Play your part in cutting carbon

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Play your part in cutting carbon: Here Anthony Nadalin, director of marketing at The Toro Company, explores how Paris is leading the way in the decarbonisation of a major European city and the role outdoor power equipment can have in helping local municipalities achieve this.

France is one of the nation’s leading the effort to decarbonise and improve city air quality for residents, commuters and tourists.

Play your part in cutting carbon

Play your part in cutting carbon

Currently, 12 urban areas in France – including in and around Paris – have implemented a low-emission zone, known as an m-EPZ. These initial zones are just the beginning, as an additional 31 towns and cities are set to implement similar schemes by 2025. Along with cutting carbon, low-emission zones have been implemented to improve urban air quality for those who reside or work within them.

As France’s capital city, you would expect Paris to be at the forefront of these measures. In fact, the French capital adopted its first climate action plan in 2007 and is currently implementing the third, covering 2020 – 2030. By 2050, the city aims to have achieved a 100% reduction in local emissions and an 80% reduction in its total carbon footprint, compared to 2004 levels.

At present, the focus of all of its low-emission zones is motor vehicles powered by fossil fuels. In practice, this means that only vehicles powered by modern, efficient petrol and diesel engines are permitted to enter a zone. By 2030, Paris will only allow battery and hydrogen-powered vehicles to enter the city and the surrounding areas.

However, for Paris to successfully reach its goal of reducing local carbon emissions by 100%, it will require outdoor power equipment – used by local municipalities and businesses – to transition from petrol to more sustainable alternatives such as battery.

Challenge and opportunity

This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for organisations using such equipment. The opportunity to get ahead of the curve by adopting all-electric machinery now. For commercial businesses, it demonstrates their commitment to sustainability, while also giving them first mover advantage. However, the challenge for municipal authorities and landscaping or groundskeeping professionals is whether they can transition to all-electric machinery without sacrificing productivity and increasing their costs.

Therefore, it is no surprise that many companies are turning to battery-powered outdoor power equipment manufacturers, such as Toro to find the right solution for them.

Leading the charge

Toro is leading the charge to help the people of Paris and beyond make the switch to cordless outdoor power equipment. Toro’s approach is based on three pillars: performance, ease of use and affordability.

A fundamental principle is that the all-electric versions must meet or exceed the performance of the petrol and diesel equivalents. This is why Toro’s Revolution Series products are commercial-grade equipment designed for professional use. For example, Toro’s proprietary HyperCell® battery system was developed to deliver all-day run times, helping meet the demands of various industries without hindering power or performance.

Ease of use means that all-electric machinery must be easy to operate with stress-free maintenance. It helps that Toro’s Revolution Series is built on the proven Grandstand® and Z Master® chassis and TURBO FORCE® platforms, meaning they’re familiar to contractors and service engineers.

Furthermore, Toro Total Care offers groundskeeping professionals 24/7 support while features such as integrated charging systems and software offer a more user-friendly experience.

There remains a lively debate around the cost of cordless equipment, but we believe we are winning the argument. For a long time, equipment rental companies have focused on the total cost of ownership rather than the ticket price. Calculating the lifetime costs of a piece of equipment – capital cost, fuel, service and maintenance, and end-of-life disposal – provides a much more accurate picture than how much it costs to buy.

For some time now we have seen increasing numbers of grounds care and gardening professionals start to view equipment in the same way – and in this light, cordless machinery represents greater value for money. Easy to maintain and cost-effective to run, it can also cut the total cost of ownership and contribute to greater business profitability.

To help companies understand the financial benefits of battery power, Toro has created a TCO calculator, enabling contractors and municipal authorities to calculate their operational return on investment.

Play your part

Paris is driving urban decarbonisation in France, with many other towns and cities following suit. By 2030, municipalities and landscaping or grounds care contractors will be driving into the Paris low-emission zone in electric or hydrogen vehicles. Surely it would look deeply incongruous and send the wrong message if these vehicles were carrying diesel or petrol-powered equipment?

Furthermore, as residents get used to cleaner and quieter vehicles, they will expect the same from the outdoor power equipment used to maintain their parks and open spaces.

Joining the transition to battery-powered OPE will play a huge role in achieving decarbonisation targets for businesses looking to join cities like Paris in transitioning to a cleaner, quieter and electrified future.

To find out more about how Toro is leading the charge, or to access its TCO calculator and begin investing in battery-powered equipment, visit: https://sites.toro.com/leadthecharge/index.html.

