionals with a practical solution for maintaining large grassed areas while reducing operator hours.

Offering remote-control or semi-autonomous operation, the MOWIT PRO allows maintenance teams to manage extensive grassed areas, parks, sports facilities, open spaces, roadside verges, business parks and amenity land with minimal supervision. The ability to remotely control the machine also offers significant advantages where operator safety can become a concern, particularly on slopes and challenging terrain.

Semi-autonomous operation further reduces labour demands by enabling the mower to follow pre-planned work patterns while maintaining a consistent quality of cut.

For organisations facing ongoing recruitment challenges and increasing labour costs, this technology allows skilled staff to be redeployed to higher-value maintenance tasks, improving productivity without compromising overall site presentation.

As turf maintenance continues to evolve, machinery is increasingly being judged not simply by productivity, but by its ability to address labour shortages, improve sustainability and enhance overall surface quality.

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The rollout combines Mitie’s landscaping expertise with Kress’ advanced autonomous mowing technology, creating a new model for grounds maintenance that blends intelligent automation with skilled human oversight.

Mitie colleagues are developing new digital capabilities as ‘Robot Pilots’, programming and managing the Kress ‘mowbots’ using digital tools to map sites, monitor performance and optimise operations in real time. Working alongside landscaping teams, the autonomous Kress Voyager units safely navigate sites using advanced AI and positioning technology, undertaking routine grass cutting operations throughout the day.

As fully electric machines, the Kress Voyager fleet supports both Mitie’s and Kress’ shared sustainability ambitions by producing zero direct emissions during operation. Unlike conventional petrol-powered mowing equipment, the Kress ‘mowbots’ operate entirely on battery power, helping improve air quality and reduce carbon emissions across customer estates. Battery-powered operation also eliminates the risk of fuel and oil spills, supporting cleaner and safer site management.

The autonomous Kress Voyager units are significantly quieter than traditional petrol machinery, making them particularly well suited to sensitive environments such as schools, healthcare facilities, corporate campuses and public spaces where noise reduction is important.

Beyond operational benefits, the ‘mowbots’ contribute to healthier and more sustainable grounds management. Through a process known as ‘grass cycling’, the robots mow little and often, naturally returning fine grass clippings back into the soil. This improves soil health, reduces reliance on fertilisers and helps create stronger, more resilient lawns.

The deployment of the Kress Voyager fleet is the latest innovation within Mitie’s growing robotics programme, joining its successful cleaning robot (‘cobot’) initiatives, including the deployment of 32 autonomous cleaning robots at Heathrow Airport. Together, these technologies are supporting frontline colleagues, enhancing service delivery and helping customers achieve their sustainability goals:

Tim Howell, Managing Director, Landscaping, Mitie, said: “This rollout marks an important step forward in how we deliver grounds maintenance services. Through our partnership with Kress, we are bringing innovative autonomous technology into our landscaping operations while creating new opportunities for colleagues to develop valuable digital skills as Robot Pilots. The Kress Voyager platform supports our commitment to sustainability through quieter, zero-emission operation, while allowing our teams to focus on higher-value landscaping activities.”

Spencer Funnell, Managing Director,Kress, said: “We are delighted to partner with Mitie on this landmark deployment of Kress Voyager autonomous mowing technology. This collaboration demonstrates how robotics and AI can work alongside skilled landscaping professionals to transform grounds maintenance. By combining Mitie’s operational expertise with Kress’ autonomous technology, we are delivering a safer, more sustainable and highly efficient solution that benefits customers, colleagues and the environment alike.”

The Kress Voyager is a fully autonomous commercial mowing platform designed for large-scale grounds maintenance applications. Combining advanced AI navigation, electric power and autonomous operation, Voyager helps organisations reduce operating costs, lower emissions and improve productivity while maintaining exceptional turf quality.

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At the heart of every E-Series machine is a custom-built battery system, developed specifically for Dennis mowing applications.

From cell selection and module creation to battery casing and Battery Management System, each element has been designed to deliver reliable power, long run time and consistent cutting performance.

