Strathbogie Forest & Garden Ltd has expanded its professional groundcare operation with the launch of a specialist machinery hire service aimed at golf courses and sports turf facilities across the north and northeast of Scotland.
The move, supported by Redexim and Scottish dealer HRN Group, marks the latest stage in Strathbogie’s development as it increases its focus on professional turf management alongside its established forestry and groundcare business.
The company has invested in a fleet of Redexim equipment comprising a Verti-Drain 1513, Speed-Seed 1100, Speed Brush, DS800 Top Dresser and Tool Carrier, supplied through HRN Group.
Strathbogie director Pete McArthur said the decision followed discussions with greenkeepers and turf managers about the equipment they relied upon.
“When speaking to greenkeepers and sports turf managers, Redexim was always the name that kept coming up,” he said. “I started asking people I trust, including greenkeepers at some very prestigious clubs, about the equipment and the feedback was consistently excellent.”
McArthur believes the hire model will provide a cost-effective option for golf clubs that require specialist machinery but cannot justify purchasing equipment that may only be used several times a year.
“Not every golf club or sports facility can afford to buy these machines but hiring them makes perfect sense,” he said. “It gives them access to the right equipment when they need it without the significant capital investment.”
He added that the service could help clubs maintain high-quality playing surfaces while keeping machinery costs under control.
HRN Group has supported the creation of the hire fleet through equipment supply, delivery, handover and operator training, and will also direct relevant machinery hire enquiries to Strathbogie.
HRN Group Groundcare Sales Director Wilson Morrison said the businesses had identified a gap in the northern Scottish market for a specialist hire operation. “We knew there was a gap in the north of Scotland for a specialist hire company,” he said. “It was about finding the right partner that could really do it justice.
“This isn’t just about supplying machines and walking away,” added Wilson. “We’re working closely with Pete and the team. From delivery and handover through to installation training and ongoing support, we want to make sure they have everything they need to build a successful hire business.”
That support doesn’t stop once the machines are delivered. “If our sales team receives enquiries for machinery hire, we’ll pass those opportunities on to Strathbogie,” Wilson added. “We want to see Pete grow this business because, ultimately, it’s a partnership.”
The investment also complements Strathbogie’s growing involvement in robotic mowing technology, with McArthur arguing that automation and specialist machinery can free greenkeepers to concentrate more time on skilled agronomic and turf management tasks.
“Looking after the health of the turf is where the real expertise lies. Greenkeepers have incredible knowledge of agronomy and turf management,” he says. “If technology can free up some of their time, it allows them to use those skills where they add the greatest value.”