STIHL’s most powerful battery-powered hedge trimmers

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STIHL’s most powerful battery-powered hedge trimmers: Designed for professional landscapers, the HSA 140 R and HSA 140 T are the most powerful battery-powered hedge trimmers in the STIHL AP System, comparable in performance to the popular petrol HS 82.

Alongside its impressive performance, the HSA 140 also offers high levels of operator comfort. The new hedge trimmer weighs just 4.3 – 4.6 kg (without battery) and is comfortable to hold, balanced in operation, and features a rotating rear handle that locks into three positions across a 180-degree range, reducing wrist strain when working for extended periods of time on the same side of a hedge.

STIHL's most powerful battery-powered hedge trimmers

STIHL’s most powerful battery-powered hedge trimmers

The HSA 140 is quiet in operation, and thanks to the highly effective anti-vibration system, is suitable for long periods of use too. When cutting hedges with a petrol machine, the fumes can often collect within the hedge, resulting in a poor working environment for the user. Battery-powered machines such as the HSA 140 can eliminate this problem entirely.

Featuring 38mm tooth spacing, the HSA 140 R is best suited to annual pruning or hedge reduction work. Its lower maximum RPM of 3,200 also allows thicker branch material to enter the cutters efficiently. Alternatively, the HSA 140 T has a higher maximum RPM and smaller 30mm tooth spacing, making it better suited to ornamental or fine leaf hedges such as taxus, buxus or privet, where a fine finish is required.

The HSA 140 benefits from a new gearbox design, consisting of a two-step planetary gear. This results in exceptionally high cutting performance and fast cold start-up, as well as improved protection of the internal components thanks to the integrated slip clutch.

To help prevent the blades from jamming, the HSA 140 features an innovative anti-blocking system that reverses the motors rotational direction to unblock the blades, minimising product downtime and enhancing the efficiency of the tool.

The HSA 140 utilises the same friction optimised, double edged blades that feature on the HS 82 professional petrol models, resulting in long lasting sharpness, a consistently clean cut, and ample durability for long cutting seasons.

When used with the recommended AP 200 S battery, the HSA 140 R has a maximum working time of 150 minutes, while the HSA 140 T’s maximum working time is up to 140 minutes.

To find out more about the STIHL HSA 140, visit www.stihl.co.uk.

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ISEKI and Ipswich Town FC: A Winning Combination

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ISEKI and Ipswich Town FC: A Winning Combination: For over 20 years, Ipswich Town Football Club has trusted Iseki to help maintain pristine playing surfaces, ensuring every team at the club trains and plays on world class pitches.

This long-standing relationship has been built on quality, customer service, and a collaborative approach to finding the best solutions to evolving ground care demands. As Grounds Manager Ben Connell explains, Iseki’s proximity to the club has strengthened the bond, but the machines’ performance and reliability keep Ipswich Town coming back.

ISEKI and Ipswich Town FC: A Winning Combination

ISEKI and Ipswich Town FC: A Winning Combination

“The relationship with Iseki began before my time here, but it’s a strong working relationship that’s been going on for over 20 years,” Ben explains. “We’re not just using Iseki because they’re local, but because we’re very happy with all of the machinery and the versatility and quality it provides.”

From routine pitch maintenance to major renovations, ISEKI’s versatile range of tractors and mowers ensures Ipswich Town can maintain the highest standards across Playford Road training ground and at Portman Road.

SXG327: Elevating Presentation and Efficiency

One of the latest additions to Ipswich Town’s fleet is the Iseki SXG327, chosen specifically to enhance the presentation of areas surrounding the pitches at the training ground.

Ben explains: “We wanted a slightly different approach to tidying up the off-pitch areas. We’ve been using the TXG for many years with the under-slung mower, which doesn’t collect, and we really wanted to improve the presentation.

“So, we’ve gone for the SXG327 with the collector on the back, and the suction is fantastic. It keeps everything very tidy when we’re cutting, and it can get into every area we need it to. The team was thrilled when we got one, and they were all really happy to work with it.”

Beyond aesthetics, the SXG delivers significant time savings, especially during peak growth seasons.

“It’s not just about presentation; it’s also about efficiency,” Ben continues. “Instead of raking up excess grass, the SXG collects as it cuts. It’s a game-changer, particularly in the spring when the growth really takes off, and you’re cutting the off-pitch areas for the first time.”

TG Series: The Workhorse of the Grounds Team

While the SXG keeps off-pitch areas immaculate, the TG series takes care of the heavier lifting across all Ipswich Town’s grounds. They offer the versatility needed for a wide range of tasks, and the ability to quickly switch implements is an indispensable asset.

“The TGs are the workhorses of the grounds team,” Ben begins. “They’re incredibly versatile. We don’t need a specialist tractor for every job because we can just switch the implement and keep going.

“We use them for aeration, pitch maintenance, renovations, and seeding. Whether we’re stripping pitches with a Koro, sand spreading, or seeding, the TG handles it all. The tractor has good space, and the team really appreciates the air conditioning in the summer.”