The E-Series batteries use high-density NMC cells, carefully selected to provide more hours of operation between charges. This supports longer run hours in daily use, helping teams cover more ground from a single charge and reducing the need to stop work for battery changes or extended recharging.

With a full recharge time of less than two hours, machines can be returned to service quickly, supporting busy maintenance schedules across sports grounds, cemeteries, schools, parks and amenity spaces.

Reliability is central to the Dennis approach. Precision laser welding, plasma cleaning and heat-staking support strong, durable battery construction, while the intelligent Battery Management System helps optimise performance, battery longevity, power management, heat management and safety.

Each battery is UKCA certified and rigorously tested for shock, vibration, thermal extremes, humidity, altitude and cycling. Every unit also carries a unique serial number for full traceability and quality assurance.

With low hand-arm vibration, reduced noise and superb aftersales support as standard from Dennis, the E-Series range offers a practical, professional route to battery-powered turf maintenance without compromising on finish, performance or confidence.

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Replacing the popular KMA 135 R, the new machine offers professional landscapers a flexible and efficient solution for a range of demanding outdoor applications, eliminating the downtime caused by switching between multiple tools.

With a power output of 1.0. kW and a large mowing diameter, the KMA 140 R offers a robust performance alongside maximum user comfort, weighing in at just 3.3KG (exc. battery).

Compatible with a range of STIHL attachments, including brushcutter, hedge trimmer, blower, edger, sweeping brush, and pole pruner, the machine provides professional landscaping teams an accessible route to battery power if they already have Kombi attachments they previously used with a petrol KombiMotor.

Developed to improve user experience, STIHL’s Kombi machine boasts a new loop handle with quick release functionality for simple manoeuvrability and comfort during operation. In addition, new ergonomic control handles provide separate buttons for power activation and three speed levels for ease of use. What’s more, the KMA 140 R’s clear LED display supports clear and easy tool monitoring whilst on the job.

The KMA 140 R is designed to support integration with STIHL’s Connected system, a digital fleet management solution that helps professionals keep track of their tools, servicing schedules, and machine use. To further support professionals, the tool’s splash-proof design makes it ideal for use in all weather conditions.

The KMA 140 R is recommended for use with STIHL’s AP 300 S battery.

The new design arrives as STIHL celebrates its 100th anniversary. Since 1926, STIHL has defined the global standard for battery and petrol-powered forestry, landscaping, and residential gardening equipment for professional and domestic users.

Find out more about STIHL’s historic milestone, here: https://100.stihl.com

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Compatible with Makita’s 14.4V and 18V LXT batteries, the DC18SJ utilises USB-C Power Deliver (USB-PD) technology, allowing charging to be performed from a wide range of suitable power sources.

The new battery charger provides a convenient solution for keeping batteries charged whilst on the move, in cars, vans, or on site and when using portable power banks.

The charger is compatible with the full range of Makita 18V LXT batteries and uses a three-stage charging process when powered by either an AC or 12 volt DC in vehicle power supply. To operate, it requires a USB-PD cable source and power source capable of producing between 60W to 100W, which cannot be shared across other devices at the same time.

Thanks to the charger’s smart charging control, estimated charging time range from 27 minutes for the 1.5Ah batteries and up to 280 minutes for high capacity 12.0Ah batteries, depending on the available power. For example, when using a 12v DC socket in a van or car (ADP14 at PD 60W), the BL1860B 6Ah battery can be fully charged in 145 minutes.

Additionally, the charger has a status indicator, which displays three different colours dependant on the machine’s four conditions as follows: insufficient power (orange LED), standby with cooling (red LED), charging unavailable (red LED blinks) and charging (blue LED blinks before turning off when fully charged).

Kevin Brannigan, Marketing Manager at Makita UK said: “The new DC18SJ offers users a practical, versatile and efficient charging solution, making it a valuable addition to a professional toolkit. The charger is also available as part of the 1916H8-8 Power Source Kit LXT, which comes with the ADP14 Adapter with a PD Cable for added practicality.”

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Designed for smaller, more confined areas of the course, including areas around the clubhouse, tighter landscaped spaces and other sections of turf that require regular maintenance, the Turf Pro 200 provides an autonomous mowing option for areas where larger machines may be unnecessary.

