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HUNT FOREST GROUP LAUNCHES WIEDENMANN TURF & GROUNDS CARE FRANCHISE
Wiedenmann stand at the HFG Tech Demo Day
Hunt Forest Group (HFG) has strengthened its Pro Turf and Grounds Care offering with the appointment of Wiedenmann as a new franchise.
The partnership was officially launched at HFG’s recent Technology Demonstration Day held at Thruxton Circuit, where customers were able to see Wiedenmann equipment showcased alongside a wide range of professional turf and grounds care machinery. Wiedenmann Area Sales Manager Thomas Peter attended the event and is pictured with Hunt Forest Group Turf and Construction Sales Director Ed Smales.
Tom Peter (Wiedenmann) & Ed Smales (HFG)
Tom Peter (Wiedenmann) & Ed Smales (HFG)
As part of the agreement, Hunt Forest Group will provide full sales support for the Wiedenmann product range, backed by comprehensive parts availability and after-sales service. Existing and new Wiedenmann customers will benefit from HFG’s established infrastructure, experienced turf engineers and commitment to long-term customer support.
Wiedenmann is a globally recognised manufacturer of high-quality turf maintenance equipment, with a strong reputation across professional sports turf, golf, local authority and contractor markets. The company is particularly well known for its innovative approach to turf care, offering solutions for aeration, sweeping, mowing, debris management and surface renovation.
Hunt Forest Group is one of the South’s leading machinery dealerships, supplying and supporting equipment across agriculture, turf, grounds care and construction sectors. The business has built a strong reputation for customer service, technical expertise and investment in people and facilities.
HFG’s dedicated turf department supports a wide range of professional and amenity customers, with specialist knowledge across golf, sports facilities, estates and grounds maintenance contractors. The addition of Wiedenmann further enhances the group’s turf portfolio, allowing customers to access premium machinery alongside trusted local support.
The Wiedenmann franchise will be supported across Hunt Forest Group’s branch network in Hampshire, Wiltshire, Dorset, Somerset and on the Isle of Wight, ensuring customers have convenient access to sales advice, genuine parts and trained service engineers.
Wiedenmann Terra Core
Wiedenmann Terra Spike GXI 8
Mike James, Wiedenmann UK’s National Sales Manager, said: “I’m really pleased the Hunt Forest Group is on board. I’ve seen first-hand how proactive the team is with their customers, and I’m confident this will be a strong and productive partnership.”
Commenting on the new partnership, Ed Smales, Turf and Construction Sales Director at Hunt Forest Group, said: “Wiedenmann is a highly respected brand within the professional turf and grounds care market, and we are pleased to be able to represent them. This partnership allows us to offer our customers another premium solution, supported by the levels of service and parts backup they expect from Hunt Forest Group.”
The appointment underlines Hunt Forest Group’s continued investment in its turf division and its focus on providing customers with high-quality machinery, strong manufacturer partnerships and dependable after-sales support.
For more information on the Wiedenmann brand and product range, speak to your HFG Area sales representative or visit us online at https://huntforest.com/brand/wiedenmann/
Wiedenmann Terra Float Air
Hunt Forest Group has formally signed the Armed Forces Covenant, reinforcing our commitment to supporting serving personnel, veterans and their families as they transition into civilian careers.
The covenant was signed at the National Transition Event at Silverstone Circuit, alongside fellow John Deere dealer Ripon Farm Services. The initiative builds on commitments already made by Ben Burgess, Tallis Amos Group and John Deere itself.
By signing the Armed Forces Covenant, Hunt Forest Group pledges to ensure that those who serve, or have served, in the armed forces are treated fairly and face no disadvantage in access to employment and career opportunities.
This commitment aligns closely with the John Deere Military Hiring Programme, which supports service leavers into long term careers within the agriculture and turf machinery industries. The programme recognises the strong technical ability, discipline and work ethic developed through military service, particularly within engineering and technician roles.
Service leavers who join the programme receive tailored training and support, helping them transition into technician positions across the John Deere dealer network in the UK and Ireland.
