Makita continues to provide the power

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Makita continues to provide the power: As part of its new October product releases, leading power tool manufacturer, Makita UK has revealed a number of new 40VMax cordless machines that have been added to its exciting XGT range.

The new high-powered products provide a one-battery solution to handle the most demanding jobs and environments, without sacrificing run time.

40VMAX LS004G XGT MITRE SAW

Driven by a 40VMax brushless motor, this XGT 260mm Slide Compound Mitre Saw provides a no load speed of up to 3,600rpm for high power cutting that is comparable to corded machines.

Makita continues to provide the power

Makita continues to provide the power

The rail-forward design allows users to maximise workspace as the machine can be positioned next to a wall and its single sliding system enables smooth operation to produce superior cuts.  Its 48o bevel range and 60o mitre range are easily adjusted with quick lock and release, making it simple to achieve the cut required.

This impressive tool is also packed with safety features including Auto-Start Wireless System technology (AWS), enabling the machine to connect to compatible dust extractors via Bluetooth. When applied, the dust extractor is powered on and off while the saw is in use. An LED light improves task visibility, and for greater safety, an electric brake stops the blade in seconds.

80VMAX UR012GZ04 XGT BRUSH CUTTER

Delivering up to 6,400rpm and a maximum power output at 2.0kW, the powerful 80VMax (40Vx2) XGT Brushless Brush Cutter provides users with performance similar to a 40cc class engine grass trimmer, making this machine ideal for heavy duty applications.

Users can adjust speed according to the task with 3-stage control, and thanks to Makita’s innovative Automatic Torque Drive Technology (ADT), which adapts the cutting speed according to the load conditions, users can trust that the machine is always working at its optimum.

The UR012GZ04 also features Active Feedback Sensing Technology (AFT) that shuts down the tool if the rotation speed suddenly slows, protecting the user against kickback. And the useful reverse switch removes any material that gets stuck in the blade, reducing user downtime.

On the announcement, Kevin Brannigan, Marketing Manager at Makita UK said: “Our XGT platform was designed to provide professionals with even more power to meet high demand applications with ease. All of our XGT solutions are engineered with built-in programming, that provides digital communication between the battery and the tool, so that both work together for optimum performance and sustained power.

“We are pleased to expand the XGT range with our latest 40VMax and 80VMax equipment and tools, so that professionals can fully experience a truly cordless job site.”

To find out more about Makita and its wide range of products visit: www.makitauk.com.

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Education experience granted to five BIGGA members

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Education experience granted to five BIGGA members: The British & International Golf Greenkeepers Association and Partner ICL have revealed the five recipients of the sixth ICL Continue to Learn Scholarship ahead of the education programme’s return to in-person learning in January 2022.

The successful BIGGA members are:

Kevin Butler, greenkeeper, Saunton Golf Club

Michael Gibbons, greenkeeper, Dunham Forest Golf Club

Abigail Laker, greenkeeper, Frilford Heath Golf Club

Michael Russell, greenkeeper, Preston Golf Club

Jeremy Ward, head greenkeeper, Bradford Moor Golf Club

Education experience granted to five BIGGA members

Education experience granted to five BIGGA members

In addition, the five BIGGA members who participated in the ICL scholarship in 2021, when Continue to Learn took place entirely online, have also been invited to attend the in-person event in January 2022.

To earn an ICL Continue to Learn Scholarship, BIGGA members must demonstrate a commitment to developing their own professional abilities by engaging with BIGGA’s Continuing Professional Development scheme.

The ICL Continue to Learn Scholars will receive three nights’ hotel accommodation and 15 hours of training and personal development opportunities as BIGGA’s world-leading education programme returns to Harrogate Convention Centre in January 2022.

BIGGA’s Head of Learning & Development, Sami Strutt, said: “After hosting Continue to Learn as an online event in 2021 due to COVID-19, we’re thrilled to be able to host in-person learning once again in January 2022. Thanks to ICL, five BIGGA members will enjoy the countless hours of personal and professional development that come with attending BTME and Continue to Learn. Our sincere thanks are extended to ICL for their continuing support of BIGGA and its members.”

