Först, a leading supplier of high performance and robust woodchippers, has introduced a new machine to its 8” series range with the launch of the PT8.

The new Först PT8 woodchipper, the fourth machine to be added to the manufacturers 8” series range, is a premium machine developed specifically for contractors, arborists, landscapers and farmers.

The PT8 is a robust and powerful woodchipper that has its own hydraulic system and reservoir, meaning the machine doesn’t need to be connected to a power unit’s hydraulic system. Compact in size and hugely effective, the PT8 builds on the Först 8” series reputation of offering outstanding chipping performance combined with excellent build quality and a 3-year warranty as standard.

Classed as an 8”x 10” capacity machine, the new woodchipper is tight on the heels of other much larger 9” capacity units. The true compact performer is the perfect machine for arboriculture where a power unit is available. Its versatility means it is more than capable of operating efficiently in horticultural and agricultural markets as well as on the golf course.

The new machine is ideal for any professional with a power unit to drive the machine. Connectivity to a tractors trailer light sockets provides electrical power to Först’s unique Autointelligence Control system, which operates the ‘no stress’ function fitted as standard to the machine.

Doug Ghinn, Director at Först, commented: “Our aim at Först is to continue producing strong and durable woodchippers that deliver exceptional performance, reliability and true value to tree surgeons, arborists and contractors.

“The new PT8 woodchipper has been introduced into the market carrying the outstanding reputation of our existing range of machines. The PT8 encompasses the features and benefits that the industry has come to expect with all Först machines, displaying a level of quality that we strive to maintain in the research and development of our new products.”

As with all Först woodchippers, the PT8 comes with the unique FörstGrip feedroller system that ensures exceptional crushing power. The top feed roller climbs on an arc toward the timber, pulling material down toward the flywheel and naturally climbing butt ends to make the infeed grip exceptional to break the toughest of forks and limbs.

The machine also features an open top flywheel system with twin 10” blades ensuring chip is thrown, not blown, minimising blockages on wet material and helping to maintain increased velocity when chipping.

From the launch of a brand new chemical group to a talk about worldwide volunteering opportunities, the British & International Golf Greenkeepers Association’s Central England Regional Conference will provide the most up-to-date education opportunities available to the region’s greenkeepers.

The event takes place on Wednesday 1 March 2017 at Kings Norton Golf Club, Birmingham and among the attractions will be Richard Owens of Tillers Turf and his talk on the ’60 Shades of Green’.

Sure to arouse the interests of turf management professionals, the presentation will discuss turf production, case studies, the Golf Environment Awards, and how golf clubs can get involved.

Gaudet Luce Course Manager Andy Laing is vice chairman of the Central Section and said: “While it’s not always possible to take the whole team to BTME, the regional conference offers a great day’s education and networking opportunities for all my staff, enabling them to focus their minds ready for the start of the season without breaking the bank. It’s a great day, and not to be missed.”

Also presenting at the event will be Dr Colin Mumford, technical support manager at Bayer. Colin will explain how the first chemical group to be launched in a decade will give turf managers a new tool in the fight against fungicides.

Graeme Roberts will discuss the benefits of volunteering, while Richard Elwell will discuss how to get the best out of yourself and your golf club for the benefit of both parties.

Dr Kate Entwistle of the Turf Disease Centre will explain how moves towards preventative disease management are necessary in the face of tighter restrictions, and the latest disease species to have arisen.

The Central England Region is the new name for the former Midlands Region, which came into effect at the BIGGA Annual General Meeting, held at BTME this January. The region’s new name gives a better representation of the broad area covered, spanning from the Welsh border in the west to The Wash in the east.