The compact choice for quick, clean cutting

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The compact choice for quick, clean cutting: Makita has added two new pruning products to its ever growing outdoor product range. Powered by Makita’s 18V LXT battery system, the new DUP180 Brushless Pruning Shear and the DUC150 150mm Pruning Saw offer a comfortable and powerful solution to make quick and light work of repetitive or heavy pruning jobs.

With an adjustable shear blade opening angle, the new DUP180 18V LXT Brushless Pruning Shear accommodates four different cutting capacities up to ø30mm and provides up to 8,800 cuts on a single charge (when used with a 6.0Ah battery).

The compact choice for quick, clean cutting

The compact choice for quick, clean cutting

Thanks to a brushless motor and belt holster to carry the battery, this tool is extremely lightweight and comfortable to use at just 0.68kg (without battery). To further minimise user fatigue, Makita has engineered the tool so that the control of the shear blade is interlocked with the trigger, meaning the blades will only open and close depending on the degree the trigger is depressed or released.

Additionally, an external oil port is designed for easy blade lubrication without disassembly, enhancing the tool’s durability.

Joining the outdoor line up is the DUC150 18V 150mm Pruning Saw. Operating with a chain speed of 8m/s, this compact machine offers excellent cutting performance despite its lightweight design, making it ideal for general garden applications or orchard maintenance.

Additional comfort and efficiency-enhancing features include tool-less chain tensioning and automatic chain oiling, while a brushless motor ensures low maintenance requirements and a longer working motor life.

The DUC150 is available as a kit with a BL1850B Battery and DC18RC charger, or as a standalone tool body only.

Kevin Brannigan, Marketing Manager at Makita UK commented: “Whether it’s for making light work of clipping back shrubs and hedgerows, or trimming branches and small trees, the DUP180 and DUC150 are convenient tools that are designed with simplicity and ergonomics in mind. At Makita, we continue to apply our heritage and expertise in battery technology and tool engineering to develop essential kit items such as these, so that the professional sector has access to a vast range of battery powered tools that meet every daily demand without the constraints of cords or petrol.”

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

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All-female grounds team revel in derby delight

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All-female grounds team revel in derby delight: Last weekend, history was made for the grounds management industry. For the first time in Football, an all-female grounds team prepared the pitch at the Emirates Stadium for Arsenal vs Tottenham in the Barclays Women’s Super League.

Ahead of International Women’s Day, a sold-out crowd of over 60,000 fans flooded into the Emirates Stadium to watch the game, making it the highest attendance of a women’s domestic football match in the UK. It was also the most-attended sports fixture in London that weekend, including Premier League games, putting the grounds management industry firmly in the spotlight, highlighting the vital role of grounds staff in making sport possible.

All-female grounds team revel in derby delight

All-female grounds team revel in derby delight

Not only was history made off the pitch but also on the pitch, by the grounds team who prepared it. Thirteen trailblazing women from various grounds management settings, from cricket and football to educational facilities, worked hard over the days leading up to the match to prepare the pitch.

With women making up less than 2% of the grounds management industry, the all-female grounds team’s efforts didn’t go unnoticed and received praise from across the sporting world, with support shared by Lionesses legends, Leah Williamson, Alessia Russo and Beth Mead amongst many others, as well as widespread media coverage.

This historic moment was the result of collaboration between the Women’s Super League, Arsenal FC, the Grounds Management Association and Women in Football, and put women in grounds management at the centre of one of the greatest sporting stages in the country.

Leading the GMA’s involvement in the project, Director of Communications, Jennifer Carter was proud of the day:

“To see a team of thirteen experienced and talented women prepare the iconic Emirates Stadium pitch in front of hundreds of thousands of spectators and viewers across the UK, was a highly significant moment in the GMA and grounds management industry’s history.

“The lack of visibility of women in this field remains a significant barrier, but we’re confident that moments like these, and more in the future, will be pivotal in convincing more young people, especially females, to explore this promising career path. Those who took part are incredible ambassadors for the industry, and I have no doubt that their work will have inspired many and shed light on the grounds management profession.

“We’re hugely grateful for our partners at Arsenal, the WSL and Women in Football for working with us to make this happen and we’re immensely proud of the thirteen inspirational grounds women.”

Vinai Venkatesham, Arsenal’s Chief Executive, was full of praise for the grounds team’s efforts:

“This is a celebration of what’s been achieved for women in sport, but also serves as a reminder of the work we need to do together to ensure more young girls are encouraged to break into the game. It’s important we continue to build on these moments to inspire the next generation and accelerate the sustainable growth of the game.”

The Grounds Management Association is encouraging sports fans to share their appreciation for grounds staff during #GroundsWeek, the association’s annual awareness week, from 18 – 24 March 2024. For more information about #GroundsWeek and how to support it, visit: thegma.org.uk/groundsweek.

If you’re interested in working in grounds management, you can find out more about careers and training at thegma.org.uk/learning.

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Baroness expand into Scotland

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Baroness expand into Scotland: In a move to support their continued expansion, Baroness UK are pleased to announce the appointment of a new Area Sales & Service Manager for Scotland.

With more than 18 years of industry experience under his belt, Richard Connell is well placed to provide sales and technical support to customers and the dealer network across Scotland – proudly becoming the first dedicated Baroness UK representative for the region.

Baroness expand into Scotland

Baroness expand into Scotland

After obtaining qualifications in land-based engineering, Richard worked for a number of leading manufacturers and turf care dealers – in both workshop and mobile service engineer roles. Most recently, he brought together his technical understanding and passion for the game of golf in the position of Head Mechanic/Workshop Manager at North Berwick Golf Club. On joining Baroness UK in January 2024, he brings both hands-on experience and a technical mind to the table as he oversees the sales, service and workshop operations of the established dealer network within his area.

“Before coming on board, I had started to see the Baroness brand more and more here in Scotland and my inner mechanic immediately took an interest in the machinery! I loved their approach and what their portfolio of machines offered to the market” he explains. “It is a huge honour and privilege to be entrusted as the first Baroness representative in Scotland and, after solidifying a number of relationships with those I saw at BTME in January, I look forward to exploring new opportunities and driving business forwards in the months and years ahead.”

Those wishing to get in touch with Richard can do so via 07933 182743 or Richard.connell@baronessuk.com

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