“It was a privilege to represent Hunt Forest Group on the John Deere UK stand at the recent military hiring event at Silverstone,” says Nick Hill, Group Service Manager at Hunt Forest Group. “Meeting so many talented service personnel was a highlight and gave us a great opportunity to showcase our business and the career pathways available through the John Deere Military Hiring Programme.
“We were especially encouraged by the strong interest in technician roles from individuals bringing exceptional experience and technical discipline from their military careers.”
Through our involvement in the programme and our commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant, Hunt Forest Group is proud to play a part in supporting service leavers into rewarding careers, while continuing to strengthen our technical teams with highly capable people.
Service members and veterans interested in learning more about the John Deere Military Hiring Programme can find further information and register their interest via the John Deere website.
This spring, Hunt Forest Group is offering customers the opportunity to make the switch to quiet, zero‑emissions mowing with a £380 saving on the John Deere Z370R Electric ZTrak™ Mower. The spring discount is available until 31st May, with machines in stock and available now.
The Z370R combines the performance and cut quality you’d expect from John Deere with the convenience and environmental benefits of electric power, making it an ideal choice for homeowners, estates and commercial users looking for a premium zero‑turn mower without engine noise or emissions.
Spring Offer Pricing
Customers can choose between two deck sizes to suit their mowing requirements:
- 42” deck model – now £8,244 inc VAT – Buy online here
- 48” deck model – now £9,528 inc VAT – Buy online here
Both prices include the £380 spring saving and apply while stocks last.
Electric Power Without Compromise
Powered by a sealed lithium‑ion battery system designed for the life of the mower, the Z370R delivers consistent performance with no petrol, no fumes and significantly reduced noise. A full charge provides mowing capability for areas of up to 8,000 m², depending on conditions and cutting height, making it well suited to larger gardens and grounds.
Charging is simple and convenient thanks to on‑board charging, with no need to remove the battery or use an external charger. Just plug in using the supplied extension lead and allow approximately six hours for a full charge. Smart charging technology automatically manages charge speed and stops when complete to help maximise battery life.
Built to Handle the Elements
Unlike many electric alternatives, the Z370R is built to operate in real‑world conditions. The battery system is fully sealed with IP66 protection against dust and water, allowing the mower to be used in wet conditions, washed down with a hose and even stored outdoors if required.
Precision Control and Operator Comfort
The Z370R features intuitive controls and a large LCD operator display that provides clear information on machine status and battery level. An additional LED display on the foot platform allows operators to monitor battery levels at a glance while mowing.
Three selectable operating modes allow the mower to adapt to different tasks:
- Low mode for trimming and tight manoeuvring
- High mode for standard mowing conditions
- Bagging mode for increased blade speed in tougher grass or when collecting
The familiar John Deere Accel Deep™ mower deck is available in both 42” and 48” widths, delivering excellent cut quality, airflow and durability.
Available Now from Hunt Forest Group
With machines available from stock, now is the ideal time to invest in electric mowing technology and be ready for the season ahead. Our experienced team is on hand to provide advice, demonstrations and ongoing support.
To find out more about the John Deere Z370R Electric ZTrak™ Mower or to secure this spring saving before 31st May, contact your local Hunt Forest Group branch today or visit us in store.
Premium Comfort Meets Commercial Capability
Hunt Forest Group is excited to share the launch of the New Isuzu D-Max V-Cross Commercial – a robust and refined pick-up engineered specifically for the commercial sector. Designed for SMEs, farmers, tradespeople, and construction professionals, this new model combines the premium features of the flagship V-Cross with full commercial compliance and long-term tax efficiency.
Built for Business
The V-Cross Commercial is purpose-built for professional use. Based on the award-winning V-Cross Double Cab, it has been expertly converted into a two-seater model with a permanently adapted rear passenger space, creating a secure load zone that cannot be reverted to passenger configuration.
Standard commercial-ready features include:
- Lightweight commercial canopy
- Tow bar with towing electrics
- Load bed liner
- Rear passenger door window tints
- Protective seat covers
- Distinctive “Commercial” badging
Performance You Can Rely On
With a 1-tonne payload, 3.5-tonne towing capacity, and full four-wheel drive, the V-Cross Commercial is ready for demanding tasks across farms, worksites, and rural terrain. It also features Rough Terrain Mode and a rear differential lock for enhanced off-road control.
