Located in the same position on the show floor as last year, The Workshop will provide visitors with live expert advice and interactive Q&A sessions focused on machinery maintenance and performance optimisation.

Sessions will be led by Tom Stidder who is one of the industry’s most respected turf machinery experts. With more than 28 years’ experience in turf care, Tom has worked across every level of the industry, from workshop technician through to senior technical training and consultancy roles with leading turf machinery manufacturers.

Now an independent trainer and advisor, Tom works with prestigious organisations including The Football Association (FA), the All England Club, The Royal & Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews and football clubs around the world, bringing a wealth of practical knowledge to the SALTEX audience.

Stidder will be supported by Tom Spencer, who began his career in 2011 as a Machinery Technician with a major John Deere dealership where he worked across the full range of John Deere equipment before specialising in professional sports turf machinery, providing both technical support and servicing expertise.

Since 2022, he has operated independently, delivering technical advice, training and support to the likes of The FA and the Grounds Management Assocation (GMA). He also provides technical support and product training for Ventrac equipment on behalf of Price Turfcare.

Each day, visitors will have the opportunity to attend a series of focused 30-minute sessions, followed by a 30-minute Q&A. The daily programme will include:

10:00am – Volunteers: Mowers and Attachments
A practical session designed to help volunteers and community grounds people build confidence when operating and maintaining mowers and attachments safely and effectively.

11:00am – Mechanics Forum: Challenges and Solutions
A specialist session based on Euro stage 5 diesel engines including how they work, diagnosing faults and general maintenance procedures.

1:00pm – Professionals and Volunteers: Sprayers
Covering essential sprayer set-up, operation and maintenance principles, this session will help attendees improve application efficiency and safety.

2:00pm – Professionals: Mowers
Designed for experienced grounds professionals, this session will explore mower set-up and techniques for achieving consistently high-quality results.

As part of the enhanced programme for 2026, a dedicated SALTEX meet-up for mechanics will take place immediately after the Mechanics Forum session. The informal gathering will provide an opportunity for mechanics and workshop professionals to discuss common challenges.

Sarah Hunter, Head of Events at the Grounds Management Association, said: “We’re delighted to welcome The Workshop back to SALTEX after such a positive response from visitors in 2025. The combination of practical demonstrations and extended Q&A sessions provides real value for attendees, whether they’re volunteers or experienced professionals.”

Tom Stidder added: “The response to The Workshop last year was fantastic, so I’m really pleased to be bringing it back for SALTEX 2026. The sessions are all about providing practical advice that people can take away and apply immediately.

“We’ve also introduced a dedicated meet-up for mechanics which I’m particularly excited about as it will give workshop professionals a chance to strengthen their network within the industry. I’m looking forward to seeing familiar faces and meeting plenty of new ones at the NEC.”

The Workshop promises to be a must-visit feature for anyone looking to improve their machinery knowledge and performance at SALTEX. Join us at the NEC Birmingham on 11-12 November 2026.

For more information and to register for free, visit www.saltex.org.uk.

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When it’s time to replace worn cylinders after the busiest months of the season, many assume aftermarket alternatives are the most economical option. But that’s a misconception, says Reesink Turfcare.

Michael Hampton, Supply Chain Manager at Reesink Turfcare, says: “There’s a perception across the industry that genuine parts automatically come at a premium, but that’s often not the reality.

“When customers compare genuine Toro cylinders with alternatives, they’re frequently surprised by how competitive they are. Once you factor in fit, performance and service life, genuine represents outstanding value.”

Every genuine Toro cylinder is manufactured to the exact specifications of the original component fitted to the machine. That means there’s no compromise on fit and no sacrifice to the quality of the cut the machine was engineered to deliver. And when it comes to cylinders in particular, that really matters.

For experienced turf professionals, the real cost of a replacement part extends beyond the initial purchase price. Time spent making adjustments, inconsistent performance and reduced component life all carry a cost.

Genuine Toro cylinders are designed to eliminate those compromises, integrating seamlessly with the cutting unit to deliver the consistency, durability and after-cut appearance expected from Toro machinery.

“Customers have already invested in a machine known for elite performance,” Michael continues. “Fitting genuine Toro cylinders protects that investment. They’re built from high-quality materials, manufactured to exact tolerances and tested to perform exactly as intended. When you consider the complete picture, they’re not simply the genuine option – they’re often the best-value option too.”

