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Makita expands LXT range

Makita expands LXT range: Makita UK is dedicated to offering professionals a wide range of power tools and garden machinery products that they can rely on across any task. As part of the company’s ongoing mission to expand its cordless offering, Makita has launched the LM001CZ 36V LXT Brushless Lawnmower.

For professional landscapers and groundskeepers, having the freedom to move around the work area without restriction is key to achieving quality results. The LM001CZ is powered by Makita’s leading LXT cordless technology so it offers maximum flexibility and increased safety, as there is no need to transport fuel and no emissions are released during operation.

Makita expands LXT range

Makita expands LXT range

The LM001CZ is powered by a 36V high power drive system using Makita’s portable power packs (backpack battery systems) for long, continuous mowing. Operators can choose between the PDC01 that utilises four replaceable 18V LXT batteries or the PDC1200 33Ah solid state battery. To maximise productivity further, the LM001CZ can deliver high no load speeds of up to 2,800rpm. With three cutting modes to choose from and the ability to adjust the cutting height (20mm – 100mm) to suit the terrain, users can ensure the machine is optimised to suit its working environment.

Mark Earles, Business Development Manager for garden machinery at Makita said: “The LM001CZ is a durable machine, meaning users do not have to worry about expensive ongoing maintenance costs. We know that when working outdoors, machines need to be able to withstand the unpredictable British weather, which is why the LM001CZ has been designed with IPX4 rating for improved water resistance. It also features a robust steel cutting deck and built-in ball bearings on the axels for added durability.”

The LM001CZ has been designed to ensure operator comfort and control with two stage handle height adjustment and soft start technology. The self-propelled function also minimises user fatigue – and it can be easily turned on using a switch lever. For ease, the grass box has a grass level indicator to signal the correct time for emptying.

The LM001CZ joins Makita’s extensive range of over 270 LXT cordless products, enabling users to easily swap between tasks and tools on site. To find out more about Makita and its LXT machines visit: www.makitauk.com

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Be blown away by Makita 40V

Be blown away by Makita 40V: Leading power tool manufacturer Makita UK has expanded its range of powerful XGT cordless machines with the launch of the UB001G XGT 40VMax Brushless Blower. The UB001G delivers the high output professionals need to tackle more demanding applications with ease.

The UB001G makes light work of high-demand tasks thanks to its brushless motor that means it can deliver high no load speeds (up to 23,000rpm) and air volume (up to 16.0m3min). In boost mode the UB001G also has a maximum blowing force of 17N, which is more than enough to handle larger quantities of garden debris.

Be blown away by Makita 40V

Be blown away by Makita 40V

For optimal operation, the UB001G features variable speed control that allows users to adjust the output depending on the task. In addition, the cruise control function enables users to lock the variable speed control trigger at the desired output level. Constant speed control also works to maintain output and maximise efficiency.

The UB001G has a three-stage telescopic long nozzle, making it suitable for a wide range of projects. Like all XGT machines, it has also been designed so that it is resistant to water splashes, which is ideal for those working outside in unpredictable weather.

The UB001G is lightweight and compact, keeping user fatigue to a minimum and enabling single-handed operation. To improve user safety, the UB001G produces low noise emissions.

Mark Earles, Business Development Manager for garden machinery at Makita said: “This is an exciting product launch for Makita, as it marks the further expansion of our XGT 40VMax range. The UB001G joins a growing range of XGT models directly suited to the landscaping and outdoor maintenance sectors. We are delighted to be able to offer professionals a selection of powerful machines that they can use to tackle more demanding outdoor tasks.”

To find out more and see Makita’s full range of garden machinery products visit: www.makitauk.com.

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Grass Health Watch 2021

Grass Health Watch 2021: Recently, Mike Heisig from FairWay Awards reported that, so far this year, sports turf grass health in the UK was struggling to keep pace with levels seen this time last year. The data was collated from around 50 satellite readings up and down the country.

