High branch pruning made easy

/in , , /by

High branch pruning made easy: Makita has added a new telescopic pole saw to its growing range of LXT tools designed for professional outdoor use.

With a 200mm cutting width, 2.5m reach and lightweight design, the new DUA200 18V LXT Brushless Pole Saw provides effortless reach and precision for high branch applications.

Smooth Cutting

Delivering a chain speed of 6.7m/s for smooth cutting, Makita’s new DUA200 extendable pole saw can reach from 1.6m to over 2.5m when fully assembled.

This, combined with a lightweight head section and equipped with Torque Boost Mode that maximises output to power through thicker branches, makes Makita’s latest launch a highly effective tool and ideal companion for pruning and trimming high branches.

High branch pruning made easy

High branch pruning made easy

When used with a 6.0Ah BL1860B Battery, the pole saw offers up to 600 cuts in 50 mm cedar square timber and in addition to its high work efficiency, Makita has incorporated several design features to offer increased ergonomics and greater versality for users to tackle a range of cutting situations.

Reducing The Burden

The slim, lightweight design of the tool head not only reduces the burden during operation, it also enhances accessibility to branches and increases manoeuvrability.

Furthermore, the tool head is adjustable which can be locked and unlocked with a single touch, enabling precise positioning in nine stages between 60° upwards and 60° downwards.

It also includes a convenient branch hook to easily remove cut branches.

Other features include a translucent bar oil tank with a large opening for straightforward refilling, and the tool-less bar tensioning and automatic chain lubrication simplifies maintenance and ensures consistent performance.

On the new launch, Kevin Brannigan Marketing Manager at Makita said: “This new tool is part of Makita’s expanding 18V LXT System, which encompasses over 300 tools from garden machines, power tools and accessories such as kettles and heated jackets – all powered by the same battery.

We are delighted to add this fantastic pole saw to the range, that delivers impressive performance for high drain applications, while reducing fatigue for the operator.”

To find out more about Makita, visit www.makitauk.com

For the latest industry news visit turfmatters.co.uk/news

Get all of the big headlines, pictures, opinions and videos on stories that matter to you.

Follow us on Twitter and Instagram for fun, fresh and engaging content.

You can also find us on Facebook for more of your must-see news, features, videos and pictures from Turf Matters.

Toro, the only choice

/in , , /by

Toro, the only choice: Dullatur Golf Club is moving towards a more sustainable future for turfcare – and the club, which is situated near Glasgow, saw Toro machinery as the only choice when it came to trusted quality.

At the helm of the move is experienced Course Manager Richard Bell. Richard has worked at Dullatur for 23 years, beginning his career as an apprentice at 16 – and was even a junior member of the club prior. Golf has nearly always been a central part of Richard’s life, and with a team that combined has several decades of experience at the club, their turfcare expertise is second to none. 

Toro, the only choice

Toro, the only choice

Managing an expansive club like Dullatur, with two 18-hole courses, demands a constantly evolving, proactive approach. With a year-round team of seven, supplemented with four seasonals, Richard understands the importance of efficiency – and reliable equipment.

“With a total of 36 holes, the sheer volume of greens, tees, fairways and rough is a lot of ground to cover for the team and the machinery, and we have to maintain the highest standards for our club members,” he says. “We’ve worked predominantly with Toro machinery to deliver the quality of cut we need – I trust Toro equipment to perform at the highest level.”

Richard has added to his fleet three new pieces of equipment: the all-electric Toro Greensmaster eTriFlex 3370, Reelmaster 5010-H hybrid fairway mower and Reelmaster 3100 sidewinder. 

Richard was particularly impressed with the eTriFlex 3370, as his first all-electric mower: “I had read about the 3370, and I had the chance to operate one while volunteering at the British Open at Royal Troon. I spent the entire week cutting greens with it, which was an amazing experience. It gave me the best hands-on demonstration I could ask for.

“The quality of the cut was phenomenal – it rivalled hand-cutting, which is considered the best quality of cut achievable. Even after greens were double-cut by hand, the eTriFlex was still removing clippings. It’s rare to find a machine that delivers results comparable to hand-cutting, but this one did.” 

Richard emphasised the importance of sustainability and local community to Dullatur Golf Club, and how the new machinery benefits both: “We’re looking to be better for the planet. It’s our first all-electric piece of equipment, and we already know how good the hybrid 5010 is, as we have one in our fleet. Now that performance is at such a high level, we see this as a start of the long-term plan. 

“With electric equipment, you’re more sustainable, there’s no need to worry about oil spills, and we aren’t concerned with noise pollution – so we’re not bothering golfers playing or our neighbours in the morning!”

Ross Neil, Area Sales Reesink Scotland West, has supported Dullatur Golf Club with the acquisitions. Richard commented on the service: “They provide a great service; I’m always able to get them on the end of the phone, and they’re happy to answer any questions I’ve got whenever I need it”. 

