The system works like an autopilot: It holds the line while the operator stays in command of the operation. Priced at an MSRP of $6,000, the system is compatible with new and used Kubota equipment, is backed by a two-year limited warranty and can be financed through Kubota Credit Corporation to qualified purchasers. WorkSmart Autosteer makes its public debut at the Farm Progress Show in Boone, Iowa, and aims to transform how contractors and turf professionals approach their most demanding tasks.

Most precision guidance products on the market have been engineered for full-size row-crop tractors and sold as third-party kits. Kubota is entering the market with a different approach; WorkSmart Autosteer is engineered for the specific model it is installed on. The unit may be sold, installed, serviced and even warranted and financed through a single dealer relationship. The result is manufacturer-quality integration at a competitive price. 

“WorkSmart Autosteer isn’t about removing the operator from the decision; it’s about helping to remove fatigue and error from the equation,” said Austin Hawkins, senior manager, technology sales and marketing, Kubota North America. “At your command, the machine holds the line, so you stay sharp, cover more ground and still get home with something left for the people who matter most.” 

Two levels of accuracy 

WorkSmart Autosteer offers two correction levels: 

• SBAS (WAAS): 6-8 inches of repeatable pass-to-pass accuracy, no subscription required. 
• PPP: 1-inch accuracy for specialty crops and precision applications, where every fraction of an inch directly impacts yield, quality and marketability. Available with an annual subscription.  

Both system options integrate seamlessly with Kubota’s user interface and maintain consistent accuracy throughout field operations, making adoption simple for first-time guidance users and experienced operators alike. 

Direct impact on profitability 

Kubota’s analysis of a typical operation highlights the value precision guidance can deliver in a single season: 

• Precision that repeats, pass after pass. Guidance holds the machine to a defined line, so each pass registers against the one before it. That consistency is what allows seed, fertilizer and crop protection products to land where the operator planned them to land, rather than where the last pass happened to end. 
• Less ground covered twice. Overlap is work the operation performs and pays for a second time. By holding the guidance line, the system reduces the pass-to-pass overlap that manual steering leaves behind, so more of the day goes to new ground. 
• Repeatability that does not depend on seat time. Holding a straight line across a long field is a learned skill. Guidance carries that skill in the machine, so the line the system holds is the same line whether the operator has one season behind them or 30. 
• One system across the whole operation. The same repeatable guidance runs into turf and grounds work, where the finished pattern is visible to everyone who looks at it. 

Dealer installation, training and support 

Authorized Kubota dealers can install the system in approximately two hours and provide a training session to ensure operators are confident and comfortable with the technology — offering full Kubota dealer support on the product from sale to hands-on training. The system operates through a WorkSmart Autosteer app, available for iOS and Android devices. App tutorials, calibration guides and operational videos to support ongoing learning and troubleshooting are also available.  

Compatible with Kubota tractors, mowers and RTVs 

WorkSmart Autosteer is compatible with select Kubota tractors, mowers and RTVs, making precision guidance accessible to turf maintenance professionals. The system supports seeding and planting, tillage and cultivation, hay operations, spraying and spreading, mowing, road grading and more.

“We installed WorkSmart Autosteer with two different customers,” said Tom Butner of Marshall Service Company in Marshall, Mo. “One is using the system for general row crop farming and the other in his hay production operation, and the steering performance has been excellent. What really sold them is how easy it is to operate, even for operators who have never used precision guidance before.” 

Pricing and availability 

WorkSmart Autosteer carries an MSRP of $6,000, plus dealer installation, for both new and used equipment. Financing is available through Kubota Credit Corporation to qualified buyers. The system is available now at authorized Kubota dealers.

<p>The post Kubota launches WorkSmart Autosteer precision guidance system to broader equipment lineup first appeared on Athletic Turf.</p>

Based in Salt Lake City, Mountain West Power Equipment will provide sales, service and support for Jacobsen equipment throughout Utah, Nevada, Idaho, Wyoming and Montana. Under the agreement, the company is also authorized to distribute Ransomes professional turf equipment and Cushman Hauler utility vehicles across the territory. 