The results from the satellite tracking using the Kleffmann Digital Biomass Index (KBDI) shows the UK as whole was 5% behind in March 2021 in terms of grass health/vitality levels compared with the same point in 2020.

Grass Health Watch 2021

Grass Health Watch 2021

Mike Heisig from FairWay Awards digs deeper into the numbers. Mike explains:

“The national figure is an average that disguises some significant regional variations. In the table below each region is based on Met Office Climate Regions and as such each has its own potential attainable health level.”

“Up to the end of March 2021 grass health and vitality was running at a deficit in most regions except Scotland. Of most concern was the South East.”

“Because we know the April 2020 KDVI health levels on the same sports grass areas, we can take these as a estimate of the potential KDVI that we could expect 12 months later at the end of April 2021.

Grass Health Watch 2021

Grass Health Watch 2021

“The next diagram gives some indication of the uplift in health and vitality that were required by the end of April 2021 to put each region of the UK back on track. “

“In the next 2021 Grass Health Watch update we will have the April results and will look forward at where we might get to in May and June which is when we normally expect to experience the highest levels of grass health in the year.”

What about the grass at your club?

You can register for free 3-month no commitment trial of satellite biomass data for your club.

Get the benefits of the Precision Sports Turf Revolution:

  • Spot grass health problems before they are visible
  • Save money on inputs where they are not required
  • Apply inputs according the needs of the grass
  • Make better environmental decisions

Regular updates on grass health through 2021 at www.fairwayawards.com or follow @FairWayAwards on twitter

Join the Sports Turf Revolution contact Mike Heisig: Mike-Heisig@btconnect.com

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S&C Slatter celebrates 30 years

S&C Slatter celebrates 30 years: Leading sports construction specialists S&C Slatter celebrate 30th anniversary of family-owned business

Founded in 1991 by Stephen and Caroline Slatter, the Newbury based company is a leading provider of sports facilities and estate infrastructure for the sports, leisure and education sectors, and has earned an exceptional reputation for quality and service resulting in continued growth over 30 years.

S&C Slatter celebrates 30 years

S&C Slatter celebrates 30 years

Enjoying rapid expansion under the leadership of current CEO, David Slatter, the company has a long list of achievements to its name, from becoming the world’s first International Hockey Federation (FIH) Certified Field Builder to delivering Europe’s first Major League Baseball field at the London Stadium.

The company shows no sign of slowing down, currently constructing two world-class athletics tracks as part of the Alexander Stadium redevelopment, while recently announcing an exclusive new finance partnership with Buckingham Leasing, allowing clients to spread the cost of new sports pitches, courts and tracks over time.

Jason Douglass, Group Director, The Slatter Group commented:

In my 10+ years at the company, it’s been a pleasure to witness such enormous growth, thanks in no small part to the continued leadership and presence of the Slatter family. The shared vision, intelligence, direction and integrity in which the business and employees operate reflect our heritage, advancement and the core family values upon which S&C Slatter was founded.”

Ben O’Connor, Managing Director of S&C Slatter, presented members of the Slatter family with a 30th anniversary gift at the company offices in Enborne, while company staff delivered personal video messages, enabling everyone to join in with the celebrations despite coronavirus restrictions.

Ben commented:

“S&C Slatter’s legacy extends beyond just the thousands of fantastic sports facilities we have delivered in the last 30 years. The long-term employment, personal development and incomes the company has provided for families based both locally and nationally is a source of great pride. We’re honoured to have built a company with long-term sustainable growth and a team of brilliant individuals that thrives together, with a deep-rooted commitment to honesty and integrity.”

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Etesia goal achieved

Etesia goal achieved: It was a brand of mower he always wanted and now, Lee Norris, owner of Four Seasons Gardening, is the proud owner of four brand new Etesia pedestrian mowers.

Eight years ago, Lee Norris took the decision to start his own business and was equipped only with a lawnmower and an old Ford Fiesta. Fast forward to 2021, and his company now has five members of staff and boasts a glowing reputation throughout South Wales.

