Hibernian FC Goes Greener with Dennis ES-860’s

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Hibernian FC Goes Greener with Dennis ES-860’s: Hibernian Football Club, celebrated as Scotland’s greenest football club, has made significant strides in sustainable grounds management with the purchase of the Dennis ES-860 battery-powered mower.

Head Groundsman Steven Thomas has found the ES-860 invaluable for its maintenance efficiency, environmental benefits, and ability to meet early game day demands, reinforcing the club’s commitment to top-tier pitch quality and sustainability.

Hibernian FC Goes Greener with Dennis ES-860’s

Hibernian FC Goes Greener with Dennis ES-860’s

The Dennis ES-860 is a 34-inch battery-powered turf management system, renowned for its versatility, with 13 interchangeable cassette options that handle a wide array of essential tasks like cutting, scarifying, brushing, and verticutting. For Steven, this level of flexibility has been transformative in his approach to maintaining the stadium pitch at Hibernian.

“We’ve had the ES-860 for almost twelve months, and it’s exceeded all of my expectations,” Steven explains. “When I joined the club, we had limited machinery, and upgrading it was a priority. After testing a few brands, the difference with the ES-860 was night and day. As soon as I tried it on the pitch, I knew it was the one for us. The ease of use was far superior to anything we tried.”

Switching to battery power was also a strategic choice, aligning with the club’s environmental goals. As the first Scottish football club to join the UN Sports for Climate Action Framework, Hibernian is deeply committed to sustainability. “When I first started, Hibs had recently won an award for being the greenest football club in Scotland, and so getting the ES-860 was a no-brainer—it aligned perfectly with that recognition.”

The ES-860 has made a considerable difference in daily routines for Steven and his team. With its low noise level, the ES-860 enables the grounds team to start work earlier without disturbing nearby residents. “Where we store the equipment, there are adjacent houses,” says Steven. “Starting petrol mowers at 7 a.m. is challenging due to noise regulations, so having the ES-860 lets us get an early start without disturbing anyone.”

This quiet operation is invaluable for early kick-off days, especially when games are scheduled at 12 p.m. on Sundays. “For Sky Sports games, we often need the pitch ready by 8 a.m., which means cutting at 4 a.m. The ES-860 lets us meet this demand. It’s been a game-changer for those high-pressure mornings.”

This mower has become central to Hibernian’s daily maintenance, used up to twice a day in the summer and at least once a day during the winter. “The quality of cut and the quality of finish is first-class,” Steven adds.

The battery life of the ES-860 is another highlight. “After a year of use, the battery performance remains exceptional. Our rule of thumb is that it should be able to handle a full pitch cut once or twice, and it consistently does that without any issues. The battery life hasn’t dipped, which is key for me.”

Working with Dennis has also proved valuable beyond the machine itself. “The support from Dennis has been fantastic. In the past, I’ve had new machinery where, once sold, you never hear from them again. Dennis is different—the team is always on hand, ready to help, and go out of their way if I need them.”

With features that support both environmental initiatives and practical day-to-day demands, the Dennis ES-860 has become indispensable at Hibernian FC.

For further information or a no obligation demonstration, please contact Dennis 01332 824 777 or visit www.dennisuk.com

For more news, reviews and insightful views, you can follow Dennis on Twitter and Instagram @DennisMowers and like the company’s Facebook page – www.facebook.com/DennisMowersUK. You can also view the latest Dennis videos by visiting www.youtube.com/DennisMowers

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Lee Hatton becomes shareholder of FSI Stump Cutters

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Lee Hatton becomes shareholder of FSI Stump Cutters: It’s been an incredibly busy and exciting 15 months since the formation of the wholly owned UK subsidiary of FSI Stump Cutters.

The establishment and subsequent strengthening of a nationwide dealer partner network and the introduction of the higher horsepower FSI B31-980 are two of many significant developments – the latest of which is the announcement that Sales Director Lee Hatton has officially become a shareholder of FSI Stump Cutters UK Ltd.

Lee Hatton becomes shareholder of FSI Stump Cutters

Lee Hatton becomes shareholder of FSI Stump Cutters

Lee has been a major part of the success of FSI in the UK and Irish stump grinding markets throughout 2024. Coming from a background as an area sales manager, this hands-on experience and sales know-how has created strong foundations for Lee to support both new and highly experienced dealers across FSI’s UK partner network. He has become the port of call for new and prospective customers across the country, reaffirming the belief that owners and operators value interaction with FSI directly, as well as with their local FSI partner – resulting in increased sales and market share.

Engaging with end-users is something FSI as a manufacturer have always prioritised and is why, together with Lee, members of the Danish team have been present at all major UK shows and events. This not only demonstrates FSI’s commitment to the UK but provides a platform for end-user feedback and requests which are helping to shape future developments across the Engine, Hydraulic and Tractor-mounted range. This is something that is set to continue with FSI retaining a strong presence, in both staff and equipment, at The Arb Show this May.