It is suitable for sports and training environments too where consistent cutting is required with limited daily input.

The launch comes as many greenskeeping teams continue to manage labour pressures alongside increasing expectations around presentation standards and site maintenance.

In response, Toro has expanded its autonomous mowing portfolio with the Turf Pro 200, delivering a new option where consistency and efficiency are key considerations.

Andrew Ihrke, Senior International Marketing Manager at The Toro Company, said: “The Turf Pro 200 delivers consistent performance in tighter spaces where maintaining presentation standards can be more labour-intensive. It is designed to integrate into existing maintenance programmes, giving greenskeeping teams a practical, autonomous option that complements their wider mowing operations.

Combined with the wider Turf Pro range, Range Pro 100 and Greensmaster eTriflex with GeoLink Mow, it gives operators more flexibility when building an autonomous mowing
approach that reflects the needs of their individual site.

The Turf Pro 200 joins the Turf Pro 300 and Turf Pro 500 as part of Toro’s autonomous mowing range. With the 300 and 500 models addressing larger open turf areas, course managers now have the ability to match the right unit to specific site requirements and mowing frequencies.

Alongside the Turf Pro range, Toro’s GeoLink Mow system supports autonomous mowing across larger, high-use turf areas such as fairways. Together, the systems provide autonomous mowing coverage across a range of site conditions and maintenance requirements.

For operators managing ongoing staffing pressures or looking to improve maintenance efficiency, autonomous mowing can also support the redistribution of labour towards other operational tasks.

The Turf Pro range is available in the UK through distributor Reesink Turfcare. Reesink has a dedicated resource for customers adopting autonomous mowing providing support on installation, training, maintenance and parts.

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This will allow users to choose between two established battery systems in future and integrate AS-Motor machines even more easily into their existing fleets of equipment.

Choosing a battery system is a long-term investment. Today’s professional users expect not only high-performance machines, but also the ability to use batteries across as many applications as possible.

With the STIHL Powerhead, AS-Motor is expanding its battery portfolio and giving users of the widely used STIHL battery system access to selected specialist machines for professional landscape maintenance. Existing batteries can continue to be used, eliminating the need for additional investment in a separate battery system.

The new solution also opens up additional opportunities for specialist retailers. Many specialist retailers stock both the AS-Motor and STIHL brands. These retailers have relevant experience with the battery system. The new AS-Motor models can therefore be easily integrated into existing product ranges. At the same time, end customers benefit from a solution that fits seamlessly into their existing equipment fleets.

The new Powerhead variant specifically complements AS-Motor’s existing battery range by offering a further choice. Not every user works with the same battery system or has the same requirements. This allows customers to choose the solution that best suits their fleet of machines and their workflows.

The new STIHL Allpro battery system forms the basis of the new powerhead, which delivers a peak power output of 2950 watts. This new generation of batteries has been specially developed for professional applications and, thanks to modern tabless cell technology, offers significantly higher power output across the entire charge range. This ensures that consistently high power is available, even as the charge level drops, particularly during power-intensive tasks.

At the same time, the new powerheads are fully compatible with the batteries from the previous STIHL AP system. Users can therefore utilise both the new Allpro batteries and their existing AP batteries, continuing to make full use of their existing investments without any restrictions.

With charging times of just nine minutes to 80 per cent battery capacity (using a fast charger), more than 3,000 charge cycles and IPX5 certification for professional outdoor use, the Allpro system meets the requirements of service providers, local authorities and landscape maintenance professionals. Its high performance, short charging times and long service life make the system an attractive solution for continuous professional use.

The STIHL battery ecosystem already comprises around 80 tools, including hedge trimmers, leaf blowers, chainsaws and other professional applications. The new AS-Motor machines expand this range of applications to include solutions for professional weed control and lawn care. For users, this means a single battery system for even more applications in day-to-day use.

