‘Fantastic’ Ventrac for Essendon

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‘Fantastic’ Ventrac for Essendon: Essendon Country Club, located deep in the heart of the Hertfordshire countryside, has purchased a Ventrac 4500 compact tractor and a trencher attachment to help maintain its two 18-hole parkland courses.

Course Manager Craig Gibson, an industry veteran of 31 years, is delighted with the new addition to his fleet and says,

'Fantastic' Ventrac for Essendon

‘Fantastic’ Ventrac for Essendon

“It’s fantastic; I’m hugely impressed. It’s not often a piece of kit excites us, but this is very different as we can use it all year round. The lads love it, it’s easy to use as you can just jump on and go. It’s really popular with the team.

“I first saw it at another club and was impressed with its tidy finish, then by chance Rupert Price cold-called me to see if we wanted a demo, so I invited him along. We have a clay-based courses and can be very wet in winter, but this machine is brilliant in the wet. Following the demo, it was like a ‘light bulb’ moment, so I made the made the business case to the club management and we agreed the purchase.

“At the moment we have the Trencher attachment as we’re putting in additional drainage, but Rupert kindly loaned me a Tough Cut deck as well, which is an awesome attachment and makes light work of brush and scrub in the woodland margins.

“My next purchase will definitely be the Contour deck attachment. This is an articulating deck which we will use for our bunkers and green surrounds. That’s the unique selling point of Ventrac; it’s so versatile and it can get to areas on the course that other machines simply can’t access.”

After leaving school in 1990, Craig Gibson completed a Level 2 NVQ in Sports Turf Management before taking up his first job at Welwyn Garden City Golf Club. From here he moved to the Forest of Dean, then onto Forest Hills as deputy course manager, where he spent 10 years. He then returned to Hertfordshire as head groundsman at St Christopher’s School in Letchworth before joining Essendon as course manager in 2007.

Essendon Country Club (formerly Hatfield London Country Club) consists of two 18-hole parkland courses, known as The Old course and The New course. The Old course is an undulating 6,800-yard mature parkland course designed by Fred Hawtree and opened in 1976. The New course, opened in 1992, is somewhat flatter but at 7,100 yard offers a challenge to any golfer. The club has a modern approach to golf welcoming all levels of golfer and the clubhouse, built around a 16th century barn, offers excellent facilities.

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Makita’s new XGT tools

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Makita’s new XGT tools: Makita has expanded its high-performance 40VMax XGT range with the launch of nine new tools, including the company’s first twin 40VMax (80VMax) machines. The new additions include both construction tools and garden maintenance machinery, and all feature Makita’s high efficiency brushless motors.

Demolition Hammers

The new 40VMax x2 (80VMax) XGT Brushless Rotary Demolition Hammer (HR006GZ) features variable speed control and two operating modes – rotary hammer and hammer only. It has a rotary speed of 150 to 310 rpm and delivers 1,100 to 2,250 blows per minute (bpm). It is compatible with SDS-MAX chisels, drill bits up to 52mm and core bits up to 160mm. For user safety the HR006GZ includes a torque limiter and Makita’s Active Feedback sensing Technology (AFT), which shuts down the tool if the rotation speed suddenly slows.

Makita's new XGT tools

Makita’s new XGT tools

The 40VMax x2 (80VMax) XGT Brushless Demolition Hammer (HM002GZ03) features a compact design, variable speed control and a slide lever for trigger lock-on or lock-off. It provides 950 to 1,900 bpm and an impressive impact energy per stroke of 20.9 Joules (J). Also added to the range is the lighter class HM001G 40VMax Brushless Demolition Hammer XGT, which offers the same features with a 2,650 bpm and a 9.4 J impact energy per stroke.

All three feature a soft-no-load function and Anti-Vibration Technology (AVT), to reduce the levels of tool vibration and therefore extend safe trigger times, as well as Makita’s innovative Auto-Start Wireless System (AWS) functionality. The AWS allows the tool to connect to compatible dust extractors via Bluetooth when fitted with an AWS chip, so the extractor can run automatically while the tool is in use, meaning simple dust management for a cleaner and healthier environment.

Combi Drill, Brad Nailer and Circular Saws

Makita has also launched a Brushless Combi Drill, Brushless Brad Nailer and two Brushless Circular saws all of which utilise the powerful 40VMax XGT battery system.

The versatile HP002GZ 40VMax XGT Brushless Combi Drill has a mechanical 2-speed control (high and low), a variable speed trigger and 21 torque settings for full user control. The new 40VMax XGT Brushless Brad Nailer 18Ga (FN001G) has a slim nose for improved access when fixing in restricted areas, ergonomic design and will drive up to 5000 nails on a single 2.5Ah battery charge.