Mountain West Power Equipment is an evolution of legacy Jacobsen distributor RMT Equipment, which was recently acquired by Mountain West Utility Trailer. As Mountain West Power Equipment, the dealer will expand Jacobsen’s reach into seven additional retail locations across the territory, as well as a new showroom in Salt Lake City. 

Existing and new Jacobsen customers will benefit from the dealer’s knowledge and experience in sales, service and support of Jacobsen equipment, as well as the increased access created by the expanded network of retail locations, according to the company. Customers can reach Mountain West Power Equipment using the same contact information previously used by RMT Equipment. 

“Mountain West Power Equipment will provide the expert level of service and support that Jacobsen customers expect and deserve while building the brand’s presence across the Mountain West,” said Justin Deputy, president and CEO of Mountain West Utility Trailer. 

<p>The post Jacobsen partners with Mountain West Power Equipment for regional distribution first appeared on Athletic Turf.</p>

Available for qualifying purchases made beginning Sept. 1, 2026, the program features new volume-based rebate tiers and a multiple-brand bonus designed to reward customers who purchase more and incorporate multiple PBI-Gordon brands into their product plans — or combine both strategies for maximum earnings. 

“This year’s Green Dividends Early Order Program gives turf professionals more opportunities to level up their earnings while preparing for the 2027 season,” said Lyndsie Balstad, PBI-Gordon turf and ornamental marketing manager. “Customers can choose the strategy that works best for their business — purchasing more qualifying product, adding multiple PBI-Gordon brands to their plans or combining both to maximize their rebate.” 

The 2027 Green Dividends Early Order Program features many of PBI-Gordon’s trusted turf solutions, including Segway Fungicide SC, Pedigree Fungicide SC, Q4 Plus Turf Herbicide for Grassy and Broadleaf Weeds, SpeedZone EW Broadleaf Herbicide for Turf, Arkon Herbicide Liquid and Atrimmec Plant Growth Regulator. 

New for 2027: More ways to level up 

• Volume Tiers: Purchase more qualifying product to move from Tier I to Tier II and earn a higher rebate per unit. 
• Multiple Brand Bonus: Purchase qualifying products across multiple PBI-Gordon brands to earn an additional bonus of up to 25 percent on their Green Dividends rebate. 
• Stack Both for Maximum Payout: Customers can combine higher volume tiers with multiple-brand purchases to maximize their Green Dividends rebate. 

By combining both strategies, participants can significantly increase their potential Green Dividends earnings compared with purchasing a single brand at the minimum volume threshold. 

Program details 

Returning Green Dividends participants are automatically enrolled, while new participants can register online at the PBI-Gordon Green Dividends webpage.

Eligible orders must be placed by Dec. 4, 2026, and invoiced by Dec. 15, 2026, through an authorized PBI-Gordon distributor. 

Turf professionals can learn more about the 2027 Green Dividends Early Order Program, review qualifying products and program requirements and enroll at the Green Dividends webpage.

<p>The post PBI-Gordon unveils new ways to save in its 2027 Green Dividends Early Order Program first appeared on Athletic Turf.</p>

As part of this newly aligned territory, Watson will work closely with customers to provide agronomic recommendations, product guidance and localized support to help maximize turf performance and operational success. 

“Trevor’s strong technical background and passion for customer success make him an outstanding addition to our team,” said Joe Cassidy, Northeast district manager for Syngenta Professional Solutions. “Additionally, his experience working with turf professionals throughout the mid-Atlantic and Northeast makes him well-suited to deliver valuable insights and trusted support to our customers in this region.” 

Based in Philadelphia, Watson brings a diverse background in turfgrass science, technical services and customer education, according to the company. He earned a bachelor’s degree in turfgrass science from Penn State University and a master’s degree in plant biology from Rutgers University, where he conducted turfgrass weed science research as a graduate research assistant.  

