Honda UK launches new lawnmowers

/in , /by

Honda UK launches new lawnmowers: Honda UK has added two new lawnmowers to its line-up, offering class-leading cutting and collecting performance and superb ease of use.

The HRN536 VK, and HRN536 VY both have a newly designed 53cm cutter deck. Power is provided from Honda’s proven GCVx170 engine. The two new models feature multiple enhancements over previous HRG536 models, making them even more versatile and user-friendly.

Honda UK launches new lawnmowers

Honda UK launches new lawnmowers

Variable speed

Smart Drive® provides on-the-move travel speed adjustment to suit the user and conditions. Movement and speed are controlled by the handlebar-mounted Smart Drive® lever, and the new models have a revised lever design which reduces thumb slippage for greater ease of use.

A new two-way ratchet in the transmission means the rear wheels can turn freely in either direction when the drive control is released, reducing the effort needed to move the mower forwards and backwards while negotiating obstacles and tight spaces.

Flexible operation

The cutter decks come with an enhanced Versamow™ selector. Versamow™ allows users to quickly switch between mulching and collecting grass, and the latest deck-mounted control is simple and easy to operate. MicroCut twin blades optimise cutting performance, and the new cutter housing design optimises airflow for best-in-class mulching and collection. There is a larger 70-litre grass bag, and the powerful filling action makes the most of the capacity even in challenging conditions.

Both models also offer a seven-stage cutting height selection. This is easily adjusted and set using two levers – one for the front axle and the other for the rear, and these are conveniently accessed from the same side.

User friendly

Other design features which make it easier to look after and use the new mowers include a large diameter petrol filler cap for convenient refuelling with reduced risk of spillage, and new quick-release clamps allow the handlebars to fold quickly and easily for transport and storage.

Extra convenience

The HRN536 VY has a similar specification to the HRN536 VK, but it also has a Roto-Stop® blade brake clutch for extra convenience. Roto-Stop® allows the user to start and stop the blade using a handlebar-mounted control while the engine is running. Advantages include reduced effort for starting – especially in long grass as the blades are not turning, and it also allows the engine to remain running while the grass bag is safely emptied so that there is no need to restart the engine each time. Roto-Stop® also enables travel between cutting areas using the engine to power the wheels while the blades remain stationary.

The new HRN536 VK and HRN536 VY are suitable for larger lawns including those with slopes and variable terrain. The attractive but functional styling is easy to look after and keep smart.

Find out more about our new HRN range here https://www.honda.co.uk/lawn-and-garden/products/lawnmowers/hrn/overview.html

Sales advice and service support are available through the Honda Contact Centre on 0345 200 8000.

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

Get all of the big headlines, pictures, opinions and videos on stories that matter to you.

Follow us on Twitter and Instagram for fun, fresh and engaging content.

You can also find us on Facebook for more of your must-see news, features, videos and pictures from Turf Matters.

Först at SALTEX

/in , /by

Först at SALTEX: The Först line-up at Saltex displays a range of formidable woodchippers. There are wheeled and tracked machines to meet the needs of arborists, landscapers, groundcare professionals, and local authorities around the world.

In just nine years since building their first chipper, Först has become Europe’s leading woodchipper manufacturer and a global brand. In the UK, Först’s special emphasis at Saltex is on their entire towable range now being available to all customers, given the upcoming changes to towing regulations. Först boasts the world’s most powerful 6” wheeled chipper, the ST6D 42. Fast and hungry, the ST6D has a wide hopper, robust all-steel construction and derives its power from a 42hp Doosan DPF engine. There is also a 24hp Kubota, naturally aspirated diesel.

Först at SALTEX

Först at SALTEX

The Först ST8D is an 8” capacity wheeled 55hp chipper with a huge amount of torque and phenomenal power to make light work of any type of timber and brash up to 8” in diameter. The Doosan engine is Stage 5 compliant and coupled with the large Först ‘open top’ flywheel and FörstGrip feed roller system, it has all the performance and power while still weighing in at 1375kg. It will now be towable by anyone with a standard driving licence thanks to the upcoming change in regulations. For the fastest, most aggressive sub 750kg chipper look no further than the Först ST6P. It is the best-selling 6” capacity petrol woodchipper in the UK and Europe with masses of power from the fuel efficient and emission compliant Vanguard 37hp V-Twin engine. At its heart, the ST6P uses the same chipping chamber, flywheel, feed roller system and hopper as its big brother, the ST6D, yet it remains sub 750kg.

