STIHL cordless machinery the right fit

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STIHL cordless machinery the right fit: RFT Services has switched its entire groundscare and arborist machinery fleet to STIHL cordless tools, a move that has not only enhanced the maintenance programme of the entire grounds team, but also offered significant environmental benefits.

RFT Services is part of the Flagship Group and provides facilities and grounds maintenance to over 31,000 homes and 800 communal garden areas across the East of England. To ensure the grounds maintenance programme runs efficiently as possible, it is vital that the team utilise the most reliable, robust and best performing equipment available to meet the needs of any application all year round, even in the toughest weather conditions.

The responsibility of overseeing the 27 strong groundscare and arborist team is led by ope

STIHL cordless machinery the right fit

STIHL cordless machinery the right fit

rations manager Glen Ray, who has been working at RFT Services for more than three years. With the team having used STIHL petrol machines for a number of years, and after a trial period with their local dealer GDC Ltd, Glen decided to switch to a machinery fleet made up entirely of STIHL cordless tools, and it wasn’t long until the maintenance team were realising the benefits battery technology has to offer.

Glen said: “Our business is built upon delivering great service to our customers and that means ensuring more than 800 communal areas are maintained to the highest standard. For us to achieve this, it’s imperative that we have to implement a rigorous maintenance programme to ensure gardens and parklands are in the best possible condition all year round for tenants to enjoy.

“Although petrol and diesel engine powered equipment is and will continue to be very popular, I was intrigued by the advancement in battery technology and the benefits this could bring to my maintenance team, especially from a noise-sensitive operation point of view.

“Previously, one of the difficulties we had as a team was that we only had certain time frames in which to carry out regular grounds maintenance tasks due to the noise level of petrol tools during operation. When operating landscaping and arborist machinery in residential areas, it’s important to conduct this work when it will cause minimum disruption. Add to this that petrol machines are generally more expensive to run and maintain, I was very intrigued by battery technology and how this could potentially enhance our maintenance operations.

“After speaking to GDC Ltd, the team trialled a number of cordless tools, including the STIHL FSA 130R Brush cutter, BGA 100 Blower, HLA 85 Long reach Hedge Trimmer, HTA 85 Pole Saw, HLA 65 Hedge trimmer AR 3000 Battery and fast charger overall and the general consensus was that they were very impressed with not only how quiet the tools were during operation, so much so that they didn’t need to wear ear protection, but also their performance, which was on par with petrol equivalents.

“In addition to performance, the battery tools also bring environmental benefits, which is a big plus. The team doesn’t need to store costly fuel on site and all we have to do is simply replace the battery if it runs out which is very rare, helping to keep machine downtime to a minimum.  We are a community driven business, so it’s great that the battery technology allows us to be more sustainable in our maintenance practices.

“Since then, we haven’t looked back when it comes to battery tools and have invested in a STIHL cordless machinery fleet that includes pole pruners, hedge trimmers, brushcutters, blowers, mower, and chainsaws to name a few.

“The quiet operation of the cordless tools, as well as being able to handle the toughest jobs, has enabled my team to carry out maintenance tasks at any point during the day, which has ensured we can implement a strict maintenance regime that meets the highest standards. Reliability is also a key consideration to avoid costly downtime, and the tools need to be comfortable and simple to operate so my team can carry out their work efficiently. That’s exactly why we chose STIHL equipment.

“As with grounds maintenance teams, we pride ourselves on the work we carry out and strive to do this to the highest standard. The use of battery technology and the reliability of the machinery from STIHL has helped push our maintenance programme onto the next level and we look forward to carrying on our proud tradition of providing tenants with communal areas they can enjoy and relax in.”

For more information on STIHL’s extensive range of professional battery powered tools, please visit www.stihl.co.uk.

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Polaris welcomes new dealer

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Polaris welcomes new dealer: Polaris has appointed Farm and Garden Machinery Ltd as an authorised Polaris dealer for Shropshire and West Midlands.

A family run business based in Bridgnorth, Farm and Garden Machinery stock a full range of Polaris utility vehicles, including the Polaris Ranger, Polaris Sportsman and Polaris Youth line-up, as well as genuine Polaris parts and accessories.