Most recently, Watson served as a mid-Atlantic technical manager for Arborjet | Ecologel, leading market development initiatives and providing technical guidance across the mid-Atlantic and Northeast regions. Earlier in his career, he supported more than 270 Lawn Doctor franchises nationwide as a technical operations agronomist, as well as held operational, service leadership and field roles with TruGreen and BrightView Landscapes.  

“Throughout my career, I’ve enjoyed translating technical knowledge into practical solutions that deliver results for turf and landscape customers,” said Watson. “I’m thrilled to join the Syngenta

<p>The post Syngenta adds Trevor Watson as new turf territory manager first appeared on Athletic Turf.</p>

In this role, Koehler will report to Janis Reed, Ph.D., director of product development, and support the division’s technical services and product development initiatives. 

He graduated with a M.S. from University of Missouri in plant, insect and microbial sciences and a B.S. from the University of Illinois in molecular and cellular biology. His graduate thesis topic was on managing large patch on zoysiagrass through fertilizer and fungicide application timing. 

Koehler began his career being mentored by Lee Miller, Ph.D., in turfgrass management and pathology for the golf and turf space. His previous experience addressing customers’ unique challenges has prepared him to take on complex opportunities and contribute to the Quali-Pro team. 

He has eight years of R&D and product launch experience, previously serving in roles at The Clorox Company, Scotts Miracle-Gro and Hazel Technologies. He joins the team with expertise in launching lawn care goods and post-harvest fruit and vegetable technologies.

“John is joining CSI at an exciting period of growth and opportunity. His knowledge, leadership and industry experience will be valuable assets to our team,” said Reed. “We are confident he will make an immediate impact, and I look forward to supporting his success as he begins this new chapter with CSI.” 

“Joining Control Solutions and the Quali-Pro team is an exciting opportunity. I am looking forward to working alongside a team that is passionate about delivering solutions to customers and advancing our industry,” Koehler said. “I’m excited to build relationships, learn from my colleagues and contribute to CSI’s shared goals.”

In his spare time, he enjoys travelling, cooking and playing golf. Koehler resides in the Chicago area, where he was born and raised.  

<p>The post Control Solutions adds John Koehler as technical services manager for Quali-Pro first appeared on Athletic Turf.</p>

As an authorized Hunter Golf Irrigation dealer serving northern Illinois, Russo Golf Supply pairs Hunter’s irrigation systems with Echo Robotics autonomous mowing solutions, turf equipment, parts and supplies for sports turf managers, golf superintendents and maintenance teams in the region. The launch gives these teams a single local partner for irrigation, mowing technology and turf supplies.  

To give customers direct access to deep irrigation expertise, Russo Golf Supply has added Dan Feick as a specialist. Feick brings 35 years of irrigation industry experience to the role, including two decades as founder and principal of FRS Design Group, an irrigation consulting firm.

Russo Golf Supply aims to give golf and sports facilities access to advanced irrigation technology designed to improve water management, boost efficiency and support consistent turf quality. That includes Hunter’s irrigation systems, central control solutions and smart water management technologies, backed by Russo’s local inventory and irrigation experience.

Echo Robotics’ autonomous mowing and range-picking solutions round out the offering, helping golf and sports facilities address labor shortages without sacrificing course conditions. Customers also get access to turf management products, maintenance supplies, power tools, utility equipment and seasonal products.

“Golf course superintendents are being asked to do more than ever before while managing labor challenges, water usage and rising expectations for course conditions,” said Ryan Moline, Business Development Manager at Russo. “Russo Golf Supply was created to provide a local partner that understands those challenges and delivers solutions. By combining Hunter Golf Irrigation, autonomous mowing technology, equipment and supplies under one roof, we’re giving golf facilities a true one-stop shop to operate more efficiently and meet the standards their golfers expect.” 

Beyond irrigation, golf and sports turf customers can also come to Russo for equipment sales, parts, service, turf management products and the operational supplies needed throughout the season, according to the company.