Etesia goal achieved

Etesia goal achieved

Lee pinpoints the success of the company to the advice and criticism he received from his mentor.

“When I was 18 years old, I started working with a landscaping company and I had never pushed a mower in my life,” he said. “I went everywhere with the owner and he taught me everything I needed to know. He was an absolute perfectionist, and his work was so precise and neat. If, for example, I left just one leaf on a driveway then he would quickly let me know about it! I often wondered why he gave me a hard time but now I know – he was showing me that it is the little things that go an incredibly long way.”

Lee and his team now tend to many private and commercial projects and it is these high standards which has ensured that the company has never lost a contract. These standards demanded by Lee, not only apply to work ethic, but also to the equipment – and there is one brand that he has always had in his sights.

“I first heard of Etesia many years ago when I was first starting out in the industry,” he said. “Someone in the local area had one and he used to rave about how good it was and how it could cut and collect in the wet. I saw him using it and from that day I was adamant that one day I was going to get one.

“As the years progressed, and my company grew nothing had changed – I was forever telling the guys that soon we will have a fleet of Etesia mowers to use.”

Etesia UK also came from relatively humble beginnings. Although a revolutionary and market-leading brand in France, Etesia entered the UK market in 1995 with only one walk- behind and one ride-on machine. Over the years Etesia UK has grown rapidly and now offers a wide range of products that include a variety of walk-behind, ride-on mowers and the highly regarded Attila range of brush cutters.

With an extensive range of products in the Etesia portfolio, Lee was keen to ensure he made the correct decision.

“I knew that I wanted some Etesia mowers, but I just didn’t know which models I needed,” he said. “I messaged the Etesia Facebook page and following that I received a call from Stephen Muir (Etesia UK Business Development Manager) and he gave me all the advice I needed. He asked me about what I do, what the mowers would be used for, where they would be used, and we talked through all the different models. We eventually decided on the PRO 46 PHTS3’s.

Etesia’s renowned PRO 46 pedestrian models are robust, reliable, ergonomic, and easy to use. Lee opted for the single speed self-propelled option, but a push variant (PHE3) is also available. The design of these models has been proven over many years and has an unbeatable record of quality and performance unrivalled in its class. They provide outstanding collection performance, even if the grass is long and wet – something that Etesia has prided itself on over the past 30 years.

Further features include:

  • Capable of mowing and also of mulching
  • Individual height of cut adjusters
  • Collection: grass is only cut once before being sent to the grass box
  • Internal aerodynamics of the housing and the wide channel eliminates any risk of blockage.
  • Superb rear wheel traction to offer perfect grip on slopes
  • Integrated deflector for rear discharge
  • 22mm handlebar design
  • The latest Honda GCV170 engine

Lee purchased four PRO 46 PHTS3’s and believes they have certainly lived up to his expectations.

“I can’t praise these machines enough,” he said. “There is one particular site we look after, and it has just over 10,000 sq. ft of grass and it is always thick, wet and lush. With our previous mowers we had to always go over it initially, then push it all back and go over them again. However, the first time we put the new Etesia mowers over it, they literally went straight through all the grass and the clippings went directly into the box – all in one go. We no longer have the hassle of stopping and starting or cleaning the decks out. These Etesia mowers are saving us so much time.

“They are smooth and quiet, and they are absolutely solid – which I love,” continued Lee. “I also like the height adjusters being at the front and the back because it gives us the opportunity to do bank work; so, if we are on a slope then we can raise the back and drop the front, to level it out to ensure that we get a good cut.

“The customer service from Etesia has been great at all times and I’m just very happy with the purchase.”

For further information, please contact Etesia UK on 01295 680120 or visit www.etesia.co.uk.

You can also follow Etesia on Twitter @EtesiaUK for much more news, reviews and insightful views.

For the latest industry news visit turfmatters.co.uk/news

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