What to expect at this year’s GroundsFest?

Origin Amenity Solutions (OAS)

Origin Amenity Solutions (OAS) has announced its return to GroundsFest for the 2024 exhibition after a successful debut last year. OAS will showcase its comprehensive range of products and services, aimed at servicing the fine turf, sports, and grounds care sectors. You can find their prominently branded trailer and dedicated team in the outdoor arena on stand OSA 240.

Focus on Line Marking Excellence

With an expanded team of line marking specialists, OAS is positioned to offer the most comprehensive line marking solutions and support in the UK. Visitors to the stand will have the opportunity to see a diverse range of line marking machines, from pedestrian spray markers to the latest innovations in GPS-guided TinyLineMarker robotic line markers.  Experts will be on hand to demonstrate these cutting-edge machines and discuss their applications in various settings.

Additionally, they will be highlighting their industry-leading IMPACT ready-to-use paint range, known for its durability, vibrancy, and ease of application. This paint range, coupled with advanced line marking equipment, ensures that every marking project is executed to the highest standards.

Exclusive Show Offers

Exclusive show offers will be available to show visitors. Furthermore, an exciting competition will be announced on the stand which is likely to attract a lot of attention.

Looking to the future

Reflecting on the past year and looking ahead to the future, Glen Howard, OAS Line Marking Product Manager, shares his thoughts: “I am incredibly proud of the progress we have made over the past year. Our dedicated line-marking team is a testament to our commitment to innovation and excellence. At GroundsFest 2024, we are excited to showcase our product range and demonstrate how our solutions can make a real difference for our customers. Our goal is to continue leading the way in line marking technology and support, ensuring that our clients receive the best possible service and products.”

Continued Commitment to Excellence

OAS’s presence at GroundsFest 2024 reaffirms its commitment to providing high-quality, innovative solutions. Since the successful merging of four leading brands, OAS has continued to evolve, making strategic changes that benefit its customers. Their dedicated line-marking offering includes the widest selection of equipment, paints, and accessories available in the UK, supported by the largest sales and support team in the industry.

Join them on stand OSA 240 to experience firsthand the expertise, innovation, and customer-focused approach that defines Origin Amenity Solutions. Whether you’re looking to enhance your line marking practices or simply explore the latest technology, their team is here to help you mark out the future of your grounds care needs.

Redexim UK

Redexim UK is set to make an impressive debut at GroundsFest, with a raft of never-been-seen solutions for natural turf management on stand OSA230. While some of the finer details are being kept strictly under-wraps, visitors are assured to see a new, modern solution to the effective mechanical maintenance of hybrid and natural surfaces alongside the first UK outing of Redexim’s Verti-Air^® collection.

The Verti-Air^® range of PTO-driven blowers marks a logical extension of the Redexim portfolio, catering to the leaf and debris clearance requirements of those working in the golf and sports turf markets, together with local authorities and other green space managers. Three models make up the range, including the Verti-Air^® 7 – a compact and lightweight blower with a reverse exhaust nozzle which can be operated from the driver’s seat. The high-power of the Verti-Air^® 7 combined with ease of adjustment and manoeuvrability makes the unit ideal for leaf clearance on golf course pathways, roadside verges or carparks.

Also on stand OSA230 will be a selection of machines from the Redexim landscaping range, including the Multivator 1800. Featuring a roller equipped with nine durable carbide-tipped blades spaced at 200mm, the Multivator decompacts and simultaneously lifts and recycles the existing soil and rootzone material to provide an environmentally-effective method of topdressing.

Aspen Fuel

Improving the working environment of landscapers and ground professionals for over 40 years, Aspen Fuel will be returning to GroundsFest 2024 to showcase the many benefits of their 2 and 4-stroke Alkylate petrol. Stand OSA490 is the place to find out more and also the place where brave participants can partake in the ‘Aspen Challenge’ for the chance to win some awesome Aspen prizes!

Aspen alkylate petrol is virtually free from sulphur, benzene and solvents making it much less harmful than regular petrol. The reduction in hazardous and toxic hydrocarbons contributes to a cleaner burn, improving not just the reliability of the engine but the immediate operator environment – freeing users from headaches and other health concerns associated with working in close proximity to petrol-powered equipment.

