Gore Signs S.O.S. SOIL´s Manifesto

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Gore Signs S.O.S. SOIL´s Manifesto: The Solid Waste Treatment Team of W.L. Gore & Associates (Gore) signed the Manifesto of the international initiative “S.O.S. SOIL – Save Organics in Soil”. This initiative aims to highlight the importance of soil organic matter to encourage policy makers to develop instruments to move Europe towards implementing sustainable, climate proof soil management practice.

Gore welcomes this initiative, that is led by the European Compost Network (ECN) and the Italian Composting and Biogas Association (Consorzio Italiano Compostatori, CIC) and has not only signed S.O.S. SOIL´s Manifesto to demonstrate support, but also contributes through its GORE® Cover business solutions (https://www.gore.com/products/gore-cover-for-organic-waste-treatment) to the initiative´s goals.

Gore Signs S.O.S. SOIL´s Manifesto

Gore Signs S.O.S. SOIL´s Manifesto

High quality composts play an essential role in maintaining, improving and also recovering soil health and substitute synthetic fertilizers. As a major component of Covered Aerated Static Piles (CASP) Systems, GORE® Cover System Technology enables operators of more than 300 installations in 30 countries around the globe to convert more than 4,5 million tons of organic waste into high quality compost, including organic farming grades even.

“Our cover product technology is recognized as Best Available Technique under the European Emissions Directive and through its business, we help make composting a more attractive waste treatment option for communities and private companies. We welcome the initiative of ECN and CIC and contribute not only with our signature but first and foremost through our cover business solutions”, says Thomas Terpetschnig, Product Specialist for GORE® Cover.

For more information on the initiative visit: https://www.saveorganicsinsoil.org

Gore revolutionized the outerwear industry with waterproof, breathable GORE-TEX fabric 40 years ago and remains a leading innovator of performance apparel. Gore fabrics products provide comfort and protection in challenging environments and in everyday life, enabling wearers to safely and confidently achieve and experience more. From hiking in downpours to military operations and fighting fires, Gore’s deep understanding of consumer and industry needs drives development of products with meaningful performance advantages. https://www.goretexprofessional.com

About Gore

L. Gore & Associates is a global materials science company dedicated to transforming industries and improving lives. Since 1958, Gore has solved complex technical challenges in demanding environments — from outer space to the world’s highest peaks to the inner workings of the human body. With more than 11,000 Associates and a strong, team-oriented culture, Gore generates annual revenues of $3.8 billion.

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Cooler than the rest with Makita

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Cooler than the rest with Makita: As part of its extensive LXT cordless range, leading power tool manufacturer, Makita has announced the release of its DCW180Z 18V Cordless Cooler & Warmer Box. The new release is ideal for keeping food and drinks cool or warm in any season.

Keep food and drinks either cool, or warm on-site with Makita’s new 20-litre DCW180Z Cordless Cooler & Warmer Box. Powered by an 18v LXT battery, this handy product has two 18V LXT battery ports so you can attach two batteries in series for extended operating times. When the first battery is depleted the unit automatically switches to the second battery. This model can also be powered via 240v mains or with an in-vehicle 12v / 24v AC socket. When set at 5°C (normal fridge temperature) the cooler will run for up to 17 hours with 2x 6.0Ah batteries.

Cooler than the rest with Makita

Cooler than the rest with Makita

The 18V Cooler & Warmer Box is a versatile unit with a large 20-litre capacity of storage space and as an example, it can hold approximately 30 cans, or 15 x 600ml water bottles. The solution can operate at two warming settings of 55° and 60°, with five cooling settings of -18°, -10°, 0°, 5° and 10°. The unit can run at its coldest setting of -18° for five hours and its warmest setting of 60° for around four hours.

The box features large 100mm wheels and a pull handle for convenient transport, and side grips for easy lifting as well as a comfortable shoulder strap. It is highly durable for outdoor use with an IPX4 rating.

The solution is fitted with a convenient LED display, to provide users with temperature and battery levels and easily change settings at the touch of a button.