Products are stocked and available through Russo’s Schiller Park location, with specialized and custom-order solutions available for projects of all sizes.

<p>The post Russo Power Equipment launches Russo Golf Supply for golf and sports turf solutions first appeared on Athletic Turf.</p>

This project is much more than a simple field fix. For Adams, it lets him give back to his home soccer roots. For Scotts, it helps build safe, natural grass spaces where kids can play and grow, according to the company.

“Growing up in Wappinger, this field played an important role in shaping who I am, both as an athlete and as a person,” said Adams. “It’s meaningful to return home and see it ready for the next generation of players. Every kid deserves access to safe places to play, and I’m proud to help bring that opportunity to my hometown community.” 

This renovation is one of many community investments supported through Scotts’ “Keep it Real” initiative, which focuses on improving access to natural grass playing fields and helping more kids experience the benefits of youth sports and outdoor play. The project was brought to life in partnership with Project EverGreen, a nonprofit dedicated to creating and maintaining healthy green spaces, and Every Kid Sports, a national nonprofit that has helped more than 200,000 kids access youth sports by covering registration fees. Together, these organizations share Scotts’ commitment to connecting communities to green spaces. 

“This project represents what ‘Keep it Real’ is all about — investing in the places where kids can learn, grow and build confidence through playing sports,” said John Sass, senior vice president and general manager of North America at ScottsMiracle-Gro. “Seeing Tyler return home and celebrate a transformation alongside the Wappinger community makes this renovation really special.” 

Scotts encourages homeowners and communities to invest in real grass spaces that bring people together. To learn more about the “Keep it Real” initiative and the impact Scotts and Adams are making together, visit ScottsMiracle-Gro’s “Keep it Real” webpage. 

<p>The post Scotts and USMNT Star Tyler Adams Celebrate Grand Opening of Renovated Soccer Pitch first appeared on Athletic Turf.</p>

Among these considerations, the composition of infill materials is receiving growing attention.

A study published in Science of the Total Environment evaluated 91 synthetic turf football fields across 17 countries and assessed the presence of various chemical compounds in different infill materials. The research analyzed 78 recycled tire crumb rubber samples and compared them with alternative infill materials including cork, thermoplastic elastomers and coconut fiber.

Understanding What Researchers Found

The study identified several groups of compounds in recycled tire crumb rubber samples collected worldwide, including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), plasticizers, antioxidants and vulcanization additives.

According to the authors, hazardous compounds were found in crumb rubber samples from all regions analysed. Some samples contained substances classified as carcinogenic, endocrine-disrupting or potentially harmful to aquatic environments. The researchers also noted that recycled tire rubber and plastic infills are considered microplastics, which may persist in the environment for long periods of time.

The study further highlights that several previous investigations have demonstrated the potential migration of compounds from infill materials into runoff water, air and surrounding environments. These findings have contributed to growing interest in understanding how material selection may influence the overall environmental profile of artificial turf systems.

Cork as an Alternative Material

Alongside crumb rubber, the study also analysed cork-based infills.

The researchers reported that cork samples contained significantly lower concentrations of the compounds investigated when compared with recycled tire rubber. In their conclusions, the authors state that cork appears to be an adequate alternative while noting that some plastic-based alternatives contained elevated concentrations of plasticizers.

The authors also suggest that trace levels detected in some cork samples may be explained by residual contamination from previous infill systems rather than the cork material itself. These findings contribute to a growing body of research exploring how different infill materials may influence the environmental profile of sports surfaces.

Water Quality Is Becoming a Design Consideration

Beyond the scientific literature, environmental considerations are increasingly influencing real-world sports infrastructure projects.

One example is the Seattle Sounders FC Providence Swedish Performance Center and Clubhouse in Washington state. The facility achieved Salmon-Safe certification, a program focused on protecting water quality and aquatic ecosystems through responsible land management practices.

As part of the project, cork-based infill was selected to support the facility’s broader environmental objectives, including stormwater management and watershed protection.

