STIHL launches PKA 30 battery-powered pump head

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STIHL launches PKA 30 battery-powered pump head: Designed for efficient and precise application, STIHL has launched the PKA 30 battery-powered pump head, delivering automatic and constant pressure for even spraying and pumping of water, without the need for manual pumping, saving users time and boosting productivity. 

Providing a consistent pressure range between 1.5 to 2.5 bars, the pump head uses the STIHL AS System battery and can be added to the STIHL SG 30 manual sprayer or cut-off machine water tank. It is easily adjusted to suit a range of applications, optimising the amount of liquid applied or water flow required, while reducing waste.

STIHL launches PKA 30 battery-powered pump head

STIHL launches PKA 30 battery-powered pump head

For ultimate convenience, the pump automatically switches off when the tank is empty, or when no longer in use. This helps to reduce energy consumption, extend battery life, and minimise maintenance costs over the tool’s lifecycle.

For simple and intelligent operation, the pump head includes variable pressure adjustments, an easy-to-use ON/OFF switch, and a clear battery level indicator, ensuring that users can work efficiently. Weighing just 0.9 kg (without battery), this compact pump head is a lightweight, portable solution for everyday use.

The PKA 30 has an air compressor pump which prevents liquid contact inside the pump system, reducing the risk of deposits, for smooth operation during prolonged use.

To learn more about the STIHL PKA 30 battery-powered pump head, visit www.stihl.co.uk.

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Green-tech’s Londonderry Depot Fully Stocked

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Green-tech’s Londonderry Depot Fully Stocked: Green-tech has confirmed that its Irish depot in Londonderry is now fully stocked with 75L bags of composted bark and chip bark, ready for immediate dispatch to landscapers and contractors across Ireland.

The Londonderry depot was opened three years ago to strengthen Green-tech’s service offering in Ireland, providing trade customers with direct access to an extensive range of landscaping materials, eliminating the delays associated with cross-sea delivery. The depot ensures faster turnaround times, improved stock availability and local support for professional landscapers, foresters and landowners.

Green-tech’s Londonderry Depot Fully Stocked

Green-tech’s Londonderry Depot Fully Stocked

Composted and chip bark remains one of Green-tech’s most sought-after products among landscape professionals. It provides practical and environmental benefits, including weed suppression, moisture retention, temperature regulation and long-term soil improvement. When used as part of a sustainable landscaping scheme, bark also supports biodiversity and helps to reduce ongoing maintenance requirements, which is being increasingly requested across Ireland’s growing landscape and horticultural industries.

Green-tech reports that it has witnessed a shift towards sustainable and multifunctional landscaping in Ireland, with urban projects placing a greater emphasis on eco-conscious design and resilient green infrastructure. High-quality barks and mulches are essential components of these developments, helping to achieve both visual impact and environmental performance.

Gavin Saunders, Green-tech’s Business Development Manager for Ireland, commented, “Landscaping professionals in Ireland want quality materials delivered on time and at the right price. By holding composted bark and chip bark in stock locally, we are helping contractors plan more efficiently and complete projects without unnecessary delays. It is all about giving our customers the products they need, when they need them.”

The Londonderry depot holds a comprehensive range of landscaping essentials, including bark, composts, topsoil, tree planting materials and ground protection products. All are backed by Green-tech’s technical expertise, sustainable sourcing, and commitment to supporting the professional landscaping sector across the UK and Ireland.

Contractors can order for collection or delivery directly from the Londonderry depot, ensuring dependable supply, professional advice and industry-leading service from one of the most trusted names in landscaping.

For further information, to check current stock levels, or make bulk loose enquiries, contact Gavin Saunders on 07594 514012 or visit www.green-tech.co.uk

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The jewel in the crown – ECHO’s DCS-3500T

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The jewel in the crown – ECHO’s DCS-3500T: ECHO have recently launched the DCS-3500T, a 56V battery top handle chainsaw. It joins the much praised DCS-2500T in the extensive 56V professional line-up.

The DCS-3500T is capable of taking on bigger jobs than its smaller sibling, as a result of a longer 35cm (14”) bar and, by swapping to the 252Wh battery, more power. But it is still lightweight and compact in design, making it highly manoeuvrable. Switching to the larger battery also means longer runtimes – very useful when climbing.

The jewel in the crown – ECHO’s DCS-3500T

The jewel in the crown – ECHO’s DCS-3500T

With safety in mind, ECHO have introduced a 2-step, single-finger throttle lockout safety system which prevents accidental activation. Additional safety and comfort comes in the form of the patented QuickDraw hook enabling hooking and unhooking with just one hand, while the reduced gap between the roller chain catcher and the sprocket guard prevents accidental climbing rope damage.

Other useful features include an air inlet filter that prevents dirt and dust from entering the cooling passage, electronics and motor compartment, providing less maintenance and longer lifetime. A drop prevention nut and side chain access tensioner come as standard for quick chain adjustment.

The ECHO DCS-3500T is available now from ECHO dealers nationwide and is priced at £499 (inc-VAT) without battery and charger.