In addition, the new RS001GZ and RS002GZ are 40VMax Brushless Circular Saws with 185mm and 260mm blades respectively. Both offer a comparable performance to the equivalent corded tool and the rear handle design makes them ideal for ripping down sheet materials. The 185mm RS001GZ offers a maximum cutting depth of 65mm and a 53-degree max bevel, while the 260mm RS002GZ delivers an impressive 95mm cutting depth and 56-degree bevel.

Outdoor Power Equipment

As the first XGT products launched in the garden maintenance category, Makita has also introduced the UR003GZ 40VMax XGT Brushless Linetrimmer and UX01G 40VMax XGT Brushless Split-Shaft. The IPX4 weather resistant linetrimmer has three speed settings, High, Medium and Low, and features Automatic Torque Drive Technology, which changes the cutting speed according to the load condition. The similarly weather resistant, UX01G Split-Shaft Multi-tool offers flexibility and versatility with a range of compatible attachments available to cover a wide variety of grounds maintenance applications. Both machines feature Makita’s AFT technology to protect the tool from damage if the speed slows, as well as a reverse switch for easy removal of trapped grass or debris.

Each of the new additions to the XGT range offers leading performance and run-times due to advances in battery technology and Makita’s innovative brushless motors that minimise friction and wasted energy within the machine.

Kevin Brannigan, Marketing Manager at Makita UK said: “We are delighted to launch the new additions to the XGT range, including the first of our 80VMax XGT line up. These new high performance tools provide customers with even greater choice in utilising cordless power. With Makita’s expertise in battery technology, users are now offered the performance levels and productivity of specialist corded tools but with all the safety and flexibility that cordless offers.”

To find out more about Makita’s range of high performance XGT tools visit: www.makitauk.com.

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Forever flexible

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Forever flexible: It seems to be a misconception that if you choose a Toro sprinkler at the point of installation, it’s what you’re stuck with forever. Well, that’s not a bad thing, but we’re here to bust that myth nonetheless.

The beauty of today’s innovative sprinklers is that pretty much whichever brand you choose, they’re all forwards and backwards compatible, but Toro especially!

Forever flexible

Forever flexible

Toro sprinklers dating back to the 1960s are forwards compatible and can be easily upgraded with the latest design features. Plus, Toro technology can be easily fitted into a different brand’s sprinkler head, too.

And it’s not an arduous job either; the Toro 600 series from 1967 and the 700 series first seen in the 1990s for example can be interchanged with Toro sprinkler head conversion assemblies in a literal minute! The sprinkler stays in the ground, the riser pops out and is replaced. It’s that simple to benefit from the latest innovative market-leading technology.

Robert Jackson, water division sales manager at Reesink Turfcare, the sole Toro distributor in the UK for irrigation products, says: “Longevity has been key to Toro’s irrigation strategy since its early development. For some clubs, looking to update an ageing irrigation system could mean the requirement of a specialist and months of delays to play, but with Toro’s upgradeable sprinklers that is not the case. Interchangeable sprinkler head technology means far less disruption for a more efficient solution.”

In one quick fix you can address specific irrigation needs and problems. Cut down some trees and got a windier course? You need a sprinkler that can throw under the wind with a lowered trajectory. Easily done without the need for a spade. Are your components old? Toro’s the solution, not just replacing old for new, but for more durability. Do you want to achieve a strict start-stop arc setting without unwanted movement or constant re-adjustments, eliminate dwell points and subsequent pooling or ensure even distribution? Tick, tick, tick from Toro, with no disruption.

But it’s not all about fixing the past. When choosing your new irrigation system, it’s very much about the ‘now’ and with all Toro large golf sprinklers forwards compatible, it’s definitely all about the future too.

To talk to someone about Toro irrigation products and finance options available, call 01480 226800.

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Makita expands XGT range

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Makita expands XGT range: Leading power tool manufacturer Makita UK has expanded its powerful XGT 40V Max range of machines with the launch of the UX01G Brushless Split-Shaft and UR003GZ Brushless Linetrimmer.

The new machines are the first XGT models directly suited to soft-landscaping applications – and offer professionals a high output, durable solution to tackle any task.

Makita expands XGT range

Makita expands XGT range

XGT is the most powerful battery platform in the Makita range, delivering the output needed for high demand applications. Every machine is designed with durable design features to minimise damage and withstand tough environments. For example, each battery has a heavy-duty outer casing and shock absorbing housing to protect it if dropped – as well as an IPX4 rating, which means that it is splash and shower proof, and water ingress is limited, which is ideal for those working outside in unpredictable weather.

