Kubota launches new L1-382 tractor

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Kubota launches new L1-382 tractor: Building on the success of its versatile, dependable L1 Series, Kubota has introduced a brand new model,  the L1-382.

With its enhanced features, the L1-382 model ensures greater durability and productivity, whilst also improving performance and efficiency. Its attractive new styling reflects Kubota’s new design strategy, combining a dynamic appearance with superior robustness.

Kubota launches new L1-382 tractor

Kubota launches new L1-382 tractor

Amongst its most significant improvements is a new Kubota stage V three-cylinder 38hp engine with CRS, EGR and DPF technologies designed to minimise exhaust emissions and reduce fuel consumption. The L1-382 also boasts increased fuel tank capacity at 42 litres for longer working days.

In addition to its improved efficiency and enhanced performance, this tractor offers increased visibility and comfort, with a new platform design and impressive ergonomics, all controls being optimally placed and easily within reach.

The 8F+4R manual transmission has a two-stage clutch which allows the pto to be operated while engaging the main clutch. This is particularly useful when needing to change gears when working without stopping the pto. Alternatively, the L1-382 can be specified with the popular three-range HST transmission for easy operation and smooth control of implements requiring constant speeds.

Routine maintenance is simpler and quicker thanks to a one-piece fully opening hood, and a newly designed bonnet and side cover.

L1 Series utility tractors are renowned for their robustness and high quality, as well as their powerful diesel engines and outstanding lifting capacity. The L1-382’s Cat 1 linkage has a maximum lift force of 906kg, perfect for pairing with the wide range of implements offered by Kubota. It is also ideally matched with the Kubota LA525 front loader to make an invaluable materials handling combination.

In its efforts to further improve its offer and integrate the latest technologies into all of its products and services, Kubota continues to innovate, with the help of its R&D centres located around the world, whilst simultaneously keeping up to date with new market trends and the most pressing customer needs.

The L1-382 tractor will be available for purchase from March 2021.

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STIHL launches updated pole pruner range

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STIHL launches updated pole pruner range: STIHL has launched the new HTA 66 and HTA 86, updating its range of lightweight and powerful cordless pole pruners, designed for both domestic users, as well as landscaping and gardening professionals and arborists.

Replacing the popular HTA 65 and HTA 85 models, the new long-reach cordless pole pruners are equipped with a 1/4” PM3 saw chain as standard, offering users precise, high cutting performance, ideal for grounds maintenance, orchards, tree maintenance and arboriculture tasks.

STIHL launches updated pole pruner range

STIHL launches updated pole pruner range

The battery slot is repositioned to make these pole pruners exceptionally well balanced, providing easier handling and reduced fatigue when working over longer periods.

Both the HTA 66 and HTA 86 feature a powerful EC motor that allows the user to vary chain speed with their finger, and the tools impress with quick acceleration, no emissions and a low noise output, meaning no ear defenders are required.

Both models feature a new ergonomic control handle with an intuitive, yet well thought out start-up process to ensure the tool is only started when intended. The new handle design also ensures that the tool is comfortable to use whether right-handed or left-handed and features anti-slip protection for further safety and comfort.

The HTA 66 has an overall length of 240cm, whilst the HTA 86 has a newly designed square telescopic shaft that not only can be adjusted between 270cm and 390cm without tools, but also offers high shaft stiffness to protect against twisting and deflection for precise positioning even at full extension.

In addition, the cutting lengths of 25cm (HTA 66) and 30cm (HTA 86) enable even thicker branches to be shortened precisely and efficiently. A new robust branch hook on both models helps with removing loose cuttings.

Other features include simple chain tensioning that makes it easy to re-tension the saw chain, as well as the captive nut on the sprocket cover that allows for a quick chain change. In addition, users can always keep track of oil levels thanks to the semi-transparent oil tank and the patented innovative lock allows the tank to be opened and closed quickly without tools and minimum effort.