TH Series: Power and Precision for Heavy Lifting

The TH series brings essential lifting and loading capabilities to the Ipswich Town grounds team. Designed for versatility and efficiency, this tractor plays a vital role in handling bulk materials, moving essential equipment, and assisting with pitch renovations. Its powerful front loader allows grounds staff to quickly and efficiently scoop and transport grass, sand, and other materials.

Durability is crucial for Ben and his team, and the TH series is built to withstand the rigours of daily use in a demanding environment. Its compact size makes it ideal for navigating the club’s grounds without causing unnecessary damage to the pitches. Whether preparing the stadium surface or maintaining the training ground, the TH’s reliable performance ensures the team can focus on delivering top-tier playing conditions for the players.

Stadium Tractors: A Tailored Approach

With Premier League football at Portman Road in the 2024/25 season, every match is watched by millions, making pitch perfection a top priority. Working with local Iseki dealer Ernest Doe, Ben wanted to address the weight of the machines and decided to use a cabless tractor on the stadium pitch with galaxy flotation turf tyres to eliminate any wheel marks.

“We’ve got two Isekis at the stadium—a TXG for smaller jobs like pulling trailers and a slightly larger 35-horsepower TH for more demanding tasks,” Ben explains. “The TH is fitted with galaxy turf tyres to minimise the impact on the pitch because we sometimes put a small seeder on the back of it. So, having those tyres allows us to maintain the playing surface with confidence that we won’t cause any damage.”

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Makita doubles battery warranty

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Makita doubles battery warranty: Leading power tool manufacturer Makita UK is enhancing its standard factory warranty policy on batteries from one to two years. Since the 1st April 2025, any genuine Makita battery purchased will automatically qualify for a two-year standard warranty without requiring any product registration, and this applies to XGT, LXT and CXT battery platforms.

Makita offers an extensive collection of power tools, cleaning machines, landscaping equipment, and more. Developed using market leading battery technology, the Makita range provides professionals with the ability to work flexibly, and for long periods of time. The increase in the standard factory warranty offers further confidence to users in the quality and reliability of Makita batteries.

Makita doubles battery warranty

Makita doubles battery warranty

“Makita batteries are developed using the latest technology to ensure products are powerful and built for tough, long-term professional use,” commented Tony Coleman, Technical Services Manager at Makita UK. “The new warranty applies to all genuine Makita batteries purchased in the UK from 1st April 2025 onwards and these batteries will automatically qualify without the need to register them. This is a clear indication of our confidence in the technology that underpins all of our products, as well as our commitment to supporting tradespeople across the UK.”

For more information about the warranty terms and conditions, or to explore Makita’s extensive range of products, visit: www.makitauk.com or speak to your local Makita merchant.

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Scissor-like perfection this spring

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Scissor-like perfection this spring: Bring a precise and perfect finish to greens this spring with Toro’s genuine bedknives and cylinders.

As warmer temperatures create the ideal conditions for fast turf growth, increasing the frequency of cuts while maintaining a clean, consistent finish becomes essential.

Scissor-like perfection this spring

Scissor-like perfection this spring

But increased use doesn’t mean anything other than the perfect finish with Toro genuine bedknives and cylinders. They are engineered to be perfectly balanced, delivering a scissor-like result for the greatest precision and healthiest turf.

As the UK’s sole distributor of Toro parts, Reesink Turfcare is reminding customers that genuine is best for a flawless cut on every pass. Reesink’s support ensures golf clubs are equipped with the durable and reliable performance parts they need to keep their machines – and their courses – in peak condition.

Michael Hampton, Purchasing and Sales Process Manager at Reesink Turfcare, explains: “At this time of year, bedknives and cylinders are in near-constant use. These are high-wear parts that directly affect the quality of cut, so using genuine Toro replacements is key: they’re manufactured to fit the original machine perfectly and ensure top performance from the first cut to the last.”

Toro genuine parts are built with the same engineering expertise that goes into every machine on the production line. With rigorous testing and high-quality materials, they’re designed for long-lasting performance and reduced downtime – something no aftermarket ‘will-fit’ alternative can match.

“If the bedknife isn’t perfectly flat, it won’t touch the entire length of the cylinder to deliver a precision cut. And that’s an essential part of how a cylinder mower is built,” says Michael. “Fitting anything less than the real thing risks causing inconsistent results, uneven finishes and avoidable wear on your machines.”

Reesink Turfcare is committed to supporting greenkeeping professionals with the parts and advice they need to keep their equipment in top condition, improving overall performance and longevity.

“We know budgets are under pressure,” Michael adds. “But cutting corners with critical components like these might lead to higher costs over time due to increased downtime or premature machine wear caused by non-genuine parts. That’s why we’re proud to support our dealers in providing customers with the highest-quality Toro parts. Making the right investment now will pay dividends throughout the season.”

The full range of Toro bedknives and cylinders is available through all Toro dealers and Reesink branches across the UK. To find your nearest Toro dealer or Reesink branch, visit reesinkturfcare.co.uk.

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