The project reflects a broader trend in which sports organizations are evaluating facilities not only through the lens of athletic performance, but also through their interaction with surrounding ecosystems and water resources.

The Growing Importance of Material Composition

Performance remains a fundamental requirement for any artificial turf system. However, scientific research and real-world projects increasingly show that material composition is also becoming part of the evaluation process.

As interest grows in topics such as water quality, stormwater management and microplastic emissions, the characteristics of the materials used within a sports surface are receiving greater attention from researchers, facility owners and sports organizations alike.

The growing adoption of alternative infill materials reflects this broader evolution in how artificial turf systems are assessed and specified.

While performance remains at the core of every sports surface, the conversation is expanding. Material composition, environmental interaction and long-term impact are increasingly being considered alongside traditional performance metrics.

As the industry continues to evolve, understanding the role of infill materials will be essential for stakeholders seeking to balance athletic performance with broader environmental objectives.

Sources

• Armada, D., Llompart, M., Celeiro, M., Garcia-Castro, P., Ratola, N., Dagnac, T., & de Boer, J. (2022). Global evaluation of the chemical hazard of recycled tire crumb rubber employed on worldwide synthetic turf football pitches. Science of the Total Environment, 812, 152542.
• Seattle Sounders FC. Protecting Puget Sound Water Quality: Sounders Commit to Salmon-Safe Certification at Providence Swedish Performance Center & Clubhouse.
• Generator Studio. Staying True to the Seattle Sounders Sustainability Initiatives.

<p>The post Research shows why Infill Material Composition Is now Part of the Environmental Conversation first appeared on Athletic Turf.</p>

At the National Strength and Conditioning Association’s 2026 National Conference, held July 8-11 in New Orleans and online, TenCate highlighted how athlete-centered testing is helping shape turf systems built for the repeated demands of training and competition. That approach helped guide the development of Pivot Performance Turf, TenCate’s next-generation turf system designed around athlete movement data. 

The conference brought together strength and conditioning coaches, researchers, educators, allied health professionals, performance specialists and students at a time when athlete performance decisions are increasingly shaped by data, testing and applied research. TenCate used that setting to show how playing surface design is becoming part of the same research-driven approach. 

“Strength and conditioning professionals are already asking detailed questions about how athletes move, adapt and perform,” said Joe Fields, CEO of TenCate Americas. “We are applying that same research-driven approach to the surface beneath them. The more we understand how athletes interact with the field, the better we can design surfaces around real movement and support the broader goal of keeping athletes available to train and compete.”

That focus is changing how playing surfaces are studied. Traditional field testing remains important, but researchers and product developers are now looking more closely at how the surface feels and responds as athletes repeat starts, stops, cuts, landings and changes of direction. 

For strength and conditioning coaches, the connection is direct. Athletes perform explosive movements across practices, workouts and competition, often under fatigue and in changing conditions. Those movements depend not only on the athlete, but also on how the surface feels and responds underneath them. 

That athlete-centered approach became the foundation for Pivot Performance Turf. TenCate developed the system through years of research into athlete-surface interaction, including testing with more than 1,000 college and professional athletes wearing movement sensors. That work helped TenCate study how athletes interacted with the surface and apply those insights to Pivot’s design. 

“Traditional turf testing gives us important information, but athletes bring a different perspective,” said Colin Young, Ph.D., chief technical officer at TenCate. “They feel how the surface responds when they accelerate, cut, land and push off again. That is where our athlete-centered turf research becomes valuable.” 

The result of that research is Pivot Performance Turf, engineered without rubber infill and built with a fiber-based construction designed to provide a more consistent playing experience under repeated use, according to the company. By removing loose infill from the playing surface, Pivot is designed to reduce one of the variables that can affect how a field feels and responds during repeated athletic use. 

For performance staffs, the relevance is practical: Athletes repeat the same movements hundreds of times across practices, workouts and competition, and the surface is part of that work. When the field responds more predictably, athletes can move with greater confidence. 