Ed Carter, UK Sales and Development Manager at ICL, said: “ICL is a keen supporter of the Continue to Learn education programme as we understand that a highly educated workforce is better able to overcome the challenges that face the industry in the coming years, whether due to our changing climate, changing restrictions on the availability of products or simply due to the desire of golfers to enjoy better quality playing surfaces throughout the year.

“Through the ICL Continue to Learn Scholarship we are able to demonstrate this commitment to BIGGA and its members and I’m hopeful that each of the successful Scholars takes full advantage of the fantastic opportunity they have been presented with.”

Continue to Learn at BTME 2022 will take place at Harrogate Convention Centre from Sunday 23 to Wednesday 26 January 2022. The extensive education programme will run alongside the BIGGA Turf Management Exhibition, the leading indoor exhibition in Europe for the sports turf industry.

For further information on BTME and Continue to Learn 2022 visit www.btme.org.uk.

Through the Turf Rewards loyalty scheme from ICL and Syngenta, BIGGA members are able to claim Continue to Learn education vouchers. Points are gained by purchasing products for use on the golf course. For further information visit www.turfrewards.com.

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New products from Makita

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New products from Makita: Leading power tool manufacturer, Makita UK has announced its new October collection, adding further cordless machines to its expanding LXT battery platform. A new 18V garden sprayer, impact wrench and inflator join the line-up of over 275 solutions within the LXT range.

DUS054Z GARDEN SPRAYER

Removing the effort required to pump, this lightweight 18V 5-litre sprayer delivers up to 0.45L/min, allowing for efficient spraying with comfortable paddle control. The telescopic spray wand with a rotatable H-shaped dual head design allows the user to quickly switch between mist and jet spraying modes depending on the task.

New products from Makita

New products from Makita

Delivering up to 8hrs runtime on a 6.0Ah battery, the clever Auto-Stop feature helps to minimise any unnecessary drain on the battery by shutting down the power when the handle isn’t engaged.

The machine has been designed with user comfort in mind and includes a shoulder harness and an ergonomically optimised tank body that sits comfortably at the user’s hip. Furthermore, the handle features a lock-on function to hold the trigger in place – ideal for larger jobs where continuous spraying is required.

DTW302Z IMPACT WRENCH

The new 18V LXT DTW302 Brushless Impact Wrench features a fresh design on its previous counterparts. Compact, with an overall length of 138mm and 3/8-inch square driving shank, the DTW302 brushless motor provides high power with a fastening torque of up to 300Nm and maximum nut busting torque of 500Nm.

Featuring a variable speed trigger, the DTW302Z provides the user with more control, with 4-stage impact selection, enabling the user to set the appropriate torque for the application at hand. For greater control and convenience, the tool also features Forward / Reverse function, with 6 modes for customised applications.

DMP181Z INFLATOR

For quick and easy inflation of automotive and machinery tyres, sporting equipment and more, the new 18V DMP181Z Inflator is powered by Makita’s LXT battery technology to deliver up to 161psi and a rapid air discharge volume of 22L/min.

The tool features a digital pressure gauge, a LED light for convenient use at night and an Auto-Stop function which automatically shuts down the tool when the desired pressure is reached. The DMP181Z also offers manual decompression functionality, allowing air to be released in case of over inflation.

Speaking on the new products, Kevin Brannigan, Marketing Manager at Makita UK said: “With over 275 cordless solutions within our LXT platform, we are delighted to further expand the possibilities for professionals with these new additions. Designed with purpose-built motors, innovative battery technology and enhanced communications, all our cordless tools work together to deliver reliable power, speed and run times that provide the trade with a cordless solution for every type of application.”

To see the new DUS054Z Garden Sprayer in action, visit www.youtube.com/watch?v=uaNmRbsCCv8

To find out more about Makita and its wide range of products visit: www.makitauk.com.

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Wroxham’s Husqvarna Automower

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Wroxham’s Husqvarna Automower: Based in the Norfolk Broads, semi-professional football club, Wroxham FC, has swapped hours of manual labour for eco-smart autonomous mowing, to help the club maintain its vast Trafford Park pitch. In just three months, the club has noticed a significant increase in turf quality, and credits Husqvarna Automower® for the change.

Following long hours spent maintaining the pitch, the Wroxham FC team, following a recommendation from agricultural construction and machinery dealer, Ernest Doe, liaised with robotic mowing founders, Husqvarna, and set up a trial using the brand’s Automower® 550 models.