After a demanding summer, many machines are approaching scheduled servicing, making now the right time to assess cylinder wear. Replacing worn components with genuine Toro parts ensures equipment continues to perform as designed, while avoiding the false economy that can come from choosing parts based on price alone.

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The club, who will play host to this year’s AIG Women’s Open, has purchased four Husqvarna CEORA 546 EPOS units and one Automower 580L EPOS, supplied by authorised Pro Partner dealer Balmers GM Ltd.

Husqvarna is providing a further two CEORA units to support preparations ahead of the championship.

The installation reflects a broader shift in how elite venues are approaching the demands of major championship preparation, with consistent surface quality and operational efficiency increasingly central to how head greenkeepers plan their programmes.

The deployment follows Husqvarna’s significant involvement at Royal Porthcawl for the AIG Women’s Open 2025, where CEORA robotic mowers cut all 18 fairways throughout the championship: the first time The R&A had entrusted autonomous machines with that responsibility at a major.

The deployment at Royal Lytham & St Annes represents a continued ambition to establish Husqvarna as a standard in maintaining elite championship venues.

Jonathan Snowball, Head of Business Unit for Professional division UK, Husqvarna, said: “Royal Lytham is one of the most recognisable venues in the sport. When a club of that calibre commits to autonomous mowing – particularly in the context of hosting such a prestigious event, it says something meaningful about where the technology stands and a clear signal of where autonomous turf management is heading.”

The CEORA 546 EPOS is Husqvarna’s commercial-scale robotic mower, built for large surface areas and designed to deliver consistent results without continuous operator input.

The Automower 580L EPOS brings the same autonomous capability to more varied terrain, with GPS-assisted precision guiding both units across their designated zones.

Andrew Meeks, Group Sales Manager, Balmers GM Ltd, said: “Royal Lytham adopting autonomous mowing is a significant moment for the industry. It’s the kind of decision that reflects just how much confidence there now is in this technology at the very highest level of the sport.”

Paul Smith, Course Manager, Royal Lytham & St Annes, said: “Investment in Husqvarna robotic mowers has helped the Club to deliver optimum mowing year round, elevating turf health, easing workshop pressures and is having a real benefit in re deploying our resources in other areas of course maintenance.We have developed a hybrid maintenance program that enables us to have the benefits of both conventional cylinder and robotic mowing.”

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Together with support and a major equipment upgrade from George Browns, Course Manager Steve and his team now have the reliability, confidence and foundations to elevate course standards to new heights. 

Set among 160 acres of Cambridgeshire parkland, The Cambridgeshire combines a busy members’ club with a thriving hospitality business. With all eyes firmly set on growth and expansion, for Steve, the problem was clear from the outset. “The club hadn’t had any machinery upgrades for 20 years, so an audit of the equipment showed that much of it was no longer fit for purpose. With outstanding support from my Golf Director, we knew that investment was long-overdue and well-needed.” 

“I immediately got in contact with George Browns as, in my opinion, they stock the best range of franchises and machines in the country and from the off, the support we’ve received from the team has been amazing.” Within a matter of months, Steve and the team of five had taken delivery of a suite of equipment including a Kubota L2622 compact tractor and RTV, and AgriMetal roller from Baroness. 

“I’d used Kubota in my previous role and knew without doubt, it’s what we needed here.” He explains, “The reliability you get from Kubota is incredible. They are machines that are built to work and will tackle every task and all terrain without hesitation. The AgriMetal roller, again, is the best roller in the market by a country mile. The comfort, the ease of hitching and unhitching and the quality of the roller itself leaves a finish that no other roller comes close to.” 

Another standout addition to Steve’s armoury has been the Trimax Snake Rotary mower. “It’s another unbelievable machine which has made a huge difference to our productivity. Where we would previously lose a member of staff for the entire week to cut fairways twice over, we can now do the same task in under two days.” He adds, “This machine alone has effectively gained us an extra member of staff.” 

The theme of durability extends to the final piece of the puzzle, The Cambridgeshire’s new Redexim Verti-Drain 7416. “This will make a huge difference to course condition, handling our tree-lined layout well, particularly during wet periods and intensive seasonal work.” He jokes, “You could use this thing on a motorway and it’d still poke holes in the ground!”

It’s not just been the equipment that has impressed, the support from Luke Farrow and the team at George Browns has provided the team with a complete, ‘turn-key’ solution. “Whether it’s health and safety training, parts or just general advice, nothing is too much trouble.” 