Ultimately, Richard trusts the future, more sustainable outlook of Dullatur Golf Club with Toro. “For the new electric machinery, I expect we’ll see the same longevity you get with every other Toro mower. It’s just trust in the brand. It’s strongly my belief that Toro is the best – the best longevity, the best value for money. I can’t see us looking at any other brand in future.” 

For the latest industry news visit turfmatters.co.uk/news

Get all of the big headlines, pictures, opinions and videos on stories that matter to you.

Follow us on Twitter and Instagram for fun, fresh and engaging content.

You can also find us on Facebook for more of your must-see news, features, videos and pictures from Turf Matters.

Avant Tecno UK to Showcase Leguan 265 at Executive Hire Show

/in , , /by

Avant Tecno UK to Showcase Leguan 265 at Executive Hire Show: Avant Tecno UK is set to make an impact at the Executive Hire Show 2025, the UK’s premier event for the hire industry, taking place on 12-13 February at the Coventry Building Society Arena.

Exhibiting on stand NPP8, Avant Tecno will be showcasing the highly anticipated Leguan 265 – a game-changer in all-terrain access equipment.

Avant Tecno UK to Showcase Leguan 265 at Executive Hire Show

Avant Tecno UK to Showcase Leguan 265 at Executive Hire Show

 

The newly launched Leguan 265 sets a new standard in performance and efficiency. Designed to deliver superior all-terrain capabilities, it boasts an impressive 26.5m maximum working height, 13.6m maximum outreach, and a 250kg lift capacity.

As the fastest 27m spider lift on the market, the Leguan 265 fully extends its booms to maximum working height in just 1 minute and 35 seconds. Its rugged track system, exceptional ground clearance, and the industry’s lowest centre of gravity provide unmatched stability and manoeuvrability on challenging terrains. Whether operating on uneven ground, slopes, or confined spaces, the Leguan 265 offers reliability and ease of use for a wide range of applications.

Designed as part of Leguan’s innovative product line alongside the well-regarded 195 and 225 models, the Leguan 265 features a unified design, identical user interface, and standardised components, making it an excellent addition for fleet operators looking for efficient, easy-to-use machines. With a 45% gradeability and Leguan’s Elevated Driving Position (EDP) function, this lift is built for professionals who require extra height without compromising on performance and efficiency.

In addition to the Leguan 265, visitors to the Avant Tecno stand can find out more about the full range of Avant compact loaders and Leguan spider lifts. Avant loaders are renowned for their exceptional versatility, with over 200 attachments available for industries such as construction, agriculture, property maintenance, and landscaping. Their compact design, agility, and efficiency make them a valuable addition to any fleet of equipment.

Leguan spider lifts, engineered for stability, durability, and ease of use, continue to gain popularity in the access industry. Designed to tackle demanding work environments, Leguan lifts offer innovative features that ensure safe and efficient operation across various job sites.

The Executive Hire Show 2025 presents the perfect opportunity to see the Leguan 265 and explore how Avant’s compact loaders and Leguan’s spider lifts can enhance operations.

For more information, please visit www.avanttecno.com/uk

For the latest industry news visit turfmatters.co.uk/news

Get all of the big headlines, pictures, opinions and videos on stories that matter to you.

Follow us on Twitter and Instagram for fun, fresh and engaging content.

You can also find us on Facebook for more of your must-see news, features, videos and pictures from Turf Matters.

Ladyback Golf Club commit to Ventrac

/in , , /by

Ladyback Golf Club commit to Ventrac: Ladybank Golf Club, situated in wooded heathland 10 miles west of St Andrews in Fife, is the latest prestigious Scottish golf club to purchase Ventrac equipment to assist in the maintenance of their challenging heathland championship course.

Designed by Old Tom Morris, Ladybank is a rare course; although situated in Fife, it’s not one of the famous links courses that dots the coast. It measures almost 6,800 yards from the championship tees, making great use of its heathland terrain and has changed little over the years. It requires the golfer to display real precision to hit the small and contoured greens.

Ladyback Golf Club commit to Ventrac

Ladyback Golf Club commit to Ventrac

Grant Frogley is the Course Manager and is responsible for a team of 8 full-time greenkeepers, who maintain this beautiful and challenging course. During the winter of 2021-22, the club purchased an ex-demo Ventrac 4500 all-terrain compact tractor and two attachments to help maintain the course.

“I’m one of the many converts to the Ventrac compact tractor and attachments,” he said. “We had two rough mowers when I came in, each one for different areas of the course. We’re a relatively flat site in terms of elevation, but we do have quite a lot of subtle movement with some extreme hollows and bumps. The rough mowers weren’t the best at following contours, so we found ourselves doing a lot more hand work.