Standard E10 pump fuel now contains around 10% ethanol, the moisture-attracting properties of which can often be the cause of starting difficulties or engine failures in smaller equipment such as strimmers and leaf blowers. Ethanol-free Aspen 2 with its cleaner combustion leaves very little residue or carbon deposits, extending engine lifespan and retaining its original performance for longer.

The benefits for the equipment and the operator, together with a reduction in environmental impact, make Aspen a versatile and economically-viable choice for operators in all sectors looking to move towards more sustainable working practice. Those wanting to discover how Aspen can change their own working environments can also enquire about the risk-free, money-back trial which enables business owners to try Aspen without incurring any increase in their fuel cost, and the option to return the unused fuel if they don’t ‘experience the difference’.

Visitors will also have the opportunity to test their strength in the ‘Aspen Challenge’ which returns for another year – with the chance to win some fantastic prizes over the course of the two days!

Dennis

Dennis is set to make a significant impact at GroundsFest 2024, showcasing an impressive range of battery-powered products on stand 50 in Hall 2 at Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire, on September 10 and 11.

This year, Dennis will highlight the revolutionary ES-34R, the innovative Multi Charger Hub, and the versatile ES-22U, all part of the acclaimed E-Series that has taken the industry by storm with its power, battery range, and performance.

Since its launch, the Dennis E-Series has stood out from the competition, offering reliable and long-lasting battery-powered mowers that are no-compromise alternatives to traditional petrol machines. These mowers boast ultra-low noise, low vibration, user-friendly operation, and a significantly reduced CO2 footprint, helping users move towards their carbon-neutral goals.

Featured Products at GroundsFest 2024:

Multi Charger Hub

The newly launched Multi Charger Hub is an efficient and easy-to-manoeuvre mobile unit capable of recharging up to eight large E-Series machines sequentially. Designed with convenience in mind, it includes individual cable connections to avoid multiple unused wires, top box storage for charger cables, and under-cabinet storage for spares. The Hub features an intelligent system that cycles through each connected mower, displaying the state of charge (SOC) on a screen, and shuts down each mower at 100% to prevent overcharging. With the ability to charge all connected mowers overnight from 10-15 to 100 percent, the Multi Charger Hub is a game-changer.

ES-34R Rotary Mower

The ES-34R is designed for precision and efficiency. It features twin contra-rotating blades with a height-of-cut controlled by an easy-to-use ‘click’ system. The suction and blade speed can be adjusted to meet the most challenging collection conditions. Optional front wheels and a choice between a smooth or weile roller enhance its adaptability. With excellent sight lines and robust performance, the ES-34R ensures superior turf maintenance.

ES-22U Ultra Mower

For those familiar with the Dennis Razor Ultra, the ES-22U is a standout choice for fine turf care. This 560mm (22”) battery mower features an ultra-short wheelbase, making it ideal for undulating surfaces. Equipped with a 7 or 11-bladed cutting cylinder and groomer reel, the ES-22U delivers an ultra-fine finish on bowling greens, golf greens, tees, and cricket pitches. Its precision and adaptability make it a favourite among professionals seeking top-tier turf maintenance.

GroundsFest 2024 attendees are invited to visit Dennis on stand 50 in Hall 2 to explore these innovative products and learn more about how Dennis is driving the future of sustainable turf maintenance. Don’t miss the opportunity to see firsthand how the E-Series and the new Multi Charger Hub can make a difference to your operations.

SISIS

GroundsFest 2024 attendees can look forward to seeing SISIS in Outside Area A on stand number OSA170, where a variety of innovative turf maintenance products will be on display.

This year, the focus will be on three key products: the Quadraplay, the Variseeder, and the Rotorake TM1000. In addition to these highlights, visitors will have the opportunity to explore other products from the extensive SISIS range.

Quadraplay: Versatile Maintenance System

The Quadraplay is a multi-functional maintenance system that can perform up to four operations simultaneously. It’s compatible with any tractor with a 3-point linkage, making it versatile for use on natural turf and hard porous surfaces. Key features include interchangeable implements, adjustable settings, and robust construction for low maintenance.