Polaris welcomes new dealer

Polaris welcomes new dealer

Set up in 2003 by Neil and Andrea Morris, Neil has over 20 years of experience servicing, repairing and selling UTVs and ATVs, and studied Agricultural Engineering at Walford Agricultural College as well as gaining valuable experience at an agricultural machinery dealer for a few years before setting up his own business with his wife Andrea. Andrea has an accountancy background and looks after the admin, marketing and accountancy side of the business.

“I grew up on a small farm in South Shropshire and I’ve always tinkered with engines and farm machinery from a young age,” said Neil Morris. “We have been looking to take on a franchise that provides reliable side by side vehicles and ATVs and Polaris is the perfect fit. The children’s range is a bonus and we’re excited to have that on offer for our customers.”

With over 18 years of experience, the team at Farm and Garden Machinery are available to repair and service customer vehicles and other machinery, and the small team of engineers can collect and repair machinery on site.

“We’re really pleased to be welcoming Farm and Garden Machinery as an official Polaris dealer,” said Richard Coleby, Polaris Britain National Sales Manager. “They are in the ideal location to serve our customers in Shropshire, Worcestershire and the West Midlands, and they offer all the right experience to provide excellent sales and support.”

Visit the Farm and Garden Machinery Ltd website here.

For more information on the Polaris Off-Road Vehicles line-up, please visit www.polarisbritain.com

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FLexGrass a new INFINICUT® partner

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FLexGrass a new INFINICUT® partner: INFINICUT® are pleased to announce a new distribution partnership with one of the world’s leading hybrid pitch suppliers, FLexGrass.

With vast international experience in countries including Italy, Switzerland, North Africa, the Balkans as well as Mexico, Argentina and beyond, FLexGrass will be adding the INFINICUT® range of professional cylinder and rotary mowers to their ‘one-stop shop’ installation and maintenance package.

FLexGrass a new INFINICUT® partner

FLexGrass a new INFINICUT® partner

FLexGrass have been working with some of the biggest names in sport for over 10 years. Its owners Fabio and Lorenzo Travaini, in collaboration with SIS Pitches, pride themselves on providing a complete surface package – from project management and installation, through to maintenance and follow-up service and support. With a number of exciting pitch projects in the pipeline for 2021 and beyond, Turf Managers will now have the opportunity to specify mowers from the renowned INFINICUT® collection to keep the health and playability of new installations in first-rate condition.

“We are extremely excited to start this collaboration with INFINICUT®” comments FLexGrass CEO Fabio Travaini. “Our customers are interested in achieving excellence and we have therefore always made it our mission to create or find the very best products to give our customers just that. With INFINICUT® we are now in the position to offer them not only the best, but the most technologically advanced, mowing equipment available in our market today.”

INFINICUT® Sales Manager Vinny Tarbox added, “It’s been a very exciting few months for the team as we continue to construct our global distribution channels. Fabio, Lorenzo and the team at FLexGrass have worked incredibly hard to establish themselves as a leading provider of hybrid surfaces, all backed up with the very best products and support. We look forward to working closely alongside them to bring the INFINICUT® range to even more venues around the world.”

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Scottish sales agreement for Foamstream

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Scottish sales agreement for Foamsteam: Drymen based ground care and garden equipment supplier Fraser C Robb has been awarded exclusive sales rights in Scotland to sell Foamstream, herbicide-free weed killing equipment.

The system has been developed by Weedingtech, who have successfully launched this product in markets around the world. This deal will, for the first time, provide customers in Scotland with access to an environmentally friendly solution for clearing weeds.

Scottish sales agreement for Foamsteam

Scottish sales agreement for Foamsteam

The Foamstream herbicide-free system can be safely used anywhere, particularly in places with high footfall and where there are animals as well as next to waterways and delicate ecosystems. The system combines heat and water with a foam solution that is both safe and highly effective. As well as removing weeds, the system can remove gum, remove graffiti and clean street furniture.

