Dennis ES-510 Delivers Electric Performance

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Dennis ES-510 Delivers Electric Performance: Keswick’s two flagship parks – Hope Park and Fitz Park – nestled in the heart of the Lake District in Cumbria, are setting the standard for sustainable grounds maintenance thanks to the exceptional performance of three Dennis ES-510 battery-powered mowers.

The move to electric machinery was spearheaded by Christine Fawcett, Parks Manager at Keswick Town Council, following the council’s bold step to declare a climate emergency. “Keswick Town Council and Keswick Parks declared a climate emergency six years ago,” Christine explains. “So obviously things had to change with fossil fuelled maintenance machinery, and we started looking for battery alternatives.”

Dennis ES-510 Delivers Electric Performance

Dennis ES-510 Delivers Electric Performance

The parks team had been long-time users of the petrol-powered Dennis FT510, known for its reliability and versatility – particularly its interchangeable cassette system. When Dennis introduced the battery-powered ES-510, which retained compatibility with the same range of cassettes, the transition was a natural progression.

“We’d built up a full suite of cassettes over the years,” says Christine. “From scarifiers to brushes, verticutter, sorrel roller and cutting cassettes – we rely on all of them throughout the year to deliver high standards of turf care. When the ES-510 came out, it looked like the perfect time to make the change to battery. And because the cassettes were compatible, we didn’t need to start from scratch.”

In fact, Keswick’s parks team became the first users in the UK to adopt an electric Dennis machine three years ago and now operate three ES-510s across both Hope and Fitz Parks.

Hope Park is a popular destination for visitors, featuring a nine-hole pitch and putt course and a large putting green. Fitz Park, affectionately known as the ‘people’s park’, is home to a bowling green, five grass tennis courts, an 18-hole putting course, and serves as the base for local sports clubs including Keswick Football Club, the bowling and tennis clubs, athletics, and cricket. Both parks are owned by charitable trusts and maintained by a dedicated in-house team overseen by Christine.

One ES-510 can handle a significant workload in a single day – cutting the bowling green, two grass-court tennis courts, and nine holes on the pitch and putt – with the battery lasting comfortably through the day. “It gets charged overnight and it’s ready to go again the next day,” says Christine.

The machines play a crucial role in Keswick’s fine turf maintenance regime. Christine explains: “We start the season with light verticutting and brushing to clean the surfaces and remove debris. Once the season starts, we usually verticut every three weeks or so, depending on the weather. Cutting typically happens twice a week, usually on a Monday and Thursday. At the end of the season, we scarify the greens and tennis courts before overseeding in late September.”

For the team, the switch to battery has brought many advantages. “We really like the flexibility – you can adjust the walking pace, set the cylinder speed depending on the task, and even keep track of how far you’ve walked in a day,” Christine adds. “It makes the job easier and more tailored to the person using it.”

Now in their third season, the Dennis ES-510s are proving their worth across Keswick’s green spaces – helping the town meet its sustainability goals without compromising on quality. “The ES-510s have helped us maintain our sports surfaces to a high standard while reducing our environmental impact – and that’s something we’re really proud of.”

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 X 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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SVR 1500 Proves Vital for Stoke City

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SVR 1500 Proves Vital for Stoke City: Stoke City FC’s long-standing Grounds Manager, Andy Jackson, believes that synthetic pitches demand more attention than people might expect – and that’s exactly why the Syn-Pro by SISIS SVR 1500 has become an essential part of his maintenance regime at the training ground.

“We carry out around eight to ten hours of maintenance work each week on our synthetic pitch,” says Andy, who has been with the club for over 30 years. “People forget that synthetic pitches require a lot more maintenance than they think. But if you stay on top of it and do it properly, it can make a huge difference to the longevity and quality of the surface.”

SVR 1500 Proves Vital for Stoke City

SVR 1500 Proves Vital for Stoke City

The SVR 1500 – a two-in-one deep cleaning and decompaction machine – plays a central role in that strategy. Part of Syn-Pro by SISIS range, the SVR 1500 has been in regular use at Stoke’s training ground for the past two years, and Andy has been thoroughly impressed.

“We wanted a machine that was robust, simple to use and gives us the quality finish that we require. The SVR 1500 cleans the surface, distributes the rubber evenly, and leaves a good finish.”

Used primarily in the spring and summer months when conditions are dry, the SVR 1500 is ideal for ensuring the rubber doesn’t clump together. It also allows Andy’s team to carry out both light and deep cleans as and when needed.