Variseeder: Efficient Overseeding

The Variseeder is a compact, tractor-mounted overseeder ideal for renovation and repair work. It features a studded roller that prepares the seedbed, variable seed rates, and easy attachment to any tractor. Overseeding can be done without disrupting play, making it a convenient and efficient solution.

Rotorake TM1000: Thatch Management

The Rotorake TM1000 is designed for effective thatch removal and control. It features quick-release interchangeable reels, contra-rotating blades for a clean cut, and a floating unit that follows ground contours. The machine ensures fast ground coverage and easy depth adjustment, making it a reliable choice for turf maintenance.

Syn-Pro by SISIS

You can find Syn-Pro by SISIS in Outdoor Area A on stand OSA170, where a wide range of advanced synthetic turf maintenance products will be on display.

This year, the spotlight will be on three main products: the SVR1500, the SSS1000, and the Osca.

SVR1500: Deep Cleaning and Decompaction

The SVR1500 is a dual-purpose machine designed for deep cleaning and decompaction of sand or rubber-filled surfaces. Its large rotating brush lifts contaminated infill, removes fine dust and debris, and returns cleaned infill back to the surface, improving water permeability and reducing bacteria and moss.

SSS1000: Essential Sweeper for Synthetic Surfaces

The SSS1000 sweeper is vital for regular cleaning of synthetic surfaces. It features a spiral rotary brush that sweeps debris into a mesh hopper, allowing pitch infill to be returned to the surface. It’s designed to efficiently remove organic debris and litter, ensuring a clean and safe playing area.

Osca: Dual Purpose Brushing System

The Osca is a versatile brushing system ideal for both sand and rubber crumb maintenance. It features oscillating brushes for aggressive brushing to reduce compaction and encourage fibres to stand upright. It can also be used as a conventional drag brush for regular light brushing, helping maintain an even playing surface and reduce moss and algae.

Avant

The Avant National Pro Challenge is set to be one the most thrilling events at GroundsFest.

This exciting competition will test participants’ skills through a series of tasks including slaloms, material handling, and tool changes.

Competitors will navigate a specially designed track in an Avant Loader, with time penalties for mistakes and disqualification for incomplete tasks.

The challenge demands speed, precision, and agility, with tasks suited for all Avant users.

The track layout will remain a secret until the day of the event, adding an extra layer of excitement. The fastest, most skilled, and precise drivers will win fantastic prizes!

The competition is open to all Avant customers and dealers, and advance registration is required. Interested participants should contact Avant to secure their spot and prove their prowess.

DSV

DSV is set to make a significant impact at this year’s GroundsFest, introducing its latest innovation in grass seed, EUROBEAT, on stand 29.
EUROBEAT is a top-tier ryegrass specifically bred for sports applications. Its performance in the Sports Turf Research Institute (STRI) test series has been outstanding, earning a TOP 10 rank and demonstrating the superior capabilities of DSV’s turfgrass breeding department. EUROBEAT boasts exceptional summer and winter appearance scores, setting it apart as a top performer in traffic tolerance, crucial for sports pitches.

Key Benefits of EUROBEAT:

Optimised for Sports Pitches: EUROBEAT’s design caters specifically to the rigorous demands of sports environments.

Superior Wear Resistance: With a 20 percent improvement over standard ryegrass, EUROBEAT excels in durability.

Year-Round Performance: High aspect scores in both summer and winter ensure a consistently attractive and resilient turf.

Ideal for Overseeding: EUROBEAT’s characteristics make it perfect for enhancing older pitches and supporting autumn sowing for winter appearance boosts.

EUROBEAT’s versatility makes it an excellent choice for renovation mixtures, providing an upgrade in both performance and quality for existing sports fields.

Explore More EuroGrass Mixtures

In addition to EUROBEAT, GroundsFest attendees will have the opportunity to learn about other high-performing EuroGrass mixtures, each tailored for specific sports turf applications.

Featured mixtures:

EG PRO Rye Fairway: Ideal for golf fairways and roughs, this mixture is designed to handle moderate to high levels of play, ensuring robust and resilient turf.

