In August this year, IGFH attended a demonstration of Kersten UK’s most popular pedestrian-operated machines, led by industry experts Trevor Thorp and Ed Phillips. The session gave us an in-depth look at how modern grounds maintenance equipment is evolving to make outdoor work more efficient and environmentally responsible.
The day began with an introduction to Kersten’s approach to professional surface management. Kersten UK offers a range of machines designed to handle the challenges of turf care, including weed control and hard surface maintenance, across all seasons. A big selling point of this equipment is that it’s designed not just to do a job, but to make that job easier and safer for the operator.
We started by taking a closer look at the UBS Series Mechanical Power Unit, a versatile workhorse capable of tackling multiple maintenance tasks throughout the year. Trevor and Ed talked us through its modular design, with swappable attachments for different applications: sweeping, moss removal, snow clearance, surface renovation, and so on. Given its adaptability, this machine is especially well-suited for councils, contractors, and sports facilities looking to maximise the value of their equipment investment.
Next up was the Ripagreen Mobility Kit, a compact, powerful thermal weed management system. This was particularly interesting for its environmentally friendly approach to weed control that eliminates the need for chemicals. Ed and Trevor explained how it uses controlled bursts of heat to weaken the plant structure, killing the weed effectively without harming surrounding surfaces or soil health.
Ed and Trevor also demonstrated the Vehicle-Mounted Hot Water Weeder from the Eco Weedkiller Pro Series, a unit that removes unwanted vegetation using only hot water, again with no chemicals required. It maintains the water at a consistent temperature, destroying weeds down to the root level. We were able to see how efficient the system is at covering large areas quickly.
Finally, the team demonstrated Kersten’s pedestrian sweeper solutions, which are built for everyday cleaning and maintenance of paths, car parks, and sports surfaces. We saw how the machines could handle debris and moss, with Trevor and Ed explaining that they’re particularly useful for maintaining artificial surfaces.
Demonstrations like these are free to attend, and we’ve found them to be a great way to learn more about the machinery that is becoming ever more valuable in our industry. If you’re in a role that would benefit from a more efficient approach to grounds maintenance and you’re looking to deliver high standards of turf and surface care, it’s worth attending a Kersten demo to learn how to operate and maintain this type of equipment.
We’d like to thank Kersten UK for hosting the session and for providing these opportunities free of charge. For anyone looking to expand their skill set or explore new tools, you can view Kersten’s upcoming events and exhibitions here.