Both the HTA 66 and HTA 86 can be used with STIHL’s high-performance 36V AP battery system and are compatible with more than 20 tools to meet the needs of a wide range of gardens and applications.

For more information on STIHL’s range of cordless pole pruners, please visit www.stihl.co.uk.

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Kawasaki build quality a key factor

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Kawasaki build quality a key factor: Kawasaki’s engine build quality has been cited as one of the contributing factors to Lawn Care Legend John Ryan’s self-employed business success. Along with its power, durability, reliability and performance.

John has been a lawn care contractor at his company, John’s Lawn Mowing Services in Bangor Northern Ireland for 23 years, he’s also the founder of one of the fastest growing social media groups in the lawn care industry, so it wouldn’t be a stretch to claim that what he doesn’t know about lawn care isn’t worth knowing.

Kawasaki build quality a key factor

Kawasaki build quality a key factor

Working as a solo operator delivering high quality, reliable and affordable grass cutting, John has learned along the way the value of having the right machinery for the job. He says: “It’s easy to think you need the job first then the machine, but the truth is you need to reverse that thinking. I’ve been there with the wrong machinery and all it delivered was headache after headache, lots of stopping and starting and unnecessary wear and tear on the machine.

“I started taking my influence from successful businesses around me and Kawasaki came up time and again for its reliability and productivity. I learnt that when you have a small team, having efficient machinery is like having another couple of people. It’s the best investment you’ll make for your business and if you compromise on quality, you compromise on profitability and success.”

In his fleet John has three mowers powered by Kawasaki engines. His Ferris 36-inch Soft Ride Stand-on SRS and Ariens Zenith 60 Zero-Turn mower both feature a powerful, heavy-duty Kawasaki FX engine, while Kawasaki’s FJ180V KAI – a durable, commercial-quality single cylinder engine – powers his Weibang pedestrian mower.

So, what makes machines powered by Kawasaki such a safe bet? Lots of reasons, but significantly the quality of their engineering, raw materials and components. The FJ180V KAI and FX Series engines all feature metal engine covers, for example, to protect them throughout a life of heavy commercial use and repeated transport from job to job. Both also use dual-stage, high particle capture air filters, for a cleaner air intake, vital for combustion efficiency and engine performance. Cast iron is chosen to line the engine cylinders – a material highly resistant to the wear, temperature and pressure inside the engine cylinder. Added to that, everyone who assembles a Kawasaki engine also rigorously inspects it, and every finished engine, not just a sample, is test-run before being sold – a major contributory factor to Kawasaki’s reliability, durability and consistency.

John says about these choices: “Kawasaki is a name that speaks for itself and my machines have never let me down. As we all know if you’re not cutting, you’re not earning, so downtime has always been a deciding factor in my machinery choices. With these machines, downtime is absolutely minimal and I can get a lot done in a lot less time.”

It’s not just the machinery to which John attributes to his success, it’s the support of a good dealer too. He says: “Dealers are the backbone of the industry and a decent one will pull out all the stops to help you. As a commercial contractor and it being just me, that’s been something I’ve relied on in my career and it’s played a big part in the success of the business. Not having that support can result in a knock-on effect to your schedule and can set you back, delaying other jobs.”

Alongside build quality, power, performance and reliability, John says the ergonomics and aesthetics of the machine is important too: “The Kawasaki name speaks for itself. When you turn up to a job with machines powered by Kawasaki, it instils confidence in customers and represents the sign of a professional outfit.”

And all these factors have certainly proved effective for John; if 23 years industry experience, a thriving contract business, and 5000 Lawn Care Legends Social Media followers are anything to go by!

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Tearing up of playing fields “selfish”

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Tearing up of playing fields “selfish”: Playing fields have been torn up by quadbikes, motorbikes and cars – days before they were due to welcome back young sportspeople.

Read the full article from The Bolton News here

Tearing up of playing fields "selfish"

Tearing up of playing fields “selfish”

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