Speaking on the new release, Kevin Brannigan, Marketing Manager at Makita UK commented: “We’re excited to bring the new DCW180Z Cordless Cooler & Warmer Box to market as a useful addition to use at home, at work, or for leisure. The powerful, cordless solution is as durable as it is functional and can run for up to 17 hours on a single charge. Whether at the park, fishing, camping, or on the jobsite, the DCW180 is a must have if you’re looking to keep drinks cold, or to ensure that hot lunches stay warm, regardless of the season. What’s more, the product even features a bottle opener and a useful USB output to charge a mobile device if needed.”

The new release forms part of a wider collection of new cordless solutions from Makita in 2021. The company has recently announced a range of new products, including the TW004GZ XGT 40VMax Impact Wrench, the DUR368LZ Twin 18V (36V) LXT Linetrimmer and the PDC01 Portable LXT Power Supply Backpack

For more information about Makita, please visit: www.makitauk.com

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More for the outdoors with Makita

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More for the outdoors with Makita: Leading power tool manufacturer, Makita has announced the release of a new Twin 18V (36V) LXT Brushless Linetrimmer and 36V LXT Brushless Blower, as part of its expanding outdoor equipment range.

The 18Vx2 (36V) DUR368L LXT Brushless Linetrimmer is powered by the company’s innovative lithium-ion LXT battery technology; a system that allows operators to interchange battery power between over 270 LXT cordless Makita products. The new 36V UB001CZ Brushless Blower is powered by Makita’s back-pack battery system giving users the option to use the machine with either the PDC01 backpack battery that utilises interchangeable 18V LXT batteries, or the new PDC1200 solid state 33Ah backpack battery to offer even longer run-times for contractors.

More for the outdoors with Makita

More for the outdoors with Makita

Brushless Linetrimmer

The powerful 36V DUR368L brushless motor can reach fast cutting speeds of up to 6,500rpm and offers a cutting diameter of 350mm. Thanks to Makita’s Automatic Torque Drive Technology (ADT), speed and torque levels are automatically adjusted according to the density of weeds and the machine also features Makita’s highly responsive Active Feedback Sensing Technology (AFT), that shuts down the tool to protect the user if the rotation speed suddenly slows down.

With greater usability in mind, the machine is also fitted with an ergonomic soft grip and comes with a small protector to allow for a better view of the cutting area, as well as a reverse switch for easy removal of any tangled grass.

Brushless Blower

Powered by Makita’s PDC01 or PDC1200 backpack battery systems (sold separately), the brushless UB001CZ LXT Blower performs at 36V high power for extended run times and outstanding performance similar to a 50cc class engine machine, offering speeds of up to 24,000rpm in boost mode.

For the most efficient clearing operation, the blower has been engineered with an optimised grip to frame angle, providing the best nozzle to ground position. The lightweight and compact design is perfect for single handed operation but can also be attached to a shoulder belt for added comfort. Furthermore, as the machine is designed for use with backpack battery power, operators need only carry the weight of the bare machine, enabling work for longer periods with reduced fatigue.

As well as a variable speed control by trigger and a cruise control lever, the powerful, portable tool has a three-stage telescopic long nozzle attached as standard.

Speaking on the new devices, Mark Earles, Business Development Manager for Outdoor Power Equipment at Makita UK, commented: “We are pleased to launch these new outdoor products which form part of an exciting roadmap for our cordless garden machinery range this year. Our complete line up of cordless outdoor solutions continues to transform the way professionals work with new levels of productivity and efficiency. Both new solutions feature Makita’s brushless motor technology for longer machine life and with the support of the world’s largest cordless system, professionals can rely on a wide range of Makita tools that will get the job done without the limitations of petrol or cords.”

For more information about the range, please visit: www.makitauk.com

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Ranger on the rails

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Ranger on the rails: Known as ‘rail buggies’, utility vehicles are not new to the railway maintenance industry, but the development of the custom Polaris Rail Ranger presented an opportunity to innovate the design, including the introduction of technology and equipment which is normally reserved for bigger, more expensive plant equipment.

The custom Ranger was built by Fitzgerald Plant Services Ltd, an established provider of specialist services for the rail and construction industries, including repair work, maintenance, engineering and heavy haulage transport. Based in Cwmbran, South Wales, Fitzgerald Plant Services aims to provide a one-stop-shop for all of their customers’ requirements – including specialist solutions like the Polaris Ranger.

