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STIHL launches new backpack blowers

April 22, 2026/in Machinery, News, Press Release/by Admin

STIHL launches new backpack blowers STIHL has launched the BRA 200 and BRA 280 B backpack blowers, designed to quickly and effectively clear large areas. With batteries in place, the compact and lightweight machines weigh little over 10KG, making them ideal for professional landscaping jobs. In addition, the machines are both quick and easy to […]

Longcliffe Golf Club Reaping the Rewards with Turf Tracker

April 22, 2026/in News, Press Release/by Admin

Longcliffe Golf Club Reaping the Rewards with Turf Tracker At Longcliffe Golf Club in Leicestershire, Course Manager Mike Bunney has transformed the way he manages turf since introducing Turf Tracker into his programme. For a traditional heathland course set on the edge of Charnwood Forest, where precision is everything, the platform has quickly become an […]

STIHL launches new backpack blowers

April 22, 2026/in Machinery, News, Press Release/by Admin

Longcliffe Golf Club Reaping the Rewards with Turf Tracker

April 22, 2026/in News, Press Release/by Admin

Full Sized Blog Element (Big Preview Pic)

STIHL launches new backpack blowers

April 22, 2026/in Machinery, News, Press Release/by Admin

STIHL launches new backpack blowers

STIHL has launched the BRA 200 and BRA 280 B backpack blowers, designed to quickly and effectively clear large areas. With batteries in place, the compact and lightweight machines weigh little over 10KG, making them ideal for professional landscaping jobs. In addition, the machines are both quick and easy to adjust ensuring that users can focus on the task at hand.

STIHL launches new backpack blowers

With a consistent and powerful blowing force, the BRA 280 B provides three easily controlled modes, while the BRA 200 offers a variable trigger control for simple operation. Both machines feature an additional boost function for tough clearing jobs, which can be activated for the duration of the tool’s use. Weighing Maximum blowing force in boost is 26 Newtons for the BRA 280 B and 21 Newtons for the BRA 200.

To further support professionals, the blowers are equipped with a carrying system to guarantee reduced strain and comfortable working, even during long periods of operation. While their splash-proof design makes them ideal for use in all weather conditions.

In addition, both machines provide dual battery slots, enabling them to automatically draw power from their second battery, once the first is empty. This allows professionals to continue their work without interruption for ultimate convenience.

The backpack blowers are designed to support integration with STIHL’s Connected system, a digital fleet management solution that helps professionals keep track of their tools, servicing schedules, and machine use.

Complete with an energy saving mode for optimised use, the BRA 280 B also comes with an advanced LED display, providing users with a clear view of working mode and battery levels.

BRA 280 B

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

BOOST

Blowing Force (N)

Runtime 1 x AP 500 S (min)

BRA 200

Variable Trigger:

Low

Variable Trigger:

Fully Pressed

BOOST

Blowing Force (N)

Runtime 1 x AP 300 S (min)

The new designs arrive as STIHL celebrates its 100th anniversary. Since 1926, STIHL has defined the global standard for battery and petrol-powered forestry, landscaping, and residential gardening equipment for professional and domestic users.

For more information on STIHL products, visit www.stihl.co.uk or contact your nearest STIHL Approved Dealer.

Find out more about STIHL’s historic milestone, here: https://100.stihl.com

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Longcliffe Golf Club Reaping the Rewards with Turf Tracker

April 22, 2026/in News, Press Release/by Admin

Longcliffe Golf Club Reaping the Rewards with Turf Tracker

At Longcliffe Golf Club in Leicestershire, Course Manager Mike Bunney has transformed the way he manages turf since introducing Turf Tracker into his programme.

Longcliffe Golf Club Reaping the Rewards with Turf Tracker

For a traditional heathland course set on the edge of Charnwood Forest, where precision is everything, the platform has quickly become an essential part of day-to-day decision making.

Turf Tracker is a digital agronomy and management tool that uses hyper-local weather data to help turf professionals make informed decisions. From spray and disease forecasting to clip volume tracking and machinery checks, it brings everything into one simple, paper-free system.

“I tried it and I’ve really taken to it, it’s been an absolute game changer for me,” says Mike, who has been at Longcliffe for around 20 years and in charge for the last eight.

Currently leading a team of seven, Mike is also overseeing major course improvements, including a new irrigation system and a large-scale tree project aimed at restoring Longcliffe’s heathland character.

Mike first introduced Turf Tracker through its digital pre-start checks, helping to improve organisation and accountability across the team.

“That was a big part of it, getting the team engaged in checking the machinery and servicing. It’s so easy to use,” he explains. “I can see who’s done their checks in the morning as it tells you all individually.”

The move away from paper records has also been a big win.

“We’ve no longer got files in filing cabinets in the workshop. Now it’s all online, which is so much more efficient.”

Using Turf Tracker’s N Tracker feature has allowed Mike to take the guesswork out of fertiliser applications.

“Instead of just guessing every year and spraying whenever I think I need to, I now keep a full log. I’m on top of when I spray and how much I spray,” he says. “It’s saved us quite a lot of money.”

Longcliffe Golf Club Reaping the Rewards with Turf Tracker 2

Those savings are now being reinvested elsewhere on the course.

“What I’ve saved on fertilisers, I can put into seed, wetting agents and other important things.”

More recently, Mike has started using the clip volume feature to better understand turf growth and fine-tune maintenance.

“The difference last year was huge,” he says. “Instead of feeding without knowing if it was needed, I can now really manage my clip volume.”

By measuring clippings on selected greens, the team can make more accurate decisions, leading to noticeable improvements in performance.

“It’s made a big difference to our green speeds, which has always been a bit of a sore subject here. The improvement last year was massive.”

With weather-based forecasting and disease prediction tools, Turf Tracker is helping Mike plan with greater confidence.

“You can really forecast what’s going to happen with growth. The Microdochium forecast is also a really good feature as it helps you stay ahead.”

For Mike, the benefits are clear, and he is already encouraging others to take a look.

“I would definitely recommend Turf Tracker. I already am to other course managers as it’s transformed things for us.”

For more information, visit www.turftracker.net

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

Half Sized Blog Element (Single Author Style)

Half Sized Blog Element (Multi Author Style)

STIHL launches new backpack blowers

Longcliffe Golf Club Reaping the Rewards with Turf Tracker

STIHL launches new backpack blowers

Longcliffe Golf Club Reaping the Rewards with Turf Tracker

Full Sized Blog Element (Big Preview Pic)

STIHL launches new backpack blowers

STIHL launches new backpack blowers

Longcliffe Golf Club Reaping the Rewards with Turf Tracker

Longcliffe Golf Club Reaping the Rewards with Turf Tracker

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