PRO Summer Sport: Perfect for cricket squares, tennis courts, and golf tees, this mixture offers outstanding recovery and strong shoot density, meeting the demands of extreme hard wear sports.

PRO Pitch: The flagship mix in the EuroGrass portfolio, PRO Pitch is tailored for winter sports pitches, providing exceptional wear tolerance and recovery with top-performing perennial ryegrass cultivars.

PRO Multi Sport: Designed for dual-use facilities and drought tolerance, this mixture ensures excellent sward density, good wear tolerance, and increased drought resilience, making it suitable for sports pitches and academic facilities.

DLF

Sustainable seed solutions for lawns and landscapes are set to be showcased as the world’s largest grass seed breeders, DLF, return to GroundsFest. Stand 30 will be the platform for visitors to find out more about mixtures across the Masterline, MM and Johnsons Sports Seed brands, alongside the very best the industry has to offer in both native and non-native wild flowers.

In many aspects of modern life, we are encouraged to be mindful of our impact on the environment – and this is certainly the case for turf managers across the sporting and amenity spectrum. Those looking to reduce inputs, without detriment to turf quality and performance can improve credentials through careful seed selection, such as opting for mixtures containing Microclover^®. Visitors to GroundsFest can find out more about DLF’s Ecosward mixtures – specifically blended to reduce input costs and be kind to the environment by eliminating the need for excessive fertiliser, water and herbicide.

Incorporating five percent Microclover^®, both PM26 Ecosward and PM27 Ecosward Plus from the Masterline range offer low-maintenance yet tolerant and visually attractive swards, ideal for landscape applications.

For those maintaining sports turf, thoughts are turning to autumn renovations, where speed of establishment is key. The larger seed and improved genetic vigour of DLF’s 4turf^® tetraploid variety ensure fast germination and establishment in cooler temperatures, together with demonstrating increased tolerance to stresses such as cold, drought and a range of common turf diseases. 4turf^® is incorporated into a number of popular autumn mixtures for sports turf, including J 4Turf 50 and J 4Turf 100 from the Johnsons Sports Seed collection.

The DLF technical team will be on hand to discuss the vast array of popular sports and landscape mixtures, together with the popular Pro Flora and ColourBoost wildflower ranges. DLF have significantly increased in-house production facilities during 2024 to meet the growing demand for conservation mixtures and promising greater capacity to support biodiversity projects. With over 25 mixtures available across the two collections, there’s something to suit all facilities and environments – whether the objective is native origin colour and interest, or high impact dazzling displays!

Agrovista Amenity

Agrovista Amenity has announced that it will be exhibiting at GroundsFest 2024. Following the resounding success of the event’s debut last year, the company is eager to showcase its innovative and sustainable products to a broader audience.

Agrovista Amenity offers a wide range of products designed to meet the needs of professionals across the industry.

Visitors to GroundsFest can find Agrovista Amenity at stand L151 in the Landscape Zone. This dedicated area highlights the latest outdoor environment technologies and innovations, making it a must-visit for landscape architects, garden designers, contractors, and other professionals in the industry.

At GroundsFest, Agrovista Amenity will focus on showcasing several key products, including:

Tree and hedge planting range: As exclusive distributors of Tree Hugger and WhiptecBio guards, Agrovista is committed to providing affordable and sustainable tree, hedge, shrub, and vine guards that are completely plastic-free, eliminating the need for collection and disposal.

Planting sundries: Essential tools and materials for successful planting projects.

Nutrition: Solutions to support healthy plant growth and development.

Grass and wildflower seed: High-quality seeds for creating beautiful and sustainable landscapes.

Hard and soft landscaping supplies: Including reinforcement mesh and rubber grass mats.

Equipment and workwear: Durable and reliable products designed for the demands of landscaping professionals.

Agrovista Amenity is excited to be part of this dynamic event and looks forward to engaging with industry professionals, sharing their expertise, and demonstrating their cutting-edge products. Be sure to visit stand L151 in the Landscape Zone to discover how Agrovista Amenity can help you achieve your landscaping goals with sustainable and effective solutions.

MM

An impressive range of MM grass seed mixtures will be showcased at GroundsFest 2024, and visitors will get the chance to find out how the innovative seed technology could vastly benefit their sports pitches.