Ranger on the rails

Ranger on the rails

“These machines are very versatile and can be utilised in a number of different ways,” said Clayton Greenman, Fitzgerald Plant Services Ltd Engineering Manager. “That’s one reason why they’re so suited to working on the rails because it depends a lot on what kind of maintenance work the contractors are undertaking. Transporting personnel, towing trailers with tools and equipment, weed spraying, leaf clearance, track inspections – the Rail Ranger is the ideal vehicle to do it all.”

Supported by their local Polaris dealer – Usk & Wye Valley ATV Ltd – who serve the Monmouth and Forest of Dean areas, the Polaris Ranger was selected because of its refined cab that offers the option to be fully enclosed with the addition of doors, a windshield, rear panel and roof, alongside its class-leading capabilities and durability.

Initially building a prototype with a Polaris Ranger Diesel, Fitzgerald Plant Services will have delivered four Polaris Ranger vehicles to operate across UK rail lines by the end of this year, with many more custom builds planned for 2021.

“From the initial brief to the delivered prototype, the diesel machine took around three years to develop,” continued Clayton. “Building the machine in compliance with the Network Rail standards is understandably very time consuming due to the testing and documentation required. Development of the prototype petrol Ranger Crew XP 1000 took less than 4 months as we gained a lot of experience from the previous diesel project. Now we’re in series production, we can complete a full rail conversion in about 3 weeks.”

The custom Ranger vehicles are fitted with spacers to give them a wider track width, ensuring the tyres sit correctly on the railhead, as well as specially-mounted rail gear, an air braking system and hydraulic systems. As the Polaris chassis has been designed to accommodate a snow plough, the same mounting points could be utilised to fit the front rail equipment, however, the chassis had to be specially adapted for the rear equipment. The hydraulic system controls the raising and lowering of the rail bogies and the hydraulic trailer park brake, using a 12-volt DC electro/hydraulic power pack powered from the battery. There is also a 12-volt DC twin air compressor which powers the air brake system – a requirement for towing trailers on the UK rail infrastructure.

Fitzgerald Plant Services Ltd added its own custom display, controllers and software to control the various rail systems and operate as effectively as possible. The operator can get real-time updates on machine status and operate the functions via a user interface. There are also password-protected menus for service engineers where all the system diagnostic information and calibration settings are found.

For more information on the Polaris Ranger, please visit the Polaris Britain website here.

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Makita makes an impact

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Makita makes an impact: Leading power tool manufacturer Makita has expanded its XGT 40VMax line up with a new brushless impact wrench. The TW004G is an incredibly powerful machine that can deliver up to 4,000 impacts per minute, for optimum performance.

Powered by Makita’s 40VMax XGT technology, the TW004G (which follows on from the TW001G) is an incredibly versatile machine that reliably delivers the power needed to tackle mid-range torque applications with a maximum fastening torque of 350Nm and nut busting torque of 630Nm. The TW004G also has a half inch Square Drive (C-ring), making it ideal for automotive applications.

Makita makes an impact

Makita makes an impact

Operators can choose from four power settings and six application modes – so the output can be easily adjusted depending on the task and for ease of use, the TW004G features a forward and reverse mode for tightening and loosening nuts effortlessly. To improve user safety, the TW004G includes an electric brake and Makita’s Auto-Stop system to make fastening and unfastening bolts much safer. The constant speed control function ensures smooth operation.

Kevin Brannigan, Marketing Manager at Makita explains more: “The new TW004G impact wrench benefits from our 40VMax XGT technology, that provides operators with high output, tough design and fast charge times – to maximise user productivity and keep the machine working at optimum efficiency for longer. Powered by a brushless motor, the TW004G is also incredibly durable. As there are no moving parts within the motor causing friction, wear and tear and ongoing maintenance costs are minimised. No friction also means that no energy is lost through heat production – which increases run times and reduces the need to regularly stop to replace or recharge the batteries.”

The TW004G benefits from a compact design that makes it suitable for use in tight and awkward spaces. It is also lighter in comparison to alternative models, reducing user fatigue and improving productivity. The in-built LED job light ensures clear visibility (and improved safety) when the machine is in use.

To find out more about Makita’s expanding 40V Max XGT range visit: www.makitauk.com

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