Tax-Efficient and Legislation-Ready
This model retains full commercial vehicle tax status, offering:
- VAT reclaimable for eligible businesses
- Fixed road tax of £345
- £4,020 Benefit in Kind for the 2025/26 tax year
- Qualification for Capital Allowances under Plant & Machinery
These benefits are especially valuable for SMEs and self-employed professionals navigating the April 2025 changes to double and extended cab pick-up classifications.
Premium Features for Everyday Driving
Built on Isuzu’s highest trim level, the V-Cross Commercial ensures comfort and convenience with:
- Leather upholstery trim*
- Dual-zone climate control
- Wireless 9” infotainment system with Apple CarPlay™ & Android Auto™
- 7” Multi-Information Display
- USB-C ports
- Advanced Driver Assistance Systems including Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control and Traffic Jam Assist
Ownership Confidence
Every V-Cross Commercial comes with:
- 5-year/125,000-mile warranty
- 5 years UK & European roadside assistance
- Kerb weight under 2,040kg, qualifying for passenger car speed limits
Alan Able, Managing Director at Isuzu UK, commented:
Model Overview
| Model | CVOTR (Ex. VAT) | Drivetrain | Cab Type | Transmission |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| D-Max V-Cross Commercial | £41,995 | 4×4 | Double | Auto |
Available Colours:
Splash White (Solid), Mercury Silver (Metallic), Obsidian Grey (MICA), Onyx Black (MICA), Spinel Red (MICA), Biarritz Blue (Metallic), Sienna Orange (MICA), Dolomite White (PEARL)
Key Features:
Commercial canopy, tow bar with electrics, load bed liner, tinted rear windows, seat covers, 9” infotainment, 7” driver display, heated seats, Bi-LED headlights, leather upholstery*, dual-zone climate control, parking sensors, reversing camera, rear diff lock, Rough Terrain Mode, 8-speaker sound system.
*Leather and other materials. Additional £720 (inc. VAT) applies for special paint finishes.
Availability
The Isuzu D-Max V-Cross Commercial is available to order now, with customer deliveries beginning November 2025 through Hunt Forest Group and Isuzu dealers across the UK and Northern Ireland.
OUT NOW – SEASON 2 EPISODE 1
THE HFG PODCAST – SECONDS MATTER: FARM SAFETY AND THE FIRST RESPONSE
Check out the latest Episode of The HFG Podcast!
Seconds matter in farm emergencies. In this special episode of the HFG Podcast, host Martin Clay speaks with frontline fire service professionals about farm safety, first response, and what to do when accidents happen.
WHY FARM SAFETY MATTERS
Agriculture remains the most dangerous industry in the UK, with farmers and rural workers facing a far greater risk of fatal and life-changing injuries than any other sector. Despite employing just 1% of the workforce, farming consistently records one of the highest fatality rates in Great Britain.
When incidents occur — whether it’s a machinery entrapment, fire, or road traffic accident — the first few minutes are critical. Knowing how to respond can save lives.
ABOUT THIS EPISODE
In this episode, host Martin Clay is joined by two guests bringing both professional expertise and on-the-ground farming experience:
- Matt Horne – GW Watch Manager at Basingstoke Fire Station, Hampshire Fire & Rescue
- Dave Wills – Precision Ag Support Specialist at Hunt Forest Group and Retained Firefighter with Romsey Fire Station
Together, they discuss:
- Why agriculture continues to have such a high rate of fatalities and serious injuries
- The most common farm emergencies: machinery entrapments, field fires, and rural road traffic incidents
- Essential first response measures – from first aid and emergency planning to fire prevention
- How farmers, contractors, and rural businesses can access training, safety workshops, and resources through the fire service
This conversation offers practical, actionable advice for anyone working in agriculture, underlining the importance of preparedness, awareness, and safe working practices.
