STIHL expands PPE range for safe forestry work

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STIHL expands PPE range for safe forestry work: STIHL has introduced a range of new additions to its professional personal protective equipment, designed to deliver outstanding comfort, protection, and mobility for forestry workers and arborists. 

Spanning the FUNCTION, DYNAMIC and ADVANCE collections, the latest additions combine durable materials, ergonomic designs and high-visibility details to ensure users stay safe and comfortable in all conditions.

STIHL expands PPE range for safe forestry work

STIHL expands PPE range for safe forestry work

FUNCTION 

STIHL’s FUNCTION range introduces the CORE collection, a water-repellent jacket and chainsaw trousers, designed for occasional chainsaw users.

The new FUNCTION CORE Chainsaw Trousers feature Design A, Class 1 classification, protecting against chain speeds of up to 20m per second. They are available in a regular fit and two-way stretch material for maximum comfort.

The new FUNCTION CORE trousers pair with the FUNCTION CORE Jacket, which is new to the same range. Providing market-leading durability, the design offers a relaxed fit, with lightweight and tear-resistant polyester. Black stretch fabric adorns its elbow and side areas for maximum comfort.

The range is complemented by the new FUNCTION Active Chainsaw Boot, which also provides Class 1 cut protection and EN 20345 S3 certification.

DYNAMIC 

Available in three variations, the new DuroTEC Cut Protection Trousers can be purchased with Class 1 or 2 protection levels and in Design A and C offerings, providing a suitable option for professionals facing a range of working conditions.

All versions offer a regular fit and stretch zones, with a water-repellent finish and kidney protection for maximum comfort. They also feature waterproofing at the lower part of the leg and provide robust abrasion protection.

To match, the DYNAMIC DuroTEC Jacket is durable and flexible. Like the trousers, the garment boasts a water-repellent finish and features abrasion-resistant zones. For added comfort, the jacket also offers four-way stretch material and ventilation openings.

ADVANCE 

New to STIHL’s premium ADVANCE PPE range, designed for professionals who need high-performance protective clothing, are the ShellTEC Jacket and ADVANCE FlexTEC trousers.

Offering a slimmer fit compared to the DYNAMIC and FUNCTION ranges, the ADVANCE FlexTEC trousers are Class 1 certified and are available in Design A and Design C.

With tick protection around the ankles, plus robust, waterproof and thorn-resistant fabrics around the knees and lower legs, the designs offer an ergonomic fit and breathable comfort. All with advanced four-way stretch zones and kidney protection.

The perfectly matched ShellTEC Jacket is a lightweight and durable option, with wind and waterproofing in strategic places. Its ergonomic fit, integrated stretch zones, and ventilation openings combine to offer freedom of movement and maximum comfort.

All trousers across the new FUNCTION, DYNAMIC, and ADVANCE ranges offer multiple pockets, waistband loops for attachment to braces, and are made from recycled material. STIHL’s range of jackets feature Velcro at the cuffs and a smartphone pocket on the chest as standard.

For more information on STIHL’s PPE ranges, visit www.stihl.co.uk or contact your nearest STIHL Approved Dealer.

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New generation of John Deere apprentices graduate

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New generation of John Deere apprentices graduate: More than fifty apprentices have graduated from John Deere’s renowned Ag Tech, Turf Tech, and Parts Tech programmes, joining dealerships across the UK and Ireland as qualified technicians and parts specialists.

The graduates, trained in partnership with ProVQ at the John Deere Apprentice Training Centre in Upper Saxondale, Nottinghamshire, were recognised at a special ceremony celebrating their achievement and the ongoing success of one of the longest-running manufacturer apprenticeship schemes in the industry.

New generation of John Deere apprentices graduate

New generation of John Deere apprentices graduate

Jacob Ellwood from the Thomas Sherriff dealership was named Technician Apprentice of the Year for 2025, while Alex Hind from Farol won the Parts Apprentice of the Year award. Both received trophies and iPads to mark their success.

Now in its fourth decade, John Deere’s apprenticeship scheme continues to evolve to meet the changing needs of modern machinery dealerships. The programme equips students with a mix of technical, diagnostic, and digital skills, alongside customer service and communication training.

“Our apprenticeships continue to play a vital role in developing the next generation of talent for our dealer network,” said John Deere Training Centre Manager Allan Cochran. “The industry is moving fast, with connected machines, advanced diagnostics, and precision technology becoming standard, so it’s essential that our apprentices leave fully prepared for those challenges. Seeing them graduate and take their next steps with our dealers is hugely rewarding.”

Apprentices on the Ag Tech and Turf Tech courses work towards the Land-Based Service Engineering Technician Level 3 qualification, while those on the Parts Tech route complete a Level 3 parts diploma.

