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STIHL launches updated pole pruner range

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STIHL launches updated pole pruner range: STIHL has launched the new HTA 66 and HTA 86, updating its range of lightweight and powerful cordless pole pruners, designed for both domestic users, as well as landscaping and gardening professionals and arborists.

Replacing the popular HTA 65 and HTA 85 models, the new long-reach cordless pole pruners are equipped with a 1/4” PM3 saw chain as standard, offering users precise, high cutting performance, ideal for grounds maintenance, orchards, tree maintenance and arboriculture tasks.

STIHL launches updated pole pruner range

STIHL launches updated pole pruner range

The battery slot is repositioned to make these pole pruners exceptionally well balanced, providing easier handling and reduced fatigue when working over longer periods.

Both the HTA 66 and HTA 86 feature a powerful EC motor that allows the user to vary chain speed with their finger, and the tools impress with quick acceleration, no emissions and a low noise output, meaning no ear defenders are required.

Both models feature a new ergonomic control handle with an intuitive, yet well thought out start-up process to ensure the tool is only started when intended. The new handle design also ensures that the tool is comfortable to use whether right-handed or left-handed and features anti-slip protection for further safety and comfort.

The HTA 66 has an overall length of 240cm, whilst the HTA 86 has a newly designed square telescopic shaft that not only can be adjusted between 270cm and 390cm without tools, but also offers high shaft stiffness to protect against twisting and deflection for precise positioning even at full extension.

In addition, the cutting lengths of 25cm (HTA 66) and 30cm (HTA 86) enable even thicker branches to be shortened precisely and efficiently. A new robust branch hook on both models helps with removing loose cuttings.

Other features include simple chain tensioning that makes it easy to re-tension the saw chain, as well as the captive nut on the sprocket cover that allows for a quick chain change. In addition, users can always keep track of oil levels thanks to the semi-transparent oil tank and the patented innovative lock allows the tank to be opened and closed quickly without tools and minimum effort.

Both the HTA 66 and HTA 86 can be used with STIHL’s high-performance 36V AP battery system and are compatible with more than 20 tools to meet the needs of a wide range of gardens and applications.

For more information on STIHL’s range of cordless pole pruners, please visit www.stihl.co.uk.

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Kawasaki build quality a key factor

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Kawasaki build quality a key factor: Kawasaki’s engine build quality has been cited as one of the contributing factors to Lawn Care Legend John Ryan’s self-employed business success. Along with its power, durability, reliability and performance.

John has been a lawn care contractor at his company, John’s Lawn Mowing Services in Bangor Northern Ireland for 23 years, he’s also the founder of one of the fastest growing social media groups in the lawn care industry, so it wouldn’t be a stretch to claim that what he doesn’t know about lawn care isn’t worth knowing.

Kawasaki build quality a key factor

Kawasaki build quality a key factor

Working as a solo operator delivering high quality, reliable and affordable grass cutting, John has learned along the way the value of having the right machinery for the job. He says: “It’s easy to think you need the job first then the machine, but the truth is you need to reverse that thinking. I’ve been there with the wrong machinery and all it delivered was headache after headache, lots of stopping and starting and unnecessary wear and tear on the machine.

“I started taking my influence from successful businesses around me and Kawasaki came up time and again for its reliability and productivity. I learnt that when you have a small team, having efficient machinery is like having another couple of people. It’s the best investment you’ll make for your business and if you compromise on quality, you compromise on profitability and success.”

In his fleet John has three mowers powered by Kawasaki engines. His Ferris 36-inch Soft Ride Stand-on SRS and Ariens Zenith 60 Zero-Turn mower both feature a powerful, heavy-duty Kawasaki FX engine, while Kawasaki’s FJ180V KAI – a durable, commercial-quality single cylinder engine – powers his Weibang pedestrian mower.

So, what makes machines powered by Kawasaki such a safe bet? Lots of reasons, but significantly the quality of their engineering, raw materials and components. The FJ180V KAI and FX Series engines all feature metal engine covers, for example, to protect them throughout a life of heavy commercial use and repeated transport from job to job. Both also use dual-stage, high particle capture air filters, for a cleaner air intake, vital for combustion efficiency and engine performance. Cast iron is chosen to line the engine cylinders – a material highly resistant to the wear, temperature and pressure inside the engine cylinder. Added to that, everyone who assembles a Kawasaki engine also rigorously inspects it, and every finished engine, not just a sample, is test-run before being sold – a major contributory factor to Kawasaki’s reliability, durability and consistency.

John says about these choices: “Kawasaki is a name that speaks for itself and my machines have never let me down. As we all know if you’re not cutting, you’re not earning, so downtime has always been a deciding factor in my machinery choices. With these machines, downtime is absolutely minimal and I can get a lot done in a lot less time.”