Anybody looking for a turntable chipper that is fast, aggressive, robust yet incredibly compact and user friendly will find it in the Först TT6. It is a true 6” x 8” capacity machine that handles all types of material, from the dense and wet to awkward forks and limbs. It weighs in at less than 750kg and is a perfect match for the contractor and arborist working in an urban area. The Först TR8D is the ultimate for anyone who needs a tracked chipper, with its 55hp diesel engine delivering aggressive performance. High-speed tracking and remote control come as an option. Saltex stand C050. For more information, visit www.forstglobal.com or call +44 1264 721790.

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

Get all of the big headlines, pictures, opinions and videos on stories that matter to you.

Follow us on Twitter and Instagram for fun, fresh and engaging content.

You can also find us on Facebook for more of your must-see news, features, videos and pictures from Turf Matters.

Polaris expands Youth line-up

/in , /by

Polaris expands Youth line-up: New for 2022, Polaris brings innovation and advancement to the youth side-by-side category with the introduction of the new RZR 200 EFI.

Replacing the popular RZR 170, the new RZR 200 establishes a new standard for youth riding thanks to exclusive safety innovations, including speed limiting, geofencing and new Helmet Aware technology.

Polaris expands Youth line-up

Polaris expands Youth line-up

Aimed at riders aged 10 and up and designed to grow with young riders as they build more skill and confidence, the RZR 200 features a new 180cc engine with electronic fuel injection, delivering enough power to manage and overcome varying terrain without falling behind, as well as dual A-arm suspension on the front and independent rear suspension delivering seven inches of suspension travel and ten inches of ground clearance for a smooth ride.

Controlled via the Youth Ride Control App, the new Helmet Aware technology allows parents to pre-set the vehicle’s controls so that the vehicle won’t start when the helmet beacon is out of the vehicle gauge range, meaning that fun is always paired with a helmet. The RZR 200 EFI comes equipped with two youth helmets and an attachable Bluetooth beacon, and helmet detection can be enabled or disabled via the Youth Ride Control App. When no helmet is detected, users have the option to disable the start of the vehicle, limit the speed or display a warning to the rider.

In addition to Helmet Aware technology on the Youth Ride Control App, parents can also set the maximum speed of the vehicle to ensure children ride at the appropriate speed for their age, ability and terrain, as well as utilize geofencing technology to keep the vehicle within set riding boundaries and speed limits within set areas.

Children can share the fun with the passenger seating inside the RZR 200 EFI, and there are hard doors fitted as standard to keep the kids in, whilst everything else remains outside. The RZR 200 also features a high-visibility flag and LED headlights and tail lights for improved rider visibility in low-light conditions. Kids can also make the RZR their own with a full range of accessories available, including vehicle protection like front and rear bumpers, rock sliders and cab options like a windshield and roof, plus wheel and tyre options.

The rest of the Youth line-up also receives all-new upgrades and improvements. The Ranger 150 features quality and user safety upgrades including the new Helmet Aware technology, and the Outlaw 70 EFI has reduced throttle effort, an improved turning radius and an added battery charging port.

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

Get all of the big headlines, pictures, opinions and videos on stories that matter to you.

Follow us on Twitter and Instagram for fun, fresh and engaging content.

You can also find us on Facebook for more of your must-see news, features, videos and pictures from Turf Matters.

Forces charity receives boost

/in , /by

Forces charity receives boost: The Forces’ charity HighGround, which strives to improve the wellbeing and employment prospects of serving military personnel and veterans, using the green environment, received a major boost to its funds recently with a donation from corporate supporter British Sugar TOPSOIL.

At a presentation held at the Cricket Pavilion on the stunning Ascott Estate at Wing, to the southwest of Leighton Buzzard in Bedfordshire, National TOPSOIL Manager Andy Spetch presented a cheque for £5,320 to the charity’s founder and executive director, Anna Baker Cresswell, following a year of fundraising.

Forces charity receives boost

Forces charity receives boost

British Sugar TOPSOIL announced its support for HighGround last autumn and, in addition to this financial donation, has supported the project by providing topsoil products for its horticultural therapy garden at DMRC Stanford Hall near Loughborough. The money raised over the past year will enable the charity to continue its vital work helping those who have served to find jobs, careers and vocational opportunities in the land-based sector once their military careers are over.