Steve concludes, “The impact this equipment has had has been immediate. Players are noticing the improvements in condition to the point where, at a recent golf day, we signed up six new members in a day! The return on our investment is evident and everyone involved with the club couldn’t be happier. We’re not standing still either – with the Lithium Sand Pro and Baroness greens mower now firmly on our radar, we’re excited about continuing to build on the progress we’ve made with the support of George Browns.”  

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Having joined the University of Bath in July 2025, Sports Ground Manager Andy Boyce was quick to bring in tried and trusted formulations from the Masterline and Johnsons Sports Seed ranges which has seen their sports surfaces excel – gaining recognition not just from students but from some of the world’s most elite sporting teams.

Andy was no stranger to the site or the expectations on their surfaces, having clocked up over a decade working there as a contractor but came in with a clear vision and plan for enhancing the site – centred around seed from DLF.

With the advice and support of DLF’s Regional Technical Manager Ian Barnett, the pair devised a plan. “I could see the potential to bring the pitches onto that next level and knew I could rely on the DLF mixtures I’d used for many years to deliver both the reliability and the results” says Andy.

“My go to has always been PM79 from the Masterline range.” PM79 is a versatile renovation mixture, incorporating perennial ryegrass and 4turf tetraploid perennial ryegrass to deliver fast establishment, drought tolerance, nitrogen efficiency and outstanding disease resistance. “This delivers fantastic germination and some serious bang for your buck which means, with no irrigation, we can keep a good stock of PM79 and overseed when and where required to make the most of any predicted rainfall.”

On some of the heavier-use pitches, Andy is combining PM79 with J Premier Pitch from the Johnsons Sports Seed range. “This is the mix of choice for a lot of elite sporting venues so while it wasn’t a mix I’d used a lot personally, I trusted the top-rated cultivars and advice from Ian that it would give us a little extra boost in terms of wear tolerance and visual merit.” He adds, “The depth of colour we’re seeing on the surfaces is really something.”

The striking visual appeal and technical characteristics of the pitches is paying dividends both internally and externally – with the improvements in surface quality widely recognised by students, coaches and visiting teams alike. “We proudly host a few of the national governing bodies here, have close ties with Bath Rugby and are increasingly seeing EFL teams using our pitches for training camps.”

Perhaps the clearest indication of the University’s growing reputation came when one of world rugby’s most iconic teams selected Bath as a preparation venue. “We’re delighted that the All Blacks will be spending a week here before the next international series” says Andy. “For them to actively seek us out is a huge compliment and testament that the surfaces are heading exactly where we want them to go.”

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For this reason, productivity and efficiency is everything when it comes to equipment and for mowing, an LM331 from Baroness is ticking all of the boxes.

Joining the club in August 2025, Adam quickly found himself in charge of a busy stadium pitch, used for women’s fixtures and academy training alongside matches and training for the men’s first team – currently playing in the Scottish Championship. Together with a packed usage programme, he was also faced with managing the demands of a natural soil-based surface through one of the toughest Scottish winters in recent memory.

“When I started, we quickly had conversations about what was needed to help and, while I love hand cutting, when you’re one person trying to mow, line, water and keep on top of everything else I knew I needed something that would ease the workload” Adam explains.

“I looked at a few options and was really impressed with the cut quality on the Baroness and the fact that it was well built but not heavy, meaning we’d be able to get it onto the pitch without leaving tyre marks or mess.”

The club took delivery of their Baroness LM331 from local dealers Hamilton Ross Group in October 2025. The LM331 is equipped with precision engineered cutting reels and unique mower arms which maintain down pressure for a consistently beautiful finish, delivered in double quick time. “I can cut the pitch in around an hour which then gives me the opportunity to get feeds down or other tasks done before a game or in limited weather windows.”

As Adam explains, the productivity boost proved especially valuable towards the end of the season. “When the hot weather came, the grass just took off and having the Baroness meant I could stay on top of cutting without everything else falling behind.”

“The beauty is I get speed and efficiency without a compromise on presentation, with the LM311 providing a finish that’s very close to what we see from a hand mower.”

He continues, “Another big thing is that the units stay on cut for longer. A quick check is all it needs, saving time on set-up and enabling me to just get on with the job.”

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With significant investment, a growing team and a clear vision the Essex venue is undergoing a transformation designed to elevate it into one of the county’s premier golfing destinations – assisted by the right people and, importantly, the right, reliable equipment.