It’s not just the machinery to which John attributes to his success, it’s the support of a good dealer too. He says: “Dealers are the backbone of the industry and a decent one will pull out all the stops to help you. As a commercial contractor and it being just me, that’s been something I’ve relied on in my career and it’s played a big part in the success of the business. Not having that support can result in a knock-on effect to your schedule and can set you back, delaying other jobs.”

Alongside build quality, power, performance and reliability, John says the ergonomics and aesthetics of the machine is important too: “The Kawasaki name speaks for itself. When you turn up to a job with machines powered by Kawasaki, it instils confidence in customers and represents the sign of a professional outfit.”

And all these factors have certainly proved effective for John; if 23 years industry experience, a thriving contract business, and 5000 Lawn Care Legends Social Media followers are anything to go by!

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Tearing up of playing fields “selfish”

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Tearing up of playing fields “selfish”: Playing fields have been torn up by quadbikes, motorbikes and cars – days before they were due to welcome back young sportspeople.

Read the full article from The Bolton News here

Tearing up of playing fields "selfish"

Tearing up of playing fields “selfish”

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BIGGA and Jacobsen to host FTMI

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BIGGA and Jacobsen to host FTMI: The British & International Golf Greenkeepers Association has revealed the 20 ambitious greenkeepers who will participate in the Future Turf Managers Initiative 2021. 

Each year Jacobsen, which celebrates its 100thanniversary in 2021, opens the doors of its headquarters in Ipswich to 20 BIGGA members who have earned a place on the groundbreaking course by demonstrating their commitment to the profession and eagerness to learn.

BIGGA and Jacobsen to host FTMI

BIGGA and Jacobsen to host FTMI

Due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, BIGGA and Jacobsen have created a new format for FTMI that will give the delegates a hybrid learning experience. The majority of the education and mentoring sessions will commence in April. An in-person event is then scheduled to take place in the autumn, which will enable delegates to meet in person and enjoy a tour of the Jacobsen factory. There will also be a learning session and formal graduation ceremony.

Each year FTMI pushes 20 BIGGA members out of their comfort zones, but in return they receive access to professional development experts and experienced mentors who provide them with a wide range of knowledge and skills that will prove invaluable as their careers progress.

FTMI was hosted first by BIGGA and Jacobsen 2013 and since then has expanded around the world, with similar programmes being introduced in Spain, Portugal, Australia and New Zealand.

Sami Strutt, Head of Learning and Development at BIGGA, said: “FTMI 2020 was one of the last in-person events hosted by BIGGA before the pandemic really hit and all our worlds changed. Since then BIGGA members have come to realise just how important continuing professional development can be for your own mental health and how it helps provide a platform where so many of us can come together as a community, albeit in socially-distanced manners.

“We’re told that the coronavirus pandemic will impact the economy for years to come and as part of that, competition for jobs is going to be fiercer than ever. I’m proud that these 20 successful candidates will be equipped with the best tools available to them to make the step up and achieve their career ambitions.”

BIGGA and Jacobsen to host FTMI

BIGGA and Jacobsen to host FTMI

Will Carr, Jacobsen UK Sales Director said: “We are a proud member of the turf industry and work daily with greenkeepers, grounds people and volunteers who all share a passion for their turf asset. That overarching passion has always been there, but in recent times it has been highlighted.

“The level of dedication from professionals through to volunteers is always outstanding and we have tried to match that in our own way with educational programmes such as the Future Turf Managers Initiative and by sponsoring various industry events and awards that recognize great work and dedication.”

The members of the FTMI Class of 2021 are:

  • Leon Brant, greenkeeper, Wexham Park Golf Centre
  • Christopher Clark, first assistant, Prince’s Golf Club
  • William Curran, assistant, Crowborough Beacon Golf Club
  • Daryn Curtis, assistant, Royal Mid-Surrey Golf Club
  • Vincent Demarzo, deputy head greenkeeper, The Belfry
  • Anthony Dineen, deputy head greenkeeper, Thorndon Park Golf Club
  • Paul Fowkes, deputy head greenkeeper, Rothley Park Golf Club
  • John Hockley, deputy head greenkeeper, Royal Cinque Ports Golf Club
  • Conchobhar Kerr, first assistant, Royal Portrush Golf Club
  • Stephen Lawlor, first assistant, St Andrews Links Trust
  • Stephen Lindsay, deputy golf courses manager, The Gleneagles Hotel
  • Jason Norwood, greenkeeper, Reay Golf Club
  • Simon Parmenter, deputy head greenkeeper, Sunningdale Golf Club
  • Liam Pigden, first assistant, Burnham and Berrow Golf Club
  • Mark Reid, first assistant, Lanark Golf Club
  • Joseph Spadaccini, greenkeeper, Stoneham Golf Club
  • Andrew Weeks, deputy head greenkeeper, The Wisley Golf Club
  • Craig Woodman, greenkeeper, Bramshaw Golf Club
  • Jamie Wright, first assistant, Huntercombe Golf Club

Kimberley Yeldham, deputy head greenkeeper, Barnham Broom Hotel Golf Club

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SuDS – its inevitable evolution

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SuDS – its inevitable evolution: This article looks at SuDS direction of travel. Teeth sharpening stuff and it will bite and bite hard, because it must.