RESOURCES AND FURTHER INFORMATION
Find Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service’s farm safety guidance here: https://www.hantsfire.gov.uk/safety/safety-outdoors/farm-fire-safety/
Workshops can also be arranged directly with the fire service, providing hands-on advice for fire prevention, first response, and compliance on your farm or rural business.
LISTEN NOW
The HFG Podcast is available on various platforms and can be found on the links below.
Apple Podcasts – Listen Here
Spotify – Listen Here
Amazon Music – Listen Here
YouTube – Listen Here
Please feel free to leave us a review/rating/comment on any of the above platforms. We appreciate your support!
As always, we value your support and your opinions. If you have any questions or suggestions for features or topics to cover in future episodes, please let us know by emailing us at marketing@huntforest.com
Likewise, if you have any feedback for the latest episode. We are all very new to this, so any feedback is greatly appreciated.
As Kramer marks its centenary year, we’re inviting HFG followers to join the celebrations by taking part in our Kramer 100 Year Photo Competition.
We’re looking for high-quality photos of Hunt Forest Group-supplied Kramer machines in action, whether on the farm, in the yard, or out on site. Selected entries will be featured in our official 2026 HFG calendar, as well as across our digital channels.
🎉 Competition Prizes
1st Prize: Kramer Merchandise Bundle
2 Runners-Up: HFG Kramer Branded Trucker Caps
📩 How to Enter:
Please send high-resolution images to marketing@huntforest.com, including a short description of the machine and its location.
🗓️ Deadline: 29th August 2025
By entering, you confirm that your photos may be used for marketing and promotional purposes.
We’re proud to represent the Kramer brand and look forward to showcasing the incredible ways our customers are using their machines.
Last week we caught up with Houghton Farming in Hampshire as they took on a wholecrop oat harvest destined for a local anaerobic digestion (AD) plant. What made this job stand out was the sheer scale of the operation—two John Deere foragers, an 8500i and a 9500i, running side by side and making light work of the crop.
With over a dozen tractors and trailers hauling to keep pace, it was a well-coordinated effort from start to finish. Great to see these machines doing what they were built for—delivering reliable performance, even under pressure.
A big thank you to the team for letting us capture some fantastic shots out in the field.
A huge congratulations to Hunt Forest Group’s very own Stefan for his exceptional performance at the recent Isuzu I-1GP Global Technical Skills Competition, held in Bangkok, Thailand. After winning the UK national title, Stefan earned the chance to represent Team GB on the international stage, an opportunity he described as “overwhelming but absolutely incredible.”
We caught up with Stefan following his return to hear more about the experience, how the competition unfolded, and what it meant to be part of such a prestigious global event.
From UK Champion to Global Competitor
Earlier this year, Stefan was crowned the winner of the Isuzu UK Technical Skills event, securing his place on a plane to Thailand to compete against 17 other teams from around the world.
“I was completely shocked,” Stefan said. “I’ve only been working with Isuzu’s for about 18 months, so I went into the competition quite casually. To be named number one in the UK, especially against technicians with years, even decades of experience, was surreal.”
Facing the Challenge—Together
At the I-1GP, Stefan was paired with a fellow UK technician he hadn’t worked with before and was coached by a new mentor. That dynamic brought its own learning curve.
“We’re so used to working independently. Suddenly, everything had to be tackled as a team,” he explained. “We’d had some time to train together at Isuzu’s IT HQ beforehand, which helped, but it was still a big adjustment. We tripped over each other a few times, literally and figuratively, but chatting to the other teams, it seemed like we weren’t the only ones!”
Competing Under Pressure
The competition tested both theoretical knowledge and practical skills across electrical systems, component identification, gearbox diagnostics, and more.
“There was an hour-long written test, and then we had 45 minutes to diagnose and repair faults under real-world conditions,” Stefan said. “And the pressure was intense—spectators cheering, Union Jacks waving, the whole setup was amazing, but that fanfare definitely added to the stress.”
Despite the high-stakes environment, Stefan and his teammate placed 10th overall out of 18 global teams, a result he’s “genuinely proud of.”
Preparation and Perspective
Stefan credits part of his success to the training and support he received at Hunt Forest Group. “My Service manager, Sam gave me time to do extra online training, which made a real difference, especially brushing up on wiring diagrams and system navigation,” he said.