Wroxham's Husqvarna Automower

Wroxham’s Husqvarna Automower

Relying heavily on volunteers from the club, Wroxham’s pitch previously took ten hours of manual labour to mow each time, something which was a big undertaking for the team. Turning to the help of Automower®, the club looked to free up time, save financial resource, create a healthier pitch, and do their part to help the environment. In June 2021, two Automower® 550 models were installed using Automower® Club Solution, to help the team tackle the challenges they were facing.

Barry Letten, committee member at Wroxham FC discussed the club’s move to autonomous mowing: “Following the club’s initial meeting with Husqvarna and Ernest Doe, there was no doubt in our minds that we wanted to test out the Automower® technology, and in just three short months, we’ve already seen some exceptional results.

“To maintain the quality of the pitch we’d regularly spend 10 hours at a time mowing and having to rely on volunteers to do it was a big ask. Automower® has saved us countless hours and has allowed us to redeploy resource on more important and skilful tasks around the club, without having to sacrifice on turf quality.

“We use the Automower® Connect app to control the mowers, which has been absolutely brilliant and has enabled me to track what they’re doing and send them out to mow whenever we want. Better yet, I’m able to do it from the comfort of my sitting room, without the need to make a 20-mile round trip.”

Ever since the first Automower® was introduced in 1995, Husqvarna has been known as the world leader in robotic mowing. With over 2 million sold worldwide, Automower® is renowned for its low energy consumption, zero emissions, low noise and high productivity, whilst featuring the ability to withstand a busy match schedule and hours of intense training.

As Automower® cuts the grass every day, the impact on the turf and ground is minimal. The very small, quick-composting clippings provide a constant source of fertilisation and moisture, creating greener and denser turf, which increases the pitch’s ability to withstand a busy match schedule and hours of intense training. Research also shows that the constant cutting allows grass roots to grow 25% deeper, resulting in a healthier and stronger pitch.

Barry continued: “The two mowers were set up using Husqvarna Automower® Club Solution, which allows the two 550 models to work simultaneously alongside each other, enabling faster mowing. The technology also eliminates the need for a boundary wire placed in the middle of the pitch, which allows us to aerate the turf without any worries of damaging wires.

“In addition to ease of use, the Automower® models have been great for the club, both financially and environmentally. In previous years we would have to budget for fuel, which is not an issue with the battery powered Automower®. This in turn has helped our green agenda by reducing our CO2 emissions.

“Husqvarna Automower® has completely opened our eyes to the possibilities of autonomous mowing, and it would now be difficult to imagine going without. The whole process has been a complete breeze, from the seamless setup which took no time at all, to the Automower® Connect app which allows us to control the mower from the tips of our fingers, it’s been a brilliant process.

“It’s not just the Wroxham Committee which has noticed the difference, players and supporters alike have commented on the quality of the turf, with some even turning to Twitter to express their delight. We look forward to the upcoming months with Automower® and enjoying the results which it consistently provides.”

For more information on Husqvarna Automower®, visit: https://www.husqvarna.com/uk/products/robotic-lawn-mowers/

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Facing the future

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Facing the future: To say we live in challenging times is somewhat of an understatement. The impact is being felt everywhere and in so many directions. The Amenity Forum Conference & Exhibition has long been regarded as a must attend event for those involved in or with an interest in amenity management. This year its significance is even greater.

The event being held on 21st October at the Pirelli Stadium at Burton on Trent has a range of specialist speakers set to cover the key issues of the day including important policy updates and how they are to impact. There will also be leading practitioners giving their views and much more. The exhibition area also provides valuable networking opportunities.

Facing the future

Facing the future

John Moverley, Independent Chairman of the Forum said ‘’ throughout the years, the amenity sector has shown its ability to innovate and respond and I have no doubt that this will continue. What happens in amenity management impacts upon all of us every day, no more emphasised that in recent COVID times. Our conference this year is a major opportunity to update and should not be missed’’

To secure your place, contact Kate at Admin@amenityforum.net .  At a price of £95 per delegate, thanks to our supporters, it provides excellent value. The full programme can be found at https://amenityforum.co.uk/conference/the-amenity-forum-conference-2021/

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