Makita expands XGT range

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Makita expands XGT range: Leading power tool manufacturer Makita UK has expanded its powerful XGT 40V Max range of machines with the launch of the UX01G Brushless Split-Shaft and UR003GZ Brushless Linetrimmer.

The new machines are the first XGT models directly suited to soft-landscaping applications – and offer professionals a high output, durable solution to tackle any task.

Makita expands XGT range

Makita expands XGT range

XGT is the most powerful battery platform in the Makita range, delivering the output needed for high demand applications. Every machine is designed with durable design features to minimise damage and withstand tough environments. For example, each battery has a heavy-duty outer casing and shock absorbing housing to protect it if dropped – as well as an IPX4 rating, which means that it is splash and shower proof, and water ingress is limited, which is ideal for those working outside in unpredictable weather.

The UX01G Brushless Split Shaft delivers an impressive no-load speed of up to 9,700rpm (depending on the setting chosen), maximising user productivity. To further this, Makita has designed the UX01G with overload protection and Active Feedback Sensing Technology (AFT), which shuts the machine down if the rotation speed suddenly slows – keeping the machine working at optimum efficiency and preventing damage.

Depending on the task at hand, professionals can choose from a range of versatile attachments from pole saws and brush cutters, to hedge trimmers and sweepers – and the tool-less installation makes changing between tasks quick and effortless, reducing down time. To improve ease of use and operator comfort, the machine utilises soft start technology and constant speed control – and the loop handle design gives users maximum control.

Also added to the range is the UR003GZ Brushless Linetrimmer. With three speed settings to choose from, operators can easily adjust the output depending on the task. In addition, Automatic Torque Drive Technology means that the cutting speed will automatically change in line with the load condition – offering additional reassurance that the machine is always performing at its optimum.

For added efficiency and user protection, the UR003GZ also includes AFT. In addition, it produces extremely low noise levels which is ideal when using the machine for longer periods of time.

The UX01G and UR003GZ also benefit from Makita’s brushless motor. 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 keeps users working for longer – as they do not have to regularly stop to replace or recharge the batteries.

For optimum battery performance and charge times, XGT machines feature Makita’s unique smart system technology. This in-built programme allows digital communication between the battery and the charger, as well as the battery and the tool, to provide protection against issues such over discharge and overheating. For example, if the battery has overheated, the charger will cool it down before charging begins. This significantly speeds up the charging process and minimises downtime.

Mark Earles, Business Development Manager for garden machinery at Makita said: “We are thrilled to announce the expansion of our cordless offering for the soft-landscaping sector with the launch of two new XGT machines. The UX01G and UR003GZ will deliver the high-output that professionals need to tackle more demanding applications – without compromising on battery run times. With our existing LXT 18V and Twin 18V (36V) systems and the new XGT 40V platform, professionals have even more battery-powered solutions for a truly cordless job site.”

To find out more about Makita and the new range of 40V XGT products, please visit www.makitauk.com

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Makita’s new 18V cordless grease gun

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Makita’s new 18V cordless grease gun: Makita UK has announced the launch of its new 18V DGP180 LXT Grease Gun. Delivering up to 10,000 psi operating pressure, the new solution is ideal for professionals working on demanding lubrication applications for vehicles and machinery.

Makita’s new DGP180 18V LXT Grease Gun combines powerful performance with the versatility and flexibility of a cordless tool.

Makita's new 18V cordless grease gun

Makita’s new 18V cordless grease gun

The grease gun can reach a maximum 10,000psi discharge pressure level, whilst maintaining a 290mL/min discharge rate. As such, the new system is able to dispense grease even at high pressure for the most demanding of applications.

Designed with efficiency and productivity in mind, the new DGP180 features an automatic pressure switching function, which detects the pressure and automatically reduces the grease flow rate as machinery components are filled. For greater control, the variable speed trigger allows users to manage the amount of grease that is dispensed depending on the job or requirements. For hard to reach areas and fittings, the tool is equipped with a long 1,200mm flexible hose and a bright LED light to usefully illuminate job areas.