Here’s a snapshot of just some of the mixtures on display at GroundsFest.

MM50

MM50 is perfect for cricket squares, tennis courts and also golf tees and fairways. This hard-wearing mix has rapid germination, extremely fine leaved appearance, high shoot density and is tolerant to very close mowing, as low as 5mm, along with high disease resistance. All these attributes together produce a fantastic sward.

MM60

MM60 is a 100 percent ryegrass formula and the UK’s leading winter sports renovation mixture. It is well-known for its extremely fast germination and its high wear tolerance, fast recovery plus excellent disease resistance.

MM Tetrasport

A Tetraploid based Ryegrass mixture, especially useful for seeding and overseeding of high quality sportsfields to improve sward composition, disease resistance with fast recovery from play and damage. Tetraploid Ryegrasses also provide high drought tolerance along with good colour.

All mixtures in the MM range, are treated with HEADSTART® GOLD – a revolutionary grass seed treatment that ensures rapid, even germination.

PRO Flora Wild Flower & Colour Boost Flower Seed Mixtures

Pro Flora is a range of Native Origin Wildflower Mixtures that can bring colour, biodiversity and interest to any landscape area and also benefit the environment, pollinators and conservation.

Colour Boost is a range of high impact flower mixtures designed to create a dazzling display of colour and interest in many different landscape’s sites and situations.

Etesia UK

Etesia UK is excited to return to GroundsFest for the second consecutive year. Attendees can visit stand OSA150 to explore Etesia’s impressive lineup, including pedestrian and ride-on mowers, brushcutters, and the award-winning ET Lander electric utility vehicle

Etesia UK, known for its high-quality grass cutting equipment, will unveil the ET Lander’s new differential lock feature, which enhances traction and versatility for off-road use. This innovative electric utility vehicle is fully N1 homologation compliant, making it road-legal and capable of extended off-road use. Its lithium-ion batteries offer a range of up to 100km and compatibility with standard type 2 EV car chargers.

The ET Lander, a 100 percent electric vehicle, is spacious, user-friendly, and built on a robust chassis. It boasts a three-way tipper bed with dual control from the two-seater cab or remote control. With a compact length of 3.72 meters, power steering, a short turning radius of 4.40 meters, and 360° visibility, it manoeuvres easily in tight spaces. The vehicle can transport loads up to 940kg and tow up to 750kg, with a full day’s autonomy and no noise pollution.

Etesia will also feature the Electric Bahia M2EL, the world’s first 100% electric professional ride-on mower with grass collection. Powered by a 48V, 100Ah lithium battery, the Bahia M2EL offers up to 4 hours and 30 minutes of operation on a single charge. Its compact size, tight turning circle, and excellent stability on slopes make it ideal for various mowing tasks.

The electric Bahia is also highly economical, with running costs of £0.35 compared to £3.57 for its petrol counterpart, and reduced maintenance needs.

Etesia’s knowledgeable staff will be available throughout GroundsFest to provide expert advice and assistance on all products.

Pellenc UK

Pellenc UK is set to impress at GroundsFest 2024. Attendees can look forward to an exciting display of Pellenc’s innovative, battery-powered equipment.

Over recent years, Pellenc has established itself as a leader in the market by offering an exceptional line of ‘zero emission’ battery-powered tools. This success is largely due to their advanced Lithium-ion ultra-high-performance batteries.

Visitors to the Pellenc stand (OSA150) will have the opportunity to explore an extensive array of top-tier equipment. The impressive Pellenc product lineup includes chainsaws, pole saws, hedge cutters, grass strimmers, brushcutters, blowers, and mowers.

Throughout the two-day event, the Pellenc team will be on hand to provide expert assistance and advice on all battery-powered tool enquiries.

Pellenc stands out in the industry with its generous warranties, offering a four-year commercial warranty for all batteries and a three-year warranty for all tools.

Pellenc is distributed exclusively in the UK by Etesia UK.

After a successful GroundsFest 2023, Hunter Grinders is excited to announce its return to GroundsFest 2024, where it will be showcasing the enhanced Jupiter ATI ‘All in One’ Grinder.