“Lee has worked with us since the establishment of FSI UK and has not only shown impressive results in cooperation with our FSI Partner network, but also that he shares the values of FSI – especially his willingness to go the extra mile for both our customers and our dealers” comments FSI Stump Cutters Managing Director Kim Schmidt. “At FSI we’re in it for the long run, making sure we take the right decisions from day one. Making Lee a shareholder feels like the right decision to ensure progress and long-term stability in our UK subsidiary as we continue to grow.

Looking ahead, we’re in a stronger position than ever to delivering unmatched service and reliable stump grinding solutions for years to come.”

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Avant Tecno UK Unveils New Leguan 265

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Avant Tecno UK Unveils New Leguan 265: Avant Tecno UK has announced the launch of the highly anticipated Leguan 265, the latest and most advanced spider lift in the Leguan Lifts range.

Avant Tecno UK is excited to introduce this groundbreaking machine, which sets a new benchmark for efficiency, performance, and versatility.

Avant Tecno UK Unveils New Leguan 265

Avant Tecno UK Unveils New Leguan 265

A New Era of Efficiency and Performance

The Leguan 265 is designed to meet the evolving demands of professionals who require superior height access solutions without compromising on mobility and stability. With an impressive maximum working height of 26.5 metres, a 13.6-metre side reach, and a 250 kg lift capacity, the Leguan 265 delivers exceptional performance in various work environments, from construction sites to tree care and maintenance operations.

As the fastest 27-metre spider lift in the world, the Leguan 265 can fully extend its booms to maximum working height in just 1 minute and 35 seconds. This remarkable speed, combined with its rugged track system, unrivalled ground clearance, and market-leading low centre of gravity, ensures that operators can work more efficiently and confidently, even on the most challenging terrains.

Intelligent Design for Maximum Usability

The Leguan 265 is the flagship model of the Leguan all-terrain series, complementing the highly regarded 195 and 225 models. With a harmonised design, unified user interface, and standardised components across the range, the Leguan 265 is an ideal addition to rental fleets and professional operations requiring multiple lifts of varying heights.

Ease of use has been a primary focus in the development of the Leguan 265. Operators will benefit from an intuitive joystick control system, an electric rotation platform, and an automatic levelling system for quick and easy setup. The Leguan EDX operating system provides intelligent outreach monitoring, ensuring safe and smooth operation in any environment.

Unrivalled All-Terrain Capabilities

Built to conquer the toughest job sites, the Leguan 265 boasts an unmatched 45% gradeability and Elevated Driving Position (EDP) function, which allows for enhanced visibility and control when manoeuvring across difficult terrain. Whether working on soft ground, sloped surfaces, or confined spaces, the Leguan 265 delivers the stability and reliability professionals need to get the job done efficiently.

Standard and Optional Features for Every Application

Leguan Lifts are known for their well-equipped standard features, ensuring operators have everything they need for optimal performance. The Leguan 265 includes:

  • Leguan EDX Operating System
  • 21 hp Kubota diesel engine + 230V electric motor
  • Automatic engine RPM control and start-stop function
  • Proportional outreach monitoring system
  • JIB-boom with 120-degree operating range
  • Battery-powered emergency lowering system
  • Home/back-to-work function
  • Intuitive joystick control for seamless operation

For those looking to customise their machine, a range of optional features is available, including remote control for driving and outriggers, LED platform spotlights, tool trays, non-marking tracks, outrigger beacons, and engine heaters for colder climates.

This latest addition to the Leguan range reinforces Avant Tecno UK’s commitment to providing high-quality, innovative, and reliable machinery to its customers.

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

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Students Cultivate Career Insights at Conference

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Students Cultivate Career Insights at Conference: The next generation of horticulturists explored the diverse career paths available to them as Hadlow College hosted its annual Horticulture Higher Education Conference.

Students heard from a range of industry experts, gaining valuable insights into the opportunities their qualifications could unlock. The event opened with a keynote address from Carol Ford of Ford Synthesis, followed by former Hadlow College student Josh Blakey, now a Fruit Advisor at FAST LLP, who shared his experiences at the College and his journey into the sector.

Students Cultivate Career Insights at Conference

Students Cultivate Career Insights at Conference

Holly Russell and Jill Kooijman from Enza Zaden took the stage next, discussing the development of new vegetable varieties. They were followed by Adam Walker from the National Institute of Agricultural Botany (NIAB), who provided an overview of his work in sustainable pest control strategies aimed at reducing environmental impact.

The morning’s programme concluded with a talk from Sarah Calcutt, Chief Executive of City Harvest, a food charity that rescues surplus nutritious food from farms, manufacturers, wholesalers, and retailers, redistributing it to over 130,000 people a week through food poverty organisations.