The UX01G Brushless Split Shaft delivers an impressive no-load speed of up to 9,700rpm (depending on the setting chosen), maximising user productivity. To further this, Makita has designed the UX01G with overload protection and Active Feedback Sensing Technology (AFT), which shuts the machine down if the rotation speed suddenly slows – keeping the machine working at optimum efficiency and preventing damage.

Depending on the task at hand, professionals can choose from a range of versatile attachments from pole saws and brush cutters, to hedge trimmers and sweepers – and the tool-less installation makes changing between tasks quick and effortless, reducing down time. To improve ease of use and operator comfort, the machine utilises soft start technology and constant speed control – and the loop handle design gives users maximum control.

Also added to the range is the UR003GZ Brushless Linetrimmer. With three speed settings to choose from, operators can easily adjust the output depending on the task. In addition, Automatic Torque Drive Technology means that the cutting speed will automatically change in line with the load condition – offering additional reassurance that the machine is always performing at its optimum.

For added efficiency and user protection, the UR003GZ also includes AFT. In addition, it produces extremely low noise levels which is ideal when using the machine for longer periods of time.

The UX01G and UR003GZ also benefit from Makita’s brushless motor. As there are no moving parts within the motor causing friction, wear and tear and ongoing maintenance costs are minimised. No friction also means that no energy is lost through heat production, which increases run times and keeps users working for longer – as they do not have to regularly stop to replace or recharge the batteries.

For optimum battery performance and charge times, XGT machines feature Makita’s unique smart system technology. This in-built programme allows digital communication between the battery and the charger, as well as the battery and the tool, to provide protection against issues such over discharge and overheating. For example, if the battery has overheated, the charger will cool it down before charging begins. This significantly speeds up the charging process and minimises downtime.

Mark Earles, Business Development Manager for garden machinery at Makita said: “We are thrilled to announce the expansion of our cordless offering for the soft-landscaping sector with the launch of two new XGT machines. The UX01G and UR003GZ will deliver the high-output that professionals need to tackle more demanding applications – without compromising on battery run times. With our existing LXT 18V and Twin 18V (36V) systems and the new XGT 40V platform, professionals have even more battery-powered solutions for a truly cordless job site.”

To find out more about Makita and the new range of 40V XGT products, please visit www.makitauk.com

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Makita’s new 18V cordless grease gun

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Makita’s new 18V cordless grease gun: Makita UK has announced the launch of its new 18V DGP180 LXT Grease Gun. Delivering up to 10,000 psi operating pressure, the new solution is ideal for professionals working on demanding lubrication applications for vehicles and machinery.

Makita’s new DGP180 18V LXT Grease Gun combines powerful performance with the versatility and flexibility of a cordless tool.

Makita's new 18V cordless grease gun

Makita’s new 18V cordless grease gun

The grease gun can reach a maximum 10,000psi discharge pressure level, whilst maintaining a 290mL/min discharge rate. As such, the new system is able to dispense grease even at high pressure for the most demanding of applications.

Designed with efficiency and productivity in mind, the new DGP180 features an automatic pressure switching function, which detects the pressure and automatically reduces the grease flow rate as machinery components are filled. For greater control, the variable speed trigger allows users to manage the amount of grease that is dispensed depending on the job or requirements. For hard to reach areas and fittings, the tool is equipped with a long 1,200mm flexible hose and a bright LED light to usefully illuminate job areas.

Utilising Makita’s innovative Lithium-ion (LXT) batteries, the DGP180 Grease Gun can dispense 410g grease cartridges or the 455g cylinder can be bulk filled. In turn, the added power can help those using the tool to increase their performance and productivity levels. Charging can take as little as 45 minutes when using a 5.0Ah battery.

As well as providing powerful performance, the product benefits from an ergonomically designed handle with a soft grip to allow long-term, comfortable use. A shoulder belt provides users with greater convenience for transportation around site, or for applications that require working at different heights.

Speaking on the new product, Kevin Brannigan, Marketing Manager at Makita UK commented: “We’re delighted to introduce our new DGP180 18V LXT Grease Gun as part of our growing LXT range of cordless solutions. The DGP180 is particularly ideal for those working in the agricultural, automotive and farming sectors, enabling users to easily and efficiently manoeuvre around, and grease, large machinery and equipment without the constraints of cables.”

The new DGP180 18V LXT Grease Gun joins an exciting roadmap of new LXT and XGT product launches this year, including the recent launch of the 40VMax XGT Brushless Circular Saw and 40VMax XGT Brushless Linetrimmer.

For more information about Makita’s power tools and equipment, visit www.makitauk.com

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