For many users such as councils, private estates, golf courses, facilities companies as well as many others, it will be far more cost-effective as fewer applications are needed each year. The system also dramatically cuts down the requirements of manual labour.

As Fraser C Robb Director Lorna Robb explains this new deal represents a significant addition to their range of environmentally friendly products.

“Our business is within a National Park and we know from our customers throughout Scotland the sensitivity to our land, waterways and public areas, Foamstream will allow them to kill weeds in a way completely safe to the environment. This system will also be more effective in keeping our towns and cities clean, saving organisations time and money.

We are delighted to be bringing this product to market in Scotland and working with the innovative team at Weedingtech. We have seen the impact of it being introduced in other markets and know that this product will be revolutionary to the operation of councils, land estates, sporting facilities etc. throughout Scotland. This is an excellent addition to our growing range of environmentally friendly garden and ground care equipment”.

Aaron Matthews, UK & ROI Sales Manager at Weedingtech said

“After many conversations with prospects in Scotland, Fraser C. Robb were the natural choice to be our distribution partner due to their fantastic reputation among their customer base and the instant enthusiasm they had for the product. They certainly have the expertise and experience required to offer the very best customer experience for Foamstream clients.

For more information about Foamstream and to book a demonstration contact Fraser C Robb on 01360 660688.

More information can be obtained by calling Weedingtech on +44(0)203 9090050

info@weedingtech.com

www.weedingtech.com

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Troon Abu Dhabi experience Air2G2

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Troon Abu Dhabi experience Air2G2: Troon Abu Dhabi is using the Air2G2 Air Inject from Campey Turf Care Systems to further their aeration programme on three world-leading courses.

The property group operates and maintains the spectacular Abu Dhabi Golf Club, Saadiyat Beach Golf Club and Yas Links Abu Dhabi. This trio of courses has hosted prestigious events such as the popular European Tour Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship and the first Ladies European Tour event in Abu Dhabi.

Troon Abu Dhabi experience Air2G2

Troon Abu Dhabi experience Air2G2

Keeping these world-renowned courses to the highest standards brings about its own challenges in the desert heat with little rainfall. It is the job of Group Head Mechanic Troon Abu Dhabi Properties, Richard Koen, to oversee the machinery used by each greenkeeping team of 20 per course. Initially sceptical, Richard now sees the Air2G2 as a vital part of the operation.

“I first got to see and work with an Air2G2 back in South Africa,” Richard begins. “To be honest I was a little unsure at first, as I was unfamiliar with the concept and the technology behind the development of the machine. But, despite looking complicated, I soon realised that the Air2G2 is simply designed and easy to operate, and at the time we only used the machine on a rental basis as and when we needed it, so my experience was limited. Once I moved to Abu Dhabi, I was lucky enough to have a new Air2G2 in my fleet.

“The Air2G2 has not replaced any machine or agronomy practice but rather is giving additional benefits. We got it to help with compaction and salt build-up caused by the quality of water we have at our facilities. It gets very hot in the UAE, and the Air2G2 allows us to provide deep aeration in the soil profile without exposing or opening the entire surface to the desert heat compared to more traditional aeration methods.

“Due to the Air2G2’s minimal disturbance to the playing surface, we can use it more frequently, creating more oxygen exchange in the profile, allowing us to better flush salts.

“And the no disruption element is a very important aspect for us. Our goal is to present all turf and putting surfaces in the best possible condition to our members and guests and using the Air2G2 allows us to do routine aeration throughout the year.”

Nick Brown Campey Product Specialist for Campey Turf Care said “We are delighted to have Aldar Golf as customers of the Air2 and Campey product portfolio. It is important to have close working relationships with customers like Richard in the Middle East Region. When companies like ours work closely together we invariably discover new fresh machinery solutions to help the Turf market in all our International regions”.

The Air2G2 uses three probes to latterly inject pressurised air up to 12-inches beneath the surface of the soil to fracture the compacted layers that form as a result of foot traffic, mechanical traffic and daily wear and tear. Because the air is injected directly into the root zone, the surface of the turf is left undisturbed, allowing play to continue instantly.

For more information on Campey’s range of Air2G2 products, visit www.campeyturfcare.com.

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