The AS-Motor specialists powered by STIHL

Three AS-Motor Electric models featuring the STIHL Powerhead will be available for the new 2027 season: the two weed brush models, the AS 30 E-WeedHex AP and AS 60 E-WeedHex AP, and the professional mulching lawnmower, the AS 510 E-ProClip A AP.

AS 30 E-WeedHex AP

The AS 30 E-WeedHex AP is the compact solution for professional weed removal on pavements, paved areas and in confined spaces. Its electric drive combines high torque with exceptionally quiet operation, produces no exhaust emissions and ensures comfortable handling. This makes the machine ideal for use in noise-sensitive environments such as residential estates, hospitals, care homes or nurseries. Thanks to its compact design and high manoeuvrability, it really comes into its own on uneven surfaces, cobblestones and along walls, kerbs and edges.

AS 60 E-WeedHex AP

The AS 60 E-WeedHex AP has been developed for the efficient removal of weeds over larger areas and is aimed in particular at municipal works departments, local authorities and professional service providers. Mechanical weed control is carried out entirely without chemicals and delivers immediately visible results. Thanks to its compact design and balanced weight distribution, the machine can be used safely and comfortably even in confined areas of public spaces. At the same time, users benefit from high area coverage and the advantages of modern battery technology: emission-free operation, low noise levels, minimal maintenance requirements and high torque, available at the touch of a button.

AS 510 E-ProClip A AP

The AS 510 E-ProClip A AP professional mulching lawnmower combines the robust construction of the tried-and-tested ProClip series with the benefits of modern battery technology. With a cutting width of 51 centimetres, the machine achieves a clean cut and excellent mulching results even under demanding conditions. The sturdy steel mulching bell, the triple-bearing crankshaft and the high traction ensure reliability and durability in daily professional use. At the same time, users benefit from particularly quiet and low-vibration operation, reduced maintenance requirements and the low running costs of an electric drive.

The new AS-Motor models powered by STIHL will be available from the 2027 season.

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In addition, the range is improving user safety and comfort, reducing noise and minimising environmental impact while Makita’s dedicated service and support is also making a significant difference for the overall team.

Founded in 1949, Keele University in Staffordshire is one of the largest campus universities in the UK with its 13,500 students and 2000 staff utilising more than 250 teaching, research, sports and accommodation buildings that sit within more than 600 acres.

The university has its own low carbon energy generation park, with two wind turbines, 12,500 solar panels and a large battery storage unit. This supplies a remarkable 50% of the university’s total energy requirements each year.

The estate, which has roots back to the 12^th century, includes extensive woodland, landscaped parkland, historic gardens, lakes, and sports fields.

The Keele University grounds maintenance team is relatively small with 10 operatives who work year-round on the upkeep of the impressive campus. In 2016, the decision was made to begin replacing its petrol powered and corded electric tools with cordless alternatives.

Neil Flavell, Minor Works Project Manager (Building & External Maintenance) at Keele University explained: “Our switch to cordless was driven by several factors. Firstly, the university is striving to minimise its environmental footprint, with the future goal to be carbon neutral. Therefore, reducing the use of fossil fuels in all areas is essential. With the university producing its own low carbon electricity, cordless tools were an obvious fit.”

John Knott, Grounds Senior Team Leader added: “Cordless tools also enable us to reduce the noise around campus, which is essential to avoid disturbing students’ learning and exams. Importantly, it has also helped to improve the comfort and safety of our team, with no fumes, lower vibration and the elimination of the cords on electric tools that can be a trip hazard.”

The grounds maintenance team began using cordless products from several different manufacturers to evaluate which would be the long-term choice. The aim was to find the tools that could offer the best combination of performance, usability and ongoing manufacturer support. The decision was eventually made to streamline the equipment pool to tools from just two manufacturers to provide a balance between offering a choice for the staff and reducing the complexity of operating many different battery platforms.

“The Makita tools have emerged as the preference among the team,” John said: “They have found them easy and comfortable to use and crucially deliver the runtimes that allow them to work without having to worry about battery charging. On some of the tools, a single battery will often be all that is required to complete a day’s tasks.”

