New GreenMech chipper impresses new Course Manager

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New GreenMech chipper impresses new Course Manager: 2024 saw a number of new additions to the team at Ashridge Golf Club. Together with a new Course Manager in the form of George Little, just two months later was the arrival of a ChipMaster 220 TMP (CM220TMP) woodchipper from GreenMech.

Purchased to keep on top of routine woodland maintenance, it’s delivery in September was incredibly timely as – set among thousands of acres of National Trust-owned woodland – the team braced for the impacts of a wet and blustery winter season.

New GreenMech chipper impresses new Course Manager

New GreenMech chipper impresses new Course Manager

Heading up a team of 10, George joined Ashridge in July following seven years spent at the nearby Dunstable Downs Golf Club. One of the main responsibilities of his new role was to take charge of the heavy woodland, lending itself to the popular tree-lined 18-hole course. “The team would be keeping on top of routine pruning and general removal of old or unsightly branches but, without our own chipper, would stack these up in piles awaiting the availability of a hire machine” George explains. “To stop these backlogs the club decided to invest in our own woodchipper and opted for the CM220TMP from GreenMech.”

Promising maximum chipping output with minimal investment, the CM220TMP is driven by the PTO shaft and uses its own hydraulic oil to power the rollers. It combines a large 9” capacity with a small, light footprint – something that’s incredibly important for George. “We’re always conscious of avoiding traffic on particularly sensitive areas, so rather than loading brash and timber into trailers and transporting it, we can now take the GreenMech to the exact location and chip. Reducing the risk of damage, it also speeds up the process by 300%.”

“We knew the machine would be helpful, but in a few short months we’ve used it a lot more than we thought we would to the point that I’d go as far as to say we now couldn’t live without it!” Alongside routine pruning of the boundaries, which George says it’s been brilliant for, the CM220TMP also came to the rescue of a number of silver birch that fell victim to the winter storms. “Again, we had the ability to hook up the chipper and take it exactly where it was needed, to quickly and easily deal with the damage.”

“It has definitely impressed us and has undoubtedly brought improved productivity to our woodland work.” He adds, “We’ve also had a good experience with dealers Avant South East Limited and GreenMech’s Neal Hussey who delivered a thorough induction and has been on hand to help us with any questions. It’s, overall, been a very positive addition to the fleet.”

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Lantra Announces Appointment of Next CEO

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Lantra Announces Appointment of Next CEO: Lantra is pleased to announce the appointment of Nick Juba as its new CEO. Nick will be joining the business in June.

Nick joins Lantra with a wealth of experience as a Director, Chief Executive and Non-Executive Director.  Starting his career at the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority before progressing to become a consultant to the European Commission. Nick then worked in the Higher Education sector, leading the University of the Arts Awarding Body where he drove a successful growth strategy.

Lantra Announces Appointment of Next CEO

Lantra Announces Appointment of Next CEO

He then held Chief Executive positions in Further Education, before moving to his current post at Capita Group Plc where he has been Director of Learning since 2020 overseeing the delivery of all shore-based education and training for the Royal Navy and the Royal Marines.

Chair of the Lantra Board of Trustees, Dr David Llewellyn, said:

“We are delighted that Nick Juba will be joining Lantra at an exciting time for the organisation.  Nick will bring a wealth of experience in skills development and training, from the world of education and latterly, from a commercial environment, leading the delivery of education and training across the entire Royal Navy and the Royal Marines”.

“Lantra is working hard to support skills development and training in the land-based and environment sector, and to invest in activities that will help policy makers recognise the vital role that these industries play in the national economy.  We are certain that Nick will play an important part in these activities as well as in Lantra’s wider connections with the land-based industries across the UK”.

“We would also like to pay tribute to our current CEO, Marcus Potter, who will be retiring later this year when Nick takes on his new post.  Marcus has made an enormous contribution to Lantra, and our partners, over the last decade and we wish him all the very best in his forthcoming retirement”.

Commenting on his appointment, Nick said: “I have spent the last 25 years working to improve outcomes for learners across further, higher and technical education and I care passionately about the role skills play in supporting individuals, communities and businesses to achieve their goals.

“I am both excited and humbled by the opportunity to join Lantra and to support the land-based and environment sectors to flourish in a time of policy, environmental and technological change.

“I hope to meet as many of you as possible in my first few months in post and to work in partnership to deliver the skills we need for the success of our local, regional and national economies”.

Lantra continues to work proactively with the land-based and environment sector to ensure that skills needs are met through the development of high-quality training and qualifications.

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Makita’s latest launch scrubs up well

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Makita’s latest launch scrubs up well: Makita has expanded its range of 40VMax XGT cleaning products with the launch of the high-performance PS001G Scrubber Polisher.

A versatile option, by changing the brush or pad attachment, it can undertake a variety of tasks in a range of interior and exterior applications, including cleaning dirt and removing stains, as well as polishing wax on floors.

Makita's latest launch scrubs up well

Makita’s latest launch scrubs up well

The cordless PS001G Scrubber Polisher is ideal for both inside and outdoors as it is IPX4-rated for splash protection. It can be used for hard floor coverings that require deep cleaning and polishing such as tile, marble or concrete, and across a wide range of settings including schools, hospitals, warehouses, shopping centres, and courtyards.

Users will benefit from its lightweight construction, which makes it easy to manoeuvre. For hard-to-reach areas such as walls or tiled floor joints, the splash guard can be removed for closer access. The handle can also be adjusted up to 354mm and the comfortable grip ensures the PS001G can be used over prolonged periods. A handy built-in job light allows users to see clearly in areas where visibility is restricted, helping to ensure all areas are cleaned.

The scrubber is also designed with reverse rotation, which allows for different brushes and cleaning pads to be fitted and removed without the use of additional tools or the need for the operator to touch the cleaning accessory with their hands. Whether performing a deep clean or a light buff, there are a range of floor pads and brushes available to cater for all cleaning and polishing requirements.

Powered by one Makita 40VMax XGT battery, the PS001G can provide up to 140 minutes of use. A soft start feature brings the machine up to power in a gentle increase and three speed options (low, medium, and high) allow users to match speed to application with constant speed control to ensure stable operation. Finally, it has been designed with a brushless motor, which means less friction, translating into more power, performance, and runtime as well as offering the additional advantage that replacement brushes are not needed.

Andrew Farrell, Key Account Manager – Special Projects at Makita, said: “Cleaning contractors and facilities management teams should find that the PS001G Scrubber Polisher makes an excellent addition to their range of equipment, helping to improve productivity and the quality of cleaning. The machine is powerful, versatile and designed to be comfortable and easy to use, making it an ideal option for a wide range of premises.”

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

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