“I’d seen the Ventrac at a demonstration at Gwest and knew it would be the perfect piece of kit here; a versatile machine that could do more than one task. We got it in on demo and sure enough it flew round, coped with every contour out there, without a problem.

“We’ve got the Contour deck and the Tough Cut deck. We use the Tough deck a lot during the winter to clean up the woodlands and remove the gorse and broom. We basically cut everything that’s not on the maintained grass areas. We cut every blade of grass during the winter, so it’s very versatile and mobile for getting in amongst the trees. As I said previously, it’s very good at removing brash, gorse and broom.

“It came with a rear three-point linkage kit, which is brilliant. We bought a small sprayer with hand lance that hooks up on the back of it and we also have a terra rake, which we use a lot during winter projects, especially if we’ve got soil that just needs a tilth-up before we re-turf. It’s brilliant and such a light footprint, it just glides over the surface.

“The options are endless; we’ve demoed the stump grinder and blower. We’ve got a rear-mounted blower on a tractor, and perhaps it’s just my age, but I find looking out the back for a period of time is very uncomfortable. The seating position on the Ventrac is very comfortable and the out-front blower makes it much more user-friendly. We’ve had nothing in the way of breakdowns, servicing has been fine, one little repair on the deck and it’s hardly missed a beat.”

Grant began his career at Gleneagles in 1999, working under Peter Pattenden, and six years later went to New Zealand for a year, before returning to Gleneagles at a time when the renovations for the Ryder Cup were taking place, remodelling the PGA Centenary course. This led to construction work at Dun Laoghaire Golf Club near Dublin followed by a spell in Sweden constructing the PGA of Sweden National Golf Course near Malmo.

Returning to the UK, he was appointed deputy course manager at Gwest, where a new championship course was being built next door to Gleneagles. Gwest never materialised into the great golf course and property that it could have been, so he took up his first course manager’s job at The Roxburghe in the Scottish Borders. Three and half years later he returned to Gwest as course manager, with a commitment from the owners that it would be completed. Covid struck and, and unfortunately, progress with the development stalled, so in 2021 he applied for, and was successful in securing, the vacant course manager’s position at Ladybank.

For the latest industry news visit turfmatters.co.uk/news

Get all of the big headlines, pictures, opinions and videos on stories that matter to you.

Follow us on Twitter and Instagram for fun, fresh and engaging content.

You can also find us on Facebook for more of your must-see news, features, videos and pictures from Turf Matters.

Ticking boxes across the board

/in , /by

Ticking boxes across the board: An FSI D60 tracked stump grinder has become the latest addition to the busy team at Proarb Professional Arboriculture – tackling commercial stump clearance tasks of all sizes and on all terrains.

Complementing a smaller grinder already on their fleet, Managing Director John Paul Williams explains that in the few short months following its delivery, the FSI D60 is already proving itself to be a robust and reliable workhorse.

Ticking boxes across the board

Ticking boxes across the board

Proarb Professional Arboriculture was established in 2003 and has gone on to set the benchmark for domestic and commercial vegetation management across North Wales and the North West. The team of 40 work on a number of large-scale commercial contracts, including in the area of utility arboriculture, which is what drove the demand for an upgrade on the existing stump clearance solution. “I had seen lots of positive feedback and comments on social media about FSI and, while it wasn’t a brand we’d used before, it impressed us from the first demonstration” explains John Paul.

Boasting a 60hp Hatz diesel engine, the FSI D60 delivers impressive power and productivity combined with class-leading manoeuvrability and traction. Efficiency is further improved with the full-feature remote control system which provides the best possible view of the work area and facilitates the clearance of stumps in hard-to-reach areas in full safety.

“The track base and remote control is incredibly important for us because of the variety of terrain we have to work on. With the FSI D60 we enjoy the versatility of being able to navigate fields and other rural areas as well as having the ability to work in small, confined spaces with limited access as narrow as 800mm. We can also tackle stumps of all shapes and sizes with the machines impressive 2.2m sweep.”

He continues, “It ticked a lot of boxes. Not only did it fit our requirements in terms of specification, but it was also clear the machine was very well-built, good attention to detail right down to the high quality of paint finish.”

“In addition, our experience with dealer’s GGM – particularly their Arb Product Manager Phil Edmondson – has been excellent” he adds. “In our line of work, downtime costs money, so good back-up support is incredibly important to us. We feel confident in the service we’ve had from both GGM and the team at FSI that we are in safe hands.”

For the latest industry news visit turfmatters.co.uk/news

Get all of the big headlines, pictures, opinions and videos on stories that matter to you.

Follow us on Twitter and Instagram for fun, fresh and engaging content.

You can also find us on Facebook for more of your must-see news, features, videos and pictures from Turf Matters.