Packed halls, exciting innovations and inspirational additions to BIGGA’s world-leading education programme made BTME 2020 an incredible success. Over 4,000 visitors made their way to the Harrogate Convention Centre for BIGGA’s annual exhibition.
“It was a fantastic few days,” said BIGGA chief executive Jim Croxton. “Massive thanks to all the exhibitors for supporting it and all the visitors for coming and I’m looking forward to seeing everybody next year.”
This year’s show was marked by a host of inspirational new ideas, from the Green Room Podcast Live to the GEO’s Sustainability Zone and STRI’s live turf laboratory, there were more ways than ever before to interact and network with other attendees.
Here’s a roundup of some of the brands exhibiting at BTME 2020.
- The BASF team at BTME
BASF launched a new plant growth regulator Attraxor®, at this year’s BTME 2020. Attraxor reduces the longitudinal shoot growth of grass which lessens the frequency of mowing and the volume of clippings created. One application of Attraxor will give a reduction in fresh weight of grass cuttings of up to 70% and a lowering in grass height of up to 40% for up to four weeks after application. Attraxor also enhances turf root formation and acts, due to its unique effects on seed head production, as a Poa annua management tool.
2. The Johnsons Sport Seed team
The Johnsons Sports Seed team were joined by members of the press and over 30 distributors and customers to toast their 200th anniversary at BTME 2020. They celebrated the company’s rich and varied history since it was founded by 17-year old William Wade Johnson in 1820.
Says Amenity Sales and Marketing Manager Derek Smith, “BTME was a fantastic platform for staff and key contacts to raise a glass to mark such a huge industry milestone. Their drive to raise industry standards reflects the position that Johnsons has in today’s market, and this is very much testament to the passion of those involved with the brand over the years. We at DLF, look forward to continuing that ethos for many years to come.”
3. Kubota and Baroness join forces
Kubota UK joined forces with fine turf maintenance equipment manufacturers Baroness at Harrogate this year. The partnership will offered greenkeepers and turf managers a chance to see a full range of specialist turf-care machinery, covering all bases of expertise and product offerings to showcase a full line-up of turf care machinery including the Kubota RTV-X1110 and L2 Series.
4: Rupert Price Managing Director at Price Turfcare
It was an interesting BTME 2020 for Price Turfcare this year as it was while at the show that they heard that Toro had purchased Venture Products Inc., the manufacturer of Ventrac all-terrain compact tractors.
“As the UK distributor of Ventrac, this came as quite a shock, so early on the first day of the show,” said managing director, Rupert Price. “There was much speculation as to what the implications might be.
“Many people assumed that Toro would acquire the company, rebrand and paint the machines red, as they have done with previous acquisitions in the past. However, if you look at what they did with Exmark, Boss and Ditch Witch, this is not always the case and Ventrac will be operated on a similar basis.
5: Social media star Jimmy the Mower visits the team at LANTRA
Lantra’s newly unveiled Groundcare Machinery Maintenance suite proved a hit at BTME 2020. The exhibiting team met with a number of existing Lantra instructor/assessors and received an impressive number of enquiries from landscaping and sports turf professionals who were interested in our training and qualifications. Along with the positive responses to Machinery Maintenance, Chainsaws and Pesticides training, the team were also approached by new industry professionals looking to become instructors with Lantra.
6. Product launch for Cub Cadet team at BTME
Following on from SALTEX 2019 where the company showed its first Rotary Mower, the SM34, BTME was the turn of an all-new 22” INFINICUT® from Cub Cadet.
The SM34 mows in the traditional sense or can be used as a stand-alone vacuum. In cut mode, the incorporation of both a front roller and rear traction roller means the SM34 delivers a striping effect usually only achieved with a professional cylinder mower. The premium-grade, high carbon steel blades offer extended life, and come pre-balanced to exhibit less vibration, while the 34” cutting width combines the units lightweight design with better productivity. The introduction of a revolutionary side collector gives the operator a more comfortable and practical working position.
7 idverde showcase hybrid surface
The team from idverde where on hand showcasing its natural hybrid surface, Mixto. Specifically designed to serve a variety of needs for sports surfaces, it consists of a synthetic and a natural grass component, where the artificial matrix is designed to better promote the initial germination, growth and development of the natural grass. Operations manager, Steve Tingley comments: “We had another great year at BTME, introducing pitch care professionals to Mixto and showing them the benefits that this versatile and durable sports surface can offer. We met with existing clients and received a large number of enquiries from other professionals. All in all a great week in Harrogate in what looks to be a very busy year for idverde and the Mixto hybrid system”
8. BlueBird takes maiden flight at BTME
Launching the future of turf care equipment to an audience of turf managers, golf club owners and decision makers at BTME 2020, BlueBird’s team were excited to show off the new and exclusive range of 125v battery powered machines designed and built for professionals.
The initial range includes an 18” and 22” power rake, a 17.5” and 19” aerator and a 20” hover mower. The hover mower is set to change the way golf courses are maintained, with a best in class centre of gravity making manoeuvrability on hills and around bunker edges a breeze; ultimately eliminating inefficiencies with an electric performance equal to petrol.
The lower noise level of the 125v Lithium-ion range allows you to continue to work during noise restricted times and in noise restricted areas. Other key advantages include no exhaust fumes or odour when operating, no fuel costs, low maintenance, reduced downtime, significantly improved productivity and profitability and the machines are more environmentally friendly.
BlueBird, supported by E P Barrus, provides commercial, rental and residential users with some of the most reliable turf care power equipment in the industry- including aerators, power rakes, overseeders, sod cutters, stump grinders and hover mowers.