The expanded Parts Tech programme, introduced last year, now includes greater emphasis on technical knowledge and customer interaction in response to the growing importance of John Deere’s aftermarket and service support.

An apprenticeship programme is also available to those working in the construction industry with the John Deere-owned Wirtgen Group.

Since its inception in 1992, the John Deere apprenticeship programme has supported well in excess of 1,200 young people to find skilled roles across the company’s worldwide dealership network. Recruitment for the next intake is now underway, offering school and college leavers the opportunity to build long-term careers in the agricultural and turf machinery industries.

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Royal Dornoch and its total Toro solution

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Royal Dornoch and its total Toro solution: In the highlands of Scotland Royal Dornoch is celebrating the handover of a £1.5 million Toro irrigation system for the Struie Course and the arrival of a fleet of all-electric ride-on Toro Greensmaster mowers and Workman utility vehicles.

Termed a ‘Toro Total Solutions’ customer when both Toro irrigation and machinery are selected for the complete care of the course, Royal Dornoch has been a loyal Toro customer of both for decades.

Royal Dornoch and its total Toro solution

Royal Dornoch and its total Toro solution

Replacing the irrigation on the Struie Course with a future-proof solution had been in discussion for many years. The club had acquired 50 acres of land with plans to build additional holes, including a new par‑3, and needed an irrigation infrastructure capable of supporting an expanded layout.

For this purpose, the club specified Lynx Smart Control System, Infinity 35 Multi Trajectory sprinklers, Infinity 55 Dual and Multi Trajectory sprinklers and 590G sprinklers with Precision Rotating Nozzles for the 18-hole course.

Explaining the reasons behind this decision General Manager Neil Hampton says, “The new system provides a robust and flexible backbone for current maintenance and new turf in future course development. It will be much better on the sustainability front: we won’t be using more water; the system will allow us to target where water is needed and control application from mobile phones and laptops.”

With the system operational since the beginning of 2025, Course Manager Eoin Riddell can confirm: “It’s already saving our greenkeepers a huge amount of time and effort; it makes watering so efficient. The benefits are significant all round – it’s good ecologically, financially and from an agronomy perspective, too.”

Robert Jackson, Division Manager at Reesink Hydro-Scapes, says, “So many people came together to ensure the smooth installation for Royal Dornoch: Adrian Mortram Associates, the installation team from Ocmis, Simon Squires from Toro and us as distributor. It’s credit to all involved that the project was completed on time and on budget.”

Meanwhile, the continuing choice of Toro machinery is down to its reliability, consistency and quality, says Neil: “Toro performs all day, every day for us. It takes a lot of stress away knowing you do not have to worry about that aspect of the business.

“We’ve always been able to trust Toro. There’s reliability in terms of performance as well as Toro always being at the forefront of new machinery research and development. As the expectations of golfers continue to increase, we need to provide the best conditions for play, and we can do that with Toro.”

The most recent machinery delivery includes four of the Toro Greensmaster eTriFlex 3370 mowers and eight Workman GTX Lithium-ion utility vehicles.

Eoin says, “We first invested in the electric Greensmaster eTriFlex when it launched in 2020 and they’ve proved year after year to be able to do the job we require with the benefit of being the sustainable option. Same with the utility vehicles. These machines are now a staple in our fleet.

“As well as all the previous reasons stated, the back up from Reesink is a big factor in our continuing loyalty, as is the interest that Toro shows in how we use the equipment.”

Mike Turnbull, Reesink Scotland Branch Manager, concludes: “We’re in a privileged position to understand Royal Dornoch’s requirements having worked with them for so long, and it’s a continuing pleasure to be able to support them as they maintain the high standards and move forward with exciting projects that will benefit the club for years to come.”

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Team Sprayers Showcases Groundcare Range at SALTEX

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Team Sprayers Showcases Groundcare Range at SALTEX: British manufacturer Team Sprayers is set to exhibit its latest range of ground care sprayers at SALTEX, the UK’s leading turf management event. Visitors to the stand will be able to see the company’s pedestrian, tractor-mounted, and trailed sprayers, all designed to deliver precision, reliability, and operator comfort for professionals working in sports turf, golf, and amenity environments.

On display will be the Vixen Pro SP pedestrian sprayer, widely praised for its low ground pressure, manoeuvrability, and user-friendly electric drive system. Alongside it, Team will showcase their Cub, Club and Demount Pro models, offering solutions for organisations of every scale.

Team Sprayers Showcases Groundcare Range at SALTEX

Team Sprayers Showcases Groundcare Range at SALTEX

With over 30 years of British manufacturing expertise, Team Sprayers combines robust engineering with practical innovation, ensuring turf managers can work efficiently without compromising quality.

Find Team Sprayers at SALTEX on stand G052 to discover their full range.

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