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Birkdale provides all you need

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Birkdale provides all you need: Birkdale has introduced five new additions to its SITEMATE® tools range: the Heavy Duty Professional Double Shovel Holer, Micro Shovel, Irish Pattern Long Handle Shovel, D-Handled Fencing Shovel and the Manual Fence Post Auger. Each tool has been developed with practicality and efficiency in mind, and the range helps to make high-quality fencing installations as simple as possible.

The Heavy Duty Professional Double Shovel Holer provides efficient removal of soil to create holes for fence posts. 1600m in length, it has been designed to offer enhanced leverage and grip, making soil and stone removal effortless. The scissor action handle provides greater closing power and a fully adjustable blade pitch enables the user to adjust the soil removal capacity, as they work to deliver deep, narrow, vertical sided post holes.

Birkdale provides all you need

Birkdale provides all you need

Another addition to the range is the handy Micro Shovel. Available in a square or round mouth option, it offers an ideal tool for digging or shovelling with precision and accuracy in tight or confined spaces. With a reinforced fibreglass shaft and soft grip handle, the shovel combines both comfort and practicality.

The Irish Pattern Long Handle Shovel is a versatile option, suitable for a wide variety of general landscaping and groundwork. Featuring a comfortable grip hardwood shaft, hardening steel socket and a V-shaped blade, angled for ergonomic digging and scooping, the shovel is highly durable and effective – ideal for contractors and use on building sites.

Also new to the range is the D-Handled Fencing Shovel. With the addition of the ‘D’ handle, the shovel provides an enhanced grip, leverage and comfort along with greater scooping capacity. The shovel incorporates a threaded plug at the top of the handle, allowing the handle tube to be filled with cement to add desired weight.

Finally, the versatile Manual Fence Post Auger, made from high-grade carbon steel, provides maximum speed, strength and quality. Ideal for drilling holes for fence posts, as well as planting shrubs and trees, it offers a fast and accurate method for producing 150mm diameter holes in all types of soil conditions. Furthermore, a removable steel handle means it is convenient to store away.

John Abernethie, Managing Director at Birkdale commented: “Our growing SITEMATE® tools range means that trade professionals can come to us for everything they need to get the fencing job complete, and in whatever conditions they face – quickly, easily and to a high standard.”

Birkdale offers a full range of fencing and gate solutions. For more information about its SITEMATE® range, visit https://www.birkdalesales.com/pages/stockists-sitemate.

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Bernhard Academy to sponsor technician

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Bernhard Academy to sponsor technician: The Bernhard Academy is excited to announce its sponsorship of an equipment technician for the upcoming 125th US Open, held at the prestigious Oakmont Country Club in Pennsylvania, USA. The Bernhard Academy is working in partnership with the Turf Equipment Technicians Organisation (T.E.T.O) to bring a new opportunity to the group. T.E.T.O has been created to improve recognition, opportunity, communication and education across our industry whilst creating valuable support networks.

The Bernhard Academy is presenting this unique opportunity, inviting experienced equipment technicians from the UK and Europe to apply for a single, coveted spot on the volunteer support team at Oakmont Country Club next June, where they will gain firsthand experience working on golf’s biggest stage at the 125th US Open.

Bernhard Academy to sponsor technician

Bernhard Academy to sponsor technician

“This is the opportunity of a lifetime for an enthusiastic equipment technician”, commented Sami Strutt, Education Director for the Bernhard Academy. “To prepare the golf course that will host the game’s best players provides an excellent chance to apply their technical skills, as well as getting a front-row seat to the US Open.”

The successful applicant will possess a minimum of three years’ experience as an equipment technician in a sports turf setting. Bernhard’s knowledge and excellence will be shared with the lucky volunteer, when they attend a training workshop at a Bernhard Academy venue, to ensure that they are fully prepared ahead of their trip to Oakmont. Applicants must be part of T.E.T.O to be eligible. Shortlisted candidates will be selected for online interviews, in the week commencing 9th December.

This sponsorship underscores the Bernhard Academy’s commitment to professional development and excellence in turf equipment management, offering technicians a chance to elevate their skills and gain international recognition. Interested applicants are encouraged to submit their applications promptly to take part in this extraordinary experience at one of golf’s most celebrated venues.