The Jupiter ATI is a fully automatic relief spin grinder, designed to deliver precision grinding at its best. It features automatic traverse, indexing, and in-feed, ensuring that every grind is accurate and consistent. This machine meets all CE compliance standards and Health and Safety requirements for noise, vibration, and airborne dust particles.

Key Features of the Jupiter ATI:

· Fully Automatic Operation: The grinder can be set to operate independently, allowing operators to perform other tasks simultaneously.
· Precision Grinding: Achieves original manufacturer’s specifications for returning cylinders and bottom blades.
· Stable and Accurate: The cast bed provides stability, and heavy-duty linear bed rails ensure smooth and accurate traverse of the grinding wheel to within 0.05mm.
· Operator Safety and Comfort: Liquid coolant prevents airborne dust and heat distortion, maintaining operator comfort and safety.
· Versatile Tool: The 360-degree electric 200kg hoist can be used for other heavy lifting tasks in the workshop.
· Comprehensive Capabilities: Grinds both top and front faces of the bottom blade, takes data measurements from the cylinder shaft, and has a 1067mm (42”) cylinder & bottom blade capacity.
· Programmable Grinding: Fully programmable for relief and spin grinding, with automatic docking of the wheel head and cycle countdown.
· Robust Construction: Features a cast bed, liquid coolant on all operations, 240-volt power supply, linear bed rails with self-adjusting bearings, and a slow/soft start spin grinding motor.
· Additional Features: Flexi drive to cutting cylinder, bearing pack, universal bracket pack, hands-free indexing attachment, twin LED work lights, fully enclosed guard, variable speed spin and traverse motor, 3” wheel head attachment, rotary blade attachment, two emergency stop buttons, and full installation and training.

Hunter Grinders invites all GroundsFest 2024 attendees to visit Stand 50 in Hall 1 to learn more about how this state-of-the-art machine can enhance your grinding operations.

Mansfield Sand

Visitors to the Mansfield Sand stand (OSA260) at GroundsFest 2024 can expect to see a comprehensive range of sand-based products vital to the overall health and performance of sports pitches.

For over 180 years, Mansfield Sand has pioneered the development and production of premium silica sand-based products. The company provides a wide range of innovative products for sports, landscaping, and equestrian uses, including stadium and training ground facilities, championship golf courses, and world-class show jumping arenas.

The company’s leading experts will be on hand at GroundsFest 2024 to explain how some of the following products could make a difference to your sports turf projects.

Reinforced Rootzone

Mansfield Sand offers a range of Reinforced Rootzones designed to maximize the use of natural turf surfaces while maintaining the high standards demanded by today’s sports industry. Mansfield Sand’s reinforcement technology provides stability and durability to all sand-dominated Rootzones, allowing the pitch to remain free-draining and consistent across the entire surface.

Products include:

· Fibre Reinforced Rootzone – reinforced with polypropylene fibres.

· Fibrelastic Rootzone – reinforced with polypropylene fibres and flexible Elastane fibres.

· Fibresand – particularly advantageous when grass cover has been reduced due to heavy usage and wear during the winter period.

Sand Soil Rootzones

Understanding the demands of turf managers, Mansfield Sand ensures that their rootzones contain only the highest quality materials. For renovation or construction, the company’s superior rootzone blend, Mansil 40 Silica Sand with quality screened topsoil, guarantees the perfect start.

Sand Compost Rootzones

Mansfield Sand offers a range of premium quality sand organic material blends, ideal for creating a rootzone rich in organic material. These blends aid in the retention of nutrients and provide increased drought resistance.

Top Dressing

Produced for the fine turf market, Mansfield Sand’s Soil Top Dressing is a manufactured homogenous product made from their own premium silica sands combined with top quality soils. All components are passed through a sterilising unit and a 3mm screen to produce an easy-to-spread, stone and pebble-free dressing. Mansfield Sand also offers bespoke dressing blends and can incorporate soil amendments into any product.

Mansil Silica Sand Sports Range

Sourced from the company’s Two Oaks Quarry in Mansfield, the Mansil range of Silica Sands is predominantly used in the construction and maintenance of a wide variety of sports surfaces, including winter sports pitches, golf courses, bowling greens, and all amenity turf areas.