Having first joined the club as a junior member in 2002 before returning as Director of Golf in September 2022, David Laffar has witnessed Crondon’s evolution from multiple perspectives.

Now working alongside Managing Director Marlon Fox – whose family opened the club in 1994 – he is helping to steer the direction and investment into facilities, which has been substantial. “We often get told that the layout here is one of the best in the county, now it’s about bringing it up to a playing standard that matches.

“Since mid-2022, over £3 million has been committed to course improvements including new drainage and irrigation systems and playing a key part in the successful execution of these projects has been the pair of Kubota tractors.”

Delivered by George Browns in May 2023, the 60hp Kubota L2622 and 50hp L1552 have quickly become indispensable. “They’re real workhorses and have matched the demands of the various implements we’ve been running as part of the renovation works.”

Picking up the baton to execute the next stage of the project alongside a team of five is new Course Manager David Byron. He comments, “Joining a club when there’s so much to do can be daunting, but I must say I took a sigh of relief when I saw we had two Kubota tractors in the shed! It’s enabled me to hit the ground running, getting renovations underway straight away with no concerns about power or reliability.”

“These tractors are the backbone of everything we’re doing – from aeration work to providing the right power and lift for existing and new implements we’re currently looking to add to the fleet. The two machines give us versatility for the different tasks, comfort for the operators who are often working long hours and peace of mind.” A sentiment echoed by David Laffar, “Out of our whole fleet, the Kubota tractors are probably the most reliable machines we have.”

The back-up from dealers George Brown has been another plus point for the club, ensuring that advice is available when needed.

This support is increasingly important for the team as they prepare to host a number of major county championships across the summer. “We’re not a ‘traditional’ club but it’s nice to know what we’re creating here is now attracting the attention of tour organisers.

“We’re incredibly excited for the events of this year and beyond and know that, with Kubota, we’ve got the right kit to keep pushing those course standards” concludes Laffar.

The post Kubota helps Crondon Park’s drive to the top appeared first on Professional Groundscare.

The programme combines four complementary technologies in a single tank mix, each contributing to overall plant performance through different modes of action centred around four key principles: strengthen, support, condition and defend.

20-20-30 is made up of Seamac ProTurf Fe, which provides chelated iron, magnesium and seaweed extracts in a low pH formulation that supports plant health while helping to create a leaf surface less favourable for disease development.

Liquid Turf Hardener supplies readily available calcium and magnesium to strengthen cell walls and improve tolerance to environmental stress.

Mantle combines essential micronutrients and Harpin Elictor technology to support plant health and stimulate natural defence responses, while Turfite Elite delivers potassium phosphite and salicylic acid to promote root development, plant vitality and systemic defence mechanisms.

By addressing several aspects of plant physiology simultaneously, the 20-20-30 Tank Mix helps improve turf resilience during periods when Microdochium pressure is elevated. Supporting cell wall strength, plant nutrition, natural defence responses and leaf surface conditioning enables turf managers to take a more integrated, preventative approach to disease management.

Suitable for golf greens, sports pitches and other managed amenity turf, the tank mix enables multiple compatible technologies to be applied in a single operation, simplifying application while supporting consistent plant performance.

For more information on the 20-20-30 Tank Mix Programme visit www.originamenity.com

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Held at Bearwood Park Training Ground, the impressive home of Reading Football Club’s training facilities, the free one-day event combined expert presentations with practical demonstrations, giving attendees the opportunity to explore the latest advancements in battery-powered equipment, robotics and commercial landscaping technology in a real working environment.

Designed to provide practical knowledge that delegates could immediately apply to their businesses, the day covered everything from selecting the right tool for the job and understanding current legislation, through to battery systems for commercial applications, productivity improvements, operator safety and the growing role of robotic technology.

Throughout the day, attendees experienced live demonstrations of Kress’s latest commercial equipment, including robotic lawn mowers, blowers, brush cutters, hedge trimmers and the CyberTank Power Station. Visitors also enjoyed an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of the Bearwood Park Training Ground operation, seeing first-hand how professional facilities are maintained.

The event reinforced one of the core aims of the GroundsFest Academy: creating opportunities for the industry to learn together, share experiences and build valuable connections.

Henry Matthews of ProLand Skills Academy and Consultancy Ltd said: “You learn so many things – it’s who you meet, the connections you make. The networking is fantastic, and that’s what GroundsFest is about, bringing the whole industry together, and it makes a difference. I would wholeheartedly recommend people come to a GroundsFest Academy event. It doesn’t necessarily have to be something you specifically do – it’s good to learn something new every day.”