Neil added: “With the team using these machines day after day, we need products that can meet the demands. We are always looking for a quality product and while cost is a consideration, we are happy to invest in tools that will last and do the job we need them to do. After sales service and support is also important to us, and this is a significant issue we have had with some manufacturers. In contrast, the support from Makita has been second to none with the team only too happy to help and they have been highly responsive to all our requests.”

The Makita tools operated by the university team includes hedge trimmers, handheld blowers, backpack blowers, brush cutters and mowers. The team has also invested in the versatile UX01G Multi-Function Power Head, which has a range of interchangeable attachments from hedge trimmers to powered roller brushes. All the tools are part of Makita’s powerful 40Vmax XGT range, which has been engineered to deliver the performance and runtimes required by professionals.

Commenting on what they see as one of the most valuable of the new Makita tools, John said: “The machine that has really impressed us is the UH007G 750mm hedge trimmer. It is powerful and has demonstrated excellent runtimes. The feedback from the team is that after the job is done, the battery often still has enough power to be swapped over to the blower to help clear up the trimmings.”

Keele University were also able to take advantage of the Makita redemption schemes through which customers can claim additional batteries for free when they purchase selected tools, saving the university significant money when expanding its portfolio of tools.

What’s more, Makita tools are also being utilised by the wider team at Keele University, with building maintenance staff using a range of Makita handheld power tools. The sports centre staff have even invested in their own UX01G with roller sweeper attachment for raking the beach volleyball court.

John concluded: “The Makita tools have proven to be high quality and easy to use, which is backed up by their popularity among the team. However, it is really the whole package, including the service and support, we have received from Makita that has convinced us to invest further in expanding the number and variety of its machines we operate.”

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The aim of this strategic partnership is to offer professional users a common, high-performance and future-proof battery standard.

At the heart of the alliance is the ALLPRO battery system developed by STIHL, which will be used in the professional equipment of both brands in future.

“Professional users need more than just high-performance tools. They need systems that cover a wide range of tasks, reduce complexity and ensure their investment pays off in the long term,” says Michael Traub, Chairman of the Executive Board of STIHL AG.

“This is exactly where ALLPRO comes in. The partnership with Kärcher expands the scope of our battery system to include further professional applications, thereby creating added value in our customers’ day-to-day work.”

“STIHL and Kärcher are two family-owned businesses whose success has always been based on innovative strength and an uncompromising commitment to quality. Through the synergy between our equipment, we are creating far more than just a technical solution: we are consistently driving forward the electrification of professional applications, thereby securing a decisive competitive advantage for our customers,” says Hartmut Jenner, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) & Chairman of the Board of Management of Alfred Kärcher SE & Co. KG.

This partnership brings tangible benefits to professional users: they profit from a system that combines maximum performance with a high degree of flexibility, as they will in future be able to use the same high-performance batteries and chargers for both their Kärcher cleaning equipment and their STIHL power tools. STIHL customers can rest assured of full compatibility with the existing AP system.

A particularly attractive feature is that existing AP batteries can also be used to their full potential with the new Kärcher battery-powered devices. For Kärcher customers, ALLPRO is an entirely new platform. However, Kärcher continues to guarantee full service, spare parts and battery availability for existing devices from the previous Battery Universe.

The result is a working environment for professionals in which they can cover the entire spectrum of daily landscaping, forestry and cleaning tasks with just one battery system – a significant advantage in terms of efficiency, logistics and cost-effectiveness, and a technological milestone in the respective sectors.

The new batteries will be available from STIHL specialist retailers from 1 August 2026. Kärcher will launch the new batteries and the new tools on 1 January 2027.

Both companies are committed to delivering the highest level of technical expertise, proven reliability and solutions that make day-to-day professional work more efficient and straightforward. In addition to these two long-established companies, numerous other partners – including those specialising in forestry winches, equipment carriers and mobile refuelling systems – will be incorporating the ALLPRO battery system into their equipment. This means that users in the forestry and landscaping sectors, the construction industry, facility management and even aid organisations have access to a range of more than 120 devices, all powered by the same battery packs. A sophisticated and reliable charging and energy management system rounds off the offering.

Further information is available at: allpro-alliance.com

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