Utilising Makita’s innovative Lithium-ion (LXT) batteries, the DGP180 Grease Gun can dispense 410g grease cartridges or the 455g cylinder can be bulk filled. In turn, the added power can help those using the tool to increase their performance and productivity levels. Charging can take as little as 45 minutes when using a 5.0Ah battery.

As well as providing powerful performance, the product benefits from an ergonomically designed handle with a soft grip to allow long-term, comfortable use. A shoulder belt provides users with greater convenience for transportation around site, or for applications that require working at different heights.

Speaking on the new product, Kevin Brannigan, Marketing Manager at Makita UK commented: “We’re delighted to introduce our new DGP180 18V LXT Grease Gun as part of our growing LXT range of cordless solutions. The DGP180 is particularly ideal for those working in the agricultural, automotive and farming sectors, enabling users to easily and efficiently manoeuvre around, and grease, large machinery and equipment without the constraints of cables.”

The new DGP180 18V LXT Grease Gun joins an exciting roadmap of new LXT and XGT product launches this year, including the recent launch of the 40VMax XGT Brushless Circular Saw and 40VMax XGT Brushless Linetrimmer.

For more information about Makita’s power tools and equipment, visit www.makitauk.com

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Reesink finance and customer service triumph in lockdown

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Reesink finance and customer service triumph in lockdown: Stratford Oaks Golf Club, in Warwickshire, spent its time in lockdown carefully considering the best machinery maintenance equipment for the long-term future of the club. Its conclusion, unanimously, was a Reesink finance deal for a Toro fleet.

It was a lockdown deal done completely by phone and email. It was a deal done to bring financial security and peace of mind for the next five years. And it was a deal which sees the club step away from the old and welcome a new brand to the club for the first time in 21 years.

Reesink finance and customer service triumph in lockdown

Reesink finance and customer service triumph in lockdown

James Cleaver, course manager, is behind the change of direction and breath of fresh air this will bring to the club. He says: “From the beginning Toro was the top contender in terms of the brand I thought we should go with, but what made all the difference here was the service from Reesink. The effort put into making sure we had what we needed to trial, answering questions, being available and delivering what we wanted throughout lockdown was above and beyond the rest.

“I was expecting, with good reason, service to be different during lockdown, I would have understood if it had dipped at times, but it never did despite how busy they were. And as soon as they could visit safely, they did. It filled me with the utmost confidence.”

So why the change? James says it all comes down to financial security and delivering a better course for its rapidly growing membership: “The Board got together in lockdown to discuss the club’s approach to maintenance. It’s obviously essential, yet in uncertain times making such a significant investment and financial commitment is a decision which needs careful consideration.

“Previously the club had been buying individual machines when needed, which when there are such competitive finance options available, doesn’t have to be the way. So, we worked out what we needed, what the budget was and Reesink offered us a finance deal to suit. We believe this is the best way to see the club through these times safely, with what it needs and with the security of knowing what it will cost. Planning is key for the next few years!”

The fleet is comprised of 11 new machines, including two Toro Greensmaster TriFlex Hybrid 3420 greensmowers, a Groundsmaster 3500-D, a Multi Pro 5800-D sprayer, ProCore 648 aerator, two Greensmaster Flex 21 mowers, a Workman MDX-D utility vehicle, power brush and verticutting units.

Also, bringing a slightly different approach to the team’s maintenance regime and extending the fleet are two lightweight Reelmaster 3575-D cylinder mowers, James explains: “This is the first time we’ve had the use of two fairway mowers and it enables us to cut 10 hectares in around three hours in the morning. Not only is it more productive, but from a safety point of view, the staff are no longer trying to cut the fairways with golfers around them. The Reelmasters are one of the lightest on the market, which for the soft ground conditions we get here will make all the difference.”