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GroundsFest Academy Shines a Light on Irrigation

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GroundsFest Academy Shines a Light on Irrigation: The latest free GroundsFest Academy event once again proved a huge success, this time focusing on Irrigation Maintenance in partnership with Origin Amenity Solutions (OAS).

Held at the impressive Throws Farm Research and Technology Centre in Great Dunmow, Essex – the heart of OAS’s research and development activity – attendees were treated to a day packed with hands-on learning, expert demonstrations, and practical advice. The facility, which boasts trial areas, greenhouses, and advanced turf analysis equipment, provided the perfect backdrop for a day dedicated to improving irrigation knowledge and techniques across the turf and amenity sectors.

GroundsFest Academy Shines a Light on Irrigation

GroundsFest Academy Shines a Light on Irrigation

The CPD-accredited event guided participants through the fundamentals of irrigation systems, installation best practices, troubleshooting, and the latest innovations in irrigation technology. Sessions were designed to be practical and interactive, allowing attendees to get hands-on experience and take away knowledge that could be directly applied at their own sites.

Peter Robin from Origin Amenity Solutions, who led several sessions, said: “My purpose today was to help people understand how to make their irrigation systems better. A lot of sites have old systems that aren’t performing as they should, leading to issues like dry patch and poor turf uniformity. With a better understanding of hydraulics, people can make small tweaks that make a big difference.”

The event attracted a wide range of attendees from across the UK — from schools and sports clubs to golf courses and local authorities — all eager to build their knowledge and share experiences.

Christian Bath, Grounds and Gardens Supervisor at Haileybury School, attended to build confidence in maintaining both new and ageing irrigation systems: “We’ve recently had a new system put in alongside an old one that’s not working so well. Today really helped me understand the troubleshooting side — how to identify problems at the source and resolve them without unnecessary disruption. These events are so valuable because they encourage networking and show that others are facing the same challenges.”

For Joshua Weir, Greenkeeper at Llantrisant & Pontyclun Golf Club, the accessibility of the

GroundsFest Academy stood out: “Being free opens it up to a much wider audience because not every club or individual can afford to travel or pay for events. I’ve got a book full of notes and once I explain how well the day went, I’m sure my boss will send me to more Academy events.”

The sentiment was echoed by Esteve Sanchez, Groundsperson at Fulham Football Club:

“Right now, at Fulham FC we have are having a massive extension of irrigation, and so it is good to enhance our irrigation knowledge. I think this is a brilliant initiative from GroundsFest – these Academy events help bring the industry together and build knowledge on several different topics.”

John Hall from Hertfordshire Bowls agreed: “Today was a fantastic learning curve. We’ve gained a much better understanding of the systems we use and how to eliminate problems. Networking with others has been educational in itself – it can even help you save money by understanding how to do things better.”

Reflecting on another successful event, Bradley Tennant, Director of Education at the GroundsFest Academy, said: “We’ve had a really good mix of people attend today, from football and golf clubs to bowls clubs and landscaping companies. It’s fantastic to see the diversity in the industry and the enthusiasm to keep learning. It’s been another brilliant day for the GroundsFest Academy – and we’ve got an exciting 12 months ahead, so watch this space!”

With each event continuing to attract strong numbers and positive feedback, the GroundsFest Academy is firmly establishing itself as one of the most valuable free learning resources in the grounds care and landscaping sectors — giving professionals and volunteers at every level the chance to expand their skills, share knowledge, and strengthen the future of the industry.

For more information, please visit www.groundsfestacademy.com

You can also follow GroundsFest on X, Facebook and Instagram @GroundsFestAcademy for much more news, reviews and insightful views

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Trimax Unveils OptiAdjust at Saltex 2025

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Trimax Unveils OptiAdjust at Saltex 2025: Trimax will launch its latest innovation, OptiAdjust, at Saltex 2025. This groundbreaking system allows operators to change mowing heights without leaving the cab, improving productivity, safety, and cut quality.

Visitors can see OptiAdjust in action on the Trimax stand. Integrated with the Trimax Connect app, OptiAdjust enables operators to adjust cutting heights between 10–80 mm instantly from inside the tractor — reducing downtime, improving workflow, and ensuring greater precision across every pass.

Trimax Unveils OptiAdjust at Saltex 2025

Trimax Unveils OptiAdjust at Saltex 2025

“OptiAdjust is all about giving operators smarter, safer control and increased productivity,” said Rikki Bown, Business Development Manager at Trimax. “It’s a major step forward in mower efficiency and ease of use.”

In addition to OptiAdjust, Trimax will also showcase its proven range of commercial rotary and flail mowers:

  • Striker – Ideal for use on compact tractors, the Striker is a multi-spindled rotary mower offering superb presentation, easy operation, and extremely low maintenance — perfect for sports clubs and private estates.
  • ProCut S5 – Built for full-time commercial use, the ProCut S5 roller mower delivers a high-quality cut and excellent clipping distribution, while eliminating daily maintenance requirements.
  • Force – Trimax’s toughest and most robust flail mower to date. Engineered for extreme conditions, the Force can mulch prunings up to 90 mm and is equipped with a Safety Dispersion Guard meeting ISO17101 standards.

See the future of smarter mowing at the Trimax stand H082 at Saltex 2025.

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