The afternoon session began with Andrew Armitage, Associate Professor in Bioinformatics & Plant Pathology at the University of Greenwich, who set the stage for Billy Stott, owner of Stotts Nursery in Buckinghamshire.

Alan Frampton then spoke about his work at Cambridge HOK, a specialist in vertical farming, glasshouses, and energy solutions. He was followed by Adam Harrison, who shared insights into his role at Thanet Earth, Britain’s leading glasshouse complex and the principal sponsor of the Thanet Earth Centre of Excellence @ Hadlow College.

Rounding off the event was Steve Thomas, founder of Ample Marketplace, a digital platform launched in 2024 that enables farmers to sell excess fresh produce directly to buyers.

Alan Harvey, Hadlow College’s Head of Curriculum for Horticulture and Floristry, says: “I have been involved in delivering the Horticulture courses at Hadlow College for many years and its hugely rewarding to welcome back so many of our graduates to speak at our HE conference. We are also very grateful to many of the sponsors of the Centre of Excellence for also supporting this important event.”

Hadlow College offers a number of Higher Education courses, taught by industry professionals, with a strong focus on practical, job-related skills.

Horticulture students benefit from the Thanet Earth Centre of Excellence @ Hadlow College a groundbreaking partnership between the College, leading industry grower Thanet Earth, and research and innovation organisation Growing Kent & Medway. The Centre is based at the College’s state-of-the-art glasshouse, which is the UK’s first centre of excellence in greenhouse growing.

The College also has its own on-site residential accommodation that was graded as Outstanding by Ofsted last year.

To find out more about studying a Higher Education course at the College visit the University Centre section of the Hadlow College website.

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EGO proves it’s a cut above with new products

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EGO proves it’s a cut above with new products: After revolutionising the market in 2024 with its reimagined Pro X series, EGO Power Plus is harnessing new markets this year with a bold portfolio of products. With the adoption of battery power becoming more popular, customers will now have even more ways to use their EGO batteries.

This year, EGO is expanding its Lifestyle range – a selection of battery-powered outdoor power equipment for use in the garden and beyond – to grow its innovative capabilities and to give existing customers exciting new uses for their EGO ARC 56V lithium batteries. New additions to the range include the SK1800E Outdoor Speaker, FN1000E Mini-Misting Fan, WDV0900E Wet/Dry Vacuum, the BSP3500E 15L Backpack Sprayer and the ETA0800E Earth and Ice Auger.

EGO proves it’s a cut above with new products

EGO proves it’s a cut above with new products

Back in the garden, EGO has developed an exciting range of new products. Its flagship product for 2025 is the LM2230E-SP professional mower. Its largest mower to date, this 55cm mower with a super composite deck, can cut up to 2000 sqm on a single charge with a 10Ah battery. For those who prefer their lawn maintenance a little more automated, EGO is releasing its first robot mowers, the RM4000E and the RM2000E, which can seamlessly adapt to the complexities of any lawn. And for tidying up the edges, the ST1510E-T line trimmer puts the ease back into trimming with PowerloadTM Technology which loads the line in seconds at the push of a button.

Ideal for arborists, the CS1200E professional top-handled chainsaw is a compact, lightweight saw which cuts smoothly and simplifies tree work.

Back on the ground, EGO’s 2025 leaf blowers have been developed with even more power and performance. The LB6150E has a 1,045m3/h output in Boost mode, and 18.5N of air force while the LB6700E has 1,138m3/h output in Boost mode and a 20N air force for bigger tasks across large areas. After blowing the leaves into a pile, EGO is also making light work of clearing with its first ever 3-in-1 leaf vacuum, the LV5000E 3. With the capability of mulching leaves as they are collected, this tool has the power to tackle small to medium household clean-ups and easily converts from vacuum to blower.

Momentum continues this year with the Pro X series, which is designed for heavy-duty commercial users who need tools that can cope with the demands of a busy working day and be charged overnight. Coming this year, is EGO’s first Pro X multi-tool powerhead, which has been upgraded to ensure it is robust enough to tackle the toughest of jobs. Also joining the series is the new LBPX1100, which is one of the most powerful backpack blowers on the market and the LBX1000 which provides the power of a backpack blower in a handheld unit. All three tools form part of the new generation of Pro X tools with BLE connectivity built-in for status monitoring.

Steve Roskell, Marketing Director EMEA for EGO, said: “The demand for battery-powered outdoor power equipment has surged dramatically in recent years, and EGO is proud to be leading the charge as more users make the switch. Building on the success of our Pro X series last year, we’re excited to unveil even more ground-breaking and innovative products this year”.

Compatible with EGO’s range of multi-tools is the new STA1700 line trimmer attachment which features technologies for automatic line feeding and fast line replacement as well as EGO’s first Dethatcher attachment (DA1400) which removes the thatch layer between grass and soil for a healthier lawn.

To learn more about EGO’s 2025 product line-up, visit: https://egopowerplus.co.uk/

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