How is it, we wonder, welcoming a new brand of machinery to the club after over two decades? James says it feels reassuring: “We needed the reassurance of having and using a quality brand, known for its reliability. It feels like quality using these machines, and the host of benefits they bring are extensive.

“We’re in a high-density area in terms of clubs nearby and it’s essential to have the edge, especially moving forward out of lockdown, and we believe choosing and using Toro gives us that. The fact that Reesink made it possible with such fantastic customer service and financial support fills us with a huge amount of positivity for the future of Stratford Oaks Golf Club.”

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Limagrain changes fortunes in Looe

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Limagrain changes fortunes in Looe: Mat Edwards, Head Greenkeeper at Looe Golf Club in Cornwall, has praised a range of Limagrain products for helping him to transform the course into one of the most respected in the county.

Mat, who had no previous greenkeeping experience, has been working at Looe Golf Club for the past six years. The former pub landlord started working at the golf club after returning from travelling and has shown an unbelievable amount of hard work and dedication.

Limagrain changes fortunes in Looe

Limagrain changes fortunes in Looe

“Hearing the great comments from members and visitors about how much the course has improved in the last few years has been fantastic – it has been a real highlight for me,” he said,

With no experience Mat certainly has exceeded all expectations but last year he faced his biggest challenge yet.

“The greens got absolutely annihilated by leatherjackets and we nearly had total loss of cover on a few of them,” he said. “I conferred with David Bevan from Agrovista Amenity and Matt Gresty from Limarain UK and they were both of the opinion that we should reseed the greens with Limagrain’s MM50 grass seed.”

Limagrain’s MM50 is one of the UK’s biggest selling grass mixtures. The hard-wearing ryegrass mix is very fine leaved, has high shoot density, is tolerant to close mowing down to 4-5mm and produces a great colour all year round. It also has quick recovery from damage and play. Furthermore, this mixture is treated with Headstart® GOLD – a revolutionary grass seed treatment that ensures rapid germination.

“I applied MM50 very heavily to the greens in early March just before the first lockdown and put grow sheets over the top,” continued Mat. “It was cold, the soil temperature was low, and we had some wintery showers. I think the grow sheets helped but it was not long before the seed flew up.

“I’ve been incredibly happy with the results from MM50 – it’s a strong seed and the greens are not only looking better but they are a lot healthier now too. The seed has also helped with disease; historically, we suffer from a bit of fusarium and anthracnose towards the end of summer, but we have seen a lot less. The greens are definitely more resistant to disease since applying the MM50.”

Mat is now preparing to overseed the greens with MM50 for a second time, but it is not the only Limagrain product he is focusing on.

“This will be our third year of using Limagrain’s Colour Splash mixtures – and they have helped us create a lovely area which has improved the aesthetics of the course.”

Over the past few years, Limagrain UK’s range of Colour Splash flower mixtures have been used in a broad range of landscape and amenity areas throughout the UK. The range has a floral arrangement for every requirement – whether it be a golf course, a local authority green space or any other establishment that has an area which needs brightening up.

The Colour Splash range of mixtures are extremely easy to sow and the resulting vigorous plants are more than capable of competing with weeds. Their vigour is equally matched by robustness; resisting long periods of drought. They are also fast flowering and cost effective.

“There was an area between the 8th and the 10th hole about the size of a football pitch,” said Mat. “It was just sitting there and so we decided to make use of it. The main reason was to add some colour and it is in a perfect position where people can stop halfway round the course. When we have tournaments, a beer tent is placed right next to the Colour Splash area which makes it nice for people to socialise too.”

“Ultimately, I’m very pleased because it is fair to say that a few years ago the course didn’t have a glowing reputation,” said Mat. “Everything is heading in the right direction now – the greens are back and healthy and some people are claiming that they are now some of the best in the county.”

For further information, please contact Limagrain UK on 01472 371471 or visit the company’s website www.lgseeds.co.uk/amenity – you can also follow the company on Twitter: @MM_Seed

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