For Andy, usability is just as important as performance. “I don’t want something that takes hours to set up with lots of buttons or settings. With this machine, it’s just so simple – If we don’t want to go too deep, we don’t have to. It’s simple to set the machine to how you want it.

When you’ve got a big team, it’s important that the machines we use are staff friendly.”

The SVR 1500’s effectiveness in removing debris also came as a surprise. “I was shocked when I first looked at the baskets at the back of the filters. I didn’t realise how much debris it was collecting – and that prompted us to use it even more regularly.”

Beyond the machine’s contribution to synthetic surface management, it aligns well with Andy’s wider philosophy in terms of longevity and sustainability. Stoke City FC is proudly pesticide-free – a decision made over a decade ago and one that continues to challenge and inspire the grounds team.

“If something’s got a shelf life of 10 years, can we get 12 years out of it? Can we get 14 years? That’s the aim. Because it’s a massive job to take a synthetic carpet out and put a new one in and then recycling that carpet is not easy. So, we want to expand the life of the synthetic pitch as much as we can – and the SVR 1500 helps us do that.

“For me, having a good support network is crucial – from fertilisers to machinery to line marking. You’ve got to have the right people around you, and the right tools in the garage. And sometimes, the hardest thing is doing nothing. Just looking at the pitch and saying: today, she just needs a rest.”

With Andy’s passion for sustainable practices, and top-quality playing surfaces, it’s no surprise the SVR 1500 has become a mainstay in Stoke City FC’s maintenance plan.

For further information or a no obligation demonstration, please contact Syn-Pro by SISIS on 01332 824 777 or visit www.synprobysisis.com

For more news, reviews and insightful views, you can follow Syn-Pro on Twitter or Instagram @synprobysisis and like the company’s Facebook page – https://www.facebook.com/SynPro-by-SISIS.

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STIHL’s first single-sided battery-powered hedge trimmers

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STIHL’s first single-sided battery-powered hedge trimmers: Single-sided hedge trimmers offer numerous benefits, including a longer and lighter cutting bar, as well as improved safety. Designed for professional landscapers, the HSA 150 R and HSA 150 T are the first single-sided hedge trimmers in the STIHL AP System, comparable in performance to the popular petrol HS 87.

Available in lengths of 75cm or 100cm, the HSA 150 comes equipped with a catcher plate as standard, increasing the speed at which the top of hedges can be cut.

STIHL's first single-sided battery-powered hedge trimmers

STIHL’s first single-sided battery-powered hedge trimmers

Alongside the impressive performance, the HSA 150 also offers high levels of operator comfort. The new hedge trimmer weighs just 4.3 – 4.7 kg (without battery) and is comfortable to hold thanks to the ergonomic handle grips. The wide grip stance, combined with the central centre of gravity, allows the HSA 150 to be pivoted with ease, resulting in minimal strain to the operators’ wrists or arms.

The HSA 150 is quiet in operation, and thanks to its 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 150 can eliminate this problem entirely.

Featuring 38mm tooth spacing, the HSA 150 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 150 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 150 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 150 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 150 utilises the same friction optimised, double edged blades that feature on the HS 87 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 150 R has a maximum working time of 150 minutes, while the HSA 150 T’s maximum working time is up to 140 minutes.

To find out more about the STIHL HSA 150, visit www.stihl.co.uk.

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The Workhorse Behind Toberona Stables’ Success

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The Workhorse Behind Toberona Stables’ Success: For Paul Nolan and his team at Toberona Stables in Enniscorthy, Co. Wexford, the Avant 423 compact loader has proven to be an indispensable asset in managing their busy equine operations.

Specialising in training racehorses, Toberona Stables accommodates over 60 horses in training, with an additional 50-60 horses on-site for resale. The farm transitioned from sheep and tillage farming to a full-fledged racing yard just a few decades ago, and the Avant 423 has been essential to their ongoing success.

The Workhorse Behind Toberona Stables’ Success

The Workhorse Behind Toberona Stables’ Success

“We’ve been doing this for 30 years now,” explains Paul. “We used to farm sheep and do tillage, but we decided to make the switch to horses. We are now a full horse farm with a training yard, focusing exclusively on racehorses.” With such a busy operation, efficiency is key, and the Avant 423 has become essential in helping the team streamline daily tasks.

The Avant 423, a compact and highly versatile compact loader, is used extensively throughout the year at Toberona Stables. The machine’s hydrostatic drive system, with just a forward and reverse pedal, makes it incredibly easy to operate, even for those without prior machinery experience.

“We had heard about the Avant and saw one in action, and we really liked what we saw,” says Paul. “We had another machine here before, and it wasn’t nearly as versatile. It was awkward to use, and compared to the Avant, it didn’t match up at all. Now, we couldn’t imagine managing without the Avant. It’s the best machine we’ve ever had on the farm.”