Anna Baker Cresswell said:

“I can’t begin to thank Andy and his team at British Sugar TOPSOIL for their generous and ongoing support of our work at DMRC Stanford Hall and now this fantastic donation, which has enabled us to commission a short promotional film as part of our Corporate Champions initiative to generate new corporate supporters. We would be nothing without our Friends and I am proud to count Andy and TOPSOIL as part of our growing network of valued and loyal supporters who enable us to continue to deliver our work with those who have served their country. #outdoorsisbetter!”

Andy Spetch, National TOPSOIL Manager, said:

“We are absolutely delighted to be able to make this donation after a year of fundraising. The charity is doing incredible work to support our armed forces and veterans and TOPSOIL is proud to be able to help them in this way.”

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

Get all of the big headlines, pictures, opinions and videos on stories that matter to you.

Follow us on Twitter and Instagram for fun, fresh and engaging content.

You can also find us on Facebook for more of your must-see news, features, videos and pictures from Turf Matters.

G860 upgraded at Caley Thistle

/in , /by

G860 upgraded at Caley Thistle: Inverness Caledonian Thistle FC has said goodbye to its trusty 19-year-old Dennis cylinder mower and welcomed a new G860 as its replacement.

“If you can have a mower that is 19 years old, and it still gives you that kind of cut and presentation – then just imagine what a newer model will do!”

G860 upgraded at Caley Thistle

G860 upgraded at Caley Thistle

Head Groundsman Dale Stephen admits that it did not take much to convince Scot Gardiner, the CEO to buy a new Dennis G860 – he simply had to look at the job his old one was doing. However, it could have been a quite different story and Dale admits that he was somewhat guilty of judging a book by its cover.

“When I first joined, I went into the tractor shed and looked at what machines and equipment I had to work with,” he said.

“There were only a handful of machines and there was this old Dennis G860 in the corner. The old groundsman at the time told me that it would be the best and most reliable mower, but I must admit, looking at how old it was, I thought he was joking.

“How wrong I was. From the first time I cut with it, I was hooked and wanted to use it all the time.”

Up until joining Inverness Caledonian Thistle, Dale had been a greenkeeper for the entirety of his career. He claims that moving over to the football side of grounds management was always part of his plan and was delighted when he was given the opportunity at Caley Thistle five years ago. It did not take him long to adapt and since joining the club, the pitch at the Tulloch Caledonian Stadium has frequently been held in high regard.

“People ask me how I produce a pitch like that,” said Dale. “But I think it can be as easy or as difficult as you want to make it. If you do the basics and do them well, then you are giving yourself a good platform to have the best surface you can. The right products and the right equipment will certainly bring out the best of the pitch.”

G860 upgraded at Caley Thistle

G860 upgraded at Caley Thistle

That is where the Dennis G860 cylinder mower comes in. Relied upon at world class stadia and major tournaments, the G860 is one of the most renowned cylinder mowers in the grounds management industry. Lightweight at just 166kg it is incredibly easy to manoeuvre and comfortable to operate. The handlebar console houses the controls for the throttle, parking brake, roller drive and cutting cylinder drive.

The mower features a large diameter front roller with an adjustable scraper which has been designed for a precise height of cut control, giving an excellent finish on every occasion. The Dennis G860 also features an interchangeable cassette system to assist with a wide range of tasks such as including scarifying, verticutting, brushing, spiking, and slitting.

Dale has no doubt that his 19-year-old G860 could have continued cutting and preparing the pitch at the stadium but the perfectionist in him wanted a newer model. “I told the CEO (Scot Gardiner) that if we got a new G860 then it would be a good investment because it will more than likely outlast me!” he said.

Dale’s wish was granted, and it was not long before he was the proud owner of a shiny new Dennis G860.

“The main difference between the new one and the old one is that I have an 8 bladed cylinder now and I have really seen an improvement. The finish is second to none and the sward has really thickened since using it.

“It is nice and light so you can use it anytime of the year without worrying about putting weight on the pitch. In my opinion, it is the ultimate mower for matchday preparation.”

While his new G860 may well be his new go-to machine, Dale revealed that his old Dennis G860 will not be retiring just yet.

“The old G860 is now at the youth training centre, and it’s still going strong. I’m sure it will do just as good a job on those pitches as it has done for me.”

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 Twitter 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

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

Get all of the big headlines, pictures, opinions and videos on stories that matter to you.

Follow us on Twitter and Instagram for fun, fresh and engaging content.

You can also find us on Facebook for more of your must-see news, features, videos and pictures from Turf Matters.