For Kress, the event demonstrated how rapidly technology is transforming the landscaping sector and why keeping up with innovation is becoming increasingly important.

Jim Kirkwood, Director of Product Management at Kress UK, said: “Anyone within this industry who has the opportunity to come to one of the GroundsFest Academy events should seriously consider it. It’s a great opportunity to learn on a one-to-one basis, discover new equipment, understand new technology and see how it could improve their business, increase efficiencies and help prepare for the future.”

Among those attending was Ewen Kenny, Assistant Groundsman at Cheltenham College, who was keen to learn more about robotic technology and sustainable equipment.

“I came here today to get a better understanding of robotics in the sports turf industry, to educate myself on what is currently happening and where the industry is heading in terms of technology,” said Ewen. “One thing I’ll definitely take away is just how much of an impact the equipment we’re currently using has on the environment, and how moving towards more battery-powered tools can be much more beneficial for our school environment.”

By combining technical expertise with live, hands-on demonstrations, the event gave attendees the chance to compare technologies, ask questions directly to industry specialists and gain practical insights into improving efficiency, reducing emissions and embracing the latest commercial landscaping innovations.

The event is part of the growing GroundsFest Academy programme, which delivers free educational events throughout the year. Supported by leading industry partners, the Academy provides practical, CPD-focused learning opportunities designed to help professionals stay ahead of the latest technologies, regulations and best practice.

The free sustainability assessment tool is now available at www.groundsfestacademy.com

You can also follow GroundsFest on X, Facebook and Instagram @GroundsFestAcademy for much more news, reviews and insightful views

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The new takeover sessions will shine a spotlight on some of the industry’s most significant and rapidly evolving topics, including synthetic turf management, weed, pest and disease management, and landscaping best practice.

Designed to deliver practical advice, thought leadership and the latest industry research, the sessions will see leading organisations curate dedicated programmes tailored to the challenges and opportunities facing professionals across the sector.

Among the organisations already confirmed is the Sports and Play Construction Association (SAPCA), which will host two specialist sessions exploring end-of-life synthetic pitch recycling and the latest trends in player-surface interaction research.

The Amenity Forum will also take over the Spotlight Stage, leading discussions on safeguarding the future of amenity protection and developing strategic approaches to integrated pest, weed and disease management.

The Association of Professional Landscapers (APL) will share expert guidance on business protection through professionalism and explore the importance of standards with a session titled Raising Standards – Why BS 7533-102 Matters.

Further takeover sessions and industry partners will be announced in the coming months creating a diverse and comprehensive programme that reflects the latest priorities, challenges and innovations across the sector.

Ian Graham, Chair of the Amenity Forum, said: “Events such as SALTEX provide a valuable opportunity to bring together practitioners, policymakers, suppliers and industry leaders to share knowledge, discuss emerging challenges and explore practical solutions.

“The Amenity Forum is pleased to be partnering with SALTEX to facilitate discussions on safeguarding the future of amenity protection and the development of strategic approaches to integrated pest, weed and disease management. These are issues that affect organisations across the sector and it is important that we continue to promote collaboration, best practice and informed decision-making.

“Visitors attending the sessions can expect thought-provoking discussion, practical insights and an opportunity to hear a range of perspectives on the future direction of amenity management.”

Richard Shaw, CEO of SAPCA, said: “SALTEX provides an important platform for bringing the industry together to share knowledge, tackle emerging challenges and drive continuous improvement. This year SAPCA are delighted to be taking over the Spotlight Stage to deliver sessions that address two significant areas for our sector: the latest research into player-surface interaction and the responsible management of end-of-life synthetic turf through SAPCA’s Recycling Protocol.

“By sharing practical insight and the latest thinking, we hope delegates leave with valuable knowledge they can apply within their own organisations while continuing to raise standards across the industry.”

Learning LIVE remains the largest free-to-attend educational programme of its kind within the sector and continues to be one of the key reasons visitors attend SALTEX each year.

Bringing together industry experts, practitioners and innovators, the programme offers unparalleled access to professional development opportunities and the latest thinking, all under one roof.

As industry challenges evolve and best practice continues to advance, SALTEX is enhancing Learning LIVE to provide visitors with more focused, specialist content delivered by the organisations at the forefront of their respective fields.

Register for FREE and be in with a chance of winning a Cramer bundle worth over £4,500: saltex.org.uk.

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