When Pete McArthur, Director of Strathbogie Scotland, talks about turf management, it's clear this isn't just about machinery. It's about helping greenkeepers do what they do best.
Pete has spent years building the business around innovation, particularly in robotics and technology. Now, with support from Redexim and its Scottish dealer partner, HRN Group, the company is taking the next step by launching a specialist machinery hire service for golf courses and professional sports turf facilities across the north and northeast of Scotland.
The move reflects Strathbogie's changing direction. While the business has long been established within forestry and groundcare, its focus is increasingly centred on professional turf management and providing practical solutions that help customers overcome today's biggest challenges.
"We're focusing much more on professional groundcare now," explained Pete. "Whether it's sports pitches, golf courses or any formal turf surface, that's where we're heading. But our core clients, who have sustained the business for nearly 50 years, remain a hugely important part of what we do and will continue to be. This is about developing our business for the 21st century, and our traditional customer base blends perfectly with our growing professional turf clientele."
The decision to invest in Redexim equipment wasn't one made overnight. In fact, it began with a conversation almost two years ago between Pete and Redexim's Area Sales Manager for the North, Allen Whellans.
"When speaking to greenkeepers and sports turf managers, Redexim was always the name that kept coming up," Pete said. "I started asking people I trust, including greenkeepers at some very prestigious clubs, about the equipment and the feedback was consistently excellent."
Those conversations ultimately led to Strathbogie investing in a fleet of Redexim machinery, including a Verti-Drain 1513, Speed-Seed 1100, Speed Brush, DS800 Top Dresser and Tool Carrier, supplied through HRN Group.
For HRN Group's Groundcare Sales Director, Wilson Morrison, the project was never simply about supplying machines.
"It started as a bit of blue-sky thinking," Wilson explained. "We knew there was a gap in the north of Scotland for a specialist hire company. Allen, Pete and I started talking about the opportunity and it just grew from there. It was about finding the right partner that could really do it justice."
For Pete, reputation counts for everything.
"My brother-in-law is a greenkeeper, and they'd just bought very similar Redexim machinery. He described it as 'bomb proof'. That was good enough for me. I trust people who use equipment every day, and Redexim has a reputation for building machinery that lasts."
More importantly, the investment supports Pete's wider vision of helping clubs that may struggle to justify purchasing specialist equipment outright.
"There seemed to be a gap in the market, particularly in the north of Scotland," he explained.
"Not every golf club or sports facility can afford to buy these machines but hiring them makes perfect sense. It gives them access to the right equipment when they need it without the significant capital investment. Some of these machines are only needed a few times each year, so buying them can be difficult to justify. By offering hire, we're helping clubs maintain high-quality playing surfaces while keeping costs under control."
Behind the scenes, HRN Group has played an important role in helping Strathbogie establish its new hire fleet, managing the supply of the equipment, overseeing efficient delivery, providing a comprehensive handover and ensuring Pete and his team received installation and operator training.
"This isn't just about supplying machines and walking away," said 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 expertise in robotic mowing technology. Rather than replacing greenkeepers, Pete believes automation and specialist machinery allow them to focus on the skilled work that really matters.
"Looking after the health of the turf is where the real expertise lies. Greenkeepers have incredible knowledge of agronomy and turf management. If technology can free up some of their time, it allows them to use those skills where they add the greatest value."
That philosophy is shaping the company's future.
"We're trying to change the way people think. Just because something has always been done one way doesn't mean it's the best way. Technology is moving quickly and the turf industry has a fantastic opportunity to embrace it."
Wilson believes the partnership has worked because all three businesses share the same outlook.
"We wouldn't have partnered with Strathbogie unless we felt they shared the same ethos as us," he said. "Pete, Allen and I all gelled straight away. We're all forward-thinking, always looking for opportunities and wanting to move the industry forward."
He also believes the versatility and quality of Redexim's equipment makes it the ideal choice for a specialist hire fleet.
"Pete has invested in versatile, high-quality equipment that's backed by the support of both HRN Group and Redexim. That's important because if a machine isn't out on hire, it's not earning money. We want to make sure he has the backup he needs to keep everything running."
Pete also believes Redexim's values aligned closely with those of Strathbogie Scotland.
"I value heritage. Redexim is a family-owned business and that means something to me. We don't go looking for entry-level machinery. We'd rather invest in specialist equipment that's proven, reliable and respected within the industry. You're buying the best to get the best."
As Strathbogie Scotland continues expanding its services, the partnership between Strathbogie Scotland, HRN Group and Redexim provides another important piece of the puzzle. Combining specialist turf equipment, expert local support and flexible hire options, the collaboration is helping golf courses and sports facilities across northern Scotland access professional-grade machinery while adapting to the changing demands of modern turf management.
For more information, visit https://www.redexim.com/uk/
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