SuDS direction of travel

Whilst many in the construction industry focus on return on capital, the market they seek customers from is conducting completely different calculations. The market is interested in bio-diversity, carbon, climate change, contaminants, drought, ecology, environment, flood, plastics, pollutants et al. Money associated to these concerns used to be termed the ‘Green Pound’, stereotyped around middle aged, woolly jumpered tree huggers. Not now. The ‘Green Pound’ is now just the pound in your pocket, nature has gone mainstream. We are becoming a nation of environmentally aware conscious consumers driven by the younger classes who have awoken to the damaging cumulative effect of years of poor government and planning policy

SuDS - its inevitable evolution

SuDS – its inevitable evolution

The world that construction sits in is undergoing a seismic shift. And drainage is one issue at the heart of this.

Flooding is bad for us – welcome to the blame culture

Flooding might make spectacular TV but it is a disaster for people affected. When you attend a flood site and see the aftermath, it’s not great viewing at all. Homeowners with front gardens piled up with their carpets, cupboards, kitchens, sofas, TVs – not fun at all. Worse still is that more and more houses are being affected by flooding.

Then there is the less obvious affect of flooding, that’s to be found in the sewage treatment plants of water companies. In an extreme rainfall event, flash floods can soon overrun a treatment plant and the water company has a straight choice – either to block the flow of water coming in or open the flow for water and sewage to move out downstream. Blocking the incoming flow results in foul and stormwater backing up and homeowners toilets filling with raw sewage and so it is always the downstream option that wins out. However, the COVID lockdown resulted in many people turning to rivers to swim in and then they discovered that there were some real nasties floating around.

Flooded houses and businesses, raw sewage floating in our rivers: someone has to be blamed. In short order the blame will normally fall on the Environment Agency, the Local Authority or the water company. They will in turn blame the institution that has no voice, nature who after all is where climate change comes from. But even that argument is unravelling fast, as greater focus looks at failed drainage designs that allow for mass storm water run-offs from the built environment.

Drought is even worse for us

If you had a choice of too much water or no water, what would you choose?

Whilst the UK has a surplus of water compared to demand, demand is growing in line with population growth and the UK will soon run a water deficit. Combine that with an extreme drought event and then we will be in a proper mess. Some of our streams and rivers, gone. Their eco-system destroyed. Water plants, gone. Water insects, gone. Fish, gone. Birds, gone. All gone and maybe never to recover.

SuDS to the rescue – helping deal with drought and flood

SuDS is about allowing rain to fall pretty much as it always has on the land. The rain infiltrates and percolates its merry way to aquifers and water courses that are vital to sustain our eco-systems. Mankind, however, has had different ideas. Through drainage design we became used to capturing all that rain into one place, stick it in a big pipe, chuck it into a sewer or watercourse and then wish it “bon voyage” as it travels ultimately out to sea and is lost forever.

SuDS drainage looks for ‘at source’ solutions, allowing storm water more time to find its way to aquifers and water courses that it has supported for millennia, helping prevent run-off and flooding. It naturally recharges aquifers and water courses, supporting drought resilience of eco-systems.

Construction versus the Great & the Good

The big guns are now ganging up to force climate and nature into the construction industry. It’s no longer the well-known names banging the environmental drum: Attenborough, Friends of the Earth, Greenpeace, Greta and Prince Charles have now been joined by the United Nations, International Governments, UKGov, Devolved Assemblies, Local Authorities and the uber-wealthy, such as Bill Gates. They all say enough is enough. Protecting the natural world and seeing ourselves as part of it is now mainstream politics and it’s looking for action and change, root and branch. Drainage means water and water means sustainable environments.

SuDS – will bite soon

The built environment has an unfortunate track record. It has too often ignored natures claims and allowed profit to dominate. It won’t be long before the environmental impact of drainage design for any development will be measured by a new yardstick. This will be for any developer to conclusively prove ecological sustainability for drainage or face automatic planning refusal. If that happens then SuDS will have made a huge impact and the sooner it does so, the better.

About our SuDS 2021 campaign

This takes the form of a series of emails, setting out how we see the market positioning of SuDS, its future, its efficacy, how we use it to improve economic value of construction sites and consumer behavioural dynamics that it can harness to change its future.

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

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