The Avant 423’s compact size makes it ideal for manoeuvring in tight spaces, such as in the stables or along narrow pathways, yet it packs enough power to perform a range of tasks efficiently.

“We use the Avant for a whole range of duties,” Paul notes. “We use it for feeding the horses, pulling trailers with hay, loading barrows with wood chips or shavings, and sweeping the yard. It does a lot of hours every day and is used 365 days a year without fail.”

One of the standout features of the Avant 423 is its versatility, made even more efficient by its range of attachments. Paul and his team use several attachments to tackle the different tasks required on a horse farm.

“We have a brush, a bucket, and a grab,” explains Paul. “The grab is great for mucking out the stables. The brush attachment is a game changer—it sweeps the entire yard and deposits everything into the dung heap. It doesn’t leave anything behind.”

Before acquiring the Avant, the team used other equipment, such as road sweepers, but none proved as effective as the Avant’s brush attachment.

“Before, one man would need a whole day to sweep the yard,” Paul recalls. “We had brushes on the back of the tractor, but they didn’t work half as well as the Avant. It does the work of 3-4 men and gets the job done in no time.

Paul also credits Ferrybridge, the authorised Avant dealer, for providing exceptional service and support. When Ferrybridge first became an Avant dealer, Paul was the first to purchase an Avant machine in the area, and he has never looked back.

“Service is crucial, especially these days when it’s hard to get people round for repairs or maintenance,” Paul says. “Having a good dealer like Ferrybridge has been a blessing. Any issues we’ve had have been resolved within a day, and their service is always first-class. We know we can always count on them.”

The Avant 423 isn’t just about feeding horses and cleaning stables. Paul’s team also uses it for specialised tasks like maintaining the gallops, which are crucial for the horses’ training.

“We use an electric sprayer, which we put in the bucket on the Avant,” says Paul. “We use it to spray the sides of the gallops to control weeds. It’s so easy to drive along with the Avant and spray.”

The Avant 423 has proven itself as a vital tool at Toberona Stables. Its combination of power, versatility, and ease of use has made it the go-to machine for a variety of tasks that keep the yard running smoothly. For Paul and his team, the Avant is more than just a piece of equipment—it’s an essential part of their daily operations.

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

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EGO launches first robotic mowers

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EGO launches first robotic mowers: EGO Power+ is adding not one, but two robotic lawnmowers to its portfolio of battery-powered outdoor power equipment.

EGO’s first robotic tools, the RM4000E and the RM2000E can automate mowing for lawns up to 4000m2 and 2000m2 respectively, meaning users can now sit back and let the mower do the leg work.

EGO launches first robotic mowers

EGO launches first robotic mowers

Andrew Frohock, IoT Product Manager for EGO comments: “Re-defining the way that our customers can care for their lawns, our GPS-supported boundary wire robotic mowers use three pivoting blades to deliver a 24cm cutting width, combined with some innovative mowing features, they offer outstanding cutting performance.”

The EGO robotic mowers are part of a select few boundary wire machines on the market to provide systematic mowing, which delivers a more efficient working practice. The systematic mowing feature enables the mower to cut grass systematically in parallel tracks, providing the most efficient coverage, especially in complex lawn layouts. Likewise, the smart GPS navigation promotes even coverage and reduces wear on the lawn around the charging station. RM2000E and RM4000E are capable of navigating gradients of up to 50%, in challenging and complex spaces.

Users benefit from a choice of simple control settings, with the schedule and mowing settings of both mowers easily adjusted by an intuitive 3.5-inch colour touchscreen display. Also fully connected, the mowers can also be optimised for remote control using the EGO Connect App. Adding the mower to the app offers full live status visibility of the mower via a cellular data connection – meaning the mower is always accessible, wherever you are in the world.

Andrew continues: “By using the EGO Connect app, users can see a map of their lawn, the mower’s live location and details of what areas have been covered so far. And for enhanced usability, the remote-control function in the app enables users to tell the robot mower to drive, park, pause or schedule its work time. Other features, such as changing the LED colour, weather features and software updates enable users to customise their mower and keep it up to date.”

The robot mowers also incorporate advanced sensing and monitoring capabilities, rain, lift and tilt sensors to protect the user, lawn and machine during operation; and GPS tracking to provide advanced warning and traceability in the event of theft.

The RM4000E retails at £2099 and the RM2000E retails at £1699.

For more information visit: https://egopowerplus.co.uk/products/robotic-mowers

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