“Athlete data is most valuable when it helps you make better design choices,” Young said. “For Pivot, that meant taking what we learned from real athlete movement and applying it in practical ways, from how the system is built to how the surface responds as athletes use it again and again.” 

TenCate’s participation at NSCA followed recent engagement with sports surface researchers, strength and conditioning professionals and sports medicine audiences, each bringing a different perspective to how playing surfaces are evaluated. 

“Our goal is to design surfaces around the work athletes do on the field,” Fields said. “That starts with studying how they use the surface and turning those findings into better turf systems.” 

<p>The post TenCate showcases Pivot Performance Turf research at NSCA’s National Conference first appeared on Athletic Turf.</p>

Indoor turf systems represent more than artificial grass rolled over a concrete slab. Field managers and groundskeepers who know the engineering beneath the visible surface have the ability to optimize athlete performance and injury prevention. Each component — from the subfloor foundation and the shock-absorbing middle layer to the granular infill between turf blades — performs specific mechanical functions that directly affect traction, impact forces and surface consistency.  

Modern indoor athletic facilities require turf systems engineered as integrated solutions instead of being assembled from disconnected parts. When professionals oversee the construction of sports equipment and athletic environments with attention to how the layers interact, they can create a playing surface that balances durability and the biomechanical demands athletes need during training and competition. 

Subfloors: The foundation layer 

Subfloors in indoor facilities often use concrete or asphalt bases that provide structural stability. Unlike outdoor fields that use compacted soil, indoor installations require rigid foundations that support consistent performance across the entire playing surface. 

These hard substrates create challenges that differentiate indoor turf engineering from outdoor applications, as they lack the natural elasticity and demand additional cushioning layers to prevent excessive joint stress during training and competition.  

The subfloor’s rigidity requires careful consideration of the layers installed above it, since impact forces transmit directly through the system without soil absorption.  

Shock pads: The critical performance layer 

Shock pads function as specialized elastic layers positioned between the structural base and the turf carpet. These components create mechanical buffers that alter force transmission during athletic activity. When people run, jump or fall, shock pads absorb kinetic energy and reduce peak forces transmitted to joints, ligaments and muscles. This impact attenuation directly lowers injury risk while improving surface comfort during tackles and falls.  

High-quality shock pads provide controlled energy return by releasing stored energy back to the athletes, supporting natural movement patterns and reducing fatigue during extended play. They also function as load-spreading layers that disperse localized point loads over broader surface areas. This distribution reduces stress concentration on the base structure and turf fibers, contributing to improved structural integrity and uniform surface behavior.  

Unlike infill-dependent systems, where performance fluctuates due to migration or compaction, shock pads provide stable, independent shock absorption. This ensures key performance parameters remain consistent over time, even under heavy usage. The addition of shock pads reduces maintenance sensitivity and decreases dependency on precise infill depth.  

Infill materials: The hidden performance driver 

Infill materials sit between turf blades and help them maintain an upright position while creating appropriate cushioning and shock absorption. The infill type selected influences safety, drainage, surface temperature, turf longevity and blade support. For indoor athletic facilities, crumb rubber infill from recycled tires offers excellent shock absorption and durability for heavy foot traffic. Sand-rubber blends provide balanced stability and comfort for multipurpose facilities.  

Infill directly affects vertical blade support that maintains a realistic grass appearance, enhanced drainage capabilities and heat regulation. The material protects turf backing from wear, supports pile height and prevents wind uplift in indoor environments with ventilation systems. Proper infill selection keeps the blades from matting and flattening, which significantly affects the lifespan of the turf system.  

Integrated system design for optimal results 

Indoor turf systems perform best when professionals view subfloors, shock pads and infill as interconnected components instead of isolated elements.  

The subfloor’s rigidity determines the shock pad thickness requirements. Shock pad elasticity influences the infill density required to achieve target performance metrics. Field managers who understand these relationships can specify systems that meet safety standards while delivering consistent playability that athletes depend on during training and competition. 

<p>The post Three key factors influencing indoor field safety and quality first appeared on Athletic Turf.</p>