The competition also gave him a new outlook on fault diagnosis: “I learned alternative methods I hadn’t considered before. I’ve already started applying some of those techniques back at work.”
A Taste of Thailand
Aside from the competition, Stefan experienced Thai culture for the first time—heat, humidity, and spicy food included.
“The heat hit me like a wall when we left the airport, my glasses fogged up straight away,” he laughed. “We didn’t get loads of time to explore, but we tried some local food and got a glimpse of the culture. Everyone was so friendly, it really stood out.”
What’s Next?
Now back in the UK, Stefan is still riding high from the experience and is already looking ahead.
“I’d absolutely recommend it to any technician. It felt like the Olympics of our trade. I’d love the chance to go again, and I’ll be aiming to keep hold of that UK champion title!”
John Deere is pleased to announce the launch of its next generation of fixed and variable chamber round balers, designed to deliver superior performance, intelligent connectivity and high-quality bales. The new series offers increased productivity, advanced automation and user-friendly features. These innovations are aimed at providing farmers with highly efficient and reliable solutions for their baling needs.
Connected Intelligence
All models of the new generation of round balers from John Deere are equipped with advanced ISOBUS capabilities, ensuring complete machine integration into the John Deere Operations Center™. This intelligent connection ensures that farmers can monitor bale quality on the go and thus operate more efficiently in the field. The connectivity feature allows for seamless synchronisation and secure storage of all invoicing-relevant information when leaving the field. Additionally, an optional moisture monitoring feature measures the average moisture per bale in real-time and alerts the operator on the tractor display if the moisture content deviates from the pre-defined setting. Tracking each bale’s size, drop location and moisture levels and documenting this data in the John Deere Operations Center™ offers for instance number of bales per field and dry-matter maps.
Weave automation for exceptional driver comfort
The variable chamber models V452R and V462R boast a 15% increase in driveline power intake, translating to an 8% increase in productivity in the field. The innovative weave automation feature includes a flexible drawbar so the baler can automatically weave over the windrow. When following a straight windrow the system eliminates the need for manual weaving and automatically guides the baler left and right along the windrow – depending on the chamber filling, creating consistently well-shaped bales. In addition, the active hitch automatically follows curved windrows, even in corners. The baler precisely tracks the windrow, eliminating missed crop and reducing tractor manoeuvres. Also, the tighter turning radius makes manoeuvring the baler easier. The fast bale release system allows for unloading a bale and closing the gate in just three seconds, while the double-belt system compresses crops up to 140 kg/m³, a 7% increase compared to previous models, ensuring impressive bale density performance.
Optional built-in Weighing System
The wrapping baler models C442R, C452R and C462R are designed to produce high-quality silage. These models feature an optional built-in bale weighing system with advanced strength gauges on each of the four transport table rollers, allowing for on-the-go measurement of each bale’s weight. With a wrapping arm speed of 40 rpm, the wrapper components match the baler’s productivity, avoiding any time loss during the baling process. The ISOBUS AUX-N control enables operators to map multifunction joystick buttons so the driver can control the main baler functions via the CommandPROTM lever.
Compact and Versatile
The variable chamber models V452M and V462M offer a 10% increase in driveline power intake, resulting in up to an 8% increase in productivity. The new endless belts with rougher skin design ensures reliable net feeding even in sticky, wet crop conditions. Valid for all new round baler models is the hydraulically actuated knife engagement. With this feature the operator will enjoy more comfort when engaging or retracting the knives from the cab, while the higher knife engagement force makes sure all crop gets consistently cut. Maintenance is made easy with simple access points, long greasing intervals, and a chain auto-lube system. The G5e touchscreen provides intuitive operation, and baler automation allows for hands-free unloading, enhancing overall ease of use.
“With this new generation of round balers, we’re delivering more than just power and productivity,” says Philippe Steinmann, Product Marketing Manager Europe at John Deere. “We’re giving farmers a smarter, more connected baling experience, one that combines automation, precision, and exceptional comfort to help them get the most out of every field and every bale.”