For further information on how to apply, please visit https://bernhardacademy.co.uk/tournamentvolunteer

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STS Arb Group move onwards and upwards

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STS Arb Group move onwards and upwards: Supporting the rapid growth and expansion of the Sussex Tree Specialists, an STS Arboricultural Group Company, is a trio of woodchippers from GreenMech.

Proud to be backing sustainable British-made products, Chief Operating Officer Darren Regan explains that the pair of EVO 165D’s and an EVO 205 SAFE-Trak are ticking the boxes for performance, safety and outstanding back up support.

STS Arb Group move onwards and upwards

STS Arb Group move onwards and upwards

Darren, who worked for one of the world’s largest stockbrokers for over three decades, is now applying his extensive experience in leading technology and compliance service operations to the arboriculture sector. He has teamed up with Matt Bell, the founder of Sussex Tree Specialists, to build on the fantastic business foundation Matt has already established. “Now we’re looking at how we can play our role in supporting diverse and productive woodlands, helping others within the sector, and expanding our offering,” Darren explains. “To do that, we need the right people and the right equipment to keep us at the forefront of our industry.”

With an ever-increasing order book from commercial customers including local authorities, highways, schools and housing associations, the group invested in the EVO 205 SAFE-Trak, delivered by dealers GA Groundcare Ltd in April 2024. “Our previous chipper was forever breaking down and the EVO 205 presented itself as more capable and in-line with what we were trying to deliver. It is constructed with quality components and materials giving us not only reliable chipping performance in the field, but also – as a British manufacturer – the peace of mind that parts and support is available locally should we ever need it.”

“Even more importantly, this machine excels when it comes to health and safety” he adds. The EVO 205D SAFE-Trak is fitted with GreenMech’s award-winning track-based system, allowing ground clearance of up to 530mm and offering unbeatable safety when traversing slopes or challenging terrain. “They’ve listened to the industry and know exactly what’s needed. GreenMech clearly have the same appetite for safety as we do, the machine is packed with features.”

“Delivered in August 2024, our pair of EVO 165D’s give us all of this assurance in a smaller package – ideal for smaller commercial jobs and the wealth of domestic work we still undertake” he adds.

“We have big ambitions for the Sussex Tree Specialists and the wider STS Group of companies, and with these machines on our fleet we feel we’ve made a big step in the right direction. We have also gained the support of some great people in the form of GreenMech and GA Groundcare Ltd into our network who will all undoubtedly help us as we move onwards and upwards!”

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Green-tech strengthens team

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Green-tech strengthens team: Green-tech has announced the appointment of four new starters who bring fresh skills and enthusiasm to support its busy sales department. All four will be vital in supporting the business growth targets by enhancing customer service, nurturing relationships, and identifying new growth opportunities across Green-tech’s trade, construction, and digital sales channels.

Andrew Buckle has joined as a Construction Sales Advisor. He will be managing accounts in the Flexible Lining Products division, which supplies pond liners, plastic grids, and membranes. Andrew is tasked with nurturing existing construction accounts while actively pursuing new business opportunities in this sector. His expertise will be instrumental in ensuring that customers receive the highest level of service and product knowledge.

Green-tech strengthens team

Green-tech strengthens team

Natalie Mumby has been appointed as Trade Centre Customer Services Assistant, a role central to maintaining a streamlined and efficient customer collection process. Natalie is responsible for managing a database of local accounts, providing a seamless collection experience, and introducing customers to the Trade Centre’s latest offerings. Her commitment to excellent customer service makes her a valuable asset in supporting Green-tech’s wider sales team and ensuring the Trade Centre remains a hub for local business growth.

India Lawrance and Jacob Ireland join as Trainee Sales Advisors. Both will focus on Green-tech’s long-standing customers, reviving dormant accounts, and generating new business leads. Additionally, they will assist the digital team in processing online orders and handling general enquiries. Their roles are designed to offer a step for a long and rewarding career within Green-tech.

Dean Jackson, Sales Manager at Green-tech, warmly welcomed the new starters, stating, “We’re delighted to have Andrew, Natalie, India, and Jacob join us at Green-tech. Each one brings a unique set of skills that will undoubtedly enrich our team. These appointments are part of our ongoing commitment to serve our current clients and expand our reach. I’m confident that their enthusiasm and dedication will have a positive impact on our customers and our goals for the future.”

Green-tech looks forward to the contributions these talented individuals will bring as they support the company’s continued growth and dedication to customer satisfaction.

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